Rounded Door Corners

This post has nothing to do with music, art or otherwise; though it is indirectly related to my life and my car at the same time.

My car used to have square rear door edges. After a few hours of work, it now has rounded door edges. Why? Why do something that only I, and a select few people, care about? What does that rounded door edge mean to the world? Why does anything matter?

These are all good questions (and to answer one of them honestly, they're round because they "look better that way" and I really don't want anyone's opinion on the matter), and most of them are fairly un-answerable.

I can say that the rounded door corner is the keystone of a custom car, and to quote Brian Bass "the purpose of a custom car is to make it look like it was sculpted out of one piece [of metal." Though, I also think that it represents a time of change in american life.

The round door corner brought upon the world of change that we see today, not constrained by a door skin hammer and a square door line.

Though, much like my (really neat) Lucas SLR700 headlamps, does it make the world a better place? Do I honestly care weather or not the world is a better place? Honestly, I'm a self-ish person and want to make myself happy by doing something I love (emulating an era that never really existed, whilst still being a socially relevant (and socially awkward) youth).

I posed the question to the friend of mine that was doing the majority of the work (He's fucking good at it.) "Why didn't Ford just do this from the factory?"

His response, "Because if they did, we'd be squaring these right about now."

The world revolves around change, and a lot of time change for change's sake. Its crazy how a rounded door corner, and a tight door gap can represent so much, and bring upon so many questions.

Regardless, my car is gonna look awesome. Expect a few sneak peeks

Also, I'm unsure of the legalities that would fall upon me for posting a Christmas mix-tape up here, so regardless of if I do or not (and I know only a few (0) people read it anyway) just talk with me about it, its a good one.

I shaved.

November has been hell.

My sister is back home for a little bit, so thats fun to see her again. I might go buy CRAZY FOR YOU on vinyl today, it depends on if it stops raining.

I've got some more bits for my transmission swap for my car. Which is at a very good friend's house, who is great at making metal work for him, so he is going to do some things to make my car nice. Then maybe some mud work and some more primer? Who knows.

I've got a new front end for my bike.

I saw Harry Potter at midnight, and it was pretty awesome.

School has been hell for the past few weeks, just trudging through to the finish. Needless to say, I've been doing pretty well,

Also, I'm on thanksgiving break, and would like to thank YOU, whoever you are, for reading this. Please continue reading.

T.V. Girl-S/t EP

San Diego's little known indie pop outfit T.v. Girl recently released their first (As far as I know) ep on their bandcamp page, and has set the blogopshere on fire. Reaching as far as getting a review on The Guardian UK's website. They will be big.

Regardless, the ep starts out with a very sweet song called "On Land" which sounds like band that Brian Wilson would have recorded if keyboards and synths were used in 1966. The ooh's and aah's are great, and the lyrics pushed low in the mix are a tip of the hat to just about every shoegaze group ever. The tempo is up beat, yet the lyrics not so, "Bandage on the soul unraveling" repeated multiple times in the song. A good juxtaposition of emotions.

The next song on this four track ep starts out by sampling "Hello its me" by Todd Rundgren, then breaks of into its own beautiful sound scape. A song about love, and love lost. "Morning comes, and I know how the next part goes. One last dance, then you delete me off your phone." That line pretty much sums up the song as a whole. The jangle of the bells makes the song feel warm, against the cold trumpets and keys.

After that, "It's Not Something" takes the narrator into a different direction. Its completely backwards. The narrator has full control of love, commanding that "The closer that we get, the more it seems to bore me. You should probably just ignore me. You have to notice that I only call at night." Then goes on to admit that there was more than one girl. A complete shift in mood from the previous tracks to have the narrator have full control of his life. Also the song itself is very upbeat and danceable to. the synth drives it, and the beat keeps up.

I' dont care. My favorite song of the album wraps it up. A song about apathy, and what a better way to talk about life. Singing a song that symbolizes our generation of apathetic geniuses. A diatribe about how life is nothingness and how its all a farce, is a great song to wrap it all up. "Call me apathetic, 'cause I don't really mind."

This band better get big, if it doesn't then something is wrong. I think they'll be as big as The Drums or even Tennis by the first of the year, especially if their FREE ep becomes viral.

Also, DOWNLOAD IT it. for FREEE.

8/10 FWIW, I really enjoyed it. Thank you T.v. Girl

No-shave

November.

