May
19
The Mates of State (video below) released their new album this week and it is easily their best. We saw the Mates of State play just a couple weeks before we got married. Carol and I started reflecting on all the bands we’ve seen live together. We’re actually disappointed in how small this list is, but we’re doing our best to lengthen it. It helps living in a real city again.
Anyway, here is a basically chronological list of all the shows we could remember:
Dosh (Insanely impressive live… note saxophone)
WHY?
Alias
Sole
Odd Nosdam
Bright Black Morning Light (So boring. We fell asleep. Literally.)
Papa M (aka David Pajo, one of the original members of Slint, who I saw on their reunion tour with Rick, but Carol couldn’t come)
Aspects of Physics
Pinback (Great studio band, underwhelming live show)
Simon & Garfunkel (At Staples Center, the largest show we’ve seen together.)
The Notwist
Cex (twice in one day)
The Postal Service (Best. Show. Ever.)
Mates of State
Styrofoam (we also saw Alias a second time at this show)
Yacht
The Blow (who you know from one of our videos)
Electrelane
Arcade Fire (okay, maybe this was the best show ever)
Mia Dia Todd
Jose Gonzalez
This song is SOOOOOOO Good.
We decided that there are three reasons Death Cab For Cutie has been so successful in the digital age. First, They release a ton of music. Second, they all have side projects, solo albums, and production work. Third, they tour relentlessly. It’s an old formula and a good one.
The new album is just plain great. It’s a testament to their talent and their understanding of the digital era that they chose to release an 8 minute song for their first single. Brilliant!
The new album is great anyway, but I love that I recognize every location in this video. They are on Farmington Road at 1:11. As soon as Carol saw the tunnel at 1:19, she said, “Hey, I know that place. That’s the zoo!” At 1:25, they are browsing the CDs at Music Millennium (which was almost one of my clients). The Hawthorne Bridge (at 2:57) is my least favorite bridge while on the Vespa. Anyway, you get the idea. Enjoy.
Everyone Knows Everyone by The Helio Sequence
It’s about time we had a nice day. When the chance came up to take Elliott to the park, I jumped on it. I like spending time outside with this kid.
I also took a bunch of pictures, so click here to see them… (more…)
My friend Mat (not of the band) introduced me to this duo today. Great song, fun video. I love that they have huge smiles through the whole thing. It’s hard not to smile back.
The kids are absolutely mesmerized by this video.
Okay, so we’re a couple days late. But I seriously can’t get enough of this song. The video is freaky weird, totally dumb, and adds nothing to the song. I have no idea what’s up with the two old men laughing for 40 full seconds. It kinda makes me mad.
But whatever, this song grows on you. My favorite part is the key change at 1:53. Rock it, Wolf Parade!
Shine a Light by Wolf Parade
As I was cleaning up the site, I found an article I wrote a few months ago and never published. Carol and I were asked to speak in Church and what follows is my talk. I’m not sure why I never clicked “Publish” back then, so I hope it means there was some higher purpose served in publishing it today. Maybe this talk is especially for you especially this weekend.
It’s only slightly outdated, referencing President Hinckley, who we miss terribly. It will be exciting and wonderful to hear President Monson’s first General Conference talk as President of the Church and Prophet of the Lord.
Last Saturday, we dyed eggs with our friends, then did an egg hunt in the backyard. That was a lot of fun.