Gnarls Barkley is Crazier Than I Thought

I interviewed Cee-Lo Green from Gnarls Barkley last week. You can read the article that resulted from it here or below in it's entirety.

Despite dressing as Stanley Kubrick's “Clockwork Orange” characters in promotional photos or their “Star Wars”-inspired performance at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards, Gnarls Barkley is a band not to be taken lightly.

They hit No. 1 on the U.K. pop singles charts without selling a single CD — a first time feat for digital sales alone. Success for Gnarls Barkley followed in the United States when they released their debut album, “St. Elsewhere,” which debuted at No. 8 on Billboard's Top 200.

Even though the duo — producer/DJ Danger Mouse and Goodie Mob member Cee-Lo — like to play dress-up for live performances, it doesn't mean they want to do the same in their videos.

“A show is for the moment, and a video has much more infinite possibilities. We concentrate more on the sentiment of the album,” says Cee-Lo, who will perform with Danger Mouse 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Showboat's House of Blues in Atlantic City. “The video for ‘Crazy'was pretty damn appropriate for the song.

“I don't think any video has to be funny. Amusing maybe. Am I clowning around in big shoes for people? Because I'm not.”

Cee-Lo (born Thomas Callaway) went on to explain when the promotional photos for Gnarls Barkley were first taken, the duo didn't think they were going to be a touring band. Even though Cee-Lo admits they weren't taking themselves too seriously in the beginning, the dressing up for live performances stuck — especially for the fans.

“It prolongs the interest and the mystique and the enthusiasm, and they can't wait for us to come back through and wonder who we are going to be next time,” says Cee-Lo.

Gnarls Barkley's fan base is wide due to the variety of songs on “St. Elsewhere” — an album recorded for the majority without a record label attached to it. Cee-Lo also points out: “We started this album before Danger did the Grey album (mash-up of Beatles'”White Album” album and Jay-Z's “Black Album”) or (producing) Gorillaz.”

Cee-Lo describes Gnarls starting out as “an experiment to see what we could end up with.”

The result included tracks such as the soul freak out “Crazy” and the Violent Femmes'cover of “Gone Daddy Gone,” providing a crossover appeal for indie rock, R&B and hip-hop fans alike.

The varying factor fans cannot agree about is where the name Gnarls Barkley originated. Cee-Lo says he is not necessarily a sports fan  — elminating the Charles Barkley theory.

“Gnarls Barkley started out as something we tossed around,” says Cee-Lo. “We thought the sound (of Gnarls Barkley) was unique and peculiar and we decided to put a peculiar name on there.”

Another curious thing about Gnarls is Cee-Lo's vocals on “St. Elsewhere” are mainly singing, not rapping as he displayed in past projects.

“With rapping or emceeing … I'm going to deny harmony to do hip-hop,” says Cee-Lo. “Harmony is the first that comes to me. I do believe that the possibilities are just much more with harmonies. There are so many shapes and variations. …(It's like) just sitting there with just some Play-Doh or something. …I heard melodies through (Danger Mouse's) music.”

busy busy

Last weekend was a hot mess. Particularly the VIP extravaganza this weekend in Atlantic City at the Taj. Members of the Sopranos cast were onhand to celebrate the opening of a new lounge.
The man to the right of me is Michael Imperioli aka "Christopher Molitsanti", and yes I am a jerk for not looking at the camera.

And yes...I am an even bigger jerk for not really watching The Sopranos, yet still I manage to meet people from the cast.

Tomorrow I have an interview for an editorial internship at newspaper in Philadelphia. And today a copy editor came up to me at work to correct one of my stories -- pointing out my mistakes were techniques taught in "Journalism 101" Ouch... I think I'll forget to mention the copy editor's critique during my interview tomorrow.

gossip, gossip

So I almost gave up my music industry hiatus this week to go on a job interview with a label.

But fate managed to step in and smack me around. Don't worry, it still looks like I'll find myself in a newsroom come December. Speaking of newspapers, I got a new assignment...to write about...RUM.

Looks like I'll be hitting up some bars, bartenders and drinking some yummy rum. Delicious.

I don't even know how many times I have to say, "I love my summer job, sooo much."

Scratch Your Name

Today for work I am going to three waterparks and riding all the slides and floating the in the lazy rivers. Then I'm going to write about it...I LOVE this job.

So I watched Project Runway last night and the 3 designers I have decided to root for are Kayne, Alison and Keith - - because I think they are adorable. I'm not even going to start criticizing designers on their skills.

(I did enough of that shizzle yesterday. I almost don't want to write the article about the house I went to visit yesterday because I can't stand to think about being aesthetically pleasing for the next few days.)

I also got my very first parking ticket yesterday in Ventnor. As a result, I refuse to go to there ever again. And I guess I can still go to Atlantic City, even if it is a stone's throw away from police ticket town.

