Yeah, My Mom LOVES The Cure

You heard right friends, The Dear Hunter, City And Colour, and Owl City have all released new albums recently. I have acquired so much music lately, sifting through it has been the most pleasant of chores. One gem in particular is The Cure’s Album Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. My mother has some old pictures of her showing off her The Cure shirt and makeup to boot. Now she can’t get distressed at me for donning my extreme black eyeliner and skull-baton when I join The Black Parade! I have reviewed, for your reading pleasure, the three most recent albums from my favorite bands.

 Sadly, Owl City has once more ruined my teenage illusion of dreamy electro pop. Why can’t all the albums sound like Maybe I’m Dreaming and Of June? The latest discharge: All Things Bright And Beautiful made me yawn, (that’s why it’s on my sleep playlist.) Adam, you must be joking with me, “Alligator Skies?” “Sugar-maple wings?” “Reality is a wonderful place, but I wouldn’t wanna live there?” Yeah, I wouldn’t wanna live in reality either if all my fans were now between the ages of 5-14.3. I liked his music better before he knew what he was singing about; it was a lot more surreal.  He released an EP and a full length before he even went on a tour, before he even physically said “Hello Seattle”.  I now listen to Owl City only to look for subliminal messages. There are a few: “I’ve tasted honey, but I’ve never seen the hive” yeah I bet you haven’t seen “the hive” Breanne Duren! “I’d rather swim with great white sharks than wade in romance?!” “Dip your toes in the galaxy, because it’s your to explore tonight” huh. Sounds sexy, Adam Young.  Regardless of what he is singing now, it’s how is he singing it. His voice is completely different, and his vocabulary is substandard. Not to mention it’s much more theatrical and dramatic. All Things Bright And Beautiful in one word: predictable. It’s a huge production to make up for what the lyrics lack, if you will. If Dreams really Don’t Turn To Dust, then hopefully my dream of old Owl City will come true.  Next time I see him and the gang in July, I’ll let him know of my wishes, I’ll whisper them in his ear like he’s Santa Clause. He might as well be, I mean, he’s a magical mystery.

At least The Dear Hunter had something new to offer, and in the best way possible. I mean, The Color Spectrum is definitely no Battesimo del Fuoco, but I can feel the folksy-Italian vibe in the intro of "She’s Always Singing" and the old-school country twang and guest vocals in "Things That Hide Away." I think more people need to ask, "Why? Why? Why?" This album isn’t named Act IV: The Color Spectrum for a reason, Casey Cresezo has really outdone himself this album. Every song is inspired by a color of the spectrum; not only was it an enjoyable listen trying to guess which is which, but that’s what makes every song on this album unique. Each song shares the same theme, but at the same time don’t coincide. It’s an awesome paradox. My favorite song will always be Red Hands from Act II: The Meaning, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading. A local band covered it recently, and… ahhhhhh it just flipped my pancake! On one hand, I quite enjoyed the songs about civil war soldiers and dissembling prostitutes who need to "take off your sweater, your shoes, and your shirt and get to work". The Color Spectrum in one word: modern. This can be looked at in a bad way as well as good. The vintage vibe was what I originally admired about The Dear Hunter, and this album is a big production like the others, but in another way. With electro vibes and Americana rock roots instead of ethereal, eerie violins and choir vocals, The Color Spectrum is worth your buck if you’re a fan looking for different subject matter and progress as a band. If you’re a new fan, pick it up, but don’t be surprised if this album sounds nothing like the others.

Little Hell, the most recent stroke of genius from City And Colour received a "hell yeah." It’s about time Dallas Green had graced my ears with something new from his acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, and drums? What? The full band sound is a new thing to come from City And Colour, and I like it. Not expected at first, it works. Some tracks like Silver And Gold, Sorrowing Man, and Natural Disaster cross the line in the sand between folk and country. I can pick out instruments like an organ and cello, but I miss the banjo-like tone from the second album Bring Me Your Love. Fragile Bird throws me off completely with the bass and drums and electric guitar. It’s a great song, but not coming from City And Colour. At least his falsetto coos and soft lyrics are still the same. Little Hell in one word: Americana. Which is kind of sad, because Canadian Acoustic is a genre worthy of recognition, and City And Colour did it right. Northern Star and We Found Each Other In The Dark are most reminiscent of his previous work. Dallas does love songs best, and this album is titled Little Hell. Do I sense some heart break? Not enough of it, because only a few tracks are apparent love songs. If Dallas were to continue in this new direction, I wouldn’t discourage it because his old songs would be nostalgic of the good times. Evolution and experimentation are keynotes throughout the album, and I recommend it to any City And Colour Fan.



