tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126643422024-03-18T21:05:41.860-07:00PetalumaFilms<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1903/1084/1600/132013856_5272790878.0.jpg"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1903/1084/320/132013856_5272790878.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> This here's the blog for petalumafilms.com!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-23311040137187842922010-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:002010-01-26T17:00:42.630-08:00How it wentWhere to begin.<br /><br />Last night was the world premiere of the movie I Co-Produced called "The Violent Kind." At Sundance. Yes, I notrorious late starter Don R. Lewis, had a film at Sundance. How does that <span style="font-style:italic;">happen</span>?? I have no clue. As I mentioned in an earlier entry, my connection to Sundance is incredibly strong. When I first got interested in film, I started volunteering here and that was like, 16 years ago. So just the fact I was returning here with a FILM in the festival was incredibly emotional and extremely surreal. <br /><br />I got in on Friday and we basically started drinking from the get-go. Lots of nervous energy was abounding in our condo which I'm sharing with the Butcher Bros, Arianne our PR gal, George our attorney and my hero, Michael Gibson. It's a nice spot really close to Main street which is cool. So yeah, we've been drinking into the wee hours everyday and believe it or not, that's not very healthy. We're all dragging ass today. Plus I bought an adrenaline pass which is good for any movie before 11:00 am and after 11:00 pm which is cool provided you're not out drinking until 3:00 am and sleeping until noon. <br /><br />There's been lots of good buzz about the movie and it's been awesome seeing the crew that came out as well as all the cast here. The entire cast is here except for Nick Tagas which really bums me out. He's so great in the movie and is such a great guy, I wish he could've made it. So all day yesterday I just laid low so as not to freak myself out which I'm prone to do before screenings of my little short docs and I did a good job. Ate breakfast, had a nice dinner...chilled with friends. Then it was off to the premiere.<br /><br />Our screening was at 11:30 and I got there at 10:30 as I was in charge of doling out tickets to the crew who made the trip. We had a red carpet which was fun. I really, really, really love our cast and am so proud they got to be in a Sundance movie. I've always been a big Cory Knauf, Joe Egender, Joe Mackelheer and Sam Childs supporter so seeing them get some Sundance love was amazing. And Tiffany Shepis and I go way back and if it wasn't for her agreeing to be in this film, I probably wouldn't have got to be a producer so seeing HER finally get a movie at Sundance was amazing. Plus the crew was so giddy and it just felt really great.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I should note that as I write this, it's not coming off NEARLY as exciting as it was, sorry..</span><br /><br />So we all sat down right on time and Trevor Groth, who is just a great guy and an outstanding programmer introduced our film. It was at that moment the huge wave of emotion swept over me and it finally really struck me that I had a film in the motherfucking Sundance film festival. It's still just a trippy, surreal feeling and I've spent all day processing it. And being hungover. But processing it too. It means alot not only personally but professionally as well but in my typical fashion, that freaks me out and sends my mind spinning out of control as to what I should do next. Silly, but true. Anyway...<br /><br />The lights dimmed and what seemed like a 2-hour trailer for the festival came on. My palms were sweating and my heart was pounding. Where's our damn movie!? Then, a really cool 10 minute short called "Still Birds" came on and again....it was like Hitchcockian tension. WHERE IS OUR FILM?!?! Finally, THE VIOLENT KIND began and it was amazing.<br /><br />I had only seen a rough cut a few months back and I was non-plussed. The special effects weren't done then nor was the sound design and it was really long. I liked it, but couldn't totally fall in love with it because it was so rough. So seeing the completed version was unreal. UN. REAL. It's just a really, really strange, gross, fun movie and I thought it was a blast. However I can't get a feel for what people thought and that's really weird. It's kinda like free falling and not knowing where the ground is or when you'll land. I mean, not to sound dramatic, but it's strange not knowing what people think of your work. It's been eerily quiet out there which, I'll be honest, isn't very good news. But we have the press screening today and another screening tomorrow so I'll be neck deep in peoples opinions soon enough.<br /><br />So after the film, we did the Q&A and I got to go up on the front stage area which, again,w as surreal. I've seen sooooo many great films and directors in the same spot I was standing so man, crazy. After that we had a party from 2:00-4:00 am and then went to some bizarro house across the street from our condo from 4:00-6:00 then I went home and crashed and woke up at noon once again and ate the hard ticket I had bought for a friends movie. I suck. Tonight I'm laying low and am actually planning on seeing a MOVIE that isn't ours. But before that I'll be stressing out on the twitter feed hearing what all my film critic friends think of the film after the press screening in an hour.<br /><br />I have alot of friends who I respect their writing and opinions so I'm pretty nervous right now. But, it's so out of my control. I can't make them like it but I do hope they'll be fair. And not to be egomaniacal about it, but I'm sure there's alot of jealousy that I produced a film that got into Sundance. I can't think of a single film critic out there today who doesn't want to make movies so this opportunity I had could piss them off. But like I said, I just hope they'll be fair and enjoy the ride. The movies a trip and this whole experience has been a trip...but I'm ready to go home and see my girls and dog.<br /><br />In the meantime I'm gonna chill and listen to "White Light" by Wilco a few times in order to keep perspective.<br /><br />f you feel like singing a song<br />And you want other people to sing along<br />Just sing what you feel <br />Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong<br /><br />And if you’re trying to paint a picture<br />But you’re not sure which colors belong<br />Just paint what you see <br />Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong<br /><br />And if you’re strung out like a kite<br />Or stung awake in the night<br />It’s alright to be frightened<br /><br />When there’s a light (what light)<br />There’s a light (one light)<br />There’s a light (white light)<br />Inside of you<br /><br />If you think you might need somebody<br />To pick you up when you drag<br />Don’t loose sight of yourself<br />Don’t let anyone change your bag<br /><br />And if the whole world’s singing your songs<br />And all of your paintings have been hung<br />Just remember what was yours is everyone’s from now on<br /><br />And that’s not wrong or right<br />But you can struggle with it all you like<br />You'll only get uptight<br /><br />Because there’s a light (what light) <br />There’s a light (one light)<br />There’s a light (white light)<br />There’s a light (what light)Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-1539535922293820222010-01-07T13:03:00.000-08:002010-01-07T13:11:30.898-08:00Buy my newest film DRAG KING!!! (please)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_RVVZEr2c_J6eMqu8EZQ4ybvgS0hMd_UL5nvIJjs0l4Md8ryuT_-3fjgWTdVtaHX7cuv4-NWnV9P9z26_OBkfCmX6NLb99GtpEfDVJWhFI5sEYGciMg06vmR88CgN2tjgZgy/s1600-h/DragKing3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_RVVZEr2c_J6eMqu8EZQ4ybvgS0hMd_UL5nvIJjs0l4Md8ryuT_-3fjgWTdVtaHX7cuv4-NWnV9P9z26_OBkfCmX6NLb99GtpEfDVJWhFI5sEYGciMg06vmR88CgN2tjgZgy/s320/DragKing3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424108321597491362" /></a><br />Greetings readers! Look at that, 2 blog posts in a week!! This ones rather self serving though. Our newest short doc "<a href=" https://www.createspace.com/276233">Drag King</a>" is available by clicking <a href=" https://www.createspace.com/276233">here now</a>!<br /><br />In 2007, John Beck and I took another long, strange trip in order to make a documentary about something crazy that exists, but that you might not get to see everyday. Each summer, residents of Lake County, California get together for The Fiberglass 500, a race in which people pull old, beat up boats around a race track with their demolition derby cars, trying to rip each others boats to shreds! Last man (or woman) standing wins.<br /><br />Yes, you read that correctly. Cars pull boats around a racetrack and smash up the boats. It's frigging awesome and it's called "<a href=" https://www.createspace.com/276233">Drag King</a>." We used 7 different cameras with 4 shooters and we only lost ONE camera! We were also fortunate enough to get Robert Malta of local legends hugeLARGE to add some music and I got the amazing 2 Cow Garage to lend me a song as well. It's a really fun little film.<br /><br />"Drag King" was fortunate enough to appear at Cinequest in San Jose, the Austin Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, deadCENTER in Oklahoma City as well as the Beverly Hills Shorts Fest and the Big Easy Shorts Fest in New Orleans where it actually WON the programmers award for Best Documentary Short. Now we've made it available it you, the public.<br /><br />For a mere $14.99, you can purchase this little slice of Americana redneck madness and bring it home to show your family and friends. You can tell them, "Hey! I know these Award Winning filmmakers!!" And most importantly, you can contribute money to help us pay for the hours of travel, therapy and rehab we endured in the making and promoting of the film.<br /><br />But all joking aside, please buy a copy or 2 of "Drag King" and if you didn't already, buy a copy of our first doc "Stringers" while you're on the site (<a href="https://www.createspace.com/266806">click here</a>).<br /><br />John and I are really proud of these films and by your purchase, you're helping us to get out there and make more movies. It's not cheap! Encourage friends of facebook, twitter and myspace to buy "Stringers" and "Drag King" as well. Forward this email to people who like fires, police, movies, documentaries and the like and ask them to buy a copy of "Stringers" or "Drag King," We'd really appreciate it.<br /><br />Also, If at all possible, please create a new profile on "Createspace" as our royalty is much, much higher. However if you're in a hurry, I do believe clicking the link while you're signed into Amazon will allow you to purchase the film. But setting up a profile through this link: https://www.createspace.com/276233 takes about 3 minutes so please, do that!<br /><br />Thanks for reading this far and thanks on advance for supporting our little films!!