Image via Pintrest
One of the benefits of driving everywhere nowadays has been listening to satellite radio. Time and time again, I end up back in the 60s doing a little twist. Here are a couple of songs I’ve recently heard that I can’t get outta my head.
Monster Rally has done it again! Beyond the Sea, Monster Rally’s 2nd full length album, has just been released for digital download (via Monster Rally’s Bandcamp and iTunes) and is getting rave reviews.
Image from TedFeighan.com
“Monster Rally is like Ratatat for the beach/summer. Best casual Sun. porch music I’ve heard in some time.”
via LMB NOLA @lmbnola
“I honestly can’t think of a better piece of music to kick start the summer months.”
via Potholes in My Blog
“The samples within Monster Rally’s sound are so meticulously placed, it makes one wonder how massive and eclectic Ted Feighan’s record collection is. Judging by Feighan’s impressive work as the sample-friendly Monster Rally, the collection probably takes up several rooms. His dreamy, ethereal, and usually tropical soundscapes take you somewhere distant and calm, or at least make you wish they really could, using a variety of samples and apt production choices.”
via Obscure Sound
Record lovers can also pre-order a lava red vinyl from Gold Robot Records.
And check out the official video below for Beyond the Sea‘s first track, Lava Flows.
We’re really loving this album!
It’s Friday and I don’t know about you, but I feel like dancing. Here is an awesome playlist by DJ Dogbert to get your Memorial Day weekend started. We hope you enjoy!
Image insisted by DJ Dogbert
Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Max Romeo – I Chase the Devil
3. Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Mo (No No No)
4. Zeds Dead – Rude Boy
5. Generationals – When They Fight They Fight
6. James Brown – Papa Don’t Take No Mess
7. Tame Impala – Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind
8. Elvis Presley – Blue Moon
9. The Beatles – Happiness Is A Warm Gun
10. Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song
11. Outro
If you are having trouble listening to the playlist, try here.
It’s looking like we have a few days of rain in store in NYC. And after a whirlwind trip home to Cleveland over the weekend, I could use the soggy weather to spend some time at home tending to the little things that pile up when you haven’t been around for awhile. Lucky for me, the atmosphere in my apartment has been greatly enhanced by the addition of Farrell’s plants and her boyfriend’s record player, which they generously moved over to my place before heading out of town, and which make the setting over here all the more suitable to really embrace some springtime showers.
“Colorblind” by designer/illustrator Mathiole
Laying low and setting aside adequate time for myself to do things like unpack my suitcase, put away my laundry and go through the mail has been for me something akin to an acquiring taste. On an unconscious level, for much of my life I think I put off such tasks, largely to avoid feelings that might come along with “not doing something.”
The other day I was listening to a podcast which was discussing the process of feeling rather than avoiding your feelings. It discussed the Buddhist practice of tonglen, and since then I’ve been wanting to talk about it with you. As I understand it, tonglen helps us experience and process life’s biggest feelings. You know, the title wave type feelings that I hope you don’t experience very often but come into all of our lives at some time or another, and feel like they could just completely take us out. (I imagine tonglen is also completely applicable for more day to day experiences as well. I feel pretty sure that Buddhism – or the universe for that matter – isn’t judging the magnitude of our feelings in this regard.)
The practice is to train yourself to recognize, on the onset of such a feeling, that other people in the world also experience the same feeling. “Just the thought that other people feel this opens it up” as Pema Chodron explains. All you need to do is allow yourself to fully feel the feeling as you inhale. Then, on your exhale, you release the feeling in honor of freeing everyone who experiences it from it. That’s it. All you gotta do. On the spot or in a meditation – either way does it.
Tonglen dissipates the illusion of isolation and facilitates empathy. You can read more about it here.
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Recently, while perusing the internet, we discovered Erin of WELL in L.A. We immediately loved her style, her message and all the applicable information she is sharing about wellness and entrepreneurship. So needless to say, we were pumped when she agreed to homie it up over here at Sister Disco with a guest post – and accompanying playlist (download the full version here) – on the topic of manifestation. Thanks, Erin!!
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For this Type A girl wrapping my head around a concept like manifesting induced the phrase “right… only in California.” There must be something in the water because after 2 years in the Golden state I’m seeing a shift in my state of mind. I’m closing in on thirty. And finally beginning to understand that the less I try to force life the more I enjoy it. I spent the better part of my late twenties struggling to make life fit in the box I had carefully constructed in my early twenties. Ditching the box, the plans that belonged to the me who was trying to please everyone else and coming into my own has made the world a much more lovely place. Manifesting has been been my secret weapon in deconstructing the life I thought needed to live.
