Worthy Read: A Discovery of Witches

Recently sifting through book lists on-line, I kept running across this title: A Discovery of Witches. It has been acclaimed by Barnes & Noble as one of 2011's best reads. It is one of the top rated books at bookmovement.com. I couldn't resist finding out for myself what all the hype is about, and I'm a sucker for a good fantasy novel!

A Discovery of Witches is actually the result of the author asking herself the question, “if there really are vampires, what do they do for a living?” Deborah Harkness has been a student and scholar of history for 28 years. During that time she studied the history of magic and science in Europe. She is currently a professor at the University of Southern California where she teaches European history. Deborah is obviously one smart cookie! The novel's abundance of history and numerous references to world literature is blatant proof of her wealth of knowledge. She deftly weaves intricate layers of plot, and manages to easily introduce new characters, each as credible and intriguing as the last.

The main characters are the epitome of what I appreciate in a good fantasy read. Diana Bishop is a witch who chose to turn away from her heritage and live a simple "human" life as a scholar. However, events outside of her control force her to come to terms with who she really is. She meets the provocative, gorgeous Matthew Clairmont, who is a geneticist, yogi, and of course, a vampire. Because of Diana's passion for history, she can't help but appreciate the fact that Matthew's 1500 years has exposed him firsthand to many historical events and individuals that she has researched.

A Discovery of Witches is a successful fusion of fantasy, history, romance, and suspense. It takes you on a journey traveling the world to romantic destinations such as Oxford, England, and Auvergne, a mountainous region in France. Delving into the book is like drinking a fine cocktail comprised of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight saga muddled with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and topped off with a splash of maturity for the grown-up reader. On account of the ample history and inclusion of time-travel, I find myself comparing it to another of my favorites, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.

This book is a MUST READ for any avid fantasy enthusiast, as well as the open minded bookworm who simply appreciates a noteworthy read. The great news is that A Discovery of Witches is the first of the All Souls Trilogy, and the second installment, Shadow of Night, is due to release in July of 2012. I know what I will be reading this summer!

The Best Indie Music of 2011 (fourth installment)

I drank too much coffee and ate too many doughnuts this morning (not a common occurrence for me), which has resulted in an intense caffeine/sugar buzz. I find myself too restless to focus on my current novel... so, in need of an outlet to project my excessive energy into, I find myself compiling some more of the independent music that has stood out to me this year!
Enjoy!

Beirut
Album: The Rip Tide, released August, 2011

 

The first album released by Beirut in 2006 was the solo project of Zachary Condon, native of Sante Fe, New Mexico. Thereafter, he proceeded to form a band which has varied over time from six to ten members. The music is described as Balkan Folk. When I began delving into the world of independent music, this was the first indie band I listened to whose use of brass instruments blatantly stood out to me. (When he was a teenager, Zach played in a jazz band and his instrument of choice was a trumpet.) Since then, I have been more aware of the common usage of brass instruments by many indie bands, such as Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. I have acquired a taste for the sound.

Ghostpoet
Album: Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam, released February, 2011

Obaro Ejimiwe, aka Ghostpoet, is a singer songwriter from the U.K. Ghostpoet (as well as his most recent album title) is a very fitting name... his rambling, lethargic baritone is rather ghostly... and poetic. His unique sound has been described as "drowsy anxiety." I, for one, am hooked on his brazen British accent, which is impossible to ignore.

Is Tropical
Album: Native To, released October, 2011

This trio from London, England infuses dance music with rock. They are notorious for performing with veiled faces.

The Naked And Famous

Album: Passive Me, Aggressive You, released March, 2011

This indie rock band calls Auckland, New Zealand home. I first heard them while listening to WSUM, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s licensed student radio station. The track Young Blood was played, and the radio host described their sound as "similar to Arcade Fire." Enough said!!

 

Generationals

Album: Actor-Caster, released April, 2011

Louisiana seems to be the source of an overwhelming amount of talented indie bands in the U.S.! This New Orleans based indie rock/pop duo (made up of  Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer) offers a vibe that simply makes me happy! The track Ten-Twenty-Ten made it onto Paste magazine's best songs of 2011 list, and I couldn't agree more!

