kindness of ravens

ravenandcrow — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Apologies for the lack of posts in the past month. I know, I know. You were totally worried we had quit the game, right? Well, after over a year of writing for this blog and just over 100 posts (hey, that’s a lot), we’re making a few changes to the format and plan to re-launch in the new year, post design work craze and post holidaze. In the meantime, enjoy whatever celebratory thing, secular or not, you may do in December, and get ready to win in aught ten!

Above: Simon, the tiny, tiny squirrel that lived in our flower boxes for a week at our new place in Cobble Hill. Hope you’re hanging tough and enjoying your nuts this winter, Simon! No nut jokes allowed…

Music Monday

ravenandcrow — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Last week, one of my favorite bands, Copenhagen’s Efterklang, announced the new album they’ve been working on will be released on 4AD February, 2010. Efterklang truly produces some of the most unique, beautiful music I’ve heard in my recent years, so I’m obviously very excited. And, to add to the excitement and tide us all over for the next few months, they paired the announcement with the free release of a track from the forthcoming album—this week’s Song of the Week, Modern Drift. Now, having such a unique sound, you might think that the band would be one that morph or grow too much from disk to disk, but Efterklang has actually made significant strides in development with each release, starting out with charismatically glitchy electronic sounds and, more recently, bringing their unconventional song writing and structure to very conventional instruments—horns, acoustic stringed instruments and the like. With this tiny glimpse into their future, the first thing that strikes me is a much more mainstream sound. The structure is still edgy and, at times, unpredictable, but the voice and starting piano sounds almost Billy Joel-like. Okay, it’s not THAT mainstream, but, given the far from mainstream career this band has led to date, it’s surprising. That said, the song is an absolute gem—a shimmering, shifting reflection of autumn that’s made me smile every time I’ve listened to it. Check it out. Album cover by design studio, Hvass & Hannibal.

The Find

ravenandcrow — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:15:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again. NYC-based clothing designer Steven Alan is holding his legendary, bi-annual sample sale this week, and we’re ready to do our part to contribute to the revitalization of the economy. With his beautifully-made button-ups in myriad fabrics and ever-growing womenswear line, Steven Alan has become a staple of the American design world. And his sample sales are glorious circuses of discounted chaos. So we’ve figured out our spending limits, done our sample sale push-ups and sit-ups so we’re in peak rack searching condition, and we’ve even pulled out our old elbow pads, just in case things get a little rough in Tribecca. In addition to checking out the ground-level floor—full of massively discounted Steven Alan brand pieces for men and women—be sure to check out the basement too, where they keep the other designers’ merchandise. And be prepared to wait in line a bit outside as things tend to get pretty crowded. But trust us, it’s worth the crowds and worth the wait. Sale starts Thursday and runs through this Sunday, at which we assume you’ll be able to choose from a pair of argile socks and a XXXL sports jacket.

Music Monday

ravenandcrow — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:04:00 +0000

You might not know it looking at her EP’s scarily reminiscent of 2 Live Crew cover, but Lissy Trullie can write a damn good song. The cover shot is actually taken from a risque ’70s magazine—who doesn’t love retro porn?—and Lissy Trullie is actually Elizabeth McChesney, a DC kid who moved on up to NYC, and dabbled in graphic design and modeling before she and her band—also called Lissy Trullie—recorded the EP, Self-Taught Lerner at the beginning of this year. With the EP now re-released with four new songs and a new contract with Downtown Records, the band’s currently working on a full-length with Bernard Butler producing. But while you’re waiting for that one to hit the stores, check out her blissfully catchy Don’t to Do, this week’s song of the week. And no, I have no idea what that song title means. Kids these days…

Track courtesy of Downtown Records.

Music Monday

ravenandcrow — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:26:00 +0000

Sifting through the myriad new music that washed ashore in the wake of the CMJ Marathon, we came across this drum/vocal + guitar/keys duo from Amsterdam, The Moi Non Plus. First listen lumps them in with the art noise scene out of LA—Health, No Age, those kids. But I’m liking The Moi’s energy and obnoxiously endearing vocals, especially on this week’s Song of the Week, Ha Ha Ha. Plus ya gotta like a band that can make that much noise with just two dudes. Check ‘em. Photo and track courtesy of Subbacultcha.

