just the good stuff, please.

Balancing Act

2009-11-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

A favorite sensation- the pressure and texture of thick bound metal cord cupped in the pad of my foot. Brings me back to the woods in Poland circa 1991.

My First Time.

2009-10-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

This memory occurred to me yesterday after "accidentally" going home with a pair of gloves that were hidden in a coat at the thrift store. I also bought a pair of really amazing white studded boots. Anyway, the memory might become a short story...

The first time I stole anything it was close to my fifth birthday. I was still living in Queens with both of my parents, long after their disdain for one another had begun but three years pre-divorce. We were shopping for a Christmas tree in one of those typical parking lot gone pine tree factories that begin to appear just before you're ready to accept that it's already Thanksgiving. The kind of places that made me promise myself at an early age that I would someday raise kids in this city, if for nothing other than the inescapable smell of Christmastime in New York.

In the tree lined lot two blocks from our building, I fell in love with a branch spray painted white with a faint silver shimmer that glistened in the brisk yellow dimmed air, and I wanted it more than anything I had ever wanted before. With the kind of confidence you rarely find in a 5 year old, I walked up to my mother and asked if she could buy it for the front door of our 6th story apartment. Without knowing at the time that she would skip meals in order to buy quarter pound containers of seafood salad for me, I could not find reasoning for her stern "No" and tucked the branch under my zebra print down coat with neon pink lining as I ducked into the next row of pines...

I Got More Legs Than A Bucket Of Chicken

2009-09-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just realized how much I'm gonna miss Patrick Swayze...

Dr. Everything Will Be Alright

2009-08-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

1984.

This is the year I was born. It's also the name of a book that was banned in Communist-era Poland, which my mom talks about as if it was some mind opening anti-Bible that had something to do with her moving to America-- which it doesn't. I'm a product of these four numbers, through and through, raised with a "Video Killed the Radio Star" mentality, a short attention span, and an urge to get my "money for nothing, and the chicks for free."

Happy Anniversary?

2009-08-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

I just realized a year ago today I started this blog. Weird that I got the urge to write the same time of year again... I promised myself big things, I guess. Seems some sort of realization came to me after the Olaf Eliasson opening at the MoMA.

Well, this Friday you can catch me at the Guggenheim's first installation of the It Came From Brooklyn series. I'll be wearing a Martin Margiela dress and Anna Molinari heels, hoping to guise myself in the name of bigger and better things.

Eternal Sunshine of the Exhausted Mind

2009-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

I remember sitting in my 4 bedroom apartment on the top floor of an old Victorian on the Berkeley/Oakland border, surrounded by the smell of lingering weed smoke, hot sauce, and 19 year old male. I had been living with three boys for the better part of the year, and was sick of watching Braveheart and the Food Network, although part of me longs for those days now. Whenever I'm asked why I moved back to New York from the mellow sunshine of Northern California, this memory comes to mind.

Curled up with my pseudo brothers on our oversized futon couch, watching Eternal Sunshine, bursting into tears over the flimsy fence on the dunes of a snowy Long Island beach. This was the one thing I missed most about home-- the confusing texture of your foot searching for stable ground below snow, only to find more moveable particles.

I haven't watched the film since, and it played in McCarren Park tonight. I am stuck in bed paying for my weekend, where I spent most of my day talking to one of those boys. Tomorrow I have doctors appointments all morning, and that brings me back to that Victorian house-- with the graffiti "Get Well" USPS sticker and paint marker drawn rose on my bedroom door.

I Could Use A Little Turning

2009-08-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

It was all so innocent then-- skirts too short, lipstick too red. Back when MTV set a mood, rather than displayed a hot tub stereotype. These days, I actually understand what these songs are talking about. But then, I felt I understood feelings and words I was years away from experiencing. Although I guess I've never been in an R&B troupe, or had a boyfriend who drove a Bentley...

I am pretty sure, though, I uttered the words "I put that on my life" to a boyfriend once-- in his black Nissan 240SX, with a sunroof. Oh Foxy, once upon a time you were our lackluster Britney-- raw, truthful, and a soundtrack to my teenage naivety.

When It's All Happening, You're Bound To Get The Summertime Flu

2009-08-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've had an amazing couple of weeks. Ok, months. Wait, years?

