MOG - Nella Mia Anima's Posts

Song for Your Summer Flings

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:58:16 GMT

Okay, so I really never thought this would happen, but it's happening right now. I am posting a song from a band that I have already created a post on. I know, I know, it doesn't seem right does it? For some reason I feel there's an unspoken, quiet rule about not doing such a thing on MOG. But I can't help it. I've been obsessed with this song for the past week so it couldn't go unshared. Plus, I've been seeing a lot of posts about "end of summer" songs and the like and figured this would be an appropriate song to highlight those summer flings some of you may have had...or didn't have but secretly wish you had.

What is it about summer that turns us into our wild and carefree alter egos? Is it the heat that makes us delirious, the loss of brain cells from the increased alcohol consumption? Or maybe it's that subliminal response to that release we felt as school children off for the summer...Whatever it is, it seems to be a given: summer comes and our better judgement, logic and fears go out the window and we take on a "party hard, live on the edge, don't ask questions and live for the moment" kind of approach. And I have to say, for someone who tends to over think most things in her life and plan a bit too much, I welcome that haphazard way of living. But the summer is almost over and I'm ready to catch up on my sleep-something I haven't gotten much of this whole summer, however, the lack of sleep has been worth it.

Anyway, Tilly and the Wall, I saw them in Buffalo not too long ago. They're just the right kind of summer fun music you should have among your pile of "go-to" CDs floating all over your car. Hopefully if you didn't take a close enough look at them the first time around you will now.

It's Friday and it's still reaching 80 degrees and beyond where I am, so I'm out to enjoy the summer heat and consume some alcohol before the fat lady sings and that first whiff of autumn air passes by my nose.

Cheers!

I Like My Movies Like I Like My Music...

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:15:55 GMT

Visit Giulia y los Tellarini's MySpace page for La Ley Del Retiro
La Ley Del Retiro-The Law of Withdrawal

Soft and light around the edges but deep and complex at the core. I recently saw the Woody Allen film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. And let me tell you the theater I saw it in is just the right kind of theater to see a Woody Allen flick in. It was built in 1920 with a marquee that comes to life at night; its red and yellow lights are enticing and you can't help but to enter through the large glass doors. In the middle of the brilliant red carpet stands a sole ticket booth with an elderly ticket man sitting inside who jovially welcomes you to the theater-I swear he probably worked there as a youth in the same glass box. The dollar bills slip through the open slit, tickets pop up from the counter and a $2 bill is given as change, neat right? The theater only plays one show at a time. It's an enormous theater with beautiful, ornate details around every corner. A stage sits in front of the screen and velvety curtains embrace either side. It's just classic and that's just what I think of practically every Woody Allen (WA) film.

The best part of WA films is I know what I'm going to get. He's consistent and I like that same characteristic in my music. I like knowing that I can flip on any Iron & Wine song, any Bon Iver song and get just what I'm looking for. The same goes for WA films. I didn't need to see the write up to know that the film was going to include some kind of love triangle, and be impregnated with philosophical questions-critics have suggested parallels with Socrates and Jean-Paul Sartre (the latter with regard to the impossibility of authentic romantic commitment). Allen often highlights some struggle with such paradoxes as desire and morality, freedom and faith and/or consummation and reflection. I can't get enough of it. Just like my music, I like a movie that will challenge my thoughts on such topics, allow me to expand upon previous notions, disregard them and/or convince me of a new angle I've yet to take.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona obviously takes place in Barcelona, which has long been known as one of the most romantic cities in the world-"a place where the human heart has been known to explore new and uncharted territory, leaving any preconceptions about passion and romance forever changed." A nice choice for a WA film I'd say. Two American girls go there for a summer, one is sensible and values commitment while the other is more emotionally and sexually adventurous (both of which I related to). This is like most Woody Allen films: there's always a struggle between commitment and passion, lust and love. One point that comes up that I found to be an interesting take away was "that only unfulfilled love can be romantic." It makes sense doesn't it? There's something exciting and intriguing about the things you can't have.

Anyway, back to the music...Giulia y los Tellarini is a well-known indie band in Barcelona. They sent a disc of their music to Allen on a whim. Allen took one listen and knew they'd be perfect for his film. Allen knew he wanted Spanish music for the film, but had no background in such music...I guess Giulia y los Tellarini hit the jackpot. The movie's soundtrack also includes a number of instrumental guitar pieces that provide all kinds of infectious rhythms. The soundtrack is a bit sultry (some songs more so than others), but all together lighthearted in tone and with just the right amount of passion woven in, just what I'm sure WA had in mind.

I've always wanted to go to Barcelona ever since I did my Spanish AP report on Gaudi. His style is organic-greatly influenced by forms of nature which is demonstrated through his use of stones and twisted iron sculptures. His church, Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona is a great example of this. Have you ever sat on the water's edge at the beach and scooped up the wet sand in your palm and let it drip from the bottom of your closed fist? The layers of dripped sand layer on top of one another forming a small uneven mound. Well, that's Gaudi's church but taken to an entirely different level: it's a beautifully constructed gothic sand sculpture. Another trait of Guadi, and the one I admire most, is the use of colored tiles arranged in mosaic patterns. In late May I took a trip out West and came across this bench in a yard in Portland and my immediate thought was Guadi.

A rambling post, that it is. I couldn't help but to share the new Woody Allen film to those who haven't heard of it yet...Woody Allen, is a topic all in itself. If I believed in soulmates, I may have to say (in some twisted way) that Woody Allen could be mine ha. It would be one of those eccentric relationships where we live separately from one another, but see each other often for coffee and conversation. There's something sexy about his quirky personality and his thoughts on love, along with the idea that he'd be impossible to figure out...

Anyway, if nothing else I hope this post at least gave you a good movie recommendation. If you like Allen flicks like I do, you'll be sure to enjoy. I'll end with this:

"Natasha, to love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But, then one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer, not to love is to suffer, to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love, to be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy, therefore, to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness, I hope you're getting this down." – Love and Death

The video below is of the song "Barcelona" by Giulia y los Tellarini and is used in the trailer for the film.

Laura Marling...Thanks for the suggestion MOG

Nella Mia Anima — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:36:51 GMT

I'll admit, I'm rarely on the home page of MOG but decided to stop by last week. And I'd have to say it was good timing on my part. There was either a "Featured Post" or something to that effect that was calling out Laura Marling. It looked promising, so I went for the extra click to learn more. What I found was this...

An 18-year-old folk-pop singer/songwriter from the UK who's wise beyond her years. Her lyrics are eloquently assembled. Each song reveals a little something about this young gal through an artfully crafted narrative...without the fluff; she's not overpowering. All together, what she produces is just right.

The first video is of the song "New Romantic"-the song that drew me in. The second video is "Ghosts"-the video is, well, interesting...
*Another ghost song to add to your list broken girl!

Who Are Your One Track Heroes?

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:29:49 GMT

Other than this song, well, I'm pretty sure that Rocky's a little too boy band for me. Yeah, he's got one of those pretty boy voices. Not my style. I like it a little rough around the edges. The kind where you can hear real emotion, not some studio fabricated pain...the real kind; however, this song seems to hit the spot at times...like now.

