In the End, All We Have Is the Truth.

WeeK 23: 2010 Resolution.

Language of Flower - Song About You

The Chap - Well Done Europe

Girl In A Coma - Bother Before I'm Gone

Various Artists - Paris Calling

The Candle Thieves - Sunshine And Other Misfortunes

Fleetwood Mac - Tusk

Rainbow Arabia - Kabukimono

Hot Hot Heat - Future Breeds

Wild Nothing - Gemini

enjoy the music.

WeeK 22: 2010 Resolution.

Miike Snow - Miike Snow

Title Tracks - It Was Easy

The Dodos - Visiter

Chrome Hoof - Crush Depth

Janelle Monae - The Arch Android

Casiotone For the Painfully Alone - Vs. Children

Burning Hearts - Aboa Sleeping

The Blood Beetroots - I Love the Bloody Beetroots

Lou Christie Sacco - Paint America Love

Katsen - Basic Pleasure Unit EP

Katsen - It Hertz!

Dragonette @ The Echo (05/26/10)

i've always approached 18+ shows with trepidation not because i'm envious of their youth. or intimidated by their style. or maybe because i assumed they've made more mistakes than i ever did as a teen...believe that..i'm a good girl. but because i've heard they're the most dangerous to attend. from stabbings to shootings to police in riot gear taking you to county because you got caught up in groupthink. but seriously keep your glocks/homemade knives/violent tempers at home and away from the dancefloor. unless we're talking metaphorically and you're going to "kill it on the dance floor" than by all means please i encourage it because i do all the time. except really. let the music bring us together and let's have a good time. unfortunately, a party foul at the Dragonette show spoiled a part of the best show of the year. i couldn't enjoy the show until they left in case they were going to throw down...i learned a long time ago never mess with the Lords of Hell especially if you're in the middle. but all was good when they left. i had the most best of times. i saw dragonette open for little boots and wasn't to thrilled about it. so when they announced they were going to play again at the echo i bought my tickets and waited. i didn't want to get too excited because unlike cotton candy and snow cones concerts never really meet your expectations. rarely if they do. for some bands i want their live show to be far superior than their studio album. i'll be honest: my name is andria. i'm a concert enthusiast. live shows should be the testament to your band. if you're selling records but no one's coming to your shows then break up and/or start wearing costumes because your shows suck. leaving the little boots show i was a bit disappointed in dragonette. but i went back to their studio album and sorta forgave them. and then i went to their echo show and they totally redeemed themselves. they were what i expected from this electropop and more. three years ago proved to be the fork in the road for me coincidentally three years ago was the first time i heard of this canadian band. since then i've become who i like to be and who i'm becoming. as too for dragonette from their first EP Dragonette to their debut album, Galore to finally their second album, Fixin to Thrill. relatively new to their field they've already opened for New Order, Basement Jaxx, Little Boots. they've collaborated with Martin Solveig (C'est La Vie Remixes) and Kaskade (Dynasty)...if that's not ideal already than we're not on the same wavelength and i suggest you continue on your way.

Must Listen To:

"I Get Around" - Galore

"Get Lucky" - Galore

"Competition" - Galore

"Easy" - Fixin To Thrill

"Fixin to Thrill" - Fixin to Thrill

"Gone Too Far" - Fixin to Thrill

"Stupid Grin" - Fixin to Thrill

"Boys & Girls" - C'est La Vie Remixes

in short listen to ALL of Dragonette's work.

enjoy the music.

WEEK 21: 2010 Resolution.

VV Brown - Travelling Like the Light

Nina Nastasia - Outlaster

Major Lazer & La Roux - LazerProof

Langley Schools Music Project - Innocence & Despair

The Beatles - Help!

Nas & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives

The Mynabirds - What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood

Dinosaur Feathers - Fantasy Memorial

Best Coast - Where The Boys Are

Japanther - Rock 'N' Roll Ice Cream

enjoy the music.

WEEK 20: 2010 Resolution.

Stornoway - Beachcomber's Windowsill

Myster Jets - Twenty One

Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah

The Drums - The Drums EP

Kaskade - Dynasty

Or, The Whale - Or, The Whale

Matt Van Schie - Balmy Nights EP

Van She - V

Gin Wigmore - Holy Smoke

The Crystals - The Best of the Crystals

enjoy the music.

1,2,3 @ The Silverlake Lounge and The Like @ The Echo (05/10/10)

free concert(s) monday night special. the silverlake lounge has become the new el rey theater. the el rey use to be good to me except now gordon has resigned, greece is about to go under, and the 2011 microsoft worldwide conference is coming to los angeles...bad. but there's hope with the likes of the smaller music venues/bar. there's sort of a think globally act locally mentality that preserves the intentions of the real musicians and not of the shallow industry. i've never been into the stadium shows..painting by the numbers and not connecting to the people is not my cup of tea. unless, its green and with a drop of honey i'm not drinking it. unless, it has alcohol.

fortunately, as of late, the silverlake lounge has been bringing quality shows to their makeshift barstage. more so than just a dive bar but has become a bona fide music venue. which can be hard if there's already more than one music venue to choose from in the area (the echo, echo curio, echoplex, spaceland.) too much of a good thing is rare in this dog eat dog world. try asking toys r us, yahoo, bed bath and beyond, etc. but they all work. especially for me. the itinerary of the free concert(s) monday night special included 1,2,3 @ Silverlake Lounge 9pm then The Like @ The Echo 10pm. a mile apart from each other it was conceivable but in los angeles anything is possible so much could happen to interfere with the plan. exploding crotch bombs, alien invasions, earthquakes in the valleys, lead singer of phantom planet having pizza at the table across from you (one of the aforementioned did occurred that night..to my witness). the first stop was the silverlake lounge to see 1,2,3. they were the first of the evening. but the only band i wanted to see live on the show list. i'll be honest i had only heard their first song on their myspace music player, Confetti. there's soul, there's rock, there's something special with this band. so i proceeded to the silverlake lounge. they mentioned this was their first show and we were there to pop their live show cherry. except i really can't pick up what their putting down because they were really good. the first time is full of mistakes and regrets..oh wait just me? Or maybe i just couldn't get pass the idea that the lead singer (Nic Snyder) looked a little like joaquin phoenix and ed westwick of gossip girl..you can see why they couldn't do no wrong (heeheexoxoheehee). maybe it was their first Los Angeles show. this pittsburgh band did alright. Nic was from a band called Takeover UK which i'm anxious to hear and criticize. but that's for another time. thumbs up for 1,2,3. they'll be back June 30 to play at the bootleg theater (jury's still out whether i like this venue or not..but maybe i'll check them out).

