10 December 2010

Where the Wild Things Are


~ a little housekeeping note ~
No, I did not abandon my blog. But yes, I had become super uber busy and let is slide.
Sorry. But it's my 2011 priority. Fab. Moving along...

NPR's Morning Edition published a commentary re:the rise of women's roller derby which caught my attention. The article, These Roller Skating Women Get 'Down And Derby', highlights the resurgence of roller derby and dispels the long-held stereotype that it's more theatrics vs athletic prowess. It struck a chord w/me as I have a friend who is on the Denver's Roller Dolls team and lives up to her pseudonym: Kendra Blood (aka Andrea Hill). Andrea's verve for this sport, as portrayed via her Facebook updates, is infectious. She is one wickedly smart gal (UX, strategy and insights expert) as well the consummate athlete (multiple marathoner). She moved from Columbus to Denver, a more lifestyle-driven culture, so it wasn't surprising that roller derby would appeal to her competitive nature. Andrea is proof that the former stigma of women's derby is long gone. As she puts it, "Our league is really focused on legitimizing the sport and showcasing it as a sport..." And while the West was quick to the draw, perhaps Andrea's timing was off as Columbus now has The Ohio Roller Girls (which I def plan on checking out!)

Shifting gears to the music... At last summer's Lollapalooza, Val (valslist.com brainchild) and I noticed the glut of band names with an animal aspect to them - the lineup sounded like an episode of Mutual of Ohama's Wild Kingdom. Ha. But the trend was evident. Out of fashion: names like "The (i.e. The Hives, The Thrills, The Strokes, etc.). Enter: one's with bestial nomenclature. And with the first snow upon us, it doesn't look like the trend is near ending. The bands chosen for this post have names which read like the manifest to an ark, yes? :) Enjoy them. As always: Thank you. Be well. Send me your feedback. I love it. Merry, Merry ~Joy

LET THE WILD RUMPUS START!

Laredo
Band of Horses
Quite possibly my fave tune out right now.

Location
Freelance Whales
Damn, what a dreamy tune... "Thinking softly what a concrete mess we live in..."

Cannibal Queen
Miniature Tigers
Val and I caught these guys on Sunday of Lolla. Super big time fun in such a wonderfully understated way. Put Miniature Tigers on your list if they come to your city. Columbus was blessed w/them on a double-bill with Freelance Whales at The Basement last Friday.

8 4 8
Young Mammals
Houston's Young Mammals have my ear, big time. I hear a hint of back-in-the-day Johnny Marr + New Order in the guitars right around the 1:00 mark. Like.

Coronado
Deerhunter

Girlfriend
Phoenix
Val and I had media passes this past Lolla, Phoenix did an acoustic set to about 50 of us. I had always liked their sound but it wasn't until I heard them so unplugged that my respect increased fifty-fold. What I couldn't get past was Thomas Mars' blue oxford shirt. It was a hot day so he had to be uncomfortable (in my mind). Then when they performed later that night and he was still wearing it, it just distracted me... Music AND wardrobe critic now, I guess. :)

Cheerleader
Grizzly Bear
Not to linger on Lolla, but it is amazing as you can see so many great bands w/in a ridiculous amount of compressed time. You need to be strategic about your scheduling. Getting the proverbal "Where are you?" text for a friend who's seeing an act you intended to is always bittersweet. My good friend David Murphy took his fab daughters to Lolla (from So Cal) and I was mad/frustrated/jealous (self-induced) when I got his text that they were front and center for Grizzly Bear when I had yet to lay foot one on the grounds that early day. Point goes to: Murph! (Hope the crowd surfing is still rich in your memories too!)

Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix)
Nina Simone + Felix Da Housecat
Nina Simone. Nuff said. This track is off, Verve Remixed 2, a worthy addition to your library if jazz and electronica appeal to you. Yummy combo imho.

Skinny Cow Blues
The Foxymorons
What a great band name! I like the Pavement-esque vibe of this tune.

Empty Nest
Wild Beasts
My go to source for music, Cary Whitt, shined me onto this band. Cary has impeccable taste and he once again, was right. Thank you, Cary!

Here's the vid for the tune from a KCRW session. Hopefully it translates to their mesmerizing live show. And if you love KCRW like I do, check out Betsy Moyer. Tell her I sent you!

Spanish Sahara
Foals
Break out your dictionary: a "foal" is a young horse. :)

This is a BIG song which you won't discover unless you stick around until the 1:45 mark or so. It just builds. The music is dreamy, the lyrics are somewhat vague yet foreboding and the result is a big sound that lingers w/you. I mean, who doesn't have "...a ghost lingering in the back of your head." God, I love this tune...

Love of an Orchestra (NightWaves Remix)
Noah and the Whale

Out In The Woods
Birds & Batteries
This tune is like a journey in and of itself.

Be Less Rude
Frightened Rabbit
Good advice! Love the leads vocals in this tune - a skosh scratchy. These guys were amazing live at Lolla. Took the crowd by surprise.

Mama Told Me (Not To Come)
Three Dog Night
Here's a throwback for ya. My parting words: Always listen to your Momma.

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Gonna take a trip to Laredo
Gonna take a dip in the lake
Oh, I'm at a crossroads with myself
I don't got no one else

And possibilities at the door
I won't be needing them anymore
Oh, is this the first time in your life
It's hard just to get by

Laredo
~ Band of Horses 
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