archives
200507
Art Summit
2005-07-29 -- Morgan
Rybot and I had a tasty dinner and conversation about the album art with Matt Groller, and while there are still only the most basic of ideas being batted around, already I can say that it's going to mess you up. Worse than the summer you spent at your aunt and uncle's.
See you at the El Rey tomorrow...or else!
2005-07-29 -- Morgan
Rybot and I had a tasty dinner and conversation about the album art with Matt Groller, and while there are still only the most basic of ideas being batted around, already I can say that it's going to mess you up. Worse than the summer you spent at your aunt and uncle's.
See you at the El Rey tomorrow...or else!
More Good Times Coming
2005-07-28 -- Morgan
In the few spare moments that I'm not doing something for the upcoming El Rey show, the blood starts rushing to all different parts of my body with anticipation of the upcoming hockey season. Some of you whiners scoff at the dedication of puck fans to stand by their sport after a full dark season, but I didn't see football, baseball, and basketball enthusiasts bail on their beloved teams during their labor issues. It's the same as those movie fans waiting patiently between installments of the sequels, or the widening gaps between albums by your top recording artists.
This season is going to kick so much ass that ass transplants will be required and the World Health Organization will upgrade the situation from 'crisis' to 'epidemic'. Hockey needs to be seen in person to be enjoyed properly, and once you get a taste, all other sports blow in comparison because there's almost constant action and motion. Not like the last two minutes of a basketball game where they call a timeout every 6 seconds. Not like the half-minute between plays in football before you get five or six seconds of actual plays. Not like baseball where the peanut vendor hustles more and provides more action than the players. Let's finally nix boreball as the supposed national pastime and at least make it something that reflects what is more popular, like football. But please, no NASCAR. Sorry you idiots, that's not a sport, and you know it...although much like baseblah it is a reason to stand in the sun and drink shitty beer.
And for your information, Chinese Democracy is never coming out from Guns n' Roses.
2005-07-28 -- Morgan
In the few spare moments that I'm not doing something for the upcoming El Rey show, the blood starts rushing to all different parts of my body with anticipation of the upcoming hockey season. Some of you whiners scoff at the dedication of puck fans to stand by their sport after a full dark season, but I didn't see football, baseball, and basketball enthusiasts bail on their beloved teams during their labor issues. It's the same as those movie fans waiting patiently between installments of the sequels, or the widening gaps between albums by your top recording artists.
This season is going to kick so much ass that ass transplants will be required and the World Health Organization will upgrade the situation from 'crisis' to 'epidemic'. Hockey needs to be seen in person to be enjoyed properly, and once you get a taste, all other sports blow in comparison because there's almost constant action and motion. Not like the last two minutes of a basketball game where they call a timeout every 6 seconds. Not like the half-minute between plays in football before you get five or six seconds of actual plays. Not like baseball where the peanut vendor hustles more and provides more action than the players. Let's finally nix boreball as the supposed national pastime and at least make it something that reflects what is more popular, like football. But please, no NASCAR. Sorry you idiots, that's not a sport, and you know it...although much like baseblah it is a reason to stand in the sun and drink shitty beer.
And for your information, Chinese Democracy is never coming out from Guns n' Roses.
Let It Work For You!
2005-07-27 -- Morgan
I can't tell you how much I hate spam. We have that in common, yes? I mean really, processed and spiced ham in a can? Gross. But what I really hate is spam. Those Russians seem to have the right idea...they need to spread some of that Red Justice here! We've advanced beyond just getting harassed on the phone, which lacks the ability to confront our tormentor and deprive us of the satisfaction of punishing them. I have yet to see the firewall or email filter to keep us safe, and I think their existence only taints the beauty and usefulness of internet piracy, which takes advantage of our connected-ness.
Have any of you bought OED software from a stranger? Given a stranger from "Africa" your bank account to channel funds? At least I can respect the dudes who drive around in their white van who want to know if you buy some speakers - they don't hide their scam. Still, suckers are born every minute, and you realize some people are real pieces of Samsonite.
2005-07-27 -- Morgan
I can't tell you how much I hate spam. We have that in common, yes? I mean really, processed and spiced ham in a can? Gross. But what I really hate is spam. Those Russians seem to have the right idea...they need to spread some of that Red Justice here! We've advanced beyond just getting harassed on the phone, which lacks the ability to confront our tormentor and deprive us of the satisfaction of punishing them. I have yet to see the firewall or email filter to keep us safe, and I think their existence only taints the beauty and usefulness of internet piracy, which takes advantage of our connected-ness.
