How The Day Sounds

Ok so it's no secret that I kind of like this band called The National.  If by "kind of like" translates to what some would call an obsession then...that's probably closer to the truth.  I've accepted this and am learning to live with it everyday.  I hope my loved ones understand.  

Now I don't want this blog to become a tribute to The National but considering they are in town, I figured it would be acceptable to give them one more write up.  While they are currently touring with their latest release, High Violet, the band is also detouring into soundtrack territory.  First came movies, now comes games.  These side projects may seem random, but it is giving the band an opportunity to feature some different sounds that don't necessarily fit on albums.  While I've never heard of something called Portal 2, I'm assuming it's popular enough to warrant a sequel and a good way to get some new fans.  

In short, listen to The National.  Obama likes them.  Roger Sterling likes them.  Buy their stuff.  See them tonight at the Riverside.  I now promise to retire this band from my daily soundtracks and feature different music. 

The National - Exile Vilify by weallwantsome1

The Orchard

(release date: August 24)

Stream the entire album over at NPR now.  I thought I'd found an early copy but no luck, so I'll have to wait like everyone else for the band's second album.  Snap judgment after a once-through is definitely positive with "Too Dramatic" being a stand out favorite already.

Who is Don Draper?

Live blogging the season premiere of Mad Men.  
A few notes: 

I decided to do a live blog instead of a recap because that is an extremely intimidating idea.  I don't think I'd do the show justice with my analysis.  There's so much to talk about, it'd be impossible for me to really get into anything.   Also, some of the references are outside of my area of expertise being a product of the late 80's and all.  Oh, and the live blog skips the first 10 minutes because I didn't decide to do this until then.  Enjoy!

so well built, we can't show you the second floor.

All The Pretty Girls Go To...Nashville

The Ghost Who Walks

photo by Solve Sundsbo

Like many models before her, Karen Elson is trying to add some hyphens to her job title.  Her successful modeling career all started when she agreed to shave her eyebrows and dye her hair red for Mario Testino, landing her on the cover of Vogue.  That decision translated into her signature look: fiery tresses that perfectly contrasts her porcelain pale skin.  From there she's walked many a runway, starred in countless campaigns (including Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 campaign) and earned her the elusive title of super model.

Along the way she's of course garnered many fans including one White Stripe.  It's no surprise that being Mrs. Jack White has had an impact on her solo career.  This English-born beauty has dabbled in the music industry for awhile, contributing to cabaret acts and collaborating with Robert Plant and Cat Power.  Now with a family in toe, Elson is ready to break out on her own.  

Released in June, Elson's first album was produced by White, recorded in Nashville and already gaining indie cred.  Her voice is surprisingly rich and emotional with just a hint of country twang, amplified by the slightly gritty and old school southern rock influences.  

You can definitely hear White's presence on the album, but Elson is the main attraction.  She has a limited vocal range, but the arrangements make up for her short comings with marching drum beats, elusive harmonies and accordian riffs layered in the background.  The inclusion of jaunty pianos and fiddles hint at a bygone carnival on "100 Years From Now."  The album opens with one of its strongest tracks, "The Ghost Who Walks," a sexy and catchy 70's drenched plea that also personifies the album's artwork.  

The album switches gears part way through, trading country carnival for Bonnaroo, taking its bygone  influences and translating them for a modern crowd.  While it loses some of its charm in later songs, this experimenting gives Elson somewhere to go on future tries.  

By creating a credible first album, Elson has not only added musician to her resume but made her audience forget her modeling background all together, allowing her music to stand for itself.

The Ultimate Facebook "Creep"er

We've all been called out for facebook stalking without any real remorse because well, we're not using it to cheat or anything that serious.  Try perusing facebook while listening to Scala & Kolacny's cover of Creep.  

Either that or watch the new trailer for The Social Network, David Fincher's film about Mark Zuckerberg and the creation/controversy of Facebook.  Not quite the same carefree, harmless experience as before, huh?  The beginning of the trailer is nothing short of, well, creepy.  Sorry Zuckerberg, you may be rich but you are also the ultimate facebook creeper (according the Fincher).  Check it out after the jump....

to do list: movies

I'm not really a fan of summer releases since most of them are spectacle-laden stereotypes with bloated budgets and mindless plots.  Ok, so that's a total generalization and harsh, but what can I say, it's not really my style.  Thankfully, there are still some quality films that I can't wait to see.  While most are set to come out this fall/winter, there are a few summer releases that will hopefully make up for Killers and The A-Team.  I'll keep adding to the list as trailers are released.


NEVER LET ME GO (sept. 15)

Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly star in this erie film about a mysterious English boarding school and the students who attend.  The trailer makes me feel completely depressed and freaked out, which is weirdly a good thing when it comes to my trailer barometer.  It's based on a critically acclaimed novel that is also next on my reading list.




SOMEWHERE (dec. 22)

Sofia Coppola's lastest film follows similar patterns to her past films, but that is far from a complaint.  This also means another stellar soundtrack, this time created by her fiance Thomas Mars' band Phoenix.  Even though the trailer doesn't give too much away plot-wise, i think it's perfect and highlights the themes and tone.




INCEPTION (july 16)

One of the only tent-pole movies on my list due to its impressive cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Cane, Cillian Murphy....) and director (Christopher Nolan).  I still have no idea of what it's entirely about, but I have faith that it'll be easier to understand upon viewing even if leo had some troubles.



HARRY POTTER (nov. 19)

Come on, it's "the motion picture event of a generation."

