Autumn Reading

So far this year, I've felt deprived of novels I was genuinely excited to read. Missing was that giddy, luscious feeling, knowing I'm about to devour one. Luckily, this fall, there's finally some stuff to look forward to on the novel front. Here's what I can't wait to buy:

Wally Lamb - We Are Water
Oct. 22
He gets a bad rap as too populist, but I still think Wally Lamb is the shit. And I can't wait to be knee-deep in it again.

Elizabeth Gilbert- 
The Signature of All Things
Oct. 1
Also getting a rap even worse than Lamb is Liz Gilbert. But I still think about how much I liked her first novel, Stern Men, and I'm glad she's back to writing on another subject besides herself. 





Donna Tartt - The Goldfinch
Oct. 22
I still have adolescent reader scars from The Secret History and I always come back for more trauma. 

Not novels, but:
Roth Unbound. A Writer & His Books
Oct. 22
Because... Philip Roth. Nuff said.

The Bernstein Letters
Oct. 29
Oh, Leonard. You are a man of wonder. 

For a longer list, check out this one compiled by The Daily Beast. 

For good measure, thought this headline is impossible, because you cannot qualify unique, here are some bitchin' libraries around the world. 

** also, I continue to feel ambivalent about posting links to amazon instead of other book sellers like Barnes & Noble. I think this is the last time I'll do it. Damn you, Franzen. But I have 3 more months on my amazon prime membership, so... ack. 

My Message to Shaping Sound on Opening Night

Before Shaping Sound officially opens tonight, I want to take a minute to talk about the richness of what this experience has given me and what spending 5 weeks with a group of dancers like them has taught me.

I've always known that fundamentally, I lead a cerebral life. I'm a writer. I'm mostly by myself. And if you asked where life exists, I'd easily be able to answer  that life happens in the brain; in my mind. I barely use my body. In many ways, I'm uncomfortable in it. But at the very least, I largely see it as the vessel which stores and facilitates my mind. (Special thanks to hands and fingers for the typing skills.)

I don't live in my body. In fact, I rarely even experience physical contact with other people. But these guys... man. These guys. They live so fully in their bodies. In every way. The way they relate to each other, to the world. The hugs I've gotten these past weeks. 

And more than being inspired by the work they do-- truly one of the most beautiful things I've seen on stage, in 10 years of working in live entertainment-- they have inspired me to be aware of how I live in my body. And to live in it. Get out of my head and into the physical space I'm lucky enough to occupy with those 16 ethereal, funny, drastic, precise, beautiful beings. 

More thanks than I can say, guys. For the lessons, for letting me be a part of it-- one of the best professional and artistic experiences of my career. I'm utterly invested in your success. 

Like The Ceiling Can't Hold Us - Pete & Suzie's Wedding

As you may have gathered, I've been to many, many weddings. MANY. Between 2003 and 2005, I went to 26 weddings in 24 months. And the hits just kept coming as I got older. But this little shindig was one of the loveliest and most packed with adorable details of any that I've attended. And one of the only weddings where I didn't have to travel! What a fun night! 

Food trucks, local jams, streamers and swirly straws, personalized chalkboard mason jar drinking glass labels and a venue with killer ambience. (I don't just mean the perfect LA sunset lighting and exposed brick. This was hardcore LA at its finest. I'm talking hoopties with floor-pounding bass rolling by during the vows.) All this, plus the most unbelievably statuesque bride, and what you had was and unforgettable night. The actual manifestation of the coolest Pinterest board, only better because it had my friends. 

Pete & Suz, I love you guys! I was so honored to be there celebrating young and life-long love! 

I'm gonna dance to this & this today and remember how fun Saturday night was. And all my people say Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah.... like the ceiling can't hold us. 

Shaping Sound - Meet The Dancers

Hey! What a busy week! Here's my latest video for Shaping Sound. This one is extra fun since it features the hot dance track by Haviland, "MKE: Maximum Energy." Check it out and don't forget to get your tickets!

Music Monday - Natalie Maines Sings Jeff Buckley

On Natalie Maines' newest album, Mother, one of the highlights is her cover of "Lover, You Should Have Come Over." One of my favorite songs from youth, reinterpreted by another one of my favorite singers from youth. Natalie and Jeff's vocals share a similar flesh-searing quality. They've always cut through the meat, straight to the bone. 

