cageyness’ Neighborhood

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Information Clearing House Newsletter News You Won't Find On CNN November 11, 2009 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ " [I]n such a world of conflict, a world of victims and executioners, it is the job of thinking people, not to be on the side of the executioners."  - Albert Camus   = "Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -how passionately I hate them!" -  Albert Einstein   = "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it." George Bernard Shaw:   = "Patriotism ... is a superstition artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods; a superstition that robs man of his self-respect and dignity, and increases his arrogance and conceit." Emma Goldman:   = " In the United States, doing good has come to be, like patriotism, a favorite device of persons with something to sell." - H. L. Mencken   = "No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots." Barbara Ehrenreich:   = "A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election." Bill Vaughan:   = "The strong do what they can, and the weak do what they must." Thucydides (c. 460 B.C. - c. 395 B.C.)

I arrived late to the Triple Rock, in Minneapolis, so I had already missed some of Surfer Blood (myspace / twitter). However, I did get the gist of the band, who seems like they are going to be a hot new buzz band - like Vampire Weekend. Highlight of their set was the last song, in which the guitarist brought the solo drum into the audience as everyone on stage went monkeys. (Sort of feels orchestrated to me, like they didn't really put much effort in trashing their equipments). The audience seem to welcome Blood Surfer, so it's all good.

Art Brut

Loads of Art Brut fans were in the audience that night. You can tell by all the t-shirt and their eagerness of being in front and center. When the band came on, doing "Formed a Band", which singer Eddie Argos turns to the audience and said, "you ought to try it, it's brilliant!"

Eddie looks like a guy that doesn't take himself too seriously. He seems to like to drink a lot and talk a lot (but with his thick British accent, it's not like we could understand half what was said). He seems to swagger on stage a lot, often using his left arm to illustrate the songs.

There wasn't enough room on stage for Argos to do his infamous microphone skip, but he did manage to sing half of "DC Comics" by the bar section. Speaking of which, I think it's cool that Argos is a huge DC fan - since UK comics are usually, you know, 2000 AD/Judge Dredd sort. During the song, Argos spouted out what I hear as "Christian Bale", "Booster Gold" (if I can remember, I think he was basically a janitor from the future with future tech and a Legionaires flight ring), and something about "Metropolis".

Setlist

As you can see from the setlist, they did a mix of new and old songs. The setlist also doesn't reflect what was played, for instance, I know "The Passenger" was played well after "DC Comics". I suppose the setlist was more of a rough guideline than actual instructions.... which actually fits the way Art Brut operate.

The thing about "The Passenger", from their latest album Art Brut vs Satan, is that it got this great introduction. Eddie explained how he thought the Iggy Pop song was about taking the subway, "Iggy doesn't seem to me to be the driving sort." It wasn't until later did he discovered that Iggy's song was about taking heroin in back of a limo with David Bowie. Too funny.

Oh the other thing, the way Eddie sings, if you can call it singing, is quite interesting. It's more like rambling, it definitely feels at time like The Fall - only with a lot heavier backing band.

The band left and came back with three encores. I thought I heard Eddie saying "we don't normally do this", which may have been said in an ironic kind of way. I really couldn't tell, all I know is that the encores were met by the fans' demands.

Art Brut's funk sole brother

PS, They only had T-Shirts and CDs for sale at the merch table. I was hoping to see some of their awesome shoes. It's £20 online, which is about $40 USD, but totally worth it if you are a massive Art Brut fan. Get those shoes, and also their latest album, Art Brut vs Satan, at the usual online stores.

Taking a break from the usual live reviews of late, I will be doing some much-ignored reviews this week. Today's theme is all from the same record label.

Suburban Noize Records have been around since the mid-90s, catering to a very certain market of young hip hop, herb culture, and punk fans. We have a few items from them for review.

For starter, SubNoize Souljaz (myspace) is like the all-star supergroup, consisting of 15 or so Suburban Noize artists, including members of Kottonmouth King, Big B, and Jared Gomes (singer of Hed PE).

Their third album, Blast From The Past, just dropped late last August. While I am unfamiliar with some of these titles, I almost knew all the cover songs from hearing them on the radio. Except this album are all done in the style of that only Subnoize can deliver. With the variety of rappers and lead singers - the music is somewhat uneven, but at least the vocals stands out from each other. Particularly, I was impressed with Judge D's cover of LL's "Mama Said Knock You Out" and a funky The Dirtball's cover of RATM's "Microphone Fiend" (the bass is really good on this song) and Slick Rick's "Children's Story" by Daddy X.

