CMJ 2009 from NZ to UK to Iceland

10/20 – 10/24 – CMJ Music Marathon

Tuesday: New Zealand Showcase @ Red Bull Space – SOHO

The first night of CMJ was almost a failure. Thankfully some friends of mine who get off of work earlier managed to get a great place in line. Unfortunately, so many people werent able to get in. The great thing about this was once you were inside, it wasnt painfully crowded. There was so much alcohol (thank you 42below!) flowing. Better yet, they created their own drink concoctions which were beyond potent. The vodka was insanely delicious but the redbull combination was enough to do anyone in. Oh and free food all night long! All in all – easily the best CMJ showcase I attended (and it didn’t hurt that it was free).

Now – lets get to why we’re all really reading this. The music. New Zealand never disappoints when it comes to bringing in bands. Think: Cut Off Your Hands. And this year, there were a lot of great bands from there.

First up at the ridiculously early hour of 6:30pm was Surf City. They were beyond insanely hyped and were playing everywhere at CMJ. I have to say it was unreal how many shows they had. Unfortunately for the band, their first night they had a lot of sound issues. Vocals were non-existent and everything was so insanely loud and muddy. It just sounded like 30 mins worth of noise and it was not pleasant. (not to fret – I saw them Wed night too and they killed it!).

Motocade was up next and they were the band that I was really looking forward to. Very catchy hooks and that oh-so familiar britpop sound had me really excited. And they were good and catchy and the lead singer was charming. They were fun. I would definitely see them again.

At this point, with plenty of drinking going on, it was a great time to have Bang Bang Eche come on. Hard to believe that the band is comprised of what seems to be teenagers. I cant imagine they’re more than 17 years. But didnt matter. They played their hearts out and were jumping around all over the place, into the crowd and really had the energy. A sort of synthy-electro sound with lots and lots of keyboards and guitars. Nice to see the guys of Die Die Die in the crowd supporting them.

Ive decided that Kingston is my new Electric Touch. Indie-power-pop music at its finest. A lead singer that is very charismatic and has the personality and looks to engage everyone. All the women wanted to be near him and touching him. Their music is very catchy and will have everyone dancing along in no time. The lead singer managed to climb up on top of nearly everything from the bar to the speakers and even did some crowd surfing. Very cool and not something you see all the time. With songs like “You Want It”, youll definitely be singing along in no time…. You want it, You got it! Kinda sums them up. Theyre playing at Pianos in a week or so, so dont miss them. Will be a fun show if anything.

Last up for the night was Die! Die! Die! They definitely continued on where Kingston left off, in a total different direction. Their music is definitely not nearly as pop-sounding as Kingston’s. But their brand of electro-experimental-punk definitely had people moving and jumping. Soon enough a pseudo-mosh pit broke out featuring a lot of Bang Bang Eche. Lots of keyboards, heavy guitars and nearly shouting for vocals was a great way to end the night. Everyone was involved and walked out a sweaty mess.

I then ventured onwards to The Suffolk and had regrets about my last vodka/redbull. I was beyond wired and jittery and it was an awful combination. I was so irate with The Suffolk people who pretty much knew nothing when they told me The Lovemakers was not going to be free. So I ended up taking me and my buzz home for the night.

By far the New Zealand showcase killed it! Overall it was the best group of bands that actually remotely sounded like they should be on one bill. Most other shows were so many random bands it was easy to walk out after just a few.

BAM! Halloween w/The Deal Sisters and Dessner Brothers

10/31/09

The Long Count – a multimedia piece by Aaron & Bryce Dessner (of The National) and artist Matthew Ritchie at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Oddly enough – a preview for the movie 2012 came up on my television. Ironic in the sense that its based on this premise that the Mayan calendar ends at 2012 and theres a lot of speculation what will happen at the end of the world.

And this is part of the idea behind The Long Count. The Long Count is based on a narrative poem titled the Popol Vuh about the hero twins and how the Long Count began. Its hard to explain, and I remember learning about this when studying Latin American Studies in college. It was long ago but this still makes sense in its own way.

