Din's Bloggy

Staring At Men Who Stare At Goats

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:20:00 -0500

Great movie that was, a real treat. Different flick, very ridiculous and yet timely and important. Will upset some people, that IMO, want a bit of upsetting. It is a movie with an agenda, a message, a solid chunk of propaganda. Just so happens I agree with it. Plus, seeing George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, AND Kevin Spacey, in ANYTHING would be fun, but (massive SPOILER ALERT!) seeing them and an entire military base trip balls on LSD in the desert, laughing and crying and freeing abused prisoners and animals and abandoning their posts to bombastic 70’s rock, well, I enjoy that sort of thing.

Watch HD trailer here.

Funny, funny, funny.

Pirate Kitty's Last Meow?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:45:00 -0500

East Bay Express exclaims:

The Fall of Pirate Cat Radio

Bay Newser yowls:

S.F.’s Pirate Cat Radio Shut Down by FCC

Ah! But SF Appeal offers:

How You Can Help Pirate Cat Radio Stay On The Air

yow! Stooges playin "Raw Power" live =)

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:06:00 -0400

yow! Stooges playin "Raw Power" live =):

I like this trend of groups doing concerts of their classic albums in entirety. Devo doing “Are We Not Men” and “Freedom Of Choice,” Judas Priest doing “British Steel,” even Van Morrison recently toured “Astral Weeks.”

I saw The Stooges in ‘07 on Iggy’s 60th b-day in San Francisco, with Ron Ashton on guitar, doing their earlier songs. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Gone were the notoriously violent audience reaction and Iggy’s self mutilation of old. What remained was the strength of the material, played at peak intensity with Iggy in supernaturally fine voice and a physical power not expected from a 60 year old, but rather from four 15 year olds simultaneously inhabiting an exploding, contorting animal made of pure rock and roll energy. It was uncanny.

Now with James Williamson on guitar, on the songs he co-wrote and recorded with Iggy after Ron Ashton moved to bass, they’re performing the 3rd album, which though a poorly produced cacophonous mess and a commercial flop upon release, was a magnificent work of art that crept up inexorably through the years and decades to alter and improve the very DNA of rock and roll music. I think we can expect this show will be delivered with the same dedication and, forgive me, raw power, as the ‘07 tour. Can hardly wait!

MOg it tUP!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:16:00 -0400

In the ever-changing online music landscape, it looks like the new Mog service could be a disruptive and potentially very positive development. NYT article Still Hoping to Sell Music by the Month breaks it down. I’m already a big fan of Mog as a music blog aggregator, but this sounds incredible, like a music lover’s dream. Can’t wait to try it.

Blues to Blow the Blues Away

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:04:00 -0400

Saw a blues band last week at Bobby G’s in Berkeley. They blew the roof off the building.

Little Wolf and the Hellcats

I aint lyin.

Proprietor Bobby G himself joined in on harmonica, and he rocked, it was brill, haven’t heard smokin’ blues harmonica like that in a while. Turned out to be just the medicine, as I had showed up with blues of my own, for reasons blues is usually caused. It’s the same for everyone, yet unique in every case. So a gr8 blues set, a slice of Bobby G’s famous pizza with roasted garlic and fresh tomatoes, and voila, the blues is sent on their way, for a time. Meandered down to Ashkenaz for the “dance-a-thon” benefit and Zulu Spear reunion show. Adam Beach, my favorite tenor player in the world who also happens fortunately to be in my band, used to tour with them and he was onstage, wailing out. More cure for my blues.

Music is irreplaceable. The music business may be wallowing in the worst Mickey Mouse Club Meets Nazi Cabaret In Tipper Gore’s House Saccharine Auto Tuned Ersatz Rock Soulless State Of Mainlined Piffle in recent memory, but live musicians, doing their thing, still have the power to take a sad heart and make it glad. I can’t think of a thing with more inherent value.

