2AM Club

I caught Locksley at the Troubadour a couple of weeks ago, and one of the opening acts was 2AM Club. I honestly did not know what to expect; I had no idea what kind of music/set I was in for. To my surprise, I found that when I first heard some of their initial songs they reminded me a lot of Gym Class Heroes, a bunch of white guys playing hip hop - but to my surprise they were so much better than the mediocre and trite Gym Class Heroes. Their sound was unique, a sharp hip-hop rock feel, there was no mistaking how distinct 2AM Club is from the other bands that would get looped into GCH category.
The had amazing energy, though I believe they could've worked the crowd a lot better to their advantage, especially when it came to the those typically awkward band introductions. (I.e. Hi, I'm so and so, and this is so and so band) But I think one of the highlights of it being at the Troubadour was the mix within the crowd. Of course I was front and center (I was patiently waiting for Locksley to perform) which afforded me the opportunity to give Tyler one of the lead singers a "pound". Something I've never done before; I was reluctant since I wasn't sure if it would detract from their set.Irregardless, I am so glad that I stumbled upon 2AM Club and I hope they do get bigger/ pretty much explode. "Flashing Room" is pretty much one of those anthem songs for me: the one song that I can hear over and over again and never get sick of cause it's my "jam"; the only other song that comes to that kind of caliber for me is "Hard to Beat" by Hard-Fi.
When I got home and had the time to actually listen to their demo (which trust me I've had on repeat) and pick apart their lyrics I just can't get over how creative and inventive they are. "Flashing Room" says it all:

• "Nothing can take me from her, she keeps me on the ground, Nothing can take me from her, she would never leave me down"
• "This means much more than love in a flashing room, and in those clothes your fashion dies too soon, so loose those the floor is where they should be, I tear down your walls, and you set me free"

It's actually a pretty promiscuous song, but what song that isn't so catchy isn't? Check out their other songs "Let Me Down Easy" - a song about subtle rejection and "Worry About You", a sweet story of love.

"All Nighter"

So I've started to notice I'm falling into the terrible college habit of: writing a paper a day before it's due. Of course my grades have totally reflected. (I'm terrible at grammar and just writing in general) My father urged me to stop the "party party" but I know he's only joking. It's kind of nice having a father who isn't that what he defines as a TAP, "typical Asian parent". (for example Asian student brings home a test with a "97" to Asian parent; Asian parent then asks "Where are the other three points?")


As a bit of encouragement this is what my father sent me: A Blue Blues cartoon.

The Gamble House is 100 Years Old

I think it's pretty cool that USC, owns the historic Gamble House in Pasadena. It's a perfect and stunning example of a craftsman style home. I fortunately was able to get a tour of the Gamble House my freshman year. Our docent was so passionate and eager to show us every aspect of this glorious home. He was actually pretty funny. Since it's a craftsman style home, a lot of the interior spaces are designed with very specific functions. He was a sneaky guy. "I really shouldn't be doing this, but I'm going to open this panel over here and show you something". What a great guy!I really enjoyed touring this home, so if you're ever in the Pasadena area, I highly recommend that one take the time to visit the "ultimate" bungalow. Since it is a craftsman style home, everything within the home was painstakingly made with labor and love, by the architects Greene & Greene. All the furnishings are arranged as it would've been 100 years ago. I loved the use of organic shapes and the Asian motifs throughout the house. It really complimented the space and it seems like you're a world away. Especially when viewing the home out on the second floor open air patio. (Back then when tuberculous was a huge hassle 100 years ago, people would actually sleep outside for fresh air. That's why the patio/balcony on the second floor is large enough to accommodate a bed)

Check out the Gamble House as it celebrates its centennial.

Sara Bareilles

If you haven't heard "Love Song" then you've been living under a rock. Written and performed by Sara Bareilles, I think I first heard "Love Song" on of all places, The-N as one of those late night videos that I would catch in between archaic episodes of "Laguna Beach".
I was thrilled when I first went to TRL in February. Using the "ilike" application on Facebook, I was able to see that Sara Bareilles was playing on TRL for "Spankin' New Ladies Week". I was actually hesitant after her live performance if I could actually call myself a fan, but shortly after seeing her in person I did resolve to at least buy and take a listen to her album "Little Voice".So I just saw her at the Wiltern, and she did deliver to a sold out show. Figures that she would since Los Angeles is her hometown, since she did after all get her early start at UCLA in her early years as a Bruin.
She had incredible stage presence, and I have to say I am an even bigger fan after learning so much about her through the circumstances that led to the creation of her songs. Sara also knocked me off of my feet when she sang a couple of lines of Sam Sparro's "Black & Gold" leading into "Come Round Soon". Fantastic. Worth catching her in person.

Jeffery Cole

For my intro to Journalism class, we had a guest speaker, Jeffery Cole who is considered one of the leading experts on the uses of the internet. He gave a very entertaining lecture and here ar a couple of notes that I gleaned from said lecture.

• The impact of digital technology will be far more significant than television and there are three trends within the Internet:
• Internet has moved power (the real & perceived) into the hands of the individuals
• While film, music and print will survive (and thrive), it may be as smaller industries, especially on the web
• Television is the exception; rather than shrinking, television (video) will grow dramatically in importance
• Here are some of the ways in which people from the ages of 12 - 24 live based on technology:
• They will never read a newspaper (but will be attracted to some magazines)
  
• They will trust unknown peers more than experts
• They use IM, since "email" is for their parents

Pretty interesting assessment. I liked his take on the fact that the watch industry will go downhill, since it seems as if no one owns a watch now a days. One has a cell phone. No need for a watch.

Mika - Lollipop

I was having a conversation with my friend at the Lot over lunch on Friday. I could tell she was semi-stressed, so I told her to "relax and take it easy" which of course prompted me to remember a Mika song "Relax, Take it Easy". Of course I did proceed to sing a couple of the verses. Quickly the conversation turned to a discussion of Mika's other songs. One of them of course was "Lollipop". I had this song on repeat last night before I went out for the evening, so my friend pointed me in the direction of this adorable dancing duo from "Britain's Got Talent".