The next show was The Like at The Echo. I saw more of The New Fidelity which was fine except i wasn't to thrilled about their music. eh not for everyone. honestly, how many songs can you really have about California. don't get me wrong my favorite states out of all but i have lot more going on in my life than the california sun. So then The Like was on stage. fun good stuff. didn't stay for the entire set but they're here for the month of may w/ a residency at the echo. i highly suggest you make it out. if you heard The Like before better take a listen to them again because they're not what the use to be.

enjoy the music.

WEEK 19: 2010 Resolution.

Various Artists - Clap Your Hands and Stamp Your Feet

Zee Avi - Zee Avi

The New Fidelity - All Here Now

Brazilian Girls - New York City

Little Comets - Adultery

Sleigh Bells - Treats

Phantogram - Eyelid Movies

Various Artists - Sub Pop 200

Turin Brakes - Outbursts

Bombay Bicycle Club - How Are We

enjoy the music.

WEEK 18: 2010 Resolution.

The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

Shout Out Louds - Work

The Shondes - The Red Sea

Beach House - Zebra EP

The Andrew Sisters - The Andrew Sisters

Ratatat - LP4

Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (II)

Bing Crosby - Swings

Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

enjoy the music.

WEEK 17: 2010 Resolution.

The Beatles - Abbey Road

Pete Fountain - Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? Disc 1 and Disc 2

Buddy Guy - Buddy's Blues

Ray Charles - Ultimate Hits Collection - Disc 1

Lonnie Johnson - Guitar Blues (The Blues Collection Vol.74)

Sylvester Weaver - Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1923-1927)

Memphis Minnie - Let's Go To Memphis Town

Ma Rainey - (1924-1928)

Jimmy Yancey - Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1939-1940)

Little Walter - Boss Blues Harmonica (The Blues Collection Vol. 20)

**one of my favorite new music weeks.**

enjoy the music.

WEEK 16: 2010 Resolution. *A Marriage Celebration Edition*

*Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Vincent and Joanne Amazona.

Portia Nelson - Let Me Love You:...The Songs of Bart Howard

The Imperials - Love Is The Thing

Peggy Lee - All-Time Greatest Hits - Volume 1

The Beatles - Beatles For Sale

Benny Goodman - The Essential Benny Goodman

Nat King Cole - L-O-V-E

Various Artists - Lifetime of Romance

Mr. Gnome - Heave Yer Skeleton

Major Lazer - Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do

Various Artists - Santogold a Diplo Dub

enjoy the music.

Mr. Gnome @ Silverlake Lounge (04/20/10)

despite what a certain center said about Cleveland that's just "bull." he's need to get out more maybe a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, A Christmas Story House , or even the West Side Market . whatever this boy is talking about he needs to take a moment enjoy the Forest City. i have a feeling he won't because some people are just boring. and if they're going to be demolished in the first round of the playoffs i too would talk ish about the other team...just like a child. boo hoo. speaking of the best of Cleveland: Mr. Gnome. to say the least this week has been rather busy for me. this entire month of april has been quite busy. even the sundays (the day of rest..my me time) has been filled with things to do and people to see (and not in the Hollywood sense but in the best times of ones life). albeit most of it has been with family so i wouldn't change that for anything/anyone..sidenote: they are the best people in my life and given me much joy. i'm only sorry you're not part of my family but you ARE a friend and that's just as important. so thank you. i just remembered Honeyhoney is from Ohio. no wonder rock and roll hall of fame is in ohio. they KNOW their music. and great music. caveat: if you're emotionally unstable it's time to take your meds and/or let it ride before listening to Mr. Gnome. they will take you on an up and down ride to your deepest fears which is done in such an effective and awe inspiring manner that it still haunts you even after you've left the bar, driven home, and snuggled into bed and in the moments right before you've falling asleep and quite possibly in your dreams. mr. gnome has been compared to mazzy star, portishead, massive attack. i'll be honest and say nothing can compare to the aforementioned bands but mr. gnome is definitely in the same likes of. she (Nicole Barille) plays the guitar and provides the vocals. he plays the drums, sometimes the piano, and sometimes back up vocals. its pretty amazing to see the two play when you hear their music...because it's not quite you expect. at least not for me. but i'm just a concert enthusiast. not a music aficionado. and when i see these two do their thing. it was soo good..i haven't been this impressed by a live show especially when it wasn't expected. her vocals are genlty calming (with reverb and echo) but in contrast are his percussions and let me start another paragraph to speak of his drum abilities:

remember the name, Sam Meister. here's to hoping he stays with Mr. Gnome but the likelihood he moves on to the bigger arenas is possible. not to say mr. gnome could never fill up the arenas. i'm just its best felt through the intimacy of a dimly lit room sin smoke and mirrors (coincidentally, it was fourtwenty so there was a lot of smoke in the room ;) so sin mirrors. he pounds it out like its life/death at the carnival and in such a venue as the silverlake lounge you feel it.

Current Album: Heave Yer Skeleton (2009)

Debut Album: Deliver This Creature (2008)

Must Listen to Song(s):

Pirates (Deliver This Creature)

Night of the Crickets (Deliver This Creature)

Deliver This Creature (Deliver This Creature)

Spain (Heave Yer Skeleton)

Plastic Shadow (Heave Yer Skeleton)

Vampires (Heave Yer Skeleton)

Pixie Dust (Heave Yer Skeleton).

http://www.myspace.com/mrgnome

enjoy the music.

WEEK 15: 2010 Resolution.

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim - Here Lies Love

Various Artists - Kitsune Maison Compilation 9

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Marmaduke Duke - Duke Pandemonium

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys - 1932-1947

Pete Molinari - Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

Pete Molinari - Walking Off The Map

The Ruby Suns - Fight Softly

Slow Club - Yeah So

YPPAH

Black Bug - Black Bug

Vermillion Lies - What's in the Box?

enjoy the music.

