The Blue Hoodie

Saturday

2010-01-16T19:52:00.001-08:00

Films of the Decade

2009-12-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Me love movies. Here's my list for my favorite films of the decade:

10. X2

BEST POPCORN FILM OF THE DECADE. It was the first film, I believe (sorry Dark Knight) that elevated the comic book genre. Bryan Singer should've directed X3 who knows how great that might have been...

9. Talk To Her

Talk to Her was the first Pedro Almodovar film that I ever saw and is probably my favorite film in his long and fruitful directing career. I'm still stunned by this film. its unique. engaging. witty. deeply profound.

8. Wet Hot American Summer

The funniest movie of the decade and probably one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Paul Rudd in this film solidified himself as a comedic genius. It was also great to see everyone in The State (or at least a majority of them) working together again.

7. Old Boy

I consider Old Boy to be one of those "game changer" type films and a film that made me go "OMG" a couple of times. Totally startling and completely riveting, Old Boy takes the revenge film to another level. Woo-jin played by Yoo Ji-tae might be the best villian since Bill the Butcher (Gangs of New York).

6. The Lives of Others

BEST MOVIE ENDING OF THE DECADE. Infinite punches to the stomach. Don't watch the clip if you havent seen the film.

5. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days just takes a hold of you and never lets go. The last 20 minutes of the film are breathless and it deals with the subject of abortion and theme of friendship with such honesty. The film also features some extended takes (notably a scene during a dinner party) that are just amazing.

4. Adaptation

You can argue that Charlie Kaufman was the auteur of the decade what with his scripts for Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and his directorial debut Synedoche, New York. Adaptation is my favorite Kaufman script and for me, a total inspiration. Spike Jonze should only direct Kaufman scripts. The film features wonderful performances from Meryl Streep and Nic Cage but its Chris Cooper who shines.

3. In The Mood For Love

This is the film that Lost in Translation wanted to be. In the Mood for Love has it all: Gorgeous cinemtography from Christopher Doyle. Impeccable direction from the great Wong Kar-wai. and two luminious performances from Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung who say so much without saying anything at all.

2. There Will Be Blood

Three words: DANIEL DAY LEWIS. DDL as Daniel Plainview is arguably the finest acting performance of the decade. I have always been a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson and consider him to be one of the best directors of his generation. There was always criticism on PTA as being too flashy of a director (the glitz of Boogie Nights/all those frogs in Magnolia) but There Will Be Blood proved that he was truly a first class filmmaker. The cinematography is great. The production design is superb and oh yeah that score by Johnny Greenwood aint that bad.

1. Zodiac

Remember when I said that I happen to love movies that involved characters who were completely obsessed with something in their lives (i.e their jobs)? Well Zodiac is the Mt. Everest of those kind of films. Featuring a great script (besides being a great film dealing with obsession it is a gripping crime drama) from Andrew Kevin Walker, great performances from Robert Downey Jr, Jake Gyllenhall and Mark Ruffalo and just a tremendous directing effort from David Fincher, Zodiac in my opinion, is the best film of the decade.

Honorable Mention:

Reprise

Youth. Literature. Friendship. The honesty conveyed throughout Reprise really hit me. If you haven't seen this film I definitely recommend it.

Albums of the Decade

2009-12-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

My list:

10. The Avalanches – Since I Left You (Modular/Interscope)

An imaginative record. The myriad of samples and the creativity of how they were used. A perfect dance record.

9. Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights (Matador)

"You've supported me for a long time/ Somehow I'm not impressed." This is post punk that I can support.

8. The Strokes – Is This It (RCA)

The quiessential rock record of the decade.

7. Outkast – Stankonia (La Face)

A record that contains so many jams its ridiculous. Its totally weird and its 100% Futuristic Hot Shit. Out of all the groups on this list that need to have a return to glory, Outkast is tops.

6. Radiohead – Kid A (Capital)

Being a fan of The Bends and Ok Computer, I was originally taken a back by Kid A. The immediacy of those earlier records were replaced by dense electronic songs that felt so cold and distant. I'm a firm believer of this record now and I feel its a benchmark to how far you can push rock music. When you think about it, it makes sense how Radiohead in Kid A captured the emotions felt during this decade.

5. Sigur Ros - Ágætis Byrjun (Smekkleysa)

I remember being 16 years old and listening to this record for the first time in my room. It was like a sucker punch to the gut. Who knew a madeup language could register such emotion. It helps that the music is so damn pretty.

4. Daft Punk - Discovery (Virgin)

There's not a lot that you can say about this record that hasn't been said already. All I can say that its a record that illicits so much joy.

3. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise (Asthmatic Kitty)

When I think of the word sprawling, I think of Illinoise almost instantly. This record can be a bit hit or miss but its such an ambitious record that you must give it, its due.

2. Panda Bear – Person Pitch (Paw Tracks)

Our generation's Pet Sounds. I'm totally serious. This record is layers upon layers of inspiration. And its such a simple record too what with its repeated loops and straight forward lyrics.

1. Arcade Fire – Funeral (Merge)

A record that illicits such a wave of emotions. A record that felt so personal yet was enjoyed (immensely) communally.

Best of 2009 (Part 2: Film)

2009-12-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

Note: I still haven't seen A Single Man, Nine, Bright Star, Crazy Heart, An Education, Broken Embraces and The White Ribbon. I imagine maybe one or two one of those films would've made this list. With that said...

1. A Serious Man

Its usually hit or miss for me in regards to the films made by The Coen Brothers. This however is an exception. This may be my favorite Coen Brothers film. With a superb cast and an ending that is totally uncomprising, A Serious Man is my favorite film of the year.

2. Inglorious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino's best film since Pulp Fiction and quite possibly the best script he's ever written. I remember two years ago I was walking back to my car from an prior job in the valley and saw Tarantino work on something at some English pub. He had a dozen books on the table as he was writing something down. He may have been working on Inglorious Basterds, who knows. Anyways job well done QT. Oh yeah: Christoph Waltz had better win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

3. 500 Days of Summer

Out of all the films I've seen in 2009, 500 Days of Summer is the film that I had to argue the most about. So what if the film had way too many gimmicks or that it was pandering to some sort of "hipser audience," 500 Days of Summer spoke to me in a way that no other film did in 2009. NUFF SAID. HOLLER.

4. The Hurt Locker

I tend to like films that have characters who are completely obsessed with a certain thing (i.e. their job). Even though the film veers in a completely different direction in its third act, the Hurt Locker is tense as heck and features two breakthrough performances, one from Jeremy Renner and the other from the always great Anthony Mackie (dude needs to be in some major staring roles ASAP). The film is directed with such expertise by Kathyrn Bigelow and probably has the best movie ending of 2009.

5. Up In The Air

Probably my favorite Cloon Dog performance. This film really surprised me. I wasn't expecting a lot but it really hit me emotionally. Sure it was topical and it was a "NOW" type film but the theme that struck me the most was the whole "sure you're successful but are you really even though you dont have someone in your life." yeah im a total softie.

6. Up

If you didnt cry at least once during Up then frankly you dont like movies.

7. Star Trek

J.J. Abrams has never failed in my eyes. Star Trek is no exception. My favorite popcorn film of 2009.

8. Anvil! The Story of Anvil

My favorite documentary of the year.

