Party On , Wayne

So tomorrow is the last day of 2008. The team here at Digital Dreams have put together a short list of "favs" of 2008. The year has been pretty interesting in music. We got everything from Bon Iver's secluded cabinesque "For Emma, Forever Ago" to Kanye West's struggle with fame and love "808s And Heartbreak." Looking forward, 2009 doesn't look like it will disappoint either. We get new albums by Animal Collective, U2, Beirut, Jay-Z, and Outkast to look forward to. So call this the last post in Digital Dreams for this year and we'll see you next year. Have a wonderful, wild, crazy, drunk, and out-of-control new years eve. And be safe!! L'Chiam!

Evan//

Fav Album: Bon Iver [For Emma, Forever Ago]. - buy @ Amazon

Fav Book: A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius
Fav Movie: The Dark Knight
Fav Beverage: Utopian Jewel Oolong from Teavana
Fav Event: Obama winning the election
New Years Resolution?: Take more photographs

Jeremy//

Fav Album: Fleet Foxes [Fleet Foxes] - buy @ Amazon
Fav Movie: The Dark Knight
Fav Beverage: Green Tea
Fav TV Show: Heros
Fav Event: Phillies winning the World Series
New Years Resolution?: Work out more

Simone//

Fav Album: Britney Spears [Circus] - buy @ Amazon
Fav Movie: Seven Pounds
Fav Book: Love Is A Mix Tape
Fav Designer: Balenciaga
Fav Beverage: White Hot Chocolate
New Years Resolution?: Get an iPhone

Nelson//

Fav Album: Sigur Ros [Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust] - buy @ Amazon
Fav Movie: Into The Wild
Fav People: My roomates
New Years Resolution?: Get a degree in Molecular Biology

We now leave you with a few new years inspired tracks:

MP3: The Walkmen - New Years Eve
MP3: The Lawrence Arms - One Hundred Resolutions
MP3: Thursday - Jet Black New Year

TPOBPAH Is F&*@# Right

Get your neon green sunglasses ready. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have "blog rave" written all over their upcoming self-titled debut album (Out on Slumberland Records Feb 3, 2009). Packed with fuzzy guitars and liquid covered snare drums, they are ready for an amazing new year. Remember how catchy those late 80's/early 90's rock pop songs were? Remember going for a ride to the beach with your parents in the back seat of their 1991 Toyota Corolla in the summer with the sun beating on your face and the windows wide open? You'll feel that way again when you treat your ears with this music candy.

Looks like:


Sounds like:
MP3: TPOBPAH - This Love Is Fucking Right
MP3: TPOBPAH - A Teenager In Love
MP3: TPOBPAH - Everything With You


Shows 2009:
2.7 @ Mercury Lounge/ New York, New York
2.8 @ Kung Fu Necktie/ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2.9 @ Black Cat Backstage/ Washington DC
2.10 @ Garfield Artworks/ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2.11 @ Schubas/ Chicago, Illinois
2.12 @ Neutral/ Toronto
2.13 @ Il Motore/ Montreal
2.14 @ The Monkey House/ Winooski, Vermont
2.15 @ Middle East/ Boston, Massachusetts
3.13 @ Bell House/ Brooklyn, New York
3.14 @ Talking Head Club/ Baltimore, Maryland
3.15 @ Local 506/ Chapel Hill, North Carolina
3.16 @ The Earl/ Atlanta
3.18 @ SXSW/ Austin, Texas

[Buy or Pre-Order @ Amazon]

In A Dream

Efterklang - "Cutting Ice To Snow" from Herzliya Films on Vimeo.

Efterklang's "Cutting Ice To Snow" used in a documentary about Isaiah Zagar.

Please check out 'In A Dream' to learn more about this fascinating documentary.

And if you ever get a chance, definitely check out Isaiah's work on South St, Philadelphia

New to Efterklang?
MP3: Efterklang - Mirador
MP3: Efterklang - Step Aside

[Buy @ Amazon]

Beirut In Brooklyn

Earlier this month I posted about Beirut's Zach Condon returning to the music scene with the release of his newly mexican influenced EP entitled March Of The Zapotec and another EP entitled Holland under his former moniker, Realpeople [both to be released Feb 17th, 2009]. Well, in support of those fresh tunes he'll be playing a few shows around Brooklyn.

