Seu Jorge - The Life Aquatic Sessions (Album)
4 Comments Published by bestimitationofmyself on 4.30.2006 at 1:45 PM.
The first Wes Anderson move I ever saw was The Life Aquatic. I had heard a lot about his movies and I realized why he is so great: really good dry humor and good soundtracks. When I was watching The Life Aquatic, I noticed that the acoustic songs being played by Pele Dos Santos sounded very familiar. I thought "is that David Bowie? but that's not English?" I waited till the end of the credits to see that it was David Bowie and that they were being perfomed in Portuguese by Seu Jorge. Unfortunately, I do not know Portuguese so I can't understand the translation, but that doesn't mean it's not good music. I highly reccommend this to any David Bowie fans or Seu Jorge fans or any fan of music in general.
Seu Jorge - The Life Aquatic Sessions (Album) LINK PULLED! SORRY!
Sufjan Stevens - Live at the Triple Door
0 Comments Published by bestimitationofmyself on at 12:14 PM.
Listening to this makes me wants to see Sufjan live even worse. It is very refreshing to listen to these songs with different instrumentation. My personal favorite out of this concert is the 9 minute version of "The Predatory Wasp." This concert made me go back and listen to all the original songs with a whole new light. Sufjan finishes the concert with the creepiest and most beautiful version of "John Wayne Gacy Jr." The extra harmonies will chill your spinal fluid. Since I will not be able to see Sufjan until his next tour, I think this is the next best thing. It can also hold your craving over until the Avalanche album comes out.
Casimir Pulaski Day
The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders
The Praire Fire That Wanders About
Jacksonville
The Predatory Wasp Of Palisades
Chicago
The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
John Wayne Gacy Jr.
It's about that time again...time to go home. The album was shared by Andrew Kenny of the American Analog Set and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab, Postal Servce, All-Time Quarterback, etc. I only have the Gibbard tracks because I personally like these better. All four tracks are very simple acoustic songs. The last song "Choir Vandals" is a cover of an American Analog Set song and Kenny did the same with a Death Cab song, "Title Track." I love all four songs equally. Again, this exemplifies Gibbard's ability to do whatever he wants when it comes to music.
Ben Gibbard - Home Volume 4
Sorry for the wait. 54 is the count. Enjoy.
Aesop Rock - Labor Days
Aimee Man - The Forgotten Arm LINK PULLED!
Archers of Loaf - Icky Mettle
Beatles, The - Abbey Road
Beatles, The - Magical Mystery Tour
Beck - Mutations
Beck - Sea Change
Brand New - Deja Entendu + Your Favorite Weapon
Bravery, The - The Bravery
Bright Eyes - Digital Ash In A Digital Urn
Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
Brunettes, The - Mars Loves Venus
Built To Spill - You In Reverse
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Death Cab For Cutie - The Photo Booth
Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism
Dropkick Murphy's - Live on St. Patrick's Day
Flaming Lips, The - Zaireeka
Foo Fighters - One By One
Gomez - How We Operate
Gorillaz - Demon Days
Hot Hot Heat - Make Up The Breakdown
James Blunt - Back To Bedlam
Jem - Finally Woken
Kanye West - The College Dropout
Kanye West - Late Registration
Killers, The - Hot Fuss
Lady Sovereign - Vertically Challenged (pass: RISKY)
Madness - The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1
Madvillain - Madvillany
Matchbox 20 - Yourself or Someone Like You
MF Doom - Operation Doomsday
Modest Mouse - Baron Von Bullshit Rides Again
Modest Mouse - The Moon and Antarctica
Musiq - Soulchild
Pavement - Watery, Domestic EP
Paul Anka - Rock Swings
Pedro the Lion - Control
Placebo - Meds
Portishead - Dummy
Portishead - Portishead
Rilo Kiley - The Execution of All Things
Sea, Like Lead, The - EP
Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped
Spin Doctors - Pocket Full of Kryptonite
Streets, The - A Grand Don't Come For Free
Streets, The - The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living
Swedish Forest - Beloved Melancholy EP
Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now
Three 6 Mafia - The Most Known Unknown
Tim Buckley - Copenhagen Tapes
Warriors, The - OST
Yo La Tengo - Fakebook
Yo La Tengo - Genius and Love
Hope you all enjoy, and as always, these links have been gathered from around the net. I didn't upload any of it.
Other links are from Regnyouth, Indie Surfer, Against The Grain, Baby Borderline, e-Junkie, Francis the Cat, Greyout, Lost on Purpose, mp3 Index, Oh No!, Palaver, Music Man, Smooth Tunes, Sound Education and Where is Your Mind. PLUS MORE
I can't think of a better way to avoid my paper at four in the morning...Relatively speaking, ”He War” is one of the heaviest rock songs on Cat Power’s You Are Free disc. It is rumored that frontman Chan Marshall was aided by ex- Nirvana drummer and Foo FightersDave Grohl on several tracks from the album. The typically sparse information found in the credits cryptically attribute the drums to D.G. and T.H. only, which I suppose only helps to foster Marshall’s reticent mystique; the female counterpart to Palace’s reclusive Will Oldham if you will. ”He War” is also one of the more produced tracks found on the album, Grohl providing a shuffling drum groove to crackly guitar, accented by piano runs and high chiming guitar licks. Marshall’s lyrics remain somewhat obtuse as she sings in a close, double tracked harmonies, “I never meant to be the needle that broke your back / You were here, don’t look back / He war / He war / He will kill for you / Hide from who you can / You know you can” that suggest an ill-fated relationship that best be buried in the past. In the second half, Marshall’s vocal takes on a hypnotic vibe that is exaggerated by the phone line fidelity of her voice and an exaggerated delivery as she purrs with almost haughty defiance, “I’m not that hot new chic / And if you want me to run with it / We’re on to your same old trick / Get up and run away with it”. Chiming guitars, floaty backing vocals and the thud of toms drive the point home as the song builds to a climax. ”He War” show signs of a maturity, of an artist more comfortable in the studio setting and confident enough to make it work to her advantage. (amg)
Cat Power - "He War"
UPDATE: There will be a Roundup on Friday... unfortunately, there won't be any posts this wkend. Now that school's over, Aerotones and I are going on a vacation to "study and work on our theses." Bestimitation.... it's up to you.
so... for those of you waiting for the Thursday Roundup, we are all busy coming up to finals week, so it may just be a little delayed. Sorry for the problem, but don't expect a delay like this ever again. Thanks for understanding.
