Warm Tape

2.16.2011

2011-02-16T23:47:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, I went to BU to stay by Albert. It was a good time, with a lot of discussion in the common room about sociology and the current state of hip hop. I enjoyed the Hillel/Chabad scene there immensely. At a certain point during dinner, I realized that it was somewhat comforting to have Jewish Life on campus... might have to try out the Hillel here. Plus, I saw Milstein there! And it was a great reunion. Always a pleasure to be in Boston, it's definitely one of my favorite cities. The drive wasn't terrible either... what's 3 hours and change? Makes me feel like I'm ready for a roadtrip.

Speaking of which (sort of), really hope Operation King of all Tubes goes off without a hitch this summer. It'd definitely be a once in a lifetime experience.

This weekend, we're heading up to Bard, which should be rad. Can't wait to meet some people up there and check the school out, since I've been hearing great things.

Then, if all goes well, Adam will come to Purchase for the following weekend! I think he'll love the atmosphere and ethos of this place. Only time will tell.

Also, my second round of Field Trips is tomorrow. We're going to galleries in Chelsea this time around, so that should be fun!

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Since this is my first proper post in a long while, let me post what I've been listening to recently as well:

I never thought I'd see the day, but there's a rap outfit out there that I'm really digging. OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) are a bizarre collective that inexplicably leave me speechless. Their lyrics sensationalize rape and grotesque murder, but something about their music is so hypnotic and smooth that I can't seem to resist. They've been getting publicity for many reasons. The members are all quite young. The youngest, Earl Sweatshirt, has disappeared from the music scene with no explanation, leading die-hards to believe he was either sent to boot camp or boarding school. Just about every video they've made has leader Tyler The Creator either vomiting/bleeding/hanging himself... but it's so entertaining to watch! A recent review of one of their shows compared the group's approach to that of a Punk band, with the crowd hanging on each and every word that is bellowed into the sweat-soaked mass. Hearing this, I tried to get "limited tickets" to their second ever New York show, in Santos Party House. Even though only 26 tickets were available, a whopping 300 people showed up, desperate to get them. I was not one of the lucky ones. But I will try again next time.

To sum it up: it's odd. But I can't get enough.

J: A Beginner's Guide

2011-01-28T02:37:00.003-05:00

One day, as I was hanging out in a friend's dorm room when Jay texted me, asking to show him bands that were outside the spectrum of his "limited view of music". At the request of my College associate Jay, I have assembled this (relatively speaking) listenable mix of Indie Rock songs for people just starting out on the genre. Seasoned professionals should look elsewhere, but this is a pretty sweet collection regardless.

1. In The Summer - Death By Panda

2. Objects Of My Affection - Peter Bjorn and John

3. Come On! Feel The Illinoise! - Sufjan Stevens

4. Did You See The Words - Animal Collective

5. Grounded - Pavement

6. If We Can Land A Man On The Moon, Surely I Can Win Your Heart - Beulah

7. Agoraphobia - Deerhunter

8. Colourful Life - Cajun Dance Party

9. Canadian Lover/Falcon's Escape - Destroyer

10. Drop It Doe Eyes - Los Campesinos!

11. A Spoonful Weighs A Ton - The Flaming Lips

12. Dog Problems - The Format

13. Molly's Got A Crush On Us - Tullycraft

14. The Painter - I'm From Barcelona

15. Custom Concern - Modest Mouse

16. This Love Is Fucking Right! - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

17. 7 Stars - The Apples In Stereo

18. The Bike, Sir - Oh No! Oh My!

19. The Bleeding Heart Show - The New Pornographers

20. The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us! - Sufjan Stevens

21. Nature Of The Experiment - Tokyo Police Club

22. One Last - Avi Buffalo

23. Cows To The East, Cities To The West - Tubelord

24. Two Doves - Dirty Projectors

25. All My Friends - The XYZ Affair

26. Or - Sonic Youth

Download Here.

Jersey

2011-01-18T18:08:00.003-05:00

Noury, Sammy and I spent this weekend creating our debut short film, entitled 'Jersey' for the Brookdale 48 Hour Film festival. Yes, in the span of two full days we wrote, filmed and edited this behemoth (joking) of a film. In fact, after finishing our filming a mere 12 hours before it was due, we were setback due to an old tape that ate half of our movie. But being the quick thinking lads we are, we managed to turn in a piece so chock-full of references that we were actually awarded third prize!

Anyhoo, the film can be viewed here in all its glory, so enjoy!

Jersey from Raymond Chalmé on Vimeo.

Keep Marching Along

2011-01-13T16:37:00.003-05:00

My newest mix is entitled 'Keep Marching Along', and it does just that. Fast is the name of the game here, with the 15 track mix clearing out in less than half an hour. A nice quick listen, perhaps for a brutal workout or the soundtrack to a fanfiction about Sonic the Hedgehog (you creepy bastard, you.)

1. Puzzle Pieces - Tiger Trap

2. Sickles And Hammers - Minutemen

3. Teenage Super Party - Wavves

4. Boy Void - No Age

5. Bunk Trunk Skunk - Be Your Own Pet

6. Boomer - Death Sentence: PANDA!

7. Yesse Young - Crimesss

8. Truck - The Octopus Project

9. Up The Shakes - Bygones

10. Cranes and Cranes and Cranes and Cranes - Johnny Foreigner

11. Dr. Patch Adams, You Saved My Life! - The Littlest Viking

12. What Babies Want - Mocket

13. Every Time I See The Light Part Two - Titus Andronicus

14. Nic Fit - Sonic Youth

15. Hey Sandy - Tera Melos

Download here.

Hmmm...

2010-12-26T11:38:00.003-05:00

Picture unrelated

Whelp, finished my first semester of college (with a 3.05). SO much has happened, and me being the idiot that I am, i forgot to write any of it.

Some points that stick out to me:

My bro Texas (Alex) is leaving back to Alex (Texas). Hopefully I'll be able to go down there and visit at some point in the future.
Been selling records from an at-home business that was formerly a store in NYC where the Moldy Peaches met/got acquainted.
Kanye West album as overrated as they come, and people still eat it up.
Hanging out in the DTF suite A.K.A. John/Dan/Shomar's room just about all the time, with Chelsea, Rachel, and Jay popping in frequently as well.
Playing no-gravity Halo to the delight and amusement of my entire suite
Lindley cutting my hair in the school bathroom to look something like this
Not getting ripped on 4Loko
Not getting fucked up on acid
Not getting lit out of my mind

What I'm determined to do in the near future:

Study abroad in Japan (and possibly Israel as well)
Learn how to cook (well) for myself
Start a band. No, really. It has occurred to me that I suck at writing traditional verse-chorus things, so maybe it's time to take a "say what you need to" approach a la Wire, Minutemen or Yummy Fur.
Learn the ins and outs of circuitry/computer programming

Also, going to Florida on Wednesday! I'm excited to hang out with old school buddies, but also just excited to be there in that climate. Always very peaceful. I feel as if Florida gets a bad rep. Would also be cool if I could make it over to Sweat Records, but I'm not necessarily holding my breath.

That's all for now folks! Stay beautiful!

Malaise

2010-12-17T12:20:00.003-05:00

Hey gang, I made a mixtape for winter 2010. It's sort of sad/moody/wintery, and I decided to share it here:

1. Dumb Luck - Dntel

2. Dream Machine - Gregory And The Hawk

3. Fight In The Nocturnal House - No Art

4. Candidate - Joy Division

5. Sweet Shine - Sonic Youth

6. Blue Cadet-3, Do You Connect? - Modest Mouse

7. Moth Wings - Benoît Pioulard

8. Frida Found a Friend - Efterklang

9. Night of The Pelican Street Sweeper - Trouble Books

10. Stork And Owl - TV On The Radio

11. Marietta - Atlas Sound

12. Students Carve Hearts Out Of Coal - Destroyer

13. Tonight Was A Disaster - Casiotone For The Painfully Alone

14. Misses - Drawing Trees

15. I Quit Girls - Japandroids

16. The Seer's Tower - Sufjan Stevens

Enjoy, and tell me what you think!

I was trying

2010-09-28T09:22:00.003-05:00

to write a mega-post about ATP, but the internet here sucks and I think somewhere along the line, it got deleted...

I saw Pavement (after all this time) and it was great, but the setlist toward the encore was a bit too Crooked Rain heavy for me to call it one of my favorite shows...

Now? I'm getting breakfast

Monique

2010-09-03T00:33:00.002-05:00

There's this ridiculously stupid Italian girl [we call her Monique] who sits in front of me in Introduction To Media. Everything that comes out of her mouth is pure fucking gold, and I intend to begin writing down a few quotes of hers and posting them here...

A few examples:

(Talking about bedbugs in class) "Wait, those are real? I thought they were a figure of speech."

(Talking about film critics like Roger Ebert) "I don't get it, how is that a job? They just, like, make fun of stuff all day?"

The entire class relishes in what she says, hanging on her every last word for a laugh....

In other news, this is the first quality time I've spent with the Purchase Pals in a while. We're currently working on a Zine called Brown Town... the first issue should be done by next week, and super-talented Alyssa is doing the artwork. Bob Saget's on the cover, and there's some pretty stupid shit inside, so it's worth checking out. One excerpt I chose to include was a memorable speech about respect given at ATP 2009... we've transcribed it in all its juicy details. We're also trying to get an interview or two from ATP 2010... WHICH IS TONIGHT!!!! Get psyched!

Hey Blog

2010-09-01T23:54:00.002-05:00

I sort of forgot about you, but now that I'm not keeping in regular contact with people I usually do, this will be a decent way to keep y'all posted.

Uh, oh yeah:

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR

Jamming EVERY DAY in the room. Just about everyone on this floor plays something, so there's always some sort of jamming going down. My roomie, Dan (who is cool and not Jeff Weisz) has a key to a practice room, so we may go up there soon. Last night, a few girls came by and we played through half of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, with me on ukulele and kazoo.
My room is about 20 degrees colder than EVERYONE ELSE'S... so, yeah.
Heart to hearts with my pal Ben
Terra Ve - fucking incredible, god-tier vegetarian food. Different shit on the menu every day. So. Many. Choices.
Delicious lime tea (thanks, Josh)
Learning what I want to (Here's looking at you, Jazz/Introduction to Media)

I'm making this brief, but I'm trying to make it a priority to post as often as possible.

Peace :D

What's been going on in my life, presented in the form of a run-on sentence

2010-08-04T10:55:00.002-05:00

Last night we felt contact high in White Castle and we got the fuck out of there after spilling tartar sauce-like shit on the seat and I've been working a bit more than last summer and I got a raise but the problem is I keep buying expensive dinner at Pier Village so I end up having exactly enough to make it until the next paycheck so i have nothing saved up but I don't give a shit because... well, because and I've consoled friends and my trusty iPod is on its last legs and I got a suite at school and I'm excited as shit and I'm going on a road trip on tuesday and it'll be just what i needed and everyone who worked at my local haunt throughout my entire high school career is moving on which signifies a part of my life completely evaporating, segments moving back to their individual towns of origin or just to new york to become a contractor but i guess with time that's bound to happen especially since i plan on leaving my job at the end of the summer because even though it's easy as fuck and i do next to nothing, there's something about it that truly churns my guts and i have not given up on finding my secret room (WHICH I WILL DETAIL IN ANOTHER POST, MAYBE DOWN THE LINE) and I've been rewatching 'The Office' and I really am enjoying it and my record collection is growing slightly and very nicely but i still need a new record player and this is going to be a great four years, I can feel it.

Together Review

2010-07-24T21:43:00.002-05:00

When I was 15 years-old, I flew to Minneapolis for a week to join a music program in which I studied jazz bass. While there, I met a rock-centric guitarist named Daniel. We talked over lunch one day about the bands we were both performing with at the closing ceremony at the end of the week. Daniel lamented about the large band he was in, and how he felt that he added nothing notable to their sound. I vented as well, explaining that there were only a few moments where I really felt that my jazz ensemble had settled into a groove.

Together, the latest offering from the Canadian Octo-supergroup The New Pornographers, sounds like the unity we were both envisioning.Together never falls prey to the "too many chefs" problems that groups half the size of The New Pornographers constantly face, but instead takes advantage of their size in order to fill every sonic crevice possible. Simply put, it is a triumphantly warm album, filled to the edges of the disc with pied-piper whimsy that most bands only dream of attaining.

