Case Studies is the project of Seattle-songwriter Jesse Lortz (also from the band The Dutchess and the Duke). His sophomore LP, This Is Another Life, is slated for release on June 11th. I haven’t heard the whole release yet, but I pre-ordered a copy of the release based solely on the strength of the album’s first single “Everything.” It’s a dusty, bluesy, folk ballad built from a swaying melody cracked together with a bright piano riff, jazzy percussion, and a softly strummed acoustic guitar. It’s the perfect sort of tune for spending a little time alone with your thoughts and tackling your inner demons. I imagine this flowing from the car speakers during a long solo drive along an empty country road.

This Is Another Life is available in a “limited edition of 200 hand-numbered copies in deluxe packaging, with bonus This Is Another Life demos, silk-screened wrap-around sleeve, wax-sealed” if you order direct from Sacred Bones.

And, since we’re talking about spending a little time to yourself, it’s a good time to remind you about the #HDmoment campaign. As I’ve previously mentioned, Häagen-Dazs has asked me to partner with them again as their music curator for their “moments for me” campaign. As part of the campaign, they are asking their fans to share their favorite moments on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #HDMoment to help create the narrative for their “moment for me” story. I’ve been sharing my “me moments” (including a recent Yo La Tengo concert at The Fillmore) and I’ll also be watching for other people who use the hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and resharing my favorites. You can find out more by visiting HDmoment.com.

Recently, I wrote a short piece about summer movies for Gather Journal. It skewed toward being poetic and inspired a fair amount of nostalgia. The article came as a surprise to my friends and family who know that I am somewhat notoriously not a movie person. I am spectacularly behind on new releases (though I have a date with girlfriends to see Before Midnight) and I have yet to make my way through nearly five years of Oscar winners (if not more). I’ve also tried to watch old black-and-white classics but I just can’t get through them to save my life. I will admit I love Fellini, but partly because his films bring me back to my happy place (Italy). Anyway, when I told my friends that I had written an article about my love of summer movies, their response was, across the board the same: “but you don’t like movies!”

It’s true: I don’t like a lot of movies. I find it difficult to commit 2+ hours of my day to sitting still, particularly in a dark, window-less room. Especially when the weather outside is beautiful and there’s plenty of extra daylight to be enjoyed. Yet, strangely, I have incredibly rich memories of living my summers between those dark theater walls. When the entire theater hollered and cheered at the end of Independence Day, which I watched on the 4th of July. When every girl’s heart was a-flutter as Leonardo DiCaprio kissed Claire Danes in Romeo and Juliet. When I thought I wanted to be a paleontologist after watching Jurassic Park. When ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ seemed to blare from every car stereo after the release of Armageddon and, I will admit, accompanied a few good cries for me.

My girlfriends and I would pile into a friend’s car (or a friend’s mom’s car), sunburned from a day spent lounging by the pool. We’d all be be wearing short shorts and tank tops with string ties and butterfly decals. Glitter on our eyes, chlorine-filled hair tied back in a messy bun. There was always a mandatory stop at the nearest grocery store for Junior Mints, Skittles and soda. Sometimes a smoothie, especially if a cute boy was working. We’d shiver next to each other under the air conditioning. I always poured extra ‘butter’ on my popcorn (who knows what really comes out of those pumps). At the end of the show, everyone would beeline to the restroom line, then we’d spill out into the shopping center parking lot, full of emotions, either waiting for our ride or, when we were old enough, sitting in someone’s car to indulge in a highly philosophical discussion about the movie, school, and boys. I’d dream about those movies for nights to come. It felt that everything — every romance, athletic achievement, the important stuff at the time — felt possible.

I don’t feel this way about movies anymore. I miss the anticipation, of not only the films themselves, but the possibilities of everything after. Perhaps it’s not the summer movie that I hold dear to my heart, but everything it means to a young girl. Today’s recipe is an ode to those heart-wrenching films, the short shorts, the glitter eyeshadow, the girls whom I shared all my secrets with. I don’t call it ‘FroYo’ anymore, but it’s still one of my favorite summer treats. This is my adult version; dedicated to two of my favorite things: mint-flavored ice cream and summer berries.

Strawberry-Raspberry and Mint Frozen Yogurt

1 cup of roughly chopped strawberries
1 pint of raspberries
1/3 cup of honey
1/2 cup of sugar
1 quart of plain yogurt
2 sprigs of fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon of mint extract

1. Combine the strawberries, raspberries, honey and mint sprigs in a medium saucepot. Cook over medium heat until the raspberries have broken down and strawberries are soft (there should still be some chunks). Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely in the refrigerator.
2. Once it’s cool, remove the fruit mixture from refrigerator. Take out the mint sprigs. Stir in the sugar, yogurt, and mint extract. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn for about 20 minutes.
3. Scoop the mixture into a loaf pan and place a piece of cellophane on the surface. Freeze for at least three to four hours before serving.

