Toronto Part 3: Girls With Guitars @ The Rivoli and Going Home (September 29, 2007)

My new found love for this city climaxed at Girls With Guitars Fest Thursday night. I knew it was going to be a special night when I walked in and saw John and Clare, a honeymooning English couple whom Linda M and I met at our show in Greenwich Village last weekend and who promised to follow us to our Toronto show! They are the loveliest couple and such fun. (Clare took this picture for us!) The Rivoli is a classy venue with superior sound and Linda, who was hosting the event, did a fabulous job with planning and hospitality.

Round One featured Madeleine Slate, Darcy Lynne Ward, Elora, and Angie Nussey, whose Gynecologist Song had us doubled over backstage. Definitely NOT the easiest subject to write about, and only someone with her superior songwriting skill (Three-time Toronto Independent Music Award Winner!) and smart humor could pull it off. Very well executed, as were all of the other songs performed.

Guitar virtuouso Suzie Vinnick kicked off Round Two. From her flawless guitar playing to her disarming voice to her stellar songwriting, this woman is a force to be reckoned with, and she lended her picking to several of the other’s songs played in the second round. Up next was Amanda Bentley, who was the highlight of the evening for me when she did a jaw-dropping rendition of Britney Spear’s “Toxic.” From now on I will refer to this hit as “Amanda Bentley’s ‘Toxic,’” for she truly owned the song. Hopefully she’ll record it soon! I followed Amanda, and the four songs I played over the course of Round Two were “U”, “The Rain Is Gone”, “Meant to Fall in Love (Fell Apart Instead)”, and “Night Drive”. Linda M ended it with a bang, despite being a little under the weather. Her “Gravity” is still my favorite, and she did another great cover, “I Want You To Want Me.”

Photo courtesy of Gordon Hawkins.

The drive home was long, but pleasant. I drove through patches of thunderstorms, which made for great cloud-gazing (see below for more drive-by shots). I made it through the border all right, though I get so nervous! I don’t know why, since I am the most law-abiding person I know. I think, “What if someone planted massive amounts of cocaine in my trunk without me knowing?!” and “What if they don’t let me back in?!” Pathetic, yes. I’m still not right after seeing “Brokedown Palace,” not to mention “Maria Full of Grace.” Yikes.

On the drive I listened to “Shine,” Joni Mitchell’s exquisite new album. The texture is really different from her other albums – as her voice has grown deeper, the timbre of the other instruments has lightened. So beautiful. I also listened to her “Travelogue” a couple times. With weeks worth of music on my iPod, I always seem to listen to Joni on the road, and especially “Travelogue” and “Hejira.” I also always end up listening to “August and Everything After” by the Counting Crows, and every time I am shocked by how excellent it is. With the beginning of each song I think, this can’t possibly be true – what other album has SO MANY consistently good songs?! From recent years, I can’t think of any that reaches the elevation of this one. I also practiced my French a bit and I listened to History 7B lectures from the UC-Berkeley podcast. You can download them for free from iTunes and, between the two travel days, I listened to half a semester’s worth. Good stuff.

Yes, I’m a big fan of clouds…

Toronto Part 3: Girls With Guitars @ The Rivoli and Going Home (September 29, 2007)

My new found love for this city climaxed at Girls With Guitars Fest Thursday night. I knew it was going to be a special night when I walked in and saw John and Clare, a honeymooning English couple whom Linda M and I met at our show in Greenwich Village last weekend and who promised to follow us to our Toronto show! They are the loveliest couple and such fun. (Clare took this picture for us!) The Rivoli is a classy venue with superior sound and Linda, who was hosting the event, did a fabulous job with planning and hospitality.

Round One featured Madeleine Slate, Darcy Lynne Ward, Elora, and Angie Nussey, whose Gynecologist Song had us doubled over backstage. Definitely NOT the easiest subject to write about, and only someone with her superior songwriting skill (Three-time Toronto Independent Music Award Winner!) and smart humor could pull it off. Very well executed, as were all of the other songs performed.