--Just Pretend
I posted a live version of a John Butler song a week or so ago and I got quite a few requests. This album kicks serious ass in every way. John Butler is an amazing musician and truly loves what he does... you can tell.The John Butler Trio's U.S. debut album, Sunrise Over Sea, is phenomenal -- from the opening notes of "Treat Yo Mama," a muscular and soulfully expressive roots rocker, to the final strains of the expansive, ten-minute-long opus "Sometimes." The John Butler Trio is arguably the best musical group Australia has to offer in 2005, and Butler's superb, bluesy riffs and innovative melodies are only part of the JBT musical equation. The sturdy rhythm section of Shannon Birchall (on bass) and Michael Barker (on drums) gives added life to hit contenders like the powerful "Company Sin" and the buoyant, breezy "Better Man." If the mid-album blues vignette "Damned to Hell" seems an ill fit at first, its lo-fi, banjo-strummed presentation shifts effortlessly into the warm, heartfelt "Hello." On occasion, as with the uplifting acoustic number "Peaches & Cream," Butler's voice recalls the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, but Butler and his bandmembers are without question on their own trip. And one only needs to hear the magical love song "Seeing Angels" to feel the trio's transcendental power.~John D. Luerssen
John Butler Trio - "Sunrise Over The Sea"
The world has never seen an entity who can combine funky-ass jazz and R&B flavors into a fresh and witty hip-hop jam like the Tribe can. "Excursions" finds "the abstract poet" Q-Tip at the top of his game, flowing verse after verse of addictive rhymes relating the old-school masters to the state of the union in the early '90s. This track opened the group's arguably most well put together album with such a band, spreading the sound of true hip-hop to the masses.For the one person who doesn't have this album... check out this track and then go buy Low End Theory.
A Tribe Called Quest - "Excursions"
It's just one of those days... Sitting and trying to write a paper and my iTunes shuffles onto this album... everything stops for a second. The strangely beautiful voice of Emiliana Torrini lets you drown in its thick, raspy glow. Similar to Neko Case, Hope Sandoval (of Mazzy Star) or Norah Jones, Torrini's voice leaks into your subconscious with an ebb and flow that forces the listener into her rhythm. For its style, Fisherman's Woman rarely has a weak moment. The opening track, "Nothing Brings Me Down" begins solemn and repeats pastel imagery all the while trancing you into her beautifully layered voice and simple guitar riff. The album builds slightly and one can imagine the oceanic concept of the whole album. The song "Lifesaver" is a tribute to a boat and its counterpart in the sea.Torrini doesn't ever have to deal with the issue of making her music too busy either. Her detailed attention to each aspect of her music is noticeable in each song. She never does more than she has to and is rewarded for it. The climax of the album, in my opinion, lands on the eighth track, "Heartstopper." Poppy and smart, the song is a picture and story slowly told by virtue of the events of her amazingly plain day.
The thing about Emiliana Torrini that makes her stand out is her ability to tell a story. It is a lost art to be able to make a song a journey, so to make an album sincerely move you through the full gamut of emotions is rare. Enjoy Emiliana Torrini, she is a true gem.
Emiliana Torrini - "Fisherman's Woman" (Album) LINK PULLED! SORRY!
[Req] Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley - "Welcome to Jamrock"
0 Comments Published by brownpower on at 9:12 AM.
He was only two when his father died, but the youngest of the Marley sons must have learned something. At the age of 13, he formed his first band, the Shepherds -- which also included the son of Third World's Cat Coore and the daughter of Freddie McGregor; the group even opened up the 1992 Reggae Sunsplash festival. By 1994, Damian was working on his own solo project, and with the help of his father's label, Tuff Gong, he recorded Mr. Marley. Also lending a familial air to the sessions was the presence of Stephen Marley, who produced and co-wrote several songs for the LP. Halfway Tree from 2001 earned a Grammy nomination but the public generally overlooked the ambitious album. Not so for the reggae meets hip-hop single "Welcome to Jamrock" which became an urban phenomenon soon after it's summer of 2005 release. Street-level mixtapes began featuring it, urban radio couldn't get enough of the track, and remixes -- both legal and not so legal -- began appearing at a fast pace. The well-rounded album Welcome to Jamrock delivered on the promise of the single that same year.This is the middle of the week soundtrack for everyone. Just want you all to get accquainted with something different here. Damian Marley definitely has his father's influences... but he's easily the most progressive of the Marley kids. Featuring new club-wonders such as Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Bounty Killah, Elephant Man and the prolific Nas on his record, Damian hopes to make a breakthrough, crossover album. I would say that he does. Take a listen.
Damian Marley - "Welcome To Jamrock" (Album) LINK PULLED! SORRY!
Martin Gustafson (keyboards/backing vocals), The alternative rock outfit the Perishers includes Ola Klüft (vocals/guitar), Pehr Åström (bass), and Thomas Hedlund (drums). Hailing from Umeå, Sweden, the Perishers formed in 1997. They played shows in their hometown until signing a recording contract with the local Swedish imprint North of No South in 2001. The band's debut album, From Nothing to One, was issued the next year. Tour dates across select areas of Scandinavia and Taiwan also coincided with its release. Let There Be Morning, the Perishers' second album overall and their North American debut on Nettwerk, appeared in spring 2005.Some people might know The Perishers for the song "Golden Brown" on the soundtrack to Snatch (a great movie/music moment) or from the OC Soundtrack, but there is more fun to be have with those Sweedes (holler to Nyman). Check out this slower track from their latest album. It's the opening track to 2005's Let There Be Morning.
The Perishers - "Weekends"
and just cause I'm feeling generous, here's another great track from the album. Just tell me if you guys like what you hear, got it?
The Perishers - "Trouble Sleeping" This is definitely one of my favorites... a little like a Travis song.
