French Kicks Release Covers EP

Update: Uhhh it seems that I have the inability to read dates properly and that I'm actually two years too late on this one. Damnit, that's what I get for blogging on a bus. Anyways, burning embarrassment aside these are damn good tracks.

I’ve been following French Kicks for a while now, and with each new release I’ve yet to be disappointed. On their latest two year old digital EP release, Covers, these Brooklyn based Indie rockers have taken a stab at covering some pretty heady bands ranging from The Ramones, the Zombies, the Shirelles, and Lindsey Buckingham.

In lead singer Nick Stumpf’s own words, “We’ve always loved the Beach Boys’ Party! record where the Beach Boys went into a studio room with some friends and played really loose and live, mainly cover songs, and then put it out … We don’t have any friends, in this case, but the spirit is the same. With the exception of “Trouble,” which was recorded at the same time as the songs on the record and has overdubs, everything is completely live, and a few we figured out how to play on the spot just before we recorded them.”

The EP is stunning. They’ve managed to add their own unique sound to these classic songs. Their trademark sound – the extraordinary interplay between piano and guitar chords that are simultaneously jubilant and melancholy while Stumpf’s dreamily wistful vocals suffuse their music with an eerie charm. Or as Stereogum so aptly called it “post punk for cocktail hour.”

In short, they make perfect Indie pop music. More please.

Listen to Trouble from the Covers EP and my personal favorite tune from their last album, Sex Tourists.

French Kicks - Trouble by Aesthetes Anonymous

French Kicks - Sex Tourists by Aesthetes Anonymous

Rice!

Take a look at the natural beauty of terraced rice farming. It’s certainly breathtaking to see these gorgeous mountains in remote areas interlaced with these beautiful rice patties, especially as the fog rolls in from the distance. Simply stunning.

I must say that my ancestors were a pretty damn crafty people to come up with this concept thousands of years ago.

Hop over to lightstalking to see more.

AA Loves: Keep Shelly In Athens

I recently started listening to the mellow grooves of Keep Shelly In Athens and think you should too.

The mysterious Grecian duo mix downtempo grooves with swirling keyboards and ethereal lyrics to devastating effect.

On “Tear in my I,” a ghostly nymph-like songstress seductively beckons us to join her in another world. It feels like we are being led through wooded groves to our slaughter. Our existences obliterated under the clear night sky to a marvelous soundtrack.

Little is known of the band, as they simply go by RΠЯ and Sarah P. (Mystery Girl) on their facebook. The band’s website reveals little more, but it on the bright side it does contain gorgeous photos. So be sure to hop over there to see some great scenes of Greece.

Keep Shelly in Athens - A Tear in my I by Aesthetes Anonymous

Keep-Shelly-In-Athens-Fokionos-Negri-Street by Aesthetes Anonymous

AA Loves: Voxhaul Broadcast

Photo Credit: Kayt Jones

I mentioned these Indie boys a bit back in my last post on the Sounds of LA, but unsurprisingly my thirst for California bands has not waned. More importantly, I haven’t been able to get Voxhaul Broadcast out of my head or off my playlists for the past several weeks.

This quartet, originally from Orange County, are currently based out of Los Angeles and sound just like it with their surf guitar sound and 1970’s California rock homages. Lead singer David Dennis’ measured vocals sets my spine tingling with a sound like it’s coming through a fuzzy lo-fi radio in the 50’s. Driving rhythms, fantastic vocals, and bouncy surf guitars means only one thing: pure California bliss.

Damn, listening to them really makes me miss Los Angeles and that sweet sweet California sun.

Check out their new single “Leaving on the 5th” from their forthcoming album Timing is Everything. Also, as an added bonus, here’s my absolute favorite track “Rotten Apples.”

Voxhaul Broadcast - Leaving On The 5th by Aesthetes Anonymous

Voxhaul Broadcast-Rotten Apples by Aesthetes Anonymous

The Rat Pack’s Golden Years

Last month Life magazine released 25 never before seen photos of the Rat Pack from their archives. These photos were taken during the Rat Packs’ golden years from the 1950’s to the early 1960’s. Life photographers were on hand to capture some of the Rat Pack’s most intimate moments while back stage, between takes, or while boozing at night.

Jukebox the Ghost – Empires + Freelance Whales Remix

Philidalphea based,Jukebox the Ghost just released their second album “Everything Under the Sun” last week and the lead single Empire is absolutely fantastic.

