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Aug
15
August 15, 2006
Yesterday was my stay-at-home-with-Riley day, and instead of hanging around the house I packed up his backpack (ba pa!) and took him to the nearby Kelsey Creek Park, which features a farm with actual farm animals. That was a really good time; Riley was goggling at everything from the pack and I took my camera along to snap photos of this and that. Later I took him to Whole Foods, which wasn’t so thrilling for me, but he definitely seemed to enjoy all the activity and intriguing sights (”Look, sweetie, non-hydrogenated organic vegan butter substitute!”).
All in all a busy, fun day with the boy. For one of the first times, I felt like I was doing the weekday-mom thing in a way that really worked. Does that make any kind of sense? I just mean it wasn’t boring or frustrating and I wasn’t spending my time trying to keep Riley occupied while I did another beshitted load of laundry, for god’s sake.
Hey! Speaking of housekeeping, how much am I loving the Roomba? THIS MUCH. I can see how it might not work well in every type of household, but for our small living areas and hardwood floors it does a bang-up job. I set up the house (close doors, move chairs out of the way, set up its little wall-perimeter gadget) and turn it on before I leave. When I get back? Clean, dust-free, hairless floors. Even JB reluctantly admits to the Roomba’s awesomeness, although he remains slightly paranoid about its hidden robot directives.
Dog shares JB’s suspicions, although in her popcorn-kernel-sized brain she’s probably just wondering if it contains Mystery Food Items.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, as she has recently learned that certain furniture objects always provide a robust variety of snack options.
Speaking of JB (I hereby declare today Awkward Segue Day!), after watching Jesus is Magic with me on Saturday he confessed to having developed a non-insignificant crush on Sarah Silverman. “She’s hot,” he said, dreamily. So now my husband is in love with a hot girl who’s not only funny as hell (seriously, her standup in that video will make you cry actual liquid tears of laughter. The skits, not so much.) but is SKINNY, too. In retaliation I think I should be allowed one (1) makeout session with…oh, let’s say George Clooney, because not only is he ridiculously, classically hot, but doesn’t Clooney seem like he would murmur something spectacularly witty in your ear before laying into you like his lips and tongue were trained by top secret military kissing operatives?
What else…oh, I was going to ask your opinions on a couple things. Don’t you love being my personal life-advisor? (PLEASE SAY YES.)
Thing the first: can you recommend something new music-wise for me to listen to? I am currently liking Tom Petty’s most recent album but it’s the first thing I’ve bought in months and my iPod rotation is staaale. I like almost any genre so don’t hold back with the suggestions. Save my commute, for I have been forced to listen to Seattle radio lately. Which, ugh.
Thing the second: I’m thinking about getting this dining room set that we saw over the weekend at a local furniture shop. The table is made of oak, and has four black granite pieces on top. The pieces can be removed from the table for cleaning. It maybe sounds weird and I’m not sure if it’s totally ugly or really awesome, but I wondered if granite is easily cracked (by a hot plate, say), or stained? Have you any granite horror stories?
God. BORING. Let’s just go to some baby photos, shall we?
Note the ear-hold going on here. Hee.
People, this kid is going to be walking soon. WALK. ING.
I sure got a lot of shit for buying this pool thingie, but who’s laughing now? Um, well, technically no one is, but Riley’s smiling, by god.
Taken while hiking near Tiger Mountain on Sunday. Our first hike in the woods with the boy, very cool. “Cool” meaning “hotter than Hades”, actually, maybe next time it’ll be more temperate and we’ll last more than twenty minutes.
Finally, proof that we are unfit parents who, by having damning photographic evidence of tossing the boy skyward after a full meal of apricots, deserve every predictable outcome of said tossing episode, including the part that necessitated fifteen Wet Wipes and a healthy application of Pledge Multi-Surface spray.
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Stuff I Like:
Regina Spektor's "All the Rowboats".
She's almost unrecognizable in this video, but wow, what a song.
Smashbox brow tech.
Utterly foolproof eyebrow groomer/filler-inner.
Prada Amber.
My favorite perfume: sweet and exotic without being overpowering.
Blinc mascara.
I have tried all the mascaras and this is the very best one. Trust.
For a little sexy, dirty hard-core cool I’ve been loving Louis XIV (Finding Out True Love is Blind – sex-Y). On the opposite end of the scale, for some great girly music, Keri Noble. Teddy Thompson is awesome, too. (All available on iTunes) And, personally, I can never get enough of Seal. (Apparently, neither can Hiedi Klum.)
(Okay, I won’t ask if I’m first, cuz that will guarantee that I ain’t!)
I’m in the process of sending out my summer mix for the year — drop me an email with a mailing address and I’ll hook you up with a copy. I promise it’s awesome. (I also promise not to use your mailing address for evil purposes.)
Wow.
Ahem, well….
