The Useless Critic 2.0

It occurred to me earlier that we didn't officially acknowledge the absolutely mind-shattering fact WE HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR A YEAR, OMG. So with that, I would like to say, to all our readers, loyal or otherwise: thank you. We love you. I remember when this was just a dream my freshman year- when I would walk around my dorm late at night and wonder, could I one day have a music blog? Would people read it? Um, of course it's not that much of a music blog, but you know... so dreams become reality. With that being said: Something great to wake up to for my fellow residents of western Pennsylvania: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/22384354/detail.html I can just imagine: my first jury duty notice. "BRITTANY, HAVE FUN IN THE 911 TRIAL." Que es??? I'm actually anticipating the day I get that slip in the mail. I wouldn't mind at all. Read that, government? WHY YOU NOT SEND ME JURY DUTY? I also like how Bin Laden blamed the United States for the climate...

Freelance Whales is my current music obsession. They're sort of experimental folk-pop. Every song is joyous and uplifting, even when it's about death and dying. The lyrics are catchy, the music is ethereal and beautiful - I don't even know how to explain it. They remind me of a sort of mash-up of The Boy Least Likely To, The Arcade Fire, and Beirut. Check 'em out! Generator ^ First Floor And in our native language we are chanting ancient songs And when we quiet down the house chants on without us Generator ^ Second Floor So as you pull me from the bed Tell me I look stunning and cadaverous

In an unsurprising twist of events, Erie is expecting a bad snowstorm today (go here ). Aw, okay. On my way back here, walking through the snow and wind (!) I was reminded of the countless other times I've walked like this. and had the spirit sucked slowly out of me by this infernal weather. but then my beat-up little iPod put on Beirut's "Postcards From Italy," which was my favorite song my freshman year, and all the snow-battles in the past I've endured thanks to the triumph of this song. it was lovely. even though I came home with hands that were freezing and snot running from my nose and an aching body that just wanted a bed, it was a kind of nice full circle thing, to realize how close I am to the actualization of leaving this place. "Postcards From Italy"- Beirut another song that helps "Neighborhood #1 (Kettles)"- Arcade Fire (who are releasing a new album come May) In other free stuff, there is a holiday sampler featuring artists I whol...

so for my nonfiction project I'm doing a story on mallwalkers . which has been unexpectedly difficult. you don't think it would be- but my social anxiety flares up like, I don't know, the sun when it's storming, because they all look so determined and GOD FORBID I approach them when they're in their fitness zone! they're not the most friendly people. in fact, they're kinda intimidating. anyway, I was offered a ray (in keeping with solar metaphors) of relief when I discovered my friends' parents are mallwalkers . so last night they initiated me into their mallwalking world. and you know what? I sincerely enjoyed it. most definitely. the crowds of disgusted teenage mall goths did not bother me for a second. we had a good time together. I secretly enjoy the Millcreek Mall, for the absurd amount of time I've spent there in my life. it almost feels like my second home. which is gross to think about. erg. you think by now I'd be on a first name basis...