Rapido - Can't stop my brain from thinking

So once again I am posting after quite a long hiatus, but oh the things I have to say! I've been surrounded by so much sound, art and creation lately it's been hard to even put it into blog posts, but I will attempt to cover all the important bits here. Hold on to your hats kids...we're diving in fast.

First things first - I've started up a little label/artist collective with two of my favorite people (The Great Red Shark & Sareen) called Inky Owl.


Isn't he cute? Yeeeeaa... Well you can friend us on Myspace and Facebook to make sure you keep up to date with all of our releases - which I'm actually going to clue you in on now...

On December 20th Inky Owl threw a raging awesome party/show at The Glasslands in Brooklyn for the release of Sareen's first two 7"s. Sareen, The Great Red Shark, Bad Nancy and Beacon performed and there were art installations by Shawna Pino. Check out some photos of the night by Jessica Russell. If you're interested in picking up a 7" or 2 check out below:

IO0001 & IO00002: S A R EE N

Details:

S A R EE N

VINYL 1:
A1: Lonely Horseman (4:08)
A2. The Blanks Filled In (2:31)

VINYL 2:
A1. Slept In The Bomb Shelter (3:45)
A2. Pen Pal (3:37)

Sareen 7" Vinyls

Double Vinyl Pack (includes downloads) $8.00Lonely Horseman / The Blanks Filled In vinyl (includes download) $5.00Slept In The Bomb Shelter / Pen Pal vinyl (includes download) $5.00

Yay Sareen! The tracks are off the hook and both vinyls come with a download card for mp3 versions of the songs. It's the jam so pick 'em up if you haven't already. You can preview all of the songs on Sareen's Soundcloud.

On to the next!

The Great Red Shark has had a busy January already, with more to come. His song "Rockaway" was released on Lazy Roar's CA Discovery Mix Cassette. I have to say, this mix is brilliant. There is SO MUCH unknown talent on this tape - I can't even get stress how important it is that you know about these artists now. So get it... More info below:

You can pick up a copy at Lazy Roar, and you can also stream from Last.fm.

TGRS has another track, "Still Alive" on the newly released Stone Cold Busted 1 mix by Vitamin D. You can pick up your copy of the compilation digitally from Beatport or physically (CD) from Amazon. The album is full of quality chill out tracks and you should definitely grab it.


Dun dun dunnnn!! So as you can see, we've been busy. Stay tuned for a more normal Toy post as I'm currently working on a mix of sorts, but for now - check out the artists and releases and become acquainted with Inky Owl.

Solo - You and me and them

I really miss the people I love.



Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man - Spider Monkey

Magico - L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle

"People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you are fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it...

We search for happiness everywhere, but we are like Tolstoy's fabled beggar who spent his life sitting on a pot of gold, under him the whole time. Your treasure--your perfection--is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the buy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart."

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Twin of Myself

I am so thankful all of this paid off.

Amoroso - The Great Red Shark - Friends

A special treat:

The Great Red Shark has released his album Friends TODAY. Friends is TGRS's first solo endeavor featuring 12 tracks (8 songs, 4 segues) of delightful listening. Exciting stuff, I assure you. Don't believe me? Check out the first single...

The Great Red Shark - In Your Arms

Riiiight? :) Here's the full tracklisting:

1. Circus Love
2.
3. Golden Girl
4. Devils Eyes
5.
6. Nighttime Glasses
7. ILeftNY(rvs)
8.
9. Curious
10.
11. In Your Arms
12. Doggy (For Penny)

My personal highlights: Golden Girl, Curious, Doggy (For Penny)

The album is available to purchase via The Great Red Shark's blog in two formats:
a) Full Friends Package - Cassette (yes cassette!), Artwork, and digi download.
b) Digital Download - Comes with exclusive remix of "In Your Arms" by S A R EE N


Mmmk. Now go buy.

For more info and fun:
The Great Red Shark
Photo by pdhw

Solo - I sometimes find it hard to fly...will you still be there to catch me if I fall?

Once again...it's been awhile.

I'm all alone and it's pretty peaceful. Perhaps staying this late isn't so bad...nobody to bother you...just you and the music surrounding. I feel almost a bit mischievous. Maybe if I were of a different state of mind I'd run around screaming at the top of my lungs jumping on the couches. But for now I'm enjoying the peacefulness. Night time peace is so much different then sleepy morning peace.

I think I'm ready for this solo flight. It's been awhile since I've been able to say that, if I can even remember a time. This doesn't mean I care any less, the opposite is definitely true, but I have so many other things to concentrate on now. So many EXCITING things. However, before I do this alone I have requests...that I'm afraid to make. Please don't judge me for my feelings and insecurities, for they are all out of immense love. I only wish to say these things to keep this peace and these pieces together.

Service Bell - Grizzly Bear + Feist

I will hold on. Let's not make this a long bumpy ride, but instead a single sleeps' dream.

Sospirando - What the hell am I waiting for.

Something real.

It's been awhile.

This evening I found myself looking at my shadow in a very Peter Pan-like moment. What would I do if you weren't attached to me from my feet? What would a shadowless existence be like? I recently read a tale of a man whose shadow was the key to his mind. With his shadow's death he would lose all memory and all choice...not life...just mind and the mind's state of being.

My question is...what happens to my shadow in the darkest dark? Deep down where no light dares to creep.

School of Seven Bells - Connjur

In my dream I was given a choice.

One side completely obvious and appropriate. That which I feel I want, but increasingly more out of reach. The other random, strange, seemingly impossible yet strangely understandable. Obviously no choice was made because dreams are never that straight forward...at least not in my case.

What is my shadow up to?

Scherzando - Who's in the mirror?

I'm in love. She's so small and defenseless. Running around with her tail straight up in the air like she owns the place. Bouncing from floor to couch to lap. There's so much energy and curiosity in that tiny little frame. I could watch her for hours (and I did!).

She chases her tail. And not in this "oh there's something that looks like string" way. No, no...this is a much more intense "It's that tail again...I must have it" kind of way. This of course lasts for about 2 minutes...until she gets dizzy.

She's so tiny. I just want to protect her. I found myself putting the toilet cover down for fear of her falling in. Randomly...but serious. And the way she curls up right next to me to sleep...it's as if we hadn't just met 2 hours ago. Completely trusting and dependent on me. She's awesome.

The Beatles - Sexy Sadie

She just came into my life and has already brought me so much joy. Oh Sadie, Sadie. This is the beginning of something amazing.

Solo - Who am I?

I think I'm going crazy.

Little Joy - Evaporar

Spiccato - It's just the way I am.

"'Here's what I think, Mr. Wind-Up Bird,' said May Kasahara. 'Everybody's born with some different thing at the core of their existence. And that thing, whatever it is, becomes like a heat source that runs each person from the inside. I have one too, of course. Like everybody else. But sometimes it gets out of hand. It swells or shrinks inside me, and it shakes me up. What I'd really like to do is find a way to communicate that feeling to another person. But I can't seem to do it. They just don't get it. Of course, the problem could be that I'm not explaining it very well, but I think it's because they're not listening very well. They pretend to be listening, but they're not, really. So I get worked up sometimes, and I do some crazy things.'"
- Haruki Murakami, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle

Larkin Grimm - How To Catch A Lizard

Vivace - This end is only the beginning.

Have you ever woken up one day and it was like someone flipped a switch on the way you see the world? Maybe not the entire world, but at least your personal world. Of course, depending on the direction of the switch this could be good or bad. But when it's good...everything is gorgeous.

Things just seem to be going right. Everything is falling into place. The days, though dark and cloudy...seem to glow. Silver lined and shiny.

I have to hold it in as long as I possibly can. I don't want to scare anyone. But I have this undying urge to get up and dance. Dance harder than I've ever danced. I've already got a huge smile on my face, I can get away with that and semi-head bobbing without setting off any alarms. But my foot is tapping, and I can feel my ass starting to shake. I don't know if I can make it to the end.

Fast Forward.

Hair thrashing, arms flailing...the only thing keeping me from going mad is the fact that I'm tethered by these headphones to the computer. I'm alone with this beat, these movements, those harmonies. It grows into an explosion of sound. I can't control my excitement, happiness, awe. If these walls had eyes they would be questioning the actions of this mad woman and her open laughter. Music that causes laughter for beauty's sake! It's genius. Thank god the blinds were closed.