Anyone out there have any Rocky V history? Maybe I'm not being fair. I mean he is from Seattle...there may be hope. But I'm doubting it. I'm okay with the fact that he may be a one hit wonder, for my liking at least.

I have a number of one track heroes who serve a sole purpose of fitting my here-and-now needs; for example, there's the one trackers I have for my iPod "Training" playlist, e.g., The Pussycat Dolls, Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, and Kanye West (when I was training for a 1/2 marathon).

This one would happen to fall into my "I want to crawl in a hole" playlist. What special playlists do you have? And who are your one track heroes?

One Gleam...Two Gleam...

Nella Mia Anima — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:11:49 GMT

The Avett Brothers - The Greatest Sum (Link to Song)

The Avett Brothers from North Carolina have come out with The Second Gleam EP. Scott and Seth Avett haven't been a sturdy "go to" sound for me. Every now and then I'll wander their way, but they've seemed to hold my attention a little longer with this sequel EP.

The sound is a bit more pinned down. It's stripped-to-the-bone country folk music. I have a soft spot for simple acoustic music, the kind that allows you to hear yourself think; so much so that the melodies fade to the back and introspection shimmies its way to the forefront.

I had read that the Avett brothers mentioned how it was a blessing when the crowd falls silent when they play: a sign that they are absorbing the lyrics, plucking them out of the air and holding on to each line...some longer than others...before releasing them from their minds.

Scott and Seth's main goal is to create music that provokes thought, changes perceptions and gives birth to something new in this world. I think they're on the right path.

Jim James-Solo @ Newport Folk Festival

Nella Mia Anima — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:27:29 GMT

If you don't already check NPR's picks for music, you should. The Newport Folk Festival in Maine took place last weekend on Aug. 2. I love Maine and if I were closer in proximity to the state I would have been there, no questions asked. Jim James, She & Him, Gillian Welch, Calexico and the list goes on. Not too long ago I subscribed to NPR's Song of the Day and have enjoyed some great tunes ever since. I've posted the link to the first song of Mr. James's set from the festival, which is all l I needed to hear to be hooked; I've been listening to it all week.

The thing is, is that I haven't gotten into the whole My Morning Jacket following; however, every band I seem to enjoy and reference often is met with a "They remind me of My Morning Jacket." To which I silently retort in my head "No, they sound like Blitzen Trapper" or whichever band it is that I'm actually speaking of. Anyway, I'm enjoying what I've heard of Jim James's solo work and hope to hear more of it in the future.

Hope you enjoy!

Tonight I Want To Celebrate With You (Along with the entire set)

Newport Folk Festival Live: NPR Music

p.s. Are there any Moggers out there that went to this?

2 for 1: Movie and Music Pick

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:03:12 GMT

Another incredibly artful film by Wes Anderson. I saw this movie last night and felt it was necessary to share, not only how wonderfully entertaining this comedy/drama/adventure is, but also how audibly pleasing the soundtrack is. Three songs from The Kinks, "Playing with Fire" by the Rolling Stones and one particular song that plays numerous times throughout the movie, "Where Do You Go to (My Lovely)" by Peter Sarstedt. The video I posted of it below isn't the full 4:38, but I had to choose that video purely for the black and white kickback images. Plus it's really Peter Sarstedt singing it, which I thought was better than some random clips showing while the song played.

The movie is about three brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman) who reunite, after not speaking to one another in a year, to venture through India with hopes to ignite the relationship/bond they once had. This "spiritual quest" takes a few different turns, which were of course unplanned. But, like most unplanned events, they happen for a reason; they bring you to exactly where you wanted to be, but usually in a richer and more fulfilling way.

I actually found myself wanting to watch it again today, and that never happens to me. Hopefully, if you haven't seen it, you'll make it a point to watch it in the near future. Oh, and the short film, that in itself is a little treasure.

Cheers!

"...So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
'Till peace we find tell you what I'll do
All the things I own I will share with you
If I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We'll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one..."

White Balloons and Tap Dancing

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:29:19 GMT

On my way home from work today, I listened to a little Lily Allen. Once I got to my place I settled in after a very long week of proofing until my eyeballs fell out and writing until my hand dropped off, so I decided to tone things down. This was achieved with a few tracks from The Avett Brothers' The Gleam II album-love it. And I can't even explain how good it felt. I was right at home: a place I've been trying to avoid for some time, but I decided to cut myself some slack since it's been a hell of a week. After a much needed power nap, I chugged some green tea with ginseng (ohhh yeah), got my ass together and headed to Mohawk Place.

If you ever make it to Buffalo 1.) promise to let me know and 2.) check the Mohawk Place out for a show. It's the best dive bar I've ever stepped foot in. The walls are plastered with five-cent, gold, filagree frames of bands who've passed through its doors and played upon its stage. I'll admit, many of the bands I don't recognize, but ever hear of The White Stripes? Yeah, they played there and not, too, long ago I was lucky enough to be in attendance for The Dodos and Langhorne Slim. Usually the bands set-up with little maintenance and minimal, well actually no flair at all; however, that all changed tonight.

Strings of white balloons made their way to either side of the stage and their misfit, vivacious and oh so colorful younger siblings made their way to the crowds' hands. And even though it felt like a suana in there, everyone was still up for some action. A few balloons met their end with loud "pops!" before the band entered the stage. The lights were turned down and the rythmic clapping began...they appeared, tossing glow sticks into the crowd, and then began chanting "Oh shit, what, what, Buuuffalo let's fuck it up....Oh shit, what, what, Buuuffalo let's fuck it up!" Ahhhhh!!! Just the kind of energy I needed.

Five darlings from Omaha, NE had a few extras playing with them tonight: a drummer and bass player. The main band is made up of Jamie, a tap dancer/percussionist; Kianna, vocalist; Nick, keyboards; Neely, vocalist; and Derek, guitar/vocalist. And yes, that's right, a TAP DANCER. Seriously, that's it right there, no drummer needed. This chick provides all the percussion then need. I've never seen anything like it: a glorified tap dancer up on her own display box. The video I posted of their song "Bad Education" highlights the tap dancer quite nicely-check it out.

So hipster, so indie pop. Definitely not the kind of music you'd see me listening to on my iPod, but like any cold beverage, good book or great screw (yes, I'm drunk and it's late...I did just say that), it hit the spot just right and left me completely satisfied. I only wished I was on whatever they all seemed to be on though. After the second song or so Kianna said, "You know it's hot in here, well, see that pipe with the towel wrapped around it, while I was singing I looked up at it and all I could see was a giant ice cream cone." I looked up to where she was pointing, and yeah, all I saw was a pipe with a towel wrapped around it, shit.

Good times and great tunes tonight. I stepped outside my "sad bastard" music for once and was kindly rewarded. Some flashy lights, tap dancing and signing "fuck" with a smile rocked my stressed-out, copywriter's world.

I'll end by asking for some help. Listen to the song I posted, "Beat Control." What in the hell 80's song does that remind you of? It's driving me freakin crazy trying to figure it out. I feel like it's so obvious, but I just can't put my finger on it. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Cheers and goodnight/good morning...and a thunderstorm is rollin' in, the night/morning couldn't get any better...

No Need for the Nude of the Moon as I'm Guided By Fireflies...

