David Bowie's Retirement

(The beautiful Bowie family in November 2011)

About a month ago I was talking about David Bowie's retirement, which is something I've been wondering for quite some time. Articles like this coming out around his birthday certainly fueled the speculation. Rolling Stone has also said it before. Obviously I always had the dream that I'd meet David Bowie, or at least get to see one of his shows. At this point in time, it doesn't look like that will ever happen. He hasn't toured since 2003 or performed since 2006. He stopped after he had heart issues and decided spending time with his family was a better idea.

What's he been doing with his time? 

            He draws, paints and collects 20th-century British art.

Cool.

When I was starting college David Bowie released "Reality" and I was happy to know I still liked his work. I can honetsly say that I enjoy 98% of what David Bowie had made, especially music wise. I love his movies as well, see The Hunger, Labyrinth, The Prestige. I think I've been speaking more about Bowie's career in the last few years because I am getting antsy for his material in a post-Lady Gaga world. When I tell people on Facebook "Oh yea, you think this stuff is big? Wait 'till Bowie makes his come back" I'm starting to think it will never happen.

David Bowie's last television appearance. On a show with Ricky Gervais. I almost died laughing.

My heart sinks a little, but I'd rather have David alive and not touring. My friend asked "What if he were dead and touring?"
"I'd totally go"

So this part makes me think of that blog post I made about Amy Winehouse. How a lot of fans of musicians seem to love to watch the person they idolize party themselves into an early grave. This sort of "Dance Monkey Dance" attitude where the fans don't ever want you to stop touring, producing or creating. Even if it means the performers health declines, or they even die. As a person who idolizes rock stars like Gods I want them to live long and happy lives. Yes, even if it means they don't release anything. THAT'S A SACRIFICE I AM WILLING TO MAKE.

If David Bowie had died years ago when he had that chest pain I'd be sitting around here right now mourning his death. So I say, let the man rest. Even if it means I live in a Lady Gaga dominated world with this nagging thought in my mind "Born this way? Bah! Bowie created you."

David Bowie's biographer claims he is most likely retired, though Bowie hasn't made an formal announcement. Bowie has retired before, in 1973 after he "killed" Ziggy Stardust. So, there might be hope? I liked his quote about it "My heart says he'll come back. But my head says he's likely not to. I think he would only come back if he thinks he could deliver something that will be seismic. If you pop back into the stage, it's got to be something that has a big explosion and lots of flashes. It would be a bit of a miracle if he comes back, but miracles do happen," Paul Trynka. I'm with him on that. It doesn't seem likely, but boy do I hope I'm wrong.

Dear Bowie, I respect your choice to stay home with your family given the issues you came up against. Real fans of you are most interested in your happiness. But if you ever choose to tour again, I will be there. Apparently the last person you sang with was Alicia Keys and I know we can do better than that.
Please Live Forever,
    Becca


Dreamin'!

Bands I am listening to: Deerhunter

I've been listening to Deerhunter for a few years now. I actually got to see them open for Nine Inch Nails here in Oakland. I heard of them through Trent Reznor who gave them props. I was going through a phase where I wanted to know what artists inspired both Trent and Joey Ramone. And it Trent's case, presently. I heard of a a lot of good bands through Trent, or rather information about his musical interested posted on line. He has a blog and I have read several interviews of his. He is undoubtedly one of my crushes.

Speaking of crushes, I seem to have a thing for tall pale guys which perfectly describes the lead singer of Deerhunter. His name is Bradford Cox, and quite frankly I think it's a hot looking guy. Like Joey Ramone, he has Marfan Syndrome. So when I say I like 'em tall and skinny, I mean it. If Bradford Cox is half as intriguing as he seems by what I've read then I might be in love. Not only do we share music taste, but we seem to share a lot of personal traits in common. I need another rock star crush like I need another cup of caffeine. Wikipedia describes Deerhunter as "Ambient punk", "art rock" and "post-punk." Sometimes it's hard to pin point what exactly it is that I like about this band. Considering I am so strongly position in rock and roll. Rock and roll isn't the only music I like, but usually it's the music I want to hear.

I like Deerhunter because I hear elements of other great old bands (like The Mavelettes for example) in their music. They aren't blatantly copying anything, but they are clearly inspired by the greats and the reference can be heard in their music. The first album I heard was "Flourescent Grey" which was amazing to listen to while stoned. You know how music can meet with you at a certain point of time, and it becomes your soundtrack for that point in your life? It made a big impression on me. Seeing them live was a thrill. I went to the Nine Inch Nails show with two friends who had never heard of them and I kept insisting to pay attention to them. I was up in the front of the heart of the pit. Bradford Cox looked like Joey Ramone meets a Thom Yorke style Christopher Robin.

I found out Bradford likes to wear dresses. I approve. 

Their album covers look like optical illusions, for example, the album "Cryptograms."

Perhaps the best thing about this band is they have a solid body of work. All their albums are pretty solid. I have favorite songs ("Revival", "Spring Hall Convert", "Never stops", "Slow Swords"). I keep discovering more I like, the more I listen to this band. I always feel very humbled when I realize I missed an amazing song on an album. Some bands deserve a second look because it can't always all be absorbed the first time. Deerhunter makes me think of modern psychedelic music. When I first heard Nine Inch Nails I couldn't quite understand it. It almost scared me. But I kept listening to it until it didn't scare me anymore. It was quite an experience for a girl from suburbia to have. 

