beauty in a wicked world.

Concert Review: Steve Aoki @ VZW Theather [2.2.2012]

2012-02-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

Check out my full review and more photos here.

Just Me: i finally tainted my naked skin [tatted up]

2011-12-07T09:27:00.001-06:00

To say I'm "tatted up" is both an understatement and quite the douchebag of a catchphrase. Nonetheless, I got my first taste of permanent skin ink last Thursday afternoon. My desire to break into the whole tattoo realm has been simmering for at least five years now. After I got over my piercing phase (I put a whopping two holes into my body and both of them were on my ear), I started to give tattoos a thought. I've heard more stories (good and bad) about tattoo experiences than I can even remember. I also think I know more people with tattoos than without, so it was only a matter of time before I got my own.

With all that I have dealt with in my personal life over the past two years, I am a full believer in "carpe diem". If I've been considering a tattoo for as long as I have now, you know what? Fuck it...time to get some shit done. Anyways, after you tell people you're going to do something like this...you can't really back out of it.

Although I want a rather large piece on my left arm, I decided to get a smaller one to break the ice. Scissor Sisters (<3 Jake Shears) is one of my favorite bands, and their logo is so simple yet so amazing. I've been a fan for quite sometime, and I appreciate not only their music but their overall aura and personality. There's just this "I don't give a fuck" attitude that is so appealing to me. They wear what they want, write the music they want, say what they want, etc. Although I'm not the most outlandish and outspoken gay in the world, I'm proud of who I am and what I stand for. And let's be real, yes tattoos last forever, but I'll be a homo from now until the day I die. Sorry Michele Bachmann.

i'm the power gay of chili's [bitch].

2011-11-21T11:11:00.000-06:00

As the world scoffs at America's problem with obesity, we still continue to eat at restaurants that add a little (or a lot) more cushion to our asses, thighs, and stomachs. It also contributes to the not-so-funny side effects of diabetes, heart disease, and death. I would be kidding myself if I said I didn't eat at these establishments more than I should. Otherwise, I wouldn't be truly "American". In addition to slowly clogging my arteries with greasy, processed foods, I recently found out you can also feed your ego (did you like that play on words? I'm so witty).

If you've ever eaten at a Chili's (honestly, who hasn't), you know what its environment usually consists of: the distant smell and sound of oil popping in the fryer, the clinking of glasses filled with half your daily value of sugar, the chatter of waiters/hosts working to get through their shifts, and a wide range of customers trying to pick their poisons. Possibly because of the red phallic symbol in the shape of a chili pepper, or the fact that our only other choice was Tex Mex, we ended up at Chili's front door for lunch. My last Chili's experience was very lackluster due to the douche factor of our asshole of waiter. Nonetheless, I decided to give them another chance.

We were greeted by our twink of a host. I giggled to myself because 1) I've seen him come into my Urban Outifitters store, and 2) I'm pretty sure he had the same cologne on as my boyfriend. After we were immediately seated, our waitress for the afternoon, Tangela, gave us a warm Chili's welcome. I love older black waitresses who have a "Big Mama" complex about them. Soon after, she proceeded to graciously compliment me on my hat, exclaiming how cute and adorable I am. Of course, my boyfriend responded with..."Isn't that my hat?" Nope, it is indeed not. Don't be jealous, gurl. Little did he know, I was about to make my gay mark on Chili's forever. After carefully considering our drink and food orders, Tangela glided to the kitchen. Finally, our margaritas (it was noon, so put away those judging eyes) were brought out as if it was our birthdays. Tangela and our twink of a host shook our shakers with the excitement of proud parenta. Normally, you are given your own shaker to pour, but not me. The twink felt the need create my setup and reach across to pour it for me. From the look on Tangela's and my boyfriend's faces, this was not normal. I was being treated like a celebrity in Chili's standards, and who was I to complain. Everyone needs a confidence boost here and there.

When our food was being brought by the ~~fake~~ enthusiastic girl serving the table next to us, who's order was put in wrong? Mine. This created a chain of events including apologies from what seemed like the entire restaurant staff. I'm a pretty patient person, but since I was the celebrity for the day, this warranted A-list treatment. I did not receive any sort of comp on my meal, so obviously I wasn't that A-list, or maybe I was just being reminded that we were at a suburban Chili's, not a 5-star downtown bistro. At this point, my tequila buzz is kicking in, so I'm milking this shit like a pregnant cow. After my correct meal was brought out sans ranch dipping sauce, Tangela continued to rave about my cuteness regardless of my boyfriend's dismay. I openly accepted these comments. The kicker was when she stated, "And someone else thinks your cute as well." Who else would she be talking about except our twink of a host? I couldn't help but laugh, even when my other half sarcastically deemed him as my "new boyfriend."

All-in-all, I am the new power gay of the Chili's Restaurant corporation. It doesn't matter if it is only in my head or not, but it's true nonetheless. Power gays also get overcharged for their meals. I guess that comes with the territory.

Unhate Campaign film from United Colors of Benetton

2011-11-19T20:56:00.001-06:00

Although a simple concept on paper, the Unhate campaign presents one of the most complicated issues our society suffers from everyday: hatred. This beautiful short film may only last a mere minute and eight seconds, but the powerful message it portrays makes quite the impression (at least for me). The love a person shares with another is one of the most priceless gifts that anyone can receive. There isn't a single person in this world who wouldn't agree with that statement. I feel that it's in our human nature to strive to feel loved and cared for. What's ironic is that the idea of love can bring about just as much hate. I will never understand why groups want to bring someone down solely for the person they love. It boggles mind that this is still an issue in 2011. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but until there is a change, we have to keep flipping that record over. With the constant news stories of suicides, beatings, and murders constantly broadcasting on our televisions and computers, I can't help but feel sick to my stomach. Take this as food for thought: how many people will be more put off by the images of love and affection than by the violence and brutality? Probably more than you'd care to imagine. That notion alone can explain why this film was produced.

Love is such a strong word. With all the negativity that exists among the human race, "love" is almost too much to ask of some people. As awful as that sounds, I stand behind that statement 100%. Reversing the hatred is a much more realistic way to view the journey towards a more peaceful world.

Remix: M83's "Midnight City"

2011-10-09T18:01:00.001-05:00

Check out five remixes of "Midnight City" off of M83's latest album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. Since rainy days are few and far between down here in Houston, I've had M83 on shuffle all afternoon while I read The Help. Oh, and judge all you want....but I've also had the Fireplace app crackling in the background on my Macbook. I'm being that hipster.

P.S. Be sure to see M83 in concert when they stop in Houston at Warehouse Live on their Fall 2011 tour.

Midnight City (Big Black Delta Remix) by M83

Midnight City (Man Without Country Remix) by M83

Movie Review: 50/50

2011-10-03T20:09:00.001-05:00

Although there is certain light-hearted, humorous air surrounding this new film, 50/50 portrays a scarily realistic account of what cancer patients of all ages have to deal with everyday. You can't help but follow in love with Joseph Gordon Levett's character "Adam". A young, successful radio journalist of only 27 years-old feels on the top of the world with his best friend and girlfriend by his side. What seemed to be just a simple backache turned out to be a very rare malignant tumor of the spine, and the trials and tribulations begin almost immediately. Like most Generation X and Y'ers, we take great pride in our independence. Adam is no different. Despite his initial plea for minimal help from his mother (who is also taking care of a husband suffering from Alzheimer's Disease), through many therapy sessions with an inexperienced Ph.d student, he realizes that he was kind of being an asshole. As the layers of denial and anger start to peel, your genuine hope for this character grows exponentially larger.

For anyone that has dealt with cancer, whether personally or through a family member, 50/50 hits almost too close to home (think Terms of Endearment). Having recently witnessed the detrimental effects of this awful disease on a close family member myself, it was almost as if I was reliving the entire process again. The chemotherapy and the subsequent sickness, sitting in hospital waiting rooms for hours, the physical and mental deterioration....I could go on, trust me. If it weren't for the consistent humor thanks to Gordon-Levett and Seth Rogen, this movie would have probably been too much for me to handle. At the same time, it's refreshing and almost therapeutic to see that no one is ever alone when dealing with this illness.

Besides the most obvious theme of the movie, others include betrayal, family, courage, friendships, loyalty, and in general, optimism. No matter who you are, there is something you can relate to in 50/50. It definitely gives you plenty to ponder and makes you want to hug a loved one.

On a side note, the soundtrack is quite spot on, featuring a number of singles that the indie community is sure to appreciate.

Concert Review: deadmau5 at VZW Theater [9.16.2011]

2011-09-20T10:28:00.002-05:00

Check out my full deadmau5 concert review and more photos HERE.

Cover Songs: Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire)

2011-08-15T12:36:00.001-05:00

I discovered this gem on XM radio yesterday and was literally spun into a musical trance the moment its gentle synth struck my ears. Mr. Little Jeans took an already great track and transformed it into something so special. There is a very ethereal feeling to it that can give you chills. Check out her gorgeous music video above.

Visuals: The National's "Exile, Vilify"

2011-08-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

The National recently contributed "Exile, Vilify" to the soundtrack for the upcoming video game Portal 2. In conjunction with it's release, the band also held a contest for fan-made videos. The winning clip (above) comes from director C.F. Meister. The song is engaging, beautiful, haunting, and somber (what else would you expect from The National) featuring an endearing string line with building complexity. In the video clip, you follow the saddest hand puppet you've ever seen in your life. This ain't The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, or Sesame Street. Get ready to possibly shed a tear.

what's the baby's gender? i'll never tell.

2011-05-31T11:49:00.000-05:00

First, read this article about a couple's reasoning for withholding their newborn's biological gender from friends and family. Here are my thoughts on the subject matter. I apologize now for the ranting.

--------------------------

It's definitely a very interesting parental take on gender identity. I mean, we've all ready several stories about parents approving of their children playing into opposite genders (i.e. little boys wearing dresses but still identifying as male, etc.). Obviously, I fully support the acceptance and open arms of these parents. In my mind, the story behind this article just takes it to a whole new level. Remember the boy who wore the Daphne (Scooby Doo) costume to school (pictured above)? One of the most adorable photos I've ever seen. Nonetheless, everyone knows he's a boy, including himself. Yes, he and his mother received criticism, but do these parents of a "genderless" child think they will receive any less? I completely understand, and appreciate, where these parents are coming from in not wanting to announce the sex of their child. Gender restrictions are something out society makes far too definite and strict (especially Americans), but there will always be social norms to go from. An an open/liberal-minded parent, you want your kids to grow up in an environment where they can feel comfortable being whoever they want to be. At the same time, I'm wondering what effects this will have on the baby later down the road. How long are the going to attempt keep the baby's gender a secret? How is this secrecy affecting the other two young boys? How is this situation going to react when he/she realizes what his/her parents did? It really is an experiment and could go either way.

There is a fine line between structure and chaos. The lack of structure in raising their children is to allow for freedom of expression and I'm 100% supportive of creating that sort of environment, but I firmly believe a certain level of structure is vital to a child's development. Personally, I could never use this "unschooling" approach. In my mind, the purpose of homeschooling is to allow for children to not only learn at an accelerated rate, but also to be able to focus on certain interests more so than would happen in a public school setting. Structure isn't about suppressing a child's creativity, but to allow them to have a better base for making their own choices as the grow into singular individuals. I'm all about being free spirited and carefree and never blindly accepting your "place" in society, but there has to be some sort of standard to go from. I think they are too young to make decisions about their own upbringing, plain and simple, yet the parents want to deny the acknowledgement of biological gender? I don't know...a little extreme for me.

I agree with a quote from Dr. Ehrensaft in the article: "I believe that it puts restrictions on this particular baby so that in this culture this baby will be a singular person who is not given an opportunity to find their true gender self, based on what's inside them." Just because the baby is physically male or female doesn't have to determine the way he/she is brought up in the household. Babies, for the most part, don't really even know what's going on lol. Masculinity/femininity are basic attributes of life. Whether this child grows up to identify more with male or female, despite what they were biologically given, is still up for grabs. Still, I think this limits the child in having a choice as to which direction they will go. Everyone has to decide what part of the spectrum they are in. I think a lot of it plays into worrying too much about outside influences. As parents, you just have to put in the extra effort to create the kind of home environment YOU want. Peers, media, etc. are going to become more and more influential in future generations, and that is not going to change.

I have respect for the parents' decision not to announce the sex of their baby, but I feel like it's a waiting game to see how the situation plays out. No matter how you spin it, there will always be social norms that people are compared to. These norms are definitely expanding, but they will always exist. Completely disregarding them will not benefit any child in the long run. When it comes down to it, it's all about the children. I just worry about the possibly negative effects...especially when we live in a country that can be so harsh. As unacceptable as this harshness is, it's still a reality.

Bon Iver covers Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me"

2011-05-26T10:26:00.001-05:00

Simple, heartbreaking, and beautiful....what more could you ask for? Justin Vernon has brilliantly crafted a wonderful rendition of this classic song on Jimmy Fallon's late night talk show. With the fast approaching arrival of his second self-titled album on the horizon, this gives us something to savor for the time being. Although the single "Calgary" from the album is completely different in style, which also probably tells you something about the rest of the tracklist, this performance is nothing less than stellar. Maybe he will tack it on to a B-Side or a deluxe version of his upcoming release? One can only hope.

PS: I'm still going to brag about chatting with Vernon at SXSW. He's such a sweetheart.

Concert Review: Rusko at Warehouse Live [5.7.2011]

2011-05-16T16:59:00.001-05:00

Check out my full review of the show HERE.

Music Leak: Beyonce - "Girls (Who Run The World)"

2011-04-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Screen shot from the set for "Girls (Who Run The World)'

Sure to be an infectious track on sweat-drenched dance floors everywhere, Beyonce's first single off of her highly anticipated summer release, "Girls (Who Run The World)" has leaked prematurely. The song was produced by Diplo and Switch (aka Major Lazer). For those of you acquainted with the DJ/producer super duo, you will quickly recognize the backbeat. Yes, it's a remastered version of their hit track "Pon De Floor", personally handed over on a silver platter. It's always strange to hear certain songs enter the mainstream, but thus is the norm nowadays. I look forward to hearing the final cut without the obligatory drops. Considering the net worth of B. and Jigga, they pretty much could run this world (or at least a part of it). I would be first in line to get citizenship in that country.

Check out and download below:

20th Annual KTRU Outdoor Music Festival [4.9.2011].

2011-04-19T18:59:00.003-05:00

Real Estate

As most musically-inclined Houstonians know, 91.7 KTRU is the sole college radio station that showcases indie and international music, among many other genres. Over the past six or so months, Rice University has gone back and forth, threatening to do away with the current format and convert it into another classical music station. Although the majority of this city probably doesn't understand the implications that go along with this (or plainly just don't give a shit), the indie crowd has been up in arms about the situation and signing petitions left and right. I haven't heard anything about the possible change lately, so maybe there has been some voice of reason to change the university's mind. Don't get me wrong, classical music will always hold a special place in my music collection, but one classical rad station in this city is enough. Anyways...

The KTRU festival this year was a great way to start off the outdoor season in Houston. Great bands, free St. Arnold's beer, and...well, the entire event was free, in general (minus parking). Performers included: Mister Heavenly, Real Estate (pictured above), Fat Tony, Houston-based Young Mammals, and Washed Out. As most of you know, Mister Heavenly features Michael Cera as a bassist, and I can't tell you how obnoxious it is to see people flock to the band purely for that reason. Girls (and guys) were freaking the fuck out over it. This isn't Oprah's Favorite Things. I quickly had the urge to cry out, "Get the fuck over it. Yes, it's Michael Cera. You are all posers." In my opinion, they are worth flocking to because of the Man Man/Islands/Modest Mouse combination. I dealt with the same predicament at SXSW. Still, I appreciated the performance, and Cera wasn't overcome with absolute awkwardness. I popped my Fat Tony cherry as well. Despite his obvious inebriation, the performance quite entertaining and often humorous. Fifteen minutes prior to his 8:00 pm set time, I was disappointed by how brief his set was (25 minutes, but I feel like that's typical of most hip hop shows. As a special treat, Nick Diamonds made an uncomfortable guest appearance with Fat Tony which lasted all of three minutes. This happened more so because Fat Tony was obsessing over him on stage. My favorite aspect of rap shows at events like this is the audience. Let's be real, it was mostly white hipsters. I was engulfed in a sea of the stereotypical "white boy dancing". I just stood in the back and smirked. For some, I believe it was drug-induced, but nonetheless I was amused.

