The Life Aquatic

Here are two stories that I feel I have to mention before I get to the Arcade Fire greatness:

• Scientists took pictures of a giant squid in it's own environment for the first time ever. The thing is huge and awesome.
• Pirates still exist!

Moving on...

The Arcade Fire was amazing last night, no surprise. We missed Bell Orchestre because when it rains people are shocked and forget how to drive. Would have liked to have seen them, but oh well, I'll pirate their music either way. Ergo, we made it in to the Riv just in time to hear Wolf Parade begin. Much to my chagrin, but not surprise, Wolf Parade was mediocre. Similar to the Bloc Party show, they sounded good but something was missing. Nice to see them and I would see them again to give them a second chance, but I was not overly impressed. And then the Arcade Fire took the stage and showed why they are the best live show going. I normally abhor people singing along loudly, but at a show like this its totally inevitable. In fact, I'm pretty surprised I can talk right now. However, me and Girlfriend have a strange ability to be in close proximity to both annoying drunk broads and guys who dance really weird and are most certainly gay. Nonetheless, the show was out of this world and I still can't really hear that great out of my left ear. In a good way. Here is the setlist for those who care:

• Wake Up (with a Bob Dylan - 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' intro, fitting considering the weather)
• Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
• Headlights Look Like Diamonds
• Haiti
• I'm Sleeping in a Submarine
• 5 Years (David Bowie cover)
• Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
• Crown of Love
• Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
• Neighborhood #3 (Power's Out)
• Rebellion (Lies)
• No Cars Go *encore
• In the Backseat *encore

It is awesome to me that they can change up the order of the songs when compared to the album because they flow so perfectly on it, but they lose nothing when played live and out of normal sequence. After the show there was a fair amount of craziness. As I waited in line for the Wolf Parade vinyl, Richard Reed Parry (multi-instrumentalist from AF) came and was talking to some dude. Then this kid tries to re-enter1 and this huge security jerk chokes him out and takes him down to the floor. I would imagine this kid was at biggest 5'11" and 160 lbs. and no more than 18 years old. Nonetheless, the security needlessly takes him down and everybody watched and was really confused. It was just a strange sequence of events and completely unneccessary. After that all happened and I bought my record I went and had this lengthy conversation with Richard:

• TK: You guys were amazing.
• RRP: Thanks.

It should be noted that he looks almost exactly like Napoleon Dynamite2. All in all, it was a terrific show and Arcade Fire have been elevated to the list of bands I will try and see every time they come back to Chicago3,4.

1. He 'just wanted to buy a t-shirt." And, his 'dad knows the guy who owns [the Riv]."
2. And he was wearing a shirt that I am almost certain came from H&M as I considered buying it earlier in the day.
3. This list is now two bands long: The Strokes and the Arcade Fire, and possibly Four Tet.
4. However, AF will not be back soon. According to the lead singer they're not coming back until they have 1 million new songs.

You Know How I Know You're Gay? You Listen to Coldplay

As promised, Part 2 of Klosterman and the Sports Guy is up over at ESPN.com. There is a lot more about music in this half. And yes, Klosterman does rip on Coldplay again1.

What was that I was supposed to do tonight? Oh yeah, go enjoy Arcade Fire supported by Wolf Parade and Bell Orchestre. Show review sometime this week. Suckers.

1. As he rightfully should.
   

Read This

My favorite sports writer (the Sports Guy) and my favorite music writer (Chuck Klosterman) go back and forth via email. It's definitely entertaining, and part 2 will be up tomorrow.

I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It

Tomorrow Girlfriend and I will be venturing in to the White City to enjoy the musical stylings of Bell Orchestre, Wolf Parade and the Arcade Fire. Needless to say, I am desperately counting the hours until I am in pure auditory bliss. Most people will remember that Funeral was my album of the year for 2004 (it was also Pitchfork's1), and at least one person will vouch for me that Apologies to the Queen Mary - Wolf Parade's debut - is in the running for my 2005 top spot. Futhermore, the Arcade Fire show I saw at Lollapalooza this summer was the best live performance I have ever witnessed2. Those things being said, Wednesday's show should be off the hook, as they say.

