RW24!

Hey All. So I am heading to MKE in about 30 minutes. This weekend is the Riverwest24. I will explain more when I get home and it is all said and done. The basics: a 24 bike race through the Riverwest neighborhood in MKE, Wi. This is where my brother and his girlfriend live. I heard about it last year, so this year they invited me (Kat is coming too!) to come down and race. I am looking forward to it, but it is also a little crazy. We will see how it goes :)

This mix is some songs about bikes, some songs that get me pumped up. But for whatever reason, the last time i checked, the mix player wasn't working real well. Hopefully by the time you try it, it is working again. But, because I'm leaving real quick like, I don't have much time to write about the songs I picked for this mix. my apologies.

You can still listen, and i hope you enjoy it!

http://mixtape.me/p/17500

smooches,

C.

just a little recap

Hooray for Fish Lake! We had a blast last weekend, just relaxing and being care free. Enjoy just a few of the highlights.

Highlight 1. Not being on 94E the whole drive-we got to take a different WI Hwy. This made the drive FAST.

Highlight 2. dozens of kittens. Amanda's grandpa still lives on the lake in a house behind the cabin. He enjoys the company of cats, and these kitty's have gone wild! There are tons of them (mainly inbred.... :( ) but some to most are cute. a few (like rat-face, fuck-face and ginger) have funny eyes/faces. entertaining.

Highlight 3. the boat house porch-so nice to just relax and read or whatever while having a nice view down of the lake.

Highlight 4 (and maybe my favorite thing) Ray's Closeout! Imagine a surplus type store filled with crap you might find in your grandma's basement. That is Ray's closeout. Combs, batteries, fishing lines, ugly,pink,fluffy toilet seat covers, chap stick from 1993, fake flowers, Mexican flags, john deer tshirts, ridiculous perfume that smells like a Lutheran church potty and so much more. Below are pictures of Amanda and I in Ray's.

Highlight 5. El Jefe. We found a GIANT can of energy drink/malt liquor called El Jefe. It was graped flavor death and we used it in our version of "drinking Yahtzee!"

Highlight 6. fishing-Cayla-Amanda-Sara style...fish try hooking the worms, but them giving up and straight up dropping them in the lake and beating on which worm survives the longest.

Highlight 7. Ree's Taco Dip....need I say moreHighlight 8. Wearing bright yellow basketball shorts, a kelly green tshirt, my dad's old flannel, a fedora and some argyle socks and feeling legit.

Highlight 9. the 4 o'clock bell when the wave runners can no longer create waves

Highlight 10. spending the weekend with best friends. It is nice to have a little summer ritual that involves just reading, laying, cooking and eating. And lots of chit chat, of course. Thanks for a fun weekend, ladies!

Fish Lake Mix!!!

Happy Friday and HOORAY! I'm going to a cabin for the weekend! Obviously I'm pretty excited about this little trip. I just can't wait to have nothing to worry about for 3 days. Anyhow, This mix is just a good mix-no real theme other than songs I like. I hope you enjoy it as well. A handful of these songs are newer to me, so I hope the mesh well together.

OK, Enjoy!!!

http://mixtape.me/p/17390

1. Book of Right On-Joanna Newsom. I really like Joanna Newsom. She has such a unique voice and I think her songs are very well written. Who uses a harp in the way she does? No one else-that's great. I also really like the Roots remix of this song (Right On-The Roots)

2.So Far Around the Bend-The National. I've just recently given this band a second listen. When I heard their album The Boxer a handful of years back, i just didn't care too much for it-maybe I didn't get it, or maybe I was too busy with the stuff I was already listening to. Some Indie Rock just goes in one ear and out the other for me. But now that they have a new album coming out that is getting great reviews (and the fact that my girlfriend really likes this band) I decided to give it another listen. I like this sound off of Dark was the Night.

3. Get Myself Into it-The Rapture. I love this song. It always makes me get excited and want to dance a little bit. I first heard it when it was put on (one of my favorite)mixes from Race. And then I bought their album and have been loving it since.

4. Ragged Wood-Fleet Foxes. I really love this song. And this band. It is just really great music!
Ive said this about this band before, but I just love how they harmonize everything so beautifully. Thinking about sitting on top of a boat house playing cards and smoking grits and relaxing is what inspired me to put this song on the mix today. 5. Love Sick-Lindstrom & Christabelle. I can not get enough of this song. It has been on heavy rotation on our music station (89.3 the current) and for once, I'm not upset about that. In fact I get excited every time I hear it. I didn't even know what it was called or who it was by until I decided to put it on here. Enjoy!

6. The Reeling-Passion Pit. Passion Pit does it for me (most of the time.) I like the mix of live and electronic instruments. It gives a really nice vibe. The drum beats are just so tight and slick! This song is another that gets me wanting to dance. you too?

7. Rhino Love-Sunny Levine. I heard this song the other day on my Pandora and loved it! It is more on the mellow side, but in a wonderful way. This guys has a very soothing voice. I'm going to have to look into his music to see if I like more than just this song, or if you have heard of him, let me know what you think?