On Your Own

First of all, has anyone noticed there seem to be no cute boys on Project Runway this season? At least last year there was adorable Daniel. I think Kayne has potential -- he did say one of his biggest inspirations was Dolly Parton. I guess I'll have to wait until I watch the first episode before I officially make my decision on the boys.


TV Guide says, "The aspiring designers engage in a bit of animalistic behavior during the first challenge of this week's third-season premiere: They have 15 minutes to rip materials for a garment from the contents of their apartments." Set your Tivo for Wednesday at 9 p.m. (for the casting special) and then at 10 p.m. (for the premiere) on Bravo.

Tomorrow I am going to a special media preview of the "Show House at the Shore.' Basically it is a preview to the special house in Ventnor showcasing interior design rooms featuring decorative painting and outdoor living spaces. I have decided to wear my cute pink outfit so that way when I walk through the house and make commentary on the rooms at least I will look satisfactory while doing so.

Any Help... Anyone?

So yesterday I spent nearly an hour cutting out all my articles of work from the past six months into sizable chunks. Then I went to a local office supply story/copy place to copy them all to standard legal-sized paper.

It was the worst customer-service experience in my entire life. Needless to say, they didn't know how to make copies and were giving me a bad attitude because they said I was breaking the law by trying to copy newspapers.

I do understand there is probably a copyright law, but I write the articles! I basically freaked out and told them I would bring them all my freelance contracts and show them I really have rights to the articles. But in southern New Jersey, you shouldn't utilize big words like "contract" and "legal rights" to people that work in retail stores because they become confused and then just refuse to help at all.

So are there any other writers out there that have experienced this same type of bullshit? And writer or not, does anyone have any advice where I can go to get some copies made? (Some of the articles are bigger than the legal size to begin with, so I guess I need a place that has super huge copiers.)

Or maybe I'm just screwed?

I've Been Working Overtime!

Ashlee Simpson article: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/entertainment/story/6483755p-6335800c.html

Beer Promo article: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/capemay/story/6472571p-6325346c.html

Gin Blossoms article: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/entertainment/story/6481264p-6333302c.html

Opening of new pier in A.C.: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/entertainment/story/6481263p-6333281c.html

Center story about camping: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/inside_story/story/6481182p-6333261c.html

Help A Brotha Out

If you're being a nerd like me and staying in on a Saturday night, please take the time to vote for one of my all time favorite bands The Appleseed Cast. Follow directions:









I have listened to these guys back when I was an even bigger nerd in High School and refused to listen to anything that wasn't on emo-licious Deep Elm Records.

Pieces Of Me

So today I got to interview Ms. Simpson on the phone. She was everything I expected her to be. I'm not the biggest fan of her music, but the fact that she is my age and she used to be somewhat a unique individual really fascinates me.

Anyway the burning question I needed her to answer (besides stuff about plastic surgery and her new video) was what she is listening to nowadays that she is really digging.
The answers?
The Beatles, Nelly Furtado and Etta James
(Ummm, RANDOM WHAT?!?)

I still think if she and I met, then we would be bffs.

Oh, and my last piece of freelance work (this summer) got published by the Philadelphia Inquirer today. You can read it here:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/entertainment/weekend/14828507.htm

Embarrassing, no?

This morning I should have predicted I wasn't going to get out of the door until at least 9 a.m. for work. I was running later than usual for 2 reasons, the first being that I am lazy and I like to sleep in. The second reason is that I was busy creating a beautiful matchy outfit that consisted of coral pinstripe pants, a coral-colored shirt and shoes to match.

On top of all that, I was trying to make my messy hair look a little representable. After a few minutes I decided that it didn't matter what I did to my hair because it was pouring rain outside and my styling efforts would be destroyed the moment I stepped into the wet outdoors.

So while frantically brushing my hair on top of my head, my dad came strolling into the bathroom. He told me to hurry up because traffic would be bad in the rain. I did my best to ignore him, and just try to finish up my hair.

Then he started to take a piss, with me in the bathroom! It was the most awkward and unnecessary moment in my life. Afterwards I wanted to beat myself in the head with my straightening iron to make the whole incident disappear.

Has this happened to anyone else, or am I just the unlucky one?

WTF

Okay so I managed to erase my template on this blog.

But I think I like these colors better so I won't curse Blogger for the loss of all those annoying links that formely resided on my sidebar.

obnoxious, obnoxious, obnoxious

Even though I'm supposed to be taking a break from the music industry, I still find myself writing about music. And I did so at my new internship, and they published it:
http://pressofac.com/life/story/6426812p-6282904c.html

My Filipino mother wasn't impressed with it when I showed her a copy of the Sunday paper, but it amused me to the extent of bursting into a fit of giggles when I saw it. I guess I like being obnoxious and having southern New Jersey readers learn about bands like Pretty Girls Make Graves.

