Thursday, December 27, 2007

Top Ten Albums of 2007




Happy Holidays.
Another year in the books, and another year end list.
Here it goes:


1) Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga-Spoon seems to be able to make fantastic pop albums almost effortlessly. Despite an incredibly stupid album title, this collection of gems rolls along smoothly and made for the most consistent listen of the year.



2) Wilco-Sky Blue Sky-Few bands outside of Radiohead have more anticipation thrust upon them upon the release of an album than Wilco. Sky Blue Sky is yet another departure for Jeff tweedy & Co. A sometimes fundamental sounding disc, on repeated listens, Sky Blue Sky reveals a complicated but gentle interplay between instruments and finds Tweedy sounding satisfied and (almost) happy. A great campfire record.



3) Radiohead-In Rainbows-Does any major band carry more expectations with a new album than Radiohead? In Rainbows, released as a a pay what you want online format, is easily the most accessible Radiohead album since 1995's "The Bends". Thom Yorke's vocals have never been better and are showcased on such standouts as "Bodysnatchers", "Nude", "All I Need" and "Videotape"



4) Band Of Horses-Cease To Begin A haunting follow up to BOH's debut album. Picks up where "Everything All The Time" left off.



5) LCD Soundsystem-Sound Of Silver- James Murphy made what could arguably be the soundtrack to the summer of '07'. Dance, punk, and disco all meet on such cuts as "Time To Get Away", "North American Scum" & "All My Friends".



6) Kings Of Leon-Because Of The Times-KOL stays on a roll on their third disc. More mature sounding, this is possibly the weakest of the three existing KOL discs, having said that, there is enough great tunes, "On Call", "Knocked Up", "Mcfearless" & "Black Thumbnail" to warrant inclusion.



7) Eddie Vedder-"Into The Wild" Soundtrack- A perfect companion to the movie, Vedder's first "Solo" disc is a sparse and beautiful narrative of exploration and discovery.



8) The White Stripes-Icky Thump- Everything Jack White touches turns to gold?, perhaps, after last years successful run with the Racontuers, Jack & Meg return to form with a strong, funny and ferocious disc. Highlights include "Rag & Bone", "Little Cream Soda" and "I'm Slowly Turning Into You".



9) The Shins-Wincing The Night Away- I am late to The Shins boat, not really sure about them before this album. To each their own, I like this one. Standout tracks: "Sleeping Lessons", "Australia", & "Phantom Limb".



10) The Black Lips-Good Bad Not Evil-The Black Lips always sound like they are having fun. A reputation for crazy live shows that have included vomiting, urinating, nudity, band members kissing, fireworks, and a chicken. After last years great live disc, "Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo", the Lips resume the raucous garage rock they do so well.



Honorable mentions:

Queens Of The Stone Age-Era Vulgaris
Dinosaur Jr.-Beyond
I'm Not There-Soundtrack
Lupe Fiasco-The Cool
Explosions In The Sky-All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
Nine Inch Nails-Year Zero
Arcade Fire-Neon Bible
Skygreen Leopards-Disciples Of California
Silverchair-Young Modern
Daft Punk-Alive 2007
The Ponys-Turn The Lights Out
Bruce Springsteen-Magic
Pearl Jam-Live At The Gorge 05/06
The Hives-The Black And White Album
Amy Winehouse-Back to Black
Interpol-Our Love To Admire


Off to Arizona for NYE
More Later,
Helpermonkey

Friday, December 21, 2007

My Christmas Wish List


Yeah another list

1. I wish Audi or BMW would open a Dollar Store.
2. I wish sometimes I could exchange my left arm with a flamethrower.
3. I wish you could print out a page of this blog, crumble it up into a ball, throw it in the air and it would explode.
4. I wish that the longer you had to wait in line for something the more "on sale" it became.
5. I wish that every NEXT listener would come into an extremely large sum of money and "loan" me ten bucks or at least buy me a beer.

More later and enjoy the last weekend before X Mas.
Bro

Thursday, December 20, 2007

One week left of new releases for 2007


and still not much out there.

Rivers Cuomo - Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo
It's Rivers of Weezer fame at home, recording songs. This CD goes back to 1992 which is two years before Weezer and ends at the beginning of this year. It is interesting to hear but I would say really only for super Weezer fans.

More later
Bro

Monday, December 17, 2007

I've got the whole world in my...

iPod. Well the whole world of music that is. And movies and tv shows.


Speaking at the 2007 Captains of Industry Conference in Singapore, a Google executive speculated that at current rates of storage growth, an iPod capable of holding all the world’s content could be a reality as soon as 2020. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, vice president of Google’s Asia Pacific and Latin America Operations, said that since 1982, the price of data storage has fallen by a factor of 3.6 million. “To put that in context for you, if gas prices fell by the same amount, today a gallon of gas would take you around the earth 2,200 times,” she said. “More importantly, if this trend continues, and the cost of storage continues to decrease, we estimate that somewhere around 2020, all the world’s content will fit inside an iPod, and all the world’s music would sit in your palm as early as 2015, rendering the CD format unnecessary.” Put in perspective, the original iPod debuted in 2001 with 5GB of storage and a price of $400. Currently, Apple’s highest-capacity iPod, the 160GB iPod classic, sells for $350 — 32 times the storage, for $50 less than the original.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Hijacking the blog to post this:





That is all.

The end of year list(s) coming soon, Cbro, you are up.

More next time,
HelperMonkey

GAME ON HM

Rocket Man by Shatner


Family Guys gets in on it too


or maybe MJ and EM "what's up with you?"


if you get my NEXT newletter then you already know my top 59 cds and of course I'll be posting it at NEXT Online too. Or check out a few listenrs favorites.

More later
Bro

Thursday, December 13, 2007

sushi and the second mortgage


So the other day we hit Manhattan for some sushi. We were meeting a friend. A sushi nut told me about a few places and we picked Sushi Gari on the West side. It was...amazing. Everything was perfect. Every time you ate a piece you were in heaven then you pick up the next piece and it was better than the piece before it. Forget the price and just enjoy and feel good. I can't wait to try more of our sushi nut's suggestions.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Rehash/ Re-Release/Re-Buy?

Almost nothing new out there but for Rap...and I don't really do Rap. I will let someone else telling you about that. It's not that I don't like Rap I do have RUN DMC's Chritmas tune and a few others on my iPod like the Beastie Boys and some DMX. Damn if that man doesn't get you going. Oh I've got Blondie too. She kinda rapped on that one song once. Anyway Rap...not really me.

So let's hear it for the boxset. I guess it's Chritmas time and if you were going to buy me one boxset released today it would have to be

"Oh By the Way" by Pink Floyd.
All 16 albums from "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" to "The Division Bell" - all the original artwork, including the inner sleeves. The one major bummer is no extras, it does have a collage poster of Storm Thorgerson's artwork for the band, plus a pair of coasters. If it just had that one extra CD of extra tracks this would be perfect. Oh and by the way which one is Floyd?

