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Monday, May 30, 2005
Mission to Mars I think I'm in the process of getting into the Veronica Mars now. (I know, Carlos, finally). CTV is re-running its first season over the summer, and I caught the first episode tonight. Part detective story, part witty, teen-y dramady, I give it a "Promising." Kristen Bell, 24, blonde, and Polish, plays a convincing 17. Britnified, she's blah, but if you strip all that crap off, decidedly not blah. Aside from reality shows, I guess I'll have something else to watch over the summer. (Oh, correction -- I'm going to check out Tim Minear's new show, The Inside, as well. The former showrunner for Angel, Firefly, and Wonderfalls hasn't let me down yet.)
Speak of that reality shows, Canadian Idol started today. I have yet to find one to cheer for, and I doubt I will; Theresa was a blip, and I'm not about to hit re-dial 100+ times a night for just anyone.
It's been three weeks since my last show, which gives me more reason to be excited about the back-to-back show over the next couple days. Tomorrow, it's Architecture in Helsinki/The Winks, and on Wednesday, it's Kathleen Edwards/Danny Michel. I'm especially excited about Kathleen Edwards -- solo-ness notwithstanding -- whose show I always seem to miss, for whatever reason (seeing Mary Lou Lord, being in LA, etc.). Finally, in all likelihood, I'll get to see her in about 48 hours. Weee!
NP: Belle & Sebastian - Dog on Wheels
posted by Hanson |
10:31 PM
Look, a Graphic! More layout tweaks. I suspect I'll be doing more of that in the coming weeks. I'll probably subcategorize my BlogRoll to better reflect the linked content. Other, more interesting changes are planned, so stay tuned.
Watched a bit of Serendipity yesterday and it made me want to watch High Fidelity again. Kate Beckinsale is both hot and frustrating. Even though John Cusack is basically the same character in all of his movies, it doesn't make him less interesting.
NP: Eisley - Plenty of Paper
posted by Hanson |
12:21 AM
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Come Down on the Street and Dance With Me Rumour has it that somebody wants to hear The Deftones cover El Scorcho. Consider that wish granted.
NP: David Bazan - Revolution Blues (Neil Young cover)
posted by Hanson |
8:34 PM
Out With the Old, In With the Newish You can't get stuck on the same old, same old for too long, and I think a new domain is cause enough for a UI refresh. I plan to overhaul the entire lame-ass layout some time in the future, perhaps when I move to Movable Type or something. But for now, it's the old look, somewhat tweaked.
NP: The Boy Least Likely To - I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon to Your Star
posted by Hanson |
7:51 PM
Friday, May 27, 2005
I'm Moving!
After 2.5 years at Blogspot, My Indie World is moving! Not surprisingly, my new home is at http://www.myindieworld.com (or http://www.myindieworld.com/atom.xml for you RSSers). Please update your bookmarks and links accordingly :-)
NP: Alaska! - Stay
posted by Hanson |
5:05 PM
Hotting Up 2AM
I just faxed in my assignment, about 14 hours before it's due. That's why I'm up at 2am. Good thing I don't have to work tomorrow, as I've taken a day off to go to my brother's graduation from UBC. Oh, I can't wait until this school stuff is all behind me.
In the last few days, a couple of videos that I saw caught my eyes. Last night, I streamed Annie's video for "Heartbeat" from her website. The video itself is kind of pedestrian, but even pixelated, she is still so incredibly hot. I can't wait until she blows up here, which I'm sure she will (with the proper marketing).
The other video is for Anna Nalick's "Breathe (2AM)." She's one of those poppy, folky, kinda-generic, chickie singer-songwriter types that I seem to dig so much. And she's hot too, this one, which doesn't hurt. I knew (and liked) that song before I saw the video (and her), but when I flicked on the TV late Tuesday night, I was floored. Wow. I just sat there for three minutes, transfixed. The video was just of her moving about in a room, but /damn/. The older-JoJo thing she's got going on is a bit creepy, but if I'm a sucker for anything, it's for a cute face. Anna Nalick's got that /and/ a pleasant voice. How can I resist?