This combines the World Series of baseball (1975/1976 – the year the Dessners were born) when the Reds vs Yankees were playing in the playoffs. Interestingly, the Yankees are playing again right now. The Mayan ball game was also a huge part of life although the losing team played a far higher price (beheadings were all too common). The beheading is also how the twins were born.

All of this leads to the idea of time and space and the way they believed in time and the power of the Sun/Moon and the earth and the way cycles work. And the idea of twins play heavily into this – they were very revered.

In this case, one set of twins, the Dessners, inspired another more famous set of twins (the Deals) to all come together and to work on this performance piece. What transpires has to be the most innovative show Ive seen in a long time. Easily my favorite show of this year. The art is massive and dark and invokes feelings of blood and earth and cycles. Things come, go, and move onward. Then you add the lovely Shara Worden whose voice was made for this and she invokes the goddess Venus as she sings about the sun and the moon. Her voice is powerful and strong and in the headdress youre moved into another world.

The Deal sisters add a whole nother pow to the show. Kim Deal’s voice is incredible and raw and add the violin pounding of Kelley and kabam! Its intense and the screeching of it hits you hard.

The real treat is the orchestra. Each person is beyond talented and if you read the bios have played with artists like the Arcade Fire. The violins are powerful, the saxophone is intense and the guy in front of me hitting the keys hard of the piano helps take you to this other world.

The music and lyrics are mostly written by the Dessners and its hard not to argue that they might be the most talented guys out there. I was fortunate to get to see them talking with Matthew Ritchie of the making of this art performance. It was interesting the way they came up with the idea and where it was going to go. They are talented guys who have transcended far beyond The National.

All I can really add – if this ever does a worldwide tour, it’d behoove you not to see it. The National are great to see (and Matt does perform one song – and his low voice might have been one of the best voices of the night) but this takes everything to a far greater place. Besides who wouldnt want to see the Deal sisters along with the Dessners together. It was insanely awesome!

Sunburns and hockey….

Yes – Im almost positive these 2 things go together. If only because I am suffering from a sunburn and I just finished watching a hockey game.

First things first. After day 1 of running/walking, I thought I better keep it going. I figured day 2 would be a much shorter version and less strenuous. Ill admit my legs were a bit sore and oh the hamstrings. Lets not talk about them. So I started out running down 2 avenues and over to 54th. And then on and off till about 68th. Ill admit it was turning into more walking, but I figure best to start slow. So it was a gorgeous day, well mostly a windy day. And the sun was barely out. Obviously it was out more than I thought since little did I realize I got sunburned Nothing that aloe cant fix. Anyway, the walk through Riverside Park (or Im guessing thats what it is) was just gorgeous. Roads that wind up and down as the river path is currently under construction. Its just gorgeous along the river and there were so many people out. I did notice as I got towards the 80’s/90’s there werent as many people as around the 60’s. And so I kept walking and walking and next thing I knew – I was staring at a sign to say 106th street.

Yowzers! So naturally, I had to make my way back down. At this point I had one goal in mind. Dont stop for anything. Just get home ASAP. 7 miles later, a bit red and I did it! Who knows what will come of this exercise/walking/running thing but Im kinda hoping that maybe it will go somewhere.

I honestly wanted to walk home tonight, but it was so cold outside and I just couldnt. Today was probably a bit less than a mile, but at least I am still doing it and havent given up.

And lets talk some hockey! BLACKHAWKS BABY! CHICAGO! This is just awesome. My boys of Toews, Kane, Sharp, Khabibulin, Versteeg, etc. came through! Conference finals. Not since 1995 have they been there. Ive missed them here, since Ive lost faith in my Kings!

No concerts till Saturday. Im deprived.

