JOVAN RADAKOVICH

Dolce Far Niente by les Niobides

2012-01-29T11:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xJLeWQ7NTQ&feature=youtu.be

My Merry End by les Niobides

2012-01-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0fRQhLGk-s&feature=youtu.be
One of the first songs recorded thru my new Fender Deluxe Reverb '65 Reissue amp.
It started off like this...
I was watching an episode of the series Gangland, an ongoing documentary on various street gangs
across the country, and heard a snippet of a drum beat in the background music.
I started playing the drums to it but changed it around some. Then I wrote a rhythm on the guitar for it. I ended up liking the rhythm guitar more than the drum beat so I changed that again.
Lastly I added the Hammond B3 organ thru a Leslie speaker.

Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky

2012-01-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As64A0vo7MM
I stayed up until 1am the other night to watch this film
as titular characters were, in my opinion, two of the most talented people
of the 20th Century.
The sets, decor, and actors(especially the actress portraying Chanel) were
all very elegant, however they mostly just stood around and posed in beautiful clothing.
I don't think Stravinsky had more than 3 lines of dialogue.
The best performance was given by Stravinsky's long suffering wife.

Honky Tonk Zombie by les Niobides

2012-01-28T05:31:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_hO4cAu7ac

Oedipus and the Sphinx by les Niobides

2012-01-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb-0_eOoAHA&feature=youtu.be

Sine Qua Non by les Niobides

2012-01-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffetMhngkBQ&feature=youtu.be

Hell Jobs part II

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

The Chair of Torture.

Back about five years ago I was in between jobs and my savings were dwindling fast.

I had just begun dating an Italian girl who worked as a lab assistant at Northwestern University.

She was explaining to me that it was her job to find subjects for a research project the school had just received a hefty grant for. I jokingly inquired how much it paid and she said $100 a day for two days however their tests only lasted a few hours.

Since she was having difficulty finding volunteers and I needed the cash we colluded to have me participate.

So on an incredibly frigid January day I found myself taking the bus to Northwestern Hospital not quite knowing what to expect.

Pretending not to know me the girl I was dating we went thru a charade of being introduced when I showed up. I was ushered into an empty conference room where I was soon joined by a pretty graduate student who would be interviewing me. I immediately began flirt outrageously with her in an attempt to fluster her professional demeanor.

I rather enjoyed the interview process because it allowed me to talk about my favorite subject, me!

I remember having to fill out a bunch of forms and before I knew it they handed me my hundred dollars and I was free to go.

That was easy I thought, with the money already burning a hole in my pocket.

The next day I was to report to a lab at the University of Chicago where the real tests were to take place.

The building didn't have an address on it so I remember walking around the block several times in the bitter cold. The place was very modern looking, which made it stand apart from the older gothic architecture the campus is famous for. They had elaborate security where I had to go thru a couple different check points and take a special elevator that had no buttons on the inside, something I have never seen before.
Once inside the lab the girl I was dating and another grad student were waiting for me.
They had me sit down and for an hour began placing electrodes all over my scalp and face with a gooey conducting fluid.
Next they led me into a sound proof sealed room which had a single chair in it.
They left and shut me in. From a remote booth they talked to me thru a microphone and explained what I was in store for.
The objective of their study was to gauge the reactions a person with or without a mental illness has to different images.
I sat there for the next several hours as a projector flashed one image after another onto the wall facing me. The electrodes would register the slightest wince of smile.
It was not unlike the scene in A Clockwork Orange where Alex receives the Ludovico Treatment, but mercifully without the eyelid restraints and serum.
One moment there would be an image of a smiling baby then a close up of a rattlesnake, fangs bared, about to strike. There were pictures of riots, overflowing toilets, green pastures, destruction, and other disturbing scenes.
It seemed to go on and on. Although I'm not claustrophobic the electrodes were most uncomfortable and I felt like ripping them out, kicking the door open and running out of there.
Apparently someone who is a sociopath would give a reading of indifferece to a scene of mayhem or serenity I was told.
Finally the torture came to an end and I could collect my money and leave.
It was the single worst thing I ever had to do for money in my entire life.
I never saw the girl again.
A few months ago she contacted me out of the blue to see how I was doing, and I suspect
feel me out about dating again.
I deleted the email

Jack the Lad by les Niobides

2012-01-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TIjB8WBxp4&feature=youtu.be

Song for Charlotte Corday by les Niobides

2012-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rskK3Ys6Sy8&feature=youtu.be
It's been on my mind to do a song about Charlotte Corday for a while
and the melody finally came to me yesterday.
I wanted to weave together several different instruments so at times
there's electric guitar, violins, piano and church organ.
These are my first attempts at soloing on guitar so I hit some wrong
notes here and there and should have stretched some out longer.
Oddly this is the second song I've written about an assassin, the other
was When, which is about Sirhan Sirhan.

