the Republic Tigers

I saw these guys in NYC last weekend when they opened for Travis. I’m not going to lie, I’m not big on watching opening acts, but I was really surprised by how good their live show was. Here’s a video from their single, Buildings & Mountains.

The Republic Tigers - Buildings & Mountains

i heart nyc

I mentioned my upcoming trip to NYC a while ago and its almost here! Friday morning I’m leavin’ on a jet plane, taking off for a few glorious days in the big city. So far, the weather looks like it will be amazing so keep your fingers crossed, please!!

Most of the trip will be spent seeing the sights, eating some amazing food, doing the tourist thing but Saturday night we’ll be checking out Travis at Webster Hall. We’re big fans and I’m way excited. He’s a video from one of their older tracks, Sing.

I couldn’t help picking out some flashy nyc/travel inspired things from Etsy. Friday can’t get here soon enough…but these fun finds will help hold me over. Show some love!

i love ny Photo by liamhenry

The Courier Bag by Beesnetta

NYC Area Code Stationery by jetsetpaper

Summer Love Cargo from bombalurina

Skyline Shadow Box by peppersprouts

Wilco, Yes Please.

**UPDATE** We got tickets, amazing tickets, to both days!! Looks like the show will sell out and ultimately move to the Riverside. I would be absolutely shocked if it didn’t…but then again, Wilco is a class act and they might’ve requested the quaint venue that is the Pabst. There will be photos after this show…to be continued…

I’m certainly not alone, but I wholeheartedly believe that Wilco is the best band in the world. Thats why I’m so very excited that they’ll be gracing the Pabst with their presence for TWO nights in April. They’re out promoting the new dvd (*rockumentary*,) Ashes of the American Flag. Can’t wait for some good ole American fun.

Radio King is a favorite of mine. This song comes from a Jeff Tweedy era pre-Wilco (Golden Smog) but he still performs it out on his solo tour. The lyrics are simple and the guitar is gorgeous. What a character, that Jeff Tweedy.

In other music news, lots of solid acts coming our way. To name a few, Neko Case, the Decemberists, Josh Radin, Mogwai, Rachael Yamagata, Ray LaMontagne, Animal Collective, Morrissey…and I’m sure there are plenty of others…but I’m excited about TRAVIS IN NYC. Yes, yes, yes!!! Another show with photos to follow. Here is one from the last round in Chicago…look familiar?

In the deep chrome canyons…

…of the loudest Manhattans.

I was happy to break some news to my dear boyfriend yesterday. I planned a trip to NYC to see a band we love, do some shopping, do some Anthony Bourdain inspired eating. So excited. I do love New York.

Here’s a new piece inspired by our trip. I got funky with my exacto blade, dug up every NYC lyric I could find and took some inspiration from the filthy 80s New York scene to bring you this:

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