Protect or Entertain?

self portrait
Originally uploaded by dragged to the future

How about both? This Crookers remix of "To Protect and Entertain" by Busy P has been out for some time, but I think it's about time that I posted it. Crookers have been striking hot lately with their remixes- this one happens to be my favourite.



They have glitched, sped, and pumped up this song as high as it can go. The original mix is pretty sick, featuring Murs. Maybe I like it so much because of all the LA shout outs...?
Here is the slow cousin to the Crooker remix, DJ Mehdi 's 99Rap Mix:



I actually just found this version today (curse me; I don't go on Fairtilizer for a week, and this is what I miss!) and I have to still say I prefer the Crookers' take on it, but it's probably because of the adrenaline that is surging in my veins when I hear it.

A few words about the artist in the feature piece today- she used rope lights to achieve this affect- she has loads more with it. If pen lights are on the rise ever since that Sprint PCS commercial, I predict rope lights are the subjects of the experimental photographic future. Click to check out the rest of her gallery, she has loads more that are just as interesting with more colors.

Hej hej,
ANY

Make Music Pasadena: 21 June 2008

I'm a week late, but hell- I'm here! I'll be brief about it. I went mainly to see The Raveonettes at 5:30 PM but I wanted to see what else was kicking, so I got there when it started at noon...

I arrived and snagged my free goodies- sponsors included Urban Outfitters, Filter Magazine (love), Dangerbird Records, and LA Weekly. I walked out with free CDs, Sea Wolf vinyl, Urban tote, free issues of Filter, and loads of other cool swag. Yay for being early! It was already cooking outside, a cool 101 degrees Farenheit, and a nice space with little shade at the bar calling my name as soon as I had my swag bag. First on: Plastiscines.

They're a Nylon-fueled favourite I had heard lots of good about, and though they performed at Coachella this year, they had a ridiculous time slot so they haven't really had their time to shine to the American audience. Hailing from the streets of Paris, this quartet's album LP1 has been on frequent rotation ever since their performance last Saturday. They remind me of The Go-Go's with a Parisian twist, every song packed with excitement and making you want to dance and singalong (even if you can't speak French, you can memorize and sing with their tune 'Zazie Fait De La Bicyclette' after the first chorus). They brought out a lot of the people from the shade to the front of the stage, and played the longest set of the day (their sound check went the smoothest). Here is a remix of their addictive song, 'Loser'. Be sure to check out their myspace for other original songs.

I waited for a bit for the "Special Guest" and it was bothering me not knowing who it was. After a sound check they finally started off with "Snakes and Ladders" and I kept telling myself, 'This is vrey familiar...' and I had to wait for the song to end (I honestly did not recognized who they were by looking at them) for the lead to announced that they "are Switches and are from the UK." Finally, a name, and I suddenly got excited because I had planned to go to the Nylon Music Tour that night with my friend, but obviously I decided to go to Warped Tour for a few more bucks. I would have only gone to see Switches and The Virgins, but I was happy to know Switches were on because I'd already managed to catch The Virgins live last October. Go me.

As for their performance, it was pretty weak. I usually enjoy everything I go to, but really. They didn't pull people to stand in the blistering sun to watch their performance like Plastiscines had managed. They were... well... stale. Maybe if it was a paid concert it'd be different? I don't care what band you are- a free or paid event, you better BRING IT 100%.

I took an hour break from the heat and skipped out on Division Day (I should have stayed...) but returned to catch The Little Ones. There was a huge increase of audience members, and it was their drummer's birthday that day (Happy Belated!). I hadn't gotten into many of their songs before except "Lovers Who Uncover" but their performance (which ended with that song) opened me to see what this LA band was all about. They have excellent stage presence, their lead talks to the audience between songs and keeps you interested. They look like they're enjoying themselves and do not carry this arrogance about them when they're on stage. Switches, please take notes. I'm looking forward to their new full legnth (damn me I should have taken notes- no I'm glad I didn't, I had fun)- and so should you. From the songs I heard, it's going to be fresh.

