Heat Check

Tuesday Heat

Last night the Mystic theatre played humble host to Lotus. In my opinion lotus attacked this Tuesday night with serious heat. On a side note, the Miami Heat lost tonight for the first time since February 1st, that was 27 in a row if you hadn't heard. It will motivate them as a team, just as Lotus was motivated in throwing down for a smaller crowd of around 200 in McNears Mystic. Petaluma got a good one.

It was a lively scene regardless of the intimate number. Lotus had their vibe going and the crowd was pleased to move with it. It was clear that the fierce opener was simply setting the tone for a journey that had just begun. Multiple times I had these feelings of fantastic video game odysseys. It was as if everyone had just acquired some super ability or time device that allowed for us all to advance onward. In the first set we were treated to, intro to a cell which grew into golden ghost. I also liked kodiak, a new one. The second set was bananas. Harp kicked it off and then they uncorked a mikesnack which kept the crowd hyped through arupa. Sunrain was hot too.

Lotus at the Mystic

Here's a glimpse at the sets: 1) hammerstrike, intro to a cell > golden ghost, juggernaut, kodiak, let me in, wax   2) harp, mikesnack, bellwether > moonset > bellwether, arupa > sunrain, uffi, jump off  encore) cloud 9, break build burn

They only showcased three tracks from the new album Build, two of the three were to my liking. Their sets had a solid mix of selections from the albums, Escaping Sargasso Sea, Hammerstrike and Lotus. I do need to say however, that they played a song in the first set, prefaced by a comment from Luke the Knife Miller that, "this is an unreleased track." Maybe it should have remained unheard. They tried to implement a fake digi-voice that sang refrain/chorus type fluff, it was dull. I believe all artists have the right and obligation to explore and experiment, but this seemed to be in direct opposition to their more organic approach. With that said, they rocked the rest of the night. I know that they possess a great art, full of creativity and skill. They cooled down the Petaluma crowd with a two song encore (the last song employed a faux MC rap, it didn't resonate with me). Aside from the two blips it really was a funky work night reprieve. The music spread with energetic momentum. All of us in attendance were fortunate to catch this good time. Lotus is still on tour, give 'em a heat check.

eightychoices.

Orange Crush

My fortune cookie's prediction on Wednesday night read, "You will enjoy doing something different this weekend."

Point Guard for the Orange

I certainly did just that with a trip down to San Jose for the early rounds of March Madness. The HP Pavilion was hosting teams from the Midwest and East regions (I know that sounds weird). Those in attendance for the first session were treated to match-ups in the Midwest region, where the Billikens of St. Louis defeated New Mexico State. The second game of the day had a Pac 12 flavor with the Oregon Ducks beating Oklahoma State in a deadly 12 vs. 5. The Ducks might just be the best 12 seed in the field. I initially thought their seed was justified. However, after their win I am persuaded to think they may have deserved a higher seed. St. Louis and Oregon will meet on Saturday in the round of 32. The Billikens are a great mid-major team, with gobs of potential. That being said, GO DUCKS! My brethren from Eugene successfully converted me in college to adopt the U of O.

The second session kicked off with a 'neutral' site game for the Cal Bears as they faced the Running Rebels of UNLV. I expected the Rebels to showcase the up-and-coming surge the Mountain West had been showcasing. This game had lots of thrills, and of course a rowdy atmosphere due to the dearth of Golden Bear fans in attendance. The Bears came away with the win in what was a sloppy final two minutes of the game. There were far too many rushed possessions with poor shot selection and a couple of inexcusable turnovers. The most frustrating part, and perhaps most exciting, was the amount of free throws that were missed down the stretch. Cal could've put them away and the Aggies could have actually pulled within one and/or tied had they hit more from the charity stripe. All in all it was a lively atmosphere and the Cal crowd went home happy.

Mascot Madness

The final game of the day was a big reason we made the drive south. The Orange of Syracuse were pitted against the Grizzlies of Montana. I have nothing against the state of Montana or its campus. I actually love both. But the Orange are one of my longtime teams. We were there to root for 'Cuse. It was made evident pretty early-on that this was a statement game for Syracuse. As a hoops fan, they were so fun to watch. They are incredibly active on both ends of the court. Not only did they hustle and challenge shots, they made it incredibly tough for the Griz to get good looks, either by deflecting passes or running people off of their initial look. It was a complete joy to watch Brandon Triche's feet in action. Simply put, the 'Cuse zone defense smothered Montana. On the offensive end, they played within their sets and seemed to be totally cohesive and, for the most part, patient. They were so unselfish in their ability to get a better shot or an easier shot. Michael Carter-Williams was just surveying the floor and served up some tasty dimes resulting in short corner jumpers, corner and wing threes and of course, inside buckets and highlight lobs. Next up for the Orange will be Cal. In what is sure to be another 'home' game for the Bears, I expect Syracuse to build upon their impressive performance against the Grizzlies. The pace and intensity of Syracuse was leaps and bounds above everyone else. In what has become the final year for the Big East as we knew it, I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Jim Boeheim's squad made a deep run. After all, Syracuse, as well as most Big East teams, pride themselves on winning the single elimination games that only a tournament can afford.

75 years of Madness

It was a great day of college hoops and it should be noted that the HP Pavilion is a great site to watch a basketball game. It was probably one of the better arenas I have been privileged enough to experience. Also, the scalpers in San Jose are the best I have ever encountered. Not only are they easy going and organized, they're willing to hear you out and make a great offer. We scored two lower level tickets, twenty rows off the floor for half price. Thanks to the guys who hooked us up. Nothing better than celebrating 75 years of college madness in sunny California. If you're able to explore the city of San Jose, check out Barefoot Coffee and the Black Cat Collective Vintage Emporium. Both local establishments made me want their creativity and initiative to rub off in the north bay.

eightychoices

industrial - modern - beautiful

the new Aether store in hayes valley epitomizes the creativity that goes into reshaping a modern space. this type of ambition showcases the ability to re-think what an object can be, regardless of its original purpose. it's sleek, it has its own identity and it forces, ever so artistically, the dialogue of a neighborhood. i really enjoy the simplicity of its construction (it would be equally easy to disassemble). leaving less of a foot print really caters to the art of constant change within a city (the demands of resources versus continued population growth). perhaps these thoughts can bleed their way back into the mantra of building in general. who knows what our future homes and skylines will look like?

below is a video that shines a light on the laborers, craftsmen, operators and engineers who make this seem so seamless. creative thought, elbow grease and the ability to see beyond the monotony cannot be be discounted, nor purchased. well...maybe. enjoy.



if this type of design and architecture pleases your senses, check out Envelope A+D. another name in the hat is Thierry Gaugain. all of the metal for this project was provided by Chris French. it's definitely worth noting that all of the construction was sourced locally in the bay.

eightychoices

here they come to save the bay

Sound Tribe Sector 9

it's been a west coast heavy week to kick off their 2013 winter tour, yet there a few more stops along the pacific for Sound Tribe Sector 9. the Eureka theatre show appears to have the tour gusto early on. plus, the threads spun on the lowdown seem to verify this truth. thus far they've treated folks in Portland, Seattle, Eugene, Eureka & Chico. tonight they perform on the Nevada side of Tahoe at Montbleu. word is the Senator theatre show had a hiccup, apparently they chose to restart the scheme reprise two minutes in. i trust they'll have ironed out those kinks by the Fox. peep this go pro video from the Crystal Ballroom (one of my favorite venues).



this Friday, the 1st of march, they make waves at the beautiful Fox theater in Oakland. there will be a sizable crew on hand for this one. we'll have to lock down some real estate on the floor, in order to dance like we're wearing moon boots. Saturday, march 2nd, they set up at the Palladium in LA. both of these shows will be available to stream.

once STS9 leaves California, they're off to Colorawdy to tear up Telluride for two nights. dotted along the way are some other two night stands. one is in Lawrence at Liberty hall. the next double dip occurs in Chicago, with different venues playing host each night. then they're down to the dirty sizzle for a five day blitz. the first night is in Charleston. next up are two nights in Athens at the Georgia theatre. to close down the winter leg, they'll squeeze the Orange Peel (most over hyped venue), in Asheville (cool town that i used to call home). roughly two weeks later they warm up the buss for an early spring fling that gets under way in Minneapolis before heading back east and then down the Atlantic. T-minus and counting until lunar liftoff...

eightychoices

Last Shop Standing

the Last Shop Standing is an awesome documentary from the UK focusing on records stores. during the 80's there were more than 2,200 independent record shops in Britain. by 2009 there were only 269 left. it spurs me to wonder what the U.S. numbers of independent record stores are and were. i'm so thankful for my nearest and dearest museum of vinyl, the Last Record Store. i will always be drawn to locally owned shops that curate vinyl, which in turn nurtures the community.

The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of the Independent Record Shop - Last Shop Standing

Thanks to all the local shops,
eightychoices

Lord Huron

No time to rest. I'm going to find me a life, baby, way out west.     - time to run 

Lord Huron made an artistic leap on Lonesome Dreams (released in October '12). rarely does a band make it so painfully easy for the listener to cling to lyrics. they produce a sound resembling that which is precisely placed. whenever the process became clear, amidst the haze of the recording journey, it was duly noted and nurtured. the result for Lord Huron, was a neo-nostalgic album, a turning the corner moment (that should be duly noted). Lonesome Dreams is a warm classic that will be discovered wildly by future miners of music gold. California tour stops include Sacramento and Coachella.



What good is livin' a life you've been given - If all you do is stand in one place?     - ends of the earth 

enjoy, eightychoices