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Hello everyone!
I haven't maintained this blog in ages (obviosly). You can see my new site at
http://florencewangdesigns.com

I am a jewelry designer and needlepoint artist. Recently leaving my job to pursue art full time I have tips and resources about starting your own business and success stories from some incredibly inspiring people. You can also see my beautiful designs.

Come find me on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Album Review: Garden State Soundtrack

Zach Braff really bothers me. Does he really think he speaks for his generation? If this album is any indication, said generation is bland, white and plays it pretty safe. I have no issue with any of the songs on this soundtrack (in fact, I like some of them) but an profoundly insulted by their arrangement. Indie rock 101.

Today's One Sentence Book Review: Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture by Trevor Kelley & Leslie Simon

Pretty funny read. I think the book was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, though because of the topic, it's kind of hard to tell.

Album Review: The Magic Numbers by The Magic Numbers

The whole album sounds the same to me: slightly irritating. Clearly I'm not their audience

Album Review: Ships by Danielson

I'm not really sure of the actual name of this band. Some references show them as "Danielson Family" and this album came under the moniker "Danielson" (which made me naively think "hey, what a coincidence, there's also a band named Danielson Family).
So Wikipedia was kind of enough to clear up the confusion; though maybe adding a slight amount of confusion with said explanation.
As it turns out, the band's name doesn't matter that much. Both bands are fronted by Daniel Smith and various members of his family. Christian family. And that explains a lot about the album's sound.
It's quirky to say the least, and has a bit in common with Daniel Johnston's sound. Sufjan Stephens (rumored to be a fellow Kensingtonian) appears in the band on this album as well. The songs are filled with xylophones, trumpets and various percussive instruments I can't really identify.
All in all, it's a bit of eclectic mix/mess. Some of the songs are really fun - "Did You Step On My Trumpet" is absolute genius. Daniel Smith's raspy lyrics are compelling in their simplicity and sincerity. I just don't see listening to them a lot.

Album Review: Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George by Jack Johnson

I think you have to either be a child or have on to fully appreciate this album.
Otherwise it's kind of like being on a school bus sing-along for hours on end.

Album Review: Lost & Safe by The Books

This is one of those albums I saw all over the 2005 Best Albums of the Year lists (or whatever year it was). I had never heard of it, no one I knew had heard them. So I decided to check it out.
And it is good. But unless it's a really slow year for good releases, I don't think I'd ever include it on a "Best of..." list.
Like Elf Power, Joan of Arc, June of 44 it's one of those sit-down-and-listen-to-it albums. I wouldn't put it on to clean the house or for a road trip. For sitting at your work desk, it's quite nice. There's nothing you're going to sing along with or tap your foot too. Again, it's good, but I'm pretty sure I'll forget about it by tomorrow.

Album Review: Out of Exile by Audioslave

I'm not sure if this is their second or last album. To be honest, I only became aware of Audioslave when they broke up (apparently for the 2nd time).
Honestly, I'd like to like them more than I do. I loved Soundgarden - particularly their later albums. I know, I know, that's never a popular statement. And I do enjoy their first albums, "Loud Love" will always epitomize the Soundgarden sound to me. However, they did really seem to find their maturity well. Albums like Bad Motor Finger and Down on the Upside are still great albums to put on.
On the other hand, I was never a big Rage Against the Machine fan. Maybe it was all the rage. Again, I don't dislike them, I just never bought any of their albums.

So the marriage of these two bands in the vocals by Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and musicians from Rage the Against machine - I have to admit I was curious. And I did really want to like them. But somehow this album seems a bit flat. No thing's wrong with it persee, it just seemed to be missing something. And then I realized what it was: Soundgarden, particularly the guitar stylings of Kim Theyall.
So I guess it's time to pull out Bad Motor Finger and attempt to sing along.

I'm really hoping that Chris Cornell's new solo album is more interesting.

Album Review: The Information by Beck

I've bought almost every Beck album released and I have to say that with the exception of one (that awful Prince sounding one with "Sex Laws") I've not been disappointed. The guy's consistent and writes good (sometimes great) songs. This album will not let you down. It's pretty predictable, and doesn't veer from the Beck formulas. But watch out for the inexplicable 9-minute noise session at the end.

Album Review: Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man by Various Artists

Dreamy!! I've always regarded Leonard Cohen as I regard Bob Dylan. I like their songs when sung by other people.
The roster of musicians who appear on this album is pretty amazing:
Nick Cave (well, he is the closest thing this generation has to the man himself)
Antony
Jarvis Cocker
various members of the Wainwright clan
(there's more, but I'm not listing them all)

This album is truly amazing. It may inspire me to actually listen to the 'ol guy himself.

Review: Ralph Nader: An Unreasonable Man (documentary)

I voted for Ralph Nader during the 2000 Presidential elections. This was a bold at the time. Despite New York being a sure ticket for the Democrats, it was worried that Nader (and the Green Party) were splintering the Democratic vote. Nonetheless, I voted my conscience and even considered volunteering for the Green Party during future elections.
And then the hailstom hit.
Since, Ralph Nader, a man who won the confidence and trust by the American people by looking out for their safety & security became a pariah.
This documentary shows the rise of Nader, his battles against big business. It follows "Naders Raiders" as they idealistically attempt to change Washington for the better.

Although I found the documentary infuriating towards the end ... I have strong opinions about people attacking Nader. It was a wonderful portrayal of the man's life.

Single Sentence Book Rewiew of the Day

Nickel& Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich - Depicts the lives and tribulations of the low-wage working class; scary commentary on American society

Album Review: Baby 81 by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

These guys just get better and better. This is their best one yet!