Rather than rushing their second album, they did the right thing by taking their time to craft new songs, taking them on the road to perfect every line, beat, and layer. Their hard work is readily apparent.

Fortunately for you, this post has a couple of other goodies. One of my favorite bands, Freelance Whales got their hands on “Empire” and made an amazing remix. I honestly can’t decide which version I like better.

Wait! Don’t forget to watch their live performance on Letterman of “Scizophernia.”

Jukebox The Ghost - Empire by Aesthetes Anonymous

Jukebox The Ghost - Empire (Freelance Whales Remix) by Aesthetes Anonymous

The Elegance of Tweed (Run)

I just had to follow up on my recent post on Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock Holmes with a discussion of the impeccable stylings of the show. Aside from his very fine evening wear consisting of perfectly tailored vests, swallow tail suits, watch chains, and tie pins, there is his fantastic daily sleuthing attire which consists of fine tweed suits. Which brings me to the topic of today’s post: tweed.

In honor of Sherlock Holmes and the Fall, I present the annual Tweed Run. It’s a yearly bike around London for those who have a unique appreciation of tweed. In other words it’s really just an excuse to get properly trolleyed on Gin Tonics, put on some old fashioned tweed, and hop on your bicycle with like minded chaps and peddle around town for a bit. What a fantastic time! But wait, there’s more. Tweed aficionados on this side of the pond can now rejoice as the Tweed Run will be coming to New York and Chicago this Fall.

Be sure to check their website for more details.

Also, be sure to check out their flickr as it has more great photos of the wonderful stylings of these elegantly tweed embalmed blokes.

Completely Devastated

For two years I loved her. But I used her selfishly. Whenever I wanted her, I would have her on my terms and only my terms. However, it was a mutual relationship. I filled her with life and cared for her, and she in turn would respond willingly at my slightest touch.

We were inseparable, never spending more than a few hours apart. At first it was innocent, but eventually I took to taking her to bed. From there it became an infatuation – I needed her all the time. We explored the darker recesses of my mind, probing to find new forms of stimulation. At times it was lurid and depraved, while at others it was bright and innocent.

There were signs that her light was fading, but I ignored them. What could I do, but go on? I was determined to keep her with me. As if willful ignorance of our impending separation would keep her in my life, I stubbornly continued on until she could bear it no more. Now she’s gone, leaving only a shell of her former glory. Her mind has rotted away, leaving only her sleek body. Like a broken record, all she can say is Error Code: C00D124D.

I called Microsoft to see if they could do anything, but they said I had to pay 160 bucks to get her fixed. They said the hard drive was experiencing internal failures. Oh yea, you're an internal failure! So at the moment, I am completely and utterly devastated by the loss of my trusty Zune. Sigh. It was a good run while it lasted, but now I am utterly in despair without my Mp3 player.

The idea of walking down the street without a constant soundtrack to my life is almost unbearable. Does that mean I have to hum the BeeGee’s “Stayin’ Alive” while I walk down the street at night? I can’t hit those high notes!!! It's not fun when there's no music!

Damnit Microsoft, why did you have to do this to me? WHY??????

Rest in peace my faithful Mp3 player. 9/22/2010. I’ll never forget.

There she is at her prime. Feast your eyes on her massive screen and sleek curves.

Broken Social Scene - New York 9/18 Summerstage Concert Review

Update: For photos and videos from the show head over to Brooklyn Vegan

I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a show than Broken Social Scene’s appearance at Summerstage in Central Park New York last Sunday. Due to many unfortunate events, primarily my laziness and geographic location, I never actually made it to see BSS live despite many ill-fated attempts in the past 4 years. Fortunately, like a spoiled little girl receiving her pony for Christmas, I finally had the pleasure of watching BSS live for the first time and HOLY SHIT was it amazing.

With such a large and ever changing lineup it’s difficult to predict who will be at their show. This time around when the band came on stage it was full of familiar faces with regulars Charles Spearin, Kevin Drew, Andrew Whiteman, Brendan Canning, Lisa Lobsinger, and Justin Peroff all in attendance as well as an impressive horn section.

The band made full use of their 2 hours, playing continuously and refusing to take a break even for an encore. Kevin Drew simply stated, “Fuck it. We don’t have time to get off stage and come back on, so this is the encore right now.”

They went full throttle early playing “Texico Bitches” and immediately followed it up with “7/4 Shoreline.” The crowd was equally as pleased with newer songs like “Sweetest Kill” and “Forced to Love” as they were with “Fire Eyed Boy” and “Looks Just Like the Sun.”