But yesterday was NOT fun. After quite the epic Sunday, definitely got home around 1:30 in the afternoon on Monday after waking up in the blazing dusty swirl of sunshine on a friend's couch in Greenpoint. Somewhere between Simian Mobile Disco's dance inertia and drinks in styrofoam cups bought by members of a certain Brooklyn band, I lost my head.

Nothing like waking up to another month of self-proclaimed sobriety with the worst hangover of all time. Which, in turn, has become some sort of monster cold. Now, I'd like to take a moment to thank Jesus for coconut water and dance beats to get me through my days of irresponsibility... Thanks for lookin' out, kiddo!

You know I LOVES it!

It's All Happening

2009-08-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Me & Lauren were in touching distance of Mr. S. Carter during this performance, and both got teary eyed. Such gays we are...

Una Solución Para el Insomnio, Por Favor

2009-08-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

I took a nap yesterday for the first time in months. This is the sort of accidental happening that only occurs out of utter exhaustion, and ends in my being cranky for the rest of the day. Instead of waking up refreshed and revitalized, I wake up swinging.

I haven't been able to sleep during the day ever since I was a child. My worked to the bone mother trying to put me down for some sunlit rest, buying herself time to carelessly flip through a Vanity Fair. And instead, I'd throw a fit- hopelessly and unconsciously worried that I'd be missing something.

I still have trouble sleeping, no matter the time of day/night. Laying awake with the fan circling dreams that I won't remember over my head, wondering what I could possibly be missing (in New York the probability is that you're missing something every second of the day) until I fall into a restless slumber- finally. Only to sleep through my alarm, miss brunch with a friend from out of town, push back a deadline, and be stuck doing laundry until my next obligation.

If you're interested in what exhausts me so, take a looksy here and here.

In other news, and hence the seemingly unrelated photo above, I'm looking for a new apartment. 2-3 bedroom, dog friendly, a loft around the Morgan L stop would be ideal (since I love my 'hood). If I don't find the perfect place, I'm seriously considering moving to Mexico (no joke). Adios!

This Guns for Hire

2009-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

I decided I'm gonna start writing here again. Who better than to kick off that party than Mr bruce Bruce himself!?

I guess once upon a time the ladies thought he was sexy. This always creeped me out because he looks a lot like my uncle. And that guy's an alcoholic...

Anyway, it's good to be back-- all self-obsessed and stuff once more.

Consciousness Fix

2009-04-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

During your interaction today notice how often your responses are reactions. When a friend tells you something they did or how they are feeling, notice how automatically certain comments come off your tongue. These are programmed responses.

Today, if people have difficulty connecting with you, perhaps you need to retool your programming.

Story of my life, y'all. Thanks Kabbalah for constantly reminding me what a piece of shit I am...

Funniest Thing I've Seen All Day? Week?

2009-04-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Asian Invasion Finale

2009-03-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last night, after the most delicious scallion pancake ever, I crossed the Wburg Bridge to check out Tokyo! at the Sunshine on Houston. Michel Gondry did a little introduction for the film, being 1/3 of the equation of this portrait of a city. I love how magically confused he seems at all times. It's all about the focus on the subtleties of life, and Mr. Gondry tells us how the most inspiring thing about this wonderous city on the island of Japan was the 'lack of the shyness to sleep on one another on the train', and also his realization that in comparison people walk like horses here in America.

Gondry via iPhone

(SPOILER ALERT)

In his 30 minutes of Tokyo, Gondry's Interior Design depicts a girl who is very much like the buildings in the city, one never touching the other. Her transformation into a useful being touches upon a sort of butterfly in reverse ideal. Gondry's vision can only be explained by what my mother calls fantasia (read: with adorable Polish accent).

Leos Carax's Merde, with all its apocalyptic flare, kind of missed the mark for me. Although entertained by Mr. Merde's crazed gait, a Delicatessen-esque entrance into the world, and his slap-stick gibberish, Carax fell short of allowing us to sympathize with this literally misunderstood villain-- leaving me unmoved by his death sentence. But I will admit that I am looking forward to the New York edition.

