The Final Countdown
The Librarianette and I have been singing this song for the last two weeks as we've been working on the end of school year stuff. Our Cool Friend from The Office showed us this today and I had to share. Highlights include the unusual instrument and the dude's very expressive eyebrows.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Music Monday
My Music - A to Z
I thought I had reached a milestone in my CD reviews and that I had finished A through D. Then, I realized that we had gotten new CDs since I started this project and I needed to go back and review them. So this week's edition is subtitled:
New Additions - A to D
Emotionalism - The Avett Brothers (2007)
My first experience with The Avett Brothers was at MerleFest, an amazing bluegrass festival in North Carolina. Until that point, I thought modern bluegrass was what The Attorney and I have dubbed "pot-smoking bluegrass" (which basically means The Grateful Dead and all the bands that sound like them.) MerleFest opened my eyes to other takes on this genre, including the bluegrass meets punk sound of this band. They made a whole lotta noise for just three guys and their performance was chock full of emotion. I saw them again on a giant stage at last year's ACL and they were equally as good. This album captures that emotionalism (sneaky reference to the album's title, no?) and that theme unites the album.
Faves - Paranoia in B Flat Minor, Salina, I Would Be Sad, Shame
I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers (2009)
From my limited knowledge of The Avett Brothers, this album seems to be a departure from their "signature" sound of bluegrass meets punk. It's definitely more mellow and includes more instruments than their earlier stuff. They're more tuneful and less "yelly," which works well with the tone and themes set by the opening title song. The lyrics are very introspective, and at times, a little self-indulgent. The bluegrass influence is there and they are very good on their instruments. I like it more and more each time I listen to it.
Faves - I and Love and You, January Wedding
Unsung - Slaid Cleaves (2006)
I said in an earlier review of Mr. Cleaves' work that he knows how to break your heart. He does it again on this album. This is a collection of songs written by other artists, so there is more of a mix of styles than on some of his other albums, but all are united by Cleaves' chosen themes of loss, longing, and sometimes, grace. Cleaves is a master storyteller - he makes the stop-at-nothing-to-get-to-the-top character of Millionaire as believable as the drug addicted LA starlet in The Fairest of Them All. This is a quintessential singer/songwriter album, even though the singer is not singing his own words.
Faves - Flowered Dresses, Oh Roberta, Working Stiff
Escape from Dragon House - Dengue Fever (2007)
We got to see this band at a free SXSW show this spring and they were a lot of fun. The lead singer is Cambodian and sometimes sings in her native language. Even when she's singing in English, her voice has that unique nasal twang that makes it difficult to understand the lyrics. But this is the kind of music where words aren't really all that important. They've got a funky, pop thing going on and the band even includes a saxophone! The album captures the group's vibe very well and they actually sound better than they did live (although to be fair, I did see them outdoors, under a tent, so the sound quality wasn't great).
Faves - One Thousand Tears of a Tarantula, Tip My Canoe, Tap Water
A Mad & Faithful Telling - Devotcha (2008)
We saw this band at last year's ACL fest and they were a spectacle for the eyes and ears. I wasn't sure that a CD could capture that experience, but this one comes pretty close on the ear part. Devotcha has a truly unique sound - Gypsy meets Southwestern horns meets something from the 1930s...It's really hard to explain. But it's good stuff. This CD showcases the variety of their sounds. I'm not sure on the theme because I haven't been able to figure out most of the lyrics yet. But I will keep listening and trying, and that's a sign of a good album.
Faves - Basso Profundo, Along the Way
The Dirty South - Drive By Truckers (2004)
When my dad purchased this for The Attorney for Christmas, he said that the on-line blurb described it as Southern Gothic. That is an apt description of these tales of very flawed, often dark, but very real people. I swear that I know some of these folks (and might even be related to a couple!). I really like DBT's style - Southern rock with no apologies. They alternate lead singers so the voices change with the characters. The title is the theme and though I wouldn't necessarily call it a concept album, it was definitely well thought out and put together. I haven't seen them live, but would.