Vampire Weekend @ The Fox Theater (04/14/10)

 

i totally forgot how much i enjoyed vampire weekend until last night's very last minute concert adventure (the free ticket has no bias for/against about the concert..but it was nice ;) ). i have heard that in 2006 vampire weekend had a slew of free tuesday night specials in and around los angeles..i didn't go.  in 2007 they came out w/ their debut album.  the evening i heard their song on mtv OVERNIGHT SUCCESS?!?!  supposedly, i saw them in 2008 at street scene san diego. but i can't remember that one (SS2008 Highlight:  Justice).  now they are everywhere. congrats on all their success and continued success. Jan2010 Contra their second and current album was released. i listened to the free npr stream of the entire album and unfortunately, i didn't take a second/third/fourth listen..it was a week before the actual release...out of sight out of mind. what was suppose to be an evening at the movies, peanut m&m's and whether or not to put butter on the popcorn (which honestly, what would the point be without it)  turned into an adventure (if you don't know me by now...i got 99 problems...) i work off of the miracle mile adjacent to sofax and next to the lacma on wilshire boulevard. no where near pomona, california. which coincidentally is the fifth largest city in california.  tom waits and mark mcgwire hail from pomona.  other than that its the glass house and the fox theater.  there's suppose to be an art scene but i've only been in pomona including last night's concert twice. the first time was to see mates of state/the black kids at the glass house.  how soon did i forget the kids of the area. i really don't know where they all come from BUT well i don't want to sound judgmental: someone needs to teach the kids some etiquette: puff, puff, pass? i've been to a few or more concerts and i haven't seen it this much/that bad.  

the vampire weekend album (2007) was a fun album.  sometimes though the lyrics are so personal to the artist as an avid music listener...i don't understand it. the second album was different. it's all about the musical composition/arrangement. vampire weekend has the catchy tunes in their back pocket and you in the palm of their hand...whether you believe it or not they do.  what's different from their first indie rock album the second album has more of a synth-pop wonderness on some of their tracks.  which i thoroughly enjoy.  over and over and over again. the entire concert was a great mix of the two albums.  i enjoyed borderline obsessed over the first album.  stop listening to it so that i wouldn't get sick of it and dry heave at the mention vampire weekend. even the sight of the VW bug would have such an effect.  Contra's not worthy of purchasing until as of late only after the concert.  are they worth the convenient charges? well, probably not because i still don't understand the lyrics.  worth the hour and a half drive? sure, there's a chick-fil-a en route and very close to the venue (highly recommend the number 5 w/ chick-fil-a sauce. w/ the lemonade. yummy).

Current album:  Contra

Must Listen to Track: "Run,"  "Giving Up The Gun"

To Say the Least:  if you can't catch them at coachella they'll be at the hollywood bowl in sept2010 (you have to dance in the pit...no sitting allowed).

enjoy the music.

Honeyhoney @ The Hotel Cafe (04/08/10)

one of the many reasons why it's so hot damn so hard to write this is because most often than not music is not always so straightforward. specifically country music.  it's change throughout its history: in short - its a mix of different musical traditions from different ethnic groups in the region (from european-americans and african americans) no matter what genre a band considers themselves to be in most often they've also taken a little bit of influence from another genre.  an evolution of their sound is in progress.  whenever you are approached by the singer/songwriter you should expect two things:  First, the singer: strong vocals  that range between good, amazing and feelin' it.  Second, the songwriter:  from the lyrics to the musical arrangements. when you combine the singer slash songwriter you can expect a great show...(well, it's as good as a warm bowl of chili w/ a slice of cornbread..great. now i'm hungry. focus.).  

well, that's what you should expect...nowadays, however, statistically, there are more singer/songwriters than there are talented musical entertainers that tell a story.  heck, i'm a singer/songwriter (but for the record, only in the privacy in my own apartment or in traffic on the 101 am i really a singer/songwriter). that being said the live show is important more so than the studio album.  Honeyhoney, the indie country blues folk band, does more than sing the songs they write or just play the instruments. but they "SANG" it. emphasis on the SANG! and do they play it too.  dueling banjos, steel guitar and drums, bass guitar, with a hint of the fiddle. 

  

I can't say I told you so because HoneyHoney has a month long residency at the Hotel Cafe for April so you still have some time. when this concert enthusiast was there. there wasn't much space for this five foot-with-shoes-on gal.  without a a doubt every person in attendance that evening will tell a friend or two of theirs. and then they'll go to the show and you'll find yourself without a ticket..you'll be left outside the hotel cafe alleyway singing your own rendition of any bob wills' tune (even though the club next door did a "FABULOUS!" set list of their own..if you know what i mean).  honeyhoney has all the parts and their sum is as good as it gets in los angeles especially when you're dealing with the emotions of your soul. solid.

Current Album:  First Rodeo.

Must Listen to Song:  Sugarcane.

To Say The Least: worth the convenient charges.

Concert Photos Courtesy of: Orange Creative Studio

here's a very little taste until you get to the Hotel Cafe yourself:

enjoy the music.

WEEK 14: 2010 Resolution.

Saint Motel - ForPlay

The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night

Citizen Cope - Every Waking Moment

Mr. Gnome - Deliver This Creature

Lali Puna - Tridecoder

Honeyhoney - First Rodeo 

Chiddy Bang - The Swelly Express

Shout Out Louds - Work

The Morning Benders - Big Echo

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh

enjoy the music.

Sour Mash Hug Band @ Silverlake Lounge (04/01/10)

most often than not i leave it up to a flip of a coin. i'm a firm believer in destiny. an external locus of control. a fortune cookie away from true love.  there's only so much that you can do until destiny deals you your hand. you'll either be prepared to accept the responsibility or you'll crumble and fail to meet the challenge.  so as much as you think you create your luck destiny will prove you otherwise.  my point:  learn hard, work hard and be prepared for your destiny.  