Oh How Indie Of Me!

This was a week of indie adventures! Not only did I finally acquire a bicycle, but MISS INDIE OGDEN incorporated the RayDo Show into her blog. I mean, not only are Drew and I the cutest Ogden couple ever, but we’re indie as hell!

The Ray Show Bicycle Club: So I have at last gotten a bike. It is stupid, and I hate it. It’s a Mongoose “mountain bike”. So in other words, it’s pretty douche-core. I wanted a bicycle that was simple and light, preferably with a basket of the front. (So I can fill it with kittens and ride around Ogden!) My father got this for me at a yard sale last year, and I discovered it in the shed in my parent’s yard. Ugghhhh. The tires are flat, the seat is contraction inducing, and the frame is sooooo ugly and heavy. Won’t someone help me? I need a new bicycle. I am willing to trade my old one and cookies as well. ;)

ugh.

RayDo Show Photo shoot: Ah I have never looked prettier in a photo in my life ever! Miss Indie Ogden had the greatest idea, a picnic photo shoot that showed off all the secret places to picnic in Ogden. They are still, of course secret. There is a contest for all you positive thinking people out there, (just manifest the prize through positive thought.) And the prize is awesome. Go to i heart indie ogden for more information and to see more photos.  Mikaela’s daughter, Hunter, was such a delight. I will babysit that child any day. Take her on walks, show her the sights, and teach her about life. Drew was getting hot and sassy, my heels were sinking into the hot and humid grass, and I loved every minute of it. The balloons were my favorite touch, they matched my lipstick!

Necromaniac Final Summer Show: Thank god for metal music, it really gets me through. Especially Drew’s death core band Necromaniac. The theatrics were incredible this time; I swear it keeps getting better and better. Cameron picked an innocent bystander from the audience, our friend Mary, and made out with her on stage. I couldn’t believe it! This will be the final show of the summer because “Hunter From Hell” is leaving to Costa Rica for two months to be with amigos or something. The fashions put on by the boys were St. Joseph’s finest school uniforms. I’m talkin the famous plaid skirts, bloody white shirts, and face paint, (well only Cam) shaved legs, (well only Drew) and cow boy boots, (well only Devin).  I drew on Drew’s upside down cross with my red lipstick. Brutal, dude!

Next week should be pretty indie as well, although I have no set plans. Besides Wednesday, in which Drew and I will attempt to have a slightly enjoyable time in Salt Lake City, oh how I hate that wretched city.  Lately I have been faced with the stupid decision of Weber State vs. SLCC. What on earth is a girl to do? Suffer through math in order to receive a higher quality education and keep my job and stay on Ogden? Or suffer through finding a place to live, a new job, and hopefully receiving a cheaper degree in journalism in 2 years instead of 4? Sigh.

Owl Status

One year older and wiser too, I have now reached “owl status” I believe. I am wise, bad luck, mysterious, beautiful, and blah, blah, blah. Turning 19 was weird. I had to say goodbye to traditions, I really missed the candles, decorations, and attention from my family. Perhaps it’s not healthy to keep up such useless customs and behaviors anyway. But secretly, I’m glad that the day after my birthday was so much better. I got the attention I deserved! I felt like singing! “I feel thrifty, oh so thrifty; Thrifty, and nifty, and gayyyyyyyyy!” That was me singing, by the way. For my birthday, my mother and sister journeyed with me to the DI at Welfare Square. It was an awesome day for housewares! A new tea pot, waffle iron/maker, a dish rack, and cool old glasses! Man, I was in heaven. I also got a cool dress, and Whitney got some knickers! Jealous! What I really wanted was a bicycle, and it is STILL not in the stars for me to have one. I can’t find cheapies anywhere!

My favorite part of this entire weekend was when Cameron Reinhart said, “We would like to wish a very brutal birthday to a very brutal girl.” then proceeded to scream Necromaniac’s version of Happy Birthday. This Saturday was my 19^th birthday celebration at Mojos. Brad Rizer opened up the night with his classic harmonies, and even a rendition of NO FX’s “Happy Birthday You’re Not Special”. Marny Proudfit played, and it was very emotional, her new EP is much more mature sounding than her previous, and even her album. She has grown a lot through her music, and I wish her luck in her adventures. Thetaville, a progressive instrumental band from Salt Lake played next, and they rocked it. Who needs a six member band when you can get the job done with three? Machines Of Man was excellent. Every time is better than the last, and I was blown away. These guys have an EP you can pick up, but seeing them live is so much better. They are playing with The Human Abstract in June, everyone should go. Necromaniac was the ultimate entertainment, of course. Although fake blood was forgotten this time, Mother Mary was not. Cameron was making out with her, too. But as luck would have it, there was like seven people left in the room at this time, but it was special because they wore make up, skirts, and lingerie just for me!

