The Ladies and Gents Auxiliary

TROPIC OF CANCER > LOS ANGELES

2012-01-25T12:29:00.005-06:00

Tickets > HERE.

CALLING FROM BEYOND

2011-11-24T13:43:00.002-06:00

James Cargill of Broadcast is working on a new album using vocals and music sketches Trish Keenan left behind, in addition to a soundtrack they were working on together before her painfully untimely death early this year.

Really looking forward to hearing this, though I already had a good sob about it this morning. More tears are sure to flow for many of us who continue to feel the void left in her absence.

You can purchase the digital version of Under The Radar magazine, which features the first interview James has given since Trish's passing.

HOLY STRAYS

2011-10-19T18:48:00.005-05:00

I can't say enough about Sebastien Forrester at the moment. The gorgeous 7" pictured above had sadly been sitting in front of my turntables un-played for at least two months before I pulled it out of the sleeve while preparing for a recent guest session at KXLU.

Holy Strays - Nail the Cross Mix by NO PAIN IN POP

Within seconds I was blown away.

For one, I instantly hated myself for not listening to this beautiful thing sooner. (I have been way under with life for a while. Even the miniscule effort it takes to pull a record out and put it on the record player feels like a To Do item.)

And two, Holy Strays is magnificently beautiful -- like nothing you are hearing right now. And no, it is not dubstep. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) The B-side, Phrenesia, is killing me. Shape shifting beats that escalate into unbearable intensity collide with quivering soundscapes, gorgeous vocal outcries and pulsating synths.

Just get this record at NOT NOT FUN. There you can read all about the impressive repertoire of material Sebastien worked on well before this project.

Pasted above is a mix he recently recorded for No Pain In Pop. It is unsurprisingly amazing. Nail The Cross begins with Arvo Part's 'Collage On The Theme Bach: I. Toccatta : Preciso, wanders into Demdike Stare, Sybille Baier, Grimes, Portisehead and more.

ALCHEMIA MYSTERIA

2011-10-07T19:12:00.003-05:00

NON

TROPIC OF CANCER EUROPEAN TOUR

2011-10-04T16:19:00.013-05:00

OCT 24 LONDON + HTRK

OCT 26 MONS

OCT 28 VIELSALM

NOV 1 PARIS + HTRK

NOV 2 PARIS + MARTIAL CANTEREL

NOV 3 ROME + MUSHY + DIE SELEKTION

NOV 4 STOCKHOLM

NOV 7 VIENNA

NOV 8 PRAGUE

NOV 11 BERLIN + DEMDIKE STARE + RAIME

PSYCHIC ILLS // HAZED DREAM

2011-09-16T12:13:00.009-05:00

New Psychic Ills track free for the taking.

Mind Daze

'Mind Daze' is off of the band's forthcoming album, Hazed Dream, out on Sacred Bones (October 18). Lovers of black boot shuffling, hands in pockets, desert garage gazing - ala Spectrum, Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Warlocks - will be down with this. Though the darkly upbeat nature of 'Mind Daze' is close to the band's core, it's a bit of a departure from their explicitly gloomy output on previous albums, Dins and Early Violence.

I'm really looking forward to hearing more of this record next month. Here's a little preview:

'WE DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND'

2011-09-10T14:39:00.004-05:00

Guilt, envy, revenge: The core values of electronic music's darkest imprint -- Blackest Ever Black takes Resident Advisor's Label of the Month.

Download this mix from BEB founder Kiran Sande; featuring Raime, Regis, Vatican Shadow, Young Hunting and Tropic Of Cancer.

CHRONICLES OF THE PASTORAL

2011-09-03T22:40:00.002-05:00

MINKS have a new tumblr. There are many lovely things there.

HTRK + TROPIC OF CANCER LA

2011-08-30T16:22:00.006-05:00

HTRK + EAT YR HEART + Live at Antagony - London

Sunday, 9.11 > PART TIME PUNKS at The Echo > Los Angeles

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY MASK

2011-08-29T14:31:00.011-05:00

LET IT SINK IN

2011-08-25T13:46:00.003-05:00

This newly charted direction for Atlas Sound makes me realize it doesn't matter what Bradford Cox does - I will never question him. Ever.

This gorgeous track off of his forthcoming album, Parallax, out on 4AD this November, is no exception. GENRE: Science Fiction.

ANDRE KERTESZ

2011-08-17T21:45:00.007-05:00

Hungarian photographer Andre Kertesz stretching the limits of beauty and the human form. Via Sex & Fashion.

TROPIC OF CANCER LA/SF DATES

2011-08-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

8.22 Bordello in Los Angeles

9.7 Public Works San Francisco

9.11 Part Time Punks at The Echo Los Angeles (Advance tickets here)

BLACKS AND BAYS

2011-08-08T22:36:00.005-05:00

Russian art director and stylist, Natasha Sych (pictured above), is currently blowing my mind. I want to live in her world. And wear all of her clothes.

Also, she actually made me love a Calexico song - whose remake is featured in the serpent sultriness of the video above. Not normal.

LYGIA CLARK

2011-08-08T18:55:00.006-05:00

Monochromatic Constructivism at the hands of brilliant Brazilian artist Lygia Clark.

FOSTERCARE // MIXTAPE

2011-08-07T14:01:00.004-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://f8stercare.bandcamp.com/track/f8stercare-mixtape-01-land-ov-ether-take-me-back"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;F8STERCARE Mixtape 01: Land ov Ether Take Me Back by Fostercare&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
Fostercare's mixtape 01 - 'Land ov Ether' - seeing me through having to work on a Sunday.

Features: Orbital, Aphex Twin, Fostercare, This Mortal Coil, Salem, The Orb and a legion of dark and dangerous beats and breaks.

DAM MANTLE // NOT A WORD

2011-08-01T22:06:00.002-05:00

One hundred Hedi Slimane photos come to life.

MEMORY BLOCKADE

2011-07-26T23:29:00.003-05:00

SILK FLOWERS - In Your Memory from Tara Sinn on Vimeo.

