I thought the week before was a big hit with 163 views. This week 1564!! Unbelievable!
The attention due, it seems mostly to a crappy art show at the 50/50 and the quick jump to taking negative review, well, negatively. The more I've been able to let it sink in, the more I feel I had been light in my review of last weeks night at the 50/50. What felt to me like a high school art exhibit on 'in class doodling' apparently is too sacred for negative review. Oh well, that was last week.
So, to fill you all in on what has been going on, my facebook profile has been imitated, as has this blog. At last count there were 3 other Maxine Felixas out there. Unbelievable! It is a great compliment I suppose. I found it fun and quite entertaining for the first 2 days until one or more of them decided to defile me or send hate mail. I suppose that is what is to be expected if one is to revue anothers work.
However, I have been affected by current news and details made public of Kimberly Proctors brutal murder. It has made me physically ill after I had read the details of what those sick little animals did. My heart goes out to the families and friends that have been directly affected. It has chilled me to such a degree that I am unwilling to tolerate any bullying or deeply hateful comments. I have set out to review arts and culture in this town and many may not like what I have to say. That's fine. You are entitled to feel the way you do. I am up for criticism and discussion. It doesn't have to be deep or friendly, just non threatening or hateful.
Ok. Tuesday I had set out to have a drink at Logans Pub. Passing by the empty bar I decided to detour to the small liquor store attached. I purchased a bottle of wine. Cheap wine, and proceeded to walk towards the ocean. Not much to tell here, except that there is a peacefulness that can be found in this town that may be rare. Walking down a long main street in the rain, past coffee shops and stores with a bottle of wine in hand and reaching a bench that overlooks the ocean, sitting and breathing in this thick moist air.
One of the best nights I've had so far.
Wednesday I decided to stay in and do nothing. Feeling sad and disgusted with people, I decided to forgo any kind of review.
Thursday my spirits were up. I felt like I needed to see something good. Problem was, there didn't seem to be much going on but DJs and more DJs. There aren't any real gallery activities going on until the weekend. This town bites for something to do. Go to a movie? Not really what I'm into reviewing. I stopped in to a BBQ restaurant called PIG and had some wings. They were wings. A little larger than what you find at most bars. I felt the flavour of their BBq sauce a bit lacking. So, thursday was kinda the pits (non sweaty).
There was a show on at logans. Is this the only place to go see some music? I dropped in on my way home. The band playing was Year of the Rat. Kind of like interpol, but much less interesting. It seemed the high light of their set was a cranberries song that people actually moshed to.
What a lame crowd too. they all seemed strangely excited by this cranberry/joy division like shit show. So far it seems that the nightlife here is mostly excited by canned music, bad music, and bad art.
Another disappointing night.
Friday. I eat some of thursdays words. A record store party! A small record store off of China town called Talk is Cheap hosted a monster surf party! This was cool. This is where nightlife and culture and art meet and become replenished. a surf band, monster art and a crowded little record store. I
loved it!
Sipping off a mickey of schnapps from my purse and bobbing to the ventures is my idea of a good time.
After a little of that I went over to Lucky bar to catch Run Chico Run and Women. I hadn't seen Rn Chico Run in a few years, and they seem to be 3 insted of 2 people now.
They have been around quite a long time and the reason is because they are really good. Dreamy vocal harmonies, strange swirlling keyboards and great arrangements. I am a fan.
Women were not as fantastic as I had hoped. I lsitened to their album when it came out and prepped myself with a listen before the show. They felt kind of limp in comparison to their album. The crowd seemed to eat it up more than Run Chico Run. It seemed pathetic to me. I guess it's just exciting to have a band from out of town even if they are lacklustre in comparison to local talent.
the lay out of the bar still sucks. A giant hallway. Nice brick wall though, reminds me of back east.
Sat. night. This is the Halloween fun time night! House parties and more! Donning my horny little devil costume out into the night I went.
Passing logans on the way downtown the window showed no signs of life. The Grand Old Country band isn't so grand of a draw I guess. Too bad, I like me some country!
