November 2007 Archives
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This, dear friends, is what is known in the basketball parlance as "laying the smack down."
Memo to Qrich: Stop talking that shit.
**UPDATE**
Rejoice.
The Wire, aka the best effing show on TV, graces the airwaves once again beginning January 6th! I guess I have to renew my HBO Subscription.
While I was in Seattle, KEXP played "House of Cards" while we were driving around and it occurred to me that maybe everyone is missing the point regarding In Rainbows.
I think the big story here isn't the "pay what you want" sales model.
It's the new time line for releasing records and figuring out how a band can take advantage of it.
Instead of recording an album and sitting on it for four months while the label gets their marketing plan together, just release it for cheap on the internet (low bitrate files aimed squarely at people's iPods) as soon as it's done and then follow it up with the proper physical release when the label is ready. This way the band "leaks" their own album and hopefully makes a bit of cash before the P2P users do their thing. Ideally they (and the label) won't lose all of their retail sales because people will want to get the physical product, especially if the band does the normal touring and press behind the proper release.
We won't know if this actually works until January, when the physical copies of In Rainbows hit the record shops.
[MP3] Radiohead | Reckoner (Live webcast version)
[MP3] Radiohead | Faust Arp (Live webcast version)
[MP3] Radiohead | Nude (Amplive Remix)
[MP3] Radiohead | Nude Instrumental (Amplive Remix)
PS - "Bodyguards" "Bodysnatchers" is totally about Coldplay.
Back from an absolutely wonderful time in Seattle. Don't believe the hype, it doesn't rain all the time there. It was actually quite sunny during our stay.
So how was your Thanksgiving?
I bet mine was better.
I asked Ms. Smith to marry me.
She said yes.
Negotiations regarding her future blog name are ongoing at this time.
I hereby promise not to turn this space into My Big, Fat Bloggy Wedding.
Carry on.
I just sent the last email out and cracked my first beer of the day. My Thanksgiving holiday has officially begun! Unlike everyone else, Ms. Smith and I aren't traveling until tomorrow. We're taking an early flight out to Seattle to enjoy some turkey in the great Northwest. Should be fun. The weather looks pretty good too. Bonus.
On the docket: seeing some old friends, Pagliacci Pizza, the Pike Place Market, Top Pot donuts and the Sonics v. Nets game on Friday night. Our official "drinks with friends" night is Monday at Two Bells on 4th Ave, so come on out and say hi if you're so inclined.
I will be blogging occasionally while I'm out there -- mostly photos -- but I'm not officially back on the clock until next Wednesday. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone.
Early last week I got an email telling me to keep my eye out for a special package containing a pea green 4GB Microsoft Zune that I was supposed to take for a spin and review. I was actually very excited about this and looked forward to comparing the Zune to my beloved iPod. But that was before I tried to load all the software onto my Dell laptop. First I had to update the Windows Software Updater. Then I had to upgrade all sorts of other programs, which made me wary, since I was worried that half the software on my laptop would stop working once I installed all these "upgrades."
Well, the screenshot above is the result of me trying for over an hour to load the Zune Marketplace software onto my machine and format my loaner Zune. Obviously it didn't work, so my loaner Zune sits on my living room coffee table, little more than a paper weight. It won't work until I can sync it with my machine.
It goes without saying iTunes works just fine on my machine. In fact, I'm listening to it right now as I type this.
Once I get some free time I'll give it another shot, but I'm not holding my breath.
I have a pair of tickets to give away for Paul Oakenfold's Washington D.C. gig on Wednesday night at the club Ibiza. To enter, all you have to do is email me with "Oakenfold Giveaway" in the subject line. I'll pick a winner at the end of the day.
Oakenfold is currently touring behind the release of his "Greatest Hits" disc. Check out the album sampler and eCard.
Another thing I can cross off my list of "to-do's": Be on the field when a major league sports team celebrates winning a championship. That's your truly captured in the reflection on the MLS Cup trophy. Houston ensured that New England will not have a stranglehold on winning every sports championship this year, beating the NE Revolution 2-1 yesterday. For The Revs, it was deja vu all over again, as they struck first and took the lead, but ultimately lost the game. Just like last year.
