18 January 2008
Best movie of 2007
I’d have to say it was "Once," a complete surprise and joy to watch. It’s rumored to have cost only $160k to make. I even bought the soundtrack (something I rarely do, since good soundtracks are hard to come by). It’s probably because the songs are mostly written by and sung by Glen Hansard of the Dublin, Ireland rock band The Frames.
Peder
13 January 2008
Daptone Funk
I’ve been following Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings for some years now, but what I’m really excited about is the rest of the Daptone catalogue. Right now, I’m digging the label’s re-release of the Poets of Rhythm release “Practice What You Preach.” Pure, raw, heavy funk from Munich. Everything about this album is supreme - the punchy guitar, bright horns, and spot-on rhythm section of bass and drums. What I find amazing, is that this was recorded in 1993. Go buy it, now!
This is probably a good time to admit that I’m a relative newcomer on appreciating the resurgence in funk/soul. There’s so much good material out there, but one has only to look in the right places to find it. For classic and hard-to-find vinyl, go to Dusty Groove America. Daptone Records is a great place to start building you funk/soul library. Also, Jazzman Records has a ton of reissue funk 45s.
02 December 2007
2007 US Cyclocross Gran Prix
Yesterday, Larry, Andrew, and I headed out to Portland International Raceway for the 2007 US Cyclocross Gran Prix. The weather was cold and rainy. The mud was flying, and the cowbells were ringing. We saw the elite women and men’s races, plenty of incredible cross bikes, Gary Fisher himself, and plenty of good muddy wipeouts. Here’s a video taken from the men’s elite race.
This photo was taken at the races of myself, Larry, and Andrew (left to right). Here’s Barb Howe’s report of the day (an elite class racer).
23 September 2007
North Portland Artist’s Studio Burning
This morning, we awoke to the sounds and lights of fire engines in our alley. There was smoke billowing from our neighborhood artist’s studio and an adjoining building on the corner of N Williams and N Going Street. After talking to other neighbors who were there earlier, before the fire fighters had gotten things under control, the fire had started on the yellow building then jumped to the blue building to the west.
The artist is Michael Brophy, an amazing landscape artist who uses huge canvases in his work. His work is nationally known, and is currently on exhibit at the Laura Russo Gallery. I hope his beautiful work was saved. 
