Random Music Reviews and Musings

As result of my recent undertaking of writing an album, I've begun to listen to lots of music again. Its been an inspiring journey so far. I am sure many of you can agree with this statement, that music can be so life changing. There are perfect songs for perfect situations. there are songs that everytime you hear transport you to familiar places, places that bring a smile to your face. There are songs that your body cannot resist the temptation to move your body, tap your feet, air guitar, lap drum, etc.

Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

has been one of my Go-To's for awhile now. its one of those albums that make you move. you cant help but dance when you hear this music. the melodies are so Euro Dance, and some would be ashamed to enjoy such melodies so much. Me? i grew up in a house full of Erasure, OMD, Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. Euro-Gayness Dance music is music to my ears. It goes much deeper than these melodies however. In listening to the tracks, you begin to tell there is a depth to this music that isnt heard on Erasure's "Respect" or OMD's "Sugar Tax". You begin to realize there is more than just synthesizers and drum tracks, HOLY CRAP, this is live instrumentals. There are deep roots in Euro Dance music, but you will just as likely hear a guitar riff from Television or Blondie in this amazingly orchestrated album.

I've found myself doing hilarious dance moves to this album, if you pick it up and give it a listen, I promise you you'll be doing some off the wall dancing as well...just hope no one sees it.

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I remember when "In Rainbows" came out...I picked up Thaddeaus, we drove to the little park by the river in North Aurora. as we pulled up it began to storm. the bad kind of storm, torrential and imparing. No matter where you were you had to stop. This storm was the kind you had to respect and just be...let it pass through then move on with your life.

It was fitting that this kind of storm would cause us to stop and listen to this moment...I distinctly remember popping the CD in and for the first time hearing the crackling of Jonny Greenwoods overdriven guitar being plugged into his amp...and then it began...in the same way that we were forced to stop because of the rain, we were arrested by the sound of the guitar just ripping us to pieces. It was good to hear Radiohead return to its rock roots (not that i didnt love Kid A, etc. On the contrary, that is my favorite Radiohead album) As the rain beat on the roof of my 1995 Mitsubishi Diamante, we smoked cigarettes (yes, I enjoyed a cigarette or two) and just sat there listening to every movement. It felt as if they were saying something important and you had to stop and listen carefully or else you'd miss the entire point.

Radiohead has a way with its listeners that makes it feel as if you were a part of the entire process...and i guess in a way we are an integral piece of the puzzle. Without someone to listen, is there a point to singing?

Good Eats in the Twin Cities

We are on a quest to find our favorite eats in MN. Last night, we added one more restaurant to our list-- Gandhi Mahal. Here's our highest rated restaurants (and favorites) so far. Note: these rating are completely subjective!

1. Saigon: Best Pho. Yes, there are many flaws at this restaurant. Namely: it's a cash only establishment, the menu says fruit drinks but they never have any on hand (unless you like jack fruit), and sometimes they even don't have lime. What?!!? A pho restaurant with no lime? I know. BUT, fast service and killer good pho broth prevails.
2. Christos: Best Greek. The lunch buffet gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Lamb, gyros, tabbouleh, shawarma, salad, soups, pita & flatbread.... YUMMY!
3. Mirror of Korea: So far, favorite Korean. That's not saying much at all, since we haven't been to too many Korean restaurants around here. But last week we had a grilled mackerel. And it was KILLER delicious. The sides are consistent, and the service is always nice despite the fact that it's SUPER slow. We're trying a new place next week. So this post might have to be amended.
4. Gandhi Mahal: Really good Indian. Josh has been dying for Indian, and thankfully we found one that will fill this void. For $15, we got a sampler platter of 2 meat curries, rice, appetizers, cucumber yogurt (raita), crispy flatbread, apple chutney, and dessert. Though it's not an A+ place, we would easily eat here over Olive Garden anyday.
5. Zaffiro's: Best Pizza in town. This is at the Marcus Theater in Oakdale. A pizza place in a movie theater? I was skeptical at first too, but now hands down agree with Linda on this one. It's completely a dark horse contender, but the crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce and piping hot cheese is memorable.

Still looking for a great place to eat-- Mexican, Japanese, and Middle Eastern! Feel free to add any suggestions, and we'll definitely go out an try it.

Almost a Year

It's been almost a year since I've last posted on this blog! Josh and I are going to alternate posting here each week if you want to tune in. We'll try to share about what's going on in our lives, interests, or interesting things we come across. Read if your interested. Don't read if you're not! I'll keep this one short, and start our posts tomorrow. :0)