BUTTER & JAMBOREE!

Meet Kimya Dawson!

2008-06-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Seattle based singer-songwriter and other-half-of-Moldy-Peaches Kimya Dawson is playing a very special in-store gig in the city tomorrow afternoon! If you live in Melbourne and you're a Moldy Peaches fan, liked the Juno soundtrack or just really love Miss Dawson's solo stuff, you should come along, especially if you weren't able to nab tickets to any of her other gigs.

This is also Kimya's first time touring in Australia.

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EVENT INFO

When: Wednesday 18th June, 2008 @ 3:30 p.m.

Where: Polyester Records (City Store), 288 Flinder's Lane

Cost: Free!

Bring: a camera for some Facebook worthy photos, bottled water, your cellphone for some You Tube worthy footage, a Melway and/or CD for Kimya to autograph

Alison's Starting To Happen (+ MGMT Demos)

2008-06-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's A Shame About Ray is without a doubt one of the most important records of the last decade or so, and I'm pretty sure this makes the Lemonheads one of the most important bands of the last decade or so.

This song about a girl called Alison is really good stuff. Listen:

Alison's Starting To Happen

P.S. - Head over to Pretty Much Amazing to gain access to a treasure trove of MGMT demos from a couple of years ago including the original version of "Kids". Neat.

MGMT at Coachella & The Return of The Cure

2008-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

MGMT is probably one of my favourite bands. Their music is perfect for turning up on the volume on your headphones and escaping over-crowded city streets to some gloriously Michel Gondry-esque world in a faraway place. You can't not fall in love with their blend of dreamy psychedelic taste-the-rainbow synthpop. I mean, for crying out loud, is the above black and white photo not evidence enough to illustrate that they're just a great bunch of guys? Whilst still at college, a lot of people described their songs as about "not quite growing up and a lot of nonsense", but I'm thinking they meant to say, songs about "not quite growing up and a lot of awesomeness". Here is a bootleg of their gig at Coachella, courtesy of the fine folks over at You Ain't No Picasso. Enjoy.

MGMT's Coachella 2008 set list:

Weekend Wars
The Youth
Of Moons, Birds and Monsters
Future Reflections
Pieces of What
The Handshake
Electric Feel
Time To Pretend
Kids

Oh, and in case you haven't caught on already, THE CURE ARE BACK!

Go here to listen to and download their new single 'Freakshow'.

O HAY WEEKEND!

2008-06-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am pretty stoked that as of from today, pretty much everyday is the weekend for me. Oh yes.

So to celebrate, I thought I'd share two of my favourite duos/songs with you kids.

Crystal Castles are the kitten's mittens. They're from Canada, and you might recognize their addictive 8-bit electro stuff from the Skins soundtrack. "Alice Practice" was the backdrop for what I can remember as one of the most poignant scenes from the second season. Gotta love that chaotic, choppy, shouty insanity. Plus, Alice Glass is crazy awesome. Admit it.

Crystal Castles - Courtship Dating (via nycfriction)

I cannot express my love for The Ting Tings adequately enough. Their debut We Started Nothing is amazing, and definitely an album I've been listening to non-stop for the past few months. Their music is a perfect pick-me-up without being nauseatingly sickeningly happy, and Katie White is another rear-end kicking front woman. Calvin Harris did a remix for one of their best (but certainly not only) songs. It turned out pretty well.

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix) via mediafire

Have a ridiculous weekend! Try to not end up like the following if you can help it:

...on second thought, make sure you end up like that.

Facts From Learnings: Rushmore

2008-06-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Fact: Wes Anderson movies come accompanied with some pretty killer soundtracks.

Fact: 1998's Rushmore is one of these movies.

Fact: It took me ten years to watch and thus realize how fantastic this film is. Please learn from my mistake and break down the door to your nearest movie-selling retailer and demand you be sold a copy of Rushmore if you haven't seen it already.

Fact: You should also listen to some Cat Stevens and The Kinks.

Fact: It will seriously improve your quality of life. And make you shake your hips a little. Or a lot.

Fact: Jason Schwartzman is the bomb. No, seriously. If you don't believe me, dig this:

Cat Stevens - Here Comes My Baby

The Kinks - Nothing In This World Can Stop Me Worrying 'Bout That Girl

HOLY IT'S JUNE ALREADY BATMAN!