8. Litszomania-Phoenix. My favorite pop song of the last 10 years, by far. I think about all the other great pop songs that have come out and yes, I love me some Crazy in Love and Pokerface but this song is 100% pure gold. And I love it!

9. O la la- Goldfrapp. So I'm a dork and follow Tegan and Sara on Twitter and they always talk about Goldfrapp. So i finally gave it a listen and it is AWESOME. I hope you feel the same. She has a great voice-it is very danceable and (not that this should affect the music at all...) she is HOTTT. Hope you like it. I may need to go pick up an album.

10. Seasun-Delorean. So Amanda got me this Delorean Album for my birthday (which is still 2 weeks away) and i haven't been able to stop listening to it. So i looked into some of their other albums and they are ALSO killer pieces of work. This song is just uplifting (to me) and makes me feel good.

11. Numbers Don't Lie-Mynabirds. A has been talking about the Mynabirds for sometime. This is (of course...) their radio hit-all i could find on this mixtape program-but it is wonderful. what a wonderful voice she has! Another album I will have to give a listen to.

12. The Stranger-St. Vincent. St Vincent is pretty cool. I think it is very unique-almost vaudevillian, but then again not really....if that makes sense. It has this old-timey feel mixed with the beats of today (aren't I a cheeseball...) that makes it pretty different from anything else. I love how this song kicks it into overdrive halfway through. And the flutes just keep going.

13. Remind Me-Royksoop. Another group I had never heard of. These two guys are from Norway and make great electronic music. Royksoop (as i learned today) means literally "smoke mushroom" interesting, hey? His voice is again, very relaxing. I like that!

14. Band of Gold-Freida Pain. This is just a classic from my collection. I like this song a lot. It is so sad, but the music is pretty upbeat. Songs like this interest me, because unless you are really listening (which some people do not do) you would not know that the song tells a sad tale of losing love. Motown is where it is at!

Well guys, Like I said, I am out for the weekend, but expect pictures upon my return. I hope you all have a very relaxing weekend!

The Windy City

CHICAGO BOUND!(happy Friday!) Amanda and I are heading out this afternoon to go down to Chicago to visit a few friends, but more importantly, her, Brittany and I are going to LILITH FAIR!!!!!

I am pretty excited. I went to the first 2 Lilith Fair's back in the 90's and loved it (LOOOOONG before I came out/even thought about it) So I look forward to seeing this show. Out of all the performers is La Roux, Sarah McLaughlin and HEART (yes, as in one of my favorites-Nancy and Ann Wilson...HEART!!!) I will do a write up after the weekend.

ENJOY! http://mixtape.me/p/17269

1. Chicago-Frank Sinatra. I love this song. It reminds me of my step-grandmother, Marge. She *loves* frank. like LOVES. My favorite story of hers is about going to Chicago as a youngster to see Frank with her girlfriend and they got all dolled up and did their hair and such and when she saw him, almost fainted.

2. Chicago(We Can Change the World)-CS&N. As you know, I love CS&N (and CSNY). So of course I'd use this song. I think music from this era is so amazing because of the stories being told-the history in them. Hearing songs like this, and Ohio (also by these guys) and hearing about riots and rights and freedom and things that I sometimes take for granted (except that whole gay marriage thing-still working for that.)
3. Chicago at Night-Spoon. This is off of Girls Can Tell (their third album) however it is a live version of the song. I think the organ/keys sound pretty great on this one. And there is a pretty cool break down/build thing going on too.

4. Chicago-Sufjan Stevens. This particular song/album reminds me a whole lot of Brittany. It came out the year we both lived in Uptown and took an amazing road trip to New Orleans. I remember listening to this song a handful of times on that trip. I also recall listening to this album on a still, winter afternoon in the passenger seat of Brittany's pick up on the way to visit/meet her father, the infamous CHUCK! (Picture Leo from that 70's show, but less stupid and more into photography.) Anyways, enjoy the strings, brass, and in general gorgeous song.

5. Is Chicago Is Not Chicago-Soul Coughing. I really love this song. It was put on a mix for me back in High School and i really got into it. Also, Dave Matthews Band used to cover it on rare occasion. I really like the bass line and drum beat, not to mention M. Daughty's voice.

6. Chicago seemed Tired Last Night-the Hold Steady. I love how the Hold Steady tells stories that you can really get into. I hear his lyrics and I am really visualizing what he is talking about (or how I interpret it.) Also, they know how to rock and roll. HARD. and get down on a piano! (I like this Mpls-now NYC band a lot.)

7. My Way Home-Kanye (feat. Common). One of the biggest rappers to come out of Chicago, I had to add Kanye. Although he is full of himself and I don't care for him as a person, he does make some pretty good music. Just one of the many about Chicago.

8. Jesus just left Chicago-ZZ Top. Believe it or not, ZZ Top is f*ing awesome. They have an amazing blues/rock sound. I feel like my new band has a little ZZ Top in us. Anyhow, I like a good blues song that talks about Jesus and throws down a hard guitar solo. I hope you do too.

9. Star Witness-Neko Case. Bringing it down a hair, here is a little Neko Case singing about the Chi. Now you may be thinking-wtf, why is this on here...i hear nothing about Chicago. Well, I was just reading up on songs about Chicago before making this mix and according to the interwebs I was checking, this is about Chicago. Either way, A little Neko Case can't hurt!