Faves - Tornadoes, The Day John Henry Died, Carl Perkins' Cadillac, Goddamn Lonely Love
I thought I had reached a milestone in my CD reviews and that I had finished A through D. Then, I realized that we had gotten new CDs since I started this project and I needed to go back and review them. So this week's edition is subtitled:
New Additions - A to D
Emotionalism - The Avett Brothers (2007)
My first experience with The Avett Brothers was at MerleFest, an amazing bluegrass festival in North Carolina. Until that point, I thought modern bluegrass was what The Attorney and I have dubbed "pot-smoking bluegrass" (which basically means The Grateful Dead and all the bands that sound like them.) MerleFest opened my eyes to other takes on this genre, including the bluegrass meets punk sound of this band. They made a whole lotta noise for just three guys and their performance was chock full of emotion. I saw them again on a giant stage at last year's ACL and they were equally as good. This album captures that emotionalism (sneaky reference to the album's title, no?) and that theme unites the album.
Faves - Paranoia in B Flat Minor, Salina, I Would Be Sad, Shame
I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers (2009)
From my limited knowledge of The Avett Brothers, this album seems to be a departure from their "signature" sound of bluegrass meets punk. It's definitely more mellow and includes more instruments than their earlier stuff. They're more tuneful and less "yelly," which works well with the tone and themes set by the opening title song. The lyrics are very introspective, and at times, a little self-indulgent. The bluegrass influence is there and they are very good on their instruments. I like it more and more each time I listen to it.
Faves - I and Love and You, January Wedding
Unsung - Slaid Cleaves (2006)
I said in an earlier review of Mr. Cleaves' work that he knows how to break your heart. He does it again on this album. This is a collection of songs written by other artists, so there is more of a mix of styles than on some of his other albums, but all are united by Cleaves' chosen themes of loss, longing, and sometimes, grace. Cleaves is a master storyteller - he makes the stop-at-nothing-to-get-to-the-top character of Millionaire as believable as the drug addicted LA starlet in The Fairest of Them All. This is a quintessential singer/songwriter album, even though the singer is not singing his own words.
Faves - Flowered Dresses, Oh Roberta, Working Stiff
Escape from Dragon House - Dengue Fever (2007)
We got to see this band at a free SXSW show this spring and they were a lot of fun. The lead singer is Cambodian and sometimes sings in her native language. Even when she's singing in English, her voice has that unique nasal twang that makes it difficult to understand the lyrics. But this is the kind of music where words aren't really all that important. They've got a funky, pop thing going on and the band even includes a saxophone! The album captures the group's vibe very well and they actually sound better than they did live (although to be fair, I did see them outdoors, under a tent, so the sound quality wasn't great).
Faves - One Thousand Tears of a Tarantula, Tip My Canoe, Tap Water
A Mad & Faithful Telling - Devotcha (2008)
We saw this band at last year's ACL fest and they were a spectacle for the eyes and ears. I wasn't sure that a CD could capture that experience, but this one comes pretty close on the ear part. Devotcha has a truly unique sound - Gypsy meets Southwestern horns meets something from the 1930s...It's really hard to explain. But it's good stuff. This CD showcases the variety of their sounds. I'm not sure on the theme because I haven't been able to figure out most of the lyrics yet. But I will keep listening and trying, and that's a sign of a good album.
Faves - Basso Profundo, Along the Way
The Dirty South - Drive By Truckers (2004)
When my dad purchased this for The Attorney for Christmas, he said that the on-line blurb described it as Southern Gothic. That is an apt description of these tales of very flawed, often dark, but very real people. I swear that I know some of these folks (and might even be related to a couple!). I really like DBT's style - Southern rock with no apologies. They alternate lead singers so the voices change with the characters. The title is the theme and though I wouldn't necessarily call it a concept album, it was definitely well thought out and put together. I haven't seen them live, but would.