It's evident that these guys owe a lot to influential bands that came before them (NWA, 2Pac, Snoop, Dre), so this album is a tribute to them. If you like old-school rap, particularly Death Row Records, as much as anyone that grew up in the 90s, you will definitely do yourself a favor and check out Blast From The Past.

Tour Dates 11/15/09 El Corazon Seattle, WA 11/16/09 Satyricon Portland, OR 11/17/09 DNA Lounge SF, CA 11/18/09 Boardwalk Orangevale, CA 11/20/09 Starline Fresno, CA 11/21/09 Modesto Virtual Modesto, CA 11/22/09 Chain Reaction Anahiem, CA 11/23/09 Karma Victorville, CA 11/24/09 Roxy Los Angeles, CA

Brokencyde, or seemingly nonsense caplock problem, brokeNCYDE (myspace), is also under Subnoize's screamo/punk label, BreakSilence Recordings. This sub-label also houses Eyes Set To Kill and Kill Paradise.

Anyway, Brokencyde is a "crunk"-core band (apparently this genre is a fusion of hip hop and electro, and possibly other genres like punk and rock). The band embrace the brand, and even have a song called "Get Crunk!".

The album actually did chart on the Billboard 200 at #86, which kind of impressed me, considering that many of the artists I hear about, they never chart. I think the high debut might possibly be due to their presence on this year's US Warped Tour. However, despite the success, the album was critically condemned. My favorite is (name redacted) review from NME: "even if I caught Prince Harry and Gary Glitter adorned in Nazi regalia defecating through my grandmother’s letterbox I would still consider making them listen to this album too severe a punishment." Critics who hates them, I don't think they understand that the album was meant for them... certainly the album is not meant for me. I am curious what the band will sound like when they've matured a bit. Although, I will have to confess that I did smile a bit when I heard "pee pee" sung on "Sex Toys" and "let's get retarded" on "Rockstar".

They look and sound very young (hey, FYI, their singer is called Se7en), which makes their debut album I'm Not a Fan... But the Kids Like It even more-so ironic. I did feel that despite their youngness, that some ALL of their songs with messages of drinking and sex, might not appeal to everyone. Then again, perhaps that's why "the kids like it". The real irony is that with all the cursing, you may have to be over 18 to purchase it.

Stronger songs on the album are: "Freaxxx" (with the catchy "let's get freaky" lyrics), and "Yellow Bus" (boasting about sex with groupies like Miley Cyrus??? WTF!).

If you don't mind the naughty messages, some autotune, some screamo, some electronica, check out I'm Not a Fan... But the Kids Like It at amazon.

Tour Dates 11/13/09 Budweiser Event Center* CO 11/14/09 Mid America Center*, IA 11/15/09 Uptown Theater* Kansas City, MO 11/17/09 Val Air Ballroom Des Moines, IA 11/18/09 Aragon Ballroom* Chicago, IL 11/19/09 The Fillmore* Detroit, MI 11/26/09 Grove of Anaheim, CA * with 311

Kottonmouth King (official / myspace) should need no introduction for any fans of Hightimes. The group found success in that "green" niche market, and is the flagship band on Suburban Noize label - possibly due to the record company being started by member Daddy X, and their manager, Kevin Zinger.

Their latest release is Hidden Stash 420, an epic 2-disc album. This is basically a collection of unreleased tracks, b-sides, remixes, demos. The packaging is also nice, it's a fold-out digipak. Hardcore fans will want to purchase the album directly from Subnoize Store or Best Buy stores, as that comes with a bonus DVD called The Lost Adventures of the Kottonmouth Kings.

While it's easy to just dismiss the band as pot smokers, that all their songs about weed, and although it's true, I believe they also deceptively paint a vivid picture of what their lifestyle is like. Check out tracks like "Take a Ride", as it describes California and family, all under a catchy chorus of "west coast is the place for me, never know what you'll see". But it's not all serious, there's a goofy song called "Late Night Call" with cultural reference of "me so horny", "facebook" and "myspace".

