I attack with love...

2009 Top Ten

2009-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well Well Well...another year and another list. I love them...I love searching them, finding them, finding new music, and sharing with what I listened to this year...Enjoy!

1. Phoenix-Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

2. Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavilion

3. Avett Brothers- I and Love and You

4. Wilco- Wilco (the album)

5. Dinosaur Jr.--Farm

6. Passion Pit--Manners

7. Deastro--Moondagger

8. Ramona Falls-Intuit

9. Sonic Youth--The Eternal

10. Cymbals Eat Guitars-Why There are Mountains

Best of Lists:
Hip Hop: Mos Def- The Ecstatic

Singles: Lady Gaga- Poker Face

Musical Surprise: Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Compilation: Dark Was the Night

Last Year Surprise: Jessica Lee Mayfield- With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt

EP- Bon Iver- Blood Bank

Rock: Dinosaur Jr.

Honorable Mention:
Andrew Bird
The Mountain Goats

I hope you find a gem in there yourself! Have an awesome 2010!

birds of a feather

2009-11-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have been quiet lately. I don't know if it's that I have nothing to say, that I have been overwhelmed with change, or that I have disjointed myself from that place of writing and I need to find the road back home. I am at work and i don't know why but I felt compelled to write, right now.

Lately (and when I say lately I mean the last few months) I have been aware of the flocking of birds, the patterns, the necessity of community and togetherness in their traveling. I am compelled by these birds. Every single day I see their movements or their resting. Living in Michigan you would think they would have been long gone by now, migratting to warmer weather and mates. But the weather has been unseasonable and they are staying and allowing me to be in shock or awe when they move and soar together.

Everyday i see their swooping. The movement. Soaring.

I am reminded that I am not alone. I don't have to do this thing called life again. I am sure some of these birds have had collisions with one another, that they are out of formation, line if you will. I am sure they are still in the flock. I hope that I can find my flock. The group of people that you gather and soar with. That you move into new places and new journeys. My fellow friends are scattered all over the place and I know one day we to shall be together but it's been awhile....and i am sure it will continue to be awhile but i know that those birds are my daily reminder to put myself out there. To continue to try new things and find new people. To create. To renew. To grow. To be challenged. To be changed.

well just do this.

2009-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Found this here. My friend Krissee.

Ramona Falls: Intuit

2009-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am often skeptical when I get a stack of records and think will some of these be records be something that will be something I actually really love. This record has blown me away. It's smart, thick, and full of life and astute understanding of everyday life.

the more I think about it the more I think it's like the National meets Grizzly Bear. Smart independent rock meeting beautiful percussive harmonies. To me It's like a step up from the National and and a step left from the constructed chaos of Grizzly Bear. I honestly can't stop listening to this record.

The first song entitled "Melectric" has to be one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in quite sometime. I love songs that almost encapsulate desire through what I like to call a tug of war method. It pulls you in and out until you it just breaks and bursts. Sign me up. Let me tell you I haven't stopped listening since I heard it on Sunday. I can also tell you that I might drive to Chicago just to see them play.

This is a project from Brent Knopf from Menomena. For the Ramona Falls project, named after a childhood hiking trail on Mt. Hood, Brent collaborated extensively with musicians in Portland and New York. Performed by Brent Knopf, Intuit includes guest appearances by 35 friends (including members of The Helio Sequence, Mirah, and Talkdemonic, etc.).

You can stream the whole record: HERE.

DOWNLOAD the track "I Say Fever".

SEE them on tour....
8/21 – Los Angeles [The El Rey]
8/23 – Costa Mesa [Detroit Bar]
8/25 – San Francisco [Café DuNord]
8/28 – Seattle [The Crocodile]
8/29 – Portland [Doug Fir]

9/9 – Minneapolis [The 7th Street Entry]
9/10 - Madison [The High Noon Saloon]
9/11 – Chicago [The Chopin]
9/12 – Cleveland [The Beachland Tavern]
9/15 – Boston [Great Scott]
9/17 – NYC [Piano’s]
9/18 – Brooklyn [TBA]
9/19 – Philadelphia [Kung Fu Necktie]

I should have been a great many of things...

2009-08-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

After my many travels to a land that was once my home it has shaken up what I thought was comfortable and have new thoughts and new dreams of what could be possible. When this happens I get a bit of concrete feet and watch a lot of movies and stand still for awhile. Tonight the beautiful Little Women was on and some of my favorite quotes stung me a bit.

The first is from Marme to Jo:
Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and - and find a good use for your talent. Tho' I don't know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.

The other...
Jo March: I find it poor logic to say that because women are good, women should vote. Men do not vote because they are good; they vote because they are male, and women should vote, not because we are angels and men are animals, but because we are human beings and citizens of this country.

Mr. Mayer: You should have been a lawyer, Miss March.

Jo March: I should have been a great many things, Mr. Mayer.

These two things really have been strong thoughts as of late. I don't know where my gifts, talents, and heart will lead me but I do know that the gears are turning and action and reaction will be needed.

I guess the heart wants what the heart wants. Somedays you need to argue with it and other days you just need to go with it.

Free mix

2009-08-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Get a really GREAT mix tape free from insound.

i love insound.
Great distributor of great indie jams.
if you don't know them....well you should.

Adventures at the Library: Part Two

2009-07-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

So my musical adventures continue. Clinton Macomb Library I appreciate you and your musical selections. I am a musical listening machine lately. I have to drive everywhere so I have had some time to listen and make some new impressions. So here are three more thoughts for three more records.

Art Brut: "Bang, Bang Rock & Roll"
The record starts with:
Formed a band
We formed a band
Look at us
We formed a band

Hell yeah they formed a band and this 2005 release is amazing. Tough, fun, rock love. I love this record because it is so much fun, the lyrics are interesting, and it defintely announces hey we are a band, these are our songs, love them, hate them, f-you. I think overall it is a nice record to remind yourself to not take yourself to seriously. Art Brut released a new record "Art Brut vs. Satan," this pushes me over to edge to want to own it, listen to it, and probably dance around my bedroom with a dinosaur as a microphone.

Dr. Dog: Fate
I LOVED THIS RECORD!! It's my favorite of the three I have listened to during this library round. This 2008 release missed my listening ears. Oh my gosh I love it. It's fun, it's americana, it's roots, it's just plain good. As people were talking about My Morning Jacket they should have been speaking louder about this record. It's cool and breezy, not to cocky or arrogant. If this record was a person I would love to hang out with it. Who wouldn't really. GET THIS RECORD!!! I wish I would have a year ago.

See them live:
Jul 31 2009 12:30A
Pickathon Portland, Oregon
Aug 1 2009 8:30P
Pickathon Portland, Oregon
Aug 3 2009 9:00P
Bethlehem Musikfest Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Sep 18 2009 7:00P
Nightfall Concert at Miller Plaza Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sep 19 2009 9:00P
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Bristol, Virginia
Sep 20 2009 2:00P
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Bristol, Virginia
Sep 28 2009 9:00P
The Orange Peel Asheville, North Carolina
Sep 29 2009 7:30P
The Loft Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 30 2009 8:00P
The Howlin’ Wolf New Orleans, Louisiana
Oct 1 2009 10:00P
Chelsea’s Cafe Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Oct 2 2009 12:00P
Austin City Limits Festival Austin, Texas
Oct 3 2009 1:00P
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Golden Gate Park San Francisco, California
Oct 5 2009 8:30P
The Brookdale Lodge Brookdale, California
Oct 6 2009 9:00P
Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, California
Oct 7 2009 9:30P
Club Congress Tucson, Arizona
Oct 9 2009 10:00P
Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah
Oct 10 2009 9:00P
Belly Up Aspen, Colorado
Oct 11 2009 9:00P
Fox Theatre Boulder, Colorado
Oct 12 2009 9:00P
The Bottleneck Lawrence, Kansas
Oct 13 2009 9:00P
The Gargoyle Club St. Louis, Missouri
Oct 15 2009 9:00P
The Mad Hatter Covington, Kentucky
Oct 16 2009 8:00P
Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, Ohio
Oct 17 2009 8:00P
Mass Moca North Adams, Massachusetts
Oct 20 2009 9:00P
Gravity Lounge Charlottesville, Virginia
Oct 21 2009 9:00P
Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina
Oct 22 2009 8:00P
Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
Oct 23 2009 9:00P
Theatre of the Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 24 2009 9:00P
Theatre of the Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Josh Ritter: The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
I really got into Six Feet Under a few years ago and there was a beautiful end scene where a track from Josh Ritter was featured. The song was "Come and Find Me." So I took his advice after many listens and tried to find him. I found this record, The Historical Conquest of Josh Ritter" and was underwhelmed and to be honest kind of bored. Six tracks in I was just not into the record. Help me people! I don't understand what everyone loves about him! Is it just this record? Is it him? One track does not a great artist make. Is there anybody out there who will help me understand?

Wilco...live in Detroit

2009-07-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

I can say that I am one lucky lady to be able to see Wilco twice within the same week. Good luck and fortune rarely shows itself in this way and when it happens in this manner than I run with it and take full advantage.

Last Tuesday was Wilco at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Michigan. Wilco indoors doesn't happen very often and going back into my memories I think it has been since 2005 where I saw them indoors. What a treat!! Indoors made a difference with hearing the delicate percussion lines in songs from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and just how good Nels Cline really is.

I was lucky to have a space that allowed me to peer through the crowd and have a direct view of Nels' hands as they fly on this Jazzmaster. Holy crap...so good and so beautiful. The night was full of great jams both new and old. Nothing was better than the first encore with Poor Places into Reservations and then topping it off with Spiders (Kidsmoke). Those songs almost haunt me. It made me stop moving. Stand still. Listen. It was like I could see the ghosts of my past. The air in the room changed to like everyone was accessing a memory with a line like "I've got reservations, about so many things, but not about you."

The night was fun, lots of really good midwest jams. The crowd was so fabulous, singing along, having fun. I danced the whole evening and sang along on the top of my lungs. I was having a rough day and let me tell you Wilco (as promised) did make it better.

(Hummingbird LIVE)

Royal Oak Set List:
Wilco (the song)
Bull Black Nova
You Are My Face
IATTBYH
A Shot in the Arm
One Wing
Handshake Drugs
A Magazine Called Sunset
Deeper Down
Jesus, etc.
In A Future Age
Impossible Germany
I'll Fight
Summerteeth (started and restarted)
Sonny Feeling
Hate It Here
Can't Stand It
Walken
I'm The Man Who Loves You
Hummingbird

Encore
Poor Places
Reservations
Spiders (Kidsmoke)

2nd Encore
You Never Know
Heavy Metal Drummer
California Stars (w/female fan choir)
Red-Eyed and Blue
I Got You (At The End of the Century)
Hoodoo Voodoo
Kingpin
I'm A Wheel

This Womans Work

2009-07-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

I watch So You Think You Can Dance every Wednesday without fail. I watch it with great friends of mine I literally have known ALL of my life (trust me there are baby pictures involved). There are two words that get my stomach in a knot, or make me pause, or make me stare off into space and those words are: breast cancer.

Last night this piece was performed to represent the struggle. I have never been more moved in my life. Never a dance or art for that matter has pushed me over the edge more than this piece. Even sitting here writing this I have tears in my eyes.

The song was an excellent choice, the dancing was superb, the male dance Ade got it. He completely got what it was to support someone with the struggle. To want to catch them, hold them up, never leave them alone. He was SO strong. It is such an AMAZING piece.

The video shows the story and the thankfulness of the judges for being able to have the courage and strength to dance this piece. I am so thankful.

Deastro: Growers EP

2009-07-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

Download a free Deastro EP: Growers

CLICK ME!