I found this video quite entertaining tonight. Sometimes you just gotta blockade the brain. This definitely does the trick. No thinking allowed.

Via my pal COCO.

PICTURE IN A PICTURE

2011-07-25T18:51:00.004-05:00

Birthday love to Thurston Moore. Via Opening Ceremony, where today you will find a larger collection of his likeness throughout the ages.

I WANTED TO SEE YOU, TO SEE IF I WANTED TO SEE YOU

2011-07-25T15:28:00.010-05:00

"I love a girl with a lovely neck... lovely breasts and a lovely voice... lovely wrists, a lovely brow, and lovely knees. But who is chicken."

Breathless (A Bout de Souffle) - Jean Luc Godard's first film in its entirety, 1960

Highly, highly, highly recommended! Everything wonderful and dangerous about the love portrayed in all of Godard's films is featured here in his first.

Watching Parisian playboy and man on the run, Michel, pine over the one (American) girl who won't love him back is at times painful and always amusing. Every word spoken between the two lovers is priceless.

I will strive to have more exchanges like these in my life. Well, all except for that part where she gets him killed at the end.

L.A. TROPIC OF CANCER SHOWS

2011-07-22T14:44:00.005-05:00

Loma Street Market, Long Beach > 7.23.11 > 9:30pm sharp

Center For The Arts, Eagle Rock > 7.24.11 > 3am - 6 am DJ set

The Crosby, Santa Ana > 8.3.11

Upcoming shows with flyers/set times to come:

Dark Continent 8.6.11 > Space TBA, Beverly Hills

Part Time Punks 9.11.11 > The Echo, Los Angeles

AMERICANA INTERNET K-HOLE

2011-07-20T17:54:00.017-05:00

Viewing INTERNET K-HOLE feels the same as stumbling upon a box of someone's old photographs at a swap meet or thrift store does - voyeuristic, depressing, slightly wrong and really, really addicting.

You don't know any of the people in the photos, you don't understand half the shit that's going on but it all feels strangely familiar, like you could very well come across one of yourself. You've been there. Mortality looms.

Oh, and trust - Take the title of the website very seriously. Enter at your own risk.

DEATH ON DISPLAY

2011-07-18T01:46:00.003-05:00

Kenneth Anger // LA Museum Of Death

A HYMN TO VENUS

2011-07-16T01:16:00.004-05:00

O Venus, beauty of the skies,

To whom a thousand temples rise,

Gaily false in gentle smiles,

Full of love-perplexing wiles;

O goddess, from my heart remove

The wasting cares and pains of love.

If ever thou hast kindly heard

A song in soft distress preferred,

Propitious to my tuneful vow,

A gentle goddess, hear me now.

Descend, thou bright immortal guest,

In all thy radiant charms confessed.

Thou once didst leave almighty Jove

And all the golden roofs above:

The car thy wanton sparrows drew,

Hovering in air they lightly flew;

As to my bower they winged their way

I saw their quivering pinions play.

The birds dismissed (while you remain)

Bore back their empty car again:

Then you, with looks divinely mild,

In every heavenly feature smiled,

And asked what new complaints I made,

And why I called you to my aid?

What frenzy in my bosom raged,

And by what cure to be assuaged?

What gentle youth I would allure,

Whom in my artful toils secure?

Who does thy tender heart subdue,

Tell me, my Sappho, tell me who?

Though now he shuns thy longing arms,

He soon shall court thy slighted charms;

Though now thy offerings he despise,

He soon to thee shall sacrifice;

Though now he freezes, he soon shall burn,

And be thy victim in his turn.

Celestial visitant, once more

Thy needful presence I implore.

In pity come, and ease my grief,

Bring my distempered soul relief,

Favour thy suppliant's hidden fires,

And give me all my heart desires

SAPPHO - 600 BCE

I NEED YOU, OH BABY

2011-07-12T16:19:00.002-05:00

This could very well be my favorite song discovery of the year. It's no coincidence this popped up on my radar on the heels of a recent reissue from minimal pioneer Snowy Red. Though I had heard other tracks from the box set, I had no idea this one existed. It was somehow obscured by all of the other gems. However, this is one of the most visceral and authentic pieces of music I've heard in ages. My god. You can bet it will make an appearance on one of the mixes I am working on very soon.

NEVERS MIXTAPE

2011-07-11T15:17:00.005-05:00

My lovely friend Mehran Azma of NEVERS recently assembled this gorgeous mix for FLA Records & Tapes. It's a lush feast of stark and dark tracks, interspersed with tones of eerie playfulness. It opens with an excerpt from Carnival Of Souls and closes with Grouper. Everything sandwiched in between makes complete sonic sense.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Visit FLA Records & Tapes for several other band mixes, including Pink Playground, Colours, Wicked Crafts and one coming soon via yours truly. Also, thank you to Mehran for being kind enough to include Tropic Of Cancer there.

MINIMAL MONDAY 'TUESDAY' MONDAY

2011-07-05T16:08:00.003-05:00

Warm Miami May (Terminal Twilight mixtape) by Infinitesoundtracks on Mixcloud

Holiday weekend survivors, listen here. It will totally be OK.

THE HORRORS 'STILL LIFE' VIDEO

2011-07-05T11:43:00.004-05:00

Prismatic visions, lovely locks and blood orange sunset hues. As evidenced in this video for 'Still Life', the much-heralded single off of Skying, The Horrors new record, these gents never fail to captivate.

Skying releases worldwide July 11 and August 9 for we unlucky Americans.

MYSTERIES OF LOVE

2011-06-29T12:27:00.002-05:00

THE VIVIDS + DJ SET BY TROPIC OF CANCER

2011-06-22T09:27:00.012-05:00

PARTY WEIRDO: Come get your dance, sway, drag on in Long Beach this Friday night.

If you're not yet familiar with The Vivids and are Downwards fan, you will know them very soon. They have an EP coming out on the label this summer. They are also a proper induction of something infectious and addicting that you can't quite put your finger on. This is rare today. Come see it in the flesh.

