#39 Neko Case - Blacklisted

Lance Rock Records, 2002

Alternative Rock, Folk Rock

This record is a big one for me. Its release aligned with some pretty significant life events, and reflected them in a meaningful way. Jillian introduced me to this record in 2003, and I was immediately captivated by the opening lines:

Fluorescent lights engage
Blackbirds frying on a wire
Same birds that followed me to school when I was young
Were they trying to tell me something?
Were they telling me to run?

In the Spring preceding my encounter with this record, I was followed by a black bird on my way to school. It seemed to be warning me of something. That day, a series of events kicked off that would make the next four years of my life very challenging. It was such a strange thing, and when I heard this record, I felt like someone else got it.

Also just a stellar record.

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#32 Prokofieff, Strauss - Peter and the Wolf, Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

Camden, year unknown Genre: Classical Performed by the Boston Symphony conducted by Serge Koussevitzky, narrated by Richard Hale This lp is in terrible condition---even after cleaning, it's crackling and hiccoughing, even skipping. It's tough, because I LOVE this recording, but this one will have to be purged. Let it be known, however, that this lp has been loved. It was a formative education piece for me, teaching me both about music and about narrative. It also taught me that you should always watch you back in unfamiliar places, and not underestimate the unknowns in your surroundings. It also taught me that representing animals with instruments is hilarious. Dad listened to it when he was a kid, and played it for us when we were kids. Maybe I'll make some kind of art with this one.

#59 Geoff Berner - Victory Party

Mint Records, 2011 Canadiana Klezmer Punk I bought this record, along with Berner's book "Festival Man", when he played at the Company House (RIP) on Gottingen Street. That's another show/artist I was made aware of thanks to Peter, so thanks pal! This show was wicked awesome, and "Victory Party" is equally so. It's barely contained, but perfectly contained, klezmer infused chaos; each song a story that pulls your strings like a puppet. Geoff Berner is a Canadian gem. Oh, and Festival Man is a great read.

Shout Out to Jampy

I got this sweet record stand for Christmas from Stu. Created by Jampy (my excellent birthday twin) and featuring Dartmouth's own Three Sisters (Tuft's Cove smokestacks), it helps me display whatever wicked wax I'm spinning. Very cool.

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