[an imitation of Patrick Lawler's poetry]
1.
I prefer swans to airplanes, but since safety precautions for traveling have increased, I went with Delta.
The top of my top hat is a mirror, for those taller than me. It makes being looked down upon more bearable.
Predicting one’s own death is pretty impressive. I know you don’t believe in the color green, but the way the trees came crashing through my windshield might’ve changed your mind. Talk about the fundamentals of nature.
I heard you’ve just begun to extend your lines past the edge of the canvas, and here I am getting glitter on your bowtie.
My problem is my imagination; it won’t all fit in my suitcase. Perhaps you could take a few Ziploc bags of it with you.
2.
I can help the next person in line.
Will you help me roll,
Help me roll, to my soul
Will you be checking any luggage for this flight?
Ride it on out like a bird in the sky-ways
Fly it all out like an eagle in a sunbeam
Here’s your boarding pass, sir. I’m afraid you’ll have to leave your tiger at the gate.
I ain't no square with my corkscrew hair
3.
It’s hard to make a tea party out of peanuts and ginger ale.
I have eaten chocolate with Ringo Starr. I have seen him cry while driving a car. I don’t think the situations were related.
I ain’t no square
2.10.2008
Arizona's Monsoon
[imitation of Davis McCombs's poetry]
He was looking for a new experience, something
that could develop and be held
up to the light of his memory;
pieces of Coconino County to be remembered alongside
the familiar flora and fauna of Bluefield and Greenbrier.
The summer was shifting, and the sky had suddenly grown
thick with clouds that hugged the vast horizon,
their color reminiscent of the contusion that had formed
on his daughter’s pale forehead the day before.
He quickened his pace towards Antelope Canyon,
the deep, underground chasm beckoning;
dust-devils beginning to form around the tourist
attraction’s entry. He stopped
to look at the darkening empyrean again, and descended
into the sandstone’s curves; the narrow, twisting
hallways were now empty except for the brilliant bursts
of lightning that skimmed the surface of the walls,
exposing the canyon to a much brighter degree
than his camera’s flash could hope to achieve.
The desert stood silent for twenty seconds;
he began to count each moment in a whisper, feeling
very alone, before the clouds’ underbellies were unchained
and every grain of sand was rearranged,
each seed of the pinyon was washed away.
He was looking for a new experience, something
that could develop and be held
up to the light of his memory;
pieces of Coconino County to be remembered alongside
the familiar flora and fauna of Bluefield and Greenbrier.
The summer was shifting, and the sky had suddenly grown
thick with clouds that hugged the vast horizon,
their color reminiscent of the contusion that had formed
on his daughter’s pale forehead the day before.
He quickened his pace towards Antelope Canyon,
the deep, underground chasm beckoning;
dust-devils beginning to form around the tourist
attraction’s entry. He stopped
to look at the darkening empyrean again, and descended
into the sandstone’s curves; the narrow, twisting
hallways were now empty except for the brilliant bursts
of lightning that skimmed the surface of the walls,
exposing the canyon to a much brighter degree
than his camera’s flash could hope to achieve.
The desert stood silent for twenty seconds;
he began to count each moment in a whisper, feeling
very alone, before the clouds’ underbellies were unchained
and every grain of sand was rearranged,
each seed of the pinyon was washed away.
2.04.2008
Eighteen
[imitation of Jan Beatty's poetry]
Eighteen
In my black Chuck Taylors,
I walk the crack
of the sidewalk; a miniature Route 66
tearing through cement slabs:
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.
Phoenix never gets below sixty-five,
even in January.
And oh,
how I crave that heat -
the just-opened-oven-door-warmth, sweat-running-down-the-small-of-your-back, scorching-waves-beating-off-concrete, teenage-backseat-heat.
We used to gather on the golf course at night, sliding fingers under belt buckles and zippers; drinking until enough people threw up/the sprinklers came on/the sun came up.
I think Tyler and Brittney are having sex in the bushes.
John just left with those two freshman girls - he said he had a video camera.
Wear your tightest jeans, it’s Friday night.
