Yeah, there are no surprises here, folks.

I just watched the video for Neon Trees’ ‘Animal.’ You watch it now too:

I first heard this song about 3 months ago and its poppy, ear-catching tune had me staying in the car to listen even when I had reached my destination. I am not too thrilled by the video – the whole thing feels pretty hollow but let’s take a moment to relish in the lead singer’s Danzig hair! Whether or not he even knows who Danzig is, I just don’t care. I do feel like he would get on my nerves the same way that Pete Wentz would at a party. Thank goodness I am not cool enough to ever be invited to a party where either of these men will be in attendance. And they even have people in animal masks – I have seen that horse head so many bloody times now – it seems to be an indie favorite – but it all started here for me:

I’m living in a new town and trying to get a feel for the local bar scene around here. What makes a good bar to you? Seating, lighting, decor, music choices, clientele? It all factors in for me. When they mix well together you feel a comforting déjà vu, which usually eases you (or me…) into buying a few drinks, people watching and talking about fanciful things like dinosaur-unicorns. Or was it unicorn-dinosaurs?

I find myself frequenting one bar in particular but have wondered if this is because I really like it or merely because it’s familiar and I might be a bit  nervous about going to a new place. At this bar, I know most of the bartenders, which is always a nice feeling. They even know my drink of choice by now. I’m a whiskey-loving woman. Yes, I have only been here for 4 months and they already know me by name and where I work and what I drink… alcoholic? You be the judge. I choose to think I am just a social creature.

I went to a couple more bars this past weekend and here is what I gathered:

One had amazing decor; you knew these people had clearly spent some time in Williamsburg in Brooklyn and knew how to take hip to a whole new level. Even though the decor was outstanding… pinball machine backings hung on the wall as art, cheeseburger soap dispenser, perfect lighting with hints of red and off white… there was a lack of seating and the narrowness of the bar led to a lot of bum to bum contact. I am not really into bum to bum contact with strangers, so this put a bit of a damper on the experience. I’d say, this was the kind of bar to pre-game at while it is less crowded and you can sit about and enjoy the sights and enjoy the records being played.

I went along to another place that serves as a bar and venue. There wasn’t a lot of seating but there was a lot of area to stand around in, so bum touching was out of the question, thank goodness. This is the type of place where there are a lot of regulars but because there are so many people milling about, you don’t feel intimidated to be there. Plus, I got to see a guy kneel on the ground sans shoes and convulse a bit while touching a guitar lightly and fiddling with a computer. What a show!

I will continue to figure out what places will be the most fruitful as far as meeting people and having a great time, but for now, it is nice to go back to the bar where everyone (a few people) know my name (and my drink preferences).

IN OTHER NEWS:

My friend Eddie and I are going to start a new writing project with another friend of his… so stay tuned!

and

My friend Jenna has asked me to start a regular column on her awesome crafty blog, Kraftworkin Kitsch. Yay!

(above: tiny jess by the amazing podgy panda)

1. Built to Spill at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina

It was spectacular. All of my wildest dreams came true. Here’s a lovely photo set of the show which I found while perusing Flickr! Wonderful photos,minervacat.

2. Discovering It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I had never watched the show until a few days ago and now I can’t get enough. it makes me want to drink a lot of beer.

3. OCSC – Orange County Social Club, Carrboro, NC

You have to be a member or be signed in by a member to get in. Is this the secret club I’ve always been looking for to cement my feelings of being coooool?? Okay, there are no handshakes or code words at the door. and pretty much anyone willing to pay $10 can be a member but I had a pretty great time drinking Jack and Cokes here the other weekend.

4. Maria Albani and Minus Sound Research – musicians making art

Listen to track number 4

5. Put a kawaii face on it and I am buying it.