2010: Hear in Review.

In a year of phenomenal album releases such as --

High Violet (The National)
The Suburbs (Arcade Fire)
Teen Dream (Beach House)
Astro Coast (Surfer Blood)
Gorilla Manor (Local Natives)
Sigh No More (Mumford & Sons)
The Winter of Mixed Drinks (Frightened Rabbit)
The Violent Blue (Electric President)
I Learned the Hard Way (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings)
Disconnect from Desire (School of Seven Bells)
The Orchard (Ra Ra Riot)
and so many more...

-- it's an incredibly difficult feat trying to narrow down the best album of the year. I don't envy editors having to publish their pick by this weekend's deadline. That being said, the past few years, I've challenged myself into compiling a mixtape of my top song picks for the entire year, which has ended up being a much bigger pain in my butt than I care to unload in this space. But, I've finally narrowed down my top 16, with one slot to spare, in preparation for distributing the mixtape amongst my dearest pals (and any others who've requested their own cherished copy.)

It was beyond hard to make the final selections, but alas, it has arrived.

Track Listing (in no particular order-though the order will be finalized before the mixtapes are signed, sealed and delivered):

1. Norway - Beach House
2. Heat & Hot Water - Arms
3. Old Man - Harry's Gym
4. Numbers Don't Lie - The Mynabirds
5. Rococo - Arcade Fire
6. Bloodbuzz Ohio - The National
7. Mouthful of Diamonds - Phantogram
8. Wide Eyes - Local Natives
9. Bullfighter Jacket - Miniature Tigers
10. Promises - Morning Benders
11. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
12. Windstorm - School of Seven Bells
13. World Sick - Broken Social Scene
14. Majik Marker - Mini Mansions
15. Twenty Two - Wakey! Wakey!
16. Blue Blood - Foals
17. **TBD**

Honorable Mentions go to:

- Little Golden Age (Wolf Parade)
- Barlights (Fun.)
- Pittsburgh (We Are Scientists)
- The Ghost Inside (Broken Bells)
- On the Line (In Grenada)
- Willis (Sea of Bees)
- Ambling Alp (Yeasayer)
- Safe and Sound (Electric President)
- On Trees and Birds and Fire (I am Oak)
- Phenomenons (Twin Sister)
- Walking Through That Door (Future Islands)
- Kids (Sleigh Bells)
- Mr. Peterson (Perfume Genius)
- Black Crow (Angus & Julia Stone)
- Curves of The Needle (Field Music)
- Journal of Ardency (Class Actress)
- The Curse (Josh Ritter)

Of course, there was an immeasurable amount of incredible music released this year, and I can only skim the tip of the iceberg here.

Can't wait to see what 2011 has in store. My ears eagerly await.

C.

You probably won't see this. I probably will.

Steven Soderbergh directs a compelling new documentary based on actor Spalding Gray's performances of his own life experiences.

"From the first time he performed Swimming to Cambodia - the one-man account of his experience of making the 1984 film The Killing Fields - Spalding Gray made the art of the monologue his own. Drawing unstintingly on the most intimate aspects of his own life, his shows were vibrant, hilarious and moving. His death came tragically early, in 2004; this compilation of interview and performance footage nails his idiosyncratic and irreplaceable brilliance." (Written by Edinburgh International Film Festival)

Watch the trailer for "And Everything is Going Fine" here:
http://screenslam.com/index.php?vid=N3YWZ2MTpF_ymdDPeK-eHM-QinhYNgNh

Michel Michel

Amoeba Music sits down with director and creative sensationalist, Michel Gondry, as he discusses his band, visual effects, and more.

And on a personal note.

Just because he's my big brother, doesn't mean I can't be proud of him.

He put together a wonderfully directed promo for his new wine bar, Red Red Wine, opening in Annapolis this May.

Your New Wine Bar ... from Red Red Wine Bar on Vimeo.

Not to mention, the Washington Post did a spread on his career as a DC news anchor and newly found entrepreneur: http://wapo.st/cjB2e4

Cutting cookies, copying carbons.

The new Arcade Fire music video for The Suburbs, directed by Spike Jonze, was released today.

Also, read this: Why Does Hollywood Hate the Suburbs?

Some things only get better.

100 from Justin Baez on Vimeo.

All you need is love.

The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is the largest public art program in the United States.

Learn more about Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program here: http://muralarts.org/

The Late Call.

The Late Call, an indie folk band out of Stockholm, had their new album "You Already Have a Home" release yesterday, October 22, 2010 on Tapete Records...and everything I've heard from it thus far, is pretty spectacular.

http://www.myspace.com/thelatecall

Yulie and Yulia.

In case you weren't sure, yes, this album {WOLF PARADE : EXPO 86} is amazing.

An amazing everything.

Holstee, a company that is dedicated to design with a conscience.

This is their quote.

"To deliver on this, we hold every design accountable for the impact it has for on all people, our planet and the product's quality. 10% of all Holstee revenue is used to empower entrepreneurs in the developing world through micro lending."

This is their manifesto.


This is their address.

http://shop.holstee.com/

This is what I love.

Seven Saturdays any day of the week.

One of the EPs I have been anticipating the most for 2010, The Snowflakes That Hit Us Become Our Stars by Seven Saturdays, is now downloadable online, at a name-your-own-price. Not since the first time I heard Explosions in the Sky has such a richly emotional, mostly instrumental sound stirred up my insides in the way that these songs are responsible for reigniting right off the bat.

