Tuesday, May 22, 2007

the sad song.

I am an absolute whore. And, no. Unfortunately I'm not talking sexually. Well, that's a different post. I digress. I will utterly become a song's bitch so easily. Resulting in me playing said song over and over again - notching up the play count on my iTunes to an obnoxious amount.

Usually though, after listening to the song on repeat for a few weeks, I'll be able to tear myself away. Often this is after discovering my absolute, consuming love of another song. Extolling the awesomeness of said song to really whoever will listen.

A few months ago I discovered "The Sad Song" by Fredo Viola on my iPod. It was played in an episode of "The OC" and I always download the songs featured in an OC episode for the most part. (What? The show went to crap - that doesn't mean the music did! I've again lost street cred, haven't I?) I would download the songs even if I hadn't watched the episode. If you kept up with the OC you know how difficult it was to place it really high on your TV watching schedule. So I listened to "The Sad Song" briefly and moved on. Fast forward a few weeks and I was watching a show I refuse to admit to watching and heard the song again, and had the immediate reaction of "I know that song. I love that song. What is that song?" So imagine my joy upon figuring out what song it was, and to boot that I did indeed already have it on my iPod. Sweet!

"The Sad Song" has pretty much all the components that I like in a song that I will play on repeat. It has an achingly emotional melody with, well, I have to admit I'm not sure if I could really say their are lyrics. But you can hear the pain in Fredo's voice - it truly is a hauntingly beautiful song. I fucking LOVE it. So of course I went on a googling adventure of finding more Fredo Viola songs. iTunes? Nothing. My indie blog check? Nothing. Google? Well, there's his myspace page but you can't download or buy his few other songs. Seriously. Nothing more annoying when you're at the height of your obsession and willing to spend money to feed the addiction, and you just can't.

Anyway, this weekend as I was watching TV (shocking!!!) I finally watched The OC episode where the song was featured. My immediate reaction was, "truly great song for the scene," and "oooh, I haven't heard that song in fucking weeks. I love that song!" In summation: obsession totally relit.

So, of course I try again to figure out if I can perhaps now buy more of his music on iTunes. I mean I was just sent an email from Apple. They're worried. I have store credits that are unused. Why haven't I used them? Do I know how to log into my account? Am I having problems? Would I like to talk to somebody about them? If so, here's a number. Really? Why aren't you this attentive to my computer and iPod problems?

Clearly though, no dice. What the fuck Fredo? I've got money and I'm willing to spend. Granted it's currently the only kind of money I have to spend. Maybe I should learn from Winona Ryder in "Reality Bites" and I should buy people songs and they can give me cash. Poverty is a huge bitch, but that's neither here nor there.

Anyway, it seems his website is currently under construction (You best be hard at work on providing for the consumers Fredo!), but the page does show the fucking awesome music video he made for the song.

It seems that Fredo originally went to school (NYU) to become a film director, so you know he's not being completely self-indulgent by making the video himself. I truly enjoyed the video and thought it fit the song pretty well. What I still can't wrap around my head though is that he made the video completely with his Nikon Coolpix camera. So by filming 15 second videos with his camera. As a non-professional eye, I say you would never even guess that it was taken with a digital camera in 15 second jpegs. Fucking sweet!

I highly recommend you check it out! Plus, you get to hear the song.

I do have one request though: Fredo, please make some of your music available for the consuming public. You know. Something I can put on my iPod so I don't have to just listen to it on Myspace. I'll even pay for it. I know!

Thanks a bunch!

karen

Monday, May 21, 2007

sunday.

As I was working off my Saturday night on my couch - potentially only two steps away from cro-magnon - I pretty much thought "Woof!" and "thank god nobody has to see me looking like this."

Let me say - some people can wake up looking rather presentable after rolling out of bed. For me this is an impossibility. My hair always looks like a mane. It's usually worse after a night out where I've used product to keep it in place for the hours that I'm out. Somehow that product is only effective whilst you're out having a good time. As soon as you lie down - all bets are off. As if it wants you to look like a cracked out whore. Seriously - I don't think anyone should have to look at this mug in the morning.

