Friday Favorites

In light of the new year, I figure now is a good time to change things up a bit. I have so many favorite things besides Etsy shops that I'd like to share with you. So, from now on, Fridays will be reserved for my favorite things. This may or may not include items or shops from Etsy, but I promise to not disappoint!

Here is my short list of links for your weekend enjoyment:

Favorite baby news from Katie at ...for Lauren and Lauren!! Congrats!!!

New Favorite Band: Hey Marseilles from Seattle. Think the child of Beirut and Death Cab for Cutie.

I might need to get my nephew a my new favorite boy accessories : Faux Vest Onesie



Favorite Christmas story : The Snowman

Who's singin' in my car?

Usually Dan is the one to wear out a new album in less than a week, playing it so often that I actually begin to hate it. This time, it's me! Dan and I picked up the new Iron and Wine album a few weeks ago and I've been listening to it non-stop. I haven't been this excited about a new album in a really long time.

Kiss Each Other Clean is amazing. It's as if someone was actually paying attention when they were writing and arranging the songs. It's the perfect story, easing you in at the beginning and rocking you out in the middle. Plus, there's a song about Lazarus and Eli LOVES to sing along.

Sure, it's a little poppy, but I like it when Sean Beam wakes up a bit. This album is a little more like Shepherd Dog but with some saxophone and killer backup singers. The perfect driving album.

Don't Look Back

From time to time, Dan surprises me with a new album from my favorite artists. The last one I got was the new She & Him album. I like it more than their first. It feels more original. I love to play it in the kitchen while I'm doing dishes. Eli calls it "mama music".

I thought I would share one of my favorite songs with all of you. It's very poppy and so different from my usual taste, but I kind of like that. I am not a fan of most female singers but Zooey has such a unique voice; sharp and clear with no frills. Plus, the video is fun.

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Organic Techno

Last night, Dan and I got to see Jónsi live at the Pageant. Without the costumes and makeup, you might recognize him as the lead singer of Iceland's most popular band, Sigur Rós. I've been enjoying their music for more than 10 years but have never seen them live. Last night, my dreams came true as I sat in front of who I think is today's most talented musician.

I'm no Raul Kemp, but I do want to attempt to share my experience with anyone who cares. Standing before an eager crowd, Jónsi began the show with an acoustic version of the already slow and steady Stars Still in Water. Despite wearing a colorful jacket with fringe hanging from the sleeves, you'd think he was a choir boy by the way he sang. Mariah Carey's got nothing on this man who can reach any note and the ones beyond. Percussionist Thorvaldur Thor Thorvaldsson known as "doddi" was flawless, synchronizing the beats of every heart with his steady drumming during Hengilás and leading into Kolniður. Suddenly, the show erupted triumphantly into what I can only describe as organic techno. You wouldn't believe it, but every sound came from real people playing real instruments. Lights pulsed as band members pounded on drums and piano and xylophone keys during Tornado. The musicians were perfectly in sync as they performed the more popular Go Do and Boy Lilikoi. The audience was left blissful and yet hungry for more as the band left the stage after playing for an hour.

The cheering didn't stop until the stage was filled with band members again. Jónsi came out, this time with a feathered headdress complimenting his jacket. It was pure musical explosion during Sticks and Stones, and then we were left with Jonsi, alone on the floor of the stage while digitally manipulating his voice at the end of Grow Till Tall.

Each song was accompanied by mostly black and white animation of nature scenes, including marching ants and a wolf chasing a doe with the occasional pop of color via humming birds. Visually and musically, it was the most original thing I've seen since I saw Radio Head back in 2001. Last night's show was absolutely amazing and I am SO glad we decided to go last minute. Best date night ever!