<br />-- <br />donDon@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-64020026583570125602010-01-06T11:08:00.001-08:002010-01-06T11:12:12.363-08:00Top Ten Movies of 2009Yes! It's BACK!! I posted my top 10 over at the new site I write for, <a href="http://gordonandthewhale.com/gatws-top-10-of-2009/">Gordon and the Whale</a> but since I figure you're all too lazy to look there (just as I've been too lazy to blog!) I'll post it here as well.<br /><br />Keep in mind the following...<br /><br />I've decided "best of" lists of the decade or year are silly because, lets face it, we haven't seen everything. I know I haven't. In fact, I've yet to see "Up in the Air" or "White Ribbon," both of which would likely have come into consideration. So my list is more like my <span style="font-style:italic;">favorite</span> movies of 2009. That being said...<br /><br />1. OBSERVE AND REPORT<br /><br />I walked into OBSERVE AND REPORT expecting, like many people did, a raunchy version of PAUL BLART: MALL COP. While others were pissed that OBSERVE AND REPORT was not a dirtier BLART, I was totally blown away by just how dark, funny, sad, and weird the film was and it’s stuck with me all year. In a cinematic world homogenized for the masses, where every character has to be likable and go through a positive change, OBSERVE AND REPORT is a throwback to seventies cinema where not everyone is likable and sometimes they just don’t change.<br /><br />2. ANTICHRIST<br /><br />I’m a big fan of Lars von Trier, and I’ve always loved the way he kind of bullies us into facing fears about what we believe. I also think the guy is screwing with his audience so much that he doesn’t even believe what he’s saying or telling us more than half the time. But with ANTICHRIST, not only is he making audiences squirm the old-fashioned way, I think he’s actually reaching out to audiences and trying to connect with them. People get so wrapped up in the gory and crazy aspects of this film, but I think it’s the most beautifully shot and best acted film of the year.<br /><br />3. WORLD’S GREATEST DAD<br /><br />Again, I went into WORLD’S GREATEST DAD not knowing what to expect. We’re all fairly sick of Robin Williams being “zany” and I feared he would be at full ham strength in this film. I was literally slack jawed by the end of this film and was almost in tears by how honest and moving the film was and, I loved the dark and twisted package it came in.<br /><br />4. THE HURT LOCKER<br /><br />THE HURT LOCKER is bad ass. At first I was a little irritated by what I thought was a lack of character definition in Jeremy Renner’s Sgt. James. However, upon multiple viewings, I found there were much subtler character traits that I must have missed while clinging to the edge of my seat the first time through. For as ballsy as the action scenes are, there’s also a very nice little human story involved here and THE HURT LOCKER really is a complete package of a film.<br /><br />5. CRAZY HEART<br /><br />I’m a sucker for those tales of rebel country stars who like to drink, smoke and screw so I was into CRAZY HEART from the word go. And it delivers on all those things but also tells a sweet story about a man who never had to grow up and his life is finally catching up to him. Being an artist can be tough on your soul and Jeff Bridges as “Bad Blake” wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s an awesome performance in a really great film.<br /><br />6. FANTASTIC MR. FOX<br /><br />The biggest question I had after seeing Wes Anderson’s FANTASTIC MR. FOX remains: is this his best film? And I consider myself one of the biggest Wes Anderson fans around so even wondering if FANTASTIC MR. FOX comes close to RUSHMORE is a daunting question and I don’t really have an answer. Not only is the animation spectacular, but the acting is the best I’ve ever seen in an animated film. Plus Anderson gets to use his borderline OCD obsession with set design to it’s full effect and the result is a fun and funny film with some nice observations about human nature.<br /><br />7. THE MESSENGER<br /><br />THE MESSENGER is another one of this years films that reminded me of a 70’s drama and I loved it. Obviously the film is very current in it’s subject matter but the age old question of what war does to a man lingers on. While I still have some quibbles with some parts of the story, I still love the Woody Harrelson/Ben Foster one-two punch and I think about THE MESSENGER all the time.<br /><br />8. BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS<br /><br />BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS is a batshit crazy film. Nic Cage is batshit crazy in it, too, and I think this film might be the most fun I’ve had at a movie all year. Fans of the old on-the-edge Cage will be thrilled by this “re-imagining” of Abel Ferrara’s classic bad cop drama and Werner Herzog cashes his paycheck big time by going totally over the top with this film.<br /><br />9. MOON<br /><br />MOON is just about the perfect little slice of sci-fi and I don’t really consider myself a big fan of that genre. Even so, MOON is pretty irresistible and clever and Sam Rockwell is genius in it. I’d love to watch it repeatedly on DVD but alas, it’s still not available in the U.S. Hint…hint…<br /><br />10. UP<br /><br />Pixar does it again.<br />-----------------------------<br /><br />I'm still figuring out albums so that's forthcoming!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-6434817327594972722009-12-22T10:14:00.000-08:002009-12-22T10:38:33.369-08:00All the news fit to print<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioguh2GyijrvzdlXEsBVTGzSFJP2_WAsTL5CN-NSKMzupmXaspeYhoC2nfPPYDBrpLFlMTumdO15eARno9dU9hmSnnX7h6TrYci7nsWZJLBn2szdVzSy-fEydpY4NJ6p5q26IH/s1600-h/tvkmain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioguh2GyijrvzdlXEsBVTGzSFJP2_WAsTL5CN-NSKMzupmXaspeYhoC2nfPPYDBrpLFlMTumdO15eARno9dU9hmSnnX7h6TrYci7nsWZJLBn2szdVzSy-fEydpY4NJ6p5q26IH/s320/tvkmain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418130717958413778" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, in case you haven't heard "<a href="http://www.sffilms.tv/">The Violent Kind</a>," the movie I Co-Produced over the summer got into Sundance. Frigging. Amazing. When we were shooting it, we were secretly aiming for Sundance but lets face it, every indie filmmaker without distribution aims for Sundance. As the shoot wrapped and the epic editing journey began, we didn't think we'd be done in time for the festival. But through some Herculean efforts by Mitch and Phil (aka The Butcher Brothers) and Nic Hill (our editor) not only did this thing get a cut that was pretty cool, it was enough to get us into Sundance.<br /><br />This is all so incredibly awesome to me, I really don't think I've processed it yet. And I know many of you are thinking Sundance sucks or is played out or has no purpose and all that and to that I say...you're just jealous. Kidding. To that I say, you might be right in some ways, but it's still the biggest film festival in the U.S. and probably the second largest in the world. And for me, getting our film in also has huge personal ramifications. <br /><br />When I first realized my love and passion for film, I didn't know what to do with this feeling. It was right when "Clerks" and "El Mariachi" and "Reservoir Dogs" were taking off and Sundance was this mythical place where anyone could make a movie, get it seen there and become rich and famous. Film school was being pooh-poohed because all these directors had made it with NO education and gosh darn-it, you could make it too. I started telling friends and fellow bar patrons I wanted to make movies and one of my best friends told me his sister worked for Sundance and I should go and volunteer. So, I did.<br /><br />15 years ago I set foot in the snowy whirlpool of Sundance and my life was forever changed. There were other people there who loved film. I was seeing movies and then sitting in a Q&A with the filmmakers. I was seeing movies all day and that was it, I was hooked. I headed back home and enrolled in a screenwriting class and spent 5 years working on ONE FEATURE SCRIPT that no one will ever, ever read. But still, I was working on it and taking classes and learning everything I could and <a href="https://www.createspace.com/266806">making small films to learn</a> with and get into festivals with now, I have a film at Sundance. Sure, it took a while, but I've discovered I'm a monumentally slow starter. I hate it and will be changing that, but it's the truth.<br /><br />So that's the main reason this is so special to me personally. In many regards I got into the film thing backwards and now, I'm back where I started, but in another way. if that makes sense. <br /><br />The other reason this is so great to me personally is I really, really like and respect the new director of programming Trevor Groth as well as the new festival director, John Cooper. These guys were just regular ole programmers when I started and over the years, they were the 2 programmers (and later, Mike Plante) I sought out in the program guide because the films they chose were almost always awesome. I kind of know Trevor from CineVegas and various other festivals but I only know Cooper in passing from when I volunteered. I should also mention that these 2 guys were always extremely kind to volunteers, always checking if they were o.k., asking what films they saw and liked, etc. That stuff goes a long way and I couldn't be more happy our film was chosen by these guys to be in the festival.<br /><br />So, there you have it. I'm off to Sundance 2010 as a filmmaker and it's awesome.Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-82506547846428984252009-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:002009-11-09T10:56:00.931-08:00Getting dark earlyI'm kind of done apologizing for not blogging, it gets old and I guess technically, I'm not "sorry," just busy or bored with it or.....something else. Of late, it's been the latter. I have <u>serious</u> issues surrounding my mood. <br /><br />I just started writing like, 3 paragraphs worth of info (too much info) on that last statement and just don't feel comfortable putting it out there. I'll summarize and say "I'm on the downward slope of a funk." Much better. See, I need to finish this freeking thesis and I simply cannot get into it. It's on Hal Ashby who is one of my top 3 favorite directors and it's a mere 30 pages. I do it, I get my MA and can move forward with myself. But see, I can't get around to writing it and it's incredibly frustrating. <br /><br />It's frustrating because it's an easy task. Hell, between movie reviews and comments on other peoples blogs and instant messaging, etc., I easily cover 30 pages in a week. But, my stupid mind knows that if I finish this thesis, I'll have no excuses to start other projects or really pursue a teaching job. It's all a clever, yet mean trick my brain plays on me when it comes to doing work. Even writing that is frustrating because it shows I am actually in control of my brain and mood and can see what's happening and am still kind of unable to correct it. Here's the breakdown...<br /><br />I am not allowing myself to edit footage for a behind-the-scenes thing I shot for the movie I co-produced this summer until I finish my thesis.<br /><br />I am not allowing myself to write out grant requests for FREE MONEY for a feature length doc I started shooting this summer until I finish my thesis.<br /><br />I am not allowing myself to log footage from the feature doc I started shooting this summer until I finish my thesis.<br /><br />I am not allowing myself to start a new screenplay that's basically written in my head until I finish my thesis.<br /><br />I feel really creatively backed up because I'm not allowing myself creative outlets (I LOVE editing and logging and writing too...which is another annoying habit I have) until I finish my thesis.<br /><br />So, as you can see...if I would just buckle down and finish my thesis, I could do some things I really, really want to do and that will make me happy and move me forward as a filmmaker. But if I finish my thesis, my secret mind knows that I'll have no excuse for not doing those other things. It's a vicious circle and one that ends up with me beating myself up mentally to the point of dark depression which is kind of the space I'm in of late. <br /><br />Hopefully blogging here will chip away at my listlessness and help me get my ass in gear.<br /><br />Thanks for listening!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-7666108047711026442009-05-25T22:18:00.001-07:002009-05-25T22:55:16.842-07:00Jay Bennett November 15, 1963 - May 24, 2009Jay Bennett, formerly of Wilco died Saturday night and it's very sad news. I've been trying to write an entry about him, Wilco, his effect on me as a fan and his effect on all Wilco fans, but it's going long. And rambling. Someone posted this youtube vid below and it says everything about the guy (sorta, not really) that I'm getting at in my inability to write it all out. In short, it's so sad and really does have an effect on Wilco fans based mostly on the movie "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" which the clip below is from. <br /><br />I know I've always admired Bennett's contribution to my favorite band, but I've also sided heavily with Jeff Tweedy in booting the guy from Wilco. It seemed like an impossible collaboration and although I know film can lie, I "know" people like the person Bennett was portrayed as in that film, and I could see where Jeff was coming from. Even so, I always tried to lend an ear to what Jay was up to and check it out. His contribution and collaboration to Wilco made them what they are today, no ands, ifs, buts. In fact the song "Jesus, etc." is, for my money, one of the finest songs ever created and Bennett has a <b>ton</b> to do with that. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBhj73WtiZU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBhj73WtiZU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Since I listen to all of Jay's stuff, about 4 months ago, I downloaded for free- per his request- his new album. And I was really digging it. Then, I heard he was suing Jeff Tweedy for royalties owed 7 years after the fact as well as for money from "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" which Jeff was merely a participant in, not a producer of and I'll be honest. It soured me on him and I tucked the CD away. I felt he was being petty and low and cheap. Then, he died Saturday. And it turns out it was from complications of hip surgery. A hip surgery that he was suing Tweedy to cover. Ugh. Ouch. As bad as I and other fans feel, put yourself in Jeff's shows. Ugh. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NZTAaMaWorI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NZTAaMaWorI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I have acquaintances who make fun of me for saying "we" when referring to a sports team I like or make fun on my fan boy tendencies. But you know, when you love a band or team or director, you feel on board with them. It's like church. You gravitate towards them and their message and what they bring to you. You take it personally. Like it's for real. It is real. You invest your quiet moments with these bands/teams/figures and you come together to worship and be happy for and with. And when someone who had a big part of that dies, it hurts.<br /><br />So yesterday, today and for a while...I miss Jay Bennett. His last solo album really is quite great and anyone who ever saw the guy with Wilco or otherwise can attest to his brilliance. I just wish things hadn't been so messy and moreover, I wish they hadn't ended so sadly.Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-9632975289486811692009-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:002009-05-18T14:35:50.308-07:00Ch-ch-ch changes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90GtgHNLHxlTQNPwJt-_cSeWgx4JcQB2J3218kFLLkI1fZ-a5Aop0sn0l6pGghiqicXRlegZXMF-39BGnMVq6xXysiJJko0HfOCPSQ79VBOHi58P0ipMMgE4I6sNnXES4_QzT/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90GtgHNLHxlTQNPwJt-_cSeWgx4JcQB2J3218kFLLkI1fZ-a5Aop0sn0l6pGghiqicXRlegZXMF-39BGnMVq6xXysiJJko0HfOCPSQ79VBOHi58P0ipMMgE4I6sNnXES4_QzT/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337278708487015394" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well I wasn't lying when I posted that last blog at the beginning of the year. I've been suuuper busy. It's funny that my last post detailed my taking over managerial duties at Film Threat because now, I'm trying to remove myself from that site and find a new home for my writing. It hasn't been easy and the story behind it isn't worth getting into on here but I will say it makes me pissed, sad and frustrated. <br /><br />The thing about film writing right now is....print film critics are getting fired left and right and newspapers are going under. Since it's an electronic world, many of these writers are starting blogs or jumping on board with established film websites. Since these people have a solid rep because they are paid "professional" writers, schlubs like me are getting passed over pretty quick for established writing jobs because bigger names are available. Plus, I kind of painted myself into a corner at Film Threat by reviewing mostly arty, small indie films. There's no money in writing about that stuff for bigger webpages so adding me to their site maybe doesn't make sense.<br /><br />I will say that for once in my life, the nagging feeling that I totally suck isn't bogging me down. I'm confident in my writing. The timing to move on is just really shitty. So, I'm doing less at Film Threat and not running any admin stuff at all. In fact, I've really taken a break from writing since SXSW in March which was shitty for me this year. While it feels good to take a break, I miss covering film festivals and writing reviews. I have some new stuff in the works though and more on that soon.<br /><br />Anyway....since we last spoke I....<br /><br />- Attended the AVN Awards in Las Vegas. It's the porno awards...and it was an incredible trip. Just ridiculous and silly and I had a blast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24e-NqgFr3n5XyBAu2GFHRye-O1h2bziYhjHJxG80l-G5njDfs733lVtTYk7xgox6ewzyb-i_aQjUXT3J5jEAPmOpyHqjM9NQID0N19nG9-iKOhVuDcx7QQ5aNa97HoRZdAJF/s1600-h/photo(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24e-NqgFr3n5XyBAu2GFHRye-O1h2bziYhjHJxG80l-G5njDfs733lVtTYk7xgox6ewzyb-i_aQjUXT3J5jEAPmOpyHqjM9NQID0N19nG9-iKOhVuDcx7QQ5aNa97HoRZdAJF/s320/photo(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337280692000885394" /></a><br /><br />- I went to SXSW and had a bad time. Saw some great movies though and kept my partying to a minimum, save for a night out at the dance halls with a friend who's wife is having twins this summer. <br /><br />- I went to AFI Dallas which was <u>killer</u>. That festival knows how to get it done. Very inclusive feeling, several awesome films, great parties and some of the bets panels I've seen. Plus, I got to be ON a panel which was alot of fun. Dallas is no Austin, but I have several friends from Dallas so it was great to see them and I made some new pals as well. That trip definitely made up for my SXSW "mood pocket."<br /><br />Plus my new personal photographer, Kelly Williams, took that photo at the top of this post and that's the best photo of me EVER taken!<br /><br />I've been working on my thesis which has proved more difficult that I thought. I can't get a groove going. It's only 30 pages and I've pushed my graduation back to this summer. But man...I can't get it going. I know what I want to say and I know how I want it to look so eventually it will just come pouring out of me, but until that time....I feel kind of lost and frustrated. Patience though. It'll happen soon I think.<br /><br />I thought I would get back into the groove by posting here again so here goes. Sorry for bailing but I've just been enjoying being home with my wife, daughter and dog and recuperating from an insane year of travel. Now, I'm broke but feel really great about laying some seeds at festivals I loved attending. I'm going to try and come back to them this year as a juror or panelist (or, both) and then after, that, I should have my first feature length documentary ready for festival travel! More on that soon.<br /><br />In the meantime....I'm BACK!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-60265784036591370982009-01-28T21:52:00.000-08:002009-01-28T22:09:09.106-08:00Wake up! Your blogs on fire!!Blah.<br /><br />I must apologize for totally flaking on my top 10 for movies. Fact is, I'm still behind on a few that may merit inclusion. Plus, as usual, I'm really busy. I do intend on doing it though and soon. Very soon. I've been up to the following...<br /><br />I've written for <a href="http://www.filmthreat.com">Film Threat</a> for over 10 years and I love it. I liked it because I've always been pretty free to do what I want because I'm a decent writer and I'm not an irrational asshole (notice, I didn't say I wasn't an <i>asshole</i>. Just not an irrational, ie; untrustworthy one). I also just had to write stuff then later, post it up on the site all by myself like a big boy. When I got there one dude was in charge, then my buddy Eric, then my buddy Mark. Plus, Gore's always been there in some capacity. Well, Mark moved to New Zealand at the end of summer and then, at the end of the year, quit the site. <br /><br />I knew he would (he said he wouldn't) and I was pretty mad because I didn't want to deal with <b>another</b> editor and site changeover. Plus, Mark's one of my best friends and I love hanging out with him at film festivals but I basically know I'll probably never see the guy much ever again. He says we'll get to hang out, but I don't see how or where. I hate to sound like I got dumped or like I'm a jilted lover, but it does bum me out quite a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8WVlUhyFBAwD4PdhgTv3QYpSazHnM3fU7fTnUwaHselpjARiV5GGZXcHqeVM4ZjQfVNcpp-OCNlL1jedN0nBgPDHvFgZAPdsT-Ddr_tvs29kgy61EfN2SkoqVKTfqsQ4QUvM/s1600-h/597242435_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8WVlUhyFBAwD4PdhgTv3QYpSazHnM3fU7fTnUwaHselpjARiV5GGZXcHqeVM4ZjQfVNcpp-OCNlL1jedN0nBgPDHvFgZAPdsT-Ddr_tvs29kgy61EfN2SkoqVKTfqsQ4QUvM/s320/597242435_l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296591977773310386" /></a><br /><br />Anywho...