Actually CBF is the only person I regularly allow to see me in the morning. Clearly unavoidable when you're sleeping a few feet away from the person. It's pretty much a running joke about the hair and other lingering effects if it's been a long night out. You know, that pale pallor you might rocking, the bloodshot eyes, that darned eyeliner that takes 18 washes to fully get off.

Anyway, I always think, "Wow. That is true love if anyone isn't entirely repulsed the next morning."

I think it's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with Bloc Party - even if I'm a little sad how mainstream they've become. But Kele's voice will always do things to me - seriously he could sing about rubbish and I'd be okay with that.

Anyway, on their latest album - one that's a little mellower and little more emotional - he sings just about the perfect love song to me. Of course it doesn't hurt that it's set to great music. It's shockingly called "Sunday" and if he sang the chorus to me, I'd think he was the most perfect man ever, because I don't think I've ever heard anything more romantic. I really wish I knew an easy way to post songs...so here are the lyrics.

Sunday

Heavy night, it was a heavy night
Feels like we've just, come back from the dead
Heavy night, it was a heavy night
I cannot remember what I said to anyone
If we get up now, we can catch the afternoon
Watch the under15's playing football in the park
Let’s sit in St Leonard's on this alcoholic day
We're doing the best, with what we've got

I love you in the morning
When you're still hung over
I love you in the morning
When you're still strung out

I work hard all week and so do you
We deserve to let off some steam
Less orthodox creeping,
We need to rage through all of this life
There might be ones who are smarter than you
That have the right answers that wear better shoes
Forget about those melting ice caps
We're doing the best, with what we've got

I love you in the morning
When you're still hung over
I love you in the morning
When you're still strung out

When I'm with you, I am calm
A pearl in your oyster
Head on my chest a silent smile
A private kind of happiness
You see giant proclamations
Are all very well
But our love is louder than words

I love you in the morning

Sunday, May 13, 2007

my condolences, mrs. vonnegut.

Last night, after a broad variety of television shows already under the belt, Killer and I were watching an episode of "Frasier" at about 3:30 in the morning. I know. As you can imagine, it took us quite some time to get through the bitching about our friends and annoying co-workers. It had been quite some time since we had so much serious time on the couch.

As those familiar will know, the show will place a quote or phrase on a black screen before each new scene. These words, sentences, or quotes will have something to do with the following scene, no matter how small. Kind of elite in the subtle humor, but I enjoy it. So clearly I was a little flummoxed when my aunt mentioned during an episode we were watching that she didn't understand what these interspersing black screens meant. I generally informed her that there would be a reference in the following scene. She didn't get it - and I didn't have the energy to fully explain. Though with the amount of "Frasier" she watches I would think she would have picked up on it by now ["Frasier" has become somewhat of a family obsession, for which I blame my aunt and her DVDs. The early seasons - the really funny seasons you forget because the finale season of suckitude has left a nasty residual taste on your palate and you can remember nothing else. The early seasons remind you what a smart, funny, well-acted show it is. Too bad you're a scary raging Republican Kelsey. Hats off to all the other players. So now I FauxVo all the episodes on Lifetime (Thanks Lifetime! Still eternally grateful for the Golden Girls repeats!) and my aunt was just telling me she converted my sister on her recent visit and all she wanted to do was watch the DVDs - even when it was just my dad and my sister. Converted! Back to regularly scheduled programming...] Granted: not a college graduate - but still very smart. She's officially gone into early retirement (thanks German policies! Don't let the door kick you on the way out when your economy self-implodes!) and is in the entirely new career of head-hunting and making a load of money doing it. So, smart, but I just don't think she's able to pick up on the subtlety.

In last night's episode I believe the card read: "My condolences, Mr. Vonnegut." Both Killer and I turned to each other and said pretty much simultaneously, "Awwwwwwww." Though what she said next scared me, "You know what? Of our friends, you, Actress and I are the only ones who would get that." My immediate eloquent response? "Wait. What?" Killer subsequently went through our list of friends mentioning who would get the Vonnegut reference.

