by Derek Felix
September 12, 2010 in Concerts/Music, Pic of Day
Today’s segment features our next interview, Through The Year who rocked the Rhythm N’ Brews stage Saturday. These are some random shots from the show. Some a little like that Puddle Of Mudd song, “Blurry.”
Here goes:
Lead guitarist Vinny Holden riffing between the blur.
Guitarist Kenny Klugewicz jamming.
Drummer Nick Cardona fully equipped in ninja attire rocks out.
Bassist Nick Dos Santos gets down.
by Derek Felix
September 12, 2010 in Articles, Concerts/Music
STATEN ISLAND, NY-It was a successful night for Through The Year. An alternative band best known for their gigs at recently closed The Cup in St. George, they impressed at Rhythm N’ Brews Saturday night in Dongan Hills. It made for an entertaining evening where you could rock out with a brew to some excellent tunes.
Playing two different sets before main Brooklyn act Forgetting Midnight came on, the group from Great Kills impressed with some strong covers. Taking the stage at 11 for their first part, the band fronted by Peter King certainly took us through the years- covering 90′s acts Blink 182 and Bush while going back to the future with Twisted Sister, The Cure and original punkers The Ramones.
As usual, King was in rare form cracking jokes when he couldn’t remember what was next. Along with solid lead guitarist Vinny Holden, guitarist Kenny Klugewicz who donned his trademark mohawk, bassist Nick Dos Santos and always wild and crazy drummer Nick Cardona, they played with the same passion Cup fans loved. Even if Holden joked about there being a couple of moments where the Through The Year vocalist accidentally bumped into him making some of the riffs he played a project, the chemistry was superb. Between Cardona turning himself into a ninja while banging away in the background to Klugewicz jumping around next to a cooler Dos Santos, it wasn’t dull.
Highlights included The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and ” Bush’s “Machinehead.”
After a well earned break, they came back on after 1 for a cool dozen. The biggest surprise came when only King and Cardona combined to play Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop.” For that, King went back to school, doubling on guitar. Before the rest of the band could continue the rest of the set, they had to wait for Dos Santos to get out of the restroom leading to fun banter from Holden and King. It only foreshadowed a Groundhog Day moment when they finally concluded the hour and a half gig.
The second part certainly didn’t disappoint with King even referencing a classic Joker line from the late Heath Ledger, remarking:
“And here we…GO!“
They played Blink’s “What’s My Age Again?” and “”First Date,” which got plenty of support from King’s buddies. One of the best aspects was when he dedicated American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor Of The Week (Weak)” to gal pal Danielle who twice bought the band pitchers of beer.
Through The Year also dialed up an edgier version of classic 80′s Norwegian band A-Ha’s “Take On Me,” which had fans singing along. King also pumped it up for Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy,” strongly supported by his bandmates. On a special day, King dedicated “Lost But Not Forgotten,” to all the men and women who were lost on 9/11. The band played all four of their tracks which are to be recorded at Stay Gold Studios in Massachusetts for an EP, to be released in November.
If last night was any indication, there should be plenty in store for Islanders from this up and coming group.
by Derek Felix
September 8, 2010 in Random Thoughts, tennis, US Open
In tonight's Open quarter rematch versus fiesty Robin Soderling, Roger Federer is trying to make a statement.
Here goes. For a guy that’s had a disappointing year by “his standards” despite adding to his slam record with another Australian Open, Roger Federer is playing like a machine tonight against nemesis Robin Soderling, who ended his semifinal streak at Roland Garros.
It is amazing to watch Feds when he’s going this well. There’s a reason the 29 year-old Swiss Maestro is considered the very best. Tonight, it’s all on display in this quarter showdown on Ashe at the U.S. Open. The former world No.1 is aiming to reclaim New York as his after falling to injured Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in a five set epic a year ago.
If he continues to serve this well and run down every ball while defying logic with his all court game, it’s going to be awfully tough for anyone to beat him, including Novak Djokovic- who’s waiting after dismantling too defensive French showman Gael Monfils this afternoon.
Much like last year, Federer leads Soderling by two sets with it on serve in the third. Can the 26 year-old Swede with the monster game repeat what he almost did in that match, coming oh so close to forcing Roger five? A lot of New Yorkers who love tennis hope so. All it will take is one more slip up from the No.5 player for Feds to silence the doubters who wondered if maybe the recent trend of losing in the quarters will continue.
He sure looks focused.
by Derek Felix
September 8, 2010 in Concerts/Music, Video of Day
Every word takes on a special meaning in Radiohead's Creep.
If ever there’s a rock song where every word matters, Radiohead’s epic “Creep” is it. I’ve heard tons of good songs but every time I listen to Creep, my passion comes out. I always find myself singing along. The lyrics make the song.
