♥

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey. I had been familiar with her name, but last fall I actually looked up one of her videos after hearing "Blue Jeans" on the show Misfits (awesome show btw). I really liked the song & thought it would be something my sister would be interesting in, so I found the double album cd & gave it to her for Christmas. I have a feeling she's only listened to it the one time, but I have been listening to it a ton. I'm obsessed with this album (Born To Die). Every song is so good, and I feel like that rarely happens. Lyrics get stuck in my head. The subject matter is kind of romantic, tragic, trashy, and drug infested, but I see it as a persona instead of a bio. I suppose if she's really out there getting her crystal meth on, that's unfortunate. It took me a couple listens, but it's a passionate album. I haven't listened to the album Paradise as much, but it's growing on me as well. I've heard her songs on a few commercials. I'm bummed I didn't get into her earlier since she's played LA a few times. She reminds me of someone straight out of a David Lynch movie.






http://www.lanadelrey.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/LanaDelRey

Metric!

Even from sitting in the back of the middle section of The Greek Theatre, Metric puts on an amazing show & makes me very, very jealous of the people that are right up front. What a fun dance party it must be up there. I filmed a tiny bit of a couple songs - even though I wanted to keep shooting, I stopped b/c I wanted to dance & enjoy the show. Even the opening band was incredibly impressive (Half Moon Run). This is the definition of a perfect concert!

 

http://www.ilovemetric.com
https://www.facebook.com/halfmoonrun

Music & Nature

Last month, I went to see We Were Promised Jetpacks again but this time at a much smaller venue - The Echo! I was pretty excited to see them in such a small place, despite it being packed and having to stand next to the bar throughout the show. This wasn't the best angle for pictures. They were super awesome as always. Highly recommend!

I've been hiking a lot more lately. So far I've been going about once a week. I'm trying to stay more active & when you get in the rut of living life in a car loving city, you are forced with getting fat, joining the gym or trying something fun. So fun it is! In the last few weeks I've gone to Runyon Canyon, Fryman Canyon, Brand Park / Verdugo Mountains & Escondido Falls. To be fair, I did Runyon in February & picked up going again in April. Runyon wasn't too bad until we hit the stairs going up. That was a killer for me. I think it's about a 3 mile hike. Fryman Canyon was just under 3 miles & has a steep incline to start, but afterwards wasn't bad. Plus, we got to walk through a fancy neighborhood at the trail end, which apparently includes George Clooney's house. I didn't take any pictures on the Fryman hike, but here are some from Runyon:

The trail at Brand Park was quite difficult because of the incline, but has really great views of Glendale, Downtown, Burbank & the valley. My friend told me it's about a 3 mile hike, but we wandered around another trail as well. We went the opposite of her normal route, and the way down is incredibly steep. My legs were shaking! We did this one when it was sprinkling out, which I welcomed.

I went to Malibu yesterday to do the Escondido Falls hike. We only went to the base of the 1st waterfall. I hear the views & 2nd waterfall are tons nicer, but it's a bit rough / dangerous getting up there. Considering my company we just kept it simple. I'd like to do it again if I'm feeling adventurous to see the other waterfalls. This hike isn't too difficult. It's not very steep but it is longer than the other ones I've been doing. It's best to do on a cool day in the Spring. You're in direct sun for a good portion of the hike, and waterfalls are always best closest to when it's been raining. This is about 4.2 miles altogether.

The other day I was downtown and in addition to finding out where all the handsome men apparently are lately, I found a couple cute objects while walking around.

I should probably make this next section a different post, but we'll see how it goes. Last year, Rocky Votolato did a Kickstarter campaign to self release his new record instead of going back to a label. It was hugely successful, gaining almost twice the funding than he set a goal for. I contributed and got the download of his new album in March and honestly, my first thought was - boring. I was a bit disappointed. "Little Spring" was by far the best song on the album and a pretty great & catchy song it is. After hearing that I expected the rest of the album to have some of the same oomph but it did not. It took me a while to come back to it, but after listening to it several times there are several exceptional songs on there. The tone is quite different in my opinion than his other albums, except maybe his very early works. It's a lot more mellow & folksy than I'm used to so like usual, I have to learn to listen to it in a different way. This happens to me from time to time where I buy an album & at first hate it, but then grows on me so much I can't believe I ever thought that way.

