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Sci-Fi 2020

Read More Films As a Christmas gift to myself, I decided to get one of my favorite Scanners on Criterion Blu-Ray. This three-disc edition is a nice upgrade to my MGM DVD. I haven't had a chance to look over the special …

POSSESSOR (2020)
possessormovie.com

One of the goriest, most disturbing films of all time, Possessor came out on 4K/Bluray/DVD earlier in October 2020 … but I finally bought it recently. Wow, I would agree with Film Threat calling this film “the first great Sci-Fi Horror movie of the decade.”

I would put this film in the Horror category… the Sci-Fi elements comes from the technology that allows the Possessor, Tasya Vos, to take control of another person using a remote circuitry that is inserted in the victim’s head. In this film, it appears to be the future, but at the same time, all the buildings and furniture looks like they’re from the 70s… so you can’t quite place your finger on the timeline (however, according to the movie, it took place in 2008!).

The story is not perfect, for example, I’m more curious about how the authorities have not cracked down (or even aware) of this monstrous remote assassination company? Or the fact that there is not anti-possessor technology?

The film also suffers from pacing, with some scenes going on too long. For example, there are scenes that are so extreme and over-the-top, that it felt over indulgent on Brandon Cronenberg’s part. It’s like he wants to shock us, or daring the movie industry to censor him, or maybe trying to live up to his dad (David Cronenberg). Do we need to zoom in on a person’s head being bashed in and losing his teeth? Wait, we’ll turn it up a notch and poke out his eye. The camera does not flinch, it just focusses on the horrifying act. Maybe it wasn’t very long, but it felt like an eternity.

Speaking of which, it definitely feels like a (David) Cronenberg film… and although this is only Brandon’s second film, I am very excited to see more from this young director.

Otherwise, the film is very interesting. After seeing a successful assassination using the Possessor’s method, we’re briefed on Vos’ next assignment: possessing Colin Tate to murder his fiancé and her father. Of course, the problem is that Vos lost control of her host, shortly after the murders, and now Colin is trying to get to the bottom of this horrific crime.

The ending is pretty shocking… and I recommend checking out the Uncut version.

PS, I bought this film on Bluray, but realized that I intentionally bought the Rated R version. It is annoying, I wish Well Go USA would have just packaged the Uncut and Rated version onto one release.

PARALLEL (2018)
vert-ent.com

The Sci-Fi thriller Parallel came out in 2018, via the movie festival circuit, but it was finally officially release “in Theaters” and streaming media on December 11, 2020.

I have to say that this is a pretty indie smart Science Fiction thriller. The film reminds me of Time Lapse (2014), which is another low-budget film around a stationary camera that takes photos one day in the future. In Parallel, the story revolves around a station mirror that allows a person to enter into another parallel dimension.

Some problems I had with the film is how the group of four friends discovered the hidden room and mirror. I know the four friends are smart, but it seems really questionable how they all arrived in the same conclusion of this magical mirror.

Like television show, Counterpart, the two dimensions are the same… but there are minor differences. In Counterpart, the scientists made one small “Butterfly Effect” that made the two universes to be completely different. In Parallel, there are characters that doesn’t exist or have died early, so the two universes are not the same. However, if you take Counterpart’s logic that one tiny change could result in a completely different world… it doesn’t work that way in Parallel. So, accepting Parallel’s world as almost identical to the real world is not believable (especially if the dead person may have children or affected someone else’s lives…)

Anyway, the friends work out that one minute of the parallel universe time is actually three hours in their world. They also work out that every time they enter that other universe, it’s a completely different dimension - meaning that any mark they left in that other world is reset or completely gone when they re-enter the mirror.

The four friends took advantage of this other universe by using that time difference to work on their software. Then they keep abusing the portal for self-gain, like stealing money or ideas from the other world. For example, you can spend a few months in the other world to see what’s popular and then come back with that same “idea”. There are no consequences, because that other time cease to exist when they return back to their normal world (at least that’s the theory).

The story is fun, fast-pacing, and you can easily follow what’s going on. Things gets out of control when one of the characters is mortally wounded. I won’t go on about what happened next, but it does come to a very logical conclusion.

