I hate it when my post knocks down the fake lesbian photo

Sorry.

Welcome again to Cat.

The Shortlist is no longer around it is now the Pantheon Prize. It is awarded by industry types to the best group that doesn't have at least a gold album(500,000 cds). Backhanded compliment kinda but I would take these 10 finalists anyday over anything in the Grammys. In fact this prize would make a fine top ten of the year.

Good list of upcoming CDs from LA times.

PG's Big Time official theme song of WWE. Not sure how I feel about this. I love Peter Gabriel so it kinda feels dirty.

Oscar noms later today. John Stewart is hosting. As much as Oscar almost never gets it right I still love the show and I think Stewart will be gold.

I love Bode. He rocks in so many ways. It takes a true athlete to go screaming down a mountain wasted. I have trouble doing that sober. I also love that he called out Bonds and that biker dude that left his wife who stuck by him after cancer for that sellout--but hot--singer. In fact I wish I had enough money because I would offer each pitcher in the MLB $10,000 every time they tried to hit Barry's head. Which is huge so it wouldn't be that hard. Some pitchers might not want to do that--ok I would if I could throw you $5,000 to intentional walk him instead. It's people like him that really make me wonder what I did a in former life that was so bad.

More later
Bro

 

The Fever...

“Initech”

So I work in a corporate environment, one that is—how do you say? Intense? A lot of working moms and uptight corporate types, but I’ve learned to adapt. The other day my colleagues and I were talking about the children’s show Doogal, and John Stewart plays a voice in the upcoming film. I overheard some countertypes discussing the movie and asking “Who is John Stewart?” and I thought to myself “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I replied “You know, John Stewart, from the Daily Show?” and they responded “Nope, never heard of him.” and that’s when I realized I really do work in the Twilight Zone. So I struggle day to day to preserve my coolness without being condescending or insulting and yet still relate to these people. A delicate balance I strive to maintain everyday.

So it’s my turn to pick the movie of the month for our monthly “movie night” and I’m contemplating Big Moma’s House Pt 2, Hostel and King Kong. I’m thinking they’ll probably vote for King Kong, even though I like to keep’em guessing with my selections. You never know, I might be able at some point to wrangle them into a $3 show at the Ogden 6 featuring “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle”. A girl can scheme, I mean dream.

“It’s so passé…thank God”

In the office on the same day, we got to talking about trends of the past like women smoking cigars ie. Demi Moore, faux leopard print coats and the dreaded lesbian show. Keep in mind that these are mostly married people who like to live vicariously through the lives of single people even though they have no idea what in hell you’re talking about. So of course, I had to explain because most of them have been married for like 10 years.

The lesbian show—so you remember when predominantly heterosexual girls from the suburbs would make out with other predominantly heterosexual girls in a bar to make a scene, draw attention and ideally turn guys on? An act I consider retarded and desperate, but none the less effective as I’ve witnessed when trying to pick up a random guy right before last call. Again, these were mostly hetero girls because let’s face it, if they were REAL lesbians, they wouldn’t be hot. Anyway, these girls dabbled in lesbian activities like a drunk with sobriety or a VP at a Jimmy Buffet concert—friggen amateurs. Hetero hotties engaged in amateur lesbian acts after too many lemon drop shots. A totally fucked up trend, I think, and one that blurred the line between gay and straight, as if there wasn’t enough of that already going around, but to really dissect it and understand that some guys sincerely bought into it was for me and my girlfriends—pure entertainment value. Probably the same guys that go to a strip club and after a couple of gin and tonics, think to themselves, “Yea, this chick is really into me”. Regardless, a trend I am relieved is no longer in style, even though I’m sure still happens, bottom line, its so passé. Like there should be a big, black bar across the faces of girls that still engage in this shit, it’s right up there with stretch pants, same category, it’s that bad. Latest Glamour issue: “Girls spotted at local bars still working the lesbian thing”.

Now, I think what is in, is to really BE gay or really BE straight. Take pride in your sexual orientation and stop screwin around with people or at least leave it to the professionals. I mean really girls, if you’re still pulling the lesbian card at last call, you should be getting paid for impersonating a lesbian, don’t you think? Even better get a job at Coyote Ugly and step it up to a lap dance, but stop with lesbian crap already.

A-N-Y-W-A-Y, I digress in my ranting editorial about fake lesbians. Needless to say my counterparts, with mouths agape, and staring at me as if in a trance had no freaken idea what I was talking about…but I think they liked it.

“I’ve gone wild before, but I never let anyone film it.”

So of course the conversation progressed to Girls Gone Wild and I got to thinking, “I’ve gone wild before, but I never let anyone film it.” So it’s ok to go wild right but have these girls thought about life after Girls Gone Wild? Do they girls realize that they may have peaked when they let some shady, coke head/aspiring film director, video tape them taking a shower together? Like have they contemplated that perhaps this is good as it will probably get for them? And when they mature to that “I wanna get married” age, “have kids” and do the trophy wife bit or the stay at home mom thing, will they still be talking about the “Girls Gone Wild” days or will they deny it? Deny it just like the time they made out the Cadillac Ranch after a five lemon drops to pick up a couple of cowboys?

