It seems like people around me are getting engaged, getting pregnant, graduating college and simply growing up.
I'm afraid that after college I will be forced to give up things I love for a 40hr a week job and I am not sure if I am ready for that. I am not looking forward to the day where I can't go see Frank Turner live because I am stuck at my dead end job.
I feel like life is moving by too fast. I need to do things that I have been wanting to do quickly before I become one of the people around me.
Trying to figure what I need to do is the hard part.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2010 Stuff
My favorite Movies of 2010.
1. 127 Hours
2. Greenberg
3. Kick Ass
4. Somewhere
5. The Kids are Alright.
1. American Slang by the Gaslight Anthem.
Was this really a surprise?
2. Somewhere on the Golden Coast by the Henry Clay People
I love the kind of music HCP play, pretention-free rock is something I feel like we need these days when bands are coming out with stuff that has tons of synths and stuff to it. I really hope these guys make it big.
3. The Monitor by Titus Andronicus.
You know when you listen to the first song on a brand new record, and just by hearing that one song, you know that you have something special on the stereo. well, The Monitor by this New Jersey band is one of those records. Its all about the American Civil War and its Epic!
4. High Violet by The National.
I just got into this band earlier this year and boy are they good. High Violet is a solid release but no way in any means is it Boxer.
5. Real Ghosts Caught on Tape by Fake Problems.
The third release by FP is exactly what I wanted to hear, four dudes rocking out. Produced by what seems like a mastermind, Ted Hutt. This album is simply wonderful to listen to while driving around with the windows down.
Honorable Mentions:
The Fool by Warpaint
Good Morning, Magpie by Murder By Death
Call Signs EP by Wires In the Walls
Gorilla Manor by Local Natives.
I started the year by listening to the Gaslight Anthem. Around May, I started listening to Lucero for the first time but once summer kicked in, it was nothing but Social D and tons of the National. During the Fall, I went back into Lucero.
Somewhere along the lines I discovered Cat Power, Amanda Palmer, Bad Astronaut, Nico.
If I had to describe the music I listened to, it would female vocalist and Alt-Country.
Who knows what 2011 will bring.
1. 127 Hours
2. Greenberg
3. Kick Ass
4. Somewhere
5. The Kids are Alright.
My Top 2010 Albums
Was this really a surprise?
2. Somewhere on the Golden Coast by the Henry Clay People
I love the kind of music HCP play, pretention-free rock is something I feel like we need these days when bands are coming out with stuff that has tons of synths and stuff to it. I really hope these guys make it big.
3. The Monitor by Titus Andronicus.
You know when you listen to the first song on a brand new record, and just by hearing that one song, you know that you have something special on the stereo. well, The Monitor by this New Jersey band is one of those records. Its all about the American Civil War and its Epic!
4. High Violet by The National.
I just got into this band earlier this year and boy are they good. High Violet is a solid release but no way in any means is it Boxer.
5. Real Ghosts Caught on Tape by Fake Problems.
The third release by FP is exactly what I wanted to hear, four dudes rocking out. Produced by what seems like a mastermind, Ted Hutt. This album is simply wonderful to listen to while driving around with the windows down.
Honorable Mentions:
The Fool by Warpaint
Good Morning, Magpie by Murder By Death
Call Signs EP by Wires In the Walls
Gorilla Manor by Local Natives.
More 2010 stuff.
Somewhere along the lines I discovered Cat Power, Amanda Palmer, Bad Astronaut, Nico.
If I had to describe the music I listened to, it would female vocalist and Alt-Country.
Who knows what 2011 will bring.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
My 2010 Concerts
Concerts that I been to in 2010:
Feb 13- Sound Tribe Sector 9 at Fox Theater in Oakland.
Mar 19- Brian Fallon, Joe Sib at The Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Mar 20- Yellow Red Sparks in Santa Ana.
April 2- Moostache, Steelwells in Long Beach.
April 14- Frank Turner, Franz Nicolay, Bird by Bird at The Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco.
June 4- Red Cortez at the Mezz Bar in Los Angeles.
June 23- Polar Bear Club, Moving Mountains, Lemuria, Living with Lions at Chain Reaction.
July 9- Bad Astronaut, Joey Cape, Mike Hale at Chain Reaction in Anaheim.
July 21- The Gaslight Anthem, Chamberlain, Tim Barry at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.