Have any of you bought OED software from a stranger? Given a stranger from "Africa" your bank account to channel funds? At least I can respect the dudes who drive around in their white van who want to know if you buy some speakers - they don't hide their scam. Still, suckers are born every minute, and you realize some people are real pieces of Samsonite.
Wasting Time?
2005-07-26 -- Morgan
Herr Doktor noted that the three or so people who mistakenly come here are likely to be thoroughly unimpressed with the general minutia of the posts. That is why we toss some links in there. We also make little commentaries on the lunacy and stupidity of the events that go on around us. And bring from the depths of obscurity that which deserves notice. Or call for the brutal death and dismemberment of the evil that fouls our society.
MAGNA is you. Actually, we're the reflection of you. Okay, maybe we're holding the mirror that's reflecting you. Well, some of you at least. In accordance with the Baker family "they're on your team" game and to credit the wise words of Janessa, "some people are like a Slinky - not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs."
Sister, I couldn't agree more.
2005-07-26 -- Morgan
Herr Doktor noted that the three or so people who mistakenly come here are likely to be thoroughly unimpressed with the general minutia of the posts. That is why we toss some links in there. We also make little commentaries on the lunacy and stupidity of the events that go on around us. And bring from the depths of obscurity that which deserves notice. Or call for the brutal death and dismemberment of the evil that fouls our society.
MAGNA is you. Actually, we're the reflection of you. Okay, maybe we're holding the mirror that's reflecting you. Well, some of you at least. In accordance with the Baker family "they're on your team" game and to credit the wise words of Janessa, "some people are like a Slinky - not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs."
Sister, I couldn't agree more.
Rusty Cage
2005-07-25 -- Morgan
Remember that scene in the beginning of the second Matrix, where Ted 'Theodore' Logan is fighting the agents and he notices they're more butch? That was very much how my weekend was. No, not getting my ass kicked, but dealing with upgrades! After much thought and deliberation for the last couple months, I settled on ditching the silver beast that framed my kit. While locking the crossbar and uprights was only a matter of twists, it was still four major pieces that needed to be connected, and each one had multiple items that required attachment., making it difficult to set up or break down ones the parts of the kit were set on the frame. The fact that they were solid aluminum with die cast metal clamps and joints didn't lighten the load either. Since everything was integrated into the rack, that meant stands for the toms and cymbals needed to be acquired, and they were.
I have to give props to Tama for having the genius idea of dual tom mounts with individual height adjusters -- they earned my money on that one. With that problem solved, I needed some freestanding cymbal holders and PDP was both sturdy and inexpensive. Since there was still a little money left in the piggy bank from birthday well wishers, I took the plunge and replaced one of my cymbals that had a three inch crack in it. Ouch! Those bronze discs ain't cheap, but you're all worth it. And to finish it off, we (and that's the royal me) stripped the rims of the drums to clean them and put new heads on. A treat for the eyes and ears in preparation for the upcoming show this Friday July 30th at the El Rey (you knew)!
Would you have noticed if I didn't tell you? Do you care? Probably not, since I know you all are secretly in love with the guitar duality of Dan and Ryan, and Clay's low tones. That's okay because I am too. I'm like that Bryan Adams song, except when I tell you, nobody feels gay.
...and if Ryan wants to talk about his upgraded graphite bridge, he'll have to make his own post.
2005-07-25 -- Morgan
Remember that scene in the beginning of the second Matrix, where Ted 'Theodore' Logan is fighting the agents and he notices they're more butch? That was very much how my weekend was. No, not getting my ass kicked, but dealing with upgrades! After much thought and deliberation for the last couple months, I settled on ditching the silver beast that framed my kit. While locking the crossbar and uprights was only a matter of twists, it was still four major pieces that needed to be connected, and each one had multiple items that required attachment., making it difficult to set up or break down ones the parts of the kit were set on the frame. The fact that they were solid aluminum with die cast metal clamps and joints didn't lighten the load either. Since everything was integrated into the rack, that meant stands for the toms and cymbals needed to be acquired, and they were.
