Recently, Robbie Cobb and I teamed up on a creative challenge for AAF Greenville's call for entries poster for the 2008 Addy Awards. The theme for this year is "REVOLUTION" -
Revolt –
Copy: You may have noticed that the period here is blank. If you haven't figured it out, this is where your work would go - right inside this blank space. That is to say that of all these great ads throughout the history of advertising, yours would be at the forefront of them all. Your ad is the next greatest idea (for real). So get off your ass and lead the revolution, because it's here and happening with or without you. Chug your coffee, grab your pens, pencils, and brainstorming buddies, and blow out that copy until your heart's content (even if it's just a smidge too much.)
Propaganda –
My God, Your Work is Revolting! -
Copy: Have you ever heard the phrase, “you’re only as good as your work?”
Well, if you haven’t you should take heed because it’s true. As soon as your company name drops, you’re being judged based on the quality of the work it produces. So, is what you’re doing smart? Is it revolutionary? Are you turning heads or turning stomachs?
Let’s see how you measure up.
Revolution -
We will find out if one of our posters were chosen sometime next month, so for now we're keeping our fingers crossed. Feel free to cast your vote for your favorite.
I like our apartment. It's a loft that was converted from a mill that was built in the late 1800s. It's got a lot of character, and aesthetically I've always really enjoyed living there. The thing is - people feel somehow privileged to live in an old mill, and a result of this privileged feeling is snobbery. Since I've lived in this building, I have not really gotten to know anyone else who lives there. I've had a few odd brushes with neighbors, but not much more.
The thing is, I want more connection with my neighbor. I actually think about it. Long for it.
Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the people in my building are great people. It's just that getting to know the people who live around you isn't exactly fashionable anymore. After all, with the creation of Facebook and Myspace, who really needs to get out anymore?
I'm trying, though.
I baked my neighbors cookies once. I stood outside their door with a piece of cheap Tupperware filled with organic sugar cookies. I rang the doorbell and waited. I felt like I was waiting for the execution squad to show up. Like I'm tied to a post frantically puffing on my last cigarette. Why did I feel so much pressure? So much Awkwardness. I gave her the cookies and she was thankful; though, the interaction didn't really pan out like I had hoped. I think she took the gesture in more of a "Sorry my roommates were loud last night" kind of way.
After that, only really saw my neighbors in passing.
That was a while ago, and I recently got into that disconnected mood again (as I indicated earlier). I made an Oktoberfest six pack for them. Does this stuff come off as creepy? Maybe. I'm not sure how well it's received. Hospitality and kindness is, and often should be, received with caution these days. But maybe if I keep working at it - chipping away, I'll find some equilibrium in neighborly connection. After all, I know that Joey, my neighbor, is a chemical engineer.
It's concert season again, and I'm trying to see as many shows as I can afford to see. I'll give you a brief summary and evaluation of what I've made it through so far -
Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello with Amos Lee Littlejohn Coliseum - Clemson, SC
This was a big deal for me because I've missed two opportunities to see Dylan live - once in high school at the BiLo Center and once in college when he played the old Greenville (then) Braves Stadium. In hindsight, however, I'm really glad that I missed those two shows for a few reasons.
#1 - There is no way I would have appreciated the magnitude of the experience.
#2 - I was not familiar at the time with any of his new music. ("Desire" was the only album I owned.)
#3 - Earlier configurations did not include Elvis Costello and Amos Lee; however, it would have been a great honor to see Willie Nelson the last go 'round.
Having said that, the show could not have been any better - save seats that weren't on the top row of the stadium.
Amos Lee opened for Costello and Dylan and put on quite a worthy show. Honestly, I'm not really familiar with Lee's music, but the performance was good enough to make me seek out some of his records. Much like Costello and Dylan, the carried with him a heavy country music influence, but at the same time, he seemed very much in touch with his pop sensibility.
Costello took the stage next in a solo performance which I'm sure I enjoyed much more than I would have had a backup band been present. Lyrically, I have always been a an of Costello. Though much of his earlier music turns me off a bit - not to mention the laughable number of his songs that share names with various women. His style is poetic - often both bitter and beautiful, and I found myself indulging his story telling perhaps a bit more than I should. I should also note that, judging by his crowd interaction, Costello has an ego the size of his Texas style riffs.
Dylan finished up the night and did not disappoint. Not only was his band phenomenal, he was surprisingly energetic for his age. He started the first few songs with a guitar, but soon retired to the keyboards for the remainder of the show. Dylan had always struck me as more of a writer than a musician; however, he could certainly hold his own on both a guitar and piano. I had always assumed that the lead parts on his records was some other musician in the background filling in space between words. I found that this is not the case, and he added to the talent he carries with him very nicely.
Dylan played a nice mix of old and new - leaning a little heavier on his new work. This was great for me because I enjoy some of his new world almost as much as the stuff he is a legend for. These were my picks:
Someday Baby Summer Days John Brown and of course - Like a Rolling Stone
Besides the awful seats - it was an incredible experience. I'm hoping I get to experience him again before...well, you know.
Rilo Kiley with Grand Ole Party and Art in Manila The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
First of all: The Orange Peel is one of the best venues around. Clean bathrooms, great environment, great shows, and great beer. All good things.
The show started on a high note with Art in Manila. Though I'm not familiar with the bands music, they put on a great show. Full of spunk and energy, they waxed on about everything from broken relationships to post consumer waste (which is what their CD case is made from.) Solid performance all around.
The next band to take the stage was Grand Ole Party. They too were an enjoyable band, mostly because the lead singer (female in all three groups) was also the drummer. As she played, she wore a Garth Brooks style headset for her vocals. Though she never really did anything overly impressive on the drums, I know for a fact that it's hard to sing and play drums. The only negative note for these guys would be that they (for my taste) sound just a bit too much like The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs.
As Rilo Kiley came onstage, it was obvious who - to the fans - Rilo Kiley is. As Jenny Lewis appeared from behind the curtain the meager cheering that had welcomed the rest of the band became an uproar of applause. In fact, I've actually heard people mistakingly refer to Jenny Lewis as "Rilo Kiley." It does, after all, sound like a girl's name.
There isn't an awful lot to say other than the band played a great mix of old and new songs - leaving out the weaker songs from the new album. One high note for me was the cover or Rise Up With Fists!! from Lewis' solo album "Rabbit Fur Coat." My picks were:
Ripchord Moneymaker Portions for Foxes 15 It's a Hit Does He Love You? and Rise Up With Fists!!
I'll leave you with a short clip from the actual show. I didn't film it, but whoever did was gracious enough to post the clip on YouTube.
Suggested Podcast: American Public Media's: The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor
Covers important events and birthdays as well as daily poetry readings. Updated every day and always moving and inspiring.
