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.

don't have to be so sad about it, people will say.

Another show I thought I'd never see came to fruition last Thursday night. The Glands played a spectacular set at Black Cat backstage. The mysterious band from Athens, GA had suddenly added a short series of tour dates down the east coast.

I arrived to a buzzing section of fans, we were all wondering exactly what we were in for. That turned out to be an epic setlist of most songs off of Double Thriller (1998) and The Glands (2000), including vinyl-only tracks. The guitars and vocals made the overall message of the music even more vivid. Ross Shapiro's sardonic lyrics somehow poke fun at depressing subject matter, making the songs seem more cheerful, but still extremely relatable. These songs make me desperately hope for a new album of someone else explaining my feelings to me. Regardless, it was a priceless show and I'm really glad I got to see them play. They were extremely gracious to the crowd, playing a two-song encore, selling their own merch, and staying to chat.

Below is the gang performing my all-time-favorite: "Fortress".

i will not hear you out, you tried to drown me once.

I have found a bit of a kindred spirit in Trevor Powers' Youth Lagoon project. The songs are an introspective, honest, and sometimes eerie look at the ups and downs of living and emotion.



"For my whole life I've dealt with extreme anxiety." says Powers. "Not anxiety about passing a test or somewhat normal things, but weird.. bizarre things. Things that only I know. I sometimes feel like I'm literally being eaten up inside. So I started writing these songs. Not just songs about my anxiety, but about my past and my present. Songs about memories, and all those feelings that those bring. I know that if I can be honest about what is inside my mind, there will be others that will be able to relate to it."

2011 hrc national dinner.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the HRC National Dinner. It was a fabulous evening focused on civil and human rights. This was HRC president Joe Solmonese's last dinner before he plans to step down. Among guests were President Barack Obama, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cyndi Lauper, and Betty DeGeneres.

The speeches focused on marriage equality, hospital visitation, hate crimes legislation, and of course the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. It was an amazing night, seeing everyone come out in support for equal rights.


text and video of the speech
huffington post article
cyndi lauper

there's no such thing as dragonfly pills.

I will be covering this song at a few upcoming shows with Last Tide. So excited to be singing again. Love the minimalism and high harmony.

COACHELLA.

one week.

the days whispered and shouted.

"Plains" by Wye Oak became my new favorite song yesterday when a friend sent it to me. I'll mostly let it speak for itself, but this Baltimore duo have really caught my attention with the harmony they make between soft & loud, and between languid & accelerative.

live NPR podcast (black cat).

they use smiles to bury you.

A curious band, Esben and the Witch, played Thursday night at the Red Palace. The English trio took the stage with a sense of the fairytale and a gothic touch. It was almost like a dream sequence. Vocalist Rachel Davies let her long hair flow over her face as she sang strong smooth words and provided the sole percussion. The set was magical in a way, and though they aren't shoegaze in a traditional sense, their detached synchronization worked well for the music. They have been signed to Matador, and I would like to see them continue to garner positive attention.

video:
they use smiles to bury you
marching song

i'm comin' home for you.

DC hometown favorites US Royalty just released their debut album, Mirrors. Their sound has evolved from their earlier work, but their influences remain similar. My favorite track is "Monte Carlo".



spin article/mp3

and i'm asking you, can you still love me...

Photo by Anouck Bertin.

Colonel K Speaks informed me this afternoon that Ramesh Srivastava has recently released a solo EP. This is exciting because its the first music he's made public since the dissolution of Voxtrot.

The following tracks can be streamed on his website:

1. the king
2. romeo (void)
3. recording heathen earth

As usual, Srivastiva's lyrics and vocals are on-point. He keeps things fairly simple, with strangely pastoral string arrangements and acapella segments. "Romeo (Void)" counters this with electronics and a drum machine. It seems he is experimenting with what sound he wants to move into. I am glad to see him going forward individually and am, for the most part, pleased with the result. I hope these tracks will be up for download/purchase at some point.