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Off to Chicago
Tuesday Nov 23, 2004 - Link to Entry
This time one year ago I released the Goodbye Project. I raced the CD's back home and performed twice to promote it while in town. Luckily this trip will be all rest and relaxation with a focus on catching up and writing with no marketing/sales to worry about.
There will be no updates while I am gone but please send your nominations for the following:
1. The easiest routes into music
2. The first annual Jayro awards -- Best music and film from this year
Happy Turkey Day!
The Hassle of the Holidays
Sunday Nov 21, 2004 - Link to Entry
Every year as the days grow shorter and the air cooler we as Americans like to huddle close with our loved ones for annual celebrations of life and gratitude. With the improvements in transportation and communications made available in the late 20th century, we as Americans have spread ourselves further and further apart yet have attempted to maintain more connections then ever were possible back in the handwritten letter days. With just a couple days left before I throw all of my dust covered sweaters in a bag and attempt to battle the people of Los Angeles to make my flight to Chicago, I wanted to have a small vent session about the Hassle of the Holidays.
1. Seeing everyone you want to see/Doing everything you want to do:
I made the error of attending college in the same town I grew up in. This means that when returning home I not only have the opportunity to catch up with childhood friends but also have quite a few collegiate folks around too with whom I'd like to spend some qt (quality time). There aren't enough seconds in that four day period that could even come close to giving me the time I require to accomplish all the plans that have potentially been set forth. Conclusion: The Holidays require more time than the time off granted.
2. Travelling Sucks -- BAD
Forget the intense rush hour traffic that I will attempt to thwart on my miserable local roads only secret route to LAX. Forget the hour long security line that I will have to somehow surpass to even have an opportunity to run a 4 minute mile to reach my gate on time. Flying twice almost across the country in a 4 day span with the time and weather changes is DEADILY on the immune system. I am doping myself up on allergy and cold meds before I even step foot on Chicago soil to try to buck this annual illness I seemingly have a knack for catching. Conclusion: Loved ones should move to a warmer climate or a closer place or I need new loved ones (joking of course).
3. Preparations and Recovery
Trying to squeeze all of the peeps in is a job in itself and can't just happen. Thus my weekend has been dedicated to trying to map out each and every moment of my time at home so that I can maximize my time with everyone. This of course has forced me to put off other preps like packing, doing laundry, paying bills, eating, Jeremy time alone....I mean...err....eating. Point being the before and after of a trip often eat into an already busy and stressful time with work and make you exhausted when you finally arrive. But you run on fumes, see everyone and have a great time...and then Sunday comes. And there is the one friend you forgot to call, and your flight is delayed so you might not make your connection, and you feel the throat closing up with slight aches and pain...And you know that when you get home you cant just kick up. You have to unpack, pay those bills, and do those few tasks that you promised yourself you'd take care of while on vacation but ignored the whole time. Before you know it its 12:30am Monday, you're sick, you're wired, and you need to be at work in 7 hours. Conclusion: Sleep on the plane, bring bills along with you, stop whining and enjoy the trip.
When push comes to shove spending time with people you love is always worth the hassle and inconvenience of cross country travels. Eventually you will have the money for a private jet and will be able to skip the whole airport security, rush hour thing, and life will be good. Just pray for no snow with me. Pray...
The Incredibles or rather the So-So'ables
Saturday Nov 20, 2004 - Link to Entry
Being a HUGE fan of Pixar and Disney collaborations after the flawless films, Finding Nemo & Toy Story, there was no way I was going to miss out on their latest. The critics have all raged about it calling it their best yet, the film of the year, and the most incredible animated film of all time. Yeah, about that . . . Not so much.
Okay look, it’s a decent movie. Decent. It is no where near the caliber of Pixar’s top productions and is probably only on Oscar’s radar due to what is considered by some to be one of the weakest years in Cinematic history. I hate when a film gets over hyped. I go in expecting my life to be slightly different when I leave the theatre. That’s what you should feel when you are laying witness to a “Best Picture.” The feeling that you had when you left after Forrest Gump or The Sixth Sense. Something so new that you could never see the world the exact same way. WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN THIS FILM, DO NOT GO IN WITH THAT LEVEL OF EXPECTATION!!!