9. Avatar

If you know me then you know that i'm a big fan of James Cameron. While this film isn't as great as Aliens or Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Avatar is still a worthwhile cinematic experience based solely on its visuals (motion capture) which I believe are a landmark achievement in cinema. The king of the world is officially back. Now I hope he'll make True Lies 2.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox

I'm usually up in arms with the film aesthetic of Wes Anderson. Sometimes it works to perfection (Rushmore) other times it becomes this bloated style over substance exercise (A Life Aquatic). Fantastic Mr. Fox is a return to glory for Anderson.

Honorable Mention:

Charlotte Gainsbourg in Antichrist

Charlotte Gainsbourg's performance in Antichrist is completely fearless that it deserves a mention on this list. I still have that image of genital mutiliation in my head. OUCH.

Best of 2009 (Part 1: Music)

2009-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Music (albums, songs, concerts):

1. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavillion.

My album of the year. I think I had to listen to "My Girls" on a constant loop when I first heard it.

2. Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest

My second favorite album of this year. I still don't know how to pronounce the title though.

3. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I've always like Phoenix but I had no idea that they would be as BIG as they are now. God bless the French.

3. Girls: Album

Pizza and a bottle of wine. Nuff said.

4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

I get a lot of shit for liking this band but listening to them makes me want to fly a kite with my imaginary girlfriend on the beach or chase after my cat (if i owned one) in the living room. And if that's wrong well then I dont know whats right. P.s. Peggy I <3 you.

5. Cass McCombs: Catacombs

Beautiful record. Also this record has produced three of my favorite videos of the year. Our generation will probably use You Saved My Life as the new song to play during their wedding.

6. The Jesus Lizard reunion.

Best reunion show I've ever seen. The show smelled like weed and male body odor. It was uh-may-zing.

7. My Bloody Valentine at Coachella.

Second best reunion show I've ever seen. Next time I ask you "can you repeat that but say it much louder," know that I asked you that because my ears essploded during this massive MBV set.

8. The Dream - Rockin That Shit

The Dream is a genius. Plain and simple. This song will change your life.

9. Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

Lady Gaga is probably our country's best musical entertainer since Elvis Presley. Ok maybe not but this video is pretty great with a song that has a chorus that will never get out of your head. This time its a good thing.

10. Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me

Kanye West is still right about Taylor Swift BUT this song is pretty damn good.

Honorable Mention:

Interviewing Zach Condon (Beirut) and talking about hair and the finer points of washing it on tour.

Sunday Evening Ramblers

2009-10-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

I wish i had a pizza, a bottle of wine and a girlfriend

Au Revoir Simone "Shadows"

2009-09-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

such immaculate haircuts.

I can dream

2009-09-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

All I want is a new york apartment, no kids, a wife or long time gf who does something creative. And all we is dance to Bowie tunes:

Gold Soundz

2009-09-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Who needs girls when you have records:

The pains

2009-07-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Why is it a pain trying to find someone to take to the pains of being pure at heart show?

FUDGE.

It Makes No Difference

2009-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rick Danko is making my Sunday feel a bit better. Garth's sax solo always floors me.

I'm tired

2009-07-11T21:29:00.001-07:00

of getting flaked on.

John Takes Exception #1 - Jim Jarmusch's Hair

2009-07-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Jim Jarmusch's Hair,

Now I've only see two films of your owner, Jim Jarmusch. I thought the movie with the vignettes, Coffee and Cigarettes was pretty good but I thought the film Broken Flowers was very overrated. I've also seen Mr. Jarmusch's appearance on Fishing With John and while he didn't catch any fish, his chemistry with Mr. Lurie, a friend of his, was excellent.

My friends keep telling me to watch more of Mr. Jarmusch's films but I haven't had the time really. And if i did , it would be difficult for me because in reality i think his films are "pretentious elist cockamammy films." I know I know you might be angry but really I don't take exception to his films but rather you, the hair of Jim Jarmusch.

First off, its a stark white and seems almost too daper. Too regal. Is gell involved? When Jim gets out of bed are you that perfect when he looks in the mirror and brushes his teeth. I know the effect that hair has on women so I can only imagine its power on those that inhabit the lovely city of New York, New York. Was Cate Blanchett impressed by you? Was Tilda Swinton impressed by you? Were you the one that convinced Bill Murray to sign on for Broken Flowers? If so I'm envious, except for the last part.

If it were technologically possible, [Face/Off gadgetry perhaps] that I were able to switch hair with Jim and sport you, Mr. Jim Jarmusch hair..I don't think it would look good on me. And that is why I take exception to you.

Please write back but I know it would be impossible. Not even Nic Cage, with John Travolta mannerisms, could help.

Sincerly,
John

A New Feature - John Takes Exception

2009-07-06T11:41:00.001-07:00

In an effort to become a mega star in the blogging world, I've decided that the only way to do it is to create a captivating feature that will not only garner much attention around the world but also make me extremely popular.

Now for the many that know me, its safe to say that I'm a very handsome..wait..no that's not it. Let me start again, now for the many that know me, its safe to say that everyone knows that i enjoy the art of complaining. He/She/It/ whatever, I like to complain.

What that said. Welcome to the very first day of "John Takes Exception" were I'll highlight a specific person/thing/place/event and give you my "an adverse criticism" for it.

Take Care.

Figures

2009-07-03T01:01:00.001-07:00

why is everyone in a relationship?

oh yeah its summer.

Thanks 500 Days Of Summer.

KING

2009-06-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

My first immediate reference point to me ever listening to music was listening to the music of Michael Jackson.

I remember as a kid constantly playing the Thriller LP on my parents' record player.

I remember trying to do his dance movies and trying to perfect them in my room.

I remember staying up late at night [9 p.m.] to watch his music videos which would premiere on TV

And really I just remember how much of a huge impact his music had on my childhood and how it continues to this very day.

This is really one of the saddest days.

He will be missed. Especially by me.

I AM SASHA CONTEMPLATING

2009-06-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

man this sounds good:

“I AM...BEYONCÉ” - Meet & Greet VIP Package

* Front Row Ticket
* Meet & Greet with Beyoncé
* Photo with Beyoncé
* Special entrance for VIP's
* Limited Edition Deréon bag (including autographed tour book & more)
* Collectible laminate and/or wristband
* One year membership to the official Beyoncé fan club
* Onsite event management staff

“I AM...FIERCE” - ON-STAGE VIP PACKAGE

* On-Stage ticket in the Diva Zone - The Ultimate Fan Experience
* Special entrance for VIP’s
* Limited Edition Deréon bag (including tour book & more)
* Collectible laminate and/or wristband
* One year membership to the official Beyoncé fan club
* Onsite event management staff

“I AM...BOLD” - HOT SEAT VIP Package

* Premium PL1 ticket
* Limited Edition Deréon bag (including tour book and more)
* Collectible laminate and/or wristband
* One year membership to the official Beyoncé fan club

i wouldn't even know which plan would be the best to do for the Staples Center show.

Grizzle Bizzle

2009-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

i saw Grizzly Bear at the Wiltern last night. A couple of things:

1. best show ever.
2. ed's voice was absolutely amazing. it filled the entire venue. i think i started weeping during "Foreground."
3. chris taylor is the master on the flute/bassoon/sax/or whatever else he plays live. him congratulating [to get a cheap pop from the audience] the lakers was hilarious.
4. dan rossen is a really interesting guitar player. everything sounds so bassy but it works beautifully.
5. chris bear goes HARD on those drums.
6. "colorado" was life affirming.
7. best show everrrr

Stanley

2009-06-16T21:55:00.001-07:00

i'm starting to believe that Stanley Kubrick is the best director of all time. i can just stare for hours at the font style he used for his main titles and end credits

Dear glowing sun

2009-06-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

you were way too hot today.

seriously.

sincerly,
john

Dear Natasha Khan

2009-06-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

you are fabulous.

two quick questions:

1. are you a fan of The Wire

2. are you a fan of eating pizza

sincerly,
john

Deep thoughts #1

2009-06-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

we generally want to have a girlfriend/boyfriend that shares the same kind of musical & film interests that we do?

i know i'm guilty of it.

especially if i find a woman who loves The Wire.