Strawberry-Raspberry and Mint Frozen Yogurt + Musical Pairings: Jessie Ware – Devotion

  More on the Turntable.

Until recently I didn’t consider myself a fan of pop music. In fact, I’d once believed that pop music was the antithesis of everything I liked about music. In high school I’d have described myself as a fan of “alternative music” which meant I was obsessed with Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Bjork, and Radiohead’s The Bends and OK Computer (after all, I am a child of the nineties.). Then in college I thought of myself as a fan of “indie music” which meant I was now obsessed with Modest Mouse, Grandaddy, Spoon, and Radiohead’s Kid A and Amnesiac. Publicly I’d state that I had nothing against pop music in theory, but in my mind I’d think: “Pop music? No thank you. I prefer music that is original, surprising, and thoughtful. Good music.”

Luckily for me, my perspective has shifted over time. Slowly. At first I’d listen listen to pop music from any decade other than my formative years. The 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s were all fair game. Meanwhile, pop music from the 90′s and the 00′s existed only to be sneered at and derided as complete tripe. To be honest, I didn’t start to fully accept pop music until New Year’s Day 2007 when a friend insisted we listen to Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds on a long road trip back to San Francisco from Las Vegas. A pretty boy, sex symbol who can dance and who writes music mostly for dancing, J.T. was the epitome of what I thought I disliked about pop music. Begrudgingly though, somewhere along I-15, I came to the realization that FutureSex/LoveSounds wasn’t just good, it was really good. I mean that record boasts clever lyrics, shifting melodies, dynamic music, and production that could make a grown music critic cry. My ideas about contemporary pop music were forever changed.

I no longer consider myself an enemy of pop music. In fact, I like quite a bit of pop. And why not? A well-hyped pop record is the musical equivalent of the summer blockbuster in the theater. Sure, they are often over-hyped, most aren’t very good, and many are entirely immemorable. Certainly, most can’t hold a candle to FutureSex/LoveSounds. But sometimes they’re incredibly satisfying nonetheless. But then, while I’ve changed, I think that it’s also safe to say that pop music isn’t what it used to be either.

On the one hand, Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Radiohead wouldn’t be traditionally thought of as pop artists. Certainly not in the way that Taylor Swift is. Nonetheless, those artists have become so ubiquitous, so hyped, and so popular that few people would be even mildly surprised to see Kanye West team up with Justin Timberlake for the club hit of the year. When a “traditional” pop artist says that their favorite band is Radiohead, literally no one is surprised anymore. And it only made sense when Disney asked Daft Punk to score Tron.

In the meantime, artists who I’d think of as honest-to-god “pop artists” seem to hover quietly under the radar of casual music fans. Jessie Ware is an excellent example. Her debut record Devotion (released last Fall in Europe, but only recently released in the U.S.) is a perfect blend of accomplished vocals, easily relatable lyrics, beautifully catchy hooks, and soaring melodies. Without any doubt, “Wildest Moments” could be the perfect theme song for coverage of the next Olympic Games. It’s not only a wonderfully engaging love song, but it’s both melodically and sentimentally soaring: “From the outside / everyone must be wondering why we try. / Why do we try? / Baby, in our wildest moments / we could be the greatest. / We could be the greatest. / Baby, in our wildest moments / we could be the worst of all.” Let’s be honest, no pop star alive could have written a better chorus.

Throughout the album Ware again and again demonstrates that she’s no one-hit wonder. The glistening and neon-lit “Running” opens upon a dense, dark ambiance that builds softly into a high-reaching platform to launch Ware’s sultry vocals. “Sweet Talk” is a shuffling, 80′s smooth synth-pop mega jam dressed in contemporary clothes. In fact, there isn’t a track on the album that couldn’t step-up and stand tall as a good “single” for the album. And while many pop artists could be accused of being “empty suits” buttressed by slick production, no such claim could be made of Ware. She’s her own primary songwriter and the deluxe edition of her album even features stripped-down, acoustic versions of her biggest hits. And, you know what? They still sound great.

I’m pairing this one with Kasey’s recipe for Strawberry-Raspberry and Mint Frozen Yogurt. After all, nothing says “Summer is coming!” like pop music, a bowl of frozen yogurt (or ice cream), and the Summer blockbusters. The album, like the recipe, is a contemporary take on a summer favorite. Like Devotion, the recipe is also unique, surprising, and fully satisfying.

