Alexander McQueen's Union Jack Boots

If these boots were made for walkin' ... I'd like see them try because it damn sure isn't what I'll do. Those are four inch stilettos. I'll probably just stand for a couple of minutes in a highly populated area so that people will notice my kick-ass Union Jack footwear made of patent leather and suede. And I will loudly proclaim my love for all things British.

See that steal toe? That's in case anyone gives you any guff about your Anglophilia. Fashion is pain ladies. So what if they run $1,264; it's least we're not talking in pounds.

fun. what's that?

If a band is going to name themselves fun., then one would hope they live up to the title. I believe they do. Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Dost (Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train), who are collectively known as fun., released their debut album "AIM and IGNITE" last week.

fun. blends jangly horn-infused ‘70s-style pop and will most likely garner hipsters and scene crowds, even if they're music couldn't be further from indie rock. I haven't been this excited about a pop-rock group since Ben Kweller. fun. is currently on their North American tour, which includes Atlanta, GA, but alas, no central Florida. Let's hope that changes.

Hello David! Do You Like Toast Too?

Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not really interested in meeting celebrities I admire or have infatuations with anymore. That way I’ll never be disappointed when they turn out to be everything I’d hope they wouldn’t.

I played inside the world of the music business for several years and met my share of famous people and even worse, those who thought they'd achieved higher levels of fame. Ninety percent of the time it was an utter disappointment. The ones you expected to be really nice were assholes and the ones that looked like they would possess that "I'm cooler than you so kiss my chest" attitude, were actually quite nice.

With all that said, I couldn't turn down my chance to meet my favorite literary word slinger - David Sedaris. Until now, I've missed every opportunity to meet or hear him read aloud. Now was my chance, as he was coming to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.















Like any geek, I sweated over what I would say once in front of him. Funny enough, he spoke of the awkward conversations and random questions that fans offered up at book signings. He said that some folks get so nervous that they ask questions like, "Do you like hot dogs?" And for some reason, this reminded me of Mitch Hedberg joking about his meeting with Peter Frampton. "Hey Frampton! Do you like toast too?"

The more Sedaris spoke of the crazy things people say to him, the more worried I became. What the hell was I going to say? I kept looking at my friend Ryan sitting next to me with vexation. After reading from several works, Sedaris offered the audience a chance to ask questions. One girl asked if he'd ever considered turning his stories into plays. That's when the light bulb went off. I did that! In a recent performance class, we adapted a couple of his stories into plays. I would tell him about it, that's what I do. That was my in.

After the show, Sedaris was signing books in the lobby. From what I could see, he looked more excited to meet his fans than the other way around. Palms sweating, I stepped up to the table with nervous apprehension. As I told him of our adaptations, he started asking me lots of questions, spawning what I thought to be an amazing conversation. I was too afraid to look at those behind me, as I knew the herd of eager fans were getting restless.

After chatting a few minutes, he finished writing in my book and said thank you for the compliments. Just as I was turning to walk away, he asked, "Sara, come back. I have something for you. I found this while I was in Brazil recently and have been looking for someone cool to give it to and I think I'd like you to have it."

Rummaging through his satchel, he pulls out and a large sticker (almost like a bumper sticker) that read 100% Jesus. I looked at him and we exchanged grins.

Walking to the car, Ryan asked me what he wrote in my book. In all my excitement, I forgot to look! I opened the cover and it read, Sara, your story touched my heart. Love, David.

I suppose meeting someone you really admire is worth the risk. Sometimes.

Fan-made videos can be cool

I've been gaining excitement for the forthcoming debut release from The xx, said to come out in the fall. They've just released their second single "Basic Space," which Pariah does a nice remix of.

This isn't the offical video, but rather a nicely done fan-made video by Youtube username Toadvine. He uses clips from Godard's film "Vivre Sa Vie". It hasn't even been online for a week and is making it's way around blog nation.

This Is My Kind of Cookbook

I'm not a great cook. In fact, I get nervous at nearly every attempt. Over the years I've collected a number of cookbooks, usually given to me as gifts and titled something clever, like "How to Boil Water" or "The Girl Can't Cook: 275 Fabulous No-Fail Recipes a Girl Can't Be Without." One of my favorite cookbooks is by actress-comedian Amy Sedaris titled "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence"; however, it's more funny than useful.

