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Posted by xneverwherex on January 11, 2009
since i didnt post a single thing here in a year – its tragic really – i wasnt altogether absent from reviews and such. if i have time ill one day add them here, but you can read about my adventures in the city on my flickr page. all the concerts come with recaps and what not. www.flickr.com/photos/xneverwherex
and heres to lots of shows in 09. im starting on a great note with the winterpills. and this week liam & me. awesome awesome awesome!
HAPPY NEW YEARS!
Posted in Adventures in the Big City, Live Music, Random Ramblings | Tagged: 2008, concerts, music | 1 Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on December 22, 2007
12/21/07
So theres so much to add and so little time. Its the story of my life and living in NYC, right? So lets go back a few weeks. I headed back to California to visit the family. It was quite nice actually, but sometimes I think I stay there too long and am so sick of the area. But then I see a photo and I wonder what I’m really giving up. I mean San Francisco is an amazing city. There is no city quite like it. So that I definitely miss and of course I have some amazing friends there too. I spent an evening in a coffee shop with a good friend of mine that I hadnt seen in years. And it was almost like I never left. Him and I talked for hours. It was quite great to going home and having friends like that. And of course, seeing my brother and sister-in-law is always a trip. Im not sure if him and I will ever get along, so going out can be a nightmare. Surprisingly, I bit my tongue and our lunch was quite nice to celebrate his birthday.
So yeah – that was my vacation in a nutshell. Oh I left out the spa I went to with some girlfriends. My god! I can use that all the time. It was pure relaxation for an hour and a half or so. I used to be so embarrassed about being completely naked in front of these massage therapists (as theyre so rightly called), but hell at this point Ive long since cared. I can seem to always pass out, but the major plus is when they start massaging your head. I think I need a boyfriend who does that.
On that note – I found this gorgeous picture of a) the golden gate bridge and b) a picture out towards the ocean that I went on a drive with my parents. Im so in love with the picture, that I sometimes amaze even myself and c) a California sunset that you can only get in one place 😉 (oh im so cheeky). But seriously, if youve never experienced a California sunset (and I mean on the ocean and all), please do so. I will say you wont regret it.
Going out here made me really remember how much I miss things like the oceans, mountains, hiking, forests, etc. I was blessed growing up in Marin County, and some days I do miss all that, but hell NYC has it all.
Pics to be added soon 🙂
Posted in Friends, Random Ramblings | Tagged: California, Chicken Ranch Beach, cloudy sky, Golden Gate Bridge, lighthouse, Marin County, Point Reyes, Rachel, sunsets, Tomales Bay | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on December 15, 2007
My friend Manuel had this brilliant idea (well he stole it from a friend too) and we made a best of 2007 mix of all the best music from this year. Of course Im a bit biased, but I think mine is brilliant. If you end up downloading it and liking the idea, make your own – and pass the link my way.
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Rachel’s Best of 2007
Posted in Friends, Live Music, Random Ramblings | Tagged: best of 2007, Friends, manuel, music | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on September 12, 2007
Naturally I have way too much time on my hands at work. So I decided to take this test. :) Nice to see I scored high in the comic book section :) Take yours?
Posted in Random Ramblings | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on July 27, 2007
7/24 – Tuesday
Saw the White Stripes on Tuesday night. I won tickets to this show thanks to Warner Records and Reprise (I believe) from Siren Festival. What can I say, but Jack is incredibly talented. Somewhere during the set i was trying to figure out if “big sister” meg could really drum or what. Shes cute, im just not sure i was blown away by her. musically the two of them are really talented. their encore was incredible. They played a
near 2 hour set and i couldnt complain. even tho i recognized only a chunk of the songs (and all the encore songs – i think), it was easy to just go along with it. Their covers, which I did recognize, were done really well. And ending with “7 Nation Army” was a pretty sweet way to end the night.
A friend’s comment on the White Stripes – to my above comment regarding Meg – “And I think the secret to Meg’s drumming is that she’s like the heartbeat in the song. So her simple beats accent Jack’s crazy mad skills on the guitar.”