Plus, Tropic Of Cancer will be delivering complimentary vinyl selections before and after the show. See you there.

HOLD THE WAY

2011-06-20T12:32:00.001-05:00

Grouper - Hold the Way from Weston Currie on Vimeo.

Complete and utter perfection.

BLACK SAND BEACHES

2011-06-17T10:34:00.006-05:00

Trade your beach ball for a switch blade, your beach blanket for black leather.

'Songs For A Rainy Day At The Beach' A Summer Mix For People Who Hate Summer by Alyssa Panda Eyes

Features: BRMC, Grauzone, The Cure, The Horrors, The Tear Garden, The Jesus And Mary Chain and many more delicious grey waves.

DOWNLOAD

GENEROUS MOON

2011-06-16T10:19:00.004-05:00

Under the influence of the lunar eclipse. This is my everything today.

Info on the Flaming Tunes 1985 cassette release. Was recently re-released digitally on Life And Living Records. Update: You can find the Flaming Tunes release on iTunes.

I'LL WALK ALONG THESE STREETS UNTIL I HAVE YOU IN MY ARMS

2011-06-15T13:55:00.005-05:00

My photos and a video from Dirty Beaches at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum a couple of weeks ago. Glad they filmed this because I only caught the last two songs. Internet, never leave me.

Video chat by Stickam.com

WERE YOU REAL?

2011-06-15T12:22:00.003-05:00

Download this lovely Hwasser remix of The Radio Dept.'s 'The Video Dept' here.

And visit the Swedish label EMOTION for more amazing music, video and literary output.

GRAB A HOLD OF EVERYTHING YOU KNOW AND LET GO

2011-06-13T21:41:00.003-05:00

TROPIC OF CANCER INTERVIEW

2011-06-06T14:02:00.005-05:00

The fine people over at Foxy Digitalis were kind enough to interview Tropic Of Cancer recently. We talk about future projects, seaside cliffs and why we don't think we're goth, even though everyone says we are. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) xo

PERFECT DYSTOPIA

2011-06-05T15:41:00.002-05:00

I'm fairly certain there is no film character I would rather be than Rachael. From her vacant stare and gorgeous hair to her impeccable wardrobe, I'll take every bit.

Sean Young recently released a handful of polaroids from behind the scenes on the set of Blade Runner.

I'M NOT LOST BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE I AM

2011-06-02T22:44:00.022-05:00

Art In The Streets at The MOCA (April 17 - August 8, 2011)

THE SORROW OF TWO BLOOMS EP REPRESS

2011-06-01T12:59:00.007-05:00

Second edition is coming.

12" vinyl housed in plain black sleeve with exclusive printed card insert.

Now taking pre-orders. Get one via Boomkat if you so desire.

DEADLY BEAUTY

2011-05-30T16:42:00.001-05:00

ANYTHING TO KEEP YOU

2011-05-27T11:13:00.005-05:00

THE MOMENT THAT YOU WANT IS COMING IF YOU GIVE IT TIME

2011-05-24T13:58:00.009-05:00

The Horrors - "Still Life" from Skying on XL Recordings

"Still Life" is equal parts reverse guitar psychedelic haze, heart wrenching lyrics, commanding cathedral vocals and sun burst synths. The Horrors at their most endearing and beautiful.

New record out July 2011.

HOUSE OF LOVE KIND OF DAY

2011-05-19T17:57:00.007-05:00

I didn't know House Of Love once covered "Pink Frost" by The Chills, which is admittedly one of my favorite songs of all TIME. No exaggeration there whatsoever.

Here is the original and more brilliant version by The Chills themselves. Heaven.

IN HONOR AND REVERENCE

2011-05-18T13:51:00.001-05:00

5.18.80

FuckYeahIanCurtis

VEILED VIEWING / MARY O'MALLEY

2011-05-15T23:27:00.006-05:00

These decadent pieces by artist Mary O'Malley make me salivate. Thanks to my friend and psychic connection Colleen Nika and 50 Watts (formerly Journey Round My Skull) for sharing.

MUSHY 'INTO YOUR EMPTY EYES'

2011-05-13T12:52:00.006-05:00

Mushy at her most intoxicating and painfully beautiful.

(Blogger ate this post yesterday. Unfortunate.)

TROPIC OF CANCER 'A COLOR' LYRICS

2011-05-10T01:46:00.006-05:00

LYRICS UPON REQUEST : 'A COLOR'

(From The Sorrow Of Two Blooms on Blackest Ever Black)

All the words,

All the sin in me you have forsaken.

Always you said to me that all is forgiven.

But suddenly there's nothing left,

Nothing there except what you have taken.

Then one day you'll sleep again,

Sleep again and then you'll be forgotten.

And now you've just left me there

With all the sins and words you left unspoken.

All the words. All the words.

Suddenly there's nothing left,

Except the sins and words you have forsaken.

Then one day you'll sleep again,

Sleep again and then you'll be forgotten.

Because there will be nothing left,

Nothing left except what you have taken.

And then you are on your way,

Honestly with all that you've forsaken.

All the words. All the world forsaken.

And there will be nothing left.

All remains is that what you have taken.

Then one day you'll sleep again,

In your own bed.

And then you'll be forgotten.

TROPIC OF CANCER MP3S AVAILABLE ON BOOMKAT

2011-05-07T17:26:00.004-05:00

I've had requests from people searching for copies of The Sorrow Of Two Blooms, our latest EP with London label Blackest Ever Black.

The vinyl is sold out but there will be digital copies of The Sorrow Of Two Blooms available in 10 days via Boomkat. Both of our previous releases (The Dull Age EP and Be Brave EP) will be available digitally on Boomkat in just 2 days, as well.

SLIPPED ON THE SPIRAL STAIRS

2011-05-06T13:05:00.004-05:00

I was a nightmare, but I'm not going to go there again.

