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Nick's Blog Nick Comaratta '15 is a freshman blogger from Buffalo, NY, who is undeclared in the Leavey School of Business. He is excited to live on the opposite side of the country and explore the Northern California music scene!
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Monday, May. 14, 2012
I am a terrible person. I've been unfaithful. I've been busy canoodling with the likes of Twitter, Tumblr, and even, ugh, Facebook (puke) rather than giving you all the love you deserve. But I have a promise for you and I swear to uphold it: it is Week 6, meaning we have right around 5 weeks left in the quarter, and dare I say, year. Over these next 5 weeks, I promise to be the best blogger I can be, which to be honest, is pretty amazing. I promise to post at least once, if not twice a week. I'll even one up that: I promise to provide you with at least one picture a week. The songs of the week will be better than ever, and I will even throw in a little ditty regarding a recent album I've been digging. Is that enough to make up for my infidelity? I hope, cause it's all you're gonna get.
Anyway, crazy, crazy stuff has happened since I last spoke to you. I might as well start with what concerts I have attended because, as they say, I'm a pretty chill bro. On January 28th I attended Wilco at the San Jose Civic Auditorium. I was given everything I expected from a Wilco show. A very true to form, solid folk rock concert with a few bright moments. No "I am Trying to Break Your Heart Though," which is a tad bit sad.
Next was Los Campesinos! on February 10th at the Great American Music Hall in the city. Nothing like a solid indie pop show to get the blood flowing, eh? (I'm from Buffalo, which is essentially Canada… Imagine if Canada offered the US $10 for any city, they would probably give them Buffalo and nobody would notice.) Halfway through the show I declared my love for one of the indie gals in the outfit, but upon further review the next day, she was just "meh." Her vocals were pristine however, which I guess makes up for it. Anyways, check out "You! Me! Dancing!" and you'll understand how fun I had.
Our next show brings us to Picture #1: Cloud Nothings. Honestly, if you haven't listened to Attack on Memory yet, you need to. Easily will end up on my year-end top albums list, if not most of the major music blogs on the blogosphere. It's a harsh, rough, garage punk album that shows signs of late teenage angst and heartbreak. This is due to the leader Dylan Baldi. The kid isn't even able to drink in our country, yet but he's released three great albums in less than three years. He's dead center of the picture of my friends and I below. The show: mind blowing. We were front row and the leaders of the mosh pit. Essentially, Attack on Memory has been me and the bros' go to album this year. We all love it and we bond over it. The live rendition of "Wasted Days" possibly changed my life. In addition, Chaz Budnick of Toro Y Moi was present which was cool.
Now we go from indie darlings to, well, the best band in the world… Radiohead. Yes, you are reading that correctly, I have seen Radiohead. I have seen Thom Yorke's slim and sexy ponytail. I woke up at 10 AM on a Saturday to get tickets and nearly almost didn't get any. Anyway, I got them. And thank God. From the instant they went on that fateful night at the HP Pavilion, I knew I was in love. Before Thom even opened his mouth, the show was mind blowing… And then he did stretch his jaw, and the arena went into a whole other dimension. Not only was it Radiohead, but it was Radiohead on a great night. I witnessed "The National Anthem," "Karma Police," and, yeah get ready, "I Might Be Wrong." Yeah, I saw those. How badly do you want to cut out my brain and place it into your head to just have my memories of that show? Try to get a mere glimpse of Thom Yorke's guitar riff at the end of "Bloom" and you'll get a good idea of what I'm talking about.
After this I was slated to see Bon Iver, the Shins, M83, and Neon Indian in a span of six nights. Instead, I saw all of them and more by securing my spot in a car down to Coachella Weekend 2. I went to Coachella with 4 chicks. Not only that, I went to Coachella with 4 sophomore chicks. How cool am I? Honestly, yeah. Anyway, some highlights from the weekend: The Rapture were probably my favorite show. The sheer instrumentation of that group was spectacular. The mixture of saxophone and dance rhythms made my weekend. A cute girl even tried dancing with me but I said, "(Hell) no, I'm trying to enjoy the music." That would be funny if it weren't true.
Following them up for best show was, yeah, Radiohead. Do I need to say anymore? Really? Okay but just cause you're a "Paranoid Android." (Chill references!). Anyways, I went from the Shins, into Bon Iver, into Radiohead. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me honestly? That's really all I can say, because anything else might make me blackout.
Third but certainly not least was the Horrors. While all the bros, I mean this in the Urban Dictionary sense of the word now, were off seeing Swedish House Mafia, I was chilling in the Gobi tent checking out these English rockers. "I Can See Through You," "Endless Blue," "Still Life," and the closer "Moving Further Away," were all equally mind blowing and I have given Skying many a thorough listen ever since witnessing this show.