Wed. 7/25
I just got home from one of the many they might be giants residency shows from Bowery Ballroom. The show was great. another 2 hour set. having noted that this is a residency show, no 2 shows are alike. so tonights show was called songs from the 90’s we never played live 🙂 hahaha excellent. so many great songs, added some new ones. and ended up with the classics ‘birdhouse in your soul’, ‘twistin’ and even played ‘i palindrome’. the ace part is when someone taps me on the shoulder and says ‘hey rachel’. i turn around, and im staring at this guy, and i think i mutter ‘holy shit’. and he starts laughing – and he says ‘noah, you know we work together’. i respond of course i fucking know who you are, this is awesome. apparently he LOVES tmbg, but better yet, loves fratellis, maximo, kaiser chiefs, etc. he f’ing rocks! Even better, during the show hed tap me on the shoulder and tell me which stuff was off their new album.
john and john are still as entertaining as ever. phone calls to the dead and all the other quirky things theyve done over the past are still as silly. and musically (with some of the dans) they still hold up. On that note, I’m already trying to figure out if I can see their show next week. I must point out, that 2 wed from now, the really talented Oppenheimer from Belfast are opening for them, and no one should miss them!
7/26
Last night’s show was probably even better than the prior nights. well ok – its hard to top the white stripes at the moment. but it started out with one of my new favorite bands War Tapes, from LA. Although after one listen, and you will be surprised theyre from LA. They’re sounding like a lot of the British bands coming out. Perhaps some editors, mixed with interpol, and the darkness of Joy Division. I dont think I have ever seen such tight clothing worn either. These boys had their skinny tight jeans plastered onto them. and it was HOT!
Sadly, I was one of 20 people at the show (this is at the bowery), if 20 were there. i was in the front, totally into it, and others looked perplexed. so i got lots of great pics. the lead singer kept bending down in front of me and singing directly at me. was rather cool. the band was way crazy with loads of energy. Their guitarist is out of control and insanely good. The drummer gets so into it, its really fun to watch. The bassist, she just kind of stands there looking pretty. I havent seen such goth-looking boys with so much energy in awhile.
After their set, I was talking to the singer for a while. Told him it was such an awesome set and that I came out for their set. He was really cool, asking me how I knew of them. Said thanks to SF and the people there, I knew of them. So yeah, my California connections are always coming in handy. Before he left, he said ‘oh by the way, im neil’. So I said ‘Im Rachel’. And he said something like, im so glad to meet you Rachel, and I’m glad you liked it.
I think I fell in ❤
The next band was really great too. I only came out to the show for the openers. Mainly to see War Tapes because at the moment I think they are just brilliant. But Liam & Me, who i had seen before I knew wouldnt disappoint.
The guys are from Philly, and are probably in their early 20’s. Doesnt hurt that a bunch of 30-year olds I was hanging out with, decided we all wanted to do very naughty things with them, and lots of nakedness ![[Big Grin]](https://i0.wp.com/doomlink.dreamhosters.com/ubb/biggrin.gif)
Liam & Me plays very dancy, indie-pop music. Each song gets more dancy than the next. And I was hanging out with a bunch of folks from the UK who were terribly drunk. We were all in the front, dancing a lot, the guys were jumping around – banging into each other, and those nearby skirmished to the sides. The band loved it, and wanted everyone to get in on the action. My only real complaint is a 30 min set or less. I know their stuff is quick and fast, but we wanted to keep on dancing. Their fans are really young, and no one was even legal. Granted sometimes I throw all morals out the door.
Last band was The Automatic. I only really knew the song “Monster” which is getting a lot of airplay and is quite catchy. At least Im assuming its how I know of it, but I dont listen to the radio. Regardless, its their single. The Automatic is much heavier compared to both the bands. They are playing on the Warped Tour. Penny, on synths, some small redhead guy, is out of control. Jumping higher than humanly possible, banging the hell out of his keys. Incredible to watch. Filled with so much energy. The whole band is just one big ball of energy. That gets more intense as they keep playing. I think they played a 40 min set that had everyone around sweaty.
The UK guys didnt disappoint. No one was even near us, because it was so out of control. If I didnt know them, Id have been nowhere near, but they were courteous to me, to not totally bang into me. Penny started yelling at the people upstairs that they were a bunch of pussies. He jumped into the crowd numerous times to rock out with everyone. He also jumped from speakers that were so insanely high, at one point he left the show for 3 songs. He didnt get up for a long time, that people wondered if he was ok. I think that might have not helped the set, because the band looked concerned. Needless to say, there was no encore.
But if youre looking for some great rock music to really get into and mosh to, go check out them. Theyd love it if more people did that.
