Ramblings of a Redhead Music Snob

Life & Music in New York, My City

More Concerts, More Movies – Im Tired!

Posted by xneverwherex on June 14, 2007

6/14/07

So this here is a summary of a bunch of months into one post. To give you an idea of my life, I got home last night from work with a massive headache. This meant, bailing on Grindhouse (which I still need to see), and falling asleep while watching Machuca around 7:30pm. I should say, Machuca is so worth seeing. It reminds me of Y Tu Mama Tambien, without the likes of Gael Garcia Bernal. The kids are much younger, but some of the scenes had my mouth left on the floor. Use your imagination. 🙂

 As my movie page is now corrupt (meaning I cant figure out how to edit it), I also just recently saw a screening of the movie Stop Loss. This is Kimberly Peirce’s new film. She is the director of Boys Don’t Cry, which gave Hilary Swank her first Oscar. This movie is incredibly powerful, and its name comes from the Stop Loss program that the military is once again putting into effect. Officers that have completed their tours (sometimes 2-3) and are scheduled to be done on a certain date, are stop-lossed and must complete longer tours. This is happening a lot now (think 81,000 troops are stop-lossed) as we don’t have enough people willing to serve. These troops sometimes must go on and on with serving in the world. According to law, the stop loss program is only in operation in a time of war. The question comes down to, if we are not in a time of war, can you force someone to do this.

The movie is the story of Ryan Phillipe and some other friends from Texas who are getting ready to finish their tours, and once back in the states learn that they have been stop-lossed. Its interesting to see the different reactions and how it affects people differently.

As this was an early screening of the film, I have a feeling a lot of the film could change, based on comments about the film. I thought it was perfect as it was, but it was beyond violent, and its hard to watch a lot of the war shots, as they are so violent. Its very in your face, which is perhaps we as Americans need. It does seem like that at some point, the worst is going to happen – and by that I mean the draft will be reinstated.

Other things: The Long Blondes on Saturday night. Fun show, but didn’t blow me away. Had some catchy songs, but the bassist seemed like she’d have rather been elsewhere. And she wasnt very good. Saw The Veils at the Mercury Lounge. Brilliant show. Lead singer has a great voice and the band played a very tight set. The lead singer is spastic and out of control, all over the stage, but it adds to the show. Also, The Noisettes with Maccabees at Knitting Factory. The Noisettes were so bizarre and it was a pretty out there show. Im not a fan of them, so it was hard for me to really get into it, but the lead singer was a trip to watch. Maccabees tore the place up, and had a dance party with everyone singing the songs. Lead singer was so impressed that everyone knew the lyrics and they seemed so excited to have a packed show. Great! cant wait to see them again.

I know I’m missing out on a lot more shows. And there is so much good stuff coming around. Keep your eyes peeled 🙂

Posted in Adventures in the Big City, Live Music, Movies | 2 Comments »

RIP John 6/4/07

Posted by xneverwherex on June 4, 2007

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Ra Ra Riot @ Sin-E 11/4/06 RIP John 6/4/07

Ra Ra Riot @ Sin-E 11/4/06 RIP John 6/4/07,
originally uploaded by xneverwherex.

Sad Sad day it was today. John, the talented drummer of one of my favorite bands Ra Ra Riot, was found dead. My heart goes out to the band and his family. I am grateful I got to see them so many times, but I am sure the shows will not be the same without him.

Posted in Live Music | Leave a Comment »

GOD IS A DJ!

Posted by xneverwherex on May 3, 2007

4/25/07 

As Maxi Jazz said “This is my Church!” to a crowded Webster Hall.

And its one statement thats very hard to disagree with, unless of course you’re in Toronto at the Gardens watching a Leafs game. That might be my church 🙂

I owe a HUGE HUGE thanks to my friend Scoosh in Scotland who basically told me I *had* to go see them 🙂 He even included video footage, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMLerqyrVas   of why I must see them. Follow up that with seeing the movie Glastonbury which is a must see. The concert footage in there is amazing.

by far, show of the year! and ive seen lots of shows already. My posting as a huge thanks sums up the night!

Scoosh – I FINALLY saw faithless and OH MY GOD! words cant describe that show. it was pure energy and you could feel it from the crowd. Hearing “God is a DJ” was worth the price of the ticket alone. Webster Hall was pure energy at that moment. The crowd (mostly english) was so into them and it was just bodies against another everyone jumping in unison. was pretty cool. i think so far that this was the best show i had been to in a long, long time. id say they even surpassed the basement jaxx who put on one hell of a show. off the top of my head “God is a DJ”, “Insomnia” “What About Love” and “I want more”. i have the setlist at home, but it was great!they sure know how to build up an audience, taking it almost slow at first building to some huge crescendo. like sex or something. the place erupted when “we become 1” was played. there was so much jumping, you could feel the vibrations on the floor and this floor bounces so it felt like at any moment you were going crashing down 3 floors.
all in all – the best show i could have possibly gone too.