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not a prude…I mean c’mon, you don’t know me, but to know me is to know I’m not a dick, but I just don’t get the Girls Gone Wild thing. I personally think it’s a lot sexier and more likely to have done something like that, but rather then play the tape, tell the story as you remember it with opportunity to embellish or omit certain accounts. You were probably shnockered when you did it, so same thing. It just takes all the imagination out of it I think, the DVD, and it’s repetitive, and eventually bores you right into masturbation, which you would have done anyway and for free without spending $19.99 for the box set.

I don’t know, as woman who’s been know to go wild on occasion but without the lasting footage to remind me of the stupidity, I’m glad didn’t lose it on my last spring break trip to Cancun. Otherwise I would just be another girl “gone wild” back in the 90’s or 2004 with a massive hangover and decent tits.

I’ll agree that Girls Gone Wild is quality entertainment, for like 10 minutes, but really who am I to critique the lives and choices of girls who participate in the production? They’re young, hot and wasted—right on. Anyway, I have to admit that my counterparts got a kick out of my philosophical spill and I was pleasantly surprised that they actually knew what I was talking about. Girls Gone Wild has crossed over into mainstream America where even working moms know what it is. Why is that I wonder to myself? Who knows, they may be just secretly reminiscing to themselves about the GGW days…that would be cool…but I doubt it.

Cat

Are you annoyed with end of the year lists?

This could be huge. Google to take on iTunes with Google Tunes. Just remember boys. Don't be Evil.

Well here's the last one I will post. A not too bad list of 100 annoying things about 2005.

Cartoon about inspirational emails.

Vid of Wintergreen's "when I wake up"

Grandaddy calls it quits. In an interview with Pitchfork yesterday, frontman Jason Lytle revealed that Just Like the Fambly Cat, due out May 9 on V2, will be the last Grandaddy album, and that the band has no plans to tour. This is sad news indeed.

Decemberists fans, myself included, can rejoice for a second time, as Colin Meloy's solo show at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia this Saturday, January 28, will be the latest webcast in NPR.org's "All Songs Considered" program. Both Meloy's and opener Laura Veirs' sets will be streamed live in their entireties on NPR.org starting around 7:30 PM EST Saturday, and will be available as a free mp3 download from the website's permanent archive starting Sunday, January 29.

More later
Bro

Funny thing about that photo is the fact that it was found by searching for "video game et". Gotta love the internet. Why was I searching for "video game et"? If you watched the video you would know. Have a nice weekend.

When I want to run away I drive off in my car

kickboxing...sport of the future.
Yahoo and Linksys are teaming up to get digital music to your home stereo.

Nick Cave has a written a movie.

Beth Orton talks to Rolling Stone about her latest CD...The Comfort of Strangers.

Bono v Aids. The War continues. Now he has formed RED. A group of companies that will put out a line of items and donate the money.

The Futureheads new CD. I am really looking forward to this. Please don't suck. I said please.

MP3 time. Gersey from Down Under. Some The Chills and a little Luna with a bit of Rock. enjoy Small Change.

NME names top 100 British Albums of all time. No surprises at number one really but Artic Monkeys at number five? WTF? The album was just released a week ago. It's good but not that good yet. C'mon people.

Strummer Movie. From FMQB
Music documentary specialist Julien Temple (The Filth And The Fury, Glastonbury) tells MTV that his next film will focus on the late, great Joe Strummer of The Clash. Temple said he planned to make a movie "about his life. Not so much about the Clash, although they were obviously a huge part of that. It's a film about Joe, about the man, the story of his life, the music before the Clash and after the Clash - as well as about the Clash." Temple has hours of film already, much of which he shot with Strummer before his death in 2002.

Mammoth Press reports:
The Zutons have announced details about their second record: Tired of Hangin' Around, produced by Stephen Street will hit stores April 17

Melodic Rock reports:
Has Bob Rock worn out his welcome with Metallica? Rumor has it that renowned producer Rick Rubin will helm the San Francisco metallers next studio album, due to commence recording soon.

More later
Bro

Title is from PG's "In Your Eyes". If for some reason you don't have the 11:34 minute live version do yourself a favor. Lift up those Boomboxes and do your best Dobler. Can you believe Crowe wanted to use Idol's "to be a lover" instead? Crazy.

OMG she is from my home tan...I mean town

I am so embarrassed. Poor P-ville. Check out Crystal. Click on the video for Update 1. This is why I can't / wouldn't watch AI.

Sandstorm in Iraq.

More later
Bro

Love may have just come to bury me -- But I'm not afraid of what I see

Don't companies get it? Soon everyone will know what DRM is. As our wonderful prez said "let freedom reign."

New Cure comp as download only. The band will release ‘4play’ via iTunes in the UK only, the record will include new versions of ‘Three Imaginary Boys’, ‘Seventeen Seconds’, ‘Faith’ and ‘Pornography’. I hope they bring across the big pond too. C'mon boys you have Cure fans in the States too.

Irony? Paparazzi help Britney. Fact is strange indeed.

Wow what a vid. Ramblin' Man by Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell which reminds me I just saw Brokeback Mountain.

