Something's coming over me. I've had a rush of creative energy lately and a calling to return to my visual arts roots. My music has taken center stage for so long that it's left everything else quietly sizzling (and seething) for quite some time.
So, I've been sketching a good bit lately, as shown above. I also finished work on these little paper lanterns I made for my room.
Every space could use a little bit of whimsy . . .
They hover over the side of my bed. This was a very fun project that I felt compelled to take on.
My Mom's husband Jim had a birthday last weekend. For fun, I made a card and planted an abstract flower on it's cover.
She blooms . . .
It feels like an ocean wave crashing over me . . . this rush.
I am powerless to stop it.
Needless to say, there's a good bit of new music coming too. Only, I think I'll let those songs sizzle and seeth for just a bit.
Today, instead of my usual pontificating, I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorite music videos of all time. I have quite a few that I love, but these few tower above the rest.
I have always been a fan of the music video format. They are these tiny short films that add a visual dimension to a song. Some artists have fully explored and expanded its possibilities.
First up is probably my favorite video artist of all time.
Madonna.
Choosing a favorite video from her is virtually impossible. She has so many truly great and iconic ones. She is a master of the pop-star-as-visual-artist-way-of-being and has a gift for provocative visual story-telling in her work.
Her video "Oh Father" is a GORGEOUS piece of film-making. It tells a story of how a woman's abusive relationship with her husband is a mirror image of a destructive relationship with her own father. The ways by which we are haunted by our past struggles is a central theme. Filmed in timeless black and white, there is seamless editing between two time-periods, Oscar-worthy cinematography, and oh-so tender moments of sorrow--not to mention the layers of Catholic and religious references sprinkled all over the place.
The final shot of a little girl dancing on her mother's grave in the falling snow is tragic, poetic, and just so beautiful. This video stands tall among her finest achievements . . .
"Oh Father" by Madonna (Directed by David Fincher)
Another video that I have always been crazy about is by one of my favorite bands. I love it when a video can create a sense of mystery. Radiohead's video for their song "Just" is, quite simply, a brilliant masterpiece. At the end, you, the viewer, are left to wonder and ask "Why . . . . Why . . . Why?" The whole look of the film is well-conceived. It has the strong bones of a classic little indie film.
I will not say anything further. You'll just have to see and ask for yourself.
Music videos can also create an opportunity for fun theatricality. Bjork's "Oh So Quiet" is campy, colorful, and impossibly sweet. She's always been a strong video artist and the song itself showcases her versatility. It's a big-band, old Hollywood gem of a song that is a sharp departure from her usual, more experimental, music. If you're gonna do a video, why not make one that plays to all of your strengths? Bjork is hugely talented, quirky, and adorable. For this video, I can certainly say the same.
This post is the first of a series in which I explore various albums that are among my most favored and the most influential to my own musical development.
Released in March of 1990, Violator by Depeche Mode was a force of nature. Brimming with pulsing synthesizers, infectious beats, and the near-maniacal vocal stylings of lead singer David Gahan, this album is a titan and a classic in the world of electronic music.
Here is the tracklist:
1. World In My Eyes
2. Sweetest Perfection
3. Personal Jesus
4. Halo
5. Waiting For the Night
6. Enjoy the Silence
7. Policy of Truth
8. Blue Dress
9. Clean
There isn't a dud on this album, and it highlights all of the bands strengths--great songwriting, quality musicianship, a true artistic vision, and an enthralling lead singer.
If you've never heard them before, here is a little taste. This is possibly my favorite track from the album (I say possibly because I tend to switch over to other songs at different times.)
I remember being young and hearing Personal Jesus for the first time. It's almost sacreligious overtones hit me first and then the music sealed the deal. I was hooked. It was clear to me that this band was coming from a very vital artistic place--a domain in which electronic synthesizers lost any sense of cold, modern detachment and became a capable carrier of emotional depth, conflicting ideals, and creative expression. Every beat and cadence served to amplify the foreboding and haunting inflections of an enigmatic lead singer. This is pop electronic music at its finest.
Here is another favorite. This song creates a slow movement within the album. It's an understated little love song.
Blue Dress . . .
This album gave me a glimpse of how to make provocative music that is effusive and pleasing to the ear. Violator spawned several international hit songs and as of 2010 has sold 13.5 million copies. This should be no surprise. It's really kind of brilliant.