Guitar virtuouso Suzie Vinnick kicked off Round Two. From her flawless guitar playing to her disarming voice to her stellar songwriting, this woman is a force to be reckoned with, and she lended her picking to several of the other’s songs played in the second round. Up next was Amanda Bentley, who was the highlight of the evening for me when she did a jaw-dropping rendition of Britney Spear’s “Toxic.” From now on I will refer to this hit as “Amanda Bentley’s ‘Toxic,’” for she truly owned the song. Hopefully she’ll record it soon! I followed Amanda, and the four songs I played over the course of Round Two were “U”, “The Rain Is Gone”, “Meant to Fall in Love (Fell Apart Instead)”, and “Night Drive”. Linda M ended it with a bang, despite being a little under the weather. Her “Gravity” is still my favorite, and she did another great cover, “I Want You To Want Me.”

Photo courtesy of Gordon Hawkins.

The drive home was long, but pleasant. I drove through patches of thunderstorms, which made for great cloud-gazing (see below for more drive-by shots). I made it through the border all right, though I get so nervous! I don’t know why, since I am the most law-abiding person I know. I think, “What if someone planted massive amounts of cocaine in my trunk without me knowing?!” and “What if they don’t let me back in?!” Pathetic, yes. I’m still not right after seeing “Brokedown Palace,” not to mention “Maria Full of Grace.” Yikes.

On the drive I listened to “Shine,” Joni Mitchell’s exquisite new album. The texture is really different from her other albums – as her voice has grown deeper, the timbre of the other instruments has lightened. So beautiful. I also listened to her “Travelogue” a couple times. With weeks worth of music on my iPod, I always seem to listen to Joni on the road, and especially “Travelogue” and “Hejira.” I also always end up listening to “August and Everything After” by the Counting Crows, and every time I am shocked by how excellent it is. With the beginning of each song I think, this can’t possibly be true – what other album has SO MANY consistently good songs?! From recent years, I can’t think of any that reaches the elevation of this one. I also practiced my French a bit and I listened to History 7B lectures from the UC-Berkeley podcast. You can download them for free from iTunes and, between the two travel days, I listened to half a semester’s worth. Good stuff.

Yes, I’m a big fan of clouds…

Toronto Part 3: Girls With Guitars @ The Rivoli and Going Home (September 29, 2007)

My new found love for this city climaxed at Girls With Guitars Fest Thursday night. I knew it was going to be a special night when I walked in and saw John and Clare, a honeymooning English couple whom Linda M and I met at our show in Greenwich Village last weekend and who promised to follow us to our Toronto show! They are the loveliest couple and such fun. (Clare took this picture for us!) The Rivoli is a classy venue with superior sound and Linda, who was hosting the event, did a fabulous job with planning and hospitality.Round One featured Madeleine Slate, Darcy Lynne Ward, Elora, and Angie Nussey, whose Gynecologist Song had us doubled over backstage. Definitely NOT the easiest subject to write about, and only someone with her superior songwriting skill (Three-time Toronto Independent Music Award Winner!) and smart humor could pull it off. Very well executed, as were all of the other songs performed.Guitar virtuouso Suzie Vinnick kicked off Round Two. From her flawless guitar playing to her disarming voice to her stellar songwriting, this woman is a force to be reckoned with, and she lended her picking to several of the other’s songs played in the second round. Up next was Amanda Bentley, who was the highlight of the evening for me when she did a jaw-dropping rendition of Britney Spear’s “Toxic.” From now on I will refer to this hit as “Amanda Bentley’s ‘Toxic,’” for she truly owned the song. Hopefully she’ll record it soon! I followed Amanda, and the four songs I played over the course of Round Two were “U”, “The Rain Is Gone”, “Meant to Fall in Love (Fell Apart Instead)”, and “Night Drive”. Linda M ended it with a bang, despite being a little under the weather. Her “Gravity” is still my favorite, and she did another great cover, “I Want You To Want Me.”Photo courtesy of Gordon Hawkins.The drive home was long, but pleasant. I drove through patches of thunderstorms, which made for great cloud-gazing (see below for more drive-by shots). I made it through the border all right, though I get so nervous! I don’t know why, since I am the most law-abiding person I know. I think, “What if someone planted massive amounts of cocaine in my trunk without me knowing?!” and “What if they don’t let me back in?!” Pathetic, yes. I’m still not right after seeing “Brokedown Palace,” not to mention “Maria Full of Grace.” Yikes.On the drive I listened to “Shine,” Joni Mitchell’s exquisite new album. The texture is really different from her other albums – as her voice has grown deeper, the timbre of the other instruments has lightened. So beautiful. I also listened to her “Travelogue” a couple times. With weeks worth of music on my iPod, I always seem to listen to Joni on the road, and especially “Travelogue” and “Hejira.” I also always end up listening to “August and Everything After” by the Counting Crows, and every time I am shocked by how excellent it is. With the beginning of each song I think, this can’t possibly be true – what other album has SO MANY consistently good songs?! From recent years, I can’t think of any that reaches the elevation of this one. I also practiced my French a bit and I listened to History 7B lectures from the UC-Berkeley podcast. You can download them for free from iTunes and, between the two travel days, I listened to half a semester’s worth. Good stuff.Yes, I’m a big fan of clouds…

