I just found an interesting new band - Yeasayer - an alternative band from Brooklyn. I checked out their video for the single "2080" in between watching Torchwood and Doctor Who. Liked seeing astronauts play baseball on Mars. :D Anywho, Yeasayer will be playing a free concert in Minneapolis this July - first come first serve. ( The e-ticket is to the right.) I intend to be there early. But you have to print off a special invite coupon from The Current. It's well worth one's time to see these guys! If you can't make it, hope you enjoy the vid!
Okay, I am not going to go on about Sesquicentennials or anything. I would prefer to discuss more positive things like Atmosphere coming out with a killer album and Jesse Ventura with another book.
Atmosphere's new album is the most eclectic and ambitious album they have put out yet! Not to put down any of their previous work, because it is all superb. But this album, if listened to in full, seems to hold onto an element of the previous track quite well. And rather than soul-less MP3 tracks buy the actual album! The artwork, story,extra DVD, and lyrics are a nice bonus! I almost FEEL like I stole these extras paying what I did! Worth much more - but ya gotta entice buyers! ( So get one already! )
Jesse's book is excellent in that it is truth. And my life in East Phillips would be very different had he not been Governor. Would we have light-rail? Probably still be talking about building the first line. And Governor Pawlenty was against light-rail until it proved popular. The "train to nowhere" statements were just utterly wrong. And Representative Sviggum's statements in Jesse's book speaks volumes about the current state of the Republican Party.
The CIA chase in Cuba, the CIA in Minnesota, the CIA just about everywhere. Aren't they a bit paranoid of Jesse and the anti-two party sentiment in America? But the CIA is meant to cement the current power, not stand up to it. And Jesse remains a steadfast threat to this system.
My only complaint about Jesse's book is that you can't read it through all at once. Each chapter begins with his a linear experience of him and his wife in Mexico, but then cuts into his experiences prior to and during his Governorship of Minnesota. Reading about these political moments can get true Patriots outraged - only start reading the next chapter in Mexico again. So I recommend reading one chapter a day and reflect on it until the next chapter.
The clip I am including on my post was heavily enjoyed by those on break when it appeared live on CNN. It was almost like Jesse was back in office! And I'd prefer him over Coleman or Franken!
I am taking my copy of this excellent book to the MOA tomorrow to get it signed. And I will be getting their on LRT that wouldn't have been built without him. Heck, the entire Twin Cities transit system would have been gutted by now without it. We wouldn't even have a transit sales tax in ANY county. I would be contemplating a move to Portland instead of staying in Minnesota - and am glad I don't have to consider that. I like it here!
I know that one can do a lot of searching on YouTube for obscure bands and come up with a lot, but other times nil. I listen to the Current but also run into many in odd ways also. I will go through some videos that are unique, creative, and yet still entertaining.
Mates of State - this band is awesome. I can't decide which video of theirs to put here, but will put one that perhaps is a good intro to them. I do like "Like you crazy" and "Fraud in the 80'S' Also. I can't remember where I read this, but someone described seeing them live and said they are practically making out through their music. They are a band to watch!
This is a bit zany, but it HAS to be seen! Imagine a disco music video with muppets! Yes, I know. Interesting. But I think the level of work in syncing the muppets with this song is incredible! And quite a creative endeavor!
Bat for Lashes is a bit Björk-like. Maybe that is why I dig her so much? But I like this video because it's dark, creepy, but has a simple beat and is emotional. It is also deserving of being seen, and perhaps is one of the best independent music videos of 2007.
Scissor Sisters are big in Europe and the UK. I didn't know who they were, and was introduced to them by watching Doctor Who with the evil Master singing to their tunes. Anywho, they are disco-like. I'd say they are like a newer Bee Gees.
So it all started with an e-mail message from the Wedge Coop. ( who, if you know me, you know that I love the Wedge! ) Anywho, it was a message stating there was a drawing for those who are on the Wedge e-mail list. I entered immediately, because Josiah was with his mom and the Kyllonen family that weekend - I could actually DO something - especially if it is offered. And what was offered were tickets to the 10th year celebration of the local artists known as Heiruspecs.
