All Night Disco Party

Went to see Brakes tonight at Spaceland, their first LA appearance. There are so many great songs on their new album, "The Beatific Visions," I just love it. I played this song "No Return.mp3" on Dublab last week. It's not so characteristic of their sound (but what is?) but it's one of the most beautiful heartbreaking songs I've heard this year... "the loneliness of walking by your side is more than walking alone... that's why I'm leaving..."

Thuy Ha's Special Day

The sis came to town for her birthday so we went to Dar Maghreb for a Moroccan feast. Food was great (the squab was delicious, so was the Kir Royale) but the service was deficient in almost all areas. Felt like I was back in Fes...

TED & the prerequisite belly dancer

It's good to be around friends and family on your birthday... My sis shares her birthday with some notable people: Andre 3000(!), Harry Kissinger, Isadora Duncan and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt(!!!)

The dining experience reminded me that it's been one whole year since I was in Dubai last year with the sis. We got to ride on camels at night in the desert!!!

DubLab Delirium

I was lucky enough to dj the last day of Dublab's 2-week Photon drive, a 24-hour nonstop dj session. Here's Frosty, Jose and Matthew David getting delirious at 2am last night. And they still had 16 more hours to go...

Here's the playlist to my set. Yes I am an anglophile and francophile and am kinda obsessed with Brazil these days. So what? Sorry Blog, no time to comment again, my sis is in town for her bday.

1. A Man And A Woman - Claudine Longet - Claudine
2. Too Hot - The Specials - s/t
3. Ex Girlfriend Club - The Television Personalities - My Dark Places
4. I Don't Need Enemies - Holy Shit - Stranded At Two Harbors
5. Indian Scriptures - Felt - Let The Snakes Crinkle Their Heads To Death
6. Casaco de Pedras - Lula Côrtes & Zé Ramalho - Paêbirú
7. We're On Our Wave - All Night Radio - Spirit Stereo Frequency
8. Fistful of Love - Antony And The Johnsons - I am a Bird Now
9. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Gabor Szabo - Spellbinder
10. Harness Your Hopes - Pavement - Spit On A Stranger
11. I Gotta Getta - The Undertones- s/t
12. I Love a Computer - Y.A.C.H.T. - Mega
13. Don't You Think It's Time - J. Mascis - Grace Of My Heart Soundtrack
14. Hallucinogene - Françoise Hardy - J’écoute de la musique saoûle
15. Somebody Changed - The Clientele - God Save The Clientele
16. Quero Esquecer Você - Jorge Ben - Samba Esquema Novo
17. California - Joni Mitchell - Blue
18. Le Mépris-Capri - Georges Delerue - Bandes Originales Des Films De Jean-Luc Godard
19. Isn't It A Pity - Galaxie 500 - On Fire
20. Une Histoire De Plage - Brigitte Bardot - Best Of BB
21. Wolf In The Breast - Cocteau Twins - Heaven Or Las Vegas
22. Major Label Debut - Broken Social Scene - s/t
23. Cois as Do Mundo, Minha Nega - Nara Leão - Coisas Do Mundo
24. This Whole World - Spring - s/t
25. Cool Confusion - The Clash Super Black Market Clash
26. Goddess of Drought - Destroyer - This Night
27. New County - Beachwood Sparks - s/t
28. No Return - Brakes - The Beatific Visions
29. Liezah - The Coral - Magic & Medicine
30. Someone To Share My Life With - Jens Lekman - Oh You're So Silent Jens
31. Honeymoon with you - Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - How I long to feel that summer in my heart
32. Stephanie Says - Lady & Bird - s/t
33. P De Meia - Rita Lee - Atr S Do Porto Tem Uma Cidade
34. Love Is A Losing Game - Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
35. Days I Forgot To Write Down - Comet Gain - City Fallen Leaves
36. I've Been My Own Worst Friend - Sandy Denny And The Strawbs - s/t
37. Free - Felt - Me And A Monkey On The Moon
38. New Day Dawning - Felt - Me And A Monkey On The Moon
39. There's No Beautiful Way To Say Goodbye - The Television Personalities - My Dark Places

New Day Dawning

J & J came to bid farewell to LA as they as are about to head off to Europe, the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. We went to the beaches and canyons of Malibu... I love feeling like a tourist... It kinda feels like you are seeing it for the first time (again) and it makes you fall in love with it (all over again).

