Record Store Day 2013

Every year, Jeremiah and I go to RSD. It's an actual thing, for those that might not believe me. And it's sort of a big deal. It's Jeremiah's favorite holiday.

Seriously.

Artists release limited batches of their albums - some of them are numbered, some of them are colored vinyl, some are rereleases...it's awesomeness. And for those who are like, "Who buys records anymore? People don't even buy CDs!" all I have to say is, where have you been? Records now days can sometimes come with the digital download right inside it - a little bonus and thank you from the artist for buying their stuff. So you get an awesome sounding album and the digital compressed stuff for your ipod. For usually around the same price that you would pay to buy the digital version online. At first I didn't believe Jeremiah when he said records sound better but they do. Truly. They do. 

We joined the line at about 8:30 and enjoyed the smells wafting around. I call it the 3Ps: Pot, patchouli, and perspiration. This year we chose to start at a different record store and I mostly only smelled the pot. A little less patchouli and perspiration. Small steps should be celebrated.

Jeremiah and I go in with a plan. He shows me a picture of every album he wants and/or I want. I'm good with that. He takes a list. He's good with that.

Nine o'clock, the doors open. People surged forward. I honestly thought I might die, but people were cool and there was no pushing. At one point though, I might have said to Jeremiah, "This is not how I want to die!"

We got in, and followed our plan. He went straight to the back of the store (they spread things out on tables throughout the store) and I stopped up front. Here's the thing about being a girl. And being a bit short. And being one of only a few girls at the store. Boys don't get in my way. I can weasel my way up to the front, ducking under armpits and maneuvering myself this way and that. Plus, I'm a teacher (I'm used to no personal space.) and a veteran shopper. Trained by the best. Eye on the prize, I get what I want.

We met up at one point - I had a shit ton of records that we wanted, he had a few.  He was all, "Thank GOD you got that! And this one! And this!"

At this point we had: Joan Jett, White Stripes, White Stripes in Rockabye Baby, Dave Brubeck, Cal Tjader, No Alternative, Rocket From the Crypt (?) and a side by side (single). 

You are welcome, Jeremiah.

We were still short a Black Keys, Wings, Mumford & Sons, Soundgarden, Porno for Pyros, Pink Floyd, Mad Season, many side by sides, and Eisley. 

We separated again and I started following this guy who obviously was rethinking the Soundgarden. I stalked him all over the store. Hobble step, hobble step, hobble step. The second he set it down, I literally lunged through a crowd and grabbed it. Mine.

Wings was captured the same way. Someone set it down, and we lunged for it.

Some of these records there is only one or two copies - for example, there was only one Pink Floyd in the whole store. And the guy that got it was a douche. I am pretty sure his ultimate goal was to sell it on Ebay. What an ass.

We met up again and got in line to check out. We got our limited edition reusable bags and t-shirts and we were on to the next store.

Of course, nearly an hour and a half had passed, so it was slim pickins. Jeremiah was able to find the Mad Season and the Mystery Side by Side.

I gave up on Eisley (both stores said that they did not get a copy) and the Pink Floyd (because, one copy? Really?) and then on the Mumford & Sons. I was determined to get something by Mumford & Sons because I wanted them to be my mystery purchase for the year. I had heard a twenty second clip and was going to buy their RSD release. Instead I just bought their album Babel which came with digital downloads.

Here's my stash:

I got the Rockabye Baby (instrumental White Stripes) because I thought it would be awesome to have a baby that got to listen to White Stripes. It's red vinyl. The White Stripes is two albums, one is half red and half black, the other is white. The Wings is "Maybe I'm Amazed" four times - super high quality. Joan Jett is yellow vinyl.

I also was getting ready to leave and went over to Jeremiah who was talking to a guy and Jeremiah said to me, "Did you know _________________ had a RSD release this year?" and I was like, "Ohmygosh, no!!" and the guy held up his copy, which of course, there weren't any more of. And then, he gave it to me. So I bought it for my dad. That secret release is not in the above picture.

