Check out these cds or don't
Goldfrapp -Seventh Tree
Sublime? Yes. Subduded? Kinda? This is great glam rock mixed with electronica. Now on this cd they don't have as many "fill the dance floor" tunes as prior cds but this is trip-hop gold.
Ghostland Observatory - Robotique Majestique
Electronic Rock or maybe Dance Alt Rock with a high voiced singer. Not for everyone so sample first but if this music gets my white boy butt moving...
Los Campesinos - Hold On Now Youngster
Fun, Energy, Exuberant, full on frontal assult. Think Broken Social Scene backing Stars or the musical equivalent of a double shot of espresso. Rockin' good times peanut.
More later
Bro
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Did you see that last night?
Beautiful Lunar Eclipse last night. Just thought I'd geek out on that for bit. I was listening to NPR and they had a guest speaking about it. I should have set an alarm because I knew I was going to forget...well I did but luckily it was "put out the recycle bin" night. I was putting out the bin for the morning pickup and looked up. Man nature is cool. It was a cold but clear night. The clouds (just a few) that did pass by gave a great "horror" story feel and didn't really take away from the experience. It was really too cold to hang out and watch but I did watch most of it. We better have enjoy the 3 this past year as the next one isn't in 3 or 4 years. I'll set the alarm for myself right now.
Got some really nice emails too about listening to NEXT while watching the eclipse. How cool is that? I hope NEXT was a good soundtrack to watching celestial beings at work.
More later
Bro
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
a bunch of cds to listen too
More Gold star cds released yesterday.
American Music Club - The Golden Age
No music from them since 2004 and they are back with more brooding intelligent (maybe too intelligent) tunes. They do or did have a nice cult following don't be afraid to join the club.
I couldn't find anything from this cd so here is a taste of something a bit older
The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
Dust off those old JAMC records. More like their first cd and let's just make a deal to forget CD number 2. Well most of it anyway. The Raveonettes are back on track with this dagger in your gut cd.
Headlights - Some Racing Some Stopping
A lot of Indie Pop out there today so don't miss out on this one. Great airy boy/girl vocals over music to have a pot of coffee with.and if you're not done with the Indie Pop after this cd check out The Grand Archives.
Gary Louris - Vagabonds
He was with the Jayhawks during their glorious Alt-Country days and with them during their more poppy effects. On this solo album he joins the two happily. You'll be happy too. If you like music. He was also part of Golden Smog too. Check them out if you've got the time.
and fill this one under essential listening: Nick Lowe's "Jesus of Cool" just got the Deluxe Re-issue thing. For all fans of pure pop bliss.
More later
Bro
I also just noticed I didn't finish yesterdays entry. I will. Someday. PS it was Mike Stipe.
American Music Club - The Golden Age
No music from them since 2004 and they are back with more brooding intelligent (maybe too intelligent) tunes. They do or did have a nice cult following don't be afraid to join the club.
I couldn't find anything from this cd so here is a taste of something a bit older
The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
Dust off those old JAMC records. More like their first cd and let's just make a deal to forget CD number 2. Well most of it anyway. The Raveonettes are back on track with this dagger in your gut cd.
Headlights - Some Racing Some Stopping
A lot of Indie Pop out there today so don't miss out on this one. Great airy boy/girl vocals over music to have a pot of coffee with.and if you're not done with the Indie Pop after this cd check out The Grand Archives.
Gary Louris - Vagabonds
He was with the Jayhawks during their glorious Alt-Country days and with them during their more poppy effects. On this solo album he joins the two happily. You'll be happy too. If you like music. He was also part of Golden Smog too. Check them out if you've got the time.
and fill this one under essential listening: Nick Lowe's "Jesus of Cool" just got the Deluxe Re-issue thing. For all fans of pure pop bliss.
More later
Bro
I also just noticed I didn't finish yesterdays entry. I will. Someday. PS it was Mike Stipe.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Food, finished a book and here let me get that door
I have found yet another person I'd love to have beer with. Steve Martin. I just finished his latest book "Born Standing Up". I just love his writing style. Simple (in a good way) and straightforward. It is a very quick, easy read. Might be a decent beach vacation book. My next book? Just to make sure that I never finish another book this year I picked up Johnson's "Tree of Smoke". It took a bit to "get in to it" but now it's starting to smooth out.
So last Friday my sister was in town so we headed out to Babbo.
So last Friday my sister was in town so we headed out to Babbo.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2 more today
Gold star cds today:
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Classic title and pretty much sums it up. If you answered yes I think you'll enjoy this epic orchestral indie rock. In these early stages of '08 this cd is in the top 3.
