Let me take this chance to reintroduce you to one of my favorite bands. It’s been a while and I’ve never truly told the story how I came upon them, and recent events have provided me with the perfect opportunity. So, this past Tuesday, I went to the Band Of Horses acoustic concert at the Manhattan Center Ballroom (I think that’s what it’s called). Band of Horses played and it was amazing. Literally, amazing. Hearing them play an acoustic set. Seeing them in person. It was all awesome. They couldn’t have been cooler or more humble. So everything was going peachy and then I had a very Proustian moment. As if I was taking a bite out of the infamous “Madeleine”, the lights on stage dimmed and only one member of the band was left. He started picking away to a song that triggered something in my rats nest of a brain. As if I was pulled back in time, I saw myself sitting at a computer, an eager 21 year old- over-indulging in all things college. At the time, I was particularly interested in “covers”. That was my “new thing”. Whilst searching the Youtube-sphere, I stumbled upon an excellent cover that was the embodiment of everything I loved about independent music. A short video taking after the Vincent Moon school of thought with it’s “concert a emporter” aesthetic, I was instantly transfixed. The band was The Vulcans. The song? St. Augustine. The rest is history. A great band full of three very talented individuals. Lab rats in my exploration of video and recording and the second most famous band out of Mechanicsburg, PA. Enjoy this and explore their Youtube Channel. They’re awesome.
music versus the weather
Let’s set the stage. I live on the east coast, in Maryland – a beautiful state often looked over because of it’s domineering neighbors or Pennsylvania, Virginia and the worst of the worst, DC. So, in Maryland, it’s been a misty few days. It seems like Mother Earth is trying to instill a sense of hopelessness in anticipation of her grand finale (the end of the world). Something happens to me every time it’s miserable out. I turn to music. More specifically, happy music. I guess my musical mood is tied to the weather. I search for something bright, light and happy when it’s dark, cold and sad outside. Interesting? Not really, but it proved to be a relatively fun way to introduce this artist whom I’ve never heard of before this video. I stumbled back into the Blogotheque by drunk accident. Showing friends artists of my past, (Vampire Weekend and Mumford) performing beautiful impromptu concerto’s in the streets of Paris or wherever. Alas, here is We Were Evergreen. Enjoy!
make it work.
I’ve been learning a lot about confidence recently. Not to be too melodramatic (which seems always inevitable in a diary-style blog), but I’ve found it’s a skill. Something you hone and perfect. SCRATCH That. This is my new policy, no deleting. I think it’ll make for more interesting posts. I’ll cross out stuff I don’t want you to actually read and then I’ll leave it up to you. For example, this post started off in a certain way because I was listening to Damien Jurado’s “Sheets”. If you haven’t heard it, listen to it. You’ll enjoy it, or something. Who knows what it’ll do to you. Forwarning, it’s pretty “rainy day” if ya know what I mean. So, today’s song. I skipped yesterday, this isn’t a one song a day deal anymore. So what’s on the menu, well, I’ve got two songs I think. Yes, two songs. They’re both from ad’s circulated on tv. Most of the time, if you’re anything like me, you spent more time wondering what the song was than thinking about the product. So… Here you go, you name the commercials, cause I’ve got no clue. Have a great day.
oh well. good morning i guess.
So, my constantly developing music taste has taken many twists and turns. Different influences has made their dent on my audio universe. Vampire Weekend was one of those bands who came in, full steam ahead and altered my perception of music. Before Vampire Weekend, I was a limped along listening to music who’s play counts would skyrocket whenever a girlfriend broke my heart. Vampire Weekend brought an entirely new dimension… Happiness. If you’ve ever listened to a vampire weekend song, it feels like an explosion of bliss migrating back and forth between your left and right earbuds. So, to make an already elongated story shorter, while Vampire Weekend was button up their Oxfords and re-tying their Sperry’s on Nantucket, Jeremy Fisher was enduring the blistering winters of Canada. A beautiful synthesis of harmonies that you’re sure to enjoy. Think of them as an upbeat Band of Horses, if band of horses isn’t upbeat enough for you. Hope you enjoy and have a great day.
funkysoulkindasomethin’
I don’t know whether I want to try and go back and do what I did in times past. To go digging through the oodles of archives of indie music in an effort to find the “NEXT BIG THING”. I don’t think I wanna do that but a part of me wants to be “that guy”. The one who’s the first to find that group that sets your iTunes on fire, lighting your musical world aflame. I don’t think that’s my “steeze” anymore. Leave that to someone younger and more hip. I’m just gonna post stuff I’m jamming to. Not too much music. I don’t wanna overfill anyone’s cup, nor do I wanna put too much on my plate, because my appetite is shrinking as I get older. So here’s something you can jam to. Enjoy
good day to you
I’ve been listening to a lot of these guys lately. I don’t know why really. Band of Horses is pretty emo. They’re like the mature version of Death Cab for Cutie… and yes, I still listen to Death Cab. But all that aside, I think it’s the harmonies. They’re insane. I hope to see these guys one day, if I’m lucky maybe I can snag tickets somewhere down the line. This isn’t even their best song, but I think it totally encompasses everything that’s amazing about this band. Simple guitars, a simple kick drum and then whimsical harmonies. Trying not to over-complicate the description but it’s hard not to. These guys aren’t your average country/indie band. Just take a listen.
so i used to be
So I used to be really really into what is “hip”. What was “cool”. What was “the future”. That’s a pretty charged/pretty lame statement but unfortunately, it’s true. About as true as anything get. I thought I could be ahead of the curve, but in the process, I lost what was important. Quality. Quality is king. Forget Quantity. Cash? No. Arthur? He’s not even king. I’m telling you it’s quality. It has been for 2k+ years. So here’s quality. What do I call it? Today quality for me starts with a voluptuous “M” and ends in a unsuspecting “H”. Mayer Hawthorne. Enjoy.
a new start.
Yes, This is it. I’m not 100% there. No, no I’m not. But it’s always been my feeling with this thing that a work in progress is better than a piece of work. Don’t read too much into the unintentional use of expressions. While this post is a test in and of itself, I don’t think you should be disappointed. You see, this is a rebirth, a renaissance, a reinvigoration. This is me, starting back at the basics. The things that made this so amazing and awesome for me. So, I hope you enjoy what this new/old Chicken Donut has in store for you. I think you’ll like the cream filling.
Hearts, Stars and Horseshoes,
Miller
