Recently, I started up a new game of The Cave.
As the beautiful, hilarious introduction ended and after I took the time to read through the descriptions of my playable cast of characters, I had no idea what to do next.
Indeed, the game had already started and I was none the wiser. I opened up the in-game manual and the controls were simple enough but what the heck? "X" did not start my game?!
What sort of shenanigans was this?!
I reached for my phone to see if there was something wrong with me because the Internet has made it so easy to just find a walkthrough and hide any and all embarrassment (well, there is that thing called personal shame but...yeah, no one has to know).
Flash back to last year.
I bought a copy of the Jak & Daxter HD collection because I had to replay that greatness and capture a piece of my youth again. I loved the series so much, so why not?
Memories are a funny thing.
Or maybe, somehow, I've just grown a little bit dimmer as the years have gone on and my skill which one would think should increase as time goes, actually got dull.
I played through the first Jak & Daxter (the one that still had Daxter in the title. Psh) and I adored it. I absolutely loved it this time around. I remember when I played it back at its release, I was so blown away by parts 2 and 3 of the series! I always thought Part 1 was just okay.
At it's HD release though? I collected every trophy (not a hard task by any means) and genuinely had a fascinating, fun time.
Given that, I booted up the 2nd game (my favourite back in the day) eager to feel that excitement again. "It's going to be amazeballs!", I thought to myself.
It was anything but.
The controls on the hover devices were a lot harder than I recall. And I died a lot more than I remember. And how THE HELL did I manage to do all those blue ring challenges when I was younger? The game suddenly seemed near impossible! In fact, I stopped playing and have yet to go back.
What happened to me?
Who am I?!
With that I bring you back to The Cave.
I figured out what to do and was happily listening to the funny tale and plowing through my game, until I came to the part where I was supposed to throw a hot dog on a spike.
For the life of me, I could not figure out how to throw something.
Umm, what?
Maybe I want to excuse myself and blame it on recent real world stress in my life.
Or maybe I am shamefully admitting that I am no longer the sharpest tool in the shed.
Hi, it's me, Or 2.
And yep, I'm a rubber mallet.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Long Lines and Frozen Digits: The Sacrifices Made in The Year of Luigi
I know better.
I would not say I'm a veteran of standing in lines for launch parties and events at Nintendo World but I've stood in a line for Nintendo on at least four other occasions that I can recall.
I've seen the madness of many of their other lines and hence, I have only myself to blame for cold toes and getting there later than I would have liked, to partake in festivities.
But how can you blame anything on that adorable green-clothed man?
You just can't do it, can you?! Unless you're a Mario Loyalist, in which case, I am judging you. Did you feel the glint-laden stare? That was all in jest...
...or was it?
None of the first world problem stuff matters though because lines (once you've secured your spot with a wristband that confirms your existence) can be rather fun things.
You meet like-minded people.
You meet crazy people.
You try to think of yourself as not being a crazy person but others may disagree.
But at the end of it all, you get to buy a game a day early and unwrap that new smell and take it up your nostrils. I'm not sure where else you would take a new smell up into but I typed ridiculousness and so it shall remain.
With your new game in hand that you will probably throw on a backlog because after all these years you're still one of those people who refuses to start something new if you're already involved in another venture (and/or you're one of those people who just can't play multiple games at once), you happily collect your swag and head upstairs for the party.
This being the Year of Luigi (hey...wait, I thought it was the Year of the Snake?!), Nintendo planned something special for the launch of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.
There's something completely amazing about a bunch of Luigis in one room and Nintendo decided to dress us up as the younger, better brother. Moustaches and Luigi hats were given as the gift for this event with the purchase of the game (and if it's free, it's for me!) because somehow Nintendo knew it would be frickin' hilarious to have a bunch of people in over-sized Luigi hats take over a glass building and spill out into the streets. Who knew?
There was a video chat with the dashing brother himself and he took questions from fans. Someone asked him about Sonic and it must have been a hilarious response because the person was in a fit of laughter after the exchange. I began wondering if Charles Martinet was stuffed in a tiny box behind the visuals so that the conversations could be so on point.
A cutie attendant decked out in a formal butler-type outfit operated the elevator to second floor where games of "Luigi Pictionary" and whatever else (I don't know, I did not stay that long as it was crowded as all hell and had a hungry friend awaiting my return for dinner plans - I was scared she would go all zombie on my face) were taking place.
He lied to me and told me there was some interesting surprise waiting at the top - and yeah, there were quite the number of Luigi folks shouting out their best guesses to some terrible drawings - but I was half expecting a Boo to pop out some place. He made it seem all so mysterious!
Alas, disappointed at the sad lack of Boo, I watched the back of green hat heads for a while and then made my way out. I have no idea what sort of prizes were given out but I hope someone got a Poltergust 5000.
Later that evening when my friend and I made our way to Grand Central with our Luigi hats on our heads, it was cool when people hailed us out.
"Aye, LUIGI!!!", was a pretty standard response and the sort of respect Luigi deserves.
"What's with the Luigi hats?", we were met with by some suits.
Why not Luigi hats?
It's the Year of Luigi, after all.
Time to party or alternately, go hide in a corner.
Fellow 3DS Cool Kids Met Via Streetpass: Only 26 because I did not clear my system. Don't forget, I had a hungry friend and a zombie situation on my hands. I'm sure there were so many more tags to be had.
Currently listening to: "I'll Be Alright" by Passion Pit. At $2.99 on an Amazon deal, I wanted to know what the fuss was about. Now I find myself oddly compelled to these almost trashy Euro synth, mix...hipster weirdness. Not convinced that this album is great though but the catchy sort of songs are exactly the kinda things I need these days. No worries, I'll go back to torturing myself with some The Black Keys soon enough now that I have that much more of an appreciation than I did just a year ago.
I would not say I'm a veteran of standing in lines for launch parties and events at Nintendo World but I've stood in a line for Nintendo on at least four other occasions that I can recall.
I've seen the madness of many of their other lines and hence, I have only myself to blame for cold toes and getting there later than I would have liked, to partake in festivities.
But how can you blame anything on that adorable green-clothed man?
 |
| Is there anything in this picture that isn't adorable? Okay, maybe the one-eyed orange ghost thing is uh, questionable at best. |
...or was it?
None of the first world problem stuff matters though because lines (once you've secured your spot with a wristband that confirms your existence) can be rather fun things.
You meet like-minded people.
You meet crazy people.
You try to think of yourself as not being a crazy person but others may disagree.
But at the end of it all, you get to buy a game a day early and unwrap that new smell and take it up your nostrils. I'm not sure where else you would take a new smell up into but I typed ridiculousness and so it shall remain.
With your new game in hand that you will probably throw on a backlog because after all these years you're still one of those people who refuses to start something new if you're already involved in another venture (and/or you're one of those people who just can't play multiple games at once), you happily collect your swag and head upstairs for the party.
This being the Year of Luigi (hey...wait, I thought it was the Year of the Snake?!), Nintendo planned something special for the launch of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.
There's something completely amazing about a bunch of Luigis in one room and Nintendo decided to dress us up as the younger, better brother. Moustaches and Luigi hats were given as the gift for this event with the purchase of the game (and if it's free, it's for me!) because somehow Nintendo knew it would be frickin' hilarious to have a bunch of people in over-sized Luigi hats take over a glass building and spill out into the streets. Who knew?
There was a video chat with the dashing brother himself and he took questions from fans. Someone asked him about Sonic and it must have been a hilarious response because the person was in a fit of laughter after the exchange. I began wondering if Charles Martinet was stuffed in a tiny box behind the visuals so that the conversations could be so on point.
A cutie attendant decked out in a formal butler-type outfit operated the elevator to second floor where games of "Luigi Pictionary" and whatever else (I don't know, I did not stay that long as it was crowded as all hell and had a hungry friend awaiting my return for dinner plans - I was scared she would go all zombie on my face) were taking place.
He lied to me and told me there was some interesting surprise waiting at the top - and yeah, there were quite the number of Luigi folks shouting out their best guesses to some terrible drawings - but I was half expecting a Boo to pop out some place. He made it seem all so mysterious!
 |
| There's a game of Pictionary going on in that sea of green hats. |
 |
| Come now, surely the cutest thing you've ever seen, right? |
"Aye, LUIGI!!!", was a pretty standard response and the sort of respect Luigi deserves.
"What's with the Luigi hats?", we were met with by some suits.
Why not Luigi hats?
It's the Year of Luigi, after all.
Time to party or alternately, go hide in a corner.
Fellow 3DS Cool Kids Met Via Streetpass: Only 26 because I did not clear my system. Don't forget, I had a hungry friend and a zombie situation on my hands. I'm sure there were so many more tags to be had.
