New Year's Eve

"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. " - Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally
A decade ago I spent New Year's Eve with Vivi- neither of us fans of the hoopla and both of us apart from our respective terrible boyfriends. We had plans to go to a party and then we didn't have them, so we spent the night walking in the freezing cold of Boston looking for a perfect spot to ring in the new century. It is a long story that ends with us eating pea soup and rice pudding, grabbing the first cab we could at 12:01 to get out of the single digit frigidity and getting back to my apartment for some When Harry Met Sally.
I love that movie and the quote I posted above. What I love most about that New Year's Eve however, is that I finished the century with the person who was with me through all the best and worst times of our adolescence, the person I laughed and cried with the most, the person who inspired and comforted me. I am always grateful for that (and that the aforementioned terrible boyfriends are not the lovely gents we call ours today). 
Happy 2010!

if I MUST make a resolution...

Forget resolutions for the lot of the year - I'd rather just focus and enjoy each and every one of those 365 days when I'm actually in 'em (hey! I think I just tricked myself into a resolution... oh, the power of the New Year! You've caught me in your evil web once again!!)

image via dreamcatcher

All Things Must Pass, George Harrison. (Part One)






Rock's first triple disc LP. Personally, I think its the best of its kind. While that may provoke a heady debate, I think it could be agreed on that no other triple disc LP has been so eloquently compiled. It also prevails as the most momentous solo Beatles album released to date. While John Lennon and Paul McCartney occasionally knocked out near-perfect productions, and even Ringo getting a catchy single in once and again, none have rivaled the brilliant eccentricity, genuine passion, and unwavering diversity of All Things Must Pass. Had any of these songs been given the Beatles treatment, they would undoubtedly be standouts in the catalog. Many of these songs had been rejected by the Beatles, dating as far back as 1966. Alas, its the uplifting sounds of George Harrison coming into his own that contributes to this album's splendor. He didn't need the other Beatles, and he wasted no time gathering some of his most talented cohorts, to make for legendary sessions. George Harrison proved that he could sufficiently stand on his own, and the fact that he had never relied on the others to aid him in writing proved to be a blessing. They is an unrestrained flavor throughout all six sides -- complete with throaty vocal performances, lush productions (courtesy of music's premier kook, Mr. Spector), jam sessions, and various instruments popping up randomly in each track, but none sounding out of place. Bobby Whitlock, of Derek and the Dominos, claimed that Harrison was incredibly collaborative and that he "included everyone on everything he did because there was enough for all." Its an album that seems like an obscurity, yet I always seems to stumble upon random people who are equally infatuated. After purchasing the album -- all discs present, perfect condition with the exception of a worn out corner on the cover box -- for a DOLLAR (Oh, the Bay Area. I fucking love you), a girl saw it and said something like, "That George Harrison record is so fucking cool." Then once I was at a party and I was introduced to a guy named George. I said, "I can remember that because George is my favorite Beatle." George replied, "Really? He is my favorite too. His solo records are awesome." More recently, before interviewing Ross Halfin, I chatted with his assistant, Steve (I think his name was), and he told me of how he went along with Ross on the tour of Japan with George Harrison and Eric Clapton. He told me of his adoration for All Things Must Pass, and I graciously bragged about my Bay Area bargain. (Which then branched into a conversation about rummaging for records.) I always thought I was one of few who had unearthed this gem, but apparently even strange men named George at dumb, random parties are into it. But that's marvelous, I love when good music gets the credit it deserves. With an album so massive, and material so rich, some songs take longer to seep in, and it certainly takes multiple listens to fully comprehend the album in its entirety. The remarkable musicianship comes courtesy of all of Derek and the Dominos (sans Duane Allman), Gary Wright (most famous for "Dream Weaver"), Bobby Keyes (laid down classic sax on the best Stones records, and tossed a television out the window with K. Richards), as well as Jim Price (another Stones vet), Ringo, members of Badfinger, Al Aronowitz (introduced the Beatles to Bob Dylan, who introduced the Beatles to pot), Peter Frampton, John Lennon, Dave Mason of Traffic, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, every one's favorite loon Ginger Baker, Klaus Voormann (friend of the Beatles in Hamburg, artist of Revolver cover, bass player), Alan White (soon to be of Yes), Billy Preston (no intro necessary?), even a young Phil Collin makes an appearance, among many others. The album itself opens with a longing number, co-written