Top 4 Sports Moments of 2006

#4: Texas vs. USC (Rose Bowl)


#3: Dodgers vs. Padres (4 HR's)


#2: UCLA vs. USC


#1: UCLA vs. Gonzaga

Reign Over Me

Reign Over Me (Mar. 9. 2007)
New Adam Sandler/Don Cheadle movie...looks good. Serious.
(plus it has a Pearl Jam cover of The Who's 'Love Reign O'er Me')

SciAm: Most Important Science Stories of 2006

Gotta get back to my roots with this article:

Most Important Science Stories of 2006 (Scientific American)

Highlights include:

• Astronomers Relegate Pluto to Dwarf Status

• The Passing of Steve Irwin

• Overfishing Could Take Seafood off the Menu by 2048

• Tiny Chip Converts Paraplegic's Thought into Action

• Eric gets Ph.D.

And related: The Art of Science - 2006 Gallery

James Brown: Last Funky Xmas...RIP

James Brown (1933-12/25/2006)

Soulful Xmas (.mp3)
Christmas In Heaven (.mp3)

Merry Xmas from Thom and Radiohead

Day Break...Alive on the Internet

ABC said that new episodes will become available online at the same time they would normally have aired -- at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Oh well. Better than not having any resolution at all. Its a pretty entertaining show. I'd just rather have it on my Tivo than on my computer. I seriously think I'm the only one who watches this show, so from me to you ABC, thanks for thinking of me! Oh, I guess there is one other viewer out there. Looking for the news on Day Break I found a message from one lady who says she could eat Taye Diggs like a soft serve ice cream cone. Yeah...I'm actually more into it for the plot (and I guess his hot gf...some native american girl - my people!)

Thom Yorke From The Basement

The first episode of Nigel Godrich's From The Basement is up for sale. Check out the audio of the two Thom Yorke tracks. I'm not one to criticize Radiohead in ANY WAY but I have to admit I prefer the full band version of Down is The New Up. But Videotape is one of my favorites...without or without the band.

Thom Yorke - Down is The New Up (mp3)
Thom Yorke - Videotape (mp3)

Cool U2 Video

The Office: Ho No Mo

I love The Office...hilarious 1hr Xmas episode last night. Shades of the scene from The 40 yr Old Virgin ('She was a ho...fo' sho'). Next time I'm at Benihana's I'm ordering Andy's Nagasaki (Egg Nog and Sake)...apparently they won't always make it..."probably cuz the Egg Nog is seasonal". Dinken Flicka!

Metric covers Elliott Smith (dhh)

Dance Hall Hips has one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs , 'Between the Bars', as covered by Metric. Yet another great version. Just one more to add to my Between the Bars mega-mix...

Grant Buell - Between the Bars (piano; mp3)
Elliott Smith- Between the Bars (mp3)

buy elliott smith

LOST Moment #5

Am I the only one watching DayBreak?? I love that show...

God Saved The Magic Mountain

Woohoo...no more 'Goodbye MagicMountain'! Wally World lives on!

Curbed LA: Magic Mountain Saved

My 400th Post...dang!

Damien Rice @ The Orpheum/12.08.06

Saw yet another amazing concert from Damien Rice on Friday at a very cool venue in Downtown LA. The Orpheum, which opened with its very ornate architecture in 1926 to showcase vaudeville acts, was the perfect place to see someone like Damien. I have to say this might be one of my favorite concerts that I've attended...really good music, sung with the intensity that only Damien can bring (seriously, I can't think of one other singer that comes close in terms of sincere passion for his music). The stage was perfectly lit and the acoustics were fantastic.

Highlights:
-Played 'Woman Like a Man' second...one of my favorites. Very rockin' (check my loud YouTube clip)
-Played a very good guitar-based version of '9 Crimes' (usually on piano)
-It was the day after his birthday (33rd...which means I have 2 years to get as talented) and the opening band (a very good Swell Season - more Irish folkies) gave him a lucha libre mexican wrestler mask which he wore throughout the entire performance of 'Me, My Yoke and I'.
-Damien walked off stage for a bit due to some jetlag (fell asleep standing up while performing apparently). This was fine because it allowed Vyvienne (his cellist) to play a song. She played one of her own this time (usually plays covers), The Motorway Song. I can never tell what she looks like from my seats but she has the cutest voice/demeanor.
-Got to hear some new bits that I have never heard before like 'Is That It, My Friend' and 'Green Eyes' (?) by Lisa.