Currently listening to: "I'll Be Alright" by Passion Pit. At $2.99 on an Amazon deal, I wanted to know what the fuss was about. Now I find myself oddly compelled to these almost trashy Euro synth, mix...hipster weirdness. Not convinced that this album is great though but the catchy sort of songs are exactly the kinda things I need these days. No worries, I'll go back to torturing myself with some The Black Keys soon enough now that I have that much more of an appreciation than I did just a year ago.
Friday, March 22, 2013
The Ides of March
The Ides of March visited my world one week and one day too early this year.
No, I did not get stabbed by Senators and no, in my dying breath I did not utter a very dramatic "Et Tu, Brute?" but it certainly felt that way when my boss of 9 years hauled my department in for an emergency 1:20 p.m. meeting on March 8th and began the meeting with the news, "It's not good, guys".
It was a gross understatement if ever I heard it.
For the 9 years I've worked at a large law firm in Midtown, I've been at the receiving end of a pay scale that supposedly meets "Industry Standards". Speaking with colleagues employed in other sectors and other firms confirms that I'm an underpaid peon. Perhaps it's my fault for staying so long but having a job lulls you into a sense of security. That cushioned feeling one gets when a steady pay check comes in - enough for bill paying, saving, the occasional concert and maintaining a hobby such as playing video games - is calming.
In the 23 years that the collective 'we' were employed by our client, the news of a filing of bankruptcy took all of 10 seconds to tell and with that, 8 plus people (at least those we know about in our immediate circle) were left with looming unemployment.
The nature of the work has required us to wind down operations and without a fixed end date, it's been nothing but mixed emotions coming into work every morning knowing that you are hastening the end of your job.
I've heard a lot of advice in the past few weeks:
"Start looking right away!", "Go on vacation, mope around your house for a month then dust yourself off and start looking then."
"Wait for a severance package!" or quite possibly my favourite today, "Oh...don't rely on a severance package because you're probably not getting one of those that's going to be any more than a 2 week pay check for your almost 10 years of service."
Well that's completely lovely, isn't it?
These days, I've started noticing a lot more too, now that I am not so self-absorbed. As I make that death walk to work on mornings, suddenly there seem to be a lot of people with portfolios tucked under their arms. I whisper "good luck" to them every time I see them under my breath. It's a little prayer for them and certainly one for myself as I face the same grind in a week or two.
And then there are the moments that I try to be optimistic.
"Well hey, the job provided me the opportunity to buy myself some games. In between looking I can catch up on that atrocious backlog!"
But my heart has not really been in it. I've been struggling to play "Breath of Fire IV" amongst other things for the past few weeks and I have the occasional chuckle at some of the dialog but if I can play for more than five minutes at a time, it's a lot.
I think this is what they call a funk.
Tomorrow though, I am off to pick up my copy of "Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon" at Nintendo World's launch party in NYC. It was bought on a Christmas credit I had from my very kind sister.
It's probably the last game I will purchase for some while. So, here's hoping that little green plumber can show me his brave stance against the scary things in this world and give me the courage to go out there and do same. Well, you know...not become a Ghostbuster (although, any job openings in that field?!) or anything, but some encouragement to stay strong during the tough job hunt would be welcome.
At the very least, I hope he whistles that nervous little tune/theme song as he did in the first game.
That always cheered me up.
No, I did not get stabbed by Senators and no, in my dying breath I did not utter a very dramatic "Et Tu, Brute?" but it certainly felt that way when my boss of 9 years hauled my department in for an emergency 1:20 p.m. meeting on March 8th and began the meeting with the news, "It's not good, guys".
It was a gross understatement if ever I heard it.
For the 9 years I've worked at a large law firm in Midtown, I've been at the receiving end of a pay scale that supposedly meets "Industry Standards". Speaking with colleagues employed in other sectors and other firms confirms that I'm an underpaid peon. Perhaps it's my fault for staying so long but having a job lulls you into a sense of security. That cushioned feeling one gets when a steady pay check comes in - enough for bill paying, saving, the occasional concert and maintaining a hobby such as playing video games - is calming.
In the 23 years that the collective 'we' were employed by our client, the news of a filing of bankruptcy took all of 10 seconds to tell and with that, 8 plus people (at least those we know about in our immediate circle) were left with looming unemployment.
The nature of the work has required us to wind down operations and without a fixed end date, it's been nothing but mixed emotions coming into work every morning knowing that you are hastening the end of your job.
I've heard a lot of advice in the past few weeks:
"Start looking right away!", "Go on vacation, mope around your house for a month then dust yourself off and start looking then."
"Wait for a severance package!" or quite possibly my favourite today, "Oh...don't rely on a severance package because you're probably not getting one of those that's going to be any more than a 2 week pay check for your almost 10 years of service."
Well that's completely lovely, isn't it?
These days, I've started noticing a lot more too, now that I am not so self-absorbed. As I make that death walk to work on mornings, suddenly there seem to be a lot of people with portfolios tucked under their arms. I whisper "good luck" to them every time I see them under my breath. It's a little prayer for them and certainly one for myself as I face the same grind in a week or two.
And then there are the moments that I try to be optimistic.
"Well hey, the job provided me the opportunity to buy myself some games. In between looking I can catch up on that atrocious backlog!"
But my heart has not really been in it. I've been struggling to play "Breath of Fire IV" amongst other things for the past few weeks and I have the occasional chuckle at some of the dialog but if I can play for more than five minutes at a time, it's a lot.
I think this is what they call a funk.
Tomorrow though, I am off to pick up my copy of "Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon" at Nintendo World's launch party in NYC. It was bought on a Christmas credit I had from my very kind sister.
It's probably the last game I will purchase for some while. So, here's hoping that little green plumber can show me his brave stance against the scary things in this world and give me the courage to go out there and do same. Well, you know...not become a Ghostbuster (although, any job openings in that field?!) or anything, but some encouragement to stay strong during the tough job hunt would be welcome.
At the very least, I hope he whistles that nervous little tune/theme song as he did in the first game.
That always cheered me up.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Happy H1's Day
Happy St. Paddy's Day (or whatever it is you people call it)!
In celebration of her own day, H1 bought us some cupcakes. Hiding within the chocolate muddy frosting were nasty surprises...
...the sort of nasty surprises that one may close their eyes and have nightmares about.
Or perhaps the sort that will have me sleeping with one eye open tonight.
As if these tiny, green hellions are not terrifying as is, what with a third hand growing out of their heads and straight through their hats (a feather in their cap, you say? Look again!), whilst digging their hands into their chests to tear out their hearts, then certainly...
...the "gold pots" clutched under their arms are cause for alarm. Gold pots? Or children's heads turned to gold?!
Currently: nervously watching my back.
In celebration of her own day, H1 bought us some cupcakes. Hiding within the chocolate muddy frosting were nasty surprises...
...the sort of nasty surprises that one may close their eyes and have nightmares about.
Or perhaps the sort that will have me sleeping with one eye open tonight.
As if these tiny, green hellions are not terrifying as is, what with a third hand growing out of their heads and straight through their hats (a feather in their cap, you say? Look again!), whilst digging their hands into their chests to tear out their hearts, then certainly...
...the "gold pots" clutched under their arms are cause for alarm. Gold pots? Or children's heads turned to gold?!
Currently: nervously watching my back.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Note to Selves
When the Halal guys at the cart on 53rd and 6th with the famous yellow bags give you a little bit of pepper sauce upon request, do not look at them as though they have lost their ever-loving minds and ask for more.
Just in case my note was not clear enough, remember:
That shit is hot and it almost defeated us.
And yet, somehow, all I can think about is eating some right now.
Just in case my note was not clear enough, remember:
That shit is hot and it almost defeated us.
 |
| All I see is red. |
And yet, somehow, all I can think about is eating some right now.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Snowfall in February!
It snowed during the first week of February - enough snowfall to go out there and create an army of Zombie Snowmen (Killer Mutant Snow Goons?), enjoy a snow day building Lego and general laziness.
And I did nothing of the sort!
No zombie army was crafted. There was no massacre in the front yard, there was no building of Lego Werewolves and Mummies and there was certainly no general laziness. I recall working from home...
Though, it wasn't all horrible (okay. It was plenty horrible as Clee was not with us but there's always next year! Despair not!) as H1 and I baked a chocolate cake at the request of work frenemies and I took a few pictures of the snow as it fell and quietly piled up in the early stages on its way to 15 inches.
Next, the snow...
So that was Snow in February for you. We've not had too much in terms of major snow falls. We have had dustings and a couple of inches here and there but really, it's been a decent winter for us. Not so much for others but let me not talk as we're still in Winter for another few weeks and there's talk of snow on Wednesday.
I'm sure H1 will thank me to shut my pie hole.
Currently listening to: "Selene" by Imagine Dragons. Can't quite figure them out yet. The Killers influenced? Las Vegas as they may claim? I don't know. I halfway like them for their halfway good album with a halfway mess on the rest of it.
And I did nothing of the sort!
