beach reading

This summer I'm attempting to trade trashy beach reading for some classics that I've never had the time to get to. I say attempting because I am sure the chick lit will sneak it's way in at some point. But until then, two of my favorites pictured here: Tom Wolfe and Kurt Vonnegut.

Image via Nerd Boyfriend

double down

Off to Las Vegas for the weekend. Soundtrack of the moment

easy breezy

It's officially sleeping with the windows open weather here in LA. And the air smells like summer.

Image via We Heart It

rhonda got a raw deal

Now let it be known that I could not be a bigger fan of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The complexity of their harmonies is unmatched and don't even get me started on Good Vibrations. But, I was taking a good hard listen to Help Me Rhonda the other day and I couldn't help but feel bad for the poor girl. No one wants to be the rebound.

Image by Guy Webster

jenny and johnny

I've been dancing around my living room to the first single from the Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice collaboration simply titled Jenny and Johnny. Check them out and get a free download of Scissor Runner here.

bye bye blackbird

Such a sweet, sad song. This is the last of the three I recorded earlier this year (other tracks here and here). Hope you like!

Bye Bye Blackbird

Vocals: Erin Weir

Guitar: Margaret Marston

Produced by Alan Abrahams and Margaret Marston

Music by Ray Henderson Lyrics by Mort Dixon

Image by Brian Jeffers via The Guardian

no love lost

I'm still dreaming about the delicious biscuits from The Loveless Cafe in Nashville. The bottomless plate comes warm with butter and three types of jam. If you find yourself down south, I could not recommend this institution more. Yum.

first day of summer

Image via ffffound

splendor on the grass

Now that it's summertime here in LA, every Friday night down at LACMA they have incredible live jazz. It's completely free and you can bring wine and snacks and just sit out on the grass and enjoy. Perfect way to start the weekend.

Image via The Sweetest Occasion

nashville

I am off to Nashville for work this week. In all the preparations, I've been so struck by the constant warmth, hospitality and hope of everyone there despite the terrible floods the city has faced. In the wake of other recent disasters, Nashville really hasn't gotten the aid and attention it needs. If you want to help, you can do so here.

Image by Mattson Creative

lazy sunday

So far just puttering around the house, drinking coffee and listening to a little Jenny Lewis. Couldn't be happier.

Image via Bliss

broken bells

I'm loving all these great collaborations lately: She & Him, Them Crooked Vultures, even Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson. My newest favorite is Broken Bells, the unexpectedly mellow and lovely marriage of Danger Mouse and James Mercer from The Shins. (Oh The Shins, I have loved you before, during, and after Garden State.) See what you think.