with Bob Dylan, "I'd Have You Anytime". I deem All Things Must Pass a stunning record, one of my favorites, because it passes my general "magnificent album" rule: each song is a THRILL. Each a different kind of thrill -- yet all uniquely and unanimously a thrill. With that said, "I'd Have You Anytime" is not at all a bad song, the lead guitar is quite tasteful. Still, it never proved to be a favorite. But it is followed by a string of BRILLIANCE, a string of "What the fuck is wrong with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, why did they push these songs aside?" brilliance. Beginning with "My Sweet Lord", the album's crowned classic. When I was in Buenos Aires, floating about my favorite flea market in the entire world, Hare Krishnas were dancing to this song. Incredible! During a whirlwind summer, in which I felt like an utter outsider, music DID prove to be the universal language. Yes yes yes. While I can't say I necessarily get down with the religious bit, I don't mind it at all. Perhaps it even provided a bit of much-longed-for passion. The celestial chorus and contagious rhythm make for an exciting listening experience, and coupled with that previously mentioned unrestrained passion -- its genuine. More so than any Beatles track George Harrison ever sang. But oh oh oh, it just gets better. "Wah-Wah" is DELICIOUS. I am so grateful that Paul McCartney was such a whiny bitch that George Harrison felt urged to write a song about it! That wall of sound is ever affective. Ugh, just the sweet sounds exploding at every moment. That momentous riff! It is all magical, totally and completely magical. And he is right! He didn't need Paul McCartney. Following the album's arguably best track is the first version of "Isn't It a Pity". You know what IS a pity? I'm just assuming that this is GH longing for his gap-toothed wife (whom Brian Epstein apparently thought of as really dense, which I in turn think of as really entertaining), WHILE SHE WAS SEDUCING ERIC CLAPTON. Cruel! Though if she did inspire such a tune, I'm sure GH would deny it. Didn't he say that "Something" was inspired by Ray Charles? Even so, the entire theme of "Isn't It a Pity" is incredibly uplifting. In short: See the beauty around you, and treat others kindly. When I first became utterly obsessed with this record, I really dug "Isn't It a Pity", but now it isn't quite a favorite. But I am no less infatuated with the sound of this record. The glorious musicians, the ENERGY, and yes, even the echo-laden Phil Spector touch. This record never gets boring (even though disc one doesn't exactly hide its superiority to disc two). If "Isn't It a Pity" failed to move you, then "What Is Life" will literally MOVE you. Get up! Move! Embrace the horns! The ever-present slide! (George was no slouch.) "What Is Life" is just a great song. One of the best off a glorious album. Its catchy, its danceable, its got everything a good song needs. Simple yet explosive, ethereal and perfect. Next, "If Not for You". Sweet, delicate. Bob Dylan, you have a heart. Bobby D penned this one for his then-wife Sara, an obvious fountain of inspiration. This take on "If Not for You" is one of those rare instances in which someone totally identifies with the words another wrote. The jangly guitars dance tenderly around Harrison's delicately affective vocals. This is followed by another love-driven ballad (is there any other kind?), this time penned by Harrison himself. Kind of like Led Zeppelin's "Tangerine" and "That's the Way", "If Not for You" and "Behind That Locked Door" have always been partners in my library. I rarely listen to one without the other. I think if pressed, "Behind That Locked Door" would prevail as the better of the two. I'm a huge fan of steel guitar, when done tastefully. It can bring so much warmth to a song, and it truly does not fail here. "Let It Down", yet another momentous tune, complete with Harrison's inability to say 'hair' -- he pronounces it as 'hurr'. He prevails as an imaginative lyricist; "Let your hair hang around me. Let it down, let it down. Let your love flow and astound me." And it continues, "As you look so sweetly and divine, I can feel you here. I see your eyes are busy kissing mine." I like. The song which closes disc one is "Run of the Mill". Strangely, not a favorite when I first discovered the album, it has since developed a fondness when it comes on random. This fondness mostly stems from the endlessly wise lyrics.


"Everyone has choice, when to and not to raise their voices: it's you that decides; which way you will turn, while feeling that our love's not your concern; it's you that decides.
No one around you, will carry the blame for you
No one around you, will love you to day and throw it all away
tomorrow when you rise
Another day for you to realize me; or send me down again; As the days stand up on end, you've got me wondering how I lost your friendship, but I see it in your eyes.
Though I'm beside you I can't carry the lame for you; I may decide to get out with your blessing, where I'll carry on guessing; How high will you leap? will you make enough for you to reap it? only you'll arrive at your own made end, with no one but yourself to be offender; it's you that decides."
-- As printed on the All Things Must Pass sleeve.







