So I drew this today! Last year was so crazy that I didn't have time or inspiration to sit down and draw. There would be times when I really missed the feeling of blasting music in my ears while just sketching away. I don't remember the last time I did an illustration but it must be over 7 months at least. Well, it's been freezing cold (literally) in L.A., so I didn't go out at all today. And I was pretty bored so I made myself sit down and do this. Anyways, by the looks of things, this winter is going to be pretty cold. So there's nothing wrong with staying at home, sitting around, and listening to good music.
Marky Ramone with Andrew W.K. - The Fonda Theater, Hollywood, CA 10/15/13
Sorry, I didn't really take good shots, but thought I'd share the experience with you anyway. This was the most fun dance party I've been to. Too much dancing for me, took days to recover. During the encore, when he sang "What a Wonderful World" Joey version, I almost teared up. I love the Ramones, I wish they had experienced way more love and success when they were alive, and wish they were all healthy and happy and lived longer lives. Anyways, Andrew W.K. was entertaining and a ball of energy like always, he did a great job, and Marky Ramone just drummed away, and didn't act like a star or legend. I adore Marky from watching Rock and Roll High School too many times. I feel like a giddy teenager when I watch that movie. I'm not sure how old I am.
The Vaccines - Mayan Theater, Downtown Los Angeles, CA - 9/22/13
Photos by Youngest Indie
I love going to the Mayan Theater because it's gorgeous and historic. Always reminds me of Rock and Roll High School!!!!! And spent a lot of my youth in Downtown L.A. Good show, with epic disco ball during the encore. We bought the Mountain Manor x Vaccines t-shirt, that came with a cute canvas pouch. It feels just like yesterday I heard their song on NME Radio and took me months to figure out who it was by, and then, was lucky enough to see them at Spaceland. I'm very happy with how much they've grown and evolved, and can't wait to see much more from them.
Many years ago, during the MySpace age, I randomly stumbled upon a song by The Svengalis that someone had put up on their profile page. (Yup, remember that?) I liked it so I checked out their page and loved all their other songs. I featured "Sting in the Tale" in one of my "Five Songs Show" playlist video. Now, I am happy to hear that they have just put out some new songs: "Trouble/Boy In The Factory" as a worldwide digital release. And after listening to the new tunes, I was happy to hear their signature sound that caught me years ago on MySpace, while being fresh at the same time.
I love The Vaccines. I've loved them ever since I randomly heard "If You Wanna" on NME and then took forever to find the name of the band. I'd google the lyrics and come up with nothing. Until one day, it came up. The Vaccines. Then I started hearing other songs that were right up my alley, only to discover they were also by The Vaccines. My discovery happened just in time to purchase tickets to their first LA show at Spaceland, er, Satellite. Rodney and I still refer to it as Spaceland, but more on that later. That was super fun. Then I went to see their free show at Amoeba. Sadly, Arctic Monkeys at the Palladium tickets were sold out, before they announced The Vaccines were supporting. If they had said so earlier, I would've gotten tickets. Anyways, then they were supposed to play the Fonda last September, which I had purchased tickets for, but it was cancelled due to Justin's surgery. I'm so glad that he got that taken care of, and hope he continues to do so. Post Justin's surgery, I got to see a little bit of their set at Coachella. But I was so ecstatic to hear of their Troubadour date and their new album. The band is lovely. I love love the first album. I love love the new album (must check out "I Always Knew" and "Aftershave Ocean"). Great energy, fun rock and roll set. It felt short, but I guess it wasn't really. I forgot that they don't do encores, instead they just power through the entire set. I was also confused about the encore because normally, they turn the lights on, no? Needless to say, such an awesome sold out show.
Another highlight was meeting Rodney Bingenheimer! I've seen him at some concerts, but I've never met him. I walked into the Troubadour, and he was right there, so I totally went up to say hello. He was super cool and we chatted for a while about music. I love talking about music. He told me he was missing Adam Ant to see The Vaccines. And talked to me about seeing Blondie the night before. He asked me how I discovered The Vaccines. And lots more chatting. He also gave me a Rodney button! What a great night.
The Vaccines new album Come of Age out in the US on October 2, 2012
I was very happy that there were some really good solid records that came out this year to keep me excited about new music. No ranking, and in no particular order, here are my favorite albums of 2011!
