Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Record Review: Jóhann Jóhannsson

Sakes alive! Why oh why has it taken me so long to post new material for the pollution of the internet? Could it be because I have been battling a stubborn kidney stone (or possibly battling evil invaders for the good of our planet - you decide!), maybe trying to move into my own place one agonizing and slow step at a time, or possibly because I'm in love? Who's to say, right? RIGHT?

But it's the LAST DAY OF THE YEAR! So I thought the LEAST I could do is post a link to a review I wrote for the Metro Times a couple o' weeks ago. Timely! The new Jóhann Jóhannsson = Henry Ford is such a weirdo, now listen to some pretty music inspired by his weirdness. Here's a more intelligent (I like to think) review.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Music writing: New Grenada

The Metro Times has a feature this week I wrote about New Grenada. They're having their record release party this Friday at PJ's Lager House. I am very, very much looking forward to it. You should read the article, then write down in your little Franklin Day Planner all the show details that come at the end. Also, how cute are those kids and that dog? So cute is the answer. So cute.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Music writing: Amanda Palmer

Good Monday morning to those of you who managed to survive another Thanksgiving holiday season without either succumbing to alcohol poisoning, getting in the cross fire of a Toys R' Us shoot out, or dying a humiliating family-squabble-related death after a fight with your cousin in the front yard results in you slipping and knocking your skull against the deep fryer you cooked the turkey in. I am proud of you! Did you go to Kohl's at 4am on Friday? Do you realize that making a trip to Kohl's at 4am is tantamount to mental illness? I hope you found some great bargains on sweat pants and pajamas, because those will be comfortable to lounge around in when they lock you in your padded room.

My point is (clearly) that I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. Because that celebratory mood doesn't just automatically lift come Monday morning, you're probably still itching to get a little more celebrating in. Well, I suggest you do so with melodrama and flare by going to see Amanda Palmer tomorrow night at the Magic Bag. Between the Lines was nice enough to let me do a little interview piece with her, and you can read that here. Her new album is really great and her stage show on this tour features a wildly energetic theater troupe or some such from Australia. So you KNOW they are awesome - because people from Australia are crazy. I will see you there...