Following these shows included Jeff Magnum (more awkward denial of random chicks included), The Black Keys, Real Estate, the Vaccines, tUnE-yArDs, Neon Indian, Girls, and I even saw 2Pac. I was alone for probably 90% of the weekend, and I even got on the jumbo tron dancing by myself at the Destroyer show. That's how dedicated I truly am. Anyway, overall, the weekend was equally mind-blowing and equally hot. It was 105 degrees every single day in the desert heat. I will admit that I even "bro'd" out a bit because it was simply my only choice. I would not have survived had it not been for my choice outfit of lax pinnie+bathing suit each day.
After driving through the night on Sunday to make it to class on Monday, I was running on five hours of sleep in 36 hours when I attended the M83 show at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Monday night. Now that might seem a little overboard, but hey I missed them at Coachella and had tickets already soooo…. Yeah I went. Anyways, another great show, cowbells galore, and surprisingly enough "Midnight City" was the least powerful song of the set.
Well, after all of that, what else have I been up to? Well, I have come full circle and purchased a record player for my room. Yes, a record player, to play records, made of vinyl, on. Picture #2 below is a brief glimpse of my already growing record collection. Currently the most spun albums easily are Radiohead's In Rainbows and the xx's debut album xx. \
My sister is engaged… But nobody really cares cause she's the middle child.
Anyway, I guess that is pretty much it from my camp. I look forward to conversing with you over the last five weeks of school, and I sincerely apologize again for my lack of love. Check out the hip of the hip below and follow me on tumblr I guess… thewarbegun.tumblr.com.
Hipster Song of the Week:
So what if I already name-dropped Toro Y Moi earlier in the post? His newest release, June 2009, features more guitar led tracks (which he recorded in his early days) than his more recent chillwave releases. But don't let that give you the wrong idea about his guitar abilities. The man can play the guitar. And the way that he shapes his riffs around the lo-fi bedroom feel of this album is a blissful combination. Add in some laid back horns to top it all off and you've got some catchy tunes. On this track, "Girl Problems," his lyrics reflect the age he was when he recorded this album. Boyish lyrics such as "just let me see one more smile," work perfectly over the playful guitars and bopping basslines. It's essentially the perfect little May track to enter you into the summer.
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Monday, Jan. 23, 2012
Annyeong! After last week's mega-post, I figured we could cool things down this week and just "chill." Not possible.
First…to the band. We are no longer called Nix Chix. Or should I say, I am no longer known as Nix Chix. This is because Nix Chix no longer exists. Here's what happened: At our weekly band practice from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Wednesday, things kind of blew up. I was ambushed upon my arrival as the lead guitarist and keyboardist decided they weren't happy with the "direction of the band." They said I was taking too much of a lead role and not letting them add much of their own song writing. This is partially true but in the long run, I am the talent. After arguing for a while, we mutually agreed that it was best for them to go back to working as musicians for the hit TV show Crime Scene: Scene of the Crime starring Sarah Marshall and Billy Baldwin. The costs of stardom... Then our bassist left in a cordial fashion like at the end of That Thing You Do. Where is Tom Hanks when you need him.
Anyway, I am now officially a one-man band and therefore no longer hold the band name Nix Chix. I will henceforth be known as NYC. All tour dates will hold their standing. Look instead for intimate acoustic shows rather than the rock your socks off shows we originally planned. Expect a first single to drop soon.
In other news, my birthday is coming up. It's Tuesday, January 24th. I expect a text message from all of you. Yes this does mean I am an Aquarius, and no, I don't have a Facebook so don't even think about writing on my "wall."
I have unfortunately taken up a terrible habit from my mother. Like she did my entire childhood, I have begun falling asleep on the couch in my common room only to wake up the next morning utterly confused. I would bet that 50% of my nights are spent this way. Thanks Mom!
With regards to my love life, I have made multiple steps forward in my wooing of the three females who have caught my eye on campus. Well I guess they haven't really caught my eye considering I can't look at them without violently vomiting due to nervousness. But the other day I was able to walk by one of them without passing out. Maybe I'll be able to look at them next time or maybe even wave/smile. But I don't want things to move too fast.
I rearranged my room and have decided that if I fail miserably in the BUSINESS field (highly likely) I will be an interior designer. I have arranged it so I have a solid 6x9 square feet of open space for activities and my daily meditation.
That's all for me. Talk to you next week after my mind is slain at Wilco. Annyeong!