Do yourself a favor, go buy a copy of Devotion on vinyl. Then head over to the Kitchen to read Kasey’s take on the summer blockbuster and her recipe for Strawberry-Raspberry and Mint Frozen Yogurt.

Our friends at Analog Edition/Everybody Taste are back with a brand new vinyl single from D.C.-based quartet Shark Week. You may remember these swaggering garage rockers from our October 2012 mix (their track “Get High” was a highlight). Shark Week’s latest offering features a pair of bluesy, sunburnt grooves the four piece recorded in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The a-side “Go West” is a propulsive, side-winding psych-rock track that burnishes sharp, glistening guitar riffs and throaty, snarling vocals. If you’re looking for some lively, sun-drenched rock n’ roll with attitude, you need look no further. Shark Week have got you covered.

Pre-order your copy on limited-edition colored vinyl via Analog Edition.

If you’re looking for a new artist to get excited about, you need look no further than 22-yo London-based Oscar Scheller. He’s released only three tracks so far, but they are damn good. “Never Told You” opens with a chugging rhythm (likely pinched from “Paid In Full“) balanced alongside bright, shuffling keys. When they enter, Oscar’s vocals, which can alternatively call to mind Morrissey or The Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, take center stage. It makes for a deliciously catchy slice of confessional bedroom pop. Meanwhile, “I Don’t Care” relies on a blown-out beat and snarling buzzsaw guitars riffs to form the foundation for an alternating melody on a jacked-up, fully-engaging weird-pop jam.

Like his page on Facebook if you want to keep yourself in the loop.

Los Angeles’ duo BoardWalk, Mike Edge and Amber Quintero, started recording music together last summer. The dreamy and ethereal “I’m To Blame” is the first release and calls to mind early releases by Beach House or Tennis. In other words, despite sounding pretty minimalist and DIY in nature, the tune is nonetheless atmospheric and lovingly melodic. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

The track is available in a limited-edition flexi from Stones Throw.

I’m turning 30 in a few short weeks. A nice number. If feels heavy, but in a good way. Like a quality watch, or a cutting board made of real wood.

I have accomplished a few things that I am proud of. I never made a ’30 before 30′ list. I have visited 19 countries in my 30 years. I counted, recently, when a friend told me she was going to hit 30 before 30. And I had a baby. I just sort of went with it once I knew it was happening, trying hard to not make it a turning point in my life, even though in the grand scheme I realize adding a human to the world is a big deal. I thought about it so long and hard that I thought I’d never actually make the decision to have a baby until it just happened and then I realized I shouldn’t have been thinking about it so much. She still feels new to me. Sometimes when she smiles or giggles, as she does often now, I am reminded that she still has no teeth, but then she’ll look so seriously and intently at me that I realize she’s a legitimate person. A person with no teeth.

I have done pretty well in my career, I like to think, and I have been able to pursue my creative pursuits. I haven’t written a book, though I would like to. One day. But if I never do, that’s ok, too. And if I have more children, I will be thrilled. And if I don’t, that’s ok, too. And if I come up with another idea worth pursuing like Turntable Kitchen, so be it, but if I don’t, that’s ok, too. I like it here very much.

You see, I am not a fan of life lists because I don’t really like to-dos. I do not like reading lists or grocery lists, and I especially dislike to-dos. I even dislike the word ‘to-do.’ Is a a TO-do? A toodoo? A to-DO? I’m not trying to prove to myself that I can be 50% more awesome if I could check off a few more boxes. Sometimes, I fall hard into this trap and I try to be everything to everyone. I’ll overcommit, and I’ll spend too much time talking about how I’m not leaning enough or leaning too much, or how I should own a home by now, or how I haven’t been to Asia ever (though that is changing very soon!). I’m not saying I think life lists are dumb, I’m just saying it’s not for me. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions or color code my closet. Whenever I take on exercises like this, I just tend to feel shitty. So just as I have every other year, I’m skipping it. I am turning 30 and I do not own a home. I can’t wrap gifts for the life of me which is why, most times, I roll with gift bags. I am turning 30 and have only gotten one massage in my entire life. And I have never driven a stick, or dyed my hair, or tried snowboarding, or smoked a cigarette. I burn the edges of my pancakes. Every time. And they’re more delicious that way, trust me. This is the year, I’ve decided, I’m going to own it all more than I have before. I’ll wear every gray hair, every wrinkle, proudly. I haven’t LIVED, but I have been live-ing.

