Sidenote - Christmas Greeting

From all of us at 21st & Ivy, have a very Merry Christmas. We hope you get what you want, but more importantly we hope it's happy and safe.

Music - Songs for Christmas - Sufjan Stevens

One of the best parts about Christmastime is pulling out and dusting off those Christmas CDs that have sat dormant for the past 11 months. One of my favorite Christmas albums of all time is Sufjan Stevens' five-disc collection called “Songs for Christmas.”

The album has over 40 Christmas tunes that include unique, folk-inspired versions of traditional holiday classics as well as several original Christmas songs by Stevens. Acoustic guitar, banjos and bells all make appearances on the album.

Some of my favorite renditions on the album include “Away in a Manger,” “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World.” These four songs, among many others, are touching and help remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. The sweet spirit they bring and the heartfelt emotion captured in these recordings almost always brings tears to my eyes. Stevens captures the spirit of Christmas unlike any other album I have heard.

But don’t worry, the album isn’t all serious. Stevens balances out the sacred hymns with lighthearted songs like “Come on! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!,” “Get Behind me, Santa!,” and “That was the Worst Christmas Ever!,”

If you haven’t added Sufjan Stevens’ holiday collection to your Christmas playlist, I highly recommend doing so before the holiday season comes and goes. But then again, there’s always Christmas in July.

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Music - Yuletide Download - Bonus Tracks

Brothers Ben and Chad team up in the local pop duo Truman, with influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to John Mayer and Michael Buble. They grew up in the major music hub of Nashville, with their father as a keyboard player for the award-winning country group Diamond Rio, so understandably music has always been a large part of their lives. They won BYU's Battle of the Bands in 2006 and 2007 and have since shared the stage with acts such as Kelly Clarkson, David Archuleta, and Josh Kelley. This jazzy version of "Wonderful Christmastime" highlights their polished vocals and keyboard expertise.


Click to Download

Check out Truman's Myspace / Blog

When imagining Christmas time, the thoughts conjured up are generally those of picturesque nativity scenes, making snowmen, eating cookies with your family, and so on. Braden J. McKenna in his project Navigator, on the other hand, adds a little bitter realism to the normally sugar coated holiday. Things happen, like fires caused by the lights on the tree, not having enough time to play with the toys that you get as gifts, and really, how could the wise men find that random stable in Bethlehem just by looking at a star? Let Navigator bring you back down to earth with this up-beat folksy anti-carol.



Click to Download

Check out Navigator's Myspace

“Blue Christmas” has long been considered a Christmas staple of country music after being recorded by country singer/songwriter Ernest Tubb in 1948, but ever since Elvis Presley recorded his own version of it in 1957, I’ve always equated the song with his rock and roll style of music. This Christmas however, Brandon White has brought the “country” back into the song while also adding his own indie folk elements with the help of the acoustic guitar and harmonica. Enjoy!



Click to Download

Check out Brandon White's Myspace

Posted by Amalia Smith and Spencer Flanagan

Music - Yuletide Download #12 - Joshua James

Joshua James recently released his latest album, “Build Me This,” in September. The album received 92 out of 100 stars by Paste Magazine and was selected by iTunes as one of the best albums of 2009 in the singer/songwriter category right alongside musicians like Andrew Bird, Bon Iver and Ingrid Michaelson. For Christmas, James recorded his own version of country folk singer John Prine's 1973 classic, “Christmas in Prison.” The track is a beautiful rendition that showcases James’s unique, soulful voice and beautiful guitar playing.



Click to Download

Also check out Joshua James' Website / Myspace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Music - Yuletide Download #11 - JP Haynie

Hailing from Salt Lake City, indie folk musician JP Haynie has recorded a keyboard heavy version of “Silent Night” to help us celebrate that holy night oh so long ago. Haynie’s version of the song is the perfect music to turn on as you watch the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree and think about what it is exactly we celebrate each December. Haynie sings two verses of the classic Christmas song and then lets the keyboard sing for itself on the third and final verse.