All three of the band's main vocalists get their turn to shine. Dan Bejar's tracks in particular are standouts, melding the folk of his more avant-garde poetic side project Destroyer with the perfect pop of The New Pornographers. Bejar's "Silver Jenny Dollar" sounds like a retooled version of "Entering White Cecilia", a track on their prior album, Challengers. This time around, though, it sounds like a group effort, and not just Bejar with a backing band.

(Flash back to the jazz ensemble: The night of our big concert, we performed an awesome rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man". And even though I hit an extra C note during the transition, we all ended the show grinning ear to ear, accompanied by tremendous applause. We truly felt that our sound had tightened up, that we were playing in unison as a band of eight or nine musicians who had found common ground).

At certain points throughout the album you can't help but be overwhelmed by the synergy. "Crash Years" has some of the best whistling that Indie Pop has ever heard, and "Daughters Of Sorrow" climaxes with a harmony that would make The Beach Boys blush. The occasional guest appearances (Zach Condon of Beirut and The Dap Kings, to name a few) don't hurt either. It may lackMass Romantic's powerpop frills, or Electric Version's galloping gusto, but Togetheruses the result of its perfectly intertwined star power to captivate in its own unique way.

REVIEWED BY RAYMOND CHALME
RAYMOND'S FAVORITE TRACKS: Crash Years, Silver Jenny Dollar, Moves

High School

2010-05-17T00:15:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is my last day of high school ever. My last gemara final. The end of an era. I'm so excited I can barely sleep. I really hope I pass and do well enough to stay in Purchase.

My Birthday's coming up in 9 days. I need to commit a crime before then, so I won't be tried as an adult :P

Prom was fun the other night. I'm really glad I went with Linda, she is mindblowingly awesome.

Lately, I've been getting into Atlas Sound in a big way. For those not in the know, Atlas Sound is Bradford Cox of Deerhunter in a moody electronic haze. All of his stuff (along with unreleased content from Deerhunter, Lotus Plaza, etc.) is available on his blog. I strongly suggest checking out Weekend, an Ambient electronic EP that's been growing on me like all the best moments of Death By Panda. If only he were to release a physical press of it...

Hi Ray

2010-05-07T18:55:00.002-05:00

I clicked on the Sleeping Lessons link on my bookmarks bar to write a blog entry about nostalgia and happiness. Then I realized that, for some reason, I was logged into your blog. I thought it would be the perfect time to share some thoughts with you that are a long time coming.

I do not have to list events in which we laughed, in which I cried, or we argued philosophically or mused, or made rascist jokes or sexual jokes, or acted particularly high even though we're both pretty much straight edge. To do so would be justified by any human medium of expression; there is simply too much there. There are too much memories I would want to share with you.

I also do not want to assert, in any way, that our relationship has reached a pinnacle or an apex or whatever. Rather, I wish to acknowledge your accomplishments, thank you for your contributition to your life, and recognize this new, exciting step in your life. Knowing you, it will be hard to keep in contact while you are Purchase, but we are more than just friends, we are best friends (4 lyf), and we more than just best friends, we are family, and I believe firmly that we will stick together always. Every time a great change occured in one of our lives (High School, upperclasmanship, driving) I feared for the stability of our relationship, but it has proved to be a vitalic and ever-lasting source of joy and happiness. For the past seventeen years (give or take a triple in which we hated each other), you have endured my insanity with only compassion and warmth. You did more than just endure; you took me and all the crazy things that I do and gave them a companion. I say with full confidence that you are one of the greatest friends a guy could have. No one I know is capable of the warmth, compassion, and hilarity that come so naturally to you. I am truly indebted to you for everything you have done for me.

I like to think that my obsession with constantly managing and pursuing and organizing all my interests has rubbed off on you over the years. That being said: I know that, even if not an inkling of this somewhat annoying quality has had it's way with you, that your college experience will grant you the perfect environment to express everything that is you. Especially Purchase, where they really want you to Think Openly or whatever. I am consistently jealous of your re-inventing and wild imagination; at College, I know, and am greatly happy, and excited, to know, that you will have the oppurtunity to put this imagination to actual works, to real traces of your existance. I can only imagine what you will come up with in the field of Journalism, Art, Music, Poetry, whatever. And I am excited. Very, very, excited.

Again, I can't thank you enough for everything. I can barely express my happiness for you about Purchase and my anxiousness to hear of your sucess and your creativity. Instead of ruminating about the past seventeen years, this creepy blog post not-written-by-you serves, for me, at least, as a way to look forward. Seventeen is a small number for a friendship. Here's to more laughs, more rascism (though not in public), more tea, more art, more music-blastings, more mutual annoyances, more bearing through family gatherings, more philosophical arguments, more vinyl and clothing buying, more adventures in and around New Jersey, more computer games, more internet memes, more laughing at other people, and more, of everything and anything that makes our friendship so special and important to me.

Love,

Josh

They grow up so fast

2010-05-02T21:59:00.004-05:00

I'm rapidly approaching my last days of high school ever.... And I'm honestly not fazed in any way. People say that "oh, you'll miss it so much, blah blah". I'm just not getting that at this point. I may get it later. I may be the biggest hypocrite ever. But only time will tell.

Purchase just continues to amaze me. I've met the coolest group of people ever, and every day i just get more and more excited to attend my dream school. It's only May, but I'm counting down to September already. I've already got the workings of a band assembled, so I can fulfill yet another dream when I actually get down there. Plus, I'll be studying shit I want to study instead of Hebrew, so add that to the huge pile of awesome that is just a few months away :D ... I'm reaching the stage of guitar playing where I feel as if I can write full, coherent songs. It's probably a lot of bravado, but with some practice, who knows?

Strawberry Festival was really cool, Jeff The Brotherhood in particular. Can't wait to see them live agin, they really tore shit up. I'll post a picture or two when I find them floating around online (maybe). Concerts in general have been really awesome lately. Plus, good stuff coming up. Pavement in September, New Pornographers in June, Modest Mouse in July. We shall see. Bunch of other stuffs thrown in at the last second. For now, I'll leave you with this, the saddest sight human eyes have seen:

Reese's: The first step in an anti-expression machine.

2010-04-13T17:59:00.014-05:00

Ever wonder why Reese's peanut buttercups are made with Nonfat Milk, when the very next ingredient is milk fat?

Is the process of making Reese's one so arduous that it requires the fat to be integrated separately?

Also, upon inspection of a Reese's wrapper one day a week or so ago, I came across a peculiar message:

Orange used with permission.

I spit peanut butter all over the place in shock. Are you kidding me? Can you really copyright a Color? If so, what about a letter? Will I get charged a royalty every time I try and spell my name? If someone copyrights Red, and I get a nosebleed, will I be (excuse the pun) paying out of the nose? Where the hell does Hershey's get off? Here is what must be a typical conversation in Hershey's office (I thought of it all by myself):

The Boss: Johnson, what the hell is that thing up there? *Points out window*

Johnson: Um, where?

The Boss: Right where my finger is pointed, you imbecile! Trace its path!

Johnson: The Sky?

The Boss: Yes! The Sky! and What color is this "Sky" thing? *Puts up air quotes*

Johnson: I believe that Is blue, sir.

The Boss: *snaps fingers* That's the one! Blue! It's the color of sapphire, a baby's eyes, and more importantly, Dove Chocolate.

Johnson: Uh, sir? What are you...

The Boss: DON'T. YOU. DARE TALK WITHOUT BEING SPOKEN TO! *Slaps Johnson with his ring hand*

Johnson: *Massaging his cheek, wincing* Sorry, sir.

The Boss: Yes, those fucks over at Dove Chocolate dare to use the color of MY SKY for their terrible filth bars??!?

Johnson: Uh, sir, you can't really call it your-

The Boss: *On The Phone* Hello, copyright department. I've

got this great new original idea that's going to make us all

rich. It's called... get ready for this shit, you're gonna love this...

It's called... BLUE!!

Johnson: *Facepalm* Sir, you can't just-

The Boss: I THOUGHT I SAID NO BACKTALK, SPARKY! Now go

get me a cigar. I'm feeling so damn sexy right now.

I would try to boycott the menace that is Hershey's, but once you've got a chocolate

empire, a theme park, and at least one color of the rainbow trademarked, you are pretty much invincible.

Jumps for joy

2010-04-06T19:12:00.001-05:00

PASSOVER is doneski! Can't wait to go eat some grain-related thing.

Also...

I GOT INTO PURCHASE!!! This is a dream come true!

Currently Obsessed: ODST Firefight with Adam

I suppose

2010-03-25T13:21:00.001-05:00

I should write something about Israel.

I saw a camel.

Vintage Vinyl

2010-03-11T23:13:00.001-05:00

I just spent 5 hours getting lost on the way to and from a record store in Fords, NJ. And I didn't regret a second of it.

Noury and I blasted Swan Lake, Wolf Parade and Modest Mouse the whole way, joking and talking about a short film he wanted help with. We went too far, not far enough, etc. until we finally pulled up to the store.

From the get-go, it's huge... bigger than Princeton Record Exchange, Jack's Music Shoppe and Sound Fix COMBINED. I spent an hour and a half there and cleared MAYBE 1/5 of the store. To top it off, there's a stage set up for in-store performances at the back. Titus Andronicus played there recently. Pity I missed it.

While they were out of LC! (Sorry Jesse), the selection really was tremendous. I'm especially excited about my purchase today. I got a limited edition Boyracer album (only 50 made) in a cloth sleeve, a Dntel 7", and two random 7"s that I've got a feeling will be pretty good.

I am posting simply so i look interested

2010-02-28T21:01:00.000-05:00

Lot of stuff just went down. Not sure if i can go into detail.

Wet Hair - (Live)

2010-02-12T10:04:00.002-05:00

Ok, yell at me all you want. I am obsessed. I just looked up tabs for 'Young Hearts Spark Fire' and played the intro over and over as loud as I could. This band is fucking infectious in the best way possible. Please watch the clip from Jimmy Fallon that I hunted down for one of the greatest live performances you'll ever witness:

They're playing Bowery on April 1st, which happens to be the first non-holiday night of Passover. If i'm not in Florida for Passover, I am driving into New York because I will not rest until I see these gentlemen in the live setting.

Wow...

2010-02-12T03:17:00.002-05:00

CRAZY FUCKING NIGHT.

I just hope I remember it in the morning, because I'm about to pass out...

zzzzzzzzz........

Dream Journal Excerpt: The Japandroids Rollercoaster

2010-02-10T22:08:00.004-05:00

As some of you may know, I kept a dream journal on my iPhone to advance my neverending quest for lucid dreams. Recently, I got a replacement iPhone after mine was stolen, and when I restored the backup, my journal was relatively intact! In honor of the continuation of my dream recording, I'll give you a little window into what my dreams are like:

2/10/10 12:00 pm
There's a Japandroids ride (like the Aerosmith one!) in Disney. I'm waiting on the line for it, and the stairs snake around to this open sort of back area with paths leading to other doors... Sort of like wooden fire escapes. I find a door that says 18+ on it and knock. A man answers and initially turns me down, but I ask him "Why does a place like this exist in Disney". The man takes a liking to me and lets me in. Turns out that I am in an underground music store that four or five diehard customers like to keep their own little secret. They're all touting the Laserdisc as the next media format to come back, and they have a small shelf of oddly shaped laserdiscs available. I leave the store, and get back on the line. As soon as I get up to the front of the line, I remember I hate rides and begin to freak out. The operators of the ride are effeminate versions of the guys from Japandroids.

I dream about music a LOT, in case you don't know. Maybe some day, I'll post the archives so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

What's going on with me?

Hernia is healing up nicely.
School is cancelled tomorrow for the second day straight
No school on Monday (President's day)
Hanging out with Kayti this weekend
Lightspeed Champion is playing a free show in Brooklyn on Tuesday.

Life = Good.

Hernia, or God Damn My Puny Musculature

2010-02-07T23:19:00.003-05:00

I had an operation on Friday. And I've been sitting in bed since then. I re-watched the complete Arrested Development, Clone High, Persepolis and Spirited Away. Would be entertaining if i was not in so much pain. Did i mention the pain? Imagine a lawnmower doused in fire chewing on your tender groin every time you move. And the lawnmower hates Jews, so it bites with extra fervor.

*GRO~AN*

oh, and because i have nothing better to do, i made this question thingie. ask me something.

Groovemine Archive

2010-02-02T17:21:00.013-05:00

Recently, I've been getting a bunch of requests to send links to my reviews and general write-ups at Groovemine. For lack of a better system, I've decided to post all the links up to this handy-dandy blog page. It will hopefully be updated on a regular basis so you can find everything you need simply. Here you are:

Riceboy Sleeps - Jonsi and Alex

Dragonslayer - Sunset Rubdown

East Of Eden - Taken By Trees

The Chemistry Of Common Life (Show Review) - Fucked Up

Letting Up Despite Great Faults - Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Top Ten Music Moments of 2009

Warm Heart Of Africa - The Very Best

Los Campesinos! AudioFile

Romance Is Boring - Los Campesinos!