A Thousand Years to Christmas by les Niobides

2012-01-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVEW8G7sdY0

Viva Bardot!

2012-01-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z55b_7SFd60&list=FLZaLfBus2OQtcS5Rv7qGY_Q&index=20&feature=plpp_video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8ti0C-0K_U&feature=related

Lucy's Legs by les Niobides

2012-01-18T11:40:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj-XLen2gXk&feature=youtu.be
This is one of the first things I wrote on electric guitar from about 5 months ago.
I just got around to adding some drums and a solo. It has a rockabilly feel to it I think.

Stars Don't Stand Still demo by les Niobides

2012-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

One of my better melodies. I'm just singing gibberish at the beginning and will
write some proper lyrics soon. The title comes from the French poet Mallarme.
Even though the song is unfinished I wanted to post and copyright the melody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af6-JxcSMC0&feature=youtu.be

painting by Gaetano Previati

How a Rock Star should look part II

2012-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

the late great Brian Jones

2012-01-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

This past week I had an interesting photo job in the city to do some
promotional shots for a new Western style martial arts academy.
It turned out well and the instructors were fun to work with.

Lullaby for Ramon Llull by les Niobides

2012-01-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs4dTHp1oag&feature=youtu.be
I'm going to add some lyrics to this and rerecord the vocals with a female
singer.

Night of the Hunter demo by les Niobides

2012-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw7Q3yY_HCY&feature=youtu.be

Jamboree Bop by les Niobides

2012-01-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcgk43yL9Uk
This took all of 30 minutes to write and record

les Niobides promo

2012-01-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

Feeling in the Dark

2012-01-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

by the great Dwight Twilley
off of one of my all time favorite albums, Sincerely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5DCcuOWmng&feature=related

Une Femme d'Intrigues by les Niobides

2012-01-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcwGnJRrcYE&feature=youtu.be
I conceived and recorded this in about two hours.
The rhythm guitar required 3 takes, the guitar solo, wah bass and drums
I all did in just one take.

I Close the Door Upon Myself by les Niobides

2012-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbsEd2-5dL0&feature=youtu.be

The Forgotten Genius of Domenico Baccarini

2012-01-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Saint Melancholy by les Niobides

2012-01-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW6OlTH4asc&feature=youtu.be

Things I Covet

2012-01-04T07:10:00.001-08:00

A Selmer Paris Black Lacquer Saxaphone!

Motorcycle Porn

2012-01-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XfBzYK9acs&feature=player_embedded#!

si belle qu'elle me fait souffrir by les Niobides

2012-01-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

"so beautiful she makes me suffer"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkcOZVm4PA0&feature=youtu.be

Very proud of this one!
It started off with an effects laden guitar progression on my telecaster
which I overdubbed with an Italian harpsichord, a faint chorus, and trumpet.
the photo is a portrait I did of an ex who looked just like a young
Charlotte Rampling, right down to the freckles across her nose

Honky Paradise by les Niobides

2012-01-03T06:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bhR4pkv5Gs&feature=youtu.be

A Dandy in Aspic by les Niobides

2012-01-01T18:03:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXXkCHm1cOw&feature=youtu.be

La Calomnie by les Niobides

2011-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zyp3Fr4D_U&feature=youtu.be

New Work: Between Scylla and Charybdis

2011-12-31T07:22:00.000-08:00

oil on linen canvas 20x28''

between Scylla and Charybdis by les Niobides

2011-12-31T04:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzS7XlPuXPY&feature=youtu.be
started off with a melody on upright bass
then added vibraphone, cymbals and piano

Cherchez la Femme part I by les Niobides

2011-12-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqqOOQ1IIEI&feature=youtu.be

Stranded on Arrakis by les Niobides

2011-12-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTSpfXu1ntE&feature=youtu.be

La Lune est une Maîtresse Cruelle by les Niobides

2011-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ353rNiiBg&feature=youtu.be
I composed this acoustic piece last night on my Martin in about 15 minutes.
It required two takes for the main rhythm and two takes for the twangy solo.
The title is borrowed from a painting of mine, which in turn was inspired by a
novel by Robert A. Heinlein

