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CHASING PAPER

we're traveling through time, brutha!

two of us

Monday, February 07, 2011

Experiment.

I never blog anymore. I kinda dislike Blogger, and as you can see, our template looks tired and the layout doesn't really work.

I'm experimenting with Tumblr. We'll see how this goes. Come visit.

http://chasingpaper.tumblr.com/

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Carrie at 2/07/2011

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Top Albums of 2010.

10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

I wrestled with what to put in this 10th spot. Other contenders included Band of Horses or Dr. Dog. Ultimately, I decided on The Suburbs, not because I enjoy the album that much, but because Arcade Fire at least attempted to sound differently. I was disappointed in this album- I think it's definitely too long, and I don't think commenting on suburbia is very novel, but I can't deny they are some good songs on it. I may not have listened to this album with any frequency this year, but if you were out in the world at all, you couldn't avoid it.



9. Best Coast - Crazy For You

True, Best Coast isn't particularly deep, but it's fun, poppy, catchy, etc. Between Best Coast and Sleigh Bells (and the semi-disappointing Corin Tucker Band album), I was glad to have some new girl rock.



8. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor

Titus Andronicus' 2nd album seems more mature to me than their debut, and the literary and historical themes lend weight to their anger and indignation. Thusly, I enjoy this album a good deal more than The Airing of Grievances. Plus, you have to admire a bunch of civil-war-loving punks.



7. Vampire Weekend - Contra

Vampire Weekend proves they're more than just a gimmick. It took me a while to get into this album, but it's just as good or better than their first. And I'm always impressed with how tight they are as a band.



6. Wolf Parade - Expo 86

Never was much of a Wolf Parade fan. Almost could say I actively disliked them. But holy hell, this is a good album. It's totally changed my mind about them.



5. Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt

I came into this album late in the year, but it immediately captivated me. Folky but not quiet or boring, it's a perfect winter soundtrack. Swede Kristian Matsson is not new to the music scene, just new to me. And what a lovely discovery.




4. Superchunk - Majesty Shredding

Superchunk took 9 years off after a mediocre 8th album, during which members fostered some of the most important indie rock of the past decade with Merge Records, then came back to record an excellent record that rivals some of their best. In a music scene overwrought with blippity blops, chillwave, and glo-fi bullsh*t, it's refreshing to hear a band with guitars just have fun and rock out. I also find it reassuring as I head further into my 30's, that just because they're older, doesn't mean they rock any less.



3. Sleigh Bells - Treats

Simultaneously loud, fuzzy, poppy, and fluffy, Sleigh Bells charted pretty new territory this year. They may have been much hyped over the year, but this is one instance where the hype is merited. I probably listened to this album more than any other this year.



2. The National - High Violet

I've always like The National, but never considered them a truly essential band. With High Violet, they've launched themselves into the top tier of indie rock that I love. This album refines what they're best at- moody rock without frills or whistles- and I find that quite refreshing.



1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

I am fully willing to forgive Kanye West's enormous ego if he keeps making albums like this. I really haven't been listening to much hip hop lately, but this album is good enough to shake my white-girl bias. Plus, he collaborates with Bon Iver in one of the year's most unlikely pairings. People would probably frown upon the amount that I sing some of these songs to Lucy.

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Carrie at 12/29/2010

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas.



We enjoy dressing our pets and babies up as Santa.

Happy holidays to you all.

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Carrie at 12/21/2010

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

On Vaccinations.

Lucy went to her two month pediatrician appointment this week and got her first round of vaccinations. While I don't like watching my babe scream bloody murder as soon as she got stuck with a needle, I know these shots are important to keeping her healthy. But a lot of people don't have the same philosophy anymore, which I think is frustrating as hell.

In case you didn't see it, there was a compelling article on NPR this week about why we should vaccinate. Who can really argue with that?

Carrie at 11/18/2010

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Monday, November 01, 2010

Stop the Hate.

It's been so long since I've posted, but most of you know that I've been busy taking care of our new addition, Little Miss Lucy. But the world doesn't stop just because I had a baby, and there are important things that we need to discuss.

Here in Bowling Green tomorrow, residents will be voting to keep two ordinances that prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, but also gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, HIV status, and physical appearance, among other things. These ordinances have caused quite a stir in our sleepy little town, and it is disheartening to see people are using hate to instill fear and get these ordinances defeated.

This campaign against non-discrimination has overlapped the unfortunate suicides of young people due to bullying, and it all is a painful reminder of how much hate still exists in this country. It makes me terribly sad to think that some day my daughter may face discrimination and intimidation just based on who she could become. I pray that when she's older, gay, lesbian, and transgendered people will find much more acceptance.

ONE Bowling Green has been doing a great job of dispelling myths and rallying support for the ordinances. I'm voting for 7905 and 7906 because I want my daughter to grow up in a city where people can't be discriminated against just because of who they love or how they choose to live.

Several of my Facebook friends posted the following video of the Gay Mens Chorus of LA for the It Gets Better campaign. I found it moving and it inspired me to get off my ass and write a blog post about something I care about. I hope on Wednesday I can wake up and be proud of the city I live in.

Carrie at 11/01/2010

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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Destination Pavement.



This past Thursday, Paul and I headed to Columbus to see Pavement play. We've been anticipating this show since their reunion was announced. We had previously purchased tickets to see them at Pitchfork in Chicago before this show was announced, then sold them once we found out they were coming to Ohio. I had long promised Paul that we would do whatever it takes to see this reunion, as they're his favorite band, so we were pretty invested in going.

Fast forward to nine days before my due date. I had my weekly doctor's appointment that morning and expected no real change from the week before. We were quite surprised to hear that things have progressed a lot in a week and I could now expect to go into labor at any point. We both purposely didn't ask the doc if she thought it was a good idea to drive 2 hours to go to a rock concert, because we both were convinced she'd say no. We spent most of Thursday hemming and hawing about what to do, not to mention battling our growing anxiety about labor being imminent. I decided I felt good and we should just go- that it was more likely that nothing would happen.

I am so glad we decided to go. The drive seemed quick and the venue was easy to find. There was a balcony where I could be away from the crowds of drunk fanboys. There were also some seats in the balcony with great views, however they were all taken when we arrived. I sensed a weak spot between two dudes, and just stood there and hovered until one of them offered up their seat. So, while it was strange to sit and sip water through and entire indie rock show, I was much more comfortable than I expected to be and I had a great view. All in all, the evening worked out beyond what I expected.

When they opened up with Shady Lane, I was totally pumped and sang along enthusiastically. Paul said his experience could only have been enhanced if they played Type Slowly. I am so grateful that we were able to have one last hurrah together before the kid arrived, especially with a band with both love so much.

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Carrie at 9/19/2010

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Ikea + kitties = love.



I heart this.

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Carrie at 9/12/2010

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