new york got me.

Earlier this week I headed up to NYC to meet up with friends and have a pseudo-vacation. This trip reinforced my plan to branch out of DC. The increasingly underwhelming art and culture scene in Washington suffers from an overbearing focus on politics, the transient nature of the area, and lack of venues to create/debate cultural dialogues. Three days in New York revitalized me from my stupor and gave me faith that I can stop my laziness with a little inspiration. I was always the person who said I like NYC as a place to visit, but could never picture myself living there. The fast pace, which was a deterrent in the past, proves to be more of a motivator.  At this point, it seems like leaving DC is possibly the best option to make some strides in my aspirations.

On a less serious side, here are a few things to check out in NYC on any random Sunday:
*Start with spectacularly delicious margaritas and Mexican at Barrio Chino.
*Meander to free shows in the lobby at the Ace Hotel- picture ambient electronic sounds (Ghenghis Hans & Color War were there the night I went), kitschy decor, a bar, and the bustle of a busy hotel environment.
*Try to get into "Not Your Standard Bingo" at the Standard Grill- huge punch bowl, bingo, karaoke, dancing on tables, shots, shame, general tomfoolery and camaraderie. 
*Finish off the night with a trip to the swanky and sexy Le Bain on the rooftop of the Standard.

PS. My new favorite song- "No Angels".

i'm not asking for a storm.

I am about a year late on this record and album, but it is too good not to write about. First Aid Kit are Swedish sisters (Joanna and Klara) with a knack for American folk music. "Emmylou" is a single off of The Lion's Roar (2012). I highly recommend the whole album.

The concept and artistry in this song is something that I rarely find. Rich harmonies and steel guitar relay the haunting story of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris' partnership along with the great love and influence June Carter and Johnny Cash had for one another. Nostalgia comes flowing from the video, which was filmed in Joshua Tree where Parsons requested his ashes be scattered when he died young at age 26. The sisters somehow just "get" it.

They Make Patti Smith Cry
The Lion's Roar Live

sound city.

Dave Grohl has directed a documentary about the legendary Sound City Studios. Formerly in Van Nuys, California, Sound City produced more than 100 gold and platinum albums from 1960 until closing in 2011. Artists included Neil Young, Buckingham Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Pat Benetar, Rick Springfield, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, and more. Grohl intertwines first person accounts from the artists and employees with historical footage and a soundtrack of songs recorded at the studio.

What really resonates in this film is the technological shift from analog to digital and its influence on the studio, artist, and recorded music in general. The Neve 8028 console was innovative in 1973 at the time it was purchased by Sound City for $75,000. It played a large role in fostering the unique production and drums present in recordings. Problems arose when analog techniques could not stand up to Pro Tools and its earlier incarnations. Computers came into the picture, tape turned to compact disc, and studios were expected to do a complete overhaul to keep up. Sound City kept afloat as long as they could after the change, but in the end they simply didn't have the funds or business to stay open. Grohl ended up purchasing the console and producing a reunion album bringing together Sound City artists.

The debate on digital v. analog is complex. There are obvious innovations made possible by digital recording techniques. It is easier to fix mistakes or chop up parts of a track and put them back together. From hip-hop sampling to auto tune these new possibilities leave me with mixed feelings. A part of me prefers analog methods because it forces the artist to be good at their craft. As a singer, I think it's important to actually be capable of performing the music that is being put out under the artist's image. Otherwise, I'm supportive of new additions allowing music to progress in different directions. Digital technology has progressed to a point that home recording is a reality for the masses. I truly do appreciate that I have professional-level production at my fingertips for a nominal fee.

i am nothing without pretend.

Sunday night, Baltimore two-piece Wye Oak played at Black Cat. I have been a fan for a while so it was exciting to see them on their closeout show for this US tour.

Along with a few new songs, they played much of Civilian (2011) and finished with their classic cover of The Kinks' "Strangers". My favorite song was the title track. Jenn Wasner's strong haunting vocals and Andy Stack's ambidextrous backing additions made for an entertaining combination.

i got it, you got it, she's got it.

I haven't been to a show in a while, partially due to laziness and apathy to the current popular music. My friend and I had planned on attending Hopscotch festival, but that plan got sidelined as well. When I found out that festival headliner The Jesus and Mary Chain would be playing at the 9:30 Club I jumped at the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands who of course broke up in 1998/99 and have been playing sporadically since then.

The audience of the sold out show was more diverse in age than you would see at most 9:30 events. It was nice to see everything from original fans to younger people who discovered them after they disbanded. Reunions are tricky, as is the controversy of fifty year old musicians taking the stage. Watching recordings of The Jesus and Mary Chain at Coachella in 2007 I wasn't pleased with the sound and so it's a bit nerve wracking to think that it might not be up to all the hype. Well, they surpassed my expectations.

With these types of shows the vibe can be more important than the song choice. For a band notorious for acrimony, they seemed appreciative towards the crowd and put on a great performance. I would have loved to hear more from Darklands (1987), but as the band explained they wanted to put together a setlist full of crowd-pleasing hits for this tour. It was an enjoyable show and I hope they put out their new music soon so I can see what direction they are moving into.

setlist

SXSW 2012.

After the past few years vacationing at Winter Music Conference in Miami and Coachella in Palm Springs, I decided to take the trip to Austin for South By Southwest. My friends and I didn't buy badges, which ended up saving us a lot of money. We were still able to see pretty much everyone we wanted to by RSVPing to events. Here are my favorite parts...

A. Performances [chronological order].
1. Star Slinger at Mohawk- DJ set
2. Miike Snow at Stubbs
3. Ramesh [formerly of Voxtrot] at the old Emo's space, The JR
4. Dry the River at the Spotify House
5. Zulu Winter at Mohawk
6. Girls at Stubbs
7. Diplo at the 1100 Warehouse
8. Black Star at Google
9. The DC guys, US Royalty at Virgin House
10. Sofi at Virgin House & The W Hotel

B. Meeting interesting people, spending time with friends, white picket fences, and unlimited barbecue.

i sang "i love you, but i have to cut you loose".

Last night, I had the privilege of seeing Youth Lagoon perform to a sold-out crowd at The Red Palace. While Trevor Powers claimed he was sick, he didn't miss a beat as he played the entirety of the record. I was curious as to how the music would translate live, but it was a non-issue (my sole, minute criticism is that I wanted to hear more bells for the grandiose end of "Bobby").

Powers' live persona lends perspective to this quote:

Youth Lagoon isn't me. It's merely a part of me. I was in and out of different bands in high school and always tried to define myself by what music I played. I tried to find a sense of meaning by being in a band. But it wasn't until this last year - when I realized I was more than just music - that I was able to create music that means something to me. And that is Youth Lagoon.

He showed a far more chipper side than I think many expected. Plus, he hung around to sign merchandise and converse with eager stragglers (me included). I anxiously await what's next because along with Beirut's The Rip Tide, The Year of Hibernation is pretty much the only new music that I have on constant repeat.