The Almost Top 15 of NEXT in 2008

Enjoy the four mixes of tunes that just missed making the top spots. On any given day these easily could have made the TOP 15. Oh well. Maybe next year. You can stream here.


Almost top 15 of NEXT in 2008 Volume ONE

James – Boom Boom
French Kicks – Love In the Ruins
Kelley Stoltz – Your Reverie
Elbow – One Day Like This
Bloc Party – Signs
Black Francis – Garbage Heap
Robert Pollard - Gratification to Concrete
The Gutter Twins – Circle The Fringes
Carla Bruni – Le Temps Perdu


Son of the almost Top 15 of NEXT in 2008 Volume TWO

Jukebox the Ghost – Hold It In
Wolf Parade – Language City
Conor Oberst – Moab
The Felice Brothers – Whiskey in my Whiskey
Jay Nash – Sweet Talking Liar
Wire – One of Us
The Wood Brothers – Twisted
Supergrass – Butterfly
Midnight Wind - Remember

Almost Top 15 V3

Alejandro Escovedo – Always a Friend
The Western Hotel – Oh World
Bell X1 – Rocky Took a Lover
What Made Milwaukee Famous – For the Birds
Firewater – Borneo
The Dig – Penitentiary
Tokyo Police Club – In A Cave
The Rosebuds – Life Like
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – Festival Thyme

Almost Top 15 v4

Derek James – Lovely Fool
The Break and Repair Method – Won’t Get Worse
The Botticellis – UP Against the Glass
Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
The Fireman – Light From You Lighthouse
I’m From Barcelona – Headphones
Sun Kil Moon – Lost Verses
The Submarines - Maybe


Want to Listen? Head over to NEXT or google "next music"

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Pearl Jam - Crazy Mary
via FoxyTunes

Twas a night with the Peak

Thanks NEXT listener Ellen.



Twas the night before Christmas and all through that week
Not a creature was stirring, awaiting the Peak

All the radios were tuned to 107.1
In hopes that the acoustic show would be fun

We listeners were nestled all snug in our beds
While visions of Ten at Ten danced in our heads

When out of nowhere, I awoke from my dreaming
I sprang to my laptop and then started streaming

Away to the speakers I leaped in a bound
Reached for the volume and turned up the sound

When what to my wondering ears should I hear
But my Next favorite song: new, perfect and clear

With a lively, young DJ – host of the Next show
I knew in an instant, it must be Chris Bro

More rapid than eagles, the Peak DJs came
And I whistled and shouted and called them by name

Now Arrow! Now Herrmann! Batiste! Fink! And Bro!
Figler, Corley and Mayer-with-the-brother-we-know

To the top of the ratings, the top of the wall
Dash away other stations, dash away all

And then in a twinkling I heard Ten at Ten
And that Peak Performance Playback again

As I drew in my head, I knew that Sunday sound
Over Easy they called it, and that’s what I found

Their voices, they twinkled; their music was merry
We tuned in from Brewster and then from Danbury

They had a small place, but this fun little group
Played music as hot as a bowl full of soup

They were witty and wise; they had style and brains,
These talented elves, right there in White Plains

They spoke many words but no one was a jerk
Filled our ears with good music, and that was their work

Then Chris sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a cheer
And away they all flew for a Rack 'n' Roll beer

But they heard us exclaim as they drove out of sight
May your Peak Christmas be merry and bright


Happy Holidays and may good music find you

Not much in the way of Gold today

Holy balls...little or nothing in CDs today.

Dave Matthews Band Live at the Mile High Music Fest
First concert without LeRoi and of the two Live discs out today I would get this one. I don't think I have to go into much depth. It's DMB live. You have heard them and either love them or hate them. These live discs will not sway one person from either of those camps into the other camp.


Also check out
Bonnie "Prince" Billy's new twangy cd. Never one to be completely normal. Fly this one under the Freak Folk Flag.

Please swing by NEXT and check out the new music show I host. Be Brilliant.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: South - Better Things
via FoxyTunes

Gold Star CDs for 12.09.08

First off...did you see the POTUS duck the flying shoes? And what took the Secret Service so long in tackling that guy?

Remixed


and I don't even know what to do with this tennis version


ok on to the music and another down week.

Pavement - Brighten the Corners (Nicene Creedence Edition)
Normally the Deluxe Edition is for "Super Fans". Completists. I think this one is good for everybody. It works as an intro or as the "I must own everything by Pavement" cd too.

Also out.
A band called Welcome Wagon for the Sufjan Stevens fans. I am a big fan of Mark Kozelek but his latest just isn't strong enough. You'll find a few gems.

More later
Bro

New partnership

NEXT is beyond happy to welcome Rock Island Sound to the NEXT family. Rock Island Sound is a perfect fit for NEXT. They are a music store and school in RYE.

Go see Paul and tell him NEXT sent you.

More later
Gotta go shopping for a new guitar
Bro



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Now playing: What Made Milwaukee Famous - For the Birds
via FoxyTunes

Song for my Funeral V4

Hello and Welcome to another version of float around my head and try to figure out why this song would be played at my Death Party.



Listen here at the NEXT site.

Enjoy.