Fat Tony

Washed Out

Minus a spilt whiskey and Coke, the festival was lovely. A nice day with great friends, music, beer, and sunshine. As the sun set in the sky, Washed Out closed-out the festival with a hazy, electro, colorful ending. Because my hunger pains were overpowering my senses, I felt it was time to vacate the premises halfway through their set.

womp. womp.

Visuals: Daft Punk's "Alive" Directed by Emile Hirsch

2011-04-08T13:43:00.004-05:00

How far would you go to try and impress someone? In this music video, directed by Emile Hirsch, a pale, nonathletic ~~twink~~ guy does his best to catch the attention of a muscle jock on Venice Beach. Yes, there is plenty of homoerotic tension, but I'm not sure how I feel about it in general. The ending is just....awkward. Maybe that's the point? Trying your hardest to make an impact on someone's opinion of you can often lead to just that: an awkward ending. Check it out and see for yourself.

Concert Review: Scissor Sisters at Warehouse Live [4.4.2011]

2011-04-07T00:37:00.007-05:00

Yet another concert with plenty of homosexual overtones....I feel as if this is becoming a trend in my life, but I'm not surprised at all. Jake Shears, Ana Matronic, and the rest of the Scissor Sisters gang made their way to Houston this past Monday on their Night Work tour. The last time Scissor Sisters performed in Houston, they served as the opening act for Lady Gaga in 2010. As much as I love them, I had no intention of shelling out the bucks for that show. Surprisingly, the crowd was more mixed than I expected, and it appeared to be a somewhat older as compared to the Robyn concert in February. I was a bit disappointed with the attendance. The $35.00 price tag might have turned away some concertgoers, but let's be honest; how much does a typical gay spend during a night at the gay bars? Nonetheless, there was enough of an audience to allow for a colorful experience. With some of the outfits people were sporting, you could tell they were more than ready for a show. At the top of my list of fashions was a certain fellow in a skin-tight, latex police officer get up. I can only imagine how much he was probably sweating. I thought about wearing my new black pumps, but I would have been bitching the entire night. Girl, I've got to learn to walk in heels before I can dance in them. I have a new found respect for women. Heels might be cute and all, but damn...they are fucking painful.

With only a DJ as an opening act, there wasn't much of a delay after the scheduled 9:00 pm show time. As the vodka, club remixes, and stage fog circulated through my system, the only two thoughts in my head were 1) let's get this show on the road, and 2) how revealing will Jake Shears' outfit be? At about 9:30 pm, the lights dimmed as the backing band entered the stage. The tension was quickly building as we waited for Shears and Ana Matronic to make an appearance. Finally, the vocal duo made an in-your-face entrance on to the stage in coordinating outfits. I don't think I have to go into detail about Shears' magnificent body. All I can say is that he's even more beautiful in person, and I don't think one person in Warehouse Live, gay or straight, would disagree with that statement.

The nearly two hour set fired up with their title track, "Night Work", and the dance party was already at full speed. With the constant audience interaction and confetti, there was no time to be distracted by anything else. During one song, Ana Matronic requested that everyone put they're "fucking cameras and cell phones" away for it's duration. It's quite easy to become obsessive when taking pictures and videos during a concert, and I myself have been guilty of this concert OCD. That gave me three and a half minutes to not think about taking pictures, tweeting, or text messaging. It wasn't easy.

The setlist consisted of eighteen tracks with plenty of interspersed banter to keep me thoroughly entertained. She even mentioned The Menil (which is one of my favorite art museums in Houston). Naturally, they performed more tracks from their latest album, but there was still a good mix of earlier works. During the encore, Shears crooned a very intimate, stripped down version of "Sex and Violence". That was definitely a highlight for me. Both Shears and Ana Matronic showcased there true vocal talent with several solos throughout the night. Other favorites included "Filthy/Gorgeous", "Invisible Light", "Tits On The Radio", "Any Which Way", "Take Your Mama", and "Laura". As a result, sing-a-longs were inevitable and welcomed by the band. This explains why I was so soft spoken the next day. Check out the full setlist here. As much as I wish "Mary" would have been on the roster, the fact that it wasn't didn't tarnish the experience.

Being my first live Scissor Sisters experience, I had certain expectations of quality, energy, danceability, and personality. They certainly made the mark on all parameters. Each "sister" even had three or more costume changes. Luckily, Shears revealed an ample amount of skin each time. The magnetic chemistry between every member of the band was undeniable. Once the final note was sung, I was still on a music high until the next morning. I was also reeling from $1.00 post-concert wells at Cecil's Pub. That night, I dreamt that I tattooed the Scissor Sisters symbol on my my side. Is it bad that I don't think it's a terrible idea?

All-in-all, it was simply a fun, engaging, and occasionally raunchy show. It was impossible to leave Warehouse Live without a smile from ear to ear.

P.S. I tweeted Scissor Sisters enough for them to follow me. That's not creepy, right?

Lady Aggies Win NCAA Basketball National Championship. [whoop]

2011-04-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

Congratulations/kudos/accolades to the A&M women's basketball team on their national title! Leave it to the girls to have bigger balls than any of our men's sports teams. The Aggies needed something to cheer for, and we finally got our wish. Lord knows our football and men's basketball teams have yet to truly deliver. I hope the ladies get the "welcome home" that they deserve as they return to College Station today. For those of us who didn't pay much attention to A&M women's basketball before, I'd say we have all had a change of heart. Hell, this was a much more exciting game then the men's championship, and I doubt anyone expected that. I'd be lying if I said I actually watched the men's game because I was too busy getting my gay on at the Scissor Sisters concert.

As the game clock dwindled to zero, we decided to take celebratory Irish Car Bombs. No, we did not take these because we felt an ounce of sympathy for Notre Dame. We took them because those Irish Car Bombs would soon end up in the toilet....just like Notre Dame's and "Crouching" Muffet's pride. We were also the only group of Aggies at the bar, but that didn't stop us (or at least me) from breaking out into a good ol' fashioned "Aggie War Hymn" sing-a-long. No, I wasn't drunk (shocking, I know).

Little Crouching Muffet....sit on your gah damn tuffet and eat your curds and whey...without a national championship.

Coach Gary Blair decided to do the dougie as he accepted his national championship trophy. I think Dora the Explorer might have some competition.

SXSW 2011: The Land of Hipsters, Booze, and Unicorns

2011-04-04T15:29:00.002-05:00

Best Wurst: Best hangover cure in Austin

South by Southwest: the land of blaring live music, open bars, hipsters screaming for attention, cigarette butts, and waiting in line. 2011 marked the 25th anniversary of the internationally known music, film, and interactive festival and "conference". Compared to the magnitude of the event now, I cannot even imagine what it was like during the inaugural year. I'm guessing the conference aspect of it actually meant something. I read somewhere that SXSW was "40% larger" than it was last year. I'm not sure what parameters they used to make such an estimate, but it is undeniable that the festival has grown immensely in size. My hypothesis for this growth is simple: accessibility. Five years ago, the general music audience would never have even heard of half these music groups, but times are a-changin'. With the use of the plethora of social media outlets available to everyone, it is much easier for people to make themselves believe they are "indie". In effect, more people are likely to be turned into concert goers, whether they truly appreciate the music or not. There has been a quite a surge of, excuse my French, douchebags attending concerts that would never have seen their faces five or more years ago. Can you tell that I'm not pleased with this evolution? This has also made me deal with more waiting for shit, but I digress....

SXSW is known for it's surprise guests and secret performances as well. This year, Kanye West performed on the last night at an abandoned power plant with array of special guests. Did I even attempt to make my way into that event? Hell no. Apparently, he didn't take the stage until 4:00 am, and let's be real; I'm getting too old for that shit, and I don't do drugs to stay awake that long for five nights in a row. Besides, I saw Kanye perform at SXSW two years.

This was my fourth time braving the streets of Austin, TX for this magical week, and I was not disappointed by any means (and this was my first year without a music badge). I witnessed some great shows, ate from a variety of food trucks, raged with a gang of great people, drank enough booze to kill a good amount of liver cells, and was more often than not covered in body glitter.

One of the most memorable moments...scratch that, THE most memorable moment was conversing with Justin Vernon (lead singer of Bon Iver, but you should know that by now). I walked into Side Bar to meet up with a few friends, when someone nonchalantly informed me, "Hey, Justin Vernon is sitting right over there." That statement literally stopped me in my Am Appy tracks. I've been in love with this man's music for years now. The two times I've had the pleasure of seeing him in concert (including my first year at SXSW), I shed several tears. Anyways....as he stood up to make his way to the bar and/or bathroom, our group might have had the balls to accost him. Luckily, he is sweetheart and chatted with us for about thirty minutes. He took the time to listen to us, learn our names, etc. It's special when people you idolize are as genuine in person as the appear in the media. PS: I knew he was coming out with a new Bon Iver album before Pitchfork posted it. Suck it P4K.

Esben and the Witch @ Beauty Bar

This year, I kept note of every band I stumbled upon because I maintained a steady buzz my entire stay in Austin. Some of the highlights were:

Twin Tigers, Ponderosa, Violens, Jonquil, The Generationals, Theophilus London (If you think you're special, you probably aren't), Solid Gold, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Dodos, Baths, !!!, James Blake (Yes, I'm on Team Blake), Har Mar Superstar (fat man in a thong...mmmm), Chikita Violenta, Nervo, Surfer Blood, Big Freedia, The Oh Sees, La Sera, Das Racist, The Authors, Mr. Heavenly, and Esben and the Witch.

Sadly, I did not make it on stage this time for Big Freedia. As consolation, my friend frightened the shit out of straight boy with his dance moves. Along with everyone around us, I was dying with laugher. I was also double fisting a beer and a Red Bull/vodka.

Luckily, I only vomited one night out of the five. Those are good odds, right? [nod your head]. Also, it was St. Patrick's Day, which made for a double whammy. South by Southwest AND St. Patty's Day? Of course I puked. I can't say no to Irish Car Bombs and unlimited drinks/tequila shots. I ended the week on Sunday afternoon with Gay by Gay Gay. Yes, you read that correctly. It turned out to be a gay hippie fest out in the middle of nowhere. The music was subpar, but we enjoyed ourselves.

"SXSW Karma" reared it's ugly head the following week though. The pollen and dust was terrible throughout the week which led to allergy issues, which in turn led to a sinus infection, which also ended with a case of pink eye. Despite my "disco sickness", it was all worth it.

The lead singer from The Dodos

Theophilus London @ 508 House

south.by.southwest.2011 [recap coming soon]

2011-03-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

horses vs unicorns: a bathroom debate.

2011-03-22T17:08:00.001-05:00

Obama: Defense of Marriage Act is Unconstitutional

2011-02-24T15:51:00.002-06:00

As many of you have heard, Obama has officially declared that the Defense of Marriage Act will not have federal support from now on. This is the policy that essentially labels same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. Although it has been a long road for Obama to take a significant stance on this issue, I think his "NObama" moniker is slowly starting to shed. If I hear one more Republican claim that he is tearing away at this country's social fabric, I will literally scream. Well, now that I say that, I might as well start warming up my vocal chords. As a wise person once said, "I don't understand why people are against gay marriage. Their main argument is that it's tearing away at our social fabric. You really think gays would do anything to harm fabric?" Although a humorous take on the situation, if you logically take the matter into consideration, who is gay marriage hurting? That question is much easier asked than answered, I know. It's been such a constant argument for far too long. Just because two men or two women cannot reproduce doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to legally bind their relationship. It is proven that same-sex parents are just as effective, and there are enough children in the world in foster care and orphanages. I'm not even going to start the whole "religion" thing. I could go on about this for a long time...but I will keep this short. Anyways, I just went for a run, and I smell pretty stank.

I'm remaining optimistic that Obama knows what he is doing as the 2012 presidential race quickly approaches. Although many have lost faith in our president, I haven't. I may not be 100% satisfied with the way our country has progressed (well, maybe I'm more unhappy with the fact that Rick Perry is still our governor in Texas), but I have a good feeling about the future.

To read the full New York Times article about the Defense of Marriage Act click here.

Concert Review: Robyn at Warehouse Live [2.19.2011]

2011-02-23T13:27:00.007-06:00

Can I express to you how long I have been patiently waiting for this night to arrive? Several months too long. The moment I found out she was performing in Houston (well, Texas in general), my heart was all aflutter. Robyn has made quite the comeback over the past year with her triple-installation album Body Talk. It has received many accolades and praises for its showcase of what true, quality pop music should sound like. After somewhat of a hiatus during the 2000s, Robyn took the music scene by storm with the promise of new music, and loads of it. I think most fans can agree that she did not disappoint. Most look back on her 1997 hit-song "Show Me Love", and some remember her self-titled album featuring tracks such as "Konichiwa Bitches" and "With Every Heartbeat", but if you aren't a fan now, you need to get your ears checked. Even though she is competing with pop divas such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, she stands her own ground with a unique image and sound.

Over the past couple weeks, Robyn had cancelled a handful of shows due to illness. Of course, I wanted her to get healthy, but I would be so disappointed if the Houston date was cancelled. Miraculously, the music gods were watching over us, and we were graced with her presence.

Warehouse Live was in full gay force that night. The venue staff should have hung a rainbow flag in the front entrance. Everyone was dressed to impress being that 75% or more of the audience was of the homosexual persuasion (so obviously, I felt right at home). Robyn wholeheartedly respects and appreciates her gay American following. Although straight, Robyn feels very connected to gay culture. Like I've said before, if you have the gays on your side, you will always have success.

There were two openers for the show: Natalia Kills and Diamond Rings. The show either started earlier than schedule, or Natalia Kills' set was just extremely short. We caught a couple of her tunes, including one of her more popular ones, "Mirrors". She was decent, but nothing to necessarily write home about....just filler. Next was Diamond Rings, who I was actually looking forward to seeing. First off, he is adorable with his David Bowie-esque appearance Secondly, he put on a great show, especially for being a solo-act. His music is very Soft Cell/Depeche Mode sounding. He is performing this coming Monday at Fitzgerald's in Houston with PS I Love you, so you have another chance to check him out. Also, his "Stay Fierce" t-shirts are fucking awesome.

Now, on to the queen herself. I know she was ill in previous weeks, but she showed no signs of sickness during her impressive 1.5 hour+ set at Warehouse. Her energy level never seemed to take a break. She constantly danced around the entire stage, exclaiming her love for the Houston crowd. I wish I had a dollar for every time she actually said "Houston". The amount of vitality and genuine love she showcased was nothing by infectious. When you caught a glimpse of her smiling at the end of a song, you knew she meant it. Can I also add in that I loved her outfit? I give her props for pulling off her dance moves in those platform shoes. The audience was in an uproar as her set shot off with "Time Machine" and didn't slow down from there. She sung almost every track from Body Talk, which led to quite a number of sing-a-longs. I will admit that I am quite guilty of wailing with the rest of them. I was disappointed that "The Girl and the Robot" did not receive the attention that it deserved. I was very much looking forward to it, and I might have gone a tad crazy when I heard the opening beats. The crowd went wild during "Dancing On My Own", "Indestructible", and "Stars 4-Ever". How could you not? My attempts at filming during the show failed at certain points because I, myself, became too enveloped in the music. Naturally, she ended her third and final encore with "Show Me Love" which turned into a venue-wide sing-along.

This was also the last stop on Robyn's Body Talk Tour....Houston got lucky :)

Robyn is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her music, charisma, style, and personality are all absolutely amazing. She literally melted my heart. I woke up the next morning with "Stars 4-Ever" buzzing in my head, in addition to the alcohol I consumed the night before.