Javelins

2009-07-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

To be young and to be in Detroit. There are some great bands in this newly found fair city of mine. One of my favorites is this delightful band Javelins, probably one of my favorite bands in Detroit. This indiepop band always puts a smile on my face and gets me excited about the possibilities of music. The band is really nothing I have heard before. Tight pop with eerie sounding distorted tracks makes one early to fall in love with.

Last night I enjoyed them at The Lager House. A quick set that was fully enjoyable made me excited about this three, now turned four piece. Matt Rickle, Matt Howard, Julian Wettlin, and Will Yates bring strong indie sensibilities with their influences of My Bloody Valentine, Talk Talk, Stereolab, and Built to Spill to help you understand the low-fi love I give to their jams.

Please check out there record, Heavy Meadows, a smart ten song collection chalk full of this wonderful sound and delightful jams. Erica Froman from the lovely band Anathallo loans her beautiful and stunning voice to give many of these tracks depth and success. I hope you can check them out, I have and will continue.

Javelins - "Out on the Sand" from Suburban Sprawl Music on Vimeo.

If you are in the midwest please check these jams out:
Jul 22 2009 Midwest Fest 09 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Jul 28 2009 The Pike Room w/ CURSIVE Pontiac, Michigan
Aug 14 2009 F*cking Awesome Fest @ The Majestic Detroit, Michigan
Aug 16 2009 Gold Music Festival Rochester, Michigan

Music at the Library: Part One

2009-07-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

In the last year my life has kind of flipped upside down and I have found myself in the state where my drivers license told me where I reside. Which means I am in suburbia for just a little while longer. Which means I now have a library where I can actually check out books (for awhile there I lived in different states, never long enough to change my address, hence no library card.

This new library has an amazing collection of music. One that makes my jaw drop a little and wish that their 'alternative' section was my own personal library. So I am going to go back in time a bit. Listen to records that I always wanted to hear but there were many moments I couldn't afford. ahhhhh....the beauty of the library!!

First installment:

Love is All: A Hundred Things that Keep Me Up All Night
Most favorite record that I will probably go and purchase soon. It was so fun. So delightful. The record was released late November 2008 so it slipped through the radar as I obsessed over best of the year lists, which the unfortunate November release gets stuck in between the cracks. Dancerockpop jams! Love it. Have to have it and I hope you do as well.

The Silent Years: The Globe. This is a local Detroit band with band members of bands of my past that I just loved. Since I have been home I have seen them a few times and have really enjoyed myself. This record defintely didn't disappoint. Fun, beautiful questions, slow though not boring. Here's a little taste.

Liam Finn: I'll Be Lightening. This Record was released in 2007 and I have had a couple of tracks floating in my itunes. The whole record is lovely and I was lucky to give it a whirl but it's not something I have missed since returning to the library. It was nice but forgettable.

Black Mountain: In the Future.
Let's Just say this was my least favorite of the bunch. Known as retro-psych the record was released early 2008. It was guitar solos without much substance. I didn't finish it. I returned it without thinking twice. I kind of forgot about it until I went through my list and remembered what i was up to!

So there are the four reviews of records newer and older. I have another large stack that I am slowly wading through. Enjoy!

Wolfgang Amedeus Phoenix

2009-07-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has been a delightful addition to my music catalog. It's fun, energetic, and powerful. It's one of the few records that when the record is over you swiftly start it over again.

There are some great songs that are easily put into a mix tape with fun summer jams. It's a fantastically fun record with wonderfully crafted pop songs that are easy to shake your shoulders to. The lyrics are crafted to engage the loner or the lonely and I have fallen for its sweetness.

I had heard quite a lot of buzz around this band and with the record. I was skeptical at first but it's a delightful record that gets played often when i am working or if i am driving in my car. I highly suggest that you put this record on, clear your furniture, and dance the night away.

You can check them out on tour:
SEPTEMBER

September 13 : Monolith Festival – Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, USA
September 16 : Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, USA
September 19 : Urban, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
September 21 : Slowdown, Omaha, NE, USA
September 22 : First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA
September 25 : Rumsey Playfield – Central Park, NYC, USA – SOLD OUT
September 26 : Rumsey Playfield – Central Park, NYC, USA

OCTOBER

October 1 : Tipitinas, New Orleans, LA, USA
October 2 : Austin City Limits Festival, Austin, Texas, USA

If you can't see them on tour you can still follow them on twitter:Wearephoenix

Wilco (my thoughts)

2009-07-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

There are few bands that really shake me to the core. Anyone that has hung out with me a few times will eventually understand that the love of this band runs deep. Wilco put out a really fantastic follow-up to the 2006 rock record Sky Blue Sky with this new record Wilco (the album). This record shares some really fantastic new songs; the fun and lite wilco (the song), a duo with the lovely Feist on You and I, and the chilling Bull Black Nova.

I have read somewhere that this is a record of confidence, and I couldn't agree more. These five gentleman have brought their confidence, experience, and ability to craft great songs onto one of the most stripped down Wilco records to date. It continues to amaze (and delight) that this band keeps getting better with time. The record is not Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or a Ghost is Born. It's this stripped down great rock sound. At first I thought these jams could be B-sides from Sky Blue Sky but I couldn't be more wrong. There is a beautiful rich tone to this record. It's calm, unassuming, and straight up great!

and hearing it live is even better!!

on Monday I had the opportunity to see Wilco live on Coney Island. The night began with Wilco (the song). So fun, so exciting, and with a smile on my face some friends new and some who have loved Wilco forever with me sang-a-long for two and half hours of fantastic Wilco songs. They played my favorites (Hummingbird, Impossible Germany, Shot in the Arm, At Least That's What She Said). The energy they bring to a show is like nothing else I have seen or have encountered.

The show was a beautiful night and with a double encore my heart was happy. (Leslie) Feist came out to sing the duet "You and I" and I thought my jaw would fall off my face. Then Edward Droste from Grizzly Bear came out and jangled the tambourine and sang California Stars with Feist and band. Adding beauty to beauty Yo La Tango arrives to finish the encore with Spiders (Kidsmoke).

I think my favorite Wilco moment happened when Nels Cline, Jeff Tweedy, and the dude from Yo La Tango came together and created some beautiful harmonies with progressive scales creating both tension and harmony. Holy crap. Amazing.

A second encore included what my friend Ryan liked to call a shred off between multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone and the fabulous Nels Cline on the jam Hoodoo Voodoo. Moments of great rock and roll are no longer televised but I had the amazing opportunity to see it happen! Lucky for me I get to see them again next week!

magic is in the air.

2009-06-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

These are my feelings as of late:
Iron and Wine covering SteroLab
Peng! 33

Curiosity was far greater than our fear
It felt so simple, so prodigious at the same time

Incredible things are happening in the world
Magical things are happening in this world

Across the river there are all kinds of magical instruments
While we really keep on living like monkeys

Incredible things are happening in the world
Magical things are happening in this world, yeah

beauty upon beauty.

2009-06-22T11:02:00.001-07:00

I spent the morning being tired. I was tired because of the beauty of community, friendship, true love, and laughter. I can only say that I know some of the most amazing people in the world. These people are kind, loving, gracious, beautiful, free spirited, and connected to a beautiful God who is never limited.

I stood up in the Sparks-Graeser wedding that ultimately so beautiful with a blue sky, cool shade, green grass, and love that is tireless.

I am grateful for the people who challenge me.
Who push me endlessly.
Who love without having to try.
Who are good. Who fail and pick themselves back up.
They fight with their voices rather than their fists.
They inspire me to be better.

They inspire me to continue to be honest and open.
They inspire me to create. To think of new ideas and to approach life with vigor and always with a smile.

I can never give up
I can never give in

when i have friends like these.

Deastro: Moondagger

2009-06-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have been absent from life the last couple of weeks....I have been listening to good jams as I have been a busy worker bee.

I have been lucky to come back to Detroit (I used to live in LA) and stumble upon music (and people) that shake you. Deastro is the brain child of Randolph Chabot. This record is my favorite summer jam already. I have played some of these jams at a party and the dancing automatically happens. (I also had a little girl throw a little rock fist in the air!)

The record is a smart blend of 80s new-wave, hints of classical influence, and smart beats that makes you wonder how one guy could put this all together. Record label Ghostly International has put out such a good record with little guy. The lyrics are so personal. They seem to touch on love, loss, and the quest to understand a God that almost seems unknowable. It is smart combination of live drums, guitar, and synth blending.

I absolutely LOVE this record. It's so smart both musically and lyrically. Please check out the songs: Kurgan Wave Number One, Daniel Johnston Was Stabbed In The Heart With The Moondagger By The King Of Darkness And His Ghost Is Writing This Song As A Warning To All Of Us, and The Shaded Forest. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Deastro is also heading on tour:
06/10 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
06/12 Brooklyn, NY - Studio B
06/13 Montreal, QC - Le Divan Orange
06/15 Cleveland, OH - Bside Liquor Lounge
06/17 Chicago, IL - Double Door
06/18 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Avenue Entry
06/21 Vancouver, BC - Media Club
06/22 Seattle, WA - TBA
06/23 Portland, OR - Holocene
06/24 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
06/25 L.A., CA - Spaceland

The Wooden Birds: Magnolia

2009-05-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

A new record out for Iron and Wine fans who can't wait for the month before their new record to come out can be excited for Magnolia, the new record from the new band The Wooden Birds.

These birds constructed of wood is from the brain of Andrew Kenny, better known for his work in American Analog Set. This mellow record sets up to be a record you want to listen to when it rains or when the fall comes and you want to wrap yourself in a sweater.

To be honest the first couple of listens made me roll my eyes and run to my Iron and Wine records but I dug in my heels and thought well I think I will give it another shot. The lyrics are smart, funny, and some that make you ponder and wonder what might be going through to want to someone to choke. Slow guitars mixed with shakers, drum sweeps, and interspersed beautiful female harmonies.

The way the music is set it reminds me of riding on a train. The tracks moving underneath you taking you someplace you have been before. The beat throughout the record is repetivitive but you know you are getting somewhere rather than nowhere.

Tracks that are a must have: "Sugar" and "Hailey"

There is a great interview with Andrew Kenny found HERE.

Six Albums that Have Caught my Ear in 2009

2009-05-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

2009 started with a bang! Five STRONG records that are fabulous and amazing. Each record has a different flavor a different beauty that attaches itself to each song and to each melody.

Animal Collective: Holy crap! The most accessible record of their catalog is Merriweather Post Pavillion. Electronic masterpiece in 11 songs. My favorites are of course, "My Girls" and "Summertime Clothes". Perfect record to drive with the windows down. The video of My Girls can be found HERE. There Letterman appearance HERE.

Antony and the Johnsons yet again gives us a brilliant heartbreaking longful record. For about two weeks I couldn't stop listening to "Epilepsy is Dancing". The last minute is breath-taking, swirling and gorgeous. The rest of the record is quite thought provoking and repeat-worthy.

M. Ward: Hold Time is a pretty simple record. Features the vocals of his She and Him co-singer Zooey Deschanel. I love this record because there are some fantastic lyrics layred with simple folk chords and melodies.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: was a surprise for me this year. In a collection of artists that have shown that they already can make a good record this one popped it's head up and said an 80s-esche hello. I grew up listening to pop radio in the 80s and at that time nu-wave was cooler than Paris Hilton wishes she could be. I feel in love with this self-titled record instantly. My Molly Ringwald dance boots are on and I love that it creates a new twist on something I hold so near and dear. This video is awesome. Watch. Hug. Dance. Fall in love.

Beirut: This new record is a lot like the old record. Bright trumpets, rhythmic accordions, smooth drumming is always a fun record to read to or have on in the background. In some ways it felt like a B-sides to The Flying Club Cup but that seems to be okay with me.

