The Future of Albums

In a recent interview, Radiohead's Thom Yorke stated that the band would stop making full length albums for the time being. You can read the BBC's story on this interview here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8194778.stm. Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker's music critic, wrote a couple of responses to this news here: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sashafrerejones/2009/08/short-player.html; and here: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sashafrerejones/2009/08/healthy-serial.html.

I think the full length album will be around for the foreseeable future. However, I can see the allure of artists putting out a series of singles and EPs in lieu of full length releases. If shorter releases by artists becomes widespread, particularly through digital sites like iTunes, then consumers will be buying (presumably) their music like they did in the 1950s and 1960s, walking around with their virtual 45s on their portable jukeboxes.

I'm Back!

My friends, it has been too long. We have some catching up to do. First, if you are reading this then I hope you have noticed the change in the blog's appearance. I think the white background reflects the change in my personal outlook from negative to positive. Also, the colors of the blog are the colors of my adopted home, Washington, DC. I have been too harsh on the ole District. Despite all its faults, it is still my adopted home and there is a lot of things here that I enjoy. Maybe the growing comfort I have in myself is starting to rub off on how I view my surroundings. Second, it was becoming clear that focus of the blog was almost entirely on music. Thus, I have decided to make music the only focus of the blog. If I dwell into my personal life, it will be through the lens of music. If I feel the need to talk about my life in other ways, I will create a new blog for that purpose. Until then, if you want to know how I am doing just drop me a line. That said, I am doing great.

So, the catching up part. I will start a series of posts on what has gone on in the past four months. These posts will include new music reviews, concerts I have attended in DC, Bonnaroo, my end of the year record club, and my feeble attempts at playing the guitar. I will talk to you all very soon.

Spring Music Guide

Pitchfork released their “Guide to Upcoming Releases: Spring 2009” this week. For those of you unfamiliar with Pitchfork, it is an internet site, or webzine, dedicated mostly to indie rock and independent music. Sometimes I find it hard to keep track of new releases, which forces me to regularly visit record stores to see if anything interesting has been released since my last visit. Thus, I am glad Pitchfork simplified things for me by publishing this guide. You can find the guide at http://pitchfork.com/news/34972-the-pitchfork-guide-to-upcoming-releases-spring-2009/ or go to the main site to browse the numerous music news, reviews, and criticism articles at http://pitchfork.com/. Here is the list of albums I am most looking forward to over the next 3 months:

April 6
Title Tracks: “Every Little Bit Hurts” single
-Normally I wouldn’t bother with getting a single, but I really did like their show a few months ago. In fact, they are playing another show on April 7 as an official single release party.

April 7
Bob Mould: Life and Times
The Felice Brothers: Yonder Is the Clock
The Hold Steady: A Postive Rage (live CD and DVD)
The Thermals: Now We Can See

Also coming out this date is a reissue of Beastie Boys Check Your Head and an Arcade Fire DVD called Miroir Noir.

April 14
Silversun Pickups: Swoon

April 21
Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career
Chairlift: Does You Inspire You reissue
Depeche Mode: Sounds of the Universe
- Apparently this album is supposed to sound like Violator. We shall see.
Pet Shop Boys: Yes
- I put this one on the list for my friend Matt who is a die hard Pet Shop Boys fan.
Sinead O’Connor: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got reissue
Tinted Windows: Tinted Windows
- If you haven’t heard about Tinted Windows, they are a “supergroup” consisting of guitarist James Iha, formerly of Smashing Pumpkins, bassist Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, drummer Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, and singer Taylor Hanson of, well, Hanson. Can any band with Bun E. Carlos be that bad?

April 28
Bob Dylan: Together Through Life

May 5
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band: Outer South
Cracker: Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
- Good to see that David Lowery is still making music.

May 15
Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown

May 19
Eminem: Relapse
- Welcome back Slim Shady.
Iron & Wine: Around the Well
Jarvis Cocker: Further Complications
White Rabbits: It’s Frightening

May 26
Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest

June 2
Eels: Hombre Lobo
Elvis Costello: Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
Neil Young: Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972
Spinnerette: Spinnerette
- Spinnerette is a new band featuring Brody Dalle, also known as Brody Homme since she is married to Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. Brody Dalle used to be married to Tim Armstrong of Rancid. Rancid is also releasing an album on June 2. Coincidence?

June 9
Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca
Mos Def: The Ecstatic
Sonic Youth: The Eternal

June 16
Lil Wayne: Rebirth
- This is Lil Wayne’s “rock” album. It could be a complete disaster.

June 23
Dinsaur Jr.: Farm
The Lemonheads: Varshons

Other Albums in June
The Dead Weather: Horehound
- The Dead Weather is Jack White’s new third band. He plays the drums and sings on some songs. The other members are singer Alison Mosshart of The Kills, guitarist Dean Fertita of Queen of the Stone Age, and bassist Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs (Jack White’s second band).
Regina Spektor: Far
A still untitled Wilco album

Haiku Concert Reviews

I have fallen behind once again in posting timely concert reviews. Thus, I am going to post three quick reviews of concerts from earlier this month in haiku form.

