Amanda Palmer in Chicago December 05, 2008 |
Yesterday was the day all my dreams came true (what, to melodramatic for you?). The evening started in my hotel room with a bottle of warm asti that I had to drink with ice just to make it drinkable. I got through only two glasses before it was time to go. I slammed a third glass before heading downstairs to catch a cab (note to self warm sparkling wine is barley palatable.)
I arrived and wandered into line 45minutes early. I looked a tad out of place in my cream coat and coach purse but amanda's crowd is a welcoming people and chatted and accepted me even though I was way to preppy for the occasion. I guess they rightfully figured I cant be a complete drone if I want to go to this concert enough that I was willing to stand alone in the cold snow. So many people were dressed up I don't think I have ever seen so much eyeliner or fishnets in my life (and I've been to many a drag shows and Halloween parties). I think I'll dress up for Minneapolis.
After a brief memorial service for the late great AFP (Amanda Fucking Palmer) the doors opened and I made a mad dash to grab a drink and establish myself in the front row to the left of the stage for my wait to continue. Problem...I needed to go to the bathroom. The venue was still relatively empty I could have gone and still gotten pretty close to the front...but I just wasn't willing to give up my primo location, and I didn't have anyone to hold my spot so I figured I would solder on.
Act 1: The Builders and the Butchers
My knowledge of them was their name and a mention to check them out on
AFP's website...I had not done so. I'm usually not one for opening bands I pretty much want to get on with the show that I came to see. Even with my poor attitude these guys managed to rope me in and I really enjoyed myself. When vacation is over and I return back to my normal computer I have every intention of looking them up on iTunes and sending some monetary love their way. Look I even added a video for you to check out...
Act 2: Pony something er' another I don't remember the name.
I arrived and wandered into line 45minutes early. I looked a tad out of place in my cream coat and coach purse but amanda's crowd is a welcoming people and chatted and accepted me even though I was way to preppy for the occasion. I guess they rightfully figured I cant be a complete drone if I want to go to this concert enough that I was willing to stand alone in the cold snow. So many people were dressed up I don't think I have ever seen so much eyeliner or fishnets in my life (and I've been to many a drag shows and Halloween parties). I think I'll dress up for Minneapolis.
After a brief memorial service for the late great AFP (Amanda Fucking Palmer) the doors opened and I made a mad dash to grab a drink and establish myself in the front row to the left of the stage for my wait to continue. Problem...I needed to go to the bathroom. The venue was still relatively empty I could have gone and still gotten pretty close to the front...but I just wasn't willing to give up my primo location, and I didn't have anyone to hold my spot so I figured I would solder on.
Act 1: The Builders and the Butchers
My knowledge of them was their name and a mention to check them out on
AFP's website...I had not done so. I'm usually not one for opening bands I pretty much want to get on with the show that I came to see. Even with my poor attitude these guys managed to rope me in and I really enjoyed myself. When vacation is over and I return back to my normal computer I have every intention of looking them up on iTunes and sending some monetary love their way. Look I even added a video for you to check out...
Act 2: Pony something er' another I don't remember the name.
I local Chicago acting troupe did a surprise performance. It was one of those theater performance that is supposed to make you feel a bit uncomfortable with a reward of making you think and coming to some great realization. I got the weird uncomfortable part but the message was lost on me, I just didn't get it. That being said the performance was still entertaining it definitely held my interest and curiosity, but at the end I was left saying...huh? What just happened here? I wanted to see if something was on you tube to share so maybe someone can enlighten me, but for the life of me I can't remember the whole name except for that it has pony in the title.
Act 3: Zoe Keating
In one word amazing. She is a "non-traditional" cellist who real time builds about what she is playing using her mac which is within reach as her stage partner. It was beautiful, dramatic and very very neat. Words can't really do it justice so watch a video...
The Main Event: Amanda Palmer and the Danger Ensemble
Well as you may have guessed it was amazing! I even became one of those crazy people that screamed and sang along with all the songs. The song selection was excellent including songs from her album and a couple ones that I do not yet have in my itunes collection. She choose two Dresden dolls songs: Coin Operated Boy, which was the song that introduced me to the dolls and Half-Jack one my favorite dolls songs. The evening ended with an encore with two very hilariously wonderful covers.
The danger ensemble did mini-performance pieces during many of the songs and there was always something to watch. Amanda was of course the energy of the night ever exciting and passionate...and even with a sense of humor to boot the whole night was a joy. I added a video of the first act which has admittedly horrible quality but quite frankly I was happy to find anything at all since security guards were steeping on my feet all evening to tackle the folks with video cameras..
