Author Archives: Nour C.

Fourth of July Street Faire: An Insider’s Perspective

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This year, Mission Viejo brought back their famous Fourth of July Street Faire, and once again, they went all out for this celebration! Every year, the Mission Viejo Activities Committee (MVAC) gathers people of all ages to enjoy different foods, interest booths, and attractions scattered around Olympiad Road. For easy accessibility, they even provided shuttles available from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to provide transportation for everyone.

There is something for everyone in this event; stretching from Marguerite to Melinda Parkway, this Fourth of July Street was packed with diverse booths and activities. This year, vendors brought many fun items to promote their small businesses, from stylish clothes and accessories to professionally taken photographs. For those looking for extra fun, other booths provided a space to take on fun crafts or play exciting carnival-like games. 

The Youth branch of MVAC hosted a craft booth for kids to make some fun, themed crafts relating to the Fourth of July. As a member of this branch, I helped to provide customizable firework rockets and wooden-starred wands to eager, creative kids looking for an enthusiastic environment. Other than booths, there were multiple food and dessert trucks scattered around the Street Faire grounds. Inclusive food options are a keystone to these events, so this year, these trucks provided delicious, vegetarian food options for everyone to try. At the Fourth of July Street Faire, there is a place for everyone in this community to have fun!

While passing by, I heard varying genres of music coming from three different stages, each spread out across the streets. Seeing artists and bands that originated in Mission Viejo was quite entertaining. The most intriguing aspect of these performances was how each stage had a different slate of music, from calm acoustic melodies to some indie and new wave hits. A new band performed every few hours, so next year, feel free to sit down by the bleachers and catch a show. 

The scenery of the lake is astounding during this event. At around 9:00 p.m., when the sky turned dark and the heat decreased immensely, the famous Fireworks Spectacular began. Bright, vivid colors of red, white, and blue filled the night sky. Everyone was astonished and captivated by the large arrays of red, white, and blue lights. This moment is the most remarkable part of this night; not only does this attraction show the wonders of our city, but it also proves how important community is to the residents of Mission Viejo. Attending next year would be the perfect opportunity to have some summer fun, connect with the community, and celebrate the wonders that our city has to offer. 

A warm thanks to the Mission Viejo Activities Committee for dedicating every year to planning this event. If you want to learn more about this event and the Committee, visit their website for more information.

Album Review: Dusk to Dawn by Lamp

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When looking through an active artist’s discography, you may find that their current sound has strayed from their original music. Other times, you may feel disappointed that your favorite song from an artist is nothing like their other work. For better or worse, this phenomenon is all too common for most artists. However, the Japanese indie rock band Lamp often releases projects that reflect their distinct musical approaches. This remains true for their latest album, Dusk to Dawn.

Album Cover for Dusk to Dawn by Lamp

The Shibuya-Kei trio known as Lamp first formed in the year 2000 during the members’ college years in Japan. Since then, a sum of eight albums have been released to date. Through twenty years of activity, Lamp has gained a massive fanbase in domestic and international regions, thanks to their extensive discography. The release of their latest album, Dusk to Dawn, was long-awaited, to say the least, but was met with a wonderful response. A large part of this positive reaction is because this album perfectly blends Lamp’s diverse musical styles. 

Those who listen to Lamp are primarily aware of the band’s bouncy, playful sounds of bossa nova. After all, this genre of music is prominent in their 2003 debut album, Soyokaze Apartment Room 201. The first half of Dusk to Dawn allows Lamp to revisit their love for bossa nova and soft jazz through tracks such as “August Calendar” and “Weekend.” Lamp also creates a more urban atmosphere through lighter songs like “As Time Goes By” and “Her Watch.” For avid listeners of city pop, this project has exactly what you are looking for.