Eighteen
In my black Chuck Taylors,
I walk the crack
of the sidewalk; a miniature Route 66
tearing through cement slabs:
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.
Phoenix never gets below sixty-five,
even in January.
And oh,
how I crave that heat -
the just-opened-oven-door-warmth, sweat-running-down-the-small-of-your-back, scorching-waves-beating-off-concrete, teenage-backseat-heat.
We used to gather on the golf course at night, sliding fingers under belt buckles and zippers; drinking until enough people threw up/the sprinklers came on/the sun came up.
I think Tyler and Brittney are having sex in the bushes.
John just left with those two freshman girls - he said he had a video camera.
Wear your tightest jeans, it’s Friday night.
1.20.2008
Playlist 1
Playlist from Mayday Dance Party,
Jan. 18th '08
[DJ Paper Doll]
Blocalicious (DJ Schmolli Remix) - Bloc Party/Fergie
Pure Magic - Girl Talk
Bird Flu - M.I.A.
Sexual Eruption - Snoop Dogg
Touch Me - Spank Rock
Just What I Needed (Tittsworth Edit) - The Cars
Giddy Up - The Hives
Blue Orchid (High Contrast Remix) - White Stripes
Girlfriend - TTC
Romantic Rights (Marczech Makuziak Remix) - DFA 1979
Jigglin' (Tittsworth Edit) - Ying Yang Twins/Switch
Wild Thing - Tone-Loc
Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club
Guilt By Association - Louis XIV
I Got Grapes - Nump feat. M.I.A.
Alphabet Man - Greenskeepers
Skitzo Dancer (Justice Remix) - Scenario Rock
Jan. 18th '08
[DJ Paper Doll]
Blocalicious (DJ Schmolli Remix) - Bloc Party/Fergie
Pure Magic - Girl Talk
Bird Flu - M.I.A.
Sexual Eruption - Snoop Dogg
Touch Me - Spank Rock
Just What I Needed (Tittsworth Edit) - The Cars
Giddy Up - The Hives
Blue Orchid (High Contrast Remix) - White Stripes
Girlfriend - TTC
Romantic Rights (Marczech Makuziak Remix) - DFA 1979
Jigglin' (Tittsworth Edit) - Ying Yang Twins/Switch
Wild Thing - Tone-Loc
Genius Of Love - Tom Tom Club
Guilt By Association - Louis XIV
I Got Grapes - Nump feat. M.I.A.
Alphabet Man - Greenskeepers
Skitzo Dancer (Justice Remix) - Scenario Rock
1.14.2008
Just What You Were Expecting
Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I decided to finally post my top albums of the year list.
However, I really tried to keep this short. You don't need me to tell you in length what each album is like; if you're interested, go look the artist up and check it out.
If it's mentioned here, it's definitely worth it!
HERE WE GO -
TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2007, WITH A BRIEF COMMENT OR MEMORY FOR EACH.
10. "Leaves In The River" - Sea Wolf
[Disclaimer: I now disagree with my choice for this spot, but that's what I submitted to the radio station for my list. More about this later.]
9. "Sound of Silver" - LCD Soundsystem
I actually heard this back in December 2006, and I'll never forget listening to it on repeat while walking to a party and, unfortunately, freezing my ass off instead of shaking it.
8. "Kala" - M.I.A.
Turn this on, see Liz dance.
7. "The Scenery Of Farewell" - Two Gallants (I know it's an EP, but fuck it. It's that good.)
The track "Seems Like Home To Me" from this release makes me want to cry everytime I hear it.
6. "...and the Family Telephone" - Page France
Absolutely perfect for Spring and Summer. You can't frown to this music.
5. "The Reminder" - Feist
I've listened to this album so many times, in so many different situations. I'm not usually a big fan of female vocalists, for whatever reason, but Feist totally had me at "1234".
4. "Person Pitch" - Panda Bear
I'm still amazed with this album. So many good samples, such simple lyrics, and countless emotions evoked with each listen.
3. "The Flying Club Cup" - Beirut
This album makes me want to dance and sing, but in a completely different way. "Achingly beautiful", and "breath-taking" come to mind when trying to describe this.
