Electroma

Elec-tro-ma

Electro-ma

Elec-Troma

Daft Punk’s film ‘Electroma’ is convoluted artistically, a stream of consciousness film. to the point perhaps that the title of the name is just a name, for the sake of having a name. That is not to say however that the film is just art, for arts sake, it is not that. The film as I see it is not a ‘dream film,’ or a film from a dream, it’s not that simple.

The film is how I have described it in the first paragraph, ‘convoluted,’ however it is didactic, and concise when you look at it that way. The film has a certain; timeless children’s story quality to it that compounds many of humanities deepest desires, wants and needs. It operates on the simple symposium of the human heart that we all have a soul, a dream, a rendition of how we would like to see the world, and how it sees us, a childlike, and honest rendition.

Okay, I must put in an apology here (against my better judgment perhaps?), that I do not, and will not, back up my romantic mussing with scene description of the film, I won’t do that. I won’t do that because of the forum in which I am displaying my thoughts. Meaning, I don’t know if the reader (thank you), has seen this movie or not. So I will only discuss the impression of the art form has left upon me. There.

Snap, back. The film has that childlike uncompromising understanding that, only it’s own ideas and feeling should, and have to, exist in the creative realm, which this film accomplishes. The film it’s self is not childlike, but rather, speaks to us in that place in which we would like to again remember, those, fairytales.

Subject matter then, when considering this, is somewhat pragmatic, the plot it jarring, and profound, however, if one does look closely at children stories you with find harsher realities. Cannibalism (Hansel and Gretel), Rapunzel (buying a child in the black market). The Brothers Grimm (entrenched with murderous adventures), have so much in common with ‘electroma’ it’s fascinating.

Both Guyman and Thomas admit that Vincent Gallo’s ‘the brown bunny’ and Gus Van Sant’s ‘gerry’ are direct influences. However more importantly, ‘easy rider’ and ‘vanishing point,’ have more influence on ‘elecroma’ then the duo has let us on to believe. Thus, the film is full of secrets, and challenges, motives, such as in life. And that is the mystery the film revolves around, the why.

dsm

I think I saw Spiritualized!?!?!?

Well, yes, I did in fact. That was just a quasi-clever reference to start off this blog about the November the 17th show at the Phoenix.

And now, the start of the blog.

Here it is!

Now!

For me, Spiritualized is the perfect marriage of melodic arrangement with the unexplainable emotion and genius that comes from the soul. I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear that Spiritualized was coming to town, and that it was an acoustic set with a few gospel singers. Just the perfect combination that I love! The only other perfect environment to see this combination would be at Roy Thompson Hall with a full orchestra!

Last Friday’s show was brilliant, utterly brilliant. Not only were the hits played, but also old tunes that had the dust brushed off like a set of grandpa’s old pipes, that you found after cleaning up for your grandma’s yard sale. You know what I mean? Even a Daniel Johnston tune (http://www.hihowareyou.com/) was covered, much to my surprise and splendor. Except for one individual who felt compelled to yell out, ‘play some real spiritualized tunes!’ That man was booed by say…everyone else that was there!

That event set the audience off on this strange… no, odd…no, peculiar attitude towards the show. There were fanatics, indifferentists(???), average fans and the people who were there that, well, just thought that they should be there. The thing is, every concert/show of any kind always has these people in attendance, however, and it just seemed rather more pronounced at the Phoenix for some reason.

The show itself was nothing less then sublime. From Johnny Spaceman to the Gospel singers to the string quartette, they all seemed to be enjoying the set immensely, as did I. The group wrapped us in rapture, confined our consciousness in the kindest of lullabies and yesterday‘s tragedies, bringing our hearts and souls to the ecstasy of the freeing heart.

We were spiritualized.

I think.

Music sounds better with you, and you, and you, and you…and yeah, you as well!

Okay, paying rent sucks, and do you want to know why paying rent sucks for me? Probably not (you don’t even know me!), but I’m going to tell you anyway. Paying rent sucks because I missed a good 15 minutes of DJ Falcon at the social club, and the reason I missed the first 15 minutes of his set is because I had to work to pay rent, thus missing the first bit of this past Thursday’s show.

However my dear reader, the rest of the night was definitely mood altering. Again the social is, for sure, a premiere spot for those who are serious about the dance culture in this town. A true hotbed of progressive and interesting music (and the drink are priced well), is being offered up and seeing Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon was not only a monumental night, but also a night for those with a decent amount of intuition will note clues, to what new tunes we can be hearing from Europe too!

