realization no. 1
Teaching yourself how to sew involves learning from a choppy sea of mistakes. But the end product will be HOLY CUTE once it's finished. (even if the seams are uneven.)
realization no. 2
I'm a lucky girl. I've been approved to leave work every
Thursday for a five-hour upholstery class. I have grand plans to revamp a few chairs and possibly turn a profit if things pan out. Fortunately, my boss thinks my hobbies are "neat." I, in turn, think my job is pretty "neat."
realization no. 3
It's very hard to write this, but I don't like the new Handsome Furs album. :(
realization no. 4
Raspberry wasabi mustard is the most delicious mustard
in the entire world. Last night's dinner was comprised of mustard,
pretzels, and a bottle of st. peter's old-style porter. It was simple
perfection.
realization no. 5
I don't want to hear about facebook's new layout. I am, however, ready for any & all conversations about twitter. I will continue to read the listenerd for all breaking news.
realization no. 6
My mini-bout of insomnia has finally gone away! What
did I change? I stopped drinking coffee after 3 pm. My body is betraying
me and I'm only 30. Damn.
realization no. 7
I might get some hell for this, but I'm not in love with A.C. Newman's Get Guilty nor Neko Case's Middle Cyclone. Please don't get me wrong—their solo efforts are noteworthy. I do not hate them and have enjoyed several songs from both releases. They're just sort of, er, safe. Well-executed. Palatable. But I feel like I've heard all of this before. I spent a bit of time re-listening to both releases over the weekend and ended up having adulterous thoughts about The New Pornographer's Twin Cinema.
The New Pornographers (A.C. Newman's and Neko Case's multi-man collaborative vehicle) is like the hot, geeky graphic designer/musician guy across the hall with a kick-ass font collection. He's upbeat and impulsive and noisy. When I think he's going right, he veers left. He leaves me puzzled and wanting more. I deem him "brilliant" even though he probably doesn't deserve it. When I hear him belting out happy, jaunty melodies through the wall, I sing back. They are off-kilter in spots and their taste lingers. They are fantastic.
God, I love Twin Cinema.
A.C. and Neko's solo efforts remind me of the guy I'm supposed to fall
in love with—but I never, ever quite get there. He's a nice guy. Talented, too. He has so much potential. My friends rave about him. Dogs wag their tails at him. But he's not
challenging or surprising. He's not quirky enough. His music reminds me of other things. He's a bit repetitive. Creative, yes, but slightly unimaginative at times. I become bored quickly. I'm hard on him—unforgivable. I try to sing-along to his tunes, but I only end up humming. And once it's over, I've forgotten what I was humming in the first place.
With that said, I do like the songs that I've posted below. Don't hurt me, people!
Sing Me Spanish Techno - The New Pornographers | purchase:
This Tornado Loves You - Neko Case | purchase:
Submarines of Stockholm - A.C. Newman | purchase:
The Bleeding Heart Show - The New Pornographers | purchase:
(image from redvelvetart.com)
hmmmm...I wonder what guy you are talking about.
Poor nice guys...always finishing last.
Twin Cinema is awesome, but I have to say that I liked Mass Romantic even more.
Oh,and will you give me a discount on curtains?
and just in case you haven't notice...I'm back!
http://www.farfromnoise.com
Posted by: Roger | March 17, 2009 at 01:19 AM
1. Nice guys don't finish last. We will discuss this further. I have opinions and arm-waviness in store for you...
2. I'm not referring to anyone specifically, though I definitely pulled from a handful of men that've crossed my path. I've actually never met a boy with an impressive font collection, but if I do... OH MY!
3. A discount could be arranged. But only to boys that live on Boyd street.
4. Nice, I have a Tuesday playlist! Welcome back.
5. WHEN ARE WE HANGING OUT? 9 days, no Rogeries...
Posted by: me | March 17, 2009 at 08:34 AM
im surprised you didn't like the new handsome furs, i thought it is a great dance/rock album.
cool post though!!! :-)
Posted by: Will | March 17, 2009 at 12:01 PM
O, Will, I am not happy about feeling this way! I'm definitely disappointed with the album - though I seem to be in the minority there. I think they've moved on from what I want them to be... again, like Neko and A.C., I'm probably being a bit stubborn & unforgivable.
I will, however, definitely be at their SF show in a couple months! They put on a great live performance.
Posted by: me | March 18, 2009 at 12:31 PM
It's funny because I always think of Neko Case as a solo artist, and New Pornographers as her side project. If you have ever seen her live you would love her more. She's one of the few artists whose live show is literally "moving" every time. Her voice leaves me speechless. Check out the Blacklisted album. "Deep Red Bells"!
Posted by: ryan | March 30, 2009 at 09:35 PM