Gretch-a-sketch (old)

Happy Banned Books Week, everybody! I don't know about you, but it's one of my sincerest desires to write a book that will be placed on the Banned Books List.

Books
Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence, by Paul Feig
The emotion you feel when you realize most of the gags on Freaks and Geeks actually happened to Paul Feig is something akin to pity mixed with mirth. Kick Me covers Paul's life from kindergarten through high school and holds a very high cringe factor. There's this one story where he finds a Nazi flag his father brought back from the war and I won't spoil it, but just know that it's classic. My only gripe was that the fifteen or so stories are all one-shots, so some of the characters get introduced multiple times. Instead of trying to forget everything about adolescence, Feig remembered every single, painful detail and is now using it for his own benefit. Paul is also co-producing Greg Daniel's new show and was recently grilled by The New York Times. It's a great interview--I suggest reading it even if you aren't a fan of his.

Rapunzel's Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale
You know how I worship Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author? Yeah, we're tight. (Seriously, she knows who I am, either because of the sparkling comments I leave on her blog or the fact I stalk her at signings. Hopefully both!) RR is a collaboration between Shannon and her husband. Nathan (no relation) provides the delicious illustrations to this re-telling of the Rapunzel story. It's a graphic novel, which is essentially a long comic book. Once you begin, it's easy to swallow up the story in no time at all (and it leaves you with that feeling of "wait, it's over?"). Everything about it screams clever. If you have kids (or likely nieces and nephews for most of you), you've got to give this as a gift.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
When I first picked it up, I was all, "Oh, this is a lot shorter than I thought it would be." In hindsight, that's actually a good thing. Nick & Norah is so intense and lusty that 180 pages is more than enough ground to cover the topic. There's no way I'd let really young teens read it and it's probably too explicit for most conservative types. From what I've seen of the previews, there was lots of liberty taken with the storyline. I'll go see the movie and all, but the book didn't live up to the hype.

Music
The Cars, Complete Greatest Hits
A couple of weeks ago, I had this epiphany that I really like The Cars. Based purely off the radio hits, I thought I'd look more into their past songs. They have a formula that worked for them, so I don't think I'll go more in depth with their anthology. In small doses, The Cars are lots of fun.

Dan In Real Life Soundtrack
One of the many things I loved about Dan in Real Life was the music. Sondre Lerche provides both instrumental and vocal tracks for one of the best soundtracks I've heard in the past year. You get the feeling that this is a man that understands romance and heartbreak. The strings are bold and the brass is understated--a refreshing change as it's usually the other way around. There's a cover of "Fever" by A Fine Frenzy that feels somewhat incongruously tucked in the middle, but otherwise it's all superb. The real treat was the duet by the always coy Regina Spektor and Sondre. I listen to most of my music from the library and this is one cd I plan on adding to my permanent collection.

The Watson Twins, Fire Songs
I was worried about Fire Songs because the divine Ms. Jenny Lewis wasn't helping out this time around (see: Rabbit Fur Coat). Don't worry, it's all good. And I mean all of it. The album is kind of like pop/indie/flamenco/The Cure/alt-country amazingness packed into eleven songs.

Movies
Ghost Town
I was so stoked to see this that I went on opening day. TOTALLY worth it. Ricky Gervais could carry the show by himself, but Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni multiply the humor exponentially. And I don't even like Tea Leoni, so you know I'm not kidding. There was so much laughter packed into every minute that my stomach hurt just a little at the end. Also, my heart hurt from the few gripping and serious scenes. Apparently, this movie was painful but only in the best way. Every single kind of comedy is employed successfully. If I handed out ratings, I'd give Ghost Town four stars.

(One of these days I'll get a full-fledged logo and everything...)

Counting down things in any form makes me feel a bit like Casey Kasem. (For you younger folks, he was kind of like Ryan Seacrest but with a better voice and not so ahem flamboyant.)

Books
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
This one caught my interest long before I even knew what it was about, because my ancestors come from the Isle of Guernsey located in the English Channel. Written solely through letters and telegrams, this book is awash in history, war stories, and romance. The main character, Juliet, is so likable that I wish the whole thing had been narrated by her. The diverse cast provides some genuine hilarity, which is balanced out with the memories of World War Two.