Check out Brooklyn Vegan for more info.
Or go to the BAM website to get tickets
See you there!

MP3: Beirut - A Sunday Smile
MP3: Beirut - Nantes

[Purchase Beirut @ Amazon]

Winter Hymns

Bladen County Records (of Portland) have released a wintery compilation filled with snow and ice and everything nice. They have released it free of charge via their website for anyone to download and listen to. You can also sip a nice cup of hot chocolate to it if you want to. But that's at your own discretion.

Tracks:
MP3: Blue Horns - An Old Fashioned Bleeding
MP3: The Love Language - White Christmas [playing in Philly Jan 15 w/ The Rosebuds]
MP3: Kurt Hagardorn - Leaves
MP3: Team Evil - Jeremy Frank
MP3: Oh Captain My Captain - Feet Of Lead
MP3: Autopilot Is For Lovers - Whalebelly
MP3: Ritchie Young - Night Bats / Day Bats
MP3: The Skinnyz - Bait
MP3: Invisible Rockets - Broken Record
MP3: Alan Singley - Rice Pudding

What's Happening Philly? [shows '09]

1.9 :: Franz Nicolay + Spoonboy @ First Unitarian Church [Chapel]

1.15 :: Rosebuds + The Love Language [songs via myspace] @ Johnny Brenda's

1.15 :: William Elliot Whitmore [mp3 below] @ The Troc

1.15 :: The Soft Pack + The Browns @ Kungfu Necktie

1.17 :: Department Of Eagles [mp3 below] + Bear Hands @ Johnny Brenda's

1.20 :: Cursive @ The Barbary

1.21 :: The Virgins @ Johnny Brenda's

1.30 :: Lykke Li @ First Unitarian Church

2.8 :: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart [mp3 below] @ Kungfu Necktie

2.8 :: Murder By Death @ Johnny Brenda's

2.20 :: M. Ward + Vivian Girl @ The Troc

2.28 :: Tapes N Tapes @ Johnny Brenda's

3.28 :: The Gaslight Anthem @ The Troc

MP3: Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You
MP3: William Whitmore - The Chariot
MP3: Department Of Eagles - Teenagers

Need more info??

Johnny Brenda's

Kungfu Necktie

R5 Productions

So This Is Xmas

Just finished watching Home Alone on a full stomach after celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with my family. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday, no matter what you celebrate. In the spirit of the holiday season, I have posted a few christmas songs to get all cozy to. And remember to be thankful for everyone and everything that you cherish. Pass the eggnog.

MP3: John Lennon - Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
MP3: Arcade Fire - Jingle Bell Rock
MP3: Tom Waits - Silent Night
MP3: Death Cab For Cutie - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
MP3: Rogue Wave - Christmas


Next up on the movie queue: Elf

Collected Calls

[pun definitely intended]

[via FecalFace]

i never thought phones could be so cool

Come On Skinny Love

After releasing one of the most beautiful album's of 2008, Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) is back with a new EP "Blood Bank" out on Jagjaguwar Records January 20th. Pre-order now @ Jagjaguwar.

MP3: Bon Iver - Blood Bank

Men Who Look Like Old Lesbians

Haha. This is pretty amusing. Definitely bookmark worthy. Enjoy

What's on the playlist for today/tomorrow:
MP3: Jay-Z - Heart Of The City
MP3: Jay-Z (ft. Rhianna) - Umbrella
MP3: Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance
MP3: Dogs Die In Hot Cars - Lounger
MP3: Pavement - Cut Your Hair
MP3: Kanye West - Love Lockdown

Black Mirror

Trailer for new Arcade Fire DVD documenting the making of their album 'Neon Bible' and performances from their tour. Filmed by Vincent Moon of LaBlogotheque

[via pitchfork]

The film will be available for digital download through the Miroir Noir website on Monday (December 15). A DVD will be released next year; if you pre-order the DVD, you'll receive an instant download.

According to a press release, the 70-minute film "follows Arcade Fire through the making and touring of their 2007 album Neon Bible documenting the band at their Montreal studio, the making of promotional films and videos, along with live footage and a few short films made on the road."

There will be both standard and deluxe editions of the DVD, with the deluxe edition containing "bonus material including Arcade Fire's live performances on [UK television program 'Friday Night With] Jonathon Ross', 'Saturday Night Live', and at [BBC studio] Maida Vale."