 

 

Crystal Fighters

Album: Star of Love: Deluxe Edition, released August, 2011

(Star of Love was originally launched in October of 2010. The 2011 deluxe edition includes six bonus tracks.)

This band from London was referred to me by my niece, Halette. (I just want to take a moment to say thanks to Halette for being my partner in crime as a fellow indie music junkie, and for getting my foot wet by introducing me to the world of indie and continuing to recommend great music!) I feel that Star of Love offers somewhat of a range in sound:

Plage is more on the folky side than the next two tracks. (By the way, a plage is "a sandy beach at a seaside resort".)

In The Summer is less folk and more electronic.

I Love London screams electro dance hall and strobe lights!

To listen to my Best Indie Music Of 2011 Playlist, click here: http://grooveshark.com/#/playlist/2011+Indie+Best+Of/52460159

The Best Indie Music of 2011 (third installment)

Another assortment of my favorite indie music of 2011!
Enjoy!

The Cults
Album: s/t, released June, 2011

This Manhattan, NY based indie pop group's debut album received rave reviews. I tried, without much success, to allow the album to grow on me. One track, Abducted, made it onto my i-pod!

Planningtorock

Album: W, released June, 2011

Janine Rostron, aka Planningtorock, is an English electronic musician who resides in Berlin, Germany. As you may ascertain from watching these videos, she is rather strange. My favorite quote, "no great genius comes without some form of madness." The first track is very dark and dramatic, while the second takes a more upbeat approach.

Painted Palms

Album: Canopy, released April, 2011

This experimental duo is comprised of cousins Reese Donohue and Christopher Prudhomme from Lafayette, LA. Their debut album, Canopy, is very chill and ethereal. 

Little Dragon
Album: Ritual Union released July, 2011

Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagano's vocals lead this electroindie band from Sweden. The name Little Dragon is derived from the tantrums Nagano threw when in the recording studio!

GROUPLOVE
Albums: s/t released January, 2011
Never Trust A Happy Song released September, 2011

Shortly after meeting each other in Manhattan, NY, where they had been living for years, Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi took a trip to Greece. On Crete, they met the remaining members of their future indie rock/pop band, one year before forming GROUPLOVE! Their music has a surfer vibe to it that isn't redundant after the first two tracks. Refreshing!!

Young The Giant
Album: s/t released January, 2011

The indie rock band from Irvine, CA is made up of a mod-podge of ethnic backgrounds including Indian, Persian, British and French-Canadian. On account of this, their music exudes diversity as well.

Notable mention: 

Blood Orange, Album: Coastal Grooves released August, 2011

To listen to my Best Indie Music Of 2011 Playlist, click here: http://grooveshark.com/#/playlist/2011+Indie+Best+Of/52460159

Worthy Read: If It Was Easy, They'd Call The Whole Damn Thing A Honeymoon

I was patiently sitting in the waiting room at my car dealership, waiting for my Audi to get washed, when a daytime television show caught my attention. Jenna McCarthy was being interviewed about her newly released book, If It Was Easy, They'd Call The Whole Damn Thing A Honeymoon. With a title like that, how could I not find my interest peaked? I shuffled through my purse for a scrap of paper and a writing utensil, and jotted down the title and author's name, thinking that maybe, just maybe, I'll check it out.

A few weeks later, I found myself going outside of my reading comfort zone and poking my nose into this self-help book. Since it pertains to marriage, and I just so happen to be married, I thought, "why not?" I must stress the fact that I do not consider myself in dire need of guidance on the subject of marriage, in fact I think I'm pretty fortunate in the marriage department. However, all of us wives have those moments where we would like to hit our significant other over the head with a frying pan! So, I digress.

I expected the book to have me sit down with a pen and paper and write down a pro and con list. Or keep a journal of my feelings and emotions. Or use any of the other orthodox methods self-help books use (whatever they are, I haven't read many self-help books). I was in for a surprise, because this book did not use the techniques I had anticipated. In a nutshell, I would describe it as a collection of  humorous revelations from the author regarding the quirks of her husband, as well as quotes from other wives about their husband's vices. The purpose being: to help you realize how good you really have it! 