Click to Download

Also check out JP Haynie Myspace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Music - Yuletide Download #10 - Atl Atl

Atl Atl is a four-piece rock band from Brigham City, and they have been playing together since 2003. All four members took a two year break to serve church missions and then reunited at Brigham Young University to continue playing. The group’s sound can be compared to The Strokes and Phantom Planet. Atl Atl said they haven’t quite broken into the local music scene yet since they’re all so busy with school, but hope to get their name out there. Curious as to what an Atl Atl is? Wikipedia it.


Click to Download

Also check out Atl Atl's Website / Myspace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Style - Dashing all the Way

Whether it's a Holiday party, dinner and dancing or ringing in the New Year, Shabby Apple's new Holiday line of dresses fits the bill.

Shabby Apple's new collection has the perfect mixture of immaculate tailoring and sweet additions like bows and ruffles. All you'll need for one of their numbers are the right pair of heels and a confident man who doesn't mind all the stares in your direction.

Take a Bow //Casablanca $86.00

Perfect Trimmings//Ingrid $94.00

Tight Knit//Jitterbug $76.00

Gifted in Love//Bugle Boy $98.00

Ruffled & Feathered//Mary Jane Watson $79.00

Head to Shabby Apple for their entire collection.

21st & Ivy readers get 10% off

{enter "tfi10off" code at check-out}

Photography by Alyssa Vincent

Styled by Emily Frame

Special thanks to Bethany Kartchner and Pamela Yukish for hair and make-up artistry.

Music - Yuletide Download #9 - Night Night

They recently won Velour’s Winter Battle of the Bands while at the same time winning over our hearts. Their show stopping performance and soft, melodic sound almost brought people to tears. Night Night is a project consisting of The Vibrant Sound’s McKay Stevens, Book on Tapeworm’s Scott Shepard and Code Hero’s Nate Pyfer and their recently recorded version of “O Holy Night” is sure to evoke the same emotions felt by those in attendance at the Battle of the Bands. Shepard has one of the most beautiful voices of any musician I have listened to. If I had to describe their sound I would say it’s somewhat of a toned down mixture of The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie, perfect for turning on as you drift off to sleep. So here you go. Enjoy “O Holy Night.” Night.


Click to Download

Also check out Night Night's MySpace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Music - Yuletide Download #8 - Moses

Christmas is a time to be grateful for all we have, to be with family and friends and to ponder on the birth of the Savior. What better way to reflect on Christ and his life than through music? Indie folk band Moses has provided us with a song to help bring the Spirit of Christmas into our homes this holiday season. Their version of “Holy Holy Holy” is a beautiful, sacred rendition meant to give praise to the Lord. Look for great things from Moses in the near future, but for now, enjoy their Christmas gift to you.


Click to Download

Also check out Moses' Website / MySpace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Photo of Moses by Elise Capener

Sidenote - Sweet Carol Line

As charming and festive as caroling is, it's awkward. Admit it. Caroling lends itself to an awkward moment for both parties, those at the door and those on the doorstep. This video, on the other hand, is not as awkward and a lot more enjoyable.
Enjoy.



Think we're a Carol Scrooge? Defenders of caroling, let yourselves be heard.

Anne Made Jam Winners.

Sorry, we dropped the ball yesterday. Congrats though, to both our winners of the Anne Made Jam Giveaway. Email us your info to info{at)twentyfirstandivy.com and we'll send you your winnings.
Thanks to those that entered.

Music - Yuletide Download #7 - Somber Party

"What Child is This" is a beautiful but inherently serious, and I daresay somber tune describing the meager circumstances into which the baby Jesus was born. Its nature, of course, makes it a perfect fit for the electro-symphonic indie rock band Somber Party. Their style is that of bittersweet; lovely instrumentation and vocals tinged with sadness, putting the listener in an introspective mood. However, they modified the ending of the song to make it more optimistic than the original, a change front man Nathan Robbins says is somewhat telling of the band's future direction. Enjoy.

Click here to Download

Also check out Somber Party's Facebook / Myspace

Posted by Amalia Smith

Goods - Fuji Instant Camera

So long Polaroid, hello Fuji Instax--the next generation of instant photography. Lightweight and compact, this nifty camera goes anywhere, especially wrapped up under the tree.

