Glee

This is just one post in my wrap up of the year 2010. If you would like to read the rest, click here to the main post.

Like I mentioned in my Best of 2009 blog post, the moment I saw the preview for Glee, I knew it would be my new favorite show. My then-boyfriend couldn't see the preview (because he was sitting across from me), but he even said that Glee was definitely a Sarah show just from hearing the choral arrangement of Journey's reassuring "Don't Stop Believin'" and the brief sound bites from the show.

"Let your little glee kids have their little club, but don't pretend that any of them are something they're not."

That sentence right there said by the ruthless bully herself Sue Sylvester (play by the brilliant Jane Lynch) perfectly depicts most of the hate that Glee gets. Of course, I got a lot of hate for loving the show. Every time someone finds out I live for this show, I usually get the eye roll or a disgusted "Why? It's just show tunes."

Why?

Because I can relate to it. I love Glee because it makes me feel better about my high school experience.

Sure, a high school glee club singing show tunes and pop hits with jazz hands and choreographed dance routines would make anyone uncomfortable or immediately disregard the show. But Glee is more than that. It's not just about what pop song the students are going to cover in the upcoming week or if they're going to win sectionals.

The show is about the underdogs. I know. How many TV shows and Lifetime movies can be made that feature the underdog succeeding? We get it. "Don't pick on the little guy," but yet people still do it.

I was that teen that loved to perform in band (it wasn't a rock band) and choir. And while my high school was more accepting than William McKinley High School (which is sad because they weren't that accepting), being a band nerd didn't exactly mean high status to my classmates, and choir was only cool if you were one of the pretty popular kids, just like Glee's Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris).

I never had slushes thrown in my face (but I've had worse done to me) or no one slammed me in a locker, but I know how it felt to have no one appreciate you because your talent didn't come in sports or you weren't an upper class beautiful person. I could have used those pep talks Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) gives his students week after week as a reminder to ignore all that crap. Not to mention, having my homework be to dress like Lady Gaga and sing "Bad Romance" would have made my semester.

I know it's been 10 years since high school for me so you are probably saying I should just fucking move on and get over it and you're right. I should just man up and forget that those whispers and comments and laughs directed at me ever happened.

Then those former jocks and cheerleaders need to put away their varsity jackets and pom poms and get over their glory days. Whether we admit it or not, those high school years are probably, if not, the most influential years in someone's life. High school is especially rough to those underdogs that the show features at that impressible age.

Sure, Glee has its flaw. I think Lea Michele is seriously overrated. Emmy nominations for playing overachiever Rachel Berry? Any girl can play a whiney spoiled brat. I know I bring out my inner Rachel Berry every month for three to five days. It's called PMS.

And I'm pretty sure it's in Matthew Morrison's contract to look emotionally moved to tears in every epsiode.

But if you remove all the cheesy over-the-top musical numbers that make the eyes rolls from every episode, Glee is actually a great high school TV show with amazing storylines. Each character has their own dramatic gut-wrenching backstory that represent just a handful of situations everyday high school students deal with. How they deal with their problems though is through song.

But what makes it more annoying that the two of the most popular TV shows right now, American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? It's still the same type of renditions of those broadway show tunes or current pop hits. Is it because those songs are taken off the stage to the hallways of a high school that make it cheesy? Is it too much High School Musical for your liking?

Why yes, it does seem like the same plot as High School Musical. But as I mentioned earlier, some of the storylines deal with the same situations that are currently being dealt with that are too real for Disney's perfectly-created world.

There's the talented vocalist who is so determined to get what she wants whether it's to be the next Barbara Streisand or date the hot quarterback that she will do anything to get what she wants (Berry). Even if it means annoying the hell out of everyone, including the audience. While I feel this selfishness has been drilled into our heads every single episode to make me want to crawl into my TV and punch Berry in the face, the creators have at least shown that they recognize this annoying trait. The other characters also make it a point to call her on her shit. If that didn't happen, I would have checked out of this show a long time ago.