Oh! Sweet Nuthin' - The Velvet Underground
I Must Belong Somewhere - Bright Eyes
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
Things Are What You Make of Them - Bishop Allen
66 - Afghan Whigs
Deadly Handsome Man - Marcy Playground
You Are My Favorite Song - Chris Mills
[Untitled] - REM
Rodeo Clowns - Jack Johnson
Somebody Loves You - Eels
Why Bother - Gomez
Murder - David Gilmour
Not Home Anymore - Whiskeytown

More later
Bro


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Now playing: The Dig - Penitentiary
via FoxyTunes

More Next Listener favorites

I just got this email from another NEXT listener. Brilliant list here brother man.

Hey Chris,

Well.....today was the day. I had no bills to pay, and no laundry to fold. The kids did not need to be transported to birthday parties, sporting events, or play dates. The groceries were set, my football team's game was blacked out in NY, and I had made my wife a nice dinner last night. It was time to play.

Using most of your rules (I counted both Vampire Weekend and Radiohead as 2007 releases......reluctantly) and trying to use songs previously played on Next (most of these have been on your show), I have decided upon my top 15. Its so hard when you get down to the last few choices........but here goes.

1) Head Rolls Off Frightened, Rabbit
Ahhh....the slow build. I regret that this song can't go on forever. My favorite new song from my favorite new band. Awesome video, too.

2) White Winter Hymnal, Fleet Foxes
This is such an interesting sound and such an interesting band......and they sound great. I think you played a different song on Next.......but they have to be in anybody's tops list for the year.

3) 5 Years Time, Noah and the Whale
We have a New Year's tradition........a year end slide show with our favorite songs from the year. And the songs are happy......sentimental......catchy. This song is such a natural to lead off the New Year's tradition.

4) Undertow, Stars
A late entry that is my latest obsession. I love almost everything recorded by the Stars the first time I hear it.

5) Strawberry Swing, Coldplay
On any given day, I would choose a different song from this same album. But this is the Next song. So I'm picking this one. I think.

6) Dead Sound, The Raveonettes
Nobody confuses the Raveonettes for any other band, and their sound is sooooo good.

7) I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You, Black Kids
My favorite energy song of the year. By a lot.

8) Cape Canaveral, Conor Oberst
Nothing clever here.....just a good song.

9) Touch Me I'm Going to Scream, Pt. 2, My Morning Jacket
I love all 8:12 seconds of this song. Admittedly, this song will present challenges in burning any "Best of 2008" cd's.

10) Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?, She & Him
OK.....so Zooey sounds a lot like Helen Reddy. Well, I loved Pete's Dragon. Sue me. (And, she looks nothing like Helen Reddy)

11) Summer Grof, The Spinto Band
They tour with Frightened Rabbit. And I'm not going to pretend to be objective.

12) Modern Mystery, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Small band with a big name......and the result is a great little long.

13) Head Honcho, DeVotchKa
Its not as epic as "How It Ends" but this band remains unique in their approach to Indie Pop

14) Waiting for a War, The Morning Benders
They were on Next twice this year. They have to be good. Right?

15) Crying, TV On the Radio
This band just has to be on the list........and they bumped The Killers, Oasis, and R.E.M......so kudos.

OK.....thats it for today. Tomorrow......I may send a few edits.

Damn this is hard.

-Mike

A few weeks of gold

Had a glorious time with the Fam for the Thanksgiving break. Now it's time for catch up. We did the whole big "need to do NYC" things. Empire State, WTC, The Balloon blowup the night before the parade, McSorley's and The Little Mermaid. McSorley's was sans kids.


On to the music

We will start with 11.25

The Fireman - Electric Arguments
Paul McCartney hasn't sounded this good in ages. 3rd time Youth and Paul join forces for The Fireman. Perfect? No but that is why it's such a glorious listen.

Los Campesinos - We are beautiful We are Doomed
More hectic and wonderfully wild music from this group. No sophomore slump. In fact, a major jump forward.

Death Cab For Cutie - Something about Airplanes (Deluxe Edition)
To celebrate the 10th year of this cd coming to life they have released it with a bonus disc of DCFC's first concert in Seattle.

Other releases
A leftover EP from Coldplay that is quite good. The Killer's third CD which is a major letdown. If this cd were their first no one would be around listening to them. They would be waiting tables. Scott Weiland goes solo and it's decent. Maybe OK. Hopefully you got your free Dr Pepper because GNR finally released Chinese Democracy. It was going to be impossible for this cd to be great. File it as OK right with Weiland.

Now for the Gold on 12.02

Neil Young - Sugar Mountain Live at Canterbury House
Neil before he was way super famous. I would get Massey Hall First though.

Other releases
Not much here. We'll wait until next week unless Britney floats your boat and in that case you are probably at the wrong site. Although the live disc by Panic at the Disco is quite good. Odd because they are only two cds into their career but I love that they are doing that. I think more bands should follow the Pearl Jam way and start getting all their music out. Fans want more...so give them more.

A few favs from a NEXT listener

If you'd like to share your favorite NEXT tunes please just email me.

