Gotham Gal

Fave music of 2011

Compared to everyone else in my family, I am a total loser in terms of music.  They generally turn me on to what they are listening to.  Their brains are filled with singles and new artists.  The good news is that there is always amazing music being played in our house.  I pay attention but not like they do.  Maybe 2012?

Here is my fave music of 2011 in no particular order.  I have to say that the lists with singles make the most sense based on how we listen to music these days but I am still in complete album mode. 

Codes and Keys Death Cab for Cutie

The Head and the Heart

Beirut –The Rip Tide

Iron and Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean

Bon Iver - Perth

Cults

Smith Westerns - Weekend

Alexander

J. Mascis, Several Shades of Why

Dale Earnhardt Jr. It’s a Corporate World

Watch the Throne Jay Z and Kanye West

Wiz Khalifa – Rolling Papers (this year or last?)

Antlers Burst Apart

Pepper Rabbit

Destroyers

Generationalists

Florence and the Machine, Ceremonials

I also listened to a bunch of rap thanks to Josh.  Mac Miller, Blue Side Park, Peanut Butter and Swelly, Chitty Bang and Drake, Take Care. 

 

 

 

 

 

one more salad and then out to coachella

The last day in Los Angeles was one of many errands but we managed to squeeze in our last lunch at Huckleberry Cafe.  I love this place and Emily and I were dreaming about opening a place like this in NYC.  Never say never.  Here is our small beet salad that we shared.  A hint of citrus and mint mixed with perfectly cooked beets.

Asparagus salad with crispy proscuitto, grilled chicken, feta cheese, arugula, tomatoes and red peppers.  So good. 

After Huckleberrys it was time to fill up the car with groceries for Coachella.  Between my bag, Emily and her friends bag the back was filled.  Then we loaded up with groceries and such and there was no room for anything else.  A mini-van, believe it or not was not going to cut it.  I called Avis and after drilling down who to talk to, I upgraded to a 12 passenger vehicle van.  Yes, it is like driving a bus.  But for seven people, seven pieces of luggage and an entire weekend plus of groceries, it worked.  The crew thought it was hilarious when we picked them up at the airport.

The drive out to Coachella takes some time from Long Beach Airport.  We got out there around midnight and finally found the place we rented.  There was a lock box on the door with our key inside.  The number they gave us wasn't working.  We discovered the next morning that they had given us the wrong one and they really didn't seem to care as much as I did at 115a.  It is now past midnight and we can't get in the house.  First I call the cops because I don't want to break a window and maybe they can just break the box for us.  No such luck, they want nothing to do with me.  Screw this, I called a 24-hour locksmith to get us in.  Two super nice guys come around 130 and break in the house for us.  You can't make this up. 

In the morning we chilled by the pool before making our way out to the festival.  Pretty sweet.  We are here with Josh, Emily and Jessica.  Josh brought one friend, Emily brought two and Jessica brought three.  Full house!

Our house used to be across the street from Coachella.  I say used to be because there were a variety of entrances last year and now there is just one.  They make you walk and walk and walk to get there.  Last year our location was 20 minutes away but now it is almost a 45 minute walk.  Alas.  It is what it is.  Here is Fred and Mo prepping themselves for the days festivities. Classic picture.

It is hot (95)  and dry during the day and cools off at night.  Getting out there later is the way to go.  We first saw Cee Lo Green.  I have been to many music festivals and they run these events with a tight hand.  Cee Lo gets on stage 30 minutes late.  He plays for 20 minutes ( the sets are not long ) and then they turn his music off.  He was pissed but he deserved it.  Get your ass to the stage on time, you got paid for it ( I will get to that in a later blog post ) and play for your fans who by the way support your life style.  So uncool. 

We wandered back to the VIP tents.  You can get higher price tickets that get you into an area with some shade and good food and also a certain section where you can stand closer to the stage.  Well worth it.  We had some fish tacos.  Top. 

