Les Livres: Gorillaz ‘Escape to Plastic Beach’ Tour Program vs. Pearl Jam ‘Twenty’

Gorillaz Escape to Plastic Beach Tour Program

I’ve gone a tangent to do a clear out of stuff in my flat and am starting to only make sound purchases that are truly worth the investment.  I want to start saving up cash and reducing my carbon foot print.  I know, who am I?  Times are a changing.

Last Fall, I saw the Gorillaz at the ACC.  It has to be on my list of  Top Ten favourite concerts of all time.  Members of The Clash, De La Soul, Damon Albarn - pure magic.  I have been eyeing this Gorillaz Escape to Plastic Beach Tour Program for a while now and found one on ebay.co.uk a month or so ago.  If you are a fan of the Gorillaz – this is an investment purchase.  It chronicles the tour, there are great interviews and photographs also included.

Pearl Jam Twenty

Now, one book I didn’t buy was Pearl Jam Twenty.  It is retailing for $40 CAD on amazon.ca.  Sure I checked out their emotionally raw show at the ACC back in September; but its not enough for me to spend the money on this one.  Instead I borrowed this from my local library.

Temple of the Dog

Here is a description from amazon.ca:

“Published in celebration of Pearl Jam’s twentieth anniversary and in conjunction with Cameron Crowe’s definitive documentary film and soundtrack of the same name, PEARL JAM TWENTY is an aesthetically stunning and definitive chronicle of their two decades as a band—by the band itself.

Nirvana & Eddie

In 1991, Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten catapulted the little-known Seattle-based band into superstardom. Then, at the height of their popularity, the band shunned the spotlight, refusing to shoot videos or do interviews. Even as Pearl Jam’s studio albums continued to be critically acclaimed and commercially successful, selling over 60 million albums worldwide, the inner workings of the band—their day-to-day routines, influences, and motivations—remained unknown even to their diehard fans.”

Joe Strummer

The photographs, diary, historical retrospective is lovely.  For the price point (it’s currently selling for close to $25 on amazon.ca) it’s a great deal.  But for me a semi fan?  Neh – carbon foot print saved.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

PJ20: Toronto ACC Sept 12 , 2011

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PJ20 – Pearl Jam’s 20th Anniversary Concert/Film in Toronto This Weekend

I’m going to see PJ on Monday in Toronto at the ACC.  20 years of their music….I’ll be honest, I fell off their radar after Vitalogy.  I remember them so fondly when I saw them open for RHCP at the Concert Hall when I was 18 with Jakub.  ’Alive’ had such great songs.

When I heard they were doing a 20th anniversary tour that also supported a docu directed by Cameron Crowe (Say Anything and Singles fame)which ironically is being showcased also at TIFF this weekend – I felt excited.

Mudhoney is opening for them and apparently Chris Cornell is also touring with them to support Temple of the Dog sets.  I’m sure its going to be very emotional for both fans and the band.  ‘Hunger Strike?’.  Sigh…man its lovely.

I’ve been having a really hard time with music of late.  As much as it is such a big part of my life it also is really hard for me to listen to right now.  This summer in particular has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to deal with in awhile.  Of course music just has to be sewn into that fabric when I need it so much in terms of providing me with self care. I can’t even go near it even in my own flat.  My stereo has been silent for a long time with tons of CD’s looking onto it so forlornly.

Bottom line…I’m working on it.  I’m trying my best to lean into those sharp edges and find the love again with music.  First step…this weekend I do some work on my ipod. 

This maybe my last show for awhile.  I gave up my Portishead tickets as part of a divorce.  Yep – not going there.  Most painful thing I’ve had to go through in awhile and I’m not talking about the tickets.  It wasn’t a good end to a tough summer.

I’m going with an old friend to PJ.  Oddly enough from the time I was in love with PJ during university.  It’ll be nice to hang with Sasha…we haven’t seen each other in maybe 12 years.  Hmmmm….kinda like me and PJ.  Here’s to new beginnings.

I promise to take pix and post after Monday.  I’m digging out my plaid, mini skirt, combat boots tonight. 

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo