If we’re anything here at Light In The Attic, it’s appreciative. We love to give love to those who love us. You should see our office sometimes, just one big sweaty love-fest. Thus, when we sat down for our weekly marathon news meeting, it was hardly a task to pick this weeks fantastic Around the Attic candidate.
Hannah Levin, the Rocket Queen herself, has written some wonderful things about both Light In The Attic the label and the bands who call it home. She’s not only a talented writer, but a true lover of music, a rarity to find in oft-times harsh world of musical criticism. We were astounded that Ms. Levin was so enthused to not only help us with our Valentine Day conversation, but also give us a heads up on what she’s digging in to these days.
Thus, without further ado, Ms. Hannah Levin:
What I’m Eating:
Tom Kah Gai soup from Thai Siam in Ballard. These guys do not fuck around in the soup department and they are huge philanthropists as well (they regularly deliver meals to Tent City and Pioneer Square). Considering what hellish weather we are having, few things are more soothing and satisfying than this mix of chicken, mushrooms, coconut milk, galangal, lemon grass, lemon leaf and cilantro.
What I’m Drinking:
Yazi vodka. I can’t stand flavored vodkas, but this ginger-infused concoction is criminally delicious. Just a splash of soda a little slice of lemon is all you need. Plus, the square, perfume-inspired bottle is gorgeous by itself. You can find it at Tigertail on 65th in Ballard.
What I Like in Culture:
The increasingly level playing field for independent musicians and the rise of niche labels that cater to passionate, educated music fans (yes, I’m talking about you, LITA).
What I Despise in Culture:
The cult of snark nurtured by the blogosphere. The internet has brought out the worst in people since its inception, but it seems to have hit new lows in the last couple of years. People have totally lost track of their manners and general sense of human compassion. It’s disheartening.
What I Like in New Music:
The new Gutter Twins’ record, Saturnalia, is a towering achievement, even for a couple of legitimately cocky, seductive badasses like Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli. It basically sounds like having exhausting, spiritually invigorating sex in the most palatial church on the planet (Dad, if you’re reading this, please forgive me). Get your tickets now for their Showbox show in March, ‘cause it’s definitely gonna sell out.
What I Like in Old Music:
My boyfriend and I are in the process of opening up a French-influenced cocktail lounge, so I’m on a big Serge Gainsbourg kick. I’m also listening to plenty of righteously uncool stuff like the first Whitesnake album (I swear they weren’t bad before Tawny Kitane rolled on to the hood of that Jaguar). I play a lot of old metal in my car because I still have a tape deck.
What I Like in Movies:
I love film, but I hate sitting in a theater, so I’m always way behind the curve. I tend to fall hard for the dark and depressing: both Half Nelson and Sherrybaby are two recent big favorites. And thanks again to my Francophile phase, I finally saw La Vie en Rose and Betty Blue. It’s frustrating that I get so freakishly antsy sitting in theater seats, because I’m dying to see There Will Be Blood.
What I’m Wearing:
Dresses from the Frock Shop (such as the black silk number in the photo above) on Phinney Ridge (http://www.shopfrockshop.com/). Everyone I rave to about Suzy Fairchild’s sweet, petite store tells me they haven’t gone in because they figured it was too expensive. Don’t let the address fool you; her prices are crazy-good and she always carries a wide range of sizes. Killer jewelry too.
What I’m Reading:
The Collected Short Stories of Amy Hempel. Looking for a feminist take on Raymond Carver? Look no further. Such beautiful, economical use of language always gets me.
What I’m Youtubing:
Guitarist Brandon Bay from the Cops/I’m a Gun turned me on to this one. Search for “Orson Wells Paul Masson” and you’ll find outtakes from a commercial shoot with a seriously shit-housed Mr. Wells attempting to peddle rot-gut champagne to some obviously frightened couple. It was so entertaining we watched it half a dozen times and cried our eyes out. I’m also a huge fan of Demitri Martin and he’s got some great stuff out there. If you want to see and hear something pretty after all that nonsense, search for “Stevie Nick Wild Heart backstage.” She’s a goddamned angel.
Just as brilliant as we expected, thank you Hannah!
