I met Dave Gahan! OMG!

OMG! OMG!! OMG!!!! I met DAVE GAHAN FROM DEPECHE MODE IN NEW YORK!!!!! Yes you read correctly!! I met Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode in New York, specifically at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village at 3:20pm ET.

The meeting was meant to be like how my friends and I see it.  I was in New York vacationing for five days with three other friends.  It was a late start for us on Friday, 4/5/2013. We decided we were going to Rocco's in Greenwich Village for some coffee and pastries.  I guess we were that hungry that my friend told us to make a left turn as we exited the subway station, well long story short we made the wrong turn and were walking in circles for a while...LoL

Some of us were teasing Monica that we wanted pizza because we were starving since we were lost because of her...LoL  We passed by this pizza chain called $1 pizza but kept on walking. Then Jesse decides to wander off to Urban Outfitters so we end up at Washington Square Park.  Then we regroup and kept on walking. Again we bump into another $1 Pizza location and Monica insists we grab a slice and I say no lets keep on walking.  So we kept on walking. As we cross a couple of streets Jesse and Monica spot Joe's Pizza and suggest we grab a slice from there. So we all a agree.  We order and try to figure out where to "sit" and we were playing musical chairs.  As we finally settle, I scan the room, as I usually do, and spot this man sitting on a stool facing the window overlooking the street. I ask Jesse, Hey is that Dave Gahan because it kinda looks like him.  Jesse looks over and "yes it IS DAVE GAHAN!"  In my mind, I am shouting, OMG OMG, I can't believe its Dave Gahan. Depeche Mode. OMG!! I need to do something or I will regret this for the rest of my life!!

So I decided to go up to him, while he is eating a slice of pizza. I put my arm on his shoulder and said, I love you Man!!  You are awesome. I have loved your music since I was a teen." He smiled and said, Thank you!!  He asked me if we were from NY and we said, No from L.A. He side Nice, thank you. All the while, Jesse goes up to him as well from the front and says something to the effect, Dave Gahan, I saw you at the Rose Bowl.  Dave grinned.

We proceeded to leave him alone so he can finish eating his pizza. As he was leaving he said BYE to us!! So I went for it!! I asked him if we could take pictures with him and he graciously agreed. He told us to go outside with him. I think we left our stuff behind because we were all so giddy...LOL

We took many pictures with him. Jesse was having a conversation about the shows he went to back in the 80's (I think). And Dave told us that when "you are in New York you gotta come to Joe's for pizza."  Then Monica proceeded to tell Dave that we didn't want to create a mob scene and thereby waited to ask permission for picture taking. He said, "don't worry no one cares in New York."  And you know that if this were happening in L.A. there would definitely be a mob scene for sure!! OMG!!! OMG!!  This the biggest difference between L.A. and N.Y. fans; we L.A. fans are hard core!! Come on now!!  We all know, Depeche Mode's breakthrough show in the states was at the Rose Bowl (which is about 10 min away from L.A.).

At the end we thanked him and he left and he disappeared into the busy streets of New York.  AAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I will forever remember this moment and will be happy that I went up to him and talked to him.  No Regrets!!

p.s. I will also attach a picture of my friend Jesse and Dave as well (the 2nd pic below) .

An 80's X-mas...totally!!

Aaahhh!! the Eighties!! what a great decade!! Sure everything was a little extreme and a tad lavish, but no one can't deny how great everything was, including the music. I consider myself a child of the 80's. Sure I was a tween during the heart of it all, but still isn't that considered your formative years of your adolescence and those memories that you will carry with you forever? Well it makes sense to me. I've said it here before, I first became aware of music back in 1983-4. My parents used to leave me alone with my sister when they needed to go to the store, so I used to take advantage of the situation and watch the forbidden stuff on t.v. Gosh, now that I think back, I have always been mischievous.

And by forbidden channels, I mean anything that wasn't a cartoon. Yes, that is all I could watch, but once they left me alone, I would tune it and watch on the tube Request Video. I was obsessed with that show. Richard Blade, a former dj for the L.A. radio station (KROQ), was dreamy (and old, of course); oh and he had that hot British accent. :)

Anyway, I remember being enchanted with all these singers and bands like, Madonna, Duran Duran, Wham!, Michael Jackson, etc. Man, was I hooked! I couldn't believe there was other music aside from the Platters, the Beatles, KISS.... OR Los Dandys and Perez Prado (Spanish stuff my mom used to listen to). Finally there was something cool that I can relate to and that I can listen to; something for us kids. The first video I saw and loved was Madonna's, Lucky Star.

