An old friend from high school offered to send me a few rolls of old film he had sitting around his house at no cost. I received the package this morning. Clearly his definition of "a few" is slightly different than mine. Looks like Christmas came a bit early!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Jackpot!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Pumpkin Spice Egg Nog?! Excellent!
I found some of this hard-to-get treat earlier today. Not only is it great to support a local, family-run dairy, but the glass bottles Shatto Milk is delivered in are just too retro cool. Shatto must know this is good stuff as it has to list 'Sugar' twice in the list of ingredients.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Yellow Shoes
via youtube.com
If you make it to the :40 mark you'll understand why so many people have watched this. Apparently, the boots are to protect his feet from sidewalk salt during the winter, but that doesn't make it less funny.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Crossing Man
While at a stoplight in downtown Kansas City I saw this man cross in front of me. On impulse I grabbed my smartphone and snapped this picture. I wish I had been a couple of seconds quicker so the photo would have more balance, but I like his silhouette regardless.
Date: November 15, 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Motorola Droid X
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
SOTD: Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts - 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' from Risk (2010)
I've always believed various artist samplers offered the opportunity to discover great artists. I rarely like everything I hear on a sampler, but then again, rarely are they completely without merit. Some of my favorite artists have been discovered via the sampler, so I generally like to give them a shot. Thus it was that I recently discovered Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts on a Burning Building Records sampler.
Apparently I'm late to the party on Harmann and company due to the fact their new album Risk is their sixth release. This Seattle-based band has been doing the circuit for a number of years, but if their earlier work is anything like Risk I'm going to be doing some catching up quite soon. While their bio says others have compared them to Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith I hear many other things in their music. Part of it sounds a bit similar to Band of Horses, other parts remind me of early Slobberbone, and yet at other moments I'd swear I'm almost hearing Sugar, though I'm sure nobody else hears that and I can even convince myself I'm nuts. The bottom line is that Harmann and his band The Trouble Starts have an instantly familiar sound, yet don't sound just like anyone else.
'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' is the lead single off Risk. Though a brief tune at 2:05 the song lingers with you. The guitars chime in all the right places while the drums are nice and crisp. And before you know it the song is over. I dare you to try and not hit repeat.
The version of 'Dee' that appears on Risk is a slightly reworked version from the one that appeared on the May 2009 Our Arms EP. The excellent animated video below is mesmerizing.
I suppose it's something few might find interesting, but when I heard 'Dee' it reminded me of another song but I couldn't place what it was exactly. Only later did it come to me: Holland (not the same as the band hollAnd or the metal group of the same name) had a song on their 2003 album Photographs & Tidalwaves titled 'Goodnight Texas.' Though there are many differences, the quiet/soft dynamic works for me in both cases. Once the song works into it's full glory past the 3:30 mark the comparison may make more sense.
I was lucky to catch Holland on tour in 2003 while they were opening for The Elms (who were promoting their excellent Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll album). Needless to say, 'Goodnight Texas' was the highlight of their set for me.
In any case, you should check out Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts as Risk is an excellent release. Here is the band performing 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' at the Comet Tavern in January 2010.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Watchful Gaze
I'm still getting used to my new Motorola Droid X smartphone and the installed eight megapixel camera, though I'm really enjoying it so far. By far, the best Android application I've found so far is Vignette for Android. I've tried FxCamera and RetroCamera and while each have their place neither app takes full advantage of the great camera.
It's handy to have pets to use as test subjects while exploring settings. Kaya was intently looking out the door when I took a couple of photos of her today. This certainly isn't a classic, but I like it well enough.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
An Unexpected Late Season Visitor
While preparing to powerwash the deck this morning, I noticed a recently bloomed Purple Coneflower in the butterfly garden. It's unusual to have new coneflower blooms this late in the year but there it was along with other new buds.
A butterfly that looks to me as a variety of skipper (I could be wrong) landed and began feeding while I inspected the plant. I was somewhat surprised to see it considering Kansas City reached the freezing mark for the first time yesterday but this little guy was working away. The skipper fed long enough to allow me to run into the house and grab my Droid X for a few photos.
While watching the butterfly feed, a second skipper came to the coneflower. It did not stay quite as long.
I decided to test the macro feature of the Droid X. I was pleased to be able to zoom in so far with a phone, and pleasantly surprised to be able to see individual hairs on the skipper upon magnification. This far surpassed my expectations of what a smartphone could do.
Not to be outdone, a bumblebee of some variety visited the coneflower and fed for a few seconds. Both the butterfly and bee left soon after I snapped this, but each helped me appreciate being outside on a sunny, cool morning.
