Maybe it's my age, but for some reason I don't like going to bars. Now that is not to say that I don't like getting a drink, but bars are too loud to talk and the music generally is not good enough to dance. Yet I can be seduced to go out. Last Thursday my friend called, said she was in town, and asked if I was free to go out that night to the Taven in Pacific Beach.
I am not going to go into the details of my night out, although there are some good stories such as my friend forgetting his ID and driving all the way back to the North County to get it. What I do want to discuss is the music that the Tavern was playing. Early on in the night they were playing upfront hip-hop with some classics thrown in. I am not sure if the DJ was using DVJs or some other kind of software (he was not visible in the DJ booth), but the mixes were seamless and the corresponding video for each song was playing on select TVs throughout the club. However the music was being presented, it was working and the dance floor was full the entire time I was there.
With management making such a positive decision to have good music in their club it was disheartening that at 12:30, when the clubbed switched over to house music most the tracks they played were 5 years old. They even played "Shut the f^@& up and Dance!" That song was great, I bought two copies of it, but it definitely sounds dated. I know that I can not expect the newest Trentemøller track but come on... There have been loads of great up tempo vocal house tracks that have come out in the past couple of years that should work just as good for a college crowd.
I don't really care about a bar playing outdated music; there is a general trend to play old dance music and this reinforces listeners' negative opinion of it. DJs, even at the run of the mill bars, need to continue to push the limit. Introduce new songs. It is too easy to cave in and say "The punters only dance to what they know." But then we might as well be jukeboxes.
- Charles Cushman
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Hard NYE
It has always had a special place in my heart. As a kid I loved running around all night and bashing pots with a wooden spoon; breaking a couple of spoons and denting, if I remember correctly, one pot.
Then there was the period in my life were NYE was a night alone at home watching the "Year in Review" shows. Those were not good years. A fire would build up on my soul, "Why am I here?"
Eventually the time came when I was capable of getting out of the house and since then I have tried to make each NYE better than the rest. I have been to giant Soma shows to Giant NYEs. Traded away my Christmas time soul so that I could take new year's day off to go to Day One.
Last year though, I stayed home. Just a couple of drinks at a local bar and fell asleep on the couch with the wife.
This year, things had to be different, and they were. At first they were not shaping up to be. It looked like it would be a repeat of last year. The line-up at Giant's party did not excite me, and my wife refused to go to Together as One to see Sasha and Digweed. Then I saw it, on MySpace of all places. Hard NYE. Justice. Peaches. Others. Need I say more? I didn't even have to sell it to my wife, she LOVES Peaches. To make the deal even sweeter a friend of mine hooked me up with a room at the Angelino.
We arrived at the hotel at 4 and were amazed by the room and the fact that were scored a view of the ocean. After taking some time to clean up, and a lot more time to find a place to eat we were off. I do have to say this. My iPhone was invaluable in not only finding a restaurant, but to also get us there and to the show.
This was my first time to the LA's Art District, and immediately upon pulling I was impressed with the event staff. Somehow they had scored permission to use the parking lot for a shipping company as the secured parking. The only hang-up getting into the event was the usual pat down. It seems like this is the one area that clubs and concerts never adequately man. Eventually two extra lanes were opened and we got in.
Once in we bee lined for the bathrooms and the bar. These were next to the second stage so we listened to A-Trak spin some bouncy beats for a bit before checking out the main stage. It turns out that we had missed the opening DJ, but after a couple of minutes Peaches took the stage and proceeded to rock.
It's funny, everyone describes Peaches as an electronic artist, but seeing her live it felt much more like a punk show than any electronic act that I have seen. Sure a synth was providing the bass line, but the screeching guitars and pounding drummer seemed to have a much heavier presence. I was surprised to not see a pit going during some of her heavier songs. As we got closer to the new year the crowd began to swell and at midnight the stage was pretty much overran much to the band's delight.
With Peaches' set over, it was bar time again. We were able to check out some of 2 Lives Crew and they appeared to have the same energy as ever.
Back at the main stage Justice had taken over and the crowd was bouncing. There hard electro sound was rocking it. This was in spite of some technological difficulties (The sound cut out a couple of times. The mids and uppers had cut during earlier sets, now it was nothing, overdriven amps?).
Unfortunately I was not able to stay for the entire event, but I am looking forward to next years party.
-Charles Cushman
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Top 5 Clubbing Experiences
So i have been lagging on the posts, I know. It is not for lack of subjects, just lack of time and I just bought iLife '08 so I might be moving the blog to the metronome server. Anyways, just to get something up here is a post that I did 12 November 2003 on my MySpace page (yes I have been a member for that long). These are still some of my top nights. Maybe tomorrow i can update this.
