I'm seriously considering ditching .Mac for Web Hosting Buzz to host my BRMC fan site - Down Here. The problem and possible reason for switching is that the templates I used for .Mac are crappy, but easy to update. I would love to redesign my site from scratch, but my HTML skills are limited. Of course, there's always lots of info to help from the internet, which should help because I probably want to do things with the site that I have no idea how to do.
The benefits of switching are lots more space and bandwidth, domain names for life, and saving lots of money each year. I'd be dumb not to switch. However, the laziness in me has kept me with .Mac all these years and it's also preventing me from wanting to learn to build a real website rather than a template based one. I have 45 days before my .Mac account expires, but that still might not be enough time to learn all the stuff it takes to build a decent site, let alone a cool one.
There's an XTC website called Optimism's Flames which is really cool and probably a little more complex than what I know how to do. Still, if there was ever an inspired look for a site that I had, it'd be that one. Anyways, there's no reason I couldn't learn to make a great site, I have lots of time on my hands and I'm sort of willing to learn. I could put the old site up until I actually figure out how to use Dreamweaver.
It's kind of sad that a lot of old BRMC fan sites disappeared, that's also why I was not willing to change mine for so long. Anyways, I think I am going to do this. I've always wanted my own domain name, and this will be the best way to do it. I think I'll still need help figuring out how to actually design and build a new site, but that also might be very rewarding.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
My first cavity
After 2 years of not seeing a dentist, I finally saw one today and learned that I had a cavity. One somewhat serious one and a few smaller ones actually. Though it must not have been that bad if the dentist took care of it that same afternoon without any anesthetics. It wasn't painful at all, in fact, the cleaning was a bit more painful than the drilling and filling.
Anyways, now I can't say I've never had a cavity. Though I did get a white filling, so you can't even tell that I have one. I kind of wanted a silver one so I could see it, but then the office lady said I should get a white one since I didn't have any already. It was a little more expensive, but probably better over all since it doesn't contain mercury.
After my appointment, my brother took me to Goodwill and I found a nice Hydraulic brand denim jacket so I can have my own Canadian tuxedo. I also got a cool pair of Japanese black and white pajama pants and 2 pairs of shoes for 99 cents each! Thrift stores are so much fun with new things every day.
Anyways, now I can't say I've never had a cavity. Though I did get a white filling, so you can't even tell that I have one. I kind of wanted a silver one so I could see it, but then the office lady said I should get a white one since I didn't have any already. It was a little more expensive, but probably better over all since it doesn't contain mercury.
After my appointment, my brother took me to Goodwill and I found a nice Hydraulic brand denim jacket so I can have my own Canadian tuxedo. I also got a cool pair of Japanese black and white pajama pants and 2 pairs of shoes for 99 cents each! Thrift stores are so much fun with new things every day.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sunset Junction: Sat, August 18, 2007
Not much to say about it, I went yesterday and saw Autolux and Blonde Redhead. Both bands were good in their own ways, but I wasn't enjoying the heat and all the crowds. I was a little disappointed that we missed a lot of the bands that went on earlier and that there was no guest list for the event, like I had been told there would be. Otherwise, the atmosphere was cool with all the vendors and rides. I didn't buy anything or go on any rides, but it was still neat walking around there. After we got off the shuttle back, we went to McDonalds for ice cream and soda. It was a nice way to end the day. I took a few photos of the bands, here are some on Blonde Redhead:
And Autolux:
And Autolux:
Saturday, August 18, 2007
What's Your Denim Identity?
I took this quiz twice and got the same result. I'm wondering if there's only one option. So everyone reading this should try the quiz out and let me know what you get. I want to know what the other options are.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
BRMC @ Bogart's, Cincinatti, OH 8-3-07
I was busy taking lots of photos and videos during this show, so it's hard to tell how good it was. I would say very good, but I was constantly harrassed near the end and a little after the show by some crazy guy I'd never met before. Now I know not to give my number out to strangers on MySpace. How silly of me not to know that before! Since this isn't much of a review, I'll post some of my favorite photos from that night along with the setlist (which I actually got and almost had stolen from me by the same jerk who was bugging me):
Took Out A Loan
Berlin
Ain't No Easy Way
Weapon of Choice
Punk Song
Windows
Six Barrel Shotgun
Cold Wind
Howl
Not What You Wanted
666 Conducer
Need Some Air
American X
Fault Line
Devils Waitin
Mercy
Promise
Shade Of Blue
The Show Is About To Begin
Spread Your Love
All You Do Is Talk
After the show, there was plenty of fun hijinks amongst me and my friends in the Black Posse (you know who you are). Here are some examples:
Took Out A Loan
Berlin
Ain't No Easy Way
Weapon of Choice
Punk Song
Windows
Six Barrel Shotgun
Cold Wind
Howl
Not What You Wanted
666 Conducer
Need Some Air
American X
Fault Line
Devils Waitin
Mercy
Promise
Shade Of Blue
The Show Is About To Begin
Spread Your Love
All You Do Is Talk
After the show, there was plenty of fun hijinks amongst me and my friends in the Black Posse (you know who you are). Here are some examples:
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Columbus, Covington, and Cincinatti
It's been over a week since I was in Cincinatti, so I might as well start blogging about it. No offense to the citizens of Cinci, but this was probably my least favorite place to see BRMC. Not because they played bad or anything, but we did have our share of unfriendly and downright rude people bothering us there. Covington, KY was rather nice in comparison and just a short drive over a bridge away from Cincinatti. It wasn't all bad, we did meet some nice people there. Over all, I don't have happy memories of this city.
Our trip started in Columbus, OH, where after 2 layovers in Minneapolis and Detroit, me and Suzanne finally arrived at the airport we were headed for. After getting no sleep the night before, we were both asleep for most of those plane rides. We found Michele waiting for us in the airport (she'd arrived several hours before us) and proceeded to the rental car area. The rental car guy must have been from Switzerland or something, he had a very funny accent which we'd mock throughout the rest of our trip. We ended up with a lovely white Dodge Avenger with a new engine that Suzanne would really break in with her race car driving skills.
After putting our stuff away and sitting down to relax for awhile, we went back into the airport to meet Jodi, whose original flight was overbooked so she was put on a later more direct flight from Salt Lake City. We probably didn't leave Columbus until around 11 PM and not long after hitting the rode decided to stop at one of the many Waffle Houses that we passed on our way to Covington. Our meal was served by our delightful server Zebulon, who enjoyed our excitement at eating at the Waffle House and our jukebox selections of Waffle House songs and other classics. As we were leaving and taking photos outside, we were given Waffle House hats and took some photos with Zeb.
We made good time to our hotel, which was only a couple hours away from the airport. It was easy to get to sleep that night after the long day of flying. In the morning, we got ready and went to pick up Liz at the airport in Cincinatti. First, we did a drive by of Bogart's. After bringing Liz back to our hotel, we gave her some time to get ready and then went back to Cincinatti for food. We had some pizza from a nearby restaurant. After that, we went back to Bogart's to buy tickets. We parked near a Taek won doo center, where Suzanne wanted us all to pose in front of it. After that, we were off to look for a coffee shop.
After a really long walk, we ended up at a place that was closed, but opened at 5 PM. It was about 4:30 and the guy who owned the place decided to let us in so we could cool down and enjoy the air conditioning. It was a really nice coffee bar inside and we sat and enjoyed the ambiance, which included lots of plants and even some fish tanks, which Liz seemed to enjoy a lot. Me and Suzanne went out to the patio, which was covered in lots of leafy green foliage - it was really lovely. We were locked out for a few minutes, since we didn't realize it was a locked door. We went back inside to order some coffee. I got ice cream, which had hair in it. I sent it back the first time, but the second time, I decided just to pick it out. I don't think we were charged for it anyways.
On our way back to Bogart's, we stopped by a Thrift Store. It was an interesting store because it was just a house with lots of clothes hanging in it for sale. Jodi found a onesie that she was very excited about and Liz found a cowboy hat to match the awesome black and gold phoenix boots she had on, but decided not to get it. Walking back to Bogart's, we passed by a few smelly spots that we later remembered to not breathe in at later. We were quite a spectacle for the locals, who asked us if we were looking for trouble. I had no idea what that meant, so I said yes and everyone thought I was crazy. Luckily, I don't think the person who asked heard me.
