(G) Radiohead. (Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, June 29) Grade: A-

Thoughts: After not seeing Radiohead in two days I was going through withdraw :P so you know I was pumped when Thurs rolled around. Oh yea! The Greek is still one of my favorite venues with the trees and chill environment. What a great place to see a show.

The band opened with You and Whose Army? and ended with Lucky. The rest of the setlist can be viewed here. They played new songs like 15 Step (love), Arpeggi (great), Videotape (okay), Nude but not really new cause it use to be an old B-side (good), House of Cards (good, the lyrics are rad), and Bangers N’ Mash (love). I am really vibing on All I need, what an amazing song. The best is when Thom played Follow Me Around and went straight into Everything In Its Right Place. Magic :)

Oh and Thom was being funny that night. He said "the monkeys keep asking for Creep, that was so last week". Ha ha.

Radiohead week is almost over and it could not come any sooner. I always thought that if asked “what music do you like,” and a person responds “Radiohead,” I still have no specific idea what they listen to, because everyone (and their mom) love this band. Of course, they are a great band but when I hear fans yell that Thom is a genius and compare their concerts to religious experiences, well, that goes a bit too far.“All I Need” did make me a bit emotional though.

To detox on Radiohead, I have been listening to Roddy Woomble’s solo single and Rod Jones’ side project with Inara George, which has the cute name George is Jones. Yay for folk rock.

Oh I get to see Radiohead again :) Oh joy!!! My new favorite song from them:

All I Need

I'm the next act
waiting in the wings
I'm a flash flood
running through your ground floor
I am all things
that you choose to ignore

You are all I need
You are all I need
I'm in the middle of a picture
Lying in the leaves

I'm a cloud of moths
who just wants to share your light
I'm an insect
who wants to get out of the night

You only stick with me
because there are no others

You are all I need
You are all I need
I'm in the middle of a picture
Lying in the leaves

It's all wrong
It's all right
It's all wrong

(G) Radiohead. (Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego, June 26) Grade: A-

Thoughts: After having not seen Radiohead (my no. 2 band) since 2003 you can only imagine my excitement when I found out they were coming back to town, without an album to promo as well. After being a pain to Darth, we got to SD around 4-ish and waited in a long, long line. Luckily for us Cup-O-Noodles had saved us a prime spot so after a bit of a wait we got into the venue.

The Embarcadero Marina Park is basically a grass area that can fit a good amount of people … I would say maybe 10K – more or less. I stood near the right side of the stage with Cup and my friend Charles for an hour waiting for Deerhoof, the opening band, to get on stage. I hadn’t heard anything too positive about Deerhoof so I was not expecting much and yea I didn’t get much. They apparently have been around for almost 10 years with 8 albums but all I thought of was when it was going to end. They definitely fall under the WTF/suck music bands; no surprise then when I find out Pigern actually likes them.

But I digress, back to the almighty great Radiohead. They opened the show with There, There which I thought was strong. The rest of the setlist can be viewed here. They played quite a few of their new songs like 15 Step (love), Arpeggi (great), Nude (good), All I Need (amazing), Bangers N’ Mash (love), and 4 Minute Warning (love) as well as some favorites like Lucky, Paranoid Android, National Anthem, Idiotheque, Morning Bell and so on. Oh and it was Colin Greenwood’s birthday that day as well. He is my favorite member after Thom. I was in the pit area for about 7 or 8 of the songs before I decided 1. I didn’t have to endure this crap 2. People smell bad 3. Fat chicks sure like to be in the front and are very soft and squishy and 4. People who push to the front suck.

I love Radiohead … always will but I have to say the audience/fan base for them has changed a bit. It seems the longer the band has been around the more the new and younger fans come out and love everything put out in 2000 and on. I do not get the sense they love the 1990 albums – Pablo Honey, The Bends or Ok Computer as much as Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail To The Thief. If you had to break it down Ok Computer really was the turning point for the band. With that said I look forward to seeing them on Thurs and Friday at the Greek :).

One movie I badly want to see in 2007 is Control directed by Anton Corbijn. It looks great and is all about the amazing Ian Curtis.


I want to check out the LA Film Fest but all the times I want to go I have other things planned. Oh well maybe next year I guess. Bum deal too cause there were quite a few movies I wanted to see.