My current iPod faves, so many to choose from:
(not new, but SO worth it regardless)
Blind Melon (Soup)
Bran Van 3000 (Discosis) (trust me)
The Decemberists (Picaresque)
Foo Fighters (In Your Honour – play Miracle first)
Joe Grass
The New Pornographers (New Cinema)
Nine Inch Nails (With Teeth)
The Pretenders (Greatest Hits)
The Shins (Oh, Inverted World)
Stars (Set Yourself on Fire), and
Weezer (Make Believe)
Ta-Da
A commuter-train rider’s saviour.
Oh, and did I mention that everytime I see a picture of your rugrat I ovulate?
Check out Devotchka. It’s goooooooood. Badly Drawn Boy, Cat Power. I’m super addicted to Iron and Wine right now, and probably shouldn’t be. But! Devotchka! I promise.
Try http://www.pandora.com/ to discover new music. It’s very interesting and I came across some artists I never would have heard of otherwise.
I don’t know about up there in Seattle, but down here in Austin, Whole Foods is known as Whole Paycheck. That’s why I shop at Wal-Farts.
Pandora is a pretty cool site, although be prepared to get some funky/unlikely recommendations. I am personally in love with the Old 97’s (any and all of their albums) and the OC Mixes. I might not be a fan of the show, but they do pick some damn fine music.
The Grates (indie rockish)
Cansei de Ser Sexy (fun pop stuff, Brazilian band, so hilarious)
Tigarah (Japanese in baile funk style. amazing)
Gnarls Barkeley (get the whole album.)
Panic! at the Disco
Those my current favorites.
Ooo, music requests! My current faves are:
Sufjan Stevens (Greetings from Michigan and Come On Feel the Illinoise!)
Stars
Bell Orchestre
Broken Social Scene
Feist (especially Open Season since I just bought it)
Four Tet
Gomez (In Our Gun is their newest, but for a bluesier feel check out Bring It On and Liquid Skin)
Danny Michel (Valhalla)
Cuff the Duke (Cuff the Duke)
Carolyn Mark
Sarah Harmer (I Am a Mountain)
I’ve also been listening to a lot of music from the 20’s and 30’s – Fred Astaire is always awesome
and I also recommend Pandora, although I haven’t been in awhile.
Granite is nearly indestructible. We inlayed 2 granite pieces into our concrete kitchen countertops, on each side of the stove, so to use it for hot pots. They are great, withstand heat and doesn’t stain. (You can cut on them, though not good for knives). Only downside, do not drop any glasses or plates onto it because they will end up broken, unless you are into throwing plates like Greeks do.
Can’t really suggest much new music wise, but about the granite – the only thing that will crack the granite is dropping it or dropping something heavy (ceiling beam, engine block, other granite) on it. I’ve never heard of it breaking from heat, and I used to install it in kitchens for a living. Also, if you’re worried about it staining, just seal it with mineral oil (they should have specific products just for sealing granite at the home improvement venue of your choice) and that should prevent any stain issues. Light granites are more porous than dark and tend to stain a little easier, so they really should be sealed properly. The biggest thing about granite is that it is very very very heavy. I wouldn’t suggest it if you are a chronic furniture re-arranger. Otherwise, it’s gorgeous and nearly indestructable. Hope you get lots of good music recommendations!
Ok, so…..
Snowpatrol
The Stone Roses
Kaiser Chiefs
David Gray
Janes Addiction
Razorlight
Crowded House – good ol’ NZ music
The Datsuns – good ol’ NZ music also
Any Cuban ditties – always good when it’s hot outside and the sun is shining
Good Seattle radio… No, spectacular radio, located in Seattle:
KEXP 90.3 (non profit listener supported)
http://www.kexp.org
It could save your life.
Hi Sundry! If I remember correctly, you’re a Juliana Hatfield fan? I work for her and if you’re at all interested in hearing her side project, Some Girls, the record company sent me way more copies than I need of their latest release. Drop me a line if you’d like me to drop a CD in the mail.
OK, I have to second the Louis XIV. Hot Stuff. Also, how about Sons and Daughters… I came across them when I was catching up on Weeds, they’re in the soundtrack. Ummm… what is in my ipod right now?
Robbers on High Street
Spoon
Pitty Sing
The Postal Service
…I guess that’s it. I’m off to Pandora now!
Cowboy Junkies’ “Lay It Down” is probably my favorite of their CDs. Cyndi Lauper’s newest (”At Last”) is also good times. I’m currently re-discovering Joni Mitchell, and trying to wean myself off of Michael Buble. Lola’s favorite (she’s 8 mo, such taste) seems to be Kenny Loggins’ “Back to Pooh Corner” and whatever Daddy sings. Happy music-ing!
Have you heard Iron and Wine’s rendition of Such Great Heights? (It was on an M&M commercial a bit ago)
Also, doubtful anyone else on Earth enjoys this stuff, but:
The New Pornographers
The Delgados
Rilo Kiley
Tegan and Sara
Musically I recommend:
Panic! At The Disco
Rilo Kiley [lovelovelove]
Regina Spektor
The Decemberists
Philip Glass [anything you choose will be wonderful]
Guster
New Order
Lumidee [that song from the Almost Famous soundtrack - awesome!]