Love is a Mixtape, by Rob Sheffield
To be honest, I thought this book had been the definitive volume on mixtapes for years. Turns out it's only been out since early-2007. Thankfully, in about twenty years this will still be the definitive volume on music and love. You have to be a music geek to truly appreciate it, but it's more accessible than Perfect From Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life, which is what I'm reading right now. Rob's connection to his wife Renee is so palpable that it's heartaching to read at parts. Someday, I'll buy a copy and instead of storing it with my books, it will go on the shelf with my favorite albums.

Violet on the Runway, by Melissa Walker
There are endless versions to the "small town/awkward girl becomes overnight sensation," which in the book's case, transfers to the realm of modeling. For technically being a YA novel, there was a surprising amount of drug references and language. It's amusing, but not a stand-out. On the other hand, I do have to tip my hat to Melissa Walker for perfectly executing a Rivers Cuomo/Buddy Holly/Clark Kent joke overflowing with snark. Also, I tried reading the sequel but Violet was being so unbearable that I didn't get very far.

Music
She & Him, Volume One
I have such a huge girl crush on Zooey Deschanel, the "She" in the band's title. The "Him" is M. Ward, whom (who? whom?) I don't know much about. I don't see how anyone could not like this CD. Zooey's signature quirky style shines through in every song. Her lyrics seem simple at first, but there's lots of meaning once you really listen. I was impressed by her cover of "You Really Got A Hold On Me," but her rendition of The Beatles' "I Should Have Known Better" didn't thrill me. Call me a purist, but I'm wary of every single Beatles' cover out there. There's a strong country element that harks back to Patsy Cline, as well as a titch of the 50's Doris Day sound. My mother would also like to point out that she loves this cd and occasionally has to admit I have good taste in music.

Joshua Radin, Simple Times
If you absolutely can't wait for the store release on September 30th, go buy it from iTunes. That's what I ended up doing and I don't regret it at all. Joshua's signature "Whisper Rock" sound has never sounded better. Simple Times deals with break-ups and bad dreams and environmentalism, but the overall tone is cheerier than his first album We Were Here. There's a strong theme of moving forward which I really need in my life right now. Mmm...he makes me melt. I don't care when or where you buy it from, just please buy it.

Television
30 Rock, Season Two
It about near kills me that 30 Rock doesn't come back until the end of October, because of all the shows on television, this one weathered the Writers' Strike the best. Ignore the guest spots by Jerry Seinfeld and David Schwimmer and focus on Carrie Fisher, Al Gore, Matthew Broderick, and Edie Falco. There are maybe only two weak episodes out of fifteen--that is one superb track record for a season of tv. The characters are more developed in Season Two, as is the flow of humor. The best musical scene in the history of television very well may be Midnight Train To Georgia, as seen in Episode 210. We also get to see the return of Floyd, Dennis Duffy, and Devon Banks. 30 Rock, you are truly made of WIN.

Movies
Get Smart
I'm not going to lie, I had really high hopes for this one. About an hour into it, I was still all, "Um...what?" Then it picks up at the end, but my expectations were dashed by that point. Anne Hathaway is hot and Steve Carell is funny when he yells. That's it.

Big Dreams, Little Tokyo
Okay, this is more like it. Dave Boyle (a Utahn--holla!) wrote, directed, and starred in this delightful little indie flick. Here's the synopsis from IMDB, because it's getting late and I'm getting drowsy. "Big Dreams Little Tokyo is the story of Boyd, an American with an uncanny ability to speak Japanese. Boyd aspires to succeed in the world of Japanese business but finds himself mostly on the outside looking in. Meanwhile, his roommate Jerome, is a Japanese American who has always felt too American to be Japanese but too Japanese to be American. He aspires to be a sumo wrestler but finds his weight and blood pressure are thwarting his dreams. Together they struggle to find their place in a world where cultural identity is seldom what it seems." Boyd is nebbish and awkward, yet still charming. Jerome was freaking hilarious and their Japanese friend Mai is so perfect in every scene. The amateur filming comes off more skilled than one would expect. I smiled more than I laughed, but sometimes that's a really, really good thing when it comes to entertainment. You might have a hard time finding it, but pounce if you get the chance.

