Joffrey's Art Show

A friend of a friend (oh thank you Facebook) had an art installation at LUGZ coffee hours in Vancouver.  I dropped by for a bit to check it out on my way to see Black Mondo Grass at the Bourbon.  Joffrey hasn't been doing this type if painting for long, so it was impressed by the quality of the pieces.  An urban feel collection with spray paint, freehand and lots of texture.

Check him out: http://www.modelmayhem.com/901597

Joffrey showing off some of his photography

Lots of friends and family coming out to show support

Outliers / Like a Martyr / Black Mondo Grass

April 4th, The Bourbon.  Black Mondo Grass' C.D. release party.

Outliers:  Not a big fan.  As I said the last time I saw them when I left the show early because they were totally not interesting...  Lack of energy from some members and lack of a polished sound from everyone.

Like a Martyr: I've never seen these guys before, and they totally rocked (maybe because I was starved for some talent by this point?).  4 peice with great energy and a funky rock sound.  Heavy bass lines,  some catchy riffs and an aura that they know what they are doing.  Well dressed and ready to rock, they definitely got the audience's attention.  Apparently they have a song being played on the radio right now?  Doesn't surprise me as they had some solid tunes.  They wouldn't fill and entire arena at this point, but they sure kept us entertained.  Not bad, not bad at all.

Check out their myspace and listen the song "Elizabeth"  http://www.myspace.com/likeamartyr

Black Mondo Grass:  The guys were beaming when they went on stage.  You could feel their excitement as they gave each other a congratulatory hugs and hand shakes.  This was it, their first C.D. is out and they are about to play an awesome show.  They fucking rocked it hard and filled up the dance floor with fans wearing BMG shirts and who knew the words to the songs.  It was fantastic to watch and super fun to take pictures of.  Mike, the lead singer twisted about on stage and kept the energy high in the room as the band played loud and tight.  Shea on guitar ripped it up and Ian on drums played a superb thumping set.  I bought a copy of their CD, "Summers Cold".  I recommend it, and make sure you check out the song "Girl in the white sweater", pure genious.

 

Check them out:  http://www.myspace.com/blackmondograss

Make my day

I went to Joffrey's art show on the weekend and stole a shot of this kinda-homeless guy in the back hallway.  He came up to me and said "did you take my picture?"  I said yes, and asked if I could take more pictures of him in the cool hallway.  He posed for me and everything!  Thanks dude!

JunoFest

So I went to Junofest last weekend.  I tried to get on the guest list to get in for free, but there were contracts and junk because it was a Juno show so there was no guest list.  Lame.  But having my camera and a bit of attitude saved me from waiting in line, so I was happy to pay $12 for a freekin awesome show.  I went to the show at The Penthouse.  The line up was Black Betty / The Manvils / Pride Tiger / Spreadeagle.  I missed Black Betty because I was just late... which sucked because I wanted to see the chick band member.  

So The Manvils are Indie rockers from Vancouver, they were great.  They were a little more tame sounding than the next bands, but they have some great tunes.  Check them out: www.myspace.com.themanvils .

Next up was Pride Tiger.  So I had never heard them, knew nothing about them and I was wondering why the drummer was setting up his kit at the front of the stage.  What?!  Oh! It's because he is the lead singer too!  This guy, Matt Wood was amazing.  He reminded me somewhat of Pauly Shore on speed.  He pretty much was the band... Keeping time and singing must be incredibly difficult but he pulled it off with no problem.  The songs were rocking and the keyboard player kept the songs funky and interesting.  I would seriously seek this band out again when they play in Vancouver.  Check them out : http://www.myspace.com/pridetiger

Last but not least was Spreadeagle to bring the house down.  They had some hardcore fans in the crowd and the mosh pit got very pushy shovey (a bit too much for a girl with a camera near the front) They rocked it hard, even tho Telford's mic kept quitting.  He just screamed the lyrics until it came back on.  Hey, the show must go on!

All my pictures of Spreadeagle and on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=23654190208&view=all

People at the show

Andrew from Hugenelk

Cool girl studying radio broadcasting and her friend:

Speadeagle's No. 1 fan?  Check out the hair... I haven't seen shaved sides in a long time... 

Mr. Oizo

Yes I know you think I'm crazy for listening to this (whoever you are) but I do really enjoy Mr. Oizo.  You have heard him before.  Mr. Oizo is Quentin Dupieux, a French music producer. Daft Punk are also French, a trend in my preferences perhaps?  Ok so in 1999 he released and EP with the single "Flat Beat".  It had an awesome music video with a puppet bobbing his head along to the song.  You have heard this before, I'm sure of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6Ewqx3PMs

So the new album is called "Lambs Anger".  My favourite song on it right now is "Two Takes It" featuring Carmen Castro.  It's a remix/redo of "It takes two" and includes samples from the DJ EZ Rock and Rob Base version.  It's just splendid.

The new album's cover art features "Flat Eric" (The puppet) with a razor being held at his neck...

CKY

I was at a party a few weeks ago and I remember someone talking about CKY and I tried to make a mental note to look it up when I got home.  Totally forgot about it, but then stumbled across it on itunes.  

When I'm going to get an album from a band that I have never heard before, I always get the oldest album.  I find it always has the most raw and rocking sound too it.  Usually less over-produced than more recent albums.  So I picked 'Camp Kill Yourself Volume 1' for my purchase.  It's wicked.  It's metal and punk and harmonious.  

 

The band formed in Pennsylvania in 1998 and shares it's name with the CKY video series (the beginnings of Jackass).  The drummer is Jess Margera, brother of Bam Margera, who exclusively put their songs on a skate video he released in 1999 called 'Landspeed: cKy'.  They released 2 albums to coincide with the video and started touring with Warped Tour.

I suggest at least having a sample listen on itunes if you have it, my fav song right now is 'Disengage the Simulator'.

Moon Phases

So I'm turning 28 on friday.  Friday the 13th I might add!  I've had it on a Friday a few times before, like the night I was born and at least one in my teens.  It's cool that the moon is so full right now too.  The moon is actually full on March 11th at 2:38 AM.  Which is in about 3 hours.  

Usually I notice people (customers) at work going a little nutso around this time of moon cycle.  Like they really need to return something they broke after they bought it, and its all our fault and I'm never shopping here again and we are all stupid.  It's funny how some people don't understand how the world turns.  It's nice at work right now as there are no customers right now.  Ah, peace and quiet.