Stranger in Silverlake

Eagle Rock Rocks

2012-02-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I went with Noey to see Atlas Sound at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts (http://www.centerartseaglerock.org/). Still not totally clear on where Eagle Rock is, but it's not that far from my place. And strangers, this "center" is awesome. It's basically a high school gym slash church, with a stage in front of a GIANT dramatic window and a makeshift bar with people selling strange beers I've never heard of. Most of the people there looked like 18 year old high school seniors, looking for something to do on a Friday night.

Atlas Sound is what Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox has been calling his solo work since he was 10 and the show was wonderful. I don't know that I could pick out specific "hits," but his voice is so special and he does everything himself on stage and had a lovely rapport with the audience. I was in a trance. It was good.

Here are some unrelated songs I like today:

1) "California" by Delta Spirit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gRn3_9p8w) Did I already post this song? Whatever I love this band. They're a California band (I loved Matt Vasquez's LA diet http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/2011/02/delta_spirits_matt_vasquez_for.html) that did a long stint in Brooklyn and it's nice to have them singing a song called "California" rather than one called "Bushwick Blues" for selfish reasons. This song is definitely more "pop" for them than I am used to, though they've toyed with this beat before and Vasquez's voice is always unique and undeniable. Excited for the new album.

2) School of Seven Bells' new song that I heard in my car on 88.5 and didn't catch the name of. What is their new song called, Strangers? Seriously, I It was so M83-does-a-ballad! I dug it!

3)"Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb6eDopW8I&ob=av2e) So this song sounds a little Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros meets Mumford & Sons, but I like it, and I think it's elevated by the female singer's voice. She's kinda Kate Nash meets Dolores O'Riordan. I like to meet things today.

Thanks Em...

2012-02-28T14:52:00.002-08:00

Booking my ticket to Philly now...thank you Emily for sending:

http://www.cakespy.com/blog/2012/2/28/sweet-of-the-day-ice-cream-in-pretzel-cones-millers-twist-ph.html

Um

2012-02-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I slipped and fell into a box of McDonald's chicken nuggets. And fries. And then Anna and I watched The Bodyguard and swooned over Kevin Costner.

So it was an incredibly awesome/terrible weekend.

Hot New Track!

2012-02-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ha, that post title is so funny to me. I just wanted to type "hot new track" so badly, so I did it. However, I am into the new single from M.Ward, "Primitive Girl." It's good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KADgwgjCWiI

Right? I really do NOT care for the doody-tweeness of She and Him and a lot of M. Ward songs carry that overly-cutesy, bullshit stench with them, but this one seems fresh, maybe with a faint Ben Folds/silly-piano odor. See how far I took that smell metaphor?

I myself am NOT a primitive girl. Without makeup, I sort of look like one of those dancing claymation raisins that sung "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" in those commercials back in the day. Don't know what I'm talking about? Yeah, I'm old. Anyway, I'm just gonna play this song on repeat and picture Keri Russell in a field or something. And by Keri Russell I mean Scott Speedman.

2 Bands 2Day

2012-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lil Strangers, I got Spotify. I don't know how to work it except that I can look up any music I want and listen to it and everyone I am friends with on Facebook can tell when I am listening to Lady Antebellum. Anyway, I listened to the new Sleigh Bells album, Reign of Terror and it is GREAT. Like, I saw them live so I know they put on a good show (just so LOUD and aggressive and dance-y), but aside from "Rill Rill," I wasn't thrilled with their last album. This one KILLS ME, it is so badass. I especially rec "Born to Lose," "End of the Line," "Leader of the Pack," "Road to Hell" and "You Lost Me." Okay, that is half the album, but it is enthralling and I love it.

I ALSO am loving Lower Dens. The new single "Brains" is very good, but I am discovering the 2010 album Twin-Hand Movement for the first time, and I am getting kind of crazy about it. "Blue and Silver" and "I Get Nervous" are lovely, and while I cannot make out the lyrics, "A Dog's Dick" seems like a really romantic love song. Seriously. Listen to it!

In short...Spotify, iPhone, it's the future.

Pioneertown!!!

2012-02-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Okay but first, the other night I went to this new record store in Los Feliz called High-Fidelity Records (http://www.yelp.com/biz/high-fidelity-los-angeles-2). Yes, the name is a schmaltzy reference to a GREAT book AND movie (so into Stephen Frears' stuff), but the place is surprisingly great too! They were having their opening party with free beer and wine and you could bring in your used records. This band, The Peach Kings (http://thepeachkings.com/) performed...and they rocked. They were a lot harder live than on their album, which I obviously LOVED. They sounded kind of like The Kills (and you know my intense emotions about Alison Mosshart) and there is an awesome dynamic between the singer and the studly young guitarist (sorry strangers, I think they're a COUPLE (explaining the sexy vibe)). Anyway, it was a pretty cool event.

So THEN I went to Pioneertown with some friends for the weekend. If you have never heard of this place, that's OKAY, but just listen to my advice and go NOW. It's this little ghost-town right outside of Joshua Tree where they used to film Westerns back in the day. There's an adorable inn there (http://www.pitowninn.com/), where we stayed. Look at the cuteness:

OMG YOU GUYS I KNOW, the iPhone takes a much better pic. Here are Kyle and Julie by a bull (fake) outside the inn (not sure what Kyle is doing behind the statue).

That is a fake hotel in the ghost town. I sort of wanted to stay there.

This is a kind-of racist Mexican gnome statue that I wanted to steal. I didn't.

OH NO!!! Julie is in JAIL.

So there is like, this kitsch graveyard in the ghost town and they lined up some weird, old typewriters. Also, Kalen made me lift one and it was like a million pounds.

So, a stone's throw from the motel is this place called Pappy and Harriet's (http://www.pappyandharriets.com/), which is basically Heaven on Earth. It's this giant restaurant/bar where they have insane BBQ and a different musical act almost every night. So like, you can eat this:

And then dance to a band like Dengue Fever (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_Fever_(band)
Strangers, this band is NO JOKE. The singer is Cambodian and she sings mostly IN Cambodian, accompanied by some SICK psychedelic rock. They blew me away. Then we had an afterparty and passed out pretty early.

The next day my friend Erin joined us, we went to this DELICIOUS brunch place in Joshua Tree called The Crossroads Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/crossroads-cafe-joshua-tree). I had an omelet I created with Andouille sausage, green onion, mushrooms, and salsa and then the table shared scary things like crazy mashed potatoes with onion, cheese, sour cream and an over-easy egg on top and moist banana bread with butter (okay, my friend Jesse does NOT like butter, and he doesn't think it is necessary in general, and that's probably why he is so lean and I am jealous of him even though he is a male). Then some of us (me) decided it was too cold and windy to do the hike we planned (Julie, Kyle, and Jesse were troopers), so we went bowling. The place kind of smelled of vomit, but we had fun, and by that I mean I won. Kat Scardino will be mad that I posted this picture of her:

But STRANGERS, you could wear sweats there! Then my friends Jacqueline and Antonio and their French Canadian friend Jeremy (okay, he was just French) did another round of Pappy's with us after a very cold night attempting to camp. Things got so wild that this happened:

I don't know who that man was, but that night he was just my best friend. Then we continued the dance party and I decided to pay homage to my friend, most likely during a Whitney Houston (RIP) song:

Good times, good times.

The Big Pink

2012-02-14T11:05:00.003-08:00

Actually, their version of "Velvet" is AMAZEBALLS. I just re-listened and...wow. It's like Depeche Mode and NIN had a lusty baby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2jw-NcQ9s&ob=av2n

You're welcome.

Yeah, I Know What Day It Is...

2012-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Strangers, it's Valentine's Day, a day that has traditionally sucked for me. So let's see if a COOL V-Day in Los Feliz will be any better. That's really all I have to say. Oh wait, I feel love for you guys. Here are some songs that are not necessarily about romance...

1) "Wanderluster" by Band of Skulls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vEHX3Pi7Ks) I can't find the album version of this song on Youtube, but you guys will get the idea...also see how slick this band is live. Sweet Sour is their new album and it's a LOT darker than Baby Darling Dollface Honey (yeah, cutest album title ever), but I sort of like that. Some of their riffs are borderline CAMPY, but I really like Band of Skulls and that the male and female singers sound sooooooo great together. I think this song almost sounds like 70's Heart and in my opinion, is kind of what they were going for with this album. If that IS what they were going for, then I applaud them, because 70's Heart is badass.

2) "Velvet" by Lykke Li (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzt4sur2ct0) So this is a cover of a song by The Big Pink, but I love Lykke, so I picked her version. She's pretty good at yearning and wearing black, which are basically my two favorite qualities in a person. Love her.

3) "Little Less Conversation" by ELVIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UB-qlkJcGM) See? I'm blogging about ROMANCE! I love this song. It's so Vegas, so Tom Jones.

4) "Brothers" by The War On Drugs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9JB5YLCwgk) So I think the main dude in this band is in The Violators, Kurt Vile's band, and Vile's influence is all over this record, however this music sometimes slips into cheesy, faux-Americana for me (like that fucking STUPID Gaslight Anthem band). Mostly though, it's very pleasant listening.

PS SONG "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c&ob=av2n) Pretty sure I blogged about this song like two weeks ago but it's SO SO SOOOOO GOOD. Also, did you guys know that a dude in the band wrote this song about a girl also in the band and then MADE HER SING IT? Like made her sing HIS perspective. That's so messed up and I love it. Happy love day!

Weekend of Eating

2012-02-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

Strangers, I ate a lot this weekend. On Friday, Emily and I sampled The York in Highland Park (http://www.theyorkonyork.com/). Where is Highland Park, you ask? I really haven't the foggiest...Em drove and I felt like it was somewhere by Glendale? It's not far from Silverworld and definitely next to Eagle Rock. Anyway, after getting over my annoyance that you have to order everything at the bar and then stalk people until you get a table (probably got over this because we got a table with relative ease), I took in the very cool atmosphere and then the DELICIOUS food. I had a Kickin' Mule, which is just a really good Moscow Mule as far as I could tell, followed by a tequila drink with something grapefruit-like in it...so amazing. The most incredible thing we got were the Siracha wings. We made a huge mess and I was grateful that most of the patrons at the York were hipstery gay dudes and therefore not paying attention to me taking a bath in red hot sauce. We also got a great Caesar salad and a skirt steak with a lovely Chimichurri sauce on it. Mmmmm.

Saturday, I didn't do anything wild food-wise (but did walk the reservoir with Anna, who came to me from the Westside because I love her, and it was gorgeous as always, and then went to a very cool concert at my friend Kira's loft in Little Armenia...I KNOW. HIP). Sunday, I started out my day at Millie's with Noey (http://www.yelp.com/biz/millies-cafe-los-angeles). Again, there was an incredible concentration of stylish gay-man couples. Noelia said she felt cool by proximity (even though she's already pretty rad all alone) and I agreed that I did too. So I ordered a rosemary pork chop and two eggs over-easy, because that's what cool people do, right? Noelia had an insane Benedict thing.

Then I walked again with Em, so like, I did move my body over the weekend. We ran into our friend Alison and her delightful chum Zoe and it felt very neighborhoody and warm. And I saw this cute found-art:

Afterwards, we did laundry at Silverlake Suds (not to be cool; they removed the machines from my building because of flooding...okay fine, I had a SMALL Josh Hartnett from 40 Days and 40 Nights fantasy, but dismissed it immediately). It's a good place to do laundry: clean, fast, cheap. THEN, Em and I went to our old standby, Mae Ploy, and got a little wild. Like, it was just two of us and THIS happened:

The waitress actually SAID something to us along the lines of "are you bitches kidding with all of this food?". To be fair to myself, I had a lot of leftover stuff for lunch today. What you are looking at is papaya salad with dried shrimp, garlic and pepper beef, cashew chicken, chicken satay, pad see iew, and a crap ton of rice. Oh and me cowering in my jean jacket in the corner. So that's mostly what I did this weekend.

BOOM!

2012-02-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Oh HEY, what's this?

It's a motherlovin' iPHONE!!!! Get ready for some weird, weird texts, strangers.

Dear iPhone

2012-02-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Dear iPhone-

Where are you? My dad's secretary sent you to me days ago because I am in my late 20's, yet still on my family plan. I have been wanting you for weeks. Do you think we are star-crossed? Do the Gods want to keep me just a few steps away from COOL for the rest of my life? I have wanted to be with you for so long and it feels like fate is keeping us apart.

Did some technology-thief intercept you? Did you return to sender? I promise to be good to you! I will only take hipstamatic photos on you! I will get every app even though it will make me accidentally call my high school crush in the middle of the night! I will never drop you, even when Emily teaches me how to download that "shake puppy" app and I shake the shit out of you whilst chuckling uncontrollably at photos of adorable young dogs!

Can you just get here already? Please?

Love you already,

Stranger in Silverlake

Boyfriends

2012-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

OMGee, I love when my men collab:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2012/02/tom-jones-is-jack-whites-newest-best-friend.html

Tom Jones might be the only human who can distract me from the fact that Jack White is making love to his guitar. AND there are HORNS. I mean, for all intents and purposes, this song is totally silly. But strangers, I AM silly. This song reminds me of the fact that I like to put on a party dress and go out and spend too much money on a steak and a dirty vodka martini and then go dancing somewhere weird. Yup, doing that tonight.

Tuesongs

2012-02-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

It's hard to be creative about posting music on a Tuesday, OKAY? But, that said, it's easy to find actual tunes to type about. If I was being completely honest with you, my tiny little strangers, I would confess that for the past 2-5 days, I have just been listening to Sharon Van Etten's "Love More" on repeat (hey! I alternate between her version and Justin Vernon's, OKAY?), but in an attempt to appear slightly less pathetic than usual, I will offer up some more varied melodies. Also, I am going to see Sharon in real life at the Avalon in March! The Avalon is cool (http://www.avalonhollywood.com/) and I haven't been since Mason Jennings 2006 (oh God, I am old). She's playing with War on Drugs and I like that dude too. Anyway, here we go:

1) "Burial" by Miike Snow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N-XckisnpM&ob=av2e) I was at my friend/neighbor/hero Jason's house the other evening, and this song came on. I was only ever familiar with "Animal," which I dug, but this song is much more ME. I don't know why. However, when I said aloud, "I love this song," my friend Jon immediately responds "I KNEW you'd love this song." I don't know if he was insulting me maybe, but at least he GETS me, right?

2) "All I Need" by Radiohead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY4APDrl66s) So sometimes I ignore the later Radiohead albums. For me, The Bends is IT. Like, that album is so melodic and has such a rich story to every song and I'm sorry, I am a very literal person and Thom Yorke is so cerebral sometimes and I feel shut out of his deep, dark head and it makes me sad. So that album is extremely accessible. But when I really listened to In Rainbows, I realized it is actually a very raw album emotionally and this song, with it's building background, ripped me right open. In a good way.

3) "Creature Fear" by Bon Iver (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdburO6YWe8) Lately, I've been getting all kinds of mushy about my love Justin all over again. I mean I was super all about him over the Summer with that recent album but then you start listening to him all the time and especially if you're in between romantic partners, you just get fucking depressed. But Bon Iver's back on my radar right now and I just rediscovered this JAM with its rocking chorus and it made me happy. Soon to be depressed, but happy, for now. Oh also Justin, don't worry, I know you're dating Kathleen Edwards and I can totally hear your influence all over her album and I will totally back off for now but like, see you in 5 years.

4) "Bye Bye Bye" by Plants and Animals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4ofb73U9ow) So this band is GOOD, but I always forget them because, I don't know, I'm a bitch. Anyway, I saw them live at the Troubadour back in the day, and I hadn't heard this song yet and I was like THIS COVER IS SO GOOD because it sounds like an old song, right? BUT I AM PRETTY CERTAIN THEY WROTE IT. And that's rad. Correct me if I'm wrong, though. God, it's good. It's like Cat Stevens and Queen made a baby.

Stranger's Still a Giant!

2012-02-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Mondrizzles Lil Strangers!

MY GIANTS WON LAST NIGHT THAT'S RIGHT I AM A COMPLETE FAIR-WEATHER FAN AND DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL BUT BY GOD, IT WAS GREAT! So I guess part of me is still tied to old NYC.

But anyway, I totally went to a hip Superbowl party in deep, deep Silverlake at my friend Audrey's house. Audrey is an extremely sweet lady who teaches Pilates (so she obviously has a hideous figure) and has a giant backyard with a pizza oven (so obviously no one wants to go over there ever). She put her TV outside and we all gathered around to watch Eli Manning make those precious, silly faces he likes to make. And strangers, I COOKED. Noelia and I made Buffalo Chicken Dip, which is like, THE BEST THING EVER. It's basically cream cheese and cheese and Frank's Red Hot sauce and cheese and chicken and CHEESE IN YOUR MOUTH. You can make it too (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/buffalo-chicken-dip/detail.aspx). Everyone loved it and ate so much of it. Okay, I ate half the bowl. Here is the party:

You can't tell how gorgeous it was because my iPhone is still in the mail and my view is obstructed by my friend Martin's GIANT HEAD.

What's funny about watching the game with hip people (I will NOT call my actual, real friends "hipsters") is that they judge all those big commercials VERY harshly (a lot of people were upset by that "naked M&M" commercial...I pretended to totally agree that it sucked and then laughed hysterically on the inside) and then Madonna's performance became a very big deal (I was sitting with a bunch of musician's for Pete's sake). We decided (and I agreed) that Madge's new song is utter doodie and I am furious I still have that chant "L.U.V., Madonna!" (disgusting) stuck in my head. I was sort of into the drum line "Open Your Heart," but that song gets me every time and "Like a Prayer," with a choir and Cee-lo in that fabulous cape I wish to purchase is just an undeniable JAM. Also, Nicky Minaj and MIA added nothing, but I LOVE that new MIA song "Bad Girls" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYs0gJD-LE&ob=av3e). Then my boys won, we hung out for a while eating more pizza and dip, got a little tipsy, and called it a night. Solid Bowl this year, friends.