Wuh oh.

It's all part of the game

2009-06-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite scenes from The Wire. I really do miss the show.

Its on the tip of my tongue

2009-06-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

There's something about this trailer for 500 Days of Summer that really pisses me off...Hmn I wonder.

He's back

2009-06-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've always appreciated the more off kilter Martin Scorcese films (i.e. Cape Fear, Bringing Out the Dead, The Last Temptation of Christ) so this trailer for Shutter Island makes me very happy. Plus Jackie Earle Haley laying the smackdown on Leo should be worth the admission.

Puberty

2009-06-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

I forgot how much I loved this video:

Takes me back to a time when playing video games in your underwear in the afternoon was okay. Wait, i think that was yesterday.

Master of my domain

2009-06-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Larry David and I share similiar views.

You're so silent Jens

2009-05-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Jens,

you are my new hero.

sincerly,
john

Dream

2009-05-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

I wish i was at the Cannes Film Festival

Sitting on a lounge chair along the beach.

Just watching a bunch of movies.

Hanging out with Park Chanwook

or Lars von Trier

or Jane Campion

maybe even Martin Scorsese.

i heard Mariah Carey was there

yeah that'd be cool.

i dream too much.

You know that feeling

2009-05-18T21:30:00.003-07:00

when you just want to fly away.

yeah.

Reality TV is real people

2009-05-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

As of late:

My dating life (or potential dating life) has revolved on meeting, talking to and getting numbers of women that are on reality TV shows.

That isn't my purpose but I find it bizarre that this has been a common occurrence as of late.

Has everyone in LA (besides myself) been on a reality show?

Hmn.

Flabergasted

2009-05-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

I finally saw Armageddon. I absolutely loved this film.

Question Answered

2009-04-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

the question has been answered.

just floating around if you will.

now i wonder if i'll get a response from it.

hakuna matata ya know..

Let's play a game

2009-03-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

How about you give me your number.

and then I'll give you mine.

and then we can text one another back and forth.

maybe if you were up to it i can call you one of these days when you weren't doing anything and we can talk for hours talking about anything.

so

how about it?

Only in Dreams

2009-03-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

So lately I've been having celebrity cameos appear in my dreams this week.

One dream I was back in New York and at some party and I was chatting it up with Parker Posey.

In the second dream I was in Dodger Stadium but I was wearing my Baltimore Orioles hat. All of a sudden Dodger Stadium transforms into this giant boat with a huge hologram screen in the middle. The boat was being led by Lakers point guard Derek Fisher.

WHAT...THE...FUCK.

UGH

2009-03-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

dang on demand doesn't work.

now I'm stuck in decided on what to do:

1. Be creative and win the hearts of everyone that I oh so long for

or.

2. Destroy precious brain cells by playing video games.

On Demand

2009-03-27T20:24:00.001-07:00

stuck on a Friday night. watching the 40 year old Virgin.

i probably have seen this movie a million times.

just wasting some time until my On Demand on my cable box will work

so i can watch Hunger.

and just avoid driving and sitting in some art house theatre.

LA can be pretty boring. when theres absolutely nothing to do. or when everything can pretty much just be found in your home.

paul rudd is hilarious.

update:
i still like that woman.

No one will read this (Part II)

2009-03-22T16:50:00.001-07:00

but I'll just say it anyway.

i really like this woman but i wonder if she likes me.

No one will read this

2009-03-22T00:27:00.000-07:00

but ill say it anyway.

i want a woman who will appreciate me and the plaid shirt that I borrowed from one of my best friends.

Dreamsicle

2009-03-08T10:20:00.003-07:00

so I've been having this recurrent dream as of late:

Last week I dreamed of taking notes for this history class and this one science class that were combined as one big class.

Today I had a dream were I took the test from that specific lecture BUT in reality it was a nightmare because the test was 10 PAGES LONG + Essay (front and back). that's not a test!

I can only hope that during my next dream I passed the test because I totally woke up cause I couldn't take it anymore.

Its Saturday Night

2009-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Why do I always go weak in the knees when attractive female cake decorators make cupcakes? And to make matters worse during the cupcake making process they mess up and act all goofy during it. Sure enough like all good endings, they recover rather beautifully. Damn you Ace of Cakes and your Saturday night marathon. I don't think I can watch this show any longer. The cute factor is off the fucking charts.

And the winner is..

2009-02-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

so last night was the Oscars party that my friend Steven always throws every year. the party has been going for like six years or so and it started in college. the party has better every year. first it was just him and I and our friend Will eating mojo potatoes nowadays the party has grown to like 3 more people and its always a good time.

long story short: i got pretty crunk. i ate a lot of rise crispy treats. ate a lot of those chicken wings. and its' come to me that I kinda need to find "someone special." going solo to these parties is great and all but dammit i need a change.

in other news:

1. i just discovered the show Damages. its the best drama series I've seen since Mad Men.

2. i think i have crush on that bat for lashes girl.

LET'S DANCE

2009-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

No other artist has had a greater impact on my so called musical life than Michael Jackson. My most immediate reference point to the King of Pop was Jackson’s Thriller record. Lodged between my parents’ endless pile of cassette tapes was an LP of Thriller. The hours spent digging through the broken cassette plastic and then figuring out how to work my family’s record player were worth it just to hear on an endless loop the album’s top most notable songs (for me), “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” That brings me to the next immediate reference point: the dude could dance. For someone that firmly admits to having no rhythm in his body, the hours spent mimicking every spin move, flip of the hand and at appropriate times crotch grab were endless. Add to that my almost devotion to MTV at the time which had those specific music videos on a constant loop, well…it’s safe to say I was doing my best to keep up with the choreography. My exuberance still exists to this day as I still YouTube Jackson’s legendary performance at the Motown 25th Anniversary, his performance of “Billie Jean” still can illicit this magnetic energy. No other artist I feel has combined song with dance as perfect as Jackson whose choreography often shined more so than the song itself (i.e. Remember the Time) seemingly elevating it to as high of a plateau even if the steps were just for show. It goes without saying however that when both art forms were aligned, things were downright cosmic.

Dance and dance crazes will always forever attached to the mainstream. Lines really have never been crossed. Before the Moonwalk, there was The Twist and unfortunately for every Twist there’s the Macarena, which I’m not ashamed to admit: in 1996 I did the Macarena, me and the rest of the 50,000+ screaming Dodger fans at Dodger Stadium. What made me do it? It may have been a spur of the moment, a “why not” feeling that persuaded me to move said arms and hips in a motion that I’m not even sure I perfected. What may be the bigger question however is what persuaded the millions including my parents to buy the Los Del Rio single? That’s easy…the dance. The simplicity of the dance itself allowed for young and old to do it but the kicker was its communal aspect and as the millions did it from wedding ceremonies to sports arenas it only drove the product.

