Watch the Dragon!

Okay I said I was gone, but I am not yet. So whatever, just read this.

Last night, I went with Brett to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Maybe I am sick, but I dug it so hard. Admittedly, I have never read any of the books or seen the Swedish movies, so I NEEDED that hour of back story and expository info and was, for the lack of a better expression, falling off the edge of my seat. Brett, having seen the Swedish version, warned me I would be "sticking my fingers way up into my ear holes." This is not gross of Brett; I used to live with him and he knows I love to watch horror films, but when things turn scary, I cover my EARS instead of my eyes. Brett HATES this and will actually pull my hands out of my ears if he sees me doing it. Anyway, I scoffed when he told me I'd do it during Tattoo, but, I mean, some scenes were REALLY DIFFICULT to watch. And yet I was riveted.

First of all, David Fincher is so special. I am ignoring that Benjamin Button ever happened and just going to go ahead and call him a genius. The guy directed Madonna's "Express Yourself," for Christ's sake. Not to mention the GROSSLY underrated Zodiac. He has such a specific look and mood he creates, that he's fine tuned over the years to a point where you know you're watchnig a Fincher movie from the first shot. These movies are by no means perfect (super-long, a little too-polished, and you can tell he is sometimes tempted to lean towards the CHEESE), but that's what makes them HIS. Fincher is an auteur of the highest order. This movie is VERY Fincher. He went FULL FINCHER. Okay I will stop.

Second, CREDITS. The credits are so fucking cool! They didn't ASTONISH me, like the first time I saw the credits for Seven, but they completely set the mood for the entire film (violent, loud, dark, sexy), they were big and franchise-y (like a twisted opening to a James Bond film), and Trent Reznor and Karen O doing "Immigrant Song" is just HEAVEN to me. In general, the music was incredible. The score sounded like the cold: all steely and howling. I was hooked right away.

Third (thirdLY? Whatever), the acting is just damn good. I liked Rooney Mara as Lisbeth; she looks like a fantastic creature thas is sort of this scary/blank canvas that the viewer can project all of their emotions onto while at the same time thinking "damn, I am NOTHING like this chick." Some critics want to hand her the whole movie, saying everything rests on the hunch of Lisbeth's bony shoulders. I disagree. I think this is Daniel Craig's movie just as much as Mara's and actually, the scenes that the two share are electric (a little bit because they are having sex in some of them and it's the only consensual sex in the movie). Granted, ever since I saw this terrible movie (that I liked) Dreamhouse starring Craig, I have not been able to stop thinking about him and his ice blue eyes and about what he looks like with his top off. But he is also a lovely, measured actor and he is fascinating to watch. Stellan Skarsgard is always good and creepy and Swedish and the rapey, disgusting social worker is actually given some humanity by...that guy that plays him. And any movie with Princess Buttercup in it is always solid, in my opinion.

Fourth and everything else-ly, the movie just really captures a mood and a theme and an icy heart of a place far away. I don't know that this is the BEST movie I saw all year (in fact, I know it's not), but it was CERTAINLY one of the most watchable, beautiful, and well-crafted. That I was bummed when it ended and wanted the next two movies to happen immediately following says a lot to me. Anyway go see it. Also, Lisbeth Salander is a hipster ok BYE.

Silver Bells!

This post title has nothing to do with this post. But guys, this might be the last time I blog at you before the New Year as I am traveling back to my homeland of New York City. I know, you are sad.

ANYWAY, I've been listening to the new Black Keys album El Camino a lot, and I've decided I really like it. I do miss their rougher, more bluesy roots (and think it's really dumb and WEIRD that Dan Auerbach said that Patrick Carney "doesn't even like blues music" in that NY Times article), like in "The Lengths," "10AM Automatic," and "Psychotic Girl." However, I am super-digging some of the new stuff, especially the second half of "Little Black Submarines," "Gold on the Ceiling," and the B-side of the "Lonely Boy" single, "Run Right Back." Listening to the Keys so much is bringing me back to the days when I was obsessed with Southern rock and yes, Kings of Leon. I remember being a young girl of 23, watching them play at Coachella for the first time as the sun went down. Sigh. Anyway, that's the kind of music I am listening to today:

1) "True Love Way" by Kings of Leon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp2KNuntzEQ) I wish so fucking hard this band still sounded this way. I remember the first time I heard this song, I think I was in the car of this dude I had a painful secret crush on and he played it and I just immediately thought "Oh cool, I love you." It was so rough and 70's and rocking, but still so romantic and yearn-y and builds to just this big, classic, great love song. Ahh, it is still so good!

2) "Fires" by Band of Skulls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fxykGHHYkM) This is another band that blew me away at Coachella years ago. Guys, this album is so SO good. Have they made a new album yet? I don't know, but this song is kitschy and sexy and fantastic.

3) "This Heart's on Fire," by Wolf Parade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xq4o-kE-j8&feature=related) Okay, so I am feeling lovey-dovey today. And being into fire.Weirdly, this was the first song I discovered by Wolf Parade. I just adore that little riff in the background and you KNOW how I feel about this man's voice...erotic. Anytime anyone starts out singing normally and then gets really upset and is yelling and can't control their voice anymore, I get excited. Like in The Wedding Singer. You KNOW what I am talking about.

PS Bye miss you!

Holiday Weener

So I went to this potluck holiday dinner last night. Don't worry, I brought pita chips and cilantro dip from Bristol Farms and Emily brought a VONS ice-cream cake and everyone else cooked gourmet things. Anyway, for those seven of you who read this blog regularly, you'll note that Lindsey Weening is not only one of my favorite humans, but she is one of my favorite humans to eat food with (see that Two Boots post). It's mostly funny because she is TINY, but can chow down with the best of them, but also funny because of her facial expressions. Behold:

Linds is just getting started here. Note how she closes her eyes as the food orgasm washes over her.

Uhoh. Did she eat something sour? Is she just making the "prune" face for the camera? No one knows.

BLISS! And possible vomit! Happy Holidays to all.

Tired Friday

Guys, I am EXHAUSTED from yet another awesome holiday party at Kat Scardino's (fake name!) house in Echo Park. But I still need music to get through the day! Don't we all?

1) "Lovesick Teenagers" by Bear in Heaven (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGS7vNLhxNA) I love this scary album cover and the heavy synth this indie Brooklyn band employs. I don't know what the words to this song are, but I feel a dark yearning, so I think I am getting the point.

2) "Stay Useless" by Cloud Nothings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtkePLlTUcY) I am pretty much obsessed with this dude/band right now. This whole album is cool and reminds me of really good early 90's grunge music. This song is especially pleasing to my ears.

3) "Desire Lines" by Deerhunter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mBSOtdOjoc) I love this band more and more as time goes on. Their songs are very varied and usually pretty long, which makes for a cool, layered experience. I could seriously listen to this song all day. Yup, I think I will.

PS I am not gonna post any holiday music. I sort of hate holiday music. I makes me depressed. Like, you know that scene in While You Were Sleeping where Sandra Bullock is sad and alone and buys herself the Christmas tree and then like, has trouble lugging it up the stairs in her tiny walk-up and then puts a single ornament on it and stares out the frosty window and thinks about her dead dad and how she is in love with this dude she doesn't know who comes the the train stop where she works every morning? No? Well that's how holiday music makes me feel. Except "All I Want For Christmas" by Ms. Mariah Carey. That song is the jamsauce.

IM From Co-Worker Rob

Rob:     i will listen to "we found love" until i start puking

ROBYN 4EVA

Guys, I posted the video for Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend" a couple of months ago, because it was awesome. Here it is again for those of you who live under rocks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ImxY6hnfA&ob=av2e

Oh, Robyn. Okay so last weekend, Robyn was the musical guest on SNL, and THE FOLLOWING happened in the writers' room:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbEOr5Weqb8

DREAM. MAN. Too bad Cobie Smulders from How I Met Your Mother got to him first, because she and I are TWINS and I totally could've had this dude. Also, Emily sent this to me. She knows me so well!

Hi, It's Tuesday.

Can it be the weekend again? No? Okay fine, let's listen to music together while we sit at desks. Let's whistle while we work. Except I can only whistle by sucking in breath. Also, I cannot snap. So, that's some information about me.

1) "Another Girl Another Planet" by the Only Ones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvO7HNQPFRI). I first heard this song play in the background during this movie Me Without You, which just like completely destroys me every time I watch it (which is a lot, because I illegally burned a DVD of it that I keep IN my DVD player at all times). If you are a guy, not to be sexist, but I don't think you will get this movie at all. It's about girl-besties and how that kind of relationship can be painful/competitive/fucked up. Anyway, the movie takes place in the 70's and 80's and I heard this song and "Whole Wide World" by Wreckless Eric and was like, YES. Yes to both.