I leave you now with the song "Personal Jesus", now an anthemic Depeche Mode masterpiece . . .
Wanna get violated by something amazing? Get this album. It's worth every cent.
I've been thinking more and more lately about sustainable living. By "sustainable", I mean existing on this planet in ways that do not waste precious resources like water, electricity, and basically anything that comes from the earth.
For now, I take a bunch of items such as plastic bottles, glass, and plastic bags to be recycled once a week. Anything I don't use I donate to Goodwill for someone else to utilize. I've quit driving to the gym in favor of walking and riding my bike in my neighborhood. I take quick showers, and I'm thinking of planting a small vegetable garden. These are tiny baby steps in my life that I take to live more harmoniously and less selfishly in this world.
I've been thinking more and more about other teeny, tiny steps I can take.
The other day, I found this . . .
Jay Shafer is a visionary. His adorable Tumbleweed home is the antithesis of the large, spacious buildings that are more highly favored here in America and most other places. It makes me think of folks who live in sprawling mansions and with multiple bathrooms and a good bit of unused space. It seems like a colossal waste of space, energy, and time. The effort applied towards maintenance alone must be quite taxing.
His small homes may be on the extreme end, but at the very least, it brings up a good point about not using up more space than you need. Is a huge house for only one or two people really necessary? I would understand a need for more space with a family of five or if you run a business out of your home, but otherwise, why use up and consume more than you need? It would open up the opportunity for smaller mortgage and utility payments. Jay's designs also show how a smaller home can still be quite beautiful.
Since I am a tiny Asian person, I can envision myself living in one of these, though I'd want to fit a little, itty, bitty piano in there somehow.
So cute . . .
They're really quite gorgeous.
Here's a tour by Jay Shafer himself . . .
All of this gives me much to think about. I salute you Mr. Shafer . . .
If I could ever create a vision for our future, one that involves sustainable living that is harmonious with our natural environment, I don't think it could get better than this . . .
Last Sunday, I mentioned being very bad at being lazy. I got to thinking about this over the last week, and I think it's more a matter of valuing the projects that I work on. I've been fairly busy lately working on all kinds of things. So, here's a little bit of show and tell . . .
The photo above is of two little lanterns that I want to hang up in my room. I painted them white thinking that might look pretty cool, but they wound up looking insufferably dull. So, I decided to enlist my younger sister Lloyda to help eradicate the dullness. They are not finished yet, but they are looking much better already.
Here is an action shot of the festivities . . .
Earlier in the day, I wanted to paint several items in my room white. I've been wanting to transform my room into a more clean and modern home with warm colors splashed here and there and very little, if any, clutter. So, I grabbed several of my storage containers that are all different colors.
Before . . . .
During . . .
And AFTER . . . .
Don't they look all shiny and new? Now this will let all of the items they contain stand out better and allow for more visual balance in my room. (You can tell I've been watching HGTV more than I should.)
I need to remember to always prime a surface before painting. The paint on the formerly green basket that I use to keep my yarn in is chipping off a good bit. :-(
I am about to embark on a much bigger new project actually that is separate from all of my musical exploits. I'll have more on this later.
I guess I've always been very self-motivated to do the things that I love; however, this does come with a price. I have less time to watch tv (which I do enjoy) and even less time to spend with friends (making the time I do spend with them MUCH more valuable). In the end, I've learned the value of having a good balance even though I will admit that I am a bit of a workaholic.
So there. If you're not gonna be lazy, then do something you love.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of finally watching the last of the Toy Story movies. From my perspective, it deserves all of the praise it is receiving. I also have a good feeling that, believe it or not, it will be one of the front runners for Best Picture at the Oscars for this year. I think it should be honored in the same way that The Lord of the Rings trilogy was. The last film of the trilogy won Best Picture, and it was the perfect way recognize all three films as an important achievement.
So, there you go, I said it. I nominate Toy Story 3 for Best Picture. It brings a beautiful conclusion to one of the best and most tender-hearted cartoon sagas in film history.
