Listening to Tortoise used to be a jazzy dreamscape of complex percussion, layered strings, and otherworldly electronic loops and licks. Their new album, Beacons of Ancestorship, shows a departure from that form into one that …
December 13, 2009
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Stories by Matthew Penna
Beacons of Ancestorship
In-Solvent-See at HOB
Stepping into the world of Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key is like stepping into a Dadaist electro-performance-art thrill ride. The show began with a crippled Ogre entering the stage. He was hunched over supporting himself …
December 12, 2009
Kamakura, Japan: Surf and Zen
Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura is a small seaside town with a big green Buddha. Besides seeing the famous Buddha, there are plenty of temples and shrines dotting the hills and valleys …
Phrazes for the Young
A throwback to '70s arena-rock with '80s synth-pop dropped in for good measure, this melodic, angsty, and ultimately upbeat solo debut from Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas manages to find its modern sound. At points, one …
December 1, 2009
Shimoda, Japan
Located near the tip of the Izu peninsula, this sleepy waterfront town is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Japan’s big city life. Shimoda was of central importance during the 1850s, …
August 31, 2009
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love – famous for Breyers ice cream, Tastykake and, of course, Philly cheesesteaks – is located approximately two hours south of New York City and two and a half hours …
August 21, 2009
Osaka-jō, Osaka, Japan
Osaka Castle (or Osaka-jō) has a long, interesting history, and what remains of it is a feudal reminder sitting proudly in the middle of a modern Japanese city. The charming park surrounding the main tower …
Myung Dong Eating Paradise, Seoul, Korea
The ultra-urban city of Seoul is best experienced gastronomically. One first realizes this while stepping off the jetway and catching a whiff of the unmistakable aroma of Seoul – a sort of kimchi-and-spices medley. Seoul …
July 25, 2009
Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan
In Japan, there are three major urban Chinatowns: in Kobe, Nagasaki and Yokohama. For travelers staying in Tokyo, the Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai) is the most accessible. You can check out the festively lit Chinatown …
July 25, 2009
The Don CeSar, St. Pete’s Beach, Florida
Nestled between St. Pete’s Beach and Pass-a-Grille Beach west of St. Petersburg is a stately little castle-hotel called the Don CeSar. This pink castle by the sea boasts amazing views, delicious meals and a colorful …
Yamazaki Distillery, Yamazaki, Japan
Nothing beats a fine dram after a hard day. The Japanese are aware of this too, and have more than a few of their own oak-soaked nectars worth mentioning. Japanese beverage giant Suntory has been …
July 24, 2009
Tiger Country: Koshien, Japan
Baseball games in Japan are more than fun, they're a cultural experience – and the Hanshin Tigers are the pinnacle. Based in Koshien, the Tigers’ stadium opened in 1924 and is one of the oldest …