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STRATEGY FOR THE DAY: be here now - or at the beach

I've been screening a lot of great music at TAXI (http://www.taxi.com) this week in the dance/electronica category. This is one of my favorite genres and has been a real pleasure to listen to and critique. in the process I've come across a couple of outstanding artists. Ken and Becky Rash have a sound that's similar to Dido and Jem. Great songs, great tracks. You can hear them at Broadjam.com. Deep Sonic has a more aggressive sound a la Fatboy Slim . They are a New York based collective that has put together some deep groove, head-bobbing tracks. Check out "Sunrise" which has a fusion flute lead over a dynamite track (http://www.deepsonic.com).

I had a great short break up in Avila Beach. Stayed at the Inn at Avila Beach right on the sand. The building is not new (late 1940's or early 1950's) and it's typical stucco construstion painted in a serioulsy faded pink, but the inside has been upgraded by the owner so it has a sort of trendy southwestern feel. The service was great, prices affordable, and it had the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. But the stellar attraction is the rooftop. Three stories above the beach with a gorgeous view of the coastline and pier, they have built individual cabanas with lounge chairs, day beds, coffee table, TV, even a microwave. They are like mini-hotel rooms with the front wall knocked out. The great thing is, even if you have a room in the back of the hotel as I did, you can spend time up on the roof and get the best view on the central coast. I love Avila Beach - it retains that 1950's California beach town look. Sleepy and comfortable. There is construction going on so I'm sure that will all change soon. For now, it's just right as far as I'm concerned.

Read A Brief History Of Love Songs by Robin Frederick at the Sound Experience Music web site.

Copyright 2004 Robin Frederick. All rights reserved.