Oh, HI Sharon

2012-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

So my music guru slash friend-in-general Noey just got me hooked on this lady-woman singer Sharon Van Etten. Okay, so I 've mentioned before, I am not the HIPPEST kid on the Silverlake-ian block and haven't been like, "soooo totally obsessed with her since her 2009 EP," but SO WHAT, DUDE? I like her NOW. Live in the moment! Lay off me!

Anyway, I'm completely crushing on this sad little elf, especially when she says things like, "To say the things I want to say to you would be a crime, to admit I'm still in love with you, after all this time, I'd rather let you touch my arm until you die, seduce me with your charms until I'm drunk on them go home and drink in bed and never let myself be loved like that again." UM, I AM SORRY SHARON, WHEN DID YOU BREAK INTO MY SKULL AND RIP OUT MY INNER-MOST THOUGHTS?! Okay, let's be honest, when did you overhear me bitching to my ladies at the Crow? Anyway, here are a couple of jams so you can love her too.

1) "One Day" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=7m3Ly2A9mbo&NR=1) This song kind of reminds me of Empire Records. Like the essence of the movie. I don't know.

2) "A Crime" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UHoXqlUqLk) This is the one with those incredibly painful lyrics. You strangers might judge me for saying this...but this song reminds me of Brandi Carlisle circa her "Throw it All Away" days when I was admittedly real into her music. She's good! I am not ashamed.

3) "Serpents" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYgyQ20TJAs) This song is very hot in a sort of 90's, Susanna Hoffs kind of way. Do you know who Susanna Hoffs is? Sigh, I'm OLD.

Sickness is Productive

2012-02-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

So Lil Strangers, I have strep throat. I know, I know, I'm DISGUSTING, I know. However, between lying in bed shivering and passing out at 9pm to Dance Moms (that's when you KNOW you're sick, when you cannot focus on Abby Lee Miller), I have been pretty productive. Seriously! Below please find a list of all the things I've gotten done:

1) ORDERED AN IPHONE (it's HAPPENING, Strangers. You're about to see some hella professional pictures).

2) Formatted my pilot script that I am still too shy to show anyone.

3) Cooked eggs with Mayan sweet onions, spinach and white mushroom (never mind that my strep prevented me from actually swallowing said meal).

4) Downloaded the Lana Del Rey album (I KNOW, I KNOW backlash, fake lips, some terrible songs, blah, BLAH, it's a kitsch item and I want to own it and now I DO).

5) Cleaned out my closet (when was I ever into VESTS?).

6) Did on-demand yoga (my body felt SO ACHY from sickness and lack of movement that I forced myself to stretch out).

7) BLOGGED. Thank you and good day.

I Want a Dog...

2012-01-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

...Okay, maybe I don't. It's kind of how I think of babies right now; I totally feel my biological clock yearn whenever I see one (my friends can attest, I smile at ALL BABIES), but the idea of it pooping or crying or like, not being able to hold up its own head (alson probably the fact that I call a baby "it" isn't great) makes me think no, maybe I'm not ready yet. So, of course, the next logical thought is DOG.

Here's the thing: I am terrible with animals. Okay, not TERRIBLE, but I am kind of the same way with them that I am with people; I am completely terrified at first and assume the creature will only hurt me both emotionally and physically and then once I get to know them, I love them so hard that the idea of losing them EVER makes me not want to embark upon the relationship at all. What's worse about animals is that they can't speak, so like, you could have a dog that thinks you're really unfunny or a dog that is secretly a serial killer and you would NEVER KNOW.

So all of that said coupled with the fact that I live in a little artist's studio has prevented me from purchasing a dog (or a kid). I get my kicks when I walk around the reservoir and stand outside the dog park, watching other people play with their pets (yeah, Ron Perlman, that was me trying desperately to figure out which dog was yours based on how much they looked like you). But this past Saturday, it was so beautiful out and there were SO MANY good dogs, I almost kept walking right over to the pound. I was too afraid to take a picture of an actual dog, because I was worried someone would think I was a dog thief, or the other dogs would get jealous that I had deemed one dog the cutest, so I just took pictures of my walk:

This is a field where you can do whatever. I've seen people drink, smoke, play Cornhole, play Frisbee, play footsie, do yoga and make out. It's fun.

That is a lady jogging slowly. I was walking, because I didn't want to make her feel bad. Anyway, it was a stunning day out and I ended up road tripping to San Diego to visit my gorgeous and gregarious college roommate Anne. What happened in San Diego stays in San Diego, but I WILL say I had the best time. Thank you, Frost (private, special nickname for Anne)!

HE'S ALIVE!

2012-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Thank GOD (and thanks Lindsey for sending this to me), my love has returned to the scene:

http://jackwhiteiii.com/

It's Goddamned JACK WHITE.

Finally Friday

2012-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Blah, gross week. This cleanse has stopped working, work is annoying me, and I keep ripping holes into all my tights (I just don't have an incredible gentle touch!). But music never lets me down! here is some of it for your ears:

1) "Revival" by Deerhunter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b0fDIPP-u4) I always forget how special this band is. I love them. This album, Halcyon Digest, will really blow you away, Strangers. This band has incredible range and they don't waste any notes. This song is jangly but also dark. LIKE ME.

2) "I Only Think of You" by The Horrors (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjTIbuaGozU) Skying was one of the best albums of 2011 and this band is the real deal even though they changed their image from Gothic clowns to Cure-like 80's weirdos. I think the distorted strings in this song are BEAUTIFUL and whoever made this video, I want to kiss them on the mouth part of their face, it's so lovely.

3) "About Today" by The National (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T2135xCZQ) Yeah, I warned you, I am kind of in a MOOD. This song opened the super-underrated movie Warrior and really set the tone for the entire film with its string-infused nostalgia. Side note: the guy who directed Warrior, Gavin O'Connor, also directed the great sports movie Miracle, or as my friend Elisha and I like to call it, porn. Anyway, this band may be super grumpy, but they know how to create a melody.

4) "Hurt Like Mine" by The Black Keys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSBMyGDB-6E) So this one is Lindsey's fault. We were just gripin' yesterday about how we miss the EDGE in the Keys' latest stuff. I appreciate that they're trying to change it up, and surf-rock is cool, and they told the NY Times that they didn't even like blues music (this is a crock of shit if I ever heard/read about one), but like guys, you sound better when you ROCK. Thickfreakness is such a raw, honest album and I basically like every song on there. This one has the simplest riff, but it just makes me DANCE in my chair. Yes, I'm sitting in my office.

PS Song) "Backwords" by Porcelain Raft (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1jGTFru4II) Remember how in my previous post I was obsessed with this music? WELL I STILL AM. Do yourself a favor and buy Strange Weekend on iTunes right now, the whole thing is like a dreamy, chimey, melancholy piece of CANDY. That makes sense.

Porcelain Raft ROCKS

2012-01-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Lil Strangers, I can't stop listening to Porcelain Raft! Duh, Noelia turned me onto it, but now I am a fan in my own right! It's just the kind of synth-y, sexy, sleepy shit I dig. I think Raft is just this cute, small Frenchman and his keyboard. I am going to see Raft live soon, so I will let you know. Here's a little intro play list so you can fall in love with this music too!

1) "Put Me To Sleep" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzd2CDKJ5fQ) Similar sound to The Horrors (who I ADORE), this jam had a gently building loop that really gets me into a trance. Which is good when I'm, you know, at work.

2) "Tip Of Your Tongue" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKRNDaRN94) I actually cannot stop with this one. It contains YEARNING, which you know is my favorite activity. I also love how Lil Frenchie sings "teeeep of your tongue." So Euro!

3) "Come Closer" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePRJXavFt0k) This one is kind of mid-to-late 90's-sounding for me, and duh, that is an era I super-dig. This makes me think of a kind of hip prom (like in Angus with "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star), where I am sitting on my chair alone, sad in a ethereal blue dress, when suddenly the bad boy I crush who was even gonna COME to prom, walks over to me and asks me to dance and we go cheek to cheek and a single tear runs down my face. No, YOU live in a fantasy world!

Salt's Cure Cures All

2012-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

So I had a delightful weekend. On Thursday, I saw Pina at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood(GO...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinerama_Dome ...coolest way to watch movies EVER). Pina is Wim Wenders' 3D documentary-tribute to famous dancer/choreographer Pina Beausch and it is SPECTACULAR. It's a totally different way of using 3D and for anyone who is a fan of dance, this is a a completely unique way of experiencing it- you're on the STAGE with the dancers, you can hear them breathing, see their muscles pulsing...it's just rad.

Friday, I had some buds meet me at the Thirsty Crow, and while I will always love that place and go as it is across the street from my apartment and they serve my favorite drink, the venue was less than ideal. They said they were at capacity when the bar didn't seem crowded at all, so I had a bunch of friends in line and some gave up and went home. Then, when I asked the bouncer if I could go talk to my friends in line, he told me they "didn't want traffic walking in and out," so I would basically have to get in line if I left my own party. But our waitress was lovely and I had the whole back area no problem, so if you're having a SMALL gathering (maybe not on a Friday), this place is still the tits.

Saturday, I popped by my friend/neighbor/hero Jason's in the day and did everything in my power to avoid the delicious meats they were grilling up for his brother Rob's birthday, because after hanging with Anna for a while, a bunch of us went to Salt's Cure (http://www.yelp.com/biz/salts-cure-west-hollywood) in West Hollywood for dinner and my world was rocked forever. I totally broke my diet, but then yesterday I was good, so whatever, WORTH IT. Anyway, Salt's Cure is a SMALL place, so we did have to wait like 45 minutes for our table of 7 (and we had a res), BUT, the host brought us a free bottle of wine/round of drinks and was very apologetic (hey, sometimes people take a long time to eat their food). We also got a pickle plate with the most scrumptious, lightly brined pickle slices, soft/warm pretzel bread and homemade mustard. Then we sat down and the real eating began. We got a cheese plate with three distinctive cheeses (an insanely tasty and salty hard cheese, a semi-soft and semi-stinky little number, and the best cheese I've ever had in my life, which was a blue, sort of in the vein of a Humboldt Fog) and some pistachios and jams.

The way it works at this place is that they always have the same appetizers, but the main menu consists of about ten items that change daily based on what's fresh and then are posted on a big chalkboard at the back of the room. Emily got this beautiful farmer's salad with soft cheese and the freshest (but ripe) avocado I've ever tasted. PRETTY:

I know, I know, IT'S DARK I NEED AN IPHONE. Then I ordered this raw beef sprinkled with arugula and parmesan (I THINK), which was basically a really delicate carpaccio:

Mmmm. Anna and Lindsey got amazing looking bacon cheeseburgers and Brett and Noelia got pretty-pink flank steaks; Noey's with a side of baby broccoli and Brett's came with FRIES (the fries come with mayo, which I adore, but they also make their own ketchup, if you want to order that...OF COURSE THEY DO). Kyle got a moist-looking (ew, moist) crabcake and a side of squash with a creamy hunk of maple butter on it. Emily got beautiful, HUGE grilled oysters and a side of the buttery-est mashed potatoes you've ever seen. I got a chili pork shoulder and then died and went to Heaven. Behold:

Obviously this pic doesn't do this entree justice. It was a giant, fatty, pillow-tender hunk of shoulder, marinating in a soup of its own juices with white beans and kale and I actually wanted to wash my hair in the bowl it smelled/tasted so wonderful. Also, the wine selection isn't super extensive, but after sort of a metallic red blend, Kyle ordered a DELICIOUS cab that helped send me into the food coma that followed this meal. We got this smooth, cold chocolate pudding:

How cute are those baby mason jars? They also brought me a slice of grapefruit pie with a candle in it, which we were all resistant to order but then DEVOURED as it is really a spin on a key-lime pie, except with grapefruit and therefore, fabulous. It was perfect.
Yesterday, it was a rare gray day, and I took a good, long solo-walk around the RES and kind of felt old and wistful, but in a weirdly good way. Then I went to my friends Julia and Jack's place (perfect Venice house, PERFECT funny/smart couple) to watch my Giants MAKE IT TO THE SUPERBOWL BABY!!! Jack won't let me post the photo of him getting "excited" (sounds way scarier than it was) about an intense moment of the game, so here is the TV:

Great TV, Jack and Julia! Then I went and saw Haywire with Kalen and I can't even talk about it because I love Soderbergh and this was...not good. But thanks for the memories, everyone!

It's My Birthday And I'll Scat If I Want To...

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm old. To fight depression on this scary day and to avoid going to the kitchen at work and eating like, 7 doughnuts, I am going to jam out to these songs all day. Don't judge me, just dance with me:

1) "Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)" by Scatman John (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cnQCk0u49w&ob=av2e) Just be honest with your life and enjoy this song. It is SO FUN.

2) "Tonight I'm Fucking You" by Enrique Iglesias (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDtYkOrV4-E) So this song is very honest and direct. I really appreciate how CLEAR Enrique's lyrics are. Okay, so this song is a little scary, but it's fun to dance to! I just want to dance! Just let me dance!

3) "International Love" by Pitbull (featuring that DICK Chris Brown) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdXesX6mYUE&ob=av3e) So I won't support Chris Brown anymore and buy this song, but I do love Pitbull and this is a jam. Like, it has a good message, you know? If I had one birthday wish, it would be for international love. Okay, it would be for a boyfriend, but that's the same, right?

A Meme

2012-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

So, I don't even know what "meme" MEANS really, but I am pretty sure I am about to post a meme for you. This particular meme is totally played out, what with "Shit Girls Say (parts 1 & 2)," "Shit Bartenders Say," and "Shit Your Painful Crush Says" (the last one doesn't exist but honey, I could make 7 parts, EASY) all over the interwebs.

However, as someone who hails from NYC, this one in particular made me chuckle. Co-worker Rob sent it to me by prefacing with "UGH, this is so YOU." I'd like to think he was paying me a beautiful compliment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRvJylbSg7o

I Can't...

2012-01-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

I just can't, lil strangers. The TWEE. The twee is KILLING me.

Stranger in DC

2012-01-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Lil Strangers (I like "Lil," I'm going with it)! So I just got back from our nation's capitol and I have to say, it's a lot cooler and stranger than I thought. I mean my grandpa lives there, I've been there dozens of times, but only in recent years have I discovered all the funky restaurants/bars/STUFF the city has to offer. Last time I was there I went to the Lincoln Memorial at 3AM...it was PRETTY.

Anyway I got there Saturday EARLY on the red-eye (strangers, if you're going to do this GROSS flight, take Virgin America. It was SUPER nice) and cabbed it to Elisha's apartment, which is kind of near DuPont Circle (LOVELY area). Okay so, Elisha is kind of a baller. Like, she is a lawyer and lives in a SWEET apartment. Anyway, I passed out in her glorious bed for 4 hours. Then we met up with my parents, bro, aunt, grandpa, and my friend Lucy and her husband Ted (glorious, loving, exuberant couple) at my grandpa's "club" nearby. Apparently, in DC, some fancy older people are members of these clubs. My grandpa's club, the Cosmos, only accepts members that have had some sort of huge achievement. Yup, Grandpa is THE MAN. Anyway, we had a grand old time and then I went back to Elisha's with Lucy where college roomie and all-around lovely lady Katie "Rock" Rockman surprised me by flying in from Boston. YAY. We immediately went to Starbucks, Sex and the City-style:

Yeah, I know: they are stunning slash my phone-camera is terrible. Also, this place is HEAVEN:

Anyway, then I had dinner with my fam at this place Corduroy (http://www.corduroydc.com/ ) and I ate that tuna that's on the website pic. It was very good, solid food and kind of Scandinavia meet Japan-feeling in terms of decor. Also, when I was in the bathroom, this dude walked in and relieved himself. I hid in the stall thinking I had mistakenly strolled into the men's room, but then when the guy opened the door to leave, I heard him go "oh, shit." It was funny.

So also, confession: I've been on this weird cleanse. It's not a diet, per se, but it's kind of like this 4-week restrictive diet to rejuvenate my digestive system. Here it is: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health-wellness-articles/eat-and-lose-weight-1211#slide-1 (note: I am NOT taking those expensive supplements). Anyway, even though food is my LOVER, this thing has been pretty easy to stay on, but Saturday night, after 2 weeks of pure goodness, I drank BOOZE and...it was not a good scene. That's all I'm going to say about that. Oh, except that we went to this really fun bar Church Key (http://churchkeydc.com/ ) and met up with some friends.

Sunday, my fam did brunch at the house of one of my dad's besties from high school Kem. I can't even talk about this family they are so BAD-ASS, but I will mention one of their daughters does human rights work in THE CONGO, Kem's MOTHER just got back from volunteer teaching in Namibia, and Kem and her husband John are going to Haiti in two weeks to help out. Oh also, they are totally humble and mellow and don't brag about this over the incredible poached eggs Kem made at ALL. They also have this GOOD dog:

That's how I like my dogs: adorable and ASLEEP.

Then I met the girls in Georgetown for some shopping and a little hang with my friend Perrin (beautiful, mellow, genius-lady). Later, we had dinner at Zaytinya (http://zaytinya.com/), Jose Andres' DELICIOUS Mediterranean restaurant, with my buds Nate (such a great fellow; we go way back to high school) and Caroline (another baller lawyer. I love a smart lady) and Lucy husband Ted. I did a five course tasting menu that included the BEST Brussels sprouts I've ever had (they had been BATHED in olive oil, then roasted, then grilled I think), hunks of spiced lamb with sweet grilled onion, the creamiest of hummuses (hummii?) and tender, delicately sauced chicken (caloric and yet in line with my cleanse!). Mmmm. Then we went back to Elisha's and made fun of Golden Globes fashions.