Faves - Tornadoes, The Day John Henry Died, Carl Perkins' Cadillac, Goddamn Lonely Love
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wacky Web Wednesday
Oh the things you miss when you give up "playing on the internet" for Lent. Here are some gems that The Attorney passed on to me once our Lenten fast was over.
Two Mice Get Married by a Cat
This is in some way connected to Dr. Laura.
A Cat Stands on Two Feet
Pip would be a whole lot cooler if she could do this.
Two Mice Get Married by a Cat
This is in some way connected to Dr. Laura.
A Cat Stands on Two Feet
Pip would be a whole lot cooler if she could do this.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wacky Wednesday (Alternately titled: Why I Love My Job Wednesday)
1. I occasionally get to dress like this for work (and have a co-worker who is willing to dress like that!)2. I get to find and show awesome videos such as the following:
Monday, March 8, 2010
Music Monday
My Music - A to Z
Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan (1974)
I did not become a Dylan fan until college. Even though I've always had a penchant for singer/songwriters, I never understood why everyone thought he was so great. Then I got this album. It is not just my favorite Dylan album, it is one of my favorite albums period. Each song flows into the next in such a way that I can't imagine them in any other order. Most of the songs hover around the five minute mark, but they don't seem overly long or repetitive because they all tell stories. Dylan is in great voice and the arrangements are simple, but not simplistic. I could listen to it every day.
Faves - Tangled Up in Blue; You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go; Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts; Shelter from the Storm
Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan (1965)
Dylan is younger and a little less tuneful than on BOTT. Even after becoming a Dylan fan, this one had to grow on me. The songs are long and there are lots of psychedelic sound effects (like the "wheeee" in the title track), and both of those things annoyed me at first. Careful listening, however, has shown me that is a well conceived album, and knowing where it fits into the evolution of Dylan's work makes me appreciate it more. I've seen him live twice and the first time was a DISASTER! He might have sang Like a Rolling Stone, but he couldn't remember the words and I couldn't understand him, so I'm not sure.
Faves - Like a Rolling Stone, Ballad of a Thin Man, Queen Jane Approximately, Desolation Row
Time Out of Mind - Bob Dylan (1997)
I got to hear Dylan perform most of this album live when he toured with Paul Simon. It was amazing and so is this recording. Dylan's voice has mellowed with age, but his songwriting is as strong as ever. The songs lean to the long side, but that's typical Dylan and it doesn't bother me except for the last track (which seems to go on forever!) The album works well as a whole - good pacing and mix of styles. It is definitely more produced than his earlier works, but not overdone. If you don't think you like Bob Dylan, this is the album that will change your mind.
Faves - Standing in the Doorway, Tryin' to Get to Heaven, Not Dark Yet
Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan (1974)
I did not become a Dylan fan until college. Even though I've always had a penchant for singer/songwriters, I never understood why everyone thought he was so great. Then I got this album. It is not just my favorite Dylan album, it is one of my favorite albums period. Each song flows into the next in such a way that I can't imagine them in any other order. Most of the songs hover around the five minute mark, but they don't seem overly long or repetitive because they all tell stories. Dylan is in great voice and the arrangements are simple, but not simplistic. I could listen to it every day.
Faves - Tangled Up in Blue; You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go; Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts; Shelter from the Storm
Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan (1965)
Dylan is younger and a little less tuneful than on BOTT. Even after becoming a Dylan fan, this one had to grow on me. The songs are long and there are lots of psychedelic sound effects (like the "wheeee" in the title track), and both of those things annoyed me at first. Careful listening, however, has shown me that is a well conceived album, and knowing where it fits into the evolution of Dylan's work makes me appreciate it more. I've seen him live twice and the first time was a DISASTER! He might have sang Like a Rolling Stone, but he couldn't remember the words and I couldn't understand him, so I'm not sure.
