Husky Rescue - New Light of Tomorrow
Painfully beautiful. Somehow reminds me of my youth…
Husky Rescue - New Light of Tomorrow (from the album, Country Falls)
And thanks to my friend, Matt, for introducing me this version of “Let It Ride” - Ryan Adams. What a hipster.
New York, New York
I have been a total blog-slacker this week. I know this…but its sort of justified. On top of trying to purchase my first house, I was preparing for my extended weekend trip to NYC this weekend. My last visit was so fantastic that I had to get back out right away. I think I’m going to make a habit of this. See you Tuesday!
Mixed Tape Monday: 11.03.2008
I had big plans for today’s Mixed Tape since it is the eve of a historic election. I thought I would dig deep and pull out my most “American” tracks…but what does that mean? Maybe you’d expect “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Freebird?” I’ll just say this: I had the unfortunate experience of seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd in Mississippi last year and it will go down as one of the most frightening, anti-American events of my life. So no, absolutely not. Those songs didn’t make my list and I hope to never hear them again. Instead, here are a few songs that are new-ish, nice and nothing more.
1. “J. Smith” by Travis (Ode to J. Smith, 2008) Oh Travis, how I love you. The Glasgow boys never, ever disappoint. I’ve not heard the new album in its entirety, but the tracks I did hear were just as good as anything from their repertoire of poppy melodies and sometimes murky melancholy. J. Smith is a surprising rock ‘n roll triumph filled with noise and energy. It is unpredictable, slightly neurotic but it also has moments of feeling epic, as if meant to be played while you conquer the world.The US release of Ode to J. Smith is tomorrow (November 4) on Travis’ indie label, Red Telephone Box. >www.travisonline.com
2. “Mirrorball” by Elbow (Seldom Seen Kid, 2008) Another favorite from across the pond is Manchester’s Elbow. Lead singer and guitarist, Guy Garvey has some of the sincerest lyrics and vocals around. His voice has the kind of smoothness and depth that makes you want to cry, it has often made me do just that. Mirrorball is a moody love song filled with poetic imagery and hopeful memory. So lift off love, all down to you, dear. www.elbow.co.uk
3. “Crossed Out Name” by Ryan Adams & the Cardinals (Cardinology, 2008) I have a really volatile, love/hate relationship with Ryan Adams. Most of me wants to believe that he is a modern genius, a poet, an artist turned mad by his obsession with creation. Its probably mostly true. The other part of me thinks that Ryan Adams is selfish, annoying and insane. I guess he could be all of these things but it makes it hard to categorize him in my mind. The basic truth about Ryan Adams, like HIM or not, is that he puts out unbelievable music that cannot be categorized into a single genre and he does it at a marathon pace. Crossed Out Name is a gentle ballad about love lost. Its effective in the delicacy of the music and message. On a first listen, Cardinology is solid and bold all the way through. It returns to the Cardinals’ twangy, alt-country roots and the schizophrenic unpredictability of their leader. Ryan Adams has done it again.
www.ryan-adams.com
