Bringing down the cold with me, I found myself in Shanghai to partake in what the city and music scene had to offer. I’ve done the whole touristy thing before – saw the bend, was mortified by Nanjing road, chased tail at Windows, you know, graze the surface. But this is was my true introduction, and I gotta say, Shanghai is quite the temptress. Here are some rambling thoughts, facts, nuggets for the three days I got way too comfortable there. And be sure to check back the next few days for footage from some pretty wicked shows.
– Rolled down on the fast train to Shanghai listening to ‘Fast Train to Shanghai’ from Noise Arcade – thirty minutes of electronic mayhem, definitely not the most relaxing thirty minutes of the ride
– Where the hell is my Doughnut King in Beijing? I demand it!
– Four expats bands in a row at Yuyintang – whoa indeed – even more shocking, they all rocked pretty hard
– Take the red pill
– How awesome is Yuyintang’s camera rig setup – convenient, effective, smart. File this under ‘Things Beijing Need’
– This guy really liked Friend or Foe – like really, look at the shit eating grin as he’s being entertained
– Paid at hotpot with unlucky numbered bills?! Is that even possible?
– How did I end up in Inferno? I don\’t care because this was home – the Temple of Shanghai, Tremors 2 on the tube, fusball and metal, and plenty o’ friendlies – this was my contribution to the joint
– A block only takes a minute to walk – another kick to the nuts Beijing
– How the hell can Uptown Records make their money back? And has anyone contemplated ‘getting rid of’ the neighbors so it can turn back into a full-scale livehouse
– 1 RMB for this guy —
My Danish roommate tells me the band has one of the most famous organ players in the world
– Getting relationship advice from Friend or Foe\’s Zac and Pairs\’ Xiao Z – Zac’s hardlined approach is probably the best (or worst) advice I’ve ever heard; oh Xiao Z told us his ‘special skill’ (hint: it involves a fist)
– Have a 7’’ record now – it’s only a matter of time before the next step is taken – must resist
– Jackie was right about The Dyne, they are atomic bomb of awesome
– A girl played with my hair for way too long as I recorded one band (this might explain why I’ve since gotten a haircut)
– There\’s something seriously cultish about Shanghai\’s scene – feels eerily like a commune at times
– I got to sling some Gar CD’s at the front of Yuyintang with mixed results – where\’s my cut Maybe Mars!?
– Late night drunken listening sessions with Foxygen, Pearl Jam, and more – nothing quite like talking shop over some brews
– Biked by the Fighting Cat Brewery, no way I’m not stopping for a pint
– How come Shanghai knows how to plant trees and Beijing doesn’t? Parks here wipe their asses with Beijing\’s finest
– A turtle on its back is both phallically disturbing and a little sad (kinda like mine)
– 390 Bar moonlights a gay bar half the time, live music joint the other half – business savvy indeed – now all we need is a gay live cover band and you’re set (or Friend or Foe)
– Best host a hobo could ask for – the ever dynamic duo of Adam and Ivy – seriously, watch out of those two, they will take you down the rabbit hole if you’re not careful (or are very willing)
So yeah, pretty rad trip. Gotta say thanks for the love you dirty little minx. I\’m sure we\’ll cross paths again. Check back the rest of the week for footage from Friend or Foe, The Gar, The Dyne, Pairs, Gooose, Stegosaurus?, Himdong, Round Eye, and Blue Magpie. Whew!
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