I was curious how his show would be. I've been going to see him play for 9 years, and he always puts on a good show, but the last couple times I saw him, at The Troubadour especially, he seemed to rush through his material. I'm not sure if it was to get more songs in, but for me picking up the pace of his songs takes away from how good they are. To my delight, he was exceptionally good on Saturday night. You could tell he was in a great mood - he sounded fantastic & he looked really happy. I think the crowd was less full than I've seen at his shows in the past (it was Cinco de Mayo) but still quite a full room. He played several new songs but really mixed up his play list. I'm pulling these off the top of my head & they certainly aren't in order, but I'm pretty sure he played these songs. I'm sure I'm missing some. Little Spring, Ghost Writer, Fool's Gold, Tinfoil Hats, Mix Tapes/Cellmates, Montana, Goldfield, Alabaster, The Night's Disguise, Suicide Medicine, Silver Trees, She Was Only In It For The Rain, Makers, Instrument

 Super moon!

Thinking of music

I was thinking about this album (White Chalk) tonight. I love PJ Harvey, as most people know. She's my favorite, and this album was just amazing. Once I start You Tubing videos, it's hard to stop!


Dear Darkness:

Silence:

Tequila Mockingbird

Hustle Roses released a video for her new song "Alive". Check it out, it's a pretty awesome & catchy song. Her new EP, Tequila Mockingbird, is released February 1st, but can be purchased today online at: http://hustleroses.bandcamp.com/album/tequila-mockingbird

The cover picture is very Madonna-esque, but after seeing Ollie's style over the years in The Oohlas, it's very clear she has a style all her own. Be sure to check out the post from Pink Is The New Blog for all the details, and of course stop by the Hustle Roses' website: http://hustleroses.com/

The Casket Lottery ... is back!

I can't tell you how excited I am this band is back together & recording. Just yesterday one of their songs came on my ipod & I thought to myself, it would be awesome if this band was still around. I loved this band! So today when I thought of it, I looked them up to see if they had any new projects going. They've had a few in the years they've been apart. Then I am reading this article on No Sleep Records and thinking to myself - wait, what? When was this written? Now a 5 piece, on this label and recording a new album in the Fall/Winter of 2011/2012 to be released this summer - the only words I had were No way! AWESOME!

Apparently they got back together early last year, but have only played a handful of shows. I'm a little behind on this news. I saw them in Upstate NY probably 10 or 11 years ago & in LA a couple times when I first moved here. Excited to see them tour again.

Facebook | The-Casket-Lottery
http://www.nosleeprecs.com/

Television of Saints

Rocky Votolato is self releasing his new album with the help of Kick Starter. He's a really talented musician & song writer and has decided to go DIY instead of through a label on this next album. There are plenty of incentives for backing this project so watch the video, click the link & donate a $1.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rockyvotolato/television-of-saints-a-new-album-from-rocky-votola

I'd paint all my rainbows

I finally got to see We Were Promised Jetpacks last week at The Music Box (who renamed Henry Fonda Theatre btw?)... and I'm bummed I did not go see them at The Troubadour last time they were here b/c they are amazing. Musically speaking, they are fantastic. Everything sounded superb. They're not much for interacting with the audience and when the singer spoke, it seemed rushed & under the breath as if he were shy or trying to get that part over with. I think it's kind of funny and at the same time refreshing b/c it reminds me that not all bands have to be entertainers in the way we expect, so it's nice to go see musicians for a change. I especially loved it when they shushed the audience several times during some songs that I imagine needed a lot of concentration on their part.

And speaking of the audience... oh my god. Well, first off they were touring with two bands from the U.S., Bear Hands & Royal Bangs. I didn't love either of them, but they weren't awful. Bear Hands were pretty interesting. I could imagine dancing to them at some party where there is a lot of PBR. Royal Bangs seemed kind of boring to me. Their songs seemed like they didn't know what they wanted to be. Both of them seemed to have songs that just went on & on without much break up so maybe that's why I didn't like them much. I'm a big fan of ups & downs and contrasts... and apparently repetition.

For the first couple bands we sat in a booth on the side. I haven't been to this theater in a long time so it's been redecorated a bit. There are now booths lining both sides of the ground floor & the walls are now completely covered in large stencils of art replicas. It's still a beautiful theater. The booths on one side of the theater were reserved for people with balcony tickets... and the balcony & roof were closed this night - also a bummer and also really weird. I don't understand this new 9pm show start time. I mean WWPJ didn't come on until 11pm. Holy moly. When did this start happening?

So back to the audience. We are sitting down & immediately start regretting our choice b/c an obnoxious human being is chatting away with his wife & friends about all sorts of things but mostly about asking permission to marry his wife from her dad. I'm sure you know the type of person... the one that just talks non-stop, is really loud & happy and thinks he's the funniest person on earth. I imagine that sounds like a great person but having to listen to the content of his conversation promises he's not.

