if i could just fly away*

It will be my first full summer here on the East Coast, so I'm bracing my delicate California-bred skin for east side humidity and heat!  To keep my cool, I created a new Proper Social Etiquette playlist, titled Welcome to Summerville.  I wanted it to be perfect background music for those backyard barbecues, poolside parties, and other quintessentially summer shindigs that happen here in suburbia.  

- The Beach Boys - Let's Go Away for Awhile

- The Free Design - Bubbles

- The Orange Peels - The West Coast Rain

- Modular - Playa Biquini
- Belle and Sebastian - Song for Sunshine

- Gorillaz (feat. George Benson) - Humility

- You'll Never Get to Heaven - Beyond the Clouds

- Ringo Deathstarr - Summertime

- Johnny Marr - Hi Hello
- Club 8 - Hot Sun

- Alpaca Sports - Summer Days

- Lo-Fi Fnk - Last Summer

- Arctic Monkeys - Snap Out of It

- The Horrors - Something to Remember Me By

- Hoops - Gemini

- Seablite - Cerulean (obvs)

- The Drums - Days

- Bertran Burlagat (feat. Robert Wyatt) - This Summer Night (Solenzara Mix)

- Astrud Gilberto - Summer Samba (So Nice)

- Koop - Summer Sun

It's mostly new-ish tracks that I've been digging lately, as well as a couple old PSE standards.  I usually don't repeat songs from old playlists, but that Koop track is my summer jam! And I think this is my first summer playlist with songs that actually have "summer" in their titles.

For some reason, Spotify is still showing a couple tracks that don't belong: Labyrinth Ear and Decompsure.  Skip those!  Give the playlist (or me username: bardotcharming) a follow on Spotify.  I may be horrible at blogging outfits and trips, but, man oh man, sharing music is easier to do!

I hope you enjoys the tunes, and happy Summer Solstice!

*The Orange Peels - The West Coast Rain

these are haunted days*

Winter is never going to leave.  Here's a playlist for those trapped indoors.

Arling & Cameron - Sunday
Air France - Collapsing Outside Your Doorstep
Natsuo Ishido - La Noyee
Club 8 - Breathe
Steven Wilson - A Forest
The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight
Thievery Corporation (feat. Lou Lou) - The Time We Lost Our Way
Erlend Oye - Every Party Has a Winner and a Loser
Les Tres Bein Ensemble - A Helene
Margo Guryan - Sun
The Diving Comedy - Our Mutual Friend
The Yearning - Do You Remember?
Keren Ann - My Name is Trouble
Polo & Pan - Pays Imaginaire
Trembling Blue Stars - Haunted Days

This playlist is also good to help calm frazzled nerves.

*Trembling Blue Stars - Haunted Days

what will it take for you to let go*

I decided to share my Proper Social Etiquette playlist before I retire it for the winter.  I'm calling it Walking on California Sunshine:

Javiera Mena - Sufrir (feat. Jens Lekman)

Soft Regime - Michelangelo

Portland - Deezy Daisy

Marsheaux - To the End

Röyksopp - Never Ever (feat Susanne Sundfør)

Parralox - Flamboyant

Jens Lekman - How We Met, the Long Version

Lucky Soul - No Ti Amo (Radio Edit)

Escort - Body Talk

Breakbot - Mystery

Fitness Forever - Tonight (feat. Kidsaredead)

Strawberry Machine - Daisy

Paradis - Recto Verso (Paradis Radio Remix)

September 87 - Bad Dream Baby

Big Black Delta - RCVR (feat. Debbie Gibson) <--- p="" yessss="">

Night Drive - Rise and Fall

Carousel - Into the Night

Ice Choir - Amorous in Your Absence

For some reason, Spotify is still showing a couple tracks that don't belong: Labyrinth Ear and Decompsure.  Skip those!

I had created this playlist long before we moved to Massachusetts, but I never properly announced it!  For a while, it was my walking-around-Alamo-Square-Park playlist; it made me happy to walk and wander.  I'm missing California so much right now, and this playlist helps me remember my real home.