Top 5 Clubbing Experiences
I want to hear them, every ones top 5 clubbing/ raving nights. Here are mine:
5) Groove Armada at Bridge and Tunnel, London: London by myself, trying to find the places to go. Looking through Night Out magazine see that GA will be spinning at some club. Don’t know anything about it, but I call find out that there is no dress code and I am on my way. I got a little lost, but eventually arrived waaayyyy to early. Turns out Bridge and Tunnel is just a little bar. So I hole myself up in a corner and drink and watch. The crowd slowly fills in, the DJ starts up, I make some new friends. After a while they open up the basement (they have a basement?! and GA take to the decks for one of the best house sets ever. Turns out the crowd is mostly made up of their friends from University ( A lot of people wondered who the hell I was) and all very friendly. The best part it was free!
4) Unknown at Dre’s, Las Vegas: This one was with my friend Scottie. We had found Dre’s one night when we were not ready to go home and this was our second visit. There were two firsts though, first time hearing breaks, awesome ones at that, and the first time I saw B-Girls dancing. It was so cool to see some girls really into the music that could go off. Ended up talking to them and hanging out the next night also. One downside to the entire experience, when I told one of them that I had a girlfriend they never talked to us again (Let the record show though I did nothing wrong!) Nikki and Erin where are you?
3) Donald Glaude at 4th and B in San Diego, NYE 2002-3: This was the first night I saw D, and the best one. He owned the crowd completely and fully, and the place was packed to the gills. For the people who have never been to 4th and B, it is one of the largest clubs that I have been to, comparable to Circus, larger than 1015, Ministry of Sound, or anything in Vegas. They even had the stage open that night, pure madness.
2) Tall Paul at Montage, San Diego: Another one of those shows that I went to early and by myself. I definitely miss Montage and the parties that used to go down there. That night, along with great music, the vibe was epic, smiles all around and I had the perfect mix of caffeine and alcohol in me. When I finally got home I would not shut up about this to my parents, they just think I ma crazy.
1) DJ Tiesto at Spundae, LA: I saw Tiesto in London two weeks prior at the Gallery, the place was packed, but the crowd was quite and I was forced into a corner (I did meet my friend Jet though) So I was anxious to hear him again. This time I did not have a pre-sale ticket so I got to Circus 2-3? hours early (7ish ?) and stood in line, and waited, waited, and waited. Finally around 11 I got into the club, a little pissed off, swearing to myself that I would never do that again. Once inside drop a yellow jacket and guzzle some vodka and step onto the floor. I felt better instantly. After an hour on the floor I finally meet up with my friends (Jhoana, Ian, and crew) and the night is fantastic. I never had gone out with so many people at once who were all cool. Plenty of room to move. To top it off Tiesto took over and made us go crazy. I danced harder than I have ever done, hell I danced on a go-go booth! I was so exhausted that I had to sleep on the way home.
-Charles Cushman
Top 5 Clubbing Experiences
I want to hear them, every ones top 5 clubbing/ raving nights. Here are mine:
5) Groove Armada at Bridge and Tunnel, London: London by myself, trying to find the places to go. Looking through Night Out magazine see that GA will be spinning at some club. Don’t know anything about it, but I call find out that there is no dress code and I am on my way. I got a little lost, but eventually arrived waaayyyy to early. Turns out Bridge and Tunnel is just a little bar. So I hole myself up in a corner and drink and watch. The crowd slowly fills in, the DJ starts up, I make some new friends. After a while they open up the basement (they have a basement?! and GA take to the decks for one of the best house sets ever. Turns out the crowd is mostly made up of their friends from University ( A lot of people wondered who the hell I was) and all very friendly. The best part it was free!
4) Unknown at Dre’s, Las Vegas: This one was with my friend Scottie. We had found Dre’s one night when we were not ready to go home and this was our second visit. There were two firsts though, first time hearing breaks, awesome ones at that, and the first time I saw B-Girls dancing. It was so cool to see some girls really into the music that could go off. Ended up talking to them and hanging out the next night also. One downside to the entire experience, when I told one of them that I had a girlfriend they never talked to us again (Let the record show though I did nothing wrong!) Nikki and Erin where are you?
3) Donald Glaude at 4th and B in San Diego, NYE 2002-3: This was the first night I saw D, and the best one. He owned the crowd completely and fully, and the place was packed to the gills. For the people who have never been to 4th and B, it is one of the largest clubs that I have been to, comparable to Circus, larger than 1015, Ministry of Sound, or anything in Vegas. They even had the stage open that night, pure madness.
2) Tall Paul at Montage, San Diego: Another one of those shows that I went to early and by myself. I definitely miss Montage and the parties that used to go down there. That night, along with great music, the vibe was epic, smiles all around and I had the perfect mix of caffeine and alcohol in me. When I finally got home I would not shut up about this to my parents, they just think I ma crazy.
1) DJ Tiesto at Spundae, LA: I saw Tiesto in London two weeks prior at the Gallery, the place was packed, but the crowd was quite and I was forced into a corner (I did meet my friend Jet though) So I was anxious to hear him again. This time I did not have a pre-sale ticket so I got to Circus 2-3? hours early (7ish ?) and stood in line, and waited, waited, and waited. Finally around 11 I got into the club, a little pissed off, swearing to myself that I would never do that again. Once inside drop a yellow jacket and guzzle some vodka and step onto the floor. I felt better instantly. After an hour on the floor I finally meet up with my friends (Jhoana, Ian, and crew) and the night is fantastic. I never had gone out with so many people at once who were all cool. Plenty of room to move. To top it off Tiesto took over and made us go crazy. I danced harder than I have ever done, hell I danced on a go-go booth! I was so exhausted that I had to sleep on the way home.
-Charles Cushman
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Fizheuer Zieheur
Track : Fizheuer Zieheur
Artist : Villalobos
Label : Playhouse
When I first heard these tracks on the Dance Department podcast I was intrigued, “The longest techno track ever?” Of course they could not play them in their entirety, but the segments that I heard sounded great. Unfortunately it never went for sale on Beatport and I eventually forgot about it.
Recently reading an article on Villalobos I was reminded of the track and did a google search and found the CD at amazon.com.
I have been listening to the EP for the last two days, at over 30 minutes plus each it takes a while to get through them, and I have to say that they are good. The groove, the sound, the mental state that they create is amazing; unfortunately their length bogs them down. Fizheuer Zieheuer has a horn sample that eerily floast over a deep groove while Fizbeat is a hypnotic minimal track that slowly rolls along.
However, do they need to be 30 minutes plus each? No. While the tracks are outstanding, they become monotonous because they lack the internal movement to become a sonata. Instead they feel like really long techno tracks.
The upside though is that there is enough room in the track to layer other songs on top of it, slowly bringing them in and out. Adding that additional drama that the tracks require to be played their full length.
And this is what I intend to do.
Artist : Villalobos
Label : Playhouse
When I first heard these tracks on the Dance Department podcast I was intrigued, “The longest techno track ever?” Of course they could not play them in their entirety, but the segments that I heard sounded great. Unfortunately it never went for sale on Beatport and I eventually forgot about it.
Recently reading an article on Villalobos I was reminded of the track and did a google search and found the CD at amazon.com.
I have been listening to the EP for the last two days, at over 30 minutes plus each it takes a while to get through them, and I have to say that they are good. The groove, the sound, the mental state that they create is amazing; unfortunately their length bogs them down. Fizheuer Zieheuer has a horn sample that eerily floast over a deep groove while Fizbeat is a hypnotic minimal track that slowly rolls along.
However, do they need to be 30 minutes plus each? No. While the tracks are outstanding, they become monotonous because they lack the internal movement to become a sonata. Instead they feel like really long techno tracks.
The upside though is that there is enough room in the track to layer other songs on top of it, slowly bringing them in and out. Adding that additional drama that the tracks require to be played their full length.
And this is what I intend to do.
Monday, November 26, 2007
David Guetta at On Broadway, San Diego
Two facts:
1) I like David Guetta’s music. Sure it is pop, and I have heard it described as the McDonalds of electronic music, but I like McDonalds. Two double cheeseburgers, a small fry, and a large soda for under $5? Sign me up. Wait, now let me go vomit.
2) I don’t like David Guetta’s mixing style, or at least I thought I didn’t. I used to subscribe to his podcast and the music did not flow, and an hour of straight pop? See above. Plus why was it always two half hour sets? 60 minutes a little too much for ya?
I had needed a good night out dancing though, and Z-Trip in all his glory, was not enough for me to get my full groove on. So I succumbed and went to see Dave. At least I will be on the guest list I thought. Wait, no, the guest list closed 5 minutes ago. Can’t be too expensive. $25?! Screw it I really need to club. Wait, now its $30... This will really affect my drinking…
Once the door drama was over I let my friends know that if they want to find me look on the dance floor and I am off. Entering the main room I could not help but noticed that it was slammed, and it was only 10:45. I took a deep breath and dove in.