Then followed my enchantment with Simon LeBon of Duran Duran in their video, Rio. Damn he looked hot in that white suit on that boat!! I so wanted to be there, even though I didn't know how to swim. Which brings me to the other favorite group of mine, WHAM! Aaah, George Michael was cute. And no I didn't suspect he was gay, plus I don't think I was aware of "gayness," for a lack or better words, at my tender young age of 10/11.

Blah, blah, blah, then the music mogul, Bob Geldoff decides to form Band Aid (the British/Irish charity super group) and it was awesome. Not to divert from the subject at hand, but this was the time in history when the world was focusing on Africa, specifically Ethiopia. I went to a Catholic school and the Irish nuns were good at giving us the guilt trip about the poor starving Ethiopian kids. Those nuns were sneaky...lmao, no really!!

So, what is the point of this blog post? Well I wanted to present to you two great Christmas videos from the Eighties; Band Aid's, "Do they know it's Christmas" and Wham!'s, "Last Christmas!" These are some of my favorite and cool Christmas songs! Which reminds me of the non existent use of the word Christmas...and no I won't get into it now; though I will at a later time.

Wham - Last Christmas
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Happy B-day Dave Gahan!

Yep, today is Dave Gahan's birthday. According to depechemode.com, Dave was born on May 9, 1962 in Epping, Essex, England. And that was great day indeed because who knew that baby Dave Gahan was going to be the frontman of one of the most influential bands of post modern rock and roll; of course the Beatles are the kings and the leaders of that 1st wave of English rock bands that rocked the world back in the 1960's, but Depeche Mode is part of the 2nd wave (during the 1980's).

I tell you, the 1st time I heard those guys via Request Video I was in love. I felt like I couldn't get enough of them. I was sold and addicted. I had to watch all their videos and had to listen to KROQ attentively so I can record them on my cassette player. OMG, I love DM! I especially loved that 1st hit, Just Can't Enough and apparently me and everyone else in the states couldn't get enough of Depeche Mode.

They, like Madonna, have been able to keep themselves "fresh" and "relevant" with every generation. Their fan base is huge and encompasses all ages and in every nation. They have influenced a lot of newer bands and there are many tribute bands that continue to carry their sound.

Here is a the making of "Comeback," my favorite song from their recent album, "Sounds of the Universe." I LOVE this song. It's such a great love song which talks about regrets.

"Come back to me, I'll be waiting patiently...walking a thin white line wasting all of my time. I'm in another world and in another place. weeks turn into months and months turn into years, reaching the same conclusions, gathering up the fear."

My Soulmate!

One word to describe this quiz result, the 80's, Blogthings, and ME? Soulmates! LoL

Your Inner Retro Girl Is 1980s Girl Next Door

Or at least, that's what your heart is.

What Retro Girl Are You?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

My DM update

Well this is random, but I finally updated my Depeche Mode flashwidgetz that is on the right side of this blog. I added Insight, Come Back to the list. I deleted Everything Counts, Blasphemous Rumors, and other track (I forgot already, sorry). Well hope you enjoy my playlist with my most favorite Depeche Mode songs. Have a great weekend and make sure it involves music, preferably good music like Depeche Mode. LoL

Skate & Whip IT!

I'm excited about watching this film; Whip It! For a while I've been wanting to see a L.A. Derby Dolls match. but haven't had the chance. Maybe after watching this film will inspire my friends to go with me to catch a "bout."

Kick ass chick flicks are quite uncommon, so I definitely want to see"Whip It!" This Saturday will be the sneak peak preview & apparently they will be giving away t-shirts. Well I know what I'll be doing this Saturday night. The soundtrack sounds great so hopefully the film will be great. Here is the invite/announcement for this Saturday (9/26/09)


Here is the theatrical trailer clip from FoxSearchLight's YouTube channel:

Music sounded better on Vinyl...

By answering "record" that doesn't make me like 100 years old or a grandma because I'm none of the above. I'm only 35, so yeah. I grew up in the 80's. Most teens now are into the 80's and dress it. I went to the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and was trippin' at the crazy flashback right before my eyes. All these kids dressed in 80's garb. I was like WTF! I know I had been inhaling all this weed, but I know this wasn't 1987, I was quite aware it was 2009 (and stll is, duh!)

Whoa! It was so crazy seeing all these kids dressing like I used to do so. Anyway, it wasn't too long ago that music was available on records aka vinyl and were available in 2 formats: 33 & 45 rpm. It was great. I remember the console my parents had. I still have my records and miss playing them. *sigh*

I also listened to music on cassettes and then on CD (compact disc) format; kinda reminiscent to vinyl, but only digital. When I used to visit one of my aunts (who is quite wealthy), she used to play her 8-tracks. The player & the fat cassettes were weird looking to me, but whatever.

