Excusez moi!

I'm sorry for hardly putting up new blogs. File Transfer Complete has been falling victim to my new job/life, which by the way is working out quite fine! Though I could finish this blog with one final post, I have a feeling there's a future for this blog. I still have a need to inform you about my latest discoveries and with the purchase of my 80 gig I-pod (right now it contains over 2500 songs, probably one tenth of the final number :]) I at least have more time to listen to great new and not so new music.

This week I'm busy designing my first study, but I'm planning a reanimation of FTc in the coming weeks. For now I'll keep the shows section up to date.

Thanx for your patience...it's appreciated!

Thank you UPS...

Maybe I should check in with blogaholics anonymous, because I'm having blog withdrawal symptoms. I still have to find a way to combime my new job with this blog. UPS misplacing my brand new Ipod doesn't really help either, which means I can only listen to music on my laptop for the time being(crappy sound). I hope next week will be better blogwise.

For now I'd like to point your direction to the elaborate media section on the website of Barsuk Records. With a roster featuring Rocky Votolato, Nada Surf, Death Cab for Cutie, Mates of State and the Long Winters among others, Barsuk is one of the finest indielabels. Here are some Barsuk video's...

Video: Mates of State - Fraud in the 80's

Video: Nada Surf - Blankest Year

Video: Smoosh - Find a Way (these girls are still in their early teens, which makes this song pretty awesome)

Video: The Long Winters - Fire Island, AK

Losing time...gaining adventure!

When I started this blog, I'd admit at not having a life...Does that mean that when I hardly have time to post that I have a life? I'm not sure, but I am quite sure that my life is pretty hectic at the moment. I've started my job today and this weekend I've moved to my temporary home in the oldest city of the Netherlands Nijmegen. Because of this I probably won't post as regularly as I used to. I do however have the intention to keep this blog running, so don't worry..and maybe this will result in quality over quantity?

Speaking of quality...here's a collection of video of one of the best bands in the world!

Video: The Weakerthans - Our Retired Explorer


Video: The Weakerthans - Watermark


Video: The Weakerthans - The Reasons


Video: The Weakerthans - Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call

Finally Friday Video's Part XV

I always get a little melancholic at the end of the year. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's in the genes, but sometimes I just want to hide under the sheets until it's safe again to come out.

If that's not emo enough...this weeks finally friday video is 'I Will Follow You into the Dark' by emo darlings Death Cab For Cutie. This is the kind of song I would consider playing at my funeral.

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Video: Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Work! Work! Work!

A few weeks ago I might have mentioned something about a job interview. Well, that job interview went pretty well. In fact, last week I got offered a position as Ph. D. student at the University of Tilburg! That's right folks, I'm heading out for an adventure in the real world. My first concern is finding a place to live in Rotterdam, which is located between my home and friends and Tilburg. I'm starting January 15th, so if you have some knowledge of available livingspace, I would appreciate the heads up!

These are exciting times as you'll understand! For one of the first times in my life I know what I want to do (workwise at least). Perhaps more importantly, I finally have a good enough reason to buy an IPod. I know it's weird, but I'm not a shameless consumer, I have to be able to justify my purchases and now I can! Out with the discman and in with the IPod!!!

In changing times it's always wise to look for words of advice in your music collection. That's exactly what I did and here are some of the findings...

Welcome to the workin' week.
Oh I know it don't thrill you, I hope it don't kill you.
Welcome to the workin' week.
You gotta do it till you're through it so you better get to it.
Elvis Costello - Welcome to the Working Week

I don't wanna grow up,
I'm never getting old.
I'd rather work from 9 to 5
Than drink to stay alive.
I'm gonna stay young until I die!
7 Seconds - Young 'til I Die

We have the best job ever
We really got lucky
We're nobody's robot
We're nobody's monkey
Piebald - The Monkey versus the Robot

No it's not my-not my-not my place
In the 9 to 5 world
Ramones - It's not my Place (in the 9 to 5 world)

The Illusionist...and other (potentially) interesting movies

Most monday evenings, you can find me at the sneak preview in Leiden. The reason I rarely talk about the movies I've seen there in this blog is because most of them aren't really worthwhile. It doesn't happen very often that you see a movie you actually like, but it's always nice to hang out with friends discussing the weekend and making up stories about the lives of other people in the cinema. After last weeks dreadful movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (I read this on the internet, which sums up the movie best: "When the Dawn of the Dead remake features a better chainsaw kill than your film with the words "chainsaw" and "massacre" in the title you know you've made a stinker") it was definitely time for something more interesting, more entertaining, thought provoking...in short: something better!

