Pessimist - One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.

Sitting in a caliginous room whilst listening to Kraftwerk* makes poorly structured words with appalling grammer.

Apologise in advanced.

Today was no doubtfully the most stressful, anxious day for quite sometime. Technically, it wasn't an entire so to speak, howbeit the three hour long English exam I was required to sit did feel like a day within itself.

Whilst I do attempt to remain positive the majority of the time (positive thoughts result in positive results), being placed in impending 'gloom' for the three hours (plus fifteen minutes, if you want to be specific) is the most awful, intolerable feelings one can feel. Hence, whilst being placed in these conditions, a positive atittude isn't always easily obtained.

It's frequently stated that one must just 'try their best', which in my honest opinion is quite a debatable statement. What if the situation arises when an individual has the impending and frequent thought that they didn't try their hardest? That they didn't reach their desired expectations or potential, in spite of following the previously mentioned advice and 'trying their best'? The burden of unknown fate rests upon the shoulders and mind of one, thus emotions of self-pity and guilt are experienced.

Howbeit, an individual can learn from mistakes and errors, ultimately resulting in them trying 'harder' in the future. Thus, a positive attribute of the seemingly negative situation arises, thereupon one will acquire the knowledge to succeed when faced with a similiar situation.

Oh, a little treat if you are yet to witness/watch:

MGMT - Kids

Long overdue? I hear you!


*If you either:

1. Aren't familiar with Kraftwerk
2. Don't admire Kraftwerk
3. Aren't a fan of Kraftwerk
4. Think 'Kraftwerk' is a segment on Better Homes and Gardens

You should really question your existence on Planet Earth.

Kraftwerk - The Robots

Note: Florian isn't actually creepy - it is just a good example regarding manipulation caused by lighting.

MGMT, DECEMBER 11TH, FESTIVAL HALL (MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA)

So, in previous blogs, I mentioned I was attending the Melbourne MGMT show on the 11th of December and was kind of worried due to the negative reviews regarding their live shows. Well, turns out I was worrying over nothing - it was simply amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better show!

MGMT setlist:
*=My personal favoirtes.

OF MOONS, BIRDS AND MONSTERS*
FUTURE REFLECTIONS*
4TH DIMENSIONAL TRANSITION*
PIECES OF WHAT
WEEKEND WARS
THE YOUTH
TIME TO PRETEND
METANOIA
ELECTRIC FEEL
THE HANDSHAKE*
>>>ENCORE<<<
KIDS

I'm pretty sure the setlist is accurate. I wrote it down at 3am Friday morning, so it was pretty fresh in my mind so to speak.

TAME IMPALA:
These Perth psychedelic-rock boys were amazing and did a great performance, even though most people weren't watching them/listening to them. They could only squeeze about 5 songs into their set, due to the long jams they did inbetween songs and all. Being a spectator from the side of the stage (due to being underage, I was unable to buy General Admission tickets), I thought their positioning on stage wasn't the greatest. However, amazing performance once again, a band to keep your eye on.
7.5/10

LUKE STEELE:
Following Tame Impala, Luke Steele (Sleepy Jackson/one-half of Empire of the Sun) took to the stage with an acoustic guitar in hand and some pre-programmed beats. I really thought he did a wonderful performance, however he didn't receive an amazing response from the audience. Prehaps they thought he'd perform an Empire of the Sun tune or two and Nick Littlemore would magically appear? Maybe the crowd just wanted MGMT? Who knows.
8/10

MGMT:
The band of the night, MGMT (pronounced 'em-gee-em-tea' or 'management' or even 'mig-mnt' for all you tools) took to the stage at around 10.05ish. They opened up with 'Of Moons, Birds and Monsters', my favorite song on 'Oracular Spectacular' after a little artistic jam session. 'Weekend Wars' was an obvious crowd winner, as was 'Time to Pretend' and 'Electric Feel'. I personally felt a little embarassed (not sure if thats the right term) when the crowd began singing the tune to 'Time to Pretend' (they later did it to 'Kids'). The band then closed with 'The Handshake' (another personal favorite of mine), before comming back onstage for an encore, performing 'Kids.'

Here is a list of things I really liked about MGMT's performance:
-Andrew's amazement at the fact there were so many people there to see them and the fact it was a sold out crowd. ("Wow, there’s people over there and people over there...and over there...”).

-How short-looking they are!
-The crowd. Aside from a few people, the crowd was amazing. Not many fangirls, teenyboppers or muzzas. There was some random guy a few rows infront with some crazy and outrages dance moves. Supplied many laughs.

-Andrew sitting on James' (or was it Matt's? Can't recall) shoulders. Human totumn pole.