Setlist:
1 Delicate
2 Woman Like a Man
3 Nine Crimes - on guitar
4 Me, My Yoke, and I (with Lucha Libre mask on)
5 Slow
6 Rootless Tree
7 Cannonball
8 The Animals Were Gone
9 Is that it My Friend
10 Elephant (partial)
11 The Motorway Song (by Vyvienne)
12 Elephant
13 Volcano
14 Grey Room
15 I Remember
16 Green Eyes? (by Lisa)
17 Accidental Babies
18 The Blower's Daughter

Clip of new Radiohead on From The Basement

(Trailer from From The Basement)

From The Basement is a music series that features the most intimate live performances from the finest musicians on the planet.

From The Basement sets a new standard for music TV production. The show is beautifully filmed in high-definition at Maida Vale studios in London with the live sound by producer Nigel Godrich. From The Basement has no host and no studio audience, instead the artist and their performance take centre stage.

The first episode is very special. From The Basement launches with Thom Yorke on the piano exclusively performing songs from the new Radiohead album, alongside incredible performances from The White Stripes and an improvised collaboration between Four Tet’s Kieran Hebden and genius drummer Steve Reid.

Each episode’s performances will be available via download only to allow repeated viewings. Downloads are available right here and from iTunes.

From The Basement launches on the 18th December.

I'm very excited about the launch of this Nigel Godrich project not only because I wish I was Nigel Godrich but because the first episode will include 2 new songs from Radiohead which were 2 of my favorites on the last tour ('Down Is The New Up' and 'Videotape'). That and I'm also a fan of FourTet (Kieran Hebden).

Radiohead - Videotape (.mp3)
Radiohead - Down Is The New Up (.mp3)

New Damien Rice Video - 9 Crimes

Whoa...I'd usually put this video here cuz I'm a big fan of Damien Rice but I'm also putting it here because its absolutely... well...creepy-hilarious? Definitely stick around to see the ending. Simply...well, you'll see.

And if you are a fan, check out his new website

Demetri Martin: Clearification

Clearification

New stuff from my favorite comedian, an animated Demetri Martin. And as Stereogum notes, "It's 10+ minutes, so if you're interrupted, you can choose between digressions using the "Thoughts" menu." Check out the Episodes...really good stuff.

Hot Fuzz

From the makers of Shaun of the Dead

oh HELL yeah!

That's what I'm talking about!!! Great day.
(I'm so tired...and my voice is gone)

Build Me Up (some new furniture) Buttercup - Go Bruins!

HD Buttercup, a furniture store in Culver City, will give you free furniture if the UCLA Bruins beat the USC Trojans. There is a $2000 minimum purchase, but there is no maximum on the amount of furniture that you can buy. You must purchase the furniture before the football game which is on 12/2.

Have all the free press you want Mr. Buttercup (typical trojan last name). I can't wait to see the free press you get come Saturday night as you put up the GOING OUT OF BUSINESS signs in your front window.

**I've now been informed that Senor Buttercup is in fact a BRUIN. It makes perfect sense...he's just hedging his bet. Bruins lose, he makes money. Bruins win, he's out of business but his Bruins beat those bastard Trojans. Well played Buttercup...well played.

LOST Moment #3

eaterLA

From the creators of my favorite LA blog, CurbedLA, comes EaterLA..."a clearing house and temple for all things related to eating and drinking in Tinseltown. The aim here is to obsess about the Los Angeles restaurant and nightlife scene until we're all so over it that we're excited about it again." Definitely a good site for my phat foodie friends (phat...not FAT).

Nightmare of You @ Troubadour 11/27/06

Great show...but me too tired to review now. Have some music:

Nightmare of You - I Want to be Buried in Your Backyard (.mp3)
Nightmare of You - The Days Go By So Slowly (.mp3)
Nightmare of You - My Name Is Trouble (.mp3)

Nightmare of You: Official Website - MySpace

LOST: Sneak Peak II

(Catch these during Day Break...which is now one of my new favorite shows)

Oceanic Luggage Tags

Definitely using these tags next time I fly...

Zodiac (by David Fincher)

Zodiac: Trailer for the new movie by my favorite director, David Fincher (Se7en, The Game, Fight Club, Video Hits: Paula Abdul), about Zodiac, a serial killer who terrorized San Francisco with a string of seemingly random murders during the 1960s and 1970s. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey, Jr.