*Big Black Delta - RCVR (feat. Debbie Gibson)

and when she swims away* (music video appreciation 05.17.17)

Jon and I had the pleasure of participating in the video shoot for Sea Blite's song "Cerulean" a couple months ago, and the video finally came out courtesy of Death Records!

You can see us go-go dancing and drinking in the corner.  We're not lushes, really!

I really love the song; it's so catchy!  Sea Blite will be performing as part of SF Popfest on Saturday, June 3rd and will be releasing their first EP soon.  I highly encourage everyone to check them out!

*Sea Blite - Cerulean

she's up to something*

Ever wonder where my old Proper Social Etiquette songs go when I remove and update the playlist?  I know, it's one of those questions you ask yourself everyday!  Well, since I've been slacking in blog posts and posting music is easier, I thought I'd share the playlist where PSE songs go to die... I mean, "live forever".  Here's "She's Up to Something - A Proper Social Etiquette Drop Playlist":

Also known as my "pse out" playlist. I had to give it a fancier name.

It clocks in about 9.5 hours, so you can either listen to it on shuffle (which is what I do) and discover some old hits.  Or - and this is the useful part - you can select a date when the songs were added to the playlist and go from there.  Since I remove the songs from the PSE playlist and add it to this PSE drop playlist at the same time, you can hear the playlist from that timeframe.   For instance, I can listen to my first PSE playlist from 2011, which is clearly a playlist inspired by my longing for my old radio show.  This requires you to have the actual application, however.

Since I'm updating my Proper Social Etiquette playlist, I'll keep this drop playlist public so you can listen.  Give it a follow, and I hope you enjoy the tunes.

*Out Hud - It's for You

what's been happening in your world?* (this and that 04.14.17)

I know, I know - I'm a horrible blogger.  I thought I could be able to keep up, but it's been difficult these days!  How do people do it?

At any rate, I'll be sneakily retroactively dating a bunch of posts here in the blog.  Until then, here's some music videos to enjoy:

Carousel - Another Day

All this rain makes me wish for a proper SoCal summer.  (I'll regret this statement when it's a smoldering hot summer.)

The Aprils - Panda

Panda chop!

Arctic Monkeys - Snap Out Of It

Shake, baby.

I hope you're all doing well out there!  Thank you for being patient with me!

*Arctic Monkeys - Snap Out Of It

it brings me back somewhere* (this and that 02.24.17)

Jon and I will be traveling to the wilds of Portland, Oregon next week to see The Radio Dept. at the Doug Fir and Jens Lekman at Revolution Hall.  What can I say?  We are dedicated to music... and we were lazy when it came to buying tickets to their San Francisco shows.  Since sharing music is easier, here are some tracks to enjoy:

Jens Lekman - What's That Perfume That You Wear?

I dig the dancers.

The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight

An oldie but goodie.

Jens Lekman - Sipping on the Sweet Nectar

It's weird not seeing him in a black baseball cap.

The Radio Dept. - Never Follow Suit

I'm pretty sure The Radio Dept. doesn't have music videos.

I'm so excited to see Jens!  This will be my first time seeing him live.  If you have a chance to either band on tour, let me know what you think of their shows.  Have a good weekend everyone!

*Jens Lekman - What's That Perfume That You Wear?

and maybe when the winter falls around me (this and that 02.17.17)

I like to mix it up, musically-speaking, and there are some days I miss having my old radio show.  So instead of the usual links to stuff for today's This and That, here are some new and old songs to enjoy on your Friday.

- Soft Regime - Michelangelo

It's cheeky!

- Javiera Mena - La Joya

Vamos a la discoteca.

- Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Harajuku Iyahoi

She's dancing with herself and a couple of trees.

- Pet Shop Boys - Flamboyant

It kinda speaks to a certain high-ranking "elected" official.

My pin game, if you're curious:

- "Fighting Evil & Winning Love" by Sugarbones | site

-"Luna P - Chibiusa Companion" by Elorasaurus | site

I hope you enjoy the music, and have a good weekend!

