Category Archives: Findings

what we’ve found. links, stuff, things and art. enjoy.

thoughts for a Saturday evening

  By Sarah | March 19, 2011 - 5:37 pm | Findings
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There’s a new Poptimist.

And Owsley Stanley died, he was killed in a car accident. You’d think of all the trips he’s been on – something stranger would have happened. I was wondering why Rolling Stone “re-printed” this.  And then the New York Times really cleared it all up for me.

With the Cake show approaching, now only a month away, I can’t stop listening to Motorcade of Generosity – which I didn’t realize was their debut. It’s chocked full of traditional Cake, anyway you like it.

Also, more of The Flipside with Jack White on NPR has arrived. I would give you more on SXSW, but quite frankly the abundance of press is overwhelming.

food and music – the only things that matter

  By Sarah | March 17, 2011 - 1:09 pm | Findings, Rants
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Jack White is abound. When he released that a rolling record store would appear at SXSW my heart was a-flutter. I almost dropped dead of jealousy when I saw this.  Thanks to the internet, there is plenty of SXSW coverage for those of us who cannot make it. (One day we will.)

In addition to that, there is plenty other findings I need to get out to the world. For our vegetarian loving friends, there is another Opinionator blog contribution from Mark Bittman. He brilliantly brings up the comparison of house pet treatment against and farm animal treatment. Why is it okay to beat a pig or a cow before you eat it but not okay to beat your dog, cat (or in this case, a hamster)?  The treatment of farm animals and house pets should always be in the same conversation. Bittman does it well (in anything he does). If you’ve seen any footage from investigative food industry reporting (be it documentary or online) you can see the harsh lives these animals live every day. It makes you think, shouldn’t  you be treating the animals you consume every day the same way you treat your house pets? 

For our friends at Team Coco, there is a new documentary about him. It chronicles the backstage life and life of the Legally Prohibited from Being on Television Tour from last summer. Which I did see with my dad in Atlantic City. It was pretty funny. But it dragged in the end. (Even before his fame I didn’t think Reggie Watts was very funny.) The tour seemed like Conan wanted something to do with himself. Instead of doing nothing. Which is why his ‘dark’ side coming out isn’t surprising. Although I cannot feel bad for him since he was given like, what - 30 million? to leave The Tonight Show. It’s the writers and the rest of us I feel bad for. The previous for moving their lives to get (literally) nothing and the latter for having to sit and listen to it.

And now there is my still current obsession with the press surrounding the Strokes. You can stream their whole album on their website until it comes out next Tuesday, the 22nd. I haven’t heard most of it. Just the first track (and the single that you hear everywhere.) But when Angeline sent me this, I started raging. David Fricke can call them the band that lead the beginning of revival of garage rock. (I guess he can.) But in no way shape or form is it okay to compare the debuting of the Strokes to the debuting of the Velvet Underground. The Velvet Underground is one of the most important bands. It is because of their content, timing, experiments with music, instruments, sound and their poetry. There is plenty of literature on the subject. And it’s not hard to find.  Being compared to the Velvets is unusual. Almost unheard of. And of all places to be found, for this to be published in Rolling Stone, the paralleling really dumbs down the Velvet Underground. (The Strokes are the last band that ever deserves that comparison.) I’m not sure who I would even compare the Velvets to. The Strokes have a new sound, but in no way did they start a revolution for freaks, junkies, artists, poets or musicians. I can’t stop reading, but the more I do the more irritated I become at the undeserving pedestal the Strokes are on.

I haven’t read it yet (it hasn’t come in the mail) but I can only assume that this Week’s New Yorker Profile of Alec Baldwin is great.

I’m in the process of compiling my favorite live albums. Also I’ve found a way for you to stream MP3s right from our site, while you read. Stay tuned!

Also, Happy St. Patrick’s Day. As my mother said to me today via email, please drink responsibly.

(will this be) a fond farewell (?)

  By Sarah | March 14, 2011 - 11:00 am | Findings
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As previously mentioned, Frank Rich is leaving the New York Times for New York Magazine. He did a farewell column and it reads as more than just that. He breaks down the fourth wall perfectly, just as avid readers of his would want him to. Out-right discussing his writing, growth as a writer and how it’s important to move on to the next step. Don’t run in place. Try something new.