Autolux was on next, and the mad rush to get closer to the stage began as soon as The Little Ones closed their set. I didn't feel this excitement and I hadn't heard of them until about a week before the show (their song "Asleep at the Trigger") and I really didn't know what a fanbase they had until I got there. I figured they were a less popular Blonde Redhead- oh no, the LA trio is much more and very different. They had difficulties with their sound check- I could feel my skin starting to blister as the sun beams were eating away at it. When they started, I was mesmerized like I had been at the Blonde Redhead gig last October. So smooth, so rough, I can't describe it. I immediately donwloaded their only album, Future Perfect, as soon as I get home- I was surprised that for being a band for almost ten years they had only released one full legnth. they released a single, "Audience No. 2" and expect the new album later this year. Give a listen:

Finally I can wrap this baby up with the best performance of the day- The Raveonettes. For those who don't know, Sharin Foo, the female counterpart of the Danish duo is expecting a baby, so she has her sister, Loui, filling in for her. Naturally you would think that it would take away from the performance, but it was still an amazing performance. Loui did a great job, and I wasn't entirely bummed I didn't get to see but Sharin and Sune- Sharin was there! I feel like a little fangirl... after these years of listening to them it was an experience to finally see them. Truly interesting, you know what I'm saying? Not like when I was a child and I saw O-Town- that was an instant fadband thing. No, The Raveonettes are a credible, amazing band that I have been listening to for some years now. It was surreal. They really are an exsquisite live band- if they come to your area, you have to see them. No 'but's' about it, got me? Give a listen to their song "Aly Walk With Me" from their recent album, Lust Lust Lust:

Overall, this free event only cost me 6 water bottles and a gnarly sunburn on my back. It's still peeling... but yeesh, it was worth every moment.

20 June 2008: Warped Tour, Tre

As soon as Gym Class Heroes finished their set, I pushed past the people and made a b-line to the bar of the mainstage. I was determined to be at the very front for at least one performance. I had to wait for a grand 45 minutes before they came onto stage. The guy next to me was telling a story about how Stephen from Anberlin invited him to Denny's after a show once (he's in his early 20s F.Y.I.- not 15) and what a genuine set of guys these guys are. I was happy that I didn't die during the set like I thought I would for being in the front- the crowd was tame. This was my first live Anberlin experience, and they have great energy. No matter what tone the song is, you feel this blanket of comfort. I managed to get one good shot out of the whole performance of Deon...

They performed a new song for the crowd (I recorded the performance but I really can't be bothered with wrestling the YouTube servers at the moment) called "Bittersweet Memory" which will be on their upcoming album, "New Surrender," in September. I am really looking forward for this album (Jenn if you read this, do not murder me).

She's an Anberlin hog.

I had to rush out of the pit to get over to the OTHER main stage and see Every Time I Die's performance. It was insane. I thought I was going to be sucked into the mosh pit- so I was pretty concerned with my life at some moments than I was with the music. Unfortunate, really. I managed to get this:

The "Wall of Death"- not my cup of tea.

After this everything was pretty much a blur. I went to the Anberlin meet n' greet with the Anberlin Hog, then finally sat down for 10 minutes, the first time in hours, in shade. I had time to kill since The Maine had performed during the time I waited in line for Anberlin, but I eventually made my way to go catch Say Anything's performance. It was going great until the last 5 minutes or so of their set they were having a few technical difficulties and Bemis (I love that man; it's inconcievable) had to take it into his own hands by ending it with a stripped down, one-man-band version of his songs. Fantastic- his words still had that biting touch, not a soul left the crowd and were all in silence to hear his chalky acoustic guitar version of "Baby Girl, I'm a Blur." What a trouper.

Now, I would go into detail about my dehydrating experience out of the parking lot, but let's just say I made it home alive, as dry as a prune, and got enough rest to start the next day in Pasadena for the "Make Music Pasadena" free music event.

Van's Warped Tour was a thrilling day- it's very organized, I thought all the bands on the main stages would clash but it was just enough time to get from each side of campus. You get beyond your $30 + handling fees from Ticketmaster. If it's stopping in your town, GO!