However, the purpose of this post is to celebrate the official release of Apologies to the Queen Mary3. It is an amazing record throughout. Very reminiscent of both the Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse. Of course, that fact will be mentioned in every single one of the glowing reviews that are popping up all over the internets4. And here are three of those glowing reviews, along with one for their excellent EP:

• Pitchfork
• Stylus Magazine
• Tiny Mix Tapes
• EP: Pitchfork

They seem to be a rowdy bunch on record so I'm hoping for the same live. If they can reproduce the energy that they captured on record, the show should be amazing because Arcade Fire will undoubtedly bring the goods5.

1. Though Pitchfork reviews do not influence my thoughts on music (and are typically pretentious), it is nice to know that someone else agrees with your thoughts.
2. The second picture of this concert review explains everything you need to know about an Arcade Fire show.
3. I have had the pleasure of enjoying this album for about a month and a half thanks to a charitable donation by my boo.
4. Of note: Wolf Parade has opened for the Arcade Fire and sometimes shares members with the band. Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock produced much of Apologies to the Queen Mary. You will find those facts in all of the above reviews.
5. Supposedly, Bell Orchestre (an Arcade Fire offshoot) is pretty good too. Here is yet another review to enjoy.
   

Standing in a Light Field

The new Strokes (probable) single, Juicebox, leaked. I really, really like it. It's not my favorite Strokes song, and probably not in the top 10; but it's totally different (which is nice) than anything else they've done. If this is indicative of First Impressions of Earth then I am going to be really happy. A lot of things I read have said that this owes a debt to Casablancas' early love of Pearl Jam but it reminds me more of 'Planet of Sound' by the Pixies (which is also a terrific song).

Here are a couple of places to download it from, courtesy of Stereogum.com:

• Rapidshare
• YouSendIt

Enjoy!

I'm a Business, Man

I'm working on a few things because I'm very important. One part of the preceding sentence is not true. It's the important part. Anyhow, here's what I'm working on:

• songs, of course
• 2 incredibly important mixes (one due soon, the other not so soon)
• cleaning my room (by tomorrow)
• establishing an immaculate vinyl collection (steps will be taken tomorrow)

Nothing terribly important, but whatevs, it's important to me. And thats all that matters, right?

Right?

The Pocket DJ

If you were smart, you'd consider buying Ultragrrrl's book today. I am.

Wise.

And going to buy it.

100th Post

As you can see, this is my 100th post. So here are the first 100 things I think of:

1. It's going to take a long time to type out 100 things.
2. Especially if I keep spelling "going" as "giong."
3. I don't really like the Houston rap scene, but the song on Kanye West's album ('Drive Slow') is pretty good.
4. I listened to 'Golddigger' three times on the radio yesterday with my mom, sister and boo. My mom turned it up loud every time.
5. 'Golddigger' is really fun to listen to with three girls.
6. My cat Foo is fat.
7. She would look hilarious with a mohawk.
8. I can't believe I have at least 2 white beard hairs, but I guess they match my white chest hair.
9. I'll probably be complelely grey by 38.
10. Little Debbie's are tasty.
11. My beard gets itchy sometimes.
12. I like when some people say 'scratchy' instead of 'itchy.'
13. Today is my 7/12ths birthday.
14. What are eye crusties made of?
15. My mom (and therefore, my whole family) calls eye crusties 'sleep?' i.e. You have sleep in your eyes.
16. The Orbit at Great America is still very fun even though I fit horribly in it.
17. I finally exceeded a ride height restriction at Great America, but I still went on the ride. Not terribly comfortable.
18. I like my boo's pink shirt.
19. I need to trim my chest hair. White one included.
20. It looks like a nice day outside today. I hope it is.
21. I have a test tonight, but I'd much rather watch the football games.
22. If the Saints won the Super Bowl, that would be pretty awesome.
23. My text-messaging can be a little suspect sometimes.
    
