When life takes your lemons.. You still have music!

So - I am going to skip over the part where my MacBook Pro, iPods and other items got stolen last weekend because it doesn't deserve any more energy.

The one thing I am most upset about is that I lost all of my music. If you know me at all, this is utter devastation to my soul. So, today is my day off and I spent most of the morning really trying to get into the Coachella lineup.

I think I failed miserably. Yes, I love Thom Yorke to the core of my heart along with many of those bands in the small print. <-- you know, like at the DMV, the last line of your vision test? Yes, those! BUT, I'm not sure I can justify spending 3 days running from stage to stage passing through herds of mustaches and skinny jeans. Is it just me people, or are you somewhat disappointed with the lack or originality these days in music?

In my dreams, I create music festivals that challenge peoples norms, tastes and frequencies, but at Coachella, the creators just need the masses.

Here are some of my first thoughts of the lineup, I don't know all of the bands but gave 90% a listen.

I started to go band by band down the lineup then literally mid way, I just skipped to the ones I know due to continuing disappointment.

I made a playlist of songs I like from performers at this year's Coachella!
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/playlist/Coachella/23457028

Now on to my comments on some of the bands:

As tall as Lions - I like them on first pass. I can always tell when a band is from New York, but usually that's good. They have good lyrics, good instrumental prowess and a strong lead singer.

Ceu - Come on! Be gorgeous, speak Portuguese and sing beautiful songs - I'm your fan.

The Avett Brothers - First impression.. lots of banjo - bluegrass.. good


The Crooked Vultures - I really want to like them. I mean, I was a fan of Nirvana and also Foo Fighters - so why can't I get into Dave Grohl's new project, The Crooked Vultures? It seems to be very sedated, using heavy guitar that I have no affinity for anymore. Sorry Dave, there goes my hero, watch him as he goes. :sadface:

La Roux - One of my current favorites and yet again, an English band. Hello! <-- (hands out facing up to the sky while looking up in confusion) should I move to England?
Eleanor & Ben, I love how you are influenced by the 80's but make it very much a new thing. Your songs are fun, catchy and I'm a sucker for synths. Check out "Bulletproof" and "In for the Kill"

She & Him - Hello Zooey and M. Ward. Dynamic duo and a throwback to times when music was flirty, fun and simple yet oh so good.

Vampire Weekend - Fun, lighthearted, clean sound. Oddly enough this band was dubbed "Whitest Band" by Christian Lander who created the site "Stuff White People Like." Odd because the first song I heard was "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance"  and has a reggae like beat and supported by a gorgeous violin. It is the perfect blend of beat and class.

Thom Yorke - One of my favorite frontmen in the music biz. Radiohead is one of my favorite bands and I will follow Thom wherever he may go. I often listen to songs of theirs that can keep me dancing in my seat yet still give me the calmness of an angel. That's talent to its core. I will be seeing you!

Yann Tiersen - Can someone say Amelie? He's French, he composes beautiful music and he will be in Indio. Go see him! "Comptine D'un Autre Ete" <-- my favorite

Muse - Angelic vocals from the lead singer, complex music compositions, an ever changing style - I left before you performed at BFD 07'.. it won't happen again.

Dirty Projectors - How I love your use of strings but most of your music seems too slow. The music sounds complex so I want to like them. I will give them more listens in hopes they will grow on me.

Frightened Rabbit - Scottish band - first song I heard reminded me of the band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. They have a full, bright sound and you can feel the lead singers emotions when he sings. That's important to me.

Frank Turner - Although he is English, the first song I heard reminded me of many late nights with my Irish lads with them singing and playing guitar until it literally broke sometimes... at 5am <-- probably made the neighbors really happy. He has punk style lyrics with a campfire folk style.

DEVO - ??? Really?? Not only are the hipsters bringing back 80's gear.. but now I guess 80's bands get a chance at a comeback. "Whip It"

Gossip - Her voice gives me chills in a good way. Crystal clear and soulful.. I love "Heavy Cross"

MGMT - ok, your good but a little played out no?