Then there's the popular head cheerleader that quickly falls off the top of her world when she discovers she's pregnant (Quinn Fabray). A cliche teen pregnancy storyline. There's a shocker. However, with the always high teen pregnancy rate, it is a reality that needs to be brought yet again to people's attention. Some of the top baby names are inspired by those Twilight movies. Obviously, this country has problems with teen pregnancies.

But one can't forget the storyline with the gay teen Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer). A gay guy singing in glee club? Of course. And yes, he is the stereotypical gay teen we would expect. He lives for Liza Minnelli. He dresses better than I could ever afford and does a great impersonation of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance routine. So well that it got him on the football team. Wait, what? Yeah, watch the show for that one. That's totally unrealistic in a small town a la Friday Night Lights, but it was entertaining nevertheless.

The creators behind Glee did an amazing job with Kurt's coming out and how it effects the people in his lives. The Emmy nominations for the actors that play Kurt and Kurt's dad (Mike O'Malley) were definitely justified. Kurt's dad could have been like other parents who just cut their children off and kick them out of the house (although that happens with the pregnant cheerleader), but his father accepted it. After all, he's known since he was three. All he wanted for his birthday was a pair of sensible heels.

He does his best to be accepting and make Kurt happy now that he was out and free to be himself. Of course, there were some bumpy speedbumps along the way, but what parent knows exactly what to do when their teenager is discovering themselves, gay or straight? Parents aren't handed an instruction manual when their child is born.

It was the use of a song ("Rose's Turn") that not only helped Kurt get his frustrations out when his dad seemed to be favoring Finn (Cory Monteith) more than him, it also helped Kurt's dad finally understand just how Kurt felt about the situation. So even if you cut out all the show tunes and pop songs from the show, sometimes a song is the only way to really express how you really feel. Just like with poetry or a letter or a text message. The only different here is that it's said with music.

So yeah, Glee is a little too happy and cheesy for the average person who doesn't like their manhood threatened. But this isn't the first show about the underdogs and it definitely won't be the last. Some shows like to keep it real (Degrassi). Glee just likes to use song and dance.

You can hate on Glee all you want. You can hate on me for loving the show and wishing I could sing and dance like those kids all you want.

At least give the show a chance before you claim it's cheesy crap. That's what bothers me the most. Most of the people who give me crap have never sat through an episode. They see the quick 15 second previews between the shows they are watching and think they'll hate it. Because if you did give the show a chance, you would realize there is more to it. There hasn't been a show like this that brings out my inner music geek, tears to my eyes, and gut-busting laughter all in one episode.

The ironic part of the whole Glee teasing? The ones that hate on the show were usually the ones that teased those students the show is bringing attention to. Sadly, I can't say that I'm surprised.

In regards to music journalism, 2009 was a great year for me. For life in general, not so much. Here's hoping 2010 will be better. But nevertheless, 2009 had it's highlights. I got to attend several music festivals for free with press passes, was asked to join some great writing teams and from there, formed some really good friendships. It seems that people are starting to notice my writing from the various publications I write for and that's a pretty good feeling. So I know this is the time of year where people do the whole “Best of...” articles, but I'm doing more of a highlights type list and less of Top 10 whatever lists.

So without further ado...

Song I Can't Get Out of my Head Lately: All Hail “ex lover” and Like Clockwork “Hands Up!”
"ex-lover": This song is pretty awesome. Try getting this song out of your head after the first listen.

This review says it all for “Hands Up!”

Best Band Discovery: Quiet Company and Fireants

Quiet Company giving out Free Hugs from Sarah Vasquez on Vimeo.

