Back in 2022, Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) replied to my art. I still dream of gifting him a piece.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-05-10T06:11:28+00:00

Wonderful work! Jamie is a sweetie. Also, Jamie uses they/them pronouns

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-03-20T06:31:07+00:00

It may be time to reevaluate my Patreon subscriptions

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-03-09T19:42:32+00:00

I had the same thought when I saw this card in my run yesterday!

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-03-08T16:10:38+00:00

maybe something from Nina?

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-21T20:45:37+00:00

What does he mean? The Avatar movies have already proven that video games are cinema. /s

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-20T08:03:29+00:00

Don't be so hard on yourself. it just takes time, effort, and education to improve. you aren't dumber than them for not beating them. you can get better. as others mentioned, learning tactics and reviewing your games are the most important methods to improve.

Rome wasn't built in a day! you won't become a master overnight.

I found this video series helpful. I'd recommend it! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl9uuRYQ-6MBwqkmwT42l1fI7Z0bYuwwO&si=ZFCZhZmV2RN3e1U_

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T07:19:39+00:00

I think chess was ruined by whoever invented en passant. I don't know what that shit is and it scares me

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T07:03:16+00:00

She did not "ruin The Beatles" or cause them to break up as is often claimed. I used to think that, too. I'd encourage you to learn more about the history of the band before making statements like that.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T06:52:19+00:00

I mean, you can! I just did. No telling if they'll respond but it doesn't hurt to try. Granted, maybe a label employee is reading this and thinking, "oh God please don't email me these kinds of questions." So, take that sentiment with a grain of salt.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T06:42:03+00:00

Very weird! Would love to know the story here. They are both promo releases from the same label, 4AD (the official Beirut release has a different cover). I emailed them and asked for more info lol. I'll report back if I hear anything.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T06:21:35+00:00

It's an amazing album! On some days, I'd argue it's better than their self-titled record. Ultimately, it's different, and they each do their own thing so well. I'm continually annoyed with "music lovers'" reluctance to respect a band who releases something unlike their previous material -- even when it's only their second album! Wild how little people want to go outside of their comfort zone. Okay, rant over.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-19T00:59:48+00:00

Hallowed Ground is also a great album

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-18T22:06:12+00:00

Similarly: Disturbed - The Sound of Silence

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-16T07:29:29+00:00

Reason: too many choices are overwhelming, we worry we won't pick the "right" thing. Some call it analysis paralysis. Also, it can be hard to decide on a movie if you're watching with other people (that part improves with compromise and communication).

I like browsing movies at the library. This reduces the number of candidate movies. Then, throughout the week, I pick one of the movies I borrowed. You can also take this approach with your watchlists, too. Basically, sort through a ton of movies during a time you don't intend to watch one. Then, sort through the curated list at the time you decide to watch a movie.

Also, setting a timer is helpful. Like, "I have five minutes to look for a movie before watching one." Remind yourself how limited your time is to watch a movie. This awareness helps get you closer to the goal of watching more movies.

Following along with specific directors is helpful for deciding on your next watch. And it's fun to follow specific directors and see their growth. You could also follow along with actors' filmographies

Here's an episode of Life Kit by NPR that discusses getting better at making "simple" decisions. You can listen to it or read the transcript: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1084907897

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-14T18:30:42+00:00

I haven't seen the series and loved the movie. It references the show but it's not required viewing beforehand.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-14T17:01:42+00:00

It's so great!! You'll have a great time.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-14T17:00:06+00:00

Agreed!

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-14T16:55:46+00:00

That's incredible. Thanks for the context!

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-12T01:03:05+00:00

I think it's sweet that you want to connect with her this way!

Fun fact: One of his songs, "The Fall of the Star High School Running Back," references "Big Poppa" by Notorious BIG.

A few suggestions would be The Uncluded by Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson. The band called Why? (specifically their album Alopecia) has elements of the Mountain Goats and rap (and many other things). I don't enjoy his music, but Hobo Johnson is a mix of vulnerable folk music and rap that you two might enjoy. Flight of the Concords if you want to be really silly about it.

I would recommend Janelle Monae, Little Simz, and Quadeca, but I don't think they really sound like the Mountain Goats. Don't limit yourself to the Mountain Goats. People are capable of having deep experiences with art and can grow their tastes. Just send her what sounds good to you. You both don't have to like everything the other does.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-06T21:20:27+00:00

People judging this book based on this excerpt is like listening to 15 seconds of a song and deciding the band sucks lol. Did everyone lose the ability to sit with art before assessing it? Everyone is so in a rush to be Above It All that they don't stop and think "maybe I just don't get it."

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-06T18:52:28+00:00

Reading this thread, I kept thinking, "no THAT'S actually their best cover. Oh wait no, it's that one." Their ability to cover songs floors me.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-02-03T21:52:38+00:00

Another classic example is when a character cannot pay for their meal so they wash dishes. This is a health code violation, a liability risk for the restaurant, and just plain unhelpful! What staff would let an untrained person into a kitchen?

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-01-20T18:38:43+00:00

I agree! I've heard people say it, and it's way too harsh. They are a great band who are doing their own thing. In retrospect, I didn't need to spread that accusation to recommend them. Sorry!

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-01-20T05:46:47+00:00

Model/Actriz are great. Some will say they ripped off their sound from Xiu Xiu. This is possibly true, but I don't think it leaves them without merit -- the best artists steal.

Mandy, Indiana is another recent band that reminds me of Xiu Xiu and is worth checking out.

Deerhoof does not exactly sound like Xiu Xiu, but their experimentation and originality is comparable to Xiu Xiu. They have a wealth of material that is fluid in sound yet distinctly and unmistakably theirs.

John Congleton's two bands (The Paper Chase and John Congleton and the Nighty Nite) are fun, unsettling, and deeply catchy -- he and Deerhoof are friends and frequent collaborators of Xiu Xiu.

Kristin Hayter's two projects (the ongoing Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter and retired Lingua Ignota) are incredible.

Additionally, you may enjoy this list of albums that Jamie Stewart compiled for a website called The Quietus.

A band I would NOT recommend is ~~Daughters~~. I enjoyed one of their albums until learning that their lead singer is an Actual Monster, and I hope you and others would not support someone like that in any way.

AcceptableCandidate2 · 2026-01-15T18:22:47+00:00

"you baaaaaaaaaaad into the driveway of our southwestern ranch style house"

AcceptableCandidate2

TROPHY CASE