Monday, October 27, 2008

When does music become more than entertainment?

When it was admitted on various websites, blogs, and other forms of online news medias that Jane's Addiction would be getting back together to play at La Cita downtown, there was a sudden frenzy. Was this actually going to be with Eric Avery, the original bass player, who besides the NME's Godlike Genius award show in April, hasn't been playing with the band since 1991? Before that show in April, there was no hope that Eric would ever rejoin the band. For the first reunion in 97, Perry and the Boys decided on Flea to be their Bass player, but that was after Avery firmly said "NO." Other tours included Alanis Morissette's Chris Chaney on Bass, and oddly enough, Eric had played for Alanis also, and even dated her briefly. Martin Lenoble, who played Bass in Farrell's other project 'Porno for Pyros, had also been enlisted, for a brief period before Chaney.
All of these alternate Bass players are extraordinary musicians. But most fans will agree that having Eric back into the mix makes a huge difference. Canadian Barton Saunders flew in from Toronto just for the set, which he got into by sleeping on the sidewalk outside of La Cita, and than hanging out in the bar all day. I myself spent over 5 hours in line and didn't get in. That's the last time I'll stand in line that long for a show. I'd only do it for these guys. Even "Jane" Bainter, whom the band is named after, was asking me how she could get on the list!
So, I guess something must be in the stars, because that was the same day I heard that good Old Axl and his band is finally releasing Chinese Democracy, albeit only through Best Buy. Maybe Janes and Guns will tour together? Two L.A. legends of yore? Two champions who used to be at odds? I'm sure many Jane's fans would hate me for suggesting that bill, but you have to admit, it would be interesting. I know Axl was wearing a Janes Addiction show at a certain Rock in Rio gig. Guess he didn't have anything left to prove at that point, he could admit that he loved a fellow band from the city of angels. I heard in the early days the band didn't exactly love each other. I get that it was a more passive aggressive rivalry though. Now getting the original lineup for Guns and roses, that would surely be more than entertainment- that would be a miracle. But who knows? After all, this is the city of angels.

Jane's Addiction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDDeKArcrqU&feature=related

Sunday, October 26, 2008

My own concoction

Che's Cocoa delight
So if you're trying to abolish processed sugar from your diet, and you want something that will really give you a pep at the same time, I have a great solution for you. This particular drink is simple to prepare and also helpful if you're trying to give up caffeine, as it is loaded with natural 'uppers' as well! For each serving:

8 OZ. Organic Oat Beverage
1 TBSP. Organic Agave Syrup
1 TBSP. Cacao Powder.

blend it.

Drink up!

Janes Addiction at La Cita Bar downtown.

Could "the one" you've been waiting for

actually be
the blast
from the past?

Recipe for Post Stock Market Crash country soup.

6 Pack of Maruchan Instant lunch Ramen noodles. (You can get it for $2 at Vons)
7 cups of Water, preferably filtered.
1 Zucchini
2 Carrots
3 small onions
1/8 cup kikoman low sodium soy sauce

Boil water for a few minutes, than throw everything in, while bringing the water down to a simmer. Serve Hot, Cuidado! not to burn your tongue. For those long lines at the unemployment office, fill up an industrial sized thermos and slurp slowly while waiting. For comic effect, stoop in the corner eating it out of a tin can, wearing your best Natty Gann cap.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

echo and the bunnymen's bomber's bay

D
The word went 'round in no-dream town
A G
They shut us up and shutters down
D
The planes flew in And laid the ground
A
We built upon
G
And spun around
D
God's one miracle
G A
Lost in circles


D
On the march
G/D
Berlin to Bomber's Bay
D
Traveling dark
G/D
On the road to Mandalay

D
Cannon fire came to call
A G
Stood us up and watched us fall
D
The way we were And now outworn
A G
Our costumes changed to uniforms
D
Black black days
G A
Here to stay

D
On the march
G/D
Madrid to Bomber's Bay
D
Traveling dark
G/D
On the road to Mandalay


Pack up your troubles and you'll all get by
Smile boys, that's the style
Pack up your troubles and you'll all get by
Smile...