No zombie army was crafted. There was no massacre in the front yard, there was no building of Lego Werewolves and Mummies and there was certainly no general laziness. I recall working from home...
Though, it wasn't all horrible (okay. It was plenty horrible as Clee was not with us but there's always next year! Despair not!) as H1 and I baked a chocolate cake at the request of work frenemies and I took a few pictures of the snow as it fell and quietly piled up in the early stages on its way to 15 inches.
 |
| First up...chocolate cake. Does it look tasty? No? Well it is. |
 |
| Only on the first day, right after its baked though. Or at least that is when it's best. |
 |
| ...and the snowy owl. |
 |
| and snowy bats! Which...you're probably wondering why there are Halloween decorations outside but you'd be wrong to wonder. Halloween is always in the HOchieS' hearts. Deal. |
 |
| with snowy bird houses. (No birds were inside during the time this picture was taken - actually no birds are in here, ever.) |
 |
| now with more twigs! |
 | |
| and berries. |
 |
| And flower buds that have no business being around. What? |
 |
| Some trees that don't look like much. |
 |
| Okay, and this little guy. A bud that charmed me. He's an acceptable Winter bud. Not like that other thing that was the remnants of a rose. |
I'm sure H1 will thank me to shut my pie hole.
Currently listening to: "Selene" by Imagine Dragons. Can't quite figure them out yet. The Killers influenced? Las Vegas as they may claim? I don't know. I halfway like them for their halfway good album with a halfway mess on the rest of it.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Fail in February
I came across a decent idea: Four In February.
The idea being to play and finish four games in February as a step towards ending the backlog of video game shame most of us who play games have. The criteria could extend to games you've already started and if you finished it in February, it'd count towards your overall total.
Indeed! I do have a backlog... a shameful one, H1 might reckon.
I did not make the "four in February" but in my defense, I play a lot of JRPGs and well, as anyone who knows these sort of things, JRPGS tend to take a lifetime to finish.
So, I failed. But, not really!
I *finished* Persona 4 The Golden (*have to get the true ending but you know, 83 plus hours later, I'm considering myself just about done).
I finished Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.
I finished Little Inferno.
So, see? I did not fare too poorly. Right?!
With March soon upon us, I am plugging through a few more. What to play portable wise?
Hmmm...
Suggestions? Anyone? From this list?
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Lumines
Freshly Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland
Ace Attorney 2
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Resident Evil Revelations
Dragon Quest VI
Now, keep in mind I have to finish whatever I start by March 24th. Why? Because Luigi's Mansion 2 comes out and...it's Luigi.
Don't judge me.
The idea being to play and finish four games in February as a step towards ending the backlog of video game shame most of us who play games have. The criteria could extend to games you've already started and if you finished it in February, it'd count towards your overall total.
Indeed! I do have a backlog... a shameful one, H1 might reckon.
I did not make the "four in February" but in my defense, I play a lot of JRPGs and well, as anyone who knows these sort of things, JRPGS tend to take a lifetime to finish.
So, I failed. But, not really!
I *finished* Persona 4 The Golden (*have to get the true ending but you know, 83 plus hours later, I'm considering myself just about done).
I finished Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.
I finished Little Inferno.
So, see? I did not fare too poorly. Right?!
With March soon upon us, I am plugging through a few more. What to play portable wise?
Hmmm...
Suggestions? Anyone? From this list?
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Lumines
Freshly Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland
Ace Attorney 2
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Resident Evil Revelations
Dragon Quest VI
Now, keep in mind I have to finish whatever I start by March 24th. Why? Because Luigi's Mansion 2 comes out and...it's Luigi.
Don't judge me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
February Exists
Or rather, The HOchieS exist!
We do!
It's just that...one of us has been slacking on writing up anything and since that one is me (Or 2), well...yeah. I was trying to confuse you for a second. Did it work?!
Even though she has not read it yet, I can feel H1 glaring at me. How odd...
Anyway, a bunch of things happened in February...like food outings, NYC's Restaurant Week (which I actually think I attended in January) and birthdays.
Oh...the Birthdays I have missed chronicling. I take pride in my slacker behaviour and why shouldn't I?!
What's that? It's probably in my best interest to stop slacking because H1 will buss my ass? Yeah...you speak only the truth, Brain.
Getting back from that muddied mess of text, here are the Birthdays that we did not write on the blog and should have. Shame me.
February 2nd - Papa HOchie's Birthday! Yep. Pretty much should hang my head in shame. Mhm. Mhm.
February 18th - 1st Year Birthday of Baby ZBoos. Yep. Extra shame with my shame.
February 24th - Alex Friend's Birthday. Atlantic City shamed her which in turn shamed me by keeping us poor.
February 25th - MC's Birthday. Do I feel shamed? No, not particularly. Hahahahaha.
So, there you have it. All those other things I mentioned previously that "happened" in February, you will just have to wait on those. It won't be another 3 weeks until I post!
...one can hope.
Currently: feeling ashamed.
We do!
It's just that...one of us has been slacking on writing up anything and since that one is me (Or 2), well...yeah. I was trying to confuse you for a second. Did it work?!
Even though she has not read it yet, I can feel H1 glaring at me. How odd...
Anyway, a bunch of things happened in February...like food outings, NYC's Restaurant Week (which I actually think I attended in January) and birthdays.
Oh...the Birthdays I have missed chronicling. I take pride in my slacker behaviour and why shouldn't I?!
What's that? It's probably in my best interest to stop slacking because H1 will buss my ass? Yeah...you speak only the truth, Brain.
Getting back from that muddied mess of text, here are the Birthdays that we did not write on the blog and should have. Shame me.
February 2nd - Papa HOchie's Birthday! Yep. Pretty much should hang my head in shame. Mhm. Mhm.
February 18th - 1st Year Birthday of Baby ZBoos. Yep. Extra shame with my shame.
February 24th - Alex Friend's Birthday. Atlantic City shamed her which in turn shamed me by keeping us poor.
February 25th - MC's Birthday. Do I feel shamed? No, not particularly. Hahahahaha.
So, there you have it. All those other things I mentioned previously that "happened" in February, you will just have to wait on those. It won't be another 3 weeks until I post!
...one can hope.
Currently: feeling ashamed.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Happy New Year, everyone!!!
It's the Year of the Snake.
What does that mean exactly? I'm not sure exactly but I'm sure a quick Google search could reveal much. Since I'm just half-Chinese, I'm going to half-ass this greeting and not even look it up for you guys.
Have a good year, all!
It's the Year of the Snake.
What does that mean exactly? I'm not sure exactly but I'm sure a quick Google search could reveal much. Since I'm just half-Chinese, I'm going to half-ass this greeting and not even look it up for you guys.
Have a good year, all!
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. Hare, Hare, Hare.
What? I missed wishing all good luck yesterday when it was the 1st day of the month?! Hey, it's the first day of the month some where in the world, right? RIGHT?!
Well, I wished it in my heart for everyone yesterday. I just did not make a grand announcement.
That's all!
So umm, good luck all.
My well-intentions today are the same as they are yesterday. If for some reason you have some sort of ...debacle happen this month, don't blame me.
Blame Persona 4: The Golden.
Heh. Heh.
...
Heh?
Well, I wished it in my heart for everyone yesterday. I just did not make a grand announcement.
That's all!
So umm, good luck all.
My well-intentions today are the same as they are yesterday. If for some reason you have some sort of ...debacle happen this month, don't blame me.
Blame Persona 4: The Golden.
Heh. Heh.
...
Heh?
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
The Legend of Zelda Symphony That I Dragged H1 To
Yep, it was some time in November when I dragged a poor, little H1 to that thing.
November 28th to be exact.
Much like our trip to the Final Fantasy Distant Worlds Symphony in April of 2011, there were people dressed up as their favourite characters but the best I saw had to have been the awesome tribute someone did as a Skull Kid from the best of the Zelda games (which of course is Mask of Majora).
However, unlike our trip to Distant Worlds, this Symphony was vastly different and not in a terribly positive way either.
The Highlights
1. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, the good people at Nintendo crafted this entire tour featuring the music of the fantastic Zelda series. It was the same for the 25th Anniversary of Final Fantasy and I couldn't be happier. Both series shaped the type of games I enjoy playing now, and gave me a greater appreciation for music of its kind. I'm sure I spoke at length before about my adoration of one Nobuo Uematsu but he's not the only one to thank. The great Koji Kondo, composer to the Zelda series helped create the tone and indeed, the world of Hyrule and beyond. The fact that the opportunity was afforded to be in attendance to hear musical genius realized by a full orchestra is a highlight enough.
2. I saw Stephen Totilo and Jason Schreier of Kotaku at my show! They sat one row in front of me but more to the left of me but not too far away that I couldn't hail them.
3. The music was played absolutely beautifully. The orchestra sounded better than at Distant Worlds and the acoustics at the Theater at MSG were quite lovely.
