Lately, at the Abode.

The post-holiday lull is still in full effect here at the Jones Abode, and we've all been enjoying the relative peace and quiet that has (so far) accompanied the new year.  We've been kept somewhat busy of course with all the usual stuff- plus Aiden started two new classes at the Phoenixvlle YMCA: a swim class and a sports class.  Despite not having any major events to report we  did want to share some pictures, and a couple videos, of what's been going on 'round here.

We introduced Brady to the baby jumper last week.  Following in the foot steps of his older brother, he has quickly become a bouncing fool.  Observe.

January did recently actually feel like winter when the first snow storm of the year arrived last weekend.  Aiden's snow-related enthusiasm was infectious and before long we found ourselves at Mom and Dad Jones' house, sleds in hand.  Aiden had a blast and (had all the the snow not already melted) would probably still be out there on the hill.

2012. So far, so good.

Moment for Music - 2011

In an alternate universe somewhere I listen to and review new music for a living.  In this universe, however, I do it once a year on this blog (for free!)  So here we go: Rob's top albums of the year 2011 version, better late than never.

Quick note, instead of providing website links or audio files this year I have one link, found below.  Clicking on it will take you to a Spotify playlist where you can listen to every single song that I am going to mention here (plus the rest of my 2011 playlist) in their entirety, completely free.  If you don't have Spotify the link will take you to a download page.  Download it now, it's free and awesome.

The full playlist can be found here------> Best Of 2011

Honorable Mention- The Antlers- Burst Apart

I came to this album pretty late.  So late in fact that I stumbled across it while reading an actual music blogger's "best albums of 2011" post back in mid December.  Since then however, I have been almost completely helpless to get this music off of my iPod and out of my brain.  I just can't stop listening- which led me to feel equally unable to leave this one off of any "year end" list of my own.  The last time I remember feeling this obsessive (and compulsive) about an album was The National's "Boxer" in 2007.  And just like "Boxer" "Burst Apart" is a long, slow, simmering burn of a record.  Despite being handicapped by a short listening period, this album has made a lasting impression- and had it been a little bit longer since we first met "Burst Apart" could have landed much (much) higher up on this list.  It's that good.  Favorite songs: I Don't Want Love, Hounds.

#5 M83- Hurry Up, Were Dreaming

M83 is all over the map.  In a good way.  At times throughout "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" you'll think you are listening to a Ferris Bueller era 1980s mix tape, other times to a previously unheard musical genre beamed directly into your brain from outer space.  Try and keep up.  The "songs" here often feel more like sound vignettes, starting small, swelling to epic levels before quickly fading- leaving behind a space where you can't help but want more.  Ultimately, the best way that I can describe this album is to say that it sounds like a yet-to-be-written science fiction, outer space, rock-opera.  If that sounds like your kind of thing give this a listen, if not -try it anyway (you'll probably like it.) Favorite Songs: Midnight City, Year One, One UFO.

#4- Bon Iver- Bon Iver

It's no big surprise to find a Bon Iver recording amongst my favorites of the year.  If anything, it may be a surprise that this album is not my runaway number one. Sorry Justin V,  there was just too much other really exceptional music this year.  In this recording Bon Iver retains the trademark hushed falsetto, while adding a richer, lusher "full band" sound.  The result is something that is both clearly within the distinct Bon Iver style while deliberately moving away from the low-fi, stripped down vibe that they've used to such great effect in past recordings. "For Emma Forever Ago: Part 2" this is not, which to my ear may always limit how much I can truly fall for this (or any future Bon Iver) record.  "For Emma," was so exquisite, that anything else that comes along may always pale just a little bit in comparison.  Favorite Songs: Washington, Holocene.

#3 The Decemberists- The King is Dead

The Decemberists have been around for a while, making some mighty fine music all the while.  It wasn't until this year, and this album however, that any of their songs really grabbed me by the shoulders and shook.  I fell hard for this album, enough that when I was listening to it back in January it was pretty much a sure thing that it would be in my end-of-the-year top five albums.  This particular bunch of songs has a loose, plucky, rambling-storyteller vibe that makes you imagine the album being pieced together in some run-down Oregon barn (it was).  The lyrics here are particularly crisp and compelling, and (perhaps most tellingly) the songs still sound just as good to me now as they did twelve months ago.  Favorite songs: January Hymn, June Hymn.

#2 James Blake- James Blake

When it comes to James Blake I can say for certain that I have never heard a musician do so much with so little.  Spare to the point of being nearly minimal, Blake's simple electronic beats and haunting vocals merge together to become something much more powerful than the sum of their individual parts.  Songs are ruthlessly stripped down too their most essential pieces (some consisting of a single phrase uttered in repetition) but you hardly notice, and certainly don't mind.  Getting lost in the gentle drone, song after song, is almost an inevitability-but one that I certainly wish would go on and on.  Favorite Songs: Limit to Your Love, Lindisfarne 1 & 2.