TENET (2020)
tenetfilm.com

One of the most anticipated films of all time, Tenet, finally came out on 4K, Bluray, DVD, and digital, on December 15, 2020. This Sci-Fi/Action thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan was delayed numerous times due to COVID-19, but when it was finally released, it failed to save cinema.

Maybe I’m just stupid, but Nolan’s high-concept and directional choices left me confused and disinterested in the story. I will try to explain the story, as to the best of my understanding. The film is about a CIA agent (unnamed), working for a secret organization, Tenet, trying to uncover the mystery of these bullets from the future. The bullets are reversed, so you don’t “fire” the gun, but “catch” the bullet, because of its “inverted” properties.

The film plays around with time and the idea of time. Nolan is no stranger to these concepts, considering that his first big breakout film, Memento, was told from the ending to the beginning.

While the concept of reversing time through these artifacts from the future, the story and dialogues are often confusing. You’re told that the world will end with this formula, some algorithm, but it’s a vague idea. Why was this formula so dangerous? Why are reverse explosions dangerous? You never quite understand. Most of the “technical” dialogues and characters talking are nonsensical to me. Maybe it’s because they’re British, but it’s shouldn’t be so hard to follow?

Anyway, the film is a mess, and I already hated The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar… so Tenet is Nolan’s third strike for me.

So, yeah, I don’t recommend Tenet. You’re better off enjoying any movie with a start, a middle, and an ending. Maybe Nolan is ahead of his time, but for the present time, I am not a fan.

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Flashback: Bat for Lashes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (07 Aug 2009)

Setlist Intro Glass Sleep Alone Horse and I Travelling Woman (Two Suns) Siren Song The Wizard Trophy Peace of Mind Tahiti What's a Girl to Do? Pearl's Dream -- Encore -- Prescilla Good Love Moon and Moon Two Planets Daniel Read More Bat for Lashes Bat for Lashes is currently back in the U.S. to tour with Depeche Mode, but in between those dates, the band booked a few headlining side shows. Not surprising since they did a similar deal when they played Coachella.…

This was my second time seeing Bat for Lashes. The band blew up on the internet with a viral video, and since then, have gained a new following. The Varsity is located next to the University of Minnesota, so it would make sense on a school night, that the venue closes before midnight and was eager to kick out everyone…

Also, it’s worth noting, since I am a Charlotte Hatherley fan, that it was a bonus to see her in Natasha Khan’s band.

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Natasha Khan, aka Bat for Lashes, with her band made their very first American show last night at the ever-elegant Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

Once again, Dearling Physique, opened up for Bat. Compared to their previous appearance, I would have to say that this show sounded so much better (I talked briefly with the band and they admitted it was because they actually had a chance to do sound check prior to playing). Mister Dominique Davis came on stage in somewhat of a superhero outfit, complete with table cloth cape and all. It should be interesting to keep an eye on this band, they're starting their national tour in a few weeks.

Back to Bat for Lashes, I was lucky enough to catch them very early in their career in America, at the very tiny 7th Street Entry in 2007. They only did eight songs, based on their setlist. And not even that Springsteen "I'm on Fire" cover song (Natasha told me that they just didn't have the proper equipment to play it).

Setlist

With only just two years later, the band's audience had quadrupled with the Varsity Theater filling up quickly. Gone was the Indian/Native American theme, such as the Shaman's sceptre - but it's understandable as the setlist is mostly from their Two Suns album. And the theme to Two Suns, if anything, is about duality and opposites. Like the mountain the sky, the sun and the moon, love and hate, which the stage was clearly demonstrating.  For example, there were all these plastic Jesus statues and candles, but their songs are about nature (with the background of the mountains and the sky).

The highlight for me was them taking care of my favorite "lonely lonely lonely" song, "Sleep Alone", very early on their set.

The audience obviously loved "What's a Girl to Do?" and "Daniel". I should add that "Pearl's Dream" sounded fantastic live, as they end their set before coming back for the inevitable encore.

A fun note, as I have previously mentioned, Charlotte Hatherley is in Khan's band as the bassist/backup vocalist. I wanted to say hi after the show, as I've met her a while back when she was touring with Ash and that I have always liked her solo work as well. Unfortunately, the Varsity staff was kicking everyone out and I ended up just going home.

