The Useless Critic 2.0

Do you remember all the city lights on the water? You saw me start to believe for the first time When I returned from Sweden, I stayed with my sister a few days. I don't know why this is a vivid memory; there's no real reason for it to be. Perhaps it was some strange cultural adjustment? Nevertheless, I remember chilling in her comfortable family room when my most brilliant friend, Wenli, sent me this new song to enjoy. I was a relatively new Taylor Swift fan then. THEN. then this happened: I was hooked. I just remember, lying on my stomach in my sister's living room, listening to this song on repeat. And I was so bummed about leaving Sweden, but this quainty, almost Springsteen or Bon Jovi take on MAKIN' IT (almost, I stress almost, although I love TayTay) etched a joyful hole in my heart. like- things won't be SO bad.  the whole song paints this picture of some very foolhardy young couple falling in love and moving along quickly together. but it's sweet- ...

Border's has closed, fellow Erie-ites (I know there are at least five of you out there). That really blew. I mean I was there when they found out they were closing- the cashier was genuinely upset. and even though you can go on and on about ebooks or Barnes and Nobles buying the out or blah blah blah, it's still sad to see arguably the biggest bookstore in Erie- a place where I personally have a lot of other memories (Wenli where the hell are we going to hang out anymore)- go under. and I hate having to say that about a chain bookstore! Werner Books just opened in the Liberty Plaza as of a few months ago, though, and I have to say- being a minor connoisseur of used bookstores (there isn't a great deal in the region, no)- I'm rather impressed. It's got a good selection, the atmosphere is refreshingly nice and simple and not cluttered NOR junky (I'm thinking of a few stores and I will not name names), and the prices are reasonable. if you're in the area and wo...

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...