(M) Before Sunrise. (Richard Linklater, 1995) Grade: B-

Thoughts: I’ve heard quite a few things about this film so I went into it expecting a lot. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is an American traveling on a train to Vienna when he randomly meets Celine (Julie Delpy). They strike up a conversation and when they reach Vienna decide to spend the afternoon through evening together and depart the next morning – hence the title. It seems like a perfectly innocent romance, though highly unbelievable, but what killed it for me was the contrived dialogue the two characters were spouting. I wanted to put a gun to my head listening to them go on about reincarnation, how to be a good person or their opinions of men and women. However, the moments when they are just two people really enjoying each others company and liking each other made up for some of the hair pulling conversations. The film ends with them parting and agreeing to meet up six months at the same spot. At the end it showed all the spots Jesse and Celine were at that night which was a good closure bit.

(M) Before Sunset. (Richard Linklater, 2004) Grade: B+

Thoughts: Since I had both films I watched this one 5 seconds later. Nine years have passed since Jesse and Celine have seen each other. Now Jesse has written a ‘fictional’ book about that one night with Celine and is doing a book tour which happens to bring him to Paris. Lo and behold who is at the signing but Celine. The two reconnect and before Jesse has to hop on a plane back to the States they spend the afternoon together. I have to say I appreciated Before Sunrise more after viewing this film. I think as a stand alone piece Before Sunrise was good but not great but with Before Sunset you really cherish that connection and chemistry the two shared. Personally I enjoyed Before Sunset more because I could not stand the 20’s/idealist talk in Before Sunrise. In this movie, the two characters are older and wiser and more damaged; truer to life. Ethan Hawke has not aged too well but Julie Delpy looks great.

(A) Fascination (Monsters Are Waiting, 2006) Grade: B
I’ll be the first to admit that this band is somewhat derivative and a few of their songs border on annoying. I do cringe when I hear that bit of “Don’t Go” in which Annalee Fery does the scream/talk bit. But Monsters are a fun band. And the best thing is that New Wave dislikes them, so I can play their album whenever she’s in the room to get the intended response (evil laugh).


(A) Cripple Crow (Devendra Banhart, 2005) Grade: A
This San Francisco folk singer is fantastic. I think he is incapable of making a poor album. Though I enjoyed Nino Rojo more, Cripple Crow is excellent. And even better, Banhart is absolutely amazing live. Who would have thought for a folk singer? Folk-tastic.

(O) David Hockney @ LACMA (June 11-Sept. 4) Grade: A
This exhibit is pretty extensive and fills an entire wing with Hockney’s sketches, paintings and photography. It’s so extensive that I was tired after viewing it all. But luckily the Gustav Klimt exhibit next door has only five paintings so I browsed that rather quickly.

(O) Santa Monica Main Library (7th and Santa Monica) Grade: B+
If you have not visited the newly remodeled library, take some time to do so as soon as possible. There’s a cafe built inside the courtyard and a really large parking lot. It’s all so lovely. And the Friends of the Library bookstore outside sells used books for 50 cents. Hardcovers are a dollar. Ace!

I don't know Black Flag's music well or listen to Henry Rollins show on Indie but I have to admit his Teeing Off from his Henry Rollins show on IFC is great. They are informative and bitter and funny and ranting. If you get a chance watch a couple of them. My personal favorite is the Teeing off from Ep. 3 about Americans living above and beyond their means. Try this link and click on that Ep if you can find it.

Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in again. Thats right, I'm back on the blog!

(TV M) Bang Bang You’re Dead. (Guy Ferland, 2002) Grade: B+

Thoughts: This film integrates a tv movie and a popular play written by William Mastrosimone which deals with violence in teens and our society. Trevor Adams (Ben Foster) is a troubled kid beginning another school year after a failed attempt of trying to blow up the high school football team. Ostracized by his classmates he meets a group called the Trogs who band together as outsiders. The only people willing to see Trevor needs help are his drama teacher Val Duncan (Thomas Cavanagh) and Jenny (Jane McGregor), a drama student. The movie is a look into what goings on in the mind of kids who commit Columbine-ish crimes on their campus. The social structure of high school, the need to fit in and belong and the desire to feel important and respected are all aspects of everyday teenage life. Personally I hated high school but I’m glad I never went to a “typical” American high school where kids can be so cruel. In addition, I’m glad I’m not a guy cause I think it is rougher for them then girls. Well actually the movie Mean Girls say different but who knows.

(M) Little Manhattan. (Mark, Levin, 2005) Grade: B

Thoughts: A cute love story about kids but it was missing something. Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) is your typical 11-year old boy who likes to ride his razor all over NYC and hang out with his buddies. Until he meets Rosemary (Charlie Ray) and all of sudden his world is turned upside down. He is in love and goes through all the emotions of a love sick individual. The movie is cute but I could not buy it as a real love story because they were still kids to me. I like the storyline with Gabe’s parents played by Bradley Whitford and Cynthia Nixon more though it was brief compared to the other storyline.