And finally, what I believe to be the most affecting story told within the triad-- South Korea's Bong Joon-ho with Shaking Tokyo. Ok, so I happen to be a sucker for low dialogue loner romances, which I'm gonna go ahead and blame on my feminine nether-regions, but precision camera movement acts as an ethereal invitation into the world of a hikikomori in this tale of seclusion and rebirth. Moved by the fainted beauty of an innocently risque pizza girl, this man's emergence into the blinding sunlight put an approving smirk upon my jaded New York lips.

Who Wants To Be In My Band?

2009-03-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hats off to Pitchfork for making my night.

Um, did I write this?

2009-03-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Sadly, no.

But I should've--I would've even made it to the show, as I was desperately seeking ticket. I'm so bummed, I could just blog about it. And I thought I was the only one that wanted to bone him!? Although sometimes people can just go too far with their comments:

you guys, NO. he is THIRTY SIX. THIRTY SIX YEARS OLD with that haircut.

I will forever defend boys with big noses and bangs. FOREVER!

Like a Heart That's Been Hung in the Sky

2009-02-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

Check it- FREEwilliamsburg debut, ya'll.

(read: in Britney Spears twang, of course)

Who doesn't love a little Deer Tick on the eve of a Hallmark holiday, huh?

Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

2009-02-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

Swoon's at it again. Pure genius. I'm still so in love with the print I snagged at Brooklyn Museum's 1st Fans screenprinting event last month.

My feelings are mixed about Flood, though. I think I'd love it if no one talked.

(Snow) Day & Night

2009-02-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Every time it flurries enough to cover the ground, my mom and I feel compelled to send each other photos of the snowfall. Here is the most recent exchange:

Music makes the people...

2009-01-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

Looks like we are back in business, folks. Finally!!

And when I say we, I mean it all figuratively like. As in, we, the musical babies of the age of Aquarius. It's just a test run for now, I guess. But boy, those rainbow colored horizontal blocks sure do make me happy.

Oh hi, by the way... I forgot to go to bed last night.

Lions, and Tigers, and... X Ray Erotica?

2009-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

From the cute, naughty, to just plain wtf!?

Belgian artist Wim Delvoye is kinda my favorite thing right now. Let's not discuss how I tapped into his work-- just enjoy!

He also 'saves' pigs from Chinese slaughter houses... to tattoo them. Only to eventually be killed-- then skinned or stuffed to sit pretty in a gallery.

But I guess if I was living on borrowed time, I'd like to be a 'growing painting' too, right?

Yea Yeahhh!

2009-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am currently fighting back the urge to jump up and down in a frenzied dance panic on my bed.

Why?, you ask.... 2 words, names rather. Matt. Kim. (There's a little & symbol in there somewhere too, but the whole 2 words thing sounds so much more dramatic). Sometimes Brooklyn feels like happiness, and these kids bring it!

(Best shot I got, as I was busy dancing my face off)

The powers that be left a ticket at the door for their Record Release Party at the Music Hall of Williamsburg last night, and I just can't get enough. I'm literally sitting here listening to their new album Grand-- which I'm gonna go ahead and guess is named after their street of residence in good old "East Williamsburg".

I was super excited to find out that Spank Rock was supposed to be a surprise guest, but here's a big surprise-- I missed them bc I was glued to the bar downstairs. Ha! When I finally made my way to the bouncy kick of drum upstairs, I pushed myself thru the jumping crowd to the front of the stage, where I eventually got kicked in the face. Totally expected, as I avoided this scenario at all previous Matt & Kim shows (sounds like McCarren Park, Halloween, etc.), I mean at this point I wouldn't have been surprised if Matt himself jumped into the crowd to specifically kick me in the face. Although, now that I think of it, it might've been him...

I've decided I'm the definition of a hot mess, and these two lovebirds are the epitome of Brooklyn. I mean, c'mon, take a looksy...

If you're living in an industrial neighborhood in Bushwick while there's snow on the ground (like myself), you'll know exactly what he means by 'these shoes are poor man's ice skates', and that's the TRUTH, kid.