NP: Belle & Sebastian - Winter Wooskie
posted by Hanson |
2:18 AM
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Merseyside Miracle
Big ups to the Reds for winning the Champions’ League final in Istanbul. After trailing 3-nil to AC Milan at half-time, they did the impossible improbable, scoring three straight on that stingy Italian defence then finally winning on penalty kicks. Simply amazing. As a fan of English football, I salute you, Liverpool FC. You might've beaten my Watford in the Carling Cup semis, but this makes up for it.
I had a chance to see The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tonight. Normally, I wouldn't be up for that kind of movie, but it stars Alexis Bledel, and I'll go see anything with her in it. A co-worker had free passes for tonight's advanced screening, and I was going to go, but then I remember I had that assignment for my distance ed. course due this Friday. So much for that then. That'll learn me to leave my work until the last minute.
The New Pornographers are playing with Destroyer at the Commodore on September 23rd. I wonder if Dan Bejar's going to pull double duties.
One more thing: Annie tours! San Fran on Canada Day? I can definitely give it some consideration!
NP: (nothing)
posted by Hanson |
12:01 AM
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
This Was a Good Dream
As mentioned here before, my love of Azure Ray could be traced back to Maria Taylor, whose voice I adore unequivocally with every fibre of my being. A solo record from her, I said, would be like a dream come true. Well, with today's release of 11:11, Maria's first solo disc, my dream has officially come true.
While not a dramatic departure from her Azure Ray work with Orenda Fink, 11:11 does see Maria expand her stylistic horizons. Beautiful, ethereal, slowcore dream-pop is still well-represented ("Nature Song," "Light House," and "Xanax"), but Maria also dabbles in rootsy country ("Speak Easy") and string-plucking folk ("Two of Those Two"). The clean Mike Mogis production makes the record sounds very organic -- simple instruments underneath a breathy, breath-taking voice. The one stylistic anomaly on the record also happens to be my favourite track. The glitchy, infectious "One for the Shareholder" has an almost two-step beat to it. The acoustic guitar that backbones the song plays an interesting counterpoint to the trademarked Mogis electro-lite (last seen in Bright Eyes' Digital Ash In a Digital Urn), and when you add in Maria's delicate and intoxicating voice, you have an absolutely stunning winner. The fading "uh-ah-uh-ah" hook that leads to the chorus is so freakin' hot. Lyrically and musically strong, I would say 11:11 stands up to any Azure Ray record.
(BTW, I've been listening to this for almost two months, and only now have I decided to write about it. Why? No reason. It just felt like the right time. At any rate, I suspect this will end up on my Top 37 of 2005, with a pretty good chance of landing in the top 10.)
NP: Maria Taylor - One for the Shareholders
posted by Hanson |
12:30 PM
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Pretend To Work
This long weekend wasn't quite as productive as I thought it'd be. For most of it, I tried working on my assignment that's due on Friday. Tried. I ended up listening to a lot of music while playing internet poker and/or reading random stuff online. You have no idea how many times I refreshed people's blogs. When I wasn't in front of the computer, I watched a lot of DVDs. I acquiesced to my brother's request of buying Season One of The Pretender on DVD, and I ended up watching a bunch of that. Man, 1996 never seemed further away. It was like when I got Sliders Seasons One and Two on DVD -- it felt like junior high all over again, except this time, no commercials.
It's back to the grind again tomorrow. And it's CD Tuesday! This week, it's Belle & Sebastian's singles/EP collection. I can't wait!
Kathleen Edwards tickets are 2-for-1 again tomorrow. If you missed it the first time, now it's your chance. Man, I still can't believe they're having trouble selling tickets for that show. It's her /and/ Danny Michel!