Plants & Animals and Olivia Mancini & The Housemates at DC9

Olivia rules!
Michael Khoo on upright bass
Perfect "Imperfect"

Plants & Animals
Cool trio from Montreal
See full show next time

Blitzen Trapper and Alela Diane at the Black Cat

Alela Diane
Psych folk singer/songwriter
Hippie backup band

Blitzen Trapper's good
Eclectic mix of rock styles
Though show lagged at times

The Whigs, Dead Confederate, and Trances Arc at the Black Cat

Trances Arc opened
An okay band from Atlanta
Not my cup of tea

Dead Confederate
Modern Southern rock and roll
Enjoyable show

The Whigs are awesome!
Best show of the year so far
Rock my world again soon?

Genetic

It is time for the March 2009 iPod quiz. This month's questions were found via a Google search, and specifally a website devoted to fostering mentor relationships in the workplace through a simple set of "getting to know you" questions. Without further adieu, the quiz.

1. What do you like most about your job? "Swimsuit Issue" - Sonic Youth
- if only I worked at Sports Illustrated
2. What do you like least about your job? "Hannah & Gabi" - The Lemonheads
- I don't work with a Hannah or a Gabi, but I could probably name a few people to replace them
3. What work activity is most challenging for you? "O Girlfriend" - Weezer
4. What is your favorite work activity? "When the Levee Breaks" - Led Zeppelin
5. What work-related skills are you good at? "Mr. Self Destruct" - Nine Inch Nails
- no comment
6. Work work-related skills would you like to learn more about? "Holier Than Thou" - Metallica
- I guess I am pretty modest
7. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? "Daktari" - 10,000 Maniacs
8. When you have a bad day at work, it is usually because... "In The Backseat" - The Arcade Fire
9. When you have leisure time, what do you like to do? "Chasing Ghosts with Alcohol" - Gomez
- um, no comment
10. What other career(s) are you interested in? "Can't Ignore the Train" - 10,000 Maniacs
- a second 10,000 Maniacs song? I swear I don't listen to them that much...
11. Do you take outside lessons or classes of any kind? "European Son" - The Velvet Underground
12. Do you have any pets? "You're the One" - The Black Keys
13. What is your favorite food? "C'Mere" - Interpol
14. What is your favorite place? "Nature Boy" - Primus
15. What is your favorite sport? "Lucky" - Radiohead
16. What is your favorite indoor activity? "The Rolling People" - The Verve
- once again, no comment
17. Who is your favorite friend? "Oh My God, Whatever, Etc" - Ryan Adams
18. Who is your favorite relative? "Nobody Lost, Nobody Found" - Cut Copy
19. Who is your favorite movie star? "Losing My Edge" - LCD Soundsystem
20. Who is your favorite hero/heroine? "So Alive" - Ryan Adams
- I am not going to complain about a second Ryan Adams song
21. Happiness is... "Kiss Kiss" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- hard to argue with that one
22. What will be the title of this post? "Genetic" - Sonic Youth
- gotta love the Sonic Youth bookends to this quiz

Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, and Harlem Shakes at the Black Cat

I know this blog has been very music heavy recently (it isn't called File Under Sound for nothing) and that will continue for the next several posts as I gather my thoughts on the concerts I recently attended. I promise that the subject matter will venture off into new territory periodically. It just so happens that music is a big part of my life and their have been some interesting concerts rolling into DC over the past few weeks. Other than a busy work schedule and wildly inconsistent sleep patterns and overall sleeping problems, I have not done very much else with my time recently. That will change over the coming weeks. Until then, on with the concert reviews and music discussions.

Last week I saw Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, and Harlem Shakes at the Black Cat. This show was the first of 4 concerts I would be attending over a 7 day period. I had heard a few Tokyo Police Club and Born Ruffians songs before the show, but I did not own any of their albums. In the past I would have passed on going to a show like this one where I was not that familiar with the bands. However, I was not going to let that stop me this year. Some of the best concert experiences happen when you discover new music. I was hoping that this show would be one of those experiences. Thankfully, it was a great experience.

Pre-Show Notes:

• I once again ate at Alberto's Pizza before the show. What can I say? It is quick and damn tasty.
• The show was a sell-out, which meant a long line to get into the club. Unfortunately, most tickets for shows at the Black Cat are picked up at will call (including my tickets for most shows) and there is only one line to get into the club. If you are on some guest list, then you can cut to the front and go in through the re-entry door. Otherwise, you are waiting in the regular line with the rest of us. Unfortunately, it was a cold night in DC. Made waiting outside for over 45 minutes to get in a little uncomfortable.

Openers Harlem Shakes are from Brooklyn and put on a pretty good set. The band uses driving guitars, funky keyboards, and harmonizing backing vocals to produce songs that were borderline anthems. I had read on the internet that the lead singer’s voice can be nasally. While I could that point, I didn’t find the vocals to be overwhelmingly nasally. Overall, I came away from the set intrigued by the band. While I am not in love with Harlem Shakes, I am interested in seeing where they take their music going forward. They have a new album coming out this month. It might be worth checking out.

Next up were Born Ruffians. The band is a three-piece outfit from Toronto. They put on a really great set consisting of songs that were hard to categorize, which I think is a great compliment. The best analogy I could come up with is that Born Ruffians sound like a young The Cure (back when they were a three-piece) mixed with The Police and The Clash. The band uses a lot of jangly guitar lines and heavy bass and drum beats. I came away from their set thoroughly impressed. Their album Red, Yellow & Blue is also quite good.

