ive been reading this graphic novel titled "stiches" by David Small. its the story of a boy raised in a very claustrophobic family environment, who gets a growth in his neck. the growth is cancerous, and he loses his voice for years, and has a huge scar across his neck. It is a tragic story that left me wondering about everyones own family, and how hugely family affects us all. Ive always been close to my family, and this tale left me feeling sad for people who dont have that, for reasons outside their own power. I highly recommend reading it, unless your feeling super depressed.
Last night I was watching that new talk show Elvis Costello has. It was a songwriters circle, where he had people like Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith, and my favorite Neko Case, all singing their own songs as well as eachothers. One of the people on the stage was this funny older man, who reminded me of that funny/creepy older perv guy from Family Guy, who whistles when he speaks. At any rate, when it came upon his turn to sing his own song, he was captivating. Was the song cheesy? Yes. Funny? yes. Heartbreaking? Yup. In a time where people only like what they like, and your not in a band with dear, or machine, or an animal in your band name, it was refreshing to see a man sing for the joy of it. He isnt cool, or hip. He released his first cd the same time Joni Mitchell and James Taylor released theirs. He was also a part of the Laurel Canyon group of musicians like CSN and Y, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne. His name is Jesse Winchester, and although i had heard of him, I had never heard him until the show. Neko Case crying by the end of the song, summed up all I have to say of this guy. If anyone knows his stuff well, and has a good jumping on point for me to start with in his catalog...give me a holla.
Lastly, Nellie Mckay released one of the most understated, under appreciated albums of the year. Its a Doris Day tribute album titled "normal as blueberry pie". Her arrangements to these songs
are remarkable and simple. She is bringing Doris to a new generation. Diamanda Galas, of all people, named Doris her favorite singer ever. Nellie must now have a fan in Diamanda. She
pulls this off so well. My favorite song on the cd i couldnt find anywhere, so instead, enjoy this video
which i think captures her spirit a bit better.
Portland lezzies, please remember the lessons given in this song!
Thats all for now. Leanne will be here soon to ring in the new year with us!!! Many more pictures
to come, as well as my final thoughts on the 2009.