The Snowflakes... is Jonathan D. Haskell's second EP being released this year, preceding his journey from Los Angeles to Edinburg, where he has been working on his first full length album. The EP was recorded entirely in downtown Los Angeles with an impressive list of accompanying musicians : Lester Nuby (Verbena, Terra Naomi), Morgan Grace Kibby (M83), Mike Garson (David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins), Wesley Precourt (Dave Stewart, Jenny Lewis) and Eric Heywood (The Pretenders, Ray LaMontagne). It was recorded, produced and mixed by Haskell and Daniel Farris (St. Vincent, The Black Pill.)

Download The Snowflakes That Hit Us Become Our Stars here : http://www.sevensaturdaysmusic.com

Listen to the second track "Au Revoir" now:


PS. Los Angelenos: Seven Saturdays will be playing at the ECHO CURIO in Echo Park on November 5. Hope to see you there!

Don't worry, you'll get it.

You and me, let's be friends ok?

Parlovr - Pen to the Paper from *safe solvent™ on Vimeo.

My j-o-b.

I know I haven't mentioned it much here, but as of June, I started a new venture in the TV/Film industry.

SO, here's the cliff-notes version: I now work full-time as a producer for an entertainment production company (here in Los Angeles) that is in the process of launching a new "under the umbrella" sub-company. The new project is an ipad/iphone app and website that provides short-form entertainment news blasts and original segments. Additionally, the main company is the west-coast/Hollywood affiliate for Canal Plus Spain, a popular cable network in...you guessed it...Spain. Basically, what that means for my part is that I get to do international press junkets, interviews, etc. (for upcoming films), which has already turned out to be pretty interesting.

Some of the segments are typical entertainment news format, but others...well, we're working on exactly how much creative wiggle room we're going to afford ourselves. So far, it's been an incredible ride and I'm ridiculously lucky to be a part of this process.

ANYWAY, my new job covers a lot of different ground; one of those facets being that I often do voice-overs for the segments that I write and produce. Yeah, that's right; you will now get to hear my charming coos in the palm of your hand (iphone) anytime you please. BUT, the entire point of this entry, and I'm pretty sure the question on your mind as well as mine, is WHERE THE HELL DID MY SOUTHERN ACCENT GO?

Giving credit where credit is due.

Now, my only brother and I are very different in almost every way imaginable. You know, the little things in life; ie : careers, life paths, activities, interests, location, etc.

HOWEVER, this same brother of mine, who lives in the DC area (like I said - we're even very different in terms of location), recently turned me on to a new musician that's leaping onto the music scene in his city. (Baltimore, sure. But DC? I'm starting to notice, there's more creative presence coming out of DC than I've ever seen before, causing me to rethink my take on that seemingly linear place.)

His name is Matthew Hemerlein, and he recently landed the Young Performing Artist Grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to use towards recording his forthcoming album. A grant well deserved, indeed. I expect there will be an endless supply of amazing things coming our way soon, and I have every intention to follow this fellow, and his home, very closely...and perhaps you should too.

Matthew Hemerlein performs "Gyllenhaal Sandwich" :

Johnny on the spot.

Forest Fire :: Fortune Teller

Allow me to introduce my new favorite band...

...Future Islands, a post-wave/synthpop band out of Baltimore. They've been around for a few years, but have just landed on my radar; their latest album, "In Evening Air" was released in May of this year on Thrill Jockey.

I'm losing my mind.

Terry Gilliam directed Arcade Fire's concert at Madison Square Gardens this week, and partnered with YouTube for a new concert experience that is up for viewing: www.youtube.com/arcadefire. Aside from Terry Gilliam being a god, I can't imagine a better band for this project; in fact, I think it's safe to say that Arcade Fire is one of my generation's greatest products, ever.

Jinglin and-a janglin.

The past two weeks have been unfathomly (overwhelming)(busy)(exciting) so I haven't had much time to post, much less share all the (amazing) (wonderful) changes that my life has suddenly made. More on this subject will appear soon, pinky swear.

For now, I'll share my recent music review for the company with which I'm now writing editorials. I was very happy to recieve this particular assignment, since it was one of my favorite albums last year.


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros,
Up From Below


The debut release from Los Angeles based Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below, was a sure fire top 10 of ‘09 pick for any hardcore hippie loving indie fan. For the virgin listener, this album poses an assorted collection of sounds, never defining which turn they’ll take next, but rousing a sense of enchantment and unquestionable confidence that it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Starting off with a bang, the album’s opener, “40 Day Dream” evokes memories of Arcade Fire’s dynamic debut album Funeral; complete with clapping, steady rhythms, strings and compelling lyrics, “She’s got jumper cable lips, she got sunset on her breath now, I inhaled just a little bit, now I got no fear of death now.” Slightly seasoned with the flavor of the 1960’s and backed by a group of roughly 12 musicians, it’s an engulfing kick start that inspires curiosity of what’s to follow.

Ala the immortal style of Polyphonic Spree, “Janglin” opens with a childlike chorus of “mms” and “pops” that eventually intertwine with the song’s refrain, yet somehow each vocal manages to maintain their own anomalous quality of sound. A playful beat only adds to the enjoy ability of the song while impressively balancing heavy piano chords and strong horn interludes. “Janglin” takes a room that’s stacked full of vocals and instruments, then spits out a sound that’s perfectly clear; each element standing on it’s own to build an absolutely encompassing sensation.

The fifth track, “Home,” is undeniably the album’s Ace of Spades. An old-timey folk jam that connects co-ed vocals, horns, acoustic guitars, slap-happy beats, whistles, hoots & hollers with drippingly sweet lyrics like, ‘Home is where I’m with you.' “Home” carries a sense of happiness and simplicity that simply can’t be matched.