Des Diamants à la Poussière by les Niobides

2011-12-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGtM0gjgEEw&feature=youtu.be

Cherchez la femme part II by les Niobides

2011-12-27T10:52:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDCFpygfaFw&feature=youtu.be

The nature of desire Part I

2011-12-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

One day when I was a student in Paris I was browsing thru the cinema section of the library in the Centre Pompidou and caught sight of this picture on the cover of a book.
I couldn't stop staring at it or thinking about it. That afternoon I walked around in a daze and even went back the next day to look at it again.
I assumed it was a still from Bunuel's Diary of a Chambermaid, which has a similar scene with Jeanne Moreau, but I was mistaken.
Some twenty years later I discovered it's the French actress Arletty in Hotel du Nord.
Last week I was reading Truman Capote's infamous New Yorker article on Brando who spoke about his infatuation with Arletty so I looked her up and found the mysterious picture again.
Throughout my life certain images have had a similar power over me.
This picture did not interest me on the level it would for someone with a common foot fetish.
No, I think it represents something else entirely, namely the involuntary capitulation to beauty.
It is what empires have been fought over, what souls have been sold for. This elusive, ephemeral thing...beauty. It is the mad, eternally frustrating focus of my life.

the haunting work of GABRIEL VON MAX

2011-12-26T15:20:00.001-08:00

Songeant de poisons et de glaives

2011-12-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

To dream of poisons and daggers.
This piece was written hastily after dinner tonight.
I like the second half when I drop down an octave
and add the strings.
The title comes from a line in Baudelaire's Madrigal Triste
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqhIlN-7D8c&feature=youtu.be

two new demos

2011-12-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V02amVEWU8c&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvwaZyDjfKA&feature=youtu.be
This one features me on fuzz bass, drums and Hammond B3 organ.
It needs to be edited down some.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:42:00.001-08:00

Madonna by Claudio Bravo

I Don't Intend to Spend Christmas Without You

2011-12-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

by the great Margo Guryan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObzTsGbMZRc&feature=related

The Girl with the Baphomet Tattoo by les Niobides

2011-12-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJgXfCYbXzc&feature=youtu.be

Christmas Presents to ME

2011-12-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

my new Jil Sander boots

Two new pieces I wrote and recorded yesterday

2011-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

When
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmy4_x1ceu0&feature=youtu.be
The Babalon Working
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCuj42ibkG0&feature=youtu.be

I've lived this

2011-12-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wz2bAByWyI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFa4ySkv9Dg&feature=related
pretty much my 4 years at the School of the Art Institute in 4 minutes

The Naked Maja by les Niobides

2011-12-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUHCK8lU9Wg
my quasi neo flamenco piece

Each Man Kills The Thing He Loves by les Niobides

2011-12-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O4RXTKUKe0w
my most Nino Rota like piece yet

All the Lights by les Niobides

2011-12-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSpwchunNuk&feature=youtu.be
Another song written on my Martin to which I added
a Nord Wave chime effect, cymbals and cabasa and lastly
vocals.

Things I Covet

2011-12-15T14:06:00.001-08:00

a Benedetto La Venezia

2011-12-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

There are mysteries in this world which are best left unsolved. Take the puzzle box created by the French craftsman and toymaker, Philip LeMarchand -- the box which would come to be known (by the few who know of it) as the Lament Configuration. The box's very name echoes a small inkling of what it brings. But those that seek the box are not so easily dissuaded by a name, they are true "explorers of forbidden pleasure".
These are creatures that have walked the paths of carnal pleasure, of pure hedonism, and found them wanting. Such a person is numb to what our world offers and hungry for the offerings and songs of the other side. The promise the box holds is that of pleasures that only a handful have ever felt. Sensations that have no name in human language, much less a description. Sadly, most that seek out the box just simply seek to "feel" again.
The sad lesson that the box teaches those that solve it is an ancient one, be careful of what you wish for...
Most who seek out "pleasure beyond the senses" really have no idea of what exactly they seek, or how far such pleasures can take them. We, as humans and as creatures of this world, have formed an idea of what pleasure is, of what carnal knowledge brings and what wealth, power and such can promise. In our human arrogance we forget to think that this is a rather humble idea of the reality of pleasure, forged by life within our paradigm. Beyond our senses and beyond our limits there is more, so much more..."