Okay, next blog, I will describe the show and after math in detail. This is just the pre-show antics that needed documentation for all eternity. Waiting in line wasn't terribly interesting, so I'll skip that too. I managed to avoid explaining why people in Cincinatti were so rude, it was really just a couple people. This red haired guy got really pissed off at Suzanne as she was making a turn near an intersection and he actually got out of his car to yell at her. We were all a bit shaken after that and very much soured on the city of Cincinatti. Also, the guy who served our coffee at the coffee bar wasn't particularly friendly, so we assumed he hated us. Well, that's all for now folks!
Our trip started in Columbus, OH, where after 2 layovers in Minneapolis and Detroit, me and Suzanne finally arrived at the airport we were headed for. After getting no sleep the night before, we were both asleep for most of those plane rides. We found Michele waiting for us in the airport (she'd arrived several hours before us) and proceeded to the rental car area. The rental car guy must have been from Switzerland or something, he had a very funny accent which we'd mock throughout the rest of our trip. We ended up with a lovely white Dodge Avenger with a new engine that Suzanne would really break in with her race car driving skills.
After putting our stuff away and sitting down to relax for awhile, we went back into the airport to meet Jodi, whose original flight was overbooked so she was put on a later more direct flight from Salt Lake City. We probably didn't leave Columbus until around 11 PM and not long after hitting the rode decided to stop at one of the many Waffle Houses that we passed on our way to Covington. Our meal was served by our delightful server Zebulon, who enjoyed our excitement at eating at the Waffle House and our jukebox selections of Waffle House songs and other classics. As we were leaving and taking photos outside, we were given Waffle House hats and took some photos with Zeb.
We made good time to our hotel, which was only a couple hours away from the airport. It was easy to get to sleep that night after the long day of flying. In the morning, we got ready and went to pick up Liz at the airport in Cincinatti. First, we did a drive by of Bogart's. After bringing Liz back to our hotel, we gave her some time to get ready and then went back to Cincinatti for food. We had some pizza from a nearby restaurant. After that, we went back to Bogart's to buy tickets. We parked near a Taek won doo center, where Suzanne wanted us all to pose in front of it. After that, we were off to look for a coffee shop.
After a really long walk, we ended up at a place that was closed, but opened at 5 PM. It was about 4:30 and the guy who owned the place decided to let us in so we could cool down and enjoy the air conditioning. It was a really nice coffee bar inside and we sat and enjoyed the ambiance, which included lots of plants and even some fish tanks, which Liz seemed to enjoy a lot. Me and Suzanne went out to the patio, which was covered in lots of leafy green foliage - it was really lovely. We were locked out for a few minutes, since we didn't realize it was a locked door. We went back inside to order some coffee. I got ice cream, which had hair in it. I sent it back the first time, but the second time, I decided just to pick it out. I don't think we were charged for it anyways.
On our way back to Bogart's, we stopped by a Thrift Store. It was an interesting store because it was just a house with lots of clothes hanging in it for sale. Jodi found a onesie that she was very excited about and Liz found a cowboy hat to match the awesome black and gold phoenix boots she had on, but decided not to get it. Walking back to Bogart's, we passed by a few smelly spots that we later remembered to not breathe in at later. We were quite a spectacle for the locals, who asked us if we were looking for trouble. I had no idea what that meant, so I said yes and everyone thought I was crazy. Luckily, I don't think the person who asked heard me.