I managed to forget to turn on the oven for my cake at my house, so I brought the “pudding” batter to mojos to bake it in his oven in the back. That cake was just bad luck, the oven was turned off at least three times, and I even burnt it once I got it to actually bake. Everyone who was there just dug in, and I was secretly disgusted. I wanted cake o meal, and to take this home, but no. It was destroyed in seconds by the gang.

I spent the later part of the evening with Drew Olguin at his place, playing with his hair and stroking his perfectly soft face. We are like a pair of kittens. cute, cuddly, feisty, and predictable. I love us!

Happy Rapture!

Of course as we all know, the world ended Saturday. We were all magically transported to hades, you see. In hell, there is rock n roll, sex, drugs, and coffee!  Yay! For my “pre-world-ending-accomplishments” on Friday, Drew and I went to Doolie's wings located in Layton just off Antelope Drive on the east side of the freeway. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Beef Brisket Slider Combo. I’ve never eaten so much bbq in my life, and I was so happy! Every day before the world ends I want to request Doolie’s as my last meal! That place was so chill, everyone was so laid back, it’s like they didn’t realize the world was going to end the next day! Live music every Saturday, too. It’s a nice place to meet up with your military buddies.

My favorite band in the whole world, Necromaniac was playing at the basement that night, the last night of human veracity. And of course I had work, but I cracked my whip at the freight boys and we got out of there by 8:10. Just in time to see Necromaniac. Drew was telling me all about their theatrics planned for the show. “Judgment-Day” shirts, Jesus, skirts, and of course oodles of fake blood, (it tastes like raspberry!) I got there a few songs into it, but they played my favorites: “Meow-Mix” and “Their Vanquished Party”.

During the guitar solo, Cameron was kissing the Jesus statue and doing the chicken dance. Pretty messed up, but that’s why I love Necromaniac. Those boys just push the limits with them theatrics! Hopefully for my birthday show, on the 28^th at Mojos, Click Here! Drewcifer will wear some lingerie! That is, if the world doesn’t end again before then. I am still getting pretty nervous.

Before Doolie’s with my soul-mate, I shot off more rockets with my neighbors. This time we had a legit hobby store rocket. The Orchard Flyer! And boy did she fly… straight into the river! She is gone from us, but her spirit of adventure will never be lost. Everett, Chris, his girlfriend Angie, and I walked up and down the river bank at Big Dee Park looking for our little warhead. It was in vain, but we did find a homeless man sleeping in the underbrush. “Sorry to disturb your slumber sir, but have you seen a rocket fall from the sky recently?!” Hah, what a joke. Luckily it was only a $10 rocket.

The rest of RAPTURE EVE was uneventful, because I was upset at Drew, and went home early. I was hoping to wake up and be flying and sparkling, but I looked out the window to the rain-stained side walk and noticed the lack of usual activity. “I must be the only human alive!” I gasped. But sadly, I realized that wasn’t true as I drove to work and saw everyone else driving to work. “Must be my imagination, the world ended, right?” how silly and confused I was, for I found out that the end-of-the-world events didn’t occur until 6pm eastern time. Damn it! This means I had to go to work. Boy was that the topic of discussion, I shared with everyone my belief that time is but an illusion created by humans, and that we must have all been transported to hell in the twinkling of an eye, and that none of this is real. Yep. None of this is real. Sex, drugs, rock n roll, right?

Paige and I went to Lee's Mongolian BBQ, Saturday night. (Yes, I know more bbq. I think it’s all they serve in hell.) I treated her for her 19^th birthday which was almost a month ago, but as an elephant never forgets neither do Raychels. It was nice slurping down egg soup and talking about life as we knew it. She dropped me off at The Basement so I could see the overemphasized tournament of chumps. I knew Mermaid Baby would win, don’t get me wrong, those boys have worked hard, and deserve it. All I wanted was for Mountain Hymns to win. But congrats, gents.

Well the world must have really ended, because Saturday night, Everett, (the best neighbor ever) took me to get ice cream because I was sad and the butter pecan didn’t have any pecans in it! What a bloody rip off! Just buttery vanilla shit. We MUST be in hell if I’m getting jewed on my ice cream. I haven’t checked my cookies n cream yet, but if there are no cookies in there then I give up!

Houston, We Have Lift Off!

