Well last night was another successful night of rocking from local veterans Vendetta Red (Gallery Here). But one thing that I’ve become accustomed to is meeting new people at the shows in addition to seeing some of my friends. Sometimes they ask that I take their picture, sometimes not. Well I decided that I should probably share these on here as well. They’re just fun pictures and people probably want to see them. Right now there’s only some from last night and one from a birthday party I shot a few weeks ago. More will steadily stream in as I find old ones/take more new ones.
You can find the gallery HERE
Hope everyone had a lovely St. Patrick’s day. I know I did.
I love Trent Reznor, I love “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, then you throw in Atticus Ross (who previously worked with Reznor on “The Social Network” soundtrack) and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” with Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeah’s) at vocals? You cannot go wrong. The album is dark, creepy, and disturbing, much like the partnering film. I enjoy listening to this one when I’m driving by myself late at night because it adds a bit of flair and makes me think that I can actually be a character in a movie.
It feels a little strange saying that this is one of my favorite albums this year for two reasons. Firstly, because it’s a freaking country album, and I don’t listen to country music. Just ask the majority of my ex-girlfriends who many-a-time had their music turned off in my car in lieu of something that didn’t sing about sexy tractors or putting boots in the asses of gay foreigners. The last country album I really enjoyed before this one was Johnny Cash’s “American IV: The Man Comes Around”. Granted, I really have no concept of what would be considered a “good” Country album, as I don’t understand the popular Country genre at all. Secondly (oh yeah, I was making two points…), because it’s freaking Jeff Bridges! The Dude, Rooster Cogburn, Flynn. He has a fantastic voice that lends itself to country naturally, along with a great songwriting team (most of whom worked on the film “Crazy Heart” with him), and an extremely talented backing band. This album is just straight up enjoyable, much like the Willie Nelson albums of old (although not as good as Willie). I find myself singing along with it and really enjoying the old-school country feel. Some may disagree with me and to them I say well that’s just, like… your opinion, man..jpg "curse")
I really dig this band, even photographed them once. This album just shows their growth as artists in their medium. When I picked up their debut “Enter” in 2006 I was immediately hooked. So when I heard they had a new album out I promptly headed over to iTunes and purchased it and boy, am I glad I did. I suggest going and purchasing it now.
Saying I enjoy listening to Explosions is like saying I enjoy breathing. It just happens, and it is always tough to make it a long time without it. It’s been a while since the last release from these Texas natives, the last one being “All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone” (2007) which I managed to pick up on vinyl. I happened to get my hands on “Take Care” on my birthday when one of my friends gave me a leaked copy. I still bought it later out of principle, though. A fantastic thing about this album is we’re starting to get music videos, which are just an icing on the cake of the new album. This album is a great return for Explosions, but it will always be tough to beat “The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place” (2003). While there isn’t any song that truly stand out and take your breath away like Your Hand in Mine did, the album flows really well and is another album to add to your relaxation playlist.
Not gonna lie here, I hadn’t even heard of this band (much less considered them for a favorite) until about two weeks ago when I picked up my newest copy of SPIN Magazine with their top lists. Lo-and-behold, on the cover is this strange, bearded bald man who looks a hell of a lot like my buddy Boet. Needless to say I was a bit confused as to how Boet managed to get his face on my magazine (though knowing his pranks, I wouldn’t rule it out for him). But after reading a bit I decided to check out the band, especially since I find I tend to agree with SPIN in their strange punk/experimental rock tastes (like Titus Andronicus last year). Now this album starts off with about 30-40 seconds of a quiet lulling melody and then kicks off in to some old-school punk. If I had to describe the closest in sound, I’d say the Dropkick Murphys, but better. YEAHISAIDITWANNAFIGHTABOUTIT?! I’m sorry, that was the music. NOILIEDITWASME! But truly, this is a massive punk rock opera that just kicks your ass all the way through and you want to get back up and take it on again.
Hey look! (STFU Navi). Another show I was late to the bandwagon on. AMC really did strike gold with this series. It’s hard to believe that Bryan Cranston can go from that dorky dad on Malcolm in the Middle to the brilliant Walter White and show such a huge range as an actor. I’ve rarely been more impressed with any other actor than with Cranston in this show. Absolutely fantastic.
