Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2,700-year-old izm found. Won't get you zooted

Nearly two pounds of still-green plant material found in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world's oldest marijuana stash, according to a paper in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany.

But here's where I harsh your buzz: We know from both the chemical analysis and genetics that it could produce THC (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase, the main psychoactive chemical in the plant)," explained Ethan Russo, adding that no one could feel its effects today, due to decomposition over the millennia.

Do you watch VH1 or Bravo reality TV?

Ok, I need help here. I'm writing a story about how the Bad Economy is inflating ratings of reality television, much the way the Great Depression fueled the initial Hollywood surge almost a century ago.

Are you broke as fuck, don't go out and instead watch crap* TV on Bravo, VH1, MTV, Oxygen, etc. to live vicariously through these drunken fools? If so, hit me up at mmarotta@bostonherald.com and share your woes. (* And by crap I mean the best shit ever, obvs).

Monday, December 8, 2008

Drop the Lime crashes Circus, head asplodez

Ahhhhh, this weekend was fucking INSANE. Holy shit!

Friday night at the pill was its usual dopeness, Sunday night at the BMAs was its usual dopiness. But sandwiched in between was one of the most epic parties I’ve ever been to, let alone be a part of.

So Saturday night was the On That Tip blog launch at Circus, and I held up my duty by dropping my usual indie-dance electro banger set early on, eagerly warming shit up for DJ Die Young. But around 1-ish, just when the pills started to kick in, the appletinis started to melt my insides and the strobe burned alien messages into my head, it happened.

Brooklyn breakbeat master Drop The Lime ditched his scheduled appearance at the lame-ass teen party across the street at Harper’s Ferry, was hijacked by a FTW promoter and came over to Circus to throw down the most epic bass-pound dance set ever, culminating with Jon from Hot Pink Delorean free styling in the middle of a packed dance floor that didn’t even flinch when the house lights screamed out at closing time.

So to recap the night: DJ Michael V., then Die Young, then Drop The Lime (one of these things is unlike the other…) all at a packed out free party at a chic sushi lounge in Allston celebrating the launch of my lady’s nightlife blog. Motherfuck yes.

Love is All, tonight at GS

From the category of Things That Didn't Find It's Way Into Herald Print This Morning:Back in February, MGMT and Yeasayer rolled up to Great Scott and melted every face in the 240-person capacity room. Even before it went down, it was one of those “last chance to see these guys in a room this small” kind of shows. A few months later, MGMT sold out two nights at the Paradise Rock Club, and Yeasayer followed suit with its own ‘Dise gig in October.

The next in the “catch them now before your mom knows who they are” line of double-headliner bills hits Allston’s Great Scott once again this evening. This one features Sweden’s Love Is All and Brooklyn’s Crystal Stilts, with local kids Reports opening things up.

How different is the modern world of indie in Sweden and Brooklyn? Where Love Is All channel the frantic energy of early post-punk with equal parts saxophone, guitar and keyboards, Crystal Stilts takes things down a notch with moody psych rock that’s become a blog favorite. Yet on the same stage, it should mesh perfectly.

Despite the difference in sound, both have one thing in common: Neither will be doing the club circuit next time in Boston. Doors at 9 p.m., it’s an 18-plus show and the cover is $10.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Weekend ahead! Lights Out, Circus, BMAs, Love Is All

TGImotherfuckingF. Big shit on tap this weekend, which is very much welcomed after my first week back at the compound. What goes on? Glad you asked...

Friday: I've wanted to get The Lights Out at the pill since spring, when I first heard the new EP and "Never Going Back" ruled my dome. The local rock dudes have this sweet mix of Muse/Franz with dirty American garage rock, perfect for coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day and my return from Florida.

Saturday: Less than two months later, I'm back at Circus. And to make it even more ridiculous is I'm spinning alongside someone I truly admire, DJ Die Young. It's also the On That Tip blog launch party, even more reason to pound eight Appletinis at Privus and crash-in come Sunday.

Sunday: It's the Boston Music Awards, though who knows if they'll let me in. Full report to come...

Monday: Remember when MGMT and Yeasayer played Great Scott in February, only to move on separately to the Paradise months later? Well, Love Is All / Crystal Stilts tonight is the new MGMT/Yeasayer at Great Scott. Tell your kids-type show and shit. A more detailed description appears in Monday's Herald.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

New Year's Eve

Yes, I sold out, and no, you don't have anything better to do.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

More on the BMAs (Better Move Away?)

Today in le Herald I ask the age-old question, If a Boston Music Award falls in an empty room, does it make a sound? The "big event" is Sunday, and right now it doesn't appear likely I'll be let in...

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Blender Mag name drops me -- kinda

If anyone's wondering, yeah, that was my Boston Herald article Blender cited on its Letters to the Editor page this month in the aftermath of their whole "2Pac Most Overrated blah blah" thing. Couldn't they have printed my name instead of saying "Boston Herald columnist." Is my name not golden?!?!?! Still way cool to suddenly read on the bike at Bally's

On That Tip launch party 12.06.08

This Saturday I'm back at Privus Lounge's dope electro dance party, Circus, for that On That Tip blog re-launch party. I'm spinning with Dopamine Records' DJ Die Young, who is one of the best DJs in the city right now. How did I pull this shit off? Yikes...

Monday, December 1, 2008

Life is good, ringtone lover

So I'm back. While traveling yesterday sucked harder than Sean Avery, things are pretty awesome. As in:

- Lola showed much affection upon coming home after 5 days away.
- Simeon won the Pick Up Artist 2, much to my relief.
- The planned Vanya consulting firm looks to have solid financial backing in 2k9.
- Only 24 days left of my tumultuous 20s.
- Scored some sweet music from my brother while in Florida, and ate at the world-famous Charlie's Steak House like whoa.
- Enjoyed Tampa's finest indie night, where a $10 cover means "open bar."
- Had a great time traveling with the lady, chilling on the lanai on the golf course.
- The countdown to the March Cuise to Mexico is on!
- And... I return to find the Herald finally ran my feel-good story on What Your Ringtone Says About You.

Stephanie Myers of Allston is the best around, and nothing’s going to ever keep her down. How does she know? The 26-year-old’s cell phone tells her so every time it rings.

Myers proudly sports Joe Esposito’s 1985 semi-hit “You’re the Best” - commonly known as the theme from the original “Karate Kid” movie - as her ringtone of choice.