Dreamiscles

"Untitled" by Sara Johanne Larssen

Very dramatic post today. Though I'd start it off with an eye-opening picture. She has a host of other blood-oozing related pictures in her Flickr photostream, and I adore her collection of black and white's (her colour shots are amazing, as well).

So I've been catching up on my shoegazing lately the last few days since good ol' Sel gave me a brief overview of good and basic shoegazing. Turns out I've been a shoegaze fan longer than I thought- I've been listening to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Blonde Redhead for a while. Didn't even notice they were in that niche until our conversation. Anyhow, it was a lazy Monday morning and I had no idea what to post, and he shouted a few Slowdive songs. 

Slowdive- I had never heard of them until Monday. Fuck my life, I love them. Listen to their song, "Catch the Breeze"- it's dreamy, breathless... I've been obsessed with it the last three days.

My Bloody Valentine- probably the band with the greatest association to shoegaze. To be honest, I had heard so much about them (especially from my senior year English Lit. teacher- she had crazy amazing music taste), yet I never took the time out of my life to actually listen to any of their songs. Shame on me. If you haven't heard any of there material, consider yourself redeemed and take a listen below.

Here are the gods of it all; they have inspired so many artists, even beyond the shoegaze limits, such as Thom Yorke, Sonic Youth, and The Flaming Lips (and yes I read this on iTunes). CAN emerged in the late 60s/early 70s, forming music tagged as krautrock, a very trippy experimental collection of songs. When I first heard "Mushroom," I was sure it was a modern song. I pretty much crapped when I found out Tago Mago came out in the early 70s.

A much newer band that have taken CAN as a huge influence, and I've written about them before, and I've pretty much been dreaming about them ever since I saw them on that boiling summer day almost one month ago, is Autolux. I feel like I should post "Turnstile Blues" today just because it is so damn good. Again, dreamy. Not hazy- that's just a rough word.

Well,  I think that is about it, folks. Other news- I have finally purchased my first Mac. I'm (slowly) typing this new blog on my laptop. I desperately need a stinkin mouse. This finger touchpad sucks.

Hej hej,

Any

Spunk

I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to make this blog, and since I'm not in the mood to start reading yet, I decided to do this epic, post filled with energized guitar-driver songs. I know I've gone either folky, dancey, or just plain meditational on you. So, I will make it up but throwing in some variety. And I promise you downloads at the end of this (wahey!). Please, stick with me here- it is going to take intense concentration to listen to all of these tracks. Ready?
Oh, and, both photos posted are mine- if you're feeling generous, please feel free to click on 'em to see more about 'em.
I'll start out with a little Cajun Dance Party. Last summer I denied my approval for them. I feel like a tit- they're so fun. I heard their single, "Colourful Life" and I have to admit it's awesometastic. Judge it for yourself -I'm really limiting my words per song today- there are so many!

Here's another firey tune from Florence & The Machine that I had heard about but never really went about listening to 'em. Many say it's for fans of Kate Nash, but I say that you just better bob your darn head. It's catchy, and the playful tones will pretty much have you forget she's singing about beating the crap out of him.

The next tune I bring to you is by The Morlocks from their new album, Easy Listening for the Underachiever. It's a healthy classic rock vibe, fused with rock 'n roll handclaps and raspy vocals- perfect for a new Garnier Fructis or Rimmel make up commercial- it's got that grit and edge to it.

To close up this extravaganza, I bring you a double feature from Gothenberg (Sweden...) and just the music flooding out of there right now is immense. I want to move there just because of it! The band I'd love to present is Bye Bye Bicycle. I'm digging their tunes "Eastside" and "Westside"- I really can't lick my finger down on them right now. I upped them specially for you, on imeem to listen, and divshare to download if it tickles your ears.

Interested?

Westside

Eastside

Sorry it was a little bland type of post, but- I hope you liked the music!

Hej hej,

Any

Space Disco

"Paint Splatter" by starlitandmoonstruck

I love the lighting and colours of this. What a mess this must have been, but I bet it was fun to do. If I were in the models position, I'd most likely be scared of the fact there was paint over my eyes- massive globs of it, to the point that if I opened them... I'd not see. Still, it's brilliant.

Today I bring you a (close to) thirty minute song from Lindstrøm of Norway. His 'first proper album' debuts on the start of the Beijing Olympics (counting down, baby)- 8.8.08. It's a really laidback and fuzzy, wild ride. He's credited to making 'space disco' and I think that is a pretty accurate description. It's like Sally Shapiro, minus the vocals, plus the spacey swirls. So kick off your shoes, and just take a half hour to relax. Take some time out for yourself. You'll feel better. And what better to listen to relax with then Where You Go I Go Too?