When I was in my early twenties, I figured that I’d celebrate my 30th birthday by renting out a club and inviting 400 of my closest friends. Back then, I was convinced I’d still be single and childless. I assumed I’d want to rent out a club and invite 400 people to it. I don’t know who I thought I was, or was pretending to be but one thing I like a lot about the end of this decade and the start of a new one is that I no longer have to wonder; I know. I still wonder about stuff — where we’ll live in the long-term, how we’ll continue to juggle as Neko gets older, how we’ll afford to save now that we’re spending a fortune on childcare. But I don’t wonder about me. My feet are firmly planted on the ground.

Almond Flour and Bourbon Vanilla Pancakes
*Makes about 9 pancakes

3/4 cups of almond meal
1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (we used bourbon vanilla)
3/4 cup of milk
butter, for the skillet and serving
maple syrup, for serving

1. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla extract to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Stir in the almond and whole wheat pastry flours, salt and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/3 cup-fuls of batter into the skillet, without overcrowing the pan (I usually do 2-3 at a time). Cook, without disturbing, until bubbles begin to form on the surface. Flip and cook until the edges are crisped and both sides are golden. Continue to scoop 1/3 cup-fuls of batter into the skillet (re-butter as necessary) until you have used up all of the batter. Adjust the heat so as not to burn the pancakes. Serve the pancakes warm, with butter and maple syrup.

Musical Pairings: Junip – Junip + Almond Flour and Bourbon Vanilla Pancakes

 More on the Turntable.

I like the idea of being a risk taker. By it’s very nature, it sounds adventurous and exciting. It sounds totally baller. It’s the essence of YOLO (and FIDLAR for that matter). But although I like the idea of being a risk taker in theory, I’m not a risk taker in practice. Not a true risk taker. I mean, sure, I’ll take calculated risks. And, yeah, I’ll bet small stakes. But I’m not not the type of guy to bet the house on nothing more than chance.

If I had to guess, based solely on Junip’s sophomore album, I’d say Jose Gonzalez and company are not risk takers either. There are no significant stylistic or creative leaps to be found on their sophomore album. There is no single track that could even be considered remotely surprising to a fan of their debut. In other words, this is not their Kid A.

But, to be very clear, that’s not a bad thing in my book. I mean, countless bands have developed well-respected and beloved catalogs while barely straying from as much as a familiar melody (including venerable bands that I love such as The Ramones or AC/DC). And, unlike some sophomore albums, Junip do take those small, calculated risks that make their latest offering sound like an honest-to-god progression from its predecessor. 

For example, only the album opener, “Line of Fire,” and the melodic groove of “So Clear” would sound truly at home on their debut full length. The opener itself is a warm, atmospheric cut built around a gently flowing melody with thoughtful, restrained percussion, subtle synths, and, of course, Gonzalez’s cool and cedar-tinged vocals and acoustic guitar. In fact, aside from wool blanket of Tobias Winterkorn’s synths and the leathery, clean percussion of drummer Elias Araya, the tune would sound right at home on any of Gonzalez’s solo albums as well. But the same can’t really be said of the album’s second track “Suddenly.” Here, Gonzalez’s vocals are more of a (not unpleasant) after-thought tacked on to the waves of Winkerton’s slowly radiating synths, Gonzalez’s wandering finger picked guitar, and Araya’s subtle, jazzy drumming. Meanwhile, the same could be safe for the pounding Araya-led track “Villain” or the light, humming and chirping melody of “Walking Lightly.” As a result, the album manages to sound both unique and familiar at the same time.

In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that if you liked any of Gonzalez’s prior albums (with Junip or as a solo artist), you’ll like this one as well. It’s a solid, warm album that reflects skilled musicianship, intricate songwriting, and no small amount of subtlety. It’s a safe bet.

Meanwhile, Kasey’s recipe for Almond Flour and Bourbon Vanilla Pancakes is also risk free. This recipe is warming, comforting, and tasty. But with the almond flour and bourbon vanilla, there’s plenty of excitement without that risk (unless you count the chance of slightly burning your flapjacks at the edges that is). And let’s be honest, sometimes all we really want is something that’s new but not too unfamiliar. With this recipe (and this album) that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Buy Junip’s self-titled sophomore album on vinyl here. Then head to the Kitchen to read Kasey’s recipe for Almond Flour and Bourbon Vanilla Pancakes.

This jam from Airbird & Napolian, which features guest vocals from Erika Spring, has a beautiful house groove and a catchy-as-hell, get-your-ass-dancin’ shuffle. Yeah, I’m feeling it. A full length is coming from Cascine this winter.

Thanks to Gorilla vs. Bear for sharing this.