10. Chi City-Common. I really like Common. I think he is an amazing artist(and pretty attractive). He is another Chicago native that throws down amazing rhymes. I know that sounds silly, but I'm totally serious. Some hip hop is too much for me, but this is typically what I'm looking for. Just listen to the story he is telling. that's that.

11. Happy Summertime-R.Kelly(feat. Snoop Dogg). Because I made a cut on R.Kelly last weekend (I, myself find his lyrics to be disgusting. While his music is catchy and such and he does have a nice voice, it makes me feel gross times 100 to hear him talking about constantly having sex and doing other dirty things, knowing that he is perv-ish and pee's on people during the act, but that's just me) I decided it would be nice to find a song by him that isn't TOO dirty-well that's barely possible, but it is a throw down about the chi, as well.

12. Come On! Hear the Illinoise!- Sufjan Stevens. It is hard to not have more than one of his songs on here, considering this album is called Illinois. This song gives me goosebumps. I am a total band dork at heart (PERCUSSION!!!) and this song just blows my mind. the rhythm is amazing, the woodwinds are so nice, and then they lyrics just throw it over the top. He is a genius, as far as I am concerned.

12.Far Far Away-Wilco. Wilco is another great band from Chicago. Not only is this song about Chicago, it is a very nice closer to a mix. brings you back down-mellows you out, if you will. I love the Lap steel/slide guitar going on. very pretty-very alt. county Wilco.

Well there you have it-A Chicago themed mix! I hope you all enjoy it. Any if you are in the twin cities, check out the Bicycle Film Festival-going on all weekend! http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/

Algonquin for "the good land"

Hey-o. Last weekend-well 2 weekends ago, now we were in Milwaukee and it was a great time. We did a lot of fun things-went to classic south side bars, and a not so regular bar that was a throw back in time(think 1930's jazz/supper club type place), saw 2 breweries (from our air conditioned car) walked the pier-one of the best views of the city, and enjoyed some quality time out at my Dad and step mom's place (why yes, he DID cook us an amazing dinner!) Of course both A and JK are from the D, so the garbage filled streets of Milwaukee don't look so bad to them, which is a feel good situation. Anyhow, instead of telling the whole story, I'm just going to include some of my favorite pictures from our trip. ENJOY!

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Enjoy the photos, Friends! Happy Monday

As sharp as I sting

Happy Tuesday, all. I am finally going to tell you about Mirah and Thao. A few weeks ago, Kat, Amanda and I road our bikes over to the West Bank for some dinner at Acadia and a great show at the Cedar.

I have a ton of pictures, as you can see. But I will tell you right away... these pictures do no justice to A). how attractive both of these women are, B). How well they play together and accent each other and C). How energetic they were on stages and how much fun everyone was having. Before the show, I had never really listened to Mirah. A and I really like Thao and saw her a few years ago with her band, The Get Down Stay Down. We know that Thao really kills it on stage and has an amazing presence. But I was pretty excited to hear what Mirah was all about. The opening band, The United States, was pretty good. They were actually really good at what they do, but it wasn't my absolute favorite genre of music (sort of alt. country type stuff, but *very* tight!) But their set was energetic and fun.

After the opening band, Thao and Mirah came out with their band. It was an awesome rhythmic jam for the first few minutes, which got me pumped up. Everyone on stage (well, besides the drummer and bass player) were clapping in rhythm (which i usually can't stand) but it sounded totally cool. It got everyone up and dancing, and then they busted into a song.

When these two ladies voices went together, I got goosebumps a little bit. I'm serious you guys. It sounded so beautiful, it was breath taking. Throughout the show they did a mix of Mirah songs and Thao songs. They sang their own stuff and sang for each others tunes. They also did alternate versions of things and really threw down.

One thing that I thought was great was the dynamic. Yes there were plenty of really upbeat, danceable songs, but there were also a few really sweet, lyrical, and melodic goldmines. I really enjoyed that.
Also, there was more than one percussion break down. Each member of the band had a different percussion instruments to grab-a tambourine, shakers, and extra drum-so cool. And Thao would just bust out some sticks and start beating on different drums on the drum kit!

And the opening band came out for a huge on stage jam (Mirah, Thao and their band came out for the last song done during the These United States set as well-both drummers together sounded AMAZING!)

There was a unique instrumentation. A clarinet, keyboards, bass, drum kit, violin, guitars, banjo and sometimes a bells set. The Clarinet player was loving it. He was dancing all over and such fun to watch! Over all, the show was really great. I suggest you look into both of these artists (both separate and together.) Also, we learned a few days before the show that Mirah and Thao may/may not be dating. Well, there is something going on between them, but they are trying to keep it hush hush so the world can focus on the amazing musical collaberation, not their hotness.

At the end of the show, they came down in the audience to sing and dance and have a good time. You can see that Kat was *loving* it! It was very cool. They also played a like 3 songs for their en core. All in all, amazing show! And below is a link to some of their music, so you can hear for yourself!

http://mixtape.me/p/17231