Black Friday

Thanksgiving...my favorite holiday...my favorite meal...and the best time of year to wake up crazy early and stand in line with really, really cheap people. I participated in the fun 2 years back and got myself a nice 19" flat screen monitor, a new chair for my mom and a DVD-burner from Staples all for a song, a dance and a couple of mail-in rebates. Last year I was wise enough to realize that some stores started having the same sales online starting on Thanksgiving night. More cheap tech goods and more sleeping in. I think even more are doing the same this year so check out these links for more info:

• Gizmodo's Black Friday Posts
• Black Friday Ads and Search Engine

And for your early morning, waiting inline listening pleasure:

• Pearl Jam - Black (.mp3)
• Doves - Friday's Dust (.mp3)
• The Shins - Black Wave (.mp3)
  

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Trailer

Movie: July 13 - Book 7: Mid to late 2007

LOST: Sneak Peak

In case you weren't watching Day Break last night (not bad - especially if you like Groundhog's Day), here is the first of a few sneak peaks of the second half of Lost (Season 3)...which won't start until February...ugh!

And some mid-season theorizing at EW.com:
Gone (for now), but Not Forgotten

My United States of Institutionalized Penis

So Becky and I were discussing whether at age 30-something, if it's too late to seize the dream of being a rockstar. We say no since there are plenty of people that get their start late. All I gots to do is get a wee bit better on the guitar right? Well, that and I need to learn how to sing. Becky reminded me that there are plenty of 'successful' artists who don't actually sing. Here are the top 3 we could think of...

Liam Lynch - United States of Whatever


Suicidal Tendencies - Institutionalized

King Missle - Detachable Penis

Damien Rice @ El Rey/11.13.06

Already did my mini review below, so here's the setlist and a pic (thank you flckr)

Setlist:
Cannonball - Delicate - I Remember - Rootless Tree - Childish - The Animals Were Gone - Volcano - Then Go - Coconut Skins - The Professor/La Fille Danse - 9 Crimes - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part 2 (by Vyvienne on piano) - Eskimo - Elephant - Toffee Pop - The Blower's Daughter

Encore:
Accidental Babies - Medley (Amie->Rat Within the Grain->Lonelily->Grey Room->Cross-eyed Bear->Bottom Shelf) - Cold Water

My new Favorite from the new album (thanks to hearing it live):
Damien Rice - Coconut Skins (.mp3)
and another great one live:
Damien Rice - Childish (.mp3)

KCRW Sessions - Damien Rice

And in case you missed his live sets and interview from last week on Morning Becomes Eclectic, The Late Greats has the audio

Damien Rice - Coconut Skins

Went to see Damien Rice at the El Rey tonight...as expected, a really good show. His voice is phenomenal live and he definitely sings with a lot of passion. Yes his songs are a bit depressing at times but who doesn't enjoy a good depressing song?? Even he thought we were all crazy for standing there, rejoicing in his depression-drenched songs. I don't know, maybe it takes a pessimistic person to enjoy such melancholy (I consider myself an optimistic pessimist so I get to enjoy it all).

The whole set definitely reiterated my appreciated for the new album, 9, which comes out today, Nov. 14th. As always, Damien was accompanied by the amazing Lisa Hannigan and Vivian Long (on cello) who sang a really nice piano based cover of The Flaming Lips 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' in the middle of the set so Damien could drink some wine. The encore consisted of a medley of songs at the request of the audience and included my favorite B-side 'Rat within the Grain' but did not include 'Woman Like a Man' to the dismay of Becky and many others.

Once video or photos get put up, I'll put some here. For now, enjoy this video of Coconut Skins from his instore appearance this past weekend at Fingerprints in Long Beach.

Go Buy Damien Rice's 9

Super Diamond

San Diego...Drink it in. Always goes down smooth. Heading to SD today to see SD at HOB. That's, Super Diamond, the infamous Neil Diamond cover band, in San Diego at the House of Blues. And what better way to honor a cover band who covers Neil Diamond than to post a video of CapeCod Bob singing my favorite, "Sweet Caroline". Who is Cape Cod Bob? I have no clue...but just wait for the chorus and the crowd participation.

Also, try this version:
Mark Holder: Sweet Caroline (.mp3)
From Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Deriva, 1973)

Chris Cornell "Beat It"

Stereogum has a great cover of Billie Jean by Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell - "Billie Jean" (.mp3)

Ski Dazzle

Woohoo...it's almost snow season and snow season is always kicked off in my world with Ski Dazzle. The annual snowboard/ski expo is coming up (Nov. 16th-19th) at the LA Convention Center and always offers the "free*" lift ticket to Big Bear with your paid admission. I think I've gone just about every year for the last 8 years...yup, I'm cheap...err, poor..err, thrifty. I never seem to buy anything...never spend more than 15-20 min in the hall...just happy to get my "Free*" lift ticket.