"The Led whaat?"

This is neat. Here is a 1970 interview with John Bonham & Robert Plant. They discuss the "death of the personality cult" and the revolution in popular music that Zeppelin was a catalyst for.

Now, lets move from revolution talk to evolution talk. Here is what prehistoric Wax Romeo looked like. Creepy, right? Thank God for Darwinism.



















Also, at the long overdue request of DJ Pat Chez, here is me dressed as Mandeep a couple Halloweens ago.

Abigail Halpin

I love it when my Etsy obsession leads to something like.......theodesign.com/blog. When I was looking for ornaments for my dream tree I found one in the Miss Avocado shop  
and I found illustrator Abigail Halpin. Not only was I enchanted by the items in her shop, I loved her blog and how she shares her work, her process, and inspiration. I have always loved seeing the sketching and brainstorming of an illustrator- the art coming to life. Ms. Halpin's blog is the perfect spot to witness the creative process and her shop is the ideal spot to treat yourself to some of that amazing art... 







gold in the new year

by *littlemewhatever (via weheartit)

I love the glitter of gold against the barest and palest of backgrounds or up against dark or worn wooden - it's so earthy yet ethereal... perfect for the new year, don't you think?

"fleur de lis structured multichain" by white owl

by loou

Christmas according to Linus, the poet

Charlie Brown:

"I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about."

[shouting in desperation]
"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus:

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

[moves toward the center of the stage]

"Lights, please."

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."


Here's hoping that despite all the madness of the holidays - you get a chance to rest, have plenty of laughter, and an abundance of love from the ones that mean most to you. Merry Christmas everyone!!


(sources: 1st image, text, 2nd image)

Smalltown Best:09 Mix





















The "Best of 08" podcast was a smashing success and the feedback was awesome, so here is the follow up. What great year it was for music, this mix is about some of the non-dancefloor and not-club tunes which were on heavy rotation this year. The great cover art was designed by our homie Jonathan at Rollout. Thanks for listening.

SMALLTOWN DJs BEST:09 MIX

*edit: Neoteric was kind enough to upload a version with tracklist & artwork embedded HERE


BEST:09 TRACKLIST

1) While you wait for the Others - Grizzly Bear feat. Michael Macdonald
2) Just ain't Gonna Work Out - Mayer Hawthorne
3) Stillness is the Move - Solange Knowles
4) Dominoes - The Big Pink
5) Nothing to Worry About - Peter, Bjorn & John
6) No You Girls (Grizzl Remix) - Franz Ferdinand
7) So Insane - Discovery
8) The Sticky - Black Moth Super Rainbow
9) Lizstomania (Classixx Remix) - Phoenix
10) Psychic City - Yacht
11) Blood Bank (Skinny Friedman edit) - Bon Iver
12) Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
13) Animal (Mark Ronson Remix) - Miike Snow
14) Shelter (Them Jeans Remix) - The XX
15) Cruel Intentions - Simian Mobile Disco feat. Beth Ditto
16) Walking on the Moon (U-Tern's Kris Menace blend) - The Dream
17) Bulletproof - La Roux
18) One Life Stand - Hot Chip
19) Rain Dance - The Very Best feat. M.I.A.
20) You Got the Love (The XX Remix) - Florence & The Machine
21) Night by Night (Skream Remix) - Chromeo
22) Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi feat Ratatat & MGMT

Treats

This week is all about sweet treats around here. I decided to put up three favorites- some classic sugar cookies, Gramercy Tavern Gingergread, and a Christmas cocktail (for after all the wrapping gifts, making food, and hanging stockings with care).

Crackly Sugar Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar (sanding or granulated) for rolling cookies

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Combine butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl sides and bottom. Add yolks, vanilla, and salt and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. Add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar and mix on low speed until dough comes together. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll between your hands until smooth.
3. Roll dough in sanding or granulated sugar to coat and place on parchment-paper-lined baking sheets. Bake cookies until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center, about 16 minutes. Immediately transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Image courtesy of smittenkitchen.com

Gramercy Tavern Gingerbread

INGREDIENTS

1 cup oatmeal stout or Guinness Stout
1 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground cardamom
3 large eggs
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
Confectioners sugar for dusting
Accompaniment: Unsweetened whipped cream

INSTRUCTIONS
1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter bundt pan and dust with flour, knocking out excess. 2.Bring stout and molasses to a boil in a large saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk in baking soda, then cool to room temperature.
3.Sift together flour, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs and sugars. 4.Whisk in oil, then molasses mixture. Add to flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into bundt pan and rap pan sharply on counter to eliminate air bubbles.