Miroir Noir was co-directed by the band and Vincent Morisset-- the dude behind that clickable "Neon Bible" video-- and shot by La Blogotheque's Vincent Moon.

They tickle me.

I've been venturing on a random searching spree for significant bands that make my day.

Sooooooooo



This band is absolutely positively amazing. The sounds are sharp and vibrant and they do compositions with Sigur ros as well. Listen up for some either happy time, sleepy time, or anytime jams that will knock your contemplative mind off. http://www.last.fm/music/Amiina


Also check out the band Yuko at:http://myspace.com/yukotheband

Amiina - Rugla
Amiina - Hilli

'My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille'

[via Beirutband.com]

New Beirut Double EP!
Yes, you read that correctly... Beirut is back, with a double dose of EP goodness for your listening pleasure!

Entitled March of the Zapotec, the first EP consists of songs written by Beirut and recorded in Mexico with the help of Oaxacan march masters The Jimenez Band. The second EP, Holland, showcases Zach's latest bedroom-style recordings under his former moniker Realpeople, including the previously released "Venice" (in the 2007 Believer music issue), and "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille" (on the Natalie Portman curated Big Change charity album). Taken together, the two EPs proudly display the scope of Beirut's work over the last year.

But don't take my word for it... check out Zach's recent interview with indie-overlord Pitchfork:
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/146890-beiruts-zach-condon-discusses-new-eps-time-off

Keep an eye out for a February release on Zach's own Pompeii Records, distributed by Revolver in the U.S. (http://www.midheaven.com/) and Forte in Europe (http://www.fortedistribution.co.uk/).

Realpeople - My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille

Let the wild rumpus begin!!

[dave eggers//author of heartbreaking work of staggering genius and how we are hungry]

+


[spike jonze//music video genius]

+



=



live action film in 2009

!!

I swirled into significance

and I left without saying a word...

mmmm

new yeasayer!?? it sounds quite delicious

Engwish Bwud!

GOT MY TICKETS FOR MAN MAN'S HALLOWEEN SHOW!!!!

PSYCHED!

Obama does track stands

I was creepin through fecalface.com and came across this dope Obama-inspired fixed gear.

Check the bid on ebay via the link below. The holidays are coming up, wink wink.

Yes We Can

Peace out, cub scouts

LA FETE (The Party)

The place: Philadelphia (Starlight ballroom)
The who: Man Man
The what: Halloween party
The do: Get shit faced and dance!
The when: October 31sssssssst
The attire: Wear a costume get in for $12. Be to cool for school get in for $15
Moral of the story: Go, dress up, get drunk, dance, laugh

you be the fighter of fires

Vid of the Week #2



I'm a few years too late on this band but this song is perfect right now. This is Architecture In Helsinki. The song is Kindling (Winter Version) from the album Fingers Crossed.

Just a little blurb on a lonely friday night: Never take life for granted. It really is too short. Enjoy the times spent with family and friends while you can. Someday they will not be there. Even if you need them to be. Remember that for the holiday season.

Goodnight and take good care.

Vid Of Week

Band: Efterklang
Song: Mirador



Been a long few weeks. Trying to re-gain energy. More blogging soon

Philly Shows worth paying for

Sept 19: Mogwai @ Starlight
Sept 19: Stars @ Troc
Sept 20: Built To Spill / Meat Puppets (!!??) @ Troc
Sept 21: Bouncing Souls @ Starlight
Sept 29: Black Kids @ FUC
Sept 30: PINBACK! @ TLA
Oct 2: Fleet Foxes @ Starlight
Oct 10: Chuck Ragan / Tim Barry @ FUC
Oct 25: Deerhoof @ Starlight
Nov 9: Murder By Death / William Whitmore @ FUC
Nov 7: Mountain Goats / Kaki King @ TLA
Nov 14: Calexico / BOWERBIRDS @ TLA
Nov 28: Dr. Dog @ Starlight
Dec 4: YEASAYER @ FUC

Word.

Kocani Beirut

Beautiful



The first song they play is Beirut's "Sunday Smile" off of his record, The Flying Club Cup. Followed by Kocani Orkestar's "Siki Siki Baba" which blows Zach Condon out of the water. Oh, how I wish I were there right now.

