I'm Melissa. This is where I write things down and share new things. Sometimes I even post cute pictures of cats...

if you're looking for my portfolio,
it can be found here, or by clicking any of the links across the top of this page.

I just moved back to Ohio after living in the central valley of California for almost three years. People still mention that I'm all grown up and keep asking how being an adult is going, but I really don't know what they're referring to.

I'm officially a (self-proclaimed) curator -- OF GIFS. GIF CONNOISSEUR. Check it out. My GIF blog even made it to buzzfeed once.
ONE MORE CHECK OFF MY LIFELONG INTERNET TO-DO LIST.

Albums of note UPCOMING/2011/2010/2009
A list of albums from the year that had staying power. Not a top album list, because I haven't heard every album, so that just seems a bit silly to me -- the whole "of the year" thing... although I suppose in my own mind that's what they are...

THE ARCHIVES

Nostalgia
a place where I keep things that are already memories and store things that are currently in my life that will inevitably become memories. Vague enough?

Vestiges of a Life Soon Forgotten
A photographic series devoted to images taken in and around my apartment where I lived for 3 years in college. I moved out for good in December 2009.

Photobooth Sketches
photobooth documentation of sketches i have done and/or found.

Monthly Self Portrait Series
This was a short-lived project that sometimes shows up without warning again on my feed, but definately cannot be considered an "on-going" thing.

My New California Life
What started as an essay series about my experiences living on the left coast turned into a general account of my life here -- through words, photos and other ephemera.

jef etters tips of the day
Jef Etters was a colleague of mine who gave me life tips on a daily basis via a telephone call from a rotary phone. I would then transcribe the tips and post them here for the benefit of all mankind. He didn't know what tumblr was (nor does he now), but he did want to share all his wisdom with the world. enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: Jef did finally get free long-distance after 7pm EST and will occasionally call to give me tips to transcribe. Be on the look out, it'll change your life.

ScreenCaptureSeries
Funny and or poignant things I feel the need to share with the world via screen capture. This project carries on with the luck that the internet will continue to bring the lulz. I think the odds are in our favor.

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AON 2012 Day 28: #1 From Indian Lakes: Able BodiesYosemite Valley, CaliforniaLabel: Self ReleasedReleased: November 13, 2012 This five-piece from the mountains have followed up their debut release with a brilliant sophomore album featuring poingniant lyrics, dramatic instrumentation and overarching percussion. This type of musicianship and songwriting is hard to come by, especially across an entire album. The passion seen in Able Bodies is astonishing and it’s not hard to recognize. I’m sure we can expect a lot more from these boys in the future, given their track record. Listen to From Indian Lakes’ “Able Bodies” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 28: #1

From Indian Lakes: Able Bodies
Yosemite Valley, California
Label: Self Released
Released: November 13, 2012

This five-piece from the mountains have followed up their debut release with a brilliant sophomore album featuring poingniant lyrics, dramatic instrumentation and overarching percussion. This type of musicianship and songwriting is hard to come by, especially across an entire album. The passion seen in Able Bodies is astonishing and it’s not hard to recognize. I’m sure we can expect a lot more from these boys in the future, given their track record.

Listen to From Indian Lakes’ “Able Bodies” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 27: #2 P.O.S.: We Don’t Even Live HereMinneapolis, Minnesota Label: RhymesayersReleased: October 23, 2012 The fourth studio album from P.O.S. opens strong with “Bumper,” setting the tone for the whole record. We Don’t Even Live Here doesn’t let up for the full 39 minutes and 40 seconds. The record shows growth since Never Better, which seems almost impossible considering the caliber of work on the last album. I have no words for the excellence shown on this record. Listen to P.O.S.’ “We Don’t Even Live Here” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 27: #2

P.O.S.: We Don’t Even Live Here
Minneapolis, Minnesota 
Label: Rhymesayers
Released: October 23, 2012

The fourth studio album from P.O.S. opens strong with “Bumper,” setting the tone for the whole record. We Don’t Even Live Here doesn’t let up for the full 39 minutes and 40 seconds. The record shows growth since Never Better, which seems almost impossible considering the caliber of work on the last album. I have no words for the excellence shown on this record.

