RIP: Evan Farrell of Rogue Wave Fame

I can't believe I just heard about this tragedy today during lunch. I unknowingly wore my Rogue Wave t-shirt to work, which shortly led to someone telling me this sad news.

Evan Farrell, ex-bassist for Rogue Wave, passed away on December 23rd. He suffered severe burns from a house fire in Oakland, where the band is based. He hasn't been with the band since 'Descended Like Vultures' (which is a great album!), but he is certainly still part of that musical family. The SF Weekly tribute tells the story of Evan's greatness the best.

And just last week, I re-discovered the awesomeness of Rogue Wave, shamefully from that trippy Zune commercial. Rogue Wave's "Lake Michigan" scores the ad. Zunes are pieces of crap, but you gotta give Microsoft props for at least picking an excellent song to peddle their product. It's so melodic and simply takes you in. It really is one of the best songs I've heard in months. Don't believe me, check out their music video and the Zune commercial below.


Video: Zune TV Spot


If you love it as I do, don't buy a Zune, but do buy Rogue Wave's new album 'Asleep At Heaven's Gate'.

L'avventura finale

Antonioni and Bergman in the same weak! Oh, cruel fate...to lose such legendary directors almost at the same time.



Ingmar Bergman was 89, while Michelangelo Antonionini was 94! Gli italiani vivono benissimi.

RIP Liz

Ms. Liz Claiborne passed away yesterday.



The fashion designer of bold, yet conservative colors and shapes, reigned as queen during the 70s and 80s. She had been struggling with cancer for the last few years. She was 78 years old.

Goodbye, old friend

I can remember every single Vonnegut book I've read in detail. The man was that good. I spent an entire summer at college just voraciously reading his entire library. I think it was his dark humor that kept me wanting more.

"Vonnegut died on Wednesday after suffering brain injuries following a fall weeks ago, said Donald Farber, Vonnegut's friend, lawyer, agent and manager." [Reuters]

The man was a legend. My favorites were Cat's Cradle, Galapogos, and Timequake.


Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007

Tragedy on the Dance Floor

One of my fond memories of The Echo was when I went to see Disco D spin. He really opened my eyes to the experience of live "booty" house music. I was hanging out with my fellow house-heads at almost every dance night we could find. His performance sticks out in my mind. It was such a fun night. And I even got a poster that I proudly hung up for at least a year in my apartment.



Sadly I learned this week that he committed suicide after a long struggle with depression.
He was a legendary producer. I hope he finally found peace. The music won't be the same without him.

A legend is gone

Robert Altman died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 81.



He was such a legend. I loved Gosford Park, Nashville, & The Player. I can't believe he's gone. He was a helluva director.

Rest in peace.

I can't believe it!

Mr. LeVert himself has left us. Gerald Levert died of a heart attack today at the age of 40.



I'm walking back into the building and the security guard mentions this to me. He's like, "Do you know who Gerald LeVert is?" I think to myself, "Of course! I'm black aren't I, just like you." And the guard goes, "Well he died today. He was only 40". Isn't it strange how you find out about people's deaths?

This is actually very sad for me. A large part of my childhood was spent listening to taped cassettes of LeVert, Tony Tony Tony!, the Boomerang soundtrack etc.

You'll be missed my friend.