Faves - Like a Rolling Stone, Ballad of a Thin Man, Queen Jane Approximately, Desolation Row
Time Out of Mind - Bob Dylan (1997)
I got to hear Dylan perform most of this album live when he toured with Paul Simon. It was amazing and so is this recording. Dylan's voice has mellowed with age, but his songwriting is as strong as ever. The songs lean to the long side, but that's typical Dylan and it doesn't bother me except for the last track (which seems to go on forever!) The album works well as a whole - good pacing and mix of styles. It is definitely more produced than his earlier works, but not overdone. If you don't think you like Bob Dylan, this is the album that will change your mind.
Faves - Standing in the Doorway, Tryin' to Get to Heaven, Not Dark Yet
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday
I'm in another play at church. And even though it is taking time away from home, I am thankful for it.
I've always been a dramatic person, but I didn't really get involved in theater until my senior year of high school when I played Aunt Eller in our production of "Oklahoma!" The acting bug bit me hard and I spent a good part of my time in college in the theater - on stage and doing tech work. So much time, in fact, that I remember what year it was in college by the show(s) I was in and not by what classes I took! Even though I was incredibly busy, I always made time for theater. It was a release for me - stress relieving to pretend to be someone else for a while. I like the problem solving involved in putting a production together, analyzing characters and plot, and, of course, entertaining the audience. I feel good when I'm on stage and connecting with the people watching a show.
Post college, I've been blessed to attend a church that supports dramatic arts. We have a great theater ministry and a real black box theater now, but even before that there was a commitment to theatrical productions (and not just what you'd think of as "church plays.") It's awesome to get to do something I love at a place that I love with people that I love. We're currently working on "You Can't Take It With You," which will open in April. My character is part of a quirky family and I spend most of the show doing ballet. Since my first and only ballet experience was when I was 5 years old, you can probably imagine how this looks. Thankfully, that is what is expected. This is new for me because I've never done physical comedy before and even though it looks silly, I can't feel silly. Essie, my character, thinks she is really good. It's challenging and exhausting and really, really fun.
So I'm thankful for my church's theater ministry. And for The Reverend and all the hard work she puts into running it. And to my cast mates for coming out and playing with me several times a week. I can't wait until we're ready for an audience!
I've always been a dramatic person, but I didn't really get involved in theater until my senior year of high school when I played Aunt Eller in our production of "Oklahoma!" The acting bug bit me hard and I spent a good part of my time in college in the theater - on stage and doing tech work. So much time, in fact, that I remember what year it was in college by the show(s) I was in and not by what classes I took! Even though I was incredibly busy, I always made time for theater. It was a release for me - stress relieving to pretend to be someone else for a while. I like the problem solving involved in putting a production together, analyzing characters and plot, and, of course, entertaining the audience. I feel good when I'm on stage and connecting with the people watching a show.
Post college, I've been blessed to attend a church that supports dramatic arts. We have a great theater ministry and a real black box theater now, but even before that there was a commitment to theatrical productions (and not just what you'd think of as "church plays.") It's awesome to get to do something I love at a place that I love with people that I love. We're currently working on "You Can't Take It With You," which will open in April. My character is part of a quirky family and I spend most of the show doing ballet. Since my first and only ballet experience was when I was 5 years old, you can probably imagine how this looks. Thankfully, that is what is expected. This is new for me because I've never done physical comedy before and even though it looks silly, I can't feel silly. Essie, my character, thinks she is really good. It's challenging and exhausting and really, really fun.
So I'm thankful for my church's theater ministry. And for The Reverend and all the hard work she puts into running it. And to my cast mates for coming out and playing with me several times a week. I can't wait until we're ready for an audience!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fit Friday
So, I haven't done a great job in keeping my resolution to blog more in 2010, but I am accomplishing my other resolution to be more active. I don't consider myself a lazy person and I guess overall I'm in pretty good shape, but I haven't made a conscious effort at fitness since I trained for the marathon several years ago. I kept running for a while afterward, but when it got crazy hot and my running buddy and I couldn't coordinate anymore, I let it slide. We walk the dog regularly and ride our bikes often, but I hadn't been doing any intentional exercise for some time.
