Alamo Drafthouse

IS COMING TO NY & LA IN 2011/2012!

Most Listened of 2010

1. Serafina Steer- Night Before Mutiny
2. Tennis- South Carolina
3. Arcade Fire- Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
4. Tallest Man on Earth- The Wheel
5. Joanna Newsom- Good Intentions Paving Company
6. Best Coast- When I'm With You
7. Horse Feathers- Thistled Spring
8. Seabear- Lion Faced Boy
9. AA Bondy- Of the Sea
10. Strand of Oaks- End in Flames
11. Fredrik- Black Fur
12. Hurray for Riff Raff- Junebug Waltz
13. Alela Diane ft. Alina Hardin- Rake
14. She & Him- Thieves
15. Miike Snow- Animal

(Here are songs from my 2009 and 2008 list if interested)

Thanksgiving

Being a nomad for the past couple of months has been quite a bohemian adventure although the feeling of settlement is longed for (I'm far from that). I had drinks with a dear friend a few weeks ago and we talked about the joys of being young. At this point of my life, all I have to worry about for now is myself, my bank account and my continual thirst for life. It may sound irresponsible (or even selfish) but I have been taking careful discipline. My ultimate goals and dreams never leave me. I believe that taking things one step at a time with positive energy and a strong mindset will lead to extraordinary places, as many have done so in the past.

I've learned that complete knowledge is a vanishing point. Searching for the meaning of life and happiness is a lifestyle we are destined to walk upon. And in this search, I have met many artists who are walking along a similar path. Although it's an internal struggle for all of us, it's great to have friends who understand and support you.

One of the most pivotal changes in my life was when we were encouraged to call our college professors by their first names. I didn't think much of it then but it subconsciously affected my maturity. A painting teacher had once said that we are all colleagues. There is no hierarchy. The purpose of school is to dedicate ourselves in finding our inner artistry. He, himself, is only a mentor who's to guide us but we have the option to follow. As human beings on earth, we are here to educate one another without the silliness of age, rank or class division.

I am eternally grateful for those who are walking alongside me in this journey. There are a selective few who have taught me a lot in the art of life thus far and it motivates me everyday. I cherish each and every friend I have whether we still keep in touch or not. Art is "one of man's highest aspirations" (Irving Stone, The Agony and the Ecstasy) and I'm glad I'm not the only one who agrees.

Men in Tights

Cure for a bad day: a dose of Mel Brooks.

Waking Up is Hard To Do

I couldn't help posting this. Neil Sedaka recently wrote a children's book and I'm definitely going to get it! Why? Because Neil's music always brings the sun back on a rainy day. His genuine humility, brilliance, and love for life reminds me that there are truly amazing people out there, even if you think you're stuck in a mud of people you dislike. I hope to always remain warm and cheerful as Neil.

Not to mention, his sense of humor is great.

Ripoffs and Landings

Earlier this week I met a girl named Remi and we started talking about music right away. She told me that her little cousin was watching Annie for the first time and exclaimed "Annie ripped off Hard Knocked Life from Jay-Z!"

And then Remi told the mother that she oughta be ashamed of herself.

Learning music at an early age taught me to appreciate the origins of sound. Its roots are often forgotten and originality is lost. I am very thankful to be surrounded by people who can bring color to all sounds. I get annoyed when credit is given to the wrong people, especially with music nowadays that is stealing or heavily influenced or uncreatively sampling or "inspired" by others.

Here's a list. My friend Grace compiled an even bigger and far more interesting list if you want to check it out!

1. Picture Book by The Kinks= Warning by Green Day

2. Close to You by The Cure= Handstands for You by Chairlift

3. Straight to Hell by The Clash= Paper Planes by MIA

4. He's So Fine by Chiffon= My Sweet Lord by George Harrison= Silver Lining by Rilo Kiley

5. Best of Both Worlds by Van Halen= Celebration by Kool and the Gang

6. Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie= Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice

7. Obladi Obladi by The Beatles= Why Don't You Get a Job by Offspring

8. Sweet Little Sixteen by Chuck Berry= Surfin' USA by The Beach Boys

9. Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry= Fun Fun Fun by The Beach Boys (double wham)

10. Pocketful of SunshineI Natasha Bedingfield= So Happy I Could Die by Lady Gaga

11. If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof= Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani

12. Boadicea by Enya= Ready or Not by The Fugees

13. Supersonic by JJ Fads= Fergalicious by Fergie

14. Mandy by Barry Manilow= Razorblade by The Strokes

15. Hotel California by The Eagles= We Used to Know by Jethro Tull

16. Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies= Walk On by U2

17. Father and Son by Cat Stevens= Fight Test by Flaming Lips

18. Foreigner Suite by Cat Stevens= Viva la Vida by Coldplay

19. Matthew & Son by Cat Stevens= Mad World by Tears for Fears

20. Parce Que Tu Crois by Charles Aznavour= Breathe by Blu Cantrell

Ever see the film Mr.Holland's Opus?

Library of Congress

Clip from All the President's Men.

My Roommates

L to R- Mr. 280, McMike, Ms. Mix, Chimes, Callista, Jermaine , Abacus Finch and Deidre Dolce.

Mr. 280- He's married to Mrs. 282 but they've been separated for the past 5 months. She's currently living in Fresh Meadows with my parents. Even though the missus is only a model younger, they're practically identical.

McMike & Ms. Mix- These two are best friends and work on the road a lot. They travel at least twice a month to keep record of the finer sounds in life. They enjoy traveling, music and having an open eye & mind to just about anything.

Chimes- Chimes is a beautiful lap harp. Along with her sister Deidre Dolce, they emigrated from China to the U.S. They first stayed at a mart named Wal and later was adopted by Sir P.Duffy.

Callista- Callista grew up with Jermaine in Brooklyn, NY. Though she is often referred as thumb piano, she prefers kalimba better. This tiny heart-shaped baby loves listening to the band My Brightest Diamond. Her all-time favorite song would have to be Woncha Come on Home by Joan Armatrading.

Jermaine- Jermaine's origins are unclear but was mostly raised in Brooklyn. Toy pianos are a lot more mature than most people assume, and Jermaine is just the proof. He keeps his keys as clean and polished as they sound. He never once fail to brighten up anybody's day and has always been there for me. Our favorite past time is watching Flight of the Conchords together.

Abacus Finch- Abacus is not as musical as the other instruments, but is still one nonetheless. Shaped like a Chinese abacus, his primary purpose is to release stress with the studies of foot reflexology. As quiet as he may be, his muscles are as strong as a rock and will never let you down when it comes to a good foot massage.

Deidre Dolce- Literally meaning "sweet sounding", she has traveled long and far from the Appalachians to China to New York. Though limited to the D chord, Deidre does not let anything stop her from continuous sweet sounds. She especially loves Irish hymns, especially the song Rosin a Bow. Deidre is currently looking for a fellow dulcimer to court with. (Applications inquire within).

Maybe I'm a masochist, but sometimes I miss you hurting me.

Summer Night

Midnight
Kayak
Three hours
Full Moon

And a great friend.