Listen to P.O.S.’ “We Don’t Even Live Here” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 26: #3 Ramona Falls: ProphetPortland, OregonLabel: BarsukReleased: May 1, 2012 Brent Knopf (formerly one-third of Menomena) founded Ramona Falls in 2009. Prophet really showcases Knopf’s tendency of mixing electronic looping with sparse natural sound. Lyrically the album follows a loose storyline while simultaneously being completely disjointed and subtle beneath the huge instrumentation. Listen to Ramona Falls’ “Prophet” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 26: #3

Ramona Falls: Prophet
Portland, Oregon
Label: Barsuk
Released: May 1, 2012

Brent Knopf (formerly one-third of Menomena) founded Ramona Falls in 2009. Prophet really showcases Knopf’s tendency of mixing electronic looping with sparse natural sound. Lyrically the album follows a loose storyline while simultaneously being completely disjointed and subtle beneath the huge instrumentation.

Listen to Ramona Falls’ “Prophet” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 25: #4 Yellow Ostrich: Strange LandBrooklyn, New YorkLabel: BarsukReleased: March 6, 2012 Alex Schaaf has done it again, this time with some help, on the sophomore follow up to 2010’s The Mistress. Joining Schaaf on this effort are Jon Natchez on bass, horns, lapsteel, keyboard, and electronics and Michael Tapper on drums. With the addition of these new members, the album still showcases the sound we were introduced to on the previous record while feeling like it’s growing into something much larger, filling entire auditoriums instead of just bedrooms. Lyrically Strange Land shines, showcasing much more personal and intimate lyrics that Schaff notes gave him “a bit of a thrill from being more open and direct.” I’m already eagerly anticipating Yellow Ostrich’s next full-length release. Listen to Yellow Ostrich’s “Strange Land” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 25: #4

Yellow Ostrich: Strange Land
Brooklyn, New York
Label: Barsuk
Released: March 6, 2012

Alex Schaaf has done it again, this time with some help, on the sophomore follow up to 2010’s The Mistress. Joining Schaaf on this effort are Jon Natchez on bass, horns, lapsteel, keyboard, and electronics and Michael Tapper on drums. With the addition of these new members, the album still showcases the sound we were introduced to on the previous record while feeling like it’s growing into something much larger, filling entire auditoriums instead of just bedrooms. Lyrically Strange Land shines, showcasing much more personal and intimate lyrics that Schaff notes gave him “a bit of a thrill from being more open and direct.” I’m already eagerly anticipating Yellow Ostrich’s next full-length release.
Listen to Yellow Ostrich’s “Strange Land” on Spotify.
AON 2012 Day 24: #5 Japandroids: Celebration RockVancouver, CanadaLabel: PolyvinylReleased: June 5, 2012 So much sound coming from just two guys seems impossible. This album is especially impressive in that regard noting the fact that the album is produced with no double-tracking and very little overdubbing. This sophomore release was written more with their audience in mind than the first album, Post-Nothing. While some use this fact to discredit the album, I find that it exceeded my expectations and is a very well-crafted follow-up to their debut. Listen to Japandroids’ “Celebration Rock” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 24: #5

Japandroids: Celebration Rock
Vancouver, Canada
Label: Polyvinyl
Released: June 5, 2012

So much sound coming from just two guys seems impossible. This album is especially impressive in that regard noting the fact that the album is produced with no double-tracking and very little overdubbing. This sophomore release was written more with their audience in mind than the first album, Post-Nothing. While some use this fact to discredit the album, I find that it exceeded my expectations and is a very well-crafted follow-up to their debut.