Formula reports:
Guitar Center announced its February promotion today, in which one lucky winner will receive a VIP trip for four to see Death Cab For Cutie perform in Los Angeles. Partnering with Atlantic Records, Guitar Center will also provide the winner with an autographed Fender Telecaster, complete catalog of the popular band’s recordings and exclusive Death Cab for Cutie merchandise, according to Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center.
The promotion will run from February 1-23, culminating with the winner announcement in mid-March. Interested participants can submit entries at any Guitar Center location or online at www.guitarcenter.com

Special Ops reports:
Tori Amos’ upcoming DVD release of The Video Collection: Fade To Red will be in stores February 14th.
The Video Collection: Fade To Red is a 2-disc DVD set featuring 21 unique and compelling videos that have been integral to Tori Amos’ creative vision. Spanning 1991-2005, the DVD set features such hits as “Silent All These Years,” “Crucify,” “Cornflake Girl,” and “A Sorta Fairytale” which co-stars OscarÒ winner Adrien Brody. Also included is a comprehensive audio commentary by Tori herself on each video. The DVD features digitally re-mastered 5.1 audio and behind the scenes footage! They are releasing it on VD. Nice nothing says love like alot of songs about abuse. Nice

Rocky is a blogger. Yes a blogger. No actually posts yet just photos but I have a feeling the first post will be ANDREEEEEEAAAAAAAN!!!

More later
Bro

The title is from I Am Kloot's "Coincidence" I Am Kloot is an oddball pop trio based in Manchester, England.

Until The Weekend Heals Us

I went to a concert in a barn this weekend...a real barn.
It was out in the sticks of NIU, the bustling metropolis of Dekalb Illinois. The soup-like fog that met us on our way should have been a bad enough sign. The fact that we arrived too early, guaranteeing us a few hours before the band we actually came to see went on, should have been another.

However, a funny thing happened as I settled in and made the best of the situation. Somewhere in the middle of my third BYOB beer I started digging on the opening act, a crazy psychobilly band that had the bonus stage antics of a drunk girl in underwear randomly jumping onstage, grinding on the micstands, and grabbing the crotches of various band members.

The headlining jam band I have seen before and actually like as well. The point is, we were surrounded by deliriously drunk/stoned kids really enjoying the show and having a good time. The good time they were having was infectious. No pretense. No agenda.
This might seem contradictory of me to those who read my tirade of the last Kings Of Leon show with nearly identical surroundings. The difference to me is the kids here were un-pretentious and just having fun. The crowd at the KOL show seemed like they couldn't care less who was onstage. Some seemed drunk for the sake of being drunk, they other half looked like they were TRYING to have fun.

Thank you barn in the middle of nowhere,
for reaffirming my love of live music.



I am off to see a Jeff Tweedy benefit show at The Abbey Wednesday for Chicagoan Gary Schepers--who has made his living as a soundman with many local venues.
Story can be found here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0601200353jan20,1,1617576.story?ctrack=1&cset=true


Speaking of shows, I will be at Langerado in March, with a lineup featuring Black Crowes, Wilco, Flaming Lips, Ben Harper and Secret Machines, I just could not pass it up.
http://www.langerado.com/




We have posted ours and others Best/Worst lists on this site before, but this http://www.buddyhead.com/music/bestof2005/ is by far the best I have seen,...don't believe me? Behold the disdain the have for that annoying Weezer song from last year...

Weezer-Make Believe
20 things we would rather do than hear that “Beverly Hills” song ever again:

1) Visit the dentist
2) Wait in line at the DMV
3) Live in Arkansas
4) Vote
5) Zip our dicks up in our jeans
6) Fall into the gorilla exhibit at the zoo and get gang raped by all the gorillas at once
7) Read
8) Make out with Rip Taylor
9) Accidentally sit on our nuts
10) Skin our dickheads with a carrot peeler
11) Watch Bushwick Bill from The Geto Boys fingerbang our sisters
12) Deliver a retard baby
13) Wax Buzz from The Melvins back and taint
14) Masturbate with broken shards of glass
15) Tattoo an un-circumcised dong onto our chests
16) Funnel stomach bile mixed with trucker cum and “rrhea"
17) Sew vagina lips onto our forehead
18) Shave Oprah's gunt
19) Titty-fuck Star Jones
20) Go to the Warped Tour without a gun




Secret Machines new record out in March/April called Ten Silver Drops.
Meanwhile the first track has leaked on the web.
http://www.livemusicblog.com/audio/AloneJealousStoned.mp3




Check out your knife throwing skills with this game...
http://www.yoarcade.net/ability/knifethrow_content.html




The Strokes US Tour
03/03 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
03/06 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
03/08 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
03/10 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
03/11 Tulsa, OK Cain Ballroom
03/14 Austin, TX Stubbs BBQ
03/15 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
03/17 Grand Prairie, TX Noka Theatre
03/19 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium0
3/21 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre
03/24 San Francisco, CA Concourse
04/02 Portland, OR Roseland Ballroom
04/04 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
04/07 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
04/08 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
04/10 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
04/11 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre



It's all about perspective:
"Felice Varini paints (lines, concentric circles, triangles) on things (tunnels, castles, groovy interiors). A seemingly random smattering of elements that, viewed from a specific point in space, coalesce into a tangible planar element."
http://www.gravestmor.com/wp/archives/2006/01/10/notes-on-the-denial-of-perspective-02-felice-varini/



The Smashing Pumpkins and Phish always seemed like the bands most likely to reunite, so emminent are they to reform I question why they "broke up" in the first place...well it didn't take Corgan too long to get his band back together http://www.nme.com/news/smashing-pumpkins/21996
I am about excited about this as I am for warm milk.
Trey can't be far behind.

