The other day I got to thinking "Where would I rather be, if I wasn't here?"
I was transported to a state park in Pennsylvania, probably Clear Creek. Yesterday's weather - a bit chilly, damp - kept pulling me back to memories of camping. These were memories captured by all five senses. From the smell of the fires and the wet leaves, to the chill in the air, seeing one's breath, the specific touch of the plastic mattresses on the bunk beds when you reached out from your sleeping bag, the taste of water from a bota bag, that great taste of "gorp" (peanuts, M&Ms, and raisins) . . .
It makes me nostalgic, longing.
And thankful for those amazing experiences, so early in life, that I can now carry with me to call back on when needed.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Street Sense (new contributor)
I just wanted to let you know that I will be starting to contribute to Street Sense, a (traditional) urban-focused blog that two old co-workers started. Joe graciously allowed me to start writing, and I have started this week.
http://www.street-sense.org/streettalk/2011/10/26/design-for-the-other-90-cities.html
I realize my vow to post once a day over here hasn't worked too well. Hopefully my contributions to Street Sense will be more consistent.
Thanks!
http://www.street-sense.org/streettalk/2011/10/26/design-for-the-other-90-cities.html
I realize my vow to post once a day over here hasn't worked too well. Hopefully my contributions to Street Sense will be more consistent.
Thanks!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
An Evening With . . . Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
On the closing day of Bonnaroo 2004, Laura and I decided to split up and see different acts. I went off to see Yo La Tengo and she went to Gillian Welch. When we met back up again, both of us couldn't have been happier. YLT put on a great set, closing with an energetic cover of Sun Ra's "Nuclear War" -- I was of the opinion that it couldn't have been topped. L, on the other hand, came back raving about Gillian and her set. After last night's sold out show at the Beacon, I can see where she might have had a point.
Gillian (and David) are touring in support of her first new album in eight years, The Harrow & The Harvest. I had really enjoyed what I had heard of the album, feeling it was quite well rounded. I was looking forward to hearing her live take on the new music as well as hearing select older songs that have stuck with me ("Red Clay Halo," "Look at Miss Ohio," "I Want to Sing that Rock and Roll," "Revelator").
Although they had played the Beacon on a number of occasions, she told the crowd, last night was their first "An Evening With . . . " And it was most certainly "an evening with." Upon taking our seats, I first noticed how sparse the stage was. A square carpet, with a small table in the back for water. And just four mics -- two vocal and two for instruments. That was it (except for what later turned out to be a mic off to the right of the carpet). Having seen how packed the stage is for, say, the Allman's, this was a unique sight.
They took the stage a bit after eight (the crowd seemed to be late arrivals, maybe expecting an opener). Gillian walked out carrying a banjo and her acoustic (no pick-ups), and David came out with his smaller arch top guitar and a small . . . amp? Not sure what the small box was that he placed on the table. They opened up the show with "Tear My Stillhouse Down," off of her album Revival, setting the tone for the evening. I actually did not realize it would be a two-set show until she announced that they would be taking a break after the set-closing "The Way It Goes" off of her new album (a song that I hear on WFUV almost every day; it really is a great song). Between the opening and closing, the set featured a good mix of old and new material, including "I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" that featured a nice solo from David, getting all R&R on the crowd.
They returned after a short break. At some point in the second set, Gillian told the crowd that she really likes second sets, as we have gotten to know each other. This became quite evident, as they were a lot looser and open with their playing. Including a long and jammy "Revelator," with David just going off at least three times. While I can't remember the song, there was a sweet little number in which David played banjo, sharing a mic with Gillian; and between verses, Gillian stepped off the square and did a little soft shoe in front of the mic that was laying on the stage. Loved it.
Other than "Revelator," the highlight of the evening for me had to be when David sang his song "I Hear Them All" (off of David Rawlings Machine's A Friend of a Friend, from 2009). It seamlessly segued into a full version of Pete Seeger's "This Land Is Your Land." I had goosebumps as the crowd joined in on the chorus; knowing Pete was in town for OWS, it was just enough of a nod to what's going on right now. ("As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there / And that sign said - no tress passin' / But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!" got a huge roar from the crowd, which was a decent mix of old well-to-do NY liberals, younger hipsters, and music fans. All incredibly respectful and quiet, which was lovely to see.) The second set closed with a rousing "Caleb Myer."
They came out for two encores, including one I was hoping for, "Look at Miss Ohio." But the last song of the night was a bit of a surprise, a cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit." Done perfectly, I might add.
A few months ago I had seen Alison Krauss and Union Station at the Beacon, and I didn't think it could have been beat for musicianship, intimacy, and genius of music. Well, last night's show with Gillian and David came close -- playing similar music, similar instrumentation, but with their own flair, depth, and sound. I'm so happy I was in the crowd last night with L, rather than at a venue across town . . .
Edit:
Here is the setlist, courtesy of Gillian (@gillianwelch)
Gillian (and David) are touring in support of her first new album in eight years, The Harrow & The Harvest. I had really enjoyed what I had heard of the album, feeling it was quite well rounded. I was looking forward to hearing her live take on the new music as well as hearing select older songs that have stuck with me ("Red Clay Halo," "Look at Miss Ohio," "I Want to Sing that Rock and Roll," "Revelator").
