Please Don't Stop the Music!

In my now ten month obsession in searching for a job and figuring out life as I know it, I've seemed to misplace my yearn for the things I love the most and still have the resources to enjoy. 
Fashion - I can lust at from afar because Lord knows my broke behind won't be purchasing any new duds (until someone sees what a wonderful little worker bee I would be for their company) except the basic necessity here in Chicago: a good pair snow boots.
Art - I'm trying my hand at painting. Living with a painter is inspiring. However, I'm not really motivated to put my brush to the canvas because I'm terrified of being terrible at it. I picked out a photo I took a while back and decided it would be a good starting place. In 3 weeks I haven't even gotten the background done, but it's a scary process for me! We'll see how it turns out. Needless to say, I'm taking my time. I was always good in art classes until it came time to painting or drawing 3 dimensional. To this day, I still have friends from high school that make fun of the 3-D scissors I had to draw for class. 
Photography - The one thing I'm most passionate about, I've really let myself slip on. I don't know why or what it is, but I know I love doing it. I suppose that when things are on rinse and repeat every day, it's hard to feel inspired. So, I'm looking for inspiration every moment I get outside this house. Most recent photo outing results coming soon.


And finally...
MUSIC - I'm in a musical drought. I have only had the opportunity to go to a few shows this year. Most recently the Raveonettes, in which tickets were donated to us (for a good cause, duh). When it comes to downloading music, I'm not a big fan of pirating. I like to pay for what I'm taking unless it's given for free. So I mustered up some spare change I found in the couch and made some new musical purchases via gomusicnow.com. New albums (new to me, maybe not so new to others) that I currently have on shuffle:

The Temper Trap: Conditions

One of my favorite albums I've heard this year. 4 boys from Melbourne, Australia have hooked and reeled me in. The first track itself was promising. My foot was tapping once Dougie opened his mouth. I might have even clapped along too. Who knows, I'm crazy. See, I missed the 500 Days of Summer boat and didn't recognize the apparently more popular track "Sweet Dispositions" which is probably the most radiotastic track on the album and also...one of my favorites. Sorry, I fell for it - it's catchy.

Mayer Hawthorne: A Strange Arrangement
I'm in love with this kid...and his music. This album is the retro (and white) spin of something C. Mayfield/S. Robinson-ish. Not only is it great soul, but the lyrics make me want to giggle and smile. I mean...he even throws in a "Don't be scerd" in there somewhere, but if you're not paying attention, you'd never catch it. Everything just blends into the rhythms without fail.

The Gossip: Music For Men

Beth Ditto has a great voice. She also doesn't give one iota about the fact that she is a big girl. She's been known to perform in her underwear or next to nothing and isn't the kind of lady that would even think twice about it. I try to picture myself seeing that live and I'm not quite sure how (in the moment) I might feel about that. But I've gotta respect the balls this lady must have hidden away somewhere. And if all else fails, just close your eyes. Because then, everything makes perfect sense and sounds even better.

The Black Angels: Directions to See a Ghost

I discovered these guys two weekends ago at the Metro in Wrigleyville. They opened up for the Raveonettes and not only did they put on a great show, but their sound is amazing. I don't know of too many psychedelic folk rock bands that can keep my attention for too long, but these kids manage well. They remind me a little of The Velvet Underground, which isn't a surprising influence being how their name comes from a VU song. With a female drummer who is on point - they brought in a variety of sound and beats using everything from double drummers to maracas.

Electric Owls: Ain't Too Bright
I have a great want to sing along to this entire album, tap my toes, and smile. I really couldn't ask for much more. The album as a whole is full of spirit and individuality. I just like it. And that's all that matters.