Take Cover.

Last Friday, most of us scrambled around the television screen to watch the opening ceremony for this year's summer Olympics. The ceremony itself was bonkers but the Arctic Monkeys stole the show for me. They look like the coolest dudes you would ever meet as they play effortlessly and full of swag. Their cover of "Come Together" was very impressive and not tiresome unlike all the others out there. So this got me to thinking of covers -- are they awesome or just kind of dumb? What about cover bands?

Here is one I love by School of Seven Bells covering Lil Wayne's "How To Love." What's your favorite?

Where Were We...

Hello! Lately, I have been going back and forth between a friends house and working long days so I have not had the chance to update. First, I hope all your weekend plans went off without a hitch and you spent it with great people. I spent Friday night in a movie theater, with every couple in Ithaca, watching Safety Not Guaranteed and wishing Aubrey Plaza was my best friend in high school and college.

This weekend was also the 2012 Newport Folk Festival. Although I have never had the opportunity to go, the Newport Folk Festival is one of the coolest festivals due to its rich history, killer setting, and cool people. Oh and those monumental performances by Dylan, The Pixies, and Johnny Cash. If you are like me and had to miss out on the fun, don't you worry because NPR had our backs! Over at their site you can listen to and download performances by Alabama Shakes, Dawes, Blind Pilot, First Aid Kit, City and Colour, and more.

My favorite news story to come out of Newport is Conor Oberst debuting two new songs and trading in his Mystic Valley Band for Jim James, Dawes, First Aid Kit, and Jonathan Wilson. Bonkers.

Anyways, today is my day off and it is gorgeous out. Here is my song of the day:

Somebody Up There Likes Me.

This is awesome.

To be any one of those bongs...

See and Hear.

Today the first trailer of "Life of Pi" was released. I have been a little hesitant about the best-seller being made into a movie because of its intense imagination-driven-adventure-ness. I also hate when animals look fake on screen. BUT because Ang Lee directed it and the first trailer looks absolutely beautiful, I am started to restore a lot of faith. Check it out below.

While we are on the topic of high school loves: a band I fell in love with in high school was Black Moth Super Rainbow. Every time I hear "Born On A Day The Sun Didn't Rise" or "Sun Lips" I think of high school and some good memories with an old group of friends. Today, BMSR released a new track called, "Windshield Smasher." It will be on their upcoming album Cobra Juicy, which was funded by fans through KickStarter. Pretty cool. And so is the artwork.





Also, check out The Gaslight Anthem's Handwritten. I absolutely love this band. They are kind of a guilty pleasure for me because they aren't my typical music choice, but I cannot find anything bad to say about them. Brian Fallon sounds like Springsteens cool younger brother and they are from New Jersey, so they have to be good.

Last night Beach House was at SummerStage in Central Park and there was lightning.

"That was about as much friction as you’re going to get at a Beach House show. The gentle-hearted young creatives that make up the dream-rock band's audience didn't seem much surprised (the skies had opened up earlier that afternoon) or disappointed by the rain, and they weren’t about to let it get in the way. The downpour even enhanced things, making Beach House’s murmurs seem all the more romantic. Couples prepared to snuggle in the twilight now had even more reason to get closer. And luckily, despite the spectacular lightning, the rain stayed manageable even for the many who hadn't brought umbrellas." - from here


Check them out on Fallon tonight. 


photos from brooklyn vegan 

Movin' Around.

Moving into a new place can be a very stressful adjustment. I, myself, feel like I am never in one spot for too long and this definitely comes with the territory of being a college student. Each year you move in and out of dorms then to your new apartment then you study abroad then move back to your new off-campus house. It always becomes quite hectic and I start to lose my sense of "home" and just starting settling for living where ever I may be. A major downfall to this is I tend to disregard the idea of organization  thus causing stress and all the bad things. But no more! I am making a vow to make my next room and house the cutest spot to be in Ithaca. (Get excited roommates!) And here is a lovely little list I found to keep me in line.

How do you keep your surroundings neat and pretty?

And if all of this fails I will sell my belongings and live in this tent.

HBO in the Park.

What is better than sitting outside and watching a movie? Hardly anything. If you haven't been to the NYC summertime tradition that is HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, you better get going. The festival is filled with all your favorite classic films, starting with Psycho and ending with Raiders of the Lost Ark. You can also park your bike for free and get a refreshing sandwich thanks to 'wichcraft (which also provides picnic pick-ups!!). What movie will you be seeing on The Lawn?