It’s tempting to peg this album as falling into indie-folk or alt-country, but let’s not forget the album’s esoteric magic carpet ride, “Desert Song” or “Black Water” in which Ebert’s haunting vocals at times seem to channel the late, great Elvis; or even the Spanish sung “Kisses over Babylon” or “Om Nashi Me,” a Sanskrit chant song. With so many twists and turns, it’s impossible to nail the endless depth of this album to any particular pseudo-genre.

Consistently throughout the progression of Up From Below, each track sustains an air of magic and mystery, and maintains a dizzying sense of wonder, even at it’s darkest moments. With each song acting as a chapter of it’s own, Up From Below is less of a collection of songs, and more of an adventurous storybook that keeps you turning the page, eager to discover where it will take you next.

Album Review - Copyright © Caroline Bolter, 2010.

Current spins.

Lately.

It's not much, but it's all mine.

I recently was asked to write a review for an online music community that focuses on independent artists and labels. As excited as I am, I'm already feeling the pressure of writing something that I exchange for actual non-Monopoly money. I am completely aware that I have a long way to go in terms of skill, as music reviews are really an art in themselves, with a specific style and nuance different from straightforward editorials.

I've been instructed that ordinarily I will be seeking out indie artists to review on my own, but this time I was given the specific assignment of reviewing Tokyo Police Club's latest LP, Champ. As I close my eyes and jump blindly into a world I'm unsure of, I offer to you, my first review :


"It's good to be back..."

A well anticipated follow-up to their 2008 LP, Elephant Shell, Tokyo Police Club's latest release, Champ, has already proven itself to be a title-worthy winner.

Opening track "Favourite Food," sets the album's tone, but sneakily not until the second half of the song. There's a detectable hint of growth right off the bat as it transforms from a simple intro track into a delicious up tempo pop tune. Even though the formula seems recognizable (gradually building rhythms and upbeat tempos) it's easy to anticipate that each song to follow will be a step away from the TPC we're already so familiar with.

It's hard not to play along once the toe-tapping beat strikes up in "Bambi," an electro-pop mix that combines impressive guitar melodies, clever hooks and start-stop rhythms into a well-blended dance anthem. Don't be surprised when you find yourself clapping along in triplicate form before even finishing the first go-round.

"Your only souvenir is a suitcase full of sand...But when you feel like you're a million, then I feel like I'm a grand," Monks croons in the crush worthy "Hands Reversed." The album's most ballad-esque track is as devastatingly gentle as a warm summer breeze, carrying a sound reminiscent of days spent blowing dandelions into the wind, while drowning subtly in the words of a heartbreaking childhood romance.

As semi-solid as it is, the entire album bears no preparation for the second to last track, "Frankenstein," as it peels back the curtain to show the growth that TPC has undergone in the last two years. Jumping right into a startling, all-encompassing melody with deep bass undertones, hypnotic beats and synthesized instrumentation, "Frankenstein" churns out a sound that's capable of sending goose bumps right down your spine, ten seconds in. I only wish they would have saved this gem to be the final track, as it teases in anticipation for what TPC might have in store next time around...

Champ finds Tokyo Police Club crossing over into a new era; a band noticeably more comfortable in their own skin, having lengthened their songs, strengthened their construction and explored their own capabilities. This record takes you away to an indie-pop landscape filled with dreamy childhood innocence showing signs of maturity as it progresses, leaving you with a band that has begun to ripen, much like their sound.

- © Caroline Bolter

Listen to my favorite track from Champ:

It's only a matter of time before we G.O. all the way.

Hey indie scene, there's a new group in town, and they're looking for a place to stay. You think your Mom would mind if they crashed on the couch for a while?

In 2009, vocalist Eddie Alexander, electronic-ist Joe Walker, keyboardist Bella Walker and drummer Eric Moore came together to form Goodnight Owl, the semi-pop/folk/electronic style foursome out of Melbourne, Australia. Even though they're still a virtual unknown, Goodnight Owl is already being compared to the likes of Bon Iver, The Postal Service, Band of Horses and Whitley. They're more than that, though. Goodnight Owl has developed a sound with an elusive, indescribable twinge of sustainability that so many other bands are lacking.

It seems as though Goodnight Owl will be sticking to gigs on their Aussie turf for the here and now. Although, I have a feeling it's only a short matter of time before their name rolls off of your favorite indie-ite's tongue while listing who they're currently listening to...

G.O. recently wrapped filming on their debut music video for "Maps and Compasses" from their self-titled debut EP, released last year. Check it here :

...and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Beep.

Ring Ring...Ring Ring...

Never in the 10 or so years I've been using cell phones, did I ever expect them to have any major impact on deciding what path my life goes down. I've never treated them with the respect they truly deserve, but only because of my own naiveté towards the magnitude of their power.

Two weeks ago, I went through a first interview with a job that I could easily describe as a dream; a step in the right direction towards what I think I really would like to spend the rest of my life doing. My application was a shot in the dark, since it's a jump from the TV/Film industry (which I have been working in the last 7 years) to the music industry, one that I have virtually no contacts or professional experience in. Someone even asked me who my contacts were in order to land this interview in the first place, because apparently it's not the easiest battle to feat. I suppose I should reveal specifics; are you ready for it? The job is to be the assistant to the Vice-President of Music Licensing for Television and Film at Interscope-Geffen-A&R Records. Yeah. My thoughts exactly.