Let's hope nobody gets in trouble, and don't forget to share this dance. x

Dolce - 11:11 make a wish

Such a silly myth, yet one I still practice...every single time I catch it. I dunno...the more I wish, the more I'm beginning to think it's really working. Something to believe in? Hardly. But at least it's a form of hope. A hope that doesn't disappoint as you don't really expect anything from it. Simple wishes.

There was always something about those arms wrapped around me as I fell asleep that put me at ease. The fluffy pillows helped too.

I woke up this morning feeling really secure and confident and happy. Sunlight was slowly creeping into the room, muted by the cloud cover, but still casting beautiful morning shadows. You were still asleep, but I always woke up before you...even if you always got out of bed before I did. This gave me time to think about my upcoming day, the night before, anything I needed to go over in my head before starting the day. My moving around also sometimes woke you up, so I tried to move lightly...with only the gentlest caress. But it had been so long since I had had a moment like this so instead today I savored it: the feet entwined, the light breath on my shoulder, the warmth, the fact that I woke up to you...next to you. I didn't care about the day, or last night, or even the week past and future. I could have stayed in that bed, in that moment...forever. But for now forever must wait, and there is only this hope and those wishes. As long as I know you're here, beside me or thousands of miles away, I can do this.

Jon Brion - Phone Call

I can't ignore the fact that this song was actually playing in my head this morning. It was perfect. Cloudy and sleepy, yet suddenly everything began to make so much sense.

Freddo - What do I trust?

That future seems so far and out of reach.

And none of these doors are open.

Max Richter - Kierling_Doubt

Something is missing.

Tranquillo - ...

I can't sleep, but I love being this awake this late at night. It doesn't happen very often. It's so quiet. The only thing I can hear at all is the music coming from my headphones.

Nothing else.

No cars driving by...no neighbors slamming doors...no roommates getting water. All outside distractions have vanished. I've even managed to control my worrying thoughts.

Just me and the music.

Grouper - Wind and Snow

This is peaceful. This is my meditation.

Amabile - We would make a killing if we had a farm brothel.

I love fall. Never having experienced it truly...it has been a treat to my senses. The colors, so vibrant and full. Amazing that they are signs of death and the bitter cold that is to soon come. But for now...I will enjoy this fiery wonderland, and live in this beautiful moment.

With three companions by my side, I've escaped the city and am now surrounded by thousands of trees, red...yellow...orange. It feels as if I have entered a new kingdom, some psychedelic world that has never been discovered. There are two objectives at hand...to collect the best and ripest loot we can find...and to have an amazing afternoon together. We scatter through rows and rows of fruited trees, searching for the perfect pick. Taking heed of the poisonous foliage that threatens our good time, we climb to the highest branch for that which we seek. The first fruit for our own delight...each bite sweeter than before. Thereafter, we horde for the treats to come. It seems a lifetime since I've giggled like this...childlike and free. Today I have not one care in the world...they have all been forgotten amongst these autumn branches. With laughter, sunshine and satisfied souls we collect the spoils which we pirated from these great trees and make our way home.

Cibo Matto - Apple

I wish it could be autumn everyday... Or maybe I just wish everyday could be like this one.

Energico - "This DJ is SICK"

With an amazing new friend with me, I take the city by storm in storm. Not letting anything stop us...not even this crying sky. Liquid courage guides our way, giving us the spark to keep on. This energy is too much. Where are we? Where are we going? Who cares as long as we're having fun...and together we dance. It's all a blur. From clubs to warehouses...band after band...beat after beat...we dance. How long can we keep going? They're going to have to shut us down.


Crystal Castles - Untrust Us

How can one describe a caffeinated alcohol high? Dancing, spazzing, talking....not stopping. Where can we find a taco stand at 3am?

Magnifico - "We're gonna have to let you go," so I went.

From here I can see every ray, every beam of light as it delicately hits the leafy floor. Magentas, blues, yellows, oranges, and greens dance with each other through the light and take their bow amongst the grass and leaves. Some rays even so lucky as to reflect magnificently against stone, thus continuing their glorious waltz. Each one...so different..moving with the sway of the branches between them and their powerful source. This spot I have against the tree provides me with a perfect view of this incredible show. As I look up I see the shadow patterns of light against leaf and leaf, as if each are vying for the attention of the sun, swaying back and forth in their competition. Soon they will all fall, and aid in welcoming this glow to its denouement.

Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack

The sky is raining sunlight, and it is so beautiful.