Check out "Indestructible" below:

It's impossible for me to pinpoint my "favorite" performed tracks, so here is the full setlist:

Setlist

Time Machine

Fembot

Cobrastyle

Dancing On My Own

We Dance to the Beat

Love Kills

The Girl and the Robot

Indestructible

Call Your Girlfriend

Stars 4-Ever

Encore #1

Get Myself Together

Dancehall Queen

Hang With Me

With Every Heartbeat

Encore #2

U Should Know Better

Konichiwa Bitches

Encore #3

Dancing Queen (ABBA cover)

Show Me Love

Bonnaroo 2011 Lineup Revealed [i have to go this year]

2011-02-15T12:51:00.001-06:00

The 2011 Bonnaroo lineup has been released today! Although they will continue to add more artists over the next couple months, I'm impressed by who it consists of so far:

Eminem, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Lil Wayne, Mumford and Sons, Ray Lamontagne, Girl Talk, My Morning Jacket, Explosions in the Sky, Scissor Sisters, Beirut, Big Boi, Robyn, Floren and the Machine, !!, The Walkmen, Man Man, Twin Shadow, Gogol Bordello, Matt & Kim, and so many more. Check out the full initial lineup here.

For those of you who haven't attended this festival, it's quite the experience. Although not for the faint of heart, I fucking loved every minute of it.

Concert Review: Big Freedia at Fitzgerald's [2/11/2011]

2011-02-14T16:52:00.001-06:00

New Orleans bounce is becoming a way of life for the indie music scene. Who would have expected that to happen? I've always had an affinity towards all things related to southern rap. It is a music scene that is very unique within the hip hop community, and that's saying something. In general, African American community is not known for being very hospitable to the gay community, but artists such as Big Freedia and Sissy Nobby have been helping to alter this perception for the past decade. As Big Freedia will attest to, it has been an uphill battle, but it's refreshing to see that she is finally getting the respect she deserves. I mean, every Queen Diva is owed a certain amount of reverence, right? Yes.

Last week, despite constant tweeting that the Big Freedia's concert at Fitzgerald's was cancelled, to my surprise, the promoter officially announced that the show must go on. Thank. God. I missed Big Freedia last time she made her way to Houston and was elated to hear she decided to go for round two.

The audience consisted of a mixture of hipsters, gays, and black people...not necessarily your typical congregation of concert-goers. Nonetheless, everyone was there to have a " boucin'" good time. Ok, that was cheesy as shit. I know. Anyways, the evening started off with DJ Good Grief spinning an array of classics. DJ Jubilee - Get Ready, Ready was definitely crowd favorite (It got me sweating. That's for sure.). The stage quickly flooded with gyrating bodies as the beats began to speed up and the bass was shaking the entire venue. My white v-neck was thoroughly soaked with perspiration, and Big Freedia hadn't even made an appearance yet.

Finally, the production crew began to clear the horde of amateurs in anticipation of Big Freedia and his Divas taking to the stage. I can't lie to you...my "giddy school girl" side made a quick appearance. As soon as she began her set, you could feel the energy immediately. The Queen Diva truly knows how to get the crowd going. Her constant interaction with everyone made the night even more memorable. If you have seen any videos of these concerts, you know that it is tradition for audience members to go on stage and "shake what they got in them jeans". One of Big Freedia's more well known tracks is "Azz Everywhere" (clever title, I know). The crowd went frantic as soon it began, and the stage started filling up. I had just enough vodka in my veins to be on the fence as to whether or not I wanted to go on stage. Well, Big Freedia made the decision for me and physically pulled me on stage herself. This was one of my proudest concert stage moments. Excuse my French, but I shook my ass SO f*cking hard. I'm pretty sure I received applause and outdid the girl next to me. Oh, and don't worry...it's all on video. I can prove that this actually happened. My adrenaline level reached sky-high levels, and I was on cloud nine despite my bruised shins and knees. On a sidenote, my dad recently joined the real of Facebook. Since my siblings confirmed his friendship, I felt obligated to do the same. Because he currently has a whopping four friends, my profile is plastered all over his news feed. What status did he have the pleasure of reading Saturday morning? "I shook my ass more than ever before tonight. Thank you Big Freedia for personally pulling me on stage and letting my show my stuff. My shins hurt from getting on my knees on stage. Azz everywhere." Oh yes, he made a comment about it. Can you say, "awkward"? That should be an example in the dictionary. I might need to institute a few privacy settings.

I have to show my utter amazement and admiration for Big Freedia's Diva dancers. I cannot even fathom dancing like that for an entire set. I am absolutely exhausted after a mere ten minutes. I also can't imagine poppin' it on a handstand and going into the splits. I definitely have some practicing to do to even approach that level of awesome/stripper.

This concert was a much needed change of pace. I don't attend enough rap/hip hop shows. Not only does Big Freedia do her shit right, she also has an amazing back story. Nothing but love and respect for her.

Check out a live video of "Azz Everywhere" below:

Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-09T11:58:00.000-06:00

This year's Super Bowl has come and gone, and there were more unwanted commotions revolving around this enormous sports event than anyone could have ever expected. Number one issue: the outrageous winter weather that has smothered the south for the past few weeks (and just won't seem to f*ck off). Texans are prepared for the possible annual snow fall or ice storm, but 2011 brought it to a new level. Watching the news, I half expected to see Jake Gyllenhaal sledding in the background like a scene from Day After Tomorrow. Ok, maybe the weather wasn't that extreme compared to the north's winter norm, but local meteorologists made it appear that way. Aerial views of the Cowboys Stadium showcased a town blanketed in snow, ice, and frigid winter gusts. Texans cannot be reamed too harshly though, purely for the fact that we aren't physically prepared these sort of storms. We don't have snow plows running up and down are streets everyday. I don't think snow plows even exist in Texas. After a few injured stadium employees, cancelled celebrity parties, pissed off local businesses, and annoyed DFW residents dealing with rolling blackouts, Super Bowl Sunday finally made it's way to the nation's television screen. Despite all the hubbub, Super Bowl XLV became the most watched television program history. I think some were just watching to see if anything worse could happen.

I'm not a huge fan of the NFL, or any professional sports for that matter. Well, that does not include soccer. Mmm....most attractive athletes. period. ANYway...I'm all about college football, but I decided to crack open a few beers and watch the Super Bowl. I was more interested in the commercials and musical numbers, which brings me to my main purpose for writing this. First, we'll talk about the clusterfuck that is Christina Aguilera and the national anthem.

Yes, she kind of fucked up the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner. Is this utterly embarrassing? Yes. Should those words be permanently ingrained in her bleach-blond head? Yes. Over a hundred million viewers watched Aguilera fumble. After an interesting year in the tabloids and celebrity news, this is definitely not what she needed for her career. Nonetheless, I will momentarily come to her defense. This just shows that she isn't a robot. Just like the saying "everyone poops", everyone screws up. Sometimes it happens in an empty room, and sometimes it happens in front of hundreds of millions of people. I'm not going to hold her at TOO much fault for the blunder. Shit happens; accept it and move on. Aguilera will be opening The Grammy's this coming Sunday in a tribute to the one and only, Aretha Franklin. Hopefully she will make up for what happened the previous Sunday.

Now, on to the half-time ~~shit show~~ performance. The moment I found out the Black Eyed Peas were the official Super Bowl performers, I was intrigued. Although I'm not really a fan of theirs, it was refreshing not to see a band whose glory days were in the 1960s or 1970s. The moment Fergie opened her mouth, I could feel my skin crawl with nausea. All I can say to her is: vocal coach. Her pitch was more spread out than a constellation in the night sky. Plus, her outfit was horrendous. I still ask myself this question, "What do the other two guys, outside of Will.i.am and Fergie, do for the group?": nothing. They exist solely to visually fill up the stage to compensate for the group's lack of musical talent. Luckily, Usher was able to lip-sync the half-time show into more of a success with his fine self.

The one commercial I was looking forward to hopefully seeing on national television did not even make it to air:

I was a bit shocked when I saw the new Groupon commercial. We had to rewind the DVR to make sure we weren't confused by what just happened. Nope, we weren't. Good job, Groupon. Next advertising campaign theme: despite the AIDS crisis in Africa, I just saved 50% on my meal at this Ethiopian restaurant.

Britney Spears - "Hold It Against Me" Music Video Parody REMOVED

2011-01-31T13:12:00.001-06:00

**Sadly, the video was removed to do "copyright" violation". That's was stupid on the label's part. I'm pretty sure the gays have made Britney Spears what she is today. Tsk tsk.**

Ryan James Yezak released his latest music video parody today for Britney Spears' 2011 track, "Hold It Against Me". For those who have seen his parodies before, you automatically expect to see a dozen gay men having fun, dancing, and kissing. Sorry, but that isn't the case this time around. Donna Hood stars as Britney in a less comical visual portrayal of the tune. There are more women featured, which is actually refreshing. I enjoyed the video, so take a look!

Don't worry boys....there is still some eye candy to keep you entertained.

Visuals: New Video from Savage Skulls & Douster feat. ROBYN

2011-01-27T10:26:00.002-06:00

Check out this new track from Mad Decent's own Savage Skulls and Douster, "Bad Gal", featuring the always beautiful Robyn. Anything showcasing her is worth watching. It's a fun, upbeat electro club hit with an almost tribal/afro/reggae feel to it. Plus, the video features outrageous car chases, tennis matches, Robyn "dancing on her own", Mexican wrestling masks, and so much more.

I think I would go straight for Robyn. Is that weird?

Diana Ross Cover Song from Gay Porn Star

2011-01-25T12:05:00.004-06:00

If you are gay and know anything about the gay porn industry, there is a very good chance you have heard of Zeb Atlas (born Andy Bick). He has become sort of an icon in the community with his obnoxious muscular physique. I really don't understand the attraction there. I know plenty of men have a fetish for the bodybuilding type, but Atlas is on another level of steroid. Someone should have told him to stop while he was ahead, but that is neither here nor there. I mean, he still has a very successful career to wave in our faces, so kudos to him. Apparently he used to stick solely to softcore porn but finally had his man cherry popped on film. I feel like that would just be utterly awkward to watch. He would probably look like a hippopotamus ravaging an unsuspecting victim.

Everyone has heard Diana Ross' "Love Hangover". It's a 1976 disco classic and is still prevalent in today's generation. When musicians decide to cover a song that has been so tried and true, the goal is to put their own perspective into it without tarnishing the original qualities that made it such a definitive song. Atlas has done the complete opposite of that. He is accompanied by singer/diva Pearly Gates (wow, really?), who featured the porn star in a previous music video for "Stop For Love". Luckily, he only starred in that one and wasn't given a singing role. I think he gained some inspiration from Kim Zolciak (Real Housewives of Atlanta) and decided to hit the recording studio himself. The end product: Zeb Atlas attempting to sing "Love Hangover" and try to appear sexy...it is absolutely horrible, horrendous, lackluster, off pitch, etc. I could add a few more adjectives, but I think you get the picture. If you have a strong stomach, watch the video below.

Sorry Zeb, but you should stick to your day job. Regardless of what I think, I'm sure there are enough men out there who are performing their own "solo acts" to this music video.

Concert Review: Sarah Jaffe at Mucky Duck [1/20/2011]

2011-01-23T18:39:00.001-06:00

Denton-born singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe made her way to McConigel's Mucky Duck in Houston for a very small, intimate performance last Thursday. Being a Texas-native, she isn't a stranger to the Space City. Having never been to Mucky Duck before, I was intrigued to see what type of concert experience it would provide. Mucky Duck is an Irish pub, but dually serves as a supper club and venue. They have quite an extensive wine list, and a decent pub food menu to complement it. What makes it a "supper club" per se is that you have the possibility of sitting at a table with another party. My friends and I were accompanied by three other lovely people, which led to a completely different experience. It is refreshing to be forced to interact with strangers, as strange as that sounds.

Bosque Brown (also from Denton, TX) was the sole opener for Jaffe. Bosque Brown was started by singer/songwriter Mara Lee Miller while she was attending University of North Texas. It wasn't that her talent was shoddy or lackluster, but I wasn't in the mood for such a minimal, almost repetitive, performance. Also, there was absolutely not interaction with the audience. I mean, none. I think I heard crickets before I took a smoke break. Maybe I should give her another chance?

Around 9:00 pm, the lady of the hour hit the stage. Her set only lasted about 50 minutes or so, which was a tad disappointing. Nonetheless, I was still entranced by her performance. I've been a fan for a good while now, and it was great to finally see her in person. Her voice resonated just as powerfully live as it does on her recordings. You could not only hear the passion in her voice, but you could see it in her face as well. Jaffe sang a mix of previously recorded tracks and some brand new ones that had never graced an audience's ears. Popular songs such as "Clementine" and "Vulnerable" received very positive reactions from the audience. A newer song that stuck out to me was "A Sucker for Your Marketing". After those words left her lips, I immediately thought to myself, "story of my life." Jaffe was very charismatic and had a certain candor about her. Compared to the opening act, it was refreshing to have so much artist interaction. If I wanted to hear an album with no interruptions, I can stay at home and listen to my iPod. Jaffe even handled her own merch table. My favorite quote from her was, "If I can hear you smiling, you need more water." I'm pretty sure everyone can relate to that statement. I might have to borrow that phrase next time I'm out with my ~~lushes~~ friends.

With all of the accolades and buzz she is receiving from the indie music world, seeing Sarah Jaffe in a setting such as this was definitely special. I have a gut feeling that she is going to explode in 2011. Texas might be one of the reddest states in the country, but at least we have a damn good music scene.

Check out "A Sucker For Your Marketing"...

The 2011 Golden Globes

2011-01-20T10:35:00.000-06:00

Really? Inception didn't win an award for anything? Stop the f*cking presses. I'm not going to lie, that was quite a shock for me. Yes, I saw The Social Network when it was in theaters. Was I entertained enough to leave the theater without regretting spending $10 to see it? Yes. Was I blown away? Not at all. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal as Mark Zuckerberg was of good stature, but I don't think it was enough to help warrant a near Social Network sweep. In all honesty, he started to become more of an annoyance in the film. Just as a side note, I'm happy that Natalie Portman won Best Actress for Black Swan. She played her role phenomenally and deserved the Globe. I still don't think the film was as mesmerizing as the critics say. Yes, I was entertained. Yes, I was somewhat mentally engaged most of the time. No, I didn't have to put my jaw back in place from it falling on the floor. I probably would have put it ahead of The Social Network, though. The only nominated film that left me speechless was Inception. The storyline, the visuals, the special effects, the intricacy, and the acting (I actually enjoyed Ellen Paige's role, and that's saying something) made it a film to remember.

Naturally, the awards I care the most about are for original song and original score. I think those are the only two award presentations I just happened to catch before heading out for a plate of soul food and live jazz music. As far as the Best Song category is concerned, I'm not shocked that a song from Burlesque took home the Golden Globe (look what they had to choose from). Let's be real: the gays run things in Hollywood. Every major player has their own "gay" by their side, telling them what to do.

Onto the category for Original Score. I feel as if I'm more distraught by Trent Reznor's appearance than the film winning yet another award. I couldn't even recognize him, and I was watching the acceptance on a rather large television screen. Since when did he clean up THAT much? Yeah, it's the Golden Globes but stick your roots, man. The original score for The Social Network is indeed worth listening to. It's very unique and outside-of-the-norm compared to most films that win this award. Nonetheless, I have an affinity towards the Inception soundtrack. I was rooting for you Hans [Zimmer].

Check out a live performance of "Time" by Hans Zimmer. The intensity of it is absolutely beautiful. It's difficult to explain. Maybe the band nerd side of is just making a special appearance. Just watch and listen. You won't be disappointed. Scout's honor.

If you enjoyed that, and you appreciate a good remix, listen to what I've posted below. I usually don't value remixes of orchestral/classical music, but this is an exception. My favorite of all time is still DJ Tiesto's remix of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings".

Concert Review: Girl Talk at Verizon [1/13/2011]

2011-01-18T17:31:00.001-06:00

Gregg Gillis, better known as mashup-king Girl Talk, made an appearance in Houston promoting his latest party starter, All Day (which you can still download for free on the official website). It's almost unreal how much the popularity for this man has grown since his solo project was birthed into the world. The show was originally scheduled to take place at the House of Blues, but because it sold out so quickly, Livenation decided to move the event to a more appropriate venue. Either way, I knew I was going to be forced to shell out $8 - 10 per beer/cocktail. To compensate for this, I fulfilled my quota of Red Bull and vodka drinks beforehand at a friend's apartment *Kids, don't drink and drive*.