Widespread Panic - Free Somehow
A jam band does the studio mostly right. Yes they are a live band and have gone through some changes but this is a quite enjoyable cd. Should provide another set of wonderful songs to "spread out and breathe" in concert.
Also check out Cinnomon Girl: Women Artists Covering Neil Young for Charity. It covers Neil's early career from '69 to '79. A few excellent ones but really how does one improve upon Mr Young? Plus it helps out charity. Breast Cancer I believe. Or check out The Rumble Sticks: Girls and Weather. It is neo ska(?) or simply put rock music for adults that haven't forgotten to remember to have fun.
Friday, February 08, 2008
CD of the month of Jan '08
It was a good first month of the year. Drive By Truckers. Close. Marah. Even closer. Vampire Weekend. There you go. CD of the month.
The internet darlings are turning this thing into something good. They are number 17 on the charts and still selling. Since they are selling so many cds I am sure all the internet blogs will be turning their collective backs on them soon (if not already). Maybe even claiming sellout. Too bad really. I said it before and I know I'll say it again that even this early in the year this could be a top ten cd.
One of my all time favs are Talking Heads and this band reminds me of them. Fun and serious and funky and rock(y) all playing together nicely and not one of them is running with scissors.
More later
Bro
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
More Gold yesterday
Already a great start to the new year. Music is dead? You have to kidding me. This is the best time to be alive. There is more good music being made today then ever. Count yourselves lucky. You want Mozart... you've got him. You want Zeppelin...you've got them. You want Charles Mingus...you've got him. You want new music...you've got NEXT and thousands of other choices online. It is a brilliant time to be alive if you love music.
OK sorry about the mini rank. Some good stuff that came out yesterday. You know things you should check out. Sample and buy.
Bob Mould - District Lines
Welcome back godfather of Alt-rock. This is a glorious mix of all of Bob's past. You've got the stripped down acoustic of Workbook, the pop rush of Sugar, the massive attack of Husker Du and the beeps and blips of Modulate. It's everything you love about Bob.
Kelley Stoltz - Circular
Some great pop music here...and pop music being what is was in the beginning. Not American idol but early Beatles. Pop music is not a dirty word but it has been stolen. We want it back.
Sheryl Crow - Detours
We could almost call this the Wednesday Night Music Club. She revisits the general feel of her first cd. It's good..
Nada Surf - Lucky
Not as classic as their last two (which are must own cds) but seriously brilliant soccer mom music. Brew some tea and enjoy.
Otis Taylor - Recapturing the Banjo
The Banjo. The Blues. The Guests. This cd has them all.
Also release but not quite gold is Jack Johnson and Jason Collett and Josh Ritter Live and Lightspeed Champion. Oh and Say Hi which now that I am typing that might be gold. Oh well. And for the kids They Might Be Giants have a new one "Here Comes the 1,2,3s"
OK sorry about the mini rank. Some good stuff that came out yesterday. You know things you should check out. Sample and buy.
Bob Mould - District Lines
Welcome back godfather of Alt-rock. This is a glorious mix of all of Bob's past. You've got the stripped down acoustic of Workbook, the pop rush of Sugar, the massive attack of Husker Du and the beeps and blips of Modulate. It's everything you love about Bob.
Kelley Stoltz - Circular
Some great pop music here...and pop music being what is was in the beginning. Not American idol but early Beatles. Pop music is not a dirty word but it has been stolen. We want it back.
Sheryl Crow - Detours
We could almost call this the Wednesday Night Music Club. She revisits the general feel of her first cd. It's good..
Nada Surf - Lucky
Not as classic as their last two (which are must own cds) but seriously brilliant soccer mom music. Brew some tea and enjoy.
Otis Taylor - Recapturing the Banjo
The Banjo. The Blues. The Guests. This cd has them all.
Also release but not quite gold is Jack Johnson and Jason Collett and Josh Ritter Live and Lightspeed Champion. Oh and Say Hi which now that I am typing that might be gold. Oh well. And for the kids They Might Be Giants have a new one "Here Comes the 1,2,3s"
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
TMBGs at The Beacon
I remember the late 80's music scene vividly, for a variety of reasons. I was in high school, I had begun to venture outside of the musical mainstream, and perhaps most importantly, I had finally become comfortable with the fact that I was an incredible dork. It had taken a while to find such comfort, but I was now ready to celebrate my quirkiness with volume and style. At about that time, just the right time it seemed, I discovered They Might Be Giants.