DIY, Ly-style

arts and crafts is getting a whole new rep thanks to one iowan and her equally passionate DIY-ers.  gone are the days of disgusted sneers and disbelieving scoffs at the idea of spending a night bedazzling sweaters and stitching spandex.  thanks to leslie and the lys, crafts are cool and could possibly be mistaken for rock and roll.  front woman leslie hall has taken her love of sparkles, spandex and sweaters and translated it into a seriously unique experience.  no, that is by no means an overstatement; that truly is the only way to describe leslie and all her glory.  i was given the opportunity to see hall and her backup dancers in person a few months ago in madison and words really can't do it justice.  everything about the concert has a crafty feel, from her ly-operated pedestal to the american apparel-heavy wardrobe complete with smears of drugstore makeup.  that's not really a dis considering that's what transforms the regular iowa-native into her onstage persona.  i do appreciate that she sticks to a signature style instead of trying to constantly reinvent herself in some new crafty ways.  it's also allowed her to attract some rabid fans, fashioning their own sweaters and lookalike outfits in hopes of winning her approval.  

what has all this led to?

Copying: Janelle Monae

Tuxedos are no longer reserved for men or cater waiters thanks to Janelle Monae, an indie-soul performer  never without a perfectly coiffed pompadour that would make Prince envious.  Originially from Kansas City, Monae moved to NYC to study and make it on Broadway.  She eventually switched her focus to music, moved to Atlanta, met Big Boi (one-half of OutKast), and signed with Bad Boy Records (Diddy's brainchild) in 2007.  She's somewhat of an anamoly at first glance, personified by her penchant for structured blazers, crisp white button ups, 80's-esque plastic studs, and patten leather saddle shoes.  On anyone else it would look ridiculous but somehow, Monae makes it cool and totally rock and roll thanks to keeping it classy in either black or white only.  Her latest album, dubbed The ArchAndroid, was just released and is already getting attention.  She'll definitely be a presence this summer (at least on my iPod) and I'm already inspired by her polished, androgynous style.

Trailer Park

There are very few things I like more than a really good trailer.  That is part of the reason I love seeing movies in the theater.  While most people plan to arrive 15 minutes late, just in time for the opening credits, I get my seat 15 minutes early, anxiously anticipating the four or so previews.  It's like its own little presentation, one I am equally if not more excited about seeing.  And if they suck, well that is kind of a bummer for the actual feature.  The ones that really get me instantly give me chills.  And a decisive score or musical choice doesn't hurt either.  Trailer for Atonement and There Will Be Blood are still some of the best I've seen.  Elements that do not bode well: anything that starts with "In a world.... in a deep, announcer-y voice.  Or divulging the entire plot in 2 minutes.  Or anything starring Miley Cyrus.....

Sixth Scents

My journey to becoming a true fashionista included the necessary acquisition of a signature scent.  For some reason, that's the one thing about me that really sticks with people.  I really started my quest back in high school, scouring the perfume counters with my mom.  After many trips, coffee bean refreshers and bouts of lightheadedness, I finally settled on Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue.  Since then, it's become my scent, at least in my circle.  However, it's been 7 years and in that time it's become rather popular...eponymous with the sorority crowd.  Eh, no good.  So, now I am beginning to embark on discovering a new scent.  Something worthy to usher in this new chapter of my life.  A little more professional, a little more sophisticated.  Oh, and undeniably chic.  

100 % medically accurate

After spending the past 3 months surrounded by movies as an intern at a film fest, I've fallen behind in my film news.  That is the only excuse I can come up with for how I let a movie about a human centipede, er, crawl past my radar.  Well, lucky for me (well it'd probably be more like "lucky"), I have managed to find tons of reading material about what some have dubbed 2010's most barfiest movie and the most disgusting horror film of all-time.  Just going off the name The Human Centipede (First Sequence), you could probably deduce some key elements of the film: low budget, campy, terrible acting, a deformed human with an increased number of extremities, a sequel is coming.  At least that's what I thought until I actually googled it. 

my new favorite book

I've been in the market for a laptop case for awhile now, especially after a near disaster involving soup (note to self: never put liquids in glad ware).  Fortunately I discovered twelve south's bookbook cases.  They are sturdy, functional, and impeccably designed.  This will definitely save me from losing another macbook to liquids.  

(photos via twelve south)

  

i was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees

Anyone who knows me knows I have a borderline obsession with The National, proved by the gross amount of time I’ve spent listening to their 2007 album Boxer (and loving every minute).  That and their lyrics are featured on the top the this blog.  If you haven’t heard it, you are sorely missing out. And don’t be surprised if it doesn’t get you right away--it’s one of those slow brooding albums, one that takes multiple listens before you start hearing it’s intricate nuances, so give it some time. It’s kind of like the first time you watched The Office, really unfamiliar but you quickly got into it and now you consider all of Dunder Mifflin your dear friends.

Needless to say, I’m beyond excited for the Ohio/Brooklyn band’s latest, High Violet, out May 19th. "Bloodbuzz Ohio," the first single off the album, sounds similar to their other songs, especially the driving drums. Matt Berninger’s voice is as deep and mood as ever and the band hasn’t lost their layered arrangements, but these are all things that are key to their formula. I’m interested to see how the rest of the album pans out. I’m betting it’ll be similar to listening to Boxer: a slow evolution will emerge with every listen, quietly highlighting some innovations woven into the familiar.

Volume 2

She & Him’s lovely sophomore album provides the perfect soundtrack to chase away any lingering winter blues.  Volume 2 picks up where its predecessor left off, evoking the same mix of rockabilly tinged with vintage Southern California pop.  However, this time around, She & Him’s Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward add depth and polish to the recipe.