NP: Weezer - Perfect Situation
posted by Hanson |
12:38 AM
Monday, May 23, 2005
Swimming in Sounds
This week was bad in terms of letting myself splurge on CDs. After splashing out on Tuesday for new ones from The Headphones, Architecture in Helsinki, and Spoon (and some other record I can't remember), I picked up another four on Saturday (Dresden Dolls, Delgados, Ditty Bops, and Vanessa Carlton). To add to my music overload, I went crazy on Soulseek, getting the new Sufjan Stevens (yay leaks!), Oasis, Keren Ann, Scout Niblett, Boy Least Likely To, and Nedelle's whole catalogue. One of these days, I need to learn self-control when it comes to buying CDs. I may be very good at resisting most temptations and urges, but when it comes to music, I'm as weak as Michael Jackson at a toy store -- you know, cos he likes toys a lot.
More and more, I'm finding similarities between me and one Seth Cohen. Aside from the obvious (i.e. music), both he and I are neurotic, indecisive, insecure, and horribly self-absorbed. We both read Chuck Klosterman and love the Thai food. All I need now is a super-hot girlfriend to point out my idiosyncrasies and I can pack my bags and head to the OC.
Orson Scott Card has released new Ender book ("Shadow of the Giant"). This is the seventh follow-up to his SF classic, Ender's Game, the fourth in which Bean is the focal point. I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm hesitant to get on the hold-list at the library because I don't have much time for reading now. The last book I read was done on the plane to and from Pittsburgh, and I haven't finished anything since. With the current TV season close to being over, I suspect I'll have more time in the next few weeks. Maybe.
NP: Scout Niblett - Kidnapped By Neptune
posted by Hanson |
1:33 AM
Friday, May 20, 2005
Four Reasons I'll Be Going to Bumbershoot This Year
The Decemberists. Ted Leo/Pharmacists. Tift Merritt. Pretty Girls Make Graves.
And this is just a taste of what's to come! The official "partial" line-up announcement won't come until June 17th, but I'm already getting excited!
NP: Neko Case - Soulful Shade of Blue
posted by Hanson |
12:22 AM
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Hot Blog
Thanks to Alexis, I'm gleefully devouring Elyse Sewell's LiveJournal. I wouldn't say she was the /only/ reason I watched the first season of America's Next Top Model, but she sure made the show a lot more fun. To jog your memory, she's the jaw-droppingly gorgeous, ultra cool prospective med-school student who came in second on the show and dates Chris Parnell Shins keyboardist Marty Crandall. Her blog details her globe-trotting modeling adventures, complete with some pretty cool pictures of her and various places she visits (and some of Marty as well). Yup, this one's been bookmarked!
NP: Rilo Kiley - American Wife
posted by Hanson |
11:47 PM
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Pretty Girls Don't Bop
Apparently, there's a conspiracy preventing me from seeing The Ditty Bops. Last time, it was Stars, and this time, it's Pretty Girls Make Graves, who are playing at Sonar on June 26th, the same day the Ditty Bops are playing Richard's. Oh, how can I resist the sheer intensity of a live PGMG show? I'll just have to wait until the next time Ditty Bops come to town, which may be never.
This coughing thing that's been bugging me for the past two weeks just keeps lingering. I would cough at the most inopportune time, and it just pisses me off. I've even been staying off the cold drinks and sweet stuff, but to no avail. This is driving me nuts!
NP: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
posted by Hanson |
11:20 PM
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Red Tuesday
A BC Liberal majority was expected, but Belinda crossing the floor? That was a surprise for those of us who only casually follow politics. Anything that keeps Steven Harper from becoming PM is good news to me.
NP: (TV)
posted by Hanson |
11:31 PM
Monday, May 16, 2005
Monday Monday Monday
My coughing and sore throat has forced me to miss Ivy tonight (*flush*... that's the sound of $18 going down the drain because nobody wanted the [free] ticket). Instead, I went to visit a friend in the hospital who is there for a few days. I hope she feels better soon!