D
They give us hope and teach us well
A G
With magic moons that cast a spell
D
And hypnotise, and draw us in
A G
I believe I'm believing
D
God's one miracle
G A
Moves in circles

D
On the march
G/D
Berlin to Bomber's Bay
D
Traveling dark
G/D
On the road to Mandalay

D
Black black days
G/D
Where the flying fishes play...

I've written 2 semi cheesy songs.

That's actually a breakthrough, because I've been afraid of writing this type of song. It's expressive and fun.

Isn't that fun?
whiskey sky/ scrambled egg sun/ walk on water/ everyone./ rock and roll Jesus/ got a number one/ bought dinner and drinks for everyone./
Now isn't that fun?
Drink up all her opiate/ made it to work, wasn't late/ danced on the dance floor, don't know how/ glad did it anyhow/
wasn't that fun?
Monk in a robe/ 1st class fight/ sipping chardonnay all in white/ closes his eyes during turbulence/ throws off his seatbelt/does a dance.
Fish in the ocean/ uncle Phil caught some, had a ball/ we sat at the the table, and ate it all
Isn't that fun?
Driving down the PCH/ she never let nothing get in the way/ there was nothing left to say/ park the car jump in right away
Isn't that fun?

Name for a band

active h

I'm gonna start playing out

whether 2 people show up or 20 or more than 20000 doesn't really matter. I just want to play my songs for others besides me.

As far as a band, we'll see who shows up and what sticks.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Just got an idea.

I'm going to become a street performer and blog about it.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Thursday, October 16, 2008

a wannabe vegetarian succumbs to a late night cornbeef sandwich at Canters, and then repents over a pineapple shake and zucchini fries at Astro Burger

So, I understand the merits of vegetarianism. I would say I do not eat meat about 95% of the time. I love juicing, raw fooding, vegan cupcakes, etc. But whenever I sit down at Canters on Fairfax the omnivore in me just jumps out of nowhere. I once was told by an actor in Northern California that sometimes he makes the 425 mile drive from his house just to go get a Pastrami sandwich. There's just nothing like a a plate of hot food after a sweaty gig in the adjacent Kibitz room. (My band has played there a dozen times this year.) And the Matzo Ball soup, while not quite as good as Grandma's, comes pretty darn close. (That's mainly veggie, except, I think the broth.)
My friends and I are usually throwing food around there like it's going out of style. Trading half a tuna for half a caesar salad, tossing bagel chips at each other in the heat of debate (comes with the matzo ball soup.) If your brain needs an omega three break during your late night studies, grab some bagel and lox!
Gotta get that Screenplay pounded out by next weekend? The coffee is strong here. And the waitstaff is truly inspirational. They've got attitude, stories, and many have been around quite a few years. It's a non kosher greasy spoon with a yiddish flavor, where the extroverted come to be reclusive, and the timid come to rock out! Canter's was established in 1924, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Check them out here: www.cantersdeli.com

Of course if you're trying to avoid a Gastric bypass, hop down the street to Swingers at 8020 Beverly Blvd. It's literally around the corner from Canters. Decked out in with a Warhol- retro vibe, it's opened until 4 in the morning, and everything I've ever eaten here is fantastic. It's fairly healthy, and when I want a vegan burrito it's the perfect place. If you're in the mood for some finger food you can load up on some of the few dozen side dishes they have, most of which are fairly affordable and range from quinoa, goat cheese, sauteed zucchini, or my personal fave, the homemade guacamole. Honestly, their menu is so vast, and not just with shakes, smoothies, entrees and desserts, but there is also a fairly substantial booze section in case you want to continue your late night buzz! In my group, a lot of times we recommend that for anyone who has a long drive ahead, the rocket shake will give you the fuel you need. It's your basic chocolate shake but it's got an extra dose of espresso, AND some espresso beans thrown in for good measure. Check it out!
http://www.swingersdiner.com/
If you're looking for a quicker fix, we have a third option, where I believe you can do no wrong. The Astro Burger is a great late night alternative. There's a few of them, I recommend the one at 7475 Santa Monica Blvd. They're opened until three in the morning and offer everything from fried zucchini (a veggie favorite) to the pineapple shake (my personal favorite.) It's a classic example of Los Angeles at it's Melting pot multicultural best. It offers an assortment of yummified mouth watering pleasantries from Greek and Mexico, AND a vegetarian menu that it filled with so many deluxe items (I must admit I haven't tried them all - but will.) For all you Carnivores, there's more than enough for your palate. It's a guilty omnivore's dream- and easier to stay on the Veggie side of the Gastronomical line than other restaurants previously mentioned. (Sorry Canters.)
As far as veggie burgers go, there is no rival for their garden burger. I prefer the non soy patty which is a blend of mushrooms, onions, herbs, and low fat cheese. There is a soy cheese available upon request, but I'm personally avoiding soy for now so can't recommend it. Anyways, I've tasted v.b.'s at every corner of the planet and prefer the ones that you can find at the Santa Monica and Gardener Astro burger. http://www.astroburger.com/

