Archive for the ‘intro’ Category
sojourner
When the ideas came they came in a rush. Inspiring ideas and strong desires. The switch was flicked and I can’t say why or how exactly, all I know is that I am flying to the United States of America on August the 19th 2008 (AD) for the commencement of what should be a grand ol’ adventure. The planning has been rather hurried but measured. Initial scribbled outlines became firm, fine curves and over the past couple of weeks I have gradually coloured in the shapes of the journey to the point that all is almost in readiness. Never the most adept colourer-innererer, I must say I am quite chuffed with the results. Barely even strayed outside the lines. A graphical interpretation of my masterplan below:
More details shall be added but that gives you an impression. Cramming a lot in over a short period, I see this forthcoming cultural extravaganza as a taster to what may become a dangerous new addiction. I hope my sojourns provide me with a strong impression of the culture and subculture of each destination…not just the tourist attractions but also what’s bubbling beneath the surface and what’s been swept under the mat. Or what chooses to dwell under the mat. The portion of the trip I am most looking forward to is the ten day sabbatical in Turkey with the younger sibling. Oh, he has been abroad for some time, this bearded little antelope I know as Ritzy Roo, and I cannot wait to smoke apple tobacco, bake upon rocks and discuss the finer aspects of European bird life (for it seems he has become quite the expert!) with him in a strange and foreign land.
I have locked in several musical outings already, a festival in SanFran providing me with much of my initial inspiration. The Outside Lands Music Festival is seemingly curated exactly to my likings-Wilco, Radiohead, M.Ward, Black Mountain, Beck, Drive-by Truckers…about the only band missing from the line up is My Morning Jacket. Fortunately I’ve secured tix to see ‘em in Boston. Over in the UK I will be seeing Jason Molina (he of Magnolia Electric Co., Songs:Ohia) perform solo in Leeds. Over the last few months I have become increasingly immersed in Molina’s seemingly bottomless well of ink black Americana, in particular the albums “The Lioness” and “Didn’t It Rain” have revealed themselves as totally absorbing works that I cannot cease listening to. They are heavy with tones not unlike the environs of this Melbourne winter: all many fingered black trees, smoke stained mist and boiling charcoal skies. No doubt this is morose music straight outta the doldrums, but it is also compelling, driving and warmly melancholic. The song “Didn’t It Rain” is almost my new “Baby Blue”, on an inspirational level. Especially the lines:
“…go on and catch it while you can
go on and catch it if you can
let it course through you
and let it burn through you…”
Listen: “Didn’t It Rain”, Songs:Ohia