And the song I always sing very loudly in my car – “Vicinity of Obscenity” by System Of A Down.
By the way, you have the cutest child I have ever seen. Probably cuter than my sister was as a baby although I’d never admit it to her face. Anyway, adorable!
Oh Elizabeth I am SO feeling the System Of A Down with you!
Sundry I wish I could offer you some good music choices, but in this household (with the exception of S.O.A.D.) the choices are bad, not tasteful and metal, metal, buttrock, metal, 80’s hairbands, metal……you get my drift. I listen to a little bit of everything. I do not own an Ipod. My current favorite CD is Dana Fuchs Band. Saw them live in New York a couple summers ago and fell madly in love on the spot. Metallica, Sublime, Dana Fuchs Band, Rob Zombie, Linkin Park are all on heavy rotation here and in my car. And I LOOK so preppy sitting here typing in my pink polo…. OH! A good recommendation is available at http://www.phatphuque.com, it’s my neighbor and good friend. Funny as hell mix of social commentary, snark and jazz. You can hear some of the music at the site.
Breaks Co-op – The Sound Inside is possibly the sexiest album I’ve heard for I don’t know how long.
Sorry, no granite advice.
I highly recommend Alice Donut for your listening pleasure. Please don’t doubt me. Also, I keep my iPod well stocked with comedy stuff (Lewis Black, Jim Gaffigan, Dane Cook, your nemesis Sarah Silverman, for example) for those days when no music can satisfy me.
And speaking of Sarah Silverman, we have a Depp Clause in our marriage — if ever Johnny Depp appears and wants to whisk me off to France with him, Husband must let him, with no anger. It’s a good thing.
I second Anna on Snowpatrol, David Gray and Crowded House.
Other faves of mine at the moment are Anna Nalick, KT Tunstall, Split Enz (there’s that NZ music again!), Foo Fighters-In Your Honour and Bernard Fanning (his album Tea & Sympathy is fab)
As always Riley is just too damn cute, that shot of him in the paddling pool is great :)
If you have not yet heard of the Canadian group Stars, run do not walk to iTunes and check out the song “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” or “Don’t Be Afraid to Sing” or “What I’m Trying to Say”. Then buy everything that you can find from them. Plus, they played at Lollapalooza, so they’re what all the cool kids are listening to these days. They aren’t too ashamed to cover Morrissey, so you have to respect that.
I have been listening to and highly recommend Anthony Hamilton. I saw him live this summer and he sounds the same. LOVE HIM.
I second Emily on the Jim Gaffigan. For some reason, I can’t actually WATCH him do standup, but in my car I nearly wreck every time I hear his manatee bit.
Also, “top secret military kissing operatives” is classic. I work for the military and I wish I were assigned to THAT task force.
I will third Snow Patrol. And my husband seconds your husbands Sarah Silverman love.
I’m not much help on the music front, what with being tragically unhip, but as for the granite – my parents have a coffee table with a granite inset and they have had it since they were married 39 years ago. It still looks brand new, and believe me – it has taken abuse over the years.
I visited a family member for ONE WEEKEND this year. They had granite countertops. In that ONE WEEKEND I broke THREE OF THEIR GLASSES. Now, I wasn’t even in the kitchen that much. And even though one was a drop? The other two were simply “taps” in my opinion. And the owner of the house said in the two years they’ve had them? They’ve gone through TWO 8-piece wine glass sets and are down to 6 in the third set.
So – that’s my experience. Amen. I’m a klutz so I doubt I’ll own anything granite. Can you get tables made of feathers?
Granite will last until you drop dead.
In music, gah, I really haven’t moved beyond 1987 myself, and my iPod contains the usual mix of New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, Sinead O’Connor and Peter Gabriel. And I’m not sure what it says about me that I never get tired of it. Ooh ooh – or The Samples. Yes, I am hung up on my high school and college years, why do you ask?
In new(ish), I’d go with the Postal Service and Snow Patrol too (though they aren’t that new and have been beaten into oblivion by Grey’s Anatomy), and if you’re ever looking for a folksy change (which I do on rare occasions), Brandi Carlile is darling, and I always find I can feel at home with a little Dar Williams, with or without Bela Fleck. And if I feel like re-living the college angst with apropos lyrics, I pop in a little Carbon Leaf, and when I’m in the mood for recent Brit Pop, Keane or Travis suits me nicely.
I have a lot of music on my ipod, as I too like nearly every genre out there. My suggestions for some good listening are the following (if you don’t already have these artists):
- John Mayer (all of his songs are relaxing)
- Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions (Download this one song called “On the Low”- great song!)
- The Stills (my personal favs. from them are “Of Montreal” and “Changes Are No Good”)
- The Vines (any of the songs off of their Winning Days album are great)
- Try downloading classics and favorites from the 80s, 70s and so on. They always make for great listening.