From the Nest

ravenandcrow — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Rent Right Now
When I was a kid and first started to play music, my friend, Brian Rickabaugh, told me something. He said that his piano teacher confided in him that listening to music was no longer enjoyable for him because he was constantly analyzing and deconstructing it—worrying over things like time signatures or instrumentation involved or keys or tempo changes. And I remember thinking: That is a terribly sad thing. I understand becoming enamored with or fascinated by something so much that you start to eat and breathe that thing—you have to get closer to it, understand it and be a part of it. But then to be taken over so much by that phenomenon that you lose the desire that got you there in the first place seems to completely miss the point. It seems like it becomes the difference between critic and connoisseur. Or maybe even just blissful audience member.

With that thought in mind, I come to The Brothers Bloom, a movie we recently rented on somewhat of a whim because it seemed like it might be pretty alright. I had vaguely remembered the movie being released, not because I saw any promotion of it, but just because we happened to walk by a theatre in the city that was playing it last year.

In short, it’s awesome. Like, in the more literal meaning of the word, where it left me filled with awe. Awe of the beautiful writing and directing by newcomer, Rian Johnson; awe of the scenery and beautifully-shot cinematography; awe of the impressive, honest acting by Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, and the surprisingly funny Rinko Kikuchi (the quiet one in Babel); and just awe of how coolly the whole narrative was laid out in front of me, the viewer. I’m no movie critic, but, honestly, it’s one of the best films I have seen in a long, long time.

Which brings me back to Brian Rickabaugh’s piano teacher. I’m sure that, were I more embedded in the world of film or television or writing or whathaveyou, I might have seen this movie’s style as cliché, or maybe I would have seen the twists in the plot coming from miles away, or maybe I would have been thoroughly un-endeared to Rachel Weisz and her so, so, s very endearing acting, but then I wouldn’t have been able to sit back and watch one of my new favorite movies ever. I, for one, am happily not Brian Rickabaugh’s piano teacher. And, therefore, I must strongly, strongly recommend this very overlooked film. Check it out if you haven’t already. For serious.

Poster art by Zachary Johnson.

Terribly Late Tuesday

ravenandcrow — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

We must start with an apology, follow with a list of excuses, and then finish with some lovely music.

First off, we are sorry, Internet. We have been terribly neglectful of you. We hope you have been able to keep yourself busy—kicking the ball around the yard, playing Solitaire, having imaginary tea parties—but we apologize sincerely nonetheless.

We would like you to know, however, we have many good reasons for totally ignoring you. They are as follows:

1. In the real world, we have moved our home, saying ‘hello’ to quite possibly the most lovely neighborhood in the world. We thank you for your congratulations. That’s very big of you, given the circumstances.

2. Again, in the real world, our design company has moved to a new studio space. Again, thank you for the congratulations. We still need a few things—desks, at least one million dollars worth of things from the Apple store, maybe a nice throw rug—but we’re getting there and are super-psyched about the new space.

3. Our very kind, but rather large cat sat on one of our computers for a prolonged period of time with his giant, furry butt. Which, apparently, is not good for computers (we didn’t see it anywhere in the manual). We are not angry at him, but it did destroy said computer, and, thus, contributed to your neglect, we must admit.

4. We were busy making Halloween costumes—Edgar Allan Poe + the Raven. Yes, we are a bit obsessed with those birds, we suppose.

So, with all that in mind, and our added apologies regarding the fact that we missed not one, but two Music Mondays, we would at least like to preset to you a Song of the Week by the folksy-yet-tightly-wound bay area band, Port O’Brien. With the roots of their songwriting and sound in the sea, PO’B paints a deep picture of sincerity and emotion with their music. We’ve been fans of them for a bit now and are excited about the new release, available at Insound, iTunes, and, likely, a record store near you. Song, courtesy TBD Records.