Andrew Bird: Oh Andrew Bird thank you for making another great record. Some of the record was in the Wilco loft...LOVE! Other than that unrelated though so fantastic tid bit of info this record is a fantastic (not so much) follow up to Magical Production of Eggs. There are slow thought parts mixed with fantastic lyrics with bright piano and a myriad of smart instrumentation. Noble Beast is a must have of 09. The video for track "Fitz and and Dizzyspells" is right HERE.

If you have any of these records and you have some thoughts share them with me. I don't like to listen in a vacuum.

Mogwai@ the Crofoot (Pontiac)

2009-05-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Mogwai @ Crofot May 6, 2009

Beautifully elegant and peaceful was the set and the tone from Mogwai at Detroit'sCrofoot. I think when you listen to instrumental music you can only come with yourself and your ideas how to interpret a song. So many of my own nerosises played out last night as I listened to brilliantly crafted, emotionally driven songs.

I guess I can say they are emotional only for the shere fact that I am an emotional person and I sort through life under the umbrella of beautiful slow jams. They played a slew of songs from a slew of records and to everyones joy ended night with a 20 minute encore of "My Father My King." The 20 minute EP of same name.

When I listen to Mogwai it always sounds a bit darker, than say, Explosions in the Sky. Darker tonely only in the sense that there are moments that there are songs that sound like a ticking clock...time moving on...life moving on. There are no lows and no highs just a movement and that movement has to be forward. There driving parts are what moves me. Holy Crap so beautiful. So ballsy. Moments almost remind me of metal they are so tough. What makes this band so phenomenal is that moments of when it's so tough, fist in hand, the next moments are tender and gentle.

I won last night.

Fellow Scots, The Twilight Sad opened the evening. Incredible as well. Vovally reminds me of Billy Bragg. Instrumentally a good indie swooping sound. There was a moment when the singer was no longer singing in the microphone and just stood there. I don't know why that really affected me so much. The absense of movement. He stood there and just listened. Struck a chord in me. Check out their myspace. Beautiful.

Favorite Mogwai song of the evening:

Mogwai - Mogwai Fear Satan from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Mastodon....

2009-05-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mastodon : Live at the Crofoot.

Friday I had the privilege to see Mastodon with Kylesa at the Crofoot. I have been to a lot of shows in my age (27) anywhere from my first (Dave Matthews Band) to some great metal and hardcore, Wilco, TV on the Radio, and Radiohead nights of genius and wonder.

I can honestly say that Mastodon put on one of the greatest shows I have seen in quite some time and maybe almost ever. I am not a typical Metal-head. I love slow jams, pop jams, rock jams, etc. I don't know the guitar player who originally played for Ozzy Osbourne on a tour in 1984 or obscure bands with some amazing riffs but I do know that I love music that is heavy and smart. That's where Mastodon comes in.

Mastodon is smart, heavy, technically brilliant, and continually aware of other musical concepts that influence their musical....dare I say...genius. They started the evening with playing the newest record Crack the Skye from beginning to end. A seven song epic record that swoops and swells. It reminds me of a mid-90s grunge, heavy, rock record. The recording to be completely honest is okay but seeing them live it really came alive. The brightness of the guitar tones mixed with the heaviness of the double kick drum really came alive that evening

After finishing the record they took what one may consider a break and came back and played for another hour and a half. It only got better, playing songs that were off old records...my favorite "Blood and Thunder" and "Iron Tusks" from Leviathian.

If this band comes into your town. Please go. Please do yourself this favor and go. It was so good. Technically brilliant. Musically a dream. It's been a few days since I went and I am still feeling the effects of just how great of a band they were. So good. So tight. So together as a band. Go....Go now.

Tour dates that are left:
May 4 Le National Montreal, QC
May 5 Opera House Toronto, ON
May 7 House of Blues Boston, MA
May 8 TLA Philadelphia, PA
May 9 Fillmore @ Irving Plaza New York, NY
May 10 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY
May 12 9:30 Club Washington DC
May 13 Cat’s Cradle Carbarro, NC
May 14 Orange Peel Ashville, NC
May 15 Center Stage Atlanta, GA

iconoclasts thought...

2009-04-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

If I could have a blanket that covered me with love
the strands that kept me warm
were notes and tunes infused with Wilco
notes out of tune
notes with neutral milk hotel, REM, radiohead, and Miles Davis

I would blanket myself and I would never feel alone
I would feel absolutely embraced by the questions
the loneliness, the joy, the questions, and the peace

I would know that the warmth that I felt
is something that I have put together
and yet I have never made myself

The music embraces me with thoughts that I could never get
from turning on just the radio
but hearing how this music has impacted others
as they have bee stretched to see the world
with new eyes, perspectives, beauty

and so i will lay myself down to hear the silence
but always keeping my ears open to someones
interpretation of how they hear the world.

why should the devil have all the good music?

2009-04-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't been going to church lately.
I don't go because I think it's almost to real
or many times I think it's so far from my reality
and the reality of those that I love that I
just don't go.

This morning I watched the documentary "Why Should the Devil Have all the Good Music?" where the directors of the film went to Cornerstone Music Festival and talked to bands and fans about why Christian music is where it is musically and theologically in this point in history.

There were great questions posted of validity and strength of the message of Jesus. It helped me remember my question of what is Christian and what is 'secular'? I use the secular in quotes because I no longer see the need to separate the two. There is clearly a separation when all i can do is say the word Jesus and I believe in sacred spaces but at the end of the day there is clearly not a difference when the word love is used and when love is in action.

You could tell the differences in interviews of the kids who really thought about the infusion of art with their faith and those who regurgitated what someone else told them to think and infused it with their art.

I don't think I know what the right spirituality is for someone and I don't know if I know for myself. All I know is that the desire for spiritual safety or some sort of safe place to ask questions sounds like a place I desire to be.

Watching the DVD reminded me where I came from the great safe places that Cornerstone music fest allowed me to ask, allowed amazing people and friendships to come into my life, and allowed me to ask questions that challenged me spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Nothing is perfect. Christianity and it's practice is far from perfect as well.

I hope that good questions continue to be asked where we allow beauty and truth to be reintegrated with our faith practices.

a pretty song for you.

2009-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am sipping on a cup of coffee
listening to another day by the album leaf

it is supposed to rain
and i have my favorite sweater on
my dog by my feet
attempting to find a good book to read

there is something about this simplicity that breathes new life
into the lungs that are old and tired
i think some of it has to do with the fact that i am
growing

older
up
wiser
dumber
softer
feminine
sanguine
(I like that word)

and the stacks of books in the corners of my room
are calling my name
now that I put aside the remote control
for the option of controlling the input of my own brain

thinking through the beauty of the words from Gloria Steinem
hope for equality
and peace
and desire
to have knowledge about our land
and our space
and making a difference

whatever that can mean for you....

life as it begins to bloom.

2009-04-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

My spring mix for 2009...
Silly to think it took me about a month to make but it's damn good.

1. Hot 'N Cold--Katie Perry
2. Just Dance--Lady Gaga (it's a guilty pleasure)
3. Gobbledigoook--Sigur Ros
4. Untrust Us--Crystal Castles
5. This Package is Wrapped--Marnie Stern
6. My Girls- Animal Collective
7. What Ever Happened?--The Strokes
8. Graveyard Girl-M83
9. Kids--MGMT
10. Any Way You Want It--Journey
11. Happy As Can Be--Cut Off Your Hands
12. Halfway Home--TV on the Radio
13. A Magazine Called Sunset--Wilco
14. Magick--Ryan Adams
15. Summertime Clothes--Animal Collective
16. For Your Love-Marching Band
17. Parallelogram--Deastro
18. Wouldn't It Be Nice--The Beach Boys
19. Get It On--T. Rex

Get print here.

100 records 100 days challenge: Day One...#18 Postal Service: Give Up

2009-04-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER**As I have pondered my challenge (and been told there are better records) and to that I agree. I am going to still do the challenge but some of the records might change. I recognize that it is supposed to be 'indie' records but what I am realizing is most of these are the first releases of records before they got picked up by a bigger label. Okay cool I get it but there are better records to talk about so I might pick them.

I will start here....

I don't know anyone who doesn't really like this record. The side project to Death Cab for Cuties Chris Walla and program smartie Jimmy Tamborello. I think we all know the songs from countless commercials...Apple and Ipods just to say a few off the top of my head. Intel using the idea of the video or the video itself for it's commercial.

The band's name was chosen due to the way in which they produced its songs. Tamborello wrote and performed instrumental tracks and then sent the DATs to Gibbard, who edited the song as he saw fit (adding his vocals along the way), sending them back to Tamborello via the United States Postal Service.

I have so many memories attached to this record. Driving on tour with Anah Aevia singing loud with my friend Lukey-T. Dancing on rooftops. Driving around in that convertible with the top down. Most of this music I love evokes many memories and this album evokes so many.

The record is fun and one of those records that is accessible without being heady and at the same time not so over produced that there are no fresh thoughts or ideas. It was good to hear it again. I close my eyes and see a time that no longer exists with people that are wonderful and fun.

Amazons Top 100 Challenge

2009-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com posted their top 100 'indie rock records.' I went through the list and I thought I don't have some of these and or never heard of a couple. So my goal in the next 100 days is to find, listen, and talk about these records. I don't think I can go in order but it will give me something to do at work every day and something to think about at night. Who knows...I don't think I can do it in exactly a hundred days but we will give it a shot. Maybe this is will be the push I need to get excited about writing about music...giving me a chance to read, research, and acknowledge what Amazon has concluded great records.

