One of the best albums of 2009 was from Miike Snow.  Being a fan of Japanese cinema, I can't help think of Takeshi Miike when I see their name but fortunately there's no connection other than they're both on the cutting edge. Anyways, this bittersweet song got through some rough spots this year and is one of my favorites.

http://www.berobrknells.com/

Danger Mouse + Shins =D
The first single, "The High Road", drops on Monday, December 21 via the band's website .


More news over at Pirchfork.

The practice of giving gratitude each day reminds us of the colorful splendor of life.
A fellow Architect recently posted a poem that I wanted to share. It was written by a young man who -- when faced with choosing between an expensive and extravagant backpacking trip to Europe or a humanitarian mission in Peru to work for Habitat for Humanity -- elected to give back to the world:

_____________________

"What is a Good Feeling?"

A dream maybe that looks me in the eye,

I try to catch it but it just flies by,

A short second ago there was my chance,

I was even just about ready to dance.

Shine that light on me,

Guide me to what is happy,

Pearl, silver, and even gold,

It’s now time to think beyond what is displayed and told.

Look beyond the light,

Into the darkness of the night,

Like others, it is even hard for me,

When I even dare to see reality.

The million-dollar beach home,

The shape of a dome,

An in-door pool,

Oh how mighty and cool.

Pshh, ya right!

Just look at MOST people’s plight,

People losing jobs here and there,

This is in no way fair.

Millions of citizens living on the streets,

On disgusting benches supposed to be used just for seats,

It’s time to wake up and see,

People don’t live all rich and fancy.

It’s time to open our eyes,

We shouldn’t live lies,

I want to step closer to reality,

I’m at the right age to learn more about actuality.

I want to help others,

I want to give to families: fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers

I want to put smiles on children’s faces,

I want to leave some of my traces.

Traces of charity,

What a rarity,

I want to be one who gives and not takes,

For once in my life I am positive that this won’t be a mistake.

This choice is the right,

And I say this with all force and might,

It’s without doubt a chance to make a difference,

This surely makes the most sense.

~THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE GOOD FEELING OF ASSISTING OTHERS~

Mahavishnu Orchestra
by avajra

One part motown, two parts kung-fu, a splash of DeBrage.  Shake with chopsticks.