2008-06-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

(A picture of a horse. Because that's exactly how all entries following two month absences should begin. That, and I like ponies.)

Wow. Has it really been over two months since I snuck in here? It's insane to think we're pretty much halfway into 2008.

A few things that have happened in those two months: I lost Peanut Butter (my purple iPod shuffle buddy) and had to bring back Napoleon, my battle-scarred green iPod Mini back from the dead (he dies literally every ten minutes to the point where the only thing I can ever really do with him is listen to the same song on repeat for an hour or so), I've fallen back in love with Third Rock from the Sun (I think the Solomons are my second favourite family after the Bluths), and discovered some pretty neat soundtracks like The Darjeeling Limited and I'm Not There.

A few things I've learned over the past two months: the new Mates of State album is actually a lot better than most people are giving it credit for. I wouldn't think of it as boring or safe -- rather fun, melodic, and probably the easiest thing to listen to that they've ever produced. In other happenings, university is pretty much an entire fucking alternate universe. Although it's kind of nice to sit next to people who blast the entire Vampire Weekend album on their headphones loud enough for you to hear. That said, I've decided Vampire Weekend would pretty much be the soundtrack to The Lion King on Broadway if The Lion King on Broadway ever went indie. Also. The Arcade Fire scoring Mr. Maker-of-Donnie-Darko's new film? Discuss.

Some equations that sum up my thoughts on life right now: Easy Mac = lifesaver, always Nutella = what I plan to live off of during the holidays. Adobe software developers = heartless pricks. Ugly Bill Cosby sweaters = the greatest comeback ever. Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan = WOAH! Hot cocoa = keeping me sane. Public transport = ridiculous. A vacation = something I am desperately in need of.

Also, I'm looking for a blogging buddy to help me keep running my little baby, so if you're interested, definitely e-mail me! Running this is definitely a lot easier in theory than in real life. A lot of time and effort goes into updating as much as possible and uploading music that is worth everyone's while, so getting someone to assist me on that stuff would make me one happy bunny.

Here are some unrelated but great photos and two songs I love a lot.

The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude

The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun

Dynamic Duo: Hell No!

2008-04-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

AWESOMENESS.

(True story)

Every once in a while, I stumble across what I like to refer to as a 'dynamic duo duet'. This is most definately one of them. Who knew little Scandinavian singer-songerwriter Sondre and queen of genius kitsch lyricisim Regina could get together and create something as special as 'Hell No'?

I certainly didn't see this coming, but after discovering this gem of a tune on the Dan In Real Life soundtrack, I've realised male/female argumentative duets have never been as fun.

Made specifically for your "on repeat" buttons.

Listen to Hell No

Next Best Alternative #4: John Mayer = Kid A

2008-03-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest - I'm not much of a John Mayer fan. But Radiohead, I do dig. So when someone like Mr. Mayer decides to do his own interpretation of a song like "Kid A" and does it well, this is something I dig, too.
There's just something about this song that will keep it stuck in your head for days, whether it's the plucky guitars, John echoing Thom Yorke in saying things like, "Standing in the shadows at the end of your bed" (again, stalker-y sentiment that seems poignant in its context rather than plain old creepy). Zach Braff would love this, and (I'm betting) subsequently sneak it into the next contemplative scene of a Scrubs episode. You'd love it, too. For good reason.
So download it for a life-changing experience. Or at least something to accompany the soundtrack to a quiet night in. This isn't any "Your Body Is A Wonderland", thank God for that.

Listen to John Mayer - Kid A

New Death Cab & The Issue of Internal Organ Possession

2008-03-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

So. New Death Cab. 4:35-ish instrumental intro. Ben feeling it is nessecary to rock out for this amount of time before kicking into the lyrics. Discuss.

I'd have to say I'm kind of split in the middle with the discovery of this. I am not a fan of long, winding instrumental introductions, but I cannot help but feel that the bass and that moment where the drums quietly join in is really great. And then the piano. And the guitar. And how it all slowly, carefully builds up. Sort of like a very long road trip to someplace you've been wanting to go your whole life. And at about 4:34, it turns out that Ben Gibbard can still write a pretty eloquent song. Although, I have to say, there's something pretty chilling and zombie-like concerning the nature of how Ben proclaims he will "possess your heart".