Highlights of the show include the always intimate “Lover’s Spit” where the band departed for a few moments for a brief Kevin Drew solo, Lisa Lobsinger’s dizzying ethereal vocals on “Anthem For a Seventeen Year Old Girl,” the long solos and improv driven version of “Stars and Sons,” and of course their unbelievable energy on “Meet Me In The Basement.” Nearly an hour and half into their set, everything seemed to have built up to “Meet Me In the Basement,” where the band’s energy really peaked. They retreated from the microphones to congregate in the center of the stage to unleash a flurry of screaming guitars and thumping bass to an anthemic drum beat.

For the most part, the show had this same amazing voyeuristic feel as if we were privy to the greatest jam session ever amongst a large group of insanely talented friends. The session was only occasionally interrupted, when Kevin Drew would realize there was an audience present and acknowledge our presence much to the crowd’s delight.

His banter was full of bratty swagger but oddly playful and humble in an endearing way. At one point, he urged the crowd in joining him in chanting, “Fuck you I won’t do you what you tell me.” While at another point, Kevin Drew expressed his dismay with the proposed outdoor smoking ban in New York by lighting up a cigarette and exaggeratedly enjoying it. These moments were interspersed with humility where he generously thanked the crowd for its attendance and support over the years. Later, he would send Brendan Canning, Charles Spearin, and Sam Goldberg crowd surfing while he gently admonished the crowd to be careful like a clucking mother hen.

All in all another fantastic Broken Social Scene concert. Their insane talent and passion for music was blatantly obvious as they played an adrenaline fueled non-stop 2 hours of music. More importantly, their desire to put on a good show for their fans was clear.

The Art of Jenny Holzer

I just came across the artwork of Jenny Holzer, an American Neo-Conceptualist artist. She utilizes notable buildings around the world as her canvass by using light to project short platitudes. Naturally, she has an amazing way with words projecting intimate and provocative phrases in massive letters for the world to see.

Enjoy.

The Subtle Hilarity of Sherlock Holmes

My best friend has got me hooked on the British Granada TV produced version of Sherlock Holmes shot in the 80’s and early 90’s. Unlike the latest incarnation of Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. that prizes action over thought, this version is slow, tame, and well uhh…very British. It more or less exemplifies Eddie Izzard’s hilarious take on British cinema with its subtle drama.

When watching it with this in mind the series becomes fantastically amusing in its overwhelming British-ness. It delivers all the old world stuffiness that one would expect from that famous British stereotype.

Jeremy Brett plays the foppish, heroin-smoking, and eccentric Sherlock Holmes perfectly. My best friend pointed out what is perhaps the greatest scene in the entire series. In a rare spot of action, Holmes engages in fisticuffs like a true gentleman in the Solitary Cyclist.

After being taken by surprise, Sherlock Holmes quickly regains his composure, sheds his impeccably tailored tweed coat, and loudly proclaims his fight as an act of self-defense. In the midst of beating wholesale ass, Sherlock Holmes haughtily declares, “Only a ruffian deals a blow with the back of the hand. A gentleman uses a straight left, and I sir am a gentleman.”

Check out the clip below to see it for yourself. The action really begins around 2:06.

AA Loves: Codeine Velvet Club

In the latest rash of 1950’s/60’s inspired bands (She & Him, The Last Shadow Puppets), come Codeine Velvet Club. To be honest, I hadn’t heard of them until a few months ago so I admit that I missed the boat on this one. But in my infinite grace as the all mighty ruler of this blog, I have decided to share the wondrous joys of the music of Scottish band Codeine Velvet Club.

John Lawler of the Fratellis and Lou Hickey, infuse their music with blaring horns, strings, and the backing of a full brass band to fill out their sound. Part Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, part James Bond, and part Last Shadow Puppets, they bring the decadence, lavishness, and moral decay of old Hollywood to life. Their fantastic sound is accompanied by an equally fantastic aesthetic sense that combines the dark luster of a vampire bordello with 1950’s swagger.

Unfortunately, just as I was really getting into them, they split apart to pursue solo careers only 9 months after the release of their first album.

Be sure to check out their lead singles “Hollywood” and “Vanity Kills.” The videos, which are half short film and half music video, are below.

Sexy Snaggletooth?

I’ve never seen such a sexy snaggletooth. I’m dead serious. I never knew that having a gap in your teeth could be so damn sexy. Rising model, Georgia May Jagger makes bad teeth hot! She embraces her dental imperection to great effect, having one of the most sensuous mouths I’ve ever seen. “Who wants those gleaming white cosmetically enhanced American teeth?” she once unabashedly declared. Hats off to you Miss Jagger.