EMI tries to get back at Radiohead with the Radiohead Boxset

The Stones release yet another hits package. "Rolled Gold." I can't believe that people don't already own every one of these songs but maybe you want to introduce a young one? I don't know.

And another live DMB this time "live at Piedmont Park". Great version of one of my favorite of theirs "The Dreaming Tree" clocking in at 15:28.

And I know I have buried the headline (kinda) but NEXT now has a store. Now you can look good and feel good.

More later
Bro, Chris Bro

Saturday, December 08, 2007

A small gathering of "Best of 2007" from NEXT listeners


From Mike
Thanks for the email and being the first NEXT listener to get a BEST OF 2007 list to me.

Mike says that these are his favorite songs of the year. In no order. It started as a top ten and morphed into a top 30. I feel your pain Mike I find it hard to narrow down the list too. My countdown on NEXT will start on the 26th. So listen and compare notes. Great list brother man.

Clientele - Isn't Life Strange
Fountains of Wayne - Someone to Love
Electrelane - To the East
Marc Knopfler - Punish The Monkey
The National - Fake Empire
White Rabbits - Kid on my Shoulders
Great Lakes Myth Society - Summer Bonfire
Peter, Bjorn, and John - Young Folks
The Shins - Split Needles
Spoon - The Underdog
Wilco - Impossible Germany
Arctic Monkeys - Flourescent Adolescent
Cat Empire - Sly
Locksley - She Does
Band of Horses - Islands on the Coast
Babyshambles - Delivery
Sea Wolf - Winter Windows
The Thrills - Restaurant
Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
They Might Be Giants - Take Out The Trash
Modest Mouse - Missed the Boat
Jose Gonzalez - Down the Line
Bella - Give It a Night
The Aliens - I Am The Unknown
Stars - The Night Starts Here
Alternate Routes - California
Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running
Colin Hay - Wish I Was Still Drinking
Mary Onettes - Explosions
Warm in the Wake - She's Never Seen It

More this time from Sessine

Dear Chris

Thank you again for your great selection of music.

This song keep n humming in my head. It should become a hit.
My Favorite next song for the end of the year list is:. Silver Lining from Rilo Kiley.
Other Ones: Raise your Hand from Super Furry Animals
Click Your Heels from The orange Lights

MORE FROM VICTOR THIS TIME

Happy Holidays. I am slowly catching up on your shows (I enjoy them
tremendously, but my schedule has been crazy). The Blakes! Yes, very happy
to hear them on your show. One of my favorites on 2007. Everyone has a list
- here's my top 12

Favorite Songs on 2007
1. Myriad Harbor - New Pornographers
2. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend -
3. Girls in their Summer Clothes - Springsteen (Magic)
4. O' Mary Don't You Week - Springsteen (Live in Dublin)
5. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance - Black Kids
6. You Go Banging On- The Go
7. Modern Man - The Blakes
8. Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club
9. Gone Gone Gone - Plant-Krauss
10. Ill Wills - Shout Out Louds-
11. Typical - Mute Math
12. Anything on the Office CD

MORE
This from Mark

Ten Disks Everyone Should Get or Give for Christmas Cauci:In no particular order, our top ten which is part consensus/amalgem, part our own skewed view. For added measure, we’ve thrown in top ten on the horizon of artists you’ve may never have heard but should check out.
TOP TEN (+ FIVE) ALL AROUND
1. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black”Better get herself to rehab, yes, yes, yes. Or this may the talented train wreck’s last contribution.
2. Spoon, “Ga Ga Ga Ga”Not even their best, but even this one breaks them into the big time where they belong.
3. Bruce Springsteen, “Magic”We’ve never been among the legion of Bruce fanatics, but this is a flawless album as the Boss returns to classic rock and pop form.
4. Paolo NutiniOK, verging on too pop, but, this Scottish kid with the Italian name can write a terrific hook and he’s got great stage presence. Get your “New Shoes” on....
5. Decemberists, “The Crane’s Wife”A phenomenal album, rich/evocative lyrics and instrumentation that seems part Ireland, part New Orleans, part 19th century.
6. Arcade Fire, “Neon Bible”Caucusite A. Ignatius saw ‘em coming first and put ‘em on the cover of Canada’s TIME magazine. Now, they’ve crossed the border and lighting it up everywhere. Cornucopia of instrumentation and sound best devoured live.
7. Miranda Lambert, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”If you want to sample some sassy new country, check out this smokin’ young firecracker.
8. Little Big Town, “A Place to Land”Think of this band as a modern equivalent to the Eagles. Avalanche of harmony. Country yes, but with a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll.
9. Lyle Lovett, “It’s Not Big, It’s Large”The most humble cat in the biz names his best effort in years after his band.
10. Stephen Stills, “Roll Tape”Proof that before the whiskey and cocaine, Stills was a genius. Having recently viewed the Woodstock documentary which features Crosby, Stills and Nash in their second ever live performance, we are voting this guy to the Hall of Fame first ballot.
11. Kelly Willis, “Kelly Translated From Love”Simply great. After a couple of so-so efforts, the Queen of Texas country cranks out a masterpiece.
12. Patty Griffith, “Children Running”Best of the singer-songwriters working today.
13. The Shins, “Wincing the Night Away”Shins evolving and this album proof.
14. Radio Head, “In Rainbow”These guys make the list for the most revolutionary experiment in years: allowing fans to download and pay whatever they want.
15. Eddie Vedder, “Into the Wild” Good movie, great sound track.

TEN ON THE HORIZON:
1. Brett Dennen, “So Much More”
2. Sondre Lerche, “Phantom Punch”
3. Future Clouds and Radar, “Future Clouds and Radar
4. Ari Heist, “The Break-in”
5. Cadillac Sky, “Blind Man Walking
6. Jeffrey Foucault, “Ghost Repeater”
7. Joe Henry, “Civilians”
8. Will Hoge, Black Bird on a Lonely Wire
9. Cross Canadian Ragweed, “Mission California”
10. Ernie Halter, “Congress Hotel”

From E. McMenamin:
Arcade Fire (of course), Neon Bible
Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
The Killers, Sam's Town
Shout Out Louds, Our Ill Wills
Paolo Nutini, These Streets
Rilo Kiley, Under the Blacklight
Band of Horses, Cease to Begin
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
But my favorite musical event of this year was easily the reintroduction into popular culture of Journey's " Don't Stop Believin," thanks to the Sopranos finale. So brilliant. Turn it up!!!