2) "Believer" by John Maus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMku-GbafEg&ob=av2e) So not to brag about how cool I am, but on Saturday night after seeing the Cave Singers at the Troubadour with Linds (they were REAL good and the singer-dude can DANCE) and AFTER rolling to my friends Jack and Julia's holiday party at their precious bungalow in Venice with Anna (we danced and screamed along to hits such as Oasis's classic "Don't Look Back in Anger"), I went to this super-secret, late-night danceparty in deepest, darkest Los Angeles and was introduced to this song. I mean, the DJ also played some amazing Motown and Harry Nilsson, but I'd never heard "Believer" before. After listening to some of Maus's other shiz, I'd say he's not REALLY my guy (Noey calls him "kind of like Ariel Pink's weird cousin." Agree), but this song is really beautiful and good for almost-dawn, trance-y dancing.

3) "Manners" by Icona Pop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY-dKxGpBLg&ob=av2e) Emily sent me Hairpin's "best tracks of the year" list and this was one of them. I like any video with neon colors in it and any song that fantasizes taking the piss out of some idiot guy who dumps you, because in real life, I am maybe the most passive aggressive human wandering the streets of Silverlake.

PS SONG: "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnnDqH6Wj8). WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS!!!????!!!! Seriously, I have choreographed a dance you can do to this jam while sitting in your cubicle at work. Mr. Rida has a strange power over me where when I hear one of his songs, I can't control my body and HAVE to dance. It's like The Red Shoes, you guys, I am telling you. It happened with "Right Round," then with "Club Can't Handle Me," and now there's this song. It's a sickness, you guys, I am SICK. Okay, I'm sorry, goodbye.

???!

YOU GUYS, HOW THE MOTHERSHIT DO I TURN ON MY PILOT LIGHT? Like, what IS this?!

Sometimes I really hate pretending to be a cool DIY hipster. What beardy handyman can I get to come over here and turn this shit on, make me a stew, possibly make me candles from scratch and light them, and then cuddle me in his bear-arms?! If you know anyone text me, thanks.

Friday ONE

I just have one rockin' jam for you guys today. It's "Cradle of Love" by Billy Idol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FT3u-lhg4). I remember watching this video when I was little (directed by David Fincher you guys, DAVID FINCHER) and thinking it was SO NAUGHTY while simultaneously promising myself I would grow up to become this woman. Emily says this video made her realize she had a thing for Jewish men with glasses and interesting noses. SORRY EM, IT WAS TOO GOOD NOT TO TELL EVERYONE. I am only now realizing what a giant Billy-fan I am. I don't know what that means but if loving him is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Happy Friday!

Falalatuesday!

...I'm sorry about this post title. It's meant to be like "fa-la-la, Tuesday," but winds up looking like "Fellate Tuesday," and I am not telling you to blow this day (when in actuality, this day BLOWS), but simply offering up some good jams to make it a little bit brighter. What a gross, run-on sentence that was, right? ANYWAY, here:

1) "Swim Club" by The Cave Singers(http://www.youtube.com/watchfeature=endscreen&v=PoKzyr4zMNE&NR=1) I am seeing this band Saturday at the Troub! I haven't been to the Troubadour in so long and honestly, it's my favorite venue. This band plays the kind of comfort music I always come back to: a little folksy, a little country, and a lot of flannel. This song is kind of like The Head and the Heart had a baby with The Avett Brothers. I would really love to go to that fake-family's barbecue.

2) "Starstruck" by Santogold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4vvq2RERQ0) My iTunes actually suggested this song to me after I went on a chill-wave downloading spree. I really dug "Les Artistes" when the album came out, and this song is basically a darker version of that jam, so I am into it.

3) "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcCknHQnZ2M). Okay, confession: I love the shit out of this musical. Like, seen-it-on-stage-5-times, have multiple cast recordings, can sing the whole thing from memory-type of love. It's just SO good with JUST the right amount of cheese (just the right amount = a LOT). When I was little and thought I had the ability to sing, I made my father (Dad, I am sorry) film me in a velvet dress and BERET singing "Castle on a Cloud" and all you can hear is the tape playing the recording of the song and Dad whispering "LOUDER!" from behind the camera. Like, I thought the voice on the recording WAS my voice. I was a dumb kid. Anyway, this particular song I sang in choir, before I grew into my adult voice, which sounds like that of a raspy 12-year-old boy. Oh, they're making a movie of this, so I have it on the brain and am not completely random.

4) "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW3gKKiTvjs). Les Mis reminded me of this one. I mean this song is SO spectacularly weird. Kate Bush is so weird. I love her. Oh, this video is real fun to watch too.

New Found-Art!

I was just walkin' with Emily around the reservoir Saturday, doing our usual stroll, when we stumbled upon this:

Emily thinks Banksy did it. Did you do this, Banksy? Let me know, thanks. For those of you who can't read tiny Blackberry words, it says "Smile at this experience," which is funny, because the picture is of a grimacing, old ghostfaced man. Anyway, Emily and I smiled, so it worked.

Friday Lana!

I want to hate this lady, mostly because she's real pretty and I wish birds didn't die every time I try to sing, but I don't hate her. In fact, I was obsessed with her last single "Video Games," and now I am all about the new jam "Born to Die." The video is still in the works, but here's a fun image of Lana and a tatted gentleman to watch as you listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGR1iDuKabU

Super into the Massive Attack-meets-Portishead, early 90's vibe of this song (honestly, it's comparable to Madonna's "Rain" in a great way). Hope you enjoy and have a smashing weekend!

A Not-So Dangerous Movie...

So over Thanksgiving break, I saw David Cronenberg's new film A Dangerous Method. With my mom. Obviously. The film is basically about a crazy lady (Keira Knightley, all JAW) who goes to get treated by Carl Jung and ends up having an affair with him, much to the chagrin of Jung's mentor, Sigmund Freud, who later becomes krazy-Keira's doctor. One would think that a movie about a woman with a sexually-based psychosis who has an affair with a shrink that is himself obsessed with the subject of sex would get pretty kinky and wild. Not so. This is NOT the feel-erotic holiday movie I was looking for (Mom agreed with me).

Now, I ADORE Cronenberg. Dead Ringers is a masterpiece, Videodrome blew my mind, eXistenZ is a wonderful, wonderful film, I'm obsessed with Eastern Promises, and I even dig that freaky weirdo Crash. I could obnoxiously ramble on about ALL of Cronenberg's films. And there were some very good things about A Dangerous Method. Viggo Mortensen is quietly hilarious as Freud and Fassbender brings his typical intensity to Jung and the scenes between the two actors are actually really provocative and interesting (although the film doesn't explain what Jung's beliefs are at ALL, and as someone with very little knowledge of Jung's work, I was a tiny bit confused). The movie also looked beautiful, and the score was excellent. So there's that. I think I wouldn't have been SO disappointed if I had understood SOME of Jung's motivations and thought processes.

It's not a ROMANTIC movie, and although some people find Keira Knightley to be fetching (but I cannot get over her jaw), you don't understand why Fassbender initially gives in to having an affair with Keira and then later, what makes him desperate for her not to leave him. All of the theories and ideas expressed in the film were interesting, but it's as if the conversations the characters had were completely detached from what was actually happening to them. I, as a viewer, didn't get what I was supposed to glean from what Jung was doing and as a result, all the groovy things he said about the mind felt kind of empty.

If I am being totally honest though, the lack of sexytimes is what disappointed me most of all. I mean COME ON. Did you not see A History Of Violence? Is Fassbender (fully dressed in a suit, I must note) whipping Knightley's butt supposed to be shocking? Or hot? Because it's not. Whatever, I am seeing Shame tomorrow. Putting my money on that one.

Also, Don Hertzfeldt!

When I wasn't getting beaten by the wind last night, I was at the Silent Movie Theater (http://www.cinefamily.org/) watching three short films by Don Hertzfeldt. Okay, so like, EVERYONE I know knows who this filmmaker is, but I did not. He is BRILLIANT. He also gave a Q&A afterwards and was surprisingly NOT old and potentially handsome if he looked into this thing called a shower. Anyway, he is kind of a mixed media artist/director/cartoonist and you just HAVE to watch his stuff to understand how fantastic he is. His work is simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking...especially these three "Bill" films I saw last night. Most people are familiar with his film Rejected, but if you're a Philistine like me, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQqSVrkkag

This one is much more on the hilarious side of things, but you see what I mean. Please, please watch this if you haven't seen it before. Thanks!

I Live In The Windy City...