...and for once the cinema's manager Leo Lek (you gotta love his name) did not dissappoint. He played The Illusionist, a romantic drama/mystery with Edward Norton, Jessica Biel and Paul Giamatti. The story's got a bit of a fairytale kind of feel to it. Though the romantic subplot is a little cheesy at times, it's a good story as a whole. It's the kind of movie that helps you escape the real world for an hour and a half. Now, when I'm watching a movie I'm not really paying attention to the acting. I mean, I notice when the acting sucks and that can be really annoying, but I rarely say that I'm blown away by an actor's performance...until I saw Giamatti's performance in this movie. Already nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Cinderella Man, he really deserves one for this one. The depth he gives his role is a pleasure to watch. For his performance only. you won't regret seeing this movie!

Speaking of movies. I came across two movies that could be really interesting, especially if you're fascinated with American culture, like me.

The first one is Jesus Camp: "directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (The Boys of Baraka), it follows Levi, Rachael, and Tory to Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years-old are taught to become dedicated Christian soldiers in "God's army." The film follows these children at camp as they hone their "prophetic gifts" and are schooled in how to "take back America for Christ." The film is a first-ever look into an intense training ground that recruits born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future". With a synopsis like that my interest is definitely triggered. Watch the trailer below.


The second one is Fast Food Nation. The book was on my to read list, but I never got to it. Let's see how this one turns out. Again, watch the trailer below.

"When it was published in 2001, Fast Food Nation quickly became a New York Times bestseller, with its no-holds-barred, non-fiction exploration of "the dark side of the All-American meal." The big screen version FAST FOOD NATION is a dramatic feature penned by Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser and Oscar nominee Richard Linklater, who also serves as director. Explains Linklater: "The movie is not a documentary, but a character study of the lives behind the facts and figures. I'm more interested in fiction than non-fiction. You get to the point through human storytelling."

I'm In Love (With Arthur Dove)

I once visited the renowned Guggenheim museum in New York together with my brother. As we were watching paintings by famous artist like 'what's his face' and 'that other guy' (namedropping isn't appropiate here, cause I'm not sure if I really saw paintings by Monet and Picasso...I suck) , I came to the following conclusion: this is not my thing. That's not to say I don't like art at all...I would love having something by Kurt Halsey (see image below) or Derek Hess, on my wall, but the importance (or essence if you will) of these paintings in the Guggenheim was lost on me. To me, if a painting looks good and/or brings out feelings, then it is a good painting. That's it, I don't care if it's abstract or modern or whatever.

It is therefore not surprising that I'd never heard about Arthur Dove (1880-1946), one of America's first abstract painters. Still, for a few weeks now I can't stop singing these six words: I'm in love with Arthur Dove. The reason for this is the irresistible equally titled song by the band Portastatic. The chorus in this song is so insanely catchy that it took me at least 10 listens before I noticed the rest of the song. It's a good indierocking song leaning somewhat to classic rock even(!), but the chorus...oh the chorus is so awesome! Actually, now that I think of it, the first couple of listens I just kept playing the singing harmony in the intro over and over again...like an addiction.

Now sing along all y'all!

Portastatic - I'm in love (with Arthur Dove)
Portastatic on MySpace

Punk is dead?!...long live Latterman

I think I was 15 or 16 years old when I got into punk(rock) and hardcore. The raw energy and passion, the positive aggression, the obscurity, the melody and fastness of the music and the (do it yourself) mentality really spoke to me. Basically, these bands i fell in love with showed a lot of heart. For a lot of my favorite bands from that era the lyrics were just as important to me as the music. In my opinion, punk (and hardcore) should be about more than just music; it should be a counterculture. It should provide inspiration to young (and not so young) people to make a change in this world on an individual level. It's hard to name one band that stands out for me because it's the whole culture that was inspirational. It gave me the strength to make my own decisions instead of conforming to a certain standard. I'm not afraid to admit that I probably would still eat meat if it weren't for punkrock/hardcore to name an example.

These are still the things I look for in punkrock today and sadly, in my opinion, it is heart that is lacking in a lot of the more popular punkbands. Surprisingly, the bands that never used to be that outspoken on political, environmental and societal issues show the most heart (NOFX and Green Day are examples that first come to mind). Well, maybe I'm just getting old...but I'm losing touch with the 'scene'.

