So, apparently I'm still slightly obsessed because I'm still looking up videos on YouTube. Although I was at SXSW '09 I was not aware of these guys at the time. My loss.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Brisbane v. Dragulescu
So if you've read my previous posts you know that I've been reading Deanna Raybourns 'Lady Julia Grey' series which seems to me like it should have been a trilogy but must have been popular enough because I know a fourth book is coming out soon. Anywhoo... I made the mistake of reading another book of hers Dead Travel Fast immediately after finishing Silent in the Moor. Given how much I loved Nicholas Brisbane I can't help but compare the two 'heroes' from each of the books.
First, we have Nicholas Brisbane, hot in a hard life, Gypsy momma, learn as you go, still acts the gentleman, what's up with those headaches and he's kind of a druggie sexy. Born the bastard son of a gypsy woman, Nicholas has had a lot to prove. He makes a somewhat successful living as an inquiry agent and uses his skills to help Julia find out who killed her husband. Brisbane is tortured by headaches the stem from his trying to avoid his gift of 'sight'. As a result he dabbles in the narcotics to help lessen the pain. He's also an accomplished violinist, bad ass fighter and master of disguise. He's a little cranky at times but oh well, who isn't?
Theodora LeStrange's Count Andrei Dragulescu is rich, brought up to be a 'Count', has an uber messed up family, dabbles in the opiates and fancies himself quite the womanizer. Is he hot? Um yeah. Dark hair, light eyes and built like granite. Brought up in a life of privilege, he's the only male heir to an aging, decaying castle in Transylvania. Andrei's father dies and he is home to tie up the loose ends and make sure his father is actually dead. Enter Theodora, friend of Andrei's cousin, Cosmina. At one time Cosmina was to marry Andrei but he has since refused her.
Dead Travel Fast is more of a Gothic romantic thriller. Set in a dark and falling apart castle in Transylvania, it alludes to werewolves and vampires yet never actually proves there are any. A little mind bender there that I can appreciate. A hill town living in fear based on gossip and rumor but with no substantial proof. Performing ceremonies and rituals to prevent something that may never happen.
The Julia Grey books were based in England mostly, minus a trip to Italy and mentions of Egypt in the third book. Julia is a daughter of wealth who married for wealth and not love. Her husband was murdered and as a result of the findings while investigating her husbands death Julia is left to grow up quickly. With her newly fattened bank account and her widow title, Julia has many things to look forward to, including Nicholas Brisbane.
So, why am I partial to Brisbane? He's less the playboy douchebag. Did I just call the Count Dragulescu a douchebag? Yes. There are two parts in Dead Travel Fast where he describes at length his prowess with the ladies. He can read the situation, determine how they want to be seduced then give them what they desire. Huh? Conceit is not very sexy. But wait! He was trapped in a snare of his own making and he fell victim to love... thus, happy ending. Brisbane is a man who has actually 'lived'. He's had adventures yet he's living in the shadow of his youth and circumstances that were out of his control. He seems like a more rugged and established kind of man and to me, way more likable than Andrei Dragulescu.
As I mentioned before, had I not read Silent in the Moor and Dead Travel Fast back to back I may have had a better opinion of Dragulescu. Sadly, he's no Nicholas Brisbane. I'm not sure anyone could have lived up to old Nicky once I finished reading that series. Maybe I should have read something of a non romantic nature.... Oh well. I'll pay more attention next time. Oh, and on a side note I'd take Julia Grey over Theodora LeStrange in a cat fight any day. But in true Raybourn fashion, that's a story for another day.
and what's up with all the opium?
First, we have Nicholas Brisbane, hot in a hard life, Gypsy momma, learn as you go, still acts the gentleman, what's up with those headaches and he's kind of a druggie sexy. Born the bastard son of a gypsy woman, Nicholas has had a lot to prove. He makes a somewhat successful living as an inquiry agent and uses his skills to help Julia find out who killed her husband. Brisbane is tortured by headaches the stem from his trying to avoid his gift of 'sight'. As a result he dabbles in the narcotics to help lessen the pain. He's also an accomplished violinist, bad ass fighter and master of disguise. He's a little cranky at times but oh well, who isn't?