(All photos taken with the Vignette for Android application using custom settings.)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Autumn Leaves In The Yard
Monday, October 11, 2010
SOTD: Jason Kent - 'Slowly Dive in Love' from Jason Kent (2008)
Teen Mom did it to me. The guilty pleasure MTV reality show following the lives and trials of four young mothers infected me with an ear worm that wouldn't go away until it was satisfied. Last week's episode ended with a song by a little-known Canadian, Jason Kent, who must have good friends at the network. It's really too bad it's so hard to find Kent's music as the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Despite the fact Kent's self-titled debut album was released in 2008, the Teen Mom exposure is probably the first time many people have been exposed to his brand of singer/songwriter tunes. While he occasionally sounds similar to Harvest-era Neil Young, Kent has an understated, simple way of singing that appealed to me quickly. Hearing the piano chords of "Slowly Dive in Love" I immediately perked up as this was far different than the usual MTV show soundtrack. It's a haunting track that seems to beg to be played at the end of a long night. Other tracks are more upbeat and remind one of early Wilco, never a bad thing.
According to maplemusic.com, Kent has has opened for Rufus Wainwright, Neko Case, Arctic Monkeys, April Wine, Melissa Auf der Maur, The Stars, The Dears, The Unicorns, and The Autumn Defense (members of Wilco) among others. Unfortunately, the album is not available on iTunes in the U.S. or Amazon.com. There aren't even any cheap CDs on eBay currently. The only places I found to get the album are through Toronto-based zunior.com (mp3/FLAC) or maplemusic.com (CD). Perhaps with the increased exposure more avenues for obtaining Jason Kent's work will become available.
Don't believe me that Jason Kent can channel Neil Young? Check out this video of Kent performing 'Great Divide' on a Rhodes piano:
'Country Lane' is also found on the 2008 self-titled album.
'America' is another personal favorite from Jason Kent.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Lloyd Cole Acoustic from Spain
via elmundo.es
I've long been a fan of Lloyd Cole. In my opinion he is one of the most under-appreciated singer/songwriters out there today. His work is consistently strong with great lyrics and generally catchy tunes to match. Cole has recently released a new album, Broken Record.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Love heights? Enough to do this for a living?
via youtube.com
I have no problem admitting heights aren't my thing. Tall buildings are fine. And climbing narrow trails in the mountains can be fantastic. However, looking at high catwalks and narrow ledges makes my palms sweat.
The work these guys do is in another league. While the camera motion from the helmet-cam certainly induces some heebie-jeebies (technical term), it's watching the free climbs that really does it. I appreciate the work they do, I just want no part of it!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Belle & Sebastian Preview 'Write About Love'
Belle & Sebastian have a new album coming out on October 12th in the U.S. In anticipation of the new release, the band has released the first in a series of TV-style interviews. The video includes two of the songs from the album: "I Want The World To Stop" and "I Didn't See It Coming" as well as snippets of previous work. Enjoy!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Kilbey the Cat: 1998 - Very Soon
Dear Kilbey,
I can't believe this is almost goodbye. I can't believe you lie here next to me, body having withered away as it was ravaged by cancer, appetite suddenly gone. It is clear you'll soon be separated from me forever.
How do I tell you what you've meant to me the past 12 years? I suppose I can't in a way you'll understand, but perhaps I've shown you through my actions. I know I uprooted your comfortable existence when I moved to Kansas City from Augusta. You adapted well as you always have. Do you realize you've had seven different mailing addresses in your 12 years? Sure, you could accuse me of being one step removed from a transient, but you always took your new dwellings in stride. Within a few days you were running around as if you'd always owned the place.
And you did own the place. Let that be clear. Whether it was your favorite room (the bathroom) or the lap of whoever happened to be available at any given time, you were in charge. I've never seen a cat who so enjoyed acting like a dog. I remember the many times you would run to the front door to greet me when I'd come home after a long day at work. Even now in your emaciated state you do the best you can to greet me at the door. I will miss seeing you there.
I'd be willing to bet no other cat has ever enjoyed water and the bathroom the way you did. From the time you were a kitten you were fascinated by the bathroom. I'm probably partly to blame when I shared my Crest toothpaste with you. I never actually believed you'd find the pea-sized sample I gave you appealing. You showed me! Even though you eventually lost interest in toothpaste, you never lost interest in the process. How many times did you jump on the toilet or sink and study me morning, noon, and night when teeth were brushed? I don't know why I was so frustrated when you tried to rub on me while I was trying to spit over you. I'd give anything to have you in the way again.