So I guess your enjoyment (or lack) of this will depend entirely on where you're coming from personally. Perhaps you're a long-time fan, and can completely see Chris Walla's workings on the intro to the song. Maybe Ben Gibbard's voice half-way through the song can make you forgive the "extra trimmings" around the song. You might even just be disappointed because it's no Plans. Or maybe you've been living under a rock and only listened to this last night. The sprawling instrumental probably seems obligatory, if not normal to you. Or maybe just listen to Ben when he says, "You gotta spend some time, love" and let this song grow on you.

As I heard on the interwebs earlier this week, you cannot help but admit that, despite whatever direction Death Cab are choosing to go in or explore with the new record, they're still expressing lyrically what lots of us out there are still too scared to say out loud. Even if it is related to the pretty delicate issue of internal organ possession.

Fans will get the oppourtunity to descend and/or climb up DCFC's Narrow Stairs this May.

Listen to "I Will Possess Your Heart"

Song of The Day: The Clash

2008-03-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Clash have been one of my favourite bands since high school, pretty much. I'm eternally grateful to my friend Hina whom I met in the middle of ninth grade who introduced me to a slew of bands that I missed out in my childhood whilst I was growing up on a steady diet of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, "The Dark Side of The Moon" album and 90's bubblegum pop. One of these bands was the Clash, and after hearing "Should I Stay or Should I Go", I've never looked back.

I recently discovered this gem of a song a few days ago and fell in love with it. It's such a soundtrack-to-my-life-in-high-school song, and it's nice to see that side of these boys after listening to politically fuelled anthems like "White Riot" and "London Calling". It's fun, tongue-in-cheek and catchy without being annoying. Go and play the chorus to this for the boy or girl you like. Seriously, do it. How could they say no?

The Clash - 1-2 Crush on You (from Super Black Market Clash)

Next Best Alternative(s) #3

2008-03-07T02:18:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been neglecting this blog as of late, but university's in full swing and this unfortunately leaves little time across the week for me to sit still and take a breather. The past two weeks have been physically and mentally exhausting, and one of the few things that have been keeping me going is good music (specifically non-crappy covers of great songs, among other things).

Here are two really great K.T Tunstall covers of two very good songs. I'm not really a fan, but I appreciate anyone who can put their own spin on a song without completely butchering the goodness of the original. Especially anyone who can do justice to the White Stripes. So give these a chance:

My Doorbell (originally by the White Stripes)

I Want You Back (originally by the Jackson Five)

(A double-treat because it's the weekend and hopefully these will get it off to a good start)

Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too!

2008-02-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

Ah, Cake. And not just the vanilla frosting/food colouring-infused delight that we all indulge in on birthdays, special occasions and midnight snacks, but rather the kind that involves a group of guys getting together, making great music, mixing various genres like cake batter, and thus getting people happy in the proccess. This Calafornian band that enjoyed the success of radio gem "The Distance" from Fashion Nugget stand out to me as the guys that were responsible for great songs like "Daria" (which got featured on an episode's end credits) and the amusing 'Short Skirt/Long Jacket' with the novelty people-on-the-street-listening-to-the-song-in-the-video-on-headphones video. They haven't released an official record since 2004 (apart from the B-Sides & Rarities), but have been known to tour every now and then, playing musical festivals in the States.

Today I offer up what I feel is one of Cake's best songs, which I originally got into thanks to the soundtrack for the mediocre MTV teen comedy, Orange County. This was one of the songs that pretty much made the soundtrack and the movie. It's upbeat, summery, smart, makes you want to shake your hips. Close your eyes and the plucky, strummy guitars will remind you of the West Coast in an instant.

Listen to Shadow Stabbing ( Comfort Eagle, 2001)

Next Best Alternative #2

2008-02-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

I didn't think anyone could top a Klaxons cover after I heard Soko on a remix a while ago, but I'm really glad I was proved wrong.