Jeremiah's mystery side by side (which you don't know until you open it) was Grateful Dead, Dr. John, and Dixie Cups doing "Iko, Iko" on clear red vinyl with splashes of blue. Freaking awesome.  Mostly because I love the song and now we have four versions of it (I have Cyndi Lauper singing it, too).



Also, I am in LOVE with Mumford & Sons.

LOVE.

I laugh, I cry, it moves me, Bob. Seriously, I told Jeremiah last night that I had stories that I imagined happening along with the songs. There is such a driving beat, it is SO TOUCHING.

So I just like to share. I know other people may have already heard of them and probably love them, but there are some people like me that sometimes miss things. So in case you have missed them:

You can thank me later.





If you are interested in my past mystery/new to me purchases, they are a Florence & the Machine single (2012) and a red Kings of Leon single (2011). I think that was my first year doing the mystery to me thing. Totally worth it.

ETA: Jeremiah was into records BEFORE it was trendy. He actually worked for this company that was featured in the Wall Street Journal and was the guy's only employee for years. I just thought I would share that. I hopped on board when we started dating. I did it because he wouldn't let me take CDs out to my car anymore because I didn't take care of them. So for us, him specifically, this is NOT hopping on a new trend or about being cool. Jeremiah loves music. No, he is crazy about music. It's like water for him. Or like beer. I just felt like I needed to clarify. Maybe because I love him because he isn't about being trendy. That's pretty freaking awesome.

FtVF - It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn.

I have a theme song this year. It is what gets me out the door in the morning on bad days. Jeremiah will actually play it to get me moving.  I sing the chorus to myself. I pump myself up by playing it in the car.

Here's the From the Vault part...
At Record Store Day in April, I picked up a Florence and the Machine single. I like to pick one album that I am not too sure of and check it out.

When we got home, I had Jeremiah put it on the record player (I refuse to touch the record player out of fear of breaking it.) and I immediately fell in love with the song.

It is captivating. It has never failed to release me from whatever funk I have fallen into. I dance, I sing, it's a beautiful thing, if only to me.  You know how Phoebe runs like a child on Friends? That's how I dance and sing to this. Completely free. Slightly possessed. 

If you are lucky enough to have already heard the song and/or you know Flo, then I welcome you to sing along. And dance. I won't judge you.




If you are already wanting more, here is my second favorite song. Not my anthem, but fun all the same. This song results in a lot of clapping if I am in the car and a lot of jumping if I am able to stand.

Dog Days are Over


Happy Friday, Friends.

Anyone else have an anthem? Please share.

So Yeah.

I am officially stressed.

One.More.Day.

p.s. Last night I was telling Jeremiah about another wonderful song from the eighties - I even played it for him.



And he was all "There is no way you remember that. It came out when you were two." And I responded with, "Then why can I sing it by heart? This song is a shit ton of awesome. A two year old does not forget something like this."

I don't know how he can doubt me. My sixth grade science teacher used to report to my mom that I was singing early eighties songs in his class. He couldn't name them because they were old, but you better believe I knew those songs.

Jeremiah even doubts that I own it. Babe? Don't ever doubt my eighties music collection. Ever. You will always lose. Always.

Old People Redeemed

I was driving to work this morning and Coldplay came on the stereo.

Oh, Friends. Let ME fix YOU.

I saw a documentary several years ago and I cried for about two days after I saw it. Totally a fantastic, heartwarming video. And it redeems the elderly. Puts them back into the place where I had them formally - on a pedestal. AND AND AND it includes some fantastic music - including Coldplay. They will Fix You.



Check it out. But if you don't cry, you might want to check your pulse. Or see if you can go out and buy a heart.

Dear Neighbor,

Dear Neighbor,
I moved out of an apartment because I did not like listening to horrible music through a connecting wall. And yet, years later, here I am.