Word on the street (aka, the resort websites), Big Bear won't open until "mid to late November" and while Mammoth is set to open Nov. 9 (holy crap, tomorrow), they only have a bit of man made snow at the main lodge. Snow showers are forecasted for Saturday though...sure hope its the start of a white winter (El Camino Nino is on right?). I also just read that Mountain High has put nearly $2 million worth of renovations into its resorts. Should be interesting to see what $2 million can do...

In honor of snow (which is basically just cold water) and in honor of seeing Damien Rice at the El Rey on Monday...one of my favorites from O :

Damien Rice - Cold Water (.mp3 - on Conan O'Brien)

*Your "Free" Ticket comes with 4 options:

OPTION ONE: Any Day. A coupon that is redeemable at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit for a FREE adult all-day interchangeable lift ticket ANY DAY until December 15, 2006.
OPTION TWO: Mid-Week. A coupon good beginning January 8, 2007 through the end of the 2007 season for a mid-week (Monday - Friday) , non-holiday 2 for 1 adult all-day lift ticket.
OPTION THREE: Night Sliding. A coupon for a FREE adult non-holiday night session at Snow Summit during the 2006-2007 season (weather permitting).
OPTION FOUR: Season Pass Discount. Attendees can get $30.00 Off any $100 or more 2006-2007 winter season pass right at the show.

Holiday Dates: January 13 - 15, 2007; February 17-19 2007.

Hard N Phirm Halloween

So I got to celebrate my first Halloween in about 3 years by going to the Upright Citizens Brigade for their comedy spooktacular. About 50% of the audience were in costumes and by far the best one was a guy who was a dead ringer for David Cross's Tobias Funke character from Arrested Development. Besides just looking like him (balding, mustache, glasses), the guy was wearing nothing but cut-off jean shorts and Birkenstocks ala Tobias' "Never Nude" movement (must wear denim cut-off shorts all the time, even in the shower and under his pants). Hilarious! And of course a close runner up was Pam dressed as the lil' girl from Little Miss Sunshine.

The UCB went all out and had the typical, knott's scary farm-like haunted house maze as you enter the theater...except this one ended with a keg and a box of cupcakes. If only they had funnel cake too. The show was pretty good especially since it was hosted by the comedey duo Hard N Phirm (formally Chris Hardwick -of MTV's Singled Out and Rock of Ages fame - and Mike Phriman -my former co-worker at The Wherehouse). I've been fans of theirs since they hosted UCLA's Spring Sing many years back. Then I became even bigger fans of theirs after they did the bluegrass Radiohead medley, Rodeohead. And it was my lucky night cuz they even performed it live. Other comedians included Paul F. Tompkins and Doug Benson (who did his whole routine as Harry Potter).

Hard N Phirm - Rodeohead.mp3 Buy it!
Hard N Phirm Website

NBA Action...It's FANtastic!

And of course the best part of the NBA...fantasy sports. Here's my team:

White Shadow

Rd Pick Player Position
1. (5) G. Arenas PG
2. (20) Y. Ming C
3. (29) L. Odom SF,PF
4. (44) P. Stojakovic SF
5. (53) S. Marbury PG
6. (68) R. Hamilton SG
7. (77) D. Gooden PF
8. (92) S. Livingston PG
9. (101) T. Chandler C
10. (116) J. Przybilla C
11. (125) K. Martin SG
12. (140) R. Rondo PG,SG

the Autumns

Ah Autumn...my favorite time of the year (or atleast it used to be...now its kinda tied with winter, spring and summer). Autumn ranks in my top four seasons because I'm a fan of that special autumn feeling that somehow develops out of crisp weather, football and basketball seasons, thanksgiving (my favorite holiday), November (my favorite month), my birthday (Nov. 4) and the beginning of snowboarding season. (Note: As a Californian, "autumn leaves" don't mean much to me)

Apparently Autumn also inspires more than just some lonely blogger. as evidenced by the band The Autumns. I randomly first saw The Autumns open for another band (no recollection as to that band's name) at The Whiskey back in 1998 or 99. My roommates gf was old schoolmates with band #2's lead singer who coincidentally was dating the lead singer of The Autumns, Matthew Kelly (a Ryan Phillippe lookalike). In any case, I was blown away by the "shoegazing" melodies, the guitarists' range from subtle to powerful, and above all the lead singer's vocals. I've since bought their 3 LP's and 2 of their 5 EP's and seen them perform live a number of times. (Pissed I didn't go to the Troub show last week)

Apparently they are finishing up their latest album...their first since 2004. Looking forward to it...