Dear chris
You Are doing very well with your selections of NEXT songs
Let me share my favorite choices of the past few months

Without Again from Elliott Brood,
Lovely fool from Derek James,
Black and Gold from Sam Sparro,
Moab from Conor Oberst.
Can't say no -the Helio Sequence,
Girls don't Know-the Philpot,
Everlasting Gobstopper-Appolo heights,
Come On-the Panderer's,
Owner of my Honor-The Small Hours,
nectarine- Mike Doughty,
Upside-James,
Fuego-Murder by Death,
Just lIke heaven-The Watson Twins,
Someone Like You- I Am Koot.
Shall I go on?
Goodnight California-KAthleen Edwards,
Count to Ten-Tina Dico,
Into the Ground-The Brakes,
Beautiful Life-Yoav,
Your New Twin Sized BEd-Death Cab for Cutie,
Not your Concern-The HUsh Sound
Guilt- The Long Blondes,
Borneo -Firewater Etc.....

You helped me discover these great Bands and artists:
SPOON, MY MORNING JACKET, THE WATSON TWINS, I AM KLOOT, MURDER BY DEATH, SLOAN,
THE OAKS, THE ORANGE LIGHTS, THE CORAL, JAMES, THE RAMBLIN' AMBASSADORS. WE THE PEOPLE.
THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND, FOR AGAINST, BAT FOR LASHES, THE PACK AD.

YES I downloaded or bought these great songs.
Thank you for enlarging my choices. I am forever a Beatles Fan. But it is so great to discover the new geniuses in music.
Thank you,
Dr S.

Happy Thanksgiving

Black Watch

Over the weekend I went to see a play in Brooklyn called Black Watch. It was (is) brilliant, funny, sad, interesting, alarming and eye opening. It isn't what one would call a "date" event but worth your time and energy and money. There are bad words...fair warning. I mean they are Scottish so really you shouldn't be surprised. There is a fair amount of the K word and yes I know you really spell it with a "C". Oh and it's LOUD.



now to lighten the mood "Remember this day...music videos are back" B Town.

Remember if you read a book, see a movie or go to a show write up a quick something and I'll post it. Let the people know.

Thanks and enjoy.
More later
Bro

Gold star cds for 11.18

I just read a laughable and horrible thing. Joe the Plumber will be coming out with a book. Bloody hell. Really? Didn't we already hear enough from him and Bob (sorry I mean) Tito the Builder? Do we really need him to kill off some trees just to keep his 15 minutes going? If anyone I know buys this book I can't be held responsible for my actions.


On to the music

Belle and Sebastian - BBC Sessions (Deluxe Edition)
Again for the fanatic and/or the completist but again if you have never listened to Belle and Sebastian it's time for something from them in your collection. Feel free to add this disc but you could also dig into "If You're Feeling Sinister" or "Dear Catastrophe Waitress".

Dido - Save Trip Home
Quiet and powerful. Quietly powerful. Powerfully quiet.

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Sunday at Devil Dirt
Dido's quiet and powerful is very clean. Polished. Sadly so is this one. Mark Lanegan works better in the grit. That voice wasn't made for clean. Campbell's voice like Dido's does and works in the "clean" production. What I loved about the first get together for Lanegan and Campbell were the sinister tones. Most of those are gone and I am sure this will be an NPR favorite. A bit of fear but more like a scary movie that isn't quite scary. Still lovely.

Also worth checking
A few live cds. Phish at the Roxy (Atlanta '93) and Jason Mraz has included an DVD to his latest. Stereophonic's release a nice collection with Decade in the Sun. A good intro if you are not aware of them. Also the Definitive Rod Stewart was released but it skims over his best phase (in my opinion) the 60s. The Dude was awesome before becoming a bit stale and safe and mainstream. It basically starts in the 80s but just about every "hit" single is on the disc.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: The National - Apartment Story
via FoxyTunes

Gold this week 11-11

First we need to give this trailer a look see. Too Cool.


Ok on to the music.


Genesis - 1970 - 1975
A box set of Genesis' back catalog. Genesis 1970-1975 offers expanded reissues of every Peter Gabriel era album outside of the earliest.

Warren Zevon - Warren Zevon The Collector's Editon
Cool and Cocky and smart but as mentioned in the title this re-release is just for the mega fan.

Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
Hey look at this...a modern non re-release gold star cd this week. He is best know for producing the Pop/Punk cds of Pink and Avril. He mixes great songwriting with Tom Petty style southern rock on this cd while he glam(ed) it up (T REX style) last time around.

Also Check and/or remember these
The 30th year of Cheap Trick's Live at Budokan. This is the third version and each time they add a disc. Oh and they add a DVD too. Man I feel old. Boxmaster's released a Christmas CD. They are Billy Thornton's band and if you care about actor's making music Kevin Costnermade a cd that is better than The Postman...what you thought I'd get lazy and throw Waterworld at you? I know she was mellow before but man this one is mellow - The latest from Tracy Chapman.

More Coyne yumminess.


More later
Bro


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Now playing: Muse - Time Is Running Out
via FoxyTunes

Loretta Answers the Questions

Real name: Loretta
Where I live: Oakland, NJ
Occupation: Mom/Grandma/Hemodialysis Nurse/Retired Non Profit Director (Children/Families local NJ)
Favorite movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
Favorite book: The Phone Book
Favorite album: American Beauty Grateful Dead
Three famous people I'd like to meet: Colin Powell, Bruce Springsteen, Arlo Guthrie
One famous person I actually met: Roger Maris
Best concert experience: Pink Floyd Animals Tour the "old" Madison Square Garden...it's a bit blurry now.