Nella Mia Anima — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:56:52 GMT

That line takes me back to my childhood, running around the backyard at dusk trying to catch those flickering, pixyish insects. And like this childhood pastime of mine, this song has the ability to mellow me out, yet excite me just enough to slip me into a sound euphoric state of mind. Ahhhhh.

That layered sound of melodic harmonies, smooth rhythms and fingerpicking...purely organic isn't it? This song is over five minutes long and succeeds in keeping my attention for the full duration.

Rolf Klausener began making music in his bedroom in Ottawa with a guitar and a computer. I'd have to say he's done a nice job piecing together a group of talented peeps, ah?

It's at the end of those five minutes that reality unfolds slowly and "the fireflies fade as the city lights find me." Gosh what I would give to be a kid again...

Their Influences: genetics, high-school bullies, love, the periodic table, Oedipal complexes, sibling rivalry, prep school, hopes and dreams for the future, crippling dread, engrams, that first and special kiss, the inexorable march of time, the urge to reproduce with others of our own species, that toxic cesspool out behind the Acorn childhood home and Karloff, the avuncluar and opinionated (though apparently hallucinated) swamp-toad who lived therein.

http://www.myspace.com/theacorn

And the World Spins Madly On

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:22:05 GMT

It's true. No matter what happens in our lives, good or bad, the world will just keep on spinning. It may be the sole thing that stays constant throughout each of our lives. With every bump we may stumble over and with each victory we may have, tomorrow will still come knocking at our doorstep, and we have no choice but to welcome it. We rely on the world to keep spinning, because if it didn't, well, there would be no conversation to be had. That's why we are allowed our own little worlds to be disrupted; maybe so everything else stays in balance. So with that thought, figuratively speaking, what or who makes the world stop spinning for you?

I believe my earliest experience with this was with the first passing of a close family member. It was my first time being a part of a funeral precession. The cars lined up, making their painfully slow advance from the funeral home to the cemetery and it almost seems as though time stops and your world actually stops spinning. Sitting silent among your family members, swollen eyes masked behind sunglasses, crumpled wads of tissues clenched within their shaking digits, lips quivering, and the only color is the fading wash of crimson upon your mother's lips. Looking out the window you see the rest of the world that's still spinning and passing you by, illuminated and colorful. There's singing, there's laughing, even conversation, all of which no longer exist in the place you find yourself. I remember thinking "What nerve those people have, don't they know how upset we are." But that moment is when I believe I learned that no matter how bad things would get in my life, the rest of the world just won't care. Clocks will keep ticking and the world will keep spinning, even when mine comes to a complete halt.

To this day, whenever I pass by a funeral precession I make it a point to show some sign of sympathy. No signing, no laughing, no conversation. So just in case any member of that party glances up to take a glimpse at the world that's passing them by, they'll feel comfort in seeing that outside of that motionless place they've found themselves, someone else's world has stopped spinning, too.

A Shout Out to J. Tillman...Save Fleet Foxes

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:10:25 GMT

Since I had mentioned in my previous post of my enjoyment in J. Tillman's solo work, I felt it only right to call him out...solely...with his own post. Tillman's bio describes his work as "reminiscent of the southern-gothic writings of Flannery O'Connor and the music of Nick Drake and Pete Seeger." For anyone who may not have an understanding of O'Connor's writing, I found this review that I think represents it nicely, as well as encapsulates the parallel found in Tillman's work and that of Ms. O'Connor:

"She could put everything about a character into a single look, everything she had and knew into a single story...For her, people were complete in their radical weakness, their necessarily human incompleteness. Each story was complete, sentence by sentence. And each sentence was a hard, straight, altogether complete version of her subject: human deficiency, sin, error -- ugliness taking a physical form." Alfred Kazin New York Times Book Review, 11/28/71

Both poignant in prose, somber in tone, and esoteric at the core. And within each artists work, if you look close enough and in just the right spots, you may find something that strikes a chord; leaving you with something more than you had when you began reading and/or listening.

As for the Drake and Seeger comparisons. Yes, they are there, too. But I'd rather compare JT to the more recent work of Billy "Prince" Billy, Iron & Wine, Damien Jurado and the like. I think you get the picture. A bit indie, a bit folk and a whole lot of heartache and hurt.

He's got a great sound. And anyone who can move to Seattle and spend a year paying rent by freelance writing and donating plasma has earned my respect. So, with or without Fleet Foxes I wish him all the best. Either way he's got a lot going for him. Cheers to you J. Tillman and thanks for sharing your beautiful talents.

p.s. If you don't know of Nick Drake definitely look him up and add him to your favorites; an oldie but goody to know!

Musicians, Actors, Writers and Thinkers Oh My!

Nella Mia Anima — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:23:29 GMT

"He Doesn't Know," as you'll see from one of the photos below, was the 8th song of the night.

The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Stanley Kubrick, Ethan Hawke, Jane Fonda, Mark Twain, Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac, Arthur Miller, Thomas Wolfe and that's just the beginning. New York City is unique in that it can shine as the superhero of uniqueness as much as it can fall victim to being just another stereotye. And the city by no means keeps either a secret. My most recent trip there allowed me to experience much more of the former than the latter. So other than maneuvering my way through the sea of pastel from all of the "If I can make it here I can make it anywhere" gals who were the size of jimmies and all wearing the ever so bromidic ensemble of babydoll dresses and gladiator sandles, New York's Chelsea area and its surroundings were remarkably pleasant. Oh yeah and apparently the weaner dog is in down there, too? (I'm not generalizing all of New York City's inhabitants as gladiator sandle wearing, weaner dog owning individulas, but just pointing them out as they became a theme on the streets during my brief time there.)

So on to the less superficial stuff beginning with my stay at the Hotel Chelsea. Yes THE Hotel Chelsea. All I could think is 1.) when can I move in? and 2.) for the first time in my life I am actually hoping to see an apparition. Unfortunately neither ended up happening. But just to be walking through the same doors as such noted artists and to lay my head down within the same walls that inspired countless songs, memorable words to be scribbled down in moments of pure genius and that love was made in, lives were lost in and modern art was born was just a mind-blowing experience. And it all got that much better as I popped into a taxi and headed for the corner of Bowery and Delancey.

I won't lie, that corner was a bit scary. I had no idea in which direction the Bowery Ballroom was, but knew it had to be close. A look to my left revealed a small cluster of people, and I figured that was a good enough indicator for me to head on across the street. I proudly walked right on in with my ticket to the sold out show and descended to the basement of the ballroom, which was lit only by the fiery haze of red bulbs. My mission was to snatch up Fleet Foxes's second album, which is self titled. I was surprised by the number of new songs on the CD cover that I was unfamiliar with but was thrilled at the fact that I would be hearing them for the first time live.

The Bowery Ballroom is a great venue. It has three bars in total: one at the basement level, one on the second floor and another in the balcony area. The shiny wooden floors, the narrow main room and the high ceilings reminded me of my elementary school gym class. But as I made my way to the horseshoe shaped balcony area, ablaze with laterns on the posts and a bar backlight by a huge cresent shaped window, visions of a younger me whirling around in roller skates faded away, and I settled myself right in with a Blue Point and grabbed my spot for the show.