Snack Attack-- 2.Plagiarized

2008-11-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Today on my lunch break, a sense of true bliss came over me when I was greeted at the automatic bifold doors of Dagastino's by a man giving away Choctál ice cream. Never hearing of this brand, i took the cup (complete with wooden spoon) somewhat hesitantly. But by the time the cashier lifted my cocoa filled treat off the conveyor belt (without scanning it) and placed it into my bag-- I was in complete heaven. And the moment this frozen pudding-like yumminess hit my taste buds, I searched the interweb for where I could find more. Sadly, to find out-- not in my neighborhood.

If you don't believe the amazingness that is this stuff... just surrender to the music on their website.

And check it-- our friends on the other side of the river are snacking too!

We Are the World...

2008-11-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

I saw a lady reading this on the train this morning and had a mini-WTF!? moment.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2008-10-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not happy, and not only because my feet are wet.

I'm mostly sad that I'm currently missing the Olsen book signing in Union Square. I mean, if I motivated myself away from my desk, I could venture into the cold wet outdoors. But just the thought makes me go 'Burrrrr". Considering all I wore today is a silk shirt & a denim jacket (in blatant denial that winter is here), I think I'll just sit here and warm my feet on the space heater-- and watch youtube videos of the alien twins explaining that this wasn't an ego project

Right? Right.

Ummm, right.

How I wish these two could adorn my coffee table.... But not in the weird sorority sister way Ashley composes herself above. Totally looks like she's at a job interview at Starbucks. Where are the sloppy Beatrice Inn girls we all love!?

The Dude Abides.

2008-10-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Work Appropriate

2008-10-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well, at least in my office....

Fucking Amazing!

Sounds like Prohibition to Me.

2008-09-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the relaunch...
But this has been keeping me quite happy in the meantime:

Discover Jenny Lewis!

Johnny Flynn & Laura Marling @ The Bowery

2008-09-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sad to miss ALL three Noah & the Whale shows this week, I was fortunate enough to snag a ticket to see Laura Marling's haunting solo performance, along with good friends Johnny Flynn and Mumford & Sons (half of who make up Miss Marling's band):

I've got to say I was pleasantly surprised by openers Mumford. Running with this crowd, I assumed they were talented but I was blown away by their 'if Beirut did folk music' approach, with more annunciation of course-- being British and all. The bar had been lifted, and we all anxiously awaited a record pole vault from Flynn & Marling.

The marvelous Johnny Flynn did just that, traversing over the high standard beam with grace. Johnny's master of all musical trades vitality filled the room to an overflowing brim-- helped by some burning desire from the ladies, I'm sure, Red Coat or not. Continuing on, Johnny's talent shined through an ironic Jeffery Lewis cover. 'Do you know of him?', he asked the crowd, to which his Bassist replied, 'No one knows of him...'

Laura Marling floated onto the stage like a delicate bird, dimming down the energy to a soft & steady buzz. Some speculated that maybe she should have performed before Flynn, but as I had to be in the office the next morning, I didn't mind the sullen lullabies. Laura, filled with sweet fervor, belted out lyrics such as 'the grey in this city is too much to bear' with a sort of apocalyptic romance. Closing my eyes, I was reminded of a young Sinead O'Conner. Only 18 years of life below her belt, one could be convinced that Marling has lived, been loved, and suffered loss decades upon decades over.

Take a looksy at the UK loveliness:

Blessed be the folk hearts of the Brits, yo.

Goldfrapp @ Radio City Music Blah

2008-09-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

So these were the first serious concert tickets I have bought in a while... but after the 50% off promotion, and realization that Martha Wainwright would have a 'special appearance'-- I went ahead and sprung the 40 bucks for orchestra seats, in hopes of dancing my ass off a little bit.

Now, where should we start? How about here: I missed Martha Wainwright (if she was even there-- I have been too lazy to investigate) probably while standing in line to get whiskey'd up. Then, felt obligated to SIT through most of Goldfrapp's performance because it seems people aren't particularly fond of dancing in the home of famous dancers. Finally and saddest of all, the sound kinda sucked. I do, however, have to say that barefooted Goldie looked hot in her curly locks & flock worthy dress. My lovely company even said she looked like a less energized version of me-- LOVE them!

Also loving the Kenneth Parcell-ness in the 'Happiness' video:

Strange twist/highlight of the night: Being abducted by advertising folks in a white limo and ushered to the Norwood to 'enjoy' $18 martinis & web designer douchebags. Apparently, even the website is super exclusive-- wtf!?