2008 – the shortest recap ever

since i didnt post a single thing here in a year – its tragic really – i wasnt altogether absent from reviews and such. if i have time ill one day add them here, but you can read about my adventures in the city on my flickr page. all the concerts come with recaps and what not. www.flickr.com/photos/xneverwherex

and heres to lots of shows in 09. im starting on a great note with the winterpills. and this week liam & me. awesome awesome awesome!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Setting suns (pun intended as youll see soon)

12/21/07

So theres so much to add and so little time. Its the story of my life and living in NYC, right? So lets go back a few weeks. I headed back to California to visit the family. It was quite nice actually, but sometimes I think I stay there too long and am so sick of the area. But then I see a photo and I wonder what I’m really giving up. I mean San Francisco is an amazing city. There is no city quite like it. So that I definitely miss and of course I have some amazing friends there too. I spent an evening in a coffee shop with a good friend of mine that I hadnt seen in years. And it was almost like I never left. Him and I talked for hours. It was quite great to going home and having friends like that. And of course, seeing my brother and sister-in-law is always a trip. Im not sure if him and I will ever get along, so going out can be a nightmare. Surprisingly, I bit my tongue and our lunch was quite nice to celebrate his birthday.

So yeah – that was my vacation in a nutshell. Oh I left out the spa I went to with some girlfriends. My god! I can use that all the time. It was pure relaxation for an hour and a half or so. I used to be so embarrassed about being completely naked in front of these massage therapists (as theyre so rightly called), but hell at this point Ive long since cared. I can seem to always pass out, but the major plus is when they start massaging your head. I think I need a boyfriend who does that.

On that note – I found this gorgeous picture of a) the golden gate bridge and b) a picture out towards the ocean that I went on a drive with my parents. Im so in love with the picture, that I sometimes amaze even myself and c) a California sunset that you can only get in one place (oh im so cheeky). But seriously, if youve never experienced a California sunset (and I mean on the ocean and all), please do so. I will say you wont regret it.

Going out here made me really remember how much I miss things like the oceans, mountains, hiking, forests, etc. I was blessed growing up in Marin County, and some days I do miss all that, but hell NYC has it all.

Pics to be added soon

Best of 2007

My friend Manuel had this brilliant idea (well he stole it from a friend too) and we made a best of 2007 mix of all the best music from this year. Of course Im a bit biased, but I think mine is brilliant. If you end up downloading it and liking the idea, make your own – and pass the link my way.

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Rachel’s Best of 2007

Are You A Nerd?

Naturally I have way too much time on my hands at work. So I decided to take this test.  Nice to see I scored high in the comic book section Take yours?





WS, TMBG & WT (aka White Stripes, They Might Be Giants & War Tapes)

7/24 – Tuesday 

Saw the White Stripes on Tuesday night. I won tickets to this show thanks to Warner Records and Reprise (I believe) from Siren Festival. What can I say, but Jack is incredibly talented. Somewhere during the set i was trying to figure out if  “big sister”  meg could really drum or what. Shes cute, im just not sure i was blown away by her. musically the two of them are really talented. their encore was incredible. They played a
near 2 hour set and i couldnt complain. even tho i recognized only a chunk of the songs (and all the encore songs – i think), it was easy to just go along with it. Their covers, which I did recognize, were done really well. And ending with “7 Nation Army” was a pretty sweet way to end the night.

A friend’s comment on the White Stripes – to my above comment regarding Meg – “And I think the secret to Meg’s drumming is that she’s like the heartbeat in the song. So her simple beats accent Jack’s crazy mad skills on the guitar.”

Wed. 7/25

I just got home from one of the many they might be giants residency shows from Bowery Ballroom. The show was great. another 2 hour set. having noted that this is a residency show, no 2 shows are alike. so tonights show was called songs from the 90’s we never played live hahaha excellent. so many great songs, added some new ones. and ended up with the classics ‘birdhouse in your soul’,  ’twistin’ and even played ‘i palindrome’. the ace part is when someone taps me on the shoulder and says ‘hey rachel’. i turn around, and im staring at this guy, and i think i mutter ‘holy shit’. and he starts laughing – and he says ‘noah, you know we work together’. i respond of course i fucking know who you are, this is awesome. apparently he LOVES tmbg, but better yet, loves fratellis, maximo, kaiser chiefs, etc. he f’ing rocks! Even better, during the show hed tap me on the shoulder and tell me which stuff was off their new album.

john and john are still as entertaining as ever. phone calls to the dead and all the other quirky things theyve done over the past are still as silly. and musically (with some of the dans) they still hold up. On that note, I’m already trying to figure out if I can see their show next week. I must point out, that 2 wed from now, the really talented Oppenheimer from Belfast are opening for them, and no one should miss them!