This album is a prime example of that. Ben Harper has a lot to do with what works about this album too. It's no wonder she got hooked up with Harper, who, despite his successes as a vocalist, etc etc will first and forever be known as an amazing pedal-steel player. (Like my dad! And Natalie Maines's dad, Lloyd-- one of the best EVER.)

I'm not sure I realized initially how many covers would be on her new album. But I'm loving it all so far. You too can stream the whole album as part of NPR's First Listen. The album goes on sale May 7th.

Happy Monday!

My kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder...

Buckley was meant to be sung in a church in Texas by Natalie Maines.

Here's my other fave.

Shaping Sound Tour Video Series

Here's some of what I've been working hard on the past few weeks. It's been so inspirational to watch this tour come together so far-- to see the hard work and creative energy put into something that I think will really amaze audiences. It's been nice to make these new friends. 

The first (of seven) videos I'll be doing documenting the tour got 3,000 hits in the first 24 hours it was up and the numbers keep climbing. This group of dancers deserves as many fans as the internet and theatres can accomodate. Stay with us as we keep moving forward towards their first National Tour!

Get tickets here! And join the conversation on twitter with #shapingsoundco. Don't forget to follow, either @shapingsoundco

Broadway Want to See - PIPPIN

I have huge soft spot in my heart for Pippin. It was the first musical I ever had a non-acting creative role on back in college. (Prepping me for an entire career in under-appreciated, non-acting creative roles in theatre.) I always thought the Leading Player should be played by woman, as a jealous woman. Basically, I wanted a female Ben Vereen. And lo and behold! It's all that plus Cirque du Soleil! 

It looks about as high concept and spoof of high concept and meta as it could possibly be. And that's just how it should be!

The positive buzz on this is off chain and I can't wait to get back to NYC in June to see this little jewel. I'm super jealous of my old friend Sonny who's playing keys on this. With the exception of the terrible cheat lyric "Doodle-ee-doo" (wisely edited out of  this promo video) this is one of my favorite scores. Some of Schwartz's best. I still get pretty misty-eyed in the most classic musical theatre-y way when I hear "Morning Glow" in a capela harmony. And I've been known to throw a little "Spread a Little Sunshine" around after an alcoholic beverage or two. 

If you're in NYC, head to the Music Box and report back to me ASAP!!

Stillwell At Rockwell - TONIGHT

An exciting night awaits me -- and all who care to join me!-- at Rockwell TONIGHT for the latest concert from the lush and luxurious Haviland Stillwell. All of Haviland's concerts are a treat as far as I'm concerned, but tonight will be extra special since Haviland is singing one of our new songs from Nicholas & Alexandra, "Release Me." (AKA my anxiety anthem. For a preview, here's the first time it was ever sung in public. Did I mention that was at Lincoln Center? I blush.) 

You can also rock out to Haviland's new singles. Both songs are written by Haviland Stillwell and produced by Mike Schlosser, with cover design by Heather J. Weiss and photos by Sabrina Bringuier. Buy them on iTunes ("MKE"; "Infinity") or stream them on Spotify ("MKE"; "Infinity") and pump yourself up pre-show. I know I will be!

Get your tickets now if you don't already have them and hope to see you tonight! McC and I will be clapping loudly and gettin' rowdy in the front. Shoes will be thrown. 

Haviland Stillwell & Amir Levi perform live at Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, April 23 at 8pm (Amir Levi) and 9pm (Haviland Stillwell). Haviland and Amir will be performing with Anthony Starble (piano), Alex Vega (drums), Kristy Hanson (guitars and vocals), Ed Goodman (guitar), Julia Davis (vocals) and Lauren Lograsso (vocals). Tickets are $12 and can be purchased on Rockwell's ticketing site.This is the Facebook invitation.

And here's a little ditty we wrote just for her awhile back. With my signature lyric!

Amy Poehler's Smart Girls

While there are so many reasons to appreciate Amy Poehler, today, let's take a minute to revel in her creation of Amy Poehler's Smart Girls. It's a whole channel and website of content expressing appreciation for the awesomeness of ladies and living true to your authentic self. 

They have several fun series, including Ask Amy, Meow Meow Music, Operation Nice (love it!) Boy's Minute (even) and Smart Girls at the Party, where they interview inspirational women. The website also features a nice rotating reminder of all the kick ass women who have changed the world. It features a good many of my favorites right up front: Dolly Parton, Bernadette Peters, Michelle Obama and Suzanne Vega. 