Dude, these Santa Ana winds are WILD. Like, I walked to my car yesterday morning and there was a damn DOOR lying in the road beside it. A DOOR. Like, thank God the door didn't hit my car. Also, I am admittedly NOT strong, but I could not move the door out of the street myself. That's some POWERFUL breeze, man. Also, where did that door come from? I feel bad for the house. I should've taken a picture. Sigh. Anyway, I thought these winds only happened in The Holiday (please don't even bother renting this film. I LOVE Nancy Meyers and I LOVE me a trashy rom-com, but there's no "rom" OR "com" in this mess), but not so. They are REAL and scary and power was out all over Silverlake last night as I drove home from Good Luck Bar (we've discussed already...http://www.yelp.com/biz/good-luck-bar-los-angeles) and blew one of my curtains down in the middle of the night.

Tuesday Melodies

Hiiiiiii, here are some songs for today!

1) "Half Light II (No Celebration)" by Arcade Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWliEQRTFg) Sometimes I ignore the fact that this album came out and that it was AWESOME and won that important Grammy or something. Weirdly, I went to high school with the Butler brothers (NOT in Canada...they are Canadians, but went to boarding school in New Hampshire with nerds like me). I remember they used to perform at these rock assemblies that we had and even then, they liked suspenders and sounded fantastic. Anyway, I am just telling you I am famous by proximity and that Arcade Fire is the real deal.

2) "Magic" by Ladyhawke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy3t6dDyXHg) So first of all, if you haven;t seen the movie Ladyhawke with Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer then you haven't LIVED. Second, I typically think this band is a bit MUCH, but this is one of my favorite songs to dance around my apartment alone to. It's got this Gothic, dramatic quality to it, but this is just a great, 80's-style pop song.

3) "Wait" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4uBFX7gOuA) Yeah, still not over this concert. The only real version of this song I could find on youtube is paired with images from some show on the CW called The Secret Circle and for that, I apologize, but you have to hear this song. Soon it won't be cool to like M83, because "Midnight City" is already running in a Victoria's Secret commercial and getting airtime on mainstream radio, so get into this now while it's still relatively hip. Honestly, this song is heartbreaking enough as a recording, but live it was nothing short of revelatory. It KILLED me. So, this is me, zombie stranger, telling you to go out and buy this whole album right now.

PS Song: "I'll Be Your Lover Too" by Van Morrison (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA_oz-wUFmk) This Thanksgiving in Woodstock was VERY Van Morrison-heavy. To be fair, I became obsessed with this song after watching Proof of Life, Taylor Hackford's turdy movie where Meg Ryan met Russell Crowe. Russell does look REAL good in a tank top though. Anyway, this is a sexy/lazy/tumbler of whiskey tune for you.

Hi, It's ME!

Guys, I really missed you! I hope you had a delightful Turkey time. I was with my family in NYC and then at my mom's cousins' place in Woodstock to give thanks. It was really nice; there was only one incident involving the turkey flying across the room...but cousin Amy caught it! Just like a bouquet at a wedding!Anyway, I enjoyed the break. I got to go to my college homecoming and see all my wonderful friends, do the following with special peeps:

Tasty. I got to escape the parade, which happens literally outside my parents' house. LOOK:

Yup, that's a cop car whizzing by. I also went to dinner at Porsena with my fam (it's so good, http://porsena.com/. Get the ring-shaped pasta with spicy lamb sausage and thank me later) and got to see my childhood home, which used to be a walk-up apartment building with a stoop frequented by heroine addicts and is now a swanky single-family residence next to Babbo. See?

Okay, yeah, this one is a little bit dark. I also went to Fatty Cue with my amazing friend Sasha (works in finance but is really a hippie who would rather be on her farm upstate at all times). Fatty Cue (http://www.fattycue.com/menus/west-village) is an Asian-influenced BBQ place in Brooklyn and now in the West Village and it is SICK-good. I started with this Mezcal drink (Mezcal is like Mexican vodka, guys) and then we got warm homemade bread with chiles and this sort of crumbled, salted burrata. Then we got a sensible kale salad because Sasha can't see kale on a menu and not order it and THEN we got this INSANE spicy, brined sausage soup with PRETZEL DUMPLINGS. The flavors were so incredible and surprising and I am still thinking about that damn soup. Then we had sardines over braised cabbage and once you eat the fish off the bones they do the COOLEST thing: the chef takes all the bones and fries them up so they're like chips and they serve them to you with a shitload of Siracha...as many of you know I LOVE a weird chip, and this is exactly that. Then we had some great ribs, I had 2 of these INCREDIBLE sour ales (I am sorry sour ale company, I cannot remember your name) and we had this wild, milk-themed dessert, which was this custard with milk ice cream and these fried wontons that tasted like funnel cake. It was a good meal.

Then I went to Mother's Ruin (http://www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-ruin-new-york), this awesome bar where there's no menu and you just tell the badass-looking bartender what you like and he makes you something yummy. I NEEDED my Manhattan-like cocktail, because I did forget that it actually gets COLD and RAINS in some parts of the country (the back of my tights were conpletely soaked through...not the sexiest look on the block). But it was a great time in the city overall. I got back to Silverlake Saturday and immediately needed a Thirsty Crow-run with Emily and our friend Elliott (followed by maybe 7000 chips at Mexico City...oops). Then Sunday I met Miss Noelia at Madame Matisse (http://www.yelp.com/biz/madame-matisse-los-angeles), which is like a stone's throw from my apartment, but this was my first time there. It was GOOD...I had this wild beef hash with two over-easy eggs on top of it. My stomach kind of hated me later on, but I walked it off on the reservoir and I think it was worth it. It's good to be back friends!

Movie Music: The Early Years

So, I love movies. Like, it goes my fam/friends, movies, music, my own life. But maybe the coolest gift movies and TV ever gave me was my appreciation for good tunes. Like, one lead to the other, get it? I have very specific and distinctive memories of certain songs in certain movies awakening in me a deep love for a jam. Here are some songs from some films that opened my eyes to the power of music and images paired together (lately I have been typing very scary/cheesy sentences like this, go with it):

1) "Olympia" by Hole from Stealing Beauty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDr-HZzNGOQ) So, okay, I was twelve when this movie came out and it just blew my world right open. It's probably one of Bernardo Bertolucci's LEAST acclaimed films, but man does it hit a nerve with girls who were "coming of age" at the time. Basically, 19-year-old Liv Tyler goes to Italy for the summer to figure out who her father is and lose her virginity. I literally experienced puberty as I watched journey. The entire soundtrack is amazing (Portishead, Liz Phair, Stevie Wonder) and I bought it immediately (which was not easy as I was living in Hong Kong at the time...I know, jetset, me). However, I was disappointed to discover that the song from the scene where Liv Tyler angrily rocks out to her headphones was not on the CD! I searched desperately to figure out what this raging anthem was called and then FINALLY I stumbled upon Hole's Live Through This...and went through puberty all over again.

2) "Would?" by Alice in Chains from Singles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nco_kh8xJDs&ob=av2e) I was obsessed with this movie. OBSESSED. I wanted to move to Seattle and go to concerts and drink coffee all the time and be Bridget Fonda and show up at somebody's doorstep and be all, like "I was just nowhere near your neighborhood." More than anything else, I was obsessed with a gentleman named Eddie Vedder. He had the TINIEST part in the movie but as soon as he opened his pretty bow-mouth I was like, WHO WHAT WHERE HOW DO I GET? Anyway, this soundtrack is BOMB. Like, defined my childhood. I remember hearing Chris Cornell's voice for the first time and just being like, oh cool, I can die now. But this AIC song is really representative of the soundtrack and of that time in general and guys, remember what a great band this used to be before they got a doody new singer? Remember when Cameron Crowe was a good writer? He made me want to be a screenwriter! And then he made Elizabethtown...

3) "Big Empty" by Stone Temple Pilots from The Crow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv5LEdLZJqk) Okay, so all of these songs are obviously of a specific time period. This movie was a really big deal because Brandon Lee died while shooting it and it was a whole cult thing blah blah. I actually never even watched the movie until a boy made me see it like three years ago. It's dated, but very cool. But I remember the trailer running constantly on TV and the chorus of this song playing over it and thinking that the music combined with the images was just the greatest thing ever. I have to tell you though, I made up some crazy lyrics to make the song about ME. I don't remember what they were but it was something like "tiiiimeeeee to take her home her pretty brown hair is long and shiiiinnnyyyy."

4) "Blister in the Sun" by The Violent Femmes from My So-Called Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aljlKYesT4&feature=related) This video is from Grosse Pointe Blank, but I first heard this when I watched Angela Chase decide she was like, totally over Jordan Catalano and proceeded to dance like a dork all over her bedroom. This Violent Femmes song, along with "Kiss Off" that appeared in Reality Bites made me realize how important music could be to a film and how much I loved records. Also, MSCL was the best show EVER. My college girlfriends will attest to the fact that Freshman year I would sit on my bed and watch every episode on my computer, breaking only for visitors and runs to Gourmet Heaven. It was a weird time; I listened to a LOT of Coldplay. But I mean, DUDE, remember this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IucL7_szrHw. Yeah, you're all welcome.

