two way monologues/honorary I'D HIT IT

So SONDRE LERCHE. was fantastic. to paraphase the wonderful elfin man himself, (s)he's fantastic!

seriously, I had next to mehhhh expectations for this show. I'll be real with you: I went because I am a somewhat knowledgeable fan (Faces Down? yes please). this guy was my shit (briefly) in tenth grade, when I was gifted a copy of Two Way Monologue. I've since moved on, and I've gone to appreciate other Scandinavian singers (coughJENScough) but in the past few years I've experienced a Sondre-resurgence.

the Beachland Ballroom itself is an interesting venue. reminds you of a roller rink, something straight out of a high school dance (if I went to those SNORT). there's a tavern in the back (which is handy) and a vintage store in the basement (which is cool!) Andrew Bird and Sufjan play there. but it's just in a weird area. like, I was imagining something akin to the Grog Shop, in an area where there's actually stuff to do and shops and restaurants. but whatever, we just bummed around beforehand anyway (and met some crazy Sondre fans oh shit! who drove from Kansas! oh shit!)

JBM was his opener (check him here: http://www.myspace.com/jessemarchant) like a mix of M. Ward, Fleet Foxes and Jose Gonzalez. VERY good.

Sondre, though. shit! I didn't expect him to be as charismatic or as charming as he was. or as good of a guitarist! he was INCREDIBLE. it was just him- no backing band, no nothing, just him and that guitar. he ripped through selections from all his albums, but pretty much EVERYTHING off his latest, Heartbeat Radio. which is a good album! check it out! (see the end of this post for an MP3 of my favorite song off it- thanks Wenli!) other favorites, older stuff like "Sleep On Needles," "Two Way Monologue" and "Phantom Punch." "My Hands Are Shaking" was a personal highlight for me, seeing he didn't play either of my favorites, "Counterspark" or "You Know So Well."

The whole time, he was SO sweet. he would screw up and laugh about it, he would talk to the audience, he would banter, all in his little Norwegian accent. and I think we all about fell in love with him.

and how for his encore he did "MODERN NATURE" (!!!!) and got us involved! which was a lot of mumbling until people remembered their lines. but he was a sweetie about it.

I'd also like to talk about how refreshing it was to have such a mixed crowd at the concert. it wasn't a big audience by any means, but the people were a hodge podge of normal folks and hipsters (and kids?). which I liked.

afterwards, Sondre and JBM did signings and took photos with nearly everybody that approached them. OH MY GOD. this is the first concert I've been to where that's happened. so I got to hug him and take a photo. I touched his sweaty back. HOT. we exchanged small words. nice guy he is!!!

definitely like, after Feist and No Doubt, best concerts ever.

and in honor of Mr. Lerche (I also for real learned how to pronounce his last name) I am dedicating I'D HIT IT to him, because let's face it, who could resist that face?

"If Only"

"Mon Soleil" - Ashley Park

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Appropriate Holiday Gift Ideas for the Single Lady

While some people may see it as a drag, there are plenty of benefits to being single during the holiday season. During this time of the year, there are tons of parties you can attend that you may not have had the opportunity to if you were in a relationship. There’s also not as much stress on you as a single gal during the holidays because you don’t have to shop for your partner and extended family members or stress over where to eat Christmas dinner. Not everyone sees the bright side of being fancy free during the holidays, and, tragically, they aren't afraid to let us single ladies know. Not only are single women subjected to even more harassment and ridicule during the holiday season, they’re also given the most obnoxious gifts by those who can’t comprehend how anyone can be both happy and single. Whether it’s a self-help book (desperately) trying to reinforce how great is to be single or the gift of a year-long subscription to Match.com , single women are presented with

"High Tide, Storm Rising" - Skinshape

A new Skinshape LP is on the way as of October 28th! "Nostalgia" promises to delve into the world of motives and motifs. Will Dorey (AKA Skinshape) has described this particular track "High Tide, Storm Rising" as "the main theme song of a movie." And if you have read any of my prior posts, you know I'm a sucker for anything cinematic. Here's a full look at the Skinshape "Nostalgia" track listing: 01. Theme For Lazarus 02. Better Chances 03. Dreams of Panama 04. Moonlight Walk 05. Albion 06. High Tide, Storm Rising 07. Turn Away 08. Bohanon's Cornucopia 09. Bad Dreams 10. Fish & Chips 11. Dawn I would try to include something about live shows, but the soulful likes of Skinahape simply prefer to record and NOT perform live, which is an interesting choice in today's world. Once again, "Nostalgia" is out everywhere as of Oct. 28th.

The Useless Critic 2.0

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