Listen to Japandroids’ “Celebration Rock” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 23: #6 Tall Ships: Everything TouchingFalmouth, Cornwall via Brighton UKLabel: Big Scary Monsters / Blood & BiscuitsReleased: October 8, 2012 This three-piece breathes new life into the traditional mathy guitars and heavy drums equation. Tall Ships showcases a heavier foundation overall, showcasing the intricate guitar work and breathy and sometimes soaring vocal melodies. This debut full-length is very polished without feeling over-produced. A gorgeous album from start to finish. Listen to Tall Ships’ “Everything Touching” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 23: #6

Tall Ships: Everything Touching
Falmouth, Cornwall via Brighton UK
Label: Big Scary Monsters / Blood & Biscuits
Released: October 8, 2012

This three-piece breathes new life into the traditional mathy guitars and heavy drums equation. Tall Ships showcases a heavier foundation overall, showcasing the intricate guitar work and breathy and sometimes soaring vocal melodies. This debut full-length is very polished without feeling over-produced. A gorgeous album from start to finish.

Listen to Tall Ships’ “Everything Touching” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 22: #7 The Twilight Sad: No One Can Ever KnowKilsith, ScotlandLabel: Fat Cat RecordsReleased: February 6, 2012 The Twilight Sad creates another dark moody full-length with No One Can Ever Know, but with a more sparse structure than their previous records. Andy MacFarlane still creates moments of his acclaimed walls of drawn-out guitar, but is mostly creating a foundation of fuzzy melody on this record. James Graham continues delivering gorgeous dark and heavily personal lyrics with his thick accent. Mark Devine is as relentless on the drums as he ever was, just with more control and consideration. Though this record is a bit of a departure from their previous work, it is still in line with the sound the band has always created.  Listen to The Twilight Sad’s “No One Can Ever Know” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 22: #7

The Twilight Sad: No One Can Ever Know
Kilsith, Scotland
Label: Fat Cat Records
Released: February 6, 2012

The Twilight Sad creates another dark moody full-length with No One Can Ever Know, but with a more sparse structure than their previous records. Andy MacFarlane still creates moments of his acclaimed walls of drawn-out guitar, but is mostly creating a foundation of fuzzy melody on this record. James Graham continues delivering gorgeous dark and heavily personal lyrics with his thick accent. Mark Devine is as relentless on the drums as he ever was, just with more control and consideration. Though this record is a bit of a departure from their previous work, it is still in line with the sound the band has always created. 

Listen to The Twilight Sad’s “No One Can Ever Know” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 21: #8 Now, Now: ThreadsMinneapolis, MinnesotaLabel: Trans RecordsReleased: March 6, 2012 This album has been on steady rotation for me since it’s release early this year. This three-piece has mastered their sound over the years creating beautiful songs with thoughtful lyrics and layers of keys, driving drums and melodic guitar.  Cacie Dalager, Bradley Hale, and Jess Abbott have impressed many so far, and it seems like everyone knows Now, Now has much more to bring to the table. This is a band that should be on your radar if they weren’t already. Listen to Now Now’s “Threads” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 21: #8

Now, Now: Threads
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Label: Trans Records
Released: March 6, 2012

This album has been on steady rotation for me since it’s release early this year. This three-piece has mastered their sound over the years creating beautiful songs with thoughtful lyrics and layers of keys, driving drums and melodic guitar.  Cacie Dalager, Bradley Hale, and Jess Abbott have impressed many so far, and it seems like everyone knows Now, Now has much more to bring to the table. This is a band that should be on your radar if they weren’t already.

Listen to Now Now’s “Threads” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 20: #9 Cloud Nothings: Attack on MemoryCleveland, OhioLabel: Carpark RecordsReleased: January 24, 2012 The third album from Cloud Nothings shows a departure from the power-pop that is showcased on earlier recordings. Attack on Memory showcases a darker, moodier sound and is the first record from the band to include all the members in the writing process.This albumshows growth in a new direction that has been well received and garnered some well-deserved new buzz. Listen to Cloud Nothings’ “Attack on Memory” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 20: #9

Cloud Nothings: Attack on Memory
Cleveland, Ohio
Label: Carpark Records
Released: January 24, 2012

The third album from Cloud Nothings shows a departure from the power-pop that is showcased on earlier recordings. Attack on Memory showcases a darker, moodier sound and is the first record from the band to include all the members in the writing process.This albumshows growth in a new direction that has been well received and garnered some well-deserved new buzz.