Alright, so October is officially done for. It was insane, and awesome, and insane. Pile-up was nuts, and everything else was too.

Last night hung out with some awesome folks, bought a pizza, at said pizza, went on an adventure, and ended up watching texas chain saw.

It was a fun night, good halloween. November is going to be hectic and I'm not going to enjoy it.

Heart Skipped a Beat

And when I caught it, you were out of reach.

The XX - S/t

I didn't want to be associated with this record after P4K championed it about a year ago. I'm holier than thou, hipster.
Well, let it also be known that I'm a moron. Despite my idealistic nature of hating everything that is popular (if its cool, noone would appreciate it while its socially relevant am I right?!).

This has everything I want out of a record. Love songs, including songs about lost love. Synths. The songs are just that, songs. They're whole units that move along keeping the passion and feeling together.

On the track VCR, we step back to a time where we can represent ourselves as legitimately innocent and trust. The reverb drenched guitar recalls the innocence of the pop evolution of yesteryear, and the lyrics " Watch things on VCRs, with me and talk about big love. I think we're superstars, you say you think we are the best thing" show an idealistic view of love. Two people together, watching a VHS tape, and talking about love, and whispering sweet nothings to each other.

While tracks like "Stars" (the closer I may add) or "Heart Skipped a Beat" there is a feeling of self-doubt. In "Stars" the narrator is willing to change himself, to fit the needs of his love, yet his lover wants him to be the same. Yet, begrudgingly, they're willing to admit that their "love" may night "shine on the first night", and they're willing to let their romance blossom and give it time. They want each other, and they want to tell each other, but they're singing alone, together. These narratives are backed by a hollow, reverb drenched guitar, a tinny piano, and a kick drum. This emptiness in music shows the emptiness in their hearts.

Please don't say we're done, when I'm not finished. I could give so much more. Make you feel, like never before. Welcome, they said welcome to the floor."

"It's been a while, and you've found someone better. But I've been waiting too long to give this up. The more I see, I understand. But sometimes, I still need you"

Kicking off with those two stanzas "Heart Skipped a Beat" tells the tale of time killing all. A relationship snubbed by indecision and discretion. One person into it, and one out. The person into it is forced to leave, yet is later chased by the former soul that left him waiting. The song is structured like "Stars" in the sense that it is two individuals giving their narratives, separately, but to each others.

Islands. Need I say more? This track was everywhere a year ago, I won't regurgitate the words of p4k. Not now. Not neva' (I love pavement too guys, don't take it as a personal knock.)

I know I'm about a year late in this review, but I also know that this record 'shines on the winter frost, of your love's windows'. 8.5/10

Also please note, I'm good at making bad sayings.

I’m between classes watching chowder.

Oh my, how I love college.

Anyway, I’m very excited for this week, and I think despite my lack of free time, that I’ll enjoy it. I don’t know what I’m going to do (other than another record review). I’m just feeling good. I’ll stare destiny in the eyes, so to speak. By that, I mean I’ve to decide what I’m going to be doing this upcoming semester in terms of classes! Ahah, I’m in need of guidance that doesn’t come from a Punk rock song because I don’t know how whimpering about girls my entire life will get me anywhere. I’d rather whimper about music, and make bank. Girls will just be secondary.

Also, I’m in need of costume ideas for my Halloween adventures. Post some ideas in a comment and I’ll mull them over. I’m not sure of my plans, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be doing something social.

Oh, and last week sucked, I broke my glasses and things just didn’t go the way I wanted them to go. That is another reason as to why I’m excited for this week. Carpe diem and all of that jazz.

edit*
girls are never secondary. Only primary.

It Makes Me Feel Like a Man...

When I stick a spike into my vein!

Anyway, for the few regular readers, I'm trying to keep up with my promise of updating this regularly.

This isn't a music post, it is a car post.

I'm getting ready to start gathering my parts for a transmission swap on my car. Throwing out the time-tested (and abused) ford-o-matic, in leu of a modern (1985-9 ahha) five speed out of a mustang.

I'm also going to be sporting a hydraulic clutch, so I don't have to fight with finding a dual-exhaust z-bar.

By my math, with my 3.31 gear set (and a trans final drive of .68:1), I'll be pulling around 3069 rpms at 120. A highway car.

Who wants to go cruise?!

Sparks fly

Its like electricity.

I love you, iCarly.