Yes, times have changed and so has music. And now finally (almost 2 years ago), I'm up to date with the current digital revolution, the mp3 player. Gotta love technology. Though I still buy CD's at my favorite music store, Amoeba in Hollywood (a candy store for music enthusiasts) b/c I've been burned when my laptop has crashed; so at least I got my CD's as backup to all my music. Yeah, I'm still kinda old school that way. LoL

Wow, I just realized I know what each music format mentioned above is, but that doesn't make me old. It just makes me more knowledgeable. Most kids only know CD's (if that) and mp3 players only. Well, whatever. =)

RIP John Hughes

About 3 weeks ago, America's favorite 80's film director/producer/writer, John Hughes passed away of a sudden heart attack. I have been a long time fan Mr. Hughes' films since high school and is still deeply saddened by the loss. Why? Did I know him personally? No I didn't know him personally, I wish I did as so many other fans would want to, but he seemed like this really rad person.

I mean he made the Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day off, Pretty in Pink, Home Alone, and many others. If you think about it, one can say he is the father of Teen Flicks. If you look back in time, John Hughes is the only film producer/writer/director to produce a lot movies geared toward teens. Us Gen X'ers felt, felt like someone knew us, what we liked or didn't like, what dilemmas we faced on a daily basis (i.e. peer pressure, dating, parents, acceptance...). John Hughes knew us & portrayed it well. We were all hooked.

The day of his passing I took a Facebook poll about my favorite flick and had posted this as well on Facebook:

...today is a very sad day for all Gen Xers and enthusiasts alike... John Hughes passed away today in NY of a heart attack. I still luv Ferris Bueller, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, etc. RIP Mr.Hughes =(

The response was great. A lot of my friends were reminiscing about their favorite flicks & how it was great growing up in the 80's. And then one of them said, "are you kidding me? It's an end of an era." I was a mess. It's so true what Sandra had said. OMG, the good times are coming to an end. How awful!

For the poll, I picked Pretty in Pink, but it was a close call because alot of his films are really good and so it was a close call between, Ferris Bueller, Home Alone, and the Breakfast Club; it's a really tough decision. Some had the same dilemma as well. That's what I mean, JH knew what we were feeling and he put it out there. And the music he picked was great as well. We were introduced to Psychedelic Furs, OMD, Oingo Boingo, Simple Minds, The Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, and the list goes on.

Case in point, John Hughes' films left an impression on all Gen X'ers & JH enthusiasts alike. I recommend that you watch his films, if haven't done so already. I would recommend that you start with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, then follow it by Sixteen Candles, and then by The Breakfast Club. After you're done you'll see what I mean. I can go on all day writing about each teen flick, but I won't; but I will leave you with these 4 links to 4 blog posts. Make sure you have a box of tissues when you read the second one because you will be ballin'

From NPR: "Five Great John Hughes Moments"

From the blog, We'll Know When We Get there: "Sincerely, John Hughes"
And the audio version of this in which Alison was interviewed by BBC 5 Live: "Stops and starts and Flows" ...btw, I think Alison sounds like Molly Ringwald.

And the response to Sincerely JH, "Sincerely, Alison Byrne Fields"

P.S. please enjoy the following video montage of John Hughes' movies put out by LAFilmcutter on YouTube, called "Through The Eyes of John Hughes." It's really good and I hope you still have that box of tissues handy...you'll still need it.

The Best MJ cover, Ever!!!

What is the best Michael Jackson cover you ask? Well it's Alien Ant Farm's (2001), "Smooth Criminal." I can't believe I forgot about this song. Hadn't heard it in such a long time until today, while driving back home from Costco. Yeah, gotta love Costco.

ANYWAY! Why do I love it? Well because of the "Billie Jean" references and it has a great melody to it. I mean the song kicks ass! Don't you think? Well if you don't then something is wrong with you. LOL, seriously! I love the that little kid does the moonwalk with his face covered with a mask. Gotta love the Japanese girls posing as hard core fans of AAF (instead of MJ) and not to mention the MJ like jacket that Dryden Mitchell wore (blue instead of red). How about the girl in the blue bikini wearing a werewolf mask (Thriller video reference). And Dryden grabbing his crotch, or the monkey posing as Bubbles, and the skin head dude with the Michael Jackson tatoo wearing werewolf contacts.