Listening to your shitty music. No wall connecting us. In fact, three walls separating us. So loud that I CAN HEAR THE WORDS, the booming bass, everything. For HOURS. On Sunday afternoon. A day of rest.

It is such a joy to have you next door. I especially love it when I am on vacation and spend my mornings exercising, listening to my music on the ipod and your music which I can hear OVER my ipod. Or when I try to enjoy the silence with a good book and some tea and I get to listen to your crap instead. That is awesome, too.

A couple questions I have for you:
1. Do you work?
2. Do you go to school?
3. Do your mom and dad know that you are an asshat?

I'm going to go out on a limb and answer  "no" to all of these.  Because you are always there. Because you are like a horrible Visa card. Everywhere I want to be.

Sincerely,
Your Ticked-Off Neighbor

p.s. We really like your dad, so he can stay, but we'd appreciate it if you would leave. Thanks.
p.p.s. I'm not against a blaring stereo for a song or two. Honestly, sometimes you just have to listen to something loudly. But now it is getting scary and my anger bubbles inside like the time I ate potato chips and burped sour cream and onion burps all night. This? This is seriously not good.

Love.

My favorite group- The White Stripes. What a great video.



Gives me chills. Enjoy.

GVSU Lip Dub

I was working on my class work, I promise. Hundred times, I promise. But then I was on GVSU's website and I clicked on a link and ended up watching the lip dub. I don't know how. But I'm a sucker for a good dub. For those that aren't aware (and most of you probably are), Grand Valley is where I completed my second bachelor's degree and where I am currently finishing my master's (I have special permission to complete it long distance). Um, and actually, my whole family went there. Love me some Lakers. Anyway, if you need to procrastinate, check out the video. Drool over the campus because it is for sure beautiful. Bridges, bell towers, and trees, oh my!




p.s. And if you are feeling really procrastinate-y, check out this lip dub, featuring senior citizens and filmed/produced by GVSU students. It was on the Today Show. That's pretty spectacular. And pretty darn cute.




And if you want to see the one that tops them all, my all time favorite, click here

Dexter

The other night Jeremiah and I were watching Dexter. We're sort of addicted. We just finished Season 4, and if you tell me anything about Season 5 I will stop talking to you for forever.

Seriously.

Anyway, this scene comes up (ignore the subtitles. unless you can read them, then good for you):



And next to me I feel Jeremiah shaking. Shaking. I look over and he manages to sputter out, "That's what it's like riding in the car with you!"

Thanks, Babe. Thanks so much.

And I will never apologize for singing in the car. Or for my love of eighties music.

p.s. I just want to clarify that I may sing in the car and wave my arms sometimes, but I never text while driving and very rarely even talk on the phone. Just some singing.

Michigan, Oh How I Love Thee...

This is why I love Michigan. Great song, Great People, Great Scenery. Makes me just a little homesick and I am thinking that our next home will be in a greener state. Or maybe just north of here? Who knows. Anyway, enjoy. I did. I even got a little misty. I would love to be part of something this fun.



Happy Friday, All! Any fun plans for the long weekend?

Eisley.

I went with Jeremiah and a friend of mine to see Eisley in concert on Wednesday. If you don't know Eisley, you should check them out HERE. It would be silly not to. They are wonderful.

Here's the set list:

My relationship with Eisley started in the fall of 2005. Jeremiah and I had been introduced and we were currently long-distance. We sent each other compilation cds and Marvelous Things (the best Eisley song EVER) was on it. Instant love. With the song. With Jeremiah, it took a bit more time. (kidding, HP.)

So I've waited since then - six years - to see them in concert. Meanwhile, Jeremiah has seen them. Twice. I don't really think that's fair. He got me a t-shirt, but still...

And then we got word that those Duprees (yes, they are a family of like, four hundred) would be here. Well, Scottsdale, but close enough.

And we got there early enough to score awesome parking - both outside the ranch and inside as well. As in, front row. And second row. And there were some annoying chickies nearby, but once the band started, fugetaboutit.

