clear rants

Thursday night we went to Kate Nash’s second concert at Webster Hall. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t expecting much. Sure, her songs are catchy and dance-inducing but due to my recent lackluster concert experiences, I wasn’t about to get my hopes up.

First of all, the opening band, the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, describe themselves as a “indie-vaudeville conceptual art-rock pop band.” Did I mention that the band is made up of a father, mother and their fifteen year old daughter? If that doesn’t sound like a gimmick I don’t know what does. As visions of Arrested Development’s family band, “Dr. Fünke’s 100% Natural Good-Time Family-Band Solution” danced in my head, I kept my expectations super low.

Yes, the band was a total gimmick. But that was the best part. I found myself laughing out loud almost during the entire performance. That Papa Trachtenburg is one eccentric and funny fellow. The little Trachtenburg was a delight to see performing although at times, she did look a little bored on stage. I couldn’t help but think perhaps she longed for a normal teenage lifestyle. But shit, their 45 minute performance was an utter delight to see. And be seen it must, I can’t imagine their music having any meaning at all if not experienced at a live performance. Also, I might add, EGGS!

There we were, in a sea of gingers (are there normally that many redheads in the population?) waiting for Ms. Nash to arrive on stage, and BAM! Kate Nash in neon lights. How fan-fucking-tabulous. As Kate strolled out in her oh-so-bloody-cute dress, I knew my fears were unwarranted. And when she started banging on those ivory keys like it was 1999? I was in love. I barely took my eyes off of her for the rest of the night.

Sure, the girls in the audience were in love with her hottie bassist and guitarist, but man, oh man, I only had eyes for Ms. Nash. When she told everybody to shut up for her quiet song, I swooned. Here was the sassy girl I’ve been looking for all my life. Did I mention she has a wicked British accent? God. And who else but the cheeky Kate Nash could come up with a chorus, “You don’t have to suck dick to succeed.” She is a freaking genius.

A bloody, gorgeous genius.

I didn’t play Call of Duty 4 tonight.

Instead, I had some good conversations with people I’ve been inadvertently ignoring since I’ve gotten the game. I also got a chance to catch up on some music and listen to some muxtapes (Maryanne’s, The pursuit of happiness and fuckingrad).

It was a good night.

The guitar and cymbals crescendoed as I walked down the lonely, dank hallway. I knew what was coming. As I emerged into the night, the cold air hit my face and the drums hit. I slid my finger across the volume dial and closed my eyes as I walked to my car.

It was almost surreal.

Lights will guide you home.

So uh, yeah. Here’s another one of those damn lists. I’m only doing this one because I convinced glow to do hers and she had to go and tag me. I can’t be a hypocrite now can I? I sincerely hope this is the last one you will ever see me do.

The Rules:
List five songs that you are currently loving. It doesn’t matter what genre they are from, whether or not they have words, or even if they’re any good. However, they must be songs you’re really enjoying right now.

Post these instructions, the artists, and the songs in your blog (Xanga). Then tag five other Xanga friends to see what they’re listening to.

1. Lodger - Bad Place to Earn a Living
2. David Gray - Alibi
3. Kanye West (feat. that guy from Maroon 5) - Heard ‘em Say
4. Youth Group - Forever Young
5. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
6. The Who - Baba O’Reiley

Yes, I wrote six songs. I said I would play but I refuse to play by the rules. In addition to these songs, I have been listening to the David Gray and Lodger albums a lot this week. I’m a flavor of the week kind of the guy (with my music).

Once again, I refuse to “perpetuate this epidemic silliness” (glow) and leave it up to your own (hopefully) good judgement to decide whether or not you want to do one of your own.

PS - Check out http://www.lodger.tv for some interesting music videos — if you can figure out the navigation ;] Also note, these movies may contain some adult stick figure content, so make sure you put your hands over your eyes if viewing such material is illegal in your state/county/village.

~ Labor Day was super fun. It was great to have our little reunion, even if we did get harrassed by the lake police.
~ Bands for you to check out: Ivy, Acceptance, Orenda Fink, The Spill Canvas, Kings of Leon, Ida, The New Pornographers, The Used, Jack’s Mannequin, Relient K, Clor, Red Letter Agent, Embrace, and Enon (in no particular order).
~ If anybody can get their hands on I’ll Be Near You by Ivy, I will be your best friend forever (from the upcoming movie, Bee Season).
~ Movies I want to see this fall: Bee Season, Corpse Bride, Pride and Prejudice, Lord of War, Everything is Illuminated, Oliver Twist, The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Elizabethtown, Rent, Waiting, and maybe a couple more I can’t remember… :P
~ Prison Break is an amazing show.
~ The OC is on tonight. YESS!
~ I can’t wait for the Bloc Party concert this Friday.
~ I’ve become a threadless.com whore, and I’m damn proud of it.
~ Peanut Butter and Jelly is an amazing flavor at Ralph’s.
~ I’m happy.
~ It’s a small world after all… you just run into people all over the place.
~ Swinging on swings is fun as hell.
~ Good luck to everyone who starts school tomorrow. xD
~ I need a haircut soon. So does Jerry :X
~ My mom thinks I’m dirty since I walk around in flip-flops all day.
~ She has a point.
~ I need to restock my Altoids.
~ Life is good.
~ Shoes are the bane of my existence right now. :D
~ We all need to pray for New Orleans. Seriously. There are some crazy things happening down there and all over America.
~ Summer 2005 was one of the best summers ever.
~ I don’t know what else to say. Maybe I’ll edit this entry later. Or maybe not.
~ Here’s a pic to warm your <3 and feed your soul.