As the trunk bar started to catch up with me my ass joined the groove. Time became a blur and the next thing I knew Guetta stepped up. He dropped a vocal intro, smiled, and took control. The floor started to heave. Sweaty bodies gyrating, eyes closed, even some guys with their shirt off. It was enough to make a missionary run. Things then really lost control, and although I can’t remember a single detail (like any good DJ should be able to do) I knew that when the night ended at 2 it was to soon.
F!@& Me I am Famous indeed.
1) I like David Guetta’s music. Sure it is pop, and I have heard it described as the McDonalds of electronic music, but I like McDonalds. Two double cheeseburgers, a small fry, and a large soda for under $5? Sign me up. Wait, now let me go vomit.
2) I don’t like David Guetta’s mixing style, or at least I thought I didn’t. I used to subscribe to his podcast and the music did not flow, and an hour of straight pop? See above. Plus why was it always two half hour sets? 60 minutes a little too much for ya?
I had needed a good night out dancing though, and Z-Trip in all his glory, was not enough for me to get my full groove on. So I succumbed and went to see Dave. At least I will be on the guest list I thought. Wait, no, the guest list closed 5 minutes ago. Can’t be too expensive. $25?! Screw it I really need to club. Wait, now its $30... This will really affect my drinking…
Once the door drama was over I let my friends know that if they want to find me look on the dance floor and I am off. Entering the main room I could not help but noticed that it was slammed, and it was only 10:45. I took a deep breath and dove in.
As the trunk bar started to catch up with me my ass joined the groove. Time became a blur and the next thing I knew Guetta stepped up. He dropped a vocal intro, smiled, and took control. The floor started to heave. Sweaty bodies gyrating, eyes closed, even some guys with their shirt off. It was enough to make a missionary run. Things then really lost control, and although I can’t remember a single detail (like any good DJ should be able to do) I knew that when the night ended at 2 it was to soon.
F!@& Me I am Famous indeed.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Z-Trip at On Broadway
I came to the realization recently that I needed a vacation. My stress levels and the thought time off after a year of no vacation sounded great. Looking at the calendar I decided to take the two days off prior to my gig at Faces Nightclub. Unfortunately the promoter canceled his event and I was stuck with two days and no plans.
Luckily I saw that Z-Trip was going to be playing at On Broadway for their 7-year anniversary. I have been a huge fan of Z-Trip since listening to his Live at the Future Primitive Sound Sessions CD. I was even lucky enough to see him at the 10 year anniversary of that event.
Arriving at the club I entered upon what appeared to be the remnants of a shareholders meeting. A mixture of clubbers, businessman with trophy wives, and guys in zoot suits. To deal with this odd mixture the opening DJ was playing a mix of music that at best could be described as Top 40, worst wedding.
As Z-Trip took control of the decks he faced an impassive crowd and immediately moved to take control. Starting out with some classic hip-hop he slowly started building the energy. Every cut / scratch / record had a point. And once things started moving the mash-ups began. I am not the biggest fan of mash-ups, to many SD lounges based on them. But Z-Trip’s are so unique and expressive I go a little crazy. From their the night became a little of a blur, sweet beats mixed with vodka tonics begat a dancing frenzy which peaked with Z-Trip being joined be a live drummer on the stage.
When Z-Trip returns, the : metronome : project will be there.
Luckily I saw that Z-Trip was going to be playing at On Broadway for their 7-year anniversary. I have been a huge fan of Z-Trip since listening to his Live at the Future Primitive Sound Sessions CD. I was even lucky enough to see him at the 10 year anniversary of that event.
Arriving at the club I entered upon what appeared to be the remnants of a shareholders meeting. A mixture of clubbers, businessman with trophy wives, and guys in zoot suits. To deal with this odd mixture the opening DJ was playing a mix of music that at best could be described as Top 40, worst wedding.
As Z-Trip took control of the decks he faced an impassive crowd and immediately moved to take control. Starting out with some classic hip-hop he slowly started building the energy. Every cut / scratch / record had a point. And once things started moving the mash-ups began. I am not the biggest fan of mash-ups, to many SD lounges based on them. But Z-Trip’s are so unique and expressive I go a little crazy. From their the night became a little of a blur, sweet beats mixed with vodka tonics begat a dancing frenzy which peaked with Z-Trip being joined be a live drummer on the stage.
When Z-Trip returns, the : metronome : project will be there.
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