In better news, tickets for Kathleen Edwards' show on June 1st is 2-for-1 tomorrow! Her album Failer was one of my favourites of 2002/3, and her new album, Back to Me, isn't too shabby either. And she's hooooot. Aside from Sarah Harmer, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better rootsy, alt-countryish female singer-songwriter in Canada. You can get in on the sale tomorrow starting at 10am. Just click here. I'm tempted to pick two up just to see if anyone wants to go with me. Otherwise, it looks like another solo show!
NP: Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
posted by Hanson |
10:46 PM
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Friday Night All In
Taped episodes of Law & Order and internet poker replaced a Friday night out. That's what a pounding headache and persistent coughing will do to ya. Luckily, I've got David Bazan's guitar-less side-project, Headphones, and some pretty girl-pop in the form of Eisley to spend this evening with me. Otherwise, it could've sucked.
NP: The Headphones - Shit Talker
posted by Hanson |
12:49 AM
Thursday, May 12, 2005
More than Pale
I'm listening to Rules Are Predictable, the new EP from The Pale Pacific. They used to be simply called The Pale, but thanks to a similiar situation faced by other bands like DFA1979 and Caesars, they had to add in the extra bit to their name. Regardless, they still sound very Death Cab-esque, i.e. thoughtful, melodic, guitar-driven indie-pop that packs a punch, crisp vocals shining through without fail. (And they too are from Bellingham, WA). It's some pretty good stuff. If you dig the Death Cab sound, you should definitely give The Pale Pacific a listen.
In show news, Aussie buzz-band du jour Architecture in Helsinki are playing The Media Club on May 31st. I saw these guys open for Dressy Bessy and The Starlight Mints last March, and I really dug their quirky pop sound. There are like eight guys (and girls) in the band, and many of them play some pretty non-traditional instruments. I really don't know how everyone is going to fit on that tiny Media Club stage, which is another reason I'm going. It should be some wicked fun!
Speaking of wicked fun, there's Death Cab DVD coming out this July, and it'll premiere in the Seattle International Film Festival in June. Wouldn't it be awesome to see that in a room full of Death Cab fans?
NP: The Pale Pacific - Sucker Punch
posted by Hanson |
11:51 PM
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Action Definitely Not Missing
Holy fuck that was awesome! M.I.A. was superb, but LCD Soundsystem -- quite unexpectedly -- just tore the muthafucking house down! It was easily the best set I've seen from a band whose music I didn't really know. Shit. I haven't dance that hard in a /long/ time. It was a fucking great show -- boot to the head notwithstanding. I'll write more tomorrow. Shit that was good.
NP: (ring in my ear [from playing too loud])
posted by Hanson |
1:31 AM
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Wake Up and Post
Sufjan Stevens will be folking up Vancouver on July 24th. Sweet!
I have an extra ticket to LCD Soundsystem/MIA. Not so sweet.
NP: Theresa Sokyrka - Change the World
posted by Hanson |
10:10 AM
Music in the Air
I had quite the run of show the past few days -- even by my standards. On Thursday, I caught Magneta Lane opening up for the mighty Sloan. On Friday, it was Snow Patrol, doing their third full show in Vancouver in a little over a year. And today, I went down to the Virgin Megastore to see those same Irish-born-Scottish-based blokes do an in-store. Well, there wasn't much seeing, despite our lining up way early. Emily and I gambled that we weren't going to get kicked out of the prime spot of being behind the "stage" -- a gambled that we lost. However, they /sounded/ great, so it wasn't all bad. I had brought out my copy of Final Straw to get signed, only to leave the bloody thing in my damn car when I got there. Nice. So instead, I ripped a page out of the Straight with their show's listing and got that signed instead. Ghetto, I know, but no one else will have that, eh?
So lets rewind to Thursday (because I feel like writing more). I met up with Alicja after leaving my company's offsite meeting. On the way back, I ran into Val and Brian and chatted with them a bit about Coachella. I also ran into Amy, whom I thought was still in the states on an assignment. The people you run into just by standing in the middle of Robson! Anyway, the show was awesome. We met up with Alicja's friend Katie while in line, and they even got a picture with Chris Murphy, who was just walking outside the Commodore.
