i woke up super tired today but had to do some shopping. before i could leave my room though, for some reason my brain forced me to walk to my bookshelf and re-read all of childe harold’s pilgrimage canto 3 and then f. scott fitzgerald’s essay one hundred false starts (from the collection “a short autobiography”) both aloud theatrically while pacing around the room (for energy? to wake me up? who knows). two of my favorite works ever.

i almost forgot how much i loved childe harold after spending so much time hyping don juan. chp canto 3 is my favorite and it truly changed my life over a year ago now when i first read it. byron was really that bitch. also, fitzgerald’s essays are truly masterful, and that essay in particular i recommend as inspirational to anyone struggling with writer’s block or feeling like a disappointment in life. i also recommend his essay what i think and feel at 25 regardless of your age.

i highly recommend both of these works and authors to you if you like classic literature. although they belong to totally different cultures, eras, and genres, they both capture so well what it means to feel and to be human, and both of them do it in a way that’s hysterically funny at times and hauntingly beautiful at others. seriously, fitzgerald’s iconic benjamin button (only 20 pages long i believe) and byron’s preface to don juan alone both make me laugh out loud just thinking of them.

157: The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band // "Born Into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward."

"Born Into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward." The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band 2001, Constellation (Bandcamp)

22 years ago Montreal’s other iconic prodigiously-membered post-rock band released their second LP. It’s not easy keeping all of these pro-Zion-but-not-Zionists straight, so I’ve helpfully listed and ranked each of the musicians who have passed through this constantly shifting collective from first to least-first. Let’s go!

Members of A/The/e Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band, Ranked

1. Mike Garson - piano 2. Annie Clark - guitar, keyboards, backing vocals 3. Brian Teasley- percussion 4. Daniel Hart - violin 5. Szabolcs Szczur – accordion 6. Davey 'Crabsticks' Trotter – Mellotron 7. Timothy Matthews – mbira 8. Buffi Jacobs – cello 9. Bach Norwood – piano, keyboards, backing vocals 10. Harriet Ballance - triangle, backing vocals 11. Japhy Ryder – floristry 12. Stuart "Peebs" Peebles – piccolo 13. Chandler Petrino – natural horn, oboe 14. Jared Pechonis – theremin 15. Toby Halbrooks - theremin 16. Corn Mo - backing vocals 17. Patrick Hewitt – theremin 18. Darin Hieb – trumpet, backing vocals 19. Rachel Woolf – flute 20. Mark Beardsworth – claviola 21. Allen Halas – percussion 22. Edwin Mendoza – viola 23. Todd Beaupré – vibraslap 24. Thaddeus Ford – trumpet 25. Paul Deemer – trombone, trumpet 26. Mike St.Clair – trombone, synth effects 27. Josh Guyer – trombone, spoons 28. Chris Curiel – trumpet 29. Heather Test – French horn 30. Victoria Arellano – classical harp 31. Sean Redman – violin, mandolin 32. Kelly Test – percussion 33. Mike Mordecai – percussion 34. Jason Garner – drums 35. Audrey Easley – flute, piccolo, EWI 36. Rick G. Nelson – viola 37. Nick Groesch – piano, keyboards 38. Keith Hendricks – percussion 39. Evan Hisey – keyboards 40. Dylan Silvers – guitar 41. Daniel Hart – violin 42. John Lamonica – percussion 43. Marcus Lopez – percussion 44. Matt Bricker – trumpet, synth effects 45. Taylor Young – percussion 46. Joe Butcher – steel drum 47. Evan Jacobs – piano, keyboards 48. Todd Berridge – viola 49. Nick Earl – guitar 50. Evan Weiss – trumpet 51. Jay Jennings – trumpet 52. Tamara Brown – violin 53. Merritt Lota – steel drums 54. Daniel Huffman – guitar 55. Timothy Blowers – harp 56. Anthony Richards – steel drums 57. Louis Schwadron – French horn 58. Andrew Tinker – French horn 59. Nick Wlodarczyk  – trombone 60. Paul Gaughran – flute 61. Isabelo Cruz – French horn 62. Bryan Wakeland – drums 63. Hayley McCarthy – viola 64. Dave Dusters – percussion, backing vocals 65. Billy Mills-Curran – flute 66. Logan Keese – trumpet 67. Ricky Rasura – classical harp 68. Tonya Hewitt – banjo 69. Daniel Poorman – slide whistle 70. Andy Parkerson – clarinet 71. Joseph Singleton – viola 72. Jenelle Valencia – violin 73. James Reimer – trombone 74. Regina Chellew – guitar, trumpet, backing vocals 75. Ryan Fitzgerald – guitar, backing vocals 76. Cory Helms – guitar, backing vocals 77. Jessica Jordan – backing vocals 78. Jenny Kirtland – backing vocals 79. Kristin Hardin – backing vocals 80. Elizabeth Evans – backing vocals 81. Neil Smith – backing vocals 82. Julie Doyle – backing vocals 83. Christine Bolon – backing vocals 84. Natalie Young – backing vocals 85. Constance Dolph – backing vocals 86. Elizabeth Brown – backing vocals 87. Apotsala Wilson – backing vocals 88. Jennie Kelley – backing vocals 89. Roy Thomas Ivy – backing vocals 90. Jamey Welch – backing vocals 91. Ethan Voelkers – backing vocals 92. Mark Pirro - bass 93. Frank Benjaminsen – backing vocals 94. Stephanie Dolph – backing vocals 95. Jennifer Jobe – backing vocals 96. Mike Elio – backing vocals 97. Kelly Repka – backing vocals 98. Jason Rees – backing vocals 99. Jeneffa Soldatic – backing vocals 100. Michael Turner – backing vocals 101. Don Congeler – backing vocals 102. Michael Musick – backing vocals 103. Melissa Crutchfield – backing vocals 104. Sandra Powers Giasson – backing vocals 105. Paul Hillery – backing vocals 106. Stephen Dix – backing vocals 107. Jessica Berridge – backing vocals 108. Melisma MacDonald – backing vocals 109. Ross Cink - backing vocals 110. Lucy Williams - choreography 111. Josh David Jordan – backing vocals 112. Brad Butler – backing vocals 113. Jason Rees – backing vocals 114. Andrew Aldenenotti – backing vocals 115. Getting hit by a bus wearing a flowing white robe 116. Tim DeLaughter - vocals, guitar, piano

