Well, folks - I blew it on keeping this updated weekly. Despite Christine’s valiant efforts at writing new content, I didn’t manage to get it posted. So I’m going to be posting some things that are from awhile back, but deserve being catalogued. Then we’ll be seeking to get back to a regular schedule.
Cheers,
Chris
Gayngs. Relayted.
The Grateful Dead. Europe ‘72.
Purchased at Amoeba Records.
Christine’s record: Gayngs.
We saw Gayngs at the Independent - which, by the way, is a good little venue. For DC folks, the venue is like a smaller, more intimate 9:30 Club. I hadn’t really heard Gayngs until I saw the live webcast from Coachella:
Honestly, I wasn’t stoked for this show. The band seemed like it would be boring live, even if they had good songs. I’m a Justin Vernon fan, but I wasn’t sure if he would be there (sure enough, not). So odds were stacked against me liking this.
But they were good. The webcast doesn’t do it justice - it loses a lot of the bottom end and soul in their music. And Har Mar Superstar delivered the goods. It wore on me a bit after an hour or so, but a lot of it was really strong. Christine picked up the album after the show.
Sure enough, it only sometimes translates on the album. The opener, “The Gaudy Side of Town,” is one of the most interesting things on there. But a lot of it is…weirder. What came through as powerful in concert sounds more experimental here, and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think I need more time with it.
Chris’ record: The Grateful Dead.
Let’s be clear - I did not set out to buy this record. I walked into Amoeba, picked up Led Zeppelin III, and just about decided to turn around and walk back out with it. But I stopped and looked at the new arrivals bin, and found this.
Europe ‘72 was the first Dead album I owned. My father gave it to me sometime when I was in high school for a birthday or Christmas or something like that. It is one of the few CDs I have ever lost. So the opportunity to replace it, and having just moved to San Francisco…
It is perfect for this city. They’re definitely a product of the culture here; it just fits the town’s vibe. Jerry & Co. sound as good live as they ever did, with tight harmonies and jams. Not only that, this was an original copy with all of the album art. Led Zeppelin III was a brand new reissue.* It made the decision easy.
Europe ‘72 it was. Sure enough, the guy at the counter made a joke about it after I declined a bag - “that’s one the street kids might try and grab off you,” with a wink.
I put it on when we got home and was happy I bought it - it felt right. I’m not the biggest Dead fan, so I don’t know how often I’ll end up playing it - but I’m glad I can if I want to.
Or: “Hipsters are the New Preppy Frat Dudes.”
On Tuesdays, Chris works in the city, which makes it really easy for us to check out a tasty new restaurant! Leopold’s in Russian Hill has been on my list to try for two months now and I was excited to finally have a taste of the always packed Austrian/German beer spot. To top it all off, the owner himself seats you-such a jolly, happy man! Who wouldn’t want these guys to serve you:
The interior is fun with the Austrian polka style music playing softly and the kitchy wall hangings. It was just what I needed, comfort food and a delicious beer. It’s definitely not a place I would seek out all the time, but if I’m ever craving a home cooked style meal, this will be the place!
The next night we went to see Gayngs - a hodgepodge of talent featuring members of Bon Iver, Megafaun, The Rosebuds, Solid Gold, Doomtree and more. As you know, I am a huge Bon Iver fan so naturally I was looking forward to this show. We’d watched a bit of their performance at Coachella via YouTube’s live stream (check it out here) and I was pretty impressed. The stage was loaded with performers there and I was hoping Justin Vernon would be one of the members who would make it to this show. Alas, I was not so lucky as to have him. Har Mar Superstar seemed to be our star power instead. Disappointment lasted only a few minutes because as soon they broke out with “The Gaudy Side of Town” I couldn’t help but dance. I haven’t wanted to dance the way I did at this show since Lykke Li at the Black Cat years ago!