Coolest pop-culture item I own: Hanging Vodka IV Bottle with M.A.S.H. logo, has tubing & clamp!












And what movie prop would like to own: The Lamp Post from "Singing In The Rain".

CDs for today 11.04

So thanks to the Steelers kicking the Redskins all over the field I guess Obama will win. Why you ask?

If the Washington Redskins win their last home game before election, it means the incumbent party will get to stay in the White House. Since 1936, except for 2004, the outcome of that game has correctly predicted the winner of the race.

Last night the Redskins lost.

Footnote that I found somewhere.
For 52 years — from 1946 to 1998 — the Redskins failed to make the playoffs under a Democratic administration. That ended when the ‘Skins won the NFC East in 1999, when Bill Clinton was president

Ahhh yes nothing says New Music like mixing football and politics.

HoneyHoney - First Rodeo
Think Amy Winehouse fronting a Jazzed up Country band. Yes you read correctly. A jazzy country cd.

Also check:
Tired of waiting for a new Strokes cd? Try the drummers side project Little Joy. It is nothing like The Strokes but a nice cd. Travis have a new cd too and sadly they still don't improve upon their first (and my favorite) CD. Still stuck behind Oasis and Radiohead and seemingly unsure how to break away.

The Lucksmiths released a new cd but I have yet to find it but I would think it would be gold but until I hear it...

Vote



More later
Bro


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Now playing: Material Issue - Valerie Loves Me
via FoxyTunes

Happy Candy Day

Yes nothing says Halloween like the list of top dead celebrity earners.

Have good day/night of collecting candy.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Spoon - Don't Let It Get You Down
via FoxyTunes

Cds for 10.28

So here we are again. Chatting up CDs that might be on your radar. It's a good day to go shopping.


Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cardinology
The man is sober and it shows. Strong and focused music and lyrics. Does anyone else miss the crazy drugged up drunk guy? Yeah me too sometimes but this Cd makes me smile.

The Cure 4:13 Dream
Pure Cure. Plan and simple. Well the Cure were never plain and simple but this cd is. They don't mess with a winning streak.

Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
A "welcome back" cd. Fun and Smart rock. Strange that this cd is coming out now as I've always felt that the Chiefs had more of that Summertime Thing feeling going.

Snow Patrol - 100 Million Suns
Does it matter what I say? Probably not and like the Cure cd this cd will make their fans happy. I still feel that "Final Straw" was their best.

Bloc Party - Intimacy
Just like Snow Patrol I feel like Bloc Party's intro cd was their best. "Silent Alarm" was pure focus. "A Weekend in the City" expanded the playing field but not always in the best way. "Intimacy" firmly sticks a foot in each cd.

Also take a listen to or keep in mind:
So let's say you are in the mood for a bit of the JAMC well you should check out Crystal Stilts. Oh and like "Wolf" last year there are a ton of "Crystal" bands coming our way. Covers you say well then Jesse Malin's US release of his cover album is something for your ears. Want crazy, gypsy rock? O'Death is your new favorite band.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Morphine - Early to Bed
via FoxyTunes

to get you in the mood

for Halloween


Created by Mingle2.com (Dating for non-zombies)


More later
Bro


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Now playing: Earl Hooker & Charles Brown - Drifting Blues
via FoxyTunes

Songs for my Funeral Part 3

Something for the weekend. Which reminds of this tune. Enjoy this Video then on to the S of F V3.


Yes nothing says weekend like a MIX that one makes to be played at one's "end of it all" party. Really though if it weren't named what it was named you'd just think that it was a typical cool mix of songs. 13 at a time. So Volume 3 includes songs 27 through 39. You can stream it at NEXT.

The Format – On Your Porch
Fleet Foxes – Mykonos
Nil Lara – My First Child
John Wesley Harding – I’m Wrong About Everything
Jonathan Richman – I’m So Confused
The Kinks – Have Another Drink
Spoon – Don’t Let It Get You Down
Manu Chao – MerryBlues
The Secret Machines – Alone, Jealous and Stoned
Michael Franti and Spearhead – Stay Human (Stereo Steambath Remix)
Band of Horses – Is There A Ghost
Gary Jules – Mad World
The Mountain Goats – Love Love Love

Enjoy the weekend
Bro



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Now playing: William Shatner - Common People
via FoxyTunes

10-21 CDs of Gold

Hello Kind People

Gentle reminder to come and hang and drink and eat and listen at the Greater New York Food and Beer Fest this Saturday. Stay late as I will be djing the after party spinning NEXT tunes...and drinking beer.

on to the Gold


The Dears - Missiles
These Canadians know melancholy, moody indie rock. Uneven but worth it for when the magic happens as they ramble on and on.

Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
Sexy, Arty rock that bounces all over the place and never sitting still. Either their best or most erratic or both. It is quite fun - also uneven.

Gary Louris - Acoustic Vagabonds
If you missed out on Vagabonds or only know Louris from his Jayhawks days check that out then pick up this reworking of his latest cd in acoustic form.



