WWJDD?
This is what he did.
He was on NBC right before the election (October 28th) and sang a song he wrote in 1984 that IS more poignant now than when he wrote it.
"Don't forget the Motor City..."
Well, I guess "we" did...good luck, guys.
John Doe makes everything better...
I got drunk with him one night at The Bottom Line (RIP) and it was glorious. The next time I saw him, shooting him in L.A., he said to me, "Hey man, the last time I saw you, you were high!"
So was he.
As my friend Tracy once said to me, "I want to marry John Doe."
I know I do. You do too.
And check out the pumpkin...and Billy Zoom.
Cover Star: X
Headlining Band: X
www.jamesmgraham.net
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
One Of The Two Bars We Know
And on a lighter note:
I just bought 127 film on eBay for this camera - 5 rolls.
Soon, an image you see here will be shot by this camera, the Kodak Brownie Reflex Synchro Model.
Which means that you will have to wait a while.
Like you fucking care.
Cover Star: The New Camera
Headlining Band: Swearing At Motorists
www.jamesmgraham.net
Friday, November 28, 2008
Identity
I saw Charlie Kaufman's "Synecdoche, New York" several weeks ago.
If you are familiar with his work, one of his favorite themes is "what is identity?" He began questioning it in the script for "Being John Malkovich" and continued exploring it in both "Adaptation" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." But in his new film, he really spins the concept of "identity" inward upon itself until it basically produces a black hole. He even touches on "being defined by what one does creatively" as a cornerpiece of identity.
"Synecdoche, New York" is a very funny, extremely depressing masterpiece. Like all of Kaufman's scripts/films.
Lately, I've become acutely aware of some would-be photographers that seem to have no identity or "style" - which is fine as everyone has to begin somewhere and usually with a blank slate. But there is a fine line between being inspired by and ripping off. And both of those terms are relative as "everything" pretty much has been done - but not really. There are plenty of photographers that I admire that have amassed everything in the world, but spit it out as an unmistakable signature image. The stuff I'm talking about is an attempt at direct imitation - carbon copies. Notice that I wrote "an attempt" - that's the really sad part, since most of these would-be guys simply do not possess the ability to even recreate another's image faithfully. What I've been seeing looks like a Spinal Tap cover band playing on Bleecker Street for a $4.00 cover charge.
Think about that last sentence really, really hard. That's how good this stuff is...
Do I have a remedy? No, of course not. I just hate to see others passing off sub-standard copied work as their own "idea" - their own "identity" if you will.
I'm always flattered by imitation, but sometimes, when it goes to "eleven" it's just too fucking loud. Instead, think about the best cover songs you've ever heard - where the band makes the original song THEIR OWN.
These guys should all be spanked while listening to Chan Marshall.
Cover Star: Celia
Headlining Band: Cat Power
www.jamesmgraham.net
If you are familiar with his work, one of his favorite themes is "what is identity?" He began questioning it in the script for "Being John Malkovich" and continued exploring it in both "Adaptation" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." But in his new film, he really spins the concept of "identity" inward upon itself until it basically produces a black hole. He even touches on "being defined by what one does creatively" as a cornerpiece of identity.
"Synecdoche, New York" is a very funny, extremely depressing masterpiece. Like all of Kaufman's scripts/films.
Lately, I've become acutely aware of some would-be photographers that seem to have no identity or "style" - which is fine as everyone has to begin somewhere and usually with a blank slate. But there is a fine line between being inspired by and ripping off. And both of those terms are relative as "everything" pretty much has been done - but not really. There are plenty of photographers that I admire that have amassed everything in the world, but spit it out as an unmistakable signature image. The stuff I'm talking about is an attempt at direct imitation - carbon copies. Notice that I wrote "an attempt" - that's the really sad part, since most of these would-be guys simply do not possess the ability to even recreate another's image faithfully. What I've been seeing looks like a Spinal Tap cover band playing on Bleecker Street for a $4.00 cover charge.
Think about that last sentence really, really hard. That's how good this stuff is...
Do I have a remedy? No, of course not. I just hate to see others passing off sub-standard copied work as their own "idea" - their own "identity" if you will.