My favorite aspect of Lamp’s discography is their soft and soothing acoustic instrumentals, which were primarily seen in their 2008 project Lamp Genso. To my surprise, Lamp delved back into this mellow, hypnotic sound in the second half of Dusk to Dawn. Throughout the latter section of this album, Lamp beautifully delivered their unique guitar melodies without overshadowing other elements of each song. Moreover, the band’s ethereal, gentle vocals radiate alongside their impressive instrumentals. Together, these elements intertwine to create blissful and serene soundscapes, as seen in tracks like “Autumn Letter” and “Summer Triangle,” which are by far my favorite songs of this album. 

Dusk to Dawn is an album of nostalgia that encapsulates the band’s feelings that resurface as time passes. Through this musical project, the band reflects on their lingering memories associated with each yearly season or time of day. If you are looking for an abundance of new music, there are twenty exceptional tracks on Dusk to Dawn that are waiting for you! 

Album Review: I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One

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Sometimes, we find our favorite songs in mundane experiences. Whether we get the recommendation of a lifetime from our friends, or we find a catchy song on the radio, the event is different for everyone. Still, we all have that one mind-altering experience with music. I first discovered Yo La Tengo through their heartwarming song titled “My Little Corner of the World.” After playing it on loop for hours on end, I finally listened to Yo La Tengo’s I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One, and I was shocked to find that this was more than a series of simple folk songs.

Album Cover Art for I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One by Yo La Tengo

I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One was released in 1997 by indie rock band Yo La Tengo. Most known for its various inspirations and genres, the album flips from acoustic folk-inspired tracks to glimpses of noise pop. For instance, tracks like “Autumn Sweater” and “The Lie and How We Told It” use catchy drums and blissful guitars to create homey, nostalgic tunes. Other tracks such as “Sugarcube” and “Deeper into Movies” use heavier guitars and distortions to take louder, rock-inspired approach. Despite these differences, Yo La Tengo masters each genre they tackle, and the end result is always interesting.

The most surprising track on I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One has to be “Center of Gravity.” Despite being the only bossa nova track of this project, it easily became my all time favorite song for its groovy percussions and different vocals. Still, each song in this project is different, so you never know what to expect once the track number changes. Yo La Tengo uses this unpredictable nature to their advantage. From beginning to end, I admired their musical variety instead of pushing it away. Even if you favor one genre over another, I guarantee you will find something to love about I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One. Give this album a shot!

Album Review: Invitation to Her’s

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One of my favorite relics from nostalgic summers is the music I discovered as the weeks passed. From windy summer nights to morning heatwaves, my fondest memories from those three-month vacations are the playlists I used to make. As I take a trip down memory lane, the first album that reminds me of those “good old days” is Invitation to Her’s.

Album Cover Art for Invitation to Her’s by Her’s.

Indie pop band Her’s released their second album, Invitation to Her’s, in 2018. A year after its release, I came across this project and quickly fell for the duo’s witty lyrics and catchy soundscapes. More specifically, I was captivated by the duo’s ability to balance each track on this album. From groovy instrumentals to clever bridges, Her’s contrasted their low and punchy vocals with soft falsetto melodies. In just a few moments, some of the best songs on this album would feel like a completely different experience.

“Harvey” and “Love on the Line (Call Now)” were by far my favorite tracks on the album, most likely by nostalgic bias. The groovy instrumentals and catchy lyrics immediately kept me hooked onto their music, and their riffs would replay in my head for days on end. Other songs, such as “She Needs Him,” transitioned from a lively song to a dreamy, slow-paced instrumental solo. Her’s knew when and how to balance their tracks; some songs had their moxie settle until the end, and others turned to a different tune.

Although some songs like “Breathing Easy” and “Under Wraps” were not as upbeat as the other tracks on this album, their soft and lounge-inspired soundscapes were just as compelling. Each song on Invitation to Her’s was unique in its own way, which is why there is at least one song that will impress you. For this reason, this album has been my go-to recommendation for years, and I find myself coming back to those blazing summers from the moment their drums kick in. Whether we’re stuck in another freezing winter or blossoming into a new spring, Invitation to Her’s is an album for every season and every music fan. Give this album a try; you won’t regret it!

