Toussaint

The French, like many other European countries, are starting to slowly buy into the many rituals of the conspicuous consumption that is Halloween. It's great for economy and it's a party! In reality Europeans celebrate their dead very differently; in peace, surrounded by family, and often at the tombs. I won't go into it here as I have already posted about this some time ago, so feel free to look that up as Toussaint. I am, however, going to share the photos documenting the last time I visited 

 the dead of Paris!

 

 

 

 

Vandalism unfortunately hasn't spared the catacombs.

1 Place Denfert-Rochereau
75014 Paris, France
01 43 22 47 63

Open Tue-Sun 10am-4pm

Atelier Brancusi

I have gone to this gym in Beaubourg for over a decade, and for almost as long, I have wanted to visit the famous l'Atelier Brancusi. Well, the atelier is literally right in front of my gym, and I have somehow missed this. One word: Adderall!

So I finally make it. The visit is a form of time travel, as the smallish building is an exact replica of the sculptor's actual studio. On his death bed he bequeathed his workshop and all its contents to the French government on one condition;  that the Musée National d'Art Moderne recreate the studio as it had been in its original location near Montparnasse. The building stands separate from, but adjacent to the Centre Georges Pompidou, courtesy of architect Renzo Piano. What's more,  admission is free. The building's pretty tiny and at first glance can seem disappointing if you are expecting a traditional museum experience, but the intimacy, and fact that you are basically visiting the sculptors studio, make up for the size.

As in my eyes, Brancusi is second only to Jacometti, this was quite a treat! I liked seeing how he worked. I got to eavesdrop on a very educated conversation regarding the sculptor and learned that upon arriving in Paris he was invited to work under Rodin, but left as to avoid being influenced by Rodin's style.

His geometrical silhouettes are so clean-lined and prudent and beautiful. He saw his atelier as part of the works and how they should be viewed. He wasn't wrong.

Place Georges Pompidou
Paris 75004
Metro: Rambuteau
www.centrepompidou.fr

Modern Rhapsodies

Being foreign I sometimes end up twisting phrases or idioms. It's often comical. English is not my 1st language so I can hide behind that excuse. Some of those twists though are really funny (no, really), and on lucky days, they' re ironic. Nothing like some accidental irony. There is the "chairs have turned", and "everything is going west" and other such treats.  It's cool. I can laugh at myself besides I'm into stuff that's a little different, and that's not just in English grammar. SO here is something different and beautifully haunting...

Switching to French(ness)... in my previous post I mentioned some musical talents, including Maxence Cyrin, who became sort of an obsession. Knowing he was performing as I was landing in Paris last summer, I literally terrorized everyone I was with, and rushed them straight from the airport to the legendary jazz joint Sunside on rue des Lombards. Even though I missed the beginning of the intimate concerto, Cyrin gave such a real and long performance, that I was beyond gratified. All the sweat, scattered friends, rushing and frenzy payed off.

Cyrin was first noticed because of his classical piano interpretations of 80's and 90's musical gems by the likes of Felix, Aphex Twin, Massive Attack ...need I say more?  The first album Modern Rhapsodies didn't just feature pop re-interpreted. Here were house and trip hop songs, that revolutionized their era, seen through this new prism. Since then he has played all of the hottest Parisian spots and clubs. I was obviously curious what treats the new album would hold, and I wasn't dissapointed. There are the Pixies and Cocteau Twins, and just to add enough dimenton, a little popular vulgarism, Beyoncé (right with the fake French accent at the end). But during the concert Cyrin played songs not featured on the album (sadly), by artists such as Bjork. He also freestyled by having the audience throw random words at him which he then musically interpreted. I like the twists his music takes. I like the unexpected effect of familiar sounds served this way; cliché belly up. The new album, Novo Piano, is pretty devastating, though I still think the first, Modern Rhapsodies, is his biggest triumph!