My week beats your year.

Peace, Love, and my last “Peace, love…” ending,
Clear Pants Rainheart

Sorry for all the lame posts lately. I bet nobody cares about my shotgun updates, because frankly, you have no idea what I’m talking about. So I finally got off my lazy ass, and put together a couple of pictures for you to drool over. This is only a small selection of the events of the past month, if you want to see more pics or the videos (live 8 and fireworks), email me or something. But yeah, here’s a bunch of eye candy fo’ ya viewing pleasure (click pics to enlarge).

Cornell Graduation BBQ: June 3, 2005

Church Graduation BBQ: June 10, 2005

Independance Day Weekend: July 1-4, 2005

M’s house in Jersey with K. Grocery / general “old people” shopping. Dinner at Prospectors. Driving around looking for alcohol. Jenga w/ M’s bro and K. M’s friends arrive. “Adult” all-nighter conversation with M and K. Wake up at 4am to head to Live8. Arrive in Philly with a party of 10 at 6am. Wait and bake for 6 hours for the concert to start. Effing awesome concert: Will Smith performs the theme to Fresh Prince, Jay-Z’s last performance ever, etc. Heat exhaustion, free condoms, and the best Coke ever. Spray from the fire trucks. Dinner at the Continental. Passing out at D’s house. Passing out at M’s house. Brunch with the family <3 (thanks for cooking girls!) Train ride home with N. Meet up with J and A and shop all day. Penang. Passed out at home. Met up with J, J and A and ate at Jackson Hole. Stroll by Central Park. Flea markets are only open on the Weekends. Met up with T. Stroll from NoHo to Midtown. “St. Denis” Met up with A. A loves her lightning bolts. Looking for alcohol and other miscellaneous groceries. Head to M’s apt to see the fireworks. Best. Fireworks. Ever. T gets drunk. Took J and J home. Passed out.

Peace, Love, and super fun times,
Clear Pants Rainheart

I was feeling generous today so I thought I’d let you guys in on a little secret I’ve been sitting on for a while: super secret. And for the picky ones, here’s the same site, but just a little bit better organized: organized secret. Heh, I’m just kidding. It’s not that secret, but a lot of people don’t know about it. But now you do. Be careful with this power that I have bestowed upon you. Use it well, young Padawan. Beware the dark side of free downloads, etc.

Ok, I’m corny.

Peace, Love, and free (legal) downloads,
Clear Pants Rainheart

P.S. I lost all my Rachel Yamagata so if somebody has her albums, I was wondering if you could hook it up. Oh yes, and if anybody has “The Reindeer Section” I would greatly appreciate some, thanks. I would do anything for some Reindeer Section, anything. ;-)

I have so much to update and say about life–graduation, myself, friends, etc. But I don’t feel like sharing so much. However, what I do feel like sharing is an amazing song called Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap

(lead singer of Frou Frou). The song was played 3 times during the season finale of the O.C. That’s how awesome it is (because we all know the OC is hot sex).

Where are we?
What the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet
Sinking, feeling
Spin me around again
And rub my eyes
This can’t be happening
When busy streets
Amess with people
Would start to walk
Their heads heavy
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
All those years
They were here first
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments can’t be fought
The takeover
The sweeping insensitivity of this still life
Hide and Seek
Trains and sewing machines (you won’t catch me around here)
Blot out two hearts
They were here first
Ohm, what’d you say, Mmm, that you only meant well?
When, ’cause you did
Ohm, what’d you say, Mmm, that it’s all for the best
Of course it is
Ohm, what’d you say, Mmm, that it’s just what we need
You decided this
Ohm, what’d you say, Mmm, what did you say?
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mint sweet darkness, paper word cut-outs
Speak no feeling, no unbelieving
You can bet you don’t care a bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Sick, sweet darkness, paper word cut-outs
Speak no feeling, no unbelieving
You can bet you don’t care a, you don’t care a bit
Oh no, you don’t care a bit
Oh no, you don’t care a bit
Uh-uh, you don’t care a bit
You don’t care a bit
You don’t care a bit

Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap

Peace, Love, and a play count of 56 and going…
Clear Pants Rainheart

PS- IM me if you want the song. I’ll be happy to share the love.

This is what I did tonight:

…and don’t forget the uber opening act:

(Yay for EP’s signed by the entire band!)

Afterwards, we ordered a couple of pizzas and watched Primer again (a movie I suggest you check out. Veeeeery interesting). Unfortunately, I am still a little deaf and sore all over. But eh, what can you do?

And just for fun, here’s a cute picture of W next to my hole in the wall:

Peace, Love, and jew / tbs / the format,
Clear Pants Rainheart

PS - If you would like some music by The Format, just IM me and I’ll provide you with a link to their albums <3