Posted in Adventures in the Big City, Live Music, Random Ramblings | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on July 24, 2007
From those wacky folks at Improv Everywhere, check out the link below. I happily participated in the riding of the ever-so-packed subway uptown. Im telling you, people might give about 50 redheads a second-look, but it really had no impact. Im sure a few of them had a chuckle as the guy walked through the train selling sunscreen from about 30-50 SPF 🙂 Yes, we redheads need it.
Also included is our protest of the Wendy’s logo/image from none other than Wendys. Youd be surprised the looks people give when seeing people protest things as frivolous as Wendy’s. All in all, it was a great time.
And this is like ‘Where’s Waldo?’ So, obviously if you know me, you can spot me, and if not, good luck on finding me! im the redhead!
For those of you redheads who made it out to the mission, you guys were wonderful. It’d be awesome if you could share your story in the comments section of mission report.http://www.improveverywhere.com/2007/07/24/redheads/
Posted in Adventures in the Big City, Friends, Random Ramblings | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on May 3, 2007
Im copying this post from another site I’ve been posting at. Im actually doing something pretty cool here – why, you ask? – well mostly for the hell of it, and its turning out to be pretty fun, to keep the world (east coast) apprised of whats going on around them.
so if you have time go to: www.alex.to/doomlink – and i post under xneverwherex
So heres my update for Tribeca, which Im proud to say im a volunteer at.
Instead of creating a thread for every single movie I have seen, I am going to make it all inclusive. I fear that no one will ever see these films, but alas, please, please, please be sure to see films at your local arthouse cinema.Last night, while working I kept seeing this guy (and have seen him numerous times) at the festival and thought – I know him. So I check out his badge and his name is Barry Sisson. At this point I dont care if I name drop because there could be something in this for everyone. Barry Sisson is heading up Cavalier Films based out of Charlottesville, VA. I used to frequent Cinema Arts (Fairfax, VA) all the time and was invited in an offer to become an investor on his next film. After having numerous financial advisers and co-workers read the documents, with no real money to my name, it was a very risky venture. A Film did get made under Cavalier, although I am not sure which film it is.Cavalier is apparently looking for investors for another film. If interested, please contact me and I will get you in touch with him. Please note – I get NOTHING out of this. Im only putting this up, because you never know who is interested in what.
Long story short, Barry remembered me from a few years back in Virginia and told me of his new opportunity. He also purchased a film at Tribeca but alas I dont know which it was.
On to the good stuff:
The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez – brilliant documentary – if it comes to Silver Docs – get out there and see this. Esequiel Hernandez was the first person murdered on US land by armed forces since the Kent State killings. He lived in a small Texas border-town and was herding goats when he was taken out. Brilliant, brilliant film and for thsoe that think this sounds familiar – Tommy Lee Jones film “The Three Burials” is this story. Tommy Lee Jones did narrate this film and the filmmakers worked on Three Burials.
Fraulein – a Yugoslavian film (yes I know there is no more Yugoslavia) that is an interesting story of women who have had to leave the country and all converge in Switzerland. A Bit slow, but the filmmakers were adorable (and all-women!) that it definitely added to the film. Nice story, but I wasnt terribly moved by it.
Gardener of Eden – This is Kevin Connolly’s directorial debut (of Entourage – plays Vince’s manager, Eric) and is produced by Leo DiCaprio (does he even need a last name). Major major disappointment. Big names, wanted and needed a much better script. Kid from NJ ends up getting kicked out of school and ends up going back home to NJ to live with his parents. One day, out of pure frustration, he beats the hell out of a guy and is claimed local hero the next. naturally, the guy was a serial rapist. The kid thinks he’s now super-cop and goes out trying to solve all the crimes and fix the world. Eh, had its moments, but is only worth maybe $6 or netflix (which obviously it will come to with such big names behind it).
note to self: dont see blockbuster movies at film festivals.
Day Zero – I have not seen the whole movie (I was working) but from what I did see, this movie has promise (the fact that I know the ending KILLS me) but its the story of 3 friends from NYC (naturally, right?) who end up getting drafted into the war. this takes place in current day and is a fictional (so far) account of what would happen if we reinstated the draft. One guy (Chris Klein) is trying to find a way out of going; he has just made partner at his firm. another friend is gung-ho about going to war and killing people and the other friend (Elijah Wood) is indifferent and doesnt know what to do. Seems great from what I’ve seen. Oh how my skin crawled at the thought of reinstating the draft.