6.Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs adhering, about 50 minutes.Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely.
Serve cake, dusted with confectioners sugar, with whipped cream.

Image courtesy of marthastewart.com


Candy Cane Cocktail

INGREDIENTS
Makes one cocktail

1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
2 ounces strawberry vodka
4 dashes white creme de menthe
2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
Ice cubes

INSRUCTIONS

Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

Nicaragua - A good purpose


After a few weeks in Europe Pete and I returned home to Calgary just in time to welcome a -37 Blizzard. With 10 days on the calender with no scheduled work I decided to head to Nicaragua and within 2 hours me and my trusty travel mate/girlfriend Joanna were on a plane.

With 3 hours of sun on the first day I received a pretty brutal sunburn.
Which if you have ever spent time in the waves in Nicaragua is somewhat
unavoidable and common. It gave me a few days to work on a new track
heavily inspired by the Spanish/Latin influences in the area. The view from my Nica studio was amazing.


After a few days out of the sun we were back on the beach just in time to hit a nice groundswell that was just the right size for a landlocked Calgarian Surfer. Justin from Liquidglass was out with his water camera and hooked me with a few shots from that afternoon.

That evening our good friend Johnny G was Djing at a fund raiser for The Barrio Planta Project. This is where the good purpose comes in.
The BP Project is a community development program that gives a positive outlet and opportunities to Nicaraguan children and adults.
Activities such as sports, theater and art help foster focus and teamwork while creating confidence and purpose to the individuals and the community. A small donation goes a very very long way.
Click here to View a short video.
Click here to learn more about the Barrio Planta Project.

With only 8 non travel days in Nicaragua we barely got over our sunburns before we had to throw our winter jackets back on and head home. Much thanks to Johnny G, Pete, Marty, Curtis, Yaosca, Elliot, Jamie, Bambu, Los Cardones, Izic, Charlie, Shaun, San Juan C21 and Sanjuansurf.com for the good times. Well see you again soon.

METAL BABY



Video of kid imitating the sound of his dad's music. Hilarious.

the smell of oranges and cloves

by stephanie levy

Yes, indeed, a craft that I am actually capable of making...

Oranges studded with cloves is one of the simplest and sweetest smelling things and it's perfect for the holiday season. The scent is one of my all time favorites and who could resist hanging one on the tree or tossing a few in a bowl as a centerpiece? Plus, I love how they look like strange medieval weapons or ancient magical globes...

This year, because of work, I've gotten seriously behind in decorating and doing little things like this, but, friends, watch out because I have the feeling that I will be going craft crazy in 2010. And there is no question that I am going to start with these - they are the perfect touch to any hostess, house-warming, or Christmas present -- don't you think?

And if you are as craft challenged as I am, here are instructions (with illustrations!) on how to make your own. It's easy enough to do with the kids, but also something you can put your own style into it with different clove patterns or using other citrus fruits like lemons. And you can also tap into your inner Martha by incorporating ribbons or displaying your creations as wreaths or as garland.

Though, to be honest, I love the simple beauty of these clove studded oranges lounging in a bowl or just the one hanging on the tree like an ancient ornament that is still oh-so fragrant...

It's snowing!

And now if I could only move into this cozy little illustration....

from "The Happy Rabbit" (1963)
illustrations by Patricia Barton

Thursday, a Christmas Tree, and Etsy



Just a over a week until Christmas and my own tree is certainly worse for the wear. It has been loved to death by a very grabby 16-month-old and I swear I can see it quaking when she enters the room. Still, I love having a tree up in the house- the smell, the glittery lights, the beginnings of what will hopefully become a giant ornament collection.

Last week Vivi decorated her dream tree and this week I am going to give it a try. I'm going to put together the type of tree I would love to have up in the kids' playroom. Poking around for this project made me wish I could have a tree up year round, but I doubt there is a fir or spruce out there that would volunteer for that job!

For catching all the needles and well-loved ornaments-

The necessary sparkle and shine-






Some soft, colorful characters-






Some a little less soft, but just as wonderful....








Finally, the big guy himself!




So keep your fingers crossed my real tree makes it until Christmas… I may wind up with only my dream tree standing.