new releases to look for

Just got back from camping with the kids. It was their first time and it was a huge success. Back to nature for more. I love the way time slows down out there. Even with the bit of rain a glorious time had by all.

On to the tunes

Julie Ocean - Long Gone and Nearly There
got 25 minutes? You've got time for this whole cd although you might want to book a solid hour because as soon as this cd ends you will probably hit "play" again.

I Love Math - Getting to the Point is Beside It
Remember when Alt Country was just a wee little babe? When it was basically the good Uncle Tupelo and few other "no depression" types...well if you miss those days try this cd out.

Lodger - Life is Sweet
This Leeds band is all about the fun, bounce-y Indie pop. They have a nice 80s vibe but not the "one hit wonder, damn I still can't believe everyone loved this tune" vibe but the "cool underground, I still can't believe everyone didn't like this tune" vibe. Think modern day Housemartins.



Also check
John Hiatt's "Same old Man". In this one he plays the perfect dad...well maybe. I am sure once I listen to this one again it will get "Gold Star" status but for now we'll just leave it here. Hope you don't mind.

More later
Bro



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Now playing: Concrete Blonde - Mexican Moon
via FoxyTunes

Angie's Answers

Real name: Angie

Where I live: Came from Boston to Columbus, Ohio (kicking and screaming)

Occupation: Administrative Assistant – Commercial Real Estate

Favorite movie: .Historically…Some Like it Hot (Jack Lemon makes an awesome woman), Jaws (c’mon…the characters and casting – brilliant!), more recently…The Departed, Atonement (cinematography and music are incredible-pretty darn good story too)

Favorite book: Picky about literature….writer has to be talented..go figure! I’m a sucker for any short stories by Amy Hempel.

Favorite album: Okay, no-one can really commit to this one. There are just way too many. Gosh golly gee….okay I’ll do the island thing…would have to have – Any/All early David Bowie, Boz Scaggs-Next, Billy Pilgrim-Billy Pilgrim, Van Morrison-Tupelo Honey, and then of course anything by Aerosmith.

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Call me selfish but I would tend to want to shoot the ____ with famous people that I can get something from, you know, like knowledge, insight, inspiration, or just a damn good time. So, to that end …let’s get these three at a dinner table with a good glass of vino, 1. The Pope – man-what an interesting philosophical conversation that would be!…the guy’s gotta know a few things, 2. Sting, I think that boy is pretty talented and we’d have to jam, 3. William Shakespeare – just to listen to him form sentences – and fourth (I know only 3 but I couldn’t choose), Sean White – the dude just looks like he’d be fun.

One famous person I actually met: There’s actually a bunch now that I think about it but I guess the most colorful one would have been Gene Simmons from Kiss. He talked to me in the hallway of his hotel while feeling up some leggy blonde.

Best concert experience: God….too many to state and too little time. Funny, but my favorite artists weren’t always my favorite concerts. It’s always the small one’s isn’t it? Well not always, Pink Floyd’s Animals tour at the Garden was pretty impressive (what I remember of it), but the one’s that stand out are: Karla Bonoff at a little intimate club in Cambridge, Mass., The Cars with Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers at the Paradise in Boston, Matchbox Twenty at a tiny little bar here in Columbus before they were known, and last but definitely not least…The Runaways with Joan Jett and Cheri Curry at the Rathskeller in Boston (yah, I was illegal but that’s when it was legal). More recently, Amos Lee was awesome at the Newport in Columbus.

Coolest pop-culture item I own: Okay, now it’s definitely my IPOD. Couldn’t live without the thing. Too bad the sound quality of MP3s bites the big one.

Has anyone found a device that plays them that actually sounds kick ass? Back in the day, it would have been my awesome New York Dolls poster that I can’t find anywhere anymore.

And what movie prop would like to own: Can I get that little black dress that Rene Russo wore in The Thomas Crown Affair?

Cds out today

Foxboro Hot Tubs - Stop, Drop and Roll!!!
Alter ego of Green Day (one of the worst kept secrets of rock and that is saying something). It's good time fun garage rock. Nice (cheating) way to follow up the hugely popular "American Idiot".