Okay... we all know who Third Eye Blind is, so I dont feel a need to say much about the band, besides that they have written quite a few really catchy tunes in past years... what you may not know about is the version of their song 'Slow Motion' that is NOT found on the album Blue... the version that may be one of the most eerie songs to listen to ever... the version with the REALLY messed up lyrics that cant be found on the album version.'Slow Motion' has a lot of interesting aspects to it... what I find most intriguing is the blatantly romantic view of such gory imagery found in the song, its as if he looks fondly upon some of the most evil situations life has to offer. With lyrics like "two lines of coke i'd cut with draino; your nose starts to bleed... a most beautiful ruby red" I can't help but wonder to myself what the hell he was thinking when he wrote this song. The detached way in which he relates the scenes of the song to the listeners kind of creeps me out, but there is just something irresistable about it... trust me, its worth more than one listen... and you'll keep coming back after that.
Third Eye Blind - "Slow Motion"
I am quite tired from today... shit is getting rough. But not when I've got Islands to listen to! This is an indie gem, if I've ever seen one. On their debut record, Return to the Sea, Montreal's Islands have crafted a rich, exciting, and emotionally deep sounding album that carries on the freewheeling spirit and sound of the Unicorns as well as that of the Elephant 6 bands of the late '90s. You see, Islands singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer Nick Diamonds and drummer Jaime were members of the Unicorns and they have taken the strengths of that band, amplified and adjusted them, added a few more vital ingredients, and come up with a disc that satisfies on a variety of levels and rates among the best indie rock around. The Unicorns were a lo-fi, experimental car crash of a band, equal parts whimsy and exuberance; Islands are a much more adult and measured experience with a much cleaner sound and more classic arrangements (lots of strings, accordions, standup bass, and pianos to go with the cheap synthesizers). Diamonds' voice is much less whimsical; he has scaled back on the Coyne meter from nine to around five and now conveys his slightly off-kilter lyrics with more emotion and honesty. Despite the changes, the group hasn't lost any of the sunshine-addled spark that the Unicorns had, as songs like the whirling "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby" or "Jogging Gorgeous Summer" (which comes kitted out with steel drums and recorder!) clearly demonstrate. The trippy "Volcanoes" (nice rock snob reference to the Troggs tapes in the lyrics), the indie psych/hip-hop mash-up featuring the rhyme skills of Subtitle and Busdriver, or the epic-length psychedelic singalong that opens the record so nicely ("Swans [Life After Death]") show that the band hasn't lost their ambition, either. "Ones" itself has more big-hearted ambition and dramatic power than most bands could dream of unleashing. The lovely instrumental "Tsuxiit" or the sweetly pop-rocking "Rough Gem" sound like the work of another band entirely, and indeed all of these comparisons to the Unicorns are ultimately irrelevant. It's not like you have to be a fan of that band to fall in love with this one. All you need is an indie pop heart and two functioning ears. A love of melodies and innocent weirdness. The ability to see through the clouds of hype surrounding other lesser bands and grab on tight to this band and record. So clap your hands, say yeah, and throw Islands a parade (wolf or otherwise) because Return to the Sea is an indie rock triumph!AMG gives it a great 4.5/5
Pitchfork gives it an 8.4/10 and an '05 - '06 Album of the Year Nominee
Islands - "Return to the Sea" (Album)
Unlike most musicians, Jeff Tucker wasnt one of those bright-eyed kids who begged his parents for guitar lessons at age 3. He didnt sing along to Queen in front of a mirror, using a shampoo bottle as a microphone, at age 12. He didnt star as Teyve in his high schools production of Grease. His family didnt urge him to follow his dreams of being a rock star. Because he didnt have any. Instead, Jeff Tucker, now lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for Los Angeles-based alt-rock quintet Rock Kills Kid, was a socially withdrawn, barely employed, directionless 19 year old. Writing songs saved him. You can hear it all over the 11 jagged tracks he wrote for Rock Kills Kids debut Are You Nervous. The albums emotional tension recalls some of the most angst-filled recordings of the late 70s and 80s by U2, The Cure, Joy Division and The Smiths.Because you say,Rock Kills Kid tells a pretty interesting story with not so many words. It is interesting to analyze a song like this because it is unexpected... and usually fruitless. RKK, however, has a certain appeal, not truly outstanding, but special. Try the Song of the Day and tell me what you think.
don't mean you mean it,
Run away to find a home,
Now i'll let you in,
yeah, i'll let you in.
yeah...
Rock Kills Kid - "Hide Away"
About five years after briefly surfacing as part of Andrew Loog Oldham's stable, Vashti -- now billing herself with her full name, Vashti Bunyan -- made her only album. A folkier and more serious-minded effort than her initial mid-'60s recordings, it is a pleasing yet overly dainty slice of British rock-tinged folk, produced by Joe Boyd. A certain similarity to some other acts under Boyd's supervision, such as the Incredible String Band and Fairport Convention, was assured by contributions from the ISB's Robin Williamson and Fairport's Dave Swarbrick and Simon Nicol. For good measure, there were string and recorder arrangements by Robert Kirby, who had done some string arrangements for Nick Drake, another Boyd-produced artist. Comprised solely of original material, Just Another Diamond Day contained dignified yet slightly sad ruminations with a pastoral, indeed rural feel, imbued with images of solitary meditations upon rain, wind, sunsets, and open fields. The drum-less, acoustic arrangements yielded an intimate ambience well-suited for Vashti's fragile, measured, almost despondently wispy vocals. These were rather in the manner of Marianne Faithfull's highest and most whispery early efforts, albeit with far folkier setting and more vivid lyrics. The CD reissue of this rarity (on Spinney) is enhanced by four bonus tracks that, with an oh-so-slight poppier bent, actually rate as the best material on the disc: the 1966 B-side "Love Song," a pair of unreleased 1966-1967 acetates, and a 1969 version of "Iris' Song" (to be redone as "Iris's Song for Us" on the LP). It's too bad, though, that the other three songs from her official 1965-1966 singles weren't added, as well, to make this a more complete retrospective. - Richie UnderbergerAMG Gives it a Perfect 5/5 and an album Pick!