I heard of a party in Fan Tan alley I wanted to check out. I got down there and boy was it crowded. In fact downtown was alive with people. Happily surprised by the festive spirit I was quickly disappointed by what my ears heard as I approached my destination. It was Ball Gag 'n' Chain Gag. The same band I had heard last week at the Zombie afterparty. What's with this band and Haloween? I don't get it. I decided to skip it and skip on down to Luck bar where i stood in line for 1/2 hour to see Bloody Betty. This was a gorelesque show. And while it was what it promised to be I was so uncomfortable in this overcrowded bar room I missed most of the show. It took me 20 min. just to get a drink, another 20 to use the bathroom.
Time to slip out. I was tipped off to a party off of Douglas st. at a place the kids call the Ramp. The police were turning the corner towards where I was going with the lights flashing. Recognising some of the same people I had seen at the 50/50 a week earlier I thought maybe this wasn't the best decision. I wasn't really in the mood for a confrontation of the wills.
So walking the streets back home drinking my cooler I reflected on my night. I found some life crammed into the one small alley downtown and the one crammed little bar downtown. None of what I could really comment on, sigh.
I passed by an empty dark Logans on my way home and a few people puking in the streets,
A couple having a drunken fight and sirens wailing in the distance. Truth be told Victoria, for all that I have had to say about this last week, I haven't had as much to say as I had hoped for.
Perhaps tonight, when I take the kids trick or treating the true spirit of this season will descend upon us all.
Until next week,
Max xoxox
booooring
ReplyDeleteI know, right!?
ReplyDeletei dont understand ,, you havent reviewed anything ,,,,you've just had a crappy time ...
ReplyDeleteHere let me help you a little. I've taken some liberties but I feel like this'll make you come off a little bit better than the original.
ReplyDeleteBefore I get into critiquing Victoria's arts and culture scene I'd like to get a fePersonally for me the week has been one of contrasts. On the one hand my readership has gone through the roof! On the other I have been plagued with imitators (four so far) and insults on both Facebook and in tw things off of my chest. he blogosphere.Although the publicity garnered from the imitators definitely boosted my profile in the Victoria critical community, the vindictiveness and immaturity of the response to my last post flagged my spirits. I'm not one to shy away from a debate or a critical discussion but when the tenor of the dialog is so low, I feel my participation is unnecessary and ultimately diminishing. It is doubly frustrating to me that the impostors seem unaware of the artistic and cultural implications of their actions. Where as artists and critics have used impersonation as a tool to gain access to a broader public or to criticize various cultural practices , these people seem mostly interested in calling attention to spelling mistakes in a blog that is still admittedly in its infancy. Frankly I was ill prepared for the vitriol directed at both myself and my work, and while I certainly found the later irritating it was the former that I found truly disturbing. Stopping short of drawing a direct and tacky comparison between my situation and those of persons whose lives have been truly destroyed by online bullying, I would say it was a horrid experience and one that I hope is not repeated in the future. I suppose these behaviors are indicative of the era we live in, an era in which anyone can anonymously and brutally castigate anyone else with very little or no consequence in their offline lives. There is perhaps some irony in my
bit,
saying this, but where as my anonymity is born out of necessity(this is an awfully small town after all) theirs is born of cowardice and sour grapes.
ReplyDeletesorry about the shitty cut and paste job !
ReplyDeleteVictoria is an extremely tight knit community... and though everyone is not best friends, everyone knows each other. The arts community is limited and also somewhat frustrating. A large part of that community relies and thrives on the support of everyone involved, and half the time locals are just excited enough that SOMETHING is happening....and to be a part of it. I think with such a microcosm you will find it hard to be supported in your critique. The scene us such a small network, and people are more than happy to support anyone who is out there (even if the art/music isn't to their exact taste or standards) because it is that camaraderie that keeps a vibrance in the city.
ReplyDeleteI understand and sympathize with your boredom with the arts community in Victoria, but in living there you will most likely grow to understand the challenges within. A lot of the young artists in the scene are also frustrated with the lack of options/opportunities as well. As any artist should be welcome to criticism as a part of their discipline, a small community has much different workings than the larger art world. The response to your criticism I admit was extremely unjust, and immature, and your right to a freedom of speech should be respected; you also should understand your critique has most likely come off as an attack against those who are trying their best to just keep the scene alive.
With the the cost of living/homeless situation (amongst many others) in victoria as an issue, there has been a crackdown on fun of any kind. In the past few years the police presence has become greater and civil obedience more enforced. Known as the "no fun" city to a large group of it's locals, Victoria just doesn't have those empty lofts or back rooms to have great after parties or shows in. If those locations existed, sure enough they only would/have for a short while before the police crack down on them.