Mates of State - Re Arrange Us
Boy/Girl pure indie pop yumminess.




Other cds out that might be of interest: Scarlett Johanson covering Tom Waits. It's not bad but not great. She should have started off covering Hall and Oates maybe. Mudhoney has two. The Deluxe Edition (20Years!?!) of "Superfuzz Bigmuff" and a new release "The Lucky One". The Ting Tings are out digitally. CD in June. They are the latest iPod success. Smart Metal gods King's X released "XV" and if you are mellow try a track from Vetiver.



More later
Bro

thanks

I love The Peak/NEXT listeners. You are brilliant. Not only do you have great taste in music but you are glorious people.

If you listened to my Sunday shift on the Peak I mentioned that I needed some good vibes sent to me today. I got a few emails sending those good vibes. Thank you. That means a lot. I really does.

Everything went well or good or well enough and good enough. So you've got me for a little while longer. Enjoy me now. Actually life is such a Douche that I know I'll live to be 99. Why? because it wants me to live through hell but just get me close enough to triple digits. I have destroyed and will continue to destroy my body (I still try to play sports like I was 25) and I love beer. Please don't take that from me. Please. Anyway I'll get soooo close and then bang...sorry you can't have what you want.

Wow I just summed up my life in a few short words. I have always joked that if I write a book about my life it will be called "You're a Nice Guy but..."

and remember "maybe" always means "no".



Enjoy it all
Bro


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Now playing: Mofro & John “JJ” Grey - Brighter Days
via FoxyTunes

Old Guys can still bring the Rock

The Dude is 50. The Dude is still creative. The Dude has my April CD of the Month

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Larzarus, Dig!!!

Picking up where his wonderful and painfully ignored Grinderman project left off but that shouldn't be much of a surprise since the man himself is painfully ignored on the radio. I will gladly admit that he is not for everyone. You might need to "dive in" and immerse yourself in the cd for awhile. Let it wash over you. Dare I say marinate yourself in NICK and his Bad Seeds. Enjoy the uncomfortable and the grandness and the intelligence. I mentioned Grinderman...here is a taste

This is his 14th studio album and if you don't know The Prince of Darkness from Down Under it is time to expand your cd collection. At a time when Paul is just skating by so that he can pay for divorce court this man will blow your mind. In a good way.

Enjoy the adventure. Plus the man was in Wings of Desire


a few cds that were close - that I thought about for CD of the Month were The Wood Brothers, Sun Kil Moon, and of course the Replacements Re-issues. Remember to get "Let it Be" if you only want to purchase one.

Erin's Answers

Real name: Erin

Where I live: Saddle Brook, NJ (Soon to be Seymour, CT)

Occupation: CEO of the Crazy L. tribe

Favorite movie: I have a meandering top ten list for this one. The Princess Bride or the Holy Grail. So many quotes, so little time.

Favorite book: Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The Monster at the End of The Book (By Grover)

Favorite album: I haven't listened to a whole album since The Singles. I like soundtracks, Garden State was a good one.

Three famous people I'd like to meet: Tom Cruise, to publicly ridicule him. Shirley Manson, she's just hot. I can't think of any more. None seem nice or intelligent enough to waste my time on. My kids are MUCH more interesting.

One famous person I actually met: Gene Wilder. We were both at a liquor store in Stamford. He's scary in person. Big drinker.

Best concert experience: Bob Dylan when I was 12 and had front row seats, and Ape Fight, after I had my third baby and finally left the house.

Coolest pop-culture item I own: I have none. If I did, it would have been broken between many moves and wild children.

And what movie prop would like to own: The stereo Lloyd is holding in Say Anything. Dorky, but I am still a woman, and it was the first time I wanted romance. (I was 12 when I first saw it)

Thanks Erin

Happy Ears

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
If all you know of this band is "Plans" do yourself a favor. You swing by where ever you purchase cds to pick up their latest also get "Transatlanticism" and continue backwards from there. You can thank me later. It seems on this cd that DCFC has captured a bit of more of their live sound. A bit mean almost. Lyrically you can't beat Ben right now.

