Sugary Sweet Machine

"He wrote a pocket novel called the state that I am in..."

2006-03-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, three months in 2006 and no posting? Well, that comes as no surprise to me, really. It's hard leading this semi-double live with Livejournal and a regular blog. I'd like to do music reviews again soon. Oh, and one thing of real significance: my boyfriend and I went to see Jeff Tweedy at The Fillmore last month and it was amazing! The man can really put it across. Sadly, I missed Colin Meloy back in January, but I think Jeff Tweedy may (maybe) have made up for it. And I'm really into Belle & Sebastian lately. I forgot how great If You're Feeling Sinister is. "Fox In The Snow" just kills me. The end. For now.

Now Playing: Belle & Sebastian, "I Don't Love Anyone"

My rant on Sufjan Stevens and my love of written freedom....?

2005-12-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

I like that I've seemed to find something involving the internet that is scarcely read. No, I really do mean that. Imagine, multiple people reading this. (?!) Anyway, such lovely and occassionally sought after freedom does deserve the right attention, no?

When listening to this song, I really can't help but be mesmerized by it. Being able to humanize such a person as John Wayne Gacy Jr. is quite something. "He killed 10,000 people with the slight of his hand..." There's no doubt in my mind that this song puts such an artist in the limelight. I had a chance to see Sufjan (yes, really, it's pronounced SOO-F-JUN according to an article--no joke!) in a town not too far away during this past summer. Listening to this album as I do now, I can almost hear the sounds of me kicking my own ass for not being in attendence. There's something about a full horn section and Sufjan's use of the word "decatur" that really does something for me, I guess. And why would he be afraid of Nicholas Spark? Or does he mean nickels spark? Either way, it seems like an odd statement. I'll conclude my rant on Mr. Stevens by stating that he's got the looks and the talent to rock my socks anytime.

Now Playing: Sufjan (SOO-F-JUN) Stevens- "John Wayne Gacy Jr."

What would you know, you've got everything!

2005-12-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Instead of posting some obligatory, slightly boring 2005 list, I thought I'd just highlight some of my favorite films and records of this year. In no particular order...

Favorite Records of 2005:
The Mountain Goats- Sunset Tree
The Decemberists- Picaresque
Of Montreal- Sunlandic Twins
Morrissey- Live At Earl's Court
Andrew Bird- Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs
Magnolia Electric Co.- What Comes After The Blues
Athlete- Tourist
Sun Kil Moon- Tiny Cities
Bell x 1- Flock
The Bravery- The Bravery
Bright Eyes- I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
Bright Eyes- Digital Ash In The Digital Urn
Crooked Fingers- Dignity & Shame
Aqueduct- I Sold Gold
Death Cab For Cutie- Plans
Eels- Blinking Lights & The Other Revelations
Idlewild- Warnings & Promises
Iron & Wine/Calexico- In The Reins
Sufjan Stevens- Illinois
Kayne West- Late Registration
Ladytron- Witching Hour
LCD Soundsystem- LCD Soundsystem
The New Pornographers- Twin Cinema
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals- Cold Roses

Favorite Recently-Viewed Films:
Capote
Shopgirl
Walk The Line
Secondhand Lions
In Good Company

I realize that I may have mentioned too many records for the year, but what can I say? There were a lot of good ones!

Now Playing: Holly Golightly- "The Luckiest Girl"

Where you been, man?

2005-11-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, so where the hell did I go anyway? Good question. It's one I've been grappling with since my unexpected absence. Yes, I am indeed writing to myself here. I just can't seem to get into the swing of this blogger idea, really. There are so many things going on in my head, but I can't quite vocalise them. I wish I didn't make things so complicated sometimes. I really think I should just turn my phone off and deal with my own crap. Seriously. Bah! Bah I say. BAH.

Now Playing: The Decemberists, "Leslie Anne Levine"

p.s.
I'm seeing Colin Meloy in SF at the end of January. Thanks-so-very-much boyfriend!

This is not my life, it's just a fond farewell to a friend...