Phoenix - I really didn't want to like you because everyone else did.. but you are good . I only wonder how you can top this album and change enough yet keep all of your fans. It's tough with such a niche style. Tons of good songs.
"Fences"
"1901"
"Liztomania"
"Long Distance Call"

ok I'll stop with their songs.

Les Claypool - Yes, I liked Primus. I did hear you rocked Symbiosis at Yosemite - your electric bass skills are unique and I know you are talented but I am not sure I will be making your show. I'll see how I feel the day of.

Jay-Z - I mean, hello!!! "I got no passion, I  got no Patience, and I hate waitin!" I love your lyrics, your voice.. I have you on my list to see event though you are the Brett Favre of Hip Hop.. we know you are never retiring homie.

Mew - Denmark, great female vocalist. I like "Repeaterbeater" but I'm not sold on you yet.

PassionPit - again, I really like you right now but such a niche sound that I am not sure how you will scale. In any case, I'll keep my "Sleepyhead" and "Little Secrets" in my iPod.. <-- oh wait.. I don't have an iPod anymore.. :crying:

The xx - One of my new favorites. Oh, European bands, why do I always love you so much? Such dreamy sounds, good for ambiance yet not ambient. Check out "Crystalised," "Islands" and "Intro"

Bassnectar - Dirty Dirty beats that I can't imagine dancing to when not out on the playa. He can rock a room and bring out a dancing style in me that only comes out to music like this.

Deadmau5 - music is hot, I like lyrics.. you make me dance.. I LOVE YOUR MOUSE HEADS!! Can I be you for halloween.

Dead Weather - yes yes.. a star studded line up and Alison.. I love the Kills but I think it's because your co-mate in that was Brittish. I can't get into the Dead Weather. Sorry ;(

Rob said he thought Daft Punk would be here.. that my friends would make it worth it.

Any bands I left out are either because I am tired, I already like them and am tired of saying so or didn't feel the urge..

Hey Mom, "How was the world created?"

I would like to not be typical and treat this blog post like a Time Magazine 2009 Year In Review, but I feel an internal urge to recap ftw just happened. Do you ever have those days where you feel like you woke up, went to work and didn't stop working until you fell asleep in your clothes on the couch? <-- that was my 2009. My new years resolution is to change into my pajamas at night. 

Bento 415 was the outcome of many a night falling asleep spooning my laptop with my lights still on.

I met my business partner (Chris Beerman) on Easter 2009 at the "Bring Your Own Big Wheel' Race in Potrero Hill. Rewind one week prior to that: I was perusing my Twitter Feed and saw a post by a girl that had made her very own artistic bento box lunch and it made my heart skip a beat. I remember the feeling of excitement the photo had incited in me and I wanted to pay it forward. Over the next few days, I made way to many trips to Ichiban Kan and other such stores to collect the necessary tools and accessories to make my very own bento boxes. 

With my heart beating fast caused by the happiest anxiety..I walked briskly up the steepest hills in Potrero <--- late as NOT usual. The race was just about to commence and I had two options... the second option, I did not know existed  until after completing option 1. Option 1 consisted of maneuvering down the curviest street in SF and no it's not Lombard, while looking over my shoulder every 2 seconds to make sure I am not swept off of my feet by some oversized man riding a big wheel in a Mario Brothers costume. I found my friends and finally unveiled the cause of my tardiness. Everyone including Chris Beerman were as surprised and intrigued by the bento box concept. Chris gave me his card and said we should talk. He was starting a market. My first response! "Just so you know, I am no chef!" I'm sure he believes me now. :)

A month later, I called, we met and about 5 months later we made our first dollar doing business as Bento 415. I have since quit my security blanket aka. my full time job and am working full time at our retail location in Potrero Hill. <-- where it all started.

Just when I start to feel overwhelmed, tired, consumed or unbalanced from what it takes to get your own business started,  I get a question from my daughter like, "Mom, how was the world created?" ... and she reminds me that her imagination and curiosity is what I do all of this for.