The token girl in a band of guys seemed misplaced, but she stepped to the front and blew us away with a cover of Sade’s “By Your Side.” She’d definitely earned her way up there - but I’m still unsure of who she is. Since I’m not the music critic of the two of us, I am going to leave you with saying, I was very happy with the performance we were given.
Instead, I’ll speak to the clothing.
Every single person on the stage began the performance with shades on. Unacceptable unless you’re our pal, Sam. The shades gave them an air of pretentiousness I couldn’t shake … and then it hit me: hipsters are the new preppy frat boys. I can’t explain it more than that and I encourage all of you to pay attention next time you are in the presence of a mass of hipsters (to observe one alone won’t be enough) and you’ll see what I mean.
At the end of the show, and two vodka sodas later, it was vinyl time. I went to the merch table just to see if the album even came in this format - as we know not all of them do. I was pleased to find that, in fact, it does! I looked to Chris for advice - should I get it? He wouldn’t sway me one way or the other which just made me even more indecisive! He is the music guru, not I! How can I make a solid decision on this especially since he hadn’t been nearly as impressed with the show as I was (yeah, I’m still pretty easy to please when it comes to shows). In the end, I handed the girl the $15 and walked home with my new purchase. Chris was happy I made my decision sans his input however, I could hear the doubt in his voice when it came to how this album would really pan out.
I am happy to report that as I type away, we’re listening to Gayngs - Chris has since changed his viewpoint but I’ll let him weigh in on that.
The rest of the week went by in a blur of tea time with the cousin and workworkwork! So Saturday we were due for some major downtime and spent the day playing video games, reading and whipping up dinner in the kitchen. We’re on a month long health kick of no drinking (eek! buh bye brewery trips!) and cooking at the house. If anyone needs some guac, let us know. Chris made a batch big enough to feed the entire city!
Christine
June 12
9:00 PST
Memorial Day weekend was full of adventure and retreating from the city for a bit.
Saturday night we headed down to the Mission for a house party at what ended up being one of the prettiest houses I’ve been to here. They had a working Star Trek pinball machine, a dumb waiter and a working old school soda dispenser in their group house! But I digress. The most important aspect of the evening was my attire. I decided to have a go at wearing the red blazer from our street find last week. I think the end result was pretty good (click the thumbnail for a full size image):
We went out of town Sunday night to the Russian River Valley. Driving through NorCal is so beautiful, I don’t think either of us has really come to terms with the fact that we live here now! Naturally, Grommit came along for the ride and stayed in the hotel when we made our way over to the Russian River Brewery. It was literally a 10 minute walk from the hotel and we were happy to find a pretty talented band playing in the bar. Russian River is a great brew house that has decided to stay a boutique micro brewery so you East Coasters can’t try it unless you come out to visit! And I have to be honest: it would be worth the trip just for this brewery! The main beer they’re known for is Pliny the Elder - a tasty American double/imperial IPA. Of course, we tried everything we could, gobbled up pizza bites and chatted with our neighbors at the bar before stumbling back to the hotel for a nice tipsy slumber.
The best part about leaving SF is the weather change!!! Sunday after rolling out of bed, we decided to keep the brewery theme going and headed over to Bear Republic (you know them for their Racer 5 IPA - and if you don’t, shame on you. Go try it now!). It’s in such an adorable little Alexandria-style town that we wandered around with Grommit checking out the shops before we went for more beers. This led to the wonderful purchase of a red harness for the little man! Doesn’t he look dapper here enjoying the sun while we enjoy our beers?
When we returned from our weekend getaway, we ran to Recycled Records. There are so many records I want, and keep the running list in my head. Chris is a casual shopper, and happily just runs into things here and there. I am envious of how easily he finds his records whereas I make a beeline for the names I want and am thoroughly disappointed if they do not appear (Joni Mitchell’s Blue, where are you?!). The pressure was too much at Recycled as I paced the rows of albums.
Madonna?
No…..Mariah Carey?
