The Venerable Niche Digest

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Music for your Midweek: Owen Pallett

Owen Pallett has a new album coming out! I am thrilled. check out one of his new songs:

If you want something even darker (You know you do), take a look at this:

Check out and article about him here.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Music for your Midweek: L'homme Run

I have to apologize. There is a special spot in my heart for Vampire Weekend, especially their frontman, Ezra Koenig. I should have told you about L'homme Run a long time ago.

Before forming Vampire Weekend, Ezra was a "rapper". Who knew?

ALERT: Salty words ahead.

)

It's the dumbest best thing. I love it.

Y'all just need to follow Ezra on twitter guys.

OH. And here's an actually good cute song that Ezra Koenig performed at THE OSCARS #nbd.

)

Friday, March 7, 2014

March Mix: Here to Stay

Here's your mix for March. It is my life! It is somethin'!

1. Settle Down - Kimbra

2. Ain't That The Way - Divine Fits

3. One Thing - Peter and Kerry

4. Drop the Game - Flume & Chet Faker

5. F·U·Y·A - C2C

6. Psychic Trauma - Cloud Nothings

7. From The Sun - Unknown Mortal Orchestra

8. Shuggie - Foxygen

9. Tonight - Jonas Alaska

10. Paris - Foreign/National

11. Dangerous - Big Data

12. Murakami - Made In Heights

13. Twice (Little Dragon Cover) - Waterstrider

14. Two Fingers - Jake Bugg

15. Simple And Sure - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

16. Guess I'm A Fool - Hugh Laurie

NOTES:
1. best best best
6. Preach, Cloud Nothings. Preach.
7. I was just now looked up the lyrics to this song, WHILE EATING POPCORN ALL ALONE. It doesn't get weirder than that, guys.
14. Still so glad my Dad told me about Jake Bugg...
16. Do you know who it is singing to you? Hugh Laurie. Do you know who that is? Dr. House. HE HAS A WHOLE ALBUM.

No, you are good, Hugh.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

What a doll.

I've been feeling a little blah, so here's a video for all y'all:

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Ash Wednesday

Genesis 3:19 "...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return"

I've been particularly interested in the story behind Lent. The marks of ash on people's heads serves to remind them of their own mortality, and encourage humility. Remembering mortality can feel like a burden. But it should also remind us that this life is a brief moment that we should live as best we can. I love these chances for renewal during the year. Things are alright, but 2014 has been a pretty emotionally and spiritually difficult year for me so far. I'm glad for a chance to start over. It's also my one month anniversary of being 27 (do you ever think of your birthdays like that?) and I really need to get my butt into gear.

I had contemplated going vegan for Lent, since it is more in line with Christian tradition. But I don't think I've adequately honed my cooking skills to undertake that challenge without dying. So it's all whole foods, and no white sugar for me. I probably wouldn't mind it so much if it weren't for losing Diet Coke and gum... but I guess I'll make it work!

That's what I like about Lent. with New Years resolutions, people are usually promising to make a change that will LAST THEIR WHOLE LIFE.
But we all know that's all a lie.
With Lent, I can be both committed, and honest. Sure, it would be great if I kept all these resolutions for the rest of my life, but it's better to be realistic. After 40 days, I can return to may lazy, aspartame guzzling and sugar eating ways.

But more than a health resolution, Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and repentance. That is what is most important to keep in mind.