This morning, Angeline sent me this. For my love of The Black Keys and Patrick Carney. It’s a cool article, as she pointed out, because of it’s structure. His ex-wife chose items to remember their past with and chronicle their happy (yet destructive sounding) life together.

Speaking of Angeline, The Strokes are still everywhere. It said that their record leaked, I checked for it, but it seems as though someone is keeping a close watch on this lady. From salon.com, it made me realize that I need to peruse Salon and read it regularly. Because I’m strangely addicted to their press, this caught my eye. Recently, the other articles I’ve read about The Strokes makes them seem like they are fighting and hate each other. No one seems pleased with the tour, the new record or the way they made it. It’s a nice explaination of Julian Casablancas’ expressionless uninterest in their SNL performance and their shady chemistry towards each other in the Under Cover of Darkness video (1.6 million views!) (revised note: drinking problem?) Aside from it all, you still hear the single everywhere. They are playing (played) a free show at SXSW and are hugely touring (including a night at MSG, the night before LCD Soundsystem.)

 What does music become when you do it just to do it? Even if it’s good? This record only seems exciting to the fans. They seem like they want nothing to do with each other and are fighting.  Is that what we’ve become attracted to? Or even prefer? With a band that seems so unhappy with themselves, how is it that we are so content? How does that work? If none of them wanted to be there, then why go through with it?

the obsession continues

  By Sarah | March 9, 2011 - 1:49 pm | Findings
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I wish I could link you to the Wanda Jackson album, The Party Ain’t Over, because its so kick ass. Jack White’s solo on their Dylan cover Thunder On The Mountain sounds like early White Stripes. It’s transportive. (For some reason the new wordpress won’t let me embed videos. Here is the official vid.)

Then he goes and does this.

It’s one of many many reasons to go to SXSW. If you haven’t been to the Third Man Records site, go. Even with all the country I’m involved in at work, Third Man Records is the only reason you’d get me to go to Nashville. Anyone else interested in a hard rock and roll hommage trip?

and for my next trick,

  By Sarah | March 8, 2011 - 7:52 pm | Findings
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What’s new? Well, lots of things. More on the NPR Jack White installments. Here he talks about his love of accents and one of the records he made for The Green Series – a spoken word series. Actually today on the Bill Mack Show (the live daily show I produce on the Willie Nelson channel) Wanda Jackson did a phone interview. Sounding like your great-grandmother, this woman still has her raspy rockabilly voice. 73 and still rockin’ she lets Jack White riff (and produce) her record. How can you not love her? You will dig it. She talked a lot about her love of Jack White. How working with him has really impressed her, made her love younger performers (and their love of roots music) and really re-kick started her career. Technically I am one step closer to him. Bill told her I told him to bring up Jack White, and he now officially knows about me. He must.

The Strokes were on SNL and Julian Casablancas in the end of their first performance said something along the line of “oh fuck!” or “fuckers.” Which I’m sure will piss off Lorne Michaels more than he already is. Pitchfork did this. A nice little retrospective of of their career. “Nowhere to go but out of style,” where have I heard this before?

Lady Gaga can do something right. And speaking of New York magazine, when I was home this weekend my dad told me that Frank Rich was leaving his post as the New York Times Op-Ed Sunday essayist for New York Magazine. He wants to do more with radio and television, and surprise surprise, nytimes wont let him. Go figure.

One of my favorite bands from senior year that I’m always sure no one has heard of, Beach Fossils, just released a new EP. Go here to download it. Almost every night I’ve been downloading more and more music, updating and re-updating my ipod, and dropboxing among people to find more music. Its no longer something that needs a reminder, it just is. Thank god.

Here is more New Yorker fun with Tina Fey. I’m pretty sure the only person who doesn’t find Tina Fey funny is my dad. His comedic appreciation level stopped at Seinfeld. Doesn’t even branch out to Curb Your Enthusiasm, poor thing. How can you hate Larry David and love Seinfeld? The man is a mystery.

I’ve started eating plain oatmeal every day for breakfast at work. Instead of instant packets. Since I read this, and fallen completely in love with Mark Bittman, I found more ways to hate McDonalds. It not only keeps me full for longer, but also is an appetite suppressant.

And for my next trick, I’ll pay too much for CAKE tickets. May be the last tour. I got them for the last of a three night sold out stand at the 930 club here in the district. Excited? You bet I am.