The Science Of A Human Obsession

If you listen to music, are obsessed with music or are just a person, you need to read this. It's fascinating to wonder what music really is. Tones, rhythms, pitches, harmonies all hitting our ears at the perfect time. What we perceive to be good music, or terrible music.

I'm about half way through so far. But I can definitely say, buy this book.

Black Cab And The Whale

found a new site browsing the net last night while i was in search of new micah hinson songs. it's a music/vid site called black cab sessions. little one song/one take shows performed in a cab cruising around london.

this vid features one of my many favs, Noah And The Whale

check it out

also on the site are noteable acts:

BON IVER
langhorne slim
lightspeed champion
micah p hinson
death cab for cutie
fleet foxes
MAN MAN
the national

Bill Sullivan

AWESOME photography by Bill Sullivan. I love how he captures people's raw moments of standing in an elevator or walking through a subway turnstile. There's something mysterious and wonderful about all of these souls. Their faces. It's creepy yet I can't seem to look away.

Check it

http://www.3situations.com/BillSullivanWorks/BillSullivan.html

Victory Rose

The band: Sigur Ros



The place: Beautiful Reykjavik, Iceland



The cd: Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust

"With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly"





Phenomenal music. I don't use the term very much, but this time it is completely appropriate. It's music that will send shivers down your spine, music that calls to you from the mountain tops of Iceland, music that will ultimately move you. And if it doesn't...you have no soul.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this cd via store or iTunes, hit play, close your eyes and listen to it all the way through. You will surely be taken away.

Stand out tracks:

If you haven't heard the news already from multiple indie blogs/websites, Grizzly Bear were featured on Letterman a few days ago to perform their new song "Two Weeks"

Upcoming Philly Shows [EDIT]

edit: My lovely friend Gina informed me that I was incorrect about one of the shows. Thank you Gina!

8.7//CSS + The Go! Team + Matt & Kim @ The Troc
8.11//Conor Oberst @ The Troc
8.12//Margot & The Nuclear So & So's @ FUC
8.17//The Faint + Jaguar Love @ The Troc
8.22//Nico Muhly @ FUC
9.9//The Silver Jews @ FUC
9.17//Why? + Mount Eerie @ FUC
9.19//STARS @ The Troc
9.19//MOGWAI!! @ Starlight Ballroom
9.21//The Bouncing Souls @ Starlight Ballroom
9.29//Black Kids @ FUC
10.1//Ratatat @ Starlight Ballroom
10.9//Girl Talk @ Starlight Ballroom
10.14//The Notwist @ FUC
10.16//SUN 0 @ FUC Santuary
10.25//Deerhoooooooof @ Starlight
11.2//HENRY ROLLINS (spoken word) @ FUC Santuary

I would love to catch either Stars or Mogwai. Anyone??

What Might Have Been Lost

Trekked down to Philly last night to see what I knew was going to be a wonderful show.

We get there late on purpose to avoid standing outside on a line with a crowd of people. But alas, I was wrong. The show was running late and the line grew around the back of the church, which, if you have ever been there...is a long effing ways to go.

Half an hour later the line starts and we get in, find a spot and wait to be blown away.

The first guy that played (I forget his name) wasn't too good. Instrumental guitar plucking accompanied by a stand up bass in the background. It was getting hot and I was just antsy to see the other bands.

Bowerbirds took the stage next complete with accordian, bass drum, violin and guitars. Many comments about how hot it was on stage were made but they played perfectly. They played two new songs I haven't heard yet and I cannot wait until they are available to purchase.





Who knows what took them so long, but Bon Iver took forever and a day to come on stage. Everyone was sweaty, antsy and ready to be cooled down, but not until after Bon Iver. They finally came on stage shirtless and excited. They played everything I wanted to hear. How could they not. I got completely lost in the moment during every song, especially Skinny Love. When the played Wolves, the leader of the pack, Justin Vernon, orchestrated everyone to sing along. And it was absolutely beautiful. I only took one picture because I didn't want to miss a moment. Too bad the picture doesn't really capture that.



All in all it's def up there on my list of best shows I've been to.

Over and Out

"I Woke Up Today"

"...in a very simlpe way"

interesting lyrics brought to you by the minds of Port O'brien, a Californian band who sings mostly about fishing, boating, the weather and other marine based lifestyles. I heard of them a few months back via Blogotheque sessions and fell in love with their high powered single called "I Woke Up Today" but I never got a chance to listen to anything else they put out until yesterday, when I bought (thanks to the addictive nature of the iTunes Store) the album called All We Could Do Was Sing. Which is totally true. A good bunch of their songs are sing-alongs that make you want to throw your hands up in the air and wave them like you just don't give a care. Other songs take you in the other direction. Soft acoustic strumming and quiet singing by the leader of the pack, Van Pierszalowski.

Check 'er out.

Stand out tracks: I Woke Up Today, Fisherman's Son, The Rooftop Song




Side note: STOKED to see Bon Iver tonight in Philly!!

tvontheradio

TV On The Radio via Letterman

Do something

Holy Cow, Manman!!

I had to delete my last post due to slow download time.

If you'd like to peep what I was trying to share...hit the link

MAN MAN on Blogotheque!!!!!!

Fresh Threads and Dan Deacon

You like my new blog layout?

It's under construction for the moment

Anyway...

This is old news to me but I figured I share it anyway.

There's this guy out there from somewhere. I think it's a place called heaven, but his name is Dan Deacon and he is fun. His music is wild and fast. His beard is beastly. And his shows are sweaty. Check out the vid below from an old Pitchfork show.

And check out some of his tracks. Enjoy!!

Jeremy Fish & Chips

On my recent visit to Fecal Face I came across a familiar name on the front page. Jeremy Fish. My old roomate in Philly stuck a bunch of his stickers on the kitchen table and they were there until we moved. Really interesting, very detailed stickers. Funny in a sort of thats-a-little-fucked-up kind of way. So when i logged in at fecal face and saw that I wanted to know what was up. 

Apparently he's dong a show from June 21st through July 26th at the new Joshua Liner Gallery in NYC. I think I might have to stop by once or twice. 

Anywho, Fecal Face did a really nice article and "art adventure" on him.

Check 'em out

Link #1

Link #2

New digz #2

So I do admit, I've been jumping on a lot of band wagons lately. But I really don't mind cos they're all so beautiful. This one I found via Blogotheque creeper sesh. [See vid above]

The group is called Bon Iver. The stage name of a Mr. Justin Vernon. He recorded his album, "For Emma, Forever Ago" in a cabin in Wisconsin.

Check it out





PS: Hopefully this song embedding works. I've never tried it before. Fingz are crossed

Comix!!!

Found this lovely website called Nataliedee.com

It's pretty fantastic. Check it out for yourself. Totally worth it.

=0)
Evan

Throw Me The Indie Pop Rock

Came across Throw Me The Statue recently during one of my frequent stops at La Blogotheque.

TMTS is a band formed by a Mr. Scott Reitherman hailing originally from Cali but now residing in Seattle, WA.

If you like these vids from Blogotheque, I highly suggest you purchase his latest release titled Moonbeams out on his label Secretly Canadian.

New digs

Browsed Fecal Face for a little before. Came across a neat article about Corey Andrews of Deadliest Catch fame. On his spare time from having an extremely dangerous job in the Beiring Sea catching Opies, he shoots brilliant photographs. The essay on fecal face is his "how-to" on becoming a crab fisherman and eventually turns into a mini blog featuring some of his shots.

Peep more at rollocrab.com

and

coreyfishes.com

Au Revoir!

Fare the well

I quit my job today. And boy, do I feel extremely relieved. That job was like a pit stop, well...more like a detour on lifes highway. It was actually like waiting at a very long red light that you'd think would change...but never would. And all the people at that stop light would only think about that light. All the time. It was their lives. The lady in the red mini van would inch up once in a while, but in the long run would just end up staying there. I on the other hand said fuck red lights. Don't need em.

Now I'm back on my road.

I hate people talking about how jobs are only for supporting families..which they are, I get that. But if you're going to work to support your family, why wouldn't you want to be happy at the same time? You see what I'm getting at? People hate their jobs, want to fucking burn the buildings and piss out the ashes, you know. Their lives are destroyed by these jobs.

I feel...that if people enjoyed their jobs, woke up every morning to face the day without the stress, the world would be a much better place. And...it's totally possible to get a job you like!! So why the fuck not! If you love music...be a musician! Be a radio DJ! Be a fucking entertainer! If you love art...be a god damned graphic designer! Work in a museum! Do something with your life that will both get you satisfaction and money to support yourself and others. That's all I'm saying.

Go for it.

Spring tracks '08

I base my musical tastes usually on whatever mood I'm in. Every season I tend to have a certain bundle of music that goes with it. Spring is an excellent time to go outside with a drink or two and listen to your favorite music, full blast. So I've concocted a top ten list of my favorite spring inspired tunes.

#10: Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
#9: Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
#8: Billy Joel - Moving Out
#7: Feist - Sea Lion
#6: Blind Melon - No Rain
#5: Rusted Roots - Send Me On My Way
#4: Weezer - Island in the Sun
#3: The Beatles - Love Me Do
#2: Sublime - What I Got
AAAnnd number 1...LED ZEPPELIN- Fool In The Rain

Do it

The Bucks

Today I went to Starbucks to do some business research/calculations. Figured out a pretty solid plan on how much it'll cost me to get tshirts printed. Anyway...the point of this post has nothing to do with CMD really. 

My point is that while sipping some fine iced Chai, I was pleasantly distracted by a couple of good folks who were interested in what I was doing. We got to talking about business and they offered excellent advice to me on how to get started. Than we kind of drifted into other conversation. Life, work, travel. Got a little background story on their lives. I love doing that. I love meeting new people, no matter who they are, and get to know them a little bit. What they have seen in their lives, where they were, where they are now, where they're going, what they're goals are. I find it very refreshing. I always walk away with a smile on my face after meeting a complete stranger. I forget where this quote is from, and I'm too lazy to look it up on the web, but it goes something like "There are no strangers, just friends you haven't met yet." 

Power to the People

What if John Lennon were still alive today. I think h'ed be absolutely flipping his lid if he were to see what's happening with this country right now. I'm sure he's turning over in his grave. Imagine* what he'd be saying. "I already told you people to love eachother!! Why didn't you listen the first time!!!" Here's a little tribute to the greatest songwriter/activist.

Love

-Evan

Couch Surfing USA

My friend had told me about this project called Couch Surfing a while ago. And recently I've been wanting to try it out. Probably over the summer.

Couch Surfing is a website that connects people who love to travel with other people who love to travel and want to swap places to stay. So if you live in New Jersey and say you want to visit...Seattle, and you don't want to pay for a hotel room...you log onto Couchsurfing.com and find someone who's willing to lend you a couch in their home for the night. or a couple nights. When they travel to New Jersey, or New York, they can be sure that they have a place to stay. It's an incredibly easy trade off. And you can meet brand new friends you never knew you had.

I have a list of places I'm dying to see...I better get started.

Connect My Dots!

I got super motivated this weekend and decided to really attack this small business idea I've been wanting to do. It started last summer and I haven't really had a chance or the motivation to get a move on it. And I thought...this is what will make me completely happy. If I start this thing, this beast, these tee shirts, this idea, I will be obsessed with it. I will wake up happy knowing that I have something of my own out there. 

For now though...I have a new member of my team, an amazing friend of mine, who is willing to help me out when I get overwhelmed. I want her to add a lot to the cause, not to just be there for back up. Which is a great start, because I honestly don't have all the time in the world to dedicate to this. Though I really really wish I did. 

Anyway...the business blog is at Connectmydots.blogspot.com

I'll keep 'er updated with every new occurrence that happens. Pinky swear

Happy Resurrection

I always wondered what the Easter Bunny was about. It makes sense now, but he doesn't have anything to do with Easter. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, I get that. But I guess it also celebrates new beginnings and spring. Spring cleaning comes to mind. Maybe the bunny can do my spring cleaning laundry. Hmm...egg-celent idea. 

So yea...what's also pretty interesting is what I read on wikipedia...

"Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover not only for much of its symbolism but also for its position in the calendar. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples before his 

crucifixion is generally thought of as a Passover meal, based on the chronology in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7). The Gospel of John, however, speaks of the Jewish elders not wanting to enter the hall of Pilate in order "that they might eat the Passover", implying that the Passover meal had not yet occurred (John 18:28; John 19:14).[2] Thus, John places Christ's death at the time of the slaughter of the Passover lamb, which would put the Last Supper slightly before Passover, on 14 Nisan of the Bible's 

Hebrew calendar.[3] According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, "In fact, the Jewish feast was taken over into the Christian Easter celebration."

I think it's weird to think that both religions, judaism and christianity, are two competing religions, as we think it anyway, and christianity grew out of judaism. So why all this fuss over who's better? 

