Talking about it

Two years ago I was sitting in a cushioned chair waiting to get my hair coloured. With no warning, I was breathless. The black robe that was supposed to protect my clothes from chemicals felt as if it was about to grow arms and suffocate me. My heart began to race and sweat poured from my temples. The world began to spin around me.

Readers, I felt like I was about to die.

But as a student of psychology, I knew immediately—intellectually, at least—that this was not a heart attack. Rather it was an equally terrifying but totally harmless panic attack. I knew this but it didn’t matter.

I jumped out of the chair, threw off the robe, mumbled an excuse and left. Five minutes and a couple of breathing exercises later, I felt fine. A few days later in the middle of a complicated cat-cow back stretch in Pilates, it happened again. I took my powerhouse and got the hell out of there. The next morning I thought I would never be able to go outside.

And I knew that I had to see a therapist. My body (or perhaps, my psyche?) was leaving me with no choice. But I felt embarrassed asking for help. I was scared. ‘What if I’m crazy?’ I thought to myself.

It astounds me that after spending five years studying this very subject, I was still very much a product of my society. The stigma attached to therapy is so prevalent that it was no match for my educated and misfiring neurons.

But I made and kept my appointment.

Making the Appointment

You might be thinking to yourself right about now, ‘I am not crazy. I do not run out of hair salons with robes fluttering in the wind. I am strong. I can handle my problems on my own. I have friends and family. They’ll listen. This therapy business is baloney.’

Mental health problems are actually quite common

The truth is that you’re not alone. Those are just some of the most common misconceptions about therapy and mental health problems.

‘Mental health problems are caused by personal weaknesses’

‘Mental illness cannot be treated’

‘Talking to a friend is the same as talking to a therapist’

‘Therapy is for crazy people’

While therapy and therapists do deal with serious mental, emotional and behavioural disorders there are also a host of other issues that fall under their purview. Issues that affect all of us; like stress and anger promulgated by changes in marital status or employment; interpersonal problems; communication problems; anxiety and phobias, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, bereavement and loss. In some countries within the Union, rates of alcoholism and other types of addiction (substance abuse, gambling) have increased fourfold over the last decade. We now know that some of these addictions are usually hiding some sort of mental or emotional turmoil.

Addressing the Issue

So why should we embrace talking to trained professionals about our troubles? Shouldn’t we rather keep a veil over our problems, put a smile on our faces, have a whisky and just get on with it?

According to the World Health Organisation one in four Europeans will be affected with a mental health problem at some point in their lives. More worrying is the finding that nine of the ten countries with the highest rates of suicide in the world are in the European Region. It has been found that the stigma, prejudice and misconception that swirl around mental health impacts whether people will seek help or not.  Raising awareness of the value of therapy and attacking the myths that surround it is not a matter of open mindedness; rather, for some, it is a matter of life and death.

Since 2001 governments across Europe have launched programmes and national conversations to educate citizens on mental health problems in an attempt to end the stigma associated with seeking professional help. Talking about what therapy is or isn’t, about what it does or doesn’t do is one way to achieve this goal.

Therapy can help with self esteem issues

But it’s not only about talking about therapy that will change our attitudes about mental health in Europe. For me it’s simply about talking–openly, honestly and genuinely about our emotional worlds. It is about admitting our feelings and our fears. It’s about sharing our guilty secrets and acknowledging our hateful thoughts. It’s about making it OK to talk about our struggles without fear of judgement. It’s about challenging the flawed adage that admitting weakness is weak. It’s about recognising, at long last, that owning up to our natural human weaknesses is the very definition of strength.

I’ll get us started.

I’m Eleni. I am scared that I will never be loved and that I will die alone. Sometimes, I am so scared that I can’t breathe. Collectively, I have been in therapy for eighteen months. I have sat in a chair and coloured my hair over ten times without running away.

This month Running in Heels highlights ten television series that have left their mark on the little screen years after they have been pulled off the air. Now immortalised in DVD box sets, there is a little bit of something here for all tastes. From the slightly obscure but delightful comedy—Arrested Development to Battlestar Gallactica (not only for self-professed geeks), to classics such as Seinfeld and Friends; these shows are must watch television!

