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Friday, February 25, 2011

Books 136: The Lover's Dictionary




Author of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist David Levithan's newest novel caught my eye while browsing Barnes & Noble the other day. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, and still haven't had a chance to start reading it yet, but the inner book jacket description certainly sounds promising.

"basis, n.

There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you're in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself.

If the moment doesn't pass, that's it--you're done.

And if the moment
does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it's even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lover's face.

How does one talk about love? Do we even have the right words to describe something that can be both utterly mundane and completely transcendent, pulling us out of our every day lives and and making us feel a part of something greater than ourselves? Taking a unique perspective on the universe, the nameless narrator of David Levithan's
The Lover's Dictionary has constructed the story of his relationship as a dictionary. Through these short entries, he provides an intimate window into the great events and quotidian trifles of being within a couple, giving us an indelible and deeply moving portrait of love in our time."

I personally am rather intrigued by this, and can't wait to start reading. Perhaps you'll feel the same!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Movies 136: I Am Number Four



This movie hasn't gotten the greatest reviews. Yet, what were they exactly expecting? Yes, its main target is the crowd who loves GLEE and Alex Pettyfer, no doubt. Alex does have a certain arrogance about him in pictures. He looks older than he seems, especially when he models. But don't let that hold you back. His first scene is quite spectacular on the water. I was thinking..is he gonna be like this through the whole movie?

Thankfully, he isn't that smug. Turn on the blond and he's really not such a bad boy. He takes on a new identity and new school where soon enough he finds who the bullies are. Oh, and there a few bad guys in this movie. Some aliens. Some not.

Jake Abel plays Mark, the tough jock and main bully at school who used to be, guess who's boyfriend? The girl that Pettyfer's character is suddenly smitten with, photographer Sarah played by Diane Agron.

Do they have chemistry? Sarah & John (Diane&Alex) More so than ... another saga movie couple I could name, but won't mention. Speaking of which Number 6, Teresa Palmer (with her Kristen Stewart looks) actually rocks this movie. She might as well have came right off the set of the KICK-ASS sequel. Seriously, Number 4 could learn a lot from Number 6.


Timothy Olyphant plays Henri, who is Number 4's guardian/protector. He is quite fatherly in the film. Also Kevin Durrand is the Mogadorian Commander. This actor knows how to be a villain (Remember him on Lost?). Then there is Sam played by Callan McAuliffe who you might remember from Flipped. Sam and John (Number 4) find they have something in common, after Sam notices John's powers. He knows John is not of this world. Sam's Dad who's missing knew a lot about UFOs.

Number 4&6 are stronger together


The movie is packed with special effects. You have a coming of age story and a teen romance. However, I wasn't that impressed with the soundtrack. Near the end, some of the special effects are quite violent. Especially, when you find out that adorable beagel that John found isn't quite what it seems.

As one reviewer put it, the movie feels like an extended version of a Smallville episode. The screenplay writer used to write episodes for Smallville. The director D.J. Caruso directed Disturbia and Eagle Eye.

The film might not be perfect, but there is a certain sincerity about Alex Pettyfer that rings true. He is more than just eye-candy. Yet at the same time, he and Diane Agron were able to make each other look amazing and that is something some actors are unable to do. I look forward to seeing both of them in more movies.



Storyline: Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

I Am Number 4

8/10

Friday, February 18, 2011

Poetry 135: The Cremation of Sam McGee

(This poem is pretty creepy, but that just makes me like it even more...)

Northern Lights


The Cremation of Sam McGee
By Robert W. Service

There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam McGee.

Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.
Why he left his home in the South to roam ‘round the Pole, God only knows.
He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;
Though he’d often say in his homely way that “he’d sooner live in hell.”

On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.
Talk of your cold! through the parka’s fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
If our eyes we’d close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn’t see;
It wasn’t much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.

