Big Plans

This past weekend has been marvelous, as usual. I went to Shelter Island with the babies and realized that I love them, so much. We went clamming (it was my first time) by the docks. The sky was clear and the weather was warm and very sunny; my skin is almost as tan it could be.

Most importantly, while we were at the beach, the boy, Jasper and I decided to play water tag, nothing new. Then after awhile we got really into it and before I even realized it, my feet were no longer touching the ground and my arms were moving; OMGZ I WAS SWIMMING!!! To my amusement I tried to doggy paddle, which I did successfully. We had cake that night in celebration. Highlight of the weekend.

Nicky is coming this weekend and we're getting an apartment so that's a really big deal. We'll see how this goes.

Busy busy busy work work work.

October 19th is the Stars concert at Town Hall. Already got orchestra seats for the show. Mmmm. Because they were the indie pop band that started the deep interest in contemporary upcoming artists, this show means a great deal to me. I've been waiting 4 years to see them in concert and this will be it! As Tiff always says, "I'm piddling in my panties."

Confession

I can't help but love Madonna. That's just the way it is. Just watch her Confessions Tour that she aired a few months ago. Made me want nothing more than to go dancing at a gay club at 2AM.

The Underdog Here at Night

Ah, Stars, my first ever "indie" band. A follow up to their wonderful Set Yourself on Fire album in 2004, In the Bedroom After the War is another upbeat, innocent, very pop-y album comprised of more mellow duet singing and sound-clips of old speeches and readings, soft drum snares and low organ keyboard chords. Who couldn't fall in love with Amy Millan's voice? (She also has a solo, more folk-y album)

Their actual palpable album is set to release on September 25th (a big date) but their legal digital download is available as of July 10th, only 4 days after its completion. Stars is also going on tour in the US and they'll be performing at NY's Town Hall. I'm still waiting for tickets to go on sale.

MP3: Stars - The Night Starts Here

I also got the new Spoon album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. It's a touchy subject, so I won't address it much. Non-Spoon-heads will certainly find this album all hit-or-miss.

MP3: Spoon - The Underdog

Menomena is playing tonight at South Street. Wish I wasn't sick.

The next show, Brazilian Girls is on the 22nd at Central Park, but I'm missing that because of the babies. Big fat sigh.

So I guess the next show I can actually attend will be Blonde Redhead on August 5th at McCarren Pool, Brooklyn.

Alas, internet radio will NOT be shut down on July 15th. That's all that's important for now.

This Deserves its Own Post:

September 30th - Animal Collective at Webster Hall

November 10th - Múm AT WORDLESS MUSIC FESTIVAL OMGOMGOMGOMG

Epiphany on the Ferry

Friday morning I took the Hamptons Charter Bus through Long Island to the shore. This was, by far, the most beautiful ride I've ever had. The sky was clear and sunny and there wasn't much traffic. We passed the countryside where many farms and crops were grown; I saw miles down the farms from the road. There were wineries every quarter mile, local country houses, tractors, grass, etc. etc. Then I got to Greenport to take the ferry to Shelter Island. Walked past the docks and the sailboats and more sailboats. It was at the departing moment on the ferry when I decided that I wanted to live around these parts with my own sailboat(s).

Shelter Island was of course, wonderfully pleasant. Small beaches, horse barns, lots of trees and grass and local stores. Lots of very rich people who spend millions of dollars on their Shelter Island beach houses just so they can come every weekend from their gorgeous Manhattan apartments. The island reminded me a bit of Rhode Island.

The mom is publicist and production manager and the dad is a designer for Ralph Lauren. Their house looked like it came straight out of the pages of like, Hampton's Ralph Lauren Homes. (It quite possibly did, with all the interior designs magazine lying around.) The house was beautiful.

Jasper, boy, is 4 years old and Francesca, girl, is 2 years old (terrible two's!). It took some time to break the ice with them but I'm working on it!!

I fell in love with the family after horseback-riding, going to the beach everyday, etc. etc.

It was a hectic weekend, but worth it all in the end.

OK Tiffany is blogging about her travels around the world and children in Cambodia and here I am, thinking Shelter Island and Ralph Lauren are grand.

I Summon YOU

I've been waiting for Nicky Digital to publish their pictures from Irving Plaza for a whole MONTH! Too bad most of their pictures weren't that wonderful. However, remember when I told you the guitarist from CSS gave me a vibrator toward the end of the show? Yep. That's my arm.

It's OK; I'd be jealous too.

Right now I'm listening to "I Summon You" by Spoon on new Bose headphones and decided a few hours ago that this is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Tomorrow night is the Fujiya & Miyagi show at South Street. Too bad I'll be away. Sigh. It starts at 7PM.

Next Show: Spoon at Rockefeller Park on Wednesday