I overheard Larry giving some advice a few weeks ago. "Stay out of politics" is what he told his pal while walking to an event. Good advice Larry. I will keep that in mind.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
No Name #1
I overheard Larry giving some advice a few weeks ago. "Stay out of politics" is what he told his pal while walking to an event. Good advice Larry. I will keep that in mind.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Lawrence Arms 10th Anniversary show at the Metro, Chicago.
In the band's ten years of existence, I have never caught them live. I have no excuse, just for some reason I have never made it out to one of their gigs. This changed last Saturday, as I made sure to order 2 tickets far in advance. Months before the show.
For many years I have been a fan of the Lawrence Arms. I thought they had that melodic Chicago punk rock sound, not to different from Alkaline Trio; except that I believe that the Arms pull it off much better then Trio. This is not a popular opinion around Chicago, but whatever. Speaking unkindly about Alkaline Trio in Chicago is much like talking shit about god in a church - it just doesn't end well. My best argument would be the work they continue to put out. Don't get me wrong, I think 'Goddamnit' and 'Maybe I'll Catch Fire' are two excellent albums... but then the quality of each release after those just goes downhill. Can any diehard Trio fan honestly say they enjoy the newest Trio album as much as Goddamnit? No, I doubt it. On the contrary, the Arms have only gotten better with each release. I think each album they put out is better then their last, which is an impressive feat.
After three opening acts (Mike Park, La Plebe, The Menzingers) The Lawrence Arms took the stage and played an extended hour and 45 minute set ripping through 30+ songs spanning their entire catalog. Every song that I wanted to hear was played with the exception of "Porno and Snuff Films" , but there was so much goodness I can't complain about not hearing one song. The inbetween song banter was minimal; Brendan talked about getting high with co-vocalist Chris, and another story involving a dick and balls in a glass jar, but he mainly just thanked the audience for all the support. Many times telling the crowd that he loved us.
The show sold out in advance, and therefore was filled with to the brim with fans shouting along to every word of every song. So, needless to say the atmosphere was ideal. The crowd and the band were both very into the music, and everyone was having a good time.
The three piece sounded tight - like a band that has been together for ten years. Before one song, (I want to say it was the Wishful Puppeteer) they announced they have only played the song live once before, and it didn't sound that great. After these words of discouragement, they proceeded to play the song, and it sounded great.
In closing, I had a great time seeing one of my favorite bands live. To me this was one of those shows where you are just glad you went. It was one of those shows where you know it was the place to be, that people that didn't go really missed out. I hope to catch them again live next time they come around, which is soon hopefully.
For many years I have been a fan of the Lawrence Arms. I thought they had that melodic Chicago punk rock sound, not to different from Alkaline Trio; except that I believe that the Arms pull it off much better then Trio. This is not a popular opinion around Chicago, but whatever. Speaking unkindly about Alkaline Trio in Chicago is much like talking shit about god in a church - it just doesn't end well. My best argument would be the work they continue to put out. Don't get me wrong, I think 'Goddamnit' and 'Maybe I'll Catch Fire' are two excellent albums... but then the quality of each release after those just goes downhill. Can any diehard Trio fan honestly say they enjoy the newest Trio album as much as Goddamnit? No, I doubt it. On the contrary, the Arms have only gotten better with each release. I think each album they put out is better then their last, which is an impressive feat.
After three opening acts (Mike Park, La Plebe, The Menzingers) The Lawrence Arms took the stage and played an extended hour and 45 minute set ripping through 30+ songs spanning their entire catalog. Every song that I wanted to hear was played with the exception of "Porno and Snuff Films" , but there was so much goodness I can't complain about not hearing one song. The inbetween song banter was minimal; Brendan talked about getting high with co-vocalist Chris, and another story involving a dick and balls in a glass jar, but he mainly just thanked the audience for all the support. Many times telling the crowd that he loved us.
The show sold out in advance, and therefore was filled with to the brim with fans shouting along to every word of every song. So, needless to say the atmosphere was ideal. The crowd and the band were both very into the music, and everyone was having a good time.
The three piece sounded tight - like a band that has been together for ten years. Before one song, (I want to say it was the Wishful Puppeteer) they announced they have only played the song live once before, and it didn't sound that great. After these words of discouragement, they proceeded to play the song, and it sounded great.