P.S. What a great date idea! 

Future of What.

Tonight, I have found the new crush of my life. The band is Future of What and they are from Brooklyn. The lead singer of the band and drummer have a pretty impressive list of shows they opened for: Neon Indian, Say Hi, Mirah and more. While all the members of the band have been musicians for a long time, Future of What was only created in February of this year. Not too shabby of a start.

Ladies, lay in your bed and think of you-know-who as you listen to "Back To The City" below.
Then download their EP, Moonstruck.

Bat for Lashes.

We waited long enough and, finally, Bat for Lashes is back. "Laura" is the first single off of the upcoming The Haunted Man album. The song is simple and elegant and really shows off the beautiful echo of Natasha Kahn's voice.  Check out the divine video for the song below.

Happy Sunday

As you probably know by now I am a huge fan of Sundays. I think they are the perfect day in each and every way -- nobody has anything to do but sit around, drink coffee, laugh with friends and get things in order for the week. Something is just so pleasant about that. Anyways, today I played lazy and drank endless amount of coffee and watched the documentary, "Big Easy Express." It is the documentary that filmed the Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, and Old Crow Medicine Show on their tour together in which they traveled via train. Obviously, the music in the film is amazing, but it is also such a beautiful film. The director really did an amazing job showing the relationship between the band and how the environment of being on a train influenced it. I would definitely check it out.

How was your Sunday?

(photo from stylemint)

OH! Remember The Page? Well she just described my perfect man to a T, just because. She is wonderful.

• "you will find a boy
• who makes ice cream out of a dandelion fluff.
• and takes you to concerts
  • and wants you by his side so badly when 10 mile stereo blares
  • that he insists on paying for you."

    
    

    
    

    
    

    A girl can dream.
    
    

    
    

    
    

Saturday Goodies

Good morning everyone! The weather is so nice this morning, my owl slippers and I took our coffee outside for a change. I have work later today so I probably won't do anything special, maybe bake some chia muffins and clean up my house, but I am all about relaxing today. As usual, here are some things to help keep your mind away the work week struggles. Enjoy your weekend!

This weekend I want you to listen to an old album. You know, the one that brings back memories of your high school love interest or the one you sing every lyric to and dance around your room.

I chose Rilo Kiley's The Execution of All Things. This album defined most of my high school years. It inspired me to become a writer, got me through a hard break up, and was the soundtrack for my car rides with an old friend. And how cool is Jenny Lewis? Anyways, remember this gem? Guys, when will there be a reunion?

Who wouldn't want a Bike-In Movie Theater?

This veggie cookbook is adorable.

Gourmet pickles are so yummy. Especially, these ones. Oh how I miss thee.

What would you do if you saw this on a tree...

If you haven't seen "Exit Through The Gift Shop," watch it. It is an amazing film and got me pretty riled up.

Bucket List.

Mosaic Man will always put a smile on my face.

The new Paul Thomas Anderson film looks unbelievable: "The Master"

My friend is only twenty-one and is already a world traveler. I could not be more jealous of her life, so thank goodness she has an a great blog so that we can all live vicariously through her.


Finally...
This week our country was rattled by the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I cannot even begin to express my sorrow for the families and friends that were affected by such a tragic and horrific event. It is something out of a nightmare. All of my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Aurora. I am so truly sorry this happened.

Another Rant About Brooklyn.

My trip to New York this past Tuesday has left me wallowing between wanting and needing to be back in Brooklyn. Walking to the venue I realized that all the hustle and bustle of the city is exactly what I want and need right now. The city is so inspiring -- the people, the outfits, the stores, the food, the attitudes. I miss all the constant inspirations. While I do and always will love Ithaca, the always quiet and slow moving atmosphere just is not where I am at my life. I miss the opportunity to walk over a bridge and be in all the movement then walk back over the bridge or take the 2 train back to Brooklyn where I could easily rest, yet still have my creativity jumping around in my head.