My friend Lonny had introduced me to the band, after stumbling across them on the now defunct WDRE’s Shreik of the Week. It was December of 1988, and when Lonny played me “Ana Ng,” I was intrigued. I moved on to “Don’t Let Start,” and then “Purple Toupee.” A few years later they released “Flood,” they had their first hit in “Istanbul was Constantinople,” Lonny and I saw them live at UMASS Dartmouth, and after “Apollo 18,” I sort of forgot about them for a while. Not so for Lonny.
Flash forward to 2008, when I became aware of a concert at one of my favorite venues, The Beacon. My son, going through my old CD’s, had started to love this band from my high school days. And Lonny had remained a devout fan, finding shows at The Stone Pony, or whatever other local club might present TMBG with an opportunity to play for their loyal following. This was an incredible opportunity, a blending of nostalgia, sentimentality, and the bridging of generations. I bought the three tickets and marked the calendar.
The first trick to the show was the notice that this concert was for patrons over 14 years old. I speculated that this was targeted at the consumers of the TMBG children’s albums, and decided we would chance it. I dressed up my nine year old son to look as adolescent as possible, stopping short of any piercings or dangerous looking tattoos. But I was incredibly discouraged when, at our pre-concert meal, the waitress offered my son some crayons and a coloring book. I quickly turned his baseball hat around, taught him a few choice words and the value of attitude, and at the ticket line, we pushed our way through despite a brief protest. Fortunately, this show was worth the effort.
The band had grown since I last saw them. They had added guitarists Dan Miller and Danny Weinkauf, with the drums manned by Marty Beller. John Flansburg displayed his strong guitar and tremendous energy from the very beginning. Balanced against John Linnell’s voice and understatedness, they displayed the recognizable formula from two decades ago. They wasted no time, ripping into the first of two acts by emphasizing newer material. The Else was featured early on, with a particularly strong performance of “The Mesopotamians.” But they didn’t neglect those songs from my high school days, finding room for powerful renditions of “Purple Toupee” and “Ana Ng.” Confetti cannons and a packed house contributed to what seemed like madness, but the band was in control. They closed the first act with their most recognizable song, “Istanbul was Constantinople,” and Miller’s guitar work was amazing, yielding at the end of the song to a preview of the upcoming second act....a horns section.
After a short intermission, the band was now joined by, a horn players Kurt Ram, Stan Harrison, and Dan “The Machine” Levine. With the now eight conservatively dressed musicians on stage, Flood and Apollo 18 favorites were featured with new wrinkles, and added depth. “Particle Man” and “Whispers” sounded better than ever. And in the midst of it all, Flansburgh’s guitar and Linnell’s voice remained at the core. It is hard to decide which serves as the band’s more defining characteristic, although I lean towards Linnell’s frenetic, whimsical, and nasally singing. I looked to my right a few times to catch my son and Lonny singing in earnest along with Linnell. John’s approach, largely because of his humility and self deprecating humor, seems to invite this sort of participation. While my son and Lonny don’t have the same pitch perfect approach to the material, they recognize an invitation to just let go and have fun.
Last week, I downloaded the recent Washington D.C. concert for my son, and he played “New York City” repeatedly. Tonight, Flansburg and Linnell choose this song for its final encore. The band was gone, leaving the two Johns center stage, singing their last selection. I started to think about the band, and I realized how important this band was to me in emphasizing the value of individuality, the acceptability of somewhat idiosyncratic approaches. I saw a man my age with a mohawk-ish haircut, and his friend playing an accordion, and I recognized the value of the things in life that are genuine and lasting. And the company I kept that night as the last notes echoed in the theater......well, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
My friend Lonny had introduced me to the band, after stumbling across them on the now defunct WDRE’s Shreik of the Week. It was December of 1988, and when Lonny played me “Ana Ng,” I was intrigued. I moved on to “Don’t Let Start,” and then “Purple Toupee.” A few years later they released “Flood,” they had their first hit in “Istanbul was Constantinople,” Lonny and I saw them live at UMASS Dartmouth, and after “Apollo 18,” I sort of forgot about them for a while. Not so for Lonny.
Flash forward to 2008, when I became aware of a concert at one of my favorite venues, The Beacon. My son, going through my old CD’s, had started to love this band from my high school days. And Lonny had remained a devout fan, finding shows at The Stone Pony, or whatever other local club might present TMBG with an opportunity to play for their loyal following. This was an incredible opportunity, a blending of nostalgia, sentimentality, and the bridging of generations. I bought the three tickets and marked the calendar.
