absence makes the heart grow fonder, that what i tell myself every time i go a few weeks without posting something new. so i pose this question (to the two of you who read this blog); is your heart exploding with fondacity? anyway, there are a remarkable number of things to dig on right now so i thought i would put a few down and let it ride.
music:
crowded house-intriguer (the deluxe itunes version)
i have my brother scott to thank for my love of crowded house. i had always been a cursory fan of their music when i first purchased 'woodface', and at first and second listen i just didn't like it. now this could have been for many reasons, but it may have just been that i was too young (probably about 6 months too young) to recognize genius. my brother who was clearly old enough to recognize genius played it incessantly after i so ignorantly gave him my copy. i fought it at first (because i'm an idiot) and then i really listened,
what i heard was astounding; the lush melodies, playful yet honest writing, unforgettable harmonies, and a reference to god wearing sexy pants and walking a sausage dog. they also have my favorite line in any song, "why sinful angels suffer for love".
this is all relevant because they have a new album and it is very good, if not quite as excellent as 'woodface'. the new album is called 'intriguer ' and i would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys lush pop music and songs that you can just fall in too. also recommended is the deluxe itunes version because of all the live concert and home footage. very much worth the extra price of admission.
thanks scooter!
books:
the gumshoe, the witch, and the virtual corpse by keith hartman
our book club just finished this yarn and damn, what a fantastic book. witches, televangelists senators, gay private dicks, a gym based on the spanish inquisition, and a very interesting take on performance art are just some of the outlandish pieces of the book. add to that a number of protagonists and antagonists that all have an equal and unique voice and you have a tale that really delivers.
keith hartman has pulled off something truly unique in that he writes in a genre that is rife with clichés, doesn't avoid those clichés and yet none of the writing feels clichéd, actually the opposite. gumshoe feels fresh and inventive and more than worthy of the time investment.
food:
we sat outside in the cooling night air, the ice cold pitcher of sangria sat between us inviting and ample. the small plates started arriving and the pleasant conversation we had been enjoying dissolved into silence as we ate our way through a variety of fantastic tasting presentations, from perfectly cooked scallops wrapped in bacon, warm feta and grilled onion bruschetta, to chicken and fennel stuffed piquillo peppers (a true standout).
the only thing better than our meal was the company. casa naranja is an excellent addition to the already bustling mississippi st. historic district. give it a shot, and if your feeling spunky, check out the patio in back (one of portland's finest).
foie gras on my hamburger...bring me a moist towel...grilled onions and garlic aioli...where's my moist towel...hands covered with hamburger juice...i'm going to have to lick my fingers to clean them...my fingers taste remarkably good...homemade pork rinds...sangiovese...lee is licking his fingers as well...another amazing night with husband.