More photos soon.
Oh, and my high school reunion was so much fun that I missed my flight back on Sunday morning and missed the first half of the game. Oh well.
I have quite the weekend ahead of me. Tomorrow morning I'm flying to the Cackalack to meet up with some high school friends that I haven't seen in over 10 years. We're all heading to our 15 year high school reunion. (Sidenote:I'm OLD) Should be interesting. I'm alternatively excited and terrified. I haven't seen anyone from high school since before I moved to NYC seven years ago.
And if that's not enough, I have a 7 a.m. flight back to D.C. on Sunday (yeah, that's going to be awesome) so I can be back in time for MLS Cup, which kicks off at noon. Even though D.C. United didn't make it through to the finals, I'm very much looking forward to the match up between New England and Houston. Both teams are fun to watch and hopefully that will translate into an exciting game. They're predicting a high of 48 degrees on Sunday, better bundle up.
Speaking of United, Luciano Emilio won MLS MVP honors yesterday.
Completely unrelated:
Gary Payton, pretty much retired.
Wired likes the new Canon 40D.
The rocky history of rockers in videogames.
Wu-Tang Clan's RZA breaks down his Kung Fu Samples by film and song.
I have an all day meeting today. Joy.
I figured out how to upload photos to Flickr from my Blackberry. I are smart.
Speaking of Flickr, this is the two billionth photo uploaded to Flickr. Yes, Billion. With a b.
Last night was my first Wizards game.
Let me go on record saying if you're not reading Can't Stop The Bleeding, then you are missing out. It's a must read for me lately. And no, I'm not just saying that because he's seemingly the only sports blog that doesn't bash Duke simply on principle.
Similarly, Bradley's Almanac just killing it lately. He has live sets from The National and David Bazan (complete with Radiohead cover) available for you to download. Nice one.
Speaking of killing it lately, I just want to point out that I shot Morrissey, The Police and Jay-Z in an eight day span. Not bad, eh?
Under The Radar catches up with former information leafblower crush object Miki Berenyi from Lush. [via Chromewaves]
Thom Yorke tells Macca "Thanks but no thanks."
21 good albums that could have been great EPs. New Adventures in Hi-Fi? Urban Hymns? Seriously?
Seriously?
I assume you've already seen rap represented by mathematical charts thing, right? If not, go check it out.
I was in the Pacers locker room tonight after the game and after getting a few quotes from visibly frustrated former Dukie Mike Dunleavy Jr., I headed over to Jermaine O'Neal's locker to join the crowd trying to get quotes from him. I was late getting over there and was forced to stand on the periphery of the crowd. While I was straining to get my voice recorder near JO, I felt someone tugging at the printout of the final box score in my free hand. It was Danny Granger (4-13 from the field, 11 points, 5 turnovers, 5 fouls). I let him have it, he gave it the once over, looked at me and said, "Damn." Then he handed the sheet back to me and headed to the bus.
When I was at the Black Cat on Monday I saw a poster for Buffalo Tom (nice site redesign BTW) on January 25th! John Stewart's favorite band ever (mine too!) back in D.C.!!! Exclamation points abound!
I started jumping up and down I was so happy. People looked at me like I was weird. I did not care.
So effing excited for this show. I saw B Tom at least eight times in college. I hope they still got it.
Check out this recent setlist:
1. Gravity (bill, chris joins)
2. Butterscotch (chris, bill)
3. Porchlight (chris, bill)
4. My Responsibility (chris, bill)
5. Taillights (tom joins on bass)
6. You’ll Never Catch Him (acoustic band)
7. CC & Callas
8. 4th of July (Tanya Donelly joins)
9. Wiser
10. Scottish Windows (Tim)
11. Crutch (Tim)
12. Pendleton (Bill on piano)
13. Oh Sister (Hilken Mancini joins)
14. Good Girl (Hilken and Chris Toppin)
15. Spider and the Fly
Intermission
1. Sodajerk
2. Kitchen Door
3. Frozen Lake
4. I’m Allowed
5. Bottom of the Rain
6. Late at Night
7. Tangerine
8. Hearts of Palm
9. Larry
10. Thrown (Tim)
Now I just have to track down my Let Me Come Over t shirt from 1992. It's around here somewhere.