(M) Gauyat Sandiu Haplui (Saviour of the Soul). (David Lai, Corey Yuen, 1991) Grade: C+

Thoughts: An extremely cheesy dated Chinese film but entertaining nevertheless. It had good action and semi good acting considering the cast is made up of excellent actors like Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Aaron Kwok and Carina Lau.

(M) Twenty Bucks. (Keva Rosenfeld, 1993) Grade: C

Thoughts: The story of what happens to that twenty dollar bill after you hand it off to someone else. The only neat thing about this movie was the cast. You have Steve Buscemi, Elisabeth Shue, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, Jeremy Piven, David Schwimmer and my lovely Brendan Fraser. He was the reason why I rented this film.

The house has had a nice run but I feel it is best if I remove everyone and just leave it to me. I will be keeping Pigern and Bleed Like Me for personal reasons but everyone else has to go. Hedwig and Darth have their own page so no biggie. Dorkus, Rancid, Cup and Mac can start their own if they like. I will be removing unless they really feel the need to stay. Thanks :)

(M) Battlestar Galactica. (Michael Rymer, 2003) Grade: A-

Thoughts: Why did I not watch this series earlier? I am kicking myself for not picking up on this sooner. Oh well no worries. I have time to catch up before Season Three starts in Oct. So this was the 3 hour miniseries that first premiered on Sci-Fi network back in 2003. The new series is a remake of the 1978 TV show. I won’t go into detail about the show because I’m sure most people don’t care but it is great. There is lots of action, drama and even some hot and heavy making out … I guess for the nerd boys. I can’t wait for my Season one disc so I can plow through the set to get to Season 2. :)

So I guess my MP3 thing didn't work out. Oh well. I'll have to figure something else out. Where is everyone on the blog page? Does anyone here care about the World Cup? I swear we are the only country who does not give a crap. What a shame. It makes our relations with other countries even worst.

(O) Craig’s List flakes Grade: F
My friend gave me her ticket to the Streets @ Henry Fonda because she could no longer attend. I decided to sell it on Craig’s List since the show sold out and I could at least make back the money for her. I receive an email from some bloke who is willing to pay a little above face value for it, so we agree to meet at the Guitar Center in Hollywood at 6 p.m. to make the exchange. I get there promptly and phone him but his phone no longer works and doesn’t even go to voicemail. Weird but I wait for him... And wait... And wait. When the clock ticks to 6:35 p.m. and after I phone him more than three times, I figure the deal is off and he’s a no-show. Sigh.

(G) The Streets/Lady Sovereign @ Henry Fonda (June 10) Grade: A
Now I am left with a ticket to the show and decide to go if I can find another ticket for my friend. We get there and encounter several shady scalpers who ask for $60-$75 per ticket. But another scalper says he can get us in for $45. He walks us into Blue Palms (the bar next door) and tells us to get a drink while he sorts out the situation. While we’re waiting, I realize I don’t have enough cash and since I have one ticket, I go to the Fonda to use the ATM. I then find out how easy it is to sneak pass the security guard and my friend ends up joining me in the Fonda without even paying for another ticket or using the scalper’s help. Free show! The Streets themselves (or himself a.k.a. Mike Skinner) was loads of fun. I didn’t think I’d enjoy a rap show but it was fantastic. Especially the crowd who were v. enthusiastic about it all. Great night and only $9 for my one drink.

Hey guys. I put up a MP3 thing with some songs I think you guys might like. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Apparently it works fine on Mozilla browsers but there is an issue with IE. I have to look into it. This week I have:

1. Black Swan - Thom Yorke (his solo project, album comes out in July)
2. Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura (good song, mainly for Pigern)
3. Cast It at the Setting Sail - Danielson (interesting band and mix of collaborations)
4. Consolation Prize - Phoenix (love the new album so much)
5. Atoms for Peace - Thom Yorke (his solo project, album comes out in July)

I have a question for you guys. I have one ticket to see Radiohead on Friday June 30th in Section A of the Greek. Now Section A is a great great area and I'm eight rows back from the pit but off to the side but still good. Okay so I went to dinner with some friends and they said I should sell the ticket cause I could make tons of money. I went on Ebay and did some looking and they were right. I got my ticket for face value so around $55 bucks. Tickets for seats way way worst than mine are going for close to $200 or 250 a piece ... meaning I could sell my one ticket for easily close to $300 or even $400 bucks.

Question: Should I do this?

Oh and keep in mind I'm already seeing Radiohead on Monday June 26th in San Diego and Thursday June 29th at the Greek. I was going to see them on Tuesday June 27th in San Diego but decided not to. In addition, this will be my sixth or seventh (if you count when I saw them play at KROQ's Weenie Roast 1997) time seeing them. I already know what I'm going to do but just want to hear your thoughts.

