Sleater-Kinney, Stephen Malkmus + Jicks, and Quasi

Crystal Ballroom - 30 December 2005 - 9 PM

Finish easting just in time to get upstairs and grab a drink before Quasi takes the stage. Although I've got most of their discs, I am not as familiar with them as I should be. Fantastic but short set. They did play '7 Years Gone,' which made it onto my 'New Discoveries of 2005' mix. Also, a few new songs from 'When the Going Gets Dark,' due for release on 21 March 2006.

During the break, I meet up with K and E, who were a bit late thanks to the airport. We grab more drinks, and head upstairs to the balcony to try to get them a better view. Me, I'm tall and can see anywhere. Them, not so tall. Between sets, Calxico's 'The Blacklight' is on the PA. Fake Fur is on this CD, another tune that makes my 'New Discoveries of 2005' mix.

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks are up next. Although I should have their CD, I don't, and know of SM mainly through Pavement. Good show, somehow rockin' and mellow at the same time. We meander back downstairs for Sleater-Kinney. Again, Calexico during the break.

SK begins with 'The Fox.' I lose track of the set, but the do play 'Modern Girl,' the third song I have heard tonight from my mix. I was hoping to hear 'Oh!' from 'One Beat' as well, but no dice. Also, not much from my favorite SK album 'All Hands on the Bad One.' These gals rawk.

Head home, in bed by 1:30, sleep till 11AM the next morning.

The Fireplace

Slim E. cancelled our plans to hang out Sunday to work on the wine cellar, so I was left to my own devices. Perhaps you read about my omelet/chips and salsa?

At any rate, I figured there was nothing better than lighting up a fire in the fireplace, putting some good music on the ol' iPod, and curling up with a book. The tunes - Beck's 'Sea Change' and American Analog Set's 'Set Free.' The book - 'Garbage Land.' Just because it is taking me a long time to ready doesn't mean that it isn't good. And Alma for company. Cozy, comfortable night. Almost perfect, in fact. Almost.

I've had these two opposing song lyrics in my head for the past week or two. Sort of the yin and yang of my current situation. Here they are...

'In a dream, you were sitting there waiting by the door for me, and I got the opportunity, to experience the experience once again, how it could have maybe been. But do you ever ask yourself, how it could have maybe been?'

And...

'Your eyelashes, my neck, every nervous blink. Perfect.'

Too personal? Maybe.

The Joy of the Solo Sunday Matinee

I made a solo trip out today to Cinema 21 in NW PDX to catch an old French film, Elevator to the Gallows. Maddeningly beautiful cinematography, exceptional original score by Miles Davis, and it's only $4 for the early weekend shows. Quite the deal. This is considered by some to be the beginning of French New Wave cinema. Released back in 1957, Gallows was Louis Malle's first film.

Re-released by the folks over at Rialto Pictures in a new 35mm print, this was a treat to see. Check out the Rialto site for more info.

I was a little surprised by how full the theater was. Not jam packed, by any means, but nicely full. On a budget, I passed right by the snack counter. During the film, the popcorn smell was pungent. I also hadn't eaten lunch. I am not a huge popcorn fan, but this did smell pretty good. I was quite tempted, but was able to resist.

New blog

New blog. Same old me. Here's the diff. This blog, food, music, books, life, etc. The 'other blog,' what I eat on a meal to meal basis. Got it? Good. Read on, my friends.