From S. Johnston:
Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah
"Rihanna "Umbrella
"Mute Math "Typical"
Albums
Common Finding Forever
Maroon 5 It Won't Be Soon
John Mayer Continuum
Kanye West Graduation
Jimmy Eat World Chase This Light
Eddie Vedder Into the Wild Soundtrack
The Hives The Black and White Album

From A. Ignatius:
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Hysterics - Hysterics
Kanye West - Graduation
LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
MIA - Kala
The National - The Boxer
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga GA GA
White Stripes - Icky

From M. Z. Barabak:
Easy Tiger, Ryan Adams
Neon Bible, Arcade Fire
The Reminder, Feist
Between Daylight And Dark, Mary Gauthier
Revival, John Fogarty
In Rainbows, Radiohead
Wincing The Night Away, The Shins
Magic, Bruce Springsteen
Graduation, Kanye West
West, Lucina Williams

From B. Moore:
1. South Texas Girl, Lyle Lovett -- It's Not Big It's LargeLyle brings back his Large Band and returns to his damn Aggie roots.
2. Leavin’ Tennessee, Cross Canadian Ragweed – singleJust the lyric “F**k you and f**k Nashville, I’m leaving Tennessee” is goodenough for me.
3. Nobody Wants to Go to the Moon Anymore, Kelly Willis – Translated fromLoveYou woulda gone to the moon with her.
4. Hush, Hush, Jimmie Vaughn and Omar Kent Dykes – The Jimmy Reed Highway The Blues the way they were meant to be.
5. The Sky Is Crying, Stevie Ray Vaughn live with B.B. King, Albert King andPaul Butterfield -- Solos, Sessions & Encores The Blues the way there were.
6. If You Don't Love Jesus, Billy Joe Shaver – Everybody’s Brother Hot-rod music you can ride to Hell.
7. The Answer to All Your Prayers, Monahans – Low Pining Milton Mapes with a different name but songwriting that remainsgreat.
8. Down the Road, Rodney Hayden – Down the Road Comfort food of six-string and steel.
9. Fe Fi Fo, One Mississippi – One Mississippi A handful of long-time Austin rockers and a new band.
10.You’re From Texas, Asleep at the Wheel – Kings of Texas Swing Ray Benson is the hardest working musician on the planet.

S. Spearman,
with thoughts on 2007 and best ever:
And last, it’s getting toward the end of 2007 and I know many of you have already started checking out “Best of 2007” music list. My recommendations are Spoon’s Ga Ga Ga Ga and Kenna’s Make Sure They See My Face. (In case you're wondering, my other recs are 2005's Little Brother's The Minstrel Show and 2006's The Dears’ Gang of Losers.)However, instead of talking about just ’07, why not give you a list of the best albums in my lifetime. There are many from the mid-to-late ‘80s that could go on here, but since I didn’t purchase my first album until around the 1990, I limited my pre-‘90 selections to Number One:
1. Michael Jackson’s Thriller - Technically, it was released on Dec. 1, 1982, and I know there are plenty of great albums that have come out since then, but none will have more meaning for me. Michael Jackson’s music built bridges across race, gender, socio-economic, and geographic barriers that no artist ever has.
2. Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt - The Blueprint, Black Album, and American Gangster are all worthy of consideration, but I have to go back to the beginning of Jay-Z. I can play this album straight-through to this day, eleven years later. And Regrets is one of my favorite five songs of all time.
3. Dave Matthews Band’s Crash - Under the Table and Dreaming was/is a really good album, but Crash is DMB’s truly great work. Crash Into Me helped push the jam band into U2 touring status and #41 is another one for my top five songs of all time.
4. A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders - In the mid-to-late ‘90s when Tribe called it quits, I wasn’t sad because The Love Movement wasn’t as good as their earlier work. I was sad because I never got to see them in concert. Midnight Marauders, to me, is Tribe at their best.
5. Outkast’s The Love Below/Speakerboxx - I know a lot of people point to Aquemini and Stankonia because of their hits like “Rosa Parks” and “Ms. Jackson,” but the Grammy voters had it right when they gave Outkast the award for best album with this one.
6. Wilco’s A Ghost is Born - Jeff Tweedy is a genius, but he’s even smarter on this album because of the musicality employed by his bandmates. Like on “Muzzle of Bees.”
7. Radiohead’s Kid A - I’d be willing to hear someone make a case for OK Computer as Radiohead’s best work, but - for me - Kid A and it’s downtrodden, mellow tunes are exactly what I like from them. What other band can have a song called “How to Disappear Completely” that made you feel like a zombie walking the eart then have a song called “Optimistic” that made you feel like a bird flying in the sky?
8. Jill Scott’s Beautifully Human Part I - This album is a lot like Midnight Marauders in that it makes you feel something with every single track and you can’t stop listening to what she’s saying and how she’s expressing it. I cannot wait to see her in March!
9. Kanye West’s College Dropout - I can’t lie, I think both Late Registration and Graduation are better albums, but College Dropout is that original, first-cut Kanye. I remember listening to this album for four months straight when I bought it. I also had the chance to meet him briefly after a show in Houston in ’04, so that makes College Dropout extra special for me.
10. N.E.R.D.’s In Search of… - This was, by far, the toughest to put in the top ten. Not because it’s not top-ten material. This album makes it into the top-15 on the strength of “Am I High” another top-fiver alone. But the next five albums could easily be in its place. If only I didn’t have more sentimental value for this album since I met Pharrell in early ’05 before and after a show in Dallas.
11. 311’s Transistor - I used to listen to this on band trips and track meets throughout sophomore year of high school. Now I listen to it to fall asleep (it’s mellow). Any album that gives you new reasons to like it 8 years later is top-notch material.
12. Beck’s Sea Changes - Beck has made so much high-quality music that it’s tough to pick his best work. So I just picked his most depressing music, which doubles as his most sensible music. Between this and 311’s Transistor, I could sleep for eons.
13. Dr. Dre’s The Chronic - A lot of you may think this should be much higher, but I can’t listen to it straight through anymore because it’s lost a little bit of its hard-hitting/shock value now that we’ve had several years of Dre hits bumpin’ in our bars and cars.
14. 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ - Speaking of Dr. Dre, he and Eminem teamed up to make 50 Cent our generation’s LL Cool J. The total package: lyrical prowess, sales success, a strong reputation with men and women (LL lost the men though) rap fans and Queens on his back.
15. Sevendust’s Animosity - Never heard the album? That’s okay. Just wait until you’re in a really fired up mood or you’re driving (and don’t mind getting a speeding ticket) to put this CD in and be prepared to ROCK. This thing is absolute fire! I remember flying with my oldest brother to Texas and singing “Crucified” at the top of my lungs.
16. T.I.’s - Both King and this year’s T.I. vs. T.I.P. are better albums, but Urban Legend is T.I. at his best. I had 85 of my favorite CDs stolen on an American Airlines flight last October and this is one of the albums I missed within a day.
17. Roni Size’s New Forms - My oldest brother and I are early adopters, him more than me, when it comes to popular music (is that oxymoronic? early adopter/popular?) but I can’t say we were among the first to hear Roni Size. I can only when we picked up Brown Paper Bag, it reinforced to both of us that there was a world out there - outside of the 3 Rs of music (R&B, rock and rap) - and we needed to hear more!
18. Badly Drawn Boy’s Hour of the Bewilderbeast - My best friend Colby put me up on BDB and I immediately became a huge fan. An even bigger fan after seeing him perform, albeit tipsy, in a room of about 100 people last fall. As he put it, he’s “the best singer/songwriter to come out the UK in 20 years.”
19. John Mayer’s Room for Squares - Call me corny if you want, but this album came at just the right time. That good ol’ bubble gum, road trip pop rock that keeps on giving. I know he’s tried to get all bluesy and mature, but stick to what works John. Why? Because I wanna run through the halls of my high school…
20. Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation - Those who know me well know that I love to dance. I remember watching Janet videos and practicing the moves, like that one on the chair. She and her older brother have so many copy-cats, but they will never been better than the originals.
And the rest in no particular order…and my favorite tracks on them:
Fuel’s Sunburn - “Sunburn”
Coldplay’s A Rush of Blood to the Head - “Clocks”
Incubus’ Morning View - “Warning”
Justin Timberlake’s Justified - “Last Night”
No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom - “Don’t Speak”
Fugees’ The Score - “Fu Gee La”
Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP - “Stan”
Maxwell’s Embrya - “Luxury: Cococure”
New Radicals’ Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too - “Get What You Give”
Jump, Little Children’s Magazine - “Cathedral”
Foo Fighters’ The Colour and the Shape - “Walking After You”
Korn’s Issues - “Make Me Bad”
Jamie Cullum’s TwentySomething - “All At Sea”
Little Brother’s The Minstrel Show - “Beautiful Morning”
Erykah Badu’s Baduizm - “The Other Side of the Game”
Nas’ Illmatic - “The World is Yours”
Third Eye Blind’s Self-Titled Debut - “Jumper”
Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die - “Me & My Bitch”
Keane’s Hopes and Fears - “Sunshine”
RJD2’s Deadringer - “The Proxy”
Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Californication - “Scar Tissue”
Wu-Tang Clan’s Wu-Tang Forever - “Better Dayz”
Rage Against the Machine’s The Battle of Los Angeles - “Guerrila Radio”
D’Angelo’s Voodoo - “Lady”
Nirvana’s Nevermind - “Come As You Are”
Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor - “Kick, Push Pt. II”
Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 101 - “Standing Ovation”
Pearl Jam’s 10 - “Even Flow”
Wallflowers’ Bringing Down the Horse - “One Headlight”
Matchbox 20’s Yourself or Someone Like You - “Push You Around”
Toni Tony Tone’s Greatest Hits - “Anniversary”
New Edition’s NE Heartbreak - “N.E. Heartbreak”
Snoop Doggy Dogg’s Doggy Style - “Murder Was the Case”
Common’s Be - “Go”
The Streets’ A Grand Don’t Come for Free - “Could Well Be In”
Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury - “Nightmares”
De La Soul’s Stakes is High - “Long Island Degrees”
The Dears’ Gang of Losers - “Ballad of Humankindness”
Spoon’s Ga Ga Ga Ga - “
Air’s Talkie Walkie - “Cherry Blossom Girl”
Ben Fold’s Whatever & Ever Amen - “Brick”
Ghostface’s Fishscale - “Underwater”
Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm - “This Modern Love”
Blockhead’s Downtown Science - “Roll Out the Red Carpet”
Boyz II Men’s II - “Vibin’”
U2’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - “Vertigo”
Camp Lo’s Uptown Saturday Night - “Sparklin’”
Dido’s No Angel - “All You Want”
Fatboy Slim’s You’ve Come a Long Way Baby - “Rockafeller Skank”
The Game’s The Documentary - “Hate it or Love it”
The Garden State Soundtrack - Frou Frou’s “Let Go”
Kenna’s Make Sure They See My Face - “Phantom Always”
Linkin Park’s Meteora - “Nobody’s Listening”
Ludacris’ Southern Hospitality - “Fantasy”
The Mars Volta’s Frances the Mute - “The Widow”
Mary J. Blige’s What’s the 411 - “Love No Limit”
Metallica’s Black Album - “Enter Sandman”
Mic Geronimo’s The Natural - “Shit’s Real”
The Prodigy’s Fat of the Land - “Smack My Bitch Up”
Usher’s Confessions - “Caught Up”