- Garden State the Soundtrack (this is one of the best soundtracks ever. I also really love the movie)
- Any music by Nick Drake is wonderful.
- The Shins
- Dido (best songs in my opinion are “Don’t Leave Home” and “White Flag”)
- Mum (”We Have A Map of the Piano” and “Green Grass of Tunnel”)
- Death Cab For Cutie (all of their songs are awesome, but my fav. is “Soul Meets Body”)
- Iron and Wine
- Frou Frou
- Badly Drawn Boy (listen to “Silent Sigh”)
- The Caesars (their most popular song that was used for an ipod commercial is “Jerk It Out”. This song will have you dancing all over the place!)
- Polaris
- Gorillaz
- Black Eyed Peas (best songs: “Don’t Lie,” “Don’t Mess With My Heart,” “My Humps”)
- Blue Oyster Cult
- Michael Buble (he sings Sinatra classics and others)
- Coldplay
- Eisley
- Fatboy Slim (for dancey-hype-you-up kinda music)
Whooo! I gave you a lot. I have about 1600 songs so far on my ipod (one of my best friends!), so if you enjoy any of the artists I provided, I’d be happy to suggest more. =)
Granite is very hard and very heat resistant (because it is igneous – sorry, I am a geologist and I cannot help myself).
I don’t keep up much with new music either, so I have some great friends that are kind enough to burn music for me that they think I might like. Recent awesome scores are: some girl named Mirah who has a gorgeous voice and some of the most poetic lyrics I have ever heard, and the new Willie Nelson CD, which I thought I wouldn’t like but actually turned out to be quite lovely. If you are into World music at all, Putumayo (http://www.putumayo.com/) puts out some great stuff, especially the Brazillian Lounge, Brazillian Groove and Bosa Nova CDs. That music makes for nice drive to work, especially if you are fortunate enough to drive along the waterfront.
You have probably said this at some point, but what kind of camera do you use? I’m looking for a good camera that takes video clips also. I don’t know if yours does video, but the stills are breathtaking.
Oh, and also, my fiance glanced at what I was looking at and then said about eighty million times, “Sarah Silverman IS hot. She’s HOT. She’s hot cause she says horrible things. HOT.”
We bought 3 Doors Down’s new one Seventeen Days at the same time as the new Tom Petty. I can’t decide which I like better.
The newest Gorillaz, definitely. That album turned me on to amazing British hip-hop artist Roots Manuva (he did the guest rapping on the track “All Alone,” which is pretty much my favorite track on the album.) His albums “Run Come Save Me” and “Awfully Deep” are definitely worth checking out. I’ve been listening a lot lately to the new Psalm One, a female rapper from Chicago who doesn’t have to trade on her tits & ass to make awesome music. You can check out a couple of tracks on her MySpace Page. I’ve been liking a lot of underground hip-hop lately, like the new Jurassic 5 album, “Feedback,” is pretty fun. I also like Atmosphere’s new one, and whoa, definitely check out Brother Ali for some amazing hip-hop. If you never heard the self-titled first album by Ozomatli, check it out, it’s really butt-shaking, salsa-fied, funky fun music. Hope that helps!
I recommend Blink-182. They’ve broken up, but Tom DeLonge was my favorite singer anyway, and he’s now in a group called Angels and Airways.
I totally agree about George Clooney.
You might enjoy Pizzicato 5: http://www.matadorrecords.com/pizzicato_five/
I second the Sufjan Stevens recommendation. Not only is he a great musician, he is my imaginary boyfriend. And also, I think someone up there said Spoon. I was listening to Gimme Fiction this morning and almost started a bar fight in my car. With the, um, carseat. It was awesome.
Ooh. The Isles, if you like that Morrissey sound.
Ooh Ooh! And the Arctic Monkeys! Talk about a bar fight! Except in THIS bar fight, you have to wiggle your hips a little.
You probably already know about 3hive — you can find lotsa good music there.
My latest audio acqusition is Red Hot Chili Peppers “Stadium Arcadium” but then again I loves me some Anthony Kiedis. As for granite, no clue. Also: HAHAHAHAHAHA! That’ll learn ya to toss the baby after dinner. Not that that’s ever happened to US, no sir…
I’ve been listening to a lot of Girlyman, Melissa Ferrick, Erin McKeown, and Lucy Kaplansky lately, all of whom are pretty new to me. (A friend of mine in college described the music I listened to as “lesbian folk rock,” and that’s probably a pretty accurate description of these guys too.)
Pandora’s fun. But sometimes the choices are weird. I didn’t expect The Clash to come on when I had based my station on Paul Simon. Not that I minded; it just seemed strange.
We have granite countertops and for the past few years, no problems… no stains, no burns, they look good, etc.
Somebody told me you can actually use them as a cutting-board, which we haven’t tried, but wow!
