Kelly's Alter Ego

Surfer Blood - Dallas, TX - 3/15/2010

2010-03-15T14:22:00.005-05:00

Surfer Blood's debut album got a lot of hype but after repeat listens these guys deserve the praise. Check them out in Dallas tonight at the Granada Theater. Shows starts @ 8PM.

Yeasayer - "O.N.E." Video

2010-03-11T18:07:00.003-06:00

Yeasayer's video for the song "O.N.E." which in my opinion is one of the best songs of the year so far. Dudes need to lay off the acid though... Note: the song sounds remixed from the album for the video and I am still trying to digest the changes but the visuals are pretty cool.

Sigur Ros "Fljótavík" Live on The Interface

2009-06-27T11:38:00.001-05:00

Sunset Rubdown "The Empty Threats of Little Lord" Live in Austin, TX 6/20/2009

2009-06-26T18:06:00.003-05:00

I'm so glad somebody captured this. Awesome version of "The Empty Threats of Little Lord" and a great transition into "Idiot Heart."

Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer

2009-06-24T18:57:00.008-05:00

I have been putting off writing a review for Sunset Rubdown's Dragonslayer for a multitude of reasons.

As soon as I finish writing this review I will feel like the "newness" experience of the album is over
Sunset Rubdown offerings take a while to digest
I made up my mind 5 minutes ago whether I like this album more than SR's last offering Random Spirit Lover (RSL)
I find it odd that I hate writing reviews for my favorite band

I don't like reviews that compare a new album to prior works from the group but I will be guilty of that here with Sunset Rubdown. The reason I am going to compare Random Spirit Lover to Dragonslayer is because RSL has become and will stay my favorite album of all time. I have to get this out of the way because RSL was virtually flawless as far as I am concerned and it changed my life as far as music is concerned. So my opinions may be biased and filled with nostalgia but I feel the need to preface my opinions on Dragonslayer by letting you know where I stand with Sunset Rubdown.

That being said, Dragonslayer is absolutely stunning and a force to behold. The live feel to the album lends well to the greater use of percussion and how the songs are structured. Chief songwriter Spencer Krug has hit his stride and is most certainly at the peak of his craft. The entire band has matured and hit their stride too as Camilla's vocals are prominante and awesome, Michael's guitar work is phonomenal and Jordan's guitar and drum work makes the kid a prodigy. We knew about these guys/gal from the beginning but Mark Nicol's adition to the band has taken their live show and put it on steriods with his percussion and ability to play bass.

On to the recordeding of Dragonslayer... Songs like "Silver Moons", "Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!", "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet, Trumpet II)" and "Dragonslayer" all command your ears, your respect and some good old fashion goose bumps. Dragonslayers' sound is an evolution from RSL but the lyrics and themes seem to be an extension of the worlds created by Krug in both Shut Up I am Dreaming and RSL. In fact, Krug refrences back to prior songs such as "The Men are Called Horsemen There" off of Shut Up I am Dreaming when he sings "If I was a horse I would throw up the reigns if I was you" and in "Idiot Heart" Krug refrences "For The Pier (And Dead Shimmering)" off of RSL when he sings, "we can watch them change shape without pushing off the pier." Krug's fellow Swan Lake bandmate Dan Bejar utilizes this trick fairly often in his band Destoyer and Krug pulls it off here without leaving the listener feel cheapened that Krug has borrowed from himself. Everything on Dragonslayer is in its right place whether it is new or a flavor from the past but rest assured Spencer Krug has it where it needs to be and I will defer to his genius any given day.

I could write an essay regarding the album but the main point is to get people to listen to the greatness that is Sunset Rubdown. If you are not familiar with Sunset Rubdown I think Dragonslayer is the best possible way to indoctrinate yourself. The songs of the album are all a little more accesible than the RSL offerings as they are very melodic, guitar friendly and plain rockin'. RSL is more of a concept album that blends together conveying an experience as a whole. Regardless of what I write here you should own every Sunset Rubdown album and give them the listens they deserve. Which album I like better is really irrelevant as it iwould be the equivalent of making me pick which of my children I love more. All in all, there will be nothing that comes out for this rest of the year that challenges this as The Album of 2009. Period. -(10/10)

Sunset Rubdown - "Silver Moons"
Sunset Rubdown - "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet, Trumpet II)"

Girl Talk - "What It's All About"

2009-06-22T22:21:00.011-05:00

Wired magazine has created this cool graphic that breaks down all the samples Girl Talk uses in his song "What It's All About" from his latest album Feed the Animals. If you have ever heard the awesome mashups that Girl Talk puts out you will recognize all of the music but can't ever put your finger on quite every song that he samples. This is so cool that it should become the standard lyric sheet for all Girl Talk Albums. Click on the image (well again after the link) for the full size picture.

Girl Talk - "What It's All About"

Sunset Rubdown - Mohawk's (Austin, TX) 6/20/2009

2009-06-21T16:52:00.019-05:00

It all begin with the idea of making a road trip from Fort Worth, TX to Houston and then on to Austin, TX to see Sunset Rubdown play twice. Unfortunately, only half of this well laid plan came true. I had bought tickets for both shows early this past week, but illness reared its ugly head as I came down with some sort of respiratory infection on Tuesday night. Granted, I think I could have still made it to the show in Houston on Friday night but my cousin that I would have stayed with has a 2 month old baby so I wasn't about to put her at risk for my own sake.

Austin graced us with a lovely 90 degree night and yes the venue was an outdoor one. Spencer remarked, "So you guys are used to this? I guess I am just not as strong as you guys are." Well, I have lived in Texas my whole life and it was fucking hot. Spencer and the gang trugged along and were in good spirits and seemed to really appreciate the crowd. This was great to see as the band was less than impressed by the Dallas fans when I saw them last fall.

Onto the show. One word: AMAZING! We all know that Sunset Rubdown is the best band in the world and their live show is only getting better (3rd time I have seen them). Spencer's songwriting is stronger than ever but the percussion is taking these songs to a whole new level live. I made it to the venue in the middle of the Elfin Saddle set but there must have been some early issues as Sunset Rubdown was rushing through their set. They seemed to be trying to get everything in before midnight because there are condos across the street and it must be city ordinance (damnit!). Spencer was apologetic and cool about it so I guess we should let it slide. The surprise in the show was the coolest version of "The Empty Threats Of Little Lord" I have ever heard. The set list was a heavy dose of Dragonslayer and I remember thinking the only thing that would have made the night any better would have been "Stadiums and Shrines II" and "Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!" I wasn't expecting to hear "Stadiums" as I had read a prior setlist Bill posted over at Vague Space but I am guessing "Apollo" got axed due to the time issue as previously stated. Awesome night nonetheless and worth every minute in the car.

Setlist:

The Empty Threats of Little Lord
Idiot Heart
Black Swan
The Taming of the Hands that Came Back to Life
Silver Moons
Coming to At Dawn
You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)
Mending of the Gown
Winged/Wicked Things
Dragonslayer
Nightingale/December song

My clip of "The Taming of the Hands that Came Back to Life." The best 1:14 you will ever see live!

Fanfarlo - Reservoir

2009-06-11T19:06:00.006-05:00

Fanfarlo sound like Arcade Fire if they decided to take a Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah approach to vocals. Whether this description interests you or not the music should be judged on its own merit. Plus, the album can be downloaded for $1 on the band's site so what do you have to loose?

This is Awesome... PERIOD!

2009-06-08T09:52:00.002-05:00

Star Wars: The Old Republic Trailer (New)

2009-06-02T08:50:00.002-05:00

Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks" (Veckatimest Out Today)

2009-05-26T12:54:00.009-05:00

I have to admit that I have never given Grizzly Bear's Yellow House the proper attention that it deserves but I am really enjoying the Brooklyn group's new song "Two Weeks" and this creepy video. Their newest album Veckatimest is out today on Warp Records and should arrive in my mail box today! Get it, got it, good.

Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer - It's F$#&*!@ HERE!!!

2009-05-20T23:42:00.005-05:00

"And you've got to wait, and you've got to wait, and you've got to wait, and you've got to wait, and you've got to wait, and you've got to wait for it dear", well no longer IT IS HERE!!!

1. Click here: http://www.jagjaguwar.com/
2. Purchase the Pre-Order of Dragonslayer
3. Enter Credit Card Information
4. Open Email with Download Code
5. ROCK YOUR FUCKING SOCKS OFF!!!

Mass Effect 2 E3 Prelude Video

2009-05-16T16:03:00.003-05:00

So how about some nerdiness? Bioware has been developing a sequel to their popular and successful RPG title Mass Effect and they plan to reveal a lot more information on Mass Effect 2 at E3 this year. Now this video doesn't give much away but it sure is getting me excited for Mass Effect 2.

Riceboy Sleeps - S/T- Album Due Out July 20, 2009

2009-05-14T22:24:00.012-05:00

Riceboy Sleeps contributed the song "Happiness" to the ever so popular Dark Was the Night charity compilation. But exactly who is Riceboy Sleeps? Well, glad that you asked (well if you have read this far don't you want to know anyways?). Riceboy Sleeps is the combination of Sigur Ros' singer Jon Thor (jónsi) Birgisson and his partner Alex Somers. The two pair up to create breathtaking ambient music that hints of Sigur Rós' Takk if that album was mostly an instrumental affair. This is great as in my opinion Takk is one of the more under appreciated Sigur Rós albums that carried a gambit of emotions from joyfulness to despair. What I have heard of the album so far sounds great but I haven't given it enough time to truly absorb the music much less give a definitive opinion. However, you can make your own opinion when Riceboy Sleeps is released July 20, 2009 on Parlophone Records. If you enjoy Sigur Rós or good music I definitely recommend keeping this one on the radar. (Song links are to the videos found on the Riceboy Sleeps website).

Track List:

happiness
atlas song
indian summer
stokkseyri
boy 1904
all the big trees
daníell in the sea
howl
sleeping giant

Happy Mother's Day from Emusic

2009-05-11T00:03:00.008-05:00

In honor of Mother's Day 2009 Emusic is running a cool little write up in which they ask the mothers of famous indie bands which is their favorite song of their offspring's making. Here are a few of interest:

Teresa Perrin, mother of Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown)

My favourite song has, since I first heard it, been "Us Ones In Between." As to" why": 1) The piano that reminds me of all the hours spent hearing Spencer play when he was a teenager. 2)The images that the lyrics clearly define. 3) The quiet intensity that is indicative of Spencer's openness to others views and voices. "The Mending of the Gown" comes a very close second and for entirely different reasons.