If you haven't seen Girl Talk in person, you are missing out on something....ridiculous. Hundreds (often thousands) of partygoers + alcohol + eardrum blowing music + flashing lights + confetti + balloons + a stage full of dancing hipsters = a good time for all. This was my fourth go around. His show's are more of a production than a actual "concert" per se. We missed the opening DJ, but I'm not losing sleep over it. Occasionally, I was able to recognize specific tracks from All Day, but when you see a Girl Talk show, it doesn't really matter. You're there to drink and dance. It's as simple as that. Gillis spun for about an hour and half, which is what I expected, and didn't disappoint the 3000+ concertgoers. Girl Talk attracts a very intriguing combination of people. You've got your hipsters, underage kids, fraternity/sorority douchebags, and preps. I went to Nocturnal Music Fest last year (Girl Talk also performed there) and experienced the same type of ~~clusterfuck~~ audience. One of the more surprising crowd pleasers was an extended version of Otis Day's "Shout". There is a small blip on All Day, but Gillis was smart to create a sing-a-long towards the end of the show. I can't lie, I was blowing out my vocal chords with the rest of them. Gillis truly knows how to maintain a high energy level throughout a performance.

As mentioned before, a stage full of dancing hipsters always makes for a more entertaining, and often humorous, show. I've graced a few concert stages with my drunken presence, but I decided to sit this one out. That, and they had preselected a large number of underagers. Funny story of the night: a 16 year old kid not only brought a flask on stage but also felt comfortable enough to let the entire audience know he had it. Oh, it doesn't end there. Apparently, he felt the need to accost his lady friend's vagina....on stage. C'mon guys....discretion. Do you know the definition of that word? Needless to say, he didn't make it to the end.

Whenever Girl Talk pops on my iTunes/iPod, I have think to myself...how did this music style become so sought-after? In no way do I intend to downplay how much work it takes Gillis to create an album, but when you logically think about....an hour of mashups consists purely of an ungodly number of songs that have been already created by someone else. My opinion: Girl Talk is society's answer to MADD (Music Attention Deficit Disorder). I include myself in that population.

Despite the excessive cost of alcoholic beverages at the venue, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was even complimented on my dance skills. Check out the picture of me that made it onto the Houston Press website here.

PEE.ESS. I took several videos from the concert, so be on the look out for those soon!

Visuals: Katy Perry - "Peacock" Parody (NSFW)

2011-01-10T21:09:00.000-06:00

I couldn't help myself....I had to share this little gem. Don't judge. Let's just say it's a much more literal version of the original song.

Visuals: Digitalism's "Blitz"

2011-01-09T12:23:00.000-06:00

Check out the official video for Digitalism's latest and long-awaited track, "Blitz". It mostly consists of random trees, grass fields, and live concert footage. Nonetheless, it is a badass song. You don't need a artistic video to tell you that.

Song/Video of the Day: Banjo or Freakout - "105"

2011-01-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

While perusing my normal music blogs, I discovered Italian-born/London-based Banjo or Freakout few weeks ago. The man behind the moniker is Alessio Natalizia, and he has been creating beautiful songs, mixtapes, covers, and remixes for a few years now. I feel as if I'm "behind the curve" when I discover great music like this but better late than never, right? Above, you will find his most recent music video, "105", showcasing a day in the life of an angsty teenage schoolgirl. It is very intimate, hazy, pop rock and all kinds of wonderful.

Album Review: Kitsuné Maison 10: The Fireworks Issue

2011-01-05T10:29:00.001-06:00

Who knew an ~~overpriced~~ luxury clothing retailer/record label could produce such magnificently orchestrated albums? It's refreshing to see such variety in a compilation. When I first discovered these mixes, I expected nothing but hipster electro and stereotypical indie rock. Luckily, I was dead wrong [Well, there is a good amount of electro, but it's the good kind.]. I've discovered countless new artists through the Kitsune Maison music collection.

Kitsune released the tenth installation of their popular series, and I am not disappointed with this playlist at all. No, I'm not in love with every single track, but I don't detest any of them (and that's saying something). Right from the start, I was blown away with the first track, Cascadeur's "Walker" (Early Remix). It is hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking and has quickly become a favorite of mine. Everyone knows I love depressing music. Does that make me somewhat of a masochist? Cascadeur's music is full of piano and synth, and emits a very ethereal, calming vibe. Do yourself a favor and listen for yourself. Grab a box a tissues while you're at it.

Other memorable tracks include: Strange Talk - "Climbing Walls", Black Strobe - "Me & Madonna" (The Twelves Remix), Digitalism - "Blitz", Yelle - "La Musique", Housee De Racket - "Chateau", and Two Door Cinema Club - "What You Know" (Mustang Remix). It would require far too many words to describe every song on this two disc compilation, and I don't possess the attention span right now for that. I'll just pick three more to discuss.

"Climbing Walls" comes from Australian synth-pop group Strange Talk. They are a relatively new indie band (what band isn't these days), but I'm a fan of their sound. It doesn't come from out of the blue, but it's very comfortable to the ear. If you adore Phoenix, you'll appreciate these guys.

Digitalism isn't a foreign name to those of us who are passionate about electro/dance parties, but if you haven't listened to them before, check out "Pogo". You won't be disappointed by the song or the video. I know this is a very bold statement to make, but they're kind of Daft Punk-ish. Don't kill me for saying that. I love Daft Punk just as much as the next person. Digitalism is actually signed to the Kitsune label, so it isn't a surprise to find them on here. "Blitz" is their latest, long-awaited single. It will pretty much explode through your computer/iPod/"insert Apple technology here" and put you in a music coma.

"Me & Madonna" has two things going for it; Black Strobe AND The Twelves. The Twelves have produced an unimaginable number of remixes, and I haven't listened to one I didn't like, including this one. The Parisian dance rockers Black Strobe have been around since 1996, and "Me & Madonna" is over eight years old. Although a great track in its original form, The Twelves have just freshened it up for a newer generation of music aficionados.

I can vividly picture this entire album being amplified over the speakers of a trendy clothing boutique full of twenty-somethings. I guess that's part of the purpose? Nonetheless, I would play this album at a gathering of friends anytime. Creating playlists is a skill I pride myself on. I've stared at my laptop countless times as I try to perfect the perfect mix for whatever event was approaching....but if I can avoid that hassle, I am more than happy to do so.

Kitsune Maison 10: The Fireworks Issue is unquestionably worth checking out, but don't assume you will love all twenty-five tracks. You'll like some, you'll love some, but you probably won't scoff at any of them.

Check out a live performance of "Walker" below:

Covers: ceo doing Beyonce's "Halo"

2010-12-28T15:46:00.000-06:00

Listen to this wonderful cover of my favorite pop diva. It blows my mind how an indie artist can take the most mainstream of tunes and transform it into something much more exotic and unique. I'm already a fan of ceo/Tough Alliance, so this is just icing on the cake. Enjoy!

New Music: Yeasayer Live Album (FREE)

2010-12-28T12:21:00.001-06:00

We've all gotten used to the "name your price" concept that many artists have adopted. I still remember when Radiohead pioneered that idea with In Rainbows, and many couldn't believe an artist of that stature would do such a thing.

As a token of their appreciation for their loyal fans, Yeasayer has decided to offer live recordings from a performance at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on their website. Naturally, you can download it for free, but if you can contribute any amount of money, I would. Artists like this deserve it. Check out the official website!

Tis the season...

2010-12-25T08:08:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Enjoy your time spent with loved ones, whether it be your family, friends, or even your beloved canine. Forget that "diet" of yours (believe me, I'm hitting the gym like a train next week). Eat, drink, and be merry! Holla!

Concert Review: Jay Brannan at Fitzgerald's [12/12/2010]

2010-12-13T19:15:00.002-06:00

This show was the most pleasant musical surprise I've had in quite awhile. Not that I was shocked by how beautiful it was but purely the fact that it was actually happening. As gaymixes burst through my ear canals at Fox Hollow during their newly founded Sunday Funday tradition, my friend and I started to chat with one of the bartenders towards the end of the event. As he was hastily readying the bar area for closing time, he mentioned to us that he was moving fast so as to make it to Fitzgerald's to see Jay Brannan. In my mind, my mouth dropped; Jay Brannan is performing in Houston? Tonight? I have to be there. It had been pre-decided. I've been longing to see him live. He is an openly gay, Texas-born, singer/songwriter/actor based in New York City. If you don't know who he is, do yourself a favor and watch the movie Shortbus (one of my top favorites) and enjoy the soundtrack afterwards. Just an FYI, the film is not for the faint at heart when it comes to sexuality. Don't say I didn't warn you.

After scarfing down a nutritious Wendy's power snack, we headed straight to the venue and arrived just in the nick of time. Although not a packed house, Brannan drew a nice, good-sized, diverse mix of people. For the most part, the audience treated the show as they should have: with respect. I absolutely detest ~~assholes~~ audience members who feel the need to drunkenly banter during quiet, intimate performances. Moving on....a shot of Jameson later, Brannan could be found sitting center stage under the spot light. Some music fans feel that solo acoustic shows become monotonous halfway through the setlist, but I completely disagree with that statement. Brannan has a clever, witty way of twisting his lyrics together. Some tunes make your heart smile wide, while others can draw a tear from your eye. I encountered both reactions but probably more of the latter...If you haven't realized this by now, I'm not afraid of my emotions like some people :P

Brannnan is also very good at interspersing short anecdotes and interacting with the audience. He is one of those few artists that can show off his beautiful, genuine personality without even trying. It just shines through. That made the show even more special to me. His hour (plus) set included songs such as "Goddamned", "Soda Shop", "Half Boyfriend" (afterwards, he responded with, "Who needs a boyfriend when you have TSA sticking their hands in your pants?"), and "Housewife". He also performed a Christmas song for you pessimists out there, "Christmas Really Sucks". The older I get, I can't help but become a bit jaded by the holiday season. Alcohol helps a lot though (currently drinking a glass of wine). You know what I mean.

Although I'm still not in love with the physical set up of Fitzgerald's, the performance was wonderful and charming. The only thing missing was my nonexistent "special someone". Can someone tell me where to find one of those? It is easier to find a leprechaun. The people of Mobile can attest to that. Even if you knew, you probably wouldn't tell me because you would keep him for yourself [I know I would].

Song/Video of the Day: Barcelona - "Please Don't Go" feat. The Symphony Guild

2010-12-09T20:59:00.000-06:00

This is an absolutely beautiful live version of this song. Grab a tissue. You will need it. It was filmed during the annual "Primal Symphony" Charity Concert benefitting the Seattle Children's Hospital.

Just Me: White Rock Half Marathon [PHOTOS]

2010-12-09T15:11:00.000-06:00

Visuals: Daft Punk's "Derezzed"

2010-12-07T12:46:00.003-06:00

Check out the new music video for the track "Derezzed" from the Tron Soundtrack. For non-gamers and those who have never seen the original Tron movie, here is a quick summary of what it means to be derezzed (according to Urban Dictionary):

To disappear or dissolve; the image that goes with it is of an object breaking into raster lines and static and then dissolving.

This will make more sense once you watch the video. Stop stalling and just click the play button.

Daft Punk - New Music - More Music Videos

Just Me: White Rock Half Marathon [12/5/2010]

2010-12-06T11:22:00.010-06:00

As most of my friends and family know, I've been training for this race for several months. After putting up with the constant dehydration, perspiration, soreness, pseudo-dieting, and long weekend runs, it was time for my hard work to prove itself. A few weeks ago, I strained my left quadricep and soon become unsure as to how I would pull this off. Regardless, I knew I had to cross that damn finish line.

My running partner (meaning, I sort of dragged him into this) and I made our way to Dallas on Saturday. The only thought going through my mind was, "Let's just get this race over with so I can enjoy a cocktail." It was difficult to fathom running 13.1 miles alongside 20,000 other registrants. Not only that, the weather forecast predicted temperatures to be in the mid-30s. Yes, I'm from Texas. Yes, I'm a bit of wimp when it comes to winter weather. The two go hand in hand.

[Sunday, 5:00 am] Neither of us had any desire to move from under our blankets. Without even touching the window, I could sense the outside temperature, and it sent a shiver down my spine. After a few minutes of mental debating, we finally began to get ready. With a healthy breakfast in our stomachs, we bundled up and headed to Fair Park. The directions suggested that we arrive by 6:30 am. Easy enough, right? Wrong. As we approached the multiple exits we could take, each one was at a complete standstill. I know this was the first year the race started at Fair Park, but they really need to attend to the traffic issue. It was pretty much a huge clusterfuck. Thank Gawd we were smart enough to find a "secret" alternate route.

Finally, I was in the midst of the runners, waiting to cross the starting line. Despite being cold, I was in my own world with my iPod flowing into my ears. My adrenaline was pumping, and I was ready to embark on this athletic experience. The race itself was actually...fun and enjoyable. Shocking, I know. Who would ever think running 13.1 miles is fun? It was scenic, the weather was gorgeous, and as corny as it may sound, having strangers cheer for you was more than endearing. Some of the posters were pretty clever ("Hurry up because I have to poop", "Run faster because the zombies are behind you", etc.) There were a few moments when I felt like my legs were going to give out, but I knew I had to push through the pain. The miles seamlessly flowed by...8, 9, 10...

At mile 11, it hit me. I could literally taste the beer at the finish line (yes, alcohol was still a small motivator). Because the race finished in the area it began, I knew exactly where I was. As I picked up speed, my adrenaline increased ten-fold. With all my might, I was going to sprint across that finish line with my hands in the air, and I did just that. Official time: 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 3 seconds....not too shabby, if I say so myself. I can't lie to you, there was a lot of emotion that went into crossing the finish line.

As soon as I received my medal and finisher t-shirt, I naturally gravitated straight to the beer tent. When the attendant asked me, "One beer or two?" I didn't even stutter. Of course, I needed two. My friend and I enjoyed a Whataburger celebration meal and ended up sleeping the entire drive back to Houston. Oh, and my legs and feet were on fire. Seriously, on fire. At least my toe nails didn't fall off because that ain't cute.

The training and race, collectively, was an amazing experience, and I can't help be proud of myself. A lot of passion and emotion goes into something like this. There are several reasons why I did it, but the bottom line is that I did it for myself. Not many people can, or ever will, say they've accomplished something like this. Now, I'm looking forward to running a full marathon in 2011. I guess you could say I've caught the "running bug".

All I know is, my body is gonna be lookin' tight with all this running. That is what's really important, right? Just kidding. Well, sort of.

New Music: Dreamers of the Ghetto

2010-11-30T22:24:00.006-06:00

Check out the music video for one of their latest releases, "Phone Call", below. Dreamers of the Ghetto is a trio turned occasional quartet originating from Nashville. Their music emits a very relaxed yet soulful and deep vibe. They have recently added a live drummer to the mix, which has helped them achieve a more complex sound. If this is a taste of what is to come, I hope we will be hearing more from this group towards the beginning of next year.

heartwarming queer teen photo/video montage.

2010-11-27T21:25:00.006-06:00

This is such a wonderful photography project. M. Sharkey has traveled the country photographing and interviewing queer teens living their lives like normal human beings; its just beautiful. Its beautiful to see LGBTQ youth with such vibrancy, fervor, and passion. To all you ignorant bullies out there: this is a war you are going to lose. This is proof.

Concert Review: Usher at Toyota Center (11/23/10)

2010-11-24T20:45:00.007-06:00

It's seven o'clock, on the dot, I'm in my drop top cruisin' the streets....The words of a true poetic genius, right? Okay, that might be somewhat of an exaggeration. Scratch that, it is quite the overstatement.

Usher is in the midst of his 2010 North American "OMG! Tour" and made his way to Houston this week. With my good friend in tow, I weaved through the typical downtown traffic on my way to Toyota Center with no real expectations for the show. Honestly, I just wanted to drink. I'm not an avid fan of arena/stadium concerts. I don't want to pay $100.oo for an artist I kinda/sorta want to see, but even more, I cringe when I have to spend $9.00 for a beer. I can get almost four Four Lokos for that price (that's 16 Lokos total). Anyways, Usher's latest album, Raymond vs Raymond, has been blowing up radio stations across the country. Singles such as "DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again", "Hot Toddie", "There Goes My Baby", etc. have become the new music plague. After being beat in the head by these songs, I couldn't help but start to find them entertaining. You can judge all you want, but his songs are catchy as hell. C'mon, its U-S, H-E-R, R-A-Y-M, O-N-D.