Gnarls. Barkley’s. “Crazy”. ROCKS HUGE.
JB’s white socks & shorts??? Not so much. Honestly!!!???
Riley in pool? Beyond adorable.
‘Aight – you got yer music recommendations. Here’s what brings me to the table (yuck, yuck, granite-topic pun): Marital crushes. Mine all resemble my husband at least a little (skinny but toned, dark hair, a little dorky in the right light); his look nothing like me – particularly since the birth of his baby and the ongoing expansion of my hips. Fantasy life is a good thing, so why do I get a little – erm – snarky when he starts droolin’? (Damn my Scorpio blood)
I know nothing about granite (too rich for my blood) although I would love to find out.
Keaton: You aren’t the only one into Tegan and Sara and Rilo Kiley – my husband LOVES them. I’m kinda “eh” myself and have just learned that it isn’t Ryle O’Kiley. Yeah, I’m a dork.
Further proof of my “dorkatude” – my music suggestion: Bruce Springsteen’s new album (yes, I still call them albums even though I’m *only* 33) The Seeger Sessions. They are a bunch of old folky/protest/spiritual songs put together by a bunch of musicians with no rehersals or dubbing. The liner notes say something about listening to music not being “played” but being “MADE” – and that captures it perfectly. It’s very lively and great fun and has the added bonus of being kid-friendly w/o being kid-music, KWIM?
I’m going to suggest pandora.com – put in something that you’re grooving on and it’ll suggest things that sound like it. I’ve found a lot of random music I’ve never before heard of because of them. And you can have multiple stations by-god. Right now, I’ve been enjoying one based on Dar Williams. Try it…you’ll become an adict. :)
Panic! at the Disco
Second the Garden State soundtrack suggestion, and other songs by those artists. And Alexi Murdoch, esp the album Time Without Consequence. And John Gorka. And on a completely different note (you *did* say you like almost any genre) how about Bruce Springsteen’s We Shall Overcome: the Pete Seeger Sessions? Oh man, you gotta shake what ya mama gave ya to that.
There is no way I will make any music suggestions because in ipod time I’m 1,245 years old – I still love stuff from the 80s and 90s – shameful. I am posting only to note the “Clooney Clause” I’m considering trying to force my husband to include in our marital agreement. I may have to acceed to a “Selma Hayek clause” in return, but I can’t complain because if I was a man or if I played for the other team I’m absoutely find Selma Hayek hot as hell too…
No advice for the granite, but for music you should check out The Sounds…they’re a poppy-rock-indie band from Sweden, with a female lead singer whose voice makes me wanna play for the other team. Their first album “Living in America” sounds like an updated Blondie, and their second album “Dying To Say This To You” reminds me of the Strokes or Ramones. Good singles to download would be “Rock’n'Roll”, “Painted By Numbers”, “Queen of Apology”, and “Ego”.
We just bought a house with granite countertops, and the previous owner warned us not to get tomato on them. Apparently acidic things might be able to pock the surface. (But then, some people think the pocks give it character.) This might all depend on how well the granite is sealed (I mean, how in the hell can a TOMATO hurt a piece of ROCK?), but you might want to search online about granite stains first. Another website mentioned:
“Stains become permanent when the liquid can’t leave the granite.Oils are one such liquid. They can be very difficult to lift from a granite surface. This is one reason pizza boxes should never be placed on a granite top. Oil can soak into the cardboard box and then pass into the granite.” (http://www.askthebuilder.com/N8_Granite_Countertop_Stains.shtml)
It stresses me out that rock can be so damn finicky, so now I’m paranoid about spilling anything on it. Must do more research!
We have granite countertops and nothing hurts them. I take things out of the oven and set them right on the counter. I haven’t had any problems with acidic things. My sister in law got a granite table and she said it was the best investment she ever made. She said you can set every hot pot right on it and nothing her two kids does hurts it at all. She said it is so easy to clean up after all crafts and meals etc. I think it is gorgeous and am looking into getting one myself.
http://www.last.fm
I’ve always liked the look of granite table tops, but I don’t have one so I have no advice for you.
For music, I’ve been all hopped up on Tegan and Sara, Neko Case and Carbon Leaf lately.
Music-
Try Great Big Sea, Tempest, Vasen, James Keelaghan, Mary Fahl, October Project, Keane, The Nields, and getting more Celtic/traddy, try Danu, Dervish, Solas, Lunasa, Wolfestone, aaaand..how about some Altan? The good thing about the Celtic stuff is that the babbies will groove to them. Miss B Loooves Great Big Sea as well.
Granite? Don’t do it dude!
Good thing I read the comments; I thought I was gonna be all original with the Rilo Kiley, Bruce/Seeger Sessions, Pandora.com trifecta. But also:
Inara George
Ray Lamontagne (HOT voice! Oh god, like Clooney, who? kinda hot)
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Cinematic Orchestra
And an advanmce recommendation–I bet Ani Difranco’s NEXT cd is going to be amazing–she’s pregnant now!!