Headliners Tokyo Police Club are also from Toronto (and obviously friends with the guys from Born Ruffians). They have been making noise in the Indie music world for a few years now. They are definitely a high energy alternative rock band, and that energy was exhibit on stage. Their song structures are somewhat unique, with heavy use of abruptly ending a song. Their style made for an entertaining show, though I must admit I came away from the concert as a whole more impressed with Born Ruffians. The highlight of the evening was the last song of Tokyo Police Club’s encore. All members of Harlem Shakes and Born Ruffians joined Tokyo Police Club for a cover of The Clash’s “Train in Vain.” The bands had fun with the song and it was a great way to end the show.

The Vinyl Revolution

I like to shop for music at small independent record shops. Actually, small independent shops are the only true record stores still in existence. Electronic downloads, mega bookstores, and electronics depots have driven a lot of the competition out of business. Still, a few independents are hanging on and some are even thriving in DC due to the re-emergence of vinyl records.

For years it seemed that vinyl records continued to exist only for the avid collector and professional DJ (and I don’t mean cheesy dudes that play tunes at wedding receptions and school dances). However, vinyl has found new customers in those longing for a nostalgic music experience, those interested in hearing music in a non-digital format, those that are looking for a more tactile music buying experience (as opposed to the virtual world of digital downloads), and hipsters looking to expand their retro-coolness from their clothing to their music collections.

At first I dismissed the vinyl trend. I doubted vinyl’s ability to thrive in a world where music is easily bought and shared over the internet. Then I wandered into one of the independent music stores in my neighborhood called Crooked Beat Records and saw this notice:

“For the second year in a row (2008) New & Used Vinyl LPs have outsold CDs at Crooked Beat. LPs now account for around 70% of our total sales. We will be increasing our vinyl selection even more in the coming months.”

True to their word, I have seen the space devoted to vinyl at Crooked Beat increased while they gradually shrink the amount of CDs they stock. In fact, Crooked Beat is only going to stock CDs from indie and import record labels and a select few alternative artists signed to major record labels. Furthermore, Crooked Beat sells a variety of turntables, making it easier for someone to dive into the vinyl listening world. The fact that vinyl is thriving at places like Crooked Beat defies simple economics. New vinyl records often cost more than $20, or about twice as much as a download or CD (to be fair, sometimes a new vinyl record will also come with a CD or with the ability to download the album).

I must admit that I resisted this vinyl revolution. I do not own a turntable and I love my iPods (yes, plural) so much that I can’t imagine listening to music any other way. My views on vinyl changed when I discovered frames for hanging LPs on walls. LPs have always been better at exhibiting and displaying album cover art. CD booklets and the “cover flow” function on iTunes and iPods only go so far. Also, some records are printed on colored vinyl, making the actual record a bona fide collectible and potential art piece.

Thus, I have succumbed, though only slightly, to the rebirth of vinyl. Like many things in my life, I have created rules for purchasing vinyl (particularly since I have no means of actually playing the records). First, I will only buy vinyl albums I already own in another format. Second, I will limit vinyl purchases to albums I consider to be essential to my musical taste. Third, I will make an exception to the second rule for colored vinyl and albums with extraordinary cover art. I followed these rules the other day when I purchased Doolittle by Pixies, The Hot Rock by Sleater-Kinney, and Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M. These records joined the previous purchases of The Body, The Blood, The Machine by The Thermals (purchased at their amazing show at the Black Cat because they had very little merchandise for sale and I needed to buy something after they rocked my world) and In Rainbows by Radiohead (purchased as part of a deluxe package of CDs and art directly from the band’s website).

Resistance was futile. Viva la revolution (at 33 1/3 rpm).

Olivia & The Terrible Two at the Black Cat

Last Friday I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Olivia & The Terrible Two play at the Black Cat. I was excited about this show for two reasons. First, I had heard a lot about Olivia Mancini because she has been a fixture of the local DC music scene for many years. Second, my friend Michael Khoo was playing bass guitar as part of The Terrible Two. It was a great show and it was fun watching Michael play on the same stage that some of my favorite bands have graced.

Pre-Show Notes:

• I had my pre-concert meal at Alberto’s Pizza in Adams Morgan. It was nice to mix it up a bit by having a jumbo slice of cheese pizza before a show.
• Once at the Black Cat, I met up with my friends Paul and Elyse for some drinks. I had not been to a concert with a group since visiting Seattle in November. It was great to have good drinks and conversation with friends before seeing a show.
• Unfortunately, the drinks and conversation forced us to miss the opening act. Sorry Meredith Bragg.

Olivia & The Terrible Two was sort of a misnomer. She was actually backed by Michael on bass, a lead guitarist, drummer, and a backup singer/percussionist. Regardless, it was clear that Olivia has a lot of talent and thoroughly enjoys writing and playing music. Her music is modern pop songs and it was clear she was having just as much fun as the audience, who really liked the show. Furthermore, it was just really cool seeing Michael on stage having a great time. He is planning on playing with Olivia for a few more shows while her normal bassist is on tour with another band. Who knows, maybe he will end up a permanent fixture of the The Terrible Two, The Housemates, or whatever band Olivia puts together. How cool would that be?!

