Long Division.

His head was a city
Of paper buildings
And the echoes that remained
Of old friends and lovers
Their features bleeding
Together in his brain
And once it started was harder to
Tell them apart
He was always distracted
By the very mention
Of an open door
'Cause he had sworn not to be what he'd been before

To be a remain remain remain remainder

It has been over a month since my last severe allergy attack. What was once such a fear of my daily life is now a distant memory, proved witness only by the dozens of iPhone pictures of swollen lips and hives. Dare I say that I feel normal? I'm not quite sure if there is such a thing, but for so long of my life striving for the abnormal I'm taking much comfort in the routine, a bit of the mundane, and very much a security that things may be for the best. One day I'll feel guilty for making this change, but I have a feeling it will pass. For so much of my life I was obsessed with the idea of growing up. I wanted to be an adult, with responsibilities, a job, an office, title and telephone to call my own. I used to love going to my dad's office and pretending it was my own. And now, I've grown up. And it feels right.

I started my new job this week and it's quite a departure from my last few positions. There's a definite structure to the company, and while I may be at the bottom I feel already overwhelmed by my responsibilities, unsure of whether I'll be able to pull it off in the end, but confident in the fact that at the root of all the ways I can define myself—computer nerd is one that is always justified. Speaking of definitions, it's come to my attention that for the past five years I've defined myself by my job. I'm trying hard not to do that these days. I've also come to terms with the fact that some of my friends may have just been my friends because of my jobs. Part of life, I suppose.

Although its been rather hot and humid out in New York this week, the warmth has felt so positive on my body. I think I was hiding away for the past two months, embarrassed of myself. It feels good to be outside, amongst the city that I fall in love with more and more each day. Except when the newspaper ink ends up on my face...that, I could do without.

Since I no longer work in the music industry, I've taken joy in listening to music for pure enjoyment. One such album is the new Death Cab For Cutie one, Narrow Stairs. While it's taken me a bit longer than expected to get into it, I've grown quite fond of the West Coast band's new execution. It feels natural. We all fall into our own strides. When did I become so philosophical?

Anyways, I like this song "Long Division" very much. If only because I've started doing math on a daily basis for the first time since high school. Long division was always my favorite. Call me what you want.

Death Cab For Cutie - Long Division [YouSendIt]

P.S. How cute is my boyfriend?

Photo by Luke Robinson

Don't Play With Me 'Cause You're Playing With Fire

Now you've got some diamonds and you will have some others
But you'd better watch your step, girl
Or start living with your mother
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire

In the last week I turned 24, landed a new job, and felt relief at the fact that I no longer had to work within the music industry. Strange, because for so long its all I wanted but when I actually got it, I realized how little it is for me. In the end, I never really felt comfortable talking or writing about music, much happier to talk about what happened on TV last night or chat nonsense with a band. I never liked the business, the networking, the fake smiles and the constant look for someone better in the room. I suppose it could be true for any industry, but with the state of music these days, I saw scavengers holding on to whatever they could. And me? I was content in the back of the room, bobbing my head like an idiot.

I probably just experienced one of the worst times in my life for a multitude of reasons but I'm looking forward to a new beginning. I wasn't planning on such a change, but something tells me this happened for a reason. If this feeling of relief is any indication, I do know that I thoroughly look forward to actually enjoying music for the first time in almost five years. I can't wait to attend a show without a camera or the thoughts of how to turn this into a review. I can't wait to see which of my acquaintances are actually friends, and not just colleagues or clients in the long run. But mostly, I can't wait to not feel like such an impostor, because for so long I knew that this was not the right place for me.

One day I think I'll turn these past five years into a book. I wish that I had that short story I wrote about a life as a blogger, but its currently still sitting on that hard drive that wont start up. I'm not entirely sure if this is the end or a new start for Underrated, but I'm not too worried about giving it a label. Because, in the beginning I had fun writing about my escapades in this blog, and I only did it because I enjoyed doing it. So much of blogging now has become an institution, going against the very reason why they were created in the first place. So as long as I still like writing in here, I'll attend, and you're welcome to join me. Just don't expect too much and we'll be just fine.