i drove by the silverlake lounge and it seemed empty even though it was already minutes pass the call time for the first band of the evening i felt like i was going to be late and wouldn't be able to get in. oddly,  there was a spot just up the block from the venue.  should have been an indication of how the night might have been (like any night the ends is disaster or dullness) except i still felt an urge to go.  i approached the venue and as i suspected it was empty. well, not entirely. the majority of the people there either worked in the venue or going to play at the venue.  left with a handful of people who knew someone in the bands of the night. and from there probably only three other people myself included were there to listen to live music.  granted we've been in an economic recovery mode. it was holy thursday.  and it was a cold night.  colder than it has been in a long time.  no excuse for me but for others it might be an issue.  i enter the dimly lit bar/music venue. naturally, i take out my cellphone and check if i've any received any facebook friend requests when i'm in an awkward situation to fill a void (except more often than not i don't receive any friend requests so there's another void i have to fill...i should really stop that nervous habit..but i guess its better than biting my nails or talking to myself). except this time i literally ran into this dude and his friend which means i was in their way.  awkward stepping into each others way trying to figure out which step to take next.  there's a lot of space around us but we couldn't get it right.  until when they offered to buy me a beer which at that point they had realized i was by myself..a beer or two later another friend arrives at the venue. ends up being someone i've known from a previous project. the world just got smaller.  which i was starting to believe otherwise. current world population is almost seven billion people (6999177463..that's billion right?) current US population is 309.014.838...i probably won't even see .00000000000001 percent of those totals.  in any event it's not how many people you know: its how well you know yourself.  so really it doesn't really matter total population count unless you were trying to patent something that occurs in nature and you wanted to make more money that is in circulation if not more than that.  more of a reason for me to go out and explore what destiny has in store for me.  if i had it my way i'd probably be at home working on my Ebm chord on the uke.  but that didn't happen.  instead, which far exceeded any expectations for an evening out by myself, the rest of the evening was more than i could have written up but nothing less than amazing.  a mosh pit of extremes:  cramazing = crazy/amazing.  sometimes you have to live in the moment, savor the raisin, live like you just bought an immunization card through the black market so you can get to your south american destination (don't ask me if that's a true story... because i'll probably deny it).

as for the music:  

Sour Mash Hug Band:  
this san fran band are everything that i enjoy about music when it comes to a mix of gypsy/bluegrass/jazz ragtime.   a mix of an accordion, violin, upright bass, and what i think was a resonator guitar, trombone, ukulele banjo, with vocals that can transport you to any of my favorite world destinations: new orleans, buenos aires, paris...all in the comforts of my home city in los angeles.  Must Listen to Song: Music Box Waltz.

sometimes i think i'm just too lucky to be able to appreciate the context.   

enjoy the music.

WEEK 13: 2010 Resolution.

Choir of Young Believers - This Is For The White In Your Eyes
Cocoon - My Friends All Died In A Plane Crash
The Living Sisters - Love To Live
The Chapin Sisters - Lake Bottom
Pylon - Chain
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Dazzle Ships
Washed Out - LIfe of Leisure
Washed Out - High Times
Dum Dum Girls - I Will Be

Goldfrapp - Head First

enjoy the music.

YACHT @ Echoplex (03/26/10)

it was the first album of the new year and the new resolution (to listen to ten new *new to me* albums a week) what a wonderful start of the new year.  it was something new and exciting that i had stumbled upon. upon a music blog/paris fashion week/or an actual stumble on the sidewalk in which their album postcard was dropped after a concert on wilshire. by the way i'm in the market for a pair of shoes sin shoelaces..i just don't  have the time for you to tie...

as for YACHT

the reason why i went to the echoplex probably the only reason why i would go to the echoplex again. i don't need to be reminded i'm NOT in high school again...apparently this is what the kids are listening to..better this than something at the hollywood bowl (no offense.) it was the first time and i didn't think this sort of thing still happened but underage adolescents asked us to buy them something at the bar...props to them except for the fact they wanted something cheap and ended up w/ a can of beer.  kids my advice for future run ins:  "if you're going swim dive in the deep end and go for something top shelf."  as for yacht: they consider themselves experimental. i consider them electronic. they're best described as something in the middle so it's jussssstttttt righhhhhtttttt.  released in july of '09 from the moment i heard they're album in jan of '10 i've wanted to see them live...albeit i wasn't in the middle of the mix of kids i thoroughly enjoyed every mantra moment.  i couldn't tell you the other performers that evening as i'm really not in their target audience bracket maybe but i will pick up their album and see what i really missed because the dogs were barken and it was already my friday night bedtime....

Tracklist:

01 “Ring The Bell”
02 “The Afterlife”
03 “I’m In Love With A Ripper”
04 “It’s Boring / You Can Live Anywhere You Want”
05 “Psychic City (Voodoo City)”
06 “Summer Song”
07 “We Have All We’ve Ever Wanted”
08 “Don’t Fight The Darkness”
09 “I’m In Love With A Ripper (Party Mix)”
10 “Psychic City (Version)”

Their current album:  See Mystery Lights

Must Listen to Song:  Psychic City (if this tune is number forty eight of the 50 Most Downloaded Mp3 of 2009 is any indication...) 

enjoy the music.

The Living Sisters, She & Him @ The El Rey Theater (03/25/10)

The El Rey Theater March 25, 2010:

The Living Sisters:

side note to preface:  probably the only other time that i wish i was in the womb of another other than back in my own mother's. surround sound seven point one probably cannot compare to the sound of being inside the womb.  constant lullably echos between sleeping and whatever an unborn baby does inside the womb (ponders on the philosophy of the contradictions of technology in an eastern civilization?). 

The Living Sisters:  Inara George (The Bird and the Bee and the pregnant one), Eleni Mandel and Becky Stark. their songs are sweet and something i will have on "while i sleep and dream about tomorrow" playlist. Their current album:  Love to Live.  Their must listen to: "You Make Me Blue." 

not to be confused w/ The Chapin Sisters who i saw at an Amoeba in-store show about two years ago. american folk pop who actually are sisters i can only remember the "mom jeans" they were sporting for the show.  coincidentally, they had opened for she & him and it looks like again in april at the glass house. Their latest 2008 album:  Lake Bottom LP. Their must listen to:  Don't Love You. take a listen to The Smith's cover, "I Know It's Over." *trivial trivia:  one of the sisters is actually the daughter of Wes Craven (she's a half sister to the Chapin Sisters)...