As soon as we nestled into our fifth row seats, the house lights faded to black. We missed the opener, Trey Songz. The show itself was very atypical for a pop arena show: pyrotechnics, massive projection screens, random props, backup dancers, risers, and a live band. My preconception for the performance was that he was going to lipsync almost the entire time, but to my surprise, that wasn't the case. He physically sang for a decent amount of time. That took place in between the several instances where he either ripped his shirt off, thrusted his crotch into the air, or simulated vaginal/oral penetration.

His set lasted about an hour and a half and was filled with many new songs but also a good amount of oldies. Nonetheless, I sang 95% of the lyrics and nearly lost my voice. I can't lie to you; I felt a tad ashamed telling friends that my voice was raspy for THAT reason, but then again, I really wasn't. I'm known to be quite shameless.

Biggest complaint: They stopped serving alcohol an hour before the end of the show. That was dumb. Really dumb.

All-in-all, the concert was high in entertainment value, but quantity definitely beat out quality.

For more pictures like the one featured, check out this link right hurr.

Visuals: Ke$ha's "We R Who We R" Unofficial Music Video

2010-11-22T18:05:00.006-06:00

Yes, I know: Its Ke$ha. Say what you want; Judge all you want. I might not be in love with her music, but I'm a huge fan of this guy's videos. Check it out! Also, check out his video for Katy Perry's "Peacock" here.

Live Music: Gorillaz Cover The XX's "Crystalised"

2010-11-22T11:12:00.005-06:00

Recently, a handful of members from Gorillaz made a special appearance on BBC Radio 1. Damon Albarn tugs at your heart while he performs his rendition of The XX's "Crystalised". The already moving song seems to evoke even more pain and emotion as seen in Albarn's facial expressions. This is a truly a superb take on the hit indie tune.

Live Music: Sufjan Stevens on Jimmy Fallon

2010-11-21T15:23:00.012-06:00

Neon colors, angel wings, choreographed dance moves, a crowded stage set that is probably against fire code, and of course, musical genius; all should be expected from the one-and-only Sufjan Stevens. Above, you will find Sufjan's debut network television performance (except for his surprise performance with The National on David Letterman here.) Fallon appears to almost be in awe of what takes place. He should be.

This past September, I had the honor and pleasure of enjoying Sufjan Stevens perform live in Dallas, TX on the Southern Methodist University campus. The most accurate comparison to seeing Sufjan in the flesh is finding a unicorn in your backyard on a snowy day in Hell. He hasn't toured in 4+ years, and when the opportunity presents itself, you make sure you get tickets for the show closest to you, no matter what the cost is. For the latest tour, he even hand picked all of the dates and venues himself. Its difficult to put into physical words how wonderful, ethereal, magical, passionate, notable, dorky, personal, etc. this concert was. It was impossible not to be mesmerized. Sitting in the front row of the pit helped a bit too. I must say that personally, I highly enjoyed his quirky dance skills. Not many people can make "awkward" look "cute", but he does it quite well. I've seen countless shows this year, and this rates as one of the top for 2010. If you STILL haven't jumped on the bandwagon and checked out his full length album The Age of Adz or his EP, All The Delighted People....do yourself a favor and purchase both (no, don't open a new tab on your browser and go straight to bit torrent). Sidenote, his opening act/current touring band member, DM Stith, is also worth checking out.

I've had a musical crush on Sufjan Stevens for years, and now that crush is creeping upon infatuation (too much?). He is absolutely adorable in every aspect. I was this close to stealing him right off the stage. Look at this man...whether you are male or female, how can you not feel the same way?

(cue googly eyes......now.)

11/18/1999. 2:42 am. [we will always remember]

2010-11-17T21:58:00.005-06:00

Proud to be an Aggie.

Song/Video of the Day: James Blake - Limit To Your Love

2010-11-16T14:59:00.003-06:00

There's a limit to your love

Like a waterfall in slow motion

Like a map with no ocean

There's a limit to your love

Your love, your love, your love

There's a limit to you care

So carelessly there, is it truth or dare

There's a limit to your care

There's a limit to your love

Like a waterfall in slow motion

Like a map with no ocean

There's a limit to your love

Your love, your love, your love

There's a limit to you care

So carelessly there, is it truth or dare

There's a limit to your care

hey willow smith, you should watch this.

2010-11-16T10:12:00.007-06:00

Oooh, the national phenomenon that is Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair". Yes, she is a mere 10 years olds, she possesses a "distinct" fashion style (or someone is giving her that style), and her track is respectable for someone of such a young age. With all that said, if America wants to see how people REALLY whip their hair back and forth, watch the video below.

As I was sipping on a 44 ounce Diet Coke last night, my friend and I were sending each other videos like the one above, and and I just started to think. Most have at least heard of voguing, but the femme style of vogue has been taking over the underground for years. It actually made a national appearance on MTV's America's Next Dance Crew. The woman featured in the above video, Leomy, was a member. Another fun fact, Leomy was an extra in Willow Smith's official music video.

There is no arguing that its a catchy tune, but I just have to point out the fact that Will Smith's cleverly named daughter needs to do some research (10 year olds can read, right?). It is possible she was truly influenced by this scene, but how many nine and ten year olds know anything about LGBT subcultures? To the more informed minority, I feel like she is trying to somewhat represent an entire culture that she knows absolutely nothing about. If she knew how much of a force Leomy is in the vogue scene, she would have featured her in that music video for more than five seconds.

Just sayin'. That's my rant for the morning.

And I really wish I wasn't terrified to shablam. I would probably fracture by legs, back, and/or neck. Maybe one day....just watch for me on the dance floor.

New Music: Girl Talk - All Day (FREE)

2010-11-15T17:04:00.007-06:00

The Mashup King, Girl Talk, has made his latest album, All Day, available on his website. Oh, and it is FREE TO DOWNLOAD. Would I lie to you? Never. I haven't listened to it yet, but I have a bit of apprehension. Night Ripper is still his peak album for me. I wasn't thoroughly blown away by Feed the Animals, but no one can deny that any Girl Talk album can push a dance party to the next level. The album is free to download as either a seamless file or with separated tracks. He states on his website: "All Day is intended to be listened to as a whole."

Also, Girl Talk has a ridiculously intense tour schedule for the upcoming winter and spring seasons. It surprises me that his ear drums haven't vacated his head, flicking him off as they explode. Check out his website to see if he is coming to a city near you. Seeing him live is quite the experience. The first time I witnessed the madness, I was at the front of the stage next to the man himself. At the same time, I was so drunk, dehydrated, and surrounded by others in the same state, I thought I was going to vomit on his computer station.

Enjoy!

**UPDATE** I listened to the entire album last night. Thumbs up! I enjoyed it much more than I expected.

a slow and painful death [the end of four loko is near]

2010-11-15T11:27:00.003-06:00

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

If you have not read my personal Four Loko experience yet, please do here. My sources forwarded me this article from the New York Times: Maker Halts Distribution of Alcoholic Energy Drink. Phusion Projects, the creator of Four Loko, will cease all Four Loko distribution in New York by this Friday. It is official. "Blackout in a Can" is nearing its end.

This is a sad day in American drunken history.

Visuals: Unofficial Video for Sleigh Bells' "Riot Rhythm"

2010-11-14T20:09:00.003-06:00

Similar to M.I.A.'s "Born Free", this music video is teeming with a certain ginger persuasion as well. It actually features actor Ian Hamrick, who was executed in the NSFW video. This time around, there are no red heads being sniped and ripped to shreds by land mines. Sleigh Bells is still a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. No, their lyrics aren't comprised of complex, metaphorical lyrics. No, their beats aren't masterfully produced. Its just fun music, pure and simple. Check out the video below:

Sleigh Bells "Riot Rhythm" from Bo Mirosseni on Vimeo.

New Music: Violens - Amoral

2010-11-12T17:21:00.007-06:00

I first discovered Violens when I got a hold of their St. Etienne cover, "Avenue". Although it was just a taste, I developed a yearning for a full-length LP and that wish has finally been fulfilled. Yes, the band did release a summer "re"mixtape, but don't get it twisted. It is not the same. Never heard of Violens until now? Want to know how would I describe their sound? It is sort of a montage of fuzzy psychpop, synth and the 80s with a sometimes upbeat aggression. Lead singer Jorge Elbrecht has a very pronounced, new-wave vocal style.

Amoral, by definition, means to lack any sense of morality. Don't get thrown off by this: you don't have to put aside your music snob morals to enjoy this album. Elbrecht dually serves as a member of an art company in New York, and that influence is obvious in tracks such as "Generational Loss" and "Amoral". These have more of an instrumental, avant-garde feel. The rest of the album is a bit more straightforward and polished.

Amoral has a range of styles, but I will say this. Violens' true quality is more apparent in their upbeat, standout songs. Still, the album in its entirety makes for a great listen. Random note: I have to say that it is refreshing to not hear an ungodly amount of reverb. There are too many up-and-coming indie bands striving for a similar sound that are comparable to kids in a damn candy store when it comes to reverb. Instead of cavities, they probably have massive earwax buildup. At least that's what I feel like after my head is overloaded with reverb. Personally, I believe that many musicians use excessive reverb as an easy way out. Violens successfully produces a large, powerful sound without it.

All-in-all, Violens' Amoral is a great album to listen to during the upcoming fall/winter seasons. The lyrical content often broadcasts a very dark, somber aura, which is perfect. Check out the music video for "Acid Reign (In The Trees Mix)" below:

New Robyn Tracks Released

2010-11-10T13:09:00.006-06:00

In preparation for the culmination of Robyn's three part album project, check out these new tracks from the final Body Talk installment, set to be released in the US on November 22. If you STILL don't believe that Robyn is pop royalty to the world, than you need to get your ears and mind checked out. You's crazy.

Robyn: Time Machine by hardcandymusic

****Since YouTube took down those videos for being "illegal" or something dumb like that, check out the other tracks HERE.

did i lick a smurf yesterday? [a four loko testament]

2010-11-09T09:36:00.013-06:00

Four Loko. So listen: If you are between the ages of 16 and 30, you have probably been exposed to this tragic national phenomenon in some form or fashion (unless you've been living under a "sober" rock, and those are no fun). After constantly hearing mixed reviews of this 24 ounce, overly caffeinated, 12% alcohol content having, overly sweet, malt liquor beverage, I felt it was necessary to finally take on the challenge of finishing one. Let's be real, its inevitably going to be banned from convenient stores everywhere. Get it while you can.

First, I have to lay out the scene for you kids. Before hitting up the outlet mall, my friend and I were enjoying a few morning cocktails at a classy, corporate restaurant in Cypress, TX. Always trying to stay ahead of the curve, I had the bright idea of embarking on a Four Loko hunt. Although fearful of the possible outcome, my friend relunctantly agreed. Our waiter/bartender/instigator gave us a few tips, and then we were on our way to sugary debauchery. Did we need a Four Loko on an early Monday afternoon? No, but who really needs a Four Loko at any time of day? Luckily, our hunt lasted only 5 minutes. We found our prize at the first gas station we stopped by. There were only two flavors available: blue raspberry and cranberry lemonade. This was a tough decision to make, but after a few minutes of banter, we landed on the blue raspberry. In all honestly, I don't know if there is a "delicious" flavor of Four Loko; only "tolerable".

After dropping a whopping total of $5.34, we took our brown-bagged delights to the streets. Well, in reality, we took it to the Houston Outlet Mall parking lot, where we feasted on 60 grams of diluted sugar and alcohol. Sip after sip, we slowly felt the surge of Four Loko churning through our systems. As I turned up the music in my car (sidenote: the name of the playlist was "sloppy". Take that how you want.), we drank, danced, hugged, and laughed for a good 30 minutes before my friend almost pissed on the SUV next to us. Yes, people were gawking at us.

Standing up and walking was a task we had not prepared for. We hazily staggered through the outlet mall, going from store to store. It was almost impossible to hide our alcohol induced giggling. Although I was not the most drunk, I still felt its fuzzy effects for the rest of the evening. Drunk shopping isn't always a smart idea, but caffeinated drunk shopping is even worse. Temporary ADD can be a side effect of drinking a Four Loko, so prepare yourself. Nonetheless, I purchased some cute fucking black ankle boots. Oh, and "ALDO shoe store", you made us feel like we were at South Beach. Thanks for that. I'm pretty sure my friend was belting out some of the tunes (yes, we were being stared at again). I definitely did a dance test in my boots to this in the middle of the store:

I am sad to report that I didn't black out at any point during my Four Loko experience, and I wasn't sober before my first sip of it either. My Four Loko co-pilot might have taken a vomit break at one point, but she stayed in the game until the end. Maybe I should have purchased both flavors to fulfill my iPod playlist title (P.S.- Blue Raspberry was a terrible choice)? I could lie to you and say I will never purchase a Four Loko again, but I won't do that. I'll let you know when I drunkenly decide to do it again.

Just embrace the aftermath. Don't question it.

P.S. - Four Loko has an official anthem. Gross.

"If you don't use Four loko in your pregame, then you ain't tryin' to win the game."

Words to live by.

an electro-splosion all over your face [better than most alternatives].

2010-11-07T18:50:00.013-06:00

ELECTRO|iˈlektrō|

a style of dance music with a fast beat and synthesized backing track.

Some would say its almost a way of life for me / its a fundamental part of my psyche / I inhale it with more fervor than the polluted Houston air I breathe everyday. That all may be true to an extent, but most importantly, it unconsciously makes me dance the shit out of a dance floor.

Crystal Castles: an often chaotic indie electro duo that music aficionados/hipsters seem to either love or despise. Regardless of your feelings towards them, you gotta give them credit for what they do for a living. CC released their second self-titled album on May 24th of this year, and recently they remixed the track "Not In Love." This time around, the duo made an effort to appease a wider range of music fans. No, this isn't your stereotypical remix, but how can anyone go wrong with Robert Smith? (What hipster doesn't love The Cure? Don't answer. Its a rhetorical question.). Check out the track below. You won't be disappointed.

Crystal Castles - 'Not In Love' (feat. Robert Smith) | Crystal Castles (II) by www.yinmagazine.com

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I can't lie to you. When I previewed the first single from LCD Soundsystem's latest album release, "Drunk Girls", I was not impressed. I was worried it was a precursor of what was to come. LCD is a first tier band in my mind, but I couldn't get over the novice sound of it all. Luckily, after the album was released to the public, my worries were put to rest. I mean, I still don't like "Drunk Girls", but that is why my iPod has a NEXT button. A little while back, I discovered a well-done remix of "You Wanted a Hit" by Keljet. It has enough continuous drive to move those oxford shoes/high tops/TOMS on the dance floor, but it can also be a track to listen to on the back porch while drinking a microbrew and smoking an American Spirit. Check it out below. Oh, and be sure to check out the latest LCD music video, "Pow Pow".

You Wanted a Hit (Keljet Remix) - LCD Soundsystem by VNN

"the parade almost brought me to tears"

2010-06-11T22:49:00.011-05:00

The season has begun; a time when gays unite, wave their vibrant rainbow flags, show their true colors, adorn themselves with glitter and risque/fabulous outfits, and gather for a party-filled weekend. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm talking about Gay P R I D E. This year, I was fortunate enough to attend both Pride Houston and Austin.

Since I just happened to have that Friday and Saturday off from work, I decided to attend Austin's Pride. Having never been in town for it before, I was curious to see how the Live Music Capital handles such a vibrant culture. Although I've heard opinions here and there, I wanted to experience it for myself.

As the sun gently set behind a freshly built high-rise condominium (they make up the majority of Austin's skyline), my friend and I anxiously waited for the parade to make its way to the intersection of Fourth and Colorado. Because this was her first Pride parade, my friend had plenty of expectations. 9:00 pm; the grand marshals finally arrived.

Although the parade itself was a bit underwhelming, it was enjoyable for all who attended, and the support for our community in Austin seemed stronger than ever. No, I was not showered with condoms, lube, and beads. No, there weren't enormous floats covered in shirtless men being pulled by big rigs. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the parade. Afterward, we made our way to Kiss and Fly, and the one dollar wells made everything even more alright (and so did the groups of beautiful men).