Sexuality Remix

My current state has just been heightened by some very powerful French musical opiates. Accidentally while browsing my favorite Parisian artists I stumbled upon a remix album of Sexuality, by Sebastien Tellier. The original came out two years ago and instantly grabbed me, second only after the absolute wonder, Maxence Cyrin (but that's a separate post). An audioporncentral.com (how appropriate) article you can read here does a great job at explaining the remixed state of Sexuality and its origins.
I highly recommend you first flood your senses

with the pure and un-blended version of Tellier's album if you haven't already. But don't deprive yourselves of the many interpretations of his songs. Both albums are original, raw and slightly emotional. Since I discovered the remixes I've been oscillating between the two cds, occasionally throwing in some Maxence here and there. The result: a welcomed, hazy (that's probably the red wine) mellow and total aural ecstasy. Music is the one art form that can dominate the moods and emotions of the heedless. In this particular case put down your armor and let it take you for the ride. Unfortunately, I find it increasingly rare to discover artists whose music is authentic, and stirring. Tellier belongs to that scarce minority.

Must hear: L'amour et la violence, and La Ritournelle, and last but not least Divine (Danger Remix)

www.myspace.com/sebastientellier

Le Point Ephémère

I hedge between making this blog a tad more personal (exercise in writing), and informative (useful guide to Paris). Something about getting personal on a public platform makes me uneasy, and yet somehow I am tempted. Blogging is perhaps a form of exhibitionism, because really, who cares what I have to say. I still throw it at the world and the receivers on the other side of their screens must be voyeurs of sorts. OK. SO now I am getting perhaps a tad too philosophical. Long story short, the best blogs are probably those that combine enough of the personal to make the dry facts interesting.
For me it is a sort of creative and cognitive outlet, a parenthesis, un point emphémère.

The best places are the ones that can combine several experiences in one. There is a space like this in Paris, where I particularly enjoyed unwinding, but where people do much more besides just chillin' out. Le Point Ephémère is a living cultural space that combines bar, with music and art. It is managed by Usines Éphémère – a not-for-profit organization that converts wastelands into cultural centers. Cheap drinks, great music - be it live or electro to dance to - art expos, art community and fun by the water - as the cafe is located on the Quay Valmy by the river - it is all that and more. By far one of the best spots in Paris, especially in the warmer months.


Quai de Valmy
75010 Paris, France
01 40 34 02 48
www.pointephemere.org

Fall Updates

This  summer I have been to Paris and back, and haven't updated this blog,  not because I haven't experienced anything new and worth mentioning while there, but because time has been slipping through my fingers. Or, I have been slipping through time without the blog being a priority. After all, originally it was an attempt to stay connected to my former home, and to keep my American traveling friends, their friends, and often total strangers informed on what to do and where to go when visiting Paris.  I think the time which has elapsed since I  moved to the U.S has made me slightly indifferent. Eeek! Loin des yeux loin du cœur as the French say, which translated to English reads; out of sight out of mind. I have become jaded, perhaps too Americanized, or just too busy to care. Whatever the reason, I am having trouble keeping up with this. I hope I can at least try to updated it purely as an exercise in writing...

On a more positive note, I have maintained many old relationships, and even fostered new ones, so that my one foot is still in Paris, even if I don't always write about it. As a perpetual expat, my heart is always incomplete and elsewhere. No place is perfect, as every place has its pros and cons. But Paris still took my breath away this time, and I know I will keep at least one foot there forever.

Fete De La Musique - June 21

Everyone around me seems to be leaving lately. Leaving the city, the country, my entourage, my heart. The French say Partir c'est mourir un peu, or leaving is like dying a little. But François de la Rochefoucauld also said that  the only thing constant in life is change. Both are very true. I am counting on summer to provide me with enough vitamin D and some distractions. There is nothing quite like summer, its festivals, its hot nights and light vibe to lift the spirits. And as  much as I love nature, I actually love summer in Paris. There is so much to do, and everything is free! Jazz festivals, movie screenings, expositions, Paris Plage....

One of my favorite days of the year in Paris is June 21st. Fête de la Musique, or the Music Festival falls on that day and has basically become an official holiday. It is like nothing else I have ever seen. My first time ever was when I was eighteen and made a permanent impression which is with me till this very day.

The idea was first  taken up by French Music and Dance director Maurice ce Fleuret for Minister of Culture Jack Lang  in 1981 and first took place in 1982. It promotes music in that amateur and professional musicians are encouraged and invited to perform in the streets. People with little or a lot of experience descend on the streets with their instruments and literally start jamming. Others watch and listen and dance! Secondly, popular bands from eclectic to pop are playing free concerts at all the local venues and at more popular locations accessible to the public. Two of the caveats to being sanctioned by the official Fête de la Musique organization in Paris are that all concerts must be free to the public, and all performers donate their time for free.