The quirky Arrested Development crowd

Arrested Development

The short lived Arrested Development was one of the most out of the ordinary comedies to come out of America in years. At its core, it is a series about family. The Bluth’s–comprised of new and veteran comedic talent (Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi and David Cross to name a few)–are a wealthy family that love and hate each other in equal measure; accepting of each other’s faults to an entertaining and sometimes ridiculous degree. This quirky comedy that is at once witty and slap stick funny will warm your heart. Even if I hadn’t decided to present these in alphabetical order; Arrested Development would still deserve a top place on this list.

Battlestar Galactica

You do not need to be a Trekkie or be a fan of the sci-fi genre to watch (love and own) the re-imagined version of the 70s show Battlestar Galactica. Critically acclaimed for its superb writing, directing and acting Battlestar is an action-filled, political commentary about our world today. Yes, even if it’s set in space.  Watch it; you will be (as I was) floored by its intense story lines and epically cool dialogue.

Boston Legal

Created by David E Kelley (of LA Law and Ally McBeal fame) Boston Legal is a light and wacky dramedy notably starring James Spader and William Shatner; the latter flaunting his comedic chops. It balances the line between tasteless and candid humour so delicately that your every laugh will feel gloriously sinful.  For diehard fans of courtroom dramas as well those who love irony this show belongs on your shelf.

The Office (UK)

The Complete Series of the Office is another show that will have you laughing out loud at David Brent and co’s absurd antics. The Office was one of the first mock-umentary of its kind and has spawned copy cats around the world. But nothing can be better than the original. If there is one reason you should own this on DVD, I have two words for you: Christmas Special.

The Christmas Special...

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Chosen Collection

Before Twilight turned vampires into relatable characters of myth and before Edward Cullen made them sexy, there was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Finishing its seven year run in 2003, Buffy has since become a television classic. It is the story of your not to typical teenage girl Buffy (Sarah Michele Geller) who attempts to juggle adolescence while also being a ‘Slayer’; a human whose fate it is to kill vampires and other demons. In each episode, our heroine faces off with some kind of bad guy while also dealing with typical teenage preoccupations; such as dating, sex, love, friendships and much more.  Buffy was ranked second on Empire Magazines list of the 50 Best TV Shows Of All Time and should definitely be in your collection.

Friends

Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, Friends is the television show that defined your generation. Today, there is not a single life situation where a Friends quote cannot be referenced. More importantly, most people will still giggle at the recollection.  The infamous Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross and Joey invited us into the lives for ten glorious seasons and if, like me, you still miss them? Buy the complete season. You won’t regret it.

Planet Earth (BBC Documentary)

Perhaps an odd choice in this mix, but the Complete Episodes of Planet Earth narrated by the legendary David Attenborough deserves a place on this list. It begins with this:

“A hundred years ago, there were one and a half billion people on Earth. Now, over six billion crowd our fragile planet. But even so, there are still places barely touched by humanity. This series will take you to the last wildernesses and show you the planet and its wildlife as you have never seen them before.”

The show has a number of firsts ever to be captured by a camera. Among those are the highest aerial views of Mount Everest. A city girl at heart, David had me at ‘barely touched by humanity’.

Seinfeld

Seinfeld has been trumpeted as the first TV show ‘about absolutely nothing’.  And it’s true. In a typical episode Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer fumble through life; reflecting on the most mundane trivialities of our existence. Case in point:

The riotous cast of Seinfeld

George: What is Holland?

Jerry: What do you mean, ‘what is it?’ It’s a country right next to Belgium.

George: No, that’s the Netherlands.

Jerry: Holland *is* the Netherlands.

George: Then who are the Dutch?

If there was ever a comedy that turned the ordinary into the extraordinary; this is it. The Complete Series comes with special features including bloopers, interviews and much more. Giddy Up already and watch!

Sex and the City

Sex and the City is the most self-explanatory entry in this list. If you really need a reason to own this one, I don’t like you, but I’ll begrudgingly give you four.
● The outfits: every episode is a style bonanza that will make even the most cynical non-fashionista drool.
● The men: Mr Big, Burger, Steve, Smith, The Russian, Aidan and many more.
● The storylines: Remember the one where Carrie got dumped on a post it? Or the ‘He’s just not that Into’ episode? Remember Miranda’s euphoria post pregnancy when she could fit into her skinny jeans? How about the one where Samantha defies breast cancer?
● The women: This show is not only a testament to the bonds of female friendships but also offers a unique perspective on the different roles that women in the 21^st century can proudly fulfill.