This past weekend was Pride Houston. An estimated 150,000 attendees made it out for the festivities. That number is almost unreal. Being the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston doesn't receive the attention it deserves for the diversity that exists in this metroplex. Texas might be one of the most blood red states in the country, but it is still one of the biggest. Apparently, Houston is become a destination city for the LGBT community. Surprise, surprise! As far as parades are concerned, Houston's was on a much larger scale than Austin's. Plus, open containers are allowed which allows for even more enjoyable evening. In my case, it was excessively enjoyable.

As many of you may know, the gay community is starting to form opposing opinions on the concept of "Gay Pride". Pride weekend is as stereotypical as it gets when it comes to our community, and I will absolutely agree. No, we aren't shirtless everywhere we go, we don't wear body glitter, and we don't flaunt our rainbow clothing daily. The fact that corporations support these festivities brings about tension as well. In addition to supporting their LGBT employees, companies are trying to gain more customers. It is a fact. With all the being said, Pride events still prove how much support there is for our community and our desire to live normal lives within such a constrictive society. Personally, I don't let such things define me as a person. Sexuality is only small part of a person's being. Also, be honest...stereotypes have to come from somewhere. In my opinion, I may not appreciate the all of the visuals used to celebrate Pride, but it is still a celebration worthy of your attention.

sweden keeps it real.

2010-06-03T10:59:00.003-05:00

Song: Dancing On My Own
Artist: Robyn
Album: Body Talk Pt. 1

This Swedish princess has been around the block a few times, but she continues to make a grand entrance with each new album. Since Robyn claims to have a plethora of songs just waiting to be unleashed, she has tentatively decided to release three albums in 2010. Body Talk Pt. 1 was just released in the U.S. on June 1. The album blasts off with the track "Don't Fucking Tell Me What to Do". Just reading that title got me excited. The lyrical repetition in this song is used quite well. The basic premise is that all of the vices we have in today's society are "killing" us, and Robyn is giving society the middle finger. "Dancing on my Own" (check out the music video above) is the first single off of the album, and it reminds you how good pop music really can be. I'm sure most can relate to this song. "Somebody said you got a new friend/ Does she love you better than I can?/ It's a big black sky over my town/ I know where you at, I bet she's around/ Yeah, I know it's stupid/ I just gotta see it for myself." On a side note, there is an absolutely amazing electro remix you can check out HERE.

Although there are a mere eight songs on the album, Robyn gives us quite the variety pack. For example, "None of Dem" is a much darker electro track featuring Royksopp. "Hang With Me" showcases Robyn in a different light. Her voice pleasantly rises above a piano and string instrumental. To end it all, Robyn softly sings a beautiful version of "Jag Vet En Dejlig Rosa", a traditional song in her native tongue.

There is one downside to this album: It leaves you yearning for more. Body Talk Part 2 needs to make an appearance sooner rather than later.

warpaint. mango's. houston. april 9th.

2010-04-13T10:15:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know this show was a week ago, but a quick review is better late than never, correct (just nod your head up and down)? LA-based female rockers, Warpaint, followed Houston's own Balaclavas and Buxton on Saturday night. As many of you know, Mango's is not the most spacious of venues and can serve dually as a sauna. Concert-goers were constantly moving back and forth between the patios, bars and stage area to get their nicotine, alcohol, and music fixes, respectively.

(courtesy of Houston Press)

To my surprise, Warpaint was not the headliner for the evening. Nonetheless, it didn't take away from their energetic, sometimes chaotic, performance. I would say they remind me of Liars with a few more pumps of estrogen. It is the type of music that makes you want to fight someone to the death but make love to them at the same time. Their aggressive musical punctuation is almost infectious. After a quick scan of the audience, I could single out the true fans of this sexy, psychedelic, garage rock. It seemed as if many were unsure what to think. In my opinion, their recordings do not do their music enough justice. They don't accurately capture the energy of Warpaint's live performance. On that note, this is probably what Warpaint is going for with their image. There are many bands that want to differentiate their albums from their live shows. This definitely keeps fans yearning for more of both.

a [leisure] drive down the west coast in a [delorean] would be nice.

2010-04-04T20:25:00.004-05:00

Delorean has released their latest single, "Stay Close", in preparation for the debut of their full-length album, Subiza, on June 8th. This track truly leaves you yearning for more. It teases you into thinking a sick bassline is going to drop at any given moment and move those quiet feet of yours...but it never does. Many artists attempt to execute this tactic, but few prevail. With that being said, I'm sure a remix or two will be released in the near future to appease all of us hipster dance kids.

The lighthearted feel of this song is absolutely wonderful. Despite the lack of a bassline, this song can still move those hands of yours into a clapping frenzy. It is a perfect song for the upcoming summer season. Just as you probably guessed, the lyrics center around unrequited love and what distance can do to a relationship. Still, it creates a feeling of anticipation for what is to come, and I'm sure we won't be disappointed come June 8th. Check out the video for "Stay Close" below.

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Leisure, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, is making a statement with their 7" (which can be downloaded here for free). It features two singles, "It's Alright (On The Suez Canal)" and "Outside These Walls". There is a clear contrast between the two. The first track takes it easy with a slower tempo and a more carefree feel. On the other hand, "Outside These Walls" is more upbeat yet has a somewhat serious tone. With their pleasant use of strings, endearing vocals and lyrics, and hazy guitar, you can't go wrong with these indie rockers. Lately, they have been on tour with bands such as Girls and the up-and-coming Dum Dum Girls. Check out this live performance of their title track, "It's Alright (On The Suez Canal)".

calm down. its just a little t & a.

2010-03-31T20:26:00.008-05:00

Last night, as I was relaxing with a few glasses of champagne and listening to Erykah Badu's latest album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return Of The Ankh), it occurred to me that I had not seen her new viral video for "Window Seat". If you haven't see it yet, watch it HERE. Even if you haven't taken the time to watch it, you've probably seen clips of it on the news. Apparently, there isn't anything else going on in the world, so this has gained national attention. The music video is an ode to Matt and Kim's "Lessons Learned", in which the duo appears to stroll down Time Square and slowly remove each article of clothing until there is nothing left but what their mama's gave them. Harmless, right? In Badu's video, she does the exact same thing...except it takes place in Dallas, ends at the Grassy Knoll, and she didn't have a permit. I can understand why officials want to address the fact that she filmed with no actors, police, security, or permits on hand, but is it really that much of an issue? Yes, unsuspecting families were loitering the Grassy Knoll that day, but they are the only ones who were directly affected by her female parts. I doubt most of the people who were actually there even give a shit.

The fact that it is a reenactment of the JFK assassination is another issue at hand. In my opinion, it was done in an artistic manner. Badu is indeed a magnificent artist. Of course, a visual like this will spark mass controversy, but Americans are acting as if this is one of the worst things to hit our computer screens. Trust me, there are much more offensive videos on the internet. Hell, there are more offensive visuals on our television screens. If a less well-known artist had done the exact same video, the buzz over it would probably be minimal. In my opinion, if Dallas officials hadn't made such a fuss over the video, people would have been more upset about that than the actual video. That can be said for many things *cough* swine flu *cough*. Don't even get mm started on that one. Americans enjoy abusing their freedom to get pissed off about anything and everything. Take it for what it is, and leave it alone. If it offends you, don't watch it. It is that simple. It takes more energy to get upset rather than let it slide off your back.

Nonetheless, Badu is getting plenty of publicity for her album (which is excellent by the way). She even stated that she was prepared to deal with any possible consequences for her actions, whether it be fines or even jail time. I love this video and the message it voices:

"They who play it safe are quick to assassinate what they do not understand. They move in packs, ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel most comfortable in groups; less guilt to swallow. They are us. This is what we have become: afraid to respect the individual. A single person within her circumstance can move one to change; to love herself; to evolve."

I love you, Erykah Badu. You are fab.u.lous.

(256): ricky martin is gay. you owe me $10 from 3rd grade. [tfln]

2010-03-31T09:15:00.009-05:00

Whaaaaat? Ricky Martin is G A Y? [I know that this post is somewhat out of character for me, but I couldn't help myself.] If anyone is truly surprised by Ricky Martin's coming out party, that person should have the word "oblivious" stamped on his or her forehead. The only people that are probably shocked, or just saddened, by this are older female fans trying to hold onto their youth. I love how Martin spins it: "I am a fortunate homosexual man." Regardless of my lack of shock by this statement, it is always good to see someone accepting to their own lifestyle. It make take some longer than others, but as long as you come to that point in your life, it is absolutely worth it. This situation reminds me of when George Michael came out. Again, who was really surprised by that one? Look at him, he felt so open with his sexuality that he decided having sex in a public restroom was acceptable. I guess that is one way to express your newly found freedom.

Oh, and hey crazy older women. You might not be able to dream about being Ricky Martin's wife anymore, but you can secretly (or openly) wish to be his fag hag. In my opinion, that is much more honorable title. As Margaret Cho says, "Fag hags are the back bone of the gay community. Without us, you are nothing."

Oh, and if you haven't seen the "Sassy Gay Friend" video series, get on that bandwagon immediately:

miike snow/steve aoki revisted: youtube video follow up.

2010-03-23T21:10:00.006-05:00

Here are two videos from the Miike Snow concert. I wish I owned a Delorean so I could travel back to that show. Maybe I can just cruise at 88 miles per hour in my Chevy Malibu, and it will have the same effect? Where is Christophew Lloyd when you need him...sigh.

I also found a video montage of the Steve Aoki show. You can briefly see me in my blue cardigan and striped t-shirt at 1:05, as Aoki crowd surfing back to the stage. I've never heard of this "Club World 360" situation, but it doesn't really matter. I doubt she even knew who Steve Aoki was before she stepped foot in Rich's. She still probably doesn't know who Steve Aoki is.

i'm going to lose my hearing by age thirty. i'm sure of it.

2010-03-21T23:54:00.000-05:00

Let me start off by saying: NO, I DID NOT ATTEND SXSW (aka MUSIC BOOZEFEST) THIS YEAR. Yes, I know it is the mecca of live music (I've had a badge the past three years). Although it would have been great to take Austin, TX by storm, it wasn't in my cards this time around. I'm content with my decision. I know I would have had a amazing experience because I always have in the past, but I had my own enjoyment in Houston. Let's start off with the most recent experience....

Miike Snow w/ Delorean at Wired Live - 3/20/2010

I've been listening to Miike Snow for about a year now. I can't believe it took that long for me to see them perform live. I was astounded by how mesmerizing their performance was. The opening act was Delorean, hailing from Spain. How would I describe them: a better version of Passion Pit. It's not that I don't enjoy Passion Pit's earlier music, but I'm not necessarily a captivated fan. They performed for only about forty-five minutes, but they truly made a statement with their energy and visible passion for their work. That's why I love bands like this. They are still showcasing music that they truly believe in. Here is a clip of them performing their hit single "Deli". Now, on to Miike Snow. Each band member was clad in a white mask as they eased into the track entitled "Cult Logic". "Silvia" (my favorite track on their self-titled album), "Black and Blue, and "Animal" were a few of the high points of the performance. Its refreshing to see a band that makes their live performance special. If I want to hear the studio version of a record, I'll just listen to it on my iPod. Miike Snow tailored each song for their live show and it was quite apparent. Live performances like this make you fall in love with the artist all over again. Let's just say, I will probably be listening to Miike Snow for the rest of the week. Oh, and Andrew Wyatt (the lead singer) isn't as creepy as I thought he would be. He's just extremely tall and skinny, just as any hipster musician should be. He brushed past my shoulder as he strolled through the audience between sets, and I was a little starstruck. Don't judge me.

Steve Aoki w/ GRRRL PARTS at Rich's - 3/19/2010

Although I've seen Steve Aoki three times and have never been disappointed, the most recent show was on another level. I arrived at Rich's at10:45 pm, shocked by the surprisingly small crowd that was loitering on the edges of the club. I knew more dance fanatics had to show up at some point. Thank god I was right about that one. Although it wasn't disgustingly packed, there was quite a crowd. I was second from the stage, awaiting the moment Aoki would allow hipsters and bros alike to rush the stage. Sadly, this never took place, but it didn't take anything away from the show. I was sprayed in the face with two bottles of good champagne, had confetti guns shot at me, was sprayed by a water gun, shook hands with Aoki, danced until I could feel the sweat running down my back, and almost fought a bitch. Those are all the makings of a good dance show. I hate it when DJ's never step away from the booth. One reason I have a greater respect for Aoki is that he is all about crowd interaction. It is very clear that he wants you to have good fucking night. He spun his new track, "I'm in the House", along with other singles such as "Warp" and "1967". Playing "Bohemian Rhapsody"towards the end was a good way to get the crowd to utilize their vocal cords. I pretty much lost my voice. Ending the night with Taco Cabana seemed like a good idea at the time, but I didn't feel the same way when I woke up. Can you say gassy?

Xiu Xiu w/ Girl in A Coma and Noveller at Warehouse Live - 3/12/2010

Although it was a much smaller concert, all three acts put on quality performances. Instrumental artist Noveller, consisting solely of artist/film maker Sarah Lipstate, was a very ambient and relaxing start to the evening. I would say her sound is a cross between Mogwai and Jonsi's Riceboy Sleeps solo project. Next up was Girl in a Coma, a high-energy, garage rock female trio from San Antonio. Many of you have probably listened to them. I had never actually seen them live before, but I was thoroughly entertained. Last but not least, Xiu Xiu. Its hard to believe that so much sound can come from two individuals. They definitely pack a punch. The emotion in their vocals and lyrics are intense. Luckily, they played one of my favorite tracks, "No Friend Oh!". Xiu Xiu's latest album, Dear God, I Hate Myself is out now. Be sure to check it out! I appreciated the fact that the concert was on the studio side of Warehouse, which allows for a much more intimate performance. I love going to shows like this because the artists are always going back and forth through the audience, and most don't even know that they are the ones about to take the stage.

discovery.

2010-01-12T23:06:00.023-06:00

I might not have a twin sister, but New York's Twin Sister has a new EP out , Vampires with Dreaming Kids (free to download on their website), and it quite wonderful. If you enjoy bands like Bowerbirds, you'll fall in love with Twin Sister. Dreamy melodies and beautiful harmonies: what more do you need in life? Although the EP consists of only four songs, "Nectarine" clearly stands out to me. Lately, I have been listening to it on repeat. Yes, it is yet another song about requited love...but if you listen to indie music, you have to love 'em.

I know I am probably late for the jump on to this bandwagon, but I luckily discovered the band Solid Gold this month. Wow...I'm a huge fan. With their relaxed melodies and poignant lyrics, this electro/indie rock band from Minnesota (say it with the accent) really know how to make good music. Check out "Bible Thumper" below.

Last but not least is the band Madrid. They just happen to be another great electro band I have been listening to lately. Check out their single, "Reply (To Everyone)" below. The synths and guitar loops just fit together perfectly. Its almost a precursor for the upcoming spring season, wonderful for listening to on a warm, sunny day.

new music from the knife?!? thank you.

2010-01-07T12:32:00.007-06:00

The Knife is finally coming out with new music! They have been missed. Well, except for the constant solo and side projects. Royksopp and Fever Ray have definitely kept us entertained in the meantime. Still, I'm quite excited to hear more of this new project, Tomorrow, In a Year. It is an electro-opera inspired by Darwin's principles. The digital version will be out in February. Listen to the track, "Colouring of Pidgeons". Although it isn't exactly what you might expect from The Knife, it is indeed...The Knife. Embrace it.

The Knife - Colouring of Pidgeons

we're taking houston by storm.

2010-01-04T10:48:00.009-06:00

Today will be one for the Texas history books. Annise Parker was inaugurated this morning, January 4, 2010. Houston, TX has become the largest city in the country to elect an openly gay mayor. Who would have thought this would happen in Texas, of all places? This state is more red than the blood that flows through our veins. This just proves the true diversity and open-minded attitude that secretly exists in Houston. Although this is far from the mentality of the majority, it is apparent that enough people can finally look past things like race, sexual orientation, etc. If Texans can do it, I think any state can as well. The fact that she is a lesbian is definitely a second thought in comparison to the good things I believe she will do for this city. Just as many believed Obama was going to focus on "black agenda", the same is being said for Parker and a focus on the GLBT community. Of course, this won't be the case, but any focus she gives to those issues is going to be put under a microscope by the general public. We'll just have to see how everything plays out.