Basically, this is one of the happiest, funnest places on the internet and one of the best ideas ever. Appreciation rules. Change the world by being yourself. Word up. 

New Project! Shaping Sound Dance Co's National Tour

My only real frame of reference about dance is Broadway centered, but I know a good many of you have been quite obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance. If you put that all together, you might enjoy the lads of Shaping Sound Dance Company. At its core, Shaping Sound is four guys comprised of So You Think winners, runners up, choreographers, improv specialists and classically trained folks. (I'll let you guess who is who.) 

Well, they're going on a multi-city National Tour and the fabulous Nikole Vallins is producing. Yours truly over here will be shooting, producing, editing a series of promo videos tracking their rehearsal process and life on the road. Fun gig, right? 

Yesterday, I was climbing to the top of book cases to get cool angles on their unbelievable routines. As someone with barely enough coordination to keep my feet moving forward without tripping every day, let's just say I was extremely jealous. 

The guys are super funny, with loads of personality (also, dimples, if you're into that kind of thing) and I think it goes without saying, TALENT. On top of all that, what a group of gents! They helped me retain a small shred of grace as I climbed and got down from my furniture perch. Chivalry is not dead, apparently. 

Here is the first video I did announcing the tour with adorable Nick Lazzarini, Travis Wall, Teddy Forance, and Kyle Robinson. 

Check out the dates for their tour here. And follow them on twitter: @shapingsoundco

Crush Week: I Heart CHVRCHES

CHVRCHES has pretty much everything I need in to order to commit to a band: chick singer with dude backups, some electronic goings on, list Prince & Depeche Mode as one of their primary influences, possess UK passports, and most importantly: Scottish residency. I was fortunate enough to see Glasgow natives, CHVRCHES, by accident (they had only JUST formed) while I was living in Scotland and have loved them ever since--- even though they haven't had much music for purchasing via the internet. 

I am happily awaiting their EP next month in the US. In the meantime, I've used my still-active UK itunes to download a few things. Lead singer Lauren Mayberry kind of reminds me of Hayley Williams-- in a good way. She's also a lawyer...and a journalist-- so watch the fuck out. Iain Cook & Martin Doherty, on the other hand, are sort of a Scottish indie rock mainstays-- having previously founded Aereogramme & The Unwinding Hours  and The Twilight Sad, respectively. CHVRCHES spent most of 2012 on tour with Passion Pit. Personally, I'd like to see them go out with Polica. That's a concert I'd jump to see. 

Even without Polica, I'm still planning on seeing them here in LA at the Echoplex on March 12th. See you there??

They're also the first band I've seen to have the good sense to take promo photos in front of the Scottish National Galleries neon installations by Nathan Coley. 

For more, check out here and here. And a Prince cover! 

Best of 2012 - Fergie & Fife Posts

2012 goes down on the record as my most (manageably) turbulent year yet. It was momentous. It was non-stop movement. Even narrowing down this list of my favorite and your favorite posts, the reliving of all that movement surprised even me. So so much happened this year. Some huge stuff never even made this list! I turned 30! We had an amazing Lincoln Center Concert! I started working in film both in the UK and in the US. I spared you any mention of all my run ins with unavailable men. I lived in FOUR DIFFERENT CITIES!! I remember this time last year so distinctly. I never thought I'd be where I am now a year ago. I thought I'd still be in Europe. But I'm in Hollywood. And miraculously, a lot of you are still reading. Thanks for that. And here's hoping we'll stick together in 2013. Happy New Year!

Bonus: My One Thousandth Post

10. Sorkin & Cynicism...and Sara McC

9. I Stand in the Room Where Keats Died

8. I Find a Home in Hollywood. Also this.

7. Les Miserables - Extreme Close Up

6. A New Yorker is Someone Who Longs for New York

5. American Soul

4. Comparison is the thief of joy: Claire Vaye Wakins & Battleborn

3. Perfectly Aligned

2. Living With the Force & Joy of Ben Horne

1. Relief

Best of 2012 - Books

Yesterday, I mentioned that I thought this year was a strong cultural year... except for books. Normally, it's stressful for me to narrow down to 10 the best books of a given year. Especially when I have to include non-fiction!

This year, I was happy to have some good non-fiction to round out this list. Nevertheless, the end of the year brought a few goodies. 