(fines fines fines)
There is an oppression felt by the youth of the city, and through this also a stagnancy as a great number of active members in the community move to larger cities. It is hard to criticize the members of the community without fully understanding the years of frustration and struggle some have put in just to keep it afloat (at times just a handful of people).
Living in Victoria can be disheartening... and sometimes seem to have a lack of options. I no longer live in victoria, but it is a warm place in my heart. I left with a bitter taste, bored and ready to experience more. I think to truly experience Victoria you have to step back and understand it more, reach out and work within the community. Maybe you can help make some of those things you wish to see within the community happen. It is a lot of work for a small amount people to bring variety, excitement and life to a city. From my experience some of the most amazing and creative minds live within the city. I urge you to get you hand dirty... do some work in this scene you desperately wish to change. If you change your approach.. maybe you will get to know some of those special people. Victoria holds a lot more magic than you give it credit for.
I really couldn't agree with you more Anonymous. Although the main issue with this whole mess is how terribly written it all is. The goal is absolutely noble, let there be no doubt about that, it's just that the delivery is so horribly off. How is the arts community in Victoria supposed to evolve if one of it's most popular critics is only semi literate? If she doesn't even bother to check her spelling why should the reader invest their time? Perhaps a decent critic is more than this town deserves, but if this Max person has taken the mantel upon herself than she might as well do it well. I am saddened by the poverty of expression shown here. The narrative the author has written herself into; that of the sole sane person in an insane world, is insipid and unworthy of sympathy. If everything is terrible than nothing is.
ReplyDeleteI am not in any way opposed to the stated purpose of this blog but merely it's execution.
I had previously commented "October 31, 2010 11:08 PM"
ReplyDeleteI was feeling a bit cowardly about my need to post anonymously
(a repost)
maybe identity will bring some realism without the ominous blank slate
which although sometimes can be alluring and mysterious
I was weary of becoming clouded/obscured//
and clustering to one giant entity
You are all the so called artists I can tell. You want fancy words and statements that are supportive. You want to be held and told 'everythings ok' and your work is 'super'. Well that is not the way I see it. I liked the show at Talk is Cheap, yet you cling to the negative review of a week long gone. If you don't like what I have to say, and I assure you there will be much more said, then really, I am doing my job quite well. As for contribution, this is it. I believe through criticism one will be forced to become better. The so called scene, will do better. Perhaps strive to include something or some peoples it had not included before. Through scrutiny the clay can be formed, the knife can be honed, and perhaps something beautiful will be revealed. Perhaps. We shall see.
ReplyDeletedo happen to know*
ReplyDeleteI've got to say, this Blog has expressed exactly how I feel about the scene here in Victoria. I think alot of people from Victoria are unable to see this Cities arts/culture/music scene for what it is, because it's ALL they have. It takes an outsiders critique to get people to look at it any other way, and then local scenesters just get pissed off an any outside views. I love Victoria, but I think it has alot of wasted potential. People support their friends art or music, and go to their friends parties, but I see tons of cool events happening around town that are poorly attended or largely ignored, because the people involved aren't involved in and Victoria scene. The coolest things happening in Victoria right now are largely ignored, while mediocre events get hyped to hell. I hope this changes soon.
ReplyDelete"alot" is not a word Brad. "Cities" = "city's" Where talking about one city, not several.
ReplyDeleteSorry but it's my living duty to fight illiteracy.
ReplyDeletereview me!
ReplyDeletethis is awful! you're calling this a "revue"? keep your diary to yourself! stop promoting it! it's terrible!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen quite so much anger and childish crying directed at a new blogger in a long time.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you butthurt by the blog, get over yourselves or try harder.
I like it Max.
really not much of a review.. nothing wrong with honesty but when its just negative, regardless of your experience. .it comes across as bitching and whining.. not everyone is going to like what you like.. and thats okay.. I respect that you dont like things.. but I dont think you should assume everyone should like the same thing as you.. bad music to you is solid gold to someone else.. and there is nothing wrong with that...
ReplyDeletekeep up the good work
ummm.... "I suppose that is what is to be expected if one is to REVUE anothers work."
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong here really. Nothing really interesting here either. Keep doing it max. Or don't, whatever.
i write my own review !