Pitchfork gives a solid 9/10
Vashti Bunyan - "Just Another Diamond Day"
Album Featurettes:- Air - Moon Safari
- Bob Marley & The Wailers - Legend
- Dexter Freebish - Life of Saturdays
- Nada Surf - The Weight Is A Gift
- Sounds Like Fall - Early Recordings
- The Walkmen - Bows + Arrows
- Talib Kweli Samples Ben Kweller
- Teddy Gieger is Overrated
- The Thursday Roundup
- The 4/20 Mix
- A Few Covers
The John Butler Trio is a jam band from Australia led by guitarist and vocalist John Butler. Two albums released by the band Three (2001) and Living 2001-2002 (2003) have gone platinum in Australia and reached the top ten of the Australian album charts in those years. The 2004 album Sunrise Over Sea debuted at number one on the Australian charts on March 15, 2004 reaching gold record status in its first week on sale. This success is more impressive given that the bands releases are marketed independently by Jarrah Records which John Butler co-owns with West Australian folk band the Waifs. The band has won an ARIA award for "Best Independent Release" for Three in 2001 and has been nominated for three others. Three was released in the U.S. in 2002 and the John Butler Trio toured the U.S. in that year supporting the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer.
Take a look at that hippie. That is John Butler. I don't know that much about him, but I do know that he is truly amazing. I got the drop from a friend of mine and I am really beginning to see how amazing John Butler truly is. This live version of "Ocean" from St. Gallen is truly a musical work of art. Check it out!John Butler Trio - "Ocean" (Live at St. Gallen's)
Also, here's John playing in a tree for GreenPeace... lol.
Original: Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Original: The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Original: Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
[Req]: MK Ultra (John Vanderslice) - The Dream Is Over
Original: The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
- Damien Rice & Vyvienne Long - Seven Nation Army (Cover)
- Hard-Fi - Seven Nation Army (Cover)
- String Tribute - Seven Nation Army (Cover)
- The Flaming Lips - Seven Nation Army (Cover)
- Nostalgia 77 - Seven Nation Army (Cover) MY PICK
Original: Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
[Req]: MK Ultra (John Vanderslice) - The Dream Is Over
RJD2's music is a collage of cut-and-paste hip-hop that combines disparate elements to make for soulful, moody portraits of the world. Born in Eugene, OR, on May 27, 1976, he moved to Columbus, OH, a few years later and was raised there. He first busted out onto the hip-hop scene in 1998 -- a time when producers were emerging from the shadows to seize the spotlight -- as the DJ/producer for the Columbus-based group Megahertz. MHz had two 12" singles released on Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em Records and the group was mentioned in Vibe Magazine's "History of Hip Hop." - Charles SpanowIt's a chill Saturday and we're all just waiting to get over with school and let loose. "Ghostwriter" by RJD2 is awesome. In the vain of remix beat artists such as Thievery Corporation and Fila Brazilia, RJD2 comes up with a great beat with solid progression and masterful layering. Enjoy this song and welcome the vibes.
RJD2 - "Ghostwriter"
Ben Folds Five - "The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner"
3 Comments Published by brownpower on at 12:08 PM.
Simultaneously challenging and accessible, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner is a song cycle about death and dying, people, relationships, optimism, innocence--you name it. On his first two albums, Ben Folds was quick to toss off bombs of blame (most notably on the vitriolic "Song for the Dumped"), but here he aims most of his criticism at the mirror. On the wondrously snarky "Redneck Past" he sings, "My ex-wives all despise me / try to put it all behind me / but my redneck past is nipping at my heels." Apparently he doesn't have a chip on his piano any more. The production is lush and ornate, with strings and horns embellishing Folds's usual quota of to-die-for hooks (which he seems to dash off as effortlessly as postcards from the beach). An obvious point of reference is Pet Sounds, but Ben Folds Five widen their scope to also include hints of Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and even Queen, whose influence is front and center on the bombastic opener "Narcolepsy," a virtual homage to "Bohemian Rhapsody." Other highlights include "Army," a hilariously detailed indie-rock answer to Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." --David MenconiI also included the b-sides (Birds and the Acoustic Version of Magic)
Ben Folds Five - "The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner"
The Walkmen... unfortunately, I was turned onto this band because of everyones musical guilty pleasure, The O.C. In an episode themed about going to a Walkmen concert. I thought to myself, "If this is the kinda stuff on the show... they must really know their shit..." and they do... don't kid yourself.The members of the group all grew up together in Washington D.C. where they formed the band Johnny Fire Eater. After disbanding, they formed the Walkmen (a.k.a. Today Okay) and began a musical journey that would last for almost 8 years.
Bows + Arrows is a great album, and should be heard in that aspect. Independently, The Walkmen have many winners among the tracks, but as a whole, Bows + Arrows is fantastic. From the first track to the last, The Walkmen keep you in their world of fierce grooves and powerful pop-rock attitude. The boys use a variety of vintage equipment from ancient Les Pauls to '70's multi-track mixers, the result? An honest and fun record. The second studio attempy by the Walkmen is a success to say the least. With a sound like The Pixies or Arcade Fire, The Walkmen manage to produce a fantastic album with Bows + Arrows.
The Walkmen - "Bows + Arrows" (Album)
Thanks to Aerotones for the drop...Hailing from the community of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Civilian delivers emotionally-driven alternative music for the masses. The group consists of Chris Graupner (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Tyler Martin (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Tim McDonald (Bass), and J.P. O�Connor (Drums/Backing Vocals).
Since their formation, the members of Civilian have experienced regional success, radio airplay, and notoriety in both their hometown and beyond. They look forward to continuing their exponential growth as a band and as individual musicians
Civillian - "You're Gone"
4/20 wouldn't be complete without this cliche, but totally self saving album.