$130.00 at Urban Outfitters

Posted by Andrew Garlock

Cody Layton

You can go ahead and call Cody Layton (a.k.a. DJ Red Spectral) a lot of things. A construction management major making electro/ambient music, a 20 something prospective special education teacher all the way from Alabama, or a DJ who performs at various lounges and cafes.

Or you can just call him interesting. He is a musician/composer/artist who’s made plenty of lengthy mixes. He’s performed around Provo, where he is graduating from Brigham Young University next year in construction management, at various places like Spark Lounge, Dew restaurant, and Pennyroyal café (R.I.P.).

He makes music that doesn’t really fit into the traditional mold, its not verse chorus verse chorus verse chorus. It’s fluid, it’s longer than most songs, infused with sounds and quotes and it’s very much ambient. You can listen and download his work at redspectral.blogspot.com.

Posted by Coby Gerstner
Photograph by Matt Clayton

Music - Yuletide Download #6 - DJ Red Spectral

Creating a Christmas themed mix was a first for DJ Red Spectral and we couldn't be happier with the results. "Mekyea Wo," which means "Greetings from above" in Twi, is a frost covered track perfect for a quiet snow covered night. Containing vocal samples of a Jewish rabbi quoting a scripture in Lamentations, prophesying of Christ, as well as subtle "Silent Night" themes, its sure to add chill to your season.


Click to Download

Bonus Track: 21st & Ivy Winter Mix {25.15}

Click here to Download

Also check out DJ Red Spectral's blog

Music - Yuletide Download #5 - The Gatsbys

Imagine a wedding band. Now, subtract the cheese factor, add a couple feet to the members' height, and you have The Gatsbys. All three of them have been in other local bands but in this project they've honed their ability to create acoustic covers of popular songs for whole families to enjoy. Their skill in the area is apparent in this folky, melodic version of the timeless carol, their voices blending beautifully on top of light strumming and a slide guitar. It sounds like Christmas from a simpler time.


Click to Download

Also check out The Gatsbys Website

Posted by Amalia Smith

Music - Yuletide Download #4 - Desert Noises

Desert Noises have been on somewhat of a hiatus lately, mainly because one of its members was on tour with Joshua James for a while. But the band is back and better than ever just in time for the holiday season. Desert Noises, known for its indie-folk sound and beautiful vocal harmonies, chose to remake a folk-inspired Christmas song meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The track is filled with those harmonies we’ve grown to love as well as the piano, acoustic guitar and tambourine.


Click to Download

Also check out Desert Noises' MySpace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Photo of Desert Noises by Weston Colton

Music - Yuletide Download #3 - Electron Deception

Usually when we think of Christmas songs, we think of music we’d put on as we cuddle up on the couch and watch the snowflakes flurry outside in front of a warm fire. However, local electronic band Electron Deception had something completely different in mind. They traded in the fuzzy slippers for dancing shoes and opted for a night of partying instead of that quiet evening at home. They recorded a completely original, electronic version of a wonderful holiday classic complete with drums, keyboard, guitar and bass.
Enjoy!


Click to Download

Also check out Electron Deception's Myspace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

Goods - Gift Guide '09

The clock is ticking, and in a mere two weeks the biggest gift exchange of the year will commence. Not sure what to ask for? Not sure what to give? Here, let us help.

For your favorite spunky craftster. She spends her free time knitting scarves, lamenting how Wal-Mart is destroying the free market, and listening to the Dirty Projectors.

1. She'll love this supima knit cotton onesie. Sure they're pajamas, but she'll probably wear it to your Christmas party with a belt and wellies, and she'll rock it. J.Crew $69.50
2. If you really want to bring a tear to her eye, pick out a few yards of fabric she might like. The possibilities are endless and every good craftie loves a Christmas break project.
3. For the Splurge: Ever heard the adage "If you give man a fish"? Give her a fishing pole (sewing machine), and win her heart. She'll probably whip something cute up for you in return. Costco $89.99
4. For the Save: baker's twine is all the rage right now. It will give her weeks of fun and you only paid $9.99 Michael's Craft
5. Pique her creative interest all year long with a subscription to Ready Made magazine. Filled with sustainable, recycled, DIY projects and ideas, and interviews with the kind of people she wished she hung out with instead of you. Ready Made $19.95 (2 year subscription)
6. Comfortable, understated, super cool, and with every pair you buy Toms gives a pair to a child in need. Toms $44

For the guy's guy who sees movies the day they come out, has a killer fantasy football team, eight hundred Facebook friends, reads David Sedaris, and can't put that dern iPhone down.