Toronto Part 2: Misc. Musings, Josh Ritter @ Drake Hotel, Girls With Guitars (September 27, 2007)

36 hours in and I am in love with this city. The only reason it took so long is that I’ve had quite a bit of trouble with the roads…. My first night here the exit I was planning to take was closed, which sent me on a scenic drive through the airport. I learn directions quickly, which includes the wrong directions, so last night I, once again, took a spin through Terminal 3. I think it’s kind of interesting, given my near-paralyzing fear of flying and upcoming flights over the Atlantic… maybe this was meant to be shock therapy or something.

The problem with going the wrong way here is that the roads are SO LONG and so it takes a while to figure out you’re wrong and even longer to correct it. However, I have never experienced such pleasant drivers. I was in rush hour “traffic” this morning, and all the drivers left ample room so we never stopped moving. Even more shocking is that, when I put on my blinker to turn, I am immediately invited to merge. Driving here is seamless – almost choreographed. I feel I should apologize to all Canadians for I have done some seriously illegal driving the past few days, with all my wrong turns and whatnot. Thank goodness for Ontario drivers or I might have been in a wreck ten times over.

I spent yesterday afternoon meandering around Queen Street West, which has a lot of interesting people and things to take in. After a day of road food I was delighted to stumble upon Fresh. While having lunch outside a black squirrel the size of a healthy cat ran across the patio, which was very exciting for me, though I can’t say the same for my fellow diners. I’d never seen a black squirrel before! So exotic, I know. There are a lot of things that makes Toronto feel foreign, though, beyond drivers and squirrels and the currency, which feels like play money and which I half-expect to be declined when I try to pay with it. (Above: not your average back-to-school supplies, eh?)

I’ll admit I was disappointed when I crossed the border and I saw WalMart and Ikea. However, once I moved away from the border I quickly realized this is a very special place. There is a quietness about it, and a gentleness. A freshness, too. The clouds are very heavy, and even though it’s been in the 70s, the sky looks like it’s holding snow. The air is different – the sky feels higher, bigger, more powerful. Also, I decided that Toronto has the highest concentration of beautiful women of any city I’ve ever visited. It is astonishing. Every single woman could be on the cover of a magazine. (Don’t you love my stereotyping? If you live here or if you’ve been to Toronto you know what I’m talking about, though). They emanate a healthy glow and natural beauty… the men are attractive and healthy looking, too, but the women are UNUSUALLY beautiful, and not in a Stepford way. Let’s just say I’m drinking as much Toronto tap water as possible. I am excited that a lot of things are in French, too, and I am practicing for France. For example, today I learned that “Snap Crackle Pop” is “Cric Crac Croc”… I’m sure that will come in handy.

Last night I went to The Drake Hotel to see Josh Ritter and his band. The underground venue was so tiny that, standing in the front row, I felt as if I was imposing on the band. It was very intimate, to say the least, and a great spot to see a show. A girl named Kat Burns of Forest City Lovers was a great opening act. I really liked a song she played called “Castles,” which is on her band’s Myspace page. Josh and the band were really tight – the new members add great energy. They played a lot of songs from the new album and seemed to be having fun with it. While the new album hasn’t had as much of an impact on me as The Animal Years did, the new songs undoubtedly have more energy, and so they break up a live set nicely.