Gchat From Emily

emily:  http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/11/where-are-all-the-plus-size-male-models.html
like
am i the 13th person
to send you this?

Thanks Pitchfork...UGH

So guys, I really hate giving Pitchfork any credit ever, but sometimes I do discover really great bands on their website. Today it's Twerps, this Aussie outfit that sounds like Nirvana went back in time and made a baby with Joy Division, but strangely that baby is not incredibly depressed upon exiting the womb (and has an Australian accent). I may have gone way too far with that analogy, but the Twerps are great. Here is "Dreamin":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=XLyJvKJGJGQ

Found He-Art

Okay that looks like I am saying "he, art," which would be intriguing and sexy, but really I found THIS in the road:

See? It's a HEART and it's ART. OMG precious, right? Emily actually found it whilst we were walking with Noelia around the reservoir. It was branded into the sidewalk as if Cupid had shot a fiery heart down from the Heavens! What the FUCK am I typing?

Also, this weekend, I went to see my friend Jon, Jeff and Anthony perform in their new project called Beat Club (they're GOOD...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWsAL9-cU_o) at Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood (http://www.space15twenty.com/), which is this cool outdoor area thing. Check out the space AND the band if you know what's good for you...

TGIFinally

Remember TGIF on TV? So good. Anyway, I am still not over M83, but here are some Friday songs.

1) "Jump Into The Fire" by Harry Nilsson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QghwNqlCRE) This song makes me think of my friend Emily and my friend Jon, separately. Emily introduced me to this song, blasting it in her car when we were both annoyed about something (boys) and totally changed my mood. Jon just loves this song and I often think of him as a visitor from another time period...definitely the late 70's or early 80's. I mean this as a compliment: Jon is sweet and creative and looks amazing in tank tops and tight pants.

2) "Angel In The Snow" by Elliott Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Q_fYuMZdA) So yeah, I can't really listen to Elliott Smith without bursting into tears or thinking about a really dark phase I went through Sophomore year of college (this pre-dates my Ryan Adams dark phase), but I adore this song. I was SO PISSED when Jason Reitman used it in his piece of doody movie Up in the Air. No, don't argue with me, that was not a good movie. Smith was so good at vocalizing emotions that are so incredibly internal and this song is such a fantastic depiction of what loves feels like. At least it is for me. Whatever, shut up leave me alone!

3) "We Own The Sky" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzge5vY72hE) WHAT I am not over them! Oldie but goodie. I wanted to do "Reunion," but it wasn't on youtube.

M83!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so I went to M83 last night and they knocked my socks off. No, that is an understatement. They knocked all my clothes and accessories off and took the money out of my purse. Like, at one point I had to grip Noey because tears were coming down my face. Oh, this was at the Music Box Theatre, which is a really, really wonderful venue (http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/). And the sound was just like, OH MAN (I know, I am really eloquent today). Here is a picture:

Yeah, I know, you can't really see anything and there was also an incredibly tall gentleman standing directly in front of me and eventually I had to move over. But I was THERE. Anyway, the sound was just so consuming and good, the crowd got into it and actually danced, and that chick in the band really brought it with her angelic voice and sassy outfit (I wish I could wear a dress/tank-top where my cute lace bra showed completely without looking like a madame in an old-timey saloon but alas, I cannot). The drummer also BROUGHT it. Like, they used a drum machine because they needed to be REALLY LOUD, but there was also this guy just SMASHING his drum kit, but in this really sharp and precise way (man, I love drummers so much).

They played some old hits like "Kim and Jessie" and of course rocked new stuff like "Midnight City" (that one really got everyone pumped up). M83 is already pretty successful, but they're about to be ENORMOUS so go see them now.

Oh also, we got a drink at Public House in Los Feliz before the show (http://www.yelp.com/biz/1739-public-house-los-angeles-2). It's kind of the only place in that neighborhood where you can go and watch sports. It's not the SWANKIEST, but they have an incredible beer selection, trivia nights (although it wasn't so enjoyable to have a trivia night going on around us while we were trying to converse), and some handsome dudes...because you can watch sports there.

PS This is random, but in an earlier post I said I was really meh on Tom Petty...and then posted "Yer So Bad." This morning, this song came on the radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0JvF9vpqx8&ob=av3e. Jesus Christ, this is a cool song. Also, I had completely forgotten this weirdo-Alice in Wonderland video. Anyway, I am sorry Mr. Petty; you're not that relevant anymore, but you had some jams.

It's a Toozy!

Guys, I don't know. I thought Daylight Savings Time (do you capitalize that shit? Did I really graduate from a university?) was supposed to make you MORE AWAKE in the Fall...this is a lie. So I am listening to some wild songs to pump me up. Behold:

1) "Hang With Me" by Robyn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3a2qoyONVA&ob=av2e). I think you guys know by now that I love this woman. The acoustic version of this song is good too in a different way, but this tour video is really fun and I think this Jem and the Holograms-like bass really adds something.

2) "We Found Love" by Rihanna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg00YEETFzg&ob=av2e). Wait, did I already do this song? OMFG EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S. But seriously, I think this video is beautiful. It's kind of new Fincher meets the Drive dude meets A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. Also, this song is so 80's and I love it. Like it could be in Flashdance. Okay, I will stop with the movie recs.But this video is hot.

3) "Turn The Beat Around" by Gloria Estefan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvGTQ0jH7KM). I think everyone has a story about how they have mangled the words to this song...especially the part where she says "love to hear percussion." I used to think it was "love to feel the pressure," and I thought Gloria was a wacko, because who LOVES pressure?! Come on. This song also makes me think of my friend Leslie, who thought the lyrics to Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" were "I'm a cowboy. I'm a stay-at-home guy!" I can embarrass Leslie like this because she's basically a perfect human lady.

Adios.

Stranger Downtown...

I am an idiot for not taking pictures, but Saturday I went to the coolest EP release party in this warehouse/loft thing downtown. The band I saw is called COYOL (http://coyol.bandcamp.com/). Check out "Gone Gone" now please. Basically, this band is comprised of the three most attractive people on the planet. Like, tiny, stylish hipster girl with an exotic ethnicity and a HUGE voice and bearded lead singer/guitarist man with a strange but beautiful voice and then pretty, beanie-wearing keyboardist man who makes jokes. They almost completely distracted me from the fact that we were in an enormous loft that you could ride your bike inside of and that people actually lived in with crazy art everywhere. Side-confession: I can't really ride a bike.

Anyway, they served beer made by some dude that was friends with the band (delicious and hoppy; I am sorry I can't give said-dude a proper shout-out because I didn't catch the name of the beer) and you could silk-screen your own t-shirt and I felt totally out of place, but loved every minute of it. COYOL will also be appearing on Noelia and Kalen's awesome new site Knock and Rock (http://www.knockandrock.com/) very soon and then they will probably blow up and be huge because they're good and so goddamn gorgeous.

Afterwards, we went to Lindsey's friend's birthday at some swanky, American Psycho-looking loft facing the Standard hotel and danced to some old Madonna. So, a solid night. But I took no pictures. So here's one I took of the crazy weather out the window of my office. Doesn't it look like Armageddon?

Doesn't it?! Whatever I hate you.

Fried-day

I am so clever. I also had a ROUGH week. Like, work-wise. But everything's okay now! Sort of! Whatever, it's Friday, and although I am monumentally sleepy/mildly hungover from eating sausage (get your minds out of the gutter) at my magical and Italian friend Antonio's birthday into dancing to Soft Pipes' Anthony and my friend Christopher (his musical name is Miracle Parade and his tunes are a DELIGHT...check it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdqgE_5CEUw) DJ at R Bar (cool place in Koreatown that you weirdly need a password to get into: http://www.yelp.com/biz/r-bar-los-angeles), I still need to share some jams with all 19 of you:

1) "I'm Going Down," by Bruce Springsteen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZarmRLa2p9Q) So in college, the hockey house had some really good slash chauvinistic parties (um, CEOs and secretary hos?), but they would always play the same three songs: "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness (what happened to them?), "We Built This City" by Starship (fucking stupid lyrics), and this song. I don't know why I am giving you this useless information but this song reminds me of college and the good times I had there and now I am old and SIGH.

2) "California Soul" by Marlena Shaw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MMflNf-ocg) Anthony LOVES to play this song when he DJs. Because it's awesome and you can't help but dance to it. Also like, it's appropriate for where I live. Anyway, the boys played it last night and now it's in my head in a good way.