Thanks to everyone and happy shopping

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Cd of the Month for November


October rocked and really you might want to revisit those cds. It was a tough month to pick a "CD of the Month". This month was tough but for a different reason. This time not too much out there. To make it easy on myself I will choose the cd that contains my 2 year old's current favorite song. To hear her sing along to this song is beyond funny. Here's Tick Tick Boom and picture a wee little two year old girl "Singing" the Yeahs and loving the "BOOM" part.

It is a strong but not perfect cd. A few misses but a few brilliant strokes too.

Enjoy it all
More later
Chris Bro

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Still not a lot out there

I would say if you need to go out and buy something...just feeling that itch I would say the OST to Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is your best bet. The songs work on many levels. As songs and as comedy which the movie is. Plus John C Reilly can really sing.

If you don't (although by now I can't believe you don't have something by him yet) have anything by Nick Drake should pick up the boxset Fruit Tree. Again only if you don't have anything. He only released 3 cds so if you have one just pick up the other two but this is a great all in one for any and all Drake fans.
NWA's "Straight Outta Compton" turned 20 and they released an Anniversary edition. Not much here but some covers and a live version.

More later
Bro

Friday, November 30, 2007

Only an EP this week


another slow week but this is a surprise. Jon Foreman's Fall EP. He of the Switchfoot lead singer fame has put together a folk-tastic cd. Well EP. In fact, he is planning 4 seasonal EPs.

More later
Bro

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A couple cool videos...

Here's a fan video for Radiohead's "All I Need," composed entirely of footage from the 1996 French film, Microcosmos.




The video was made by J. Tyler Helms, who also did this great video for Arcade Fire's "My Body is a Cage," created with footage taken from Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West.




More Later,
HelperMonkey

Monday, November 26, 2007

New TV shows


Yes I know I am way super late but why not? So what are your favorites of the new season.

Right now I am digging Reaper--amd here is the official website. I can deal with Chuck. I tried to get into The Bionic Women and stopped. I have all the Dirty Sexy Money's on DVR and have yet to find the time to watch any of them. I will watch Pushing Daisys too. So I guess in order Reaper, Chuck and Pushing Daisys.

So what are you into?

Speaking of DVRs I never thought I'd be a DVR guy but I can't live without it. Plus I love the Pause and rewind feature. I go through so many times in life when I want to stop and rewind and replay something like on my DVR. I literally find myself reaching for a remote for real life not to mention the radio. Wow I am a loser.

Friday, November 23, 2007

The Joshua Tree re-mastered


Not much out there...really.

You already have it and have listened to it (if you are around my age) thousands of times but really it's about the only cd worth buying this week. If you were too old or too young or too hip to get the cd before this re-issue. Go get it now. It might not hold the same impact but you will heard a glorious CD. Near perfect.

The remastered U2 Joshua Tree

You have choices too. 4 different ways to enjoy.
Vinyl.
remastered CD.
Remastered CD with bonus cd of bsides and "new" songs.
Double CD plus DVD.

I know Joshua Tree is "the one" but this is only because of timing. It has the special place in your heart. It is/was magical but if you truly judge the U2 cds front to back you'll have to agree with me that Achtung Baby is their best. I can't wait for that re-issue.