I've already gushed at how awesome this gig was, so here is the visual evidence. And, as a treat, some live MP3's from a Head Trip In Every Key era show that have been burning up my iTunes in the last week or so.
[MP3] Superdrag | Destinantion Ursa Major (Live)
Your eyes do not deceive you, those are my photos of Jay-Z gracing Pitchfork Media today. Head over there right now and you can see my work on the front page.
I was a pretty big Jay-Z fan before shooting him on Friday, but even more so now. Here is quite possibly the biggest artist in the country, with the # 1 album in all the land and he gives me three songs in a small club. No restrictions, no photo release, no attitude, nothing. His staff was incredibly polite and professional throughout the show. In short, Jigga knows how to roll.
His show is mesmerizing. Hit after hit after hit. The best part is he doesn't have a hype man. It's just him on stage with no distractions. His backing band only added to the show, never took it over.
The craziest thing? The crowd, a mix of hip hop heads and casual listeners, were more well behaved than the Morrissey crowd from last week. Respect.
Hi all, I have a pair of tickets up for grabs to see Love of Diagrams open for Enon on Thursday at the Rock and Roll Hotel. To enter, all you have to do is tell me who Love of Diagrams opened for last time they played D.C. For a hint, you could look here or here.
Just email me with your answer and I'll choose a winner by noon tomorrow.
Thankfully I have a pretty slow week coming up as far as shows go. I'll be checking out The Soft Complex tonight at the Cat as well as ex-Gorky's Zygotic Mynci frontman Euros Childs on Wednesday. I'm debating on checking out Neil Young later in the week but I don't want to go if he's only going to play new stuff. I REALLY want to go see Ghostface and Rakim on Sunday, but it's the late show (Doors at 10) and I figure they won't even go on until well past my bedtime. Shame. That I'm an old man that is. Here are the rest of the week's shows.
Monday:
> VHS or Beta w/ Moving Units & Soft Complex @ Black Cat
- Click here to download The Soft Complex's "Barcelona"
> Bruce Springsteen @ Verizon Center
Tuesday:
> Against Me! w/ Sage Francis @ 9:30 Club
Wednesday:
> Deborah Harry w/ Kristoffer Ragnstam @ 9:30 Club
> Euros Childs @ DC9
[MP3] Euros Childs | The First Time I Saw You
[MP3] Euros Childs | Billy and the SugarLoaf Mountain (live)
[MP3] Euros Childs | Teen Angel
Thursday:
> Enon w/ Love of Diagrams @ RnR Hotel
[MP3] Love of Diagrams | The Pyramid
[MP3] Love of Diagrams | Pace or the Patience
> Neil Young @ DAR Constitution Hall
> The Reverend Horton Heat w/ Hank III & Nashville Pussy @ 9:30 Club
Friday:
> Georgie James w/ Aqueduct @ Black Cat
[MP3] Georgie James | Need Your Needs
[MP3] Georgie James | Cake Parade
> Ani DiFranco w/ Buddy Wakefield @ 9:30 Club
> The Bird and the Bee @ RnR Hotel
> Neil Young @ DAR Constitution Hall
Saturday:
> Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ RnR Hotel
[MP3] Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood
[MP3] Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | Love Song No. 7
[MP3] Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | Underwater (You and Me)
> Electric Six w/ Willowz @ Black Cat
Sunday:
> Ghostface Killah w/ Rakim & Brother Ali @ 9:30 Club (late)
> Broken Social Scene Plays Kevin Drew's Spirit If @ 9:30 Club (early)
> Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ RnR Hotel
Drool.
Even though I still think In Rainbows is majorly overrated, props to Yorke and Co. for doing stuff like this. They are one of the few bands that can cover The Smiths and not sound like total wankers. Call it the Ed O'Brien factor (see "Knives Out")
Via Dead Flowers, who also has the MP3.
