I don’t see the need for making four simple words – “do your goddamn job” – into “Yes, you are so right about this project and its lack of proper direction to date. I want you to know I truly appreciate the effort you’ve given up to now, and I am really looking forward to the next revision now that you have a better sense of what the client wants!” Apparently, my way is perceived as hostile and abrasive. What the fuck ever.
My friend Sean recommended a really good book that is easy to read and absorb: Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most by a group of authors associated with the Harvard Project on Negotiation. The book takes no time to read at all and teaches you how to constructively talk with clients, employees, bosses, spouses, just about anyone. Now that I know the importance of honoring a person’s sense of self and self-image, I can better request to do the goddamn job without making anyone cry or feel resentful.
If you ever find yourself being told you’re perceived as abrasive amongst your peers, quickly put out your cigarette on the accuser’s exposed skin and pick up this book at your local independent bookseller. See if you don’t read this book and call people by name on the examples given to demonstrate misunderstood intentions or being an all-around whiny fuck. To yourself, I mean.
I thought Darla Records wasn’t going to release Loveless by Japancakes until 13th November, but both iTunes and emusic.com listed the album as released 9th October. Also? I’m a little upset that no one at iTunes bothered to check the spelling of track listings was correct: “To Here Knows When”, not “To Hear Knows When”. SHADY. But did this stop me from downloading all 11 tracks in less time than it took to write this entry? Answer: duh.
I wanted to love this album, I really did, but a lot of the tracks fall short of the genius that is Loveless by my favorite band in the whole world (EVAR) My Bloody Valentine. I can listen to the redux of “Only Shallow” and “Soon” all the day long, but the remaining nine tracks don’t have quite the same intensity and enthusiasm. If at all. What was done to “Sometimes” comes across like a MIDI file from teh internets circa 1997. Which is especially sad since I love “I Only Said” and “Blown A Wish” so very very much.
&stars; <- did that work? No? Crap. Okay, pretend you see five empty stars next to one another, and only three of them are filled solid. This album has only 60% of my love—100% goes to MBV and, of course, Crystal Waters.
The moment I heard the opening to your song “Dance Me In” on KEXP, I was expecting to hear “Tupelo” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. I’m sure you can imagine my surprise since your song clearly lifts every riff and beat from Henry’s Dream.
“Dance Me In”:
“Tupelo”:
I had never heard of your band until KEXP played your song, and now I forever liken you to ilk such as Fergie who ripped off the beat from “Supersonic” to pass it off as “Fergielicious”. Oh, and how she ripped off “Hollaback Girl” from Gwen Stefani for her (horrific) tune “London Bridge”. Come to think of it, I bet her entire album is full of nothing but songs ripped from other artists and cleverly (loosely used) disguised as her work. You (all, sans Gwen) would be wise to get drunk, stand on stage, and mess yourself.
Now apologize to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds for your transgressions against rock & roll, and do try to make your own original music, hmm?
Your old guitarist, Cure frontman Robert Smith, is set to do a duet with Ashlee Simpson. Do you think he should be killed for treason?
Who is Ashlee Simpson?
I love that you said that!
No, really, who is he?
It’s a she. A bland, lip-syncing American pop singer. Sister of Jessica Simpson.
Hmm, Jessica Simpson.
You don’t know her, either, do you?
I really don’t know. One of the benefits of living in France. I’m totally out of touch. As far as Robert Smith, I mean, darling, really, do you own a mirror?
I listen to a lot of music to sustain my energy and to purge occasional creative blocks. I heart Fauve and I am drooling with anticipation for Japancakes to release their instrumental version of “Loveless”. Speaking of My Bloody Valentine, I received a demo track called “Explosive” that no one seems to know anything about. Antony and the Johnsons: L-O-V-E. Lo-fi releases of Siouxsie left me ambivalent for her new album, but the true release of her LP rocks hard. I am still on the fence with the new album from PJ Harvey. Celebration will be releasing a new album that is nothing short of amazing.
And I don’t care what Pattycakes says, I really dig on this lil’ ditty:
