things unique

Originality, individuality and things unique appeal to me. I'm certain it has something to do with how average a person I am. I don't do anything to excess, I rarely break laws, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I've never done any drugs. I'm fairly bland - which is the reason some of my favorite bands / artist have such unique sounds. The problem with having a unique sound, it will assuredly turn some people off.

I've compiled a collection of songs by artists some people may hate just by the sound of either the voice, the lyrics, or the general sound... but all of these bands/albums/songs are favorites of mine.

easy to hate (download here)

laughing

It's good to laugh
Do you think there was any drinking on the set of this movie? The laughing is certainly infectious.

album spotlight: The Ache

We Ragazzi-the ache
Released November 19, 2002 - I first heard this album in early 2003. The first reaction is to lead singer/songwriter Tony Rolando's voice. He shrieks, he yelps and his voice is nasally, but once you get over it (or get used to it) you begin to start to hear how amazing this album is. It's certainly not for everyone, but it has stuck with me for over five years and I still can't get over how much ache this album contains. This is the best make out album ever created. It has a unique sound, is very creative and it's fucking sexy.
Both this band and album never made much of a splash. Lucky for me they all lived in Chicago when this album came out - so I got to see them play live a bunch. Soon after this album (their second of three) was released, the new drummer (Timothy McConville) moved to New York and they reunited with their original drummer Alianna Kalaba.
Of their three records, The Ache is the one that I return to the most, whether that's because of the intricate and smooth drumming, or the style and swagger, I'm not sure.
But here, in late 2002 the trio of We Ragazzi created a somewhat unknown masterpiece of guitar/keyboard/drums No Wave Make Outs

Grizzly Bear on Letterman

A new song. A new accompanying keyboard player. A poppier view of the world.
I can't help but love Grizzly Bear.

(more) Man Man

a Marx Brothers song:

#95.3 Man Man - Warmup 3 - The Love
by lablogotheque

the original (Horse Feathers)

No work

Rehearsals have started. The new longform team for the Curious Comedy Theater (tentatively called TIGERBEAT) had their first rehearsal last night. It went really well. 8 folks, all with a wide range of longform experience - playing together for the first time. I can't wait to see what the team does come show time.
i like this girl a lot.

back in the director' seat

I started my rehearsals for the show I'm directing for the opening season of the Curious Comedy Theater. The show is called POP! - it's based on the Neo-Futurists show titled Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, where the cast does 30 plays in 60 minutes.
It's a great exercise is writing, performing, energy and a unique show. I'm taking the basic elements of it, but hopefully turning it into something a little different, or at least different enough.
I have a cast of 8 folks and a bunch of ideas for scene/playwriting. I"m really looking forward to this rehearsal process to see what we come up with. The show is going to be a lot of fun.
*but not as fun as this crazy Portland coffee house.