Arcane Ramblings

05 June 2007

Vietnam, Black Angels @ Troubadour, Fri. June 1 2007

If Jesus had a band, it would be called Vietnam. If Jesus played guitar, he would have been at the Troubadour Fri. night, opening up for the Black Angels. It's not that Vietnam played to any bible thumpers that might be in the audience Nay. Lead sing J(esus)oshua Grubb and his band of disciples fit the physical description of God's homeboy to a tee. It was kind of eerie. I mean, I'm Jewish and it was kind of eerie. In fact, I was so distracted by the likeness that I didn't even internalize any of the music. I'm sure it was inspiring.

On to the Black Angels, though. They certainly know how to throw down, whether you were on 'shrooms (dialogue below) or you were actually from the 60's, (as some in the audience surely were), it was hard not to appreciate the driving, pulsating rock that them Austin-based Angels manage to achieve. Still, in as much as they rocked and rolled, the show seemed to lack some magictheir last show at the Troub offered. Young Men Dead, usually a show-stopping, fire-brand of a song seemed to drag on without so much as an exertion of sweat from lead singer Alex Maas.Additionally, the band seemed somewhat out of focus. Technical difficulties near the beginning of the set aside, confusion rang out from some corners of the audience when a sitar made an appearance, only to sit upright, never to be played and taken off the stage. Using a sitar with their sultry sounds would have taken the show to the next level and help transfix those not already in an altered state.

Overall, though, an average Black Angels show was better, I'm sure, than what the Troub offered the next night. Besides the music, the evening offered ample amounts of entertainment, including this gem that happened on both sides of me.

Stoned Lady O' Troubadour: Hey [to keyboardist], you rock.
Well Intentioned Not Stoned Man: Her name is Jennifer
SLOT ooooh. You raaawk Jennifer. Is that you [pointing to the drum set picture]??
[she smiles, shakes her head]
WINSM: I think that's Nico.
SLOT: ooooh. You're funny.
WINSM: From Velvet Underground.
SLOT: HA HA HA HA. You got to here what this guy said.

She left. Not sure she made it back. Anywhere.

12 March 2007

Welcome back, me...

It has been four long months since I last looked at one of my photos and photoshopped the shit out of it. Since that point, Ive been offering up my services to all those who care to ask. Now, though, after some heavy drinking and a few conversations throughout this city of Angeles, I am returning to my old form with a new style.

The Arcane shop is re-opened for business and requests.

Be Arcane...

03 November 2006

Vanquished

Have you ever felt like the world melted away, if only for an instant? When was the last time you tried to vanquish everything that did not fit in your head at that moment, so that you found your desert island? Sometimes, we all need a little vanquishing.

Click on the image for optimal viewing.

03 July 2006

Independence Day

Taken July 4th, 2006 at around 1 am on the Santa Monica Pier. Apparently, a shooting occurred around 11:30 on the pier and cars were blocked from leaving the main entrance. About an hour later, police had captured four suspects, one of whom is seen below.

For optimal viewing, click on the photo to enlarge.