The highlight of the night for me was a solo “Thin Blue Flame,” which Josh played in complete darkness. Having no visual distractions changed the experience of the song, for I focused my attention solely on the lyrics and on the energy in the room. When the band kicked in at the end it really elevated the song to epic proportions. They knew they nailed it. Another highlight was when Josh stepped out from the microphone and cut the power on his guitar to do a sing-along version of “Roll On” sans microphone (see picture). This was another great way to vary the set and exhibited his well-rehearsed showmanship.

I don’t know why, but I kind of felt like I was at a 1970s post-prom party or something…

If you’re in Toronto tonight be sure to come to Girls With Guitars Fest! 9PM Doors/10PM Show at The Rivoli, 334 Queens Street West!

Toronto Part 2: Misc. Musings, Josh Ritter @ Drake Hotel, Girls With Guitars (September 27, 2007)

36 hours in and I am in love with this city. The only reason it took so long is that I’ve had quite a bit of trouble with the roads…. My first night here the exit I was planning to take was closed, which sent me on a scenic drive through the airport. I learn directions quickly, which includes the wrong directions, so last night I, once again, took a spin through Terminal 3. I think it’s kind of interesting, given my near-paralyzing fear of flying and upcoming flights over the Atlantic… maybe this was meant to be shock therapy or something.

The problem with going the wrong way here is that the roads are SO LONG and so it takes a while to figure out you’re wrong and even longer to correct it. However, I have never experienced such pleasant drivers. I was in rush hour “traffic” this morning, and all the drivers left ample room so we never stopped moving. Even more shocking is that, when I put on my blinker to turn, I am immediately invited to merge. Driving here is seamless – almost choreographed. I feel I should apologize to all Canadians for I have done some seriously illegal driving the past few days, with all my wrong turns and whatnot. Thank goodness for Ontario drivers or I might have been in a wreck ten times over.

I spent yesterday afternoon meandering around Queen Street West, which has a lot of interesting people and things to take in. After a day of road food I was delighted to stumble upon Fresh. While having lunch outside a black squirrel the size of a healthy cat ran across the patio, which was very exciting for me, though I can’t say the same for my fellow diners. I’d never seen a black squirrel before! So exotic, I know. There are a lot of things that makes Toronto feel foreign, though, beyond drivers and squirrels and the currency, which feels like play money and which I half-expect to be declined when I try to pay with it. (Above: not your average back-to-school supplies, eh?)

I’ll admit I was disappointed when I crossed the border and I saw WalMart and Ikea. However, once I moved away from the border I quickly realized this is a very special place. There is a quietness about it, and a gentleness. A freshness, too. The clouds are very heavy, and even though it’s been in the 70s, the sky looks like it’s holding snow. The air is different – the sky feels higher, bigger, more powerful. Also, I decided that Toronto has the highest concentration of beautiful women of any city I’ve ever visited. It is astonishing. Every single woman could be on the cover of a magazine. (Don’t you love my stereotyping? If you live here or if you’ve been to Toronto you know what I’m talking about, though). They emanate a healthy glow and natural beauty… the men are attractive and healthy looking, too, but the women are UNUSUALLY beautiful, and not in a Stepford way. Let’s just say I’m drinking as much Toronto tap water as possible. I am excited that a lot of things are in French, too, and I am practicing for France. For example, today I learned that “Snap Crackle Pop” is “Cric Crac Croc”… I’m sure that will come in handy.

Last night I went to The Drake Hotel to see Josh Ritter and his band. The underground venue was so tiny that, standing in the front row, I felt as if I was imposing on the band. It was very intimate, to say the least, and a great spot to see a show. A girl named Kat Burns of Forest City Lovers was a great opening act. I really liked a song she played called “Castles,” which is on her band’s Myspace page. Josh and the band were really tight – the new members add great energy. They played a lot of songs from the new album and seemed to be having fun with it. While the new album hasn’t had as much of an impact on me as The Animal Years did, the new songs undoubtedly have more energy, and so they break up a live set nicely.

The highlight of the night for me was a solo “Thin Blue Flame,” which Josh played in complete darkness. Having no visual distractions changed the experience of the song, for I focused my attention solely on the lyrics and on the energy in the room. When the band kicked in at the end it really elevated the song to epic proportions. They knew they nailed it. Another highlight was when Josh stepped out from the microphone and cut the power on his guitar to do a sing-along version of “Roll On” sans microphone (see picture). This was another great way to vary the set and exhibited his well-rehearsed showmanship.

