Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Week of Wonders at The Smell

Weeks of Wonders.  A bit of Caribbean.  A bit of pop.  Put it all together and the result is some catchy tunes.

Comment of the set:  I'm so sorry for being difficult.



Friday, November 22, 2013

Body Parts at The Satellite

Body Parts. Synchronized hand motions with some catchy tunes had the audience enjoying the final minutes of a Monday night.

Comment of the set:  Did you guys work?  Boo!!!



Thursday, November 21, 2013

James Supercave at The Satellite

James Supercave.  Smooth, somewhat psychedelic sounds hit the stage of The Satellite -- along with some hipster gentlemen.


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Air Life at The Satellite

Air Life.  This was Air Life's first show ever.  Yeah right.  No way.  This band was way too solid for a first show.  The band's sound has a jazz feel to it, which lit up the early Satellite night.  The band asked for folks to come up close to the stage.  The audience responded and stayed close throughout the set due to this band's extraordinary 30 minute set.  

Friday, November 15, 2013

A Movie Review: 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave. In some ways, I found this 12 years of squirming discomfort.  The movie is so graphic I felt the urge to walk out at times.

This movie does grab your attention and is a solid movie.  The imagery of slavery just drives home the point of how evil this was.

I did have a couple problems with the movie.  I wish the movie delved more into the reasoning behind why Solomon was sold into slavery.  Why would his two captors set up such a scheme involving music?  I have a hard time believing that they went around trying to find individuals who played music and then sell them off as slaves.  Were the two hard-up for money?  Were they given an offer they found hard to refuse?  Also, as the boat filled with prisoners was heading south, there was a scene where one slave was given back to his master.  The slave ran as if he was so grateful that he was returning to his master.  Didn't he run away in the first place?  I'd think he'd be scared to death.

  

Thursday, November 14, 2013

A Movie Review: Gravity

Gravity. I didn't see this movie in 3D, but I have to believe the opening minutes of this film are just awesome in 3D. Seeing it in simple 2D had me feeling like I was going to fall out of my seat and nosedive right into earth.  This movie deals with how an astronaut attempts to find her way back to earth after a space disaster.  Is this movie Oscar worthy?  My only reason to not put this movie on my list of best movies of the year is the ending.  I swear I expected to hear the theme song from 2001:  A Space Odyssey blast through the auditorium.  That was disappointing.

Monday, November 11, 2013

A Movie Review: Rush

Rush. This movie tells the story of two Formula 1 drivers: James Hunt (an English playboy) and Niki Lauda (an Austrian statistics guy: almost like the modern day Oakland A's management) from the 1970s. The movie delves into their rivalry. Their early individual careers are highlighted, but the movie focuses in on one season when the two are battling for the Formula 1 racing crown.

I am not a race care fan.  I've never watched more than 5 minutes of any car race.  That being said, I did enjoy this movie.  It is a rush.  I loved the interaction between these two individuals.  The very diverse personalities still eventually lead to mutual respect.

Now I did do a Wikipedia search on these two drivers.  They actually lived together when they started out. The movie initially portrays them as bitter rivals who eventually find common interest.  Instead, it was probably more of a Magic Johnson/Isiah Thomas type of situation.  Of course, making them bitter rivals provides a better storyline.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Mars and the Massacre at Silverlake Lounge

Mars and the Massacre started off their night with a bang.  Dressed in white with some fake blood on their faces, these vampire zombies shook the Lounge with their music.

Note:  prior to their set, they set up a television and a video game console.  Folks lined up to play.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Wasi at Silverlake Lounge

Wasi. I wish the lights were a bit more consistent at the Silverlake Lounge.  The guitarist of this band is sure fun to photograph as she is a ball of energy.

This band will have you dancing.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Conway at It's a School Night

Conway. It was my first time at It's a School Night in a very long time.  What got me out there?  A fellow music blogger sent me a text saying I needed to check out Conway.  So off I went.  She commands that stage and her vocals drill you with motion.

And for one of the worse photos -- I need to upgrade my point and shoot.