Everywhere I've gone in the past week, this song has followed me. I first discovered the wonderful Rolling Stones b-side in Darjeeling Limited and haven't gotten it out of my head since. Enjoy.

The Rolling Stones - Play With Fire [YouSendIt]

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead

I've been watching a lot of Degrassi lately. I never really watched the show up before meeting Pat, and I've since found myself waiting for Sunday mornings to catch the repeats on the WB. Then came The N, and basically in light of my recent unemployment, I've almost gotten a grasp on all the different dramas that have gone through the cast of characters, although I find myself asking Pat a lot of questions still. Cause, you know, they "go there."

I've turned a lot of my attention lately to TV, rather than music. It's an awfully strange experience when something has basically occupied your entire life to be so accepting of its place on the back burner. But like everyone who I tell that I think I'm done writing about music, they seem to all respond: well, you're probably burnt out. And perhaps they are right, and perhaps this "break" between music and myself will only be beneficial. For the first time in a very long while I've found myself not listening to what I should be listening to, but instead what I want to be listening to. Who cares if it came out three years ago, who cares if they weren't some buzz band, or if they were. I'm paying attention to what I want for a change, and it feels kind of nice.

Last week, my first real week of unemployment, I went to see three bands just for kicks. I wasn't worried about writing about them, or taking pictures, or meeting the right people—I found comfort in hiding in the back of venues once again, and just listening to what was in front of me. As it turned out, I liked the two bands I knew nothing about, and was underwhelmed by the one I thought was the greatest thing ever. I will always love the art of finding and falling in love with certain bands, or albums or songs, but it feels nice to be sure that there are no ulterior motives.

So music is kind of like an ex-lover. An ex-lover is far different than an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, and forgive me for quoting Carrie Bradshaw, but it helps if you pronounce it "lovah." Because an ex-lover is free from guilt or heartbreak, and only the fond memories are remembered. Which made me go back to a song I quite liked, which was featured in an episode of Degrassi I was watching tonight: Stars' "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead." And as strange as it seems, its lyrics seem quite appropriate to my "relationship" with music today.

Live through this, and you won't look back...
There's one thing I want to say, so I'll be brave
You were what I wanted
I gave what I gave
I'm not sorry I met you
I'm not sorry it's over
I'm not sorry there's nothing to save

MP3: Stars - Your Ex-Lover Is Dead

A Weather's 'Cove'

I recently sent an email to a few of my close friends, attached was a song by A Weather. I told them they had to listen to it immediately. I don't do this too often, but when I find a band I truly love, I have to tell everyone. So I told them first, and now I can tell you. Below is my review from CMJ today. Please listen to the band, they are so good.

There's a reason why Portland's A Weather isn't a household name—their hometown won't allow it. Unfortunately, with a debut this good, Oregon's precious secret, in the form of a bedroom pop quintet, may not be a secret for much longer. On Cove, frontman Aaron Gerber and drummer/singer Sarah Winchester quietly lead a nine-song odyssey, complete with whispered vocals, jazz-infused bass lines and carefully crafted beats. There's no wall of sound here—instead, the band equally highlights every part, thanks in part to the well-known production work by Adam Selzer (M. Ward, the Decemberists). The dueling vocals avoid love-struck lyrics, instead, Gerber and Winchester's chemistry feels natural and rare.

Cove opens with an impressively five-minute-plus track "Spiders, Snakes," that sets the pace and ambition for the rest of the album. In fact, although only nine-songs long, Cove clocks in at over 45 minutes, with some tracks over seven-minute long. Not track out of place, A Weather seems to have focused as much on order as the sound. Not relying on heavy production or unnecessary sound effects, the band allows the songs to create a self-reflective mindset. From the bass heavy, playful "Screw Up Your Courage," to the retrospective "Small Potatoes" and the fuzzy, angsty "Pinky Toe," Cove refuses to shine a spotlight, instead stepping aside to engage listeners from start to end. So that by the time Gerber and Winchester sing, "It's good to know when good things arrive," in the final track, "It's Good To Know," we already know that they have, indeed.