Jenna takes a very witty, comical approach, and I doubt you could read this book cover to cover without laughing out loud at least once. If you can't stomach profanity, I wouldn't recommend this book. Jenna definitely has a potty mouth, but if you can get past that, you may find yourself appreciating your husband more, after comparing him to the fine subjects whose bad habits are blatantly revealed in this book. Overall, I think it's worth the occasional chuckle, and the fact you may find yourself thinking, "I haven't got it bad as I thought!"

Indie Discoveries: Gotye, Vic and Gab, Low Roar, Tindersticks, Shearwater

Gotye

Wouter De Backer, aka Gotye, is a Belgian Australian multi-instrumental musician and singer-songwriter. I just discovered him yesterday. Obviously I am a little behind, the video for Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra), has had over 22 million hits on you-tube! Great video, very creative, literally human art!

Vic and Gab

This indie pop sister act happens to be from Milwaukee, WI. Just a few miles down the road from my doorstep in Madison. Could they be the next Tegan & Sara?

Low Roar

Ryan Karazija is calling his latest project Low Roar. Native to San Fransisco, he made the audacious move to Iceland. He apparently spent a lot of time soul searching in the foreign land, allowing the country, as well as his personal journey to inspire him. His music reverberates the struggle of picking up and starting fresh.

The Tindersticks

The Tindersticks are an indie rock band from Nottingham England. Medicine is the first single from the forthcoming album, The Something Rain, due out February 2012.

Shearwater 

Breaking The Yearlings is another new single from Austin Texas's indie rock band, Shearwater. Their new album, Animal Joy, is also expected to release in February 2012.

Worthy Read: Snow Flower And The Secret Fan

When I first saw the preview for the movie, Snow Flower And The Secret Fan, and realized it was based on a Lisa See novel, I rushed to get my hands on the book! I previously read Peony In Love, also by Lisa See, which accompanied me on my trip to Puerto Rico. I had enjoyed Peony In Love, so I found myself anxious to Read Snow Flower And The Secret Fan before watching to movie. I must admit, I was by no means disappointed! In fact, I enjoyed it much more than the previous Lisa See novel I had read!

Snow Flower And The Secret Fan delves into the Chinese culture of the nineteenth century, where women were viewed as unimportant and good only for providing sons. Traditions surrounding women included foot binding, arranged marriages, and concubines. However, the book focuses on two unique female traditions practiced in Hunan (a province of South-central China), laotongs, and nu shu.

Laotongs could perhaps be understood, in our terms, as "kindred spirits". The Chinese translation of laotong is "old same". It is a relationship which bonds two young girls together for life. The characters in Lisa See's novel, Snow Flower and Lily, were bonded at the tender age of seven. Other relationships between women in China were common, such as sisterhoods. Laotong relationships, however, were rare and formal, the two girls often chosen carefully by a matchmaker. Such things as the girls' astrological signs, their foot size, and the prosperity (or lack thereof) of their natal families, were taken into consideration. Laotong relationships were made formal by the actual signing of a contract. These special bonds were put in place to help them cope with the hardships of their lives.

Nu shu, which means "woman's writing" in Chinese, was a form of writing developed specifically for women. It used about 600-700 syllabic characters (each character representing a syllable). Since in ancient China the culture was male-centered, and forbid girls from formal education, nu shu was derived out of secrecy in order for women to share their deepest feelings, emotions, experiences, and secrets. Snow Flower and Lily shared their nu shu on a fan, which they discreetly sent back and forth between them.

Snow Flower And The Secret Fan is a window into the often horrifying, yet intriguing ancient Chinese culture. It is also a heartfelt tale of the lives of two Chinese women, bonded as laotongs in their youth. I highly recommend the book for both the educational aspect of it, as well as the story that will draw you in from page one.

Old laotongs.

Nu shu writing.