I will end this post by mentioning the actual headliner of the bill, local band trying to make it big No Second Troy. Their sound reminds me of generic contemporary radio rock. Not my cup of tea. Also, the band members were trying to look too much like rock stars with the haircuts and “cool” clothing. It looked like they were trying too hard. Anyways, I felt bad for them because the audience was mainly there to see Olivia. By the time they played a few songs, much of the audience had left or was talking to Olivia and her band. A third of the audience remained by the end of the show. Maybe they should stick to playing in the suburbs where I imagine the majority of their fans live.

Anyone Can Play Guitar

A few weeks ago I accomplished one of the goals I had set for myself before I turned 35. With the help of some actual musician and guitar-playing friends, I purchased my first electric guitar. The purchase of the guitar was a dream come true. I have always loved rock music. Now I will be able to play rock music. At the very least, owning and learning how to play the guitar will add a new dimension to listening to music and watching concerts.

I am very fortunate to have friends in DC that can play guitar. Walking into Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center can be very intimidating to the first time guitar buyer. There are guitars everywhere and without the aid of Roger, Paul, and Michael, I would have been completely lost on where to begin in selecting a guitar. They were extremely helpful by telling me what to look for in a guitar, actually playing some of the guitars for me, and giving me their honest opinions. They were also there to make sure I got all the necessary accessories, namely an amp, cord, and tuner.

I learned in the guitar buying process that a first time buyer should not go in with any preconceived notions of what they want to buy. I have been a fan of the Fender Telecaster guitar since going to see The Thermals play at the Black Cat in 2007. Hutch Harris, guitarist for The Thermals, was making the kind of sounds with his Telecaster that I hoped to make someday. The guitar seemed classic, simple, and gritty all at once. However, during the process of trying out guitars, and having my friends try out guitars, one guitar stood out from the others. That guitar was the Gibson SG. What stood out about this particular SG was its feel and versatility, something I wanted out of a first guitar. The final selling point was when my friend Michael stated how much he loved the guitar, particularly since he had previously stated how he generally didn’t like the SG model.

So with my new guitar in its hard case, my amp that apparently is “loaded with rock star settings,” and all the other goodies I bought that day in tow, we were off to Roger’s apartment to actually play some instruments together. While I only played one chord along with my friends as they played real music, it was a great moment. The evening also included good Thai food and beer. In other words, it was a great day.

Since then I have bought a lightning bolt guitar strap, purchased some picks, learned a few new chords, practiced a bit, and hopefully started the process to getting guitar lessons from a real musician. Learning to play the guitar can be frustrating, but I am having fun and that is what is most important to this music lover. Watch out people! I will be melting your faces before you know it!

Fujiya & Miyagi and School of Seven Bells at the 9:30 Club

Last Thursday I went to see Fujiya & Miyagi and School of Seven Bells at the 9:30 Club. This show was the first show in a stretch of up to 6 shows in 2 weeks. I was excited for this show because I had not seen a show at the 9:30 Club since seeing Of Montreal this past fall. Of the two bands playing, I was more familiar with Fujiya & Miyagi. I had heard them quite a bit over the last couple of years on KEXP (a great Seattle independent radio station that streams live at http://www.kexp.org/) and I recently acquired their latest album Lightbulbs (thanks Kate!). I knew of School of Seven Bells also through KEXP. I heard and liked one of their songs and I was hoping that the rest of their material was just as good.

Pre-Show Notes:

• I was finally able to have that pre-show meal at Ben's Chili Bowl. The fully loaded Chili Half-Smoke and Chili-Cheese Fries were absolutely delicious and horrible for me at the same time.
• Since the show was not a sell-out, the stage at the 9:30 Club seemed bigger and further into the crowd. I am not sure if this was done on purpose or if it was an optical illusion.
• I realized after I entered the show that I forgot my camera. My cell phone camera would have to do for pictures.
• I was able to get right in front, which allowed me to use part of the stage as a coat rack.

School of Seven Bells consists of former Secret Machines member and lead guitarist Benjamin Curtis, and twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza, who play guitar and keyboards respectively. The Deheza sisters are also the vocalists, with Alejandra providing the lead vocals on most songs. School of Seven Bells, or SVIIB, came out on stage promptly and put on a great 8 song set including the songs "Wired For Light" and the cool closer "Sempiternal/Amaranth." Their sound is a modern take on the "shoegazing" movement of the late 80s and early 90s, with loud, fuzzy, and crunchy guitars mixed with dreamy and floating vocals. I came away from their set a fan and I look forward to seeing what this band will produce in the future. I made sure to pick up their debut album Alpinisms at the merchandise booth. The only negative from the set had nothing to do with SVIIB. Standing right behind me was a girl out with her boyfriend. They were constantly talking to one another instead of just enjoying the show and her laughter was very loud and annoying. If someone's laughter can be loud and annoying at a rock show then you know that person has a laughing problem.

