Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Best of 2009??

I've been slowly compiling my best of 2009 playlist, both for my year-end show on Between the Bars and also for a mixed-cd I plan to make for my friends as a holiday gift. (People still listen to cds, right?)

In preparation, I've been scouring the best-of annual lists from music industry folks, like Pitchfork, KCRW, KEXP, and NPR's "All Songs Considered." What I discovered, sadly, was there so much amazing music released this year that completely passed me by.

Have you heard of Fanfarlo? I just heard of them. They're fantastic.



I love the All Songs podcast and really enjoyed their end of the year roundup. Lots of music I hadn't heard yet, lots of witty banter between their panel of music critics. Read and listen at their blog and the podcast.

Monday, December 14, 2009

My grandmother actually wrote this in a baby Jesus themed Christmas card

Original:


Translation:
Things Grandma heard about her beautiful granddaughter Katie in 2009:

- Katie & T are no longer an item (Grandma pouted - she liked T).
- Katie has new boyfriend (Grandma pouted - too soon after T).
- Katie and new friend decided they were not for each other (Grandma glad - wants Katie to go on with education).
- Katie going to Korea to give paper on her work (Grandma doesn't understand her goal but is very proud and worried she'll get back O.K.)
- Katie back - Did well - Good trip - Made new friends - Grandma proud but doesn't have her address and phone no. to tell her.
- Katie will not be with family this Christmas
- Grandma will not be with family this Christmas
- Grandma sends Katie money to make her Christmas special and asks her to thank Baby Jesus for all her blessings.
- Grandma loves Katie much - and will be praying for her everyday - wants her to buy something "fun & foolish" just for Katie from Grandma.

I love my Grandmother's sense of history and use of the third person. I can't believe she's still giving me guilt-trips about T. It's been three years. But I still got a check for $100! Grandma's rule!

I really don't like wearing dresses.

But if I did, I would shop at Mod Cloth. "Helloooo all you pretty things!"

From A Softer World.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Burrowing

I really enjoyed this article on the Communicatrix blog, about "burrowing time." What she describes as "the in-between, unplugged, unmoored time Between Big Goals, where things are stewing and churning and sorting themselves out. The wandering in the desert years."

It occurred to me that perhaps I don't appreciate down-time as much as I should. That it's okay to spend time alone, at home, and nest. That even when I'm doing nothing, something is happening, something is being rejuvenated. I went on a long car trip last month and realized how amazing it was to have several hours alone in my car with my thoughts. There's just something about that forced alone time I really needed. Yes so much of the last year I've been going out of my way to avoid it.

A good friend of mine said, sometimes you need to be alone to make space for something (or someone) new.

...Hitler, apparently...

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Exploding Dog

Another web comic I love: Exploding Dog. He draws single-panes based on reader-submitted titles. So simple and remarkable.

The "lazer eyes" ones are my favorites, for obvious reasons.
- That seems reasonable.
- I'm ready to jump.
- Lazer eyes is alone tonight.
- I want to make it.


Saturday, December 5, 2009

OK Go ahead.

I love this video for OK Go's "WTF." The singer kinda reminds me of someone... is it Damon Albarn from Blur? Okay. Yeah. I'll just go out on a limb and say he's "my type."



This is the same band that did that amazing synchronized dancing on treadmills video. Also, the original backyard dance routine that made them a Youtube senstation. They're originally from Chicago!

Thanks again Doobybrain for the heads-up.