When the hurly-burly’s done

So I was just rereading an article in a back issue of The Believer that mentions a meeting of something called Record Club. I’m convinced that this is one of the better ideas I’ve been exposed to recently. Apparently, a group gets together once a month and takes turns playing songs for each other. There are more details on the site, but it just sounds like so much fun, like something I could really geek out about. If anyone is actually reading this, and you live kind of near southwestern CT, let me know if you’d be interested in giving it a try.

So here are a couple songs, just because I really dig ‘em.  And you should too.

Girlyman, “The Shape I Found You In”

Yo La Tengo, “Meet the Mets” 

From the New York Times, something kind of amusing…

Here’s Proof That New Yorkers Like to Complain

Awesome: “These letters and several dozen of others have been compiled by a conceptual artist named Matthew Bakkom into a tabloid-size booklet called “The New York City Museum of Complaint,” which he will hand out in parks in Lower Manhattan in the next week.”

Honestly, is there anything better than the combination of hot weather, a kickin’ outdoor concert in Central Park, and great company? I didn’t think so. I’ve gone to two SummerStage shows so far and I’m heading to another tomorrow night. The first one was a Thirsty Ear Records showcase.

It was pretty great, but even better was the one this past Saturday, with Ska Cubano, Balkan Beat Box, and Antibalas. Holy lord was that amazing. I am totally sold on BBB, even though they made me hurt my feet with all the dancing I did. Antibalas were wonderful, as usual. M and I got there too late for most of Ska Cubano’s set, but their last song was awesome. Lots of energy and lots of people on the stage.

More summery nonsense is coming up. My band (well, I play in it, but it’s not mine by any stretch, though we are vaguely democratic in the Greek sort of way, and enough about that), Kovax, is playing two shows next week! Check the site for details.