Better late than never, right?

First a disclaimer:  I am sure that every tourist, no matter what their native language and wherever they go, encounters translations in other countries that display a lack of deep knowledge of their language. In every language there are subtle meanings that aren’t explained in word-to-word translation dictionaries.

So I am not making fun of our Chinese hosts, but we did enjoy the humor in these signs. The lovely painting above was hung in the ladies’ restroom of a very nice vegetarian restaurant in Beijing, which I suppose is the most appropriate place for it.

Blog Gallery by Picturesurf

Andy from Concrete Circles is vacationing in NYC, but he left us a review of Pete Yorn’s new album and a sweet mp3 by Trevor Giuliani.

The Danish Poet has not one but two July Fourth mixtapes! But first scroll down one and check out the odd lifestory video by WhoMadeWho. I like.

As always, excellent free and legal mp3s at Fingertips, most recently Winter Sounds (”Trophy Wife”), Sara Lov, and electro-dance Deluka.

Muruch has another bounteous bunch of free and legal mp3s.

In Flight At Night announces an end to the blog, but a great new beginning. I acknowledge there is more to life than blogging and wish him the best on his new enterprise!

I am diggin’ the album review earlier this month of Maximo Park’s Quicken the Heart at Music Under Fire. This is a really nice-looking blog design too.

I just discovered Fool’s Gold in a post by Kip at Rock Sellout. The song is “Surprise Hotel,” and it’s a little like Vampire Weekend, except that I like it a lot.

Merz at Mars Needs Guitars has been busy posting lots of good songs and thoughtful reveries. Get comfortable and spend some time.

I am honoring the spirit of Independence Day weekend with some brand-new music from U.S. bands:

This band from the U.S. heartland city of St. Louis, MO, have a brand new album.
Living Things: Oxygen from Habeas Corpus (2009)
MySpace | Buy

All-American band from Oakland, CA, have released the first single from their new album due out later this year.
Grand Lake: Sandusky Sunset (single)
MySpace | Buy

Also from Oakland–
James and Evander: Bigger Than Me from The Awkward Turtle + 1
MySpace | Buy

Another Bay Area band, the Dry Spells new album Too Soon For Flowers, set for release in early August, offers beautiful and spooky songs laced with luscious violin. It’s a Beautiful Day passes the torch to these guys.
The Dry Spells: Lost Daughter from Too Soon For Flowers (2009)
MySpace | Preorder at Antenna Farm

Rainy weather? Maybe somewhere, but not here. David Mead is from Tennesee, and his album Almost and Always will be released July 28.
David Mead: Rainy Weather Friend from Almost and Always
MySpace | Buy

Filed under: blogs, finally friday, David Mead, Grand Lake, James and Evander, Living Things, The Dry Spells | Post a comment

Several weeks ago, members of the Contrast Podcast traded mixed CDs on an alphabetical theme. I was given the Letter U, to find bands and songs beginning with that letter, for Agnes at It All Started With Carbon Monoxide. Nat at Mini-Obs sent me a CD based on the Letter T.

Along with the CD, she sent me the postcard above. The first thing I thought was, “Look at the ass on that Amish boy!” Yes, even grandmas can appreciate a firm butt.

We had to listen to the CD we were given and then choose one song to introduce for this week’s podcast. Nat’s songs were so good, I had a tough time deciding, but I finally settled on “Walking Shoes,” by an obscure 60’s band from San Francisco called the Trolls, who later became another obscure band, The Stained Glass. See here for almost all the info that is available. I like this song a lot now, but I would have loved them when I was 15.

I also liked these other two songs from Nat’s CD. Listen to the podcast to see what song Agnes picked from the CD I sent her.

The Trolls: Walking Shoes
Check these sites regarding Stained Glass: The Rising Storm | Raridades do Pipiu

Richard Thompson: Bathsheeba Smiles from Mock Tudor (1999)
MySpace | Website | Buy

Tullycraft: Georgette Plays a Goth from Every Scene Needs a Center (2007)
MySpace | Website | Buy

Filed under: Contrast Podcast, blogs, Richard Thompson, The Trolls, Tullycraft | Post a comment

Where have I been? Well, just as I was getting myself back together from the China trip, my computer decided it would only boot up in Safe Mode. Not good. It took some time to get all my files to a safe location and then begin the long process of formatting the hard drive and reinstalling all the programs and stuff. I won’t bore you with the geeky details. It’s like someone telling you about their surgery–all you really want to know is that it all came out OK.

And it did come out OK–finally. In my experience formatting and reinstalling is something that never goes smoothly, and this time was especially tough. But I persevered, and now I have only a few tweaks left to do. I did not lose any data at all because since my last computer scare a few months ago, I back up obessively. I know making backups comes under the category of things you know you should do but don’t–like daily flossing or annual rectal exams–but really, if you aren’t backing up your data, do it now.

I still have more China photos to share, so I hope you look forward to those. Meanwhile, I have missed reading my friends’ blogs and now will try to catch up with a few extra links today.

Marcy at Lost In Your Inbox has a thoughtful piece today about dreams and three dreamy songs.

Check over at Mars Needs Guitars for Part II of songs with weird or funny titles. There’s a gold mine in that subject.

Agnes of It All Started With Carbon Monoxide is back from her trip to the U.K. and has posted a bunch of swell videos and also a small tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson. While Jacko’s music has never been quite my style, it’s sad to know he’s gone so soon. It’s just wrong.

The 405 got a brand new look while I was offline. Very nice design, very different, and easy to find the bits that seem most interesting to you. One of today’s features is a film roundup of upcoming releasesthat includes Michael Moore’s latest (I happen to like him, but with a grain of salt) and Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes (OKaaaaaay, I’m game for that.)

We All Want Someone To Shout For also has a short tribute to Michael Jackson, and below that new treats from the Beastie Boys and Flaming Lips, including a trippy image that may be the Lips’ new album cover.

Must hear: the delightful “Oh Daniel” by Tafra at MP3 Hugger.

Charles at Heartache With Hard Work has a wonderfully detailed review of an older album, Paul Simon’s Graceland.

Find new Bjork video at Katarokkar, and below that, check out Alan Wilkis, who has a new album called Pink and Purple.

From my own inbox:

I am not usually a fan of instrumentals, but this one is really exciting. The guitars are wonderful.
the Precious Fathers: 100% Pure Rock Fibres from Alluvial Fan, released June 23
MySpace | White Whale Records

My recent computer experience would have me rename this song: “The Safety of a Backup.”
Trainwreck Riders: Safety of a Back from The Perch released May 12th
MySpace | Alive Records

Acoustic Seattlite Kym Campbell is currently on tour in Australia. She’ll release a full-length album early next year.
Kym Campbell: Rolls That Way from So Alive (2008)
MySpace | Buy (also on iTunes)

I am sure this song is everywhere, but I really like this strong comeback to Young Galaxy’s 2007 debut. Wish I knew where to buy it.
Young Galaxy: Long Live the Fallen World from Invisible Republic (2009)
MySpace | Website

Eight minutes of shimmery bliss! A new album comes out on August 25.
Sally Shapiro: Miracle (Bogdan Irkuk remix)
MySpace | Website

L.A.’s Michael Orendy, AKA Frankel, has just released his second album.
Frankel: Faux Science from Anonymity is the New Fame (2009)
MySpace | Buy at Autumn Tone Records

Photo by alt-gramma: Datura blossom, from the plant also known as jimsonweed and famously poisonous. Mr. Folkie thinks they look funereal.

Filed under: blogs, finally friday, Frankel, Kym Campbell, Precious Fathers, Sally Shapiro, Trainwreck Riders, Young Galaxy | 5 Comments

This photo, taken at Leshan, China, where we saw the Grand Buddha (more photos soon), reminds me that although one step doesn’t seem like much, when we look back we have come a long way. I need that perspective right now.

It’s been tough getting back into a routine around here since our trip. I have had to spend a lot of time outside on the property, clearing brush and feeding the woodchipper in preparation for the inevitable fire season. Since we are out in the country in southern California, this is a serious endeavor.