Yesterday, I took a lovely stroll with Elisha to meet Perrin for brunch. We walked by the White House! On MLK Day! I felt like such a patriot. See?

I know, my hat is dope. Then I took a picture of Elisha, for no reason:

Awww. Then we saw a cool statue!

I think it's Polish; I have no idea. Then we walked by Occupy DC:

Can you see the tents? Supposedly no one really sleeps there because it is so cold. I'd like to think some folks stick it out, though. We had brunch at Founding Farmers (http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/washington-dc/ff_menus/menu-lunchdinner/ ). So, it was hard to avoid ordering like, white cheddar mac n' cheese, but I was sensible and got eggs over-easy, two pieces of excellently cooked bacon, fruit, and a side of Brussels sprouts (not AS incredible as the ones I had the night before, but still satisfying). Elisha got a 17 vegetable salad and Perrin got a fantastic, juicy-looking burger. Then I did a little shopping with Lucy and met my grandpa for tea and a bite of a giant, tasty, chocolate-chip cookie (sin!) at Firehook Bakery (http://www.firehook.com/e-com/index.cfm ...yeah, YOU try avoiding the goods there). Then Luce took me to the airport and I was back in LA. DC, I miss you! You were so fun!

Yup, They've Still Got It...

2012-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

M83 was wonderful, duh. Club Nokia is OKAY, kind of like a large Echoplex in that giant LA Live downtown-weird-mall-movie set space. It's the biggest venue the band has played yet, and precious little Anthony Gonzalez apologized for not-the-greatest first couple of songs because they were so overwhelmed to be in such a big venue. But after that shaky start (honestly, I couldn't tell, they are so damn good and their light show is mesmerizing), they basically just brought the house down. I think everyone's hearts collectively exploded when "Skin of the Night" came on during the encore. Here is the song so you get an idea of the awesomeness that occurred (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Pg-2LP76g). Now picture being immersed in this:

I KNOW. Anyway, off to Washington DC tonight to see my family and some lovely friends. Happy Friday!

M83 AGAIN!!!

2012-01-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mere months after M83 knocked my socks of at the Music Box, I am getting to see them in concert AGAIN at Club Nokia (http://www.clubnokia.com/...haven't ...haven't been yet; could be really corporate and scary and also WHO IS DAVID GARRETT?! He looks amazing on this website). I'm nervous the band will be all big time and worn out and sad now, but WHATEVER I LOVE THEM I AM GOING. I will let you know how it is.

Here is "Klaus I Love You" to make you jealous of me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5cdP63M3z8

Pulled Towards The Magnetic Fields

2012-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Today Noey sent me the new single from The Magnetic Fields. It's called "Andrew in Drag." Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjOJjP2pXdo

If that's not the cutest Goddamn thing you ever heard, I just don't know what it is. Stephin Merritt's lyrics have always blown me away in the way that they're so simple and literal, yet convey everything I am thinking. Like, I play "I Don't Want to Get Over You" a lot, because I am indignant:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVEhNHIzJec

And I've put "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" on a play list before because it's such a fun fantasy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO6R276hBeM

Finally, I am pretty sure I wrote "You Must Be Out Of Your Mind" and Merritt stole the lyrics out of my brain anti-Inception style:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77gy-2UUA-c

Anyway, so happy about the new album. Thanks Fields!

Almost Forgot...

2012-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Jon Ames (sexy glasses-wearer, spiritual guru who is capable of month-long silent retreats, fashion-plate) suggested I call you guys, my readers, all 21 of you, SOMETHING. Like, "the strangers,"...or something better than that. Then my friend Christopher Pappas (talented musician that goes by Miracle Parade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdqgE_5CEUw), political philosopher, fan of hats) hilariously suggested that you could be "little monsters" to my Lady Gaga. Can I do this? Does not-even-two-dozen readers mean I get to call people something? Does it matter? I don't know, but my friends are adorable. Also, I will let you know how this cleanse goes, but I don't see myself wearing a thong and pasties as my dinner outfit anytime soon.

Portlandia Tuesday

2012-01-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Guys, I've been watching a LOT of Portlandia (Fridays at 10pm/9central) and guess what? Portland is like a whole city of Silverlake. The show is so great because it sort of tenderly mocks all those hipstery, DIY things that people in Portland and Silverlake (and Brooklyn, and Los Feliz, and the Mission, and that cool part of DC I don't know the name of...Clarence Heights?) do/have and sometimes take really seriously. Like composting. And community sports leagues. And "trendy" hotels. And biking. Okay you get it, but the show is hilarious and incorporates a lot of music-related stuff (in one episode, Aimee Mann plays herself and she is working as a maid for Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein and they force her to put on a private concert for them). So I've been getting back to the time period (again) where I fell in love with all things tuneful (the grunge era) and these songs are kind of an homage to that because Portland, flannel, long-haired men, blah, blah, just read:

1) "Black" by Pearl Jam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs-XZ_dN4Hc) Oh GAWD, you guys, this song makes me cry just about every time I hear it (YES, I am a weepy lady that wears her heart dangling from her sleeve and has been known to cry when telling people about Visa commercials that have made her cry in the past. SO?). This semi-ballad is like RAW-CITY. The beautiful Eddie Vedder is just so sad about this obviously INSANE woman leaving him and his lyrics build to such an EPIC place, I just can't hold it together. The weird thing is that upon hearing this song, I could not WAIT to feel that way. If you haven't seen Cameron Crowe's thorough documentary on Pearl Jam, Pearl Jam Twenty, I highly recommend. There is a scene where Eddie Vedder basically writes all of "Daughter" while riding on a bus between gigs that I can't even type any more about, it's so cool.

2) "Epic" by Faith No More (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERTT_sv8sV0&feature=related) So ALLEGEDLY, this song came out in 1989, but it's so GRUNGE in this sort of hip-hop meets rock meets baggy shorts and plaid kind of way and COME ON GUYS, it's EPIC.

3) "Where is My Mind?" by The Pixies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrHl0wpagFc) Okay, grunge is so much older than I thought. The Pixies were prolific for a lot of bands coming up in the 90's and this song in particular gets a lot of play in music, music documentaries, and on playlists by girls who have a deep appreciation for anything melodic, but who are a little mainstream when it comes down to it. Wink wink, THAT'S ME.

4) "Touch Me I'm Sick" by Mudhoney (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nGsT_qFMBs&ob=av2n) As a total hypochondriac, this song is my worst nightmare, but I remember thinking I was SO COOL for listening to it in middle school in my Airwalks, JNCO jeans, baby-T, and DOG COLLAR (I also used Sun-In in my naturally BLACK hair and it turned completely orange. I was so, so beautiful). Also, this band apparently coined the term "grunge." But I think they were just trying to emphasize how little they showered.

5) "Seether" bu Veruca Salt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9AUR-iTo0&ob=av2e) Okay, I hate this song. I really wanted to incorporate some ladies into this list. I KNOW I listened to some back in the day, but I am blanking right now. Veruca was popular in the early 90's, but I was always annoyed that they considered themselves "chicks who rocked" and then had these gentle lullaby voices and the guitar was muted like they were shy about potentially fucking up, which is the whole point of rock music in the first place. Honestly, HONESTLY, I want to go back to Hole and give Courtney Love some credit for really howling (I know there are SO MANY other women from the grunge era, Melissa Auf der Maur included, but I am REALLY HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY BRAIN TODAY). Anyway here is "Violet" by Hole and it's good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH_rfGBwamc&ob=av2n

A Sexy Collaboration!!!

2012-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

OMGEE guys, LOOK:

http://pitchfork.com/news/45000-jack-whites-next-collab-tom-jones/

Yeah, I know, Pitchfork is annoying, but TOM JONES AND JACK WHITE TOGETHER! It's like an explosion of erotica for my ears! I hope they make a video together and they both wear leather pants and like, ruffly pirate tops in it and do the thing where they share one mic and stand very close. Okay, I will stop, but before I go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBdSqk78nHw

AND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCFXeChXfcI

Yup.

Thanks Again Noey...

2012-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Noey IM'ed me all like, "I found your new favorite song!" and I am like, "Okay lady, I'm not so sure..." and then she sent me "You Wouldn't Know Me" by Shake Russell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nq3FCgpwaY

Please ignore the scary video; I don't know who made that. Anyway, Noelia was right. I cannot resist a twangy banjo, a wistful lyric, or a weird chip. The chip thing is mostly because I am on a cleanse, obsessing about all foods all day long.

2012 Apocalypse NOW

2012-01-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year guys!

I've totally missed blogging, honest to blog (EW, LEAST FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A MOVIE EVER. Juno, you are STUPID). I am back from ten days in the magical state of NY, 7 of which I spent in the city, 3 of which I spent scared of every noise and creature at my parents' cabin upstate, and 2 of which I spent deathly ill. But I am HERE now, on the following cleanse, so I am a LITTLE sleepy:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health-wellness-articles/eat-and-lose-weight-1211#slide-1

I know, I am so GOOP now, right? It will only take me 300 years of this diet to look like Gwyneth Paltrow! But you guys, seriously, I damaged my body/liver/hair. It all started with a final pub crawl through downtown Los Angeles:

Awww, look at Kyle and Noey on the street of dreams and twinkly lights! We went to Bar 107 (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-107-los-angeles ...it's no joke; I was FRISKED outside by the bouncer, but then they play early-90's jams and you can dance) and then La Cita (http://site.lacitabar.com/ ...more dancing, outdoor patio, last-call punk-rock danceparty).

Then I returned to NYC, went to Hotel Chantelle with some ladies (http://hotelchantelle.com/wp-content/themes/IndexInt-Blank%20Theme/ie.htmlsuper-fun ...not a hotel but a multi-level bar with good drinks where some naked lady was hanging out on the lobby floor, if that's your scene) then a super-fun party for one of my LA best friends Daniel (of Mongolian BBQ fame) at the Delancey (http://thedelancey.com/ ...huge! Upstairs is so hot it feels tropical!). The next morning, I jetted (okay, Amtraked) to the country to spend X'mas with the fam (we are not religious and my mother is of Jewish descent, but we do a tree, eggnog, Christmas music, the whole shebang). Here is my dad dealing with the duck on Christmas Eve:

Doesn't he look precious? We all had hats. That half-face in the pic is my mom. She made the duck; look:

Maybe that looks weird to you, but it was insanely delicious and she served it with Brussels sprouts. She also made a "Yule log," which is like, chocolate cake soaked in booze. Amazing.

Then back in NYC, I tried some FAB places with friends and fam. Among them, Rubirosa (http://rubirosanyc.com/ ...sat at the bar and got the vodka pizza and it knocked my socks off), The Dutch (http://thedutchnyc.com/ ...super trendy and hard to get a res, so thanks Emily for giving me yours. Get the steak tartare, the Brussels sprouts with horseradish cream, and smoked chicken) and the Brooklyn Star (http://thebrooklynstar.com/ ...oyster tacos, shrimp and grits, CORNBREAD IN A PAN WITH CLARIFIED BUTTER THE END). So you get it; I ate well.

Also, something else about Brooklyn...I am OBSESSED. It is like Silverlake with worse weather, but with more adorable apartments/stores/bars/restaurants/big men with beards. I went to these great bars: the Commodore (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-commodore-brooklyn ...great space, sexy people, they also serve tasty looking comfort food like fried chicken and biscuits), Spuyten Duyvil (http://spuytenduyvilnyc.com/ ...thank you, waitress at Brooklyn Star, for recommending this adorable wine and beer bar for an after dinner treat), and Daddy's (http://www.yelp.com/biz/daddys-brooklyn ...great, chill neighborhood spot). Everything there is wonderful. I am going to live there, Even if I am 105 when I do.

Then I rang in the New Year with loved ones at my parents' house in NYC. It was PERFECT:

Awww, my girls! Anyway, I have like, 702 resolutions, so I better stop typing and get started. Bye!

Watch the Dragon!

2011-12-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

Okay I said I was gone, but I am not yet. So whatever, just read this.

Last night, I went with Brett to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Maybe I am sick, but I dug it so hard. Admittedly, I have never read any of the books or seen the Swedish movies, so I NEEDED that hour of back story and expository info and was, for the lack of a better expression, falling off the edge of my seat. Brett, having seen the Swedish version, warned me I would be "sticking my fingers way up into my ear holes." This is not gross of Brett; I used to live with him and he knows I love to watch horror films, but when things turn scary, I cover my EARS instead of my eyes. Brett HATES this and will actually pull my hands out of my ears if he sees me doing it. Anyway, I scoffed when he told me I'd do it during Tattoo, but, I mean, some scenes were REALLY DIFFICULT to watch. And yet I was riveted.

First of all, David Fincher is so special. I am ignoring that Benjamin Button ever happened and just going to go ahead and call him a genius. The guy directed Madonna's "Express Yourself," for Christ's sake. Not to mention the GROSSLY underrated Zodiac. He has such a specific look and mood he creates, that he's fine tuned over the years to a point where you know you're watchnig a Fincher movie from the first shot. These movies are by no means perfect (super-long, a little too-polished, and you can tell he is sometimes tempted to lean towards the CHEESE), but that's what makes them HIS. Fincher is an auteur of the highest order. This movie is VERY Fincher. He went FULL FINCHER. Okay I will stop.

Second, CREDITS. The credits are so fucking cool! They didn't ASTONISH me, like the first time I saw the credits for Seven, but they completely set the mood for the entire film (violent, loud, dark, sexy), they were big and franchise-y (like a twisted opening to a James Bond film), and Trent Reznor and Karen O doing "Immigrant Song" is just HEAVEN to me. In general, the music was incredible. The score sounded like the cold: all steely and howling. I was hooked right away.

Third (thirdLY? Whatever), the acting is just damn good. I liked Rooney Mara as Lisbeth; she looks like a fantastic creature thas is sort of this scary/blank canvas that the viewer can project all of their emotions onto while at the same time thinking "damn, I am NOTHING like this chick." Some critics want to hand her the whole movie, saying everything rests on the hunch of Lisbeth's bony shoulders. I disagree. I think this is Daniel Craig's movie just as much as Mara's and actually, the scenes that the two share are electric (a little bit because they are having sex in some of them and it's the only consensual sex in the movie). Granted, ever since I saw this terrible movie (that I liked) Dreamhouse starring Craig, I have not been able to stop thinking about him and his ice blue eyes and about what he looks like with his top off. But he is also a lovely, measured actor and he is fascinating to watch. Stellan Skarsgard is always good and creepy and Swedish and the rapey, disgusting social worker is actually given some humanity by...that guy that plays him. And any movie with Princess Buttercup in it is always solid, in my opinion.

Fourth and everything else-ly, the movie just really captures a mood and a theme and an icy heart of a place far away. I don't know that this is the BEST movie I saw all year (in fact, I know it's not), but it was CERTAINLY one of the most watchable, beautiful, and well-crafted. That I was bummed when it ended and wanted the next two movies to happen immediately following says a lot to me. Anyway go see it. Also, Lisbeth Salander is a hipster ok BYE.

Silver Bells!

2011-12-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

This post title has nothing to do with this post. But guys, this might be the last time I blog at you before the New Year as I am traveling back to my homeland of New York City. I know, you are sad.

ANYWAY, I've been listening to the new Black Keys album El Camino a lot, and I've decided I really like it. I do miss their rougher, more bluesy roots (and think it's really dumb and WEIRD that Dan Auerbach said that Patrick Carney "doesn't even like blues music" in that NY Times article), like in "The Lengths," "10AM Automatic," and "Psychotic Girl." However, I am super-digging some of the new stuff, especially the second half of "Little Black Submarines," "Gold on the Ceiling," and the B-side of the "Lonely Boy" single, "Run Right Back." Listening to the Keys so much is bringing me back to the days when I was obsessed with Southern rock and yes, Kings of Leon. I remember being a young girl of 23, watching them play at Coachella for the first time as the sun went down. Sigh. Anyway, that's the kind of music I am listening to today:

1) "True Love Way" by Kings of Leon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp2KNuntzEQ) I wish so fucking hard this band still sounded this way. I remember the first time I heard this song, I think I was in the car of this dude I had a painful secret crush on and he played it and I just immediately thought "Oh cool, I love you." It was so rough and 70's and rocking, but still so romantic and yearn-y and builds to just this big, classic, great love song. Ahh, it is still so good!

2) "Fires" by Band of Skulls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fxykGHHYkM) This is another band that blew me away at Coachella years ago. Guys, this album is so SO good. Have they made a new album yet? I don't know, but this song is kitschy and sexy and fantastic.

3) "This Heart's on Fire," by Wolf Parade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xq4o-kE-j8&feature=related) Okay, so I am feeling lovey-dovey today. And being into fire.Weirdly, this was the first song I discovered by Wolf Parade. I just adore that little riff in the background and you KNOW how I feel about this man's voice...erotic. Anytime anyone starts out singing normally and then gets really upset and is yelling and can't control their voice anymore, I get excited. Like in The Wedding Singer. You KNOW what I am talking about.

PS Bye miss you!

Holiday Weener

2011-12-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

So I went to this potluck holiday dinner last night. Don't worry, I brought pita chips and cilantro dip from Bristol Farms and Emily brought a VONS ice-cream cake and everyone else cooked gourmet things. Anyway, for those seven of you who read this blog regularly, you'll note that Lindsey Weening is not only one of my favorite humans, but she is one of my favorite humans to eat food with (see that Two Boots post). It's mostly funny because she is TINY, but can chow down with the best of them, but also funny because of her facial expressions. Behold:

Linds is just getting started here. Note how she closes her eyes as the food orgasm washes over her.

Uhoh. Did she eat something sour? Is she just making the "prune" face for the camera? No one knows.

BLISS! And possible vomit! Happy Holidays to all.

Tired Friday

2011-12-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Guys, I am EXHAUSTED from yet another awesome holiday party at Kat Scardino's (fake name!) house in Echo Park. But I still need music to get through the day! Don't we all?