Really, where was I going with this? Although Blue wasn’t there, I finally plopped myself down in front of the other Mitchell albums and decided having Clouds would be a great consolation prize.
Hunting for vinyl isn’t like going into a store trusting the music you’re looking for. As Chris pointed out to me, some of the albums on my wish list may not have ever been made into vinyl. None the less, I hold out hope (read: I’m not going to stop being stubborn this late in the game of life) for the ones I want the most!
Christine
June 5
12:30 PST(Note from Chris: bonus points to anybody who got the Big Country reference in the post title!)
Joni Mitchell. Clouds.
Little Feat. Waiting for Columbus.
Purchased at Recycled Records.
Christine’s record: Joni Mitchell.
This is the first Joni Mitchell record that I’ve owned. It might also be the first time that I’ve listened to a Joni Mitchell album straight through - certainly the first time I’ve done so knowingly. I was pleasantly surprised to find “Chelsea Morning” coming from my speakers as the second track of side A. It is a great song, perfect for coffee (now brewing Bicycle Coffee Co brand coffee) and the spring.
After getting through the album, it is clear to me that everyone that has been trying to be Joni Mitchell since Joni Mitchell has pretty much come up short. I suppose that isn’t that surprising - you can say the same thing about most iconic musicians. She more or less established the “female, guitar playing, folk singer” concept, and she holds up today as still one of the best out there.
I can’t say that Joni Mitchell will ever be a favorite for me, but I see the appeal. I do wonder how many of her albums are essential, or if, like Dylan, there are some real gaps in her catalogue. Christine is still looking for Blue, and I’d like to compare it to this one. In general, I found I preferred her more upbeat songs - the sadder, finger-picked guitar is too slow for my taste. But a nice find, and something I’ll explore further.
Chris’ record: Little Feat.
I knew nothing about this record until seeing Phish do Waiting for Columbus at their 2010 musical costume show for Halloween. Everyone had expected Led Zeppelin or Queen - but upon arriving at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Christine and I were handed a program announcing that this Little Feat double-live record would be the second set of the show.
Honestly, seeing it live, covered by another band, didn’t do the album justice. Seeing any music live that you’re not familiar with can be uninteresting, even if you’re a big fan of the band. Why do you think all the rock dinosaurs that are still touring are playing far more old classic songs than new ones? I was a bit bored by the Phish version of this record - but to find the original for $6.50, it was a bargain, and I was curious.
I’m glad I gave it another chance. The vocals here are great. The arrangements are great. The playing is great - and it is easy to forget that you’re listening to a live recording. With four sides to digest, its hard for me to get very specific without more time to sit with it. But on first listen, “Fat Man in the Bathtub” stood out, as did “Time Loves a Hero.”
Give me some more time with this and it could become something I seek out in other formats so I can listen at work or in the car.
Chris
May 30
11:00 PST
This version of this song makes me want this record:
May not get to a record store today…but tomorrow, this is what I’m seeking.
Chris
May 29
5:00 PM PST
Street finds seem to be the name of the game this week.
As I was closing the front gate yesterday, Grommit wandered over to the same tree he always sniffs. When I turned around, Grommit was not sniffing the tree, but was actually sniffing a dog bed — which he promptly hopped into and settled down in. I thought this serendipitous as Chris and I have been meaning to buy him a proper bed for months now (the makeshift bed of pillows and blankets just felt cruel!) so I shooed him out of the street dog bed and tossed it into our living room.
Later that day when Chris came to pick us up from the jewelry store, he inquired about the bed. “Oh, I found it on the street! Isn’t it great?!” I said. I was very surprised when he crinkled his nose and replied, “Ew. Really? We don’t know where that’s been!” I shrugged my shoulders and we headed out for pizza at Little Star.