Let me too welcome our new female poster. I look forward to her insight.
More Later,
HelperMonkey

Jim Zorn has to be happy

I just hope it's a good Super Bowl. I want Seattle a little more than Pitt but have a feeling it's going to be a blowout. I hope not. See you at Naughts.

The Death Cab for Cutie films started today.

Who are the Smiths? Brillant. Video.

Chat online with Franz Ferdinand on Wednesday.

One Handed Bass Solo. Video. I feel less than zero now. Thanks dude.

The 50 Most Loathsome People of 2005

New York rapper/poet SAUL WILLIAMS is set to open for NINE INCH NAILS from February 27th through April 1st.

I haven't given an MP3 for a bit. Magnet Hold On. and from their myspace: Jed and Lucia good for a rainy lazy day. ONE More. If you don't have Jose Gonzalez in your collection change that now.

More later
Bro

she don't think straight--no no no--she don't think straight

To get you ready for Sundays games. Big NFL hits.

Bands making it on the web. Some are doing it--it's not easy. Soon this will be a better way. Still got a ways to go but getting there.

u2. They made alot of money.

Bloc Party DVD...trailer. Also look for a new cd. Here's their homepage. Silent Alarm was Voted number one cd by NME and number two by me.

The Song Tapper - Hilariously dumb or absolute genius?

Reuters reports:
Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Fountains Of Wayne/Ivy principal Adam Schlesinger have signed on to produce a new studio album from enduring soft rock act America. I really don't know how to feel about this.

AP reports:
Aretha Franklin will join New Orleans singer Aaron Neville in performing the national anthem at next month's Super Bowl. They will be accompanied by another veteran New Orleans musician, pianist Dr. John.

A wonderful short. Worth your 8 and half minutes.

More later
Bro

Title is from Bloc Party's Silent Alarm. The tune is Banquet. This is a must own.


Hey we made it to 10,000 hits. Thanks to anyone that has visited and/or commented. If you visited once and came back-- you rock. Word. Peace Off.

have a great weekend

this is just too cool. Time lapse video--LA to NY.

more later
Bro

A welcome to a new blogger?

So the other day I got a sneak peak at Why We Fight. It's a new doc about The American War Machine. It ventures into a bit of Mike Moore territory but it doesn't seem to pull the emotional "I will take you somewhere I want you to go" thing. It was inspired by Dwight Eisenhower's farewell address. Afterward there was a Q and A with Eugene Jarecki--the filmmaker. You should check it out. We really do need to do something about DC.

Also Love Monkey. It's a new show based on a book by Kyle Smith. Note to self I need to check that book out. I have heard from someone I trust that I need to check out the new show. They also said that after watching the show they said the main character could be based on me. I like that. It's nice to have people thinking about me...in a good light. I will be watching it soon. It is on my DVR but love the idea. Jerry McGuire for the music biz. Plus I loved Ed. I also love the fact that on the website they list all the music played on the show--and I see that Ben Folds will be on the next episode. Good music will get you.

Also I heard a rumor that a female type person will be joining our humble little blog. When and if she joins us please be nice. Looking forward to a bit of estrogen on this site.

a few cool pics of things on the cusp of being blown up.

Who killed the Video Star?

More later
Bro

Oh My My -- Little white lie

Name not so good. Andy Kwok.

Robot cartoon fun. Gothbot.

Breaking down the movie Predator--a shaman's look.

Spiderman meets power rangers. TV is great in the Far East. They rock and more Japanese TV.

White Stripes on Simpsons.

Worst year ever for Record Biz.

Built to Spill discuss new Cd. this year could and should rock.

Pearl Jam's first photo book.

Upcoming cds...an honest look. Not much good for awhile.

Radiohead head V tour.

Drink Madonna's wine. Four kinds available. Virgin Grape shiraz, Pointed Cone Pinot Grigio, Comeback Cabernet Sauvignon and Kissing Women Merlot.

Quick hits at FMQB. More on PJ, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Belle and Sebastian tour. Good double bill.

FMQB reports:
It looks like Coldplay singer Chris Martin and actress Gwyneth Paltrow will soon be brainstorming for another creative baby name. Paltrow confirmed rumors over the weekend that she is pregnant with the couple's second child.[Maybe they will name the child roast beef? Or maybe Fuk.

Title is from Low's Monkey from The Great Destroyer. Poor Poor Monkey. Why must the monkey die tonight? Maybe it's like the the skit from Dane Cook about how cool it would be to come home and have to fight your pet monkey.

My Top Ten List...finally

But first the Bears

Oh Bears why do you tease me...with you're league best Defense in the regular season? Grossman settled down and played ok. Should have kept running Jones. Moose is going to have to step it up next year. Carolina was definitely the better team today. Bummer. Should be good games next weekend.

Before the list I thought this was interesting. Conan O'brien cares about who wins the race for Finland's President. Why? Because one of the woman...yes woman...looks like him.

50 The Evens- The Evens
With the hiatus of Fugazi, lead singer Ian MacKaye found himself with some spare time and decided to make a left turn stylistically into stripped-down pop, or at least music as poppy as a post-punk pioneer can get. Collaborating with Warmers alum Amy Farina.

49 Giant Drag - Hearts and Unicorns
part PJ Harvey and part Liz Phair (the good cds)

48 Sam Prekop - Who's Your New Professor?
A longtime pillar in the Chicago underground community and architect of the post-rock sound, Sam Prekop first gained notoriety at the helm of Shrimp Boat before becoming the leader of the Sea and Cake. This is solo work.

