Waiting for everyone else to agree might take too long.

I have been selfishly focusing on "academic pursuits" and "post-grad plans." Tres uncool. I need to update this way more and my Christmas post reminded me of that. Beginning today- I vow to make a concerted effort to be regular in my music sharing and unarguably hilariously clever commentary. I'm not going to be a fool and presume that non of you have ever heard of this wonderful band (Carles might make fun of me on Alt Report and call me a lamester. Then I will have to get a job at the Hot Topic in Concord Mall and cry myself to sleep every night), but at the very least I hope some of yinz don't have the album yet and will appreciate the beauty of free tunez.

Jordan, what band are you talking about? Please stop babbling. Ok, ok. You are right.

Enter TAME IMPALA.

So the beats. Oh the glory that is Tame Impala! The titans have united to bestow upon we mortals a refreshing dose of harmonic nostalgia that doesn't feel antiquated and unoriginal. I really believe in this band's lasting power (but what do I know). They have a sick old school feel to them--like late Beatles, maybe a little of The Who. They also have that hazy, gauzy feel--like a straight up, seriously rock and roll Avey Tare. This shit is amazing. Trust.

">Tame Impala; Innerspeaker

Neat Beats: Runaway, Houses, City, Clouds; Solitude is Bliss; Desire Be Desire Go

Oh and, its great music to ride your bike to.

PEACE OUT, GIRL/BOY SCOUT.

Tie strings to clouds.

This post is for/by the request of Ms. Molly E. Rectenwald.

I'm sure you all like these guys:

So do I! But I must admit, Sigur Ros most often finds its way into my sleep/study playlists. With summer upon us, I think (most) everyone can agree that something with a little more spice would be desirable to march to down Forbes in smoldering heat. 

Odin has provided. Summer '010 for me is all about this guy:

Jonsi's solo album "Go" is flawless in my humble opinion. He doesn't stray from the triumphant, full sound of Sigur Ros but provides us with a slightly more upbeat perspective on their signature style. The fullness of each song is pretty remarkable, it kind of takes over your entire brain and fills up your soul. Maybe that's a bit dramatic, but 'Go' has that je ne sais quoi... it is completely captivating.  His voice is still just as hauntingly gorgeous, this guy is a unique talent to say the least. And dont worry, he's still making his funny faces:

Pitchfork gave his solo debut a 8.1, but who give a shit about Pitchfork? Rate it for yourself, I doubt you will be disappointed. 

Jonsi; Go

Songs to explore glacial rivers to: Go Do, Sinking Friendships, Around Us, Animal Arithmetic

Face lift.

Big things. Movin' and a shakin'. Recently got some big news about guest writing for a publication that I will announce at a later date [ie WHEN I get it. (knockin' the fuck out of some wood)] and a brand spankin' new opportunity today for another possibility of having my own little column for a neato zine. This means I need to up the ante. 

So I've decided its time for my blog to get some work done...

Metaphorically speaking, I will be mimicking Heidi Montag's recent, beautifully executed makeover. Were making things BIGGER! SEXIER! Generally more exciting. Upgrading this shit from a so-so music blag to a balls out, raw and hopefully mildly offensive commentary on fashion, music, art.... whatever I want really. 

Just imagine I'm Apollo Ohno and this is my warm up lap for my possibly, maybe, probably successful career(ish).

But, I mean lets be serious. That doesn't really work. I think we all know I could never be a competitive speed skater because it would probably be too much work to skate in these:

ALSO, I promise not to "type" like this. I dont "think" I'm any more "relevant" than anyone else. And I will never say "meem."

I will leave you with this. Not only is this what I sing to myself every morning as I select my perfect outfits (JK), strut/fall down the streets of da dirty 'Burgh or just do something really fabulous (tous le temp), it is also a GREAT representation on my attitude today...

Even if I have 750 words due for News at 6 and I have 201. 

Get excited babies. I know I am.

I wen' out last nigh' and I got messed up

This one is for Jordan Ramsier but I guess you can have it too.

ALSO! I promise to blog more because it is inappropriate that I utilize other’s blogs as frequently as I do and rarely return the favor.

That said:

I have been on a fervent old school country/blues kick as of late. This considered, Hasil and I have been spending excessive time together. Homeboy is a rockabilly type musician. One of his neato features is that he was a one-man band of sorts. I am fascinated by these musicians—my lackluster, one-trick-pony opera mind cant wrap itself around that kind of talent and, for lack of a better word, multi-tasking.

And he was sexy as anything. Hasil had the crazy factor—I have found many an article that has referred to him as a “lunatic”. That is high praise in my book. Delicious.

This album is really solid and (I feel) pretty easy to enjoy. Although “We Got a Date” is somewhat of an acquired taste with his moanin’ and a groanin’, sinister voice altering and practically unintelligible lyrics—the rest of these tracks are light hearted, nostalgic beats. His voice is classic, the recordings have the warm snap crackles and pops of a legit 1955 record.

 

Keeps my pace maker thumpin’- Gee But I Love You,  Ha Ha Cat Walk Baby, I’m Happy

Hasil Adkins- Out To Hunch

I think I need a new heart.

Valentines Day- a day of passion and romance- a day to shower the one you love with gifts and affection under the moonlight whilst feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries and reading Petrarch.

Valentines Day- a corporate strategy to boost chocolate and greeting card sales while exploiting the loneliness of American slobs and singles alike.

No matter how you define it, Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. As I watch my fellow humans scramble to pull together some shit that will be better than what their significant other's ex did, or bitch endlessly about the hypocrisy of the holiday- I am compelled to join a side.