The first trick to the show was the notice that this concert was for patrons over 14 years old. I speculated that this was targeted at the consumers of the TMBG children’s albums, and decided we would chance it. I dressed up my nine year old son to look as adolescent as possible, stopping short of any piercings or dangerous looking tattoos. But I was incredibly discouraged when, at our pre-concert meal, the waitress offered my son some crayons and a coloring book. I quickly turned his baseball hat around, taught him a few choice words and the value of attitude, and at the ticket line, we pushed our way through despite a brief protest. Fortunately, this show was worth the effort.
The band had grown since I last saw them. They had added guitarists Dan Miller and Danny Weinkauf, with the drums manned by Marty Beller. John Flansburg displayed his strong guitar and tremendous energy from the very beginning. Balanced against John Linnell’s voice and understatedness, they displayed the recognizable formula from two decades ago. They wasted no time, ripping into the first of two acts by emphasizing newer material. The Else was featured early on, with a particularly strong performance of “The Mesopotamians.” But they didn’t neglect those songs from my high school days, finding room for powerful renditions of “Purple Toupee” and “Ana Ng.” Confetti cannons and a packed house contributed to what seemed like madness, but the band was in control. They closed the first act with their most recognizable song, “Istanbul was Constantinople,” and Miller’s guitar work was amazing, yielding at the end of the song to a preview of the upcoming second act....a horns section.
After a short intermission, the band was now joined by, a horn players Kurt Ram, Stan Harrison, and Dan “The Machine” Levine. With the now eight conservatively dressed musicians on stage, Flood and Apollo 18 favorites were featured with new wrinkles, and added depth. “Particle Man” and “Whispers” sounded better than ever. And in the midst of it all, Flansburgh’s guitar and Linnell’s voice remained at the core. It is hard to decide which serves as the band’s more defining characteristic, although I lean towards Linnell’s frenetic, whimsical, and nasally singing. I looked to my right a few times to catch my son and Lonny singing in earnest along with Linnell. John’s approach, largely because of his humility and self deprecating humor, seems to invite this sort of participation. While my son and Lonny don’t have the same pitch perfect approach to the material, they recognize an invitation to just let go and have fun.
Last week, I downloaded the recent Washington D.C. concert for my son, and he played “New York City” repeatedly. Tonight, Flansburg and Linnell choose this song for its final encore. The band was gone, leaving the two Johns center stage, singing their last selection. I started to think about the band, and I realized how important this band was to me in emphasizing the value of individuality, the acceptability of somewhat idiosyncratic approaches. I saw a man my age with a mohawk-ish haircut, and his friend playing an accordion, and I recognized the value of the things in life that are genuine and lasting. And the company I kept that night as the last notes echoed in the theater......well, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Jade's survey
Real name: Jade
Where I live: In a Fairy Lair
Occupation: Fairy Recruiter
Favorite movie: Enchanted
href="http://www.draculas.info/_img/books/interview_with_the_vampire_9.jpg">
Favorite book: Interview With A Vampire
Favorite album: Ten (Pearl Jam)
Three famous people I'd like to meet: Eddie Vedder, Johnny Depp, George Clooney
One famous person I actually met: Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)
Best concert experience: Pearl Jam Jones Beach 2000 First Night
Coolest pop-culture item I own: Bobble Head of Joey Ramone statue
And what movie prop would like to own: The Crow
Where I live: In a Fairy Lair
Occupation: Fairy Recruiter
Favorite movie: Enchanted
href="http://www.draculas.info/_img/books/interview_with_the_vampire_9.jpg">
Favorite book: Interview With A Vampire
Favorite album: Ten (Pearl Jam)
Three famous people I'd like to meet: Eddie Vedder, Johnny Depp, George Clooney
One famous person I actually met: Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)
Best concert experience: Pearl Jam Jones Beach 2000 First Night
Coolest pop-culture item I own: Bobble Head of Joey Ramone statue
And what movie prop would like to own: The Crow
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Super Bowl
I say Go Bears...oh wait they didn't make the Super Bowl this year.
Yes please if there is a god let the Pats lose. That would be brilliant. If there is no god then the Pats win. I think it may be that simple.
A shut out would be even more brilliant. I bet the score is 45-37 or something like that but 3-0 would be amazing. Or better yet Brady gets sacked on their first drive for a safety and Giants win 2-0. That would be ah…wait for it…mazing.
Actually I am sure that god doesn’t care about the Super Bowl but I am sure that he/she does care that it cost almost 3 million for 30 seconds of air time and yet NEXT can’t get a sponsor (because god does care about good music) or that we still have yet to rebuild New Orleans. I am sure it cares about that.
