One last thing

I'm getting very nostalgic at the moment. (what else is new?)

I'm going to reflect one more time about this year.
good things happened.
bad things happened.

I attended Coachella for the first time (finally, after waiting forever), and that was an incredible weekend, musically. The location at that time of year is perfect for such a festival. I miss you all the time, Coachella. See you in 2009.

I attended Beirut at the Wiltern. It was wonderful. Being in the front row didn't hurt, either.

Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco. I saw Radiohead, Beck, The Black Keys, among others. Awesome.

Chicago. I love you. Mostly because you remind me of Sufjan Stevens, but I still love you nonetheless. Oh, and maybe because I want to attend school there. The midwest in general is an interesting place that I'd like to see more of. I miss you too, Indiana.

I met some interesting people this year. I am thankful. Friendships were strengthened, and new friendships began. Some people decided to move away, but distance is not something new in my life, so I deal with that as best as I can I guess.

Thanks 2008. It's in the books. I like a lot of you, 2008, but I dislike some of you, too.

Until next year,

Gabby.

Latha, yes. Helvetica, no.

The above banner you see in the blog title space says it all.
"avant noise. new and improved in 2009" in latha font.

I have goals for the new year regarding this blog. I want to write more reviews, and really keep up with everything. I want to be more focused on this, and on all things music/art/life/etc.

Expect things. Or not.

Misc.

I had a few chuckles when I saw this.

2008, you are coming to a close. It's been real. It's been fun. All things considered, you were a decent year. I expect 2009 to be better than you, though (sorry). Hopefully, 2009 will live up to my standards (no pressure).

I feel like I sound like Carles while I write this, except I like to write words correctly. Who's Carles, truly?

This makes no sense, but it does.

edit:
I just noticed how Seinfeld/Crystal Castles very much ties into 2008, and the future (2009).

Take a bow to the old.
A new age is upon us.

Miroir Noir

Arcade Fire are releasing a documentary entitled Miroir Noir, a Neon Bible Archive. It was filmed by the one and only Vincent Moon (la blogotheque).

I'm thinking that those Arcade Fire La Blogotheque videos from 2007 are a part of the documentary...I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

You can purchase and download the documentary from http://www.miroir-noir.com/. If you want a physical copy, however, you can pre-order it.

That is all I have to report at the moment.
My love for Arcade Fire never died.

Review: That Ghost- Young Fridays

If you've been reading this blog at all, you might have noticed that I am a big supporter of Ryan Schmale's music. Perhaps he is better known to you under his alias, That Ghost. He released his fourth full-length this October, however it is his first full-length release since being signed to Two Syllable Records this summer.

I was already familiar with about one third of the album prior to its release, although it was still wonderful to hear those songs on the record. Even though now signed to a label, do not for a second think that the honesty of That Ghost is gone. The music remains true, and still harbors that wonderful lo-fi and warm sound.

The track "I Can't Help It and I Can't Stop It" really surprised me, but in a positive way. It starts off with pounding drums, and then vocals and rolling guitar kick in simultaneously. "You think too much, so you give up." That line is always replaying in my head. This song has attitude, and contrasts with some of the more mellow tracks on the album.

"A Song About A Bird I Know" is so pretty and sweet. "Fly little one, little one. Fly away. Run, little one, little one. Run away. Tall, tall grass and the high white fences. Through the green, green grass and the broken fences." I love this song. It almost has a sort of lullaby quality to it. Beautiful.

Of course, older tracks like the memorable "Open Windows", dance-rock worthy (but not that typical dance-rock stuff, you know? More like, "this has more of a rock feel to it, and I could dance to this if I wanted to" type thing...) "I Crossed Out The Options" and the mellow/wonderful/nostalgic "Bedside" remain favorites.

According to Two Syllable Records, Young Fridays charted on the CMJ Top 200 at #98, which is rather impressive for an album that was released a mere two months ago.

I found my copy of 2007's Winds From Westward, still in it's awesome paper diy packaging. I honestly love it. In comparison with Young Fridays, I'd say Winds From Westward is my favorite. However, I encourage you all to purchase Young Fridays. It's perfect for winter.