47 Matt Pond PA - Several Arrows Later
5th cd. Solid. Just missing those "wow" songs.

46 Neil Young - Prairie Wind
Another Harvest from the Godfather of Grunge.

45 Richard Hawley - Coles Corner
4th solo cd for touring guitarist for Pulp. It's almost like having Johnny Cash back. Almost.

44 Frank Black - Honeycomb and Bob Mould - Body of Song
they both did the opposite of what they were currently doing and did just fine. Frank went Nashville and Bob picked up the guitar again.

43 Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
an LP where nothing's just indie pop and the string arrangements sound as perfect as the keyboards.

42 Hold Steady - Seperation Sunday
Imagine if GBV worshiped Springsteen instead of the Who. Greatest lyrics of the year sung by the guy who corners you at a party and just won't shut up about how Boston are the missing link between the Beatles and The Chemical Brothers.

41 Nada Surf - the Weight is a Gift
Nada Surf and producer/Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla have made a great pop/rock record. Period.

40 The Eels - Blinking Lights and other Revelations
a double cd that if cut down to one would probably be in the top 15.

39 John Butler Trio - Sunrise Over Sea
Jam band with pop sensibility from Down Under

38 The National - Alligator
They sound like a garage band turned down--way down

37 Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
messy nerves and orchestrated elegance never sounded so good. Sad is the new happy.

36 Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures
Indie Rock borrowed from their first cd. Always a challenge after a wonderful first cd. Hopefully in cd three they recapture the magic again.

35 Brendon Benson - Alternative to Love
rockier end of the power pop spectrum

34 Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
a blast of sparkling energy from start to finish

33 Seu Jorge - The Life Aquatic Sessions
Acoustic covers of Bowie sung in Portuguese. Brillant.

32 Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
He just makes music that feels right. Get ready for Curious George.

31 Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary
Were the bloggers right? Yes. glorious pop from Canada. Have you heard Wolf Parade? They'll change your life.

30 Ry Cooder - Chavez Ravine
First solo cd since '87 and it's a concept album. What's it about? Just listen. This is the Grand Opus of his career.

29 Emilana Torrini - Fisherman's Woman
a normal Bjork with Nick Drake leanings.

28 Ryan Adams - Cold Roses/ Jacksonville Nights/ 29
3 cds? Someone get him an editor. If you took the best of the cds and smashed it into one it might the best cd of the year. If you want just one get Cold Roses.

27 The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
This is John Cougar Mellencamp's Scarecrow if it were set in southern California and narrated by Charles Bukowski.

26 Beck - Guero
If you listened and didn't like it at first or didn't think it was brillant. Listen 5 more times.

25 Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
See Beck

24 Franz Ferdinand - You Could have it so much better...
Don't mess with a winning streak or if it ain't broke don't fix it.

23 Bruce Springsteen - Devils and Dust
Every decade or so, Bruce Springsteen releases a somber album. People say Nebraska--I say poppy Nebraska or as poppy as Nebraska could be.

22 Elbow - Leaders of the World
Elbow referred to themselves as "prog without the solos" without winking. Good enough?

I have about 18 left and need to get to bed.

more later
Bro

21 Super Furry Animals - Love Kraft
It's decade number two...another excellent album from a band that may no longer shock and surprise because they have been there and done that. Fine Fine CD.

20 Kathleen Edwards - Back to Me
From Canada and her heart has been broken and we are the better for it. This is her second cd.

19 The Decemberists - Picaresque
alot of love, drowning, and death and I mean that in a good way.

18 Kings of Leon - Aha Shake Heartbreak
The Followill family returns to the front porch/garage on sophomore effort

17 The Constantines - Tournament of Hearts
Another band from Canada...I might be moving soon. CD 3 is the sound of the Constantines operating at the peak of their powers

16 Teenage Fanclub - Man Made
somewhat disappointed that the album isn't more than yet another solid Fanclub release if only because it was Recorded at Tortoise frontman John McEntire's Soma studio in Chicago--it's a pair made in indie heaven and yet it's only very very good.

15 Andrew Bird - and The Mysterious Production of Eggs
Chicago-based violinist and all around amazing talent. What is next? Who knows? Who cares? Get the CD and enjoy the ride.

14 Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning/ Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
Two different cds yet still the same underneath--one alt/country-- the other a clone of Postal Service. Alot of backlash against poor Conor. I don't think he ever claimed to be the next Dylan. If you want only one try Wide Awake. It's classic Conor Oberst.

13 Tom Vek - We Have Sound
London's eclectic one-man band Tom Vek combines electronic music with indie rock, punk with dance, and influences like new wave and garage...He is this close to being Brillant and I can't wait until his next CD. Please to be Good. Stay on the good path brother man.

12 Low - the Great Destroyer
there's something for almost every kind of Low fan on the album: chilly, brooding songs-- gentle but powerful songs-- and gorgeous epics

11 Jose Gonzalez - Veener
a welcome addition to the q-school of indie pop. Quiet is the new loud.

10 John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
Like Andrew Bird yet sonicly different. You don't know what you'll get from JV but it is always brillant. In a few months this will probably be top five if I were to ever go back a re-rank. Just a guess.

9 Supergrass - Road to Rouen
they have found new things to do with their sound without getting mature. It may not be a party record, but an excellent album. It's not your Supergrass of the 90s but they have grownup nicely.