The Sex and the City Box Set is a must for every woman.

The West Wing

If you’re in the mood for a drama that you can watch over and over again, then The West Wing is the one for you.  One of the best written television shows of all time and with a stellar cast of actors (Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney), The West Wing takes a behind the scenes look at the Presidency of the United States. This show will make you think about social issues as well as make you laugh and tear up sometimes within a space of two minutes. If you’re a political nut, this will be a very special addition to your collection.

You can find all these on Amazon or Play.

A little bit too much information?

Novelist Anthony Price once remarked that “The devil himself had probably redesigned Hell in the light of information he had gained from observing airport layouts.” Sometimes, that is the way I feel about the internet; the devil must be gleefully redesigning Hell because of it.

The amount of information available at our fingertips is mind-boggling. The internet is a wonderland; updated every single second of the day. News stories, blog posts, photos, gossip; all you ever want to know only a click away. But who hasn’t wasted an entire evening (or a dozen) jumping from website to website in a link-induced frenzy? Who likes Perez Hilton but is embarrassed to open his bright pink site at the office? Where people have eyes and can see? Who hasn’t found a blog whose writer leaves you giggling over your morning coffee but flying graphics and favourite music keep distracting you? Is there a way to get around all the madness?

Enter RSS.

RSS is the acronym for Rich Site Summary. In short, RSS is an aggregator that collects content from the internet and delivers it through syndication. But, enough tech talk. All you really need to know is that RSS feeds and RSS readers are pieces of internet organisation heaven. They turn that cluttered, distracting online world into a personalised and focused sanctuary.

Here’s how it works. You take what you want from the internet. Are you a gossip junkie? Or are you a news aficionado? Do you worship at the doorstep of Apartment Therapy? Or do you read countless of blogs in your niche area? Do you adore Running in Heels? (You should, we’re awesome!)

Whatever your fetish, you add your favourite sites to your RSS Reader. Your reader then meanders around the internet–on your behalf–collecting the most recent updates from your subscribed list. Then it delivers all of this to you on one, clean and crisp page. Let me repeat that because if your jaw didn’t just drop, you haven’t fully understood.

RSS allows you to read all your favourite, online content on one simple page.

And cue jaw dropping.

The wonderful Google Reader

RSS Feeds save time. You can read every post in your Reader without having to put up with ads or irrelevant content and busy website design. RSS is private. You no longer have to give out your email address to receive newsletters or the latest content. All you have to do is subscribe to the RSS Feed of the particular website through your Reader. It’s that simple. RSS is social. You can share posts, funny photos and interesting news items with everyone on your contact list.

There are several free RSS readers to pick and use. You can choose between web-based readers and desktop-based readers. Most readers offer similar functions. You can organize your content into folders. For example, I use six different categories for the 60 plus different websites and blogs I follow: News; Personal Blogs; Design Blogs; Fashion, Cooking and Miscellaneous.  Most readers will also recommend websites for you to follow based on your preferences. You can even use some readers on your mobile phone.

If you’re tired of opening twenty tabs every morning, if you’re constantly refreshing a blog hoping for an update, if you love lists, organisation and simplicity, you are already an RSS fan and you didn’t even know it!

To get you started, Running in Heels recommends:

Google Reader (Web-based reader for all users)

FeedDemon (Desktop-based reader for Windows users)

NetNewsWire (Desktop-based reader for Mac users)

It's your destiny...

In my wallet, I carry a post-it note with a handwritten reminder:

Essentials for life

● Someone to love

● Something to do

● Something to hope for

I took this note out when I began to research this article and stuck it on my computer screen. As I wrote I got a sense that I was meant to write this. It is my destiny.

Before you discount me as a fanciful, true believer in the stars I should confess — I believe in evolution. I have a huge, inappropriate crush on Richard Dawkins and I demand evidence-based opinions and facts. But, on the first day of every month, I check my horoscope by one of the web’s most popular astrologists — Susan Miller. While I’m in the metaphorical confessional I will also admit that I was recently dumped by a boy. That is reason enough to make any rational person clutch at whatever straws are necessary to get through the inevitable bruised ego and broken heart.