The aftermath...my the end of the finale my slammed drinks was turning into a major bladder emergency. I got into the merchandise and signing line but after learning the nearest bathroom was in the balcony and I had run out of "hold it" as an option I regretfully left the line to head to the bar next door where I peed for I swear to go 2 straight minutes.
Fortunately I have a do-over and can wait in line after the show tonight. Tonight I will abstain from over consumption...or any consumption of beverages, have a fully charged camera battery (mine died halfway through), and wear cutsey tights. Here are some photos I did get.
Act 3: Zoe Keating
In one word amazing. She is a "non-traditional" cellist who real time builds about what she is playing using her mac which is within reach as her stage partner. It was beautiful, dramatic and very very neat. Words can't really do it justice so watch a video...
The Main Event: Amanda Palmer and the Danger Ensemble
Well as you may have guessed it was amazing! I even became one of those crazy people that screamed and sang along with all the songs. The song selection was excellent including songs from her album and a couple ones that I do not yet have in my itunes collection. She choose two Dresden dolls songs: Coin Operated Boy, which was the song that introduced me to the dolls and Half-Jack one my favorite dolls songs. The evening ended with an encore with two very hilariously wonderful covers.
The danger ensemble did mini-performance pieces during many of the songs and there was always something to watch. Amanda was of course the energy of the night ever exciting and passionate...and even with a sense of humor to boot the whole night was a joy. I added a video of the first act which has admittedly horrible quality but quite frankly I was happy to find anything at all since security guards were steeping on my feet all evening to tackle the folks with video cameras..
The aftermath...my the end of the finale my slammed drinks was turning into a major bladder emergency. I got into the merchandise and signing line but after learning the nearest bathroom was in the balcony and I had run out of "hold it" as an option I regretfully left the line to head to the bar next door where I peed for I swear to go 2 straight minutes.
Fortunately I have a do-over and can wait in line after the show tonight. Tonight I will abstain from over consumption...or any consumption of beverages, have a fully charged camera battery (mine died halfway through), and wear cutsey tights. Here are some photos I did get.
Labels: AFP, Dresden Dolls, Music, YouTube
Name that tune October 17, 2008 |
My tumultuous affair with best buy continues September 17, 2008 |
My tactic for places that piss me off is typically a boycott which lasts anywhere between a day and years depending on how much I like the place...and exactly how perturbed I was as a result of how they wronged me.
My biggest offenders are best buy and charter...but today lets look at our friend best buy. Yes they have done me wrong but when I went to return my camera the last time I got exactly what I wanted...and the camera I should have gotten in the first place and it was even cheaper than the first. Also it goes down in history as the only time a completely sober man asked me for a date. Sure he had a ponytail and worked at best buy but it was a little cherry on top of the customer service Sunday I couldn't help but appreciate.
Just a couple weeks ago I went to best buy where a 12-yr old sold me a supposedly iPhone compatible charger and FM transmitter (it was just a charger with an iPod ready chord)...my car is not so ready for the iPod. Normally this would put me back into pouts-ville but today was a very important day.
I can't believe you guys forgot. Its Amanda Palmer's big solo album release. I simply had to have the physical copy. Of course I was pretty sure this is not the type of CD one could procure at target or walmart and since I live in freaking Rochester,MN my odd music purchase leave me with only one option...crawl back to my arch nemesis...best buy.
I went to the south store that just opened because its closer to my house. I don't want to spoil the surprise but it looks like every other best buy in the history of time. I head straight to new releases...not there. No worries I think they just put the big names out front. I look in the regular section...cant find it. This is the tough part now I have to seek out an employee to help me. Oh my God before I could even look not one but two come to my aid. Looked it up and located the CD (of which they had 4 copies in the back). I chatted with both of them who were very interested in my selection. The girl even wrote down the Dresden dolls and Amanda Palmer on her hand (without any urging by me) and then put the 3 remaining beloved Amanda Palmer CD's right in the middle of the new release shelf at the front of the store (okay so with alphabetical order that's just how it worked out but still rock socks).
Back to my point...I'm un-breaking up with you best buy...but your still on probation.
Labels: Bitching, Dresden Dolls, Reviews, YouTube
Incomplete-Alanis June 21, 2008 |
Now I haven't given Alanis Morissette much of a chance since I OD'd on bitter little pill but due to a bit of buzz I got her new album flavors of entanglement. Supposedly this album was written shortly after the break up of her finance'. A song about loathing and dieing alone...sign me up! I must say after my once through I like it in particular the last song, "Incomplete" Give it a listen.