*Soft Regime -  Michelangelo

the train is coming / so get on board* (this and that 02.10.17)

My daily walks consist of walking around Alamo Square Park, which is framed with the most gorgeous (and most picturesque) homes of San Francisco.  On clear days, I can see the city skyline, and I am thankful to live in such an open and progressive city.

- Depeche Mode's video for "Where's the Revolution" directed by Anton Corbijn was just released, and, of course, it is a subtle jab at the current political climate.  Corbijn has a definite artistic vision when he films their videos, and he plays with their imagery:


Those mustaches and beards!

- Sailor Moon seems to be all over the place, with the American release of Sailor Moon R (which I missed during it's short theatrical run).  When I visited Tokyo, I splurged and picked up a couple of Moon Stick and Rod eyeliners in It'sDemo; you can see the pair I purchased below!  Now, there are (more) super cute Bandai-authorized Sailor Moon-inspired makeup being sold via Dreamy Bows in the UK:

Sailor Moon Brooch Makeup Powder Brooch, £44.99

Sailor Moon Moon Stick Lipstick, £19.99

Sailor Moon Stick & Rod Eyeliner, £15.99

It's kind of a shame that they don't show the actual color of the products.  Also, I'm pretty sure none of the ingredients are vegan and cruelty free.  However, they are cute to look at!

- I re-watched Fifty Shade of Grey with Olga and Jocelyn, and I finally got to meet their adorable dogs!

www.instagram.com/pixdox

www.instagram.com/banjothepoodle

Check out their adventures on social media!

- Lastly, I wanted to bring up my opinion on the controversy of Pinup Girl Clothing and cultural appropriation.  If you haven't heard, read the change.org site explaining the petition and boycott. Previously, I had heard about the bullying behavior of PUG's founder and designer towards customers and thought little of it as I continued to purchase a couple pieces.  However, as a woman of color, I agree with the writers of the petition and have joined in the boycott.  I have removed the link to their online shop and stopped following the company on social media.  Appropriating a culture is downright disgusting.

I hate to leave this post on a sour note, so here's a trailer for Kedi, a documentary about stray cats in Istanbul.  Have a good weekend!

*Depeche Mode - Where's the Revolution
(Product shots and graphics from their respective sites)

you've been kept down / you've been pushed 'round*

Is this a new Depeche Mode single?!  Why, yes it is!



It's a blistering call-to-arms track; it riles me up just listening to Gahan's sneering vocals.  I'm probably in the minority who enjoys DM's musical evolution into more sonic and dark bluesy sounds.

Spirit comes out on March 17th, and I'm definitely purchasing the vinyl!

*Depeche Mode - Where's the Revolution

but you still carry on*

I made it this far, and it would be a disservice if I didn't end the year with a post.  After Marty's passing, I had been M.I.A. from social media, instead keeping busy with work and other errands to keep my mind distracted.  And then there was traveling to Southern California and Christmas with the family!  Needless to say, it's been an emotionally rough two weeks.

I didn't want to wallow too much in my sadness on social media.  I have nothing against people who do; in this day and age, you're allowed to emote in any way that helps you, especially since we've lost so many heroes this past year.  But I prefer to keep my grief private.

But if you ever want to read about pet grief, I liked petlosshelp.org's 10 Common Questions About Pet Loss.  There's also support groups out there, like the San Francisco SPCA's Pet Loss Support Group that meets every first Tuesday of the month.

One thing that has kept me going has been music.  During Marty's ordeal, I played Elbow's entire discography.  Lead singer Guy Garvey's voice steadied my shaky nerves.  After putting him to sleep, I made a short (and secret) playlist of tracks that reflected my pain and sadness.  And lately, I've been listening to Yann Tiersen's new album EUSA (link opens to Spotify).  It's hauntingly beautiful.

But I don't want to end the year on a sad note.  We have a busy four years of fighting ahead of us.  Instead, I'm sharing with you a playlist that Marty and I used to frequently listen to for maximum relaxation.  It's entitled, "Martin Gore the Cat's Tropical Tiki Hideaway":

At 10.5 hours, simply press shuffle and be transported to a cat-friendly tiki getaway.

