I am not at work today, I took last Friday off as well and I won't be working next Friday. This is a bad habit forming, taking off Friday makes the weekend so much nicer well eh except for when you have to work on Saturday like I do tomorrow (f*ckin a) and I did last week too but at least not next Saturday.
Tonight we heading to the O.C. (that's Ohio City for those who don't know) to hit up Biert Markt's Halloween thing. I am not sure where else we are going but I am sure there will be others bars. Tonight our friends are making the trek from out of town to party with us. Our friend Sarah will be in from San Francisco and Elizabeth will be in town from Ann Arbor. They are also so conveniently in town for Kelly's bridal shower on Sunday.
Tonight before we head out will be pre-gaming with some delicious Apple Pie Punch the recipe calls for cinnamon schnapps but we decided to substitute with Goldschläger instead because that tastes like cinnamon right?
Lastly some music. I made this mix based on searching threw our iTunes with words like Halloween, moon, ghost, devil, blood, murder, knife, candy etc, You get the gist.
This morning while Kelly was in the shower we were talking about about one of the songs I had posted on the mix I made her over the weekend. Somehow this led to Kelly singing a few bars of "I got my mind set on you."
I know this song was not originally performed by George Harrison but we both are much more familiar with his version than the original by James Ray. Kelly recalled how this is one of the first music videos she had ever seen. She would sneak and watch vh1/mtv when she was only about 6 -- this is before she was a little bit older and would sneak some peaks of skinamax (I think we all did this at some point before/during teenage years).
I always found this song to be great but the video was overly cheesy. The way the swords kind of dance in the background makes me think of the way the arms and legs dance in the background of the video for The Escape Club's hit Wild Wild West.
I mostly just associate this song with The Browns (almost) run to the Superbowl in 1987 -- perhaps others remember that Set On You was the team's unofficial theme song.
PS - Since we're speaking of The Browns (very sorry to hear about Joe J) and coincidentally playing Denver next week : even though The Broncos no longer have Elway (f*ck you, I hate you almost as much as Jordan) and also their uniforms now just look like a giant Reebok logo. I still hate them just as much as ever.
While in Boston this past weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing Lykke Liperform at The Paradise Lounge -- and she was absolutely incredible, without a doubt blowing away everyone in attendance that evening.
Two definite highlights was the energy she created when covering Vampire Weekend's Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and A Tribe Called Quest's Can I Kick It. Although my friends and I took some video clips ourselves, after encountering some YouTube issues I decided to instead post someone else's (also very good) footage who was at the same show :) So, here you go:
Last evening ( I started this post but did not finish), I was nursing a cold and nursing a beer as I watched the OSU vs. Penn St (thanks for choking buckeyes) game. Kelly is out of town in Boston with her sister Erin visiting our friend Jackie. This provided me the perfect opportunity to
1. clean the condo (ugh I know not fun but it really needed it) &
2. To make a mix for Kelly. I used to make mixes for Kelly all the time but there just never seems to be enough time for that these days.
*****update it is Sunday @ 12:05pm and after much deliberation I have completed the mix. I like it but I am biased after all since I made it. Let me know what you think. As as disclaimer this mix is meshing of things that Kelly will like along (the dancey stuff at the beginning is for the morning when she is driving to work trying to wake up or when we are heading out for a night on the town) with things I like, I don't know if you can say this mix has continuity so much as it as it clearly suffers from schizophrenia*******
Born Ruffians -Foxes Mate For Life <--- these guys are from Montreal, their sound is well balanced meal of intelligence, vocal harmonies, minimal production and indie rock energy
Her Space Holiday - Sleepy Tigers <--- In the past his stuff was electronic and dark, now he is switching directions and heading down the road of sweet jangle pop. change is good
Lukestar - Whiteshade <--From Olso Norway,you can call it post hardcore or maybe it is post rock pop, whatever it is I love their hooks
Hello Seahorse - Universo 2 <-- This quartet hail from Mexico. their music reminds me of a cross between Swedish Pop & a warm summer day. I miss the sun already. good thing we are going to Florida next week
The Soft Hands - Harbor <-- the vocals sound like Cold War Kids and these guys just like them are from Long Beach. These guys have a sound is jangular?( i know that is not a word) and at the same time nervous Oxford Collapse - Electric Arc <--- @ the bar last year in The Grog Shop, I stepped on the lead singer's foot. even when not drunk i am clumsy. Wavves - So Bored <--This kid is from San Diego, he has seen a lot of waves, he makes very catchy lo fi fuzzed out indie pop Internet Forever - Break Bones <-- enjoy some more fuzz and lo fi pop this time from the other side of the ocean in the U.K.