Hej hej,

Any.

32. Life is a Test. It is Only a Test.

"Early AM" by Jesse Jacobs

Isn't that beautiful? There are no words to describe when I first saw that photo- just the colours floating over his face. It almost looks like his spirit is rising from his body.

I've gotten very far in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff by (Dr.) Richard Carlson. I've put Season of the Witch on the backburner for the time being, I'm just going to finish this Carlson piece today- it's really a must-read when you're struggling with some little loose ends in your life. He's brought some of the most minute and common characteristics that are possessed in all of us as a human race, and showing how that tiny bit in us just builds so high that we just panic for absolutely no reason. We're basically driving ourselves crazy without realizing it, and so we're pointing fingers to the darling old lady that walked by you on the street for the cause of our insanities. Even the smallest things, like not arguing who's turn it is to take out the trash (seriously, something this small) can benefit. It's okay to not always be "right," even if they aren't- you don't need to glory all of the time. The most surprising so far was, "It's okay to be bored."

I thought he was nuts. Being bored hurts! Then I gave him a chance, took his previous advice to not be so judgemental (see all sides of the situation, listen) and he was right. It worked last night when it was that hour where I couldn't exactly go to sleep and I really shouldn't take a walk by myself. I then started to think, "Maybe I should clean my room," then, "This is exactly what he was talking about. You just always want to do something. So I just calmed for about fifteen minutes on my bed, then picked up the book and started to read again. Amazing.

As for the music of the day, I bear more gifts from the (amazing, fantabulous, best ever... I'm getting carried away) country of Sweden. Some filthy mouthed rappers knowns as Maskinen who's first single, Alla Som Inte Dansar, is by no means appropriate to the ears if you understand it. Now, I'm sure most of you reading this don't know a lick of Swedish, so you're safe:

On Tuesday (I think...?) they dropped their latest song, Segertåget, and I have to admit it's miles better and more addictive than Alla Som Inte Dansar. The bass is so thick and juicy and make you jump up from your seat to just fucking dance. Which is what they would like you to do, naturally. You'll be so busy with the beat you won't notice the (again) filthy lyrics, and the Portuguese thrown in the chorus. The video is beyond bitchin' so give it a watch:

Hej hej,
Any

Put Some Sunshine in Your Life.

"a big nothing - 2" by Anne-Hélène Lebrun (a.k.a. Frall)

Howdy, ya'll. I hope everyone is having a beautiful day, evening, or whatever time it is when you are reading this. I have been a major slacker by not updating my blog as often as I should, it's just I try to make a point at including a song in my post... and I haven't really found anything worth posting lately! Anyhow, I've been rescued and have found something.
I present to you Micah P. Hinson. Hailing from the good ole' U.S.A. his cutesy banjo (which really made the instant descision for me to post this. I'm a sucker for banjo's) and Johnny Cash-inspired vocals, it was an instant winner to my ears. It's a short song, falling under 2 minutes, but it's pretty much the adorable love song of the moment:

Next I bring not one, but two songs from one artist that I had never heard of before posting: Adam & the Amethysts. Their latest record, Amethyst Amulet, was released on the little Montreal label Pome Records on June 10 of this year. Their two songs I have heard, "The Return" and "Stupid Ocean," have given me a good reason to discover their other songs- they infuse folk and pop with whispy vocals, like a feathery counterpart to The Submarines. Give them a go:

I finished my book, Looking For Alaska by John Greene, and I have to tell you I cried. I maybe shouldn't have cried, but I did. It was a good way to tie up loose ends at the finish- it was the book that I wanted to finish to go to new books, but didn't really want it to end. Damn you, John Green! I'm going to search for his other book, An Abundance of Katherine's on my next trip to the library. If not, I'm going to just have to buy it. I definitely would buy it- I have to support him somehow! Alaska was sent to me from the publisher... I should just buy the thing. Erg but that money can be saved for long term investments... like in my orientation trip to Seattle.

That is in two weeks.

I can't believe it's approaching so fast... I'm a bit intimidated, I'll be honest, but I just have to make the best of it.

I think tomorrow I'm going to do a little browsing on eBay to see prices of things I found in my closet that I can price range at the garage sale. I have so many things, I can't stand it anymore! If you're a TY Beanie Baby collector, just hit me up. I can't believe I was into that hype...

"Flowers and Buds" by grael

I thought I would end this with a bit of sunshine from the poppy fields...

Go on and have a bright, sunshiney day.

Hej hej,

Any

Car Her

"trust me" by & down (a.k.a. Philipp)

I know- two blogs in one day! Go me. I was about to get into the shower when I suddenly remembered the new Van She song, "Strangers". I simply just couldn't wait and had to post it.