Honorable Mention: NW - Zadie Smith
Perhaps it was when I chose to read this. Having just moved out of North London myself in as close to defeat as I've ever admitted, reading about it and the various dynamics of that vibrant part of the city felt a little too raw. And maybe I'm just no longer enamored with Zadie Smith. But this book got a lot of attention, and it was easy to get lost in, though a little tender for me. 

Honorable Mention: Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal? - Jeanette Winterson
Gotta have a memoir on here. I was initially drawn to the book because of its awesome title. And it's an apt title for a wonderful memoir about the life long pursuit of happiness from an adopted, oddball girl in a Pentecostal house in Northern England in the 60s. Jeanette has her own peccadilloes, but anyone who's ever felt weird or alien will find something in this one. 

10. How Music Works - David Byrne
I bought this book for Steven as a gift to say thank you for letting me live in his house for a month in NYC when I first moved back to the US and ended up reading the book myself. First of all, David Byrne is such a cool-ass mofo. He knows, just, everything. And explains the music industry and how music is shaped by time and place. "Acting as historian and anthropologist, raconteur and social scientist, he searches for patterns—and shows how those patterns have affected his own work over the years with Talking Heads and his many collaborators, from Brian Eno to Caetano Veloso. Byrne sees music as part of a larger, almost Darwinian pattern of adaptations and responses to its cultural and physical context. His range is panoptic, taking us from Wagnerian opera houses to African villages, from his earliest high school reel-to-reel recordings to his latest work in a home music studio (and all the big studios in between)." The books has been so popular, it's often out of stock, but, listen, do what you gotta do to get your hands on a copy!

9. This is How You Lose Her - Junot Diaz
Huzzah for Junot Diaz being back. And even bigger huzzah for golden boy Diaz throwing some of his afterglow on the under-appreciated art form that is the short story! This book really got in there with me as I was (and still am) working on more polished edits and looking at the overall picture for my own book of short stories, with one central character at the heart of all of them. There are some similar themes as well. But I love this line from one review: "They remind us that passion always triumphs over experience, and that “the half-life of love is forever.”

8. Telegraph Avenue - Michael Chabon
It appears that this was the year for the return of many of my favorites. And Chabon is one of the best examples of my favorites. Every time I even think of Wonder Boys, my heart is filled with a rolling wave of warm joy. Whenever I'm sad, I read some or watch some of the movie. After that, there was the mega-triumph of Cavallier and Klay and the so-so Yiddish Policeman's Union. You know what I loved about Telegraph Avenue? It felt a bit like a cross between High Fidelity and You've Got Mail. It's more complicated than that, of course. But I was like, oh, You've Got Mail with middle aged men and record stores. Bring it. My favorite quote was from Jennifer Egan, who, as per usual is right effing on the money: “Chabon has made a career of routing big, ambitious projects through popular genres, with superlative results….The scale of Telegraph Avenue is no less ambitious….Much of the wit...inheres in Chabon’s astonishing prose. I don’t just mean the showy bits…I mean the offhand brilliance that happens everywhere.”

7. Dear Life - Alice Munro
Speaking of short stories and returns, I was so happy to welcome a new collection from most probably the world's greatest living short story writer. I'm actually not even done with the book (it was my Christmas present to myself from Dena's thoughtful gift card-- thanks!), but in a way, I don't need to be to know already that it belongs on this list. Here's my favorite review of Dear Life, from Alexandra Foster, which tells you what I mean: You half expect a new collection of stories by the beloved Alice Munro to arrive already devoured: pages dog-eared (“I feel exactly the same way! How did she know?”), spine cracked, cover bent from the dozens of times each story deserves to be read.

6. Farther Away - Jonathan Franzen 
Honestly, it's a toss up for me as to whether I prefer Franzen's fiction or his essays. Luckily, I don't have to choose because he's as prolific in one as he is the other. This collection has a lot of my favorite recent pieces from Franzy, including his own Kenyon College commencement address, "Pain Won't Kill You," and "Authentic But Horrible" but to be honest, all you need to know for certain is that it contains the amazing mega essay from The New Yorker, "Father Away," about solitude, and bird watching and David Foster Wallace. It was one of the best essays I've ever read. Please do yourself a favor and read it too. 