"Autoluminiscent" -- Rowland S. Howard -- Teenage Snuff Film

120 MINUTES RETURNS / BIKINI GIRLS WITH MACHINE GUNS

2011-04-29T16:07:00.004-05:00

It's totally a bikini machine gun kind of day. I am SICK. (Not just in the head this time.) I have the flu and WAY too much work to do. So what happens when my head is in a fog? I go straight for The Cramps to keep me on track.

I wish I could find a better copy of this video but at least it's from an episode of 120 Minutes, which by the way, have you heard is coming back to the airwaves? Matt Pinfield will continue to host the show and claims there is more of a need than ever to curate music selections. I don't trust it yet but am looking forward to seeing things unfold.

FRANTISEK DRTIKOL

2011-04-26T22:43:00.008-05:00

I implore you to Google more of Frantisek Drtikol's photography. There is a ton of it online. You'll find maximum corpus gorgeousness. I would have posted more here but didn't want to get this poor old girl taken down for not specifying there was nude content on my blog. Too risky for someone as neurotic as I.

Anyway, Drtikol was a well-know Czech photographer who shot a lot of dance and theater subjects. He was also a moth to a flame when it came to combining dark drama with the soft lines of the female frame. Bring it on. I love every one of them.

FOR JARED

2011-04-19T10:24:00.008-05:00

The Artist Is Present, Marina Abramovic

MALA MORSKA VILA / THE LITTLE MERMAID

2011-04-03T23:42:00.016-05:00

I am officially a California native, once again. Ironically, I have been feeling a little bit landlocked in the place I'm temporarily staying. So I decided to spend the weekend with my folks on the seashores of Point Fermin in San Pedro. I've been soaking it all in and getting reacquainted with the little port town I grew up in. Every inch of it has some benign memory that springs to life when I happen upon it. In particular, an obsession with The Little Mermaid came to mind and made me remember this Czech new wave film ('Mala Morska Vila' - 'The Little Mermaid') that showed at Cinefamily recently.

As someone who has long been a fan of "mer culture", I love this interpretation of the classic tale, from the costumes, to the drama and cinematography. Sorry Ariel, you're starting to stink like yesterday's catch after seeing this.

Finders Keepers also reissued the soundtrack just last month. Here on Juno.

COLOR ME IN

2011-03-22T13:31:00.007-05:00

Dear Readers -- I have been checked to the out for the past couple of weeks. There are many reasons for this.

For one, I am living out of boxes.

I have some pretty great news that some of you may not know about -- I am moving back to my homeland (Los Angeles) after three glorious winters here in Minneapolis. Though it was never our intention to become permanently rooted here, it still feels sad and unexpected to leave many people here who have become some of my very best friends. Lifers, if you will.

But, alas, I will be partially comforted by the terminal sunshine bliss that awaits us. You can expect this blog to get real sunny soon, but don't worry, I won't pull a Clientele and lose my moroseness.

Moving away from California just taught me to truly appreciate its golden groundhog days and best of all, it truly taught me the importance of having amazing family and friends. I have never missed anything so much.

This train departs Sunday.

Tropic Of Cancer / Blackest Ever Black

2011-03-09T12:29:00.006-06:00

I am pleased to announce our latest EP on the amazing London-based label Blackest Ever Black will release in a few weeks. It will be available in both digital and vinyl formats.

Tropic of Cancer - A Color [Blackest Ever Black, 2011] by Blackest Ever Black

Tropic Of Cancer / The Sorrow Of Two Blooms

A1 A Color

A2 Temporal Vessels

B1 Dive (Wheel Of The Law)

Altered Zones offers its take on the record here.

CAT'S EYES

2011-03-02T10:51:00.009-06:00

This Cat's Eyes video inspired me to come up with two new life goals.

Playing the organ at the Vatican.

Playing the organ at the Vatican in my socks.

Cat's Eyes is a British duo composed of the classically trained opera soprano, Rachel Zeffira, and Faris Badwan of The Horrors. It's like Phil Spector girl groups meets minimal Electrelane harmonies inside the rich acoustics of an Edward Scissorhands ice castle. (That seriously makes sense to me.)

It appears they have two shows here on U.S. soil in May -- one at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC and another at The Independent in SF. I'm seriously contemplating driving up there from LA just for the cause. Let me know if you wanna tag along.

Thanks at my fraulein Claude in Berlin for sending this to me.

*Go here for a free download of their song, "Not A Friend".

DOLL PARTS

2011-02-27T17:48:00.010-06:00

Boy, did I ever have a vehement hatred for Courtney Love at certain points in my teenage girl life. However, I cannot stop myself from regularly ogling What Courtney Wore Today, a blog that seems to be managed by the queen of babydoll grunge herself, and is all about... Well, I'll let you figure that one out.

I'm not proud to admit that since the '90s, anytime this woman's name has been mentioned, my brain goes a little numb. But today she has been reborn in my mind as devastatingly fashionable (at least her stylist is.) I'm only slight miffed that there are no signs of baby barretts or thigh highs. Oh dammit, scratch that -- there they are!

Either way, I'll take one or more of these items in every color. Say what you will, this crazy coot has style.

BELONG / COMMON ERA

2011-02-24T13:16:00.009-06:00

I can't wait for the rest of this record to come out. Belong is a duo from New Orleans (please pronounce it: "Nwar Luns") and have a full-length coming out 3/21 on Kranky (though they are curiously not on the website.)

Who are these people? Well, according to my sources, Belong hasn't released anything for five years. The incubation period has delivered us this beautifully warm, synth-heavy output, complete with stunning vocals and plenty of undulating drone. You can dance (sway) to this. By yourself.

By the way, Common Era, will touch down the same week I have many other life things happening. Coincidence, I think not. I'll let you all in on the details as soon as they are more clear.

belong 'perfect life' by kranky

In the meantime, PLEASE listen to this track. It's been gorgeously floating around in my world for the past week now. I'm completely convinced it is melting the snow outside. Yes, it's that good.

Update: Just found this lovely post on their 2008 12", Colorless Record, at Mark's blog, Pop Dr(((o)))nes (formerly Expressway To My Skull.)