That is pure travesty. I was saddened beyond belief on the day I read Mr. Kurt Vonnegut had passed away. I even had "R.I.P. Mr. Vonnegut" as my status message in Gmail. Hey, I never said it was eloquent, but I needed to acknowledge it in some manner. The man is a literary hero. One of my literary heroes. It completely flummoxes me that someone would a) not have already read at least one of his books, and b) not know who he is by even just his last name.

During one of my better summers during college, I pretty much spent the summer voraciously reading through Vonnegut's books. One after the other. I loved his humour, I loved his characters, and I really loved what he was actually talking about. I love his re-curring themes and thoughts. Much more easily picked up when you're consuming them one after the other. So, you know, Kevin Smith didn't invent that idea when he has the mention of Julie Dwyer dying in the YMCA swimming pool in all of his movies. I kind of love it though.

Kurt Vonnegut was an amazingly talented writer. Not only was he a good story-teller, and ridiculously funny, he was able to write. Not something is very good at. Yes, I'm looking at you Mr. Grisham. Put your fucking laptop down and please retire. You're a disservice to the publishing industry. Kurt Vonnegut was one of the few remaining literary heroes.

Killer and I discussed this as well. Studs Terkel, turning 95 on the 16th my man! Hangin in there!, is one of the few living literary legends. Well, I feel that way. I love him. I found out one of the MDs that works in my department knows him, and I geeked the fuck out on Friday. Completely gushing about how Studs was my hero, and it was sooooooooo cool that he knew Studs and had Studs write the new intro for the MDs recently reprinted book. And how now? I was only like 3 degrees from knowing Studs!!! Put that in a fangirl voice and I believe you'll understand why MD had a mixture of incredulity with what the fuck is this girl on and a dash of why the hell isn't she geeking out over me mixed on his face (MD is a tidge of an ego-maniac. Or at least thinks he's the shit, which he kind of is, but why the 'tude dude?).

Killer and i couldn't drum up any names. Yes. There are really good authors, but an author that you could call a hero that's still alive? Nope. Very, very sad. Hang in there Studs!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, about the card. Niles bought his father a meat gift basket to placate his father's ire over his putting Eddie in a kennel as opposed to taking care of Eddie himself as promised. The gift basket contains five different meats, and so when Niles was dropping hints of what it was, Martin excitedly asks, "The slaughterhouse five?" and Niles responds with a, "Well they don't make a slaughterhouse three."

I refuse to explain the reference. You should all know. Mr. Vonnegut you will be missed, but at least you have left us your oeuvre to enjoy in readings and re-readings for years to come. Thank you for your work. My condolences to your wife and family.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

ding dong the witch is dead!

Yesterday, if I had ever actually learned how to do cartwheels I would have been rolling down the aisles at work.

At about 4:25 yesterday the world at work became a somewhat brighter place to be. And no, it wasn't because I had the fluorescent above my cubicle replaced. I've actually been holding out on asking them to do that. I'm a little torn because it isn't very bright, and coupled with the dark walls of the cubicle and walls, but at the same time, I believe it's safe to say everyone agrees the fewer fluorescent bulbs the better. Well, maybe not surgery rooms and whatnot, but that's a necessity. Originally I had a lamp - still a very nice desk lamp - but it doesn't give off that much light. I keep on hoping it won't be my problem for much longer. Back to the lightness though: the fucking bitch who was formerly my friend has left the building that is my office for good. Even better? She's moving 3,000 miles away for her new job. I wish her much unhappiness in her future endeavors. Well, I kind of expect that is going to happen.

She's moving to the rainiest city in the world. She has perhaps one friend in the city (damnit!), and she's never lived further west than Michigan. She's not very good with the friendly. I believe she'll kill her own happiness, and I'm happy about that.

I've discovered in the past week or so that people just don't understand how ugly she made my life at work, nor do they fully understand the mind-numbing rage.

Let me summarize. Unfortunately, you spend more time at work with people than you do with anyone else in your life. This is a depressing fact I think most people often forget. So she was constantly there, for hours a day, in this cubicle hole where we work. I had to listen to her fucking shuffle with the shoes. On the phone, talking to people around me to try and make it more noticeable we weren't talking. As a bonus, she has a completely annoying voice.