She & Him:

no matter who you are or even who you think you are you've been heartbroken.  no matter who's at fault or whatever the circumstance the end result is all the same:  "O burning doubt and long regret, O tears with which our eyes are wet, Heart-throbs, heart-aches, the glut of pain, The somber cloud, the bitter rain..." sooner or later though you realize the worth of such pain.  because it's part of living the life. if you're inclined to enjoy the moment as much as i do you take the good as well as the bad you have to.   part of the good that makes the bad seem not as bad after all is the music. when you have the music that gets you through it you do get through it.  that's what She&Him are.  the good to the bad. their lyrics are that of a sad song but when the instruments and the vocals come together...you're almost glad you're going through such emotions.  her cute to his sexy guitar moves it's fun to go to a She&Him concert.  i hadn't planned on going but a ticket emerged out of the debts of destiny and now its probably one of the best concerts in my high school er wait i'm not in high school anymore..kinda felt like i was though..just like in high school i ended up w/ some other kids homework that i had to finish before homeroom the next day....i'm so glad i'm out of the tricky game of high school drama and in the highly professional work environment of animation. errr.

enjoy the music.

WEEK 12: 2010 Resolution.

Spinnerette - Spinnerette

Bonobo - Black Sands

Patsy Cline - Legendary Country Singers

Plastiscines - About Love

Massive Attack - Protection

Rocket Empire

She & Him - Volume Two

Cults

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza

Bear in Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth

Warpaint - Warpaint.

enjoy the music.

Freelance Whales, Bear in Heaven, Cymbals Eat Guitars @ The Echo (03/24/10)

there are certain sounds that always bring me back to the happy-go-lucky carefree days of my childhood: my mother's smiling whisper, afternoon school recess, and the indestructible toy glockenspeil. but before i knew it i reached my tween years and without any notice the inevitable young adultchild that i had become the frequent sounds had changed to the parental stare of judgment, that dreaded computer hum and the at most two year shelf-life of the mp3 player (you know which one i'm talking about...genius btw). but let's talk about the glockenspeil.  a percussion instrument that's similar to the xylophone except the glockenspeil has metal bars unlike the wooden bars of the xylophone.  what makes the glockenspeil special is it's pitch. higher than the xylophone it seems more delicate of a sound like that of a bell and you remember what teacher says what happens when a bell rings...in this case a dutchman is getting lit ;) fyi: glockenspeil enthusiasts know that the original glockenspeil had used bells instead of the metal bars. its subtle but it gives you goosebumps when applied correctly which freelance whales does perfectly.

I had bought the tickets in advance after listening to their debut album, "Weathervanes."  apparently i have seen/heard Freelance before: they had opened for Fanfarlo:  one my favorite bands of 2009-present day.  by association i was introduced to Freelance Whales by their album i went to their concert.  and from what i read their favorite venue to play is in the subway stops of Brooklyn which is one reason The Echo is an ideal place..their home away from home? 

Upon further reading, Weathervanes tells the "story of a boy who falls in love with a ghost." which certainly the story for most Angelinos myself included...when i was younger i often looked up to the moon and whispered to myself with hope and optimism, "somwhere [my soulmate is] looking at the same moon"  which has changed slightly to:  as i look over the los angeles basin: through the cluster of skyscrapers, thousands of buildings, through the congested freeways, underneath the smog, and amongst the millions of people, "that mofo is somewhere down there." yet still hopeful.   

Freelance Whales' music is multilayered so much that you feel there's a hellofa lot going on which can be overwhelming but when its arranged so sweetly its as good as Freelance.  every single band member of freelance offers their vocals during many of their songs which in turn gets the crowd getting involved as well. song after song at the sold out freelance concert everyone was singing and moving to the music which you can't help but join in as well.  

as for Bear in Heaven and Cymbals Eat Guitars.  I had gone to the show for Freelance Whales (as many other people in attendance had done as well) the lineup wasn't ideal as Freelance had gone first.  by the time i ordered and drank my first alcoholic stress reliever Freelance was finished with their set :(  on any other evening i would have probably enjoyed the other two bands. but i couldn't get into it.  however, i took a listen to Bear in Heaven's album, "Beast Rest Forth Mouth"  and i enjoyed psychedelic/electronic blend i'll probably save it for the much anticipated roadtrip. as for cymbals eat guitars if you enjoy the guitar solo he's your guy.  i, however, enjoyed the bass and drums...but i think the main attraction to this group is the guitar.  lets not forget about the keyboards (even if i couldn't hear it that much..sorta just waiting for this guy to bring the band bottled water..but he was there playing along). if the gallons of sweat on the stage and on the first row of concert enthusiasts is any indication of how intense this guy plays well then you've got yourself a winner: get him a stuffed animal and some cotton candy and let's go to the carnival!  

enjoy the music.

on the topic of character attributes:  rudeness.  talking on your cellphone in a movie theater: rude.  when there's traffic on the 101 and an asinine driver cuts in front of you: rude. taking the last bit of cotton candy that doesn't belong to you: rude. not responding to a friend: rude. positive or negative it as i'm told can help quite a bit. getting what you want at the cost of someone else's feelings: not so rude? more times than not i find myself standing directly behind someone who just arrived at any given concert venue. they pushed their way through and found the spot they wanted to stand in which coincidentally is the same spot i've already been standing in. i'm no tall glass of water BUT i do have feelings dude do not stand in front of me: rude.  except he/she sought what they wanted and went for it.  now they have the perfect pole position to enjoy the concert. maybe there's not as much of thin line between rude and that's life.  either way consideration never hurt anybody.  speaking of consideration or lack thereof, dude i don't care if you're the cousin twice removed from the bass player.  stop yelling it to the person you're trying to impress. either take it outside or away from people who are trying to enjoy the music.  whatever you were saying probably could have been written in an email, ichat, facebook message (everyone actually enjoys receiving notifications) or maybe quite possibly wait til after the concert...think about it. i paid with money that i worked for and not with money i really don't care for and would like to burn on loud obnoxious people.  

enjoy the music (except for that guy who insisted on yelling and wasn't part of the musical acts you can enjoy bad karma).

