2 + 2 = 5

1) David Byrne (live 8/28/04).
David Byrne + bassist + two percussionists + string sextet + hotness from the last solo album + a generous slab of Talking Heads funk = the shit. One of the most fun and musically interesting (non-Largo) shows that I've seen in a long time.

2) Walt Disney Music Center.
Did I mention that Mr. Byrne played in my most favorite building in all of Los Angeles?

Seriously, the Gehry-designed bulding--all sheets of steel jutting out at insane angles--sends me into seizures. (That's a good thing.)

Inside, Gehry's fluid design continues and the acoustics are fantastic. A concert highlight: David Byrne performing "Heaven" alone on the acoustic guitar, wandering away from the microphone, singing the end of the song without the p.a.

3) Inconspicuous Consumption.
Amusing essays on bizzare and overlooked products from "consumer culture." I esp like the essays on 3 Point Pop, Progresso Red Clam Sauce ("Now With More Flavor!") and Whiskas Kitty Stew.

4) Criterion's Videodrome packaging.
I haven't even seen the film yet, but the package is sly. The artwork/synopsis/techincal specs are on a cardboard sleeve. The DVD package slides out and looks like an old Beta casette. Love it.


5) The return of Sully.
I missed hearing from the world's only gay-British-HIV+-Catholic-socially liberal/fiscally conservative-Republican blogger when he took August off. Now he's back and all worked up (as usual) and the blogosphere is a better place.