I'LL HAVE TO GO WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS

I love revisiting old haunts. I don't listen to enough of Magnetic Fields these days. And this video is complete perfection. Here's to my return via a train.

HELP BAILEY

Bailey is my sister's dog (though some may argue he's part horse.) He is also one of the sweetest, most gentle creatures you will ever encounter in your life.

A couple of weeks ago, he began to fall for no reason at all. Twenty four hours later, he was immobile. Yesterday, Bailey was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder and needs a $6,000 surgery to make him walk again. None of us want to imagine the alternative.

What this means for the time being is that Bailey cannot walk. He is confined to one place in the house where he is being showered with affection, love and lots of belly rubs.

Until he has the surgery, this is his reality.

The cost of Bailey's surgery is a hardship for my sister (like it would be for many of us), who lives on an artist's income. But the point of this post is not to ask for a handout.

Jen is working herself to the bone and selling super cheap, exhibit quality prints, products and full-color paintings from her amazing repertoire of work to help raise the money for his surgery.

Prices range anywhere from $7 to $500, and needless to say, every little bit helps. Her online store (which features the convenience of PayPal) is being updated regularly with new items, including some unexpected tokens for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day.

If you are inclined to help us help Bailey, we will be FOREVER grateful. And if you find that you cannot, any positive thoughts or suggestions that may help us raise the funds for Bailey's surgery would be much appreciated. Thank you. xo

FOREVER MISSING TRISH KEENAN

I needed a couple of days to post about the passing of Trish Keenan. And as I write this, even after the news has had some time to sink in, my eyes continue to fill with tears. This pain will not subside.

There is a reason why the death of Trish feels so personal to so many people. She was an enigmatic presence in music, creativity and intellect. From her affecting and poignant lyrics, to her beautiful and unexpected voice, Trish was and will continue to be one of the most influential people in my life and in many others.

I was privileged to first meet Trish and James on Broadcast's tour for Tender Buttons in Los Angeles. Walking backstage following the show I was terrified to share the same air with such a talented and awe-inspiring group of people. So much so that I almost turned around.

When I was introduced to Trish, she immediately put me at ease. She mentioned a love for Chaucer when I told her how poetic her lyrics were. She told me that I could do anything I wanted when I told her how inspired I was by her. I will never forget that conversation. That was Trish.

Like many other bands have said, Broadcast was the reason Juan and I began to make music together, which eventually became Tropic of Cancer. In fact, we sent Trish the first song we ever recorded. She was so encouraging and urged us to continue working, and has continued to be a huge support in our lives and our art. After every song we've written, I've wondered what she will think about it. That will never change.

For this and many other reasons, there will always be a painful void without her here. And I send the warmest thoughts of love and support to James and their families. Let's all remember them, too, as they continue to cope with such an incredible loss. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers. xo

RACHEL EVANS / MOTION SICKNESS OF TIME TRAVEL

Paranormal Bodies by RachelMSOTT

Here's what I've been doing lately. I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful love affair.

This is a mix recorded by Rachel Evans for French blog, Des Chibres & Des Lettres.

DCDL XXXV - Paranormal Bodies | Rachel Evans MSOTT

1. The Descending Moonshine Dervishes - Terry Riley
2. Fire - Valet
3. Na Ernel - Cluster
4. Acid We - L.A. Vampires
5. Be Good to Them Always - The Books
6. Mushroom - Can
7. My Eyes Were Full of Dirt - Nova Scotian Arms
8. House on the Hill - Beach House
9. 92982.3 - William Basinski
10. Gollum - Harmonia
11. Hot on the Heels of Love - Throbbing Gristle
12. Another - Xeno & Oaklander
13. Free - November Novelet
14. Halwa - Cluster
15. L'Orchestre Thermo-Dynamique - Pierre Bastien
16. Vacuum - Fennez
17. Gymnopedie 1 - Erik Satie
18. Middle - White Rainbow
19. Young Lungs - Stereolab
20. Black Swan - Thom Yorke
21. Little Fluffy Clouds (Orbital Dance Mix) - The Orb
22. Sun Lips - Black Moth Super Rainbow
23. Black Color Hair (Berio Remix) - Mitchell Turner
24. Palm - Pocahaunted (with Bob Bruno and Cameron Stallones)

Rachel Evans, who also goes by the alias Motion Sickness of Time Travel, just released a vinyl LP called Seeping Through the Veil of the Unconscious on Digitalis, which was originally a cassette demo. You can preview it on the Boomkat link above.

Oh, and then there are these. I told you this would be beautiful.

Nova Scotian Arms- Dreamt by Another from Motion Sickness of Time Travel on Vimeo.

Hobo Cubes - Frozen Coffin, Floating Soul from Motion Sickness of Time Travel on Vimeo.

Charlatan - Vodka Rocks from Motion Sickness of Time Travel on Vimeo.

Mass Ornament - Lexus Dilemma from Motion Sickness of Time Travel on Vimeo.

GHOST STORY

I let my imagination get the best of me. What happens when it gets the worst?

I've seen the same black trash bag on the side of the road for three days now. It's partially buried in snow. And from the driver's side window it looks like it has some girth to it.

Are there anonymous phone-in tip lines for these situations? When no one wants to be accused. Surely everyone who passes it must think the same thing I do - What kind of person randomly loses a suspicious looking trash bag under an overpass? Someone with something to hide, that's who.

Do you dare me to poke it? What would you do?