magicbeans. nothing if not awkward.

Today was uncomfortably humid. So far the summer had been really nice. And even humid, I'd take it over the cold, dark winter any day. But, being a touch hung over from last night, and the lack of clean clothes (I've been spending all my quarters on coffee for the last two weeks) made it all a little less bearable. By the time I got to work I just wanted to turn around, go back home, and take another shower. Of course, as I've been working primarily half days this week anyway, that seemed like it might happen. But it didn't.

After work we went out for drinks at what turned out to be a terribly expensive, and not very good, bar. And I headed home with just barely enough time to make some food before forcing myself back out the door to head up to Greenpoint, where Susie was playing a show.

At Lorimer/Metropolitan, Chris and Dave.Z and Liza were leaving the same door of the same car of the same G train that I was getting on. They were going roller skating, presumably at OfficeOps, just down the street from my house.

I found the bar where Susie's show was happening, I couldn't find a sign or street number, but she caught my eye from inside as I was looking through the window to see if it was the right place. In true punk rock fashion they weren't even close to starting, so I talked to Susie and some of her friends and sat down and debated getting a beer and kept an eye out for cute girls.

And what do you know, the girl that I had my eye on ended up being first on the bill, one Kelly Slusher. And not only was she cute, but she had a beautiful voice. And I found myself thinking that I was about due for a new three-day crush. (Yes, I probably should have learned my lesson about linking to crushes when Julia.R told me that Jess followed the referrer information in her site stats back to my journal, but seeing as how I have a hard enough time talking to strangers who I'm not somewhat starstruck by, I didn't say anything to her at the show. And, after the MoCCA show, I didn't even mention Raina by name, let alone link to her site. Umm..)

Susie's been touring with Shumai. Live, at least, they seemed like your typical indie-pop four piece. Which is not a bad thing. [And later, when I'm actually typing this up, having listened to some of their recorded songs, I have to point out that on tape they're more to my liking, very reminiscent of early Galaxie 500, and had I been familiar with the songs beforehand I might have gotten more out of their live show.]

Also on the bill was Tae Won Yu, formerly of Kicking Giant, one of those legendary indie-pop bands that I know next to nothing about. Susie introduced me to him before the show and he seemed very enthusiastic and friendly. He only played three or four songs, one of which he had written earlier in the afternoon. His guitar playing was great. His voice didn't do it for me. Maybe he was having an off night. Maybe it's the sort of (slightly under-melodic) voice that grows on you, like Geoff Farina who is now one of my favourite vocalists. Also, as a side note, Tae apparently designed those collaged Built To Spill covers. And his girlfriend used to work with Chris. (Although I won't know this until brunch tomorrow morning.)

Susie has fallen in love with analog synths. She didn't even bring a guitar. So it was just voice, and synths, and her friend Cara (of V for Vendetta, who I never managed to see while I was in Providence) on drums. And while I did miss the guitar (and/or bass) a little, it was still a nice set. Susie thought the sound was a little off, but it's easy to be self critical even if no on else really notices.

I bought a t-shirt from her, and she gave me a couple of buttons and her EP from last year. Then I headed back for the G train, and home.