#I do miss the onions and kraut

[cagenewman]

"The beach is just as nice in the fall and winter," his smile was lopsided, then, as he looked over at her. "Although I guess we're showing up for you more so than the beautiful views. The ocean's just an added bonus." Truth be told, Cage loved their family dinners, the time that they got to spend together that a lot of families just didn't have. They grew up and grew apart, and maybe the Newmans had faced special circumstances to be sure that it never happened to them, but he was grateful they hadn't lost touch. "Although for what it's worth, Cordelia's in charge of desserts, I can't bake," cook, yes, absolutely, Cage was great in the kitchen, but he paled in comparison to what his girlfriend could make when it came to pies and cookies and cupcakes. "I know what you mean, the longer you hesitate, the harder it will be, too."

Adopting an older cat that might have struggled to find a home otherwise seemed like the quintessential Marlow thing to do -- his sister was that kind of person, who would put all of the love in the world into a cat that really needed it. "I could see that for you. Something older, laidback, likes to lay on your lap and soak up all of the love that it hasn't gotten for a long time. Plus, you miss out on that kitten phase, where they wake you up at three in the morning because that's the ideal time to beg for food." For whatever reason.

"It's not selfish," he assured her, shaking his head, "no more than wishing for the best for anyone you love. I think it would do him some good, having a schedule and a routine and something he can rely on, but it's," he scrunched his nose, before letting out a breath, "not a lost cause, just one of those battles that I don't think you can fight until he decides that he wants that for himself." Maybe he spoke from his own experience, having taken forever to get to the point where he felt like he could really settle down, work a normal job -- if what he did was considered normal -- and buckle in. Maybe, hopefully, their brother would get there someday.

"You got it," he let out a low, rumbling laugh, nodding his head. "Oh, I'm incredibly annoying, I'm sure there's a tiny part of her that was glad he were fighting when she did most of the house hunting, so I couldn't nit pick every little thing," because that was Cage. Pointing out this or that and how it would fall apart in ten years, or how this feature was missing, or that should have been done. With any luck, it wouldn't matter; in time, they could find a place together. "… oh, which," he offered her a bright grin, "doesn't mean I'll be annoying to help you search, of course."

"Cheese fries and a hot dog it is, do you want anything on the hot dog? Kraut? Chili? Cheese? Onions and relish and mustard and ketchup and literally everything under the sun?" because he knew that hot dogs were best eaten when you could barely even taste the actual hot dog. "You got it. I'll even spring for a sno*cone."

Marlow was glad to hear that her brother approved of her plan. "I can too." She could easily see herself on the shore, especially after her brief stay at the rental there. "You know I would be happy to host Sunday dinners, in the summer or any other time." It would be a built in excuse to make sure she still got to see her siblings. "I'll just make you all bring the desserts." She nodded at Cage's assessment of the move. "Yeah, I just feel like if I don't do it now, I never will, you know?"

Not so with the cat adoption, though. While she loved the idea, that would definitely be something she waited on until she was fully settled in herself. But the more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. "Maybe I'll try and get one of those older cats at the shelter." Her heart always went out to the ones who had been there for a year or more as people passed them by for the kittens.

As the conversation turned back to their youngest brother, Marlow let out a sigh. "Yeah, I think you're right on that one. I know it's selfish, but I wish he would find something with a little more stability." She wished Deacon would settle down in some regard, so she could stop worrying about him. Stop wondering where his next job will come from and how long he'll be in town.

"Good, now keep doing that please." The last thing she needed was to hear about another accident. She rolled her eyes a little at Cage's assessment of Cordelia's place. While her style leaned closer to her brother's as well, not every house had to look like that. "I'm sure it's fine and you're just being annoying. It'll be good for her, to have a place she can really be happy in." The same, of course, could be said about Marlow.

"Cheese fries!" she agreed with a little bounce. "And a hotdog, please, if you're buying." Marlow had learned long ago that it was pointless trying to argue when one of her brothers wanted to pay for something. "And after, you can buy me a cotton candy too."

[paulisded]

Live Ledge #406: Best Albums of 2019

This was another great year in music. So great, in fact, that many hours were spent narrowing down the year's release into the standard Ledge format of the 40 best albums of the year. In particular, it was a year that really saw a resurgence in anthemic power pop. It was also a year that saw a number of psych-rock bands so widely expand their sound and songwriting that a two-record set was necessary. Here's my list, and look for another similar post featuring the great reissue and box sets of the year.