Also Check out
The more things stay the same the more they don't change...or AC/DC finally has a new cd out. Just save the money and skip the trip to Walmart and listen to Back and Black today. Dead Trees are a band to watch as they put Alt Country in the garage. Brett Dennen sounds as soft and frail as an angel on your shoulder. The good angel. Think of this scene from Animal House
Animal House - Angel vs Devil


More later
Bro


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Now playing: Pixies - La La Love You (Los Angeles, CA - 6.2.2005)
via FoxyTunes

Gold Star 10-14

Whoa...finally getting around to this.


Gomez - Bring It On (10th Anniversary Collectors Edition)
Oh my holy balls. 10 years? I remember getting this cd and wearing it out. What you only just heard of this band when they "broke" with "How We Operate". Dig my music lovers. This was incredibly their first cd. A must have in everyone's collection.

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
British folk rock with a touch of soul. This surfer rocker gets down.

Johnny Cash - Live at Folsom Prison (Legacy Edition)
2 cds and a DVD.

Try these too
The latest from Keane. Truth be told I am more excited about their next cd. I think this is a step forward for them. I hope they build on this retro 80s thing. I may have to listen to Lucinda William's again. I love her and actually the last time I saw her she was on. Maybe I wasn't in the mood. Wait does that happen to guys? I'm From Barcelona calms down a bit and I'm not sure I'm as "in" to it. The Secret Machines take a huge step back but they did lose a singer/guitar guy. I guess this backwards step was to be expected. Sad :( as they were a favorite of mine.

Enjoy it all.
More later
Bro


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Now playing: Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time
via FoxyTunes

401 KEG

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today. But,if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg. A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of
alcohol a year. That means that, on average, Americans get about 41
miles to the gallon! Makes you proud to be an American!



I got this from NEXT listener Loretta.



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Now playing: Wilco - Impossible Germany
via FoxyTunes

10.07 gold cds

Bob Dylan - Bootleg Series Vol 8
Oh so much more than an odds and sods boxset. It's like looking at an artists rough sketches. Most will be happy with the 15 dollar 2cd set but he throws in an extra cd and hardcover book for about 85 more bucks. Not a bad price to pay for a grand tour into his brain.

Oasis - Dig Out You Soul
I still say worst album art of the year but the swagger is back and they are playing loud, heavy rock with undercurrents of the psychedelic. Not world changing but much better than what most are saying about it.

Crooked Fingers - Forfeit/Fortune
Funky instrumentation and wild percussion abound within. You are in for a musical treat.

The Clash - Live at Shea
Not the best recording of them live but it's the Clash and someone still needs the money. I guess.

Also check
Man I am not feeling the new Pretenders CD. Not really. Not at all. The Rosebuds who are taking wonderful baby steps toward great. Sarah McLaughlin has a greatest hits with the required new songs. Why? I mean I know why but really it's not a greatest hit don't put in the cd. I think the Little Ones took a step back but hey if you need a song for a TV show...it's a middle of the road cd. Also check indie darlings The Annuals, Lampchop and the toss off for the record company after a fight, Not Animal, by Margot and the Nuclear So and So's.

9.30 gold

Hello Boys and Girls

Jesus and Mary Chain - The Power of Negative Thought
82 songs of feedback bliss. A wonderful pot of gold at the end of the boxset rainbow. One listen to this box and I'm transported directly to a glorious decade called the Mid 80s to the mid 90s. The foundation of my musical education. PJ, REM, The Replacements, JAMC, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Van Halen, Def Leppard, The Cure, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins, NIN. I need to go spike my Jolt cola with some "borrowed" rum from Papa and plug in my walkman.


Roy Obison - the Soul of Rock and Roll
My boxset joy.

Ben Folds - Way to Normal
That man is funny and ironic and serious. The Piano kills as do the lyrics. This is the closest to "Five" as he has sounded since that trio broke up. Maybe it's because they played that one off show. Inspired? Who knows. Just enjoy this version of normal.

Joseph Arthur - Temporary People
A nice return to form and closer to basic rock. Still space but not just to show off rather on this one it fits within the song.

Ani DiFranco - Red Letter Year
A shock to the ear on first listen. Beautiful music? Lovely music? Not Ani (don't call me Annie). Surely not the "in your face/maverick" singer and song writer. I'll call this cd serene. First cd since becoming a mom.

Also check
Mercury Rev, MMW, Bella Fleck (for a Christmas LP), The Iguanas, Taj Mahal, and Tom Morello the Nightwatchmen.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cheated Hearts
via FoxyTunes

CDs 9-23

So much...too much this week.

I was at the Kings of Leon show. Thanks for the tickets Bill. You are my hero. It was a fine affair and these young lads are leaving the South behind and inching closer to U2 territory. They opened with "Crawl" my favorite off the cd. After hearing that the only song I really needed to hear was "The Bucket" and I would have been a very happy boy.



Molly's Chambers


I couldn't find "The Bucket" so here is a different live version.


OK. So great concert. Ears still ringing and head still buzzing. Now on to this week's CDs. Buckle up there is quite a lot of the good stuff.

TV on the Radio - Dear, Science
Off Kilter kings relax a bit and "wax on, wax off" and make their most coherent album.

Kings of Leon - Only By the Night
Looking to be the next U2 and could be. I miss some of the fun but this is high quality.

The Replacements - Second batch of Deluxe Editions
Tim, Pleased To Meet Me, Don't Tell A Soul, and All Shook Down. You already know how I feel about "All Shook Down" but if you are only going to buy one make it "Tim". The bonus' are a bit better but still my fav of these is "Pleased To Meet Me". So I am saying save "Don't Tell a Soul" until last.

Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
Moving way beyond just a pretty face with a pretty voice. She is a full throttle song writer. Pure joy listening to this cd.

Blizten Trapper - Furr
The sun is going down so you throw this cd on. Like mellow Dylan, Neil or The Dead.

Metallica - Death Magnetic
yes this is late but holy balls it's like being in HS school and listening to "Master of Puppets" prior to our soccer match.

Others to check out. I told you there was a lot
Jackson Browne, Everlast and Cowboy Mouth and for your punk moods the All Girl Summer Fun Band. Alt-country/ Indie super group Golden Smog released a best of so if you missed them it's a nice time to play catch up.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Steve Earle - Copperhead Road
via FoxyTunes

Songs for my Funeral V2

Part two of the continuing saga that is the celebration of my "Shuffling off this mortal coil", or my "dirt nap" or my "going to the big Whatever in the sky". If you missed the first one here is the playlist. NOW...

Grab a beer...yes a last request and sit back and listen.


Here is the playlist and here's where you go to listen.


The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows
The Twilight Singers – Bonnie Brae
The Black Angels – Bloodhound On My Trail
Cowboy Mouth – Joe Strummer
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Into My Arms
Johnny Cash – The Man Who Couldn’t Cry (live)
John Vanderslice – Exodus Damage
The Replacements – Within Your Reach
Whiskeytown – Sit and Listen to the Rain
Tom Waits – Warm Beer and Cold Women
Ben Harper – Waiting On an Angel
The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
Martin Sexton - Hallelujah


Enjoy it all and more later (I hope)
Bro


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Now playing: Fleet Foxes - Mykonos
via FoxyTunes

New CDs from 9-16

A few quite close cds but we will shall begin with the Gold Stars



James - Hey Ma
A nice welcome back and it's as if nothing happened to them at all. A 7 year break feels like a 7 month pause between great sounding cds. If you are at all familiar with this band you'll be pleased and if they are new well then I think you'll find plenty to like.

Marc Broussard - Keep Coming Back
Swamp pop and blued eyed soul for those nice quiet nights at home. Cuddle up with that bottle of whiskey and enjoy.

The damn near Gold
Lindsey Buckingham is so close I should just move him up a notch. Strong cd. Dead Confederate play southern rock run through Grunge and spacey guitars. Sound like early Silverchair (almost). If they can grow with each cd like Silverchair - this will be one hell of a band.

Get a few key tracks from these:
for those of you in the striped down mellow mood see Leona Ness. For strummy Indie pop try on Noah and the Whale. If you care Mr Hootie (Darius Rucker) went country.

more later
Bro


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Now playing: The Morning Benders - Wasted Time
via FoxyTunes

music for 9-9

I might have gotten to this sooner but I had to watch Fringe and I torn through the Showtime show Californication. Duchovny plays a wonderful anti-hero. It is smart, witty, biting. There are a few storylines that aren't worth following but overall I am quite pleased with the product. During season 1 as much as you may dislike Duchovny's character you couldn't help but hope he figures it out. You reluctantly cheered him on. I say reluctantly because he is kinda like the un-king Midas. I have a feeling season two will just irk me. I can only picture Season 2 making me hate his character - which is sad.



I have said it before and will again I love watching shows on DVD but they are like crack. You don't care about the time you just want to watch just one more episode.



So how about the CDs...there is quite a bit to like maybe even love.

Micheal Franti and Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers
The world needs more Franti's. Cool and intelligent funky reggae with elements of rap/hip hop. I would vote for him in a heart beat. I say Franti/Bono.

Josh Rouse - The Best of the Rykodisc Years
Oh my god in heaven if you don't already own what this man has released count yourself lucky. Only because now you get a very good collection. If you are only going to buy one cd (actually this is 2) this week this is the one. Go...get...it...NOW.

Calexico - Carried to Dust
Subtle southwestern feel. The kinda of cd you will rediscover in 30 years and wonder "why didn't these guys make it bigger?"

Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Welcome to the Rock and Roll circus of smart and brilliant indie pop. They are coming close to another Wilco type band.

The Ettes - Look at Life Again Soon
Garage Rock in it's finest and fiercest form. A trio of NYCers that are not in LA LA Land.

Mitch Hedberg - Do you Believe in Gosh?
This funny man left us way too early and so the "post life Tupac cds" are starting to flow. There are so many great moments in this cd. My favorite right now "Now is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus or a really cool opotamus?"

Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini
Take a long walk on the beach with this cd and reflect and enjoy. Not her strongest but if you are new to her a great intro.

Others to check out and listen to
The Broken West took a bit of a step back on this cd but you will still find much to love on this Silver Star CD. If there aren't enough poop and fart "children" songs in your life please check out Kimya Dawson's latest. Kellarissa for some late night musings. The New Year for the slowly, softly, building kenetic mess. Trip hop genius Tricky is back too and don't forget that Eliminator by ZZ Top turns 25 and the deluxe double disc is worth checking out. The live tracks just remind you of how cool and slick this studio album was. You get the videos too. Relive MTV's glory years.