And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,
And the dogs were fed, and the stars o’erhead were dancing heel and toe,
He turned to me, and “Cap,” says he, “I’ll cash in this trip, I guess;
And if I do, I’m asking that you won’t refuse my last request.”

Well, he seemed so low that I couldn’t say no; then he says with a sort of moan:
“It’s the cursed cold, and it’s got right hold till I’m chilled clean through to the bone.
Yet ‘taint being dead—it’s my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;
So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you’ll cremate my last remains.”

A pal’s last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;
And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.
He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;
And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.

There wasn’t a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,
With a corpse half hid that I couldn’t get rid, because of a promise given;
It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: “You may tax your brawn and brains,
But you promised true, and it’s up to you to cremate those last remains.”

Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code.
In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.
In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,
Howled out their woes to the homeless snows—O God! how I loathed the thing.

And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;
And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;
The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;
And I’d often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.

Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;
It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the “Alice May.”
And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;
Then “Here,” said I, with a sudden cry, “is my cre-ma-tor-eum.”

Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;
Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;
The flames just soared and the furnace roared—such a blaze you seldom see;
Then I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.

Then I made a hike, for I didn’t like to hear him sizzle so;
And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.
It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don’t know why;
And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.

I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;
But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;
I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: “I’ll just take a peep inside.
I guess he’s cooked, and it’s time I looked;” . . . then the door I opened wide.

And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;
And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: “Please close that door.
It’s fine in here, but I greatly fear you’ll let in the cold and storm—
Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it’s the first time I’ve been warm.”

There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam McGee.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Movies 135: Gnomeo & Juliet



What better way to spend Valentines day, but to put a new spin on Romeo and Juliet with the lovely tunes of Elton John? If that's not enough, you have the wonderful voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet.



Its a pleasing story for all ages. Its rated G. They're talking lawn decorations. Some ditties are just for adults. Its definitely a kid friendly show. And no, there is definitely a different ending to the movie with the help of a Flamingo and a water shoot'n frog.



The only downside of the movie is that the house is packed with crying babies and the like. So be warned. You might want to wait until this weekend to go. But really, the movie is a lot of fun. And you do want a fun Valentines day.


Storyline: Garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness? Written by Walt Disney Pictures

9/10

Friday, February 11, 2011

Poetry 134: How Do I Love Thee

In case you're looking for a romantic poem to share with that special someone come this Valentine's Day....

4 {Twelve}

How Do I Love Thee

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith
I love thee with a love I seem to love
With my lost saints, - I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Music 134: Local Natives


Some might call this band indie rock mixed with just about any beat or idea but I think Local Natives are just plain special. Local Natives (formally known as Cavil at Rest) was formed in 2008 in Orange County. The band consists of class mates (and then some others) who moved up to Silver Lake, California to make an album.

Local Natives released their debut album (Gorilla Manor) in February of 2010 (November 2009 in the UK). Gorilla Manor is named after the house the band stayed in while recording the album. Not only did the house inspire the name of the album but in a way probably the themes. Local Native's Gorilla Manor is full of songs that will capture your heart whether it's a calming song or one where the lead singer shouts his lyrics with passion. They must be doing something right though because they have caught the attention of many celebrities, landing on some of the stars of Glee's personal playlists.

Local Natives is:
Taylor Rice
Kelcey Ayer
Ryan Hahn
Andy Hamm
Matt Frazier



Their Music:


1) Wide Eyes



2) Airplanes




3) Sun Hands



I have to say they caught my attention with their songs Airplanes when I stumbled across it on music website Pandora. Ever since then I have been jamming along to their songs. So listen up and fall in love with Local Natives. They are sure to catch fire soon!

Monday, February 7, 2011

TV 134: Portlandia

First there was the indie a film about giving back and struggling artists trying to 'make it happen'. Portlandia is a groundbreaking improv-comedy epic made virtually without a budget, and featuring the best of Portland's newest rising stars in acting, music and fashion.