24. My shoulders are kind of sore.
25. As is my back.
26. Brody Dalle and Josh Homme are a VERY rock and roll couple.
27. They also both have rogue 'E's at the end of their last names.
28. I like the word 'rogue' as an adjective.
29. My teeth need a brushing after the Fancy Cakes I just ate.
30. I don't know why they are called Fancy Cakes.
31. I have to study for a test today.
32. I'll probably take a nap first though.
33. I also need a shower, fo shizzle.
34. My mom thinks Snoop Dogg is ugly, but I always tell people she loves him.
35. Cucumbers are weird when they aren't thinly sliced for sandwich placement.
36. 100 is a lot!
37. I wonder what Hansen did Saturday night after we left.
38. I like tuna sandwiches.
39. My sister made really good strawberry jam.
40. I may enjoy a peanut butter and Mackenzie Kerby strawberry jam sandwich later.
41. I've never seen the light patch of hair on my head really. Because it's on the back of my head.
42. My mom says it looks like a Nike swoosh.
    
43. From what I've seen in the mirror, I disagree.
44. I'm surprised Nike hasn't branded hair cuts.
45. Branded leads to Marlon Brando.
46. Marlon Brando leads to the Godfather.
47. The Godfather is my favorite movie of all time.
48. Part Two is really good too.
49. Part Three, not so much.
50. What exactly does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
51. I bet it isn't too great.
52. More than 1/2 way done.
53. If anyone actually reads all of these I'll be pleasantly surprised.
54. And impressed.
55. I don't really care though because I like blogging.
56. I like the word blogging.
57. Blogging.
58. I often misspell the word 'blog' as 'bliog.'
59. 'Bliog' sounds like a Snoop word for 'blog.'
60. There were 7 instances of 'blog' in the previous four thoughts.
61. Four Tet.
62. Intonation festival.
63. the Revolution.
64. Jerry Poro
65. It's amazing how the human mind works.
66. I like that feeling you get on rides where your stomach falls out.
67. My mom and sis call that the 'tudelo drop.'
68. That sounds both racy and comical.
69. Racy is a funny word to see on a screen.
70. My feet are hot.
71. And a little bit in pain.
72. Yes, I will allow comments on this post.
73. I hope the MTV Battlegrounds streetball thing is good.
74. I also hope that the Chicago team wins it.
75. My knuckles are crackity.
76. Crack, crack, crackity Jones.
77. I love the Pixies.
78. I can't wait for Arcade Fire.
79. Or Wolf Parade.
80. And I expect that Bell(e?) Orchestra will be pretty good.
81. I like playing the drums on my legs or the legs of those around me.
82. I do not like the Nick LoGalbo X-Treme Leg Squeeze that happens when something bad happens while he plays video games.
83. X-Treme Carl is an awesome nickname.
84. Almost finished with the 100.
85. It has taken 21 minutes thus far.
86. Thus seems like such an old-fashioned word.
87. Now that I'm done fretting about what to do with the 100th post I can go back to regular posting.
88. I can't think of anything.
89. That's not good because I need 10 more thoughts.
90. If I don't get an A on this test tonight I'm an idiot.
91. Anatomy was one of my top 5 favorite classes at BU.
92. I like Patty Pascoe as a teacher too.
93. I like to make top 5 lists.
94. Possibly because of High Fidelity.
95. Jack Black is usually funny.
96. Shallow Hal is the exception.
97. Proper grammatical formatting makes things look more well done.
98. Jack Black didn't have a beard or long hair in Shallow Hall or Envy, two of his worst movies. Coincidence? I think not.
99. His real name can't be Jack Black.
100. Finally, finished!

Thanks for indulging that vain exercise, but I felt I needed to do something 100 related for the 100th Blowtorch post.