Listen:
A Weather - Spiders, Snakes
A Weather - Screw Up Your Courage
A Weather - Oh My Stars

Mason Proper - "Fish Eyes"

I was lucky enough today to receive a personal email from the always delightful Jonathan Visger of Mason Proper fame, to shed light on his recent solo project. His first 4-song solo EP, North South Part I is currently available for only $3, in high quality mp3, with audio samples of all the songs available at secrettunnelgroup.com. I've listened to the EP at least 17 times today, and let me tell you—it's worth a lot more than a measly 3 dollars. I've always had a hard time pinpointing Mason Proper's sound, and Visger makes it even harder this time. But if I had to, I'd call it something of a lo-fi industrial pop. Whatever, just know that it's good.

Visit the site and sign up for the email list, and you'll immediately be sent a link where you can download the song "Fish Eyes" for free, and you'll also receive a free new song from Mason Proper song!

You can also check out "Fish Eyes" and "The Stupidest Thing" on his MySpace. "Fish Eyes" is officially my obsession of the day.

Ra Ra Riot - Suspended In Gaffa | Shows

I am having an obsessive addiction to Ra Ra Riot's Kate Bush cover of "Suspended In Gaffa." I always loved the song like but when I downloaded their Daytrotter session last week, it seems like this song is all I want to listen to. First reaction? 100 times better than the original. This isn't the first Kate Bush cover, their popular "Hounds Of Love" cover is pretty fab as well, but for some reason every time I try and listen to some other artists, all I want to do is come back to "Gaffa." There's something about Wes' incredible falsettos and the oom-pah pah rhythm that makes me so happy. I've even resorted to writing emails just about the song.

In other Ra Ra Riot news, Pat and I will be driving down to Washington, D.C. to catch them and our other favorites, Jukebox The Ghost play at the Rock and Roll Hotel next next next Friday. And yes, I know that they are playing New York at Union Hall the next night, but why shouldn't I have a weekend full of two of my favorite bands? I'm sure Pat would like me to mention this was all my idea, but trust me—he's not complaining either. Tickets are still available for the Washington show (road trip!) but Union Hall is currently sold out. And even if you are going to both those shows, you should also make sure you take a trip to the John Pike Memorial Show featuring Vampire Weekend, Tokyo Police Club (and of course RRR) December 15 in Boston. More information on the show, or how to donate to the fund, can be found here.

And now, that tune that will make your Friday so much sweeter.

Ra Ra Riot - Suspended In Gaffa (via their Daytrotter Session)

Say It IS So! Wakey finally sets his release.

Pat and I may be battling for who can post the most about our dear friend Wakey!Wakey!, but today CMJ was lucky enough to premiere his cover of Weezer's "Say It Aint So" and finally some solid information about his debut album and release party. Horray!

Click here to read and download!

The Back To Reality Mix

I woke up this morning, ready to grab my badge and camera and head to Fader Lounge for a breakfast Red Stripe. Once I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, I realized that it was Monday. Back to work. No more free drinks. No more bandfest during the day. Sigh. I was a little bit sad.

I'm sure the sadness will lessen as the days go by and I start to count down the days to SXSW. Austin is already calling my name. Anyways, here's a mix for you to enjoy. Back to regularly scheduled posts tomorrow.

The Changes - On A String

The Receiver - Corner (Pt 1)

Michael Leviton - For Lydia

La Rocca - The Truth

Kevin Devine - Just Stay

Division Day - Lights Out

DeVotchKa - Somethin' Stupid

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - And The Rest Will Follow

Professor Murder - Champion

Asobi Seksu - Strawberries

The Wrens - Built In Girls

Jamie Lidell - Multiply (Gonzales Remix)

Wakey!Wakey! | Apology Song

It has been a tough week (and it's only Wednesday) and I'm leaving New York tomorrow for a trip out to Chicago to deal with some family business. But it was nice to wake up this morning and feel that excitement again, this time in the form of a Decemberists cover by one of my favorites, Wakey!Wakey!. It's just superb—Mike totally nailed this one. Now I'm even more excited to see what covers we have yet to come...