It shouldn’t be ignored that with each dance craze I’ve mentioned the songs associated with it exploded within our pop lexicon. That’s not to say that MJ needed to moonwalk to make “Billie Jean” so popular and make Thriller the most successful album of all time but for Los Del Rio can we really remember any other hit of theirs and why is that when we do hear about them it’s when they’re mentioned in a Vh1 where are they now/one hit wonder retrospective. Dance has and will always be a brilliant market tool. If you thought that the Macarena was the biggest thing musically in 1996, just imagine how, insanely popular the dance would’ve been had it been established within our tech heavy/web 2.0/social network society.

We can as long as we don’t move our hands and hips but rather do the Superman. It goes without saying that the Crank That (Soulja Boy) dance phenomenon of 2007 was as equivalent to what the Macarena dance was and may have succeeded it as “Crank that” will more than likely spawn several doppelgangers. Even more significant when looked at a fine microscope in the next 10 years, the phenomenon will likely be the origin point on how music meets dance meets technology as the YouTube tutorials and the millions of videos of teenagers to adults alone…16,800 and counting has proven that people LOVE to dance and sure enough will buy the record that is making them dance. And yeah the Houston artist suffered waves of criticism from the rap community in particular Ice T, the legendary rapper signaling him out for killing hip hop but I agree with a fellow hip hop luminary (who so far hasn’t perfected a dance to one of his songs…yet) Kanye West who believed that that Soulja Boy personified what hip hop is. By becoming more extroverted and in essence sharing instead of propagating a big money lifestyle, Soulja Boy raked in the rewards. If anything else the trend will be a major influence for up incoming artists not just in hip hop but all fields of music to showcase some type of dance step to the masses to increase awareness not only for their music but for the image they’re trying to project. Plus it gives mainstream artists an immediate flash bulb that as long as you do a catchy dance, you’ll sell a ton of records no matter the song.

And as 2008 has now since ended and a new year has now begun, we can reminisce about those dance moves that swept us off our feet and into our hearts. Last December saw two mainstream artists use dance as a tool to not only entertain but give an added presence to an already good song. Call it the Moonwalk effect. For Beyonce…ahem…I mean Sasha Fierce, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) was just another sublime hit for Ms. Knowles that has once again captivated the world, not just for its catchy hook but for its Bob Fosse-esque inspired choreography that is featured in the song’s video but also displayed vibrantly throughout Beyonce’s many TV performances of the song. So far there have been uncanny YouTube demonstrations even a bit of a frolic in the snow and yes…you know when a dance has made its mark when its lampooned case in point, Justin Timberlake sporting a leotard to dance with B in a SNL sketch parodying the music video. Still there’s a huge difference between this now signature Beyonce dance with the other dance phenomenon that has caught up this month and will be huge in 2009 and it’s this: I can’t do the Single Ladies dance but I probably can/will master the Busta Rhymes’ “Arab Money” dance. Controversy or not Busta Rhymes’ “Arab Money” is a straight up club banger courtesy of Ron Brownz’s slick production. And the dance: though it may be more difficult than the Lean Back, it’s definitely more enjoyable and could possibly be more mainstream. All it is a simple point to the left, point to the right and then a standard shimmy but it’s funny when matched with the song it’s too infectious. Call it the strange beauty of dance but for Busta Rhymes call it a big time hit, a song elevated by a dance that will give the much beloved rapper a return to glory. With a CGI extravaganza of a video that has Jim Jones, Rick Ross and Soulja Boy (its synergy yo!!!) doing the dance, the blossoming phenomenon has most definitely increased the awareness of Busta’s new album Blessed which was supposed to be released at this end of this month but now sees a release date of March 2009. You might call it the Crank That (Soulja Boy) effect.

For the most part pop and hip hop were well represented in 08 but what about rock? Maybe the defunct Washington D.C. band The Dismemberment Plan were right with their song “Do the Standing Still.”I’m not trying to say that independent rock music should be broken apart for the sole purpose of manufacturing some easy steps to mix well with some sort of guitar riff. All I’m saying is just live a little! It’s interesting though as nowadays rock now is defined by several dance/rock hybrids such as Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem etc. It’s with all of that, that a flash bulb blinked; what if some of the best indie rock songs of 2008 had an extra pep in a few choice steps. Who knows we may still be hearing some of these tunes this year. Remember “I don’t do no dancing still...”

Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal”: The men of Fleet Foxes wear vests or plaid and sport rather large beards. In addition lead singer Robin Pecknold is known to sit in a chair while performing. NEXT!

Bon Iver: “Skinny Love”: NEXT!

Vampire Weekend “A-Punk”: The success of the debut record from the New York Ivy Leaguers was marked by their successful merging of “Graceland” accented rhythms with timeless punk pop. Though they flooded the MTV airwaves and broke somewhat through mainstream rock radio, just imagine the wave of attention they would’ve gotten if they introduced the Ivy Leaguer? It’s simple enough that even your grandmother can do it. All you have to do is grab your cardigan sweater or that ridiculously huge scarf that wrapped around your neck. Once those opening guitar licks strike it’s your cue to grab it and swing it around like a helicopter all the while you freestyle shimmy. Call it a “Jump On it” for the hipster loving crowd.

Cut Copy “Lights and Music”: When I saw Cut Copy play in Los Angeles in 2008 I noticed something interesting that singer Dan Whitford liked to do throughout the show. It became evident when I caught a TV performance on Last Call with Carson Daly that I realized that it was a standard routine. Whitford often lifted his arm upward an almost praise you like gesture from high up above, the movements coinciding whenever a song was building up to an almost blissful release. So again, it got me thinking: imagine instead of just one arm it was both and instead of just one arm raised it was a continuous left and right motion that would build until the crowd almost grew tired. As the hooky chorus blared it would be a flood gate of jumps in the air and a raining down of arms at an almost breakneck pace as clearly one has been captivated by the synth flares. It’s simple yet effective, just what a dance should be.

No Age “Eraser”: The opening guitar licks from No Age’s Eraser were some of the brightest heard from all of 2008. You also can’t help but feel something as the pristine acoustic lines mixed with the heavy percussion. I recently saw No Age at a local art space in Los Angeles and couldn’t help but feel captivated by those early guitar notes that almost encouraged me to shimmy and spazz. While I didn’t I did picture an interpretative dance routine of rising above the ground, almost akin to the “Shout” breakdown portion that was in the film Animal House. As the guitar continues to build and the drums merge your body is knee deep on the ground just shaking feeling the varying rhythms. Finally as the barrage of drum and guitar become this supreme landscape of noise it’s your signal to jump up and push as you mosh ever so forcefully. Call it a spastic version of “Drop it like it’s hot” until you can’t help but cool down and just punch air.

TV On the Radio: Golden Age: If guitarist Kyp Malone didn’t have to play guitar while he sung the lush “Golden Age,” I can only imagine that he’d do his best Prince Imitation as the song evokes the pure heat that emanated from those records. Malone often appears so stoic on stage and if it were up to me (pure imagination on my part mind you) I’d suggest for every future “Golden Age” performance a performance of this signature move: The Williamsburg Waltz. The song contains a lyric that states “Clap your hands.” Sure enough the Williamsburg Waltz would contain multiple hand claps over 8 easy to follow steps. While clapping your hands move two steps to the left, two steps up, two step steps to the right and finally two steps back. Rinse and repeat. Mix it up by shaking your hips to and fro. It’s a signature waltz for the wayfarer wearing set.

Whether or not these suggestions prove to be fertile remains to be seen but if I see on the Internet a so called Williamsburg Waltz sweeping the Interweb in 2009 I know I’ve done my job. And for those who feel that it’s best to leave rock alone and just stick to the notion of just playing your instruments, I say this: that’s fine, “Single Ladies” looks to have mileage for a few more months. And if not that then you can always just go back doing the Macarena. Yeah it’s back!

Happy New Year everyone! Keep on dancin!

Hiatus

2008-10-22T22:55:00.001-07:00

i havent really posted on here in awhile. since my last post i've been busy doing a couple of things.

1. relaxing.
2. working.

PHEW.

in other news:

i'm looking for a woman who likes the television show Mad Men and enjoys candy.

Good Day/Bad Day

2008-07-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

First with the good:

1. Manny Ramirez is now a Dodger.
2. The Avalanches' 2nd album is coming really soon.

and now The Bad....

1. I had the worst burger for lunch. It was the loaded steakhouse burger from a popular fast food restaurant. I don't want to say but its the one with the dude with the crown on it.

UGH.

After one bite.

It was like eating a wet sponge.

lkjfl;dskjfs;ldkjflds;kfjds;lfkjds;lfkdjsf;lkjdsf;lkdsjf;ldskjf;ldskjfdls;kfjds;lfkj

The patty tasted like a limp sausage patty. It didn't even taste like beef at all which is probably the scariest thing of all.

sdl;fkjsflksjfl;skjf;lsdkfjs;lfkjsld;fksdfkldjflkdsjf;lkjdsf

Avoid this burger at all costs.

UGH.

Its ok.

I am strong.

RAGE AGAINST THE ANTS

2008-07-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well. Its summer. and Summer can only mean one thing. ANTS. They are everywhere around the house. Now I can't be my filthy self and occassionally drop bread crumbs on the ground knowing that when i wake up theres going to be a gabillion ants eating a little piece of bread.

I guess it could be worse. I could wake up and see those ants that were in Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

That would be SCARRRRYYYYYY.

I definitely would be content in cleaning my kitchen table if in the likelihood those scary ants won't have to appear.

In other news:

I keep seeing the lead singer of Rage Against the Machine (Zach De La Rocha) in my neighborhood. Usually see him at nearby "hip" restaurants. He doesn't have dreads anymore. Nowadays he's sporting a mini fro. Hopefully if I see him at The Oinkster I'll tell him that "Killing in the name of," is still a great jam.

OH YEAH.

ITS GO TIME.

4th of July wrap up.

2008-07-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

In the last few days.

-Watched Season 3 of The Wire. The Wire is probably the best show I've ever seen on television. Though not as good as Season 1 it was light years better than Season 2.

-Drank half of a jaeger.

-Drank a ton of Coke.

-Played a shitload of Ninja Gaiden II (my thumbs hurt)

-Realized I want a SUPER PLATE. JEEZY.

-Had the best cheeseburger (Kobe Burger) in a long time at TOPS in Pasadena

-Read a lot of interesting blogs. Hmn. It was interesting. Fun though.

-Did a ton of THINKING.

-Decided I need to get back in the dating world.

Nevertheless I wouldn't be doing a majority of these things IF I was doing this instead:

Still.

I'd like a date.

Wishes Part I

2008-07-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

1. Somehow get on live television. Say something really stupid. Follow that up with a "HOLLA" that lasts a good 10 seconds.

2. Have lunch with Rick Ross

3. Have a popular blog which in return leads to two book deals/TV shows/cover story for a major metropolitan (cough NEW YORK cough) magazine.

4. Attend the BET awards/after party.

5. 2 Season seats to Dodger Stadium (forevs)

6. Interview Chris Martin and Bono in the same room.

7. Perfect the chicken quesdilla.

8. Win a Pulitzer. Say "Holla" during the ceremony.

9. Throw a 90 mph fastball or have the ability to sink a medium ranged jump shot. Proceed to garner a undeserved big money contract. Soon after retirement successful run a chain of fast food restaurants which prolongs by delusions of grandeur as a former athlete.

10. Own a Coca Cola factory.

Dear Self

2008-06-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Why are you watching a lot of reality shows?

I really want to be on the Are you smarter than a 5th grader game show.

Heroes Part I

2008-06-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Oh Double Lordy

2008-06-15T23:50:00.001-07:00

I think I like the new Coldplay album

UGHHHHH.

In other news, I learned something new today

Gift Receipts.

Supposedly they're receipts that you include in gifts so the person that receives the gift will know how much you care.

I think thats what it is.

Geez. I might be wrong.

Whatevers.

So like.

"Dude, thanks for the $10 dollar Coldplay record."

Oh Lordy

2008-05-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

1 Lil Wayne ticket @ the Hollywood House of Blues = $67.50

Damn Weezy.

Damn.

A Letter

2008-05-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Los Angeles Lakers,

You guys are awesome. No doubt. My love for the team is so strong that I even parade around public wearing a bright gold hat with your insignia on it. I was just wondering though...can you please stop having games that put me on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

Your #1 fan,
John

Just a thought

2008-05-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Why do horror films nowadays have the word "THE" as the first word in the title.

A few examples: The Ring, The Eye, The Grudge, The Shining.

What makes "THE" so scary. So ominous really?

It got me thinking.

Coming Summer 2009.

THE PIZZA.

Wow.

Scary huh?

No Age @ the Los Angeles Central Library

2008-05-26T11:42:00.001-07:00

Check out this interview that I did with Los Angeles' No Age. It was conducted at the Los Angeles Central Library in Downtown LA for the music website Ground Control Magazine

And in case you didn't know by now: No Age are really cool dudes. Their new album Nouns is eggecellent.

P.S.

Happy Memorial Day

Go eat a ton of BBQ.

And if you're bored watch The Andromeda Strain on A&E

I probably won't.

But you should.

It looks kinda cool.

Nuclear attacks I think.

Real World: Hollywood

2008-05-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

It pains me to say this:

I adore Real World: Hollywood

I"M FULLY ENTHRALLED.

Indiana Jones IV + New Ratatat = Thoughts

2008-05-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

i saw Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skullz last night. The one thing that I learned most about the film was this: if there so happens to be a nuclear attack, don't worry. As long as there's a refrigerator (lead casing...I think it was) and a gopher nearby... you're going to be okay.

I also heard a lot of the new Ratatat album today. Ratatat being the duo that makes those cool video game sounds that often sound like hip hop beats. Also according to Wikipedia...they're from Brooklyn. [Writer's disclosure: One of my favorite words to text on my phone is Ratatat] Anyways the new album called LP3 is really interesting and when I say interesting, I mean pretty disappointing. They've abandoned what made them so great (mainly the guitars) and replaced it all those weird instruments that Mozart and Bach used to play (you know like a piano). I can only describe this new shift in sound as forgetting to put your favorite Nintendo cartridge in. Instead you put in your mother's favorite new age CD. LP3 sadly belongs in the bommer music file for 2008 (right up there with Gnarls Barkeley, Spiritualized, Weezer and the My Morning Jacket record).

Atleast their new video is pretty* awesome

OOHH an explosion.

* is saying "pretty" after an adjective a bad thing?

John's Best of 2007: Part II (Film)

2007-12-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

my 6 favorite films of 2007 (in order)

1. There Will Be Blood

2. No Country For Old Men

3. Zodiac

4. Once

5. The Assassination of Jesse James by The Coward Robert Ford

6. Sunshine

Honorable Mentions: Superbad, The Bourne Ultimatum,Ratatouille, Rush Hour 3 (sheer guilty pleasure) and The Lives of Others

Worst film of the year: It was a tie. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest & Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

John's Best Of 2007: Part I (Music)

2007-12-08T01:57:00.000-08:00

in no particular order.

10.

Wow

2007-09-05T22:24:00.001-07:00

i looked at my blog today via the I-phone aka the greatest invention in human history aka I want the phone really bad.

i nearly wept seeing my blog on the shiny gray device.

Your New Favorite Band

2007-06-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

NO AGE are rad dudes.

story forthcoming.

www.noager.com

www.myspace.com/nonoage

My Coachella Experience (Saturday)

2007-04-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

[Disclaimer: I'm not a great photographer. I've only taken one photography class in my life. I didnt take it just for "kicks" it was rather a prerequisite for my journalism major. I barely passed the class and it was one of the hardest classes of my life. You wouldnt even know how many hours I spent in the photolab making contact sheets. Ugh. Alot of my friends are photographers themselves and I have to give them all the credit in the world as its really hard to take a photo even if you're taking it with a digi camera when all the required presets are already good to go. WHEW!]

ANYWAYS. On a whim I decided to go to Coachella this weekend. For those uniformed I've always been a harsh critizer of Coachella. I dont like the overpriced items. I dont understand why in the world you have to have 20 different Coachella type t-shirts to sell. But really the worst thing about it is the parking, which is a hell zone as you try to find your car in midnight amongst a sea of other cars.

But there's always a part of me (maybe 20% or so) that does want to go. I figure its because of the whole communal affair or maybe the frozen yellow lemonade that melts literally in 5 seconds of purchase thereby making your hands sooo sticky.

ANYWAY!

I decided to go to Coachella on Saturday with my friend Steven. Even with headliners RHCP (thats Red Hot Chili Peppers for the uninformed), Saturday was still dubbed "indie heaven" according to yours truly.

But before I described as to what "went on" during the show. I need to point 2 very great things that happened on the trip down there and that is:

and

God bless you two. You guys are amazing.

So Steve and I arrived at the Indio Campground or whatever and did that DEADLY 3 MILE WALK. You know the walk where you walk forever and once you get there you spend like 10 million dollars on water so you can replenish. GREAT TRICK GOLDENVOICE. But we one upped those swindlers as our Coachella trip was sponsored by the great people of Sparkletts. Thanks guys your waters were amazing and it definently made me feel better about life as i downed as many waters as i could before i walked through the dreaded gates.

So yeah the first thing we did was go to the VIP area. YEAH VIP AREA. But once we did finally make it down there it was literally the "ok area". This is what it looked like

VIP basically meant that you could order premium drinks (i.e. anything vodka related) and order angus beef burgers. But other than that it was just a place to sit down in the shade and relax and play FUCKING GALAGA but hey in a concert venue where people literally pass out (i remember seeing a girl vomit her frozen lemonade 3 years ago) it turned out to be a good thing. Plus its got these hotshot trailer style bathrooms LOOK:

BUT ANYWAY. YOURE PROBABLY SAYING. HEY JOHN WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC?!?!?!? ISNT THAT WHAT COACHELLA IS ALL ABOUT??? WELL YEAH DUH. BUT FIRST LETS DO A TALLY OF HOW MANY BEVERAGES I DRANK.

(PRETTY AMAZING PHOTO HUH)

As you can tell I didnt have to drink that many beverages to stay hydrated. Well...I'm amazing.

OKAY LETS GET TO THE MUSIC. FOR A TOTAL OF 15 OR SO ACTS PLAYING SATURDAY. I ONLY SAW 2 FULL SETS. BUT LET ME TELL YOU. THOSE 2 SETS WERE NEARLY GODLIKE.

FIRST THINGS FIRST:

HOT CHIP ARE THE REAL DEAL. THATS ALL IM GOING TO SAY. FOR A BUNCH OF NERDY ENGLISH DUDES. THEY SURE CAN ROOOOCK IT OUT. SLIGHTLY GANGSTA AND INCREDIBLY VUNERABLE THESE GUYS CRANKED OUT THE JAMS AND ACTUALLY MADE ME HAPPY THAT I WAS OUT AT COACHELLA.

The second act i saw was Girl Talk:

I'VE NEVER FELT SO SWEATY IN MY LIFE. LIKE SERIOUSLY MY PANTS WERE SOAKED IN BODY FLUID AFTER THE SET. AND YES EVEN THOUGH I FELT LIKE A GRANDPA IN THERE AS THE TENT WAS FILLED WITH A BUNCH OF 18 YEAR OLDS DANCING UP ON THE STAGE AND AROUND ME. I FELT LIKE THE GREATEST GRANDAPA EVER. SEEING PARIS HILTON DANCE IT UP WAS ALSO PRETTY GREAT. I HAVE NO PHOTO OF THAT. BUT YOU CAN BELIEVE ME.

Speaking of 18 year olds dancing. That same thing happened to Ghostface Killah, one of the members of the Wu-tang Clan. Nothing was more surreal that day than seeing Ghostface boogie with some cobrasnake club girls:

Other than that I saw: MST3KW34l3j4WHATEVER.

Great JAMS but we had to leave so that i can take this photo:

DAMN ISNT THIS PHOTO AMAZING!

I ALSO SAW WARP's own !!!

YEAH I KNOW. THE PHOTO FUCKING SUCKS. BUT THIS IS MY ONLY PROOF THAT I TOOK A PHOTO DURING !!! ALSO AFTER SEEING JUST A BIT OF !!!'S PERMANCE I CAN SAFELY SAY THAT NIC OFFER IS AS GOOD AS A FRONTMAN TO THAT OF TIM HARINGTON OF LES SAVY FAV. THE DUDE CAN DANCE WHILE ROCKING THE DOPE BEACH SHORTS.

All in all it was a pretty great show. I had a ticket for tonights show Sunday but I'm not a big fan of alot of the bands. Klaxons, CSS, Junior Boys will all be gone in a year. Willie Nelson doenst really belong on this bill. I have no clue who the Happy Mondays are. and yeah seeing Rage Against the Machine would only evoke weird highschool memories and the last thing i want is a late night freakout as im holding my frozen yellow lemonade.

Thanks Coachella. You were great! And even though you didnt offer me the presence of seeing Ms. Scarlett Johannson on Saturday I kinda like you now.

P.S.
I dont get the big deal about The Arcade Fire and RHCP are very very lame.

George Michael's Freedom

2007-03-29T00:53:00.001-07:00

ive had this blog for around 3-4 weeks now. and just assessing the whole thing i've realize that its been a big failure. its really in due part because i've been so busy lately with work that i havent had time to update the blog and constantly keep everyone intrigued as to what i've been doing lately. well first off i'm not doing much secondly i dont think anyone really cares about whether or not i meet celebrties and hang out at some of the hottest parties ever. i think people really want to know why i think the video for george michael's freedom is one of the best videos ever.

first off here is the video:

so now you're wondering why i enjoy this video. besides having some of the hottest chicks to ever grace the earth. i think the one in the short hair is my favorite. the video does have a few cool things:

1. its shot really well
2. i really enjoyed bra cam.
3. there's that really subtle moment were cindy crawford sorta like brushes her breast. i dont know its so awkward but she does it and you sorta have to wonder if the director was like "okay cindy, just improv for me a little bit."
4. i really think exploding juke boxes are pretty fucking cool.
5. the burning of leather jackets was a nice touch. i think everyone has to agree that wearing a leather jacket is lame. sure we know about the fonz but like do we ever really wear a leather jacket out to public? recently i was at the dresden in los feliz and some dude was wearing leather pants and i just felt embarassed for the guy because i dont know leather just seems made for like a couch or on a car chair but strapped onto your leg.
6. lastly i think the song really has a message. it is about freedom ya know.

missed opportunity # 238,094

2007-03-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

the chance to interview this man:

Panda Bear interview

2007-03-20T00:39:00.002-07:00

Panda Bear is the alias of Noah Lennox, one of the members of Animal Collective. Person Pitch his third solo effort is out today. Pick it up, its amazing. Probably one of the best releases in 2007 so far. Without futher ado here is my interview (unedited) w/ Mr. Lennox. Enjoy.

Can you talk about the impetus of Person Pitch? What does Person Pitch mean? What are the certain themes that come out of Person Pitch? Where did you record the music? (Your bedroom, living room, bathroom?) I also want to ask about the album cover, who designed it because I think its one of the best covers I’ve seen this year, probably the best one I’ve seen so far.

the album came about real slowly over about two years. when i moved here (lisbon) i didnt bring much with me because there wasnt much room in the bags and stuff and it was too expensive to ship everything. so i wound up making music on the sampler that i brought. and then i got another of the same samplers thinking it would be sweet to do dj like mixing in between parts of my songs rather than just cutting from one part to the next in the songwriting process. i was going to call the album perfect pitch because i think perfect pitch is cool and i wish i had it for sure. but then i thought perfect pitch sounded arrogant and i thought using perfect in any title sounds kind of haughty and i didnt like that. but then my mind kind of hiccuped and said person pitch and i liked the way that sounded. its supposed to mean the sound (pitch) of a person and that person is me in that the music is about me and comes from me but its also my daughter in that she was born while i was making the jams and theyre all kind of dedicated to her. i wrote and practiced and produced all the songs in my little crappy studio in lisbon. its in my house and it faces the river and theres a picture of it on the inside of the cd sleeve if youve got that. my friend agnes montgomery did the artwork for the album and all the singles from it. i saw a bunch of her collages a while ago and right there i was sure id like to use them somehow and she seemed down for that. she samples images like i began sampling sounds if you know what i mean and her work is very personal and symbolic and i feel my music is that way too so it really made sense to me to use her pictures if i could. im really glad you like it and i like it a whole lot for sure.

Young Prayer had a ton to do with location and with this record you did it in Lisbon, Portugal. What made you decide to move to Lisbon? And in a sense how much of an effect did Lisbon have to your music and primarily in Person Pitch. Has it dictated 100% how your music sounds like nowadays?

i moved to lisbon because i met a girl here that i really liked and wanted to be around even though that meant id have to leave home and leave behind my family and all my closest friends. its been really good i think and ive learned a lot from it for sure. its very sunny here like california and i like to describe it as a european california. its a very relaxed feeling place for the most part and nobody seems to be hurrying anywhere which i like especially coming from new york where most everyone seems like theyre hurrying somewhere. i think its impossible not to be affected by your environment when youre making something so id say this place has really dictated the sounds ive been making.

The biggest difference between Young Prayer and Person Pitch is definitely the sound. It definitely has a casual nature about it and is more rhythmic. It’s also a very happy record. Was it primarily due to the fact that you were living in Lisbon and in a sense has that relaxed type atmosphere? Also was it important to give the album a sort of band/concert feeling and not feel like a studio recording? Is that what you were setting out to do?

yes id say the more casual feel and attitude of the album is due in large part to where im at physically. but being happy or happier is something ive worked very hard at and i imagine most everyone is like that in their own way. and after young prayer which was so heavy and not something youd put on all the time i really wanted to do something more easy going and less serious. i wanted to make sure i could play all the songs live before i recorded them because i wanted all the studio versions to be based on a performance of some sort and for the most part i did that. the comfy\im not single is the exception in that i only played those songs live after id recorded them. i knew i was working with lots of looping sounds and repetitions so i think i wanted to make sure that the performance would be a part of it and sort of make it organic and natural on some level.

Listening to the record I got a sense that your voice became secondary to the music and samples and in essence your voice became a facilitator for the music becoming an instrument itself? Is that a fair assessment?

to an extent id agree with that but i dont know that i could say i feel the voice is less important than the sounds. i tried to keep everything more or less equal at least in a general sense. theres times when the voice takes over a little bit and times when the sounds come to the front a little more. but i feel like that whole thing is just an aesthetic that i have about mixing. i dont like it when anything has too much highlighter on it if you know what i mean. its a sensibility about sound that definitely comes from working with the other boys in he band (ac). i like music that makes me dream while im awake in a way and i would mix these jams with my eyes closed and if i opened my eyes or starting thinking about the mix in any kind of direct way i knew something wasnt right. theres something that happens with music to me when its right and the whole becomes more than the sum of its parts if you know what i mean and thats what i was going for for sure. i brought rusty santos over who really knows what hes doing with sound because i knew i was being a little closed minded and couldnt be entirely objective about the jams. i figured hed bring up the vocals on my mixes and for the most part that was the biggest change we made. but im glad for that and i think all the songs sound better after bringing him over.

How much of an impact did being a new husband and father have on the record? What does your daughter think of the album?

it had a major impact for sure and i feel like im still trying to understand the ways in which im changing. getting into really intense routines and responsibilities with the little girl definitely allowed me to be way more diligent as far as work ethic and focus was concerned. i would work sometimes for a month or so on the longer songs and id never worked that hard on anything before at least not my own jams. i think shes into the songs but they might be a little too weak for her. she seems to get more into music with really heavy rhythms and things that really slam. but ill keep trying to get her into it. or maybe ill just try and do something shell like more the next time. shes a tough girl for sure.

There’s a Youtube video circulating of you performing Bros. I must say that it’s a thrilling performance. What is it like for you to perform your own music live, considering you’re by yourself and you might just have a couple pieces of equipment (i.e. samplers) Also can we expect a huge U.S. tour from you later in the year?

its a lot of fun for the most part although ive started to get pretty intense about playing correctly and not making mistakes and getting the mixes and crossfades and stupid crap like that just right. it can be a bit intense sometimes too because theres certain samples i need to trigger at just the right time or it throws the whole song off and i cant really start over so i try and practice as much as i can to make sure ill get it right. its not the end of the world if i fuck it up but id like to be psyched about what im doing because if im not stoked how can anyone else be? if you know what i mean. im sorry to say i dont think ill do any kind of massive tour for the album as the ac keeps me super busy and all the time i have left outside of the band id like to be with my family and to make sure im there for them and not letting them down. i feel bad about it and ill try and play shows here and there where and when i can for sure.

What are your thoughts when people compare the music (Person pitch) to that of the Beach Boys Pet Sounds? And really compare you to Brian Wilson?

i suppose i can see why someone might say that (harmonies and classical tendencies and reverb mostly) but its not something i would say principally because i think its arrogant. its obviously really flattering to be mentioned with a group like that and someone like brian wilson but its really important to me to make sure that im doing something thats really mine and is coming from me. so the more i hear about brian wilson and the beach boys and pet sounds the more i get disappointed in myself for not making the thing mine enough.