3) "Realist Alive" by Clams Casino (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYMH8NagwKU&feature=related) I hate the name of this music project. It totally grosses me out even though I don't even know what the dish of food Clams Casino entails...I mean, it's obviously something involving clams. Anyway, I love "I'm God" by Clams, but this song is equally dreamy in its hypnotic chill-wave repetitiveness.

PS Guys, did you know what a Pickleback was? I didn't until Emily told me. It's when you chase a shot of whiskey with a shot of pickle juice. Don't knock it 'til you try it...

Youth Lagoon at The Echo

I went with Kyle last night. It was awesome. The bassist was so hot. Look:

You're welcome.

Tunesday

What's in my brain today:

1) "Wash the Day" by TV On The Radio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_dfHPorYNw). Damn, I really like this band now. I know, I know, I am super-late to the party, but at least I made it, right? This is TVOTR at their best: booming, thumping and yet melodic.

2) "Common Burn" by Mazzy Star (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7ayH09psxc). GUYS, do you remember "Fade Into You"? You don't? Here you go, idiot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKY6TZEyrI. This song (and the movie Angus, in which this song is prominently featured) like, defined eighth grade for me. I know Mazzy Star only plays three chords or something for reasons unknown to me, but they're like, THE BEST three chords ever. This new jam from them captures their old dreamy sound while incorporating some new, jazzier and honestly, lighter elements. Good stuff.

3) "Ingenue" by Life in Mono (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otRmKa9WNbM&feature=fvst). Okay, so I just dove down into an eighth-grade wormhole. But do you remember the soundtrack to Great Expectations? I was obsessed. I was also obsessed with the movie and even though it was panned, you could still see how potentially brilliant Alfonso Cuaron was. I mean, setting the Dickens novel in the NYC art world of the 80's? All the green designer couture? So good. Anyway, I could not get enough of this soundtrack. Whatever, just consider yourselves lucky I didn't use the Chris Cornell song I wanted to post.

Halloweekend

So Halloween lasted four days this year.

Friday, my delightful and handsome Venice friends Jon, TJ (they're brothers, it's hot), and Charles had a Halloween/Bday Party and it was great. Jon and TJ were also saying adios to old Venice as they are moving to my neck of the woods (YAY). I did a very hipster-friendly joint costume with Anna and we are SO HIP, no one has any pictures of us together. All I got is this:

Noelia is the hot nurse in the middle. Hot not only because she's a pretty lady, but because she painted flames and soot all over her dress. Deanna on the right is zombie-Blanche from Golden Girls and that is an INCREDIBLE costume (the wig is actually an Edward Cullen from Twilight wig). Although I HATE me in this picture as you can see, I am Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Obviously Belle, obviously. However, Anna dressed as Sebastian from The Little Mermaid and together we were Belle and Sebastian, like the very hip folksy band, but NOT. You have to trust me when I say Anna looked incredible. The girl really committed. She wore this full Sebastian the crab hat that she order online, all red, and oven mitts in the shape of lobster claws, which she refused to take off and so was hilarious when attempting to hold or open anything.

Saturday night I BABYSAT, which is the scariest way to spend Halloween, let me tell you. Luckily, the children were DELIGHTFUL. But I was very afraid.

Sunday night they do a soul-thing at this bar called Short Stop in Echo Park (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-short-stop-los-angeles, yes it looks like the unmarked doorway to Satan's lair), but my friends and I just drank Bohemias and talked about horror movies. It felt really nice. Last night I hung with Anna and then some women and I had some mulled cider with whiskey in it and watched Dancing With the Stars which was HORRIFYING and wonderful.

And that's what happened.

It's SCARY That I like These Songs...

Happy almost-Halloween! Halloween is a holiday I like for NO REASON because I always end up looking weird in my costume and something strange/bad always happens to me during this particular weekend. But hey, I get to wear my fake glasses outside (or in my office. Right now) and drink a lot and gorge on candy because, like, I'm supposed to. Anyway, to celebrate this joyous weekend of costimes and consumption, here are a few songs that I should be embarassed to like to the point where I fear myself, and yet I don't really:

1) "You Love Me" by Kelly Clarkson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pikf1UyXKuw). I kind of love that Kelly was the first American Idol winner but she kind of let herself go and favors sweatpants over ballgowns and is all sort of "damn the man!" while continuing to churn out cheesy pop tunes. She's kind of the ultimate hipster, the way she plays with irony. Anyway, this song is off her new album and it is so rad in how 80's it is. Also, I like that the song is called "You Love Me," but is all about a dude who treats Kelly like doody.

2) "Going Under" by Evanescence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdhqVtpR2ts&ob=av2e). You guys, I'm being totally serious. I really like this song. So okay, this movie came out a couple of years ago called Tristan and Isolde, starring James Franco with like, the weirdest curly-swirly wig EVER and an incredibly sexytime Henry Cavill pre-Tudors and Superman. The movie was complete poo, BUT it had this really erotic trailer where after the chick is all "I'll pretend it's you," when she's about to sex this other dude that Tristan won her for accidentally (I mean, it's a pretty famous story), this jam kicks in and is wildly effective. Omg FINE don't believe me, but watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAJJay0Uv4M. You are welcome.

3) "Resistance" by Muse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPE9uSFFxrI&ob=av2n). I am aware that this playlist is now spinning wildly out of control, but I am just trying be brutally honest with you guys. This is what blogging is all about. So, Muse is a STUPID band. Like, that Starlight song is fine and there's this one other old one that is sort of dirty-sexy, but mostly they are these pesudo-Goth, pseudo-glamrock, pseudo-cool guys that think they're creating these epic, eternally poignant anthems when really they're just extremely poor man's (we're talking no shoes and homeless) Queen smushed together with something else. That being said, this is probably their most embarassing song and I totally enjoy it.

4) "The Story of Us," by Taylor Swift (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN6VR92V70M&ob=av2e). I totally have a weird fascination with Swifty. She is this 22-year old woman-bagillionaire who sings about love like she's a 7th-grader who's never been to second base. Seriously, even Mandy Moore sang about making love on the floor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhN1K59V-BI). Also, she has had like, 50 boyfriends, right? Like does she not bang them? I'm sorry, but is she trying to tell me all John Mayer ever did was "lead her up the stairwell"? Did he just spin around and head right back down the stairs after that? But as sad as all of this is, there is something incredibly relatable about all of Taylor's lyrics. Like sure, I want a dude to drop everything now and meet me in the pouring rain and kiss me on the sidewalk and take away my pain (maybe not in the rain, my naturally curly hair would not like that). This song off her most recent album I find really representative of everything Taylor Swift stands for, plus, the video is Swifty doing a "Hit Me Baby One More Time"-thing without a hint of self-mocking or awareness.

Okay I have to go be alone now...enjoy your Friday.

It Happened Last Weekend...

So, two of my college roommates and one college friend that I did not live with came to visit last weekend. On Friday, Lucy Byrd Lyons (that is really her name. She is amazing and has red hair and lives in DC with her cute husband and loves pie) and Anne Foster-Keddie (equally amazing, law student who lives in San Diego, most energy of any human I have ever met) came with me to the Mason Jennings concert at the El Rey (we have discussed this theater; beautiful old-school venue in Hollywood).

I had a big thing for Mason in college. Anne introduced me to him and I fell hard for his gentle and peculiar voice and painfully honest lyrics. I remember going with her to some tiny spot in Brooklyn our Senior year to see him play an amazing acoustic set while I drank PBR, maybe for the first time. Well, he's still got it. His new stuff is just as compelling (check out his new album: http://masonjennings.com/home). Here is a pic of him playing the DRUMS (he can, obviously, play all of the instruments, but I am a sucker for a drummer who can also sing CAN YOU HEAR ME DAVE GROHL?):

Again, we were closer than this pic would lead you to believe. He is performing here with a band called the Pines, who were FINE...kind of a Cary Brothers rip-off.

Saturday was sad because Anne had to leave but then happy because we met up with Lily Oliver (looks like a sweet blonde lady but she will CUT you with her sharp NYC wit...yup, she's also AMAHZING) and went to Mandrake, which is this awesome gallery/bar/danceparty place in  the middle of nowhere down La Cienega (http://www.mandrakebar.com/).  Lucy commented that I must love it there because it was full of hipsters and men in flannel, which is...true, but the bartenders make a mean greyhound (it has a sprig of rosemary in it!) and the dancing is actually really good. Late that night, Lucy, Kyle and I got down to some Abba. Look:

That sign above the dancefloor reads "NO DANCING." So ironic. So hip. Sigh; I miss my girls already!