This video was so well made it's a true piece of digital art (kinda like MJ and his videos). Love love this one. Well here is the video to "Smooth Criminal." The quality is kinda shitty, but oh well. Enjoy it darlings!

An Ode to a Great Musician

A lot has happened lately, specifically the passing of Michael Jackson-aka the King of Pop-was beloved by many across the world. Many artists attribute their love of the art to Michael Jackson and has served as an influence to a lot. Though he has been plagued with controversy throughout the better of part of his career and life, he undoubtedly will remain in our memories and hearts as the great musician he was.

On the day of his passing (6/25/2009), many at work were sad and some were happy he was dead. I, as outspoken as I am, decided to shed some light on these people that were happy he was dead. I said that whether he did or didn't do what he was accused of doing, it's not our business and we are no one to judge; only God will judge him, but regardless he was a human being.

He was a person who had an especially troubled childhood. Heck with that father of his, I'm surprised he didn't commit suicide a long time ago. His father, in my opinion, is still awful. When asked on Tuesday (6/30) if there were plans set for MJ's memorial, he said no but that he was working on a new record label. And he started plugging the new record label just like that. What an asshole! What a heartless human being!

Well as far as his music, my utmost favorite song by Michael Jackson is Billie Jean; hands down. The video to it great, too. I, like many gen-Xers, were hooked on music videos. These were such an innovation for that time, that one always looked forward to watching MTV and Request Video. I loved watching Request Video. It's hosts were Richard Blade and The Poorman, who also deejayed at KROQ at the time. I was introduced to this phenomenon in 1983. I was obsessed and had to tune into the tube everyday-Channel 56. When Billie Jean came out I was immediately hypnotized. I couldn't get enough of the song or the video. What was great for me, Richard was playing it everyday. That along with Madonna's Lucky Star & Duran Duran's Rio.

I wasn't too thrilled with the song, Thriller. It was a piece of great art, but could care less about it. I think I was traumatized and couldn't sleep for days. LOL My other favorite songs from are Pretty Young Thing, Beat It, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, and Rock with You. Unfortunately, I only own "Off the Wall" and never got to buying Thriller; don't know why.

As I've been talking to my friends about MJ, we truly all loved his music. We all have our own favorites and our unfavorites, but one thing holds the same, damn was he good. I'm hoping (but not counting on it) I can get tickets to the Memorial to be held at the Staples Center this Tuesday (7/7/09). *sigh* It would be great to go; a great memory of a lifetime.

Speaking of lifetime memories, I have a big memorable regret. I regret forgetting to go see that huge exhibition back in April in Beverly Hills. If you recall a lot of his stuff was going to be auctioned off. MJ's lawyers were able to get an injunction and stop the auction. So MJ's people arranged to have the items displayed for a week or so in Beverly Hills for $20. I think I passed it for Disneyland. DAMMIT! I can't believe I got mixed up and just forgot. This is something I will regret for the rest of my life.

Well, here is the video to my favorite song of all time, Billie Jean. I obtained the video from MJ's You Tube channel. I loved how everything he touched would light up, esp. the floor tiles. I love the tune and melody to this song. The song and it's video are just great overall. Thanks MJ for your wonderful contribution to music history. You surely will be missed forever. *SIGH*

'At any party these need to be blasted to set the mood...

Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode

Every party I've been to and has played this, everyone starts dancing and singing to this catchy tune.

Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses

Who ever doesn't enjoy this song must be stupid. This is an all time party favorite.

Magic Stick by Lil" Kim

Ok, this is way off from the other 2 (genre-wise), but it is an awesome song to get everyone all crazy. Luv it.

Burger King got Back??

Today I saw the most funniest commercial for Burger King. It involves Sir Mix Alot's infamous song, Baby Got Back, the King, and SpongeBob Square Pants. There's even a cameo appearance by Sir Mix Alot. Enjoy!

Latino Morrissey fans Unite...

Being the music fan that I am, I had to check out the Ameoba Music Film Screening series at the newly installed Space 1520 (behind the Jack-On-the-Box on Sunset & Cahuenga) in Hollywood. The music themed Film Screening series is being presented every Monday throughout March. Space 1520 is a trendy indie strip mall that houses a huge bookstore, 2 clothing stores, an art gallery, and a "Snack Bar." And all surrounding a small courtyard.

Last night (3/23/09), I went to go see at Space 1520's courtyard, the music documentary, "Passions Just Like Mine." This film is quite interesting because despite being a latina myself who went to high school in Montebello (bordering East L.A.) was unaware of the cult following that Morrissey had (and still does). I'm, as you know, a somewhat hardcore Depeche Mode fan, so I was never Morrissey follower or that of The Smiths. Don't get me wrong, I did and still enjoy their music, I just am not a hardcore fan.