More later
Bro

Monday, November 19, 2007

Marc Cohn in concert


It is hard to believe it had been sixteen years since I first saw Marc Cohn perform. To say the least, there have been changes. My beautiful girlfriend who sat next to me back then, and was again next to me, is now my beautiful wife. There have been three new albums, with tonight’s show featuring his recent “Join the Parade.” And when Marc stepped on stage, I could see that he too had changed. He had added a Grammy, lost a little hair, and this was no longer a one man show. The audience had been warmed by the surprisingly entertaining Amy Correia, and was clearly eager to hear that trademark voice, filled with a soulfulness that serves as Marc’s calling card. Marc sat at the piano and began, starting the night with a charged “Live Out the String.”
Sixteen years ago, I felt as though I had personally discovered Marc Cohn (after he had recorded and released a full album, and had a single playing on the radio, of course). The Living Room in Providence, RI was a small, intimate venue. Marc simply stood in front of the room, no stage, no band……just a keyboard and himself. I had heard “Walking in Memphis” on the radio, bought the album, and grabbed the show tickets as soon as they were released for sale. I joined about 100 other people for a show that remains my favorite small show experience. Marc’s music reveals his intelligence and virtuosity, but his performances permit him to display his wit, warmth, and engaging personality. And as I sat in this new venue, the Highline Ballroom in NYC, I recognized that with all the differences, there were many similarities as well.
Marc’s sentimentality continues to compel audiences to listen intently as he performs haunting and personal songs that tell instantly recognizable stories. “Silver Thunderbird” captures the mysteries of fatherhood, from a small boy’s perspective. “Dance Back from the Grave” is a spirited story of recovery, with a healthy attitude. “Listening to Levon,” his most recent song on the airwaves, is a tremendous song about those small, pivotal moments in a young person’s life. His songs are like photographs, and Marc seems to know just where to point the lens.
While the songwriting for his latest effort is excellent, on a par with his first album, and superior to both “The Rainy Season” and “Burning the Daze,” Marc is also a great performer. In this show, he played piano, guitar, and the drums (not simultaneously) and his voice remains strong. He can sound like Clapton on a song like “If I Were an Angel,” Cocker on “29 Ways,” and Randy Newman on “My Sanctuary.” When the audience can’t help but sing out the familiar lyrics to a favorite song, Marc is kind enough to step aside and accompany us on the piano. He tells us the stories behind the stories, and suddenly Muriel from “Walking in Memphis” becomes an inspiration, as she obviously once was to Marc.
At the end of the night, I was glad to have traveled for an hour into NYC, on a Wednesday night, to see what turned out to be an excellent performance. But this show, for me, was partly about differences and similarities, change and constant. It was good to see Marc Cohn again, and his new album is a reminder of the gifts that initially brought him to our attention. He remains gracious, and the audience left happy. But I guess, like Marc Cohn, I am sentimental, and can’t help missing the closeness and simplicity of that first show sixteen years ago. Its too bad he had to be so successful.

By NEXT listener Mike

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Only One Today...The Hives


Slow week but there is one that you should check out.

The Hives - The Black and White Album
A rock solid cd of garage punk. It's not perfect and there are a few bumps in the rock and/or roll on this cd but it is overall a strong and enjoyable and rockin' affair
Pretty cool vid for Tick Tick Boom.


Wednesday, November 07, 2007

2 CDs to check out

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Solos, Sessions, and Encores
It's SRV. Man do I miss this guy. My housemate in College saw his last show...why did I not go? I still remember him coming back after the show and telling us what happened. We started every one of our parties in college with the "HOUSE is A ROCKIN'". Just brilliant. So this CD is live cuts, TV performances and studio tracks, all showcasing Stevie Ray's guitar. It's uneven but what makes it a keeper are the previously unreleased live tracks and the fact it's SRV.




Citay - Little Kingdom
This is a guitar CD in all its forms but mostly in the Pink Floyd kinda way. serene, euphoric, pastoral and amazingly hippie. Here you will find bubbly plucking, noodly solos and positive vibes. You want guitar effects - you got'em maybe even too many plus violins, flutes, and synthesizers. You wouldn't always find lyrics but the vocals are of the breathey variety.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Chuck Prophet's Soap and Water

CD of the month...I could have pick "Magic" the latest from Springsteen but that cd is already gold and on it's way to Platinum which is no small feat in this atmosphere. In fact, looking back at this month it was one hell of a good month for releases.

You might or might not know that Prophet started with the band "Green on Red" in the 80s. If not it wouldn't hurt you or your ears to check that band out. You might be saying to yourself how did this band slip past...everybody? Well make up for it now.

He is great and as a solo artist some of my favorite songs of the past decade have been played by him. If "Summertime Thing" does not make you happy and/or smile you are reading the wrong blog. Head over to some blog that is touting the joys of listening to Colbie Caillat (seriously I just don't get how she has shot up the charts - c'mon people your better than that.) and yes I know that "Summertime Thing" is on a different CD.

"Water and Soap" is a "forever" CD. A CD that you will listen to for the rest of your life. It's a CD of roots-rock by a sonic texturalist. It is Magic.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Stand up for Heroes


Stand Up for Heroes

Would you like to help a wounded hero who has served in Iraq but don’t know how? The Bob Woodruff Family Fund is sponsoring an online charity auction to raise money for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Click on the purple hyperlink at the top or bottom of this post and bid in this charity auction for cool items. Then please pass this link on to anyone you think can help.

More than 1.5 million men and women have served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is estimated that between 150,000 - 300,000 of them will have some kind of brain injury—ranging from traumatic injury from explosions to post traumatic stress disorder and personality disorder.

Bob Woodruff was injured while covering the war for ABC News. Although his recovery has been miraculous, no one who goes through an experience that critically life-altering, is the same person. These service members who have sacrificed so much deal every day with issues like memory loss, unexplained rage, depression, inability to concentrate, fatigue and confusion. The most severe are confined to their beds unable to walk or talk, struggling their way back to a quality of life.

Here is a way that YOU can help. And in the process you can snag a number of unique items and once-in-lifetime experiences for yourself or your family. Generous donations for this auction have come in from many celebrities, TV shows, media companies, fashion designers, houseware manufacturers, and more.

We have everything from a meet and greet with Oprah Winfrey to a backstage pass after a Bruce Springsteen concert to a chance to be a model for a day and amazing sporting events. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the fund — which helps brain injured returning vets in three ways: 1) Individual grants for hardship situations; 2) Donations to community based groups helping the wounded with long-term therapy, re-employment, support for the caregiver and the family. 3) Working closely with the Department of Defense, Veteran Administration, and legislators to change antiquated laws governing access to healthcare and disability benefits.

Paramount in this is allowing the military access to private care rehabilitation facilities close to home for their long-term care after brain injury. We all owe a debt of gratitude to service members who willingly put themselves at risk in the service of their country. Through your donations to this auction you can enjoy a fun, rewarding way to repay that debt. So, please join us and STAND UP FOR A HERO – Click on the hyperlink below to get to the auction web page and then click on the pink “start bidding” button to see all the fabulous auction items.

