31 December 2008

Unfinished Biz

::  G E T   R E A D Y   T O    C E L E B R A T E  ::

In the spirit of wrapping up some loose ends before 2008 comes to a close, below is a distilled offering of tunes from earlier posts. Or more correctly, my 'pre-streaming player' posts. I am just smitten that I have finally taken the time to upload these for you to experience as it's been on my to-do list for a while. That said, I have big plans for the blog next year: I will be switching over to WordPress (in the shape of www.heyjoy.com) which will have a 'comments' functionality. As I want to hear your feedback. I mean, we can always agree to disagree, right? Rawght.

2008 was a good year. Better yet, I am already optimistic about the new year. I am adopting the anthem Newman coined: "09 is Mine." I hope it's yours as well.

Sometime Around Midnight
The Airborne Toxic Event
When the clock strikes midnight Weds night, may at least one of your dreams begin to gain momentum.

As always, Cheers + Peace: Joy


from Lovely Libations   |   26 JUNE 2008

Arizona
Kings of Leon
I saw these guys @ Lollapolooza last year and they did not disappoint. This song just makes my skin crawl (in a good way) when he hits those drawn out screechy notes. Nice.
(programming note: have tix to the Jan 27th show @ the LC.  Nice.)


from Sum, Sum, Summertime!   |   03 JULY 2008

With Arms Outstretched
Rilo Kiley
The song is a dusk song, without question. The first 13 seconds sound like fireflies fluttering about. The way it crescendos with the group singing reminds me of being called home when you don't want the night to end...thinking you could never possibly have a day/night as wonderful as the one you just were blessed with. And if you listen closely, you will notice, yup: hand clapping. ;)


from Smoke + Mirrors?   |   19 JULY 2008

MGMT
Despite that vacation being over, I have Lollapalooza to look forward to. The two bands below will be there and are very much on my hit parade. These two tunes sum up Orange County for a lot of folks. For me? My jury is still out as it's just too easy to buy into stereotypes(although that typed: There was luncheon @ our hotel one day in which Obama was the guest of honor. It cost folks $55k to attend... that cost is not a type-o. ouch.)


from Show of Hands, please   |   23 JULY 2008

Something to do with My Hands
Her Space Holiday
After hearing this song like 4 times, I kept wondering what they meant by sucking "lama prints".

... then I found the lyrics.

Oh.    Ohhhhhhhhhhh. (snicker, snicker.)    GREAT lyrics.

Handjobs for the Holidays
Broken Social Scene
Wow, another BSS tune on the heels of my earlier post. All the same, great song. And I like the title for its shock value as the lyrics never fully bring the title full circle.
Dave Brubeck Quartet
A must have for anyone's jazz collection. The local So Cal jazz radio station always had this song playing in the background of their Sunday Jazz Brunch promotions so when I hear it now it brings back a warm fuzzy (+salty) feeling of oceanside breakfast(s).

Sugar Cinnamon
Portugal the Man
I was completely hooked w/in the first 5 secs of this tune-I love the driving beat... the alternating pitches in John Gourley's voice... the undulating tempo. This tune is a regular on my iPod for my workouts.

Breakfast with Abductees
Sven Van Hees
This is a fantastic tune to listen to when getting in a Sunday Brunch mind set. Whisking of egg will never seem quite the same. Bloody's anyone?


Au Reviore Simone
A splendid, haunting little ditty. Because we were sans electricity, this tune captures that primitive and adventurous feeling of sneaking about in your neighborhood in the dark.

Spill the Wine
War
This gem is chosen because I did just that: I spilled the wine. Oliver, our Golden, was cowering behind me while I was standing in Steve/Sarah's yard reviewing their damage and I tripped backwards over him. But have no fear, not much was spilled. Sign of a champ, eh? ;)

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
But you know...
that she's watching
She's laughing, she's turning
she's holding her tonic like a crux
The room suddenly spinning
she walks up and asks how you are
so you can smell her perfume
you can see her lying naked in your arms...


You just have to see her (repeat x 5)


- sometime around midnight
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

16 December 2008

Cool Yule | Little Joys


With the holidays in full force and the state of the economy, what better time to approach the holidays via a simplistic lens? Although I do need to confess: I am a tad smitten w/myself as I feel incredibly control over this holiday season. And don't begrudge me: those that know me, know the past two years were quite the "humdingers" in personal loss. So there ya have it. And gracefully stepping off soapbox now...

But truly, the holidays are for 'little joys. Not big extravagant ways of giving. But of the more quiet, heartfelt one that express your respect and love. At least that's my approach this year. The image above is from Orange Beautiful (dubbed All Things Paper) and Emily, the proprietor, hand binds these gorgeous books steeped with any sentiments or images you want to add. Her entire line is just deelish and will speak volumes to your recipient about the care and thought you put into the gift.

Being that music is gift that transcends any season, please take a moment to soak these delights in. Sure, I could have gone the expected route of posting tried and true Holiday tunes, but figure so many other blogs are doing so (and doing so very well) that I'd stay true to my theme: the understanding and appreication of small gentle gestures of giving: Little Joys, if ever. Peace. Joy

A Jagged Gorgeous Winter
The Main Drag    (itunes)
How could you not love a song that not only embraces winter, but truly celebrates it?! The lyrics are fantastically benign. Much like when I see a great TV spot and wonder how the concept got pitched (let alone sold) I often wonder how songs are created. I envision the genesis of this song occurring over these bandmates WAY deep in beers on a most dreary of mid-February nights, when one musician challenged another, "This weather sucks. Bet you can't make a great song about that..." Ha! The lil shout at the beginning (@ 0.11secs) sets the infectious energy for the tune. The "drag it out" loop at the end is just a bittersweet zing to the whole concept of winter.