The band of five entered the stage with lead singer Robin Pecknold taking a seat, as I heard he does at every show, rockin' the Seattle flanel and a winter hat with its wool strings hanging past his chin; the temperature had reached over 80 degrees that day. *Side note: Fleet Foxes came to Buffalo and were the openers for Blitzen Trapper. I missed the show because I was working until 4:00 a.m.; a sore subject until I could finally put it all behind me this past Wed. night. The Dutchess and The Duke who opened for Fleet Foxes mentioned that not only were they sick, but that Fleet Foxes were as well. And let me say, if what I heard was "sick Fleet Foxes" my God, I can't even imagine what they sound like sans the occasional cough.

They opened with "Sun Giant," which of course broke gracefully through the attentive air and wisked everyone away to the land o' Fleet Foxes. "Baroque harmonic pop" sums their sound up nicely. Each member, other than Skye Skjelset, joined in the harmonizing. It's just astonishing to hear how well these guys sing together. I noticed that the drummer had an exceptionally fine voice and then later realized that the drummer is J.(Josh) Tillman whose solo work I also enjoy. Robin Pecknold finally lost his winter hat, which I concluded was his version of a security blanket, but continued to pull at his chin length hair from either side almost as if those strings were still there. At 22 i don't think Pecknold fully can comprehend how much his music is appreciated; he'd shake his head as the crowd would applaud almost in an effort to somehow counteract the praise he and his band were receiving, but the crowd kept cheering.

Each song tells a different story. Each capturing your mind with their words and the hypnotic sound they produce. It's folk that bares characteristics of the Baroque period, which is evident in their superb execution of echoing each other in different pitches with their voices, as well as instruments. The finger picking, a true sign of a classical guitar background and the intertwined melodies all support this summation. It's all together a purely sacred sound and one that brought tears to my eyes on separate occasions.

The first video is Robin solo singing Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, which I believe is the best title for a song ever. How can you not enjoy a band who has song titles like that? Anyway, Pecknold sang this at the Bowery and it blew me away. The other song that he sang solo that isn't posted is the song Oliver James. That was also a solo and had me hanging over the railing. The second video is Mykonos and is actually from the show on 7.9.08.

I highly recommend seeing these guys if they come to your town, and even if they don't because they sure as hell are worth the trip.

Along Comes a Smile...As I Head North

Nella Mia Anima — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:47:21 GMT

Ahhh, the 4th of July is right around the corner. For most people it means attending a picnic, playing a game of kickball (or some other semi-organized pick-up game), having some brewskeys and waiting for nightfall to watch a firework display of some kind. Whether you're watching them on TV, at a ball game or in your local park fireworks tend to draw the same reaction, "Ooooo, ahhhh!" And I'd have to say they are deserving of such. Who doesn't appreciate those large bursts of color that sparkle and glimmer and then quietly fade into the blackness of the night sky?

Speaking of said "blackness" that is just what I'm looking forward to admiring as I head North to the Adirondacks. Just sit back, recline, tilt your head to the sky and lose yourself. The only light up North at night is what you get from the starry sky hanging over you. In daylight it's the interlocking branches of coniferous trees that shade you. Walking down the road there are only scattered, broken bits of sun that poke through to the ground creating a doily of sunlight beneath your feet. The mountain air passes through your body like a gentle spirit revealing itself to you, comforting you, letting you know they've always been right beside you. The dock awakens from the leftovers of passing boats and you melt into the drifting wood and begin to sway as one...until, after awhile, the movement finally ceases and you once again are left in silence to bask in the sun. It is then when you realize that the worries you brought with you have drifted far away...And with that feeling, "along comes a smile."

Don't work too hard fellow Moggers. It's time to sit back and relax, have some brewskeys and watch some fireworks. I'm actually hoping my 4th doesn't come with any fireworks. If I were in the city, bring them on! But up there, I don't want fireworks contaminating my starry sky.

Off to NYC afterwards and catching Fleet Foxes at Bowery. I'll be sure to have much to talk about when I return.

Cheers!

*MOG for some reason is being a punk and won't let me post the full mp3 or any images. Mi dispiace!

"I'm really into like taking people's opinions, except when I disagree."-Emily Haines

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:31:06 GMT

It's Friday and I was buzzed at 1:00 p.m. from a few Bud Lights, thanks to Employee Appreciation Day. Not a bad gig I got huh? So when I got home I was quite gitty and enjoying this euphoric state, so I decided to stay strong and not succumb to what normally happens when this normally happy drunk finds herself alone, which is to immediately turn to the most tear soaked songs in her iTune library.

I first turned to Metric's Live It Out, which other than "Too Little Too Late" really didn't do it for me. Not wanting to give up too soon, I decided to stay with Metric but took my search beyond Live It Out. What I found was "The Hooks," a.k.a. "Give Me Sympathy."

What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, it was "The Hooks" first and "Give Me Sympathy" second. You'll notice in the one video I posted Emily Haines notes how the name of the song at the time was in limbo. That video clip (clip #2) features the later version, while the other is an acoustic rendition of the original. I prefer the acoustic original of course, which has a serene air to it and a touch of melancholy but not enough to push me over; it was the perfect cure for this happy buzzed girl who was about to fall off the edge.

Enjoy.

Is it the Beginning of Life in Technicolor OR The End of Death And All His Friends?

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:42:11 GMT

Hmmm. So, I'm driving home, having some more one-on-one time with my Viva La Vida. Track 10 comes to an end...or does it? Around 3:33 in, what sounds like Life in Technicolor begins. I listen. It finishes. Pause. Track 1. And it picks right back up. It was delightful. I realized I can just let the CD loop around without any awkward or abrupt hault or disturbance within the confines of my gas eating vehicle. At least I was able to have a moment of bliss before I went back to trying to decide whether or not having the windows open or having the AC on was wasting more fuel?
OK, no more blogging. Back to living. :)
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/06/66-gas-saving-tips.php

Summer is Here in Full Strawberry Swing

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:08:44 GMT

The summer solstice came and went this past Friday at approximately 7:59 p.m. Yes, apparently there's even an exact time that we can officially welcome summer. But for me, it wasn't about sitting around until the exact moment, it wasn't even about the exact day, but it was exactly about where I was and who I was with.
Friday morning I picked up the new Coldplay CD. I listened to it here and there to and from work, but still hadn't really spent any quality time with it. But that purchase was a nice breathrough into a weekend that rolled right into those warm and fuzzy summer moments I'd been waiting for.
A gathering at my place of close friends, a homemade spread, the glow of candles, my "granola" self (according to my pal Mark-I'm not always "granola," but damn if I don't have it in me), Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat (yes, you must try one and only one b/c it tastes like fruit loops and who wants more than one froot loop beer?) and then the whir of the CD player. The CD plays through, adding a wonderful hum in the background. A few songs catching my ear away from conversation, but then I was back in again. The first eight tracks spin through. My Leinenkugel was swallowed up and I had moved on to some Brooklyn Summer Ale...and then...VOILA. Wait am I at a hoedown (just for the first second)? Shit no. I'm in Strawberry Swing.
That was the mark of summer. The weekend continued with a morning bike ride for coffee, a run in the park, continuous beer drinking and reading beneath the shade of a canopy of leaves. Yes. Summer is official here.