Here's Some Answers to Some Questions

I know I'm not the only one who has pondered these conundrums:

• Why is gas priced to nine-tenths of a cent?
• What is the difference between i.e. and e.g.?
• Can you really redeem coupons for the miniscule fraction of a dollar they are supposedly worth?
• Where can I buy an island?
• Why do record companies release artist albums on Tuesdays?
• What was in the briefcase from Pulp Fiction?
• What's Scientology all about? 1
• Has anyone ever tried putting on a costume to be a real superhero?
• What does the "YKK" on zippers stand for?
• What kind of creature is Grimace from McDonald's?
• Why is the snooze function on alarm clocks always set to nine-minute intervals?
• What color do they put on driver's licenses for people who've dyed their hair blue, green, etc.?
• How can I become an FBI Special Agent?
• What is the meaning of life? 2

Click through for the "answers."

1. I fear that I will now be contacted by Tom Cruise and his cohorts. If I suddenly go missing, please call my mother.
2. Forty-two?

Just for the Record

Meeting Nick Valensi in no way compares to seeing L.C.D. Soundsytem and M.I.A. in concert. I think that point needed clarifying.

Bloc Rockin Beats

Ok.

So.

Last night, me and boo went to Bloc Party (see below, duhvs). On a whole the show was good. The first band, the Noisettes, were just that. A really loud band with a girl lead singer. Who was black. And who Zach said looked like the girl from 28 Days Later. Whatever. Next on the bill was the Kills, who were also eh. Kind of had a Raveonettes thing going on, but far creepier. Zach, once again in scary movie mode, concluded that their lead singer looked like Samara from The Ring movies. He, of course, was right on both charges1.

Then was the main course, Bloc Party. Since most of the reviews I had read said that they weren't nearly as good live as they are on record (and Silent Alarm is really, really good -- like Top 10 of 2005 good), we were a little worried that they would be underwhelming. This wasn't true, but then again, they weren't overwhelming. I guess they were simply whelming. The show was highlighted by the following things: a Michael Jordan jersey, a strangely gay-dancing man in front of us, and a girl who quite obviously didn't fit in so instead got wasted and yelled constantly (not to mention jump like an idiot, needless to say, me and her are not friends). According to Kele (the lead singer who I had no idea was black upon first listen) pretty much the whole band was sick, but then again we couldn't understand anything the guys on stage were saying due to thick Cockney accents. Sure the acoustics of the Congress theatre could have been better, sure Kele can't really sing (but everyone already knows that), sure they can't exactly replicate the songs from the album but they were just good. Not transcendent (like Arcade Fire or Pixies at Lollapalooza2), but good. It wasn't one of those shows that makes you want to listen to a band non-stop or elevates a band to a higher status in your brain, but it certainly was enjoyable. Also, the trip home was my all-time favorite from .... ANY. EVENT. EVER. Hopefully, that success can be trumped on trip home from Arcade Fire on September 28, 2005 the year of our Lord.

1. Also on the Zach tip, his girlfriend indeed wear a hat as predicted in my concert preview.
2. Or even the Strokes the first time I saw them; which little to our knowledge would be the first time Eve and I shared the same room. Of course this fact wasn't discovered until roughly 2 years later, but still that further enhances one of my top 5 concert experiences ever. But I got to meet Nick V. after the show and she didn't and I'm typing this simply to remind her of that fact. Also, I should bring up that I own Is This It? on vinyl.

I'm Going to Bloc Party Like It's My Birthday

Tonight I'm seeing Bloc Party (along with the Noisettes and the Kills) with my boo. Whilst at the show, we're meeting Zach and his girlfriend. I know nothing about Zach's girlfriend except that she is 19 years old and likes to wear hats. I hope there is evidence that supports both of those claims tonight.

I'm So Happy, Oh So Happy, Then Again, I'm Always Sad

I like caring about someone.

These are a few of my favorite things

T-shirt: West Coast Video

New Cereal Invention: Dr. Chocoberry (1/2 Count Chocula, 1/2 Franken Berry, milk)

Song (at the moment): 'Where is My Mind?' - Pixies

Athletic Teams:

• Baseball: Atlanta Braves
• Football: Chicago Bears
• Basketball: Chicago Bulls
• Collegiate Sports: University of Michigan

Color: Orange

Number: 2

Food to Eat for Lunch at Work: Tuna salad on toasted wheat bread with lettuce and French dressing

Band (alltime): the Beatles

Band (current): the Strokes

Shoes (model): Converse All-Stars High

Shoes (specific): Nike Air Jordan XI

Actress: Uma Thurman

Movie: The Godfather

Movie Starring Uma Thurman: Pulp Fiction

Pillow: Orange feather one

That is all for now.