Um...so remember how I said I was going to start a review blog? I was planning on bringing it out in the open this week until I had an epiphany. I've really got too much going on in my life right now to maintain a second blog. (Remember my now-defunct word blog? That was actually pretty funny while it lasted.) I even had an email account set up and the layout was semi-decent, but it's important that I stay, you know, sane. Maybe at some point in the future, but just not for now.

One of my favorite/least-favorite things about myself is that I'm deeply rooted in so many interests. I could easily start a blog devoted to photography, fashion, webcomics, indie music, books, writing, cooking, or TV. The only issue is deciding which of those I'd write about, since I feel so strongly about each of them. Hence, most of it gets directed here. There is always an underlying theme about things that matter to me in my posts, but otherwise it's all very hodge-podge.

BUT. I can't let go of the review concept yet, so instead I'm starting a weekly feature on this blog. It'll be called "Proselytizers of Pop" from this fantasticly true quote from David Palladino.

"They are proselytizers of pop, as all rock 'n' roll lovers are, because when you love a band or a song, you want others to love it too, you need them to love it, they've got to love it, or else, or else--well, or else you'll try again another time with a band that you have to share with them. Once you get caught up in this never-ending cycle of proselytizing, you never get out. You don't want to get out. Not until the word's been spread."
Gilmore Girls Soundtrack Liner Notes

The feature will usually run on Tuesdays, starting this next week. I'll give brief reviews of all the books, CDs, TV, and movies I've consumed during the past week. This will allow my inner-critic to be let loose a little more often and maybe some of the recommendations will pique your interest.

Next week, you can expect to see mini-reviews of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, She & Him's "Volume One," Joshua Radin's "Simple Times," and 3o Rock Season Two.

I also plan on writing recaps for The Office once it starts up again. (Did you see those new promos? Wowzer! That show can't come back soon enough.)

If all that meta-blogging was too boring (don't worry, I know it was), will a funny cat video make it up to you? (Via Daily C)

1. The temporary job I mentioned is now full-time. I had a hunch it might turn into something more, but didn't want to jinx it. It's pretty basic but pays well, so things even out. Plus, the people are great.

2. Two Saturdays ago I had the privilege of attending the release party for Rapunzel's Revenge. RR is a graphic novel co-written by Shannon and her bizarre-but-awesome husband Dean. Nathan Hale (no relation) illustrated the Westernized fairy tale. There were about nine other Utah authors in attendance and I got autographs from all of them. I also maybe wore my hair in braided pigtails so I could look like the book's version of Rapunzel. (Nerd. I'm what could be described as a Shannon Hale-groupie.) They did a reader's theater and it was a rip-roarin' good time. I've met Shannon on a number of occasions before, so I truly think she's the tops. Here's the two of us at a signing last October.

Also: proof I really did use to be blond. (Semi-related: I'm itching for another major hair switch.)

3. If someone asked me who my favorite female singer-songwriter was, I would answer Neko Case without even pausing for breath. Therefore, I was shaking with excitement all Thursday at the chance to see her in Salt Lake FOR FREE. ( For the past summer, there's been a weekly, high-profile concert downtown to no cost to the attendees. Go SLC!)

She's everything I imagined and then some. The crowd was noisy, but buzzing with life. It was everything an outdoor concert should be, which is warm and smoky and yeasty. It was also fun to go and see the amazing collection of interesting Utahns, because I forgot sometimes that Utah can be fascinating. Neko Case, in all her flaming-hair glory, played a ton of stuff from Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (my favorite album) and also debuted some great new songs. Her true country heart shines through in her soulful, honeyed voice. Just listen to the crowd favorite "Hold On, Hold On" and you'll see what I mean.



(She also sings with another one of my favorite bands, The New Pornographers. It sounds dirty, but they're super talented and really not filthy. I recommend the album Twin Cinema.)

In addition to the concert, the BFF and I also got in some good food and shopping downtown. Fun times, yo.

Back to school mixtape--click through to listen (Direct link)

I should not be blogging right now, because I got a temporary job for the next two weeks and I start tomorrow. Praises to TPTB (the powers that be) for some source of income. Anyhoo, I actually had a semi-eventful weekend, which is rare. Here's the briefest of rundowns.