In closing, I had a great time seeing one of my favorite bands live. To me this was one of those shows where you are just glad you went. It was one of those shows where you know it was the place to be, that people that didn't go really missed out. I hope to catch them again live next time they come around, which is soon hopefully.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The What of Whom
I have a deep respect for you
Usually reserved for the dead
Hanging on every word that you said
So nice to have a friend like you
Even though you're not around
You're closer to me than most
But kids say the darnedest things
hollow hopes and golden dreams
Leave everything empty in the end
Usually reserved for the dead
Hanging on every word that you said
So nice to have a friend like you
Even though you're not around
You're closer to me than most
But kids say the darnedest things
hollow hopes and golden dreams
Leave everything empty in the end
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Mighty Stef / Tom Waits
I am pumped right now. Music gets me pumped up like nothing else. It was just officially announced that a new live Tom Waits album is going to be released soon. It features songs recorded during the 'Glitter and Doom' tour, which I may or may not of already talked about. Amazing show to say the least, it will be grand to re-live some of the experience.
Possibly more important, The Mighty Stef is playing at the Beat Kitchen tomorrow night. Stef is a solid dude. I have seen him preform many times in Dublin and since here in Chicago and Detroit. He is a really nice guy, and I try to see him as much as possible.
!!
Possibly more important, The Mighty Stef is playing at the Beat Kitchen tomorrow night. Stef is a solid dude. I have seen him preform many times in Dublin and since here in Chicago and Detroit. He is a really nice guy, and I try to see him as much as possible.
!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
S-T
The Sun-Times union agreed to new terms that work with potential new owner. This is very good news and means that liquidation will most likely not be necessary! This means that the local S-T papers should continue to exist for at least a few more years.
A day ago I was in the offices of The Herald talking to my photo editor, I was meeting with him in regards to missing some paychecks. There I was trying to get some weeks worth of my pay, and my editor was telling me about how if the liquidation happens then him, and 1,800 other peoples jobs would just disappear.
Here's to the S-T. Hopefully the new owner can figure out how to make a profit from what is a decent group of papers.
The people need news.
A day ago I was in the offices of The Herald talking to my photo editor, I was meeting with him in regards to missing some paychecks. There I was trying to get some weeks worth of my pay, and my editor was telling me about how if the liquidation happens then him, and 1,800 other peoples jobs would just disappear.
Here's to the S-T. Hopefully the new owner can figure out how to make a profit from what is a decent group of papers.
The people need news.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
...or 4th place
Oh wow. I don't think anyone expected Chicago to be eliminated 1st. I certainly didn't. As I said, it would of been great to photograph some events in Chicago but still. I think this loss is good for the city. It can put some focus on some of its many problems, such the violence and the lack of money.
I can only imagine this being a huge slap in the face for King Daley. The man thought he could do anything to get what he wants, but this is clearly not the case. If Chicago wants to ever host any huge event, they should consider removing him from office.
Chicago needs to change its image.
The gang-boss mayor vibe is not a good one. With Daley steering the ship everyone is always going associate Chicago with dirty politics.
Obama owed Daley a favor or two, so he made the flight out to the speak to the Olympic committee. The president's attempt did not work, and now I imagine he is going to face harsh criticism over it. This country has many problems that need to be fixed and should be taken care of before worrying about bringing the games to the U.S.
Although it was generally believed that having the games here would both help the city of Chicago and the United States, I beg to differ. I couldn't find much information about past cities that hosted the games, but from what I saw most cities came out of it with a loss of money, which of course comes out of the tax payers pockets, which is something the people in this country should not face.
This rant was a bit unfocused and unorganized, but whatever. Deal with it.
I can only imagine this being a huge slap in the face for King Daley. The man thought he could do anything to get what he wants, but this is clearly not the case. If Chicago wants to ever host any huge event, they should consider removing him from office.
Chicago needs to change its image.
The gang-boss mayor vibe is not a good one. With Daley steering the ship everyone is always going associate Chicago with dirty politics.
Obama owed Daley a favor or two, so he made the flight out to the speak to the Olympic committee. The president's attempt did not work, and now I imagine he is going to face harsh criticism over it. This country has many problems that need to be fixed and should be taken care of before worrying about bringing the games to the U.S.
Although it was generally believed that having the games here would both help the city of Chicago and the United States, I beg to differ. I couldn't find much information about past cities that hosted the games, but from what I saw most cities came out of it with a loss of money, which of course comes out of the tax payers pockets, which is something the people in this country should not face.
This rant was a bit unfocused and unorganized, but whatever. Deal with it.
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