Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Angsty, unadulterated self-expression

I went to see Wolf Parade last night. Great show. Fantastic. (Let me get that out of the way before I start complaining.) But Wolf Parade's drummer needs a friking metronome. Very nearly every song was revved up into a short little diddy of a punk anthem. Perhaps the band simply wanted to get off the stage asap, but whatever the case, slow the damn songs down.

The title of this post is more in reference to one of the evening's two openers, Frog Eyes, than Wolf Parade. I realized something while standing in the crowd, watching their front man gyrate, mumble incoherently, and frenetically scratch his guitar (which sounded like Tom Morello after an acid binge): Indy rock is all about the song writing. More so than any genre I've lived through, the ascent to the pedestal of cool in Indy rock depends largely on well written songs. The contrast last night was stark. Wolf Parade had them in spades, Frog Eyes had jack. I found myself wondering how the Frog Eyes front man had managed to convince someone to let him bring his private bathroom mirror "I am rockstar" fantasy out for all the world to see. I can hardly imagine something less interesting. Mercifully, it was at least a bit comical.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

To be Young and Hip

I recently responded to a job posting seeking "hip alternative waitstaff." This was my reply:

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Hello,

I am responding to your ad for hip alternative waitstaff. Not knowing what sort of hipness litmus test you have in mind, I am at a loss as to what to include (I mean, many of us are hip in different ways). But suffice it to say, I am pretty hip. I like hip music. I wear hip clothes (in a variety of styles) and I really don't care about being hip (ultimately, the most important quality, to some at least). All that aside, I imagine that in asking for hip alternative types you were partly trying to draw in those who are easygoing, which I am, but even better, I am also hardworking (I've been promoted at both of the full-time jobs I have held).

Incidentally, should you like any advice in putting together a hip wine list I've got the knowledge to do it.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Evan Trimble
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As you may have guessed, I am still looking for a job. I've also expanded my field of possible jobs to include most anything wine related that pays half decently (or has benefits). We'll see what sort of response my hip potential employer gives me. I'm still primarily focused on looking for work with a wine distribution or import company, but have yet to find any. There's still one dream company (relative to Portland) that I haven't jumped through all the hoops with yet (I'm trying get one of the owners on the phone to follow up on the cover letter and resume I posted to him late last week), but at this point I am cold-calling every distribution and import company based in Portland (or with Portland offices) that I can find. Cold-calling sucks at first, but I'm getting better at it and it's becoming sort of fun. Today I got one invitation to go visit a little import and distribution company and chat with the owner and see his operation. He couldn't offer me a job as there was none available (it's a very small outfit) but it should be interesting and could lead to something in the future.

Hope all are well.

Love Ev