Sophie Says Sooth (2002.09.02): "Avoid graduation at all possible costs. This may sound crazy now, but by the time you're out of school for a year you'll know exactly what I'm talking about and you'll really start to miss caring about back-to-school sales. Enjoy this time while you can."

Sophie Says Sooth (2002.08.26): "When you call your children unexpectedly, do not express concern if they were out until 4, 5 or 6 AM. They are now the masters of their own bedtimes. If someone of the opposite sex answers the telephone at 7 AM on a Sunday, say nothing."

Sophie Says Sooth (2002.08.19): "It was once required that ten witnesses be present at a marriage ceremony to outsmart jealous demons. (I don't know who really thought this would work but let's play along for the sake of the story.) Bridesmaids dressed similarly to the bride and groomsmen's attire resembled the groom's in an attempt to confuse the spirits who wanted to harm the couple."


Silverchair / Diorama: "Musically, it is one of the best of the year. Rich orchestrations sweep across beautifully arranged songs, a feat quite remarkable for a band unaccustomed to such complex string and horn work. This is due, in part, to help from the legendary Van Dyke Parks, whose resume boasts such names as U2 and the Beach Boys."

Miniviews 2002.08.02: "While reining his noodling tendencies way in for the two Guided By Voices records released by TVT, his side projects exploded. The Fading Captain series, home to numerous collaborations and throw-away 7" singles, has probably had a release or three just since you started reading this piece."

Miniviews 2002.07.28: "If John Lennon and Yoko Ono had been in little-known power pop bands, then decided to do a record together with John's brother and a pseudonymous drummer for a Spanish label you've never heard of, Double Fantasy would've sounded a lot like Sound It Out."


San Diego Comic-con 2002: Part 1: "A lot of it sounded like standard conspiracy theory bullshit; I would like to believe him about the income taxes, though. Apparently it has something to do with the improper ratification of the 16th Amendment and taxing our privilege of earning money."

"Glamour Hose": A 14-piece photographic series from Natalie Meyer


"Pixel Worship": A new short narrative work from Aaron Veenstra





2002/04/27

Update! Update! It's taken far longer than it should have but the Promise Ring's new record, Wood/Water, has finally been reviewed. Go, and enjoy the turning of indie rock into indie acoustic open mic night.
posted at 11:50


2002/04/23

Today's funniest thing ever is this. But I digress.

Layne Staley, lead singer of the surprising influential Seattle band Alice in Chains, died last week, almost certainly of a heroin overdose. He was 34. This came as a shock to no one. At one of the band's last public appearances, 1996's Unplugged sessions, Staley was clearly sedated, making songs like "Rooster" and "Would?" all the more poignant. The songs written for 1992's Dirt LP, those two included, all deal with the pit of Staley's addicition and "Would?" in particular deals with the overdose death of fellow Seattle scenester Andrew Wood in 1990.

AiC's sound and Staley's vocal style will live on in a dozen nü-metal imitators but the real thing is part of the past. It's over now.
posted at 08:36



2002/04/22

Sophie's got so much new Sooth for you she should probably be detained by the International Sooth Regulation Board. Seriously, it could be dangerous. Especially if you're looking to get busy with a co-worker.
posted at 08:53


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