I have some things to say about Gossip, but I’ll save those notes for when I’ve finished listening to their discography.

When I’m feeling particularly homesick for Portland, I like to think about my favorite memories from when I lived there. This is one of my favorites because it was just sweet, a cute moment and a happy exchange of energy.

It was around Christmas of 2010. I was working in the cafe at Border’s books, in downtown PDX. I was cleaning the cafe, bent over, picking up a mat and when I came up, there was Brace Paine of Gossip! I had no idea he was in the store and was so surprised. “Oh! Hi!,” I smiled. And without skipping a beat, he returned the smile and the greeting, “Oh! Hi!” and out the door he went. We had those funny ear/walkie talkie things and I promptly alerted my work bestie. She was thrilled for me.

It’s funny how all of ten seconds has stuck with me over the years. I have a few memories like that. These happy little blips, they make me smile and feel warm and fuzzy.

He used to have a blog too, very art-centric. It was a fun read. And I love his fashion choices! Especially his eyewear. Wouldn’t it be funny if he didn’t put any thought into that at all? He’s just like, “Yeah, these are just the glasses I picked up.” All super blasé.

Anyway, it’s nice to see that he is still making music and touring. I’ve had like 20 near misses of seeing Gossip on tour. Hopefully one of these times. I mean, come on, Nathan. Grab your specs and pay Portland a visit <3