My Arms Miss You, My Hands Miss You
I spent all day on the ocean yesterday. My friend took us out on his family's 39-foot yacht into the pacfic, just off the coast of Newport Beach. It was an absolutely perfect day, with clear skies, good wind, and high temperatures. The water was even swimmable. I got a little sun in my cheeks, and some dirt on my feet. I felt right at home on the ocean, despite the fact that this was my first time on the Pacific. I've been on the Atlantic several times, and was born and raised on the beautiful Lake Winnepesaukee, so I figure it's like riding a bike.
Days like that are only worthy of songs like this. John Roderick has outdone himself on this EP. I was always a casual fan of the Long Winters, but it wasn't until I heard "ultimatum" that I flipped my lid. This song is heaven to me. He's really grown into a strong songwriter. Listen as the vocal melody chases the guitar line around every corner. It's beautiful. He's really comfortable with his voice at this point too. I believe every raise in his voice.
Here, he's put together a six-song ep, with four new tracks and two live cuts. It's definitely worth tracking down, and has quickly found its way into "listen every morning on the way to work" status for me. Each song has something to offer, and despite it's northwestern autumn leanings, it fits right in with a golden sunset over Catalina Island.
You can pick up the EP direct from Barsuk. I believe they have a package deal where you get the EP and a T-shirt for less than 20 bucks. Highly Recommended. And man, Barsuk's had a year, huh? -- the long winters, john vanderslice, nada surf. They've had some great releases in '05.