1. Mikal Cronin, Seeker. Every year there is a record or two that deserves to find an audience outside of its typical subgenre. This year it’s the latest by Mikal Cronin, a stunning record that retains the psych-rock template of his past yet showcases a giant leap in songwriting. This record should be all over mainstream rock radio.

2. Bob Mould, Sunshine Rock. After a handful of records featuring dark, ferocious rock closer to his Husker Du days than his more poppy records with Sugar, Mould’s latest finds him possibly as close to happy as we’ve ever seen him. Ok, maybe happy is too strong of a word. Whatever it is the attitude is different, although still accompanied by his trademark buzzsaw guitars.

3. Pernice Brothers, Spread the Feeling. The most welcome comeback of the year. Every band featuring Joe Pernice seemed to acknowledge one major influence missing from most Americana bands and that’s his love of ‘80’s college rock. Just imagine a country-tinged power pop band that clearly loves Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths, and Lloyd Cole.

4. The Muffs, No Holiday. Such a tragedy. Two years ago, Muffs leader Kim Shattuck suddenly found herself unable to grip a guitar. It turned out to be ALS. Determined to finish one last album she gave all she could even as she quickly deteriorated from the disease. Eventually she was leading recording sessions while connected to a breathing tube. Sadly, she died less than two weeks before the release of one of the band’s best albums.

5. Purple Mountains, Purple Mountains. Purple Mountains was David Berman’s first project since the demise of Silver Jews in 2019, and it was a stunning display of his quirky songwriting skills. Unfortunately, the personal demons that had always been present in his art turned his big comeback into a tragedy, as he took his life just weeks after the record was released to glowing reviews.

6. The Resonars, No Exit. In a year that saw power pop rediscover its balls, The Resonars proved they always had their share of testicular fortitude. And it’s all the work of one man, Matt Rendon, who has over the last two decades created six albums of this sort of catchy but raucous power pop.

7. Kiwi Jr., Football Money. Power pop’s closest relative just has to be jangle pop, and both genres are at its best when the songwriting is as catchy as a late ‘70’s Nick Lowe single. There’s hooks galore on this Toronto band’s debut release.

8. Wand, Laughing Matter. There’s always been a bit of a fine line between psych and prog, and those lines have definitely narrowed in today’s crop of prog-rockers. One proof is the return of the double album, which every psych band seemed to release in 2019. The strongest record of that sort may have to be Wand’s fifth record, which succeeds by actually stripping back their sound a bit.

9. Wreckless Eric, Transience. It’s been a real treat to see the resurgence of Eric Goulden in the last few years, as album after album have ranked as his best ever. The latest sort of comes closest to his solo performances, as he lays tracks and tracks of both clean and enhanced acoustic and electric guitars over backing tracks laid down by Amy Rigby, Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, jazz horn player Artie Barbato, and The Rumour’s Steve Goulding.

10. Tim Presley’s White Fence, I Have To Feed Larry’s Hawk. Presley reportedly spent four years recording what may be the masterpiece of his career. How to describe the finished product is not easy, though, as various influences and sounds flow in and out of each and every track, yet there is an intimacy here that makes it feel like Presley just whipped up this musical cocktail in one long, intense evening.

11. The Cowboys, The Bottom Of A Rotten Flower. Good old punk-influenced straight up rock and roll. Nothing more, nothing less. And when it’s as good and as catchy as this it doesn’t need to be anything else.

12. Twin Peaks, Lookout Low. Five years ago, this Chicago-based band’s fabulous record Wild Onion was described by one of the band members as heavily influenced by Exile On Main Street. This record’s classic rock influence appears to be the first two records by The Band. That’s not to say they sound anything like either the Stones or The Band. No, in this case there is a laid back feel to their guitar-based indie rock that feels as if it’s straight out of a Woodstock basement.

13. The Dates, Ask Again Later. Garrett Goddard has been a member of a number of bands over the years, including King Tuff, Personal and the Pizzas, and The Cuts. His first record heading The Dates may have just topped anything else he’s ever worked on in the past. The melodies and hooks just melt in your ears, and the musical accompaniment throws The Byrds, Big Star, Shoes, Smithereens and seemingly a dozen other bands into the greatest blender ever invented.

14. Wilco, Ode To Joy. After Tweedy’s pair of solo acoustic records, I think I was ready for a full blown rock and roll Wilco album. It has been a while, right? Unfortunately, Ode To Joy comes off as a full band version of those solo records. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good. It’s very good. It just wasn’t what I needed from a 2019 Wilco album.