Things That Inspire Me

2011-12-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

The photographers Filippo e Fausto TOMMASOLI

http://www.archiviotommasoli.it/category/gallerie-fotografiche/filippo-e-fausto

Bubblegum Blood by les Niobides

2011-12-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqw6PEE348k&feature=youtu.be
the title comes from a novel written by my late brother.
I'd like to think that if Bela Bartok made rock music it would
sound like this.

Le Rendez-Vous by les Niobides

2011-12-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCF4z1StvDI&feature=youtu.be
One of my better melodies but I may redo the vocals. I did another
version with different lyrics that tells the story of meeting a woman
while looking at a painting by Breughel(his Icarus) and the romance that ensues.

Hell Job part I

2011-12-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

I don't remember how many years ago this was. It's better I don't.
Most all of my hell jobs began with me coveting some very expensive
German camera. I would convince myself that I could endure nearly any
job for the few months required to raise funds for whatever lens, camera body
or other equipment I needed at the time.
There were of course certain jobs I wouldn't stoop to no matter how desperate
I was, such as a cashier or fast food employee(Hamburger University as it's known).
I answered an ad from one of those self storage facilities that are so ubiquitous these days.
How hard could working in a place like that be?
Somebody comes in once in a blue moon to check on their locker, pay a bill, clear out their stuff.
I pictured days spent with my feet up on the desk reading.
This storage facility was located off the highway around an industrial park.
The lady who gave me my job application was also the manager and only other employee there.
She was a White woman in her 60's, dressed in a mishmash of native American themed attire and resale bargain-ware.
I was actually hired on the spot and she gave me a tour of the place, beginning with her living quarters which was attached to the front office.
She explained that though her salary was modest she lived here rent free.
The fact that she was the width of a cheap veneer door away might present a problem to the goofing off I expected to be doing.
Back in her apartment she proudly showed me her "artwork"
The walls were covered with Native American embroidery that were beyond tacky. Scenes of the proud red man astride a horse with plenty of dream catchers tossed in for good measure.
I started feeling very sad for this woman who apparently had never been married and lived behind ugly office. Then I started feeling very sad for myself that I would soon be working here too.
It was a cold and windy late Fall day but she insisted on driving me around the whole place in
a golf cart. Every ten feet or so she would stop the cart in order to pick up some wayward trash that had lodged in the metal fence surrounding the place. So she would be explaining to me my duties and in mid sentence leap out of the golf cart to pick up a Styrofoam cup.
It seemed like an exercise in futility because all the trash from the surrounding warehouses ended up stuck in that fence.
I asked her why not just clean up the debris every few days instead of every half hour, which she expected of me.
It seemed to have never occurred to her.
"But what if the national manager shows up and the place is full of litter?"
"How often does he come here?" I inquired.
"Maybe once or twice a year."
"Does he just show up unexpectedly or do you have some prior notification?"
At a loss for words we returned to the office where she gave me my own set of keys.
Once home a few hours later I called her up to say I decided not to take the job after all.
Thankfully she didn't pick up and I left on message on the recording machine.
She almost immediately called me back and in a frantic voice demanded I return the key at once.
"Can't I mail them to you?"
"No, I have to have them right now!"
She acted liked I was in possession of the sole key to the Louvre.
"Alright, alright. I will drop them off tomorrow. I do expect to be paid for my training though."
I think she was with a customer the next day so I didn't have to engage in any small talk. I just slid the keys on the counter, turned around and walked out.
That job lasted about 90 minutes.

Some great photos of Balthus

2011-12-12T13:41:00.001-08:00

with his young mistress

With Heart At Rest by les Niobides

2011-12-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbsPSsoZNGA&feature=youtu.be
This is another attempt of mine to interpret various poems I admire thru music.
These are the first two stanzas of Baudelaire's Epilogue

Eternal Recurrence by les Niobides

2011-12-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCCft8kP75w&feature=youtu.be

One of my more successful recordings.
This started out on my nylon string acoustic
over which I added bass guitar, Hammond B3 organ,
drums and vocals.
The idea of Eternal Recurrence comes from Nietzsche Birth of Tragedy
wherein he states, "The metaphysical comfort--with which, I am suggesting even now, every true tragedy leaves us--that life is at the bottom of things, despite all the changes of appearances, indestructibly powerful and pleasurable--this comfort appears in incarnate clarity in the chorus of the satyrs, a chorus of natural beings who live ineradicably, as it were, behind all civilization and remain eternally the same, despite the changes of generations and of the history of nations."