2005-10-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Maybe this reveals that I'm a sad bastard, but this month is the two year anniversary of Elliott Smith's death. I was too young to remember Kurt Cobtain's suicide very well (though I remember a little), and the last musician's death I can recall that affected me was Layne Stanley of Alice In Chains. So when I heard the news two years ago, it was right around my mom's birthday. (I remember it being within a few days of the 19th) Oddly enough, within a few days of the one year anniversary of Elliott Smith's death, was the death of one of my closest family friends. Hence October is an odd month for me now. In any event, no one around me understood why I reacted to this musician's death. I heard a lot of, "Well, he was just a musician, it's not like you knew him", or, "His music was depressing anyway, so was it really a shock?" I had answers to every response I got, even if they weren't justified. Whether or not I saw it coming, or whether Elliott Smith's music was depressing or not, mattered little to me. It's still the ending of a young life, one that had so much more to offer the world, and so much more talent to share.

I won't make any assumptions into what was going on with Elliott Smith at the time of his death, or even speculate on whether it was a suicide or not; that's simply none of my business. His family has made a lot of effort to keep his personal life private, which to me is how it should be. However, it's still eerie for me to now hear songs like, "Between The Bars", "Independence Day" or, "Fond Farewell" and not think about what was to come. "The potential you'll be/that you'll never see/images stuck in your head..." A lot of people tried to pick apart From A Basement On The Hill, the record released after his death. I know that journalists are supposed to write about these major events and such, but aren't these articles full of speculation? They had little to go on, except a fairly small discography that seemed to ask more questions than answer any. Then there's releasing a record after someone's death without knowing exactly how the artist wanted it; but that's another story entirely.

Yes, I am one sad bastard, if you can call it that. All I can do is keep Elliott Smith and his family in my thoughts, hoping that wherever (or whatever) he is, he's content.

Now Playing: Elliott Smith, "Fond Farewell"

With the roar of cars and the lulling of the cafe bars...

2005-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Reason #9 why I don't like Livejournal: really disturbing icons!
I was perusing a favorite LJ music community, when I stumbled upon an icon that read, "What a fuckin' wonderful world" and behind it was a picture of people hanging themselves. Yes, hanging themselves. I'm sorry, but who finds that funny? I found it quite disturbing. Sure, I had those lame, unjustified feelings in high school of "abandonment" and such, but come on. One day I will do a post about why I don't like Livejournal--and why I do.

In the meantime, I'm still recovering from last night's Angels/Yankees game. It was, hands down, the best game I've seen all year. Absolutely nail-biting, pitch-by-pitch gloriousness. Now this is why I love baseball as much as I do. And how elated was I to see the Yankees get eliminated in the first round of the postseason! Yes, I have a dislike for them that pales almost all others. I'm pulling for a Chicago/Houston World Series. That would be both unbelieveable and amazing. (But it's more likely to be Chicago and St. Louis, err.)

OK, that's it. "Legionnaire's Lament" is officially my favorite song by The Decemberists. Wow.

Now Playing: The Decemberists- "Legionnaire's Lament"

If it takes shit to make bliss, well I feel pretty blissfully.

2005-10-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Personally, things have been on the weird side lately. I decided to take a pretty big break from Livejournal (of which I was quite involved), I am with a wonderful and fantastic guy (who also loves me--um, whoa), I'm almost done with school, and I'm working part-time at the school. Oh, and my CD collection seems to be constantly growing, so much so that it never seems quite fully updated.

So, at the same time that I enjoy having so much to do--between Friday and tonight, I have cried twice. Now I'm not much of a crier, really. I can't figure out what combination seems to be leading to such a reaction, except horrible cramps for most of today, which messes up my eating and sleeping habits. I walk around consistently tired, both physically and mentally. I don't have anything resembling a real social life, and yet I'm 23. Sometimes I feel like a 30-year old trapped in a 23-year olds body. I feel like I don't do much of what other people in their 20's do: I don't drink (maybe 3-4 times a year), I don't smoke, I don't party, I don't have a ton of friends...and I wonder why I'm the way I am! Give me music, coffee, and my man in any combination and I'm content. (Maybe throw in a good concert too! Heh.) Is it so wrong to be anti-social? I interact with people pretty much all day long with work and school--but except for my weekends and once a week w/the best friend, I really don't get "out" much.

There's still so many things I want to do and/or try; finally getting my AA from a community college, possibly going to law school, start riding horses again, do something more with my piano playing/singing, live in the Bay area. I'm both frightened and excited about what awaits me when I graduate at the end of November. I don't know how many more "new starts" I can take where I've failed. But I'm determined to do something great with my nine months of education and good grades.

Now Playing: Modest Mouse- "Dance Hall"

But now I've got to crawl to get anywhere at all...I'm not as strong as I thought.