Fashion Week Favorite

2008-09-12T14:10:00.001-07:00

Justin Giunta's Subversive Jewelry Showcase @ the Opening of the Kisan Concept Store in SoHo:

Then there was the Bungalow 8 After Party, where I managed to go home with this beauty by Katya Bochavar:

Fancy women's business ties!?... Loves it!

Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side

2008-09-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

The candle lit Living Room in LES felt more like an intimate gathering amongst friends than a Monday night venue. Cory Chisel, accompanied by the beautifully sweet Adriel Harris, stepped onto the stage as if from an Andrew Wyeth painting-- just real salt of the earth folks. Cory spoke to the crowd, disclosing personal tidbits as if we were extended family sitting around the fireplace-- the crowd warmed by his charming lyrics, true of heart persona, and deeply soulful voice.

This young son of a Baptist minister has a highly apparent old soul, with lyrics that whimsically weave stories of heartbreak, faith, and joy. Cory's voice is remarkably enchanting, resembling a real sense of Americana-- much like a young Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, or Bob Dylan. His songwriting is raw and truthful, leaving his audience feeling special-- as if he had whispered secrets for only us to keep. If Tim Buckley & Jeff Buckley had a baby, (incestuous, i know-- and impossible, I guess), Cory Chisel would be their sunshine boy.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Cory and his posse after the show. A room full of amiable dispositions can be hard to come by in NYC, but this crowd was full of Midwest charm and a genuine interest in learning more about their fans/associates/friends. Adriel was soft spoken while mentioning how truly lucky she felt. After an approving nod of the head from Cory to Leonard Cohen's 'I'm Your Man' and a shot of tequila, Cory boasted passionately that 'if this whole music thing doesn't work out... (points at self) documentary filmmaker right here'.

The highlight of the night was definitely the closing song. Cory took a moment and looked into the crowd-- 'If you're from New York you don't get it' he said, as he began to strum a delicate cover of 'Rosie' by Tom Waits. He's 'doing a little bit more than the best he can', and we're definitely looking forward to a little bit more from you, Cory & Company. I couldn't think of better people to wish great successes upon...

Fall in love a little here. And get some free goodness here.

And, be sure to catch Cory, Adriel, and the gang again before the Wisconsin wind steals them away... Monday, Sept. 15th @ The Living Room on Ludlow.

Uhhh, Yeah...

2008-09-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Way ahead of you, FREEwilliamsburg.

Mr & Mrs Tennessee

2008-09-07T11:18:00.001-07:00

A Night at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with Silver Jews -- and who could forget opening riot act Monotonix. These two bands make quite the odd couple, but for my first (and their 71st) Silver Jews show-- I couldn't of asked for anything more:

A steadily intriguing buzz increased amongst the extended Music Hall Happy Hour crowd ($3 drinks, y'all) about the Israeli punk-metal trio Monotonix who, quite honestly, I had never really heard of before. But some guy who lit my smoke outside the venue was told he 'had to show up for the opening band because they are fucking NUTS. Apparently, they throw beer bottles at their fans'. My confusion about a Gwar resembling prelude to bluntly somber melodies snapped to a crisp clarity when I was informed that these curly haired boys were Mr. Berman's favorite band.

Monotonix was captivating, to say the least. And as their clanging musical cartwheels unraveled, the first thing I thought was 'I shouldn't have worn my grandmother's ring to this'. Garbage, beer, and the banging of cymbals passed all too near my face-- and I agreed that 'if we were in Indianapolis, we would've gotten our asses kicked'... Kudos to any band that can make a Williamsburg crowd move!

The energy in the room plateaued at high when the cloud lining Jews took the stage, kicking off with 'Smith & Jones Forever'-- a smart move after the opening testosterone party. The setlist was true precision transitioning at its best. Berman's perfectly sullen Cohen delivery backlit with subtle surf guitar on 'My Pillow is a Threshold' was followed with darkly foot-tapping tunes such as 'K-Hole'. A truly satisfying mix of new material and even some late 90s throwbacks.