Okay, so now down to the nitty gritty. This film introduced a new character into the mix of toys, and he's pretty darn awesome!!! "Ken", voiced by the fantastic Michael Keaton, brings much comic relief and fun to the whole film. He even has a bedazzling dance and fashion sequence!! If there was an award for best scene-stealer in a film, he ought to win it.
There have been some awesome Ken promos for the movie that I'm not sure many folks have seen yet. Here are a few of them:
Ken's Dating Tips!!!!
Too Funny!!
More Tips!!!
If you haven't seen Toy Story 3 yet, please do. Anyone who grew up with a favorite toy will love this film to pieces.
Maybe I should use some of Ken's dating tips? Hhhhmmmmm . . .
Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a movie and went to see the brand new film "The Last Airbender" (TLA). I honestly enjoyed it thoroughly and thought it was well done.
Well, a couple of days later, I went on rottentomatoes(dot)com which is a site that collects reviews from film critics all over the country as well as reviews from regular viewers. It compiles all of the reactions from the film and assigns a numerical grade (0% to 100%) based on all of the responses. Each film's page also offers quotes from and links to all major reviews of the films.
I was expecting TLA to fair pretty reasonably, but to my astonishment, it has achieved a consistent grade of 8%. This number is HORRENDOUS by rottentomatoes' and anyone's standards. I immediately read several of the reviews to find an explanation. Well, there seems to be a collective lynch mob mentality against the film's director M. Night Shyamalan. Many of the reviews seem like a personal attack on him rather than against the actual film. The interesting thing about all of the reviews is that each one finds a different thing to bash about this film. In one case, it's the acting. In another it's the writing, and yet, in another it's the overall film itself. The critics have ripped this movie to shreds and all agree that no sequels should come of it.
In my humble opinion, I will be the first to say that this film is far from perfect, but I do not believe that it deserves the level of vitriol and downright hatred that it has elicited from reviewers.
I have some concessions I am willing to make . . .
1. I can agree that some of the acting left a bit to be desired. The casting of the actor Jackson Rathbone who played the brother to the waterbender and who has a role in the upcoming Twilight: Eclipse film probably should not have happened. He spent more time just seething and being angry than actually acting. Otherwise, I thought it was a very competent cast in this plot and action-driven film.
2. The dialogue is another element that could have been tweaked a bit, but it was probably sacrificed a good bit in favor of the timing and pacing of the film's sequence of events. I think good writing can only enhance and accentuate all of the visuals. Though the dialogue maintains the film's overall flow, a lot of depth and feeling is lost in the end. Less of everything else and more spoken insights might have been a better direction.
3. Lastly, this film is an adapted work based on an animated series from Nickelodean that lasted three seasons and was wildly popular. I have never seen the original series and am not aware of the ways that the original work might have been compromised in favor of a live-action, two and 1/2 hour time constraint. The general concensus is that the original series is far superior, but as is often the case with film adaptations, major changes are made to accommodate a movie format. It's possible that much of the story's soul was lost in the translation. This is unfortunately not uncommon when it comes to adapted works.
Okay, now for the reasons why I like this film. First of all, here is the theatrical trailer:
1. I happen to like the movies of M. Night Shyamalan that I have seen. (The Sixth Sense, The Lady In the Water, Signs, and Unbreakable are the only ones I have viewed.) Regardless, I always approach each film as a clean slate. Every director, just like every artist, deserves a fair chance with each new work. Shyamalan deserves no less. With this said, I can appreciate that he has branched out into a big-budget fantasy film and into all of the risks that come with it. He often infuses elements of spirituality and mysticism in his work, and I can see why TLA may have appealed to him.
2. The story is rich with spiritual symbolism and dark themes of retribution. It is clear to me that this film was not just a special effects extravaganza. It was intended to tell a mystical story about right versus wrong and the greed that often guides the hand of power. Without being terribly overt about it, these themes ran through the film very evenly. Even though the execution may not be perfect, it's intention is still very noble. I compare this to last year's colossal load of congealed, fly-infested, runny, blotchy dog poop that was Transformers 2. The whole movie was one big explosion with no depth whatsoever. Now THAT movie sucked and was a huge disappointment for me since I am a Transformers enthusiast.
3. The visuals are STUNNING. From an aesthetic point of view, every shot is gorgeous. This film was made with a visual artist's eye. Panoramic shots of other-worldly vistas, fighting sequences delivered without interruption, and top-of-the-line special effects that justify the huge budget that I'm sure this movie came with. I marveled at the technical and visual artwork that fuel this film. The price of admission is worth this alone.