4. The scenes accompanying the music from the various games in the Zelda series was well-thought out and put together.
5. Ending the Symphony with music from The Mask of Majora? That's a damned plus right there even if it almost felt like an after thought.
6. Whhhhaaaaa...??!! Conducting the Orchestra with the Wind Waker baton? I see what you did there...
7. I would have rioted had "Lost Woods" not been played. They're lucky...
The Lowlamps
1. This is not so much the music but the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It's not that nice, which is sad. It sounded great but it was not that comfortable.
2. I did not shout out to Totilo and Jason at Kotaku. I was playing Woobeewoo in that, "I'm shy". It also meant I did not get to tag them in Streetpass. It also made me miss Crecente.
3. The Symphony itself while it sounded fantastic, as H1 rightly observed, it was not as fun. This was not really the fault of the music selection though maybe that could be part of it but it was very much due to the fact that the musicians did their job and that was to read sheet music. It was not played with feeling and there was no investment on their part into what was being performed. At the very least in Distant Worlds the musicians truly had a keen interest in what was going on and the interactions from the crowd. It made the FF concert that much more lively while this one suffered from a lack of personality.
4. Musically, the song selections while not...horrendous, there was a lot overlooked and could easily have been included to make it not as somber as it felt at times. I did not mind the inclusion of many of the Ganondorf battle music but what about the exploration? Some of it was there but not a lot...fantastic dungeon music, forest temples, and even some of the other minor bosses' music was overlooked. Any piece of boss music (save Ganondorf) from Wind Waker would have made the whole thing so much more entertaining.
It was a fun night overall, except for the fact I failed to get a blasted ocarina at the shop which was a complete mob scene. It was one thing to not get an ocarina but it sold out right before I could have ordered and sold to some woman who did not even want to really buy one. ::sigh:: Such is life, I suppose. And maybe it was Karma paying me back for having the "opportunity" to order a Virtue's Last Reward pre-order bonus thing. I don't know. Let's not talk about it.
I think H1 had a decent time and I think it's safe to say these crazy Video Game Symphonies won't be happening again any time soon. Awww, that kinda makes me sad...Ah well. Maybe next 25 years...
Fellow 3DS Cool Kids Met Via Streetpass: It was probably over 60 and it could have been more too, if not for my not wanting to leave my seat.
Currently listening to: "Magick" by Klaxons
November 28th to be exact.
Much like our trip to the Final Fantasy Distant Worlds Symphony in April of 2011, there were people dressed up as their favourite characters but the best I saw had to have been the awesome tribute someone did as a Skull Kid from the best of the Zelda games (which of course is Mask of Majora).
However, unlike our trip to Distant Worlds, this Symphony was vastly different and not in a terribly positive way either.
The Highlights
1. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, the good people at Nintendo crafted this entire tour featuring the music of the fantastic Zelda series. It was the same for the 25th Anniversary of Final Fantasy and I couldn't be happier. Both series shaped the type of games I enjoy playing now, and gave me a greater appreciation for music of its kind. I'm sure I spoke at length before about my adoration of one Nobuo Uematsu but he's not the only one to thank. The great Koji Kondo, composer to the Zelda series helped create the tone and indeed, the world of Hyrule and beyond. The fact that the opportunity was afforded to be in attendance to hear musical genius realized by a full orchestra is a highlight enough.
2. I saw Stephen Totilo and Jason Schreier of Kotaku at my show! They sat one row in front of me but more to the left of me but not too far away that I couldn't hail them.
3. The music was played absolutely beautifully. The orchestra sounded better than at Distant Worlds and the acoustics at the Theater at MSG were quite lovely.
4. The scenes accompanying the music from the various games in the Zelda series was well-thought out and put together.
5. Ending the Symphony with music from The Mask of Majora? That's a damned plus right there even if it almost felt like an after thought.
6. Whhhhaaaaa...??!! Conducting the Orchestra with the Wind Waker baton? I see what you did there...
 |
| Well-played (and I see what I did there). |
The Lowlamps
1. This is not so much the music but the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It's not that nice, which is sad. It sounded great but it was not that comfortable.
2. I did not shout out to Totilo and Jason at Kotaku. I was playing Woobeewoo in that, "I'm shy". It also meant I did not get to tag them in Streetpass. It also made me miss Crecente.
3. The Symphony itself while it sounded fantastic, as H1 rightly observed, it was not as fun. This was not really the fault of the music selection though maybe that could be part of it but it was very much due to the fact that the musicians did their job and that was to read sheet music. It was not played with feeling and there was no investment on their part into what was being performed. At the very least in Distant Worlds the musicians truly had a keen interest in what was going on and the interactions from the crowd. It made the FF concert that much more lively while this one suffered from a lack of personality.
4. Musically, the song selections while not...horrendous, there was a lot overlooked and could easily have been included to make it not as somber as it felt at times. I did not mind the inclusion of many of the Ganondorf battle music but what about the exploration? Some of it was there but not a lot...fantastic dungeon music, forest temples, and even some of the other minor bosses' music was overlooked. Any piece of boss music (save Ganondorf) from Wind Waker would have made the whole thing so much more entertaining.
It was a fun night overall, except for the fact I failed to get a blasted ocarina at the shop which was a complete mob scene. It was one thing to not get an ocarina but it sold out right before I could have ordered and sold to some woman who did not even want to really buy one. ::sigh:: Such is life, I suppose. And maybe it was Karma paying me back for having the "opportunity" to order a Virtue's Last Reward pre-order bonus thing. I don't know. Let's not talk about it.
I think H1 had a decent time and I think it's safe to say these crazy Video Game Symphonies won't be happening again any time soon. Awww, that kinda makes me sad...Ah well. Maybe next 25 years...
 |
| Awww, friends. |
Currently listening to: "Magick" by Klaxons
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Having Friends in Lego Places
An obsession with Lego began some time in May and it has since then descended into madness.
In the future, there will probably be a full-on post capturing the sets we've built since May of 2012 but for now, I'd just like to thank the wonderful Marvs for her contribution (and enabling) our current bad habit.
For Christmas (and yes, I know I owe a Christmas Loot list to all and a proper thank you to all...I will get to that too!), Marvs sent us a cute package containing some of our favourite friends.
Not only is it awesome having a friend who lives in the U.K. who has access to little Lego sets that may otherwise pass us by, it's even more spectacular having a friend living in the U.K. who is also employed by the greatness that is Lego.
In our little package were Avengers loose packets (which is fitting, since it was my obsession with Tom that started it all...curse you "Hiddleston Chain Reaction") and a tiny friend from a very Special Edition mini-figure set.
That's right, I've my very own Olympics 2012 Team Great Britain Tennis Player.
Just look at his fabulousity!
And look at his smug mug.
Did he actually win gold? Because I'm not so sure...! A quick Google Search tells me that the Mens Single was won by Brit, Andy Murray.
Well then, considered me served.
Carry on.
Currently listening to: "Sit Down, Stand Up" by Radiohead.
In the future, there will probably be a full-on post capturing the sets we've built since May of 2012 but for now, I'd just like to thank the wonderful Marvs for her contribution (and enabling) our current bad habit.
For Christmas (and yes, I know I owe a Christmas Loot list to all and a proper thank you to all...I will get to that too!), Marvs sent us a cute package containing some of our favourite friends.
Not only is it awesome having a friend who lives in the U.K. who has access to little Lego sets that may otherwise pass us by, it's even more spectacular having a friend living in the U.K. who is also employed by the greatness that is Lego.
In our little package were Avengers loose packets (which is fitting, since it was my obsession with Tom that started it all...curse you "Hiddleston Chain Reaction") and a tiny friend from a very Special Edition mini-figure set.
That's right, I've my very own Olympics 2012 Team Great Britain Tennis Player.
Just look at his fabulousity!
And look at his smug mug.
Did he actually win gold? Because I'm not so sure...! A quick Google Search tells me that the Mens Single was won by Brit, Andy Murray.
Well then, considered me served.
Carry on.
Currently listening to: "Sit Down, Stand Up" by Radiohead.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Happy New Year!!!
Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. Hare, Hare, Hare.
A new year, people. Last year was not without its crummy times but we are thankful for the good times we had as well. And we're thankful for the lot of you all and look forward to spending time again in 2013.
We hope the year and this our first month goes beautifully for all and good luck to everyone!
Much love!
A new year, people. Last year was not without its crummy times but we are thankful for the good times we had as well. And we're thankful for the lot of you all and look forward to spending time again in 2013.
We hope the year and this our first month goes beautifully for all and good luck to everyone!
Much love!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The End of Year Review I: Music 2012
What a strange little year it has been for me in terms of listening to music. There's not much that caught my attention this year and it was hard to motivate me to do anything more than purchase an album (usually on the Curse-Worthy $5 Amazon deals) and set it aside for my "listening pleasure" later. It was the later that never really happened.