Initially manifesting scared me because it’s such a “squishy” term. It’s having a vision, but being open to knowing the outcome may surprise you or exceed your expectations. It’s equal parts push and pull. The manifestation of things is with you – always – but until you acknowledge and recognize its presence and power in your life, you’ll never be able to fully bridle its beauty or power for use in your life.
Whoa… just a minute. Erin – you’re talking crazy talk. Give me a concrete example of what the hell you’re trying to say.
Okay, okay. I had a friend in college who had an uncanny ability to make things happen. She prayed. And asked others to pray for her when she needed something to happen in her life. She needed a plane ticket to visit a loved one who was nearing death. We were sneaking our way into theaters, splitting Subway footlongs between four people and scrounging $5.00 for bottomless cup night at the bar. Coming up with money for an airplane ticket seemed impossible. Within a week of asking, $500 showed up on her doorstep. Ask. Be open. And you shall receive. There are several other instances with this friend – receiving a bicycle, clothing, a pair of shoes, finding car rides for long journeys and a few more examples. She is open, she asks and the universe rewards her willingness to be a part of something bigger than herself.
Maybe prayer isn’t your thing. It’s semantics in my world. Manifestation is beautiful in the sense that you can adapt and give it meaning in a way that feels right for you. Call it spirituality, setting an intention or simply acknowledging gratitude for what our lives and the Universe has to offer. That’s manifestation.
I started my own journey with manifesting late last year. It takes time, courage and clarity to say what you really mean and what you need in order for manifestation to work its magic in your life. I admire people who can do it right away. It’s a gift to be so open and willing to trust. Saying what I want is the first step. I’ve been working on removing my barriers and negative thought patterns. As a result, I feel blessed, abundant and open to the gifts that have come my way.
I’m working on clarifying what it is I want out of life. I want to write a book about my wellness journey, to work with creative & passionate creatures and to live life on my terms each day. I’m chipping away the broad set of goals and becoming more clear by working on these three items in some capacity each day. Living in L.A. has caused a big internal shift in my life. I see people living their dreams and the accompanying patience, work, love and drive paired with their manifestation. You can’t help but be energized and feel a buzz from whatever it is they’re putting in the water here.
I would love to know your thoughts on manifesting. Is it BS? Has it changed your life? And because this is SISTER DISCO I want to leave you with a fun “manifesting magic” playlist.
Be WELL!
erin
About Erin Haslag:
Erin of WELL in L.A. works with Big Dreamers to overcome their fears and dismantle roadblocks to success. Her services range from a bi-monthly “best of the web” digest for business owners to one-on-one intensive consultations & strategy sessions. Her mantra “Life is short; live it WELL” is threaded throughout her work, play and life. Find her @WELLinLA on Twitter or contribute to the WELL Facebook community.
When one of my oldest friends, Andrew, said he would do a playlist for us, I was psyched. He is an amazing person with a wonderful perspective on life and I can’t wait to share his mix with you. Andrew has his own radio show that is broadcast not only in Fairfield, Iowa but also from the power of the sun. Yep, it is one of the first solar powered radio stations in the mid-west. Andrew has recorded his shows in over 7 different countries in the past year and I know there will be more to come.
Check out Andrew’s radio show, Eclectic Audiophile, live every Saturday at noon Central time.
Tracklist:
1. The Very Best – Mfumu
2. A B & The Sea – Take it Easy
3. Crystal Fighters – At Home
4. Faunts – Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.
5. Veronica Maggio – Jag Kommer
6. Breakbot – Happy Rabbit
7. A Skillz – California Soul (A Skillz Remix)
8. Craxxxsoft – Can’t Be Friends
9. Caribou – Leave House
10. Toro Y Moi – Blessa
11. Daedelus – Fair Weather Friends
12. The Seedy Seeds – Verb Noun
13. Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime
14. Tom Vek – Aroused
15. Holy Fuck – Stay Lit
16. Mint Royale – From Rusholme With Love
17. Cloud Cult – It’s Gay
Today we are so excited to tell you about the eagerly anticipated video release for Monster Rally’s new single “Jaguar”, which involves two of my favorite people (I also make a cameo)! Albert Cook , who directed the video, is not only my wonderful and talented boyfriend, he is also a filmmaker and screenwriter. Monster Rally, as you may know, is our awesome and creative brother, Teddy. “Jaguar” is the first single off Monster Rally’s second full-length album, Beyond the Sea.
