Grammys and DMB

Having some friends over tonight for dinner, drinks and Grammy viewing. I'm not actually a big fan of the show but this year my favorite band, The Dave Matthews Band is up for Record and Album of the year. They'll also be performing You and Me which I don't really think was the best choice of song, but then, it's not like I was asked.

Though I don't think they have a shot in hell of winning, I'm really hoping they do. I know society has deemed it uncool to like them and bashes them whenever the opportunity presents itself, but I'm still a fan. Whatever anyone's preconceived notions and prejudices, they are incredibly talented musicians in their own right. Anyone who argues that is just being difficult. That's all I want to say about that before I go off on a rant.

Keeping my fingers crossed for them tonight.

Whew! Ok, I'm done!

I've moved all the posts that I wanted to move from my other blog to here. Anything posted on today's date (1/29/10) is from the former blog and now I can start with the new stuff on here!

Cold War Kids at the Wiltern

Friday night I went to see the Cold War Kids. Because of a minor emergency at home, I was running late and didn't get to the show until about twenty minutes before they took the stage which turned out to be quite unfortunate because I'm a short person and I'm certain I've never seen so many tall people in my life! I was unable to see anything except stage lights for the majority of the show. Still, I had a great time.

I have their albums and love them, but other than that, I'm not all that familiar with them as a band so I wasn't really sure what to expect. I absolutely loved them. They sound amazing and there was a good energy in the venue. I'm not sure I've ever seen a crowd so engaged at the Wiltern. Clapping, singing loudly and minimal talking. I was quite impressed though I really wish I'd been able to actually see them more! Every now and then someone would shift and I'd catch a glimpse of the stage, so there was that. Towards the end of the show, a spot opened up through which I was able to see the stage somewhat, and I couldn't help but note what a completely different experience it is when you can actually see them up there! The next time I catch their show I will most definitely be there early enough to claim a good spot.

My very favorite thing about the experience though was that at the end of the show we were given a card with a website and a password where we could go to download a copy of the show for free. I have plenty of bootlegs (from bands who allow them) that are fan made but I've never been to a show where the band provides it themselves. I think it's an awesome thing to do.

If you're not familiar with them, give them a listen!

It's Visceral: Stay (Faraway So Close!) by U2

This another of those songs I love so much I can't stand it.

It's Visceral: Endlessly by Muse

We all have them. Songs that affect is in ways we can't quite explain.You don't just love it. There's more to it than that. You feel it. It comes on and you have a visceral reaction to it. For me, if I can, I close my eyes, turn it up and just sing it like my life depends on it. Again, I can't really say what it is about any given song I feel this way about. It just resonates somewhere in me and no matter how many times I hear it, it just doesn't get old. This is one of those songs for me.

Taking the Getty off the Backburner. Finally.

For years and years I’d been putting the Getty on the backburner. Why? Because I could. Because sometimes, when we live close to something, we keep putting off going knowing it’s there and most likely not going anywhere. I find it interesting, or no, maybe it’s just sad, that every time I go out of town I turn into a crazy person trying to fit in as many museums as I can, but I seldom visit the closest and most readily available to me.

I’m hoping this’ll be the year I- to borrow from Nike- "just do it". So, this past weekend I finally made it to the Getty Center. Hadn’t been there since they first opened quite some time ago. Don’t even want to try to remember how long it’s actually been. Too depressing. Not a bad place to visit if you’ve got the time and are not opposed to a little culture. 

What I love about the Getty is that even if you’re not all that much into the art, it’s a beautiful space to just be in. The buildings themselves are gorgeous architecture, there are lots of plants and garden areas as well as some fountains to look at while wandering the grounds but above all, the views are really amazing: mountains on one side, ocean on the other. If one really wanted to, they could just sit outside, people watch and enjoy the day. Definitely a great place to take some pictures as well.

But back to the art for a little bit. Compared to other museums in large cities (say, Chicago or New York) the Getty collection isn’t all that large but compared to the last time I was there, it was certainly more than I was aware they had! I was pleasantly surprised. When I was last there the museum had just opened and not everything was on display yet. See, that tells you just how long ago it was! I like all art, but I’m quite partial to the Impressionist. There were a couple of Renoir’s and Monet’s I don’t remember having seen there before, along with Van Gogh and Degas. I did note a new Gauguin they apparently acquired not too long ago which was pretty cool.

Something of interest for any Rembrandt fans, the Getty, along with four other Southern California Museums are participating in a project/exhibition called Rembrandt in Southern California which of course highlights the pieces in the collections at these museums with lectures, symposiums and demonstrations. And hell, even if you’re not a fan, it’s a good way to find out what the big deal is and why he’s considered one of the greatest painters in art history.

Lastly, if you’re not opposed to spending a Saturday night at a museum, you can get into the Getty for free every Saturday after 5 P.M. The $15 dollar parking fee (which is the only thing they actually charge for, as entrance to the museum is free every day) is waived. I would imagine it's a gorgeous view up there at night as well—and less crowded!

 

    View of the 405 from the Getty

 

    Sunset at the Getty

Quit Teasing Me with Tour Dates, Muse!

Yesterday (or early this morning, I guess), Muse released a couple more tour dates in support of The Resistance album. Over the past couple of months tour dates have slowly been trickling out. This morning it was Vegas and Mexico. This is fantastic, but enough already! Where are the L.A. dates? I beg of you Muse, quit messing with my mind!

Vegas is do-able for me but L.A. would be better. I cannot imagine any scenario where Los Angeles or the surrounding area would not be a stop on their tour (or just about any artist) so I know it's just a matter of time but I ask you, how am I supposed to know if I should try for Vegas tickets if I don't know when they're hitting L.A.? My best guess is of course mid April, but I've got a lot of stuff going on April and if I can't make the L.A. show you bet your ass I'll be driving over to Vegas (tickets for which go on sale Friday) but I'd rather not go to Vegas if I can do L.A.. And so here we are. What to do? What to do?

While I ponder, here's some Undisclosed Desires...



UPDATE:

Since I originally published this post (Jan. 12, 2009) Muse has announced that they will be playing Coachella. So I guess there is a scenario in which they would not play the Los Angeles area. I'm told when they agree to play the festival, they cannot play any of the surrounding areas three months before or after. Which blows.

I'm still thinking they might come back later on in the year, but either way I'm covered. I can't make Coachella- especially since in their wisdom, this is the year you cannot buy a day pass- but I did get tickets to the Vegas show after all and I'm very much looking forward to that. Especially after watching their latest video, which was also released after my original posting. The tour looks amazing! Cannot wait.

Resistance