INCOMPLETE - ALANIS MORISSETTE
One day I'll find relief
I'll be arrived and I'll be a friend to my friends who know how to be friends
One day I'll be at peace
I’ll be enlightened and I'll be married with children and maybe adopt
One day I will be healed
I will gather my wounds forge the end of tragic comedy
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
One day, my mind will retreat, and I'll know god and I'll be constantly one with her night dusk and day
One day I'll be secure, like the women I see on their 30th anniversaries
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
Ever unfolding
Ever expanding
Ever adventurous and torturous
But never done
One day, I will speak freely
I'll be less afraid
And measured outside of my poems and lyrics and art
One day I will be faith-filled
I'll be trusting and spacious authentic and grounded and whole
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
I'll be arrived and I'll be a friend to my friends who know how to be friends
One day I'll be at peace
I’ll be enlightened and I'll be married with children and maybe adopt
One day I will be healed
I will gather my wounds forge the end of tragic comedy
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
One day, my mind will retreat, and I'll know god and I'll be constantly one with her night dusk and day
One day I'll be secure, like the women I see on their 30th anniversaries
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
Ever unfolding
Ever expanding
Ever adventurous and torturous
But never done
One day, I will speak freely
I'll be less afraid
And measured outside of my poems and lyrics and art
One day I will be faith-filled
I'll be trusting and spacious authentic and grounded and whole
I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time
Of being forever incomplete
MGMT Electric Feel April 13, 2008 |
Breathe Me April 10, 2008 |
I have loved the song for so long and haven't known how to locate it. Its been several shows I think I saw it on the L-word first, but it made a reemergence again. I was watching American Idol gives back (hate me if you must) and there was a malaria short that had it in the background. Thanks to my blessed DVR I was able to rewind and find it but randomly putting in lyrics I could understand to find it....I love the internet. Anyways I thought you might enjoy it and I included the lyrics because shes a bit hard to understand. Anyways it is a bit depressing but way good.
Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Ouch I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
I've lost myself again and I feel unsafe
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
For your listening pleasure January 13, 2008 |
History
by, Funeral for a Friend
Dear friends of this academy
oooh romeo is bleeding to death
To see a friend bleed to death, what for
Some kind of metaphor that I cant see?
So I'll drink until I see it.
This sky will make me sick
So I'll give up on youI'll give up on this
This sky will make me sick
So I'll give up on this
I'll give up on you
Archers in your arches
Raise your fingers for one last salute
And bleed this skyline dry
Your history is mine
So you want to hold me up and bring me down
Yes, you want to hold me up and break me down
I don't care for your sweet scent
Or the way you want me more than I want you
and I don't care for your sweet scent
Or the way you want me more than I want you
Archers in your arches
Raise your fingers for one last salute
And bleed this skyline dryYour history is mine
Archers in your arches
Raise your fingers for one last salute
And bleed this skyline dryYour history is mine..
It's all mine..
It's all mine..
It's all mine..
Archers in your arches
Raise your fingers for one last salute
And bleed this skyline dryYour history is mine..
Archers in your arches
Raise your fingers for one last salute
And bleed this skyline dryYour history is mine...
Merry Christmas Update December 25, 2007 |
I know Ive been neglecting you all so I thought Id do a major post to catch you up. Here is some music for your reading pleasure.
Chapter 1: School
OMG did that suck. But by some miracle I got my grades and ended up with 2 A'a and 1 B. Thats a 3.67 for the semester. Sweet. So for the next semester you get to look forward to hearing me bitch about the following classes: Laboratory Management, Clinical Laboratory 1, Homeostasis, and Clinical Chemistry Rotation. This is the last semester of real classes. Wish me luck folks.
Chapter 2: Work
I dont like to talk to much about work on here just because its in poor taste but oy its not good. Things have been insanely busy for the last year and now my boss is leaving for greener pastures. Im scared. As a precaution Im getting my resume together of vacation. Perhaps this is just the kick in the pants I need to get me to find something new. Ill keep you updated.
Chapter 3: Family
Im home for chirstmas...I want to go back to my home. I have officially reached that point in my life where my home and my life is well mine and I guess I like it. Staying at my parents house just doesnt feel right anymore. I have to wear pants, I cant blow dry my hair in the living room, I cant swear and i cant talk on the phone late at night. I love my parents I do I love being home and seeing everyone and catching up. But somewhere around day 3 Im about spent.
