Killing It...

So... I took a few days off to clear my head and think about writing.  I feel refreshed and ready to take a stab at interpreting my impressions for you...

First of all, I went to see the Isabelle de Borchgrave exhibit at the SF Legion of Honor entitled PULP FASHION.  It was breathtaking.  For any of you who don't know who she is, de Borchgrave is the artist who started recreating historical and artistic clothing out of paper.  Yes.  Paper.  Some of the recreations are mind blowing.  Many of them don't look like paper, but like cloth.  Don't believe me?  See for yourself:

This is a shot of the Medici room.  She went through paintings of the Medicis and then painstakingly hand painted and refashioned what she saw into 3-d form, using only different types of paper.  Of course, she has a team of assistants, which I would humbly volunteer for any time.  Even with help these projects are beyond the scope of my imagination.  We don't often hear about current and or modern artists these days unless you closely monitor the art scene.  Ms. de Borchgrave has made herself an original niche.  Please go and see this installation if you have time.

As for listening, it was The Killers for me today.  I know that the most popular album for The Killers is Hot Fuss (which I adore), but for me, the magic lies in Sawdust.  Sawdust is a bsides/ cover album done with immense style.  From the first song, there are chills as Brandon Flowers harmonizes with Lou Reed on Tranquilize.  it's an eerie start to a truly great album, and Dave Keuning's guitar really stands out throughout the entire composition.  The only song that creeps me out is Where the White Boys Dance.  I just don't get it.  My guilty pleasure though is their cover of the Mel Tillis song:  Ruby, don't take your love to town.  It's one of the best and most honest cover's that I've heard in awhile.  Their take on the Dire Straits song: Romeo and Juliet is also sublime.

As I leave you to go and watch college gymnastics, I want you to take a listen to Tranquilize.  Let me know how many goosebumps you get... :)

Like always, here are some lyrics that move me:

"Kick the can, kick the can, skip and blackjack
Steal a car and ring a round-rosey,
Rock and roll, candyland, boogeyman,
Run away and give me your sneakers

Acid rain, when Abel looked up at Cain
We began the weeping and wailing
A hurried high from pestilence, pills and pride,
It's a shame, we could of gone sailing
But heaven knows,
Heaven knows everything
Tranquilize"

I love the juxtaposition between these two stanza's that segue into each other and I love the tremble in Brandon's voice as he sings.  Now, if only his solo stuff impressed me this much...