If you get a chance, check out Bat for Lashes on tour. Their latest album is Two Suns, however, a quick check shows an exclusive iTunes EP that was just released: Bat for Lashes - iTunes Live: London Festival '09 EP.

Bat for Lashes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (07 Aug 2009)

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Flashback: Noisettes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (05 Aug 2009)

Setlist Wild Young Hearts Never Forget You 24 Hours Ago Saturday Night Sometimes Don't Give Up Every Now and Then Don't Upset the Rhythm Atticus Sister Rosetta Read More Noisettes Noisettes are the big buzz band from London. They were already causing a stir when I saw in May 2007 in Chicago at a tiny bar venue. This time around, they finally made their way to Minneapolis, with a free show, no less at the oh so beautiful Varsity Theater. .…

Back in 2009, I would jump at any chance to go to the Varsity Theater… this was my favorite venue at the time. Plus, any bands from England was on my “must see” list… so naturday, Noisettes at the Varsity Theater was a no-brainer for me.

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Noisettes are the big buzz band from London. They were already causing a stir when I saw in May 2007 in Chicago at a tiny bar venue. This time around, they finally made their way to Minneapolis, with a free show, no less at the oh so beautiful Varsity Theater.

Warming up for them was local band Dearling Physique, with this kind of Massive Attack-type song, but more tribal. Their singer, Dominique Davis, have some crazy dance moves. He had some sort of face paint on, I couldn't tell if it's just for show or that he really got those tattoos on his face.

Setlist

When Noisettes started playing, singer/bassist Shingai Shoniwa, was nowhere to be found. Then you started hearing singing for "Wild Young Hearts", and by the second stanza, Shoniwa is making such an entrance on stage! Complete with outrageous three-feet tall hairdo and even more outrageous red-chili Tina Turner-esque dress.

As you can see from their setlist, they only did songs from their upcoming album, Wild Young Hearts (sans the one exception of "Don't Give Up" from their debut What's the Time Mr. Wolf?).

I actually don't have their new album, but judging from the live performance, it seems more 60s soul-inspired. That's quite alright with me, as you know I do love me some of that soul-revival.

There were some great moments at the show, I think the highlight would be when Shoniwa started wandering into the audience - still singing. It got a bit awkward when her mic cord started wrapping people. Maybe it's time to go wireless?

Incidentally, since the show was free, there was a huge turnout at the Varsity (possibly reaching near capacity). I ran into people I knew (Shayna-na-na & Raven), which shows you that there were a lot of people there. Thank you "Mr Chan Presents", I have been to many of your shows.

So, find out why The Guardian calls Noisettes "the best live band in Britain", go see them on tour if you can. Their brand new album, Wild Young Hearts, is not available in the US yet (the release date I have is September 22^nd), but was released in the UK last April. You can still get What's the Time Mr. Wolf? on the regular outlets.

Noisettes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (05 Aug 2009)

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Flashback: Mark Kozelek at St Phillips Church, Salford (20 July 2009)

Read More Mark Kozelek It used to be easy to keep up with Mark Kozelek. He’d release a record every couple years “ either a solo album of covers or an album of original material with his band moniker Red House Painters or Sun Kil Moon …

Duncan saw Mark Kozelek at a church. Apparently, church shows are quite popular in the UK.

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Have you ever been to church and felt like the terrible seating is contrived to be as much a part of the lesson as the sermon itself? Like pain and suffering for the greater good, I hoped tonight's performance would also reward for perseverance and vigilance.

The altar set, underneath a church bathed in soft primary coloured light, an interesting setting for Mark Kozelek to bare his soul. He starts up his mournful plucking and attempts to move the congregation to the saddest of places.

As the tones of the most desolate landscapes bounced off the church walls, I wondered what he was making of it all, playing well yet seeming uneasy and not quite ready to catch fire. It didn't take long for him to make his feelings known, 'I'm going backstage to get my set-list, don't start talking and f**k up the vibe' he quips just three songs in. I can't imagine any sermon being interrupted like this before, cussing aside I never knew there was a backstage in a place like this. His humour is dry and well received, but its matter of fact in a way that shows he clearly isn't happy - demanding awkwardly for the delicately arranged 'house lights' to be turned off.

'Gloomchester, Greychester...' he mutters.