15. Guided By Voices, Zeppelin Over China. Another year, another trio of Guided By Voices records. Their second wind as a band has been nothing but stunning, as evidenced by this double album of almost nothing but anthems.

16. Tijuana Panthers, Carpet Denim. Every year there seems to be a new band that showcases elements of surf rock in their punk-influenced lo-fi garage sounds. What a shocker to find out that this is their sixth album! What sets them apart from others like them, besides the strength of their songwriting, is the ocassional elements of doo wop harmonies. Who knew that The Buzzcocks and Dion could co-exist in the same song?

17. Peter Perrett, Humanworld. After no new tunes for over 25 years, we now have two records in three years by the former leader of The Only Ones! Like 2017’s How The West Was One this record succeeds simply because Perrett isn’t trying to recreate the glory days, nor is he attempting to jump on current trends. Instead he accomplishes what real artists do, which is to create a sound that fits the song.

18. Frankie and the Witch Fingers, ZAM. Another great psych rock double album that incorporates and combines all sorts of atypical influences, including kraut, prog, and even a little funk.

19. Sweet Things, In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time. It may be hard to find a more varied rock and roll album than this debut record, as it jumps around from blues to soul to country to glam rock. There’s cameos by Alejandro Escovedo and members of The Uptown Horns. It’s the most ambitious trashy garage rock record I’ve heard in quite some time.

20. Cherry Pickles, Will Harden Your Nipples. As their bandcamp states, “one guitar, two drums, the basement band you always wanted to start”. This trio proudly combines all sorts of “outsider art” into a minimalistic sound that would certainly impress the namesake of the record’s best song “I Still Miss Lux”.

21. Ty Segall, First Taste. The prolific singer/guitarist was a bit quiet this year, actually. Well, for Segall a quiet year is one that only features a studio album, a live album, and a box set of outtakes. What makes his only new record of the year stand out is that there reportedly is not a guitar to be found on it! No, it’s not a synth-pop record. In fact, it ultimately isn’t that much different than what we’re used to hearing.

22. Pale Lips, After Dark. Gotta love snotty, hook-driven garage-punk that’s clearly inspired by major doses of The Muffs and The Ramones mixed with spoonfuls of surf and Spector-era girl groups.

23. The Darts, I Like You But Not Like That. This record was not what I expected. At all. Who would have predicted that Alternative Tentacles would put out such a sexy collection of horror-punk?

24. CTMF, Last Punk Standing. Nobody has so proudly hosted the flag of ‘60’s garage-punk as Wild Billy Childish. Well, “proud” is probably not the correct word to use, as Childish is as cantankerous as The Fall’s Mark E. Smith. Yet he consistently puts out records full of simple yet catchy guitar anthems, and this one is no exception.

25. Jordan Jones, Jordan Jones. What happens when you take the pop/rock highlights of ‘70’s AM radio and ramp it up a bit with power pop energy? You get this wonderful debut record.

26. The Mystery Lights, Too Much Tension! A melting pot of different styles rarely mesh well, but this New York band’s second album somehow manages to roll in and out of genres. A synth track leads into a homage to the Stooges which is then followed by a ‘60’ dance party. How do they get away with it?

27. Juliana Hatfield, Weird. It’s only fitting that an album dominated by a theme of being a lonely introvert would be created by one artist playing almost every instrument. That’s the case of the latest Hatfield collection of originals, and it’s one of the best of her career.

28. Kevin Morby, Oh My God. Rolling Stone recently described the Kansas City native as a “secular guy with a spiritual side”, and that’s never been more evident than on his fifth album. RS goes on to compare this record to Dylan’s gospel years but it’s actually more similar to a record like New Morning, where Biblical imagery is referenced but not necessarily the main topic.

29. Drahla, Useless Coordinates. Post-punk also made a comeback this year, and one of the best purveyors of that sound is this trio of Wire fanatics. And like Wire there’s a bit of a ferocity in this record that’s missing in much of their post-punk cohorts.

30. Gino and the Goons, Do The Get Around. Take Chuck Berry, The Sonics, Motorhead, The Ramones, The Stooges and a few other “rawk’ legends and toss them into a blender and you get the dirty sound that Gino and the Goons have mastered over the course of five records. You know what you’re getting from these guys, but they always deliver.

