Paradox Loves It

American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld

2009-11-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

I started reading this after Beth couldn't stop raving about it, and literally just put it down.
Curtis Sittenfeld - American Wife

I read a couple of reviews about the main storyline beforehand, but even if you haven't it's pretty obvious that the novel is loosely based on the life of Laura Bush. Obviously it's still a work of fiction and is extremely well written. I usually read 2 or 3 books at the same time, but I put all the others to the side while reading this.

Anyway - I definitely recommend this one.

And Beth - we can finally discuss it! :)

Tim Burton exhibition @ the MoMA

2009-11-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

I NEED to go to this!!!

Tim Burton

November 22, 2009 – April 26, 2010

Awesome.

November already...

2009-11-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few things I really want to do this month. After my two months of not really being very social or doing anything apart from working and going home I'm beginning to feel a little bored...

1. This exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum looks awesome: http://tinyurl.com/ybazkem
I love Rock photography, and this looks like a great collection of pictures. I am going to try to go this week with Rosie as I know she will like it too.

2). Ice skating... I say I am going to go every year but never do. MUST DO IT THIS YEAR! If anyone would like to join let me know and I will organise something.
Central Park
I would honestly rather do Central Park than Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center. There is more space.

3). Sonic Youth & Dinosaur Jr. at Terminal 5 11/21. This is the second time I will be seeing both bands this year - so excited! I'm not a fan of the venue, but there's not much I can do about that except complain anyway ;).

4). Discover more fun places to hang out in Brooklyn. I discovered Union Hall in Park Slope thanks to a Blacklist show last week (awesome show btw). It's really cozy inside, with an open fire and couches. It reminded me a lot of the pub I used to work in in England. I want to go back there soon. There are so many other bars and restaurants I need to go to in Brooklyn, so send me suggestions! I still love the LES but just can't stand being there on weekend nights, so I need other options.

5). Have dinner at Jonathan's new restaurant in LIC: El Ay Si

It's one stop on the 7 from Grand Central, so not far from the city and it's really pretty inside. I had brunch there last Sunday and am really looking forward to eating dinner there. The menu is full of delicious-sounding comfort food items. Like Black-eyed pea cakes with chipotle mayo and jalapeno sweet corn fritters.

Tonight - APTBS, Dead Combo, Secret Machines

2009-06-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Fantastic line-up - I can't wait!!

Blacklist - Midnight of the Century

2009-05-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Album of the week, month, YEAR?

I have been waiting for this one for more than a while, and am definitely not disappointed!

Midnight of the century was released on Wierd Records on May 26th, 2009. It can also be downloaded on iTunes and Amazon (links below). I would advise everyone to get it now, put it on your ipod and go for a long walk, digesting the album in one full swoop. It really is amazing.

After about 20 listens (yes - I have literally listened to this album non-stop all week) my favourites right now are Worlds Collide, The Believer and Frontiers.

Blacklist links:
Official site
Myspace
Facebook
Amazon
iTunes

Morning After Girls & Silver Rockets @ Santos 04/16/2009

2009-04-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to go to a different show on Thursday, but due to several circumstances did not, and ended up going to the Morning After Girls show instead, at the last minute (thanks Dana!).

Silver Rockets opened. I was wondering what the line up would be like seeing as Hannah happens to be in LA for Coachella, but Sarah Jane replaced her, and sounded really good. They played my favourite song - Hole in my Soul (someone kill me if that is not the correct song title). There is something beautifully heartbreaking in the guitar riffs in this song... I can't really find the words to explain tonight, but it gets me every time.

I am probably the last person on the planet to have never listened to the Morning After Girls, so I really didn't know what to expect. Well - I was blown away. They are my new favourite band as of this week, and wish there was a full album out for me to listen to non-stop. But I am excited to buy the first single off the upcoming album (out on Tuesday) - that should keep me going for a few weeks!
As usual it was the guitars that got me... Just listen to understand what I mean. I have posted somg links below the pictures.
There seriously is nothing better than discovering a new awesome band.

Morning After Girls Myspace
Silver Rockets Myspace

Tomorrow - Monokino, Cruel Black Dove & KRISTEENYOUNG

2009-03-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this tomorrow night @ Santos Party house:

It's an early show so don't be late!

Santos is located at:
96 Lafayette St
Manhattan, NY 10013

Doors @ 7pm

Glasvegas - Webster Hall 03/30

2009-03-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

What an amazing show! These guys definitely don't disappoint.

You know that feeling when you listen to a new band and you KNOW they are going to be huge? That's the feeling I got when I first heard Glasvegas. I missed them every other time they have played in NYC, so I was obviously really excited about seeing them. I'm proud I still have the talent to find the perfect viewing spot at a sold out event. (At Webster Hall it's up on the right balcony, overlooking the stage).

They sound was AMAZING, as was the light show. No pictures this time - I really was too busy enjoying the show to remember to get my camera out. James Allan's voice is really powerful and moving (even if you can't understand all of the lyrics). I kept getting goosebumps every 2 seconds and tears in my eyes... I can't help it if good music makes me all emotional!

