photos & music

i'm heading down to Anchorage tonight for a few days, so things will be a bit quite around these parts. i leave you with the following sweet spots of music, photography, and the a bit of harmony between the two:

No Depression's cover story of The Shins this month sports a faux self portrait of James Mercer shooting with a Hasselblad by Aldo Mauro (hot on the heals of Brad Pitt's cover with a Leica on Interview last month). The Shins aren't strangers to the using the art of making pictures as a backdrop to their sound - see a blast form the past here. also, some new stuff here.

it's getting increasingly more difficult for me to go a day without a little YouTube lovin- here the Masters get a little help form a classic Nick Drake tune.

it seems there is something in the water in blog world, or maybe it's because it's spring, but Tim Briner had music on his mind this weekend too.

finally, no music here, but i can't post without speaking about some photo-only goodness... i'm in a total jealousy induced appreciation of Shawn Gust's recent portraits. many to enjoy lately on his blog.

all for now.

listening to Spoon (I Turn My Camera On)

the Mountain Goats

it's rare that we get quality live music here in Fairbanks. i don't expect it, and i don't get angry when i see bands go on tour and fail to point the tour bus north. it is what it is.

so, i was surprised to see the front page of the arts section of the local paper today declaring "The Mountain Goats are Coming!". actually it was kind of buried below the lead story that the Iron Maidens are also coming to town (see above comments).

so, to the fine soul at UAF that booked the gig - thanks. they'll be here Saturday and Sunday, but till then..

their site
NPR interview & music
album reviews
also, John Vanderslice is in the NPR interview which reminded me of the excellent wandering photo video for Exodus Damage

what's happening friday

when things get crazy, i seem to look to other worlds to escape to. the following are friendly diversions i have found this week...

i caught the new issue of Orion yesterday and was taken by a photo essay by Trish Carney. a quick search on 'the google' found a larger segment of the same work at Lens Culture from 2005. it's a stunning view of a morbid subject.

the Matter release party for the new issue is tonight in Fort Collins. Todd always hosts a riot of a party- wish i could be there. the issue should be on sale this weekend at most stores in Colorado, and online. i'm anxious to see my "Tundra & Steel" essay- probably in the mail as i write this.

finally, winter is almost upon us here in the interior. with the darkens comes a slow trickle of talent and shows to our little burg of aurora and ice fog- a few of the highlights...

- the Whitpsaws are playing at the Marlin the weekend

- Far North Film Festival makes it's annual appearance. We went last year to see a few- impressed by some, and let down by others, but a positive injection of creativity.

- The Blue Loon is playing the movie Half Nelson this month. NPR had an interview with writer/director Ryan Fleck that I was fortunate to hear during my drive north to create the essay for the current Matter issue. i've been waiting for the release of this film since.

listening to Grizzly Bear