Listen to Cloud Nothings’ “Attack on Memory” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 19: #10 Nada Surf: The Stars are Indifferent to AstronomyNew York, New YorkLabel: Barsuk Records / City SlangReleased: January 24, 2012 Fans of Nada Surf had been waiting since 2008’s Lucky for another full-length album. In 2010, the band teased audiences with a cover record, but what fans really wanted was new original material. The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy far exceeded the expectations of many, including main-stream critics. Nada Surf has a stellar back catalog, but hasn’t really seen the kind of success their talent warrants. This record could help change that. That’s not to call this album anything less than it’s predecessors, Stars brings a lot to the table and stands alone as a really great fuzzy and addicting alt-rock record.  Listen to Nada Surf’s “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy” album on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 19: #10

Nada Surf: The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy
New York, New York
Label: Barsuk Records / City Slang
Released: January 24, 2012

Fans of Nada Surf had been waiting since 2008’s Lucky for another full-length album. In 2010, the band teased audiences with a cover record, but what fans really wanted was new original material. The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy far exceeded the expectations of many, including main-stream critics. Nada Surf has a stellar back catalog, but hasn’t really seen the kind of success their talent warrants. This record could help change that. That’s not to call this album anything less than it’s predecessors, Stars brings a lot to the table and stands alone as a really great fuzzy and addicting alt-rock record. 

Listen to Nada Surf’s “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy” album on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 18: #11 Annabel: Youth in YouthKent, OhioLabel: Count Your Lucky StarsReleased: November 24, 2012 The sophomore full-length from local-favorites Annabel shows great maturity and significant growth since the band’s early years. Youth In Youth showcases their strength as a four-piece and really highlights the sound they’ve been honing for years. The show they put on at their release party in downtown Kent really gave insight into how much energy and passion went into Youth In Youth. Annabel really is one of the greatest bands producing music today in Northeast Ohio. Listen to Annabel’s “Youth In Youth” album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 18: #11

Annabel: Youth in Youth
Kent, Ohio
Label: Count Your Lucky Stars
Released: November 24, 2012

The sophomore full-length from local-favorites Annabel shows great maturity and significant growth since the band’s early years. Youth In Youth showcases their strength as a four-piece and really highlights the sound they’ve been honing for years. The show they put on at their release party in downtown Kent really gave insight into how much energy and passion went into Youth In Youth. Annabel really is one of the greatest bands producing music today in Northeast Ohio.

Listen to Annabel’s “Youth In Youth” album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 17: #12 Cherry Cola Champions: Self-TitledKent, OhioLabel: Self-ReleasedReleased: August 23, 2012 I am biased toward this selection. These two dudes are some of the most awesome people on the face of the earth, and I am honored to know them. However, even in the face of this obvious bias, I assure you this album is not going to disappoint. Jesse and Tony ventured out to Denver, Colorado to record at Mammoth Cave Studios with Tim Gerak. The final product is a very well crafted and captivating first record. I couldn’t be more proud, and I can’t wait to see what else lies in store for C>C>C>.  Listen to Cherry Cola Champions’ Self-Titled album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 17: #12

Cherry Cola Champions: Self-Titled
Kent, Ohio
Label: Self-Released
Released: August 23, 2012

I am biased toward this selection. These two dudes are some of the most awesome people on the face of the earth, and I am honored to know them. However, even in the face of this obvious bias, I assure you this album is not going to disappoint. Jesse and Tony ventured out to Denver, Colorado to record at Mammoth Cave Studios with Tim Gerak. The final product is a very well crafted and captivating first record. I couldn’t be more proud, and I can’t wait to see what else lies in store for C>C>C>. 

Listen to Cherry Cola Champions’ Self-Titled album on Bandcamp.