Sunset Rubdown - "Us Ones In Between"

Narelle Scott, Mother of Mitchell Scott (Cut Copy)

I love this album so much that it is very difficult to single out just one song. The way the music flows from one track to the next makes it seem like one continuous musical journey anyway, with exciting sound bursts round every bend. I find myself moved by the emotional quality of Dan's voice in "Feel the Love" and "Far Away." The discordant phrases which lead into the beautiful harmonies in "So Haunted" make it such a strong tune for me. However, if I have to choose just one track, then it must be "Lights and Music." This is the one that makes me dance and snap my fingers, sing at the top of my voice and join in the "woo-ooo-oo"s like the best back-up singer ever. I wonder if they have a vacancy… Mitchell?

Cut Copy - "Lights and Music"

Debbie Chabot, mother of Randy Chabot (Deastro)

I am Randy Chabot's mom, Debbie. Thanks for the opportunity to respond to your Mother's Day question. I would have to say that my favorite song at the moment — and the reason I say "at the moment" is because at any moment there could be a new favorite, as Randy is always working on a new song — is "Light Powered". The reason I like this song is because there are no words — but for me, there are. They can be any words I decide to sing, and the music always makes me happy. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether cleaning a bathroom used by five men, cooking dinner, or my least favorite, ironing, I have so much more fun doing those things and I get them done faster it seems when I'm listening to that song. It also makes me want to dance. I'm not sure that's a good thing for everyone, but I enjoy doing it in the privacy of my own home, especially when no one is around. It also makes me marvel at the talent my son has, how proud I am of him, and how far he's come from playing "La Bamba" on his "tee-tar"( guitar). I love you, Randy, it's a privilege to be called your mom. Keep singing with all your might!

Deastro - "Light Powered"

Shari Devendorf, Mother of Scott and Bryan Devendorf (The National)

Wow, it's hard to pick just one song. Some of my favorites are "90 Mile Water Wall" and "Thirsty" (Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers), "Daughters of the Soho Riots" (Alligator),"Son" (The National), "About Today" (Cherry Tree) and "Squalor Victoria" and "Gospel" (Boxer). I love the unique sound each song has, and how the band pounds it out on one and soothes your soul with another. I love the passion that each member of the band has about their music and the friends they have made on this amazing journey. I am so proud of both of my sons. Thanks guys! Keep on drummin' and strummin.'

The National - "Gospel"

Judy Gurgiolo, mother of Lauren Gurgiolo (Okkervil River)

I really appreciate this opportunity to talk about Okkervil River, because I am a huge fan of the band, and of my daughter Lauren! Since they will be on tour in Australia over Mother's Day, this connects me to her in a special way. Okkervil speaks to me on many different levels — musically, lyrically, emotionally, and in a proud and happy way. I love all of their songs, beautifully written by Will Sheff, and my favorite changes from time to time. Right now, "For Real," a really un-motherly song, is in my head. The guitar riffs rock, the words are compelling, and the orchestration is brilliant. Thank you bloggers and You Tubers for posting comments, pictures and videos of the band while on tour — it's so fun!!!!

Okkervill River - "For Real"

Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer - on Jagjaguwar - 23.06.09

2009-05-08T00:10:00.003-05:00

Trying to hide my obsession with Sunset Rubdown is frivolous and this preview of SR's album version of "Paper Lace" is too freaking cool not to post. I bought my tickets to see Sunset Rubdown In Austin, TX on June 20, 2009. I CANNOT WAIT!!!

Journey - "Seperate Ways"

2009-04-26T23:10:00.004-05:00

This is an old post but I forgot how funny this is:

My friend Michael and I were discussing the sheer genius behind ESPN Page 2 writer Bill Simmons' take on Journey's "Seperate Ways" video:

"29. Journey - Seperate Ways: A recipe for bliss: Take one of the cheesiest-yet-enjoyable bands of that era (Journey), bring them to an empty shipyard, have them play invisible instruments and lip-synch the hell out of their best song, throw in some ridiculous slow-motion closeups and multi-picture edits, and have a hot girl with a bad haircut walking around for no reason whatsoever. And if that's not enough, lead singer Steve Perry gives one of the greatest performances of the last 35 years -- he throws himself into this thing like DeNiro or Pacino. It's incredible. Everything about this slays me. If somebody gave me five minutes to sum up the '80s, I would just show them this video and be done with it."

You Tube disabled the embedding function so you can find the video here and Bill Simmons' entire article can be found here.

Album Quick Hits (The Antlers, Swan Lake and Handsome Furs)

2009-04-21T23:03:00.027-05:00

I have to admit that my blogging has been a bit lazy of late but that does not mean that my appetite for new music has been subdued. Currently here are some quality releases that I would whole heartedly recommend in this almost 5 months into 2009. EDIT: Mp3's are up now.

The Antlers - Hospice

The Antlers are new to me but this album is so hauntingly beautiful and bitter sweet that I just cannot get enough of it. My initial impressions of the album were that it had quality tracks in "Kettering", "Two" and "Bear" but that as an album on the whole it was lacking. However, these initial impressions were quelled this weekend when I gave the entire album a more careful listen and could not have been more wrong as it is beautiful in its entirety. The honesty and emotion conveyed in Hospice can only be described as 'real' (sorry but I'm not going to the thesaurus here). At the present, Hospice is my front runner for album of the year but I beat Mr. Krug has something to say about that this summer. -(9/10)

The Antlers - "Kettering"
The Antlers - "Two"

Swan Lake - Enemy Mine

Speaking of Mr. Krug, he has teamed up with indie greats Dan Bejar and Carey Mercer for another installment of Swan Lake or as I will refer to them as the Band That Doesn't Tour (imagne this with announcer voice, tons of reverb and echoes). In all seriousness though I was not expecting much out of this album as I had never embraced Swan Lake's Beast Moans. Don't get me wrong as I believe Beast Moans had moments of brilliance but for the most part I could not get into Mercer's offerings. Well Mr. Mercer slapped me in the face with awesomeness in Enemy Mine as "Spanish Gold 2044" and "Warlock Psychologist" have blown me away. I still need to give Beast Moans a few more spins as maybe a fresh perspective will change my mind. In other news, Spencer Krug is brilliant here too... -(8.5/10)

Swan Lake - "Spanish Gold 2044"
Swan Lake - "Paper Lace"

Handsome Furs - Face Control

A familiar band around The Ego Handsome Furs were honored with having one of My Favorite Albums of 2007 and their latest offering Face Control does not change up their winning formula much from Plague Park. There are awesome songs such as "All We Want Baby is Everything", "Thy Will Be Done" and "Radio Kaliningrad" but on the whole the album just doesn't grab me like Plague Park did. Maybe some more time with the album will change my opinion but after such great offerings by Dan Boeckner in Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer I felt kind of disappointed with Face Control's inability to carry that momentum. I really think that Boeckner's music would be better served with a real drummer and not a drum machine... -(7/10)

Handsome Furs - "All We Want Baby Is Everything"
Handsome Furs - "Radio Kaliningrad"

Sunset Rubdown - "Idiot Heart" (Dragonslayer Version)

2009-04-17T05:13:00.006-05:00

When I have trouble sleeping there is often frustration coupled with despair, but things have taken a great turn this sleepless morning. I was visiting one of my favorite music/whatever Bill is into blogs Vague Space and low and behold Bill has posted an album version of Sunset Rubdown's "Idiot Heart". Most Sunset Rubdown fans are familiar with the Daytrotter version of the song and while this album version carries many similarities it has a new personality out of Sunset Rubdown for the studio effort. Waking up at 4am when you were planning on sleeping until 7am sucks but it must be the hands of the indie gods that guided me to the awesomeness that is "Idiot Heart". Enjoy!

Sunset Rubdown - "Idiot Heart"

Billy Bob Thornton is a Prima Donna Douche

2009-04-08T20:31:00.007-05:00

I saw ZZ Top and Billy Bob Thornton's band The Boxmasters at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth, Texas. I left the concert blown away by Billy Gibbons and company but was whether underwhelmed by the Boxmasters. Well, Billy Bob Thorton must not have had his morning cup of joe and decided to take out his frustrations on the interviewer. I think the interviewer did a great job in handling the brat and Billy Bob's pompous attitude makes me never want to support the jerk off again... DOUCHE!

NOTE: The video starts to pick up around the 7 minute mark.

Friday Night Lights - Renewed Two More Seasons

2009-03-31T19:24:00.009-05:00

Directv and NBC have paired up to renew the series Friday Night Lights (FNL) for two more seasons. FNL is the best show on television that nobody talks about and arguably the best show on television period. No show in recent memory combines action, drama, music and characters that you actually care about into such a great package.

The feature film for Friday Night Lights used the works of Austin's Explosions in the Sky (EITS) to power the drama infused football season of Odessa Permian's 1988 bid for a state title. The first time I saw the movie I was familiar with EITS but I never thought that their music could be used in a commercial context. Boy was I wrong as EITS' music is the perfect soundtrack to a football drama as the instrumental rhythm driven music of EITS not only drives the action but highlights the raw emotions of love and loss whether it be on the field or in the players lives.

The producers of FNL the television show took this EITS formula and ran with it using the works of EITS and other current indie artists to set the mood which is so crucial in a drama based show. Any given episode you will hear your favorite indie artists from Explosion in the Sky, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, TV on the Radio, to the The War on Drugs among many others and there is even a great song list tracking the use of music on the show's forums found here.

The first two seasons of the show are good in their own right but I really think the writers have hit their stride in this current 3rd season. The 3rd season has already aired in its entirety on Directv but it is also currently airing Fridays on NBC at 9 pm eastern. DO NOT think this show is primarily about football as you will be truly mistaken. The show gains its viewer's respect through its addressing of social issues and the best character development on television right now. Congratulations to everyone involved with this great show as they truly deserve any acclaim that they get!

Sunset Rubdown's New Album: Dragonslayer

2009-03-27T09:33:00.006-05:00

Jagjaguwar has announced the release of Sunset Rubdown's latest album to be titled Dragonslayer which is set to be released June 23... FREAKING AWESOME!!! I am already loving the cover art! Read more here.

The track listing is as follows:

Silver Moons
idiot Heart
Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!
Black Swan
Paper Lace
You Go on Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)
Nightingale / December Song
Dragon's Lair

SIGUR ROS - VIÐ SPILUM ENDALAUST (La Blogotheque)

2009-03-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Here We Go Magic - S/T

2009-02-24T22:23:00.007-06:00

Here We Go Magic's S/T album reminds me of Women's 2008 S/T album in that there are awesome songs mixed in with noisy experimental tracks. The difference here is that Here We Go Magic takes a more electronic/ambient approach than the guitar noodling and harsh sounds of Women. Expect to hear rythmic acoustic guitars drowned with reverb while mixed with the feel ing of Paul Simon dropping acid and deciding to put out an indie album. I am still digesting this album but after a good amount of listens I definitely recommend taking this one for a spin.

Here is the video for "Tunnelvision" which is probably the best song on the album:

School of Seven Bells New Video - " Half Asleep"

2009-02-11T20:00:00.005-06:00

Cool band, cool song and now a cool video. Enjoy:

North American Tour Dates, but no Dallas, darn!