I also reached out to people and was treated to tired clichés — Time heals all wounds; You’re better off without him; It wasn’t meant to be. None were comforting, until Susan informed me that in October Mars had entered my house of true love and would remain there for the next six months. (All fellow single Arians, do I hear a collective and drawn out ‘Finally’?).

For a perpetually single girl, the fact that the planets had apparently aligned and that this meant that my next suitor was only half a year away from coming out of the shadows was a relief. I have found in life that the most trying and frustrating times occur in the waiting; when we’re waiting for a change, waiting for him to pop that question, waiting for a decision from that interview, or even waiting for the annual sale at Habitat to buy a sofa we know will transform our house into a home.

Horoscopes, tarot, astrology; all these make the wait a little easier to bear. They provide us with an almost justifiable reason to believe in the third essential for life on my post-it note; something to hope for. And most women will read their horoscopes for the first and second essentials on the same note; someone to love and something to do.

I told you it was my destiny to write this article.

So do European women actually believe and use these passive tools in their lives? Or do they believe in making their own destiny? Are these two mutually exclusive? Does believing in astrology mean that we leave our lives completely to the whims and mercy of the stars and planets?

It's written in the stars...

In 2001, a Pew study in the US found that over half of Europeans believe in Astrology. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that astrology was considered more of a science than homeopathy, history and economics. Europe appears to be pro-astrology.

In Greece, ‘What star sign are you?’ is the first question someone will ask a stranger after they have obtained name, occupation and age. In dating, star signs are considered valuable insights. ‘He’s a Pisces? They’re great but they don’t know what they want.’ ‘A Libra? He’s a keeper.’ ‘A Cancerian? They’re sensitive. Don’t break his heart, woman. ‘

In the UK, astrology is widespread in the print media; most women’s magazines have a section devoted to horoscopes, numerology or runes. But at the same time, they are not generally brought up as ice breakers and they are usually not used as deal breakers in relationships.

In Sweden, reading horoscopes is a popular hobby. In a 2001 national survey, nine of ten students indicated that they read horoscopes. But, reading horoscopes and their prevalence in the media does not mean that we believe in them wholeheartedly. It does not mean that we hand over our destiny to astrologers, fortune tellers or a pack of cards with pretty pictures. The reason I am writing this meant-to-be article is because I asked to write it.

I am certain that the majority of European women understand that hiding in their flat on a Friday night is not going to help them meet Mr. Right; despite Mars entering the right part of their chart. Most women know that to get the job of their dreams, they actually need to apply for it.

Sure, its fun reading Susan Miller and its fun having our fortune told by a woman with Cleopatra eyes and a heavy accent we just can’t place. But, if we’re not making an effort, if we’re not actively in pursuit of shaping our own destiny, all the aligned planets in all the parallel universes will not help us get closer to having someone to love and something to do.

Horoscopes, tarot, astrology simply give European women a reason to have something to hope for. And as much as I don’t want to believe, sometimes hope is reason enough to believe.

The lovely Ms Filippou

At 27 years old, Katerina Filippou is already a successful self-taught fashion designer and young entrepreneur working in Athens, Greece. Warm, lovable and a real girl’s girl, Katerina’s designs are exactly like her; colourful, embellished, playful creations for fun-loving women.

Kat (as her friends call her) was born in Athens but spent her childhood in Australia. When she returned to Greece she graduated top of her class from Art & Design College with a B.A in Fine Arts. In her final year, she was offered a teaching position at New York College in Athens. In the meantime, Katerina also began to design and sell jewellery. In 2006, her first collection debuted at Athens Fashion Week and soon enough she began to supply boutiques across Greece with her unique and very desirable bracelets, necklaces and belts.

But this wasn’t enough for the tons of ideas that she had brewing inside her. She quietly began to work on her first full fashion collection. Her main label–KATERINA FILIPPOU—is a stylised, limited edition with one off pieces that are personally either printed, stitched, crystallized, and machine or hand worked. Katerina is always up for trying something new and each collection reveals this with notable differences between them. Supporting her self-named label is KEY by Katerina Filippou. This collection has simple pieces—viscose dresses, skirts, tops—in basic colours  without decorations. Unlike, her main label these pieces are factory produced and affordable.