I know it’s basically the same formula, but with the religion aspect thrown in I find myself intrigued. It’s quite an interesting turn of things for this man who is so indoctrinated in the scientific world. Also, Mos Def is fantastic and I would have liked to have seen more of him. The only thing I have trouble with is seeing Edward James Olmos and not saying to myself “but General Adama! Nooooo!!!!”
Also known as “that show where NPH is awesome for half an hour every Monday.” Or so I’ve been told it’s called on the street. HIMYM is a show I’ve been following now for almost 4 years. It’s had its cheesy moments, its sullen moments, some outright hilarious moments, but this year is really getting back in to the thick of things. For anyone who saw the latest episode (2 weeks ago), it was truly one of the most heartbreaking and heartwarming episodes ever. I’m still a little upset about it, but in a good way. This season really reminds us why we care about these characters. Also, we should meet the mom soon, right?
What can I say? I still love this show. I still love Nathan Fillion (who doesn’t? I mean, c’mon). I still love the procedural cop show aspect of it. Not to mention that Stana Katic is really showing her range this season as an Actress. Nathan Fillion we already knew was good, but he’s on the verge of getting lapped by Katic. It’s totally worth Tuesdays being the hardest day of the week for me to get up for work so that I can stay up late Monday nights with Castle and Beckett. I suggest you do it, too.
Honestly, I hadn’t known what to expect. I’d never read George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice & Fire” series, nor did I know anything about it other than in the ramblings of some of my nerdy buddies. I’m now in the 3rd book (Storm of Swords) and it is fantastic. The show does such a great job of creating this world where magic has all but died, there are no dragons anymore, and power-hungry conspirators rule. I’ve also come to learn that this is the type of series where no character has that magical “live through anything” quality that most main characters have. Not to mention that Peter Dinklage gives the performance of a lifetime as Tyrion Lannister, “The Imp”, and gets the chance to be one of the greatest characters ever written.
Hello, Sweetie! Man, was I amiss leaving this show off my list last year. I don’t know how or why that happened, as I’ve been watching it religiously since the reboot in 2005 (and have subsequently gotten my hands on as many of the classic episodes as I can). In his second year as the Doctor, Matt Smith is quickly becoming my favorite incarnation. I started with Christopher Eccleston, was upset when he transitioned to David Tennant and then subsequently loved Tennant. But what I think is really helping Matt Smith with his run at it is that Stephen Moffat has taken over as head writer. I come to find out that some of my favorite episodes from Tennant (“Blink” for example) were written by Moffat. Not to mention the companions in Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill) are fantastic as well. Also, let’s not forget the lovely Alex Smith as the incorrigible Dr. River Song. Though I have to say that my favorite episodes from the past two seasons are the ones that include Craig (James Corden) in the episodes “The Lodger” and “Closing Time.” All hail Stormageddon! Dark Lord of All!
I know some will disagree, but I’ve just been really disappointed with this year. It feels like in the wake of Steve Carrell leaving that they’ve been trying too hard to keep it funny and it’s floundering.
Just… just awful… Canceled soon after its release, this wannabe “Heroes” + “Batman” flopped in the first 10 minutes for me. I tried to enjoy it, I really did, but it was just SO BAD. And it doesn’t even have the common courtesy to be bad enough for me to enjoy it later! Just… BLAH!
Let me just state this off the bat, I really don’t like Zooey Daschenal. I found her charming in “Elf” way back in the day, but that was pretty much the end of it. Since then she’s been singing in underwear commercials and acting goofy on screen (unintentionally in “The Happening”) to the delight of millions! Every time I just get more irritated. Not to mention that if you look at those big blue eyes of hers, there’s nothing behind them. No thought capacity. It drives me insane. On top of that, they got rid of the one helpful factor of the show in the character of Coach – who is one of the Wayans kids. He was hilarious and he was only in the pilot. They replaced him with a not-as-funny stereotypical black guy. The show is awkward, cheesy, and has weird tense moments that are supposed to be funny but aren’t. Even Justin Long showing up can’t save this show for me.
This short-lived show deserved to be canceled. I almost feel sorry for Chandler… erm… Matthew Perry at this point. Just sad…