The slightly sweeter Nico-esque voice compliments of Cassie Berman, wife of the brilliantly awkward frontman, return on Silver Jews recently released sixth album Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. Her live rendition of the we've-all-been-there lyrics on my new personal favorite track, 'We Could be Looking for the Same Thing', are still streaming delicately in my head.

Oh, and for the Berman wannabes out there... I hear the Lookout album cover includes guitar chord cards. You know, like Guitar Hero, but for real musicians. Not to mention some adorable Babaar doppelgangers:

But who buys hard copy albums anymore, anyway?

Reigning Crown of the Teething Crowd

2008-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Lets admit to ourselves that the idea of the Mr & Miss Williamsburg Pageant, although pretty ingenious on the part of whats her name, is absolutely ridiculous. I stumbled upon 2 comp tickets to what I thought would be a hipster masquerade-- and when I say stumble I mean, of course, a dear friend was a competitor. After mentally preparing myself, I had to go check out the scene at Supreme Trading:

Much to my disappointment-- but not surprise, the back room of Supreme was overcrowded, non-air conditioned, and lacking the assumed Ohio-gone-Brooklyn hotness.

So what was the cause of the mediocre contestant turn out? I'm guessing the eager spectators were the victim of some sort of irony... but to which degree? Was entering the Pageant not ironic enough for the Bedford elite? Or was it so ironic it wasn't? And so on, and so forth... But who am I to judge?

To be fair (NOTE: this is my disclaimer), I spent the entirety of 5 minutes in the room & wrote it off almost immediately, spending the rest of my time at the bar-- where some drunk girl from Staten Island bought me & my friend shots of whiskey and PBRs on some guys tab that she allegedly was 'not trying to date rape'. Only to return at the exact moment of my friend's crowning as the new King of the 'Hood. Returning from Burning Man only 2 days prior, he has had 'the most amazing last two weeks'. And even with the echoing recount chanting, it could've been worse.

And, to Misha Calvert-- IF the Colt 45 fiasco is true, I can dig that you pulled one over on some law enforcing higher up. Yet, I can't help but mention the last time I was caught stealing beer from a bodega. I was with Mr. Williamsburg himself, and after I sincerely apologized for my drunkenness, and giggled whilst removing the random assortment of 12 oz. bottles from my over-sized purse, the man behind the counter simply offered me credit at his establishment.

Here's some pictorial proof:

Congrats Dave! If nothing else, I'm sure the title will get you laid.

This Is Normandy:

2008-09-04T13:29:00.001-07:00

I am NOT there. I am here:

Cheers to those who are though. Especially the ones in love.

There In Spirit

2008-09-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

As I was suffering thru the end of an 80+ hour work week, this lovely lady entertained the lucky many @ Le Poisson Rouge:

Here is a review from one lucky femme.

Who Do We Have to Call...

2008-08-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

to get more of these???

I realize Neil Patrick Harris is not a fan of the female anatomy. But a girl can dream, can't she?

NOTE: Basically all of my childhood fantasies were about playing Doctor with this guy.

This Makes Me Sad...

2008-08-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

If this works when you click it, I'm happy once more.

'Beached in the City of Lost Barnacles and Leeches'

2008-08-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by my infamous Razor Phone. Sorry for the tinyness. When I finally clean my room & find my camera charger, I will deliver some legit stills. Unfortunately, not of this show:

There's nothing like a McCarren Park Pool show to get rid of a serious Sunday hangover. Although, a thanks is definitely in order to the HUGE Turkey's Nest margarita & the miniature sub par chicken empanada that escaped from a duffel bag only to make a new home in my empty half drunken belly. No matter the headache, this was a concert I had been looking forward to all summer. And as luck would have it, the last pool show I will ever attend-- sadly, my job is sending me out of town with no room for some Yo La Tengo love.

I've heard a million great things about Panther & Chin Chin, but I was busy having a little too much fun with water guns to really pay any attention to their sets. Not to mention, my love for the Slip 'n Slide and free VIP Dewars (thanks to my real life guardian angel-- and I'm not talking about Bernie Mac here, kids). My favorite quote of the day definitely came early from some dude who screamed out something along the lines of 'Nice white pants, asshole!' during the Chin Chin parade. Let's face it, we were all there to see the man himself-- Aesop Rock.