Octb 3- Patti Smith, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes and Lucero in San Fransisco.
Nov 27- Lucero, Drag The River at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Feb 13- Sound Tribe Sector 9 at Fox Theater in Oakland.
Mar 19- Brian Fallon, Joe Sib at The Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Mar 20- Yellow Red Sparks in Santa Ana.
April 2- Moostache, Steelwells in Long Beach.
April 14- Frank Turner, Franz Nicolay, Bird by Bird at The Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco.
June 4- Red Cortez at the Mezz Bar in Los Angeles.
June 23- Polar Bear Club, Moving Mountains, Lemuria, Living with Lions at Chain Reaction.
July 9- Bad Astronaut, Joey Cape, Mike Hale at Chain Reaction in Anaheim.
July 21- The Gaslight Anthem, Chamberlain, Tim Barry at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.
Octb 3- Patti Smith, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes and Lucero in San Fransisco.
Nov 27- Lucero, Drag The River at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Hardly Strictly
Check out the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival facebook page...they are using one of my Lucero pictures as a 'Fan Photo of the Day'
link: http://tinyurl.com/2wvdtv9
link: http://tinyurl.com/2wvdtv9
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Lucero/Drag The River review
Last night (November 27,2010) , I went to the Troubadour to see Lucero as an headline act for the very first time. The Show was sold out which was kind of a surprise but it was a lot of fun.
First up was Drag The River, I have heard a lots of good things about Jon Snodgrass from his work with Joey Cape, being on the Revival Tour and his recent split with Frank Turner but I never really listened to his music. I enjoyed their set, it was more of a mellow-alt-country. The best part of the set was the last song, Jon and Ben from Lucero sang together called "Buddies." The song was originally recorded by Jon and Frank couple months back and their song is about all the good friends they made while together on the Revival Tour in 2009.
Next up was the headline act, Lucero. They played every song I wanted to hear and I mean everything from That Much Further West, Sixteen, Nights Like These, San Francisco, Sweet Little Thing, Nobody's Darling, Joining The Army, The War, Slow Dancing, Can't Feel a Thing, Tears Don't Matter Much, Wasted, Hold Me Close, Sounds of the City, Kiss The Bottle, The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo, and Last Pale Light in the West from Ben's solo album.
It was just simply brilliant. Also, the drinking. I knew that Ben is a heavy drinker but dang I had no idea how much of a heavy drinker he is, more than once a waitress came on stage with a tray full of shot glasses with whiskey in them plus all the shots that the people were buying for them to drink. It was ridiculous.
At the end of the night, I had a blast. Defiantly one of the best shows I have been to in 2010.
First up was Drag The River, I have heard a lots of good things about Jon Snodgrass from his work with Joey Cape, being on the Revival Tour and his recent split with Frank Turner but I never really listened to his music. I enjoyed their set, it was more of a mellow-alt-country. The best part of the set was the last song, Jon and Ben from Lucero sang together called "Buddies." The song was originally recorded by Jon and Frank couple months back and their song is about all the good friends they made while together on the Revival Tour in 2009.
Next up was the headline act, Lucero. They played every song I wanted to hear and I mean everything from That Much Further West, Sixteen, Nights Like These, San Francisco, Sweet Little Thing, Nobody's Darling, Joining The Army, The War, Slow Dancing, Can't Feel a Thing, Tears Don't Matter Much, Wasted, Hold Me Close, Sounds of the City, Kiss The Bottle, The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo, and Last Pale Light in the West from Ben's solo album.
It was just simply brilliant. Also, the drinking. I knew that Ben is a heavy drinker but dang I had no idea how much of a heavy drinker he is, more than once a waitress came on stage with a tray full of shot glasses with whiskey in them plus all the shots that the people were buying for them to drink. It was ridiculous.
At the end of the night, I had a blast. Defiantly one of the best shows I have been to in 2010.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Nov 14, 2010
Here are few reasons why I think Chuck Ragan is GOD.
1. Hot Water Music: Without this band, there would be no anybody I love. They could play, they could write, and they had solos and songs longer than 2 minutes. They were the bearded punks. They were the best. They had nothing but pure emotion. Mixed hardcore with melody like I had never heard it before. Hot Water Music inspired a whole generation of music fans...they invented a genre. I will never forget the way my mind exploded the first time I heard Blackjaw.
2. His Solo Album: Lot of musicians with punk rock background have gone solo in recent years. But people fail to realize that Chuck was the one who started that movement. The only difference is that he's not just playing punk songs on a acoustic guitar. He's really engaged in traditional music as a concept. I have so much respect for that. He's refuses to patronize the style. He's taking it seriously.
3. The Revival Tour: Probably the most special, coolest tour ever. Without him, there would be no Revival Tour. The whole thing with the way the Revival Tour is structured, not so clear sets, everyone on stage in the beginning, none of the ego bullshit and who's gonna headline etc. I attended the Revival Tour last year (2009) in San Francisco and it was the greatest thing ever. At one time, there were 9 musicians on stage together!I have mentioned before how seeing Bad Religion changed my life, the Revival Tour is probably the second closest thing. The 2009 show still remains as the best show that I have ever attended.
1. Hot Water Music: Without this band, there would be no anybody I love. They could play, they could write, and they had solos and songs longer than 2 minutes. They were the bearded punks. They were the best. They had nothing but pure emotion. Mixed hardcore with melody like I had never heard it before. Hot Water Music inspired a whole generation of music fans...they invented a genre. I will never forget the way my mind exploded the first time I heard Blackjaw.
2. His Solo Album: Lot of musicians with punk rock background have gone solo in recent years. But people fail to realize that Chuck was the one who started that movement. The only difference is that he's not just playing punk songs on a acoustic guitar. He's really engaged in traditional music as a concept. I have so much respect for that. He's refuses to patronize the style. He's taking it seriously.
3. The Revival Tour: Probably the most special, coolest tour ever. Without him, there would be no Revival Tour. The whole thing with the way the Revival Tour is structured, not so clear sets, everyone on stage in the beginning, none of the ego bullshit and who's gonna headline etc. I attended the Revival Tour last year (2009) in San Francisco and it was the greatest thing ever. At one time, there were 9 musicians on stage together!I have mentioned before how seeing Bad Religion changed my life, the Revival Tour is probably the second closest thing. The 2009 show still remains as the best show that I have ever attended.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October 17, 2010
Speaking of life altering moments in life, exactly four years ago today my parents forced me to move to California. I haven't left the state of California since then.
Moving to California has made a huge impact on my life. I wouldn't be attending San Jose State University, if my folks hadn't made me move. California has also influenced my music taste.
I guess, its safe to say. I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't moved to the Golden State four years ago.
Moving to California has made a huge impact on my life. I wouldn't be attending San Jose State University, if my folks hadn't made me move. California has also influenced my music taste.
I guess, its safe to say. I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't moved to the Golden State four years ago.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Life Altering Moment
March 26, 2008; a wonderful sunny spring day in Southern California and a day I have cherished for few years now and will continue for years to come. That was the day I went to my very first music concert. It was at House of Blues in Anaheim, a place that I had never been. The band was Bad Religion, a group's who I only knew thanks to a radio station called KROQ. I wasn't a die hard fan, I didn't own any of their albums and only knew of their 'radio hits' but I wanted to go to a live concert really badly and since this one only cost 25 bucks; I knew I could convince my parents.
I was a 17 yr old high school senior at that time with no car or credit card to buy the ticket. So my first goal was to convince someone to go with me who was also willing to drive and had a credit card to buy the tickets. After looking around for few days, my buddy Michael agreed to go. He was few years older so he had all the necessary good that I needed at the time. He wasn't a big fan of Bad Religion either but he was excited to go to his first concert.
The show was on a Wednesday night, at the time I thought it was very random to have a concert on a week night. But looking back now, I think I have attended more shows on wednesday's than any other day. I don't remember who the first two opening bands were, though I do remember not really liking them that much. After some time of standing, Bad Religion finally got on stage. They all six members on stage including Mr.Brett and as soon as the first chord struck the place went nuts. I learned what a mosh pit was, I learned what crowd-surfing that night. I remember midway through the show, my dad called me probably asking when I was coming home since I had school next day. I just ignored the call and jumped right back into the pit.
My years were ringing like crazy after the show ended. On the car ride back, Michael and I were dead silent, still trying to comprehend what we had just witnessed. My ears were still ringing the next day when I went to school. But it was all worth it.
I haven't been the same person since that night, after that night music came first and everything else was second. Lunch money, who needs that when you can run to Noize Music Store right across the street from University of California, Irvine and buy a CD.