The classic Marley album, the one that any fair-weather reggae fan owns, Legend contains 14 of his greatest songs, running the gamut from "I Shot the Sheriff" to the meditative "Redemption Song" and the irrepressible "Three Little Birds." Some may argue that the compilation shortchanges his groundbreaking early ska work or his status as a political commentator, but this isn't meant to be definitive, it's meant to be an introduction, sampling the very best of his work. And it does that remarkably well, offering all of his genre-defying greats and an illustration of his excellence, warmth, and humanity. In a way, it is perfect since it gives a doubter or casual fan anything they could want. Let's face it, the beauty and simplicity of Marley's music was as important as his message, and that's captured particularly well here.Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Legend" (Album)
Today is a special day, as we all know. So let's celebrate! I put together a mix of my 14 4/20 songs this year, check it out:1. Ziggy Marley - One Good Spliff
2. Slightly Stoopid - This Joint
3. Rick James - Mary Jane
4. Michael Franti - Ganja Babe
5. Wyclef Jean - Something About Mary
6. Madvillain - America's Most Blunted
7. Sublime - Smoke Two Joints
8. The Beatles - Doctor Robert
9. Devendra Banhart - Mama Wolf
10. Ugly Cassanova - Things I Don't Remember
11. Ed Harcourt - Only Happy When We're High
12. Bob Dylan - Rainy Day Women
13. Modest Mouse - Good Times Are Killing Me
14. The Doobie Brothers - China Grove
Check out the 14on4Twenty Playlist HERE!
THIS IS THE AGGREGATOR
I believe thats fifty plus... correct me if I'm wrong. Bloggers have been busy this week.
IT'S A 4/20 MIRACLE!
I believe thats fifty plus... correct me if I'm wrong. Bloggers have been busy this week.IT'S A 4/20 MIRACLE!
Hope you all enjoy, and as always, these links have been gathered from around the net. I didn't upload any of it.
A.C. Newman - The Slow Wonder
Arctic Monkeys - Who The Fuck Are The Arctic Monkeys?
At the Drive In - This Station is Non-Operational
Ataxia - Automatic Writing
Ben Harper - Both Sides of the Gun (pass: www.tha-industry.net)
Billy Bragg and the Blokes - England Half English
Blink 182 - Greatest Hits
Bloc Party - Always New Depths (B-SIDES & Remixes)
Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene - Feel Good Lost
Broken Social Scene - To Be You and Me EP
Built to Spill - You In Reverse
Craig David - The Story Goes
Creation, The - How Does It FeelDaft Punk - Homework
Dandy Warhols, The - Odditorium
Dane Cook - Retaliation
Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism
Doves - The Last BroadcastEarlimart - Trebble and Tremble
Eminem - Don't Call Me Marshall
Fort Minor - The Rising Tied
Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere
Gwen Stefani - Love Angel
Incubus - Live in Malaysia
Jack Johnson - Curious George OST
Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
Jin - Presents: The Emcees Properganda
John Mayer Trio - Try!
John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
Kaiser Chiefs, The - Employment
Kinks, The - Something Else By the Kinks
Luther Vandross - Greatest Hits
Metric - Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?
Mobb Deep - Blood Money
Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Like Bad News
Mogawi - 4 Satin (Pass: victory)
Nada Surf - The Weight is a Gift
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California Promo
Rihanna - Music of the Sun
Sigur Ros - Takk
Snow Patrol - Eyes Open
Snow Patrol - Maida Vale Studios
Soft Boys, The - Underwater Moonlight
Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped
Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse
Stevie Wonder - Hotter Than July
T.I. - King CDS
Tool - 10,000 Days
Vines, The - Vision Valley
Walkmen, The - Bows & Arrows
White Stripes, The - Get Behind Me Satan
Yellowcard - Lights and Sounds
Zephyrs, The - Bright Yellow Flowers
Other links are from Regnyouth, Indie Surfer, Against The Grain, Baby Borderline, e-Junkie, Francis the Cat, Greyout, Lost on Purpose, mp3 Index, Oh No!, Palaver, Music Man, Smooth Tunes, Sound Education and Where is Your Mind.
For anyone who happens to be waiting for The Roundup... it's gonna be a good one--> THE BIGGEST ONE EVER! So just keep your pants on.
I have no idea what the current lineup for Picastro is right now, but I will tell you that I became interested in this band because Owen Pallett from Final Fantasy was a part of it.Picastro, at one point, was only a cello and a guitar duo consisting of Stephanie Vittas (cello) and Kurt Newman (guitar). After sometime, different lineups and styles were used. Pallett played viola for some time before leaving to pursue his other projects (Final Fantasy and Les Mouches). After I began listening to Picastro, however, it was clear that they had more going for them than Owen Pallett. A solid indie effort, Picastro strikes its listeners with stark realism. Sometimes quite abstract and always powerful, Picastro is a great band in its own respect.
Today's song of the day is "Sharks" from their latest album Metal Cares. It's not always easy to understand, but definitely makes an impression about Picastro's style and the flavor of their music. Give it a try...
Picastro - "Sharks"
Also, there is an interesting article on their website about free music downloads. Check it out.
From: FreeAlbums
Sounds like Fall is the latest project of indie-folk singer Joe Young. He has recently released his debut album, The Wolf is at the Door on Yer Bird Records. At the same time, he collected his early recordings and made them available on a free on-line album titled, not surprisingly, Early Recordings.
Young plays a reflective, somewhat introvertive form of alt. country and Americana. Comparsions can easily be made to Iron and Wine and Townes Van Zandt but I like to think of him as a country version of Elliott Smith. The acoustic tracks all have a slow and relaxing tempo coupled with Young’s deceptively simple melodies and lyrics. “So Far Away” holds the singer in haunting uncertainty as he intones “I’m Sitting on the front porch singing out Amazing Grace / Never felt so good, never felt so far away”. “Beautiful Little Cigarettes” may be my favorite tracks with its bittersweet lyrics. I also like the delta blues influenced “MS” and the alcohol-soaked melancholy of “Whiskey Bottles and Wine” followed by a heart-felt but almost funereal “Will the Circle be Unbroken”.
I reccomend this if you are into Sufjan Stevens. They maintain the indie-folk attitude with great esteem. Enjoy it... it's better than Geiger.
Early Recordings is available in a full album zip of 192kbp MP3s. If you like the music support the artist by buying his CD. You can get excerpts and 3 full songs from his new album here
Honestly, sometimes you hear hype and theory about an artist that you want to believe. Mine came in the form of an online interview somewhere that said, "A voice came on, with guitar... it sounded like John Mayer... only better!"
