Now this band has been hugely hyped since singing to Geffen, and getting a good amount of radio airplay on Sirius, Indie 103, K-Roq, etc.... and it was everywhere I turned when I was in L.A. Their sound is obviously seeded with influences like Bauhaus and Joy DIvision, and for that reason alone, I wanted to give this band a chance. I had seen them once before during CMJ, albeit briefly, so this was my first real chance to see the band live. Like on their album, they play up the dark, seedy L.A. vibe. They played with a bunch of energy and added a bit of charisma to a style of music that can very dry and monotonous. However, the constant Bauhaus nuances, especially in the beginning of two songs that sounded dead on, like Bela Legosi's Dead, and song titles reminiscent of Joy Division, "Out Of Control" and "Tear You Apart", along with a very similar vocal style to the aforementioned bands, I can't say this band really offered a different take on something that had been done before. I think what makes bands that have been heavily influenced by those bands unique and endearing is some aspect of their own identity mixed into the songs. She Wants Revenge, sadly didn't live up to the hype. Still, sounds like they have a catchy song on their hands, with a dark image, and lots of supporters in tow. In other news, this not at all relating to Bauhuas, it seems the garage sale Florida Marlins have moved Centerfielder Juan Pierre to the Cubs. The Yankees still find themselves with a guy named Bubba as their opening day Centerfielder. It appears the Red Sox have been offered Hank Blalock and Alfonso Soriano for Manny Being Manny from the Texas Rangers. Now my question is, where will Manny run out to use the bathroom mid-inning at the Ballpark at Arlington.
And the award for overspender of the off-season, for once, does not go to King George, here in New York, but rather to J.P. Ricciardi in Toronto for spending a whopping $1.1 million per career save and win EACH, for A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan. Maybe he'll offer A.C. Slater a couple million to be a pinch runner, or at least to feel each of the Doritos Girl's breast. Been listening to this Sun Kil Moon album, Tiny Cities, lately. Mark Kozelek, has somehow outdone himself again. I loved the Ghost Of The Great Highway a bunch, and his work with the Red House Painters was amazingly brilliant, as well. On Tiny Cities, Kozelek, performs 11 Modest Mouse songs. He first played these during a live solo performance in San Francisco, and apparently, he felt so good about it, he recorded them all. It's been well documented that Kozelek loves himself a good cover or two. But these are not mere covers, as much as they are his interpretations of some of Modest Mouse's finest songs.
The sort of off beat, quirkiness of Modest Mouse is consumed by Kozelek's hushed vocals, and his sparse instrumentation adds a dreamy like quality to the songs. If you're a fan of either, it's worth a good listen. There are some miscues, but for the most part, this is a great listen, and wonderfully crafted album. Also managed to finally check out both The Office and My Name Is Earl last night! I'd seen each one before, but never actually managed to watch both on the same night. Guest star Brett Butler on My Name Is Earl, was hilarious and may have the sit-com line of the year in "Don't you judge me." And Steve Carell in The Office. This guy is genius. Hilariously funny in the 40 Year Old Virgin, as well as Ron Burgundy and the Daily Show. Last night's Christmas Party episode might be funniest one I've seen yet. With his character, Michael, giving someone an iPod, easily exceeding the $20 max for the Secret Santa, his destroying the party, then him raising everyone's spirits by introducing Vodka shots. Good stuff. Apparently these shows are moving to Thursday night on NBC, and putting good ole Joey, on hiatus, and at risk of getting cancelled.
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