Hold on. I’ve just received word that these musicians are actually members of some other band? Apologies for the confusion!

157/365

Drummer Jack Bevan discusses the pure joy and spontaneous freedom that manifests on the group’s seventh album.

About halfway through Foals’ jubilant new album, Life Is Yours, curling guitars combine with tumbling drums for the 36-second interlude “(summer sky),” and majestically, the British rock trio graze the sun. Unlike Icarus, however, the Yannis Philippakis–fronted band doesn’t fall to Earth, but rather melds one of the finest rock records of the summer.

Foals have been around for over 15 years, having released six previous albums, but they have perhaps not sounded as liberated—and fun—as they do on Life Is Yours. Boosted by Philippakis’s mighty warble, the band—which is currently rounded out by guitarist Jimmy Smith and drummer Jack Bevan—celebrate life on the new record and consequently exude pure joy.

“I actually met Yannis on an internet classified ad,” Bevan says via Zoom of the band’s origins on a recent afternoon before a festival set in Lisbon. “I posted an ad saying I was looking for a band because I had been in a few others, but they had sort of broken up. I posted this ad saying, ‘Drummer who likes Don Caballero, Boards of Canada, and Aphex Twin looking for someone to play with.’ This was long enough ago that Yannis responded to the ad and sent me a handmade tape cassette with all of his favorite musical influences.” 

From the first online exchange, Philippakis brought Bevan on to join his then-band The Edmund Fitzgerald, where they began their math rock–indebted experimentation together. “I was kind of shocked and in awe at how Yannis was seemingly not schooled very much because he kept flunking off to rehearse music, going to parties and stuff. But he got into Oxford University and he was probably one of the smartest kids in the whole school,” Bevan says. “There was this kind of a duality there

Philippakis, down to his dark eyes and thick beard, is certainly one of the most compelling frontmen out of the UK and a figure whom young Americans have been flocking to see perform for well over a decade now. Not unlike Samuel Herring of Baltimore synth-pop stalwarts Future Islands, the singer not only has a fiery timbre but a fierce persona. On stage, bent over his electric guitar and threshing on the strings, he emerges as a gentle beast. On record, he wears his emotions on his sleeve and lets the listener in. “Life is yours / Break away,” he sings on the opening title track off Life Is Yours, getting even the grouchiest listener to dance. “Life is yours / Your life awaits,” he then shouts and, in a fashion similar to that of David Byrne on Talking Heads’ iconic “Once in a Lifetime,” he jolts listeners awake. 

Along with Philippakis, Bevan and Smith have been commanding listeners’ attention for almost 20 years, their previous album Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost from 2019 releasing as two parts and landing them a Mercury Prize nomination. While several other groups that started in the 2000s have since disbanded, Foals stayed together due in part to Philippakis’s tenacity, appearing to make music as if their lives depend on it. “Foals happened for a few reasons,” Bevan says. “Our previous band was very math rock-y, very complicated, with time changes and 15-minute-long songs, and it was great. When that dissolved, we liked the idea of playing fun music—music that would get people dancing.” 

Having joined the band in 2005, Bevan is by now a rock veteran. “We’ve been doing it for so long now that I can’t really remember a life without it,” he says. “It’s interesting—you go through phases because any band that’s been around for a long time, you start off, you’re this new band and people get very excited about new bands. There’s hype and that kind of thing. And not all of those new bands end up sticking around for that many years. That’s one of the things that I’m kind of proud of. There aren’t many other bands that we came up with that are still going for whatever reason—it’s a lot of your life to dedicate to. Also, I think one of the strengths in our band is that we’ve always put a lot of effort and pride into our live shows.”