Anyway, today has sucked. It really has. My glasses broke. I was tired all day. I just felt miserable. Though, I've had some good conversations with some good friends, and got some monopoly pieces.

Anyway, long story short, I'm sleepy. I'm going to bed. I really like updating this daily.

Know What I Deal!

Know what I feel!
The Thermals are one of my favorite bands, and I think giving a just-over-half of a decade retrospective look at their Sub>Pop release More Parts per Million. Now, in 2003, I don't remember much about this record. Of course, I was also twelve. I didn't hear about the thermals until I was about seventeen, and picked up a copy of The Body, The Blood, and The Machine (2006) by accident at my local library.

Regardless, after I found out about the Thermals, I soon found out that there was a lot I was missing. Though, I didn't know what I wanted out of music. I was naive. I wanted slick production, No-fi; No Way. I probably heard No-culture icons somewhere between then and when I was nineteen (now), though I sure as hell cannot remember it. I picked this record up, just because I'm a music hound, and now a big lo-fi/no-fi junkie (I guess I was then too, I just didn't look at it the way I do now.).

More Parts per Million kicks off slowly. An odd choice, if you would ask me, to start one of the most up-beat records in their stable with a song that is probably the slowest track. Well, whatever, it works, because I kept listening.

These are not the Thermals I knew. These are not the bold, angry and political Thermals of TBTBTM, yet an innocent power-pop/pop-punk band that cares about love, and relationships. The star track No-Culture Icons talks about an art scene of overbearing criticism and over-use, then takes a sharp left and turns into a love song by one last phrase "I can't fucking stop/ hinking about you." A love song. How quaint.

There is a pattern in this record, style be damned. Its warning against intellectualism corrupting thought. "Eyes so deep, you'll never see" is repeated on a few different tracks. Why?

Why not? Whats more damaging than taking this for what they may represent, opposed to what the defiantly do.

This record will make you move. It is powerful.
This record may make you weep. It is reflective.

All in all, after five years, this record is more socially relevant than it was in 2003. Now that the Thermals are almost in a "Joy Division" phase, I can look back through their catalog and appricate every minute of evolution.

Thermals, I can't fucking stop, thinking about you, or this record. More Parts per Million, you earn a 9/10.

If you disagree, comment. You wont.

Prove me wrong.

Maybe I'm just crazy. Crazy for you, baby...

"You say that, "we're just friends" but I want this 'till the end" croons Bethany Cosentino, on the track "The end" on her band's most recent (August 2010) release Crazy for You. Booming drums, crooning vocals, swirly light guitars, and most of all no overbearing noise.

Now, this isn't a bad thing. The production really shines. If one were to climb into a 1981 DeLorean, and take this record back to 1966, it would chart. It really feels old, and it feels new too. The subject matter is generally consistent of talking about Boys, Love, Weed, and Summer.

Though, this record doesn't die at the shift of a season. I've really been listening to it alot recently, and we're in the middle of a (unseasonably warm) Autumn. It really is a cold record, for being so cold. The narrator is constantly talking of sorrow, and loneliness, and she wants to "go back to, the first time, the first."

I know I'll be listening to this record during the cold winter days, watching snow fall. Its the perfect narrative for a love. Good, bad, or otherwise. Simply just love. Or maybe just flings. I don't know. I know I love this record.

Best Coast, please write a christmas EP, I'll buy it. I promise.

I give Best Coast- Crazy for You a strong 8.5/10. Its one of my favorites.

C'mon! C'mon!

Was it right to leave?
No.
Anyway, Best coast review will come soon. I promise.}

Pile-up is in a couple of days, I might post some pixxx up here, I think I might do a photo journal (even though its just a couple hundred of miles). I dunno, it could be rad to capture the weekend. Anyway, I've got papers to write. I need to do a ton of record reviews. Expect this october to get bomb'd, and if you read this. Comment with your least favorite record and why you hate it.

Its Been a While...

Well guys (and I'm assuming girls as well, being that you are half of the population), I have left this blog for dead. Though, I guess it survived, inside of me, somehow. So, here goes...

I did lie, and I am sorry. I was in an odd place the past few months, between adapting to my life as a college kid, and other rough stuff, I've just been busy. I will review Best Coasts crazy for you after I finish my speech outline, so expect that today.

School has been good, I've been learning stuff. I'm not sure exactly what I'm learning, but I know its invigorating. The free New York Times on campus have been a godsend.