2005-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Postseason baseball starts tonight, and I'm all kinds of excited! Between school, a new job, taking care of the house while my mom is gone, and keeping a minimal social life--I'm quite tired! But feeling content about it all. Sure, the days are long, but totally worth it. Tonight I get to relax, watch the Yankees/Angels game, new Gilmore Girls episode, eat some good food...and listen to all of my previously unlistened to music. Yes, I picked this subject line for a reason; I was listening to one of the mixes I made for my mom whilst in the car today, and it brought back all kinds of memories. I guess they were memories I wasn't prepared to deal with.

Don't blink, you might miss...

2005-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to updating my CD collection, about as much as it can be at this point. I might be missing some things, but for the most part it's all there. I guess that's what Saturday nights are for, right? My boyfriend is at the Mike Doughty concert right now, which honestly, is a little frustrating. I couldn't go because a) gas is expensive and I can only see him every other weekend now and b) I had to help my mom finalize things before her trip to Europe on Monday. Yes, I should be seeing Mike Doughty at The Independent in San Francisco, but instead I'm listening to all of my previously unlistened-to music.

I could've gone out tonight with my best friend, but it's an awfully long drive and I'm trying to preserve my car. It's weird how fast time feels like it's flying by--it's already October! In approximately seven weeks, I will be graduating from business school. The craziest thing is, I'm on my way to graduating with honors. This is something I've never done before, ever. As in, ever in my entire life. The thought both excites and frightens me. I have one term left, and I just had my mid-terms yesterday. Wow.

Now Playing: The Killers, "Somebody Told Me"

A big change, of sorts...

2005-09-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've given a lot of thought lately to transferring my entire personal journal to this blog. As of lately, I feel like Livejournal just isn't the best place for what I feel like is my best writing--it's no one's fault but my own. I have succumbed to my own ego and being too "audience conscious", as it were. However, I would still continue my weekly posting duties at Rhapsodical, and probably at most other communities too--but my own personal journal would be gone. If anyone from my Livejournal friends list wanted to continue to read my writing (this is not an assumption), they could, just here on my blog instead.

I have to give my boyfriend credit for turning me onto the blogger idea, along with some old family friends who recently came to visit--they have a wonderful blog called NewDharmaBums, which I highly reccomend. I want to do a few more things to tweak with this blog, and I can't exactly have the same neat setup that Molotov (Plagueofangels) has, but...I want to make it into something a bit more than it is now. Anyway, so that's that. I hope that no one at Livejournal takes offense to my absence, but I'll still be present as a co-mod on Rhapsodical and a few other music communities. Namaste!

Pretty hands do pretty things when pretty times arise...

2005-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Just some random things I've been thinking about, music-wise:

Will I ever stop listening to The Decemberists? Colin Meloy has all kinds of magical powers over me, it seems.
Is the David Rawlings in the Ryan Adams track "To Be Young..." the same guy that Gillian Welch collaborates with?
Why do they let Korn continue to make records? Oi vey!
Is 670 albums too many? When is it too many? 700? 800? 1,000?!
Why won't Death Cab For Cutie come to a better venue in San Francisco and on a Saturday night?
Is 2600 songs too many for my iTunes to handle?
Will I ever get an iPod?!

That's about it, really. If anyone can answer these questions for me, it would be much appreciated. I think I'm actually at over 670 albums now. It's kind of ridiculous!

Now Playing: The Decemberists- "Song For Myla Goldberg"

List of concerts I've been to and what I want to see next!

2005-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

While I realize that probably few people read this, I figured I would continue to post since I still have things to say. Anyway, since I just saw The Decemberists on Sunday night in San Francisco, I thought I'd post a list of the concerts I've been to so far and a list of the bands I've yet to see and would like to see the most. By the way, the concert on Sunday was really great, mainly because it was at The Fillmore and I saw one of my favorite bands! (I also went with my boyfriend, who got me tickets as a three month anniversay gift *squee!*) Here's a list of bands I've seen thus far: (not in order)