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Art Brut, Ra Ra Riot

Posted by xneverwherex on May 3, 2007

A review that I had posted after this show:

If anyone has a chance to see Art Brut, I really recommend checking them out. I can’t comment on how many times I have seen them now, A LOT!, but last night’s show was really great.

Ra Ra Riot opened up the show and what a performance they gave. Very energetic, confident, catchy songs as always, and were genuinely having a great time. (i’ve now seen them enough times, to realize how much they have grown as a band, while playing live). art brut seemed to enjoy them too, as they were hanging out near the stage
listening to them and seemed impressed.

the next band – i swear it had to be a joke – was holy hail. i think that was their name, and they were awful. The bassist couldnt play bass, aside for maybe 3 chords. The lead singer couldnt really sing, and mostly did some pseudo-rap performance. I was waiting for her to
break out with a Blondie song, but it never happened. I just really wondered if this band were for real. My friends all agreed with me and we couldnt figure out how Ra Ra Riot was the first opener and this band was the second. Absolutely made no sense.

Art Brut finished off the night. Joked a lot about downloading their music for free off the internet, but told everyone to be sure to buy it when it came out 🙂 Emily Kane has now changed so much over time, with all of his interjections becoming much more comical. I just wonder what he’ll end up discussing next time. Emily Kane is now married with 3 kids, as a sidenote, for those interested. 🙂 The crowd was very into the band, lots of jumping, attempts at crowd- surfing, lots of beer everywhere and just in general a great time.
Their new stuff is as catchy as the first album. The encore was good fun ending with Good Weekend. Art Brut 76 (or 47) was at the show, and i know 47 is We Are Scientists, so it could have very well been them. But ya never know, with all the Art Brut bands floating around out there.

Based on Holy Hail, I should now go form my own art brut band. ‘we formed a band, we formed a band, look at us, we formed a band’. 🙂

thats it from NYC for now.

-r

Posted in Friends, Live Music | Leave a Comment »

Tribeca Film Festival

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 »

so much to say.. so much to say

Posted by xneverwherex on March 21, 2007

well unfortunately im hoping tomorrow before i leave for orlando, ill add the rest. so lately my schedule is out of control. i should count how many concerts ive seen in the new year. im rather afraid since i did 5 shows in a row last week. and for the 6th night, i even hit popscene! yeah! and found a cool new pub and made some cool new friends.

so the good news is …. tomorrow.. me.. sunshine. beaches. me mom.. and orlando.. mickey mouse.. disney world. epcot center…

yeah you get the idea. its about time i took a bloody vacation. so that is it for now must get a good nights sleep.

i will be updating at work, using my great work hours to comment on the bands ive seen. and when i return im uploading all my new pics! and there are about 567 give or take 🙂 LOL. yes ive been a busy girl.

Posted in Adventures in the Big City | Leave a Comment »

Midlake

Posted by xneverwherex on February 13, 2007

2/9/07

What a great night to go to a show. It had been a long week, and I’m telling you, my weeks are getting longer especially going out every single night. Suddenly I’m feeling like Im not 23 years old anymore. Oh wait, I’m not 23 🙂 I only act like I still am 23.  It was a cold night, and New York is getting colder by the minute. I’m hearing freezing rain in the forecast, and snow coming up. Ugg!

Met up with Luke at The Bowery. Luckily I know my around that area, because one confused Luke, well it took him longer than normal to get there. Ah well. I have made that same mistake one too many times, not knowing Kenmare turns into Delancey. The Bowery was nice and toasty tho, which is always a great thing!

So I was front and center for the bands. First up – The Czars? – Im not even sure if thats the correct spelling of their name, but since the band failed to introduce themselves, its a good thing Midlake told us who they were. Yup, had no clue who they were. And they were not memorable. Im not sure I can dig the 2 musician thing anymore. Im just not feeling it. I will say it was much more entertaining when the singer wasn’t behind the keyboard and was singing. I could almost get into those songs (all 2 of them maybe?). Overall, forgettable music.

Next up – St. Vincent – now if you have no clue, this is not a band, but a very perky, cute chick (now thats so UN PC of me). She has this really great voice and was strong on guitar. She was entertaining and made some jokes about the great state of Texas along with some Bush jokes. Definitely has a good sense of humour. Her music was a touch folky, but nothing too over the top, that would make anyone’s head spin.

My only disappointment with the openers is that they really did nothing to get me energized for the show. As I had mentioned I’m going to lots of shows, and I typically get there for the opener. Sometimes you find a hidden gem. But I was nearly comatose before Midlake came on.

But what can I say… Midlake came on and blew me away. The stage was an amazement of keyboards all over the place – 3 sets from what I remember, a tripod on the stage so they could do their picture show, from what I could tell it was cool at moments, a bunch of guitars, and the drummer all by his lonesome in back. I think 5 guys in total.

