I've been under the ground eating prayers from this old book I found

Earlier this month the opportunity came along for me to see my favorite band, Great Lake Swimmers, practically in my own backyard. I had waited seven years for such an opportunity (even though they tour North America frequently, I can be lazy when it comes to road-tripping for concerts). With a heart full of anticipation, I invited my sister to come along and we headed down into a neighboring county for the show.

The band played at a great venue in Hudson, NY called Club Helsinki. I couldn't imagine a better or more intimate venue in which to hear them. We ordered tea and wine and listened to 2 1/2 hours of some of the best music on earth (I am not exaggerating). I was pleased to hear songs, 21 in all, from all five of their albums. We were even treated to a few cover songs (a la Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, among others). One word completely sums up my feelings for the night: perfect.

Photos by my sister

Perfect evening

I've waxed poetic about the music of Iron & Wine before (here and here) and cannot keep from doing so once again. Let's start at the beginning. As of this past Saturday it had been nearly six years since I saw Iron & Wine last. My heart was in serious need of another live performance from Sam Beam and crew. I pretty much jumped for joy earlier this year when the new tour dates were announced and a venue close to home was on the list. With my ticket purchased and excited beyond belief, I awaited the third Saturday in April. And finally it came.

As my sister and I made the drive out to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art for the show, we wondered if there would be an opening act. I couldn't remember reading anything that would satisfy our curiosity (but, then again I might have been so bent on seeing Iron & Wine that I didn't pay attention). We secretly hoped there wouldn't be so as to give Iron & Wine complete control of the evening. However, upon reaching the theater at the museum we found out The Low Anthem would be opening. Excellent! I'd been meaning to sit down and give them a listen for quite some time now; certain that from what I'd read about them their sound would be right up my alley. I couldn't have been more right. Their songs were beautiful - teeming with emotion, imagery, and folk-tastic rhythms. During the last song of their set they implored the audience to take part; asking each person to take out their cell phone, call the person they came with and then put the phones on speaker. The result was a haunting, resonating hum. I'd never heard anything like it! To say it was beautiful would be a severe understatement.

Iron & Wine. Oh, Iron & Wine. It's true that as the band progressed I didn't progress right along with them at first. When The Shepherd's Dog was released in 2007 I had a hard time warming up to all of the tracks. I was longing for the stripped down, minimalist-acoustic sound of the previously released albums and EPs. With time, I began to appreciate the added layers of instrumentation realizing that the gorgeously crafted lyrics were still there and that the new sound and Sam Beam's voice complimented each other brilliantly. With the release of Kiss Each Other Clean this past January, it only took a listen or two before I was hooked.

Saturday's show featured a varied selection of songs from each of the last two albums (mentioned above) with the most delightful inclusion of older songs as well. I was completely blown away hearing some of my very dear (and older) favorites updated and performed with percussion and horn arrangements. By the time the 18-song set came to a close my heart was filled to the brim. My sister and I cheered and clapped with the crowd anxious for an encore... and received it. Beam came back out for an a cappella rendition of "Flightless Bird, American Mouth." It was truly the most perfect ending to an already perfect evening.


Here's a little glimpse of the stage from where we stood. I left my camera at home, but my sister pulled out her iPhone for a few photos.

Set list:

1. Boy With a Coin
2. Sunset Soon Forgotten
3. Freedom Hangs Like Heaven
4. Summer In Savannah
5. Wolves (Song of the Shepherd's Dog)
6. Walking Far From Home
7. My Lady's House
8. Big Burned Hand
9. Half Moon
10. Lovesong of the Buzzard
11. Free Until They Cut Me Down
12. Lion's Mane
13. House By the Sea
14. Love And Some Verses
15. The Sea And The Rhythm
16. God Made The Automobile
17. Tree By The River
18. Rabbit Will Run
Encore: Flightless Bird, American Mouth

Back at the homestead

I mulled over the idea of buying orange-y rust colored tights for about a year or so. My hesitancy stemmed from the worry they'd be too loud or crazy. Yes, this is coming from the girl with bright kelly green and colorful floral tights. I am a strange fickle thing. This is probably why I still haven't shown the world my Capri-blue tights. Someday, someday. Haha, anyway. Earlier this week I came across this fine little pair and decided they had to come home with me. The color is so wonderfully rich and terrifically autumn-esque. I want to wear them with everything! How silly I was for not getting rust colored tights when the thought first entered my head.

Blouse: Metropolis Vintage in Albany, NY/ Skirt and tights: Forever 21
Belt: vintage/ Shoes: Aldo

Here's a thumbs-up for Sufjan Stevens and his latest release! I can't stop listening to it. It's pure Sufjan genius. I don't fully understand why some think it was a difficult listen the first time around. Sure, it isn't exactly the folksy banjo-driven stuff Sufjan fans know and love, but it isn't any less brilliant. I like this direction he's taken- synthesizer, filtered vocals and all. My favorite track by far is the last one, "Impossible Soul." All 25 minutes of it.