The video was shot in St. Maarten while Albert and I were there on vacation in October. It was such a fun process to be a part of and I have so enjoyed talking with Albert about the concept for the video, and watching it come to life. I could not be more proud of both of these artists and love having them in my life. So without further ado, here is Monster Rally’s “Jaguar”.
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“Beyond the Sea is the second full length album from Monster Rally. The records sampled to create this album were dug from cities across the country and have been thrown through the lens of Monster Rally’s lo-fi production. The resulting album builds upon the skeleton of 2011’s Coral, adding muscle and structure in interesting places, to create a 42 minute song-cycle and continue Monster Rally’s exploration of sonic collage.
The vinyl edition comes pressed on lava red vinyl in a single gatefold jacket, all artwork is created by Ted Feighan (Monster Rally). A limited edition signed art booklet will be included in the first 100 pre-orders.” via Gold Robot Records.
If you like what you just hear, make a visit to Monster Rally’s website to listen to the rest of his work.
I recently began taking yoga classes at a new studio, thanks to a Groupon I bought several months ago and finally redeemed. A lot of the teachers play music in the classes and one I was in last week started with Krishna Das’ Baba Hanuman.
Hanuman, Ravi Varma Press, 1910-1920’s
I was so pleased to be reminded of this stunningly beautiful track. I knew it first in its remixed version and in its original form second. Both are simultaneously powerful and peaceful. I hope you will listen and enjoy.
a
“Let the river of these Names take you…
Let yourself float in the beauty of your own heart
into the ocean of Love that fills all space,
that ALWAYS is…
that ONLY is.
When we know ourselves to be That,
then we can be This too.
Then we can play,
We are free and bound in the same breath,
The breath of the One breathes in us.
It’s OK to be messed up, to feel small and sad and hurt
with no hope of ever seeing a good day.
It’s OK to forget, to be forgotten,
to be left behind,
It’s OK to be betrayed, strung out on everything
that everyone has ever done to us and we can’t ever forgive…
Because
The breath of the One breathes in us.
Breathes us.
Even when we don’t know.
Where is this One? How can we find that One?
The Saints say that the One is hidden in the Name.
The Divine Name. The name of Love.
And that by constant repetition,
gradually but INEVITABLY
the Presence that is hidden in the Name reveals itself!
Where? In our own hearts!
The medicine of the Name
hidden in the sugar syrup of music
begins to cure us of our sadness;
begins to cure us of our fascination with STUFF;
to cure us of thinking that happiness will come to us from the outside;
that if we have just one more hit; a better car;
a more beautiful lover, or more beautiful lovers;
a good relationship; a better relationship; ANY! relationship;
it will be enough.
When the Buddha came out of the jungle after His Enlightenment,
he said, “YO! Monks…guess what? Stuff doesn’t make you happy.
The nature of stuff is that it will be NEVER be enough!
Or something like that…”
– Krishna Das via here
It wasn’t until I was lucky enough to spend a semester in China that I was turned on to bluegrass music. Now of course I understand that Shanghai is no Appalachia, but it is true, China brought me bluegrass.
One of my good friends there was obsessed with all things banjo. I, on the other hand, thought I was the coolest kid in the world and would not entertain anything of the sort. But then, one night we went to one of the best shows that I have ever seen – Bela Fleck with The Sparrow Quartet. The singer, Abigail Washburn, mixed banjo with Chinese Folk in the most fluid way possible.
Ever since that night, there are days when I listen to Abigail Washburn’s music all day on repeat and am reminded of the unexpectedly life changing nights of the Shanghai skyline.
Here are some of my favorite Abigail Washburn songs:
Check out Abigail singing in Mandarin during her NPR Tiny Desk Concert:
Our friend Deke is someone who brings music into the lives of his friends in many forms. I’ve been turned onto countless bands, attended amazing concerts and danced my way through many nights thanks to him. Today, we are thrilled to share with you an original track that he created to assist us all in calming our minds, observing our thoughts and connecting to our breath. In addition to the YouTube below (which also showcases Deke’s photography prowess), you can download the mp3 here.
photo via here
So sit up tall. Feel your shoulders in line with your hips. Let your head and neck be an extension of your spine. Bring your attention to your inhale, letting the breath fill your stomach like a balloon. Then release the breath as you focus on the exhale. Close your eyes, maintain your attention on the breath and release your mind to the music.
If you notice along the way that you’ve gotten caught up in your thoughts, it’s okay. Don’t judge yourself; just bring your attention back to your breath.
sisterdisco.com 