I recently read an post on Free People's blog about how home is a feeling that comes to you when are somewhere, but it is not the physical aspect at all. And as soon as I finished reading it, I thought of Brooklyn. This may sound cheesy and, well, it is, but I have never connected myself to any place before. I was born in Utah then raised between Rhode Island and New Jersey and I just think of Ithaca as where I go to school. So moving was always something I just went with, but I chose to live in Brooklyn. I remember the minute I heard of the NYC program I knew I had to live in Brooklyn. I didn't even bother researching places in Manhattan. It was Brooklyn or it was nothing.

And, obviously, it was Brooklyn.

I will never forget the first night I was there. A friend and I aimlessly explored my new neighborhood and ate at a restaurant I would later find out that you shouldn't actually eat there (oops!) And I remember that was the first time I saw the view of Manhattan from the Promenade. All the different buildings and lights hovered over the river, the three bridges sat perfectly still while I tried guessing which ones they were, and the silence of it all. I will never forget this and the feeling it drove inside of me causing me to say, "This is my home!" over and over and over again.

From that night on that feeling slept and awoke with me every day. Even though I was absolutely alone in Brooklyn, I did not care, I had my Brooklyn. I had what I needed and what I wanted and I was learning about it by myself without anyone's help or guidance (however, it sometimes would have been greatly appreciated).

When I think of Brooklyn, I get a huge smile on my face and my heart drops to the ground as if it was a boy I was thinking of. But it is better than a boy, it is a place.

I truly hope everyone feels this way about some place.

Best Coast.

Last night my friend Sam and I saw Best Coast, Those Darlins' and DIIV at Terminal Five. I am in even more love with Bethany now than before. She has some serious vocal range, uses the word "bro," wears rompers when I wear rompers, is just plain cool and has similar boy problems. (She's also 25, loves cats, and has an awesome boyfriend.) I'm really itching for a boy to be my Bobb Bruno, who is an insane performer.

Head over to NPR to listen to Best Coast live in D.C.

Check out the serious vocals of Bethany on Fallon and their cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Storms," over at Stereogum.

My favorite performances of the night was the slow-downed version of Our Deal and Up All Night. And just about everything else. 

Up All Night (last night):

Happy Monday!

After the best weekend with my favorite people, I get to head back home and into Manhattan to see some more friends and go to a Best Coast concert. Needless to say, I am beyond excited.

This morning Jack White debuted his new video for "Freedom at 21" directed by Hype Williams. Last week the two of them released a trailer for the video. I mostly disagree with making music videos bigger than they actually are but I cannot fight against Jack and Hype. These two are brilliant. In the video, Jack White is on the run in a neon green car until he is cuffed by the hottest female cop in the world. In between the sexy cop arresting Jack White and dancing on the hood of the car, there are the most perfect guitar solos and great faces by Jack White. And all of this is in incredible color. Damn, Hype.

Could Jack White get any cooler?
Is that Josh Homme?



Also, The xx just released a new song called "Angels" from their upcoming album Coexist. The song is just as xx as ever. Listen here.

Video Girl Dreams.

When I am not daydreaming about being the next Victoria Legrand or Bethany Cosentino, I resort to my dreams of being a music video girl. Yup. I can hear the belly laughs from here, but honestly, it is a fun thing to do. Some songs were born for a music video in my mind, and apparently with me in them...Definitely not. Mind you, this post is meant to entertain and be silly. 

While I guarantee no one would ever want me in a music video, these are some of the songs I would want to star in. Mind you, I would actually look like a video girl. 

1. The Weeknd - The Morning 

Who doesn't think about being a video girl to this song? Seriously. 

2. Beach House - New Year

I just love the sound of this song. 

3. Alabama Shakes - You Ain't Alone

The video I imagine to this song is so precious, just like the lyrics. 

4. Childish Gambino - Les

No explanation needed. 

5. Any Best Coast song.

6. Frank Ocean - Pyramids,  Lost, Thinkin About You, Monks, Forrest Gump, and everything else.

No explanation needed.

7. Jack White - Freedom at 21

Jack White.

8. Kanye West - Mercy 

Hahahah

9. Every Time I Die - We'rewolf

Self explanatory. 

10. Drake featuring Rihanna - Take Care 

Clearly I would be Rihanna even though I rap better than I sing. 

Dope.