Aww..nobody said Ben Lee. I heart me some Ben Lee. I sixth (seventh? eighth?) Snow Patrol. Also, if you are looking for a song that will get stuck in your head, try London Bridge by Fergie.
I am in love with Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins-Rabbit Fur Coat and some others I like as well…
Jack Johnson- very mellow and my 2 year old loves it
Aimee Mann
Mumbo Gumbo
John Butler Trio
I must have been living in a cave because I haven’t heard of half of these bands! But I second the Anthony Hamilton choice.
I second Stars, Sufjan Stevens, The Shins, Brandi Carlile, Death Cab for Cute’s newest album is great….
I’m not imagining the table you’re talking about very well, but granite is always nice looking though rather expensive.
Guster – they have a new album coming out, but check out their older stuff as well
Carbon Leaf – their older stuff is rock that’s very influenced by Irish music – try Echo Echo or their live album 5 Alive. The Irish is less of an influence in their most recent album, Indian Summer, and which may be nonexistant in their upcoming new release. I adore all their albums, and have succesfully converted many people.
Cake
Jack Johnson
Foo Fighters (I just saw their acoustic show last night, and it was magnifico)
Jem
Poe (get both of her albums)
UFO’s Lights Out. Old, but I love it.
No experience with granite.
My ex and I had a thing similar to the Depp Clause. We had a List. Same idea. I was allowed to spend the night with John Waite if I got the opportunity. I forget who was on my ex’s list. Anyway, I know that John Waite is old enough to be my Dad, but hey. I asked him to dinner once (John, not my Dad) and he turned me down, so he’s way off the List now.
music:
i assume you are already listening to deathcab, and snow patrol. but you might also want to check out the postal service. good stuff.
but great stuff?:
KEANE.
i don’t really go to concerts any more because, well, there are other people there.
but keane? ya. they inspired me to buy the first concert tickets i have purchased in YEARS. and i actually planned my trip to china so i’d be back in time for the show.
*adds Roomba to wedding registry*
I am laughing because I buy the product you used to epitomize the ridiculousness of WF: Earth Balance, baby! Vegan and organic, sans hydrogenization? Magic.
I’ll add a few other recommendations to your now sweepingly vast music log:
-anything by the Pernice Brothers
-the last Handsome Boy Modeling School album, I think it is called White People
-Nelly Furtado’s cover of Gnarles Barkley’s Crazy (and I quadritto or whatever we’re up to on the Gnarles B. rec) — also love her played out single Promiscuous and her duet w/ Chris Martin called something like All Good Things
-I like the new Devandra Banhart (sp?)- Cripple Crow
-anything by Missy Elliot
-Le Tigre – I love them, especially the song Viz…but you really can’t lose w/ these ladies…
Have, like, an awesome time listening to all of these tunes whilst installing your granite!!
“Save my commute, for I have been forced to listen to Seattle radio lately. Which, ugh.”
Anna K. already recommended KEXP 90.3 FM, to which I’ll simply add that if your reaction to that recommendation is also “which, ugh,” then there is nothing I could recommend to you.
Having said that, some albums I bought so far this year include Broken Social Scene’s self-titled album (art-rock, somewhat like Sonic Youth); Ladytron, Witching Hour (electro-pop with goth tinges); Sons & Daughters, The Repulsion Box (Britpop-folk); Boards of Canada, The Campfire Headphase (ambient electronica); and local bands The Fading Collection, Supertron and Beehive, Operation Artichoke (both electronic-dance-breakbeat-rock). Some albums I still want to pick up include Goldfrapp, Supernature (electro/glam rock); The Editors, The Back Room (indie rock, like Interpol); Psapp, The Only Thing I Ever Wanted (indie-pop with some electronica, some quirkiness); Halou, Wholeness and Separation (moody electronica). All of this music gets played on KEXP; I’ve also been digging “Sad Sad City” by Ghostland Observatory, but I’m still waiting to hear other songs by them.
Hey, I would currently recommend The Decemberists or Josh Ritter. They are my new all time favorites!
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned him yet, but if not you should check out Sufjan Stevens. I’m obsessed…look at Come On Feel the Illinois. Fucking genius.
Sufjan Stevens. REPEAT: Sufjan Stevens.
You can’t go wrong with Tori Amos. She is a siren. My siren.
Also highly noteworthy:
Angela McCluskey- the album “things we do” is AMAZING. “it’s been done” is my favorite song.
Jude- the album “no one is really beautiful” is a great listen start to finish.
Concrete Blonde-the album “bloodletting” is always fun.
Leonard Cohen- the album “the future” is a goody. there is only one voice like leonard cohen.
NIN- revisit pretty hate machine.