The director/producer (Kerri Koch) mainly emphasizes on certain individuals from the L.A. metro area who are hardcore fans. The interviews are entertaining and insightful as to why they adore and admire Stephen Morrissey. Though I did not like how much emphasis was given to a well known cover band called Sweet and Tender Hooligans (STH) and it's lead singer Jose Maldonado. I found him rather annoying. I don't think he is the authority on all things Morrissey. We got to see his band's performances and they are awful. I have been to shows of other cover bands and they do a very good job eventhough they portray their own individuality. Whereas STH do a bad job. I can't see how Morrissey fans follow these guys. I think the fame that Jose has gained has gotten to his head. I'm sorry but STH are awful. It's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.

Anyhow, aside from the annoying Jose Maldonado clips, everything else was great. I was slowly realizing that latinos really believe what Morrissey has to say. In actuality, if you listen to his lyrics a lot of the themes are real and "in your face" so I can see how he has a strong following; almost cult like. Not only did he reach out to the 80's generation, but he continues to do so with current generations. Why? Well because there will always be government oppression, loners (aka society outcasts), heart breaks, emotional depression, etc. Latinos seem to take all of these feeling to heart (though the same can be said of every other person who is breathing on this earth).

Morrissey can be best describe as how "Ameobite" (from the Amoeblog) called him a [possible] diety, which I happen to agree. I think he can be categorized as a cultural phenomenon of it's own kind or a poetic nation of intellectuals whose leader's life is a myth and a paradox. Latinos tend to be passionate and emotional about issues affecting them and thereby tend to be more expressive. A lot of the spanish speaking singers also tend to be very poetic when describing their problems and these feelings are greatly shared by all the fans. Ultimately, this is what seems to attract latinos to the worshipping of Stephen Morrissey; case in point, the Morrissey-dharma effect.

Anyhow, overall this film was educational and entertaining at the same time. And I definitely recommend" Passions Just Like Mine," especially to all fans of music and of Morrissey. Well here is a promotional clip of the music documentary. Enjoy!

Enjoy the DM Tour Announcement clip!

So Depeche Mode decides to announce that they will tour in 2009 in, what I consider the Mecca of Rock and all things "raw", Germany. And Depeche Mode has gone through it's "raw" phases. I was glad with their choice with it's place in history and their influence on pop culture, believe it or not, though some may say London has had a much greater impact on pop culture. True, but there is a lot of wiggle room for discussion.

Anyhow, we are shown clips of past tours leading up to this one. I was personally excited to see those clips and to see them walking up to the conference stage. I am so excited to see them again! I wished I would have been able to see them in Europe (Spain), but things came up at work; at least I'll see them at the Hollywood Bowl. I am excited to get my hands on the new album. I will certainly be feverishly waiting.

Well I hope you enjoyed (or will enjoy) this 10 minute press conference clip. There are more, but I only posted this one because I don't want it to be overkill. Though I can't imagine why one would get frustrated watching a million Depeche Mode Videos.

Auf Wiedersehen & genieBen!!

My road-trip mix tape

Route 66 by Depeche Mode

By all means the ultimate road trip song, just listen to it. It also help that it's a catchy tune.

Behind the Wheel by Depeche Mode

Dave Gahan's Mini breaks down on a lonely country side road & out comes this hot lady in a vespa to the rescue. Obviously a dream come true for men, but the scenery makes u want to take that road trip; open road & air blowing through your hair, what a liberating feeling!

Material Girl by Madonna

Reminds me that it is great to spend...why else would you be taking a trip?

Too busy to blog...

All of a sudden I have been too busy to blog. I know it was my resolution to be more tech savvy and to build on this blog, but there isn't enough time to blog. For instance, last night I was in Redondo Beach at the Brixton bar. I saw, with friends, the 80's band "Missing Persons." Still amazing, but some of the "fans" were quite interesting. We were one of the few that were the youngest; the average audience's age was 45. I was under the impression that 45-50 year olds were part of the disco or soft rock era. The lead singer (Dale Bozzio) is 52, but her target audience was indeed the teens & tweens from the 1980's. They went on at 11:15 p.m. and played for about an hour. The sang the classics and concluded the night with "Walking in L.A." which it should have said "Walking in Redondo" (lol)!
Anyhoot, had to work early today, and I am dead tired now. I think will crash soon. Later on in the week I plan to post movie reviews and other stuff. Tomorrow is another fun and busy day...ttyl