This is the radio edit provided from Modular (Records) and I simply ador Van She as not only their Tech remix Team, but as a group. Their own music has evolved loads since the release of their first album ("Kelly" is ringing in my ears as we... erm... read), and I truly admire their work. The new material is much less 80s New Wave influence, and it appears they are taking Cut Copy, their fellow Aussie labelmate's, route. They have only a fraction of the success Cut Copy has tasted. I, personally, love both groups. It isn't nice of me to compare the two, but there is just some element in the two of them that link them yet differ them.

And I feel generous- it was a pain in the butt to upload this, but here is my first download I'm offering to you, so please be generous and thank me if you do (or do not) like it.

Click for download: "Strangers" (Yuksek Remix) by Van She

Hej hej,

Any

Museums and Prisons

"Thinking what Im thinking" by from from a second story. (aka Mike)
Couple things today. A new pre-listening edit from Of Montreal is out on the net! Less than half a day ago it was uploaded to Fairtilizer (thank life for that site, bless) and it is just- just- oh gooorsh, listen.

Just what I would expect from them, pure Of Montreal fashion. They make you dance before you even know what the hell they are talking about. I'm hinting to you to stop reading this and start listening to the lyrics. *pause* Mhmm. Now I'm excited for what's in store for us in October.

Here's a bit of experimental instrumental rock from jolly ol' Scotland, provided by the band Errors. I just found them today, I'm a bit sad for how much I've missed out from their tunes for the last few years. If you're in the UK this summer and going to festivals, please do me a lovely favour and check them out and report to me how it was! For now, listen to their song, "National Prism" from their newest album, Not Something But It Is Like Whatever.

I'd love to talk about my last few days. I know you don't care, and won't read this, but I'm going to sort it out anyway.

I'm experiencing much... hmmm, what is the word? Satisfaction. Yes- satisfaction. I have been having a positive outlook on a lot of things, and taking walks is a wonderful way to do it. I walked to the library yesterday, and I didn't take any pictures. There wasn't really anything that caught my eye... When I got to the library, I had my forms for my card filled out (last Friday when I went they said that I had to have a parent sign the form because I am a minor. Lame). She asked if my parent was with me to verify the address, and I was going to gripe, 'Are you shitting me?' but it is a public library, I kept my composure. I offered her my ID (oh how amazing instincts are! I was going to not bring my wallet with me!) and she then went into the computer to add me to the system, then said, "Uhm... you already have a card with us.

Eff. I did. Ten years ago! I forgot I had one at that particular library. They replaced the card without a fee because it was my first time losing it, and they checked out the books they had on hold for me since Friday.

What I snagged- a few mystery romance novels. *cheese*

1. Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert

2. Hooked by Matt Richtel (this cover makes me dizzy)

3. When She Was Bad by Jonathan Nasaw

Reasons for grabbing them? I seriously went in looking for The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, but they didn't have anything shelved by him (yes, it's a very dinky hole in the wall library) and the copy of that is missing at the Pasadena Centreal Library. I have to resort buying it eventually...

1. Because it's got magic! and romance. Rawr- spicy combo. 2. Because the cover is cool, and the tagline on the bottom says, "A thriller about love and other addictions." Yep, I'm Hooked. (poor me... I try). 3. Only because the title sounds like a Seventies porno.

While I was digging in a hall closet to count how many undeveloped rolls and disposable cameras of film I need to take to CVS this week (11 if you're wondering, all expired sometime around 03), I found a couple unfinished cameras and went outside to take some (naturally) and I'm excited to see the outcome.

And I found a book!

I wanted to read it when I was younger but I thought it was too "grown up" for me. You may have heard of it: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. I added the Ph.D part because when I receive my PhD and publish books, I sure as hell would like to flaunt those 3 pretty-combo-of-letters at the end of my name. Anyhow, I was flipping through it and I reember someone gave this to my mother. She never read it, but I think I am at a point in my life where I can understand what this man>>doctor has to say. I flip about little things- like when I can't find a pair of shoes, or when I say the wrong things. I just want to chill out and take life as it comes- I can do that. This book might be able to word what I have been struggling to tell myself to do. I'm not to keen on wording things properly, which is pretty silly with me wanting to be a creative writing/ journalism major.

"All i can do is just pour some tea" by from a second story.

Tea? Check out the rest of this kids flickr! His "Innovation" set is very interesting. I can't believe it- another fourteen year old creative genius featured on the blog. Now: make some tea, pour for two, drink it down, then have some brew. I wish you a bright and sunny day tomorrow!

Hej hej,

Any