Theodora LeStrange's Count Andrei Dragulescu is rich, brought up to be a 'Count', has an uber messed up family, dabbles in the opiates and fancies himself quite the womanizer. Is he hot? Um yeah. Dark hair, light eyes and built like granite. Brought up in a life of privilege, he's the only male heir to an aging, decaying castle in Transylvania. Andrei's father dies and he is home to tie up the loose ends and make sure his father is actually dead. Enter Theodora, friend of Andrei's cousin, Cosmina. At one time Cosmina was to marry Andrei but he has since refused her.
Dead Travel Fast is more of a Gothic romantic thriller. Set in a dark and falling apart castle in Transylvania, it alludes to werewolves and vampires yet never actually proves there are any. A little mind bender there that I can appreciate. A hill town living in fear based on gossip and rumor but with no substantial proof. Performing ceremonies and rituals to prevent something that may never happen.
The Julia Grey books were based in England mostly, minus a trip to Italy and mentions of Egypt in the third book. Julia is a daughter of wealth who married for wealth and not love. Her husband was murdered and as a result of the findings while investigating her husbands death Julia is left to grow up quickly. With her newly fattened bank account and her widow title, Julia has many things to look forward to, including Nicholas Brisbane.
So, why am I partial to Brisbane? He's less the playboy douchebag. Did I just call the Count Dragulescu a douchebag? Yes. There are two parts in Dead Travel Fast where he describes at length his prowess with the ladies. He can read the situation, determine how they want to be seduced then give them what they desire. Huh? Conceit is not very sexy. But wait! He was trapped in a snare of his own making and he fell victim to love... thus, happy ending. Brisbane is a man who has actually 'lived'. He's had adventures yet he's living in the shadow of his youth and circumstances that were out of his control. He seems like a more rugged and established kind of man and to me, way more likable than Andrei Dragulescu.
As I mentioned before, had I not read Silent in the Moor and Dead Travel Fast back to back I may have had a better opinion of Dragulescu. Sadly, he's no Nicholas Brisbane. I'm not sure anyone could have lived up to old Nicky once I finished reading that series. Maybe I should have read something of a non romantic nature.... Oh well. I'll pay more attention next time. Oh, and on a side note I'd take Julia Grey over Theodora LeStrange in a cat fight any day. But in true Raybourn fashion, that's a story for another day.
and what's up with all the opium?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Deer Tick and Dead Confederate @Off Broadway
August 5, 2010
Deer Tick with Dead Confederate at Off Broadway.
I had purchased these tickets when the show was first announced. I wasn't that familiar with either of the bands but from the buzz on each I knew I wanted to see the shows. I downloaded Deer Tick's Black Dirt Sessions and Dead Confederate's Wrecking Ball to see what I was getting myself into. I was slow to warm up to Black Dirt Sessions but the more I listen to it the more I love it. Now that I've seen Dead Confederate I can also say I appreciate their album that much more.
The show was originally supposed to have a third band on the bill, Fattback. A local band to St. Louis whose lead singer, Dave Hagerty, was killed in a hit and run accident in St. Louis the previous weekend. Although the night had the opportunity to be somber it was really a lot of fun. I think Deer Tick gave a portion of their night's proceeds to a memorial fund set up for in the name of Hagerty as well.
I think I'm slightly in love with Dead Confederate right now. They have this grungy, mournful sound that reminds me of my college years. The band at first glance looks like Uncle John and his buddies started a band and asked the little emo neighbor kid to sing for them. But after speaking with the lead singer, whom I now have some kind of cougary crush on, I was pleasantly surprised. The new album, Sugar, comes out August 24th and I expect that it will differ a lot from the Wrecking Ball, purely based on what I heard at the show and recently read in a review. It may lack of that angst that makes the Wrecking Ball album more attractive. I think the new album will be 'happier' and less 'dirgey'. Favorite songs from Wrecking Ball, 'The Rat', 'Heavy Petting' 'Goner' and 'Start Me Laughing'.
Deer Tick... hmmmm... the lead singer is kind of like Matthew McConaughey's character 'Wooderson' from Dazed and Confused. Similar look and same happy go lucky 'heeeeey' attitude. Maybe a little less strut. The show was random and fun. They played several songs from the Black Dirt Sessions including 'Twenty Miles'and 'Christ Jesus' as well as some older crowd favorites like 'Dirty Dishes' and 'Easy'. They also did a lot of covers including ZZ Tops' 'Cheap Sunglasses', Paul Westerberg's 'Can't Hardly Wait', a small spoof on Hanson's Mmmm Bop, tipping their hat to them being in town the same night, and the intro to BOC's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' which was sadly lacking in cowbell.