Despite there being a large tolerance about the performance of music by the general public of amateurs in public areas after usual hours, the noise restrictions still apply, and can cause some establishments to be forbidden to open and broadcast music out of their doors without prior authorization. But the night is still long, wild and loud!
Forget about Taxis, they are all taken. It's best to wear flats and just get lost in the streets and wonder from concert to concert, but the metro is open past its usual hours for those who want to cover more ground.  Every newspaper prints a formal schedule of all of the concerts big and small. You will find everything from Waltz to electro. Check it out and it will be one night you will not forget

The Fête de la Musique began in France and has since spread to many countries around the world, obviously!

www.fetedelamusique

Silk and Sugar

A couple of days ago I attended the opening of the new Hermès store in Chicago. I am  a huge fan of the brand, of Jean Paul Ghaultier's take on it, and of the heritage of the house, I am also curious what Lemaire will do with it moving forward. There were of course many attractions available, yet for me, the highlight of the event were the stacks of pastries and truffles beautifully arranged like at La Durée or Maison du Chocolat. Life's surprises and challenges occasionally demand a little endorphin boost, and there is nothing better than chocolate for that. However, though my endorphin reserves could probably be in better shape these days, I am by nature a hedonist.

Luxurious leathers, silks and pastries all make me salivate. Every time I am in Paris I re-visit the old and known chocolatiers and pastry shops but I always also try to seek out the new. Speaking of which, Paris' latest pastry showcase is Le Chocolatier de Jacques Genin. The latter, known as the purveyor of high quality chocolates to such superstar chefs like Alan Ducasse, opened his own artisan postmodern store and tearoom. Pastries, candies and chocolates are made to order and come in unorthodox flavors such as pu-erh tea. Sleek and elegant, the salon is a perfect fit for its high end contents

Le Chocolatier de Jacques Genin
133 Rue De Tourenne 75003
45-77-29-01

Irreconcilable Differences

Sadly, today for the first time ever, I finally understood the meaning of the expression "irreconcilable differences". It dawned on me that no matter how connected and well surrounded, we are all looking at a different picture. No one can really see inside your view. sometimes it is translatable, others,  not. Like idioms in a foreign language. Sometimes seeing the others' perspective just  isn't enough. You just don't. get. it! Like not getting modern art, while loving contemporary.

Speaking of art and irreconcilable differences, it brings me to my relationship with my country of origin, its government and the expo now running at the Centre Pompidou till July 19. Entitled The Promises of the past: 1950-2010, A discontinuous history of art in former Eastern Europe.
"Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, the exhibition looks at Europe's former East/West divide, and challenges the idea of art history as something linear and continuous.
The Centre Pompidou thus aims to introduce the public to artists whose creations and subject matters have marked their countries of origin, and to explain the salient influence of certain tutelary figures of Central and Eastern Europe on the younger generation of international artists."

I might not make it to Paris on time for this one, but I hope some of you will. This might turn out to be a perfect example of how the French intellos glamorize Socialism, or perhaps just an accurate account of a lost generation. I would love to see it!

http://www.centrepompidou.fr

Place Georges Pompidou
75004 Paris, France
01 44 78 12 33

Forever After

A little macabre and damp, but strangely alluring, the network of tunnels of the catacombs located beneath the streets of Paris is lined with thousands of skulls and bones carefully arranged to form walls on both sides. Death-dense experience. From mass graves, to wild parties hosted by Charles X, to French Resistance headquarters, they breath history and intrigue... and eternity.

There is the part open to the visitors, but there is actually a whole subculture centered around this place too, with clandestine parties, raves, movie showings... the catacombs are even home to artistic movements, and certain individuals.

There are virtually hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels, so it is not an easily controlled environment. But whatever goes on there is patrolled by special Catacombs police, also referred to as cataflics. At one point the government restricted the visit of the catacombs because of security reasons.  in 2009 the stacks of bones were vandalized and were scattered along the walking paths. As a result the catacombs were closed to the public indefinitely and an investigation was opened by the Paris prosecutor's office.