So I have just noticed they were nominated for Indie Rock album at the Plug Awards, along with their song “Roscoe”. They played the single Roscoe early on in the evening. Their 2nd song to be exact. And its beautiful. Their music is so great to listen to and its so easy to get into the band. The lead singer has a Chris Martin vibe to him with vocals reminiscent of Fran Healy of Travis. I would say easily that they sound like the American version of Travis. Great vocals, catchy songs, great choruses that just bring you into the music. At times it sounded like they had a 70’s sound going on, reminding me of The Eagles, but a friend commented that they were the late 70’s Fleetwood Mac. Im not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, so I really cant comment on that.

Regardless, hands down, these guys can play music. All of them are so talented, and they have great energy and stage presence on stage. They talked up the crowd, mentioning Denton, Texas quite a bit. They made fun of a New York paper that mentioned a sold-out show by Midlake. Hmmm, why the surprise. New Yorkers can do more than the hottest indie band, and actually listen to a song with meaning? Yeah, crazy! I guess the newspapers forget that New York is not just filled with New Yorkers, but plenty of us come from other states and can appreciate great insightful lyrics that do make us think and feel.

So yes, I fell in love with Midlake and I guarantee if you like Coldplay/Travis, you will too! Now its time to go buy some of their music and start supporting the boys of Denton, Texas.

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Nights in White Satin

Posted by xneverwherex on February 8, 2007

2/7/07

Its cold at night, and I don’t want to go out. Yes, I know Midnight Movies is playing, its also sold-out. Its also utterly freezing. But I did get my lazy arse up and headed out to Lit Lounge to meet up with a friend and grab a drink. After the drink headed over to the Mercury to a packed house. Luckily for me (and Luke), it wasnt too bad when we got there. And besides, I got to talk to one of the drummers and one of the guys in the band. All very friendly.

So Midnight Movies was perfect for a cold night out. Sweet, haunting vocals, and droning new wave pop is a perfect way to describe the band. The darkness of Joy Division, with the gothic sounds of Siouxsie and mix it all together, add a touch of shoegaze, and long drawn out songs at times, and you get Midnight Movies. Nights in White Satin was a beautiful cover with a drag-em/drop-em/knock you out punch on the drums at the end of the song.  And what a way to end the show. Nearing about 45 mins. and clearly should have gone on for an hour. I’m sure some of those songs could have been dragged out just a bit.

Gena Oliver, singer and sometime drummer, is the woman with that sultry voice that often gets compared to Nico. Besides – she’s pure eye-candy, and not that its important, it never hurt a band. And before the talk about Phil Collins gets mentioned, in Uncut magazine, when comparing her to Meg White and Karen Carpenter her first comment is “I’m glad you didn’t mention Phil Collins”. She clearly has a sense of humour!

And their name, they owe their name to a book about 70’s underground cinema of Andy Warhol.

They are playing all over with Alexi Murdoch (whom I didn’t stay for), but are so worth the $10-$12 to see them. And they have very cool shirts. I really really recommend checking them out if you can.

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So, Im slow…

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 »

Toxic Audio

Posted by xneverwherex on January 22, 2007

So this weekend ended up being pretty chill for me. I didn’t get out to do much, but it was nice indeed. It has been SOOOOOOOOOO cold in New York. And no, I’m not just saying that. I reckon 28 degrees to lower, with ice and some snow would mean cold.

 So last night, my friend Annetta and I headed over to the New World Stages, home of the aforementioned Bubbles Show, to see Toxic Audio. Now I hadnt heard of them before, but it sounded entertaining. And like I say, its only $4. I mean the worst thing is, I walk out of there thinking what a waste of 4$. But, Netta had seen the show before and assured me I’d love it. So I took her word and went out on a cold Sunday night. Luckily for me its just a block and half (long blocks) to walk up there. So if I move to the East Village, well it will suck that I wont be walking to all of my shows.

So here’s what you should know. I would give this show easily 5 stars. There are 5 performers in Toxic Audio, 2 women and 3 men. They perform all their music in a capella, and for those that aren’t entirely familiar, its literally all vocals that are used to make all of the sounds that are heard. There are NO instruments. And it is amazing what these people can do with their voice. It started out with Til Tuesdays “Voices Carry” and what a great way to show off the talent of each of the performers. Rene, the bass, tackles the low notes so pitch perfect. Paul, who is extremely talented, is the human beat box and does a kick-ass Michael Jackson performance :). The whole cast is incredibly talented.

Some of the highlights of the nights include – singing to an audience member on stage in the Love Songs part. 3 chairs and a record player. Naturally the record player skips, sounds like the chipmunk, gets louder/softer and Paul performs each part like you were really listening to a record player. Unbelieveable. 

Without divulging the entire show, I strongly suggest people get out there and see this. Its very entertaining and will leave you blown away. For more go to  Toxic Audio

Posted in Broadway/Off Broadway Shows | Leave a Comment »

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