It also meant I did not really collect that much during the year but then TD5 came around in mid October and dropped a whole lot of music on me, while laughing maniacally the entire time. He knew fully well that I would have no choice but to do something about it! But joke's on him because I only really listened to about 3 albums he gave me. Mmhmm. I'll get to them, TD5, I will. But for the purposes of the Review...yeah, no.
Thus, I was stuck scrambling trying to cram most of it in at the end of year for this review I insist on writing and torturing myself with.
How fair is this review actually going to be then? As by the standard I did a few years, I listened to my albums and did a song by song rating for a best out of 5. Of course, there are albums here that were not released this year as per usual and they will be counted towards my review. In looking at it as a whole, there is probably only one that stood out as great this whole year. That said, here goes...
9. Muse - The 2nd Law
I saw it coming over a year ago. The whole thing with the Unmentionable KHud happened, and I was not expecting much from Muse's new album. And while it's undeniable that my expectations of Muse are incredibly high; I did not anticipate this level of rot. Some may say that the album before this one is even more horrid but I think those people are blind. There is so much to forget on this album that even being the best band in the world to see live, is not enough to bring myself to go see them on this tour. It's downright cringe-worthy, this mess of an excuse for music.
It's filled with rip offs from other bands (tributes? no...hardly), pop sensibilities that cannot even masquerade within the genre and a whole lot of laziness.
Songs Worth Listening to (you know, if you had to): "Animal", "Panic Station", and "Survival" (the last I'll admit to liking if only that is the only true Muse song in the vein of some ridiculous grandiose thing you might find on Blackholes and Revelations.
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Survival" over "Follow Me"
Album Cover Review: Psh. Cool...I guess. C-
8. The Killers - Battle Born
TD5 was swearing by the great narrative qualities as exhibited by Brandon Flowers and while that's true, I could not bring myself to like this album all that much. It was okay in an average sort of way but it started strong and I had hope. The first track screamed inventiveness but then the rest of the album quickly descended into a sort of country feel that I could not love.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Flesh and Bone", and "Heart of a Girl"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "A Matter of Time" over "Deadlines and Comittments"
Album Cover Review: When it comes to The Killers, they do not often disappoint in this regard. It's the least they could do. B
7. Keane - Strangeland
Admittedly, Keane will forever have a difficult task with any album they put forth after having one of the best albums in existence in Under The Iron Sea. Yes, I am telling you that I will always be a biased jerk about it but can you blame me?
Strangeland does not come close but in its defense, it does recall the second greatest effort by Keane that was Hopes and Fears. It does not quite get to that level even but there are some moderately good tracks to enjoy and it's not all a complete waste. It's actually quite the average album making it non-offending, which is what Keane has become... familiar and familiarly dull.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Black Rain", "The Starting Line" and "Sea Fog". The last song is mostly good save some bit at the end but it makes me realize that they should stick to songs about the sea. That seems to work out for them.
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Still Life" over "Dive In"
Album Cover Review: It's a beautiful photograph but what's so Strangeland about it? It's reminiscent of another album cover great - Original Pirate Material. I loved that one and I love this one too. A-
6. Imagine Dragons - Night Visions
At $1.99, I wanted to see what all the hipster fuss was about. What I got is a very strange, uneven sort of listening experience. Honestly, when I tallied up the songs total, they did not do so poorly on a song by song basis save that one song that achieved the unattainable - it managed to get a -1 on a sale of .5 to 5 stars.
They could be pretty fun in concert, I reckon but as an album...what exactly is their style? There are familiar sounds of Vampire Weekend (a band I don't care for really), Phoenix, Men at Work, electronic (?!) and one song in particular that is a call back to The Killers' Hot Fuss ("Hear Me") (and I have no problem with a Hot Fuss being that it held a solid place in my End of Decade review.)
Then there's the lead vocalist. I have no idea what to make of that man's voice. In keeping with the multitude of styles, his voice often sounds a bit out of sorts. It's not grating but does not always fit either. It's odd.
In all, it's a weird, uneven album all mixed together as if it's their first and last which leaves for a jarring listening experience when consumed in its entirety. Direction? Who needs it. And why not I guess, in a time when singles make stars and only nerds like me care about an album.
Songs Worth Listening to: "It's Time", "Bleeding Out", "Radioactive" and "Nothing Left to Say"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Amsterdam" over "On Top of the World"
Album Cover Review: Reminds me of a dark video I watched this year by The Shins. I like the dark colours and the expanse of wasteland. A
5. Menomena - Moms
I did not even know this was out this year! But TD5 and I happened to stumble upon a review of it someplace and it was immediately purchased. The release of any new album from this bands leaves me excited at the promises of weirdness and uniqueness that Menomena creates. But then it happened - we discovered that one of the three band members left the band. I listened with apprehension, hoping that the one member whose vocals I enjoyed the most did not depart...Whilst understanding that they all equally contribute and there is no primary vocalist or writer.
Still... with a founding member gone (again, of which now two members had to create a plethora of sound and layering I've come to expect from them), I hoped for the best while expecting the worst.
From the very beginning, there was an upbeat quality to the usual melancholy. It was completely unexpected while being completely refreshing. Lyrically, it was biting and the weirdness and greatness of the music shone - talk about some heavy, in your face bass lines with underlying, accompanying drum beats! Sparse but noticeable piano keys all mixed in with Spaghetti Western sensibilities. It was almost unrecognizable and daring while all the while retaining the Menomena quirk.
But it would not be Menomena without the brooding oddities with some of the content so sharp and disturbing that it can be quite the cringe worthy experience. Somehow the album manages to present a more focused effort and that's not a bad thing necessarily. I'm looking forward to the next and will enjoy this one greatly in the meanwhile.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Pique", "Tantalus", "Capsule", "Don't Mess with Latexas"and "Plumage"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Heavy is as Heavy Does" over "Giftshoppe"
Album Cover Review: Another fantastic, creepy cover. Just stare into the abyss. That's right my Master and I will do as you command and give you an A+
4. The Shins - Port of Morrow
Had I not known that most of The Shins was no more, would I have heard the departure and a completely different band on Port of Morrow? James Mercer's voice is so distinguishable but it may have been a bit difficult and with songs like "Bait and Switch", it would be easy to be deceived by the fun nature. Yet, as a whole, this album lacked some of the charm of their last (and super stellar - go get yourself a copy now) Wincing the Night Away.
Maybe I'm just talking out of my arse since I have that knowledge in my head. It's by no means a terrible album. One of the greatest songs I've heard this year starts this album strong. The aforementioned "Bait and Switch" keeps it The Shins happy but I found the album as a whole sort of average good (and on the quiet side) but it certainly is not without its moments of greatness but that's what I found - just some moments mixed into the otherwise solid listen. Ah, the problems of high expectations. But as with my initial short-sighted assness on Wincing the Night Away, maybe it'll take me a year or two to realize this one's potential.
Songs Worth Listening to: "The Rifle's Spiral", "Port of Morrow", "Bait and Switch", and "Simple Song"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "No Way Down" over "September"
Album Cover Review: Wait a minute...this seems a lot like Imagine Dragons'...but better! A+
3. Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon
I was of the mind to dislike this or at the very least to be very "meh" about it but at TD5's insistence, I gave it an honest go. What a year or a forced, repeated listen can make! Or maybe, this Sophomore album by Two Door Cinema Club is just better than their first (and I think I gave that a pretty poor review). So good is this new one though that I have decided that I'll go back and give the first another chance.
Okay, maybe this album is not the best thing since sliced bread and as I'm looking at my notes, there were a few lowly scored tracks but of the 11, the majority were better than average songs much to my surprise. One song in particular became an instant classic and on heavy rotation on first listen. What I did like about this album was the musical arrangement on some of the tracks - the fast pace breakdown at the end of many of them or the initial set up (see "Pyramid") but I'm unsure on the ones that sound a bit smug - a bit...green (see "Pyramid"). There's some of the hipster sense going on here that angers the blood!
Still, decent work, Two Door Cinema Club. Not bad at all.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Handshake", "Someday", "Wake Up", "Sleep Alone", "Settle", and "Pyramid" (okay, I'm still not sure on this last one).
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Someday" over "Sleep Alone"
Album Cover Review: I can't even begin to express how much I dislike this album cover. Or wait, here we go: F - -
2. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid
On the one hand, I do not like the pull from different genres making this feel like an unfocused album but on the other hand, the album represents a complete celebration of music.
It's political, social, and off-kilter. Give me an album that just flows one song to the next and I will be all over it. With so many influences, it's actually a pretty terrific blend once you get used to the madness of it all.
Vocal maturity and accompanying fantastic musical genius make this album one of the most impressive displays of talent. It starts like a powerhouse track after track and suffers only for being a bit too ambitious in length with closing tracks winding down the album and for me, some of the weakest. And I say that yet, it's probably just the style I don't particular enjoy because they are still some solid numbers.
At it's core, The ArchAndroid is a brilliant journey in funk, emotional weight, dance, groove and all done with impeccable style in its artistic blend of classical, soul (and for good measure, a total Jpop styled song) and rock with heartfelt execution.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Dance or Die (feat. Saul Williams)", "Faster", "Tightrope", "Wondaland", "Oh, Maker", and "Mushrooms & Roses".
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Cold War" over "Sir Greendown"
Album Cover Review: I think it's safe to say that you put that cutie Janelle on the cover of anything and I will more than likely swoon. Make her up to be a doe in headlights Android and I'm okay with that too. Experimental, weirdly scientific and pure B rated sci-fi mess of a Goddess! ("goddess" term as coined by TD5) A-
1. Kimbra - Vows
Yes. In a strange twist that not even I saw coming, I've placed an album by a female artist that sings as my number 1 album for the year. The fact that I have willingly listened to an album by a female artist that sings on my own is a feat in of itself!
I do it sometimes but... yeah. I am not known to be partial.
Then that grating, overkill of a song by Goyte came out and everyone and their mothers seemed to be all up ons. I can't say I cared but H1 did the kindness of showing me the weirdo featured as the guest vocalist on that track in her own video for "Settle Down". I expressed my shared concern at the sheer weirdness of her hands flailing about but it was when Kimbra had a breakdown dance after some equally odd vocal quirks that I secretly fell in love. I became TD5 in that moment but kept my interest to myself.
A superb Amazon digital deal later, I "bought" this album under the pretense that maybe H1 herself was interested in listening to it.
She advised me she was not and so I listened with my good pair of headphones (yes...recall that I used H1 as an excuse to buy this album for myself after all but shhh, no one knew!).
I was so drawn in by the vocal prowess of "Settle Down" that it took me a few days to move along. What I found was so much damned talent, in a brilliantly, superbly high-valued production presentation with layers upon layers of intriguing sounds coupled with layers upon layers of Kimbra's own vocal ambition acting as a the stand out instrument holding it all together.
And then I discovered she could perform live like no other.
This album is nothing short of amazing in its powerful delivery, soul, and sometimes pop like fun. It's everything I'd expect myself to hate and yet, what's crafted here is just so much diversity and beautiful artistry that it deserves every sort of praise I can throw at it. Now to get those fools (MC and Frass, yep...you two fools!) on board to listen and love as TD5, H1 and I have done...
Songs Worth Listening to: A favour to yourself would be to listen to the whole thing but indulge your ears on "Settle Down", "Cameo Lover", "Good Intent", "Come Into My Head", "Sally I Can See You" and "Warrior" (H1's favourite and her best) and then go grab "Limbo" (bonus track on the Deluxe Version).
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Good Intent" over "Old Flame"
Album Cover Review: It's our cutie girl..in black, white and strange. B+
Currently listening to: "Scarlet Fields" by The Horrors.
It also meant I did not really collect that much during the year but then TD5 came around in mid October and dropped a whole lot of music on me, while laughing maniacally the entire time. He knew fully well that I would have no choice but to do something about it! But joke's on him because I only really listened to about 3 albums he gave me. Mmhmm. I'll get to them, TD5, I will. But for the purposes of the Review...yeah, no.
Thus, I was stuck scrambling trying to cram most of it in at the end of year for this review I insist on writing and torturing myself with.
How fair is this review actually going to be then? As by the standard I did a few years, I listened to my albums and did a song by song rating for a best out of 5. Of course, there are albums here that were not released this year as per usual and they will be counted towards my review. In looking at it as a whole, there is probably only one that stood out as great this whole year. That said, here goes...
I saw it coming over a year ago. The whole thing with the Unmentionable KHud happened, and I was not expecting much from Muse's new album. And while it's undeniable that my expectations of Muse are incredibly high; I did not anticipate this level of rot. Some may say that the album before this one is even more horrid but I think those people are blind. There is so much to forget on this album that even being the best band in the world to see live, is not enough to bring myself to go see them on this tour. It's downright cringe-worthy, this mess of an excuse for music.
It's filled with rip offs from other bands (tributes? no...hardly), pop sensibilities that cannot even masquerade within the genre and a whole lot of laziness.
Songs Worth Listening to (you know, if you had to): "Animal", "Panic Station", and "Survival" (the last I'll admit to liking if only that is the only true Muse song in the vein of some ridiculous grandiose thing you might find on Blackholes and Revelations.
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Survival" over "Follow Me"
Album Cover Review: Psh. Cool...I guess. C-
TD5 was swearing by the great narrative qualities as exhibited by Brandon Flowers and while that's true, I could not bring myself to like this album all that much. It was okay in an average sort of way but it started strong and I had hope. The first track screamed inventiveness but then the rest of the album quickly descended into a sort of country feel that I could not love.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Flesh and Bone", and "Heart of a Girl"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "A Matter of Time" over "Deadlines and Comittments"
Album Cover Review: When it comes to The Killers, they do not often disappoint in this regard. It's the least they could do. B
Admittedly, Keane will forever have a difficult task with any album they put forth after having one of the best albums in existence in Under The Iron Sea. Yes, I am telling you that I will always be a biased jerk about it but can you blame me?
Strangeland does not come close but in its defense, it does recall the second greatest effort by Keane that was Hopes and Fears. It does not quite get to that level even but there are some moderately good tracks to enjoy and it's not all a complete waste. It's actually quite the average album making it non-offending, which is what Keane has become... familiar and familiarly dull.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Black Rain", "The Starting Line" and "Sea Fog". The last song is mostly good save some bit at the end but it makes me realize that they should stick to songs about the sea. That seems to work out for them.
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Still Life" over "Dive In"
Album Cover Review: It's a beautiful photograph but what's so Strangeland about it? It's reminiscent of another album cover great - Original Pirate Material. I loved that one and I love this one too. A-
At $1.99, I wanted to see what all the hipster fuss was about. What I got is a very strange, uneven sort of listening experience. Honestly, when I tallied up the songs total, they did not do so poorly on a song by song basis save that one song that achieved the unattainable - it managed to get a -1 on a sale of .5 to 5 stars.
They could be pretty fun in concert, I reckon but as an album...what exactly is their style? There are familiar sounds of Vampire Weekend (a band I don't care for really), Phoenix, Men at Work, electronic (?!) and one song in particular that is a call back to The Killers' Hot Fuss ("Hear Me") (and I have no problem with a Hot Fuss being that it held a solid place in my End of Decade review.)
Then there's the lead vocalist. I have no idea what to make of that man's voice. In keeping with the multitude of styles, his voice often sounds a bit out of sorts. It's not grating but does not always fit either. It's odd.
In all, it's a weird, uneven album all mixed together as if it's their first and last which leaves for a jarring listening experience when consumed in its entirety. Direction? Who needs it. And why not I guess, in a time when singles make stars and only nerds like me care about an album.
Songs Worth Listening to: "It's Time", "Bleeding Out", "Radioactive" and "Nothing Left to Say"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Amsterdam" over "On Top of the World"
Album Cover Review: Reminds me of a dark video I watched this year by The Shins. I like the dark colours and the expanse of wasteland. A
5. Menomena - Moms
I did not even know this was out this year! But TD5 and I happened to stumble upon a review of it someplace and it was immediately purchased. The release of any new album from this bands leaves me excited at the promises of weirdness and uniqueness that Menomena creates. But then it happened - we discovered that one of the three band members left the band. I listened with apprehension, hoping that the one member whose vocals I enjoyed the most did not depart...Whilst understanding that they all equally contribute and there is no primary vocalist or writer.
Still... with a founding member gone (again, of which now two members had to create a plethora of sound and layering I've come to expect from them), I hoped for the best while expecting the worst.
From the very beginning, there was an upbeat quality to the usual melancholy. It was completely unexpected while being completely refreshing. Lyrically, it was biting and the weirdness and greatness of the music shone - talk about some heavy, in your face bass lines with underlying, accompanying drum beats! Sparse but noticeable piano keys all mixed in with Spaghetti Western sensibilities. It was almost unrecognizable and daring while all the while retaining the Menomena quirk.
But it would not be Menomena without the brooding oddities with some of the content so sharp and disturbing that it can be quite the cringe worthy experience. Somehow the album manages to present a more focused effort and that's not a bad thing necessarily. I'm looking forward to the next and will enjoy this one greatly in the meanwhile.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Pique", "Tantalus", "Capsule", "Don't Mess with Latexas"and "Plumage"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Heavy is as Heavy Does" over "Giftshoppe"
Album Cover Review: Another fantastic, creepy cover. Just stare into the abyss. That's right my Master and I will do as you command and give you an A+
4. The Shins - Port of Morrow
Had I not known that most of The Shins was no more, would I have heard the departure and a completely different band on Port of Morrow? James Mercer's voice is so distinguishable but it may have been a bit difficult and with songs like "Bait and Switch", it would be easy to be deceived by the fun nature. Yet, as a whole, this album lacked some of the charm of their last (and super stellar - go get yourself a copy now) Wincing the Night Away.
