Music: The Welcome Wagon

If any of you love the music of Sufjan Stevens, such as I do, I do think you will like The Welcome Wagon.

The Welcome Wagon is comprised of Rev. Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique. You may recognize Vito and Monique through Sufjan Stevens, for not only are they great friends, but they sang on a few of the track on The Sufjan Stevens Songs For Christmas collection. Remember Vito's Ordination Song from the Michigan album?

Sufjan Stevens produced The Welcome Wagon's album, so that is already amazing. I have only heard one song, "Sold To The Nice Rich Man" (which I just realized I already had on my iPod due to the Asthmatic Kitty samplers I have, so you might have it already, too!). If it is any indication of what the album will sound like, then I am loving it already.

Here are some words from Asthmatic Kitty on The Welcome Wagon:

The Rev. Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique make up The Welcome Wagon, a folk-gospel duet borne out of the living-room sing-a-long tradition. The group was unofficially formed in 2001 with their appearance on the Asthmatic Kitty compilation To Spirit Back the Mews (2001), debuting the first song they ever wrote and recorded, “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” The Welcome Wagon have intermittently played at bars, parties, and seminaries throughout the tri-state area, often joined by friends on upright bass, drums, piano, and banjo. But their most familiar venue is the living room, where husband and wife strum guitar and auto harp, flipping through Methodist hymnals and shape-note songbooks, transcribing sacred songs into family style jingles. Over the past years they have been patiently recording an album of hymns, pop covers, and folksy originals with their friend and Brooklyn neighbor Sufjan Stevens. That record, 'Welcome to the Welcome Wagon', was recently completed and will be released on Asthmatic Kitty Records on December 9, 2008.

So remember, kids; their album comes out December 9th! Just in time for the holiday glory.

Put the lights on the tree.

I decorated the Christmas tree today as I listened to my Sufjan Christmas Songs, and it was lovely. This is the most glorious time of year for me, and I hope it is for you too. A lot of people get stressed out with holiday shopping and the like, but if you would just take a moment to embrace the wonderfulness of the holidays...

Today is Black Friday, as you all know, and I abstained from shopping this year. We're so wrapped up in consumerism...ahhh! Awful. But we all take part in it, so what can I say?

I need a job.

Listen to Sufjan Stevens Christmas. please. thank you.

Saint.

As the holiday season is now upon us, 'tis the time of gift giving and merriment. A friend of mine has released a new mix just in time for the holidays entitled "Saint". Check it out here.

He's affiliated with Harbor Astro Magic, so check that out too.

Revisit

I kind of miss The Jakes. I used to go to their shows all the time last year, and they were tons of fun. It was constant dancing, and those were some of the greatest times spent in 2007.

The Jakes have come a long way in the passed year, and I am glad for them.
I just had a rush of nostalgia, is all.

-gabs.

Arts & Crafts And Some Thanksgiving Wishes.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it is pleasant for you.

This summer I blogged about Arts & Crafts, one of my favorite bands from St. Louis. They finally put up the complete version of "Almighty Dollar", which is actually now called "Cross Leg".

Enjoy.

Wooden Shjips

I'm really getting into Wooden Shjips right now. They are a quartet from San Francisco that produces some awesome psychadelic noise rock, or whatever you want to call it...

Check them out!

I have some exciting news that I hope to share with you all quite soon.

Oh, and also, check out free music archive for some awesome free music provided by WFMU radio.

Music: The Union Line

The Union Line are a musical collective from right here in Orange County, that I came across earlier this year. Their song "Rich Man's Tune", off of their self-titled album, instantly captivated my ears and replayed in my head over and over.

To put it simply, The Union Line provides some down right good indie rock. Please listen to them.

You can stream their entire album here.
(Although, the songs cut off at about half way through, but it gives you a good idea as to what they sound like.)

For all you fellow Southern Californians out there (or if you so happen to be here during this holiday season...) they have some live dates scheduled, so get out there!

Nov 28 2008 9:00P
The Hotel Cafe w/ Local Natives, Voxhaul Broadcast & My Pet Saddle
Los Angeles, California

Dec 5 2008 8:30P
eVocal w/ Christina Dietz, Boomsnake and Alexander T Kent ALL AGES!!!
Costa Mesa, California

Dec 8 2008 9:00P
Silverlake Lounge w/The Color Turning and Local Natives 21+
Silverlake, California

Dec 10 2008 8:00P
The Blue Cafe w/ Caught In Motion and The Paperplanes
Long Beach, California

Dec 19 2008 9:00P
KROQ Locals only @ The Slidebar w/ Earlimart & The Deadly Syndrome
Fullerton, California

Dec 20 2008 9:00P
OC Tavern w/ Local Natives, The Jakes & Long Live Logos 21+
San Clemente, California

Polaroid of the week.

Christmas is one month away, kids.

Hollow Earth Radio

DIY radio. That's something I've been interested in for quite some time, and I hope that I will get to be a part of that realm in the future...even if it is just for a short time in college. I think it'd be great to have a little show on college radio.

