pangea.

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my first sufjan stevens experience took place at bowery ballroom right after “come on feel the illinoise!” it was fun+moving+inspiring—a trifecta of qualities that generate a profoundly enjoyable show. this past sunday i had the privilege of witnessing sufjan for a second time (thanks to meera lee!) at the beacon theater and my expectations were amply met.

at first i was slightly apprehensive about the show due to the shameful amount of time i’d spent listening to his latest album—slim to zero minutes. the things i knew about “the age of adz” surfaced mostly through friends/media. it became clear that sufjan had taken an abrupt departure from his beloved banjo and gentle folk hymns.

however, since seeing the show i have listened to “the age of adz” more times than i can count on my fingers and toes. the electronic nature of “the age of adz” may make a poor first impression to those who’ve taken kindly to “seven swans” but the narratives and adroit musicianship that he exhibits throughout his discography are still undeniably present in this album. (also, have we forgotten about ”enjoy your rabbit” and its wild synths!?)

sufjan’s performance on sunday was one of the most memorable i have seen—a starry explosion of sounds and stories depicting the life and death of the universe surrounding us and within us. he sang about love and heartache more openly and literally than ever before. mr. stevens is one of a few treasured musicians whose words cause my eyes to tear with every note sung. but this is an attribute that actually makes my heart feel so very HAPPY.

ALSO: besides being overwhelmingly good-looking and gifted, i learned that sufjan’s been hiding some pretty impressive dance moves which you can view here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G598YGyaDs

anyway, just listen to the album!

because my words are just futile devices.

http://asthmatickitty.com/sufjan-stevens

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phil

i adore the contrast between phil’s haunting words/soothing voice. it’s like getting lost in the woods and realizing every branch points you closer to home. his recording techniques are also something to admire and/or puzzle over.

when listening to the microphones i feel the sudden urge to:

a. assemble a bed of fallen branches; blankets of leaves

b. count stars and detect constellations

c. be swallowed by the universe

there’s nothing left except certain death
and that was comforting at night out under the moon

http://www.myspace.com/elverumandsun

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otc

ah, oliva tremor control: a band formed within the esteemed athens, ga elephant six collective, which is comprised of some of the most dazzling and unique musicians of our time ex) jeff mangum, will cullen hart, robert schneider, bill doss, as well as later members such as: kevin barnes, laura carter miles kurosky (the list goes on).

otc was originally the “synthetic flying machine” until jeff mangum left to focus on his own musical endeavors—the forever epic, “neutral milk hotel.” (there will be plenty more of mr. mangum to come!)

“i have been floated” is one of my favorite olivia tremor control songs for a few reasons:

a. featured vocals of jeff mangum

b. beautiful transitions/musical composition

c. lyrical correspondence to an insightful essay by one of my favorite transcendentalists, ralph waldo emerson’s ”intellect” stating, “i have been floated to this thought, this hour, this connection of events by secret currents of might and mind…”

d. the ethereal hums and whistles of the singing saw

e. i innately succumb to their psychedelic-sixties-pop-tastic sound!

check out black foliage: animation music!

http://www.myspace.com/oliviatremorcontrolband

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okay, so i just saw pavement last night and today i feel the need to pay homage to one of the most influential and innovative bands of the past few decades (i realize this is not an original thought but a notion collectively concluded by many).

stephen malkmus’ songwriting is truly spellbinding. he possesses the style+skill necessary to create a beautiful collage of words and sound that will (and should) remain timeless. it is always engaging, always inspiring, and always enjoyable. and he makes it seem effortless…sigh.

true appreciation for this man and his band.

“harness your hopes” is one of my all-time favorite songs forever and ever.

http://www.myspace.com/pavement

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devils