Tegan and Sara - Aragon Ballroom 3/26

Tegan and Sara played the Aragon Friday night. I listen to them all the time. I saw them perform at the Hollywood Bowl this summer and was a bit underwhelmed. I assumed it was because the venue was so enormous and the sound system didn’t pack much of a punch, but I had a similar experience at the Aragon.

One reason for not having my potential for enjoyment maximized may have been the song choices. They began with “The Ocean,” which was really dull, then played “On Directing,” which picked things up a bit, but then played “The Cure,” which dragged again. All of those songs are on their newest album, “Sainthood,” which I’m not the biggest fan of. Most of the songs that I do like on that album are Sara songs (ie. “On Directing”). Tegan’s are pretty weak (ie. “The Ocean” and “The Cure”). If they were to play the best “Sainthood” songs, Tegan wouldn’t be singing very many of hers. Perhaps they try to balance the number of songs. Normally I wouldn’t oppose, but “Sainthood” is so Sara-heavy that the balance worked to their disadvantage. They may have also considered it cliché to open with the first track of their newest album, but “Arrow” would have been a much better opener that “The Ocean.”

I think I also realized that I’m not a big fan of their style live. Both girls are charming and fine musicians (along with the band), but don’t possess much stage presence. I wanted to see some swagger. They also change guitars between every song. I don’t know much about alternate tunings, but it would behoove them to consider grouping similar tunings when planning the set. They lost so much momentum between songs.

I love listening to Tegan and Sara records, but they just don’t put on a very dynamic performance. I’m sure some people really loved the show, but me? Well, I like everything big. I didn’t dislike the show, I was just a bit unsatisfied.

2010 Irwies

It's that time of year! That's right, the second annual Irwie Award presentation. Irwies are awards presented in honor of the late Steve Irwin honoring people, things, or phenomena that have made a significant dent in the realm of pop culture over the past year.

Here we go!

Achievement in Douchebaggery - Spencer Pratt.

For beginning the process of legally changing his name to “King Spencer Pratt.” Seriously. No idea if it’s officsh yet. You got lucky Kanye. Disrespecting T-Swift like that was pretty douchey. And count your blessings NBC. You guys might not be so dumb after all- choosing one of the douchiest years in recent memory to do Conan bogus like that.


Song of the Year - “Hawaii” by Mew

It’s big. It’s pretty. Holy cow. Just listen to it.


Artist of the year – Woody Harrelson

“The Messenger” gave Harrelson Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for best supporting actor and “Zombieland,” which gave him a much-deserved starring role, garnished rave reviews. Unfortunately I haven’t seen either of those. But I have seen “2012.” And let me tell you, what a performance! Harrelson is the best part of the movie. Better than the epic special effects. Better than those two old ladies. 2009 will forever go down as the Year of Woody!


Heartbreak of the Year – Frusciante’s Exit

Now I love Billy Mays as much as the next guy and I’ll be the first to tell you that Conan got shafted (though I have to admit, I didn’t watch him as much on The Tonight Show as I did on Late Night), but this is downright sad. John Frusciante, the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has stepped down. I am a little biased, but I consider Frusciante’s visionary work to be the driving force that lifted the Chili Peppers to rock’s upper echelon over the last decade. I’m sure the new guy can play, but I have a feeling the Chili Peppers are going to miss Frusciante’s songwriting. He has such a musical ear and that is not easily replaced. Frusciante claims that the intrigue he once found in the Chili Peppers has now manifested in his solo music and I think he should pursue what he is passionate about. Frusciante is one of the great musicians of this era and I will take great music from him in whatever form I can get it, but I will miss him as a member of the Chili Peppers.


Greatest Guilty Pleasure – Jersey Shore

I can’t believe that “2012” isn’t receiving this award, but “Jersey Shore” is like a car wreck that you can’t look away from. A buff, tan, fake-boobed, Ed Hardy-clad car wreck. By the end of the season the episodes become a bit repetitive, but I have such fond memories of the show: particularly The Situation and Pauly D trying to “smoosh” with their respective girls in the same bedroom.
(Note: Justin Bieber was not considered in this category because I am legitimately proud to be a fan of his).


And last but certainly, certainly not least...

Stone Cold Fox of the Year

Rachel Berry. Yes the character. Not the actress, Lea Michele, who plays her. Yes, I know that Lea is lovely. And yes, I know that Rachel’s not real. There’s just something about her. I went through the entire first season of Glee in under 80 hours and I solely blame Rachel Berry for that. I’ve watched interviews with Lea Michele on youtube and it just isn’t the same. Something about those dorky clothes and abrasive attitude really rev my engine. And call me old fashioned, but Rachel being a high school sophomore doesn’t hurt either. (I can say that if she’s not real, right?).