Chapter4: Bom-chica-bom-bom
Things with Smiley are going remarkably well. Its been a whirl win we are always together and we will even be ringing in the new year together along with Alice and Cobie. I really will give more details one day I promise but I dont want to just yet :P
Labels: Alice, Cobie, Family, Music, School, Smiley, Work, YouTube
Back to life December 04, 2007 |
This has been the weirdest weekend ever. It all started on Friday where I woke up two hours late for my 11pm start time at work. I called where my boss said just take it as a comp day. BONUS three-day weekend :)
I took this opportunity to take in August Rush with Smiley. The movie was pretty good. Another situation where I had unrealistic expectations and had been told its awesome only to be disappointed. That being said I would still highly recommend it.
Saturday was supposed to be date-day with YMCA but due to white-out conditions he wasn't able to make it. Oh well he was already starting to bore me. This lead to a weekend that was so much of a blur that I called in on Monday. Which I NEVER DO unless I'm literally dieing...I was not dying.
So after four days off I did the following: Avoided snow blowing the driveway, ignored the piles of laundry accumulating in every room of the house, slept very little, watched many movies, did not crack one book, binder notebook or anything else having to do with studying and took 3 showers.
Unfortunately today is Tuesday (its the new Monday everyone says so) and its back to the real world where I have to be productive so what better way to get in the mood that a little old school music video action.
Labels: Internet Dating, Music, Smiley, YouTube
Im not a druggie but I love me some stoner music November 23, 2007 |
The version I found on youtube kinda sucks...believe me I looked for something better. In the album version its echoee and you cant really understand anything hes saying. And what exactly is the "sensi herb?" Fortunately for my white suburban self I have urbandictionary.com
In this context sensi is an abbreviated version of the urban slang word sensimilia
Definition 1- The seedless female flower of the cannabis plant
Definition 2- Another word of marihuana (that's how they spelled it) mostly used in Jamaica.
Me smoke de sensimilia all day long, ja man!
Slightly Stoopid Lyrics
"Collie Man"
And some man live his life
For profits alone
That very same man
He lives his life all alone
And the road to life
Yes it goes up and down
Doesn't really matter
As long as the music goes on
Hey mister collie man
Why don't you come round no more
Hey mister collie collie man
Don't you hear me troubled call
Hey mister collie man
Look i didn't come to disturb
You best not be come 'round here
Unless you've got me sensi herb
I never needed any
Reason for me to say
Through all them troubled times
Yes me love you any way
And the roughest path
You know the rocky rocky road
You know that
Life and love is a
Heavy heavy load
Hey mister collie man
Why don't you come 'round no more
Hey mister collie collie man
Don't you hear me troubled call
Hey mister collie man
Look i didn't come to disturb
You best not be come round here
Unless you've got me sensi herb
You best not be come round here Unless you've got me sensi herb
Another day in the mundane life o ava October 29, 2007 |
I had the day off since I worked the weekend. I slept in until noon it was magical. Then I had to go into work because I apparently left an entire page of my final blank. Way to go Me. Then I cleaned out the fridge. Did 5 case studies and rewatched some movies. I rented three all were wonderful check em out.
The Ultimate Gift
Its a tear jerker of the favorite kind. The asshole turns good, lessons are learned people die and love is found. Who can resist. Grade: A
Evan Almighty
I didnt exactly have high hopes for this movie. I rented it because I figured I would need something stupid to watch after the tear jerker and that way I could get some homework done while watching it. I was pleasantly surprised to find it hilarious. The storyline was decent. God was humorous. Ending had a mini twist. Grade: B-
Gracie
Oh who can resist the thrill of a young woman repressed in sports and having to overcome oppression in order totally kick ass in soccer. Challenging the views of not only her father and the school but that of the whole world....okay maybe I got a little carried away. But I do love to see people overcome...lord knows im not going to do it. Grade: B+
Labels: Movie Reviews, YouTube
MMMM Cheese September 20, 2007 |
Labels: YouTube
I'm Not a Lesbian August 29, 2007 |
I’m more intoned with the gay world than any straight woman should be. Usually about once a month someone asks me if I’m a lesbian. I don’t really fit the typical “lesbian” stereotype but my constant appearance in gay-friendly venues must make people wonder enough to get up the gumption to ask.