2. "Strawberry Jam" - Animal Collective
I remember this leaking in frustrating increments, slowly, over the summer. And listening to it with the volume turned up, driving with the windows down. "For Reverend Green" is now one of my all-time favorite A.C. tracks.
1. "Boxer" - The National
The best live act I saw in 2007. I wanted to close my eyes and cry, right there. But I didn't, and I got to hold the door open for them into the show. There is never a bad time to play The National.
Okay, so about that #10 spot: Sea Wolf is awesome, but looking back over the whole year, that album doesn't really deserve a place in the top ten... I just got really infatuated with it in December. Oops!
You may be wondering (but probably aren't), what would I choose for #10? I don't know. There's a handful (maybe more like an armload) of good albums that could easily fit there.
So, here are the leftovers from making my list:
MORE GREAT ALBUMS FROM 2007 THAT AREN'T IN A LIST BUT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED BY ANY MEANS.
"Bangers and Cash" - Spank Rock & Benny Blanco
This EP was the first stuff I'd heard from Spank Rock. And it changed my booty's life.
"Kurr" - Amiina
The girls in Amiina make me jealous - they get to play with Sigur Ros, and the music they make is so beautiful, I'd have it as the soundtrack to my dreams every night if I could.
"It's A Bit Complicated" - Art Brut
I can relate all too well to the first track on this album: an upbeat, 3-minute confession about stopping during a makeout session to turn up the volume on a good song. The other songs are just as charming.
"Total Magique" - We Are Wolves
I'm a sucker for wolves and bands with them in their name, so that's already a plus for these guys. But seriously, this album is full of howling vocals, crunchy guitars, and thick synth - perfect for dancing in the dark.
"Bring On The Comets" - VHS or Beta
This album completely consumed a week of my life - it's that catchy. Too bad the guys were pretty big assholes live. (They took hours upon hours to set up, before the opening bands even went on, and wouldn't let anyone in the hall until they were done. But they did thank me and my roommate personally for starting the dance party halfway through their set. Yeh!)
"Turbo Fruits" - Turbo Fruits
Originally part of Be Your Own Pet, these guys know how to make a short, good, rock song. At 15 songs, the album seems lengthy for a debut, but it flies by quickly when you're happily bouncing to it on the way to class.
"A Lesson In Crime" - Tokyo Police Club
One of the very few bands that I heard about through watching TV this year, these guys made the single "Cheer It On", which was awesome on its own before being remixed into a super-sweet track by the likes of Gregg Gillis (Girl Talk) in his new duo, Trey Told 'Em.
"Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" - Spoon
I'll be honest: I have a huge amount of Spoon in my library, but I never listened to them much. Then, this album leaked, and I immediately chastised myself for not getting into them sooner. This baby could very possibly be my #10.
"Graduation" - Kanye West
Oh, Kanye. Will you ever cease to amaze? If you're looking for an album to play in the wee hours, try putting this one on. There's nothing like having Kanye say "Good Morning".
"French Quarter" - French Quarter
I haven't heard anyone else mention this band, but I found them on a blog a few months ago. With it's woozy guitars, perfect percussion, and warm vocals, this is an album that you can really cozy up to in the colder months.
"Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" - Devendra Banhart
I didn't get a chance to really listen to this release until a couple of months after it came out, save for playing a few tracks from it during my radio shift. Once I did sit down and give it a listen, I immediately remembered why I love Devendra's music so much.
"Mirrored" - Battles
Not the type of music I'm usually drawn to, Battles intrigued me with their technical yet almost tribal math rock. I wasn't the only one they won over - I've had more than a few friends who really got into this album who I wouldn't have expected to. You could be one of them!
"†" - Justice
"D.A.N.C.E." was one of my favorite tracks of the year, and its music video got my vote for Video Of The Year, as well. "Newjack" and "Tthee Ppaarrttyy" are also awesome dancefloor-fillers, along with the various remixes this French duo has put out. I can't wait to see what they come out with this year.
Last but not least...
possibly my favorite song of 2007:
"Sexual Eruption", by yes, Mr. S-N-double O-P D-O-double G.
Download it here.
I think that about wraps things up.
What do you say?