Cheers!
Nella

Pass the Wine Sammy B...Please

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:28:26 GMT

Oh, Mr. Sam Beam, a handsome southern man with an adorable southern accent. He is yet another man who brings an abundance of metaphors about life, death and love into my very being. Through his poetic words and soft voice I discover a place of peace.

Finding words you can relate to is an ongoing journey as life evolves and carries through each variant stage of personal growth. At 27 I find myself, along with the other close women in my life, twirling in the dust of old lovers. What it is about those we've once loved, still love and will always love? These ghosts of our past expose themselves to us in obscure and not so obscure ways. Maybe it's through a scene in a movie, a song on the radio, or even in more direct ways like a chance encounter in a crosswalk or a message that says "I miss you too" after months, years, of not speaking. For some reason these individuals stay in our lives, stay in our thoughts, and quite possibly, have a strong enough connection with us to become part of our souls. They confuse us, they form us, and they build us up and break us down.

Over the years I've grown skeptical of the idea of a "true love." It's very easy to fall in love with someone, everyone possesses something you can fall in love with: a particular belief, knowledge, or a genuine smile, and for the materialistic type, maybe it's a fancy car or just money in general. Love is subjective. But the one thing that is true for us all is that love is complicated. Although the falling in love part may happen as easily as putting one foot in front of the other, it's the being in love part that takes a bit more coordination. Being in love requires the strength of a champion, dedication to oneself and the ability to stand up for what one believes in. But more importantly, and possibly the most obvious, is the part about being honest with one's own heart. And somehow, this one feeling that just seems to happen without our permission, which should be easier to pay attention to, gets lost in the logistics of love. Love shouldn't be over thought, nor should it come with "how to" directions. Personally, I'm the type to skip the directions and head straight to the little baggies of screws and washers. What does that say about me?

The moral of the story: Don't try to make logic out of love, because there simply is none. Rather let love be, allow yourself to love and be loved. As for the love that you must bury, even then, let love grow.

"It depends not on consciousness, but on being; not on thought, but on
life; it depends on the individual's empirical development and
manifestation of life, which in turn depends on the conditions
existing in the world."-Karl Marx

Ab's Song (Song link-may require Media Player)

The Two Sides of Ocean Breathes Salty

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:17:31 GMT

You have the one side of Ocean Breathes Salty, which is the version song by Sun Kil Moon on their album Tiny Cities. It's the version that makes you want to draw a bath and sit in the dark, except for a few flickers of candlelight dancing on the surface of the lukewarm water that surrounds you. And it doesn't matter if you shed a few cathartic tears because you've already chosen to dampen your limb body, why not your soul, too? I think you get the point-you play this version to torture yourself, to bring yourself down so deep that in a way, it actually feels good. The kind of "good" hurt I find myself often choosing to feel rather than the "good" that should feel "good." But, the act of "feeling good" is a subjective one anyway.

Then you have the other side of Ocean Breathes Salty that may even breathe some life into you. I'd go so far as to say it has the ability to perk me up a bit. I listen to it and find myself signing along "Cause that is that and this is this, tell me what you want and I'll tell you want you get, you get away from me, you get away from me." Yeah, I actually find enjoyment in listening to this version. It's almost empowering.

Who knew the same words could feel so different? That if sung differently could create such extremes? Well, this song can and it does and I appreciate both, artistically and emotionally.

Cheers~ Nella

Hayden-Round 2

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:07:28 GMT

Hayden caught my attention when he opened for Feist in the beginning of May here in B-lo. I liked his style, his fun commentary in between songs and how he seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve.

So, he came back to Buffalo, this time with his band. I have to say I enjoyed his performance much more when it was just him and his guitar, harmonica and piano. However, I will say the band does rock. It's just that his music touched me that much more when he was in the moement solo.

Here are my two favorites of his. If you have the time check out the rest of the sad stories he shares through his music.

Cheers.

P.S. It's raining cats and dogs all of a sudden this evening. Oh how I love killer thunderstorms! P.S.S. Sorry about the quality of the second video-that's all there was. But it is definitely worth looking up else where to hear a cleaner version.

Bonnie Prince Billy-An Unreleased Standard

Nella Mia Anima — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:43 GMT

I believe I've mentioned before, that it's all about balance. I've had a few days full of some cheerful, silly indie pop and feel good about it. But sometimes it just doesn't feel right and I break. That breaking point was reached today.

It was drizzling as I left for work, and I couldn't help but to succumb to that intrinsic reaction to throw in the sappiest CD mix I could find. I did just that and found my craving fully satisfied. How could it not be with the words of Iron & Wine, Sin Kil Moon, and the one and only Bonnie Prince Billy sprinkled throughout it?

So now at work, with a window viewing the outdoors clad with a layer of gray, I went searching for more BPB. This song is what I found, along with the following quote from Mr. Oldham: “Bascomb Lamar Lunsford learned this song in 1904 from Miss Lela Ammons of Robinsville, North Carolina. I learned it from Lunsford’s recording.”

So I'm not sure who Miss Lela Ammons is, other than the earliest performer of this song. As for Bascomb Lamar Lunsford, well he has quite an interesting background. He was a jack of all trades, holding occupations such as famed performer, fruit tree salesman, democratic political campaign manager, auctioneer, special agent, publisher, honey bee promoter, lawyer, federal worker, reading clerk, teacher, amateur folklorist/collector, festival organizer and recording artist.

In 1928 he organized the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, which remains an annual event in Asheville, NC; he was big on folk dance and music. Most of his work was released between the mid 20's to mid 30's. What he was best known for was his recording of "Old Mountain Dew," which-if you can believe it-inspired the name for the soft drink Mountain Dew! Who knew?

Anyhow, I hope it's sunny wherever you all are. But if it is, step away from the indie rock, pop, electronica and fill yourselves with a little folk.

Cheers.

http://www.jarretthousenorth.com/annex/Family/genealogy/PS06/PS06_107.HTM

http://www.daytrotter.com/article/231/free-songs-bonnie-prince-billy

Let's Pretend We Don't Exist OR Let's Go Outback Tonight?

Nella Mia Anima — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:56:31 GMT

Well, I made it to Oregon alive; however, I'd have to say I found the real challenge to be making it back in one piece. But I am in fact back. I'm a bit worn out, but believe that is a true sign of a kick ass trip: when your very body reaches the point when it can't handle all that you're taking in, well, that's how you know you've got yourself a winner.

Vacation, from Latin vacātiō, vacātiōn-, freedom from occupation. It's exactly that, a break from the "real world" in which one, like myself, works five days a week with the weekend to relax and explore. How much exploring can one really do in two days?! Not a whole heck of a lot that's for sure. This past vacation was a wild trip, one of much exploration and in every sense of the way.

I'm having a difficult time becoming assimilated with the working world again, but it must be done...at least for now. The fact that the warm weather months of the year are here helps quite a bit, as well as the "one-a-day-beer." And since it's summer time I've decided the "sad bastard" music has to go. I've hit my limit and now I'm up for music with a more whimsical style, kind of like Of Montreal. For instance, in their song The Party's Crashing Us the line "Oh well we made love like a pair of black wizards," now that's the kind of nonsense I'm looking for ha. Strange, right? But you have to admit kind of fun.