In my experience, when a band usually uses clever promotion such as passing out free hugs during SXSW, the band isn't normally very good. Hence the clever promotion. So I was in for the surprise of my life when I ran into Quiet Company during a dinner break at that March festival. I introduced myself, met the guys, interviewed them about the gimmick and of course, got free hugs. Afterward, they handed me a cd to review but with all the chaos of SXSW, I didn't get to hear it until a week later. Not only did I write an album review, I also write a short feature. Both for different publications. That says it all. Pay attention to this band ya, I expect 2010 to be the year for them.

Man, Fireants. What a great discovery. I'm so glad I was at the right place at the right time. After my interview with El Guapos, I stuck around Momo's during SXSW and heard the Fireants. For those that hang out with me regularly (especially my Accent friends), know I'm a huge fan of the Fireants. I know I mention that they're high school students, but that doesn't make them a great band. They are seriously talented. The fact that they are this talented now while in high school makes me excited to see what these guys and gal are gonna become once they get older and maturer. I've only seen them twice but the two times I saw them, they had turned every member of the crowd into fans by the end of their set.

Bittersweet Goodbye: Bankrupt and the Borrowers
I first saw this band perform during Emo's Free Week in January at Beauty Bar, but seeing them in their true element: drunk and carefree is what really won me over. I kept following them throughout the year, seeing them gather more and more fans with each performance. Named one of Austin Monthly “Nine to Watch in '09,” it was obviously this band was going places but then it was over. Just like that. After the death of band member Jon Pettis, the band decided to not continue and ending their run at Fun Fun Fun Fest in November. While I completely understand their decision, I know I'm not alone when I say that I hope the remaining members keep playing whether it be in another band together or in their own separate ways.


I started working on this slideshow of the last song they performed at Fun Fun Fun Fest. The plan was to create this awesome slideshow with all the 300+ photos I took with the audio I captured. When listening to "I Love You Baby" recording after the show, it was an obvious choice to put the photos to this song. However, the song is over six minutes long. I worked on it as much as my attention allowed me to in one sitting. This is what I have so far.

Bankrupt and the Borrowers "I Love You Baby" from Sarah Vasquez on Vimeo.

The Year of the Music Festivals
SXSW
This was the first year I actually went with a wristband. Usually, I just wander around and check out free shows during this festival. But thanks to the Accent, I was given a wristband and a photo pass. Although my usual experience wasn't enhanced because of this, it was cool seeing people part away from me when I got up front to take photos because of my orange photo tag.

Fun Fun Fun Fest
My first experience with this festival was again thanks to Accent. When we came back for the semester, I asked my faculty advisor if we were applying for passes because I was determine to attend, even if it met I would pay for myself. Luck would have it that we got in! Sadly, I didn't get to enjoy Sunday acts because of the rain but what I did see that weekend was pretty memorable. Death! Danzig! Need I say more?

Best TV Show of 2009: Glee
Yeah so this show is not Austin based but who cares? It's a great show. I love this show!!! I watch it religiously. With my love of musicals and pop songs, the moment I saw the trailer, I knew this would be my new favorite show. The plot could use some work but there are many memorable moments that make that flaw forgivable. But really it's all about the music.

2009 Most Memorable Interview: Whitman
I interviewed a lot of bands this year but Whitman takes the crown. It had been years since the last interview with these guys so we had a lot of catching up to do. Before the actual interview, things got a little awkward as one of the band members unknowingly asked me about my relationship that just ended. With the wound still fresh combined with PMS resulted in some tears shed. Whoops.

But irregardless, Ram Vela as always gave me an entertaining interview. Without the rest of the guys, nothing regarding the band would have been shared. I think that's what makes this band work. Reading the interview shows the great chemistry they have with one another to provide a great show and music.

Here's a clip that didn't make the final product that proves what I just wrote. When I transcribed this part, I couldn't help but laughed out loud making the surrounding people wonder what the hell was wrong with me. I'm glad it didn't get published. Reading the text version wouldn't have done it justice. See for yourself. Well more like hear for yourself. The video is a bit dark.

