The Prince of Whales

Minke Whale Composite

Bryant Austin's amazing imagination is trumped only by his ambition to create the most intricate of portraits through communicating with our ancient oceanic geniuses. Whales are the largest mammals on this planet. They reside in our deepest depths, yet still surface to breathe the same air we do. It's mind-boggling to think that we puny homosapiens take in the same fresh O2 as the gentle giants of the sea. And sadly, we are the polluters of air, water, and dirt - the most basic combinations vital for all life to continue on. Why are we still considered the stewards of such a unique planet when we are the only multi-celled organism acting like bacteria? Hell, we can't even treat our own species with respect, kindness and love. So if the harsh reality we've concocted is to continue, without real wholesale change, how are we to deal with the pains and maltreatment that the rest of the natural world face? Are we our own worst enemy? It feels better to think about those who are still in it for the rest of the animal kingdom, because it seems to me that humans are the most inhumane and devilishly selfish creatures on Earth.

Bryant Austin in with the Geniuses. 

A saving grace within this conundrum may just be the man mentioned above. Bryant Austin is the fearless photographer who reaches out to the whales as fellow sentient beings. What he is able to do and how he is able to communicate is both intimate and haunting. He has mentioned how these encounters are based on mutual trust. These majestic and profound creatures are perhaps indicative of true grace and intelligence far beyond the reaches that we pretend to know.

Oceanographer Sylvia A. Earle says in her foreword to Austin's photo book, Beautiful Whale, "As an ambassador from the ocean - and to the ocean - Bryant Austin is not only a source of inspiration. He is cause for hope." That feeling of hope can be further aided via the Marine Mammal Conservation Through the Arts. This marine conservation non-profit's mission is to leverage the arts through media as a means of influencing positive changes - from public perception to policy. Bryant Austin is the founder and photographer who helped reveal the increased dangers and unshakable vision of a world that continues to hunt whales. Due to the response of those inspired by such efforts, MMCTA relaunched as Studio Cosmos.

An immense thanks goes out to all those who attempt and succeed at conserving the natural wonders that our planet is so blessed to encompass. I feel utterly inspired when I see Mr. Austin's work - both in a creative way and one that encourages me to become engaged in the oceans and its many lifeforms. Below is an NPR interview with Bryant. I trust that his images and words will do more to inform us while showcasing the raw awesomeness of a fellow resident of Earth. Enjoy this interview. I hope his work pushes people to become creative conservationists. All of us benefit in a world filled with immense nature and wondrous creatures. Be aware of more than just yourself.

We are NOT Alone.

                               

eightychoices.

P.S. I encourage you all to hit the hyper link on Bryant Austin. It's ultra-informative in terms of the process and his inspiration. What an amazing feat to be so close to the most intelligent beings.

Red Tail Ring

Perhaps more so than ever great folk music is being made, it just doesn't get the listening audience it deserves. American music is amazing, you just have to investigate beyond the top 40 lists and MTV garbage. Thanks to the musicians who crave the art of the song and the quality care it takes to craft true songs, we are lead to such newly minted music steeped in tradition. Red Tail Ring is folk with 'old time roots & new time sounds'. It's likely that this duo's knack for songwriting has them well on their way to telling stories to the masses that matter. Dare I say they are tapping into the magic of Gillian and David. I sure hope their twang and harmony are given a chance to saturate your porch. It's hard not to like something like this. They sound like summer and feel like history in its current state. Two voices, a guitar and a fiddle sure creates a sound that is both fierce and delicate. Thanks to all of the working musicians who remain unplugged. Body Like a Bell can be found on their latest Earthwork Music release, The Heart's Swift Foot.

These Michiganders will be plucking their stuff throughout the Great Lakes. If you're fortunate to live along their route I suggest you lend them your ears. Here are tour dates for Red Tail Ring.

eightychoices.

Radio Silence tribute to Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly tribute, June 16th, be there or be square!

Radio Silence is hosting a tribute celebration of Buddy Holly at Public Works on June 16th. The event will  begin with a reading from rock critic Greil Marcus. Thao Nguyen, of The Get Down Stay Down and Eleanor Friedberger will be performing live. There will be food trucks, a cash bar and DJ sets in addition to the live performances. Things get under way at 7:00 pm on Erie street in San Francisco.

Radio Silence is a progressive nonprofit with a volunteer staff. The creative forces within Radio Silence focus on the importance of literature and music and their connection to our culture and youth. All proceeds and donations from this event will support charity. Portions of the revenue are used to buy books and musical instruments for bay area kids. It doesn't get much better than a live benefit paying homage to a pillar of rock and roll with the aim of helping our next generation of writers and musicians. This a happen'n event for Father's Day, enjoy.

eightychoices.

Modern Vampires of the City

this could be the best record of 2013...

"We know the fire awaits unbelievers

All of the sinners the same

Girl you and I will die unbelievers

bound to the tracks of the train"

                              - Unbelievers

New York City has given us many things, it helped to spawn Vampire Weekend in 2006. On May 14th this indie-rock-pop outfit gave us perhaps the best album of 2013 (Muchacho by Phosphorescent is right there too). It took me a couple of listens to come to this conclusion, but now I cannot wear it out. Each song has its own personality while never loosing site of the band's. Ezra has a forcible skill in writing words that are both prophetic and stinging. He also taps into that which helps us to identify with what he's singing. As a band, they have a knack for creating a sound that's catchy amidst the cultivation of their own identity. This record feels different, better, like the birth of an idea.