2/11 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/12 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/13 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/14 Alfred, NY - Alfred University Knight Club w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/15 Boston, MA - The Paradise w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/17 New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge w/ Fujiya & Miyagi
2/18 Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero w/Fujiya & Miyagi
2/19 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club w/Fujiya & Miyagi
3/18 Austin, TX - Buffalo Billiards (KCRW Showcase)
3/19 Austin, TX - Mohawk (Rhapsody Daytime Party)
3/20 Austin, TX - Emo's (Pitchfork/Windish Agency Daytime Party)
3/20 Austin, TX - Radio Room (Mojo presents Ghostly International/Full Time Hobby Showcase)
3/21 Austin, TX - Urban Outfitters

Women - North American Tour Dates

2009-02-11T19:29:00.009-06:00

Women's - S/T album took home the honor of being the #1 album in My 10 Favorite Albums of 2008 list. Now these talented guys (weird right?) are going to bless our ears with live dates in North America. I can't wait to see these guys and be on the look out for them when they pass through Club Dada in Dallas, TX on March 22nd.

March 8 :: Fargo, ND, The Aquarium

March 9 :: Minneapolis, MN, Triple Rock Social Club

March 10 :: Mt Vernon, Iowa, Cornell College

March 11 :: Chicago, IL, The Bottom Lounge

March 12 :: Toronto, ON, The Horseshoe Tavern with Chad Vangaalen (CMW)

March 13 :: Montreal, Quebec, Green Room with Braids

March 14 :: Brooklyn, New York, Music Hall of Williamsburg with Crystal Stilts

March 15 :: Washington, DC, DC9 with Crystal Stilts

March 16 :: Lexington, Kentucky, Al's Bar with Crystal Stilts

March 17 :: Jackson, Mississipi, 101 Millsaps with Crystal Stilts

March 18 :: Houston, Texas, Rudyards with Crystal Stilts

March 19 :: Austin, Texas, SXSW - Jagjaguwar Showcase at Mohawks at 12am

March 19 :: Austin, Texas, SXSW - Two Syllable Records / Guess I'm Floating at 5pm

March 19 :: Austin, Texas, SXSW - Urban Outfitters / Ground Control at 12pm

March 20 :: Austin, Texas, SXSW - Fader Fort at 5:15pm

March 22 :: Dallas, Texas, Club Dada with Abe Vigoda

March 23 :: Norman, Oklahoma, Opolis with Abe Vigoda

March 28 :: Los Angeles, California, Spaceland with Chad Vangaalen

March 29 :: San Diego, California, Casbah with Herman Dune and Chad Vangaalen

March 30 :: Visalia, California, The Cellar Door with Chad Vangaalen

March 31 :: San Francisco, California, Bottom The Hill with Chad Vangaalen

April 2 :: Portland, Oregon, Holocene with Chad Vangaalen

April 3 :: Seattle, Washington, Chop Suey with Chad Vangaalen

April 4 :: Victoria, BC, Sugar with Chad Vangaalen

Michael Cera Flips Out on "Youth In Revolt" Set

2009-02-07T19:01:00.002-06:00

First Christian Bale, now this. Who knows if it is real or publicity stunt?

Yelle - "Ce Jue" Live on Last Call with Carson Daly

2009-02-05T20:25:00.002-06:00

don't understand a word but this is close to pop perfection! EDIT: The live video was pulled off of YouTube. Here is the Official video for "Ce Jue."

UPDATE on the Dallas, TX - Broken Social Scene Cancellation

2009-02-02T20:10:00.004-06:00

Here is a forum/comment post by jeffguytx on the front page of the Broken Social Scene website. It turns out that it was Kevin Drew that was sick and if you can't understand the cancellation under those conditions you need your head checked!

At the Austin show, they talked about rescheduling the Dallas show in 6-8 weeks or so. Kevin really was sick. It was hard for him to sing and he was visibly struggling. They still put on a good show and I just wanna say THANKS!

For those of you in Dallas who's anger got the better of you and took their cancellation as a slight... Kevin said that he tried to board the plane to make the Dallas show, but he was too sick and they wouldn't let him. He fought the law, and the law won. So all you Dallas people need to know that the love is there and they will make it up to you.

Naturally, they had a lot of great things to say about Austin. While Bass Concert Hall is not the funnest place for a rock concert, it's a beautiful venue and they said it seemed like one of the nicest and largest they've played. Way to go UT Student Committee Guys! Hopefully they'll be able to fit another Austin gig in right after the Dallas make-up show. Stubbs maybe?

They previewed Happiness Project and it's an incredible concept and I can't wait to see it come to fruition.

I don't have a setlist, sorry. I can tell you that he declined to play Superconnected cuz his voice was strained. They also didn't play Lucky Ones, which is sad cuz I'm addicted to that song. However, he did a beautiful Lover's Spit and a whole lot of other great BSS songs.

Anyway... Dallas... you'll get your show! They made that clear more than once.

Also, tcpagel75 posted a setlist from the Austin show:

Late 90s Bedroom Rock for the Missionaries
Shampoo Suicide
KC Accidental
7/4 Shoreline
Cause=Time
Fire Eye'd Boy
Hit the Wall
Farewell to the Pressure Kids
Looks Just Like the Sun
Love is New
Churches Under the Stairs
Stars and Sons
Anthems for a 17-year-old Girl
Mrs Morris (Happiness Project)
Another Happiness Project Song
Lover's Spit
Major Label Debut (fast version)
F-ked Up Kid
Frightening Lives
It's All Gonna Break

Also, Lisa Lobsinger was the only female member in attendance.

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains

2009-02-02T17:18:00.007-06:00

If I were to have a dialogue between myself and my "alter ego" about this album it would go something like this:

Alter Ego: "Why are you writing about this album, you've only listened to it maybe 3 times over?"

Kelly: "Well dipshit, it's good enough that after only 3 listens I'm really pumped to keep listening to it, plus it may be the best album of 2009 so far!"

Alter Ego: "That's some high praise, 'dipshit'..."

Kelly: "Whose Blog is this anyway?"

Alter Ego: "Time to get those meds refilled..."

Kelly: "Whatever, just go buy Cymbals Eat Guitars' - Why There Are Mountains, it's some good shit"

Alter Ego: "Will do! Wait we already did..."

Sunset Rubdown - "Stadiums and Shrines II" - Live

2009-01-31T18:31:00.003-06:00

This really might be the greatest song EVER!

Broken Social Scene - Dallas Show CANCELED!!!

2009-01-30T12:18:00.006-06:00

CRAP!!! Broken Social Scene (BSS) canceled tonight's show at the House of Blues in Dallas, TX due to illness of one of the band members. There are no details as to whom is ill or the type/severity of the illness, but BSS will continue their tour tomorrow night in Austin, TX. I hope whomever is sick gets better and BSS comes back through Dallas! Please?!

Handsome Furs 2009 North American Tour Dates

2009-01-15T10:04:00.007-06:00

I SEE DALLAS, TX!!!

03-12 Ottowa, Ontario - Mavericks
03-13 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
03-14 Champaign, IL - Blind Pig
03-15 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
03-16 St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway
03-17 Columbia, MO - Mojo's
03-20 Austin, TX - Club Deville (SXSW)
03-21 Dallas, TX - The Loft
03-23 Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Saloon
03-25 Fargo, ND - Aquarium (Dempsey's Upstairs)
03-26 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
03-27 Ames, IA - Maintenance Shop
03-28 Iowa City, IA - The Mill
03-30 Newport, KY - Southgate House
04-01 Rochester, NY - Bug Jar
04-02 Syracuse, NY - Spark Art Space

Punch-Out!! Coming to Nintendo Wii Spring 2009

2009-01-14T21:16:00.002-06:00

HELLS YES!!!

My 10 Favorite Albums of 2008

2009-01-07T21:42:00.011-06:00

Well if you haven't figured it out by now, I am Kelly and I am the sole contributor to this blog so what I say goes. Thus, here are my favorite albums of 2008 and nobody else's:

1. Women - Women

The self-titled debut from this young Canadian group is so damn promising and so damn exciting that it has to top my list. At Mount Zoomer is a better album on the whole, but no other album this year has brought the excitement of listening to and discovering something all new like Women's - Women did for me in 2008. When I listen to Women it is as if I have just discovered Sunset Rubdown's - Shut Up I'm Dreaming for the first time and that is quite the feeling. This album is not without flaws as it runs short and the guys love to doodle on guitar, but the promise and execution seen in this self titled debut has me extremely excited for their sophomore effort. Remember this is not a "best of list" but my favorite albums of 2008.

Favorite Songs - "Cameras", "Lawncare", "Black Rice", "Group Transport Hall", "Shaking Hand" and "Upstairs"

2. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

Wolf Parade's - Apologies To the Queen Mary (ATTQM) was a major component in my discovery and embracing of indie music. Widely praised by the media and fans alike ATTQM was epic and grand but lacked a sense of cohesiveness as Boeckner and Krug were finding their own writing styles apart from each other. At Mount Zoomer still brings separate songwriting duties between Boeckner and Krug but this album seems to have a matured and cohesive sound as a whole. The closing song "Kissing the Beehive" brings the two songwriters together in what has to be one of the best songs of 2008 and a perfect way to close such a strong album. Boeckener and Krug have not disappointed in the least and they can surely waive any sophomore slump ideas goodbye. Did I mention I met Spencer Krug this year? Jealous much?

Favorite Songs - "Soldier's Grin", "Call It A Ritual", "California Dreamer", "The Grey Estates", Animal In Your Care" and "Kissing the Beehive"

3. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

My tastes seem to lean towards the more rock oriented acts but there always seems to be room for a true songwriter to creep in to my heart. The Midnight Organ Fight is an album full of great simple and honest songwriting. Songs like "The Modern Leper" and "The Twist" will rock your socks while more subdued tunes such as, "Poke" and "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" will tug at your heart strings. There is a little bit for everyone on this offering and this 'grower' of an album deserves a chance in every which way as it is, "the shit and I'm knee dip in it". Plus, their music was featured in some CW show so that obviously lends some type of credibility right? I hope not...

Favorite Songs - "The Modern Leper", "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms", "Backwards Walk" and "Poke"

4. M83 - Saturdays = Youth

M83 or Anthony Gonzalez is an ever changing and evolving artist that decided to try something new with Saturdays = Youth. Gonzalez is better known for electronic based music but with Saturdays = Youth we see Gonzalez attacking more traditional song structures all the while not forgetting the synths. Gonzalez has stated in interviews that Saturdays = Youth is a tribute to his teenage years which embraces the movies and music of the 80's. The album definitely has an 80's feel to it but Gonzalez does a great job of keeping a modern feel to the songs as well. "Kim and Jessie" and "Graveyard Girl" are phenomenal songs and are worth the price of the album alone.