When we got inside, we basically parked ourselves right up near the stage -- after a little almost-scuffle with a drunken and obviously mentally-challenged girl. Unprovoked, she got right up to our faces and threatened to "kick in" Alicja's "balls." She threatened to do the same to me because I was a "chink." As far as I can remember, that was the first time I've ever been called that to my face. Part of me felt sorry for her -- seeing that she was clearly disturbed -- but I was nevertheless glad that security had escorted her out.
As far as the show goes, it was scorching. Magneta Lane played a blazing 30-minute opening set that consisted of equal-parts material culled for their Constant Lover EP as well as new songs that I've never heard. With their fast guitar licks, tight drumming, and rhythmic bass-playing, the band is surprising good given how short a time they've started playing. And yes, Lexi Valentine is just as hot in person as she is in pictures. As for Sloan, all I have to say is wow. I've always enjoyed their singles, and their live set was just as good. They basically played all my favourites: "The Other Man," "Coax Me," and "Everything You've Done Wrong." You can tell when a band has been through years of touring -- they have an air of professionalism and comfort that young bands just don't have. Sloan are fucking pros at this, and they're so at ease on stage, you'd think we were just dropping in on band practice or something.
The same could be said for Snow Patrol and their opener, Embrace (oh check out that segue!). Both bands are huge in the UK, and like Sloan, they worked it like pros. I didn't know Embrace at all prior to the show, and they sounded like what you'd expect from a British rock band -- kind of middle-of-the-road-y, but enjoyable enough. Emily said that they basically typify the "British Sound," and I think I'd have to agree with that. Snow Patrol, meanwhile, was much better than that. They had much better songs -- ones I knew -- and from the guitars, to the bass, to Gary Lightbody's vocals, they just sounded really good. And the crowd was so fucking good! Even the drunken British people behaved themselves! True, I had about half a beer spilt on me on separate occasions throughout the show, but that was innocent enough. No budging in front people, and no elbows to the side of heads -- just loud singing, pogo-ing, and fun-having. Vancouver: takes notes. That's how a good crowd should be.
After the show, I went to the Cambie to hang with some people from work. It wasn't as crazy as last week when we had our farewell drinking session with Peter, but at least two people went down for the count. I got home at about 2:30am after dropping some people off. Needless to say, I was pretty tired by then -- much like now, actually, so I think I'll go to sleep.
NP: Stereophonics - A Thousand Trees
posted by Hanson |
1:28 AM
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Free Porno
Matador has posted the title track from the upcoming New Pornographer's record, Twin Cinema. Yum. The album is set to drop on August 23rd, but I suspect I'll be bopping to it sooner than that.
I now have two tickets in the first ten rows of GM Place for the big Sarah McLachlan show there in June (they make you get them in pairs). I won't find out where I'll be sitting until the day of, so that'll be exciting. Last time, I was left with a shitty seat in the stands because I had to buy tickets the old fashion way. This time, I joined the fan club in advance, entitling me to priority seating. For a few extra bucks, I'm guaranteed a good seat. I'd say that's money well spent.
NP: (nothing)
posted by Hanson |
11:52 PM
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Musha-BOOM!
You know the Rilo Kiley show at Richard's on June 16th? You know who else is on the bill? FEIST! Holy shitballs!! If you're even thinking of going, get tickets fast, cos this /will/ sell-out. Even if you decide against going later on, getting rid of your ticket will /not/ be a problem.
NP: (me choking on excitement)
posted by Hanson |
7:43 PM
The Picaroons Advanced
I was going to whine about my stuffy nose, sore throat, and plugged up ears, but why do that when I could talk about the awesomeness of the Decemberists show last Saturday! I said last time that it was the best show of the year, and I'm going to stick by that. Yeah, Weezer blew the roof off the place, but the crowd was shitty. I had no complaints about Stars and Feist, but it was just a very good show by some very good musicians. Even the tsunami benefit show with Ben Gibbard, James Mercer, and David Bazan -- a unique opportunity to see three of my favourite songwriters play solo -- wasn't quite up to the standard set by Colin Meloy and his merry band of Decemberists. No, Saturday night was /the/ show of the year. So far. (But really, this'll be a hard one to top).