Trey Kerby Likes Football

Last night Andrew, Mike Schmitt, Billy the Kid, and I went to the Plano-Sandwich rivalry game (along with my mom, cousin, and her husband). Per usual, we sported various Trey Kerby jerseys and then went to Brother's Restaurant -- Home of the Beef Roll1. I'm now convinced that Andrew must be a good luck charm since Plano has beat Sandwich in the two consecutive years he has attended the game. Nick Nasti was his usual self, rushing for 203 yards and two touchdowns, along with an interception. My mom even commented that "she likes watching him run, because he has people hanging all over him." She obviously is a football mastermind.
This has been a long and rambling introduction, so now I'll get to the point, which you may have guessed from the title. I like football. Watching it, playing it, and playing video games which simulate it, pretty much whatever. That's one of the reasons I really like my job come fall time. On Saturdays, when work is slow I get to watch the college football games (Michigan vs. Notre Dame right now) and then come Sundays the NFL is on. It surely helps pass the time on the slow days, like today.
Michigan just threw an interception, so I'm not too happy about that. Must go watch.

1. We also decided that we would open a restaurant called Stepbrother's that will serve all food in roll form. The menu would be similar to that of any dive restaurant, but with rolls galore. Steak roll, tuna salad roll, broiled halibut steak roll, etc.

I Wish My Brain Worked Like Everyone Else's

Here are a few things that I legitimately worry about for no good reason:

• That I am constantly getting a flat tire while driving
• Identity theft
• Being the victim of a senseless killing
• That I'm not that good-looking
• What I will die from
• What has the ability to potentially kill me (i.e. could accidentally running my foot over with the lawnmower result in such a substantial amount of blood loss that I could die?)
• That based on deep enjoyment of Wolf Parade's Apologies to the Queen Mary (courtesy of my boo) I will be disappointed by their live performance on September 28th.
• That there is a severe lack of Wolf Parade information on the internet. Lyrics, biographies, and such are extremely hard to find.
• That I will be underwhelmed by Bloc Party on September 14th1.
• That The Exorcism of Emily Rose will not be as good as it could be due it's being rated PG-132.
• That I haven't tried hard enough at music, which would result in a decreased likelihood of success
• In the past year there has been two natural disasters (Katrina and the tsunami), additionally there have been 3 plane crashes (that I am aware of), two terrorist attacks in London and one in Spain, not to mention the Middle East catastrophe; the result of all this is that I worry that this is what the end of the Earth will be like, and that possibly we are experiencing it

Like I said, sometimes I wish my brain worked like everybody else's.

1. This fear is not entirely unfounded because every live review I have read regarding Bloc Party has stated that they sound much better on record due to the terrific production of their debut, Silent Alarm. Regardless, it will be a terrific show and I think they will rock really hard, but I'm just preparing myself.
2. I think that the R rating is what made both Wedding Crashers and The 40-Year Old Virgin so successful. Due to the significantly relaxed standards when compared to PG-13, the amount of crass humour they could show was increased and, therefore, much funnier. Hence, I don't think that the director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose will be able to show enough crazy stuff and that could hurt the movie. But I'm seeing it anyways, in hopes of being proved wrong.

I'm Not Mad, I'm Just Bored

My typical response to conflict isn't a good one. I usually get really worked up immediately, start thinking negative things, and then I finally wrap my head around it and am actually okay to deal with it. I may want to consider thinking logically about the problem as a first step since this would seem to alleviate some unneeded stress on my part. That being said, I had a terrific Labor Day weekend. Actually, I would imagine that it was my best Labor Day weekend ever, all things considered. I would liike to thank you in particular for that.

The End of the World

End of the World Cartoon

I don't know what brought it into my head, but the above cartoon is hilarious. I think I probably watched it roughly 415 times junior year. You owe it to me to at least check it out. Please. For your friend.