It’s a cute film, it really is. It tells the tale of a world where Superhero’s are the celebrities. People follow their work, the criminals respect them, the cops rely on them. But then the world turns ugly and starts suing for physical harm brought about by their daring acts of rescue and the government is forced to relocate them and put them into hero retirement. Mr. Incredible gets an itch that he can’t scratch just by living a mundane suburban life with he and his super family, so he begins doing hero work again for a private employer. Well as they say, no good deed goes unpunished.
I must have checked my watch a few times or so. Mind you nothing like the bordem caused by the Harry Potter films, but nothing like the intensity and stakes brought about by films that get “it.” “It” is so simple really. Make a character that the audience can see themselves in and put that character at risk forcing he/she to either fail or change themself and conquer their flaw to succeed. Up the stakes just at the moment when it seems like all is about to be well for added risk. DO THIS only after the audience has invested themselves in the character. And in the end either allow the character success or extreme failure.
The Incredibles was funny, was beautifully animated, was fresh, and went where most cartoons have failed to go, but in no way did it keep the audience really captivated, focused, and on the edge of their seats. In pure entertainment value alone I’d rather see Saw than this So-So film.
Its just one man’s opinion.
The Greatest Beatles Song You’ve Never Heard …
Thursday Nov 18, 2004 - Link to Entry
Its no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Beatles. Something about their chemistry always struck a deep chord within me (intended cliché). Their counter melodies, three part harmonies, experimental spirit, and really high level production are and will always be music to my ears (another intended cliché).
I must admit its tough to come up with one single "secret" Beatles Song that trumps the rest. But at the same time its really difficult to find Beatles songs that haven’t spent time in the lime light. Off the top of my head here are the nominees for Greatest Beatles Song you’ve never heard …
"No Reply" – Beatles For Sale
This song kicks off what is widely accepted as the worst album of the Fab Four. While I’ll agree that perhaps there are more bombs on this record than usual, there are also so grand treasures and amongst them is this seemingly innocent song that bridged bubble gum rock to the angriest of blues tunes. The song tells the story of a snooping boyfriend catching his girlfriend intentionally ignoring his phone calls. I have a friend JD who got caught doing something similar when he was being partially stalked. He saw who the call was from and rejected it. He then looked up to see her across the street glaring at him. He also mentioned she was wearing headphones – perhaps listening to this hidden Beatles classic.
Honorable mention from this album: "Follow the Sun" – Possibly one of the greatest Paul songs of all time, I actually felt that it was slightly too mainstream for this list and thus omitted it. "Baby’s in Black" – Not a great song but it features a three part harmony in the bridge that will melt any music lover’s heart.
"For No One" – Revolver
A cute little piece that according to a book I read back in college has only been played three times live. Paul played it once for the boys, once for George Martin, and then they recorded it. Its a lot like a museum exhibit that never opened. Its buried in a very rich LP but its worth brushing the dust off and having a closer listen. Still, even its title suggests that Paul knew this song was never really going to amount to much.
"Rain" – Past Masters II
My Beatles professor was obsessed with this song. He said that in a way this song was like when the color started appearing in Pleasantville. It was about rain washing away all the bull sh#t, the suits running for cover, and the rest of the world cleansing and being re born. Besides being one of the band’s first message songs it featured some amazing experimental drumming by good old Ringo.
"I’m So Tired" – The White Album
I debated whether or not this song is mainstream. I didn’t find much about it on the internet and I really really love this song so I had to put it on the list. It tells the story of John whilst he was on the retreat in India. He can’t get Yoko out of his mind, he can’t seem to follow the self-disciplinary rules set forth by the Maharishi, he wants to sleep but has too much on his mind. This song is an inner struggle and it is a straight up solid rock song. If you’ve ever felt a war brewing inside yourself that this song will sing to you.
