Here is an article from The Week. As a child, Home Alone was one of my all time favorite movies. I was always highly amused by Macaulay Culkin's ingenuity as he constructed traps for the two crazy burglars. This article calls upon a doctor who analyzed all of the injuries the criminals collected throughout the house of traps. Even if this article isn't meant to be humorous, I found the academic take on this classic Christmas movie to be amusing and informative. I will never watch the movie the same way.
And here is a video from YouTube, just in case you forgot how awesome the traps were. Ahead of their time, for sure.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Best Songs of 2012: Part 1
Here is part 1 of my list of best songs of the year. It was complied throughout the year by way of a Spotify playlist.
"Serpents" - Sharon Van Etten (from Tramp)
This album was on the "Best of" list for many blogs, but personally, I think this is the one of the few strong tracks on this mostly uneven album. Sharon has a lot of talent and "Serpents" displays that. Her voice roars through the scathing lyrics. This song is definitely one of the top of the year.
"King of the World" - First Aid Kit (from The Lion's Roar)
These two Swedish sisters are one of my favorite bands of the year. Their dreamy vocals have a country twinge. This song is the last track off their incredible album. It features vocals by Conor Oberst and really highlights the strong voices of both sisters. Its the perfect summer outdoor party track.
"Give it Away" - Andrew Bird (from Break It Yourself)
Andrew Bird releases consistently great albums. No one plays the violin like he does. No one's voice is quite like his. Violin picking notes usher in smooth melodies, followed by a musical pause and Bird's words. His music is accessible yet complicated. This song is quite a gem.
"Man on Fire" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (from Here)
As a whole, this album is weaker than their 2009 breakthough self-titled album. But this song makes an impression. It starts off with simple guitar strumming and singular vocals. After some humming and snapping, the harmonies slowly ease their way into the foreground. Then it becomes an all-out sing along. The drums are soft and deliberate. There is a call-and-answer aspect to one of the choruses. If this song is an indication of what this band can do, there is always hope of more great songs to come.
"Balcony" - Craig Finn (from Clear Hearts, Full Eyes)
When I heard about this album because I love the Hold Steady and mostly everything Craig Finn has ever done. When it was released, I downloaded immediately only to be disappointed by what seemed to be an album of improvised lyrics. Either way, this track is one of my favorite of the year. It tells the story of a night out where the narrator sees one that he/she used to love. With a faster tempo, this could easily be one of my favorite Hold Steady songs (if the full band was involved).
Friday, December 14, 2012
List: Best Concerts of the Year, Part 1
2012 was filled with a lot of great concerts. From reunions to straight up rocking performances, this is a list of some of the most memorable ones this year (in no particular order):
Archers of Loaf (April 26, Bowery Ballroom)
These North Carolina-based indie rockers first broke up in 1998, which means they were around before I listened to good music. Having recently discovered them, I was very unsure how I, as a causal fan, would blend in with their hardcore fans. I found that their live set was accessible. They had so much energy and really focused on a lot of the better known (to me) songs.
Governor's Ball 2012 (June 24, Randall's Island)
This year, organizers decided to split up the genres into two separate days. On Saturday, all of the electronica acts performed. Sunday was full of the more indie-rock bands.
One of the highlights of Day 2 was Explosions in the Sky, an all-instrumental group who famously provided the soundtrack for Friday Night Lights. Fiona Apple was back in action with her unique brand of angst-female rock. Modest Mouse played a variety of songs from their many, many albums. Beck played through the rain and closed out the night will an energetic set that spanned his entire career.
Overall, the festival was a great experience. It was extremely well organized and the location had many shaded areas to take a break from the heat. Because the genres were split into two days, the crowd was friendly and meshed well with each other. I am hoping they draw great bands next year so I can attend for the 2nd year in a row.
Japandriods (June 27, Bowery Ballroom)
This two-person Canadian band packed a lot of punch and energy into their set. The opener was Cadence Weapon, a Canadian rapper, who really pumped the crowd up for the headliner. Check out their album, "Celebration Rock." It is one of the best albums of the year.