7/26

Last night’s show was probably even better than the prior nights. well ok – its hard to top the white stripes at the moment. but it started out with one of my new favorite bands War Tapes, from LA. Although after one listen, and you will be surprised theyre from LA. They’re sounding like a lot of the British bands coming out. Perhaps some editors, mixed with interpol, and the darkness of Joy Division. I dont think I have ever seen such tight clothing worn either. These boys had their skinny tight jeans plastered onto them. and it was HOT!

Sadly, I was one of 20 people at the show (this is at the bowery), if 20 were there. i was in the front, totally into it, and others looked perplexed. so i got lots of great pics. the lead singer kept bending down in front of me and singing directly at me. was rather cool. the band was way crazy with loads of energy. Their guitarist is out of control and insanely good. The drummer gets so into it, its really fun to watch. The bassist, she just kind of stands there looking pretty. I havent seen such goth-looking boys with so much energy in awhile.

After their set, I was talking to the singer for a while. Told him it was such an awesome set and that I came out for their set. He was really cool, asking me how I knew of them. Said thanks to SF and the people there, I knew of them. So yeah, my California connections are always coming in handy. Before he left, he said ‘oh by the way, im neil’. So I said ‘Im Rachel’. And he said something like, im so glad to meet you Rachel, and I’m glad you liked it.

I think I fell in <3

The next band was really great too. I only came out to the show for the openers. Mainly to see War Tapes because at the moment I think they are just brilliant. But Liam & Me, who i had seen before I knew wouldnt disappoint.

The guys are from Philly, and are probably in their early 20’s. Doesnt hurt that a bunch of 30-year olds I was hanging out with, decided we all wanted to do very naughty things with them, and lots of nakedness

Liam & Me plays very dancy, indie-pop music. Each song gets more dancy than the next. And I was hanging out with a bunch of folks from the UK who were terribly drunk. We were all in the front, dancing a lot, the guys were jumping around – banging into each other, and those nearby skirmished to the sides. The band loved it, and wanted everyone to get in on the action. My only real complaint is a 30 min set or less. I know their stuff is quick and fast, but we wanted to keep on dancing. Their fans are really young, and no one was even legal. Granted sometimes I throw all morals out the door.

Last band was The Automatic. I only really knew the song “Monster” which is getting a lot of airplay and is quite catchy. At least Im assuming its how I know of it, but I dont listen to the radio. Regardless, its their single. The Automatic is much heavier compared to both the bands. They are playing on the Warped Tour. Penny, on synths, some small redhead guy, is out of control. Jumping higher than humanly possible, banging the hell out of his keys. Incredible to watch. Filled with so much energy. The whole band is just one big ball of energy. That gets more intense as they keep playing. I think they played a 40 min set that had everyone around sweaty.

The UK guys didnt disappoint. No one was even near us, because it was so out of control. If I didnt know them, Id have been nowhere near, but they were courteous to me, to not totally bang into me. Penny started yelling at the people upstairs that they were a bunch of pussies. He jumped into the crowd numerous times to rock out with everyone. He also jumped from speakers that were so insanely high, at one point he left the show for 3 songs. He didnt get up for a long time, that people wondered if he was ok. I think that might have not helped the set, because the band looked concerned. Needless to say, there was no encore.

But if youre looking for some great rock music to really get into and mosh to, go check out them. Theyd love it if more people did that.

Redheads Take Over The Subway??

From those wacky folks at Improv Everywhere, check out the link below. I happily participated in the riding of the ever-so-packed subway uptown. Im telling you, people might give about 50 redheads a second-look, but it really had no impact. Im sure a few of them had a chuckle as the guy walked through the train selling sunscreen from about 30-50 SPF Yes, we redheads need it.

Also included is our protest of the Wendy’s logo/image from none other than Wendys. Youd be surprised the looks people give when seeing people protest things as frivolous as Wendy’s. All in all, it was a great time.

And this is like ‘Where’s Waldo?’ So, obviously if you know me, you can spot me, and if not, good luck on finding me! im the redhead!  