Album Review: Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time

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As a fan of the dream pop scene, my biggest challenge is finding new albums to listen to. My current favorite songs have been stuck in my music rotation for months, and I’ve been trying to expand my music taste for some time now. Luckily, I struck gold a few months ago and came across the criminally underrated album Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time, and I am more than glad that I did.

Released in 2013, Ceres and the Calypso in the Deep Time is an album created by Candy Claws, a Colorado-based music group. Their strange knack for storytelling came to life in this project specifically. This project explores the adventures of a seal-like animal and a human girl throughout the Mesozoic Era, journeying through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras. The members of Candy Claws collaborated with poet Jenn Morea to write the lyrics for this album. Her expertise in writing blossomed throughout her lyrics, each song depicting the beautiful landscapes of our world. Candy Claws built off of her writing by filling each track with dreamy vocals and various sounds, whether using stringed instruments or electronic synths. Most importantly, the band’s diverse music inspirations are what creates an immersive scenery for their audience.

Album Cover Art for Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time by Candy Claws.

Candy Claws’ interesting production style is inspired by countless music eras, most notably 50s bossa nova, 60s pop, and 90s shoegaze. Their inspirations, along with their production talent, is what makes Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time different from other albums. Every track feels like a different experience, but they all add up to create a cohesive project along with a light-hearted story. The poetic lyrics and small references to Earth’s beauty tie into the atmospheric feel that this album is going for. All of these details left me admiring Candy Claws’ talent in musical production, but also their ability to make a world simply out of sounds.

When I came across Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time, I was first intrigued by the cover art. After a lot of research, my interest for this album peaked, and I knew that I had to give it a listen. My love for niche artists and conceptual albums thrived as I listened to each track, even more so around the end. Although Candy Claws’ production can sound confined or distorted, I personally enjoyed their take on the dream pop scene. I guarantee that somebody in the music world will have a newfound love for this album, especially shoegaze or dream-pop fans. Ceres and Calypso in the Deep Time may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a listen!

Book Review: Blue Nights by Joan Didion

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Blue Nights by Joan Didion explores the death of the author’s adopted daughter, Quintana Roo, by discussing her experience with parenthood and growing old.

Didion recounts many moments in her life in her memoir, filling each chapter with bittersweet memories of her daughter. Didion also shares many personal moments in her life, ranging from her early childhood until this memoir’s publishing. In recalling both her daughter’s life and her own, Didion questions whether she made the right decisions in motherhood while simultaneously grieving the loss of her husband. 

What makes Didion’s novels different from other memoirs is the way she puts her memories into words. The way she recalls remnants of her life and shares her every thought is unique from other writers; her work is so personal, it’s as if we are both watching her grieve her loved ones while also feeling sympathy for her. The writing in Blue Nights constantly reminds us that healing does not happen overnight. Despite the emotional premise of this memoir, Didion’s writing style remains consistent with her other works: beautiful and detailed. She brings so much emotion to her writing and executes each scene poignantly without holding her feelings back. Her ability to be vulnerable yet precise in writing is beyond admirable, making each of her memoirs beautiful in its own distinctive way.

In all honesty, I was hesitant about reading this book after hearing how saddening the premise was. However, I later found myself in awe of this memoir because of how powerfully Didion describes grief. Blue Nights is a perfect representation of grieving because her feelings shine through each passage, but also because the novel itself is her healing process. Whether she is writing symbolically or being straightforward, her hard-hitting words left me empathizing with her for every page turned. Didion and her daughter shared a very loving relationship, and she even references Quintana Roo’s love for Malibu when talking about her daughter’s childhood and marriage. Didion’s admiration for her loved ones is apparent throughout her memoir, but she allows them to live on even after their passing. The battle that Didion faces with grief is more than inspiring, and her unique writing demonstrates that. 

Blue Nights by Joan Didion is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free on Libby.