Art, Events

Somerville Open Studios 2010: It’s OK to Talk to Strangers

Aside from Halloween there’s only one other occasion I can think of where it’s perfectly acceptable to approach a stranger’s home. And what is that occasion you may ask? Somerville Open Studios! Yes, it’s that time of year again where the hundreds of artists scattered about the fine city of Somerville, Massachusetts open their homes to let the general public view their work. This upcoming weekend will be my first time being around for open studios in S-ville and I’m really excited about it. Just within a few blocks of my home there will be a dozen artists to check out. I’m thinking of this as not only an opportunity to show support for the local art scene, but also a chance to really get to know some people I wouldn’t have otherwise met in my community. I’ll probably be doing most of my rounds Saturday early evening and early afternoon on Sunday. Can’t wait!

Somerville Open Studios

Music

Lo-Fi Sunshine: Woods – At Echo Lake

Woods - At Echo Lake

Artist: Woods
Title: At Echo Lake
Label: Woodsist
Release Date: May 11, 2010

I had the good fortune of catching Woods open for my favorite psychedelic Swedes, Dungen, last August at Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect. One band member kneeled on the floor the entire stage with an old cassette tape player and a mic making all sorts of static noise loops while the rest of the band appeared to be playing on equiptment that was swiped out of a 60’s pawn shop. Little did I know I would be getting some sort of wonderful fusion between The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, and Animal Collective. Now upon the heels of glorious SXSW buzz and hype they’re releasing a most anticipated follow up to their very stellar Songs of Shame LP.
Continue reading