1) "Lovesick Teenagers" by Bear in Heaven (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGS7vNLhxNA) I love this scary album cover and the heavy synth this indie Brooklyn band employs. I don't know what the words to this song are, but I feel a dark yearning, so I think I am getting the point.

2) "Stay Useless" by Cloud Nothings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtkePLlTUcY) I am pretty much obsessed with this dude/band right now. This whole album is cool and reminds me of really good early 90's grunge music. This song is especially pleasing to my ears.

3) "Desire Lines" by Deerhunter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mBSOtdOjoc) I love this band more and more as time goes on. Their songs are very varied and usually pretty long, which makes for a cool, layered experience. I could seriously listen to this song all day. Yup, I think I will.

PS I am not gonna post any holiday music. I sort of hate holiday music. I makes me depressed. Like, you know that scene in While You Were Sleeping where Sandra Bullock is sad and alone and buys herself the Christmas tree and then like, has trouble lugging it up the stairs in her tiny walk-up and then puts a single ornament on it and stares out the frosty window and thinks about her dead dad and how she is in love with this dude she doesn't know who comes the the train stop where she works every morning? No? Well that's how holiday music makes me feel. Except "All I Want For Christmas" by Ms. Mariah Carey. That song is the jamsauce.

IM From Co-Worker Rob

2011-12-15T17:13:00.001-08:00

Rob: i will listen to "we found love" until i start puking

ROBYN 4EVA

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Guys, I posted the video for Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend" a couple of months ago, because it was awesome. Here it is again for those of you who live under rocks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ImxY6hnfA&ob=av2e

Oh, Robyn. Okay so last weekend, Robyn was the musical guest on SNL, and THE FOLLOWING happened in the writers' room:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbEOr5Weqb8

DREAM. MAN. Too bad Cobie Smulders from How I Met Your Mother got to him first, because she and I are TWINS and I totally could've had this dude. Also, Emily sent this to me. She knows me so well!

Hi, It's Tuesday.

2011-12-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

Can it be the weekend again? No? Okay fine, let's listen to music together while we sit at desks. Let's whistle while we work. Except I can only whistle by sucking in breath. Also, I cannot snap. So, that's some information about me.

1) "Another Girl Another Planet" by the Only Ones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvO7HNQPFRI). I first heard this song play in the background during this movie Me Without You, which just like completely destroys me every time I watch it (which is a lot, because I illegally burned a DVD of it that I keep IN my DVD player at all times). If you are a guy, not to be sexist, but I don't think you will get this movie at all. It's about girl-besties and how that kind of relationship can be painful/competitive/fucked up. Anyway, the movie takes place in the 70's and 80's and I heard this song and "Whole Wide World" by Wreckless Eric and was like, YES. Yes to both.

2) "Believer" by John Maus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMku-GbafEg&ob=av2e) So not to brag about how cool I am, but on Saturday night after seeing the Cave Singers at the Troubadour with Linds (they were REAL good and the singer-dude can DANCE) and AFTER rolling to my friends Jack and Julia's holiday party at their precious bungalow in Venice with Anna (we danced and screamed along to hits such as Oasis's classic "Don't Look Back in Anger"), I went to this super-secret, late-night danceparty in deepest, darkest Los Angeles and was introduced to this song. I mean, the DJ also played some amazing Motown and Harry Nilsson, but I'd never heard "Believer" before. After listening to some of Maus's other shiz, I'd say he's not REALLY my guy (Noey calls him "kind of like Ariel Pink's weird cousin." Agree), but this song is really beautiful and good for almost-dawn, trance-y dancing.

3) "Manners" by Icona Pop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY-dKxGpBLg&ob=av2e) Emily sent me Hairpin's "best tracks of the year" list and this was one of them. I like any video with neon colors in it and any song that fantasizes taking the piss out of some idiot guy who dumps you, because in real life, I am maybe the most passive aggressive human wandering the streets of Silverlake.

PS SONG: "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnnDqH6Wj8). WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS!!!????!!!! Seriously, I have choreographed a dance you can do to this jam while sitting in your cubicle at work. Mr. Rida has a strange power over me where when I hear one of his songs, I can't control my body and HAVE to dance. It's like The Red Shoes, you guys, I am telling you. It happened with "Right Round," then with "Club Can't Handle Me," and now there's this song. It's a sickness, you guys, I am SICK. Okay, I'm sorry, goodbye.

???!

2011-12-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

YOU GUYS, HOW THE MOTHERSHIT DO I TURN ON MY PILOT LIGHT? Like, what IS this?!

Sometimes I really hate pretending to be a cool DIY hipster. What beardy handyman can I get to come over here and turn this shit on, make me a stew, possibly make me candles from scratch and light them, and then cuddle me in his bear-arms?! If you know anyone text me, thanks.

Friday ONE

2011-12-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

I just have one rockin' jam for you guys today. It's "Cradle of Love" by Billy Idol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FT3u-lhg4). I remember watching this video when I was little (directed by David Fincher you guys, DAVID FINCHER) and thinking it was SO NAUGHTY while simultaneously promising myself I would grow up to become this woman. Emily says this video made her realize she had a thing for Jewish men with glasses and interesting noses. SORRY EM, IT WAS TOO GOOD NOT TO TELL EVERYONE. I am only now realizing what a giant Billy-fan I am. I don't know what that means but if loving him is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Happy Friday!

Falalatuesday!

2011-12-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

...I'm sorry about this post title. It's meant to be like "fa-la-la, Tuesday," but winds up looking like "Fellate Tuesday," and I am not telling you to blow this day (when in actuality, this day BLOWS), but simply offering up some good jams to make it a little bit brighter. What a gross, run-on sentence that was, right? ANYWAY, here:

1) "Swim Club" by The Cave Singers(http://www.youtube.com/watchfeature=endscreen&v=PoKzyr4zMNE&NR=1) I am seeing this band Saturday at the Troub! I haven't been to the Troubadour in so long and honestly, it's my favorite venue. This band plays the kind of comfort music I always come back to: a little folksy, a little country, and a lot of flannel. This song is kind of like The Head and the Heart had a baby with The Avett Brothers. I would really love to go to that fake-family's barbecue.

2) "Starstruck" by Santogold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4vvq2RERQ0) My iTunes actually suggested this song to me after I went on a chill-wave downloading spree. I really dug "Les Artistes" when the album came out, and this song is basically a darker version of that jam, so I am into it.

3) "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcCknHQnZ2M). Okay, confession: I love the shit out of this musical. Like, seen-it-on-stage-5-times, have multiple cast recordings, can sing the whole thing from memory-type of love. It's just SO good with JUST the right amount of cheese (just the right amount = a LOT). When I was little and thought I had the ability to sing, I made my father (Dad, I am sorry) film me in a velvet dress and BERET singing "Castle on a Cloud" and all you can hear is the tape playing the recording of the song and Dad whispering "LOUDER!" from behind the camera. Like, I thought the voice on the recording WAS my voice. I was a dumb kid. Anyway, this particular song I sang in choir, before I grew into my adult voice, which sounds like that of a raspy 12-year-old boy. Oh, they're making a movie of this, so I have it on the brain and am not completely random.

4) "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW3gKKiTvjs). Les Mis reminded me of this one. I mean this song is SO spectacularly weird. Kate Bush is so weird. I love her. Oh, this video is real fun to watch too.

New Found-Art!

2011-12-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

I was just walkin' with Emily around the reservoir Saturday, doing our usual stroll, when we stumbled upon this:

Emily thinks Banksy did it. Did you do this, Banksy? Let me know, thanks. For those of you who can't read tiny Blackberry words, it says "Smile at this experience," which is funny, because the picture is of a grimacing, old ghostfaced man. Anyway, Emily and I smiled, so it worked.

Friday Lana!

2011-12-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

I want to hate this lady, mostly because she's real pretty and I wish birds didn't die every time I try to sing, but I don't hate her. In fact, I was obsessed with her last single "Video Games," and now I am all about the new jam "Born to Die." The video is still in the works, but here's a fun image of Lana and a tatted gentleman to watch as you listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGR1iDuKabU

Super into the Massive Attack-meets-Portishead, early 90's vibe of this song (honestly, it's comparable to Madonna's "Rain" in a great way). Hope you enjoy and have a smashing weekend!

A Not-So Dangerous Movie...

2011-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

So over Thanksgiving break, I saw David Cronenberg's new film A Dangerous Method. With my mom. Obviously. The film is basically about a crazy lady (Keira Knightley, all JAW) who goes to get treated by Carl Jung and ends up having an affair with him, much to the chagrin of Jung's mentor, Sigmund Freud, who later becomes krazy-Keira's doctor. One would think that a movie about a woman with a sexually-based psychosis who has an affair with a shrink that is himself obsessed with the subject of sex would get pretty kinky and wild. Not so. This is NOT the feel-erotic holiday movie I was looking for (Mom agreed with me).

Now, I ADORE Cronenberg. Dead Ringers is a masterpiece, Videodrome blew my mind, eXistenZ is a wonderful, wonderful film, I'm obsessed with Eastern Promises, and I even dig that freaky weirdo Crash. I could obnoxiously ramble on about ALL of Cronenberg's films. And there were some very good things about A Dangerous Method. Viggo Mortensen is quietly hilarious as Freud and Fassbender brings his typical intensity to Jung and the scenes between the two actors are actually really provocative and interesting (although the film doesn't explain what Jung's beliefs are at ALL, and as someone with very little knowledge of Jung's work, I was a tiny bit confused). The movie also looked beautiful, and the score was excellent. So there's that. I think I wouldn't have been SO disappointed if I had understood SOME of Jung's motivations and thought processes.

It's not a ROMANTIC movie, and although some people find Keira Knightley to be fetching (but I cannot get over her jaw), you don't understand why Fassbender initially gives in to having an affair with Keira and then later, what makes him desperate for her not to leave him. All of the theories and ideas expressed in the film were interesting, but it's as if the conversations the characters had were completely detached from what was actually happening to them. I, as a viewer, didn't get what I was supposed to glean from what Jung was doing and as a result, all the groovy things he said about the mind felt kind of empty.

If I am being totally honest though, the lack of sexytimes is what disappointed me most of all. I mean COME ON. Did you not see A History Of Violence? Is Fassbender (fully dressed in a suit, I must note) whipping Knightley's butt supposed to be shocking? Or hot? Because it's not. Whatever, I am seeing Shame tomorrow. Putting my money on that one.

Also, Don Hertzfeldt!

2011-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

When I wasn't getting beaten by the wind last night, I was at the Silent Movie Theater (http://www.cinefamily.org/) watching three short films by Don Hertzfeldt. Okay, so like, EVERYONE I know knows who this filmmaker is, but I did not. He is BRILLIANT. He also gave a Q&A afterwards and was surprisingly NOT old and potentially handsome if he looked into this thing called a shower. Anyway, he is kind of a mixed media artist/director/cartoonist and you just HAVE to watch his stuff to understand how fantastic he is. His work is simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking...especially these three "Bill" films I saw last night. Most people are familiar with his film Rejected, but if you're a Philistine like me, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQqSVrkkag

This one is much more on the hilarious side of things, but you see what I mean. Please, please watch this if you haven't seen it before. Thanks!

I Live In The Windy City...

2011-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Dude, these Santa Ana winds are WILD. Like, I walked to my car yesterday morning and there was a damn DOOR lying in the road beside it. A DOOR. Like, thank God the door didn't hit my car. Also, I am admittedly NOT strong, but I could not move the door out of the street myself. That's some POWERFUL breeze, man. Also, where did that door come from? I feel bad for the house. I should've taken a picture. Sigh. Anyway, I thought these winds only happened in The Holiday (please don't even bother renting this film. I LOVE Nancy Meyers and I LOVE me a trashy rom-com, but there's no "rom" OR "com" in this mess), but not so. They are REAL and scary and power was out all over Silverlake last night as I drove home from Good Luck Bar (we've discussed already...http://www.yelp.com/biz/good-luck-bar-los-angeles) and blew one of my curtains down in the middle of the night.

Tuesday Melodies

2011-11-29T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hiiiiiii, here are some songs for today!

1) "Half Light II (No Celebration)" by Arcade Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWliEQRTFg) Sometimes I ignore the fact that this album came out and that it was AWESOME and won that important Grammy or something. Weirdly, I went to high school with the Butler brothers (NOT in Canada...they are Canadians, but went to boarding school in New Hampshire with nerds like me). I remember they used to perform at these rock assemblies that we had and even then, they liked suspenders and sounded fantastic. Anyway, I am just telling you I am famous by proximity and that Arcade Fire is the real deal.

2) "Magic" by Ladyhawke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy3t6dDyXHg) So first of all, if you haven;t seen the movie Ladyhawke with Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer then you haven't LIVED. Second, I typically think this band is a bit MUCH, but this is one of my favorite songs to dance around my apartment alone to. It's got this Gothic, dramatic quality to it, but this is just a great, 80's-style pop song.

3) "Wait" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4uBFX7gOuA) Yeah, still not over this concert. The only real version of this song I could find on youtube is paired with images from some show on the CW called The Secret Circle and for that, I apologize, but you have to hear this song. Soon it won't be cool to like M83, because "Midnight City" is already running in a Victoria's Secret commercial and getting airtime on mainstream radio, so get into this now while it's still relatively hip. Honestly, this song is heartbreaking enough as a recording, but live it was nothing short of revelatory. It KILLED me. So, this is me, zombie stranger, telling you to go out and buy this whole album right now.

PS Song: "I'll Be Your Lover Too" by Van Morrison (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA_oz-wUFmk) This Thanksgiving in Woodstock was VERY Van Morrison-heavy. To be fair, I became obsessed with this song after watching Proof of Life, Taylor Hackford's turdy movie where Meg Ryan met Russell Crowe. Russell does look REAL good in a tank top though. Anyway, this is a sexy/lazy/tumbler of whiskey tune for you.

Hi, It's ME!

2011-11-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Guys, I really missed you! I hope you had a delightful Turkey time. I was with my family in NYC and then at my mom's cousins' place in Woodstock to give thanks. It was really nice; there was only one incident involving the turkey flying across the room...but cousin Amy caught it! Just like a bouquet at a wedding!Anyway, I enjoyed the break. I got to go to my college homecoming and see all my wonderful friends, do the following with special peeps:

Tasty. I got to escape the parade, which happens literally outside my parents' house. LOOK:

Yup, that's a cop car whizzing by. I also went to dinner at Porsena with my fam (it's so good, http://porsena.com/. Get the ring-shaped pasta with spicy lamb sausage and thank me later) and got to see my childhood home, which used to be a walk-up apartment building with a stoop frequented by heroine addicts and is now a swanky single-family residence next to Babbo. See?

Okay, yeah, this one is a little bit dark. I also went to Fatty Cue with my amazing friend Sasha (works in finance but is really a hippie who would rather be on her farm upstate at all times). Fatty Cue (http://www.fattycue.com/menus/west-village) is an Asian-influenced BBQ place in Brooklyn and now in the West Village and it is SICK-good. I started with this Mezcal drink (Mezcal is like Mexican vodka, guys) and then we got warm homemade bread with chiles and this sort of crumbled, salted burrata. Then we got a sensible kale salad because Sasha can't see kale on a menu and not order it and THEN we got this INSANE spicy, brined sausage soup with PRETZEL DUMPLINGS. The flavors were so incredible and surprising and I am still thinking about that damn soup. Then we had sardines over braised cabbage and once you eat the fish off the bones they do the COOLEST thing: the chef takes all the bones and fries them up so they're like chips and they serve them to you with a shitload of Siracha...as many of you know I LOVE a weird chip, and this is exactly that. Then we had some great ribs, I had 2 of these INCREDIBLE sour ales (I am sorry sour ale company, I cannot remember your name) and we had this wild, milk-themed dessert, which was this custard with milk ice cream and these fried wontons that tasted like funnel cake. It was a good meal.

Then I went to Mother's Ruin (http://www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-ruin-new-york), this awesome bar where there's no menu and you just tell the badass-looking bartender what you like and he makes you something yummy. I NEEDED my Manhattan-like cocktail, because I did forget that it actually gets COLD and RAINS in some parts of the country (the back of my tights were conpletely soaked through...not the sexiest look on the block). But it was a great time in the city overall. I got back to Silverlake Saturday and immediately needed a Thirsty Crow-run with Emily and our friend Elliott (followed by maybe 7000 chips at Mexico City...oops). Then Sunday I met Miss Noelia at Madame Matisse (http://www.yelp.com/biz/madame-matisse-los-angeles), which is like a stone's throw from my apartment, but this was my first time there. It was GOOD...I had this wild beef hash with two over-easy eggs on top of it. My stomach kind of hated me later on, but I walked it off on the reservoir and I think it was worth it. It's good to be back friends!

Movie Music: The Early Years

2011-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

So, I love movies. Like, it goes my fam/friends, movies, music, my own life. But maybe the coolest gift movies and TV ever gave me was my appreciation for good tunes. Like, one lead to the other, get it? I have very specific and distinctive memories of certain songs in certain movies awakening in me a deep love for a jam. Here are some songs from some films that opened my eyes to the power of music and images paired together (lately I have been typing very scary/cheesy sentences like this, go with it):

1) "Olympia" by Hole from Stealing Beauty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDr-HZzNGOQ) So, okay, I was twelve when this movie came out and it just blew my world right open. It's probably one of Bernardo Bertolucci's LEAST acclaimed films, but man does it hit a nerve with girls who were "coming of age" at the time. Basically, 19-year-old Liv Tyler goes to Italy for the summer to figure out who her father is and lose her virginity. I literally experienced puberty as I watched journey. The entire soundtrack is amazing (Portishead, Liz Phair, Stevie Wonder) and I bought it immediately (which was not easy as I was living in Hong Kong at the time...I know, jetset, me). However, I was disappointed to discover that the song from the scene where Liv Tyler angrily rocks out to her headphones was not on the CD! I searched desperately to figure out what this raging anthem was called and then FINALLY I stumbled upon Hole's Live Through This...and went through puberty all over again.