This is all, of course, in preparation of their debut album release, which hopefully wont be too far from now. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to hear Silent As A Movie in all its glory.

Wakey!Wakey! - Apology Song (Decemberists Cover)

Movies That Rock: Lars And The Real Girl

Last night I had one of those perfect New York nights. It was raining, the seasons were changing, and Pat and I walked down the block to catch some new quirky indie film—you really cant get more New York than that. We went to watch Lars And The Real Girl, a film that I had only heard the largest of raves for, for the story itself, its execution and the wonderful acting by who I think is one of the most talented actors of our generation. Ryan Gosling can choose the oddest of characters—in this case a lonely 20-something who deals with his deep issues in the form of a plastic doll named Bianca—and yet when watching him on screen, you forget that is acting. He succeeded beautifully in portraying what could be considered a sad character in an honest and heart-warming way. With every twitch and movement, you see deep within a character, opposed to seeing what is on the surface, which in a way, is what the entire film is about.

Not a whole lot of music in the film, except for one pivotal scene that so perfectly used the Talking Head's "This Must be The Place (Naive Melody)," which you can download below. But please see the movie as well. It's worth the 11 dollars, I promise. Still need some convincing? Watch the trailer here.

Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

I'm just about ready for this week to be over and to go back to a regular schedule, but not before we host one more day party, and our rockin party tomorrow night. Today marks the welcoming of Princeton, followed by what is sure to be an amazing set from Eagle*Seagull, anchored by our dear friend Wakey!Wakey! I'll be a little late getting to the loft today to finish up some work for the week, but you can bet I'll be in a celebrating mood after that.

PS - Illinois was just added to Saturday night, to replace Catfish Haven. They will go on at 11 PM, following Jukebox The Ghost. Horrah!

The Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery, just below Houston. All parties are free, all ages, and 21+ for free beer (until it lasts).

This flyer was not the most recent one, as Mook has been replaced by the Late Greats at 3.

MP3s:
The Sister Lovers - He's Not It
Princeton - Blackbeard
Eagle*Seagull - Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat
Wakey!Wakey - Fallin' Apart

Thursday @ Indaba Loft

I feel reenergized today. Yesterday was a bit rough—I was hungover and exhausted for most of the day, but managed to make it out til about 11 PM when I decided to call it quits. After a nice sleep and a lot of water, I'm ready to go back out there. Let's see if I can make it to Highline Ballroom for Islands tonight. Probably doubtful, but it's early, so let's be optimistic.

Today at the Indaba Loft are some of Underrated's all-time favorites, from A Brief Smile kicking things off to Tim Williams (who killed it last night at the Dovecote Showcaset), Mason Proper, The Jaguar Club...you name it, we probably booked them.

Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery. It is a free show for all ages, and free beer for those 21+. See you there!

A Brief Smile - Big Sky

Let's Go Sailing - Icicles

Tim Williams - Novel

Mason Proper - My My (Bad Fruit)

The Jaguar Club - The Sirens

Mancino - Five Blades

Tuesday @ Indaba Loft. CMJ Begins!!

Holy crap. Here we go. I'll be working this morning then at Indaba all day, followed by some Mercury and Pianos tonight. I'm tired already!

Indaba Loft is located at 268 Bowery, just below Houston. All shows are free, all ages, and will have FREE beer! Sets will be running on time, so make sure you stop by! Find the full lineup here.

Arizona - Some Kind Of Chill

Cut Off Your Hands! - You And I

Matt Singer - Outrageous

Indaba / Underrated / This Side Up Presents...CMJ

I've been working really hard with the wonderful people at Indaba Music and This Side Up to put together an amazing roster of day shows and a Saturday night party for this year's CMJ. Every day during the festival, you are invited to the Indaba Loft on Bowery and Houston to grab a free drink, learn about Indaba and listen to some of my favorite acts from across the country. I'm so incredibly excited to see everyone, so start planning your schedules and make sure the Indaba Loft is a stop on the way! (Did I mention free beer?!?)