The latest addition to my collection of "wish I could" cookbooks is by singer-songwriter Carolyn Mark titled "The Terrible Hostess: Recipes for Disaster Vol II." This will coincide with the release of her new album "Let's Just Stay Here," due out this October on Mint Records (home to the New Pornographers, Lou Barlow, The Handsome Family, Neko Case and more).

Her music is a combination of country twang and vintage sheek. Here's her latest single:
The Business End

The Big Pink. They're such a tease.

UK band The Big Pink continues to tantalize us by releasing another single called "Dominos," which is off their debut album "A Brief History Of Love," due out September 15th. The duo self-produced the record in New York, collaborating with mix master Rich Costey (Muse and Interpol).

Dominos
Velvet (gang gang dance remix)

I'm still crushing on their video for "Velvet":

Congratulations Bret and Jermaine!

Double fist bump for Flight of the Conchords as they have been nominated for 6 Emmys! I might shed a tear if they don't at least win for "Outstanding Comedy Series."

Here’s the whole list of what they’ve been nominated for:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Lead Actor
Outstanding original music for “Carol Brown” (Sub Pop)
Outstanding Sound Mixing
Outstanding Writing

And now for one of my favs:

Speaking of New Order...

Tribute albums can be cute in that "awe, how sweet" sort of way. They can also be unflattering if the artists fails to do a nice job or the compilation of songs doesn't exactly flow together. In this case, let's hope it's the former.

Florida independent record label, or what they call a digital distribution portal, called 24 Hour Service Station assembled a tribute album honoring the music of New Order entitled "CEREMONY - A New Order Tribute." The double CD plus bonus disc and digital album are scheduled for release in the fall of 2009.

Monies raised from record sales will benefit the Salford Foundation Trust’s Tony Wilson Award, which aids children and young people who demonstrate a special talent or ambition in the arts. Tony Wilson was a journalist and a co-founders of Factory Records, the Manchester based British indie label that featured several prominent musical acts, including Joy Division and New Order.

Artists have donated a version of their favorite New Order track. Partakers include Rabbit In The Moon, Win Win Winter, Kate Havnevik, SUNBEARS!, Jah Division, Geri X, The Cloud Room, DETACHMENTS, The Beauvilles, Kingsbury, The Penelopes, GD Luxxe, Pocket, XOXO, Kites with Lights, Dub Gabriel and more.

New Order Kaput?

It's official, for now anyways. New Order have finally decided to split up, two against one. Speaking about the break up to NME, lead singer Bernard Sumner states, "We split into two factions, there's me Steve and Phil. The other is Peter Hook."

Sumner along with drummer Stephen Morris and guitarist Phil Cunningham have joined forces with Blur's Alex James for a new project called Bad Lieutenant. Apparently, the split isn't on the best of terms as Hook no longer has anything to do with the rest of the band.

One would think, after all the years they've been playing together, why side projects aren't a necessity. I really can't understand why they take it so personally? At any rate, the BBC said that Bad Lieutenant has recorded an album and it's due in October.

Très bon

If you're in love with the French language, like I am, then you'll find the music of Quebec's Coeur De Pirate sweet and creative. Singer-songwriter Béatrice Martin, who performs under the stage name Cœur de pirate, carries a little bit of Feist and a little bit Francoise Hardy in her vocals.

Her debut self-titled album was released in 2008, which was nominated for Francophone Album of the Year at the 2009 Juno Awards. She's now starting to catch on here in the states. Take a listen...

Dark Night of the Soul

Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and David Lynch ... oh my. The mysterious album, "Dark Night of the Soul" includes a collaboration of artists that's enough to send this music nerd's heart a fluttering, but it's best to read the whole NPR Article.

Other artists appearing on the album include James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.

Verderslice Releases New Material...among other artistic endeavors

He's a busy guy, that John Vanderslice. You have to love an artist that take full advantage of his creativity, never dabling. For one thing, he founded the Tiny Telephone recording studio in San Francisco which is still 100% analog. That means their recordings are a bit old-timey and use tape instead of computers to record music --cool. Death Cab for Cutie and Spoon have recorded there.