By the way, I'm completely exhausted right now. This weekend was jam packed with summer fun. On Friday I was in Ventnor with my sir and friends for a BBQ. Then Saturday I went to my NYC Bronx BFF Kayla's graduation party up by Long Beach Island then shot down to Ocean City with my sir. I'm working on a story about southern New Jersey's amusement rides, so that is why I hit up OC last night and ended up in Wildwood all this afternoon.

On top of it all, I started to try running to be in shape. I hope that I'm not the only person in the world that ends up puking on the side of the street after jogging only half a mile.

Better Than The Rest

My boss gave me the day off today since I will be working all over NJ for a story this weekend. Check out my first article at my internship: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/ats/entertainment/story/6418962p-6275074c.html

And instead of being really wide awake and enjoying the day, I'm super tired since I went out to drink on the island(s) [Stone Harbor and Wildwood] with some of my favorite girls that I graduated from high school with. We checked out that new Flip Flops bar in Stone Harbor and then somehow ended up at Juan Pablo's in Wildwood.











I've also decided that the best way to make drunk men hitting on your or your friends is just to say, "We're married to Jesus. Sorry" This line works, I swear...well at least for me it does.

New Job, New Mixtapes to Follow

I've been at my new internship for almost a week now. My boss has been on vacation so he hasn't been around at all. But he'll be back tomorrow.

So in celebration I made his the first of many mixes I promised to make for him. I finished this one off while painting my toenails a beautiful purple to match my stylish purple high heels I'm going to wear tomorrow.

The first mixtape is entitled, "The Music Your Intern Listens To (Since I Couldn't Answer That Question When You First Asked Me)" and tracklisting is as follows:

The Promise Ring -- "Jersey Shore"
Of Montreal -- "Oslo In The Summertime"
Idlewild -- "When I Argue I See Shapes"
Spoon -- "Jonathon Fisk"
Sufjan Stevens -- "Super Computer"
Harvey Danger -- "Sad Sweetheart Of The Rodeo"
The Wrens -- "Boys, You Won't Remember"
The Dismemberment Plan -- "What Do You Want Me To Say?"
The Long Winters -- "Scared Straight"
Nada Surf -- "Do It Again"
Wilco -- "Pot Kettle Black"
Destroyer -- "It's Gonna Take An Airplane"
Mclusky -- "To Hell With Good Intentions"
The Decemberists -- "Song For Myla Goldberg"
Braid -- "Please Drive Faster"
Old 97s -- "Buick City Complex"
Les Savy Fav -- "Yawn, Yawn, Yawn"
French Kicks -- "Wrong Side"
Codeseven -- "Alt. Wave"

Disney World= awesome

I Hate You Resort Diner Place

I have just returned from my vacation in Disney World with my sir. Unfortunately I managed to come down with a nasty case of food poisoning from my breakfast dining area at my resort this morning.

Fun pictures from my trip and updates will ensue once I can sit at a computer without having to run to the bathroom to relieve myself every 10 minutes. Yummmm...

Graduation Wishes

First of all, a huge congratulations to all of my Cabrini friends that graduated on Sunday!

Claudia who is graduated and Melissa who is not graduated:














Melissa and Kristen: (NOTE: Both of them are going to be famous very soon and this picture will be worth lots of money even though Kristen has her eyes closed. But she works at NBC now so I guess I can forgive her almost ruining the picture I hope to collect money with by auctioning it off on eBay)



















The boy I accidentally followed to Cabrini from southern New Jersey, CONOR: (Note: Conor will most likely become famous after he graduates from his Ivy League school of Columbia University Teacher's College)




















I got roped into helping with graduation since I was a resident assistant for the coinciding academic school year. I was the sucker that had to stand on the stage as the entire graduating class was called up to receive their diplomas to keep their name cards in order for the photographer.

After the 200th student and one and a half leg cramps I realized my biggest fear is that next year I will be one of the kids that don't get clapped for when his or her name is called. As I stood there I felt really bad for the students that had silence after the speaker announced their name. I tried to watch their faces to see if it bothered them that some of the graduates had the entire crowd clapping and whooping and that they got nothing.

What I want to know is when did graduations become a popularity contest? More importantly, I need to know if any of you had this fear, or turned out to be one of those outcast kids that everyone decided not to clap for when receiving your college diploma.

No Place Like Home

I'm officially back to my childhood romping of 08210, New Jersey. Moving back in was a total bitch and it's still not finished yet. Although down here this summer I won't have to deal with college headaches, I will be dealing with my parents and that is a nightmare in itself.

At 9am my dad came to my door and yelled, "Get up! Your belongings are still strewn all over the floor and it's time to be awake. You're not on vacation anymore." (NOTE: Yes, my belongings are still literally ALL over the house because instead of packing them away I drank a bunch of wine and watched the OC finale with my 12-year-old sister)

Anyhow I'll be back to PA on Saturday afternoon just in time for Panda's birthday. Since she is turning 21 big celebrations are to be had. Then I'll be in graduation on Sunday (no not graduating, I just got roped into helping all my older friends make their exit from Cabrini.)