The Autumns - Sunblush (.mp3)

The Autumns - Boy with the Aluminum Stilts (.mp3)

The Autumns - Cattleya (.mp3)
The Autumns - The End (.mp3)
The Autumns - Slumberdoll (.mp3)

Muse//Easily

Found this new Muse song on the Hype Machine recently. I guess its a B-side for Starlight...pretty good for a B-side in my opinion.

MUSE - Easily (.mp3 B-side) - go buy
MUSE - Muscle Museum (Soulwax Remix) - courtesy of Palms Out Sounds

Damn You Jeff Samardzija

Well, my weekend trip to Chicago and South Bend started on Thursday night and ended on Sunday afternoon. This means that I can safely say that out of a possible 63 hours of fun, I had an amazing trip for exactly 62 hours, 59 minutes and 30 seconds. Who stole those 30 seconds of joy from me?

Jeff 'friggin' Samardzija that's who. Or was it? Actually, I'm gonna pardon that punk for now and point the finger at Offensive Coordinator Jim Svoboda. So all in all, I'm blaming anyone with an F'd up last name. Feel free to let Jim know how you feel about his decision to run straight up the middle on the last possession at jsvoboda@athletics.ucla.edu.

But I'm jumping ahead of myself.

Highlights from the weekend include:

• A Bruin-filled Southwest flight from LAX
  
• Matt forcing the flight attendant from her spot in the back by destroying the bathroom even before we took off
• Playing hold 'em poker using Southwest peanuts as chips
  
• Staying at the trendy W hotel on the lake (for only $150...thanks Priceline.com)
• Going out until 4am (I heart Chicago)
• Packing into Dave's Tundra and driving 2 hours to South Bend and MISHAWAKA!
  
• Checking out Casa Nguyen/Francisco - homeownership rules!
• Rockin' Friday night in the Bend: TGI Friday's, Walmart and Trivial Pursuit until 1AM

Then...Gameday!

We had an amazing tailgate (within 200 yds of the famed stadium) and an all in all amazing game (our seats were SO close). I don't feel like talking about what happened in the actual game anymore so go read about it somewhere else.

The post trip highlight...of course, getting on the airport shuttle from Budget Rental with the one, the only... Gallagher (and his mallet of course). Coincidentally we were all chewing watermelon flavored bubble gum...no joke.

UCLA @ Notre Dame

Great seats...but my heart...is...broken...
-more details to follow-

UCLA +14...take 'em!

No. 10 Notre Dame awaits stumbling UCLA

"The Bruins and Fighting Irish (5-1) are meeting for the first time in 42 years, with Notre Dame having won both previous games -- 27-12 in 1963 and 24-0 the following season."

Been waiting for this one since it was added to the schedule about 2 years ago (I think). The weekend has finally arrived. I fly Thursday from LAX to Chicago and will be driving to the mighty South Bend (yes, that's in glorious Indiana) on Friday to prepare for what looks to be a somewhat chilly tailgate come Saturday morning. We've got 7 Bruin fans in our immediate group and 4 tickets - anyone got extras? Looks like we'll be ponying up $200 each for the last few. Why oh why would anyone pay that much money to watch UCLA play #10 Notre Dame? I don't know either but I just may be one of those people. Something about the tradition and history of Notre Dame. I mean, they have Touchdown Jesus for Christ's sake (pun intended). Should be a good time no matter the outcome. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the Bruins take the Irish on a last second QB keeper TD (as he's pushed into the endzone by Chris Markey).

Speaking of the UCLA QB...check this out:

Complicating things for the Bruins this week is a freak injury to backup quarterback Patrick Cowan, who will make his second career start Saturday. Coach Karl Dorrell said Monday that Cowan got punched in the throat while being sacked, causing him to lose his voice on the final series. Dorrell relied on receivers to shuttle plays to the huddle and communicate them.

On the trip back to Los Angeles, Cowan's throat swelled up and he coughed up blood, Dorrell said. Cowan was under a doctor's orders not to speak Monday.

So what if Cowan has little or no voice come Saturday in noisy Notre Dame Stadium?

"We're going to have to find a means of communication," Dorrell said.

That can't be good for the team...

