8 Things to Love about Autumn (’09) in NY

1.  The song “Autumn In New York” as sung by Billie Holiday

First of all, there’s a reason this song exists and was immortalized so well by jazz/blues/pop legend Billie Holliday.  You should feel really uppity and self-satisfied that such a song was written about the city you live in.  Let that New York resident snobbiness roll!  It’s well deserved.  I dare anyone to argue with that.

2. Sweaters, Trenches, Boots & Plaid!

It’s boring to wear the same shit year round, it makes it feel like you live in some Southern California state of hell.  Plus, there’s only so many different combinations of shorts, skirts, tanks, and tees you can make. Boooo-ring.

3.  Indoor Bars

I’m thanking my lucky stars that I’m no longer having to deal with the battle of Sitting Outside, because it’s too fucking hot or cold (due to a/c) to sit inside.  New York dive bars TRUMP anything you can find in any year-round-warmth U.S. cities.  Sit inside and enjoy the aged wood.

4.  Bike Rides

Finally, it’s not too cold or too hot to ride your bike.  It’s a good way to get around Brooklyn, and it make sit feel like you’re excercizing without wanting to kill yourself.  True, the other time this happens is Spring, but um, that’s kinda far away.

5.  Autumn Salads & Root Veggies

Dried fruit, pumpkin, and strong cheese = a pseudo and legit vegetarian’s dream come true.  For all you other guys like Danielle, it’s a nice start or side to a hearty meal.  As an aside, I just went to a dinner party where there was BOTH apple dumplings AND Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.  I fucking love fall.

6.  Sufjan Stevens

I just caught Sufjan’s show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg this past Tuesday, and let me tell you, it was one for the scrapbook…even though I don’t own nor have ever made a scrapbook, but whatever.  He’s one of those performers who, if you think he’s fantastic on an album, you’ll be absolutely blown away at the live show.  But even if you missed his dates this week for Bowery Presents, you have new stuff coming out soon to look forward to, not to mention the fact that “For The Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless of Ypsilanti” and “A Good Man is Hard To Find” are perfect to play indoors on a breezy day, or riding the subway in a comfy sweater.

7.  Day Trips in New England, aka If it’s Tangy and Brown, You’re in Cider Town

I’m actually taking a mini-vacation upstate soon, and I cannot wait to visit the place of which Tall Tales were born (from what I’ve heard)!  Apple picking, hiking, apple cider, foliage, and…QUIET.  I’m also going to attempt to visit Rhode Island and Boston before November ends, which are always pleasant getaways, even though in the end, I’ll always want to return to Brooklyn.

8.  1960’s Folk Music

Perhaps it’s Mad Men, and perhaps it’s just something about the way downtown looks in the fall, but somehow, autumn in the city never fails to invoke a soundtrack in my mind, unprovoked by my ipod.  That soundtrack is: 1960s folk music.  Specifically: Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Mamas and the Papas, Bob Dylan, and Peter Sarstedt.  More specifically, I’m currently obsessed with Peter Paul & Mary’s “Early In The Morning”.  RIP, Mary!