Maybe I'll go and visit the beach at somepoint before I leave for Florida on Wednesday.

Love Me, Love ME

Kind words from my former employer FMQB appearing in their weekly email:

Sadly we must wave goodbye to Christine here at FMQB. Christine has been an invaluable help to us over the nine months or so that she worked here, first as an intern, then as an employee. She contributed The Valedictorian CD write-up to this very weekly report, along with a variety of other tasks that helped get this out on time every week. She will be missed around the office. She can still be found at a Sufjan Stevens or Idlewild concert near you.

Does anyone else think it is ironic they chose Sufjan Stevens as a concert I would be seen at? I've never seen him live, although from what I hear he and his crew put on a good show.

Journalism At My Peak

Finally I've gotten some paid freelance work that has been published in a nice-sized newspaper. You can read it here.

I plan on using the money to pay back my sir for our expensive plane flight down to Florida in a few weeks.

"You're Famous" (according to E. Chandler)

I don't know why I forgot to blog about this sooner, but I guess things have been a little busy for me as of lately....So a few weeks ago I wrote a fun feature for the lovely Tripwire.com about how it could be a turn for the worse for Rolling Stone to pair up with MTV. You can read the article here.

And then yesterday one of my favorite NYC/TX ladies informed me that some people have taken a liking to it. Which you can see here or there.

Erin thinks I'm famous. My sir thinks I will be blacklisted from music journalism now. And I find the whole thing amusing even though I tried to tell my Filipino Mom about it, and she didn't really know what Rolling Stone Magazine was.

Finally Legal To Do EVERYTHING

Turning 21 wasn't really that much of a big deal except now I don't have to worry about slipping into and out of shows when doing interviews. We DIDN'T go out for sushi, but we did head over to Erin's Pub and then down to Atlantic City. Pics are below...I'm not really that hungover, just super tired from deciding it would be cool to go and learn to gamble until 4am.


Gina, Maureen, Me, Adam & Vetter:

Me doing a shot of tequila:


Me, Claudia, Melissa & Jess with Buttery Nipples:


Me & Fiona with my finally legal ID:

Pretty Vetter and I doing shots:

Matt, Adam, Vetter and I before heading out to Atlantic City:

Playlist of 4/23 'His' VS 'Her' Show

Interpol -- "Length Of Love"
Pretty Girls Make Graves -- "Pyrite Pedestal"
Sufjan Stevens -- "Seven Swans"
Minus The Bear -- "Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse"
Billy Bragg & Wilco -- "Another Man's Done Gone"
Colin Meloy -- "Baby Song (Live)
Pedro The Lion -- "Second Best"
The Noisettes -- "Don't Give Up"
Maritime -- "Young Alumni"
Maximo Park -- "Graffiti"
Guided By Voices -- "Everybody Thinks I'm A Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking)
Editors -- "French Disko"
Built To Spill -- "Time Trap"
Stills -- "Still In Love Song"
Sparta -- "Red Alibi"
Ladytron -- "Destroy Everything You Touch"
Ryan Adams -- "Boys"
Rainer Maria -- "Catastrophe"
Grandaddy -- "El Caminos In The West"
Alan Spearhawk -- "Be Nice To People With Lice"
Death Cab For Cutie -- "New Candles"
Fiery Furnaces -- "I'm In No Mood"
Racetrack -- "Sorie (Come & Gone)"
Idlewild -- "Little Discourage"
Say Hi To Your Mom -- "They Write Books About This"

Who Wants A Job In The Music Industry?

Hey Y'all... we are still looking to hire someone to fill this position, which you can find here at craigslist: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/med/152573567.html.

below is the description... if you or anyone you know is interested, please message me back here or email my work bff Kim at knoonan@fmqb.com!

Webmaster & Music Writer / New Media Assistant:
This position is the perfect opportunity to get a foot in the door of the music industry; many of our previous employees have gone on to work for major and indie record labels and promotion companies! Indie rockers, self starters, corporate wannabees, managers, IT professionals, new grads, musicians, promoters, graphic artists -- send your resume over!

DESCRIPTION: FMQB is a dynamic company that produces high quality digital media and an industry print magazine on a monthly basis. The company is deeply involved in the radio, broadcast, and music industries. The New Media Assistant will aid in the day to day production and maintenance of all digital services for FMQB. Duties include updating FMQB.com and all related domains, creating and maintaining daily and weekly emails, creating simple graphics for use on the websites, creating advertisements (banner ads, etc), and maintaining contact and content databases. The assistant will also write daily music news stories, as well as album reviews when necessary. Special projects will also be assigned as needed -- which is often!