Foals have yet to tour North America with Life Is Yours, with that stretch set to take place in the fall, but the album is almost readymade for such forthcoming stages as New York’s Terminal 5 and Los Angeles’s Hollywood Palladium. From the aforementioned opening title track, the record spins the anthemic second song “Wake Me Up” which, with its zig-zagging guitars and thumping drums, will almost surely compel audiences to stomp along. Tucked inside the zippy song, however, with Philippakis begging, “Hey man / Won’t you wake me up?,” is the more urgent reminder that life is not a rehearsal, that, however trying, this is it. Still, Foals aren’t pessimists but rather one of the most impassioned contemporary bands.

The deceptively sunny “2am” even sounds like an ode to the titular wee hour, that time late in the night when seemingly anything—maybe even sudden romance—can happen. As Philippakis sings, “I lost myself again,” the listener, too, can soak in that spontaneous freedom. It’s after the “(summer sky)” interlude, during the album’s buoyant second half, however, when Foals shows why they’re also infectiously joyful. On the album standout, “Crest of the Wave,” over winding guitars, Philippakis sings, “I promise I need ya,” and no matter the addressee, the “ya” he pleads with is really anyone’s lover and conveys the record’s broader theme of indestructible romance. 

Foals, after all, champion love, whether it be for an individual, a place, or music itself. As Bevan says, he and the band are “really excited” to play and, with the fire within them, they will blaze across the stage as they craft something magical on each stop of their tour.

FLOOD Magazine || Interview || Zachary Weg

North American Tour

Game-Day Glam: A Deep Dive into the Trendsetting World of Arizona Cardinals NFL Jerseys

Imagine the vibrant hues of red and white taking over the streets on game day, a sea of fans united by their love for the Arizona Cardinals, each donning a jersey that's more than just a piece of clothing. It's a symbol of loyalty, a statement of pride, and for many, a fashionable choice that speaks volumes. The Arizona Cardinals NFL jerseys are not just about showing support for the team; they've become a trendsetting element in the world of sports fashion. With fans always on the lookout for that perfect blend of style and spirit, especially when it comes to finding a cheapjersey, let's dive into what makes these jerseys a game-day glam must-have.

The Evolution of Cardinals Jerseys

A Journey Through Time: The Arizona Cardinals jerseys have undergone significant transformations, mirroring the team's evolution and the changing tides of NFL fashion. From simple designs to today's high-tech fabrics, each jersey encapsulates a piece of Cardinals history.

Iconic Jerseys: Players Who Set the Trends

Legends of the Field: Players like Larry Fitzgerald and Pat Tillman haven't just left their mark on the game; they've inspired generations of fans with jerseys that carry a legacy. These iconic jerseys become timeless pieces in a fan's wardrobe.

The Search for a Cheapjersey: Tips and Tricks

Finding Value: In the quest for affordable Cardinals gear, knowing where to look can make all the difference. From offseason sales to trusted online outlets, discover how to snag a deal without sacrificing authenticity.

Authentic vs. Replica: Choosing What's Best for You

Quality vs. Price: Deciding between an authentic jersey and a replica boils down to personal preference and budget. We'll explore the differences to help you make an informed choice that suits your game-day style and wallet.

Custom Jerseys: A Personal Touch on Game Day

Stand Out from the Crowd: Customizing a jersey with your name or favorite number adds a personal flair to game-day glam. It's a way to express your individuality while cheering on the Cardinals.

Limited Edition Jerseys: When Rarity Meets Style

Exclusive Fashion: Limited edition jerseys offer fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. These jerseys often feature unique designs and are a must-have for collectors and fashion-forward fans alike.

Women's and Kids' Jerseys: Expanding the Fan Base

Inclusive Style: The Cardinals ensure that every fan feels part of the flock by offering jerseys designed specifically for women and children. This inclusivity helps to broaden the fan base and allows everyone to sport their game-day best.

Caring for Your Cardinals Jersey: A Guide

Preserving the Passion: A jersey can last for seasons to come with the right care. Learn how to clean, dry, and store your Cardinals jersey to keep it looking as sharp as the first day you wore it.

The Impact of Jerseys on Fan Culture

More Than Just a Jersey: Arizona Cardinals jerseys do more than represent a team; they foster a sense of community and identity among fans. This section delves into how jerseys have become an integral part of fan culture.

Where to Buy: Finding Authentic Jerseys Online

Navigating the Net: With countless online retailers, finding a trustworthy source for Cardinals jerseys can be daunting. We'll provide tips on identifying authentic sellers to ensure you're getting the real deal.

Seasonal Releases: The Best Time to Buy

Timing Your Purchase: Just like fashion, the world of NFL jerseys sees seasonal releases and sales. Understanding the best times to buy can help you add to your collection without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In the exhilarating world of NFL fashion, Arizona Cardinals jerseys stand out as a testament to team spirit, personal style, and the unifying power of sports. Whether you're hunting for a cheapjersey, deciding between an authentic or a replica, or looking to customize your gear, the options are as diverse as the fan base itself. From the legends of the field to the fans in the stands, Cardinals jerseys are more than just apparel—they're a badge of honor, a piece of history, and a fashion statement rolled into one. So, as you gear up for the next game day, remember that your Cardinals jersey is not just about showing support; it's about being part of a larger story, a community that shares your passion and pride. Let's continue to celebrate our team, in style and spirit, one jersey at a time.