Contemplate. Discuss

Peace

-Ev

Getting old is over rated

Happy Spring!!! Happy Easter! Happy Passover!!! Happy I have off tomorrow! Make the best of your spring days. Go outside, go run, go play, go ride your old bike, go drive with your windows down, go on an adventure, go bbq, go fly a kite (i mean that in a nice way), go cloud watching, just go.

Smile

"You're in our talons now and we're never letting go."

So duh, I've been into the Bowerbirds a lot lately. And I've listened to the entire cd all the way through. Time for review:

I heard this band for the first time a couple weeks ago on Hype Machine. I thought the couple songs I heard were golden, and they were, but the album as a whole somewhat lacks in the gold department. I'd say more of a silvery bronze. It actually kind of depends whats mood you're in while listening to it. If you're in a positive, go-outside-and-play-in-the-grass mood...I don't highly recommend it. It's better if you're reading a book in a candlelit room. Or maybe if you get home from a stressful day and you want to rest. Than I'd say get down with your bad self.

Ok ok...a better comparison. Umm...if you're a fan of Owen, which I am, and you love his soft whispering voice and whirling guitar with interesting vocal patterns...Bbirds have a good sense of that.

The Bbirds consist of 3 fantastic people, so I'd assume, who play accordian, guitar, tamborines, bass drums, pedal keyboard, violin, and all sing. Most of the lyrics are sung by a Mr. Phil Moore. Well done Mr. Moore. I do really enjoy the lady known as Beth Tacular and her spectacular voice (was the a little much?..sorry. I had to. I'm sure you understand)

But yes...if I'd had to give it a rating?...I'd say 8/10. I'd really say 7.5/10....but I don't believe in fractions for a rating. Again...if you enjoy Owen, give this a couple whirls.

Outie 500

Hymns For a Dark Horse

Bowerbirds new album is now available on iTunes!!

Check it!!

Geese are funny

Hit up the Manasquan Reservoir today to go biking. Preeettyyy amazing. It's a happening place for joggers, bikers, fishers, mom's, bird watchers. Anything really. I kind of just biked around to figure out the place. Stopped at the deserted visitor's center. Not much going on there obviously. I picked up some brochures for the Monmouth County Park System. There was nothing about bike trails. Bummer.

I stumbled upon a few sweet bench spots. One spot was gorgeous. It was a bench dedicated to a Gladys Rodenik. I can see how Gladys could love that spot. It overlooked the entire Reservoir through this nice tree canopy. And there was this cute little duck just sittin, chillin out. And there was no noise except for the wind, trees and pesky little squirrels. Of course I took a much needed power nap. Drank some water and continued my bike ride.

I urge anyone to visit any local national park. For New Jersians, there is Thompson Park in Lincroft (Right near Brookdale CC), Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, and many others.

Wish I took some pictures for my peepers to look at. Next time...

Enjoy today

electric roses

A shout out is at hand for my buddy, Emily, at Electric Roses! Check out her and her friends fun, inspirational and introspective blog. Do it!

Sierra Nevada

I know the title doesn't make much sense. But it's the first thing that popped into my head, my titles are usually just that. Anyway, I joined the Sierra Club today. I'm part of the New Jersey Chapter, naturally. I think it'll be a good change of pace. I can meet new folk, volunteer for clean up, enjoy the outdoors, and most importantly, help whatever nature that we have left survive.

If anyone feels compelled to join, visit Sierraclub.com and peak around. You might like what you see. =0)

On another note: I want to wish a Happy Bday to Shaquille O'neil. Hope you're doing well my celeb birthday-sharee.

Tree Branch Coat Rack//Fitness Rant

Made this coat rack out of a tree branch and some logs. It functions quite well. A winter coat is a little too heavy for it. But it holds my hoodies and hats very nicely.

In other news, you know what really "grinds my gears?" Watching people destroy themselves at the gym. It's kind of funny at first, but than it gets irritating. Watching the egotistical jock meat head lift 150 lbs once or twice and than drop it cos they think they're tough shit. Complete with tough guy walk around-make-sure-everyone-sees them. Or when people are just there to hang out and chat. You spend all this money to sit down on some weight benches for a couple hours? Maybe do a couple reps? I go because I want to better myself. I push myself doing the correct workouts, working up a good sweat, getting fit and stimulating my mind. I feel so much better after words, especially if I had a bad day. Which is quite frequent at this moment in time. But that's a whole 'nother story I refuse to get into.