After 2 weeks of no follow-up from my first interview, I had pretty much written off ever hearing from them again. That was my first mistake. I often forget that in the corporate world (and being under the umbrella of Universal Music Group - this is definitely a corporate position) the hiring process can sometimes take a lengthy amount of time, depending.

Last Thursday evening, a voicemail notice popped up on my cell phone screen, which I immediately called to check. It was my friend Candace, calling from Texas to say hi, and shoot the shit. Good to hear her voice. But wait, my call didn't end; there was another message, one that was from the HR rep that I initially interviewed with at Interscope. He was calling to see if I could come in on that Friday (note : this was Thursday evening that I'm hearing this message) to meet with the hiring manager. And then the time stamp : Message recorded at 10:30am, Wednesday morning. Shit. Shit shit shit shit shit. I frantically called his office, even though it being after hours, left him a message explaining that I had just received word and I was completely available to come in the following day, or any day the next week.

Friday comes. No return call. I call again and leave a second message. "Hi...It's Caroline...still available this afternoon or anytime next week. Thanks much..."

Friday ends. No return call, leading me into a weekend of wrestling between the thoughts that missing this message may have entirely screwed me for life and "No, I'm sure they have just been busy and are going to get back to me first thing Monday."

Monday comes. I call for the third time, like a gal who hasn't heard from the blind date that she thought "went really well" and is just calling to "check in" (ugh), but this time the interviewer answers. "Hi...It's Caroline..." He already knew exactly who it was. I'm not sure what I said, and specifically what he said, all I heard were scattered words here and there, each one like a tiny cannonball shooting flaming metal orbs straight into my heart. "Zero-ed in on another candidate" , "coming in to finalize tomorrow", "we'll let you know if it doesn't work out"....

36 hours. I missed the message by 36 hours. It only took 36 hours for my life to jam it's foot on the brakes and slam the Interscope door in my face.

Everyone (everyone = my mom, my dad) keeps saying, "Well, nothing is completely done quite yet, so you never know..." That's really just a mom and dad's way of saying, "Shit, honey. That blows."

The only valuable lesson I've gotten out of this situation is to really acknowledge the power of communication mediums. If an email accidentally gets looked over, a phone call returned just a bit too late, you never know what weight it could hold.

What if the next time the phone rings it's your Aunt Ida calling to tell you there is a plane flying right above your house that has blown out it's last reserve engine and your future is sitting in aisle seat 12C? And that you should probably get out before it's too late?

Eh, I'll just let it go to voicemail.

Two hands come together to form one pair of binoculars.

Can Caroline come out and Playa?

{that's me in pdr, trick.}
I mentioned a few posts back that I've been spending quite a bit of time with a whole new crop of friends lately, which with no surprise has continued to be a wonderful investment of my time. It just so happens that the majority of this group lives in a little area of west Los Angeles called Playa del Rey, which is just a hop/skip down the road from where I currently hang my red knitted hat. (Technically, there are only 4.58 miles between my front door and the edge of the sand.) With all of the time I've been in and out of PDR lately, it's starting to feel as homey as my favorite yellow hoodie (which much to my chagrin, I recently misplaced, so if you see it, please tell it to call home.)

I have to admit, I'm starting to think this little alcove of a neighborhood is one of the best kept secrets of L.A. Sure, the east side has it's own appeal; it has some of the best little bookstores I've found to date. However, I've never desired to live in east L.A., which could be sub-consciously attributed to my mother's impression that anything east of La Brea is "where Cheech is from", though I chock it up to my intense desire to be within running distance to the water. (Note : I did not say beach.)(Also note : I don't run.) I've always had such a strong fascination and internal drawl to the Pacific Ocean, and being more than a few miles away just wouldn't feel right.

But I digress, per usual.

Playa is a tiny beach town that for some reason or another, is actually within reasonable financial reach. (Note : Something I've heard of but am unfamiliar with.) My friends whom call it home theorize that the affordablity is attributed to it's semi-adjacent proximity to LAX's flight path. But, all the days and nights I've spent in this little gem, I don't recall hearing anything at all (which says a lot for a soundie like me.)

One of my friends is gunning for me to take my little PDR-lust-affair to the next level and officially become a local. Who knows? Maybe I'll finally take the plunge, commit and settle into a little water-side property. (Again, note, I did not say beach.) But then again, maybe certain things are more enjoyable when you're not totally immersed in them. (Okay, no more puns, I swear.) Either way, I'm really glad I've been able to find another little nook that makes me feel at home, when I'm almost two thousand miles away from my own.

-C.

PS. Check this little nugget out - I have some inside sources that claim Huell Howser will be doing a Playa del Rey episode of California's Gold within the year. Oooowee! That's GOLD!

Consider an investment.

Real Estate - "Fake Blues"

Real Estate - Beach Comber

Posthumous.

The Aggregate.

Much to my surprise (and excitement), today I received an email from Drew Norton, the incredibly talented director of the Phantogram video I posted recently. Drew came across my site, and graciously took the time to thank me for the shout out (AND -- excuse me while I gush -- he even went as far to say that he loves My Bonnie & Clyde) as well as sending me some information regarding one of his latest music video projects.

Drew said that his The Soft Black video is the first in a ten-part series which will cover every song from their 2009 release, "The Earth is Black..." I can only imagine what an exciting project this must be for a director; having the opportunity to create a sort of visual discography for a collective album. Can't wait to see what the next chapter has in store...


Brooklyn, NY- May 10, 2010

Your toes might tap but try and hold on to your stomach, as today sees the launch of the long-awaited music video for acclaimed Brooklyn psych-rockers Soft Black.