So, I decided to change that in 2010. The Assistant Dean has graciously loaned us her Wii for an indefinite period of time, including several fun games and Wii Fit. I haven't done any research to see how effective it is, but I like it. Everything is a game and there is a competitive element that keeps me coming back. The Attorney is doing it as well, which makes it even more fun. I haven't lost any weight, but I feel better and am definitely more toned than I was before.
I also bought a new pair of running shoes to inspire me to get back to doing that regularly. I play the piano for a wonderful group of older gentlemen on Sunday mornings, and they always spoil me at Christmas with a (to use good Baptist lingo) love offering. I used that to purchase my new shoes. They didn't have my Mizunos in stock, so I let the sales lady (who had the coolest Eastern European accent!) talk me into a pair of Asics that are very similar. I liked them in the store and today I tried them out on the road and was very pleased. It is a BEE YOU TEE FULL day in the ATX and I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 minute run (in intervals of 5 minutes running, 1 minute walking). I'm proud of my endurance considering how long it's been since I've done this. More proof that the Wii Fit is doing something right, I guess.
So, I decided to change that in 2010. The Assistant Dean has graciously loaned us her Wii for an indefinite period of time, including several fun games and Wii Fit. I haven't done any research to see how effective it is, but I like it. Everything is a game and there is a competitive element that keeps me coming back. The Attorney is doing it as well, which makes it even more fun. I haven't lost any weight, but I feel better and am definitely more toned than I was before.
I also bought a new pair of running shoes to inspire me to get back to doing that regularly. I play the piano for a wonderful group of older gentlemen on Sunday mornings, and they always spoil me at Christmas with a (to use good Baptist lingo) love offering. I used that to purchase my new shoes. They didn't have my Mizunos in stock, so I let the sales lady (who had the coolest Eastern European accent!) talk me into a pair of Asics that are very similar. I liked them in the store and today I tried them out on the road and was very pleased. It is a BEE YOU TEE FULL day in the ATX and I thoroughly enjoyed my 30 minute run (in intervals of 5 minutes running, 1 minute walking). I'm proud of my endurance considering how long it's been since I've done this. More proof that the Wii Fit is doing something right, I guess.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today we had Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist, at our school. The library sponsored the event, so the Librarianette and I got to attend both shows. The kids really enjoyed it, but I think we enjoyed it as much or more. I've written before that I'm thankful for her, and the more I work with her and get to know her, the more thankful I am. We share the same library "philosophy" and really enjoy our students. We also share a lot of common interests and have similar senses of humor. We spend a good part of our day laughing, and I am very thankful for that.
I'm also thankful that I am not too grown up to enjoy singing songs about metamorphosis, anacondas, omnivore/herbivore/carnivore/insectivore chimichangas, bald eagles, sea turtles (arribada!) and rapping about the wetlands. To quote my fifth grade math teacher, I "acted a fool" right along with our presenter and loved every minute of it. I hope I never lose my sense of joy in the small things or my willingness to let go and have fun, even when I look ridiculous.
I'm also thankful that I am not too grown up to enjoy singing songs about metamorphosis, anacondas, omnivore/herbivore/carnivore/insectivore chimichangas, bald eagles, sea turtles (arribada!) and rapping about the wetlands. To quote my fifth grade math teacher, I "acted a fool" right along with our presenter and loved every minute of it. I hope I never lose my sense of joy in the small things or my willingness to let go and have fun, even when I look ridiculous.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wacky Web Wednesday
Sean Connery's Birthday
We had a student in the library this week who kept saying "Sean Connery's birthday" in a really great Sean Connery voice. Apparently, he heard it here:
For some reason, it made me think of this episode of Potter Puppet Pals. Enjoy!
