Hiatus

We are going to be in sunny Naples (Florida) throughout the next 2 weeks for the holidays. Hope all of you stay warm and safe and enjoy your time with family and friends! We'll miss posting and look forward to sharing pictures and anectdotes upon our return :)

Happy Holidays

Stars fill up my eyes

While eating countless Pizzelles (I prefer vanilla to anise) and checking my email, a few Laura Veirs songs resurfaced on my iTunes player. . .

Well, Jose can tell you all about my mixed feelings toward Laura Veirs -- although she possesses all the qualities I love in a musician (being quirky yet introspective, atmospheric yet lyric driven, etc.) there just seemed to be something missing. She even messaged me on myspace and I wasn't close to being sold. Even so, I wanted to give her a fair chance and thought perhaps seeing her perform live would make me a fan. However, I think it was her complacent stage presence that left me dissatisfied despite the fact that she sounded fantastic. Fast forward several months later, to this particular evening actually, and I finally feel like I've come to terms with her music -- really, why was I so resistant?

Laura Veirs - Bedroom Eyes Highly Recommended

Laura Veirs - Galaxies (video)

Sleep Better

Just sent Jessi, from Lost on Purpose, this old favorite and thought I'd share:

Pete Yorn - Music for the Morning After (rar file)

Sweet Dreams*

Sunday Songs

We just returned from Columbus, where we spent Saturday evening attending Andrew and Kacy's beautiful wedding ceremony and reception :) Definitely enjoyed all their personal touches, especially the buffet-style chinese food and delicious holiday cookies -- and, we love the "goodie bag" they put together with Jones Soda and Ghirardelli Chocolates.

Upon our return to Cleveland, we had the opportunity to soak in some new music from the iPod. Here are some current favorites:

The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers - Concerning Lessons Learned from the Aliens Love this song but still trying to memorize the band's crazy long name. Learn more about them on their website.

The Owls - Air A warm, breezy, and mellow song. . .too catchy for its own good!

Goldspot - Rewind You Aint No Picasso and Rock Insider introduced us to this band, among so many others. Download a couple other songs on YANP's post here and RI's post here.

Juan, Pablo, Jorge, umm, Santiago??

There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding the musicians, José González and Miguel Mendez. Although, based on their names you may be surprised with what you hear.

José González, pictured above, is from Sweden and heavily influenced by the works of Nick Drake and other forlorn troubadours. His music is lush and tender. Definitely check out his cover of Heartbeats, originally by The Knife.

José González - Heartbeats

Also, check out his trippy video -- can someone please offer some insight?

Video: Stay in the Shade

As for Miguel Mendez, he is from Brooklyn (via LA) and sounds eerily similar to David Bazan of Pedro the Lion. You may have first been introduced to his song, You've Got Me All Wrong, when performed by close friends, Dios Malos, on one of the O.C. Soundtracks.

Miguel Mendez - You've Got Me All Wrong

Check them out on myspace to stream more music:
José González
Miguel Mendez

A Jolly, Happy Soul

While watching A Charlie Brown Christmas this evening with Jose, I was reminded of one of my personal favorite stories for this season: The Snowman. Growing up, I had many fond memories associated with the book and its short "silent" film. Such a simple yet moving story. . .

And, since we're talking about snowmen, download Fiona's playful rendition of Frosty the Snowman:

Fiona Apple - Frosty the Snowman

As well as her beautiful cover of Hendrix's Angel, which I ended up finding yesterday while backing up an ancient computer:

Fiona Apple - Angel

Arbitrary Discoveries

Sundays are for being lazy, and for watching the Browns lose (as us Clevelanders have gotten used to saying: "There is always next year"). While capitalizing on our laziness, there were a few discoveries made.

The first discovery being that Stanley Kubrick was a photographer prior to his career in film. His engaging photographs taken, while working at Look Magazine in the 1940's, have been compiled in Drama & Shadows by Rainer Crone. Which was recently released just in time for the holidays, providing the perfect gift for the ultimate Kubrick fan.

While checking out various Kubrick related items on Amazon, we came across Full Metal Jacket Diary by Matthew Modine. This intrigued us since we are both fans of the movie and also reminded us of Pony Up's highly entertaining song, "Matthew Modine."

Pony Up! - Matthew Modine

Pony Up! toured and released a split single with Ben Lee earlier this year, which inspired him to start covering it at his own shows, including the one we saw in April.

Ben Lee - Matthew Modine

Our last discovery is completely unrelated but equally cool. While reading the New York Times, Jose happened upon a feature about video blogs (officially referred to as vlogs). One particular vlog that was mentioned is Rocketboom, which is hosted by Amanda Congdon, and just celebrated its one year anniversary. Some of their webcast topics include: Remembering John Lennon, Internet Explorer vs. Firefox, and a trip to the Brooklyn Brewery.