Favorite Songs - "You Appearing", "Kim and Jessie", "Graveyard Girl" and "We Own the Sky", and "Midnight Souls Still Remain"

5. Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue

Borrowing from my earlier review of Parc Avenue, Plants and Animals' sound can best be described as mixing 70's radio, My Morning Jacket and Midlake in a blender and putting a bit of Vodka in for kicks. Parc Avenue was released early in the year but I kept coming back to the album as it has that sort of timeless feeling to the music. Parc Avenue = Cool, that's all you need to know.

Favorite Songs - "Bye Bye Bye", "Good Friend" and "New Kind of Love"

6. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles

Love em' or hate em', Crystal Castles will elicit some type of response that leaves little grey area. The purported sampling of other music/sounds while not lending credit is a disaster of PR proportions, however, these alleged infringements took place in songs that were never even released. I am going to take Crystal Castles' self-titled album at face value and judge it as the product that was released. That being said Crystal Castles was one hell of a mind bending experience for me. I am not one that indulges in electronic based music regularly but this album was just so alien sounding to me that I just had to keep returning to it. Try it and I dare you to tell me you don't like it!

Favorite Songs - "Untrust Us", "Alice Practice", "Air War", "Courtship Dating", "Vanished", "Knights" and "Tell Me What to Swallow"

7. Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

After several months with Ra Ra Riot's The Rhumb Line I just love this album more and more. If I had never seen a picture of the guys and girls of Ra Ra Riot I would expect to see an image straight out of a Polo catalog with preps hanging out on some east coast beach. Once I got over that and any similarities to Vampire Weekend I began to truly appreciate this album. The songs have all the right amounts of instrumentation whether it be strings, synths or acoustic instruments. Nothing on this album is too over the top or stripped down and all the songs carry a great pop sense to them. Great stuff!

Favorite Songs - "Each Year", "Can You Tell", "Too Too Fast" and "Oh La"

8. Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now Youngster and We Are Beautiful We Are Doomed

Punk attitude, pop sensibility and fun lyrics make Los Campesinos! a really enjoyable band and how can you complain about two (2) albums in a calendar year?! Los Campesinos! have a unique brand of power punk/pop that will immediately put you in a good mood when you give them a spin. In my Hold On Now Youngster review I mentioned that pop type music wears quicker than most forms of music and that does stand somewhat true with the works of Los Campesinos!, as Hold On Now Youngster received less and less plays as the year progressed. However, when the youngsters of Los Campesinos! put out any music I will be there to enjoy and listen.

Favorite Songs - "Death to Los Campesinos!", "Don't Tell Me to Do the Math(s)", "You! Me! Dancing!", "Sweet Dreams Sweet Cheeks", "Ways to Make It Through the Wall", "Miserabillia", "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed" and "You'll Need Those Fingers For Crossing"

9. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

The Rural Alberta Advantage will receive their fair share of comparisons to Neutral Milk Hotel and I am guilty of just such a comparison. Dirty, gritty but emotional songwriting will have listeners hooked from the beginning in what has to be my favorite internet success story of 2008 (Bon Iver 2007) as The RAA went from obscurity to indie darlings.

Favorite Songs: "The Ballad of the RAA", "The Deathbridge In Lethbridge", "Don't Haunt This Place", "Frank AB" and "Edmonton"

10. The Evangelicals - The Evening Descends

The Evangelicals' The Evening Descends had some good press early in the year but I guess the albums' momentum has faded for most. The album is definitely quirky but I love the playful attitude of the songs which give the album a unique flavor. "Skeleton Man" is definitely one of my favorite songs of the year and the story like "Party Crashin'" and its MGMT like thick synthesizers is unlike anything you have ever heard. The Evening Descends is a fun listen and is not deserving of being forgotten.

Favorite Songs: "Midnight Vignette", "Skeleton Man", "Party Crashin'", "How Do You Sleep" and "Paperback Suicide"

Honarable Mentions:

Blittzen Trapper - Furr
Samamidon - All Is Well
The Walkmen - You & Me
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms
Stars - Sad Robots EP
Deastro - Keeper's

Bon Iver cover The Outfield's "Your Love"

2008-12-29T01:12:00.002-06:00

I love The Outfield's "Your Love" and Bon Iver does a great job of putting an entirely new twist on this 80's guilty pleasure:

Star Wars: The Old Republic

2008-12-14T19:40:00.014-06:00

I sometimes forget that I can write about things other than music so I am going to take a little time to do just that. Bioware has finally released gameplay footage to their highly anticipated upcoming MMORPG PC game titled, Star Wars: The Old Republic. The game looks as if it is going to be based off Bioware's highly succesful RPG PC game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). KOTOR stands as one of the greatest games I have played regardless of platform so I am obviously excited that they are working to take what was good about KOTOR and incorporate that into The Old Republic (not to mention things are back in Bioware's hands). Details have been kept to a minimum and no firm release date has been set, but at least we are beginning to see progress with the game. I will try to keep up with news of its release.

Chris Dane Ownes - "Shine On Me" (Hilarious)

2008-12-07T23:52:00.007-06:00

Every so often the internet gods smile upon us we mortals and hand down absolute hilarious videos for our viewing pleasure. Just such a gift is this music video for Chris Dane Owens' song "Shine On Me." The concept of the video seems to be as if The Lord of the Rings movies incestuously mated with Robin Hood: Men In tights and the Narnia series. This turd of a video had me laughing from the onset but reaches its peak when we see Owens power strumming his green Grestch guitar (2:54 mark) and then blessing us with his awesome pirouetting skills. To add to the awesomeness Owens and the gang make sure there is no shortage of fans to breeze back his perfectly styled long blond locks. Heck, it is Chris Dane Owens' world and we are all just living in it. Rest assured that Chris Dane Owens' Album Blue Stone and the red hot single "Shine On Me" will NOT be making my 2008 best of lists.

Look for Chris Dane Owens to be touring soon and rockin' a Medieval Times near you...

Plants and Animals - "Feedback in the Field" (Video)

2008-12-06T16:22:00.004-06:00

I have started thinking about my Favorite Albums of 2008 list but it is nowhere close to being definitive yet, however, you can count on Plants and Animals' Parc Avenue making the list in some manner. "Feedback in the Field" is a cool track from Parc Avenue that will leave you stomping your feet, but this video only adds to the coolness of this song:

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

2008-12-03T00:08:00.003-06:00

I awoke the other night to The Rural Alberta Advantage's (RAA) song "The Ballad of the RAA" pulsing in my head and it was just the sign I needed to pick up the album and give it a few more listens. "The Ballad of the RAA" is a song that begins with the building of simplistic rhythm and synthesizer and courses through powerful raw vocals accompanied by beautiful chimes and then culminates with a stripped down acoustic guitar and vocal melody that makes your heart sink. This musical experience is echoed throughout the album without being repeated or uninteresting. Hometowns has an innate quality of being raw, powerful and honest all while appearing to not be trying too hard. In otherwords, RAA's music is sincere and not over produced with the right doses of raw edge and pure emotion. Give the RAA an acoustic guitar and they can rock you with intensity rarely heard out of the more subdued brother to the electric guitar and then they will turn around and sing lullabies that make you wonder if they had to perform an exorcism on this same acoustic guitar to make it so sweet.

I actually found out about The Rural Alberta Advantage on the Metacritic forums (great place to find new music by the way) a while back but have only recently been exposed to them with the release of Hometowns as one of eMusic's "Music Selects" series, as their album was only available through the band's website. I have seen comparisons of RAA to Neutral Milk Hotel and I will go ahead and agree with the similarities although I would say that RAA show a little more straight forward pop sensibility. Nevertheless, the RAA are traveling in good company to be compared to Nuetral Milk Hotel and they will not disappoint. I can see the RAA being somewhat of a Bon Iver indie Cinderella story with the snowballing of publicity they are suddenly recieving and seemingly coming out of nowhere.

If you don't have an eMusic account you can order RAA's Hometowns through their webpage found here, just clink on the "audio" link. Either way check the RAA out as they are definite pleasant surprise in 2008. -(8/10)

Blitzen Trapper - Hailey's in Denton , TX (November 25, 2008)

2008-11-24T22:59:00.009-06:00

I have only recently dwelved into the world of Blitzen Trapper and from my limited time with these guys they sound like they would be an awesome band to see live. Conveniently enough the guys of Blizen Trapper will be making a stop at Hailey's in Denton, Texas, tomorrow night. I have been listening to a heavy dose of Wild Mountain Nation and Furr to gear up for this show. If you live in the DFW area and feel like seeing a good show I think this will definitely qualify as such.

11/25 - Denton, TX Hailey's (Doors open 9 p.m.)

Handsome Furs' New Album Info - Face Control

2008-11-16T21:15:00.008-06:00

I have been out of town for a week and I am just catching up with things. It looks like some cool releases are on the horizon including news of a new release from the duo of Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry which are better known as Handsome Furs. The new album titled Face Control will be released by Sub Pop on February 3, 2009. Handsome Furs' initial release Plague Park was a sound first offering that held the 6th spot in my Favorite Albums of 2007 list. I am really excited about the release of Face Control as Dan Boeckner has really matured as a song writer with his offerings on Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer. Keep an eye out for this album but meanwhile a taste of what to come can be found here.

Face Control - Track Listing:

Legal Tender
Evangeline
Talking Hotel Arbat Blues
(Passport Kontrol)
All We Want, Baby, Is Everything
I'm Confused
(White City)
Nyet Spasiba
Officer of Hearts
(It's Not Me, It's You)
Thy Will Be Done
Radio Kaliningrad

Fleet Foxes "Sun Giant & White Winter Hymnal" La Blogotheque's - A Take Away Show

2008-11-16T18:03:00.004-06:00

This is awesome! I am still angry that I missed these guys in a small and intimate venue in Fort Worth, Texas, but hopefully I will catch Fleet Foxes on their next tour. Thank you to Carlos and Andy for pointing me to this.

Rock-afire Explosion - MGMT's "Electric Feel"

2008-11-11T00:48:00.006-06:00

First it was Usher's "In the Club" but now there is more goodness with the Rocka-Fire Explosion performing MGMT's "Electric Feel." The Rock-afire explosion is known to most as the animitronic band that was common place in the 1980's in Showbiz Pizza establishments around the U.S. It is coming upon things like this that makes me love the internet more than I loathe it... but just barely.

But wait, there is more! The guy who is making these videos for YouTube has a documentary that details his obsession with these animitronic robots. Man I love the internet!

It Came from Youtube...

2008-10-24T19:01:00.003-05:00

Ra Ra Riot - "Too Too Fast" (Live)

Destroyer - "My Favorite Year" (Live)

Frightened Rabbit - "My Backwards Walk" with a little of The National's "Fake Empire" for Good Measure

Bon Iver - "Skinny Love" Live at Later With Jools Holland

2008-10-18T19:46:00.004-05:00

I had never seen this performance of "Skinny Love" before tonight but all I can really say about it is if the emotion of this song does not move you than you than you must not be able to feel anything at all...