We had a student in the library this week who kept saying "Sean Connery's birthday" in a really great Sean Connery voice. Apparently, he heard it here:
For some reason, it made me think of this episode of Potter Puppet Pals. Enjoy!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Music Monday
My Music - A to Z
I'm picking back up my project of reviewing all of the CDs in my collection. This has been a great way to rediscover music, to think about the music I listen to frequently in a different way and to guide me to what needs to be ripped and sold to Cheapo. I strive to keep my reviews under 100 words and to include the following:
Castaways and Cutouts - The Decemberists (2002)
This is a band for English majors. I imagine many of it's members were English majors, or at least the lead singer was. Only English majors would use the imagery and vocabulary that Colin Meloy uses. Or they could have been theater kids - they like to wear costumes, especially nautically inspired pieces that are reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Whatever their degrees, they are among my favorite bands, although this is not my favorite album by them. It doesn't work as well as a whole as some of the others. I saw them at ACL a few years ago and they were really good, but I think they'd be better in a smaller venue.
Faves - July! July!, Grace Cathedral Hill, Clementine, The Legionnaire's Lament
The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2006)
This is my favorite Decemberists album, mostly because it is an Album. It was obviously conceived as a whole and though the songs work independently, they are much better as a unit. Some of the tracks are actually multiple songs. The three song Crane Wife series is heartbreaking, even if you don't know the old story behind it, and it works to frame the album musically and thematically. Most of the songs are about relationships and how the choices of those involved and outside circumstances keep them apart. I really love how they started the album with the third part of the trilogy and end with the upbeat Sons and Daughters. If you were only going to have one Decemberists album in your collection, this should be it.
Faves - The Crane Wife 3, The Crane Wife 1&2, Sons & Daughters
Her Majesty - The Decemberists (2003)
The Attorney just got this CD for Christmas, so I haven't listened to it as much as the other Decemberists albums. I can definitely hear the growth from Castaways and Cutouts, though, and it is much more of an album than C and C, both stylistically and thematically. Most Decemberists songs don't seem to be set in present time, and that is definitely true of the songs on this album. Each song is about a character and the characters have strong voices, even though they are all sung by Colin Meloy and aren't all in first person. It's fun and it's growing on me with every listen and confirming my theory that the band is full of English majors.
Faves - Billy Liar, Red Right Ankle, Song for Myla Goldberg
Picaresque - The Decemberists (2005)
This is my second favorite Decemberists album. I'm not sure if that's a quality judgment or because it's the first one we owned and the one I've seen them perform the most songs from. I do hear even more growth from their earlier albums and more strides toward making a cohesive album. Like Her Majesty, this album introduces us to a cast of characters, all flawed and mostly seedy. Colin Meloy gets to use big words like palanquin and pachyderm and lithe largess (all in one song!) and the nautical vibe is fully realized in The Mariner's Revenge Song. This is what I saw them perform at the ACL fest, and they had a great time doing it.
Faves - The Infanta, The Sporting Life, The Engine Driver, The Mariner's Revenge Song
The Rocky Mountain Collection - John Denver (1996)
Yep, it's another greatest hits collection, and a double disc at that! Unfortunately, it's one of those cases where the second disc is mostly second tier stuff. There are some good things there, but there's also a lot of cheese. I love John Denver and appreciate his song writing ability and what he was about, but he recorded some really cheesy music. And if I don't know the cheese by heart and have fond childhood memories of it, I can't really appreciate it. The first disc is awesome, however, and has all the songs you want and in good, decently clean arrangements. My aunt has a John Denver greatest hits CD that we have subtitled "The Twinkling Doodley Bells Mix" because all of the songs have this extra stuff in them.