31. Young Guv, Guv I & II. The side project of Fucked Up guitarist Ben Cook could be described as a lo-fi tribute to bands such as Big Star and Teenage Fanclub. But then out of the blue comes a synth tune that’s almost danceable. It’s just part of the charm of this double record.

32. Ravi Shavi, Blackout Deluxe. Some records are sleepers. They don’t work the first time you hear them. They may not even work on the fourth or fifth airing. Then suddenly you can’t stop listening. That’s the case with this new wave-influenced, Prince-obsessed, garage rock group.

33. ATOM, In Every Dream Home. Just like the previous record, ATOM didn’t work for me at first. Then suddenly I had to race to the stereo to crank up the volume. What changed? Well,it helps when the musicians are Australian indie rock heavy weights led by Crime and the City Solution’s Harry Howard.

34. Geoff Palmer, Pulling Out All The Stops/Brad Marino, Extra Credit. (Tie) I can’t possibly vote for one of these records to be higher than the other. The pair both were members of the The Connection and The New Trocaderos. Both of them are veteran power pop performers who have written more than their share of catchy tunes. And both may have put out the records of their careers.

36. Honey Radar, Ruby Puff Of Dust.. A lot of reviews of this Philly band compare them to Guided By Voices, but I honestly don’t understand why. Yet it’s what made me check them out, and I do appreciate their fuzzy psych-rock sound.

37. Titus Andronicus, An Obelisk. Produced by Bob Mould and recorded at Steve Albini’s Chicago studio, Titus’ sixth album is their most straight ahead to date, although as always leader Patrick Stickles’ lyrics are open to interpretation.

38. The Dream Syndicate, These Times. While most band reunions never result in worthwhile albums (or any new music at all), there are instances where the second run rivals the first. That’s the case with these leaders of the mid-’80’s “Paisley Underground”, and it’s mainly because they refuse to just rest on their laurels.

39. Jesse Malin, Sunset Kids. The teaming of Malin with Lucinda Williams may seem like a head scratcher, but it actually works! Not only does Williams produce the album, she duets with him on a handful of the album’s tracks. The end results may be quieter than a typical Malin album but the tunes are also as strong as a typical Malin album.

40. More Kicks, More Kicks. Haven’t I said that this was a year for great power pop? Here’s another one. This time it’s a UK group, and like the others I’ve highlighted there’s nothing wimpy here. It’s pop music that absolutely rocks.

After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! You can find this show at almost any podcast site, including iTunes and Stitcher...or

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHOW!

Note: Tracks from the albums listed above were presented in reverse "Casey Kasem countdown" order. In two instances (Darts/Pale Lips and The Muffs/Purple Mountains), songs were erroneously flipped in error. I apologize for this mistake.

1. More Kicks, I'm on the Brink

2. Jesse Malin, Room 13

3. The Dream Syndicate, Bullet Holes

4. Titus Andronicus, Troubleman Unlimited

5. Honey Radar, Cornflake ESP

6. Brad Marino, Broken Record Baby

7. Geoff Palmer, All The Hits

8. ATOM, No Future

9. Ravi Shavi, Riding High

10. Young Guv, She's A Fantasy

11. Gino And The Goons, Pills In MY Pocket

12. Drahla, Gilded Cloud

13. Kevin Morby, OMG Rock n Roll

14. Juliana Hatfield, Staying In

15. The Mystery Lights, I'm So Tired (of Living In The City)

16. Jordan Jones, Rumors Girls

17. CTMF, You're the One I Idolise

18. Pale Lips, Some Sort Of Rock n' Roll

19. The Darts, Don't Hold My Hand

20. Ty Segall, Taste

21. Cherry Pickles, I Still Miss Lux

22. The Sweet Things, Dead or Worse

23. Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Purple Velvet

24. Peter Perrett, Love Comes On Silent Feet

25. Tijuana Panthers, Path of Totality

26. Guided by Voices, Your Lights Are Out

27. Wilco, Everyone Hides

28. The Dates, pictures with rene

29. Twin Peaks, Laid In Gold

30. The Cowboys, Female Behavior Book

31. White Fence, I Love You

32. Wreckless Eric, Strange Locomotion

33. Wand, Walkie Talkie

34. Kiwi jr., Murder in the Cathedral

35. The Resonars, The Man Who Does Nothing

36. The Muffs, No Holiday

37. Purple Mountains, That's Just the Way That I Feel

38. Pernice Brothers, Mint Condition

39. Bob Mould, Sunshine Rock

40. Mikal Cronin, I've Got Reason

[go-spookyfestivalcollector-blog]