And now comes the TV sketch comedy created by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein with a little help from SNL's Lauren Michaels. How could it go wrong? Especially when you have guest like Steve Buscemi and Kyle MacLachlan to name a few.

Fred is a regular on Saturday Night Live and Carrie is vocalist/guitarist, WILD FLAG, Sleater-Kinney.

Fred and Carrie play various characters. Sometimes, he's the girl and she's the guy. Sometimes, they go to the Mayor. They sing. They play feminists. They portray all sorts of couples that make up wonderful Portland.

Of course, some (read: hipsters) will get it. Others will find their comedy pathetic. But you never know, you might find yourself saying things like... "Put a bird on it".



It's on IFC.

Movies 134: The Roommate

If you're a fan of fashion, a Leighton Meester or Minka Kelly fan...well, you are going to find something to love about this movie. If you can't wait to hear Alyson Michalka say, "Because we're hot." (as only she can say it) and steal every scene possible, this is your movie. If you are in for suspense and a lot of it - about a crazy roommate...well, then, here you go.



Now it is awful hard to make a horror PG-13 film. I will admit I found this movie much better than lets say..The Haunting of Molly Hartley (which made no sense to me) or even being jilted by The Uninvited.



Also, it will be slow for some. But you have to have character development. You have Sarah from Des Moines who moves in with Rebbecca, just twenty minutes from home, in the dorm. We soon find out from their suite-mates (Michalka and Katerina Graham) that Rebecca does not like to be called Becky. Maybe she would have preferred Bex. Anyway, Rebecca is as artist and a clothes horse. So many good things that Sarah comes to love since she wants to be a fashion designer.


Sarah has her ex (Matt Lanter) to put up with by phone. But then at a frat party she meets adorable -- maybe too adorable -- Stephen (Cam Gigandet). Is it possible she keeps falling for the same guy? Well, it wasn't brought up. And I have time to think about this. Yes, it could have picked up the pace a little. But things start going weird when Tracey (Michalka) gets an evil look from Rebecca, just waiting for her one early morning in the hallway. Soon enough Tracey gets scared and moves to another dorm. Of course, Sarah is thinking Rebecca is the best friend ever. She's rich. She takes her to art galleries. And then Sarah brings home a stray kitten. You know, things are gonna go bad if that kitten goes missing. Rebbecca wants to be Sarah's only friend. And it works until Rebecca gets the same tattoo that Sara has.

Well, Sarah smartens up. Moves out. You're thinking..oh well...

Meester definitely shows her sinister side. Honestly, Leighton is definitely a versatile actress. If you are fan of hers, you have to see this film. You've got a lovely cast, great soundtrack. Some fun moments with Michalka, doing her party animal thing. And its amazing how much Leighton and Minka look alike. It was like a CW reunion with Nina Dobrev from Vampire Diaries and Danneel Harris from One Tree Hill.

Honestly, I was hoping for a few more, interesting things to happen that didn't. But the movie does have its suspense. Meester definitely gives a whole new definition to MEAN GIRL. I'm sure it will do well in DVD release. A great movie for those sleepovers.

Storyline: College student Sara finds her safety jeopardized after she's assigned to a dorm room with a new roommate, Rebecca.

Trivia: The film is titled "The Roommate", which is based on the book "The Roommate" by Francine Pascal as part of the "Sweet Valley University" book series. Funny though, the film is thought as a remake of 1992 film "Single White Female" which was based on John Lutz' book which also inspired Pascal to write "The Roommate".

Rating: 7/10

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Art 133: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso (1881 - 1973) is arguably one of the best artists of the 20th century. You may know him better as just Pablo Picasso. (In case you're curious, in Spain, it is the law to take the full names of your ancestors in addition to your own, hence the incredibly long name.)

Picasso was no stranger to the arts, even at a young age. This was mainly because his father was a painter and became a professor at the School of Fine Arts in A Coruña when Pablo was 10. He came from a middle class family and was influenced by various artists, including Edvard Munch and El Greco.