Together - The New Pornographers

Maniac Meat - Tobacco

LP4 - Ratatat

Topp stemning på lokal bar - Casiokids

Swung From The Branches - Foxes In Fiction

All To Shit

2010-01-21T01:10:00.002-05:00

Today is Thursday. Or rather, really late Wednesday night.

I was SUPPOSED to go to see Lightspeed Champion and meet up with Mark and audition for Dinner With The Band. But the concert is cancelled (postponed indefinitely) and I am pissed.

I've had one too many vegetarian fat cats at Nelly's and I really need to cut back. I think once my operation is over and done with, I'll start making a habit of going to... *shudders* ... the gym. I gotta whup my fat ass into shape!

Florida on Sunday, for which I'm psyched.

Mocket

2010-01-20T20:05:00.004-05:00

Today was my last midterm! Which means vacation started at 11:36 AM today!

Noury and I drove into Princeton, and I got my hands on a crazy little gem called Homage To The Sine Wave by Eleh. Unfortunately, my record player is way to shitty quality-wise to evince the subtle nuances from the record, but it was a good purchase in my book.

So when I got home, I scanned through my record collection and decided to throw on Fanfare by a band called Mocket. They're a sort of pissed-off twee punk band that I just decided I can't get enough of. The album buzzes with the anger of a Death From Above 1979 release, but in a toned down sort of way (if that makes ANY sense at all, even though sense is not required in my dear old blog).

Hot damn. I just heard a watered down dollar store synth followed by a robotic voice droning "Your ice cream is ready" to end side A. This is brilliant music. But why is there nary a mention of it online? Typing the name into Wikipedia results in a typo, Google asks me if I meant to type in 'mocked', and Bing asked... well, probably whatever Google asked. I didn't bother checking.

A band like Mocket deserves much more credit. I hear remnants of their sound everywhere from Los Campesinos! to Cut Off Your Hands, but nobody thanks them in the liner notes. Next time you happen to come across an album of theirs, slap yourself in the face and pick it up. The slap will prepare you for their sting.

(You can hear the album HERE. I suggest listening to 'B For Becker' for an idea of what I'm talking about.)

An Ode To A Wasabi Cracker

2010-01-18T00:43:00.004-05:00

Your round, rough edge

Swallowed too fast, cuts my

Throat as it descents into the

Esophagus.

Another one, this time

Placed on the tongue

So I can feel the burn

That clears out

My sinuses wonderfully.

Sometimes, a crunch

Others, a chew.

While browsing away

One bag turns to two,

And my hand is covered in

Eye-stinging solvents.

I submit to you, dear crisp

For your rice is

No match for the bite

Of a potato of similar consistency.

You are the king,

And your robes are seaweed.

Your palace: a vacuum-seal

With a yellow window into

The economy

(Which invariably has a hold on me

Because I can't be without this delicacy)

So sue me

Maker of the chip

Pretzel

Chocolate

Popcorn

Dried fruit and nut.

There's a new emperor in town,

A god of the snack aisle,

A deity of the cracker lands,

An oddity.

But you know who else was

An oddity?

Jesus.

I rest my case.

Warm Heart of Africa

2010-01-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

The new review is up at Groovemine.

I'm going to Florida for winter vacation, which I think will be fun. A few friends will be there, so it's cool.

My fucking horrible replacement phone will be no more on February 2nd, which is good.

I am OBSESSED with Worms 2: Armageddon. It may very well be this generation's chess.

Last night was fun. Surprise party at Leo with the grade. There was sushi cake, and good times for all. I stole someone's camera and took like 65 pictures of myself. I also played poker and did not give a shit about football. Then I hung out with Ralphie, Joey and Adam.

Today? I'm helping Mary by being a counselor at stupid DSN. But at least I get paid. Because right after that I'm picking up Adam and totally going to Asian Food Market for some goods. I am craving some puccho.

End of year Ramblings

2009-12-28T08:48:00.002-05:00

I'm almost done applying to schools, which is good. In the essay section of the Common App, you can write about a musical work that has influenced you and how it was able to influence you. I should be able to rock that.

As of now, I'm applying to Rutgers, SUNY Purchase and Ithaca. I might throw SVA into the mix, along with a few other surprises.... only time will tell.

---

I like my grade. They're good people.

---

New Year's Eve should be fun.

---

I've started reading the webcomic Daisy Owl and I love it. Very funny, wonderfully simple drawing style coupled with greyscale, and a definite RSS for me.

---

End of year list is almost done.

I took my last SAT

2009-12-07T22:29:00.003-05:00

In Flatbush. After 17 thousand Sheva Berachot parties. My waffle speech went over way too well.

Saturday night I went to Sammy and Saul, where we played some Beatles Rock Band. I got dinner at Carlos & Gabby's, sort of a Mexican Dougie's. Pretty good stuff, but for some reason the fact that there was a party of girls wolfing down this greasy gross food made us all sick.

Blockbuster was next, which was closing down and was filled with Bennies.

Then Tea Lounge for some Blue Haze and a 60s cover band. They held our attention for a little while.

After, we went to Gabrielle's for a bit. This was my first time meeting her, and she was quite nice in person. Her house, despite being in Brooklyn, is enormous. We talked about music and shitty New Yorker comics.

Then I went home, needing sleep for the big day awaiting.

I was woken up at 4 am by Saul, because I had unknowingly slept on his bed. I shifted to the cot, and all of us (Plus Isaac Ash) spent the next hour telling half-awake sex jokes.

I woke up at 7 (with the help of Freddy and 2 alarm clocks) and drove down to the longest SAT of my life. It took approximately 5 hours, which is way longer than one should take.

How did I do? No idea, honestly. I think I went down in math, but I have a good feeling about reading/writing...

I liked driving into Brooklyn. Maybe I'll do it more often.

OMG SECRET COUSIN

2009-12-01T01:28:00.001-05:00

Richard. He's cool.

Oh, and Mary's getting married tomorrow...

What?

In which I Pahk The Cah In The Hahvahd Yahd (Boston)

2009-11-22T14:53:00.007-05:00

I'm on the way back from my Boston trip with Ezra, which was fun as hell.

We got on the MegaBus Thursday night and drove for four hours (I slept and watched The Office).

At about 11pm, we got in and took a cab to Warren Towers, where Ezra's brother Maurice dormed. We met everyone on the floor briefly and played Super Smash Brothers (There was a LOT of that) before we decided to get some sleep in anticipation of what Friday held for us.

We woke up bright and early (10 am) and walked down to Newbury, where I bought records and Japanese candy. Very interesting: a "bubble-tea" flavor of Hi-Chew (EDIT: The actual name of the candy is Puccho, which is Very similar to Hi-Chew) that tasted like a delicious vanilla milkshake with weird sourish chunks and orange orbs floating around. Picked up Sufjan's Illinois(e) and, regrettably, did not pick up a collaboration between Efterklang and the Danish National Chamber Orchestra which looked pretty awesome. I also bought a Melody Horn (Melodica), so we should start working on our "Streets of Fire" cover for the talent show, Josh!

I stopped by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design for a tour, which really opened my eyes. It was a beautiful school, where essentially everything I have ever dreamed of creating was on display. One project required the production of a poster to advertise a single release from a band. The example I saw brilliantly captured "We Own The Sky" by M83. Person I don't know who designed this: YOU ARE TALENTED.

Once Shabbos started, we went to the Hillel House for Ma'ariv and dinner (Thai Peanut pasta for me, which was splendid). It was Maurice's birthday, but he was feeling pretty sick so Ezra and I strolled the peaceful and beautiful streets of Boston. When we got home, a few kids from the floor were hanging out in the Common room, so we joined them and ended up cracking wise and talking until about 3 AM.

Saturday was fun. We headed to the cafeteria and got some food, then we ventured out with Maurice (who was feeling better) for a walk around Boston. He showed us the campus in detail, and we got a feel of how great of a college city Boston truly was. After the walk, we stopped home and hung out. After shabbat, some more Smash Brothers was played, and we headed out on the town.

We traveled to Harvard Square in Cambridge, which was absolutely beautiful. We grabbed amazing pizza, then headed to a stand-up comedy club situated on top of a chinese restaurant. The performers there were really funny. One guy in particular, Danny Morsel, played this ridiculous "combat dancer" who almost literally brought the house down. After two hours of great comedy, we headed to J.P. Licks, where I got "El Diablo" ice cream (Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cayenne). We headed back home, played a bit more Smash, then hung out in the common room and talked about religion and shit until about 4 AM.

There's definitely a lot I left out, but that was my trip in a nutshell. Ask me if you'd like specific details.

Oh, and the trip was amazing, in case you wanted my opinion. Wish I could go back...

My first Slam.

2009-11-13T01:28:00.003-05:00

I went back to Loser Slam this week (instead of YMD, which I think i'm done with.... but that's another post.

'Rabbit Habits' was playing in the background so that was fun. The regulars read, and then this group called theUnreal completely blew my shit. They took everything I knew about poetry, chopped and screwed it and managed to keep my attention for the better part of an hour.

I read a piece (my first @ Loser Slam!) that I composed literally 3 minutes before reading...

here it is:

I don't really regret much Except for eating hi-chew Tasting of melons At 4 in the morning Waiting for bagels And talking of torture With a good friend in a car that wasn't mine One thing I never understood Was the urge to create situations That weren't good So you could escape from a prior commitment But you don't fool me With your personality disorder And you should see The fool you've made of everyone involved You probably don't remember me But astoundingly, you do And I can or cannot understand We met at the Show I was just a sweaty fan But you looked at me in this evil way That I just couldn't shake And the way you began to sashay Strangely began to make Me Crumble inside and the piercings you sported shimmered in the strobes You were the kind of girl who skippped the earlobes Straight through the cartilage and deep inside my heart. You pierced me. Line sinker hook like an open book Or a torn page crumpled and shoved up the nearest sinus cavity causing me to sink into depravity that I won't have and he's not good enough for you but what can I do next to you three; us and the wall makes my skin want to crawl into a hole and live next to a stained glass window that we looked into when we were kids thinking about what shitty adults you'd grow up to be. You weren't a fireman. You sit behind a desk in a cubicle in a nondescript failing kidney so just skin me and hang me over the fire but glue some horns on so I have kitsch appeal for the Norman Rockwell meal that's painted onto my stomach and won't wash off in the shower after I scrub to the bone for a quarter of an hour. I want to sit without being deciphered like a cartographer's henchmen (bad choice of sweater). Stop fucking enjoying my company can't you see that complimenting me like the politicians you see on TV telling what you can and cannot do... For the hell of it I'll say kazoo and now I'm through with putting up with you. You fucking whore.

Please take me back in the pouring rain on Philips beach. The perfect moment, just missing a component.

So fun to read. Even better watching others read. Definitely going to do it again.

So Fucked Up

2009-11-11T21:11:00.002-05:00

My new review - one I think is my finest to date - is up on Groovemine (direct link here).

But don't bother clicking the direct link, because my review is on the front page!

FYI, it's a review of the Fucked Up show I attended Thursday at Brooklyn Masonic Temple, a show that will or will not make Grandpa proud.

Also, I'm going to Boston with Ezra next Thursday night to check out BU. Cool.

SORDO UPDATE

2009-11-03T13:00:00.001-05:00

"Falling into better hands"

I'm getting my car today.

i enjoy records

2009-10-27T21:55:00.002-05:00

I've started a new blog. What?

Yeah. No, that doesn't mean I'll be updating this one even less (well, it might. but the fact that I might update less won't be related to the new blog). It just means I have a new place to detail my collection and talk about new releases that I'm excited about. Will also probably include hi-res scans, info, samples of music, etc etc.

Nothing's up yet, but check back soon...

ienjoyrecords.blogspot.com

Dragonslayer

2009-10-17T23:11:00.003-05:00

The new album by Susnet Rubdown was reviewed by yours truly. It's up right now over at Groovemine. Check it.

Next up?

A review of East of Eden by Taken By Trees.

-----------------

I saw Where The Wild Things are. Depressing. The soundtrack is a whole 'nother story. Listen to it.

And Emily, would it kill you to write out the word "see" instead of using the letter C?

Zombieland!

2009-10-13T22:35:00.004-05:00

... was awesome.