K'Naan and On

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:31:00 -0400

I downloaded these mp3s on Sunday. Just cannot stop listening to them. It’s Tuesday and I bought the albums. He’s got a new one out called Troubador. Don’t sleep on it ;->

K’Naan

“If Rap Gets Jealous” (mp3)

“Soobax” (mp3)

“I Was Stabbed By Satan” (mp3)

from “The Dusty Foot Philosopher”
(Interdependent Media)

Buy This Album

K’Naan

“Whats Hardcore?” (mp3)

“Strugglin” (mp3)

from “The Dusty Foot on the Road”
(Interdependent Media)

Buy This Album

no caption nor comment can possibly do this justice =)

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:07:00 -0400

no caption nor comment can possibly do this justice =)

Bricks, Bands, and The Inevitable

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:45:00 -0400

I recently ranted about Five Band Shots That Must Be Retired. What good, I ask you, is a rant, without a measure of complete hypocrisy?

So there we were at the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest, just about to go on stage, when nice young photographer Alicia asked if she could snap a few shots of the band. We had a minute, standing around, so why not? It was only after a few clicks that it dawned on me where we were standing. Yes, this was it, the dreaded Brick Wall Shot! Mind you, we didn’t seek out this brick wall, it was just there, I mean, we were there, it was there, you could say it was, the Perfect Brick Wall Shot Storm. And I like it. I do. The whole set is good actually, very artful and it catches the spirit of the band and the event that day rather magically. Only one missing here is Drummie Mike who was onstage sound checking.

So there it is. I conclude that all bands, eventually, will take a picture on railroad tracks looking like hooligans, another on a beach gazing into infinity, and one lined up in front of a brick wall, whether they intend to or not. It’s best not to fight it. Pretty sure this was snapped at just the moment I uttered aloud, OMG, it’s the Brick Wall Shot! Knew I’d never live it down, so thanks for the notes from my friends who busted me on it. It’s better than the In The Studio Scowling Over A Mile Long Mixing Console Shot. I have one of those actually, but you do not get to see it.

Photo by Alycia Ramirez-Leatherman

Burnt Toast and Perfume

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:49:00 -0400

The neighbors are burning toast, it smells like. Who burns toast in the evening? Drug people, that’s who. They’re stoned and they make toast, put ice cream on it, watch “Lost” and “American Idol” and wonder why they need Zoloft. Smells strangely good.

Lots of interesting smells today. On the BART train a wafting cloud of the most sickly, horrible perfume ever choked upon by man, invaded and engulfed the captive audience. Stuck, can’t hold breath nearly long enough, claustrophic in sardine can careening along at rush hour, gazing outside at air, the promise of relief.

Now, perfumes I am sure, are subjectively valued, like music or food or drink, one man’s nectar is another man’s poison. But I think we can all agree at least, that no perfume should be slathered onto the wearer with a wet mop and firehose, yes? Excess is not the point, right? And, a perfume should be pleasant, subtle, perhaps enticing or mysterious depending on the desired effect; but not Essence of Plastic Flowers raped by Paint Thinner in a Fried Cherry Bubble Gum reduction or did I miss the plot? This must have been a mistake, or unholy prank, but if not, well that’s more disturbing.

Doors open mercifully, refreshing cool Pacific coast air fills nose and lungs. Freedom, bliss. Life’s little pleasures. Deep breaths.

Aswaaaaad =)

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:48:00 -0400

UK reggae/dub giants Aswad team up with top electronica/dub producers The Rhythm Riders to deliver a satisfying musical brew. First time I heard Aswad’s New Chapter Of Dub, my synapses were permanently rearranged! This 2006 album finds the vocal group still innovating and stretching in new musical directions, yet their harmonies and chats maintain a vibe that reminds instantly and positively of their earliest work. Nice thing to find on a Saturday August morning. That is all

Aswad
“This Sound” (mp3)
from “Aswad vs. The Rhythm Riders”
(Liaison Music)

More On This Album

Mini review of mini bus

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:06:00 -0400

Aaron Cometbus’ latest - Cometbus #52, The Spirit of St. Louis, Or, How To Break Your Own Heart, A Tragedy In 24 Parts - is brilliant, depressing, gut-bustingly funny, bleak, hopeless, AND uplifting and inspiring.

How do you do that?

This is the sort of book that can make you startled by your own presence, suddenly aware of where you are, and what you’re doing there, and why. That can be scary. It can also be thrilling, and useful.