TROPIC OF CANCER / BEKO DSL

2011-02-18T10:34:00.005-06:00

My band, Tropic Of Cancer, just released a single on a comp from Beko Digital Singles Label, called LOVE_NO LOVE. It's free!

We are so honored to share space with great bands like Pink Playground, Rape Faction and many other amazing artists. In fact, this comp was dedicated to a member (Andrea Belltower) of another band I love, Procedure Club.

Thanks to Reno for including us and thanks to Andrea for always being a big supporter of our music.

ELA ORLEANS

2011-02-10T10:59:00.005-06:00

Obsession takes many shapes.

My friend Reno, who runs Beko, the French digital singles label, tipped me off to the loveliness of Ela Orleans by way of Beko's joint comp with Clan Destine Records.

BLOUSE

2011-02-07T17:58:00.004-06:00

There are so many things to be excited about in March. For one, it will signify the end of this hellish midwest winter (or so they say.) And two, Blouse, a band literally signed to Captured Tracks days ago, will release a full length (?) record.

Blouse // Into Black from Wooden Lens on Vimeo.

These tunes are pure Portland dream pop but totally worth a regular indulgence. I don't know about you all but I'm currently in need of some sunshine in my life. I'm all in.

You can stream their two tracks directly from the Blouse bandcamp, or listen below.

ZODIACS

2011-02-02T18:51:00.008-06:00

Egypt is on fire. It's -5 degrees in Minneapolis.

I am half comforted by the new sounds of Zodiac, a lo-fi, all star supergroup consisting of Dee Dee from Dum Dum Girls, members of the Crystal Stilts, Blank Dogs and Woods. It's everything you would expect it to be and more - '60s beachy guitar riffs, Mike Sniper's melancholy harmonies floating behind Dee Dee's chamber-like vocals. And that's just the short of it.

The new single "Faraway Friend" is limited to 1,000 copies and rumored to be adorned in gold foil. It will be released on Captured Tracks, a label that can certainly do know wrong in my eyes. Other bands on the label may contribute to the Zodiacs' future output. If Wild Nothing ends up anywhere near this record, I'm sold for life.

Stream it RIGHT NOW over at Pitchfork.

Source: My buddy Jared Flair, Pitchfork and Prefix Magazine

I'LL HAVE TO GO WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS

2011-01-27T21:05:00.004-06:00

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

2011-01-22T14:35:00.011-06:00

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

2011-01-16T15:24:00.010-06:00

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

2011-01-13T16:35:00.007-06:00

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

2011-01-05T18:53:00.005-06:00

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?

HIDE YOUR YOUNG

2010-12-30T12:10:00.004-06:00

I can't wait to read these memoirs.

It's raining today. It's almost 2011. Do you have any resolutions? After seeing this video, I might have to update my list. I definitely set the bar too low.

GRAVE LADY AT THE BUNKER NYC

2010-12-15T14:11:00.009-06:00

Lady Grave has been lucky enough to carry the fright and frenzy beyond All Hallows Eve and land a DJ gig at The Bunker in Williamsburg this Friday night, 12/17.

Please come down to be immersed in dark and dangerous sounds from beyond this world. My set is from 10pm to 12am. Following are the savage undertakings of Sandwell District's Silent Servant and Function. Come for the music, stay for the mayhem.

More info at The Bunker.

MODE MODERNE: I'VE GOT THE BODY OF A MAN WHO READS POETRY

2010-12-09T11:22:00.012-06:00

No, this will never get old. Ever.

Looks like we're on a roll this week. Thanks to Mark at Expressway To My Skull for playing the tail end of Mode Moderne's amazing split EP, 'Real Goths', on the most recent broadcast of his Pop Dr(((o)))nes radio show.

Mode Moderne - Real Goths

I have listened to 'Real Goths' an absurd number of times in the last 24 hours. I've only found an MP3 of it this morning, via Fuck Yeah Goths. It's an understatement to say this song made me so happy/sad.

Frontman Phillip's gorgeously somber vocals channel Morrissey, alongside brooding bass lines, a tinty drum machine, twinkling synths and a hazy chorus. Any one of the lines in this song are destined to become someone's neck tattoo. Needless to say, this one will grow into an anthem. Promise.

TAMARYN

2010-12-07T20:46:00.010-06:00

How has this managed to escape me? Tamaryn makes beautiful shoegazey tracks that remind me of classic Medicine touched by a hint of This Mortal Coil, ala Zola Jesus but way more subtle on the clashy goth tip. If that made no sense to you, just give these a listen for yourself.

I've hit a plateau of sorts lately in discovering new music. Not that there haven't been some amazing releases. I have just had a hard time finding a song that takes me to that moment where I find myself completely enraptured. This couldn't come at a better time. Hope it does the same for you.

Tamaryn just released a full-length album on Mexican Summer called The Waves. I bought it instantly and its every bit as gorgeous as I imagined.

I LOVE ELECTRICITY!

2010-11-29T15:37:00.002-06:00

Good Day Today by threeminutesthirtyseconds

David Lynch is making dance music. And it's wonderful.

BEAUTIFUL SADNESS

2010-11-22T20:51:00.013-06:00

Mrs. Howes in mourning dress (1860s)

Closer Bernard Pierre Wolff / Demetrio Paernio

La Douleur (Sorrow) Emile Friant

La Toussaint (All Saints Day) Emile Friant

Portrait of a Noblewoman Dressed in Mourning Jacobo da Empoli

Youth Mourning Sir George Clausen

Feast of All Souls William-Adolphe Bouguereau

The First Mourning William-Adolphe Bouguereau

STRANGE MAGIC

2010-11-16T21:26:00.004-06:00

I can't quite put my finger on what is so intriguing about these photos by Sarah Charlesworth. I do love magic, so I suppose that might be a good place to start.

The composition of her photos in itself is magical. Her subjects appear to be suspended in mid air. It's almost as if they were captured right before they went "Poof!" and disappeared.