Friday: I slept in waaaaay late. (Dear sleeping in, I'm gonna miss you like crazy. Don't ever forget me! Love times infinity, Gretchen) I went to Kohl's and Target with my padre and the Lil' Bro. I picked up a navy headband and skinny jeans from the Simply Vera Wang line for less than $10. I know they're not real Vera Wang, but it's as close as I can get at this point in my life. Stokage!

My friend Kevin took me to the Joshua Radin concert. LISTEN. If you aren't familiar with Josh Radin yet, you need to head over to Myspace or youtube or Last.fm and check him out. (Points if you literally check him out, because he's also one attractive fellow. Think Jess from Gilmore Girls.) His new album comes out September 9th and I reviewed his EP here. He puts on a killer show--his specific brand of music is kinda "Whisper Rock." Hardcore, but quiet. It's very much Simon & Garfunkel. Also, holy cats, is he a good live performer.
I picked up a sweet t-shirt and I totally got to meet him afterward. We went up to the bar to take pictures with him and I got carded for the first time in my life. Relax, it was just so I could get into the bar in the first place--there was zero imbibing. Radin's very funny and down-to-earth. For the record, I side-hugged someone who has presumably side-hugged Zach Braff, as they're really good friends. This makes me far more excited than it should.

Saturday: I worked on re-organizing my room and made a new inspiration board. I love that I have the time now to expend my creative energy. My mom and I went to a trumpet performace at the Assembly Hall. Decent, with all the required trumpet jokes. ("We're thinking about releasing a cd about the end of the world! We'll probably call it Apoca-lips.") I watched the Olympics and freaked out about the 8-medal run for my boy Phelps.

Sunday: Church...dinner at Grandma's...nap. I also got to meet the BFF's new beau. He's a total gold digger. Like, literally. That's his job.

Alright, I've got to hit the sack.

P.S. Seriously, go listen to Josh Radin. I recommend "Star Mile," "Closer," "Sky," and also EVERYTHING ELSE he's ever done. You'll thank me later.

You have until 5 PM MST to get your vote in for my Tumblr Blog and to win sweet earrings. I'll announce the winner early tomorrow morning.

In other news...
1. I have my degree now. Yay! Graduation was amazing. The speakers were good and we drank of Mormon wine in celebration. (Mormon wine=Martinelli's Sparking Cider) Thanks for all your well-wishes.
2. My car broke down on the way home. It's currently at a Tunex in Ogden Keep your fingers crossed that we can fix it!
3. I have a dentist appointment this morning. Blerg!
4. I haven't been able to see either The Dark Knight or Mamma Mia yet.
5. The fact I have no homework anymore is incredible.
6. I'm dyeing my hair again tonight to be more reddish. I've always wanted to do that, but I'd be lying if I said Penny/Felicia Day didn't have an impact on that choice.
7. I took the most amazing nap yesterday. Take that, three years of sleep debt!
8. The Morning Benders' new album Talking Through Tin Cans is lots of fun. Speaking of, I'm thinking about starting a blog just for my reviews. I really like reviewing stuff and now I have the time to do so. It's not set in stone, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there.
9. I have so much stuff to unpack. Part of me just wants to get rid of it all and start anew.
10. I can't think of a #10, but the list felt incomplete without it.

I was bored and I made a muxtape. You can listen to it here. It's criminal how awesome it is. Give it a try, if you know what's good for you.

Edge tagged me for the Seven Songs meme. Since I'm all about getting good music noticed, this is right up my alley.

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they’re listening to. (...or not. If you want to play, be my guest.)

1. Strawberry Swing; Coldplay
Really, this whole album is insanely good. And I realize listing this makes me even whiter, according to Christian Lander.

2. It's Oh So Quiet; Björk
This chick is certifiably psycho, but I'm crazy about her.

3. Hummingbird; Wilco
This song speaks so many things to me about summer. It's probably my summer anthem.

4. Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
Gah, I'm such a hippie sometimes.