Met up with Josh and his friend who opted for the sausages.  Also excellent.

Coming back tomorrow for the wood burning pizza.

Next show we went to was the Black Keys although we did watch Lauren Hill and Interpol from afar earlier.  We know the manager of the band who proceeded to get all of us up to the sound board.  It was pretty damn awesome.  Look at all the technology that goes into these shows.  They Black Keys rocked.  So talented. 

That was enough.  Two more days ahead of us.  Fred and I made the journey back to the house listening to the Kings of Leon who we could still hear at our house.  Here is our command headquarters.  We hired one of the bicycle carts to drive us back as far as they can.  Definitely worth the $20. 

Looking forward to another day. 

Ben Kweller at Terminal 5

This past Friday night we went to see Ben Kweller play at Terminal 5.  I am a huge fan of Ben's.  We have been listening to his music from his first release.  A couple of years ago we met him and over the years have become friends.  On Friday night we did something that I have never done before, we sat stage left and watched the show.  Hung out with the band before the show and after the show.  I felt like a groupie and it was fantastic. 

After the show ended there was this incredible energy as everyone left the stage and went to the back room.  It was amazing to see.  Everyone was so pumped about the show.  Hugging and high-fiving was abundant.  Totally cool.  I imagine that is how performers feel after any show.  It is just a total rush. 

The show wasn't long enough.  I know Ben has a bunch of new songs that have yet to be released so this show was all his oldies and goodies.  He asked the audience what they wanted to hear for the last two songs. Ben has a big heart and he is a mensch.  Just a great night. 

The Box Story

I have known these kids since they were young.  Super talented and just great kids.  They recorded this video in our ground floor which we can now refer to as Gotham Studio.  The song is pretty damn catchy. 

 

Second day of Austin City Limits

Emily believe it or not was supposed to take her SAT2 in Austin this morning.  Yes, the College Board in all their wisdom scheduled SAT's to be taken around the country on Columbus Day weekend.  Unfortunately we forgot her passport (ID).  Her wallet was stolen and so no license and the school has not issued the student ID's yet.  I had someone scan her passport and send me a jpeg which I had printed out and that with her medical card was all we had.  Not good enough for the college board even though Fred spoke well probably yelled to someone on site from the college board on the phone.  It is the rules they say.  She must have a physical id not a copy.  Who made up the rule of having college boards taken on a holiday weekend?  I hate the college boards.  Yet we managed to move on.  This pic is Emily with her friend Lizzie and Josh with his friend Max who came with us. 

Breakfast began at Cisco's.  A total dive with a good mexican breakfast.  I went with the chorizo and eggs.

Since Emily had breakfast at 630am she opted for lunch.  Chicken tacos.  Yum. 

You can see we all polished off quite the meal.  We didn't eat again until dinner at 1030.

Out to the festival.  Sweet Tea is definitely a fave to keep us cooled down.

It is hot out there in the fields and people just lay down and nap.

Here is our security guard at one of the backstages.  This woman was a hoot. 

My favorite band of the day, hands down, was LCD Soundsystem.  James Murphy is the man behind LCD Soundystem.  All the other players in the band are studio musicians that he picks up along the way.  He is wildly talented.

Love his red socks.

After the show, the kids and I went back to the hotel for a shower before going to dinner.  The rest of the crew stayed to see MUSE.  Dinner was at Curra's Grill.  We dined on the front porch.  A total dive with some amazing food.  First round called for tequilla shots. 

Second round was nachos.  Pulled beef under that cheese.  Absolutely delicious.

This is a selection of the sauces that are available.  One is better than the next. 

A speciality is avacado marguritas.  Just one sip, one taste was plenty.  Weird and rich.

I went for the classic margurita.

For dinner I had the pescado veracruzano.  Snapper smothered with onions, tomatoes, green olives, mushrooms, bell peppers and capers.  This was amazing.  I made sure people tasted it.  Sweet and sour with a kick at the same time.  I'd love this recipe.  Fantastic!  FYI - dinner for 12...$250.