This song is one I enjoy, but the fact that it resembles the Outback Steakhouse ad ruins it for me. Did Outback rip them off? Or even worse, did Of Montreal sell out to Outback? Quite possibly there is no real connection, but for me there is, and now that it exists I can't listen to this song in the same way. I'm sorry if by mentioning this I've now ruined it for you too.

Cheers.

Country Caravan

Nella Mia Anima — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:21:10 GMT

So tomorrow I begin my westward journey: from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In a way it is my own Manifest Destiny: a personal journey to expand my inner self. I reference the great Manifest Destiny because I feel it justly represents a parallel belief, but instead of an expansion of land, it's more the the need for personal growth that is both obvious and unavoidable.

Country Caravan is one of my favorite songs on Wild Mountain Nation. And it's a fitting song seeing as how my trip starts in OR: the lyrics reference the landscape and places in Oregon. I found this really "feel good" version on the Daytrotter site. Check out the following site for a good read and for the download to the version I've posted: http://www.daytrotter.com/article/972/free-songs-blitzen-trapper

The whole idea of going to OR got me thinking about that wonderul computer game I once played as a kid. You know, it's the one you played off a floppy disk, the one that taught you about death and how to bury your loved ones. Yes, Oregon Trail. Man I loved that game. "Susie died of a snake bite." "You lost one oxen crossing the river." Oh, and then you could hunt for food too, it had it all! To make it to Oregon alive, that was all you had to do, but they didn't make it easy did they? You'd be lucky to have two of the 7 people you started with left by the time you got there, if you got there at all.

Anyhow, I hope to make it to Oregon alive. I'm not planning to take my wagon there, I'm going alone, it will only take about 8 or so hours and I'll have food and water. I think I'll be OK.

Hope you enjoy the tune.

Cheers~ Nella, who is "taking seven days to rest."

Tokyo Police Club-Nature of the Experiment

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:15:06 GMT

So here's my Friday tune. Tokyo Police Club and there sick light show made an appearance in Buffalo last week and I've been meaning to post something from them. The demands and responsibilities of my real world job preclude me from writing any form of review, but I'd be interested to hear what you all think of TPC.

Happy Happy Joy Joy...It's Friday!

Cheers~ Nella

Tokyo Police Club-Nature of the Experiment

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:15:06 GMT

Happy Happy Joy Joy...It's Friday!

Cheers~ Nella

My One and Only Savior...That I Didn't Know I Had Until Today

Nella Mia Anima — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:00:59 GMT

So, thanks to a fellow Mogger I found my "one and only savior" while reading an article about Jeff Mangum, which actually wasn't in a post about him or Neutral Milk Hotel but rather about Miles Kurosky. Anyway, I'll confess, my muscial repertoire isn't too expansive; I had no idea who Mangum was (gasp). But, I'm always intrigued by that which I know nothing of and took my musical naivety to the streets, well to the Web, to look further. Here I found, among the very album mentioned in the article, this wonderful song, along with many others. The YouTube video posted is a tribute to Ann Frank, which is fitting since this Jeff Mangum album was inspired by a reading of the Ann Frank story. The album is decribed as "a personal meditation on the rich joys of life and tragedy of death" (iTunes Review). How could you ask for anything more? So thank you fellow Mogger for bringing me to my "one and only savior."

Cheers~ Nella

One Week of Danger

Nella Mia Anima — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:18:42 GMT

Just came across this song this morning. I'd have to say it's a pretty freaking hot song. It spiced up my a.m. quite nicely. Who doesn't enjoy a bit of danger? Have a sexy Monday Moggers! Cheers~ Nel For the full song: http://www.imeem.com/people/BP8Cgr/music/GfAek10k/the_virgins_one_week_of_danger/?d=1 http://www.thevirgins.net/ You have to check their site out. Lovin the pic on the main page!

Everything Stops Around 1:40ish

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:56:14 GMT

Thanks to my new music searching buddy Last.fm I've come across some tunes that I find quite delightful. So much so that I'm not sure how I was living without them before. OK, so maybe that's extending the truth, nonetheless they bring a new smile to my lips that wasn't there before. I know you can't view the timing of songs on MOG, but if you could, around 1:40ish this song rocks my world. All of a sudden I have a rush of exhilarating imagery: feet up on the top tube or down tube (depending on the frame) of a wide handled bicycle, releasing like a pinball, down a hill, wind screaming in my ears and running through my hair like an unruly lover, surrounded by lush emerald colored land...

Happy Saturday Moggers. Now go feel the outdoors on your skin.

http://www.last.fm/music/Horse+Feathers

Feist-The Park

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:55:50 GMT

Is it a coincidence that Feist is quite feisty? I think not. I just got in from her show and man is she full of spunk. She has so much spirit, but the kind that would blossom among a much smaller crowd than there was tonight. There we were all in our velvet seats, like a good obedient audience: the exact opposite of what she wanted. She actually asked if everyone could imagine themselves in a dive bar, the kind with one bathroom stall and sticky floors. I was there, but it was a mixed crowd and too many of them were about sitting on their asses the whole time. However, I have to say that a number of Feists songs are very melodic and soothing where sitting would be appropriate. But, all she wanted was for some action during all the other songs that aren't. Poor Feist. She couldn't have her cake and eat it too. I must say it was one of the most artistic shows I've attended. She's a clever gal or at least hired some extremely clever artsy chicks to do some magical work with a simple overhead projector. We all know the Elmo. Who knew that the images one could create using one of those things could be so beautiful? It was during this song, The Park, that I lost myself in that big white screen. Little flowers floating down, slowly dancing across the surface, silhouettes of budding branches fading in and out... Enjoy.

Disconnect the Dots

Nella Mia Anima — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:46:20 GMT

Come disconnect the dots with me poppet come disconnect the dots Come disconnect the dots with me poppet come disconnect the dots

It's so beautiful Our lunacy It's so beautiful

Happy Hump Day Moggers! of Montreal – Disconnect the Dots

What Drives You, Your Heart or Fear?

Nella Mia Anima — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:09:18 GMT

It could be both. The point isn't to decide right now on an answer to this, it's just to bring up the thought: Why do we make the decisions in life that we do? Is it because we can feel it in our hearts that it's the right way, right path, the right yes or no at that moment? Or does it have nothing to do with our hearts?

Maybe we make decisions because we fear. We fear the possible end result our decisions will have. Or maybe it's the not knowing what the end result may be that keeps us up at night. The fear of the uknown then becomes our guide to life's decisions.

Ah, and then there's the heart-fear decision combo. When the decision of the heart and fear meet. Yes, that would be where the decision to love happens, or does it? Fear to love. Love to feel. Fear to feel.

It comes down to taking chances. It's something a lot of us usually fear. But what if those chances, those fears, could be the things that could acutally bring us the most happiness? Shit. The things we'd miss. It's vicious, the unknown, it can drive us to stay so far away out of the fear of what it could bring. Or it can do the opposite: absorb us, and make us investigate every inch until each stone is unturned and each speck is over analyzed. And then the unkown becomes the known. And that fear, the intrigue, the mystery, whatever you may think of it, is over. But instead of feeling relieved that the "fear" is gone we find ourselves unsatisfied. Why? Maybe we can't live without fear. That simple.

