Moe Adame is the singer and guitarist for California’s legendary deathrock band, Burning Image. The band recently reissued a remastered version of its 2011 album Oleander (reviewed here).
Check out some of the things that made me happy in 2017.
MOVIES:
Blade Runner 2049: Not a whole lot in the movie section, but I only go to movie theaters for special occasions. Blade Runner 2049 was that special occasion. I was skeptical when I heard that it was being filmed and being a hardcore fan of the original, I thought it was an unnecessary undertaking. I was wrong. It is an amazing movie: beautiful and thought provoking, visually stunning, dystopian perfection. Denis Villeneuve did the movie justice.
The Death and Resurrection Show ( Killing Joke documentary): One of my all time favorite bands, this documentary shows the mystical side of the band, concentrating mostly on frontman Jaz Coleman. Great film and a must see for Killing Joke fans.
MUSIC:
Metz, Strange Peace: Quickly becoming one of my favorite bands, Metz plays music with an urgency and anger that at times can be frightening. Strange Peace, the third release by the band, shows them in peak form. Mature and focused album produced by the great Steve Albini. Their live act is equally brutal on the senses (more on that later).
Sparks, Hippopotamus: Witty and clever music from a truly unappreciated and underrated band. The Mael brothers have done it again.
The Gitane Demone Quartet, Past The Sun: I love this band. Rikk Agnew has always been a huge influence on the way i play guitar and the way i write music. Gitane’s vocals are mesmerizing as always. Get this album.
Killing Joke, Pylon: Neck and neck with Cheap Trick as my favorite band of all time. Killing Joke never fails to bring the apocalypse to ever recording. Even the slower softer songs are just as bleak and visceral as the rest. Long live the Joke!
The Who, Live At Leeds: Perhaps the greatest live album ever. But then again……its THE WHO. Nuff said.
TELEVISION:
Lucifer: I don’t watch a whole lot of TV, but when I do it’s usually something silly or scary. My latest guilty pleasure is Lucifer, a cool show about my favorite protagonist. Campy and silly, but entertaining none the less. Tom Ellis is the best over the top Lucifer I have seen since Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate.
LIVE SHOWS:
Metz, Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA
The Kills, House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
Poptone, Strummer’s – Fresno, CA
The Phantom Limbs, The Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA
Nine Inch Nails, Rabobank Arena – Bakersfield, CA
MISCELLANEOUS:
Monsterpalooza: An annual event in Pasadena that showcases the best in movie horror, like movie props, makeup, memorabilia and horror stars galore. Meet Tom Savini, buy a cool Texas Chainsaw Massacre lunchbox or that perfect Nosferatu t-shirt that you have been wanting. Highly recommended.
Halloween Horror Nights/Horror Made Here: Universal and Warner Brothers Studios bring on the frights for the month of October. Universal, the bigger of the two, is a sight to behold, with fright mazes done by the studio professionals and big budget scares. Warner Brothers is now getting in on the maze action. Both were well done for 2017 and I can’t wait to see what they both conjure up for 2018.
Clifton’s Cafeteria: After being dormant for many years, this gem in downtown Los Angeles is back. A visit is a must. Spectacular is the only way that I can describe this wonder.