Maybe I'm just talking out of my arse since I have that knowledge in my head. It's by no means a terrible album. One of the greatest songs I've heard this year starts this album strong. The aforementioned "Bait and Switch" keeps it The Shins happy but I found the album as a whole sort of average good (and on the quiet side) but it certainly is not without its moments of greatness but that's what I found - just some moments mixed into the otherwise solid listen. Ah, the problems of high expectations. But as with my initial short-sighted assness on Wincing the Night Away, maybe it'll take me a year or two to realize this one's potential.
Songs Worth Listening to: "The Rifle's Spiral", "Port of Morrow", "Bait and Switch", and "Simple Song"
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "No Way Down" over "September"
Album Cover Review: Wait a minute...this seems a lot like Imagine Dragons'...but better! A+
3. Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon
I was of the mind to dislike this or at the very least to be very "meh" about it but at TD5's insistence, I gave it an honest go. What a year or a forced, repeated listen can make! Or maybe, this Sophomore album by Two Door Cinema Club is just better than their first (and I think I gave that a pretty poor review). So good is this new one though that I have decided that I'll go back and give the first another chance.
Okay, maybe this album is not the best thing since sliced bread and as I'm looking at my notes, there were a few lowly scored tracks but of the 11, the majority were better than average songs much to my surprise. One song in particular became an instant classic and on heavy rotation on first listen. What I did like about this album was the musical arrangement on some of the tracks - the fast pace breakdown at the end of many of them or the initial set up (see "Pyramid") but I'm unsure on the ones that sound a bit smug - a bit...green (see "Pyramid"). There's some of the hipster sense going on here that angers the blood!
Still, decent work, Two Door Cinema Club. Not bad at all.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Handshake", "Someday", "Wake Up", "Sleep Alone", "Settle", and "Pyramid" (okay, I'm still not sure on this last one).
H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6. A winner is H1 with "Someday" over "Sleep Alone"
Album Cover Review: I can't even begin to express how much I dislike this album cover. Or wait, here we go: F - -
2. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid
On the one hand, I do not like the pull from different genres making this feel like an unfocused album but on the other hand, the album represents a complete celebration of music.
It's political, social, and off-kilter. Give me an album that just flows one song to the next and I will be all over it. With so many influences, it's actually a pretty terrific blend once you get used to the madness of it all.
Vocal maturity and accompanying fantastic musical genius make this album one of the most impressive displays of talent. It starts like a powerhouse track after track and suffers only for being a bit too ambitious in length with closing tracks winding down the album and for me, some of the weakest. And I say that yet, it's probably just the style I don't particular enjoy because they are still some solid numbers.
At it's core, The ArchAndroid is a brilliant journey in funk, emotional weight, dance, groove and all done with impeccable style in its artistic blend of classical, soul (and for good measure, a total Jpop styled song) and rock with heartfelt execution.
Songs Worth Listening to: "Dance or Die (feat. Saul Williams)", "Faster", "Tightrope", "Wondaland", "Oh, Maker", and "Mushrooms & Roses".
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Cold War" over "Sir Greendown"
Album Cover Review: I think it's safe to say that you put that cutie Janelle on the cover of anything and I will more than likely swoon. Make her up to be a doe in headlights Android and I'm okay with that too. Experimental, weirdly scientific and pure B rated sci-fi mess of a Goddess! ("goddess" term as coined by TD5) A-
1. Kimbra - Vows
Yes. In a strange twist that not even I saw coming, I've placed an album by a female artist that sings as my number 1 album for the year. The fact that I have willingly listened to an album by a female artist that sings on my own is a feat in of itself!
I do it sometimes but... yeah. I am not known to be partial.
Then that grating, overkill of a song by Goyte came out and everyone and their mothers seemed to be all up ons. I can't say I cared but H1 did the kindness of showing me the weirdo featured as the guest vocalist on that track in her own video for "Settle Down". I expressed my shared concern at the sheer weirdness of her hands flailing about but it was when Kimbra had a breakdown dance after some equally odd vocal quirks that I secretly fell in love. I became TD5 in that moment but kept my interest to myself.
A superb Amazon digital deal later, I "bought" this album under the pretense that maybe H1 herself was interested in listening to it.
She advised me she was not and so I listened with my good pair of headphones (yes...recall that I used H1 as an excuse to buy this album for myself after all but shhh, no one knew!).
I was so drawn in by the vocal prowess of "Settle Down" that it took me a few days to move along. What I found was so much damned talent, in a brilliantly, superbly high-valued production presentation with layers upon layers of intriguing sounds coupled with layers upon layers of Kimbra's own vocal ambition acting as a the stand out instrument holding it all together.
And then I discovered she could perform live like no other.
This album is nothing short of amazing in its powerful delivery, soul, and sometimes pop like fun. It's everything I'd expect myself to hate and yet, what's crafted here is just so much diversity and beautiful artistry that it deserves every sort of praise I can throw at it. Now to get those fools (MC and Frass, yep...you two fools!) on board to listen and love as TD5, H1 and I have done...
Songs Worth Listening to: A favour to yourself would be to listen to the whole thing but indulge your ears on "Settle Down", "Cameo Lover", "Good Intent", "Come Into My Head", "Sally I Can See You" and "Warrior" (H1's favourite and her best) and then go grab "Limbo" (bonus track on the Deluxe Version).
H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Good Intent" over "Old Flame"
Album Cover Review: It's our cutie girl..in black, white and strange. B+
Currently listening to: "Scarlet Fields" by The Horrors.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Some of you are already well into the Christmas festivities whilst here at the HOchieS', it's bed time. We will update the blog later today for the Christmas loot but for now, Merry Christmas!
We hope it'll be a great day for all.
We hope it'll be a great day for all.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Airing of Grievances: 2012
It's that time of year again...it's time for Festivus!
And with Festivus, comes the Airing of Grievances.
You lot have been pretty horrendous, I must say and are all deserving of the following:
But since we only had one, we sent it to MC. That's not to say he made Number 1 on the list this year but we happened to get a package out that day and in it went. And had we thought it about well, X surely would have gotten that. Mmhmm.
I was also hoping that the World was going to End on Friday so that I would not be re-gifted that coal next year. H1 and I have decided that we will keep this coal circled among the frenemies. So...think carefully, MC...
Until next year!
And with Festivus, comes the Airing of Grievances.
You lot have been pretty horrendous, I must say and are all deserving of the following:
But since we only had one, we sent it to MC. That's not to say he made Number 1 on the list this year but we happened to get a package out that day and in it went. And had we thought it about well, X surely would have gotten that. Mmhmm.
I was also hoping that the World was going to End on Friday so that I would not be re-gifted that coal next year. H1 and I have decided that we will keep this coal circled among the frenemies. So...think carefully, MC...
Until next year!
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. Hare, Hare, Hare.
Even though there are now only 22 days until the Zombie Apocalypse, I am still intent on wishing all of my frenemies some good luck because now it's just about wishing you to become zombies instead of zombie food.
Good luck, all and Happy December.
Good luck, all and Happy December.
Friday, November 30, 2012
A Knuckle to the Eyeball and Storm King
In the place of wandering off to a Black Friday shopping mess with the ever so thrilling expectation of being trampled upon and pushed by complete strangers, the HOchieS with Luuuiiissss, TD5 and a gaggle of children went off to Storm King's Art Center. It was the sensible thing to do! And we did not even need a knuckle to the eyeball to help us think.
Frankly, we've never actually gone Black Friday shopping. Or maybe there was that one time TD5 and Luuuiisss went...but since then, and even at that time, it's been all about Black Friday shopping at the Happiest Place on Earth - Amazon.com.
No, no. It's not Disney, fools. I thought we discussed this already?
It was a brilliant day on Friday weather wise. It was sunny (alright, that's not brilliant for me but brilliant for photo taking opportunities, if I must), and not a biting cold November day and it was in fact, the perfect sort of day to walk the acres at Storm King.
So a-walking we went.
Frankly, we've never actually gone Black Friday shopping. Or maybe there was that one time TD5 and Luuuiisss went...but since then, and even at that time, it's been all about Black Friday shopping at the Happiest Place on Earth - Amazon.com.
No, no. It's not Disney, fools. I thought we discussed this already?
It was a brilliant day on Friday weather wise. It was sunny (alright, that's not brilliant for me but brilliant for photo taking opportunities, if I must), and not a biting cold November day and it was in fact, the perfect sort of day to walk the acres at Storm King.
So a-walking we went.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to TD5 and Bughie J.!!!!
Was there cake this day? Lo Mein with pork? (on that I can be assured that TD5 had some) or maybe a cat meowing at your door at wee hours in the morning? Surely there only to wish you a Happy Birthday and surely not in some sort of twisted, evil cat plan?
