The Road

Seldom do I come across a book that provokes me to finish it in an astounding 3 days flat till I came upon The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. A post-apocalyptic tale about a Father and son who journey through the gloomy world that has become nothing more than a damp, soiled, lifeless wasteland. The imagery is daunting with its graphic gray tones and to live a life where the ashes of hell fall upon one, is no life at all. Their enduring journey with hope that the coastline will bring some sort of real sunshine into their life, is that of a long shot, but a shot nonetheless.

Please do yourself a favor and read this book, as it is now one of my favorites... One of those books that makes you appreciate the life you have and those around you, it might even make you complain less about the little things you over dramatize yourself with. Oh, let me mind you it is an upcoming major motion picture, so read it soon!

And I highly suggest Sigur Ros to accompany you on your travels down The Road, to enhance and mystify... I leave you with quite possibly my favorite track off of Ágætis byrjun.

Sigur Ros-Svefn-g-englar

Portlanding

Nestled near the lushly green Oregon coastline, lies perhaps one of my favorite cities I've ever set foot upon, Portland. Imagine a town full of fantastic eateries, micro breweries a plenty, friendly people lacking pretentiousness, and weather that permits one to sport a variety of different jackets. The only thing it could do without, are the super granola hippies who loiter the streets and bookstores begging with ridiculous signs, twisting in Obama campaign banter and pity me that. But really, the main reason we went to Portland was for the beer. A 12 hour pub crawl took place on one gorgeously gloomy day, that never seemed to end.
Pictured above is the first brewery on our tour, which has tied in first place with Stone(located in sunny San Diego), as having the best beer I've ever had in my entire life. Mind you on this trip alone I tried well over 50 beers on our 14 day excursion up the coast. I wish they'd make these pub & grub eateries multiply the way BJ's has taken over California, one can only wish. The tastiest brews here included Twilight Ale, a perfect summer pale ale to enjoy in the sun. Mirror Mirror, a pleasant barley wine beer, likely the best I've ever had in that context. Lastly the Nitro Obsidian Stout, which truly kicked Guinness's ass, with its bodacious balance in perfection and dark undertones. What I would give for a glass of that right now on tap. For my fellow Californians, you can pick up a delectable 6 pack of Mirror Mirror Pond Ale and Black Butte Porter at your local Vons. Both are fantastic, especially the Butte, she's a smokey, dark, lush flavored mystery. I'll get into the other breweries in future posts, good day my lovers.

Oh and for your ears, here's a morning track from Band of Skulls. They're a three piece stirring in undertones of The White Stripes and Strokes, with nothing more than dirty sexy guitars and toe tapping goodness.

Band of Skulls-Light of the Morning

Red & Purple

I love The Dodos and you should too. Really, they are the best band I've heard in a long time that balances rhythm, guitars, and vocals in such a creative way that I wonder aimlessly through my day, humming and singing their songs around the people in my life. This song in particular has been the repeat of the week, singing the chorus;

"I know that I am yours and you will be mine
Come and join us in the trenches
Red and purple by our side
Say you'll never leave us
In this company of mine"

They're also playing a free show at the Getty in August, which I'm afraid I might not be able to attend, due to a beer tour with the lovelies in San Diego. Do yourself a favor, go see em', they'll inspire you in many ways.

The Dodos-Red & Purple

You're So Beautiful it Seems

I can't say that I know any tunes by Mike Mulcahy off the top my head, nor if I've ever actually heard anything by him period. I do know that there is an beautiful compilation to be released in September featuring many of my favorite artists such as The National, Dinosaur Jr., Ben Kweller, and many other musicians to raise money for the recently widowed man with twins. Thom Yorke's track is the first to be released, and has hints of The Eraser entangled with slight synthy-electronic undertones. His brother Andy even lends his vocals, how cute.

Thom Yorke-All For The Best

Skinny Lover

Wow.