I won’t mention Charlie Sheen. Instead I’ll tell you that I impulsively cut off all my hair. It’s too short to put in a pony tail. I’ve even taking a liking to wearing earrings so I don’t look like a 12 year old boy. I think it’s growing on me.

 

it’s friday afternoon. do you know where your cubemate is?

  By Sarah | March 4, 2011 - 3:16 pm | Findings
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Think The Flaming Lips can’t get weirder? Think Again. Be sure to check the jump of the post.

Friday afternoon jams: Star Slinger’s Mornin’. Which I am failing at embedding here.

Also, the Black And Yellow dude, Wiz Khalifa, is in my office. RIGHT NOW, actually. Manny, my cubemate, was going to have him sign his bong. Instead he just came back with a pack of Wiz Khalifa rolling papers.

It’s a lovely day in the District. But I’m headed home to the dirty jerz for the weekend. Kickin’ it with my mom, errands, getting my vinyl, and a dental visit.

Right now, my office is so quiet, it’s scary.

Have you seen this? Apatow and Paul Feig (Freaks And Geeks lovers unite) teamed up to make a female version of the Hangover. Literally, a wild trip to Vegas is involved and your basic shnenanigans. Apparently it’s a toss up between outright sluttage and boredum. Who knew?

March is Women’s History Month. Do your part.

pure findings

  By Sarah | March 3, 2011 - 11:34 am | Findings
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Fun things are happening in the New Yorker. I was surprised to read a Shouts & Murmurs in the anniversary edition by Tina Fey. Then I was excited to read that she has a memoir coming out next month! Since it is locked to online readers via subscription only, no link available.

Then, I picked up the next copy and saw our (funny? not funny?) friend Demetri Martin had been the Shouts & Murmurs contributor. Pleasant, funny and with interesting structure to it, I laughed outloud on the Metro (while, gag, traveling to work to deal with Voice Tracks on a Saturday morning). It made my ride much shorter, especially since the red line had (always has) track maintenece delaying it.

I love the New Yorker. Easily, it’s my favorite magazine. I love to read David Denby tear people a new one and Anthony Lane be sympathetic to mainstream comedies.

Yesterday the new issue came in the mail. Overlooked at first, during my second entire flip through I noticed the fiction by David Foster Wallace. His last novel is being published this Spring. Angeline asked me where he lives. I replied, “He’s dead. He killed himself in 2008.” Actually, was good friends with Jonathan Franzen and Dave Eggers. I hear genius-assholes travel in packs.

And if you haven’t gotten your fill of Scientology, this article is FASCINATING. It’s long. In a nut – it’s about a man named Paul Haggis. He was one of the highest-up leaders of the Church of Scientology. Reccently stepped down because the church refused to speak out against the repeal of the Prop 8 decision in California.  It not only chronicles his story (he wrote Million Dollar Baby and Crash) but a detailed history (like I said, it’s long) of Scientology in Hollywood, which is gripping.

I sent this around to few, and can’t remember if I’ve mentioned Tom Ewing before. He’s the Poptimist columnist at Pitchfork. The most recent contributition of his discusses Lady Gaga, her popularity, idiocy and genius. We might hate her, or love her. But she is doing something right, right? (Aside from the meat dress.) I don’t like her, and I barely can list her songs let alone sing along to any of them. Honestly. Although I do believe there is something to be said about her.

Also, thanks for this Mary.

yup

i hate to love them and love to hate them

  By Sarah | March 1, 2011 - 8:52 pm | Findings, Rants
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The Strokes are a band I know about for a few reasons. First of all, we all know I was devoted to college radio and therefore heard their hits on the radio all the time. Then there is my best friend and current roommate. The Strokes are Angeline’s favorite band. Ever. She met Julian Casablancas. It’s big. Also Mike Sokol loves them and he was a big influence on my musical stylings (still is?) Understandable, I got to know them through many devotee platforms. Then when I became totally engrossed in keeping up with the Jones, The Strokes decided to release their first record (after a crappy Casablancas-holier than thou solo release) since 2006. We are hearing it little by little. And getting the album art revealed to us. You’d think its a new record from Sonic Youth (or any other important, ground breaking band.) Sticking with geometric shapes (aside from the bare ass-leather glove cover that wasn’t released in the US), the artwork is fun and reminiscent of well, not now. (Kind of makes me think of a trippy Super Nintendo level you’re never supposed to reach.)