It all started when Rahmey called me up, asking if I wanted to go see a movie. God bless him, for if he hadn't called I would be asleep right now. Anyway, he has the Optimum Rewards card which gets you free movies on Tuesdays at Clearview movie theaters. Like Middlebrook. Which sucks.

So we stocked up on snacks at 7-11 and went to redeem our free ticketage, when suddenly a tall man with keys around his neck stopped us.

"Gentlemen, I'm sorry but there is absolutely no outside food allowed in the theater," he said, gesturing towards a sign posted on the door. We grumbled and walked back to the car... where I found a roll of tape.

We spent the next 15 minutes hiding our food in strategic places on our bodies (notably taping Wasabi rice crackers to the inside of Rahmey's hoodie and taping a can of Arizona to my inner thigh). We waltzed in, no questions asked, darted to the theater, and began peeling foodstuffs.

Suddenly, Mrs. Contreras (an ex-Hillel teacher) walks in, and she told us how this was her second time seeing the movie because of how awesome it was.

The movie blew my mind. I didn't walk in with low expectations, or for that matter any expectations at all. But from the first sentence out of Jesse Eisenberg's (a more confident Michael Cera) mouth, I knew I was in for a good time.

1.5 hours of merciless zombie killing and brilliant humor, only accentuated by the cast (Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, the gorgeous Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin) and the sheer enjoyment of watching them all try to survive, trash gift shops and backstab each other, along with a very awesome cameo appearance by a certain someone (I won't spoil it for you).

Ask Rahmey if you don't believe me; Without exaggeration, I literally sat there wriggling with excitement, laughing my ass off and clapping my hands with glee for over an hour of the film. It was a feel-good movie set in the apocalypse if that makes any sense. And it made me feel good.

Without hesitation, I can say that this makes the list of my favorite movies of all time. Yes, it is that good. Do yourself a favor. Go see Zombieland.

Adam

2009-10-09T13:17:00.003-05:00

is becoming a favorite person of mine at an astounding rate. He's very comfortable with himself, and is not like the majority of the fools in his grade. Adam is the kind of person who will be doing something he loves with his life in ten years, and not marrying the first attractive SY he sees and buying an apartment in Porto Vita.

We hung out on the beach last night, got 4 o' clock bagels, etc etc.

Good stuff.

Noury got a record player, meaning he is now a vinyl addict like myself. Cool, cool.

Did not play Halo last night.

Drumroll Please......

2009-10-08T11:51:00.002-05:00

Drtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

Pish!

The awesome folks over at Groovemine.com are the undisputed masters of all that is eclectic, eccentric, odd, out of print, or any other anomalies pertaining to music. And they are letting me write reviews for their website?

Could this be any more awesome?

My first ever published review, for the album Riceboy Sleeps.

Enjoy.

In Which I Detail My Incurable Addiction To Xbox Live

2009-10-07T00:12:00.002-05:00

I finally found a way to wirelessly play on Xbox Live. So for the past few days (Sukkot Vacation) i have been spending A LOT of time playing. Last night? Adam Cain, Isaac (Jack) Beyda and I created a board in Halo 3 where fusion coils constantly rained from the sky, and we laughed and sent each other's characters flying through debris-filled warehouses for the better part of 5 hours. Productive? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.

God, Xbox is AWESOME. Speaking of which, I'm going to go play right now.

(oh and I saw Toy Story 1 & 2 back to back in 3D tonight with Roslyn. Brought back a lot of fond memories, as well as a few jokes I didn't quite pick up on the first time around.)

Warm Tape.

2009-09-29T21:43:00.003-05:00

I recently got a request to divulge some information.

Namely, the Warm Tape thing. Where did it come from? What is the point of it? Were you the one writing it everywhere?

Here are some answers:

1. Warm Tape is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Chili Peppers were one of my first obsessions; at one point, my computer contained just about every studio recording they had ever made (and then some). It was at this point, through this song, on an airplane that I had my life-changing epiphany. Right as the slow-burning verse turned into the jangly chorus, the sun poked out behind the clouds. It was awe inspiring, and to me it seemed perfect. The fact that music could bring about the emotions relative to a sunburst was just... unheard of. Anything I had done until that point (video games, mainly) could not replicate the intense love of music that split-second sun peeking through the clouds had brought me. I had found a new love. A new obsession. A new way of life. And that was music. I had a feeling prior to this that music would be my passion (I played guitar, listened to a few other bands, etc.) but this was the arguable point of no return.

2. The point? It had a point back in 9th grade, when I would effortlessly pimp out the blog to nobody in particular, because anyone who guessed the association was promptly told that their guess was incorrect. It was my public secret. My trademark. My name spelled out in the sand with urine. A childlike territory marker. But those days are done. No longer do I scribble and encircle these words. Because I have found a medium. I write because I love to write, and I also love to be read. The mark? Simply confusing. Who knows? I may bring it back some day, but I chose to retire it for the time being.

3. I would love a fanbase. But that's something I want to come naturally, not for me to stick in people's faces. For those of you who have discovered the blog, and are either regular readers or plan to become regulars, consider yourselves special. These crunchy little word-nuggets are crafted for you in addition to being crafted for me. Enjoy them, utilize them, comment on them (this is my lifeblood! comments = fans = inspiration = motivation to post on a daily basis). But that DOES NOT mean that I necessarily want you to be directing web traffic to my humble domain. Do that at your own discretion.

I hope that this has cleared the air significantly.

9.28.09

2009-09-28T21:42:00.003-05:00

Damn, I've got court tomorrow morning. For a car crash.

And I was in shul all day today. Horrible. Thank god it's over.

I've been skimming through Slushies & Cigarettes for a brief period tonight. God damn. How can anyone be so morbidly bleak? I realize that it's the trend to act like nobody gives a shit about you and all, but...

Wasn't this the same kid we jammed with in the back of the store two summers ago, always with an unrelenting grin on his face and a tie-dye shirt on his torso? The one who hung out with me by the kiosk on the 4th of July because he realized that I would have gone insane without the compassion and witticisms of another human being? And I love the kid to death, just... He might just be getting worked up over nothing.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

In other news,

My extracurricular list just got much shinier.

I'm reviewing music. First review? Riceboy Sleeps by Jónsi and Alex. Should be fun.

9.27.09

2009-09-27T01:21:00.000-05:00

Got Pavement tickets in the mail.

I never thought this day would come.

9.25.09

2009-09-25T00:35:00.002-05:00

YMD is actually working out. I never thought I'd see the day. Plus, there's a small freshie collective that looks up to me in the same way I looked up to Mike back in my freshman year, which is flattering and weird at the same time.

Tonight, I constructed an impromptu rave in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot by buying glowsticks at 7-11 and blasting Holy Fuck from the car. Was very enjoyable for all parties involved.

After that, Rebecca and I met Ikey and Alex at Inkwell for some tea and a conversation about spoons (don't ask).

iPod thing is finally (again, but this time for real) being installed on Tuesday; gotta start making a few playlists for the hell of it.

9.23.09

2009-09-23T17:04:00.002-05:00

I saw Islands last night at Asbury Lanes. They put on a great show, and for a tiny crowd (about 60 people!). More indie bands need to play Asbury Lanes IMO.

My car is considered a hazard by the DMV since the door only opens from the outside. I've gotta get that fixed. Also, my iPod installation was pushed back a week. Damn it! I want to conveniently listen to music in my car already!

As of now? I'm craving nigiri from Wegman's. As always. That stuff is like crack.

9.21.09

2009-09-21T16:52:00.002-05:00

Pavement in a year.

Whoo.

I am not looking forward to the Day of Kipper, aptly named because everyone's breath smells like dead fish on that horrid, horrid day.

But after that... Sukkot! And visiting Rebecca all the way in WTF, NJ. And not having school. Temporarily.

School is killing me. I need to leave. Like, now. But I'm not there now. I need to leave tomorrow. Possibly in a grand escape with flash pots.

...Yeah.

Cap'n Crunch... With P-Nut Butter

2009-09-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

Is what I'm eating.

Just finished up holiday guzz by Josh's house. A glass table broke, which was funn. Then we played Settlers of Canaan. Sounds like a shitty Roleplaying game, but is actually awesomely challenging (especially since I have yet to win a game).

In music news...

PAVEMENT! REUNION!!! GRAHAGAHAGAHGAHAHAGHG!!!!!! I bought tickets to the September 21, 2010 (yes, that's over a year away) show, and I can't wait. Bringing josh.

oh, and I'm back from ATP! Which I shall document when I have the time to. And i want to make it a mega-post (hyperlinks and all) so i'll wait until my disposable camera from ATP gets developed so i can scan those pics in.

Also, I WANT OWLS VINYL.

The International Tweexcore Underground (Show Review)

2009-08-05T10:17:00.009-05:00

Sammy and I drove into Brooklyn after work to go see Los Campesinos! live. I was about to attend Josh's cousin's wedding, but at the last minute I decided to attend the show. Even though I had attended a show of theirs back in February, I had to go to this one because Aleksandra (who plays keys, glockenspiel and sings) is leaving the band after this tour to go to college.

But more on that later.

We drove to Sammy's house in Brooklyn to pick up the tickets, when Sammy suddenly got the urge to show me "the real Brooklyn". Due to a large number of holidays spent in Brooklyn in the past, I had come to associate all of it with this religious Jewish vibe. Sammy assured me that there was much more to see, and we began the tour.

After passing by landmarks like Prospect Park and the BQE, we arrived in Williamsburg, or as I like to call it, Hipsterville. For those of you who have ever seen the website Look At This Fucking Hipster, you know what I mean. I couldn't resist rolling down the window several times and yelling "WAVVES!" to ironically disgruntled hipsters. We found parking and wandered into a music store called Earwax. I bought a No Age "Teen Creeps" 7-inch on delicious purple-red vinyl. We were getting pretty hungry so we headed to Fornino for pizza. It was delicious and slightly earthy, but the tiny pie we ordered couldn't justify the $9 price tag.

We drove up to the venue after eating and found parking. At the door, we finished our tea. As we were drinking and people-watching, a girl in a short patterned dress walked into the club. I thought it was the most appropriate attire I had ever seen for a Los Campesinos! show, which was ironic because the girl ended up being Harriet from Los Campesinos! Shame I didn't realize it was her. Also quite interesting how LC! shows have the recurring "band member walking in unrecognized" motif for me. The same thing had happened at the last show with Patrick from Titus Andronicus.

Once inside my first 18+ show, we wandered up to the stage where The Smith Westerns were finishing up their set. Not much that separated them from the pack, but they played well, had this really awkward innocence about them, and they didn't look a day over 18. They did have one really cool sounding song where the strobe lights really went crazy. Pretty soon they were off.

At this point in the show, I began to examine my "concert family", or the people I would be standing in close proximity with for the next three hours. Behind us was a large mobster-looking guy with a ponytail and his tiny leather jacket-clad buddy who laughed at all of our jokes. A long-haired Isaac Ash lookalike stood to the right. We also saw a guy who looked like Robby Tal from the side only. I turned around and saw a guy wearing a cool Tullycraft T-shirt.

EDIT: I HAVE, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, REEVALUATED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FOLLOWING BAND. AS OF JANUARY 11TH, 2010, THEY ARE GOOD IN MY BOOK. "LUST FOR LIFE" IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRACKS EVER.

Girls came onstage, and we were in for... something. The lead singer strapped on his high heels and proceeded to play something I could see pitchfork giving a 9.0 (not a compliment). They sauntered aimlessly through songs, borrowing heavily from artists. One song sounded so remarkably like "Sweet Caroline" that I actually got a chunk of the crowd to sing the "BUM BUM BUM" parts to generous laughter. One good thing about Girls was their closeness with the audience. We picked the setlist (not that any of us knew any Girls songs) and bantered endlessly before, during and after each song. At one point in the show, I said to the lead singer "Give me your hat." He paused, said, "Uh. Alright" and tossed the nondescript green cap to me.

Besides for their bassist looking remarkably like Brad Garret, they were pretty unmemorable. The fact that they were trying so hard to be memorable was in fact counterproductive.

While waiting for LC!, we met a guy named Eric. He started telling us all about Dan Deacon and the Mets. We conversed about webcomics and body mass, and I deemed him the coolest person at the show.

As Los Campesinos! began to take the stage to set up and soundcheck, I yelled to Tom (who I knew was a big Pavement fan from the last show) "PLAY KENNEL DISTRICT!" He grinned from ear to ear and began noodling around and finding the chords to the song. Pretty soon, the band came on, and as expected they worked the crowd masterfully. People were shouting along with the group vocals, clapping in time, humming the synth lines... They ripped through about 2/5 of the setlist when they decided to play My Year In Lists, a crowd pleaser that really woke the audience up.

