Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
I grew up in Orange County and even worked at Disneyland as a Jungle Cruise guy when I was in college, so I've spent a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom. And while one can appreciate the World's Largest People Trap Built by a Mouse despite knowing its ins and outs–as my brother says, it's like enjoying Christmas even though you know Santa Claus is fake–I have to admit that the park had lost some of its lustre for me. Cost, crowds, and newer, lesser attractions and reboots will do that. But when a friend mentioned that he just became a member of Club 33 and could get me in, I was all over it. In case you're not familiar with Club 33, it's an exclusive club and high-end restaurant at Disneyland located a few doors down from the Pirates of the Carribbean exit on the other side of the Blue Bayou. I used to think the latter was the raddest place to eat at the park with its permament dusk, fake fireflies, and boats returning from Davy Jones' Locker drifting by, but anyone can get a reservation there. To get into Club 33 you have to be a member or know a member. It's also famously the only place at Disneyland where you can drink alcohol. (No, beers in the caverns on Tom Sawyer's Island don't count.)
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After running the article on Sandy Vu from Dum Dum Girls in Giant Robot 68, which might still be on some stands, I posted a show review that got reposted via Facebook and blog by a local clothing company called AI FOR AI. A flurry of FB friending and emails turned into coffee in Echo Park, and it turns out that Carol and Elizabeth Ai (right and left, in pic by Jiro Schneider, above) not only make cool clothes for awesome bands (bonus DDG pics below) but they are also knowledgable about GR and share some mutual friends with me. Now the sisters can be your friends, too. New Yorkers, look for Carol during Fashion Week! GR: Your distribution is quite selective at this time, so running into people wearing AI FOR AI must not happen very often. What do you do when you see someone in your designs? Gush? Play it cool? C: I’ve seen it twice now since we made our first delivery last year. We’ve only shipped two seasons that have been on display so it’s pretty awesome. I didn’t say anything to the cute ladies I saw in our clothes but I did do a little somersault in my heart! E: I have not had the chance to witness such glory but I don’t go out very much. I’m pretty much a recluse unless it’s work related, happy hour related or a good friend’s birthday. GR: To me, seeing your gear on Dum Dum Girls and Bethany
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I don't get to hit two shows in one night very often. I recall seeing The Cult on the Electric tour at the Long Beach Sports Arena with Guns 'n' Roses opening and then driving to the Scream club for an after-hours Jane's Addiction gig. At the time, they were three of the hottest bands in the universe–for me, at least. I'm not sure if seeing The Hard-Ons in the afternoon at Rhino and then at the Anti-Club with the Chemical People that night counts, but that was pretty cool. And years later, I saw Heavenly play a lunchtime college gig followed by an evening club show. Also amazing, and also a long time ago. On Saturday night it happened again, afforded by forgetters playing an early show at The Echo. Doors opened at 6:00, and we got there just in time to catch the last song and a half by the openers, Dangers. The local band had a punky sound with tasteful keyboards and dramatic vocals, but more like American Standard than The Damned, with bonus points for the singer wearing an old Butthole Surfers shirt. Too bad we didn't see more of them, but it turns out the keyboardist works in the same office as my wife so we'll probably catch them again. Next up were Street Eaters, Bay Area tourmates with the Brooklyn-based forgetters. The duo was awesome and because my crew was right in front, we absorbed their full power. Megan March and Johnny Geek reveal their Gilman St. roots with
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More music… All of these releases below are new except for the Bats and Mice single, which gets a pass because it's on vinyl. Clear vinyl, even. I'm no audiophile, but I still prefer records and would rather even rather listen to CDs on my stereo while sitting in a nice chair than MP3s in front of the computer. It's a hassle but it's also a ritual and it sounds better. Or at least it feels better. Listen to Rollins. He says so, too. Bats and Mice – Back in Bat The title of this 7″ single might make you think that the old singer died and a new one was taking the mic. Not so. Sleepytime Trio's David NeSmith and Ben Davis are still in front with Totimoshi's Jonathan Fuller behind the drumkit once again, which should stoke most followers. On the A-side, “You Leave” and “Bricks for Eyes” mix what sound like The Cure and Three Mile Pilot influences into their taught-but-not-uptight brand of post-hardcore. Nice. Guess which part of the quiet-loud-quiet dynamic each band fits into? The Chapel Hill/Baltimore band's excellent B-side changes things up with a slower, deeper, and somewhat dubbier sound that recalls later Soulside. No “Loser Drugs” are necessary to get sucked in. [Lovitt Records]
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Two master directors walk into a room and one comes out–with U.S. distro for his newest film starting on February 8, thanks to the fine folks at Criterion. The other's latest work can already be found in your nearest Chinatown. Yes, I'm referring to new offerings by Hirokazu Kore-eda and Tsui Hark. I've seen them and here are my takes. Kore-eda's fans won't be surprised by the static camerawork, understated acting, or lengthy and hypnotic rhythms of Still Walking. Its plot revolves around a family: the matriarch,
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