' swim until you can't see land '

Sekirk, Scotland's Frightened Rabbit have dominated my iPod for the better the part of the last two years. The Midnight Organ Fight was my favorite album of the summer of 2008 and has been a go to for me ever since.

In the past few months they've sort of faded out of my radar. I wasn't sure when anything new was coming from them. Finally, word of an as-yet-untitled (Wikipedia is calling it "The Winter of Mixed Drinks", but I've heard nothing about that title before) album scheduled for a Spring 2010 release began to trickle in. They continue the trend of catchy, emotional indie pop anchored by some fantastic drums and Scott Hutchinson's signature vocals, thick Scottish accent included.

An official video for "Swim Until You Can't See Land" has hit the web. Wonderfully simple and awesome music video captures the feel of this band. This is shaping up to be my summer 2010 anthem.

The "Swim Until You Can't See Land"/"Fun Stuff" 7" Vinyl on FatCat Records comes out 11/16. You should preorder it here.

And for those of you that really want to jump in, enjoy their previous two albums:

Sing the Greys (2006)
The Midnight Organ Fight (2008)

st. vincent & andrew bird @ the orange peel. asheville, nc. 10/09/2009

The leaves were changing colors when Jill and I arrived in Asheville Friday afternoon and it was obvious that fall was in the air. Beautiful, crisp weather before the rain soured the skyline. She'd never been to the progressive enclave in North Carolina's mountains. Our destination was the 900+ capacity Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club to see St. Vincent and Andrew Bird.

I've seen Bird once before. A slightly unremarkable show that I forgot I even attended until he came on stage this evening. My true intentions, besides a romantic getaway weekend with Jill, was to see Annie Clark of St. Vincent. She's a timid creature who wields some ruthless sounds on her guitar. Able to jump from whisper to shriek to deafening boom all in one song. Her 2009 release, Actor has been one of my favorites thus far this year. Her set was far too short but full of energy. The venue was maybe half full as she played but those who arrived early enough to catch St. Vincent were treated to a real show. I'd gladly take the time and money to see a full set from St. Vincent. Somehow their live sound doesn't translate with as much vigor or force on CD or vinyl or digital release.

Andrew Bird was a spectacle. A humorous band leader obviously sick but not upset over his illness. He was battling a cold but still rang out with whistling solos, vocal play and downright emotion. Honestly, Andrew's not my favorite pedal-looping violinist, but he is a talented musician who can craft some damn catchy songs. I honestly didn't know how evident and prominent his whistling is on record until you see it in practice live. I tend to prefer his violin-driven songs over recent guitar-driven tracks but he's been rather consistent over his career. He will likely never top 2005's spectacular The Mysterious Production of Eggs and I'm glad he hit all the high spots of that album near the end of that set and during his encore.

Speaking of the encore, St. Vincent joined Andrew and his band on stage for the final few songs. It was slightly underwhelming and obvious that they're not entirely comfortable merging on stage. Both bands just take such different approaches. Bird is cheerful, lowkey, poppy with a little sarcastic kick. St. Vincent is loud, spontaneous, improvisational. Did I mention LOUD? Their sound doesn't translate as well when down a few decibels to match Andrew Bird's sensibilities.

Nonetheless an entertaining show. Worth the price of admission, even though I'm pretty sure seeing Andrew Bird twice will suffice for my lifetime. St. Vincent stole the show and I'm certain I will take any opportunity to see them again.

Below are some pitchfork.tv videos of the bands. Good stuff.
Cemetery Gates: Andrew Bird
Cemetary Gates: St. Vincent

A video of Andrew Bird & St. Vincent performing at a house party in Paris.
Soiree de Poche: Andrew Bird et St. Vincent

'summer of fear'

This summer I discovered an interesting artist, one Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. His name alone makes him sound important. His voice sounds as if he's the lost 3rd singer for TV on the Radio. It doesn't hurt that his self-titled 2008 debut included help from members of indie rockers Grizzly Bear and the excellent Kyp Malone of the aforementioned TV on the Radio. In all the hubbub of enjoying his 2008 debut I failed to notice he was prepping a 2009 followup.

Summer of Fear is that album. So many new indie acts this year have channeled the "sound" of summer. The feel of warmth on your face and the emotion of freedom most summers provide people our age. MBAR captures an entirely different feel. The uncertain pang in your stomach when you're not quite sure what's next. Given economic downfall, political turmoil, and an utter hopelessness across our whole generation its hard not to be afraid.