Great band, amazing live. I can't wait to see how they progress and what their second album will be like. I am so excited for their future.

Check out their official website:
Glasvegas

Tonight!

2009-03-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Rosie and I have finally scheduled an evening out together!

So tonight it will be the following:
1). Dinner somewhere in Williamsburg
2). Seeing The Continental play at Union Pool
Union Pool
The Continental
3). Back to the city for some dancing at Darkroom

The latter only if I can deal with the drunk idiots. It's been nearly 3 months since I stopped drinking and I haven't braved the Friday crowds sober yet. Tonight is a test to see if I can make it without strangling someone.

Happy Friday!

Upcoming shows

2009-03-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

I am going to some really exciting shows in the next couple of months and will definitely end up blogging about them all!

March 30, 2009: Glasvegas at Webster Hall
April 1, 2009: KRISTEENYOUNG , Cruel Black Dove and Monokino at Santos Party House
April 3, 2009: Cold War Kids at Terminal 5
April 16, 2009: Throbbing Gristle at Brooklyn Masonic Temple
May 16, 2009: LEONARD COHEN at Radio City Music Hall

Anything else I should aim to see?

xxx

Francesa Romeo photography

2009-03-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

I frequent Francesca's bar very regularly and she happens to be one of the most talented people I know. She writes tremendously well and her photography is just amazing.

Francesca currently has a photography exhibition at the Daniel Cooney Fine Art gallery until April 18th. It's DEFINITELY worth seeing.

Daniel Cooney Fine Art
511 W. 25th Street
Suite 506
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-255-8158
Open hours: Tue-Sat 11-6

Check out Francesca's portfolio on her website here: Francesca Romeo

Tamaryn - Return To Surrender video

2009-03-08T11:06:00.001-07:00

Watch this!!

Tamaryn combines ethereal vocals to magical music - this music video really conveys her talent, style and the beauty of her music.
I am a huge fan if you didn't already know.

Cruel Black Dove @ Mercury Lounge 02/28

2009-03-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

I discovered Cruel Black Dove last year when they played with Saints & Lovers at The Annex. Dennis Cahlo had told me to make it in time for the opening bands because I was going to be blown away. I love discovering new bands and hearing new music, but I didn't bother checking up on them before the show - I was really just going to support Dennis.
Dennis was right - as soon as they launched into the first song I was mesmerized, and have been following them ever since that day. You know when you KNOW that a band is going to make it big? Cruel Black Dove are one of those bands. If you haven't heard them already, please check out the links at the bottom of this post because they really are a must-hear and must-see.

Saturday night. Cruel Black Dove were on second, and the venue was pretty much already packed. Meg and I got perfect spots in the front so I could take some pictures seeing as I am taking a stab at photography. Anastasia is a fabulous singer who doesn't mind showing emotion, and this time she didn't fail to deliver. I love bands who really put themselves out there on stage - it makes you feel more than just a spectator, but like you are actually part of the show.

They played a medium-length set and got the crowd moving with a pulsating beat and awesome vocals. Cruel Black Dove are a real band, Anastasia definitely leads with her stage presence and soaring vocals, but the other band members make it a whole experience, bringing together a harmonious sound, connecting sensuality and sensitivity with ferocity and tenderness. Basically the perfect display of contradiction that totally works.

New additions to the live show: 4 back-up singers dressed Anastasia-style, coming out for a couple of songs, hiding in a dark corner for the others. I liked the idea, but wish the stage had been a little bigger. When the back-up singers were on stage the guitarist was partially obscured behind them.

Cruel Black Dove were definitely the highlight of the night, and I think they showed how ready they are to move to the next level. I can't wait to see them get bigger and bigger! I am really excited for them.

Their next show is at Santos Party House on April 1st.

For more info on the band check these links out:
Official Website
Myspace
Facebook Band Page

Feed Your Head Rock Trivia!!

2009-02-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

My Monday nights wouldn't be the same without Feed Your Head Rock Trivia!
It's hosted every Monday upstairs at Piano's by Beth and Gina and you can always guarantee that you will have fun.
Three rounds of ten questions, many tough, some a little easier, covering rock n roll from its beginnings to today. Beth and Gina are awesome hosts, and the fact that they know how to put a good playlist together is an added bonus (think the Black Keys, the Gossip, Sam Cooke, Tom Petty, Nine Inch Nails...). Eclectic but definitely not random!

It's my favourite way to wind down after a tough start of the week at work. The food at Piano's is good and cheap (I am addicted to the nachos at the moment), the seating is comfortable and the teams can be as big as you want to be, although the prize for winning a round is capped at three beers and three shots.

Last week a large crowd of us went and split up into two teams - we ended up competing with each other and it got pretty rowdy. That's the best part in my opinion, especially when you are the only person to get the answer right!
Watch out for my team - the Ludlow Transit Line. We can be pretty lethal when we are on top of our game!

Every Monday from 8-10pm upstairs at Piano's (Ludlow and Stanton). There is karaoke straight after trivia, so after testing your rock n roll knowledge you can showcase your singing skills (or) to the crowd!

Feed Your Head Rock Trivia Facebook profile