Sunset Rubdown - Granada Theater (Dallas, Texas) 9/29/2008

2008-10-01T22:47:00.009-05:00

I need not write a review of the concert as you know I will say it was awesome. Spencer and the gang played several new songs as he put it that they needed to "warm up" to get these new songs ready to record. The highlight of the night for me was actually meeting Spencer and Camilla before the show. The venue was not very packed when I arrived and Spencer and Camilla were sitting at a table before the Hospital Ships set (which was great by the way). The two could not have been any nicer as they happily signed my copy of Random Spirit Lover and thanked me for coming to the show.

I was so star struck from meeting Spencer that both he and Camilla had to introduce themselves to me (as if I did not know their names). I asked if they were going to record a new record soon and Spencer said, "That's the plan." Thus, it looks as if Spencer is not going to rest on his laurels and his prolificness will continue.

Sadly, there was a fairly small crowd as I can only hope it was because the show was on a Monday night. Spencer had mentioned to me that it was their first show in Dallas but I hope it will not be their last due to the putrid turnout. To make matters worse some idiot near the stage kept clapping off beat and yelling loudly which obviously bothered the band. At one point Spencer acknowledged this idiot by saying, "That's cool but could you do it to the beat?" To further irritate the band the same idiot yelled requests for songs that had already been played which may have been a worse offense than a girl who yelled a request for a Wolf Parade song.

I enjoyed the concert overall on a personal level because I got to see my favorite band front row center and meet my musical hero (Spencer Krug). Meeting Camilla was very cool in its own right as if you have ever seen the band live (and know what to listen to on the records) she really does bring great personality to the songs. Let's hope the band makes it back to Dallas and that the area learns to love the musical theatre that is Sunset Rubdown.

Cool Indie Drum Songs Starring The New Pornographers

2008-09-25T21:55:00.009-05:00

I am musician (using the term loosely here) and used to listen carefully to the instrumentation of songs, but I have found that lately I just listen to songs as a whole. The idea for this post came during my morning commute when the New Pornographer's "Bleeding Heart Show" popped up during a shuffle sequence. Now I know this song is the star of a University of Phoenix commercial but let's not hold that against it. Kurt Dahle absolutely rocks the drums at the end of the song. Some guy in a Chevy Tahoe gave me a funny look as my arms flailed about during my tribute of air drums. Floored by Dahle's amazing pounding of the 'skins' I pressed on to try and remember more great indie percussion. Immediately my mind went to another New Pornographer's song "Use It" (talk about percussion driving a song) that happens to be on the same album Twin Cinema. Anyways, here are some other songs that the drums and percussion truly drive the song and make me look like a fool on my morning commute.

Please feel free to leave comments and list other such songs where drums are king...

New Pornagraphers - "Bleeding Heart Show"
New Pornagraphers - "Use It"
Sunset Rubdown - "The Taming of the Hands that Cam Back to Life"
Broken Social Scene - "7/4 Shoreline"

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

2008-09-25T21:44:00.002-05:00

I know this album has been out for a while but I legally procurred it and I have a job so get off my back.

Wikipedia defines a Rhumb Line as:

In navigation, a rhumb line (or loxodrome) is a line crossing all meridians at the same angle, i.e. a path of constant bearing. Unlike a great circle route (for which bearing is not constant), following a rhumb line requires turning the vehicle more and more sharply while approaching the poles. At lower latitudes, however, a loxodrome may be easier to follow than a great circle. The effect of following a rhumb line course on the surface of a globe was first discussed by the Portuguese mathematician Pedro Nunes in the 1530s, with further mathematical development by Thomas Harriot in the 1590s.

Ok, now that I have my junior high opening to the essay (or review for our purposes) we will move on to the substance of the album because I don't know what the $#*@ a Rhumb Line is after reading the definition over and over.

Ra Ra Riot's The Rhumb Line is the kind of album that I never thought I would like. After the first couple listens of the album my initial impression was that these guys were trying to be Vampire Weekend. If you are unfamiliar with my opinion of Vampire Weekend it can basically be summed up as music that is trying too hard. In fact, the first words I came across regarding Ra Ra Riot was in a forum in which some poster wrote, "They (Ra Ra Riot) are like Vampire Weekend but boring." It was with this quote I knew I was going to love these guys and decided to give the album a couple more spins before prematurely retiring it. I'm glad as "boring" to me has equated to sincere and good music. Now I have to admit that when I listen to this album I still picture northeastern preps/hipsters but I like these yanks much better than those previously mentioned. I'm going to go get my turtleneck out of the mothballs and give this album another go... -(7.5/10)

Ra Ra Riot - "Each Year"
Ra Ra Riot - "Too Too Fast"
Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"

High Places - High Places

2008-09-11T21:50:00.005-05:00

I haven't listened to the rest of the new High Places' self titled album coming out on September 23rd but this song is fantastic. I'll let it speak for itself...

High Places - From Stardust to Sentience

Women - Women

2008-08-28T17:02:00.014-05:00

I'm convinced that Candian based band Women are doing every thing they can not to be found. It's next to impossible to find these dudes on the internet and I'm beginning to think that Women share the same agent and PR group as Osama bin Laden. Can you think of a more generic band name that will frustrate the shit out of a simple google search? Let's type "Women" ok, we're fucked here as there are only 782,000,000 hits. Let's try "women band" or "band women" ooh, only 5,940,000 hits this time... Ok, let's try "bands who should fire their agent/PR machine" now we have a manageable 42 hits this time, but still no sign of our Canadian noise makers. I'll save you the frustration as the band's website can be found here.

Women continue my frustrations as their album clocks in at about 29.5 minutes and with only 10 songs. Let's further the frustration with the fact that there are 2 songs that are roughly a minute long and 4 songs (including the 2 prior) that clock in under 2 minutes. 'God Bless You', Oh shit I just sneezed over an entire song... I'm thinking that Women have no agent or PR machine as there is no way they would ever release this album as it would be a slap in the face to the modern status-quo of what "suits" think an album should be (12-15 songs clocking in around 45-55 minutes).

Ok, enough of that banter. If you have read up to here and think I don't like this album, think again. Women's Women is the first thing to come around and kick me in my musical behind in several months. Women has become sheer bliss to my ears in that way that only musicians wanting to experiment and try new things can. Women is obviously an album that was written by a musician with no thoughts of commercial viability. In fact, It seems very much like an album written by musicians for musicians. There may be a little too much musical doodling on the album which makes 10 songs really about 6 or 7 in a traditional sense.

Despite what many may see as flaws to Women's approach in this debut should not keep them from giving it a listen. If the short run-time, experimental doodling and lack of traditional song forms bothers you let's be 'glass half full' types here and recognize serious talent and promise for the future. Even if you don't like the musical doodling the more traditional songs are every bit Grade A stuff.

Oh BTW, I'm going to abolish my own no album scoring rule for Robert A/K/A "Bullet" over at Put It In Your Face so that he might actually publish one of my reviews... -8/10

Women - "Group Transport Hall" (Your computer isn't broken, it's 1 minute of bliss)
Women - "Black Rice"
Women - "Lawncare"

Sunset Rubdown - Granada Theater - Dallas, TX

2008-07-30T10:06:00.004-05:00

So I am going through the Granada Theater email with headlining groups "Deerhoof, The Mountain Goats and Electric Six" in the header and deciding to scroll down for grins "Holy $#!*,Holy $#!*, Holy $#!*" is spewing from my mouth as I see Sunset Rubdown is coming on September 29th. I just saw Wolf Parade on July 24th and they blew me away despite the high expectations I had entering that concert. Last time I saw Sunset Rubdown I had to drive 3 hours to Austin, TX so this will be a nice visit for me inside of the Metroplex to see the greatest band on the planet.

The Dodos - Interview

2008-07-19T15:03:00.003-05:00

Here's a cool interview with the Dodo's that is intertwined with live performance clips:

Daytrotter Sessions - Annuals

2008-07-02T00:17:00.004-05:00

The Annuals are one of those indie bands that are well known but seem to be slightly under appreciated (I include myself in this category). I fell upon the Annuals performing for the Daytrotter Sessions and it helps bring back a lost appreciation. Be He Me was one of my favorite albums of 2006 and these takes by the band bring a new breath of life to some of my old favorites. I always felt that "Ida, My" was a beautiful song but that the true emotion of the song was lost in translation in the studio, however it translates much better in this version.

Annuals - "Ida, My"
Annuals - "Dry Clothes"
Annuals - "Bleary Eyed"

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

2008-06-16T23:05:00.008-05:00

Millions of people wake up every morning and go about their daily lives but little do they know that they are sharing the planet with the new coming of musical genius in Spencer Krug and Wolf Parade. How is it that such genius is overlooked in popular culture while bands like Vampire Weekend grace the stage of Saturday Night Live and are widely acclaimed as the "next big thing"? I digress...

To be perfectly honest I was excited about the arrival of the new Wolf Parade album but was not floored as I am still reveling in the shear perfection that Spencer Krug last bestowed upon us in Sunset Rubdown's Random Spirit Lover. I thought about leaving any comparisons between Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade out of this post but when Random Spirit Lover and At Mount Zoomer are shaping up to be my favorite albums of this decade I think I should speak of both in the same breath.

At Mount Zoomer begins strong with a "Soldier's Grin" which has to be one of Dan Boeckner's strongest songs to date. Boeckner does not rest on his laurels with "Soldier's Grin" as "Language City" and "Grey Estates" are both top notch songs that have me holding Boeckner in higher regard than ever. I would even venture to say that Boeckner outshines Krug on this album and if you have ever read my blog you know that is a blasphemous statement.

Spencer Krug is no slouch and is not going to be outdone by any means. "Call It A Ritual" carries a stuttered pace of pure power and precision and I think will be the song that stands up best in time. "California Dreamer" has to be heard to be believed and when Wolf Parade comes to Dallas I know my mouth will be on the floor when I see the group perform this one live. "Bang Your Drum" is also a great song but a surprise as it seems more at home on a Sunset Rubdown album. I think this song is a great example in highlighting what Boeckner brings to Wolf Parade versus what Krug's bandmates do in Sunset Rubdown. Boeckner seems to bring out a more joyful and playful side of Krug as Sunset Rubdown plays on Krug's whimsical and fantastical imagery. The album closer "Kissing the Beehive" is not interested at all in slowing down the momentum as it takes what Boeckner and Krug have already thrown at you and decides to kick it up notch to make sure you are paying attention. Perhaps my favorite lyrics of the album show up here when Krug proclaims, "I wish I could believe in who you are. You hold your cup in the air and you call it a guitar. You put your face on the glass and you call it good cinema, oh. As if you didn't know that it would sting." As a master of imagery and passion Krug is making sure that when the album ends you are yearning for more.