I could say more about this book but I wont right now. It’s such a raw, personal statement, you almost feel like you’re spying on the dude just by reading it, and my reaction to the community and events he describes is still sort of growing like a mushroom cloud.

Also hands down the best $3 entertainment value I’ve seen in ages.

Johnny Clegg and Juluka

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:38:00 -0400

Been on a Johnny Clegg jag since I learned their music is online now. Been listening to this track all day. A saga of a war I know little about. Glorious piece of music, powerful song. The vocal harmonies are so rich. K, must get step away from the laptop. Happy Friday.

Johnny Clegg & Juluka
“Impi” (mp3)
from “African Litany”
(Rhythm Safari Pty Ltd)

More On This Album

Cafe Van Kleef

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:40:00 -0400

Cafe Van Kleef

I Hella

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:36:00 -0400

Went to Cafe Van Kleef last night for Musashi Trio. Van Kleef is an amazing scene on any given night, but last night it was orbital.

Moose and his band are cooking along, doing their blues rock thing full on, when a few songs into their set, something out of the ordinary happens. I hear what I first think is an echo on the drums from the back of the room, or out front. It gets louder, the beat is out of time with what the trio is playing, then I hear the unmistakable sounds of a brass band, complete with tuba and marching snare and bass drums. What?

I turn and see my ears do not deceive me - a carnival has entered the room and I quickly put together that we are being ambushed by the Extra Action Marching Band. Heard of their antics, never seen ‘em, and my first reaction is - hey that’s rude, walking in on a band’s set like that! But also delighted and amused. How will this play? The band is up there jamming away - Moose’s eyes are closed in the middle of a solo - he can’t hear the invading cacophany yet, onstage as he is, in front of the amps and drums. With a certain glee I study the band’s response - they’ll know in a matter of seconds.. there, eyes open, quick cartoon double take, re-assessment of situation, barely perceptible indignation at this brazen takeover, replaced quickly by silly grins, as a gang of go-go dancers with giant silver pom-poms mounts the stage, tables and the bar itself, gyrating precariously yet with practiced precision. Myself and everyone else in front is trapped - there’s no getting in or out of this now - the way is sealed by a very loud, very well rehearsed, flamboyantly dressed guerilla marching band. Extraordinary. The floor is theirs, the entire long narrow bar room has become a stage, the players and dancers having distributed themselves snugly throughout the already crowded room. The audience, mixed in as we were with these usurpers, seemed to go from bewilderment and shock to unanimous approval in a matter of seconds. Once it was understood what was happening, it seemed perfectly natural. They did not overstay their welcome - did three numbers and left as they had arrived - playing raucously, dancing and cavorting and carrying on like life is fun, and a good thing.

The room was already electric before this spectacle, now it’s ready to launch. Their unplanned break over, the Trio returns to the stage and melts the place. Giddy smiles fill the room as Moose goes berserk on a Stevie Ray cover, and even Peter Van Kleef’s famously decorated walls seem to celebrate.

All this after an early dinner at teh Fat Lady and a good play at the rehearsal studio downtown. I hella <3 Oaktucky.

Branding After Midnight

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:20:26 -0400

Sleeptrain Pavilion. Used to be Concord Pavilion. Oracle Arena. That was the Oakland Arena. Does it matter? Now the parks, stripped of funding, entertain offers from corporations to brand and maintain them too. Budweiser Beach. Why not? Microsoft Sierra Nevada Wilderness. Chevron Sacramento Delta. Laugh. It’s good to laugh.

Such darkness in my mind as I arrive at the Sleeptrain Pavilion last Friday, to enjoy one of the greatest metal bands, Judas Priest. Michael V and I wander the grounds, watch the crowd and drink $10.00 beers, ignoring Whitesnake. We’re ornery at this point. More friends pop up, including assorted Berkeley punkers. What are we doing here? Right, we’re here to see Priest.

They did British Steel in its entirety, and they killed it. Still a great band, and after 30 years of touring, well, there’s just no other way to explain that level of tightness. Rob Halford and his crew are truly generous performers, and masters of their own invention. As for their music, it had never occurred to me before this concert, that unlike Led Zepellin and other hard rockers before them, Judas Priest is not a blues based band. They are a rogue classical combo, rampaging through a steel town in open revolt, leaving it in ruins and riding off into a burning horizon on Liberace’s motorcycle. What’s not to love? The mostly suburban crowd was gobsmacked and the second encore was demanded as sincerely as the first.