Old 97s - Blame it on Gravity
I love saying "new" Old 97s songs. I get as giddy as a little school girl on the last Friday of the school year. Nothing much has changed for this Texas band in the 14 odd years that they have been together. They are still combining Country tinged rock and Pop music. Ears happy.

Botticellis - Old Home Movies
It took them 4 years to make this sun kissed music. Sounds like they plugged in at a family picnic and just pressed record. Throughly enjoyable cd. A summer must...if you like music.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: The Replacements - Here Comes a Regular
via FoxyTunes

When Can I Sleep?

Holy Balls that place is evil...and good but did I mention the evil. In fact, it's so evil it's pronounced eval. I think that is the quote. Anyway the bachelor party weekend in Vegas was a success - If you measure success in lack of sleep. I really am too old for this. NYC may claim the title of "the city that never sleeps" but they are totally and completely wrong.

Hint: If you are ever in Las Vegas you need to search out the Craps Table at the Palms with Doc working it. The man is magic. I have never played Craps and Doc, my man, helped me out. I have a pretty decent understanding of the game now but I love my man Doc. Pure luck that man is. He probably wouldn't remember me but I'll remember he helped pay for the trip.

One thing I love about Craps is the fact that the whole table wins. If you get on a roll (don't bet big when I'm rolling) the entire table is on your side. They want you to do good. That is how companies should be run. We all win when we win and if we lose we all lose.

Went to the top floor at the Palms to the Playboy Club. A waste of time and money. Really but maybe it was the fact that it was Mother's Day Weekend. I don't know and yes I am still paying for that fact. "You are going where?!? For what?!? On Mother's Day weekend?!?" Yes as best man and thus the man who planned the weekend I will paying for this one for a while. Worth it? Talk to me later - right now I need a nap.

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Chris Whitley & The Bastard Club - I Go Evil
via FoxyTunes

Gone for a bit

On to a bachelor party split between White Water Rafting the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. No Sleep 'til Monday.

but I had to share this with someone...so you are it.

Sweet Breast Pudding.

The Taste Test...with video.

Enjoy your weekend. Happy Mom's day.
Bro





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Now playing: Kings of Leon - Molly's Chambers
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Kings of Leon - Molly's Chambers
via FoxyTunes

Bounce back week?

If all that was released was the new cd by "The Alive Elvis" then the week would be worthy of goodness. But there is more than Costello this week to check out. On to the CDs.

Also thank you anyone that read and emailed kind words about the NEXT New York Times Article. Thank you. In fact, if you subscribe to the NEXT newsletter I'll be giving you a thank this week...yay free.

Elvis Costello - Momofuku
Named after the creator of Ramon Noodles...This was a quick recording for Elvis but it doesn't hurt the end product. In fact, it may have helped it. This cd finds Costello closer to his earlier works...at least sonicly.

Barenaked Ladies - Snack Time
A kid's cd and it brings out the good and bad...all the things you love and hate about this group. I really can't believe that this is their first full length Children's CD. They seem the perfect match. Plus you gotta love the fact that little kids will soon be asking their parents for Barenaked Ladies.

The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of Understatement
Side Projects are usually side projects for a reason. This one is an exception. the collaboration between the Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner and the Rascals' Miles Kane is simply likeable. It has a great 60s James Bond kinda feel too.

Firewater - The Golden Hour
Angry, Angular, Gypsy Rock or actually closer to "World Punk".

Also out
The Long Blondes - Couples, Midnight Oil's deluxe version of "Diesel and Dust" with CD extras and DVD and Jeb Loy Nichols "Days are Mighty"

More later
Bro


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Now playing: Someone Still Loves You Boris - Think I Wanna Die
via FoxyTunes

Pancake Mountain!

In a recent comment to Chris, I mentioned Pancake Mountain. For those who are intrigued, I figured I'd post a few things! First of all PM is a children's show that is made in Washington,DC. Another thing, back in Winter of 2006, I was actually in an episode! I wrote about it in an old blog of mine.

So now for a few videos from the show and such...

Here is a little intro clip.



The Go! Team did a pretty sweet dance party for the kids and yes this was at the Black Cat.



And now for my personal favorite The Evens doing "Vowel Movements" (Yes Ian MacKaye is that awesome still!)



