Sufjan Sighting!

This is pretty cool. I was on break at work today, reading a newspaper someone had left sitting on a table. Imagine my surprise as I get to the music section and see Sufjan Stevens on the cover! The article(link to online version above) was about Asthmatic Kitty records, Sufjan's label, and how Sufjan has caused the label to gain much more recognition. Anyways, it was pretty cool to see one of my favorite, more obscure artists spotlighted in such a prominent fashion.

Backyard Flower 

Arrival

Just got my new camera today, and am pretty excited about it. It's nice and small, as you can see, and is quite easy to use(so far, anyways). Hopefully I can get a chance tomorrow to take it out for some real shooting. Maybe before work.

In my personal life, things have been pretty dull recently. Most of my time is spent at work, which can get insanely boring, especially after 10 hours. Looking forward to school starting up, as it should be an exciting new experience. At the very least, it shouldn't be insanely boring. Of course, less boredom usually comes at the price of higher stress levels, but nothing is perfect, eh?

The Best Music of 2005(so far)

As some of you may know, I really enjoy music. I like to listen to music, read about music, analyze music, and even make a little music of my own. Music engages me in a way that few other forms of can. So, in order to help share a little of the joy I feel when listening to music, here is a personal top ten list of recordings released in 2005(that I've heard, I'm sure I'm missing some good stuff). Consider this more of a "favorites" than a "critical best" type list(for which I would have to hear everything). Anyways, here goes:

1. Sufjan Stevens, Illinois

The funniest, quirkiest, and prettiest folk album I've ever heard. Buy it now.

2. The Decemberists, Picaresque

Best accordion parts in any album I've heard this year, hands down. ;)

3. Andrew Bird, Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs

One of the most unique pop albums I've heard a long time. This isn't just another Pet Sounds wannabe indie record, folks.

4. Sleater-Kinney, The Woods

A fun, catchy, yet fresh and unique rock & roll album from a female fronted group. Cool stuff.

5. Over the Rhine, Drunkard's Prayer

More thoughtful, accoustic goodness from OtR. However, be sure to start out with the superior Good Dog, Bad Dog if you're new to the band.

6. Gorillaz, Demon Days

A funky, genre bending album from the genius behind Blur, Damon Albarn.

7. Jars of Clay, Redemption Songs

Jars of Clay remakes old hymns with a modern, yet rootsy feel.


8. The Fiery Furnaces, EP

A surprisingly focused EP from the minds behind last year's Blueberry Boat.


9. Eisley, Room Noises

A fun, though sometimes derivative debut album from a new band to watch for. I can't wait to see what the future brings for these girls(and two guys).

10. Coldplay, X&Y
Though I can't imagine this album staying in my top ten for much longer(there are several strong sounding albums out there that I have yet to hear in their entirety), Coldplay's newest still has all the soaring melodies and hooks that we've come to expect from the band.

So, there you are! I know this list probably has many gaping omissions, but this is how it stands for the album that I've actually heard. This has been a pretty decent year for music so far, and there are several important releases to look forward to still. Hopefully my upcoming college student-ness won't interfere with my getting to hear them! So, until next time, relax, have fun, and enjoy the music.

Camera

I've been into photography for the past several years, and have enjoyed shooting a film SLR, but recently, I began to feel certain limitations about my setup. Mostly, a film SLR kit is too bulky to bring around everywhere, and people never like to stop and wait for you to fuss with your tripod and change lenses and so-forth. Also, film processing can be costly and annoying to deal with(especially when you shoot slides like I did). With college coming up, I didn't want the extra expense of film processing stopping me from enjoying a fun and rewarding hobby. As a result, I began to research modern digital cameras, and all that they have to offer. I finally decided on this:Behold, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5! It's nice and small, and has the equivalent of a 35-420mm zoom in the 35mm world. Should be fun. I hope to be able to share any cool or meaningful pictures I take on this blog, so be on the look out. So, until later, have fun, stay safe, and buy the new Sufjan Stevens album. It's quality.

Hello, World!

Hi. This is my first blog post, and really serves no other purpose than to test this thing out. Time for bed.