the death cab for cutie show last night was . . . outstanding. i have to admit, i’m not that familiar with them or their music (yet…that concert made a lifelong fan out of someone who already had an interest in their music) so this may not be the most informed review, but i will try.

they opened with one of the very mellow songs, i think the first track off their new album, that really showcases the vocal talent of benjamin gibbard. i have to say that it floored me. i thought his recorded voice sounded beautiful, and live it was no less moving. he’s just an incredible singer and songwriter. the live show made the pretty parts more touching because they were right there, and the rocking parts more energetic and loud than the recorded songs sound. in all aspects just a really good show. i can’t wait to see them again someday.

also, the band the prom who are on the same label apparently, with a piano/singer, bass, drum trio played some really great songs too. i liked them and plan to check them out. the middle band though, john vancerslice — well, that set could have been shorter. i hate to say it but i just saw nothing to like about them. i felt bad too, because i was standing pretty close to the stage, and i just could not enjoy their songs. i hoped they didn’t see me standing there, probably showing obvious signs of impatience while hoping they would finish so i could see a much better band. oh well.

the adventure didn’t stop after the last song of the encore though once i left the el rey. oh no. on the bus down wilshire, an old, crazy homeless black dude mumbling to himself fondled the breast of another overweight, five-toothed, weird-looking hispanic homeless woman right in front of me, which started them on a little game of musical chairs while she moved to get him to stop pestering her and he moved closer to her because he wanted to “tell her something”. that was interesting. then i had the pleasure of standing on the corner of wilshier and alvarado for 25 minutes around 12:30 at night waiting to transfer to the bus that runs back down past my apartment. this is not the kind of place you want to raise your children. or hang out alone after midnight when you’re a skinny white kid — not to say i was afraid, because i’ve never had any problems in the city so far just minding my own business. it’s just not something you would do for fun.

when the bus finally did come, i was the only one on it besides the driver. i can’t say that’s ever happened to me on public transportation before; and that was fine, just a little bizarre. so all in all, it was a whole new layer of fun on los angeles’ crappy public transportation system.

oh and for those interested (i.e. other guys, i’m assuming), tony hawk 3 is the most fun video game i’ve played so far. it’s unbelievable. i haven’t even got to grand theft auto yet, because tony hawk is so cool. good game. recommended.

end of loser video game talk. lunch time.