If you don’t believe me, then simply watch the video above. As the lead model for Hudson Jeans for two seasons, she is prominently featured in this unbelievably sexy new promo video for the brand, appropriately titled “Lips.” The majority of the ad is spent zoomed in on her lips or her fingers as she unzips her fabulous Hudson Jeans. The effect is utterly mesmerizing. Her bright electric red lipstick remains flawless despite repeatedly sensuously exhaling a stream of thick curling cigarette smoke. On that note, this is also one of the sexiest instances of smoking on camera that has ever been captured. But I suppose the coup de grace is when you see her whisper something into the camera with those amazing lips.

Although, I suppose it’s unsurprising that she’s got a mouth with so much character, considering that she is the daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall.

AA Loves: NYC UFO's

NYC UFO’s of Northhamton, Massachusetts just dropped their first album “Newer Stations” and damn is it good. I’ve been on a major Strokes revival binge of late as I wait in eager anticipation for their fourth album. So I suppose it comes as no surprise that I’m in love with this band.

They’ve got the same style of killer guitar work that’s full of garage rock fuzz and like the Strokes they know how to rock. After the first few chords on"Any Other Time," the album's first track, you know NYC UFO's mean business.

Hop over to their bandcamp to download their album for free or stream it below.

New Sufjan Stevens EP "All Delighted People" and Album "Age of Adz"

Sufjan Steven’s first release in five years since the grandiose Illinoise is underwhelmingly perfect. While I suppose that sounds like an underhanded slight, I mean it in only the most complimentary of ways. When you listen to “Heirloom,” below, it isn’t a massive endeavor. It isn’t a flashy return meant to remind us of his long absence or a blaring ode to his musical genius. Instead, it’s a simple humble song that subtly nudges your subconscious to remind you that Sufjan Stevens is fucking amazing.

Perhaps, Pitchfork put it best “’Heirloom’” is like Sufjan showing up to your apartment unannounced, saying "hi," playing a few songs, saying "thanks," and then leaving without explanation. There's a lingering effect.”

What’s more fitting, is that this is a fantastic way to return from a 5 year hiatus with something simple before diving into the crazy, which would be his soon to be released full length album Age of Adz. Also featured below is a sneak peak at his upcoming album, where he surprisingly forgoes his signature guitar and harmonica sound in favor of a hip-hop bass drum on “I walked.” Odd, but because it’s Sufjan he makes it work.



Sufjan Stevens - I Walked by Aesthetes Anonymous

The Morning Benders – All Day Daylight Music Video

The Morning Benders recently released their new video for “All Day Daylight.” Unfortunately, this wonderfully sunny video comes during the last days of summer, so enjoy its good times as long as you can. Like the song itself, the video is equally bright, fun, and sunny.

Check it out.

Songs that scream AMERICA!

I suppose I’m a bit off in terms of this celebration of Americana culture as 4th of July has long since passed, but then again this week also marks September 11th, which is a damn good reason to wave our flags and come together as a nation. I won’t get started on those who are currently opposing the mosque near Ground Zero for fear of rupturing a vein in my forehead – I’m terribly vain (oh badump chh) but seriously stress is awful for wrinkles.

Tangents aside, here is my America Fuck Yea Playlist. Well not so much a playlist as it is a list of songs with links that have been cobbled together haphazardly. I realize that this list is absurd and has pretty much no coherence, let alone stick to a common theme other than the loosely organized concept of songs that sound American or connote a specific time in our history, primarily the 1960’s and beyond. Well, whatever this is my blog and I can put together odd song lists if I want to. So ha!

Toby Keith - I Love This Bar



I’m not sure what the hell kind of bar Toby Keith is singing about because in reality it sounds like the worst bar known to man. With alcoholics, strippers, hookers, psychotic killers, and no minorities, I’m not sure I want to be there, but I sure as hell want to sing about it.

Willie Nelson - Poncho and Lefty



Credence Clear Water Revival – Up Around The Bend



Jimi Hendrix – All Along The Watchtower



Black Keys – Just Got To Be



Rolling Stones - Street Fighting Man



I know I know, they’re not American. Well technically, Jimi Hendrix didn’t become popular until he was signed by a British record label and got big in Europe first. But whatever, this is my list and I can do whatever I want.

Phil Davidson for Stark County Treasurer!