1. He can never have too much team flair. A jersey, hoodie, t-shirt, or cap. You can't go wrong. Lids $34.99
2. For the Save: He wants to sport the scarf, he just needs a little push. Forever 21 $10.90
3. For the Splurge: You want to seal the deal with this guy? Set him free on the slopes and he'll come back to you every time. Canyons Resort via the Q Network $164
4. If he's not into the whole sliding down icy snow on fiberglass idea, give him access to the best films & TV shows for about $100 per year. Netflix $8.99 monthly
5. With all those applications his phone is really just a glorified GameBoy. Toughen it up a bit with this wood case. Urban Outfittters $36.00
6. Nothing will brighten his smile like a piece of new gadgetry. Apple's Magic Mouse makes surfing, scrolling, and clicking feel like second-nature with its sleek wireless technology. Apple $90

For the woman, nay lady, who knows every designer, reads Dostoevsky while her nails are drying, and could make a guy cry with her over-his-head wit.

1. Every fashionista wants a peek at ice-queen Anna Wintour's Vogue empire. So far her only in is "reality" TV show The City. Instead, give her this award winning documentary that won't kill her brain cells. Amazon $19.99
2. For the Splurge: Every woman needs an LBD. This one is equal parts chic & cute with an Audrey Hepburn silhouette and Annie Hall pockets. Built by Wendy $240
3. Sure she's already got a collection going, but Yves Saint Laurent's "Parisienne" is sweet and spicy and she doesn't have anything like it. Sephora $39
4. She's juggling eighteen credit hours, a part-time photography business, and still manages to get hot chocolate with you. Help her stay organized with this timeless Moleskin weekly planner. Barnes & Noble $19.95
5. All girls love bangs, for about a week. Let her choose with this Hair-Do clip in bang. Trust us. She'll love it. MaxWigs $28.99
6. For the Save: She's probably got twelve holiday parties on the agenda this season. Four awesome polish shades we'll make the task at hand that much easier. Ulta $17.00

This guy's nickname is "Up & Coming" because he knows every band, brand, gadget, indie film, and trend about three months before you. Show him your one step ahead with any of these gifts.

1. For the Splurge: His vinyl collection belongs in a museum, but that turntable he got at a thrift store is lackluster. Help him upgrade with this Crosley portable record player. Amazon $72.99
2. For the Save: Since he walks everywhere, keep him warm this winter with this ceramic coffee cup. It's reusable and insulates better than styrofoam. Perpetual Kid $9.99
3. Treat him to a fancy dinner. You both get an excuse to dress up and get some quality time together. A festive metallic gold skinny tie will get anyone in the Christmas spirit. Forever 21 $9.90
4. Give him an album he didn't find the time to get himself. Pick from Spin Magazine's 40 Best Albums of 2009, or go on an underground hunt at Daytrotter.
5. These faux leather sneakers will be his new go-to favorite. The perfect mix of casual and cool, and they won't get soaked in the snow like his canvas pair. Urban Outfitters $24.00
6. This Dutch-designed USB stick is sure to wow. Get ordering soon, it ships from Europe. Oooms €50 Euros or $75 USD.

Happy Gifting!

Posted by Emily Frame.

Music - Yuletide Download #2 -Adam & Darcie

Adam and Darcie, the married indie-pop duo we featured a few months back, seem like the perfect band to record a holiday song. The couple’s beautiful harmonies combined with their use of acoustic guitar and xylophone blend to create a wonderful holiday classic. And they picked the perfect song to record too – “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.” So grab your favorite book, make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, light the fire and let the soft, wintry sounds of Adam and Darcie bring in the holiday cheer.