52% of America's 16-24 age group can't even find a summer job. Or a job at all for that matter. Thousands of college grads left the safety of higher education to simply make the long walk of shame back to their childhood homes. How can we not feel just a little lost and afraid when the "plan" has been revealed as utterly flawed. "I remember being 17. I remember being honest, holy, healthy and clean," screams Miles Benjamin in "Always an Anchor". We're grasping for that belief we had on the cusp of High School graduation but coping with the fact that things aren't quite as secure as we thought they would be.

In our effort to let go of our worries and embrace a sense of freedom, we forgot to search for a voice to remind us of that hidden hurt. Summer of Fear is a series of anthems designed to jar us from our fears and remind us that it's alright to take a step forward no matter how bleak the future may be. Stop hating and fearing and blaming and just realize that life is fucking hard. It always has been and the best people come out of these challenges with something to show for it, a sense of accomplishment and safety only acquired through sweat and tears, and utter fear.

Summer of Fear arrives October 20 on Saddle Creek. Produced by TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone.

Hear the album.
Video for "Buriedfed" from 2007's self-titled debut.

'sometimes you've just gotta make it for yourself'

San Francisco band Girls recently put out their debut release, Album. It's beautiful and sad and sunny and cold and warm all at the same time. It sounds like the soul of Elvis Costello wrung through unmentionable childhood heartache. The lead singer grew up in a cult with his family. His older brother died when he was young because their cult didn't believe in medical treatment. His mother was forced into prostitution to provide for the family by cult members. Sad stuff, etc. etc. But this album is about a different type of sadness. The type of sadness found only after a heartache.

The chorus to "Hellhole Ratrace" really says it all.

And I don't want to cry my whole life through.
i want to do some laughing too.
So come on, come on, come on, come on, laugh with me.
And I dont want to die without shaking up a thing or two.
Yeah, I want to do some dancing too.
So come on, come on, come on, come on, dance with me.

Seriously, get this album. It's worth it. Best thing I've heard this year.

'hold out your hand, darling. hold out your hand, say please'

I've been running full steam as of late. Lots of work and traveling. I never really thought about how it might affect my health but it seems that the constant movement is catching up with me. Late Friday night I started having what felt like severe chest pains. All symptoms leaned toward heart issues, which rightly scared me. I tried to sleep it off but around 4:00 I had Jill drive me to Charlotte's Presbyterian hospital. No heart issues, which was a relief, but the problem was not identified.

Upon some research and realization that pain is often worse after I eat, we've pinpointed that I'm having esophageal spasms as a result of indigestion and possible GERD. Scary stuff. The symptoms are almost identical to a heart attack, which explains my chest pains and left arm numbness.

So, lacking health care, I am trying to let this just work its course. I'm eating smaller portions throughout the day to train my esophagus to accept food without pain. It's gotten progressively better but I have to avoid dairy, spicy foods, eating within 3 hours of going to sleep.

I was thankful that it wasn't anything more serious and I really can't wait to get back to my normal health so I can continue running. If anything this will teach me better eating habits. I'll avoid large meals, fast food, eating too fast or too much.

Thank God Jill and my family were there to support me through this. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Otherwise, life has been pretty good. Lots of new music arriving on my computer. really enjoying the new Monsters of Folk album along with many other new releases. Expect some posts about music I'm listening to over the weekend.

My relationship with Jill is going great. I really look forward to and enjoy our time together. We went and saw the play "Big Boys" at the Actors Theatre last weekend. Quite hilarious and a great satire on greedy corporate America. Besides the hospital scare my visit with her was excellent. It might be a while before I see her, but we have a great weekend planned in Asheville next month. Also, she might be doing her Co-Op there! I think the Biltmore Estate would be a great place for her to work and I won't lie, it would be really cool to have my girlfriend and a lot of my great friends all in the wonderful city of Asheville for a while.

For now I'll keep relaxing and prepare for work this evening. I'm feeling pretty optimistic and am realizing that life is pretty damn good.

"The Life of the World to Come"

So damn happy this leaked today.

Bread baking & LOST

Jill and I woke up early to bake bread and watch LOST. She is officially hooked on the show. My plan to make everyone watch this show is working, one person at a time.. Muhahaha.

Charlotte is fun as usual. We are celebrating Jamie's birthday/departure for Paris today! Thanksgiving feast in August! I am excited for turkey and mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and baguettes!

Recently I have been listening to the self-titled debut from The XX. Great British pop album that has kind of taken hold recently. Always trying to find new music!

Oh yeah I've officially decided that my fantasy baseball team is worthless. Roy Halladay and Adam Wainwright are both pitching for me tonight. Hopefully Wainwright continues his Cy Young potential streak while Halladay gets back on track since his injury a month ago. I'm frustrated that he has not pitched even close to his potential ever since I traded for him. Irritating to think that my team is where All-Star and MVP pitchers come to die (Yes, I'm talking to you Cole Hamels!)