New Shins Disc (Jan 23)

SPIN.com: New Info Emerges on Shins Disc:

The tracklist for Wincing the Night Away:

1. 'Sleeping Lessons'
2. 'Australia'
3. 'Pam Berry'
4. 'Phantom Limb'
5. 'Sea Legs'
6. 'Red Rabbits'
7. 'Turn on Me'
8. 'Black Wave'
9. 'Spilt Needles'
10. 'Girl Sailor'
11. 'A Comet Appears'"

The Shins - Saint Simon (.mp3) - go buy more Shins
(my all-time favorite trackfrom The Shins)

[http://www.theshins.com/]
[http://www.myspace.com/theshins]

New Damien Rice B-Side: “Rat Within The Grain”

Good Weather for Airstrikes » Damien Rice: “Rat Within The Grain”

Good Weather for Airstrikes has the B-side to Damien's first single ('9 Crimes') off his new album due out next month. Yet another great acoustic gem from Mr. Rice. And apparently another track off that's actually on the new album is 21 and half minutes long...that could be a bit tedious.

"...I wouldnt' want you to want to be wanted by me,
I wouldn't want you to worry you'd be drown within my sea.
Only wanted to be wonderful and wonderful is true,
in truth I only really wanted to be wanted by you."

Damien Rice - 'Rat Within The Grain' (.mp3) - buy
Damien Rice - 'When Doves Cry/Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' (.mp3)

[http://www.damienrice.com/]

Kasabian & Mew @ The Fonda/Oct.11 '06

Went to see Mew open for Kasabian at the Fonda last night. Mew were great as always but I definitely think they shine a bit more when they headline...like when they played by themselves at the Troubadour awhile back. The 2003 Band of the Year in Denmark would generally be placed in the Indie or Progressive Rock category but sometimes the band thinks of themselves as "pretentious art rock". Yeah...I'd go for that. Especially considering the psychedelic animations they have playing behind them during their shows.

Kasabian, named after Linda Kasabian (a member of the Charles Manson cult), hails from England (not Glendale). They seem to fall under the electronica-indie rock fusion category...if such a category exists. All I know is, it makes me move my feet. Remind me a bit of the Stone Roses. Plus, they apparently have bigger egos than Oasis. Check out this quote and others from Stereogum:

“Look at our single ‘Empire’. We’re possibly the only band apart from Radiohead that changes tempo with a new single we’ve put out and no band dares do it, you know. We’re like a futuristic Led Zeppelin man with strings on, and electronic on it. ... We gave Radiohead a good run [at the V Festival]. I mean, you’re talking about a band that’s been around for about ten or twelve years, they’re massive and we just put our next single out. That’s all we’ve done and it was incredible. The response was wonderful. It was almost as if we were headlining the whole festival."

Kasabian - L.S.F. (.mp3)
Kasabian @ MySpace
Mew - Comforting Sounds (.mp3)
Mew @ Myspace

My newest, favorite comedian: Demetri Martin

Demetri Martin
"I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades."

Saw this guy on Conan O'brien last night...he's hilarious.

Kate and Charlie?!?!?

Egotastic! - Evangeline Lilly Bikini Makeout Session

Whaaaaaaa!!?!? No not really...actually...really...as in reality. I guess Evangeline and Dominic (the real actors) are dating in real life. Apparently this has been going on since last year. Apparently she has bad taste.

I thought I loved you Evangeline...but no...you just like short british guys.

Driveshaft - You All Everybody (.mp3)

Guitar Hero II Final Tracklist

"Totaling 40 tunes in all, spread over eight difficulty levels, the sequel to our Best Music Game of 2005 seems to have an even wider range of rock-oriented music than the first time out. From Guns 'N Roses to the Police to Dick Dale, Guitar Hero II runs the gamut of rock."

IGN: Guitar Hero II Final Tracklist Revealed

My favorites include:
Danzig - Mother
Van Halen - You Really Got Me (.mp3) (one of the first songs I learned to play)
Kansas - Carry on Wayward Son (a UCLA Marching Band classic)
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name Of
Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box

Finally, A New Troubadour Website

Troubadour 2.0
They've had an old school website for ages
...now it gets a very nice update

Off to see The Killers...

Going to see The Killers on Saturday at the Wiltern...better be good. This is my first attempt to see them since getting denied at the Troubadour a few years back when they wouldn't let us pick up our tickets using our friend's ID. The will call girl (who no longer works there) is still on my list of people I would snipe if I ever went crazy (also includes my high school basketball coach, all parking citation officers and my two crazy Italian neighbors from 2 apartments back). Anyways, I'm not expecting much from the "dewey" Brandon Flowers (Pam thinks he's "dewey"...i have no idea what that means). I wasn't very impressed with their live performance on SNL but felt better about it after some of their songs on Jimmy Kimmel Live (and they defintely aren't the best actors). Here is my favorite song from their new album 'Sam's Town':

The Killers - "Read My Mind" (.mp3) - Buy it
courtesy of Orangejello Lemonjello - check out their review of Sam's Town (All filler, no killer)

Previously on Lost...

