Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Aaron and I went to the sold out Godspeed You! Black Emperor show at the Metro on Saturday. And it was pretty breathtaking, in more ways than one. The set had everything I wanted to hear, and frankly, I am glad we went to the Saturday show because Sunday was slightly different. 

I have often wondered how they make certain sounds so watching them perform was enlightening. We ended up fairly close to the stage; however, my short stature made it difficult to see regardless. The projections were mesmerizing  but sometimes repetitive. It is not difficult to wander through your own thoughts and projections during the songs. 

Despite how really incredible the set was, it was long. Almost too long. The Metro is not the most ideal venue, especially for sold out shows for a band that plays for over 2 hours without a break. It was hot. But my attention did not really wander. And was relieved when they did not do an encore not only because of my own opinions on the idea of an encore but also for the sake of my aching legs and back. 

I love a band that can instigate the morality and meaningfulness of music, art, and a live performance. I know the band does not regard concerts highly, but I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy and reflect on their musicianship. 

And the post-show milkshake was delicious.

And suddenly my eyes were open...

I feel like I have been in a bit of a haze lately. The advent of Spring has definitely been the wake up call I needed.

In the past month or so I:

• bought a bike
• went to Mexico
• made delicious foods
• planted some seeds
• joined Pinterest
• read some pretty interesting books
• found wonderful music
• took some nice photos

All of which I will make a point of sharing in the coming week or so.

For now, a sweet, sweet music video:



And all day I have been watching the Tiny Desk Concerts from NPR Music. The sound quality makes up for what the production quality lacks (in my opinion):

Breaks my heart

Mozzzart

In between photographing baseball all day, I got the privilege to take a break from the heat and relax in the Woodstock Opera House photographing the Mozart Fest. And it was glorious. The musicians were excellent. The crowd was a mix of adorable older men who couldn't possible stay awake and extra attentive fans.

And this is what ran...

Conductor Arthur Arnold leads the orchestra through Mozart's Symphony No. 14 in C Major at the Woodstock Mozart Festival at the Opera House in Woodstock on Sunday, August 1, 2010.

Watching the conductor was like watching an interpretive dance set to Mozart's Symphony No. 14.

New Music

With a collaboration between The Roots and Jim James (My Morning Jacket, Monsters of Folk) on: 

Dear God 2.0

I could express my utter disappointment in The Roots' claim to fame as Jimmy Fallon's house band (of which I am reminded that this single would not have been had The Roots and Jim James not met on the show), but I won't. 

I will say this is the marriage of two very different styles of music (not entirely without the same themes) and which includes two of my favorite musicians (Jim James and ?uestlove). 

Needless to say, I am excited, especially with the promise of this being a more "optimistic" album from The Roots (which you can not really tell by the single).

I am no music critic, but I like this.

Completely infatuated with this band...

Bonnaroo Bound

The worst part about Bonnaroo preparations is never remembering what exactly I thought would have been so handy the last time I went.

The best part about Bonnaroo preparations is the fact that none of it really matters. As long as I have water, sunscreen and a few provisions, I could care less how the rest goes.

But here is the list anyway:

Camping

Tent
Screen Tent
Air mattress (w/ battery operated air pump)
2 chairs
Table
Bedding
Lamps
Flashlights
First Aid Kit
Radio/iPod speakers
Trash Bags
Tarp (looks like it is going to rain)
Hammock
Duct Tape
Multitool
Hammer

Cooking

Cooler
Ice
Propane Grill
Extra Propane
Tongs
Spatula
Matches/Lighters
Forks/Knives/Spoons
Plates
Cups
Paper Towels
Cutting Knife
Can Opener
Foil
Ziploc Baggies

Food

Granola Bars
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Bread
Almonds
Trail Mix
Salsa
Chips
Apples
Veggie burgers/dogs
Hamburgers/hot dogs
Buns
Mustard
Coffee
Creamer
Muffins
Cheese Slices
Salt & Pepper
Corn (wrapped in foil)
Potatoes (wrapped in foil)
Butter
Canned Vegetables
Eggs
Water Bottle Lemonade flavoring
Adult Beverages

Personal

Clothing
Footwear
Rain Jacket
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush/paste
Bar Soap
Antibacterial Soap
Water Bottles
Ear Plugs
Debit Card/ID/Ticket
Camera
Bag (for Centeroo)
Lawn Blanket
Sunglasses

It seems like a lot, but most of it gets used at some point. Here is to a another wonderful year!

Waiting (im)patiently

I have been waiting for these two albums to make their way out, and I am actually beginning to get a little impatient. Simply due to the fact that there are very low quality versions of the Iron & Wine (3 LP!) out and nothing from Grizzly Bear. Something needs to distract me from school, and I was counting on music.


I also made it into this contest. Second place in Photo Story and Honorable Mention in Features. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for the reception on Friday.


Because I will be in New York City visiting former roommate , coworker, and mischief maker Cristina Stoll in her schnazzy new apartment.

Three weeks left.

Worth every minute

Many people have probably caught on to the genius that is in Animal Collective's new album:


Merriweather Post Pavilion debuted in January, however I cannot stress enough how this album is worth every minute spent listening to it. What a perfect way to bring in spring.