In the end, I suppose following your heart becomes a better option, opposed to making a decision out of fear. Decisions made from the heart just tend to happen and without too much thought. You let yourself feel fully, every emotion that comes with that decision. You allow yourself to be open, to be vulnerable, to take a leap of faith. To just be. Which in the end I think is much more satisfying.

And in the case of love. Well, love just happens. It doesn't tend to be a decision you make. There is no choice.....Unless you're the type that fears to truly follow your heart.

I hope you've enjoyed my Sunday babble. Cheers!

Ba Ba Ba da Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:44:50 GMT

How much would you bet That if I tried hard enough I would spontaneously combust I wish I could disappear and run away from all of my fears I think I'm coming undone

So stay the night I promise that I won't bite 'Cause without you there I don't think I could close my eyes

How do I end up this way A constant knot in my gut Tied with uncertainty and with lust A classic case I suppose A haunted man who can't out run his ghosts They're in my skin and my bones

So stay the night I promise that I won't bite 'Cause without you there I don't think I could close my eyes

And now I sing...

Happy Saturday.

Far Away I Want to Go Far Away

Nella Mia Anima — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:15:58 GMT

I have an affinity for this song. Have you ever stopped dead in your tracks in the middle of your day-be it at work, home, walking down the street-and think to yourself "I've got to get away." Well, I have. I'll find my life getting too routine for comfort and need to shake things up a bit, so I do and sometimes a little too much.

But, the idea is, is that sometimes we need to get away from the life we're living and try another one out. A person shouldn't stay walking the same path, retracing their steps day in and day out. Eventually, those tracks will become too deep and it will become impossible to step out of them. I don't want that to happen.

Although I have the feeling sometimes that it may be too late, I find myself stepping out of the worn path I've made. The footprints I've made are kind of deep, but not deep enough to stop me.

Anyhoo, this is my new favorite "warm-weather-escape" jingle. I like to ride in my Subbie (my nickname for my car), windows down, and imagine what life would be like on an island in the blue bay...

Post Colin Meloy

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:36:03 GMT

Here it is, as promised, my post post. Let me start by saying it was quite a different night of music than I've been accustomed to lately. I'll admit I'm a sucker for "sad-bastard music," but on a Friday night I want my hand clapping, foot tapping kind of music. Now, I should have expected that tonight would be a bit different, I suppose. But don't get me wrong, I appreciate it all the same. There was most definitely a new find tonight: Laura Gibson. Oh my, let me tell you. If you see her in person you will instantly want to be her new best friend, I did. She's so pure, so innocent: untouched by human civilization. There's this extreme humbleness about her: she has no idea how wonderful she is. Watch her, you'll see. She sways, almost rocks, back and forth almost as if she's comforting herself as a mother does her child. She's just adorable. She even admitted that she discovered Wikipedia for the first time the other day...what?! Yes, it's true. I'm glad she enjoyed Buffalo. She said she had a really nice walk and the highlight was seeing the man, known to Buffalonians as Chuck, blow bubbles from a second story window. Bubbles, floating down upon the street-how could that not make someone's day? Beware though. If you do see her in concert don't have too many drinks beforehand, because her songs have the power to trap you in a daze and put you to sleep, and I mean that in the best way. But, they have a very lullabyish quality to them. Just don't say you weren't forewarned. As for Colin, the guy is talented no doubt about it. He's an eccentric individual with his table adorned with a red table cloth, a bottle of wine and interesting stage companions; one of them being a framed picture of a sock puppet ha! The man has a wonderful voice. I mean between him and Laura, I was amazed at the control they had over their voice, which is really highlighted when there's nothing other than an acoustic guitar accompanying it. I suppose I'm just a bit disappointed because he didn't play my song: We Both Go Down Together. That's fine though. I needed to open myself up, and I did enjoy the new additions he brought along. OH, note to self, if you see him in concert and he sings the song he sang over the phone to Steve about his stolen bike, you must ask out loud what Steve's reaction was. Someone did just that tonight and we got the ENTIRE story about the bike and where it is today-fascinating stuff. Well, it's been a night of mellow music, so I want nothing more than to let my head hit the pillow.

Sweet Dreams fellow Moggers.

Pre Colin Meloy Concert

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:18:20 GMT

This is the first time I've actually made a post prior to attending a performance; however, there's a song and a video that I just couldn't wait to share. Think of it as a teaser post with a post Colin Meloy concert post to come.

I had to share this particular video for the following reasons: 1.) The song is fabulous 2.) His shirt is fabulous 3.) His sense of humor is fabulous

Happy almost Friday Moggers. Go out and face that Friday morning like champs!

Cheers~ Nella

Daydreamer

Nella Mia Anima — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:54:59 GMT

This South London gal just had the release of her album '19' in the U.S. not too long ago. This song is the beautiful song that caught my attention and drew me to look further. http://www.myspace.com/adelelondon http://adele.tv/

We all need a good daydream now and again... Happy Monday Folks!

I Heart The Dodos

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:49:17 GMT

I've found a new love. It doesn't take much, just a guy and his guitar and throw in a few harmonic chords and I'm there: in love. The Dodos have captured my heart tonight or this morning? This duo was a trio tonight. I'm new to the Dodo scene, but thought there were just two: Meric Long and Logan Kroeber. But the "third wheel" earned his keep, in my opinion, tonight. From a baby (literally like baby as in infant and/or toy and not baby grand) piano and a huge ass xylophone, he was rockin right along with these San Fran boys. They had some sick reverb effects going on and digital delay...all together...it was just pure ecstasy. As always, the foot was tapping the hands were clapping and I could just feel the music in every part of my body. I was sad to see the night end.

And again, I turned up the opportunity to have these dudes sleep at my house, because they came out and asked for a place to stay-got to love these vagabond artist types.

It's 2:46 a.m. so that's all I've got. I'll leave you with two of my favs from the night: The Ball and Fools. Hope you enjoy.

"San Francisco-based singer/guitarist of psych-folk-pop duo Dodos hones the callings of free-spirited, unhinged acts like Animal Collective, the music he makes with drummer Logan Kroeber embodies a spirit of its own. Long's light, ephemeral finger play on the acoustic guitar is fast, warm and focused, resonating under his refined lyrical hopscotch... Add Kroeber's stomping tom-and-tambourine backbeat, which recalls the Velvet Underground's Moe Tucker, and that amounts to one shit-kicking good time." Houston Press

http://www.myspace.com/thedodos

Langhorne Slim Visits Buffalo

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:01:35 GMT

So last night I had the pleasure to not only have Langhorne Slim order a drink next to me, but to see him and his band, the War Eagles, perform in the intimate, hole-in-the-wall known as Mohawk Place. It was an exciting night for these gents, as they would later in the evening be watching themselves perform on the Late Show with David Letterman. Their a bit rock, a lot more folk and a whole lot of soul. It's the kind of music that your body just can't help but to move to. Some songs get you stomping your feet, clapping your hands and quite possibly jumping up and down. Langhorne Slim, known as Sean Scolnick to some, has a voice that I believe could be best described as a younger, cleaner, more folkier Bob Dylan. All I could think last night is that it would be great to hear him back home at SPAC-a beautiful outdoor venue, surrounded by pine trees and always glowing with flickers from random huddles of tokers ha.