After Lists, everyone was incredibly into the show. Little did I know, they were about to pull out the big guns. Now, whenever Los Campesinos! plays their biggest hit "You! Me! Dancing!" they play the intro of the Pavement version of Box Elder (Note the similarities). Before they began the song, Tom played the opening to the Pavement song Shady Lane, which I instantly recognized. I verbally expressed my approval, and yelled "AT&T" (ANOTHER Pavement Song). To my surprise, he started strumming the chords and I sang my heart out. You know how we Pavement fans are! :D

They started playing the Box Elder intro, and to unanimous approval they actually continued playing the entire song. Before you know it, You! Me! Dancing! had entered its famous buildup. Feeling inspired, I scurried up to the foot of the stage between Neil and Tom's monitors. Tapping on the Isaac Ash lookalike's shoulder, I asked for help to reach the stage. He boosted me up to the stage where I pulled myself into a standing position. I turned around to look at the crowd, jumped backward (1:30 into the video) and landed on the hands of a cheering crowd. I really wish I could find decent pictures because I saw some photographers aiming at me from the balcony.

So after my glorious stage dive, I had an abrupt landing on a frail Asian woman (Quite honestly, I don't know what the fuck she was doing there). I got up and waved the Girls hat around like a medal of honor and I was met by crazy applause by the surrounding crowd. I hustled back up to my spot at the stage and before long I was enjoying the song with Sammy again.

After the song ended, a fellow tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Boy, you sure got back here fast." But before I could reply, the band was playing another deliciously erratic jam.

Soon it was time for one of my favorite Los Campesinos! songs: Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks. The song started off innocently enough, but around the second chorus Gareth slowly lowers himself into the crowd a la Arcade Fire and sings the song as rabid fans surround him. Oh yeah. And Neil was crowdsurfing on our hands and shredding the shit out of his guitar all at the same time. EPIC.

One of the coolest moments of the show was "Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats". Tom jumped down DIRECTLY in front of us to play the song. And I mean the full song.

As you can see, this wonderful man was very close to us. So as he's standing in the crowd and playing, he suddenly notices Sammy's t-shirt. "Hey, Arrested Development!" Tom said approvingly. Sammy let out a squeal of joy and patted him on the back. Let me remind you that this was all happening midsong. So while Tom was shredding away, we took this time to pose in some relatively non-blurry photos. This is the best one we got:

Yes, that is an Analrapist shirt.

At this time, Tom's spot on stage was unattended so I tried my luck by pulling myself up onto the stage again. I hopped over the pedalboard at my feet, walked up to Aleks and began dancing (epileptic seizures would be an apt comparison to my excited dance style). I figured since she was leaving the band, I'd never have the chance to dance with her again. After all... it's you. It's me. And I was dancing. Naturally, she was a bit taken aback, as she was not expecting it. Neither was the bouncer who slowly emerged from the shadows. Not wanting my night to end prematurely, I hopped off of the stage and enjoyed the rest of the show. At the close of the song, I got her attention and screamed "We'll miss you!" and I could tell she would miss all of us even more.

But I think what happened after the show was the best part of the night. As we were walking to the merch table, several people noticed Sammy's Fünke shirt and commented that they were also big fans of the show. We spent the next half hour in line reciting jokes and references from the series with 12 diehard fans. Finally, I got to speak to Gareth. We shot the breeze easily, as he is an incredibly down-to-earth and warm lad. I told him of my sorrow of getting a blurry picture with him back in February (WARNING: CONTAINS AFRO), and needed a reshoot. It took six months, but I finally had gotten a good picture with one of my musical heroes.

Freakin' gorgeous man, isn't he?

He signed my ticket stub and before I left, I talked to him about ATP. He told me that Knee Deep... is actually a true story which I thought was pretty cool. And I BEGGED him to try and get onto the ATP New York lineup. I also asked when he would be back in New York. He told me that their new album is due in January, and they should be back In January! I was excited by this, and news that Titus Andronicus had gone into the studio the day before to start recording their sophomore album. I bid Gareth goodbye with a handshake, counting the seconds until the next gig.

Walking out of the club, I bumped into Aleks. She overheard the conversation Sammy and I were having about missing the wedding, and laughed about it. I wanted to apologize for getting in her face while dancing and for getting on the stage and jumping and shit. But she wasn't upset. Her eyes got wide and she said "That was you??" She proceeded to tell me how cool it was and that Ellen had taken footage onstage of my ridiculous dancing. Apparently, the band went upstairs and watched it, and Ellen had imitated me. I was honored to be mocked by the great Campesinos! I handed Aleks my ticket stub, and she wrote:

"You are a dance master, apologize to your cousin for us. Love, Aleks"

Josh, sorry from the band.

We were being slowly pushed out of the club by the bouncers who wanted to close up, but Aleks convinced them to let us stay for another few minutes. I remarked on how the band was so down to earth when other bands treated their fans horribly. She responded by telling me that people are shit, and you have to really acknowledge the nice people you meet. Very wise advice. I also pestered her into going to ATP, so I really hope that it happens. I wished her much luck in school, and off I went.

Only after a quick stop at Duane Reade to purchase iced tea was I able to mutter weakly to Sammy, "I think that was the best concert I've ever been to."

Where it's at.

2009-08-01T21:20:00.002-05:00

Tonight:

(500) Days of Summer with Ikey and Morris... uh... what's his last name? Idunnoe.

Tomorrow:

Kites for a cure. I hope there's an excellent turnout and I really hope it doesn't rain.

Josh is coming home soon, which I'm very excited for. By the looks of his blog, he's having a wonderful (albeit asthmatic) time.

The ocean officially sucks as of today. Jellyfish season is a bitch.

Holy fricking sex. Just a rumor for now, but Motherfucking PAVEMENT may reunite on ATP. Oh god oh please oh pretty please. (I hear they'll play Slanted in its entirety... oh, BTW. I bought Slanted on Vinyl. I've never noticed, but my vinyl collection has a recurring red album art theme.)

Seeing Titus Andronicus in a basement in Williamsburg. Sure to be sleazy and loud and raucous and awesome. I wouldn't see them any other way.

Getting paid on Monday. About time.

Had an enlightened conversation with Sian And Howard at Inkwell the other night. Also saw slam poetry there for the first time. Needless to say, I must take part.

And that's what's up.

Search random shit. Please.

2009-07-29T00:32:00.002-05:00

I dare you.

It all started when Josh typed in the word 'penis' on the iTunes store. Haha, very funny of course. But we found a clip that would forever change our lives.

I have memorized every single word to this touching tribute to male genitals on the protagonist's mate's mother. It's actually a brilliantly wicked social commentary on Parliament, but don't tell anyone.

My search continued recently. Screwing around on YouTube the other day, I typed in "Fuck Shit". This came up:

Needless to say, a band of this caliber is second only to a band like Led Zeppelin.

What can you find?

Rain King

2009-07-24T11:09:00.001-05:00

I really don't want to be sitting out here right now. Storm clouds keep brewing overhead, billowing gray blobs just ready to burst. But there is no rain. So here I sit.

I've just been working all summer. All I want to do is just drive around aimlessly, blasting music and getting lost. Isn't that what summer is for?

Currently craving- sushi
Currently Listening - "Stadiums and Shrines II" - Sunset Rubdown

Lake Somerset, or Why I Will Not Fall Asleep In A Room With A Turtle And Pizza

2009-07-24T01:05:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot how terrified I am of this video.

Seriously, that is the most sinister looking turtle I've ever seen. From the second he awkwardly lumbers into the room with his flippers, I know I'm in for an uncomfortable viewing experience. When he begins wolfing down the pizza, and his soulless turtle eyes stare into mine, it is a situation unlike any other.

This video will leave you scarred. Don't say I didn't warn you.

In which I Pwn BrokenCYDE Fans

2009-07-23T22:35:00.006-05:00

It all started with Isaac Hoff, my awesome coworker. He had returned from the Warped Tour, complaining about some awful band called brokenCYDE (seriously, don't fucking click on that link unless you enjoy having your eardrums raped by four untalented douchebags who think crunk-core is the future of music). And if the band wasn't ridiculous enough, there is also a legitimate anti-brokenCYDE website led by concerned parents. It's a great read, and the hate mail they receive is posted on the site. Today, I will be dissecting the brilliant scriptures of a die-hard brokenCYDE fan.

The letter is in red, and my replies are in yellow.

alright you old prunes, listen and listen good.

a good way to get your audience's attention.

You have WAY more hate mail from fans of BrokenCYDE then you do for people supporting you.

Obviously, dumbass. Why would they have hatemail from a supporter?

Ban BrokenCYDE?? how fucked up is you?

I wasn't anticipating commenting on every sentence, but stupidity of this magnitude deserves special care.

fer real? you're just jealous cause they don't talk about fucking old saggy ass prunes such as yourself. So STFU! like really.

Dude, of course! If brokenCYDE starts talking about saggy prunes like them, they will accept them with open arms.

I'm pretty sure 50cent is 10, no A MILLION more times more sexual then brokencyde ever could be.

Wrong.

And FYI ,sex and drugs have been out in the open for kids for a good while now.

Ok, first (probably only) relatively credible statement he's made.

I myself FUCK while listening to brokencyde, MAKES SEX BETTER.

First of all, the fact that you have a "fuck soundtrack" brings into question whether you are getting laid at all. And the only reason you think sex is better with brokenCYDE is because you can envision your sex partner as a man by closing your eyes and listening to the awful screams.

Quit blaming them, you're just using them as an excuse, for why you're kids hate you and rebel against you.

Now now, I'm sure her kids hate her for many other reasons :P

I don't know if you've noticed, but by you talkin shit, BrokenCyde gets bigger, and bigger and bigger.

Alright, I hear that. All publicity, after all, is good publicity.

All the bands that are out today involve sex drugs and rebelion n there songs at least once.

False. While this is a common theme, it is definitely not ALL BANDS.

Where not old pooch bags like you are, and we don't listen to fuckin classical music shit anymore, we listen to what's true, and have the shit brokencyde is spittin, is true.

Classical music? Are you fucking serious? I doubt that Beethoven is the only musical alternative to brokenCYDE.

Come to think of it, if they were listening to Beethoven they would be one step ahead of you because his compositions actually required talent to produce.

Look for the fucking meaning behind the lyrics, Quit judging these guys, and i bet you've actually never held conversation with them, I on the other hand have. SWEETEST MOTHER FUCKERS I'VE EVER MET.

Can't say I've met them. But the following lyrics have no "deep meaning" whatsoever. You basically confirm your mental retardation by even claiming that they do:

Get krunk, get drunk, get fucked up. Throw your hands in the air, that's whats up. Now pass me the forty girl. I need to get drunk before it's over girl! So don't you take this drink from me. I will knock you down on your knees. And make you lick my penis up and down, up and down...

... yeah.

And i've been to a BC13 show, there were no naked hoes on stage. So you just lied assfucks.

Well, sir, you've wasted your money.

They have more class then you think, Just because their songs are dirty doesn't mean jack shit. So why don't you start a knitting circle? instead of this ANTI brokencyde thing yu got goin, because no one, adn i mean NO ONE, is going to sign a lame ass potition to get them banned from wharped tour.

Mothers against brokenCYDE, you have your first signature right here.

And a knitting circle? REALLY?

What the fuck is that shit? i should fuckin jizz in you're face!

You should have said 'your'. You sound like an uneducated prick. Which you probably are, so that's fitting.

god damn. This is why i hate mothers and old people, because they've got nothing better to do with their time, and they think they can play off fucking up their kids by dissin on a band that speaks of "naughty" things.

Your stupidity is simply inspiring.

Mothers and "old people" have been listening to naughty things before you were even born. Ever heard of the '60s? (and no, I don't know your age. but given your taste in music and your single digit IQ level, you can't be older than 14.)

Quit you're bitching, let you're kids listen to them if they want, you dont have to fucking listen to it. Why can't you be cool like MY mom and actually listen to them?

... But don't you hate mothers? And i doubt your mother likes them. I'm honestly surprised anyone likes them.

fuck you, and fuck you're website. ONE TWO WERE COMING FOR YOU THREE FOUR LOCK THE DOOR FIVE SIX SUCK ON MY DICK BROKENCYDE WIT=LL NEVER DIE oooooo bitch got served

Uh, nope. Not served. In fact, you have confirmed the problem this group is dealing with. Stupid, impressionable jackasses like you can't think for themselves and need other idiots telling them to drink and fornicate like farm animals. You sicken me and your death would only be an asset to future civilizations.