My friend Olivia reminded me how great Goldfrapp are last night, and I was lucky enough to stumble on a session from BBC 1's Live Lounge in which the beautiful, super sophisticated and elegant Alison Goldfrapp does a hauntingly beautiful rendition of 'It's Not Over Yet'.

The band does an excellent job of the cover using acoustic guitars with classical undertones.

This song is also sort of reflective of the different direction that the band has taken with their forthcoming album, The Seventh Tree, due out later this month. Gone is the super-shiny disco-esque glamour found in the Supernature album. It's instead replaced by this refreshingly fresh, vulnerability that seems part hippie (I could easily see 'Little Bird' being featured in a scene between William and Penny Lane in Almost Famous) part fairytale, part soundtrack to an adventure involving a forest and mythical creatures. I strongly believe the album will be worth the wait, despite the disappointment of many long-time fans who appear to miss the heavily electronic beats, provocative lyrics and over-the-top disco-glam videos.

I'll have a more in-depth look at the new album soon-ish, but for now, I leave everyone with this tasty treat of a classy cover that (dare I say it) could possibly rival the original:

Listen to Goldrapp - Not Over Yet

Song of The Day #2

2008-02-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

...except listen to 'Silver Lining' by Beulah today. It will make you feel better, I promise.

Punk rock was my first girl /She left me a scar so I have her still /She’s not young, but she’s not old yet /We share the same sun but her’s never sets /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it /The dark cloud always waiting for you /Weightless and tumbling through space I remember her voice but not her face /Floating but she’s always near /She wants to stay but she can’t stay here /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it/ The dark cloud always waiting for you /Frozen in window displays /Where did you hide all those days we’d waste? /Fading but I see her still /She’ll always be my punk rock girl

As for the background on the band, here is what you need to know: they were born in an office mail room in mid-90's San Francisco after Miles Kurosky and Bill Swan decided that despite their mutual dislike for each other, their shared musical influences deserved to be put into practice in order to form a band and make music. They gained attention from bands like Apples In Stereo (who helped them release their first single) but unfortunately disbanded after a free concert in late 2004 after their last record Yoko failed to go gold. And yes, Micheal Cera is kinda a big fan. Rumors of frontman Miles's solo record release are on the horizon, though, so you never know - it might not be the end for long.

This paticular song, off their 2001 record The Coast Is Never Clear aptly reflects Miles's dealing with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder during the album's making. Cue the downbeat, disdainful lyrics synchronized with breezy, summery music that speaks of a different feeling entirely. Thus, it is the song of the day, and the only thing I recommend you listen to, on repeat, all day.

Download Silver Lining (The Coast Is Never Clear, 2001)

Review: Juno Original Soundtrack

2008-01-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

JUNO ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (2008, Rhino Records)

The soundtrack to this year’s plucky teen comedy Juno is like a visit from some old friends you haven’t seen in a while, arriving at your doorstep with an awkward smile, many stories to tell and a tendency to drift off into the amusingly nonsensical. As they warm your heart and tickle a smile onto your face, you'll be left wondering how you survived as long as you did in their absence.

Kimya Dawson, candidly-honest anti-folk heroine and front woman of The Moldy Peaches, provides the very heart of the film’s music. Her candour permeates through her sweet, sharp, nostalgic guitar playing and often provides lyrics that could be spoken by the movie's namesake herself. ‘Anyone Else But You’ is a particular gem on this compilation. A cover of an original Moldy Peaches song, it is tenderly reinterpreted through the refreshingly unpolished voices of Ellen Page and Michael Cera, part-time musician and self-confessed music nerd.

Other treats include classics such as the dulcet tones of Buddy Holly crooning ‘Dearest’, the child-like piano melody of The Velvet Underground’s ‘I’m Sticking With You’, and Barry Louis Polisar’s country-tinged jangle ‘All I Want Is You’, dripping with earnestly endearing lyrics that could melt the hearts of even those who staunchly oppose Dolly Parton-esque love songs . Chan Marshall offers the unflinchingly vulnerable 'Sea of Love'; almost sounding like Canadian folk songstress Feist's older sister in her vocal delivery. Scottish indie darlings Belle & Sebastian also make an appearance, offering upbeat, acoustic melodies such as ‘Piazza, New York Catcher’. Antsy Pant's adorably metaphorical 'Tree Hugger' contains lyrics worth writing down in permanent marker on every available space possible; it's charm in the visible laughter of Kimya Dawson through her words, and stumbled-over French phrases.