"My philosophy brings the triumphant idea of which all other modes of thought will ultimately perish. It is the great cultivating idea: the races that cannot bear it stand condemned; those who find it the greatest benefit are chosen to rule...I want to teach the idea that gives many the right to erase themselves - the great cultivating idea...Everything becomes and recurs eternally - escape is impossible! - Supposing we could judge value, what follows? The idea of recurrence as a selective principle, in the service of strength (and barbarism!!)...

To endure the idea of the recurrence one needs: freedom from morality; new means against the fact of pain ( pain conceived as a tool, as the father of pleasure...); the enjoyment of all kinds of uncertainty, experimentalism, as a counterweight to this extreme fatalism; abolition of the concept of necessity; abolition of the "will"; abolition of "knowledge-in-itself."

Greatest elevation of the consciousness of strength in man, as he creates the overman

In the Realms of the Unreal by les Niobides

2011-12-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

music inspired by the work of Henry Darger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcn1C52d5nI

From Ritual to Romance by les Niobides

2011-12-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Qiv8AucAg

A Shameful Day for Norway

2011-12-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

I was quite shocked to read this story on several painting forums
http://artbabel.blogspot.com/2011/08/odd-nerdrum-sentenced-to-two-years-in.html
One of the few living masters of painting in our age of decadence was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged tax evasion.
It is for good reason that Christ himself considered tax collectors the lowest form of life.
A curse upon the vile bureaucrats responsible for this deed.
Caesar si viveret ad remum dareris

All Our Yesterdays Have Lighted Fools by les Niobides

2011-12-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9py0vGEHA-g

A Game of Patience by les Niobides

2011-12-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

I forgot even doing this one. Rather proud of my improvising on the organ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmt28xIwZMI

Les Locataires

2011-12-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

my favorite song from Gainsbourg's reggae period.
I think it would be easy to learn each part so I'm thinking of covering it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v04X8TfQUaQ&list=FLZaLfBus2OQtcS5Rv7qGY_Q&index=1&feature=plpp_video

Lucy's Red Dress by les Niobides

2011-12-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqU6gGFemTk
I wrote this uptempo piece very quickly last night on the Hammond B3.
It originally had a very rockin drum part then I decided to
do some subtle cymbals instead so as not to detract from the
female chorus.
It's the second song inspired by my on again off again girlfriend
from Poland who loves to wear red dresses.

Scaramanga by les Niobides

2011-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-YbSghGKf8

Nick Nightingale by les Niobides

2011-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJh39zO6F1Q

Back at the Batcave by les Niobides

2011-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-IIJD5Y1rA
Here I'm playing:
electric guitar
drums
farfisa organ

New Work: Medieval Helmet

2011-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

pastel on prepared paper
30x24''

New Works: Casa degli Omenoni

2011-11-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

photogravure

Phosphor String Theory by les Niobides

2011-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0L6SqQpTFw

Snail on a Straight Razor by les Niobides

2011-11-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iysONs8DDZ0

New Work: Scylla

2011-11-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

photogravure

Adventures in the Art World

2011-11-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

The following is a true story.
About 4 years ago I was in a group show
at some hipster gallery in Wicker Park, the name of which
I can't even remember. Hopefully it is long gone.
On the night of the opening I arrived early
and visited with some of the other "artists" on
display. I began talking to a scruffy young man
and he asked me which piece was mine. I directed
him to one of my photographs. He was very complementary
and I in turn asked to see his piece. Big mistake.
We walked over to the other side of the gallery.
On the wall was small drawing in a cheap frame that appeared
to have been found in a goodwill shop or discarded in a
dumpster. The drawing itself was just a bunch of swirls
made with a no.2 pencil on common notebook paper.
Usually I can find something polite or diplomatic to say in such
circumstances but I nearly lost it. I had to restrain myself from
asking him what the hell gave him the right to call himself an artist
with such a total lack of talent.
I excused myself because my girlfriend at the time had just arrived.
Later I watched as the young man proudly brought his mother to
show off his piece. I wonder if she thought the tens of thousands she spent
sending him to art school was worth it.
My schizophrenic elder brother who passed away maintained for years
that he was a secret 75 star general but I don't think he was as delusional
as the countless hipsters such as the one I described above about their talent.
It was on that night that I decided I would never again participate in a group show.