<br /><br />Since I have the ability, some time and some know-how, I decided to take over as managing editor and it's been pretty cool! I basically tend to the site, add stories, update stuff and still write my own stuff when I can. I also get to touch base with all the writers, come up with new ideas, etc. I'm enjoying it so far and am grateful for the shot. Plus, it's a natural progression and should look good on my resume. <br /><br />Still, it's been alot of learning and trying to get a groove going and that hasn't been easy. Plus, my regular job needs me a little more, the band stuff keep trickling in and I'm in full-strength-ahead mode on my graduate thesis. Plus my daughter (who is truly amazing!) walks really well now. Parents in da house know what that means; you can't just plop them down next to you, play some music and spin a mobile while you work. She's requires alot of attention and I'd be a bald faced liar if I said I didn't like giving it to her.<br /><br />So...that's my excuse(s). A pretty good batch if you ask me! But I will be around more once Sundance winds down. Oh! I didn't go this year! First one I've missed in 13 years!! I went to Vegas instead for the AVN Awards and the "electronics convention." It was awesome and ridiculous and way, way more fun than Sundance would have been. My involvement with Sundance has been running reviews coming in from there and it's been a pain.<br /><br />I have been doing lazy-man's blogging at Twitter though and you can always follow me there:<br />http://twitter.com/PetalumaFilms<br /><br />That's all for now! Go read <a href="http://www.filmthreat.com">FILM THREAT</a> and see what a great job I can do!! Yay me! Now you try!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-6805534108434496052009-01-05T22:04:00.000-08:002009-01-05T22:24:35.741-08:00My Top 5 Favorite Albums of the YearSo the wedding I went to was awesome! I love weddings where the couple is just being who they are and not trying to bowl people over with their ability to play dress up and faux fancy. We’re just people, people. Scott & Whitney's wedding was awesome!<br /><br />So…here comes my Top 5 Favorite Albums of the Year! After that, I’ll add some random stuff to further stall until I see the other 3 films I need to see to round out my movies, then I can get back onto other random musings. Speaking of randowm musings…have I mentioned I’m on twitter??: http://twitter.com/petalumaFilms<br /><br />Here we go…<br /><br />5. <b> RYAN ADAMS AND THE CARDINALS</b> <i> Cardinology</i><br />I had just about given up on ole Ryan. Always prolific but always in need of an outer and inner editor, he had just become too predictable and, well, boring. Plus he was in a serious Grateful Dead phase the last few albums and the only thing that sucks more than The Dead are bands trying to sound like The Dead. But “Cardinology” is a rock album…and a damn fine one. It’s funny because I didn’t really get it or like it the first few listens so I put it away. Then my favorite <a href="http://www.krsh.com">local radio station</a> started spinning some singles that grew on me and I gave the album another chance. And, I love it. I should also note I seem to really, really love Ryan Adams music when it's raining. I have no clue why but it's been fairly dry of late so I was also not inspired to listen more. Anywho...TMI, I'm sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJrqTI20nVWCsx33VADW-wANHLKllLBkRpXmNJRYZ1Qzm9ELJBRd00209fP4thI1ZOvBWSDHPFYsB77K7tiIGEUyx-_V4Ae_qFQDEstaz2pE9OpJqoeItijDfAeWCdZk-i3OM/s1600-h/RyanAdams_MaywoodStation062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJrqTI20nVWCsx33VADW-wANHLKllLBkRpXmNJRYZ1Qzm9ELJBRd00209fP4thI1ZOvBWSDHPFYsB77K7tiIGEUyx-_V4Ae_qFQDEstaz2pE9OpJqoeItijDfAeWCdZk-i3OM/s320/RyanAdams_MaywoodStation062.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288058076171186402" /></a><br /><br />4. <b> VAMPIRE WEEKEND</b> <i> Vampire Weekend</i><br />Try as I might, I don’t always fall for critical darlings. But, I always give them a chance and sometimes I’m blown away. I won’t say Vampire Weekend blew me away, but they’ve stayed in my CD player consistently and enjoyably for nearly a year. The thing with the album is, it’s awesome and tight. It’s not the frigging…second coming of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” and it’s not post-modern African pop rock or whatever other crap critics placed on these kids. It’s just <i> good music </i> people. Sure, some of the songs feature African style phrasing and arrangement. Yes, there’s ska. But I find it funny critics and hipsters placed all these tags and meanings onto this band only to completely turn on them later in the year as they are now. Will V.W. ever make another album this good? Who cares! This one’s really good!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XC2mqcMMGQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XC2mqcMMGQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />3. <b> THE MOTHER TRUCKERS</b> <i> Let’s All Go to Bed</i><br />http://www.themothertruckers.com/<br />These guys and a girl are from my neck of the woods and when they up and moved to Austin, I thought it would be their death knell. “There’s already like, 100 bands like them in Austin,” I told a friend and fellow fan. I was wronger than wrong. Since moving to my favorite city in the world, The Mother Truckers have found their heart and soul and they no longer sound like a San Francisco band trying to sound like beer swilling Texans. They <i>are</i> beer swilling Texans who shred on vocals and guitar! And listen to what I’m going to say here as it's no B.S....<br /><br />Lead singer Teal Collins is a mega-babe and I love her sexual energy and innuendo on this album. A few songs of hers I had listened to for weeks and then it suddenly hit me…they were about sex! I’m slow like that. Although she’s the front person of the band and rocks and stands out because of her pipes and great looks, it’s her husband Josh Zee who steals the show. In fact, I think his guitar work on here is some of, if not THE FINEST Americana rock-n-roll playing in the last ten years. I kid you not. I’m totally serious. He’s a bad mother-humper. Big words, but I mean it. Josh Zee and Will Kimbrough are the shit but for totally different reasons. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZFS11fwYvLpCG-H4y1qh9-8QSmgRYdg8u4-OkJLlOtNxgXRBs4Rz_dCIec2PxJogQm1H2UKXDxLOn-aHdDIAVrrQOeXQ2d7moXxbee8WFuEypdh29hcQiqODXtWkfgboLC0l/s1600-h/mothertruckers-724411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZFS11fwYvLpCG-H4y1qh9-8QSmgRYdg8u4-OkJLlOtNxgXRBs4Rz_dCIec2PxJogQm1H2UKXDxLOn-aHdDIAVrrQOeXQ2d7moXxbee8WFuEypdh29hcQiqODXtWkfgboLC0l/s320/mothertruckers-724411.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288059364201155970" /></a><br /><br />2. <b><a href="http://www.fiveam.com">FIVE A.M.</a></b> <i>Raise the Sun</i><br />Yes, I manage them. So what. I’ve received endless amounts of shit from them about not including their last album (or maybe not including it “high enough”) but hey, I’m nothing if not honest. That being said, “Raise the Sun” isn’t a good album…it’s a <u>great</u> album. And I say that with all seriousness and all the frustration a person can have as I don’t see why the songs on this album are not embraced by radio when people like Matt Nathanson, The Fray, Sister Hazel and countless other really musically sound and all around solid bands do get embraced. It’s simply and honestly not fucking fair.<br /><br />We’ve heard at least two DJ’s we don’t even personally know say upon spinning the single “Be Still,” “ I really don’t know why that song isn’t a huge hit.” It’s a nice sentiment, but really kind of salts the wound.<br /><br />Grousing aside, this really is an amazing album and it’s really not the kind of music I typically listen to. But even if you aren’t into pop and rock, you can’t deny the sensitivity, intelligence, musicality and all around awesomeness that is “Raise the Sun.” There’s not a song on here I don’t love and again, that’s not based on any kind of friendship or salesmanship. This album is fucking great and I couldn’t be happier that it’s out there and being heard by people who have never discovered five a.m. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45omKZz-PBHee_aO5I2w974nUKZ0Kvm8WV28Qn9FMPm2UtdFldQfAKdIbOh9-i4OdmUXy7Z70YbFoiKE02cOPCO0f3qjSr9VCOLEFKFWE73XQWuXLb5LD4XB8hofubaWCcxND/s1600-h/fiveam01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45omKZz-PBHee_aO5I2w974nUKZ0Kvm8WV28Qn9FMPm2UtdFldQfAKdIbOh9-i4OdmUXy7Z70YbFoiKE02cOPCO0f3qjSr9VCOLEFKFWE73XQWuXLb5LD4XB8hofubaWCcxND/s320/fiveam01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288059873695345410" /></a><br /><br />1. <b>THE DRIVE BY TRUCKERS</b> <i> Brighter Than Creations Dark</i><br />http://www.drivebytruckers.com/<br /><br />I simply cannot love this album any more than I do. I listen to it almost daily and it never gets old. It’s funny because as usual, I’m about 7 years too late on the love-in for a band, but the DBT’s last few records have made me love them while everyone else bitches for the good old days when they did “Southern Rock Opera,” a double album that I respect to death but never really liked. In fact, I was skeptical to even get their follow up “Decoration Day” but did and have been a DBT’ fanatic ever since.<br /><br />Things I love about this album are as follows…<br />It rocks. Hard. But it’s also sensitive and sweet at times. And I like it either way.<br /><br />The song “The Righteous Path” speaks to every middle income and below American better than any other song this year or hell, the last 15 years. By way of example:<br /><br /><i>I got a couple of opinions that I hold dear<br />A whole lot of debt and a whole lot of fear<br />I got an itch that needs scratching but it feels alright<br />I got the need to blow it out on Saturday night<br />I got a grill in the backyard and a case of beers<br />I got a boat that ain’t seen the water in years<br />More bills than money, I can do the math<br />I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path</i><br /><br />If people took writing or poetry as serious now as they did when Steinbeck, Whitman or whoever you respect as a great American wrote what they wrote, Patterson Hood would be recognized as a great voice in America. I just re-read that and it shows I am NOT agreat voice of American writing, but my point is in there someplace. Patterson Hood is an outstanding writer and a terrific voice for these modern times.<br /><br />Other stuff I love about this album…<br /><br />Jason Isbell (the #3 guitarist) split which left room for his ex-wife Shonna Tucker (who plays bass) to sing and when she does, DBT fans worldwide swooned a little and heaved a collective sigh of “where the hell has that been for the last 5 years!!!???” It's amazing and beautiful and fits in perfectly with the overall sound even though it probably shouldn't.