After returning home from one of my more fantastical trips to Los Angeles, it seems that I’m again meant to confront the ever present (and often waxed upon) pull between myself, my native southern California, and the prospect of one day returning to it’s arid environs in a residential capacity. The arrival of these notions is to be expected: I’m on the heels of some very quality time spent away, and congruently I have full knowledge that Seattle’s famously un-shakeable seasonal gloom is quickly on the approach, (which freaks me out). More importantly, these notions were reinforced by a certain few people’s (un-solicitously) imparted sagely wisdom. I was told on three separate occasions that my living in Seattle was an arrangement inherently addled with flaw, and would always prove a constant impedance to the realization of my earthly destinies, and more specifically my growth as a musician… (I know, I know, dreamcatchers much?)… and to make matters more robust, a particularly perspicuous horoscope (featured below) from some months ago recently re-emerged and has me reconsidering it’s value. (If one is to put value in such things.) We’ll see how the 8 ball reads in a month or two.
The Horoscope read as follows:
Right now you’re like a sidewalk tree. You have a cube of soil to occupy, but it’s boxed in by concrete, sewer pipes, and subway tunnels. With nowhere else for your roots to grow, your life and potential are necessarily limited. Forget about breaking through the barriers constraining you; there’s nothing useful on the other side of them. What’s required here is a complete transplant. While traumatic in and of itself, it’ll still be totally worth it, since you’ll be going from a place you can survive to one where you can thrive. If you haven’t already packed up your roots and hitched a ride to sunnier pastures, think about setting things in motion to do just that. It’s overdue.
So, what’s kicking my ass right now? Well, after being knocked out by Loudon Wainwright III’s Here Come The Choppers, Strange Weirdos, and Recovery albums, I’m being knocked out by his latest release, High Wide & Handsome -The Charlie Poole Project in which Wainwright pays tribute to legendary singer Charlie Poole with reworkings of old material, and a few finely crafted originals. Great recording, great material, amazing list of contributors. (Be sure to watch the “making of” documentary material in the video section of the site.) Definitely not one to pass up.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s 1996 album, Braver Newer World is COMPLETELY RULING ME at present. Produced by T-Bone Burnett with Jon Brion and Greg Leisz serving as Gilmore’s two main collaborators, this album has a very special quality to it and comes as strongly recommended. (Some of you may know Jimmie Dale as the lovable and timid character, Smokey in the famous “Walter freaks out” bowling alley scene in The Big Lebowski.)
Jim O’Rourke’s latest offering, The Visitor, is gorgeous beyond measure, all 38:03 of it. I really can’t explain how long I’ve been craving something new like this from him, so I’ll refrain from ranting. Just trust me when I say that you need to own it, that I want you to buy it immediately, and that it deserves your undivided attention, and your finest pair pf headphones. Get there!
Neri Oxman… someone out there, if you’re reading and have the means, please introduce me. I’ll take it from there.
Lastly, a photo of me and the legendary Fred Walecki of Westwood Music. I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with Fred while in Los Angeles, and have in many ways been reeling from the experience ever since. I’ll be writing a short piece about our interaction that will surface very soon. Truly an encounter that I’ll remember forever.
Alright already… let’s get to the music.
Here’s Episode 25. I hope you enjoy it.
Loudon Wainwright III – High Wide & Handsome
The Aluminum Group – Kid
The Books – Take Time
Christina Courtin – One Man Down
Wayne Krantz, Keith Carlock, Tim Lefebvre – The Earth From Above
School Of Language – Poor Boy
Jimmie Dale Gilmore – Braver Newer World
Alan Braxe And Friends – In Love With You
Lusine – Gravity
John Zorn – Kakawahie
Loudon Wainwright III – Took My Gal Out Walkin’
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