The Sidecar

Artists, architects and Howard Stern

That sums up the highlights of my life the past three months. My brain has been on Summer shutdown. But, I've taken some good trips out of town and saw some great sights. I went to Fayetteville, Arkansas at the end of April and spent the day at the Crystal Bridges Museum. Now if you can put aside thinking about all the WalMart money that went into creating it, it's a fantastic museum both in terms of art and architecture. If you're into the art part, then it's truly one of the finest collections of American art anywhere. It was exciting to see so many paintings and sculptures I'd only seen in books or online. And the grounds and buildings were equally impressive and designed by Moshe Safdie. The main buildings reminded me of roly-poly bugs. 

In May, I traveled to Athens, Georgia. I saw the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and loved the landscaping and huge variety of plants and trees there. I especially loved the arts & crafts style chapel on the grounds. I have dreams of throwing a party there! I also took a day trip into Atlanta with my uncle to go to the Georgia Aquarium. Whale sharks are one of my favorite animals in the world; I could've spent all day looking at them swim around the giant tank. 

Last weekend was Palm Springs with some friends, and we took a tour of Sunnylands, the recently-opened estate of the Annenbergs. It's now serving as a high-level retreat space for world leaders, scientists, artists, etc. I'd like to know what the deal is with Mr. Annenberg's choir robe obesssion... It was interesting the hear the stories behind the design by A. Quincy Jones, and see the 60s interiors by William Haines. 

This week, I'm indulging in a guilty pleasure and watching "America's Got Talent." I love me some Howard Stern and the silliness of most of the acts.  I do like the husband-wife acrobatic team, though, and the group that paints! (Not the goofy light ones, the paint-paint ones). 

 

I guess all that's what Summer's for: fun vacations, extra time with friends, and some laziness sprinkled in.  

-Sue

And Now For A Father's Day Song...

...a classic from Outkast.

 

Seriously, though: a big Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Out of LA for Memorial Day

Jon and I are getting back in the swing of posting (I especially have neglected it for a while, due to various family stuff and the day job), so here we go.
This weekend I'll be heading somewhere I've never been to before: Athens, Georgia. I'm going to visit an aunt and uncle who've lived there for nearly 20 years, and they're excited to show us the sights and take us to some of their favorite local restaurants.

My only association with Athens is that I know it's the home of the B-52s and REM. In the past couple of weeks, various people have told me that there's still a big music scene there, good food, and of course the University of Georgia. So I expect some great BBQ and plenty of red Bulldogs attire.


I've done a little Chowhound research this morning, and here are the dining recommendations:
Last Resort
Farm 255
Five & Ten - Hugh Acheson's restaurant! (I love Top Chef, and how can you resist a menu with the category "Snackies" on it?!?)
Last Resort
And on the lower end, JB's (for hot dogs) and Weaver D's (a diner).

I've been starting to eat a more non-animal based diet, but I won't be able to resist good BBQ or seafood. And of course, sweet tea!

I'll report back next week. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

-Sue

In Defense Of... Nickelback's How You Remind Me

We're starting a new feature here on The Sidecar: In Defense Of...  This is where we'll take a pop culture punching bag and sing its unrated qualities.  Today's pincushion?  Nickelback's often-derided anthem "How You Remind Me."  Refresh yourself with some middling Canadian rock here:

 

This song for me is the ultimate example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.  The vocals are pretty good but not great.  The lyrics are on point but not outstanding.  And the melody is very catchy (especially that chorus).  The production is quite strong in a pop/rock way (the crunching guitars, the crashing cymbals, the use of loud-to-quiet-to-loud).  But combined together, this song works and works well.  Yes, it's slick and lacks some depth. It does lack some quirk and personality.  But like cheap vodka you get at Trader Joe's, it's simple and effective and packs a punch when you're trying to please a bunch of people. 

I'll go months without hearing "How You Remind Me", and I'll suddenly have a craving for it, like nachos topped with Velveeta.  Sure, it's not real cheese, but it fits the bill.  And so does this song.  The rest of Nickelback's songs are pretty dreadful, in my humble opinion, so I don't waste my time on them.  But the $1.29 I spent on "How You Remind Me"?  That was money well spent. 

My Head Sounds Like This: New (To Me) Music

I've been on a music-download bender lately, so here are the songs that have been bouncing around my head for the past couple of weeks:

M83 - "Midnight City"

The song is just simultaneously very now (the thick beats, the blooping high synths) and very 80's (the sax solo, the laid back vocals). The song is so cool and so catchy.  And the kids on the run video really makes the whole experience that much more dynamic.

Broken Bells - "The Ghost Inside"

 

Broken Bells - the collaboration between producer Danger Mouse and Shins frontman James Mercer - has come up with a great melacholy tune and they paired it with an appropriately weird and melancholy music video. Mad Men's Christina Hendricks plays an android with a dream of a faraway paradise (that looks like Palm Springs) and not a lot of cash to get there.  Great song, great video.

Of Monsters And Men - "Little Talks"

This Icelandic band take the call-and-response song and use it to tell a story of a guy trying to get his friend out of a deep depression.  Quirky song, quirky animated video.  The more I hear this song, the more I love it.  And it's so tuneful. You can't help but sing along with it. 

-- Jon

The Reason We've Been Gone...

I hit a milestone birthday, and spent the entire weekend at the Happiest Place on Earth.  Oh, and Minnie is a great kisser.