"Madchester" Band James Wows them at the El Rey.

David Baynton Power, the drummer of Manchester Band James, told me he hadn’t been to L.A. in over a decade. This was right before their show at the El Rey on October 2nd, and he was outside talking to me and another fan, and looking jazzed up for the show. James had broken up in 2001, and got back together last year for a new album and a tour.
Last time I saw them: 1992 in San Francisco, the Seven tour. Their song ‘Born of frustration’ had been getting them slagged off in the British press as Simple Minds rehashers, a lazy comparison if you ask me. I found them to be a fresh breath of air, a positive mist amongst an era dominated by rainy doomsday predicting grunge bands and uptightly arrogant britpoppers. (Not that I don’t like those bands- but sunshine is nice after a rainstorm, is it not?) It felt natural that their next album, Laid, would be produced by none other than Brian Eno, Mr. Ambient Wunderkind himself.
This concert we James fans had been waiting for did not disappoint. The band had as much energy as when I saw them 16 years ago. There was a tenderness between the band members, and an appreciation for something that had dissolved and was now being resurrected. Tim Booth entered the stage and began singing the song Dream Thrum from the album Laid. He looked a bit like a yogic Rasputin, with a thin moustache and goatee. He started off the set wearing a wool beany but discarded it soon enough to show a cleanly shaven scalp, also throwing off his blazer as well, to reveal a tooth pick thin frame that made some of us wonder whether he’d been getting enough to eat on the road.
The words from Dream Thrum echoed through the El Rey, giving us all shivers. Especially the eerie refrain of “oh, I’ve changed.” (Boys, you haven’t changed that much luckily: ) Than they ripped through a satisfying set of oldies but goodies, most of the hits they were known for from their 1992 album Seven, including ‘Ring the Bells’ and the aforementioned ‘Born of Frustration.’
When Laid’s ‘say something’ began, he ran through the audience to the back of the theater and remained there for most of the song, than running back to the stage at the end. Saul Davies, the violinist and guitar player, showed extraordinary strength and energy, alternating between fiddling, strumming, singing, and even banging along on an alternate kit along with Mr. Power the main drummer. Power’s agility is so immediate and precise, and is known for being particularly exquisite at alternating his thunderous drum rolls with even- scaled symphonic grooves. Andy Diagram let his trumpet rip, and I believe adds so much to the band’s sound that his horn playing is one of the capital reasons their sound stands out so much from other bands.
All of the band members were delightful and seemingly pleased. Jim Glennie, the longest original standing member played his bass with a sturdy practicality and Larry Gott beautifully played many of his leads with a slide and hugged a fan who jumped up onstage. Tim Booth displayed amazing generosity and would beam at the audience as we’d sing to him, looking like a proud Father, seemingly surprised that we knew his songs so well.
Not quite half the set was from the new Album, Hey Ma. The rest were oldies but goodies, played from a band that everyone thought was gone, but are definitely back for a second wind. The last song of the show, Laid, I jumped up on stage with about a dozen or so others and quickly was saddened when the lights came up after the curtain call. It was a concert you didn’t want to end. Hope they come back soon, I’ll be be there.

