So far I like everything about this band. Their love for old school Blink-182, Southern California, summer time, reverb, and the ganja. Apparently the singer moved to NYC for college and was bummed on the winter, so she said screw this, moved back home, and started jamming with her homie. After a handful of really strong 7″s, Best Coast’s debut full length Crazy For You is 30 min of surfy pop rock perfection. It’s The Queers Don’t Back Down put through a Holy Grail and slowed down a couple BPMs. The influences are there, but the beautiful singing and sunny melodies are completely their own. From what I read the two members seem to have a rare chemistry genuinely rooted in friendship. I have not enjoyed an album from start to finish in years. In fact I cannot remember liking every track on a record, probably since Dillinger Four’s Civil War (2008). I’ll be cruising around on my skateboard and singing a long, just like I did when I was 15. Summer time rules!
We arrived a little late, so we did not get to see Imaad Wasif. Bummer cause the dude shreds. I saw him open for Dead Meadow a few months ago, and the former Yeah Yeah Yeah’s touring bassist can definitely hold his own. He is a rock guitar wizard and his set includes a variety of styles. The dude is quite versatile, all 90 lbs of him. Hope you got some deli tray on this tour brotha. Throw some slices of bread into those 3 square meals. Cocaine is not a food group. We did catch half The Dodo’s set which was rather boring. Talented as they maybe, two person melodic folk rock bands consisting of floor toms and xylophones are just not my style. The floor tom guy is pretty sick tho, and the singer has some nice chops.
Canadian super groups with old dudes. Wrecking balls! This past Friday I got to see what many consider as the best power pop act in the game. The New Pornographers lead by Niko Case, AC Newman, and Destroyer’s Dan Bejar are a spectacle to behold. I got to see them at a Canadian Music Showcase in Prospect Park about 4 years ago. One cannot help but become elated when experiencing the sounds that these neighbors from the north emit. Niko is a treasure. Her voice is so unique and beautiful. It’s very rich, soulful, original, and catchy as hell. Love that red hair girl. Her tambourine skills are matched only by Leila Moss of The Duke Spirit. I am pretty sure that she is my favorite female lead at the moment. AC Newman’s high pitched heady yelp is clutch. These fools can harmonize like no other. I am quite fascinated with AC Newman’s strumming hand and the technique he uses to play bar chords. I’ve always been a fan of the rhythm guitarist. Though I love solos, my favorite guitarist are not so much the technical beasts, but rather the ones that have supreme control and can create groove with despite limitation. The Bob Dylans, Lou Reeds, Jon Reis’, and so forth. I’d stick AC somewhere in there at the bottom of that list. He holds it down. They played a tight set picking and choosing the hits off each record; carefully saving crowd pleasers for last. The mix from the rafters was tricky, but over all very good. The drummer Kurt Dahle is one of the best in the game. It’s true kids, get a good drummer, and your band is made. This guy’s ability to contribute exactly what each song needs is astounding. I am not so much a Destroyer fan, but I did enjoy how wasted the guy got, and was amazed at his ability to sing and perform. All and all, a fantastic night of music.
You can do as much drugs and get as much surgery as you want. You will never look as good, for as long, and bang as many dirty rock stars. There is no RO in this MODEL. Just say no. But, notice the tiny anchor tattoo. Found this while searching the interweb for inspirado. From a design stand point I’m super hyped on its size and location. Good luck staying clean Katie.
A very young (and very stoned) Alchemist talks about sampling records and coming up in the music business. One of my favorite video interviews because of the jankyness and the honesty. You could never do an interview with him like this now, it’s over 4 years old. Here’s just two parts to the four part interview.
Two separate non-conflicting events within a relatively close distance to each other.
Zooyork State of Mind Premiere will be held on Saturday the 13th 2009 at the Ward Warehouse mall. It will be on the 2nd Floor near the In4m Boardshop in the Kakaako Conference Room and will start at 7PM.
Also Darin Lee will be showing one of his Dvd’s “Before the Camera got Stolen” which will be featuring a whole bunch of your favorite local kine skaters with the likes of Bernardo B, Larry, Lenny Blaze, Silent John, Silent John’s brother, Ian Okui, Ian Kimura, Adrian Adrid, Travis Hancock, Brian Wyland, Chad, Chuck, Ryan Arakaki, Ryan Toyama, Shamus, Joel Maxey, Applenuts, Danny, Matt Chaffin, Keone Gunderson, Chris Kono, Tim action Jackson, Sean Riley, Shota Kubo, Connor Mc Givern, Dana, and Grant…Support Your Local Skaters
Then, my band Vaive Atoish, and my boys The Jump Offs and Gaza in Neon are gonna be doing short sets at the Loft. Rock!