I became acquainted with Sarah's photography and collage work whilst randomly interneting by way of this 1990 interview with her in Bomb magazine.

VICTORIAN PSYCHEDELIA

2010-11-05T21:36:00.020-05:00

I have fallen completely in love with these early experimental films from Thomas Edison's Black Maria Studio. The Black Maria is widely known as the first movie studio in history, though its New Jersey location was a far cry from the big lights of Hollywood.

The Serpentine Dance (above) was performed around 1895 by Loie Fuller, who was a former burlesque dancer from Chicago. The projection of colorful lights onto her silk wardrobe was her own technique, but was enhanced in post production at Edison studios. Interesting note: apparently the nitrate-based films were hand colored by the wives of Thomas Edison's own employees.

Below is Annabelle Whitford Moore -- one of the first silent sirens of the time -- and Crissie Sheridan, performing The Butterfly Dance. The fluid movements of these costumes combined with the decadent watercolor-color-like treatment of these films is mesmerizing. Simply beautiful.

Can't help but marvel at the fact that the first recorded films were a bit risque (for the time, at least). Could these surreal films really signal the birth of the dirty movie? Perhaps. Though I read a post that refers to them as "Victorian psychedelia," which seems more fitting. And also a ridiculous category some Pitchfork writer might coin to explain a new genre of artists.

ANESTHETIZED

2010-11-05T11:21:00.002-05:00

I want a vacation here.

WE'RE HORRIBLE, DESPERATE, GHOULISH CREATURES

2010-10-31T20:17:00.011-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all of my fellow creeps! Here are some of the eeriest moments from our blackest of Sundays. Hope you all had a gorgeously grotesque evening.

HAPPY HAUNTING

2010-10-30T19:21:00.003-05:00

Be safe tonight, foolish mortals. Creeps and ghouls are gearing up for revelry tomorrow. Do not disturb them.

Cold kisses,

The Grave Lady

GIRLY GORE

2010-10-29T15:36:00.005-05:00

A wayward Vivian Girl goes shockingly grindhouse in this amazing video from LA SERA - "Never Come Around". Ok, we prob won't after watching this!

MP3 LA SERA: Never Come Around

Via Right Hear + Pitchfork

COOKIE MONSTERS

2010-10-28T10:47:00.003-05:00

No Halloween is complete without an evening of sweet and sinister cookie decorating. My local haunt was out of black frosting. What's a ghoul to do?

Halloween sugar cookie recipe

DEARLY DEPARTED TOUR

2010-10-26T14:36:00.014-05:00

One of the best things about being a journalist is that you get to meet all sorts of interesting people.

Spending the day with Scott Michaels, who runs Hollywood's infamous Dearly Departed Tour, is easily one of the most memorable experiences I will ever have as a writer. For someone who has had a lifelong obsession with the macabre side of Hollywood glamour, riding shotgun in Scott's Econo van while he gave a 37-mile tour was surreal.

After spending one minute with Scott, you discover he is more than just a tour guide. He is a virtual archaeologist of Hollywood glitz and gore, with a morbid enthusiasm and curiosity about the lives once lived in the shadows of those big-city lights. As we all know, things aren't always as they appear, especially on the big screen. If you live in or near Los Angeles and haven't done this tour yet, you will never see the city the same.

For instance, as we were driving through a busy neighborhood in the heart of LA, Scott just casually pointed out the apartment where Bela Lugosi died in 1956. Just as we were slowing to a roll, a stream of hispanic kids came shooting out of the door, followed by their mother dragging laundry bags behind her - going about daily life as we gawked into her front door.

I remember wondering just how diluted the historical significance of the space had become through the years, as the transient nature of Los Angeles apartment life ebbed and flowed. To them, it was just an apartment. To us, a fascinating and sacred relic from the rise and fall of life in Hollywood.

There were SO MANY moments like the one mentioned above. I don't want to ruin it for you.

Scott also does a Helter Skelter Tour, among several other niche tours. And he recently created a documentary on the Manson Murders - Six Degrees of Helter Skelter - that was an official selection at several film festivals last year.

He is the real deal. Book a Dearly Departed Tour now!

CHILDLIKE FANTASIES

2010-10-23T10:10:00.008-05:00

Since I was a kid, The Haunted Mansion has always been the first ride I go on when I walk through the iron gates at Disneyland. Adulthood is no different. I still fantasize about being locked inside the ride after the park closes to wander the spider webbed halls, parlors and cemeteries all alone. Why I never pursued employment at Disneyland so I could do so is beyond me. Maybe it has something to do with wanting to retain its mystique.

I visited Disneyland once again last week with a strict intent to ride through The Haunted Mansion several times. Much to my dismay, my ghastly Halloween experience had been hijacked by Jack Skellington and his crew. Entirely. Snow, kitsch and Santa hats everywhere.

I like Tim Burton and The Nightmare Before Christmas as much as anyone, but this was not what I was expecting on Halloween. If some parts of the original ride had been preserved I may have been satiated but nothing is the same.

Since 2001, the Mansion has closed each September to give crews time to replace many of the haunted props and Audio-Animatronics with characters and themes from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” movie. Jack Skellington and his ghoulish friends typically stick around until the end of the year. - LA Times

So much for being informed.

I was embarrassingly livid, foaming at the mouth and scrappy. (Perhaps it was the bottle of Moet we drank beforehand in the parking lot. Not drunks, just celebrating our wedding.) Or perhaps it was the fact that I've been dying to go on the proper ride for months. And blog about it. Anyway, I apologize to anyone who may have been forced to overhear my F-bombs and absurd rants about "changing things on people." I think I may have even said, "This is not fair!" I tried so hard to not be that person but it was beyond my control.

Once the resentment subsided, I decided to do a little research on the making of The Haunted Mansion and came across this amazing short documentary on it. Did you know it took six years to create? And that it was rumored to be the home of Walt Disney himself? Also, the organ in the birthday party dining room scene is the same one from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? There are all kinds of interesting things happening in these videos. It almost made the annoying experience worth it!