8 Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
Plans is both a destination and a crossroads. First it is a combination of their entire back catalog-- a road well travelled. Now a new set of challenges: to stay the course and suffer stagnation or try something bold and daringly new with their future. Which road they'll take will make all the difference.

7 Pernice Brothers - Discover a Lovelier You
makes a case for the Pernice Brothers as the best pop band on the planet. At the very least, you will be hard-pressed to discover a lovelier group, or record, in 2005

6 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl
Where's my rock n roll indeed. BRMC have grown up and grown interesting. I liked their older cds but this is one I will be listening to for a long time. The Jesus and Mary Chain influence is gone--or at least hidden very well and the band has embraced classic American music, namely country, blues, and gospel.

5 New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
If you loved their first two you will love this one if you liked the first two then listen to them again. Do yourself a favor and fall in love with this Canadian band. Pure pop yummies.

4 Iron and Wine with Calexico - In the Reins
A rare and wonderful occurrence-- don't let it slip past you.

3 My Morning Jacket - Z
Hopefully this is the album that woke people up to this beautiful band. Don't be afraid of their back catalog.

2 Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
People were calling them the next Ferdinand. Now people are looking for the next Bloc Party. Hopefully they build on this wonderful debut. Hype Hype and more Hype and it still sounds great to me. They lasted all year for me. Well done lads-- combining art-punk and the grand gestures and earnestness of groups like Coldplay and U2.

1 Spoon - Gimme Fiction
This should have been their Green Album. Hopefully their next one is. This should have been the big break through that sent all the people scrambling for any and all Spoon CDs they could find. If you are smart you have already done this. The fact that this cd didn't sell millions just marks the fact that life is not fair.

lick my lips and twist my hips

PG's World Cup Gala cancelled. Maybe we will get to see it in four years in South Africa.

Rolling Stone looks into Neil Young's world

April 25th--New Drive-by Truckers CD. A Bless and a Curse. 11 new yummy songs.

iTunes upgrade with Adware attached?

Radiohead v City of Chicago. I guess we know for certain that they are touring.

i.e. marketing reports: Verve Forecast is proud to announce the release of Rhett Miller's second solo album, The Believer, due in stores on February 28th 2006. A follow-up to the highly acclaimed The Instigator, the new record is brimming with, as Blender said, "knock 'em dead songs." Already widely-loved for his work as frontman and main songwriter of the hard-charging rock 'n' roll quartet the Old 97's (of which he is still a member), The Believer takes its predecessor's achievements several steps further, with a dozen deeply felt, craftily melodic tunes that demonstrate the Texas-bred artist's knack for using accessible songcraft to address complex emotional issues.[

Hey, you look like you've got more money than sense. Step inside, we've got quite an offer for you. That's a nice iPod you have, but isn't it a chore having to take it out of your pockets sometimes?
Imagine the unbelievable stress on your arms each time you have to haul your iPod from the pocket of your jeans to turn it on or off or to work out what blindingly esoteric song your impeccably varied playlist has thrown up. Wouldn't it be so much easier if someone just invented a pair of iPod jeans? Guess what - someone has done just that. The Levi's RedWire DLX iPod jeans are going on sale in the autumn. Now you can die a happy person.

What Ken Burns did for jazz, VH1 does for heavy metal -- only a lot louder. "Heavy: The Story of Metal," premiering Monday -- Thursday, May 1-4 at 9PM* each night traces the evolution of heavy metal music and culture, from its dark, grim beginnings in Birmingham, England to the worldwide force that it remains to this day.
In a series of four themed hours, "Heavy: The Story of Metal," explores four decades of music, each hour examining this powerful and often misunderstood genre, from metal's pioneers to its love of glam and excess; from the fight for metal's rebellious soul to its storied flirtation with the devil[

Get lost in a maze but remember "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

More later
Bro

the title is from those wonderful Canucks New Pornographers. The tune is Streets of Fire. Do yourself a favor and get anything AC Newman has done. NP is his group and check out an early band of his Zumpano and of course his solo cd. You will really be a better person because of it.


Day in Rock reports: We received a lot of emails in response to the kick off of this series last week. Some people asked "who cares," others readily agreed that this is a crime against music. Now to answer the "who cares" crowd we could have a long lament on how this is just one more nail in the coffin of rock and roll and how if this doesn't bother you may be part of the larger problem with rock today. E.g. the target audience that doesn't really believe in musical integrity, you buy up what's hot today and discard it for what's hot tomorrow. But at the end of the day it is supposed to be art, sure mostly silly and insipid art, but art nonetheless and as bands have proven in the past you can make credible music and make lots of money. But the focus should be on the music, not making the cash as becomes more and more of the case each year. That's the 2 cents on that but to get the core of the problem with the practice of using classic songs in music; John Densmore of The Doors summed it up perfectly. Below is an excerpt of an article from Adtunes.
There's a reason you never hear music by the group The Doors used in TV ads. Much to the dismay of his former band mates, Doors drummer John Densmore hasn't allowed any of the band's music to be used in television commercials. Whether it's $15 million offered by Cadillac to use the song "Break On Through (to the Other Side)" in an SUV ad or the $4 million offer from Apple Computer, Densmore hasn't given in. The reason, in his own words:
"People lost their virginity to this music, got high for the first time to this music," Densmore said. "I've had people say kids died in Vietnam listening to this music, other people say they know someone who didn't commit suicide because of this music…. On stage, when we played these songs, they felt mysterious and magic. That's not for rent."