The Decemberists w/Sons & Daughters and Petra Hayden's Sell Out Choir ('05)
Magnolia Electric Co. w/Christian Kiefer Band and The Court & Spark ('05)
Wilco ('04)
Wilco opening for R.E.M. ('03)
Old 97's w/Minibar ('04)
Guster w/Maroon 5 ('03)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club w/The Warlocks ('04)
The Eels w/MC Honky ('03)
Rancid, The Ataris, Less Than Jake, and Suicide Machines on 2003 Warped Tour
Smashing Pumpkins w/Garbage (Mellon Collie Tour, '96)
Tori Amos ('99)
Primus w/Everclear and Tool (New Year's Eve '96..?)
Eric Clapton ('92)
Eric Clapton ('97...?)
Camper Van Beethoven ('04)
Fountains Of Wayne w/Ben Lee ('03)
Rasputina ('04)
The Rolling Stones w/Pearl Jam ('99 or '00)
Radiohead w/Supergrass ('03)
Coldplay w/Eisley and Ron Sexsmith ('03)

And here's a list of who I'd like to see most:

Modest Mouse
Death Cab For Cutie
Whiskeytown (however unlikely reuniting might be!)
Mike Doughty (I might see him at the end of the month)
U2
Jay Farrar and/or Son Volt
Black Heart Procession
Ben Folds

I know there are some others I'd want to go see, but I'm drawing a blank. I think the list of concerts I've seen is complete, but I'm not entirely sure. The top two on my "want to see" list are the most important--but since Death Cab is coming to the Warfield in November, I might not go. Boo.

Now Playing: The Decemberists- "Bagman's Gambit"

Posting some mp3's

2005-09-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I thought today would be a good day to start posting some mp3's from my collection. I know that these are probably tracks everyone has heard, but they have become recent favorites. Comments are encouraged and appreciated, as always. This is to somewhat make up for not posting to ____rhapsodical this week. (Which was not intential, by the way!) Hope ya'll enjoy! Namaste.

http://s35.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2ODMZJLBBMH4V1W4E6340AES6A
Iron & Wine- "Sodom, South Georgia" (from Our Endless Numbered Days)

http://s35.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3QNBXYSXNE0L32PGLNFRXA12PL
Cursive- "The Recluse" (from The Ugly Organ)

http://s26.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3EABPV89CKKUY314RZ2NFCX5RI
Clem Snide- "The Sounds Of German Hip-Hop" (from End Of Love)

If anyone wants any of these full albums, feel free to comment or IM me on AIM at eitherorxo82. I also have an AIM shared file where my iTunes is available to anyone for the taking.

Now Playing: Mike Doughty- "Unsingable Name"

How I discovered Modest Mouse!

2005-08-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've always found it fascinating the bands/artists that some people reject, and the ones that stick for a long time. In my case, Modest Mouse was a band I rejected at first. Looking back on it, it seems insane now that I could reject a band I like so much now. The first few songs I heard by them, I felt like I didn't "get" really, like I wasn't part of the club that understood Modest Mouse. I separated the people who did, and the people who didn't. At the time, I didn't feel like I was missing out on much. I heard "Out Of Gas" and thought, "Eh, that guy's voice is kind of weird. They're OK." The only song I ever liked was "Baby Blue Sedan", but it kind of came and went.

Then back when I was living in Santa Rosa, circa late 2003/early 2004, someone sent me The Moon & Antartica. From the first chord of "3rd Planet", I was hooked. I couldn't understand why Modest Mouse was clicking now as opposed to earlier when I hadn't been interested. I listened to that album a lot while I was living in Sonoma County. Then Good News For People Who Love Bad News came out. I passed up on the chance to go to the release party at my favorite record store, and in hindsight regret not attending. Little did I know what a great and wonderful record it was. I remember buying the new CD at Target for $9.99 and feeling kind of silly. This band I had previously rejected was slowly but surely becoming a favorite! To this day, I think my copy of their last album is one of the most abused albums I've ever bought. I can't believe it has held up this long. Of course, like with all other bands I love, I had to seek out more material. I got Lonesome Crowded West and loved it even more than the other two I had.

I can't explain exactly what clicked with Modest Mouse in late 2003, but since then, I've been a big fan. I think Isaac Brock is a fantastic songwriter and the band has a real chemistry I haven't heard with many other bands. I eventually bought the first record, This Is A Long Drive... and found that I loved that too. Now I listen to "Out Of Gas" and enjoy it. It's further proof that as with many other things, timing is everything. I wasn't ready for Modest Mouse before 2003, and then one album got me hooked. What can I say? I love the Mouse!

So captain please consider me, let the boats deliver me...or thoughts on recording covers!