I have some pretty phenomenal Valentine's Day memories. I had some fly BFs in High School that spoiled the shit out of me, and golly was that nice! I also equate Valentine's Day with my parents: Meem always buys Bitsey and I some little thing that she knows we want but would never buy for ourselves and my heart still smiles thinking about running down to the kitchen on Valentine's morning to see the ridiculously enormous box of chocolates resting on Bitsey and I's spots at the table from our Daddy. These traditions have been in place for as long as I can remember. Maybe I'm a pathetic loser, but that is what I think of when I think of Valentines.

At the same time there are some shit memories of VDay. The worst fight my #1 BF and I had was on Valentine's Day. I had to work that night but I made a concerted effort to buy this boy little trinkets and some fly undergarments (technically for me). Homeboy dropped off a letter at my restaurant. I was so excited to see if it would be the clues to a scavenger hunt or some foolish waste of time, but it was quite the opposite. He stated how he had walked into the grocery store and saw a swarm of middle aged men buying half wilted flowers and chocolates and wanted nothing to do with that. He said that he loved me everyday and didn't see the point in celebrating a made up holiday. Needless to say I was fucking pissed. But with the wisdom and bitterness that comes with being a 2 year spinster, I see where he was coming from. Would you rather have a partner who laughs with you, helps you take out the trash and loves you 365 days a year or some scrub who buys you flowers once a year and ignores you the other 364?

For me, the jury is out on this holiday. Due to my confus

ion I have made two Valentine's Day playlists for you little monsters. One is for the lovers out there. Its a little played out, but its my favorites. Perfect music to listen to on the way to your reservations at Macaroni Grill or just laying in bed starring into each other's baby blues. The other is for those with a more jaded view of St Valentine. Its great for drinking alone, crying deeply or throwing all those old Teddy-bears you received on Valentines past. 

Whatever your style, consider this my Valentines gift to you. I'll keep the heart shape box of chocolates for myself and eat them in one sitting as I watch Titanic and text my mom. Which ever you choose though, remember to love everyone every single solitary day. Life is to short not to shower those we love with love despite what the calendar may say. I love loving. I do it everyday. 

- Valentine's Day 

Lowlights- She's a rejector, Cocaine Blues, I'm leaving because I don't love you, Heart of Glass

+ Valentines Day!

Highlights- I will, Kooks, Earth Angel, My Body's a Zombie for you, These Old Shoes, Home

**This playlist also includes Chicago, as it is my Parent's wedding song (for my aunt Phyllis). Love you Meem and Topo!

Its the Magical Mystery Kind

This is the best music I have heard in years. I promise you.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are fronted by two beautiful people who are more in love than any couple I have ever seen, and thus their music is full of heart beats and whimsy and secrets. They have a June Carter/Johnny Cash feelin', its just delicious. If ya have a minute, check out some of their interviews on that "youtube" thing, they are adorable. Evidence:

 Not to mention this band is HUGE--imagine your favorite instrument--they got it. Accordions, trumpets, THE WORKS PEOPLE! This is exciting, rich, gypsy folk, family band rock and I literally cant stop listening. I beg you to give it a try. But be careful, this stuff is more addictive than morphine.

Home (which I want to be my wedding song if i am ever foolish enough to do so), was recently song of the day on npr. Here's what those bros have to say:

Once listeners get past the occasional bit of cornpone, a giant dose of good-heartedness kicks in: The couplet "Alabama, Arkansas / I do love my ma and pa" may be a groaner, until Castrinos adds, "Not the way that I do love you." As the song grows more clamorous and kind, it gets catchier, too, building to a freewheeling celebration rooted in unmistakable affection. It sounds terrific here, but when it's blown out in 360-degree live performance, "Home" is enough to make even the tiniest heart grow three sizes.

So here it is, ladies and gentlemen, "Up From Below."

Strums your heart strings; Home, 40 day dream

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros; Up From Below

Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyard yawn and Hell itself breathes out... Contagion to this world.

I am obsessed with halloween.

 Every, single, solitary, teeny, tiny detail. 

I always have been, chances are, I always will be. I want to be the cool lady in the neighborhood who turns her house into Sleep Hallow and has bobbing for apples and fortune tellers and webs and treats. I have been like a little kid on Christmas morning all week--from the amazing History channel programing, to the non stop playing of my favorite movie, Hocus Pocus, to candy, pumpkins, the air growing crisp-whipping around the crimson leaves outside my window... I honestly didn't think I'd make it through today's classes. Well, I did (thank god) and now it is time for my absolute favorite time of the year. Its honestly hard for me to put into words the joy this holiday brings me. Ever since I was born, Meem made me the most breath-taking costumes... so sentimental value to the holiday too... awwwww! After last years hiatus, she made me TWO!!! And since you are reading this crap, you will be the first to hear what they are... The April Fool and.... to fit in at Pitt with a VERY slutty costume, perhaps the sluttiest of all.... Hester Prynne. Yeah, I'm a hilarious english major, deal wit it. Ok thats enough, i need to get ready for my first night of ghosts and monsters and bats!

 As my gift to you, (yes gift, I'm something of a Sandy Claws myself...) here is the playlist I made for this Hallows Eve.

This includes your classics, Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, Adams family, etc. But of course I added some personal touches...

Some Highlights:

Grim Grinning Ghosts (The Haunted Mansion)

The Cantina Band- Star Wars

She Wolf- Shakira

King Tut- Steve Martin

A few Man Man treasures

and of courseeeee

I PUT A SPELL ON YOU!! BY THE ONE AND ONLY BETTE MIDLER!! (my current ringtone.)

Happy Haunting Y'all! Send me pic of your costumes. 

ALL HALLOWS EVE 2009 PLAY LIST