<br /><br />This album boasts the worst frigging song the band has ever done (to my knowledge) in “You and Your Crystal Meth.” I hear the opening chords live or on this album and I groan and get away from it. But, it’s seriously the only song out of all <b>NINETEEN</b> I don’t like and that makes it like one of those errors the Amish put on their quilts so they don’t show God up with their beauty and perfection. <br /><br />I love that there’s 19 songs on this album, 18 of which I could listen to anytime, anyplace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4bM0X7IjiOp4KIWOxcKzZzo5H_KLlQH3Jqjb6Oy8gkLiKkT-WNsv4U4AQHBrwnhI6GyNebO__7hkqWfL30IbCBe8XIQd_IzK-c-R1bK6Utnqw42DVgfvEvPqxFuiIN03Jf3z/s1600-h/drivebytruckers21rw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4bM0X7IjiOp4KIWOxcKzZzo5H_KLlQH3Jqjb6Oy8gkLiKkT-WNsv4U4AQHBrwnhI6GyNebO__7hkqWfL30IbCBe8XIQd_IzK-c-R1bK6Utnqw42DVgfvEvPqxFuiIN03Jf3z/s320/drivebytruckers21rw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288060371533421986" /></a>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-85207303861591184872009-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:002009-01-02T21:29:38.448-08:00Bottom Half of My Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2008Happy New Year everyone! I stayed home this year, drank <a href="http://www.lagunitas.com/">Lagunitas Brown Shugga</a> beer (and some <a href="http://russianriverbrewing.com/">Russian River Brewing Co.</a> beer of course) and watched “Iron Man” on Blu Ray. The lady at the video store (an aged, larger lady) told me at least 7 times in a 3 minute span that “Iron Man is the best movie to get on Blu Ray. My son says so. I’m going to get it for him because he says it’s the best movie you can get…on Blu Ray.” I swear, she just kept saying that over and over and I agreed and nodded and acted interested and all the things you do to make a person stop being irritating but it was to no avail. I finally resorted to “well, I’ll let you know!” as I ran out the door. I mean, you <i>work</i> in a video store…how hard is it to get your kid this frigging Blu Ray!?! Which, in case you have not heard, is the best one you can get on Blu Ray. <br /><br />But I digress…here’s 6-10 of my favorite albums of 2008!<br /><br />6. <b> THE RACONTEURS</b> <i>Consolers of the Lonely</i><br /><br />Once again Jack White jumps back to his bigger, badder rock band and puts out another truly great album. This one is better than their first one and more diverse. In fact, I see no reason why White would go back to the White Stripes as The Raconteurs are a “better” outlet for his burgeoning genius. <br /><br />7. <b>AC/DC</b> <i> Black Ice</i><br /><br />I frigging love AC/DC. A lot. Like, a ton. Nothing can put me in a better mood faster (besides DLR era VH) than when they come on the radio or if I pop in an AC/DC CD. Whoa…that was weird to type. AC/DC CD. But “Black Ice” is an ass-kicking album that to me sound more “musical” than anything else they’ve done. I suspect rock producing God Brendan O’Brien (does that guy make bad albums? No…he does not) had a lot to do with it and I also suspect there may be a new rhythm section, but I’m too lazy to find out. Point is, if you like AC/DC, you will like “Black Ice.” Plus I noticed one of the lyrics for the song “Big Jack” goes “Santa ain’t the only one who’s gotta big sack.” Ah, to be pushing 60 and still be in high school mentally.<br /><br />8. <b>SHE & HIM</b> <i>Volume One</i><br /><br />Probably the most surprisingly sweet album I’ve heard in a long, long time. Zooey Deschanel teams up with M. Ward to make a really cool, sweet, angelic, funny, witty and great album. I can’t really explain what this album is, but it’s a mish mash and throwback and a nice way to spend an hour. And, I love Zooey Deschanel. A lot. And also, this video rules all:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dtlO0RXktlo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dtlO0RXktlo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />9. <b>STEVE POLTZ</b> <i>”Travelling</i><br /><br />Steve Poltz is one of my favorite performers and songwriters and this album is just plain awesome. Awesome I tells ya! Then why isn’t it ranked higher? I dunno. Now I feel like a creep. But seriously, there’s like 4-5 songs on here I’m crazy about and then the rest, I hate to say, I kind of skip over to get to the ones I love. Sorry, Poltzy. Hey, Top 10 is pretty good considering I went through about 40 CD’s this year!<br /><br />10. <b>TEDDY THOMPSON</b> <i> A Piece of What You Need</i><br /><br />I bought Teddy Thompson’s first, self-titled CD a few years back and did not like it. At all really. I mean, the guy has a terrific voive and his dad is THE Richard Thompson, but something about the album left me cold. I read some interesting articles about him and found it incredibly cool that he did an album of classic country songs when his record company wanted more mid-tempo adult alternative, so I gave him another chance with the new album. Admittedly though, it wasn’t until the wife and I saw him on “Live at Abbey Road” one night that I gave in. And I’m glad I did. If you like wry, witty songwriting coupled with a truly great voice, go get Teddy Thompson’s “A Piece of What You Need.” You won’t be disappointed. <br /><br />Hopefully Sunday, I’ll get my Top 5 up here. We’re going to a wedding in Monterey tomorrow so it won’t be till Sunday. Speaking of, who wants a bottle of old tennis shoes?Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-39397308408587084672008-12-31T20:24:00.000-08:002008-12-31T20:37:08.469-08:00Honorable Mentions for Favorite Albums of 2008So after what, 3 years of having this blog, I’ve finally figured out how to write and format it so it actually comes out the right way. The following will be my “Honorable Mention” albums of 2008 and tomorrow will be my Top 10’s….but just 6-10. Awaaaaay we gooo…<br /><br /><u>HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008</u><br /><br />These are all albums I loved and had an affect on me throughout the year. I have silly reasons why I loved them and even sillier reasons why they didn’t make my top 10. But, I did love these albums and bands so yeah. Also, they’re in no order<br /><br /><b>MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD</b> “All Rebel Rockers.”<br />I hate weed, but I love a lot of reggae. Like, real earthy reggae that isn’t just pot smoking music. Most people forget that reggae was the background music to revolution! I also love Michael Franti and think he’s one of the best, bravest and most sincere musical artists of our time. This album is all reggae and I love it. More importantly, my one year old daughter loves it and the album will always have a place in my mind as one of the first ones she danced to. And sang to. “Ah whoa whoa whoa whoa oh…” Ah, already I’m sentimental. Check out one of my favorite songs of ’08 below…and if you have a kid, play this song for them and dance your asses off:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DeuqQ1aipTY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DeuqQ1aipTY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><b>TODD SNIDER</b> “Peace Queer”<br />I really like this album and lord knows I LOVE Todd, but it’s just too….quick and dirty for my tastes. It’s a really sly protest album and it was recorded (apparently) in 24 hours by Todd with producer Don Was. And…it sounds like it was recorded in 24 hours. There’s some GREAT songs on here and I like it…but it’s just kind of “meh” overall.<br /><br /><b>DR. DOG</b> “Fate”<br />I loves me some Dr. Dog and this is their most accomplished record yet. The band songs like 60’s era Beach Boys with Daniel Johnson singing only better and I think with less crazy. Their last 2 albums were really, really great because to me, they sounded kinda messy and screwy and fun. “Fate” is a really solid, well produced album. In fact, if my crappy descriptions have intrigued you about this band. I think “Fate” is a good place to hear them fresh.<br /><br /><b>KANYE WEST</b> “808’s and Heartbreaks”<br />I frigging <i>hate</i> it when people do their year end music picks and throw in some arbitrary and token hip hop album. So, I debated about doing this entry. But I gotta say…”808’s and Heartbreaks” is on par with “Rubber Soul” or “Pet Sounds” or even Wilco’s “Being There.” Kanye can do whatever the hell he wants and rather than hire the latest R&B cat to chime in, what he’s done is something that’s a complete 180 from anything he’s done before. This album sounds like spacier Bjork or something. It's fucking <i>odd</i>. Throughout the album Kanye sings through one of those obnoxious voice modulators that always keeps you in key, but he uses that like an instrument in that it doesn’t always sound perfect. He kind of…jams with the modulator. This is just a weird album that I find myself going back to and listening to on “random” and enjoying it. Well, I enjoy the fact he stepped up as an “artist” and went against the grain. Here's a good example of what I'm talking about in regards to him mixing things up:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWzlD7Lc6w8 <br />(you cannot embed this clip for whatever reason)<br /><br /><b>OLD 97’S </b>“ “Blame it on Gravity”<br />One of my all-time favorite bands has gone back to their original sound and made a killer Old 97’s album. But, I kind of misplaced it for a while and then found it and forgot about it. Everytime I play it, I love it…but somethings missing for me. I dunno what it is. I love this album and it’s as good an Old 97’s album as you’ll find, but it just didn’t grab me. Odd and sad, but true. <br /><br /><br /><b>OKKERVIL RIVER</b>“The Stand Ins”<br />Okkervil River is one of those bands that have been buzzed about, but I’ve always been resistant to for whatever reason. Yet, I grabbed their new one because a fellow filmmaker loves them and is doing a doc on them and damn, if Okkervil River isn’t a fine, insightful, mellow, witty, folky outfit. That being said, the only time I really listen to this album is when I’m on a flight somewhere. And as much as that happened lately, they just don’t seem to have any hold on me when I’m on the ground. Weird, huh? A great record though. Very soothing and interesting. I feel bad for not including them in my top 10. Sorry Okkervil River! <br /><br /><b>WEEZER</b> “The Red Album”<br />As much as I loved this album for a solid month after it came out, it definitely wore out it’s welcome. It’s a great record and a fine Weezer album but as soon as the rock veneer wore off, I found myself constantly listening to the first two songs and the fast-forwarding to the cover song of The Bands “The Load” and then moving on. Although…best album cover of 2008 by far!