There is a strong possibility for this position to turn into a full time position.

QUALIFICATIONS: - Working knowledge of HTML is required! - Basic knowledge of audio production and streaming media - Basic knowledge of graphic design and web animation - Candidate must be comfortable with Microsoft FrontPage, Adobe PhotoShop, ImageReady - Proficient with Microsoft Office applications. - Interest in broadcast media and music a plus!! - Must be able to multi-task and meet strict deadlines - Working portfolio strongly preferred - please submit your resume and don't forget to include a url to your portfolio (or urls to things you've done) -- if you don't have a portfolio handy, apply anyway!

If this position is not for you, pass it along to someone you think might be interested! If you think you can do this job, email a resume and responses to the following:

1) what is so great about you that will make me hire you?
2) what are your top 5 favorite (pick one) records, books, films, or (insert your own category here), of all time?

Oh, please don't send me a regurgitated version of the classic cover letter used in your senior seminar class in college. Just be straight up and yourself!

this hearts on fire

Since Easter Break is in progress, this is the quietest Thursday night I've had since this semester started. Things have been a lot quieter since last weekend's not-so-fun events. I don't want to talk about it, I just want things in this world not to be so fucked up as they sometimes are.

On Tuesday night I went to see Wolf Parade with Panda in Philly. Holy Fuck was interesting in a "I want to have sex while on ecstasy with them blaring overhead" kind of way. The best part of Wolf Parade was keyboards/electronic dude Hadji Bakara. His headband matched the little flag on his jacket. I have the biggest nonsexual crush on him now. I would like him to go shopping with me so he can teach me about the importance of matching my clothing.

More evidence has been found as to how I am becoming an old jaded lady. After using the restroom at the TLA some girl tried her best to compliment my shoes. I was washing my hands and felt someone staring at me.
Girl Staring At Me: "Nice shoes."
Me: (hoping this isn't some awkward pick-up line from disoriented lesbian) "Umm, thanks."
Girl Staring At Me: "Did you get them at Urban Outfitters."
Me: (Wincing) "No, I bought them at Kmart for $4."
Panda: (Rushing out of bathroom to stop me from yelling at girl) "You ready? Let's get out of here."

Most people would not take offense to some random girl trying to pay my shoes a compliment, but I did. In this day and age one would think it was the pretentious ones that shopped at places like Urban Outfitters. Yet after Panda giving me a good talking to, I am the one that sucks and needs to stop being mean.

Here is my official apology to everyone that shops at places like Urban Outfitters:
"I am extremely sorry you waste your money on clothing that was not executed very well although it does have good vision. I'm sorry I can't afford clothes at expensive department stores. I'm also sorry you take my fashion sense I might have as just another person buying into an already pre-planned culture created by people that are deemed 'hip' or 'fashionable' at the moment."

change your mind

I take back my shit talking about people at my school not knowing Franz Ferdinand. I just heard them drunk singing the lyrics to "Take Me Out" from all the way on the first floor.

On a slightly sad note, my bulletin board of alcoholic + random band goodness was torn off the wall.

As Spring Fling kicks off at my school, I promise to have my camera and notebook in hand to keep track of all the WTF?!? moments I encounter.

Playlist of 03/26/06 Radio Show

Built To Spill -- "Goin' Against Your Mind"
Pavement -- "Major Leagues"
Essex Green -- "Don't Know Why (You Stay)"
John Vanderslice -- "Bill Gates Must Die"
Loose Fur -- "Pretty Sparks"
Dismemberment Plan -- "What Do You Want Me To Say?"
Mason Proper -- "Mr. Charm"
The Television Personalities -- "My Dark Places"
Islands -- "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby"
Ted Leo -- "Since You've Been Gone + Maps (Live Version)"
The M's -- "Going Over It"
Echo & The Bunnymen -- "The Killing Moon"
YYYs -- "Gold Lion"
Chad Van Gaalen -- "Clinically Dead"
Fiery Furnaces -- "Single Again"
Faint -- "Worked Up So Sexual"
Eagle*Seagull -- "Photograph"

it's a small world

Today was the press conference down in Philadelphia and apparently I was on the nightly television news channels. (thanks to all of you that sent IMs and phone calls.) I'm glad I decided to participate in it even though it made me realize that sometimes I am not the best public speaker.

Right now I'm on duty, (aka death on a Thursday night) and I'm eating my leftover steak from my lunch with my dad at Chilie's earlier today. I am usually not a fan of Chilie's at all, especially their steaks, but it's pretty damn tasty. Oh, and since I was going to be jobless for the summer I have decided to fix that for once and all.

I have just accepted a job with the Press of Atlantic City newspapers. (aka the 7th largest newspaper in NJ.) I will be interning with their "At The Shore Guide." It shall be grand because I was looking to get more experience in the journalism field, plus I will be closer to my friends and my sir! AND I will be getting in touch with the souf Jersey scene and hopefully attending some pretty sweet events in Atlantic City.