100 Dangerous Magical Noise - The Dirtbombs
99 Passover - The Black Angels
98 To Survive - Joan As Police Woman
97 Ultimate Alternative Wavers - Built To Spill
96 Trans Am - Trans Am
95 The Discovery Of A World Inside... - The Apples In Stereo
94 Waiter: 'You Vultures!' - Portugal The Man
93 Alligator - The National
92 Horses In The Sky - Silver Mt. Zion
91 Gallowsbird's Bark - The Fiery Furnaces
90 Louden Up Now - (!!! Chk Chik Chick)
89 The Milk-Eyed Mender - Joanna Newsom
88 The Power Out - Electrelane
87 Cure For Pain - Morphine
86 Worn Copy - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
85 Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls
84 Hearts Of Oak - Ted Leo/Pharmacists
83 Save Yourself - Make Up
82 The Last Match - The Aislers Set
81 The Sea and the Bells - Rachel's
80 The Ugly Organ - Cursive
79 De Stijl - The White Stripes
78 Nothing Feels Good - The Promise Ring
77 The Smell Of Our Own - The Hidden Cameras
76 Jane From Occupied Europe - Swell Maps
75 Furnace Room Lullaby - Neko Case
74 The Curtain Hits The Cast - Low
73 The R&B Of Membership - The Delta 72
72 II & III - Camper Van Beethoven
71 Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating... - Spiritualized
70 The Fawn - The Sea And Cake
69 Feast of Wire - Calexico
68 Oh, Inverted World - The Shins
67 Will You Find Me - Ida
66 Milk Man - Deerhoof
65 Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies... - Of Montreal
64 Rejoicing in The Hands - Devendra Banhart
63 Destroyer's Rubies - Destroyer
62 TNT - Tortoise
61 Neon Golden - The Notwist
60 Daddy's Highway - The Bats
59 Set Yourself On Fire - Stars
58 Fabulous Muscles - Xiu Xiu
57 Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - TV On The Radio
56 The Decline And Fall Of Heavenly - Heavenly
55 The Mysterious Production of Eggs - Andrew Bird
54 Pussy-Whipped - Bikini Kill
53 Sing No Evil - Half Japanese
52 Liberty Belle And The Black Diamond Express - The Go Betweens
51 Emperor Tomato Ketchup - Stereolab
50 And Don't The Kids Just Love It - Television Personalities
49 Wild Love - Smog
48 Agaetis Byrjun - Sigur Ros
47 Red House Painters I - Red House Painters
46 Advisory Committee - Mirah
45 How Memory Works - Joan Of Arc
44 On Fire - Galaxie 500
43 On - Imperial Teen
42 Mass Romantic [Remastered] - The New Pornographers
41 Gulag Orkestar - Beirut
40 This Nation's Saving Grace - The Fall
39 You Forgot It In People - Broken Social Scene
38 I Am A Bird Now - Antony & The Johnsons
37 When Your Heartstrings Break - Beulah
36 Our Endless Numbered Days - Iron & Wine
35 Person Pitch - Panda Bear
34 Let's Get Out of This Country - Camera Obscura
33 Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
32 Let It Be [Expanded Edition] - The Replacements
31 Repeater + 3 Songs - Fugazi
30 Zen Arcade - Hüsker Dü
29 24 Hour Revenge Therapy - Jawbreaker
28 Lift Your Skinny Fists... - godspeed you black emperor!
27 Yellow House - Grizzly Bear
26 The Glow Pt. 2 - The Microphones
25 Black Candy - Beat Happening
24 Funeral - Arcade Fire
23 Moon Pix - Cat Power
22 Diary - Sunny Day Real Estate
21 Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil... - Bright Eyes
20 I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One - Yo La Tengo
19 Kill the Moonlight - Spoon
18 Give Up - The Postal Service
17 Dig Me Out - Sleater-Kinney
16 No Pocky for Kitty - Superchunk
15 I See A Darkness - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
14 We Have The Facts and We're Voting Yes - Death Cab For Cutie
13 Michigan - Sufjan Stevens
12 Daydream Nation - Sonic Youth
11 69 Love Songs Volume 1 - The Magnetic Fields
10 Bakesale - Sebadoh
09 Either/Or - Elliott Smith
08 Surfer Rosa - Pixies
07 If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle & Sebastian
06 Slanted & Enchanted - Pavement
05 Imperial f.f.r.r. (Deluxe Edition) - Unrest
04 Exile In Guyville - Liz Phair
03 Spiderland - Slint
02 In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
01 Bee Thousand - Guided by Voices

Films when you can't move

2009-03-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

With my back being sore, hurt, and for a day and half not really able to move I had quite a lot of time to watch some movies. Most of them fantastic a couple glad I watched but not worth mentioning. I won't go into huge diatribes but I thought some of these had a few sentences worth of a high five.

Rachel Getting Married
Fantastic film about addiction, recovery, and family dynamics. I think Anne Hathaway is fantastic and I think it's a great film to discuss personal dynamics as they link with our family and coping choices. Good. Great.

Persopolis
Illustrated story about the civil war of Taran, Iran and a young girls development alongside this tragedy. It's a search for freedom and self. It's a beautiful story with even more beautiful artwork. It was good film to understand the national identity of a country I didn't really know much about.

King Corn
FANTASTIC documentary about the use of Iowa corn. Did you know that you can't eat the corn that 95% of Iowa farmers grow? I had no clue. Did you know that most of what we eat is corn? Fabulous film showing the movement of nutritional to feed corn/high fructose corn syrup. I think it was a smart story to share how our culture and way of life is changing.

I Like Killing Flies
MY FAVORITE from the day. It is a crazy story of the owner of a dive restaurant in New York. He asks the most fantastic questions about the meaning of life as well as living it within a community like space. You have to watch it to believe it!! Fabulous.

Conversation(s) With Other Women
Another interesting conversation on love and loss. Shot and edited with a split story...connecting together the past with the present AND what could have been with what actually has. It is smart, funny, and breathtakingly simple. I could watch this one a few times and think I could still find something new.

The King of Kong
Amazingly geeky film. I loved it for that reason. I love when people get passionate and psyched on something that has meaning to a very small group of people. Fantastic. This small business man seeks to break the record of the 1985 world champion of Donkey Kong. When you are good you are good. No questions asked. Awesome.

I had a great movie watching experience. You should let me know if you have seen any of these and some thoughts!

Cohen.

2009-03-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Leonard Cohen the great song writer of beloved "Hallelujah" as well as so many others has a live double disk streaming on NPR.

I think this is what I will be doing today is listening to his sweet raspy voice challenge me on life and love!

creativity and a salad shooter

2009-03-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Sean linked me to THIS article in the New York Times.

It is interesting to talk about the financial and ecological impact. This article reveals my thoughts and feelings of the last few years and my thoughts to the continual future. Do we really need these things or this stuff to give us meaning, pleasure, or hope? I can't imagine that our stuff can do that.

So in this recession/depression where and how will we (I) be creative in thinking of new ways to help the economy without it being a plastic salad shooter or a new pair of shoes. I hope that we can find new ways to deal with our country and our lifestyle that doesn't include having 'stuff' to make our country be the 'best around.'

Life is interesting....I just want to be creative.

Happiness is.....

2009-03-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

When movie trailer like this exist...

This may be one of my all time favorite childrens books. I love when you watch something new and it sends shivers up your arms and back. I think this will be fantastic!! The only thing that made me sad was when I saw that it is coming up in October...it's better not be pushed to the next summer like the Harry Potter movie...

New Wilco Record

2009-03-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am SO SO SO excited!!!

A new Wilco record is set to be released in the end of June. Oh I am a happy lady!!
From Wilcoworld.net this is being said:

The forthcoming and still-untitled next Wilco album is nearing completion. Jim Scott and the band spent the last few weeks mixing in Jim's studio in Valencia, California and here's a list of song titles spied on the reels -- note this is not necessarily complete and not in sequence.

Deeper Down
Conscript (aka I'll Fight)
One Wing
Solitaire
Wilco (the song)
Country Disappeared
Everlasting
Bull Black Nova
Sonny Feeling
You and I

Rolling Stone blogger has heard the record and said they were hoping for a little more Yankee Hotel Foxtrot sonic dissonance but rumors have it that it will take yet another route. I just hope there are some great riffs like in Impossible Germany....

New Wilco=Happy Amy!!

you change you change you change your mind...

2009-03-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

A fantastic album that was out last year was Marnie Stern's This Is It And I Am It And You Are It And So Is That And He Is It And She Is It And It Is It And That Is That. I LOVE this record!! It's sassy. It's tough. It's raw and at the same time it's lyrics dig into me just like her superb finger tapping skills.

To be honest I know this record isn't for everyone but that's the beauty of music and desiring a bit deeper and a but longer to find something that grabs you and makes you say....really? this can be done? And done well it is.

THIS is a realy great interview regarding Marnie and falling into the music world. If you are friends of Hella you will be friends with Marnie...Zach Hill the drummer for the fabo band is playing drums on this little guy as well.

VIDEO for Transformer...Check it before you wreck it!

Bon Iver is heaven...

2009-03-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

...and it is even sweeter when covering the 80s jam "I Don't Want to Lose Your Love" by the Outfield.

Music worth being read

2009-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

I loved this magazine called Harp that went under last year. As I was searching for a birthday present I came across a magazine entitled BLURT that caught my eye. It looked as similiar to the layout of Harp and as I perused the issue and noticed that it was the same as Harp but a new name. I LOVE the thoughts of the people who write for the magazine. It's smart. Funny. Witty and it digs deeper into the topics than most music journalists allow themselves to dig.

It's not shallow or trite. It doesn't seem to be caught up in just the latest trends but continues to talk about those who came before and how the continue to influence the sounds that come today. It was worth the five dollars.

In a Sex and the City episode Carrie is talking to a fashion photographer about the photos he has taken. She makes mention that she would have to choose food or Vogue and she would choose Vogue because she thought it would feed her more. I feel this way about this magazine. I think reading about music and those who do it feeds me in a way that much else does. I know that I get quite passionate about certain aspects of life and I am okay to be passionate about this.

Something sparked when I found the magazine. I remembered what I loved and though I am far away from what I have considered normal I know that you can't walk away from what you love. For me it's late nights in a smokey space with people who love exposing themselves to art, music, and something bigger than yourself.

cobwebs.

2009-03-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time that I blogged or had the urge to blog.
I think that was a good thing. A good idea indeed.

I have new thoughts again.
When the snow was falling so was my heart.
It needed to hybernate and keep warm.
It was studying, reading, seeing with eyes that were broken and tired.

Resting and hiding seemed like the best idea.
Change is imperative.

I would like to start with writing about the cultural adventures I have taken.
Some in sound and some in film
Some about the heart
and others about art.

Life is for the taking and ready to reach my hand out and work for it.
and so i begin.

taking the cobwebs from the corners...

i stole this from barry

2009-02-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

sigh.

2009-02-23T17:42:00.001-08:00

When I left LA I left this blog behind.
I was so inspired when i was laying in my bed with blue walls
la cucaracha playing in my neighborhood
the fans hum
the noise
the slamming of the door
the cringe

i got home tonight and i sat on the couch
i have lost my stride
my original thought

i feel blank
i feel bored
i feel uninspired

yet i don't feel alone

i just want to find my path
i just want to find a home
to call my own
to not want to put on my feathered wings
and fly away

i just want something to feel normal
to pay my bills on time
to maybe save some money
to feel connected to the community
and have a place where i know is my home.

jobby mcjobberison

2009-01-27T06:32:00.001-08:00

I am job searching today.
I think I may have mentioned this before
but it may be one of the most taxing endeavors.

I put hope in the idea that there is something out there for me
i am bright
talented
full of energy
life
love
faith

I know that the path is out there
and i know eventually it will be
clear momentarily

salt stained upon my windows

2009-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

oh soul
there is something within you
waiting earnestly to break forth
to be set free

to find your match
to be connected
to another's fire
what eyes do you see?
what ears do you hear?

as i see it winding up
to move forward
to be used and reused
washed, cleansed

saeglopur pours from the speakers
and instantly my soul is
speaking a language
even i don't understand
and my eyes pour forth
with a mixture made with salt
that soul speaks on behalf

reminding me that beauty exists
that breathing is imperative
that being sweapt away in the moment
is as beautiful as holding your breath
and closing your eyes

and as the eyes re-engage with life
the surroundings look the same
but i have changed.

a question posed

2009-01-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

If i could imagine a life where something made sense
would i have to be dead?

are things now supposed to be this way?
will questions always persist?
in satisfaction not guaranteed?

what keeps my feet from moving forward?
what keeps my hands so still?
as i question the answers seem trivial
as more questions continue to pile up

something has to stop for something new to begin.
ok
then stop. start. open.

close.

a moment

2009-01-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

I made my coffee very dark this morning
it was a good mistake
the phone did not ring this morning
and that provided the opportunity to
relax my shoulders
ease my thoughts

it's so cold you don't want to step outside
but the sun bounces off the snow
and the birds decided to come out and play.
which i didn't realize
when i stood in front of the window
and i realized i could see the gold flecks on their
feathers

and i remembered the beauty
when you stop running so fast
and you remember what it means to breathe
and let in the possabilities

My fiction exploration

2009-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

I started reading again. It was funny after I graduated that I didn't want to read anymore and slowly I started to pick up books again. I even got myself a library card. Which is sweet because I get to read these books for free. I know that's the point of the library card but after being in school where buying books was an 'investment', the new novelty of getting books, reading them, and getting more without money being exchanged. Novel. Yet exhilarating.

I went and started reading Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. I tried to read it but i just couldn't get into it. Then I realized that there were no book reports to write, discussion groups to join, connections to be made with the classes I was taking and i went and returned the book. It was an exciting moment because it gave me the freedom to make new choices.