Twosday

Today is insane. I can only type about two songs and I still need to tell you (Mom) about my weekend. But enjoy:

1) "True Love Will Find You in the End," by Daniel Johnston (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNXTh4A4uS0). Sadly, I discovered this song when it was covered by Beck on the Daniel Johnston tribute album, but whatever, now I know about it and love it.

2) "The Downside of Being a Fuck-Up" by Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWuXHyp5BJM). Um, thank you Kurt Vile Pandora station for this one. I only knew "Whole Wide World" by Wreckless Eric before this and even though I think that is a JAM, this song is even better in my opinion. Also Amy Rigby, I never knew you, but I like you now.

PS Song...guys, you know I love a PS song. This one is "I've Just Seen a Face," by the Beatles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CEZ7KHdApE). I mean, you guys probably already know this song because you have the internet and don't live in caves, but it makes me so happy. It's tender. I like that word. Tender. Okay bye.

Chats From a Co-worker...

So Rob IMs me just now (he is sitting next to me):

Rob:    get one of these
            and turn every boy into the boy of your dreams
            http://www.likecool.com/Beardo_beard_hat--Hat--Style.html

He gets me.

Tired Tuesday

Guys I am so beat. It's my own fault...I went to celebrate my friend Deanna's birthday last night and decided to pretend it was not a MONDAY. It was actually really wonderful: Deanna cooked pot-stickers and Bok choy and rice and this amazing Filipino-style chicken and this wine-orange thing and chocolate cake. I ate so much I barely felt the MILLION GLASSES of champagne that I had. Then we went to the outdoor patio at Chavito. And then there was Good Luck Bar. Have I talked about Good Luck Bar? It's this bar (duh) at the corner of Sunset and Hillhurst: http://www.yelp.com/biz/good-luck-bar-los-angeles

I like it there because it's super divey, but actually has a cool faux-Asian aesthetic and somehow they're always playing some amazing Kinks b-side you had forgotten you loved. Anyway, as a result of all this fun, I feel like doody. However, this music is helping:

1) "Because the Night" by Patti Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px__SsVXX_0). This is one of my all-time favorite songs. People my age are way more familiar with the 10,000 Maniacs' cover, but Natalie Merchant's voice, while great, isn't nearly as tortured and interesting as Smith's...possibly because Natalie Merchant wasn't basically homeless and in love with a gay addict artist, but I digress. If you haven't, please check out Patti Smith's amazing book Just Kids and I also recommend her cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ciiCyxOJA). I know I just bashed covers earlier in this very paragraph, but she actually does something very different with the song and brings a perspective to it that I find really relevant.

2) "Number 1" by Goldfrapp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzfaJRDfveo&ob=av2e). This is a really, really simple dance track from years ago but I still like it. Alison Goldfrapp is a super-charismatic frontwoman and this band was at the forefront of the dance-pop revival. That sentence I just typed could be a total lie, but it feels right...just like walking out into velvet.

3) "The Heart of the Matter" by Don Henley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xezg3z5IE8I). So I HELLA hate the Eagles. I am not even really sure what they sing besides "Hotel California," but that song alone makes me want to die. Like, who likes that song? Seriously? Why is it on the radio so much? But anyhoo, I LOVE Don. He hits this spot in the cheesiest part of my heart and I just feel so good whenever I hear any of his jams like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire when his life is falling apart but Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" comes on and gives him back his will to live. I also like that all of his songs are basically long-winded justifications for all the terrible things that happen to people, like their exes breaking up with them and moving onto another relationship and they're still single and had to hear about it from a Goddamned friend BUT IT'S OKAY BECAUSE IT'S ABOUT FORGIVENESS! Oh Don...don't worry...in a New York-minute everything can change.

Friday Footloose

I just made that the post-title because Footloose comes out and I am totally amped to see it. I know it's often a crime against humanity to try and remake classic films (like The Thing...I KNOW it's a prequel but you HAVE to be kidding me if you think you can make something more perfect than the original...), but let's be honest this is mother-effing FOOTLOOSE, not The Conformist. It's dancing, it's FINE.

Anyway, I only wanted to share some songs today, not pontificate on the downfall of modern cinema. Enjoy:

1) "Don't Move" by Phantogram (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2RlV6cteiA). Ugh, fine, I found this on Pitchfork. But I am in a dance-y place (see above re: Footloose) and this song includes my lover, the horn, so it goes on the list.

2) "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3giaIzONA&ob=av2e). WHAT DID I JUST SAY?! This song doesn't get old to me.Whit is being like, pretty pathetic here, whining about how as soon as it gets dark she gets super lonely and just really wants to "dance" and feel the heat with somebody who loves her, but let's be honest, we all relate. I especially love when she gets all manic, singing "don'tyouwannadancesayyouwannadancedon'tyouwannadance?!" Yes Whit, I do.

3) "Dance All Night" by Ryan Adams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwEBKVFLtS4). Yeah, we've got ourselves a theme now. Ryan Adams just released a new album and it's pretty solid, but rather than just post "Lucky Now," or some new bullshit, I am taking you back to my college years when my Ryan obsession was at it's peak. This song conjures up stumble-dancing by yourself at last call with the lights on and a half-empty bottle of Jack in your hand...in a good way.

4) "Dance Little Sister" by The Rolling Stones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9mj7ZwIKnI). This song makes me want to do that cool, 80's, toe-tappy dance where you exaggeratedly snap your fingers and maybe wear your blazer with the collar up, know what I mean? No? Well it doesn't matter anywah because confession: I can't snap.

5) "Night by Night" by Chromeo (hthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XCcWlgVqHA&ob=av2n). This is one of my all-time favorite videos and the song may not have the word "dance" in the title, but "Night by Night" is ALL ABOUT dancing. And sexiness with sexy Chromeo. And this video is my fantasy: dancing all night in an awesome outfit with Chromeo at a mysterious NYC warehouse. Here's hoping my Friday goes in this direction...

Oh, the Horror!

So as of late, I have developed a secret habit of listening to Beyonces "Best Thing I Never Had" on repeat. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHp2KgyQUFk&ob=av2e

Yeah, I know, I have that same outfit in purple. Anyway, I am not ashamed of my Bey-love. She is an awesome, talented lady and married to/about to give birth to the spawn of Jay-Z. I am way more proud of liking this song than say, "Sparks Fly" by T. Swift (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcfaf3Rk28Y), which I have to turn way down on my drive home when I hit Silverlake Blvd., however jamming nonstop to Beyonce doesn't exactly give me the street cred I crave...

...Which is why I am SO PSYCHED that The Horrors have decided to admit their appreciation for the Goddess B by COVERING "Best Thing I Never Had." Here it is:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/10/the_horrors_best_thing_i_never.html

Honestly, I like the original better. I appreciate the 80's, Cure-ness of the Horrors' version (as I appreciate the whole 80's, Cure-like thing the band is doing in general now), but the whole point of this song to me is that it's a big, soulful, almost-ballad sung by a true DIVA. Much like "Irreplaceable" (SO. FUCKING. GOOD. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ&ob=av2e),  "Best Thing I Never Had" is a you-are-missing-out-on-all-this-hot-shit-you-idiot power ditty that can really only be pulled off by someone like Ms. Knowles. Anyway, the point is, I feel cooler loving this song now that an indie band covered it.

Hola Chavito

On Friday I ended up meeting some friends at Chavito, the bar that's connected to Mexican (duh) restaurant El Chavo on Sunset (http://www.elchavorestaurant.com/). This was sort of an accidental meeting, since I actually forgot Daniel had said he had moved from Harvard and Stone to Good Luck Bar and made him go outside to save me and Emily from the line at Harvard and Stone...even though he wasn't there. Anyway, this story may make no sense to you, but we ended up and Chavito and LISTEN, it's pretty cool there. It's super-divey and there's a cute little garden outside and the Margaritas are STRONG (on the rocks, salted; this drink is unacceptable any other way) and all of the boys there are bearded and possibly in need of a shower in a good way. Even though I was too shy to talk to the dirty forest men and spent the whole time talking to my very clean friends Gabe (Gabe! You're my best friend! Move here!) and Mori (Mori! I love you!), If you're looking for a chill little night I highly recommend this place. Also important, my delightful Westside friend Jonathan Ames made it out in all his bespectacled splendor, and it was a joy to see him (even though he was sitting too far away for my lazy self to talk to for most of the night).

Also, this GEM of an old-school jam came on the radio in my car last night and I want all twelve of you to experience it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbrTX6Frg3I

Beirut at the Greek

I know this post title would lead you to believe I was playing a drinking game at a frat house, but really I was seeing a delightful band at one of the best music venues in the world.