-The jams. Need I say more.

The things I sort of disliked:
-The people who sat down during Metanoia. Serious mood killer.

-The fact no songs from their previous EP's were played.

-The girls who came down just to dance to 'Kids'.

Overall, it was amazing!!
I'd love to see them again.
I regret not hanging back to 'try' and meet them (aye, it's worth a shot) or have some sort of fake id. Oh well, always next time!

10/10

PS: The merch sold out before MGMT were even onstage! I ended up buying a bag with some sort of duck/crayon/marshmellow on it. Very cute.

jubilant.

Despite the tickets selling out in minutes (or less), we managed to get some. Bring on December 11. However I'm not looking forward to the immature fangirls and the people who know one song. Annoying. I found this amusing yet predictable. Whenever concert tickets go on sale, I enjoy searching through Ebay from crazy prices. Needless to say, there are a few high ones!

I'm so thankful it's friday. I've never been so drained. I think I need more sleep....

lovers and friends

Right now I'm sitting on my bed, watching reruns of NCIS (I pretty much think Abby is the best thing about the show) and reading books regarding course selections.

This may sound crazy but I've noticed a pattern is developing here - I've noticed that everytime I post, someone has passed away.
Am I some sort of jinx? Oh my, I'm worried.
This time producer and all round legend Jerry Wexler died on the 15th at the age of 91. Wexler assisted in making Atlantic Records the powerhouse it is today, as well as guiding such music legends like Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin.
[Source]

Deaths aside, I'm rather dissapointed that MGMT's Melbourne gig is over 18. I was really looking forward to going and I guess you can say, I'm devistated I can't. Yet another pattern developing? Yes there is as far as I'm concerned. You see, I've noticed that everytime I get excited about something, it never works out OR something goes completely pearshaped. I have the worst luck in the world.
Anyway, for all you lucky critters who are over age and are interested in attending....the shows are sold out.
Sorry guys!
However, they're releasing a new album sometime next year. New album=another tour to the land down under??



Moving on, I received my recommendations for the maths subjects I should take next year (NOTE: should, not have too). Anyway, apparently I should take General Math Methods & Math Methods CAS. No thankyou. Foundation Math please, I've decided that already and, speaking of which, I've also decided on my other subjects: Literature, Media, Photography, Food Tech, Buisness Managment & Foundation Maths. Anyone else taking these subjects?

So, this is all I have to say.
But a quick favour/question - who wants to come shopping with me this weekend?

RIP Bernie Mac.

Sooo, where to begin?



This morning I was checking out Perez Hilton's blog, like I frquently do, just to see if anything of interest is mentioned. It has been confirmed by the man himself (Perez Hilton, duh!) that Bernie Mac died after being hospitalized for the past several days. RIP. If you, like my parents - who I might add have been disowned by me - have no idea who Bernie Mac is, I strongly suggest you do some reasearch!



On a more positive note, one of my favorite bands, Kings of Leon, have announced some important news
regarding their album, as well as annoucing some upcomming tourdates (none are in Australia though - how predictable!). The new album will be released September 23 in America and September 22 in the UK and I think albums are released the same date as the UK which means I'll be in Queensland when its released. Damn. Anyway, the first single will DEFINATLY be 'Sex on Fire' (I wasn't to sure about that, but its been comfirmed 100%) and will be released on the September 8 (UK - digitally) and September 15 (UK - physically).

Oh and for those who don't know (but I don't really know how you COULDN'T know), the albums called 'Only by the Night'. The tracklist for the album is as follows:
1. Closer
2. Crawl
3. Sex on Fire.
4. Use Somebody
5. Manhattan
6. Reverly
7. 17
8. Notion
9. I Want You
10. Be Somebody
11. Cold Desert



Finally, I'll say this - a really good point was made this morning. I was watching Video Hits (which I rarley watch) and they were interviewing Amandah and Timmy from Operator Please, talking about bands and whatnot. The topic of MGMT came up and both praised Andrew VanWyngarden's (my current luva) performance, his 'aurora' and his ability to be CCC, all without any effort ofcourse. Anyway, Amandah made a good point about how all the bands (MGMT and The Wombats were used as examples) that are doing really well in Europe, mainly the UK, are SUPER-SUPER-SUPER indie here in Australia. I wouldn't say MGMT are that indie anymore though. Since 'Electric Feel' graced our airwaves and television sets a month ago, it seems everyone suddenly loves them. Which isn't a bad thing at all. I just hope the 'muzzas' don't get into them, but if they do they'll only like 'Electric Feel' because as far as I'm concerned, the rest of the album isn't reallt 'muzza-friendly'.