Lights down low, he admits he feels less the 'performing freak' and can peddle his act and perform with dignity in the darkness. Seemingly, it allows him to channel his sadness, and when he does, his brilliance is uncovered, never have I heard such range in monotone delivery like this. There's beauty amongst bluntness in his lyrics.

Its dark outside, a few classics are reeled out and Kozelek, thriving and exuding passion has made the place his own.

'How are you doing out there?', Now clearly enjoying himself, cracking witty anecdotes. He decides to reward the faithful below with some previously unperformed relics of the past, the indignity of sharing a bathroom queue with these people now forgotten in his eagerness. He steadily begins to indulge more and more, Red House Painter's classic 'Michael' sets up a couple of more arduous tracks seemingly caught in a spiral of excursions down endless Spanish guitar avenues. The hard angle of the chairs provide the faithful with a poking reminder, a sense of duty to suffer, and tonight it is all worth it.

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Flashback: Those Darlins at the 7th Street, Minneapolis (18 July 2009)

Setlist Wild One Snaggle Tooth Mama Mama's Heart $ Shakin' All Over (Johnny Kidd & The Pirates cover) Who's That Knockin' At My Window Hung Up On Me 222 Cannonball Blues DUI or Die Hang On (Link Wray cover) The Witch The Whole Damn Thing Red Light Love Night Jogger Funstix Party Read More Those Darlins We love Those Darlins. Currently the Nashville band will be releasing latest album Blur the Line this October 1st, and the band will be heading out on tour in support of the new record. …

I still can’t believe that Jessi Zazu, the young musician from Those Darlins, died in September 2017. She was only 28. In her brief time, we’ve managed to see NINE times, as they were one of our favorite bands to see. They were young, they were fun, and they knew how to party. All the times we went to see them open for another band… we can see them literally winning over the audience. So every time they come back to Minneapolis, their fanbase double and triple! We’re glad to have found them (and recognize their talent early on). Again, we’re deeply sadden that Those Darlins had died with Jessi, three years ago.

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One of our reader, Arlington Hynes once wrote: "Those Darlins are the greatest thing since, like, I don't know what. Holy crap! I love 'em!"

These gals (and one lonely "Sheriff" Lin on drums) certainly have a large following in Minneapolis, as evident from last night's exceptional dancing and singing along audience at the 7th Street Entry. Yes, those boots-wearing, booze-drinking Those Darlins was more than happy to receive the energetic feedback.

Even as I got there, pretty early (the opening bands haven't even arrived), I noticed right away that it was a good turnout. Speaking of openers, two equally rocking local bands, His Mischief and Red Pens warmed up the audience.

The main thing I remember about His Mischief was that the guitarist, suffering from a broken collar bone (whom we're told was a result of some drinking accident), wore his guitar with a waist harness. Kind of like a belt, but instead of a bucket, it's a giant guitar.

I liked Red Pens a lot, for a guitar and drum band, they were pretty loud and infectious. Guitarist/singer Howard Hamilton must collect guitars or something, as he had carefully tuned and setup at least three guitars for their 9-song set (starting with "Spacewalk" and ended with "Cave Something"). I love drummer Laura Bennett's hair, and apparently she also paints.

Setlist

I think Those Darlins were just as surprised as I was about the turnout. Perhaps it's a Saturday, perhaps all their tiresome touring have created a buzz about the band... one thing is certain, they sure had a lot of fun performing their songs.

All three girls (Kelley, Jessi, Nikki) took turn singing their songs, although for the majority of the songs, they're also singing backup.

Some of the highlight for me was their new song (entitled "Money" on the setlist), which is not on any of their releases, as Jessi announced. Also, the cover song, "Shakin' All Over" was pretty well-received... as did the one instrumental song they did in their set.

For "The Whole Damn Thing", they had brought with them this chicken headwear, which a participating audience wore and dance along to this amusing song about being drunk and eating a whole bucket of chicken. "Not just the leg, not just the wing. I'd like to let you know I ate the whole damn thing.".

For the encore, they came back with a chaotic instrumental jam song. Lots of wrong notes, lots of laying on the ground, lots of back-to-back guitar-playing. The jam song actually had a method to its madness and eventually slowed to a halt.