When you are thisclose to the band, you get to see cool things. Like when a Dupree guitar string breaks. Saw it happen.

Seriously cool.

I was a bit bummed because I didn't bring my SLR, so I was trying to manage with the point and shoot. It got the job done, but I've got this, "Awe, man, I totally could have got some fantastic shots" thing going on in my head.

It was a bit funny because the Ranch was separated into kiddie/adult section, and the kiddie section was way more crowded than our side. We searched for people older than us and found one couple. Um, that brought their kids.

There were plenty of people our age. Just not like you might see older folks at, say, Tom Petty. And for suresies there was much less...medicinal smokage going on.

I don't know why this picture is big, but Jeremiah took it. That's my head. Front row. Yessir.

And then as if this wasn't all cool/nerdy enough for you, after the show I got the set list. And a t-shirt. And a poster. And the limited red vinyl.

And we took it all backstage. 'Cause we met the band. And got the poster & vinyl signed. OHMYGOSH!

p.s. I have a video of them singing, but I'm having some technical difficulties.
p.p.s. The tile has been up and I even have pictures.
p.p.p.s. The reason you haven't seen any of this is because I started two of the three last classes I have to take to earn my Masters. I'm busy.

Warm Fuzzy Friday

Are you ready for some more warm fuzzies?



First Fuzzy: Without giving oodles of details, eight of my eighteen students tested OUT of my classroom. Possibly two more, results still pending. That is quite possibly the best (only?) validation I've had all year. I'm not saying this in a braggy way. I'm saying, I am so incredibly proud of my students. They are awesome and have worked hard.

Second Fuzzy: Tomorrow is Record Store Day. It will be our third year of celebrating it. Each year special limited releases are put out specifically on this day. It is one of Jeremiah's favorite days of the year. He has it all planned out, which stores we hit when. He has a list of everything he is looking to purchase. If you know of anyone who collects vinyl, tomorrow is a special day. It is a special day I will most likely enjoy in comfy clothes, especially if I have to get up early.


Well? Warm fuzzies? Do share.

MIMs the Word

While Jeremiah's parents were here, we were trying to think of things to do. Boyfriend eagerly suggested the MIM, the Musical Instrument Museum. It was a no go with his folks, but I told him that I would go with him at a later date. The next day at work, I was sent an email that for the entire month of March, teachers and a guest could see the MIM for FREE. F-R-E-E-E (name that show). I forwarded it to Jeremiah, who sent back a slightly explicit email detailing how happy he was. And then we waited for our ailments to pass us by and during my spring break we went. Here:

And I'm not sure if that is stone or marble or what, but I love it. The building is beautiful. The museum opened last year and is incredible. You get a headset that automatically tunes in to whatever exhibit you are at and you hear the instruments/music from around the world. Very cool.

I took literally hundreds of pictures. Here are just a sampling. I'm saving my best for Shuttercal. I'll be posting a MIM picture daily next month. My calendar (for those interested) is the letter e and my last name. It can be found under user list.

Room of guitars. Plus Air Guitar, which was posted next to an empty guitar case. Jer and I thought that was pretty funny.

I'm a fan of DIY & Repurposing, so you know I loved this hat with beads and bottle caps.

And this hat? I'd wear it. Totally.

The sign that showed how many languages are used in Africa just amazed me. Holy Wordsies, Batman.

The instrument below Jeremiah dragged me over to because he wanted to prove that it was made out of a bull's scrotum. Nice. Not so much for the bull...

I loved the display in the Mexico area. HUGE. Day of the Dead stuff. And I giggled as I listened to two little old ladies discussing how inappropriate the display was. And I wondered if they ever decorated their children/grandchildren for Halloween, which has zero spiritual significance, while Day of the Dead does. Just sayin'

I really got into all the detail in these pictures.

Bells.