Angles

The title, Angles, is in reference that this is the first Strokes record where all music and lyrics aren’t written and conducted by Casablancas. Where all their previous music had been. He literally conducted and composed it all. Julian acts as though he’s written a diverse catalog. But all he’s really given us is a great sound that is instantly recognizable as his own. Is This It is great. Room On Fire is good, but weaker. And First Impression Of Earth is even more forgettable. What we actually remember are the singles that were played on the radio all the time. We can sing along real loud and dance and have fun. I don’t understand why we act like The Strokes deliver us from heaven. It sounds like Julian had us at hello.

Angeline had sent me a youtube of The Strokes discussing what they taped off the radio when they were growing up (which did interest me. Most bands do that interview. Mainly I just love the idea of people taping things off of FM radio and wished we lived in that time.) Julian Casablancas has sunglasses on like he’s the next Bono (puke.) He barely speaks throughout the whole 8 minutes even though he’s the driving force of The Strokes. Who is this guy?

The Strokes were ranked as top new artists in many places. One that comes to memory of the grocery-store-isle-reading-type, Rolling Stone (puke) had a list of best songs and records (of course they had a list!) of the 00′s. Between Kid A as #1 and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot as #3, Is This It is #2. Which did in fact come out in 2001. Which is a long time ago. And is full of great songs. But they all kind of sound the same. Like I said, their other records have some good tunes. But they all kind of sound the same. Did I mention that all their songs kind of sound the same? Angeline loves her hooks and catchy guitar choruses. Hence, she loves her Strokes.

Which is why when I heard the second new track, released online today exclusively via NME (New Music Express – famous English music publication, fyi) I said aloud to an empty room, “wow, they went Radiohead on us.” At least that’s what I thought of first. Then I thought, I bet Ange won’t like this as much as the others. She told me it was being released today. And news about The Strokes is hard to escape lately, considering its plastered everywhere. (Check out how douchey Casablancas looks in the photo. Also, same photo with every new story about them.) There are theories going around that fans won’t be as elated with this record because it’s not all Casablancas. There is also a theory that when American bands gain credit and good press from England they’ve made it, or become more popular, in America – see: Jimi Hendrix, the RAMONES, Kings Of Leon (woof). Let’s see what happens.

Now, I’m pretty sure that Julian Casablancas is a jerk. And I’m positive that he looks and acts like a qualified Jack Ass. When you make a great record like Is This It, and then everything sounds the same. And your band is full of rich kids from NYC with probably nothing else better to do (see: Vampire Weekend did it better), and you jump on the trend where you NEVER take off your sunglasses. And you create a hype, release your tracks and album artwork separately, you make me want to hate you. And I do. But after listening (not even all the way through) to the second track, I like that it’s not all high and mighty Julian Casablancas. It’s about time this band worked as a band.

nyc, dc…it’s not the same oat bag

  By Sarah | February 28, 2011 - 10:46 am | Contributors, Findings
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Blogging at work? Yup.

It’s weird that tomorrow is March. So much time has gone by, people move further, grow up so far from what we once knew, and college seems further away daily. Even if some of us still want it back. (For the record, I don’t.)

Since living here I’ve been to nyc to visit twice, and both times I like DC more. I’ve worked it out and it seems as though DC is grown up. Not to say New York City isn’t. It is a great, world city. A hub and full of everything you could ever want. New York City is beautiful and there is something great about each part of it. But when I come home to DC I feel the differences. The district feels polite where a ruckus on the Metro is frowned upon. And in New York it’s a characteristic. The thing about our Metro is that it’s more of a commuter rail. Looking at the way it was designed with seats abreast instead of lining the side of the car (like New York and Boston) it was made for a long term ride. More expensive depending on the time of day you travel and where you’re going, it always seems to be broken or being ‘fixed’. When you see loud kids traveling in packs and tourists they treat it just like other subways, which it is not. And has taken a long time for me to come to terms with that.

DC is a city like Los Angeles where not everyone who lives here is from here. People move here for a reason in their career like government, politics, law or higher education. Other famous platforms of the city do exist, like punk rock, but people rarely know it. It’s not even technically a city, hence ‘district’. Taxation without representation is alive and well. The people here are all dressed up, because their jobs call for it. Uptight in the nicest of senses, people take things very seriously. It’s hard to come by hippies, beards and open toed shoes (even in 100+ heat.) The differences between DC and other cities I’ve been to and spent a lot of time in are astounding.