Fujiya & Miyagi are an English band originally formed by keyboardist Steve Lewis and guitarist David Best in 2000. The band's name comes from the Fujiya brand of record players and the character Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies. Since its founding the band has added bass player Matt Hainsby and drummer Lee Adams. Their sound has been described as electronic or "Krautrock." I prefer to think of the band as dance rock. In fact, you probably have already heard part of their song "Collarbone" since it was used in a Miller Lite commercial. Fujiya & Miyagi's beats are infectious and it is hard not to start moving to their hooks and simple, repetitive, and catchy lyrics. A good sign of Fujiya & Miyagi's ability to get people moving was the fact that the usually stoic DC crowd was definitely starting to get down as the show progressed. Fujiya & Miyagi, aided by a very cool video screen showing multi-colored dice forming images, played a great 13 song set with the songs "Ankle Injuries," "Pussyfooting," "Knickerbocker," and the previously menioned "Collarbone" as standouts. After a very brief interlude (literally it was less than a minute), the band came back on stage to play a cool 2 song encore. Overall, a really good show and I had a great time moving to the sound. Of course I had to get one of their tour shirts as well as one of their previous albums Transparent Things at the merchandise booth. I am such a junkie.

It Wasn't Me

I am going to steal another great idea from a dear friend. This idea involves using the shuffle function on an iPod to answer a set of questions. I like to think of it as a modern day Ouija board or magic 8-ball. The rules are that you must answer each question with the song that comes up on shuffle. Subsequent questions are answered by hitting the next song button. I hope to make this a monthly feature of the blog. If anyone has suggestions for future questions just send them my way or leave a comment. Without further adieu, here is the iPod shuffle quiz:

1. If someone says "is this okay" you say? "Space (I Believe In)" - Pixies

- very trippy!

2. What would best describe your personality? "Length Of Love" - Interpol

3. What do you like in a girl? "Slime And Oxygen" - The Black Lips

- um, I have higher standards than that!

4. What is your life's purpose? "Hey" - Red Hot Chili Peppers

5. What is your motto? "Lazy Eye" - Silversun Pickups

6. What do your friends think of you? "White Mystery" - Minus The Bear

- I guess I can be mysterious

7. What do you think about often? "Emergency Exit" - Beck

8. What is 2 + 2? "Crying" - TV On The Radio

9. What do you think of your best friend? "No Need To Cry" - British Sea Power

10. What is your life story? "You're A Cad" - The Bird and The Bee

- hardly

11. What do you want to be when you grow up? "You Are Dreaming" - Shout Out Louds

- even my iPod wants to shatter my dreams

12. What do you think when you see the person you like? "Hold On, Hold On" - Neko Case

- that is a great song

13. What do your parents think of you? "Paper Tiger" - Beck

14. What will you dance to at your wedding? "Company Calls Epilogue" - Death Cab For Cutie

- the song does take place at a wedding

15. What will they play at your funeral? "PA" - Ryan Adams and The Cardinals

16. What is your hobby/interest? "Judy and the Dream of Horses" - Belle and Sebastian

17. What is your biggest secret? "Dreamworld" - Rilo Kiley

18. What do you think of your friends? "So Long" - Rilo Kiley

- first, two Rilo Kiley songs in a row; and second, my friends know I love them

19. What's the worst thing that could happen? "120 Mins" - Teenage Fanclub

20. How will you die? "Ringfinger" - Nine Inch Nails

- hilarious

21. What is the one thing your regret? "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" - The Smiths

22. What makes you laugh? "Lucky" - Radiohead

23. What makes you cry? "Canary" - Liz Phair

24. Will you ever get married? "No One's Leaving" - Jane's Addiction

25. What scares you the most? "On A Plain" - Nirvana

- ending up like Kurt does scare me

26. Does anyone like you? "The Happiest Days Of Our Lives" - Pink Floyd

- I will take that as a "yes"

27. If you could go back in time, what would you change? "Orange Crush" - R.E.M.

28. What hurts right now? "Space and Time" - The Verve

- when things do hurt it can feel like the whole universe

29. What will be the title of this post? "It Wasn't Me" - Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins

The Raveonettes and Nickel Eye at the Black Cat

I must apologize for the lack of activity on the blog over the last couple of weeks. I promise to be more active and achieve my goal of posting something new two or three times a week.

I went to see the Raveonettes play at the Black Cat on January 17 (once again, all apologies for not getting this review posted sooner). The Raveonettes are one of those bands where I have heard and liked their songs but I actually don’t own any of their albums. Judging from what I have heard and from their live performance on Seattle’s KEXP (the finest radio station in the land), I thought that this would be a good show to see. The Raveonettes did not disappoint.

Pre-concert notes:

• I thought I would switch it up a bit and try to go to Ben’s Chili Bowl for my pre-show meal. Unfortunately, the following factors made going to Ben’s an impossibility: it was inaugural weekend and DC was flooded with visitors; President Obama (then President-Elect Obama) had dined at Ben’s with DC’s Mayor Adrian Fenty that week, which made the visitors want to go there even more than usual; and their was a pre-inaugural event occurring at the Lincoln Theater right next door. When I got to Ben’s the line was out the door and getting worse by the minute. Therefore, I went back to my old-reliable Taco Bell. So disappointing.
• Once I was inside the Black Cat I was relieved to be away from all the inaugural revelers outside. It was a nice respite from the crowds.
• I checked out the merchandise table in the Mainstage (the Black Cat has a large upstairs “Mainstage” and a smaller first floor “Backstage”). I was surprised to find not a single piece of Raveonettes merchandise. No t-shirts, CDs, stickers, etc. I think they might need a new business manager.