Folks, I know usually keep things a bit light here and refrain from discussing politics, but tonight my best friend sent me something that I think you should all see. It’s so important that I will even interrupt road week for this post involving the upcoming elections for Stark County treasurer.

As a student of political rhetoric and occasional speechwriter myself, I fancy that I have an eye for good speeches and orators. Well, this one stands out as a gem. Listen and observe closely as Phil Davidson gives his stump speech and explains why he should be the next Treasurer of Stark County. One can really learn something about public speaking from the way he modulates his voice, moves around the room, makes eye contact with the audience, and his impressive use of quotations. It’s difficult to pinpoint the most rousing moment, but if forced to choose I would have to say he really gets me at 1:35 when he shares his favorite Einstein quote.

After the speech, he issued this statement to his challengers.

Marlon Brando: The Wild One

Motorcycles, rebellion, and the open road wouldn’t be the same without Marlon Brando’s “The Wild One.” Based on the Hollister Motorcycle Riots, Marlon Brando plays the leader of the rebellious bike gang the Black Rebels Motorcyle Club (what a fantastic name!). In standard rebellious fashion, he’s a rebel who plays by nobody rules -- not even his own. Although, I’m not going to lie as bad-ass as he looks, he plays his usually moody petulant self which actually makes him seem like an overgrown child throwing a tantrum in this movie. Also, let’s not forget he gets his ass handed to him by the town’s people.

On the not so badass front again, Shia LeBeouf wore the exact same outfit in Indiana Jones 4: The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Last note I swear, the timeless cool of cuffed jeans, motorcycle boots, and leather is impressive. Although, you really have to be a real bad-ass to actually pull it off. Sadly, despite all my (non-existent) testosterone fueled swagger and raging muscles I'm still unable to pull this look off. Sigh, woe be me.

Vintage Family Sedans – Making Practicality Sexy Again

Forget vintage American muscle cars. That’s played. Vintage family sedans and other practical automobiles are bringing sexy back in ways that Justin Timberlake could only hope for.

There is something about the mundane family sedans of the past that really catch my eye. I suppose it’s the understated elegance that really gets me excited. Who would have thought that plain old family sedans could be so stylish? I wonder if in 50 years we’ll be looking back on the Ford Taurus with the same fondness, although somehow I highly doubt it.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on these sensible, efficient, and very lovely modes of family transport from the past. With room for the whole family, luggage, and relatively good mileage what’s not to love?

Plus check out these great vintage ads. I love the “customer reviews” that espouse all the most boring aspects of the cars as their most exciting selling points. Although nothing beats the commercial for the Falcon replete with sweeping orchestras, catchy jingles, and lyrics that consist of repeatedly singing the name of the car.

Almost Famous + Tiny Dancer

So on the subject of the Open Road (yes I just made it a proper noun) and Americana, nothing captures the sentiment as well as this moment in Almost Famous. The band is upset with each other, but as they drive through some scenic roadscapes they randomly recall why they love music and spontaneously join in for the chorus of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” Amazingly, even though no one formally began the song, they all have it playing through their heads in perfect time. Damn you Cameron Crowe for the way you can make such cheesy moments so damn amazing.

Road Week and The Americans

With the final days of summer, come the last sweet moments of warm nights, drinking beer on patios, and barbeques. Damn I love summer. More specifically after living in New Mexico, the warmest days of the year have taken on a very different meaning for me. Having lived in California for most of my life I hadn't seen the unique regional elements of this season, those particular traits of Americana that scream Americans on summer vacation! Most importantly, I've learned that nothing says America like a pick-up truck, classic rock, and the open road. FUCK YEA! Let's not forget the other essential ingredients, cold beer, a shot of cheap whiskey, and barbeque.

So to close out the last few days of this delightful season, I dedicate this week to the Open Road and Americana culture. To kick off the first post of The Road week a few photos from one my favorite photographers that perhaps sum up America and the Open Road best. After a long run at the SF and NY MoMas, I suppose Robert Frank's  "The Americans" exhibit, is a bit played out. My apologies, however I thought that this would still be fitting to inaugurate The Open Road week as his photos capture the alienation, the beauty, and the intricacies of American life. It’s a complex bitter sweet thing, yet he captures its paradoxes, conundrums, and hypocrisy in a starkly beautiful manner. With simple photos he carefully examines our fascination with technology, automobiles, and the fact that they have been infused into our very existence and have literally shaped how we interact, where we live, and how we live. Let’s also not forget, his wondrous journey through America’s forgotten heart land and how he captured the lonely highways, the hardened people scraping by, and the grittiness of their daily existence.