I don’t know why, but I kind of felt like I was at a 1970s post-prom party or something…

If you’re in Toronto tonight be sure to come to Girls With Guitars Fest! 9PM Doors/10PM Show at The Rivoli, 334 Queens Street West!

Toronto Part 2: Misc. Musings, Josh Ritter @ Drake Hotel, Girls With Guitars (September 27, 2007)

36 hours in and I am in love with this city. The only reason it took so long is that I’ve had quite a bit of trouble with the roads…. My first night here the exit I was planning to take was closed, which sent me on a scenic drive through the airport. I learn directions quickly, which includes the wrong directions, so last night I, once again, took a spin through Terminal 3. I think it’s kind of interesting, given my near-paralyzing fear of flying and upcoming flights over the Atlantic… maybe this was meant to be shock therapy or something.The problem with going the wrong way here is that the roads are SO LONG and so it takes a while to figure out you’re wrong and even longer to correct it. However, I have never experienced such pleasant drivers. I was in rush hour “traffic” this morning, and all the drivers left ample room so we never stopped moving. Even more shocking is that, when I put on my blinker to turn, I am immediately invited to merge. Driving here is seamless – almost choreographed. I feel I should apologize to all Canadians for I have done some seriously illegal driving the past few days, with all my wrong turns and whatnot. Thank goodness for Ontario drivers or I might have been in a wreck ten times over.I spent yesterday afternoon meandering around Queen Street West, which has a lot of interesting people and things to take in. After a day of road food I was delighted to stumble upon Fresh. While having lunch outside a black squirrel the size of a healthy cat ran across the patio, which was very exciting for me, though I can’t say the same for my fellow diners. I’d never seen a black squirrel before! So exotic, I know. There are a lot of things that makes Toronto feel foreign, though, beyond drivers and squirrels and the currency, which feels like play money and which I half-expect to be declined when I try to pay with it. (Above: not your average back-to-school supplies, eh?)I’ll admit I was disappointed when I crossed the border and I saw WalMart and Ikea. However, once I moved away from the border I quickly realized this is a very special place. There is a quietness about it, and a gentleness. A freshness, too. The clouds are very heavy, and even though it’s been in the 70s, the sky looks like it’s holding snow. The air is different – the sky feels higher, bigger, more powerful. Also, I decided that Toronto has the highest concentration of beautiful women of any city I’ve ever visited. It is astonishing. Every single woman could be on the cover of a magazine. (Don’t you love my stereotyping? If you live here or if you’ve been to Toronto you know what I’m talking about, though). They emanate a healthy glow and natural beauty… the men are attractive and healthy looking, too, but the women are UNUSUALLY beautiful, and not in a Stepford way. Let’s just say I’m drinking as much Toronto tap water as possible. I am excited that a lot of things are in French, too, and I am practicing for France. For example, today I learned that “Snap Crackle Pop” is “Cric Crac Croc”… I’m sure that will come in handy.Last night I went to The Drake Hotel to see Josh Ritter and his band. The underground venue was so tiny that, standing in the front row, I felt as if I was imposing on the band. It was very intimate, to say the least, and a great spot to see a show. A girl named Kat Burns of Forest City Lovers was a great opening act. I really liked a song she played called “Castles,” which is on her band’s Myspace page. Josh and the band were really tight – the new members add great energy. They played a lot of songs from the new album and seemed to be having fun with it. While the new album hasn’t had as much of an impact on me as The Animal Years did, the new songs undoubtedly have more energy, and so they break up a live set nicely.The highlight of the night for me was a solo “Thin Blue Flame,” which Josh played in complete darkness. Having no visual distractions changed the experience of the song, for I focused my attention solely on the lyrics and on the energy in the room. When the band kicked in at the end it really elevated the song to epic proportions. They knew they nailed it. Another highlight was when Josh stepped out from the microphone and cut the power on his guitar to do a sing-along version of “Roll On” sans microphone (see picture). This was another great way to vary the set and exhibited his well-rehearsed showmanship.I don’t know why, but I kind of felt like I was at a 1970s post-prom party or something…If you’re in Toronto tonight be sure to come to Girls With Guitars Fest! 9PM Doors/10PM Show at The Rivoli, 334 Queens Street West!