Hipster Song of the Week:
Here is The Big Pink, an electro-duo hailing from London. With the recent release of their second album Future This, they have gained my attention and are fighting very hard to keep it. The top track from the record has to be "Hit the Ground (Superman)." First of all, let me say that songs with parentheses in the title are exponentially better. See Portugal. The Man's latest record, Arcade Fire'sThe Funeral, and a guy named Sufjan Stevens for further clarification on this topic. Anyway, this track is both pop and rock in a daring style. While it is floaty and catchy with its rhythms carrying most of the load, there is a slight acoustic guitar that shadows the track all the way through. The song itself reminds me of not wanting to fall off the "Superman" at Six Flags Darien Lake as a child. Just listen and look it up and you'll understand.
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Monday, Jan. 16, 2012
It has been way too long. Way too long.
The last time we spoke it was November 17th and the Buffalo Bills didn't seem as bad as they do now. Also, I released the opening tour dates for my band Nix Chix for next summer in support of our upcoming LP (more news to come next week!). Anyway, a lot has happened since then, so let's get down to it as I listen to The Shins.
1) I got really really sick. It was terrible. And worst of all, my mom couldn't come and make me feel better. So I was subjected to yelling at all the girls on my floor telling them to make me feel better. It surprisingly didn't work as well as I thought it might.
2) I went home for Thanksgiving Break. My dad questioned my fashion sense after seeing my skinny jeans. Then I bought more skinny jeans. Hooray!
3) After a week of class, I headed up to the big city for the first weekend of December. On Friday, my face was slain by My Morning Jacket. Literally, it was as if Jim and Co. took a whip and slapped my face right off. Contrary to popular belief, I did not break down and cry during "I Will Sing You Songs." Saturday I got to witness the glory that was Wye Oak and Local Natives opening for The National. Seriously, check out "Sun Hands" by Local Natives. Amazing.
4) Exams. Chill. #college
5) I returned home with one bag of way too many clothes. Within the first week I saw The War on Drugs in Ithaca, New York and My Morning Jacket again at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Needless to say, my mind was blown yet again. The last show made it six MMJ shows for the year and nine in the last 18 months. 6 and 9. Chill.
6) I got even more clothes for Christmas.
7) I traveled to Montreal with my friends for a few days. I naturally made a fool of myself in public per usual. Ask twitter.com/opatkinson for the details.
8) I got a haircut. My hair flip is gone. (for now)
9) After jamming out in my basement and saying goodbye to my electric guitar and keyboard, I returned home to Santa Clara for Winter Quarter. I had two bags full of clothes upon my return. #fashionista #maxinista
10) I was unable to get tickets to Coachella even though I was on the website at 10 AM exactly!
11) My music blog went through some face-lift changes and is now located at thebluebasement.blogspot.com after we decided the name needed to be changed for marketing purposes.
12) I have fallen in love on campus… With multiple girls. I don't know any of their names yet. And we haven't actually talked. But I feel like there might be some real chemistry there once we do chat on AIM. More to come later.
13) We're gonna skip 13 cause it's an unlucky number and I don't want to ruin my chances with the girls I mentioned before...
14) Somebody skillfully posted my number on Craigslist selling an iPad for $100. Props to you. I am still receiving calls and texts daily. In the words of a wise man, "I'm not even mad…that's amazing."
15) Finally, I tweet. A lot. twitter.com/nicholasyames. Be ready for an eclectic mixture of humorous chants and depressing lyrics.
That's it for me for now. Check out the Hipster Song of the Week below and follow the rest of my musical musings at thebluebasement.blogspot.com.
Hipster Song of the Week:
The. Shins. Are. Back. Yes, it's true. They're actually back. James Mercer and the new lineup will release their fourth LP (and first since 2007's Wincing the Night Away) Port of Morrow on March 20th. Mercer leads the crew into the new Shins age with this first single entitled "Simple Song." This is a classic cut from the musical genius that is James Mercer. It maintains the same DNA of every Shins song: it sounds like every other Shins song while sounding completely different at the same time. This track has towering vocals and a toying guitar in the background. It samples pop features while having the trippy moments that were so heavily featured on their last release. It is something we've never heard before, but at the same time it sounds like the past (and Natalie Portman). I've pre-ordered the album and I suggest you do the same. 3/20 can't come soon enough!
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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011
Last week I alluded to the fact that, yes, I do in fact resemble Ashton Kutcher. In response, I was flooded with a flurry of questions in both my email inbox and on Twitter. Naturally, the most commonly asked question was, "Do [I] have any acting experience?" Well, yes, I do in fact have some acting experience. Way back in May of 2010, I starred in the role of Gatsby in the indie (of course) film, the Great things Gatsby desired, produced by RedHotYames. You can check out my debut on screen here, and as always, you can email me or tweet @ me if you have any additional open roles for me to star in. I am still holding out for the boyfriend/husband role next to Natalie Portman in No Strings Attached 2, though…Both because I look like Kutcher and because I'm in love with her.