With the cold descending upon us, this past weekend was filled with a lot of Wii playing, particularly Mario Cart, wine drinking and movie watching.
One of the movies we ended up watching was Gossip, a deliciously bad movie from the year 2000. If you have never seen (or even heard of) this film, it is about how gossip travels and can impact people's live based on the perceived truth. Gossip is chock full of stars indicative from that time: James Marsden, Norman Redus (from Boondock Saints), Kate Hudson, Joshua Jackson, Marisa Coughlan (from Teaching Mrs. Tingle) and a cameo made by Poe. In the film, the main group of characters go to this bar that is a very dark industrial kind of club, it has a total 90's feel to it. At the bar, not only is Poe performing, but in the background they are playing From Your Mouth by God Lives Under Water. We are sure you all remember this video (which seemed to always be played on late night Mtv's Amp) with a Japanese hot dog eating champion who's got nothing on Kobayashi.
The below photo (taken awhile ago in "the library" at Touch) makes us think of the movie, Coffee & Cigarettes. This past week, we were discussing C&C, among other things, with Mel & CB @ The Broadway -- a great little dive bar that we had never been to, down the street from The Beachland. We hit up this place up at CB's recommendation after the awesome in-store performance from Frightened Rabbit @ Music Saves. Special thanks to Kevin & Melanie for bringing them to town and for the Labbatt's, which really hit the spot* The past two Saturday's we have been busy attending weddings -- one was in town (University Heights) and the other was out of town (down in the Nati). On this particular Saturday, however, we do not have a wedding to attend, and for that matter pretty much nothing going on besides taking care of Kelly's sister's dog Lily. It feels great to be lazy and do nothing.
Later on, we are swinging by a house warming party in the Detroit Shoreway. That is all we got until watching The Browns tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow: Junot Diaz is coming back to Cleveland to do a reading and signing @ The Cleveland Public Library @ 2pm.
Since we did not get to to do a "true" Top 5 songs of the Week that last few weeks or so -- today, we are finally returning to form:
5. (mp3) Minus The Bear - Guns & Ammo This is their newest song off their awesome prog goes acoustic ep (only for sale at their shows or via digital download). They are coming to The Grog Shop on Monday with The New Year. This one is for you BloggingJason. 4. (mp3) Jamie Lidell - Out of My System (Amplive Remix Ft. Zumbi of Zion I) Who'd have thought that Jamie Lidell could cover Public Enemy? On this track he gives it his best and does a great job with his British white boy soul (I wish I could sing like this). This one is for you Taawd.
3. (mp3) Ane Brun - The Treehouse Song This talented singer/songwriter hails from Norway, a country seeming to churn out some awesome pop singer these days with the likes of Sondre Lerche, Kings of Convenience, Hanne Hukkelberg and Annie. On this track, Kelly feels Ane Brun is channeling Dolly Pardon and Tracy Chapman -- and for this reason, she is sending this song out to Sarah and Elizabeth who are coming to visit us in two weeks. 2. (mp3) That Ghost - Open Windows This "band" is just 18 year old Ryan Schmale from Santa Rosa, CA. At a very young age, he is extremely impressive, making beautiful, simple, elegant lo fi bedroom pop tunes. He is appearing at CMJ this year. We are dedicating this one to each other because we're suckers for stuff like this.
1. (mp3) Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Buriedfed On Thursday, Kelly is heading to Boston with her sister to visit our friend Jackie where they'll be seeing Lykke Li. This guy is opening for her. He is a singer songwriter originally from Portland and now of course resides in Brooklyn. Regardless, he is quite catchy, reminding us of Bon Iver, Connor Oberst, Modest Mouse, etc. This song goes out to Ben -- check it out, man.