The self described "folk-noir" collective have teamed with director Drew Norton (Micachu & The Shapes- Lips, Phantogram- Mouthful of Diamonds) to create a series of videos bringing to life each song of the critically acclaimed 2009 release, "The Earth is Black" (praised by Rolling Stone, Impose Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan).

The original album, designed as a ten-song-cycle documenting the vivid, psychedelic and horrific nightmares of singer Vincent Cacchione, proves itself to be excellent fodder for the deluxe video treatment.

The new video for the infectious title track "The Earth is Black" plays like a Beatle's movie beamed in from outer space, and molested by Ed Wood as it falls back to earth. The dramatic rural setting, aggressive editing, and layered storyline are tinged with shlock horror that match the ambience of this hit track's dream landscape. Watch for a bloody axe, spilling guts, bleak hunting watch-towers... and a tree stump drum kit.

The Director "loves working on this unique project with such a talented and inspired band, they've got me looking way past the starting gate, next up, "The Flesh of the Sky." Singer and lead guitarist, Vin adds, "It was a true pleasure to start our work with Drew on this project, he's an artist with a ton of simpatico and a totally authentic dude. I couldn't be more confident in our ongoing collaboration."

This summer will see both Norton and Soft Black hard at work. As the director completes his 10 part music video series, the band prepare to drop a swagger-filled new EP titled "We Scatter Light," and many more videos.

Watch "The Earth is Black" by The Soft Black - directed by Drew Norton :

It's always Sunny in Los Angeles.

I've said it before, and I'll shout it from the rooftops again, I have a lot of really amazing friends.

Recently, one of my fantastic gal pals has been integrating me into her group of long-term co-ed besties. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful these peeps are, and how they're everything I look for in good old-fashioned partners in crime. It's one of the biggest factors in what determines the quality of my life; the people that I surround myself with. At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, it's not always the easiest thing to come by in this town, necessarily. I've invested time in people that have seemingly redeemable qualities, and yet still turn out to be self-centered sourpusses in the end. I'm not sure if it's because they're jaded or indifferent, and frankly, it doesn't matter. I just don't see the need to carry a constant air of disdain and there is certainly no need for me to expose myself to it. My latest and greatest palsies are a constant reminder of what constitutes genuine friendship. Plus, they're WAY more fun than anyone else I know.

We're kicking off the summer this weekend with a big BBQ/pool/hot tub shindig. Lucky for me, the forecast is predicting perfect conditions for mirth and merriment. In fact, I have a feeling I should get used to this weather.

Do you believe in love at first sound?

Several months ago, I stumbled across a band that was starting to receive recognition from the electro-indie-pop music scene, Phantogram. Hailing from Saratoga Springs, NY, Phantogram consists only of two members; keyboardist Sarah Barthel and guitarist Josh Carter. However, I wouldn't let their seemingly modest presence fool you, for their sound is often as full as a 6-piece revival band.

Originally forming in 2007 under the name of Charlie Everywhere, the pair began to receive notice in their hometown and signed to a local record label. After a successful year of performing around upstate New York, in January 2009, the duo moved on to sign with BBE, changed their name (for legal reasons) and released their first major label EP in May of 2009. Phantogram spent the next few months opening for the likes of Ra Ra Riot, Yeasayer and Minus the Bear, as well as performing at SXSW music festival. Just 6 months after their EP released, they were signed with Barsuk Records (Death Cab for Cutie, John Vanderslice) which released their first full length album, Eyelid Movies, in February 2010.

Barthel has said of their sound, "We wanted to incorporate all our own influences and created our own sound that's a combination of Serge Gainsbourg, sampling and Detroit hip-hop." "Phantogram's music can best be described as a mix of organic and electronic sounds, with swirling guitar, spaced-out synths, and chopped up samples and rhythms."

Despite the variety of unique styles that Phantogram incorporates into each song, not to mention the fact that Barthel and Carter are both ridiculously shag-worthy, there is some sort of extra magic that is sprinkled across the top of this band that I can't quite put my finger on. One thing that is clear as day, however, is that Phantogram has a bright and shiny future ahead of them.

I present to you Phantogram's first music video from their debut LP, directed by Drew Norton :



- C.

Studying the art of self censorship.

First Dates.

Someone asked me recently what my idea of the perfect first date would be. (UGH, I know, right?) Without a second thought, I answered with all the things that I love to do in this city : go to the Museum of Jurassic Technology and marvel at the silly exhibits, catch a Criterion or experimental film at the New Beverly or Silent Movie Theater, peek into other worlds at the Griffith Park Observatory, peruse a thrift store/garage sale for someone else's treasures, dig through the plethera of fiction at the Mystery Book Store, catch a Saturday lecture on contemporary art at LACMA, drive around looking for the oddest places we can find and laughing at their strangely wonderful presence, go to a food festival and make ourselves sick on things like garlic blue cheese fries and plantain sundaes, compare notes on our musical discoveries for hours on end, go to a vintage clothing store and dress up in costumes and re-enact our favorite movie scenes, go to a public park late at night and have a 'who-can-swing-the-highest' contest, and so on and so on.

I was recently reminded that none of those things have anything to do with the question.

My answer has been revised, and sure, it's completely obvious, but nonetheless, it's a small revelation to me. It has nothing to do with what you do. It has everything to do with whom you do it with.

So, what's my idea of the perfect first date? One that ends in being told that they would love to do it again...tomorrow.

Best and worst.