[click to enlarge]

Indaba Music / Underrated Magazine / This Side Up Sounds PRESENTS...

TUESDAY Oct 16
2 - KRYSTLE WARREN
website
3 - QUINTIS
website
4 - ARIZONA
website| Some Kind Of Chill [mp3]
5 - CUT OFF YOUR HANDS!
website | You And I [mp3]
6 - SOME VELVET MORNING
website
7 - MATT SINGER
website | Outrageous [mp3]

WEDNESDAY Oct 17
2 – DIVISION DAY
website| Tigers [mp3]
3 – MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNER
website | The Sun & The Earth [mp3]
4 – SETH KALLEN AND THE REACTION
website | Shiver [mp3]
5 – NATALIE PRASS
website | Never Satisfied [mp3]
6 – BEAT RADIO
website | Mexico [mp3]
7 - THE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHTS
website | Roll Your Windows Down [mp3]

THURSDAY Oct 18
2 – A BRIEF SMILE
website | Big Sky [mp3]
3 – LET'S GO SAILING
website | Icicles [mp3]
4 – TIM WILLIAMS
website | Novel [mp3]
5 – MASON PROPER
website | My My (Bad Fruit) [mp3]
6 – THE JAGUAR CLUB
website | The Sirens [mp3]
7 - MANCINO
website | Five Blades [mp3]

FRIDAY Oct 19
2 - THE SISTER LOVERS
website
3 - THE LATE GREATS
website | He's Not It [mp3]
4 - PRINCETON
website | Blackbeard [mp3]
5 - PEASANT
website
6 - EAGLE*SEAGULL
website | Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat [mp3]
7 - WAKEY!WAKEY!
website | Fallin' Apart [mp3]

SATURDAY NIGHT Oct 20
7 – SURE JUROR
website | The Once-Great Gender Debate [mp3]
8 – THE DIGGS
website | Careen [mp3]
9 – NOUS NON PLUS
website | Allo Allo [mp3]
10 – JUKEBOX THE GHOST
website | Hold It In [mp3]
11 – TBA

See you there!

Weeds 3.8 - "The Two Mrs. Scottsons"

I'm a little behind on my TV, but I didn't want to post about last week's Weeds after tonight's episode for one main issue: Man Man. The band was the featured musical act on last week's episode which meant they got to sing the series' theme song and have a couple songs featured throughout. Some great moments of Nancy chasing after the ex-wife, psuedo incognito and our dear Andy getting into a tricky situation. Thankfully, not too much MK and a lot more Shane. I think I'm ready for our friend Sullivan out there or it's going to be another major catfish between Nancy and Celia. Actually, that could be fun. Seems like there's only a couple more episodes to go in this season and I can tell its leading to something major. Until then enjoy the fantastic rendition of "Little Boxes."

Man Man - Little Boxes

Brothers And Sisters 2.1 - "Home Front"

I didn't watch Brothers and Sisters last season. Okay, that's a lie. I watched the first episode and then it was decided that I had too many shows on my plate to keep up with it. But over the summer I suffered from a lack of new TV, so I decided to return to some shows that didn't make the cut. I watched the full season in the matter of days and was hooked on the Walker family and their stories. It's a bit pretentious at times and a bit ridiculous, but at the heart of it are fantastic actors and good story lines.

The first episode of this season picks up with Kitty and McCallister on the campaign trail, Sarah trying to save her marriage, Kevin with the other MCallister, Tommy dealing with a new baby and a depressed wife, while Nora worries about Justin, who is back in Iraq. Kitty ends up coming home for her birthday and the whole clan gets together to argue, like usual, until McCallister (the Senator) comes back with news that Justin may not be okay, afterall. I found myself in tears by the episode's end, without even realizing it. I guess that's what I do quite like about Brothers And Sisters—it affects you without forcing it.

Remember last week when I mentioned how good the new Sia album is? Well, she's popped up in another series, this time on ABC with B&S. Her new song (and my favorite) "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine" played while Kitty and half sister Rebecca argued over shoes and closets. Worked well enough for me. I think I was just happy to hear it. Check it out below.