I've been saying it, and I'll gladly say it again-- You will be seeing a lot more of That Ghost in the near future.

Young Fridays can be purchased for $11.99 through That Ghost's myspace.

Good tidings.

A belated Christmas wish from Chris Garneau.
"It's Almost Christmas"

enjoy.

I received That Ghost's newest release, Young Fridays, in the mail today. It's interesting how this same day last year, I received one of his albums in the mail. That was a good day. But rather than plunging into that deep pool of nostalgia, I'll go and listen to the album, tell Ryan what I thought of it, and then I'll tell you all what I thought of it.

myspace.com/thatghost

All good things,
Gabby

Literature

I acquired a few books this Christmas, and I am quite glad about that. I still have a few more to purchase, however. By a few, I mean a lot. Some books have been on my list for over a year.

Read books.
That's all.

It's Christmas Time

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. I hope you find great joy and love today, and every day. Christmas Eve was a wonderful time. All the family gathered and we enjoyed each other's company. Today, my brother arrived from Brazil after 2 months of being away, so now the family is complete! All the children are home with mother bird. I was going to post some pictures, but they're on my sister's camera. Maybe later.

Rejoice.

Dear Mr. Barnes

Dear Kevin Barnes,

Your lyrics speak volumes to me. Even when you're singing about your relationship with your wife, Nina, I somehow find a meaning within those words for my own life, even if it's completely different from your own intended meaning.

Here's to you, Mr. Barnes, and your complex lyrical structures that take many different shapes.

The beauty of music.

Fondly,

Gabby.

Year-End Lists

Read this post: Click Here

I found it to be humorous, yet true.

Best Albums of 2008

I've decided that I don't have a favorite album of 2008. This year I went through many cycles of music. For a time, all I listened to was "Antidotes" by Foals. For a time, I listened often to Vampire Weekend. For a time, I listened to "Modern Guilt" by Beck often. Late of the Pier was in heavy rotation during the summer. And then there was "Fleet Foxes". That is a gem of an album. It's not surprising that it managed to land on everyone's list of 2008's best. As well as Beck, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, No Age, TV On The Radio, etc...

The results seemed so typical. I don't know. The point is, I don't have a favorite or a list of favorites.

that's all.

Miscellaneous.

I love that picture.

I was home all day yesterday due to a fever. I still am feeling a bit feverish. I feel so out of it. All I want to do is sleep all day.

Tonight my sister arrives from San Francisco. I shall be glad to see her. I haven't seen her since August!

I listen to Crystal Stilts by Crystal Stilts on repeat often.

I'm really hungry.

Have a nice Tuesday.

Avant Noise...radio?

This blog could be hitting the radio waves really soon. I've been in contact with some people, and it looks like I might have my own broadcast once a week! I'm thinking Sundays would be the best time for me, because I still have school, and I'm generally home on Sunday nights, anyway.

I'm excited about it! I'll post more information on that soon.

I also made a mix cd for Hollow Earth Radio that I will be sending in soon. They have such a great concept. I wouldn't mind working for them one day.

Things of the mind.

Things that are on my mind;

Christmas. It is a joyous occasion, but everyone is so stressed out over buying gifts and such. That is not the point of Christmas.

The music industry and the fact that it could essentially downsize even further. As a person who dreams of entering the music business (not as a performer/artist, however), I have to take a step back and assess the situation. I have been cautioned by those already in the industry (and they have been in the industry 40+ years, mind you) that this is not the time to enter such a business. But will there ever be a "good" time? I don't know. From what I have read, jobs are scarce, and a lot of labels are downsizing or closing. How am I supposed to start my own label, and expect to survive in the "real" world?

Literature. I was at Border's today, buying a copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower for a friend as a gift. The cashier at the register exclaimed most sincerely, "I love this book!" For some reason, that simple statement made me smile. Perks is a wonderful book, by the way. Read it if you have not done so yet!

Simple things in life make it worthwhile. I couldn't help but be glad over the flock of birds I saw in the sky in their "v" formation, flying south for the winter.