Do you remember when you scared my Mom due to your bathtub fixation? Remember how you were in the tub licking the post-shower faucet (BTW, disgusting habit Kilbey!) and she didn't realize you were there as she settled onto the toilet? I still remember the shriek as you jumped from the shower to the toilet bowl and brushed against the back of her neck. It was probably a good thing she was already in position.
You had the most fascinating diet of any cat alive. Oh, sure. You ate your usual kibble. But how many cats beg for Doritos or potato chips? How many eat lettuce?! I'll always laugh when I recall you running to the door if you heard what could be a fast-food bag and try to guilt me into giving you french fries. And you'd eat them. You believed if it was on our plate you should have a sample as well. Not typical feline behavior you know.
You've seen me through relationships beginning and relationships ending. You have been the constant for me as I've been the constant for you. I don't know if you remember the day you were adopted when your brother was chosen by an old girlfriend. A year later they headed to California and we moved to Missouri. I haven't told you, but I heard your brother passed a couple of years ago. You'll get to be reunited soon. I hope you'll enjoy playing together as much as you did as kittens.
So now it's down to this. I've known this day was coming. Today the appetite came to a halt; you've ignored some of your favorite foods. Today is the first day I came home to find you hiding in the basement. I want to do right by you. I have to listen to my head, not my heart. I don't know the day or time, but I'm sure it won't be long now.
This isn't easy for me buddy. I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
TWA Mural
A fading mural advertising TWA. The building was torn down about three months after this photo was taken.
Date: August 10, 2004
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Canon A2e
Lens: EF 28-135mm/3.5-5.6 IS
Film: Kodak T-Max 400
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Security Light
A security light guards the side of a blank, textured building. The actual building is a purple/lavender color but the cross-processed slide film rendered it this interesting seafoam green.
Date: November 11, 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Yashica 635
Film: expired Fuji 64T Type II
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
SOTD: Gentle Touch - 'Memories' from Gentle Touch EP (2006)
Sometimes I find out about new music through the oddest methods. Today I discovered an EP by a Swedish duo released four years ago all through a person adding a photo of mine to their favorites list on Flickr.com. Follow me for a minute.
An apparently really great guy, Andreas Sundgren, marked a photo of mine as one of his favorites on Flickr, allowing him to easily come back to it if he ever chooses to do so. When I saw this I looked at his profile and noticed he is Swedish, but lives in Montreal and is co-founder of creative agency Svenska. A section of the Svenska website is devoted to Scandinavian music and artists Svenska promotes in North America. Looking deeper, I was led to The Swedish Model, a collective of seven Swedish record labels that produce a newsletter and jointly promote releases. One of the participating record labels is the fantastically named Songs I Wish I Had Written. Their website has samples of their artists and that's how I was introduced to Gentle Touch.
Right away I must confess I'm not crazy about the name Gentle Touch. It sounds too...something. Make of it what you will. But I can live with a name for music like this! Granted, at the end of the day this is simple pop music, but is so well executed one can easily dive in and ignore any initial misgivings. Sounding like the best of some of the '80s synth-pop groups with a bit more guitar, Gentle Touch combine elements so many of us remember fondly from that era and package it into something recognizable and familar, yet not sounding completely derivative.
Gentle Touch's MySpace page lists all the influences I would expect for a group like this: Red House Painters, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Savage, Clan Of Xymox, Julee Cruise, Book Of Love, Cocteau Twins. I also hear a bit of New Order mixed with the Xymox. There's something from The Railway Children (maybe just a little bit). Honestly, a lot of it reminds me of little-known New Order side-project The Other Two, but that's certainly not a bad thing.
In any case, it's good stuff. Both songs below sound start off a bit beat-oriented, especially 'Smedby', but soon incorporate floating keyboards and soothing guitars to take the edge off. The Gentle Touch EP was released in February 2006. The debut full-length, In Memory of Savannah, followed in March 2008, also on the Songs I Wish I Had Written label. I just wish I had discovered Gentle Touch four years ago.
This video is for Gentle Touch's 'Expectations,' the lead track from In Memory of Savannah. The sound isn't great, but gives an idea of the band in action. You can also download songs from the Songs I Wish I Had Written website.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
SOTD: Memoryhouse - 'Lately (Deuxième)' from The Years EP (2010)
I dreamt last night. I often dream I suppose, but don't usually remember them. This one remains fairly clear. I was in a second story room, perhaps a bedroom in an old farmhouse. The natural light was amazing as it filtered through the old leaden windows. A breeze provided enough strength to move the sheers just so slightly. It seemed to be warm, perhaps late spring or early summer. I was standing in front of desk looking toward an open window. I could see billowy, white clouds outside. There were many trees in the yard. In the sunlight dappled lawn children were playing and laughing. And this song was the soundtrack.