Yes, I'm up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. Don't ask.
Superdrag were brilliant last night.
Yes, they look a bit longer in the tooth but they still got it.
In spades.
John Davis can still sing his ass off.
Don Coffey Jr. still plays drums like a man possesed.
And Tom Pappas still wears leather pants.
So much awesome.
The set list (which I'm still looking for online) stuck mostly to the early EP's and first two records, with a few new Davis songs thrown in here and there. They didn't get to the good stuff, that being everything off of Head Trip In Every Key, until the latter part of the set but it was worth the wait. "Sold You An Alibi" killed. As did "Do The Vampire." "I'm Expanding My Mind" was every bit of the sonic godhead I make it out to be in my head. So yeah, this show was good.
The ungodly 11:15 start time meant I had to leave before their set was over, which is a real shame because I didn't get to hear "Destination Ursa Major," which is easily one of my 10 favorite songs of all time. But I was stoked to hear my faves from Head Trip.
I have no idea if the band will do something like this again soon (or ever again for that matter) but if it comes to pass, you need to go check them out. This band is the classic example of "these guys should have been HUGE!"
The ungodly start time meant no time for photo editing last night. So look for photos this weekend or Monday.
Completely unreleated:
A compilation: McSweeney's Rockist-oriented lists
Every NBA player from the 1980's has retired.
The Washington Wizard's new offense.
Dan Dickau. Who He Play For?
Seriously: All that for four shows.
Jimmy Carter, cat killer.
There's still a bit of work to do, but since I've already had a bit of a soft launch last week I wanted to point everyone to my new photography website PhotoKyle, which will serve as my online portfolio going forward. My best work will be featured there so instead of digging through various sets on Flickr, they're all in one place in a clean Simpleviewer format. I'll still be using Flickr to post my photos, so nobody needs to update any old bookmarks, just add a new one.
Related: I got my first Morrissey prints back last night and they look INCREDIBLE. Color me happy.
Not-Related: Today I finally relented and upgraded my old cell phone to a Blackberry Pearl. Hopefully this will hold me over until Apple perfects the iPhone. It took them three generations to nail the iPod, so I didn't feel bad signing up for a new two year deal with Verizon. I have absolutely no idea how to use this thing, so don't go trying to email me on it yet.
I am scheduled for 7.5 hours of meetings today, so here are some Oasis MP3's to gently remind you that their tour documentary DVD Lord Don't Slow Me Down
[MP3] Oasis | It's Good To Be Free (Live)
I headed down to the Verizon center last night to photograph The Police.
Shots should be up over on DCist soon. Here they are.
Semi-related but not really: Daniel Boud talks to Anton Corbijn about photography.
After the sheer numbers of great shows that graced the city last week, this week is bound to be a let down for D.C.-area concert fans, even more so now that The Decemberists have cancelled their tour, including four, count 'em, four shows at the 9:30 Club that were scheduled to start later this week. I wonder if the club will be able to book other shows to replace them or if it will be dark during those days.
I'll be taking it fairly easy this week. On my plate: The Police, Superdrag and Bright Eyes along with the Wizards v. Nuggets game on Friday.
Monday:
> Rogue Wave @ Black Cat
> The Police @ Verizon Center
Tuesday:
> Menomena w/ Illinois @ Black Cat
Wednesday:
> Olivia Mancini & The Housemates @ DC9
[MP3] Olivia Mancini & the Housemates | I Wouldn't Worry
> Dr. Dog @ DC9
[MP3] Dr. Dog | Ain't It Strange
[MP3] Dr. Dog | Worst Trip
Thursday:
> Sia @ 930 Club (early)
> Superdrag @ 930 (late)
> Peelander Z w/ The City Veins @ DC9
> Juliette & The Licks w/ Scissors for Lefty | Ghetto Ways
[MP3] Scissors for Lefty | Lay Down Your Weapons
Friday:
> White Rabbits w/ Via Audio and Bellman Barker @ DC9
Saturday:
> Mousetrap @ Black Cat
Sunday:
> Bright Eyes w/ the Felice Brothers & Nik Freitas
[MP3] Nick Fretias | Sun Down
[MP3] Nick Fretias | Come To Me
Last night I finally got to shoot Morrissey. I say "finally" because I was supposed to shoot three of the dates he cancelled back in July. Three! But it was not to be. And after the show last night, I think the wait was almost worth it.