2005-08-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

I knew the first time I heard "This Place Is A Prison" by The Postal Service, that I would cover it. Even if it never got recorded, I wanted to transpose it to piano and make it a haunting ballad. It would be something similiar to Iron & Wine's cover of "Such Great Heights", though not nearly as good. I won't put myself in the same category with Samuel Beam!

Sometimes I seriously consider recording the cover songs I've done, if only to hear what they sound like on a tape or CD. I've gotten in the habit of writing down the correct chords to the original songs instead of keeping them in my head--because the ones in my head don't last long! I'm not able to practice nearly as much as I'd like to, since being alone in my house is a rarity. However, if I were to ever record an album of covers, the list would look like this:

"This Place Is A Prison"- The Postal Service
"Two Headed Boy"- Neutral Milk Hotel
"Sweet Avenue"- Jets To Brazil
"A Case Of You"- Joni Mitchell
"Remember The Mountain Bed"- Billy Bragg & Wilco
"Engine"- Jeff Mangum
"Oh My Sweet Carolina"- Ryan Adams
"Wish List"- Jets To Brazil
"Merman"- Tori Amos
"Frog On My Toe"- Tori Amos
"Leave The City"- Magnolia Electric Co.
"Coxcomb Red"- Songs:Ohia

I might've left some songs out, but those are the ones I'm most confident with right now. I know there are some repeating artists on there, but that doesn't really matter to me. If I can continue to practice those songs diligently, I may consider recording them, provided I can find a cheap way to do it. So if anyone has any suggestions or would like to share their experiences recording, please share! Feedback is encouraged.

Now Playing: Jets To Brazil-"Cat Heaven"

Would I could afford to buy my love a fine robe...

2005-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Decemberists make me inexplicably joyful. Just the sound of Colin Meloy's voice, the stories he sings, and the strings...they just do something to me. I can't really put my finger on it. I just know that it's an amazing feeling. Every time I hear the loud part of "Bagman's Gambit" I get a chill down by spine. "Red Right Ankle" makes me swoon and grin uncontrollably. The idea that I get to see them in person next month is beyond my comprehension. Colin Meloy is one of the most gifted songwriters I've ever heard. I remember picking up Castaways & Cutouts at Borders about two years ago, and it felt similiar to when I heard the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot record by Wilco for the first time. I knew that for some reason, these albums would change my life. I fell in love with Her Majesty The Decemberists and Picaresque. I have a feeling I will love and admire The Decemberists for a long time to come.

Now playing: The Decemberists- "Eli, The Barrow Boy"

Bah!

2005-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how difficult it would be to keep up with my own music blog, but it seems to be now. I still have copious amounts of music that have not been listened to yet, but right now the Graham Coxon record Happiness In Magazines sounds wonderful. "Bittersweet Bundle Of Misery" has the same chords as "Coffee And TV", I'm not just hearing things! Though my ears have been plugged up since I woke up, so who knows if I'm hearing clearly. As usual, I need more blank cd's. Such is my life. Fear not, for I will come back to my Ben Gibbard entry as soon as possible!

Now Playing: Graham Coxon- "Bittersweet Bundle Of Misery"

We left our love and our summer skin...

2005-08-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

I was all ready to write a long entry on why Ben Gibbard is my second favorite Ben (behind Ben Folds), and with Death Cab For Cutie's new album, is poised to become my very favorite Ben--but now, I really don't feel up to it. Today was way too long to yank out a long, typically obsessive music entry. I've just spent almost an hour uploading all of the random Death Cab tracks I had onto my iTunes, only to find out that I can't seem to type in the names of the albums these songs come from. Ugh. I'll shoot for tomorrow to do a Ben Gibbard entry.

Now Playing: Death Cab For Cutie- Summer Skin

The major label debate continues!

2005-08-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I was thinking recently about the controversy over "indie" bands moving to major labels. The reason this came up was with the news that Death Cab For Cutie signed with Atlantic for their major label debut, Plans. (Although Rilo Kiley left long-time label Saddle Creek to record More Adventurous) I used to be the kind of person who loathed such a change, citing money as the only motive.