Set List:
Dream Thrum
Oh My Heart
Ring The Bells
Waterfall
Come Home
Hey Ma
Bubbles
Seven
Say Something
Don't Wait That Long
I Want To Go Home
Out To Get You
Upside
Whiteboy
Born of Frustration
Sit Down
Sound

Top of the World
Sometimes
Laid

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

New song: ball of knowing

always thinking of the right words to say
when I'd rather say nothin' at all
takes a lot of energy to expel these thoughts
into a ball of knowing
and understanding
and contradiction,
it's my, my great affliction.

that's what it is!
that's what it is!
that's what it is!
that's what it is!

everybody wants to talk to me.
their words go right through me
leave a message and i'll call you back
some other time

I don't have any money for you
I feel bad but i gotta eat too
hey mister didn't your daddy tell ya
nothin's for free?
Mine did!

And it takes energy
to swim out to the sea
out past the wall of shit
where you can't hear any more of it.

Now i feel bad (no i don't)
for speakin my truth
now I feel bad (no you don't)

why do i do
what i do
what i do- oo
why do i do
what i do
what i do-oo.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Weekend with Suzie

Friday night we watched CASABLANCA. Saturday morning we went to Bagel Nosh. Than we went and parked near the Promenade and danced to her Car Stereo on top of a parking garage to Springsteen andU2's October.Than we went to see Religulous at Laemmeles, than had Sushi across the street. Than we had some drinks at the Penthouse in the Huntley Hotel I do not think I've ever seen a better view from a toilet stall in my entire life. After that, we went home and watched another Bogart movie, The dark passage. The next day we looked at cats and dogs at the pound py pico/ sawtelle and had some indian food. We concluded the day by looking at 2 houses and 2 condos for sale over by Montana st.

John Demartini

was on the radio today I was driving back from my interview for Hollywood CPR. It was exactly the stuff I needed to hear.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

MY MOM!!!!!!!!

My mom was interviewed about the debatesin the Press Democrat, here's what she said:


Frieda Ferrick was having coffee with friend Sharon Daniels-Duerr of Rohnert Park.

Daniels-Duerr said she’d read some recent ideas on helping the financial mess and would ask the candidates about those ideas.

But she and Ferrick also wanted to know about social issues.

“I want to hear details regarding health care,” said Daniels-Duerr.

“Health care and education have been pushed aside,” Ferrick added.

Some people clearly knew what they didn’t want to hear.

No smearing, said Guthrie. “I’m really tired of that.”

Others echoed Guthrie’s disgust.

“I want them to talk about issues and not mudslinging,” Ferrick said. “There are too many important things going on.”

future reference

guy on craigslist said these clubs pay:
Janestown: $10 cover, you keep $5 for every head you bring
Kellys Pub: Gave us 10% of the bar for the duration of the show(originally 20%)
Old Towne Pub: $5 cover, goes directly to the band

I am infinite consciousness

I am what is and what always will be. No fear of government, no fear of action. The level of love is beyond our comprehension. It is beyond manipulated attraction. It's not love that you are "in," It is what you are. It chooses freedom, there are no mental gymnastics, freedom doesn't do consequences. It does what's right. Can change this planet overnight. What is right - end of story- for the circumstances that I face?
"You cannot solve problems with the same consciousness that created it-" Albert Einstein.
We have to move into an expanded level of awareness. Illusions only control you when you think they're there.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Technology

is just like Bilbo's a ring
a silent
shiny empty thing.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

James at the El Rey, October 2nd.

Amazing show. Met the drummer outside beforehand.

Set List:
Dream Thrum
Oh My Heart
Ring The Bells
Waterfall
Come Home
Hey Ma
Bubbles
Seven
Say Something
Don't Wait That Long
I Want To Go Home
Out To Get You
Upside
Whiteboy
Born of Frustration
Sit Down
Sound

Top of the World
Sometimes
Laid
I got to dance on stage during laid.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The L.A. that I love

Today I sat contentedly outside of Sophie's Produce at Olympic and La Peer. I was eating Mangos that Rita, the owner of Sophies cut up for me. I also ate 3 bags of organic crunch dried snacks of cherry berry from Sensible foods, and my favorite drink, Zevia cola. It was a beautiful day in Beverly Hills. This is the L.A. that I love.