5. You Don't Make It Easy Babe; Josh Ritter
"I'm trying hard to love you/But you don't make it easy, babe." Swoon!

6. Superstar; Tegan and Sara
Angry girl rock at its absolute finest.

7. Start Wearing Purple; Gogal Bordello
Totally bizarre. I love it.

Bonus: If I Never See Your Face Again; Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna
Pop perfection! This song is to summer music as snow cones are to summer carnivals.

Heard anything good lately?

I won the lovely CityStream's fabulous giveaway! It's mostly because I shared a rather mortifying story that will not be repeated here, but the point is, it worked. I took my $40 gift card to Wal-mart last week and went ka-razy. I was overdue for some pampering and here's what I picked up. Oh, and the adorable tote bag is from Target. I bought that with the gift card I got ages ago from Jenn's hilarious paint contest.

There was also a Peach Mango Fuze, but I drank it already. I'm proud of the fact that I'm the kind of girl who can buy the movie Airplane! and the latest Vogue without blinking an eye. Also, if you want to see something really funny, compare my haul to Seven's. She won the second place prize and we're clearly on the same wavelength when it comes to shopping sprees.

I'm not done spending it yet, but it's probably going towards stuff like bread and milk, because I'm still a poor college kid who needs her cereal in the morning. Thanks again, CityStreams!

Okay, you want to hear something else awesome? One of tumblr's best music sites is Tuneage. They held a contest to come up with the next theme for their podcast a while ago with some severely sweet prizes. I submitted something along the lines of "You guys should do a podcast about the songs that first got you interested in music. You know, the albums that changed your life, when you knew you'd never go back to just being a casual music fan." I knew it was a good theme, I just didn't think it was first-place good. But I guess it is. So I get a 1GB Product Red iPod Shuffle and the following, courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty:

My Brightest Diamond’s album Bring Me The Workhorse Castanets album In The Vines
Castanets DVD Tendrils
Half-handed Cloud’s album Halos & Lassos
Sufjan Stevens’ album Illinoise
Shannon Stephens’ self-titled album
Encyclopedia Asthmatica DVD
Asthmatic Kitty T-shirt

HOLY SMOKES. The music junkie in me is freaking out.

In honor of this, I made a mixwit of my own personal 'Heart Songs.' (Holla, Weezer!) Well, I thought I made a mixwit, but it didn't save it or something. Grrrr... I'll try and re-do it later.

I would much rather buy an actual cd for a couple more dollars than purchase it online. This is why my Amazon.com Wish List has over 150 CDs (and counting) on it. Someday, I'll own you all! Until the day I become fabulously rich, I have to decide what music I want the most right now. For a music junkie like myself, it's an almost impossible choice. Here's what I would buy this instant if I had an extra $50 or so. (Weezer's Red Album would be on here if it weren't for the fact that it doesn't come out until the day of my birthday, which is exciting.)

1. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, Neko Case, $12.97
One of these days, I'm going to write a sonnet about how much I love Neko Case. Hint: It's a LOT.


2. The White Album, The Beatles, $25.97
I cannot believe I don't own this yet, but I just...don't. We all know it's amazing. 'Nuff said.


3. Raising Sand, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, $11.99
Plant and Krauss have to be two of the most unlikely collaborators. It's like putting salt and honey (guess which ingredient represents which musician?) on a piece of homemade bread. You think it'd be weird, but it's actually really good.

Today marks the beginning of my birthday countdown gift lists! It's not so much for me to come across all consumer-hungry and "Oh, it's my birthday, buy me stuff!" (Unless you happen to be one of my parental units, in which case, listen up.) Think of it more as a way for me to introduce y'all to some really cool merchandise on the interwebs. Kind of like a fake audition for Oh My That's Awesome.


I'm a die-hard shirts and jeans girl. I wish I were better about dressing up, but given the choice, I'm sticking with my Threadless collection, thankyouverymuch.


1. I Love Katherine, Nuda Tees, $12



2. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter Tee, Blue Collar Distro, $16
I don't talk nearly enough about Josh Ritter on here. I love this man and his music so much.



3. Forever Jung, Mental Floss, $14.95
The psychology nerd in me needs this.

1. Ben Gibbard
2. Ben Harper
3. Ben Folds
4. Ben Lee
5. Ben Kweller

Moral of the story: Kids, if you want to make it big, have everyone start calling you "Ben."

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!