**These are my adventures in LA-- my people watching thoughts, my reviews of the concert, my hopes and dreams intertwined. It should be read as such.**
These are my thoughts while waiting for the train out of Merced.
The men working at the station are talking amongst themselves. Listening to them is rather amusing- they're talking about Amtrak men who've lost their lives in the line of duty. I had no idea there was such a thing, imagine that. Every line of work has it's heroes I suppose.
A woman with loud, expressive eyebrows and two large faux designer bags just bustled into the station. Her long, black trench flapped wildly as she entered. Her husband (a stout, but formally dressed man) flapped around her a bit also, and then left without any fanfare. The only thing missing from this scene was a toy dog and too-large sunglasses.
Now things are calming down at the station; and I'm listening to the faraway 'dong' of station bells while a modest looking blond tells jokes to the man behind the reception class.
I have half an hour before my train comes.
I am here so early because of ride complications.
Thinking of Winter Break: I absolutely cannot wait. There are things here I wold like to be rid of for a while; there are people as well- senators and civilians alike.
There is an elderly woman and her equally elderly companion sitting across from me. I would like to imagine them old friends from school; now just wizened gossips-- but classy, refined with age.
One applies a matte red lipstick, a deep red wine color that matches her sweater beneath the black leather coat. A delicate gold cross peeks out around the edges of her opened coat, and ascents her attire flawlessly. Her tasteful and carefully maintained look is familiar to me, it reminds me of my own grandmother. In conversation to her companion, I hear her candidly admit her age-- 64 years she wears with impressive dignity.
I love the stories the elderly tell. As my eavesdropping continues, I hear of her experience entertaining a handsome, young soldier, many years ago. I can only imagine what that must have been like. Of course I want to know more, but I assume it's rude to ask when not invited. For this reason I stay as I am, observing and enjoying my place as a fly-on-the-wall.
The station is more busy now, and much more noisy. Three, maybe four conversations are overlapping, and competing for the observer's attention. I let it blend into the background, until the modest blond woman's cellphone snaps me to attention. The tune playing is "Tanks A Lot" by Third Eye Blind. How fitting.
I slept most of the train ride, and when I woke up I almost forgot my planner on the train in my half-awake haze. Of course, that would have meant disaster, considering that is the place where I had been keeping my tickets and travel provisions.
Boarding the bus I was still unsure of my surroundings, but I assuaged my uneasiness with more sleep, for as much of it as I could muster.The road was so bumpy mo notes came out looking like I'd been in the middle of an earthquake writing them, it wasn't pretty.
Following these thoughts, I met Shayne at Union Station, and we proceeded to check in at our hotel. The room we had booked was on the 21st floor-- a floor which required special clearance to reach (it was quite the honor). Of course it also came with an exceptionally well-stocked mini bar and fridge, of which we both took generous advantage. That in itself was glorious, but paled in comparison to the view from the top (an entire wall of the room was dedicated to viewing the city below; it was magnificent).
*The notes below are from the first day in the city, and below that again are the notes from the concert night one.*
The metro car stopped, and as I looked in, there was an entire car of young men in santa costumes, just standing there, chatting! Santas! All Shayne said to my look of shock was "welcome to la". I really love this town.
Spoke to an older man holding a rosary. Shayne says he thinks the man was Armenian; judging by his accent and newspaper I would say that sounds right. He seemed to have a very sensible view of the world, if perhaps a bit cynical. He reminded me a little of Shayne.
The santa mob exited three stops before us.
After that we hopped a fast moving train into little tokyo. I had overdressed for this day out, my sweater was way too warm for a day in the city, but nonetheless, I had an amazing time. We spent some time browsing kino kunia, and then headed upstairs to the second story of the plaza to get ramen. I swear, one bowl could last me an entire day. The sweets shop gave us the most lovely strawberry cheesecake, and a very sweet bottled coffee; it wasn't expensive either. We also bought dango-- my favorite snack. We also visited several anime video and merchandise stores. It was at one such store that I was able to do most of my christmas shopping. I even tricked Eric into telling me what he might like for xmas-- a feat otherwise not possible to accomplish. I managed to pick up the piano collection of FFXIII music I've been after for as long as I can remember. This was anything but a "cheap trip" . We lefty by metro car just as the sun was setting on our outing ...and what an adventure we had.
Then we headed back to the room to freshen up, change, and get ready for night one.
Night one:
A day to remember; it must be hard for them to open to such a bare audience. There are flashing red pins in the audience which makes for artificial red stars in the crowd; its incredibly pretty and wholly mesmerizing. The second song "have faith in me" is amazingly compelling.
Switchfoot: of course they open with meant to live- and then a "sabatoge" cover? I never would have thought to expect that. "Dare you to move" followed- from the middle of the crowd, high notes and all, but not before "stealing" a santa hat, and perching himself atop a mid-level seat, and surrounding himself with adoring fans. Amazing. And then "the sound"- dedicated on the principle of love. How charismatic, transcendent, perfect.
Anberlin on third: I don't recognize their opening song, but the drums and bass are so heavy I can feel the beat pounding all throughout the room and myself. They're really energetic this year, and I believe the crowd feels it as well, the sentiments remind me of falling in "like"- less painful obsession but all of the flirty fancy. The song off their new album is quite good.
