Woo hoo. That's all I can say about the big news. What's that news? I got back home a day or so ago. That makes me happy. I like home. And, yes, New Haven is home, even though that feels weird to write. Whatever. Oh, and yeah, Bruce Springsteen plays Hartford Wednesday.I've got to say, I've seen Springsteen like five times in the last couple years, but, for some reason, I'm really excited about this gig. I think it's just the outdoors thing. It's going to make an already-sure-to-great show better.
Anyway, One of the first things I did when I got back here was, oddly, go to the gym. And while there, I heard the worst song ever made. Of course I'm exaggerating a wee bit, and I usually just blast my iPod, but while I was changing, I had to listen to whatever satellite system they use at good ol' LA Fitness.
I've got to admit, at some point I've heard basically every Red Jumpsuit Apparatus record. I've reviewed one, too. But nothing ever struck me as good or bad. To me, until today, they were always another in a long line of faceless, mediocre post-hardcore pop-punk bands. But then today happened. I don't know how I missed it before, and maybe it was because today I heard an acoustic version today, but, man, "Face Down" is horrid.
I know this sounds mean to say about a tune that's supposedly about the singer's abused mother, but the songwriter needs to take a writing course or something. Show don't tell. Show don't tell. This song is so over-the-top, so melodramatic that it pained me. I feel like I needed to point that out. Thanks for letting me vent. It's a track Nickelback would be proud to pen.
What else? Well, I'm still on vacation. Woo hoo. I do, however, hate the kind of heat we're experiencing right now. I went outside for a while today, but it made me cry. Or maybe that was sweat. Or maybe it was something someone dropped on me. I don't know.
Today is also a sad day for me personally. I finally caved. I hate myself, but today I ordered a Blackberry. This makes me sad. It makes me want to vomit. It makes me feel like an adult or someone who thinks they're more important than they are ... I don't know. But it will make reviewing concerts so much easier, and with Springsteen coming up Wednesday, I felt like I had to bite the bullet ... after years of not. I did it. Wish me luck. Self hatred can destroy a person, or so after-school specials lead me to believe.
One of the greatest rock producers of all time has died. Read the obit and you'll understand why it's easy to give Jim Dickinson that compliment.
I have no problems admitting that I like some Kiss records. It's good classic rock. I feel like you're lying to yourself if you don't dig some Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons tunes. With that said, the band hasn't released anything relevant in a very long time. Successfully reuniting and touring doesn't mean the new music was any good. And this is why I just can't help but laugh about this story. Good luck Wal-Mart. I know you sell crappy, crappy music to people everywhere every day, but this will take extra work.
I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard people I trust tell me wonderful things about "District 9," the No. 1 movie in America.
I leave you with this: If you're a fan of really good Appalachian folk, then Cain & Annabelle at Cafe 9 tomorrow is something that should really interest you. I've got to admit that I've been listening to the duo incessantly for the last few days. It makes me happy. Oh, and local singer/songwriter Lys Guillorn is opening. And she's always great; every time I see her I'm reminded of this fact.
I got a bit sidetracked last week, so I never got around to writing about Wye Oak at the Middle East. Let's just say it was a great show. They're just a powerful live act. The records are very good, especially "If Children," but live it's just something else, something so much more visceral. I don't think I'll ever miss an opportunity to catch them.
With that said, the opener that night was JP Hasson. I'd never heard of him. Apparently, he has a record on Comedy Central's label or something. I only caught the end of the set, but this video was just about the funniest thing I've seen in weeks. Here it is (just keep in mind there are a couple bad words in this, so, kiddies, don't press play):
Crap Factory
2 comments:
It'll seem disingenuous, but it's really nice to hear you say that you think of us as home. Very cool.
Anyway - to avoid an uncomfortably emotional moment - I'll change the subject to "District 9." It was pretty great. Creepy and great effects. I would use one of these 90 degree plus days to enjoy the balmy multiplex and this fine flick. And a gallon drum of popcorn.
Surely Bruce will be enjoyable, but um...there is that 90 degree plus weather to consider. Bruce is fun. Seeing Bruce in a sauna, not so much.
Oh yes - one other thing you might enjoy. Recently on the Chowhound website, a blogger told readers that his upcoming vacation will be a roadtrip through the Northeast to hit as many taco trucks as possible, and was asking for suggestions. Needless to say, some of your Elm City brethren chimed in to tout your beloved truck. So, when you think you may not be optimizing every moment of your vacation, consider the fact that...you could be THAT guy...
I just got back in from having a delicious clam roll, and several diners at the outside patio area around me spontaneously combusted.
DANG, it is hot.
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