I was incredibly nervous when I got to the venue. I was trying not to put too much pressure on myself to get "the shot" but it wasn't working. I had some serious butterflies in my stomach. About five minutes before Moz went onstage, the promoter led the photogs down to the front of the house. There is no photo pit at DAR, so we had to basically shoot from the crowd. However, the bouncers were nice enough to clear people out of the center aisle which was just enough space for myself and Ryan, the other photog. I was front row! Before I could even get settled, the lights dimmed and Morrissey bounded out across the stage. I took a deep breath and went to work.
We only got to shoot two songs and they went by in a flash(no pun intended). I had both of my cameras with me and would switch between the two whenever the buffer on a memory card would fill up. I had them placed on the stage in front of me, which was very handy. During the second song, while I was putting one camera down and picking up the other, Moz hit me in the face with the mic cord! Awesome.
When our two songs were up, I stored my camera in the production office and then went back out to enjoy the show. Even though the venue was just over half full, Moz was in fine form and looked like he was enjoying himself greatly. He played a great set (although he completely ignored any Ringleaders material - save for the b-side "Good Looking Man About Town") and the crowd was mad for it.
I got my hands on the second shirt that was thrown out but a mad scramble for it ensued and I gave up on it. Besides, what am I going to do with a 1/4 of a sleeve? Moz ended up throwing three shirts into the crowd and it seemed to rile everyone up. There were something like 12 stage invaders during the last song and Moz was loving it. he had the biggest smile on his face. Security was really cool about it, letting people jump up on stage and then back down if they didn't do anything crazy. They had their hands full. Boz threw out a set list right before he walked off stage and I just missed it. Dagger. Even so, I declare my 13th Morrissey gig a success.
Oh, and I got the shot.
Setlist: (via)
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Irish Blood, English Heart / Interesting Drug / Death Of A Disco Dancer / Sister, I'm A Poet / One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Billy Budd / Jack The Ripper / The Loop / Stretch Out And Wait / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want / Tomorrow / I Like You / Good Looking Man About Town / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / That's How People Grow Up / The Boy With The Thorn In His Side / Dear God, Please Help Me / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To Die
Artists I'm dying to shoot:
1) Oasis
2) Morrissey
3) Paul Weller
4) The Verve
5) Radiohead
One down.
D.C. United tied Chicago last night but ultimately fell on goal aggregate 3-2, thus ending their season. I'm sad. I lovelovelove going to United games and covering them for DCist. I get such a rush being on the field and taking photos. To see them lose last night was tough. The silver lining here is that by winning the Supporters Shield, United will start their season early again (February?) next year. That and my Mom said I was on TV a few times during the game. I DVR'ed the game, screenshots (and Julie Foudy photos) forthcoming. Until then...
After the game I headed over to the Black Cat to meet up with my new friend Jim Fairchild (aka All Smiles). I missed Jim's set but met up with him while David Bazan was playing and we had a great time hanging out downstairs at the Cat. I'm certainly glad I don't work in the music industry anymore, but at the same time, I sure do enjoy talking about it and its ailments. Jim is a great guy and a joy to be around, as is David. I think I talked Jim into trying to snag the opener slot on the upcoming Super Furry tour (scheduled for January '09) so hopefully we'll be seeing each other again very soon.
Also, Jim said someone that bought a CD from him at a recent show told him that they did so on my recommendation. Awesome! And cheers to you whoever you are.
Morrissey. Tonight.
With a photo pass.
!!!!!!!!
Ok, real quick. Ram's Head live is like the 9:30 Club with a capacity more akin to that of the Black cat. Only much more sterile and without any charm or personality. House of Blues Lite if you will. Still, I had never seen Morrissey in such a small venue before. The opportunity was too good to pass up and I just put the ticket price out of my mind.
