By Katie Todd
Now that April showers have brought spring into full swing, it’s time for another Top 5! Recently, I’ve been considering robot concepts, ice cream, and more ways to get outside in Grand Rapids.
1. The Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips played at the new venue, 20 Monroe Live, last week and unfortunately, because of my only-recently-employed student status, I couldn’t make it. So instead, I stuck to relistening to their tracks, and their 2002 album, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots really stuck out out to me. Whether or not it is indeed a concept album on a girl taking on robots is still debated. Catchy synth melodies and narrative-like lyrics weave together a career defining album. The album’s title track is a perfect blend of nostalgic guitar work and electronic rhythms and sounds divided into two parts. The second single off the album, “Do You Realize??” plays like a classic romance ballad, with a twang of psychedelia, perfect for a dreamy slow dance on the prom floor (that is, if I was DJ-ing).
2. More Ice Cream
I’m well aware that I wrote about ice cream in last month’s piece, but the seasonal treat deserves all of the attention I want to give to it. Eastown’s Furniture City Creamery is hard to pass up. This “microcreamery” makes all 100 of their signature flavors in store, with 14 available at any given time. The quirkiness of Eastown isn’t missed in their shop either, as the flavor selection is always unique and original, with flavors like Fruity Pebbles (made with cereal milk!), Sweet Basil, and Chocolate Covered Potato Chip. With gluten free, vegan, and dog options available, Furniture City Creamery is a perfect stop for everyone.
3. Norwegian Wood
No, not actually wood, and yes, just like the Beatles song. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami is a coming of age novel like no other. Set in 1980’s Japan, the story follows college freshman, Toru Watanabe, as he navigates loss and love. After the death and possible suicide of his best friend, he pursues a relationship with the dead friend’s ex-girlfriend. However, she is rattled from this death and from the suicide of her sister as well. Lost and looking for health and clarity of mind, she is only an object of Toru’s affection, as she has nothing she can give to him at that moment. However, a quirky fellow student of Toru’s, Midori, makes her way into her life, yet she comes with obstacles of her own. Love, loneliness, and loss tessellate the novel in a way that make it a timeless classic.
4. Blooming
With the weather warming up, I hope you’re looking for more reasons to get out of the house. The Frederik Meijer Gardens combines art and plants into one beautiful setting that’s just a short drive down the East Beltline. With 158 acres, there’s always something to discover. Spring has called for butterflies to arrive in their timely fashion, and the Gardens has 7000 butterflies of 50 different species floating around their Tropical Conservatory. Also seasonal and just as beautiful are the sakura blossoms of the Japanese Gardens. The zen-styled garden would make a perfect place to relax before gearing up for AP tests. Tickets for students are $11, reasonably priced considering all the things to see and do.
5. Sparrows
One of my very favorite coffee shops is Sparrows Coffee, Tea & Newstand. Located on Wealthy Street in Eastown, it’s a perfect haven for sipping on a cup of tea while studying. When it’s time for a break, they have plenty of indie art, writing, fashion, and food magazines available to flip through. Since the pleasant temperatures as of late have allowed for more outdoor enjoyment, their terrace is a cute spot to pass the time, whether with a friend, with a book, or with some math homework.
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