2) "Would?" by Alice in Chains from Singles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nco_kh8xJDs&ob=av2e) I was obsessed with this movie. OBSESSED. I wanted to move to Seattle and go to concerts and drink coffee all the time and be Bridget Fonda and show up at somebody's doorstep and be all, like "I was just nowhere near your neighborhood." More than anything else, I was obsessed with a gentleman named Eddie Vedder. He had the TINIEST part in the movie but as soon as he opened his pretty bow-mouth I was like, WHO WHAT WHERE HOW DO I GET? Anyway, this soundtrack is BOMB. Like, defined my childhood. I remember hearing Chris Cornell's voice for the first time and just being like, oh cool, I can die now. But this AIC song is really representative of the soundtrack and of that time in general and guys, remember what a great band this used to be before they got a doody new singer? Remember when Cameron Crowe was a good writer? He made me want to be a screenwriter! And then he made Elizabethtown...

3) "Big Empty" by Stone Temple Pilots from The Crow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv5LEdLZJqk) Okay, so all of these songs are obviously of a specific time period. This movie was a really big deal because Brandon Lee died while shooting it and it was a whole cult thing blah blah. I actually never even watched the movie until a boy made me see it like three years ago. It's dated, but very cool. But I remember the trailer running constantly on TV and the chorus of this song playing over it and thinking that the music combined with the images was just the greatest thing ever. I have to tell you though, I made up some crazy lyrics to make the song about ME. I don't remember what they were but it was something like "tiiiimeeeee to take her home her pretty brown hair is long and shiiiinnnyyyy."

4) "Blister in the Sun" by The Violent Femmes from My So-Called Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aljlKYesT4&feature=related) This video is from Grosse Pointe Blank, but I first heard this when I watched Angela Chase decide she was like, totally over Jordan Catalano and proceeded to dance like a dork all over her bedroom. This Violent Femmes song, along with "Kiss Off" that appeared in Reality Bites made me realize how important music could be to a film and how much I loved records. Also, MSCL was the best show EVER. My college girlfriends will attest to the fact that Freshman year I would sit on my bed and watch every episode on my computer, breaking only for visitors and runs to Gourmet Heaven. It was a weird time; I listened to a LOT of Coldplay. But I mean, DUDE, remember this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IucL7_szrHw. Yeah, you're all welcome.

Gchat From Emily

2011-11-16T13:59:00.001-08:00

emily: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/11/where-are-all-the-plus-size-male-models.html
like
am i the 13th person
to send you this?

Thanks Pitchfork...UGH

2011-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

So guys, I really hate giving Pitchfork any credit ever, but sometimes I do discover really great bands on their website. Today it's Twerps, this Aussie outfit that sounds like Nirvana went back in time and made a baby with Joy Division, but strangely that baby is not incredibly depressed upon exiting the womb (and has an Australian accent). I may have gone way too far with that analogy, but the Twerps are great. Here is "Dreamin":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=XLyJvKJGJGQ

Found He-Art

2011-11-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

Okay that looks like I am saying "he, art," which would be intriguing and sexy, but really I found THIS in the road:

See? It's a HEART and it's ART. OMG precious, right? Emily actually found it whilst we were walking with Noelia around the reservoir. It was branded into the sidewalk as if Cupid had shot a fiery heart down from the Heavens! What the FUCK am I typing?

Also, this weekend, I went to see my friend Jon, Jeff and Anthony perform in their new project called Beat Club (they're GOOD...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWsAL9-cU_o) at Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood (http://www.space15twenty.com/), which is this cool outdoor area thing. Check out the space AND the band if you know what's good for you...

TGIFinally

2011-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

Remember TGIF on TV? So good. Anyway, I am still not over M83, but here are some Friday songs.

1) "Jump Into The Fire" by Harry Nilsson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QghwNqlCRE) This song makes me think of my friend Emily and my friend Jon, separately. Emily introduced me to this song, blasting it in her car when we were both annoyed about something (boys) and totally changed my mood. Jon just loves this song and I often think of him as a visitor from another time period...definitely the late 70's or early 80's. I mean this as a compliment: Jon is sweet and creative and looks amazing in tank tops and tight pants.

2) "Angel In The Snow" by Elliott Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Q_fYuMZdA) So yeah, I can't really listen to Elliott Smith without bursting into tears or thinking about a really dark phase I went through Sophomore year of college (this pre-dates my Ryan Adams dark phase), but I adore this song. I was SO PISSED when Jason Reitman used it in his piece of doody movie Up in the Air. No, don't argue with me, that was not a good movie. Smith was so good at vocalizing emotions that are so incredibly internal and this song is such a fantastic depiction of what loves feels like. At least it is for me. Whatever, shut up leave me alone!

3) "We Own The Sky" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzge5vY72hE) WHAT I am not over them! Oldie but goodie. I wanted to do "Reunion," but it wasn't on youtube.

M83!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I went to M83 last night and they knocked my socks off. No, that is an understatement. They knocked all my clothes and accessories off and took the money out of my purse. Like, at one point I had to grip Noey because tears were coming down my face. Oh, this was at the Music Box Theatre, which is a really, really wonderful venue (http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/). And the sound was just like, OH MAN (I know, I am really eloquent today). Here is a picture:

Yeah, I know, you can't really see anything and there was also an incredibly tall gentleman standing directly in front of me and eventually I had to move over. But I was THERE. Anyway, the sound was just so consuming and good, the crowd got into it and actually danced, and that chick in the band really brought it with her angelic voice and sassy outfit (I wish I could wear a dress/tank-top where my cute lace bra showed completely without looking like a madame in an old-timey saloon but alas, I cannot). The drummer also BROUGHT it. Like, they used a drum machine because they needed to be REALLY LOUD, but there was also this guy just SMASHING his drum kit, but in this really sharp and precise way (man, I love drummers so much).

They played some old hits like "Kim and Jessie" and of course rocked new stuff like "Midnight City" (that one really got everyone pumped up). M83 is already pretty successful, but they're about to be ENORMOUS so go see them now.

Oh also, we got a drink at Public House in Los Feliz before the show (http://www.yelp.com/biz/1739-public-house-los-angeles-2). It's kind of the only place in that neighborhood where you can go and watch sports. It's not the SWANKIEST, but they have an incredible beer selection, trivia nights (although it wasn't so enjoyable to have a trivia night going on around us while we were trying to converse), and some handsome dudes...because you can watch sports there.

PS This is random, but in an earlier post I said I was really meh on Tom Petty...and then posted "Yer So Bad." This morning, this song came on the radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0JvF9vpqx8&ob=av3e. Jesus Christ, this is a cool song. Also, I had completely forgotten this weirdo-Alice in Wonderland video. Anyway, I am sorry Mr. Petty; you're not that relevant anymore, but you had some jams.

It's a Toozy!

2011-11-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

Guys, I don't know. I thought Daylight Savings Time (do you capitalize that shit? Did I really graduate from a university?) was supposed to make you MORE AWAKE in the Fall...this is a lie. So I am listening to some wild songs to pump me up. Behold:

1) "Hang With Me" by Robyn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3a2qoyONVA&ob=av2e). I think you guys know by now that I love this woman. The acoustic version of this song is good too in a different way, but this tour video is really fun and I think this Jem and the Holograms-like bass really adds something.

2) "We Found Love" by Rihanna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg00YEETFzg&ob=av2e). Wait, did I already do this song? OMFG EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S. But seriously, I think this video is beautiful. It's kind of new Fincher meets the Drive dude meets A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. Also, this song is so 80's and I love it. Like it could be in Flashdance. Okay, I will stop with the movie recs.But this video is hot.

3) "Turn The Beat Around" by Gloria Estefan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvGTQ0jH7KM). I think everyone has a story about how they have mangled the words to this song...especially the part where she says "love to hear percussion." I used to think it was "love to feel the pressure," and I thought Gloria was a wacko, because who LOVES pressure?! Come on. This song also makes me think of my friend Leslie, who thought the lyrics to Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" were "I'm a cowboy. I'm a stay-at-home guy!" I can embarrass Leslie like this because she's basically a perfect human lady.

Adios.

Stranger Downtown...

2011-11-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am an idiot for not taking pictures, but Saturday I went to the coolest EP release party in this warehouse/loft thing downtown. The band I saw is called COYOL (http://coyol.bandcamp.com/). Check out "Gone Gone" now please. Basically, this band is comprised of the three most attractive people on the planet. Like, tiny, stylish hipster girl with an exotic ethnicity and a HUGE voice and bearded lead singer/guitarist man with a strange but beautiful voice and then pretty, beanie-wearing keyboardist man who makes jokes. They almost completely distracted me from the fact that we were in an enormous loft that you could ride your bike inside of and that people actually lived in with crazy art everywhere. Side-confession: I can't really ride a bike.

Anyway, they served beer made by some dude that was friends with the band (delicious and hoppy; I am sorry I can't give said-dude a proper shout-out because I didn't catch the name of the beer) and you could silk-screen your own t-shirt and I felt totally out of place, but loved every minute of it. COYOL will also be appearing on Noelia and Kalen's awesome new site Knock and Rock (http://www.knockandrock.com/) very soon and then they will probably blow up and be huge because they're good and so goddamn gorgeous.

Afterwards, we went to Lindsey's friend's birthday at some swanky, American Psycho-looking loft facing the Standard hotel and danced to some old Madonna. So, a solid night. But I took no pictures. So here's one I took of the crazy weather out the window of my office. Doesn't it look like Armageddon?

Doesn't it?! Whatever I hate you.

Fried-day

2011-11-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am so clever. I also had a ROUGH week. Like, work-wise. But everything's okay now! Sort of! Whatever, it's Friday, and although I am monumentally sleepy/mildly hungover from eating sausage (get your minds out of the gutter) at my magical and Italian friend Antonio's birthday into dancing to Soft Pipes' Anthony and my friend Christopher (his musical name is Miracle Parade and his tunes are a DELIGHT...check it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdqgE_5CEUw) DJ at R Bar (cool place in Koreatown that you weirdly need a password to get into: http://www.yelp.com/biz/r-bar-los-angeles), I still need to share some jams with all 19 of you:

1) "I'm Going Down," by Bruce Springsteen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZarmRLa2p9Q) So in college, the hockey house had some really good slash chauvinistic parties (um, CEOs and secretary hos?), but they would always play the same three songs: "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness (what happened to them?), "We Built This City" by Starship (fucking stupid lyrics), and this song. I don't know why I am giving you this useless information but this song reminds me of college and the good times I had there and now I am old and SIGH.

2) "California Soul" by Marlena Shaw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MMflNf-ocg) Anthony LOVES to play this song when he DJs. Because it's awesome and you can't help but dance to it. Also like, it's appropriate for where I live. Anyway, the boys played it last night and now it's in my head in a good way.

3) "Realist Alive" by Clams Casino (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYMH8NagwKU&feature=related) I hate the name of this music project. It totally grosses me out even though I don't even know what the dish of food Clams Casino entails...I mean, it's obviously something involving clams. Anyway, I love "I'm God" by Clams, but this song is equally dreamy in its hypnotic chill-wave repetitiveness.

PS Guys, did you know what a Pickleback was? I didn't until Emily told me. It's when you chase a shot of whiskey with a shot of pickle juice. Don't knock it 'til you try it...

Youth Lagoon at The Echo

2011-11-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

I went with Kyle last night. It was awesome. The bassist was so hot. Look:

You're welcome.

Tunesday

2011-11-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

What's in my brain today:

1) "Wash the Day" by TV On The Radio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_dfHPorYNw). Damn, I really like this band now. I know, I know, I am super-late to the party, but at least I made it, right? This is TVOTR at their best: booming, thumping and yet melodic.

2) "Common Burn" by Mazzy Star (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7ayH09psxc). GUYS, do you remember "Fade Into You"? You don't? Here you go, idiot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKY6TZEyrI. This song (and the movie Angus, in which this song is prominently featured) like, defined eighth grade for me. I know Mazzy Star only plays three chords or something for reasons unknown to me, but they're like, THE BEST three chords ever. This new jam from them captures their old dreamy sound while incorporating some new, jazzier and honestly, lighter elements. Good stuff.

3) "Ingenue" by Life in Mono (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otRmKa9WNbM&feature=fvst). Okay, so I just dove down into an eighth-grade wormhole. But do you remember the soundtrack to Great Expectations? I was obsessed. I was also obsessed with the movie and even though it was panned, you could still see how potentially brilliant Alfonso Cuaron was. I mean, setting the Dickens novel in the NYC art world of the 80's? All the green designer couture? So good. Anyway, I could not get enough of this soundtrack. Whatever, just consider yourselves lucky I didn't use the Chris Cornell song I wanted to post.

Halloweekend

2011-11-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

So Halloween lasted four days this year.

Friday, my delightful and handsome Venice friends Jon, TJ (they're brothers, it's hot), and Charles had a Halloween/Bday Party and it was great. Jon and TJ were also saying adios to old Venice as they are moving to my neck of the woods (YAY). I did a very hipster-friendly joint costume with Anna and we are SO HIP, no one has any pictures of us together. All I got is this:

Noelia is the hot nurse in the middle. Hot not only because she's a pretty lady, but because she painted flames and soot all over her dress. Deanna on the right is zombie-Blanche from Golden Girls and that is an INCREDIBLE costume (the wig is actually an Edward Cullen from Twilight wig). Although I HATE me in this picture as you can see, I am Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Obviously Belle, obviously. However, Anna dressed as Sebastian from The Little Mermaid and together we were Belle and Sebastian, like the very hip folksy band, but NOT. You have to trust me when I say Anna looked incredible. The girl really committed. She wore this full Sebastian the crab hat that she order online, all red, and oven mitts in the shape of lobster claws, which she refused to take off and so was hilarious when attempting to hold or open anything.

Saturday night I BABYSAT, which is the scariest way to spend Halloween, let me tell you. Luckily, the children were DELIGHTFUL. But I was very afraid.

Sunday night they do a soul-thing at this bar called Short Stop in Echo Park (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-short-stop-los-angeles, yes it looks like the unmarked doorway to Satan's lair), but my friends and I just drank Bohemias and talked about horror movies. It felt really nice. Last night I hung with Anna and then some women and I had some mulled cider with whiskey in it and watched Dancing With the Stars which was HORRIFYING and wonderful.

And that's what happened.

It's SCARY That I like These Songs...

2011-10-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Happy almost-Halloween! Halloween is a holiday I like for NO REASON because I always end up looking weird in my costume and something strange/bad always happens to me during this particular weekend. But hey, I get to wear my fake glasses outside (or in my office. Right now) and drink a lot and gorge on candy because, like, I'm supposed to. Anyway, to celebrate this joyous weekend of costimes and consumption, here are a few songs that I should be embarassed to like to the point where I fear myself, and yet I don't really:

1) "You Love Me" by Kelly Clarkson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pikf1UyXKuw). I kind of love that Kelly was the first American Idol winner but she kind of let herself go and favors sweatpants over ballgowns and is all sort of "damn the man!" while continuing to churn out cheesy pop tunes. She's kind of the ultimate hipster, the way she plays with irony. Anyway, this song is off her new album and it is so rad in how 80's it is. Also, I like that the song is called "You Love Me," but is all about a dude who treats Kelly like doody.

2) "Going Under" by Evanescence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdhqVtpR2ts&ob=av2e). You guys, I'm being totally serious. I really like this song. So okay, this movie came out a couple of years ago called Tristan and Isolde, starring James Franco with like, the weirdest curly-swirly wig EVER and an incredibly sexytime Henry Cavill pre-Tudors and Superman. The movie was complete poo, BUT it had this really erotic trailer where after the chick is all "I'll pretend it's you," when she's about to sex this other dude that Tristan won her for accidentally (I mean, it's a pretty famous story), this jam kicks in and is wildly effective. Omg FINE don't believe me, but watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAJJay0Uv4M. You are welcome.

3) "Resistance" by Muse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPE9uSFFxrI&ob=av2n). I am aware that this playlist is now spinning wildly out of control, but I am just trying be brutally honest with you guys. This is what blogging is all about. So, Muse is a STUPID band. Like, that Starlight song is fine and there's this one other old one that is sort of dirty-sexy, but mostly they are these pesudo-Goth, pseudo-glamrock, pseudo-cool guys that think they're creating these epic, eternally poignant anthems when really they're just extremely poor man's (we're talking no shoes and homeless) Queen smushed together with something else. That being said, this is probably their most embarassing song and I totally enjoy it.

4) "The Story of Us," by Taylor Swift (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN6VR92V70M&ob=av2e). I totally have a weird fascination with Swifty. She is this 22-year old woman-bagillionaire who sings about love like she's a 7th-grader who's never been to second base. Seriously, even Mandy Moore sang about making love on the floor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhN1K59V-BI). Also, she has had like, 50 boyfriends, right? Like does she not bang them? I'm sorry, but is she trying to tell me all John Mayer ever did was "lead her up the stairwell"? Did he just spin around and head right back down the stairs after that? But as sad as all of this is, there is something incredibly relatable about all of Taylor's lyrics. Like sure, I want a dude to drop everything now and meet me in the pouring rain and kiss me on the sidewalk and take away my pain (maybe not in the rain, my naturally curly hair would not like that). This song off her most recent album I find really representative of everything Taylor Swift stands for, plus, the video is Swifty doing a "Hit Me Baby One More Time"-thing without a hint of self-mocking or awareness.

Okay I have to go be alone now...enjoy your Friday.

It Happened Last Weekend...