My favorite book has been Franny and Zooey (Salinger). It was such a beautiful conversation about life, faith, decisions, and the burden of knowledge. I think with all that has gone in my life the last six months this was just what I needed to read. It has been awhile since I had read a book of nonfiction that really drew me in and captured my attention. I don't know what I had originally thought the book would be about but whatever I thought was way off. A not so simple conversation between siblings.

That's all I really have to say at this moment in time but I am sure there will be more thoughts later. Being in a quiet home is so different and I am still trying to adjust. I am going to try to write more. I need to. I feel a bit rusty....

mumbles

2009-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am working on reading
the reading is to help my writing
something I seem to be doing less
because I have been reading more
to tighten my sentences
and produce a better sound
but the writing now seems to me a jumble
and the reading seems
to be taking me two steps back
rather than a baby step forward

Animal names...

2009-01-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

I love looking through the best of the year lists. This year I am noting a pattern though. The rest of this post is just a thought...I am not saying that these bands are bad or these bands are unoriginal. The following is a continued thought:

In 2004 Brian Wilson released "Smile" that fantastic collection that uses materials from The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds." The characterization of the record is unique. The fantastic album uses vocal harmonies, multi-layers, abstract noises and movements. I really enjoy this record and many like it. So much so that since that record it has sparked the interest of indie rock basement dwellers for years to come. The conversation of Pet Sounds and it's follow up of Smile has captured the admiration and interest of the hipster type.

Since the release of the beloved "Smile" some newly defined classics have emerged. In 2004 and in 2005 Animal Collective released "Sung Tongs" and "Feels." The records are great but they reminded me of something...it reminded me of the beloved pet sounds. 2006 released Grizzly Bears "Yellow House". Another beautiful record with beautiful melodies and vocal part harmonies that are earthy...tribal at moments. Nothing sparked or clicked in my head. What makes these records so good? 2007 has Panda Bear (with members of Animal Collective) releasing "Person Pitch." Another great record with fantastic layers and transfixing vocal harmonies. 2008 Fleet Foxes seem to have taken the Indie World by storm and placing their record in the category with the rest of these bands.

So I guess all this to say. What is our infatuation with the vocal harmonies and the animal names. Something happened with "Pet Sounds" some have written to say it was a magical record (or maybe those are my words). Many records you can put in once and you have the feel for it, a few more times and you got it. But the records I have mentioned fold and unfold telling new stories. I can understand why they would be in a top ten but is there going to be something sooner than later that isn't an offshoot of our beloved Pet Sounds?

Creating is never easy. I don't make music. I LOVE it and can't go a day without listening, ingesting, and finding some new thought about some record, some band, or some new song. Some days I want to dance and some days I want one song and one song that helps my heart. Some days I wonder how the same record year after year gets put on number one lists time after time?

So there are my thoughts....Any one want to start a band? We could call it Bears of Vocal Harmonies....

so this is the new year...

2008-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since i have been
motivated
to move

not my feet or my hands
but to move my mind to find
new dreams
and new passions
and a new breath in my lungs

I don't know what the new year will bring
i don't know what 2009 will provide

but 2008 has a single finger raised to it's calendar page
and i wave fond farewell
and I don't look back
so that you may see my eyes one last time.

a strange.

2008-12-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

I had this strange experience yesterday where my life currently went and intermingled with my past. I was thinking of a record and a friend called and mentioned that he was listening to that record right at that moment. It wasn't something that I have listened to for quite some time and it was a strange coincidence.

To be honest I love strange coincidences. Usually that is when my lazy mind recieves a signal that something is happening that you are not in control of.

The strange coincidences continued to happen throughout the evening.

I like knowing that we are not alone.

Top Ten Records 2008

2008-12-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

This year as I had mentioned earlier came with so much change. I spent just as much time finding old records as I did new records. This was a good year for me and music. I found many songs that comforted and just as many that made me dance. But it is now time for the coveted top ten records. Many years I check out other websites top ten and usually there is a sense of cohesion. Not this year! So here is my list. There are records missing. About half way into next year I will feel more caught up. You might not see your favorite...these are just some of mine. Take it as you will.

#10 TV on the Radio: "Dear Science": I like this record. Not the best TV on the Radio Record by far but of all the records that I heard it's a lot better than lets say The Jonas Brothers or She and Him! I think the drums are amazing in the record. I love the lyrical flow, and I like that they took chances. Did it work perfect? Nope but that's ok I still like the record....It has indie, dance, and hip hop element strung together like a necklace around your neck.

#9 The Cool Kids "Bake Sale": This hip hop record throws down the fattiest beats. The production is hot and the lyrics are even hotter. The record is tough from beginning to end. My favorite jam is Black Mags...The record is not over hyped or over produced. It's just a SOLID hip hop jam from beginning to end.

#8 M83 "Saturdays=Youth: This record is throw back 1986. If 16 Candles could have a soundtrack this would be it. I love the synth pop 80s feel. I love the 80s and I love this record. It's like Popples and Punky Brewster all over again. Sign me up twice and find me boyfriend before the record ends!

#7 Anathallo "Canopy Glow": Granted my bestie is in the band but I wouldn't just put it on there for that reason. That would be wrong. But I really like the record. At first it seemed simple and Sufjans kin but the more I listened the more it grew and more I heard a new direction from a band I have heard and listened to almost as much as Wilco. The backing vocals of Erica are so beautiful!! The tracks of Canopy Glow and Bells are so beautiful and I really enjoy the lyrics focusing on the natural life and the earth. It's a beauty.

#6 Dosh: "Wolves and Wishes": I am a fan of great instrumental records. I happened to hear them live when Anathallo opened for him. Dosh is better known to being part of Andrew Bird's band. This is a great record with stylish layers and thoughtful melodies. There is a lot going on but nothing that would be so overwhelming that you get lost in the noise or the consistent patterns. The record is smart and I like smart!

#5 The Walkmen "You & Me": The Walkmen are a solid, tight, well played, well produced band. They have great vision, they have sassy songs, they are fun, and the more you listen the more the record opens up to your ears. The lyrics are so beautiful. I wasn't a fan of the Walkmen in years past but something happened and I heard the tune The Rat off of "Bows and Arrows" and then I got the Walkmen...something clicked and I seemed to understand where they were coming from and what they were trying to tell me. After that stunning moment I knew the Walkmen would be a band I would love. This record sealed the deal!

#4 Fleet Foxes "Fleet Foxes": The album had a lot of buzz about it. It's good but not on the top of my list. The record throws it's reins around the americana/folk generation and holds on tight. The vocal harmonies are tight and the mix is well put together. I wasn't to into it at first and yet I felt like a second listen. It blossomed over time. I really like when records do that. I like it alot.

#3 Horse Feathers: "House with No Home" I found this band late one night and I knew it was love at first listen. I found "Words are Dead" a 2006 release and listened to that pretty frequently and the follow up to that record is this little ditty. Simple, sweet, dark, and beautiful. It must be the aura surrounding the record or lyrics that catch my attention after ten times listening to the record. I like the record because of the use of the piano and strings. The theme seems to be simple this year.

#2 Sigur Ros: "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust": The sixth album from Icelandic wonders, Sigur Ros, make my heart melt. My eyes and heart fill with wonder, and my spirit is often at rest or peace when this record plays. Is it there best record? I'm not sure. But it is simple, easy, happy and joyous. It's fun and beautiful. A rare combo!! The record in english is: "With a buzz in our ears we play endlessly"... I think I listen to this record endlessly.

#1 Bon Iver "For Emma Forever Ago": Hands Down my favorite record. Skinny Love was a track I found early on and the record itself I don't think was removed from the cd player for over a month. A simple record, ten tracks. The lyrics are profound expressing heartbreak, lost, and life. I am inspired by this record. The BEST record that whispers it's goodness on a regular basis.

snow day.

2008-12-13T07:04:00.001-08:00

Being away from the winter has done me well
when the sun shines i feel like there is a different sense of
hope

and yet I retreated back
to a place I once called home
the rain was loud against my window
and you sat and read and listened
as the pounding force of the rain
was it's own rhythm
in the midst of silence

and now the snow has begun to fall
and new clothing adorns my body
and my legs and arms
are consistenly wrapped in a variety of materials

the feelings of linen and wool against my face
as I try to beat the cold

and the snow is beautiful
so silent as opposed to it's counterpart
and you have to watch
with silence
in the dark
as the wind make it dance outside of the
freezing window pane.

and that is where i am at.
staring at the grace offered to me
as well as the silence.

My favorite songs of 2008.

2008-11-26T13:19:00.001-08:00

My favorite songs of 2008

These are some of my favorite songs of the year. i will do my favorite records of 2008 next month...but I was thinking of the mixes I have made, the songs I have put on repeat, the songs that made me stop and cry or stop and make me smile. They didn't necessarily arrive in 2008 but they certainly resonated in 2008 so I am making a list. Maybe you can find them.

This year was complex and hard. Beauty and Pain filled the year. Death and Celebration. Joy and Sorrow.
My heart was filled with emotion.

Sia: Breathe Me
(Colour the Small One, 2005)
If I could bottle one song and say 2008 it would be this song. I would lay on the floor of the green house with my ear near the speaker and put it on repeat. I am sure that the roommates were sick of this song past April but it is so beautiful. The stings describe the heart where the lyrics described the aches of my soul. I also finished Six Feet Under this year....

Ryan Adams: Come Pick Me Up
(Heartbreaker, 2000)
I think there wouldn't be a day from about March-until I graduated that I wouldn't play this song. DAn would come into my room and laugh because it was playing again. It was in my car, ipod, iphone, cd player, computer. It is A-MAZING. I don't know why it was this year that I connected to the song but I did. and so should you.

The Avett Brothers: Living of Love
(Emotionalism, 2008)
One of the best shows of the year and what life should be lived....with love and the Avett Brothers.

Wilco: Impossible Germany
(Sky Blue Sky, 2007)
The guitar lines of Nels Cline make my heart swoon. We got to see him this year do some avant-jazz and it was a definite spiritual experience. This band is my favorite. This song is a top five favorite Wilco song. Amazing. Beautiful. Unique. Favorite line: Gorgeous and Alone. Face to face.
Are you listening?

Horse Feathers: Hardwood Pews
(Words are Dead; 2006)
I found this band randomly this year. Seriously it took me this long to find this Portland beauty. Americana/folk...best song on the record. His voice is magic.

Bon Iver: Skinny Love
(for Emma Forever Ago; 2008)
My friend Travis and I listened to this song 144 times and then I listened to it 300 more. It is the best song that came out this year. It's amazing. I always without fail play it twice because once is never enough. When I close my eyes I can think of screaming the lyrics with 200 other people one of my last nights in LA. It was a moment I hope I never forget.

Sigur Ros: Ara Batur
(Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust: 2008)
Can this song be anymore beautiful? I honestly don't think it can. It brings peace and stillness to my heart and tears to my eyes when the all boy choir comes in around minute five. I drove to the PCH with all my windows down knowing everything was about to change and I wasn't sad....I was at peace.

Radiohead: Videotape
(In Rainbows; 2007/8)
I got to see Radiohead this year and it was an interesting though fun experience. Many people know my mom died this year and this song makes me thing of here. Last Christmas I put it on a mixtape for her. I can't help but to hope that when I get to the pearly gates her life and her memory will be on my videotape.

Radical Face: Welcome Home
(Ghost; 2007)
My beautiful friend Erika (as well as many others) made mix CDs for my road trip back to Michigan. I heard this song and knew it was the perfect song to welcome me home to the changing leaves of the Michigan mitten. It is what somewhat pictures coming home to. With wind chimes, clothes on the clothes line, scars peeled away, and arms wide open.