Click to Download

Also check out Adam & Darcie's Website/Myspace

Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Photo of Adam & Darcie by Yan Photography

Style - For the Chill of it

Members of the Utah Valley University Hockey Team take a break from the ice in Gap's best cold weather wears.

On Jeff Sherpa CPO Jacket $78 // On John Rugby Striped Crewneck $39.50

On Weston Cable Knit Cardigan $68 // On Dave Buffalo Yolk Puffer Jacket $98

On Zeph Herringbone Blazer $98 // On Collin Wool Private Jacket $128

Catch these guys in action when they return to the rink, this January.
1/8 vs. Brigham Young University
1/9 vs. Weber State University
1/16 vs. Brigham Young University
1/22 vs. Utah State University
2/6 vs. University of Utah
For more information, visit the team here.

Photographs by Matt Clayton
Dec. '09

Music - Yuletide Download #1 -Kid Theodore

This Christmas, we're giving a yuletide download for you and your kin. Twelve in fact. For the next twelve days, as our gift to you (and your Christmas playlist), we're gifting twelve free yuletide tunes. Prepared by a few of our favorite music makers just for you.
So, listen, download and enjoy. We hope it adds more merry to your Christmas season.

Love,
All of us here at 21st & Ivy

JAM GIVEAWAY - Two more days - Enter here. DO IT!

Kid Theodore, the indie garage pop band that we highlighted last month, recorded a delightful but somewhat morbid holiday tune entitled Halloween for Christmas. Other than making your foot tap involuntarily, this song will definitely get you excited to spend an "unholy night that is filled with fright" with your family members (perhaps by watching the similarly themed Tim Burton film?).
Enjoy.


Click here to download

Also check out Kid Theodore's Website / Myspace / Twitter

Posted by Amalia Smith

Benton Paul

At the beginning of the year, Benton Paul had a few hundred plays per song on his MySpace. After Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers mentioned Benton’s song “I Only See You” during a live video chat in January, those hundred plays per song quickly turned into thousands. Since then, Benton’s fan base has continued to grow both locally and nationally. He just got off the road with “American Idol” Finalist Brooke White and is currently touring with another “Idol” Finalist, David Archuleta.

“[David’s] a nice guy and happens to be from Utah so we have things in common, and we’ve had chances to hang out and go out to shows together and co-write a little bit. He’s a real solid guy. It feels good to be going out on the road with somebody who has good morals and is a good person.”

Besides touring, Benton has been working on his second album. He recently released a three song EP preview of the second album on iTunes and had a track featured as an “iTunes discovery download” for a week, getting over 250,000 downloads.

THE SAME SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR BENTON PAUL

Who or what inspires you?
Musically, I look to bands from the UK. Coldplay, Jamie Cullum, Aqualung, The Beatles, Sting, Eric Clapton, Muse, the list goes on. Personally, I look to family, close friends, and God for inspiration on that front.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd have a massive set of biceps, triceps, and quadriceps to where people would look at me and think... "How does he still play the guitar without breaking it?"

What makes you happy?
Super Mario, Wes Anderson films, and ice cream.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing my loved ones unexpectedly.

What makes you laugh?
Children under 3, my high school years, and The Office (tv show).

Who are you listening to right now?
Mika's new record, John Mayer's new record, Landon Pigg's new record, Brandi Carlile's new record, Muse's new record and The Beatles' old record.

What fictional character do you identify with most?
Ender Wiggin from Ender's Game (the book). Not sure if it's that I really identify with him, or that I really want to be him... I can't tell.

Check out Benton's music here and here. And Tweet with him here.

Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Photographs by Matt Clayton

Music - Seve vs. Evan Sheet Music

Have you been dying to play along to your favorite Seve vs. Evan songs? Well you are in luck! The indie electropop duo just released sheet music for both piano and synthesizer for 6 of their most popular songs.

Buy it here. Also, check out their website, their myspace, and/or their twitter.

Posted by Amalia Smith

Style - A Few of Their Favorite Things

From luxe velvet to merino wool, the employees of Banana Republic store 8543 share with us a few of their favorite things they wouldn't mind finding tied up in a bow, this Christmas.