Archers of Loaf (April 26, Bowery Ballroom)
These North Carolina-based indie rockers first broke up in 1998, which means they were around before I listened to good music. Having recently discovered them, I was very unsure how I, as a causal fan, would blend in with their hardcore fans. I found that their live set was accessible. They had so much energy and really focused on a lot of the better known (to me) songs.
Governor's Ball 2012 (June 24, Randall's Island)
This year, organizers decided to split up the genres into two separate days. On Saturday, all of the electronica acts performed. Sunday was full of the more indie-rock bands.
One of the highlights of Day 2 was Explosions in the Sky, an all-instrumental group who famously provided the soundtrack for Friday Night Lights. Fiona Apple was back in action with her unique brand of angst-female rock. Modest Mouse played a variety of songs from their many, many albums. Beck played through the rain and closed out the night will an energetic set that spanned his entire career.
Overall, the festival was a great experience. It was extremely well organized and the location had many shaded areas to take a break from the heat. Because the genres were split into two days, the crowd was friendly and meshed well with each other. I am hoping they draw great bands next year so I can attend for the 2nd year in a row.
This two-person Canadian band packed a lot of punch and energy into their set. The opener was Cadence Weapon, a Canadian rapper, who really pumped the crowd up for the headliner. Check out their album, "Celebration Rock." It is one of the best albums of the year.
Dinosaur Jr. (December 1, Terminal 5)
With less-than-perfect sound and a large number of obstructed views, I was not looking forward to this concert. But opener Kurt Vile's brand of freak-rock laid the groundwork for an excellent show at one of the most hated venues in NYC.
To start off Dinosaur Jr's set, they played "You're Living All Over Me" in its entirety. This truly great album actually sounded great in this former warehouse/dance club. For the second part of their set, they played a variety of songs from their entire career. They also brought special guests on stage like Frank Black, who played Pixies' classic "Tame" as well as a Dinosaur Jr song. Johnny Marr (of the Smiths) came up for a few tracks. The band played "A Boy With A Thorn in His Side," to which the entire crowd sang along. Kim Gordon closed out the set with a incredible version of "Don't." Tommy Stinson (of The Replacements) and Fred Armisen came out for the encore and did a few songs.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Check it out: @SeinfeldToday
For #FF, BuzzFeed posted a link to @SeinfeldToday, a twitter parody account that asks the question "What if Seinfeld was on TV in 2012?" As many shows of the 90's, some episodes are quite dated. For example, the gang would've never spent hours wandering around The Parking Garage looking for their car because, now, Kramer would own an electronic remote. In The Airport, Jerry and Elaine would have just called George and Kramer (on their iPhone most likely) when they landed at either airport.
Some highlights include:
@SeinfeldToday: Jerry breaks up with a beautiful woman because she favorites every one of his tweets. Kramer and Newman start a podcast.
@SeinfeldToday: Jerry joins Twitter only to find that a Jerry parody account has 50k followers. It's run by Bania who will stop if Jerry buys him dinner.
Some highlights include:
@SeinfeldToday: Jerry gets in a fight in the Trader Joes line. George's Netflix thinks he's gay. Elaine has to get One Direction tickets for her boss's kid.
Also see, @FakeLouieEps & @fakegrantland.
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Rant: What'cha talking about [at a concert]
I go to lot of concerts. Whether they are free or paid, outdoor or indoors, general admission or seated, I tend to go to about 2-or 3 a month. To some people, this may be an overabundance. But I really do enjoy live music. There is something about the roar of live guitars with a crowd of eager and attentive fans that really gives me joy.
However, I've noticed a recent trend at New York City-area concerts that I am unhappy about: TALKERS. Yes, concert talkers.
These people are the ones standing with their friends in a small circle. They always have adult beverages in hand. They are engaged in conversation about their work days, mutual acquaintances, weekend plans, that time they saw Skrillix.
Its fine. You can talk to your friends. I don't mind. Just please, keep it short, say your piece and get back to enjoying the show. If you must talk, please take it into the back...or to the bar...or outside. I can't fathom how anyone can enjoy a concert if they are talking throughout the set. Even when the music is loud, they talk over the music.