Okay, next blog, I will describe the show and after math in detail. This is just the pre-show antics that needed documentation for all eternity. Waiting in line wasn't terribly interesting, so I'll skip that too. I managed to avoid explaining why people in Cincinatti were so rude, it was really just a couple people. This red haired guy got really pissed off at Suzanne as she was making a turn near an intersection and he actually got out of his car to yell at her. We were all a bit shaken after that and very much soured on the city of Cincinatti. Also, the guy who served our coffee at the coffee bar wasn't particularly friendly, so we assumed he hated us. Well, that's all for now folks!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Thrift Store Finds + Eskimo Joe
Not much new to discuss, I've been getting back into designer jeans thanks to finding a pair of Blue Cult jeans at the local ARC for only $6. They're tight and long on me, but I could lose weight and wear heels with it. The price for fashion is high... Speaking of thrift stores, I was at Goodwill today and picked up a live Radiohead CD for 99 cents, Interpol's Black EP for $2.99 and Tori Amos's Strange Little Girls for $2.99, exciting finds! As for new music, someone at Rykodisc sent me a CD by an Australian band called Eskimo Joe along with a bottle of red beaujolais! I don't even drink wine and it's a small bottle, but it's still really awesome! Anyways, I listened to the CD last night and it was really good! Check out this digital sampling of 3 of the band’s songs....
www.sendspace.com/file/p02xi5
They also contribute a cover of John Lennon's Mind Games to one of the Make Some Noise, The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur CDs that I just got. I haven't listened to it yet, but there are lots of good artists on it. I put a player up on my Facebook account, which I'll send a link to if you're interested.
www.sendspace.com/file/p02xi5
They also contribute a cover of John Lennon's Mind Games to one of the Make Some Noise, The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur CDs that I just got. I haven't listened to it yet, but there are lots of good artists on it. I put a player up on my Facebook account, which I'll send a link to if you're interested.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
BRMC @ The Wiltern on May 8, 2007 (revisited)
I decided to rewrite my review of the BRMC show at the Wiltern for the Losing Today website. It's a combination of the Marquee and Wiltern reviews that I posted in the tour archive.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels, HT Heartache @ The Wiltern on May 8, 2007
Setlist:
Took Out A Loan
Berlin
Spread Your Love
Lien On Your Dreams
Whatever Happened To My Rock 'n' Roll
Stop
Weapon Of Choice
Red Eyes And Tears
Window
Promise
Not What You Wanted
666 Conducer
Need Some Air
American X
Encore:
Fault Line
Devil's Waiting
Mercy
Howl
Ain't No Easy Way
All You Do Is Talk
The stage was really high - like 5 feet tall at least. Unlike the previous 2 shows, there was another opener named HT Heartache. She was like a country folk singer with a warbly voice. She really seemed out of place at this show. The audience politely applauded all her songs, though most people didn't seem too into it.
The Black Angels were really good, with the full line up of 6 members on stage that day. Their sound was kind of psychedelic and hypnotic with a dark, atmospheric edge. They are deinitely influenced by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, since the guitarist had a guitar with BJM stickers on it. I enjoyed the sitar-like guitars and cavernous sounding drums and bass. The Black Angels were more warmly received with their '60's inspired sounds of echoing guitars and dynamic drumming. Watching them perform is always a treat. Their songs "Black Grease" and "First Vietnam War" are instantly memorable and powerful. There was some video footage behind them that looked pretty interesting.
BRMC played an excellent set throughout the night with no waiting for an encore. "Took Out A Loan" started the show as it does the new album and was well-received by the audience with lots of cheering and excitement. During the middle of it, it has kind of a false ending which continues with lots of white strobe lights reminding me of when they play "White Palms." Soon after BRMC entered the stage area, Robert Levon Been (the bassist/singer) said that this was their largest North American show yet and they were glad that it was in their hometown. Even Nick Jago (the drummer) seemed more into performing on the drums and actually smiled a few times near the end of the show. The setlist didn't change much from San Diego, with the addition of Stop - which was nice to hear again.
Next, was "Berlin" which was already a very familiar and exciting live song, I definitely see it as the next single. The rest of the set was full of new songs from Baby 81, including "Lien on Your Dreams," "Not What You Wanted," and of course "Weapon of Choice." The piano on the stage was put to good use with the live debut of "Window" and then "Promise" right after it. "Need Some Air" and "American X" features Peter on bass and Robert on lead guitar. "Need Some Air" is a very cool live song with Spike and Peter providing some amusing "whoa oo oo's" at the end. "American X" has a lot of space in it that reminds me of "Riders on the Storm," and it was a welcome addition to the set. "Spread Your Love" and "Whatever Happened to My Rock n' Roll" are live favorites which seem to be permanent parts of the setlist.