There might have been some welling of tears in the eyes when we got to the part of the museum where they displayed different memorabilia from different artists and we came across the piano that John Lennon used while writing Imagine.

The last part of the museum that we visited was a hands-on room where everyone could try out some of the instruments that were seen throughout the museum, including these drums, a gong, and a variety of others.

And on the way out I saw a map of the world done in stone. Yes, Michigan.

That was our FREE field trip. Boyfriend and I had a great time. Anyone else have a fun excursion recently?

Litter Boxes on the Hillside...

You may have figured out that I named kitty Mel (or Mal). It's short for Malvina Reynolds, who was a folk-singer. Anyway, Mel is quite the character. She is intimidated by NOTHING. She and Atticus have quite the game of tag going on. I hope it's tag and not attacks. I don't see puffy cat tail but instead some waggy dog tail, so I think I'm okay.

She's super curious and this picture was taken while she was watching fingers. She loves to chase fingers. And this is her favorite spot in the house. The landing on the stairs.

Her idea of a good time is playing constantly. And eating. And making a mess of her litterbox. I honestly have never seen a messier cat and I've lived with cats my entire life.  I've tried three boxes and she still flings litter out like it's going out of style. It doesn't help that she plays in it when it's clean.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mel spends most of her time upstairs but will occasionally grace us with her presence downstairs.

She is the first cat that I've ever had that sleeps at night and is up during the day. The second that Jer and I are both in bed (she follows me around until I get in bed), she hops up. And she doesn't move all night, even if she accidentally gets kicked by a foot or stepped on by a dog. She stays. When we get up, she gets up. So weird. I've read that it might be because of her eyes. Apparently the blue eyes lack the necessary whatever that helps cats see at night. Who knew?

And you might be wondering where she got her name. Or maybe not, but I'm going to share anyway. The theme song to Weeds is by Malvina Reynolds. Here are the lyrics:

Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same,
Theres a pink one & a green one
And a blue one & a yellow one
And they are all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same
And theres doctors & lawyers
And business executives
And they are all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university
Where they´re put in boxes
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry & raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same,
Theres a pink one & a green one
And a blue one & a yellow one
And they are all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.



And then, if you are into it, check out the intro with Death Cab for Cutie singing it. That's my neighborhood. Just not nearly as fancy pants.
Death Cab for Cutie intro on Weeds

I love the song and critical view of the middle/upper class desire to have the same things as everyone else. Because seriously, in our neighborhood (in this city, really), it is about keeping up with the Jones'. I don't even know the Jones'.  I don't care about them. But people buy houses, boats, and cars they can't afford. I know. Don't ask how I know, but I know.

I like my house, but I'm determined to make it different than every other house in our 'hood, even if on the outside they all look the same. Which is part of the reason I shop for one of a kinds at thrift shops. The other reason is because I don't have any money.  But seriously, the outside? Exactly the same. Take a look: Roofs? all the same. House color? All the same.

And that is how Mel got her name. It's my version of the fist pump, which I can't get behind. Because I don't want to.

p.s. I should add that Jeremiah thinks that she was either denied oxygen at some point or that she was dropped on her head. She doesn't have a lot of grace. Or smarts. I think he is just unfairly comparing her to Scout, who had brains, grace, and beauty. Full package. Mel was first in line for looks but I think a bunch of other kitties shortcut her when brains and equilibriums were being passed out. She's not dumb, but...she's not smart, either.

Imagine

In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share my NEW favorite Glee moment (keep in mind that I am on season one and if you tell me ANYTHING I will quit you forever). This particular scene is from a practice with the students in the school for the deaf.

Glee, Season 1

Gleeks.

Let me start by saying that I've been wanting to watch Glee on Netflix for awhile now. So I moved the first disc to the top of our queue (much to CLH's dismay). Oh.My.Gosh. I couldn't stop watching, people.

I'm a Gleek.

But here's my favorite part. If you've been in a hole like me you haven't seen the show, here's the clip:

Season 1, episode 4.