The opening act was Nickel Eye. I admit that I did absolutely no research before the show on Nickel Eye. Turns out Nickel Eye is the solo project of Nikolai Fraiture (get it – Nikolai and Nickel Eye), bass player for The Strokes. It explained all The Strokes shirts I was seeing in the crowd. Nickel Eye, backed by his band and a bottle of Jack Daniels, came out and played songs from his debut disc (which was available for sale at the merchandise table – see how that works Raveonettes?) While he is not the strongest singer, Nickel Eye’s set was solid and enjoyable. However, it just made me yearn for more new material by The Strokes. I was glad to hear that The Strokes are actually getting together this month to start working on new songs.

The Raveonettes are a Danish duo consisting of Sune Rose Wagner (boy) and Sharin Foo (girl). Both of them play guitar and sing. They were backed at this show by a bass player that was possibly a vampire (but the good kind; the kind that you would gladly become a creature of the night for) and a drummer. The Raveonettes are clearly influenced by The Velvet Underground, even down to the minimalist stand-up drum kit. The Black Cat was playing The Velvet Underground & Nico before the show, which served as a good prelude. The Raveonettes played a great show, hitting the crowd with a sonic assault of driving beats and noisy guitars. The Raveonettes can be intense without resorting to playing hyper-fast songs. I truly loved the show and I left the Black Cat that night to brave the inaugural crowds with a ringing ear, but unfortunately without any Raveonettes merchandise.

The 25 Things

A very close and dear friend of mine created a list of 25 things about herself recently (a trend that has gone viral since a completely unrelated person I know recently did the same thing). I thought in response I would create my own list of 25 things about myself.

1. I am a t-shirt junkie. I haven’t counted the number of t-shirts I own, but it is a lot. I even have some in storage at my parent’s house. I order many original design t-shirts from Threadless, which has new designs for sale each week online. I also typically get a t-shirt from memorable concerts and the occasional cool design from Urban Outfitters.
   
2. I am generally shy when meeting people for the first time. Do not take it personally if I seem reserved at first.
   
3. I read comic books. I don’t care if that makes me a dork.
   
4. I desperately want to learn how to play guitar. My goal is to own a guitar before my 35th birthday, preferably a Fender Telecaster. I will not be satisfied until I am melting faces.
   
5. I don’t think I watch a lot of television, but in reality I do. I regularly watch only a handful of programs, but I will watch mindless shows until the one I am really interested in comes on the air.
   
6. My undergraduate degree is in Economics. Since I graduated from a liberal arts university, I had to have a “support program” of other disciplines. So I also “minored” in Philosophy and Art.
   
7. If I could have a different profession it would be in psychology/psychiatry, architecture/urban planning, or teaching.
   
8. I am afraid of exposed heights.
   
9. Three moments in rock and roll history have occurred on my birthday: (1) R.E.M. played their first show; (2) Kurt Cobain committed suicide; and (3) Layne Staley died from a “speedball” overdose.
   
10. I tend to give more in friendships/relationships that what I either get or expect back. I am trying to change this pattern because it can lead to dark places.
    
11. When I am around my family I am routinely called by my brother’s name. I try to act like it doesn’t bother me, but in fact it sucks. The next time it happens I am thinking of requesting they call me something they would find very offensive until they learn to actually use my name.
    
12. I love music festivals. I attended Bonnaroo for the first time in 2007, which was the first multi-day festival I experienced. I went to Bonnaroo again in 2008. This year I will be going to at least the Sasquatch Music Festival at The Gorge in George, Washington and the Austin City Limits Festival. I can no longer imagine a year where I don’t try to attend one music festival.
    
13. I love modern architecture and mid-century to modern furniture.
    
14. Similarly, I love modern and contemporary art. My favorite artists off all time are Pollock, Rothko, and Rauschenberg.
    
15. My favorite colors are blue and green. Though I don’t like combinations of the two, like aqua or teal.
    
16. Since I was born in the Chicago metropolitan area, my favorite sports teams are the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. I don’t care for the NBA, so I am not going to add the Bulls to the list. The only non-Chicago team I support is DC United soccer.
    
17. I unfortunately like ice cream and Oreo cookies (not always together). Both of those things are really bad for me since I need to watch my cholesterol levels.
    
18. I can’t stand coconut, cinnamon, or raisins. I am okay with coconut milk in soups and curries, but things with actual bits of coconut in them are repulsive.
    
19. I absolutely detest scrapbooking. In fact, the question “do you scrapbook or do you ever see yourself getting into scrapbooking?” will from now on be used to screen all potential dates. Other screening questions are “do you want to have children?” and “how religious are you?” Incorrect answers to those questions are “yes” and “very.”
    
20. Since I am naturally a fast walker, I tend to hate people that walk slowly on city sidewalks during the workday.
    
21. I generally hate malls, or more specifically people that go to malls to just hang out and walk around. I like to have a plan and a focus when I go to a mall so I can get out of there as quickly as possible.
    
22. I have lived in 5 different states and 1 district.
    
23. Speaking of the District of Columbia, I do not like living here. I don’t like most of the people that live here either. DC has a way of changing people, and not for the better.
    
24. Because I don’t like where I currently live, I no longer have family in any place I grew up in, and my family is spread out in different faraway locations, I feel like I don’t have a true home. I think I know where I would like my home to be. Now I just got to make it happen.
    