In some cases, it’s just the music. But when the words mesh taking on a strong meaning by the way they’re delivered as frontman Thom Yorke does with purpose, it really allows fans to get into it- connecting. I could sing this one part over and over:
But I’m a creep
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here
I don’t belong here
I don’t care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I’m not around
You’re so fucking special
I wish I was special
Everything from the cool bass to the drum beats to the riffs to Yorke’s beautiful words makes it special from start to finish. No wonder so many bands have covered the British rockers’ cult classic, including this solid Weezer cover. When you have peers recognizing you in such a big business, it’s the ultimate tribute. You just hope they do it justice. I saw Weezer cover both Nirvana and Oasis two years ago and it didn’t disappoint. The late Heath Ledger’s Joker would be proud of that last part. 
God. How they need to do a movie based on the Joker from early childhood. It probably will never happen.
Anyway, here’s the awesome Radiohead “Creep” which will always rock. And a live version at that!
RADIOHEAD
Thom Yorke: Lead vocals, guitar, piano, beats
Jonny Greenwood: guitars, keyboards, etc
Ed O’Brien: guitars, backing vocals
Colin Greenwood: bass, synthesizers
Phil Selway: drums, percussion
“Creep”
When you were here before,
Couldn’t look you in the eye
You’re just like an angel,
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special
You’re so fuckin’ special
But I’m a creep,
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doin’ here?
I don’t belong here
I don’t care if it hurts,
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
when I’m not around
You’re so fuckin’ special
I wish I was special
But I’m a creep
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doin’ here?
I don’t belong here, ohhhh, ohhhh
She’s running out again
She’s running out
She run run run run…
run… run…
Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You’re so fuckin’ special
I wish I was special
But I’m a creep,
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doin’ here?
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here…
by Derek Felix
September 7, 2010 in Concerts/Music, Video of Day
It all started back in 1994 for Weezer with the famed Blue Album.
Everyone knows how big a music fan I am. I am into so much stuff that it’s hard to keep track. My cool friend Amanda put me onto some kickass local metal bands that we’ll be featuring in this space pretty soon. Definitely super psyched to discover talent out in Shaolin and looking forward to those interviews. 
Anyway, since we’re on the music theme, let’s get to our feature. I love Weezer and even caught them with Dad a couple of years ago at MSG. The California dudes finally came East and rocked the house, playing prominent hits off the Blue Album, Pinkerton, Maladroit, Make Believe as well as a few off their Red Album, including Pork and Beans plus Troublemaker. There also were a couple of covers including Nirvana’s Sliver and Oasis’ Morning Glory.
To put it mildly, the show kicked cerebral ass. Loved when Rivers Cuomo brought an entire student orchestra up on the stage during one of the encores for “Island In The Sun.” There must’ve been like 40 people on the stage. If you’re curious to find out more about the show, please refer to the link in the above paragraph for a full review. 
Tonight, we bring you the first of many hits off the famed ’94 Weezer Blue Album debut. I still got the damn cassette with the awesome cover (seen above). It seriously rocks and will never go out. That’s what defines great albums. Anyway, they led off with “My Name Is Jonas” to thunderous cheers and plenty of crowd support. Oh. It was sick.
Here’s a live performance from 1994 in Bordertown, New Jersey which is about half an hour away from here. Make sure to watch the whole scene. Especially the end. It’s classssic!
WEEZER
Lead Vocals/Guitar: Rivers Cuomo
Drums/Backing Vocals: Patrick Wilson
Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Brian Bell
Bass/Keyboards/Backing Vocals: Scott Shriner
“My Name Is Jonas”
My name is Jonas.
I’m carrying the whil.
Thanks for all you’ve shown us.
This is how we feel.
Come sit next to me.
Pour yourself some tea.
Just like Grandma made
When we couldn’t find sleep.
Things were better then.
Once but never again.
We’ve all left the den.
Let me tell you ’bout it.
Choo-choo train left right on time.
A ticket costs only your mind.
The driver said, “Hey, man, we go all the way.”
Of course we were willing to pay.
My name is Wake me up.
Gotta box full of your toys.
They’re crush out of batteries.
But they’re still makin’ noise, makin’ noise.
Tell me what to do.
Now the tank is dry.
Now this wheel is flat.
And you know what else?
Guess what I received,
In the mail today.
Words of deep concern
From my little brother.
The building’s not goin’ as he planned.
The foreman has injured his hand.
The dozer will not clear a path.
The driver swears he learned his math.
The workers are goin’ home. (x4)
Yeah!
