She moves on

no = sleep positioner

yes = spoons

Quote of the day:
"hat."
-olivia

Angel in the snow

I snapped this picture out the front window after waking from a very restless evening. Maybe it was all of the snow outside. It might as well have been daylight. After settling down at about quarter after 2 in the morn, i slipped a couple buds in my ears and listened to the last half of springsteen's 'workin on a dream.' Perhaps more on that later.

4ish in the morn and i receive a nudge and a request to feed the little bird. After a bottle and another episode of 'theodore tugboat,' she drifts back to sleepytown. A bowl of cereal later and i'm ready to try sleep again. Tossing and turning through an almost complete listening of elliott smith's 'new moon.'

Haunting.

Gorgeous.

One more cup of coffee before i go...

Sleeping lessons

Off The Record :: This Year's Model

There is no doubt that the words and music of one declan macmanus have inspired and moved me on countless occasions. The snarl in the voice, the clever wordplay, the raging melodies, the hipster specs, for all of these reasons and more i devoured his debut record 'my aim is true' and every raw demo included in the 1993 rykodisc reissue. It wouldn't be too long after, while rifling through the secondhand vinyl at a half price book store, that i would happen upon a copy of elvis' followup to that brilliant debut.

As soon as i pulled the sleeve from the rack i could read the track listing printed on a label pasted across the album's title at the bottom of the cover. The label read 'demonstration not for sale' which may or may not be the title of my next record... but i digress. I'm a little embarrassed now to admit that only a couple of the 'suggested tracks' (as they were referred to as on the demo label) were familiar titles at the time. However, they were familiar enough to coax my hand into the old wallet to lay down a couple deceased presidents. Let's be honest, that cover shot alone (as seen below) warrants a sizable price tag.

It's almost hard to move past that album cover, but what about the contents?

Elvis may be king, but when needle hits the groove, it is certainly evident that the uncredited trio surrounding his highness are why this record and so many following it simply kick the listener in the proverbial hindquarters. This was costello's first album with the attractions and for many they are synonymous with everything he has done great musically. I don't necessarily belong to that club, but there is no denying the sheer raucous attitude in the high end bass riffing of mr. bruce thomas, the frenetic drums of mr. pete thomas and the unforgettable hypnotizing keys of the incredible steve nieve. Unable to pigeonhole 'this year's model' as simply punk, new wave or rock and roll, one can only describe this record as vintage elvis costello & the attractions.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, this particular copy of 'this year's girl' is the US version which was released two months after the original release in the UK. This version unbelievably excludes the bombastic '(i don't want to go to) chelsea' and original closer 'night rally' from side 2 for reportedly being 'too english.'

Wankers.

Novices will however most likely recognize the equally brilliant hit 'radio, radio' as the superb substitute finale.

If you're new to elvis & the attractions, let's call this a primer to their body of work.

Dig it.

Side One

1. No Action
2. This Year's Girl
3. The Beat
4. Pump It Up
5. Little Triggers
6. You Belong to Me

Side Two

1. Hand In Hand
2. Lip Service
3. Living In Paradise
4. Lipstick Vogue
5. Radio, Radio

Bonus: '(i don't want to go to) chelsea' in all its glory

You can never hold back spring

Move-busting outfit courtesy aunt patti.

The ball rolling on change.

Kissing the lipless

I'm finishing up a new album of original songs and calling it 'kiss it all goodbye.' I decided to invite a bunch of people to get together to hear some of these and other songs performed live upon the album's release. The album will be available in the popular cd format packaged with original hand printed artwork, lyrics and more for the price of $10. There may even be free coffee if you're nice.

The shindig goes down at southminster presbyterian church on march 7th starting at 7 o'clock in the pm.

I would love to have you there to share in this evening of art and song and community.

Bring a friend and a casserole if you wish.

Bringing sexton back

sex·ton \ˈseks-tən\ n, : a church officer or employee who takes care of the church property and performs related minor duties (as ringing the bell for services and digging graves).