#1 Adele -21

                          

There may be some "pop" music whose popularity is derived from the fact that it casts the widest possible net, appealing to the lowest common denominator.  It is slick and manufactured- catchy, but ultimately forgettable. This is not that pop music.  During this year Adele's 21 has dominated the radio airwaves, the album sales charts, and (soon) every single music award show.  The reason? This music is just crazy good.  That's basically all there is to it, and why bother complicating something that is pretty darn simple.  The songs? Soaring and soulful, without ever approaching melodramatic. The voice? Absolutely electric, and completely unforgettable.  I can say with complete honesty and very little hyperbole that I think that "21" will be remembered as a classic of it's time, and when people look back and think about music in the year 2011- they'll think of Adele.  Favorite Songs: Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You.

 Songs of the Year: 
5- Limit to Your Love- James Blake
4- Cruel- St. Vincent
3- Midnight City- M83
2- Hounds -The Antlers
1- Someone Like You- Adele

Christmas Lookback 2011

Well, it's January.  Which means, in our house at least, that the Christmas tree has been taken down- it's ornaments and accompanying household decorations packed away carefully into boxes until next year.  The last of the somewhat stale Christmas cookies got tossed the other day, and finally the local radio station that had been playing Christmas songs since November is back to it's typical top 40 lineup.  

Indeed perhaps the final remnant of the Christmas season before we solidly turn our attention to the coming year is for us to share all the pictures and videos that we've been too busy to post during the rush of holiday activities these last few weeks.  We've got a lot, that's for sure.  I'll be somewhat discriminate about how mnay pictures I simply dump into this post, but the truth is we probably didn't take enough- as some events were well documented and others recieved hardly a shutter click.

The very first Christmas event for us this year was the tradition (4 years can be called a tradition, right?) of our yearly holiday trip into Philadelphia.  There were some familiar things this year, and some fun new stuff as well.  We went to the Macy's light show at the old Wannamaker buiding (of course), and also visited the Charles Dickens village which included a visit to Santa.  Aiden was particularly excited this year about the hotel where we were staying, and mostly seemed to want to hang out in our room and look out the window (also there was an indoor pool, which was a huge hit).

                                    

We also for the first time this year included a trip to nearby Camden to check out the Adventure Aquarium.  It was great fun for Aiden, and pretty cool for us too.  Highly recommended!

     

Christmas morning at the Jones Abode was pretty short, but definitely very sweet.  This is the first year that Aiden has been old enough to really display lots of enthusiasm and interest in opening gifts, and boy was he enthusiastic.  In fact, once he got rolling he was hard to stop- which may have been why the whole morning seemed to pass in a blur of flying wrapping paper.  I did manage to snap a few pictures of gifts being opened and played with, and even included a couple of fun videos of all the Christmas morning action.

The days following Christmas were somewhat of a whirlwind as we spent significant time with the Jones family, then the Weidner family, and then the Jones extended family.  It probably goes without saying but lots of gifts were opened, lots of tasty food was eaten, and lots of parents (us) collapsed on the couch after it was all done, desperate for a nap.  It was a busy, but great couple of days.  Most of the pictures that I have here are of the Jones house, with a couple at the end of cousins visiting (and even a baby v. baby action video!)  Lots of great pictures, and a great way to wrap up Christmas 2011!

Christmas Concert 2011

Christmas is less than two weeks away!  Among other things this means that it is once again the time of year where parents of pre-schoolers travel from far and wide (video cameras in hand) to witness the amazing spectacle that is the annual pre-school Christmas concert.  

This is Aiden's second year of pre-school so he was feeling loose and confident the morning before the big performance.  As usual, the families turned out in droves to make for a very eager and enthusiastic audience.  The kids, of course, did not disappoint.  Songs were sung, bells were rung, and pictures were taken- all with great gusto.  As with any self respecting Christmas concert this one ended in a chaotic room filled with cookies, juice and sky rocketing sugar highs.  Whew!  

Not one to shirk my parental responsibilities I of course have the whole performance on video which will make a blog appearance at a later date...

Crumbly Christmas

With December 25th fast approaching we would be near negligent to delay any longer one of the great holiday baking traditions. It's Christmas Cookie time! With Aiden at an age where he wants to help with everything (yes, everything) he was eager to jump into cookie baking with great gusto.

Jen exercised the patience of a saint, helping Aiden roll, cut and place. I observed from a distance (snapping pictures and quality checking dough samples.)

With a fresh batch of Christmas cookies (literally) under our belts it is feeling even more like the holiday season. This week we are looking ahead to even more holiday merriment as we prepare for our annual center city Christmas trip- reports from the field to follow!

This is only a test...

In an effort to stay better up to date with blogging activities I downloaded the app to post to the blog from my phone. This post is my test to see how well it works. Plus, I like this picture of Brady!