A short detour to the Getty to see the Tim Hawkinson exhibit. There were some other shows that peaked our interest with their enticing banners: "Medieval Beasts", "Oudry's Painted Menagerie" and "Radiant Darkness." They were too small (and a bit underwhelming) of shows; just shows you how even "serious" art museums use gimmicky titles to lure you in these days... The best exhibit was the postwar Japan art at the Institute; there was a old-fashioned phone where Yoko Ono calls up a few times a week and whoever picks it up gets to have a conversation with her! We were hoping that we were the lucky ones to pick up when she dials. We weren't so lucky.

Another detour... to the Adamson House where we saw the universal Green Man.

Back on track, we hiked through God's country, Solstice Canyon.



J & I now have the luxury of the young'un's drive us around. We finally get to see and enjoy the sights! It was lovely and relaxing being chauffeured by his little sis who calls me "Cousin Ann."

We worked up an appetite after the hike and feasted on seafood & beer at Neptune Net's. I love this couple, esp. their dog.

This looks like one of my Kings.

Then onwards to El Matador State Beach... We all passed out and took a nap...

From left to right: the most beautiful girl on the West Coast, the most beautiful girl on the East Coast, moi and sweet cousin Jenny.


Wiggles & Lin. As J & J left for the night (and from California), Jeremy told me he loves me. It's such a good feeling that after all these years, we don't have to live in the same city to feel close. I love you too Jeremy.

My King of Wands and My King of Swords

Man is as vast as he acts... Apparently there are Kings (as in older men) in my life. Now I just have to figure out how they fit into my life... Anyhow, I played records at another fun LIVE DubLab set for their bi-annual Proton Drive (please donate and support the awesomest thing in the world that's happening for you right now). This set was dedicated to TED but it really is a tribute to the Kings who've touched me in some way or another (be it bad or good)...

p.s. I'll be djing LIVE again next Thursday from 4-6pm (PST). Tune in. I'm comfortable talking into the mic now so it should be quite embarrassing and entertaining (as in a lot of technical mistakes and nervous giggling).

p.p.s. I have friends visiting from out of town and can't be bothered to make comments like I usually do. I apologize for neglecting you blog.

1. Beware of Young Girls - Dory Previn - On My Way to Where
2. I Wonder If I Care As Much - The Everly Brothers - s/t
3. Isn't Life Strange - The Clientele - God Save The Clientele
4. I Can't Make Love To You Anymore - Felt - Me And A Monkey On The Moon
5. I Threw It All Away - Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline
6. Lay It Down Slow - J Spaceman - Acoustic Mainlines QEH
7. A King At Night - Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Ease Down The Road
8. Modern Painters - Destroyer - This Night
9. Requiem Pour Un C... - Serge Gainsbourg - Initials B.B.
10. Can't Go Out Can't Stay In - Whitey - The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is A Train
11. This - Brian Eno - Another Day on Earth
12. West Coast Love Affair - Unrest - Perfect Teeth
13. Seu Amor Ainda É Tudo Pra Mim - Silvinha - s/t
14. Dancing In The Moonlight - David Kitt - The Black And Red Notebook
15. Lookin' For A Love - Neil Young - Zuma
16. I've Just Got To Tell You - Dr. Dog - Takers & Leavers
17. Pure - The Lightning Seeds - Cloudcuckooland
18. Graham Greene - John Cale - Paris 1919
19. Stop In The Name Of Love - Bang Gang - Something Wrong
20. Hippie, Hippie, Hoorah - The Black Lips - Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo
21. Wish I Was Skinny - The Boo Radleys - Giant Steps
22. You Baby - Jackie Trent - Where Are You Now My Love
23. Con Carino - Gruff Rhys - Candylion
24. A Man Needs A Woman for A Man to Be a Man - Bill Callahan - Woke on a Whaleheart
25. Nuvem (Cloud) - Joyce - Tardes Cariocas
26. Everybody is a Star - The Pastels - You Don't Need Darkness To Do What You Think Is Right
27. That's The Very Part Of You - The Banana Splits - s/t
28. Serious Drugs (Remix) - BMX Bandits - Serious Drugs / Little Pony EP
29. Happy When It Rains - Jesus and Mary Chain - Darklands
30. Island In The Sun - Denim - Denim Take Over
31. All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
32. Slender Brunette - Al Knost / Al Gallen - unreleased
33. Older Guys - Teenage Fanclub - Thirteen
34. I'm Moving On - John Lennon & Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy
35. After Six - Scritti Politti - White Bread Black Beer
36. Only with You -Beach Boys - Holland
37. Let Me - Wanda de Sah - Brasil '65 (Introducing The Voice Of Wanda De Sah)
38. Do What You Gotta Do - Bonnie Dobson - Good Morning Rain

this is how i feel today...