When a world originates through creativity and collaboration it allows for more of us to accept it, maybe because we think we understand it. Modern Vampires of the City has given us a path that has no end, only definitions of an end. There are times when I absorb the lyrics as though they are from my thoughts. Assimilation aside this record touches on the contemplations that surround me and the overarching state of affairs that we all try to escape from; self doubt, the world, cultural decline, travel, mistakes made, the past, what's next, faith, love and death. Twelve songs, speaking one after another, each possessing an identity to stand alone, yet cohesive as a collection. This may be their third release, but it's far from junior. 

My personal favorites are Unbelievers and Diane Young. Unbelievers borders between a preacher's sermon and a sort of rhythmic clamor, producing a hook which could become the narrative of an entire summer. I can only hope, dogmatic or not, that this track will speak to others. 

"I'm not excited, but should I be? Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me? I know I love you and you love the sea. Wonder if the water contains a little drop, little drop for me?"

The latter of the two seems to be lurching into the David Byrne side of things, which is the ultimate compliment. Diane Young is more than a pun, it's playfully rambunctious with a dash of dread, wrapped in honesty. Who dares to go this route?

Irish and proud baby naturally                                    

But you got the luck of a Kennedy                               

        So Grab the wheel, keep holding it tight                                   

'Til you're driving off in the black of the night 
           

If Diane Young won't change your mind

Baby baby baby baby right on time

To Vampire Weekend, 

Thanks for giving me something substantial to wrap my head around when I'm trying to escape the down pressing grind. Your songs are infectious and thoughtful. I feel almost more connected when attempting to run away. Seeing the lyrics next to the cover art sheds new light on the interpretations. eightychoices. 

*Catch 'em August 11th at Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park*

Seven Oh Seven

Take me home country roads, to the place that I belong.

Who does number 7 work for? Apparently us. On this day in May of 2006 we voiced our vows to one another, with the Pacific as our witness at Schoolhouse Beach. Seven years and counting. Thanks to all of our friends and family for giving us love and support. Many places have been home to us, yet Sonoma was and is home to us now. All my love goes into the partnership I have with my secret agent wife. You're the best Agent M. Happy anniversary. We're up to the challenge that is life's journey.                                     eightychoices.

"He who binds himself to a joy does the winged life destroy; but he who kisses the joy as it flies lives in eternity's sunrise."     -William Blake

Technicolor Dream Tour

Yesterday was Mother's Day so I trust everyone spoke to theirs. Last night was also the reunion of Jim James and The Fillmore. San Francisco has been quite privy through the years in getting to experience quintessential performances during the ascension of My Morning Jacket. Jim playing with a new band felt like an experience that had to be had. Rallying with a great group of friends never hurts either.
               

Ever the showman, he came out with an energy that coursed its way through you. These songs, written by Jim, were soaked in live reverb, piercing with tone. There were tracks that teetered near too loud. On the other hand, who doesn't like some good old fashioned rock and roll? Sure there were times when the audience wanted what was familiar, yet he remained vigilant, perhaps stubborn, in uncloaking his new songs. Like most true art, there are times when the artist must not compromise their mission. He clearly had his. His demeanor hovered between crooning band leader and the commander of a force that needed to be unleashed. Jim James is an entertainer, he's intimate with the power of being on stage. During one song he was in full character, fake-smoking a cigarette and all. Other times he would jump in a gangly-limbed exuberance, resembling a human starfish. His newest bandmates react and interact well with him. I wonder if he feels like he's cheating on The Jacket? The drummer was phenomenal and the the two multi-instrumentalists were indeed grizzled musicians who fit seamlessly into the world of Yim. The bassist was the steady hand amidst the sonic jams - of course she was. There were moments when they emanated an almost Pink Floyd like thrill, capturing us all, putting us in a zone. Another name came to mind while listening - Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

The five of them had a tight synergy performing the material from his solo debut, Regions of Light and Sound of God. Set one was a live version of the album, played in order as it appears on the record. For what it's worth, the first three songs of the night were straight delicious. I was especially spellbound by State of the Art. To the delight of the crowd, Jim came out alone with an acoustic guitar for the encore, coaxing a beautifully stripped-down version of Wonderful. What began as a My Morning Jacket song bloomed into a series of covers from the Monsters of Folk and New Multitudes.

Regions of Light and Sound of God.

Setlist: State of the Art (A. E. I. O. U.), Know Til Now, Dear One, A New Life, Exploding, Of the Mother Again, Actress, All is Forgiven, God's Love to Deliver
Encore: Wonderful (My Morning Jacket), Dear God (Monsters of Folk), His Master's Voice (Monsters of Folk), The Right Place (Monsters of Folk), Losin Yo Head (Monsters of Folk), Changing World (New Multitudes)

If you find yourself with time to spare inside The Fillmore I recommend chilling out upstairs in the great poster room with an adult beverage. There are so many awesome vintage prints. I have my personal favorite. Surely you can find one too. Remember to stay until the end of any sold out show for the free poster (one of my favorite nuances).

eightychoices.