Variations on a Theme

    We've already established how annoyingly self-centered I can be in my real life. Unfortunately, things aren't much different here. I find myself spending more and more time writing my own stuff and falling farther behind in keeping up with what other people are talking about.

    In an attempt to rectify that, I want to point you toward some great things other people are championing.

    First up is an interview with my beloved Eugene Francis Jnr. over at a free man. I'm so glad to see someone else sharing my excitement for his goodness.

    Next is Shane's interview with Shara Worden, aka My Brightest Diamond, at the torture garden. He and I have a shared love of her amazing talent.

    Ed from 17 seconds has got a very interesting mix of covers up, including LCD Soundsystem covering Joy Division, which seems odd at first glance but I think just might work. Speaking of unlikely covers, I heard this one on the radio yesterday. Gnarls Barkley covering the Violent Femmes' "Gone Daddy Gone." (Don't ask me where I've been the past two years, just enjoy it.)

Gnarls Barkley--"Gone Daddy Gone (Violent Femmes Cover)" mp3 off St. Elsewhere (buy) 

    Over at timedoor, Don has a review of a recent Low concert. He is quite the Low fan, as he explains, so I'd consider his a review to trust. Remember when I saw Low? My review was more of a first impressions, I have no idea what I'm talking about sort.

    To wrap things up, the other day I was at the mall poking around in Gap Kids and I realized I knew the song that was playing overhead. It took me a moment to figure out what it was and when I did I was really surprised. It was "Sorry" by Australian band Youth Group. How unlikely is that? I mean, half of you are probably asking yourselves, Who is Youth Group? And to think they're being played in such a mainstream American place as Gap Kids. It's a crazy world we live in, for sure.

Youth Group--"Sorry" mp3 off Casino Twilight Dogs (buy)

    I may have mentioned this before, but that's a job I'd love to have, that of creating the mix tapes that get played in stores. Think of the influence I could have, the minds I could warp!

illustration by Martha Baker  

tags: youth group  

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