Oh man, I've been inside Chez Rick and had the same reaction! That rust-colored palace (I believe the term is "Moorish") just above Sunset and right near Tower Records: which is to Rubin as a silent film lot was to Norma Desmond. I never made it to the shower but I feel like running through all the other features with you like a fellow jilted lover. The giant taxidermy grizzly (or was it a brown bear)? The framed glossy of my abiding secret fascination, James Coburn, about which, Rubin's only explanation was "Cuz he's so cool." The cool, low-level natural light in the whole place, with its Roman Villa Giulia vibe. The lightly-thrashed opulence of an occupied ABC Carpet. But: I like how you wove in the British Museum-style looting of sacred spaces: fixtures from a half dozen mosques and ancient churches. Jesus: I spent maybe 2 hours there 2 decades ago and, like you, I'm ruined. Despoilt by a damn...house.
I just found the piece I wrote after visiting that boomer Xanadu and, Jesus, the decor details still sting: "From the foothills of the Sunset Strip, up the West Hollywood incline, past shrub, Porsche and Humvee, and through iron gates therein. Here, far from the wants and cravings of our earthly sphere, sits Rick Rubin, contemplating the Tao of Rock. [blah-blah-blah...] One quails upon entering the dark, spacious mansion, with its giant Buddha flanked by a grand piano and a harpsichord [...blah-blah...] The room-lining shelves filled with hundreds of books [...blah-blah...] A giant stuffed polar bear (named Harry) [!] looms over the sofa and a black Hungarian Puli (named Monday) trots by the door." And if all that's not enough, dude wound monitor off-site recording sessions, live, through these "zebrawood-paneled speakers custom-made in Germany by Audio Physic, glass-encased Hovland tube ampliers, an Ayre CD player." Ok, I gotta go jump out my window now, bye.
Lena! Aren't you in Kimberly's painting class with me? I've been wanting to reach out to you because you are my NEW HERO. Your paintings are INCREDIBLE!
Feb 23, 2022·edited Feb 23, 2022Liked by Cintra Wilson
I thought his former house was cool with Brigette Romanek’s decor, but I wish I could see how it looked with his. Seems like everyone envies something about Rick Rubin. Who knew one of those things was his shower? Even though it’s bittersweet, it’s nice to know who in the world has your dream taste and furnishings. https://artfulliving.com/brigette-romanek-home-design-interview/
Yeah, Romanek is definitely cool, but Rick Rubin's house was way more....tribal. Unhinged. Reminded me of that Anne Sexton line, "Darling, the composer has stepped into fire."
Ugh...u da best. I drool about RR and his career/approach. In some interview he was like I just show with as few ideas and preconceptions as possible. Mr. equanimous I want your job...and (one of) your home(s).
Also cuz my band opened for the chili peppers ( in like 84 at Wolfgangs in SF) I’ve always resented them for getting famous with their aggressive nothing to say-ness. So your soft dig was very satisfying : )
Oh man, I've been inside Chez Rick and had the same reaction! That rust-colored palace (I believe the term is "Moorish") just above Sunset and right near Tower Records: which is to Rubin as a silent film lot was to Norma Desmond. I never made it to the shower but I feel like running through all the other features with you like a fellow jilted lover. The giant taxidermy grizzly (or was it a brown bear)? The framed glossy of my abiding secret fascination, James Coburn, about which, Rubin's only explanation was "Cuz he's so cool." The cool, low-level natural light in the whole place, with its Roman Villa Giulia vibe. The lightly-thrashed opulence of an occupied ABC Carpet. But: I like how you wove in the British Museum-style looting of sacred spaces: fixtures from a half dozen mosques and ancient churches. Jesus: I spent maybe 2 hours there 2 decades ago and, like you, I'm ruined. Despoilt by a damn...house.
I know! I know! I am so glad someone else does!
I just found the piece I wrote after visiting that boomer Xanadu and, Jesus, the decor details still sting: "From the foothills of the Sunset Strip, up the West Hollywood incline, past shrub, Porsche and Humvee, and through iron gates therein. Here, far from the wants and cravings of our earthly sphere, sits Rick Rubin, contemplating the Tao of Rock. [blah-blah-blah...] One quails upon entering the dark, spacious mansion, with its giant Buddha flanked by a grand piano and a harpsichord [...blah-blah...] The room-lining shelves filled with hundreds of books [...blah-blah...] A giant stuffed polar bear (named Harry) [!] looms over the sofa and a black Hungarian Puli (named Monday) trots by the door." And if all that's not enough, dude wound monitor off-site recording sessions, live, through these "zebrawood-paneled speakers custom-made in Germany by Audio Physic, glass-encased Hovland tube ampliers, an Ayre CD player." Ok, I gotta go jump out my window now, bye.
Killer! Where did you write that?
Oh you’re very sweet. It was for the ladmag-adjacent glossy Blender.
I remember them.
“An occupied ABC Carpet”!
I always wondered what Rick Rubin's house would look like, and now I know. Better than video tour. And I love your paintings!
Lena! Aren't you in Kimberly's painting class with me? I've been wanting to reach out to you because you are my NEW HERO. Your paintings are INCREDIBLE!
You just made my day :)
Excellent. I hope to make it often. You're a monster painter.
"Wet Swans and Beard Swallowing Fat Boys," a Cintra Holiday Special
That's how I like it
Is it wrong that I now want “Take me, fat boy. I want to swallow your beard.” as a ring tone?
That would work!
I thought his former house was cool with Brigette Romanek’s decor, but I wish I could see how it looked with his. Seems like everyone envies something about Rick Rubin. Who knew one of those things was his shower? Even though it’s bittersweet, it’s nice to know who in the world has your dream taste and furnishings. https://artfulliving.com/brigette-romanek-home-design-interview/
Yeah, Romanek is definitely cool, but Rick Rubin's house was way more....tribal. Unhinged. Reminded me of that Anne Sexton line, "Darling, the composer has stepped into fire."
ahh…the words…so descriptive… and the painting… so devine
Grazie mi amigo.
Great! And the painting.
Why thank you, my dear friend.
Ugh...u da best. I drool about RR and his career/approach. In some interview he was like I just show with as few ideas and preconceptions as possible. Mr. equanimous I want your job...and (one of) your home(s).
Also cuz my band opened for the chili peppers ( in like 84 at Wolfgangs in SF) I’ve always resented them for getting famous with their aggressive nothing to say-ness. So your soft dig was very satisfying : )