The collection is mostly older songs, and it's interesting to see some of their experiments. One song, "Tangerine Sky", seems like it's paying tribute to the Beatles LSD song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". "Tangerine Sky" comes off as being more melodic and slower than most of their songs. The other non-conventional KMK is a poppy song "Let the Music Play". I wish I knew the story behind this song, but what I can tell you that it sounds very happy and 60s love. Perhaps Jackson Five?

Anyway, my favorites are usually the faster-constantly rapping songs with a loopy DJ backback, like "Evolution" and "Got It Get It". The later is a new Kingspade (a division of Kottonmouth King's rap duo, Johnny Richter and D-Loc) venture, which may be important for fans, as they haven't released anything under Kingspade in the last two years.

The Lost Adventures of the Kottonmouth Kings

The DVD portion is a Best Buy exclusive. The two hour DVD featuring the band on tour, music videos and various miscellaneous. The audio and video quality can sometime be quite poor (night-time shooting is always an issue) to quite good (see image capture of a great quality), and I think sometime the director overuses the fisheye lens. Still, can't complain too much since it's added value.

Hidden Stash 420 is out now. A perfect Christmas gift for any stoner in your family.

   I decided that I would undertake more of Scott Westerfeld's books, since I was writing summaries of the Uglies series for the RFI website.  I decided to embark on the Midnighters series, and started with book one: The Silent Hour. It is the story of five teenagers who all were born at Midnight, and therefore can see things that others can't.  They get a whole extra hour at Midnight, where the rest of the world is frozen, and their powers come alive.  On can fly, one can mind cast. You get the picture.  They discover that there are ancient creatures that can only move during this 25th hr, and they have a  dangerous power, and are evil.  This book was fun. Fluff but fun.  Westerfeld is an engaging author, and not overly verbose.  It is a quick read.

  The Books of Umber: Happenstance Found was a formulaic book that really didn't seem to have much of a story. Sure there was stuff going on.  Lord Umber is clearly a man from our world who escaped into another one just as we succeed In destroying ourselves. He is struggling to find meaning, and documenting everything he finds.  He comes across Happenstance, a young boy with startling eyes, who has no recollection of his past.  There is some conflict, but for the most part this was a fairly bland story. It seems like it's mostly exposition for later volumes in the series.  I'd read another, but only if it promised more action.

  Love, Stargirl is the sequel to Stargirl, both by Jerry Spinelli.  I loved these books, and this one is written as a letter from Stargirl to the boy she loves, Leo.  She's dealing with the heartbreak of the last year, and the move from Arizona to Pennsylvania.  We meet Dootsie, the adorable 5-yr-old.  The "Honeybee's" and a myriad of other characters, all a part of Stargirls new entourage.  It was so good watching this unusual girl rediscover herself in the midst of a new world.  I highly recommend these books, especially for girls.  It's such a great lesson in how important it is to be yourself.

  Then I skated through the next in the "Trueblood" series.  I'm so enjoying them.  Such a delightful guilty pleasure. Life is so much more fun with vampires, shifters, faeries, and Sookie Stackhouse.  Definitely Dead was no exception.  Sookie has started dating a Were-Tiger, Quinn, and is going to pack up her murdered cousin's apartment. In the middle she saves Louisiana's vampire Queen a lot of Disappointment, and even Death. She also discovers some horrible things about Bill, the first love of her life, and Civil war Veteran (yes, in case you  hadn't figured it out, Bill's a vampire).  Sometimes Sookie gets a tad tiresome, but if you listen to it, like I do, the soft southern lilt of the reader makes up for any poor editing :)

  Kate DiCamillo never fails to win my heart, and The Tiger Rising is no exception.  This story follows a young boy who's miserably picked on at school, and ignored at home.  He lives in a small motel where his father is the maintenance man.  It's been their home since his mother died of a long illness.  There is heartbreak and hope intertwined all through this book.  Kate DiCamillo creates characters of depth and life. You just want to reach through the book and hug them.  Then, of course, there is the Tiger.  

   

  Push by Sapphire is a novel that is coming out in theaters this week.  It's the story of Precious, a 16yr old African-American girl who's father has repeatedly raped her.  She's pregnant with her second child by him, and has just been kicked out of school.  She's illiterate, and abused by her mother, who has stood idly by as Precious has been abused by her father.  What makes this novel even more authentic is that it's written in Precious's voice, just like she would speak it.  A daring and heartbreaking book.