I couldn't find one that shows it, but it goes on to show Kurt (who is tiny & gay & not so popular, but completely wonderful) winning the game by kicking the ball (after dancing to Beyonce) into the goal (endzone? what's it called?) with his tough manly man dad watching. Then his dad is screaming "That's my boy! That's my son!" and I start crying.

P.S. I sing this song to Jeremiah regularly, just so everyone knows.

P.P.S. Any other Gleeks out there? 

What Time Is It?

It's time to rock and roll!!

Just kidding. We aren't that nerdy.

Not all the time, anyway.

I wanted to share a project that Jeremiah did this weekend:

He turned a very cool piece of vinyl (Rolling Stones, yo) into a clock.


We actually ended up using my Cricut (LOVE.IT.) to make numbers out of the album cover. Yes, it is cool. You dig it?


P.S. Jeremiah had so much fun (especially picking out the vinyl) that he's decided to offer up his services. If you know of anyone that is a music buff, vinyl fanatic, or punk (doesn't it look punkish/modish/eighties?) they might enjoy one. Let us know. He's offering his services for way cheaper than you might find elsewhere.

If you aren't into it, then I hope you enjoyed this technicolor post. And the craftiness.

Prom Knight & Another Sun Music

Here are two songs.


Just kidding.


But we are working on loading some of Jeremiah's old music up to the blog for your listening enjoyment. If you have any ideas, please share. The music is being hosted by another site, but I'm having trouble with the links, I think.

Ideally, a listener would be able to listen without having to download anything.

Seriously, suggestions? Please let me know.

On the Third Day of Tech Camp Boyfriend Gave to Me...

Again, nothing.

But it was a VERY fun night, rivaling Vegas, minus the drinking (for me) until...

Our waitress offered a free drink to the first person that could name group that sang the song that was currently playing in the bar. It was "I know what boys like" by The Waitresses. I was the only one that knew it.

I won.

And being the cheap-o that I am, I couldn't pass up the chance for a free drink. Are you judging? No judging. It's not like I took a free drink from a gentleman. I won it. By the way, I did tip the waitress. Miss Manners would have totally approved. You see, I like to keep the blog filled with life lessons.

Drink of choice? Prickly Pear Margarita, super-sized.

Mother of God. I ended up giggly and watching Spanish television.

My New Band

I'm going to start a new music group.

The name?

Rock Satan's Baby.

How cool is that?

Jeremiah will be the drummer, bass player, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar. I will be singing, playing the tambourine, and making sure there is enough cow bell (name the reference). Our focus will be Polish Punk Rock, so expect to hear lots of songs about ginchies, punchkies, babushkas, etc. Expect to see boyfriend wearing eyeliner and skinny ties and looking a bit emo. I shall wear my hair stick straight, plus lots of black clothes, and lots of makeup. I will not, however, wear skinny jeans. I don't think that would be fair for anyone.

But all that aside: We will rock. You will love us.

So I just have to tell you where I came up with the awesome band name. We were watching Rosemary's Baby on Friday night. I often offer up commentary while a movie is playing, which I think makes me even more lovable, but you'd have to speak with Jeremiah to find out his opinion...

Spoiler Alert (on a movie that is older than I am): as we are watching the end, the crazy witch people are encouraging Rosemary (poor chick didn't stand a chance, did she? I would have left when he started making those comments about the haircut.) to embrace her child and the fact that the devil himself chose HER (what an honor, I tell ya') to have his baby. At this point she heads over to the black crib (bassinet? can you tell I don't have kids?) draped in black scarves and it is very dramatic. She heads over there because the other woman that is trying to rock the spawn of Satan is rocking him too quickly. So she does it. She Rocks Satan's Baby.

Band name of the most awesome proportions EVER.

p.s. Please don't tell boyfriend about the eyeliner. Or the skinny ties. Or the fact that he might be wearing the skinny jeans. We haven't really discussed wardrobe yet.