The neighborhoods are aplenty and knowing them can help keep you out of trouble and in a place where you belong. High class and murder are only a few blocks apart. Full of color, life and history, the District is it’s own bubble. Since living here Angeline made the discovery that every few weeks the city is empty because people leave. Cabin fever is very catchy. You need to get out (hence my trips to NY.)

Today it started raining and the wind is supposed to get nasty. The weather here is funky. We’re on a swamp, below the Mason Dixon line, and peoples’ moods change with the forecast. The Metro will be crowded and damp after work. I can just feel it. The same way I can feel the rain coming even though I sit in a room with no windows all day. The office feels humid and no one really wants to be here. I know I don’t.

This wasn’t meant to be about New York and DC. Or the weather. And the train systems. I wanted to share that the previously mentioned chili was and still is amazing. Also, I caught a marathon of Portlandia on IFC yesterday afternoon. An entire episode revolves around Aimee Mann being their cleaning lady. How can you not fall in love with this show? Also, it’s easily the funniest show I’ve seen in a long time. I feel like I’ve had a version of this conversation many times. Also, this is fun. Even though I’m not feelin’ the art, I like reading the titles she sings in the shower.

I wish ya’ll could hear the show I run every day. Bill Mack is a trip. Playin’ the best country music there ever was: Mel Tillis, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Ernest Tubb (the list goes on…) He’s a  man with a thick southern drawl. When I was watchng Gwyneth Paltrow performing the Country Strong song during the Oscars last night I found myself commenting on it’s poor writing and crappy ”country” sound. Forgive me father for I have sinned, I know my country music and have become a country music snob.

And with that, it’s lunch time. Stay tuned for results of homemade whoopie pies. Happy Birthday Pat.

the 90s ARE back…introverts unite!

  By Sarah | February 27, 2011 - 9:58 am | Findings
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I knew I was right. Sunday morning allows for time to creep around on NPR Music and to catch up with what I’ve missed since being there last. This is what I found, their tribute to the 90s. It also makes me right for listening to Dookie non stop for a week. And now I know all the words, which I am not ashamed of. (…The first thing that he opens as a  college radio music director was the single of Smells Like Teen Spirit and a TEE SHIRT!….can you IMAGINE that??! Geek out with me here!) Described as the mecca of all news AND music, yes we all want to work there. But this radio episode has me looking back, instead of forward (to NPR, where I will work one day.)

I desperately want to embed this video, the greatest nostalgia video EVER. 1979, Smashing Pumpkins. But I can’t.

Revisiting KID A (and the new Radiohead, which I definitely do like, which is surprising me. But I love In Rainbows. And The King’s Limbs totally has it goin’ on.)

Then I see this story. About 8 tracks. (CHECK out this dude!!) And I’m reminded that I saw an eight track player at a record store (that kinda blows) on 18th street in Adam’s Morgan. Maybe I’ll go back there and get it? Hell, I should be punished if I don’t.

If you don’t listen to Podcasts, you should start. My coworker didn’t know the name FRESH AIR, probably the greatest interview show ever. My favorites were the Jay-Z and the one with the Black Keys where they describe how they get their name. Podcasts and episodes, like This American Life, are good for long car rides (usually when you’re alone you can zone out and forget you’re driving. You all know what I mean.), bus trips, and they’re basically just a good way to pass time. The way they talk about the music just enthralls me. All Songs Considered, a show I need to listen to more and worship more, with Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton talk about the music like I know them and they know me. “Sit down and listen to it start to finish, before anything else. When it’s over, we look at each other. And we know everything’s changed.” Where are those friends of mine? Where did those conversations go? That’s what these shows make me think of. Yes, I will work for NPR music so I can be a part of the conversation. I just hope I’m not too late.

So I’m totally gonna copy them here. Leave note or comment, or somehow, tell me/us what you love from the 90s. Little known fact about me that I’m a passionate Nirvana fan. But early this winter, Pinkerton stole my heart. And since they formed in the 90s, the White Stripes and Wilco can just win any contests right now. I could go on forEVER. Let me know what you like!