Home to bed to recharge the batteries for Day 3.

 

the weekend wrap-up

Due to very early planning, I completely missed the boat on Yom Kippur this year.  A big shame on me. 

Last March we were with friends skiing and randomly purchased tickets to see Vampire Weekend for this past Friday night.  Wasn't checking the Jewish calendar, obviously.  Fred's family planned to have a birthday party for his Mom on Saturday months ago which sounded perfect.  Again, not checking the Jewish calendar.  Regardless of not sitting in services, atoning and fasting, I kept thinking about where I should have been and enjoyed the weekend as it was. 

On another note, our friend gave us Ween tickets on Friday night which I wasn't aware of until sometime mid-week.  Fred totally spaced on our Vampire Weekend tickets for Friday night.  So unaware that we couldn't find the tickets until we showed up at dinner and our friends had the tickets for us.  Good news is Josh took the Ween tickets and enjoyed himself. 

Friday night we had dinner at Ma Peche.  A constantly changing menu and always interesting.  One of the highlights Friday night was definitely the uni.  Pieces of uni with tiny pieces of apple and a citrus sauce.  Wow.  The one bite was like heaven.  Sorry for the blurry pic.

The concert was at Radio City.  Three bands that night.  We got there in time to see Beach House who has been top on my listening chart these days.  The main act was Vampire Weekend.  The first time we saw Vampire Weekend was at the Bowery Ballroom years ago and have continued to see them at different venues including an outdoor concert outside Paris.  I am impressed that they were able to sell out 3 nights at Radio City.  They have definitely grown-up.  They know how to put on a show in a large venue and the audience was thrilled. 

For the birthday party, we drove up to Highland Falls where Fred's brother lives.  We all brought food.  I made brownies (I thought I had posted them before but haven't so I will make them again and post) and a cauliflower/potato salad.  My brother-in-law made pulled pork that he had slow cooked in root beer for six hours.  It was awesome.  Who knew?  A really nice family event celebrating my mother-in-laws birthday.  Good genes, she looks great and has aged really well.  

We got back in time to catch a film.  We saw Leaves of Grass.  A silly film but the performance from Ed Norton playing a twin brother, the brilliant pot head and brilliant academic, is fantastic.  He is such a good actor.  The highlight is the cameo from Richard Dreyfus. 

On the way home we stopped by Zampa right off Hudson.  It is not easy finding a seat at a bar on Saturday night where the sound level is low.  A nice place.  Lots of wines by the glass.  We had a few appetizers.  Ricotta, spec and figs was one.  Three small toasts; one with tuna and spicy olive oil the other with chopped liver mixed with vin santo and asparagus with shaved pecorino and truffle oil.  The main course we split was a mushroom lasagna which just wasn't that great.  I'd stick with the tiny plates (cheeses and meats galore) and a few glasses of wine.  

Today is a total catch-up.  Need stuff framed, need to clean up my email, need to clean up my desk, need to get to Citarella.  Lucky, I made dinner was made a few nights ago.  Brisket.  Then another week begins...

The Tallest Man on Earth

I had not heard about The Tallest Man on Earth until last Sunday.  Last night I went to see him play at the Highline Ballroom.  Not sure he is actually the tallest man on earth but he is unbelievably talented.  From the moment he started singing, the audience was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop except for the music.  The first thing that came to mind was at what point of your life do you realize that you can sing like that? 

A Swedish artist, Niclas Stenholm, sounds like a melodic Bob Dylan.  He was almost as thrilled as the audience to be there last night.  He bowed at the end of his performance.  I loved that.  His performance live was so good that I even liked his music even more.  That voice makes the hair on your arm stand up on end. 

Goldspot

Fred and I went to Joe's Pub last night to see Goldspot.  I love seeing music at Joe's Pub.   The space is small and if you make a reservation you can get a seat with a small minimum per person.  You can eat or drink.  We sat right near the stage and had a few drinks.