5. Both Flesh & Not - David Foster Wallace
Only natural that DFW's book of essays-- and, I think we can finally say it-- the last book we're ever likely to get of his work-- gets put next to his pal Franzy's. I thought we'd had our last tastes with the massive, unfinished tome, The Pale King, last year. But no! More! First, we got a pretty comprehensive bio from D.T. Max, Every Love Story is a Ghost Story, which I also recommend, and wrestled with adding to the list, but eventually decided to go with the man himself. Most of these have been published elsewhere-- like his sort of famous essay on Federer-- and many are sort of snippets, but nevertheless, it's nice to have them, to be amongst the man's shorter, more digestible thoughts. He talks about Borges and the prose poem and under-appreciated novels since the 1960's (more of a list, really). But if you only have 5 minutes, just read "Just Asking" about the world in light of post-9/11 ideas and whether or not some things are worth dying for. 

From Book Forum: Both Flesh and Not is David Foster Wallace at his best and his worst, but the thing about Wallace’s best was that it usually contained his worst... If he’s not going to court the reader, he’s going to hold him in contempt. And you’re going to listen to him because his is the most colossal intelligence in the room. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus

4. Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel
The great Hilary returns in the sequel to her amazing to Wolf Hall. I've heard so many interviews with Hilary and basically just think she's the shit. The tales of the Tudors have been told every way from Sunday, but she manages to make it all new again, compelling again, and rich rich rich. Thomas Cromwell is still riding the tide of his day to be the hero of the story, but in a much more condensed time span of only nine turbulent months. Hilary says you can read it without reading Wolf Hall first, but do yourself a favor and don't. Next up, we'll have the conclusion of the trilogy The Mirror & The Light. I can't wait!

3. Beautiful Ruins - Jess Walter
Look, there was basically no way  I was not going to love this book. A dying Hollywood starlet, Rome, Cannes, Richard BURTON!, the set of Cleopatra and Edinburgh. It's like Jess Walter extracted my mind. This book is delicious, so just stop reading about it and start reading it. Just thinking about it, I think I want to read it again. Right now.

2. The Twelve - Justin Cronin
2012 brought another second installment in big time trilogies. This one from my friend/mentor/former professor, Justin Cronin. And I was happy to see him, hear him read, have him sign this newest chapter of he and his daughter's master plan to tell the story of the girl who saves the world. It's fast moving-- one you'll tear through-- and builds more layers on top of The Passage without losing anything from the first book you'd want to hold onto. Curl up in your bed on a cold day with this one and wait for warmer weather. As long as it takes. 

1. Sweet Tooth - Ian McEwan
While it's got some Atonement-esque metafictional tricks up its sleeve, Sweet Tooth is a lighter read-- despite its illusion of espionage in Cold War London and MI-5 setting. Talking about timing, I read this book recently and my heart had been given a bit more time to heal from London. The London of the 70s made me a bit drunkenly nostalgic, but I enjoyed the feeling. I even blogged more about it here. I read a lot of reviews of this book and end of the day, I agree with this one from the New York Times. It hasn't been long since I finished it, but man, I miss it. 

1. Battleborn - Claire Vaye Watkins (A tie!!)

What an amazing year for short stories! I experienced such envy over this collection of short stories from fellow Nevada writer Claire Vaye Watkins that I took a whole day to reassess my life and my work. Easily one of the high points of this year was our twitter conversation earlier this fall. If you only read one book on this list, please read Claire's beautiful, haunting set of tales about drifters, loners, and desert people. It's melancholy and cruel and everything a short story collection should be. For more check out my earlier entry here. 

Best of 2012 - Albums

Truly, I had meant to get these out in a more timely manner (ie: not the THE LAST three days in 2012) and you've probably read about a hundred Best Of lists. Well I hope you saved room for one more. Some people have referred to this year as a weak year for music. I sure don't agree with that. I feel like this year was strong in everything except books. I have lengthy honorable mentions lists for a couple of categories. But, here is my narrowed down list of the best albums of 2012. 

Bonus. The Music of NASHVILLE - The cast of Nashville.
I wish more (all) of country music was more like the songs on this show. Please put T-Bone Burnett and Keefus Greene in charge of all lyric writing and talent rustling in Nashville. Undermine. Bitchin. 

10. Trilogy - The Weeknd
One of the best slow jam concerts I've ever been to. A beautiful fall evening in the Hollywood Bowl with the flag of the state of California flapping in the breeze. The only thing ruining how cool The Weeknd was that night was the pair of screaming fan girls in front of us. Not really the style of music that normally attracts screaming teen fan girls, but okay... nevertheless.  I don't feel cool very often, but when I drive around listening to this album, for a minute, I do. 

