in the woods

Guitar Miniature - North Sea Radio Orchestra

september in november

I took this photo back in September at the Puyallup Fair. It had been raining all day and then as soon as we parked, it stopped. The afternoon weather ended up being quite lovely.... and the Fisher Scones were scrumptious.

He Would Have Laughed - Deerhunter

does this change a thing

Kisses - Kisses

potus in a bicycle accident

Thanks to Sam Seaborn, a few months ago I had a mini Rob Lowe movie marathon which included the horribly cheesy About Last Night... (it was on Netflix instant watch, ok?). However, it did introduce me to quite a catchy tune, So Good, So Good by Jimmy Mundy. The problem is I can't find an mp3 of it anywhere.

Maybe that's why I was so taken with Chromeo's When The Night Falls. Okay, yeah, it's not exactly the same. Still both songs are totally "80's" and completely "danceable".

When The Night Falls - Chromeo

united states of americana

I can't seem to finish a book these days; it's a problem I have noticed since I graduated.

In LA I never really set aside enough time to read . My problem with reading is somewhat different now that I find myself back in Seattle. I have done a considerable amount of recreational page turning in the last few months but I have a difficult time sticking with ONE book. Maybe it's because of years neglecting my "fun reading" impulses. I'm trying to make up for lost time.

My hope is that that is changing.

I recently attended a book release party for Kurt B. Reighley's (KEXP's DJ El toro) latest United States of Americana. Reighley examines what he has found to be a movement back towards simpler times, to a lifestyle concerned with the best way to pickle carrots and the proper wool from which to crochet a winter hat. The event was chalkful of pastime entertainment (a bluegrass clogging duo, a burlesgue dancer, and multiple folk/americana musical outfits).

Being a work of non-fiction (including an entire chapter on music history) I think my goal of getting to the last page is actually quite attainable. In my experience thus far, it's quite an engaging read. Here's hoping!

(I should mention that I'm also intent on finishing Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise sometime soon. Decisions decisions.)

Hand-Me-Down Time - The Avett Brothers

ps If you haven't tried an Old-Fashioned cocktail I highly recommend it.... especially if you have a tendency towards whiskey. Word on the street is that Don Draper agrees.

lately i don't feel much like talking

Listening to Richie Havens' album Mixed Bag I can't believe that he was only 26 when he recorded it. His voice is smooth but rough, polished yet raw. Havens has the undeniable quality of sageness. You can't help but give in and believe every word he sings.

This week I found a live album comprised of performances from 1970 and 1972 in Washington D.C. and Santa Monica, CA titled Live at The Cellar Door. The opening track is "I Can't Make It Anymore" - one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot covers - and boy does he start the set out right.

I Can't Make It Anymore - Richie Havens

If you haven't experienced much of Richie Havens' music I would suggest poking around his discography, especially his early stuff. His unique style of strumming and open tuning was showcased quite nicely when he kicked off Woodstock, providing the accompaniment for the opening scene of the 3-day love and peace fest.

now remember to floss

The other day I found out some very exciting news, news that directly connects me to one of Rock's greats.

My dentist - the same dentist I have been going to since I was 4 years old - was Kurt Cobain's dentist during the time he lived in Seattle. How crazy cool is that?! My 6 year old self totally could have been sitting in the chair one over from him during one of his routine teeth cleanings.

Mind.

Blown.

Drain You - Nirvana

It feels good to be home.

*This version of "Drain You" is from the BBC Sessions (1989-1991)

it's alright, i'm ok. how are you?

Joni Mitchell & Graham Nash.

I can’t help but think of the amazing love story these two had for that short period of time when they were young. I have read a number of articles, watched a few documentaries, and am currently reading a book surrounding this place and time. From what I have gathered, Graham Nash was wholly enamored by Joni. I have read countless interviews with him where he cites his time with Joni as some of the most cherished moments of his life. He revered her as an artist much more talented than himself. When I read about how/why they broke up it just breaks my heart. I’m totally on Team Graham.

Nash's album Songs for Beginners - released just one month before Mitchell's Blue - was very much a mediation on the unraveling of the couple's relationship. With "I Used To Be A King" Nash realizes that his heart has been changed forever. He's moving on but he's become guarded and slightly cynical. Part of his heart as been stolen... and he's not so sure he'll ever get it back.

Someone is going to take my heart but no one is going to break my heart again.

I Used To Be A King - Graham Nash

ps Check out Joni's tune "I Had A King". Although she wrote it before meeting Nash it does offer a deeper understanding to what Nash is trying to get at in "I Used To Be A King".

goodbye summer.

hello fall.

April Come She Will - Simon & Garfunkel

foolish

Foolish - Ra Ra Riot

let's mix it up a bit, shall we?

So in response to "Musically Parched in the Desert" I have set up my very own account at 8tracks.com and have found it quite enjoyable.

The Clear Spot 8 Tracks

It's a fun little site and I encourage you to make some mixes of your own.

this one goes out to s. california

It's really feeling like summer here in Seattle. The daily temperature is right around 80 degrees and by noon you can count on the sun making it's way through the grey cloudy sky.