More later
Bro

Sports, Sports yet no Sports

So yesterday I had different people offer up the Mets game, the Women's Finals at the US Open and then the Bears were on Sunday night football. What is a man that thinks high fashion is shorts with no hat to do? That is right go to a friends fashion show in NYC during Fashion Week.
and yes I am somewhere in that video. See if you can see me


So I don't get a chance to see the Bears monster game. Thank you DVR. Why didn't they do that two years ago in the Super Bowl? Oh well. I was hoping for 8-8 (really thinking (5-11) but if the D keeps stepping up the North is screwed.


So I missed this great final


The night was grand and fun and something I never thought I'd find myself at. The after party was stellar. Wow did I just use stellar? I don't know where it came from but I am not in the mood to edit so out into the ether go you unthought...thoughts.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: The Panderers - Come On
via FoxyTunes

cd for 9-2

Birdmonster - From the Mountain to the Sea
Let's call this one more Mature than "No Midnight". Another winner of a cd from this San Francisco band. They marry the frantic buzz with heady roots rock.

moe - Dr Stan's Presciption Vol 1
Unfiltered live moe. Done and Done. Notice the title includes vol 1. Look for more Dr Stan soon. It's a 3 disc set.





Also check out
I am sure purists will jump over this but the latest from Brian Wilson sounds like someone who loves Brian Wilson and that person is trying to write Smile. It's not bad but it really isn't that good though either. Apollo Sunshine is kinda in the same boat. Decent cd but not their strongest. It is very 60s trippy so maybe an enhanced mind will get more out the cd than I did. Another almost cd is Dean and Britta's latest. Indie rockers don't fade away they just get sinister. Why not add another down here. Giant Sand. Just add a few of the top shelf and be done with it.

More later
Bro



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Now playing: Asylum Street Spankers - Whiskey Love Song
via FoxyTunes

Songs for my Funeral

This a long time coming. No not my death but my first posted mix. I will not go into a huge description about how the name of the mix came about rather just listen. So here is the playlist for "Songs for my Funeral Part One: Songs 1-13"

The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored

John Lennon – Watching the Wheels

Sun Kil Moon – Lost Verses

Todd Snider – Alright Guy

Ben Folds – The Luckiest

Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes (Live)

Faces – Ooh La La

Pixies – Dig For Fire

Slobberbone – Lazy Guy

Talking Heads – Road to Nowhere

The Pogues – Love You ‘Till The End

Tom Waits and the Kronos Quartet – Diamond In Your Mind (live)

I Am Kloot - Proof

Another mix will be coming soon(ish). Yes it will Part Two.

More later

Bro

A few tips for fantasy fun

Get your mind out of the gutter. Actually I'll let it linger there for a bit...ok. Ready?

My fantasy football drafts are done. I think I'll do ok. I have been playing fantasy for quite a few years now. Here are a few things I'd like to see in my leagues. If you are not in any of my leagues this might help anyway.

OK first off Yes I know you're busy. You have a wife, a life, hopefully a good job, kids and you need to drink beer. Luckily fantasy football wouldn't get in the way of that last one. It may enhance it.

Trades. This isn't life or death so trade. Or at least get some offers out there. In fact, if I offer you a trade don't just decline it. Counter offer something or at least give me an email explaining why you declined the trade. I can't read your mind. I like trades. Trades are fun. I like fun.

Post something at least once a week. This is supposed to be fun and a little gentle teasing makes the season go by quicker. It doesn't have to be mean. It could anything...honestly anything. Football topics are prefered but I'll even take a non football post about your love of the latest "High School the Musical" movie. Just stay active on the boards.

Yes stay active. Don't be "The Quiter". Sure your team is 2-8 and you have been out of the playoff race for awhile but there are two teams fighting for that last spot. Don't forget to get your stud rb back into the lineup after his bye week. Don't mess up somebody else's season just because you quit.

Watch the waivers. Thus stay active. Your season can be saved by simply watching who is available. Last year Ryan Grant wasn't drafted I am sure plenty of team rode him into the playoffs. This happens every year. There are always surprises.

Forget the experts. Get who you want but don't be a complete "Homer".

So offer trades, post comments, be active and have fun.

Go get'em tiger
More later and good luck
Bro



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Now playing: Old 97s - Dance With Me
via FoxyTunes

Aug 26 CDs

Delta Spirit - Ode to Sunshine
This band comes at you from so many places. It's timeless rock or maybe Indie Folk Rock with the emphasis on the rock. A fun, multi layered cd.

The Gabe Dixon Band - self titled
Clean Piano Rock. Not the clever, humorous, intelligent piano rock of Ben Folds more like an Indie Rock "Benny and the Jets". Quite the Exuberant cd but not too loud and not too soft just like baby bears radio station.

Matthew Sweet - Sunshine Lies
So this man does remember what his guitar sounded like on Girlfriend/Altered Beast. He always puts out quality but it's nice to hear "classic" Sweet.

Don't forget
JJ Grey and Mofro. Sadly I think his latest cd is way over produced. It's still swampy-like front porch music but this time a bit too clean. Blues Traveler have new music too. Nightmares on Wax gives us some "beach jams". Throw one of these on a mix tape and get happy. I always smile when I see a Tesla Cd. See in college the guy across the hall had such a man crush on this band and I will admit that any lead singer that was a garbage truck driver in a former life and turns into a rock star...well that just makes me happy. Much better than being "Hanna Montana's brother"

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Shade - wide eyed
via FoxyTunes

When 5 was 3 now just 1

hey look...it's another lost CD. Yes about bloody time and for more Lost Treasures head to NEXT music.