Enjoy! :)

Lure of the Underground

Jose's Review:

Back in May, thanks to Torr, I discovered The Hourly Radio. I will admit that I enjoyed their music so much that I actually bought the EP, which can now be found on iTunes here. It may be a bold statement -- however, I feel as though this band is one of my favorites of 2005 (along with We are Scientists). The Hourly Radio has recently gained more notoriety due to opening for the likes of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Stellastarr*, and being added to woxy's rotation. While their sound isn't anything groundbreaking, there is clearly something unique that draws you in. If you tend to enjoy early U2, The Verve, early South, and Doves -- definitely check out their "Dublin via Texas" sound on myspace and below:

The Hourly Radio - Lost + Found

Slow like Honey, Heavy with Mood

Last night was spent at the House of Blues, where we were witness to a phenomenal performance given by Fiona Apple. Unfortunately, neither of us were brave enough to attempt smuggling a camera inside the venue -- however, we will keep our eyes open for pictures that others have taken. . .

She played a long set (nearly 2 hours!) and sang most everything we wanted. . .with the exception of Never is a Promise and First Taste -- while keeping true to her original setlist outlined here.

Check out these favorite rarities:

Fiona Apple - Paper Bag (Live)

Fiona Apple - Never is a Promise (KCRW Acoustic)

PS - By some chance, if anyone reading this happens to have Fiona's (live) rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Angel", I would so appreciate it if you could send the mp3 to: kellygatta@gmail.com

Wine makes for good posting

For those of you who don't know -- the creator of Calvin & Hobbes, Bill Waterson, is from Jose's hometown: Chagrin Falls. And, if anyone is struggling with gift ideas for him, consider getting him this.

Onto the music -- today felt especially Christmas-y due to the peaceful snowfall in our neck of the woods. As a result, we felt compelled to listen to Holiday music and share some unconventional favorites of ours:

Cheech and Chong - Santa Claus and His Old Lady Jose relates to this song b/c of the Latino in him. . .although, he is pretty white (especially in the winter!)

Soul Coughing - Suzy Snowflake Kelly thinks this sounds like Bloodhound Gang, but Jose INSISTS that it is Soul Coughing

No Doubt - Oi to the World Originally by the Vandals, but we prefer this version. . .and makes us both really hyper :)

Reindeer Section - When I Come Home For Christmas Melancholy and soothing, highly recommended

Echo's Answer

If you haven't already discovered the dream pop landscapes of Broadcast, and if you are a fan of Sing-Sing, Ladytron and Lali Puna -- check out these hypnotic tracks off of their latest album, Tender Buttons:

Broadcast - Tears in the Typing Pool

Broadcast - America's Boy

Bonus Track: Broadcast - Pendulum

Best of 2005

Before we each commit to our favorite albums of 2005, we wanted to take this opportunity (to stall) and reflect on some other enjoyable pastimes of ours -- film, fine dining, show going, and beverage drinking. . .


Top 5 Movies: (although, not all were officially released in '05)

1. Dot the i
2. Broken Flowers
3. Me and You and Everyone We Know
4. Dig!
5. Walk the Line

Honorable Mention: The Machinist

Top 5 Cleveland Restaurants:

1. Boulevard Blue
2. Lolita (formerly known as Lola)
3. Parallax
4. Gamekeeper's Tavern
5. Fat Cat's

Honorable Mention: Vue

Top 5 Shows:

1. Sufjan Stevens/Laura Veirs @ The Beachland Ballroom (Cle, OH)
2. American Analog Set/Amandine @ The Andy Warhol Museum (Pitt, PA)
3. Ben Lee/Maria Taylor @ The Agora Ballroom (Cle, OH)
4. Arcade Fire/Walkmen - Lollapalooza @ Grant Park (Chi, IL)
5. Stars/Most Serene Republic @ The Grog Shop (Cle, OH)

Honorable Mentions: Interpol/Boom Bip @ The Agora Theater (Cle, OH) & Aqualung/Cary Bros. @ Cambridge Room (Cle, OH)

Prediction: Fiona Apple @ House of Blues (Cle, OH) this coming Monday!

Top 5 Beverages:

1. Ketel and Tonic (a classic for every season)
2. Starbucks Soy Chai Latte (iced or hot)
3. Parker Station Pinot Noir
4. Arby's Jamocha Shake (with curly fries)
5. Margarita's at Lopez

It's been a long time, but not too long

Today marks our two year anniversary -- so, in an effort to not be too mushy, we'll just post a single picture (taken on Thanksgiving prior to the festivities) and two songs:

Athlete - You Got the Style Selected from Kelly's first mix cd to Jose
Swearing at Motorists - Flying Pizza From Jose's first mix cd to Kelly

It's ON

It's Saturday night -- so whether or not you are going out on the town, here are some select songs with just the right amount of energy:

Now it's On - Grandaddy
Girl - Beck
They - Jem

Enjoy your evening!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving

It's the beginning of the holiday season -- which means A LOT of togetherness. Here are a few encouraging songs that remind you to embrace these moments. . .

Reunion - Stars One of the many fabulous songs by this Canadian band
Let the Distance Bring us Together - Bright Eyes and Brit Daniel A favorite by both of these very talented musicians
Welcome Home - Idlewild A standout from one of the best albums of 2005, Warnings/Promises
Come Together - Annie An exceptionally cool, calm, and dancy song

Deja Vu

Kelly's Review:

Regardless of the countless films I've seen that focus on random individuals, slowly revealing their connections with one another throughout the allotted 90 minutes or so -- I just can't seem to get enough. This recurring theme of interrelated characters, if done correctly, can make for a quality film (ie - 21 Grams, You and Me and Everyone We Know). However, if done wrong, the movie risks turning out painfully boring (ie - In the Bedroom, The Safety of Objects).

The movie, Heights, centers around Isabel, a young woman experiencing change in every facet of her life -- from her relationship with her distant fiance to her unfulfilling day job. Usually sleepwalking her way through life, she is confronted with issues that cannot be ignored any longer. Taking place over a 24 hour time period, Isabel finally finds herself questioning everything.

Heights has a promising plot, great acting, and tremendous cinematography -- although, fell short of my expectations. Despite an interesting balance of irony and predictability throughout the film's development, it's conclusion was simply cliche.

Watch the Trailer here

Gentle Moon

Mark Kozelek creates a sound that echoes through your mind long after listening to his music. Many were first acquainted with his band, Red House Painters, later being introduced to his critically acclaimed side project, Sun Kil Moon. Learn more on his exceptional website.

Enjoy a few favorites:

Red House Painters - Have You Forgotten

Sun Kil Moon - Carry Me Ohio

Sun Kil Moon - Ocean Breathes Salty

Nice for the Price

We have been interested in expanding our horizons with red wines, so we purchased a bottle of Sangiovese this evening -- specifically, Il Bastardo, which was nice for the price ($7.99)

Il Bastardo's Sangiovese di Toscana complimented our white pizza and salad very well. Initially, the wine was slightly tart, but after a few sips it proved to be light on the tannins, having hints of black cherry.

The wine has 12.5% alc. and is a product of Rufina, Italy.

Hey Saturday Sun

The songs below are appropriate for a weekend of sleeping in and waking up gracefully:

Nouvelle Vague - Friday Night Saturday Morning This smooth rendition, originally by The Specials, is a reminder of times long ago (and not so long ago!)

The Clientele - Saturday A mellow KCRW recording that is a lovely song to wake up to. If you have the opportunity, see this band live -- we saw them open for Spoon last spring and they made a lasting impression.

Boards of Canada - Hey Saturday Sun Imagine listening to Air and Zero 7 in slow motion. This band's latest album, The Campfire Headphase, provides perfect background music.

Evan Goodberry - Saturday Simply beautiful. . .highly recommended

Dodge the SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka SAD) is right around the corner. So, in an effort to prevent those from catching this epidemic, here are some songs that are guarenteed to lift spirits:

Morningwood - Nth Degree Highly recommended! Morningwood is extremely fun, no pun intended. . .

Au Revoir Simone - Disco Song Always a sucker for hand claps and duet-y female vocals

Franz Ferdinand - Walk Away Even Jose sings along to this one ;) Hope it won't be as over played as "Take Me Out"

Of Montreal - Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games Crazy catchy -- just download it, you'll see

Jupiter One - I Turn the Radio Up All of the songs I've heard from them are infectious

Chin Up Chin Up - Virginia A hazy, dreamy, beautiful song -- Jose put this song on a mix for me waaay back. Sounds like it should be on the O.C. Soundtrack, but in a good way

This is Where our Hearts Collide

The American Analog Set/Amandine Show was exceptional. Both bands sounded great and we had the fortunate opportunity to see them play at an incredible venue and in an intimate setting such as The Andy Warhol Museum.