I have to give props to Tama for having the genius idea of dual tom mounts with individual height adjusters -- they earned my money on that one. With that problem solved, I needed some freestanding cymbal holders and PDP was both sturdy and inexpensive. Since there was still a little money left in the piggy bank from birthday well wishers, I took the plunge and replaced one of my cymbals that had a three inch crack in it. Ouch! Those bronze discs ain't cheap, but you're all worth it. And to finish it off, we (and that's the royal me) stripped the rims of the drums to clean them and put new heads on. A treat for the eyes and ears in preparation for the upcoming show this Friday July 30th at the El Rey (you knew)!
Would you have noticed if I didn't tell you? Do you care? Probably not, since I know you all are secretly in love with the guitar duality of Dan and Ryan, and Clay's low tones. That's okay because I am too. I'm like that Bryan Adams song, except when I tell you, nobody feels gay.
...and if Ryan wants to talk about his upgraded graphite bridge, he'll have to make his own post.
Rock Beneath Los Angeles
2005-07-22 -- Morgan
When you end up in the heart of the beast around 3am, you get the chance to do things that typically elude you. Driving back from the sauna -intense underground chambers of the Blind Tiger after getting rocked by Del Toro in an authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy, I was able to see parts of the city usually too congested or out of the way to explore. I also ate some fresh donuts -- still crunchy around the hole and soft in the middle, before all the oil dries up. And foolishly watched more 20 minutes of Constantine instead of sleeping. Too bad I couldn't grab a bite with Rybot and Matt and some interstate truckers. The point is that much fun was had and lots of great new people were met, a fair exchange for a few pints of sweat and lack of rest.
And now to address a rumor that's been making the rounds: was it really MAGNA playing a secret warm-up gig last night for their El Rey show on the 30th? I can't comment, but Chowderlust debuted two never-played before songs last night...
2005-07-22 -- Morgan
When you end up in the heart of the beast around 3am, you get the chance to do things that typically elude you. Driving back from the sauna -intense underground chambers of the Blind Tiger after getting rocked by Del Toro in an authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy, I was able to see parts of the city usually too congested or out of the way to explore. I also ate some fresh donuts -- still crunchy around the hole and soft in the middle, before all the oil dries up. And foolishly watched more 20 minutes of Constantine instead of sleeping. Too bad I couldn't grab a bite with Rybot and Matt and some interstate truckers. The point is that much fun was had and lots of great new people were met, a fair exchange for a few pints of sweat and lack of rest.
And now to address a rumor that's been making the rounds: was it really MAGNA playing a secret warm-up gig last night for their El Rey show on the 30th? I can't comment, but Chowderlust debuted two never-played before songs last night...
Boldly Going Where Man Has Gone Before
2005-07-20 -- Morgan
I think that's way better than the typical "beam me up, dirt nap" everybody else is saying. I could have gone with "He's given it all she's got", but there's no need to be a smarty...that show was never really my bag (biggie ups SW episodes IV-V-VI).
2005-07-20 -- Morgan
I think that's way better than the typical "beam me up, dirt nap" everybody else is saying. I could have gone with "He's given it all she's got", but there's no need to be a smarty...that show was never really my bag (biggie ups SW episodes IV-V-VI).
Deja View?
2005-07-20 -- Morgan
If you're on the mailing list you've been blessed with this info, and if you're not, then why haven't you signed up? So for those who missed it and those you want to see it again with links, here goes:
Summertime is for having fun, and if you're like us, going on vacation to Bora Bora is out of the budget. What to do? Well, there's a simpler, more reasonable way to have fun -- and that's get drunk, listen to music, and see art! Now before you start shaking uncontrollably at the thought of how such a thing is possible, let me explain the harmonic convergence of these experiences.
We all know that rock and roll and alcohol go together like frat boys and date rape, and much like a trust fund needs an undeserving underachiever you can't really picture one without the other. There can be little argument too about the similarities of music and art. Both are creative mediums often times spawned from the depths of eccentric and quirky characters, and let's be honest, something you can't do but wish you could. As for art and drinking, well..um...maybe you'll understand some of the "deep" meanings behind the art now that you've got a few pints in ya, eh?
With the idea of spirits, sound, and sight, we -- that's MAGNA to you -- cordially invite you to hang out with us at the Blind Tiger Speakeasy tomorrow night, July 21st. It comes on good authority that a fair amount of art will be on display for your enjoyment, and there will be two bands we dig. Around the 9 o' clocky hour is Chowderlust. How can I describe these guys? They rock pretty hard but have a mellow side too. Fans of MAGNA will love 'em! And cresting the 10 spot is Del Toro, who we will be playing some upcoming shows with, so start getting familiar with them now. They're an upbeat, surf-rockabillyish, one-two punch of musical joy! And lest we not forget the sweet nectar watering holes are known for. This joint really was a speakeasy in Downtown's days past, when Los Angeles was a dirty lady. Dirty yummy!