The salty taste of sweat and the sweet smell of gun powder combined together and made it one explosive afternoon! Orchard Avenue is always a happening place, why would I ever want to leave? Just as I was about to set out for a walk, my neighbor Everett knocks on my door and asks if I’m still alive and where I’ve been. I’m so glad my neighbors care and am aware of my existence!  He and the other guy in #2 were building rockets! (The “non-explosive” kind, of course.) All they were using was an old two liter bottle, water, and air pressure going through a cork. How could I miss such excitement for a walk? Pppshhh.  Although originally a simple plan, building this rocket was actually a big production. Everett and I went all the way to Fresh Market to get a pump needle, and then we had to glue the cork in because the hole in the lid was too large. Then the glue had to dry… blah blah blah.

But the fruit of our labors were well worth it. We shot off the first rocket in the back yard. It went at least four houses high, and the second time we shot it off, it went sideways into my Mexican neighbor’s yard. I sheepishly walked over and seized our “missile” from the grip of the prickly grass, apologizing for each trespassing step.  But that wasn’t a big deal.

Our third rocket was the most exciting. The folks from Orchard and I walked over to Lester Park to set off our “slightly illegal” rocket. This little beauty was what made me fall in love with the smell of gun powder. The large amount of general public and the possibility of an arson ticket for setting the library on fire scared us off to a less populated park. Thomas Park was prime, and just off 22^nd; no one was there except the team of rocket scientists and the intramural rocket journalist (me!) “There’s no sign that says ‘NO ROCKETS’!” I chuckled, as we set up and were preparing for launch. We counted down and off it zoomed- right towards me and Angie! We squawked and ran and laughed and I can’t believe I got the whole thing on camera! What a lovely spring bonding experience. I think more neighborhoods should do this together. Perhaps it should be a Sunday night thing: N.R.E. or Neighbor Rocket Evening.

Prom the previous night was something else, though. Unfortunately, the red devil provided by Miss Indie Ogden didn’t fit at all, maybe if I had a torso and was 6 inches shorter haha. So I wore the poufy sparkly dress, and brought my short one along in my back pack. Devin Olguin and his date Anna looked so cute, and I snagged a photo. Drew looked like one classy mofo, his tux jacket had tails and everything. I was so impressed, and I swear I saw a tear in his father’s eye!

incredibly artsy

But the real celebrities of the night were Cameron Rinehart and Molly Porter. Their outfits were entirely handcrafted out of duct tape! I will admit when I heard about their plan I was 90% doubt. I thought it would be shapeless and sticky and sweaty etc. Oh no! I was awestruck, and it was like disbelief slapped me in the face. The couple’s outfits looked impeccable. Cameron had a silver suit jacket, and Molly even had the matching corsage. Incredibly artsy!

 I spent the evening with Drew awkwardly-dancing, kissing, and laughing. It was just one of those things that you are obligated to do in high school. So I’m glad I forced him to take me. After the dance we went to Mojos and took a photo. We stood all serious next to the Steve Stones collection. An orb was even captured! Back at the Olguin house, (I had Drew home by a reasonable hour) I changed into his pants and a shirt. His pants fit me! Well, slightly big in the waist, but if I had a belt, and wore them low like he did, then I’d look just like him! He is the male version of me. Perfect in every single way, funny, smart, attractive, passionate about all the right things, and blah blah blah.

Rock n Roll

Steve Stones collection, orbs, and serious faces.

Je adorent se déguiser!

Watching your favorite movie in another language is a whole different experience! And that was precisely what I did Thursday night! Remember that French fellow that Drew and I met at the transit station on the night of unspeakable horror?! Well his name is Dylan Braillard, and he actually temporarily lives in Ogden. But of course that silly boy hasn’t soaked up the “Ogden Experience”! So we met up and I took him to mojos for Nurture The Creative Mind's Slam Jam “I have never seen this place…” he whispered. His eyes danced from painting to painting, his jaw dropped as Brad Rizer sang the blues, and I saw his nostrils flare with the smell of local coffee brewing. Well welcome to my home, it is so because everyone here is my family. People know me by name, and when they ask, ‘how are you doing?’ they actually mean it. There is real raw talent here, and there is that incredible feeling of community that cannot be felt in any other city or setting.

Now I am starting to get all teary-eyed!

Later Dylan and I watched 500 Days of Summer in French with English subtitles. It makes me really want to be motivated in learning another language, French specifically. If Drew learns it, then we can talk crap on people and they won’t know what we’re saying! Especially since you can’t really talk crap in sign language or Spanish in this town! The RayDo Show now featured in FRENCH! How deluxe! You don’t see other Ogden couples as extravagant as us!