25. I really want to be happy. I am taking the steps to get there and someday I will find reasons to smile everyday.

Edie Sedgwick, Title Tracks, and Imperial China at the Black Cat

Every year I to dedicate myself to seeing as many concerts as possible.  Since I live within 10 blocks of both the 9:30 Club and the Black Cat, as well as smaller venues the Velvet Lounge and DC9, it is easy for me to see live performances on a regular basis.  However, my aversion to going to shows alone and general laziness usually prevents me from accomplishing this goal.  One of my hopes for this blog is to give me the inspiration to go to shows by myself.  Thus, I decided to check out three DC based bands play at the Black Cat last night: Edie Sedgwick, Title Tracks, and Imperial China.

Some pre-concert notes:

• I spotted Title Tracks enjoying a pre-gig meal at Taco Bell/KFC.  I like them already.
• Pretty diverse crowd in attendance.  There are the usual hipsters, but also some guys that have to be in their 50s and an older woman that was playing The Cure on the jukebox.  I hope I am still going to shows when I am that age.
• Is that Ian MacKaye?  Yes it is.

Edie Sedgwick is the solo project of DC musician Justin Moyer.  Getting his inspiration in name and appearance from the former Andy Warhol groupie and underground film actress, Moyer dresses in drag and wears a short blond wig.  However, he doesn't bother getting rid of his goatee.  Moyer sings and plays keyboards, backed up by an all female band.  Edie Sedgwick's sound had elements of older B-52's and Of Montreal.  The songs are influenced by celebrity, as exhibited by the titles "Sissy Spacek," "Bambi/GW Bush," "Angelina Jolie," "Anthony Perkins," and "Rob Lowe."  The show was entertaining, energetic, and danceable.  Unfortunately, there was a typical DC crowd in attendance and no one was dancing.  Actually, one guy was dancing.  I applaud his courage and/or insanity.

Title Tracks is the new band fronted by former Q and Not U and Georgie James member John Davis.  This four piece outfit performed songs they are recording for their debut album to be released this summer.  Drawing on the influences of Elvis Costello, The Jam, and The Clash, Title Tracks ripped through their set of catchy songs and showed they are definitely a band to watch out for in the coming months.  I really liked Title Tracks and I look forward to seeing them again.  Once again, no one danced to Title Tracks except for the dancing guy.  I am guessing he might dance to anything.

Imperial China is a three piece post-punk band.  Their sound is influenced by bands like Battles, with a little bit of metal and some reggae (at least for one song).  Not all of their songs have lyrics, but the ones that do have vocals reminiscent of DC punk pioneers Fugazi.  I bet Ian MacKaye was proud.  Imperial China displayed sound musicianship and energy.  The crowd was head-nodding in approval throughout their set, which was briefly interrupted by a blown bass drum.  I had moved to the back of the venue during Imperial China's set, so I have no idea if the dancing guy was busting a move.  I bet he was.

Uh-oh! SpaghettiOs!

I made an unwise decision the last time I went grocery shopping.  I decided I was going to purchase SpaghettiOs.  The decision might not seem strange to those that eat SpaghettiOs regularly or have children that enjoy the circular pasta in a can.  However, I have not had SpaghettiOs for at least a decade and during that time it has not crossed my mind to buy or eat them once.  I can only guess that my commitment to eating more vegetarian combined with my desire to have an easy to make meal drove this decision.  What's easier than open can, put contents in pot, heat pot on stove, and serve?

The first problem with buying SpaghettiOs is that it is primarily a product enjoyed by children and stoned college students.  At the age of 34, I do not fit either category.  Nor do I have my own children that I can rationalize buying the product for and then enjoy myself.  The second problem is deciding what kind of SpaghettiOs to buy.  When I reached the shelves of canned pasta products I immediately began looking for the regular variety.  In that spot on the shelf was one can so dented I was shocked its contents had not exploded out the top.  These are the types of products my former grocery store employer would put in a blind grab bag and sell to employees for a couple of bucks.

To the left of the dented can was the "with meatballs" variety.  This type goes against my desire for more vegetarian meals and I was not about to trust the processed meat product of the Campbell Soup Company (author's note - Campbell's bought Franco-American over 90 years ago and it fazed out the Franco-American label over 4 years ago).  To the right was the "shapes" variety, which is just regular SpaghettiOs shaped like cartoon characters instead of rings.  I didn't recognize the cartoon characters, but they were princesses of some sort.  I am guessing it is from some Disney creation.  There was no way I was going to eat princess shaped SpaghettiOs.  That would be creepy on many levels.

That left one variety on the shelf.  SpaghettiOs "with calcium" bothered me for a couple of reasons.  First, SpaghettiOs are in a tomato and cheese sauce.  One would think that the cheese in the sauce would provide adequate calcium.  I began to wonder about the quality of the "cheese" used to make the sauce.  Second, are kids these days getting so little calcium in their diets that there needs to be "with calcium" options for kid-friendly products?  Unfortunately, "with calcium" seemed to be my only choice if I was going to buy SpaghettiOs.

