Iron & Wine - Walking Far From Home

I was walking far from home
Where the names were not burned along the wall
Saw a building, high as heaven
But the door was so small, door was so small 

I saw rainclouds, little babies
And a bridge that had tumbled to the ground
I saw sinners making music
And I dreamt of that sound, dreamt of that sound 

I was walking far from home
But I carried your letters all the while
I saw lovers in a window
Whisper want me like time, want me like time 

I saw sickness bloom in fruit trees
I saw blood and a bit of it was mine
I saw children in a river
But their lips were still dry, lips were still dry 

I was walking far from home
And I found your face mingled in the crowd
Saw a boat-full of believers
Sail off talking too loud, talking too loud 

I saw sunlight on the water
Saw a bird fall like a hammer from the sky
An old woman on a speed train
She was closing her eyes, closing her eyes 

I saw flowers on a hillside
And a millionaire pissing on the lawn
Saw a prisoner take a pistol
And say join me in song, join me in song 

As this is posting I'll have arrived in Australia. For the second time this year. Yep, I took the longest non-stop in the world from Dallas to Sydney. I love to travel but, if I'm being honest, this year has been a bit much, and we're only half way through! I'm sure I'm missing Kerri something awful, and I don't even want to think about my poor cat, Danger.

But enough of that! Travel is a joy. It's probably the best way a person can learn and become more at one with the world. My favorite thing to do when I'm away is to walk. I love exploring and getting lost in new places. I love making up stories about the people and places I see. I love listening to music in a new environment, finding art and taking photos and breathing far away air.

"Walking Far From Home" one of my favorite songs, and easily my favorite from Iron & Wine, who've got a lot to choose from. I included a fair bit of the lyrics because they're so damn good (Samuel Beam is an amazingly gifted songwriter) and evoke almost exactly my own feelings as I'm walking far from home.

Upcoming Shows

Nice As Fuck - Angel

I’m an angel in the evil
I’m a child in my mind
I’ve been searching for salvation
I’m my own valentine
I’m a baby
Without you

Nice as Fuck are, well, I guess you’d call them an indie super-group (starring Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis) with a funky vibe and a silly name. Their self-titled album fun and feels a bit like a low-fi Fleetwood Mac tribute. It’s also catchy and a great listen for a summery afternoon. If you make it to the end, and you should, you’ll get a kick out of the NIF theme song. Good luck!

Upcoming Shows

Tipling Rock - Low Tide Love

Can't you help me get through the grinds?
When this life takes time, I'll make time
I got you on my mind, by the seaside low tide
I can be with you
You don't think so, think so
Will my dream come true?

Fairly new Boston indie garage rockers, with surfer-sounding guitars, Tipling Rock have broken through to some major attention with this single, released earlier this summer and still gaining popularity. Just listening to it makes me think I need to check my toes for sand. 

Upcoming Shows

Dinosaur Pile-Up - Peninsula

Be what you want
Say what you feel
Do what you please
Take what you got
Do it whatever
Leave it behind
Do it for real
Keep it in mind
Make it a deal
Do it forever
Want you to know
I don't care what you say
Want you to know
That I'll get there someday

This doesn't seem to be a political song, and it might not be intended to be, but I'm going there. Politics have been on my mind lately. and while this isn't the place to get into it, I wanted to, I don't know, nudge my world view into the spotlight for a minute. The lyrics of this song are, as they often are, very subject to interpretation, but I generally like the "you can do it yourself, whatever you want" vibe going on here. 2008, FTW!

Upcoming Shows

Dum Dum Girls - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Take me out tonight
Where there's music and there's people
And they're young and alive
Driving in your car
I never never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Anymore

Yesterday we covered (hehe) Kristin Kontrol, who is Dee Dee from the Dum Dum Girls, and it put me into the way-back machine. Kerri and I have also recently been talking about the 80's, the awesome era we grew up in, and The Smiths specifically. I was suddenly reminded of this great cover and figured I'd share. I'm a big fan of covers, and while this doesn't quite capture the feel of the original, it's pretty great. And, come on, The Smiths? That's a pretty high bar.

If you like this and want more, check out the video for "Rimbaud Eyes", it's such a cool track.

Upcoming Shows