I went out a show back in October where Teddy Gieger was playing for about forty people... it was nice to hear this young guy playing like he was a legend... I definitely saw the talent... unfortunately... thats a bit unfounded. After picking up his album, the veneer of a prodigal child turns into manufactured tool. That is what Underage Thinking exemplifies. While Gieger definitely has his moments, it is way too hard to see him as a real person and not just a gimmick. Songs like, "For You I Will" and "A Million Years" feel good to listen to, but are definitely really contrived. For a younger guy, I definitely think Gieger is going to have success in his next endevours, but for someone who doesn't even do any of the solos, it's hard to give him all the hype and credit that he's getting. Getting picked up for a TV show and having only the best musicians at his disposal definitely gived Gieger the upper hand on other (and possibly more talented) competitors... but you can tell... so it just ends up looking like vanity and not genuine love for music.
If one sixteen year old deserves fame... it's definitely not that Arctic Monkeys guy, so I guess Gieger wins by default, but this is a definite don't buy for anyone willing to actually analyze the music. But for young teenagers and anyone looking for a really generic, singer-songwriter album... i guess you found it.
Teddy Gieger - Underage Thinking (pass: www.e-junkie.net)
But don't take my word for it... looks like someone found the need to upload it.
I went out a show back in October where Teddy Gieger was playing for about forty people... it was nice to hear this young guy playing like he was a legend... I definitely saw the talent... unfortunately... thats a bit unfounded. After picking up his album, the veneer of a prodigal child turns into manufactured tool. That is what Underage Thinking exemplifies. While Gieger definitely has his moments, it is way too hard to see him as a real person and not just a gimmick. Songs like, "For You I Will" and "A Million Years" feel good to listen to, but are definitely really contrived. For a younger guy, I definitely think Gieger is going to have success in his next endevours, but for someone who doesn't even do any of the solos, it's hard to give him all the hype and credit that he's getting. Getting picked up for a TV show and having only the best musicians at his disposal definitely gived Gieger the upper hand on other (and possibly more talented) competitors... but you can tell... so it just ends up looking like vanity and not genuine love for music.
If one sixteen year old deserves fame... it's definitely not that Arctic Monkeys guy, so I guess Gieger wins by default, but this is a definite don't buy for anyone willing to actually analyze the music. But for young teenagers and anyone looking for a really generic, singer-songwriter album... i guess you found it.
Teddy Gieger - Underage Thinking (pass: www.e-junkie.net)
But don't take my word for it... looks like someone found the need to upload it.
I couldn't write a better review:Upon its reissue in 2003, Let Go had already positioned itself to be an indie rock milestone in the making for Nada Surf. They'd left the major labels behind for Barsuk's hearth and home, and remained for their fourth album, The Weight Is a Gift. The savory punk threads found on Let Go are much more relaxed this time out. The snarky, boyish charm of High/Low, which made the band a brief mainstream favorite in the mid-'90s, won't ever fade, but ten years later Nada Surf don't appear to be that interested in the angst-ridden, fashionable appeal that they once were; each member is now over 30. The Weight Is a Gift is a soothing fit for those who grew up with the band. This 11-song set calls clichés into question, challenges old convictions, and somehow makes sense of growing older without losing sight of one's youth. Looking inward isn't always an easy thing to do. Nada Surf have composed fine songs for free-thinking, analytical, and pensive individuals, without being overly complex. The result of all this experience and reflection is that Nada Surf and producer/Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla have made a great pop/rock record. It's more of an emotive affair, with soft-hued guitar layers, hushed harmonies, and frontman Matthew Caws' signature aching, bittersweet performances. From the gloomy orchestrations of "My Legs Grow" and the shiny hopes of "All Is a Game" to the more unapologetic, rollicking moments such as "Blankest Year" and "Armies Walk," the disc never loses momentum. Each song is perfectly trimmed, cut to flow without the touch of heavy production, especially "In the Mirror" and "Imaginary Friends." The Weight Is a Gift is Nada Surf's most honest and earnest record to date. ~MacKenzie WilsonNada Surf - "The Weight is a Gift" (Album)
I'm not going to waste a lot of time with this, but when I listened to Talib Kweli's latest mixtape back in the winter, I came upon a very familiar hook... after a few seconds I realized it was Ben Kweller's "In Other Words" from his album Sha Sha... and I think it works really well. Ms. Hill is a song about how fine Lauryn Hill is or something. Think Tank brings up a good point too (post is HERE), I think that a crossover of this kind really hits more than one audience and lets Kweli tap into the hugely untapped indie demographic for rappers. Here are both the tracks... for comparison.
Ben Kweller - In Other Words
Talib Kweli - Ms. Hill
If you frequent You Ain't No Picasso, then I'm sure you've heard of Page France. These guys are in contention as one of my favorite upcoming bands out there. The buzz has been around for a few months, but I'm getting to them now.Page France started as indie as possible. A few friends got together at the request of Michael Nau and recorded a few songs and although they sent out some copies at the time, the demo just ended up gathering dust for some time. Finally, years later, they were picked up by fall records and released Come, I'm a Lion! They just released their latest album entitled Hello, Dear Wind and I recommend you buy it right now!
Today's song of the day is my personal favorite off of their latest entitled, "Chariot." Page France is, first of all, lyrically amazing. Their songs compel listeners to analysis. By using strong, intempo percussion, they make simple tunes feel like marches or anthems. I would describe their sound as something like last year's Boy Least Likely To, for a reference. This song is definitely song of the day worthy... take a whack at it!
Page France - "Chariot"
Bio: Dexter Freebish is the alternative pop/rock quintet unafraid of the pop inclinations. Hailing from Texas, they have been molding their crafty pop sound since the late '90s around their love for artists such as the Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix, the Verve, and Neil Diamond. It was only a matter of time that these inspiring musicians -- Kyle (frontman), Scott Romig (guitar), Charles Martin (guitar), Chris Lowe (bass), and Rob Schilz (drums) -- would come together and form Dexter Freebish. They were signed to Capitol in March 1999, and later won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the Song of the Year with their single "Leaving Town." In September 2000, Dexter Freebish issued their debut album A Life of Saturdays. ~AMGWhile not always as lyrically compelling as John Lennon, the guys of Dexter Freebish deliver a quality record with many treasures to be discovered. Although they were not as victorious in later attempts (Dexter Freebish - Tripped into Divine [2004]) their debut is as strong as any competitor. The true strength of A Life of Saturdays lies in the hooks; they flow smoothly and with a lighthearted sort of conviction that makes Saturdays a fun adventure in pop rock. If you are a fan of Matchbox 20, Harvey Danger, Collective Soul or Third Eye Blind... you will surely enjoy Dexter Freebish.