Even Sonic Youth find their place in the group with a nebulously dreamy cover of The Carpenters’ hit ‘Superstar’. Additionally, the playful, tenacious vocals of Antsy Pants contribute to the underlying, innate rebelliousness and unabashed nature of Juno. The soundtrack thus presents a heart-felt amalgamation of the clashing personalities, both in the film and in the voices of the musicians, as they struggle to find acceptance and stability in their lives, regardless of their age, or the gap that it might wedge between them.

One thing is for certain, however: the charm and irresistibility of this soundtrack is resilient, refusing to wear thin even after numerous listens, assuring you a sort of new and improved outlook on your life, thanks to a hand-picked bunch of bands and musicians that should certainly be a part of every fervent music lover's life.

Rating: (4/5 apples!)

P.S - When you snag yourself a copy, please, please, please enjoy the album, and every song on it, unattatched to the fact that is probably on every wannabe hipster's top five favourite soundtracks of all time list, okay?

A sampling of one of the most lyrically eloquent songs from the collection:

Antsy Pants - Tree Hugger

(The flower said "I wish I was a tree"/The tree said "I wish I could be a different kind of tree"/The cat wished that it was a bee/The turtle wished that it could fly really high into the sky/Over rooftops and then dive deep into the sea)

Next Best Alternative #1

2008-01-13T21:12:00.000-08:00

Meet John McCauley, a hard-working 21 year old musician based in Rhode Island. Not only has he been striving to build a name for himself by distributing home-made CDs, playing small festivals, bars, in your best friend's loft apartment and everywhere else possible, he's actually done us all a gigantic favour and given the worn-out 2007 summer anthem 'Beautiful Girls' by Sean Kingston, a sweet blues-y, acoustic feel that far surpasses the original. If you're like me and could hurl the nearest stereo, television or perhaps even well-intentioned person who in poor taste, begins to belt out/wail the chorus of King's infuriating sing-a-long, you will really, really appreciate this far more tolerable, tasteful version. Thus, being the first in what I hope to be a long-running series of the Next Best Alternative.

And while you're at it, give John's first officially released record, War Elephant a listen!

Listen to clips here!
Download Deer Tick's version of Beautiful Girls

Feast Fit For A Bookwork (2008)

2008-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

January/February 2008 Reading List

Already read:

Waiting to be read/finished:

In honour of the new year, I've decided to set out on this crazy, ridiculous mission which involves reading 52 books this year - that's right, one book for every week of the year. I've made a rough list of 30-something books I've already got in mind to get around to finally reading. Girlbomb by Janice Erlbaum and Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger (which I'd been meaning to read since I was fourteen) were funny, smart, honest, and really enjoyable to read. I really missed reading those sorts of novels; the type that isn't littered with over-the-top language, instead simply coming across as a close friend coming clean to you, and only you.

Books I am looking forward to reading, re-reading and/or finishing: No One Belongs Here More Than You, You Shall Know Our Velocity!, Screwjack, White Orelander, A Million Little Pieces, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

Some songs about books by some excellent bands:

Spoon - The Book I Write (via Untitled Records)
Say Hi To Your Mom - They Write Books About These Sorts of Things
Joanna Newsom - The Book of Right-On (live)
Modest Mouse - Bukowski (via Anyone's Guess)
Camera Obscura - Books Written For Girls (via Anyone's Guess)

What has everyone else been reading, or wanting to read, this year?

Song of the Day

2008-01-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

Today's song belongs to one of my favourites, Canadian indie pop band, Stars. This song has marvellous lyrics (see: 'Don't know who I am/but I'm here with you/Alive'), an infectious piano melody and great, great vocals. They are playing shows across Australia throughout February & March, which I will unfortunately be unable to attend, but all the more for the rest of you kids to rush out, get tickets and experience the amazingness that is this band, live, right in front of your eyes. Yes.