Before I bought the book Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective for 40 cents at Goodwill, I knew little about the man. The book is a whopping 463 pages long. In other words, it's huge. And hefty. Most of these pages are dedicated solely to reproductions of his various paintings, sketches, drawings, chronically his life as an artist.

Picasso boldly went where none had gone before. His work, according to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), "stylistically and chronologically encompasses more of twentieth-century art than that of any other artist." It's true, this man lived to see WWI, the Spanish Civil War, and WWII, all major events that would be translated to canvas. Picasso is also a co-founder of the Cubist movement along with Georges Braque.

His most famous works consist of:
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon
1907, Oil on canvas
243.9 cm × 233.7 cm (96 in × 92 in)

Weeping Woman (Dora)
1937, Oil on canvas
60 х 49 cm (23 ⅝ х 19 ¼ inches)

Guernica
1937, Oil on canvas
349 cm × 776 cm (137.4 in × 305.5 in)


"Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth." -- Pablo Picasso

Friday, February 4, 2011

Poetry 133: A Poison Tree



A Poison Tree
By William Blake

I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I watered it in fears
Night and morning with my tears,
And I sunned it with smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright,
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,

And into my garden stole
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning, glad, I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Music 133: The Gromble


The Start of Things:

I am going to be honest, I review a lot of bands on this site and most of the time I just whip something up last minute and move on. Then I stumbled across The Gromble on Facebook and a month later I am working on my first feature length interview with an upcoming band. I am not exactly sure how I came across the Gromble on Facebook, but when I did, I clicked play on one of their songs and was immediately hooked. Two hours later, I became depressed when I learned the song wasn’t available to download. So, then I did what any resourceful teen would do and recorded the song on my phone, of course the sound quality was less than desirable, but it sufficed needless to say.
For the next two weeks I contemplated whether to contact the band for an interview, but my fear of rejection left me in contemplation until I actually got the nerve to write on the band’s wall. I am glad I took the risk, because I got a response from Spencer Askin, the front man on the band, saying they would love to be interviewed. But before I let myself get too excited, I needed to figure out where and when this interview would take place. I contacted Spencer again, about the “Where and When” and his response was to pull a “combo move” and do the interview before one of their shows. Could this really be happening?



By the day of the show, I was so nervous. My stomach was in knots. I was ready to back out. There was no way I wanted to make a fool of myself in front of these up and coming artists. Thankfully, my dad dragged me to the concert anyway. By the time we arrived my nerves had calmed down. I had fifteen minutes to prep for the interview and just as I was regaining my confidence, there they were. The Gromble, just a few feet away, doing a sound check. That is when it all sank in.... I was interviewing them! My first big break.
My dad was my savior that night, because he helped break the ice during the introductions. I had no reason to be nervous, because The Gromble was a group of down to earth people. They made me feel at ease, by not treating me as just an interviewer, but more like a long-time friend.






It wasn’t long before we were sitting around a table with an assortment of random chairs chatting away.





About the Gromble:
The Gromble consists of: Spencer Askin (vocals, guitar, and trumpet), Steven Lindenfelser (guitar and vocals), Trevin Eck (bass guitar), and the newly added members Stefan Macarewich (drums and vocals), Michael Lee (keyboard, drums, and trombone), and live member Jonathan Wallace (saxophone).


They are a Orange County based band who claims their goals are to 'destroy the audience'. I'm pretty sure that Steven Lindenfelser's favorite thing to say because he said it several times throughout the night . But do they really destroy their fans? Most definitely. Check any site about them and you'll see they always mention them wanting to destroy their fans. Don't let that scare you though! They are 100% safe.


