Month: December 2014

It’s a Wonderful Tradition
by Lindsey

Friends (if you’re the Christmas-celebrating type) it’s that time of year again. Happy Christmas Eve! We Left/Right sisters interrupt this evening to talk a little about our holiday traditions.

I think traditions are most important to me during this time of year. I take comfort in routine on a daily basis, so the extra special routines in which my whole family participates are a huge bonus for me. So what are those Christmas Eve/Christmas traditions we hold so dear?

Christmas Eve “oyster” soup: For some reason (we’ve heard differing), the Solomon side of our family always makes oyster soup for Christmas Eve. We “kids” (anyone under the age of 35) do not like oyster soup. We like barbecue. We eat barbecue instead. The tradition is slowly shifting…

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You can’t tell, but that’s It’s a Wonderful Life on the TV.

It’s a Wonderful Life: We always always have to watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve. I typically fall asleep a third of the way through and wake up for the happy ending. Kelsey has developed a fascinating theory that Potter isn’t really the villain of the story, but it’s Uncle Billy that causes all the trouble. If he were more competent, he could have taken over the Building and Loan. He also wouldn’t have lost all the money. Oh, we hate you Uncle Billy. (But I love you, Jimmy Stewart. Hot dog!)

Kelsey’s recitation of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”: Kelsey memorized this famed poem sometime in elementary school, and she’s been showing off every Christmas Eve since. Just kidding. Her memory is pretty great. I can sing the preamble to the Constitution, but no one wants to hear that.

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Cousins, Christmas 2012

Family, family, family: For me, the best part of the holidays is family time. We get to catch up with all of our cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. We drink wine, we play games, and we generally have a fantastic time. It’s the best.

So, from the Solomon sisters to you fine folk: happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/any other holiday with traditions you love! We’ll see you next year.

New Tunes Volume 1
by Kelsey
Greetings, All. I’m starting this “New Tunes” section of the Left/Right Blog in the hopes that we all might share in some mutual musical enjoyment.

And just because these artists/songs are new to me, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re brand new on the scene. And I’m a fan of multiple music genres, so you can expect some variety.

December Picks:

Laura Welsh – “Break the Fall”

I hear a touch of Florence + the Machine in this particular song, but her sound is uniquely her own. Check out her newest single Ghost here. Her debut album Soft Control is out January 19th, and I AM EXCITED.

Purity Ring – “Push Pull”

I have been a fan of Purity Ring for some time now, and they are absolutely my favorite driving music. For my favorite track, see Fineshrine. Their second LP record is anticipated for a 2015 release.

Years & Years – “Take Shelter”

This breakout band is feeling major love from their native England, with their spring UK tour already sold out. Sadly this track is not yet available in the US, but their other EPs (Real and Traps) should tide you over for now.

Ryn Weaver – “OctaHate”

Prepare to get this song stuck in your head. For some background on Ryn, check out Buzzfeed’s profile (from this past summer) here. Enjoy. Also check out Cashmere Cat’s remix of this tune here.

Imaginary Cities – “Where’d All The Living Go”

Let’s slow things down. 2010’s Temporary Resident is my favorite record of this great little band. Perfect for quiet winter evenings at home.