The last movie (as of today) was from John Dahl, director of Red Rock West (please tell me someone has seen this) and The Last Seduction (with Linda Fiorintino) is You Kill Me.
This film I have not yet seen the entire thing, but saw most of the film. The acting is great with an incredible story. The writers seem very cool, and after the Q&A, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of their films.
In this smart, darkly funny drama by John Dahl (The Last Seduction) about addiction and recovery, Ben Kingsley delivers a bravura performance as Frank, an alcoholic contract killer forced to go through a twelve-step program and become a funeral home assistant. Also starring Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson
Thats it for now!
Posted in Adventures in the Big City, Movies, Random Ramblings | 1 Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on February 8, 2007
So, I’ve been more than a bit slack on this. Thanks Luke for reminding me. I assure you very soon pics will be posted from this show. So the new year has been off like a bang. I didnt post a write up on Ra Ra Riot, who with time are really making their songs sound perfect and still closing the show with Kate Bush’s “Hounds Of Love”. My only complaint, we all know (or should know) they are going to play it, so please for the love of god, stop yelling it out. Annoys me to no end. I suppose it could be some people’s first time seeing them, still no excuse. Man, I’m getting mean with old age (no comments needed please).
Also at that show was Vampire Weekend, who is friends with one of my closest friend’s kid brother. Kinda cool, looking over and thinking ‘uhh I know that guy’. And turned out indeed I did. Vampire Weekend is entertaining and I’m not sure I thought that musically they were that great, but when the crowd loves them, its hard to not catch on to them. Born Ruffians, from Toronto, were a tight band. The three guys rocked, and the lead singer who couldnt have been a day over 18 (pushing it at that) had quite the voice. The bassist, incredible! As far as talent, these guys have got it. And the last band, lets just say very forgettable. I wont name names, mostly because I already forgot, but how the hell they were headlining the show, Ill never know. The crowd really came out for Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, and it really showed. This unnamed band, reminded me of a really BAD version of The Presets, but can I say REALLY bad!
Oh I have also seen The Color Purple again. This time there was a Q&A with a 9 News anchorwoman after the show. It was really interesting to see the actors outside of the roles they played. Some I just couldn’t believe were the same person. And I really learned a thing or two about the way the theater works. Especially with the stand-ins, and all these other great terms I have already forgotten. For those interested, for the month of February each Tuesday night performance, will have this at the end of it. I really encourage everyone to stay around for it.
In that time I have also seen The Affair, Les Sans Culottes (a faux French band from Brooklyn, that sings entirely in French), pure entertainment! And their music is beyond that catchy French music. Their cover of “These Boots are Made for Walking” in French is great. The best part about it, none of them are French, and none of them speak French fluently. What next, eh?
Spent a night or two at cakeshop and saw a friend’s band play there. I should really plug this band, because I really liked them, but for the life of me I am drawing a blank. There are probably other things that I am missing, I havent even gone into the movies I have seen, and other shows, but alas, Ill try and get my arse in gear.
Next post… Nights in White Satin.. curious, I’ll betcha!
Posted in Broadway/Off Broadway Shows, Live Music, Random Ramblings | Leave a Comment »
Posted by xneverwherex on January 20, 2007
I met him in a crowded room
Where people go to drink away their gloom
He sat me down and so began
The story of a charmless man
Charmless Man – Blur
I’m sorry for those who come by to realize how lazy I’ve been. Lots of shows on the horizon, and surprisingly (or not really) I’ve seen lots of shows. I have also just started my own meetup group. Indie/Britpop Fans United Oh yeah! It should be cool once its really up and running. I have had one event and sadly only one person RSVP’ed yes, oh wait. 2 I take that back. And one showed up. 50% not bad.
So Thursday night was Popscene. And for those who dont know me well enough, I used to go to Popscene in SF quite a bit. I used to love that place (well still do) and met some great friends. And funny how in SF we used to ALWAYS see each other at the same concerts. Lots of good fun. So now Jeremy has opened Popscene in NYC at Club Midway – 25 Ave B – yes this is more promotion. The music was awesome, and he played the Dandy Warhols for me. I so love you Jeremy. Any way, met a really cool guy here and although it really wasnt a crowded room, I so wish he’d just say something to me again. The story is much longer I assure you, but nothing that Id like to share with the entire public. Or wait, isnt that the point of this. Well maybe one day.