Javelins: Out on the Sand
(Heavy Meadows; 2008)
I love this song and I am glad I came back to Detroit to remember how amazing the Detroit music scene is. Best band in the city and this song is so catchy....

Misty Lyn and the Big Beautiful: The Fall
(For the Dead; 2008)
During the saddest week of my life I went to a show in a tiny bar in Hamtramak. I drank some Pabst and I saw some bands play. I am in love with americana and I told the man with the band this. He asked me to wait a moment and came back with this cd. "My other band," he says. I brought it home and this song was on it. It caught by surprise. It is perfect and the line "Lord, will you hold my hand" is the perfect question to this year.

I hope you enjoy these tunes or others like it....

and my heart skips a beat.

2008-11-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

I feel in love once.
It was a long time ago
where the problems really were so trivial
and none important
and today seem like non issues

and today a different love has emerged
a love that comes from some silly instruments
and a silly man who sings
or hums
or strums
or a lady that does something so similar

and i sit
and am in awe
and my stress weens
and my heart calms
and my eyes close
and i just listen

i rarely argue
i rarely fuss
and I rarely complain

can you really complain when something
so beautiful captures your imagination
puts a smile on your face
and you realize that you are not the only one on the planet
and you are not alone.

the piles get higher

2008-11-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

I had piles and piles of things all around my room
and I don't collect things or horde
it was an avoidance to deal with my life
so by cleaning the mess in my immediate surroundings help the mess that happens to be my life?

I am one broken lady
that sits at the bottom of the bit
I am broken
but something that is different than the rest of these times
is that i don't feel alone.

it's that i almost catch myself
when i want to say that i might be
but I am not
and I know that is the truth.

What the truth holds is something of an unknown
and I feel so broken
and the path is not in a place where it is easily found.

and so life continues....
and I hope I don't bury myself

because those clothes
mimic the fears
i dress myself everyday in.

i am a feather in the wind

2008-11-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

I rarely post about my spirituality in a way that is so transparent. Usually you need to read between the lines a bit. I don't ever want someone to think they have to be force fed spiritual beliefs or language so I will make this brief or the most me I can think of.

Tonight I feel like my right eye has been revealed some new truth which often time is just recycled old truth.
I am a good woman.
I am smart and gifted and talented and I have something to say.

I need to be true to myself
and to others
and not hide.

I can say that grief
the kind that sneaks up on you in the middle of happy
can make a tear come to your eye
because you can't share it with them
is also the same grief that strips the last of your
inhibitions

I am strengthened by prayer
and by hope
hope that I can't explain in words
just feelings

I am going to make some moves this week
like vote for change
and apply for jobs
and write
because that makes me oddly so happy
and see beautiful friends
who have also taken bold chances
and risk love for Love.
and maybe i will do the same

Life seems to be full of possibilities
and God seems to be bigger than i
have imagined or often times lead to believe.

I am amazed by hope and challenged by love.

seasons

2008-10-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

For some time now I have felt like I have had a boulder on my chest and stomach.
There was nothing I could say and there was even less I could do.
I was really good at going through the motions.
I am becoming a pro.

but deep down I am hoping that life has more to offer
and I will take all the advantages it hands to me
and some days are hard
and others are even harder
but you know that you can rise above the sadness
and one day see the beauty of it all.

I hope that life shows me more than the same pattern I have been living in.
Pain and heartache
pain and heartache
laughter
smile
trip

pain

smile.

i could write today.
that is a good feeling.
and the seasons are changing
so it doesn't seem so alone
that I am changing as well.

my mother.

2008-09-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

I wrote and spoke this at my mothers funeral. It is in tribute to her:

I am truly honored and humbled to be before you today, the daughter of one of the most amazing women I have ever known. I realize that I may be biased because of my relation to her, but I can honestly say after yesterday’s funeral visitation, I know that I am not alone in these sentiments.

Kristy Kaherl was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. There are so many words that define this woman and yet sometimes words are never enough. This woman I get to call mother was a friend to everyone that she met… A random person on the street, behind the McDonalds drive-thru window, in church, in a school, in the doctors waiting room. She had a gift of being to ask you questions about your life. The answers were important and you then became an instant friend. I have been told that people were confused by this kindness, could she really be that nice? All I can say is that she was. She was the definition of kindness and compassion. Living out the ideas like hope, faith, and love.

Her eyes sparkled with joy, they danced with wonder and amazement. She always found a way to turn any situation into something that could be smiled at or better yet… laughed with. She would do this thing where she always talked with her hands, or do little dances. She was supportive to everyone and always SO brave. Brave in the way she fought year after year against the breast cancer. Brave to follow her dreams, goals, and aspirations. Brave to wake up every morning and find the good in everything and more important everyone.

Some of her accomplishments include the following: She received her bachelors’ degree in 1971 from Michigan State University, master’s degree in 1973 and Education Specialist in 1981 from Wayne State University. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in through Utica Schools and highly recognized for her work as an Administrator in 2001. She was awarded Mother of the Year at Bethesda Christian Church in 2006. The programs she started and the people who were influenced are numerous.

My mother was an absolute blessing. She always wore a smile on her face and she always had a diet coke in her hand. What we saw on a daily basis was strength, faith, love, and unending hope. Her faith was so strong. She always knew that God’s hand was on her life. She believed that God was moving, her strong tower, and her strength. God would fight for my mother and my mother would fight for God. All glory, honor, and praise was given to God because everyday was a gift. Each day was an exploration and she was so excited to explore it.

My mother was proud of her daughters Amy and Lindsay, loved Doug with unending love and support, blessed to be a daughter to Norma and Robert Bott, proud to be the sister of Bonnie Burns, loved being an aunt and great aunt, even if you weren’t related she may have been an aunt to you, and excited to be a friend.

Thank you for being here today and sharing this day with us. May we go on celebrating Kristy’s life.

2008-09-12T07:44:00.001-07:00

I didn't know how else to communicate this.
I know this is so public but I am with great sadness announcing the death of my mother.
Thank you for those who have supported, loved, cried, and laughed with me.
It is a sad loss for those on earth
and a fantastic gain for those in heaven.

We are planning the funeral visitation for Monday September 15.
The funeral home is:
Visitation from 3PM to 9PM
Wujek Calcaterra & Sons
54880 Van Dyke Ave
Shelby Twp, MI 48316
Phone 586-677-4000
______________________________________________________________________
The funeral church service will be at 10AM visitation and the service at 11AM on Tuesday September 16th.
Bethesda Christian Church
14000 Metropolitan Beach Hwy.
Sterling Heights, MI
Phone 586-264-2300

with love and grace.
amykaherl@gmail.com

the time spent with her has revealed

2008-09-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

now that i have returned.

2008-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

The trip was good
and the realness of the situation has presented itself 100%

I get overwhelmed with life
but never with love
the love of my mother
the love of my friend
the love of my father

and you see death in many different places
and you thin those emotions were fake
or unreal
or unnecessary

and then you have the same emotions
and you are traversed into a different space
where life and art coincide for sometime

I don't know if the rain was planned
but the overcast sky sets the tone for
something out of our control

i feel sad
but their is a glimmer of hope
and a desire to be able to trust myself
through this time
but I know i am not alone.
but this is tougher than i thought it would be

saying see you soon.

2008-08-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

i have been a bad blogger but I needed a break from writing.
and processing.
and needing them to be here

i needed to be someplace else
and i will return.

but it is with sad news.
and i am sure sadder news in the future.

but I start on the road tomorrow
to head back to what some may argue 'home'

but my home seems to be here
rather than there
and i would like to stay here
but i need to go there
so i shall go

with my best friend
and my little car
and a few of my possessions

but i will update thought
and ideas
and dreams
and processing.

because this is what you need to do
when the woman who gave you life
may be to close to death.

when a bad day is had a conversation on music involving beer seems to do the trick.

2008-08-07T15:00:00.001-07:00

home.

2008-08-05T21:07:00.001-07:00

Fire Songs

2008-07-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few weeks ago I went and saw and wrote about The Watson Twins at Amoeba Music to promote their sophomore full length, Fire Songs. As noted earlier the Twins first were noticed when there backing vocals accompanied Jenny Lewis' Rabbit Fur Coat. This record is soft and inviting a treat to hear more than just faux country backing vocals, but the full strength of voices and talent from these sisters from Kentucky.

Fire Songs is built around the sisters ability to find ways to utilize their vocals that bring out the gifts and talents of both Chandra and Leigh Watson. The strong opener, "How I Am to Be", that is a smart, xylophone based, fun pop song. The rest of the recordt is rather stripped down and their are strong (and some weak) moments of slow, and dreamy. The songs have the potential for you to grab a man (or a lady) and sway slowly to their harmonious collection of originals and the cover of The Cure's, "Just Like Heaven". (Sidenote: This may be the best song on the record. Maybe it's because I have loved this song since my childhood or maybe because I love when people cover a song and give it their own interpretation). I am a sucker for a lap slide and it is used nicely throughout the record.

Overall Fire Songs is a good follow up post Lewis. I hope they continue to make records and find a niche that continues to highlight the beauty of their voices and acknowledge who they are and who they will continue to become. If you are interested in hearing the record, check out the websites and click the moth entitled "Media", from here you can stream the whole record.

A small night of energy and a picnic that included guacamole without tortilla chips.

2008-07-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Summers in LA are normally hot. The hot where you don't want to go outside because there is smog in the air and you are afraid that your now exposed legs may stick to the leather in the overly hot interior of your car. But the weather has been nice the last couple of weeks and the thought of enjoying the outdoors has been all so appealing. So last weekend some friends and I grabbed the bus to the hollywood bowl and saw the high energy of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Feist .

Hosted by local NPR station, KCRW, the outdoors show was a fun way to spend a late July Sunday evening. Sharon Jones was fun, high energy, and quite exciting. Before I knew it there were many people around me dancing with their friends and quite enjoying themselves with the soulful vocal stylings from Sharon Jones. She has the ability to command the stage with full control that reminds anyone of James Brown. She has skills to move her body while she tells her stories with with amazing funk musicians back her up. She brought the energy and she certainly brought the funk and what I thought was a fantastic opening act for someone that what I thought would have high energy as well.....

.....Feist. The last time I saw Feist it was high energy, fun, and took a large space and made it feel like everyone in the room could be my next best friend. This time I felt like Feist was sad, dealing with something so much bigger than herself. The set was stripped down, choosing to open with a poem that harkened the old west and folk americana tales. She was dressed in a dress with fringe down the arms and a cowboy hat. The songs she chose were sad in nature and the songs like, "I Feel it All" and the every popular "1 2 3 4" seemed to be pulled back, slowed down, and a new way of hearing songs that are often heard as a copy of the recorded version.

We were surprised after what seemed like ten songs that she bowed and said good night. With a song to finish out the encore the show was over and evening complete. I was a bit surprised by her set. After the super high energy and true crowd amper, Sharon Jones, Feist just seemed to lack the energy to make my feet keep dancing.

Overall the evening was fun and it made me believe in the beauty of humanity and the what can happen when you are surrounded by strangers. I had to sit by myself because of the late purchase of my ticket but I never felt alone. I was offered cheese, wine, crackers, and potato chips by strangers that never knew my name. It was a beautiful cool evening. An energy in the air of picnicking lovers and friends. I felt lucky to be in a space that in a city that is known to be isolated and individualistic and didn't feel alone for one moment.

i used to be the one sitting

2008-07-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mates of State Rearranges Us...

2008-07-10T21:03:00.001-07:00

I love Mates of State and yet the last time I listened to their records was years ago. So when I received the newest release, Re-Arrange Us, it was like visiting old friends. Though these friends added cello, trumpet, and vocals from Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard to the usual drum and keyboard duo. The record is fun, flirty, and simple. Sometimes so simple that it sounds as similar to the track prior but don't worry it's a song worth hearing.