Like Ron Burgundy after he jumped into the bear pit and the last time I ordered a Filet-O-Fish, I immediately regretted the decision.  I decided to eat the SpaghettiOs right away so that I could be rid of it in my apartment.  Thus, I opened up the two cans I bought and started to heat them up on the stove.  I bought two cans because: (1) canned products are getting smaller; and (2) as an adult I felt like I could eat more than I could as a kid.  It was another poor decision on my part.  At least I ate the SpaghettiOs out of a bowl instead of out of the pot.  In an effort to make the meal more palatable, I added some salt and pepper.  That was probably one of the most useless things I have ever done.  Why should I attempt to spice up this mess?  The only thing more useless would have been to add fresh garlic, rosemary, and perhaps some shaved parmesan on top.  Extra cheese would have been pointless.  I was apparently getting extra calcium without it.

Safe to say I didn't feel good about the meal or myself afterward.  It had been over 10 years since I had SpaghettiOs, and in retrospect that was not long enough.  Let's hope the next time I cook up some in a pot it is for a child or a stoned college student. 

Reflections From Starbucks

If you want to get the flavor of a neighborhood in DC, head to the closest Starbucks and observe the customers.  I live in Adams Morgan, a diverse neighborhood that turns into one of the city's busiest nightspots along its 18th Street spine of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.  Here are my observations of the patrons of two different Starbucks in the general Adams Morgan area on a Saturday morning.

• African cab drivers communing before or after their shifts;
• Homeless men sleeping in the chairs and sofas;
• Gay men coming back from their early morning gym workouts;
• A gaggle of young women wearing the previous night's skinny jeans and Ugg boots;
• Older women talking on cell phones speaking a language I don't recognize;
• Hipsters walking their tiny apartment dogs;
• Lesbians walking their tiny apartment dogs;
• Professionals and students appearing to work on their laptops, but who knows what exactly they are doing;
• Parents with newborns that probably have designer names, owning the latest in stroller technology, and toting the trendiest of diaper bags;
• Young couples in almost matching workout clothes, drinking matching soy lattes, hauling their dry cleaning back to their Pottery Barn filled apartments or condos thinking that their lives are so interesting and important (okay, that is what I'm thinking they're thinking); and
• Me, a lonely middle-aged divorced man living in a crap apartment in a city he doesn't love while working a decent but unfulfilling job.

As I wait for my venti skim no-whip mocha, I can't help but think that I have very little in common with any of these people.

Rudderless

Music has the power to take us to a time, place, and feeling.  I was reminded of this today when I re-purchased the 1992 classic It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads.  Over the years I had either lost, loaned out, or had this disc stolen.  It feels good to have it back.

I was really into the Boston music scene in the early 1990s.  Bands like the Pixies, Buffalo Tom, and Dinosaur Jr were getting heavy rotation in my CD player.  The Lemonheads were getting lots of national music media attention following the release of It's A Shame About Ray.  Evan Dando, the band's leader with a major drug habit, was labelled an "alternahunk."  There was also the "are they a couple" intrigue between Dando and Juliana Hatfield, the former member of the Blake Babies and The Lemonhead's bass player for the album.  More importantly, the album was 13 songs of pure pop perfection.  The songs are filled with longing, desperation, and lost opportunity.  It will always remind me of my first year of college.

I was a first year student at the University of Michigan when the album was released.  While I was academically prepared for the transition from high school to college, I wasn't emotionally or socially prepared.  I was struggling, utterly depressed, and finding solace in alcohol.  I was trying so hard to fit in with my surroundings, but I could not help but feel totally alone in a new state and at a school of 40,000 students.  I was "a ship without a rudder."

Toward the end of that difficult first year, on a clear and crisp April afternoon, I decided to take a walk around Ann Arbor to find some comfort and maybe a few answers.  I pulled on the ubiquitous Patagonia fleece jacket, popped It's A Shame About Ray into my walkman, and soaked in the songs repeatedly while disappearing into the student body.  It was a perfect day in my imperfect year.

As I neared the end of my walk I came across Sarah, a girl from my dorm that I had a massive crush on.  Sarah was pretty, loved R.E.M., and had this smile that melted my heart.  I was completely incapable of talking to her, overcome with my natural shyness.  We once nervously tried to speak to each other at our dorm's mailboxes, but I stumbled over my words so badly I never tried to speak to her again.  She was coming toward me and the lyrics of the song "Confetti" spoke volumes:

He kind of should have sort of would have loved her if he could have

The story's getting closer to the end

He kind of should have sort of would have loved her if he could have

He'd rather be alone than pretend

As we came close to each other our eyes met, we smiled, she nervously began to look away, and I awkwardly gestured hello.  Somehow in that moment I knew at some point I was going to be okay.

It would be a few more years and much darker times before I figured things out for myself, found some confidence, and overcame the depression.  It's A Shame About Ray will always remind me of that day and Sarah.  When I listen to the album now I reflect on that awful time in my life and realize just how far I have come.  That's the power of music and that's what It's A Shame About Ray means to me. 

Welcome!

Some of you might be asking, "Why are you writing a blog?"  It is a great question.  I have been asking myself the same thing.  The short answer is I wanted a forum to express the thoughts that float in and out of my brain, to talk about my adventures in this world, and express my opinions on things that are important to me like music and art.  Besides, it is cheaper than therapy.  I hope this blog becomes equal parts diary, life story, travelogue, and cultural review.  So, my journey in the blogosphere begins.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.