Yesterday, while loading furniture into a customer's SUV at work, guess what I found in her backseat: a rifle AND a hand gun. This woman was probably 75 years old. Some aspects of Texas will probably never change. That's what makes this state so interesting and unique. On the flip side, the changes that need to take place seem to be beginning. The gears are finally turning. A year ago, America was inaugurating its first minority president. Although mayor of Houston isn't the same level as President of the United States, its still something special and makes me proud to be a Houstonian.

Otis Redding - A Change is Gonna Come

i want you back.

2010-01-03T22:49:00.008-06:00

Artist: Local Natives
Song: Airplanes

This is one of my latest finds: California-based Local Natives. One word to describe their music....refreshing. There just seems to be a certain level of sincerity in their vocals and lyrics. I appreciate that. Be sure to check out more of their music.

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Artist: UltraChorus
Song: Margins

Here is another one of my discoveries. Although they are deemed an electronic artist, UltraChorus mixes it up. Their songs range from having an electro-pop/dancy feel to those with a more relaxed vibe like "Margins". This track is perfect for winter, and I'm not saying that just because the entire video is filmed in the snow. This is the kind of music you want to cuddle to....*sigh*

my christmas tree is delicious? thanks for that one, gaga.

2009-12-27T23:51:00.010-06:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays with great friends, family, food, alcohol, and revelry. Besides working the demon that is retail at Christmas time, I've been enjoying all of the above. Being the first holiday season after my sudden birth into the "real world", its funny how things change. Nonetheless, we all get that warm fuzzy feeling within, no matter how old you are or what life stage you are coasting in.

Its hard to believe that we will be embarking on a new decade in a matter of a few days. Although 2009 has had its highs and lows, 2010 is looking pretty damn good from a close distance. I'm trying to stay optimistic, okay? Geez.

Now, on to the music. I wish I had the motivation to try and create a "Top Albums of 2009" list, but let's be honest, I don't. No matter what, there were plenty of quality sounds to play on repeat. Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear (and every derivative of the band that exists), Royksopp, The Xx, The Antlers, Phoenix, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Islands, Dark was the Night compilation, Other Lives, Empire of the Sun, Loney Dear, Thunderheist, The Golden Filter, Girls, The Swell Season, Camera Obscura, Beast, HEALTH, The Dodos, Memory Tapes, Atlas Sound, Wavves, The Thermals, Bear in Heaven...I could "rabble rabble rabble" even further, but I will cease. In addition to the new albums this year, you can't forget the ungodly number of remixes that were created. I'm pretty sure Empire of the Sun and Phoenix were the most remixed artists of the year. Music has been one of the few things to keep me sane this past year. Yes, I know that screams "cliche", but believe me, it isn't an empty statement.

I can't leave you without a music clip or two. Bonnaroo was an absolutely amazing pilgrimage, and here is one of my favorite music experiences of the year. The intensity of it all was ridiculous.

Oh, and standing about three foot from Ed Droste and Grizzly Bear at this SXSW performance...."cream your pants" good. I just wanted to touch him. (That's me in the vest)

One more....The Swell Season in Houston at Warehouse Live. One of the best concerts I've ever witnessed. Oh you know I cried when they performed "Once", and this moment was epic.

cheers to starting the new year with a big. fecking. bang.

music video + nudity = NSFW

2009-12-06T22:54:00.005-06:00

Here is the new single from Yeasayer, "Ampling Amp". It is very reminiscent of his past album, but I'd say it is better produced. The drums are sick on this track. The video itself is pretty creative/epic. I'm definitely a fan, and I cannot wait until the new album comes out.

At Bonnaroo, he made an announcement saying, "I know most of you are fucked up and high out of your minds. Please don't overdose." Thank God no one had to drive anywhere. That thought just came into mind while I was posting this.

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I'm sure most of you have heard this tune, "Lust for Life", by Girls. You've also probably seen the video. Well, here is the so-called hardcore version. Let's just say, someone may or may not sing into someone else's penis. Just a "heads" up.

remiXXX.

2009-12-03T15:19:00.005-06:00

I love Noah and the Whale, and I've been listening to this remix on repeat all. fecking. day. It makes you feel as if you are just f l o a t i n g a l o n g. Check it out. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

--------------------------------------------
Here's another one I was introduced to a couple weeks ago...also, quite heavenly.

Its almost insane to think how many remixes are out there of just ONE track. For example, Phoenix's "1901" has an unGAWDly number of remixes. It is funny how you don't see covers very much anymore, but its all about the remixes. And the remixes of remixes. I'm not complaining about it or anything, but just that I'd make that statement.

laugh out loud.

2009-11-20T15:08:00.002-06:00

this made me laugh today...

Happy Friday everyone!

roo round two.

2009-11-19T22:49:00.003-06:00

Although I have gotten several emails from Bonnaroo over the past few months, the one I received today definitely caught my attention. Bonnaroo 2010 Dates, Pre-Sale Tickets, and Video! Bonnaroo was one of the greatest musical experiences I have ever been a part of. It was truly a pilgrimage of sorts. With Sully as my partner in crime, we made the trip worth remembering. There was no drama (well, except for a certain racial profiling cop we encountered in Marshall, TX), and not having flushing toilets or showers didn't matter one bit. The music, the people, the atmosphere, the widespread drug use, dancing until sunrise, camping in the middle of Tennessee, the mud, port-o-potties filled to capacity....it doesn't get any better. Trust me.

It is safe to assume that Sully and I are purchasing tickets for next year.

the swell season. houston.

2009-11-14T10:05:00.005-06:00

Words can't even describe how blissful, amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking, perfect it was. The energy emitting from the stage was out of this world. These are the musicians that truly deserve the admiration and respect the receive. Their sincere demeanor radiated throughout the entire performance. Knowing that these songs reflect Glen and Marketa's actual relationship makes it that much more genuine.

The setlist consisted of the perfect mix of new and old. Hell, they played for about two hours, meaning, I heard just about every song I wanted. There were also several treats interspersed throughout the show: performing "Say It To Me Now" with no amp, bringing a woman on stage to sing with the band (this woman could sang), an intense Van Morrison cover (he was bleeding by the end of the song), etc. Another neat tidbit was the fact that they were performing with the rest of the band members from The Frames.

Most bands attempt to interact with the audience, but you actually believe what Glen and Marketa are saying. The magnetism between Glen, Marketa, and the crowd was just so real.

It is safe to say that a very special evening was enjoyed by all who attended.

what i did, i did.

2009-11-06T11:39:00.003-06:00

Here is Grizzly Bear's latest music video, "Ready, Able," off Veckatimest. This is by far one of my favorite songs on the album.

blooooood

2009-10-31T01:10:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone.

Oh, and enjoy the extra hour of drinking. I know I will.

Here's a bloody mess for you to enjoy.

HEALTH "DIE SLOW" from Lovepump United on Vimeo.

a swell season indeed.

2009-10-30T11:52:00.012-05:00

Fantasy Man you are always one step ahead of me
well I never heard the warnings
I haven't got things right
yet the sun came out this morning
and filled my room with light

I know I probably write and/or talk about these two individuals much too often, but I can't help it. Just look at this photo. Aren't they absolutely adorable? I'll answer for you: yes, they are. The Swell Season has become a staple in everyone's music library since Once was released. Sadly, many people were not lucky enough to have experienced Glen Hansard and his band, The Frames. The Oscar-winning song, "Falling Slowly" was actually released in 2006. But I digress...

I finally got my hands on the deluxe edition of Strict Joy, their latest album. The first disc consists solely of new tracks, but the second is a mix of live performances. As for the new songs, The Swell Season does what they do best: songs of joy, sadness, and unrequited love. Almost all of the songs have a certain element that anyone can relate to. Tracks such as "Fantasy Man", "The Verb", and "Back Broke" fit that bill. On the other hand, some of the new songs are leaning towards more of a pop rock sound (Example: "High Horses"). Although I frown upon many of today's pop rock/mainstream bands and their often inarticulate lead singers, Glen and Marketa got it right.

As far as the live disc goes, it is pretty spectacular. I didn't expect to see the word "live" after half the tracks. If you have seen these guys live, you know what I'm talking about. Listening to Glen Hansard belt out the highest of high notes can only give you chills and will most likely bring a tear to your eye. Trust me, I submitted myself to both when I stood in awe at their Austin City Limits performance in 2008. They are currently on and will make their way to Houston on Friday, November 13th.

You just can't really go wrong with Glen and Marketa. This album is perfect for the coming seasons. Now all I need to do is start that roaring fire, and I'll be set.

Take a listen to The Swell Season's "Fantasy Man" below. You won't be disappointed.

how convenient.

2009-10-29T10:59:00.008-05:00

Artist: Kings of Convenience
Song: "24-25"
Album: Declaration of Dependence

Another rainy, October day...bring on the cold front.
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Unless you have been completely out of touch with society for the past couple weeks, surely you have heard the story about the boy and his weather balloon. The moment that situation was resolved, I had a feeling there was something very tailored about it. What a surprise...the father, Richard Heene, was behind it all. Heene did it for media attention, and even though its mostly negative, he is getting what he desired. The fact that it was done at the expense of his children makes this even worse. Can you believe how much it has blown up in the news? He is now being compared to John Gosselin as the '"Worst Dad Ever". Don't get me started on the hot mess that is "John and Kate + 8".

No matter what way you look at it, negative publicity is still publicity. The parents are being convicted, but I highly doubt they will receive a serious charge. They have officially become celebrities by default. There are so many different avenues in which a normal person can attain fame: youtube, reality television, social media networks, etc. Celebrity status has become almost a necessity for some. Here is in interesting article on CNN.com about how stardom is becoming a basic need in society.

I think I'll keep to myself and pass on the fame and stardom. Props to the people who can make a short-term living out of being a Default Celebrity, but you have to wonder where they will be in five years. Oh wait, they will probably just become the Richard Heenes of the future.

i can relate to this.

2009-10-18T16:57:00.006-05:00

Standing at the punch table swallowing punch
can’t pay attention to the sound of anyone
a little more stupid, a little more scared
every minute more unprepared

I made a mistake in my life today
everything I love gets lost in drawers
I want to start over, I want to be winning
way out of sync from the beginning

I wanna hurry home to you
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I’m very, very frightening
I’ll overdo it

Looking for somewhere to stand and stay
I leaned on the wall and the wall leaned away
Can I get a minute of not being nervous
and not thinking of my dick
My leg is sparkles, my leg is pins
I better get my shit together, better gather my shit in
You could drive a car through my head in five minutes
from one side of it to the other

I wanna hurry home to you
put on a slow, dumb show for you
and crack you up
so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain
god I’m very, very frightening
I’ll overdo it

You know I dreamed about you
for twenty-nine years before I saw you
You know I dreamed about you
I missed you for
for twenty-nine years

You know I dreamed about you
for twenty-nine years before I saw you
You know I dreamed about you
I missed you for
for twenty-nine years
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Crisp cool air. Cloudless skies. Clear nights. Fall is finally coming. I adore this time of the year. I also love the music it inspires me to listen to. I'm definitely going into an acoustic/indie/folk/flok rock phase right now. Time to blow the dust off the ol' records and give those summer beats a little reprieve.

acid girls. the numbers song.

2009-10-14T19:39:00.006-05:00

I'd say this is a pretty fucking clever music video. This is what The Cobra Snake would look like if it were a video sharing site. I'd say the track is catchy as well. Is it surprising that I found this on the iheartcomix website? I could see some fist pumping and feet stomping action taking place while the DJ let this one rip. Oh, and probably some girls snorting cocaine in the bathroom.

flavors of the week.

2009-10-11T11:44:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I know....I've been out of touch with this whole "blogging" thing lately. I'm going to do my best to get back into the swing of things. I refuse to fall into the micro-blogging trap that is called Twitter. No offense to those of you who are avid tweeters, but I give a look of disgust when I hear someone say, "I've got to tweet that real fast." If "Miley Cyrus deleting her Twitter" is national news, God help us.

N-E-wayz...Since I kind of like music, here's a little something to wet your whistle.

You can't go wrong with Basement Jaxx, and anything featuring Sam Sparro is worth listening to. I'm not sure how I feel about his bleach blond hair though. This song just makes me grin from ear to ear. I'm quite excited about Basement Jaxx coming out with new material. Yes its very poppy and catchy, but that's okay sometimes.

I'm pretty obsessed with the new Girls album, Album. It just has a certain novelty and carefree attitude about it. This is a perfect album for a roadtrip with friends. I also love the music video for "Lust for Life". Its very nicely shot in a hipster kind of way. Yes, Pitchfork gave it a very high rating, but P4K does not dictate my music taste. They gave Thunderheist a low score, so they can suck it.

The Antlers' Hospice. Hands down, one of my top albums for 2009. There is no doubt about it. I wasn't sure if it would get much better than Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest (I still listen to it often). This man could sing me to sleep ANY night of the week. The whole album is so serene and relaxing, perfect for a rainy day and a cuddle buddy. Each song tells its own story, some of them almost heartbreaking.

The new Muse album, The Resistance, is decent. Well, its still growing on me. Absolution will always be my favorite Muse album, and I will always love Matthew Bellamy. The XX also made a very good impression on me as well. As far as singles go, here is what I've had on repeat: YYYs - "Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit Remix)", Tiesto feat. Cary Brothers - "Here On Earth", Starfucker - "German Love", Cant - "Ghosts" *Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear)* Wild Beasts - "Hooting and Howling", Burns - "Turbo (Jokers of the Scene Remix), and Squincy Jones - "Pop My Trunk (Nintendub).

unlimited summer?

2009-10-05T17:15:00.003-05:00

What can I say about my "unlimited summer" so far. From one angle, it has been a pleasant reprieve from the roller coaster that was my four years at Texa A&M. At the same time, it has been a very trying summer. Starting things off with Bonnaroo Music Festival could not have been a better choice. Four days of pure bliss, completely detached from my everyday life. I was surrounded by 80,000 concertgoers, and at every turn there was a music stage in sight. Although it was nice to finally take a shower after those four days, Bonnaroo was an absolutely amazing musical experience. Once I returned from the great state of Tennessee, I stuck my feet in cement, sat at my laptop, and applied to an ungodly number of jobs. I spend a good amount of time in Austin as well. As many of you know, I still don't have a job. *womp womp* I know. I'm trying to remain optimistic, but its getting harder and harder to do. It has definitely been a humbling experience. After four years of preparation, hard work, and interning, I thought I was on the right track. All I can do is keep on keepin' on. In addition to the job situation, the family situation has been stressful as well. So what do I decide to do? Take a last minute, somewhat reckless trip to Europe. Why did I do that you may ask? If I knew the exact reason, I would give you a hint. Nonetheless, Europe was absolutely fantastic. Who knows when I'll be able to take a trip like that again. The city of Barcelona has my heart (the above picture is from Barcelona). The people, the vibrant setting, the art, the architecture, the culture....what is not to love about that place? I seriously want to retire there. Germany was almost a blur. Oktoberfest turned out to be one of the most ridiculous events I have ever attended. "Oh, is it 10:00 am now? I'll take a liter of beer. Thanks." I had an amazing day though. 5 or 6 liters later, I was on a train back to Austria. Word of advice: roller coasters are not meant for the faint of heart OR the drunk. I love roller coasters, but I sure as hell was drunk. I can proudly say I did not vomit! Trust me, I have plenty of stories to share...and some of them will be told in detail on here at a later date.

Once I arrived back in the states and slept off the jetlag, I began hitting the job search again. Hard. I wish I had a dollar for every resume I have submitted. Luckily, I'm not alone in this endeavor, and I've made some new friends to keep me motivated/occupied ;)

the end of my hiatus.

2009-07-26T21:55:00.005-05:00

Oh, hey there. Haven't been here in awhile. Apparently, I picked the worst time in DECADES in graduate. Although the past couple months have had its few rough patches, I'm trying to remain optimistic about the entire situation. There are plenty of people going through the same roller coaster I am. I have a good feel things will work out in the end. Austin, TX...here I come?

I found this video this morning, and I'm a fan. Here's Miike Snow live, performing "Sylvia".

two weeks: music video.

2009-05-26T10:15:00.000-05:00

love it.

ATX.