And we promise to do better, Internet. Really.

The Find

ravenandcrow — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Vincent Moon Visits Copenhagen
One of my favorite bands, Efterklang, was recently part of an experiment involving Vincent Moon—the filmmaker largely famous for his work with La Blogotheque. A project started with the intention of finding new ways to present independent music, La Blogothequ is a French site that presents quickly-filmed, organic film of bands and musicians playing their songs live. The result is usually warm, intimate, and, in short, beautiful. With Temporary Copenhagen, Moon created a single-take, 3o minute piece in a house in Copenhagen, assembling 9 local bands and having them each play a song on the spot, with one song blending into the next. The result is a meandering, shimmering soundscape of the city and its very talented local music scene. Other than Efterklang, I only knew one other band—Slaraffenland, who is also really superb. They also have a Moon video on this same site of them playing their current album from beginning to end in locations all over Copenhagen. Definitely worth checking out when you get a chance. You can see both videos over at the temporarycopenhagen.com. Have a great one.

Music Monday

ravenandcrow — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:29:00 +0000

The KoR CMJ Dancecard

New Yorkers, have you noticed a strange over-abundance of annoyingly hip people wandering around the city? Well, if you haven’t yet, you will soon. Because CMJ’s Music Marathon is all this week and, as a result, basically every band you’ve ever heard of is playing. Even Evan Dando, weirdly enough. And, whereas we here at Kindness of Ravens are way too old to be going to shows every night, we can live vicariously through you, Internet, and we hope you enjoy the many, many, MANY artists performing this week. Can’t make up your mind on who to see? There we can help. Here’s a list of the CMJ showcases we’re most excited to see, broken up by day.

Glasslands Gallery

Sean Bones

ECHOecho

Right On Dynamite

Beat Radio

We’re bummed that Speech Debelle couldn’t work out the whole visa work/travel issues and is thus stuck in the UK, not playing this show, but we’re betting Cobble Hill’s own Sean Bones (above) will rock the stage nonetheless. Like easy flowin’, good feelin’, smoothed out white boy reggae? Um, why wouldn’t you? Check out his winningly good Easy Street.

A couple of bands before him is another Brooklyn band, Right On Dynamite, who we don’t know very well, but get points for a) Brooklyn, b) extra positive name, and c) this track—Mantra for the Madness.

If you’re sick of Brooklyn and just looking for some well-crafted, modern day noise pop, a la My Bloody Valentine, check out the stupendous Black Swan Green at the Delancey instead (8:15PM). Though I think they’re from Brooklyn too…

Le Poisson Rouge

Green Owl Showcase with

The Very Best

Violens

Grandchildren

Ninjasonik

It saddens us somewhat to look back at our post on The Very Best from earlier this summer—when weather was warm and the promise of vacations and days at the beach still hung in the air—but we’re SUPER-psyched to find out that they were added to the CMJ lineup for Wednesday’s Green Owl Showcase. We’re not sure if Esau Mwamwaya plays by himself for live shows or if the two producers who make up Radioclit will be accompanying him, but, regardless, it’s sure to be a great set. Their album is finally out, which we highly recommend, but you can download some of their songs over at rcrdlbl.com too. We’re not crazy about the slightly derivative, new wave-y Violens, but Grandchildren play music that mixes acoustic and electronic in an rolling, tranquil way that reminds us of Mice Parade. And Ninjasonik’s gotta be good, right?

The Delancey (downstairs)

We Are Enfant Terrible

Reni Lane

Suckers

Yes Giantess

Delorean

The Antlers

Bear Hands

Male Bonding

special guest

Well, we don’t know who the “very special guest you won’t want to miss” might be, but we do know that, even if it’s NOT Alf, this show’s going to kick some serious asses. If you can make it over to the Delancey, be sure to catch Suckers early on (7:45PM), followed by the back-to-back awesomeness of The Antlers (10PM) and Bear Hands (above, 10:45PM). Check out Long Lean Queen by Bear Hands.