20 June 2008: Warped Tour, Tva

Relient K were on my list of bands to see before I die. I have been a huge fan of their since one of my friends gave me their CD "Two Lefts Don't Make a Right, But Three Do" on my thirteenth birthday. I still claim that is their best album, and I love everything that they have done (even though Thiessen's lyrics have become a lot more serious compared to the Self-Titled album days). I was bummed at their performance. Yeah, I had a great time, but they played a load of their 20 minute set with songs off of "Mmhmm," my least favorite RK album. Nevertheless, I was still in awe of seeing them- it only took me five years. (By the by, this photo was not taken by me but my lucky friend, Jessica, who happened to be on the bar during their performance). They have a new 'album' getting shelved next week- "The Bird and the Bee Sides" which will include an archive of, whaddaya know, B-sides! Go to their myspace to listen to a few tracks off of it (I really really really ultra love 'The Lining in Silver").

I had a few hours to kill until my next performance I wanted to see, so I dragged on by to the Hurley.com stage and decided to be adventurous and listen and watch another performance I had no idea about. I felt embarassed, but I went ahead and asked at the end of the set who it was. This energetic, six-piece, all girl Japanese ska band from Osaka, known as Oreskaband, had everyone dancing like a fiend. Here is proof:

They were simply adorable- in between songs they did their best english to encourage us to dance. "Shake your booty!" they egged on, and caused a giant stir. Their set was also on my top for the entire day.

Cobra Starship was playing over at one of the mainstages still, I still had no clue where to go to kill a few hours until my next performance I wanted to see. I really didn't want to see Cobra, but I headed over anyways to go rest under one of the refugee tents, in a bunch of hot shade. I found a couple friends that I chatted with, and honestly didn't pay attention to Gabe's performance. It was so damn hot, I went through both of my water bottles (people, bring a backpack, with loads of your own water- they allow it) and I was downing my first purchase of Powerade. $4 never tasted so good.

This photo was taken by my friend, Jenn. She was lucky enough to be front-center for the performance. Isn't that shot perfection for a concert photo?

I made my way to the OTHER mainstage, on the other side of campus, to get prepared for Anberlin. Gym Class Heroes were playing their set, with a massive crowd in front of the stage. I did the smart thing, arrive a set early, and got my sneak on. I would creep in every open space I saw, to get closer to the stage to make sure I'd have a better chance for the front for Anberlin. I enjoyed GCH's set, they decided to cover Every Time I Die. That was wicked awesome- because Every Time I Die are the sex (I really try not to use that term, I couldn't resist in this situation). They obvsiously have amazing sing-alongs, and the crowd wasn't as viscious as I'd imagine it would be. They played a song from their upcoming album- I like what I heard. They ended with "Clothes Off" which tempted a few girls to throw their shirts on the stage. I kid you not.

This ain't over!

20 June 2008: Warped Tour, Ett

And so I begin the stories of my adventures of loosing my Warped Tour virginity. All photos posted were taken by me, unless otherwise specified. This is a going to be a couple-parter (I think) so please hang in there! No .mp3s, but you can click their names for myspace pages to tittilate your eardrums.

I began my day by skipping 800 + people in line. For those going to a future Warped date- bring a can of food! They have a "Punk Junk" tent for the homeless where they collect donations. I also was generous and cleared out some of my books, a shirt I never wore, markers for the kiddies, and a(n un-used) journal. Please be generous and consider this- it's a win-win sitch. You skip lots of salivating 12 year olds and go straight to the bag check. This opportunity made me very happy for checking the Warped site- there are also coupon's for food, but eff that, I'll just say now I didn't eat all day. It was too hot for food.

When I first got 'on campus' (from this point forward, the Fairplex will be reffered to as the campus, because I want it that way) I made my way to get a feel for the place, where the stages were, and with high hopes to find the schedule. I stopped at the Ernie Ball stage to catch the last song and a half for Streets of Rage where they had their posse in red shirts bippin' around the front of the stage with signs and arms, grabbing a lot of attention for people passing to stop. They're a fun little powerpop band (their lead vox looks like Andrew McMahon circa SoCo days) and one of their fans was nice enough to pose for me during one of their songs.

I found the stages and schedule, and stopped at the Hurley.com stage to listen to Shwayze, a fresh rapper stright out of Malibu. Oh, believe it! We thought Jamie Kennedy was wack for being Malibu's Most Wanted, but Shwayze is the real deal. There was quite a crowd out at the stage- he's very smooth. If you happen to live in the LA Area and listen to KIIS FM (shame on me, but I was conversing and stopped switching stations) you may have heard his single, "Buzzin'." He's backed with DJ Skeet Skeet and Cisco Adler, it's pure summer drivin' music. My favorite had to be "Corona and Lime" with it's cheesy pickup line, "Baby will you be my Corona and lime? I will be your main squeeze." I had wide smiles and the start of a sunburn, but I made sure that before the set was over I grabbed one of his 2 song samplers from a promoter.

