Appropriately grey and Simple Math

Monday is appropriately attired in overcast grey. After a record-breaking wet weekend even Monday, who regularly taunts us in the Pacific Northwet with bright warm clothing, seems to sense that coming in wearing withheld-sunshine would have been crossing the line today. Not that Saturday didn't fake us out and prove to be mostly nice most of the day. Many of us, having heard the forecast, were out early getting the lawn mowed and other outdoor tasks accomplished before the promised downpour descended. Turns out we could have mowed nearly all day and enjoyed some cloudy sunshine in the process. The skies didn't open up until around 5:00 PM and then they poured the rest of the weekend.

Last week was an every-other-day posting affair. Friday, like Wednesday, kicked off early with a 7:00 AM meeting off campus, so there was no opportunity to post post-commute. I did a make-up post this weekend, though. I had tweeted about having completed a fresh batch of bagels made with Yerba Mate and the good folks over at Guayaki (who's mate I buy) asked for the recipe. So I posted it to my blog to share out. A bit of a departure from the general thrust of this commute-music blog, but since mate figures regularly here, that's ok. In fact, without exception, every one of these morning posts is made over a mug, glass, or gourd of yerbe mate.

Now back to the music. This morning's soundtrack was limited to one album, no shuffling. This weekend I picked up a new album from a group I wasn't familiar with, which I try to do regularly to keep my musical horizons dynamic, and so I wanted to spend the commute getting to know this album better. The band is Manchester Orchestra, from Georgia, and the album is Simple Math. It's categorized in the "Alternative" genre, and, for once, that genre title may be applicable. It is certainly contemporary rock, in a Wilco-meets-Rocco-DeLuca-in-Appalachia sort of way. With a 12 string orchestra and children's choir tossed in here and there for good measure. There are a lot of very fine complex stitches in this tapestry. There is also a very Southern-nasal tenor that floats above the sweeping music, much like that of Jim James in My Morning Jacket (and this is not a bad thing!). The combined effect is unique and yet vaguely familiar. The album shifts around unpredictably (which is something I like), sort of like 2009's highly acclaimed album Oh My God, Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem. If you like bands in the "alternative" genre puddle, I recommend giving this one a listen. Good stuff.

Albums songs listened to on the way in today:

- Leaky Breaks
- Simple Math
- Pensacola


- Posted via Hermes.