The Stills - "Yesterday Never Tomorrows"

My looks pushed too far, I'll get wrecked in some bar
I've lost it, my foot's on a nail
The dark winter snows bright, please stay here tonight
I'll cry my face straight through my pillow
Some things last forever, why can't this last forever
Nothing lasts forever, I hope this lasts forever

I had to get out of my head this weekend, or so that's what I figured out on Saturday night. The past few days have been emotionally draining, trying to be one person for someone and another for someone else, never fully realizing who I should be for myself. It's a very strange experience to see your parents as real people, perhaps even more flawed than you are yourself. As much as I tried to pretend I wasn't part of my family growing up, there's no denying I'm a product of my parents. Now, for the first time, I'm scared of what that might mean.

I almost cracked Friday night, when silence was deafening and my thoughts took over my entire body until I could hold in anymore, resulting in a vicious regurgitation that even I wasn't allowed to control. After a lot of hesitation and fear, I made my way out of my apartment and downtown to Bowery for Ra Ra Riot. It was pouring with rain, which helped me hide within the masses of people out and about. It didn't take long for me to get lost in their music, a familiar sound and safe freedom. I forgot what it felt like to have energy on stage pour out on a control, but the band proved they could do it for the umpteenth time. By the show's end I had my fist pumping and hands clapping. I stayed out until 4 a.m. that night. I hadn't done that in years.

The rain continued into Saturday. I didn't want Pat to go back to Staten Island but we both had things on our to do list that day. Again I was alone in my thoughts, running across town while my sneakers became sopping wet. I removed myself from my apartment and reality again that night, heading to a familiar site of my past that only made me realize how much I have changed. Maybe I haven't even really changed, just realized where I do and do not fit in. It was a nice refresher, almost like that puff of the cigarette on Friday night too. Sometimes you have to remind yourself how bad things really are. Katie and I made our way to Bowery for The Stills, and although I couldn't physically make it through the whole show, hearing songs off my beloved Logic Will Break Your Heart was enough.

I forgot how much I love that album; I've been listening to it all day today. It's strange to think that was five years ago, and how much I wish I could go back to that time. Life felt much easier then.

Lost 4.6 - "The Other Woman"

While this week's episode of Lost was far from the mind blowing and equally adoring episode last week—any episode with Desmond and Penny is automatically my fav—we did have some fun stuff in this week's, too. While I'd venture to call it one of those "filler" episodes, it's still keeping with the fantastic pace and ambition of Season 4. Juliet has always been a fascinating character and, unlike some people, I enjoyed this week's flash back just as much as previous ones. If only for Ben's utter creepiness when he uttered the lines: "You're mineeeee. (pause) Take all the time you need." Let me say it again—Michael Emerson is an acting genius.

I could, of course, have done without the Kate/Jack romance—hopefully it will just lead to Ben kicking some Shepherd ass—and the Daniel and Charlotte mission was ultimately anticlimatic. Of course, scenes between Locke and Ben have become more and more intriguing and within minutes I cringed and then yelped at the sign of that "Red Sox" dvd. Finally! We have a proper Widmore connection to the island, that hasn't come from something other than the show. I have a theory as to who that blindfolded guy in the video was, but we'll get to that in a second.

Although we weren't privy to another flash-forward, this flashback cleared up some holes in our story line. It's great to see scenes we've come to know so dearly through new eyes. Ben ordering Goodwin to go to the Tailies (what does that mean for Ethan?), Goodwin and Juliet in bed together, and so on. While not too many mysteries were introduced or revealed, there's nothing more creepy than a dinner party with Ben. Please, invite me next time. Thanks.

Best line: "This rabbit didn't have a number on it, did it?" Genius.

Some theories....

I'm 99% convinced that the guy in the blindfold is Desmond. I just have a hunch that I cant get rid of, no matter how many people tell me I'm wrong. It's him.



I'm also 99% convinced that Ben is able to time travel. How else would it explain how he knows where Daniel and Charlotte were heading and how he could tell Harper to warn Juliet? That would also explain why he sent Goodwin to the Tailies.



And what's with Faraday's map?!



Poll on who the mole is on the freighter? My guess is Michael but I hope they throw us a wild card to keep up the shock value.

Ra Ra Riot Tour

If you don't have tickets to tonight's sold out show at Bowery Ballroom, don't fret! Ra Ra Riot is hitting the road with a vengeance. Kicking off their two month plus tour tonight, the rowdy sextet will play six (!) shows at next week's SXSW and then opening for The Cribs for a bit before a national tour with the equally enjoyable The Little Ones. If you've seen the band as many times as I have, there's still reasons to come back for more. Not only are they one of the best live bands out today, but they will also be showcasing brand spanking new tunes off their upcoming full-length. Can't wait!

