Animal Collective at the Bowery Ballroom

I went to the Bowery Ballroom last night and saw my first live Animal Collective show. My friend DJ Dr. J has been a long time fan, frequently trying to convince me of their greatness. I was never much of a convert but after last night's show, I can officially say I have new found love and respect.  I will be buying tickets for their May 13th show when they go on sale at noon today. Click the photo above to see more.

UPDATE (1/23): The absolutely awesome and generous Dan Lynch of NYC Taper put up Flac and MP3 files of the Bowery show and, as he says, "...We are confident in declaring is the best unofficial live recording of Animal Collective that you will ever hear." Oh, and tix for 5/13 show sold out before I could even sign onto my browser. I still think I caught the best show yet. :)

After a Day of Crowds and Celebration

After a Day of Crowds and Celebration, Obama Turns to Sobering Challenges. So said the New York Times today, and right they are. Nothing, however was both as sobering and elating as the image that accompanied the story: Obama at his desk as a now official occupant of the Oval Office. Seeing hope materialize in such a concrete form fills me with tearful joy. Let the new term begin.