[I am not saying I am completely innocent. I'm known to make a witty remark during a band's set or comment on banter (especially if your name is John Darnielle). I'm even guilty of texting during a band's set. But these vocal comments and phone vibrations only occur for a moment or two and then I am back to enjoying the music.]
The worst offenders are those who know "the single," and momentarily pause their conversation to sign out the chorus. Once they clap and cheer, these offenders go right back to their conversation. I've tried giving dirty looks. I've tried sighing loudly. I've moved to another area of the venue. I've even said something to these people. But for some reason, it does not seem to help.
Are people just more interested in talking to their friends than they are in seeing awesome live music?
Are we all just so jaded that we go to concerts and just say "meh" at the performance?
Maybe this whole rant is too "get off my lawn." Maybe I'm just old. I just do not know. All I know is these "concert talkers" really get to me. I go to concerts to hear the band, not to hear your tween conversation about how this chick you know is 23 and that is "so much older, bro."
Follow up: I found this article on The Spinner, outlining how to behave at concerts. Its a good read.
However, I've noticed a recent trend at New York City-area concerts that I am unhappy about: TALKERS. Yes, concert talkers.
These people are the ones standing with their friends in a small circle. They always have adult beverages in hand. They are engaged in conversation about their work days, mutual acquaintances, weekend plans, that time they saw Skrillix.
Its fine. You can talk to your friends. I don't mind. Just please, keep it short, say your piece and get back to enjoying the show. If you must talk, please take it into the back...or to the bar...or outside. I can't fathom how anyone can enjoy a concert if they are talking throughout the set. Even when the music is loud, they talk over the music.
[I am not saying I am completely innocent. I'm known to make a witty remark during a band's set or comment on banter (especially if your name is John Darnielle). I'm even guilty of texting during a band's set. But these vocal comments and phone vibrations only occur for a moment or two and then I am back to enjoying the music.]
The worst offenders are those who know "the single," and momentarily pause their conversation to sign out the chorus. Once they clap and cheer, these offenders go right back to their conversation. I've tried giving dirty looks. I've tried sighing loudly. I've moved to another area of the venue. I've even said something to these people. But for some reason, it does not seem to help.
Are people just more interested in talking to their friends than they are in seeing awesome live music?
Are we all just so jaded that we go to concerts and just say "meh" at the performance?
Maybe this whole rant is too "get off my lawn." Maybe I'm just old. I just do not know. All I know is these "concert talkers" really get to me. I go to concerts to hear the band, not to hear your tween conversation about how this chick you know is 23 and that is "so much older, bro."
Follow up: I found this article on The Spinner, outlining how to behave at concerts. Its a good read.
We'reeeee back!
the euphonie blog is back! After almost 3 years, we decided to start up again. You (our still loyal readers, hopefully) can expect the same variety of witty (and often irrelevant) posts. Expect lots of concert reviews, artist profiles, Top 5 lists, rants, and other general jabber. Thanks for reading!
xox, Jenna & Allie
xox, Jenna & Allie
Friday, September 25, 2009
Profile: Alexa Wilding
Alexa Wilding is a Brooklyn-based brunette, prone to writing ethereal pieces that sound and feel like a dream with her sweet as honey voice and gorgeously ghostly lyrics. The talented chanteuse earned her street credit by playing with former Sonic Youth drummer, Bob Bert, in Int’l Shades from 2006 to 2008.
Since then, Alexa has been working on her own EP, written solely by her, which features Tim Foljahn, who has collaborated with talents such as Cat Power, Thurston Moore, and the late Townes Van Zandt. Foljahn has also fronted Two Dollar Guitar with Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley. Furthermore intriguing, the debut EP was mixed by Fred Smith of the legendary band, Television.
In a world full of songstresses, Alexa’s superb musicianship has set her apart, earning her attention from publications such as Nylon Magazine, New York Post’s Page Six, Scallywag & Vagabond, and JOY Quarterly. With a well-crafted and devastatingly beautiful EP forthcoming, Alexa Wilding continues to amaze us with her style, grace, and music so enchanting that we lose ourselves in it if we aren’t careful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)