Whatever happened, we hope it was a wonderful day.
Was there cake this day? Lo Mein with pork? (on that I can be assured that TD5 had some) or maybe a cat meowing at your door at wee hours in the morning? Surely there only to wish you a Happy Birthday and surely not in some sort of twisted, evil cat plan?
Whatever happened, we hope it was a wonderful day.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I trust my frenemies will have a wonderful day today even though quite the lot of you don't celebrate this day. Just know we miss you all and that the HOchieS are thankful for all of you... Some more than others.
Bwahahaha.
Bwahahaha.
Thursday, November 08, 2012
What the What.
My camera has finally returned to me and I couldn't be more excited.
And what sort of craziness do I get to take (awful) pictures of on it's first foray back into the world?
Yep, snow.
I could not stay out there to take any sort of interesting pictures because it's pretty dangerous out there with the wind kicking up.
However, I just wanted to show you the shitnanigans regarding the snow, as H1 would probably want me to point out.
After the Hurricane last week and the Nor'Easter we're currently embroiled in, it's only serving to make me that much more convinced that the Zombie Apocalypse is soon headed our way.
Seriously though, this storm is a tragedy on top of all the hell many others faced last week and are still facing.
I did not get a chance to wish my good luck chant at the beginning of November but I'll wish it now for everyone.
"Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. Hare, Hare, Hare."
November....please stop this ridiculous behaviour.
And what sort of craziness do I get to take (awful) pictures of on it's first foray back into the world?
Yep, snow.
I could not stay out there to take any sort of interesting pictures because it's pretty dangerous out there with the wind kicking up.
However, I just wanted to show you the shitnanigans regarding the snow, as H1 would probably want me to point out.
After the Hurricane last week and the Nor'Easter we're currently embroiled in, it's only serving to make me that much more convinced that the Zombie Apocalypse is soon headed our way.
Seriously though, this storm is a tragedy on top of all the hell many others faced last week and are still facing.
I did not get a chance to wish my good luck chant at the beginning of November but I'll wish it now for everyone.
"Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. Hare, Hare, Hare."
November....please stop this ridiculous behaviour.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Pumpkins and Lies at the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
It's been a couple of years since we went to the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze at Van Cortland Manor, but it has not been long enough for us to forget the sights at the last exhibit.
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October 12th was bitterly cold. It was cold enough in fact, that Active Goat T. and Alex felt justified in proclaiming that "Winter is Coming" or rather, that "Winter Is Here". I often marvel at their ridiculousness. Everyone knows that the official start to Winter for our part of the world is December 21st. Coincidentally, that is the start to the Zombie Apocalypse/Armageddon, so it's going to be our most brutal winter in the history of the world.
It might be the last Winter ever...but let us not dwell on that for now.
With the cold air, it was sort of nice trekking along with frenemies and family in tow, in the dark with our way lit by over 3,000 carved pumpkins. It's the sort of fun October event to do to put one in the mood to celebrate all the tricks, treats and ghoulish fun of Halloween...
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...Or so you may believe until you figure out that the exhibit is in fact full of shitnanigans. As H1 and I made our way past the pumpkin grave yard, bursting with zombie hands (a preview of things to come in the near future) and single pumpkins that needed some grading (a lot of "F - -" pumpkins to be sure), our hearts trembled with fear upon the realization of something rather sinister.
I believe it was past the house and around the bend that we made the startling discovery.
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The discovery was that not only was there a giant, skull faced spider lurking outside the house and the occupants should probably call in an exterminator for the hellish problem on their hands but it was also a very familiar spider.
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No, no. I'm pretty sure we did not meet him before at the bar or at a concert.
I'm fairly certain we met this very same spider at the Blaze some years ago. I have no idea how long spiders can live (and this one may have been a special case being that...uh, he's...of special circumstances) but he was hanging out by some dinosaurs.
DINOSAURS. The same damned dinosaur exhibit we saw when we were there the last time!
Logistically, there is no way for them to carve over 3,000 plus pumpkins to be able to withstand and hold up under warm weather conditions (which to achieve, they would have to be carving months in advance of October).
But, wax pumpkins? Fake pumpkins?! Are these the lies I've been dealing with all these years?! Are they using the same stencils and putting them in the exact same position as they did three years ago? Shitnanigans! Shitnanigans, I say!!!!!!!!
Ahem... anger aside, there were a couple of new portions of the fake exhibit that were spectacular. There were giant jack-in-the-box displays as part of the Scary circus portion of the exhibit. I did not get pictures of those because H1's phone battery died by the time we got to that point (and I still do not have my camera back from shop repairs hence double the anger and lack of blogging).
Outside the house, a demonic dance around a giant fire pit looked like quite the fun to join in but alas, I do not think my living kind was welcome.
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There were also some witches brewing some toil and trouble. They also give us some stank eye which I did not appreciate.
But perhaps the most brilliant display was the giant Grandfather, Halloween Clock complete with Jack O' Lantern Pendulum heralding the End of Times. The Clock stood tall at the start of an eerie dirt road lined with mini Jack O' Lanterns that snickered and flickered off into the darkness, leading where? Who knows?
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It was a spectacular sight and made me curse that much more for not having my camera to capture the sheer magnificence of the set up.
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As I was standing there trying to get a decent enough picture to share, a chilling laugh could be heard in the dark somewhere down the path. "That was not cool!", I shouted. In that moment, it was fairly scary but yeah, it was actually fantastically cool and added so much more depth to an already amazing set piece.
Despite the lies upon the realization of shitnanigans, we had a fun evening. It's just not something we may revisit any time in the next few years or so.
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October 12th was bitterly cold. It was cold enough in fact, that Active Goat T. and Alex felt justified in proclaiming that "Winter is Coming" or rather, that "Winter Is Here". I often marvel at their ridiculousness. Everyone knows that the official start to Winter for our part of the world is December 21st. Coincidentally, that is the start to the Zombie Apocalypse/Armageddon, so it's going to be our most brutal winter in the history of the world.
It might be the last Winter ever...but let us not dwell on that for now.
With the cold air, it was sort of nice trekking along with frenemies and family in tow, in the dark with our way lit by over 3,000 carved pumpkins. It's the sort of fun October event to do to put one in the mood to celebrate all the tricks, treats and ghoulish fun of Halloween...
+copy.jpg)
+copy.jpg)
...Or so you may believe until you figure out that the exhibit is in fact full of shitnanigans. As H1 and I made our way past the pumpkin grave yard, bursting with zombie hands (a preview of things to come in the near future) and single pumpkins that needed some grading (a lot of "F - -" pumpkins to be sure), our hearts trembled with fear upon the realization of something rather sinister.
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| Yes, even more sinister than this clownish, starry-eyed fool. "D -", by the way. |
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| I don't know what is going on with those pumpkins on top of there. I don't know what they're supposed to be. Lumps of turds? Your guess is as good as mine. |
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The discovery was that not only was there a giant, skull faced spider lurking outside the house and the occupants should probably call in an exterminator for the hellish problem on their hands but it was also a very familiar spider.
+copy.jpg)
No, no. I'm pretty sure we did not meet him before at the bar or at a concert.
I'm fairly certain we met this very same spider at the Blaze some years ago. I have no idea how long spiders can live (and this one may have been a special case being that...uh, he's...of special circumstances) but he was hanging out by some dinosaurs.
DINOSAURS. The same damned dinosaur exhibit we saw when we were there the last time!
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| Look at them! Look at how familiar like they appear! Where's Stomp-a-saurus? Distant cousin to the Active Goat? |
But, wax pumpkins? Fake pumpkins?! Are these the lies I've been dealing with all these years?! Are they using the same stencils and putting them in the exact same position as they did three years ago? Shitnanigans! Shitnanigans, I say!!!!!!!!
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| Don't you be beady-eying me! |
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| And stop laughing at me Cheshire Cat! |
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| Also, there are no such things as fairies! |
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| And I will kick down your mushroom houses! |
Outside the house, a demonic dance around a giant fire pit looked like quite the fun to join in but alas, I do not think my living kind was welcome.
+copy.jpg)
There were also some witches brewing some toil and trouble. They also give us some stank eye which I did not appreciate.
+copy.jpg) |
| But how is one supposed to take some witches with ridiculous hats seriously? |
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It was a spectacular sight and made me curse that much more for not having my camera to capture the sheer magnificence of the set up.
+copy.jpg)
As I was standing there trying to get a decent enough picture to share, a chilling laugh could be heard in the dark somewhere down the path. "That was not cool!", I shouted. In that moment, it was fairly scary but yeah, it was actually fantastically cool and added so much more depth to an already amazing set piece.
Despite the lies upon the realization of shitnanigans, we had a fun evening. It's just not something we may revisit any time in the next few years or so.
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