Comments welcome. I can take you all on.

Daily Routine

2009-07-21T18:53:00.002-05:00

...is what I want to turn this blog into...

I keep reading Josh's and I'm loving it. And then I realize why he remembers so much more shit than I do.

Hmm, let's start with me.

My car finally went in for service and it should be done soon so I might be able to open my window by the end of the week. Got a lot of new music, and a whopping "movies to watch list" that I want to burn through. My favorite obsession lately is Arrested Development. What a show. In an endless quest to customize my clothing, I tied a neon green shoelace to my trusty black jeans.

Summer's good so far, but not yet great. Too bad it's over soon.

And I still have to talk to my mom about ATP. I hope that goes down alright.

Summertime Clothes

2009-07-05T01:06:00.001-05:00

I don't know what to say. Here I am at the lounge, sitting under a table. I want the quiet moments. I want the unattainable. Get away from me, you evil Benny. I'm partial to good-natured, kind-hearted bennies. But no. Here I sit in the dimly lit room, abuzz with fake smiles and faker people. Leave me be. No, not you. Come sit with me. No, not you.

*sighs*

I want the blindingly cute to confide in me.

Unmade Bed

2009-06-22T23:28:00.002-05:00

You don't have to tell me; I haven't updated in a long while. Right now, I'm preparing for my Jewish History final. Tomorrow was supposed to be my last day of school, but I failed a math final, so I'm making that up on Wednesday.

I got a car and I love it, but I suck at managing gas mileage. It's only Monday and already I blew my weekly money allotted towards gas. Hopefully I can scrounge up enough money to keep me going until paychecks come in on Wednesday.

Speaking of which, I really need to get more hours of work in...

Currently Listening- Unmade Bed

Jeez

2009-06-02T23:27:00.001-05:00

i gotta update this thing more often.

currently...

I'm loving driving
I'm awaiting an excellent summer
I'm obsessed with Recess.
I want to start a web comic
I am an anemone

In Which I Ponder Milk's Shelf Life Based On Its Location

2009-04-28T00:58:00.003-05:00

Earlier today, I made myself a nice bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats to consume. As I poured the cold milk onto the honey-roasted flakes, a string of text on the carton caught my eye.

Sell By May 04

In NYC By April 28

Now, I am a rational human (or dancer??), but I just don't get it. Why the time difference? What's the difference between here and there? Are the cows more polluted in New York? Is there a patch of garbage that the Staten Island cows have been getting into?

Or perhaps it's more complex than that. Does the polluted air itself eat away at the plastic, leaving nothing but a puddle of milk on the grocery store floor? Is there some sort of hooligan who runs around with a date-stamp to intentionally mislead one of the largest financial sectors on the planet in order to bring down the government? If i were to take this very bottle to New York in a few days, would it instantly go bad before my eyes? Conversely, what if I were to take a spoiled carton and take it with me to New Jersey? Would the spoilage evaporate into thin air, leaving me with a brand new bottle of milk? What if scientists were to pinpoint the exact location where this evaporation occurs and somehow harness its energy to despoil all food the world over? What is the allotted time between the cutoff here and New York? Is it always this time period, or do milk analysts just predict the "dairy futures" to play in some bizarre sort of milky stock market? Does this marking apply to non-dairy creamers? Or cheeses? What if the milk is frozen? Does that mean that the time listed is null and void?

Hmmmm........

Incinerate (Live on Letterman) - Sonic Youth

2009-04-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

Fantastic song, sure. But just look at this performance. Everyone's so into it, specifically starting at the minute-30 mark. Four musicians, completely unaware of their surroundings, hunched over their instruments, bobbing this way and that, and just flooring anyone within a 50-mile radius. Lee and Thurston's guitars aren't in standard tuning (or even tuned to each other), but that just gives them even more of a harmonic sort of negative/positive force that balances the band perfectly. From the perspective of someone who plays music, and who has had the unfortunate experience of jamming without any sort of connection, one can tell that this is more than a simple television appearance. This is beautiful, sonic life.

Passover in Florida

2009-04-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

Pretty fun so far. We've been...

•Hanging out with Rahmey
•Usenetting/Torrenting like fiends
•Watching a bunch of indie movies
•Sedering with awesome people
•Playing Bananagrams (and variants)
•Shopping at the insane Kidrobot store
•Staying up late (Like 4 AM)

Yep. Good times. 44 days until license.

Takeoffs and Landings

2009-04-06T06:31:00.001-05:00

3 AM. Shook awake. Hngh? Brush. Rinse. Clothe. Pack. Go.

Well, not "go", per se. More like "Wait for the stupid foreign driver to be half an hour late.

Bags of bagels line the floors, the cinnamon/sesame/poppy scores. It's 4 AM and we enter the store.

On the parkway, finally approaching. iPod out, Shuffle on. Sipping red machines as we go.

Throngs of people. We skip ahead. Elite to the right, all else to the left. Takes forever.

And just to clarify, people don't appreciate the ukulele as much as they should.

Alright, it's safe to drink the water now.

2009-03-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

The play is done! It was fun, and even though that itty-bitty slump in the middle was treacherous, I survived. I'd like to thank my co-stars for being 100 times better than me, and for putting up with my practice-ditching. You guys are the best!

On an unrelated note, I was cleaning out my closet and found my old Gameboy Color inside. To my dismay, the screen no longer works! No Gameboy Camera for me :(

I was contemplating throwing it out, until I remembered a video I saw on circuit bending. It seemed like a fun project, and since I do love my fair share of Electronica/Experimental/Noise, I decided that I want to give it a try.

I might do a step-by-step blog on the process in the coming weeks, when I begin my experiment, so stay tuned.

Well, time to go to sleep before 1 for the first time in a while. Wish me luck!

Coolest Instrument Ever?

2009-03-20T14:04:00.002-05:00

I think so.
Improvisation from Skot Wiedmann on Vimeo.

Modest Mouse @ Terminal 5

2009-03-16T15:34:00.002-05:00

More to come later. For now, enjoy these videos of the show put up by the awesome capitalq:

We've Got Everything

2009-03-14T20:37:00.002-05:00

Modestmousemodestmousemodestmousemousemouse. TOMORROW!

Also, SAT + Play practice. Bleh. I'll be glad when this stupid play is over...

I just reread "Staring At Sound", and I really wish I were a Lips fan circa '96, so I could've taken part in the Parking Lot Experiments.

Also, I'm scouring the internet to find a copy of the elusive Zaireeka: Disc 10. Better Keep Looking...

Meatwagon Feeding Frenzy

2009-03-04T15:00:00.001-05:00

I have discovered the cure for anorexia.

Oh yeah... Tokyo Police Club was good. It would have sucked, but Noury and I got the crowd going.

Psyched for Modest Mouse.

...Yep.

Knee Deep At Bowery

2009-02-16T11:20:00.005-05:00

Mike, Josh and I drove into the city last night. As we approached the Bowery Ballroom, we saw a scraggly, bearded guy walking in at the same time as us. I turned to him and said "Hey, you look familiar!"

He replied "Nah, man... A bunch of people look like me". Turns out he ended up being the singer of Titus Andronicus.

So we got in and headed to the merch table. The merch lady was awesome and she was from Belgium (where they don't use the word "Sick" to mean cool).

We headed upstairs and Mike and I butted our way into the crowd. Josh chose to sit upstairs by one of the tables and incidentally struck up a conversation with one of the editors of the Onion A.V. Club.

We started talking to this girl Griffin, telling Holocaust jokes and the like. She was about to enter into a long winded joke, but Titus Andronicus had taken the stage, so she whispered "Later" and we eyed the stage, eager for the first chords to strike.

And strike they did. Titus put on a hell of a show, and by the "FUCK! YOU!" in Fear And Loathing In Mahwah, NJ, everyone was going crazy. At one point during Titus Andronicus, the lead singer rocketed into the crowd and surfed on everyone while still singing. To end their set, Harriet the violinist from LC! came out and they played an emotional version of Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) by Green Day.

While waiting for Los Campesinos!, Mike went up to retrieve Josh and ended up talking to the Onion guy as well. The band came out and started setting up. I yelled to Tom (the guitarist) and he came over to me. We had a discussion about Pavement and waxed nostalgic on songs like AT&T.

And then they started. A bit mellow at first, but by Death To Los Campesinos! the fun started. People were pushing and having a great time. Well, most people were. One guy looked really pissed off, incredulous at the fact that people weren't standing still during a concert.

They played through a bunch of great songs, but highlights of their set were You! Me! Dancing!, where basically everyone was dancing, and Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks, where Mike and I got to crowd surf and half the band jumped into the crowd. Neil (the other guitarist) was playing and clutching his guitar while crowd surfing, which was just surreal.

Josh nabbed me a glockenspiel mallet, and the guys came out for two more songs. I was really surprised at how well they played We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives because I was never really a fan of the album version. The song ended in a building waive of noise, which was awesome.

As we left the main room, Josh got many birthday hugs from supportive fans, and I found a watch. We trekked downstairs to meet Garreth (the singer), who was actually a really cool guy. This contradicts the statement of one of the lesbians there who said he hated fans. He signed Mike's shoes, Josh's zine, and I got a crappy picture taken with him.

As we were exiting, we struck up another conversation with Tom. Just then, a teary-eyed woman came to me and asked me if I had found a watch. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had given it away, so I scoured the crowds, looking for the guy I gave it to and asked him if he had found anything. Watch was reunited with owner, and I got back to the conversation.

We had to wrap things up, especially since none of us were old enough to buy any of the band members drinks. On my way out, Tom gave me a hug and said that he needed more fans like us, and he liked my hair. And that was that.

We got into the car, ready to start our long drive home. "That," Mike said, "Was the best show I've ever been to."

EDIT: Oh yeah, i forgot some stuffs. Some really cute blonde was dancing with me for a considerable portion of the show. I made a "concert famiy" while waiting to meet the band. This family involved the bearded crew who moshed with me for the duration of the show, the girl who "stuck her penis into Josh's back", the pale emo couple, and all the other eccentric fans who came out to see the show.

Through the show's Last.FM event page, some guys pinpointed me as the "fro kid from the Campesinos! show" on facebook, which is just wild.

And I grabbed the guy from Titus Andronicus' ass more than once. By accident!

Stay Together For The Kids, Indeed.

2009-02-08T22:04:00.003-05:00

Being an Indie kid and all, I thought my pop-punk days were well behind me. Boy, was I wrong.

Turns out blink-182 is getting back together. And while a generation of Hot Topic-clad punkers collectively jizz in their tight pants, I have to admit, I'm a bit excited too. blink-182 has been saturated into my mind so deeply that if i so much as hear the first chord of any of their songs, I can instantly sing you the entire album that it appears on.

Whew. I'm getting goosebumps. And goosebumps are usually reserved for Gregory & The Hawk listening sessions, so you know this is big.

Yeah yeah, I know. "Raymond, they suck." Well, for your information, blink-182 were the band that inspired me to learn guitar. Without them, I doubt I would evem be a musician today, so shove it, pop in your copy of Cheshire Cat and rock out.

Summer 2009. Wow.

The Comeback

2009-02-05T19:07:00.003-05:00

I've reached the "oh shit school actually counts" phase of my life, so I'm gonna start trying harder in school. My goal is to leave school with an 86 overall average and at least a 1300 on my SATs.

Oh, and concerts FTW! Los Campesinos! in ten days, Tokyo Police Club ten days after that, and Modest Mouse on March 15th.

Good god.

White Winter Hymnal

2009-02-03T16:14:00.001-05:00

We're driving through snowy tree tunnels and I love it, but I'm looking forward to spring.

Los Campesinos! on the 15th.

Tokyo Police Club on the 25th.

College Bowl on the 26th.

Whee.

"Look at that ass!"

2009-02-02T10:22:00.001-05:00

Super bowl.

Money.

Dougie's.

The Trouble With 18+ Shows

2009-01-30T01:21:00.006-05:00

I recently planned on purchasing tickets to the Peter Bjorn and John show on April 29th. I figured I deserved it, after missing the show where m83 opened for themselves.

So when the time came for the pre-sale, I rabidly logged onto the nearest ticket conglomerate site to purchase said tickets. And of course, in tiny bold print underneath the venue name, it read: "Must be 18 with Valid ID".

Am I Missing something here?

As a mature 16 year old, the discrimination irks me quite fiercely. Do they think I'll start crying or something, and they might have to call my parents? I can take care of myself.