DANSE MACABRE

2010-10-22T10:59:00.005-05:00

Nearly 10 days without a post and all you get is this spooky little Disney cartoon?

It is a prelude for things to come. And do not underestimate good ol' Walt. Skeleton Dance is all of the best things about Halloween packed into one timeless short cartoon - full moons, black cats and creepy graveyards. I never get tired of watching it.

HALLOWEEN HIATUS

2010-10-13T16:57:00.010-05:00

My fellow beasts, LGA will be on temporary Halloween hold until October 20. We will have 11 more glorious days of ghoulish revelry when I return from the dead.

In the meantime, happy haunting. Make me proud.

Cold kisses,

The Grave Lady

THE GODFATHER OF GORE

2010-10-11T22:48:00.013-05:00

(Wizard of Gore)

For someone who is a little too enthusiastic about ghosts and goblins, I cannot stomach gore. Anytime I watch a horror movie, I must be armed with a blanket or pillow to shield my view. In extreme cases, there is a simultaneous plugging of the ears. But the point of this post isn't to lament my lameness.

It's to let you know -- you LA people, specifically -- that Cinefamily will be showing The Godfather of Gore: Herschell Gordon Lewis tomorrow at 8:00 pm at the Silent Movie Theater in Hollywood. By the way, don't let this image selection fool you into thinking Lewis's films are tame. These are simply the only stills I could stare directly at for more than four seconds.

(Wizard of Gore)

(Gruesome Twosome)

(Gore Gore Girls)

Two Thousand Maniacs, one of Lewis's critically-acclaimed bloodbaths, will be shown following the documentary.

(Two Thousand Maniacs)

'This indisputable masterwork from H.G. Lewis pits a carload of Yankee tourists (including Playboy pinup Connie Mason, one of our finest American worst actresses) against an entire town of vengeful Southerners with a bloody supernatural secret. Lewis’s follow-up to the smash hit Blood Feast finds just the right mixture of black humor, infectious music, and harrowing bloodshed, with three murder scenes involving a switchblade, a boulder, and the world’s nastiest barrel roll that have all become iconic horror moment' -- Cinefamily

'COVEN SOUNDS LIKE OVEN'

2010-10-10T17:28:00.008-05:00

American Movie (1999) is one of my favorite documentaries of all time. If you've ever felt like you wanted to give up on a lifelong dream, this story of one man's unwavering determination, may strike a chord with you, as well.

Since the age of fourteen, filmmaker Mark Borchardt has had one passion in life -- making horror movies. With a real-life cast more amazing than any work of fiction could ever produce, American Movie follows Borchardt on his quest to make the perfect horror movie, Coven. (Which he pronounces 'Coh - ven'.)

Set atop a backdrop of bleak Wisconsin scenery, Borchardt's visceral and gritty Coven promises to be a foil to the generic Hollywood horror blockbusters that defined the genre in the '90s. But his own personal demons, financial struggles and lack of follow-through force him to abandon his ambitions over and over.

With help from his family and friends - who are also Coven's cast of 'actors' - American Movie reveals the heartwarming* lengths Borchardt's closest supporters will go to to help make his dream a reality. *Grab a hanky.

HALLOWEEN HEROES

2010-10-09T15:37:00.012-05:00

I have decided UK ten-year-old Azura Beebeejaun might be the modern day Harold Chasen.

Playing dead in an effort scare the wits out of your friends wouldn't be quite as entertaining - or amazing - if it weren't captured by a passing Googe Street View car. Fortunately, you also get to frighten the rest of your neighborhood and receive admirable recognition from other morbidly amused people all over the world.

'I understand how some people might have thought the picture looked like a dead body - I just wish she was that quiet all the time.' -- Azura's mother

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT

2010-10-08T10:49:00.006-05:00

Cozy up tonight with some black candles, pumpkin muffins, apple cider and Horrors of Spider Island. (The full movie is right here!)

German filmmaker, Wolf C. Hartwig, started out peddling smut and making weird and controversial movies about Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun before he began directing half-naked women being chased by giant monkey arachnids on exotic islands. What could be better than jungle cat fights, tropical heat, skinny dipping and creepy crawlers on a chilly fall evening? Not much.

FREAK AND FLYERS

2010-10-07T14:25:00.011-05:00

Oh, the timeless mystique of the punk flyer -- a cherished relic from the days when your brother's girlfriend's cousin would agree to let you in after hours to use her office's Xerox machine. Such a simple yet ubiquitous design born from artful angst, nervous photocopying and subversive sounds. This particular Halloween selection comes from various places on the Internet.

GRAVE BABIES

2010-10-06T10:37:00.007-05:00

Seattle's Grave Babies add a gorgeous installment of crunching hymns to the current run of lo-fi, post industrial goth (aka: witch house, chill wave, drag, what have you) tracks we are hearing so much of lately. With song titles like "Ghost", "Bones", "Fright Night" and "Nightmare", adding them to this blogathon was a no-brainer. (I will resist the urge to make a zombie reference here. Dammit.)

California people, Grave Babies have shows in San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento over the next few weeks. And for you Seattle folks, they're playing a Halloween House (?) Sat., Oct. 30!

(Btw, let me warn you. Do not google image "grave babies" unless you want to ruin the rest of your day.)

GHOSTLY ESSENTIALS

2010-10-05T09:53:00.020-05:00

Cleanse your soul after evil deeds with skull soap in a coffin from The Worship Museum.

The eponymous Book of Shadows holds the key to your witchery.

Disappear into the darkness by donning a dramatic black cloak.

Conjure our spirited friends with a vintage ouija board.

Unlock your deepest, darkest secrets with this skeleton key bottle opener.

Banish lingering omens by burning dried sage (salvia) throughout your living quarters.

Keep unwanted intruders away with this cross terrarium from The Worship Museum.

Get rid of a pesky enemy with a killer tonic.

(The above is not a serious recommendation to harm anyone. Thank you.)