Also, it was a pleasant surprise being introduced to Amandine, who's performance complimented AmAnSet's nicely. The band, who hail from Sweden, said that this particular show was their very first performance in the states. Amandine was originally called "Wichita Linemen" but they dropped that name last year when they signed with Fat Cat Records. We think they sound very similiar to Sun Volt, exhibiting a simple yet dimensional folk/americana sound. Amandine's studio recordings don't do their sound justice -- however, you should definitely check out this title track off their debut album (which comes out in the states tommorow):

Amandine - Halo (mp3)

AmAnSet/Amandine @ Andy Warhol Museum in Pitt (11/12/05)

Amandine

Andrew Kenny

American Analog Set

Jackie O

Andy WLamplight

The Kindness of Strangers

So, we're going to Pittsburgh this weekend, where (among other things) we will see The American Analog Set play at the Andy Warhol Museum.

If you like ambient pop, check out a couple of their songs:

AmAnSet - The Postman (mp3)
AmAnSet - She's Half (mp3)

Buy this arty poster of theirs here.

Guess I'll Have Myself a Beer

This evening was spent at the Union Club for a Belgian Beer Tasting. Pictured is Kelly's Beer Notes that she scribbled in between sips. . .

Two of the beers we were already familiar with: Stella and Hoegaarden -- actually, Hoegaarden was one of the only beers Kelly would drink prior to this experience. . .

Our favorites, however, were the Westmalle Trapist (monks make this!) and Framboise (tastes like raspberry reduction, complimenting dark chocolate excellently).

Although, unfortunately we did taste a beer we were not particularly fond of -- Duchesse de Bourgogne (which tastes undeniably like vinegar). . .but, to humor the beer connoisseur, we told him it reminded us of cider, ha

Interestingly enough, we were introduced to a beer, Lindeman's Gueuze, that uses no yeast and has a cork like a champagne bottle's. This beer had a prominent citrus aftertaste and was very pleasant.

Some Have Gone and Some Remain. . .

One of my favorites by the Beatles and its cover from the new album, "This Bird Has Flown: A 40th Anniversary Tribute To The Beatles' Rubber Soul"

The Beatles - In My Life (mp3)

Ben Lee - In My Life (mp3)

Making Waves

Drawing comparisons to "the disparate likes of My Bloody Valentine and Joni Mitchell," Ireland's Gemma Hayes has released a lovely new album, "The Roads don't Love you." Enjoy these songs. . .


Gemma Hayes - Tomorrow (mp3)
Gemma Hayes - Keep Me Here (mp3)

Big girls heart Ben Lee

Driving to Columbus, attempting to capture the beautiful autumn foliage

Ben Lee/New Buffalo @ The Basement in C-bus (11/5/05)

New Buffalo doing her thang -- she was impressive Ben Lee rocking out (note the manly flowers on the mic)
Meanwhile, we were enjoying ourselves on a couch in the bar
Ben Lee and New Buffalo covering a Lucinda Williams song for the encore

Klink?

First Fiona plans a Cleveland tour date, now Sigur Rós?? Seems as though we're moving up in the world. . .

We recently stumbled upon the new Sigur Rós tour dates -- where there is, suprisingly, lots of love for Ohio (our apologies, Chicago). With the most recent Sigur Rós tour, we were slightly devastated that they came nowhere remotely close (with the exception of Ann Arbor, MI).

However, we did have the good fortune of hearing the Sigur Rós performance at the Boston Opera House -- so generously provided by Bradley's Almanac. If you have not heard it yet, check it out.

Hybrid Moments

Last night's YLN gathering at the Flying Monkey in Tremont

One Fine Wine!

This wine has been a favorite of ours for the past couple weeks -- which might have something to do with the fact that the alc. content is 13.5% and it only costs $5.99

If you like a chardonnay light on the acidity and slightly fruit forward. There are hints of apple and pear ;) Compliment this wine with brie cheese and calamata olives.

You should pick it up at your local heinen's in the "Best Wines under $10" section or just remember this label

Oh Sufjan

Sufjan Stevens is just full of suprises. From dressing up in a cheerleader uniform at his shows to openly expressing his dream of having 10 kids. . .

Check out this Sufjan interview here and learn the true meaning of the word, "daunting."

Also, buy one of his fancy t-shirts here

An album made for rainy days like these. . .

You can view one of The National's videos and stream their music here

Dog Alien?

If you are slightly curious about our URL. . .this is THE picture that inspired the nickname: "dog alien." My only question is, who is supposed to be the dog and who is the alien???

SNICK vs. The 10 Spot

Being Halloween, I am reminded of certain late night shows that are unfortunately no longer being shown with any regularity. . .tales from the crypt, alfred hitchcock presents, and are you afraid of the dark? Kids these days are missing out on SNICK. However, at the moment Jose and I are enjoying *don't laugh* Laguna Beach -- and, speaking of which, we don't want to miss their graduation ceremony. . .