so, onward we go! {April 5, 2009}

The sun is shining hard on the city today, but I'm about to run away to the peninsula to spend this morning in the company of Mr. Best Friend. We're meeting at Filoli Gardens to blink at & sniff upon the ground's gorgeous blooms and greenery—and then we'll explore the attached nature preserve with a quick 7-mile hike.

I plan on listening to Laura Marling's fantastic 2008 debut, Alas I Cannot Swim as I maneuver my Toyota down and into the peninsula—and I have to admit, I'm very late to the party on this one. Laura Marling's tunes are exceptional and stand out from the general collective of coffee shop girl-folk. Her lead-in track "Ghosts" won me over after it was included in NPR's most recent podcast of "All Songs Considered." (Which—as an aside—is the best music podcast out there, hands down. And I am not just saying that because I have a substantial girl-crush on Carrie Brownstein. Whenever someone asks me where to start with indie music, I mention this show and end the conversation in a hot second with "No Dilly-dallying!")

Ghosts - Laura Marling | purchase  
My Manic and I - Laura Marling | purchase  

(image from my favorite florist, sarah at saipua. The stunning artistry in her flower arrangements, both grand and small  = oooooooooo!)

Comments

[Brendan]

Dear Liz,

You are too cool. All Songs Considered is the best indie music podcast secret out there. Bob Boilen, Carrie Brownstein, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson. Priceless commentators with witty banter.

I really liked the podcast that this song was on. The SXSW wrap-up was fantastic.

[Brendan]

P.S. the links are wrong. The links you have for the songs go to a National song and Interpot song.

[me]

fixed! thanks, brendan!

i agree, the SxSW wrap up was excellent! i listened to it last week and managed to laugh out loud and draw the eyes of fellow train riders more than once. they are the best - great recommendations with funny & insightful commentary & quippery. and most importantly, that show is approachable - great for music fanatics or those who only want to sample new things once in awhile.

[Roger]

Good finds Liz. For some reason the comments are closed on your previous post :(
You are quite protective of The National but that's not why I left. It was getting late and I needed to feed some dogs. And I figured Liz needed her alone time. You know I could spend hours talking music (or anything) with you.