settee, living room
from the series, 519 central ave
copyright © christopher barbour 2005-2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
elbow - "one day like this"
One of my favorite bands in the world is Elbow. These lads from Manchester, England make what i like to call literary music. Every song tells a story and is soaked through with meaning. Many of their songs hold influence in my work and my life. They were (finally) awarded the Nationwide Mercury Prize in 2008 for the best album in England, The Seldom Seen Kid. It has been on constant play in my life since it came out last April. I encourage you to pick up a copy and actually get the entire back catalog. You will not be let down. I have been following them since they released their first album, Asleep in the Back, in 2001 and they just keep getting better. And live... let's just say, it is PERFECT! See them for sure if they come to your town. Recently, they performed the entire latest album live on the BBC. You can see the individual songs on youtube.
I chose "One Day Like This" because it is a beautiful day here in Los Angeles. The video was shot here in my fair city. I think the story goes the original video idea was having some scheduling issues so they went out and found a moment that was as poignant as the song. A song about the day after discovering love. The joy that ensues. That feeling of freedom.
Enjoy!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
el guincho - "palmitas park"
Here's a great song to get you in the mood for spring. El Guincho, aka Pablo Díaz-Reixa, hails from Barcelona-via-Canary Islands and is a one-man band. You should check out his entirely addictive self-released album, Alegranza.
Find yourself some sun, maybe make a nice tropical drink and dance away.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
for kelly, john, and quinn...
In 2005, I went to Portland, Oregon for five days. It was my first trip there, and five truly enjoyable days. What rain? It rained like an hour tops maybe. Anyway, I loved it there. The clean air. The "green" city. The vibe. The food. Portland is a a great food town. And I mean great! Local and fresh is the mantra. Park Kitchen is absolutely one of my favorite places in the world to eat. The lemon soufflé with fresh blueberries... damn, it's good!
My good friend, Kelly, her very soon-to-be husband, John, and their absolutely adorable 16-month-old son, Quinn, just moved to Portland last week. I was sad to see them leave, but I know they are going to be in love with the city, as they already seem to be, why else would they have moved there, right?
I've known quite a few people who have or are in the process of moving to this wonderful city in the last few years. I'm still thinking of going myself. To Kelly, John, Quinn, Kate, Aaron, and Rashmi... I offer up this image. I hope to visit soon, and one never knows what the future might hold. Neighbors? May you find tremendous happiness in your new home. And may the life of your dreams be...
made in oregon
copyright © christopher barbour 2005-2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
oreka tx
The Basque duo known as Oreka Tx perform on a percussive mallet instrument made of cedar called the Txalaparta. I discovered them on KCRW a few weeks ago. It's really cool, especially if you like world music or percussion of any type, and after you realize it is usually an instrument made of boards of differing types of wood. Enjoy.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
frieze article: life work
An interesting, if sprawling, article on a life in art:
http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/life_work/
Saturday, March 7, 2009
múm and pitchfork tv
Yesterday, I discovered Pitchfork TV. This was a good thing, but it also took about three or four hours away from my day because I was having so much fun. It's great! They have lots of music videos and live shows from some wonderful bands. I'm sure I'm late to the game, but I was happy to find another outlet to explore music.
I watched a múm show from the Brooklyn Masonic Temple that I loved. If you don't know múm, they are an Icelandic band that incorporates analogue and digital technologies while playing an assortment of instruments including violin, cello, melodica, harmonica and even kazoo. Not your regular band. Well maybe more so today but they started off working like this as teenagers back in 1998. I'm sure influencing some of today's converts. The sound is definitely unique, and fun. Orchestral in many ways. You can see the full show here, part one and part two. There are great performances of "Guilty Rocks" and "Marmalade Fires" in part one.
I've included the song "They made frogs smoke 'til they exploded" below. Yes, they have interesting song titles as well. It definitely shows their playful side. The aspect ratio is a little off here, but it's fine on Pitchfork's site. Enjoy.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