This is your chance to get to know the boys of MAGNA as we raise our blood alcohol, peep the creative, and enjoy some tunage! Drinks! Art! Chowderlust & Del Toro!
See ya there... Blind Tiger Speakeasy: 244 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
ps. don't forget -- MAGNA at the El Rey Theater July 30th, tickets on sale right freakin' now for $5 cheap!
2005-07-20 -- Morgan
If you're on the mailing list you've been blessed with this info, and if you're not, then why haven't you signed up? So for those who missed it and those you want to see it again with links, here goes:
Summertime is for having fun, and if you're like us, going on vacation to Bora Bora is out of the budget. What to do? Well, there's a simpler, more reasonable way to have fun -- and that's get drunk, listen to music, and see art! Now before you start shaking uncontrollably at the thought of how such a thing is possible, let me explain the harmonic convergence of these experiences.
We all know that rock and roll and alcohol go together like frat boys and date rape, and much like a trust fund needs an undeserving underachiever you can't really picture one without the other. There can be little argument too about the similarities of music and art. Both are creative mediums often times spawned from the depths of eccentric and quirky characters, and let's be honest, something you can't do but wish you could. As for art and drinking, well..um...maybe you'll understand some of the "deep" meanings behind the art now that you've got a few pints in ya, eh?
With the idea of spirits, sound, and sight, we -- that's MAGNA to you -- cordially invite you to hang out with us at the Blind Tiger Speakeasy tomorrow night, July 21st. It comes on good authority that a fair amount of art will be on display for your enjoyment, and there will be two bands we dig. Around the 9 o' clocky hour is Chowderlust. How can I describe these guys? They rock pretty hard but have a mellow side too. Fans of MAGNA will love 'em! And cresting the 10 spot is Del Toro, who we will be playing some upcoming shows with, so start getting familiar with them now. They're an upbeat, surf-rockabillyish, one-two punch of musical joy! And lest we not forget the sweet nectar watering holes are known for. This joint really was a speakeasy in Downtown's days past, when Los Angeles was a dirty lady. Dirty yummy!
This is your chance to get to know the boys of MAGNA as we raise our blood alcohol, peep the creative, and enjoy some tunage! Drinks! Art! Chowderlust & Del Toro!
See ya there... Blind Tiger Speakeasy: 244 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
ps. don't forget -- MAGNA at the El Rey Theater July 30th, tickets on sale right freakin' now for $5 cheap!
Earn Your (Prison) Stripes
2005-07-18 -- Morgan
Add breaking and entering to the list of crimes under MAGNA's belt (or girdle in certain cases). Rybot, Pacifico Arms, and Donald Donny Greeb (names changed to protect the guilty) were involved in an elaborate scheme to re-enter the premises of Casadena Estudios after being shunned and falsified by higher powers (not to mention praying to Jesus of Keyring who was in absentia). Rybot got 6-minute abs from a windowpane of all places and nearly got blasted by a fierce aloe plant. In a bold move that rivaled the sexiness of Michael Douglas Zeta-Jones and the asinine breakdancing of the Night Fox, PA made his way through and managed to disarm the restraints that would have keep the album from being mixed that evening, and that is never a good thing after American Mexican food. No formaldehyde jars were broken and save a smattering of potting soil, all terracotta objects remained intact. To celebrate, nearly inaudible secrets and tweaks were made to the songs for the album. Figure them out, and, well, you win.
If I don't go to hell for that, I'll be in the show at the El Rey on the 30th! Buy tickets, you bastards!
2005-07-18 -- Morgan
Add breaking and entering to the list of crimes under MAGNA's belt (or girdle in certain cases). Rybot, Pacifico Arms, and Donald Donny Greeb (names changed to protect the guilty) were involved in an elaborate scheme to re-enter the premises of Casadena Estudios after being shunned and falsified by higher powers (not to mention praying to Jesus of Keyring who was in absentia). Rybot got 6-minute abs from a windowpane of all places and nearly got blasted by a fierce aloe plant. In a bold move that rivaled the sexiness of Michael Douglas Zeta-Jones and the asinine breakdancing of the Night Fox, PA made his way through and managed to disarm the restraints that would have keep the album from being mixed that evening, and that is never a good thing after American Mexican food. No formaldehyde jars were broken and save a smattering of potting soil, all terracotta objects remained intact. To celebrate, nearly inaudible secrets and tweaks were made to the songs for the album. Figure them out, and, well, you win.