My Top Ten: Morgan Freeman Approved

 

I Finally Posted My Top Ten

Since it is well into '06 I thought I should finally post my favorite records of the year. I bet Cbro didn't post his yet either because he wants to see what was on my list first...so be it.

Once again I should state that this list is pure self indulgence and based only on what I have heard last year.

10) Doves-Some Cities
This is probably my least favorite of the Doves releases, but it still has those moody atmospherics and trippy guitar that Coldplay would kill for.

9) LCD Soundsystem-LCD Soundsystem
This is about as dancy as I get these days and it is an exciting eclectic double album. "Tribulations" should be played at clubs.

8) M83-Before The Dawn Heals Us
An ambient soundscape of an album, "Before The Dawn Heals Us" is perfect late night listening.

7) Beck-Guero
After Beck's Masterfull yet emotinally heavy "Sea Change" album, he was bound to be in a better mood and he's back sounding like "Odelay" dating "Mutations" while seeing "Midnite Vultures" on the side.

6) My Morning Jacket-Z
The Jacket returns with their most high profile relese yet. More cohesive than 2003's "It Stll Moves", it also lacks some of it's charm. Jim James vocals, however, are still drenched in reverb.

5) Wilco-Kicking Television-Live In Chicago
This double-disc captures Wilco at The Vic Theatre over a 4 night stand in early May. Having been at one of these shows, I would have preferred one whole show instead of a sampling of the four, but this live testament does deliver the goods.

4) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club-Howl
A completely stripped down organic album was not what anyone was expecting from BRMC and thats part of what makes it so good. Blues, Folk, Gospel & Rock are all represented on this album that greatly increases the bands dynamics.

3) White Stripes-Get Behind Me Satan
Reportedly recorded in only two weeks, this album also has a stripped down experimental feel to it. Jack White may be one of the best all around musicians playing music and Meg really can play drums...kinda.

2) Kings Of Leon-Aha Shake Heartbreak
A darker outing than their rollicking summer debut album of 2003, Aha Shake shows a progession and maturing in the bands sound promising good things ahead.

1) Spoon-Gimme Fiction
This is the catchiest album I have heard all year. Probably the most accessible Spoon release. If you judge top albums by how may times you listen to them, "Gimme Fiction" was spun more than all all the rest.




Best Concerts Of The Year:

5) Kings Of Leon- Metro 3/4/05
A great show with lots of energy. Sadly almost 5 months later at a gig at the Congresss they attracted a drunken frat crowd not out of place at a Dave Matthews show...word was out. I must be getting old.

4) Queens of The Stone Age-Vic Theatre 4/5/05
The Queens always bring the rock.

3) Pearl Jam/Robert Plant-House Of Blues 10/5/05
Due to the crowd present who paid $1000 to get in, the band made a standard greatest hits setlist show special with Plant jumping onstage doing covers and Zep tunes with PJ.

2) Wilco-Vic Theatre 5/6/05
Wilco at their prime?

1) Secret Machines- Metro 2/4/05
A sonic masterpiece of a show. This band must be seen live.



More Later,
HelperMonkey

I finally saw King Kong

The first thing out of the Theater was "damn the SFX were amazing but the dinosaur chase down the chasm while breathtaking was a bit too much. They all would have died. Sorry they would have. The T-Rex battle made up for everything" A close second "Man I love Jack Black but he was miscast...Not ruined the movie miscast but you could see the real Jack Black just waiting to come out. It was bubbling under the surface and that just sucks because I like my Jack Black to be well like Jack Black." It is a must see on the big screen. Oh and Naomi. Nice slip.

Death Cab for SNL
Death Cab for Cutie will be the musical guests for Saturday Night Live this Saturday, Jan. 14th with host Scarlett Johansson.
and other Death Cab news, here is a bit from their recent press release: Atlantic Records' Death Cab for Cutie has announced details of their upcoming "DIRECTIONS," an innovative anthology of 12 short films inspired by each song on the band's acclaimed album PLANS. Every song, including the hit single "Soul Meets Body" and the upcoming follow-up "Crooked Teeth," will be delivered by a different director. The videos will be unveiled one by one on the band's website www.deathcabforcutie.com in early January.

Tired of holding your beer in your hand? Think it's about time to retire the beer helmet? Then the Spec Ops Tie is for you. If only I'd seen this before Christmas.

this is a staggering amount of Hobbit Love. the Bag End Dollhouse.

Sorry to make you think or at least read people's thoughts. Sixty Years later "Would you have dropped the bomb?"

The UK's shortlist list is announced. Kinda like the British Grammys.

Music is coming out of the closet. Sony will have a gay label.

Find lyrics of a song easy...finding love? Not so much.

Canada may be kicking it Indie Rock style but don't forget about the Brits. British Buzz Bands. Not a bad list of five to watch.

Get your AC/DC TV down under.
Blabbermouth reports: To mark the 26th anniversary of the passing of AC/DC frontman Bon Scott (February 19) and the 30th anniversary of the release of the group's "T.N.T." album (February 20), Australian cable TV station MaxTV "have decided to dedicate an entire day of programming to AC/DC on Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "We'll play every clip, the concert from Madrid and I am also trying to license a couple of other specials including the Live in Paris special," stated MaxTV's Program Director.