Tour dates below...

3/7/08 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom – SOLD OUT

3/12/08 – Austin, TX @ Austin Conference Center/Day Stage

3/12/08 – Austin, TX @ Ms. Bea’s/Todd P Party

3/13/08 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s/Canvas Media+The Onion Day Party

3/14/08 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s Annex/Soundcheck Day Party

3/15/08 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s Annex/Park The Van-Daytrotter Showcase

3/15/08 – Austin, TX @ Saengerrunde Hall/Diesel Party

3/17/08 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club *

3/18/08 – Greenville, NC @ Spazzatorium Galleria *

3/19/08 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat *

3/22/08 – Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar *

3/23/08 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop *

3/24/08 – Bowling Green, OH @ Howard’s

3/25/08 – Chicago, IL @ Double Door *

3/26/08 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre *

3/28/08 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge *

3/31/08 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey *

4/2/08 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge *

4/3/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Popscene *

4/4/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre *

4/5/08 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah #

4/6/08 – Phoenix, AZ @ Modified #

4/9/08 – Norman, OK @ Opolis #

4/10/08 – Ft. Worth, TX @ Lola’s #

4/11/08 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s #

4/12/08 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon #

4/13/08 - Atlanta, GA @ TBA #

4/14/08 – Orlando, FL @ The Social #

4/15/08 – Gainesville, FL @ Common Grounds #

4/16/08 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jaxx #

4/18/08 – Charleston, SC @ Map Room #

4/20/08 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 #

4/22/08 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar #

4/23/08 – Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s #

4/25/08 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs #

4/28/08 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks #

4/29/08 – Columbus, OH @ The Basement #

4/30/08 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Gypsy Hut #

5/2/08 – Toledo, OH @ Frankie’s #

5/3/08 – Detroit, MI @ Alvin’s #

5/4/08 - Milwaukee, WI @ TBA #

5/7/08 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown #

5/8/08 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Saloon #

5/10/08 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court #

5/16/08 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House #

* w/ The Cribs

# w/ The Little Ones

Friday Night Lights Saved?

After finally catching up on Friday Night Lights just prior to Season Two's finale, I was disheartened to hear that it could be the end for this show. While bordering on soap-opera-esque story lines, there's a lot of heart in this little show, and a cast of characters/actors that make even the cheesiest scenarios seem authentic. Luckily, it might not be the end.

EXCLUSIVE: NBC Picking Up 'Friday Night Lights' After Partnering With DirecTV

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

Lost Link Of The Day

As expected, the one…the only…Doc Jensen…

'Lost': A Desmond Fact-Check

Nice little tidbits from Damon about what happened last week, plus some clarifications on tonight’s ep. Mild spoiler warning.

Project Runway Season Four Winner

Not to toot my own horn, but I so called this after the very first episode this season.

Read Bravo's interview with the winner here. (Spoilers, obviously)

I didn't actually get to watch the episode last night, but I had to see who had won. The rumors, and my own predictions were right. Horray!

How Well Do You Know 'Arrested Development'?

Even after watching all the episodes on a regular basis before i go to sleep, I only managed to get a 12 out of 20 on this quiz. It's harder than you think.

We Miss Arrested Development (So I Made This Quiz)

In other AD news, looks like that movie might actually happen. I can't decide if this is awesome or scary. I'm going to stick with awesome.

Lost Link Of The Day

I've been sending daily emails to my friends and co-workers with various Lost related links, and figured I might as well let everyone else enjoy. I'll copy and paste my emails here, and most of the time I'll make fair warnings if any spoilers are involved. This week's episode is a Juliet-centric episode. It's going to be hard to beat last week's Desmond-amazingness, but I'm sure our Lost friends will throw something just as crazy at us. Is this season the best, or what?

I know some of you don’t like any spoilers, but here’s two clips from this Thursday’s episode. I promise that these are official ABC promotional clips, and coming from someone who watches them each week, it doesn’t give anything big away. It’s just a nice way to ease the pain of having to wait 7 whole days for a new episode.

Watch at your own risk:









Via Kristen at E!Online

A Brief Smile Reveal 'Never Have The Time'

Download the video to your iPhone/iPod over here where you can also find studio videos off a whole bunch of other tunes from their fabulous Now We All Have Horns. Check out the band this Friday at the Delancey, or April 19 at the Annex.

ALSO! Please go vote for A Brief Smile in the Collegiate Nationals. All you have to do is click here. It takes two seconds, I swear.