Children of December
The Slip   (itunes)
Another great December tune, that gingerly weaves in and out of the Christmas spirit. I love it mostly because Mister M loves Transformers and this song whismically gives a nod to the mighty "...autobots and the decepticons." For the record, Bumblebee is my fave Transformer.

Cold December
Matt Costa   (itunes)
However if you are a nay-sayer and hate winter, here's a tune for you, Ebenezer (lol!). Great ditty but def about a non-love for the colder months. Love Matt's voice when it shifts octaves here: "If only time could slow down..."

We Can Be Good
Via Audio   (itunes)
Playing off the naughty or nice theme: this is a nice, simple song. One that stays w/me hours after listening to it. Seems like a nice fit for my Little Joy theme here, yes/no? ;)

Be Thankful for what You've Got
Yo La Tengo
Clearly you all know by now that I love YLT. Their breadth of style(s) seem never-ending. I heard this tune and just loved how it bebopped along, as YLT isn't a bebop type of band--at all. Or so I thought. Still not sure, truth be told. The tune is light, the vibe is right, and the message for these times is worthy of repeating every day during your morning rituals. Give thanks, as it is so damn easy to do. No better way to kick off one's day, in my mind (+ heart).

Be Thankful for What You've Got (original)
Here is the original song YLT paid tribute. Equally simple.
William DeVaughn  (itunes)

Some Things come from Nothing
Super Furry Animals   (itunes)
Akin to the tone above, whatever your holiday gift-giving rituals are, consider focussing on the very small, non-material things, like your time, w/your friends and family. If you are reading this, you are def in this demographic of hyper-connected folks. Unplug and enjoy real time, real conversations, real moments and memories w/those you love. I am gonna give it a whirl myself in fact. (updates on my success will be posted on Twitter... jk!)

Linus And Lucy
Vince Guaraldi Trio   (itunes)

O Tannenbaum
Vince Guaraldi Trio  (itunes)

Nothing takes me back to my childhood at Christmas time like seeing/hearing A Charlie Brown Christmas. Just hits SO many emotional chords... Upon reflection, I wonder if listening VG3's soundtrack year after year was an early impetus for my love of jazz. Could be.

Next Time Around
Little Joy   (itunes) 
Pitchfork says it best regarding newcomers Little Joy led by Strokes' drummer Fabrizio Moretti, "Little Joy is not going to stop the world or change your life, but it's one of the sweetest, most listenable, consistently enjoyable records of the season." And man, I got a whole lotta love for these guys.

Brand New Start
Little Joy   (itunes)
Oh so twangy, those geeee-tars. Little Joy is on my hit parade big time. Granted, their namesake drew me in, but their songs made be a believer. If you are over the holidays, give them a listen as these two songs are a killer way to bring in the new year.

Get Your Shit Together for the Holidays
Deleted Scenes   (itunes)
Remember when I said I was going to keep my posts short for the holidays? Aye-yi-yi!

Lastly, if you are now in a wee bit of a frenzy regarding buying opulent gifts vs ones of a more heartfelt nature, just kick back, put on your headphones and listen to this tune: it's a blunt whammy melodically delivered. As come on... it's not like you didn't know December 25th was fast approaching. ;)
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
'Cuz we are alone and we are together
(La da da da da)
Weak inside, our own heads
We can be like this for hours
And we can be good, yeah
If we try to be good, if we try
I know that we can be good


- we can be good
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

04 December 2008

Cool Yule | Part One

: :   T I S    T H E    S E A S O N   : :
As such, I will be keeping my posts short + sweet, yet marginally season-themed.

I love, love, L to the- O to the- V to the- E, greeting cards. In keeping w/annual tradition, I design and custom-assemble +250 Christmas cards (this year I am breaking out the sewing machine for the bindery... truly very nerdly excited about this!)

However, if purchasing, vs creating, your holiday cards is how you operate, then I have an equally creative option for you: Bald Guy Greetings. Their holiday cards are perfect for all your naughty + nice peeps. Wryly written w/the most wonderfully affable illustrations. The rest of their line is just as clever and snarky (although for a heavy dose of snark, hit Some eCards. Zingers to the hilt.) Bravo! See ya later, Hallmark.

In light of these funky cards, I present an all-star line up of funky tunes. Perfect way to get you in the groove for the weekend and better, the holiday season. Enjoy!

Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) (Mark Ronson Remix)
Bob Dylan
(itunes)

Windseeker
Mr. Quibble

Soul Thing
Tony Newman

Golddigger
Supreme Beings of Leisure
(itunes)

Slap That Bass (Miguel Migs Remix)
Ella Fitzgerald
(itunes)

Discotheque Dancing
Chris Joss
(itunes)

Confusion
Ivan Boogaloo Jones
(itunes)

Squeeze Me (A Skillz Remix)
Kraak + Smaak
(itunes)

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
You say you love me
And you're thinkin' of me,
But you know you could be wrong.
You say you told me
That you wanna hold me,
But you know you're not that strong.
I just can't do what I done before,
I just can't beg you any more.
I'm gonna let you pass
And I'll go last.
Then time will tell just who fell
And who's been left behind,
When you go your way and I go mine.

-most likely you go your way (and i'll go mine)

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
programming note: having problems w/the 'comments' capability not displaying. please continue to email me your comments meanwhile... many thanks!  joy