At Mount Zoomer is a fantastic album and will likely top my Top 10 albums of 2008, but I want to qualify this album in that I don't think it has Wolf Parade's best song to date. I agree with Wayne over at Ocean's Never Listen when he states of At Mount Zoomer, "While there is probably no song as perfect as "I'll Believe in Anything", there are plenty of perfect moments." Apologies to the Queen Mary is full of magic and splendor but Boeckner and Krug are growing as artists and erasing doubts of any sophomore slumps as this follow up is stronger on the whole. Let me further qualify At Mount Zoomer in that I think Random Spirit Lover is a superior album. I really think that Boeckner has truly come into his own and Krug's offerings are solid as well, but the artistry of Random Spirit Lover is a feat that still boggles my mind.

Genius walks among us and yet little know of Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner. What these guys are doing with their music is awe inspiring in the least. I began this blog for the purpose of spreading good music to people who would listen and while my passion wanes at times it is albums like At Mount Zoomer that remind me why I do this. Let's all appreciate what Boeckner and Krug have accomplished in their short careers as this is not just music but is truly art.

The Photographic - Pictures of A Changing World

2008-06-11T23:07:00.001-05:00

I have decided I am going to stop posting scores for albums and just post quick blurbs about the one's I am listening to and enjoying. I feel that an album needs several months before the true value of its work can be measured. That being said here is a new and lesser known offering from The Photographic which is a two-piece instrumental duo hailing from Louisville, Kentucky.

The Photographic's Pictures of A Changing World is an offering of entirely instrumental music in the vein of Explosions in the Sky (EITS). The two band's are fairly similar in that they use their guitars to create simple melodies that drive the songs and build a sense of tension usually followed by moments of epic beauty. If one listens closely they can also hear shades of Thurston Moore and Sonic Youth's guitar attack and styling in their heyday. The Photographic and EITS carry similarities but both can be enjoyed in there own right. Give these songs a try and I definitely encourage listening to this album as a I find it even more ridiculous to use words to describe music that is entirely instrumental.

The Photographic - "Glass Saviour"
The Photographic - "Inception"
The Photographic - "Secure"

Jimi Hendrix's Isle of Wright Statue Defaced by Guitar Hero's Activision

2008-06-09T19:37:00.007-05:00

I am big fan of Jimi Hendrix and I like Guitar Hero, but Activision is taking it a little too far by placing stickers on the Jimi Hendrix statue at the Isle of Wright to make it look like Jimi is holding a Guitar Hero controller. Shame on you Activision and shame on me for even bringing attention to this sacrilege as that is the only thing Activision wants. The article can be found here:

"To celebrate the fact that there will be two Guitar Hero performances on the main stage at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, Activision has re-branded the bronze statue of Hendrix that sits in the grounds of the island’s Dimbola Lodge, turning Jimi’s guitar into the aforementioned video game peripheral."

I Love Sports Tirades...

2008-06-05T13:50:00.003-05:00

I love it when sports managers go off the handle on reporters and their stupid questions. Don't take this the wrong way as I think there is usually alot of stupidity blurted from both ends of the microphone. Here is a pretty funny clip from the "Mike and Mike Show" where they talk about such sports tirades and the most recent one from Seattle Mariners' manager John McLean.

Sunset Rubdown - New Songs in You Tube Land...

2008-05-26T21:15:00.004-05:00

Sunset Rubdown's tour of Europe finds new songs from the band surfacing on You Tube. Both of the songs sound great but are not a tremendous departure from the band's previous works. Without further ado...

Denton, Texas - The Next Austin, Texas?

2008-05-18T22:40:00.004-05:00

The New York Times has an interesting article detailing the rising independent music scene budding in Denton, Texas. Denton is home to the band Midlake and given my proximity to the city I need to personally look into this. Here is an excerpt:

“While Austin’s become more and more commercial, here it’s stayed more independent,” said Erik Herbst, owner of the Panhandle House recording studio. With its high-tech boom and music festivals like South by Southwest, Austin has seen its profile swell, leaving some artists disenchanted by the commercialism and higher rents. Even MTV’s “Real World,” mind you, has invaded the city. The cooler kids have decamped to Denton.

My Initial Impression of Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer

2008-05-04T22:48:00.012-05:00

Well, I listened to At Mount Zoomer while on the road this weekend and this picture says it all...

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer Album Art is Here!

2008-05-01T21:54:00.009-05:00

The cover art for Wolf Parade's previous album Apologies to the Queen Mary is mediocre at best and in my opinion does not reflect the music it is encasing. Fast Foward to 2008 and Wolf Parade's upcoming album At Mount Zoomer... now here is an album cover that embraces the disjointed, powerful and colorful pallet of sounds that Krug and Boeckner so graciously bestow upon it's listeners. If I'm this excited about the cover art for At Mount Zoomer just imagine how excited I am to play this album on repeat tomorrow on my 4 hour road trip?!

Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles

2008-04-29T21:44:00.010-05:00

The first seven songs on Crystal Castle's self-titled debut album Crystal Castles are a tour de force of catchy and highly original tracts that left my jaw dropped the first several times I listened to the album. The only problem with Crystal Castles is that it is awe inspiring on the front end and then cannot carry the momentum. I am not going to give a full review of the album as I have not given it enough time to fully digest, (so maybe my "momentum" comment is premature) but for $6.99 on iTunes you have absolutely no excuse to not buy it. Plus, it just plain kicks ass and all the cool kids like it.

Crystal Castles - "Alice Practice"
Crystal Castles - "Untrust Us"
Crystal Castles - "Air War"
Crystal Castles - "Courtship Dating"

EDIT: So I listened to this album more this weekend and I could not be more wrong... this album is fantastic front to back.

Prince Performing Radiohead's "Creep" at Cochella

2008-04-27T22:25:00.002-05:00

It's not that Prince covering "Creep" much less any Radiohead song has ever crossed my mind, but I'm going to file this under "things I never thought I'd see." The surprise value of this performance is the only reason I'm posting this otherwise it's just a bunch of Prince guitar noodling.

M83 - "Graveyard Girl"

2008-04-16T00:26:00.003-05:00

M83's Saturdays = Youth received a score of 8.5 from Pitchfork while receiving an average score of 7.2 on Metacritic. I just downloaded the full album today but my initial impressions have me quite impressed. So far the song "Graveyard Girl" is the standout track blending 80's nostalgia with all the emotions of one's teen angst-ridden years. This song is some of the best shoegaze pop I have heard in a while and I highly recommend giving the song as well as the album a try.

Wolf Parade - "Call It A Ritual"

2008-04-14T17:02:00.003-05:00

"Call it whatever you will" but it's a great new song from Wolf Parade. It's not often that one song is going to be cause for an entire post, but we are talking about Wolf Parade here. Check out "Call It a Ritual" which will be appearing on Wolf Parade's yet untitled LP set to be released on June 17, 2008. Meanwhile I will be salivating for the rest to come...

Wolf Parade - "Call It A Ritual"

Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue

2008-04-08T21:35:00.007-05:00

Plants and Animals are yet another indie band to hail from the mecca of indie artists that is Montreal, Canada. Being a native Texan I know very little to nothing about Montreal, Canada, but I do know this; whatever is in the water up there needs to be bottled up and sold as liquid gold. I really didn't think another album could come out of the Montreal scene that I could enjoy on this level, but Parc Avenue crept up on me out of nowhere and I am loving this album. The best way I can describe the sound of Plants and Animals is to mix 70's radio, My Morning Jacket and Midlake in a blender and put a bit of Vodka in for kicks. Parc Avenue covers the gambit from Nick Drake jangly acoustic guitars to overdriven amps pounding out southern rock anthems. Parc Avenue will surely make the mix in my year end "best of" lists and I may regret giving the album only an 8.5, but only time will tell. -(8.5/10)

Plants and Animals - "A New Kind of Love"
Plants and Animals - "Good Friend"
Plants and Animals - "Bye Bye Bye"

The National - A Skin, A Night

2008-04-04T13:45:00.008-05:00

The National's Boxer is my third favorite album of 2007 and if you do not already own a copy there is no excuse. To commemorate the greatness that is Boxer The National have enlisted the help of French Director Vincent Moon (who is responsible for the La Blogotheque's "Take Away Show" Series) to direct a film on the making of this classic album. Between my love for Boxer and the the "Take Away Show" series this could not be any cooler... Oh wait, yes it is, there will be a 12-track bonus CD titled The Virginia EP. Well Slap me silly and call me Susie because this is going to be awesome! Look for A Skin, A Night on DVD along with The Virginia EP on CD May 20, 2008.

M83 - Saturdays = Youth

2008-03-24T15:06:00.005-05:00

When I listen to electronic based music it usually elicits one of two responses... (1). Linda Blair Exorcist style vomiting, or (2). The desire to strap on a skin tight black shirt and pump my fists in the air Guido/Jersey Shore style (see example here). So far I am enjoying these tunes so we will place them in the latter category. Saturdays = Youth is set to release on April 14, 2008.

M83 - "You, Appearing"
M83 - "Couleurs"
M83 - "Kim & Jessie"

Monster Mixtape

2008-03-13T23:30:00.005-05:00

I'm going to be out of town for a while so I thought I would post a bunch of great songs I am currently listening to in my "Monster Mixtape". Enjoy.

The Notwist - "Good Lies"
Tokyo Police Club - "In a Cave"
The Evangelicals - "Skeleton Man"
Throw Me the Statue - "About To Walk"
Tyler Ramsey - "Ships"
Atlas Sound - "Recent Bedroom"
Destroyer - "My Favorite Year"

Yeasayer - "2080" (Take Away Show)

2008-03-11T16:48:00.003-05:00

I know I have not been writing much lately but there is little that has excited me and I'm not go to write for the sake of writing. Let's couple this with the fact that alot of my posts lately have been dealing with La Blogotheque's "Take Away Show" series. Well the series $#@!*&% rules so here is another "Take Away Show" from Yeasayer and yes it is pretty $#@&*!# awesome too. Meanwhile, I hope I can find something that does excite me because the buzz for alot of recent releases (ex. Vampire Weekend and Atlas Sound) are not doing much for me; however, that is the subject for an entirely different entry. Enjoy peeps.

#87.2 - YEASAYER - 2080
by lablogotheque

Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now Youngster...

2008-03-01T15:19:00.007-06:00

Los Campesinos! are the very definition of what fun indie-pop should sound like. I first heard the pop goodness of Los Campesinos! in the summer of 07' and have been eagerly awaiting their first full length release ever since. Well that time is upon us with the release of Hold On Now Youngster... and these pop virtuosos do not disappoint. I usually find that the pop approach to music wears quicker than other forms, but there is some quality about Los Campesinos! that has a lasting effect and the only analogy I can make to that is they have the staying power of Broken Social Scene. I do not want to draw anymore similarities between the two as they are both their own animal, but both produce pop music that you just don't tire of listening to.