ReplyDeleteToday i went downstairs !I AM GOING TO BE A LITTLE CONTROVERSIAL! i am uncomfortable around strangers! I hate strangers! THEY ARE NOT SO GREAT! They are all paying me no mind! Here I am in there stuff and no one even says anything to me! I've got my own friends ! EVERYONE IS SO STUCK UP! i didn't even think most of it was very good!There was one part I liked ! but no one else thought it was good! i know they names but they dont know me! oh well better luck next weekend ! i hope everyone does it better then.
XO SLEVER!
I think the thing that makes your so called "review" a complete laughingstock is your failure to provide any actual information on the nature of the thing you are reviewing.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, if I were to review a movie, I would discuss the cinematography, character development, narrative, plotline, etc. You do nothing of this sort. You simply say what the thing being reviewed was: "I went to a music show" and then either shit on it, or deem it worthy of your lofty attention.
That isn't a review. That's a commentary, at best. Furthermore, your English is quite slapdash, so in general I would say that you should stop all of this nonsense.
"Perhaps if you kick that habit you've got" stop trying to prove you know who people are....more nothingness ... this is going to end in a sad way , im sorry for you ....
ReplyDelete"However, I have been affected by current news and details made public of Kimberly Proctors brutal murder. It has made me physically ill after I had read the details of what those sick little animals did. My heart goes out to the families and friends that have been directly affected. It has chilled me to such a degree that I am unwilling to tolerate any bullying or deeply hateful comments. I have set out to review arts and culture in this town and many may not like what I have to say. That's fine. You are entitled to feel the way you do. I am up for criticism and discussion. It doesn't have to be deep or friendly, just non threatening or hateful."
ReplyDeletethis crap makes you evil ...........
PS: MY NAME IS NOT ANONYMOUS...WHY DOES IT SAY THAT!???
ReplyDeletecum perogies sounds kinda gross but i like cum alot so id try it :)
ReplyDeleteSo in other words, the band was shitty because they played music you didn't personally enjoy, and the crowd was lame for having a good time, and for liking something you didn't personally like. Because people enjoying things and having fun is lame, right?
ReplyDeleteWhat a tiny world you must live in.
Why don't you move to Vancouver. You'd be perfect there. Wear your black on black, stand at a party glairing at anyone dancing and having a good time. Hate everything around you. Then you can go home a cry on your keyboard. You are a joke. Would love to come see one of your artistic endeavors some day. Make sure you post it and let people know....oh wait, nevermind. I'm sure you have no talent, that's why you started a blog. Gotta make yourself feel good somehow.
ReplyDeleteNext time try a dildo.
I hope all these critiques are helping you hone your knife and mold your clay Max. I'd give sharpening your pickle a go just for good measure.
ReplyDeletedrunk?
ReplyDeletethis is carpy riting. i don liek thid crapy blog lolol
ReplyDeleteyeh it dumb, nonsense thing my sister coud like rite sumthing so much better and shes only like 8 but seriosly shes so good actually she gets relly good marks in english she rote a story about sum1 comiting suicide and it was so sad but it was a really good story actualy 4 sum1 whos 8 much beter then this dumb thing. sux lol jk tho at least u r brave enuf 2 do it lol
ReplyDeletek so us 2 clear things up im the 1 who wrote the coment about my sisters story is beter then the blog and wutever so i just wana say 1 more thing which is that i like like the stuf u say and i think it is relly good riting but i go 2 those shows 2 liek all the time and i prolly saw u there 2 all those times lol but wut im trying 2 say is i think its no fair 2 talk like that about ppl u dono and if u do no them then fine but then thats mean i woud never rite stuff liek that about my frends and pretend i dono them seems like sumthing sum1 who is relly self-conshus woud do an kinda like a crapy ploy 2 try an brake in2 the art seen in vic lol IMO o well i admiyer u bc im a grrl 2 and its cool 2 have a radical atitood :)
ReplyDeleteStart eatin' Jeezus!
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA!
ReplyDeletego max go!!!
ReplyDeletethat side pipe comment...guess you ran into the Lust Boys eh?
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if any of us remember how to communicate so as to inspire imagination and creative thought?
ReplyDeleteIf anything , Victoria needs a steady stream of creativity and experimentation...why limit ourselves to the view point of it being such a "small town" when we are actually a small part of a larger world, connected more closely than ever before....
ReplyDelete