I finally broke down and ordered a copy of John Waters' absurd (now that's an oxymoron) cult masterpiece, Desperate Living. It arrives this week, so it goes without saying that I'll be cancelling most of my weekend plans.

Mazel Tov!

The third year's the charm or Today is a day for sensory recall.

Indie folk/Alt-Country band Phosphorescent keeps sneaking in to my current rotation. Fronted by Matthew Houck (of Athens, Georgia) and signed to indie label Dead Oceans (John Vanderslice, Bishop Allen, Bowerbirds), Phosphorescent's 2007 album release found itself overwhelmingly praised by Pitchfork Media.

I keep coming back to one particular song that just seems to get under my skin. Recently, I stumbled across a Daytrotter Session recording of that particular song, which somehow magically captures the true grit at the center. It needn't be said that I find this version to seep perfection at the pores.

Listen here : Phosphorescent {Daytrotter Sessions} : A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise.

April Showers.

This morning, someone that I know passed away tragically. She was a beyond beautiful human being and an incredible best friend to one of my longest time pals. Her name is April and she'll never be forgotten. So much love.

">

If ever I create something as great as this, then I will have succeeded.

Patrick Watson- Luscious Life from Opak Media on Vimeo.

Made for me.

A Story : Last year, my dearest friend in the world (Amanda Rogers, a musician from upstate New York) was on tour for her most recent record, and was coming through Los Angeles on the West Coast leg. (It may help to note : Amanda and her boyfriend, Mike, lived with me for a few months while she was recording said album the previous year. While here, they met my closest friends, who naturally welcomed the two into our group with open arms. How could they not? Amanda and Mike are the cat's pajamas, and the absolute sweetest vegan, tree-loving hippies you could ever meet. ) It goes without saying that we all went to every show she played while in the city. For a group of people with a lot of issues (we're like family - love and hate, all ecompassing), we can surprisingly pull our shit together when it comes to supporting one of each other.

AN ASIDE : It's a funny story how Amanda and I know each other, actually. Ready for it? We have the same ex-boyfriend. Yep. Of course, he's long gone, but the best gift he ever gave me was introducing me to her. Amanda is probably the closest thing I'll ever have to a soulmate. She gets me, I get her, we're different and yet, I think we're exactly the same. We don't get to see each other often considering that we live on opposite coasts. So far, we've somehow worked it out to visiting about twice a year. We don't talk on the phone (we both abhor it) and we don't get the chance to email much, either. (Though lately, she's been way better about it than I have.) When we do catch each other, we mostly just fill each other in on the what-nots of the past week, month, whatever. But, when we get the chance to see each other it's like no time has passed. Some relationships I like to think of as a favorite sweater. It's comfy, it makes you feel good in and out, it fits you just right and you wouldn't trade it for the world. Amanda is my fuzzy red cardigan.: ASIDE END.

Back to where I was intending to go with this : During one of Amanda's shows in Los Angeles, she played a song that I had never heard before, but instantly seemed to recognize. After the show was over, she came up to me and said that she should have warned me, but that song was about me. It's interesting, because it's not really a happy song, but it's not really a sad song, either. But it definitely is a song that reminds me of how well she knows me and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I wasn't recording that night, so I don't have my own video to show. However, our friend Ryan managed to capture it live at a show a few days after they left Los Angeles to head back east.

Amanda Rogers, The Taming of the Lonely One :

Viva the wolf.

Je suis amoureux absolument de cette bande.

What's that quote about squandering time, again?

Tonight I designed my book cover, if I ever write a book. Note : I probably won't write a book.

Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality.

Last year, I briefly met an artist who, in passing, mentioned that he did artwork for a NorCal band named Tera Melos. With fairly limited knowledge of the Sacramento music scene, not only had I not heard them, I hadn't ever heard of them. I began scouring around the internet to get a glimpse of the artwork, which in turn led to me to discovering the band's music (that just so happened to be on the stellar indie music label Sargent House.) Let me assure you, no matter your taste in music, it's absolutely impossible to deny the talent that lies within Tera Melos. (Watch their cover of Hey Sandy here.)

Recently, one of the members of Tera Melos, Nick Reinhart (one of the yummiest creatures I've ever laid eyes on) paired up with Zach Hill (of Hella and The Ladies) to form their side project, Bygones. (Fun fact : Bygones' 2009 'By-' album features Amber Coffman from Dirty Projectors on the cover.) Anyone with any interest in the math rock scene, and even those with no interest, would do themselves a disservice by not immediately dipping their feet into Bygones.

My personal fave of their recent album release : Click on That (Smash the Plastic Death): LISTEN HERE

Between Zach Hill's mind-numbing rhythms and Nick "the bod" Reinhart's insane start-then-stop-then-start guitar riffs, I honestly can't believe my eyes when I watch these two play. (Besides, I'm a total sucker for a hardcore talent-crush.)

What's even better? The art doesn't stop there. Apparently, a group of Reinhart's friends pulled together recently to write, produce, shoot and star in a movie entitled Snakeville. From IMDB.com, "Snakeville is a town in the middle of wherever you are and wherever it is you are going. Its denizens are odd, their hopes and dreams are small and big. This is a day in their lives." A look into the ridiculous minds of it's creators, Snakeville leaves me feeling that I'm not the only one who's enamoured with all things wonderfully strange.

-C.

Watch Snakeville now :

Reactions towards stimuli from internal chemical reactions or external environmental factors.

I'll never understand why anyone would want to do anything the way it's already been done before.
The second that my heart starts to violently pound in my chest, that's the instant that I know I'm doing something right.