Escape being caught red handed in Halloween mischief by hiding behind a clever disguise.

BLACK MOODS MIXED LIVE BY THE GRAVE LADY

2010-10-04T09:35:00.006-05:00

My Halloween magnum opus has finally risen.

Download Black Moods By The Grave Lady

I hope this mix will provide the soundtrack to your mischief this month, or aid in resurrecting your own Halloween spirit if it hasn't already been unearthed. And yes, I am completely self-absorbed and had one of my henchmen put my head on Barbara Steele's body in Mario Bava's Black Sunday. I couldn't imagine a more appropriate costume.

Happy haunting!

The Grave Lady

SHE BEAST

2010-10-02T18:18:00.008-05:00

ETERNITY FOREVER

2010-10-02T12:14:00.014-05:00

You may recall a post I wrote about a year ago on LA-based artist Marnie Weber.

I am strangely drawn to her hauntingly surreal films, collage work and costumes. But it's hard to really place my feelings about them. Her work is one part calming and beautiful and two parts eerie and terrifying -- both things I love! I'm guessing you might be feeling the same way.

I have a sneaking suspicion Marnie's work invokes the same sentiments I might have if I were to encounter some type of other-worldy spirit -- awe and fear.

Marnie has a public exhibit coming up called Eternity Forever at the Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum in Altadena, Calif. on November 11, 2010. The graveyard performance includes a silent film, featuring mystical landscapes and fantastic characters, accompanied by a soundtrack created by Marnie.

Chances are, the project itself will incorporate all of the things that make Marnie's work so beautiful and intriguing. Coupled with the fact that it will take place on such an apropos stage, there is no reason to miss this one. Hope you go!

THIS IS HALLOWEEN

2010-09-29T21:43:00.027-05:00

Fall is hands down my favorite time of year.

I love watching the trees in Minneapolis transform into fiery red and blindingly orange matchsticks. I adore being caught in LA's swirling, dusty breeze, tinged with a comforting chill - just barely enough to mimic a subtle change in season.

But what I really love is that all of those things happen around what has been my favorite holiday since I can remember -- Halloween.

This little quirk has everything to do with my childhood. My mother, a true ghoul herself, exposed my sister and I early on to Halloween enthusiasm, or more accurately -- Halloween obsession.

(Camella: "Fuck Dorothy and the Tin Man, I want the witch's autograph.")

There were homemade dragon costumes derived from green shag toilet bowl covers. A vintage black cat costume with real whiskers and a tail (above) was worn by both my sister and I no less than six times.

(This is the one year "single dad" was in charge of Halloween. Finally we get to wear "normal" -- i.e. bagged -- costumes like all the other kids!)

There were black lights, industrial-strength fog machines, wood-shopped headstones, spooky sound effects, stuffed werewolf dummies with real sneakers and gobs and gobs of spider web everywhere. Needless to say, Halloween, according to my entire family, is no joke.

(You may notice that as soon as I was old enough to make my own costumes, they went the more grotesque route.)

As much as I still love it these days, the holiday always comes too quick. October rounds the bend and I am scrambling to create a homemade costume, determined to out-do my last. I am adorning doors, windows, and porches with various Halloween garb I've collected over the years (which some may argue is a bunch of junk.)

I am obsessing over elusive spooky mix tapes. I am locking down the cherished evening's parties and goings on much too far in advance. I am taste-testing the appropriate candy offerings and preparing for anything that might qualify as ghoulish mischief.

Often I come up short. The mix is never finished (or started.) The costume gets way too expensive, or too hot, or too impossible. I don't sew. This severely limits my efforts. I never throw the B-horror movie party I talk incessantly about. I end up buying candy minutes before trick or treaters arrive at my doorstep, trying not to run them over as I beat nightfall to the local Target, or whatever's closest. I am a notorious Halloween over promiser/undeliverer.

Last year I had an excuse. Sadly, my darling grandmother -- and fellow Halloween junkie -- passed away a week before our big day. It was devastating. This year, however, I will do her proud.

Every pumpkin, every bag of candy or plastic skeleton I've seen over the past month burns with Halloween urgency. Before that notorious "middle isle" appeared at the CVS, before I even half contemplated an impractical costume to assemble, I vowed this year I would do Halloween the way I always plan to. And so it has begun.

I started freakishly early, as in weeks ago. Call me crazy. Lame. Immature. Bored. My friends, I am none of those. I just love Halloween. I know there are more of you out there.

In honor of this most exciting and frightful occasion, I will be posting something related to witches, ghosts, goblins, martians, what have you every day for the entire month of October. (No zombies or vampires this year, sorry.)

It all starts today. And for you audiophiles, Monday I will post Black Moods, my official live Halloween spooktacular mix! That's right, it's already done. And it just might scare you to death.

I hope you'll check back often this month. I don't know if The Ladies and Gents Auxiliary could get much better. In fact, it can't.

Cold kisses,

The Grave Lady

DEATH OF A DISCO DANCER

2010-09-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

PRIMES

2010-09-24T14:35:00.022-05:00

Proof that youth isn't always wasted on the young.

OUR LAUGHTER WILL SCARE THE SUN

2010-09-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

Videos, videos, videos everywhere. I am gearing up for ghoulish delight. You do know next month is my most cherished.

THE DEVIL NOW HAS COME FOR ME

2010-09-12T12:22:00.020-05:00

Every time I think my obsession with the output of Bradford Cox has subsided to a normal level, it is taken to new heights.

The video above is no exception. "Helicopter" is all about mortality, beauty, pain, lament. You know, the usual. You should watch if you're in that sort of mood. It made me cry. (FULL. SCREEN.)

I'm convinced Bradford Cox is the only person who can write truly meaningful lyrics anymore. But I guess people find their own meaning in those types of things. So perhaps this is just a me thing. I am in a state of complete Sunday delirium.

Deerhunter's latest record -- Halcyon Digest -- releases September 28. Obviously not soon enough. Hopefully this will hold you over. I just pre-ordered it on iTunes.