I just came across Hollow Earth Radio while perusing through the Sub Pop Blog. It is a DIY radio station operating from a basement. I think that's pretty awesome.

Hollow Earth Radio: “found sound, field recordings, story-telling (sometimes paranormal), dream-collecting, radio plays, live house shows and local in-home performances.”

Music: David Macleod

I recommend Montreal native David Macelod's soft and relaxing acoustic melodies, for I think they are lovely. It would be most fitting to listen to David Macleod's music while in a field of tall grass, frolicking about...incase you're ever in that type of situation.

Listen to "One By One", my favorite.

"Ace Of Spades" is a bit more upbeat, and sort of reminds me of the caribbean for some reason.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower...screenplay?

I came across an interview just now with Stephen Chbosky, author of the acclaimed book The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. In this interview, he stated that he was working on a screenplay of Perks...but of course this was in 2005. I wonder what he's up to now...

Well, we may or may not be seeing a screenplay of Perks in the future. It would be interesting, though I feel like it's one of those books that would be really difficult to portray on film and stay true to the book and still have it be as wonderful. Of course, he is the author. I suppose time will tell.

Theatrics.

I've come across this idea many times, and I tend to agree with it...the idea that show-goers have become more demanding. Not everyone, but I'd say in general that's rather true. It no longer suffices to just see a band play and then leave. We want theatrics. We want to be entertained. While it's great to see what the musicians come up with, is it necessary? Probably not, but it's definitely a bonus to the show. One could look at this and say that it's completely taking away the focus of going to a show simply for the music. I don't know, I just thought I'd share.

The past few shows I've attended, there have been many visuals to accompany the music, which was excellent. I think it did make the show more interesting. I'm not sure where I stand on this issue, however.

Health Garb.

I dig these shirts.

Though I guess that the "you will love each other" shirts are now v-necks.

for the interested: www.healthnoise.com and then click fashion.

Music: For A Minor Reflection

I just came across these guys this morning from a friend who recently saw them on tour with Sigur Ros. Like Sigur Ros, For A Minor Reflection is also from Iceland. They will be wrapping up the tour tomorrow in Reykjavik.

The moment I heard them I thought "Explosions In The Sky". So, if you like Exlposions, chances you are you'll like them, too.

Music: Mr. Gnome

I just heard a few tracks from the band Mr. Gnome, and I am really digging it.

I recommend the track "Night Of The Crickets".

Soma FM never fails me.

Old Photographs.

I love old photographs, and I just came across some neat ones.


















My favorites are the first and last photos.

photos from: http://www.old-picture.com/

Joe Joe's

These cookies are essentially WONDERFUL. I had not had these in forever, but when my mother came home with a box of these beauties earlier this week, I was happy. These are far better than Oreos, and definitely lack all the crazy preservatives.

You will love it if you love anything about chocolate, vanilla beans, and cookies.

Thank you, Trader Joe's.

meezy.

mitchell davis makes me laugh.
mitchell davis makes you laugh.
mitchell davis makes us laugh.

I just felt I sould say that.

if for some reason you don't know who mr. davis is, perhaps you should youtube that name.
it should make you laugh.
if it doesn't at all, then I don't know what to say to you.

Rocket Science

"Maybe you shouldn’t think so much
about everything."

"I mean it’s not, it shouldn’t be
rocket, rocket... it shouldn’t be
rocket.... It shouldn’t be that
but it feels like, sometimes it
just feels, you know. I guess what
I just want to know when, at what
point, you see, does all this
begin, or really start, to make
sense?"

"All what?"

"Everything, all of it."

"I guess at some point.... see, you
reach a certain age and you’re in
Jersey, or someplace just like it,
and you stop trying to figure it
all out. It’s kind of like that.
You just are glad for what you
have."

"And that happens to everybody?"

"Pretty much, but you let me know if
it turns out different for you."
-rocket science.

Sometimes, life really does feel like rocket science. You can't always figure it out. But, anyway, I really liked this part at the end of the movie when Hal is asking his dad about life and love. It is something most can relate to, I think.

maybe we just take ourselves too seriously.

I couldn't agree more with that. The above title was provided by Mark White (I Was A Fountain).

I really do take things far more seriously than they need to be taken, especially myself. That's really not a good trait, but it is who I am, and I am learning to relax a bit. I guess we'll see how that works out.

And while I'm racking my brain thinking of ways in which I can get to and from Los Angeles this Saturday, I honestly think to myself that I am being incredibly selfish. Yeah, sure, I'll miss a great show and hanging out. Yeah, sure, I might loose some money (thankfully, ticket insurance exists. We'll see how that works out). But in the grand scheme of things, there are much more important things I should be focusing my energy towards. This is not the Gabulous Universe where things soley revolve around me wanting to see Of Montreal. It's not a "me" society, it is a "we" society. Life involves compromise at certain points. And while I am fully aware of this, I, as well as practically the rest of the human species, act selfish at times. What a foolish thing to do.