AMG Score: 4/5 and an Album Pick
Dexter Freebish - "A Life of Saturdays"
Sorry that there was no Song of the Day yesterday... it has been an interesting weekend, to say the least...
The Paper Cranes: Bio from their myspace page -
"somewhere between 11.2 to 20 billion years ago all matter in the universe was created in what scientists refer to as the big bang. the paper cranes are composed primarily of this material."
My take on the Paper Cranes lies somewhere between The Arcade Fire, The Fiery Furnaces and Rogue Wave. Driving drumlines and interesting lyrics make "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode" the song of the day. Have fun... this is a good song for Marathon Monday!
The Paper Cranes - "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode"
The Paper Cranes: Bio from their myspace page -"somewhere between 11.2 to 20 billion years ago all matter in the universe was created in what scientists refer to as the big bang. the paper cranes are composed primarily of this material."
My take on the Paper Cranes lies somewhere between The Arcade Fire, The Fiery Furnaces and Rogue Wave. Driving drumlines and interesting lyrics make "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode" the song of the day. Have fun... this is a good song for Marathon Monday!
The Paper Cranes - "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode"
The world of electronica is changing and evolving into a more upbeat genre focused around drum machines and an army of face-pounding beats. In 1998, the obscure Frenchmen released an album three years in the making that drew them out of the "dance-track" spotlight and into a genre of their very own.Instead of worrying about complex layering and complicated beats, Air aims to chill you out with 70's style electronic keys, tons of synth and an overall sense of disconnection to the world. Moon Safari keeps things feeling very fresh and uses Air's knowledge of trance to put the listener into an almost euphoric attitude.
It is really quite easy to see bands like The Postal Service taking cues from Air. Highlight tracks like "Sexy Boy" and "Remember" pull the album through by using more major key tonality and a slight vocal lead, while others ("You Make It Easy" and "Ce Matin La) aim to chill by virtue of acoustic noodling and seventies (Mary Tyler Moore style) horn sections.
As a die hard fan of that amorphous genre known as "feel-good music," Air's Moon Safari makes me feel really good. If you are a fan of anything from The Doobie Brothers to Jack Johnson or The Postal Service to Belle and Sebastian, Air might find itself a niche in your music collection that you will not soon let be lost.
Air - "Moon Safari"
Heres the recap... it's a little big... just in case you missed it or just wanna catch up:
1. Angels and Airwaves - The Adventure
2. Brett Dennen - Desert Sunrise
3. Neko Case - I Wish I Was the Moon
4. Two Gallants - All Your Faithless Loyalties
5. Her Space Holiday - Tech Romance
6. Slightly Stoopid - Cool Down
7. Spinanes - For No One Else
8. The Four Hundred - Fiji
9. Kelly Joe Phelps - Tommy
10. Derby - Parade
11. Ben Kweller - Tylenol
12. Owen - That Mouth
13. Binary Star - Masters of the Universe
14. Kanye West - Improvise
15. Nickel Creek - This Side
16. Death Cab For Cutie - We Looked Like Giants (live)
17. Red House Painters - Song for a Blue Guitar
Song of the Day Recap Mix Volume 2
1. Angels and Airwaves - The Adventure
2. Brett Dennen - Desert Sunrise
3. Neko Case - I Wish I Was the Moon
4. Two Gallants - All Your Faithless Loyalties
5. Her Space Holiday - Tech Romance
6. Slightly Stoopid - Cool Down
7. Spinanes - For No One Else
8. The Four Hundred - Fiji
9. Kelly Joe Phelps - Tommy
10. Derby - Parade
11. Ben Kweller - Tylenol
12. Owen - That Mouth
13. Binary Star - Masters of the Universe
14. Kanye West - Improvise
15. Nickel Creek - This Side
16. Death Cab For Cutie - We Looked Like Giants (live)
17. Red House Painters - Song for a Blue Guitar
Song of the Day Recap Mix Volume 2
...that there are Wonderwall covers! Here are four very different interpretations of the Oasis hit:
(Here is the original...just in case you haven't heard it when you were living under a rock)
Cat Power - "The Moody Folk Wonderwall"
Paul Anka - "The Jazzy Lounge Wonderwall"
Ryan Adams - "The Over-Dramatic Atmospheric Wonderwall"
Soma - "The Basic Cover of Wonderwall"
And here's an added bonus...
Oasis - Wonderwall (Video)
Red House Painters was primarily the vehicle of singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek, an evocative, compelling performer of rare emotional intensity. Like Mark Eitzel of American Music Club, to whose work the Painters were invariably compared and to whom their early success owed a tremendous debt, Kozelek laid his soul bare on record, conjuring harrowingly acute tales of pain, despair, and loss; unlike Eitzel, Nick Drake, and other poets of decay, Kozelek's autobiographical songs walked their tightrope without a net -- forsaking the safety offered by metaphor and allegory, he faced his demons in the first person, creating a singularly haunting body of work unparalleled in its vulnerability and honesty. (amg)This is another pic from David over at ILIM. Solid and totally chill. It reminds me a bit of Sun Kil Moon... why? Because he was also in that amazing band, one of the chillest ever. Kozelek's bass voice and incredible control make this a great song to fall asleep to on a summer day... like I'm about to do.