2011-10-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

So, two of my college roommates and one college friend that I did not live with came to visit last weekend. On Friday, Lucy Byrd Lyons (that is really her name. She is amazing and has red hair and lives in DC with her cute husband and loves pie) and Anne Foster-Keddie (equally amazing, law student who lives in San Diego, most energy of any human I have ever met) came with me to the Mason Jennings concert at the El Rey (we have discussed this theater; beautiful old-school venue in Hollywood).

I had a big thing for Mason in college. Anne introduced me to him and I fell hard for his gentle and peculiar voice and painfully honest lyrics. I remember going with her to some tiny spot in Brooklyn our Senior year to see him play an amazing acoustic set while I drank PBR, maybe for the first time. Well, he's still got it. His new stuff is just as compelling (check out his new album: http://masonjennings.com/home). Here is a pic of him playing the DRUMS (he can, obviously, play all of the instruments, but I am a sucker for a drummer who can also sing CAN YOU HEAR ME DAVE GROHL?):

Again, we were closer than this pic would lead you to believe. He is performing here with a band called the Pines, who were FINE...kind of a Cary Brothers rip-off.

Saturday was sad because Anne had to leave but then happy because we met up with Lily Oliver (looks like a sweet blonde lady but she will CUT you with her sharp NYC wit...yup, she's also AMAHZING) and went to Mandrake, which is this awesome gallery/bar/danceparty place in the middle of nowhere down La Cienega (http://www.mandrakebar.com/). Lucy commented that I must love it there because it was full of hipsters and men in flannel, which is...true, but the bartenders make a mean greyhound (it has a sprig of rosemary in it!) and the dancing is actually really good. Late that night, Lucy, Kyle and I got down to some Abba. Look:

That sign above the dancefloor reads "NO DANCING." So ironic. So hip. Sigh; I miss my girls already!

Twosday

2011-10-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today is insane. I can only type about two songs and I still need to tell you (Mom) about my weekend. But enjoy:

1) "True Love Will Find You in the End," by Daniel Johnston (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNXTh4A4uS0). Sadly, I discovered this song when it was covered by Beck on the Daniel Johnston tribute album, but whatever, now I know about it and love it.

2) "The Downside of Being a Fuck-Up" by Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWuXHyp5BJM). Um, thank you Kurt Vile Pandora station for this one. I only knew "Whole Wide World" by Wreckless Eric before this and even though I think that is a JAM, this song is even better in my opinion. Also Amy Rigby, I never knew you, but I like you now.

PS Song...guys, you know I love a PS song. This one is "I've Just Seen a Face," by the Beatles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CEZ7KHdApE). I mean, you guys probably already know this song because you have the internet and don't live in caves, but it makes me so happy. It's tender. I like that word. Tender. Okay bye.

Chats From a Co-worker...

2011-10-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

So Rob IMs me just now (he is sitting next to me):

Rob:    get one of these
            and turn every boy into the boy of your dreams
            http://www.likecool.com/Beardo_beard_hat--Hat--Style.html

He gets me.

Tired Tuesday

2011-10-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Guys I am so beat. It's my own fault...I went to celebrate my friend Deanna's birthday last night and decided to pretend it was not a MONDAY. It was actually really wonderful: Deanna cooked pot-stickers and Bok choy and rice and this amazing Filipino-style chicken and this wine-orange thing and chocolate cake. I ate so much I barely felt the MILLION GLASSES of champagne that I had. Then we went to the outdoor patio at Chavito. And then there was Good Luck Bar. Have I talked about Good Luck Bar? It's this bar (duh) at the corner of Sunset and Hillhurst: http://www.yelp.com/biz/good-luck-bar-los-angeles

I like it there because it's super divey, but actually has a cool faux-Asian aesthetic and somehow they're always playing some amazing Kinks b-side you had forgotten you loved. Anyway, as a result of all this fun, I feel like doody. However, this music is helping:

1) "Because the Night" by Patti Smith (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px__SsVXX_0). This is one of my all-time favorite songs. People my age are way more familiar with the 10,000 Maniacs' cover, but Natalie Merchant's voice, while great, isn't nearly as tortured and interesting as Smith's...possibly because Natalie Merchant wasn't basically homeless and in love with a gay addict artist, but I digress. If you haven't, please check out Patti Smith's amazing book Just Kids and I also recommend her cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ciiCyxOJA). I know I just bashed covers earlier in this very paragraph, but she actually does something very different with the song and brings a perspective to it that I find really relevant.

2) "Number 1" by Goldfrapp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzfaJRDfveo&ob=av2e). This is a really, really simple dance track from years ago but I still like it. Alison Goldfrapp is a super-charismatic frontwoman and this band was at the forefront of the dance-pop revival. That sentence I just typed could be a total lie, but it feels right...just like walking out into velvet.

3) "The Heart of the Matter" by Don Henley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xezg3z5IE8I). So I HELLA hate the Eagles. I am not even really sure what they sing besides "Hotel California," but that song alone makes me want to die. Like, who likes that song? Seriously? Why is it on the radio so much? But anyhoo, I LOVE Don. He hits this spot in the cheesiest part of my heart and I just feel so good whenever I hear any of his jams like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire when his life is falling apart but Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" comes on and gives him back his will to live. I also like that all of his songs are basically long-winded justifications for all the terrible things that happen to people, like their exes breaking up with them and moving onto another relationship and they're still single and had to hear about it from a Goddamned friend BUT IT'S OKAY BECAUSE IT'S ABOUT FORGIVENESS! Oh Don...don't worry...in a New York-minute everything can change.

Friday Footloose

2011-10-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

I just made that the post-title because Footloose comes out and I am totally amped to see it. I know it's often a crime against humanity to try and remake classic films (like The Thing...I KNOW it's a prequel but you HAVE to be kidding me if you think you can make something more perfect than the original...), but let's be honest this is mother-effing FOOTLOOSE, not The Conformist. It's dancing, it's FINE.

Anyway, I only wanted to share some songs today, not pontificate on the downfall of modern cinema. Enjoy:

1) "Don't Move" by Phantogram (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2RlV6cteiA). Ugh, fine, I found this on Pitchfork. But I am in a dance-y place (see above re: Footloose) and this song includes my lover, the horn, so it goes on the list.

2) "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3giaIzONA&ob=av2e). WHAT DID I JUST SAY?! This song doesn't get old to me.Whit is being like, pretty pathetic here, whining about how as soon as it gets dark she gets super lonely and just really wants to "dance" and feel the heat with somebody who loves her, but let's be honest, we all relate. I especially love when she gets all manic, singing "don'tyouwannadancesayyouwannadancedon'tyouwannadance?!" Yes Whit, I do.

3) "Dance All Night" by Ryan Adams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwEBKVFLtS4). Yeah, we've got ourselves a theme now. Ryan Adams just released a new album and it's pretty solid, but rather than just post "Lucky Now," or some new bullshit, I am taking you back to my college years when my Ryan obsession was at it's peak. This song conjures up stumble-dancing by yourself at last call with the lights on and a half-empty bottle of Jack in your hand...in a good way.

4) "Dance Little Sister" by The Rolling Stones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9mj7ZwIKnI). This song makes me want to do that cool, 80's, toe-tappy dance where you exaggeratedly snap your fingers and maybe wear your blazer with the collar up, know what I mean? No? Well it doesn't matter anywah because confession: I can't snap.

5) "Night by Night" by Chromeo (hthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XCcWlgVqHA&ob=av2n). This is one of my all-time favorite videos and the song may not have the word "dance" in the title, but "Night by Night" is ALL ABOUT dancing. And sexiness with sexy Chromeo. And this video is my fantasy: dancing all night in an awesome outfit with Chromeo at a mysterious NYC warehouse. Here's hoping my Friday goes in this direction...

Oh, the Horror!

2011-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

So as of late, I have developed a secret habit of listening to Beyonces "Best Thing I Never Had" on repeat. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHp2KgyQUFk&ob=av2e

Yeah, I know, I have that same outfit in purple. Anyway, I am not ashamed of my Bey-love. She is an awesome, talented lady and married to/about to give birth to the spawn of Jay-Z. I am way more proud of liking this song than say, "Sparks Fly" by T. Swift (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcfaf3Rk28Y), which I have to turn way down on my drive home when I hit Silverlake Blvd., however jamming nonstop to Beyonce doesn't exactly give me the street cred I crave...

...Which is why I am SO PSYCHED that The Horrors have decided to admit their appreciation for the Goddess B by COVERING "Best Thing I Never Had." Here it is:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/10/the_horrors_best_thing_i_never.html

Honestly, I like the original better. I appreciate the 80's, Cure-ness of the Horrors' version (as I appreciate the whole 80's, Cure-like thing the band is doing in general now), but the whole point of this song to me is that it's a big, soulful, almost-ballad sung by a true DIVA. Much like "Irreplaceable" (SO. FUCKING. GOOD. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ&ob=av2e), "Best Thing I Never Had" is a you-are-missing-out-on-all-this-hot-shit-you-idiot power ditty that can really only be pulled off by someone like Ms. Knowles. Anyway, the point is, I feel cooler loving this song now that an indie band covered it.

Hola Chavito

2011-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

On Friday I ended up meeting some friends at Chavito, the bar that's connected to Mexican (duh) restaurant El Chavo on Sunset (http://www.elchavorestaurant.com/). This was sort of an accidental meeting, since I actually forgot Daniel had said he had moved from Harvard and Stone to Good Luck Bar and made him go outside to save me and Emily from the line at Harvard and Stone...even though he wasn't there. Anyway, this story may make no sense to you, but we ended up and Chavito and LISTEN, it's pretty cool there. It's super-divey and there's a cute little garden outside and the Margaritas are STRONG (on the rocks, salted; this drink is unacceptable any other way) and all of the boys there are bearded and possibly in need of a shower in a good way. Even though I was too shy to talk to the dirty forest men and spent the whole time talking to my very clean friends Gabe (Gabe! You're my best friend! Move here!) and Mori (Mori! I love you!), If you're looking for a chill little night I highly recommend this place. Also important, my delightful Westside friend Jonathan Ames made it out in all his bespectacled splendor, and it was a joy to see him (even though he was sitting too far away for my lazy self to talk to for most of the night).

Also, this GEM of an old-school jam came on the radio in my car last night and I want all twelve of you to experience it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbrTX6Frg3I

Beirut at the Greek

2011-10-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

I know this post title would lead you to believe I was playing a drinking game at a frat house, but really I was seeing a delightful band at one of the best music venues in the world.

The Greek is an amphitheatre in Griffith Park...a delightful stroll up Hillhurst if you park down by Little Doms. It is LOVELY: http://www.greektheatrela.com/. It's small and intimate and really any seat in the outdoor theater is a good seat (I know this to be a fact; for Arcade Fire I was in the second row and for Beirut I was on one of the side balconies and had a great view and heard great sound from both spots).

Anyway, it was a perfect little Tuesday night; Beirut was fantastic with their gentle jams and trumpets and tubas (I LOVE A HORN!). Who knew a 24 year old dude from Santa Fe would get heavy into Eastern European folk music and blend it with some Paul Simon to create such a soulful, fun sound? Not I.

Here are some dark blurry pics to give you sense of what I was seeing:

So blue! Also, we were closer than this pic would lead you to believe...

Now white! I want to steal those lights and put them in my non-existent garden. Until next time!

Showing My Mainstreamness...

2011-10-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Welp, I love the new Florence and the Machine song, "Shake it Out." It's so much fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWnVznnWcs

Guys, come on, I have been SO weepy musically lately. It was raining in LA all week (confession: I secretly loved it), so I was embracing the darkness. Now, I am stepping into the light. I am going to stop typing now to avoid spouting more cliches.

Idiot...is me.

2011-10-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Youth Lagoon's album is called The Year of Hibernation, not Cannons. Cannons might've been the EP. Sometimes I get really excited and it makes me stupid. Also this is the cool, official video for Montana that rips off Malick's Tree of Life, but is still good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKPT30jOJw

Noelia alerted me to this. Thanks Noey, as always. She also sent me this video to haunt my dreams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emCw-rRU3Q4&feature=player_embedded#!

Good song, scary RING-style video. You're welcome.

Tuesditties

2011-10-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

Say that title out loud; it will make you laugh. Or don't, whatever, I don't care about you. But here are some songs for you this Tuesday:

1) "Montana" by Youth Lagoon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbMiHqaE8VE). I am obsessed with Youth Lagoon's album Cannons right now. Seriously, I love all of the songs on this thing...you know I adore me a jam that builds and builds. Anyway, this guy is like 20 or something and I am going to see him soon at the Echo and can't wait.

2) "Elephant Gun" by Beirut (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSz_PAfgNc). This is the first song I ever heard by this band and I fell immediately into intense like with them. I think I told you that I wanted to adapt this dark children's fairytale into a movie and then somehow get Beirut to do the entire score. I still fantasize about doing that. Typically, I am completely annoyed by twee little bands of boys in suspenders making twinkly music on mandolins, but these guys have a BEAUTIFUL sound and incorporate many instruments. Like HORNS. Also I am going to see them tonight at the Greek YAYAYAYYYY!!!

3) "Let Down" by Radiohead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z_NvVMUcG8). Okay, so I have basically had this on repeat since I found out they did a concert at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC and became furious that I was not AT IT. Dear Radiohead, can you do that in LA please? Thanks, love, me, Stranger. Anyway, I have loved this song for so long and I am sure you have too.

4) "Baby's Arms" by Kurt Vile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63KB-EJKdyI). I am not over him yet.

5) "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqIIW7nxBgc&ob=av2n). Have I done this one already? Jesus JONES, this woman is great. I really loved this dark-haired, Spanish-loving phase of Madge's and the videos that went along with it. I love love spoken word or "rap" sections in lady-pop songs (see Mandy Moore's "Candy," as an example. No, seriously).

PS Bye REM! I was real, real all about you for a while. In fact, I used to kiss my pillow and the doorframe of my bathroom and picture Nick Armes to this song in the seventh grade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_8_LpLqKYA. What?! I considered it a gift that could create such an elaborate romantic scenario in my mind at such a young age.

CORRECTION!

2011-10-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

You can't BYOB at Speranza anymore. My friend learned this the hard way on Friday and by hard way I mean she had to leave the bottle in the car, we still had the delicious Malbec that is on the menu at the restaurant, and then she drank the car bottle at our next destination. Anyway, I just don't want to lie to you guys ever, sorry.

Speranza!

2011-09-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

I might've blogged about this place before and I am not going until later tonight, but I am so excited about it I want to remind you right now:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/speranza-los-angeles

Speranza is this PRECIOUS restaurant on Hyperion (and I mean precious; they give you blankets to cover yourself if it's chilly in the twinkly-lit garden where the tables are) that has one chef serving WONDERFUL homemade pastas among other dishes. You can also bring your own wine and there is no corkeage fee, although when I was there I had an awesome Malbec that we ordered off the menu (I think Daniel of Mongolian BBQ fame picked it, so thanks Daniel). Mmmmmmm. In advance.

DRIVE

2011-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

GUYS, GUYS, GUYS!!!! Have you seen Drive, starring babe of all babes Ryan Gosling? No? GO RIGHT NOW. It is one of the most BEAUTIFUL films I've seen in a long time (but warning: super, super violent and bloody) and the images on screen coupled with the BRILLIANTLY selected soundtrack make pure movie magic. Here are three jams from the movie that I found especially awesome:

"Real Hero," by College featuring Electric Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSVDcw6iW8

"Under Your Spell," by Desire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7rmxjk5RQ

"Nightcall," by Kavinsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV_3Dpw-BRY

I KNOW.

Concert Weekend

2011-09-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I saw a lot of bands perform. Technically, I only went to 2 concerts, but I caught 7 acts, all pretty great, some amazing.

It all started Friday night when I went with my concert girlfriend Noelia to the Bright Eyes show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (you know, the place with the movies). We strolled into the graveyard with our picnic items (OKAY FINE, Crazy Creek chairs, frosted animal crackers, and whiskey...it's ALLOWED there) and heard a familiar voice. I won't go through the ridiculous details of how we realized Kurt Vile was playing in the sunset, opening for Mr. Oberst, but there is he was in all his grunge-y glory. People were spread out all over the cemetery field with their blankets and baskets, the large stage in the corner looming againt the backdrop of palm trees and dusk (wait...did I really just write that? Ew.).

Then Conor Oberst and crew came out and the stage lit up with different colored column fixtures. No camera could really do it justice so my tiny, flashless Blackberry was kind of useless to say the least. Whatever, you had to be there. Without trying to sound incredibly cheesy (too late), Bright Eyes was a really beautiful, emotional experience. I was never originally on the Bright Eyes train (except I remember "Lover I Don't Have to Love," making me uncomfortable in a good way), but this concert made me realize what a beautiful lyricist Oberst is and how hard he can actually rock. Bright Eyes did INCREDIBLE versions of "Poison Oak" (Oh GOD do I love this song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjHACWmO0jQ) and "Landlocked Blues" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6707rEMoUo4). Oberst was also in a WONDERFUL mood...something that I've heard is a rarity when he performs. Anyway, it was an amazing show.