Foo BABY.
FMQB reports: Congratulations are in order for Foo Fighters main man Dave Grohl and his wife, Jordyn Blum. A spokesperson confirmed to MTV.com that the couple is expecting their first child, due this spring.

More later
Bro

Hello Hello Hello is there anybody out there? Just nod if you can hear me.

I miss my monkeys and Naught must be too busy watching his new 45 inch Sharp LCD--I want a review-- and Pezman--oh nevermind.

Now I am a fan of Radiohead but this list is a bit too much. A survey done by Q. A British mag.

Pearl Jam wins name battle for website.

10 to watch according to the BBC.

Elvis lives...kinda.

MP3s rule the yule. What a week. The only person that did better than that is Stern. He just got stock worth 224 Million. That's on top of the 500 Million over 5 year contract he signed for Sirius. Today was his first day...I really don't care.

Embrace your inner child and laugh that the rude places in the world. I think these are my favorites--Crotch Lake, Ontario, Canada and Cuckoo's Knob, Wiltshire, UK. I want my return address to read Cuckoo's Knob. That would be sweet.

Very cool short "Tempbot". Hint: Look for wonder woman.

Very cool art. Cut Paper art.

The First rule about Drunk Club is you don't talk about Drunk Club. Is our Pres in the Club? Read the comments too.

More later
Bro

Thank you floyd for the title from the Wall. Must have and hopefully I don't have to explain to you why.

I lost my faith in the summertime because it don't stop raining

The 10 Commandments--sorry Suggestions-- for the Ethical Atheist. Works just fine for those that think the bible is complete truth too. Well mostly. Actually strike that.




Bill Gates has an Urge and he wants you to buy it too. Of course. Mircosoft takes on iTunes. Why can't we all just get along?

NO SMITH'S REUNION
Mammoth Press reports: When former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr's new band, The Healers were scheduled to perform at an event planned by former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, the rumors of a Smiths reunion started to fly.
But according to Marr via his official website “THE SMITHS WILL NOT BE RE-FORMING AT THIS CONCERT.”
BUT... Marr did announce that The Healers’ second album is currently in the works, and a tentative spring 2006 release is set

MP3. Birdmonster "All the Holes in the Wall"
One more. Tapes n Tapes "Omaha"

KT Tunstall happy the past decade has lead to this. She is pretty big over the big pond but just starting to gain here. think more mainstream Ani DiFranco.

Sat radio devises with storage.

Barry Gibb buys Cash's house. I guess Rick Rubin will be calling him soon right after he works with Timberlake. Yes Justin wants a bit of the RR magic.

Music news. Saddam's Family. Hottest band in Iraq right now. Sorry hottest Heavy Metal Band in Iraq.

A camera that bounces. It takes the photo when it hits the ground.

This a great idea. Enjoy
Day in Rock reports: Welcome to a new feature to the Day in Rock. Every Friday we will highlight a new "crime again music".
You may ask what is a crime against music, simply put it is when a classic song is misused (primarily in TV ads to sell crap). This is a heinous crime on many levels. For one there is usually such a disconnect between the original meaning of the song and the crap product being sold that it defied logic. There are a dozen more reasons but we think you can figure them out on your own. In a perfect world we would punish those responsible by locking them in a dark room and subject them to a 24/7 rotation of songs by Kelly Osbourne, Yoko Ono and Courtney Love but since that would probably violate international torture laws, we have decided to call out the companies responsible for their crimes.
We start off with an oldie but a goodie that had previously been highlighted by one of our columnists. The disconnect in this one is pretty funny but also very sad and it has the honor of being a double crime against music. We are talking of course about Six Pence None the Richer's cover of The La's classic "There She Goes". The cover version in itself is humorous because here we have a "Christian" band covering a song supposedly about heroin use. To compound this and why it is the example we use to kick off this series is that this cover was used in advertisements for birth control pills. Yes a Christian band singing a song about heroin that was used to sell birth control pills. You can see how this qualifies as a crime against music and overall good taste! It's just plain wrong on so many levels. The only thing worse would be a tampon company using Pearl Jam's "Even Flow" in an ad. (We better not give them ideas, but we hope Eddie and company would never let their music be degraded at such a level.) We must stop these crimes against music! So join us each week as we call out another company for their crimes.

More later
Bro

Don't call it a comeback...the title is from the surprisingly good/great Oasis album from 2005. Yes from their latest "Don't Believe the Truth". If you had given up on them don't be afraid to try this cd. Not their best but better than their worst.

half way through the 'aughts

Well we made. Congrats. Hopefully you don't feel as bad as this Polar Beer.

A decent vid to start off the new year. Yay water character sex. We will Rock you.

Was Bush Right? The Right Brothers think so. I hope this is a joke. Sorry I could only find a sample mp3 of the tune.

I think will be my favorite tune of '06. Jonathan Coulton's "Baby got back"(mp3). A pitch perfect cover. Enjoy. Also check out his resolutions via Radiohead computer read.

More later
Bro

PS: at the bottom of our blog you can find a list of tunes that I have been playing on my computer--just click on the big red box with the artist list in it. It's kinda cool and if I am online listening you can actually see what I am listening to as it plays. Thanks to last.fm. If the monkeys want to join and we can see what they are listening to too. I just felt like Tom Petty there. Hope '06 in nice to you.