Friday, July 30, 2010

I tried to chase things I couldn't get


One of my all time favorite songs is "Oh Mandy" by the Spinto Band. I love other songs by them as well. But there are just some perfectly written lyrics in there that just make me feel a way that words cannot explain, and the melody is bittersweet it can make you cry. I even learned to play this song on the guitar so I can sing it myself. Such a beautiful song. Oh, and this band! Onstage, this band has an amazing amount of energy that just lets you know how passionate they are about what they do. Luckily, I got to see them last Saturday when they played in LA. I kept missing their other shows when they were in town so I was glad to finally see them again. Mandy was the last song of their set. If you payed close attention, you will have seen his hand gestures when he's singing my favorite part of the song.






Monday, July 26, 2010

Please speak to me with empathy


I love summer so much because of the warm weather and the fantastic events around town. One of my favorite summer traditions is going to the free concert series at the UCLA Hammer Museum. The stage is set up outside in the patio area, so you can take in the scents of a summer evening. I believe this concert series started with Indie 103.1, the most awesome radio station that ever was. But I was really happy to see that free events like this didn't die with the radio station, as KCRW has been partnering with the Hammer ever since. Ever since 2006, we've seen bands such as Run Run Run, Shiny Toy Guns, People in Planes, Miss Derringer, the Deadly Syndrome, and Amazing Baby. Those are some memorable shows. It's one of my favorite things to do during summer. Also, I only go if it's a band I like. So I was excited to hear that Chasing Kings and Voxhaul Broadcast were playing this year. I got off work, hardly ate dinner, and raced over to Westwood in bad rush hour traffic. It seemed to take forever. But, we made it safe and early. It was a surprise to see Ferraby Lionheart open the show. I saw him many years ago at the Echo. "Crack in Time" is a really pretty song, it was also the opening song. Then, the Chasing Kings played an awesome set while artist Norton Wisdom painted in the back (amazing, by the way). They're a new band that I'm into lately after hearing them on WOXY. Please check them out. Voxhaul Broadcast also played. They're a band that I've heard of forever, but never heard their songs or seen them. I finally saw them at the Bootleg last month and liked their songs. It was a beautiful night. Pics below.

Ferraby Lionheart




Chasing Kings











Voxhaul Broadcast









Norton Wisdom




Sunday, July 25, 2010

The difference between us


The Dead Weather played a sold out show at the Hollywood Palladium. The opening band was Harlem, and I didn't know them at all. But, they played a good set. Actually, their songs and style is really that raw garage rock sound I love. I'll definitely keep an eye out for them. Later, the techs that set up the stage for the Dead Weather were all dressed in black hats and suits with blue ties and some of them had beards. So, basically, even before the band came out, I was really impressed and appreciated the effort they put into the whole presentation. Things like that inspire me. The stage looked great, and then the band came out. When they started playing, the first thing that popped into my head was that they make everyone look like sh*t. I thought this because having seen so many bands live, I've seen some bands who aren't even good. Like, they look like a band, but they can't even play past a G and Em and they think they're the hottest band. Not to sound like a snobby critic, but I just can't stand that. I hope whoever is on stage can play the guitar better than I do. Anyways, if you've listened to the Dead Weather, you know it's just straight up heavy good old rock and roll. Another thought that went through my head: "I need to get a distortion pedal". I took the best pictures I could take from where I was. Later, it was pretty cool when Jack White came down over to our side and just like hung around and fixed the feathers on his hat. Awesome. Alison is, as always, just mesmerizing and born to do what she's doing.












Looks like someone loves vertical stripe pants as much as I do!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Five Songs Show - Summer 2010


I'm so happy it's summer. I always get mad if I feel that I'm not taking full advantage of this beautiful hot weather.

1. Up All Night - The Young Knives - because it just sounds all fun and summer-y. Doesn't it make you want to go out dancing? We are staying up all night.

2. Awkward Kisser - Telekinesis - because shazaam doesn't know every song on this planet, it let me down when I heard this song last year at the Echo. (like the DJ was playing it, not the band). I coincidentally stumbled upon this video on youtube recently like magic. I knew and liked Telekinesis' other songs, just didn't know this song.

3. Love You So - King Khan & BBQ - because it sounds like a summer bbq. Really.

4. Bed Space - Darwin Deez - because this song sounds like a cool breeze on a warm summer night as you're driving on the freeway.

5. Bang! - The Raveonettes - because this song sounds like a hot summer day and you're eating ice cream with your shades on.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Everything you ever said is recorded in my heart


I made this as a gift for someone several weekends ago. I'm not going to take all the credit, though. I bought a book of these felt doll patterns by Aranzi Aronzo. They have other books full of cuteness. You should check it out. I took their cat pattern and slightly modified and added stuff to it, like the studded collar. Well, felt cat, I hope you have found a good new home and that your owner treats you right.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

You lookin' really ace


At the moment, I'm feeling tired and in no mood to write but I've been wanting to post these amazing pictures from last week. The Lexus Darker Side of Green After Party at Palihouse. I had lots of fun with my friend (she helped me take some pictures, too). I'm so not the type that dances to any music. I really have to like the music. And we danced! That means the music was awesome! Good times.




Paul Sevigny played some really good tunes.








Yup, those are Louboutins for men.