Joshua Tree

God's creation...
"Sleep comes like a drug in God's country. Sad eyes, crooked crosses, in God's country." - Bono

Man's creation...
"To destroy is always the first step in any creation.." - e.e. cummings

I left my heart in San Francisco

I flew up to SF with my best friends to see Jarvis Cocker this past weekend. He's been a major part of my musical education and when Pulp played the West Coast last, I was living in Vietnam. Coachella was out of the question; I wanted a proper show, one with bells and whistles and all of Jarvis' charm that I've only heard, read about or seen on the tv.

Anticipation was high and I was hoping that I hadn't over-hype the experience. It didn't lessen when Bob Lind's "Cool Summer" and Bonnie Dobson's "Winter's Going" were playing right before he went on. These two heartbreaking songs are from a compilation Jarvis made last year with Steve Mackey called "The Trip." These songs (about how love fades with the seasons) made everything come together for me right then.

Now listen to Bob Lind's "Cool Summer."

Another song I love from this comp is Dory Previn's "The Lady with the Braid." Dory is Andre Previn's first wife before he left her for Mia Farrow. She sings about finding meaning in mystical otherworlds, astrology, stars, tarot cards... all with the charm of an insecure yet seasoned girl. You see, it all came together then. Ever since last week's enlightening encounter with the Clairvoyant at Vietsoy (by chance of course), these songs, the show, it was almost too much... (but in a very good way). Wonder comes to you when you least expect it and it just blows your mind.

I digress. How was the show? It was extraordinary and you could hear every single word Jarvis was singing and saying. He's so funny! LOL!!! There was interpretive dance, self-deprecating jokes, and of course, brilliant songs... he covered a Doors song, "Crystal Ships"!!! Jarvis totally represented the West Coast! Unbelievable!

Jarvis...

The view from my sister's where we had the pleasure and luxury of staying at... Thanks Thuy Ha!

w/ Jungle Rock and TED at my favorite shop in SF. The Painted Bird is made for me; almost everything has been edited according to my taste and size! What more can you ask for?

Soon to be newlyweds, Atherton and Lin. Jeremy showed me his new tattoo which he got done to cover over his old squidly sun tattoo. Jamie drew it. It's kinda pretty for a tattoo I guess. Better than a squidly sun!

We brought the LA heat and sunshine to SF; it was 80 degrees this past Saturday! Ti Couz is one of my fave places to eat in SF. I call this my "Sex and the City" photo. It's absolutely cliche and really cheesy... but cute right? I'm thinking that I'm Charlotte?

Met up with Yoshi and Big Red at the Latin American Club after the show. They have not aged since high school. Seriously, it's pretty rad that they still look this young and innocent.

I don't know why Jeannie was holding hands with this San Francisco pink freak on a unicycle.

The next morning, we visited the De Young Museum to catch the Vivienne Westwood show. This is TED in front of some of the beautiful California murals created by Gottardo Piazzoni.


The best thing about the De Young was going up to the observation deck where you had 360 degree views of SF ...like you were on the tallest and awesomest tree house.

A meta moment: TED and Gunst checking out the Owley Patrol blog! They are true fans!!!

To the left, to the left

Another fun dublab set. I know it was last month, but hey it's never too late to celebrate International Women's Day. So this set goes out to all my female compatriots and how utterly rad we all are :) If you're not going to respect yourself, who will?

Click here to listen to the set.



1. FRANCE GALL - DON'T MAKE WAR CAPTAIN, MAKE LOVE - 7"
One of her very few songs sung in English. I love the guitar tone. Sweet happy candy pop.


2. TAMMYS - EGYPTIAN SHUMBA - 7"
Pure giddy excitement. A total feast of girls growling and howling. Totally insane. It's like a Phil Spector production going out of control; totally raw. Dance, Dance, Dance!