I grabbed a spot stage right about 7 people back from the stage. I had the perfect sightline to the middle of the stage. I chatted with some of the people standing around me, mostly couples, and everyone was nice. I was pumped and ready for a great show.
Then during the set changeover after Girl In A Coma (who were ok, but nothing to blog about), about 10 minutes before the Mozzer came onstage, this visibly drunk older (40+ - just trying to put things in context here) couple tried to push their way through the small group of people where I was standing. This big burly guy (Who was stocky as hell) was having none of that and wouldn't let them do it. They contiunued to fight to get in front of him and a drink got spilled on someone next to the burly guy. He was none to happy and said something to the lady that spilled her beer. She basically said "Fuck off you fucking fuck" which didn;t make burly guy or the other people in the are very happy. A few people said things to older, drunk couple who kept replying "Fuck you, we paid money to be in here too," etc. More words were exchanged in both directions, lots of "Fuck Yous" flying back and forth. Finally the drunk lady said something very nasty and one of the guys that was doing the talking got in her face. She threw her (full) beer on that guy, drenching him and the causing collateral soakage to the poor sap standing next to him (Me!). So the wet guy grabs her, then her boyfriend/husband jumps into action, they grapple and then older dude throws a punch. The crowd was moving all around at that point so I'm not sure if it landed but younger dude was having none of that and he just decked the older guy. Older guy was stunned, more drinks were tossed by the lady and everyone is on their case by now. After another 30 seconds or so, older dude came back at the younger guy but the big burly guy from earlier (now wet) gave him a very hard shove and launched him back about eight feet. Dude got rocked. At that point security came over and took younger dude away. I never saw him for the rest of the night although a few bystanders went over to make sure security knew who started it.
I say all of this because after the melee I lost my awesome spot and had to stand behind this obnoxiously drink girl who (seriously) shouted "OMG! I can't belieeeeeeve it" everytime Morrissey began a song. Every. fucking. time. She sounded like a sick poodle or something. It derove me crazy. After the fourth or fifth song reality has to set in right? At some point don't you have to recognize the fact that you are in a rock club and Morrissey is singing and sound is coming out of the speakers? You have to acknowlegde that at some point, right?
They finally left just before "Tomorrow" and I got to enjoy the rest of the set in piece. All in all, it was a good show, Moz came out dressed in a tux (looking very dapper), with the band clad soleyl in loincloths. Even Boz. It was pretty awesome. Everyone in the band also had something written on their chest in magic marker, Boz's was "Disco Dancer." Moz was in fine form, although "Jack The Ripper" kinda suck because Boz's guitar was turned up too loud and you couldn't hear anything else. Moz opened with "The Loop" and it got the night off to a fantastic start. "The Death of a Disco Dancer" and "Stretch Out and Wait," my first time hearing both, were great as well.
Moz wasn't as chatty as usual (he didn't even mention canceling the July show there) but one standout part of the show was when he opened the floor up for questions and gave the mic to a girl in the front row. She took her time and eventually said"Yes, I'm curious about.." and at that point Moz grabbed the mic back and said flatly, "Stay curious." Awesome.
Can't wait for D.C. on Friday.
The set (via):
The Loop / Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Last Of The Famous International Playboys / Sister, I'm A Poet / All You Need Is Me / London / Billy Budd / Girlfriend In A Coma / Irish Blood, English Heart / That's How People Grow Up / Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / I Like You / Shoplifters Of The World Unite / Tomorrow / Stretch Out And Wait / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Death Of A Disco Dancer / Jack The Ripper / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To Die
[MP3] Morrissey | The Loop
*dictated but not (proof)read
Guess who just got a photo pass for Friday's Morrissey show in D.C.?
Full report from the Baltimore show coming after my meeting-filled morning is done. There was a fist fight during the changeover. I got beer thrown all over me. Joy.
And yes, during the fight someone actually said "Guys, c'mon. You're at a Morrissey show."
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