Hold On Now Youngster... is somewhat short clocking in at a meager 43:14 minutes but there are no real weak songs so that will make up for its brevity. The only other negative I find in this release is that I am not fond of the album art at all, however, I doubt that will affect your enjoyment of this pop gem in the least. It's a good thing CD's and mp3's don't wear out like LP's as I think I am going to put this CD through its paces for a while. (9/10)

Los Campesinos! - "Death to Los Campesionos!"
Los Campesinos! - "Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks"
Los Campesinos! - "You! Me! Dancing!"

Throw Me the Statue - "Lolita" (Take Away Show)

2008-02-28T20:12:00.004-06:00

La Blogotheque brings us more goodness in their Take Away Show series this time with Throw Me the Statue's "Lolita". Throw Me the Statute just released their debut album Moonbeams on Secretly Canadian and is worthy of checking out.

Indie pop on a Seattle ferry ride... why the hell not?

Throw Me the Statue - Lolita
by lablogotheque

Help me pick a guitar...

2008-02-25T09:23:00.006-06:00

I have an opportunity to get one and/or both of these fine guitars at a decent discount. I already own a Fender Stratocaster, a Fender Telecaster and two (2) Gibson SG's. I know I like both of these guitars but I want to see what you think. Please feel free to leave a comment. Thanks.

Gibson ES-339

Gibson Hummingbird Modern Classic

Samamidon - All Is Well

2008-02-12T23:49:00.009-06:00

So I decide to do things the right way (legally speaking) and I am paying for it. I ordered Samamidon's (Sam Amidon's solo moniker) latest release All is Well from Insound.com and I have been bashing my head against the walls in anticipation of its arrival. From the moment I heard "Saro"I absolutely fell in love with Samamidon's sound and immediately ordered his albums' All Is Well and But this Chicken Proved Falsehearted. I am always drawn to emotion and sincerity in music and Samamidon is chalk full of both.

Sam Amidon was raised in a family of folk musicians and while this influence is ever present in his sound he brings his own flavor to the mix. The material on All Is Well consists of Samamidon's contemporary takes of traditional folk tunes that are eerily beautiful and goose bump inducing. I am taking a trip to the southern hemisphere soon and I hope to receive the CD before I leave, but for those that have not heard Samamidon yet I strongly urge you to give him a try.

Samamidon - "Saro"
Samamidon - "Wedding Dress"
Samamidon - "Sugar Baby"
Samamidon - "Tribulation" from But this Chicken Proved Falsehearted

La Blogotheque - Take Away Show

2008-02-09T16:01:00.000-06:00

La Blogotheque has a street performance series called "A Take Away Show" and it is nothing short of phenomenal! The performances and the artists are all top notch and I absolutely recommend... no, I COMMAND YOU to check it out. Here are some of my favorites so far:

Menomena - "Wet and Rusting": The children dancing in the street is, well as the guys in the band say, "That was the cutest thing I've ever seen."

#62.3 - Menomena - Wet and Rusting
by lablogotheque

The National - "Start a War"

#40.3 - The National - Start a war
by lablogotheque

Vampire Weekend - "Mansard Roof"

#80.1 - VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Mansard Roof
by lablogotheque

Mixtape 3

2008-01-31T22:22:00.000-06:00

The Terribles - "Those Songs"
The Papertiger Sound - "Magnetic North"
Samamidon - "Saro"
Xiu Xiu - "In Lust You Can Hear the Axe Fall"
Chris Walla - "Sing Again"

The New Pornagraphers and Okkervill River Tour Together

2008-01-31T21:55:00.000-06:00

Good News: The New Pornographers and Okkervill River are teaming up for several dates in early 2008.

Bad News: Only the Okkervill River side of this awesome coin will make it to my neck of the woods, but I will take what I can get.

04-05 Dallas, TX - Granada (Okkervill River Only)

Ida - Lovers Prayers

2008-01-29T23:34:00.001-06:00

Ida releases its 7th album Lovers Prayers today and it is garnering well deserved attention around the blogosphere. Lovers Prayers is a warm and inviting album and will surely receive more of my attention in the coming weeks.

Ida - Lovers Prayers
Ida - The Killers 1964

The Bad Plus - "Flim" (Aphex Twin cover).

2008-01-28T22:12:00.000-06:00

I know little of jazz trio The Bad Plus other than what I read of them here at indiemuse.com. That being said, I have always enjoyed Aphex Twin's beautiful song "Flim" and to find that someone took the initiative to cover the song much less do a fantastic job of it is all the more exciting. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do. Thanks to indiemuse.com for pointing me to this.

More Greatness from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

2008-01-27T21:59:00.000-06:00

Smashing Pumpkins - "Disarm" Rocked Out!

2008-01-27T17:26:00.000-06:00

The whole "unplugged" thing is so overdone. Let's take an acoustic ballad and rock it out! This version of "Disarm" can be found on the Vieuphoria DVD. Oh, I miss the days when the Smashing Pumpkins were good...

My Morning Jacket reveal new album title.

2008-01-26T11:03:00.000-06:00

My Morning Jacket has revealed the title for their newest album which is to be called Evil Urges. There is not a tracklist yet but the album will be released June 10, 2008.

Upcoming Shows:

03-10 Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theatre
03-13 Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall (SXSW)
03-15 Austin, TX - St. David's Church (Jim James solo) (SXSW)

MGMT-"Time to Pretend"

2008-01-24T20:16:00.001-06:00

OMG! Scarlett Johansson Album

2008-01-24T16:26:00.000-06:00

OMG ya'll! Scarlett Johansson's new album Anywhere I Lay My Head is set to drop on May 20, 2008 and will feature 10 Tom Waits cover songs. No Way!

If I'm excited at all about this it is solely for the reason that I now have an excuse to post a picture of Scarlett Johansson. Tommy Likey!

Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha

2008-01-18T19:10:00.000-06:00

From Andrew Bird's graceful voice to Armchair Apocrypha's cover art minimalism or a 'less is more' approach is ever present in this album. I will be the first to admit that a photo of a bird on the cover of an Andrew Bird album is as cheezy as Warrant's "Cherry Pie" analogy, but the simplicity of this photo is a simple and powerful representation of Bird's music. While I say that Armchair Apocrypha takes a minimalist approach, what I mean by this is that the instrumentation of the album is not overrun with synthesizers and electric guitars, but only with what seems at every given moment just the right amount of noise producing devices (including Bird's whistling). It is a good thing that Bird does not choose to overpower his music with noise as his lyrical prowess is second to none. I picked up Armchair Apocrypha after the new year but if I had this album before making my 2007 Top 10 Album list it would have easily snuck into the mix. Furthermore, the song "Scythian Empires" would easily have made my 2007 Top 10 Songs list with "Plasticities" not far behind at all (both very good songs). (8.5/10)

Andrew Bird - "Scythian Empires"
Andrew Bird - "Plasticities"
Andrew Bird - "Heretics"

Bose SoundDock Portable

2008-01-12T13:00:00.000-06:00

To celebrate my new raise I decided to splurge on something for myself. So far, the SoundDock has really impressed me by the sound it puts out for its size. Additionally, the SoundDock maintains a good sound quality the louder you turn it up. It is also portable as it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which will be nice for long drinking days in the backyard. Now the portable SoundDock is $100 more than the regular one, but hey I just got a raise. At least I didn't spend it on hookers and blow!

New Albums Coming Soon In 2008.

2008-01-08T23:06:00.000-06:00

1. Destroyer - Trouble In Dreams: If this album is anywhere near as good as Destoyer's Rubies we are in for a treat .

"Foam Hands".

2. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular: Put in CD, Shake Ass! -

"Time to Pretend"

3. Hello Blue Roses - The Portrait Is Finished & I Have Failed to Capture Your Beauty...- More Dan Bejar?! Well as the kids say these days 'woot'! -

"Hymn"

4. Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride: Better than being Billy Goats? -

"Sax Rohmer #1"

5. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend: Did Paul Simon go Indie? May grow on me... -

"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa".

Mixtape 2

2008-01-05T02:16:00.000-06:00

Feist - I Feel It
Caribou - Melody Day
Andrew Bird - Plasticities
Radiohead - 4 Minute Warning
Sunset Rubdown (Xiu Xiu Cover Song) - Apistat Commander

My 10 Favorite Albums of 2007.

2007-12-31T01:32:00.001-06:00

Wow, what a great year in music! I would say that my top 3 albums could be a #1 album in any given year, but the strength of releases this year has these great albums crowded at the top. Random Spirit Lover is easily my favorite album of the year, however, In Rainbows and Boxer might as well be tied at #2 as they are both that good. I wish I had more time to listen to all the well received albums released this year, but I can only critique the one's that found their way to me this year. Without futher ado...

1. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover

Random Spirit Lover (RSL) is the single best album I have heard in the past five years and maybe even in this decade. This album is so complex and quirky but in all of the right ways. The first several listens of RSL can be rough but it has some innate quality that makes one continually come back to it. The payoff is a musical adventure in which each song blends into the next like a true album should. Granted the songs themselves are amazing but it is the cohesiveness of the recordings as a continuous work that make this album so amazing. In my eyes Spencer Krug has become the writer of this generation and I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.

Best Songs - "The Mending of the Gown", "The Taming of the Hands that Came Back to Life", "Winged/Wicked Things

2. Radiohead - In Rainbows

In Rainbows was released with a myriad of attention for the way in which Radiohead marketed and sold this album, but shouldn't we be focusing on the album itself? Let's forget the hype and what we find is arguably Radiohead's best album to date. In Rainbows finds a band that is finally comfortable in its own skin. The songs here do not sound forced or experimental as some of their past releases have come off as. Instead, In Rainbows finds a Radiohead producing an effortless and natural sound all being the culmination of their past works. If this album was released in any other year it could easily be my number one album, but 2007 was just too damn good.

Best Songs - "All I Need", "Bodysnatchers", "Reckoner"

3. The National - Boxer

The National have a crafted an album that is truly a classic. Boxer is an album that will age like a fine wine and be one that will hold relevance 10 years into the future. The songs have an understated beauty that reveals itself in each listen. I have seen numerous references to Boxer as a "grower" and while this sentiment is true there is still plenty of immediacy to this album as well. Buy it, enjoy it, period.

Best Songs - "Fake Empire", "Mistaken for Strangers", "Apartment Story"

4. Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If...

Broken Social Scene (BSL) references are inescapable but necessary as Kevin Drew is the chief songwriter for that outfit and it is with Kevin Drew's Spirit If... one can recognize his importance to the band's success. Kevin Drew is nothing other than a extremely solid songwriter and to discount this record because he released it under the Broken Social Scene moniker is missing the point entirely. Kevin Drew's songwriting will always be inseparable from the Broken Social Scene sound because of his major role in shaping that sound, and while Broken Social Scene members contributed to this album the majority of its sound is Kevin Drew steering the ship to its ultimate destination. This album smells and tastes like BSL but with a quality of its own. Mmmmm, yummy.

