Read and Learn!!!

reposted with the kind permission of minimcr.

OCD ADD

Due to my sucker-for-punishment gene, I kindly obliged my boss on Monday night to stay on a few hours as Dave, one of the barmen couldn't come in. Ok, so he promised me £20 as well. I still need to see it - by the way. I was suppose to finish at 9. I finished after 12.
Let's recall that I only have one functioning arm.
I can't open a bottle of wine, carry heavy loads or flair bottles (not that I can normally, but it does sound cool)
So tonight, I had to work until close. I was fed up by 5pm already. So I suckered the asistant manager to let me go early -10pm.
I SHOULD be cleaning my room.
I'm watching the MCR concert from Projekt Revolution.
I SHOULD be writing cd reviews for my other website.
I posted a movie trailer instead.

I also realised, in a eureka moment spurned on by my slight red wine haze, that after trawling numerous websites and other emo related things, that DEPRESSION is not alqays the miserable child in the corner wearing black. Oh No!
In fact, depression is most commonly hidden by this little fucker:


So be warned..its the smiley fucking happy people of the world that are the most depressed.

Ghosts....

So I'm on facebook and one of my "friends" puts a video on my wall. So I watch it and KAK myself!
Its a video showing a ghost appear. Its either really good amateur or that ghost was seriously pissed off.
But I still had a right old chill run right through me!!! Now I can't sleep.

Great.

Its 2:30am. I only have to be at work at 6pm, but I worked a doubel shift today, am exhausted, and I want to get up early to go for a job interview.

Guess I'll be staying up to watch old Angel episodes.

Dammit! I'm such a fucking wuss. Maybe because I know that ghosts exist. I just hate the being surprised when actually appear part. And can't they do something about resembling the rotting corpse thing? Really. A little respect towards thier appearance will make this whole interplane relationship go down a lot more smoothly. If ghosts want us to see and interact with them, appearing out of nowhere at night in the dark will NOT help thier cause.
It doesn't work for spiders. I'm not seeing any benefits for them either.

Fuck...Still spooked.

URGH!

Little Gold Bands

Ah Shit!
I was doing some link updates for wickedrock and came across a headline that made my little heart sink into my stomach...

Gerard Way of MCR got married on 3 Sept to a bassist called LinZ from the band Mindless Self Indulgence.

Nice birthday gift Gerard.
*has moment of pure and utter sadness*

Right. Now that that's over...moving on.

Had a FABULOUS birthday, thanks for asking. My facebook was full of messages wishing me well. It was good.
J spoilt me rotten!

We went to the London Dungeon where I was picked on by the Toture Chamber Guy. And no, he didn't know it was my special day. The whole place was rigged to be beyond creepy and I have to say, I was thoroughly creeped OUT!
After a delish lunch, we hit Tussauds where I hobnobbed with the rich and famous. Nealry got a date with Orlando Bloom too!

After Tussuads, we foudn another little pub and killed time until the show. yep, up in the nose bleed seats, I watched WICKED! What an awesome show!!! WOW! I wanna be on the west end now!

Anywho...

Ended the evening at the pub with a few more drinks. The world was a good and happy place.

Until...

This morning I was rudely awoken by some reprobate trying to break into my room. He had a crow bar and had forced the window open, fucking up the latch. Well, let's just say in my stupor I shouted at him to fuck off before falling out of bed to survey the damage. Jamie went back to sleep while I freaked out.
He made up for it by going out later and buying and installing new, better, stronger bolts onto my window.

I'm still going to move. Most definitely.

Vacation Station

So i'm working another one of those really long weeks. We're looking at a 12 day week here. No breaks!
And you know what? I don't mind. keeps me out of trouble.

I'm going to see Motion City Soundtrack in October. And if you don't know who they are, sort yourself out!! They are an awesome band from the states with lyrics along the lines of 'Let's get fucked up and die/I'm speaking figuratively of course...'
See thier MySpace here.

Another interesting spot from the music world is this.
Apparently, at a show recently, MCR front man Gerard, pulled guitarist Frank into a clinch that had most of the gay men in the audience salivating and the girls in the audience weak at the knees.
When asked about it, Gerard claimed he was getting Frank back for something he did. It was either somethins so bad that required public humiliation, or a publicity stunt. I'm going with publicity stunt as Frank has often found himself in a kinky clinch with Gerard during shows...Download anyone????

