dos picas

New David Byrne & Brian Eno Album

// August 18th, 2008 // No Comments » // Art, Film, Music

David Byrne & Brian Eno have released a new album entitled “Everything That Happens Will Happen Today”. What I have heard so far sounds amazing, like a warm blanket or meeting a good old friend for a cold beer in a pub, sounds like home. Ok that was cliché, “Home” being one of the new tracks off the new album. Like most artist these days they are putting the album out themselves and is available for download on their website.

What I am even more excited about is hillmancurtis’s short film about this new album and their creative process. What you see here is a teaser. The full version is included in the deluxe CD/DVD package, designed by Stefan Sagmeister and available at www.everythingthathappens.com

“No, No, No” – The Red Vic Trailer

// July 28th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Art, Film

“No, No, No” (The Red Vic Trailer) from eric toledo on Vimeo.

The trailer was viewed at the Red Vic on Friday July 25th along with 4 other great trailers, thanks for everyone who was there and those who could not make it as well. All films will be shown from time to time instead of the classic “Dishes” trailer which normally plays. Great honor and lots of fun.

Special thanks to Oskar for being the first to tell me about the “contest” and Brian for having the hook up and pushing me to make it. Learned a lot and can’t wait to make another film.

Billy Bragg at The Fillmore

// June 17th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Art, Music

I had the privilege of seeing Billy Bragg at The Fillmore here in San Francisco on June 11th, 2008. I had seen him briefly before at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in the Golden Gate park but nothing like this. This time I was right up front and center and it was amazing.

Billy Bragg is a new found love for me, I know there are die-hards out there that may say this show was too soft, well I dug it. His new album “Mr Love & Justice” is a great album and I especially like the solo acoustic version of the album you get when you buy the CD. Yes I bought music. Billy’s ability to tell a story through his lyrics and music is astonishing and his views on the world were also a delight and inspiration. There are not too many prolific song writers out there anymore and I consider him one of them.

For me what blew me away was here is one guy with a electric and acoustic guitar and he had the audience’s full attention. No band , no electronics, just pure song writing. This was an inspiration for me. I have been trying to put together a band for some time now, not making it my full mission in life but putting some time into it, with little to no success. This inspired me to maybe forget about the other players and just play myself. Take some singing lessons and get out there and whale.

I will let you know how this goes in the coming months. First goal is the start taking some singing lessons.

The Black Keys @ The Warfield

// April 3rd, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Art, Music

I had the chance to see The Black Keys of Akron, OH play last night, Apr 2, 2008, at The Warfield.

They were amazing and just as good if not better then their records. I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to blues players but I give guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney mad props. In this day and age of here one day gone the next instant online gratification its refreshing to listen to cats like this. Simple to the point good blues and rock-n-roll.

Their new album “Attack & Release” has a much more polished sound then their previous DIY records, but it doesn’t loose its essence. I was wondering how they would handle the more elaborate tunes like “Same Old Thing” or “Remember When (Side A)” live, but they pulled it off beautifully. Bringing in a flute player for “Same Old Think”and Dan playing some Rhodes as well.

You don’t find too many younger people into blues and can actually play them as well. I think that’s what makes this band a special treat for me. Younger sensibilities with the soul of an old Memphis blues veteran.

Good times.

Chem Trials by 60 Watt Kid

// February 28th, 2008 // No Comments » // Art, Film, Music

I recorded this video back in November of 2007 for 60 Watt Kid’s CD Release party at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, CA.

If you even listened to Pink Floyd or The Velvet Underground you should check them out. They got a rave review recently on Pitchfork for their new self-titled CD on Absolutely Kosher Records.

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