They played "Red Eyes and Tears," which is always well-received. Near the middle/end of "Took Out a Loan" (the show opener), Been added some lyrics which I usually can't hear. "666 Conducer" has been consistently amazing to see and hear live because of the grooving bass line that Been played almost entirely on his knees. Robert was especially into the performance, moving to the edge of the stage quite a few times. Even Peter seems to enjoy watching that. There was more time for applause before the encore started. Peter Hayes played "Fault Line" and "Devil's Waitin'," during which he forgot a line and had the audience singing along to fill it in. Then, Robert came out for "Mercy" and had the house lights turned down.
During Howl, Peter Hayes (guitarist/singer) is playing his keyboard more facing the audience with a black drapery covering the front of it. I guess it's better than having his back to the audience, though I don't understand what the covering is for. The rest of the band came on and during "Ain't No Easy Way," Robert threw his tamborine into audience. However, this was not the most exciting thing he gave to the audience. The final song of the night was the lovely "All You Do Is Talk," which starts off slowly and builds to a powerfully stirring chorus. It was a lovely way to end the show. At the end of "All You Do Is Talk," he unplugged the Epiphone bass guitar he was playing and handed it to the audience. And people went nuts for it. I think there was some punching by the girl who ended up with it. The security had to break it up a little.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels, HT Heartache @ The Wiltern on May 8, 2007
Setlist:
Took Out A Loan
Berlin
Spread Your Love
Lien On Your Dreams
Whatever Happened To My Rock 'n' Roll
Stop
Weapon Of Choice
Red Eyes And Tears
Window
Promise
Not What You Wanted
666 Conducer
Need Some Air
American X
Encore:
Fault Line
Devil's Waiting
Mercy
Howl
Ain't No Easy Way
All You Do Is Talk
The stage was really high - like 5 feet tall at least. Unlike the previous 2 shows, there was another opener named HT Heartache. She was like a country folk singer with a warbly voice. She really seemed out of place at this show. The audience politely applauded all her songs, though most people didn't seem too into it.
The Black Angels were really good, with the full line up of 6 members on stage that day. Their sound was kind of psychedelic and hypnotic with a dark, atmospheric edge. They are deinitely influenced by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, since the guitarist had a guitar with BJM stickers on it. I enjoyed the sitar-like guitars and cavernous sounding drums and bass. The Black Angels were more warmly received with their '60's inspired sounds of echoing guitars and dynamic drumming. Watching them perform is always a treat. Their songs "Black Grease" and "First Vietnam War" are instantly memorable and powerful. There was some video footage behind them that looked pretty interesting.
BRMC played an excellent set throughout the night with no waiting for an encore. "Took Out A Loan" started the show as it does the new album and was well-received by the audience with lots of cheering and excitement. During the middle of it, it has kind of a false ending which continues with lots of white strobe lights reminding me of when they play "White Palms." Soon after BRMC entered the stage area, Robert Levon Been (the bassist/singer) said that this was their largest North American show yet and they were glad that it was in their hometown. Even Nick Jago (the drummer) seemed more into performing on the drums and actually smiled a few times near the end of the show. The setlist didn't change much from San Diego, with the addition of Stop - which was nice to hear again.
Next, was "Berlin" which was already a very familiar and exciting live song, I definitely see it as the next single. The rest of the set was full of new songs from Baby 81, including "Lien on Your Dreams," "Not What You Wanted," and of course "Weapon of Choice." The piano on the stage was put to good use with the live debut of "Window" and then "Promise" right after it. "Need Some Air" and "American X" features Peter on bass and Robert on lead guitar. "Need Some Air" is a very cool live song with Spike and Peter providing some amusing "whoa oo oo's" at the end. "American X" has a lot of space in it that reminds me of "Riders on the Storm," and it was a welcome addition to the set. "Spread Your Love" and "Whatever Happened to My Rock n' Roll" are live favorites which seem to be permanent parts of the setlist.