It looks like they only have a few more dates outside of their home state, so see them if you can. Their album can be purchased on tour or at Amazon. Hint: if you get the vinyl version, it also comes with a bonus CD of the album.

Those Darlins at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (18 July 2009)

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Flashback: Girl in a Coma at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (01 July 2009)

Setlist BB Baby Boy Vino Say Their Cell Pleasure and Pain El Monte Pink Lemonade Celibate Now Slaughter Lane Static Mind Ven Cerca Read More Girl in a Coma These Texan girls know something about heatwaves… Last week the band unveiled their cover of the Martha and the Vadellas classic song, although the name .…

I was already a big fan of Girl in a Coma, back when they were called Girls in a Coma (they change their name for grammatic reasons). I only knew about them, because they had taken their name from The Smiths’ “Girlfriend in a Coma”.

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Girl in a Coma rocked out to the intimate setting of 7th Street Entry last night. For those who aren't from around here, 7th St is just a hole in the wall to its bigger brother First Ave (where incidentally Matisyahu played the same night). I have seen many people who aren't from around Minneapolis get lost trying to find this door-in-the-wall.

Opening up for them was Miss Derringer, who was very excited to play Minneapolis (it was their first time here). The band is all dressed up in what looks like a cross between military confederates and rockabilly hooligans. Miss Derringer herself, Liz McGrath, is in a black dress that looks like she's just been to a funeral.

They started off their set with "Click Click (Bang Bang)", followed by mostly songs from their forth-coming album, Winter Hill (coming out July 14^th on Triple X Records). My favorite from their set is the go-go-esque "Black Tears", which sounded much better live. I also thought "Death by Desire" was really cute, the interaction between Morgan Slade and McGrath kind of clues you into their relationship (I am pretty sure they're married).

I liked them a lot. I think they have a great stage presence and I wouldn't mind writing more on them in the future.

Setlist

As soon as Girl in a Coma came on stage, the audience quickly move to the center. The turnout was actually really good for a working Wednesday evening. Most of the audience were women, which I suppose doesn't surprise me as it's an all-girl band (and being on Joan Jett's label probably attributed to appealing to women).

I even overheard that some girls were at the show as a result of seeing them at the Rosedale Best Buy signing that they did earlier that day. That kind of promotion actually works, I suppose those girls just happened to be at the store and liked what they heard.

Anyway, what's interesting was that there was really no soundcheck. As soon as there was power on the mic, Nina Diaz, started guitar playing that distinctive rift from "BB" and started singing - which I think may have caught the soundguy off guard and killed the radio. So off they played with mostly new songs from Trio BC.

For "Say" (from Both Before I'm Gone) they dedicated the song to Miss Derringer. Banters like Nina pointing out that Jenn's single or Jenn said the obvious that Nina and Phanie were sisters, comes off as clumsy - but cute, because you know they have been doing this for a long time. I will bet you that they are three very close friends.

They ended their set with "Ven Cerca" (misspelled as "Ven Cera" on their setlist), which sounded brilliant live.

GIAC are only half-way through their tour, be sure to check them out live if they come through your area. My GIAC discography is now complete as a resulting of stopping by the merch table! If you can't catch them live, you can always get their music via Black Heart Records.

PS: I may be off to see Girl in a Coma (along with a bunch of other artists) at 80/30 Music Festival in Des Moines, this weekend... which means, I may be off the grid - so don't expect to hear much from me after Thursday. I will be live-updating via twatter if that is the case. Also, it's very late as I write this and have misspelled Nina's name as Ninja several times.

Girl in a Coma at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (01 July 2009)

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Flashback: M WardFlashback at Manchester Academy, Manchester (29 June 2009)

Read More M. Ward I'll have to say that seeing Zooey, standing next to Matthew Ward, that she's a very small person. Ward rarely sings, he's mostly doing that "guitar god" thing .…

Duncan went out to see M Ward at the Manchester Academy in 29 June 2009.

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Fisher of men.

If messrs Oberst, Ward and James are the new, new folk ratpack, then M Ward is the George Clooney of the bunch.

Guitar balancing off his hip, twinkle in his eye he exhales post orgasmically the most soulful of melodies before releasing the sort of shimmering guitar line that makes you feel like you're somebody's Dad at an Eric Clapton concert.

