Gretch-a-sketch (old)

Part Uno:
When I got a call from a friend inviting us over to hear his brother-in-law give a home concert tonight, I was not expecting to hear what I did. Turns out, his b-i-l is Cary Judd. It was my first time listening to Cary, but it certainly won’t be the last. (That sounds cliché, and I know saying it sounds cliché sounds a little cliché. But I am what I am…that’s Popeye.)

Okay, seriously, guys? Do yourself a huge favor and check this guy out. His music is awesome, in the truest sense of inspiring awe. He “starts by playing a riff or progression that finds itself embellished in a swirl of drum or guitar loops that he masterfully creates with a series of electronic pedals at his feet.” (The website explained that much better than I would have.) The lyrics are strung together so poignantly and perfectly it’s easy to get lost in them. As a reference point, he’s similar to Wisely, Jeff Buckley, and Wilco, but at the same time, not really like anything you’ve ever heard at all. (There I go again with the clichés!)

Adding to the surreality of the experience was his baby son falling asleep on my lap. (Tonight also marks the first time I’ve ever been mistaken for the mother of someone else’s child. That was weird.)

Need more proof? Check out some of the bands he’s toured with--Death Cab For Cutie, Bright Eyes, The Shins, Tristan Prettyman, Ari Hest, Pedro the Lion, and Of Montreal. If that’s not some serious music talent, I don’t know what is.

You can listen to him at his home page, myspace, or buy his albums on iTunes.

Part dos:
My own personal indie cred was boosted today when I bought a t-shirt from a local printing company for $8! Whoo! The best part is I was *thisclose* to buying the same shirt from the resident trendy clothes shop for $22 a few weeks ago. Good thing I held off!