Anyyywayyy...That's my rant for the night.

Got my tea-a-brewing and my book waiting patiently. Adios amigos!

Bowerbirds

Wish I could go to this show, but it looks like I'll just have to listen from afar.

Does anyone know where I could buy their latest album? I kind of need it.

PS: Thank you Hype Machine for making the random song banner. You really let me discover something great.

Rasta Pasta

If you haven't already, I highly recommend giving a listen a Jonny Greenwood's compilation "Jonny Greenwood is the Controller" on Sanctuary Records. It offers an array of excellent 1970's Reggae including tracks from Lee "Scratch" Perry, Marcia Aitken, Linval Thompson and many other artists garuanteed to lift your winter blues.

So grab your shorts amd flip flops and start jammin'

"Music’s the only thing that makes sense anymore, man...

Play it loud enough, it keeps the demons at bay.”

Just watched Across the Universe. I have to say...what an amazing film. The choreography, the music (duh), the filming, the animation. Everything was done extremely well. There was real passion and heart in the movie, which makes sense because it's about the passion and genius of The Beatles.

I absolutely loved that Joe Cocker made an appearance with the song "Come Together." He's always done excellent Beatles covers (A Little Help From My Friends aka The Wonder Years Theme).

On a side note, It was interesting to watch it with my father who witnessed all of that. Went to some of those rallies. Took part in the movements against the war. I always ask him to tell me stories of what the 60's were like from his radical point of view. They always amaze me. I find myself always researching that time period. I wouldn't say I'm obsessed, just very interested. And in a lot of ways, especially with this fucking stupid war going on right now [which I'm still not a hundred percent sure why it's still happening], the 60's live on.

Yeasayer//All Hour Cymbals

So from time to time when I have nothing else to do, I log onto R5productions.com to check out what shows are going on in Philly. A couple weeks ago, while peeking the site, I found this pretty interesting band called Yeasayer. I liked what I heard and immediately wanted more, so I bought the cd.

If you haven’t heard anything about em, you can check out this little tidbit from wikipedia rather than have me type on and on about them.

As for the cd…they can fuckin’ jam. It’s in the vein of Phil Collins, Talking Heads, a little Radiohead, Paul Simon (Rythem of the Saints). There is a lot of harmonizing, layering and fantastic little noises usually associated with Beck.

The first track entitled “Sunrise” starts off with a group of handclapping gypsies, or so it sounds like on top of the mystical bass line and synthesizers. It’s a kind-of-eerie, make your head do weird things, jam song. Good use of the cowbell by the way.

“Wait For The Summer” is the second song on the album and immediately I can tell they have at least some kind of Paul Simon influence. Not as catchy as Sunrise, but it still has its own unique haunting groove. The line “Someone help me please” kind of caught me off guard while listening to it as it’s sung with this distant echo-y plea.

My favorite out of the entire album is the third track called 2080. While listening to the freshly opened cd package in my car, I held my arm out the window and used it as an aerodynamic testing device. The stars were out and the air was surprisingly warm for early February in New Jersey. This song in the background fit the scene just perfectly. The freedom it has in its grooving melody. Weaving in and out, you can almost see the sound it emits from the speakers. Colors of green and red and blue and yellow flowing by, the heavens swirling around above as the song climbs up to it’s climax. As it falls back down it end’s with the sounds of children playing and drifts quietly into the next track.

The next song, “Germs” reminds me of something from a broadway play about Egypt. It’s somewhat doomy and uses a lot of layered musical instruments including trumpets, what sounds like an accordian, xylaphones and other various devices.

As the cd goes on, you can hear similarities from song to song. The majority of the songs are very soothing, some are a little unnerving and some are just fun to listen to. “Ah, Weir” sounds like something from an early Radiohead cd like Kid A. “Ah, Weir” goes flawlessly into “No Need To Worry” which is another slowish, slightly jazz influenced jam with some Pink Floyd-ish guitar licks.

I’d give the cd overall about an 8/10. After the first couple songs it somehow lacks the drive that it had in the first few songs.

If you’d like to give it a whirl, check out Yeasayer.net or just go to Hypem.com and click around until you find them.

Good eve and happy listening, fellow music fans.