The Interview:

By the time the interview began, I had felt like I had known them forever. I initially told them I had ten questions to ask and Steven Lindenfelser responded by saying they had ten answers and hopefully they would match up. Clearly a band member with a sense of humor. It was apparent from then beginning on the interview that Steven and Spencer Askin were the most talkative in the band.
I first asked them, what seemed to me the most obvious question to ask, “The Gromble?” What inspired the name, although I had my own hunch. Before they answered, they asked me to give it a shot. Of course, there was a character on the show “Aaahh!! Real Monsters” named The Gromble. Steven, immediately claimed, I was wrong, but then the rest of the band joined in a chorus of little laughs. Spencer straightened it out, by saying, “No, that’s right. We’re just super into that stuff and that’s where The Gromble came from.” Later on they would explain that they were trying to reach all different ages and hoped the name would attract a younger demographic.
Next I asked why people should listen to them. That is when the whole band opened up. I learned the were not just a band, but had studied music theory. Quite impressive. When I asked if they could emulate any artist’s career, that is when they started making jokes about wanted to be like MC Hammer and make millions and spend it in months. Then Spencer admitted to wanting to have a career like Bono. Of course, that only provoked more jokes from the other band members.

All joking aside, they admitted they are in it solely for the music. Of course they all agreed making some money wouldn’t be a bad thing, instead of having to work other jobs. I then asked what their ultimate dream concert would be? In general, they said they liked bands like Pavement, Weezer circa 1996, and The Cardigans, all bands that they have been compared to by other listeners. All agreed Iggy Pop would be a great opening act- no just to be there.
When I asked about their plans for 2011, the big news is their March 31st release date of their debut EP, complete with seven songs. They also plan on going on tour this spring. They also talked about their hopes to have their songs aired on the radio, as well as pushing for songs to be in movies and television. They are competing in the Orange County Music Awards as well. You can even vote for yourself by the link at the end of this post.
My random question, I asked what their favorite farm animals are. Michael Lee picked a pig (which he expressed quite an amount of fondness for), while Trevin Eck picked a goat (along with Spencer) while Steven picked a sheep which he went on talking about how soft and cuddly they were. The other two both had trouble deciding though Jonathon Wallace said probably a jack rabbit. That sparked a debate on whether that counted as a farm animal. Stefan Macarewich decided on a horse.




It was revealed halfway through the interview that this was only The Gromble's second interview and that all the questions were fairly new to them and they were quite excited about it. So my next question wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I asked them what they always wanted to be asked in an interview and what was the answer to it. Steven immediately spoke up saying "Whose the ultimate warrior? Hulk Hogan."


Later we got into the more musical questions like how the music making process went. Spencer summed it up by saying usually he or Steven would bring in some songs and then they all (Spencer, Trevin, and Steven) would start working on melodies and experimenting. He admitted that the new band hasn't written any songs together yet but I can just imagine how great those songs will be. When I asked which songs they would love to cover Spencer laughed "What songs haven't we covered?" It was true though, The Gromble does plenty of 90's songs covers when they do cover shows. They did say they have covered Chumbawamba and they would love to cover the song "Lovefool" by The Cardigans. Why? Spencer clears up earlier that he isn't trying to be mean but he heard a cover of that song by The Morning Benders and explains that they totally messed up the chords to such a great song.


The interview is nearing an end when I ask what their last words are to the readers of Mix Tape. Steven brings up destroying the fans again "We love the readers, but we are going to destroy you." Spencer adds, "Um we're just really excited that anyone has taken interest and we you enjoy our music and we hope to all see you soon."


So that's it. The Gromble in a nutshell. Just because the interview was over though didn't mean that the night was.