Mostly unmapped, covered in graffiti yet venerable...but as you can probably imagine, there is much more to the Catacombs than that. I invite you to continue reading here

Catacombs de Paris: 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy 75014 Paris
Located near the Denfert-Rochereau Metro station
011+33-01-43-22-47-63

Here is more on the underground

Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective

If you are, or will be in Paris between now and August 29th, you must absolutely visit Le Petit Palais.
Over 300 haute-couture and ready-to-wear garments, created over 40 years of creativity, in addition to documents, photographs, videos and more, are displayed there as an overview of Saint Laurent's astounding career.

In the height of tourist season, you may want to purchase your tickets online, and avoid the interminable lines.
www.petitpalais.paris.fr


...and yes, that is Saint Laurent posing nude in 1971 for Jean Loup Sieff. This image became his perfume ad and an inspiration for Tom Ford's YSL ads that ran in early 2000's...


Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
+33 (0)1 53 43 40 00
Metro: Champs Elysées Clémenceau

Merci Beaucoup

I wanted to mention Merci - the concept store - because of its sheer awesomeness. It is unusual in that unlike most other concept stores: self indulgent, pretentious, and elitist, Merci lives up to its name and is actually a true concept. It is the first 100% charity store in France. WOW! Unheard of in the world of conspicuous consumption! 100% of the profits go to a charity association helping women and kids in Madagascar, which is one of the poorest countries in the world.

And how do they do that? Well, the couple behind the highly successful brand Bonpoint, apparently decided to give back, and to give us all a moment of huh?! that will most likely inspire, if only for a moment. 

Merci is a 16,000 Sq foot space in an 18th century building close to Bastille. From art, design, to clothes new and vintage, you will find it all. You can enjoy your coffee while browsing books and contributing to something bigger than your id. Known designers caught on as well, so you will be able to find some major mark ups, even as high as 30-40%.
I like it!

111, boulevard Beaumarchais
75011 Paris
France
T. : +33.1.42.77.10.38
www.merci-merci.com

Raw Food Restaurant in Paris

Having flirted with raw foodism for quite a few years now, and being rather privileged, for gaining so much exposure due to the amazing raw food mecca Kryn Calabrese built in my current city, I wanted to also check out the raw food scene in Europe. I visited one restaurant in Amsterdam - but I will skip this account - and than another in Paris. Important to remember the history and standing Frenchie cuisine enjoys. People in France give much attention to their food, they eat small portions, abundant in greens - even though they also include a lot of animal based products. They are proud of their tradiotion and in touch with their stomachs so to speak. Hence, vegetarian,  vegan and raw foods are generally frowned upon, and considered as fads. This said, raw food restaurants, shops, let alone "meccas" are not easy to come by. I have done my research and it was slim pickins. But i did find one I wanted to visit.

 My former boss, producer of CBC Canada's Fashion File, who is as adventurous and curious in about any department as I,  joined me for the raw lunch.

Pousse-Pousse is tiny. like lego construction tiny. thankfully it was a beautiful summer day so we sat at one of the two sidewalk tables.

The restaurant has a very limited menu compared to what I have seen in Florida, NYC and Chicago, but I was happy to be eating raw in Paris. As many raw food restaurants, Pousse-Pousse also sells some items; food and preparation items, again, the selection is pretty limited. But than again, I AM spoiled in the raw deprtment.

Madeleine and I both did shots of wheat grass, and then proceeded with the plat du jour dubbed "santé" it included a variety of grains, greens and nuts. It was good. Not mind blowing, but good. I will definitely return this summer and see what new items they have added.

I did love the very engaging owner and the pioneering spirit of the place. A must for a raw-foodist, or at least an experimentalist in Paris

Santé!

Pousse-Pousse
7, rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, 75009
Métro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
01 53 16 10 81

A Night At The Museum

This Saturday marks the 6th annual Nuit des Musées; (and I like how the EU's attempt at appearing united squeezed the word Européenne in there somehow) most museums, in Paris at least,  stay open sometimes well past midnight and let visitors in gratuitously. This pleasant mess of a night brings a varied crowd to the streets, from parents with kids who are staying up way past their midnight to absorb culture free of charge, to dazed club kids who enjoy staring at the old masters while rolling. There is no wrong or right formula to soak up the arts. Words of wisdom though, like a soldier ready for attack, come prepared with maps and with a game plan. Otherwise you might end up like me, on the 1st Nuit des Musées, wondering aimlessly, trying to collect scattered friends who all wanted to visit a different spot, than standing in lines forever to never actually discover anything. Although, we did end up RE-discovering a very familiar bar!