Matt Homer has been schooling me on the power pop lately. He is a mega Fountains of Wayne Fanboy. I am not. But he recently informed me that the Fountains Bassist formed a super group called the Tinted Windows with… get this… James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins, Bun E. from Cheap Trick, and… *DRUM ROLL* Taylor Hanson??!? Hahrng? Not exactly who I would choose to front the sup-group, but you know it works. That whiny princess who cried when they didn’t win a grammy for mmm-bop or something has been busy… I don’t know, I wish I could tell you, I’m not even gonna google it. But the kid is growns up and you can’t deny that he has chops. Homer described it as “campy pop that gets in your head”. Then he proceeded to sing the hook in the single which ended up sounding nothing like the actual song. Hot damn these cats are pumping out some catchy tunes. It’s great to see James Iha actually show some emotion and Bun E. back pounding the skins. Check the clip above. I especially like when Iha palm mutes. Sick brah. Warning:This song will get in your head for days
As you may have noticed I have an interest in the “not-so-common” common folk. Once in a while I have the great fortune of happening upon an exceptional human being. I can’t really say specifically what draws me to them, but its got something to do with their persona, sense of humor, sense of style, and their energy for life. As for the next interviewee, I have never met him in person. I only know of him through a mutual friend, and his online endeavors, but he is obviously hilarious. He helps keep things moving at Trickwood in Kirkland, WA (and now Ballard) and runs an awesome blog called Hella Secret amongst other things. He is one of those funny dudes that should be on tv, but is too good for tv feel me.
1. How did you meet Luke (Sharks & Rays)?
About 3 years ago I was getting mugged in a park in downtown Seattle by a bunch of teenagers and Luke came to my rescue. We were the only two people that made it out of the park alive.
2. Did you ever go into Hector’s Kirkland to spy on Luke?
I just went in to see if he was working so I could maybe get the hook up on some fish and chips or a burger or something. I dont like paying for food. I think the last time i was in Hectors I was actually with Luke in the kitchen and the cook was handing us food while we were snapping photos with all the mexicans.
KK with Washington State Representative Deborah Eddy and Governor Chris Gregoire.
3. Trickwood seems to do their own thing. How does Steve come up with ideas for Neil Diamond and Burrito shirts? Well we wont take credit for the Neil tee, Those came from the boys over at Manik Skatebaoards. Steve has a very unique sense of style and an unmatched eye for design. I have no idea what inspires him as a designer but the Mexican culture, mainly taco trucks & mexican cuisine seem to be used in alot of his work. They say “do what you know”, Steve knows burritos.
Up! KK wrecking some Volleyball.
4. What does it mean to be ‘Regal’ amongst all these country fools? Setting the example. Its hard to soar with the eagles when you are surrounded by turkeys.
5. What does “Pac-Man” Pacquiao’s win mean to you on a personal level? Thats like asking all African Americans how they feel about Barack Obama being the president of the United States.. Manny Pacquiao is the Filipino peoples Barack Obama! I have always been proud to be Filipino, and Pac-Man just got a piece of the pie for all of us. I think its time for Trickwood to make clothing inspired by the Filipino culture. I can already see the adobo tee in my head.
Fact: I stayed with Donald Fauxtedge in Seattle this past summer and kicked his ass at SNES NBA JAM. Don’t let him deny it.
The first morning that I was there I went into his cupboard to grab a bowl of cereal and I was smothered by am avalanche of Simpsons Toys in their original packaging. I didn’t even ask. There was no explanation needed.
Batman: The Beginning
In my tweens (circa 00′) there was a this gnarly local punk message board where weakling kids with big mouths would spout off clever insults and make half assed threats. Donald ran that shit like the Big Mexican dude runs prison yard. 17 year old dude, 130 lbs, silencing fools with Dial-up and all that. Later on I met him in real life and my fear of him completely disappeared, only to replaced with an overwhelming sense of confidence. We kicked it. We were both in bands; you know how that story goes. He had this grandiose vision of making a legitimate Nirvana Cover Band and some how felt I could pull of the role of Kurt even though I am Asian. I guess he saw the heart. We failed of course as all Nirvana Cover Bands do. But, our relationship flourished. And by flourished I mean it stayed exactly the same. Like the Holy Grail, our friendship goes untouched or corrupted by human hands. While everything else has changed the basis our of relations is a mint conditioned Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card. He is one of the most convicted and ass backward dudes I know, but he does it with style. He is a fine punk musician having played in a several great bands such as Quarterhead, Three is Company, Akamai Boyz, and most recently The Human Waist Band. He is a great writer, but you seriously have to break into his house, tie him up, and pistol whip him if you wanna read his work. I like to refer to him as the modern day Emily Dickinson. Not because of his writing, but because he is a women. He also takes great photos. Captures the moment. Why am I doing this interview? Cause I adamantly feel that a the untold Fauxtedge Story is one worth telling, and definitely one worth knowing. Fall in love again for the first time.