Sunday I went (with Noelia, duh) to the Hollywood Bowl (you should know this place...http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/) to see The Smith Westerns, Warpaint, Panda Bear, The Arctic Monkeys, and TV on the Radio. I know, five bands seems insane, but only the Monkeys and TVOTR played full sets. The Smith Westerns were solid, but I don't love their music (kind of George Harrison-esque, as Noey put it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEeWAY0oEOc). Warpaint blew my Goddamned head off. Here is the video for their song "Undertow," which I LOVE, and it's directed by actress Shannyn Sossamon, the band's original drummer, who founded the group with her sister Jenny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkqbY0oGKQ). I know, that is a lot of information. The new drummer, Stella Mogzawa, is basically the best thing since Dave Grohl. You guys know I love a drummer, but this lady is so ACCURATE and yet BRUTAL in the way she plays, I almost forget the pretty melody that's being put down on top of it. I say ALMOST, because Warpaint really is a great band that you have to see live to fully appreciate. Also Emily Kokal's NOSE IS THE COOLEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN. Just saying. Here is what they looked like:

That picture actually makes us seem further away than we really were. I swear. Then Panda Bear brought the audience to a spiritual place with their haunting electro-chants (they opened with this and I adore it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQUlJ81kFBA&feature=related). Noah Lennox didn't say a single word, but he did sing into the mic VERY passionately, look:

It was cool. Then Alex Turner and his Arctic Monkeys brought some SEX to the Bowl (seriously, Turner has this whole dark James Dean thing going on now and the guitarist Jamie Cook looks like a more fashionable Channing Tatum with a guitar...a good thing). The Monkeys also have a very good drummer, Matt Helders, but he plays much faster and dirtier than Stella Mogzawa and was wearing a really gross pair of American flag balloon pants, though I appreciate his respect for the US. This isn't my favorite song by the dudes as I prefer when they don't do their psuedo-Oasis routine and rock a little harder, but this IS more representative of their image right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlYJKfunfC0&ob=av2n

TVOTR was of course, fantastic and so fun to boogie to (especially after some rose wine and triple-cream brie cheese) and I shouldn't even have to paste a song by them, but here's this because I just love it so much: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N31oFeinFY. You're welcome people.

PS Did I mention I went to Bon Iver at the Shrine last Monday? They were wonderful. Pretty sure I cried during "Blood Bank." Here is an awesome picture:

You had to be there.

Secret Spot

2011-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

While I feel bad about blowing up the spot of this hidden gem for all its regulars, I also don't feel bad about potentially bringing more business (from like, 2 of you) to 1642, a tiny adorable bar on Temple in Echo Park. Check out some pics:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/1642-beer-and-wine-los-angeles

Outside, it does look a little bit like you're about to get murdered (which can be scary when you're walking towards, say, a first date with someone you don't know very well), but inside 1642 is completely warm and twinkly-lit and great. It's owned by this hip-looking lady who has BEAUTIFUL cats (that is a huge deal for me to say since I think cats are hideous, cruel monsters that hate the human race) that sort of wander about. Theres also a little garden in the back if you need a breather. I had this AWESOME "off-the-menu" beer called Cold Spring:

http://www.coldspringbrewery.com/

The kind I had was like honey almond or something and came in a giant can...really fantastic. Anyway, I really reccommend this place for a casual drinks, a date, or even for a solo beer, which I am too afraid to ever do so if you can, I applaud you.

Friday 5

2011-09-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hiiiiiii it's the weekend! This play-list might lead you to believe I am in a bad mood AGAIN, but let me reassure you, I'm not, it's just been gray weather in LA and I love it and I am indulging in darkness with slightly somber music. Also, I've secretly wished my life to be a Gothic fairytale a la Wuthering Heights since I was like, 6; I'm just saying. Okay, okay, MUSIC:

1.) "The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1" by Neutral Milk Hotel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYOx43j9pRI). I didn't even know about this band until Mason Jennings did a cover of this song at a show five years ago and split my heart right open. This is one of those songs that makes me wistful and upset about a childhood I didn't have. Except one time my parents did get in a fight that involved my mom throwing a brick of cheese at my dad (don't deny it, Andrea). So there's that.

2.) "Something Vague," by Bright Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqGqWRgNE70). I am going to this show with Noelia at the cemetery tomorrow and she sent me this song and TALK ABOUT SPLITTING MY HEART OPEN. This song pretty much sums up New York in the winter: you're cold, your romantic partner is being an ASSHOLE, you're miserable, and yet it's all kind of magical and you love it. Am I right or am I right?

3.) "The Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZ3lSurNCI). Okay, this song really isn't sad, but I feel like it's in line with these other two. This tune is like the sun popping through really weird, dark clouds. I sort of have no idea what I am talking about right now. But I do love how the Decemberists always tell a good story in their music.

4.) "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" by The Magnetic Fields (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO6R276hBeM). I've been doing a lot of Fields this week, and this dude is an effing lunatic and I love him. I dig his very deep, specific 80's voice and his extremely literal and hilarious lyrics. Also, I totally agree with this song.

5.) "Here Comes My Baby," by Cat Stevens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ooKXrJwJAw&feature=fvst). Okay, this song SOUNDS upbeat, but it's totally about the worst thing that could happen to you romantically and fits in with this very Wes Anderson-y list of jams. Cat wrote this song when he was only 18! Facts!

PS Song: "I'm Lonely (And I Love It)" by Future Bible Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoEJQ6ZDzIo). Do I really need to explain this song to you?

Un-hip Post...

2011-09-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Guys, is something wrong with me? Wait, don't answer that. But I think I like the new Coldplay song. Here they are performing "Paradise" on Letterman:

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/09/21/coldplay-paradise-on-letterman/

Like, I am possibly blinded by Chris Martin's biceps, but the simplicity of this song is like a throwback to "Sparks" or "Warning Sign" and I feel intense feelings about those jams and about early Coldplay in general. Okay FINE I loved all of X&Y and Summer after Junior year of college would BLAST "Fix You" in the car and pretend Chris was singing about me.

Contemplating deleting this entire post...oh, fuck it.

SMOG!

2011-09-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

So I was checking out songs by I Break Horses on Youtube after discovering "Winter Beats" on Pitchfork (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9N1aar52sA&feature=related) and I stumbled upon this tune CALLED "I Break Horses" by this band Smog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cK-PBALyk&feature=related), who is actually just this one guy Bill Callahan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Callahan_(musician). I really am liking this Smog stuff...yes, it's a little weepy, but it reminds me of Stephin Merritt and also a little bit of Pavement. So therefore, Smog is cool. Check him out!

Strange in NYC Again...

2011-09-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Folks, Teddy Miller is 18. My little brother, the kid whoI told was actually my son when he was 9 to terrify him because I am so much older, is now a man. For such a monumental occasion, I HAD to return to NYC. I mean, look at this precious dude, just getting himself a waffle at the Wafels & Dinges truck (http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/) on Sunday:

I love him. Anyway, New York decided to put the full-court press on me while I was there and by that I mean the weather was gorgeous, perfect New York Fall and my friends and family were gorgeous, perfect friends and family. Friday I stopped into the NYC branch of my office (all the people are delightful there) and then had lunch with two friends at ABC Kitchen (http://www.abckitchennyc.com/) and holy goats, was it delicious. I suggest the crab toast, radish toast, and heirloom tomato toasts (okay, the toasts are good), the shaved squash salad, and the mushroom/Parmesan pizza (it has an egg on it; you know my emotions about this practice). We also split the incredible zucchini cake for dessert. Oh, and I had a really zesty bloody Mary, judge me.

Then I briefly met up with another friend and we did this:

We did all of this. The macaroons are from Bouchon Bakery (http://www.bouchonbakery.com/) and they're fantastic (the blueberry lemon one on the right knocked my socks off). Then I went to Teddy's soccer game (he's the captain! He scored! They won!) and then the whole fam plus Teddy's wonderful girlfriend Amelia (seriously, she had this awesome sweater with on-purpose holes in it and is like 70 times more mature than I am) went to Kin Shop (http://www.kinshopnyc.com/). Kin Shop is Top Chef season 1 winner Harold Dieterle's place and it's this super-tasty, super-spicy Thai fusion flavor explosion. We shared squid ink soup, melt-in-your-mouth goat, red snapper, skate, fluke and beef with heirloom tomatoes. I also had the best beer I've had in a long time, and I love a nice beer, called Beerlao. It is from LAOS. I know, who knew? It's a dark lager, but not heavy. Anyway then I went and met friends for drinks at Gottino (http://www.yelp.com/biz/gottino-new-york) and it was GREAT.

Saturday I met my friend for brunch at Arte Cafe in my parents' hood (http://www.artecafenyc.com/) and had a tasty mushroom and herb omelet and then later went downtown and had a glass of rose with friends at Corsino (http://www.corsinocantina.com/). Can you tell this trip was food and drink-based? No? Well that night I had dinner at Empellon (http://empellon.com/), which was SO GOOD (queso fundido, lobster tacos, need I say more?) and cute, then had a marvelous cocktail at Employees Only (http://www.employeesonlynyc.com/), which really cool inside but SO CROWDED, stared at some handsome gentlemen at Kingswood (http://www.kingswoodnyc.com/), and then finished the night with my favorite burger at Corner Bistro (http://cornerbistrony.com/). It was 3AM, so like, at least 4 hours had past since I'd eaten last. But, um, that's a lot of food and drink.

Sunday, I had bagels and lox (yeah, more food...WHAT?) at my grandparents' apartment overlooking the East river, did some shopping with my mom downtown and then met my dad and Teddy at the Columbus Ave. street fair (I am telling you, NYC was SEDUCING me) for Waffles and love. Look how cute the hood looks:

I don't know those people, but I dig that long-haired man's style. Oh, and I stopped by the flea market with my mom; look at her hunting for goods:

She was on a mission. Anyway, the weekend was pretty much perfect. Happy to be back in Silverlake but missing Manhattan always in my heart. Also by now you should know how unabashedly cheesy I am.

Tuesday Tres

2011-09-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am in a bad mood today. I am fairly certain this music will reflect that:

1) "Hysteric" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqKjIquR5Bc). I love that this song's title implies a manic, wailing dance-jam by Karen O, but is actually a very gentle little tune. A sad one.

2) "Low Man" by Alberta Cross (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWvFjL8vs5w). I mean, this dude's voice KILLS me. This song is totally a lie-in-the-dark-on-your-bed-with-your-heart-fucking-breaking jam. That somber, slow beat on the drum and Petter Stakee's vocals perfectly represent the sound of yearning. Oh my GOD I am grumpy.

3) "Abel" by The National (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1BjndTZvQY). I know this band is famous for their weepy ballads, but I dig this song because it's ANGRIER. Well, basically The National's entire catalogue is appropriate for me today. Okay now I have to go listen to it.

Thanks for letting me try to bring you down with me this Tuesday...

FASHIONS!

2011-09-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

I can't lie, I never read LA Magazine, and yet I am COMPLETELY addicted to http://nymag.com/. ADDICTED. Like, I read all the restaurant reviews, New York Diets, every word precious little David Edelstein writes, and I LOVE the Fug Girls and all their fashion articles. And as stylist Rachel Zoe would say, I DIE for Fashion Week. Like, I need to look at every piece of clothing on every model.

I mean like, I TRY to wear cute outfits, but considering that today I dribbled olive oil onto my general boobical area and managed to stain a BLACK top, I can't really get that adventurous with my fashions. Also, possibly unrelated, I am constantly telling boys I like their "tops" and although I always mean it sincerely when I say it, calling a man-blouse a "top" (okay, AND calling them man-blouses) can be kind of emasculating and possibly offensive. I should work on that. But I probably will not. Anyway, it's fashion week and nymag.com post slides from every show and it's wonderful and Happy Monday, HERE:

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/

Now you can't do work either.

Five For Friday

2011-09-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Remember that band Five for Fighting? I think it was actually just one dude (thereby making that name fucking STUPID) and he single-handedly made the early 2000's WORSE with his music. What was that song? Something about only having 100 years to live? Not only did that song SUCK, but it gave me a panic attack every time I heard it because he goes from 16 to 36 and depressed with three kids and alimony payments in about 20 seconds. SHUDDER. Anyway, my post-title just made me think of that; I'm sorry everyone. Here are some better songs I am listening to today:

1) "Yer So Bad" by Tom Petty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdRViFCvvUo&ob=av2e). Ok so it's no secret that I don't LOVE Tom Petty. Like, I love "American Girl" because it was on the only mixtape I had with me on a teen tour and I am into Americana, and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" is a fun song/a cool Kim Basinger video (I'm not even getting INTO "Free Falling;" of course that's a solid song, Jerry Maguire, blah blah), but he just doesn't seem that special to me and I think his time has sort of passed. However, this song came on the radio the other day and not only did I think it was sort of this eerily relevant homage to that dude from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills who killed himself, but it's also kind of fun. THEN I found the video, and it's hilarious and features Marty and Elaine (of Swingers fame) in the Dresden in Los Feliz where they regularly perform. So L.A.

2) "Light of the Morning" by Band of Skulls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjR2v9elw3k&ob=av2n). I can't believe I haven't talked to you guys about this band yet. I know they were hipper like, last year, but I LOVE the Skulls. I liked this album since it came out (adore 70's-sounding, Southern-ish rock), and then I saw them at Coachella last year and rocked out so hard I had to give myself a time-out (also I was in a tent with a million people and it was 5000 degrees). Also, Emma Richardson is a sick bassist who just kind of kicks ass and doesn't make a big deal about it and I enjoy that. Also ALSO, the end of this song is so cool.

3) "Midnight City" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDyonn3mQj8). I AM SOSOSOSOSOSO EXCITED FOR THIS CONCERT IN NOVEMBER!!! This band is so fun and makes me so nostalgic for a time and suburban lifestyle I was never even a part of. I think Pitchfork (which I love/hate) described this song as kind of like "a John Hughes movie." Yup. Agree.

4) "Payne's Bay" by Beirut (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_X6QrPM_O8). I AM ALSO SOSOSOSO EXCITED FOR THIS CONCERT THIS MONTH!!! Okay, that is obnoxious, I'm sorry. I can't believe I only recently discovered Beirut's new album The Riptide. The entire thing is just beautiful all the way through. I used to have this fantasy about adapting this children's book (not telling you which one) into a movie and then having Beirut score the whole thing and using "Elephant Gun" for the kissing scene. Also, you know I love a trumpet. This is another song with a really cool ending segment.

5) "Portions for Foxes," by Rilo Kiley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtNV3pOqcjI). Dear Jenny Lewis, I want to BE you. I know this is Rilo's biggest/most mainstream hit, but I just have such fond memories of jumping on our common room couch in college with my roommate Anne SCREAMING the lyrics at the top of our lungs, elated and yet incredibly frustrated by how TRUE they were to us. Fantastic song. Also dudes in college are assholes sometimes.

PS SONG (Cuz I really want to keep the title of the post as is): "Suck it and See" by The Arctic Monkeys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idn1OPolhdk). Alex Turner is a very sexy, quintessential English rocker to me, and the Monkeys have a very specific sound that I don't always go for, but in this case (and this happened a couple of year ago with The Kooks), I am into it. I am excited to see this band soon too. I am sorry, I couldn't help myself, I did it again.

Eff YEAH FYF!!!

2011-09-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day! So this weekend was awesome. I hadn't been to a concert in a while (okay, three weeks is a WHILE for me), so I stuffed this three-day holiday full of musical adventures.

Friday was Handsome Furs at the Echoplex. If you don't know who the Furs are, I'll tell you. They're a two-person band made up of Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade (I miss you Wolf Parade!) and his wife Alexei Perry. They do similar music to Wolf Parade but a little bit more 80's synth-dance (this sentence might make no sense as it sort of feels like my brain is dislodged inside my skull right now but whatever). Here is a cool Furs video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS5mbeXHOmo&ob=av2e

I boycotted the Echoplex for a while, even though it's right near my apartment, because I saw a Lord Huron show there and the sound was so bad I almost rudely left before the end of the gig; I just couldn't take it (not the band's fault! They are good; listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuLbGritTcs). Anyway, they seem to have the problem fixed and you can get Two Boots pizza in the venue, so I support the plex again (http://www.attheecho.com/).

The Furs were AWESOME. They have such good energy and are so in love and while they're both very very attractive humans and usually I focus more on the gentlemen, Perry is SO GORGEOUS and so amped UP and like, does this crazy weird kick to the side and was wearing like, a tennis unitard with side cut-outs and I want to be her. I danced a lot.

The music didn't end there though, because Saturday was the FYF festival in Chinatown (http://fyffest.com/). Noelia happily agreed to be my partner in crime and we met at her house where she made a delicious scramble. One cool thing about living on the Eastside, is that you can take the SUBWAY downtown. This is NOT like my beloved NYC subway. This subway is empty and clean and fancy (I also don't get how they make any money because you can kind of just walk through those ticket-swipe thingies and they just want you to like, push a button? What was that? I don't get it). Anyway, this is Noey on the subway:

I know it's dark, but we're there.

The festival was fantastic. The one thing I would say to future concertgoers is to not worry about being VIP. We WERE, and it really made no difference, partially because a lot of our friends weren't VIP and we wanted to hang out with them, but also because the VIP section was just this area in the grass with like two extra food trucks and some couches. Also, I'm too shy to go up to someone like, say, Josiah Johnson from The Head and the Heart (they were very dreamy and delightful on stage, btw), so there's kind of no point to me being in there.

The highlights for me from the festival were really Ty Segall (this dude looks like he's 14 and performs the most gritty, cool garage rock) and Descendents (old-school punk rock at its best). I just want all of you guys to know that I MOSHED. Like, my left forearm might be broken. Like, I fell down and two men picked me up only to shove me again (not in a scary, abusive way, don't worry). Like, Noelia's dress had a ginormous hole after the fest (also she was so much harder than me...when the mosh pits got intense and I would move back, Noey went FORWARD). Here is how happy to moshing made Noey:

Noey continued this joy into the beer garden where we saw our friends Henna and Mariko:

She is bad-ass. I think we might've missed Guided by Voices, which is a bummer, because we were too busy having a photo-shoot in the VIP:

That's me being wistful and flaring my nostrils; I don't know why. I am also ashamed to say I have no idea what band this is:

But clearly they were awesome so I took a pic. By the time Death From Above 1979 came on, Noey and I were ready to bounce (I caught enough of "Blood on Our Hands" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZNQNELfd0g&ob=av2e) to have it stuck in my head for the rest of the night...in a good way). We got some much-needed street meat outside the subway and were on our way. I WISH I had taken a picture of our subway car, because it was basically 100 dead hipsters lying on the floor. What a day.