The Show:
After the actual interview it was time for the show, which was something else entirely. I'm not much of a concert goer do my awkwardness but The Gromble made sure everyone was a part of the show. As soon as it started I was transported into a world of mega-rock. The guys of The Gromble had the best energy ever, they started out playing songs that were going to be on their EP (Carolina, Creepy Crawly, and NYC Frog) then went on to unrecorded songs like Slow and Parking Lot. At the beginning everyone was head bobbing and having fun in their seats but it wasn't long before a mosh pit formed. Let's just say there was no dull moment throughout the show. Some of the best moments were when the trumpet, saxophone, and trombone came out (a pleasant surprise). It was even more fun when one of members had to grab another instrument and there was a pause in the song. Instead of it being awkward, his fellow band mates just poked fun at him. As soon as they were all ready to play again, they all started to jerk around in crazy motions and shake the ground as if there was an earthquake going on. It made all the more fun. Even when drummer Stefan Macarewich broke his drumn stick and hit his face they still played through it, joking, Stefan even threw the broken stick into the audience for a lucky fan to claim.


When the show ended, I was astonished. My world had been rocked, and I wanted to see them play live again as soon as possible. Good thing they play plenty of shows all around California (soon expanding all the way up to Seattle in their spring tour). It's crazy to say after one meeting/show, but The Gromble is one of the best bands I have ever stumbled across. They have such a friendly demeanor and they make you feel welcome and they're the kind of people you want to see and hang out with over and over again. It would be a shame if The Gromble doesn't get the attention they deserve. I only wish the best for them.


Hopefully you'll take a liking to them.


I originally asked what songs they are most proud of and they said all of them, of course a Mix Tape usual is three songs posted up. So instead they let me choose the songs (though I still went with their choices since I liked all of them too). Actually, at one point they all joked around saying to just put all of the songs on and playing them all at once. Even though that would've been an interesting thing to hear, I just stuck with their three best.


The Music:
1) Creepy Crawly (the song they are currently pushing as a single and a radio song.)





2) Ballad of Steve (a fan favorite.)





3) Desole (my personal favorite.)





-----------



The End:
Sorry for this Rolling Stone sized review but hey, we should have a special post like this every once in awhile right? Especially when it's something so awesome like this.


I hope you all have enjoyed Mix Tape's First EVER interview with a band. Hopefully there will be more to come.


Like The Gromble on Facebook.
Follow The Gromble on Twitter.
Vote for The Gromble for best showcase artist for the Orange County Music Awards here.


This is my first interview ever with a band and I do admit to having a few problems along the way with formatting but I hope it all looks good to you guys. Hopefully I can edit down the actual audio soon so you can all hear what else The Gromble had to say. I guess that can be an exclusive though that will need to be demanded for before put up. Don't worry though, I'll keep you all up to date with what this fabulous band has in store for all of us! Who knows, maybe in time there will be an interview part 2 with The Gromble.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

TV 133: My Life as Liz

It's back!

Season two of MTV's My Life as Liz finds its protagonist, Liz Lee, suddenly existing as a little fish in an extra-large pond. Liz has made the jump from the familiar confines of Burleson High in Texas to Pratt Institute, a world-renowned art school in the center of trendy Brooklyn, NY. Faced with the challenges of a new and unfamiliar city, Liz struggles to set up the life she always dreamed of having in the Big Apple. But instead of battling her former arch-nemesis, Cori Cooper, Liz must overcome pretentious art students, questionable living situations, and a crappy day job.

Thankfully, she can still rely on her 'nerd herd' back in Texas for support. Her best friends Sully, Troy, and Miles are still as dedicated to Liz as ever, which leads to some trouble now and then, as their attempts to help her are sometimes misguided. Liz's romantic interest, Bryson, is now in Austin, Texas, and their status finally takes a huge step forward when Bryson shows up unexpectedly in New York. But as it often happens with Liz, things don't end up going quite as she would expect.

Bryson Gilreath, Lisa Lee, & Colin Sullivan

In the end, season two is all about new beginnings, as Liz redefines her existing relationships and continues to make new ones -- with New York, with Marc, her quirky new roommate, and most importantly, with Louis, a charming musician who becomes a great friend and possibly (when things get rocky with Bryson), something even more.

These transitions may not all be seamless, but that's life...when you're Liz.



Starts Feb. 8th on MTV.