Claire's Favorite Thing: Ruffle-bib Shirt $70. Worn with Exposed-zip Pencil Skirt $90, Wool Hat $59.50, Sunset Bracelet $26

John's Favorite Thing: Military Two-pocket Coat $255. Worn with Straight Leg Jean $79, Slim Fit Bengal Stripe Shirt $59.50, Wool Plaid Fringe Scarf $49.50

Erika's Favorite Thing: Silk Colorblock Dress $152. Worn with Velvet Blazer $152, Knots & Chains Necklace $49.50

Girard's Favorite Thing: Grey Two-button Blazer $198. Worn with Merino Wool V-neck Sweater $59.50, Slim Fit Plaid Shirt $59.50. Wool Striped-edge Scarf $49.50, Heritage Fit Distressed Jeans $150

Mikelle's Favorite Thing: Wool Double-breasted Peacoat $180. Worn with Classic Skinny Jean $90, Plaid Scarf $49.50

Jonathan's Favorite Thing: Merino Wool Half-zip Sweater $90. Worn with Slim Fit Checkered Shirt $79.50, Silk Tie $59.50, New Black Wool Suit Pant $150.

All items available online at bananarepublic.com or at your local Banana Republic store.

Photographs by Matt Clayton

Goods - Anne Made Jams + Giveaway

After discovering Anne Made's jams and jellies last year, we knew that we had discovered the perfect companion for the cream cheese atop our bagel. With flavors like Apricot Habanero, Spicy Kiwi, and Strawberry Basil we may have stocked up on one or two jars...or maybe a few. But, now with our dwindling supply, we're comforted to know that Anne Made jams will be readily available at the Beehive Bazaar, which runs from December 3rd through Saturday Dec. 5th at the Woman's Center in Provo. Consider our shelves stocked.

We'd like to give away a couple of our favorite flavors to two lucky blog stalkers. Comment below before December 12th to enter. Winners will be announced December 14th.
If you can't wait to win, then we suggest you hit up the Beehive Bazaar and grab a couple jars for yourself.

Goods - iKaraoke

Sing your heart out with the iKaraoke microphone. A perfect gift for musicians and music lovers alike. Simply plug it in to your iPod and start rocking out. iKaraoke even includes a feature that allows you to dim vocals or get rid of them completely.

$60 at FredFlare

Posted by Andrew Garlock

Music - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

French indie-rock band Phoenix recently released a remix album of songs from its fourth studio release and breakthrough album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.”

The collection features 15 tracks of remixes by bands like Animal Collective, Passion Pit, Chairlift, Friendly Fires, Yacht and others. I think most of the remixes are great and each band creates a new spin on a Phoenix classic, while leaving hints of its own signature sound. I just don’t like that they chose to remix the song “Fences” five different times. I didn’t really like that track to begin with, but the remixes help make the song a little better.

But what I do love is that there are two remixes each of “Lisztomania” and “1901.”

Even though there are multiple remixes of the same song, each remix is completely different from the rest. It’s hard to get bored listening to the hour’s worth of music the 15 tracks take up.

If you’re looking to throw a dance party and don’t feel like creating a playlist, or you just want some music to turn up loud in your car with the windows rolled down, look no further than Phoenix’s new remix album. It’s sure to please you, any crowd and those traveling with you in the car.

However, if you haven’t listened to Phoenix before, I recommend checking out “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” before listening to the remixes.

Posted by Spencer Flanagan

December 2009

The sweet smell of pine trees and turtle doves have filled the air over here at 21st & Ivy and we're ready for a month of giving, getting and mistletoe waiting. And because we're feeling extra merry and bright, we've also prepared our very best posts to close down 2009 right.

This month singer/songwriter Benton Paul visits and fills us in on what he's been up to, we introduce you to DJ Red Spectral (we know, we promised this post last month, but this time we mean it), share our top gift ideas and help you dress for the last party of the year. Plus, gifts we've prepared just for you!! Double exclamation points!

So be sure to keep visiting. We love the company.

Best,
The crew at 21st & Ivy