I waited in line for a half hour or so in the Monster line. From First to Last were on, with a large crowd, but I wasn't impressed...

I finally was admitted when their set was over and The Bronx were setting up. I was so happy to finally be saved in a nice area of shade, I found a table to put my bag on, and a perfect spot to see the stage. After 15 mintues or so of them setting up, they finally came on stage to perform to their (relatively small crowd for being a mainstage performance) fans. I was surprised to find out it was their first Warped Tour, and I felt warm and fuzzy on the inside knowing it was mine, too. They were fucking awesome (yes, on my top performances of my day). I loaded down two Monsters during their set, then hurried out, extremely energized, to go to the other main stage- on the OTHER side of campus- for Relient K's performance...

Z Y X W V U T . . .

"letters" by Rachel

Hi there.
Today is a very spifferific, fun diddly day. I saw Kung Fu Panda and it was very cute. I was pretty consumed with the fact they were random talking animals used in this movie (Finding Nemo wasn't much of a surprise with talking fish only because I had seen them before from The Little Mermaid), that I didn't even notice the big celebrity names that were doing the voices. The only voice I recognized before the credits rolled was Jack Black. When I saw Dustin Hoffman I was sat in my seat and said, "Whaaat?" Yes, you should have seen my face. MY friends brother was ready to get the hell out of there, but we stayed a wee longer to watch the mighty fine credits. If you see KFP, watch the credits. They roll horizontal, not vertical- much easier on the eyes.
As for the movie itself, it was pretty chill. I laughed in some moments, and other moments I turned my head to glare at the child next to me who kept crying, but would instantly stop when I gave him the stare. I have been gifted with that certain stare that gets children to stop misbehaving with the guidance of my mother, but it only lasts so long... maybe in ten years it'll work like a charm. Erm, I don't want to think about that right now.

"Letters" by Chloe

As you can see, the theme for todays pictures is letters. This is simply because after I heard Tokyo Police Club's cover of "Friends of P" (originally performed by The Rentals) and I decided to show some letter lovin'. The song is available for free download off of their Friends of P website: friendsofp.org. Take a visit! The site is to help raise awareness (and dinero) to benefit Lupus (check out the site for more information about it if you're unfamiliar with the disease). Here's something that might interest you to check it out: the first 50 people to donate over $15 to the Lupus fund recieve a free "Friends of P" tote. I have to admit, it's pretty damn cute:

Give a listen to the cover, then let me know what you think!

I've found some other songs off Fairtilizer that I would make a new post about, but what the hell, might as well just make one super post, right? These go perfectly with the whole "adorable" songs them...

"letters" by Denis Salopek

James Yuill has been doing the Electro-Folk thing for a couple of years. He recently released his song "No Surprise" with Moshi Moshi and announced a summer tour in the UK. Please visit his myspace, James Yuill at Myspace, for the exact dates, places, and times, and treat your ears to a few other songs Moshi Moshi picked up, then let me know if you decide to go to one of his shows! For now you can listen to "No Surprise" and just bathe in it's Postal Service-esque vibe with cuteness factor to the power of a very large number.

New Tilly and The Wall! Again, courtesy of Moshi Moshi (damn they're cranking out good stuff!) though this has been out for a while, I'm loving this new tune from them. "Cacophony" has many vocal layers, complicated handclaps, a subtle (but clearly noticable when really listening behind those beautiful vox) saxophone, and really builds with each beat, making you wonder what is going to come up next (it reminds me of TV on the Radio's "Staring at the Sun" though they sound nothing alike, just that anticipation feeling given when listening to it). Here, let me allow you to develop your own opinion about it, then tell me what you think:

Robyn has developed a strong popularity within the last year. I still remember when I got my first CD, it was a Sabrina the Teenaged Witch compilation, and her song "Show Me Love" is on it (it was my favourite on that whole disc). When I found her song "Who's That Girl?" I refused to believe it was the same person! I had to come to terms... now I'm down with it. Well, here is an alternate version to her song "Konichiwa Bitches" that's been around for a while, but it manages to put a smile on my face, and then at a few moments be taken aback and refuse to believe she's the same girl who graced my Sabrina the Teenaged Witch compilation.

