Phoenix, Halloween, and the party in between
So Wednesday was a great day. I was able to get my hand on a cheap ticket to see Phoenix, a French band I really got into around the beginning of summer. I had heard good things about their live shows, and had some pretty high expectations. Within three minutes of being on stage, my expectations were blown away. Their live sound easily matched that of their CD, only during the live performance entire new sections of songs were added, played differently, or otherwise changed around. The songs had a very familiar sound to them while still being new and interesting. The lights were also very impressive. Throughout the show, the lights amplified each emotion Phoenix was trying to present. I was never bored once, it felt like so much was going on at once. Anyways, kudos the guys of Phoenix, I was very impressed with the show and recommend anyone who enjoys their music take the time to see them if they’re touring nearby.
So on Thursday, it was time to throw the Risky Business Party. I had collected a bunch of money from kids on the floor, so we were well funded. In addition, two guys in my hall (Miles and Bryant, fellow Americans who hail from California) had been collecting money as well and were also organizing this party with me. We had already gone down to the grocery store with suitcases in hand to pick up the necessary ‘supplies’ for the party. So setup consisted of making drinks and setting up music. Setup went without a problem, and the party was picking up at a good pace. I was very surprised that everyone came fully in costume. By around 11, I think we had over 100 people packed into our floor. Everyone was having a good time, and the party seemed to be going great. I was taking care of playing all the music for the dance floor, so I spent the majority of my time there, but I heard the other rooms we setup (our kitchens, one as a bar, one as a beer pong/flip cup room) were just as packed as the dance floor. All in all, it felt like a very American party. It was nice to be able to show the Londoners a little bit of the American college experience, since they’ve shown me so many things different from school in the States.
Friday….recovery day from Thursday. I know its lame. I was tired and felt a little under the weather so I took it easy. In order to get into the spirit of Halloween and costumes, I watched Rocky Horror Picture Show again. Every time I see that movie, it makes me want to find one of the infamous Rocky Horror Picture Show parties and see what kind of crazy people turn up to that.
So Saturday was Halloween. I was still feeling a little bit out of it during the beginning of the day, so I decided to stay local for the night. However, I did not have a costume, and I did not want to spend money on one. So I took a bunch of clothes I would seriously wear around in public by themselves, and wore them in such a fashion so that I looked unmistakably like a pirate. See, normally I could have been a swimmer (bathing suit + goggles), a track star (high socks, short shorts), or a girl (knock on a girls door and ask for an outfit), and gotten a few laughs from people and been fine. However, in London, Halloween is still a much newer concept to them. Therefore, they actually wear scary costumes. People had fake blood, face paint, lots of black. So I had to pick something kind of scary, and pirate worked well. I actually was in some competition for best costume. It was so close between me and this guy wearing a bunch of leaves, that the DJ ordered a dance off. Now I’ve seen Zoolander multiple times, but I don’t think any amount of that could have prepared me for a real dance off. But why not? The crowd was cheering and I didn’t really have a choice. I busted out every cheesy move I know (including pulling a girl up on stage to dance with me). The crowd loved it, a lot of people came up to me after and said things about it, all of which were positive. On my way back to the halls, Miles, Bryant, myself, and a few other kids decided to climb this huge statue/monument thing outside the Royal Albert Hall. I think there are a few pictures somewhere, and if I find one I’ll post it. However, I don’t think I’ll be able to walk past it without thinking about climbing back up there.
As for today, its time to be a student. Maybe around midnight go watch the Phil’s.
Musically, heres Phoenix
Phoenix – 1901 (Right Click & Save As)
Cheers,
Skip