The following are snapshots taken throughout the past week: celebrating Bar Cento's One Year Anniversary, enjoying the festivities in Cincinnati @ Ault Park for our friend's Ryan & Megan's Wedding, a gorgeous sunset in our 'hood, and yesterday's awesome performance made by Frightened Rabbit @ Music Saves:
What: Four Scottish blokes making music that's genuine, earnest, and so heart felt it hurts
Where: Music Saves -- it's only fitting that such a great show would be hosted at the place Northern Ohio Live has chosen as having "The Best Scoop On Indie Music"
When: Wednesday, October 14th [Tomorrow!!] *promptly* at 6pm
Why: After hearing their live material, we are looking forward with great anticipation to this intimate acoustic in-store performance*
See for yourselves and listen to Frightened Rabbit live on woxy's Lounge Act
Today is October 11th and is a pretty significant day for us -- that being, 5 years ago today we went on our first date. On our first date we went to the movies and saw Kill Bill Vol.1 (I picked the movie), I know isn't that an excellent date movie? Anyways after the movie, Kelly and I then went to La Cav where her friend Jackie came and met us (you know how you girls do) to make sure I was not a freak or anything. I guess I passed the test because I am still around.
The three most memorable portions of that evening were: one, that it was really sweet that Kelly gave me a hug right away upon meeting (I was like wow) me. I had no idea girls who went to Miami could be beautiful and not be b*tches.
Secondly, at some point during the evening I was struggling to make conversation and I (very smoothly) asked Kelly how big her feet were? And then when she told me, I proceeded to ask her height. Then, I paused and said "Oh, I thought your feet looked disproportionate for your height." To this day, my mom still thinks this is the most humorous thing she has ever heard, she loves to hear me this tell story.
The last part of the evening that was by far the most memorable is the first time I went to kiss Kelly. It went like this: we were at the bottom of the cul du sac where my parents live (yes, I was living at home at the time with no job or wheels, I know was killing the game and then some). So Kelly was the one who drove. She was talking and then I mustered up all the courage I ever had and I darted at her face much like a fish darts at food when you throw anything into a pond or picture the way pigeons go after anything you feed them, but you get the picture. Kelly was so startled that she almost drove into my mom's car which was parked at the bottom of our driveway because she did not have the car in park. Needless to say it was far from the perfect first kiss! Anyways for The Top 5 Songs of the Week we are going to do, maybe not the Top 5 Songs of our relationship, but 5 Songs That Fo Sho Are Our Jamz: There are a lot more besides these but these were the one that rose to the top first.
5. (mp3) Minus The Bear - Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Early on in our relationship I went to see MTB. Kelly did not know they were at the time so I enlightened her. That is one of the bes things about our relationship is we have introduced each other to a lot of music that we would not know otherwise. We have now had the opportunity to see MTB a few times. As of you know if you have seen them live they just freaking own. They are coming back to town @ The Grog on the 20th of this month.
4. (mp3) Pernice Brothers - There Goes The Sun there was a part of our courtship when every day we'd wake up to the sound of this song and it helped set the tone for the day perfectly . Especially when it is cold and dark in the middle of winter and you want nothing more than to go back to bed and say f*ck it and call in sick.
3. (mp3) Tegan & Sara - Walking With A Ghost In Paris Kelly has put this mashup on many mixes she had made for people. It is one of those songs that brings the party once the bass kicks in. We saw Tegan & Sara once @ Lollapolooza in 2005 however with the extreme heat it was over 100 and Sara got sick and they only played 3 songs. We were both disappointed but seeing as how both of us almost passed out in that stifling heat we could not complain.
2. (mp3) Belle & Sebastian - Your Cover's Blown When I first started dating Kelly I had a lot of indie rock snob tendencies when it came to music. See I was the music director of my college's radio station and with that position brings a weird sense of elitism (think of Rob Gordon in High Fidelity) .I never liked Belle & Sebastian and I never understood what the big deal was about them until Kelly got me to see how good they can be. This is one of the songs that Kelly played for me that let me see the light when it comes to B&S . Who knew twee pop could be so funky? Here is a great clip from High Fidelity capturing my previous feelings on Belle & Sebastian.