My sir and I booked a vacation to Disney and I'm super excited! We are going from May 24 - May 28. We are thinking about going to Gator Land if we decide to bother renting a car.


I also am thinking of hitting up a spa and I'm thinking of either going to The Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs or The Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa just because I think the Ritz-Carlton Spa in Orlando is going to be way too expensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions on other things I should not miss out on while down there?

let's duke it out at kilkenny katz'

News Update:

I have no housing for this summer so I have to move back into my parents house.
I will no longer be working at FMQB after mid-May.
I will no longer be music director of WYBF after mid-May.

Playlist of 03/19/06

Ariel Pink - - "Creep Show"
Loose Fur -- "Hey Chicken"
Eels Live With Strings (@ Town Hall) -- "Trouble With Dreams"
Rogue Wave -- "Publish My Love"
Envelopes -- "I Don't Even Know"
Ambulance Ltd -- "New English"
Mates Of State -- "Fraud In The 80s"
Caroline -- "Sunrise"
Sound Team -- "The Fastest Man Alive"
Appleseed Cast -- "February"
Her Space Holiday -- "A Match Made In Texas"
National Eye -- "Waves Of Love"
Elected -- "Would You Come With Me?"
Centro-Matic -- "Triggers And Trash Heaps"
Editors -- "Munich"
Band Of Horses -- "Wicked Gil"
Duke Spirit -- "Cuts Across The Land"
Eastern Youth -- "The Hill Of Hope"
Matt Pond PA -- "Spring Provides"
Calexico -- "Yours And Mine"
Vague Angels -- "The Princess & The Newt"
Magneta Lane -- "Broken Plates"
Stereolab -- "Vodiak"
Measels Mumps Rubella -- "Algorithm of Desire"
Mason Proper -- "A Chance Encounter"
Eastern Conference Champions -- "Nice Clean Shirt"
Sounds -- "Queen Of Apology"
Wolfmother -- "Dimension"

being sick = listening to mates of state all day

Ever since I was young, I hated being sick with a passion and things haven't changed.

On Wednesday while working FQMB land I felt like my brain was exploding and a hacking cough didn't make the fact that I was trying to rush to get things done so Joey O. could interview Karen O. of the YYY's by 5. Let's just say, I'm glad I was sick because I felt like I couldn't accomplish anything properly - and I really didn't accomplish anything properly.

But on a sadistic side note, enjoying being delirious due to a high fever can have it's fun points. For example when I later took a shower that night, it was an intense experience of multiple dimensions...you actually feel each drop of water beating down on you, and then you start to think the water going down the drain is making kind of a song. (Note: when I took my temperature this morning, I was still feverish..so please ignore the weirdness in this post.)

Anyhow, I guess the moral of the story is that since I am banned from leaving my apartment from suffering a fever + hacking cough + a million other things I can complain about, I might as well try to find something positive to my illness. AND I get to listen to the new Mates of State album all day, because seriously...how could one feel sickly and unhappy when listening to the musical stylings of the happiest couple I know?

Although I have been banned from leaving my room for a while, I did venture out for a bit to meet up with someone from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation yesterday night. (Yes, that's right I said the Marine Corps)

Don't worry, I'm not going to enlist or anything...my dad actually was a Marine for 2 tours during the Vietnam War and as a result I was eligible for receiving scholarship money for college from the Foundation.

I met up with the member of the Foundation because I was chosen to be a spokesperson for the Foundation this year. I will be making a speech at a press conference at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Plus I will be attending their annual ball, and it's a black tie formal event, tickets are $200 (or else I'd throw out an invite for people to come with me.) I guess once I get better I better haul ass to the King o' Prussia mall and find myself a pretty new dress.

oh. so. delicious.

A Place In Displacement

After a in-depth discussion with my dear friend Kayla, I've realized that I am becoming an old lady at such a young age. Not old as my age because everyone will agree that being only 20 years young should be the least of my problems. It is definitely the way I act that is alarming.

It wasn't until examining my life as of recently when I came to the conclusion that I have become old and boring in my ways. I haven't been to a show in weeks. (This is a bad sign because I used to average at least 2 shows a week this time last year.)

More evidence to me being an old lady was a recent conversation with my lady friend Ayden last week:
Ayden: "Christine, will you come to SXSW to help out with the Fader party?"
Me: "Umm, is there a place for me to crash in Texas with some other people?"
Ayden: "Yeah, we have a condo for everyone."
Me: "Oh geez, this is too much for me to digest...let me get back to you later."

I later texted her back to say I didn't have enough money for a plane ticket. (which is not a lie...I'm broke as shit and still don't have enough money to afford the things I need - see post below.) But the sad thing is that last year I would have a way; sold some body parts, borrowed some money...Anything to get my ass down to Austin and see my dear friends.