I discovered Memoryhouse fairly recently upon a friend's recommendation. The Ontario-based duo comprising Memoryhouse recently released The Years EP in preparation for a full-length album out next month. On this release Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion have created a hypnotic, dreamy, peaceful soundscape upon which to build. 'Lately (Deuxième)' takes a sample of Jon Brion's 'Phone Call' from the Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind soundtrack (a seemingly appropriate movie from which to base a song like this) and builds it into an ethereal hymn with a subtle but hypnotic beat belying the somewhat depressing lyrics.
It's no secret I enjoy sonically dense, hypnotic music on occasion. Bands such as School of Seven Bells (reviewed here) produce amazing music. While approaching it from a determinedly lo-fi angle, Memoryhouse exists in the same area. This could be shoegazing without the multitude of effects pedals. It is ambient. It is quiet. It can become the soundtrack to your dreams.
Lately (Deuxième) by Memoryhouse
Download now or listen on posterous
Lately (Deuxième).mp3 (8773 KB) Download now or listen on posterous
Check out the video on Vimeo:
Other reviews and Memoryhouse information: Pitchfork (7.3/10) and Cokemachineglow.com.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Song of the Day: Little & Ashley - 'Stole My Heart' from Stole My Heart EP (2010)
It sure seems as though duos are the hip musical trend these days. I know there were plenty of successful duos prior to The White Stripes, but it seems as they were the ones to popularize the current wave of duos (primarily male/female) so plentiful these days. Whether one looks to The Ting Tings, Mates of State, Let's Whisper, or Matt & Kim my perception is duos are making their mark to a greater degree in modern rock than in previous eras. Heck, country music even has male/female duos such as Joey + Rory springing up though country music duos aren't especially anything new.
This brings me to my newest favorite duo, Little & Ashley. Despite possible first impressions, Little is actually Annie Little while the Ashley part of the equation is the surname of one Marcus Ashley. Apparently they met in Los Angeles on the open-mic circuit and started listening to music together while forming Little & Ashley.
You may recognize their songs from the Amazon Kindle commercials now airing in the United States. While two songs are in circulation on commercials, 'Stole My Heart' is the one with which I instantly became enamored. Give it a listen. Perhaps they will steal your heart as well.
Monday, April 5, 2010
KC Royals Opening Day
Today was the opening day for the Kansas City Royals season. Though the team was facing the ace of the Detroit Tigers staff, Justin Verlander, there was reason for optimism as the Royals Cy Young winner from last year, Zack Greinke, was starting.
The Royals had a 4-2 lead when Greinke exited the game. The bullpen immediately gave up six runs and the Tigers had all the offense they would need to defeat the Royals 8-4.
It was another unfortunate day in the latest chapter of the Royals. For all the optimism and personnel changes today's result looks suspiciously like some from previous years. It's only one game though; things can only get better.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
My Spring Fling: the Bronica ETR-Si Camera
Every so often one comes across a great deal that simply cannot be ignored. It was just the case with my newest camera, this Bronica ETR-Si. Even though I should have probably ignored the call, I stumbled upon this setup and simply could not walk away.
The Bronica ETR-Si is a medium-format film camera. The basic ETR family has been around for many years and there are several on the used-camera market. I've never used a Bronica before, but have used other similar cameras.
The body, lens, and film back on this particular example are in excellent condition. There are a few scratches on the AE-III prism finder, but certainly nothing that will affect performance. Naturally, now that I have this I'll have to acquire other bits of gear to complement the set. That's just how it works for men and their toys, right?
With spring seemingly arrived, I'm excited to load this with film and head out to test the performance. Based on what I've found online and in flickr groups, this camera should be a lot of fun. Here's hoping I'm up to the challenge!
Monday, February 22, 2010
The First Hint of Spring
The temperature reached 50°F in Kansas City today. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but after the winter we have been having it most certainly is.
I took the opportunity to take Kaya out for a walk this afternoon while it was still sunny and the air was warm. School had let out and kids were playing in backyards. I heard cardinals and wrens singing. It seemed all creatures were appreciating the respite from the cold, no matter how brief it may be.
It got me to thinking how much I enjoyed spring as a kid in Quincy, Illinois. There was something about the time between school letting out and when it was required to come in for dinner. The days when the air would start to warm and I could play outside again, no matter how hard the ground may still have been. Sure, summer had the advantage of being able to go out and play after dinner, but spring had its own allure, even in its early days. There was something of that in the air today and it added a bit of a levity to my mood.
Spring is on the way. The forecast is for snow tomorrow.
(The photos of Kaya were taken last year with my Minolta Autocord on expired Kodak Ektacolor Pro 160NC.)
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