To break from what we're tied to...

So Kim and I were lucky enough to be able to go backstage at the NIN/JA show this previous Friday. We got in about an hour before everyone else, got to see the sound checks for Nine Inch Nails and Street Sweeper Social Club, meet NIN, take pictures, and get some autographs. It was such an amazing experience and so surreal.

Kim and I were in the front of the line to get in for the sound check so we were able to get an excellent spot. They came out shortly after and Trent said "We're going to play some songs we won't be playing tonight." Then they broke into I'm Afraid of Americans.



The next song they played was The Good Soldier, followed by Meet Your Master, and finished up with Dead Souls. After saying bye and thanking us, SSSC set up for their sound check. They played 4 songs only one of which they played a little bit later. Tom Morello let us know, "We'll be playing this song again in about 25 minutes, so act like it's the first time you've heard it...or better yet, sing along loudly!"



Directly after their sound check, we lined up to go backstage and meet Trent and the guys. Kim and I ended up being third in line for this which worked out. Justin, Robin, and Ilan came out first and I had them sign And All That Could Have Been and they all introduced themselves which was cool because I obviously know who they are but they didn't assume as much. I got my picture taken with them and then Trent walked out. He was so soft spoken and such a nice guy. He came up and I introduced myself and he signed AATCHB also during which I asked him about LOST. I knew he is a fan and I'm a fan so there is some common ground haha. I didn't really know what else to say. So I said "So you're LOST fan eh?". He asked me what I thought of the latest season and I let him know. Then he replied "Yeah, it started out good, but then it kinda went downhill and now I don't know what the fuck is going on". This made me laugh and he said the last time he was here was for the bridge school and I thanked him and Kim got her ticket signed and a picture as well. We then went out into the venue and walked around. It was incredible to meet someone who you're a huge fan of for a long time and to find out they're really nice and not a total asshole.

The show itself was stunning as well. SSSC had so much energy which I loved. Their songs were really catchy and I can not wait till their album drops next month. Boots Riley had dance moves similar to the godfather of soul himself, James Brown, and compiled with the thrashing and intensity of Tom Morello, really made for an excellent opening act for NIN.



NIN took the stage shortly after. This time around Trent had mentioned they were going more minimal than their previous Lights In The Sky Tour which was visually complex. Their line-up also slimmed down with Trent on vocals and guitar, Robin on guitar, Ilan on drums and Justin on bass. Keys being taken up by Trent, Robin, and Ilan depending on the song. Their setlist was as follows:



Home
1,000,000
Terrible Lie
Discipline
March of the Pigs
Piggy
Metal
The Becoming
Burn
Gave Up
The Fragile
The Way Out is Through
Wish
Echoplex
Survivalism
The Day the World Went Away
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like a Hole
Hurt



I was very happy that they played Metal (a Gary Numan cover), The Becoming, The Way Out is Through, and The Day the World Went Away. Along with I'm Afraid of Americans and Meet Your Master, I was incredibly pleased. If they threw in Last in there I would have lost my shit, but I'm content with what I got.

Jane's Addiction was entertaining. Perry seems to be the weakest link in this reformation of a band who has influenced many. Everyone else seemed on the top of their game though. That being said, I'm glad I got to see them live and had a smile on my face the whole time.

12 days till we leave for Paris. Kim and I had dinner with my boss, Laura's brother, Michael, on Saturday. Him and his family came up for the weekend (Laura and Michael went to the NIN show also) and we got to get to know each other a little bit which was so cool. Such an awesome family. Sweet and interesting people and fuck...what an amazing cook Michael is. Or should I say bbq-er? I don't know, but man. Kim and I started eating meat again so we our bodies will be used to it when we eat meat on our trip and experience all aspects of Paris/Germany. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people, hanging out with Anna and getting to know her and her friends, and flying. I love flying and keeping myself entertained.

I am becoming aware of just how lost inside my life you really are.

I keep meaning to write a new blog, but keep forgetting or not having time or some other lame excuse. Anyway, 22 days till I leave for Paris. Almost all our ducks are in a row except for one little area which would be where we're going to sleep when in Paris. Shit. 4 nights sans bed thus far. Just part of the fun I guess. While in Germany, we're going to try and make it up to Berlin also. I'm really looking forward to playing most of it by ear and meeting new folks.

I'm catching up on a handful of shows. I just started into the second season of Flight of the Conchords which is hilarious. It's too bad this is their last season...or so I heard.



I also am catching up on The Wire which I started a while back and stopped mid-second season, and will be starting the second season of Californication in which the first season was a pleasant surprise.



A few shows coming up. Next Friday NIN/JA which is a clever little title for the Nine Inch Nails / Jane's Addiction tour which should be a lot of fun. It will be cool to see Jane's with their original line up and catch NIN before they take a hiatus for who knows how long. Also, Street Sweeper is opening which is Tom Morello's latest project.



Then after we get back from Germany, Cursive will be playing at the Great American Music Hall. I really like that venue and feel very lucky to be able to see Cursive there again.

I recently saw The Soloist which I really wanted to like, but did not really care for at all. The performances were good, particularly Jamie Foxx. Robert Downey's was kind of dull. I'm really looking forward to Star Trek even though I'm not that big a fan of the original films and not a fan of the TV show at all. We'll see.

Currently reading:



Currently listening to:

Emergency: We're floating endlessly.

The weather is tricky today. I don't think I can trust it.

Saw Jonah Matranga and Anna Rosenthal last night at Hotel Utah in San Francisco last night. It was a small, intimate venue which meant if you didn't get there early enough you were stuck in the doorway from where the bar is, craning your head to get a peak at the stage. Anna Rosenthal went on first and blew me away. I had checked out her myspace (http://www.myspace.com/annarikjerosenthal) a bit before going to the show and listened to her two covers. I was more curious than anything after hearing those about her own material. I was more than surprised when she started singing. Her voice is incredible and floored me. It was very soothing and calming which was refreshing.



Shortly after her set Jonah took the stage. It took me by surprise that he wasn't headlining, but that was my mistake. I guess I misread the flyer. Regardless, it's always a pleasure to see him play. He played mostly Jonah/onelinedrawing stuff. Mid set he busted out the uklele and covered a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song (Helpless) and also covered a Sugarcubes song (Birthday).



He closed the set by playing The Greatest Wonder and So Long. It was a relatively short set. 50 minutes. That particular venue is perfect for Jonah to play because he is so intimate and has a close relationship with his audience, even if it's your first Jonah show.



Jonah has been talking about Leonord Cohen for the past month or so and how when he saw him he gave such care to each individual note and he really took his time and his performance was ineffable. After the show last night I told Jonah that he was to me what Leonord Cohen is to him. He pulled me back in for another hug and let me know how happy he was that I felt that way and what not. Jonah is my favorite musician ever...hands down. This will not change.

Lost is on tonight. Second to last episode of the season. **possible spoiler** My prediction on the finale, either Sayid will die or Penny will die. Sayid's story is pretty much wrapped up. We know Nadya is dead and how Sayid worked for Ben off the island and why. He has never been mentioned in regards to Jacob's list so for him to die would nicely wrap up his story and he could be with Nadya again. Penny however, could get killed (by Ben somehow since he said he would kill Whidmore's daughter because he "changed the rules") and thus fuel Desmond to try and get back to the island to get revenge on Ben. Maybe even Ben would make it seem like Whidmore did it and drive Desmond to kill Whidmore. This is getting a little out of hand, but I think one of them will die next Wednesday.

May 1st. 2009.

midnight -

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11am - sleeping

noon -

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Going to see Jonah tonight which should be fun as always. That's about it. 31 days till I am out of the country. Excited.