More importantly, the news that you have all been waiting for… Yes, my band, now called Nix Chix, will be headlining our first tour next summer in order to promote our forthcoming debut album (TBD). Check out the dates below including the two night stands in both NYC and Des Moines (due to popular demand) and the tour’s finale in my basement with my up-and-coming other band THE SOLO CUPS… The bands opening for us are listed next to the city.
6/9 - Buffalo, NY (with the Solo Cups)
6/10 - New York, NY (with the Strokes)
6/11 - New York, NY (with LCD Soundsystem)
6/12 - Boston, MA (with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)
6/13 - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (with Arcade Fire)
6/15 - Toronto, Ontario (with Broken Social Scene)
6/16 - Detroit, MI (with the Beatles)
6/17 - Columbus, OH (with The Black Keys)
6/18 - Louisville, KY (with My Morning Jacket)
6/19 - Chicago, IL (with Wilco)
6/20 - Des Moines, IA (with Tenacious D)
6/21 - Des Moines, IA (with LCD Catsystem)
6/22 - Marco Island, FL (with Surfer Blood)
6/23 - Minneapolis, MN (with Zooey Deschanel)
6/24 - Eau Claire, WI (with Bon Iver)
6/25 - Kansas City, MO (with the Kansas City Cheifs' Marching Band)
6/26 - Enderlin, ND (with Anamoose Public School District Jazz Band)
6/27 - Big Sky, MT (with Jim Salestrom)
6/28 - Denver, CO (with John Denver)
6/29 - Halawa, HI (with Russell Brand)
6/30 - Austin, TX (with Neon Indian)
7/15 - Santa Clara, CA (with Girls)
7/16 - Portland, ME (with Nirvana)
7/17 - Portland, OR (with Fleet Foxes)
7/18 - Seattle, WA (with Pearl Jam)
7/19 - Reno, NV (with the School of Rock)
7/20 - Tijuana, Mexico (with Pancho Villa and the Mexican Raiders)
7/21 - Albuquerque, NM (with the Shins)
7/22 - Tokyo, Japan (with Asia)
7/23 - Melbourne, Australia (with the Naked and Famous)
7/24 - Atlanta, GA (with Michael Vick)
7/25 - Amherst, NY (with the Solo Cups)*
*IN MY BASEMENT
Please come out and support!
In addition, I would like to clear something up. Apparently one of the girls who lives in the suite above me has been complaining about how I call myself a "hipster" on this blog. First of all, I am not a hipster, I add in those verses simply for comedic effect. I simply have some hipster qualities like my attire and musical taste. However, I wear Sperry's and don't smoke cigarettes, so therefore, I am not a hipster. You can read about my view of hipsters and more on my poorly made analytical hypertext for my Critical Thinking and Writing Class here.
If you have anymore problems with me, girl who lives above me (I think we will call you "Liz"), you can come down here and settle it in a fair and civilized manner… either with arm wrestling or with a one-on-one Super Smash Bros. Mele match. Or my dad could simply beat up your dad… You choose. Also, if you could not dance so much while listening to Justin Beiber… it sometimes disturbs me when I am doing my bikram yoga.
In conclusion, I found something really cool on campus the other day!!!! Apparently it's called a "library" (I think the word might come after the Spanish term "livery," which of course is where they used to sacrifice the liver of cows on campus before sporting events back in the 1960's). It is filled with books and other interesting and cool stuff. I go there to play my GameBoy now cause it's super peaceful and quiet.
Anyway, check out the Hipster Song of the Week below and follow me on Twitter and email me with anything else.
Love,
Ashton… I mean Nicholas… Sorry that happens all the time.
Hipster Song of the Week:
Don't be turned off by the title… You will do anything but stay still while listening to the top track off of the electro-pop duo's newest EP Nightlife. With it's drum machine rhythms lead in by the female-voice sampling, Josh Carter's always smooth, always deceptively simple guitar riffing is introduced after a quick pop from the brass section. Let Sarah Barthel's voice carry you up to the chorus, where she slyly mocks the title singing, "keep your body still." While musically upbeat and groovy, the song's lyrics act as a personal psychiatrist, inspiring you to get over everything from your drinking problem to your inability to stop shaking in bed. This track is tasty, and I can just picture Sarah (first name basis, obv.) dancing at the keyboard in the drizzling rain on day two at Lollapalooza… Myself and everyone else there still finds her very attractive.
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Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011
I'll be honest. I look a little like Ashton Kutcher. No, a lot, lets be real. I know the awkward, "turn around and look happy to be having your picture taken," shot that headlines my name here doesn't show it, but I do. Accept it. Problem is, since I've been to California I've kinda let this idea get to my head. It's becoming a problem, that's all I can say for now. More to come.
