Hear the Sound - All Sons & Daughters

Quite like this new song - and am looking forward to the new EP due out later this year.

Back to New York

We had decided to finish our trip where we started, and spend the last four nights in New York.  I think breaking it up worked nicely for us, as we had a better gauge of how to get around, and what to expect while we were there. On the list the second time where, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, doing the High Line Walk and wondering around the city. 

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

Given that we'd picked Memorial Day for this, I was a little bit nervous that we'd be able to get on the boats. I needn't have worried, we pre-booked the tickets, and virtually walked right through security and onto the boat without much waiting time.  It was a great day to be out on the river, and the Statue of Liberty is such an impressive sight. The crown was closed, so we didn't get up to the top.  I also quite liked visiting Ellis Island, where the first immigrants to the US were processed.  

Brooklyn Bridge

Really enjoyed this, we caught the subway out to Brooklyn, and then had a leisurely stroll back to Manhattan. Given it was a really nice day, we had a fair bit of company. You do get quite an impressive view of the Manhattan Skyline along the way which is quite nice.  If I went back to New York, I would like to explore Brooklyn a little bit more.

Highline Walk

One of the things we'd seen a little bit about before we left was the High-Line Park. The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.  There are some classic street stalls, and contemporary art along the way. Its quite impressive to walk along.

We went and saw another Broadway show. After 25 years Phantom is the longest running show on Broadway, so we thought that we'd take the opportunity to see it, I had seen it before, but it was such a long time ago, and it was great  to see it again.  

We enjoyed walking around the city, and did do a little bit of shopping. We visited FAO Schwarz,.  Such an amazing store - really enjoyed looking around. One of the highlights on the way home, was flying on the A380. I really liked the tail camera, so you could watch the plane leave LA, and land in Sydney. You did have a little bit more room, which is always nice.   In summary, we had an amazing time away, and I could definitely go back to the US in a heartbeat..

View from inside the Time Warner Building

Mid year music thoughts

Now that we've entered the second half 2012, here is a list of the albums which have stood out so far this year.

>> Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose
Beautifully written and performed songs.  Glen has an amazing voice, and it is such a shame more people don't get to hear it.

>> Lara Landon - Overcome
Chrisitan singer-songwriter, whose songs reflect the reality of the Christian experience, through trial to glory.

>> Jenny & Tyler - Open Your Doors
I've posted enough on this duo.  But just love this duo and this album.

>> Paul Baloche - The Same Love  
Great worship CD.  Features a  variety of other artists. He includes Oh Our Lord (written by All Sons & Daughters, and another track with Kari Jobe. The words point you to Christ (the King of Heaven), which is what you the songs to do.

>> for KING and COUNTRY - Crave
The first full-length album from Luke & Joel (who are Rebecca St James brothers). One of my favourite tracks Love's to Blame was also co-written by RSJ.

>> Andrew Osenga - Leonard the Lonely Space Astronaut
Really love this concept album. Andrew describes the record as telling the story of a man named Leonard Belle.

He lives 300 years from now and loses his wife in a sudden accident while their divorce is being finalized. In his rage and grief he takes a gig driving a long-distance space freighter for a year. (Due to relativity, by the time he returns to Earth everyone he knows will be old or dead.) He decides to bring along some antique instruments and recording equipment (just like the stuff I have!) and will make a record.

Here's a review; which says it better than I can. 

>> Sigur Ros - Valtari
Really stunning atmospheric music. Yes, you are never sure what he is singing, but just stunning. 

>> Once: A new Musical
I really loved the film, so when in New York, it made sense to try and see the musical.  The songs are pretty well the same, but it is just a beaut story, and the performers (who sang, and played the music) were great. I really hope it comes to Australia, but don't really see it happening.

>> U2 - U22 (Songs from the U2360 Tour)

I didn't actually see any concert of the last tour live, so this is an excellent document from the tour. 

The book has Adam talk through the tracklisting and some pretty awesome photos.  On the track-list side of things, while it is a little light on the songs from the No Line.. album, it more than makes up for this by including some of the surprises from the tour Love Rescue Me, One Tree Hill, 'The Unforgettable Fire', and Zooropa.  The version of 'I Still Haven't Found' with a flugelhorn is beautiful. I can't wait for the next album, and maybe I'll try and see them again. Stay tuned for a post about my 15 favourite U2 songs.

Toronto - Canada

After our time in Boston, we flew up to Toronto, mostly to catch up with our friend Alida, who had been in Australia for a couple of years. It was really wonderful to catch up and be shown around Toronto.  It was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Niagara  Falls

Niagara Falls

Falls Ave, Niagara

The other huge highlight was the day we spent driving to Niagara. The falls were absolutely beautiful. Once we looked at the falls we then walked up the main street of the town which was quite touristy & tacky. We drive along the river, stopping a the whirlpools and the floral clock, before heading to the township of Niagara by the Lake (which is less touristy, and similar to some of the towns you would find the the Australian Wine regions. 

We did some wine-tasting in the region which was really lovely; the pick of the wineries we went to was Colaneri (and we also tasted a bit of Ice Wine, which was quite enjoyable).  

Toronto

Toronto

I didn't know before I left that Toronto has an island just off the coast. Was lovely, to walk around a peaceful island, so close to the city.  After the left the island we went to see an episode of Strombo be filmed. Strombo is a show of interviews, while we were there  George Strombopolous interviewed Olympia Dukakis and Enrico Colantoni. He was an excellent interview, and following the show he did a Q&A, and said one of the key things about interviewing, is listening to the answers so you can ask meaningful follow-up questions.  One of the interviews I would have like to have seen live was this one with Nazanin Afshin-Jam - an Iranian, living in Canada

Museum Station,
Toronto

Rogers Centre,
Toronto

We then went up the CN Tower, and had some wonderful views over the city and surrounding region.  The Glass Elevator, and Glass floor were quite cool.  :)

On the following day, we flew back down to New York for the final few days of our trip.  Toronto Airport, has a terminal where the flights to the USA depart from, and you actually clear customs & enter the US before getting on the plane. Perhaps there is something here for flights between Australia & New Zealand. Not sure I'd hold my breath though. 

I really loved Canada, and hope to get back some-day soon.