Listen to Krush (from The Comeback EP, 2001)

AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES

27th Feb 08 @ Spectrum, SYDNEY
28th Feb 08 @ East Brunswick Club, MELBOURNE
29th Feb 08 (w/ Broken Social Scene) @ The Zoo, BRISBANE
01st March 08 (St. Jerome's Laneway Fest) @ The Zoo, BRISBANE
02 March 08 (St. Jerome's Laneway Fest) @ Reiby Place, SYDNEY

Like A Version.

2008-01-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't reside in Australia, Like A Version (obviously, a parody of the Madonna song) is a segment featured on local radio station Triple J. It involves some of the country's best bands and musicians, and more recently, international ones, too, playing acoustic versions of their favourite songs. Sort of like BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, except I feel there's a lot more integrity involved in the re-interpretation of the song as opposed to seeing which flavour-of-the-week indie band will do another cover of a Nelly Furtado track.

Over the past three years, the segment has seen the likes of well-reputed indie acts such as Tegan & Sara, Spoon and The Mountain Goats to lesser-known local musicains such as Starky and Bertie Blackman. The compilation really helps both local and overseas fans appreciate the local music scene in Australia, and proves that songs are the most meaningful when stripped down to barely nothing.

If you're a sucker for covers and new takes on old favourites like me, this one's for you. For a limited time only, I'm offering up both Vol. 1&2 of Like A Version. Get it while it's hot, kids!

Like A Version - Vol. 1 (Part 1)
Like A Version - Vol. 1 (Part 2)

For a full track listing, head over to this page.

Like A Version - Vol. 2

For a full track listing, visit this page.

No One Belongs Here More Than You (Preview)

2008-01-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from one of the best books of 2007 is below. If you aren't really aware of how amazing Miranda July already is, prepare yourself. If you, like me, have yet to read this book (my excuse? I've been on a waiting list since last year from my local library), let this be an excuse to run to the bookstore right now and grab yourself a copy.

This Person

Someone is getting excited. Somebody somewhere is shaking with excitement because something tremendous is about to happen to this person. This person has dressed for the occasion. This person has hoped and dreamed and now it is really happening and this person can hardly believe it. But believing is not an issue here, the time for faith and fantasy is over, it is really really happening. It involves stepping forward and bowing. Possibly there is some kneeling, such as when one is knighted. One is almost never knighted. But this person may kneel and receive a tap on each shoulder with a sword. Or, more likely, this person will be in a car or a store or under a vinyl canopy when it happens. Or online or on the phone. It could be an e-mail re: your knighthood. Or a long, laughing, rambling phone message in which every person this person has ever known is talking on a speakerphone and they are all saying,You have passed the test, it was all just a test, we were only kidding, real life is so much better than that. This person is laughing out loud with relief and playing the message back to get the address of the place where every person this person has ever known is waiting to hug this person and bring her into the fold of life. It is really exciting, and it's not just a dream, it's real.

They are all waiting by a picnic table in a park this person has driven past many times before. There they are, it's everyone. There are balloons taped to the benches, and the girl this person used to stand next to at the bus stop is waving a streamer. Everyone is smiling. For a moment this person is almost creeped out by the scene, but it would be so like this person to become depressed on the happiest day ever, and so this person bucks up and joins the crowd.

Teachers of subjects that this person wasn't even good at are kissing this person and renouncing the very subjects they taught. Math teachers are saying that math was just a funny way of saying "I love you." But now they are simply saying it, I love you, and the chemistry and PE teachers are also saying it and this person can tell they really mean it. It's totally amazing. Certain jerks and idiots and assholes appear from time to time, and it is as if they have had plastic surgery, their faces are disfigured with love. The handsome assholes are plain and kind, and the ugly jerks are sweet, and they are folding this person's sweater and putting it somewhere where it won't get dirty. Best of all, every person this person has ever loved is there.
Even the ones who got away. They hold this person's hand and tell this person how hard it was to pretend to get mad and drive off and never come back. This person almost can't believe it, it seemed so real, this person's heart was broken and has healed and now this person hardly knows what to think. This person is almost mad. But everyone soothes this person. Everyone explains that it was absolutely necessary to know how strong this person was. Oh, look, there's the doctor who prescribed the medicine that made this person temporarily blind. And the man who paid this person two thousand dollars to have sex with him three times when this person was very broke. Both of these men are in attendance, they seem to know each other. They both have little medals that they are pinning on this person; they are badges of great honor and strength. The badges sparkle in the sunlight, and everyone cheers.