Is it that I'm giving up on the dreams I once had this time last year of conquering the music industry and finding a sweet job? Or maybe is it that my aspirations are changing because instead of going to some conference I'd rather sit in my apartment and set up job interviews for real jobs. I think my career goals are choking me and the scary part is that I still haven't realized what exactly my careers goals are.

Whatever I'm doing (being music director, being A&E editor of college newspaper, working at one of my various jobs) I think I'm always being under appreciated. I think people aren't quite understanding what it is I'm trying to achieve.

Case in point...The bulletin board I just spent a better part of my afternoon making. (*gasp* Yes I am also a resident assistant at my college *gasp*)



Will anyone really notice the screenshot of Franz Ferdinand from their latest video (see upper-right-hand corner in below picture) I included?


Of course the students at my school wouldn't appreciate that, and the reason why is because half of them probably don't even know Franzy upon sight.

Which brings me to my next point that Kayla and I realized...We are stuffing our brains with useless information. As a result of us knowing that Diego Garcia is in fact a very sexy Argentine man and a military island...And as a result of us both owning "The Great Indie Discography" have we made ourselves unable to communicate with our peers?

The truth is that I should have seen this coming. I actually enjoy sitting in my apartment at night and reading Shakespeare for fun. I actually pile my CDs into little piles on my desk at work with each pile having a category of: "Things I Enjoy" and "Things My Co-Workers Will Enjoy" and "Things I Am Forced To Enjoy So I Can Write Happy Reviews Of Them For Work." And God knows that my "Thing I Enjoy" pile is getting smaller and smaller.

Although this seems like just a lot of bitching, there is some good news. Things for me are about to take a major turn in a whole new direction. I can't divulge the details right this second, but believe me...Good days are sure to come. I swear.

I Turn My Camera On

These are my new Versace glasses:I had to sign up for a new credit card just to afford them. Although they were mighty expensive, I think that's just the price you have to pay to be fashionable nowadays.

Rest Your Head

This morning I woke up at the crack ass of dawn to get ready for work. My eyes were barely open because I spent half the night awake wondering if the rest of this year was going to turn out the way I had planned. Although I was having troubles seeing, I did manage to notice that when I was in the shower I was in fact spitting up blood.

That's nice.

I think while I'm home for break I'm going to see a doctor about this in addition to possibly getting some sleeping Meds.

Playlist of 02/19/06 Radio Show

Elefant - - "Lolita"
Destroyer -- "Painter In Your Pocket"
Sounds - - "Song With A Mission"
Ladies - - "Empathy On A Stick"
Elected -- "Would You Come With Me"
Polysics -- "SuperSonic"
Lady Sovereign -- "A Little Bit Of Shhh (AdRock Remix)"
Controller.Controller -- "Heavy As A Heart"
Spoon -- "I Turn My Camera On"
Witnesses -- "Stole My Room"
Belle & Sebastian -- "Funny Little Frog"
Editors -- "Munich"
They Shoot Horses Don't They -- "Hiccup"
Dogs Die In Hot Cars -- "Celebrity Sanctum"
Ester Drang -- "Everyone Is A Victim"
Eagles Of Death Metal -- "I Want You So Hard"
The M's -- "Plan Of The Man"
Eames Era -- "Got Your Note"
Noisettes -- "Monte Christo"
Mylo -- "In My Arms"
Lilys -- "A Diana's Diana"
Tegan & Sara -- "I Know, I Know, I Know"

If you're in Atlantic City this weekend and bored:

My sir joined a band. Go see them if you're in Atlantic City this weekend and are drunk and need something fun to do. (Yes, I don't date doods in bands, but this is not his serious band...so I guess I'll let it slide.)

unfairness at its best

So today while like everyone else got to listen to new track's by the Yeah Yeah Yeah's from Interscope lady, I was in my cubicle wondering whether or not I should run out to my car to get my lollipop to eat.

Damnit damnit damnit. In other news, their new track "Gold Lion" is not what I expected.

Oh, and I might be lending my talents to a friend's band. I always said I would never join a band, and now look at me. *le sigh*

good news!

So last Wednesday I was in my (newly cleaned) radio office, checking my email. As usual there were a zillion story assignments and questions about stories due to my editor job on the college newspaper.

I was really tired and rubbing my eyes and saw an email that said something about employment. I was about to erase it, thinking someone had emailed a story idea to me that I couldn't use when I noticed it was coming from the administrative assistant from my prior internship with FMQB.

To make a long story short, I am now being employed by FMQB and my first day back will be this Wednesday. I'm super excited.