Having never previously witnessed Ward in action, he certainly has plenty in reserves to back this kind of confidence up. Song after song, it doesn't really matter which one he chooses to play as the audience continue to lap it up.

...And the band enjoy themselves though their concentration hardly drops to show it. Ward's shimmering guitar lines continue to build over the band revving like a truck, the momentum gathering with no chance of breaking down.

The band depart for a mournful solo version of Bowie's 'Lets Dance', a little awkward, as if practiced on a dusty summer Manchester pavement that afternoon... If the rendition struggles, then the charm is well practiced... Nothing woos the crowd like an ego flattering cover version of a cherished British icon. He's complimenting the badge on our collective jacket. The line's firmly in the water.

The band are back out and kicking along, the smile gets wider, the posturing more Vegas. I hear a guilty murmuring of 'cheese' from behind, they're obviously not a Clooney fan, one bouncing drum fill and a wink of an eye and I'm reeled back in.

We're in the boat, he's whacked us on the head with a couple more from the back catalogue, we're done for by the time 'Magic Trick' is over, it really doesn't matter what comes next, heck, even an encore of some old time rhythm and blues. Beethoven rolls over and he's gone, and left me with the only thing left to ponder... does he smiles as much on record as he does when performing. I'm smiling, I guess that's what's important.

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Cyberpunk 2077

Read More Games When The Witcher television show came out last year on Netflix, there was a massive uptick on newfound fans playing the game again. That’s because, like the game, the show was very well done and had a compelling story. …

For some odd reason, Best Buy, allowed me to pick up my pre-order for Cyberpunk 2077 video game for the PC. The game is not officially out until December 10, 2020, on a variety of platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and even on Google’s Stadia. The best part is that if you have an Xbox Series S/X or PS5, Cyberpunk 2077 will run on the new console.

To understand why this game is one of the most overhyped game since their announcement in May 2012, you have to understand that it is mostly based on the game developer, CD Projekt Red. They made the Witcher game series, and, by far, their finest hour with Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Even though I personally own Witcher 3 on the PC, I have gone back and re-purchased them on the PS4 or Xbox, simply because I love the game and wanted to help support the developer.

When the hit Netflix show, based on the books (and video game) of The Witcher came out in December 2019, it introduced a whole new generation of fresh gamers to CD Projekt (they boast that Witcher 3 had a 554% sale increase that month!) It is that new fanbase, combined with the old school fanbase that drove the massive interest in CD Projekt’s next game, Cyberpunk 2077.

Based on hearing that they’ve hired Keanu Reeves to play Johnny Silverhand, and seeing early game footage using REDengine last year, Cyberpunk 2077 became one of the highest anticipated games of all time.

Unfortunately, Cyberpunk missed a few release dates. Originally set for April 2020, it was delayed to September. Naturally, everyone understood because of the COVID-19 situation. However, when September rolled around, CD Projekt delayed the game to November (just in time for the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles launch). Of course, they missed the November launch, and ultimately, they locked in December 10, 2020.

That’s where we come in… I picked up the game a few days early, and already downloading the massive game as I write this. I’m very excited to finally play this game… however, I already know that there are a ton of bugs, according to various game reviewers with early access to the game. I’m sure with ongoing patches, the game will be nothing less than amazing, but at launch, there’s bound to be some game-breaking bugs. Still, I don’t care. This is CD Projekt’s new game, after Witcher 3, and I am just very excited to try out something new from this game developer.

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Flashback: The Lonely H at Lee's Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis (25 June 2009)

Setlist Out West Cold Blues Right Down To Me Anything That's Rock N' Roll (Tom Petty cover) Other Side Of The Water Phoenix Diggin' A Hole Strike A Chord Oh My! For Barbara The River Read More The Lonely H It's kind of weird to see The Lonely H playing at bars, especially because, according to their biography, three of the band members are underage. The band's been around since 2000, released three albums .…

I’ve never been to Lee's Liquor Lounge, so I accepted this Lonely H show in June 2009…. To be honest I was confused with Local H, but only realized my mistake when I listened to their album later. Of course, the big surprise was actually running into an old friend with his Four on the Floor band.