Laissez le bon temps rouler by les Niobides

2011-11-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs1ViZuZer0
This one came about remarkably fast. I was waiting on a friend
to visit and played the chords on my Martin acoustic. Since
I don't know how to read music I make little diagrams of
the finger positions so I could remember when I went to record it
the next morning. It's sequence of 7 chords in all and I was never
able to play it consistently so I made a loop.
It took two takes to do the drums and one for the trumpets.
Lastly I came up with the title and did the breathy female
vocals myself in French.

Top 5 Worst Dates EVER

2011-11-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

1. The girl whom I was supposed to pick up at her apartment at 2pm.
First she asked that I phone her at 1pm to make sure she was up. Huh?
In the age of internet dating usually first meetings always take place somewhere in public, like a coffee shop or bookstore
so this was doubly unusual.
When I arrived I pressed the buzzer and didn't receive a response until the third attempt.
She had just gotten up and was in the shower came the excuse. I knew I should have bolted
already but I felt impelled by some demonic force to proceed inside.
She's a tall blonde German and answers the door wearing only panties. She tells me to have a seat while she dries her hair.
She has the largest breasts I have ever seen.
It was a studio apartment and the only place to sit was her bed which was covered in used kleenex. I used my umbrella to clear off a spot, making sure I didn't touch anything.
There was a flatscreen tv that was on and quite loud. I got the impression it was never turned off.
She poked her head out of the bathroom and apologized for oversleeping, saying it was due to her medication.
"What medication is that?" I asked.
No response. Maybe she didn't hear over the din of the tv.
I asked again and she said the name of an anti psychotic medication I was familiar with.
Whatever thoughts of seduction have by now gone completely out the window.
This was going from bad to possibly disastrous.
She came out from the bathroom, still undressed while I was composing a lie to make a quick
exit.
"I think that whatever I ate for lunch was tainted. I have a terrible pain in my stomach. It's probably best we do this another time."
She sits on the bed almost catatonic. I'm standing, inching my way to the door.
After what seems like minutes she finally says, "is it because you don't find me attractive?"
"No, no." I protest, "it's not that. I'm really feeling ill."
I'm worried that she will flip out, do something unpredictable but I manage to leave as she is still staring off into space. I leap down the stairs 4 at a time.
Outside I'm walking quickly to my car, thanking the Lord for dodging another bullet.
When I get home an hour later there are a dozen emails awaiting me from the woman.
They are all links to youtube videos of sappy love songs about breakups.
I spend a half hour trying to figure out how to block my email account.

To be continued

The Wood Nymph

2011-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsh-k7K0-FY

Something quite beautiful

2011-11-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/french-fashion-designer-inspired-by-romania-1321544693-slideshow/model-presents-creation-designer-philippe-guilet-during-fashion-photo-085830535.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYeG1AizjW8

I've dated several women from Romania and they were all very stylish

New Work: Self-Portrait

2011-11-18T06:15:00.001-08:00

New York Lament

2011-11-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRgqBvIyQ1g

Zuccotti Point

2011-11-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Back in 1970 the great Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni
made the film Zabriskie Point as an attempt to explore American
radicalism at the time. He hired two non actors for the lead roles.
Legend has it he discovered Mark Frechette on a street corner while
he was arguing with a man. The absurdity of the film and the dialogue
was a source of endless amusement for my brother and I over the years.
Zuccotti Point is my little homage to the film and the theater of the OWS
movement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGevNAHEWlw

What the Thunder Said

2011-11-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihDv-RjZ0P4
“My friend, blood shaking my heart
The awful daring of a moment’s surrender
Which an age of prudence can never retract
By this, and this only, we have existed
Which is not to be found in our obituaries
Or in memories draped by the beneficent spider
Or under seals broken by the lean solicitor
In our empty rooms”

I wrote this dark piece on the anniversary of my brother's passing.
First I came up with the cello part and then added a trombone distorted
thru a synth. Lastly I found this passage of Eliot's Waste Land which I
have a recording of him reading which synced perfectly to the music. He has a
voice that reminds me of Boris Karloff.
The painting in the video is by Annigoni.

some things I've been listening to

2011-11-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

the great Gabor Szabo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BOE7X9OfhA&list=FLZaLfBus2OQtcS5Rv7qGY_Q&index=4&feature=plpp_video

one of my favorite singers with one of the best arrangements of any pop song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgYDs1utmbU

some wonderful harmonies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdRJULkIGfk&feature=related

from Larry Norman's highly acclaimed album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSS6mEyw3W0