Sia - The Girl You Lost To Cocaine

Grey's Anatomy 4.1 - "A Change is Gonna Come"

Yawn. Is it just me or is this show getting really boring? I think every time someone new from Meredith's life is introduced on the show, a little part of me wants to change the channel. Maybe it should become a drinking game, or something. Thankfully the music in this week's episode trumped the actual story lines. There are too many interns. I can't follow.

Anyways, the music. Some typical indie pop from I'm From Barcelona and Miss Lily Allen to keep the show from getting too depressing, added with some more daring choices including KCRW and Perez Hilton darling Meiko as well as the wonderful Cinematic Orchestra. I guess I'll keep watching this show for the tunes...for now.

I'm From Barcelona - Oversleeping

Lily Allen - Knock 'Em Out

Meiko - Reasons To Love You

Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home

Gossip Girl 1.2 - "The Wild Brunch"

I have only taken on one new network show this season, and Gossip Girl was one I just could not resist. Brought to us by OC creator Josh Schwartz and featuring music supervisor queen Alexandra Patsavas, there was no way this couldn't be the guilty pleasure of the year. After two episodes now, I'm officially hooked, but frankly a bit disappointed by the music selections. Hey Alex...too busy with your new label?

Last night's episode was not as eventful as the first, but we were still bombarded with bitch fights, love triangles, and some witty banter (although none will ever rival the Cohen's). In this "Upper East Side" world, I find myself flabbergasted by the lives of this high school students, although I wouldn't doubt that its too far from the truth (New York Mag tallies up just how real, on a weekly basis). I love cute-guy Dan the most, so I'll keep watching for him and his washed-up rockstar dad, and I'm sure as the episodes pile in I'll be deeply immersed in their lives. Nothing can ever rival The OC, though. And I think they know it.

The first episode of the series opened with Peter Bjorn & John's song...yeah, you know which one..."Young Folks" so I had hopes that maybe Patsavas had something more up her sleeves. The second episode wasn't much better, playing Rihanna's song "Shut Up And Drive" twice (yes, she has another song besides "Umbrella") as well as some Bravery, Rooney, and Ferraby Lionheart. I hope, nay pray, that we get some cooler covers or a bit more obscure tracks throughout the season, however I think their aim is to keep it a balance between top 40 hits and cheesy indie tracks. Rooney was one of the bands OC pushed into the limelight, so maybe this was just for nostalgia sake? Will we have Bait Shop-esque performances in our future? We'll have to wait and see.

Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

Rooney - When Did Your Heart Go Missing

Ferraby Lionheart - The Ballad Of Gus And Sam

Rescue Me | Von Bondies - C'mon C'mon

So I was talking to my friend Wes yesterday and came to the conclusion that I may not be a total music expert, but when it comes to TV and music as a combination, I may have a few things to say. And even though I hardly get to write up the shows I'm going to these days (PS - Beirut last night was frickin awesome), I always seem to have time to catch up on my favorite shows...and there are a lot of them. (Thank you DVR!)

So I'm going to attempt to focus this blog a bit about recaps on my shows (sorry if they will be a day late, i.e. I haven't watched last night's Heroes yet), and give some fun insight on the music and bands used in the show. Of course, I'll still be posting some regular blog posts here and there, because you know I have those 5-6 bands that I obsess about on a regular basis.

On Saturday, Pat and I decided to skip Les Savy Fav (don't shoot us) and instead got caught up in the first season of Rescue Me. Pat has been watching the show pretty religiously since the beginning but this was my first real exposure to the life of a couple firefighters in New York post-9/11. Starring Denis Leary, the raunchy escapades of a couple of guys actually turns out to be pretty realistic, portraying New York post the attacks in an honest and unforgiving light. Of course, there's tons of drama in the way, but Leary really holds his own as an Irish man (with a small butt) who can't get past the deaths of his cousin and the fires of his past.