<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHzKVJTTkchF3ti2bkUIiSjV3Dkmc7nrzMw1qyz9_X3KY2iQMCvHCv8D5Z4Z00MJz5l-1JXZpxM0gW73oZt1BikQjJ2RzB650_Q_Tmn4aZB_tyt_yD2olZEb_vPH-UiSjJXay/s1600-h/weezer-red_album-cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHzKVJTTkchF3ti2bkUIiSjV3Dkmc7nrzMw1qyz9_X3KY2iQMCvHCv8D5Z4Z00MJz5l-1JXZpxM0gW73oZt1BikQjJ2RzB650_Q_Tmn4aZB_tyt_yD2olZEb_vPH-UiSjJXay/s320/weezer-red_album-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286176863330006818" /></a>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-4675606280580400192008-12-30T19:49:00.001-08:002008-12-30T19:54:08.353-08:00As promised...The first annual Petaluma Films Best Of List’s “Hey, This Album is <u>Awesome</u>…and Then I Never Listened to it Again!” Award goes to…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqzxbqWSHro7ywTguU9aOwCJcgpBciEh2OHqXL4Jp_PVHUZOYwjks2ouTZ0tpPleFNNqZmH1Xb6TvcS-EMT7PvLw8ZaSb7z0ar7ooF9FL3RVy3ClVvIXUDlo-kWUJQ_m8AwRc/s1600-h/axl-rose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqzxbqWSHro7ywTguU9aOwCJcgpBciEh2OHqXL4Jp_PVHUZOYwjks2ouTZ0tpPleFNNqZmH1Xb6TvcS-EMT7PvLw8ZaSb7z0ar7ooF9FL3RVy3ClVvIXUDlo-kWUJQ_m8AwRc/s320/axl-rose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285796674486346290" /></a><br /><br /><b>GUNS N ROSES</b> <i> Chinese Democracy</i><br /><br />I’m a fairly big GnR fan but I’m no Axl apologist. Plenty of fucked up rockers (Ryan Adams, Paul Westerberg, Shane McGowan, Lily Allen, Michael McDonald (kidding)) manage to put out albums more often than Axl did. But admittedly, I was excited to hear the 14 years in the hopper “Chinese Democracy.” And, it doesn’t disappoint…if you like Guns n Roses at all. In fact, the album is epic and rocking and has a real….<i>cinemagraphic</i> feel to it. Sure, some of it sounds outdated and like early 90’s Nine Inch Nails, but overall….great album. <br /><br />When I procured the album I listened to it for like, 2 days in a row and admired it. It’s too long, but still really good. Buckethead on guitar is pretty awesome in what I though would be a tough situation in that he can’t just crank out long solos upon long solos upon “Hey! Look! That guys got a KFC bucket on his head and he shreds!” solos. He plays nice with Tommy Stinson on bass and Axl. But after a good 2 days of digging “Chinese Democracy” I took it out of the CD player and really, it never came back. I never missed it. I see it in my CD stack and think of it like it was a drunk chick I made out with once at a bar. “Ohhh yeah. You. That was fun but never again.”<br /><br />The winner of the first annual "Hey, This Album is <u>Awesome</u>…and Then I Never Listened to it Again!” Award can best be understood by watching this clip below from the 1:09 point (although the whole thing is funny).<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vQrHsrKIspM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vQrHsrKIspM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><i>Runner up goes to REM, “Accelerate”</i>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-92201764799932697592008-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:10:46.794-08:00ENGAGE LAUNCH: BEST OF 2008!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglW6H1HzowYiTQ7THJqUFNGiOxabyBCycuxRU2rx8LqghAuSXhkpNj6ZQrGHIz1cCk_uT380jVnXAu1K5GoIvUw-s7OsQuzzpRhLNQW36S3I2u4nBjTJ44mx2_0XQbp0jcJsz/s1600-h/blue-ribbon.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglW6H1HzowYiTQ7THJqUFNGiOxabyBCycuxRU2rx8LqghAuSXhkpNj6ZQrGHIz1cCk_uT380jVnXAu1K5GoIvUw-s7OsQuzzpRhLNQW36S3I2u4nBjTJ44mx2_0XQbp0jcJsz/s320/blue-ribbon.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285415097845030834" /></a><br />Greetings Petaluma Films blog readers….all 4 of you! Because it was boring the hell out of me, I decided to stop the blogging about my extended trips. Instead…<br /><br />It’s that time again where I go through my media mashed mind to dig up all the music, TV and movies I’ve digested this year to make my annual top ten list! This is always harder for me than it should be. The reason is, I want to be fair to myself as well as the artists by ranking my true favorites even though none of them will even see this list. I scrutinize my lists in my mind. While driving, before bed and even then I have a heckuva time. But I have finally beat my own mind in it’s silly little game and here’s how it’s going to work this year.<br /><br />Since I’m still a teeny bit behind on my movies (not all the “biggies” come out here until like, now…and I can’t just drop everything and see 5 movies now, can I?) I’ll start off with music, then some TV stuff and then onto my favorite films of 2008. There’s also some new additions to my lists. For instance…this one:<br /><br /><b>FIRST ANNUAL “I JUST DON’T GET IT” ALBUM AWARD!</b><br /><br />Normally this spot is reserved for “My Morning Jacket” who, try as I might and know I should like, I just don’t get. However their new album “Evil Urges” is actually pretty cool but, I just liked other stuff better both in my top 10 and honorable mentions. Sorry MMJ! I know you’re upset, but at least I’m starting to get you.<br /><br />The winner of the first annual Petaluma Films blog album everyone is shitting bricks about this year that I got and just don’t get is...<br /><br /><b>TV ON THE RADIO</b>, <i> “Dear Science”</i><br /><br />Everyone who knows me and even those who don’t but read my blog know I love music. I try to listen to everything even though my tastes tend to steer towards singer-songwriters, Americana and “Pop Experimental.” I read a few music blogs and some magazines and when they all jump on board with a band or album, I try to give it a listen. This year, “Dear, Science” by TV on the Radio was voted critics fave in both Rolling Stone and Spin. Countless blogs have lauded the album as well. So, I got it and…it’s o.k. It’s different and has some cool stuff but overall …I just don’t get it. <br /><br />The album is listenable but the intentionally low-fi production leaves me cold and I feel like if the band got a producer who would, you know, allow us to hear what’s going on, that would make me warm up to this band more. It’s like eating a really yummy pizza with crazy, diverse ingredients but someone’s smoking a cig across from you and blowing smoke in your face (only, the album isn’t gross). I also had their last album “Return to Cookie Mountain” which, aside from being the best album title of the last 10 or so years, did nothing for me at all. <br /><br />They even make kick ass music videos but still, I don't get why everyone's flipping out about the music. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hCcEg0tok8o&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hCcEg0tok8o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Not liking TV on the Radio is a frustrating thing for me too. It’s like everyone’s going to this cool club or show and I’m left out. I even think lead singerTunde Adebimpe is awesome and was in one of my all-time favorite indie films “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Tomorrow-Tunde-Adebimpe/dp/B00009Y3NC">Jump Tomorrow</a>”. But still…TV on the Radio…I don’t get it. At least I’m not being a contrarian because I have tried, repeatedly, to get into this album. But yeah…no dice.<br /><br /><i>Runner up goes to Kings of Leon, “Only by the Night”</i><br /><br />Tomorrow (or the next day) another new feature entitled “Hey, This Album is <u>Awesome</u>…and Then I Never Listened to it Again!” as well as my honorable mentions. Stay tuned!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-68080222505428446772008-12-11T12:04:00.001-08:002008-12-11T12:04:42.348-08:00San Francisco.So the trip home was, you guessed it, uneventful. My ass hurt from sitting and we all kind of dozed in and out of sleep on the bus. However I think this is a good time to let folks know why I do what I do with the band on things like these sorts of trips. I’m not “needed,” that’s for damn sure. <br /><br />I’ve “managed” five a.m. for jeez, like 10 years. I’ve seen them go through so many changes and so many times where I (and they) thought it was all over only to see something keep them going. I’m not the greatest manager. My expertise lies in the Sonoma County region and somewhat beyond. I also am not good because I take rejection very personally when it comes to them. Be it a club that blows us off or a band talking shit, I don’t let it roll off my back. I file it away and await the day for retribution. Those days of payback rarely come. <br /><br />Managing-or booking more like- a band is an exercise in frustration as well. The first band I managed was an 11 piece funk and soul outfit so that was a real trial by fire. Trying to get 11 free spirits together for a show is nucking futs. Five a.m. are much easier to corral and I think they’ve missed like, one gig in 10+ years which is amazing. No, the tough part of managing them is trying to kick down these doors only to have them be locked solid or slammed back in my face. I’ve seen more bands and clubs come and go in this area than most readers of this blog can name thriving bands and clubs. But we keep on persevering and there’s something to be said for that. I believe five a.m. is a great band and that the guys should be able to make a living playing music. Damn it. <br /><br />My point that I’m getting to is that when the band gets a great gig or a big break that I had a hand in, I like to be there to see the fruits of my labor (or whatever) come to fruition. Such was the case with the Sister Hazel tour. I’m always scouring newspapers and the internet for bigger bands that are touring through so I can try and get five a.m. on the bill. There’s several classes of clubs here and probably everywhere and you would think that after 10 years in an area, the A-list clubs might cut the band a break but that’s never the case. The big, A-list clubs won’t book you unless you have a big draw. But the other clubs that will book you don’t really draw anybody because everyone seeing live music goes to the big clubs. For instance…if you have the choice to pay $8 to see 4 bands you’ve never heard of (and 3 of the 4 are guaranteed to suck) in a dingy bar or nightclub OR pay say $12 to see a big touring act with a hit song you might have heard…which would you take?<br /><br />To me it feels like this scene in “Boogie Nights” where Dirk and Reed Rothchild are trying to get their demo’s back from the studio (only we aren’t coked out)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Daoad5mDdqY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Daoad5mDdqY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /> If these clubs would just give us a chance to play in front of a crowd that paid to see music, these people would like us and we could build a draw. Instead, we get relegated to meat markets and shitholes that will be closed within the year and thus mean nothing to an A-venue booking agent. <br /><br />So again, back to my point. I’ve been trying to book five a.m. at The Independent for like, 4 years. Finally we got on tour with a band headlining there, so we got our chance. Oh, that’s the other thing. Most big bands that tour bring an opening band so local bands get squeezed out Nation-wide. It’s a fun business I tell ya.<br /><br />The show in San Francisco was outstanding and we all saw a lot of familiar faces. I got drunk and then got home, slept 4 hours and woke up to be with my daughter. Very nice, but very weird feeling. Next stop, L.A.!Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-75787169237969244922008-12-05T10:57:00.000-08:002008-12-05T10:59:11.233-08:00Portland.So slightly buzzed and already road-weary, I headed to Portland, Oregon with the band at about 11:00 p.m. It was a short trip that ended up at some friend of some band members wife’s friends mansion. Yeah, a mansion. I slept on some big ass couch next to a clock that made a charming jingle every hour. I felt how Desmond on “Lost” must have felt when he got awakened every few hours. The other thing was, I’m a really poor sleeper (drunk or not) and after being awakened 4-5 hours in a row by some music box thing, I came to the realization….I had no idea where I was.<br /><br />I knew the place was nice and was in the mountains, but it you asked me to find it again on my own, I’d have better luck finding <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._B._Cooper">D.B. Cooper</a> in the Oregon hills. I’ve come to realize recently that I am really pretty anal about a lot of things and sleeping at a strangers house is one of them. I mean, jeez. What if they have some crazy teenage son who wasn’t expecting us and found me in the living room? What if the man of the house sleepwalks or hears me snoring and beats me with a 9-iron? What if the lady of the house sleeps naked and comes in to shut off that annoying clock? The list goes on and on in my head (and gets much darker as well) and pretty soon, I’m totally awake.<br /><br />So after lying around terrified for 4-5 hours, the rest of the band got up. Turns out the people were at work and we were alone. Plus, they left us like 5 pounds of bacon! I looked at how much that bacon must have cost and it was like, $6.00!! Holy shit! Oregon’s lack of a tax kicks ass!<br /><br />So after eating bacon and eggs, we sat around. Dum de dum. It was boring. I like to see new towns, the guys like to sit around. Which is fine, they need to be rested and focused for the show. But I get antsy and I love new places. So around 2:00 or so, we headed into town to find the Aladdin Theater where the show was to take place.<br /><br />The theater was cool! Apparently it’s claim to fame is that “Deep Throat” showed there for like, 15 years straight! When told of this I said “sooo….you’re saying don’t sit in the chairs?” My old Petaluma buddy Brennan came down and had some beers and food then pretty soon, the show was on. The band was great but I think this was the low point of the tour.<br /><br />The place was all seated for one and for two we were just in and out. Seattle was fun because we could catch our breath and see the Sister Hazel show. Portland was set-up, eat dinner, play, load-up hit the road. Between that and the day spent lounging around, it was almost like Portland didn’t happen. Plus we discovered that the problem with leaving right after an opening set is, you don’t sell merchandise or CD’s for shit. Ah well. We had a long drive to Yreka (again) and then another 6-7 hours drive to San Francisco. We loaded up and left Portland, vowing to come back soon.Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-29920452126348420322008-12-01T22:07:00.001-08:002008-12-01T22:10:31.142-08:00Seattle.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pRLZG36wC_ufqd-m88NAxBZzO6Qes64sPEHgKO1T8D8CZvlKadPVPM3aJaMYvE4pyqdVQp2DQ2S6g5OwKbXWzpZquPyTpeK9xcdpNLAUSpD3xOyz5YI7UPLEm5a7sRSks2Yz/s1600-h/needle1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pRLZG36wC_ufqd-m88NAxBZzO6Qes64sPEHgKO1T8D8CZvlKadPVPM3aJaMYvE4pyqdVQp2DQ2S6g5OwKbXWzpZquPyTpeK9xcdpNLAUSpD3xOyz5YI7UPLEm5a7sRSks2Yz/s320/needle1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275071107512838594" /></a><br /><br />My adventures started off in Seattle, WA. Well, technically they started in Santa Rosa where we drove 5 hours to Yreka, CA and passed out at Trent’s dads house. We awoke the next day and drove a good 10 hours to Seattle, but not before semi-breaking down just before Ashland, OR which was a convenient place for a breakdown for two reasons. One, Trent’s brother lives there so we quickly pulled off the road into his family’s driveway. Nothing like a big fattie 20 passenger airporter van arriving unannounced, huh? It was his nieces birthday party too so we hoped the problem wasn’t major because otherwise, Jed (our drummer) would eat all the cake.<br /><br />The other convenient thing was, our new bass player Jason is a crackerjack auto mechanic. We recently got the brakes did and they were smelling funny and making a weird noise so Jason yanked off the tires and had a look-see. Turns out there was some grated metal crap rubbing and stinking. Basically, it was nothing so off we went.<br /><br />As I mentioned in one of the other blogs, traveling with a band is remarkably similar to the Bon Jovi song “Dead or Alive.” We just frigging drove all day. It was uneventful and boring. We got into Seattle around midnight and desperately wanted some food and adult beverages. Who knew Seattle shut-down on Monday nights around midnight? We finally found this amazing singles night Mexican food place that had the best appetizers I’ve ever had. Fancy crap too but it was ½ off after midnight. Score! After eating and sucking down some drinks we went back to the hotel and conked out. I had to share a room with Jed because we both snore. Fine by me because last time I shared a room with other band members I woke up refreshed but covered in pillows and shoes that had been thrown at me throughout the night. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIDzuu5uMaH8pHYizFw49nUia_lJUC0tXVE5QrwO3EJr-WRywqoC5q_ITNGjneIbJBdKsz_XrAEo_hDxvpnj42yTCt4hSRWW2K4pW-U7LAv0vbsaWfWsUJXv53fltPt5GVKyY/s1600-h/needlenight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIDzuu5uMaH8pHYizFw49nUia_lJUC0tXVE5QrwO3EJr-WRywqoC5q_ITNGjneIbJBdKsz_XrAEo_hDxvpnj42yTCt4hSRWW2K4pW-U7LAv0vbsaWfWsUJXv53fltPt5GVKyY/s320/needlenight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275071002807397986" /></a><br /><br />The next day me and Steve (our roadie) got out a little early and wandered around. We went to the base of the Space Needle then headed out to lunch. From there a bunch of us bummed around together and watched Jason get his head shaved by a nice Asian lady in a hair salon. Then we found this terrific guitar shop called <a href="http://www.emeraldcityguitars.com/">Emerald City Guitars</a>. Although I don’t play, I’m a total sucker for awesome guitars and this place was chock full of awesome. Our guitarist hammer even got to play a $250,000+ Fender Strat! Dude. Unbelieveable. If you look at the site you can see the store owner Jay holding them up. Neat.<br /><br />From there we headed over to The Showbox for our first night opening for Sister Hazel. It’s no secret I love beer and they had 16 oz Pabst Blue Ribbons in cans. Plus, I was antsy to cut loose after being cooped up in the bus all day. I think we all were so we got a little buzzed. The guys played an awesome show and the crowd ate it up. I was really proud of them and proud to be a part of it. We also stayed and watched Sister Hazel who, aside from that monster hit (that I will refrain from talking about lest it re-enter my head for a month straight), I didn’t know much about. They were really, really good and put on a tight show. Plus, their fans are freeking rabid. They love them some Sister Hazel. After the show we loaded up and made the short drive to Portland, OR where we drove up in the hills and stayed at some huge ass mansion!<br /><br />Here's five a.m. playing a brand new song at The Showbox<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRkWkQNg6q0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRkWkQNg6q0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-6481967195135814712008-11-22T11:05:00.001-08:002008-11-22T11:57:13.322-08:00Traveling ManI'm pretty sure I neglected to mention that DRAG KING got into a film festival called "<a href="http://www.bigeasyshortsfestival.com/">Big Easy Shorts Festival</a>" that took place last weekend in New Orleans. I headed out there last Thursday (11/13) and on the plane out, man, I knew this was it for me for a while. I am physically beat down, emotionally drained from the back and forth of family to film, real job to job I wish I had, real life to regular reality. It's rough. All my sick days are gone at work and my vacation days are few. Was it worth it, hell yeah. I think so at least. Let me explain...<br /><br />What I'm gonna do for my own edification and just to portray the insanity of my last few months is, list where I went and why. Then throughout the week, I'm going to go back over each trips highlights and lowlights and add some thoughts. I need to get back into the blogging swing and also recheck my intentions for each trip and this is a good way. I do better when I write than when I sit and pick at myself in my mind.<br /><br />Before I start all that though, we <b>WON</b> best doc short at the Big Easy Shorts Festival which was such a trip! I didn't think we were gonna win squat then we won that and a very cool steadi-cam which John and I can seriously use. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiz6bdVDGv56NiD5O4CXxqE-TiYVIIry-7HsX9frmcrjqw-5AzZev4EuxAIru62I0k74QC2kkieuuSDMtHqMkYX25366TcnhtDFMMyyxAN8nG_yAaqSKAGLlCeBrCJhbMmw2k/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiz6bdVDGv56NiD5O4CXxqE-TiYVIIry-7HsX9frmcrjqw-5AzZev4EuxAIru62I0k74QC2kkieuuSDMtHqMkYX25366TcnhtDFMMyyxAN8nG_yAaqSKAGLlCeBrCJhbMmw2k/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271573284824756034" /></a><br /><br />I wrote a <a href="http://www.filmthreat.com/blog/?p=1277">blog over at Film Threat</a> about it to tide you over till I make my way back to that trip. It was an excellent time, I made some great new friends and it was extra cool to finally win something and at the last fest of our journey to boot. That being said, here is the "Where in the World is Don R. Lewis/Petaluma Films" version 2008.<br /><br /><i>September 7, 2008</i> I set sail with the band I manage, <a href="http://www.fiveam.com/">five a.m.</a>, for a Northwest Tour with the band Sister Hazel. We left at like, 9:00 p.m. on a Sunday night and drove about 5 hours to Yreka, CA where we crashed out then drove all day on Monday, September 8 to Seattle, WA. That was a good 10-12 hour drive in a sort of airport shuttle type vehicle, packed with all my friends and hoping to finally get a much needed boost in our portfolio. <br /><br /><i>September 9, 2008</i> I was in Seattle for the first night of five a.m. and Sister Hazel. I really like Seattle but as is par for the course, we didn't get to see much of the city.<br /><br /><i>September 10, 2008</i> Portland, OR. My first trip there and again, way too short. Nice easy drive the night before though which was a nice break from the road. The band opened for Sister Hazel at the Aladdin Theater which was awesome.<br /><br /><i>September 11, 2008</i> San Francisco, CA where the band finally got to play the Independent. I got drunk and went home to sleep in my bed while the rest of the band scattered around and prepared to leave for L.A. the next day. I spend Friday mornings with my kid so I went home Thursday and planned to meet the band in L.A. Saturday.