How much fun was it for you to be really stripped down in terms of instruments on this album? Also do you just enjoy working with samplers instead of playing acoustic guitar, drums etc?

it is awesome for sure to be able to carry around my whole show in a little case for sure. and the setup is quick and easy and for the most part the sound is pretty easy to get good. sometimes the monitor situation can be a bit tricky with the voice and the heavily decayed delays and what not but sometimes it just takes a little work and moving around the monitors a little bit. its nice too just to have a setup im not totally used to and i like to try and change equipment every so often so as to be moving forwards always if you know what i mean.

Were there any influences per say or music that you were listening to that influenced you when making Person Pitch?

i couldnt say there was anything super specific that i was like yes i want to do something that sounds like that. but i tried hard to think about all the things i felt really influenced me to make the kinds of sounds i was making because id always had a little difficulty with that question. the other guys in the band have massive collections of music but i dont listen to music much at home or throughout the day. i worked in a record store for three years or so and it was a store that specialized in not so popular musics and stranger and lesser known forms and that sort of thing and thats where i feel i really got my musical vocabulary in a way. i worked at a computer in a little office and we would pop on record after record all day long. and everyone was into different things so id hear all sorts of music. but also since the album is sample based i thought it was especially appropriate to give respect to other musicians so i put a big list on the inside of the sleeve. it was stuff like luomo and cat stevens and moodyman and roy orbison. its a pretty long list.

How important was Rusty Santos in helping you mix the record? But in a sense Santos was just maybe the only person that helped you on this record, so how much do you really enjoy just working on music by yourself?

he was super helpful for sure and helped make every song sound better. he was pretty bummed out about how crappy my setup was but we got on with it. as i was saying up above a little bit i was pretty sure the first thing hed want to do is to bring up all the voices on the songs and thats more or less what he wanted to do from the beginning. but i knew my mixes were strange and probably a little too esoteric and i knew hed help me make them more palatable or understandable if you know what i mean. i do like to work on my own and i only brought in rusty right at the end after id already done mixes of my own. he just helped me tweak it to make it just right. i really like to work fast and its easiest to do that when its just me making it happen.

Why did you decide to release some songs off Person Pitch as EPs? Considering the album really has 7 songs and you released _ of the record already? Also were you bummed out to know that it got leaked on the internet this January? And what your thoughts about downloading music on the internet?

i had the plan about two years ago of releasing a bunch of singles and then collecting them to make an album and i kind of took the idea from maurizio (basic channel) whod done a very similar thing with a bunch of 12"s and then a compiled cd (i would imagine theres plenty of other people whove done something like it). i knew that i wouldnt have much time in between the heavy ac schedule and my wife and eventually my little girl so i figured it would be smart to just work in little bits. i also figured working on just one or two songs at a time would make sure (hopefully) that every song would be strong in its own way and would have its own character and that kind of thing. i also wanted to try and do all the singles on different labels and through different distribution channels and that sort of thing thinking that hopefully the jams would get out to different audiences and different kinds of people. it doesnt really bother me that the album leaked i guess because i feel like theres nothing i can do about it right now. and in a lot of ways im just really happy that people want it bad enough to try and steal it. at the same time i feel like getting a digital version of the album diminishes the experience of it in that youre not getting the artwork and the package and theres no anticipation of it or anything like that. plus the quality of mp3s is crappy so the quality of the sound is way worse too and i dont like that about it. but again i feel like there isnt much i can do about it and thats ok.

This record is definitely not freak folk. What are your thoughts on that label considering Animal Collective are always mentioned usually first when that specific genre gets written about?

its strange and i dont feel like its accurate but i understand it and im not bothered by it. we put out a kind of folky sounding record (sung tongs) right around when people like devendra and joanna were getting a lot of attention for their jams and i guess were just added in there and im sure it helped us out in some sense. one of the stranger things about it is we did a way more freak folky album (than sung tongs) called campfire songs a couple of years before the term existed. i understand the purpose of labels and grouping things together and assimilating things but i couldnt say that i thought we were a freak folk band at least not exclusively so. i feel like weve done lots of different sounding albums and im happy about that.

What are your thoughts when you hear the words “one of the most anticipated album of 2007” in regards to person Pitch. Does it put too much pressure on you as a musician to know that but I also hear that you have a very relaxed nature in recording and usually its just maybe three takes of doing a vocal and that’s it.

i try and not pay attention to that kind of thing and i guess it helped me as far as pressure is concerned that when i finished it people really didnt seem to care about it so much. my bros and stuff were into it for sure but it wasnt until it leaked that people started saying things like that. i cant imagine that the interest in it will last very long and thats ok. its certainly very flattering that people are excited about it but i doubt the level of excitement will be strong enough to sustain itself for more than a little while.

Songs

In regards to the first track Comfy in Nautica, what is the impetus of that track? In a sense I get the feeling that it is about relaxed and having a good time and that again relates to being in Lisbon but you mention Nautica in the track title and that’s a clothing brand. So are there other meanings to this track?

its about trying to be positive about whats going on and about yourself in particular. i had been thinking about coolness and the sides of it that i didnt like and i wanted to think about what i really thought was cool and that was trying to do good things and trying to do the right thing. i know that sounds goofy and square but i mean it. i like clothes and clothing and i like the power that they can have over how i feel about myself. but i was thinking that i didnt want to feel like i was any better or worse of a person because of the brand or kind of clothes i was wearing and thats where the title comes from.

I feel that Bros is without a doubt the centerpiece of the album How long did that take? If definitely like a everything but the kitchen sink track. Also what samples did you use on this record? I hear you used Cat Stevens.

it took me about a month or so and my daughter was born right in the middle of it and that was intense. sometimes after i had gotten the foundations of the tracks down and was working on the mixes of them i would feel like there were parts of the songs where my attention for them would wane a little bit and id lose my connection with the direction of the songs. when that would happen id try and insert little sounds here and there to spice it up like you would put salt and pepper in a soup or soy sauce on rice. im not allowed to talk too much about specific samples as were still in the process of clearing them i should say and i apologize for that. i spent a lot of time in the beginning kind of randomly gathering samples and trying to fit them together by speeding them up and slowing them down and pitching them up and down and cutting them in specific places and that sort of thing. that was probably the part the lasted the longest for most of the songs.

Animal Collective

What is the status of the new Animal Collective record? Last I heard you guys were going into the studio in January. What can you tell us about the album so far? What can we expect? Would it be a departure from Feels? Could you see any elements of Person Pitch in it?

its all recorded and were about to start mixing it. its a little difficult to say how its going to sound because im not sure what songs were going to use quite yet and weve got more than will fit on one album i think. im excited about it for sure though and i think ill like it more than the last two although i dont mean to say that i dislike them i guess this one is just a little more my speed. i was working on the person pitch songs while the ac was working on the new jams and i can see the similarities of my musical habits in both the band and on my own for sure.

In May you’ll be touring with Animal Collective and you’re going to be doing a few gigs here and there in support of Person Pitch. Is it hard to balance knowing that you’re doing two projects that are equally sprawling and take a ton of effort, or is it just music has been your life and it’s just been that easy?

i suppose its just what i do and so its not overwhelming really. i woudlnt say its easy though and sometimes its tough for sure. im always nervous when were about to get into a new period of songs and this time isnt any different. maybe its fear of the unknown or perhaps i just get anxious thinking about how long we can keep doing things that we can get excited about. at the same time as i said its just what we do and what weve been doing for 10 or so years and most of the time i feel like everything is happening as it should and that feels good.