Bound feet. Fortunately, this tradition died out in the early twentieth century. It usually resulted in lifelong disabilities and occasionally death. For more information on Chinese foot binding, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_binding

Snow Flower And The Secret Fan movie trailer.

The Best Indie Music of 2011 (second installment)

I am proud to offer another batch of  what I consider to be the best independent music of the year!
Enjoy!

Alexander

Album: s/t, released March, 2011

This folk album is the first solo act from the talented Alex Ebert. You may recognize him as the lead singer and songwriter from Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, who I had the luxury to see perform live in Madison, WI. He resides in L.A. California.

 Here, Alex performs on Conan.

tUnE-yArDs

Album: w h o k i l l, released April, 2011

The Connecticut based band's "sounds" are categorized as Lo-fi, R&B, and experimental. I feel that Merrill Garbus's project is in a class by itself! Wait until you hear her uncanny but amazing vocals layered with drum loops, ukulele, saxophone, and bass guitar!

Agesandages

Album: Alright You Restless, released February, 2011

This group from Portland, OR consists of seven-part vocal harmonies, which is why it is classified as Raw Choral Pop. It is also referred to, get this, Brisk Indie Folk... that's a new one for me! The definition of brisk is: active, fast, and energetic, which truly is accurate. Alright You Restless is a fabulous album in it's entirety!

Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi

Album: Rome, released May, 2011

Producer/songwriter Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Lupi combined talents to create Rome, which is intended as a "soundtrack without a movie." The music is inspired by spaghetti western, or Italo-western movie music from the mid-1960's. A bonus is the fact that Norah Jones and Jack White's vocals are featured on several tracks.

The Head and The Heart

Album: s/t, released April, 2011

Yet another great folk band sure to please those who are fans of Mumford & Sons. The Head and The Heart are based in Seattle, WA. Amazon.com describes their songs as, "multicolored threads of leaving home, finding home, and through that process of deconstruction, finding yourself. These are songs about crossing rivers and roads to get to the one you love, about family far away, and the desire to chase Technicolor dreams down foreign horizons". Wonderful!

Sondre Lerche

Album: s/t, released June, 2011

Sondre is a singer-songwriter from Bergen, Norway. And ladies... he's rather easy on the eyes, and happens to be married to Norwegian model and actress, Mona Fastvold.

This final track is not from his 2011 album, it is a cover of an Animal Collective song. I couldn't resist sharing because I absolutely love it!

To view and listen to the original Animal Collective (electronic) version, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTCg1Ovu64E&ob=av2e

Notable mentions: 

My Morning Jacket, Album: Circuital, released May, 2011

Seryn, Album: This Is Where We Are, released January, 2011

To listen to my Best Indie Music Of 2011 Playlist, click here: http://grooveshark.com/#/playlist/2011+Indie+Best+Of/52460159

Indie Discoveries: The Lumineers

Today's discovery in the world of indie music takes us to Denver, CO, the current home of the Lumineers. They are an up and coming folk band that is sure to draw attention from fans of bands such as Mumford & Sons and The Head And The Heart. They have a few goals for the new year: “Get a bigger van—we’re in a soccer mom van with LUMINRS vanity plates. Make music that makes you smile, cry and stomp your foot simultaneously. Make music for years with these dear friends of mine. Be proud of our music. Play Letterman and Europe.” -Wesley Schultz (lead vocal) 

Enjoy!

The Best Indie Music of 2011 (first installment)

As 2011 winds down to a close, I would like to take some time and reflect upon the year's best independent music (in my opinion). This is the first post of several I am intending throughout December. The year's best includes a wide variety of genres within the indie spectrum, from folk to electronic. There is bound to be something to suit everyone's music taste!
Enjoy!

Lykke Li

Album: Wounded Rhymes, released March 2011

Lykke Li is a 25 year old singer-songwriter from Sweden. I absolutely adore her!

I Follow Rivers is a beautiful, romantic song. 

Get Some takes a completely opposite approach as the previous track. Here we get a whole-lotta naughty & sassy!