Katerina has been featured on Fashion TV, in European press and her pieces can be found in boutiques across Greece. This summer she launched her Etsy store and her designs are sold across the Middle East through the online store gojiboutique. This month Katerina is taking another step in her already dynamic career. Alongside two partners she is launching a new boutique that will house pieces by other Greek designers as well as brands from across Europe. Dress Affair will exclusively hold Katerina’s own Fall/Winter 2010 Collection.

www.katerinafillipou.blogspot.com

Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I’ve always admired designers. I would wonder about the imagination and ability someone must have in order to create a style that later becomes a trend. Personally, for as long as I can remember I have wanted to make things that people will admire, accept and want to wear.

Some of Katerina's fun flipflops

What was teaching like?

I taught a Drawing and Design class. It was hard as I was only 20 years old and here I was teaching students who were my age or older. The only way I felt confident was with my fake “teaching specs” a suit jacket, pencil skirt and pair of heels!

Who helped you along the way?

My friends and my family; they have supported me through the years with my constant changing decisions and the risks I took with my work.

Who inspires you and who are you influenced by?

When I first started designing I was inspired by the works of great painters; I am a big fan of Klimt and Hundertwasser. Both use a lot of colour and you can see their influences in my early jewellery design. As I became more experienced, inspiration came from difference sources. Usually through the materials that I used; like lace or leather or a specific colour or texture. While I respect and admire other designers I do believe that having your own style never goes out of style! I trust my senses and I like to experiment with picking materials that inspire me to create something I have never done before.

What do you think is the biggest problem in Greek society today?

The biggest problem in Greek society at the moment is the economic crisis. The fashion industry is suffering, but I always remind my friends and customers that you don’t need money to look stylish. All you need is time; time to know what you look like and what you look good in. Spending five extra minutes in the morning can transform an outfit.

Do you feel Greek or European?

100% European! I have never really felt Greek; I guess that’s what a childhood of seven years in Australia did to me.

A cute dress and belt ensemble

Who are listening to at the moment?

M.J. (Sniff, sniff)

What’s making you smile?

This was the first summer that I sold my designs on Gojiboutique. I imagine women in Dubai walking around in my ‘I heart’ flip flops and that really makes me smile.

Favourite trend for this season?

I’m wearing a lot of black; something I never usually do. Also, I love watches as bracelets. I’m wearing three, thin, delicate lady watches right now. But only one of them is actually working.

What couldn’t you live without?

My Blackberry, red agenda, separate shoe wardrobe that stores my 119 pairs of shoes, toothbrush and my dog and friends and family.

Dream purchase?

A pair of black knee high, gold studded Christian Louboutin boots I spotted in Selfridges on Oxford Street last Christmas. Why didn’t I buy them?

Favourite movie?

Two words. Dirty Dancing.

One garment every girl should own?

All time classic – Jeans in all forms; dark; light; skinny; baggy. This season – faux furs!

Favourite European city and why?

London, baby! For the shopping of course.

KEY by Katerina Filippou

Desert island book?

Vogue. I am a proud owner of many, many copies; in all languages.

Favourite bar?

Is Starbucks considered a bar?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

No, no no. I never think so far ahead. I prefer to take it day by day. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that live every moment like it’s the last. But it’s hard to do!

Can you run in heels?

Of course I can. It’s easier to run in heels than to actually stand in them!

Katerina’s designs are available to buy on Etsy and Gojiboutique.

“I still think we are destined for each other…you idiot.”

“When I was younger, I didn’t kill myself because I had to know how Harry Potter ended.”

“Today was my last day as a rape victim and my first day as a rape survivor.”

“I’m terrified of having children.”

All of these confessions can be found on PostSecret— one of Running in Heels’ favourite site on the internet. PostSecret is a global art project where people send in their secrets on one side of a postcard. It is also an online community that fosters a place of security and relief; for secrets shared are no longer secrets.

The secrets published on PostSecret cover a vast spectrum of human emotions and experiences; fears, hopes and dreams, traumas, humor and desire. Whoever you are, wherever you are you are sure to find a postcard on the site that is also your secret.