'A Tale of Two Cities' - SEASON PREMIERE
In the season premiere episode, Jack, Kate and Sawyer begin to discover what they are up against as prisoners of 'The Others.

Friggin' finally! I've repressed my obsession for Lost the last 4+ months...tonight it all comes flooding out again.

Rodrigo y Gabriela...me gusta

I do love me the classical, flamenco-style guitarists...hence, I do love me the Rodrigo y Gabriela. Not only are they an amazing duo of guitarists but they mix in the occasional Metallica, Led Zep and Pink Floyd covers (not to mention Dave Brubeck's Take 5..my fav jazz song). I will be missing their show tomorrow night at Hotel Cafe (nothing gets between me and LOST), but I'm definitely getting tickets for their Oct. 28th show at the Temple Bar.

From their press release:

"Rodrigo (Sanchez) and Gabriela (Quintero) are two fast-fingered, Dublin-based, Mexicans with a unique sound created on acoustic guitars......Rod and Gab are two lifelong heavy metal fanatic Mexicans living in Dublin, Ireland, playing hispano and latin influenced acoustic guitars that come on with the rush of a full rock band, drum kit and all."

Rodrigo y Gabriela:

Myspace - Website
MP3: One / Take 5 (Metallica / Paul Desmond)
MP3: Orion (Metallica)
October 4 - Hotel Cafe
October 28 - Temple Bar

Sonic Youth:Wiltern:Sept.28/2006

I had a great time at the Sonic Youth show courtesy of Jen and her FREE tickets (courtesy of LosAnjealous...THANKS!). I've been wanting to see them forever and ever but without the urgency of really NEEDING to see them. I actually had the chance a few months back when they opened for Pearl Jam at the Forum but I was late and not to upset about it. With SO much music to listen to these days I've realized that getting to know a band or a cd is like watch TV shows on DVD or Tivo...you know they will always be there so you can enjoy them when you have time. I think this makes for a much more enjoyable experience cuz you aren't feeling forced. Anyways, they were very good and their sound always reminds me of some Seattle grunge scene from the past (where as PJ kinda moved out of that in my opinion).

Sonic Youth - Incinerate (.mp3) - buy it here

LA Weekly - Citizen Beck

LA Weekly - Citizen Beck: "I am a big believer in that wherever you are, the feeling of that place is going to go into the music. Whatever elements there are create the sound of music, it’s not just the microphone or what kind of mixing board you have, and L.A.’s been a big part of that in my sound. I feel at ease here. It’s always been a place that’s open, and people discovered it. "

My Dream: The Future of LA Mass Transit?

Metroblogging Los Angeles: The Future of LA Mass Transit?

Can you imagine if this was reality? LA, already the greatest city in US (I think I believe that...yes I do) would become the greatest city in the world. Sadly, I know for a fact that I will never live to see such a Los Angeles, let alone see the day where something even remotely close to this plan would get approved. I'm happy with my Expo Line...I take what I can get. Oh well, still fun to dream of hopping on the Tube station here in the MDR and taking it to...oh I don't know...ANYWHERE?

EDIT: Looks like EXPO Line construction is getting underway as of today...(ending in 2010)
· Metro Expo Line Construction Begins Friday [CBS 2]

Snow Patrol:WIltern:Sept.26/2006

Sacrificed seeing Beck's "secret" show last night in order to see Snow Patrol at the Wiltern. They're a really great band that writes songs exactly how I like them....fun but dramtic, indie yet pop-ish.

Current Favorite Song: Open Your Eyes (.mp3) - buy it here

How It Should Have Ended Website: LOTR

The Official How It Should Have Ended Website
There are some other funny ones on this site..check out the one for Seven

Stupid Monkeys...

THE KILLERS - FLOWERS BEGS YORKE TO WRITE HITS AGAIN:

"THE KILLERS singer BRANDON FLOWERS believes RADIOHEAD frontman THOM YORKE is wasting his talent as a songwriter. The JENNY WAS A FRIEND OF MINE star wishes Yorke would stop writing experimental rock and return to the style of radio-friendly 1990s hits such as CREEP and KARMA POLICE. "

I bet he was one of the 20 people at the Greek yelling for RH to play Creep (to which Thom responded, "Stop yelling for Creep you monkeys!"). And is it me, or does he look a lot like Ross "the gay intern" from Jay Leno?