Now file this one under "you've got to be F^*KING Kidding Me"
Exxon just announced that they broke last years record and made almost $1,300 a second. A second? That just amazes me. I honestly can't wrap my head around that figure.
I could watch Walter run all day long. I remember having a t shirt of his 275 recording breaking game. I would wear that everyday. I loved that shirt...anyone have one that I could buy?
Yes please if there is a god let the Pats lose. That would be brilliant. If there is no god then the Pats win. I think it may be that simple.
A shut out would be even more brilliant. I bet the score is 45-37 or something like that but 3-0 would be amazing. Or better yet Brady gets sacked on their first drive for a safety and Giants win 2-0. That would be ah…wait for it…mazing.
Actually I am sure that god doesn’t care about the Super Bowl but I am sure that he/she does care that it cost almost 3 million for 30 seconds of air time and yet NEXT can’t get a sponsor (because god does care about good music) or that we still have yet to rebuild New Orleans. I am sure it cares about that.
Now file this one under "you've got to be F^*KING Kidding Me"
Exxon just announced that they broke last years record and made almost $1,300 a second. A second? That just amazes me. I honestly can't wrap my head around that figure.
I could watch Walter run all day long. I remember having a t shirt of his 275 recording breaking game. I would wear that everyday. I loved that shirt...anyone have one that I could buy?
Friday, February 01, 2008
Black Crowes
This "lost treasure" cd came to me in a dream. No, actually it was thanks to a conversation I had a bit ago with Helper Monkey. So I guess this post is partly his too.
We were talking about music (shocking I know) and some how The Black Crowes came up. About how they are almost a "jam band" now or at least semi-carrying the Dead crown. Maybe. I don't remember the whole chit chat thing but I do remember us talking about why the Black Crowes don't get mentioned with some of the other biggies from the 90s.
It got me thinking about radio and the BC and how it is strange that looking over their catalog that really only 2 LPs get any love. "Shake" and "Southern Harmony". Now "Shake" is or was a wonderful intro to a band and still to this day is one of my favorite debut cds. "Southern Harmony" is just their best. Period. If you don't think so -- really go back and listen again. It's just...classic.
So I was looking over the rest of the cds on my shelf and I noticed that they have at least 3 "lost treasure" cds and that they themselves are a "lost treasure". Almost but not quite like The Replacements. At least the Black Crowes get some airplay. Any time you hear them on the radio it's from "Shake" with a "Thorn" or "Remedy" thrown in sometimes.
Now "Lions" has it's moments but really it isn't that strong but the other 3 are full of great rock and/or roll songs. I don't know which one would be more under-rated. "Amorica", "Three Snakes" or "By Your Side". I guess if I had to throw them in order let us just say "Three Snakes" gets a lot less love with "Amorica" very close. That would leave "By Your Side" as third.
We were talking about music (shocking I know) and some how The Black Crowes came up. About how they are almost a "jam band" now or at least semi-carrying the Dead crown. Maybe. I don't remember the whole chit chat thing but I do remember us talking about why the Black Crowes don't get mentioned with some of the other biggies from the 90s.
It got me thinking about radio and the BC and how it is strange that looking over their catalog that really only 2 LPs get any love. "Shake" and "Southern Harmony". Now "Shake" is or was a wonderful intro to a band and still to this day is one of my favorite debut cds. "Southern Harmony" is just their best. Period. If you don't think so -- really go back and listen again. It's just...classic.
So I was looking over the rest of the cds on my shelf and I noticed that they have at least 3 "lost treasure" cds and that they themselves are a "lost treasure". Almost but not quite like The Replacements. At least the Black Crowes get some airplay. Any time you hear them on the radio it's from "Shake" with a "Thorn" or "Remedy" thrown in sometimes.
Now "Lions" has it's moments but really it isn't that strong but the other 3 are full of great rock and/or roll songs. I don't know which one would be more under-rated. "Amorica", "Three Snakes" or "By Your Side". I guess if I had to throw them in order let us just say "Three Snakes" gets a lot less love with "Amorica" very close. That would leave "By Your Side" as third.
Now I did kinda mention the live band thing and they do have two wonderful live cds. "Freak and Roll" is glorious and also look for a Japan Import called "Souled Out Live". And talk about a greatest hits package...this one truly is. It's not a One Hit Wonder and few others to fill out 80 minutes. If all you own is "Shake Your Moneymaker" please at least buy the Greatest Hits. Although "Southern Harmony" is also a must own.
More later
Bro
please send me your "lost treasure" there is no wrong answer just better ones.
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