The workers are goin’ home. (x3)
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
My name is Jonas.
by Derek Felix
September 5, 2010 in Shaolin Freestyle/Poetry 101
“Another World”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
You look towards the sky
And love what you see
A whole other world oh so fly
Making you wonder if it’s fantasy or reality
The picturesque setting grabs your attention
Echoed by a cool summer breeze
Studying its universe is beyond comprehension
As if it’s saying, ‘Look at me please’
Who are you to resist the temptation
When it’s like a Renoir painting telling you to stay
Your brain may as well be on vacation
In another place you could be all day
What would it be like to live there
Be in another dimension looking on down
Would it blow around your flowing hair
Or be a different sorta town
One never knows what it would bring
Maybe a bit more adventure into the unknown
Making ya wonder if it’s only a dream
But there you are standing in its zone
Experiencing a different world than you know
Enjoying the glimmering lights up above
As stars and the moon make you glow
Making you smile and feel the love
The kind of place you always believed in
But never figured you’d get this far
But here it is making you float like the wind
Like rocking out in the air jamming the electric guitar
Giving a whole new perspective on life
Finally realizing the truth
No more tension cut by a knife
Instead that you really can raise the roof
by Derek Felix
September 4, 2010 in Shaolin Freestyle/Poetry 101
“Heart”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
I see you fight everyday
Battling to make shit go your way
There’s so much I admire about you
You’re a road warrior who stays true
Even as it sometimes hurts to see
You go on as if it were easy
When that’s the farthest thing from the truth
We both know we got the proof
Sometimes, I want to go back
Then maybe I could change it get back on track
Watching you sometimes killed me inside
And I’d keep the pain buried deep inside
But you never changed despite everything
You really are a mockingbird with strong wings
A defiant champ that never gives in
It’s at the game of life that you win
All heart
Is what you are
That big heart
Makes you a star
Everyone sees it whenever you come
Your gift makes it that much more fun
No wonder we always want you around
It’s not hard to admit why it gets me down
Because you’re my best friend forever
We’re united in a bond for ever and ever
When we talk your words mean plenty
Fun times shared oh so many
Yet I wish there were more
Just to see you happy like a lion you roar
When I drive alone, I recall cool trips we took
Where time stood still and you had that look
The same one when you were just a young pup
It was like a dream only I woke up
You’ve grown into a great man
One who’s my hero no matter the plan
All heart
Is what they all see
The biggest heart
My best friend you’ll always be
Dedicated to the best person I know one with the biggest glow in this show <3
by Derek Felix
September 4, 2010 in Shaolin Freestyle/Poetry 101
“No Panic”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
It’s a whole new dawn
that makes it all worthwhile
finally the tension is gone
and i can relax and smile
Fought through a tough battle
that took a lot out
it’s nice to be back in the saddle
instead of stuck with doubts
It was my personal hell for a long time
that had me in neutral
now i can see clearly the design
no longer down for the count playing the fool
Then, every day was a struggle
with no feeling or purpose
the anxiety had me seeing double
making me feel like a circus
Now i’ve changed for the better
finally understanding why
more focused on being a go getter
no longer feel like i’m gonna die
My journey hasn’t been easy
but i’m more confident today
making me happier and less queasy
doubt’s gone and i know what to say
You gave me warmth like the sun
and the strength to go on
must be cause you’re a special one
i don’t fear being wrong
No panic No panic
From Flex anymore
No panic No panic
I’m a lion or tiger hear me roar
It’s great to be in control
Things have slowed down to an easier pace
Time to get on a roll
put on a smile and no longer race
It used to be fear would creep in
Playing around in my head
Was as punch drunk as too much tonic and gin
Negative thoughts dancing everywhere as i lied in bed
I wondered what i’d done wrong
would it ever stop
felt like an irritating gong
That had no intention of closing shop
A year ago i was completely lost
Spiraling downward and out of control
Days just drifted getting tossed
Even Woodstock didn’t help taking a toll
When we got home it had to change
I was ready to face shit head on
And ever since I’ve turned the page
Proving that I’m strong
As i reflect the feeling is back
Edge and purpose every day
Even going oldschool on the track
Damn right I’ll make this go my way
No panic no panic
From Flex today
No panic no panic
I’m Sinatra doing it my way
by Derek Felix
September 4, 2010 in Shaolin Freestyle/Poetry 101
“The One”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex
The first time I saw you
I knew it was on
Desiring to be your boo
Till the break of dawn
Bumping and grinding all night long
You calling out my name
Like a new hit song
Experiencing both pleasure and pain
Switching it up all night
The vibrations can be heard next store
As we make it out of sight
Even jealous neighbors feel our roar
Time to raise the roof together
And get real high
Going forever and ever
Until we’re dancing in the sky
You’ll always be the one
Who gets me going
You’re just the one
That makes it flowing
I see us way above
Waxing poetic
Painting oceans of love
Us sharing sweet passion
No more time to flirt
Just music blasting
As we have each other for dessert
You’re the cream of the crop
So I got to have you
Let’s rise to the top
And make our fantasies come true
Let’s take it to the next level
I’ll make you forget everything
Becoming your sexual tazmanian Devil
Creating music as I make you sing
You’re my princess and I’m your king
The one who must be in my life
So let’s make it reality and do that thing
You won’t be able to resist my future wife
You’ll always be the one
Who gets me going
You’re just the one
That keeps me glowing
Here we are just two stars
Shining in the spotlight
Making it hot cause that’s who you are
Proudly powered by WordPress and BuddyPress.