However, I really tried to keep this short. You don't need me to tell you in length what each album is like; if you're interested, go look the artist up and check it out.
If it's mentioned here, it's definitely worth it!
HERE WE GO -
TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2007, WITH A BRIEF COMMENT OR MEMORY FOR EACH.
10. "Leaves In The River" - Sea Wolf
[Disclaimer: I now disagree with my choice for this spot, but that's what I submitted to the radio station for my list. More about this later.]
9. "Sound of Silver" - LCD Soundsystem
I actually heard this back in December 2006, and I'll never forget listening to it on repeat while walking to a party and, unfortunately, freezing my ass off instead of shaking it.
8. "Kala" - M.I.A.
Turn this on, see Liz dance.
7. "The Scenery Of Farewell" - Two Gallants (I know it's an EP, but fuck it. It's that good.)
The track "Seems Like Home To Me" from this release makes me want to cry everytime I hear it.
6. "...and the Family Telephone" - Page France
Absolutely perfect for Spring and Summer. You can't frown to this music.
5. "The Reminder" - Feist
I've listened to this album so many times, in so many different situations. I'm not usually a big fan of female vocalists, for whatever reason, but Feist totally had me at "1234".
4. "Person Pitch" - Panda Bear
I'm still amazed with this album. So many good samples, such simple lyrics, and countless emotions evoked with each listen.
3. "The Flying Club Cup" - Beirut
This album makes me want to dance and sing, but in a completely different way. "Achingly beautiful", and "breath-taking" come to mind when trying to describe this.
2. "Strawberry Jam" - Animal Collective
I remember this leaking in frustrating increments, slowly, over the summer. And listening to it with the volume turned up, driving with the windows down. "For Reverend Green" is now one of my all-time favorite A.C. tracks.
1. "Boxer" - The National
The best live act I saw in 2007. I wanted to close my eyes and cry, right there. But I didn't, and I got to hold the door open for them into the show. There is never a bad time to play The National.
Okay, so about that #10 spot: Sea Wolf is awesome, but looking back over the whole year, that album doesn't really deserve a place in the top ten... I just got really infatuated with it in December. Oops!
You may be wondering (but probably aren't), what would I choose for #10? I don't know. There's a handful (maybe more like an armload) of good albums that could easily fit there.
So, here are the leftovers from making my list:
MORE GREAT ALBUMS FROM 2007 THAT AREN'T IN A LIST BUT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED BY ANY MEANS.
"Bangers and Cash" - Spank Rock & Benny Blanco
This EP was the first stuff I'd heard from Spank Rock. And it changed my booty's life.
"Kurr" - Amiina
The girls in Amiina make me jealous - they get to play with Sigur Ros, and the music they make is so beautiful, I'd have it as the soundtrack to my dreams every night if I could.
"It's A Bit Complicated" - Art Brut
I can relate all too well to the first track on this album: an upbeat, 3-minute confession about stopping during a makeout session to turn up the volume on a good song. The other songs are just as charming.
"Total Magique" - We Are Wolves
I'm a sucker for wolves and bands with them in their name, so that's already a plus for these guys. But seriously, this album is full of howling vocals, crunchy guitars, and thick synth - perfect for dancing in the dark.
"Bring On The Comets" - VHS or Beta
This album completely consumed a week of my life - it's that catchy. Too bad the guys were pretty big assholes live. (They took hours upon hours to set up, before the opening bands even went on, and wouldn't let anyone in the hall until they were done. But they did thank me and my roommate personally for starting the dance party halfway through their set. Yeh!)
"Turbo Fruits" - Turbo Fruits
Originally part of Be Your Own Pet, these guys know how to make a short, good, rock song. At 15 songs, the album seems lengthy for a debut, but it flies by quickly when you're happily bouncing to it on the way to class.
"A Lesson In Crime" - Tokyo Police Club
One of the very few bands that I heard about through watching TV this year, these guys made the single "Cheer It On", which was awesome on its own before being remixed into a super-sweet track by the likes of Gregg Gillis (Girl Talk) in his new duo, Trey Told 'Em.
"Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" - Spoon
I'll be honest: I have a huge amount of Spoon in my library, but I never listened to them much. Then, this album leaked, and I immediately chastised myself for not getting into them sooner. This baby could very possibly be my #10.
"Graduation" - Kanye West
Oh, Kanye. Will you ever cease to amaze? If you're looking for an album to play in the wee hours, try putting this one on. There's nothing like having Kanye say "Good Morning".
"French Quarter" - French Quarter
I haven't heard anyone else mention this band, but I found them on a blog a few months ago. With it's woozy guitars, perfect percussion, and warm vocals, this is an album that you can really cozy up to in the colder months.
"Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" - Devendra Banhart
I didn't get a chance to really listen to this release until a couple of months after it came out, save for playing a few tracks from it during my radio shift. Once I did sit down and give it a listen, I immediately remembered why I love Devendra's music so much.
"Mirrored" - Battles
Not the type of music I'm usually drawn to, Battles intrigued me with their technical yet almost tribal math rock. I wasn't the only one they won over - I've had more than a few friends who really got into this album who I wouldn't have expected to. You could be one of them!
"†" - Justice
"D.A.N.C.E." was one of my favorite tracks of the year, and its music video got my vote for Video Of The Year, as well. "Newjack" and "Tthee Ppaarrttyy" are also awesome dancefloor-fillers, along with the various remixes this French duo has put out. I can't wait to see what they come out with this year.
Last but not least...
possibly my favorite song of 2007:
"Sexual Eruption", by yes, Mr. S-N-double O-P D-O-double G.
Download it here.
I think that about wraps things up.
What do you say?
1.12.2008
A request
I want
champagne on my lips,
your lips on my back.
Sun to make me sweat,
a dancefloor.
To pull bark off a twig,
pants off of you.
Music so loud you can't speak,
sugar on everyone's tongues.
A warm hand on my thigh
under my party dress,
walking barefoot after high heels.
A rugburn on my elbow,
jaw aching from laughter.
Your hair between my fingers,
your fingers under bra straps.
Noisily sleeping,
an arm draped over my hip.
champagne on my lips,
your lips on my back.
Sun to make me sweat,
a dancefloor.
To pull bark off a twig,
pants off of you.
Music so loud you can't speak,
sugar on everyone's tongues.
A warm hand on my thigh
under my party dress,
walking barefoot after high heels.
A rugburn on my elbow,
jaw aching from laughter.
Your hair between my fingers,
your fingers under bra straps.
Noisily sleeping,
an arm draped over my hip.
1.05.2008
"Why can't I trust anyone, no, not even me?"
Tell me some good news.
Anyone?
I wouldn't believe it, anyway.
A pocketful of crumbs
couldn't even do the job
the trail's
lost
sabotage loves me
the way
a tapeworm must love
my intestines
with hope having slid out of me
various times
in the past two days
it's just as
disgusting every
time
consolation comes
at such a high
price
I've forgotten what you taste like.
Anyone?
I wouldn't believe it, anyway.
A pocketful of crumbs
couldn't even do the job
the trail's
lost
sabotage loves me
the way
a tapeworm must love
my intestines
with hope having slid out of me
various times
in the past two days
it's just as
disgusting every
time
consolation comes
at such a high
price
I've forgotten what you taste like.
12.22.2007
White-knuckled
This has to stop.
Once was far too many times, right?
Some advice - that song by .38 Special, "Hold On Loosely" -
yeah, just like that.
A twenty year-old shouldn't be acting like a puppy dog,
no matter how cute it may seem at first.
We've discussed this ad nauseum, I've made myself nauseous ad nauseum,
one of us should wear a leash.
I feel
sick, but I'm sure
that would be the best solution
to my symptoms
of today and next year.
Once was far too many times, right?
Some advice - that song by .38 Special, "Hold On Loosely" -
yeah, just like that.
A twenty year-old shouldn't be acting like a puppy dog,
no matter how cute it may seem at first.
We've discussed this ad nauseum, I've made myself nauseous ad nauseum,
one of us should wear a leash.
I feel
sick, but I'm sure
that would be the best solution
to my symptoms
of today and next year.
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