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04 December, 2006Stuff and things
Jam packed weekend! Friday night I went to an art opening and the first show/sale by the newly-formed Seven Cities Craft Mafia. I saw some familiar faces. They seem a little disorganized right now, but I’m really glad something like this has started up.
Later that night Jimmy and I went to the Naro to see American Hardcore. If you are at all interested in punk or hardcore, I definitely recommend you see that movie. I have a few criticisms of it (they almost completely ignored anything after 85, including the New York scene, there wasn’t nearly enough said about straight edge, which like it or not was and is a huge part of hardcore, the poster sucked, nearly complete lack of women in the film—who do you think was behind those videocameras/folding record covers/making zines? etc.) but overall I really enjoyed the movie. It was really inspiring and made me want to book shows again, even though I know it isn’t like that.
The one thing that really stuck out to me was that the bands are SO into what they’re doing. You can tell they are just so excited and really feel invested in their music. They believe in themselves. Today the only time I see a band act like that is at a huge show like Posi Numbers, or when I see older bands like Gorilla Biscuits or Cro-Mags (FVK, whatever) play. No wonder no one wants to look for a venue or book a show these days. Bands get up there and look bored as crap, no one dances, no one is excited anymore. I hate to say it but it’s true. Regardless, I’m starting to seriously look for a place to book shows again. We’ll see what happens.
Saturday was my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday Mom! I took her to the MAC counter for some serious makeup shopping. The MA and I both expressed our jealousy over her naturally perfect eyebrows.
I bought her xmas/birthday/etc gift at the same time and she got a MAC haul that anyone would be jealous of. I couldn’t stop touching it haha.
We decorated the Christmas tree at her house and ate a ton of food. I didn’t feel so well afterward.
Yesterday was just a kind of lazy day and last night we went to Williamsburg for the grand illumination. We wanted to take Kyla with us but she wasn’t feeling the cold or the rain. Or the scarf, obviously.
I’m really glad I bundled up because it was freezing and raining. The paper said the fireworks and illumination started at 6:15, but as we were parking and walking that way, it was OVER by 6:15. You should have seen the crowds leaving, it was crazy.
We walked around for a bit and admired the window displays. We both got some candy in the candy shop.
We went and had pizza. Don’t remember the name of the place, but it was good.
There were some adorable hand-painted matryoshka dolls in the Christmas shop. I so wanted the little aqua and pink lady with the cats. She is so cute!
I had a great time walking around with Jimmy even though the weather was so awful. He got Sirius radio in his car too so we were entertained on the drive out and back.
My Christmas tree should be here soon and I’ll be posting pictures of holiday-ish stuff around my house.
Comments
Your mom got a sweet makeover! She's damn pretty :)
Where did you see American Hardcore? Is it playing somewhere around here?
It played at the Naro this weekend. There aren't any more showings around here... :(
oh man, all that MAC stuff!!!!! insane! what a nice daughter you are
you look a lot like your mom, I think. I hope you don't mind me saying...maybe I shouldn't...I hate being told that about my mom, even though its true.
I guess that's what I get for not watching the Naro website... I've been wanting to see it since I heard that it was being made.
I have a copy of the book, and your criticisms of the movie are pretty close to mine of the book. It was great to read the recollections of many of the participants in their own words, but there was a little too much editorializing by Blush for my tastes. It was clear that Blush didn't have a very high opinion of straight edge (the philosophy or the impact), nor did he believe that anything that happened post '86 was worth a damn, but I was able to read around that.
Another thing to be on the lookout for is the recording of John Joseph doing some spoken word/reading from his book. There are about 4 hours worth, and it's all well worth the listen if you haven't already got a copy.
Dang, I'm sorry you missed it. It was worth seeing. When it comes out on video I'll buy it and you can come watch it at my house haha.
Thanks for the heads up, I don't have the John Joseph book but I would love to check that out.
It was weird seeing a movie about hardcore that barely mentioned AF & Cro-Mags and didn't even hint at Gorilla Biscuits or some of the other bands that totally define what I think of when someone says hardcore. But I still enjoyed it.
"you look a lot like your mom, I think. I hope you don't mind me saying...maybe I shouldn't...I hate being told that about my mom, even though its true."
and I am sure you also hate being told you could pass for sisters...but your mom looks kinda youngish and hip.
Yeah we definitely look alike and I don't mind hearing it at all!
GIRL. You need to show me where a Mac counter is. I would love to try their makeup. I've been using Sephora (makeup forever and urban decay and bare escentuals) and I'm pretty satisfied. You definitely get what you pay for in eyeshadow and foundation. I wish I felt the same way about Mascara....oh well! Everyone tells me that Mac foundation is terrible for the skin...wondering what your opinon was. Happy bday to your mom (her eyebrows are wonderful! *jealous*)!
Anyhoo, someone was telling me about American Hardcore and how our venue The Brewery is one of the places that used in the film. I'm pretty sure it's the "old Brewery" but still.
Brandy, go to www.maccosmetics.com and do a search to find locations.
I wear almost all MAC except for blush (NARS) and mascara (Dior). I also use a few Urban Decay things.
I use MAC foundation. It depends which one you want. There are I think 5 different ones, depending on how much coverage you want and your skin type.
I am sorry I was late getting to your email about the studio tours in Suffolk last weekend. I hope you can make it out some other time.
They don't mention post '86 because that's when the first wave of hardcore died, only to rise again a few years later in NYC with GB, Youth of Today, Cro-Mags, etc. Even then, the "style" (if hardcore could ever be described by one style) changed, at least to the older kids.
Back in, back in the days
when I'd wait to see the old bands play.
It didn't seem like wasted days.
I was so sincere,
but now I see more clearly.
Music's only work to them.
It's not to me. So I say,
hats off to bands that change.
Good luck, go your own way.
Why play for us, if your heart's not in it?
Cause what might, might seem dumb to you
is pounding in my heart!