Today I am taking a first step at getting back to my blog-buddies. Everyone puts so much of themselves into their blog, plus there is no better way to find the best music.

Sean at Battery In Your Leg has a couple of posts on Band of Skulls, who have also caught my attention recently. He has a contest for a 10-inch and t-shirt, so go have a listen. After I sampled a couple of their songs, I bought and downloaded the whole album, and I am sure I’ll have something to say about them too soon.

It All Started With Carbon Monoxide, a fellow country-dweller and photographer has some great photos this week from her travels. Also, scroll down and check out the unusual cover songs she posted on June 4, which include MGMT covering NIN. Pretty amazing!

Nat at Mini-Obs says Pennsylvania is getting summer-steamy, but southern California is still June-gloomy. Also check out the baby-theme podcast she put together for Tim Young of the Contrast Podcast!

Marcy at Lost In Your Inbox is just plain pooped. I can sympathize! Nonetheless, she has posted some wonderful songs this week. I agree on the Headlights, and also check out the Swedish offerings.

Sandy at Slowcoustic has a review of the Antlers’ new album Hospice, which features the song “Two” below. I am just discovering the Antlers myself, so I appreciate the recommendation.

Captain Obvious recommends Fanfarlo’s new album Reservoir and tells where you can get it for a measly buck. Is that a value, or what? Thanks, Captain Obvious!

Several of these songs are singles from new albums that seem worthy of further exploration:

The Antlers: Two from Hospice (2009)
MySpace | Buy

“Barcelona” is the first single from the Builders and the Butchers’ debut CD.
The Builders and the Butchers: Barcelona from Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well (2009)
MySpace | Buy

Jackson Browne’s gentle style has been an inspiration for Casador, as he shows in this reverent cover.
Casador: These Days (Jackson Browne cover from For Everyman)
MySpace | Downloads

Starlight Mints: Zoomba from Change Remains (2009)
MySpace | Buy

Viva Voce: Octavio from Rose City (2009)
MySpace | Buy

Filed under: blogs, finally friday, Casador, Starlight Mints, The Antlers, The Builders and the Butchers, Viva Voce | 5 Comments

The theme for Contrast Podcast #167 is “Home,” because podcast master Tim Young and his wife will be leaving theirs in the UK soon to relocate to France.

I am still recovering myself from being away from home for 15 days. I had thought that jetlag would be easier in this direction, but I’m only just getting back into normal sleeping patterns. I have, however, stopped stopped waking up in wee morning hours wondering which China hotel room I am in.

Above, a mirror in the imperial bedroom at the Forbidden City. It’s hard to imagine anyone calling this huge place “home.”

Blog Gallery by Picturesurf

Our main “home” in China was the Hua Feng Youth Hostel in Beijing, selected for us by The Professional Foreigner. The rooms are tiny, but otherwise it is extremely affordable, and everything is clean and comfortable, with Internet in the rooms. It is near the center of the city with good access to the major tourist sites. The staff do not speak English, but they are very helpful. The hostel is also within walking distance of the hutongs and shops of the fascinating Nan Luo Gu Xiang neighborhood. Hutongs are the courtyard-style former homes of the rich which were turned into residences of worker families in the Cultural Revolution. In some cases centuries old, many fell into neglect but are now being repaired and revitalized as national places of interest.

The fanciest place we stayed, also selected by the Professional Foreigner, was the Longshan Holiday Resort in Changping, just outside of Beijing. It is a beautiful place with large, comfortable rooms; however this hotel caters mostly to Chinese businessmen, and the staff do not speak English and are not accustomed to dealing with western tourists.

My favorite of the places we stayed was The Loft Hostel in Chengdu. The staff speak good English and are very helpful and accommodating to foreign visitors. Many foreigners passing through southern China on their way to or from other Asian countries stay there, and the design and decoration cater to European tastes, with weird German art posters on every upstairs wall. It has its own kitchen that even serves a western-style breakfast.

Both the Hua Feng and the Loft hostels are located in genuine Chinese neighborhoods, affording a fascinating view into typical, local lifeways. Our room at the Loft was only feet away from an apartment building where people hung their laundry to dry and watered plants on their balconies. Someone upstairs had a mynah bird in a cage that had learned to mimic the sound of a Chinese man spitting. Chinese men hawk and spit heartily, loudly, and often, so the bird had had plenty of examples.