I SAW WAVVES. Yeah, I saw wavves. Forget anything negative I ever uttered. It was the best show of my life, Apache Drop-out got everything fired up, setting up on the floor. I'll be seeing them October second, and then Christmas Island went on after Apache drop-out and fucked shit up. They were amazing. Very great jangle/noise pop. Then Wavves went on, and the crowd went nuts. Moshing in a hot club in jeans and a flannel shirt was hell, but it was love.

I bought new tires!
I didn't see Knuckle Drager!
I'm looking forward to the Pile-up!
I'm looking forward to Christmas!
I can't wait to get my new front wheel finished!
I love.

Anyway, I've been hanging out with some cool folks, and plan on continuing this action.

Expect a record review in a couple of hours. I've also made a new header that I may use, I just need to get it back on my computer!

I lied.

I lied to all of you. I'm sorry. I'll post later tonight, I've many things to talk about. I'll review best coasts record still, I don't care if noone wants me to.

August.

Well. Let us see here. I did general maintenance on my harley this morning at about six A.m. essentially just airing up a tire, and filling the trans full of 60 weight.

The moment of truth.

I threw on my trusty Vans Sk8 Hi(I'm not looking for an endorsement, just a free pair of sneakers maybe) shoes, and went ridin'.

I shifted into first with a resounding clunk, let the clutch out. Vroom. I was off.

It was rapping pretty good when I shifted into second, and then third, and I got it into fourth. A few hot laps around my edition gave me the confidence I needed to throw the primary and derby covers on. Oh, and zip tie my tag on. hahah, zip ties.

I went to go get gas and ride home, and I did, and all went well. My bike runs! My bike rides!

Now, lets go on to me. I think I'm sick, or I've got serious allergies. I'm not too excited about this.

We'll, I'll probably be posting pretty much everyday on this thing as I listen to the new Best Coast record (tomorrows post) and read "Eating the Dinosaur" by klosterman (I'll keep you guys posted on this.)

Anyway, thanks for readin'.

Record Run (An Intro Into Movie aker!)

Well, I was looking at vintage racing footage, and found some great footage of a meet at Bakersfield, and I've always liked the song Record Run (which seems to not be on youtube (until now)). So, I just took that footage, shortened it up a little bit, and threw the song on top of it.

I turned down the volume of the video so the song would poke out more, but the sound is still there. so enjoy the sound of Nitro

Poncho Power

Well, Dad and I picked up the 389 pontiac for his Model A project today. Had to move the whole world to get it inside the garage. It looks good, and should have a muncie attached to it, but I'll run the numbers and everything and see what it really is. The plans are now just to dress it up a bit and toss it in, and get everything hooked up. The way this Model A is going, its gonna be another early 60's build.
Pics to come!

Making wavves

Alright, so Wavves has a new record coming out. Most folks know that, and most folks at this point (thanks to the magic of the internet) have heard the entire thing or atleast a select set of songs. Now me being on the latter side of this sect, I'd just like to first say I've liked what I've heard.

Though, something has changed. Wavves doesn't feel like wavves anymore. The rebelliousness of lo-fi has gone to the way of sleek production. I know the lo-fi gimmick (if you will) would have gotten old, but I think that it added something. What? We may never know. The readers will be their own judge on this one.


I own no rights to either of these songs, and I wasn't the one to alter the "fuzzed" out version. Now, if you want to make the new wavves record sound like old wavves you can just open up audacity, and push the levels up.

Thanks for readin' (noone ahahha).

Summah

Summer has swallowed me whole.

Well damn, I've some how avoided posting anything on this forsaken blog in over a month. So it goes.

My cars quarters look great, and now I've got to block the rest of the car out and get it in primer. Oh, and take apart my scooter. Harleys suck.

And another thing, this is gonna start to be a music blog, so enjoy a little preview of whats to come...

So it ends/So it begins

Well, I did a terrible job of chronicling the last days of senior year. Oh well, I mean it happens right. IUPUI is where I'll be studying next year of course.

My car has exciting new quarters on it. Folks will see them and get really confused, really fast.

C.C.C.C. is officially in existence.

Graduation is Friday, I'm kinda stoked.

Anyone excited for the TBS re-union?

First blog

So, I've finally stepped into the year two-thousand and got a blog. I guess I'll use this blog to almost document my last steps in high school, to post pictures, talk about music, to complain, and follow other people. Oh well, not much of a first post, but there is more to come.