So alas, its me here on a Saturday afternoon. Well I should be getting ready to head into queens for another meetup group, but feeling _very_ tired and I think I’m headed out to Tonic tonight. DJ Anton (im wondering if thatd be one anton newcombe? of BJM, naturally) will be spinning disco/psychedilia stuff. Its free too!
Anyway I saw the amazing bubbles show last night. WTF you are saying. I kid you not. Its over on 50th at the new world stages. i love the theater because a) its close to me and b) the art work (read photography) is amazing. lots of warhol shots and other famous people, and c) most importantly the theater is in great condition. I assure you this show is worth about all of $4. Fan Yang? I think that was his name really blows bubbbles and lots and lots bubbles for kids throughout the show. Trust me, there were a lot of adults. I think I should have dranken some black vodka from the evil dead show. i couldnt stop laughing, and i assure you i wasnt drunk. oh the silliness of it all. it was cute, and the end reminded me of slava’s snowshow, but just so not worht the money. better than the stuff ive been seeing lately over on 42nd street. there has been some downright bad stuff. time to save my $3 and find something good to see.
oh can i say the color purple – $3 – oh yeah! for those interested in learning how you too could be getting $3 tix for some of the worst and best off b’way and on b’way shows, drop me a line. ok i must run to the post office. im getting some new music! oh yeah! am i too californian in new york. me thinks so, and trust me, its not a bad thing!
in the meantime, my best friend from Cali had called and left me a voicemail that had the line ‘you remind me of Lily Allen.’ I think I’ll take that as a compliment 🙂
and i will say – he wasn’t a charmless man –
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Posted by xneverwherex on November 13, 2006
Its not so often that a movie really inspires me to find old history books and re-read things that I learned in college (I was a Latin American/Iberian Studies Major). This was one of those movies that did. The Lost City is Andy Garcia’s directorial debut and his 16-year labor of love. Its a beautiful story of a city, Havana, Cuba. For most of the actors in this movie, of Cuban descent, this movie is very important, as for they can no longer go back there, and are living in exile.
The story moves quickly with music taking us through every step of the film. The music captures the essence of Havana, Cuba, from the powerfulness of Afro-Cuban beats, to more popular Cuban music. The scenery is gorgeous, with views of the colonial city of Havana, to the gorgeous cabanas, to the crystal clear ocean.
What is interesting of the film is how the Fellove family begins to crumble. A family that is so filled with love slowly deteriorates, much the way the country of Cuba does. A well-to-do middle class family, with a father that is a professor at the university, Fico (Andy Garcia) who owns the Tropico cabana. But as it becomes apparent that the fall of Batista will be inevitable, and the children start joining Revolutionary armies, the family soon falls apart. One son joins up with the July 26 movement (Che Guevara’s), and another son joins a movement to reinstate the 1940’s Constitution. As the country soon falls, and Che and Fidel rise, choices need to be made. Families are forever torn apart, with many members taking exile in Miami and NYC. Most of these families will never see each other again.
What is unfortunate, unlike Spielberg’s name on the film, it will never been seen by most. It has terrific acting, with cameos from Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murry as the writer (interjecting about the absurdity that is going on), and a brilliant fictional story with historical overtones, its worth seeing in the way Schindler’s List is worth seeing. It doesn’t glorify Che, the way he is now seen on bumper stickers, shirts, etc. It shows Che for what he was and neither him nor Fidel walk away with clean hands. Che is said to have murdered a good 2000 people – which makes one wonder. For those wearing his shirt, I always wondered, did they take the time to read into Che and stop looking at him as a hero.
Unfortunately Cuba is not the only country to have gone through this revolution. Bolivia also had a similar revolution. So did most of Latin America at some point. History does repeat itself unfortunately, and maybe one day people will start to learn about Latin America and what really goes on.
So, if you have the opportunity to see this, please do! And if you have a chance listen to the commentary, and read what the actors had to say about filming this movie. It had an impact on everyone and knowing how it inspired these actors inspired me to start re-reading about some of the brilliant artists, poets and writers from Cuba. Marti was a brilliant poet. And there are so many others to name.
Posted in Movies, Random Ramblings | Leave a Comment »
Ramblings of a Redhead Music Snob 