I don't think I will ever experience something as amazing. I haven't seen Bad Religion since that night and I have yet to go back to HOB Anaheim. One day, when I am ready. I am sure I will.
I was a 17 yr old high school senior at that time with no car or credit card to buy the ticket. So my first goal was to convince someone to go with me who was also willing to drive and had a credit card to buy the tickets. After looking around for few days, my buddy Michael agreed to go. He was few years older so he had all the necessary good that I needed at the time. He wasn't a big fan of Bad Religion either but he was excited to go to his first concert.
The show was on a Wednesday night, at the time I thought it was very random to have a concert on a week night. But looking back now, I think I have attended more shows on wednesday's than any other day. I don't remember who the first two opening bands were, though I do remember not really liking them that much. After some time of standing, Bad Religion finally got on stage. They all six members on stage including Mr.Brett and as soon as the first chord struck the place went nuts. I learned what a mosh pit was, I learned what crowd-surfing that night. I remember midway through the show, my dad called me probably asking when I was coming home since I had school next day. I just ignored the call and jumped right back into the pit.
My years were ringing like crazy after the show ended. On the car ride back, Michael and I were dead silent, still trying to comprehend what we had just witnessed. My ears were still ringing the next day when I went to school. But it was all worth it.
I haven't been the same person since that night, after that night music came first and everything else was second. Lunch money, who needs that when you can run to Noize Music Store right across the street from University of California, Irvine and buy a CD.
I don't think I will ever experience something as amazing. I haven't seen Bad Religion since that night and I have yet to go back to HOB Anaheim. One day, when I am ready. I am sure I will.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Lucero
so its been a while since I have updated this...
I am going to San Francisco this sunday to attend Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
festival. Its a free three day music festival that happens every year in SF.
The reason I am going on sunday is cause that's the day LUCERO is playing.
I want to introduce you to lucero if you are not familiar
Lucero is from Memphis, Tennessee. They are about the finest example of
an alternative country act with punk roots. They are a well established as a
must-see live act and I get to see em for the first time for free!
I got into them thru recommendations from fellow dimestore saints members.
I started listening to their album TENNESSEE couple weeks before summer started
and I been hooked!
check out www.luceromusic.com to do some research. you can also go through
itunes or youtube and sample some music if you like.
I will post pictures/review in the next couple days.
I am going to San Francisco this sunday to attend Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
festival. Its a free three day music festival that happens every year in SF.
The reason I am going on sunday is cause that's the day LUCERO is playing.
I want to introduce you to lucero if you are not familiar
Lucero is from Memphis, Tennessee. They are about the finest example of
an alternative country act with punk roots. They are a well established as a
must-see live act and I get to see em for the first time for free!
I got into them thru recommendations from fellow dimestore saints members.
I started listening to their album TENNESSEE couple weeks before summer started
and I been hooked!
check out www.luceromusic.com to do some research. you can also go through
itunes or youtube and sample some music if you like.
I will post pictures/review in the next couple days.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Big Sur Pics
I finally developed the pictures I took during my coastal camping trip to Big Sur right before school started.
Here are few of em:
More: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldgospelchoir
Here are few of em:
More: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldgospelchoir
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Summer 2010 highlights
Wow, another summer comes to an end. Start of my third school year at San Jose State University starts tomorrow, something that I am not looking forward to.
Highlights:
1. Yosemite: Holy Cow! I made my return to the park after three year's of absence.
2. Bad Astronaut @ Chain Reaction: First ever Bad Astronaut tour, Joey Cape is an amazing musicians. I have seen Joey play before but it was totally different seeing him play his BA stuff. Sam and I got a chance to talk to Joey after the show. He is one of the funniest dude I have ever meet in my life. Prolly on my top 5 all time Concerts.
3. Red Cortez @ Mezz Bar: First gig that I went to this summer, it was also my first time getting into a bar. The best part was the post-gig adventure that Adrienne,Sam and I had with Ryan, the bass player from Red Cortez.
Memorable Moments:
1. Big Sur two day camping trip: I just got back from this trip today, it was fun and a lot different from my Yosemite trip.