It seems that there are as many "good" examples of major label changes meaning better music, as there are the opposite. The best two examples of this would be Modest Mouse and Elliott Smith. The former signed with a major label to release The Moon & Antartica, which arguably turned out to be one of their best records. They went on to record Good News For People Who Love Bad News, which prompted an appearance on the O.C. and a Grammy nomination. People can gripe all they'd like about the band's decision to sign with Sony, but did it compromise their talent? It's unlikely. Then there's Elliott Smith; he signed with Dreamworks and had a very strong major label debut with X.O. but found that his label was dissapointed with Figure 8. But getting back to Death Cab For Cutie, since I just finished listening to their latest record. Is it better than Transatlanticism? I don't believe so, but it's still a strong, solid effort. If the bands are happy with their decision, then I say "bring it on"! Listening to Rilo Kiley's The Execution Of All Things, I can hear that it's a lot better than their most recent effort, but More Adventurous is by no means "bad". These are all just projections and opininons, of course. I don't know where or why I changed my mind on this topic, but I did. I'm slightly biased with Death Cab For Cutie, since I think that everything Ben Gibbard does turns to gold, but as far as I can tell, it's worked out just fine for him. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but this would be his third record label change, having started with Barsuk and releasing The Postal Service record on Sub Pop.)

I know that some day all of my useless knowledge will be good for something. Any other "good" examples of bands switching to major labels?

NP: Rilo Kiley- Paint's Peeling

Thank you for coming here, thank you for being you!

2005-08-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some quick little tidbits I picked up recently:

Son Volt's latest record is pretty good. I'm liking it more than I thought I would. And I did not know that Son Volt supported Billy Bragg on the Mermaid Avenue tour.
I've been really into Morrissey and The Smiths as of late. I entirely blame my boyfriend.
I'm hoping I get to see Mike Doughty next month in San Francisco. Adding that to The Decemberists show the same month would be really sweet!
I can't get enough of The Mountain Goat's latest record! It's so, so very good. Wonderful stuff. I highly reccomend it.
Who decided to have Earlimart open for Son Volt this fall?! I really don't understand that.
Recently, I've gotten copies of Anything Else But The Truth by The Honorary Title, In Your Honor by Foo Fighters, and Madonnna by ...Trail Of Dead. I'm convinced that the latter is one of my new "it" bands. WOW.

Finally, can anyone reccomend any good songs/artists/records? I've gotten a lot more new music than what was listed, I just haven't had time to listen to it. Which would be why I want more...yeah, that's it.

Now Playing: Morrissey- "November Spawned A Monster" (live)

An Open Letter to Jeff Tweedy

2005-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Jeff Tweedy,

I write this to you for a number of reasons, the most important amongst them, to thank you for your existence. I'm forced to come to the conclusion that my current relationship would not have come about were it not for you and Wilco. Why am I writing this to you then and not your bandmates? Well, because you and John are it. And this is mainly to you, for as much as I hesitate to say this, are the one I fell in love with in the summer of 2002. I didn't think your mere presence on this planet would change the course of my love life, but it seems to have done just that. So for that, I must profusely thank you. Of course, there are other reasons to write you: a) to thank you for being as creative and open with your music, b) putting on a fantastic live show, and c) introducing me to other bands closely related to you.

I'm not going to say I was entirely comfortable with the change in lineup during the Ghost Is Born recording, but your live show last fall has proven otherwise and thus changed my mind. I must say, I enjoyed the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot lineup the most, due to the inclusion of Glenn Kotche; I hope he stays with you for many years to come. I really see that you can do no wrong in my eyes, except I really didn't understand Loose Fur, but I certainly can't blame you for trying! Everything you do, more or less, turns to gold. Just remember that you have a huge fan in Northern California, if nothing else.

I still enjoy your Uncle Tupelo records now as much as ever, and I also really like the two Golden Smog records you were a part of. As much as I am not a Jay Farrar person, recently I've grown to really like that guy. But what can I believe from a "biography" anyway? It's hard not to look at Trace as a solid, lovely record. In any event, I'm not going to be a typical fangirl and ask for an autographed picture or whatnot, but I look forward to someday at least being able to shake your hand. We have something in common that, while not pleasant, still connects us in some way, I believe.

So thank you for everything you've contributed to my life over the past three years; I can only imagine what you'll contribute in the future. I wish you the best in life and with the band. I will see you as forever talented and a valuable contributor to the music world.

Yours truly,

Miss A

How I Discovered Gram Parsons and other assorted babble

2005-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, bands I listened to in childhood pop up in my daily life without me even realizing it. The Byrds are one such band. Music was always prominent in my house, with everything from U2 to Joan Collins to The Eagles, and almost everything inbetween. I can see why I listen to albums such as Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, having grown up with John Prine, Johnny Cash, and all other kinds of country-influenced artists. (Though some would argue the former not fitting into such a genre.) Regardless of that, I discovered Gram Parsons before The Byrds, at least recently. I found a bunch of Byrds albums in my parents' collection recently, and was actually introduced to Gram Parsons via Whiskeytown's cover of "A Song For You". This might seem trivial, since Parsons was more of a side member than a major force, but I still find it interesting.