So to my readers, let's say good-bye to 2016 and all that we've lost.  Let's welcome 2017 and be ready to take on its new challenges.  Be good and do good things, my friends.

*Yann Tiersen - Le Jours Tristes (featuring Neil Hannon)

come all you people / join in the singing*

I'm not a fan of modern Christmas music, not only do they just rehash the classics (how many versions of "Last Christmas" do we really need?!), but they do it poorly.  Also, new holiday songs are either really sappy or badly written.

The one record I’m trying to find is 1962's "We wish you a Merry Christmas" by the Ray Coniff singers.  My parents always played this album during the holidays, so, while I’m not all too invested in the message (to put it politely), I have always associated the songs with a happy Christmas. The songs have an epic production, and the medleys merge well together.

My favorite track is "Ring Christmas Bells" - not many Christmas songs can sound so foreboding, dark, and joyous at the same time.

At a short 30 minutes, it's a good album to play to get in the spirit.  What are your favorite holiday albums?

*Ray Coniff with the Ray Coniff singers - Ring Christmas Bells

feel with all the strength i found* (music video appreciation 09.29.16)

still from "love me again"

Since I’m all about finding northern soul dancing in modern pop songs, here's John Newman’s video for "Love Me Again":

The single was a great introduction to Newman’s booming soul-influenced pop songs, and it was catchy, as well as danceable.  The story has a mod Romeo-and-Juliet storyline to it, but what I really enjoyed how the dancers are so jubilant and stylish.  I tried to copy their moves, but alas, they have some fancy footwork.

I remember having tickets to see him at the independent back when this single came out, but he canceled the tour (sickness or whatever)!  I never really forgave him after that.  However, this song is still a standout for me.

*John Newman - Love Me Again

you should see how good you look right now* (music video appreciation 09.28.16)

still from "let the night" video

If you recall from my previous post, my running / workout playlist consists of mostly electropop/synth/dance music.  One of the tracks that keep me moving is Dirty Vegas’ 2013 single "Let the Night".  I hadn't seen the video, but I expected it to be the typical sexy-dancing-girl-meets-boy-in-club kind of trope.  Imagine my surprise when the video consists of a middle-aged man lost in the memories of the past, dancing all night to Northern Soul records by himself. I was taken aback with the video's story:

Not only did it convey a man's singular joy via dance (and Northern Soul dancing for that matter), the uplifting lyrics - "No, it's never too late / To believe in something" - are juxtaposed with images of an unconventional notion of beauty.  He's beautiful when he moves.  The duo is nowhere in the video, instead focusing solely on the ebullition of his movement.  And by damn, he's good!  The video made me happy and sad simultaneously, as he starts the way it ends - with him on the floor.

I love the moves of northern soul dancing - it's the one dance i can't quite get right, but i try my best! - so this video was a nice homage.  What do you think?

*Dirty Vegas - Let the Night

it's the only thing that there's just too little of*

It took me a while to cull the songs, but I present to you my newest proper social etiquette playlist, What the World Needs Now is Burt (and Hal) (link opens to Spotify).  It's inspired by, you guessed it, composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David.  I included a couple of songs by the duo, but I wanted more songs that were influenced by their complex pop orchestral style.

Yeongene - I'll Never Fall in Love Again (Feat. Eugene Kelly)
Fitness Forever - L'amore Annegato
The Critters - Cool Sunday Morning
Shoko - Mizuiro
Sergio Mendes &Amp; Brasil '66 - Berimbau
Nicola Conte - Shades Of Joy (Feat. Marvin Park)
Koop - Summer Sun (Feat. Yukimi Nagano)
Arling &Amp; Cameron - W.E.E.K.E.N.D
Paper Dolls - Do You Know The Way To San Jose?
David Bowie - When I Live My Dream
The Postmarks - Let Go
April March - Mignonette
Flipper's Guitar - Dolphin Song
The School - Do I Love You?
Oasis - Going Nowhere
Jackie Deshannon - What the World Needs Now Is Love

For some reason, Spotify is showing a couple tracks that don't belong: Labyrinth Ear and Decompsure.  Skip those!