The Greek is an amphitheatre in Griffith Park...a delightful stroll up Hillhurst if you park down by Little Doms. It is LOVELY: http://www.greektheatrela.com/. It's small and intimate and really any seat in the outdoor theater is a good seat (I know this to be a fact; for Arcade Fire I was in the second row and for Beirut I was on one of the side balconies and had a great view and heard great sound from both spots).

Anyway, it was a perfect little Tuesday night; Beirut was fantastic with their gentle jams and trumpets and tubas (I LOVE A HORN!). Who knew a 24 year old dude from Santa Fe would get heavy into Eastern European folk music and blend it with some Paul Simon to create such a soulful, fun sound? Not I.

Here are some dark blurry pics to give you sense of what I was seeing:

So blue! Also, we were closer than this pic would lead you to believe...

Now white! I want to steal those lights and put them in my non-existent garden. Until next time!

Showing My Mainstreamness...

Welp, I love the new Florence and the Machine song, "Shake it Out." It's so much fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWnVznnWcs

Guys, come on, I have been SO weepy musically lately. It was raining in LA all week (confession: I secretly loved it), so I was embracing the darkness. Now, I am stepping into the light. I am going to stop typing now to avoid spouting more cliches.

Idiot...is me.

Youth Lagoon's album is called The Year of Hibernation, not Cannons. Cannons might've been the EP. Sometimes I get really excited and it makes me stupid. Also this is the cool, official video for Montana that rips off Malick's Tree of Life, but is still good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKPT30jOJw

Noelia alerted me to this. Thanks Noey, as always. She also sent me this video to haunt my dreams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emCw-rRU3Q4&feature=player_embedded#!

Good song, scary RING-style video. You're welcome.

Tuesditties

Say that title out loud; it will make you laugh. Or don't, whatever, I don't care about you. But here are some songs for you this Tuesday:

1) "Montana" by Youth Lagoon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbMiHqaE8VE). I am obsessed with Youth Lagoon's album Cannons right now. Seriously, I love all of the songs on this thing...you know I adore me a jam that builds and builds. Anyway, this guy is like 20 or something and I am going to see him soon at the Echo and can't wait.

2) "Elephant Gun" by Beirut (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSz_PAfgNc). This is the first song I ever heard by this band and I fell immediately into intense like with them. I think I told you that I wanted to adapt this dark children's fairytale into a movie and then somehow get Beirut to do the entire score. I still fantasize about doing that. Typically, I am completely annoyed by twee little bands of boys in suspenders making twinkly music on mandolins, but these guys have a BEAUTIFUL sound and incorporate many instruments. Like HORNS. Also I am going to see them tonight at the Greek YAYAYAYYYY!!!

3) "Let Down" by Radiohead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z_NvVMUcG8). Okay, so I have basically had this on repeat since I found out they did a concert at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC and became furious that I was not AT IT. Dear Radiohead, can you do that in LA please? Thanks, love, me, Stranger. Anyway, I have loved this song for so long and I am sure you have too.

4) "Baby's Arms" by Kurt Vile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63KB-EJKdyI). I am not over him yet.

5) "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqIIW7nxBgc&ob=av2n). Have I done this one already? Jesus JONES, this woman is great. I really loved this dark-haired, Spanish-loving phase of Madge's and the videos that went along with it. I love love spoken word or "rap" sections in lady-pop songs (see Mandy Moore's "Candy," as an example. No, seriously).

PS Bye REM! I was real, real all about you for a while. In fact, I used to kiss my pillow and the doorframe of my bathroom and picture Nick Armes to this song in the seventh grade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_8_LpLqKYA. What?! I considered it a gift that could create such an elaborate romantic scenario in my mind at such a young age.

CORRECTION!

You can't BYOB at Speranza anymore. My friend learned this the hard way on Friday and by hard way I mean she had to leave the bottle in the car, we still had the delicious Malbec that is on the menu at the restaurant, and then she drank the car bottle at our next destination. Anyway, I just don't want to lie to you guys ever, sorry.

Speranza!

I might've blogged about this place before and I am not going until later tonight, but I am so excited about it I want to remind you right now:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/speranza-los-angeles

Speranza is this PRECIOUS restaurant on Hyperion (and I mean precious; they give you blankets to cover yourself if it's chilly in the twinkly-lit garden where the tables are) that has one chef serving WONDERFUL homemade pastas among other dishes. You can also bring your own wine and there is no corkeage fee, although when I was there I had an awesome Malbec that we ordered off the menu (I think Daniel of Mongolian BBQ fame picked it, so thanks Daniel). Mmmmmmm. In advance.

DRIVE

GUYS, GUYS, GUYS!!!! Have you seen Drive, starring babe of all babes Ryan Gosling? No? GO RIGHT NOW. It is one of the most BEAUTIFUL films I've seen in a long time (but warning: super, super violent and bloody) and the images on screen coupled with the BRILLIANTLY selected soundtrack make pure movie magic. Here are three jams from the movie that I found especially awesome:

"Real Hero," by College featuring Electric Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSVDcw6iW8

"Under Your Spell," by Desire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7rmxjk5RQ

"Nightcall," by Kavinsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV_3Dpw-BRY

I KNOW.

Concert Weekend

This past weekend, I saw a lot of bands perform. Technically, I only went to 2 concerts, but I caught 7 acts, all pretty great, some amazing.

It all started Friday night when I went with my concert girlfriend Noelia to the Bright Eyes show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (you know, the place with the movies). We strolled into the graveyard with our picnic items (OKAY FINE, Crazy Creek chairs, frosted animal crackers, and whiskey...it's ALLOWED there) and heard a familiar voice. I won't go through the ridiculous details of how we realized Kurt Vile was playing in the sunset, opening for Mr. Oberst, but there is he was in all his grunge-y glory. People were spread out all over the cemetery field with their blankets and baskets, the large stage in the corner looming againt the backdrop of palm trees and dusk (wait...did I really just write that? Ew.).

Then Conor Oberst and crew came out and the stage lit up with different colored column fixtures. No camera could really do it justice so my tiny, flashless Blackberry was kind of useless to say the least. Whatever, you had to be there. Without trying to sound incredibly cheesy (too late), Bright Eyes was a really beautiful, emotional experience. I was never originally on the Bright Eyes train (except I remember "Lover I Don't Have to Love," making me uncomfortable in a good way), but this concert made me realize what a beautiful lyricist Oberst is and how hard he can actually rock. Bright Eyes did INCREDIBLE versions of "Poison Oak" (Oh GOD do I love this song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjHACWmO0jQ) and "Landlocked Blues" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6707rEMoUo4). Oberst was also in a WONDERFUL mood...something that I've heard is a rarity when he performs. Anyway, it was an amazing show.

Sunday I went (with Noelia, duh) to the Hollywood Bowl (you should know this place...http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/) to see The Smith Westerns, Warpaint, Panda Bear, The Arctic Monkeys, and TV on the Radio. I know, five bands seems insane, but only the Monkeys and TVOTR played full sets. The Smith Westerns were solid, but I don't love their music (kind of George Harrison-esque, as Noey put it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEeWAY0oEOc). Warpaint blew my Goddamned head off.  Here is the video for their song "Undertow," which I LOVE, and it's directed by actress Shannyn Sossamon, the band's original drummer, who founded the group with her sister Jenny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkqbY0oGKQ). I know, that is a lot of information. The new drummer, Stella Mogzawa, is basically the best thing since Dave Grohl. You guys know I love a drummer, but this lady is so ACCURATE and yet BRUTAL in the way she plays, I almost forget the pretty melody that's being put down on top of it. I say ALMOST, because Warpaint really is a great band that you have to see live to fully appreciate. Also Emily Kokal's NOSE IS THE COOLEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN. Just saying. Here is what they looked like:

That picture actually makes us seem further away than we really were. I swear. Then Panda Bear brought the audience to a spiritual place with their haunting electro-chants (they opened with this and I adore it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQUlJ81kFBA&feature=related). Noah Lennox didn't say a single word, but he did sing into the mic VERY passionately, look:

It was cool. Then Alex Turner and his Arctic Monkeys brought some SEX to the Bowl (seriously, Turner has this whole dark James Dean thing going on now and the guitarist Jamie Cook looks like a more fashionable Channing Tatum with a guitar...a good thing). The Monkeys also have a very good drummer, Matt Helders, but he plays much faster and dirtier than Stella Mogzawa and was wearing a really gross pair of American flag balloon pants, though I appreciate his respect for the US. This isn't my favorite song by the dudes as I prefer when they don't do their psuedo-Oasis routine and rock a little harder, but this IS more representative of their image right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlYJKfunfC0&ob=av2n

TVOTR was of course, fantastic and so fun to boogie to (especially after some rose wine and triple-cream brie cheese) and I shouldn't even have to paste a song by them, but here's this because I just love it so much: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N31oFeinFY. You're welcome people.