In other news, Wilco is coming through San Jose in January and I have officially purchased tickets. "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" is my most played song so far since I have been here and yes, for those of you who are wondering, I can play it on the guitar so yes, it might fit into some setlists on my upcoming world tour (details coming soon!). In other music news, I have officially begun blogging solely about music on the interwebz. The link is a little obscene I apologize, but in the spirit of Halloween and Donnie Darko I'll simply say they made me do it. You can check it all out, including my very emo interpretations of songs/albums, at http://www.babybackbullshit.blogspot.com.
Super Smash Brothers has become my latest video game addiction. It simply amazes me that a game made in 2001 can still be played on college campuses ten years later. I started off as a well-known "n00b." My original character selection was easy: Mario. I went back to my Italian (Sicilian, really, but we usually get a bad rap considering we are the rock that Italy kicks all the time so I like to bend the truth) roots and chose my fellow greasy nosed brethren. My "Up-B" attack was a strong damage maker and I began utilizing the "C-Stick Up" finisher towards the end of my tenure with the only character related to Snooki in the game. However, like all rising stars, I grew out of my comfort zone with my original character. Mario was simply too basic and beginner; I found myself searching for more during games. My projectile attack simply wasn't cutting it versus the likes of Fox and Samus and I didn't have a strong enough deflector move (the magical yellow towel wasn't cutting it, no wonder we lost in WWII). Therefore, on October 26th, I made the decision to switch my loyalties over to Falco. A press conference was held, the audience gasped, tears were shed, you get the deal. Unfortunately, much like after the Stanley Cup in Vancouver earlier this year (if any of you even know what that is), riots broke out in Sicily when they awoke to the news in the early morning. I've now been told that the country is in a full fledged Civil War, with half of the country supporting Mario and half supporting Luigi for apparently "being the better looking of the two brothers." Apparently a small band of pregnant women are supporting Yoshi in the conflict but not to much avail.
Finally, to the news you have all been waiting for. After an overwhelming response (somewhere between 2 and 3 of you voted, but we can't be sure whether one of the responses was an automated computer generated response), I am ready to announce my Halloween costumes from this weekend. On Friday, I went with an audible and chose to dress like a hot guy from the hit teenage drama based in New York City, Gossip Girl. I looked good…let’s be honest. Saturday I went with the classic: a hipster. With my cardigan, skinny tie, stretch fit pants, Converse Sneakers, thick-rimmed glasses, and messenger bag, I looked good. I guess "fresh" is the best way to describe how good I looked. I even had to call everyone into my room to show them how good I looked. Finally, for the official Halloween, I decided to go as my newest character in Super Mario Brothers, Falco. Nobody could really understand why I kept shooting them with my Nerf Gun and lighting myself on fire and screaming "FALCO HUH."
Hipster Song of the Week:
The Black Keys are back and it seems they are getting back to their roots. This song isn't the poppy groove that "Tighten Up" was. No, this song is classic TBK. With a groovy guitar riff coupled with Patrick setting the tone on the skins, Dan Auerbach still manages to sound badass when he sings about loving some chick who made him unfortunately shave his face. The affected vocals have always been integral to the Black Keys mindset and the backing vocals in the chorus only add to this aspect. This song is in your face and the only way I can truly describe it is just by saying that it kicks my butt every time I listen to it. I like to jam to it when I warm up for Super Smash Bros. matches. I've worked it into my pre-match rituals right in between thumb stretching and opponent character analyzing. The video IS classic. Enjoy.
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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011
Week five is in the books. That means I am officially halfway through the first quarter of my college experience. Only eleven and a half more…that is if I graduate on time, which is not exactly likely (I love this place too much to leave!). We can put the over under at 14 and a half more quarters until I graduate. That seems pretty fair.
Most importantly, the band has been going through some major developments. First off, we are no longer known as “the Gnats.” This is simply because we have added members. In addition to myself on lead vocals/rhythm guitar with Marcia on backup vocals/lead guitar, we now have Carol and Jan from room 208 on drums and keyboard, respectively, and Cindy (who likes to refer to herself in the third person) from 210 on bass guitar. Unfortunately, Cindy decided to leave the band after two days of practice once we decided on a new band name, which makes Nick very upset. For some reason she did not oblige with the name "Nick and the 2nd Floor (word that rhymes with toes)." Weird. If anyone out there plays bass guitar and refers to himself or herself in the third person and is a female living on second floor of Sobrato let us know. Please. In addition to adding new members, N2FH (our acronym) has also purchased a space to record right off campus. We expect to fill it with some really chill posters and this is where we will be storing all of my Grammy's once we win them.
(The above names have been altered to protect the identities of the individuals)
With regard to my own guitar playing abilities, I am still annoying the entire floor with my unknown indie jams and some little diddies I worked up myself. I did however, decide to appease them by learning a "corporate" song by beginning to play "Time to Pretend" by MGMT. Sigh. The things I do for the Brato.