Stand Up for Heroes
I should be going to this so I might post about my adventures.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Finally the Gold Star CDs for this week


Sorry but the P's were in town and I just couldn't blow them off to type up the Gold Stars for this week. Hopefully that gets me gold stars with my Mum and Papa.

this is the week of OST (offical soundtracks)

"I'm Not There" and "Control".

HM did "I'm Not There" a solid review so just read that and "Control" is a great cd of Ian Curtis music and music that inspired him and/or Joy Division.


Also check out Ian Ball's "Who Goes There"
he is the the first member of the band Gomez to release a solo album. He has been playing solo acoustic shows in his downtime, but those who have seen those acoustic shows or have seen Ball with Gomez may be a bit surprised at Who Goes There. It's most a laid back affair. Keyboard driven instead of guitar focused and where there are guitars, they're generally acoustic. Worth a quick listen to and a must for Gomez completists.

More later
Chris Bro

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Megs does the answer thing


Real name: Megan

Where I live: During school I am in College Park, Maryland. When not in school, then I'm in Frostburg, Maryland.

Occupation: College Student - I'm studying English and Journalism

Favorite movie: That's a tough one. Here are just a few of my all time favorites list: Wings of Desire, 24 Hour Party People, Back to the Future, and Trainspotting. Two new favorites of mine are Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Departed.


Favorite book: I've got a few of those. I really adore this book called How Soon is Never. High Fidelity is another huge favorite of mine. Nick Hornby is a terrific contemporary writer. In terms of poetry, I love me some Leonard Cohen or Sherman Alexie.

Favorite album: I'll rattle off a few... Achtung Baby - U2, Songs of Faith and Devotion - Depeche Mode, To Bring You My Love - PJ Harvey, Your Arsenal - Morrissey, London Calling - The Clash, Heartbreaker - Ryan Adams, Purple Rain - Prince...the list goes on from there honestly. A new favorite of mine is Danzig's first and second albums. I also really love the new Amy Winehouse.

Three famous people I'd like to meet: 1. John Stewart 2.Bono 3. Madonna

One famous person I actually met: Joan Jett! I have a photo of me with her on her tour bus.

Best concert experience: This is like asking a junkie about his favorite high. I've seen so many bands that it's hard to say who was the best experience. This past week I saw Danzig in Baltimore and that was amazing. And this past Saturday (yesterday) I saw She Wants Revenge and that was fantastic too. This coming week I'm seeing Ryan Adams and Morrissey on different nights of course. So I'm sure next week, I'll be walking around high from those two shows.

Coolest pop-culture item I own: It's a tie between my MTV headbangers ball edition T-shirt (straight out of 1989) and my New Kids on the Block Fanny Pack (I was a kid in the late 80s/early 90s).

And what movie prop would like to own: Marion's Angel wings (chicken feathers) from Wings of Desire

Saturday, October 27, 2007

I'm Not There

In my years of keeping track of my year end lists I never had a covers album come even close to being the best album of the year, this one might have a chance.
The soundtrack to the Bob Dylan Biopic "I'm Not Here" has some great renditions of Dylan tunes which include Jeff Tweedy, Eddie Vedder, Jim James & Calexico and The Black Keys.

The soundtrack album will be released on October 30, 2007.

The Million Dollar Bashers are a supergroup featuring Sonic Youth stars Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, Television guitarist Tom Verlaine, Dylan bassist Tony Garnier, guitarist Smokey Hormel and keyboardist John Medeski.[5]

Disc one
"All Along the Watchtower," - Eddie Vedder and the Million Dollar Bashers
"I'm Not There," Sonic Youth
"Goin' To Acapulco," Jim James and Calexico
"Tombstone Blues," Richie Havens
"Ballad of a Thin Man," Stephen Malkmus and the Million Dollar Bashers
"Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again," Cat Power
"Pressing On," John Doe
"Fourth Time Around," Yo La Tengo
"Dark Eyes," Iron & Wine and Calexico
"Highway 61 Revisited," Karen O and the Million Dollar Bashers
"One More Cup of Coffee," Roger McGuinn and Calexico
"The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll," Mason Jennings
"Billy," Los Lobos
"Simple Twist of Fate," Jeff Tweedy
"The Man in the Long Black Coat," Mark Lanegan
"Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)," Willie Nelson and Calexico

Disc two
"As I Went Out One Morning," Mira Billotte
"Can't Leave Her Behind," Stephen Malkmus and Lee Ranaldo
"Ring Them Bells," Sufjan Stevens
"Just Like a Woman," Charlotte Gainsbourg and Calexico
"Mama You've Been on My Mind" / "A Fraction of Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie," Jack Johnson
"I Wanna Be Your Lover," Yo La Tengo
"You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
"Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?," The Hold Steady
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues," Ramblin' Jack Elliot
"Wicked Messenger," The Black Keys
"Cold Irons Bound," Tom Verlaine and the Million Dollar Bashers
"The Times They Are a-Changin'," Mason Jennings
"Maggie's Farm," Stephen Malkmus and the Million Dollar Bashers
"When the Ship Comes In," Marcus Carl Franklin
"Moonshiner," Bob Forrest
"I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine," John Doe
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door," Antony & the Johnsons
"I'm Not There," Bob Dylan

Apparently there is a concert in NYC for this as well:

http://www.imnotthere.info/


Trailer:



http://www.myspace.com/imnottheresoundtrack

-HelperMonkey

Friday, October 26, 2007

Peter answers the NEXT survey



Real name: Peter



Where I live: Chicago, IL

Occupation: Tax Accountant

Favorite movie: The Usual Suspects or American History X


Favorite book: "Wild At Heart" by John Eldredge or "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey

Favorite album: Right now - Arcade Fire "Neon Bible", all time - Wilco "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot".

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Abraham Lincoln, Richard Branson, and St. Peter


One famous person I actually met: Jeff Tweedy

Best concert experience: Cold Play, UIC Pavilion, Chicago,IL, June 11, 2003

Coolest pop-culture item I own: My road bike and my mountain bike.

And what movie prop would like to own: Any really comfortable bed from any movie with an obnoxious bedroom set budget.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Grace is Gone


So last night we got to see the latest John Cusack movie "Grace is Gone". Mister Cusack himself was there and spoke briefly before the film and was going to be at a restaurant after the film. So, of course, in the back of my head I was thinking "maybe just maybe I could shake his hand and say hi and not make an ass out myself in front of an actor I admire." See I grew up with John Cusack and his movie roles walked in step with my movie needs. "The Sure Thing" and "Better off Dead" were the perfect intro's for me and paved the way for Lloyd Dobler. Ever since then he has "grown" in the roles he has chosen -- just as I have wanted more in the films I was watching. It was and has continued to be a good match.


Grace is Gone is sly film. It sneaks up on you. It has quiet power. It has a beautiful small feel and by small I mean it's not a "popcorn" or "Great Date Film". An Indie Film. It is a slow moving film but never boring. The movie hangs its hopes on John Cusack and he takes what could have been a "one note" performance and adds a few wonderful touches.

