another day of youtubing 29 January 2009

I love YouTube. It enables me to find the craziest, funniest, silliest things on the planet. And then you find something like this music video of a Mark Gormley song, and life gets a little bit better. Who is Mark Gormley? Only the most intense man in the Gulf Coast! I am absolutely smitten.

Word to the wise: never have the space-happy Phil Thomas Katt film your music video. Goodness, I can’t even tell if that’s a good song or not because I couldn’t look past the blue screen and Mark’s awesome power stance. (Which you can wear all the time on your GormleyWear track suit! Me want!) Now that I’m checking out more of Mark Gormley’s music videos, I  have no words. But to quote a commenter, “One time I thought I heard a power ballad. But then I listened to Mark.” Hear, hear.

This “Uncharted Zone” appears to be a mama’s basement operation. Mama’s basement operations do spawn some … interesting… things, don’t they?

so easy a rock star could do it 27 January 2009

I just picked up a book from the library that I’ve been tracking down the last few weeks entitled The Triumph of Vulgarity: Rock Music in the Mirror of Romanticism, by Robert Pattison. (NOT Cedward of sparkling fame. That’s Pattinson.) I’m only in the Preface and already I’m finding it fascinating. (Yes, I am a nerd. Suck it.) One point Pattison is quick to make is how “the philistine listener” will approach a rock song and think “anyone could do that” the same way a “philistine” would approach a Jackson Pollack painting. He puts forth the example of famed Hollywood soundtrack composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for the Mission: Impossible theme. Schifrin wrote the scores for a few B-movies in the 1960s and 70s and “his attempts to duplicate the sound of Led Zeppelin or the Grateful Dead always sounded like the marriage of Dizzy Gillespie with a mariachi band.” If an acclaimed composer can’t produce palatable rock music, then certain it’s not something just “anyone” could do.

Not being all that familiar with Schifrin’s work, I’ll instead put forth my own examples of why rock music isn’t something a monkey in a room with a guitar could do.

a hipster haunting 21 January 2009

So back in 2007 I put out the first issue of my zine Master of Puppets Elbow. (I’ve only put out two issues and currently don’t have plans for a third, but that’s beside the point.) Included was a piece on how much I was NOT a fan of Howie Day. He’s what an actor friend of mine described as an “international spoiled brat.” He’s been known to harass his fans, he was in rehab for awhile and dated Britney Spears for a week, and he wrote that blasted song “Collide” that was EVERYWHERE back in 2005. (I’ll get back to this in a minute.) Unfortunately I can’t detest the guy too much, because he’s friends with my friends Jay Clifford and Steven Fiore, and has hooked them up. Musicians helping musicians is a wonderful thing, no matter the source. Jay plays with and/or opens for Howie on occasion, so I’ve had the chance to see Howie live. He’s not bad. In fact, post-rehab, he’s doing quite well. But I’m getting off track.

We all get “earworms”: songs that get stuck in your head and refuse to leave. You find yourself humming, whistling, or singing it all the time, even without thinking. Irritating, yes? Yes. But I have found that certain songs start to HAUNT me… they FOLLOW me. They seem to take on a mind of their own to TORMENT me.

I first noticed this on a road trip I took with my friend Whitney from Athens, GA to Chattanooga, TN to see our fave band Jump, Little Children play. (The band was supposed to play the venue Rhythm & Brews, but due to scheduling conflicts were moved to a Christian youth rec center down the street. Crosses everywhere. It was bizarre.) On the way we made a pit stop, and as we walked into the convenience store the radio station being played above the gas pumps started to play Howie Day’s “Collide.” I remember laughing because Howie was promoting his latest record by hitting up the late night TV circuit and Jay was along with him, so I’d tune in to see Jay and his glorious head of curly hair (and the infamous Jonny Gray and his handlebar mustache on bass) and consequently heard “Collide” a lot. So hearing it AGAIN at a small town gas station was amusing.

But then we got to the infamous Christian youth rec center. There was a line outside to get in, and the Christian youth rec center was kind enough to also be blasting a local radio station – which also chose to play “Collide” while Whitney and I exchanged incredulous looks. “What in the Sam Hill…? Not this again!” That day was when I began to question if songs were intelligent beings who desired to annoy. It didn’t help that my roommate at the time, Heidi, was a major Howie fan. I know how to play “Collide” on guitar because of her. Not that I’m blaming her. But that just upped the Universe Playlist count of that song being played in my life.

Eventually it died down. New artists come to the forefront, new albums are bought, new songs are played ad nauseum on Top 40 radio. I hear the song now and again and it doesn’t bother me so much. I just giggle. But lately I’ve noticed another couple of songs taking it’s place.

The songs? “Life Is a Highway” (numerous versions) and “Zombie” (The Cranberries). Both referenced famously on NBC’s The Office. And now both make recurring roles in my everyday life. “Life Is a Highway” was sung by Michael Scott on The Office, a few days later at a Halloween dance I attended the song was played and everyone sang along. (Let it be known, I didn’t know the words until this mess happened.) After the dance my group of friends made our way to an IHOP and there was another a cappella singalong of it. The next day at work I walked in, and guess what. IT WAS PLAYING ON THE OVERHEAD! I was beginning to question my sanity.