1. What is your role with Flying Coffin?
I am supposedly in charge of the content for the serial portion of the website but I’m extremely lazy and rarely update it with anything. I have also done several things that are pretty much in the “bitch work” category out of some sort of friendship type obligation.
2. What is fauxtedge and how did it come about?
Fauxtedge is just a blanket term I use for on-line shit. It started out of sheer boredom when I was crashing at Jason Gomez’ house about four years ago. It’s main focus is to be a photo blog that isn’t of people partying or clubbing or drinking because I hate that shit.
3. What interests you about photography?
Viewing it, and creating it. I like taking pictures of my friends jumping in the air. Philippe Halsman had some good ideas.
4. Is there such thing as good art, and bad art?
Good art is done for the doing. Bad art is done for just money or pussy. There are exceptions.
5. If you were a women, would you be more attractive to the opposite sex than you are now?
I can’t answer this question in it’s current phrasing. I will say naked dudes are extremely ugly.
6. If you could form an all-star band, who would the members be, and what would the name be?
Ian Svenonius on vocals, Brooks Headley on drums, Eric Wood on bass, Todd Rittman on guitar. They’d be called Future Mistakes.
7. Why do you enjoy more, listening to music, or playing it?
I enjoy listening to music more than playing it because I know I could go like a year without touching an instrument but I couldn’t go more than a day without listening to a record.
8. You have lots of books, records, tapes, and toys. Which are your favorite? Any sentimental value?
A real small handful of the favorite things on my shelves are U.S. Maples Long Hair In Three Stages LP, Rorschachs Protestant LP, Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, the 1929 Underwood typewriter my mom got me for Christmas 2001 and Heat 2 disc DVD and the Dark Tower series.
9. What’s the hardest part about becoming a man? Paying rent.
10. Is time travel possible?
If time is not in fact a linear progression of moments than yes.
Mililani has been home to many young talents as of late. Professional Surfer Kekoa Bacalso, American Idol Runner-Up Jasmin Trias, Stereo Skateboards Amateur Dyson Ramones, Actor/Comedian Andy Bumatai, and Mission Impossible III starlet Maggie Q. All these youngsters have gone far outside the Mililani boundaries to make names for themselves and bring honor to their home town. Must be something in the red dirt. One individual that you may not be so familiar with is 22 year old singer/songwriter Matthew Brian Homer. Bursting onto the music scene in 2002 with his seminal grunge revivalist group the Equivocals; Matthew’s song writing and poetry is so ground breaking that it cannot be descried in human words, but only fully expressed when it moves a 41-year old Taco Bell executive father of three to tears as he cries himself silly into his beer. Matt Homer’s voice is like angels in the outfield. Matthew Homer, also known as Matt Homer, Ben Folds enthusiast, Ex-Seattle Sonics Fan, dog owner.
I’m gonna interview you right now. you ready? Rockers! Gotta be spur of the moment. LET’S DO THIS!
Sure.
Does Mililani inspire you? Quick. Quick. Snap. Don’t think.
Only by a girl who once lived there.
Who dis girl? she fine?
A highschool girlfriend
She inspired you to the point you are at today?
Yeah, a part of her still stays with me and inspries me as my muse.
Do you write all your songs about her?
Most, i wrote one song about my dog dying that she had nothing to do with.
Bummer. So anyway… What if that highschoool chick was chuggin you off right now. Would
that change future song writing? Would there be anything left to write
about? The pain she caused me will always be there, in the back of my mind, even if she were to be chugging me.
Wow. Its omnipresent.
The pain overrides the chug. Never heard that before. You sure you aren’t making that up?
Yeah.
Strong men also cry.
I wasn’t being serious.
So what is your next record gonna be called? You said you wrote it in your head?
I was just saying i know what i want it to sound like, the sound is in my head. I don’t know what I’d call it.
Like teenage fan club? what about red dirt: a tribute to mills. You could win a hoku with that shit.
Like ben folds five’s first two albums, minus the piano of course, but that energy and aggressivness. fuzz distorted bass, mostly clean guitar but i wanna the pounding, crashing piano shit that ben folds doe.
Like army? (Ben Folds Five song)
Like when he just pounds his fist on the piano
When ben folds was punk you should write that song, “when ben folds was punk”. Its not a chord, but it makes a certain sound that I love that.
Should i eat ice cream? i got those melona things i’m actually at my moms house right now, and she has melona bars (Korean Melon Flavored Ice Cream Bar).
Go for it.
Thing is i dont want the sugar to keep me up all night, but it tastes good. I have to make a decision.
Eat the ice cream and then take some nightquil.
Don’t have any nightquil. Ben Folds sure loves brown pants. I’m
stoked on those brown dickies i found at Savers this weekend. I cut them into shorts. That is your 2nd song, “Ben Folds loves corduroy.”
Am i writing a whole album based around ben folds?
Nah, just the first two tracks. Do you own a piano?
No.