Then I thought there might be an open bar at the venue, and alcohol would be a problem. But almost instantaneously, that thought went out the window. "18-year-olds can't drink EITHER!" I thought to myself indignantly.

What could it be? What piece of the puzzle was I missing? Perhaps they wanted to titillate me by force-feeding depictions of a sexual nature? Did I have to be eligible for jury duty in order to attend the show???

And that's when it hit me.

Jury duty? Like legalities, usually dealt with by the U.S. Government. But why would the U.S. government want to interfere with the rights of concertgoers? Aren't we all equal? Why are they trying to be so selective? ...SELECTIVE. LIKE TO CHOOSE SOMETHING. OR SOMEONE. IN AN ELECTION!!!!!!

Of course! It all makes sense. 18+ gigs are secretly cover for underground voting rings! How do you think all the bullshit laws passed these days come to fruition? It's a simple equation, really:

18 Year Old + Concert + Substances of questionable legality - Anyone under 17 (so they can't get sued) = MIND CONTROL.

That's my theory, and I'm sticking by it.

Currently eating - Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Currently NOT Attending- Peter Bjorn and John

The Toilet Lid

2009-01-25T05:36:00.002-05:00

I wrote on the door

for you, and hoped

one day you'd lay your eyes

on the scrawls and scribbles

that told you how i felt.

but it's gotten to the point

where i just don't care

so i crossed it out

and instead

i found solace

on the inside

of the toilet lid.

next time you're there

remember to lift it up

and see the modest mouse

that i left there

for everyone to read

because i am such

a caring individual.

Vacation post.

2009-01-21T05:29:00.003-05:00

Good: John Frusciante's album released today

Bad: John Frusciante's album released today on vinyl and in digital stores only

Oh well, what's another week of waiting?

In other news...

I am at my smartest at 3 in the morning, because when the world finally slows down at this time and I'm still going, my insight knows no limits.

I bought a new amp! It sounds like sex (or Titus Andronicus, in my mind.)

The family is dragging me to Great Wolf Lodge, but I'm well prepared. Just got about 12 new albums (Andrew Bird, James Figurine, Koji Kondo, The Deadly Syndrome, A.R. Rahman, etc.) to tide me over. I also downloaded half a dozen live shows from the NPR concert series podcast, so I should be good. I'm also stopping by Borders tomorrow to pick up Pride and Prejudice and hopefully some other goodies as well.

Ta-Ta for now!

Currently using: My Mind

Currently Should Be: Sleeping

Hey, I'm Doing Alright

2009-01-19T22:19:00.002-05:00

No, really, I am.

Lovely Allen (Live)- Holy Fuck

2009-01-16T00:27:00.003-05:00

This is one of the tightest live performances I have ever heard. Check it out.

Bands To Listen To (Part 3)

2009-01-14T21:00:00.003-05:00

1. Late Of The Pier - SYNTHDRUGSSYNTHSEXSYNTHSPACE. That's the textual representation of LOTP's catchy and dancetastic as all hell sound. Sort of like a vicious MGMT fused with the squabbly guitar riff of Bloc Party. These guys would undeniably be a blast live, although if you are prone to seizures they may not be your first musical choice. However, if you enjoy lasers, Ecstasy and garbled electronic sputtering, look no further.

Recommended Tracks: The Bears Are Coming, Broken, Random Firl

2. Lightspeed Champion - The first time I heard of Lightspeed Champion, it was a review that referenced Dev Hynes as "Former Test Icicle". Test Icicle? OH!!!! I remember Test Icicle being a featured band on MySpace a while back, and didn't really care for their abrasive sound. Luckily, this time around the music is a bit less Testy (no pun intended). Best describable as alt-acoustic-breakup-country pop, Dev sings about failed relationships while somehow retaining his masculinity and his sense of humor (evident in some bizarre song titles) while still managing to write genuinely beautiful and sweet songs. His debut album, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge, is not one to miss.

Recommended Tracks: Midnight Surprise, Let The Bitches Die, Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk

3. Tullycraft - Pure fun, amongst the ranks of early Apples In Stereo tracks. Awesome, beachy songs with a bit of synth thrown into the mix to even things out really shine here. I especially enjoy the lead singer's voice. It's not a "good voice" by traditional standards, but it's quirky, unique and innocent and really fits the songs. I discovered these guys while watching the end credits of the short film Laugh At The Fat Kid. Needless to say, I'm glad I stuck around for the credits.

Reccomended Tracks: Twee, Georgette Plays A Goth, Matchbooks From The Motels

"HL Like A Landfill!"

2009-01-14T20:39:00.003-05:00

Midterms are done (finally!) and vacation has begun. Or so i've been told.

Is it just me, or does it feel a bit anti-climactic? Maybe it's because the night of is relatively uneventful? Should hit me in the morning when I go hoodie-shopping.

Yep, my hoodie has seen its better days. It's time to take it into the back and "take care of it" in a fashion similar to the Slo-Mo style execution of Old Yeller.

Um, anyways... Predicted midterm grades! Yes, I'm setting myself up to be let down, but any grades over my guess will excite me even more so! So without further ado:

AP Language- 87

Physical Science- 92

J. History- 77

Math-86

Currently Eating- Wasabi Rice Crackers

Currently Listening- Focker - Late Of The Pier

I Hate Stupid People (Part I)

2009-01-11T14:54:00.003-05:00

The following is an actual conversation I had with a stupid customer:

(Keep in mind there are signs covering every square inch of the walls advertising sales 50-70% off of EVERYTHING)

Me: Can I help you?

Her: Uh, yes I was wondering if you had any sales going on?

Me: Uh... Well, as you can see by (points) this sign, everything in the store is 50% except those two racks (points to back of store) that are 70% off.

Her: Ok, thank you!

Me: No problem (I turn to return to the cash register)

Her: Excuse Me! (Holding up a pair of socks at the front of the store) These are 75% off?

Me: ...No. Those would be 50%.

Her: Mmmmmm....

Me: Yeah. Just call if you need anything, ma'am.

Her: (Pauses) These bags are 80% off, right?

Me: Ma'am, everything in the store is 50-70% off. That's all.

Her: (Makes a face comparable to that of a constipated gorilla as she thinks this over) ... OH! Okay, sorry about that!

Me: No problem! (Thinks this is the last of ape woman's griping)

Her: (Almost a second later) These hats aren't on sale, are they?

Me: (Telepathically stabbing dumb ape in the vagina) Actually, believe it or not they are!

Her: Oh? Great! So those are 80% off, then?

I wish I were making this up.

Couch FTW

2009-01-11T11:40:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody (Josh),

Just writing to show you the most freakin' awesome collection of couches I have ever seen. Here you go. Yeah, that's really it. Ta-Ta for now. Back to work.

Rabbit? Like A Bunny Rabbit?

2009-01-07T00:09:00.002-05:00

Hmmm...

I'm Axel Magee.

I'm vacationing in a scenic warzone.

I'm buying a new Hoodie (any suggestions welcome).

I'm starting Midterms soon.

I'm single, which feels better than I thought it would at first.

I'm sipping tea and listening to MBV.

I'm going to see Los Campesinos! live.

I'm working again. Come Visit.

I'm 17 in 4 months and 19 days.

Things are looking up.

Oh, i forgot! I'm jamming with Saul on Thursday, should be fun. Well, as fun as 'grindcore' can be. Hopefully the experiment will yield a more favorable drum/bass niche (a la Death From Above 1979?) Anyways, fingers crossed.

Currently drinking- Spearmint/Lemongrass tea

Currently staring- Into space

Currently wanting- These and This

The Day Before The First Day Of The Third To Last Year Of The Universe

2008-12-31T18:25:00.002-05:00

New Year's Eve.

And I have no idea what I'm doing.

Next year, I'm going to the city because there's about 4 dozen bands playing at any given time.

That's it for now.

Catch and Release

2008-12-30T00:28:00.004-05:00

Turns out it was pity after all. I wish you the best of luck, nickels.

Hmm, what else.

Oh! New Year's Party at friend of friend of Josh's (shaping up to be quite fun).

Concert situation looking good, with two great shows (Los Campesinos[Tickets Purchased!] and Tokyo Police Club) in February.

Winter vacation rapidly approaching. Israel's looking sketchy, considering the whole "People not being alive anymore" stuff.

Leon came home for a bit! Never realized how much I missed him!

Now? Sleepzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Currently Listening: Your English Is Good- Tokyo Police Club

Something About Us

2008-12-21T02:01:00.002-05:00

Yeah.

So was this a pity thing, or was it a conscious decision?

A way off the cliff, or just a hopeful final jump?

Hmmm...

Saw Slumdog Millionaire again. Breathtaking. It made me smile.

Israel for Winter Vacation.

So, you tell me: Epic WIN or FAIL?

2008-12-01T23:40:00.002-05:00

Eventful week, i'd say

Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone. And being as awesome as we are, my family had chicken instead of turkey. Shmu came over after the early dinner (we wrapped up around 6) and we walked to Ben and Adam at 11 pm .

After being suspected of being Nazi Rapists for the second time by Ben's dad, we chilled in the basement for a little bit. We walked to Inkwell and had a great meal, but it was called short due to parental text messages.

Shmu came back to the house and we killed time playing Rock Band 2 (specifically the Dead Kennedys pack I bought recently). And, boy, do I mean killed.

At about 4:45, I woke my dad up and we drove to Circuit City for Black Friday. We saw a few familiar faces there, but my mind was racked with the quest to find the holy Xbox 360 Wireless Adaptor .

After fighting my way to the register, we stopped for bagels and returned home. I fell asleep at about 8 am, and slept until 1:30 pm.

"What's wrong with eating a bacon cheeseburger in synagogue while adulterating (with) a married woman on the Sabbath?"

2008-11-18T20:51:00.003-05:00

Yeah, College Bowl!!!

We had our first meet of the season today, and what a great time it was... Missing class, eating Dougie's (not so great in the long run), bonding with random Indie fans, blasting Daft Punk... good times.

And also, I apparently know some quite random shit. Huh.

In other news....

NA NAAAAAA, NA NA NA NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA NA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Doesn't ring a bell? It should. That, my friends, is the soundtrack for Katamari Damacy, one of my favorite video games of all time.

One of the game's main selling points was its unbelievably amazing soundtrack. Filled with everything from J-Pop goodness to electrostatic blips, "MacTalk Choirs" (Think Fitter Happier with singing lessons) to Jazz and Swing elements. As far as Soundtrack of any sort go, this one definitely raises the bar.

Why am I telling you this? Simple! I want you to share in the joy of the delightful melodies that accompanied me on replay after replay of this classic game.

Here is a link to download the soundtrack: Katamari Fortissimo Damacy

Enjoy!

Last but not least, my predictions are correct: Los Campesinos!, in support of their new album We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed will be embarking on a U.S. tour in early 2009!

They're hitting the Bowery Ballroom (with Titus Andronicus, who I am determined to become a bit more familiar with) on February 14th and 15th. The 14th is a saturday night, and an 18+ show. But as a kindness to their younger fanbase, the show on the 15th is a 16+ show.

I'm DYING to go to this show for Joshie's birthday (He's 16 on the 20th of February) so hopefully our plans will come to fruition. Abe may be joining us as well, so that's even better!

That's All Folks!

Currently Dying For: A For Effort (Sorry Josh-o, I call Dibs)

"What does that say about Mall Security?"

2008-11-15T23:50:00.002-05:00

Tonight was fun.

Ikey picked me up at around 8:30 and we headed to Chang Mao (yeah, i started hyperlinking again). The sushi was (as always) overpriced and shitty... i ended up paying $24 for 3 rolls. I'm actually regretting leaving my leftovers in Ikey's car right now, for I am hungry.

Next, from my suggestion, we headed over to the mall. Naturally, even though it was closed we snuck in and sat on the massage chairs. Massage chairs are surprisingly uncomfortable when they're not on, as i learned the hard way. I watched Ikey and Josh wrestle.

But the real fun started when we reached the moving escalators. We frolicked like kids in an unguarded moving escalator shop. I spun and spun and spunandspunandspunandspun.... bleh.

Ikey got pulled up and slid down like something out of the Matrix. And we raced passionately.

Finding a $15 coupon to Friday's, we ordered Cokes and Ice Cream, harassed the waiters, raced to finish children's menu puzzles and watched a certain president-elect clean a table.

We drove home to "Panama" by Van Halen and "In A Gadda Da Vida" by Iron Butterfly. Sure, the frat-stoner vibes were there, but I spent most of the ride having a staring contest with the wind (I lost).