The dirty heads:
Apparently this is what fragments of sublime left to do. I didn't know; its too much stoner rock and not enough actual music for my taste. At least sublime has a sax. Although to their credit, they have bongos. That's pretty bitchen'. Oh well. All of this second hand smoke all day has me on edge, go figure. And just when I'd written them off, they bring out "a friend" to do "lay me down"- a song I bloody love. Shit. They just became the best band to play all night.
Cake-
This band is so delightfully strange. Points for an amazing stage presence and meaningful trumpet- plus a clappy thing. You can't forget the clappy thing. as shayne puts is, they blow people away with charismatic use of massive anti-charisma. All in all they were entirely wity and entirely enjoyable--of a bit sardonic.
Bad religion:
For some reason I expected this band to make more of an impact. "How could hell be any worse" indeed. They're not bad, per se. They're actually quite melodic, but the lead guitarist is wearing a christmas sweater with skulls on it, and the lead singer looks like an aging gym teacher (complete with bald spots, polo shirt, and muscular though older-looking body). You really can't say "punk rock" past 40. At least the others had the good sense to die young. My persistent question regarding this band, and I have yet to receive a suitable answer, is " since when did "punk rock" mean expensive brand name polos anyways?!?". Although, for all of their paradox, they finished pretty strong. At least there's that.
Jimmy Eat World:
Probably the most underrated band here. They're fantastic! I can't believe the lead singer can still pull off half the notes he does, but hey, billy does it - so it must be possible. The new song "little thing" is amazing. Its very touching and poignant, and coupled with the lighting makes for a very lovely atmosphere.
My Chemical Romance rocked my effing socks off. Seriously. They're so saucy in person, also I loved how Gerard Way used "shits"; it was attractive in a very brash way. They played all of their hits, and closed with the unexpected "cancer"- which he dedicated to his wife, that lucky woman. I envy the wives of great artists. They're with such passionate and creative men. I couldn't ever be a professional artist because of my above-all-rational nature, but I can adore those who do, and the partners of those I envy. Anyway, that was mcr.
The Smashing Pumpkins: need I say more? Corigan's son came out on stage, and he played a teary "landslide" on acoustic guitar. The only one all night. They should change the name of the show. Truly.
Day two:
"Quick, dye your hair red!"
'... I work for a fortune 500.' *glare*
"I demand red hair! Q_Q"
Shayne and I dined at a burger place and strolled the avenues of universal studios, shopping and snacking the afternoon away after a late wake up- and a later lunch. The doors opened at 5. And, then, it was time for the second night of the almost acoustic xmas to shred la to ribbons, again.
Night 2:
Sharpe and somebodies:
They seriously came out looking like a mini, musical, hippie commune-- but better dressed, and famous, still just as high though, and just as musically impaired. This was my first impression. Their maracas -trumpet-infectious keyboard combo grew on me eventually, though. As a redeeming factor, the female co-lead had a great jazzy voice, which was really quite good, and put me in a pleasant mood. That was of course until this peace-loving band inspired one of their fans to bring,and shake, her own tambourine. At that point I wanted to commit indiscriminate murder.
Shayne, if you're reading over my shoulder, I'm having a good time. I promise. They still look like a hippie commune.
The broken bells:
They remind me of a more contemporary "u2". I am absolutely going to buy their new cd, when I have more than $1.35 to my name. They, like the last band, are rather large. I wonder if that's popular now?
Temper trap:
They're pretty fantastic for an australian band. And they pulled the audience in almost instantaneously. Lost points for a male bassist with a ponytail though. The vocals and overall musical quality are solid though.
The neon trees:
Money talks, but style speaks louder- and dear god were their vocals (metaphorical and literal) in top shape tonight. Their set (complete with white icicle lights), costumes (xmas red detail and shimmery black) and fantastic showmanship were only compliments to their fantastic sound. Its so refreshing to see a relatively young band that is so...fabulous in every way. From the charismatic and flamboyant front man to the glamorous but powerful female drummer, I was completely blown away. You had me at "oh, woah!"
Florence and the machine:
Strong female vocals and a fairy-tale visual aesthetic mark this band. They're not what I would call my type, but they're not bad by any means, and might merit a second listen at another time.
The black keys:
These guys have a really cool sound. They came out running, and didn't drop the crowd's attention at all. Surprisingly, they put the drummer front and center. He's amazing, of course, but I've never seen a stage setup like that before.
Brandon flowers:
Eric:"oh hey, the lead from the killers"
Me: you knew that? I didn't even know that!
Its about that. He has a great voice, and sings great songs. He's probably sick of his day job by now. The acoustic "when you were young" and the trancy-version of "somebody told me" were a nice touch.
Vampire weekend:
Second time seeing them live, they just keep getting better. Still, my mind is decidedly somewhere else. I'm trying to determine who the un-billed guest is going to be; I'm going over in my mind who's available, who has an album out, who it might be....
Phoenix:
Came out playing. Lights show was spectacular. Jesus christ these people are headline material. Unexpectedly.
Sadly there was no surprise guest, which was a let-down, as much as anything could be after such a fantastic time.
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