Then yesterday after a delightful trip to the South Bay to visit Anna (I got a "Stranger in the South Bay!" shout-out and felt so special, I am bragging about it now on this blog), in an attempt to make the music last forever, I saw This is Spinal Tap at the cemetery. Guys, I had never seen this movie before, I am ashamed to admit, and it was WONDERFUL. Who knew Christopher Guest and Michael McKean could be SO HOT? I did not. Hilarious, hilarious, insightful movie. And what a perfect weekend! Ok, back to the Dance Moms marathon on Lifetime now...

Thanks Noey...

2011-08-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, I love this video "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey:

http://www.pitchfork.com/features/rising/8657-lana-del-rey/

Noelia sent it to me, so I have to thank her. I also love the footage of Paz De La Huerta falling down drunk. I HATE how pretty this girl is and that she's 24 and her real name is Lizzie Grant. But I love her haunting, kinda Nancy Sinatra-esque voice (also Noey's call) and that she put this video together herself and that there's a HARP involved.

Okay time to buy lettuce and vodka because that is all I can afford this week. Don't you pity me!

Monday Music

2011-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Guys, it's SO pretty out. But wait! I am in my office! Yay! Anyway, I know you East-coasters (Mom) were dealing with a pseudo/potentially real hurricane this weekend, so I won't complain about having to be inside when it's gorgeous out. Instead, I will throw some songs at you to make your Monday more merry.

1) "Little Lies" by Fleetwood Mac (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyE4CLM0QIA). This video is amazing and the best part is that all of the fashion (hats!) would be totally trendy on the street today. I like that in this song, the other lady from Fleetwood Mac is doing the singing. Do I know what her name is? No. But I know there was a love triangle and whatever instrument is making that moan-y noise is awesome.

2) "Jolene" by Dolly Parton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGEubdH8m0s). So obviously, I love the White Stripes' rendition of this song, and there about a thousand other decent and no-so-decent covers, but the original version is still the most compelling. This song is SO SAD and yet somehow, you feel like you're on a team with Dolly, begging this bitch to STEP OFF. I love it.

3) "Heart it Races" by Dr. Dog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvJ3dXqmvw). This band is really great live. They have a big sound and incorporate instruments like trumpets that make me happy. This song is a little bit Modest Mouse-y, but it's a solid driving/last days of summer jam.

4) "Trailer Trash" by Modest Mouse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc6l5w1mhqg). Well, I started thinking about Modest Mouse (damn, they've fallen off) and this is one of my favorite songs by them. It has a less polished sound to it and that always pleases me.

5) "Dull Life" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKefxnyT6E). This is kind of a sassy, sexy one by them (although I think pretty much every Yeah Yeah Yeahs song is sassy-sexy). I cannot sit still when I hear this. So I have to get up from my computer now and dance. Bye.

I Hate Sunset Junction!

2011-08-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

WHAT?! I said it. Every year, this festival comes around (http://www.sunsetjunction.org/) and every year I have less than no desire to attend. And anyone who knows me knows I LOVE a good music festival (I am going to one NEXT weekend for shit's sake, but I'll blog about that then). However, the Sunset Junction festival has terrible bands (seriously you guys, I was MOST excited to see Hanson...HANSON), you can't get around because Sunset blvd. is completely jammed with traffic, and it's probably the grossest weekend of the year weather-wise. And this year, I actually LIVE in Silverlake, so I was literally DREADING the weekend.

But for once the gods smiled upon me, because the festival was denied their license and the whole thing was canceled. Sure, there were 16 year old girls in high waisted cut-off jorts wandering the streets in packs searching for rockstars and a couple of impromptu streets concerts going in protest of the festival's cancelation, but mostly my neighborhood was normal (the way I LIKE it). I was able to take my reservoir walk with Em, there was no line at my gelato place (coconut and chocolate-tangerine sorbettos, mmm), and tonight I was able to take a quiet stroll to the Vista (http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/11278247/los_angeles_ca/vintage_cinemas_vista_theatre.html) and see My Idiot Brother (I chuckled A LOT). Anyway, this is kind of a whiny, un-hipstery post, but I had to express my emotions.

For Friday...

2011-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I mean, I love her:

http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/62263000.html

Here is Charlotte Gainsbourg looking/being/sounding cool. Good way to start the weekend.

Two for Tuesday...

2011-08-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in sort of a MOOD today...not necessarily a bad one; I am just all think-y and wistful. Anyway, I bet if you listen to these songs you'll get where I am coming from...and maybe join me in my place of mellow contemplation:

1) "I Will Light You On Fire" by Golden Shoulders (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHxxOdziNlc&feature=related). First of all, I LOVE the title of this song; it's romantic and murderously psychotic at the same time. Second, this song does something I am obsessed with, which is where verses are layered on top of each other. I don't think they're singing in a canon per se, but multiple voices are going all at once and it sounds PRETTY.

2) "Runner Ups" by Kurt Vile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnrB3UEoZDc). I saw Kurt Vile and the Violators perform a few months ago, and he really knocked my socks off. He's like a rockstar from a different era playing this very intense garage rock interspersed with these extremely gentle moments. Also, he looks like a 15-year-old from Seattle, but Vile's voice is this incredibly mature and haunted wail (maybe like the baby of Willie Nelson and Trent Reznor? No?) and I just love it. This song is sad. But GREAT.

Back in Silverlake...

2011-08-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Don't worry guys (Mom), I hung out in Silverlake all weekend. Friday night I went to Cowboys and Turbans with Emily (http://www.cowboysandturbans.com/), which is the weirdest restaurant name but actually makes a lot of sense when you know what is on the menu. Like, Em and I ordered a mango masala pizza (the pizzas are served on freshly made naan bread), fries that come with masala sauce (Emily was convinced they brought the fries over from McDonald's...in a good way), and spinach samosas. We did not get any of the Indian burritos, but those are available as well. So basically, this place serves Indian food in an American Southwestern style. I do not know who came up with this idea, but it works. We also sat out on the back patio of the restaurant under twinkly lights with rose that we brought because Cowboys and Turbans is BYOB (which is honestly a GREAT thing; this place is so reasonable and we spent like NO money). I don't think I need to say this, but I had a delightful time.

Then after a Saturday that included a trip to the cemetery to see The Jerk (you guys, this movie HOLDS UP; it's fucking fantastic) and a detour to my favorite spot Tiki Ti's, I had a delightful 7-hour brunch (I am not exaggerating) with Noelia and two men named Jason (very different, but both wonderful) at Edendale (http://www.edendalegrill.com/). I had a scrumptious salmon crostini (2 poached eggs over lox and toast) and bottomless mimosas (seriously, I want to say I had 73 mimosas) and a marvelous time with my friends. Look how happy Jay is:

That is actually his happy face even though it just looks like he is making a contemplative smirk. I cannot explain what's happening with his sunglasses, that are actually Noelia's sunglasses. Did you not read the part where I said we had BOTTOMLESS mimosas? Goodnight.

You're Welcome...

2011-08-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing is making me happier than this song and video right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ImxY6hnfA&ob=av2e

I've always loved Robyn (and the giant, beautiful Swede boyfriend she brought with her when she ate breakfast next to me at Food Lab), but I give my friend Kate Nelson credit for discovering this jam (okay, we were in a store together) and then I stumbled upon this video and now it is on REPEAT. FOREVER. It's like an actually cool version of that Vanessa Carlton video where she does an interpretive dance of her own song (and to be fair, this is entertaining and hilarious in its own way...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM3fEJyPrrg&ob=av2e). I mean Robyn BREAKDANCES. Heart you Robyn!

Just a Little Strange in NYC...

2011-08-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys! Sorry I have been relatively MIA the past week or so (although I was with you, Mom, so I am not sure who else cares). I was home in New York this past weekend for my grandparents' 60th anniversary (60 years...WTF!) and let me just say, it is glorious there. While Manhattan is my homeland and familiar to me, I always try and do some funky things when I am there to maintain the "Stranger in Silverlake" spirit.

Let's see...Friday I let a stranger named Fashion cut my hair...so that happened. Then I had lunch at Momoya (http://www.themomoya.com/) next to Lucy Liu, which felt oddly LA because of the celeb-factor and because the fish in my chirashi bowl was particularly fresh, but that's a good thing.

Then after a glorious stroll through Chelsea and the West Village, I went to the Naked and Famous concert in Williamsburg. I know guys, I went to BROOKLYN. It's actually so adorable there that it's a little overwhelming. The Naked and Famous also surprised me with how hard they rocked the Music Hall of Williamsburg (http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/). Like, they're a good band, and I bet most of you have heard "Young Blood" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdO85Qf4Poc), which is a totally fun song, but I urge you to also check out "Punching in a Dream" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC29pd_5sQU&ob=av2e) and my personal favorite, "Girls Like You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijX2lAptqwE), which is a song that could not be LESS about me, but I like the beat. Anyway, this is a band worth seeing live. Then I had too many beers at an awesome bar and then acted shadily and got off at the wrong subway stop.

Okay, the anniversary dinner. First of all, during the day my entire family went to the Plaza to take our photo in the room where my Granddaddy (also known as Big Ed) and my Grandmother (a.k.a. Bonnie) got hitched. They were actually setting up for a wedding the day we were there and I found myself cooing despite my hangover and fear of wedding ceremonies. Then there was the big dinner at La Grenouille (http://la-grenouille.com/), which is this very old-school, Mad Men-ish restaurant, where we enjoyed sweetbreads (I don't know why I was more okay eating them when I thought they were brains as opposed to PANCREAS), frog's legs, foie gras and delicious oxtail. But honestly, my favorite part was the dessert. We ordered five different kinds of the most airy yet creamy souffle: Grand Marnier, vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and caramel. Also dudes, souffle is like, mainly made of egg whites; did you know that?! I did NOT and now that I know it's one of the lower-calorie desserts (until you slather whipped cream on it), I am going to be ordering it all the time. When I go to incredibly expensive restaurants. Which I do every day. Anyway, I think Big Ed was happy:

He is so handsome! He also reads this blog and is better at the internet than I am. My brother was also there and I took a pic because he is precious:

That's Teddy making a tough face because I asked him to, not because he hates me. Then we went home and watched Hall Pass, an incredibly inappropriate movie to watch as a family, but I liked the film and the cuddle-times.

Sunday was very typical-NYC: rain, brunch at Eatery (http://www.eaterynyc.com/, yum, but the host yelled at me to tie up my umbrella and I didn't understand what he was saying because I don't speak RAINDROPS), strolling and seeing friends, and then, suddenly, I was back on a plane to LA. I love LA and especially love my Silverlake, but let's face it guys, I am a New Yorker at heart and always will be.

PS I was too exhausted to blog yesterday, but as I was driving home last night this Bee Gee's gem came on the radio and I promised myself I'd share it. So here's "Jive Talkin'," enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBw25CrUS-o

3 More!

2011-08-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's technically Tuesday, but I have three more Monday songs to talk to you about!

1) "She" by Green Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnF0pkWD2Tc&feature=related). I mean, I know they're not the hippest anymore, but how great was Dookie, you guys? This song specifically is kind of a lost gem from an album full of jewels. Not exactly sure why I am using a precious stone analogy...

2) "Up Around the Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34P18at0Q7s). This song was weirdly prominent this weekend. I don't know...I was being really '70's?

3) "Ritual Union" by Little Dragon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yditHU77U6E&feature=related). Like 3 of my friends separately told me I would be into this song. Guys, I am really complicated and have very eccentric taste! You don't know me at ALL! Except that's a huge lie and I love this song.

Okay, Okay, goodnight for real!

CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP

2011-08-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

So I have to be honest and tell you I completely stole this song from Noelia (thanks Noey), but I have spent the past 72 hours listening to it on repeat. It's called "Back to Back" by Wolf Gang, a British band fronted by what looks like a VERY young gentleman:

Here is the like, demo version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvOWcjYdsHQ&feature=relmfu

Here is the super erotic, black and white acoustic version featuring previously mentioned very young gentleman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0DvJYsfYWw&NR=1

Here is the version the whole band did for Burberry (why?) standing outside the lead singer's house (again, why?):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0BeqdxHzfU&feature=relmfu

You guys don't have to be as over-the-moon for this song as I am (I go through odd phases), but as always, I wanted to share. Mom, you might like this one.

Snaping

2011-08-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Guys, I am sorry, but Emily sent me this and I like, have to share it with the world:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/snape%20alan%20rickman%20my%20body%20is%20ready/privatecomedy93/GIFS/tumblr_li8nmgp29K1qd64tf.gif?o=1

It says so much about so many things.

Feliz Friday.

Stranger in Boston

2011-08-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I was in Boston. Boston is, in my opinion, one of the least controversial cities in the world. It's cute and sweet and traditional; a glorified college town. I was there for two reasons: the first was to watch one of my best friends from high school, Siobhan (cool name, right?!), get married and the second was to see my parents and little brother Teddy as they checked out colleges (yeah, I said he was YOUNGER). Also, two of my favorite ladies from college, Katie "Rock" Rockman and Elisha "Bish" Barron were in town and I was lucky enough to able to see them as well.

Anyway, weddings can be...intense, so I needed to do this beforehand:

That's not me (although I wouldn't MIND looking like that). That's Elisha and she's at Temple Bar in Cambridge where we enjoyed those bloody Marys followed by a fantastic brunch with Rock (http://templebarcambridge.com/). Afterwards, Rock walked me to Shibby's ceremony, which was in the CUTEST chapel right next to Harvard Square on one of the most gorgeous days I've ever seen.

Shibs was obviously an incredibly beautiful bride and the ceremony was short but really intimate, personal and sweet. Duh, I cried through the entire thing. I have the emotional maturity of a 15-year-old and I am not sure if I am the type of lady to ever have a traditional wedding (although I DO love to throw a party), but it's SO SPECIAL and amazing to see your friends partake in this kind of ritual. Anyway, then I hugged the bride and groom and their delightful families and went to meet my own family that is delightful in its own dysfunctional way. Anyway, we strolled around my mom's old apartment (yeah, she went to grad school at Harvard, NBD) and then went back to their hotel to watch Limitless and have a cocktail (I had a Pina Colada and promptly passed out; of course my parents totally enjoyed the movie).

Then we went to THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINNER at this place Craigie on Main (http://www.craigieonmain.com/). Holy BALLS was this place delicious. They have vegetarian options, but seriously, this will be a much more special experience if you are a ravenous carnivore like the members of my immediate family. To start: my dad, George, got the bibb lettuce salad (don't worry, it came with fried pig ear on it), I got pig tails (like this incredibly tender, General Tso-style butt meat), Teddy got cream soup with a scallop in it (he is sophisticated), and my mom, Andrea, got grilled octopus. Then for the main course, I got pork three ways (um, I think I was attempting to eat an entire pig...they did a confit, belly, and a glazed rib), my dad got a sirloin (and ordered the most insane wine and I can't usually taste the difference), and my mom and brother SPLIT A PIG'S HEAD. Like, it's just half a pig's head on a plate and they give you pancakes and the head has been sliced into sections with scissors (it's an open kitchen, we watched a guy do this) and you just grab a chunk of head and EAT IT. Unreal. We also got marrow that came in these huge cow bones and you just scooped it out and put it on toast. Eventually my mom was yelling "get it away from me!" as she continued to scrape more marrow from the bone and we had to stage an intervention. Here's a very dark camera pic of our damage:

Isn't George so precious?! It was a really special dinner (I won't even get into dessert...but things got scary with a coconut ice cream affogato, etc.). Then I met Rock and Elisha for another drink (like I needed to ingest anything else), and whatever local dark, hoppy beer I ordered made me so happy, I decided to hold a photo-shoot outside Harvard Law School (Elisha just graduated from there...so...it counts). Check it:

Sigh. I love them. Then Sunday, another solid brunch and a stroll through Beacon Hill with Rock (we got manicures, my shade was called "Modern Girl," which is, you know, so appropriate). So it wasn't very hip or strange, but I'd say my weekend was pretty perfect. Oh, until thunderstorms made me miss my connection in Phoenix and I had to sleep on a bench in the airport. It was...an adventure.

ReDISCovery...

2011-07-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Goddamn, I am clever. So do you guys (I know you don't, Mom) remember Wolfmother? They were these Australian fellows who formed a band and could not manage to stay together for more than three years (to be fair, one of the original band members is still trying to make a new incarnation of Wolfmother happen). But more importantly, do you remember their 2005 self-titled debut album?

That was the cover art. Well, I remember Wolfmother. Okay, so you could argue that this band sounds like a total Led Zeppelin rip-off. But honestly, if you're going to steal from a classic rock band, Led Zep is a really fantastic choice. I have to give Pandora credit for reminding me about them, but then I went and listened to the entire album and WOW. There are so few albums out there now that I can listen to all the way through (In fact, my friend berated my iPod for not having enough "complete" albums on it but like, I just can't waste the money). I like every song on Wolfmother and it just flows SO WELL (there is not a less douche-y way to say that, I checked).

Obviously, everyone likes "Woman" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzqTz_i1NXQ). It's big and 70's and really catchy. I personally love "Joker & The Thief" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nigSVYeBYEI&feature=fvst) for its awesome, 80's-stadium guitar and "Vagabond" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObFknA9M0H), which is a song that happens when Led Zep's "Tangerine" makes a baby with The White Stripes' "We're Going to be Friends." Also "Tales From the Forest of Gnomes" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzV1NY_Mib4) is a delightful song and not just because the word "gnome" is so funny. Oh, and there is a MEAN flute solo on "Witchcraft" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYkKi6kKX50). Seriously, each track is completely worth listening to.

This album may be too derivative to be legendary and the band as it originally was may have not lasted long enough to really make an impact, but sometimes it's just fun to remember a simpler time (2005) and re-listen to an album that just made you feel effing GOOD. Okay, time to get on a plane to Boston (NOT similar to Silverlake) to see my friend Siobhan get married (that Roy is VERY lucky)...Happy Friday!