What have you been listening to lately?

You and me and that red sweater

Cardigan: thrifted; Shirt, necklace, & rings: H&M

Skirt: vintage, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Aldo

At first it seemed that the headless-Emily outfit shot would be the only one to make it into this post. The reason being that my left eyelid kept getting all droopy while I was taking these photos. Weird, I know. Perhaps it was some sort of crazy side effect from the colder weather? Hmm. Eventually, a photo was snapped with both of my eyelids cooperating. Thanks guys. Let me tell you, it was a goofy time!

Want to know what else is goofy? The song this sweater reminds me of. Back when I was in middle and high school I liked listening to ska-punk. Some of my favorite bands at the time were Save Ferris, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats. Oh, The Aquabats. They have a large repertoire of very silly songs including the sartorially-titled "Red Sweater." If you're up for a laugh, have a listen!

Haha, sometimes I really like my music less than serious. So much fun. Anywho, this red cardigan is a foray into the world of red clothing. I've had an aversion to the color for awhile, but I'm slowly making nice with it again. I snagged this cardi back in August, but I forgot about it until last week. It spent a few months hanging out in a shopping bag on the backseat of my car. Since it's come inside I haven't wanted to take it off. It's so cozy!

Tell me, is there anything super cozy that you've been living in lately?

Neighbors to the North

Lately, a lot of my favorite music hails from Canada. Hmm, well, Canada is a pretty big place, so let me adjust that statement: Lately, a lot of my favorite music hails from Ontario. Last night I was able to see two of these favorites perform live: Basia Bulat and The Acorn.

Around 4:00pm, my beautiful friend, S, and I hopped in her car and left the Albany area headed for Brooklyn. The drive down I-87 was filled with sing-a-longs to the songs we were hoping most to hear. The sun beat down through the windows as the changing colors of Fall foliage blew past us. It was a nice beginning to the evening ahead.

( The song heard faintly in the background is "Little Waltz'' by Basia Bulat)

This was the second time this year we journeyed to see Basia Bulat play, the previous time being in March. This time, like the last, was perfectly charming and all-together wonderful. The only difference with last night's performance was the addition of more friends rounding out Basia's band. In March she was accompanied by just her brother on drums and a friend on viola. Last night, a friend on bass & upright bass and another on ukulele & keys joined in the fun. If you don't mind my shaky concert photos, here are a few glimpses of the show!

The night concluded with a stellar performance by The Acorn. Their blend of vocals, guitar and at times two drum kits was mesmerizing. If you haven't heard them yet, I suggest you do. Indie rock at its finest!

Love Letter

Dear Future Husband (wherever you may be),

Do you play the banjo? I secretly hope so. If not, that's okay. Perhaps it's something we could learn together. Still, if that's not something you're keen on, just know that a fair portion of the music I listen to resonates with the sound of the fine little instrument.

Yours affectionately,
Emily



Ooh, listen to that banjo! All silliness aside, the above video is one of my favorites from Great Lake Swimmers (who happen to be my favorite band) recent album/video project titled The Legion Sessions. Compiled of live versions of nearly all the songs off their 2009 release Lost Channels, The Legion Sessions has been my go-to disc of choice this summer. Perhaps I love it so because it's the closest I've come to hearing Great Lake Swimmers perform live. The band is based out of Ontario and tour North America frequently, so you'd think I would have made the 7 hour drive to Toronto or the 4 hour drive to Montreal already, right? Wrong. Guess who hasn't renewed her passport or upgraded her drivers license for easy access across the border? The same silly girl who hasn't even made the easy trips to NYC, Boston, or Philadelphia to see them either. Haha, one of these days...

Barefoot on a summer night

Tuesday night my sister, her friend, and I spent the better portion of our evening immersed in the musical extravaganza of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. We made our way to the venue (smack-dab in the middle of a strip-mall. Yes, that's right. Right next to a dollar store) in time to hear the opening act (made up of several members of the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros band) finish up their last few songs. There were more people there than we anticipated, so we ended up against these metal railing barriers to the left of the stage. Being of a short stature, my face is always an easy target for wayward elbows in tightly packed places of this nature and so, I took matters into my own hands and perched myself up on that railing (no more than 3-4 inches in diameter, mind you). The view was pretty good and I was pleased to be able to watch the band perform rather than just hear them play. The whole concert experience feels much more complete that way. My photos came out rather shaky because for some reason the steady-shot feature had been turned off, but it ended up not being a bad thing in the least bit. The way the lights and movements were captured complemented the ambiance of the evening quite nicely.

Have you seen any live music this summer?