This person suddenly feels the need to check her post office box. It is an old habit, and even if everything is going to be terrific from now on, this person still wants mail. This person says she will be right back and everyone this person has ever known says, Fine, take your time. This person gets in her car and drives to the post office and opens the box and there is nothing. Even though it is a Tuesday, which is famously a good day for mail. This person is so disappointed, this person gets back in the car and, having completely forgotten about the picnic, drives home and checks the voice mail and there are no new messages, just the old one about "passing the test" and "life being better." There are no e-mails, either, probably because everyone is at the picnic. This person can't seem to go back to the picnic. This person realizes that staying home means blowing off everyone this person has ever known. But the desire to stay in is very strong. This person wants to run a bath and then read in bed.

In the bathtub this person pushes the bubbles around and listens to the sound of millions of them popping at once. It almost makes one smooth sound instead of many tiny sounds. This person's breasts barely jut out of the water. This person pushes the bubbles onto the breasts and makes weird shapes with the foam. By now everyone must have realized that this person is not coming back to the picnic. Everyone was wrong; this person is not who they thought this person was. This person plunges underwater and moves her hair around like a sea anemone. This person can stay underwater for an impressively long time but only in a bathtub. This person wonders if there will ever be an Olympic contest for holding your breath under bathwater. If there were such a contest, this person would surely win it. An Olympic medal might redeem this person in the eyes of everyone this person has ever known. But no such contest exists, so there will be no redeeming. This person mourns the fact that she has ruined her one chance to be loved by everyone; as this person climbs into bed, the weight of this tragedy seems to bear down upon this person's chest. And it is a comforting weight, almost human in heft. This person sighs. This person's eyes begin to close, this person sleeps.

Weekend Mixed Bag

2008-01-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

These songs have been making the unbearably hot days, my lack of employment, and anxiousness about what things will be like a month from now barely noticable. So yeah, they're kind of awesome.

Vampire Weekend - Walcott (via YSI)

The kings of kwassa kwassa really know how to make you dance. Whilst these private school kids have a college education from the prestigious Columbia University tucked under their arm, they also have an amusingly diverse set of musical influences ranging from African pop music to classical music to punk to reggae. They make it worth, though, and somehow come up with a gem of a song like this. One to watch for 2008.

Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet (Gentleman's Driver Remix) featuring SoKo
I don't really know very much about SoKo except that she is a twenty-something singer-songwriter/actress with an adorably strong heavy French accent, and a great sense of style. Whilst through her earlier demos, hints of Moldy Peaches' frontwoman Kimya Dawson can be picked up, this paticular track is an exclusive remix for British new-rave poster boys, the Klaxons. SoKo's vocals offer a sense of vulnerability that comes from her sweet, little-girl voice, and the thumping bass make it a perfect track for the weekend. Enjoy!

Semisonic - Singing In My Sleep
I discovered this one a few days ago, and it is perfect for those who miss the ancient craft of quality mixtape-making. Listen to the lyrics closely, and make this the opening track on a mix for someone special.

Getting better - New Year's Mix

2007-12-31T22:58:00.000-08:00

So here is a mix to bring in good karma, feel-good vibes, oppourtunities for nostalgic reflection, warmth, smiles and compulsive fits of dancing, for good measure.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to hoping that 2008 will end up being bad-ass enough to show up last year.

1. The Walkmen - New Years Eve

Smooth, sweeping piano melodies combined with slashing cymbals and gruff vocals provide a song for you to sway your way into the new year. Irresistable; you could even slow dance to this one all by yourself.

2. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Let's Make Out (Alternate Version)

I'm so glad I found out about this band before the year officially ended! This British electro-rock outfit have been sneakily providing shouty, in-your-face dance music, reminiscent of their NY counterparts, The Rapture. This cheeky little song is one of my favourites. Seriously, I'm thinking it should be crowned song of the year. Listen, listen, listen!