I finally laid out at the pool all day and read Fifty Shades of Grey. Honestly, the book has me a little smitten. Beyond the sex acts (which are not as bad as you all are imagining) the characters are very well developed, intriguing, and believable. If you strip away the dominant and submissive relationship aspect of the book, Christian Grey is extremely romantic and attentive to Miss Steele. Even through that side of the relationship he responds kind of sweetly. I don't know. Someone who has been in that kind of relationship should write a review of the book.

Anyways, pool time was fun. I wish I had the bathing suit shown above.

I also happened to pull Channel Orange off my ears and listen to this sick mix of all lady rappers. It is bonkers.

Ladies First.

Channel Orange.

Mind. Blown. This album is unreal. I cannot put in words how talented I think Frank Ocean is. His music is so original, his lyrics have thought, and he seems so genuine. Frank Ocean, please never stop making music.

Last night he made his television debut on Fallon. Watch and be amazed with "Bad Religion."



I could watch this forever.

Your Sister's Sister.

Last night I saw Your Sister's Sister at Cinemapolis. Besides its sometimes shaky sound, Cinemapolis has to be in my top three favorite theaters. It is an adorable mom-and-pop styled theater that serves Haagen-Dazs ice cream cartons. The advertisements before movies are for Ithaca companies and clips of old films. Last nights clip was Charlie Chaplin making the potatoes dance. I giggled like a child.

Besides the ice cream and classic film clips, the people of Ithaca are the most opening and genuine people I have ever met. This is especially so on a Sunday night. I went to the movie alone last night and had the theater to myself until a couple came in probably in their seventies. They were holding hands like it was their first date, which made me feel like I was intruding in on their night. However, the man looked up at me and said, "So nice of you to invite us out to a movie. May we join you!" He said it so sincerely, I almost thought I had invited them. Before I could even answer another couple in their seventies came in (holding hands too!), which prompted my weird response of "Of course, now that all my friends are here." Everyone smiled, exchanged laughs, and both men made tiny jokes about sitting right in front of me. I could tell it was one of those jokes they said just to hear their wife laugh.


I digress.

Your Sister's Sister is a beautiful film in all aspects. First of all, the scenery of the film is just breathtaking and real and comforting. It made me want to jump through the screen. The characters are well created with deep rooted problems yet they are woven so well together they don't feel as serious as they should. Which is a good thing to me. The performances seem so effortless and fed off one another.  I definitely recommend it.

Also, Rosemarie Dewitt seems like the coolest.

The Love You Love.

Sean Pecknold is awesome.

Hyde Park on Hudson.

Even though the trailer came out a while ago, it still makes me giggle in awe and anticipation.

Going to see Your Sister's Sister tonight! So excited. I want to be Emily Blunt in my next life.

Ithaca.

I am going to give a humble brag here and say that I choose to live in the best places. This morning when I went out to get my sneakers from my car there was a couple walking down the sidewalk playing ukeleles and singing and a beautiful cat came up to greet me. The street also has the most adorable houses I have ever seen. There is one house that looks like a smaller version of a church and it is so pretty. I wonder what it looks like on the inside. Anyways, off to the farmer's market!

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

I secretly pictured the cat and I singing and dancing to this.

A CD for you, from me.

One thing about me that a lot of people do not understand is that I love CDs as if they were invented yesterday. I even still buy some of them. Mostly because I love the idea of having a vintage suitcase strategically placed in my living room to store all my CDs in. I also have a weird anxiety that if I don't purchase the CD of one of my favorite bands that they will somehow find out or they may disappear because of poor sales. Crazy -- I know, I know. 

What I love more than a CD from a store is a CD that someone has made for me. I think the best people you will meet are the people that still have a package of blank CDs that are willing to use one just for your sake. It makes my heart flutter. I have a collection of CDs my friends made me from Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins, Bright Eyes, Elliot Smith, Tegan & Sara, The Cure, and endless amounts of mixes. Each one of these CDs have a memory of someone attached to them. A story as to why they burned that specific CD for me and which songs I had to listen to. It is just a cute thing to give someone a CD.

The first CD someone ever made me was in the fifth grade. It was my boyfriend at the time and he compiled quite the CD of Michelle Branch and P.O.D. Yup, P.O.D. I still have kept away safely, but now I just skip to the Michelle Branch songs.

The last CD I ever received from someone was last summer and it was for City and Colour's Sometimes album. It has been almost a year and I still refuse to load it on to my Ipod. It is one of my favorite "safety albums" that I pop in during long road trips or rainy days in my car. 