They played "Red Eyes and Tears," which is always well-received. Near the middle/end of "Took Out a Loan" (the show opener), Been added some lyrics which I usually can't hear. "666 Conducer" has been consistently amazing to see and hear live because of the grooving bass line that Been played almost entirely on his knees. Robert was especially into the performance, moving to the edge of the stage quite a few times. Even Peter seems to enjoy watching that. There was more time for applause before the encore started. Peter Hayes played "Fault Line" and "Devil's Waitin'," during which he forgot a line and had the audience singing along to fill it in. Then, Robert came out for "Mercy" and had the house lights turned down.
During Howl, Peter Hayes (guitarist/singer) is playing his keyboard more facing the audience with a black drapery covering the front of it. I guess it's better than having his back to the audience, though I don't understand what the covering is for. The rest of the band came on and during "Ain't No Easy Way," Robert threw his tamborine into audience. However, this was not the most exciting thing he gave to the audience. The final song of the night was the lovely "All You Do Is Talk," which starts off slowly and builds to a powerfully stirring chorus. It was a lovely way to end the show. At the end of "All You Do Is Talk," he unplugged the Epiphone bass guitar he was playing and handed it to the audience. And people went nuts for it. I think there was some punching by the girl who ended up with it. The security had to break it up a little.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Raveonettes and Midnight Movies @ Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa, CA 6-7-07
My long overdue review of the Raveonettes, Midnight Movies show at Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa, CA on 6-7-07:
The Raveonettes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/porcupiny/sets/72157600329517884/
Midnight Movies: http://www.flickr.com/photos/porcupiny/sets/72157600329460532/
Photos by Jacob Chan
Setlist:
Everyday (Buddy Holly)
Chain Gang Of Love
Twilight
Love in a Trashcan
Lust
Black Satin
Death By Deceit
Attack Of The Ghost Riders
My Tornado
100% (Sonic Youth)
I Know That You Want The Candy
Sex Beat (Gun Club)
Love Can Destroy
The Beat Dies
Hallucinations
Aly, Walk With Me
The Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa is a small club in a South Orange County strip mall. Oddly enough, Los Angeles-based Midnight Movies and bi-costal Danish duo The Raveonettes are making a rare electric duo appearance at this unusual place for a venue. Midnight Movies are an excellent modern psychedelic rock band with 2 female drummers (who alternate) and switch off between songs. The singer (and occasional drummer) Gena Olivier has a deep hypnotic voice and alternates between drums and keyboards. The current regular drummer, Sandra Vu, drummed with The Raveonettes for a few songs on this recent tour and also alternates between playing flute and bass. The guys in the band (Larry Schemel and Ryan Wood) are also very talented with their impressive guitar and bass playing skills. The new album "Lion the Girl" is a gorgeous and hypnotic work, possibly one of my top albums of this year already. The song "Should've Known" even inspired some tribal dancing near the front of the stage.
The Raveonettes have a large international following, so I was surprised by how intimate their recent US shows have been. Sune Rose Wagner (guitarist/singer) and Sharin Foo (bassist/singer) were setting up their instruments on the red-curtained stage before starting to play. No fanfare or introduction music as they just started playing after they finished setting up. They opened the show with a lovely feedback-laden version of "Everyday" originally by Buddy Holly. Wagner's and Foo's voices blend seamlessly in that and most of their other songs. "Chain Gang of Love" was next from the 2003 album of the same name, with it's vintage girl-group sound that never grows old.
"Twilight" from the 2005 album Pretty In Black was an interesting stripped down version of the song without the original drum machine. The single from the last album "Love in A Trashcan" sets lyrics about groupies to a fun rockabilly beat. The new tracks "Lust" and "Death By Deceit" show a slower more dramatic turn for the Raveonettes next album, which we will hopefully expect in September of this year. The other new song "Black Satin" is an upbeat romantic song with a familar '60's pop sound. "Attack of the Ghost Riders" and "My Tornado" from the Whip It On EP was a familiar return to their B flat minor days. On that song, Sharin puts down her bass for a tambourine. Wagner tried his hand at drumming while Foo played bass on their excellent cover of Sonic Youth's "100%," which really sounds like it was meant to be played by the duo.