This record is the perfect record if you wanted to go jogging. It's upbeat and the ability to feel sad is almost impossible when you listen to this multi-layered little record. I don't jog and maybe you don't either but it can help push you through the day whether you are working, writing papers, or figuring out geometry. The driving songs make the foot tap and the head move from side to side. You can feel the influence of Death Cab throughout the record. Songs Help Help and Get Better are standout. They can easily be the first song on the mid-summer mix with the windows down trying not to think about tomorrow.

It's nice to be able to find old friends, catch up with new stories, and new melodies. If you want to stay in touch with their day to day movement with their two children make sure you catch their blog band on the diaper run.

through the looking glass

2008-07-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

There is so much happening and going on
and a lot of it has to do with fear
and the unknown
and growing up
and changing.

I know that I will be ok
I just have to make choices
that lead me to what I want
rather than what is
comfortable
and easy

I don't know what these choices are
and i don't know what or where they
might lead

but what i do know
is that i am smart
and capable
and aware
gifted
talented
and loved.

and i know that a lot of people are as well
but i won't be afraid
or least i will try not to be

what i am afraid of the most of
how many girls have been affected
because I have been afraid.

i am not clearly understanding.

2008-07-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Watson Twins @ Amoeba Music

2008-06-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Watson Twins are not LA natives but native to the LA music scene. That's pretty normal in a place of transience and the mecca for corporate music hullabaloo. The Watson Twins released their newest record, Fire Songs, with a record release party at Hollywoods finest, Amoeba Music. Between the stacks J. Geils Band and Fugazi I heard the soulful harmonies of these twin sisters sing ballads from their newest record. The sound was not the best, but I wasn't expecting much when a make shift stage is erected for an hour long performance once a week.

If you are not familiar with the Watson Twins it might be easier to say the name Jenny Lewis beforehand and be reminded of the 2006 release, Rabbit Fur Coat. The new tunes are reminiscent to americana lore and 50s dwoo-wop pop. It's pretty simple and low key, nothing to write home about or want to burn and hand out like your newest mix tape. It was hard sometimes to pay attention when you are in the largest music store in town. (Paste magazine features Amoeba as one of the best record stores in the US. It's an ADD persons dream as there are a million and one distractions for your eyes to dance and engage with Rolling Stones posters from 1978 and questions of why the stage looks like a pyramid. The best part of their performance was their cover of the Cure's Just Like Heaven . The stripped down rendition had people swaying in their designated space and lip-synching along.

Overall the hour performance was enjoyable, if only to experience a show in a new setting and helping to celebrate with a lovely little band release their newest work.

with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly

2008-06-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Beauty and grace are offered yet again from sigur ró. It bursts with joy and sorrow. It is loud and crashing, ear grabbing and heart clenching. The beauty being offered is from the fifth full-length entitled, "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust." Translated in English it means "with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly."

The record begins playfully with a song entitled "gobbledigook." The drums are contagious with it's almost tribal feel and sets the tone for the record, which reminds me of a mix tape. It starts off with a bang, offers something new and then moves into what sigur ros does best, slow builds and bursts that make the heart ache. There is a video that was made for the opening track and can be found at their website . I love the commentary the video makes. It is free and open, using your body and the nakedness to offer hope rather than shame. I like that the body, though naked, doesn't have to be engaged in crudeness or lurid sex but offers a new vision to how we use and treat the body. How it is offered to be free and open rather than shameful or full of fear...

The record continues with hope and moves to slow melodies become that are offered as a soundtrack to your life's heartbreak and joy. sigur rós is one of the few bands that recognizes the delicate balance of both joy and sorrow and it is offered with the melodies and harmonies of instrumentation rather than lyrics. Some of the highlights from the record include a 90 piece boys choir for track, Ára bátur. There friends in Aminna (female orchestration) were also a part of this record. It was mixed and produced in under a month so it's raw and imperfect and that gives it a feel that there could be more manipulation but this is where they are at. If I could only give myself that same kind of grace....

The true beauty of sigur rós is their ability to have the listener insert their own life into the journey. You have the ability to find and locate emotions or memories with their sonic landscape. It's a rare find in this Icelandic band. If you haven't had the opportunity to see their musical documentary, Heima please do. It's a journey home after touring for years globally and remembering where they came from. They offered the community free performances around Iceland and documented the natural beauty and splendor of the people and places of Iceland. This new release was formed from these "Heima (home)" performances. The stripped down feel of those performances offered the ability to engage making music in new and creative ways.

sigur rós is a favorite. I hope you can make it a favorite of yours as well.

A night where smiles were given out like candy.

2008-06-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Anathallo and Dosh @ Spaceland 6.15.08

I have been a fan of Anathallo since 2002. They have been friends for quite some time and if I had to count how many times I have seen them live I think I would need four hands. Alive and Electric is the best way to describe their music. With seven members who are passionate to play to see them live is always a lot of fun. Hand clapping and sing-a-longs are not foreign from the crowd. When I used to live in Michigan it was an experience because everyone knew their music and had no problems dancing along. Living in LA there are different crowds but it was a lively crowd this night and that only enhances the experience. I am looking forward to the new record to come out in Novemember. There is a new song posted on their myspace page. It's entitle Noni's field. It's beautiful.

The headliner for the evening was the noise/improv/indie/electronic stylings of Minneapolis native Martin Dosh. He is known for a lot of work with Andrew Bird but his solo work is fantastic. Intriguing. Engaging. I really enjoyed it because I like free form. I like to be taken on a musical journey, open to the listener to choose their own adventure and be taken on their own emotional journey because they have inserted themselves into the musical conversation. With him this night was a man who played saxophone that was so amazingly delicious. It was warm and friendly with free jazz undertones. The evening was a surprise and I was so pleased with what I heard and how it engaged me. You can find some of his tunes on myspace or if you have some extra downloads on emusic his whole catalogue is available.

A beautiful suprise was opener Karin Tatoyan . Her music was beautiful and engaging and she was a performer. It was dramatic and her vocals caught me by surprise. The group made up of live drummer who also manipulated electronic loops, with trumpeter, and chelloist dressed in masks and KArin in a Bjork-like 80s sparkle dress and lyrics to match. It was beautiful and fun. It was noted they had only been together for two weeks but it was worth the listen and it strong. I am looking forward to hearing her in the future. Hopefully with knowing who she and noting what she likes rather it being overpowering the performance. Overall it was wonderful and I bought her solo record which was worth it because she did a lovely cover of Wilco's Radio Cure.....and we all know what I feel about Wilco!!

Overall the night was fantastic.
I got to see some beautiful music
and beautiful friends.
I saw something new and old and
was probably one of the best shows
as a whole
in awhile.

The night was fantastic.
The music was fantastic.

A night that felt like home.

2008-06-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind and I have
felt the pull of the undertow
There are days to feel inspired
but those are hard to do when you feel stuck in dotting the i and crossing the t.

anywho....
There have been some new records heard
and some shows that engaged and wrestled with my heart.
Since that is what I like to write. I shall continue.
because there is no longer school work to worry
about getting in by the deadline.

Damien Jurado and Jeremy Enigk @ Spaceland 6.10.08

Days away from being done with my finals I had the chance to see some of my undergraduate favorites, Jeremy Enigk and Damien Jurado. Northwest friends both having voices that shake the core and lyrics that allow this to happen. I sat back and I saw myself when I was younger, a different school, and a different time. I had different memories when these men sang me their songs in my Ford Ranger truck or alone in a coffee shop trying to finish paper deadlines. This time was different. Those familiar voices engaged me with completely different faces and atmospheres. I saw Sunny Day Real Estate years ago at Calvin College right before they broke up. It was fantastic then. To see just Jeremy Enigk play felt like a dream. His voice got warmer as the night progressed which allowed him to sing songs that were so beautiful and haunting. In a way only his voice can be. stretching and tearing, soaring and crashing. His songs are poignant and beautiful. Interesting how I felt like I could hear so much that was not there because I felt his songs when I listened. They are complex and beautiful. It was a beautiful treat.

Damien is simple and slow. A true story teller with the ability to grab you and set you into a story with a scene set as like you were watching it dance in front of you. Often his songs are sad and haunting. They were beautiful and soft. Just a man with an acoustic guitar and a plan to engage life with new stories and new

The night was fantastic. Some good friends. Some $2 Pabst. Other than the dude in the white hoodie who had an opinion about everything and cared to share it with his brosef and anyone in a twenty foot radius of him the night went well. It was good to hear familiar songs in an unfamiliar time. It was like coming home again but knowing that where you have been has been just as important as where you want to go.

a thought from my day.

2008-06-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

From Rainer Maria Rilke:
Letters to a Young Poet, pg. 39.

Celebrate Christmas, dear Mr. Kappus, in this devout feeling that perhaps He needs this very fear of life from you in order to begin; these very days of your transition are perhaps the time when everything in you is working at him, as you have already once. In childhood, breathlessly worked at him. Be patient and without resentment and think that the least we can do is to make his becoming not more difficult for him than the earth makes it for the spring when it wants to come.

a sigh of relief.

2008-06-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's been some time.
The clocks hands have continued to turn and life has moved on.
Some days were so slow
While there were weeks that ended as soon as they started.

The graduation cap was placed on my head
and another candle was on top of my birthday cake.
There were parties
and beer
and a huge pizza.

and there has been sleeping
and sweltering heat
and movie watching.
and re-reading Harry Potter.

Life keeps moving
and I feel like it should
and I will continue.

but it will not look like it did two weeks ago
or a year ago.
Life keeps moving and instead of being afraid
I am choosing to live my life
and not listen to lies
and fears
and the should haves.

This is my life today
and it consists of listening
and growing
and not feeling sorry for myself

but it consists of fighting for what i believe in
and it means in believing in myself
and my gifts and my talents
and that my profession is not practical
but it should be a hell of alot of fun....

today.

2008-06-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

This is where I would like to be.

2008-06-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is where I have been.

2008-06-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

ok.

2008-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

and the viewers choice...

2008-06-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

In the last ten years....
Who would you say
are the most important
bands
or singers?

I really would love to hear a response.

If I was Carrie Bradshaw.

2008-05-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sex and the City was a show I was reluctant to watch. I was an "evangelical conservative" and we didn't watch shows that had to do with sex, relationships, or physicality. It was my sister who urged me to see the show when there was an episode concerning body image. I loved the raw conversation of four women sitting in an apartment discussing life and not being afraid to talk about what is really on their minds.

So when I heard the movie was coming out I knew where I would be opening day. In the theaters. And I was....

I sat in the theatre around noon, by myself, and enjoyed the fact that I could enjoy the next two hours not thinking about homework, stress, what's next, or what has happened. I sat and I enjoyed what seemed to be an extension of the show. It was like four more episodes of relationships, fashion, and friendship. I loved every moment of it!! If you are not a fan of the show then you will think the movie is trite or cheesy. If you were a fan of the show than it was great to see the what is next in the lives of the four women we assimilate ourselves to.

The colors were brilliant and the plot a lot of fun. I found myself in tears and quite loud laughter. It brought up things in my life that only Sex and the City has been able to do for me. It is honest and asks the tough question of being a woman and wanting it all!! The plot itself drew emotions out of me I wasn't ready for! I wasn't ready to miss my friends from home. I wasn't ready to realize how much I miss being in a relationship. I wasn't ready to think that I might want to live in New York one day. I wasn't ready for those thoughts to be there.