I'm still amazed at some of the things I find myself attracted to, with the previously mentioned Byrds and Gram Parsons included. I discovered Johnny Cash rather late in life, when I checked out his two cover albums at the library last year. At the same library, I bought a duet album John Prine did with a few female artists, as well as some early Loretta Lynn. I never thought I would be one to enjoy "country" (I use the term loosely) as much as I do. I'm sure my parents would be a little surprised to find that I now have Sweetheart Of The Rodeo in my collection, even if it was from someone else. I had more aligned myself with the alt-country bands like Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, Old 97's, The Jayhawks, and others who very loosely fit into that genre. I find Gram Parsons' story to be a particularly interesting one, and it makes me want to go to Joshua Tree again more than ever. I can hear the influence of the bands I love now, especially in Jason Molina's bands Songs:Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. I find the whole idea of how people discover their now favorite bands fascinating.

Now Playing: The Byrds- You're Still On My Mind

Feeling old at 21...or thoughts on one Miss Tori Amos

2005-07-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's just as important to bring up my past musical loves as it is to discuss my current ones. I'm not afraid to admit that at one time, not too long ago, I worshipped at the altar of Tori Amos. She was my life, my muse, and the subject of my first college essay in 2000. Looking back on it now, I realize that she is, more or less, the reason I continue to play the piano right now. There were three solid, intense years of worship I experienced in regards to Tori. At one time, I had collected around 12 or 13 of her cd's, mainly singles.

Then suddenly, around three years ago, I simply lost interest. I don't know the exact moment or even why, it just happened. And it made me kind of sad. I felt her music had helped me grow and mature emotionally so much, and she had inspired me so much, that it didn't make sense. But of course, I simply outgrew her. Scarlet's Walk was the last Tori Amos record I ever bought. I haven't bought the latest one and quite frankly, I don't plan to, though I probably would want to get a copy of it. I mainly go back to Under the Pink, Boys For Pele, and From The Choirgirl Hotel. I still find her as talented and fascinating, just from different set of ears. A lot has happened to me in the last three years, and I have a feeling that her presence in my life could make a comeback sooner or later. Hell, she's the inspiration of two of my online journals, including my current one redbaroness, and a former Diaryland journal liquidiamond. The former username comes from her song, "Not The Red Baron", and the latter comes from the song "Liquid Diamonds". I feel as if I owe her something for all she had given me.

Every once in a while, I can't help but play "Pretty Good Year", "Playboy Mommy", "Merman", or her covers of "A Case Of You" and "Famous Blue Raincoat" on the piano and sing them. Now I'm uploading the three previously mentioned records of hers onto my iTunes and it makes sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if "Frog On My Toe" and "Northern Lad" still made me tear up. I still have a deep love in my heart for Tori somewhere, even if it's smaller than it used to be. Some of those former loves just never go away, no matter what kind of presence they have now. Tori Amos still has that effect on me, almost four years after her initial impact.

Now Playing: Tori Amos- Iieee

Introduction: music is my savior. no, really!

2005-07-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

So, this is the introductory post of my brand new music blog, Sugary Sweet Machine. The title comes from the Neutral Milk Hotel song Oh Comely. I have to give credit where it's due: I was inspired by the fact that my boyfriend said if he ever had a band, he would call them the Sugary Sweet Machines. And I really can't argue with that! In any event...

There won't be any particular format I'll stick with for this blog, it's for the most part tidbits from the music world that I find interesting in some way. I'll include my own record reviews, open letters to various bands/musicians, and most likely I'll occasionally post mp3's that I find to be worth listening to. This is my first adventure into the world of Blogspot, so please, be gentle! I come from the world of Livejournal (http://www.livejournal.com/users/redbaroness) where it's all quite different. I hope whoever stumbles across this finds my writing enjoyable, or at the very least, mildly amusing. I could be trite and list my top five current favorite bands/records/etc., but again, I find that a bit trite so I shall digress. And I'm certain that my favorite bands/artists will become clear very early on. So enjoy, one and all!

Now Playing: Pavement- Cut Your Hair