Random tangent: Speaking of America, I just recalled one of the most hilarious patriotic moments I’ve ever heard. My friend and her boyfriend were in San Francisco and watching the Gay Pride parade on her roof when he randomly started to sing the Team America theme song. Of course, much to his delight he was quickly joined by other watchers on rooftops and ajacent balconies in a massive chorus of patriotic wonder. What a beautiful moment.

AA Blog Crush: Man Repeller

After countless embarrassing moments and egregious faux pas (plural), I’ve lost my dignity long ago. Naturally, I have a lot of respect for those who are equally if not more unabashed in outrageously sharing their thoughts and are willing to speak their mind. Hence, my latest blog crush on The Man Repeller.

Her writing is absolutely hilarious and she’s got some of the most ridiculous lines I’ve heard in a long time. Instead of just being another fashion blog, she relentlessly mocks outrageous trends in women’s fashion and spares no one. Her angle and tagline are hilarious. Man repelling, which she defines as, “a woman's choice to outfit herself in a sartorially offensive but equally fashion forward way. This in turn leads her to repel members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human-repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs. Most common offenders are often present during Fashion Week and in MC Hammer music videos.”

Here’s just a lovely sampling of her wicked sense of humour:

Opening Ceremony is where the sexually active vagina goes to die.
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I was a bit reluctant to buy it at first, but then I put my leopard print stuffed animal jacket over it and the definition those pads added to my jacket had my lady boner erecting full throttle.
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Also, I was hand-made in the USA.
……..
Rawr, hello snorkling sex monster of the sea!
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My NYFW invite request reads like this: Hi, I blame you for my current relationship status but will accept invitation to your show.
………
New hashtag suggestion from @rachelstrugatz: #TOT for touch of tran(ny).
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Recent Google searches include: Megan Fox thumbs
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I've worn these high waisted shorts from Calypso on several dates with several (read: two) men. You may be asking yourself why I chose to wear anything high waisted on a first date. Well, fella Repellas, I was under the impression that Calypso couldn't dick-deflect if it tried. I was wrong and alas, my affinity for spermiciding continues.
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But perhaps my all time favorite post has got to be this post where she has an elaborate Fox News-esque guilt by association equation that leads from a green fuzzy purse to cat pajamas. It’s amazing – if not for its infallible logic, then for its hilarious pictures.

Also let's not forget her startling observation that Anna Wintour and Dora the Explorer share the same haircut. I’m not sure who Anna Wintour is, but like any other 8 year old hispanic girl I love any comparison with Dora the Explorer.

Easy Rider, "The Weight," and the Open Road

Note: Youtube has such a churlish disposition today! It won’t let me embed the video that is the central part of the post. So you’ll just have to click the damn link instead to see what I’m referring to. Here, here, or any of the previous links.

My best friend sent this music video of The Band's "The Weight" from Easy Rider to me recently, and I haven’t stopped watching it. The open road is on my mind and I desperately want to make a road trip out West. Something about packing all my crap up and just driving sounds so liberating right now. And of course, there is nothing more American than drving through the Southwest. The red clay, the desert, and the complete solittude along those roads is one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever felt in my life. Damn, I miss campaigning in New Mexico and driving 4 hours drives to get from one office to another.

I suppose, it’s no surprise that this video captures those exhilarating feelings so well. Easy Rider + The Band = Road Trip Heaven

Miniature Tigers - Dino Damage and Cannibal Queen

I know these guys have been out for a while now, so if you know all about them please bear with me. But for those of you who don’t, be sure to check out California based Miniature Tigers. I saw them live when they opened for The Morning Benders when they came through DC and they definetely knew how to get a crowd going. The lyrics are hysterical. They are infused with morbid humor and it seems like lead singer and guitarist Charlie Brand went through some awful breakup and he’s working out his frustration through his lyrics. However, fortunately for us he’s got a great sense of humor about it and it’s not some weep-fest, whiney, fuck you filled ode to his lost love. Instead we have a great album about the frustrations of an awkward and genuine guy trying to figure out what it’s all about.

On a personal note, I had had quite a few drinks during and after the show and the band was hanging out at the relatively empty bar. The lead singer came over to strike up a conversation, and I think I scared him off after I drunkenly ranted about  life in DC in a really emphatic manner. If you ever for some reason read this, I’m not a total weirdo.