5pm is just about perfect.

As I was driving back from Roslyn, WA this past Sunday, Avi Buffalo fit the bill for the drive's soundtrack. Straight-forward and unencumbered, these young'uns from Long Beach have really hit the nail on how to release a summer-ready album. Casual and breezy - with some heart-felt albeit hormone-infused observations about being young - Avi Buffalo takes from their surroundings in the best way possible. When I found out they were from the South Bay it totally didn't surprise me.

While tunes like "What's In It?" feel like a lazy afternoon, songs such as  "Five Little Sluts" is a smooth night out at the local bar.

Their stand-out number is "Remember Last Time". It takes you on a three-part journey, ultimately dropping you off somewhere between new love euphoria and arresting anticipation.

So for all of you guys I miss and love in LA, here's to you!

Remember Last Time - Avi Buffalo

runway houses city clouds

Yesterday I was lucky enough to catch the australian neo-psychedelic outfit Tame Impala at a free show at The Echo. The band initially caught my eye as I was perusing emusic's website and was intrigued to find them the most downloaded band of the week. I did my usual 30-sec music taste test before I eagerly downloaded their debut LP InnerSpeaker. Right off the bat I was hooked. Lead singer Kevin Parker's vocals sound hauntingly similar to John Lennon's via Rubber Soul or Revolver and their swirling melodies harkened back to shades of Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd. At the same time I was amazed at how modern and new their sound was.

Their LP found me at the exact right moment. I checked their myspace and found that they would be traveling through LA in a couple of weeks. Already their initial show had sold out so they added two more sets, one to be free. Yes, free! Just the right price for me.

So me and my friend Casey trekked across town, enjoyed a little walk through the novelties of Echo Park and found ourselves sipping on beer and whiskey waiting for Tame Impala to take the stage. To my disappointment we had to stand through a mediocre at best band, WEAVE!, whose songs all sounded like poor knock-offs of Talking Heads songs circa Fear of Music.

But all was more than rectified once the Aussies took the stage. Their set was short (about 45 minutes) and in that time only managed to play four songs. But that was more than enough to hook me. The highlight of the night was when they closed with "Half Full Glass of Wine" off their 2008 EP. It was a 12-minute jam driven with power chord guitars and trippy space-invading pedals.

Here's a little taste:


tame impala // half full glass of wine jam @ grasslands gallery from Jimmy Morris on Vimeo.

In reading up on Tame Impala I came across a playlist series they did for their record label Modular. Turns out their drummer Jay Watson is a huge Yes fan.... his entire playlist consists of Yes songs. Now whenever I'm listening to "Runway Houses City Clouds" I can't help but think of the "Wurm" part of Yes' "Starship Trooper". Love it!

Runway Houses City Clouds - Tame Impala

klickitat street

I was quite excited when I first heard that there was going to be a movie based on the Beverly Clearly "Ramona Quimby" books (I have since seen the trailer and it looks atrocious). As a kid I watched the Canadian-produced TV show "Ramona" (based off said books). I absolutely loved the show and to this day, the theme song still fills my heart with childhood nostalgia.



Maybe that is why I have found myself such a fan of 10,000 Maniacs' "In My Tribe". For whatever reason, it gives me that same feeling. The weird thing is that it transports me back to 1988 but instead of being 3 I'm 26 years old.... living in San Francisco. Strange, I know.

So here is to my 3 year-old self... keeping it real in late 80's.

Like The Weather - 10,000 Maniacs

Hey Jack Kerouac - 10,000 Maniacs

it's not like it used to be

Man, I love that chorus.

tallboy in a brown bag

A couple of weeks ago I went with my friend Pat to see his friends - Foot Foot - play at the Echo Curio. I had never been there before but I have to say the experience was nice. Nothing crazy, it was actually quite intimate.

One of the bands on the bill was a little two man group called Tarlton. I've been listening to this song like crazy.

Two Nights of Storms - Tarlton

that's the thing that I keep in the back of my head

To express how I've been feeling these days, I present to you a few songs that encapsulate my general mood for April 2010.

Los Angeles : Not so bad

Most of you know that I have had a long-term battle with the city of Los Angeles. When I first moved down here, I really didn't like it much. I couldn't understand the culture, I missed my beloved evergreens, and wearing sweats everyday was somehow unacceptable.

More recently I have had grand dreams of moving to New York, London, even Vancouver. But the tides have seemingly turned yet again. These past few weeks, my love for the City of Angeles has reemerged and I have found myself loving the sunny-but-not-too-hot afternoons. I have been eating fresh produce from the farmer's market and my bike has even seen some new mileage.

But maybe the real reason for this new attitude towards my adopted home can be found in the charming ways of Joni Mitchell's "California".

California - Joni Mitchell

Dare I say I may be garnering some California pride?
shhhhh... don't tell anyone.

Going with the flow? Who knew

I have never really been that laid back. I worry about almost everything and always anticipate the worst. But for whatever reason, this month I've witness a slight internal change. Things aren't as big of deal; certain things happening or not happening don't always have some deeper meaning. Life sometimes just grabs you and you have to go with it. It's okay not be in control 100% of the time.