Entry 1: big transitions

One of the main goals of traveling for me is to practice seeing everyday life at home as having the same potential as when traveling for opportunity, connection, and awareness. Before I leave the house, looking at the kitchen table filled with fruits and vegetables: squash reminds me of the times when Kat's friend Matt visited and all her friends; bananas of super food smoothies, peanut butter, snacks and power balls. Hand picked pears from UCSC garden, of the pogonip, walks there with Jason, nectarines, mellow evenings and morning tea, redwoods and long runs. The artichoke reminds me of long drives through Monterey and Salinas, long days in the Davey truck. Onions of home cooking, kraut, squash, healthy eating. Funny to think about home when I'm leaving, but so it goes with transitions sometimes, the part your closing equally as present as the future your opening, as it really always is. This is a big transition, leaving this place I have made my home for the indefinite unknown. I'm reminded of this space when it was empty. I can feel the echo in the blank white, tall, openness, alone. Then it seamlessly fills in with dance parties in the living room with Lyra, late night stretching and long conversations on the rug uner he altar. Kat's songs, music with Eden, Kea at the dog park. Porch Skype seasons and reading in the hammock, summer nights with the neighbors, last summer, Kevin, building the loft. Hang boards, the climbing gym, Shorme, Christmas, my family visiting. Every piece of this home has a memory and place in my heart. Too many to write. Waiting in line at security: so grateful to have an hour because even though it's five in the morning the line is long. This is one of the few times I have checked in before arriving, with no check ons. It feels strange, like I'm missing something...I have my boarding pass, ID, phone and charger. I have a theory that there will always be something I forget, but as long as it's not any of those things, we're good  :) My intentions in this documentation are to share my experiences as honestly as I can, knowing that my perspective on them will change over time, as truth does. And to do this without judging or doubting myself, or fearing the judgements of others, no matter how many grammar mistakes or embarrassing moments, or who does or doesn't read it. As well as to be present, knowing that each moment encompasses the past and the future, often without being linear or making any sense. I feel a rush of excitement. The transition is at an apex. A tipping point. Although there have been many leading up to this, going through this portal of checkpoints now instigates the buzz.  Even though I know I'm all good, have all the things I need, don't have the wrong things, I feel a relief to get past security. That little rejoice when they match your ticket with your ID, and when your bags come through the exray and don't get pulled off for inspection. I was ready but really didn't want to explain my vibrator or the excessive amount of essential oils, Chinese herbs and homemade toothpaste. Now the wait. Hurry up and wait, my dad's airport wisdom. Luckily only 13 minutes. I am proud to say I had a relaxing morning,, especially for leaving the house at 4 am, and still made it in time. Had tea and said bye to the house, reflected with Kat on drive to the airport. It's bitter sweet leaving home for the unknown. On one hand its so freeing and exciting and on the other scary and sad. I'm going to miss the people I'm away from. The the friends I've made in Santa Cruz and the stability I created in myself through them and my housing and job and routine. It has really become a home for me, and now a launching pad. Packing up my room, integrating the lessons and reflecting on all the experiences. This is a big transition. I'm letting go of a big part of me, yet knowing that I'm really not loosing anything. I'm simultaneously mourning the closure of a chapter and celebrating the openness of a new one. The contrast is tricky but typical. Take off! Getting on my second plane was another kind of rush, with 10 minutes till take off when I landed. They were making the final call when I ran up to the desk. The lady next to me said "just in time", as I sat down and caught my breath. Whew!! Her calmness and kindness brought me comfort. Airport in Mexico City: bathroom attendant, 7-11, cleaning staff walking in through the main entrance. Just different. Like the stray dogs slinking out of an old bus and laundry hanging one a line outside my hotel window. Little things like getting on the right bus feel like a feat because you were pretty sure you heard the woman from the hotel correctly but you aren't 100 percent sure and the self doubt creeps in. I told myself to wait a few more minutes before asking for confirmation and then bam! Holiday Inn Express Aeropuerto, white van with the logo, just like she said. And I can understand what they are saying! For the most part. "Crazy drivers in the city, this one time right in front of a school, swerving in and out of traffic". Made it to the hotel. Good job!! You're awesome, you're a dork. Those are judgements but whatever Lightning and thunder but no rain yet, no rain jacket either...new moon! http://chaninicholas.com/2017/07/sundays-new-moon-leo/