Grave - A VERY unexpected change...

Once again I've been rudely awakened by my alarm...that chirpy little tune which calls for the end of my slumber. As I quickly disable it and look to greet the sun with my eyes, I realize...the sun isn't there. It's rainy and cloudy, and the streets are covered with a layer of water...early risers walking around with umbrellas and rain boots. I stretch my toes to the end of the bed, preparing them for the cold floor that they will soon make contact with. But...what if I just turn over and go back to sleep in this bed of feathers in which I lie. Would it really be that bad? Would anyone notice? I could just hide in my dreams instead of face the cold, rainy mess of the outside world. As these thoughts go through my head I feel myself willingly drifting back to sleep. Until suddenly I realize...it's half an hour later, and I'm not even dressed. I reluctantly drag myself out of bed and perform those same monotonous morning activities. Oh the life of a working woman. As I finally bring myself to walk out the door, umbrella in arm, I say to myself, "all I want is to sleep until 12 on a Wednesday." If only...

Festival - Come Outside!

Maybe I spoke too soon...

Melancolico - More than I ever could have imagined.

I'm in love with an invisible man. Even though he's there, he's not. And everyday feels like there is something missing. When I share, I share to you, not with you, and I miss the sharing of us together...and that which we shared. When I close my eyes, I can see his, but on opening realize that he is not here. This picture of him in my head is just an illusion, a memory. One of the past. What of those memories of the future? When will they come? How soon if ever until I am able to touch his hand or kiss his cheek? Have these times passed? And if they have, they left me behind, for I am not ready to close this book. Instead I want to fill it with even more stories of our love and experiences and intimacies - stories of the present, not memories of the past and regrets of this circumstance.

Beach House - Some Things Last A Long Time

I guess what I'm saying is, I miss us.

Scherzando - I've been dreaming again...

How youthful the actions of the early afternoon within this sunlit lair. There's a crisp air to this room in which we quickly and excitedly remove these wrappings. Each one the other's present. As our ribbons become entangled, we energetically play...explore...act as the children we still are, but as one. Such lively activities are fueled by our curiosity of each other. Hands, lips, shoulders, back, neck, chest...oh, how captivating this beauty! Both of us tasting and savoring every bit...complete. Laughter and cries of delight can be heard, but no one else dares to join. For these games are ours, and this creativity is one not to be shared. This rush is only for two, and oh what a rush it is.

Björk - My Spine

Feed your curiosity, energy, passion and playfulness...then collapse, out of breath, onto the soft sheets beneath you. I'll fall back beside you, for your chest is always a good pillow.

Naturale - This is what love feels like.

I had an incredibly unique and personal experience the other day...

Lately, I've found it difficult to listen to my favorite band...feeling reminded of things I'm trying hard to put away for now. And as much as I love the beautiful melodies, the flowing loops, the ass-shaking rhythms and the delicately placed samples, I'm not quite ready to confront the emotions I've attached to them. For a person like me, who uses music as a sanctuary, this has been slightly devastating. Almost a feeling of loss and even emptiness...something missing. Strangely poignant that this should happen to me, one who fully believes in the soundtrack of life's experiences.

This scene wasn't any different; it was a regular early evening commute on the train surrounded by people with a similar destination...home. But on this particular day, though nothing had changed with my situation, I decided to delve into an album which I knew could either bring me incredible joy or unbearable regret. Immediately a roller coaster of emotions charged through me...one memory after another riding piggy-back with each song. Record player dust, dirty hostels, park singalongs, smokey rooms, and lyrical debates...

And suddenly, it all stopped, and my entire being, both body and mind, felt at peace. All that mattered was this song. This one song. A song that since first heard by my ears has just drawn me in...precisely like this. Sober or stoned, happy or sad...this song had always been able to move me, sometimes bringing so much glee I shed joyful tears. A song that has no attachment to anything in my life, but me. Never until this moment had I ever felt such passionate ownership of music that I didn't create. But I felt it...this song is mine. There is a friendship and love so pure between us that goes deeper than emotions... Now some may think that me having a "friendship" with a song is going a little far, but with the limits of vocabulary...this is the only way to describe the relationship. Simply perfect.

Animal Collective - Banshee Beat

From the first chord movement until the fading snare, I'm holding hands with the beat the entire way. This is, in my highest opinion, all that is beautiful in music.