Some might think this is a "different" band for me to like. That wouldn't be too far off, but like I say "I like what I like." 

9 Year Anniversary Bite-the-dust.com!

STOP SOPA

My website might not be as big or as import as sites like Google and Wikipedia, but as a web designer and a big believer in freedom or speech I have to express my dismay with this bill. I wont beat a dead bush and tell you about it for the 20th time today, but I am making it clear that I am standing in solitary with everyone with a conscience that internet censorship is a bad idea. It will effect everyone single one of us who use the internet. I feel certain that it will effect everything I do on the internet including effect my own website.

I've also signed the petition that's going around, hope you have too.

Van Halen 2012

Normally when a band gets back together for a tour this is big exciting news for me. I'm not a huge Van Halen fan but can totally rock out to some classic 80's VH. And if you say you don't...you're a liar.

Well I feel like I can sum up the new Van Halen tour with two examples:
Here's the new VH song called "Tattoo" if you listen for about 20 seconds you will realize how crappy of a song this is. Not to mention the lyrics are horrible. "I've got Elvis on my elbows"...pure poetry.

I seriously feel like this is the worst song I've heard of 2012 so far. It's like hearing Rebecca Black's "Friday" all over again.

Second example is this live performance, and this outfit David Lee Roth is wearing:

Overalls, a cap and a scarf. A pretty stark contrast to the outfits of Dave's past.

I'm well aware the spandex just doesn't work anymore in this day and age. But this outfit is pretty freaking horrible. If I were more clever, I'd have a hilarious description for this outfit. 

The verdict so far hasn't been so hot on the new Val Halen tour. Just those two simple reasons has deterred me from any interest in seeing this guys. I know things can't always be the same, but I feel like these guys could have done better...at least on the music part. I can respect a band who releases solid music. And Van Halen used to.

Music posers

Ever see a girl in a rock t shirt who just doesn't look like she knows who they are?

Have you ever been out in public, and spotted a person wearing a rock and roll t-shirt? Every time I do, which is if they're 12 feet or less away, I have to say something about it.

That something would be "Yay! I love (insert band)! What's your favorite album?"
Well, sometimes when I ask that question, I get a response I don't expect...

*Blank expression*
"I'm not really a fan of (insert band), I just like the shirt."

My heart sinks.
And then I want to punch them.

This happened just yesterday.
I was visiting my local pot club (Berkeley Patients Group, woop woop) and I immediately spotted a girl wearing a Beatles shirt. I shouldn't even have to inform you how much I love rock music, so I can't help but mention it. I also feel like this is an obvious potential friend! I said to her "Yea the Beatles rock! Niiice!"

And she gave me that blank "I'm above you" look.
Now, this doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen fairly often.
Instead of just letting it go like I usually do, I got pissed off. I feel like this horrible phenomenon needs to be addressed.

WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR BAND SHIRTS AND NOT LIKE THE BAND?!
If I wore a 49's Jersey, I would expect to be approached or questioned. Music t shirts are no different. It ticks me off because it makes it pretty clear that this person is a poser, a phoney, a slave to 'fashion'. And to them, 'fashion' is wearing a rock band on your shirt and not knowing who they are...when they actually rock.
It's just insulting, insulting to the band. Not to mention the ever pressing question HOW DO YOU NOT NOW WHO THE BEATLES/RAMONES/INSERT BAND ARE?

It's very sad that Ramones t shirts are so fashionable, much like a CB GB's shirts that people think of their name or logo as a label in the same category as Nike. One time I was shopping at a local Hot Topic, and the girl behind the counter was wearing a Clash shirt. I got excited and quickly realized (big surprise) that this Hot Topic had hired a poser. Yes, I know, it's not so unbelievable at a Hot Topic...but this happens everywhere. It always perplexes me. When did this start and how did it get so bad? I would -never- wear a band t shirt and not like the band or at least know who they are. I would expect no, welcome some questions. I look at it as being genuine and being able to meet like minded people. Again, I see it as an opportunity to make friends. It's like false advertising. I think "Cool person, potential friend" but instead the message I get is "SHEEPLE."

This awful fashion statement needs to stop.

Girls I enthusiastically approach when I see your rock music shirt and you just treat it like a "shirt":
Don't give me that blank condescending look. I don't care if it's your boyfriend's t shirt and you had nothing clean to wear. If you wear his 'Titties and Beer' t shirt he got for free at an event I except you to be a big fan of titties and beer. Don't wear something people feel passionate about and turn it into any other label. At least be smart enough to expect someone at some point to mention it.

One time I saw a guy wearing "I'm the gangster of love" t shirt. I yelled "Yea Steve Miller band!"
he went "Huh?"
I said "That's a song lyric from a Steve Miller band song" and I sung a few lines.
He shrugged and said "I'll try to remember to Google it later."

My Favorite Christmas Movie

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays rock and rollers! See you in the new year!