I turned 31 this past Sunday. Normally, such events occasion introspective rumination. Alas, I find myself completely uncontemplative of late.¹

I saw the Reigning Sound on the eve of my birthday at Southpaw in Brooklyn. Greg Cartwright, of the Compulsive Gamblers and Oblivians fame, is one of the most talented songwriters and performers of the last 20 years, though you’re likely not aware of him unless you’re up on the garage rock scene. The man’s palette is broader than simple garage rock, though his live performances owe much to the exuberant energy of the genre. The show was tremendous—hopefully an auspicious start to my 32^nd year of existence.

Here’s some evidence of Cartwright’s genius for those of you not yet acquainted with the man:

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Photo credit: theresak on Flickr.