The family unit is back from a terrific trip to the Southwest. There were few sing-a-longs like above, but there isn't much better for a music lover than hundreds of miles of road with little to do but catch up on recent releases. The vehicle we picked up in Las Vegas had satellite radio. So there was something for everyone in the car... for a while, anyway. Sooner or later, however, I was going to get out my iPod to listen to that killer comp of songs from the first half of 2017 I assembled just before we left. The next few posts will feature some favorite moments from that list.
This is a picture I took as we were leaving Zion National Park after a picturesque day of hiking. We stayed as long as we possibly could, but when the moon made its appearance, it was obvious we squeezed as much out of the day as we possibly could. Here are a couple of inspired covers that are sure to make my list of favorite songs come December. Cattle is a Japanese quartet (two fellas, two gals) that just missed making my top 10 albums list in 2015 with "Somehow Hear Songs." The new five-song EP "Slow Sailor" continues to float my boat with their beefy side of dreampop. You'll want to turn up this take of Ride's 1992 classic "Twisterella."
This is another shot from Zion, along the Narrows. This shady hike through the water was the perfect way to cool off. The temperature peaked at 106 degrees that day. Here's another cover that grabbed me on the drive. The Luxembourg Signal is a favorite that's had nothing but praise on these pages. In fact, only the Popguns kept the band's self-titled debut from topping my list of best albums in 2014. Shelflife recently released a new 7" by the Luxembourg Signal, and both sides of the "Laura Palmer" single are beautiful. There was a certain amount of risk in their faithful rendition of "Let's Make Some Plans" by Close Lobsters because the Wedding Present's version is already so well known, but there is plenty of room in the world for more Close Lobsters! We may hear from Beth Arzy's other band later in the week. More from my 2017 mix, along with more photos from the trip, next time.
Brilliant shots Brian and two cracking tunes too. Particularly impressed by Cattle. Sounds like the family had a blast on vacation. I look forward to seeing and hearing more in coming posts.
Beautiful photos, so glad to hear you and family had a good trip. I'm intrigued by that shot of walking through the water along the Narrows - do you have to wade some distance? - does it get any deeper? Looks spectacular. Also enjoyed the Luxembourg Signal.
C, I feel like I could write all day about the Narrows. Really a sight to behold. You can hike a whopping 16 miles through the water, but it takes about 12 hours for a seasoned hiker. Water levels vary. Even though its doesn't look too deep in my summer photo, the current was still fairly strong. You really need a hiking stick to move through the water. The walls can be as high as 1,000 feet in places, and there is nowhere to go if a flash flood occurs. The risk of a flash flood was very low when we were there, and the park has signs alerting hikers to the risk each day. Obviously, other times of year, the water is very cold and the levels can be too high to hike. We are avid hikers, but I can tell you this was a very unique experience.. as JTFL can attest.
Echorich and Drew, Yep, you gotta have this one. I listened to the first album last night. The closer, Let It Go, was played three times in a row. Perfect headphones in a hammock track on a warm summer evening. I think I read somewhere a new album is on the way this fall.
Robster, I may have lived there, but I bow to your knowledge of Japanese music. I recall you liking Cattle too. You will not be disappointed with Slow Sailor.
Swede, The photos are sorely lacking in showing the beauty of that part of America. Not like the shots you come up with at your place. Oh, and you painted quite a picture with that bird attack the other day. You should have showed him some of your bird photos. Then he would know you're a friend.
All mp3s posted at LTL! are to highlight music you should buy... right now. Sure, give it a listen, but then run to your nearest indie record shop and pay up. Mp3s are linked for a limited time. Rants and raves to lineartrackinglives@gmail.com.
7 comments:
I enjoyed the Cattle album too. Didn't know about the new EP so thanks for the tip-off.
Brilliant shots Brian and two cracking tunes too. Particularly impressed by Cattle. Sounds like the family had a blast on vacation. I look forward to seeing and hearing more in coming posts.
Thanks Brian, I've just had to order the Luxembourg Signal vinyl!
Fantastic images Brian!! and I can't get enough of Luxembourg Signal's Laura Palmer...there's a bit of early Blondie deep in there...
Sweet - so glad you got to the Narrows. Not a lot to compare it to in America, or anywhere else. Will check out these tunes forthwith!
Beautiful photos, so glad to hear you and family had a good trip. I'm intrigued by that shot of walking through the water along the Narrows - do you have to wade some distance? - does it get any deeper? Looks spectacular.
Also enjoyed the Luxembourg Signal.
C, I feel like I could write all day about the Narrows. Really a sight to behold. You can hike a whopping 16 miles through the water, but it takes about 12 hours for a seasoned hiker. Water levels vary. Even though its doesn't look too deep in my summer photo, the current was still fairly strong. You really need a hiking stick to move through the water. The walls can be as high as 1,000 feet in places, and there is nowhere to go if a flash flood occurs. The risk of a flash flood was very low when we were there, and the park has signs alerting hikers to the risk each day. Obviously, other times of year, the water is very cold and the levels can be too high to hike. We are avid hikers, but I can tell you this was a very unique experience.. as JTFL can attest.
Echorich and Drew, Yep, you gotta have this one. I listened to the first album last night. The closer, Let It Go, was played three times in a row. Perfect headphones in a hammock track on a warm summer evening. I think I read somewhere a new album is on the way this fall.
Robster, I may have lived there, but I bow to your knowledge of Japanese music. I recall you liking Cattle too. You will not be disappointed with Slow Sailor.
Swede, The photos are sorely lacking in showing the beauty of that part of America. Not like the shots you come up with at your place. Oh, and you painted quite a picture with that bird attack the other day. You should have showed him some of your bird photos. Then he would know you're a friend.
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