Faves - Sunshine on My Shoulders, Take Me Home Country Roads, Starwood in Aspen, Rocky Mountain High, Back Home Again, Thank God I'm a Country Boy
Survivor - Destiny's Child (2001)
I hadn't listened to this CD in a long time, partly because the Attorney had it at his office for several months (years?). It's fun, but I think Beyonce has done better work as a solo artist. It's also very empowering, to use one of the Attorney's favorite words. These girls are sassy and don't take anything from anybody. They're also comfortable with their bodies and aren't afraid to sing about it! It ends with an out of place gospel medley and then a track where the girls thank each other and talk about what good friends they are and how much they love working together. This is ironic because I'm pretty sure Beyonce left the group shortly after they finished touring for this album. I never saw them live, but I would like to see Beyonce. And I don't think I'd have to work hard to convince the Attorney to go to that show!
Faves - Independent Women, Fancy, Bootylcious
His 12 Greatest Hits - Neil Diamond (1974)
Since this is from 1974, this CD does not include some of my favorite ND songs - "Coming to America," "Turn on Your Heartlight" and "Love on the Rocks" (all products of the 80's, I believe), but it does have some good stuff. All twelve might have been hits on the chart, but they're not all great. Neil Diamond is what he is, take him or leave him, and I'm glad I have this in my collection.
Faves - Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
Home - The Dixie Chicks (2002)
This is the only Dixie Chicks album I own, and I'm glad. I like some of their earlier stuff, but this album showcases the older, wiser chicks. And it was recorded here in Austin and produced by Texas music legend Lloyd Maines, so the overall style is more Texas than Nashville, which I like. It has a nice pace and mix of styles of songs. And these chicks can play their instruments! It also has songs written by two of my favorite songwriters, Patti Griffin and Bruce Robison. I recommend it, even for non-country music fans.
Faves - Truth No. 2, Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Top of the World, Long Time Gone
I'm picking back up my project of reviewing all of the CDs in my collection. This has been a great way to rediscover music, to think about the music I listen to frequently in a different way and to guide me to what needs to be ripped and sold to Cheapo. I strive to keep my reviews under 100 words and to include the following:
- Title, artist and year of album release
- Whether or not I have seen the artist live/compare to recording
- Thoughts on how well the recording works as an album
- Favorite song(s)
Castaways and Cutouts - The Decemberists (2002)
This is a band for English majors. I imagine many of it's members were English majors, or at least the lead singer was. Only English majors would use the imagery and vocabulary that Colin Meloy uses. Or they could have been theater kids - they like to wear costumes, especially nautically inspired pieces that are reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Whatever their degrees, they are among my favorite bands, although this is not my favorite album by them. It doesn't work as well as a whole as some of the others. I saw them at ACL a few years ago and they were really good, but I think they'd be better in a smaller venue.
Faves - July! July!, Grace Cathedral Hill, Clementine, The Legionnaire's Lament
The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2006)
This is my favorite Decemberists album, mostly because it is an Album. It was obviously conceived as a whole and though the songs work independently, they are much better as a unit. Some of the tracks are actually multiple songs. The three song Crane Wife series is heartbreaking, even if you don't know the old story behind it, and it works to frame the album musically and thematically. Most of the songs are about relationships and how the choices of those involved and outside circumstances keep them apart. I really love how they started the album with the third part of the trilogy and end with the upbeat Sons and Daughters. If you were only going to have one Decemberists album in your collection, this should be it.
Faves - The Crane Wife 3, The Crane Wife 1&2, Sons & Daughters
Her Majesty - The Decemberists (2003)
The Attorney just got this CD for Christmas, so I haven't listened to it as much as the other Decemberists albums. I can definitely hear the growth from Castaways and Cutouts, though, and it is much more of an album than C and C, both stylistically and thematically. Most Decemberists songs don't seem to be set in present time, and that is definitely true of the songs on this album. Each song is about a character and the characters have strong voices, even though they are all sung by Colin Meloy and aren't all in first person. It's fun and it's growing on me with every listen and confirming my theory that the band is full of English majors.