Best Songs - "Safety Bricks", "Lucky Ones", Frightening Lives", "Backed Out on the..."

5. Menomena - Friend and Foe

Friend and Foe is an album that seems so schizophrenic but somehow manages to hold everything together. This dichotomy of sound weaves between intense, driving, and beautiful and its many personalities are what makes this album so interesting. Inventive and creative all while finding itself accessible Friend and Foe is an album that I can see myself coming back to in the future and only appreciating more with time.

Best Songs - "The Pelican", "Wet and Rusting", "My My"

6. Handsome Furs - Plague Park

Handsome Furs is no more than Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade), Alexei Perry, a guitar, and a drum machine. Now this statement may lack the inclusion of synthesizers, but I want to reflect the simplicity of the approach taken in Plague Park. Boeckner has stated that the album was "to be as sparse and repetitive as possible" and while this repetition is achieved in sorts the album is not sterile by any means. Plague Park takes a bit of Wolf Parade and a little bit of New Order and lets everyone know that Wolf Parade is not a one man show.

Best Songs - "What We Had", "Dead + Rural", "Handsome Furs Hate This City"

7. Okkervill River - The Stage Names

The Stage Names is a songwriter's album in that Okkervill River has no gimmicks but just great songs. The songs are naked and raw and reflect the mature songwriting that one would expect of Will Sheff. The Stage Names is not trying to slap you in the face, but is that stray dog that gently finds a place in your heart and makes a home.

Best Songs - "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe", "Plus Ones", "John Allyn Smith Sails", "Girl In Port"

8. Panda Bear - Person Pitch

The best way I can describe Person Pitch is if someone locked Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in a room for days with only a knowledge of electronic based music/sampling and a month's supply of acid. The product is something that seems so recognizable but so new all at the same time. The only negative to this album is that it is not one that will find its way into your CD player on a daily basis. Person Pitch is a mood album and by this I mean you have to be in a certain mood to want to listen to it, but when you find that mood, it is well worth it.

Best Songs - "Bros", "Comfy in Nautica", "Im Not"

9. The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse

The two opening songs "Disaster" and "For Agent 13" are an extremely powerful opening to a great album, however, the album unfortunately cannot maintain the pace set by these great songs. Don't let this distress you though as the remainder of the album is good, but suffers from its own creation of high expectations.

Best Songs - "For Agent 13", "Disaster", "Because Tonight"

10. Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War

I am going to borrow from my review of this album as I took a lot of time in figuring out how I exactly wanted to describe this album so here it goes... Stars have always achieved a charming quality through the interaction of the voices of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan and In Our Bedroom After the War continues this relationship without being 'rinse and repeat'. The duet of Campbell and Millan sing the gambit from feuding lovers to pop perfectionists and we are all the better for it in joining in for the ride.

Best Songs - "The Night starts Here", "Window Bird", "Take Me to the Riot"

Midlake - "Roscoe"

2007-12-30T18:23:00.000-06:00

The end of the year in the blogosphere brings many lists of bloggers' favorite songs of the year, but let's look back at one of the best songs of 2006. Midlake's "Roscoe" is a remarkable and enchanting song that sounds like it would be more comfortable in the 1970's than in 2006. "Roscoe" has an aged feeling to it but it never grows tired. I recently found two different versions of this song that while faithful to the original give the song a new and exciting feel.

Midlake - "Roscoe" (Acoustic)
Midlake - "Roscoe" (Beyond the Wizards Sleeve Remix)
Midlake - "Roscoe" (Original Version)

Radiohead - "All I Need"

2007-12-30T17:56:00.000-06:00

Take a beautiful Radiohead song and edit in breathtaking footage from the 1996 French film "Microcosmos" and this is what you get. Despite the borrowing and mashing of these two works of art into this video, it is an excellent work nonetheless. I almost wish it was the official video for this song.

My 50 Favorite Songs of 2007

2007-12-26T19:47:00.001-06:00

I wish this list could be more comprehensive but this is the best I could do. I know there are a ton of other great songs from this year, but like the title says these were my favorite songs and the songs that found me.

Sunset Rubdown - "Mending of the Gown"
Radiohead - "All I Need"
Sunset Rubdown - "The Taming of the Hands That Came Back to Life"
Sunset Rubdown - "Winged/Wicked Things"
Sunset Rubdown - "Idiot Heart"
Handsome Furs - "What We Had"
The National - "Fake Empire"
Panda Bear - "Bros"
Besnard Lakes - "For Agent 13"
Radiohead - "Bodysnatchers"
LCD Soundsystem - "All My Friends"
Burial - "Archangel"
The Arcade Fire - "Intervention"
Radiohead - "Reckoner"
Battles - "Atlas"
Yeasayer - "2080"
The Arcade Fire - "No Cars Go"
Menomena - "The Pelican"
Kevin Drew - "Safety Bricks"
The National - "Mistaken for Strangers"
Sunset Rubdown - "Child-Heart Losers"
Handsome Furs - "Dead + Rural"
Radiohead - "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"
Okkervill River - "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe"
Les Savy Fav - "What Would Wolves Do?"
Sunset Rubdown - "Magic vs. Midas"
Radiohead - "House of Cards"
Menomena - "Wet and Rusting"
Panda Bear - "Comfy In Nautica"
Los Campesinos! - "You! Me! Dancing!"
Stars - "The Night Starts Here"
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - "Emily Jean Stock"
M.I.A. - "$20"
Blonde Redhead - "23"
LCD Soundsystem - "Someone Great"
Kevin Drew - "Lucky Ones"
Explosions in the Sky - "It's Natural to Be Afraid"
The Field - "A Paw in My Face"
Spoon - "Underdog"
Kevin Drew - "Backed Out On the Cause"
The New Pornographers - "Myriad Harbor"
Band of Horses - "Is There a Ghost"
The Octopus Project - "Bees Bein' Strugglin'"
Okkervill River - "John Allyn Smith Sails"
Timbaland - "The Way I Are"
Band of Horses - "No One's Gonna Love You"
Les Savy Fav - "Patty Lee"
Okkervill River - "Unless It's Kicks"
Kevin Drew - "Frightening Lives"
Arcade Fire - "Keep the Car Running"

Stars - In Our Bedroom After the War

2007-12-18T21:30:00.000-06:00

The ending of the year finds me scrambling to listen to all of the albums I purchased earlier in the year but never gave the proper time to listen to and digest. An unfortunate victim of just such neglect is the Stars' release of In Our Bedroom After the War. The Stars' prior album Set Yourself On Fire was one of my favorite albums of 2005 but despite my love of that album I was inexplicably apathetic to give the Stars' newest release a listen. That being said I am glad I have finally given this album the attention it deserves. Stars have always achieved a charming quality through the interaction of the voices of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan and this album continues this relationship without being 'rinse and repeat'. The duet of Campbell and Millan sing the gambit from feuding lovers to pop perfectionists and we are all the better for it in joining in for the ride. The album overall is very good but lacks that one true great song to put it in that next level. (7.5/10)

Stars - "The Night Starts Here"
Stars - "Window Bird"
Stars - "The Ghost of Genova Heights"

Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2007

2007-12-18T14:47:00.000-06:00

The cork sniffers over at Pitchfork released their list of what they deem as the top 50 albums of 2007 which can be found here. While I agree that many of the albums on the list deserve to be there I will never agree with the order in which they are placed. Pitchfork is a great place to start in seeking out new music, but they have an affinity to praise experimentation rather than the overall product of the music itself. But hey, music is subjective. I will be posting a list of my favorite albums closer to the end of the year, as I am holding off on doing so as there are still some great albums that need more attention before I am ready to proclaim any favorites. That being said, my favorite album of this year is Sunset Rubdown's Random Spirit Lover which was left off of Pitchfork's list altogether. What gives Pitchfork?

Los Campesinos!

2007-12-16T20:52:00.000-06:00

Los Campesinos! hail from England and I only mention that because I am actually writing about a group NOT from Canada! Now here is some music that one will take to quickly as it is energetic, catchy, and infectious. Here are some good samples and I look forward to their first full length album scheduled to drop on April 1, 2008.

Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing!
Los Campesinos! - The International Tweexcore Underground
Los Campesinos! - Please Don't Tell Me to Do the Maths

Tracy Morgan in El Paso

2007-12-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

Old news but I forgot how funny this is.

Songs to Wake Up To...

2007-12-02T22:44:00.001-06:00

I posted the other day about waking up to Sunset Rubdown's "Stadiums and Shrines II" but failed to explain exactly how that happened. All you need is a computer hooked up to speakers and this nifty program found here and you can wake up to whatever song you wish and at whatever time. It's obvious that most of you will want to wake up to Metallica's "Master of the Puppets" but I am going to recommend some more peaceful songs to begin your day.

Sigur Rós - Untitled 4
Aphex Twin - Flim
Stars - Calendar Girl
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - In This Home on Ice
Coldplay - Don't Panic
Tool - Disposition

Sunset Rubdown - Daytrotter Session Encore

2007-12-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

For those unfamiliar with Daytrotter.com it can best be described by the site itself:

"We are going to contribute to the musical landscape, not just toss it around like a used book or a stolen pick-up line. We’re going to give you something that you truly have never heard. We are not giving you songs from someone you love’s record album, thereby stealing from someone you love. We’re giving you exclusive, re-worked, alternate versions of old songs and unreleased tracks by some of your favorite bands and by a lot of your next favorite bands."

I wish I had the resources to start a project like Daytrotter.com but my meager means leaves me to just pointing people to great music. Anyways, here are the products of Sunset Rubdown's encore visit to Daytrotter's studio which is truly great stuff.

Sunset Rubdown - True Colors (Daytrotter Session Encore)
Sunset Rubdown - Idiot Heart (Daytrotter Session Encore)
Sunset Rubdown - The Mending of the Gown (Daytrotter Session Encore)

Nickelback "Rockstar" Video: A National Crisis...

2007-11-30T19:44:00.001-06:00

Ok, time to make fun of some shit. Luckily, I don't have to write much as this video is its own bit. Maybe if video games like "Rock Band" (see prior post) existed when the members of Nickleback were growing up we wouldn't have to deal with these no talent ass clowns taking their "rockstar" dreams out on us innocent civilians.

Unfortunately for you and I, Nickleback is alive and well. The most appalling part of this debacle though is that as of 11/30/2007 their video for "Rockstar" is the top selling video on iTunes. That means fucktards around America and heaven knows where else spent actual money on this colossal piece of monkey turds!!! Who listens to this crap much less watches the video on their iPods even more than once? The only person who I could imagine remotely enjoying this video/song would have to be the illegitimate love child of Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson who was subsequently raised by Danny Bonaduce and a pack of wild dogs. If you bought this video and you don't call Danny Bonaduce "Pops", call me and I will come to your house and beat you with a rubber hose or whatever Milwaukee's beast bottles you have laying around!