Left the building cleansed of my branding angst, counted down the minutes to my birthday with good friends, and now, I’m Living After Midnight! Hyuk hyuk :P

Superfan's Supermusic Lovefest

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:46:00 -0400

I have been digging the daily posts at Superfan 2009. I think her rap about the rapidly changing music scene on her About Me page is right on. She has truly eclectic tastes, and she loves her some SKA, too! Dig in, it’s a curated feast of music, filtered by a knowledgeable music fan, to cut through the vast seas of free music on the web and help you get to some of the tastiest under-discovered mp3s from all over the world, with a minimum of effort. A music fan’s dream. Plus, um, I just love those feet.

"The rebel who grows up to be an advertising executive, the angry young anarchist who becomes the..."

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:53:00 -0400

“The rebel who grows up to be an advertising executive, the angry young anarchist who becomes the older and richer realtor, the parking lot which comes to take the place of paradise. These cliches are repeated so often in our lives, they begin to sound wise, like any parable. But what do they teach us? That it’s hopeless to be idealistic, stupid to think we can change things or even hold onto what little we have. Failure and disillusionment are shown to be not only inevitable, but comical. Ironic, isn’t it? But no, it’s not. It’s tragic to be taught that. And, it’s far from the truth.”

- Aaron Cometbus, Mixed Reviews

Overheard

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:29:00 -0400

At traffic light, waiting for walk signal..

Dude 1: You know what’s really wrong with the world today?
Dude 2: Sucka MC’s?

It's time for another thrilling episode of..

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:27:00 -0400

The GOOD and BAD show!

Every once in a damn while when we (me) feels like it, we (I) post one GOOD thing and contrast it with one BAD thing, for amusement, education, and health. Today’s installment has to do with two public figures, one GOOD, and one BAD. Ready?

Let’s start with the GOOD one.

Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Convention because of its inexcusable attitude toward women. This is good. President Carter’s essay on the subject is a good read. BlogHer.com compiles some good discussion on the matter from women around the web. So there’s the good bit. Hope you enjoy.

Now comes the BAD.

As you have no doubt heard, South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint had this to say about the current attempt at making our health care system slightly less awful:

“If we’re able to stop Obama on this it will be his Waterloo. It will break him,” he said.

Break him? Like a horse? Or a dog? Or a slave? Break him? That, coming from a white southern state right wing fundamentalist bigot? Remarkable choice of words, and revealing.

I like Mark C. Eades suggestion that this be used against DeMint in the 2010 election. For some background on the bad Senator, see this DownWithTyranny entry. It is good.

Well, that wraps up our show for today. Stay tuned for more good and bad, it’s everywhere, and remember, bad people win elections when good people stay home.

With no attempt to be objective, this has been our (my) opinion.
Or as the song goes, that’s our story and we’re stickin’ to it!

I leave you with the immortal words of the late great Berkeley resident Joseph Charles who so sincerely and so often would say to strangers and friends alike, “Have a GOOD day!”

Made and Un-Made in America

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:58:00 -0400

Watched Stacy Peralta’s Crips and Bloods: Made in America. Highly recommend it. Whatever your background, I think you’ll learn something unexpected and vital from this film. I liked Peralta’s earlier docs, but I didn’t know how this rebel surfer skateboard legend from Santa Monica was going to tackle a history as vast and complex as the gangs of south central LA. Well, in short, he and his team created an essential film. You can Netflix it, or buy the DVD.

Peralta’s account of The Movie They Didn’t Want You to See is also a good read, and the official movie site contains a wealth of info, including contacts for organizations that are actively working to improve this situation which ultimately effects us all.

It’s almost silly to discuss a movie like this in terms of cinematography, but the opening shot is one of the most beautiful and poetic depictions of Los Angeles I have ever seen. It’s a simple enough device they employ, I wont spoil it for you, but the way it sets the stage for the story that follows is inspired. All the interviews are revealing and intelligent, and the voice-over narration by Forest Whitaker is spot on. Check it out.

Here’s a trailer