The opener, Christa Min, was OK. I enjoyed their set of mostly-guitars-and-not-much singing, but I wasn't clamouring for more after their 40-minutes were done. Openers could be worse; then again, they could be better. At any rate, I really didn't care who opened. It was the Decemberists I was there to see, so as long as the openers weren't too annoying, I was good.
When the Decemberists finally came out after a 35-minute intermission, they were dressed up in matching beige military-style coats. They each had a red handkerchief around their necks or arms, for what purpose, I had no idea. Colin almost immediately apologized for their cancelled show and briefly explained why, shortly before launching into "Myla Goldberg." Then *pow* -- probably my favourite Decemberists song -- "The Legionnaire's Lament." I quite literally jumped for joy. Then came songs from their new album, Picaresque. One after another, they brought to life these well-crafted, literate stories set to music: the morbid love song "We Both Go Down Together," "The Bagman's Gambit" (or according to the setlist, "Espionage"), the five-star-Pitchfork-approved "The Engine Driver," Colin's ode to playing soccer in Montana, "The Sporting Life," the haunting "From My Own True Love (Lost at Sea)," and the witty, upbeat, and political "16 Military Wives."
In there were old favourite as well. Songs like "The Chimbley Sweep" and "Grace Cathedral Hill" sounds even better live than they do on record. The addition of Petra Haden and her violin adds another layer to a band that's already go plenty of layering. And her voice was put to good use on "Armenia City in the Sky" a Who song that she covered acapella on her solo album, Petra Haden Sings the Who Sell Out. Backed by a full band, the song sounded incredible.
When they came out for the encore, Colin allegedly pointed to my "Picaroon" t-shirt that I had made for the show and said "nice shirt." Of course, Carlos had to tell me that /after/, as I was too busy screaming to notice. After a fine rendition of the 8-minute+ "The Mariner's Revenge Song" (complete with the audience simulating the sound made when one is swallowed by a whale), the house lights were turned on and music started to play from the speakers. But we wouldn't stop cheering or clapping. So Colin relented and came out to do the mesmerizing "Red Right Ankle" solo. It was fucking brilliant.
As expected, the show was great -- an hour and a half of jaw-dropping awesomeness. I mean, it's the Decemberists, and they've never let me down. They played with energy and competence, Colin singing as well as any indie rocker can. But what made it even better was the audience. They were loud. They were boisterous. They were enthusiastic. They sang and clapped along. But they were respectful too! No budging in front. No pushing and no shoving. None of that frat boy shit I saw at Weezer and the Killers. They were just an ideal crowd! Great band. Great crowd. It was just a perfect show. (Yes, I got the setlist too :-)
NP: (nothing)
posted by Hanson |
12:23 AM
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Shows Shows Shows
Last night's Decemberists' show was amazing -- best show of the year so far. I'll write more on that later, but now, a few Vancouver show updates:
Sarah McLachlan's wrapping her Afterglow tour in Vancouver on June 12th. Tickets go on sale May 6th. This time, I'm getting fan club tickets!
Rilo Kiley tickets are on sale now for the ridiculously low price of 16 bucks at Scratch. Go get them now before they sell out!
The Ditty Bops are playing June 26th at Richard's. I missed them when they opened for the Dresden Dolls, but not this time!
Jem is playing Richard's on May 29th. I may or may not go.
Kathleen Edwards will be opening up for the one and only Willie Nelson on July 21st at GM Place. If tickets weren't so expensive, it'd be tempting.
Speaking of expensive tickets, Built to Spill tickets are $32. Yikes!
NP: (nothing)
posted by Hanson |
10:35 AM
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