Take the time to notice the small things. They are worth it.

:)

Fancy Footwork.

I thoroughly enjoy these Rite Aid shoes. The actual name is 'FunSteps'. I had been searching for these shoes for well over a year at every Rite Aid I walked into. I never had any luck, until Saturday when I walked into Rite Aid in Norco. Yes, self-proclaimed Horse Town U.S.A. I was actually pretty content about my find. (I purchased the beige pair) Now, when I need shoes, I shall drive to Norco. Never again will I buy the same pair of shoes at Urban Outfitters for $10 more. Silly, silly.

I know, I get excited about $6 shoes. Awesome.

By Jove, we've got it!

Dec. 15, 2008 -- If your head is overheated, there's a good chance you'll yawn soon, according to a new study that found the primary purpose of yawning is to control brain temperature.

thanks, yahoo news.

I yawn often. Now I know why.

Awkward State.

I work from awkwardness. By that I mean I don't like to arrange things. If I stand in front of something, instead of arranging it, I arrange myself. - Diane Arbus

I had found this quote some time ago, but then I forgot where I found it and who had said it. I just found it again. Anyway, I thought I'd share. I like this quote, and how it describes that we must accept things as they are. In art, if you see something and you want to photograph it (for example), do not arrange it to your liking...arrange yourself to it. Too much tampering can be a bad thing.

-gggggggab.

Via Audio

I've been meaning to post about Via Audio for the past week or so, after I came across them through Chris Tucker's blog. (thank you, by the way).

I'm enjoying their sound. I think that they are a bit reminiscent of Mates Of State at times.

Their album "Say Something Say Something Say Something" (yes, 3 times) was produced by Jim Eno from Spoon.

My favorite track is "Modern Day Saint", a rather upbeat yet somewhat melancholy tune, followed by a more mellow "Developing Active People".

This post is for you, David, because you asked why I haven't been blogging in the past 6 days.

-Gabbs.

Shirts For Change

'Tis the season. While many of us will be spending time with our loved ones and eating great food whilst rejoicing in all the glory of the season of Christmas (or any other holiday you may celebrate), there are those who do not have this chance.

Colin Frangicetto has teamed up with Miles To Go Clothing and created some artwork (above image) that transformed into shirts. These shirts will be sold for only $9 and all proceeds go towards Philabundance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; an organization that provides food for families all year long.

Buy a shirt and help someone out this winter.
The shirts will be on sale until December 21st.

Buy Here


*the above shirt also comes in blue.

A Wombat Christmas

cute.

Perspective.

I often think about the state of the world we live in, and the other teens that share the same generation as I. Apathy is prevalent. Ignorance runs rampant. Maybe I address this issue too much. I do not want to seem like a pessimist who has lost all faith in humanity. I do not see the world as completely evil or hopeless. There is much evil here on this planet, that I can not deny. But I have seen great beauty and wonderful people who are trying to do something positive. I have faith and I have hope.

I was going to delve further into the subculture talk, but I don't have the time for that right now. I've been reading some things with great social commentary. It really made me think about the present state of humanity, and the people I see around. The falsehood becomes clearer each day. It manifests. It's overwhelming. We need a new renaissance.

more to come...

Every Generation Needs A Revolution

I feel a rant coming on about the state of our world and consumerism in general, as well as subcultures, hypocrites, etc.

I need to gather my thoughts.

I'll post part 1 soon.

Music: I Was A Fountain

Let's get straight to it. I Was A Fountain is Mark White, a 16 year old from St. Louis who, according to the ever awesome Chris Tucker, "crafts beautiful songs about life, love, and growing up. Just don’t expect any choruses." Right you are, Chris. Right you are.

IWAF will be releasing his EP on December 16th, but you get to set your own price...much like what Radiohead and Girl Talk did with their latest releases. So, pick your price, download, and listen.

www.myspace.com/iwasafountain

Hark!

I want to record a Christmas song with someone or a group of people, just for the sake of it. I think it'd be fun.

A Take Away Show: Margot and the Nuclear So & So's

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - As Tall as cliffs - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.