The Useless Critic 2.0

That's quite the title, isn't it? But much truth to it - and definitely a very pertinent, urgent topic that is top of mind for a lot of Americans right now. This is a short and to-the-point acoustic song from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Benjamin Stranger, a new discovery for me personally. His music has a stripped-down indie feel to it, and calls to mind to me the work of Nick Cave, a little Josh Ritter, and maybe a hint of Tom Waits, too. You can listen to the track below and take a moment to reflect on this increasingly disturbing facet of the culture wars our country is enveloped in.  Here's another more Waits-esque song from Benjamin Stranger, appropriately titled "Strange Things."

I will preface this post with the following: I grew up as a huge Ryan Adams fan. I was instantly hooked after 2001 and VH1 playing "New York New York" nonstop. To me, he was everything rock was supposed to be - but I hadn't quite found yet. When I began high school, I bought "Heartbreaker" and vividly remember my first listen in my Mom's SUV in the parking lot of our local grocery store. Snow was falling down and it was dark outside, and his music seemed so perfect for that moment.  I was able to keep up with his career until college. He kept putting out music and I just didn't have the space in my brain to keep pace with each album, especially since I found a few to be rather lackluster. Plus, I was being introduced to other musicians and bands, and was really not as interested in Ryan as I had been. It wasn't until the past few years I began appreciating him again. When he covered Taylor Swift's "1989," I found it to be a ge...

Josh Ritter is such a gifted lyricist, which is why I'm such a fan. seriously- the first time I heard like "Kathleen"- "all the other girls here are stars, you are the northern lights"- I was hooked. He just released a new album that I'm sure you've heard if you have made the mistake of meandering into Starbucks lately, So Runs the World Away . This guy started playing guitar after buying one at K-Mart, inspired by Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch. This guy is like- seriously, the closest thing we have to a Bob Dylan these days. And I say that as a hardcore Ryan Adams fan. So, so good. "The Curse" is absolutely a gorgeous song. I only had to hear it once and swoon! I was done. and what's it about? a mummy falling in love with an archaeologist. see here: swoon so put away your Jack Johnson and seriously listen to Josh Ritter. this guy is nearly a legend now.

Concerts of interest for nearby region: Joanna Newsom- March 29, Southern Theatre, Columbus (I will be there!) Julian Casablancas - April 3, House of Blues, Cleveland Fanfarlo- April 8, Grog Shop, Cleveland Owen Pallett AKA Final Fantasy - April 14, Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Josh Ritter- May 18 Diesel, Pittsburgh Kings of Convenience- June 6, 9:30 Club, Washington D.C. (a bit of a drive but IT'S TOTALLY WORTH IT) As for me, I leave for Phoenix tomorrow. bai! Also, Celtic Woman and Sylvia Browne will be in Erie shortly. but I don't know when. and don't forget about Le Loup and Surfer Blood at Allegheny- I guess both shows are free?

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...

We passed the time with crosswords that she thought to bring inside What five letters spell "apocalypse?" she asked me I won her over saying "W.W.I.I.I." She smiled and we both knew that she'd misjudged me. Oh, Marie it was so easy to fall in love with you It felt almost like a home of sorts or something And you would keep the warhead missile silo good as new And I'd watch you with my thumb above the button. "The Temptation of Adam." p.s. if you're at PSB tonight, Pittsburgh's the Clarks are playing!

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...