The Crayon Fields, Washington, The Damn Sons, Seaspin @ Silverlake Lounge (03/15/10)

as of late i haven't been to a concert on the pure chance of whim. the effects of the economic downturn has poked its ugly head in and wants to stay for dessert. despite countless attempts to protect myself from the trials and tribulations of an unmarried layperson of concert-going i've succumbed to the simple laws of supply and demand and i can't get them to go away (if my cooking skills or lack thereof is any indication of how grim the situation is i can't really help you). subsequently, i've become a lot more particular in that i only go to at most two concerts a month which if you had read this before that was a typical week for the LA Dog and Pony Show...but if taken in account the factors involved i'm really not being as frugal as i intend to be. i'll purchase tickets through a vendor that makes a profit on 'convenience.' which at times can cost at most half the face value of the actual ticket. don't get me wrong i understand/agree with capitalism but it doesn't mean i want to be bent over and taken to an unhappy place. there should be a happy medium, right? at least i have a ticket in advance and i don't have any trepidations about going to the box office of a show on the night of the show that could possibly be sold out. recently, fortunately/unfortunately? the shows i want to go to end up being sold out. so i'm left to purchasing in advance. hmph.

so i looked over my concert calendar and for the eleventh week of twenty ten i didn't have a concert to attend to. i was poised for a week of rest and relaxation in the comforts of my own home and the company of Migo and Jasper (a fish and an uke). but i'm sorta young and a lot restless so i checked my local concert listings to find out who was playing and more importantly where. some say (and when i say "some" i mean a fortune cookies), "it's not the destination its the journey," or "it's not how long you wait but who you're waiting for" or "its not how many years you live but how you live those years" in Los Angeles you have take into account the prior fortunes for a seemingly adequate adventure. but you also have to strategize just enough so that the evening is nothing less than epic. and when i'm mean epic you better bring your passport and a clean pair of undergarments because you'll never know where you'll end up or what you have to barter. albeit careful of being anywhere less than a dark alleyway behind a seedy donkey show venue. however, most planning is already determined by the laws of physics, for example, weather conditions, time constraints, and cactus taco shop on vine (carne asada tacos before any show is a must for any night of music, sweat, and joy). other factors include but are not limited to who's going, who's driving, what's the parking situation like, where's the closest atm, what's the venue like, how much is a jack and ginger, etc. so much to say there's a lot to consider when going out for a concert. so much that sometimes if you're really not in the mood for it can limit you to the comforts of your laziness. and you miss the opportunity to listen/see great new music. monday nights are trickier. most of the venues have resident bands playing free shows to extend their reach to a selected group of stereotypically group of kids identified as hipster (who are actually are there for music except collective wisdom poses them in a negative light) and an even smaller group of good ol' rock n' rollers who've seen more than they actually admit but are willing to share (my favorite kind). its tricky because on a typical monday night you're still recovering from the weekend and you've anticipated a monday night at home but are torn because there's a free show at your local dive. flip a coin and leave it to destiny was the way of the old world before the shock and awe of '03 (when your nickel and dime actually meant something good and not so much a way of keeping the distressed blue collar down). but consideration for all things bright and beautiful in this world takes a lot more effort and self-evalution.

so on the eve of the evening on monday i was determined to go the Silverlake Lounge. a couple of invites later and i was scheduled to meet some friends in time to see the second band begin. except again. sorta young and really restless i ended up getting there just right before the first band began playing. i arrived in an ideal moment because any sooner or any later i wouldn't have experience those rare moments in life that enforce your belief that people are good and not out there to take you limb for limb and sell you to the highest bidder. cut to: sharing a joke or two with some of the members of the bands and learning from an almost inebriated gentleman that "no matter how much it costs if your friends are happy it's worth it." priceless. as the evening continues and while the music is playing its hard not to get distracted (at least for the adhd in me) by the surroundings which can only be described as an odd mix of nonchalant traveling angelinos that have been disenfranchised by the nature of the beast.

The Crayon Fields

Washington

The Damn Sons 

Seaspin

all in all highly recommended bands. i left the venue crossing the street when a driver of a car yelled out to me, "great job!" i don't know if he was referring to me crossing the street when there was red hand or if he thought i was part of the band..i'd like to think the latter but i don't think so cause i don't look like any of the females in the aforementioned bands..either way i left feeling just right about the evening.

enjoy the music.

WEEK 11: 2010 Resolution.

Seaspin - Reverse
Crayon Fields - All the Pleasures of the World
Paper Route - Absence
Efterlang - Tripper
Knee High
Massive Attack - Blue Lines
Annie - Don't Stop
Annie - Anniemal
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much
The Ettes - Do You Want Power.

enjoy the music.

WEEK 10: 2010 Resolution.

Animal Hospital - Animal Hospital
The Felice Brothers - Mix Tape
Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms
Shanti - This Moment
Stereolab - Margeine Eclipse
Fenech-Soler - The Cult of Romance
Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
Paolo Conte - The Best of Paolo Conte
Kate Bush - The Sensual World
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

Class Actress, Dragonette, Little Boots @ The El Rey Theater (03/10/10)

Electropop: whether it is recognized or assumed this will make you get up and enjoy the moment. catchy hooks and dance beats is as good as carne asada and fries, bert and ernie, baskin and robbins, cut and paste, ike and tina...well, not so much ike but you get the point...i'm a product of the 80s (specifically, '81) electropop flourished late 70s early 80s it was instilled in my brain along with the fondness of mcnuggets and odd understanding of the implications of the fall of the berlin wall in western china. in any event, electropop will forever be in my heart. w/ acts like ladytron, yelle, lady gaga, la roux, dragonette, little boots, ladyhawke, and peaches its sorta everywhere without being in your face. even your favorite american pop-con is getting in the electropop mix..its called the ra-ra-remix. synthesized to your hearts. now on with the show:
Class Actress - i just made it to hear the last beat of the last song from Class Actress. bummer. that just proves getting a quick bite to eat in Los Angeles is not is quick as you expect it to be. even if you're literally across the street from the concert venue don't bet being on time unless you don't enjoy the food, service is less than expected, and/or dinner guest(s) has nothing more to add to the conversation than how the bread rolls are less than ideal. fortunately, for me, i've never had a quick bite. from what i hear Class Actress' studio album is up my alley. you're brought back to the sounds of the classic new wave w/ expressive vocals, however, according to the girl in the line for the restroom the live show lacked the performance. in any event i enjoy their music.
Dragonette - the reason for the season. i had high expectations for this group. if you have the chance there are more than a few youtube videos of their live performances/music videos that suggest awesomeness. i, myself, prefer their second studio album rather than their first but i'm more progressive than others. don't get me wrong i do like to know where the ashes a band comes from but it's not necessary. i prefer a more mature defined sound of a sophomore album. granted some have strayed from their original intentions by their sophomore album but some have developed what they were meant to be: their existence in this universe. for me it took Dragonette's Fixin to Thrill that is Dragonette. Galore/Fixin to Thrill are not as day and night but there is an emotional difference. maybe not so much in sound but in the dialogue between artist and audience member.. as for their live performance at the el rey on the tenth of march twenty ten it was less than expected. don't get me wrong it was more than i can imagine yet it was missing something that i can't really express. probably because it was that amazing. can an studio album be considered a success if it involves three hit singles?. i believe in the power of three but not in pictures. this was a good album. its becoming a recent trend as of late that the band i went to see is the opening band of the night. unfortunately, i don't get all of the band i wanted to see if there is still a headliner. though, however, consider yourself lucky if you find yourself w/ an ideal lineup (just as it was at the el rey on march tenth twenty ten). you can't even expect a better line up at music festival than that of dragonette and little boots.