9. The Carpenter - Avett Bros. 
I know, I know, there are now a whole crop of folk-rock-bluegrass edged bands coming up, but I still think the Avett Brothers are the first (ish) and best of them. This album is no diff. And its mood swings are great for road trips. Trust me. I listened to this about 400 times on my SEVERAL trips between LA and Vegas and experienced those peaks and valleys right along with that desert landscape from Cali to Nevada. Road music. Never gets old.  

8. The Lumineers - The Lumineers
Like I said, these bands. But I gotta say, as a musician's kid-- a bluegrass musician's kid-- I feel a bit proud this sound is getting a new golden era. The Lumineers seem to me like a nice third to stabilize and triangulate the scene with the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons. At some point, they remind me of Milo Greene (See below.) A more rustic version. I Like their vibe lyrically too. I never mind some sha-na-nas, fa-fa-fas, or, as the case may be here, ho-heys. Also, Stubbon Love. "I can't be told, ah, ah, it can't be done."

7. Lonesome Dreams - Lord Huron
I have NPR to thank for this. One of my favorite late editions to this year's music scene, I jammed this out while moving into my new house in Hollywood. Another ramblin' album, this one felt like I was a traveller who had finally landed somewhere for a while. That feeling sustains. Check it out. 

6. Battle Born - The Killers
What happened to this album? I feel like nobody cared... including me! Until I finally got around to listening to it. And I think it's actually... their best? Don't get me wrong, The Killers have ONE sound. I don't imagine them reinventing that any time...ever. But this is the most consistent vocally, melodically, lyrically encapsulation of that sound.  They rock Vegas imagery like no one. And something about the way they've finally figured on town ambience in relation to storytelling. It's Mellancamp 'Jack & Diane.' It's Springsteen for today. Uh-Mer-i-cah-nah. More. 

5. The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve
You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do - Fiona Apple  
Oh, Fiona Apple. I listed to this one on a record player in Peter Sheik's house during a weekend of cat sitting  and locking myself out that ended up being sort of life changing-- at least in a mental landscape kind of way. The whole thing is a short story now...and there's basically nothing I can say about this album that hasn't already been said. But I recommend listening to it on vinyl. I don't recommend locking yourself out in Brooklyn with no shoes on or money or phone. 

4. Give You the Ghost - Poliça
Since we've all just had to accept autotunes as a fixture of music for the times, I appreciate that Channy Leaneagh just leans into it. Polica is, in a way, what I'd like to think Bon Iver might have contributed to music in the long run with all those distorted, refracted vocals (I felt so bad/laughed in truth when LA Weekly called him the sonic equivalent of an empty canvas tote). Taken by a lady and given more shape, more rhythm, less angst, more, well... cool.  More on them here. 

3. Love This Giant - David Byrne & St. Vincent
It's been a good year for D. Byrne. Not only did he have an insightful and informative book, How Music Works, but he also had one of his best and the best albums I've heard in a long time. People just aren't making albums like this anymore. This sound is just not to be found on the radio or in general musical taste these days. But I sure do love it. God bless the layers and layers horns! And I think St. Vincent is an excellent vocal balance for DB. 

2. Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
Is there a Best Of list that Channel Orange didn't make its way onto? All deserved. It has 5 or 6 really solid singles, but more than that, it's one of the few albums I like to listen to in order, straight through. I don't really like to use the word opus, but okay, opus. There. I mean, Pyramids.  And his odd bromance with John Mayer? So weird. I love it. And this is one the albums that greased the wheels on my way out of London. Remember when I lived there? Less than six months ago? Oh, sigh. 

1. Milo Greene - Milo Greene
Finally, I feel like people are starting to catch on to my favorite band and my favorite album of 2012. They're an amazing live band-- as was proved to me at El Rey in November (thanks, Kade!)-- and they started off as predominantly that. They didn't even have an album until July. And I was so happy when it finally dropped to discover the whole thing was amazing. With levels, and layers, and all that feeling of rambling that initially drew me to them and to "1957." I'm going to go on record and say that the reason I moved back to California and not anywhere else is this band and this album. One day in London, I posted on facebook that despite it being one of the few sunny days we had in that city, I wanted more. "1957" made me want find the convertible blue Bug of my childhood, buy it, get my driver's license back, and drive that car up Pacific Coast Highway blasting Milo Greene with the top down and my hair flying wild. If you want that feeling too, buy this album.