I’m charmed by The Flower Recipe Book by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo, owners of Studio Choo, a floral design studio here in San Francisco. I first came across their arrangements at the San Francisco Kinfolk brunch last year, and was blown away by their approach to arranging flowers. I adore having fresh flowers in my home, but I struggle to come up with creative ways to arrange my buds. Most of the time, I either purchase a pre-made bouquet, or opt for a monochromatic collection in a mason jar. No more!

Today, I’m thrilled to share a short interview we did with Alethea and Jill on how to cook up some beautiful flower arrangements (even if you’re on a budget!). I’m also honored that they shared two original recipes from their book with Turntable Kitchen readers. Thank you so much, ladies (and Artisan Books)! You can buy the book here. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you could probably get it in time for Mother’s Day (hint, hint).

1. Can you pair a floral arrangement with a specific meal, mood, or soundtrack?
We are snackers — our favorite lunches are assembled on a pretty platter with an assortment of yummy cheeses, olives, good bread, sugar snap peas and carrots, apple and pear slices with a few berries. We also love to create petite arrangements in the same way with random clippings from our garden — a single tree peony and a pansy, a couple of poppies, some pineapple mint sprigs, and a few blackberry blossoms casually assembled in a small tumbler.

2. Your book suggests that floral arrangements can be viewed as ‘recipes.’ Do you think there’s a correlation between arranging flowers and cooking?
Yes, definitely! Flower arranging contains many of the same concepts as cooking. We recommend keeping your flower “pantry” stocked with your essential arranging tools like a bucket, flower frog, and as assortment of wire, skewers, and tape. You wouldn’t think of cutting your tomatoes with a rusty and dull knife would you? Keep your floral snips and cutters as sharp as you keep your kitchen knives!

We follow a basic recipe for most of our mixed arrangements even though the ingredients will change depending on the season and availability: bushy greenery as a supportive base, large focal flowers next, finished off with delicate bits.

3. Can you share a recipe for a casual dinner party as well as a summer brunch?
A casual dinner party calls for an arrangement like the Hypericum Berry With Company recipe from The Flower Recipe Book. It doesn’t take much time to put together, but the collection of ingredients is playful and textured. The arrangement includes mint, so you could really wow your guests with your creativity by creating a minty cocktail to go along with it!

The Dahlia Special Occasion recipe would make the perfect focal arrangement on the buffet table for a summer brunch — next to glass pitchers of brightly colored fruit juice perhaps? A small bud vase at each place setting containing a single large bloom and colorful napkins would complement the look.

4. What are some of your favorite floral arrangements for a limited budget?
If you just have the budget for a few bunches from the corner market — distributing one type of flower into a collection of assorted vessels always does the trick. For example — you could use alstroemeria and snip some of the blooms short into tiny cups, make one big mass of blooms in a low bowl, and place a few long stems in bottles. Then just play with the arrangement of the vessels down the table.

Hypericum Berry Recipe 1: With Company

FLOWERS
6 stems of hypericum berries
3 stems of berzelia
5 stems of flowering mint
5 stems of ranunculus

VESSEL
Vintage tin

1. Create a loose bunch of the hypericum berry stems in your hand, lining up the lowest berries. Remove all
the leaves, trim the stems, and place them in the tin together so that the berries rest on the rim.
2. Trim and add the stems of berzelia through the base of hypericum so that the round ends sit just above the
berries.
3. Trim and add the stems of the mint next to the berzelia so that the flowers sit a few inches higher than the
base layer.
4. Finish by adding the ranunculus, trimming four stems to rest on top of the base layer in the front, and one
stem so that it arcs up a few inches above the base on the right.

Dahlia Recipe 3: Special Occasion

FLOWERS
12 assorted dahlias
5 snapdragons
5 stems of astilbe
6 stems of yarrow
6 stems of gaillardia

VESSEL
Ceramic pitcher

1. Start by trimming and placing three large dahlias in the pitcher so that their blooms rest an inch above the
rim and lean out in different directions.
2. Trim and add another five dahlias so that the blooms lean out a few inches higher than the blooms on the
first level.
3. Trim and place the remaining dahlias at the highest level in the center of the arrangement. Twist the dahlia
stems on both levels so that their blooms face in different directions.
4. Trim and add all of the snapdragons and stems of astilbe toward the top of the arrangement so that their
tips reach out a few inches above the dahlias.
5. Finish by tucking in the stems of yarrow and gaillardia to fill the gaps between the other flowers.

Credit: “Excerpted from THE FLOWER RECIPE BOOK by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2013. Photographs by Paige Green.”