The crowd seemed younger than usual, and if I had to guess... I'd chalk it up to the heavy Myspace marketing blasts from the Aesop camp in the last few months. I'd say Mr. Rock, no matter how profane, could be considered a poetry teacher of sorts to the young ones. A few songs in, the beat to "Nightlight" dropped, and I had a mini-Jeff Tweedy breakdown. The lack of movement in the crowd was slightly unnerving. Immediately following, Aesop gave the crowd what they wanted-- his self proclaimed Vegas song, 'Daylight'. This was deserving of a phone call to my little brother, 13, who will come home from summer camp to a drunk dial message from his big sis.

The last time I saw Aesop Rock was at the small in comparison, Slim's in San Fransisco. The Pool substituted that intimacy for drunken madness, and Mr. Lif for a special appearance by El-P (who supposedly DJed at the Union Pool After Party-- maybe I had a few drinks too many, but I didn't see him in that fairly empty room). The soon to be a pool again was truly appreciated by the prolific hip-hoppers. That sentiment was brought to a bright & shiny light as Aesop yelled to the anticipating crowd, 'this is one of the best days of my career, right here'. It always feels good when the artist is just as happy as us to be there.

The 'After Party' definitely didn't live up to its promotion of 'telling Monday to shove it'. But, after hopping thru 3 Lorimer local bars to find Red Bull for my vodka, and some free pizza at Alligator Lounge, only to eventually find myself back at Union Pool... my Monday was definitely shoved.

As always, I had a wondrous time, and the sunburn to prove it.

Peep this for some real photo footage.

Secret Ingredients for an Early Thursday Buzz

2008-08-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

1. Have a maximum of one beer at the Spring Lounge.

2. Walk for 10 minutes in the rain, until finally caving in to pay for a cab back to Brooklyn... even though you're only half a block from the J train.

3. Make sure the cab driver drops you off for a late dinner at Taco Santana.

4. Walk home, only to terrify strangers in your apartment with stories of your weekend escapades (see G-Rated version below).

5. Play some 2 Player Pengo at Barcade-- never to break 2500 points.

6. Stop for a Cheeseburger Deluxe at Bonita Bakery before climbing the 3 sets of dingy tenement stairs that lead to your exposed brick diamond in the rough of an apartment, crooked floors and all.

7. Ignore all of this, except for Step 5. Seriously.

Monday is the new Friday.

2008-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to piece together the events of the last few days. But, I've managed to hold on tight to the reigns of my high horse, thanks to Garment District apartment gems, shoes I gladly can't afford, and a meal made with love-- blessed, of course, by the 'mediocre comedy stylings' of Bernie Mac.

With that said, here's a brief (but not really) overview of the things I could actually repeat in a room full of strangers, which leaves us with a review of these good looking folks below & their first proper NYC show:

By sheer coincidence, a week before the beginning of what would become a drunken four day romp, I had been invited to a show by a band of a familiar name. Five years ago, Audrye Sessions were the stand out musicians in a large group of East Bay locals that entertained me at the time. And I must say, it was a true pleasure to hear the evolution of the Aud squad. They've ventured far past an abandoned airplane hanger filled with kegs of Fat Tire in Nowhere, California, to a serious Mercury Lounge set-- as well as The Music Hall of Williamsburg the night before.

Keeping all their good parts and trading in the rusty ones for some folkier sounds of the now on "New Year's Day", you could feel the Oakland love in the room. Those who stuck around after the show were treated by a delicious after dinner mint. A bit of intimate acoustic moonlighting at The Living Room by front man Ryan Karazija, who accompanied Mr. Scott Allbright of Poor Bailey with some music to kill yourself to... but in that really good 'if Conor Oberst & Patsy Cline had a baby' sort of way. The country twang of the guitar on "I'm Alright With You" was definitely cowboy boot approved-- namely by those on my own feet.

Looking forward to a New York City encore, fo' sho.

For a FREE download of Audrye's "Turn Me Off", touch me.

Preface

2008-08-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

The avoidance of chronicling the episodic spectacles of my life on the interweb has gone on long enough. I'm at a point of over-saturation and I just can't help but want to share. Coming back to New York has been good to me, just real good stuff...

There will be magical stories to follow, I promise: