How to join the 21st century and the 80s in one fell swoop
Sorry to not post forever, and then write a book, but I tend to dislike saddling people with my groanings, so I spare you that, at least ...
I went to NYC this weekend, as my brother and his wife lives up there, approximately 8 blocks from the old CBGB's. I had an awesome time!
My bro Kurt and I had brunch, then did a mad shopping run for about 3 hours Saturday, during which I bought a cheap cute purse, 1/3 of a 30-gig Ipod (2/3 was my birthday present: Tell me, what sense does it make that an 8-gig Nano costs the same as a 30-gig that plays movies???), and a pair of tall, shiny lace-up black leather boots THAT FIT for $80.
Then I went to get my hair done by the most wonderful hair stylist ever and sister-in-law that I had the good fortune of my brother falling in love with. Members of Interpol and Moz have both been done in Heidi's salon, called Whistle (definitely recommended if you are in the area: they do take walk-ins, cuts start at $70.) It is now awesome and red and black (more black this time), and unbelivably well-suited to begin a new government job next Tuesday (*sarcasm*). I just realized looking up the link why I recognized the owner of the salon when I met him for the first time: He has done hair on Queer Eye!
That night, we went to Mercury Lounge on Houston to see a a band called Fields, which I really enjoyed. I have no idea what genre of music it fits under, (I'd say in the realm of Interpol but slightly folkier, or Kent but harder, I dunno ...) but for some reason, there were a few guys throwing up the horns! When they rocked it out, it was actually pretty hard and good, like My Bloody Valentine, but definitely not at all metal. Three bands opened, first one of which we missed, one that I will try hard to forget, (Page France, I think, blegh ...) and another that was amazing called School of Seven Bells. I wanted to get their CD, but they didn't have any ... :(
Afterward, to get back to my roots and to do a bit of promotion, I went to the monthly goth/industrial/whatever night on Bowery called Contempt, right next door to the old CBGB's, which was quite crowded, but a good atmosphere nonetheless. It actually looked like a goth club, something sadly remiss in the age where you have to fit your night into someone else's decor. Syndrome is the only night whose promoters were lucky enough to find a place that reflected the theme of the evening. YOU SHOULD GO ... TUESDAY NIGHTS. The people I talked to at Contempt were pretty cool, and the music was not too different than here, as in a small amount of actual goth, more hard industrial intermingled with girly twirly songs, with the exception that in 2 hours, I did not hear Depeche Mode OR New Wave. Crazy huh???
Afterward, limped home in my not-quite broken-in new boots ...
Sunday, we ate crepes, then relaxed with the dogs in Tompkins Square Park next to the Hare Krishna tree, went to a flea market, wherein I bought an itty-bitty Maurice Sendak book about a boy who doesn't care, and a little tchotke for my sister. Then my bro loaded up my Ipod with some music, including the new Star Industry, Killing Joke, quite a bit of metal, etc. My first Ipod, geez I've finally joined the 21st century.
Music opinions based on gifts received for my birthday:
Star Industry is by far better than Sisters ever could be: Blasphemous I know, but damn!
The brand-new Dark Tranquillity rocks a lot. You will throw up the horns in your car, I swear!! :) Added plus: The singer's kind of hot ...
Check out Nick Cave's new project Grinderman: Imagine Crime and the City Solution's less melodic tracks, mix in some dirt and grit, and Cave's natural genius. Take the ride once, seriously!!
I was sad to leave and return to daily drudgery, but my kitties were happy to see me, as was their litter box! I'm happy today, and going to work on being happier more often ...