Lo and behold - I won! Okay, I am sure many others did because the Wedge co-sponsored the event. I am told to go to the door and let them know I got free tickets. Since I had two tickets, I didn't know who to invite. I initially considered asking a co-worker, but didn't because they wouldn't have that day off in time ( I got the original e-mail offer only that Tuesday - and knew I won on Thursday ). So, I called up Leah Seelhoff and thought she would enjoy hanging out - especially as her two kids were with relatives for the night.
And that worked out great, because we both decided to take the #21 there and back. We even walked from our block to Lake Street to catch it on a fairly chilly night. So, there we are at the corner of Snelling and University, 8:45PM and there is already a line! And it is FREEZING out - this is the chilly Minnesota that non-residents think occurs year-round. I am counting my blessings that I wore a hat and gloves - as many others in line were not so fortunate to have such foresight.
9PM rolls around - why haven't they opened up the place? We are beginning to huddle now - but still in a line. I have edged up to the building, face against the bitter wind. Leah finds this situation completely unreal. Many others complain that this is just insane and that they have never had to endure this for any show. This all while the line gets longer and longer - down past the CVS pharmacy - perhaps around the corner.
9:05PM and it feels like an eternity! One young man behind us in line is earing a t-shirt only - not hat, gloves, or coat! It made one shiver just watching the poor ( yet quite unprepared ) man endure such harsh conditions! I was thinking "This damn better be a good show!" having never heard of Heiruspecs, though after I do realize I must have heard them on 89.3 The Current at some point. My feet were freezing and I began hopping up and down to increase circulation to my extremities. And with as many people waiting, I felt like this was definitely worth waiting for if they were tolerant of the situation.
9:13PM - the doors FINALLY open and start letting us in! The line begins to move! I remember the time because freezing like that makes one a bit anxious. My feet felt frozen and I am thankful when I get indoors to get them de-thawed. Leah thankfully wore some warm boots.
As soon as entering I found the merchandise stand. I had to own a piece of this night and purchased their 10 year anniversary CD. I am so glad that I did because they were much better than I had expected! I even liked the opening act "Power Struggle" & "The Show is the Rainbow." I also snagged a free book by the guy who got us tickets through the Wedge: Barth Anderson. His book is "The Patron Saint." I plan to read it when I get through my nonfiction craze.
But before the show, I had some drinks with Leah. Bloody Marys. Never had them before and decided I liked the tomato spice flavor. The lower level at the Turf Club is a nice find! One has to locate the stairs to get there. Lovely random book collection - selling for $1 each and Leah was taken on on particular book!
We then went to a veg-friendly Vietnamese/Thai restaurant ( on the corner of University and Pierce St.) across the street - because we were both hungry( our bill came to $22 with tip - my fave #). We did NOT wear our coats because we would find food nearby - and we did. But MAN was it cold out! And I am happy to have had my fill because it was yumminess and could now enjoy the show properly - with utmost of attention.
Minutes after getting back, we maneuvered our way to the front of the sold out show. Then enjoyed the opening bands - one from San Francisco and the other from Omaha. Leah noted that those at the show were very young for those she usually attends - college age or barely 21. So, Heiruspecs has a large local following.
There were many who could not handle their liquor. One guy started getting bad - he starting fighting with someone and I helped pull the primary culprit away - with others. A few minutes later he grabs both my arms and yells "Let me go! Let me go!" I thought this hilarious because he was holding me and not the other way around. "I'm not holding you!" To which he replied "Let me go!" All I could do was laugh until he was grabbed by some others. Leah almost though she might have to intercede, and am glad. Either way, I thought it quite humorous, barring the possibility of a physical altercation.
All I can say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed their refreshing sound. They are a different sort of rap/hip-hop group - they seem like a mish-mash of other bands that work perfect together! Those who played the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone really do look their part. The energy they had was monumental. They are quite a treat to see!
I went to see The Streets at the Fine Line in downtown MPLS. They rock! Heard some tracks from his new album that I hadn't heard yet. Wish he'd come back here, don't know what I'll do until then. Listen to something put out by the Rhymesayer's crew! :D
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