When we arrived at Little Star, there was a 30 minute wait so we ordered beers and chatted. Chris was excited when we were seated right next to the jukebox - I guessed which albums he had (almost all of them) and drank another beer. They serve delicious deep dish pizza which of course takes about 40 minutes to prepare. In those 40 minutes, we had another beer and I thought about what vinyl I needed to get next week. Joni Mitchell? Fleetwood Mac? “Tell Me Lies” was my jam at 7 years old. I am into the warmer tunes on vinyl as it seems to give a richer quality to the sounds you just can’t get from a cd.
Three beers and one yummy pizza later, we were heading out the door and on our way home. I was chatting away as we walked and suddenly Chris stopped. I was so deeply involved with my chatter, that I didn’t understand what he could possibly be stopping for — until I turned my head to see stuff. Lots and lots of stuff just hanging out on the street. Chris made a beeline for the massive stack of records just sitting there! I stood to the side saying responsible things like we don’t know who’s it is or if we’re allowed to do this as two girls stumbled out of the building, beers in hand. Great, now we’re going to get a stern talking to about being nosy.
I braced myself.
Nope!
“Ohhh, good! Go through it — all of it! Take whatever you want!” one girl slurred. Her friend began sifting through the clothing and tried on a coat (which I encouraged her to take) and she picked up a red blazer. WANT, my mind screamed. So when the blazer landed back in the pile, I grabbed it. I’m not one for sifting much, so I didn’t really look for anything else in the dark. But Chris was a kid in a candy store-so very many albums, so very many GREAT albums and we thanked the girls, red blazer and stack of new vinyl in hand.
Here’s the score:
America. History.
Pink Floyd. The Final Cut.
The Cars: The Cars.
John Cougar Mellencamp. Uh-huh.
Nat King Cole. Ramblin’ Rose.
Dino Robbins. Italy in Song.
Upon returning home, we split one of the Bouchon macaroons Chris had picked up for me in Napa and danced around to our new tunes. The blazer, you’ll be happy to know, fits like a glove! Project for next week? Figuring out how to wear it without looking like an English woman going on a fox hunt or a small school girl.
Oh, and you may be wondering about what became of the dog bed. When we walked in the door, we found Grommit curled up not on the couch as he normally is, but laying happily in his new little bed. Gross or not, that bed is here to stay.
Christine
May 28
7:00 PM PST
Bon Iver. For Emma, Forever Ago.
Okkervil River. I Am Very Far.
Purchased at Amoeba Records.
Christine’s record: Bon Iver.
This is one of our favorites. We had been talking about the new Bon Iver record - and how Apple just leaked it accidentally via iTunes. When we saw this in the store, Christine grabbed it immediately.
He’s a fucking genius. I’d never seen nor heard of him in my life, and I looked up, and I was in a fucking 5-by-5 room with a white guy, smoking weed … and his voice is like something I’ve never heard, and he’s using words that are far from common. Within 20 minutes, I realized why Kanye had him there.
Rick Ross, on working with Bon Iver, via Pitchfork.
For Emma, Forever Ago is a tremendous album. Everyone should spend some time with it. Its inviting and intimate at the same time. Vernon’s voice is smokey and soothing. We put it on while we drank 21st Amendment beers and played the Sims.
Chris’ record: Okkervil River.
Since seeing Okkervil River at Lollapalooza a few years ago, I haven’t been as excited about the band. Though Black Sheep Boy remains an impressive album, bands that don’t move me live often don’t get me buying more of their records. But I took a chance on this and I’m glad I did.
On first listen, it is lovely - not as aggressive as earlier Okkervil River, but sounding more mature and fully realized. It is an album, start to finish. The vinyl - spread over three sides on two records - includes a beautifully engraved Side D, with artwork consistent with the gatefold. What’s more, the cover art is embossed. All in all, a great package.
It is a solid collection of songs, too. It doesn’t feel as angsty or confrontational as the earlier Okkervil River stuff, and has a bit more sheen. As hip as it can be to love low-fi sounds, I’ve always been a sucker for a good recording quality. I guess that’s why I’ve never loved the Smiths.
Chris
May 22
10:00 PM PST