Next, was another new song, which Sharin announced was about candy called "I Know That You Want The Candy," a fast romp through more poppy hook-filled territory. This track screams to be the next big single for the Raveonettes. Their version of "Sex Beat" by the Gun Club was next, a fun punk cover that really got the audience moving. "Love Can Destroy" is a country-tinged tune which sounds like they're covering Johnny Cash. "The Beat Dies" is a gorgeous new slow song with Sharin Foo singing lead vocals. "Hallucinations" is another new son "Aly, Walk With Me" is a slower sinister sounding song ending with a lot of feedback on both guitar and bass. After the show, both bands were selling merchandise near the front of the club. It was both surprising and exciting to see Sharin Foo selling Raveonettes shirts, tank tops, and patches to the audience members who remained after the show.
The Raveonettes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/porcupiny/sets/72157600329517884/
Midnight Movies: http://www.flickr.com/photos/porcupiny/sets/72157600329460532/
Photos by Jacob Chan
Setlist:
Everyday (Buddy Holly)
Chain Gang Of Love
Twilight
Love in a Trashcan
Lust
Black Satin
Death By Deceit
Attack Of The Ghost Riders
My Tornado
100% (Sonic Youth)
I Know That You Want The Candy
Sex Beat (Gun Club)
Love Can Destroy
The Beat Dies
Hallucinations
Aly, Walk With Me
The Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa is a small club in a South Orange County strip mall. Oddly enough, Los Angeles-based Midnight Movies and bi-costal Danish duo The Raveonettes are making a rare electric duo appearance at this unusual place for a venue. Midnight Movies are an excellent modern psychedelic rock band with 2 female drummers (who alternate) and switch off between songs. The singer (and occasional drummer) Gena Olivier has a deep hypnotic voice and alternates between drums and keyboards. The current regular drummer, Sandra Vu, drummed with The Raveonettes for a few songs on this recent tour and also alternates between playing flute and bass. The guys in the band (Larry Schemel and Ryan Wood) are also very talented with their impressive guitar and bass playing skills. The new album "Lion the Girl" is a gorgeous and hypnotic work, possibly one of my top albums of this year already. The song "Should've Known" even inspired some tribal dancing near the front of the stage.
The Raveonettes have a large international following, so I was surprised by how intimate their recent US shows have been. Sune Rose Wagner (guitarist/singer) and Sharin Foo (bassist/singer) were setting up their instruments on the red-curtained stage before starting to play. No fanfare or introduction music as they just started playing after they finished setting up. They opened the show with a lovely feedback-laden version of "Everyday" originally by Buddy Holly. Wagner's and Foo's voices blend seamlessly in that and most of their other songs. "Chain Gang of Love" was next from the 2003 album of the same name, with it's vintage girl-group sound that never grows old.
"Twilight" from the 2005 album Pretty In Black was an interesting stripped down version of the song without the original drum machine. The single from the last album "Love in A Trashcan" sets lyrics about groupies to a fun rockabilly beat. The new tracks "Lust" and "Death By Deceit" show a slower more dramatic turn for the Raveonettes next album, which we will hopefully expect in September of this year. The other new song "Black Satin" is an upbeat romantic song with a familar '60's pop sound. "Attack of the Ghost Riders" and "My Tornado" from the Whip It On EP was a familiar return to their B flat minor days. On that song, Sharin puts down her bass for a tambourine. Wagner tried his hand at drumming while Foo played bass on their excellent cover of Sonic Youth's "100%," which really sounds like it was meant to be played by the duo.
Next, was another new song, which Sharin announced was about candy called "I Know That You Want The Candy," a fast romp through more poppy hook-filled territory. This track screams to be the next big single for the Raveonettes. Their version of "Sex Beat" by the Gun Club was next, a fun punk cover that really got the audience moving. "Love Can Destroy" is a country-tinged tune which sounds like they're covering Johnny Cash. "The Beat Dies" is a gorgeous new slow song with Sharin Foo singing lead vocals. "Hallucinations" is another new son "Aly, Walk With Me" is a slower sinister sounding song ending with a lot of feedback on both guitar and bass. After the show, both bands were selling merchandise near the front of the club. It was both surprising and exciting to see Sharin Foo selling Raveonettes shirts, tank tops, and patches to the audience members who remained after the show.
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