Dear Lemon Lima

Ex Machina.

I have a gigantic heart. So huge that it's almost cardiomegaly freakish. Kidding. It's way bigger than that.

Here's how I think of it : I have a tiny little machine in this one corner of my heart that makes my love. I guess you could say the creator of my machine was feeling pretty audacious the day he put my particular model together. To the naked eye, it looks like any other machine of it's kind, but there's more to it than your eyes can recognize. My machine was built with a handle on the side that cranks unusually fast (faster than almost every other version of this same machine), pumping out lots and lots and lots of love; in fact, so much love that it almost bursts the seams that hold my heart together (from being broken, of course.) The funny thing is, that no matter what kind, size or shape of love it is, it all comes from this same machine. Sometimes, anyone within it's radius finds the shape of it hard to make out, even me (the owner.) Not to mention, it's a far from perfect version; sometimes the gears get a little stiff, sometimes the footing is a little unstable, and sometimes what is cranked out that particular day belongs in the "damaged" pile. It doesn't always know when to start and it surely doesn't always know when to stop; but the one thing that's perfect about my little machine is that it sits in a little corner of in my heart, and there it will always be safe.

-C.

I guess you could say I'm kind of a fan.

http://theamazingbaby.com/

I don't believe in this.

Oracle Dice Rolled : 1 and 6.

Question : How shall I know my future life mate?

Answer : The one whom you now dislike.
Reaction : I'd expect nothing less.
After-thought : I wonder if it's a cat.

Yann Perreau: L'amour se meurt from Bonsound on Vimeo.

Wring me out.

This entry is entirely self serving. It serves no purpose to anyone who reads this other than myself. It's a simply a dictated file from within the knots of my rubberband-ball to remind me of what lies at the center, and hope that the time where I forget these things never comes.



I am a sponge. I feel first, think last. Every pore on my skin is a welcoming chute, in which every word or experience that grazes the surface has a direct pathway to my heart. I soak you up. Not surprisingly, being this way has hindered my life. Some people have crippling fear; I have crippling feel.

I was thinking recently that the five things that I am the best at and most passionate about, are the five things that are missing from my life now. I went through a loss about 3 years ago, and ever since then, I have watched myself slowly cut everything out of my life that held the most meaning to me. All of my interest in psychology and what motivates our brains/emotions/actions/reactions, makes it clear as day why I have built this wrought iron gate around myself. Nonetheless, it's time I dissect myself and realize the effect these absences are having.

1. Dance. I was in a lot of activities as a little girl, like music lessons, twirling, gymnastics; but dance was the one that resonated for life. It's the only activity that allows me to let go and just be. When I am dancing, I allow myself to feel without judgement or fear. I am a good dancer, not an incredible one, but it will never matter to me. When I am dancing, my heart swells.

2. Art. I have not made a finished piece of art for myself in over 2 years. I have made commissioned pieces, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it for me anymore. I've thought about this a lot. I go through periods where my skin literally starts to break out and my body aches because there is something inside of me that needs to be released on paper/canvas/air. I am fully conscious of this when it happens, in fact it's been happening lately. But I can't. I can't let it out because it's something that comes from within me, and when materialized in tangible form, makes me vulnerable to losing it somehow. I fear that whatever it is, whatever comes out will expose my disgusting mess of an inside. That whatever I will create will be ugly, and repulsive, and broken, and scared and lost and unwanted and alone.

3. Act. It's always perplexed (even) me that the most precious thing to me is the one that I talk about the least. I can't even form words to express the hole in me from not being able to act. It sounds bizarre, but it's the only way I feel I can connect with anyone, through being someone else. Through believably sharing someone's experience and creating some sort of empathy for people who's lives are different than all of our own. It's how I learn; it's how I teach. It's my fertilizer and without it my growth is trivial.

4. Faith/Hope.

5. Love. Without a shred of doubt, I am better at love than I am at anything. I love with every tiny molocule of my being, unconditionally and without question. Love. Even saying the word makes me want to unzip my shell, release the foggy cloud from within my skin and soar to the highest of mountaintops without ever ceasing. When I am given the permission (safety) to love wholeheartedly, it is singlehandedly the happiest I ever am and ever will be. And it seems as though my life has turned out to ask me not to. Or at least, I've begun to believe I will never find a place safe enough to.

I realize how important it is to never let those things that give meaning to your life slip away. I am still working out the answer on how to (allow myself to) get them back.

Thoughts.

Silence is golden.

I wanted to share an exciting email I received from Cinefamily (here in Los Angeles) about the return of silent films to the Silent Movie Theater! If you're unfamiliar, The Cinefamily is an organization of self-proclaimed movie lovers specializing in showcasing cult, avant garde, weird, educational and exceptional films. The family takes claim to the Silent Movie Theater in Los Angeles (which ran for four decades as the only fully functioning silent movie theater in the country), and hosts different themed film nights, special events, and so on. It's a truly remarkable organization for anyone to be a part of, especially film lovers and those with a fascination of the unique.

Cinefamily,

There's been a lot of wondering and concern about the state of silent films in the Cinefamily program, so I wanted to send a missive both clarifying our past approach, and informing you about the future -- a future that does include the continued tradition of showing silent films here. The Cinefamily is a non-profit whose goals are to explore *every* corner of cinema, and perhaps even a little beyond those corners, seeking to discover and share all kinds of film. We really do like it all, and want our program to be a big "tent" with great films from every genre, every place, and every decade. So it was not a conflict for us to continue the tradition of silent films here, a landscape rich with masterpieces and curios. The fact that we were welcomed into the Silent Movie Theatre, a wonderful home with such a rich history, was exciting -- but we also knew might lead to confusion.