This was the first time I'd seen Deer Tick but the second time for Dead Confederate. I was a little obsessed with both bands for a few days after the show, reading what info I could about each band. Apparently Deer Tick's John McCauley is quite the character on and off the stage. I highly recommend checking out some of his antics.
Deer Tick with Dead Confederate at Off Broadway.
I had purchased these tickets when the show was first announced. I wasn't that familiar with either of the bands but from the buzz on each I knew I wanted to see the shows. I downloaded Deer Tick's Black Dirt Sessions and Dead Confederate's Wrecking Ball to see what I was getting myself into. I was slow to warm up to Black Dirt Sessions but the more I listen to it the more I love it. Now that I've seen Dead Confederate I can also say I appreciate their album that much more.
The show was originally supposed to have a third band on the bill, Fattback. A local band to St. Louis whose lead singer, Dave Hagerty, was killed in a hit and run accident in St. Louis the previous weekend. Although the night had the opportunity to be somber it was really a lot of fun. I think Deer Tick gave a portion of their night's proceeds to a memorial fund set up for in the name of Hagerty as well.
I think I'm slightly in love with Dead Confederate right now. They have this grungy, mournful sound that reminds me of my college years. The band at first glance looks like Uncle John and his buddies started a band and asked the little emo neighbor kid to sing for them. But after speaking with the lead singer, whom I now have some kind of cougary crush on, I was pleasantly surprised. The new album, Sugar, comes out August 24th and I expect that it will differ a lot from the Wrecking Ball, purely based on what I heard at the show and recently read in a review. It may lack of that angst that makes the Wrecking Ball album more attractive. I think the new album will be 'happier' and less 'dirgey'. Favorite songs from Wrecking Ball, 'The Rat', 'Heavy Petting' 'Goner' and 'Start Me Laughing'.
Deer Tick... hmmmm... the lead singer is kind of like Matthew McConaughey's character 'Wooderson' from Dazed and Confused. Similar look and same happy go lucky 'heeeeey' attitude. Maybe a little less strut. The show was random and fun. They played several songs from the Black Dirt Sessions including 'Twenty Miles'and 'Christ Jesus' as well as some older crowd favorites like 'Dirty Dishes' and 'Easy'. They also did a lot of covers including ZZ Tops' 'Cheap Sunglasses', Paul Westerberg's 'Can't Hardly Wait', a small spoof on Hanson's Mmmm Bop, tipping their hat to them being in town the same night, and the intro to BOC's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' which was sadly lacking in cowbell.
This was the first time I'd seen Deer Tick but the second time for Dead Confederate. I was a little obsessed with both bands for a few days after the show, reading what info I could about each band. Apparently Deer Tick's John McCauley is quite the character on and off the stage. I highly recommend checking out some of his antics.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Damn girl, where have you been?
No where special! Just doing my same old here in St. Louis. For some reason I've been slacking on both blogs. Who'd have thought they'd be so much work?
I've read several books since my last post a couple of months ago. Some worthy of mention, others, meh.
I do highly recommend the 'Lady Julia Grey' books by Deanna Raybourn. They are easy to obsess about and I find myself going back and reviewing the sections where there is interaction with Brisbane. I think I will fantasize about him fondly, unless he turns into an asshole. Her family is nuts and the dialogue is fantastic. A great sojourn from the current Urban Fantasy phase I'm in. Who knows, maybe British mysteries will encompass my next two years of reading.
I've been working my way through the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. They are a fun guilty pleasure but it's hard to read them too close together. I started the 5th book in the series but sent it back to the library after the first couple of chapters because I had other books I wanted to read instead, namely the Lady Julia Grey books I spoke about above.
Because I LOVED the Jane Yellowrock books so much I started the Rogue Mage series, also by Faith Hunter. I'm not as impressed. The concept is different and a little more 'fantastic' than what I'm used to. This is the first series I've read that involves mages and I'm not too sure I understand the concept yet. I've read the first and have the second two. I'm hoping my opinion improves.