Regardless...I like the jackass's music...
The Killers – When You Were Young (Thin White Duke Edit) (.mp3) - buy

Dishwasher Salmon

Dishwasher Salmon from Wine X Magazine

I love salmon. I eat it atleast twice a week probably. I had salmon last night in fact.
I don't have a dishwasher. I wish I had a dishwasher. I need a dishwasher.

Beck

Beck announces a special Los Angeles club performance.

Here are the details:

Date: Tuesday, September 26th

Location: Element – 1642 N. Las Palmas, Hollywood, 90028

Tickets: On Sale this Monday, September 25th at Noon. Get them here. 2 ticket limit. The only way to retrieve your tickets is at will call the night of the show. You MUST bring the credit card you used to purchase tickets and a matching, government-issued photo ID to the box office the night of the show. These tickets are non-transferable.

General Info: All Ages. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.

Support: Wounded Cougar

Beck - Nausea (.mp3) - buy

Nike Run/Hit/Remix

Ran the 5 mile (not 5K) Nike Run/Hit/Remix today at the LA Coliseum. Despite learning YESTERDAY that it was a 5 mile run and not a 5K (3.1 mile run), I still had a grand time. Can't beat listening to some of the greatest bands of the 90's performing every mile all while running around the ghetto that is the USC community with 10,000 other sweaty people. Plus we all got to wear matching shirts...

The lineup:
Debbie Gibson (at the Starting Line) *good way to get us to run away fast
Young MC (Mile 1)
Vanilla Ice (Mile 2) *best peformer of the morning - go Robbie Van Winkle
Coolio (Mile 3) *nobody stopped to watch him...poor Coolio
Digital Underground (Mile 4)
De La Soul (Finish Line in the LA Coliseum) - Buddy (.mp3)

I'm speechless...

New Damien Rice

I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS: Album news from Damien Rice:

"the new one will be called '9,' and will come out in November in Ireland on Rice's own Heffa label. "

I'm pretty excited to hear that as I'm a big fan of the Damien Rice. Heard '9 Crimes' on KCRW this morning so I had to seek it out. I've listened to it like 15 times in the last 3 hours so yeah...I kinda like it. Check out the live version as well

Damien Rice - 9 crimes (MP3)

Tonight's Season Premiere > The Office

NBC.com > The Office (fav scene from LAST season)
Dink n' Flicka...

SouthPark Studio

How I envision myself as a SouthPark character...
Make your own: Planearium.de presents: SP-Studio.de

AMAZING! - Dodgers hit 4 HR's in a row

Absolutely Amazing...
I had tickets and gave them up...IDIOT!

Beck's 8th Lo-Fi Video (No Complaints)

Beck - "No Complaints"
(with son Cossimo being carried around by poncho-wearing bear)

Stereogum Hearts John Mayer

stereogum: Stereogum Hearts John Mayer

I've been a closet John Mayer fan for sometime now...I think he's a really great guitarist and I appreciate his love of the Blues. Well now that Stereogum has given his endorsement, I can now let the world know that I too heart John Mayer.

Another CRAZY Cover (Jude)

One of my longtime favorites, JUDE, has joined the millions of bands who pay hommage to Gnarls Barkley by covering CRAZY. Pretty good version actually. As many a friend will tell you, I highly recommend Jude's live show...very funny guy with a great stage presence.

BLACK KEYS @ Troubadour

Went to the Troubadour with Mark tonight to watch THE BLACK KEYS...great live show by the duo from Akron, OH. I love me the rockin' bluesy music and they definitely provide the good stuff. I no longer wish to be reincarnated as Eddie Vedder or Beck... I now wanna be Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys rockin' out to my bluesy riffs...

Not from tonights show, but a quality video...

Get 'em!

CNN.com - Revenge theory in stingray attacks
Good old vigilante justice...

High Fidelity The Musical on Broadway

High Fidelity The Musical on Broadway

If you know me, you know that High Fidelity is one of my all-time favorite movies and books (definitely in my Top 5). So when I read that they were turning it into a musical, I was kinda excited. Now that I've watched the preview video and heard some of the songs....uh not so much. Nice thought though...thanks for trying.

(Sidenote: In the John Cusack movie version, Kevin Bannister (the kid who makes out with and steals Rob's first girlfriend in high school) is played by the brother of one of my good friends. It was his first major role. He is now doing comedy and music in the NYC...check out Thunderwear!)