<br /><br /><i>September 13, 2008</i> I drive to L.A. (6 hours) to see the band at the motherfucking <b>House of Blues</b> on Sunset Blvd.!! I was going to stay with a friend but that fell through so I stayed at a hotel on the Strip which was cool but cost money. Not cool and the start of spending outside my means.<br /><br /><i>September 14, 2008</i> I drive home from L.A. Urgh. 6 hours again. I make that drive waaaay too much. <br /><br />From there the band went on to San Diego but I had stuff to do so passed on that one. Great tour and a great opportunity overall though. Whew though....too...much....driving.<br /><br /><i>September 26-28 2008 </i> Helllllo Birmingham, Alabama! "Drag King" was selected to play the <a href="http://www.sidewalkfest.com/">Sidewalk Film Festival </a>and I had a monumental time!<br /><br /><i>October 16-22</i> Austin, Texas. The<a href="http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/new/">Austin Film Festival</a>! My favorite city selected "Drag King" to play and I had an awesome time as usual! <br /><br /><i>October 31-November 3</i>Los Angeles, CA again but for film related stuff...<a href="http://www.afi.com/onscreen/afifest/2008/">AFI L.A. Fest</a> which I covered for Film Threat. I drove again.....12 hours in total. Ack.<br /><br /><i>November 13-17</i> New Orleans, LA and we're back where I started this thing.<br /><br />That's alotta travel and I'm so glad I have supportive people in my life (Trent, Erica, Story, parents, grandparents, sisters, editors) who allow me to do this stuff. Now, I'm not going anywhere for a long, long time. Unless someone realllly wants me to.....Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-64148550209487514412008-11-11T09:25:00.001-08:002008-11-11T09:25:39.888-08:00Yep.<iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27652443#27652443" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-44765208503391871632008-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:002008-11-05T20:26:06.221-08:00Images that make me happy today....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Xs_mhH0p4EYVeIsikfLw-13ECy_hG0zad8R151_eLogEcPcY24wwOVCFoTXOhMFRGvgdO2W-hk3MKSZT-geKK6bYe5HvR30JfewIuxw1Cdvn9xKKvSSCGTtF7l71oHE9Bny/s1600-h/voter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Xs_mhH0p4EYVeIsikfLw-13ECy_hG0zad8R151_eLogEcPcY24wwOVCFoTXOhMFRGvgdO2W-hk3MKSZT-geKK6bYe5HvR30JfewIuxw1Cdvn9xKKvSSCGTtF7l71oHE9Bny/s320/voter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265396092679790882" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bnLzsOaZDDonkeaj75JtoSMOLWnbixMovntOM2uu5Q9ft3pSptGVBpnI8HYK5fj6NpewT1e2k9nTGaXFfzhOQ_TuR9FUk3Us9oL2uFfcqgUvYgIaZHL4rypSBCT_CttUJ44V/s1600-h/super+obama+alex+ross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bnLzsOaZDDonkeaj75JtoSMOLWnbixMovntOM2uu5Q9ft3pSptGVBpnI8HYK5fj6NpewT1e2k9nTGaXFfzhOQ_TuR9FUk3Us9oL2uFfcqgUvYgIaZHL4rypSBCT_CttUJ44V/s320/super+obama+alex+ross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265396015202186322" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe-6-d1Cc5p5YqqvvuJxrU3MGEF_kC0BrOPZA1ZjlJ6GiKQsgNSILNr2zsEs-Td8ok_fOnmfi2y0fW4I1rJXfgt8cjFXQ2gA64VkzrYLBR9JI9th1ABtvMyGJBZ80vn32_KZd/s1600-h/WilcobamaOnConan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe-6-d1Cc5p5YqqvvuJxrU3MGEF_kC0BrOPZA1ZjlJ6GiKQsgNSILNr2zsEs-Td8ok_fOnmfi2y0fW4I1rJXfgt8cjFXQ2gA64VkzrYLBR9JI9th1ABtvMyGJBZ80vn32_KZd/s320/WilcobamaOnConan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265395894338973218" /></a>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-19968089606756061242008-11-04T16:17:00.001-08:002008-11-04T16:32:31.709-08:00HopeI try not to be too serious or political on here. Hell, the same is true for me in life. But today, I really am completely consumed by this election and hoping, praying for an Obama victory. About a month ago I became a man without political affiliation. The Republican party I signed on for was not one of hate, inequality,fascism, corporate whoredom and destruction of the constitution. It wasn't supposed to be the party of ignorant bullies or those who seek to divide. I simply want less governing and more freedom from the government in my life.<br /><br />This 2008 Republican party, dating back to the 2000 Republican party is not a true Republican party by definition. Bush and now McCain have given the party a bad name and rather than revolt against these freaks, Republicans have drank the kool-aid and will support whoever is trotted out. No matter how war mongering, power hungry and misguided they are. <br /><br />So,<br />I'm an independent voter now. I refuse to join the Democratic party because for one, they have to prove to me they aren't pussies who sit back like whiners going "Heyyy...that's not fair!" ala John Kerry and Al Gore when they were robbed in their perspective election. The Reid/Pelosi House and Congress ma-hooty make me sick with their ineffectiveness. What happened to the lawsuits and investigations they promised us?? What happened to making a change?? They dropped the ball completely.<br /><br />However, through all my confusion and negativity, I can say honestly and proudly I believe in Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I believe they're really going to try and right this ship and make a change. I believe so strongly in them and what they have the potential to do for this country that if they don't win, I will simply be lost. I will be infuriated and disgusted too, but the lost feeling I'll have will be<br />stronger.<br /><br />Since we had our daughter, my wife is on my health plan and I take home less than $1000 every 2 weeks now. Obama will change that but my vote for him is more than that. Since Bush has been in office, there's been 2 classes of people on the map: the poor, and the wealthy. The middle class has been forgotten and abandoned. If you don't believe me, seriously ask yourself if you were better off now or 8 years ago. Then try to imagine how things can possibly ever get better with John McCain<br />as President? He agrees with everything Bush has done and Bush has fucked us. Repeatedly. In the butt with malice and no lube.<br /><br />That's a fact, it's not hyperbole or some lefty talking point.<br /><br />I truly believe in what Obama and Biden are trying to do and are capable of doing given the chance. Please America, lets set aside blind party partisanship and vote for the RIGHT PERSON for a change. Literally, for a change.Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-39168675441885950372008-10-31T08:22:00.001-07:002008-10-31T08:29:57.535-07:00Runnin' round...So last week (or so) I was in Austin showing my short film DRAG KING at the Austin Film Festival. About 2 weeks before that, I was in Birmingham at the Sidewalk Film Fest doing the same thing. Both trips were excellent and I didn't behave like a sailor on shore leave. I worked it. Met friends, hooked up new projects. Networked. I did drink, but didn't get wasted.<br /><br />Well, one day in Austin I did. They has $2 beers and it was a football Sunday followed by game 7 of the American League playoffs. I sat at SXSW Film Threat standard "Champions" for 7 hours. And the Jets lost! To the RAIDERS!! Ugh.<br /><br />Anyway, I was back for a week and in about an hour, I'm driving to L.A. to cover the AFI L.A. Film Fest for Film Threat. That means, my film's not playing and I get to watch all kinds of cool stuff and review it. Plus, I get to go to L.A...a city I adore. It's my #3 fave behind Austin and New Orleans.<br /><br />Oh, did I mention I'm going to New Orleans in 2 weeks to show DRAG KING? Yeah. I am. <br /><br />My point is, man...I'm busy. And it's tough stuff! With the baby, school, the band, my wife, my dog, Film Threat, my movie(s) and the kind of existential through point of my life-looking for a career in da movies-I'm getting burnt out. But right now is key for me to push hard and start getting my films out there and securing new film projects. Which, I'm doing and that feels good. I think it does anyway.<br /><br />Well, gotta feed the kid and finish packing.<br /><br />You can follow me on Twitter which is basically shorter blog type entries that are easy to fire off on the go. That link is here:<br />http://twitter.com/petalumaFilms/<br /><br />Toodles.Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-69666258658532008022008-10-25T20:51:00.001-07:002008-10-25T20:52:02.836-07:00Did you know beer makes you smarter??It made Bud...wiser!!<br /><br />But seriously, this is good stuff:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qq8Uc5BFogE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qq8Uc5BFogE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-71824310985132226732008-10-14T21:26:00.001-07:002008-10-14T21:29:44.237-07:00New old short docsAs I prepare to head off to Austin Thursday for the Austin Film Festival (more on that later), I finally got around to uploading some of my older work to YouTube. For your viewing plesaure I give you...<br /><br /><b>GEOCACHING: HIGH TECH TREASURE HUNTING</b><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RwNIFO0awto&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RwNIFO0awto&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />and<br /><br /><b>CALISTOGA JAN</b><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bNUw3HyGpFM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bNUw3HyGpFM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Both were done for a very rudimentary video class I had but they're o.k. Not real quality like my newest endeavors...Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-30398545015279398592008-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:002008-10-08T01:03:34.875-07:00Vote 4 B.S.My good buddy Thom Butler posted this clip on his sometimes great (and by sometimes, I mean when he finds time to do it!) blog <a href="http://quicksilveramusements.blogspot.com/">Quicksilver Amusements</a> and dammit, Bruce Springsteen is who I want to be President. Or like...advisor. It's been noted here what a fan I am and how he really kind of saved my life. But here he is again just making some sense. And then playing the guitar.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B61C2Pl23oo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B61C2Pl23oo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12664342.post-47161660566104827132008-10-05T23:52:00.000-07:002008-10-07T22:05:38.054-07:00Oh, haven't you heard?Right after I saw that Andy Samberg clip, I caught the new episode of FAMILY GUY and I shit you not, I laughed so hard I hurt myself in the first 5 mins. Then, I posted this and then youtube or someone yanked it. Now it's back and I just watched it 5 times in a row and still cracked up much, much too hard every time.<br /><br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/gsoH3CTNq4xbMyYZN5J5zA"></param><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/gsoH3CTNq4xbMyYZN5J5zA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296"></embed></object>Don@PetalumaFilms.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05570900368693491772noreply@blogger.com0