  My second Russian Novel.  Crime and Punishment was not near as enjoyable as Anna Karenina.  I really was not impressed with Raskolnikov.  He really was just a user who thought he was superior to everyone, and therefore entitled to live by a different set of rules.  Bah.  I wasn't fooled.  He really needed a good spanking!  That being said, some of the other characters were interesting. Razumhikin, Donia, and Svid...whatever the rest of his name is.  I might attempt Dostoevsky again, but I would rather do Tolstoy again.  

  Whisper to the Blood is the latest in Dana Stabenow's 'Kate Shugak' series.  I love this Author, this Series, and this lead character.  Kate is interesting, complex, deep, clever, and in short, everything I would want to be, in the same circumstances....well most everything :)  This installment is great in furthering her story, her struggles with admitting her love of Jim Chopin, dealing with the native politics, and finding her place in the Niniltna Native Association.  Kate is also working to find who killed the person going around selling the idea of a new gold mine in the area.  Twists, turns, snow mobiles, and Mutt, half dog half wolf that is Kate's best friend, all  populate this enjoyable read.

The Treasure Map of Boys  is the latest in the Ruby Oliver series.  Ruby has panic attacks, and has trouble navigating the world of boys, high school, friendships, and being a social pariah.  She's intelligent and inventive, and insecure and inept all in one. The book is ok.  Not Brilliant, Not Horrible.  I was glad for a new installment, as I'm somewhat invested in her fictional life now, but wouldn't be heartbroken if no more came out.

  

PB&J and El Perro del Mar ♥ photograph by Michelle

At Webster Hall, the perils of sitting in the VIP balcony often outweigh the perks. True, it’s the ideal place for a certified midget like me, and there’s a private bar and quasi-comfortable seating – but one must also put up with being asphyxiated by the many fog machines, the not-so-subtle orgies taking place on the couches, and that one skeezy guy who keeps trying to offer you a flask full of absinthe. (“It’s the nectar of Satan!”)

But last night the VIP balcony was the place to be since it was the location of a historic fist bump between me and Andrew W.K.

I already knew he was set to make a cameo during PB&J’s set, along with a slew of others, but I did not expect our paths to cross. I don’t know what compelled me to lamely offer him my fist the moment I saw him, but all that matters is that he returned it and all was right in the world. Then he left, and I immediately texted my 13 year-old brother, who soon lapsed into an envy-induced coma.

Anyway: PB&J. I have to admit, I was really there for opener, El Perro del Mar. I’ve become obsessed with her latest LP, Love is Not Pop, as it is the perfect soundtrack for long nights of procrastination. Although the crowd didn’t seem too familiar with her work, she won them over with her peculiar brand of melancholy dream pop. She stuck to songs mostly from her new album, including her mind-numbingly lovely version of Lou Reed’s “Heavenly Arms.” The absinthe guy next to us dismissed her as “vagina music,” but I was too distracted by my estrogen-fueled state of euphoria to care.

Swede-fest ’09 continued with PB&J, who announced that this was their 10^th anniversary tour. It was easy to distinguish who was who, as Peter was the one in the pink shirt, Bjorn was the one not in the pink shirt, and John was the drummer. It only got slightly confusing during the smorgasbord of cameos that took place throughout their set. Some made perfect sense (El Perro del Mar on “Young Folks,”), some not so much (an L.A. rap duo who remixed an unrecognizable song off of Living Thing). The final cameo was Spank Rock, who seemed like a solid addition to “Nothing to Worry About” but his appearance was much too brief and almost abrupt.

Obviously the most dramatic cameo of the night was Andrew W.K.’s “interpretive” dancing during “It Don’t Move Me.” He didn’t utter a single word the whole time, yet he left the audience virtually speechless. It was spastic and random but ultimately the best moment of the night.

As for the band themselves, they were in top form as usual. Since the last time I saw them in March, people have warmed up considerably towards their newer material and seemed to enjoy it equally as much as anything off Writer’s Block. The band eschewed slower stand-bys for faster, upbeat songs from their first two albums, and they ended the night with the infectious “Objects of My Affection.” I was kind of hoping they’d play the slow burning track, “Up Against the Wall,” but my friend told me not to be greedy. After all, one paradigm-shifting fist bump was good enough for one night.