Tomorrow I'll know by the rubies in your voice

It's been quiet around here as of late. Almost silent. I feel as if these words are tip-toeing across the screen. While my hiatus from blogging began unintentionally, it has been refreshing. I have missed the frequent connection with all of you, but I may stay away a bit longer. I'll be careful today not to disrupt the calm that has settled here, but know that I'll be back soon with words to say and things to share.

Before I go, I'll tell you that my days have been filled with reading books off my current ''to-read" list, wearing pretty new floral dresses now that Spring is finally here, unearthing fabulous finds at my favorite treasure trove thrift store, and laughing over episodes of Freaks and Geeks and Flight of the Conchords.

The most memorable thing I've done to pass my time recently involved the enjoyment of live music. The best kind of music, wouldn't you agree? This past Thursday night a friend and I drove out to Northampton, Massachusetts to see Basia Bulat. I had been looking forward to the opportunity to see her play live for a few years and couldn't let this one pass me by. I have no photos or video to revisit the performance with. Just perfect memories. Accompanied by guitar, autoharp and hammered harp, Basia played a delightful array of songs from her two albums. Her brother, Bobby, provided pulsating percussion rhythms and friend, Allison Stewart, played beautifully on viola. When the evening came to an unfortunate end, I shook Basia's hand and thanked her for a wonderful performance. Walking down the sidewalk after leaving the venue, I turned to my friend and said "I am so happy right now."

Here is the music video that first introduced me to Basia Bulat. And yes, she played this song during her set just like I hoped she would.

Basia Bulat - The Pilgriming Vine



Video from Myspace Music Videos

Heart of My Own

The first newly released album for 2010 I've listened to is "Heart of My Own" by Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat. The follow up to her 2007 debut, "Oh, My Darling," "Heart of My Own" has been the perfect album to commence the new year music-wise. Basia's rich voice and sweet, thoughtful lyrics really make for a superb listening experience. Plus, she plays the autoharp. Sigh. I need to get my hands on one of those. But, back to Basia. Her music makes me so happy. I always feel that little flutter from deep within as soon as the first chords are struck and the song unfolds.

I recently came across an In Studio video from Toronto's National Post newspaper featuring Basia playing two songs ("Heart of My Own" and "Run") from the new album and talking about her writing/recording process. It's fun, check it out!



Photo source: amazon.com

Creature of habit

Today, for some unknown reason, my mind has been preoccupied with my weekday morning routine. Seriously, I've been thinking about it all day. Perhaps its a result from waking up tired and not refreshed at all or from the fact that in my still-tired-stupor I managed to get ready and leave the house earlier than on a good day. That in itself left me baffled, but whatever the reason, I'm still perplexed. My only rational conclusion: the mind is a funny thing. So, with that said, what really goes on in the life of Emily at the crack of dawn?

• 5:00am. My alarm clock goes off. I groan and tell myself not to fall back asleep. After stumbling out of bed, I flip on the oil burner in order to heat water for the shower. While waiting (usually 10-15 minutes), I mosey into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee (1o cups!) for everyone. Then, I go to the front door where through the window I squint to see 1) if it snowed overnight/is snowing and 2) what the temperature is. The verdict this morning: 1) yes/yes and 2) 6F (-14C).
• 5:30am. I've emerged from the shower and beeline it to the kitchen to make my cup of coffee. Mm, coffee. I return to the kitchen after getting dressed and rummage around for breakfast. Breakfast is usually any combination of the following: cereal, toast, banana. And, of course, more coffee.
• 6:00 - 6:15am. I'm probably still having breakfast because most mornings I operate at a snail's pace.
  
• 6:15am or later. Time to go outside to warm up my car and brush, scrape, or chip off anything that piled on it overnight. Upon returning inside, I quickly finish my coffee then brush my teeth.
  
• 6:20 (ideal) - 6:35am (panicked reality). I hit the road. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to work. The first few minutes of my drive are spent fussing over radio stations as I have to wait about 5 minutes for my car's cd player to warm up. The poor thing doesn't like the cold weather! Once it's all set and wants to play nice, I pop in whatever cd I grabbed on my way out of the house. This morning it was "29" by Ryan Adams. His voice is always amazing, but I particularly love it in this song.
  

Tell me, what is your morning routine like? Do you operate in a semi-structured manner like I do? Or are you free from time constraints to lounge around as you please?

Moments in Music

After reading NPR's recent list of the 50 most important albums of the decade, I decided to compile a list of albums that were significant to me in some way over these last 10 years. I could have easily kept going with this, but for my own sake (and yours) I've limited myself. (Yes, it was hard to do. I somehow managed to leave Bon Iver off this list. Craziness, I know! I love Bon Iver!) Hehe, anyway. Many of these discs are still rotated frequently on my iTunes or car stereo and evoke feelings of my previous self whenever I listen to them. Over the years, I've found that music association can be a difficult thing to deal with if it conjures up memories of a not so pleasant nature. I've learned to get over it though and return to the simple principle of "I'm listening to this because I like it." Sometimes I get so wrapped up in how certain music has shaped my life and how it's helped me to grow. It's a thought that makes me happy and I'm thankful for that.