http://nuitdesmusees.culture.fr

Vanessa For Chanel

Vanessa Paradis, has not only sustained a lasting love affair with Johnny Depp, the French public, and countless French filmmakers, she has also maintained her love ties to the Chanel maison de couture. Apparently she is a keeper!
I still remember her with long hair and an oversized t-shirt singing Joe Le Taxi - which, by the way, still sounds unbelievably delicious. But Vanessa if off to bigger and better things.
Karl Lagerfeld is working with her for the third time at Chanel, making her the new face of Chanel’s Coco Cocoon bag line. On the side the two also recently collaborated on a special edition Cannes International Film Festival issue of Madame Figaro, which Paradis is guest editing. Sounds like much more than a spring fling and more like muse status.

Here are some shots of the campaign.
http://www.fashionologie.com

But as much I like what Lagerfeld is doing at Chanel, Vanessa Paradis will always remind me of my three month stay in the south of France as a little girl, and her Joe Le Taxi video clip that ran over and over on M6. So, if like me, you are still stuck in the 80's and remember the song, as an au revoir treat, google the Stereo Total version of Joe Le Taxi! Enjoy!

The Unsolved Mystery of Why Paris is Called Paname

My mom luckily has a pretty voice, because she sure does love to sing. While cooking for her friends today, she sang an old Edith Piaf song, and it went; padam, padam, padam....

I know it well. I even think there is an English, and a Polish version, but for some reason today it sounded like Paname. Well, Paname IS after all a slang name for Paris. I have heard it a million times and even referred to it by that name myself. It just dawned on me thought that I never asked why. Why the hell would Paris be called Paname? From Panama? I couldn't believe I never questioned this before. I have just welcomed Paname into my vernacular without doubt or reservation, and what's unlike me, without an ounce of curiosity.

Google search returned few satisfactory results. Wiktionary claims that the name Paname refers to Panama hats worn by men in Paris in the early 20th century, and then proceeds to tell me that it is another name for Paris - without elaborating.

Since I speak fluent french I re-tried the search, but this got me into a convoluted hunt. Looks like most Parisians don't know themselves. From all the forums, blogs and sites I got two most popular versions:

1. The aforementioned hat account
2. The name comes from a slang word popular around 1900's where Panama meant huge, and as Paris is huge, the name caught on

Any other stories, please share.

Le Derriere: The Back End Of Paris

One of the things I most love about Paris is its cultural substance. By that I don't mean Luis XVI rococo opulence, which I find particularly tasteless, but the diversity that can be found from one

district to another, from a restaurant to another. I love seeing the African women dressed in bright and colorful fabrics, others in Djellabas, Japanese tourists cuing outside of Vuitton and the Russians raiding L'Avenue - the overpriced restaurant on avenue Montaigne. I love buying roasted chestnuts on the street, seeing a free jazz concert, then eating at a fabulous brasserie or a brand new spot that is sleek and modern and totally New Yorkais. Paris is a cornucopia of traditions.

I love its off-beat vibe and the depth of the heritage that surrounds me when I walk down any street. I found the perfect spot to stand as a metaphor for all that. Le Derriere. Same word in English, so you get the picture. But just in case: the buttocks; the rear. In this instance, the back of another restaurant, the back of a building. Catchy. And so is the place.


I've always been fond of magic realism, and this is as close as I will ever get at a restaurant/ game room/ bar/ someones dilapidated apartment. You'll walk through armoire doors like these to other secret rooms, some stylish and some completely demolished.

People of all ages come to dine, to socialize or to play ping-pong. You could also totally take a sink bath. I won't go into it, but it's worth checking out.

69, rue des Gravilliers. 75003 Paris. + 33 1 44 61 91 95
http://derriere-resto.com/restaurant/paris/derriere/

Le Grand Filles et Fils

Le Grand Filles et Fils
at Galerie Vivienne

1 Rue de la Banque
75002 Paris, France
01 42 60 07 12

My stepfather was born in Nancy, a city in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France, and formerly the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine - not that you needed to know this, or that you cared. He and his family left for America when he was only a little boy, this is why one of the very few things he remembers from Nancy, are les bonbons à la bergamote, or in English, candy with bergamot - can't beat a childhood souvenir. Its distinctive aroma is most commonly known for its use in Earl Gray tea. My step father mentioned this often, and reveled in how amazing this candy was. While living in Paris I tried to find this delicacy for him. I was unsuccessful. It wasn't until one day I randomly lost myself in the beautiful Galerie Vivienne - by far the most elegant of the passages near Palais Royal with gorgeous floor mosaics, exquisite boutiques, tea rooms, galleries and restaurants - that I found this sweet delicacy.