PS Did I mention I went to Bon Iver at the Shrine last Monday? They were wonderful. Pretty sure I cried during "Blood Bank." Here is an awesome picture:

You had to be there.

Secret Spot

While I feel bad about blowing up the spot of this hidden gem for all its regulars, I also don't feel bad about potentially bringing more business (from like, 2 of you) to 1642, a tiny adorable bar on Temple in Echo Park. Check out some pics:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/1642-beer-and-wine-los-angeles

Outside, it does look a little bit like you're about to get murdered (which can be scary when you're walking towards, say, a first date with someone you don't know very well), but inside 1642 is completely warm and twinkly-lit and great. It's owned by this hip-looking lady who has BEAUTIFUL cats (that is a huge deal for me to say since I think cats are hideous, cruel monsters that hate the human race) that sort of wander about. Theres also a little garden in the back if you need a breather. I had this AWESOME "off-the-menu" beer called Cold Spring:

http://www.coldspringbrewery.com/

The kind I had was like honey almond or something and came in a giant can...really fantastic. Anyway, I really reccommend this place for a casual drinks, a date, or even for a solo beer, which I am too afraid to ever do so if you can, I applaud you.

Friday 5

Hiiiiiii it's the weekend! This play-list might lead you to believe I am in a bad mood AGAIN, but let me reassure you, I'm not, it's just been gray weather in LA and I love it and I am indulging in darkness with slightly somber music. Also, I've secretly wished my life to be a Gothic fairytale a la Wuthering Heights since I was like, 6; I'm just saying. Okay, okay, MUSIC:

1.) "The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1" by Neutral Milk Hotel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYOx43j9pRI). I didn't even know about this band until Mason Jennings did a cover of this song at a show five years ago and split my heart right open. This is one of those songs that makes me wistful and upset about a childhood I didn't have. Except one time my parents did get in a fight that involved my mom throwing a brick of cheese at my dad (don't deny it, Andrea). So there's that.

2.) "Something Vague," by Bright Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqGqWRgNE70). I am going to this show with Noelia at the cemetery tomorrow and she sent me this song and TALK ABOUT SPLITTING MY HEART OPEN. This song pretty much sums up New York in the winter: you're cold, your romantic partner is being an ASSHOLE, you're miserable, and yet it's all kind of magical and you love it. Am I right or am I right?

3.) "The Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZ3lSurNCI). Okay, this song really isn't sad, but I feel like it's in line with these other two. This tune is like the sun popping through really weird, dark clouds. I sort of have no idea what I am talking about right now. But I do love how the Decemberists always tell a good story in their music.

4.) "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" by The Magnetic Fields (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO6R276hBeM). I've been doing a lot of Fields this week, and this dude is an effing lunatic and I love him. I dig his very deep, specific 80's voice and his extremely literal and hilarious lyrics. Also, I totally agree with this song.

5.) "Here Comes My Baby," by Cat Stevens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ooKXrJwJAw&feature=fvst). Okay, this song SOUNDS upbeat, but it's totally about the worst thing that could happen to you romantically and fits in with this very Wes Anderson-y list of jams. Cat wrote this song when he was only 18! Facts!

PS Song: "I'm Lonely (And I Love It)" by Future Bible Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoEJQ6ZDzIo). Do I really need to explain this song to you?

Un-hip Post...

Guys, is something wrong with me? Wait, don't answer that. But I think I like the new Coldplay song. Here they are performing "Paradise" on Letterman:

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/09/21/coldplay-paradise-on-letterman/

Like, I am possibly blinded by Chris Martin's biceps, but the simplicity of this song is like a throwback to "Sparks" or "Warning Sign" and I feel intense feelings about those jams and about early Coldplay in general. Okay FINE I loved all of X&Y and Summer after Junior year of college would BLAST "Fix You" in the car and pretend Chris was singing about me.

Contemplating deleting this entire post...oh, fuck it.

SMOG!

So I was checking out songs by I Break Horses on Youtube after discovering "Winter Beats" on Pitchfork (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9N1aar52sA&feature=related) and I stumbled upon this tune CALLED "I Break Horses" by this band Smog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cK-PBALyk&feature=related), who is actually just this one guy Bill Callahan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Callahan_(musician). I really am liking this Smog stuff...yes, it's a little weepy, but it reminds me of Stephin Merritt and also a little bit of Pavement. So therefore, Smog is cool. Check him out!

Strange in NYC Again...

Folks, Teddy Miller is 18. My little brother, the kid whoI told was actually my son when he was 9 to terrify him because I am so much older, is now a man. For such a monumental occasion, I HAD to return to NYC. I mean, look at this precious dude, just getting himself a waffle at the Wafels & Dinges truck (http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/) on Sunday:

I love him. Anyway, New York decided to put the full-court press on me while I was there and by that I mean the weather was gorgeous, perfect New York Fall and my friends and family were gorgeous, perfect friends and family. Friday I stopped into the NYC branch of my office (all the people are delightful there) and then had lunch with two friends at ABC Kitchen (http://www.abckitchennyc.com/) and holy goats, was it delicious. I suggest the crab toast, radish toast, and heirloom tomato toasts (okay, the toasts are good), the shaved squash salad, and the mushroom/Parmesan pizza (it has an egg on it; you know my emotions about this practice). We also split the incredible zucchini cake for dessert. Oh, and I had a really zesty bloody Mary, judge me.

Then I briefly met up with another friend and we did this:

We did all of this. The macaroons are from Bouchon Bakery (http://www.bouchonbakery.com/) and they're fantastic (the blueberry lemon one on the right knocked my socks off). Then I went to Teddy's soccer game (he's the captain! He scored! They won!) and then the whole fam plus Teddy's wonderful girlfriend Amelia (seriously, she had this awesome sweater with on-purpose holes in it and is like 70 times more mature than I am) went to Kin Shop (http://www.kinshopnyc.com/). Kin Shop is Top Chef season 1 winner Harold Dieterle's place and it's this super-tasty, super-spicy Thai fusion flavor explosion. We shared squid ink soup, melt-in-your-mouth goat, red snapper, skate, fluke and beef with heirloom tomatoes. I also had the best beer I've had in a long time, and I love a nice beer, called Beerlao. It is from LAOS. I know, who knew? It's a dark lager, but not heavy. Anyway then I went and met friends for drinks at Gottino (http://www.yelp.com/biz/gottino-new-york) and it was GREAT.

Saturday I met my friend for brunch at Arte Cafe in my parents' hood (http://www.artecafenyc.com/) and had a tasty mushroom and herb omelet and then later went downtown and had a glass of rose with friends at Corsino (http://www.corsinocantina.com/). Can you tell this trip was food and drink-based? No? Well that night I had dinner at Empellon (http://empellon.com/), which was SO GOOD (queso fundido, lobster tacos, need I say more?) and cute, then had a marvelous cocktail at Employees Only (http://www.employeesonlynyc.com/), which really cool inside but SO CROWDED, stared at some handsome gentlemen at Kingswood (http://www.kingswoodnyc.com/), and then finished the night with my favorite burger at Corner Bistro (http://cornerbistrony.com/). It was 3AM, so like, at least 4 hours had past since I'd eaten last. But, um, that's a lot of food and drink.

Sunday, I had bagels and lox (yeah, more food...WHAT?) at my grandparents' apartment overlooking the East river, did some shopping with my mom downtown and then met my dad and Teddy at the Columbus Ave. street fair (I am telling you, NYC was SEDUCING me) for Waffles and love. Look how cute the hood looks:

I don't know those people, but I dig that long-haired man's style. Oh, and I stopped by the flea market with my mom; look at her hunting for goods:

She was on a mission. Anyway, the weekend was pretty much perfect. Happy to be back in Silverlake but missing Manhattan always in my heart. Also by now you should know how unabashedly cheesy I am.



Tuesday Tres

I am in a bad mood today. I am fairly certain this music will reflect that:

1) "Hysteric" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqKjIquR5Bc). I love that this song's title implies a manic, wailing dance-jam by Karen O, but is actually a very gentle little tune. A sad one.

2) "Low Man" by Alberta Cross (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWvFjL8vs5w). I mean, this dude's voice KILLS me. This song is totally a lie-in-the-dark-on-your-bed-with-your-heart-fucking-breaking jam. That somber, slow beat on the drum and Petter Stakee's vocals perfectly represent the sound of yearning. Oh my GOD I am grumpy.

3) "Abel" by The National (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1BjndTZvQY). I know this band is famous for their weepy ballads, but I dig this song because it's ANGRIER. Well, basically The National's entire catalogue is appropriate for me today. Okay now I have to go listen to it.

Thanks for letting me try to bring you down with me this Tuesday...