Little Boots - only until after i bought my tickets to see dragonette open for little boots did i even start to listen to little boots. i don't usually find bands by association (bands that sound similar to each other) but through but not limited to the music blogs, word on the street, catwalk soundtracks of paris fashion week. so on the fifth week of this year i got Hands HER DEBUT ALBUM!! debut album w/ an EP, Illuminations. i'll be honest i wasn't initially hooked, lined, and sinked to the album mostly because i already had my dragonette to keep me satisfied. BUT, Little Boots has done it. not the impossible but the Reason for live performance concerts (which some musicians somehow forget): she deflowered this Little Boots-naiveté and turned this relatively naive concert enthusiast into a fan.

Imagine the el rey: small enough to be just right. the bar is in the back behind the sound booth. you enter and you're looking right at the stage. you enter another world that you forget about the outside reality (unless, however, the allure of the danger dogs says hello). i've been there more than enough times to consider the el rey theater my favorite concert venue in los angeles. but i haven't been to a concert like that of Little Boots. another concert reviewer did not like the show. that person does not understand. i suppose if you're paid to have an opinion you'll give it. whether this or that person agrees. granted i wasn't up near the stage but far from the stage in the back of the dance floor. key words: dance floor. i didn't see Little Boots. I FELT Little Boots. i listened to the music and was meant to do what i was meant to do: dance. i've probably listened to the album only a good three or four times before the show BUT I felt the music so much that i was able to dance my heart out.
"No more poison
Killing my emotion
I will not be frozen
Dancing is my remedy remedy Ohhh
Stop stop praying cos I'm not not playing
I'm not frozen Dancing is my remedy remedy Ohh

Move, why you watching me
Dance with the enemy
I've got a remedy Ohh o ohh o o
Move, why you watching me
Dance with the enemy
Here is my remedy Ohh o ohh o o..."


enjoy the music.

Week 9: 2010 Resolution.

Discovery - LP
Caro Emerald - Deleted Scenes From the Cutting Room Floor
J*Davey - Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistapes
Apsci - Best Crisis Ever
Freelance Whales - Weathervanes
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
We Have Band - You Came Out
Class Actress - Journal of Ardency
Noisettes - What's The Time Mr Wolf?
Pacifika - Asuncion

Week 8: 2010 Resolution.

Tilly and the Wall - O
Sharon Van Etten - Because I Was In Love
Wild Beasts - Two Dancers
Iggy Pop - Lust for Life
The Cribs - Ignore the Ignorant
Wu Tang Vs The Beatles - Enter the Magical Mystery Chambers
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Four in Blue
Kepi Ghoulie - Life Sentence
Chuck Berry - 14 Greatest Hits
Swing Out Sister - Where Our Love Grows
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights

Week 7: 2010 Resolution.

Scary Mansion - Make Me Cry
Jay Electronica - StyleWars EP
Appleseed Cast - Low Level Owl Vl. 1
Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha
Manel - Els Millors Professors Europeus
Gypsy Kings - Gypsy Kings
Glee Cast - Glee: The Music, Volume 1
Glee Cast - Glee: The Music, Volume 2
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Patti Smith - Horses

Fanfarlo @ The El Rey Theater (02/20/10)

Fanfarlo @ Amoeba Hollywood (02/18/10)

enjoy the music.

Old Man Markley @ The Echo (02/17/10)

enjoy the music.

Week 6: 2010 Resolution.

Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Four Tet - There Is Love In You
Sade - Soldier of Love
Massive Attack - Heligoland
The Killermeters - Charge
Lali Puna - Faking The Books
Alphabeat - Alphabeat
Wakey!Wakey! - Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You...
The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
We Are Wolves - Invisible Violence

enjoy the music.

Nouvelle Vague w/ Soko @ The Music Box at Henry Fonda Theater (02/09/10)

According to wikipedia, Nouvelle Vague is a French musical collective. different musicians contributing their talents. That being said maybe someday I'll be a member of Nouvelle Vague. They did have a drummer who is an American citizen. So, they're not limited to french nationals. however, obviously they didn't receive my craigslist post which read: "Wanted: a band that needs a tambourine player." because the only response i've received was soliciting spam and creepy one that was asking for a free concert ticket in exchange for "company." here's hoping an actual band will respond and maybe someday too shall an angel receive their wings.



regarding Nouvelle Vague, twenty three dollars if far less the price of an airline ticket to barcelona, spain. nouvelle vague reminds of barcelona. i must have briefly mentioned this as this is my second nouvelle vague show. recap: barcelona, tattoo, nouvelle vague. that sort of transition in one's young life is mentioned, which shall span over generations and become part of american folklore. in any event, the much anticipated first concert of the year turned to just that...not so much the concert of the year but it was still quite enjoyable. which one should expect from a cover band. i'll be honest i enjoy a good cover song. but nouvelle vague gets it. whether you like it or not or have the energy not to you can't help but dance or at the very least tap a toe or nod your head. the revolving door of this band has lead to different contributions of female vocalists. all entertaining some really good but in total a delight. most of their set list was from their third album, 3. and most likely i'll be there for 4 and 5 (in the event there are subsequent albums). Shana Halligan of Bitter:Sweet sang some songs w/ the band which was a surprise because i was hoping she would be in the studio working on their new ablum. i've been waiting... patiently..fyi: myspace friends don't keep each other waiting.


as for Soko: a couple years ago i took a chance on this french singer/songwriter not because her voice was brought down my the angels of heaven but more so because you could really hear/feel the pain physical/emotional pain through her voice and lyrics. however, i'd hold out until she's playing at your local dive venue in which the intimate settings offsets the makeshift stage and lack of actual bootleg liquor.

enjoy the music.

deja vu

It's how the French say already seen it. Which for me typically is not so French. But maybe that's Nouvelle Vague.

maybe someday

Hamburg, Germany.

