The Breeze

Just like the cool air we are getting right now in Nashville, the feeling of change comes with the breeze. I'm not sure exactly what is driving it these days for me; sometimes small things seem larger than they are and other times you realize mountains can come from molehills. I'm hoping on a timeline of my life that everything going on for me fits warmly in this lyric quote: "and what you thought was a hurricane, was just the rustling of the wind" -Dr. Dog.

Incidentally their album, Fate, has been in my player since I got it, and it's an instant classic in my book. It's been a perfect soundtrack to the coming fall and it's on my "Go Buy it Now" list with no waivers or exceptions. Their previous catalog is warm and raw with plenty of 'Beatles' moments mixed with their own brand of peculiar brilliance. This new attempt, Fate, is a huge step forward while still holding on to the essence that make Dr. Dog who they are. If all bands could progress this perfect we'd have a lot more solid choices at the record stores these days. I have a feeling this is the cusp of the new age of Dr. Dog and while this era may bring them front and center to thousands more fans, I think these guys seem to hold on to that basement in Philadelphia where it all started and will hopefully manage to keep that dank loving spirit in the midst of the new Target®-stardom. And yea, FYI- their new album available there for 9.99, so go get it asap.

Semi-related, I recently went camping at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest Georgia and throughout the weekend we listened to alot of Dr. Dog on the mountain top. It really cures what ails you, and gets better with each digital spin. Other campsite favorites included Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, M. Ward, and Band of Horses. I'm not a fan of bringing a laptop or a television (which we actually saw at one site), but a portable boombox and an ipod is something that will take your outdoor experience to the next level. There's nothing like a beautiful morning with eggs, bacon and sausage at 8am and the light sounds of Fleet Foxes billowing through the trees. I now feel like I can visit our magical mountain top wonderland anytime by throwing on my playlist and letting the brain do what it does best, escape. I hope all you reading this are looking forward to the fall and to jacket weather, and are looking through fond memories in your iphoto galleries in your mind with every crisp breeze. It's a wonder what warm sleeves on a cold night can do for the subconscious. And also, if you haven't been camping, or outdoors in a while- I highly recommend loading up some of your favorite friends, foods, and jams, and climbing a mountain for a few days. Perspective is an easy thing to lose in a city of selfishness and concrete.


check out the album Dr. Dog Fate at Target or iTunes



check out Cloudland Canyon State Park