 For those of you redheads who made it out to the mission, you guys were wonderful.  It’d be awesome if you could share your story in the comments section of mission report.http://www.improveverywhere.com/2007/07/24/redheads/

Tribeca Film Festival

Im copying this post from another site I’ve been posting at. Im actually doing something pretty cool here – why, you ask? – well mostly for the hell of it, and its turning out to be pretty fun, to keep the world (east coast) apprised of whats going on around them.

so if you have time go to: www.alex.to/doomlink  – and i post under xneverwherex

So heres my update for Tribeca, which Im proud to say im a volunteer at.

Instead of creating a thread for every single movie I have seen, I am going to make it all inclusive. I fear that no one will ever see these films, but alas, please, please, please be sure to see films at your local arthouse cinema.Last night, while working I kept seeing this guy (and have seen him numerous times) at the festival and thought – I know him. So I check out his badge and his name is Barry Sisson. At this point I dont care if I name drop because there could be something in this for everyone. Barry Sisson is heading up Cavalier Films based out of Charlottesville, VA. I used to frequent Cinema Arts (Fairfax, VA) all the time and was invited in an offer to become an investor on his next film. After having numerous financial advisers and co-workers read the documents, with no real money to my name, it was a very risky venture. A Film did get made under Cavalier, although I am not sure which film it is.Cavalier is apparently looking for investors for another film. If interested, please contact me and I will get you in touch with him. Please note – I get NOTHING out of this. Im only putting this up, because you never know who is interested in what.

Long story short, Barry remembered me from a few years back in Virginia and told me of his new opportunity. He also purchased a film at Tribeca but alas I dont know which it was.

On to the good stuff:
The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez – brilliant documentary – if it comes to Silver Docs – get out there and see this. Esequiel Hernandez was the first person murdered on US land by armed forces since the Kent State killings. He lived in a small Texas border-town and was herding goats when he was taken out. Brilliant, brilliant film and for thsoe that think this sounds familiar – Tommy Lee Jones film “The Three Burials” is this story. Tommy Lee Jones did narrate this film and the filmmakers worked on Three Burials.

Fraulein – a Yugoslavian film (yes I know there is no more Yugoslavia) that is an interesting story of women who have had to leave the country and all converge in Switzerland. A Bit slow, but the filmmakers were adorable (and all-women!) that it definitely added to the film. Nice story, but I wasnt terribly moved by it.

Gardener of Eden – This is Kevin Connolly’s directorial debut (of Entourage – plays Vince’s manager, Eric) and is produced by Leo DiCaprio (does he even need a last name). Major major disappointment. Big names, wanted and needed a much better script. Kid from NJ ends up getting kicked out of school and ends up going back home to NJ to live with his parents. One day, out of pure frustration, he beats the hell out of a guy and is claimed local hero the next. naturally, the guy was a serial rapist. The kid thinks he’s now super-cop and goes out trying to solve all the crimes and fix the world. Eh, had its moments, but is only worth maybe $6 or netflix (which obviously it will come to with such big names behind it).

note to self: dont see blockbuster movies at film festivals.

Day Zero – I have not seen the whole movie (I was working) but from what I did see, this movie has promise (the fact that I know the ending KILLS me) but its the story of 3 friends from NYC (naturally, right?) who end up getting drafted into the war. this takes place in current day and is a fictional (so far) account of what would happen if we reinstated the draft. One guy (Chris Klein) is trying to find a way out of going; he has just made partner at his firm. another friend is gung-ho about going to war and killing people and the other friend (Elijah Wood) is indifferent and doesnt know what to do. Seems great from what I’ve seen. Oh how my skin crawled at the thought of reinstating the draft.

The last movie (as of today) was from John Dahl, director of Red Rock West (please tell me someone has seen this) and The Last Seduction (with Linda Fiorintino) is You Kill Me.

This film I have not yet seen the entire thing, but saw most of the film. The acting is great with an incredible story. The writers seem very cool, and after the Q&A, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of their films.

In this smart, darkly funny drama by John Dahl (The Last Seduction) about addiction and recovery, Ben Kingsley delivers a bravura performance as Frank, an alcoholic contract killer forced to go through a twelve-step program and become a funeral home assistant. Also starring Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson

Thats it for now!