And of course, any and all U2.
i highly highly recommend:
stars
broken social scene
death cab for cutie
clap your hands say yeah
and also? my husband totally digs sarah silverman too :)
I’ve been quietly visiting this page on and off all day and writing down recommendations myself, by the way. Mostly, though I’m perplexed by the love for The Shins and the (albeit mild) consistency of the rec, here and elsewhere. I have two of their albums, and I have to say: nothing really did it for me. Way back when I saw Garden State, I fell hard for “Caring is Creepy” and really hoped it was indicative of their larger body of work.
Errr, it wasn’t. Instead, I see a bunch of overly pretentious little college boys squeaking out inane lyrics and pretending to be deep, a la Bright Eyes. Is it me? Would anyone care to enlighten me?
Is it me or does the kid vaguely resemble Beetlejuice in that last photo? Muss the hair some more… add a little purple eyeshadow….
Top commute tunes: The Eagles Greatest Hits, Rob Thomas’ solo album, NIN Downward Spiral (I always play Pigs when I pass a police officer) Poison’s acoustic set. (cause Im ol skool like dat) Tori Amos Under the Pink, Pearl Jam’s latest, Aerosmith “Permanent Vacation”, Eminem-any and all, Veruca Salt “American Thighs”, Train, Alanis Morrisette-the older one with the Bitter Bitch song on it. I could keep going and going but I tried to weed out the extremely geeky ones or the very obvious ones to have.
Silversun Pickups! (The Pikul ep is my favorite and makes me want to drive drive drive just so I can turn up the stereo, and the new album Carnavas…also really freaking great!)
Granite stains like a bitch if not properly sealed and that seal maintained. While lovely, I personally recommend against it. We had granite at a restaurant I worked in, and it was professionally sealed and *still stained*. Music-wise, I’m a fan of Jann Arden & Mary-Chapin Carpenter. Also really like Amos Lee. Hate, hate, hate Gnarls Barkley. Pandora is a great way to find new music. Yahoo’s Launchcaster also does not suck.
I looooove KT Tunstall and Rilo Kiley. But they’re both kinda girly. :shrug: Kaki King is pretty damn cool too. (I have a thing for K’s I guess) I’m addicted to the smashing pumpkins personally, and if you don’t like one cd by them you will probably like another one.
Modest Mouse perhaps? Dunno if you’re into their brand of strangeness. Oh! If you wanna hear something realllly crazy try to find Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re. Insane japanese all-girl band. But I like em.
Oh and…. Sarah Silverman is hot. >_>
There I said it.
So you already have 374 new bands to check out. But I must recommend my favorite because they are that awesome. Guster. They just released a new album at the beginning of the summer. It’s called Ganging Up on the Sun. Not only does Guster’s music rock (they call themselves wuss rock, and they’re kind of right. Very melodic, great lyripcs, lots of harmony) but the boys are hilarious. They have a good road journal on guster.com.
also, riley is freaking adorable.
All right, my comment is surely pointless, since you’ve already had 75 people telling you what to do. BUT! Granite? Go get it. Lovely stuff, indestructable. As for music? Ummm….I got nothin’. I’m stuck on that for myself.
ok i didnt read all the suggestions, so there might be some repeats here. i tend to dig a sorta indie vibe. but im an itunes addict, and here are some of my favorite artists:
[] ok go sweet lil poppy bits of goodness. you might know ‘here it goes again’ from the awesome video where they dance on treadmills.
[] jamie cullum hes a young british jazz singer who does a great job with the classic jazz songs, but does AMAZING jazz versions of pop songs–ie radiohead’s high and dry. deliciously wonderful.
[] keith urban if youre in the mood for some nice crossover country, hes fabulous and as an added bonus hes HOT.
[] sia her album ‘colour the small one’ is great, chill and totally relaxing. i could listen to her song “breathe me” over and over and over again
[] kt tunstall her song “black horse and the cherry tree” has been hanging around on the adult contemporary charts for a while. great album. bluesy guitar vibe.
[] jem chill techno vocal. kinda dido-ish.
[] death cab for cutie indie rock at its finest.
[] roisin murphy industrial pop. theres nothing out there like her. shes awesome.
[] the postal service chill techno indie. they have a sick version of “against all odds” that is hauntingly beautiful.
[] jack johnson voice and acoutsic guitar. simple. wonderful.
[] imogen heap trance-like vocals. the lead singer for froufrou. unique and great. be sure to check out froufrou as well.
[] oldies but goodies with my obsession for finding new music, i sometimes forget about the old fabulous tried-and-true artists: queen. stevie wonder. u2. rem. van morrison. sting. sometimes its better to rediscover something from a long time ago. its like hearing it all over again!
[] the oc soundtracks ok i admit this sounds kinda freaky at first, but these are some of the finest soundtracks out there. they have a mostly indie rock vibe. i own all five of them, and they rank up there with my all-time favorite soundtrack–garden state.
[] greys anatomy soundtrack nice mix including roisin murphy, the postal service, rilo kiley, etc.
hopefully this gets your out of your stale music rut. be sure to check out pandora. its fabulous and ive found some GREAT artists through that as well.