3.The The - This Is The Day (courtesy of You Ain't No Picasso)

I swear, this song is magic. I fell in love with it ever since I heard it over the closing credits of Empire Records whilst the cast was dancing away into the night atop the record store building's roof. The vocals are smooth and croony without being annoying, and the chorus is the sort you can sing along to out loud, waving your hands in the air, out the car window. And yes, it's okay if you look like a complete idiot - most probably everyone else is just insanely jealous of your impecable taste in music. This is the song that will start your year off in the best way possible.

4. Fionn Regan - Getting Better (acoustic)

I have this thing where I don't like Beatles' covers. I find it hard to believe that a singer/songwriter/musician who isn't someone from the actual band can really do justice to any of their songs. This is also probably why the Across The Universe soundtrack was such a major disappointment to me, even though I'd been really, really curious about how the film had turned out. But there is this guy called Fionn Regan and he is Irish and plays guitar and has a wonderful voice (kind of like a younger Damien Rice?) and did a lovely acoustic version of 'Getting Better' when he paid a visit to the BBC Radio 1 Studios. He retells the story of someone trying to make a concious effort to turn things around in hopes that they can put any and all douchebaggery to an end in a sincere tone, and the fact that this song is only accompanied by guitar makes the feel of the song all the more intimate. So I'm going to make a suggestion: listen to this song, and don't compare it the original, and you just might warm up to it.

Post-Christmas Wind-Down Mix

2007-12-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

I thought today would be a good day for a mellow, melodic mix for sleeping in, easing off headaches and hangovers, preparing for 2008 whilst recovering from the throttle of Christmas partying.

The Notwist - Consequence

I have been obsessed with this song lately - it is perfect in almost every way, from the soothing piano loop to Markus Acher's sleepy vocals to the sharp thump of the drums that are a constant throughout the song. Best for rainy days, falling asleep late at night, and day-dreaming and the ideal track-number-whatever in the soundtrack to your life. Listen to this song - even if it is the only one you listen to in the last week of 2007, it'll be worth it.

You Say Party! We Say Die - Apocalypse Meow

I feel this song is really appropriate with a brand new year just around the corner. Although it borders on dancey, I still feel like the vocals and consistent drumming are enough to help you wind down at the end of the day. As contradictory as it is, this upbeat, soothing song at barely one and a half minutes needs to be included in your life in some way.

Andrew Bird - Scythian Empire

I'd been putting off exploring Mr. Bird's music for a very long time, and I'm glad I came to my senses and introduced myself to this song. It's eclectic enough to hold your attention and yet calm your nerves the moment it begins to play - mixing whistles, the sound of a grand piano and folky acoustic guitars, echoes, the tinkle of metal and a myriad of other sounds, it reminds me of forests and sweeping landscapes. Perfect for playing on your headphones whilst going exploring or tumbling into good dreams at night.

Recommendations of things to do in addition to listening to the aforementioned songs: stay in bed all day, eat ice cream cake and watch lots and lots of Scrubs. I've tried it, and I have the following to report back: it's awesome.

It's Christmas! Let's be glad.

2007-12-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! I'm so, so excited about starting B&J - the countless inspiring blogs out there that have been paving the way for awesome music, mixes literature, film and other nifty things have meant that this paticular brand new blog has been a long time coming.

Cue the hot chocolate, fairy lights, carols, obligatory Sufjan Stevens christmas CDs, and of course, ridiculously delicious food.

A recipie to make your Christmas all the more merry:

Captain Morgan's Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup of Captain Morgan's Jamaican rum
A whole carton of Cookies & Cream ice cream
2-4 large squares of ready-made spongecake

Method
Use a tablespoon to evenly distribute the rum onto the surface of the first large slice of spongecake. Wait 2-3 minutes to allow it to soak. Use a large spoon to spread the ice cream across the top of each slice of cake - it's okay if the ice cream ends up a bit lumpy because of the cookie bits, you can always squish the ice cream down later with the next layer of cake. Keep repeating this method until you've added as many layers as you want, or possibly can - the higher it's able to stack, the better!

Now a quick last-minute Christmas mix:

The Weepies - All I Want
Jimmy Eat World - Christmas Card
No Doubt - Oi To The World
Joey Ramone - Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)
Friends - Pheobe's Holiday Song
Sufjan Stevens - Sister Winter