I know i've been away from the blogosphere lately, but the combination of work and lack of computer is not helping. I should be getting my own laptop soon and then i'll be back to my brilliant blogging ways. I'll also be coming out with way more album reviews.
So far, I can't stop raving about the Arctic Monkeys new album!! And the White Stripes. Go get them. NOW!!!

Just between you and me...

I don't know if I should be sharing this with the rest of the world (ie all five of you) but I just found out that Gerard Way of My Chem has broken his engagment. Cue the collective sigh of relief from a gazillion female fans.

the article can be found here.

Onto other news...

Saw the new Harry Potter movie the other day.
Now, maybe its because I read the books and know the subtext and context etc so I could follow the movie pretty easily.
All the other people in the cinema, however, were very confused. Comments like 'why has Potter gone all emo?' and 'Why is he acting like and ass?'

Has everyone forgotten that Potter is 16 in the movie? He is acting like a 16 year old boy. Perfectly normal under the circumstances.

The movie itself also kicked ass. I was rolling with laughter. Now that the last book has come out, everyone is reading it. Except me. I'll wait til it comes out in cheap paperback.

Must go gift shopping for my mom tomorrow. Its her birthday on Friday and today is my mate's birthday - Jeff!! Happy Birthday mate!!!

Engaged....Outraged

I know that when someone you like gets engaged or married, there are two options.

1) Put your heart on the line and tell them, secretly hoping they'll break the engagement and sweep you off your feet.

2) Brood about it over a cup of hot chocolate liberally enhanced with rum, shrug your shoulders, wish them the best and get on with yoru life.

Gerard Way is engaged.

I'm taking option number 2.But only cos I'm a nice person and not deranged enough to actually track him down at the Muse gig on Sunday, kidnap him and then elope. I'd never consider the ways of getting past security, what natural drug i'd use to sedate him or which chapel to steal him away to.

I'm really not that mad.
Really.

Moving on...

Went to the first international football game at the New Wembley Stadium on Friday night. Saw Beckham in the flash.
He was all of 3 inches tall.
Apparently my ticket stub will be able to cover my rent in ten years time.
Couldn't it cover it now????

Still job hunting. Need to get out of the pub before I climb over the bar counter and strangle the next customer who asks a stupid question!!!!

Teenagers

New MCR video...launched in New Zealand first...fuckers...

Watch and enjoy.

Fun New Things

I've been a little self pitying in the last few weeks, but can anyone really blame me?
er..ok.
Fine.
Taking blame like a big girl.

Over it.

So, I was going on about Minimcr, this wicked fantoon that I found and after a quick email, was given permission to show her hilarious artwork on my blog. Yay!
Mind you, you have to be a My Chemical Romance fan to appreciate the tongue-in-cheek manner of the toons. For example:



And of course you're bopping to Avril Lavigne's new single...I'm still dubious about the dance routine in the video itself, but it does get under your skin...

There's also the new Icky Thump video from The White Stripes. They Rock and anyone who thinks otherwise, can meet me behind The Phoenix after this for a little chat.
It hasn't made it onto YouTube yet, but I will show you all the moment it is!

Empty Days...

I've whined about it before, and yet again, I shall whine....

I want my computer!!! I want my computer!!!
I miss the clickty clacking of the keys, the world of the internet and the infinite possibilities it holds. Dammit!!!

So I start work tomorrow morning in Wimpole str. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, bleow is the new single from The Used. Granted, Bert McKracken is not the hottest singer out there..(reminds me of a grungy Cobain) but thier songs are tight!

Catch Up

Things have been a little hectic of late.

This little insano has been flat hunting, job hunting and sleep hunting for the past few weeks.
Results?
Flat found - move in tomorrow.
Job found - start Monday
Sleep - pending.

The past few weeks have really shown me the amazing support system that can be built up by not pissing people off and working one's arse off.
For example...

I started working at the pub in December on a part time basis. Did my job well, didn't screw anyone over and generally had fun. When they found out my full time job was no longer there, immediate offers of full time employment was given.
Not only that, but my manager and mate gave me a couch to sleep on while I went about looking for a flat.
I guess, in a way, I really enjoy working in a bar. Just wish it paid more! The hours are awful, my feet and legs are in constant pain and the customers don't tip, but there's something theraputic about pouring that perfect pint and uber cool about mixing drinks.

Ok, I blame Tom Cruise and that movie of his - Cocktails. To a six year old, being a carribean barman is the ultimate cool thing.