I officially retired from playing video games. There was a press conference, I cried, and my retro white Sabres jersey was retired. Then…an unforeseen event…I came out of retirement. This may have had something to do with our purchase of FIFA 2012. However, once I won my first game, I decided to retire again. Then, in an even more unprecedented event, ESPN began reporting the next morning that Didier Drogba and Petr Cech (he wears a helmet so yeah, he can spell his name differently), both of my club of choice Chelsea, were seen getting off a private jet at the San Jose International Airport. Later that day, Yahoo! Sports reported that I had yet again un-retired. Unfortunately, there are no massage therapists or sideline reporters involved in FIFA 2012.
Halloween is coming up and apparently you need three different costumes for all three nights over the next weekend. I am trying to choose between three options:
- I can dress like I do every time I go out. Then, when people ask me what I am, I can just say a hipster. My costume would look perfectly believable. Messenger bag and all.
- Considering at least 75% of the females on campus will be dressing as some scandalous version of a feline, I could do the same?
- I could go the opposite direction of Option #1 and simply dress as a corporate bro. A quick trip to Hollister and $300 could do the job.
Wrapping things up, I got ahold of the newest Cosmo for this month. All I can say is that I learned a lot about my body. A LOT. Read the issue if you don't know what I'm talking about. Oh and I grabbed the newest Seventeen Magazine as well and learned a lot about how to get Luscious Lips without breaking the bank. Look out Lana DelRay (Corporate or not? That is the question).
One final thing. I must confess. I watched Coldplay on the Colbert Report. Gasp. I know. See you next week and don't forget to suggest me some costumes. Bye Mom. Love you too.
Hipster Song of the Week:
In our first two editions of HSW we reached out to two mainly electronic and shoegaze bands in The Rapture and M83. This week, we will get back to our guitar based indie roots with a great track off of New Jersey band Real Estate's newest LP, Days. The album as a whole gained the acclaim of "Best New Music" and this track in particular especially helped. With its swirling guitar jam at the beginning, "Green Aisles" is clearly driven by the square jawed, tight bass line. Once Martin Courtney's soothing vocals step in, the jam abruptly ends with a quick change to cool down strumming of basic riffs and then seamlessly blends right back into the psychedelic jam that once was. The song barely spans over five minutes but feels as though it could last, and even describe, an entire lifetime. If only Anthony Soprano Jr. had been able to access this song before getting drunk in middle school gym class or breaking into his high school's pool. Do the, "wasted miles… and careless lifestyles," refer to their New Jersey home? Who knows? What we do know, is that this band is on the cusp of something great. They may be a must-see in San Francisco this coming November. Especially with Big Troubles on the bill as well.
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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
Well, it's official – Rush for the sororities here at Santa Clara is now over. And no, I didn't get into my first choice…or second…or third. Don't ask. Let's just say that it's not my fault people in California don't think wearing pink ribbons in your hair is cool like we do back East. I gave my Greco-familial connections a shot at least (I told you I would write about you, Aunt Patricia).
Anyway, things are progressing well here in Silicon Valley. Since the end of Rush, there was a highlighter party. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a gathering of hardworking students determined to utilize multiple shades of highlighting in their textbooks. Instead, I got drawn on with highlighters. On the bright side (get it?), my new white button down from Forever 21 now has some character, incase I need to go to a black-light party…which, of course, a party where students all exchange notes using black-light utensils.
Thanks to my neighbors next door, I have also become addicted to the show Gilmore Girls since my last post. Really though, I would normally joke about something like thism, but the show really is addictive! I find it to be a nice study break…well, one that lasts for three or four episodes. If you're not familiar with the show, imagine The OC, minus the inability to cast actors within five years of their character's age, mixed with 7th Heaven, minus about seven or eight family members and all the religious happenings. Right now we are just past the point when Rory and Dean sadly, and finally, break up, since Dean could not compete with the luxury of Rory's new life at Yale. Rory has now begun a romantic relationship with upper class and fellow Yale student Logan, who likes to creepily play with her hair at dinner. In my own opinion, Rory gets around way too much for this show to be on the CW but that's just me. In addition, we are past the tumultuous episodes when Emily and Richard are separated (with Richard living in the pool house). Friday Night Dinners simply weren't the same without their loving, back-and-forth banter.
I've started wearing corduroy pants again, for the first time since I believe third grade. I am pretty sure that I haven’t worn them since then because kids made fun of me for wearing them, so I maintained an irrational prejudice against them until my recent adventures throughout the wonderful world of the Gap.
In conclusion, I've been wearing my retainer at night again, so my teeth are yet again straight. Thank God. I’m sure you all were wondering about that.
I also want to add on a new section, where each week I'll be posting an anti-corporate/indie/hipster/you've definitely never heard of it song for you all to enjoy. The first one can be seen below.