Dirtie Blonde
http://www.dirtieblonde.com/
Stay
and
Officially In Love
With granite, you’ll have no need for a hot plate. I had granite countertops in my kitchen in Seattle and I loved them — especially because they were dark and hid stuff well!! Enjoy your new music and new table (hopefully). We expect pictures.
Not sure if anyone else suggested it but “Broken Boy Soldiers” by The Raconteurs.
It’s a new band with Jack White from the White Stripes.
Also, a classic, “The Velvet Underground & Nico”. I have never tired of that album.
Hi Sundry!
I have to confess to only skimming the comments but I want to second(?) Sufjan Stevens. His music is so beautiful and complex, but still rockin. You will like it, I promise.
I know you are a punk rock girl, but if you want some chill, summer soundtrack-type music, my new favorite boyfriend is Matt Costa – These Are The Songs That We Sing. He is kind of like a less cloying Jack Johnson, or maybe even a young Paul Simon.
I highly recommend Ok Go’s Oh No (whole album) because it makes me dance in my chair wherever I am. Plus, their videos are awesome. They’ve taken every influence and made it their own.
I second Panic! At The Disco. Also, Death Cab For Cutie. So I steal music from my 14 year old daughter, ok??
Also, the granite? Got kitchen counters a year ago, have sacrificed a few good glasses, but overall wish I had gotten it years ago. It’s great stuff.
Oh my… lots of wonderful suggestions. What I have been loving this summer, that I didn’t really notice above:
-Lily Allen
-Gnarles Barkley
-John Legend
Just great laid back summer stuff!
Not to beat a dead group……..but if you like Juliana Hatfield then you must like Throwing Muses?? Or Belly. Sorry I was in Boston for those great years of them and the LemonHeads. You might also like:
Mountain Goats
Ozomatli
Pinback
Neutral Milk Hotel
Scruffy the Cat
Bullet LaVolta
Ron Sexsmith
Enon
Bim Skala Bim
This and ALL the other suggestions will keep you busy for awhile
ciao for now
Definitely go the Broken Social Scene route. Can’t go wrong there.
De-lurking to tell you about my favorite pop band: Orson. You may have to find them on Limewire or some other such website (they are only popular in Europe at the moment), but they are my favorite guilty pleasure! The kind of music you want to listen to in a convertible on a warm sunny day…
I’m a day late..but I had to say…whats wrong with Seattle radio??? Forgive me, but I lived there for a few years in the early 90’s. I moved there about a month before the whole grunge movement, so that whole time frame/musical era is special to me. Give me some Eddie Vedder anytime…..
Anyway…I’m absolutely THRILLED that some of your readers suggested a few of my faves. I’m pretty limited in my tastes. I find a few bands and wear their asses out, but have tons of other cds.
My personal faves: David Gray (perfect for those dreary days) Blind Melon-Soup is one of my faves (GO J!!!) and I’ll probably get all kinds of shit for this but I am a HUGE Dave Matthews Band fan. Don’t make the mistake of thinking “Crash” is their best..it’s SO NOT!!!
Do they still do the twisted tunes on that one station??? KWIS maybe?? I can’t remember……..
I did a post with a lot of links to all of my favorite underground hip-hop and it’s still awaiting moderation.
Also, one I forgot: if you like kind of rockin’, mysterious, girl singer/songwriter stuff, the Dark Horse Project is completely amazing, you can hear a couple of their tracks here.
OK, that’s two posts awaiting moderation. Apparently your modbot hates hyperlinks.
Here’s what has been on heavy rotation for me this summer:
Calexico–Garden Ruin (esp. “Lucky Dime” and “Deep Down”)
Sia–Colour the Small One
Zero 7–Simple Things; When it Falls (Sia actually sings some on these earlier Zero 7 albums; I love them!)
Corinne Bailey Rae (”Put Your Records On” is so irresistible!)
On July 27, Wood at Sweet Juniper! had a good list of music she’s listened to this summer.
I always recommend Paul Weller & Neil Finn. Not new, but great…
I love finding new music, and there are a few different ways that I do it. One, I go to http://www.allmusic.com. I take an artist I know I like, search for them, and then find all the artists that are supposed to be similar, then go on a downloading spree. I also browse alot of music blogs. sixeyes.blogspot.com/ is a good one. So are http://www.3hive.com/, http://www.stereogum.com/, http://www.fluxblog.org/, and saidthegramophone.com/.
That being said, I’ve been on a dancey kind of kick lately. I like Esthero and Goldfrapp. I have several perky, catchy dance tracks in a playlist on my iPod that I listen to during my drive to work. It really perks me up for my day.
Google is the best search engine
Hi Sam! Photos i send on e-mail.
Green
I have a lot of admiration when I see articles by other people who tend to be of an expert than me on this subject. The audience might think the idea looks effortless, however, there is so much going on behind the curtain. Your work is a result of research and knowledge from you and you were kind enough to share all with people like me. Thanks a lot.