3. COCO ROSIE - NOT FOR SALE - LA MAISON DE MON REVE
Some have been a bit much for my senses, but this track is composed, restraint and good. Their live show is captivating; one of my favorite current girl groups.


4. MARY J BLIGE - ENOUGH CRYING - THE BREAKTHROUGH
The "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul." Enough is enough... you gotta love her.


5. LUIZ ECA Y LA FAMILIA SAGRADA - SA MARINA - LA NUEVA ONDA DEL BRASIL
Supposedly the current most wanted Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) record, this is a rare Nelson Angelo song with the beautiful Joyce in one of her earliest recordings.


6. MARCIA GRIFFITHS - WORKING TO THE TOP (MY AMBITION) (PART I) - PLAY ME SWEET & NICE
The "Queen of Reggae"


7. AMY WINEHOUSE - BACK TO BLACK - s/t
I'm really into Amy these days. She's like the ultimate modern day female singer, in the spirit of those great 60s chanteuses. In one of her other songs, "Rehab," I think she is channeling M. Griffiths. Even though I'm not into tattoos at all, I'm weirdly attracted to hers.


8. SUSANNA & THE MAGICAL ORCHESTRA - CRAZY, CRAZY NIGHTS - MELODY MOUNTAIN
A gorgeous covers album, this track (a KISS song!) just kills me. The quietness of this version is contrasted by the beefcake lyrics and it works!


9. LADY & BIRD - SUICIDE IS PAINLESS - s/t
Dutch-Indo Keren Ann as Lady and Icelandic Bardi as Bird. This M.A.S.H. cover is as ethereal & emotional as the last track. Also refer to this and this.


10. FRANCOISE HARDY - ONLY FRIENDS - 7"
What can I say? Love her.


11. CLAUDINE LONGET - LET'S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER - CUDDLE UP WITH CLAUDINE
Pls refer to this blog entry.


12. GEMINIS - A FRIEND OF MINE - ONE KISS CAN LEAD TO ANOTHER: GIRL GROUP SOUNDS LOST & FOUND
Another awesome track by another awesome gang of girls.


13. QUIXOTIC - SITTING IN THE PARK - MORTAL MIRROR
This song is for emo+beer = busted career. Thanks bro.


14. BETTY DAVIS - YOU & I - THIS IS IT!
Miles Davis' 2nd wife, she is one bad-ass seductive lady (which scares me).


15. HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS - CHARLOTTE - BAVARIAN FRUIT BREAD
Released in 2001, this is a bewitching, elegant yet overlooked gem. Bert Jansch bequeaths his masterful guitar skills to this track.


16. DNTEL (FT. JENNY LEWIS) - ROLL ON - DUMB LUCK
Prolific and inspirational, Ms. Lewis adds her own charm to Jimmy's already charming album.


17. DIANE RAY - PLEASE DON'T TALK TO THE LIFEGUARD - BOYD RICE PRESENTS MUSIC FOR PUSSYCATS
Hilarious and adorable. I should start surfing again.


18. EMILY'S SASSY LIME - PINEAPPLE BOYS NEED NOT APPLY. - RIGHT IS HERE
No really. I really mean it - pineapple boys need not apply.


19. CHANTAL GOYA - COMMENT LE REVOIR - MASCULIN-FEMININ
Most famous as the femme in the Godard film "Masculin, féminin," this yé-yé girl was born in Saigon (!)


20. GLENDA COLLINS - FIND ANOTHER FOOL - THE LITTLE GIRL'S GONE ROCKIN'
I really feelin' the lyrics to this track lately. The greasiest song of this set.


21. KAREN DALTON - SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND - IN MY OWN TIME
Oh gosh, pls refer to this blog entry.


22. CATHERINE HOWE - NOTHING MORE THAN STRANGERS - WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE
Don't know much about this lady, but Catherine is the female equivalent to Nick Drake's pastoral pop.


23. DAUGHTERS OF ALBION - GOOD TO HAVE YOU - s/t
Produced by Leon Russell. OMG! I realized just now that I should've played Russell's "Superstar" covered by the female duo, Spring! Damn it! That would have been a really good one.


24. NINA SIMONE - DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO - THE BEST OF NINA SIMONE
This song speaks for this set...