It's a departure from my typical playlists, which mimicked the progression of my old radio show (electrodiscoindiepop!).  This one is more mellow and reflective from start to finish, perfect for watching the fog roll in while drinking tea and  or cuddling with your furry pet children.  I hope you enjoy it!

*Jackie Deshannon - What the World Needs Now is Love

i'll find a way to make you smile again* (music video appreciation 08.02.16)

still from "just like johnny marr" video

With all the stress going on with Marty's health, I decided to listen Alpaca Sports.  Their sweet pop music always makes me smile and lifts my spirits!  Their video for "Just like Johnny Marr" is one of my favorites, as the charming duo are in Tokyo, Japan. The video's true star is the city itself -  the urban landscapes and the people.   They traverse through various scenes, singing their wistful, lovelorn lyrics to possibly a lost lover. or possibly to the city.  Their Lost in Translation inspiration is duly noted.

 

Now, I have some serious love for Tokyo. The video is a lovely reminder of the sights and faces of that bustling hectic city I visited back in 2013 (and 2015!).  Even though the song is from 2014, the video captures the city with the same heart.  The fact they filmed the video in (what looks like) fall or early winter made me long for Tokyo more.

Jon and I finally got to see alpaca sports perform at NYC Popfest back in may, and, in my opinion, they were the highlight of the festival!

*Alpaca Sports - Just like Johnny Marr

these days, she says, "i feel my life / just like a river running through"* (this and that 07.22.16)

I'm so ready for the weekend! It's been a busy work week for me; I’ve been sleeping and waking up early for work.  Admittedly, I like having my afternoons free!  It's been nice to enjoy the San Francisco summer sun, when it's there!

- Jon and I finished "stranger things" on Netflix, and dammit, I wish it was a longer story.  We've been debating how they could proceed with a second season: me = start a new strange story, him = build upon this story world.  With all the buzz with the series, hopefully they have a second season.  If you dig the music, I found a playlist (link opens to Spotify).

- Pinup Girl Clothing has a "Pretty Kitties" lookbook on their site, and, of course, I had to check it out!  I'm on a dress restriction these days, but all the pieces are super adorable.

via pinupgirlclothing.com

If I had to choose, I'd get these:

pawsitively cute kitty bag by voodoo vixen $48

sophistakitty flat in black by t.u.k. shoes $64

Both are vegan friendly and have black cats, so bonus.  I know, no cat dresses, but I already have the Jenny skirt in Mary Blair cats print!

- Have you checked out Jherek Bischoff's video for "Automatism," the first track off of Cistern? It's gorgeously shot by Jim Blatt in Australia and shows a tuxedo'd Jherek beginning his long journey: 

via jherekbischoff.com

It looks like each of the tracks will have its own video, so I’m excited to watch each one.  As you can tell, I’m a big supporter of his music ever since he was in the sweet science and played on my radio show back in 2007!  I feel like a mother hen, watching him grow as a person and musician.  Cistern is out now and available on his Bandcamp site here.

- If you're not totally inundated with music, don't forget about my "We All Want to be Like Pippi" post and get your Scandinavia on.

I'll be living vicariously through all the SDCC goers via social media and feeling sad that I retired from convention life.  Maybe next year?

*Al Stewart - Year of the Cat

(Product screenshots from their respective sites.)

when people think of sweden / i think they have the wrong idea*

This year I’m going to Stockholm and Copenhagen, and I’m super excited! To prepare myself for this trip, I’ve updated my We All Want To Be Like Pippi playlist on Spotify. Take a listen:

Edson - Sunday, Lovely Sunday
Cinnamon - Me As Helen Of Troy
The Concretes - On The Radio
[ingenting] - Ge Tillbaka Det
The Wannadies - Fabians' Space Disko
The Mary Onettes - Lost
Loveninjas - I Wanna Be Like Johnny C
Lo-Fi Fink - Want U
The Legends - Darling
The Sound Of Arrows - Magic
Waltz for Debbie - He Loves Anna
Pelle Carlberg - Hit Song
Club 8 - Missing You
Peter Bjorn and John - Amsterdam
Acid House Kings - I Just Called To Say Jag Alskar Dig
Anna Ternheim - What Have I Done
Cats On Fire - Your Woman
Those Dancing Days – Can’t Find Entrance
I'm From Barcelona - Violins
Jens Lekman - Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig
Sambassadeur - Albatross
Jonathan Johansson - Alla Vill Ha Hela Varlden
Leitbur - Think of Tomorrow
The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight
Kent - 747

Have any suggestions on places I should visit when I’m there?

