My favorite records of 2009

Now, I must admit that I did not stay as up to date with new releases as I have in past years. But these are some of my favorites of 2009:

St. Vincent-Actor
Grizzly Bear-Veckatimest
The Decemberists-Hazards of Love
M.Ward-Hold Time
Laura Veirs-July Flame (This is technically a 2010 release but she sent them out late December and I love it.)
Dark Was the Night-Various Artists (How could someone not like this album?)
Wilco (The Album)-Wilco
The Fruit Bats-The Ruminant Band

So, I know the list is lacking but I have a long list of albums I want to buy soon. This year I fell in love with many artists and dug into their history which is why this list is short.

Let's Play Catch Up

So, I know it has been a very long time. School, college applications, and other activities have kept me from updating. But, here is my amazing year in music:

I saw Death Cab for Cutie in early May for a birthday present. Ra Ra Riot and Matt Costa opened and it was my first time seeing Death Cab. It was a very good show.

I saw the Fruit Bats play at Grimey's in September for Labor Day. The Ruminant Band was one of my favorite albums of the year and it was great seeing those songs performed live.

I also saw Ben Kweller play at Grimey's in March. He only played four songs but they were requests so it was a random assortment.

I got to see my absolute favorite band, the Decemberists, play my favorite venue, the Ryman, in September. It was one of best shows I have ever been to and seeing Hazards of Love in its entirety was so excellent. Shara Worden was mind blowing. My friends and I were so blown away by her. During the encore of "Sons and Daughters," Colin invited people up on stage and everyone sang along. I got to meet Colin after the show which was amazing.

I saw St. Vincent and Andrew Bird play the Ryman in October. Both were wonderful, even though Andrew had a cold. Annie Clark's voice is so beautiful and Andrew is so talented.

Carson Ellis Interview

Carson Ellis is one of my absolute favorite artists and creates the album artwork for one of my favorite bands, the Decemberists. I love all of the artwork she creates because she really does tell a story through her artwork. It goes perfectly along with the Decemberists' music and she illustrates the songs and album concepts perfectly. Not only is she the mastermind behind the Decemberists' album artwork, but she also has done the artwork for children's books and other albums. Her artwork shows she has true patience and talent and is absolutely meticulous. I got the chance to ask her a few questions about her artwork, future projects, and what she likes doing in her spare time.

Also, please pick up a copy of the Decemberists latest album, The Hazards of Love. The album is absolutely amazing and worth every penny.

How did you and Colin meet and how did you start doing all of the artwork for the Decemberists?

We met in college at the University of Montana. We were roommates. Back then I made some flyers for his old band, Tarkio. Later I moved to Portland about the time he was starting the Decemberists and he promptly put me to work making flyers, album art, t-shirts, website illustrations, etc.

What inspires you?

Right now I'm inspired by all kinds of folk art, poster art from the 60s, vintage labels, medieval art and typography, lots of book illustrators (Alice and Martin Provensen, Garth Williams, Ivan Bilibin, Maurice Sendak, Tomi Ungerer, Pauline Baynes among many others), Russian literature. I'm always inspired by the natural world, especially the woods around my house.

What is your favorite medium?

If I had to choose one, I'd say pencil, though I love ink and watercolor too.

Who is your favorite artist?

It's so hard to choose just one. Maybe Ben Shahn.

What projects do you have lined up for the future?

Right now I'm working on album art for a new Laura Veirs record. I'm also illustrating a book called Dillweed's Revenge by Florence Parry Heide. Once I'm done with that I'll be illustrating a version of the Illiad by Cynthia Rylant.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to knit. I'm also an amateur quilter and gardener. I love to spend time in the woods and with my family. I love yoga. And I travel a lot.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Mmmmm. Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Yes, lots!

Please check out Carson's site:

http://www.carsonellis.com/

And make sure to buy the Decemberists' albums so you can see Carson's excellent artwork in person: http://www.decemberists.com/