Although I still haven’t completely settled back into a routine, it’s good to be home.

Alberta Cross: Ramblin’ Home
MySpace | RCRDLBL

Limbeck: Home (Is Where the Van Is) from Let Me Come Home (2005)
MySpace | Buy

Great news: Engineers have a brand-new album out, Three-Fact Fader. Must have.
Engineers: Home from Engineers (2005)
MySpace | Buy

The Airfields: The Long Way Home from Up All Night (2008)
Hear also “Home Is Always an Imaginary Place” on MySpace | Buy

Yet another wonderful band from Alberta, Canada, who play mesmerizingly gorgeous songs. Must get more.
Woodpigeon: Home As A Romanticized Concept Where Everyone Loves You Always And Forever
from September, and the Tragic End of Summer Like So Much Lost Love (2008)
MySpace | Buy

Filed under: blogs, Alberta Cross, Engineers, Limbeck, the Airfields, Woodpigeon | Post a comment

“Do you have any photos of ‘June Gloom’?” I asked my husband last night.
“Well,” he said,”It’s hardly the think that makes you grab your camera.”

So right. June Gloom in coastal California is pretty dull. Indie Mom and I lived in the desert only about an hour away for over 20 years and never heard of it until we both moved closer to the coastline. June Gloom (and her pal May Gray) is an early summer weather pattern that occurs not just in California but on many west coastlines around the world, where moist breezes from the ocean bring clouds and cool temperatures inland.

And cool, it is. It’s probably the first time in my life I’m wearing a sweater or jacket in summer.

The Like: June Gloom from Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? (2005)
MySpace | Website | Buy

The Notwist: Gloomy Planets from The Devil, You + Me (2008)
MySpace | Website | Label: Zero Hour | Buy

Cat-a-Tac: Gloom from Cat-a-Tac EP (2005)
MySpace | Website | Label: Needlepoint Records | Buy

Kittens Ablaze: Gloom Doom Buttercups from The Monstrous Vanguard (2009)
MySpace | Buy

Filed under: mix, personal lives, Cat-a-Tac, Kittens Ablaze, The Like, The Notwist | 6 Comments

Chengdu, the capital city of the province of Sichuan, is famous for spicy food but also for its distinctive style of opera and for the performing art of face-changing, which involves removing layers of masks faster than the eye can see how it’s done. I have seen both opera and face-changing in Chinese movies, which I got into when Indie Mom started watching them in high school, then I married a man who also has an interest in Chinese language and culture.

I am not going to post any Chinese opera mp3s here, but if you are interested in the subject, I can highly recommend two movies. The first is a 1993 film centered around Beijing opera, Farewell My Concubine, which stars the gorgeous actress Gong Li. The other is King of Masks, an adorable story of an old man who can pass on his art of face-changing only to a male heir. This is a great movie to show U.S. kids what it is like to grow up in a culture where girl children have far less value than boys. Both movies can be rented on DVD. I own them.

The only package tour we took during our trip was to a stage show in Chengdu that featured both Sichuan opera and face-changing. And fire-blowing! Here are some highlights from the evening.

Blog Gallery by Picturesurf

I had limited Internet access while I was away, so I haven’t visited other blogs and have checked only a few of the bazillion e-mails I received in the past 20 days. Here are a few highlights from the ones I have looked at, related only by the fact that I like the songs, and certainly not related at all to Chinese opera. I will post more soon as I catch up.