I can go on and on about the petty shit she did to me, but I won't. I've got to try and really just purge that anger and pain from my life without becoming enraged on a perhaps daily basis. Especially since I was doing so well until she did the shittiest thing to me last week. MUST. RELEASE. ANGER.

The reason why things miraculously became better at work though is because I know she will no longer be there. As long as she was in the pit area, I would feel the tension. While she would constantly walk back and forth with her fucking noisy shoes, or that feeling that I knew she was potentially spying on me, looking at what non-work related documents were up on my screen, potentially spying [totally wouldn't put it past her - and I'm sure she said stuff to my supervisor], and just feeling that weight of our mutual animosity in the air.

That negativity is now gone. I believe it will be a brand new day. Because life on the job hunt is shitty enough as it is - there is no need for exacerbation.

Good riddance you negative whore! Can't wait for karma to kick you in the ass for your asinine behavior - not to mention your fondness for sleeping with married men. Take care!

Now it's time to celebrate! And thankfully I have my trusty partner in crime to help me tonight - thanks Killer!!!

What I have to look forward to?

Bitching with Killer; Alcohol; and probably most importantly - a viewing of "The Big Lebowski."

Heal me the Dude. Heal me now!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

ipod roulette.

I know. No. I know. Gone so long, and I'm just playing a game I've already played? I know.

I figure it might get me back on my writing schedule - must practice if I'm going to try and supplement the measly income with freelancing.

Also? I kinda wish I had a blog I wouldn't be embarrassed when job listings ask for blog writing experience. Start a whole new blog perhaps? That'd be way too much effort - and probably really boring. Not that this blog is a gripping, laugh-a-minute read, but I digress.

Onwards to assured embarrassment. Everyone has their dirty little music collection they would never admit to, right?

1) Deborah Cox - Play Your Part [Gabriel & Dresden Modjolation Vocal Remix}
Um...great start to proving I'm a semi-retired clubber and fag hag? And the semi-retired in no way refers to the latter.

2) Red Hot Chili Peppers - My Friends
Solid. Not my favourite of the Chili Peppers - still a great song.

3) Adam Merrin - Still Alright
Not much to say. I just added the song to the collection - it's probably embarrassing that I totally downloaded it because it was on a TV show. But still - Indie!

4) Glenn Miller Orchestra - Moonlight Serenade
Fine. It was bound to happen sometime. It could be worse. Granted, I still have six songs to go - but this is rather embarrassing. Even CBF didn't quite know what to say when I told him I downloaded the song. Let me just say it was purely because the song is consistently played throughout the Golden Girls series - and at some point you just buy that it is a great song. Or at least I did. I know - more solid proof of me being a fag hag.

5) Stereophonics - Dakota
Solid band. Solid song. My favourite by them is "Maybe Tomorrow" though.

6) Justin Trantner - Fear of Frailty
Not sure where I picked him up. Most likely from my compulsive MP3 blog reading - but I enjoy the downtempo - though I haven't figured out if it's a guest female singer or Justin singing. I also have to admit my iPod loves this song - especially in the morning - and it's much too quiet for that time of day so I'm always skipping.

7) Busta Rhymes - Turn it Up/Fire it Up
Don't lie. You know you loved this song circa 1998 when it came out. Personally takes me straight back to freshman year in college. I refuse to think about how old that makes me. I have also decided that any song that samples the KIT theme is solid in my book. Mundian Te Bach Ke's "Beware of the Boys" is also a solid in my book. I used to dream that I owned KIT, or would get a KIT. I can't describe how obsessed I was with the car.

8) Jennifer Lopez - Jenny from the Block
Um. I believe the less said, the better.

9) Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On
Good band. Pretty much saves me from being a complete and fucking loser - and gives me somewhat of a leg to stand on by being a bit of a self-professed 'music snob.'

Alright, fingers crossed...
10) Junior Boys - First time
Love. Love. Love the Junior Boys. I was really upset when they recently swung into town but I couldn't see them because my grandmother was here. And it was even at a location that would have been affordable. Oh well. They're totally friggen awesome though.

That was surprisingly painless considering I know I have much, much more horrid gems on my computer.