The old the new and what’s up and coming dominated the sets, perfectly blended in a relaxed carefree manor from Falcon, while Braxe wanted (and got) the crowed pumped and ready. When you have seasoned vets on the decks (or…ableton that is), they never miss a beat, literally, and the cool downs during high-octane sessions were the classics. I can’t remember the last time I heard Ian Pooly’s ‘chord memory’ in a club, and after hearing Falcon put it down again, I hope that I hear more of it!

So, I guess the lesson here is…paying the rent is not as important as dancing, right?

V Fest

The Virgin Festival!!! That’s right - for the second time the Brits have brought us the party in one of the most beautiful locations anyone will ever experience at any festival. Truth. The scenic fairytale setting on Centre Island easily lends itself to a generally chilled out and relaxed atmosphere. For an entire weekend a person could binge on the fruits of pop culture’s tree that was in full bloom, and not feel guilty. Day 1 Surprises!!! First off, if you are not listening to M.I.A. you should be. She came on stage in her best French uber-hip electro dance shades (thanks to Busy P), and rocked the house. The crowd was alive and in awe of the pint-sized entertainer who definitely turned things up a notch, and set the precedent for the rest of the weekend. A self-confessed hung over K-OS followed and gave us a heavy-rock guitar rendition of his music, which was well revieved. Later on that day at the Future Shop stage Mute Math showed the crowd why people are talking about them, and now you will be to…c’mon, go check out their page on myspace (you know you want to!). Earlier in the day Interpol did a much anticipated signing. The reason why it was so anticipated was because they were about an hour late for it, but the boys made nice with a warm demeanor and quick-witted comments. Fortunately for the rest of the festivalgoers they were not tardy for their 7:30 appearance, which was ever so Interpol and very enjoyable indeed. Isn’t it amazing how you never see Carlos D lighting a cigarette, but he always seems to have one going? (Disclaimer: smoking is bad for your health, unless you’re in a crime thriller from the 50’s). Closing the night was Bjork! Not as timely as Interpol mind you, but worth the wait. It was a supericelandicfunksploitationallaserlightflagwavingextravaganza! (Source: Wikipedia). Our favorite nymph’s voice was in peak form, inundating our visceral senses to the point where certain members of the audience thought they just might be on planet Bjork. You’ve been Bjorked you could say, ha! Day 2 Day two started off on a somber note as…no, not really - I did spill coffee on myself on the ferry over to the island though. That counts, right? Yeah, no it doesn’t. What a treat to see the opening act Earl Greyhound on the Virgin Mobile Stage! Hailing from Brooklyn and wailing like banshees from the far reaches of Ireland, with thunderous crescendo bass lines and dynamic teasing drumbeats pampered with guitar virtuosity, the trio never, NEVER let up for there entire set! One must acquire the album A.S.A.P. Well, not really, you should actually get it NOW! Stop reading, seriously, I won’t write another… A diamond in the rough over the two-day event was the Souljazz Orchestra. For a good dance-filled time that’s fun for the whole family (and Spain as a whole I would say), check them out. Really good stuff! Other palatable stuff came from Louis XIV, Jamie T, Tokyo Police Club, Stars, Metric, Liam and Me, and Dirty Vegas. These bands are good both live and to have within your collection to just have a good listen too! Back to the more rocking-out side we have Biffy Clyro from Scotland! If you like your lead singer drinking a full magnum of wine during a short and high octane set, Biffy Clyro is where it’s at. Picture The Cramps and Pavement hanging out for an afternoon, accompanied by 16 gallons of red bull. Now you get the picture (?). Oh wait! I forgot about The Editors, another fine addition from over the pond too. Okay okay, regrettably I didn’t get to see them because of The Smashing Pumpkins…speaking of which… First, THE KILLERS!!! In front of the Virgin Mobile Stage (it was so sweet to have press passes) the crowed went wild. However as far as the press were concerned it was entirely “no pictures, please.” Well, actually they told us not to take any. However, all had a good show and a good time. Closing the festival, and this blog, was THE SMASHING PUMPKINS!!!! (Insert thunder and lightning). It was a perfect climax for any fan out there, and the Pumpkins delivered. There light show was in contrast to Bjork’s however, similar to the one that Graced Arrow Hall a few weeks ago thanks to Daft Punk. Triangles galore! Not to mention riff after recognizable riff from new tunes to rock classics from yesterday. Besides encore song “Today,” Billy Corgan also got the crowed excited with an impromptu solo of Oh Canada. Not really notarized for his guitar playing, Corgan however is a virtuoso and has to be heard live to be believed. Overall, the weekend was filled with a harmonious joy, and love of music and a sense that ever year, the newest run through of V-Fest will be the best. RG