Hipster Song of the Week:
The continuous piano riffs and steady bass drum from indie dance-punk band The Rapture's newest LP In the Grace of Your Love have even caught the attention of my corporate roommates. It's that good. While being a very well crafted record top to bottom, this lead single is especially significant for the album as a whole. It signals The Rapture's return to their greatness of the early 2000's. After losing bassist Matt Safer in 2009, it was unclear as to whether the outfit would even return with another album. Now recording and touring as a trio, they still capture the some of the sound of their earlier records, but it definitely has a different feel. In the words of a hipster from LA, "it lacks the raw-disco feel of their earlier work." However, different or not, the record works, and this is especially evident with this track. With different choruses eventually overlapping towards the conclusion, all over the same piano chords, this song beckons to be seen live. Beckons. Too bad I missed them come through town a couple of weeks ago.
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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
Week Four has officially flown by here at Santa Clara. On the quarter system, week four is often refered to as the week of "early midterms." I definitely experience the “early” midterm aspect of the week with one on both Monday and Thursday, but who cares about that…let's talk Buffalo sports!
The last time the Buffalo Bills started a season four-and-one, a Texan lived in the White House…which admittedly isn't that long ago. In 2008, the Bills started off five-and-one wins over the lowly NFC and AFC West. However, a win over perennial Super Bowl contenders – the San Diego Chargers – inspired hope for the fans in Western New York…until Trent Edwards (who?) fell apart and we finished seven-and-nine. Nevertheless, we are four-and-two now, with a loss on Sunday to our cross-state rivals, the Giants. However, there is a different feel to this team. We have beaten the Patriots this season, whom we haven't beaten since that same Texan was President – though his approval ratings were definitely higher back in 2003. We even, fingers crossed, might have some semblance of an NFL quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick (I'll give you ten dollars if you can name all the quarterbacks who started for the Bills since Jim Kelly). Anyway, things are looking up for the Bills, at least for now. The season in 2008 showed how quickly things can turn around. Either way, Go Bills!!
Also, the Sabres are off to a solid start. After winning both of their opening games in Europe, they came home to lose to the Canes at home, but then bounced back with a win at the Crosby-less Penguins. Thomas Vanek has a point in every game. They come into town to face the Sharks in early March and my voice will for sure be heard at the HP Pavilion. Nobody here cares about hockey like we do on the East Coast…so that's about all I'll say.
P.S. Apparently it rains in California. Nobody told me that when I signed up to come here.
Mainstream and commercial showcased indie rock band The Black Keys have slated the release of their second album in just nineteen months for December 6th. Entitled El Camino, you can learn more about the new album at wannabuyavan.com (in typical Black Keys fashion of course).
Sigh, what else has been going on...Oh right, my voice sounds like that of a mid-pubescent Justin Beiber wannabe. Why? Maybe I haven't been washing my hands like I should before I eat. I might have dropped a Cliff Bar on the ground and still eaten it. But it definitely has nothing to do with the fact that the fire alarm in my suite goes off every twenty minutes causing me to lose sleep. Everyone on my floor is suspicious of me smoking cigarettess in my room, but I assure them, I only smoke electronic cigarettes so it's impossible. It's fixed now, but everyone this weekend got to know what I sounded like way back in the 8th grade…which was fun.
Finally, I elevated my hipster status to Code Super Anti-Corporate. Saturday night, on a trip to Santana Row, I went to Urban Outfitters, and yes, purchased a messenger bag. It's lovely and I look super chill with it on. Oh, and in addition, I bought fake, thick-rimmed hipster glasses to wear over my contacts. They don't have a prescription but they do have UV protection, which is obviously the only reason I bought them. I expect to have no friends upon my arrival back home in Buffalo.
That just about wraps it up around here. Check out our song of the week below and you'll hear from us next week (talking in the second person = chill).
I also want to add on a new section, where each week I'll be posting an anti-corporate/indie/hipster/you've definitely never heard of it song for you all to enjoy. The first one can be seen below.
Hipster Song of the Week:
Finally. Finally, it has come. The newest album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming by Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez's dream pop band M83. I have been spinning this track and dancing to it's riffs essentially in my sleep since it's release in July. I don't know, I don't think anyone does, what that noise is coming from throughout the song, but who cares, it captures your attention along with the deep synth vibes on top of some shoe-gazing guitar work. Its spookiness is classic M83 and is just in time for Halloween. Listen for the extensive saxophone solo at the end to guide you into the next track. To grow a gross beard/mustache combo in order to get into their Over-21 show in November or not to? If I could I would. I guess that's probably embarrassing. Just listen to the song.
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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011
Week two is pretty much under wraps. Before we get into life at school, I'd like to recap some musical happenings from this week as I listen to Wilco's newest album "The Whole Love."
