dos picas

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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Pillow Fight 2008

// February 24th, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Art, Film, Music

Pillow Fight 2008 – San Francisco from eric toledo on Vimeo.

Here is some footage I shot of the 2008 Pillow Fight in San Francisco. There was easily over 2000+ people most of which had pillows and where using them. A lot of fun to witness.

Sigur Rós: Heima

// November 21st, 2007 // No Comments » // Art, Film, Music

On Monday I had the privilege to see a screening of Sigur Rós documentary “Heima” (Icelandic for “at home” or “homeland”) at the Mezzanine, San Francisco CA. Being completely biased as I love their music I thought the film was stunning.

Sigur Rós has always used spectacular visuals in their music videos so that part of the film was no surprise to me. The concept was fitting, the band returning home after being on the road for a long time and getting back to basics, playing shows for fun and the art of it all. It was real and not a contrived scenario of a band documentary. My only complaint was I wanted to see more of how they make their music, their recording and song writing process. I guess we will have to leave that up to our imaginations. I think they want it that way.

The film makes me want to visit Iceland.