This time I pick Ben Fold's "Rockin' the Suburbs"

Before I begin with my mini rant about radio missing out yet again let me tell you that you must see the man live. Solo? With a Band? It just doesn't matter just do what needs to be done to see him anytime he is close to where you live. He makes stadiums feel like your living room.

Ben, Live. Army.


Ben with just the piano. Army.


Too much fun. Honestly you come out of the concert on a high. The man is truly talented.

So what about "Rockin' the Suburbs" The CD?

Really besides the occasional "Brick" this man gets almost no radio love. Why? I don't know and how strange is it that when he does get radio play its about an abortion. I guess he doesn't test well. That is a good thing. He is man that must be experience in full not some 30 sec clip over the phone. Bloody silly but that is how music on the radio is picked.

So about the cd is it...

Catchy? Check
Intelligent? Check
Fun and funny (yes those are two different things)? Check and Check.

Now this cd really isn't too different from his Ben Folds Five work but the main change was the fact that Ben played almost all of the instruments including guitar and dropped two band members. Guitar is important to note as the trio was piano, drums, bass. Still really no big surprises just classic sounding Ben making mid tempo masterpieces.

Wonderful start to the cd with "Annie Waits".
This song just gets to me. Beautifully written. You can just picture Annie seeing the "headlights cresting the hill" and being disappointed when the car continues past her house...it's not her "friend". Here are two quite good fan vids.





Zak and Sara
Funny. Weird. Not normal. Brilliant. Yes. Plus hidden swearing.


Rockin' the Suburbs
Great video.

the next two songs will be played at my funeral.

If this next song doesn't choke you up you have no feelings. This is why we love music.
The Luckiest


and a song he wrote for his son.
Still Fightin It
Link to "embedding disabled video"

So yes go get this cd. Period. Thats it. Oh and radio get smart before you become an afterthought...opps too late. Well almost too late.

More later
Bro

Better late...

Sorry I was off on a family camping trip. Good time had by all plus it was car camping so really you could bring your whole family room if you wanted to. There is something to be said about occasionally sleeping in a tent. Also building a fire does feel good and right.

On to the music


After last weeks fairly weak showing a nice follow up.

Juliana Hatfield - How to Walk Away
Ahh the break up album. It is dangerous although I guess if you are dating a singer you have to know there will be songs about soon enough. This one isn't too bitter or nasty but fear not People or Cosmo readers there are juicy moments. Age agrees with her too. It has added an edge to her voice.

Hotel Lights - Firecracker People
Second "solo" cd from the former Ben Folds Five Drummer. The man knows how to write and perform great, wonderful, mid tempo rockers. Now very soon I will write about the Dandy Warhols and how they usually bounce from song to song with a completely different sound...now this cd could have used a track or two with a completely different sound. After a while this cd just bleeds into itself. Still an incredibly strong cd.

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
A musical collective of Gypsy Rock from upstate NY. This cd puts them close to the top of the "promising newcomers" list.

The Stills - Oceans will Rise
A slight shift in sonics on this cd. Big and bombastic are the keys words. Don't worry their songs still have some hooky pop to them.

The Dandy Warhols - Earth to the Dandy Warhols
Closest to 13 Tales then they have ever been. The Dandys seems to love to jump from sound to sound. It makes for an interesting listen but not a complete cd. Earth to the Dandy Warhols is more a completer cd then just a collection of singles. There are, of course, mis-fires.

Donavon Frankenreiter - Pass it Around
What is referring to with this title? Herb? The MP3s? Does it matter? More of the same for CD number 3. Mellow surfer dude music from FOJ (friend of Jack (Johnson))


A bunch to watch for and listen to and download a few favorites of:
Let's start with the ladies. Laura Marling and Jennifer O'Connor. Laura the talented young UK piano tickler and Jennifer the NYC rocker chick. Xavier Rudd released a cd that will probably get kicked up to the Gold Star status the next time I listen. I know there are rabid fans for The Walkmen, The Fiery Furnaces, and Stereolab but none released a "must have" in my opinion. All three released cds that were anticipated greatly.

More later
Bro

Save it for later

Not much going on this week unless Hanna Montana is a star in your life. The Jonas Brothers released something. I will say one thing...it's gotta suck when you are a horny band and your biggest fans are between 8-13. "Dude in 5 to 8 years this is gonna be Led Zeppelin awesome". I guess the Beatles did start with "I wanna Hold Your Hand". So who is going to be their Bob Dylan and introduce them to marijuana? Or maybe they should just skip to their Peter Fonda LSD stage.


I mean I don't care what anyone tells you the main reason they pick up a guitar, or sticks or the microphone is girls. Maybe their fan's moms make up for it. But that would be weird - "Mom you slept with the Jonas' Brothers. I hate you" Yes that little girl will be on a couch for a long, long time.

So on to the not so hot week in CDs.

Really I can only tell you to download a few tracks from The Pack AD. A female version of the the Black Keys from Canada. They are a band to watch. Each cd gets them closer to fine.

I will leave you something cool/funny. "The Line"