Whitman describing themselves from Sarah Vasquez on Vimeo.

Most Momentous Night: Martin Atkins
No I didn't sleep with this man. Get your head out of the gutter.

Just attending this guest speaker's talk was an event in itself. Ok, first off, I don't have a car. I ride the bus. So I rode the bus for over an hour all the way to Northridge Campus. Then my phone service went down. I had no way to contacting anyone, couldn't use google maps to check when the next bus stop was coming. I got stuck on a bus for over an hour, got stuck at UT in the cold and rain. Overall FAIL. Thanks to twitter and free internet at a coffee shop, I was able to contact my brother and he saved the day, or rather the night.

Listening to Martin Atkins was a great experience. I learned a lot from this knowledgeable musician. Even though I'm not a performer, there was still lots to learn from him that could be applied to my site and my writing.

Year of the Mixtapes and Downloads
I dunno what it was but also thanks to Twitter, I've received a lot of mixtapes and albums for free downloads as a way of promotion. Most bands just posted a link to a handful of songs and viola! I have music to check out from bands I probably wouldn't have discovered otherwise. Unless they added me on MySpace. Smart move bands. Smart move.

Spring Awakening
Man, talk about spontaneous. I received an email earlier in the day that Accent needed someone to attend Spring Awakening and review it. I've heard so many great things from this musicals and being a huge fan of Glee, I wanted to see the musical that gave Lea Michele one of her big breaks. So I said I would go, got my roommate to grab the tickets for me, attended a meeting that night and had my boss rushed me to Bass Concert Hall with 2 minutes to spare for curtain call.

The review will be up soon. I'm so close to finishing it. I've just had other projects that were bigger priorities.

Here's another song to get stuck in your head. "Bitch of Living" is one of the more rockin' songs from the musical. It's been on repeat for awhile now. I would forever love a band if they were to cover this song.

Most Annoying Thing of 2009: Social Media Widgets on Websites
You know, I thought was done with slow loading pages when bands stopped using flash and javascript on their website and went with the “simple is better” websites or just stuck with MySpace. I was wrong. I was way wrong. Now to social media, everyone wants to include their twitter widget, their Last.FM widget, their Facebook widget, etc. all on their main website. So what does that mean to me? Slow ass loading websites yet again. On my personal laptop, this isn't really a problem but when I'm on a computer of lesser value, this presents a problem. It's like being back on dial-up again. So bands, stop it! Simple buttons that direct me to your social media is so much better. Seriously. I know I'm not alone in this.

Favorite Albums From 2009: (in no particular order)
Chief Rival
Quiet Company
All Hail
Ideal Soul Mart
Built by Snow
The States
Statement Code

Toys I Couldn't Never Live Without: Macbook Air and Flip Camera
First of all, Thank you Vista for sucking so much that it forced me to go Mac. Never again will I use Windows by choice. The love for my computer can never be explained. HAHA. Sad, right? But seriously, I carry this thing everywhere for the most part. It's super light, does what I need it to do which is pretty basic: internet, word processing, video watching, music playing and now video/audio editing. Best purchase I've ever made. Plus, it's so pretty!

Best purchase I've ever made #2 is my Flip Mino Camera. I've used many types of recorders for interviews: tape records, iRiver mp3 player, digital recorders, cheap video recorders, my bro's Sony HD camcorder and nothing compares to my Flip. Push of a button, it's instantly ready to record. I don't have to worry about making the band wait so the recorder can turn on, or make sure the tape is ready or whatever the other recorders gave me havoc. The sound quality is more than superb. I recorded an interview in the middle of 6th street surrounded by the loudness of all the people walking down the street, bands blaring from all the clubs. And you know what? Those interviews still sounded clear. It was obvious they had trouble hearing me during the interview but the camera obviously didn't have a problem. Seriously amazing.

There you have it. 2009 in a nutshell. I'm sure I forgot some things but these were definitely the highlights I wanna remember.