January 15: Green Papaya

Now I know the much discussed smell of green papaya in the morning. I experienced it, myself, on my recent vacation. After smelling the smell, I ate it. The papaya. Such a good fruit when eaten at the right time and place. Great for breakfast, maybe with a bagle and cream cheese. Well, enough small talk.

I also discovered that no man is an island of any kind. All the more, I am thrilled to be back, and quite eager to get started with all this new album stuff. Well, basically my part of the deal is done. I made this whoopee. No, not that. This, the album, "Two Way Monologue". (In the future, when I talk about the record, do not be alarmed if I refer to it in this manner).
As I was saying, the music is done, so that damage is already done on my behalf. If there turns out to be any. If there is, I just cannot help it: I am thrilled with the record, and could only have made a poorer record if I tried to. But although this work is done, my experience is that I tend to get mighty involved in my label's project of trying to spread these songs to the mighty hills and ho's of the world (that's jive talk, it's not offensive, just street).

I intend to be at their service and support this piece of music in any proper or suitable way. I want this music out. And I do hope you all will like some of it, or - in some cases - all of it. That is why I am truly flattered to see that some folks in the guestbook are asking and waiting for it. Thank you for your interest and patience.

I just overlooked the last cover art adjustments, before we sent it away to printing. For this release I wanted to work with someone I did not know from before, someone far away. All I knew of BLKMRKT and designer Dave Kinsey before we embarked on this, was that he had done the artwork for the great N.E.R.D. album. Now it turns out that the gamble was gold, and our co operation and communication has turned into what I feel is great design for the record. Also, the pictures used have a lot to say and they are swell as hell. To me, at least, they are something else than 90% of the pictures I am in, most of which I feel I look all the same in. Much thanks to the photographer of the cover pictures.

Might I add, while the excitement still is fresh, that the EP that I am putting out some places (well, at least in Norway, and wherever else the labels feel like it) is by no means packed with second rate material. It will contain four tracks that will not be availible on the album, nor any other place. Songs that I just couldn't fit into "Two Way Monologues", plus a short version I did of the lead song, "Two Way Monologue". The long, original version is of course the album version.

As for the "All Luck Ran Out EP" that mr Xander say he has ordered: will you let me know when you get it? I'd like to hear what it's like. I didn't know it was released anywhere but I do remember preparing it for the label a few years ago. I never saw anything of it. But I don't mind: it's got a few funny ones on it. Even a track that probably will make more sense when played after or before having heard some of the new songs... I hope you get what you ordered.

All else, please accept my deepest recomandation of the latest High Llamas album, "Beet, Maize & Corn". I keep rediscovering it, after being instantly very disappointed with it the first couple of times I played it, last spring. Boy, was I wrong. It is the most beautiful and rich music you could wish for, and excellent for driving around Oahu at night time. Windows down.

That, and parts of the latest Hot Hot Heat album (to be all crazy, young and rocky).
And, ooh, I saw the Strokes the other day. Not much I didn't get when I saw them three years ago, but still fun. How contemporary New Wave am I?

Okee, Smokie, I will leave it at that, and leave you alone. If you're not interested in any of the above releases, could I turn you onto "Bad" by Michael Jackson (for the nostalgic) or "Tasty" by Kelis (for the nasty)? You will blush listening to either of these. And they all spent their holiday with me.

Now, will you spend the rest of the year with me?

Sondre Lerche