I'm always flattered by imitation, but sometimes, when it goes to "eleven" it's just too fucking loud. Instead, think about the best cover songs you've ever heard - where the band makes the original song THEIR OWN.
These guys should all be spanked while listening to Chan Marshall.
Cover Star: Celia
Headlining Band: Cat Power
www.jamesmgraham.net
Safe Inside The Covers And Freezing
One year ago, things changed drastically. Black Friday. I think I had a doctor's appointment regarding my stomach, then I bought two pairs of shoes, neither of which I've ever worn. I saw the Richard Prince show at the Guggenheim. I wandered around in the photography section of The Strand, aimlessly. Lower Manhattan seemed empty and desolate and grey even though it was covered with the greedy throng of shoppers. Can't remember what I did that night, but it probably wasn't healthy. A mercy call to a good friend or two. Maybe I just ordered food and fell asleep in front of static, cat waking me up at 4am...
I was invisible.
A year ago.
Compare and contrast: New friends, new lovers, new acquaintances, a whole new body of work photographically. More heartbreak, some joy, some new music to fall in love with and the death of loved ones. Strengthening friendships to the point that there are some that I feel are amongst my best now that weren't then, necessarily.
Turmoil, exhilaration, pain and insight.
God, I hope there's been insight.
Better place now, for a number of reasons, but ultimately I made them happen, with help. Control from complete and utter chaos.
The big first step. And up the ladder I go...visible again. With a pretty good pool game to boot.
---
THE HAT project is almost complete. A little tweak left on one of the shots and it is money. I cannot thank THE HAT enough. These are tough times and sometimes one needs the intervention of THE HAT. Now if I could just get a job shooting SOME HATS each month...
So, if you are A HAT and you need photos, please contact me through my website.
That's all for now. Don't buy anything tomorrow, especially two dumb pairs of shoes...or a hat.
Cover Star: Bloody Light Switch
Headlining Band: Team Sleep
www.jamesmgraham.net
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Paper Thin Walls
a⋅non⋅y⋅mous
[uh-non-uh-muhs]
–adjective
1. Without any name acknowledged, as that of author, contributor, or the like: an anonymous letter to the editor; an anonymous donation.
2. Of unknown name; whose name is withheld: an anonymous author.
3. Lacking individuality, unique character, or distinction: an endless row of drab, anonymous house
4. Given the leeway the Internet offers one, not having enough balls to stand beside what you write
Tappy Hanksgiving.
Fucking Pilgrims...
Cover Star: Molly
Headlining Band: Mr. John "Sometimes feeling like shit is all you got." Doe
www.jamesmgraham.net
[uh-non-uh-muhs]
–adjective
1. Without any name acknowledged, as that of author, contributor, or the like: an anonymous letter to the editor; an anonymous donation.
2. Of unknown name; whose name is withheld: an anonymous author.
3. Lacking individuality, unique character, or distinction: an endless row of drab, anonymous house
4. Given the leeway the Internet offers one, not having enough balls to stand beside what you write
Tappy Hanksgiving.
Fucking Pilgrims...
Cover Star: Molly
Headlining Band: Mr. John "Sometimes feeling like shit is all you got." Doe
www.jamesmgraham.net
Monday, November 24, 2008
Everyone Moves Too Slow, Guaranteed
Spent the afternoon and evening with my dear friend Sita.
She wanted real NYC pizza. So I took her to Lombardi's.
We waited outside in the cold for half an hour before they let us in. Sunday afternoon, 5pm.
Worth it.
Then a walk though SoHo to the (closed) film lab and down to the wine store and then over to Toad Hall where we sat for hours and shared. And talked and laughed.
I pick friends really well.
Last night she had a "party" at The Slipper Room.
I was dressed to the 9's and was "on."
First time in a long time. Thanks, Stu.
Cover Star: Anna
Headlining Band: STT
www.jamesmgraham.net
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Hammer
Sometimes it has to come down.
Unfortunately.
Cover Star: Anna
Headlining Band: John Doe
www.jamesmgraham.net
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