Sorry for the lack of a column last week, but at the time when I’d usually be composing the column I was actually en route to Iowa for a wedding. Y’see when I take a vacation; I also take a vacation from my net gig as well.
Pre-Trip
While I was on my way to the airport, my friend and I decided to stop by Big B’s to browse and kill some time. However it was closed.
Next we decided to head to Zia, which has quickly usurped Big B’s as the best place in Vegas to get music. Now being that I’m originally from Tucson I’m very familiar with Zia. It’s the place where I’d stock up on CD’s and try to find some hidden treasures when I went home over the summer. Zia is like a West Coast version of The Soundgarden (which will forever hold the place in my heart devoted to “the greatest record in the world”). But still, going to Zia was a pretty nice “pre leaving Las Vegas (temporarily)” treat.
Of course you’re wondering what I picked up, right? Here’s what I picked up and why;
The Postal Service Give Up – I was talking to a coworker about how much I was enjoying Death Cab for Cutie’s Plans when he suggested that I give The Postal Service a shot. Actually his exact words were “if you like Death Cab, you’ll love Postal Service.” I trust the guy, so I picked it up.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins Rabbit Fur Coat – I happened to catch the video for Rise Up With Fists!! on Subterranean and was intrigued by the sound. Then I remembered how the album got some solid coverage in both Paste and Fader, two magazines I hold in pretty high esteem. So I figured I’d give it a shot.
Eagles of Death Metal Death By Sexy – The albums been getting high marks all around InsidePulse, and I really do trust my co contributors. Plus I saw them perform on Conan and was pretty impressed with the tune.
Tha Alkaholiks Firewater – I’m a fan of the group, and I’ve been meaning to pick this joint up for a minute. Yeah, there’s really no story here.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium – Jeff Fernandez once remarked that the Chili Peppers have managed to enjoy a lengthy career, despite basically rehashing the same song for the past decade. I picked up this double album because 1) I’m a glutton for punishment and didn’t learn my lesson from last year’s Foo Fighter’s fiasco and 2) I’m really curious if they could fill two discs with the same song.
Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere – Dangermouse has yet to disappoint me. I’m also a sucker for creative parings.
The Raconteurs Steady, As She Goes – I wanted the album, but all they had was the single. But it does have a non-album track so it’s not a total bust.
The Actual Journey
My trip could accurately be described as Planes (my flight from Las Vegas to Chicago, Ohare), Trains (Chicago’s very own “Blue Line”), and Automobiles (a gnat filled Greyhound bus), but it was fun. Since most of my travel was either in Illinois or to Illinois, I spent most of that time listening to Illinois (and I’d be lying to you if I didn’t think that Chicago was going to be the next place that I called home.) Still it was pretty cool to see or travel through some of the places that Sufjan Stevens sings about.
Once I finally got to my destination, I hung out with family. I got some more glowing recommendations for The Postal Service and I managed to snag a family member who’s willing to hit up both a Burt Bacharach show and the Liberace museum the next time they’re in town.
The wedding itself was cool. My cousin has impeccable taste and played some of the score to The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou as mood music before the nuptials.
Before I came back to Vegas I had to hit Weird Harold’s which is a nifty and dandy little record store in Burlington. It’s actually surprisingly good, considering how small Burlington is. I picked up some stuff there, but nothing really of note. However that is the place you want to go to find early to mid nineties R&B, as they’ve got plenty of it. I had to stop myself from snatching up Jade’s debut.
Arriving Home
I finally arrived home about (as I’m writing this) 27 hours ago, and I finally got to listen to the albums that I purchased nearly a week ago.
It’s been a pretty solid week.
Going on Vacation…in Iowa
The Aforementioned Jeff has yet another bout of fantastic linking, some interesting news, and he gives his thoughts on Billboard’s singles (at which time he reiterates his critique of the RHCP.).
Gloomchen tackles a serious topic.
Tom addressed Anthrax.
Getting Back from Vacation…in Iowa
Mitch fills in for Ian, and gives us news about Foo Fighter fights and Onyx?
Phil has bad Gangstarr news, sales numbers and karma police.
Five Albums I’m Looking Forward To
1. Sufjan Stevens – The Avalance
2. Thom Yorke – The Eraser
3. Busta Rhymes – The Big Bang
4. OutKast – Idlewild
5. Pharrell Williams – In My Mind