Le Grand Filles et Fils, a 19th century wine cave and épicerie is nestled right in the middle of all that beauty. It deserves a visit not only for its charm but for all the goodies you will be able to sample and purchase. From excellent wines, to cheeses, preserves and sweets, teas and coffees from around the world, the épicerie has it all, including the aforementioned candy à la bergamote. When I shipped them to my father I wasn't yet sure it was exactly what he was hoping for, but it turned out to be. Ever since that time, I always visit Le Grand while in Paris, for my dad, but also to pick up exquisite and rare treats for those friends who I know appreciate the better things in life, and of course for me. They do after all carry handmade chocolate!!!

http://www.caves-legrand.com

Le Saut du Loup

I am back here after only a week. To boot, I can almost sense a slight hint of excitement, I guess to write, and to reminisce about one of last summers' better moments. This is a good thing I suppose. Perhaps this is the way a human stuck in subzero degree weather for moths copes with lack of vitamin D; open up the pleasant memory drawer, full of sunny moments, captivating friends and delicious meals. Pull out the most exquisite bits, revel in them, then blog about them.

This brings me to Le Saut Du Loup.

Where does one meet a dear, none the less, estranged friend?
You want breathing room, and some privacy, to go over the lost moths or years with comfort. You also want to laugh, even loudly, with out necessarily offending everyone around. And then finally, if you are me, you will inevitably want to squeeze in one more criterion; you want the new! I love the new. Anything new. There is this exciting anticipation for the newness of the new. And so since I no longer live in Paris, and by default, when visiting, am drawn to the nostalgic old spots of my "past" life there, I asked my friend to chose keeping the aforementioned points in mind.

He chose the (then newly opened) terrace of Le Saut Du Loup. It was a fabulous choice, granted, it was a very hot day in july. We had all the room we wanted, and the waiters gave us breathing space between drinks, and bites. There was enough shade to shelter my sun shy friend, and enough sun to burn my sun yearning shoulders. The view on the Louvre and Les Jardins Des Tuileries was breath taking. For those of you familiar with, and fond of, Cafe Marly, this will be an instant favorite.

Le Saut du Loup is an ideal place for a break between visiting the museum and shopping, or either lunch or dinner for two or with friends. Aesthetically pleasing but relaxed, with simple and light food, I couldn't of thought of a better place to meet. Next time in Paris, I'll try the terrace at dusk. Nothing beats the sun going down behind the Louvre while its lights go on.

I took this picture right from our table




www.lesautduloup.com
107 Rue de Rivoli
75001 PARIS, France
01 42 25 49 55

Piano on the dancefloor

Well, I haven't been here in almost two years. Oops!
I guess my life is consumed with other duties and passions. Actually coming back here today, just to look for a link to a travel site (I am in midst of preparing an adventurous trip which thankfully includes Paris), made me sad and nostalgic. I felt like I was looking at a ghost, a ghost of myself. Has my Paris connection weakened so deeply since I have moved to the states? Am I so caught up with life here that I no longer think of that other part of me? Hmmm... I'd like to think that the connection will never break, but tending to it in this manner reminds me too much of how dearly I miss Europe. I guess there is no need to over think it. I am here today, and somehow I feel inspired to post and it shall be. And perhaps this will be a good place and time to reminisce about last summer's trip back home, and then this year's adventure, which is now in preparation.

But for now, let me tell you about my not so recent obsession with the most exquisite French man. His name? Maxence Cyrin. His specialty? Classical piano interpretations of electro and house anthems. Why such fixation? He isn't simply interpreting pop, he has picked music very particular to my generation, era, and taste. The good stuff, the stuff we danced to in high school and listened to throughout adolescence, rare gems that sound even more fabulous when performed by him. Better yet, his new album features songs by Justice, The Pixies and Daft Punk. How is that for artful and eclectic? I am unfortunately missing his live performance at Le Baron in Paris this February, but am hoping he will be playing sometime this summer, so that for once, I can become that creepy fan!

check this out! Seriously, I think I am going to start taking piano lessons.