Toronto Part 1: Plants & Animals & Andrew Bird (September 26, 2007)

"U"

Hey all,

A lot of people have been requesting a recording of “U”, one of the new songs. I just recorded a rough take (in my pajamas, thank you very much) and posted it on Myspace. Hope U like it (yuk yuk).

Enjoy!

Laura

"U"

Hey all,A lot of people have been requesting a recording of “U”, one of the new songs. I just recorded a rough take (in my pajamas, thank you very much) and posted it on Myspace. Hope U like it (yuk yuk).Enjoy!Laura

New York, Cowboys, and Other Things I Love

Thank you SO MUCH for those of you who came to the NYC shows this weekend! I am still coming down from it all…. It was truly magical to share music with people I love and to meet new friends along the way!

For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s a recap…

Friday at Caffe Vivaldi featured Linda M and myself, and WOW was she smoking. A songwriter’s songwriter, to be sure. She inspired the entire room to join her in a truly memorable rendition of that Oasis classic, “Wonderwall” (you know it’s a kick-ass song when everyone can sing all the words after ten years) and her originals were every bit as compelling. Check out my top friends to visit her Myspace page AND come see us play Girls With Guitars Fest this Thursday (9/27) at The Rivoli in her hometown, Toronto! Give “Gravity” a listen to see what I mean.

Friday also featured my piano debut (!) and a few new songs I’ve been cooking up over the summer. Thanks again to the guinea pigs for screening the new stuff and to our new friends from England for the wine and cheer! Yes, Friday was a perfect example of what makes NYC so enchanting

Saturday I found myself caught in the rain, so I blew off my errands and spent the day at the movies. And when I say “day” I mean it – I did a Western double-header. It was heavenly. First I saw “3:10 to Yuma”, which was quite good, though I was less than impressed with the acting of the female characters. (Although there aren’t many options available to women in Westerns beyond suffering wives and prostitutes, a lot more could have been done here. Not to mention that the two female characters looked and acted like they were right out of 2007. I eagerly await a Western which accurately portrays the physical, mental, and emotional perseverance of these pioneer women, and I am more than willing to fill the role, if you happen to be reading this, Mr. Eastwood). That being said, Christian Bale was captivating. I fell in love several times. He has come a long way since his Newsies cap (“Santa Fe…”). The chemistry between him and Russell Crowe made up for the other’s shortcomings. Definitely worth seeing, with minimal pangs for Josie Wales.

Next up was “The Assassination of Jesse James…,” which I have found myself revisiting many times over the past twenty-four hours, as the best movies inspire one to do. I don’t know if it was one of the best movies, but very ambitious and unexpected, stylistically and otherwise. I think I need to see it again, especially because I hadn’t digested “3:10 to Yuma” before diving into this one. Casey Affleck delivered some of the best acting I had seen since… Christian Bale (hehe). (Again, I fell in love many times.) In all seriousness, his portrayal of Robert Ford was so consuming that I can already feel there are some songs hatching. The complexity of his character cut deeply, as there was something very tender and delicately endearing about his soulless deceit. I love movies that succeed in stirring conflicting emotions, and both of these movies did succeed in this way. Very moving film; beautifully sequenced and highly recommended. Brad Pitt is always good, but I was a little distracted by his “Brad Pittness.” E! and US Weekly have poisoned a lot of roles with their shenanigans.

After my eyeballs were just about rolling out of my head I made my way down to the LES to play Googie’s Upstairs at the Living Room, which was a VERY pleasant surprise. The crowd was attentive to the extent that I was a bit unnerved, quite honestly. Quiet audiences remind me that – oh, yeah – I am standing at a microphone, singing my secrets to a room full of active listeners. Gulp. (Haha). Honestly, it was a treat, and I look forward to returning to Googie’s as soon as I am back from Europe!

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful equinox weekend! As I am operating on very little sleep I am no longer seeing double, but kaleidoscopically, and I shall cease to spew my opinions here. Sleep is a good thing.

Happy Autumn and see you in Toronto!

(Oh, yeah. I chopped off all my hair! You’ll see it soon. For now, I can’t stop rubbing my head. So nice…)