In between writing books, shooting photography and performing, he's also managed to release new music. Romanian Names (released May 19, 2009) offers catchy hooks, carefree harmonies and is completely melody driven. The indie rocker also teamed up with his friend John Darnielle, of The Mountain Goats to release a vinyl-only EP entitled Moon Colony Bloodbath.

Too Much Time
Fetal Horses

Phoenix's "Lisztomania" in a Brat Pack Mashup

I'd just like to thank the individual that made this.

My Valentines To You

A little Chet Baker action..."My Funny Valentine"

Top 10 Albums of 2008

At the end of every year, I initiate a war with myself by making a list of my top 10 favorite albums. The difficulties occur when trying to narrow these folks down; the list inevitably changes every time I look at it. Over all, this was a great year for folk music and indie rock with hip-shaking beats. So, here's my list in semi-particular order. Of course, it’s subject to change.













1. Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
Justin Vernon’s beardy-man folk music is sonically beautiful and low key without being depressing. I’ll admit, at times you may feel as though you’re alone in a remote cabin somewhere in the mid-west during a snowstorm - most likely because that’s where he wrote and recorded most of these songs - and yet it still makes me smile. Favorite tracks: “For Emma” and “Lump Sum”

2. Sigur Rós Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust
It's arty, trippy, experiemental and fluid - and possibly their best album yet. Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust delivers a mirage of sounds, including cheerful acoustic guitars and drum beats. One of my favorite qualities in their music and with this album is their trademark ability to slow-climb each song with grandeur. It's impetuous and I love it. Favorite tracks: "Bobbledigook" and "Vid Spilum Enda"aust"

3. She & Him Volume One
This album pays homage to classic country influences with a retro flare. The duo combine elements of romance, masculinity and narration that exudes charm. Favorite tracks: “This Is Not a Test” and “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”

4. M83 Saturday = Youth
As I said before, “This album is synthetically romantic and appropriately named. Saturday = Youth transports you back into eighties in the best way.” If you can appreciate bands like (OMD) Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and the Cocteau Twins, then you can appreciate this modern take. Favorite tracks: “Graveyard Girls” and “Kim and Jessie”

5. Kings of Leon Only By the Night
There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of new bands producing true rock ‘n’ roll music with a southern edge. I’m talking, without those trendy electronic components that so many bands encompass today. That is why this album stands out to me. It’s got it all - melodies, razor-sharp guitar riffs and elements of sex. Favorite tracks: “Closer” and “Sex on Fire”

6. Ray LaMontagne Gossip In The Grain
Here’s another bearded fellow who lives out in the country and produces beautiful ballads. Gossip In the Grain is seductive and emotionally charged. And his soulful voice just does it for me. If Van Morrison and Nick Drake are among my all-time favorites, there’s really no wonder. There’s even a song called “Sarah”. Favorite tracks: “Let It Be Me” and “You Are the Best Thing”

7. TV on the Radio Dear Science
This is a band that continues to get better with each album. If the criteria for a band to be indie rock are that they produce arty and experimental music, then these guys have become the kings of the indie rock. Dear Science brings explosions of funky dance beats and rock guitar riffs. I particularly like the incorporation of strings. Favorite tracks: “Halfway Home”, “Love Dog” and “Family Tree”

8. Portishead Third
Nothing has changed since the last time I wrote about this album, so I’ll quote. “It’s brilliant, but in the same exact way that Dummy was brilliant. This album is an extension to their last, instead of something completely different.” The only noticeable difference I see, is that they seen to have improved in every way. With age comes maturity, which they truly deliver. Favorite tracks: “Silence” and “Machine Gun”

9. Deerhunter Microcastle
This band is proof that Atlanta has a great music scene; perhaps the business of music should pay more attention. Microcastle contains all the right qualities: pop melodies, post-punk influences and ambient overtones. I recommend seeing this band live. Favorite tracks: “Never Stops” and “Nothing Ever Happened”

10. Erykah Badu New Amerykah: Part 1
This is my kind of R&B. It exudes a youthful playfulness that I can totally relate to. It’s socially conscious in a creative way, providing just the right amount of soul and hip-hop. Favorite tracks: “Honey” and “Soldier”

Runners up…
Devotchka A Mad & Faithful Telling
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
Crystal Stilts Alight of Night
Lykke Li Youth Novels