Beginning, Middle, End

"I LOVE LA" by Hunter Ray

START OF THE PARTY: Will you look at the shorts on this boy? It's all good fun- pretty clever, this kid. It's hard to believe he is only 14 (yes, really, not more or less). He has a crazy take on many things, I expect a lot more from this kid. Take a gander through his gallery (though be prepared if I am posessed to post another one of his pics up in a future post). I'm digging his perspective, excessive flash for a washed-out feel, and the whole, "less start this up" attitude.

I've found a couple more photos for this post to go with the brilliant new No Love Lost Records mixtape by the brilliant Dmitry Fyodorov. To just push it out of the way and for you to begin listening to this 48:55 min. of brilliance, here it is:

This mix is nothing short of fun- it'll keep your heart racing from beginning to end. I don't have a tracklist available, but there are a few throwbacks of New Order and Frankie Goes To Hollywood in there, as well as some remixes of their own work.

"Claps" by Felipe

DURING THE PARTY: I love the simplicity of this photo, and again, that washed-out look. I wonder where he got those tights...

"Syntetyk" by Narva

AFTER THE PARTY: Yes, when you're tired, exhausted, and just want to get the hell out for an hours rest... then start up again. I love the trippy, blurred vision. Sure, after that Dmitry mix, you'be be stumbling to stay up on two legs.

It's been real, it's been fun, and surprisingly enough it's been REAL FUN.

The Various Party

"The Various Party 3." by Sonia Szóstak

From the previous posts, I sound like a downer. Well, it's the evening and I'm a bit more wide awake. Bing. Zing. No hot parties, but I've managed to pull up some 'wild party'-esque tunes for your listening pleasure.

The first is from The Netherlands, and I instantly wanted to move my feet- Kraak and Smaak, a very whitty name for dance music, but they know how to get people to move.

Now travel to France for This Is Pop's track"BPM." It reminds me of those crazy college parties in movies when they have gritty rock music with female vox playing in the background...

As for Joakim's remix of Simian Mobile Disco's "Hustler," all I have to say is, It's Joakim. You have to accept the fact that Joakim is a legend, therefore this remix is sick.

Can You Feel The Sun?

Originally uploaded by louise lynn

Look.
It is so bright, so bold. It is absolutely gorgeous.
This sun is stunning, the sky so rich. I want to touch it, to wring my hands through it.

There aren't any clouds in the sky today, but the sun is very happy. I am a bit emotionless at the moment.

I am very behind... so many years, but I finally heard this song yesterday by chance. It is a free song off of last.fm, but "Follow" by Bang Gang is just hauntingly beautiful. When I revisited the lovely gallery of Louise (the artist of the featured photo in this post) I had this song playing, and it certainly made a connection with me. Just listen to this song and way this picture. It almost moves with the music.

Give it a go:

Udda Ögonblicken

Glasseses
Originally uploaded by sandwitch.retreat

I know I am not making much sense. If you are really Swedish, feel free to poke me.
Odd Moments.
Make the best times.
You always remember them.

It has been an awkward summer. So far, uneventful. Upsetting that a certain person borrowed about ten of my CDs and isn't returning my calls. Three of them being from my favourite band. What a fool I am.
I went on an adventure with a friend of mine in a second hand shop last week. I was conned into purchasing two trashy romance novels. I skimmed through one. I pray I will never write like that in my entire life. I avoided the second until today, and it is slightly better. Not trashy, I guess, more romantic.
If the library only had Franz Kafka not missing, I bet Zeus I wouldn't be reading these. Since "The Metamorphosis" is reported missing, I reckon I'll have to go hunting at a used book store (It's pointless to buy books new... unless if they are, well, new, and in this case it isn't) for it. I love going through used books. Surprisingly the inner-hypochondriac doesn't unfold, thinking I may increase my chances of receiving pinkeye or the stomach flu with each page I turn.

A song that I found not too long ago on this fantastic new site, Fairtilizer, has been soothing my ears with each twist and fold through the seconds. It is a song by Kleerup alongside the fabulous Lykke Li. Have a listen.

Hej hej,

ANY.