Family photos. Locations: Plains, Montana, Jerome, Arizona, Lake Elsinore, California, Long Beach, California.
Matthew Ryanon Dear Lover, 2010.
The view from Woodland Hills, California, overlooking the San Fernando Valley. February 9th, 2010.
Reservoir by Fanfarlo is out today on lala.com. (I’ve been listening to it for months, though, not sure why.) I first about Fanfarlo when Crizzle, a lala.com member said that Reservoir was one of her favorite albums of 2009. Since I really like her taste in music, I wanted to hear it. Happy and melodic, Fanfarlo’s first album is irresistible.
The songs have sweet (but not simple) melodies; interesting, almost lush instrumentation that is nonetheless, crisp and full of lovely details—subtle yet stirring horns, a bit of harmonica; satisfying harmonies; and, of course, that heavenly, almost angelic voice.
It’s hard to pick favorites without seeming to recite the track list:
I’m a Pilot, Ghosts, Luna, Comets….okay, all of them. I like each song better each time I give it a listen, although the lyrics are better left misunderstood. Upbeat and melodic, Fanfarlo’s first album is irresistible.
My favorite album in 2009 so far. Listen a bit, and become addicted. If the player is closed, just click it to open.
I agree with this review, except with the word “slight.” I would use the word, “spare.” Stripped down and spare. Minimalist. Amazing.
Hard Stop by Chris KnopfMy review
rating: 4 of 5 stars
This fourth book in Chris Knopf’s Sam Acquillo books is terrific.
Sam is a fascinating character—a complicated man who suffers a spectacular meltdown before the series begins. Often his own worst enemy, Sam gains some hard won self knowledge over the course of the novels. His past life, which is quite different than his current situation, is revealed slowly in small glimpses.
Some of the things I liked about this mystery include the setting, the non-millionaire side of the Hamptons; the interesting and vivid characters; the assured and beautiful writing; and the understated, lowkey humor of the protagonist. I found myself giggling as I listened to Sam’s conversations with the various thugs, detectives, townspeople and friends he encounters.
If you haven’t read any, do start with the first book, The Last Resort. If you’re familiar with the series, grab this latest entry. You’ll enjoy it.
(I listened to the audiobook edition.)
I want UVerse. I’ve ordered UVerse. I had two AT&T guys in my house for six hours drilling holes until they said I couldn’t have UVerse.
Okay. I’m a big girl. I can take it. But stop with the “$200 Back!” offers. They come in the mail every other day. I’m bitter. I admit it. But don’t entice me with visions of cheaper, better TV, get me to bite, say I can have it, then say I can’t have it, and then bombard my mailbox with entreaties to order it. I’m serious. Cut it out.