For WWPJ, we moved down to the floor, which I guess wasn't sold out, but there were a lot of people there. Luckily I was still very close to the front without having to be shoved up against someone else. The show was being filmed for something I have yet to figure out, and so we were behind a cameraman for the most part. Then there were the metal boys. The one dude was wasted & his friend was constantly trying to hold him up or prevent him from falling into people, but at the same time must also have been on some drugs b/c he was dancing around & started pulling out some hardcore music moves and just acted like a total dumbass for the whole show. As my friend so accurately described, he stomped like a bull then bowed violently. Considering the music, it didn't make much sense but it's awesome he was having fun. Until, he just stopped caring about the people around him & one guy specifically told him to stay away from him, then he took that as an invitation to get in that guy's face & be his glue, and on top of that, brought in a gigantic man who should be a bouncer or someone from WWE to help annoy this guy who is just trying to enjoy a concert with his girl. *ASSHOLES*

I wouldn't think drunk people moshing around like idiots would be weird at a show except it makes no sense with the music that's actually being played. I don't know. I just want to go to a concert & have an environment that brings the audience together, not one that distracts me from having a good time. Also, security confiscated my gum. At 34 years old, this is pretty insulting. Dear Los Angeles, I promise I won't stick gum on your lovely theaters.

So all bitching aside, I did have a really good time. I hope they come back to town soon. I didn't really take many pictures b/c I was enjoying the show but at the point I did take a few, I said to my friend how the lighting was really good. Come to find out, one of the band members designed the lighting for the show. Good job. They just released a new video a few weeks ago, and it's pretty damn good.

"Human Error"


And this one is an acoustic version of "Short Bursts" which Heather may like b/c they use a Glockenspiel and they're Scottish. :)



wewerepromisedjetpacks.com
www.bearhandsband.com
www.royalbangs.com

My last day as a 33 year old.

This video is ridiculous, but... yeah.

Autolux

Even though I liked Autolux's music when their album was released a few years ago, I somehow managed to live in my bubble where I didn't know about or get to see them at any of there apparently many concerts. Okay, I probably knew about a few of them, but still. I didn't pass up this opportunity though & I'm glad I didn't. I really like them as a band, and I do have to admit I am just a bit jealous that the drummer, Carla did get to perform on the last PJ Harvey / John Parish album. That's pretty fucking awesome.

The Soft Moon opened and as they started I remember thinking to myself this could go really well or really wrong. I liked the video projection behind them. I liked the music at first but then it just didn't go anywhere. The vocals really let me down. It felt lazy. When there were vocals, and there weren't many it felt like, it was all reverb and monotone. There was nothing interesting about it. I got bored of it fast. It reminded me a little of a band I had seen before except not as good. Not nearly as good. So, I guess I'm not a fan of The Soft Moon. It was a disappointment. If they put any effort into their vocals I think they could be amazing. As it is now, I opted to stop paying attention to them for a drink & a seat not facing the stage.

Autolux, however, was fun and I was in a super good mood that night. I love how all 3 of them take turns singing songs. That's pretty awesome. They're really good live. Their music is really chill, hanging out in your living room type music, so it's interesting seeing them in concert. No complaints here.

http://www.autolux.net/
www.myspace.com/thesoftmoon

Rocky & Matt

I haven't been in much a writing mood lately but I do have to say a big wow & thank you to all the Keanu fans out there for checking out my blog. My blog counter went crazy after I wrote about the book signing.

I went out to see Rocky Votolato & Matt Pond last weekend. Great show although I felt like Rocky was rushing through his songs. My friend noticed it as well & we figured since he didn't go on until 10 o'clock, he wanted to fit as much into that hour as possible. I felt he was actually playing his songs faster too and ad-libbing a bit to his lyrics. They felt a little rushed & that really took away some of the beauty of them for me. I can't deny they're still good songs & he's a great musician. He also performed some new songs & is currently writing a new record. Matt Pond & Rocky Votolato are currently on tour through April 1st.

http://www.rockyvotolato.com/
http://www.mattpondpa.com/

Life is getting busy again. I've had some work, finished my taxes, been spending a lot of time helping a friend move and trying to get back into doing some art projects. Autolux concert and book club to come this weekend. There is a possibility of one of my photos being on a magazine cover which is really exciting. Getting back to editing my film next week & of course, my car needs to be repaired. Oh the joys of life!