I think maybe deep down this movie does take a side but it does a great job of showing that the nightly news is just more than background noise for so many families. It shows the human side of a war. The loss. Now John Cusack doesn't play a charter he normally does but at moments you can "hear" Lloyd Dobler. This is a story of a man that has lost and lost a lot. His wife, his government but not his hope or a future thanks to his two daugthers. I read that John Cusack was looking for a vehicle to show what is happening ever since the Bush White House decided to hide the caskets coming home. Those families deserve more and I guess this movie is his gift to them.

So if you are expecting typical Cusack keep looking but if you want a smart and well acted fim that is quite sad go see this. I would say B+ to A- and Cusack could get a nod for the lttle golden naked dude holding the sword.

Oh and I did meet him and shook his hand and chatted a minute or so. Of course, just we were saying goodbye I had to slip in one more quick question about music...I asked him if there was someone he was really into at the moment and he said Regina Spektor. I would have loved to have had the chance to sit and drink a beer with him...maybe another day. I also can't forget to tell you that we sat next to Bob Balaban who was wonderful. He was with his wife. They were both great and entertaining. We talked about a wide range of topics from Serving on a Jury to Good Morning America to HBO. Bob is one of those guys that when you see him you say "he's that guy that is in everything" but you can't think of anything until you google or imdb him. Very nice dinner with him. Great movie. Great night.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Alison's Answers

Real name: Alison

Where I live: Bardonia

Occupation: Psychiatric Social Worker

Favorite movie: The Outsiders

Favorite book: The Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Marillier

Favorite Album: (currently) Little Earthquakes - Tori Amos

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Dave Grohl, Bill Murray, Matt Dillon

One famous person I actually met: No one

Best concert experience: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals @ Red Rocks, Colorado

Coolest pop-culture item I own: ticket stub to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

What movie prop would I like to own: Miss Scarlet's dress from Clue

Some CDs for this week

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand

The Once and Future King of Zeppelin and the Bluegrass Songtress on paper seem an unlikely pairing but they have put together a timeless CD.


Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II

Only Neil could release a sequel to an album that was never officially released. This is Neil at his ragged best or at least his ragged best in years.


Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation

A little Kinks. A little Clash. Not much else and do you really need more?


Ween - La Cucaracha

Welcome back you off-kilter and odd rockers. Not for the faint of heart but another strong and widely varied CD.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Everyone needs some humor in the middle of the week

I need to start watching Saturday Night Live again. Not because of the skits, but because of the digital shorts. I will admit Andy Samberg can sometimes be annoying, but he's a genius when it comes to these short films/music videos. A good sense of proof is that last month, he won a Creative Emmy Award with Justin Timberlake for their collaborative work "Dick in a Box." Let's not forget the awesomeness of "Lazy Sunday" (though it did get old after awhile) and then there was the rap video with Natalie Portman that was totally bad ass. Just recently, I found two SNL shorts that I missed seeing.

A few weeks ago, Samberg collaborated with Adam Levine from Maroon 5. They did a very clever and political video about the president from Iran. Not to mention, it's a pretty damn catchy song. Perhaps, Samberg should release an album that features the music from his videos. (Who wouldn't want to play "Dick in a Box" at their next holiday office party!?)Anyway, I can't help but wonder if the president from Iran saw this when he was in New York...



This past weekend's video just makes me think to watch out the next time I am about to eat something. The cameos in this are pretty fantastic! As for the music, it could've been better, but it works well with the dancing.



Alright, discuss! What do you think of the videos? and Are there still any half decent qualities left to SNL aside from this short films?

Well, I must get back to my homework and I have my writing workshop class in a half hour. It's in my dorm which is extremely convenient, because by this time of the day, I'm too tired to go elsewhere.

Take care,
Megan

ps- I think my English 1600-1800 Brit Lit class midterm just about damn near kick my ass today. Thus the reason why I'm posting about something a little mindless.

pps- I'm going to see The Wallflowers tomorrow night at the 9:30 Club. It's been 10 years since I last saw Jakob and the boys live, I'm sure you can imagine how exciting tomorrow night is going to be!

Brighid's Answers

Real name: Brighid

Where I live: Haverstraw

Occupation: Photographer

Favorite movie: Boondock Saints

Favorite book: salem's Lot by Stephen King

Favorite album: Definitly Maybe ~ Oasis


Three famous people I'd like to meet: Eric Clapton, Marc Knophler, Hugh Laurie

One famous person I actually met: Dan Akroyd

Best concert experience: Desol plesantville music festival


Coolest pop-culture item I own: Original Atari with frogger and pong


And what movie prop would like to own: one-eyed-willy eyepatch from the goonies

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Gold Star CDs for today


This is a good week to save your money. Not much out there. The only thing I highly recommend is the live REM. I would have had this out earlier but last night I watch The Transformers movie. I should never go in hoping for more from Bay but I had heard good things. Typical Bay but that "love interest"...man I'll stop right there before I get in trouble.

REM - Live

It's been a long time since REM has blown me away in the studio but on stage they still bring it. I always think after each time I see them, "Damn the still sound great up there why can't they do that in the studio". Honestly guys if this next CD doesn't almost kill I will not buy another REM cd again. It pains me to write that (that's why the "almost kills" is in there as I know that I will never get another true classic from them ) and I know it might kill him but please come back Bill - please. He obviously helps them out a lot in the studio. So back to this CD. Sure they are padded out their contract and but if you've ever seen them or have ever wanted to or have ever thought "man I miss the REM I fell in love with" then go get this double disc.


It's not new although the REM isn't either you should look into Aretha Franklin
Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul


More later

Chris Bro

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Dana's Answers


Real name: Dana

Where I live: Stamford, CT

Occupation: Transportation Manager

Favorite movie: "Dr. Strangelove (or 'How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb')" - and almost anything else by Stanley Kubrick

Favorite book: "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig

Favorite album: "Dark Side of The Moon" - Pink Floyd

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Roger Waters, Jon Stewart, Paul McCartney

One famous person I actually met: Michael Moriarty

Best concert experience: Pink Floyd - 1994 "Division Bell" Tour - Meadowlands

Coolest pop-culture item I own: Original record store promotional cut-outs and posters for "The Wall"

And what movie prop would like to own: Burt Lancaster's Locomotive Engineer goggles from "The Train" - 1964.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Some CDs for 10.09.07

Still handing out the Gold Star CDs. This is just a reminder of CDs that might slip past you since you are very busy human beings.

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
One of favorite new comers last year and they do nothing to make me regret that love. If you are a fan of My Morning Jacket or early Neil Young do yourself a favor and check out these lads.

Fiery Furnaces - Widow City
Not an easy band to listen to. You don't put a cd of this band on to let's say clean the house. They beg you to pay attention. On this cd they turn the keyboards down a bit and crank up a bit more guitar. I will say that this is not a cd for everybody but if you're feeling adventrous and want some challenge you will do much worse than this cd. This might be their most mainstream cd but don't think of this CD as mainstream at all.