My two best friends Sami and Kristy are in this clip. They were the ones who got me involved with PM actually. It's pretty cute clip. All these kids getting down to Jenny Lewis at the 9:30 Club!



As you can tell Pancake Mountain is pretty awesome. Kids are lucky, because they have this and Yo Gabba Gabba - yet another awesome indie rock-ish children's show that is strangely fun. Not like I have anything against Sesame Street, but they've lost their touch.

Enjoy,
Megan

NEXT in NYT

yes NEXT is in the New York Times. See you were cool before it was cool to listen to NEXT. Enjoy that fact.

Yes there is a picture and yes I stand to do my show and yes that is The Peak's Studio were I do my NEXT thing.

Anything else?

More later
Bro

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Now playing: Jonathan Richman - I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar
via FoxyTunes

Nice b day gift

How cool are my P's?

I recently celebrated a birthday. A big one is next year. Big blowout. You are all welcomed to help me celebrate the fact that I have not killed myself. Although that might happen before next year. So maybe we should just grab a few beers now.

So anyway I see this big package in front of my door the other day. On it is the claim "that someone must love you". True.

So I open it up and it's frozen Lou Malnati's Pizza. Loaded up on the dry ice to keep it frozen during the shipping. Hint Hint to anyone outside of Chicago. Treat yourself. It tastes soooo good and your kitchen will never smell better.

We could go back and forth on New York style and Chicago but I will just say I love me my 'za but nothing beats a mile of cheese on your pie. When you have to carve up your slice with a fork and knife...glorious.


More later
Bro

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Now playing: Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Brand New Cadillac
via FoxyTunes

Why Listen to NEXT?

So the other day I was curious about my last couple of years of top ten lists of music.

2003
Here is my top ten. This is 2003 people. 5 years ago.

10 My Morning Jacket--It Still Moves
09 Pernice Brothers--Yours, Mine, Ours
08 M. Ward--Transfiguration of Vincent
07 The Damnwells--Bastards of the Beat
06 Nada Surf--Let Go
05 Drive By Truckers--Decoration Day
04 The Wrens--The Meadowlands
03 The Jayhawks--Rainy Day Music
02 The Shins--Chutes Too Maroow
01 Death Cab for Cutie--Transatlanticism

I did pretty good. Look at how many of those bands are mainstream now. You could have "known" about DCFC or M Ward or Nada Surf all those moons ago. So I nailed number one with Death Cab For Cutie. If all you have is "Plans" time to hit the back catelogue hard. Number two The Shins. The band that will change you life. At number three I still think when people look back at the Jayhawks (like The Replacements) this will be a cd that people will revisit and wonder why it wasn't bigger. This could be a huge year for My Morning Jacket. So in 2003 I did fairly well. Actually I was almost brilliant.

2004
10 Rilo Kiley-- More Adventrous
09 U2--How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
08 Elliott Smith-- From A Basement on the Hill
07 Mark Lanegan-- Bubblegum
06 Loretta Lynn-- Van Lear Rose
05 The Secret Machines-- Now is Nowhere
04 Wilco-- A Ghost is Born
03 Modest Mouse-- Good News for People Who Love Bad News
02 Tom Waits-- Real Gone
01 Snow Patrol-- Final Straw

Let's just say that if I put you at Number one good things are coming. In a big way. Yeah I think Snow Patrol is well within the mainstream now. Tom Waits will never be mainstream but the man is magic and if you care about music even just a little bit you need to listen to something from him. Period. End of story. One of the greatest storytellers out there. Next were Modest Mouse and Wilco...yes both in the mainstream now. I don't know why The Secret Machines never really made it or Rilo Kiley but they might. I would say in 2004...I again did pretty good.

2005
10 John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
09 Supergrass - Road to Rouen
08 Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
07 Pernice Brothers - Discover a Lovelier You
06 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl
05 New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
04 Iron and Wine with Calexico - In the Reins
03 My Morning Jacket - Z
02 Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
01 Spoon - Gimme Fiction

Would you look at number one. Game over. Seriously. Bloc Party slumped hard with disc number two I fully look for a mosnter comeback.

So why listen to NEXT? You tell me why you shouldn't.

Have a great weekend.
Bro