Rick Astley

This drawing made me laugh out loud.

When I was 5 years old I asked my dad for the album Whenever you Need Somebody by Rick Astley. It was the first music I asked for.

Before that music was just offered to me. When I was 1 I coo-ed along with 99 luftballons. On my 2nd birthday I received a copy of Private Dancer on vinyl. (I still have it, loving birthday inscription and all.) The songs of Suzanne Vega, Bruce Springsteen & The Pretenders surrounded me through my youth.

Loved them but wanted Rick Astley after hearing him croon while my teenage cousin teased her bangs.

And I got it. July 26, 1987.

Thanks Dad!

Jói Kjartans

Pleeeease. I want a bus filled with balloons. Pleeeeease.

Once again, Iceland rules!

images: Jói Kjartans

Forecast

Heading to the Mercury Fashion Show on Sunday to see Em's things with some lovely ladies.

Also excited to see Kate's stuff like the lovely dresses above.

Hooray!

American Sign Language Matchbooks

American Sign Language Matchbooks

File under: Things I wish I thought of.

Dear Barney's Co-Op,

No Fair! You make me want things I have no business wanting.

To spare harsh feelings, your only retribution is to send me one of each in size 8.5.

Then I think we will be even.

Thanks much!

Your friend,

Jess Risdon.

P.S. Taupe, Grey & Colbalt Multi, respectively.

Joelle Jolivet

I found The Almost Everything Book at the bins last week.

It is composed of illustrations by Joelle Jolivet. There are houses, animals, instruments and bodies.

I think the anatomy is my favorite.

Now I am fascinated with her website.
Concert Posters! Album Art! Flying Birds!
It is grand.

xoxo
Joelle Jolivet.

80 Degrees

Yes Portlanders, 80 on Monday!

What? What is that I hear? Another outdoor movie?

Oui! Oui!

Taking recommendations and movie crashers.

So far we have votes for:

Money Pit

Earth Girls Are Easy

Troop Beverly Hills.

There are some really great IMDB ratings on these. 5.8, 4.9 & 4.7 respectively.

No. 20 Rainwear

Slow & Steady Wins the Race and Stand Up Comedy launch their new line No. 20 Rainwear at Fourteen30 tonight.

The line includes trenchcoats, ponchos, rainboots, rain caps & umbrellas.

I am excited to see it.

Fake Cardboard Car

Who wants to make one of these with me and drive it around?

Next sunny day? We can discuss color. And who gets to drive...

Anyone?

(TJ? I know you see this. You are on the top of my list.)

Jonathan Goldstein

Hooray.

Jonathan Goldstein is at Powell's tonight promoting his new book, Ladies & Gentleman, The Bible.

I kinda love him. He is a complete asshole but in a rather endearing way.

His CBC program Wiretap is my favorite. Remember?

Especially when he deals with ex-girlfriends...

And since I am attaching youtubes these days, enjoy:

My Maudlin Career

Stream it on NPR music tonight

Yep, yep!

One week before release.

Thanx.

In case you need more:

Boyfriend birthday present?

I think so!

Jeffrey for boys. Mmmmmm.

Musical History

There comes a point when the timing of a new album is predictable. I have followed some bands for years and look forward to the every-other-year-album thing.

Thankfully, this year it is some of my favorite old standby's like Phoenix, Camera Obscura, Röyksopp, Beirut, Iron & Wine, M. Ward, Telefon Tel Aviv, Alela Diane, Grizzly Bear, St.Vincent...la la la.

I'm excited to experience these bands again.