In-Flux this week: Real Estate, Lake Street Dive, Rolf Potts, and Fender.
Album of the week:
Their first studio release with then-new (and current) guitarist Julian Lynch, the album of the week is Real Estate’s 2017 release In Mind. Formed in Ridgewood, New Jersey in 2008, Real Estate consists of founding members Martin Courtney (vocals/guitar) and Alex Bleeker (bass/vocals), as well as Julian Lynch (guitar), Matt Kallman (keyboard), and Sammi Niss (drums). This album is a phenomenal example of what I would describe as mellow, “cruise control” indie rock. Thoughtful lyricism and flowing, melodic instrumentals offer to take you on a slow ride down a familiar street, rather than pull you in a new or unexpected direction. This is afternoon couch music.
“The laughing brook, that ran right through this town, slowed to a smile when the mercury went down. There’s no place I would rather be right now. I’d love never to leave, but I just don’t know how. The nights are longer now, and the days are slowing down. Looking up at stained glass sky, and the only color is white.” —Stained Glass, Real Estate.
Visit the band’s website, stream the album on YouTube, or get a physical copy on Discogs.
Live performance of the week:
Playing Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, Lake Street Dive’s 2022 cover is the live performance of the week. After the departure of founding member Mike “McDuck” Olson (guitar/trumpet) in 2021, this cover is a great example of how James Cornelison not only compliments the band’s sound, but how seamlessly he fits into the mix. With this cover being recorded in his first year with the band, his playing feels like he’s been there all along. There are many Lake Street Dive live performances I could have picked from, but the song choice and minimal acoustic arrangement make this one stand out as a gem.
Lake Street Dive plays "Nick of Time" On a Boston Sidewalk
Photo credit: zumic.com
Book of the week:
In Vagabonding, Rolf Potts seeks to dispel common misconceptions about world travel, as well as offering readers real-world guidance on making space for them to pursue adventures on their own time, for as little cost as possible. While this book is certainly geared toward those seeking long-term travel and adventure, it also offers many valuable lessons about true independence and creating a healthier relationship with money and finances. This is not a book for everyone, but if you have any desire to view travel from a different perspective, it’s one that I would strongly recommend.
Gear of the week:
The gear of the week is Fender’s Shields Blender fuzz pedal. Based on an original 1970’s Fender Blender fuzz circuit, this pedal is a collaboration between Fender and Kevin Shields, frontman of My Bloody Valentine. This pedal does contain a recreation of the original Fender Blender circuit, but is not quite a reissue, as it features many modifications over the original, such as an octave fuzz and sag effect. While likely not pedal board-friendly, this is an extremely intriguing fuzz pedal for those looking for something beyond the ordinary.
That’s all for this installment of In-Flux. Hopefully, you’ve found something inspiring or thought-provoking to take with you throughout the coming week. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with Stoops Worldwide, and have my posts delivered directly to your inbox, click the subscribe button below. If you’re already subscribed, thank you! Please feel free to share this with a friend, if you feel so inclined.
Create without compromise.
-Kurtis