Ramblings.org http://ramblings.org Ramblings.org is a site devoted to the writing of one computer geek as he makes his way in the world. It will probably bore you. You've been warned. en-us Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:19 EST http://ramblings.org/stuff/ramblings.xml RSS Writer 1.0 mreff@ramblings.org Zooey Deschanel is ridiculously cute http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=213 Evidence:

]]> http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=213 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:03:19 EDT White Denim http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=212 The most fun show I went to last year, and I went to plenty of shows, featured White Denim. It was an hour and a half of non stop psychedelic, rolling, rocking, wailing, and carrying on. It was easily the most energized show I attended. I went there not knowing much about the band and left it one of the converted.

The bassist, in particular, was sort of a little guy, playing a gigantic looking Rickenbacker bass with an amazing level of intensity and skill. He was a lot of fun to watch and listen to, and really captured the core energy of the band.

Check 'em out:

]]> http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=212 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:03:01 EDT The Trapeze Swinger http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=211 I have been lukewarm on Iron and Wine for a while, despite his wonderful cover of Such Great Heights. But one song has me completely reevaluating my stance on Mr. Sam Beam. Listen and enjoy...

]]> http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=211 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:11:07 EDT Women with Ukuleles http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=210 We're almost at the end of another year, so of course it's time for me to update my web site again. Of course, after false starts again and again and again, I doubt anyone ever comes by here anymore. Well, so be it. I'll post anyway, in case some is hoping to find a web site talking about women with ukuleles.

10 years ago, I would have never thought very many people, outside Hawaii, would have much interest in making music with ukuleles. But lo and behold, there are a plethora of people making fun little music videos all over youtube sporting that funny little instrument. Here are three of my favorite ladies who flex their golden pipes to the sweet sounds of the ukulele:

First up, Danielle Ate the Sandwich. She's funny, cute, a good song writer, and most importantly, an incredible singer. I encourage you to check out all of her videos.

Next is Liz Wood: College student, sporadic youtube poster, and cracking good singer.

And last we have Julia Nunes. She's opened for Ben Folds, and probably has the most notoriety of the ukulele women I've mentioned (She won her current ukulele in the Busman World Ukulele Video Contest).

Enjoy!

]]> http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=210 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EDT More from 2008: Santogold and Animal Collective http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=209 Our journey through my recent musical discoveries takes us further into 2008's bounty. Granted, I may have been living under a rock for the past year, but I still think this is some good shtuff.

First, we have Santogold; a successful songwriter, producer, and singer who released her first solo album this year. I've had a chance to listen to it, and I'm understanding why it's shown up on so many "best of" lists. It's pop music with a great edge to it. Her most notable track, although not necessarily my favorite, "L.E.S Artistes" is a great example of this. She sounds like a robotic cousin of Karen O as she bemoans the vapid lower east side hanger-ons. The whole album is a collection of solid, approximately 3 and a half minute songs with great pop hooks.

Santogold -- "L.E.S. Artistes"

She's no frilly pop diva. I dig it.

Next up is a band that is nowhere near new, but one that finally produced something that I REALLY like. Animal Collective has been around for years, but I've never heard an example of anything that could be defined as very accessible. I like plenty of "difficult" music, but I just didn't get them. Then, they released the Water Curses EP. The title track is an electronic, underwater, bubbling jaunt. It's the closest thing to a pop song that I've heard from them and it's fantastic.

Animal Collective -- "Water Curses"

I need to dig deeper into their discography now. The song is like a gateway drug, leading to harder stuff. I'm a step closer to becoming a junkie. Good times...

]]> http://ramblings.org/post.php?post=209 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:12:43 EDT