Faves - Billy Liar, Red Right Ankle, Song for Myla Goldberg
Picaresque - The Decemberists (2005)
This is my second favorite Decemberists album. I'm not sure if that's a quality judgment or because it's the first one we owned and the one I've seen them perform the most songs from. I do hear even more growth from their earlier albums and more strides toward making a cohesive album. Like Her Majesty, this album introduces us to a cast of characters, all flawed and mostly seedy. Colin Meloy gets to use big words like palanquin and pachyderm and lithe largess (all in one song!) and the nautical vibe is fully realized in The Mariner's Revenge Song. This is what I saw them perform at the ACL fest, and they had a great time doing it.
Faves - The Infanta, The Sporting Life, The Engine Driver, The Mariner's Revenge Song
The Rocky Mountain Collection - John Denver (1996)
Yep, it's another greatest hits collection, and a double disc at that! Unfortunately, it's one of those cases where the second disc is mostly second tier stuff. There are some good things there, but there's also a lot of cheese. I love John Denver and appreciate his song writing ability and what he was about, but he recorded some really cheesy music. And if I don't know the cheese by heart and have fond childhood memories of it, I can't really appreciate it. The first disc is awesome, however, and has all the songs you want and in good, decently clean arrangements. My aunt has a John Denver greatest hits CD that we have subtitled "The Twinkling Doodley Bells Mix" because all of the songs have this extra stuff in them.
Faves - Sunshine on My Shoulders, Take Me Home Country Roads, Starwood in Aspen, Rocky Mountain High, Back Home Again, Thank God I'm a Country Boy
Survivor - Destiny's Child (2001)
I hadn't listened to this CD in a long time, partly because the Attorney had it at his office for several months (years?). It's fun, but I think Beyonce has done better work as a solo artist. It's also very empowering, to use one of the Attorney's favorite words. These girls are sassy and don't take anything from anybody. They're also comfortable with their bodies and aren't afraid to sing about it! It ends with an out of place gospel medley and then a track where the girls thank each other and talk about what good friends they are and how much they love working together. This is ironic because I'm pretty sure Beyonce left the group shortly after they finished touring for this album. I never saw them live, but I would like to see Beyonce. And I don't think I'd have to work hard to convince the Attorney to go to that show!
Faves - Independent Women, Fancy, Bootylcious
His 12 Greatest Hits - Neil Diamond (1974)
Since this is from 1974, this CD does not include some of my favorite ND songs - "Coming to America," "Turn on Your Heartlight" and "Love on the Rocks" (all products of the 80's, I believe), but it does have some good stuff. All twelve might have been hits on the chart, but they're not all great. Neil Diamond is what he is, take him or leave him, and I'm glad I have this in my collection.
Faves - Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
Home - The Dixie Chicks (2002)
This is the only Dixie Chicks album I own, and I'm glad. I like some of their earlier stuff, but this album showcases the older, wiser chicks. And it was recorded here in Austin and produced by Texas music legend Lloyd Maines, so the overall style is more Texas than Nashville, which I like. It has a nice pace and mix of styles of songs. And these chicks can play their instruments! It also has songs written by two of my favorite songwriters, Patti Griffin and Bruce Robison. I recommend it, even for non-country music fans.
Faves - Truth No. 2, Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Top of the World, Long Time Gone
Welcome to 2010! Forecast? More blogging!
Sorry I've been such a blog slacker. I don't like to make new year's resolutions, but I do try to start a few new things or renew things I've let slide at the beginning of the year. Blogging is one of those. I know the hip kids have moved on to other things, but this format works for me and writing is good for me, so here I am. I even made a few cosmetic changes to inspire me and celebrate the new year.
I never really gave my daily topic idea the old college try, so I'm going to attempt that again. I'm definitely sticking with Music Monday and Wacky Web Wednesday. I'll see how the spirit moves me with the others.
Thanks for sticking with me (if anyone is still out there)!
I never really gave my daily topic idea the old college try, so I'm going to attempt that again. I'm definitely sticking with Music Monday and Wacky Web Wednesday. I'll see how the spirit moves me with the others.
Thanks for sticking with me (if anyone is still out there)!
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