If I don't go to hell for that, I'll be in the show at the El Rey on the 30th! Buy tickets, you bastards!
magna! Magna! MAGNA!
2005-07-10 -- Morgan
Here's a version with a little more spice, for those who didn't feel the email alone was exciting enough (ahem, Lexy)...
Manic!
Frantic!
Foaming at the mouth!
Listen! I've got to tell you that MAGNA is performing at the end of the month! Saturday July 30th at the El Rey Theater, 9pm! There's going to be so much rock action that protective apparel may be required! Best of all MAGNA is making sure you can't say no! Tickets are only 5 dollars pre-sale -- that's less than going out to lunch! You can afford that even if you panhandle for a living!
Feel the excitement building (and not just in your bladder)! This is only the beginning of great things to come! The album is nearing completion! New songs are virtually writing themselves! College girls are home for the summer, washing their cars in parentally un-approved bikinis! Make no mistake that MAGNA is back!
COME SEE WHAT IS GOING TO BE A POWERHOUSE RETURN TO FORM! DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! START PLANNING NOW AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS! GO TO WWW.MAGNABAND.COM FOR INFO, EXCLAMATION POINTS, AND MORE!!!
--YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!*
*Morgan
2005-07-10 -- Morgan
Here's a version with a little more spice, for those who didn't feel the email alone was exciting enough (ahem, Lexy)...
Manic!
Frantic!
Foaming at the mouth!
Listen! I've got to tell you that MAGNA is performing at the end of the month! Saturday July 30th at the El Rey Theater, 9pm! There's going to be so much rock action that protective apparel may be required! Best of all MAGNA is making sure you can't say no! Tickets are only 5 dollars pre-sale -- that's less than going out to lunch! You can afford that even if you panhandle for a living!
Feel the excitement building (and not just in your bladder)! This is only the beginning of great things to come! The album is nearing completion! New songs are virtually writing themselves! College girls are home for the summer, washing their cars in parentally un-approved bikinis! Make no mistake that MAGNA is back!
COME SEE WHAT IS GOING TO BE A POWERHOUSE RETURN TO FORM! DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! START PLANNING NOW AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS! GO TO WWW.MAGNABAND.COM FOR INFO, EXCLAMATION POINTS, AND MORE!!!
--YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!*
*Morgan
Netsploitation*
2005-07-07 -- Morgan
As usual, Maddox gets it right. I'm guilty in the 12th degree but expect a commuted sentence for linking to him.
Meanwhile, the wheels of capital punishment can't roll fast enough. Die already!
*this post contains 0 MAGNA content.
2005-07-07 -- Morgan
As usual, Maddox gets it right. I'm guilty in the 12th degree but expect a commuted sentence for linking to him.
Meanwhile, the wheels of capital punishment can't roll fast enough. Die already!
*this post contains 0 MAGNA content.
Tweekend
2005-07-05 -- Morgan
This weekend was full of surprises, especially Dr. Berkowski flying his zero wing down from P-town and the legendary J. Dub, soon to be of the L-B-C. Rob Nice was the host with the most and we the people had mega-meats with a side of left-coast rules croquet. And most interestingly (to you), Rybot worked harder than a prostitute on a meth binge to tender a rough mix of the album. So far, it really whips the llama's ass.
As I last mentioned, there was going to be a show announcement. For everybody gumming their finger nubs with anticipation, I say to thee wait! It's locked in and squared away, but DDG has to make a fancy flyer so Mr. "Come In My Kitchen" can post it. Oh, so many inside references...what is this, a blog?
2005-07-05 -- Morgan
This weekend was full of surprises, especially Dr. Berkowski flying his zero wing down from P-town and the legendary J. Dub, soon to be of the L-B-C. Rob Nice was the host with the most and we the people had mega-meats with a side of left-coast rules croquet. And most interestingly (to you), Rybot worked harder than a prostitute on a meth binge to tender a rough mix of the album. So far, it really whips the llama's ass.
As I last mentioned, there was going to be a show announcement. For everybody gumming their finger nubs with anticipation, I say to thee wait! It's locked in and squared away, but DDG has to make a fancy flyer so Mr. "Come In My Kitchen" can post it. Oh, so many inside references...what is this, a blog?