I Know What I Know - Paul Simon

Now, if only I could be given a Fulbright.

Texas: The New Frontier
Okay, I'll admit it. I have always had a preconceived notion of the state of Texas... and not the best one at that. But in the past two weeks I have had a change of heart. Now, some of you will scoff and what I'm about to say but...

Friday Night Light (the tv show) has sparked a new interest and appreciation for the Lone Star State.

Yes, it is a little ridiculous. But even so, it's not any less relevant to my life (whether it is based in reality or not). I find myself day dreaming of a Texan gentleman (who played football in high school - very important) showing up at my door ready to sweep me off my feet. Okay, so yes, it is completely ridiculous.

I did run into a southern gentleman last night but he was from Georgia... it wasn't the same.

Look Into The Air - Explosions in the Sky

I will say, that show has quite a nice soundtrack.

So enjoy this last day of April. Tomorrow brings May.

for no real good reason....

young bride

Young Bride - Midlake

she and him, volume two

NPR is at is again....

soft rock.... can ya dig it?

YES! Yes I can!

Soft rock as been written off in years past as sad attempts at music making; fluff piece for the slight of heart; songs for middle-aged woman to cry their eyes out to (just take the opening scene from Bridget Jones' Diary or a spot from the first season of Glee).

But I would beg to differ that while you can't deny the sappy power of a soft rock ballad there is just that, a power.

Yes, I myself, prefer Chicago's early stuff to the Peter Cetera driven tunes but every time I hear Biggest Part of Me by Ambrosia I can't help but melt into it's slow groove and over-the-top proclamations of love.

Now let's take a slight diversion.

I hate art snobs. For me it comes down to the question of authenticity.

Some people like to argue that because something doesn't make sense or follow the traditional conventions (aka free jazz, ambient, or even to some extent psychedelic rock), that automatically makes it more interesting and artistically important. I have found that I completely disagree with this mindset.

I would agree that art forms that aren't so easily understood can hold great value in expressing emotions and ideas in ever changing forms; that in turn may or may not propel a society forward. However, I just happen to think that those other "traditional" art forms are just as important, if not more so.

Take Marvin Gaye's 1971 album What's Going On. Filled with songs about damaged race relations, senseless war involvement, pollution, poverty, drug abuse, crime - these are not common topics for pop songs.

Was this album listened to by millions and millions since it's release?

Yes.

Was it considered a commercial hit?

Yes.

Did it have something important to say about hate, love, and peace?

Yes.

In my book, this kind of art is 100% significant. So what if Mercy Mercy Me continues to play on Oldies stations around the world? Does it make Gaye's message any less true or relevant? I don't think so.

Which gets me back to what I was talking about in the first place. You may have dismissed soft rock in the past but I would ask you to give it another try. These songs speak straight to your heart. Just give in. Stop resisting. Let yourself go. And for pete's sake, don't take yourself so seriously!

Biggest Part of Me - Ambrosia

On and On - Stephen Bishop

Real Love - The Doobie Brothers

in the sun

She & Him - In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.

How can you not love her? and he?

john roderick and the balancing act

So last week as I was looking over the line-up for this year's Sasquatch and I was happy to find that northwest darlings The Long Winters are set to play on Sunday.

Not having heard from these lovely fellows since their 2006 release Putting the Days to Bed, I thought I would journey over to www.thelongwinters.com to see what was up.

And I found this little gem.....

a love story

Last month I was lucky enough to get to fly back up to Seattle for a couple of days. Back in May my mom bought us tickets to see Lani Hall and Herb Alpert at Jazz Alley.

Now as someone who considers Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 one of her favorite bands EVER, seeing Lani Hall - who was the lead female vocalist for the group during their hay-day - was a huge deal. In fact, this whole love for Sergio and his gang has been something passed down through three generations in my family. My grandparents listened to them in the 60's, my mom listened to them in the 90's and I have faithfully carried on this grand tradition into 21st century.

My love for Hall had already set the stage. What I wasn't prepared for was Alpert's unassuming yet powerful presence. He's a self assured 74 year old trumpet player who has been married to Hall since 1974. Watching them onstage you could feel the love and admiration they have for one another as it permeated the stage.

So if you haven't given either of these two a listen, I present a couple of tunes that, in my opinion, nicely articulate what makes these two a winning pair.

Upa Neguinho - Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66

Lollipops and Roses - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass

it's your choice!

While I was location scouting in the Angeles National Forest a week or so ago I came along this sign. In light of the fact that much of the forest there has been torched by fires, it was quite disheartening.

Maybe it's because I've been watching Ken Burns' The National Parks: America's Best Idea or have surprisingly found myself a big fan of Avatar, I offer up this little reminder to you all.

sometimes you just need a little beauty in your life

I've got no words for this one.... just enjoy:

2 Arabesques: No. 1 in E major - Claude Debussy

Suite bergamasque: I. Prelude - Claude Debussy