In this wonderful day and age of credit/debit cards my pockets are rarely ever filled with paper money. Regardless of the fact that I had only a dollar to my name, I walked up to the card table the band had set up and took a look at the merchandise. I asked whether they had a "credit card swipey thing" and the drummer, Malachi DeLorenzo (sweet name right?) indicated they didn't, but kindly gave me the CD with their most recent four songs on it. I thanked him and told him that I'd try to get him back in Portland, OR since I just so happen to be traveling there the very same weekend they're there. I got a sweet smile and a chuckle from him. Think he'll be surprised when I acutally show? I wasn't kidding... Anyway, they went on to play a ridiculously fun set.

Unfortunately I didn't act quick enough, if I had I could have had the whole band (all three of them) to my house to watch themselves being nationally televised, as they had asked if anyone wouldn't mind if they came over to drink and watch some TV. Oh well.

Check out their MySpace page. I really like the first song Diamonds and Gold. And I think this song is great too, it's the song they played last night on Letterman. They are a humble, silly, charming, and very talented trio (FYI-Paul Defiglia is the bass player). If you find Langhorne Slim in your neighborhood give 'em your ears for a few hours. I think you'll be pleased.

Cheers!

http://www.myspace.com/langhorneslim

Fun Fact: Langhorne is the name of the town in Pennsylvania where Sean's from.

This song "In the Midnight" exposes a bit of the bluegrass feel that really comes out in some of their songs. It's also a great "audience participation" kind of song, which are always my favorite...LaaaaLaaaLaaaaLaLa

Paul, Malachi, and Langhorne Slim (Sean)

Nothing like a good 7"

Nella Mia Anima — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:56:41 GMT

Good, now that I have your attention... What a marvelous, yet bitter sweet day. If you take a look through my photos you'll come across a shot I took of the front of, what I believe to be, one of Buffalo's true gifts to those who care about music: New World Record. On a sunshiny day you can stroll down Elmwood, pop into Spot coffee and grab a tall, nonfat, mocha cappuccino on wheels and slip next door to listen to some new tunes and contemplate whether today is the day that you will finally buy one of those Jesus action figures. Well, sadly such a day no longer exists.

NWR recently moved off of the beloved Elmwood strip to a plaza where it's now neighbors with a chinese food take-out place, pet shop, nail salon and I think a UPS. It just makes you want to cry. Either way, I still go visit and today was one of those days. I'm not sure how long I was in there, but left with a number of treasures. I decided to stock up since they're having a 20% off going-out-of-business sale...I'm hoping somehow maybe they'll figure out a way to stay open.

Nothing can replace the feeling of going into a music store (an authentic one too, I'm not talking like FYE or Strawberries music store-for those that remember that ha) and wandering up and down each row: pop, rock, indie, country, R&B and the list goes on. Then you grab the headphones and take a listen-niiice. You find your way to the counter, CDs piled high and start laying them out asking for recommendations, "That right there is by far my most favorite album of all time, so I can't give a higher recommendation than that" is always a nice confidence booster and great for those of us who are extremely irresolute when given more than one option. I had such a "feel good" experience when I went today.

I was looking for the Band of Horses-Cease to Begin album and found no Band of Horses CDs to be found anywhere, but decided to ask. The guy turns around, pulls the CD off the store's personal shelf and says "I can sell you this used copy for $7.99 if you'd like?" Of course I took it home with me. Then when I didn't think things could get any better, to my right I notice this little cardboard sign with Kate Nash's Foundations CD pic on it saying that they had FREE vinyls with "Foundations" and "Old Dances" on it. So I ask if they have any more and under a layer of various articles this wonderful being emerges, with what I think may have been the last, cute little white record sleeve and hands it over the counter to me. I felt like a kid in a candy store that was just handed a giant, round, swirling rainbow lollipop-the ones that would take you weeks to actually finish. And you may be thinking, well that's great, but were you excited because it was free or can you actually listen to it?! Well, I'd like to report that yes, yes I can. And I did.

It is probably the most beautiful possession of mine: a dark brown Magnavox console record player. It's absolutely amazing and there's nothing like hearing music playing off vinyl: crisp, vibrant and soulful. It was given to me after my great uncle Frank passed. He was an incredibly hard working, truely authentic Italian man. And if the record player weren't exciting enough I also was given all that came with it "Italian Gold," "Disco Italiano," "Under Italian Skies," and there's more, even some amazing Frank Sinatra...it takes you to another world. So I thank him for giving me one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received in my life. This song Old Dances was on side B. I hope you enjoy this little treasure.

Quite Surprising

Nella Mia Anima — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:55:53 GMT

So it's Friday...finally...and for the second day in a row I've found myself in a remarkably happy mood at the end of the day. And this feeling of pure glee comes from this song. Anyone who saw me driving home must have been quite amused. First I have refused to buy the adaptor that makes the music go from your iPod to your car speakers, so instead I drive with my earbuds in. So, there I am, my classic iPod white wires hanging down either side belting out "birds can fly so high and they can shit on your head..." over and over again, periodically stopping for a good laugh at myself. It just feels great to sing the word shit. Go ahead try it, I promise you your day will reach a new high.

I see the moon and the moon sees me...

Nella Mia Anima — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:48:11 GMT

You'll notice that to the left in my "songs you should be listening to" the song My Man My Moon sits patiently, ready to be heard. I'm sure many have heard the song before. It's fun and lovable. But really I'm just calling it out because I like it AND because it has the word moon in it. If you look out at the moon tonight it's a really neat sight. It almost looks like the man in the moon is smiling down on us all. I don't know why I've always been amused by this-something that would amuse a five year old-but at 27 I still think it's pretty neat that you can be hundreds and thousands of miles away from someone and be looking at the same thing at the same time...

Goodnight from the East Coast.

Remembering Who You Are

Nella Mia Anima — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:55:00 GMT

You will soon find that I'm not one to note band members by name, the istrumental nuances of a song, or the predecessors of my new favorite group. That's just not who I am, never was, never will be. Not that I don't appreciate such things, but I see music in a whole different way. Stop. Think. Think about the songs that you love. The songs that for some reason, no matter how old they may be, jump to the forefront of your mind. What is it about them? For me, a song becomes a "favorite" because of who I was, where I was, and what I was feeling when I heard it. The human senses of hearing, smelling and tasting parallel each other in that all three have the power to take you right back to one moment in time: the moment you heard those songs and they moved you in a way you were never moved before, and in a way you will never forget. Just like how the smell of jammy wine reminds me of Napa; fresh cut grass of the days I ran through my backyard wearing rolled-up jean shorts, a florescent colored shirt, and keds; pine takes me straight to the Adirondacks where I'm embraced by clusters of coniferous trees; and the smell of a certain body soap brings me back to my high school sweetheart. Memories shape who you are and what you hold close. I remember the songs that have shaped my life, and the songs that have left their permanent stamp on my soul. This song just happens to be one of them.

~Nella Mia Anima (Italian for "In my soul").