Although they had played the Beacon on a number of occasions, she told the crowd, last night was their first "An Evening With . . . " And it was most certainly "an evening with." Upon taking our seats, I first noticed how sparse the stage was. A square carpet, with a small table in the back for water. And just four mics -- two vocal and two for instruments. That was it (except for what later turned out to be a mic off to the right of the carpet). Having seen how packed the stage is for, say, the Allman's, this was a unique sight.
They took the stage a bit after eight (the crowd seemed to be late arrivals, maybe expecting an opener). Gillian walked out carrying a banjo and her acoustic (no pick-ups), and David came out with his smaller arch top guitar and a small . . . amp? Not sure what the small box was that he placed on the table. They opened up the show with "Tear My Stillhouse Down," off of her album Revival, setting the tone for the evening. I actually did not realize it would be a two-set show until she announced that they would be taking a break after the set-closing "The Way It Goes" off of her new album (a song that I hear on WFUV almost every day; it really is a great song). Between the opening and closing, the set featured a good mix of old and new material, including "I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" that featured a nice solo from David, getting all R&R on the crowd.
They returned after a short break. At some point in the second set, Gillian told the crowd that she really likes second sets, as we have gotten to know each other. This became quite evident, as they were a lot looser and open with their playing. Including a long and jammy "Revelator," with David just going off at least three times. While I can't remember the song, there was a sweet little number in which David played banjo, sharing a mic with Gillian; and between verses, Gillian stepped off the square and did a little soft shoe in front of the mic that was laying on the stage. Loved it.
Other than "Revelator," the highlight of the evening for me had to be when David sang his song "I Hear Them All" (off of David Rawlings Machine's A Friend of a Friend, from 2009). It seamlessly segued into a full version of Pete Seeger's "This Land Is Your Land." I had goosebumps as the crowd joined in on the chorus; knowing Pete was in town for OWS, it was just enough of a nod to what's going on right now. ("As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there / And that sign said - no tress passin' / But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!" got a huge roar from the crowd, which was a decent mix of old well-to-do NY liberals, younger hipsters, and music fans. All incredibly respectful and quiet, which was lovely to see.) The second set closed with a rousing "Caleb Myer."
They came out for two encores, including one I was hoping for, "Look at Miss Ohio." But the last song of the night was a bit of a surprise, a cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit." Done perfectly, I might add.
A few months ago I had seen Alison Krauss and Union Station at the Beacon, and I didn't think it could have been beat for musicianship, intimacy, and genius of music. Well, last night's show with Gillian and David came close -- playing similar music, similar instrumentation, but with their own flair, depth, and sound. I'm so happy I was in the crowd last night with L, rather than at a venue across town . . .
Edit:
Here is the setlist, courtesy of Gillian (@gillianwelch)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
US vs Ecuador, In Person
Ugh, that was frustrating. The first National team game I get to see in person and the team just didn't look solid. It was fun to be *at* the game, but the game itself was sloppy.
Here are some quick thoughts:
- A lot of noisy Ecuadorians were there in their bright yellow; they would cheer whenever their player moved forward with the ball.
- #7 in the yellow was a cock the whole game.
- I was really impressed with Chandler and Gooch; the only real bright spots on the field (other than Howard). Great to see Gooch with a step, and Chandler was making runs and defending as he should.
- Beckerman was annoying me; he is a liability. And don't know who is worse/better, Spector or Williams. Edu kept slipping.
- While I want to like Altidore, he can't do anything receiving the ball every damn time with his back to the goal.
- Bradley brought a spark to the game, imo. He runs, which can't be said for everyone. Good on offense, gets back on D. Same can be said for Shea; I have liked him since his first game under JK.
- I want to like Aquadelo and Buddle; just need to find reason to.
- Beasley, while not running his tail off, seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Comes with experience.
Here are some quick thoughts:
- A lot of noisy Ecuadorians were there in their bright yellow; they would cheer whenever their player moved forward with the ball.
- #7 in the yellow was a cock the whole game.
- I was really impressed with Chandler and Gooch; the only real bright spots on the field (other than Howard). Great to see Gooch with a step, and Chandler was making runs and defending as he should.
- Beckerman was annoying me; he is a liability. And don't know who is worse/better, Spector or Williams. Edu kept slipping.
- While I want to like Altidore, he can't do anything receiving the ball every damn time with his back to the goal.
- Bradley brought a spark to the game, imo. He runs, which can't be said for everyone. Good on offense, gets back on D. Same can be said for Shea; I have liked him since his first game under JK.
- I want to like Aquadelo and Buddle; just need to find reason to.
- Beasley, while not running his tail off, seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Comes with experience.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Autumn
Camping
Soccer (running out to Eye of the Tiger)
Friday Night Football (we were terrible; the soccer team scored more points, but we still went)
The Smell of Burning Wood
Sweaters
Hot Chocolate
Pumpkins
Cider
Soccer (running out to Eye of the Tiger)
Friday Night Football (we were terrible; the soccer team scored more points, but we still went)
The Smell of Burning Wood
Sweaters
Hot Chocolate
Pumpkins
Cider
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