Speaking of the RayDo Show, we shall be dressed in our best tomorrow night for the greatly anticipated St. Joseph High School’s Prom! Drew is going to look so sexy in his tux with tails! I am going to be featuring 2 or maybe 3 dresses that night, if all goes according to my plan! Stephanie McCarthy has so graciously lent me her black dress. This piece of household couture was designed and sewn by her mother Bodawn Roose; it features a hand beaded snow flake and volumes of tool and sparkle! My next dress that I shall change into after the dance will be the red devil! Mikki, or Indie Ogden, is providing this one for me. Originally from the 1970’s, the red dress has vintage polk-a-dots and a unique top. This dress will make a fine “after dance” ensemble. And of course, the 3^rd dress- my original. The sexy, sophisticated black dress courtesy of Spike’s Clothing & Stuff must be worn! The reason I had to get back ups was because of the “Prom Dress-Code” i.e. every dress must be floor length, and men must be in tuxedos. Ugh. Oh well, either way the RayDo Show will shine. And that is my attitude! Pictures of Saturday night to come!

Do You Smell That?!

Have I mentioned how much I HATE Salt Lake City? That entire valley pongs of hipsters, LDS businessmen, and expensive places to eat. I’ll take the smell of dog food and Hostess Snacks baking in Ogden any day to that sickening smell! Now I’ve had some good times in down town SLC, like Pride last year, various concerts in Pioneer Park, and exploring the back alley ways, (All of which literally stunk really badly, especially the back alleys.) …And I’ve had some horrible times, like this weekend, Saturday evening to be exact. Good lord! Let me just tell you, most of the problematic things I encountered were out of my control, but still! I was about to bust a nut!

#1 Drew and I couldn’t fix his bicycles in time to ride them in SLC as planned. When things don’t go according to plan, I tend to get flustered. But ain’t no-thang, we took the UTA Frontrunner down bike-less anyway. “It’ll be fun to walk around the city!” pppshhh!

#2 We didn’t have a plan of where to go or what to do because of lack of funds. Salt Lake isn’t exactly a budget town, what on earth is there to do for free? I suppose we could have walked around the historic Temple Square, but you walk around that once, you walk around that a thousand times ya know? Let’s be nice and say it’s BORING and not exactly my scene. So it was like we went all the way to SLC for a $1 Burger King coffee!

#3 My phone/life came crashing down. While walking back from getting coffee at the Burger King on 4^th (we’re on a budget and coffee all tastes the same, especially for $1,) I spotted a prime and perfectly climbable fire escape! ADVENTURE! This is the material all bloggers dream about, really. So I insisted that Drew and I climb up. “This particular alley smells the NYC metro system!” I cried. And it did, and it got me excited. So I scaled the picturesque city scape first, and quite enjoyed the ascent; Drew not so much. I don’t know if it’s the rusty ladder, perpetual fall, or the smell of adventure that turned Drew off to the idea, but he was NOT game. Luckily I am undeniable and a master persuader, so up the ladder he came! At the pier he clung to the wall like a cat to the branches of a towering tree. I had him hold my savers purse for me as I climbed down. “Hello! Are you planning on staying the night up there, or what?!”
 Silly Drew was scared to come down, but obviously my phone wasn’t! I heard a scary noise like that of shattering glass and a broken heart. It was indeed heart breaking. The screen was cracked and lifeless, and the rest of her red shell was scratched beyond repair. I was a silent and cold as stone. I mean, my phone isn’t THAT important to me, but Drew’s phone is also broken, so I was just thinking of how we would get a hold of each other. I didn’t exactly blame Drew for assisting in the assassination of my phone, but it was sure fishy how my purse magically somehow opened and that was the only thing that fell out! As you can imagine I didn’t hold his hand or speak much on the long walk back to the train station.

#4 You can never trust UTA. Of course all I wanted at this point was a swift train back to my cozy and sane Ogden home, but this wasn’t in the stars for me. The 10:15 PM train was scheduled for the yards, it was out of order.  Are you serious?! This event was totally out of my control, but I think it made me 2^nd most upset! We waited and waited at the station until after 11 for the next train. We did find a cool kid from France and was talking to him until his friends picked him up, and then we were all alone once again. Well, Drew might have been but I wasn’t. I had my bad attitude to keep me company. Also Every Time I Die, I so love that band.

I told you I HATE Salt Lake City, right? What a shithole. When we got off the train we had to walk back to my apartment, too. It was at least a mile and a half on tired feet and arthritis-infected knees and sour moods. Not pleasant. I will be perfectly content if I never have to go there again. If Drew is going to attend the U, well then I wish him the best of luck. I think he might have a higher tolerance for that wretched city.