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It's kind of weird to see The Lonely H playing at bars, especially because, according to their biography, three of the band members are underage. The band's been around since 2000, released three albums (their latest is Concrete Class, released June 6^th on The Control Group), and have played over 200 shows! They stopped in Minneapolis last night to play mostly new songs from the new album at Lee's Liquor Lounge.

I've never been to this venue before, it's basically a bar with a half-wall that divides the stage and drink area. It's deceivingly longer than it is wide, and looks pretty spacious. Also, the atmosphere was pretty relaxed, and the turnout of local patrons and friends and music supporters were surprisingly busy for a work-day Thursday.

I haven't seen Gabe from Four on the Floor (possibly do not have a myspace) since SXSW, and I did not recognize him as he's now 90% beard. It's like an enchanted forest! Haha.

The highlight of the show was their cover of "Beat It". It would turn out to be sort of a Michael Jackson tribute night as each of the three band pay tribute to him. A Night in the Box even did a pretty great rendition of "The Way You Make Me Feel" (followed by another cover, Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour").

Setlist

Most of my driving day, I spent listening to Lonely H's Concrete Class to get an idea of what to expect. They sound like a mix of country rock and classic rock.

What I wasn't expecting was how absolutely tall singer Mark Fredson is. He towers over the other band members, Fredson looks kind of awkward leaning down when he plays his Yama"ha".

The band are all in cowboy wear (embroidered button shirts, leather boots, jeans), plus they all have really long hair, making them look like they're in a hard-rock or hard metal band. I also quite like the idea that they have this giant "H" that lights up with them on all their shows. Unfortunately the lights did an epic fail half way into their opening song, "Going out West".

They didn't play some of my favorite songs from the new album, "Girl from Jersey", "Take Care" and "Singer". I suppose it's understandable those songs are pretty mellow (compared to the rest of the album), but they made it up with rock-out version of "Diggin' a Hole" and "Cold Blues". The highlight of the show is probably their cover of Tom Petty's "Anything That's Rock N' Roll".

The Lonely H is playing a ton of dates for 2009, so they'll probably most likely be playing in your town. If not, their music is quite cheap (all albums are priced at $10, some with bonus DVDs).

The Lonely H at Lee's Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis (25 June 2009)

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Flashback: Deastro at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (18 June 2009)

Read More Deastro Detroit's Deastro stopped by 7th Street Entry last night, telling us about the time he grew up in Minneapolis and friendship in his Holy Rollers gang (saving the world and sk8!). .…

We decided to check out Detroit’s Deastro (the stage name for Randolph Chabot)… possibly on their first and only tour for their debut album Moondagger in June 2009.

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Detroit's Deastro stopped by 7th Street Entry last night, telling us about the time he grew up in Minneapolis and friendship in his Holy Rollers gang (saving the world and sk8!).

Opening up for them are locals, Telepathos and Lazer Forever. I was excited to check out Telepathos because they listed all the bands I like (Radiohead, MBV, Sonic Youth, The Cure...), and you can hear it in their live set. They lean more towards heavy use of guitars and shoegazing sound, a mix of My Bloody Valentine and Chapterhouse. I did notice that inbetween their songs, there seems to be long awkward silences. I think it's because the singer/keyboardist have to load up the beats for the next song.

Lazer Forever sounds like classic progressive rock, which is not an insult. They had to change the drum snare on the second song, and played a pretty full set. My two new Californian friends and I were chatting with Noah the drummer earlier and he seems to enjoy his television and movies!

Deastro's Randy Chabot is not what I was expecting, with his Ghost Buster II shirt and uneven cut-out pants and (get this) orange duct taped shoes. Yep, he seems like a pretty cool guy. When he talks between songs, he seems to ramble a stream of conscious.

In many ways, the free EPs that I previously mentioned from Deastro is a terrible introduction to the band. That all-instrumental music is basically background music to his real music - which sounds more like intense 80s new wave pop, at least when played live.

After about an hour, their new bassist (I think he was called Andy) exit stage left. Apparently, Minneapolis was his first show and he hadn't learned how to play all the songs. But no one can tell that he messed up, I mean their songs "Parallelogram" and "Toxic Crusaders" sounded alright to me.

The latest news from Deastro is their second single from their forth-coming LP, Moondagger (out on June 23^rd on Ghostly International), is called "Vermillion Plaza".

Deastro at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (18 June 2009)

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