The order of my list is somewhat arbitrary as I didn't feel up to the task of ranking my favorites. I guess in a way there are just too many specific reasons for why each album is so special to me that it almost feels like cheating to allow one more precedence over another. With that said, the first 10 are some of the most wonderful assemblages of music and words I've heard and I'm pleased to share them with you. However, I will contradict myself and tell you that the last album on my list is really in a category all it's own. It is absolutely without a doubt my most favorite album. I'll tell you about it after you scroll down.

Significant Music In My Life: 2000 - 2009


Let It Die - Feist


Catch For Us The Foxes - mewithoutYou


O - Damien Rice


Beneath Medicine Tree - Copeland


Illuminate - David Crowder Band


Greetings From Michigan - Sufjan Stevens


White Ladder - David Gray


The Photo Album - Death Cab For Cutie


The Execution Of All Things - Rilo Kiley


Our Endless Numbered Days - Iron & Wine


Great Lake Swimmers - Great Lake Swimmers

Discovering the music of Great Lake Swimmers for the first time had such an impact on me that I can remember when and where it was. Sometime in early April 2005 I was driving west on Interstate-90 in Albany listening to the University at Albany's radio station. I don't remember where I was driving to, but in all honesty I could have driven for hours listening to "Moving Pictures, Silent Films" on repeat. My initial reaction to the song was pure amazement. It was so beautifully melancholic yet hopeful all at the same time. I couldn't get it out of my head. Wherever it was that I stopped my car, I hastily scribbled down what lyrics I could remember and typed them into Google once I got home. Soon after, I ordered the band's self-titled debut and haven't tired of it since. There's something so simple, honest and raw about it that I love. Here's a noteworthy little fact: the album was recorded in an abandoned grain silo in Southern Ontario. How cool is that? I highly recommend it to anyone that isn't afraid to let music take them places where their heart swells up a bit and beats a little faster; where you feel something resonate with you so deeply it almost doesn't seem real.

Tell me, what albums have had an impact on you this decade?

Photo source.

A dose of pretty imagery

photo sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Wallet-friendly Wednesday

I love thrift shopping on Wednesdays. Well, thrift shopping at the Salvation Army that is. Wednesdays are delegated as "Family Day" with mostly everything ringing up at 50% off. Would you believe that I paid a dollar apiece for those darling sweaters pictured above? Believe it! My heart went a-flutter when I laid eyes on the short-sleeve purple sweater and I knew then and there it had to be mine. You see, several years ago I thrifted a very similar sweater made of a bold, borderline electric blue yarn that I ultimately ended up giving away. I've been missing it lately and now have finally found a more than adequate replacement. Let's move on to the cardigan. Oh, the cardigan with its sweet little collar and gorgeous green-blue color. Ladies and gentlemen, I am in love. It fits like a dream, too.

Have you come across any great thrifted surprises lately?

If this particular Wednesday couldn't get any better, I ensured that it did by sipping a pumpkin spice latte and listening to Grizzly Bear on my drive home. Thrifting + coffee + Grizzly Bear = an all around happy day. On a whim, I did a search on YouTube this afternoon and found a clip of Grizzly Bear's performance of "Knife" from when I saw them live a few years ago. It was a great show.

Island in the Sun

Romper: Forever 21, Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: hand me down, Shoes: Target
(Sorry that these photos appear a little grainy at this size!
Feel free to enlarge for a better view)

I picked up this romper earlier this summer on a shopping excursion while visiting my dearest friend Erin. In fact, Erin and I both bought rompers that day in the same style, but gravitated toward different prints. I set my sights on this fun, blue & yellow floral, while Erin chose a chic, black & white floral. After leaving Forever 21 (an overwhelmingly large F21 at that compared to the small one here at home), we chatted excitedly over our new purchases and bounced around styling ideas. Our conclusion for the remaining hot & sunny days of summer: light cardigans, belts, and flats.

Erin looking adorable!

With Autumn fast approaching I have no plans to put this romper away just yet! I have every intention of transitioning this sweet and comfortable garment into my Fall wardrobe. Long sleeve cardigans and tights and hats - oh my!

While romping about in the sunshine this morning (which felt wonderful, by the way), the song "Island in the Sun" by Weezer popped into my head. I cannot give sole credit to the Sun for this occurrence because I did see Weezer live this past Monday and have been humming their tunes all week. If you ever get the opportunity to see Weezer live I highly suggest that you do! Their energy on stage is mesmerizing and they play a great arrangement of songs spanning their long career. I think it's safe for me to say they are the best band I've seen live. Ever.