"Lovely Rita" – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Can anything from this epic record really be a secret? Hidden as best as it can be this song sits on the "B" side of what is considered to be the most cohesive rock experience ever created, Lovely Rita gets back to the Liverpudlian roots of the boys. Paul isn’t sure if she looks more like a girl or a guy but he’ll take what he can get even if its on the couch in front of the entire family. Either way she picked up the tab and his heart so she can’t be all bad.
Feel free to write with additional nominees. The winner will be selected by week’s end.
"For tomorrow may rain so I’ll follow the sun…"
-Paul McCartney
Welcome back Alternative Rock!!
Wednesday Nov 17, 2004 - Link to Entry
For years I’ve thought that bubble gum pop and the growing urban influence on Hard Rock had put the alt rock movement to bed. KROQ here in Los Angeles has shown me otherwise. No longer must I lay dormant underground clinging to singer/songwriters for passion in performance and meaningful song. No longer!
Stand up and be proud new wave of alt rock. Will the world please welcome Muse, today’s modern Toadies. With their haunting bass line, unique measure, and scorching vocals their latest hit reminds me of one of the greatest pieces of the nineties, “Possum Kingdom.” Also welcome Keane, Oasis but with a bit more talent. They have been compared to the Beatles and Radiohead. I’m not sure I buy either, but what I hear in them is a very strong sense of emotional crescendo, melody/counter melody, and PASSION!! And be proud Green Day, you were there in ’94 and you are still rocking in 2004.
Do we have a new Stone Temple Pilots or Weezer? Who will replace Nirvana as the cornerstone of the movement? These intricacies have yet to sort themselves out. But it has been made clear that the nation’s ears have grown tired of Timberlake, Spears, Nickelback, and Linkin’ Park and are ready for some old sounds revived anew. Keep on bringing it Snow Patrol, Sum 41, Papa Roach, (The) Killers, (The) Music, and more. Its great to have some rock that speaks to the soul and moves your body without busting your speakers. 106.7 is the local choice to catch a piece of the revamped movement. Find a source near you!
Running on empty. . .
Tuesday Nov 9, 2004 - Link to Entry
It’s been a hard day’s week and I’ve been working like a slave. In my past four work days I’ve netted 48 hours. That’s 16 hours of overtime. In my mind there are only 16 usable hours a day so if I’m working an average of 12 of those 16 I’m not left with a lot of breathing room. But I’m not complaining…it comes with the territory!
Today I got to try my hand at some ADR (advanced dialogue replacement). My job was to announce a welcoming to the people of Hot Wheel City. Apparently if they keep my voice in the final trailer I’ll get somewhere between $500 and $1000. It took all of 3 minutes. Unbelievable!! I’ll keep you posted.
Now its time for me to work on my outside work pursuits like eating, sleeping, and creating. Lates.
I've lost my identity . . .
Monday Nov 8, 2004 - Link to Entry
I update and no one even reads the damn thing… And all amidst an identity crisis. Yes an identity crisis. I’ve lost my identity and according to my cynical fortune cookie I’ve also lost my sound judgment. How did I lose my identity? I think I left it on the counter at Ralph’s but I never will really know. Yes, just yesterday, in my overworked semi-daze I managed to misplace my License, Credit Card, Debit Card, and most importantly my AAA card. That’s three A’s, not TWO!
Turns out my judgment may be lackluster but my financial institutions are not! I have new cards already in the mail after two very short phone calls. Not bad!!! I do have a week without cash ahead of me though. Thank goodness for my Disney piggybank (oh and my backup credit cards).
Speaking of identity – the state I most identify with, Illinois, seems to be roaming large in Los Angeles. As you may or may not know, I spend a damn load of time on the road everyday in this fair and traffic-ridden metropolis. In my time at the wheel I have perfected many things including: driving with every free limb, flirting using windshield wipers, radio surfing like a God, and playing detective about my fellow drivers. I love reading bumper stickers, license plate holders, and other clues that implicate the inner life of the driver. In my sleuth work I have noticed that the second most common origin of cars in LA is my home state dogg, Illinois. Why is it that so many people are here from the Land of Lincoln? Or is it that us flatlanders are just a lot less willing to transfer our plates to the correct and legal California marking? These questions will remain unanswered for the time being but I would like to speculate that perhaps the abundance of my Midwest brethren is due to Phil Jackson. See when I visited LA back in 1996 I didn’t see any plates from IL, but now they are everywhere. It is clear that Bulls fans followed him wishing to perfect his teachings and the triangle offense. But Jackson disciples where will you go now that your leader has called it a day? Only time will tell.