School of Seven Bells: Face To Face In High Places (Jesu remix)
MySpace | Ghostly International

Emilie Mover: Brand New from Good Shake, Nice Gloves (2008)
MySpace | Website

The Do: Tammie from A Mouthful
MySpace | Buy

David Mead: Last Train Home from Almost And Always (official release 8/25/09)
MySpace | Website

Math the Band: Why Didn’t You Get A Haircut? from Don’t Worry (official release date 6/16/09)
MySpace | Slanty Shanty Records

Wheels On Fire: I’m Turning Into You from Get Famous
MySpace | Big Legal Mess Records

Filed under: blogs, finally friday, personal lives, remix, David Mead, Emilie Mover, Math the Band, School of Seven Bells, The Do, Wheels On Fire | 3 Comments

I like animals in general, but I am a cat person first. My mother would never give in to my begging for a kitten each time my friend’s cat had a litter, but I have made up for that in my adulthood. For the past 40 years, I have never been without a cat, and I have usually had more than one at at time. Above are the current three, the mellowest and most friendly cats I have ever had. They don’t hide when strangers come to the house. I have known them to immediately jump into the cable repairman’s lap the minute he sat down.

So when Tim Young of Contrast Podcast announced that this week’s theme would be “Cats and Kittens,” I could not let the fact that I was on vacation in China without my music collection stop me from contributing. Maybe it’s just as well that I couldn’t wallow in indecision by having all my cat songs to choose from. Tim and I quickly decided on this song by Twin Cats (now known as Royal Osprey) to accompany my introduction, which tells a story of my favorite cat, Agate, who I had 30 years ago.

Twin Cats: Norwegian Forest from Immortal Beaches (2008)
Royal Osprey MySpace | Royal Osprey Website | Label: The Orchid Collective
Buy at Orchid Collective Store | More downloads at Slowcoustic blog

Agate was without a doubt the smartest cat I ever had. How do you know a cat is smart? For one thing, a smart cat watches your face and learns to read your expressions. She isn’t just a furry lump on the couch; she has a big personality. Agate could hear her name in a conversation. She displayed thought processes that showed she understood cause and effect, if only from her own perspective. Agate was once angry with me for three days for bringing her hated rival, a younger cat named Spider, back from an overnight stay the vet’s office. She clearly had decided that when I came back without him, she was rid of him. Boy, was she pissed.

The podcast theme is in honor of the beautifully-patterned tabby kitten named Lola recently obtained by Marcy at Lost In Your Inbox. This is not my favorite track from this band, but it would have fit the podcast theme perfectly if I had remembered I had it. Here’s to happiness for Lola and Marcy!

Cats and Cats and Cats: Happiness For Lola from Victorialand (2005)
MySpace | Buy at Cats and Cats and Cats Store

Guess which one is the smart cat?

Quitzow: Cats Are People Too from Art College (2008)
MySpace | Label: Young Love Records | Buy: Young Love Store, eMusic

It’s easy to tell from their album covers that Psapp are cat people. They also have a wonderful cover of Al Stewart’s “Year of the Cat” on the British compilation album Take It Easy.
Psapp: Everybody Wants To Be a Cat from Rewind, Vol 5 (2006)
MySpace | Website
Buy at eMusic | More at Psapp Store

Filed under: blogs, covers, mix, personal lives, Cats and Cats and Cats, Psapp, Quitzow, Twin Cats | 1 Comment

North Elementary: Ones In Love from Not For Everyone, Just For You (2006)
MySpace | Website | Buy

South Ambulance: Davy Crockett from EP#4 (2009)
MySpace | Website | Label: Rollerderby Records | Buy

East Hundred: Slow Burning Crimes from Passenger (2009)
MySpace | Website | Buy

The West: Road to Joy from Awake and Waking Up (2008)
MySpace | Website | Buy

Filed under: mix, East Hundred, North Elementary, South Ambulance, The West | 3 Comments

It’s unfortunate that painful experiences often generate good music. Maybe because we can all identify with sorrow, it’s comforting to know someone else shares what you’re going throught, and because being able to sing about it helps somehow.

On The Flying Change’s album Pain Is a Reliable Signal, Sam Jacobs accompanies his wife on her continuing search to find relief from debilitating back pain. There is no happy ending on the horizon for the Jacobses, only love and a companion on the journey. Jacobs has translated their various experiences with the condition and the medical community they have sought help from into songs that resonate with emotion.

The Flying Change from Pain Is a Reliable Signal (2009):
If You See Something, Say Something
Dirty White Coats

MySpace | Website | Buy

Filed under: new music, The Flying Change | Post a comment