Though we do many things here, we are keeping the tradition of showing silents at The Silent Movie Theatre alive with its own special time slot. For the past three years (two years since we opened, and one year previous while we were planning everything), we've dedicated one day a week to silents. The theatre had been exisiting for some time previously as a private rental house for weddings, parties, and private screenings, so this was actually an increase in silent screenings. Since last October, we did take some time off to assess the best course of action, but have no fear: the plan was to return stronger than ever.

We now have a guest programmer the first Wednesday of every month -- The Silent Treatment -- who will be showing rare archival prints, most of which are unavailable on DVD. While we may not show silents each and every Wednesday, we will show at least two or three a month, and we also plan on starting a matinee program in the spring, with more family-friendly classics by the big names in silent comedy -- Chaplin, Keaton, etc. Our investment is real -- we even bought new 18-frames-per-second motors (instead of the usual 24) for our projectors, so that we could show true 35mm restorations like The Flapper this Wednesday.

Keep in mind: we don't show silent films to make money, and in order to show as many as possible, we do need your support. The shows are more, not less, expensive than regular screenings, because we also have a live musician and a short program each time, both of which are above and beyond normal costs. Unlike previous owners, we inherited virtually no in-house library of films; while previous Silent Movie Theatre programmers could keep silents shows affordable by showing only public domain films they owned in-house prints of over and over again, every short and feature we show now costs us both rental and shipping fees. In addition, showing rare archival prints requires higher separate print loan fees (aside from rights clearances), insurance, and other sundry expenses.

If you want to help, in addition to attending the silents shows, you can also make tax-deductible donations to the Cinefamily -- and if you want to leave a little note "earmarking" your support for silent films, that does send a message. You can paypal us at donate@cinefamily.org, or mail a donation (with your name and address, so we can get you your receipt) to:

The Cinefamily
611 N. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA, 90036

Oh, and lest I forget! We're re-opening our silents program with a film I've been dying to show. The Flapper is the best flapper movie this side of It, and undeservedly forgotten actress Olive Thomas was the first Hollywood starlet to earn the appellation. Sexy, fun, and a classic example of the kind of rare screening we hope to show more of (a 35mm print from The Eastman House is a really big deal, guys!), you should all come out to the show. To make it more fun, it's half-off the ticket price if you come in 1920s period costume, and feel free to join us at our "speakeasy" on the back porch (the password is: "swordfish"). So put on the ritz, rope a dope, bring your sugardaddy and come to the Cinefamily petting pantry to catch the latest flick. They're the cat's meow!

Best, and thank you for your time,
Hadrian Belove, Executive Director, The Cinefamily


Please take the time to visit : www.cinefamily.org

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

This is precisely the kind of thing that brings me to tears. It's hard to focus on things that make us unhappy, when beauty like this exists on our precious planet.

A beautiful video made of the world's 2nd largest aquarium by Jon Rawlinson.



Go to the link directly to view a full screen version. Definitely worth the click.

Early Edison Kinetoscope film footage.

Sometimes I really miss watching 3-2-1 Contact.

The future of food.

Several months ago, I watched an incredibly informative documentary regarding genetically mutated food crops, the motivation behind them, and the danger we're facing because of it. It became a sort of obsession with me, mostly because I really had no idea how much we are threatening the survival of our future generations with these seed modifications, as well as our own. Yesterday, I came across a blog posting regarding the very company held responsible for the majority of these genetic mutations and that some of their corn has recently been linked to organ failure in lab rats. Everyone (note : if you eat, and chances are you do, then I'm talking to you) needs to be aware of what is happening with our food.

It concerns me that the majority of the public is ignorant (as I was before The Future of Food kick started my research into other GMO claims) that among the crops in the US : 89% of all Soybeans, 60% of all corn, 75% of all canola, and 83% of all cotton are GENETICALLY MODIFIED. I dare you to go one full day without coming across an American made food product that doesn't contain corn syrup. Guess where that corn syrup is coming from? Well, we already know it's bad for us, but add on top of that that there is a 60% chance that corn was genetically modified, and of that roughly an 80% chance it was modified by the Monsanto Corporation. And remember, Monsanto's GMO corn was just linked to organ failure in lab rats. Here's what's even scarier : Monsanto has seed patents. What that means in layman's terms, every time one of their GMO seeds is picked up by the wind and accidentally cross-pollinates with a non-GMO crop, not only is that crop now infected with the genetic mutation, but Monsanto has the legal right to put the newly infected crop's farm & farmer out of business for patent infringement. And that's exactly what they are doing.

What I don't know is what we can do to stop this. What I do know is that light desperately needs to be shed on this issue before any hope for change can exist.

- C.

Calamus Gladio Fortior.

I read a lot, mostly non-fiction. Every once and a while, I come across a written page (or series of) that forever changes my course; I equate it with those tiny intersections on the palm's life line. I picked this book up recently and the instant I started skimming the pages, I was affected by the relevance that it held with my own current personal battles.

In Russia circa 1882, Tolstoy's memoir discussing his struggles between belief in nothing vs. faith in something; a journey to understand the meaning of life, was subject of such controversy that it led to his eventual ex-communication from the Catholic church. What I have found is nothing less than a letter of recognition of sorts, a piece I feel has been written specifically for my guts to devour, my brains to absorb; one that defines my own internal conflicts, and couldn't hold more relevancy some 100 years after it was written.

- C.