First, I have purchased my tickets to see My Morning Jacket in San Francisco on December 2nd…the Friday before finals week. A stretch it may seem to most, but Jim James' soaring voice and Carl Broemel's guitar shredding will certainly get me in the mindset to answer questions on my Women in History exam.
Unfortunately, I missed out on Portugal, (the comma really does belong there I swear) the Man at the Avalon in Santa Clara on Wednesday night. That was a bummer. I popped by the radio station on campus in order to begin volunteering and found out that in order to become a DJ, I need to review upcoming and unreleased indie rock albums… Sigh, the life that I have to live here in California.
Lastly, I have started a band with a girl on my floor. Our initial name is The Gnats, though it can change. We are going for a Iron & Wine/Zooey Deschanel sound, minus the ridiculous eyelashes (although my eyelashes are rather long, I must admit). For our first show we will be covering Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson on the Grassy Knoll for Sobrato Residents only next Wednesday… People here love Jack Johnson… Chill. Details on our debut, deluxe, double, full length LP and our world tour next year will be released sometime this fall, exclusively through this blog.
So back to school, I mean I guess that's a little important considering that Father is paying a decent amount of money for me to be here. In addition to our 65 inch screen T.V. in our room, we now have an Xbox. I am admittedly not a video game person, but NHL 2010 calls to me. If you hear a scream on Sobrato Floor Two that sounds something along the lines of, "MILLER," don't come by because my goalie just let in a weak goal and I'll probably throw my controller at your head. But if you hear a loud scream of exuberance complimented by The Rapture's newest album in the background, pop on in.
Delivery from the Bronco has also proven to be a downfall as well. This is a service that takes the Bronco's food (hamburgers, pizza, mozzarella sticks…your basic junk food) and delivers it to your room for no extra charge. You order online and choose your delivery time. In fact, I believe I will order some now. I deserve it though, because I did just back from the Gym. Apparently being a guy and using the exercise bike isn't "cool" and "hip" in California because I received many a dirty look. Or maybe I was singing along to Big Troubles' new album (Required Indie Hipster Underground Band Name Drop) too loudly. Either way, Biggie > Tupac (or however you spell it).
My Razor scooter arrived the other day. If you haven't heard, they're revitalizing urban/campus travel. By the time I'm done here at SCU the campus will look like Tokyo in 1999, there will be so many scooters zipping around. A nice addition: there is room for two, so if I need to take a girl on a date we can just scooter there. She just needs to provide some push support.
That's about it from me. Go download some illegal music, it is a privilege we do not have on college campuses. Sigh. (Kidding, of course…don’t do anything illegal)
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Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2011
The first week of classes…A classic college memory for everyone…filled with syllabi, poor shower time management, and, "this isn't my class is it?" moments. Let's get down to it.
Monday started off at 9:15am with Cultures and Ideas. A mandatory class, the University is certainly getting it's point across by filling a, "Women in History," class with a 6:1 guy to girl ratio. I'm used to this, though, coming from an all-male Jesuit high school. In fact, it's a very strange feeling being in a classroom environment with females. Last time that happened for me I was in 8th grade and Justin Beiber's age didn't include two-digits (does it even now?). Is it ironic that this first class was gynocentric? I think so. Well it's at least L-O-L-able.
Next was Calculus for Business at 3:30pm in O'Connor Hall. God bless air-conditioning. Really though, whoever invented AC needs to be canonized. Now. O'Connor is my only classroom without it and it was obvious from the first step I took inside. Compelled to look like a hipster, I wore pants because hipsters hate being comfortable. I no longer have the affinity to be a perfect hipster. Ten minutes into the sixty-five minute class I was sweating more than the OL's were at the Orientation Social. All went well though.
Tuesday and Thursday offer up longer classes, one hour and thirty-five minutes to be precise. That's a long time. Thank God both of my professors give us a quick break in the middle. I already asked my mother to send pre-packed lunches for these breaks in my first care-package.
Class one of the day began at 11:50am. Interestingly enough, I flew 2,000 miles to seemingly get away from my hometown… Only to find out that my English professor went to my rival high school and grew up in my neighborhood. Small world. It's a Buffalo thing…you wouldn't understand.
Right after was Intro to Business in Casa Italiana and despite popular belief, "Casa Italiana," does NOT translate to, "Olive Garden," in Italian. Class went well though. To start off our careers in the "Business World" we were each given a BlackBerry, Tesla Sports Car (Eco-Friendly San Francisco stuff), and the license to be arrogant and look down on anyone who isn't a Business Major.
In hindsight, week one went pretty well. Not too much work and not too much sleep. Mom, if you're reading, I am alive and have been feeding myself. I love you too. This is me signing off. PEACE, LOVE, AND BASKETBALL.
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