Music-wise, I'm still behind (only mid-second season now) so everything is a bit behind, but I have to give the show credit for picking the most appropriate theme song to attach to the show. The Von Bondie's "C'mon C'mon" wouldn't have been the most obvious choice, but after listening to the lyrics, matched to the opening scenes, it's perfect. Just take a look at the lyrics:

On another day c'mon c'mon
With these ropes tied tight can we do no wrong
Now we grieve 'cause now it's gone
Things were good when we were young

With my teeth bite down I can see the blood
Of a thousand men who have come and gone
Now we grieve 'cause now it's gone
Things were good when we were young

Is it safe to say? (c'mon c'mon)
Was it right to leave? (c'mon c'mon)
Will I ever learn? (c'mon c'mon)
(c'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon)

I applaud the network, show, and music supervisors for the daring choice, and daring to take a show that could have been far too deep in its own nationalization to realize the true after-effects of a national tragedy. No one is perfect, no situation simple and Rescue Me doesn't apologize for that fact. I can't wait to catch up to the rest of the seasons.

Check out the opening scenes of the show and feel free to download the track below. Rescue Me just wrapped up its fourth season, airing Wednesday nights at 10 on FX.

The Von Bondies - Cmon Cmon

somewhere down the road...

I fulfilled my New York dream yesterday when I saw Ethan Hawke walking down the street, and then later into the same cafe I happened to be sitting in only moments later. For the past five years I have had this actor in the back of my mind, hoping, wishing one day I'd see him in the flesh. My first two years in New York I used to carry around a copy of his novel, The Hottest State so that in the chance I might run into him, I'd have something to start our conversation with. I did not have the book with me today. In fact, I was wearing my glasses, hair uncombed, old t-shirt with me instead. We locked eyes as he crossed over 9th avenue, and I couldn't help but follow him for a block. His pant leg was haphazardly tucked into his shoe, smoking a cigarette, just like anyone walking the streets of New York. I followed him for a block before he turned into an apartment building, turned around and walked to the cafe to get a drink. It was only a matter of minutes later when he walked into the same cafe to get a cup of coffee to go. I pretended I didn't see the lady he was with, no. I just peaked over my iced latte with a very large grin across my face. We didn't have the perfect conversation I have envisioned for all these years, no. We didn't speak a word. I managed not to take a stalker-esque photo or ask for his autograph. I think, as silly as this sounds, that we may meet again.

I wouldn't normally write such a crazy post like this (lies), but I had meant to write something about his film The Hottest State that I saw weeks and weeks ago at a preview screening. If you hadn't guessed, I'm quite a big fan of Mr. Hawke's work to date—from his acting to directing and yes, even his books. I've read them both, more than once, and while they may not be the most beautifully written prose my eyes have come across, the stories were engaging and genuine, so much so that I'm sure that they are based more than just lightly on his own experiences. And so I was excited to see the film, based on his novel, written and directed by him. I was sure it was going to be a heartfelt film, and I left feeling emotionally upset, it the best way, of course.

Like his novel, the film wasn't perfect. Most of the time I was squirming in my seat, dying for a cigarette, and maybe an intermission so I could breathe. It's a simple story of love that can't go right, a swift romance that doesn't let reality enter until its too late, and everything crashes down in front of their faces. The acting was perhaps too real at times, as I sat in the theater like a fly on the wall, wishing that I could get out of their as soon as possible because their fights and disagreements were too real for my liking. When I first walked out, I was uneasy. But as time has passed, I applauded Mr. Hawke for his effort. He didn't sugar coat what relationships are like. They are hard. Obviously, he knows this first hand. And although the critics panned his attempt, I found it thought provoking and intense. Intense is definitely the right word.

Ethan Hawke has always been a fan of music, of all genres. He handpicked the artists for the Hottest State, taking on singer/songwriter Jesse Harris on to help him out and appear in the film. I pseudo-stole a copy of the soundtrack after the film, and have found myself returning to it to remind myself of the film. It's a great collection of some indie greats and wonderfully scene-stealing scores.

Maybe I'll tell him all this, next time I see him.

Fesit - Somewhere Down The Road

Willie Nelson - Always Seem To Get Things Wrong