Maybe the fact that CDs from people are few and far between is what I like best about them. Or maybe it is the people who give them to me. Or the songs. Or who knows, maybe  it is just because they are tangible. 

I also miss making them for people. I would make sure to list all the songs on a piece of paper that would be attached. I would also have an explanation for every song because I was so nervous they would hate it. An embarrassing story is that I actually asked out my boyfriend to prom by making him a CD of Death Cab for Cutie songs and bolding different letters in the track listings to spelling out "PROM?" What a dweeb I am.

Nonetheless, I want to make or receive a CD sometime soon. 

Let's Boot and Rally.

True Blood has an insanely awesome opening sequence. All the eerie and sexual images shown against that deep-voiced, dirty song by Jace Everett. Honestly, it will never get old to me. It is perfect. This eeriness, sexual, and haunting sound carries over to each episode. The songs kind of make me want to drink my own moonshine and do the things they do in the show, like boot and rally (had to). Anyways, the soundtrack just got a lot cooler, thanks to Iggy Pop and Bethany Cosentino and their song "Let's Boot and Rally." The song is sick.

Check it out at KCRW and below. Be sure to read the whole article, it is pretty cool how the whole song came together.

Good job Gary!

Thursday Things.

Being at home has been so relieving. I have found myself cuddling in the coziest of corners of my house that I have missed so much. My mom and I have made our summer drinks each day and sat outside watching my dad barbecue up some good food. All of this has made me wonder why I decided to spend a summer alone in Ithaca. But there is nothing I can change about it now. I guess this is the feeling every one gets after being away from home for so long. 

I'll stop the sob story and get to some fun things! I have so much I want to share today from videos to songs to articles - you will not be bored. 

Happy Birthday to the bikini! (my favorite.)

Stereogum reveals the indie song of the summer. 

Soulmates.

Is the tube going Indie?

You need Kinfolk in your life. 

My Thought Catalog entries for the day: 1. 2. 3. 

MC Tina Fey is finally here (and with Childish Gambino too!)

A good story by Frank Ocean. 

What is going to happen to Girls? (and can someone start using Ladies, Broads, etc. It's getting confusing)

Why Stop Now?

Delicious vegan treats. 

 

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I love this holiday. I hope you all are around a bbq with friends drinking good drinks, setting off sparklers, drunkenly singing patriotic songs, and just having a good time. Today is the ultimate summer day and it is only right to listen to the ultimate summer song. Celebrate well.

(so many giggles)

This Way Home.

Me and Wrang traveled back to New Jersey today. Being home is such a wonderful thing -- I get to spend time on the couch with my mom and Miss Sassy. This makes me never want to go back to Ithaca. 

Things for Tuesday:

Eastbound & Down is coming back. (And I am so excited!)

Team up with Radiohead and Jude Law to help save the polar bears. 

There are so many good films coming out this month. Which ones are you excited to see?

New God Flow

I've reached all these pillars.

This made me laugh. 

Project of the week: DIY Yoga Mat.

My road trip playlist for the day:

Elephant Gun

The Girl 

Sprawl II

Hang Loose 

Be Mine

I'll Be Your Mirror

Her

Cater 2 U

Up All Night

Pyramids

Lazuli (the entire bloom album)

No One Like You

D.A.R.L.I.N.G

It's Not You, It's Me

After a delicious lobster dinner (thanks dad!), my parents, my cat Sassy and I all huddled around our kitchen window that faces into our backyard and watched a newborn baby dear wiggle its stick-like legs around our garden. 

Nora Ephron.

I have been a bit absent from the Internet lately, as my charger as decided to have a mind of its own and only work when it wants to. Before my charger gets lazy again, I will share some thoughts.

Nora Ephron's passing has been incredibly sad. Within the past year or so, I had become completely in love with who she was successfully and personally. Her articles, books, blogs, and (of course) movies were always so entertaining with a touch of silliness. She always had such great wisdom on life that it was hard not to swallow it with a smile and do as she said. Her love affair with New York is also so real and adorable. I believe she had a great ability to really define characters on screen. These characters, the film industry, and fans will all surely miss her. And here are the things that Nora, herself, will miss and not miss.

Nora, you will always be a role model for me.