I just finished "Mind Games" by Carolyn Crane. It's has a different concept than your typical 'urban fantasy' book because the 'super powers' used are the characters own neuroses. They have been taught a way to infuse their fears and addictions into others in an attempt to bring the person to their base level in an effort to 'reboot' them and start them on a path of good with the knowledge of the horrible things they have done in their past. It has a cool comic book kind of vibe that reminds me a little of the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. The romantic triangle should be interesting. I still can't get over the fact that the author used the term 'cucumbery cock' (seriously, summer vegetables?) and that one of the characters wears a beret ALL the time.
I've also been to a few shows.
Blitzen Trapper at Off Broadway was a hot, sweaty, sauna of a show. Sold out on a 90+ degree night. Does that place have air conditioning? Great show though despite all the heat. The crowd was good and not overly chatty. I hate it when you can't hear the music over the crowd. I find it odd that I thoroughly enjoy myself when I go to shows alone. I went, I drank a couple beers, heard some good music and went home. Good night.
Modest Mouse at the Pageant was a great show. No new album that I wasn't familiar with. Just all the good tunes I wanted to hear. I love the double drummers. I'm always fascinated watching them and wondering how they put the music together. I wish I knew more about music. Only annoyance in the show was the smokers trying to sneak cigarettes.
And have I mentioned the Black Keys!!! So nice I'm going to see them twice. Heading to Detroit for that show in a couple of weeks. The show at the Pageant was AMAZING! I can't even remember the last time I was that engaged in a show. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!
Well that should catch you up, if you have managed to read this far. I also attended three weddings, no funeral and sold laundry soap at multiple farmers' markets. Nothing new and fantastic so if you have decided to live vicariously through me you may be sadly disappointed. I will try to be better about keeping this thing updated and living a more entertaining life. ;)
I've read several books since my last post a couple of months ago. Some worthy of mention, others, meh.
I do highly recommend the 'Lady Julia Grey' books by Deanna Raybourn. They are easy to obsess about and I find myself going back and reviewing the sections where there is interaction with Brisbane. I think I will fantasize about him fondly, unless he turns into an asshole. Her family is nuts and the dialogue is fantastic. A great sojourn from the current Urban Fantasy phase I'm in. Who knows, maybe British mysteries will encompass my next two years of reading.
I've been working my way through the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. They are a fun guilty pleasure but it's hard to read them too close together. I started the 5th book in the series but sent it back to the library after the first couple of chapters because I had other books I wanted to read instead, namely the Lady Julia Grey books I spoke about above.
Because I LOVED the Jane Yellowrock books so much I started the Rogue Mage series, also by Faith Hunter. I'm not as impressed. The concept is different and a little more 'fantastic' than what I'm used to. This is the first series I've read that involves mages and I'm not too sure I understand the concept yet. I've read the first and have the second two. I'm hoping my opinion improves.
I just finished "Mind Games" by Carolyn Crane. It's has a different concept than your typical 'urban fantasy' book because the 'super powers' used are the characters own neuroses. They have been taught a way to infuse their fears and addictions into others in an attempt to bring the person to their base level in an effort to 'reboot' them and start them on a path of good with the knowledge of the horrible things they have done in their past. It has a cool comic book kind of vibe that reminds me a little of the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. The romantic triangle should be interesting. I still can't get over the fact that the author used the term 'cucumbery cock' (seriously, summer vegetables?) and that one of the characters wears a beret ALL the time.
I've also been to a few shows.
Blitzen Trapper at Off Broadway was a hot, sweaty, sauna of a show. Sold out on a 90+ degree night. Does that place have air conditioning? Great show though despite all the heat. The crowd was good and not overly chatty. I hate it when you can't hear the music over the crowd. I find it odd that I thoroughly enjoy myself when I go to shows alone. I went, I drank a couple beers, heard some good music and went home. Good night.
Modest Mouse at the Pageant was a great show. No new album that I wasn't familiar with. Just all the good tunes I wanted to hear. I love the double drummers. I'm always fascinated watching them and wondering how they put the music together. I wish I knew more about music. Only annoyance in the show was the smokers trying to sneak cigarettes.
And have I mentioned the Black Keys!!! So nice I'm going to see them twice. Heading to Detroit for that show in a couple of weeks. The show at the Pageant was AMAZING! I can't even remember the last time I was that engaged in a show. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!
Well that should catch you up, if you have managed to read this far. I also attended three weddings, no funeral and sold laundry soap at multiple farmers' markets. Nothing new and fantastic so if you have decided to live vicariously through me you may be sadly disappointed. I will try to be better about keeping this thing updated and living a more entertaining life. ;)
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