2. Polar Bear Club @ Chain Reaction: It had been a while since I went to hardcore punk show like that. Sam and I were in the very front which is not as fun as it sounds. Sam broke his glasses when he got kicked in the face by a stage diver. In the end, fun show and really energetic. Oh and the drummer of PBC helped us fix up his glasses after the show with some duct tape and also autographed a drumstick for me.
3. The Gaslight Anthem @ the Wiltern: Sixth time seeing this band, the sound was kinda off tho. I blame the place not the bad. Had a nice 15minute talk with Brian after the show which was fun. Also got a chance to meet David Moore of Chamberlain.
Time to get ready for another brutal school year.
Highlights:
1. Yosemite: Holy Cow! I made my return to the park after three year's of absence.
2. Bad Astronaut @ Chain Reaction: First ever Bad Astronaut tour, Joey Cape is an amazing musicians. I have seen Joey play before but it was totally different seeing him play his BA stuff. Sam and I got a chance to talk to Joey after the show. He is one of the funniest dude I have ever meet in my life. Prolly on my top 5 all time Concerts.
3. Red Cortez @ Mezz Bar: First gig that I went to this summer, it was also my first time getting into a bar. The best part was the post-gig adventure that Adrienne,Sam and I had with Ryan, the bass player from Red Cortez.
Memorable Moments:
1. Big Sur two day camping trip: I just got back from this trip today, it was fun and a lot different from my Yosemite trip.
2. Polar Bear Club @ Chain Reaction: It had been a while since I went to hardcore punk show like that. Sam and I were in the very front which is not as fun as it sounds. Sam broke his glasses when he got kicked in the face by a stage diver. In the end, fun show and really energetic. Oh and the drummer of PBC helped us fix up his glasses after the show with some duct tape and also autographed a drumstick for me.
3. The Gaslight Anthem @ the Wiltern: Sixth time seeing this band, the sound was kinda off tho. I blame the place not the bad. Had a nice 15minute talk with Brian after the show which was fun. Also got a chance to meet David Moore of Chamberlain.
Time to get ready for another brutal school year.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Spontaneous
One of the things that I wish my friends or people I knew would understand or like to do is spontaneous activities. Doing activities without a reason. Just doing things for the heck of it. We are all in our late teens/early twenties and we shouldn't need a reason to do shit. Hell, we should have a reason to not do things.
Ideal conversation between two people should be:
Person 1: hey, lets go to LA tomorrow.
Person 2: why?
Person 1: Why not?
Person 2: True, lets do it.
Next time you want to do things, don't ask yourself why do it. Just ask yourself "why not?"
Lets just do shit for the fuck of it
Ideal conversation between two people should be:
Person 1: hey, lets go to LA tomorrow.
Person 2: why?
Person 1: Why not?
Person 2: True, lets do it.
Next time you want to do things, don't ask yourself why do it. Just ask yourself "why not?"
Lets just do shit for the fuck of it
Monday, August 2, 2010
Yosemite
After three years, I made my triumphant return to Yosemite. Unlike the first and the last time I went, I had more of an idea about what I was getting myself into. My only goal for this trip is that I go all the way up Half Dome which I am glad to say I accomplished with my partner in crime Mike.
I also jumped off a 20feet high rock into the Merced River multiple times. Overall the trip was awesome. A perfect mix of watermelons, card games and nature. My attitude of "No regrets. No retreat" worked well for me since I have no regrets of this trip.
I don' think I am going to back anytime soon. Might me another couple years before I return to Yosemite. As of right now, I have no reason to go back.
I also jumped off a 20feet high rock into the Merced River multiple times. Overall the trip was awesome. A perfect mix of watermelons, card games and nature. My attitude of "No regrets. No retreat" worked well for me since I have no regrets of this trip.
I don' think I am going to back anytime soon. Might me another couple years before I return to Yosemite. As of right now, I have no reason to go back.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Expectations
Why do I always have high expectations for everything?
Its like I want things to not live up to my expectations so I can think out about how shitty everything is at the end of the day. Even when I try to keep low expectations of about something, I find a way to be sad/disappointed about the situation at the end of the day.
Its like I want things to not go the way I want them to.
Maybe I just like the feeling of disappointment.
Its like I want things to not live up to my expectations so I can think out about how shitty everything is at the end of the day. Even when I try to keep low expectations of about something, I find a way to be sad/disappointed about the situation at the end of the day.
Its like I want things to not go the way I want them to.
Maybe I just like the feeling of disappointment.
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