Digital Vacation Scrapbook

Hello dear bloggers and readers.  In case anyone is wondering, I haven't discontinued my blog.  I simply went on a 12 day excursion where my husband and I juggled vacation, family time and various errands.  I thought it might be fun to showcase the highlights of my time away from blogging.  Sometimes a break from routine (and the same four walls) can provide you with the proper inspiration and motivation in which to write.  Without further ado, I share with you my digital vacation scrapbook.

Los Angeles Chapter

We first began our trek to the Dodgers stadium where we met up with my parents and some dear friends.  Although June 21st marked the first official day of summer, I couldn't help but celebrate a mere two days early with a Dodgers dog in hand.  

The very next day, we were all in for a big treat.  My parents asked us to accompany them with 'Meet and Greet' passes to see Brian Wilson live at the Greek Theater.  

(Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Al Jardine - left, Blondie Chaplin -right)

Here we are enjoying our front row seats at The Greek.  

 We didn't have to search hard for Sugarman.  The newly legend-certified artist Rodriguez graced us with his humbled and stripped down opening act performance.

Wilson's performance exuded 'good vibes' all around as birthday blessings were bestowed upon him.

Santa Barbara Chapter

Next, we set our sights on the breathtaking coastlines of Santa Barbara as my husband's sister competed in the Santa Barbara half marathon.   Apart from cheering in the sidelines, we spent quite a bit of family time lodging on the beach and exploring the downtown hot spots.  

A vacation doesn't feel complete without a little bit of urban traveling.  We stumbled upon the coffee shop stable The French Press located downtown.  Featured in the Thrillist's 21 Best Coffee Shops In America listicle, The French Press truly holds its own.

What are some of your favorite vacation memories?  

Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs

With the anticipated theatrical release of "Love & Mercy" chronicling the life of troubled musical genius Brian Wilson, now is the time to re-visit your Pet Sounds and Smile records....or just about any other Beach Boys/Brian Wilson gems you own.  If you need a more proper introduction to the Beach Boys catalog other than those surfing singles you know by heart, perhaps these few stellar cover songs will do the trick.


6.  Farmer's Daughter - Fleetwood Mac

Originally recorded during an impromptu backstage concert, this cover was solid enough to release on their Fleetwood Mac Live album.  Perhaps the fact that drummer Dennis Wilson was romantically involved with Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie in the late 70's may have led to the inspired cover.





5.  Girl Don't Tell Me - The Shins

Lucky fans that caught The Shins on tour in 2009 got to witness this longtime indie powerhouse provide their own jangly take on the 1965 ditty.





4.  Little Bird - Of Montreal

Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes shreds his provocative glitter and glamorous disposition to produce a tender cover of "Little Bird" which was originally recorded on the Beach Boys' 1968 "Friends" album.





3.  I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Aimee Mann & Michael Penn

This performance mastered by Aimee Mann and husband Michael Penn was broadcast during the 2001 "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson."  Backed by Brian Wilson's touring band, Mann and Penn's Pet Sounds cover provides a convincing and genuine melancholy nature that lingers with listeners long after.




2.  Don't Worry Baby - Ronnie Spector

There is a mutual musical admiration that exists between Brian Wilson and Ronnie Spector.  Brian Wilson's all time favorite song is Spector's (Ronettes) "Be My Baby."  As soon as Wilson discovered Spector's cover of his very own "Don't Worry Baby," Wilson was truly blown away.  The two would eventually perform the Beach Boys tune "I Can't Hear Music" in a live performance in 2000.




1.  Heroes and Villains - Van Dyke Parks with Clare and the Reasons

As the co-author to Brian Wilson's arty masterpiece Smile, Van Dyke Parks is more qualified to re-interrupt Wilson's Americana/psychedelic symphony better than most anyone else.  Parks' innovative "Heroes and Villains" cover will entice you to further investigate Parks' own musical archives.

Top 10 Concerts Attended in the Last 10 Years

This post serves more of a purpose to me than most readers stumbling upon this page.  I wanted to chronicle the greatest concerts I have been to in the last decade.  (Especially since everyone seems to ask me.)  So, without further ado, here are the top 10 concerts I have attended within the last decade:

1.  Paul McCartney - Hollywood Bowl (2010)
2.  My Morning Jacket - Greek Theater (2008)
3.  Janelle Monae - House of Blues  (2014)
4.  Brian Wilson - Walt Disney Symphony (2004)
5.  David Byrne and St. Vincent - Greek Theater (2012)
6.  The Go! Team - Glasshouse (2007)
7.  Ray Davies and The 88 - Canyon Club (2010)
8.  Belle and Sebastian and The Shins - Hollywood Bowl (2006)
9.  Rufus Wainwright w/ Martha Wainwright, Van Dyke Parks and Emmylou Harris - Royce Hall (2012)
10.  Jon Brion - The Largo (2007)