“Zombie” has been just as prevalent. This time Andy Bernard sang it on The Office (and the writers have admitted they wanted him to be singing the most annoying song they could think of. Thanks, guys). This one decided to go dormant for awhile. Then it started to creep up on people’s mix CDs. And show up on my Pandora playlist. A week or so ago my next door neighbor decided to honor us with the song as LOUD as he could. (At least it was the original recorded version and not him singing.) I mentioned on Twitter about it, and an old buddy from high school replied that someone was blasting Cranberries where he was, too. WHA? And tonight the band that lives below me decided to share with me the fact that it’s their latest cover song! (At least they’re pretty good, otherwise I really would pop a blood vessel.)

I wonder what portion of the Universe decided that it would be such a funny idea to play this elaborate prank on Miss Amanda Mae? I mean, honestly. Back when I was in middle and high school orchestra it was always “Clair de Lune” that was the popular ringtone of choice to ring out when we were in the midst of making Vivaldi or Beethoven greatness. Now this? Grr.

Watch, now that I’ve said that some Katy Perry song will be next up.

origin of the moonwalk 18 January 2009

Here’s a clip from Taylor’s favorite quiz show hosted by Stephen Fry, QI, and the origins of the moonwalk dance step. I laughed so hard I cried.

notmyfamily portrait, circa 1984 14 January 2009

1984_portrait
Originally uploaded by buckwildbill

From the Flickr group Growing Up Star Wars.

You really have to appreciate the indulgent parents who really loved their kid enough to let Han Solo and Chewie be part of a family portrait that has hung in the living room for over 20 years.

The whole collection absolutely cracks me up. Pure childhood joy.

new franz ferdinand approaching 10 January 2009

I’ve been a Franz Ferdinand fan from way back. My friend Aaron and I even tried to talk our way into the Tabernacle in Atlanta to see one of their sold out shows – failed – but ended up with Napoleon Dynamite t-shirts for our trouble. Anyway, they’re FINALLY releasing a new album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, and the single “Ulysses” has a SEXY music video to go along with it. I had ‘meh’ feelings about their last album, but am pumped about their third full-length. Looks like I got another two weeks to wait, though. Until then…

Kevin O’Donnell’s Epiphany Spectacular @ Martyr’s 8 January 2009

Kevin O’Donnell is most commonly referred to as one of Andrew Bird’s cache of drummers. I’ve seen him perform a few times with the Birdman, but wasn’t aware that he was an accomplished musician in other areas until last year when I was interning at a theater and noticed that Kevin was the composer of the music for the House Theater’s hit production of The Sparrow. But I didn’t think much more about it. Then a few days ago my friend Evan Bivins messaged me to say that he was part of a cadre of local musicians who would be performing with Kevin O’Donnell at his Ephiphany Spectacular – a last hurrah for the holiday season.

True to form, the many folks I invited didn’t show, but my parents did, and we met up with our friends Vivian and Matt at Martyr’s around 8pm. I felt a little funny because as I glanced around I didn’t recognize anyone beside my immediate company. I’m not in Cumberland’s anymore. Ooh, but then Mr. Andrew Bird himself sauntered by. (New album out January 20th!) I squeed at my mother, “That’s ANDREW BIRD! My night is officially made!”‘

Kevin announced there would be three parts to the evening – the first part would be selections from The Sparrow, the second would include a few guest appearances and some music from other House shows, and the third and final part would be none of his original music, more guests, and plenty of awesome. Kevin also made it clear that in the second part, “there will be snacks.”

Every piece of music was, well, spectacular. Evan joined Kevin and another local drummer on stage for most of show – so there were, in fact, three drummers usually playing. It was amazing. And Kevin is an inspirational drummer. That man was all over his kit, hitting rims and heads and jumping out of his seat. Since this was the first time I’d heard practically all the music I unfortunately don’t remember titles nor do I recall most of the guest performers’ names, but WOW was I impressed. Andrew did indeed get up to play a number during the second set, and like a gentleman he didn’t give the full Bird because it was Kevin’s show. But my parents understood when I said they would be floored when they heard him. Even lo-fi, minus the looping pedal and whistling, he leaves a lasting impression. Members of the cast (?) of House Theater came en masse on stage to sing some numbers, which reminded me greatly of a Chord & Pedal show in Charleston where it’s nearly a free-for-all. Lots of love, lots of love.

