Review: Valtari by Sigur Ros
Since their late-1990s debut, Iceland’s Sigur Ros have reigned as the masters of orchestral, ethereal pop. With lead singer Jonsi’s (aka Jón Þór Birgisson) otherworldly falsetto serving as an instrument […]
Review: What We Saw From the Cheap Seats by Regina Spektor
Additional reviews, lists and articles on my Arts page. Figuring out where Regina Spektor is going to take a song is like trying to follow a house fly: her voice bobs and weaves, twitches, chirps, lifts and drops, floats and hangs. Her choices on piano can be equally surprising. And yet […]
In Which I Go All Ron Paul On You…
“The federal government (aka Fedzilla) is too big.” “Government is the problem; not the solution.” These are tokens of faith among conservatives, especially Tea Partiers, and in almost every Republican race – from the presidential contest on down – candidates trip over themselves listing the federal departments they’d shut […]
Trekking in Peru: An Introduction
So you want to do some trekking in Peru? Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. These don’t replace the need to buy a proper trail guide (and […]
Review: Bloom by Beach House
Additional reviews, lists and articles on my Arts page. Bloom, the fourth release from Beach House, the duo of French expat Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, is another sweet slice of chiming, dreamy pop. The new album sticks to the same basic formula – ringing slide guitars, chintzy keyboards, and Legrand’s […]
How to Reintegrate Into Normal Society: A Guide for Backpackers
Find yourself spitting or urinating in front of strangers? You may be suffering from Backpacker Reintegration Syndrome.
An Open Letter to United Airlines
Dear United, You suck. I realize I’m not the first to express this sentiment and, God knows, I won’t be the last, but it has to be said. […]