The Bell House

Polyvinyl Showcase

Japandroids

Headlights

Owen

James Husband

Cale Sparks

Motel Motel

Common Loon

DJ sets by Asobi Seksu

I can’t deny my emo roots in not recommending the Polyvinyl Showcase at Bell House on Friday. It’s got something for everyone—the hot new indie pop of Headlights; the jangly-yet-sweet sounds of ever-cool Japandroids; and the sadly sweet songs and quick wit of Mike Kinsella (AKA – Owen, helmeted for safety above). Plus I bet Yuki Chikudate of Asobi Seksu can spin a mean disk.

The Bell House

Au Revoir Simone

The Postmarks

Still Flyin’

Pursesnatchers

Miracles of Modern Science

Head back over to the Bell House Saturday for the coup de grace, headlined by Brooklyn’s pop trinity, Au Revoir Simone and the (again) white boy reggae pop sounds of Still Flyin’, whose seasonally-appropriate Good Thing It’s a Ghost Town Around Here is our song of the week (to the right). And TOTALLY don’t miss KoR favorites, Miracles of Modern Science, who are opening the show with their superbly unique string-quartet-meets-steampunk-scifi sounds. That may not read as awesome, but they really are great. Download their EP for free from their myspace page. Highly highly recommended.

Alright, that’s it from us. We’re going to go take a nap now or do some other old person thing. Like work. Boooooo.

From the Nest

ravenandcrow — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Handsome Grocery
Being designers by trade, when shopping, we tend to notice things like packaging, labeling…you know – design. We often buy wine simply because it has a nicely-done label. We’ve recently even gone as far as conducting a “Judge a Book by its Cover” experiment, where Katie and I both bought new novels from Word bookstore in Greenpoint based only on their cover designs. Results: Katie’s—The White Mary, by Kira Salak—awesome; mine—The Island at the End of the World, by Sam Taylor—pretty okay. Check out that cover though, man. Point being, we like to support companies and individuals who hold high a decent level of a aesthetic sense. So imagine our disappointment when, at the store the other day, we noted the new, very lame packaging for Silk Soymilk. Not only did they just redesign their packaging last year, but now they seem to be taking a note from the Pepsi/Tropicana move earlier this year. Remember the new cartons for Tropicana that literally lasted mere months? They were near impossible to decipher and L-A-M-E. I think I stood in the fridge section of a local Associated for ten minutes trying to figure out which one was “Some Pulp.” They soon after wisely switched back to the old packaging (some dudes got FIRED for that, man). I can only hope Silk gets their wisdom on too. As Katie said, “It makes it look like I’m buying generic milk. I don’t want to look like I’m buying generic milk.”

In other product redesign news, Nabisco has given Wheat Thins a facelift. I’d say it’s an improvement, but, more importantly, they’ve accompanied the redesign with a change in the ingredients: No more high fructose corn syrup! Exciting news for me, as these have always been my favorite mainstream crackers and I, sadly, stopped eating them when I started learning more about high fructose corn syrup and its associated grossness. Yes, yes, I know that it’s debatable as to whether HFCS is that much worse than any other sweetener, but I feel pretty good about avoiding an additive that’s derived from a government-subsidized corn surplus and processed to contain ultra-concentrated sugars that are near unrecognizable as sugars by the body and thus go straight to fats. Boooo, that. And yay, the return of my favorite crackers. If you’re wondering, it looks like HFCS has been replaced with barley- and corn-based malt syrup…so who knows how much of a difference this will actually make in the product and, yes, it’s likely much more a PR move. But it is interesting and seemingly significant that a major corporation is making a show of the lack of HFCS in one of its products. Also, check out their kinda weird new site.

Finally, for anyone in NYC who doesn’t already know, our favorite vegan cheese product, Daiya, is now being used in the Park Slope vegan eatery, V-Spot, and they’re now even selling it retail for use at home. I highly recommend making a pizza with the stuff. Or enchiladas. Or a quesadilla. Or lasagna. Or… Here’s an updated list of places all around the country that carry Daiya.

Now get out there and make a cracker-soy milk-vegan cheese casserole. Mmmm.