Will Hoge - Draw the Curtains
Soaked in the beer, whiskey and smoke of thousand or so bars that this man has toured. He has been making music for a decade now and it's about time more people clue in on this man. Also listen to "Blackbird on a Lonely Wire" too.

So happy listening
More later
Bro

Thursday, October 04, 2007

My Kid Could Paint That

So last night I went to a preview of Amir Bar-Lev's My Kid Could Paint That a great documentary that is a must see for parents. It offers a very interesting and ambiguous story. You get facts and opinions but the best thing about it is the fact that you, the viewer, get to decide who's telling the truth - and if it really matters. After the viewing there was a brief Q and A with a child psychologist and everyone came away with something different. I love how people projected their lives and the lives of their children into this movie. I mean we all love our kids and think that all they do is magically. That makes for a great movie. It actually reminded me of the way people were talking about Memento – well at least a little bit.

The General story is about the rise and fall (and rise?) of a very cute 4 year old girl who may or may not be a hugely talented painter. Now the focus is on this fascinating "human interest" story but the film also finds a way to ask about how legit Modern Art is. Which is a great question - I mean if this little girl is getting $20,000 for a painting (Yes at 6 years old she was getting that much) what does that say about the supposed “grown-ups” who make millions from canvases covered with three splashes of primary colors or one huge “painting” of black? Just black?!? The media doesn’t come across as very good and/or healthy either.

At the end of the movie you find two camps. The little girl’s parents are manipulators or that this little girl is an amazing talent. I think it may be a bit of both and that my kids are not allowed to be famous.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Matt White interview

So I was to interview Antigone Rising about a week ago at the Boat Basin at Riverside but they canceled and I didn't find out until I got to the shoot. Too bad because it was going to be the greatest...interview...ever. Instead at the last minute Matt White filled in -- a big thanks to Matt.

We had the film crew(nice job guys) so it made sense to interview someone. We moved the interview to Times Square on the island in front of the ABC studios. Remember this is my second interview on a camera. I had never even heard of Matt White. Sorry but I hadn't.

I was prepped for Antigone Rising and then you throw me in front of the throngs at Times Square. Nervous? Yes but I think it went quite well. Again hopefully Aude can make me look pretty. Good times people. Good times. Link will be posted like before once I get it and here it is. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

CDs for 10.02.07

Bruce Springsteen - Magic
BRUUUUUUUUCE.












Chuck Prophet - Soap and Water
This is soundtrack of forever. As in you'll listen to this cd for the rest of your life. It's swampy blues/R&B/rock with blips and beeps. Understated beauty.









John Ralston - Sorry Vampire
Indie rock in it's finest form or maybe closer to sedated power pop. A nice discovery that just might pass up his glorious first cd.









PJ Harvey - White Chalk
Bye Bye guitar (Mostly)
Hello piano
Bye Bye pissed off growl of a vox
Hello "Church Voice"

Brian's Answers

Real name: Brian


Where I live: White Plains

Occupation: Stock Broker/Promoter for PachaNYC

Favorite movie: Fight Club


Favorite book: Junkie by William S. Burroughs

Favorite album: that's like trying to pick your favorite child.....cannot do it.

Three famous people I'd like to meet: not really into meeting famous people...Tori Amos would be cool.

One famous person I actually met: Perry Farrell on 3 or 4 occasions

Best concert experience: Tie between Nirvana w/ The Breeders, Depeche Mode w/ Nitzer Ebb and the Jesus and Mary Chain, or Ramones w/ Social Distortion

Coolest pop-culture item I own: Post Bill signed by Green Day from a show when they and The Flaming Lips opened for Adam Sandler(yes, that Adam Sandler)


And what movie prop would like to own: Andrew McCarthy's car from Less Than Zero

FREE RADIOHEAD...

or pay whatever you want.

Radiohead is brilliant. On so many levels but now you can a new level of cool. They will be offering their new cd as pay what you want. I love it. Thank you boys. And more... REACTION

Another high-profile manager said he was still trying to process the boldness of the Radiohead venture. “My head is spinning, honestly,” said Kelly Curtis, who represents Seattle-based Pearl Jam. “It’s very cool and very inspiring, really.”.....

.....Curtis, the Pearl Jam manager, said that years on a major label roster established the Radiohead brand and made it possible for it to buck the system.

"It's the newer bands I really feel sorry for," Curtis said.

Pearl Jam and other groups with intense followings, such as the Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., Metallica and Nine Inch Nails, will probably learn the most from Radiohead's experience, Curtis said. "Everyone will keep an eye on this because this is the most exciting thing we've seen to this point."

and a pretty cool discussion going on at Bob Mould's blog.

Monday, October 01, 2007

September's CD of the Month

So this is where I look back at all the "Gold Star" cds that I have mentioned and if you just wanted to buy one...I guess I would have to pick Iron and Wine's "The Shepard's Dog"

Iron and Wine's myspace.

Boy with a Coin

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Colin's Answers

Real name: Colin

Where I live: Westchester


Occupation: Student

Favorite movie: Rush Hour, Die Hard


Favorite book: Understanding Exposure, In My Hands

Favorite album: The Joshua Tree-U2, The Lonesome Crowded West-Modest Mouse, That Much Further West-Lucero

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Rob Wise(BMX), Chris Tucker, Derek Jeter

One famous person I actually met: Keith Hernandez

Best concert experience: Have not been to many

And what movie prop would like to own: One of the bikes from "Breaking Away"

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Gold star CDs for today

Remember this is just a guide. Not a "this is the greatest CD of the Year or it belongs in the Top Ten". I just look at the releases coming out today and list a few that you should check out.

Iron and Wine - The Shepard's Dog

Shocking but not in a bad way. Shocking because of the florishes that enhance the overall feel of the CD. I think if Daniel Lanois were to hear this CD he would be more than a wee bit jealous. Mr Beam has one of the great voices of this generation. He still sounds wonderful. This is a fuller sound from him and you may find yourself longing for the sparce landscapes of former Iron and Wine songs but let this CD wash over you. You will find plenty to love. File this under Must Buy.


Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

So on their last cd they doubled up and made one disc "UP" tunes and the second CD was "Mellow" tunes. On this CD they combine the two sometimes within the same song. This is the Foo Fighters just being the Foo Fighters.


Matt Pond PA - Last Light

This is not my favorite CD by Matt Pond PA who now calls Brooklyn Home. Yes the PA stands for the State and yes more people should know about him. He is kinda like Ryan Adams but for some reason not as popular and not as Alt-country-ish. Matt Pond releases almost as much as Ryan too. All very high quality. Honestly don't be afraid to reach into this man's back catelogue. On this cd his touchstones come closer to the surface. He gets some Blur moments in here. He's got straight forward pop and of course his signature Indie Rock. So do yourself, your ears and anyone else within listening distance and get something by Matt Pond PA. Feel free to start here too. Oh and Matt if somehow you read this I still want you to come up North (it's just 35 minutes) and record a NEXT Concert for me. Thanks