On an academic note, I have to write a 500 word essay comparing two things. The subject can be about anything I want. Take a wild guess as to what I will be choosing...

time's up.

Yes, that is correct. My topic of choice is music. What a shock. The whole layout is as follows; we must either pick two things within the realm of our chosen subject (in my case, music) that are either very similar or very disimilar. If they are similar, we must find differences, and if they are disimilar, we must find similarities. It might seem a bit confusing, but I'm looking forward in seeing how this all turns out. I'm thinking I'll just compare two bands, but I need to figure out who I want to compare to who. It has to be as specific as possible. I might even do two albums.

We'll see.

That Ghost: Open Windows

I just want to express the great amount of excitement and happiness that I am currently feeling. That Ghost is getting noticed more and more, and apparently Pitchfork was the one to debut the video for "Open Windows".

I just watchd a live video of "Open Windows" in New York as well, and I am honestly so happy that Ryan is getting this opportunity. Since my last That Ghost post, he was signed to Two Syllable Records, released a 7-inch, as well as another full length "Young Fridays". Ryan Schmale is hard at work, and I can guarantee that you will hear more from him in the future.

I want him to do well. Congratulations, Ryan.

http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/2008/11/get-it-get-with-it-that-ghost.html
myspace.com/thatghost

Photo of the week

I don't think anything needs to be said.
This was taken at HARD Haunted Mansion 2008.

photo: www.ilovelumix.fr

A Comment About The Film Industry, And How It Applies To Life

"We need writers with ideas and passion, who write with force and conviction; directors who have minds enriched by their lives and not a library of stunts and special effects. They must be centered in their feelings and ideas in the culture and society, not in comparing grosses and applauding computer-generated ballets of violence.

We need it like we need clean drinking water and roads, green parks and libraries; it is as important as the breath of democratic life. Somehow we need to keep alive in our hearts the vision of community, shared interests and understanding of our neighbors' needs, the sense of connection this fractionated society is losing."
- An excerpt from Frank Pierson's speech on the film industry.

I believe that this is applicable in all areas of art and life in general.
It is clear that we live in a money-driven society, and it has become a necessary evil. I was just discussing this with a friend a few days ago. Coincidentally, the day after our conversation was when I came across this Frank Pierson speech. Money is the destroyer, and people will literally kill and be killed for it. It's completely absurd.

It is faith and hope that keeps me going. I have so many dreams, and I know it's cliche, but I believe in them. I really do. These days, you need to have frends in high places or lots of money to progress somewhere in life. I believe I can acheive things without that, however.

Fleet Foxes to play Coachella 2009?

It has been "confirmed" that Fleet Foxes will play Coachella 2009. Has my hope really been fulfilled? I sure hope so, though if this confirmation is true, it is not completely surprising, but still lovely. We shall see soon enough.

This information was obtained via coachella and arcade fire message boards.
click to see coachella thread

Weird Tapes

an interesting find.
hoorah for blog radio.

http://www.weirdtapes.blogspot.com/

Songs for Christmas

If for some strange reason you do not own this Sufjan Stevens Songs For Christmas Box Set, please do yourself and head on over to his website right now and order it. It comes with cool stickers and a songbook. It will make your Holiday Season even more enjoyable. I promise.

California

Let me take a minute to rant about the absurd weather in Southern California. It is November 7th, and the high for today was 90 DEGREES. California is known to be sunny and all, but not this warm in November. I can't think of any time in all my life that it has been this warm in November in California.

I don't think I was meant to live in such a place. Clearly, I need real fall/winter weather.

I cannot wait until I return to Chicago, and can experience my first real winter there. But that's not for a while.

Polaroid of the week

Credit here.

TIME Magazine

May I just say that I think it is wonderful that there is an online archive of all articles TIME has published over the years. I was just reading an article published in 1985, and I just came across an article from 1939! I am truly intrigued by this. I really get a kick out of these things.

that is all.

Mogwai

Lately, I have been listening to a lot of Mogwai.

Winter.

Winter is almost here.
that's all.

Jumbling Towers

Jumbling Towers have a sound all their own. Joe DeBoer has the most unique vocals I've heard in some time. They're from Missouri...I like a lot of bands from Missouri, it seems.

I came across them in 2007 with the help of a friend.
(thank you, friend)

I encourage you all to listen to them, especially their older stuff, which can be found on last.fm
(their self-titled full length is great and can be purchased via iTunes, ebay, and amazon)

On their myspace, you can find some newer songs, and their newest ep is available for download via their website.

Check out their last.fm page for more info on releases, and to stream some of their music.
jumbling towers last.fm

The Kids Have Spoken.

I just heard "Broken" by Late of the Pier on the radio. This is news to me. Perhaps it isn't to you. Granted, it is an indie station on satellite radio, but I was still slightly surprised to hear them on American radio. Kids westward of the UK are catching on, of course. Of course.

Maybe this post is a bit trivial, but that is all I have to report at the moment.

Good evening.