Nothing to Blog Home About

I meant to do some catching up on some shows I missed while out of town. But I really don't feel like writing about it just yet. My headcold got the better of me. So, I'll just keep it to a single video from New Jersey Christian art/rock band Danielson. Yes, a Christian band, that you would have no idea of their religious faith unless told so. And they are far more out there, and perhaps more terrifying than many so called artistic or experimental band that exist in the secular music world. But I think that's what the draw is to their brand of weirdness. They've managed to creep their way into the indie music world and gain very well deserved recognition.



And from Daniel's Thesis show from '94.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Simply amazing. I'm feeling so under the weather, but this bass-driven dance classic is helping somewhat. Or maybe that's the Dayquil talking.

What's The Point?

I have a vague, and I use that term loosely, memory of this film as a child. I don't know why, but sometimes random memories will come and go as they please, leaving brief smiles on my face and recollections of a simpler time...yadda yadda yadda. It's funny how everything we see as a child is ginormous (yes, ginormous) and larger than life, but revisiting the actual memory as an adult, you wonder, at least I do, what all the hubub was about. E.T was a terrifying film about a very real, nightmarish alien (at least at the time). But upon viewing this film now, I can see past the first scary opening minutes of the film, and realize how charming that ugly alien demon monster actually was. Anyhow, this children's tale created by Henry Nilsson (is there anything he can't do?) and narrated by Ringo Starr was a real classic, albeit a little drug-influenced, (hey, it was the 70's, what wasn't?) and it still stands timeless, well aged, and well appreciated all at once.



I think this song could easily be played in terms of the retro music scene revival today that is constantly evolving, and would probably blow up almost instantly. That is to say, it is really good.

Bragging Rights

I love these street installations done by artist Juliana Herrera. Very decorative fabric filling various potholes around Paris, I hope they don't get removed anytime soon.




I have nothing original to add today. This is my Friday, and I'm knee deep in allergies and post-vacation depression. Bleh.

When I first picked up Life's a Riot With Spy Vs. Spy by London artist/activist Billy Bragg, my life at the time seemed to be at the absolute best point to receive such musical enlightenment as this pivotal record. Sweet, teary-eyed songs, sung at such desperate volumes by just a bloak and his electric guitar. It moved me then, and does even now. This single, off his follow up LP, Brewing Up might be my favorite, and seems like it was the missing track from his beloved debut.

Happy Easter

Home Crap Home

Ah, yes, home crap home. After a two week vacation to the most secluded chain of islands in the world, returning back to real life is not unlike what I might imagine relocating from a luxury suite at the Four Seasons, to um, jail. But I must move on, and return to my steady life of predictability and routine. Post vacation depression syndrome is really gonna leak through to these future posts I'm afraid.

The only thing I've listened to since I've been back is classic Brazillian songwriter Jorge Ben. Though not as political as some of his contemporaries of his time, and certainly more mainstream, his music is still quite enjoyable. Mixing samba and folk-rock, at the peak of the Tropicalia movement, his albums reached a more mainstream audience.

So, this is my humble return to city life. Help me Jorge, help me.



And one of my favorites:

Jorge Ben - 01 - Morre o Burro, Fica o Homem by Mexisota Kid