*Jens Lekman - Cold Swedish Winters

some place to wear my eyes inside out* (this and that 07.15.06)

What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope everyone has a good one!

- While the "toddler grandma" aesthetic isn't really my thing, I'm a big proponent of "dress how you want, who cares what others think". The article, "Toddler Grandma Style, the Fashion Approach Will Set You Free" is fun and encourages independent dressing beyond the norm.

via theestablishment.com

And if anyone wants to categorize me, I’ve always said my style is "that rockabilly goth girl in your upper-division college class".  Clearly, I’m not in college anymore and my style does go beyond that now, but it's been humorous to say.

- Stranger Things on Netflix is all the buzz right now, and I’m already sucked in!  It's a love letter to all things weird and creepy in the 1980s - complete with a creepy synth soundtrack - without being trapped in its nostalgia.  If you don't know, check out the trailer here on YouTube.

- This week is the always crazy San Diego Comic Con, and I'm sad that I don't get to go this year.  I'll probably follow all the happenings on social media.  I do know, however, that I need a copy of Debbie Huey's Bumperboy Gets Angry #6 minicomic!  One of these days, I'll cosplay as Jillian;  I just need an eye patch!

photo by debbie huey, via bumperboy.net

- Jherek Bischoff's new album Cistern is finally out!  I had the honor of listening to is before the release, and it's is gorgeous - smoldering instrumentals that swell with emotions and beauty.  It's already on repeat.

cover by alex stoddard photograpy

Jherek is an international sailor-on-the-go: he'll be performing one day with Amanda Palmer in New York and another day arranging and conducting a string quartet of Bowie covers in a museum.  If he's ever in your town, I suggest seeing him live.  Order a digital, cd, or vinyl copy on Bandcamp - I went for the gold and got the limited edition gold vinyl! - or you can listen to the album on Spotify.  Til then, here's a taste of the album with the title track, "Cistern":

*Jherek Bischoff - Eyes (feat. David Byrne)

(Product screenshots from their respective sites.)

tell me your favorite song*

I went to Amoeba San Francisco this past weekend, and, even though I told myself to buy more "modern" records, I ended up buying some sweet exotica and lounge records!  Now, if you know me, I collect old lounge records, and, when I had a radio show, I used to play it in the background during air breaks.  I gave myself a $20 budget, and here's what I found:

Martin Denny - Exotic Sounds from the Silver Screen (Liberty Records)

Adding to my exotic world of Martin Denny records is the Exotic Sounds from the Silver Screen on liberty records.  The album is full of exotic-ified (totally a word) covers like "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Over the Rainbow". And hot damn, Sandy Warner is on the cover in silver foil!

Enoch Light and the Light Brigade - Spanish Strings (Project 3 Total Sound)

Enoch Light continues his reign of orchestral mastery with some nifty Latin-cenric tunes on Spanish strings.  There's even some Doc Severinson on the horn, and he totally rocks it (you know, if orchestral music could rock). Project 3 total sound had some awesome covers, and this one is by George Giusti.

Enoch Light Presents - Guitar Underground (Project 3 Total Sound)

Lastly, Enoch Light produced and originated the album Guitar Underground: 7 Great Guitars with the NOW Sound.  There are a lot of exclamations on the back cover - it's here!  The fresh explosive drive of the guitar underground! - promoting the awesomeness of this now sound, and it's not unfounded.  It's melodic and orchestral - "explosive" for the time it was recorded.  The groovy guitar cover was done by Charles E. Murphy.

What new music have you gotten lately?  Share it with me in the comments!

*Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On