Metal Leaves Studio

Imagine that it is after midnight, shadows everywhere, and you are being transported through town on an escalator instead of walking on the sidewalk. Oblisk's music would be the ultimate soundtrack for your journey.

Oblisk officially entered the Detroit music scene in 2004.  The players have changed since its inception, but the vision has remained the same since the beginning: to create a band with a certain musical style.

There is nothing straightforward about Oblisk's music.  The elements can be categorized as experimental/psychedelic/ shoegazing/wall of sound. A dramatic soundscape- focusing heavily on a dense sound that reverberates, where tension is built and then is shattered.

The music transports you wherever you want to go: Imagine flying through a storm on an airplane, riding a train through a desert windstorm, or driving through a blizzard. Listen to the patterns created. Sometimes you can hear something forcing itself through the droning.  Add subdued, sometimes haunting vocals- that is how Oblisk sounds.

Check them out live to create your own sound experience. Oblisk will be on stage tonight at the Lager House in Detroit. Purchase a copy of their latest album Weather Patterns at Candy Colored Dragon. 

Last week I attended 'Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History' at the Brooklyn Museum. This was an exceptional collection of photographs that spanned from 1950 to the present, and was filled with photographers whom I have followed throughout their careers as well as some I am fortunate enough to know.

The exhibit was remarkably executed. The curator showcased works that depicted quintessential moments in music. Included were explosive stage performances, unobtrusive behind-the-scenes shots, formal portrait sessions, and unguarded moments.

Notable works include Tina Turner shot by Bob Gruen, Jay & Diddy by Seliger, Paul McCartney as seen through Linda Eastman's lens, and Dylan as captured by Don Hunstein. 

More about the unbelievable exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum in a later post. Let's just say that I enjoyed this as much [if not more] than the Tate.

Brooklyn Museum
Exhibitions: Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History
October 30, 2009-January 31, 2010
Morris A. & Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor

Back in the MidWest, just in time for an Ice Festival Extravaganza! Hit up Plymouth to catch a glimpse of the sculptures before they pulled a Frosty.  

Didn't quite make it- Events were cancelled & all that remained were some disfigured blocks of melting ice that were rendered unrecognizable by the rain. Regardless, it was a kewl scene.

Back to Bedford-Stuyvesant- The Livest One! 

Next time will be a Chelsea Morning instead of a Clouds in my Coffee moment. This one began in Philly.

Last night was the opening of Elizabeth Gregory Gruen's latest exhibition., 'Cut-Work 2010' at Salomon Art Gallery in Tribeca. It is an astounding collection of work which 'examines the paradoxes and duality of the human condition.'

Each sculptural piece was created with exceptional precision and a patience that is difficult to comprehend. Her tool of choice- a scalpel.

The magnificent aspect of this work is to fully realize the intricacy involved in the creation of each piece and then to witness the destruction that befell select pieces- a fatal gunshot. 

Both instruments play a significant role and can be explored on many levels, both artistically and psychologically. And the concept itself can be investigated further as you begin to ask questions that cannot be answered.

Back in NY.  Attended opening in TriBecA, then back to my old neighborhood for a sec. 

Spent NYE in NYC.  [but not the part you are thinking of]  For this installment, we kicked it Village Style, although the obligatory shot of the Chrysler still came into play.
Next time around= TriBecA & Bedford Stuyvesant. And eventually some Brighton Beach Memoirs & Coney Island Dreams.