Wow. I’m a sucker for most videos with dancing, but Barnaby Roper’s video for Finger Eleven’s “Paralyzer” really got to me. I particularly love how the dancers appear out of nowhere behind the slick couple. It’s a sad shame this Canadian band sucks ass.

I recently recognized them as the same band that released the most atrocious (and my most hated) song of late, “One Thing.” It’s horrible like a bad dream – repetitive, monotone, droning and dull (my nightmares usually involve doing taxes). “Paralyzer” exhibits none of these characteristics, and suffers only from mediocre songwriting. Allow me this dissection:

“Paralyzer”

I hold on so nervously
To me and my drink [cliché alcohol reference]
I wish it was cooling me
But so far has not been good
It’s been shitty [eloquent]
And I feel awkward as I should
This club has got to be
The most pretentious thing
Since I thought you and me [not a sentence]
Well I am imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place [passive-aggression isn't attractive]

[Chorus]
Well I’m not paralyzed
But I seem to be struck by you [by far the best line in the song]
I wanna make you move
Because you’re standing still [a little awkward]
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you [lyrical grasping at straws]

I hold out for one more drink [second cliché alcohol reference]
Before I think
I’m looking too desperately
But so far has not been fun
I should just stay home
If one thing really means one [huh?]
This club will hopefully
Be closed in three weeks
That would be cool with me [doesn't support local business]
Well I’m still imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place [still can't decide]

Catchy song. Shitty lyrics. Awesome video. And now here is something genius for the cleansing of your sullied musical palate…

Radiohead – “How to Disappear Completely” (Live)

www.birdsandbatteries.com
www.myspace.com/parasolsf
www.myspace.com/davidstockhausen
www.performermag.com

Sometimes I lose my words… Sometimes I just don’t feel like saying anything at all, as if a particular second had passed and I’d like nothing more than strive for the preservation of it – a simple moment fluttering as it is… pleasant.

I arrived just in time for the headliner of November’s Performer Presents show at Hemlock Tavern. Birds and Batteries sound exactly like the imagery their name summons. A hint of alt-rock mixed with electro-synth, they manage in finding a comfortable middle-ground between natural purity and chaos machine. Their instrumentation shines with lushness, pop and soothing serenade, notably on brilliant tracks like, “Ocarina,” “Jungles (Oceans),” and the clear favorite, “Star Clusters.” But that’s about all I can say, and the only thing left I remember is the frontman’s flannel shirt and beard. (Is he a lumberjack?) They’re in no way my favorite band, but it was a nice experience, like catching stars from a mountaintop.

I’ve easily concluded that Hemlock wins as my favorite bar in the city. The attentive and friendly staff only enhances the already casual ambiance, made better by reasonably-priced drinks. Lastly, but never least, Hemlock lures hot hipsters of a variety that seem slightly less diseased. The process of hitting on a girl flows more naturally when you’re pretty sure she won’t give you crabs…

Yes, I arrived late even though I only live a few blocks away… I’m sure the first two bands rocked.

[UPDATE 2008: The Rooftop Vigil has changed their name, once again, to Geographer. That is all. Carry on...]

www.festizio.net
www.myspace.com/festizioband

Review from Anthony Von Eckstein, Booker, Beale Street Bar & Grill

“As a music club manager and musician in the San Francisco area, I have been involved with 1000s of musicians and bands for over 20 years. The first time that tears ever came to my eyes at the end of anyone’s gig was last Saturday night when Festizio came out to play here at our downtown SF venue! The sound of music that emanates from this cerebral rock band is a great mix of melodic and edgy rock riffs, clear and excellently delivered vocals, and a rhythmical energy that cascades into a waterfall of creative overtones. Awesome attitudes, showmanship, and stage presence are also in abundance with Festizio, an emerging force in the universal pages of rock music.”

Gosh, thanks! :)

www.performermag.com
www.myspace.com/westcoastperformer

Tacoma, WA

A vibrant scene emerges 30 miles south of Seattle and north of Olympia on I-5 in the city of Tacoma. Though a growing haven for all musical genres, rock shines brightest in T-Town. Birthplace of The Wailers and Jerry Cantrell, the “City of Destiny” also hosts the antics of Girl Trouble and the hardcore supersonics of Botch. Along with a handful of colleges, including Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, and UW Tacoma, the Tacoma School of Arts helps develop a musically mature youth culture. Subsequently, Tacoma boasts a healthy number of all-ages venues, and there’s always a house party, impromptu show or new club on the verge. Large annual events like LouieFest and the Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival help solidify the city’s reputation for taste in avid musicality as well. For bands touring the Northwest and those looking for an excuse to get out of town, all roads lead to Tacoma. (more…)

www.rilokiley.com
www.myspace.com/rilokiley

Rilo Kiley’s fourth album, Under the Blacklight pops more noticeably than the previous. Simplistic lyrics repeat, forming hooks elevated by polished (and subsequently produced) instrumentals. Audio elitists may shun Blacklight for these reasons alone, however, as a songwriter, my appreciation for this album seems more inclined.

Having experienced some evolutionary growth as an artist, I find maturity in the digestive qualities of this album. The lyrics are simple, but not to the point of idiocy. Cleverly fun lyrics like those in “15”: “She was bruised like a cherry/Ripe as a peach/How could he have known that she was only 15?” and the effective use of hooks (hear the infectious, “Dejalo”) create a succinct and profound musical balance. Finally, “Give a Little Love,” my favorite track from the album, features Jenny’s beauteous voice at the forefront of the tender ballad.

But I can agree this album isn’t quite as deep as the previous three. (Execution of All Things remains my favorite Rilo Kiley record.) A fluffy piece like, “Moneymaker,” won’t keep you up late at night pondering God or why the hell you still eat Cheetos despite the health risks. I have other things keeping me up anyway (Doritos).

In the end, Under the Blacklight leaves you feeling damn good, and isn’t that what it’s all about?