Shadrachandlynette’s Weblog

Wheww.. this is almost starting to be a chore. If anybody really even pays attention to this weekly post, drop me a line. It kind of feels like i’m preaching to a brick wall, but if anyone actually enjoys it, i’ll keep going.

Anyway.. it’s past my bedtime, so i’m going to pop this one out. Today’s new release is Rachael Yamagata’s “Elephants… Teeth sinking into heart.”

There’s a lot of elements that i hear in Rachael Yamagata.. at times there’s a Pink Floyd flavor, mixed with a female version of Citizen Cope. Sorrow has found a home with Rachael Yamagata, and as a private fan of melancholy, i feel at peace listening to her.

The first song off the new album:

Elephants

More Rachael can be found here.

night all

so i don’t need much in this life.. but i think i found something that i’d really like.

So anybody out there looking for an idea for some potential future gift.. here it is.

As you may know, Lynette and I recently started the tradition of trying a new pizza place every Friday (when possible). This last Friday we tried a place I’ve been eyeing for the past year and a half.

Roman Villa Pizza is located at 3005 N. Nevada Ave (near the corner of Fillmore & Nevada) The only reason we had never tried them before now was the same reason I think most people don’t try independent pizza places.. They’re worried the food won’t be good, so they get papa johns instead. The building is an old white building that doesn’t look like anything special, but I am so glad we tried them!

Even though it’s called Roman Villa Pizza, they have a full menu with all sorts of dishes available.. But we’re on a pizza kick, so..

We ordered a large Salami, Pineapple & Black Olive pizza. I know that sounds like a weird combination, but it was marvelous. So moving on to my criteria:

1. The Service
A. Do they care that i’m in their store? VERY MUCH. The staff was super friendly.. They offered us drinks while we waited for our pizza and gave refills. They chatted with us and the entire environment was a very nice family atmosphere.
B. Are they appreciative of the business? They definitely do very well, but they don’t take customers for granted.. We felt very welcome
C. Are they generally friendly? See above.
2. The Speed
A. How quickly do they deliver? We ordered in.
B. How quickly do they get it ready (if i’m picking it up in the store) The pizza took about 15-20 minutes because they were so busy, but the wait went quick with the friendly staff and it was worth it!
3. The Pizza
A. The crust - The crust was really nice.. not too crisp, not too soft
B. Greasy/too greasy/too dry/just right - JUST RIGHT. the pizza was just great.
C. The freshness/taste of the toppings - JUST RIGHT. The black olives were obviously fresh and not pre-cut.. They were cut lengthwise, not width wise like most places and they put a ton of black olives on. The pineapple was nice and sweet and the salami was fantastic (I think the first time I’ve ever had salami on pizza). In addition to all of this, I believe there pizza sauce is made in house! (I saw a cauldron on their oven in the kitchen full of sauce)

So all in all, we give Roman Villa Pizza an “A” - FANTASTIC PIZZA, Reasonable prices, Great service!

Wheww.. i’m not going to lie to you. I’m tired, and my heart is not really into blogging tonight, but i’m getting back logged as it (new release tuesdays and new pizza fridays are adding up and our side business is very busy lately) so here’s today’s new release.

Today’s best release (in the u.k) is Seasick Steve’s “I Started Out With Nothin’ and I Still Got Most of It Left” Seasick Steve might best be called old school up tempo blues and he’s got more skills than the toothfairy has teeth. This album is technically not released in the u.s. until next week.

Dog House Boogie

Cut My Wings

My Donny

and a release of note: Phillip Glass’ “a nonesuch retrospective.” Phillip Glass is a master of sound.. a genius ahead of his time. His style is generally referred to as simply “minimalism.” (which first drew me to him) You may have heard of him from his soundtrack to the movie Koyaanisqatsi.)

Most of you know that i turned 30 last week.. it was something i had feared throughout my 29th year.. but once the day came, i passed it nicely the way i would have like to.. with Lynette and some good friends.

Fast forward to today, i’ve been down in the basement all day doing props for our business. Lynette went to our back door and i asked her to let the dogs out.. but instead of turning around or responding to me, she just stared down at the back porch.

She turned around after 10 seconds and summoned me up with her finger. I looked down to what she was looking at and there was a cardboard box wrapped in blue wrapping paper. On the side of the box was written “30 beers for 30 years”

The box contained a variety of some of my favorite beers as well as several that i’ve never had before.. So i declare today’s gift to be “The best anonymous gift i’ve ever received.”

If whomever left it for me reads this blog, thank you so much, i REALLY appreciate it!

i remembered this commercial while watching youtube today.. LOVE IT

Today legendary guitarist for Pink Floyd released a live album (Live in Gdansk).

Live in Gdansk plays as a live version of the best of Floyd. What originally caught my eye was the inclusion of my all time favorite Floyd song “Comfortable Numb.”

I haven’t listened through both discs, but it’s definitely one of the two great new releases this week.

The other new release i’d like to make a comment on is Jack Johnson’s new release today “Sleep through the static: remixed.” The Ep contains 7 of Jack Johnson’s newest songs remixed.

and then there’s my honorable mention. i’ve never been a real everlast fan, but i definitely enjoyed Cypress Hill back in the 90’s. Well today Everlast released a new album which i’m not going to recommend just because it’s not really my style anymore.. i will however share the following video with you. As a fan of Johnny Cash & that old Cypress sound, this cover of Folsom Prison Blues grabbed my aural tastes.

So that’s it for this weeks releases.

Lately my ipod has been playing the band Vampire Weekend on an almost exclusive basis. At first when i posted their video “A-Punk” it was on a “wow isn’t this video fun” basis.

I am now revisiting Vampire Weekend on a “WOW, they are an incredibly talented group!” basis. These are not your typical mindless band members.. these guys are smart and skilled at what they do. Feel free to enjoy the following videos (in the same order as featured on their album).

Also, i would HIGHLY encourage purchasing their album. it’s tremendous!

Mansard Roof

Oxford Comma (if a bit of salty language makes you blush, you may want to avoid this one)

A-Punk

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

M79 (one of my favorites on the album)

Campus

Bryn

One (Blake’s Got A New Face)

I Stand Corrected

Walcott

The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance

Anyway, i hope you enjoyed the music. If we are ever to be rid of the Britney Spears & Backdoor Boys of the world.. we need to spend our money on real talent like Vampire Weekend. You can pick up their fantastic album HERE for the low low price of $9.99