Goldspot just recently came out with their 2nd CD.  I still want to say album.  Fred asked me how I found them.  Honestly, I can't remember.  I stumbled on their music a few years ago and their cd was in serious rotation for quite a while.  The second one has been too.  They sound a little bit like the Beatles meets Portastatic.  Two excellent bands.

You can only find them at Goldspot.net because someone else has taken Goldspot.com which they reminded us of last night.  The group is out of Los Angeles founded by the lead singer/songwriter Siddhartha Khosla.  I love his voice.

While I was sitting there last night, I was thinking about the beauty of NYC.  Here we are sitting in a tiny club watching fantastic music and how many other events are going on around us in the city.  The city that never sleeps.  God I love New York City. 

Monsters of Folk

Last night Fred and I went to see the Monsters of Folk at the Beacon Theater.  The Monsters of Folk is a group of accomplished artists;  M. Ward (M. Ward) , Conor Oberst ( Bright Eyes and solo ), Jim James (My Morning Jacket)  and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes).  We listen to all of them and have seen them each individually in concert.  So, seeing them as a group performing together is a serious treat.

After seeing the concert, my guess is they not only enjoy collaborating together but performing together gives them an opportunity to play solo throughout the show just a few times vs an entire concert.  It is probably exhausting doing a solo show every night so this way the audience gets the best of all worlds and so do the artists. 

Today, I've got all of them in heavy rotation.  Sorry for the blurry pics...the lighting they used last night was not working with my camera.  Also, they were filming the show so cameras were a big no-no.

Eric Lewis at Stephen Talkhouse

Growing up, I took about 8 years of piano lessons.  I also took guitar lessons and taught guitar lessons to little kids in HS for some extra cash.  I can actually still play both and once a summer, I do grab a guitar and strum along on the beach, generally alcohol induced.  As a kid and an adult, I always find that I am drawn to the music and have a hard time remembering a lyric. 

I made (yes made) all the kids take some type of musical instrument growing up.  Jessica stuck with piano for many years (had a year of guitar in there somewhere) but made a decision herself that she really didn't care about it after 5 years.  Totally respect that.  Emily took everything from violin, guitar and piano and had little interest.  Josh took drums ( piano for a brief moment in time ) and has really stuck with the drums and enjoys it.  My Grandfather, on my father's side, who I never got the opportunity to meet as he died when my Dad was about 13, was a composer.  He actually hung out with Gershwin and wrote stuff.  His parents were not that into that career move and pushed him to become a lawyer.  At least that is the family lore.  I have seen some of his music that he wrote which is quite cool.  So, who knows where that gene pool might show up one day.  So far, I am not seeing it in Jessica and Emily and not convinced that Josh has it either.

Although I took lessons all those years, I lost my enthusiasm when I started meeting people where the   ability to play music just came naturally.  I do believe that playing an instrument is more difficult and more of an art than singing because you either have a great voice or you don't.  Yes, I still prefer going to concerts when there is a voice involved but this weekend we went to see Eric Lewis at Stephen Talkhouse ( the best venue in the Hamptons). 

Eric, basically plays popular music that he likes and creates his own interpretation with a jazz twist.  He had 3 other performers with him on Saturday night.  A violinist ( who was unbelievable ), a guitar player and a drummer who also played the trombone.  What is just incredible about all of these performers and particularly Eric is that the music lives inside them.   You can watch them just hear the music in their head and start to jam out.  My guess is that they rarely play anything the same way twice.  It is completely free form.  Lewis is a master of the piano.  It as if he is in a trance while he plays.

Total respect and appreciation for the music they perform.  It is people like Lewis and his group that made me stop playing.  Perhaps it is the competitive nature in my me when I realized that I could never just free form like this because the music isn't living inside me.  I wish it was but I really believe that is something, like a fantastic set of pipes, that you are just born with.