1. (mp3) The Get Up Kids - Close To Me ( Cure Cover) Unless you are completely dense you recognize the fact that music is a huge part of our relationship. When we were first getting to know each we discovered how much each of us enjoy a great cover song. This one being one of our tops. While we both love The Cure, we think this Get Up Kids cover is even better. We are after all two emo kids at the bottom of our indie rock hearts so we can't help but love this guilty pleasure! Emo is not an ugly four letter to us, however what is referred to now as emo ugh.. let's not even get started.
With the writer's strike delaying the return of new seasons of the few TV programs we watch with any regularity, we are beyond delighted for the return of the Sarah Silverman Programthis very evening. As luck would have it, there is a new episode tomorrow evening as well :)
Over the past few months we have been aching for new material and have attempted to satisfy our appetite by watching old episodes and random things like "I'm Fucking Matt Damon" (which was actually quite funny) as well as that recent clever Obama Ad for your grandparents known as "The Great Schlep."
And, it just so happens that Sarah had quite the appearance on The View today. Watch for yourself:
This past Sunday afternoon, instead of watching the Browns we were watching Super Troopers on Comedy Central which happened to be part of their Sex Drive Sunday.
In case you've not heard, Sex Drive is a new movie that looks like pure dog shit. However, we have to mention the fact that James Marsden is in it. Now, I know that some of you are probably familiar with him from the X-Men movies where he played Cyclops. But for us, he will forever be that dude from Disturbing Behavior.
While talking about James Marsden and Disturbing Behavior, we recalled that Katie Holmes, Ethan Embry, and Nick Stahl were also in this teen horror flick. Which also reminded us of a somewhat similar film from that very same year, The Faculty.
But back to Disturbing Behavior -- both of us instantly remembered the song from the movie, The Fly's Got You Where I Want You. Henceforth, our selection for this week's Random Retro Wednesday Song.
We are sure you remember this awful yet catchy song -- you couldn't help to get it stuck in your head, even if you didn't want to :)
The "breakdown" towards the end of the song featuring a very weak Rap Rock attempt à la 311 meets something. . .?? Is very distinctly 90's, wouldn't you agree?
Although Jose hates his job, he was actually rewarded for his hard work with something very unexpected. He won a Wii :)
Needless to say, this weekend we have been having quite a good time partaking in our new favorite past time -- we have been amused with everything from "designing" our Wii versions of ourselves to being told what our Wii fitness level is (Wii told Jose that he has the speed, strength, and stamina of a 57 year old - ouch). I destroy Jose in bowling while he kills me in tennis. We both kinda suck at golf and can barely hit the ball in baseball-- however, sometimes Jose lucks out and hits a random home run.
Throughout this particular Wii session, we are thoroughly enjoying the flavors of Goose Island's Harvest Ale (thank you, Erin and Todd!). We were given this 6-pack in exchange for our dog sitting services -- yes, we can be bought that easily. As a matter of fact, we can be bribed to do just about anything in exchange for alcohol ;)
Speaking of good beers, we went to an Oktoberfest Beer & Wine Tasting on Friday where we especially loved the Brooklyn Local 1 Ale (buying a bottle immediately after the tasting), as well as the Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Sam Adams Octoberfest. If you have any good seasonal beer recommendations, definitely let us know*
This week's Random Retro Song is Legend of A Cowgirl by Imani Coppola
This funky little song found its way to resurface within our memory's forefront while on the way to the grocery store this past Saturday -- it started with Jose saying "ain't nothing like a chicken wing" and we still don't remember what the context was. . .
And, then Jose proceeded to inquire, "How come Weird Al never came up with this idea: to change the lyrics of Dr. Dre's Nothing but a g thing to Nothing but a chicken wing??"
Then I retorted, "There already is a song that uses pretty much the same phrase: ain't nothing like a chicken wing"
I made him guess which song I was talking about, but he never figured it out.
I used to *love* this song and thought it was ahead of its time, blending soul with rock.
ps - These days Imani is doing us proud with her new project Little Jackieand their new single, The World Should Revolve Around Me, thatmight just be the nextcatchy jam[see video here]