2010 Concert Calendar

02/09/10 - Nouvelle Vague w/ Soko @ Music Box
02/20/10 - Fanfarlo @ The El Rey Theater
02/26/10 - Soundtrack of Our Lives & Nico Vega @ The El Rey Theater
03/10/10 - Little Boots w/ Dragonette @ The El Rey Theater

enjoy the music.

Week 5: 2010 Resolution.

Chairlift - Does You Inspire you
Miss Li - Dancing The Whole Way Home
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - Through The Devil Softly
Toro Y Moi - Causers Of This
Pantha du Prince - This Bliss
Mondo Drag - New Rituals
Kaki King - Dreaming of Revenge
Rocketship - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness
Television Personalities - And Don't the Kids Just Love It
Bernadette Seacrest and Her Provocateurs - The Filthy South Sessions
Little Boots - Hands

enjoy the music.

2010 Resolution: Learn the Uke: Status.

nine days after the purchase and probably my fifth night of practicing. three songs later: You Are My Sunshine, I'll Follow the Sun, and Amazing Grace. and now to my first song with tabs. after a day of work my brain hurts. trying to learn a song w/ tabs i want to hurt somebody. (Berceuse - Brahms) it's so frustrating. but i must learn it. and i will.

enjoy the music.

jasper

2010 Resolution: 2. Learn the Uke.

Week 4: 2010 Resolution.

Anathallo - Canopy Glow
Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Meaghan Smith - The Cricket's Quartet
The Dodos - Time to Die
Magic Men - Real Life Color
Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones
Skybox - Morning After Cuts
Lars and the Hands of Light - The Looking Glass
Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM
Various Artists - Up In The Air Soundtrack
Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
Efterklang & The Danish National Chamber Orchestra - Performing Parades
Beach House - Teen Dream

enjoy the music.

it's a television commercial

during Week 2: 2010 Resolution. I discovered the Submarines. I couldn't tell you where i found the band (probably some music blog one of many i read.daily.) got the album and started to listen. something was familiar. so i listened some more. i couldn't put my finger on it. i got to the end of the album and i was stuck. indifferent. but i felt like i should like it. it was catchy or maybe because i've heard of it already before. its the end of week 4 and i'm at the uke w/ the tv set vol on low (so my neighbors don't hear me..i need autotune for my voicebox). and then it was familiar because it's a freakin' television commercial and you know this commercial has been running for sometime now. it's been ingrained. still, indifferent to the submarines..

2010 Resolution: 2. Learn the Uke.

my left hand finger tips hurt...a ouch s ouch d ouch f ouch...my first song that i want to learn is a goody: I'll Follow the Sun by The Beatles. so far my introduction to ukulele learning is on the internets and it has helped..maybe tomorrow i'll walk to my local library and check out a book (unless there's a chance of rain). along with the online intro youtube have a great selection of ukulele musicians including but not limited to SoElusiveMe she brings the kinda ironic joy to ukulele playing with a bit of sarcasm tone in the end of each song. maybe someday SoElusiveMe will become SoElusiveMeandI...sounds like a good band name? maybe not. when i younger i dread having to practice the piano. which i now regret i didn't. but the uke has given me a second chance. it's a bit frustrating because i can't feel my finger tips. and remembering the chords are a bit of a challenge (note to self: probably not a good idea to practice after an saturday evening out and about but as soon as i got home i picked it up and started practicing...couldn't say anything in a while has had that power over me).

ten minutes later...

alright. i just finished playing Amazing Grace. i didn't realize (unless i did just didn't want to admit it) but there's a lot of singing involved with the ukulele. Wanted: singer to accompany my ukulele.

enjoy the music.

**update: i didn't go to the library. it didn't rain i was just lazy.

enjoy the music.

Week 3: 2010 Resolution.

Noah And The Whale - First Days of Spring
Alex & Sam - Sounds Like This: Part Two
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Noah Georgeson - Find Shelter
Eriend Oye - Unrest
Pepper Pots - Now!
The Rifles - Great Escape
Blind Pilot - Three Rounds and a Sound
The Mumlers - Don't Throw Me Away
Slow Club - Yeah So.
Coconut Records - Nighttiming
Coconut Records - Davy

enjoy the music.

maybe someday

Go to and understand an Opera before I'm sixty five years old.

maybe someday

masada @ sunrise.

Week 2: 2010 Resolution.

Carla Bruni aka Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. - Comme si de rien n'etait
The Submarines - Honeysuckle Weeks
Junkie XL - Booming Back At You
The Startling Line - Direction
Pixie Lott
Alphabeat - The Spell
Delphic - CounterPoint
Same Cooke - Sam Cooke at the Copa
Peter, Paul and Mary
Beyonce - I am Sasha Fierce
Micachu & the Shapes
Dirty Electronite 2008
Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
Karen O And The Kids - Where The Wild Things Are Soundtrack
The Boy Least Likely To - The Law of the Playground.

Week 1: 2010 Resolution.

YACHT - See Mystery Lights
The Beta Band - The Three E.P.'s
Girls - Girls
Florence and the Machine - Lungs
Doug Burr - On Promenade
Afro Celt Sound System - Sound Magic, Vol. 1
Tindersticks - Curtains
Leonard Cohen - The Best Of
Drake - So Far Gone
Rihanna - Rated R
Japandroids - Post-Nothing.

2010 RESOLUTION.

on the sixth day of the new year i've finally solidified a worthy resolution. i'm in total denial of my character flaws to resolve that only now can i think of resolutions first and foremost i'm going to learn to play the ukulele. i grew up playing a musical instrument and it was always fun albeit frustrating to get good at it. from the piano to the clarinet i've always had music in my life. the second resolution is a spinoff of the orginal and a lot less expensive. instead of going to at least one concert a week i'm going to listen to at least ten new (to me) albums. as much as concert going was incredibly fun and life altering it was a bit expensive. still it was worth it. so here's to 2010 may you be as strong in your resolution. who knows maybe i'll see you at the gym. probably not. kampai!

Resolution.

Pet Peeves:
1. when my favorite song is the best song on an album.
2. when i'm in the vicinity of and we don't stop to order tito's tacos...i thought this was understood.
3. when i have a "funny story" about a liquor store.
4. thinking of something to say when it's obviously become awkward
5. farmville.