Some secrets are funny “My dog winks at me sometimes. I always wink back in case it’s some sort of code.”  Some are heartbreaking. “Sometimes, I knew it was abuse…but didn’t say anything because at least it was attention.”  Some secrets are disturbing. “I read cookbooks on the toilet. (Sorry dinner guests).” In fact, the site’s creator, Frank Warren, has often joked that the most common secret he receives is “I pee in the shower.” Despite the differences in content, PostSecret secrets have three things in common. They’re all anonymous, real and they have never, ever been shared before.

Since its launch in January 2005, the site has displayed over 2,500 postcard secrets. In addition, five books have been published with some never before seen collection of secrets hidden in their pages. The most recent PostSecret Book: Confessions on Life, Death and God went on sale on October 6th this year and is on the top of the New York Times Bestseller list.

PostSecret has also won numerous blog awards. In 2006, the website received five Bloggies (the web’s more prestigious award for blogs), including Weblog of the Year, Best American Weblog, Best Topical Blog, Best Community Weblog and Best New Weblog.

Its popularity shows no sign of abating.  Roughly between ten and twenty secrets are published once a week on a Sunday.  Running in Heels may keep some secrets, but our love for this site is definitely not one of them. Check it out!  And if you have a secret you would like to share, you can send it on a 4X6 postcard to:

http://postsecret.blogspot.com

Some of the touching , emotional and downright hilarious secrets on PostSecret

⋅

⋅

⋅

⋅

⋅

⋅

Singer Brian Aubert on stage

To the east of Hollywood lies the bohemian neighbourhood of Silver Lake. Since the early 90s, Silver Lake has boasted a thriving alternative rock scene with recording artists such as Beck, Elliot Smith, Karen O (of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame), Rilo Kiley and the Red Hot Chili Peppers calling it – at one point or another – home.

In 2005, four friends who also called this area home, formed a band. On the corner of Silver and Sunset Boulevard, just one short skip away from Silver Lake’s vibrant club scene, is a convenience store that is frequented by band members, hipsters and groupies alike. Stopping here for snacks between sets, bands or gigs is anecdotally referred to as a ‘Silver-sun Pick-up’. Apropos, the four friends who had often taken part in this late night ritual for pick me ups baptized their band Silversun Pickups.

Breathless Brian Aubert leads the band on vocals and guitar; adorably quirky Nikki Monninger strums on the bass; Joe Lester plays keyboards; and Christopher Guanlao rounds up this quartet on the drums.

It is hard not to immediately like their music. The Pickups are at once distinct yet familiar. In an interview for Rolling Stones, Shirley Manson of Garbage gushed: “They come on the radio, and you know it’s them right away. In a world armed to the teeth with a billion bands competing for ears, that is such a rare thing.” And she’s right. From the distorted guitar riffs right down to Auberts’ characteristic whisper vocal styling, The Pickups appeal to the eclectic ears of 90s alternative rock fans as well as the ears of much younger generations.

The 2009 album, Swoon

The hypnotic sound that explodes into loud and screechy rock moments has earned them countless comparisons to The Smashing Pumpkins. The Pickups themselves admit that they are influenced by bands such as Modest Mouse, Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. Their sound and their performing style are reminiscent of the shoegazer movement of the late 80s and early 90s. Even during the more frenzied moments on stage, Aubert appears quite subdued. The overwhelming, hazy guitars oftentimes drown out the vocals; it is as if his voice is buried beneath all those layers of noise, fighting to be heard. Take a listen to ‘Panic Switch’, the first single off the second full-length album, ‘Swoon’, where Monninger’s bass slowly climbs over Auberts’ panting voice to culminate in a chorus that is sheer shoegazer.

The Silversun Pickups have two albums (‘Carnavas’, 2006; ‘Swoon’, 2009) and an EP (‘Pikul’, 2005) under their belts. In 2006, they supported big brand names such as Snow Patrol, Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs in concert. In 2009, they appeared at both Coachella and Lollapalooza, and they are currently on an extensive US and European tour. This June, ‘Panic Switch’ made it to number one on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, beating out Green Day and Linkin Park.

Distinct yet familiar, the Silversun Pickups are relentlessly picking up speed (and fans), and are quickly becoming one of the most interesting new bands to come out of L.A in years.