Every now and then however, you come across a band with the right spirit. When I heard Latterman's album 'No Matter Where We Go' last year it blew me away (listen to three songs from this album here). This band is't the most technical or original, but they play their music with such determination and passion that it's contagious. Add some inspirational lyrics and you've got a winner! The bands strong point is the vocalpart: it's hard not to sing along to these songs. The bands weak point might be the similarity of the songs. This is also the case for the new album '...We Are Still Alive'. Expect more of the same, which in one way is a dissappointment cause I was kind of curious what their next step would be. Sometimes however, it's nice to get more of what you already like.

"I hope that we'll be searchers pursuing solution but I hope I have the context right/so as we try to understand each other with the weight of the world on our shoulders/I'm sorting this out with another poppy song/I'm not feeling too young these days but this time I'll make it sound better". ('An Ode to Jon Contra, part 2)

Latterman - If Batman Was Real, He Would Have Beaten The Crap Out Of My friends
Latterman - This Basement Gives Me A Fuckin Headache
Latterman on MySpace

Bookhunting

Today I went to my favorite bookstore. I had some bookcoupons left from my birthday/graduation that were in desperate need of spending and this is what I bought:




* The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book) Teacher's Edition: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction
* A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
* The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcom Gladwell
* The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Earlier this week I bought The Beach by Alex Garland and Wonderboys by Michael Chabon at bargain prices, so I got my reading cut out for me. First I have to finish Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk though, which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I really should have more time or make more time to read!

Finally Friday Video's Part III

Oh my! What a week. The last days I've been so busy, that I did not find the time to post on this blog. Let's see...wednesday was filled with graduating, thursday with aging (I'm 26 now)...and to top all that: today I worked from 8am to 6pm! I see you stare in disbelieve; I guess you're gonna have to take my word for it.

This last minute post to the 'Finally Friday video' series is done with the sleep already haunting my eyes. I'm too tired for a party song, so it's a good day for a powerballad. Every self respecting (Hair) Metal/Hard Rock band had at least one powerballad on their albums. Guns n' Roses had 'Patience', Europe had 'Carrie', Aerosmith had 'Janies got a Gun' and Poison had 'Every Rose has its Thorn'. Still, my favorite powerballad has to be '18 and life' by Skid Row. I remember staying at my brother's place in my early teens. watching MTV in the morning, which was kind of magical because we never had cable television at home. I already knew the song (thanks to that same brother), but I still remember seeing that video. Singer Sebastian Bach was besides a very charismatic frontman one of the best vocalists in metal. I guess that really appealed to me in that period, but they were definitely not a one hit wonder to me. Their Self Titled album and Slave to the Grind are still one of my favorite albums of that era. Skid Row were seen as the next Guns n' Roses but they never became that big, but that doesn't matter. At least Sebastian Bach can claim a succesful acting career in the tv show Gilmore Girls. Eat that Axl Rose!!!

Final note: I can't believe I forgot what a great song Janie's got a gun is. I've put links to this video and the others in this post. Check it out!

Graduation Day

Is graduation day supposed to feel like having a dental appointment? Today I become a Master of Science. Four years of studying succesfully that went by too fast and now I'm thrown into an uncertain future. What will become of me? All these question from people which are meant well, but just add pressure to uncertainty. Then again...change is a good thing. When you get too comfortable in a certain place, you lose your edge and sharpness. We can't have that! Discovering new surroundings, learning new things...these are actually good things. Let's see what the future brings!

There is no key, there’s no plan; I discovered that. And, truly, I don’t think you'll find a happier man. (You’ve never earned your soul.) I know, but I’m gonna try, though, I’m gonna try. You float up high and it isn’t a sin. And there isn’t a hell where we’ll be sent. There’s only now, and there isn’t then. So just breathe it in. (Okkervil River - No Key, No Plan)

I started a blog...

It's true...by starting this blog I admit that I don't have a life!

Now that that's out of the way, let me explain why -besides having too much time on my hands- I started this blog. First and foremost, I think it's a great way to communicate my latest music related discoveries to my friends. Instead of bothering them individually that they really should check out this band or that video, I will use this blog for that purpose. Their gain, of course, the possibility to escape my relentless spam! There's also a remote possibility that you will grow to like my little recommendations... We will see! As Mark Twain put it: "we will not know, unless we begin".

What better way to start with then with a song from the band Sprites that probably sums up this blog better than any other song. This is not their best song in my opinion, but those lyrics will put a smile on your face when you're familiar with blogging and internet culture! Expect more on this band in a next post.

This is a first post and I'm only just learning how this site works, so don't be surprised if my blog looks different with every visit...

Sprites - I started a blog nobody read