I will conclude by saying that I enjoyed this movie. It gave me all of the thrills and escapism that I look for in a fantasy adventure movie. Whatever is inspiring the mass massacre of all things M. Night Shyamalan is disturbing to me. I hope he makes the sequels for TLA and continues to make movies through his very capable and slightly unusual lens.
If one voice disagrees with the masses, does this make that one voice any less right or valid? See this movie and find out for yourself.
So, I'm not good at being lazy. In fact, I'm pretty terrible at it.
I carry around a notebook in which I document a fairly sizable To-Do
list. Tasks are divided into categories and prioritized in order of
importance. Each one is given a lovely check-mark once completed, and
then it's on to the next round of responsibilities.
I map everything out this way to help me stay focused on various
goals and to achieve a balance between my personal life and all things
involving my very public musical adventures. It's my own personal road
map, only that I chart the course and no one else does. I value this
freedom immensely.
There is such a thing as trying too hard though. We, myself
included, can get so caught up in pursuing what we want that we take no
joy in respecting what we have.
In spite of being so busy, there are things I try to do everyday to
pace
myself better. Amid all of the tasks, disappointments, and
achievements, I try to take time every day to be grateful and make note
of simple, joyful things that happen all of the time.
When I'm in a restaurant, I listen for the sound of laughter.
There's always someone laughing in a crowded restaurant.
When I'm eating, I try to savor the flavors and textures of the
food.
After a rainstorm, I like to stare at trees. They are always more
alive and more vividly green after a heavy rain. Their bellys are full
as they glisten in the sun-soaked aftermath. It is a subtle thing of
delicate beauty.
For that matter, I always stare at trees. Once in a while, I'll come
across a gorgeous, gnarled, and very old tree and give it a little
smile. They take better care of our land than we humans do but never
get the credit for it. I like to cherish them.
I like to watch my niece and nephews when they are blissfully
unaware. My oldest nephew Tyler always looks so peaceful when he
sleeps. (Much like his Dad actually) It's a comforting contrast to the
times that he seems conflicted in his waking hours. My nephew Nacho is
like a little monkey--climbing everywhere with boundless energy. My
nephew Bubba is a sly one. He's more capable and aware then he lets
on. (Much like his Mom actually). My niece gives the best hugs.
Every week, I like to keep track of my Mom's garden. There's always
something new blooming. It gives me great joy knowing how she fusses
over every plant and petal.
Sunlight filters into my bedroom every day through a soft mesh
curtain. The light is diffused and softened. It makes my room a joyful
place that I call home.
To-Do list be damned. It is a priority to take stock of so many
little joyful things. Collectively, they far outweigh the few great
accomplishments that we strive so hard to achieve.
Starting this morning, I now take the time after I wake up to meditate
and be grateful. I have this floor pillow, and I sit in front of my
sunny window. I even say a little prayer. (I do not consider myself a
religious person, but I am not an atheist either. My intuition tells me
that there is a palpable energy that links me to all things and all
things to each other. I know that I am, in some synergistic way,
connected to a little boy playing soccer in South Africa, a grandmother
baking a pie for her family in Russia, a pebble in a valley in Tibet, or
a grand piano sitting quietly on a stage somewhere). I am wanting to
re-align myself with this energy. This is just my own private little
way of doing so.)
So yes, I suck terribly at being lazy, but I am making an effort at
being tranquil, thoughtful, and grateful.
Last weekend's 4th of July Celebration got me thinking about my favorite renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" which is, as we all know, the National Anthem of the United States of America.
I usually recall Whitney Houston's phenomenal performance at the Superbowl several years ago; however, there is one performance in my mind that trumps even that powerhouse.
Marvin Gaye is simply one of my all-time favorite male vocalists. He was that rare breed of singer who always brought something pure and special to the table.
His version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is drenched in understated soul. With nothing but a simple drum beat to frame that amazing voice, he electrified the audience at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.
Here he is in all his glory. Our anthem never felt as sweet as this . .
I play piano and build songs. This blog is my happiness project where I share all things that give me great joy. My name is Gordon, and this is where I roam.
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