They Should Have Called It The Angelenos

My improv teacher in college said that the residents of each major city in the US usually talk about three topics.  In New York, it's the three "My's": (1) My Job, (2) My Spouse/Partner/Boyfriend/Girlfriend and (3) My Apartment.  In Chicago, it's the three B's: Beer, Bars and Bulls/Bears/Baseball (depending on the season.  And here in Los Angeles, it's the three F's: Food, Freeways and Fucking.  Imagine my surprise when SNL nailed three F's in their soap opera spoof "The Californians."

 

Having lived in Los Angeles for 13 years, this sketch definitely rings true.  While we all don't have bleach blond hair and speak like we've lost a chromosome, the amount of time we talk about having to get around this sprawling mess of a city is pretty spot on.  And the directions in the sketch are pretty accurate too.  Now, where's my wine? I need to get sober before I take Bundy to the 10 to the 110 North...

 

Good sushi in Glendale!

Maybe it's not entirely fair to review a place after only one visit, but I gotta share! Jon and I were craving some sushi a few weekends ago, but didn't think there was anything good near us. So, we did a quick Yelp search and took a chance on Sushi Joint in Glendale.

What a happy find! It's your usual good sushi place with the variety of Americanized rolls, but damn they were good! The restaurant is on the end of a generic strip mall, but they've made great use of a small space by situating the bar at an angle and having a high ceiling.

We shared the Glendy roll, which had tempura shrimp and avocado, plus other stuff I can't remember. I just know it was yummy!

And the 911 roll, featuring spicy tuna and good, lingering heat:


Lastly, we had the spicy tuna on crispy rice. These were two very generous mounds of minced spicy tuna on what looked like little rectangular hash browns. The rice part was crispy and warm, and the tuna tasted very fresh with a nice bit of spice.

And the added bonus that will keep us coming back is the friendly service from the chefs and our waitress. Everyone seemed like they were truly in a good mood, and provided quick service. You know that's something you find in LA too rarely.

We got our sushi fix and left happy. When we're feeling a little more adventurous, we'll go back for the chef's choice sushi.

-Sue

It's Latrice Royale's World; We're Just Living In It

We here at The Sidecar are huge fans of RuPaul's Drag Race.  Huge fans.  HUGE.  As in, we get together every Monday night and watch it, which we've done for the past 3 years.  [SPOILER ALERT: If you are not caught up to date on the show and want to remain unspoiled, then stop now. You have been forewarned.]  And we were so very upset by the elimination of our favorite queen, Latrice Royale.

In her own words, she's large and in charge, chunky yet funky.  She's been a drag performer for over 20 years.  She's a seasoned professional and -- due to her stint in jail -- has had a few hard knocks in her life.  She has a great sense of humor and lots of wisdom.  And she doesn't suffer fools gladly.  Basically, she rules.  Here's a taste of one of the other queens trying to read Latrice:

 

Mmmm-hmmm! She's the best.  And the great people at NewNowNext have put together Latrice Royale's Top 5 moments from the show.  Check this out:

 

Get More: Watch Reality TV, Video and Movies, Logo TV

 

 Good God, Get A Grip, Girl! needs to be on a T-shirt.  Looks like it already is.

Next to fellow contestant Sharon Needles, Latrice is the breakout star of the season.  In fact, I think she'll follow in the footsteps of fellow Drag Race alum Pandora Boxx.  Both have impeccable comic timing, both have dealt with some very rough patches in the past, and both have had tangles with judge Santino Rice on their outfits.  Santino said that Latrice's outfit was like a couch from Rent-A-Center, and Madame Royale was not having it:

 

My money's on Latrice.  In every single case of anything, my money's on Latrice.  She's the best.  I am sad to see her go from the competition, but her star will certainly sky-rocket after the end of this season.  She's got it goin' on.  It's Latrice Royale's World, y'all; we're just living in it.

One more thing: RuPaul crowns a Miss Congeniality every year, based solely on fan votes.  Vote for Latrice here.  You won't be sorry.

-- Jon

5 Most Underrated Madonna Songs

In honor of the release of Madonna's 12th studio album MNDA, here are 5 of Madge's most overlooked gems.  In no particular order:

(1) Bad Girl:

 

While the David Fincher video of this is quite strong, I do like the immediacy of her version here from SNL back in 1993.  It's very simple and the lyrics are great. Is she portraying a character who's regretful about her past or is it a meta commentary about the public and her persona?  Probably both: a little from Column A, a little from Column B.

(2) What It Feels Like For A Girl

 

My favorite track from the Music album, Madge hits a great sweet spot of catchy music and insightful lyrics.  There's a great sense of vulnerabilty from her, and it doesn't feel as manufactured as some of her posing over her career.  And once I hear this song, it's stuck in my head for at least a day. PS. This video has the best direction from Guy Richie I've ever seen, and easily one of Madge's most flattering looks. (And my friend Price Carson plays one of the cops)

(3) Lucky Star

 

You can take "Borderline"; I'll take "Lucky Star." A great, straight-forward pop song.  Sweet and fun with a slightly messy production, this song just screams 1983 to me.  And the video is so simple.  Love it.

(4) Get Together

 

Gorgeous and lush, "Get Together" was the 3rd single from the Confessions On A Dance Floor album, and it makes me dance and smile.  It's such a romantic song that I included it in the playlist at my wedding reception.  I can listen to this song over and over and never get sick of it.

(5) You'll See

"You'll See" is bit more dark than her usual ballads, but it shows that while Madonna doesn't have a great voice (she doesn't), she knows how to interpret a song. She can convey some power and heft emotionally with her limited vocal range.  Great song. 

-- Jon