Saw Aerosmith on the Back in the Saddle tour with Uncle Ted opening.
One of my favorite concerts ever. Just finished reading Steven Tyler's autobiography,
very entertaining
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ecxMckulXU&feature=related

The Ballad of the Wild Orchid

2011-11-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3Vd0Lc23nA
The wild orchid is a nickname my friend Bill and I give to a
Harley rider we know who considers himself the ultimate object of
desire. He left his wife and kids to pursue the biker lifestyle and leaving
a trail of broken hearts across the open road.
I was trying to channel Lou Reed's vocals on Sweet Jane here

Bâtir des Châteaux en Espagne

2011-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUSc1pf2Kms
the first song written on my new Martin guitar.
The title translates as "To build castles in Spain"
a French expression used to describe those who
dream of things always beyond their reach, my favorite
pastime.

Le Radeau de la Méduse

2011-11-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LobLrVJAv20
This dark piece was inspired by the famous painting by Gericault
in the Louvre and the wonderful Bernard Hermann score to Mysterious
Island.

the crawl by les Niobides

2011-11-03T16:43:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbWPoioBG-c
Here I am playing
telecaster electric guitar
mustang bass
Gretsch drums
Hammond B3

Oh Sylvie demo

2011-10-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ookb-S28LM

Oh Sylvie you sparkle
like Stendhal's crystal twig
Oh Sylvie you sparkle
but take this boy's advice...

The world can be a monster
but the blessed will prevail
This life will lose all meaning
when our laughter fails.

Oh Sylvie you sparkle(repeat)

more wolvesbayne Van Helsing?

2011-10-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVPxAgy7lBA

Papa Bellocq demo by les Niobides

2011-10-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcDqz3e7V0
I came up with the guitar rhythm last night on my new Jose Ramirez
then added the arrangements this morning that had a very New Orleans
flavor. I decided to name the piece after the enigmatic photographer, E.J. Bellocq,
who was wonderfully portrayed by Keith Carradine in the controversial film Pretty Baby.
I suppose I identify with him somewhat, both in his commitment to his art and as a dispassionate observer of decadence.

the 99%

2011-10-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

this is the first song I wrote that I sing on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64f3oU8J-jc
The title of the song does not refer to the Occupy Wall St.
movement but rather the percentage of women I've known or
dated over the years who were incapable of thinking beyond their
conditioning.

The task of the aristocrat,

2011-10-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

their mandate, is to personify all that is great in a national spirit.

Lost My Link Card

2011-10-24T05:33:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p_TOQAdt14

One Eyed Jacks

2011-10-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

my attempt at composing a Spaghetti western theme.
The last 30 seconds is one of the best things I've done musically.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4_RTL_vXu8

Kinski as Christ

2011-10-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

still one of the greatest things I've ever seen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiazgGFoGJU&feature=related

Le Mystère de la Foi

2011-10-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-vMUv14uu8

Keep It Tight n' Outta Sight!

2011-10-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

I did this one yesterday, some of my tightest drumming yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-LuyjfOW5Y

mini reviews

2011-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ladytron-Gravity the Seducer
disappointing. Their sound hasn't really progressed, still clinical
and not as catchy.
Bauhaus-Go Away White
Although this was released back in 2008 I just heard it for the first time
recently and was pleasantly surprised. It doesn't sound like the kind of throw away
record that gets churned out when some formerly popular or underground band
reform. Some nice textures on a few tracks. Daniel Ash's guitar distortions are always
inventive.
The Thing
Really terrible prequel to two of my favorite movies(both the original Howard Hawkes version and John Carpenter's remake). I attended the matinee on the opening day, which was already spoiled by a negro couple talking loudly throughout much of the first 20 minutes before I had a manager remove them. The only redeeming thing about the film was the pretty brunette actress who reminded me of a former girlfriend.
Captain America
Finally a comic adaptation that gets it right. The film was well cast, had wonderful steampunk
sets, and a great villain with Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull.
Breaking Bad-Season 4
Possibly better than The Sopranos and Mad Men, some episodes had moments of true brilliance.
The actor who portrayed the drug lord Gustavo Fring was phenomenal. Long live Walter White!

New Music

2011-10-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

the forehead of the rose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAmNSAGjA0w