I would rant, but i don't have the energy. Need to save it for tonight's shift. And tomorrow morning's move as well as tomorrow night's shift and I think i'm working Sunday too. Oh well, no rest for the broke.

But below are two vids I recommend...

I give you the new White Stripes single - Icky Thump.
About bloody time.


And here is the preview to the MCR video for Teenagers. Can't wait for the full vid to hit our broadband-waves!!! May 15 2007

Withdrawal Symptoms

Ahh, it's good to be back in the land of broadband. One click instant access broadband.

It has however, been noted that I suffer severe internet withdrawal symptoms. How bad? Well, after a week without internet I would run these blogesque silyloques (i know it's spelt wrong) through my head, by week two, I was typing out things on my legs, by week three, I had gone into complete lack of information meltdown.

What was happening in the world? What had my fave rockers gotten up to now? What albums had been released? Who was being an ass on YouTube? Important matters that I couldn't find the answers to!!

But now I'm back. YAY!

And the news I've been able to find out, thanks to the brilliant Miss Modern Age, is this...

Pete Fall Out Boy Wentz has opened an alternative club. Well, it would be alternative if it weren't for the hordes of teenage girls waiting outside for a glimpse of People's hottest man of 2007. (sic)

Apparently Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance is rumoured to have married in Feb already. I'm still tryingto suss the facts on that one.

And finally...
The book for the summer has got to be: Everybody Hurts.

Written by the editor and chief contributor of Alternative Press Magazine, it gives those of us ignorant abotu the emo culture, a little insight, while keeping it's tongue firmly in it's cheek.



I'm also still job and flat hunting. The flat hunting part being of some urgency now.

Will do a nice long post about the debauchery of April at a later stage.

The Groupie in Me.

Ok, as promised, I'm about to tell you about how this little insomniac got to watch her favourite band.

It all started last week wednesday when I saw on myspace that they were playing a secret gig at Koko and that you could only win tickets.
So I entered...and entered...and entered again. Rinse and repeat.

Turns out I didn't win.

So my mate Louis and I decided that even though we couldn't go see them play, the chance to see them...just see them...would be worth it.
So we set up our stake out in the pub adjoining Koko. This is the usual spot for the crew and sometimes lesser known bands to hang out.
I had an interview in the morning but by lunchtime we were both ensconced in a booth by the window with a good view of the street.
We also decided to keep an eye out for any minivans with tinted windows.

An hour later one pulls up. Louis and I race outside and end up standing not even a meter from the van when the door slides open and Bob (drums), Frank (rythm guitar), and Mikey (bass) emerge and basically high tail it inside.
We wanted to say 'Hi', and other cool things, but we were afraid of the inevitable stupid gene will kick in and make us say something stupid like 'I want to have your children!'. Also, my throat just squeezed shut, so I could barely croak.
The band didn't stop to sign autographs or anything as they were running late. DAMMIT!!

Louis and I retreated back inside the pub to await the second car carrying Gerard (frontman) and Ray (lead guitar). An hour later they arrive.
This time I remembered my cellphone and ran outside only to have it freeze on me!! But at least I saw Ray and Gerard...close up..ish.

Back to the pub. And there we sat, watching the line grow and stretch past our window, our hearts sinking with each arrival of more 14 year olds!

Suddenly some guy walks in flashing tickets. He was a tout. How the fuck he got the tickets if you couldn't buy them was beyond me. His story was that his daughter won them...a lot of them.

By now, I was quite a few pints down. I haggled, settled on a price and had to race to the ATM to draw the cash. By the time I got back, he only had one ticket left! Louis had left about an hour ago to run an errand and I was sitting with Sy when this went down.
So I bought the ticket. But it really really broke my heart to go alone!

But I went.

Pushed my way as far forward as I could. Took far too many blurry photos cos the crowd had fused at the hip and whereever teh kids moved, I was moved to. I may have a cracked rib due to this.
The last few songs had me on the balcony, getting better pics and pissing this one woman off who was sitting in front of me. Sorry? Sitting? at an MCR gig? old cow!

The show was great! check out the links to see footage! I can see my hand in one of the clips!!!!

Retreated back to the pub where I had another pint, discussed bringing them to SA with teh stage manager, somehow was given the general manager of Koko's business card and woke up to find a huge poster in my room. It was a good night.

I Demand The Job...Now!

I have had it! Absolutely freaking had it!

I have been perusing the festival sites, keeping an eye on who is playing where, when etc. See, UK and Europe are inundated with music festivals every summer (June/July/August).

We have (in date order)
Rock am Rock (1st-2nd June)- Germany
Download Festival (8-10 June) UK
Glastonbury Festival (22-24 June) UK
Roskilde Festival (5-8 July) Denmark
Oxeygen Festival (6-8 July) UK - YES! SAME FREAKING WEEKEND!!!
Rock the Rock Fest (27-29 July) Isle of Wight
V Festival (18-19 August) UK ALREADY SOLD OUT
Carling Reading/Leeds Festival (24-26 August)
Bestival (7-9 September)

Ok, so those are the fests I'm interested in attending, but I have a bone to pick with the organisers. In fact, I have a bone to pick with organisers in general.
They are obviously not doing thier jobs.
What is thier job?
To create a festival for a certain market and cater to it.
A good example is Download Fest.

Since its inception, it has been a metal festival. Simple. Headbanging, long haired, screaming, thrashing guitars, stainless steel metal.
However, the grumblings in the underground is that Download has gone copper in its old age and has sold out. I investigated this claim and I have to agree.
Sure, My Chemical Romance is headlining the first day, but the only link they have to metal is in thier musical influlences. MCR is a punk rock band. And as much as I love and respect that band, they should not be playing Download. There is bound to be a repeat performance of last year's Reading/Leeds bottling incident. Only this time, they're setting themselves up for it.
The wild card is Linkin Park. They're headlining the second day. having blasted onto the scene a few years ago riding the wave of nu metal acts, they have disappeared from the public concious until now. i suspect they are going to try thier new material at the fest, but this hardly warrants them a headlining slot.
The only fixture I see as being correct and in line with the tradition of Download, is third day headliners - Iron Maiden.

The rest of the line up is dodgy at best. Post Hardcore bands abound. Have the metalheads gone underground? Or is this selling out at its crudest?

Another little event I would liek to rant about is Colab, or affectionately known as My Coke Fest. Someone obviously didn't think that concept through.
Kudos to Big Concerts putting this together, but, really. Hoobstank? Maybe two years ago. And even then - maybe!
They are obviously cashing in on the South African publics starvation of international acts, so we will gladly shell out over R500 for second rate has-been international acts.

Let's examine our line up, shall we?
International Acts:

Guns 'n Roses - Aging rockers trying to cash in on past fame. not the show your parents remember from the 80s. Cringe-worthy is the term.

Evanescence - Ok, I'll grant Big Concerts a brownie point for them. After all, if we ignore the new Open Door album, this is a solid, CURRENT band that actually has a following.

Hoobastank - They have one single. The Reason. That is not a reason to spend money getting them out to SA. Pointless, really.

3 Doors Down - I like this band. I really do. But why bring them out now? They last released an album in 2003. That's 4 years ago. If people can remember that far back, then good for the band, but I foresee an apathetic audience.

Staind - They have one song. ONE!!!! And the nu metal wave crashed three years ago. Bad choice. Very bad choice.

So who would I replace four of the five acts with?

MCR - Obviously! they're touring the world, so why not stop by?
The Fratellis - Maybe they haven't quite hit the radio waves in SA, but when they do, trust me, you'd love thier stuff. Swagger forth!
Arctic Monkeys - Two brilliant albums. I bet that you look good on the race course. Reason enough.
Kaiser Chiefs - Firstly, they're named after one of our soccer teams. Secondly, they have just released thier second album and have a huge following.
Fall Out Boy - which 16 year old girl would not give up her um..eye teeth for tickets to see this band? Three hit albums later! The latest released just recently. Again, CURRENT is the key word.

Too indie?

How about...
Marilyn Manson - Releasing new album this year. Playing Download Fest. My COKE Fest, anyone??? nuff said.
Rage Against the Machine - New album. Old fans. Come on!!!
30 Seconds to Mars - Cos they've played everywhere else and maybe Jared Leto needs an audience that forgot he's an actor.
The White Stripes - Icky Thump. nuff said.
Kasabian - Rocked the summer with Empire. Again, CURRENT springs to mind.

but that's just my thoughts.

As for the local line up:
Taxi Violence
Love Jones
the Dirty Skirts
J - who???
Cassette
Evolver
Nudies
Parlotones

I can't really fault it. Except maybe for J. Who the fuck is J?? Kick him off the line up and slot in The Hellphones instead.

See? I would make the perfect organiser for these things.

My Chemical Romance - I Don't Love You

It's here!!! It's finally fucking here!!! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!
And it just started playing on the radio too..I can die now happy now..thanks.