May I reclaim my identity as my ancestors disperse in search of their respective peace gardens.
An update? Yeah an update -- So shut it!
Sunday Nov 7, 2004 - Link to Entry
It’s been awhile. Long enough that people have started calling to find out if I’m still alive. Long enough that people who don’t even have a website are mocking the lack of updates…Yeah, you know who you are. You’ve hurt me!
Enough pleasantries. Some very important milestones have occurred since you and I last sat down for drinks. With today’s entry I’d like to focus on a landmark in the life of my child, my car. As of a couple weeks ago, Sari the Ceta Reta Vau (Honda CRV) reached 100,000 ticks and was still running as if she were sorta new.
The life and times of Sari the Ceta Reta Vau have been wondrous, turbulent, challenging, but fantastic. Today we recount her life’s story. This is your life Sari the car!
Born in 1997, Sari was purchased new off of a Honda lot somewhere in Middle America. Little is known about these early days other than that she was slightly under driven, had a few dimple dents, and had never had a major trauma. I met Sari on the Jacob’s Twin lot in the summer of 2000. I had just come into money and was looking to upgrade from my high school beater, little toot, the 1990 Mazda 323/Protégé, that had rusted through and was not ideal for Chicago’s horrendous winters. Alas at a little over three years old and with 30,000 miles and a strange musty dog type scent, Sari became my second automobile.
Immediately her running legs were tested. I set out on two huge road trips. The first took myself and Matt Jacobs through the Red Prairie states into the lovely West Coast and back again. Then after reaching Chicago I traded road partners and headed out East with Jacki Gloger. Yes within a month of owning Sari she had been from sea to shining sea. The tip of Maine and the South coast of California. But was Sari done….Awww hell no!
The fall brought her to many big ten campuses as we followed our beloved Wildcats to and fro. And when winter came she showed off her 4 wheel drive capabilities, as I finally felt safe on the roads of Chicago. The spring brought new life as well as Sari’s second trip to the East coast. Aural Fixation headed out on a spring tour up and down the coast that brought us to the great universities of Harvard, Georgetown, and my personal favorite Haverford.
Her road career was really just getting started. The following is a breakdown of the next 3 years:
Back to Los Angeles for the summer with Paul Jury. 30 straight
hours of driving featuring a lot of showtune-sing-alongs.
Back from LA to see about a girl…not a great choice. But the ride
with Gabe through Vegas was fun!
Then that girl, Ms. Debb, and I went on an impromptu roadtrip to
Yellowstone, Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and more.
Finally Sari got a brief reprieve when I traveled across the pond for
the fall of 2001.
I continued to keep her in partial retirement rejecting the idea of
driving her to Florida for spring break and deciding to ship her to
San Francisco instead of driving out west for a 4th time.
And then something horrible happened. In a hurry and at a tough
intersection I threw Sari in front of a speeding infinity. She came
within $100 of being scrapped by my insurance company…But did
that kill her spirit – NO! 6 weeks later, after I had grown
accustomed to SF finest public transport, she emerged almost
anew. There are a few residual effects but all and all she was back
to good and had really had her mileage pace taken down.
BUT with friends in LA and family in Phoenix small road trips really
started adding up. Add to that DJ-ing all over the Bay area and
you’ve got a lot of mileage!
Once again I spared Sari by towing her down to LA instead of
driving. BUT living in LA and working as a runner I have been
POURING on the mileage.
So Sari welcome to triple digits. Though your strange musty scent has not been aided by a jamba juice incident and your use as a moving van on countless occasions, you are still a great mini SUV. I love you dearly though I contemplate replacing you at least once a week in this wintery economic climate you gas guzzling whore.