We get a lot of emails and press releases these days.  The variety of stuff we have sent to us ranges from requests to cover projects by Slayer to Dakota Fanning and everything in between.  Even through trying to be selective, there often seems to be more to cover than we have time for.  It’s hard not to jump on those Pavement tickets (they’re still so good), but there’s nothing like discovering something new we’ve never seen before.  Sure, we’ve gotten plenty of contacts from acts who have no idea what our interests are or what we care about.  Sometimes they’re “wacky” pop-punk acts or maybe they just care more about acting and dressing like rock stars then actually creating something of substance.  I don’t feel too bad ignoring those type of contacts because, if you don’t know who the fuck we are, then why should I give a fuck about researching and writing about who you are trying to be?  Other times, however, I get that email that reminds me that the original goal was really to help bring attention to quality artists that often get overlooked.  That’s how we discovered some surprising talent that we’ve covered in the past, like Untied States and Edison; through receiving random emails.  Sometimes we get a really nice personalized direct contact that introduces us to someone like stencil artist Paper Monster.  Sometimes it takes quite a few emails before we wise up and realize that we’ve been ignorantly overlooking something amazing, as was the case with one of my favorite newer acts, NURSES.  All too often, I know that timing gets in the way and/or there are just things being lost in the chaos.  A new Brooklyn quintet calling themselves Quiet Lights, has fallen into a mix of a few of these circumstances with us. (more…)

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CHPB KICK OFF JAM

July 22nd, 2010

The Crodile

Seattle, Wa

You’ve heard of the “after party”, but this year Seattle festivals have adopted the new tradition of holding “launch” or “Kick Off” parties.  “Before the party’s the Kick Off Party.“  It’s like R. Kelly in reverse.  The “Re-remix to Ignition“.  When your festival already contains the term “Party” in its title, it can feel a little unnecessary or excessive.  I wish that I could honestly say that it didn’t feel that way at the actual event, but I can’t.  [Correction: in all fairness, this was technically a kick of "jam" not "party".  Our apologize for anyone that was dying to correct me before I was able to apologize.]

Just like the Sasquatch Festival‘s “Launch Party” equivalent, The Capitol Hill Block Party‘s “Kick Off Jam” was held at the somewhat-recently reopened historic local club, The Crocodile.  Sasquatch‘s event featured performances by Surfer Blood, Atlas Sound, and local hip hop duo, Fresh Espresso.  I believe it was sponsored by E-Surance.  This event was headlined by Holy Fuck Holy F! with OBITZ and Unnatural Helpers opening.  We were contacted by DICKIES workwear about being VIP-listed for the show.  It was still a free event, otherwise, as long as you RSVP‘d on the site of their co-sponsor, FILTER Magazine. (more…)

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Something my brother said as we were leaving the movie theater: “Man, I’m glad that they made that into a movie, because when I try to explain Scott Pilgrim to people, it sounds soooo dumb!”

I could totally relate to that sentiment and, if you’re already a fan of the graphic novels that were the basis for the new film, I’m sure that you probably could too.  Those who are not may be asking “So, what is it all about?“  Well, Scott Pilgrim is this unemployed, Canadian twenty-something bass player who begins dating Ramona Flowers, an American hipster girl on Roller Blades (how one can remain hip while on Roller Blades is never quite explained, but it manages to work ).  It is soon discovered that for them to continue to see each other, Scott has to fight and defeat Ramona‘s ex-boyfriends.  It sounds sorta dumb, right?  I know, but there are a million reasons why its not and a million reasons as to why it is, in fact, one of my most favorite things ever.  To read through Scott Pilgrim‘s 6 manga-like volumes is to get an honest look at creator Bryan Lee O’Malley‘s tastes and hobbies.  If you have even the slightest bit of a nerd streak in you, you will instantly be able to relate.  You get references to comic books, manga, video games, and indie-rock… and the fighting ex-boyfriends thing?  It sounds silly, but look, its a metaphor.  Scott is trying to stack up against Ramona‘s past relationships.  The series itself is a really great read.

Now there’s always a danger when a beloved comic book gets adapted into a movie.  Hell hath no fury like a scorned comic book geek with a modem.  When Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World was first announced, a lot of people began monitoring its development nervously.  With Micheal Cera backlash at its peak, things got even more tense when he was announced as the lead.  Still, there remained faith in director Edgar Wright (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), and O’Malley‘s involvement/endorsement of the project.  The biggest fear, I think, was the potential to lose much of the lovable quirkiness found in the comics.  How much of the video game and comic book tributes would be lost?  These elements are integral to the feel of the series and one of the keys to its success.  A romantic comedy is all the more fun when a “save point” magically appears in the corner of the room! (more…)

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Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Woodinville, Wa

June 19th, 2010

“Steve Martin Banjo Tour,” were sweeter words ever put together?  Turns out, some things might be better in my “Wild & Crazy” Imagination.” Last month, I was lucky enough to get tickets to see the legendary comedian/banjoist perform with North Carolina‘s Steep Canyon Rangers; part of the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery’s annual summer concert series. I was thrilled at the opportunity. But –now– I kinda feel like a “jerk.” I was, unfortunately, just a little let down by the whole Steve Martin banjo experience… and, now I am putting it out there for the whole world to see.  The following is my totally neurotic review of the whole experience.

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When KIDS was released in 1995, there was a lot of “controversy” behind it’s explicit content involving teens, drugs, and violence.  I remember all of the hype clearly; I was 16 at the time.  The film’s writer, Harmony Korine was 22, however, he was only about 19 when he wrote it [wikipedia claims "18" Korine has guessed "20"].  I watched KIDS and thought that it was a solid film, but it didn’t change my fucking life like the nightly news had claimed that it would.  Then again, I think that any lack of shock value for me may actually be a testament to the reality that had been infused within it.  While KIDS jump started the careers of first time actors like Rosario Dawson and Chloe Sevigney, Korine didn’t quite live up to the “promise” that many had expected for him.  That’s not to say that he didn’t continue to produce amazing pieces of work or to move forward in his career, it’s just that he never seemed harnessed into the limitations and ideas that had been placed on him by others.  One way to put it would be that the “promise” that the golden boy had placed on him wasn’t a promise that he had actually ever “made” himself.  In ways, his story is Pecker-esque and, as quickly as upper class socialites might take in a troubled youth for their own self-righteous ego boost, they will toss his ass out and turn their backs on him once he lives up to his inherent nature by intentionally smashing their Fabergé eggs, getting their daughters drunk, and stealing their cars. (more…)

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Early last month, multi-Oscar-nominated actor, Edward Norton was invited to the Northwest as part of the 2010 Seattle International Film Festival.  Beginning on June 3rd, with American History X, and ending on the 5th, with Spike Lee‘s 25th Hour, SIFF helped to celebrate the actor’s illustrious career by screening some of his most successful work.  Norton was on hand to provide short personal introductions to each of the films, but the most substantial portion of the tribute took place on June 4th at the Egyptian Theatre and included the festival honoring him with their trademark Golden Space Needle award.  The festivities at the Egyptian also featured a live interview with the actor and a screening of his latest project, Leaves of Grass.  I was there for the events and, for an artist who’s managed to build a career off of his ability to shift characters effortlessly, often within the same role, I can safely say that Norton only exposed one of his faces that night. (more…)

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