(M) How To Draw A Bunny (Documentary)
Grade: B+/A-
This documentary about artist Ray Johnson is quite fascinating. He lived in New York and was part of the art scene from the 60's and up until Andy Warhol got shot, then he moved but continued to be involved in the arts until he committed suicide for some unknown reason in 1995. His life was very interesting and people never really got to know him well. I love watching documentaries about artists because they're such interesting people (Bukowski, Warhol, Basquiat, etc.).


(M) Winter Passing
Grade: B+
This movie is about a girl trying to be an actress in New York and lives a self-destructive life. Her parents were authors and when a publisher approaches this girl with a large money offer to get some of her dad's unpublished material, she heads back home to get it. While at home she encounters her father and his new roommates (one of which is Will Ferrell who is in a Christian rock band). Through the process the girl gets closer to her dad and cleans up her life. It's a short and simple story but it's enjoyable and Will Ferrell is entertaining in the role he plays.


(M) Grey Gardens
Grade: B+
I just re-watched this movie last night at a theater and enjoyed it much more this time around than the last time I watched it. I think I was too tired when I first watched it. Though it is too long in my opinion, it is very humorous. It's about two relatives of the Kennedy family living in the East Hamptons. They live in an old run-down home and all their neighbors live in these large nice mansions. The two women living in this home are a mother (in her 70's) and the daughter (in her 50's) and they are so detached from the public that they have created their own little world. They live in a house of cats and racoons and reflect on the past and fight all the time. It is sorta a sad life that they live but watching them live it is at many times hilarious.

Crazy Scientology people. They like to drive cars.

Wow August is the month for DVDS. On August 15th the 8th season of The Simpsons comes out. For the limited collector's edition it will be Maggie's head.


Final season of Arrested Development comes out August 29th. Mark your calendars. I miss that show :(.

And because I love this show so so very much Veronica Mars Season 2 will be in stores August 22nd. Oh joy.

(TV) Everwood Series Finale Grade: C-

Dude wtf. I know it is really hard to tie up a whole series in 2 hours, but at least try to do it with some finesse. I'm still upset that the show was cancelled because of the UPN-WB merger and that One Tree Hill was picked up, but I digress. I was waiting for something profound, but everything just seemed so rushed. It was like ok this person is meant to be with this person, this one dies, and THE END BYE! I was a bit disappointed....even if I did cry.

(M) La Strada. (Federico Fellini, 1954) Grade: B+

Thoughts: Another great Fellini film starring Giulietta Masina as Gelsomina. Gelsomina comes from a poor family whose mother sells her to Zampano (Anthony Quinn), a traveling circus performer. In the process of the movie, she falls in love with Zampano, in spite of the cruel manner he treats her, and meets Il Matto – The Fool (Richard Basehart) who is also after her affection. The English translation of La Strada is “the road”. The road the traveling performers are on is correlation to their lives; the ups and downs and twist and turns. At the end of the film, Zampano who is made out to a brute in the beginning becomes human and that scene alone is quite powerful. Now I have to watch 8 ½ and La Dolce Vita.

(M) Notti di Cabiria, Le (Nights of Cabiria). (Federico Fellini, 1957) Grade: A

Thoughts: My first Fellini film and it was amazing. Cabiria (Giulietta Masina) is a prostitute looking for a man to love and take care of her but all she can find is heartache and mistrust. She runs into one creep after another and even a movie star Alberto Lazzari (Amedeo Nazzari) until a chance meeting with Oscar D’Onofrio (Francois Perier), an accountant. Could this be the love Cabiria has been looking for all her life? The last few scenes of the film are heartbreaking and yet strangely uplifting. Personally what made the film so amazing was Giulietta Masina as Cabiria. Her acting ability and talent shines through this role which was meant for her. Giulietta embodies bits of Chaplin and other vaudeville acting skills. Why they don’t make films as good as this anymore is beyond me.

(M) Or: My Treasure
Grade: B
New Wave already reviewed this movie here. It was her review that made me want to watch it and it was an interesting movie. I think there are some powerful moments in this film and I was impressed with how it ended. I thought it was great.


(M) Little Manhatten
Grade: B
This is one of the cutest movies I've seen. It was so funny to watch. Personally, I thought the main actor did a pretty poor job, but the dialogue was so great that for the most part you can overlook it. Because the boy is so young he really hasn't dealt with the emotions he has to express so I don't think he pulls them off but because it is so well written, you know exactly the emotions that are being talked about. I laughed out loud on a number of occassions during this film. It was trully an enjoyable experience.