2009-05-24T12:37:00.010-05:00

Recently, I made a short getaway to Austin, and it was definitely much needed. After a pleasant lunch at Whole Foods, I could not help but make a trip to the Waterloo Records across the street. If I had access to unlimited funds, I could do some major damage to my bank account in that store. Luckily, I have a shred of self-control, so I limited myself to three albums. The first is Other Lives' self-titled album. It was a suggestion from a friend, and I thought, "Why not take a chance?" I'm glad I took that chance. The album is beautiful. This is the kind of music you can really feel. I also appreciate the instrumentation. I absolutely love bands that utilize piano and strings to their full potentials. Here are the lyrics to one of the tracks, "Black Tables".

When the whites of your eyes come through
You'll see something new
With your body and mine raised up
It's good to see you back home
When the life in your eyes wants black
Things return
You've come back
With your body and mine raised up
It's good to see you once more

I also purchased White Rabbits' It's Frightening and Bear in Heaven's Red Bloom of the Boom. Both are very good as well. I'd say that It's Frighetning is very reminiscent of Spoon, while Red Bloom of the Boom is much more obscure and experimental. When the cashier asked if I would like to put my items in a bag, and I said yes, she retorted, "Aren't you afraid of what might happen if you but rabbits and bears together?" Ha...ha...wow.

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After my trip to Austin, I've come to terms with the fact that moving out of state is probably not going to happen this year. As much as I would love to get a job in California, with the current economic situation, finding a good job out there isn't likely at the moment. I've got Austin in view, and let's hope I move there in the next six months. As I stood at the top of Mt. Bonnell (pictured below), I realized just how much I could see myself living there. Austin or bust!

[end scene]

2009-05-20T11:21:00.006-05:00

Graduation has come and gone. It is almost a blur in my memory right now. As I walked across the stage to accept my diploma from Dr. Murano, I felt as if I was surrounded by silence. I didn't hear cheers or anything. It was almost surreal. Looking back on the past four years, I don't regret anything, especially my decision to stay at Texas A&M. My first semester was less than smooth. Nonetheless, it has been a whirlwind of an experience. I've had my ups, but I have definitely had plenty of downs. I think that it is important to remember both. The times we are at our lowest are when we learn the most, and I can attest to that.

Summer has begun. I don't have a job, but I'm remaining optimistic. Out of all my friends who graduated this May, only a handful of them have jobs. In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy the summer weather and relax for the time being. In three weeks I'll be embarking on my pilgrimage to Bonnaroo Music Festival, which will include stops in Hot Springs, AR and Nashville, TN. Here's a little tune to get your summer started off right:

sittin' in a tree.

2009-05-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

ready, able.

2009-05-04T23:25:00.010-05:00

Five years cast once and far alone.
Hope I'm ready, able to make my own;
goodbye.

Ed Droste just has a way with words. It is almost unreal how poignant Grizzly Bear's music can be. I cannot stop listening to their latest album, Veckatimest. The lyrics. The instrumentals. The feelings. The emotions. It has to be one of the best new albums I've heard in a long time. Although I already have an affinity to Grizzly Bear, there is denying how amazing this album is. Just about every track is special. It is rare for me to able to listen to a whole album without the urge to fast forward through my least favorite songs. Case in point: do yourself a favor and check Veckatimest out. Well, when it officially comes out.

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Graduation: The end of an era. In less than two weeks, I will be walking across that stage, shaking Dr. Murano's hand, and retrieving that little piece of paper that took four years to get. I don't think I've fully accepted it yet and won't until I'm having to wake up at 7:00 am to get to campus by 8:15 am. I have to be honest: I'm nervous. I can't lie about that. Do I know what the hell I'm doing with my life? Nope. I'm working on it though, trust me. I've come to so many realizations about so many things in the past month, and no matter what, I feel more than prepared to move on in my life. I know what I want, I know what I deserve, and I'm not trying to seem arrogant about it.

And here's a little tune for you to listen to...Loney, Dear: "Le Fever" (Take Away Show)

apparently this song is huge hit with my friends.

2009-04-26T12:10:00.004-05:00

Thunderheist. Another of my South by Southwest discoveries. How would I describe her? She is a bit reminiscent of Peaches, but she is black. Here is her latest video for "Jerk It."

thunderheist - jerk it from thatgo on Vimeo.

This was definitely the song of the weekend, especially at my Ring Dunk. How fast did I chug a pitcher of beer? 23.5 seconds. Get some.

solid gold.

2009-04-23T18:43:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple tunes to get your weekend started:

I couldn't be more excited about the next couple days. Good times. Good memories. Good friends.

doves: kingdom of rust.

2009-04-20T10:41:00.006-05:00

I long to feel some beauty in my heart
As I go searching, right to the start

Doves' new album, Kingdom of Rust, was released a couple of weeks ago. It is a great album. I wouldn't say it is their overall best, but it is very good. The video featured above is for their title track, "Kingdom of Rust". I can listen this song on repeat and never tire of it. Something I love about this album is that it goes in two directions: 1) They stayed true to their roots for some of their songs; very reminiscent of past albums. 2) The band took a stab at new styles. A few of the tracks have a more electronic feel (which is the escalating trend these days). No matter what, the lyrics and instrumentals have a strong sense of emotion and passion. Plus, any song that successfully features a string section is amazing in my book. If you've never listened to the Doves before, check out this song below as well, "Snowden."

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This past weekend was wonderful. After all the stress I've endured the past few weeks, it was a pleasant change. I'm proudly wearing my Aggie Ring, Town Hall won four awards (including committee of the year), my time as Town Hall chair has come to end, and I got to spend time with friends and family. What more could I ask for?

Tonight is the Mogwai concert, and my ring dunk is on Friday. Get some.

the water.

2009-04-09T15:11:00.002-05:00

one of my favorite songs on "The Reminder". mesmerizing.

dear john.

2009-04-07T19:36:00.015-05:00

Come on rain, come on shout it over me
Come on, strike me with your hands until I'm yours
I am like the man who put an ending to his life
But I promise now to let the devils go

Standing in a shaded bar, I patiently waited for Loney, Dear to finish their sound check. Honestly, I was just thinking about where I could find an open bar. As soon as the band struck its first chord, I was hooked. Apparently, Sweden has a plethora of musical talent. I finally got two of their albums, and I cannot stop listening to them. There is definitely a contrast between the latest, "Dear John", and "Loney, Noir". "Dear John" is much more dark and emotional. The instrumentals, the vocals, and the lyrics all have a very serious tone. "Loney, Noir", although not happy go lucky, gives more of a sense of optimism. I can appreciate both sides of the coin and both are wonderful. It is nice to see an artist not spit out a repeat of the previous album but with different lyrics.

Although South by Southwest was over two weeks ago, I can't help but talk about it. I left the city of Austin, TX feeling tired, but also in awe from all of the new music I found. That is the great thing about it. You can walk around downtown Austin looking for the band you were dying to see, yet you can stumble upon something you never would have expected. Pete and the Pirates (pictured), Beast from Montreal, Shout Out Out Out Out (no, that is not a typo), Tricky (reminds me of Portishead), K'Naan (reggae version of N.E.R.D.)...this list could go on. You can really see the passion in these artists' eyes. They haven't become jaded by fame and money. Their unfiltered passion for the art is what motivates them. This is what motivates me to work in the music industry. Behind closed doors, it is not a glamourous industry. You don't have to tell me twice. Giving courageous artists the chance to allow the public to enjoy something so personal: that is something worth fighting for.

Of course, SXSW also gives music-goers the chance to enjoy artists they wouldn't normally get a chance to see. Grizzly Bear is an amazing group. Standing three feet away from Ed Droste as he sang beautiful melodies: pricesless. Seeing Kanye West, Common, and Erykah Badu perform on one stage, together: When does that happen?

Until SXSW 2010...

south by southwest 2009. get some.

2009-03-15T12:32:00.005-05:00

It is finally here. The week I've been looking forward to for the past six months or so. South by Southwest 2009....the land of live music, open bars, free swag, and ultra hipsters. Where else can you see Tom Morello and Ben friggin Harper do a special performance together? I met Wayne Coyne for God's sake! How awesome is that? Although it is stressful planning out my week and my wardrobe, it will all be worth it come Wednesday. I've never had a bad experience at SXSW, even when I wasn't 21. Well, it kind of sucked because I couldn't get into 80% of the venues, but I still had a blast.

Austin or Bust BITCHES.

andrew bird and his noble beast.

2009-03-04T19:47:00.005-06:00

I finally got a chance to listen to Andrew Bird's latest album, Noble Beast. It's definitely good, but very much like his older albums. Something different is that the second CD is all instrumental. It really showcases his talent on violin (which is amazing). I've seen him live a couple times, and he does not disappoint. Something I've read in other reviews is a complaint about his lyrics. Yes, sometimes his words may not have a clear message on a superficial level, or maybe even a level deeper, but I don't really think it takes away from the overall value of the music. All-in-all, this album is worth checking out.

Another artist I have recently discovered is Plant and Animals (pictured here). On their latest album, Parc Avenue, the song "Good Friend" sticks out to me. The chorus goes like this, "It takes a good friend to say you've got your head up your ass. It takes a good friend to meet you in the park in the dark. It takes an enemy to help you get out of bed. It takes your lover to leave you, to feel loneliness." I could listen to this song over and over on repeat. What do they sound like? Hmm...maybe an indie rock feel with a touch of alternative/Jim Noir/Elbow/The Frames-ish sound? See for yourself. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

alone on the land.

2009-03-01T16:46:00.009-06:00

I was recently introduced to Take Away shows. I've been constantly watching them. Beautiful music in a variety of settings. Sometimes its in the back seat of a car, the sidewalk of a busy street, or even a grocery store. Here is Bowerbirds performing "Dark Horse".

Alone on the land,
In the love of the dirt again,
There's a sharp, jagged winter
At the center of my home.
Of my blood and bones,
That sleets and snows and makes me shiver.
But you, my heart, I will never know.
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This past week was very trying, but in the end, the results were more than gratifying. After taking on the challenge of planning a large-scale, campus-wide event, I can't help but be proud of the work that was done. For the longest time, this task was one of the most stressful situations. Sorry to be blunt, but it was a pain in my ass. I just wanted to say "fuck it" and move on. Despite those feelings, I continued on. At 9:30 pm on Friday, it all came to a close and the show could not have gone any smoother. It was just proof that hard work truly does pay off in the end.

This semester is quickly coming to a close, and it is becoming more and more apparent. I never thought Spring Break would get here, and now it is less than two weeks away. My birthday is this Thursday....the big 2-2. I guess I should be excited? I don't know why, but I just really haven't given it much thought. Holidays, birthdays, etc. just don't seem to mean as much anymore. Womp womp, I know.

My views on things are just evolving so much with all that is changing in my life. I guess there is just certain level disconnect with a lot of things. I just keep telling myself that I only have a couple more months, and then I'm cutting the cord...

This is my way of saying goodbye
Because I can't do it face to face
So I'm talking to you before
No matter what happens now
I won't be afraid
Because I know
Today has been the most perfect day I have ever seen

if i know you.

2009-02-18T23:26:00.009-06:00

I'm kind of in love with this video. Why can't life be like this? All I have to do is walk around, break into dance, take off my shirt and wait for others to join me. To end my day, I wouldn't mind dancing around a bonfire either. Get all tribal and shit. Oh, how I love The Presets.

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In other news, I've realized that you can find the biggest surprises in the least likely places. I went to Networking Night yesterday (business career fair shiet). Basically, I went to appease my parents and get a free dinner. As I'm sitting there, eating a decent slice of chocolate cake, I was taken my surprise. One of the speakers was an A&M graduate who decided to open up his own film production company. He basically gave his accounting degree the middle finger and decided to do what fueled his passion for life. You don't hear stories like that within the business school. As everyone knows, music is my life, but the business school definitely doesn't nurture that passion. I feel like whenever I tell people about my career goals, they don't understand. Especially in Mays Business School, I feel as if many students choose the path they are "supposed" to. Do I want to working for fucking Hormel, and sell canned chili? Yes, I said Hormel (they were at the career fair). Hell no, fuck no. It was refreshing to hear from someone with almost the exact same views as me. Of course, I had to talk to this guy. I ended up making a really good contact, and we'll see where it goes!

beauty in a wicked world.

Concert Review: Steve Aoki @ VZW Theather [2.2.2012]

Just Me: i finally tainted my naked skin [tatted up]

i'm the power gay of chili's [bitch].

Unhate Campaign film from United Colors of Benetton

Remix: M83's "Midnight City"

Movie Review: 50/50

Concert Review: deadmau5 at VZW Theater [9.16.2011]

Cover Songs: Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire)

Visuals: The National's "Exile, Vilify"

what's the baby's gender? i'll never tell.

Bon Iver covers Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me"

Concert Review: Rusko at Warehouse Live [5.7.2011]

Music Leak: Beyonce - "Girls (Who Run The World)"

20th Annual KTRU Outdoor Music Festival [4.9.2011].

Visuals: Daft Punk's "Alive" Directed by Emile Hirsch

Concert Review: Scissor Sisters at Warehouse Live [4.4.2011]

Lady Aggies Win NCAA Basketball National Championship. [whoop]

SXSW 2011: The Land of Hipsters, Booze, and Unicorns

south.by.southwest.2011 [recap coming soon]

horses vs unicorns: a bathroom debate.

Obama: Defense of Marriage Act is Unconstitutional

Concert Review: Robyn at Warehouse Live [2.19.2011]

Bonnaroo 2011 Lineup Revealed [i have to go this year]

Concert Review: Big Freedia at Fitzgerald's [2/11/2011]

Super Bowl XLV

Britney Spears - "Hold It Against Me" Music Video Parody **REMOVED**

Visuals: New Video from Savage Skulls & Douster feat. ROBYN

Diana Ross Cover Song from Gay Porn Star

Concert Review: Sarah Jaffe at Mucky Duck [1/20/2011]

The 2011 Golden Globes

Concert Review: Girl Talk at Verizon [1/13/2011]

Visuals: Katy Perry - "Peacock" Parody (NSFW)

Visuals: Digitalism's "Blitz"

Song/Video of the Day: Banjo or Freakout - "105"

Album Review: Kitsuné Maison 10: The Fireworks Issue

Covers: ceo doing Beyonce's "Halo"

New Music: Yeasayer Live Album (FREE)

Tis the season...

Concert Review: Jay Brannan at Fitzgerald's [12/12/2010]

Song/Video of the Day: Barcelona - "Please Don't Go" feat. The Symphony Guild

Just Me: White Rock Half Marathon [PHOTOS]

Visuals: Daft Punk's "Derezzed"

Just Me: White Rock Half Marathon [12/5/2010]

New Music: Dreamers of the Ghetto

heartwarming queer teen photo/video montage.

Concert Review: Usher at Toyota Center (11/23/10)

Visuals: Ke$ha's "We R Who We R" Unofficial Music Video

Live Music: Gorillaz Cover The XX's "Crystalised"

Live Music: Sufjan Stevens on Jimmy Fallon

11/18/1999. 2:42 am. [we will always remember]

Song/Video of the Day: James Blake - Limit To Your Love

hey willow smith, you should watch this.

New Music: Girl Talk - All Day (FREE)

a slow and painful death [the end of four loko is near]

Visuals: Unofficial Video for Sleigh Bells' "Riot Rhythm"

New Music: Violens - Amoral

New Robyn Tracks Released

did i lick a smurf yesterday? [a four loko testament]

an electro-splosion all over your face [better than most alternatives].

"the parade almost brought me to tears"

sweden keeps it real.

warpaint. mango's. houston. april 9th.

a [leisure] drive down the west coast in a [delorean] would be nice.

calm down. its just a little t & a.

(256): ricky martin is gay. you owe me $10 from 3rd grade. [tfln]

miike snow/steve aoki revisted: youtube video follow up.

i'm going to lose my hearing by age thirty. i'm sure of it.

discovery.

new music from the knife?!? thank you.

we're taking houston by storm.

i want you back.

my christmas tree is delicious? thanks for that one, gaga.

music video + nudity = NSFW

remiXXX.

laugh out loud.

roo round two.

the swell season. houston.

what i did, i did.

blooooood

Britney Spears - "Hold It Against Me" Music Video Parody REMOVED