Playlist of 01/30/06 Radio Show

Colin Meloy -- "Charlie"
Colin Meloy -- "Baby Song (Live)"
Clearlake -- "Good Clean Fun"
Elefant -- "Why"
Pavement -- "Stereo"
Saint Etienne -- "Stars Above Us"
Black Wire -- "Hard To Love Easy To Lay"
Clientele -- "I Can't Seem To Make You Mine"
Strokes -- "Juicebox"
Wolfmother -- "Dimension"
Jesus and the Mary Chain -- "My Girl (Temptations Cover)"
Elected -- "Would You Come With Me"
AIDS Wolf -- "Spit Tastes Like Metal"
Arctic Monkeys -- "When The Sun Goes Down (Fake ID Remix)"
Kills -- "No Wow"
Wrens -- "Built In Girls"
Gossip -- "Jealous Girls"
Mancino -- "Your Number's Up"
Jenny Lewis -- "Melt Your Heart"
Idlewild -- "When I Argue I See Shapes"
Rocky Votolato -- "The Night's Disguise"
Liz Durrett -- "The Mezzanine"
Romantica -- "Oscar Wilde"
His Name Is Alive -- "In My Dream"
East River Pipe -- "Crystal Queen"
Jets To Brazil -- "Your X-Rays Have Just Come Back From the Lab..."
Plastic Constellations -- "Best Things"
Russian Futurists -- "These Seven Notes"
Kaito -- "Driving Manual Auto"

Playlist of 01/22/06 Radio Show

Metric -- "Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)"
Cat Power --"The Greatest"
Pretty Girls Make Graves - - "This Nocturnal House"
Saint Etienne - - "Side Streets"
Okkervil River - "For Real"
Liz Durett - - "No Apology"
Mates of State - - "Fraud in the '80s"
East River Pipe - - "What Does T.S. Eliot Know About You?"
Kraftwerk - - "Pocket Calculator"
Elefant - - "Lolita"
Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins - - "Rise Up With Fists!!"
Decemberists -- "Red Right Ankle"
Plastic Constellations -- "Phoenix and the Faultline"
Elected -- "I'll Be Your Man"
Diplo -- "Golddigger Remix"
Clearlake -- "It's Getting Light Outside"
Gossip -- "Standing In The Way Of Control"
White Stripes -- "Walking With A Ghost"
Delta 5 -- "Mind Your Own Business"
Sia -- "Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix)"
Action Action -- "The Game"
Morricone Youth -- "Bonniewood"
Test Icicles -- "All You Need Is Blood"
Minus The Bear -- "Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse"
Wrens -- "I've Made Enough Friends"
DFA -- The Unreleased Britney Spears Track !!!W#%#ER!!
His Name Is Alive -- "I Thought I Saw"

dcfc does snl

I'm was not impressed.



Maybe it was me imagining Ben's voice cracking as the chorus kicked into "Soul Meets Body" or maybe I'm just some prick that cannot be pleased with any performance anymore without picking it all apart. The performance of "Crooked Teeth" at least brought a tiny smile to my face.

And I can't judge them based on what they sound like on a television show.

P.S. - Maybe I wouldn't be so cranky and judgmental of their performance if I hadn't spent 9 hours in RA training earlier today.

Movie Reviews: Casanova & Memoirs of a Geisha

I found myself sitting in a movie theater twice this weekend. Although I do like to think that I'm a big supporter of the the theatre movie arts, the sad fact is that I really only go to the movies like twice in three months. Lately there hasn't been anything released that has really grabbed my attention.

On Friday I saw Casanova with J. Clark. Seeing this movie was a complete accident. J. Clark is not the type of guy I usually would imagine to accompany me to see a romance like Casanova, but it was better than him dragging me kicking and screaming to see his choice of Hostel.

Casanova was one of those feel-good movies. Everyone ends up with someone to love at the end. Now even though I like to think life ends up that way, it rarely does.

Thus, I didn't end up thinking too highly of the movie except of the fact that the evil bad guy villian from Die Hard With a Vengence was in this movie. Holy crap, why exactly is Jeremy Irons in this movie?




Then last night I hung out with Krista and again I accidentally ended up at a movie. After trying to eat some crazy brownie thing at a local restaurant we decided to catch Memoirs of a Geisha.

I've been really excited for this movie to be released and I'm surprised it took me so long to finally hit up the theater to see it. I bought the book a few years ago while thrifting and it's been a favorite of mine to pick up and read when I come back to visit my parents house.

Now I'm not a huge fan of books being turned into movies, but I must say Memoirs of a Geisha didn't turn out so bad.



A few key things I think they should have kept the same in the book as in the movie:
- Nobu needs to only have one arm. (he wasn't repulsive enough in the movie.)
- I think Sayuri needed to keep the Cheif's handkercheif the entire time and NOT throw it off a side of a cliff.
- It needs to be better explained that Sayuri's sister was turned into a prostitute.
- Dr. Crab needs to be portrayed as the sicko that collects the blood of virgin's and not just some random old semi-dirty dude. In the book, he was creepy....like creepier than the construction worker that tries to talk to me everyday.