In other words, Josh and I have resurrected the almighty Doctors Orders... in fact, we're writing new shit tonight!

Watch Us Eat Hot Dogs!

Currently Waiting for: DFA1979 Shirt

Currently Listening: "Falling Through Your Clothes" - The New Pornographers

Follow The Leader

2008-11-11T23:33:00.002-05:00

On Eimatai, I...

Met really cool people from Montreal
Played Guitar a lot
Frolicked in the snow
Didn't use my phone
Did get my "unkosher" food confiscated by Rabbi Becker

It was pretty fun. However, i did miss Hellogoodbye and school for it.

College bowl a week from today.

Me and Tawil filming seminar skit on Friday.

Oh, and another bar added to the Blog-o-Ray wall over there>>>>>>>>

It shows all my recently played iTunes songs, so that's pretty cool.

Redundant.

2008-11-02T05:20:00.002-05:00

I just finished up a 5 plus hour conversation with Nicole. Yes, that includes the two 1 AMs today. I'm not quite ready to divulge all the juicy deets, but bear this quote in mind:

Now I cannot speak, I lost my voice.

I'm speechless and redundant.

'Cause I love you's not enough.

I'm lost for words.

Also, i think I'm going to see Hellogoodbye live at the Stone Pony soon. With Shelly Greenstein.

Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are.

Well, I'm gonna hit the sack.

Currently Eating- Sashimi

Currently listening- A Jagged Gorgeous Winter

Twitter? Is that some kind of venereal disease?

2008-10-31T01:19:00.003-05:00

Yeah, so i signed up to Twitter... basically, it's a bunch of mini blog posts that i can send from my phone and they get updated onto this blog and my facebook profile. Sorta neat, especially considering the fact that if you sign up, you can follow a multitude of people, from professionals to celebrities to strangers.

Hold on... Alright! Bunkerz in Wyoming just bought an iPod Shuffle!

You can see recent posts (where i am, what i'm doing.... basically, know WAY too much about me) by looking at the bar on the right.

Also, i've added a little FaceBook bar at the bottom of my blog that shows my status, profile picture, and recent photo uploads, so check that out as well

Absinthe Party At The Starland Ballroom

2008-10-26T23:32:00.004-05:00

Just got back from Minus the Bear @ Starland... what can i say? Crazy show.

Sylvie opened the show, and from the start I loved them. Every song they played was better than the last. The lead singer was really sweaty. I snagged two of their CDs (Trees and Shade Are Our Only Fences + An Electric Trace) after the show. In fact, their bassist sold me them!

Next was Annuals. Meh. They started off great, but the singer's synth was broken so he was kinda in a pissy mood. Also, I didn't like their songs very much. For some reason, random screams were thrown in on top of acoustic riffs. Oh well, you can't love 'em all.

Then MTB came on. Good Lord. Every song had more and more energy and passion. I really loved the 3 acoustic songs they played (Guns and Ammo, We Are Not A Football Team, Pachuca Sunrise). Me and Shmu were surrounded by a quirky crew; the green shirted burnout, the two really short groupies, a few couples, the dude with the mustache (Who got a shoutout from Jake, the lead singer) and many other memorable concert goers. The moshing was incredible... it wasn't dreadfully violent, but everyone was really into it. Absolutely incredible performance.

Favorites from the show:

Burying Luck

Drilling

The Fix

Purchases:

(L) Minus The Bear Lion T-shirt (for josh!)

Sylive- Trees And Shade Are Our Only Fences

Sylvie- An Electric Trace

My ears are still ringing. Thanks, guys!

What can I say?

2008-10-25T01:20:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I'm a hypocrite. "I'm updating every day lolz!".

Things will be done.

New post tomorrow night.

Lost Cause

2008-09-08T20:30:00.005-05:00

Whew! Been a while since I last updated... where was I?

Oh yeah, quick recap:

ArtsFest= AWESOME

School= HARD

Brooklyn= Surprisingly AWESOME

New Music= LIKE 70 FUCKING ALBUMS.

Yeah, let's start with music.

Coming up in October, we've got new Of Montreal and Los Campesinos! , which I am quite excited about.

As for CDs I just got.... here's a taste:

Dan Deacon, The Fiery Furnaces, Jonquil, Foals, Liars, Dirty On Purpose, Deerhunter, Papercuts, The Unicorns, Klaxons, Sunset Rubdown, Battles, Simian Mobile Disco, Spiritualized, Broken Social Scene, Lullatone, Animal Collective, Malajube, Sufjan Stevens, Daft Punk, etc.

No, I'm not linking to all that.

And no, I wasn't living in a cave for the past year. These are just some bands I haven't given a proper listen to yet, but I hope to in the near future.

Currently Eating: Wasabi Peas

Currently Dying To See Live: The Decemberists

Currently Wearing (With the White laces swapped out for bright orange ones): Nike "Independent Trucks" SB Blazers

Unfulfilled

2008-07-30T15:06:00.002-05:00

I want one of those memorable summers...

You know the type. The classic "Guy-goes-on-crazy-adventure-with-immense-danger-and-ends-up-wowing-the-girl-of-his-dreams" smash hit feel good comedy of the summer?

Yeah, that's what I need.

Instead, I sell overpriced surf fashion in the biggest tourist magnet in all of New Jersey: Pier fucking Village.

I'm not complaining per se, it's just that summer used to be a time when one had a break from work. Now summer is the transition between homework and manual labor. Yippie.

Oh well. Summer's not over yet! We've got about a month, and with ArtsFest coming up, who knows what can happen.

Oh, and i bought a synth :)

What I Need:

Adventure

Girlfriend

Concert

License

But, as Randy Pausch once said,"Brick Walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things".

How badly do I have to want something to break the brick wall?

I guess life is all about finding out, eh?

11152

2008-07-16T22:36:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was at writing club in Starbucks. Josh had brought in a painting done by an artist on DeviantArt known as Radiodead (which can be viewed here).

He said to write down whatever came to mind. This is what happened:

~~~

I can't wait for life.

Life, bounding from the darkest of places, greeting me with a smile and vanishing into corridors of cling...

I can't wait for beauty, lusting after it only to be greeted with hideous grimacing.

I need another Teppanyaki.

I need another Second City.

I need another neon-blue Marilyn Monroe, staring at me with her radiant pink-green hair and her sisters visiting up above and down below.

I need to feel this feeling again.

I need the tastes and the sights.

I need insecurity, wandering aimlessly around carpeted hallways.

I need her here with me.

I want her mediation and her warmth.

The ocean, however, waits for nobody.

Foreign lands hath brought this beauty, and foreign lands have taken it away.

I need a room of memory, covering every inch of the wall.

I need the escape from everyone.

Everyone except one.

I need 11152.

~~~

Not my deepest work, but I liked it.

Currently Listening: Dobutsu no Mori Soundtrack

Currently Eating: Flamin' Hot Cheetos

My Pretend

2008-06-17T22:17:00.004-05:00

Finals are almost done. It's weird, because I feel like life is going by too fast. I'm halfway done with high school, but I feel like the best years of my life are dripping away... I believe Robert Schneider said it best: "Time has a way of just passing by... can't you stay a little longer?".

I should be studying for chemistry right now, but my Syrian complex is kicking into overdrive. Damn heritage always catching up at the worst times.

I NEED a girlfriend. Well, actually that's only true to a certain extent. I don't need to "hook up" with some fine bitches (though it couldn't hurt). I want someone i can talk to, and someone who can talk back to me. Someone who understands where I'm coming from even when I don't. I want a girl with a short skirt and a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnggggggggg jacket. (Pause, cue vibraslap)

ah well, better get back to studying.

Currently Listening- I, Cactus

Currently Eating- Tuna Katsu Sushi

Currently Needing- Companionship?

Birthday

2008-05-26T09:46:00.005-05:00

I'm 16.

I had a pretty good time at the beach last night. Josh, Leon and I were chugging green teas waiting for 12 AM. After 12, we watched the moon rise (which was beautiful) and watched some Bennies light a bonfire.

Before that, I had work for the first time in a while. It was a bitch, but Danny and I talked for the first time in a while. He was impressed that I knew Ratatat.

Not sure what's happening today but I hope this birthday is a great one.

Bands To Listen To (Part 2)

2008-05-13T23:17:00.003-05:00

Here's a few more insane bands for you

1. Holy Fuck: Holy Fuck indeed. While the band name may evoke giggles, their music is dangerously addictive. The Holy Fuck aesthetic is basically electronic music in real time. That means no looping or mixing on the band's part which means that their music can be played live (fairly) easily with the right tools. A great thing about these guys is that they started out their days with no practice under their belts. The songs were made up on the spot, and some of this energetic performance was later laid down on tape. Of course, if you really want chaotic bliss, do yourself a favor and go see Holy Fuck.

Recommended Tracks: Lovely Allen, Safari, The Pulse

2. MGMT: Formerly known as The Management, MGMT are also known for their eccentric costumes, epileptastic music videos and awesome indie rock songs. The thing that I love about these guys is that they will do anything they want. Hell, they played Letterman wearing capes! They've even got an interactive music video! If that ain't hardcore, I don't know what is. Plus, with Dave Fridmann producing, what's not to love?

Recommended Tracks: Time to Pretend, Kids, Weekend Wars

3. M83: These guys (guy?) BLEED 80's. Seriously, all the great synth sounds and beautifully cheesy lyrics are here, but they're given a distinctive hipster/indie treatment. Anything that comes out of singer Anthony Gonzalez's mouth is given a layered and sweet tone that makes you feel like you're floating. The best part of their music is right at the epicenter: soaring melodies that make you feel like you can conquer the world. Not bad for some dude from France.

Recommended Tracks: Graveyard Girl, Lower Your Eyelids To Die With The Sun, Kim & Jessie

Moments Have You

2008-05-11T01:29:00.004-05:00

Tonight was great. No, GREAT would be better way of putting it. Noury, Sakkal, Ben, Sam and Bivas all came over and we pissed people off in Foodtown. We walked to 7-11 to get some beverages and we saw about 40 people we know. We actually got some recruits for the "Plan".

We chilled on the beach, and just sat and talked. We threw chips into the air, ran around like psychos and just had a sick time listening to music and talking about the events (LOOOONNNNNNNGGGG story) that had happened earlier.

It made me realize how blessed I am to have my friends.

(^CORNY^)

Currently Listening: Vitalogy

Warm Tape

2.16.2011

J: A Beginner's Guide

Jersey

Keep Marching Along

Hmmm...

Malaise

I was trying

Monique

Hey Blog

What's been going on in my life, presented in the form of a run-on sentence

Together Review

High School

Hi Ray

They grow up so fast

Reese's: The first step in an anti-expression machine.

*Jumps for joy*

I suppose

Vintage Vinyl

I am posting simply so i look interested

Wet Hair - (Live)

Wow...

Dream Journal Excerpt: The Japandroids Rollercoaster

Hernia, or God Damn My Puny Musculature

Groovemine Archive

All To Shit

Mocket

An Ode To A Wasabi Cracker

Warm Heart of Africa

End of year Ramblings

I took my last SAT

OMG SECRET COUSIN

In which I Pahk The Cah In The Hahvahd Yahd (Boston)

My first Slam.

So Fucked Up

*SORDO UPDATE*

i enjoy records

Dragonslayer

Zombieland!

Adam

Drumroll Please......

In Which I Detail My Incurable Addiction To Xbox Live

Warm Tape.

9.28.09

9.27.09

9.25.09

9.23.09

9.21.09

Cap'n Crunch... With P-Nut Butter

The International Tweexcore Underground (Show Review)

Where it's at.

Search random shit. Please.

Rain King

Lake Somerset, or Why I Will Not Fall Asleep In A Room With A Turtle And Pizza

In which I Pwn BrokenCYDE Fans

Daily Routine

Summertime Clothes

Unmade Bed

Jeez

In Which I Ponder Milk's Shelf Life Based On Its Location

Incinerate (Live on Letterman) - Sonic Youth

Passover in Florida

Takeoffs and Landings

Alright, it's safe to drink the water now.

Coolest Instrument Ever?

Modest Mouse @ Terminal 5

We've Got Everything

Meatwagon Feeding Frenzy

Knee Deep At Bowery

Stay Together For The Kids, Indeed.

The Comeback

White Winter Hymnal

"Look at that ass!"

The Trouble With 18+ Shows

The Toilet Lid

Vacation post.

Hey, I'm Doing Alright

Lovely Allen (Live)- Holy Fuck

Bands To Listen To (Part 3)

"HL Like A Landfill!"

Jumps for joy

SORDO UPDATE