New talents.

Being in a different environment is a great way to explore to new talents. Since being home, I discovered that I am pretty good at playing dominoes and EXCELLENT at finding ticks on my cat. However, I am not good at pulling off the ticks so I have to leave my finger on the critters until my Dad has the time to pull them off. Gross. The end.

I'm Sad REMIX!

I've done sad mixes with Bright Eyes and all that slit your wrist type of shit but this is my most up to date list. It makes as much sense as the rest of my life does. 

I'm Sad Music Mix:

Hang Me Up to Dry 3:39 Cold War Kids

What More Can I Say 4:55 Jay-Z

Encore 4:11 Jay-Z

Heart of the City (Ain't No Love) 3:43 Jay-Z

Guess Who's Back 4:16 Scarface

Stay Fly 3:57 Three 6 Mafia

Poppin' My Collar 2:57 Three 6 Mafia

Through the Wire 3:41 Kanye West

Dark Fantasy 4:41 Kanye West

Gorgeous 5:58 Kanye West, Kid Cudi & Raekwon

Brooklyn Zoo 3:37 Ol' Dirty Bastard

So Appalled 6:38 Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & RZA

Lost In the World 4:17 Kanye West & Bon Iver

Party Rock Anthem (feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock) 4:23 LMFAO

Beirut!

This review never "officially" made it up, so I'm putting it up myself, damn it! What.

Beirut’s sold-out show at Terminal 5 was a truly cinematic experience. The theatrics were not found in glamour and glitz but rather in the heart of the music which possessed a worldly feel. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel alive. The group, Zach Condon, Kelly Pratt, Nick Petree, Paul Collins, Perrin Cloutier and Ben Lanz,  appeared classy on stage sporting button downs and black pants. Like clockwork, they fluently switched from one instrument to the next. And these instruments are not just your typical guitar and drums. No sir. The usage of the accordion, piano, upright bass, euphonium, trombone, trumpet, glockenspiel and ukele came into play creating an epic orchestra affect that miraculously was not overbearing. Condon’s voice was controlled and strong with a certain beautiful rawness to it. Sometimes it almost sounded operatic while at other times it was gentle and smooth, always coming from a genuine place. The music at times reminded me of an awesome carnival that is romantic, dark, hopeful and imaginative all at once. 

Beirut’s live version “Nantes” was slightly more upbeat than it appears on the 2007 album Flying Cup and was definitely one of many big hits throughout the night. This song is a great example of how Condon is able to compose lyrics that are elegant and poetic yet totally relatable. From the same album, “A Sunday Smile” also proved to be quite popular with the audience as their voices chimed in, singing along to the heartfelt ballad. The groups’ diverse influences were apparent throughout their set which ranged from an almost big band jazz feel to softer folk and what felt like a Spanish fiesta. The piano and vocals in “Goshen” from The Rip Tide were delicate and mellow while “Mount Wroclai” from Gurlag Orkestar showcased Beirut’s Balkan folk roots and “The Akara” encompassed inspiration from Condon’s trip to Mexico.

The show was lively and full of energy and despite their lengthy set, it seemed to fly by in a fit of whimsy. Beirut appeared to be grateful for their warm response which resulted in not one, but two encores. The show closed perfectly with a spontaneous brass band jam that brought on impromptu dancing and lots of happy feelings.

Another weird dream, shocker.

Aaaand...


Last night I dreamed I was hanging with a friend and she desperately wanted to eat at this certain restaurant to celebrate Bangladesh (a Jewish holiday??). We had like one dumpling each (which had been left on our table) but could not decipher the menu for the life of us so we had to leave. On the way home, a cop pulled me over for driving the car from the back seat. He then brought me to a mud pit where people were biking and made me walk the line. The line was muddy and not straight. I asked him if he wanted me to walk straight or to follow the line which was actually diagonal. He then released me and let me drive home.


WHAT.

The Latest Terrible Dream

Well, last night I had a dream that my brother's friend was trying to get me a job. There were all of these convicts and I had to pretend I was them by wearing their (very gross) shoes so they could roam freely. I kept wondering how I'd be able to fit in all of these men sneakers. At least it was a paying job.

Yellow Jacket

Me: Saw a yellow jacket in the house. Not sure where it went.
Dad: I have a white jacket in the closet. Are you sure it isn't that?


AAAAH.

My parents just got back from hanging out with some monks. They said if I am willing to shave my head I have a good chance of getting in. 

Who You Gonna Call??

Decorating for Halloween. I like any excuse for lights and animated objects. This guy dances to the Ghostbusters Theme Song. Good times.

Hiatus.

I'm on a huge hiatus from life. I've traded in the bustling city for the countryside. I went for a walk today. It's around a mile each way on my street. I'd have to walk a mile to the subway from my apartment in BK. There, I would have to dodge cars and people. I would pass endless restaurants, bodegas, hip happenings. In the country I passed lots of woods, a farm or two, one neighbor (the tree cutter who was cutting trees at the time), sheep, horses and a dog kennel. Ah. WHAT. I've been having trouble sleeping. I got up at 4am today, hoping that if I watched some tv and got my mind of stuff that sleeping would come easier. My dad was just getting up. He fixed himself a short Bloody Mary and I opted for cranberry juice. At 5am he announced he was going to go upstairs to shave. My parents have been quite supportive and lovely. My mom encourages long walks by the ocean. Good for the soul she says. I'm getting three square meals here. Literally for the dishes are not round. In addition, it is great to be reunited with my dear cat Rags. Rags is so handsome and chill, very Dean Martin-esque. He knows he is a looker too. He stares at himself in the fireplace. Great self-confidence.  I have decided I can read cats way better than human boys. I know when cats want to be left alone and I know when they'd like a petting. Cats always come back though. Belly rubs are too good to give up on completely. Anyway, gotta go frost a cake.