I don’t like this question because it makes me feel weird to “fess up” and say I’m straight and then it invariably leads to a line of questioning of why am I here then. And I get in their weird defensive mood and feel I have to explain myself.
This weekend I had two relative strangers inquire about my sexuality (Within 5minutes of meeting me). Sometimes I just want to strangle them. In my 26years I have never EVER asked anyone if they were gay. EVER! I figure they will either tell me or it will become obvious if and when I get to know them better.
To go with the spirt of my post a clip from the movie Trick. If you havent sceen it you should.
Labels: Stupid People, YouTube
Brainwashing Your Music Taste August 26, 2007 |
I simply must endorse Pandora. You put in a song or artist that you like and they play related things. Major bonus its free. Anyways so I was at work listening for 8hours so it was difficult to pick a song to share so today all for a bonus 3-pack.
First up I am a Rock, by Simon and Garfunkel. I love this song I love house my world is complete.
Outloud cover by Dispatch...they are also tasty to look at even if they are jailbait.
Because You Should Like My Music August 21, 2007 |
Ayelaceacowbee July 30, 2007 |
I made the most horrific discovery today. I was cruising YouTube as I have a tendency to do since I am an addict and came across someone who had posed
To make matters worse she is planning on naming the child Gwendolyn and had the song set to “I’m Just a Girl by Gwen Stefani.” Okay first rant if you want to name your child after Gwen Stefani and I can’t really see any reason to why someone would want to do that but lets say you did. Then don’t name her Gwendolyn name her Gwen.
So with my outrage in full swing I go down to the comment section to look for comradely from my fellow man trying to set this woman straight..instead I find this.
“i named my daughter gwenhwyfar(gwenifer) after gwen stefani and also after my friend jenifer.” –nicitomo
Gwenwyfar? Is she serious?
Maybe if I ever have a child I will name it Alicacobie oh wait I wouldn’t spell it like that maybe Ayelaceacowbee. Any child with a name like that is going to have to spell their name to everyone, and he/ she will have to pronounce it over and over until they realize its not a real name but some weird radioactive conjunction of two normal names…and then they will roll his/her eyes let out a heavy sigh and say “you don’t know my mother”
Gwenwyfar I am sorry for your lot in life I hope these hardships are something you can overcome I for one could never be that strong.
Incase you are curious here is the youtube video…I don’t suggest you watch it…I can’t decide if its more boring or disturbing.
Labels: Alice, Cobie, Stupid People, YouTube
Teamwork July 28, 2007 |
Another song that touches the soul...
I present to you Tenacious D playing "Fuck her Gently"
Labels: YouTube
Songs for the Sorrow July 23, 2007 |
Dresden Dolls
Truce
you can have washington i'll take new jersey
you can have london but i want new york city
i should get providence i've got a job now
los angeles - obvious - that's where you belong now
you can have africa asia australia
as long as you keep your hands off cafe pamplona
we can split germany right down the middle
you'd hate it there anyway
take berlin and well call it even
you can take all of the carry-on baggage
i'll trade the saskia jokes for the alphabet language
and if we find out that we have any children
we'll trade them off summers and alternating weekends
you call it over and i call you psycho
significant other?
just say we were lovers and we'll call it even
we'll call it even
i am the ground zero ex-friend you ordered
disgused as a hero to get past your borders
i know when i'm wanted i'll leave when you ask me to
mind my own business and speak when i'm spoken to
i am the tower around which you orbited
i am not proud i am just taking orders
i fall to the groud within moments of impact
i hit back if hit
and attack if attacked
you get route 2 between concord and lexington
i want mass ave from the sqaure to my apartment
and if we should meet through some misunderstanding
ill be very sweet very patient and forgiving
(now get off my side of the state)
and if we should meet one another in passing
despite these techniques there is sometimes no avoiding
(there must be some kind of mistake)
we'll raise high our white flags and say hi and shake hands
declaring the land we're on unamerican
we'll call it even
i am the tower around which you orbited
i am not proud i am just taking orders
i fall to the groud within moments of impact
i hit back if hit
and attack if attacked
i am an accident waiting to happen
i'm laughing like mad while you strangle the captain
my place may be taken, but make no mistake
from a little black black box i can say without shame
that you've lost
do you know what you've lost?
so take whatever you'd like
i'll strike like the States on fire
you won't sleep very tight
no hiding
no safe covers
make your bed and now lie
just like you always do
you can fake it for the papers but i'm on to you....
Labels: Dresden Dolls, Lyrics, YouTube