More more more

I just can't stop. My blog is quickly evolving into a PJ Harvey blog. Ha ha... Anyway, her new record was released today in the States & NPR has a really interesting interview with her on their website. It's more in depth than the other ones I've been hearing lately, almost 30 minutes long, so a great listen if you're interested.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=133749985&m=133749991

http://www.npr.org/2011/02/15/133749985/pj-harvey-on-war-and-the-new-england?&f=13&sc=tw&cc=freshair

Polly's Valentine

PJ Harvey will be performing a live broadcast of her new album, starting in 1 minute!
http://liveweb.arte.tv/fr/video/PJ_Harvey_a_la_Maroquinerie/

*As a post concert note, I am super annoyed that my internet could not handle this webcast. It would play beautifully then kept freezing up. I was very annoyed. This is what I get for paying for the cheap internet. Hopefully it's put up somewhere to watch again. I have to say I really like the new album the more I hear it. It completely infuriates me when I see the occasional comment that her new stuff is horrible. It's progression people. As an artist she keeps pushing her boundaries. If you want the same thing over & over, start listening to different musicians.

"Harry, I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange."

This weekend is looking to be really exciting! I got to work on a scripted show today, going to a party tomorrow night, going to a reception before that for a Twin Peaks themed art show and going to a book signing on Sunday. All compiled with seeing great friends, getting a couple Valentine's in the mail & a special Valentine's day live web broadcast by PJ Harvey, performing her entire new album. I officially have a smile on my face.

http://www.twinpeaks20.com/details/

Oh! And Underworld is scoring Danny Boyle's Frankenstein play. Um, awesome! I think I have to see this.

http://www.borndirty.org/2011/02/underworld-scores-danny-boyles-frankenstein-play/

And finally, you can get a bunch of free downloads from this year's SXSW artists.
http://www.spinner.com/2011/02/09/sxsw-2011-free-songs/

NPR First Listen - Let England Shake

NPR is currently streaming PJ Harvey's new album, Let England Shake in its entirety. The single "The Words That Maketh Murder" comes out today. (Must go get that 7" soon!) The album comes out in the States on the 15th.

Maybe I'll do a proper review sometime but so far my favorite track has to be All and Everyone. It's really jumped out at me, however there are just really interesting and catchy songs all over the album.

I am dying that she's coming to Coachella this year, on my day off & I have no way to go thanks to Coachella no longer selling one day passes. She's playing San Francisco the Thursday before, which I'd be more than happy to drive up to see, but working freelance means there's no way I can take a day off, a night in my case, or two for Coachella. So my wish to throw out into the world is someone somewhere please grant me a day pass to see PJ Harvey at Coachella. Please?

NPR - First Listen PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

http://www.pjharvey.net/tour.asp

Satellite

Heard the new Kills song on the way home tonight. Really really like it.



http://www.thekills.tv/satellite.php

The Words That Maketh Murder

NME just released a two part interview with PJ Harvey regarding her new album. Very very interesting look into the album's process & it's remarks on war and human relations.

NME PJ Harvey Interview Part 1

NME PJ Harvey Interview Part 2

Shh...

Spending too much time on You Tube listening to PJ Harvey rarities. Some good links below for such things. I'm not posting a rare song, but I like this one a lot & since it's so quiet (how'd it get to be 1:30 in the morning again?), seems fitting.




SILENCE

All those places
where I recall
the memories that grip me
and pin me down.
I go to these places
pretending to think
I can think of nothing,
but anticipate
that youll
find me there.
That by some miracle
youd be aware.

Id risen
this morning
determined to break
the spell of my longing,
and not to think.
I freed myself from my family,
I freed myself from work,
I freed myself,
and remained alone...
and in my thinking
steal you away.
Though you never
wanted me anyway.

SILENCE

http://www.youtube.com/user/kikkiokioli#p/u/31/s3peJiCgWf8
http://www.youtube.com/user/ZZqezza#p/u
http://www.youtube.com/user/CapitanJet#p/c/C2DFC84841887B32

Coachella

Man, what's a girl to do? I've never bothered going to Coachella. There was only one year I really really wanted to go & didn't b/c it was just after I moved to L.A. Well, PJ Harvey is playing there this year & of course I'm dying to go see her! And she's playing a day I'm supposed to be off from work. Now I'm afraid she'll play a show in town as well & I will miss it b/c of work. Dilemma! Coachella is an expensive mess. How can I go for free?

PJ Harvey has been releasing new videos by Seamus Murphy with each new song that comes out from her new album. The new sound is very weird and different from her other works, thus her point. She spent two years writing lyrics before even touching music. I'm not sure how I'll like it yet, but I'm sure it'll be amazing.

www.coachella.com
www.youtube.com/user/letenglandshake