Two memorable pieces were in the third act, however. It opened with Evan playing guitar and one of the ladies getting up to sing his Cabaret Kiki number “Second Hand Life.” I could sing along! It felt very odd hearing it without the backing of the Dangerous Strangers and the back-up vocals of the Kiki dancers, but it was still awesome because it was getting it’s Chicago debut!! (BTW, a video of the Kiki star Caramella Guillotine singing the song can be found here.) And then Kevin and Kasey Foster (I had to remember her name) did a duet of “A Sweet Old-Fashioned Girl” – she sang acapella while he played drummers. Phenomenal. That’s all I can say. The woman blasts your socks off. She sang it in a 1950’s jazz club sexy growl that I couldn’t believe. So awesome! I wish there was a recording of it to share.

And to end the Night of Awesome, Andrew Bird rejoined the stage and the whole band erupted in two old-timey jazz jam sessions… *sigh* Just… wow. Andrew on fiddle, Kevin and his drumming buddies on some fluttering heart drum solos, and even an excellent sax man named Josh Bell who was just too cool. It was an amazing event for all concerned, my parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the rest of the shows of the year have big shoes to fill. I just wish there was a recording to relive it!

indie rock jumpstart to the new year 7 January 2009

The Old Ceremony Walk On Thin Air – Indie records are like Pixar films – they take a lot of labor and love, and every step has to be deliberate to avoid a misuse of funds or wasting time. And in the end you get a wonderful piece of art to enjoy for many years to come. I include The Old Ceremony in this. This band has the ability to take a dozen or so musical genres and form them together in a unique hybrid. Their third album starts out with “Til My Voice Is Gone,” a wonderful song of affirmation that is made even better by Django Haskins’ lovely, lovely voice. (It makes me melt.) My personal favorite is turning out to be “The Disappear” because of it’s smoky jazz club feel. Dig it. And “Same Difference” struck me as a dark-tinged rocker, very bass heavy. The boys of The Old Ceremony have gone from great to better in the span of their few years, and it’s a relief to know that is still possible to do that these days. The album is aurally delicious and I look forward to its official release in February!

Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent  Shovels & Rope – So far, the best description I’ve heard for this album is from the Charleston City Paper: “just right for vampires who wear wifebeaters and down PBR.” This is the kind of music I have developed a real taste for in the last few years. Not only does it have personal significance for me as I’ve known these two musicians for a number of years, but it’s the right kind of musical darkness I thrive on. Miss Cary Ann has developed so much as a singer, performer, and writer over the last five years I’ve been following her career, it’s actually quite astounding. The song “Can’t Hardly Stand It” has me floored. It reminded me of the first time I consciously heard Clapton’s “Layla” and was basically paralyzed for a short period of time. And the cover of Jay Clifford’s “Mexico” is one gorgeous piece of work to pull on the heartstrings. Music like this makes me wanna strap on my boots from the Recycled Cowboy and break some po’ boy’s heart.

The Welcome Wagon Welcome to the Welcome Wagon – In a change of demeanor from the above album, Brooklyn pastor and wife duo Welcome Wagon also have some dark themes to tackle, but in a twee and sweet manner. And I can’t get enough of it. The record was produced by Sufjan Stevens, and for those of us who are anxiously awaiting a new Soof record, this is a great placesetter until that time. The sound is very much like his, but more Jesus thrown in. That plus Velvet Underground and Smiths covers. “Sold! To the Nice Rich Man” is one of the standouts for it’s particular Sufjan feel, but each track is a winner. It’s excellent music for the church-going hipster (*ahem*), or for anyone who likes a touch of kitsch, doesn’t mind a little gospel preaching, and some Southern gothic lyrics for the sweet ‘n’ sour effect. Very highly recommended.

live music ‘09 3 January 2009

Via Olive*Argyle, a photo she labeled “Live music ‘09″. It made me laugh because it could be live music from any recent decade!

Welcome, 2009! 1 January 2009

Happy new year, y’all!! My new year’s eve was spent by my lonesome. And you know what? I wanted it that way. It was great. I kicked back with some spaghetti and some fun size chocolate bars, and rang in 2009 with A Very Brady Sequel and sparkling pear. It was lovely. I gotta tell you, I don’t have a good track record with New Year’s, so it was nice to have a virtually fool-proof evening.

So what happened this year? I got a job and have held it down for longer than a semester. I moved out… again. And I read at least 50 books. I lost my list when I moved in October, but I was nearly to 50, and I’ve read a number since then. So I’m fairly confident I reached that goal.

I’m not really one for new year’s resolutions. Who keeps them? I just get irritated at myself. Like most women, I’m always looking to lose five pounds. I don’t need to be special about that. And I’ve always been a prolific reader, so that’s never been an issue (I just did it for 2008 because so many of my friends were). Most of the time I get goals a ways into the new year. So gimme a month or two and I’ll have a goal for 2009, I suppose. My Girlfriend’s Jeans doesn’t have a yearly mission other than continue with whatever nonsense we’re already doing.

I’ve got a bunch of new tunes I need to listen to and review for you faithful few. Also recall that some of my record reviews can be seen at StaticMultimedia.com. Maybe we’ll even get TaylorRyan out from her collegiate cave to contribute some humorous thoughts as well.

And now for something a little Brady…