Ezra Furman & The Harpoons

Album: Mysterious Power, released April 2011

This U.S. folk rock band offers a large dose of wit and humor, delivered by the eccentric, quirky lead vocal, Ezra Furman himself.

Title track: Mysterious Power

The Antlers

Album: Burst Apart, released May, 2011

Brooklyn New York indie chamber pop band which was originally born from Peter Silberman's (lead vocal & guitarist) bedroom after he isolated himself.

My favorite track from Burst Apart, No Windows has a very chill yet dramatic vibe.

Givers

Album: In Light, released June, 2011

Lafayette Louisiana indie pop band whose songs are on my "Happy" playlist. Their tracks have a cheerful, upbeat feel!

If you're feeling down, listen to Up Up Up! It will uplift you!

I Saw You First gets the foot tapping!

Notable mentions: 

Thao and Mirah, s/t album released April, 2011

Anna Calvi, s/t album released March, 2011

To listen to my Best Indie Music Of 2011 Playlist, click here: http://grooveshark.com/#/playlist/2011+Indie+Best+Of/52460159

Corinne's Kitchen: Leftovers!

I'll bet there is a good chance that over the holidays some leftover turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes may end up lurking in the corner of your refrigerator. Once you've become bored with the side dishes, you can hardly imagine taking another bite! You may decide to freeze them, or even contemplate throwing them out! Don't do it! I have a couple of suggestions to use up those lingering leftovers, giving them brand new life!

 Turkey Pot Pie

serves 8

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 C carrots, sliced
• 1/2 C celery, diced
• 1 3/4 C low sodium chicken broth
• 1 C frozen green peas, thawed
• 1/3 C unsalted butter 
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 C all-purpose flour
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 t celery seed
• 2/3 C milk
• 2 (9 inch) ready made pie crusts
•  1 T olive oil
• 1 egg white, beaten

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
• In a saucepan, combine carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Cover, bring broth to a boil, then allow to simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Remove from heat, add peas, and set aside.
• In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until tender and translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another minute or two. Stir in flour and season with salt, pepper, and celery seed.
• In small portions at a time, add the broth & veggies, and milk to the flour mixture, stirring to combine. Once combined, add the shredded turkey.
• Lightly brush one side of a single pie crust with olive oil. Place the olive oil side down into a deep dish pie pan.
• Pour the turkey & vegetable mixture into the crust. 
• Top with the second pie crust and seal. 
• Lightly brush the top crust with egg white. Using a knife, place a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Alow to sit for 10 minutes prior to serving. 

Stuffing Breakfast Frittata 

serves 6

  Ingredients:

• 1 T olive oil
• 2 1/2 C leftover stuffing
• 1 1/2 C shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese (or combination)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 C milk
• 1/2 t mustard powder
• 1/4 t ground nutmeg
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 T fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as sage, parsley, or scallions)

Directions:

• Preheat broiler.
• Lightly brush a cast iron or ovenproof skillet with olive oil. 
• Place the stuffing into the skillet. 
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffing.
• In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, nutmeg, salt & pepper. 
• Pour over the stuffing and cheese. 
• Cook on stovetop over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes .
• Transfer the skillet into the broiler and broil for another couple of minutes, or until frittata is cooked through and top is golden brown.
• Sprinkle with fresh herb of choice.

Mashed Potato Pancakes 

serves 6

Ingredients:

• 4 C leftover mashed potatoes
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 C all-purpose flour
• 1/2 C fresh green onion or scallion, diced
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2/3 C shredded cheddar
• 4 T canola oil
• seasoning salt to taste
• katsup or sour cream for serving

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients.
• Form the mashed potato mixture into mini cakes, about 5 - 6 inches.
• Heat canola oil skillet over medium heat.
• Fry on each side for about 4 - 5 minutes or until golden brown.
• Transfer to a paper towel to drain oil. 
• Season to taste with seasoning salt (Lawry's is recommended).
• Serve with katsup or sour cream. 

These mashed potato pancakes are a great substitute for hash browns with breakfast. May serve along with Stuffing Breakfast Frittata.