Notes from a Genius

The last time I saw Beach House, it was my birthday, about 3 years ago I think. They were amazing back then, for their album "Bloom."  This time around, they began their tour in Portland, for their new album "Depression Cherry," which isn't out yet. Their new songs sound great, as they tested them out for this tour with the Portland crowd.  Wherever You Go   10:37   On the Sea   Levitation   Wild   Space Song   Other People   Lazuli   Silver Soul   Beyond Love   The Hours   Take Care   Wishes   10 Mile Stereo   Myth   Sparks   Encore: PPP   .................................................................................. "For a Good Time, Call..." starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, James Wolk, Justin Long, Mimi Rogers, Mark Webber, Nia Vardalos directed by: Jamie Travis written by: Lauren Miller, Katie Ann Naylon I wasn't sure what to expect when

"Welcome to Me" starring: Kristen Wiig, Wes Bentley, Linda Cardellini, Joan Cusack, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Thomas Mann, James Marsden, Tim Robbins, Alan Tudyk directed by: Shira Piven written by: Eliot Laurence You could essentially look at this film through different lenses. Under one microscope, it's an uncomfortable comedy. With a different lens, it's a dramedy, weighing heavily on the drama with a mix of wit and wry humor to fill the gaps. Either way, I don't think it's a fair assessment to say the filmmakers are taking advantage of the character's flaws and characteristics and/or making fun of mental health. Watching Kristen Wiig become this character and fully dive into what it means to be mentally unstable is about as uncomfortable as watching a train wreck happen, knowing you cannot do anything about it. The film has a stellar premise: Alice, a woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and currently off her meds,

The Decemberists and Lady Lamb, live at the State Theatre in Portland. LadyLamb's setlist, as usual, was a great mix of 3 old songs and 3 new songs. And of course, coming back to Portland, she killed it and everyone loved her. I've now seen her open for Dr. Dog (my first time catching her live, back in like 2009), Conor Oberst, Beirut, and the Decemberists (for major acts), as well as many times as the headlining act, herself. You Are the Apple   Billions of Eyes   Batter   Milk Duds   Spat Out Spit   Crane Your Neck   Having never seen the Decemberists, I was not exactly sure what to expect, and full disclosure, I was not very familiar with their song catalogue. I was pleasantly surprised. They are an incredible live band. Their first encore consisted of songs from their rock opera album, "The Hazards of Love." Their final encore consisted of what I'm assuming is their most popular, well-liked song- "The Mariner's Reve