I loved the film. Even if there was some plot pitfalls. I loved that there was hope in forgiveness and hope in love. I am not a major sap but it was worth my time. Next time I see it (because there will be a second, and probably a third and fourth) I will go with my friends. The beautiful ladies that are in my life that are willing to be bold and ask the tough questions.

2008-05-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

I am so unmotivated
to get anything done
I am grateful for
online scrabble
to make me feel like
i am being productive.

though i have so much homework
it's ridiculous.

boo.....

stripped blankets and cold sheets.

2008-05-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

I battle
back and forth
with the thoughts that
keep me bound
to this bed

i wonder what it would have been
like if i didn't think
about your body as it
laid so still
your voice so close to
my ears
and the smile that rarely
disapperead

i wonder what it might
be
if

if things were different
and the lonely nights
were filled
with laughter
and the acknowledgment
that we were no longer alone

it is these thoughts
that keep me now
staring out dark windows
to the sidewalks that are wet
and quiet
lone cigarette butts inhabiting the asphalt

your footsteps were there
on those cement cracks
i can see your feet
like the dream
that you once carried
in your tattered green notebook
and your sleep deprived eyes

I imagined you
and now what is real is
the blue pillow noticeably untouched.

progress

2008-05-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have been sick. The last two weeks have progressed from this...

and this.....

to feeling angry and bored and sick.
really sick.
and food poisoning.

and today it felt like the clouds parted quite a bit
and fresh energy was renewed.

and with the heat....
it's been so hot
and I all I want to do is watch
TV
and lay in bed and eat popsicles.

But I got up today and I faced the day
but it took yoga
and prayer
and believing in myself
to know that
something was going to come from the day

but it had to take
laying in bed
confronting the demons
and cleansing myself from the
hate
and bitterness
of the situation.

endless search for something that will never be perfect.

2008-05-16T14:42:00.001-07:00

Searching for Jobs may be one of the most daunting tasks
ever created by man
it makes me feel
all of my inadequacies
and wonder for the thousandth time
why I am on the path that I am on

and i doubt
and it opens the doors for all of my fears
to show themselves
and reveal all the little
bitty
insecurities
and wonder
why

and I know somewhere it will
make sense
even amid all the nonsense

I know it will work out
but that knowledge does not make
this process any easier.

SOLD!

2008-05-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Help some friends get to Thailand.
It is worth the minute to watch the video...
so they can make a movie
about child sex trafficking

The Sold Project

what might be is never certain.

2008-05-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired to
move beyond the page
and beyond the expectations

they were so heavy
and they were never mine
in the first place
and I don't think they were yours

and were given to you
like the old pocket watch
with your great grandfathers initials
and the limbs
of your family tree

i want to live
without the knowledge
or the weight
of your lies

or your thoughts

as they are so heavy
upon my dreams

diet coca cola and unlit cigarettes

2008-05-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

in the background i heard familiar tones
and i knew without a shadow of a doubt what it was
they are the soft melodies
and raspy voice

sons that i know like the scars on the back of my hand
it rendered me speechless

and i was caught in a moment
and forgot what i was about to say

and the candlelight
made me want to curl up on the floor
and a glass of wine
and sit in it's notes
it's sounds
it's vision of something

and that something is always different
just like i feel different
i think of you
and then i smile
because i know you are happy
and i am to

and in a different place
that I didn't think I would be in

and i know that distance
does change perspective.

2008-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

i have been so sick.
sorry for the lack of updates.

the thoughts are coming together now.
they were not last week.

i finally slept less than ten hours last night.
it normally doesn't work like that.

thoughts from a tired friday

2008-05-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

I used to be so ashamed of my profession.
I hated being a youth pastor
When I went out on Friday nights
And people had jobs that
Put money in their banks
And their Wednesday evening frees
I secretly wished I chose something different

I don’t mind it so much anymore

There are days where I wouldn’t mind
Being a youth pastor again
Yet
I wouldn’t mind
The lack of responsibility

I guess it really is a push and pull.
What you will be
when you are to tired
to become a scholar

Yet

It's refreshing to know i have some possabilities.
Refreshing.

because theology told me so.

2008-04-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

we blame the revolution
as something that disrupted
our social order
of perfection
of the white males design

if we really believe in freedom
if we really believe in love
than why are we questing over
power
the right belief
the right answer

i don't have time for the right truth

what i have time for
is creating beauty
stillness
love
hope
faith

because those are hard

those bring understanding
and paint brushes
glue sticks
glitter
and stickers in the shape of stars
and dancing

lots of dancing
and lots of joy
lots of life to be lived
without the constraints of

boundaries set up
with your ideals
and fence posts
with barbed fires
of the right ideas.

snip.

2008-04-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

My hair was cut yesterday
There was something holding me down
and it was heavy

so we took some scissors
and let it go

with the hair
was the past
and the brokenness
and the expectations
and the fear

with the cut of the scissors i let it go

i let go of the stuff that suffocates
the fear that binds

as the strands fell to the floor
the weight felt like lone balloons
rising higher in the sky

i will mourn of the loss of time
and freedom I should have felt
but it is only life
as it is only hair.

monster parts

2008-04-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

do you remember the cartoons
with the monsters that were fake
and you knew
because you could see the zipper

that's how i feel
not so much the monster
part
but the part with the zipper

the zipper is opening
and a new creation
is emerging.
shedding the old fur
and revealing something
new

but it's still so fresh

and the new is still yet to be unseen

because
i think the zipper is caught
on something
and I keep trying to jiggle it free
but it's stuck
and the polyester won't breathe.
and it's hot
and I just want to move on
get out of the monster

breathe

jiggle

breathe

jiggle

breathe

so tired.

2008-04-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

Some days it is easier
than others
to fight the battles
inside your mind.

today I am tired
and the nagging voice
of pessimism
sounds so much louder
than the voice of
clarity.

and it's been distracting
and i don't know where the
day disappeared to.

and i wanted to be calm
but i was an ocean
of activity
and disruption
or maybe it was the knowledge
that nothing is getting done
and nothing is moving
forward
because i am
tired

and all i want to do
is nothing
but read your stories
and thoughts
and dreams
but that will not do
because there is theology
to be done.

wilco is right
theologians
they don't know nothing about my soul.

i hope i do.

wristcutters.

2008-04-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

We won't get what we want until
it doesn't matter anymore.
Was expressed in a film.
but in my real life.
I talked about this idea over lunch.

how do we let go?
in a space where we are supposed
to have it all
and not trip over our failures
and have straight A's
while having children
and being married by the age of 22

I don't have that
but what i have is
a sense
of what is to become.

an idea that is whole
rather than fragmented
all those desires need to be trumped
with a smile and possibility
when my eyes open
to the sun arousing me
in the morning

and when the sunsets
i am there to remind you
that you will be okay
and that life happened
while you ran around today
fufilling your dreams

you have to let it
go
to a place
where your hands are free.

2+2=2+2=2+2

2008-04-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

These feelings are being tucked away
the feeling that you are about to puke
or cower under your covers

how can a three minute interaction
be so damaging
how can a phone call disrupt
a smile
or a laugh
how can it hold you in a holding pattern?

how long can I run in circles?
i am tired.
for so many reasons
and this being on repeat isn't
making it any easier.

i want to break out of these cycles
can you find me?
can you pick me up?
and steal my records
so that i might not hear this
one more time
or at least feel like i could listen to
something else
that i haven't heard before

but i can't
just like so much of my life
i found the holes in the snow
and following that path
rather than creating a new one

the sweater is getting a little to tight
and i am tired of it smelling
like yesterday
and the yesterday before this one.
can you find me?
so I can start new patterns?
i am running pretty thin.

lay with me awhile.

2008-04-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's like every few weeks I have the need
to purge
my things.
tidy up the space.
receive a clean head
and a clean heart.

I stay here most of my days.
when i am not tamping grounds.
or taking notes.
or watching someone elses children.

i usually like to create here.
with my head on my pillows.
and my bck up against the wall.
the window provides a vision of what is out there
and i have the chance to close the blinds and believe
that there is something else out there.

i like this space.
so much that i have called it home.
unpacked all the boxes.
set up shop.

i have laid my guard down.
because it is just to heavy to carry.
and this is something i can do.

white couch tunes.

2008-04-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

For so long I have hid form myself.
I thought I knew what I wanted.
but what I was living was so much different.

the actions were not my words.

but the switch flipped.
and redemption came. is coming. come.

the fear turned into solace.
and solace into music.
and beers on the porch
with smoke billowing in the wind.

i was forced to live in the moment.
i had to swallow my fear.
and your fear.

and I stepped across the line from fear and doubt
into light and love and possibilities.
love for myself.
and doors opening.
and hope billowing.

the boredom is the moments of breath.
being breathed.
in between obligations.

i will no longer hold on to the breath.
and i will no longer sit in the fear.
and the trepidation.
i have nothing to lose because I have lost it all.

and songs will now pour forth.
and inspiration will be hearing
the same song in new ways.
because I wasn't supposed to hear them this way
until now.

i just can't be a hired hand.

2008-04-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning.
reluctantly.
because I hit snooze at least ten times.

and then i faced life.
that was not my own.
and it was something that I believed in so highly.

what is the impact of music?
he asked.
and why do we keep doing it?

I respond with
how has capitalism taken away our ability to fight?
and to be creative?
it is so easy to say be like me
than it is to turn to our right and be like them

what is the point of music anymore?
are our ideas just a commodity?
will we rise up and make a noise
above the problems of dollars.

could we not be creative?
to think of new ideas
of how we use what we have
and recreate our garbage.
and have a song that is more meaningful than
being a sk8r boy
or an umbrella.

i hope we keep finding meaning.
and creating music
that can rise up a generation
to uproot injustice
to turn from our apathy
to find hope in things that are seen
and yet to be seen.

2008-04-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

my rock star hair needs to be thinned out.
maybe it needs to be shaped.
i am jealous of my friend christina's hair.
it's cute
and shaped.

i hope i am still talking about my hair
because lately those have been thoughts towards my body.
do i really think that much about my body?
and i didn't really realize it.

if deceartu was right.
and we need to pay attention to our everyday life.
and place meaning.
to moments that steal our own time back.
from those who have us live in repetition.

then i will continue to laugh at dodi.
who sits to my left.

a mystic glow

2008-04-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

they say that you should wait for God to show up.
But isn't God right there.
whispering in your ear.
arms length away.

The systematic approach is not working.
the checks were not in the boxes.
the moments of perfection were over.

we wait for all the ducks to be in a row.
but what if they were never supposed to be?
what if they needed to be scattered like the stars in the sky?

they say that the prophets were on the outskirts
it's because the rules did not apply.
how are they supposed to apply when you don't ascribe to this lifestyle?

I give up on your order.
and your fear.
I give up for the fact that you tried to keep me feet in step.
with yours.

the whisper is all i need.
and the smile on my face.
and what is in my eyes.
rather than what is written on the calendar for may of 2009.

today i will hear you.
or see you.
and know that you are moving.
because you said you were.
and i guess that's all i really know.

and we then fight for injustice.
and peace.
and love.
and we don't fight with fists.

late night translation

2008-04-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to work tonight.
and read about how we need to work with issues of peace.
but my room was full of peace.
and love.
and community.

it was not lonely.
or empty.

it was filled with people.
laughing.
and singing.
and finding truth.
and making connections.

and I felt peace.
so I didn't read.
and I probably won't get up early tomorrow to do it either.
i guess I can catch up on what the catholics have to say about that on Thursday.

until then I will experience the peace.
and the love.
because the actions cannot be done by me reading them alone in bed.

not when there is real life to be lived.
and laughter to be had.

i don't want a life that has me so alone.
i need you to process with.
i need you to share my thoughts.

you do not need to be my lover.
you just need to be my friend.