Red House Painters - Song for a Blue Guitar
Any lucky owner of Binary Star's limited distribution pressing of the 1999 LP Waterworld would already be familiar with most of the material on this album, a remixed, remastered, and complete version of the original release. It has everything a great hip-hop album requires, with varied beats, differing rhyme deliveries, and content you'll find yourself thinking about long after it's been said. Unfortunately, without a huge marketing budget from a major label, this album will probably fail to reach the level of success it deserves, but then again Binary Star isn't necessarily after the typical ideal of success. With quotes like this -- "Rap's got 'em brainwashed with cash that don't last/And five minutes of fame, that's when it's a shame/Seein' real MCs try to imitate rappers/If you ask me? They goin' out ass-backwards/Tradin' in respect just to push a phat lex/And Puffy rhymin' on the remix, what's next?!" -- it's easy to see why this is a refreshing alternative from the mainstream of rap.Binary Star - Masters of the Universe (Album)
So... needless to say that the concert last night was amazing. It was great to see an amazing show featuring not only the disgustingly talented Ben Gibbard and his crew, but also Franz Ferdidnand. Although Franz definitely played a more high intensity set, DCFC was truly amazing. Rarely hitting a wrong note and loving every second of the show... Gibbard and Co. made me a fan all over again.The second to final song was an incredible version of "We Looked Like Giants" and it kicked so much ass. Heres the song just so you know... it's almost 9 min long, but it's soooo good. Especially when they brough a second drumset on stage so Gibbard and Nathan Good could light it up with a huge double drum set duet... it was insane.
Death Cab For Cutie - "We Looked Like Giants" (live)
While an increasing number of up-and-coming artists are making a name for themselves by blurring the lines between rock, metal, rap, soul, dance, country, and about any other musical style you can think of, Phantom Planet is sticking with rock & roll. Pop/rock, if you want to split hairs, but isn't that basically redundant? Ironically, with the defection of so many artists to hybrid genres, The Guest comes off sounding incredibly fresh. It's hard to think of too many contemporary bands that are making such unapologetically sunny, pop-tinged rock & roll. Take the punk out of Weezer, the kitsch out of Fountains of Wayne, or the Strokes out of the garage, and you come pretty close. The album opens strong with four infectiously upbeat tracks that are singalongs waiting to happen. The songs are well-crafted and impressively mature for a band whose members are scarcely legal drinking age. The only misstep is the schmaltzy "Anthem," in which lead singer Alex Greenwald muses about writing a song that the entire planet falls in love with. The rest of the album flirts with some electronic touches, but never deviates too far from the original course. Greenwald's vocals remain heartfelt and confident throughout, although he seems to be channeling Thom Yorke in his quieter moments, such as "Turn Smile Shift Repeat." Phantom Planet distinguishes themselves by not being afraid to make a lush, textured album that avoids sounding glossy or overproduced. The use of strings and keyboards is subtle but effective. Indeed, the first single and opening track "California" employs a vital piano hook to hold the song together. What holds the entire record together, however, is Phantom Planet's knack for feel-good tunes with melodies that bounce into your head and stay there. amgAllMusicGuide gives "The Guest" a 4/5 and an Album Pick
Phantom Planet - "The Guest"
Hope you all enjoy, and as always, these links have been gathered from around the net. I didn't upload any of it.Advantage, The - Elf Titled
Appleseed Cast, The - Pelegrine
ATL - OST
Be Good Tanyas - Chinatown
Beck - Remix EP
Brokeback Mountain - OST
Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene [Limited Edition]
Broken Social Scene - Feel Good Lost
*Built To Spill - You In Reverse
Cake - (Assorted Songs)
Dane Cook - Retaliation
Eagles of Death Metal - Death By Sexy
*Editors, The - The Back Room
Eels - Rotten World EP
Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have Had It So Much Better
Ghostface Killah - Fishscale
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Interpol - Antics
*Irving - Good Morning Beautiful
Juelz Santana - DISCOGRAPHY
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Moby - Dream About Me
Morrissey - Ringleader of the Tormentos
Mos Def - The New Danger
Nickel Creek - Nickel Creek
Pixies - Doolittle
Snow Patrol - Eyes Open
Streets, The - (New Album)
Talib Kweli - Right About Now
Xiu Xiu - Knife Play
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The - Fever To Tell
*Courtesy of The Indie Connection. Password is theindieconneciton.
Other links are from Regnyouth, Indie Surfer, Against The Grain, Baby Borderline, e-Junkie, Francis the Cat, Greyout, Lost on Purpose, mp3 Index, Oh No!, Palaver, Music Man, Smooth Tunes, Sound Education and Where is Your Mind.
Sorry for how slow it has been lately... I've been involved with something like five different film projects at once and between shooting and editing I couldn't manage to get to all of your features and requests, but thats all over now....
This Side, Nickel Creek's sophomore release, finds bandmembers Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, and Sean Watkins out of their teens and into their twenties after playing together for 12 years. The southern California band's self-titled debut received wide critical acclaim for welding jazz, rock, and classical music to a bluegrass base. But This Side solidifies Nickel Creek's position as the single most original and inventive bluegrass band to emerge in the early '00s. Hardcore bluegrass fans wary of experimentation or even progressive bluegrass may scoff at this claim. But, when it comes down to it, the gorgeous, open production by Alison Krauss gives Nickel Creek's guitars, mandolins, and fiddles the space to dance through sparkling and genuine arrangements. Covers of everything from Pavement's rollicking Terror Twilight highlight, "Spit on a Stranger," to Carrie Newcomer's scathing folk "Should've Known Better" to the traditional "House Carpenter" are given elegant and unique twists. Plus, Thile and the Watkins siblings' originals, like the sleepy, subtle "Speak" and the darker "Beauty and the Mess," easily outdo the likes of folk-rockers Dave Matthews and Hootie & the Blowfish, while forging a new style to rejuvenate a genre that has always been a bit of a dark horse. It's decidedly more pop than post-rock-gone-folk outfits like Papa M, David Grubbs, Palace, and Miighty Flashlight, and lacks the rock & roll flash of Ryan Adams. But Nickel Creek's music is endlessly rewarding nonetheless, and accessible to just about everyone.
I chose the title track to this album as song of the day because it's that damn good. Lyrically, it is breathtaking and musically, it's complexity is soothing and the layering is brilliant.
Nickel Creek - "This Side"
This Side, Nickel Creek's sophomore release, finds bandmembers Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, and Sean Watkins out of their teens and into their twenties after playing together for 12 years. The southern California band's self-titled debut received wide critical acclaim for welding jazz, rock, and classical music to a bluegrass base. But This Side solidifies Nickel Creek's position as the single most original and inventive bluegrass band to emerge in the early '00s. Hardcore bluegrass fans wary of experimentation or even progressive bluegrass may scoff at this claim. But, when it comes down to it, the gorgeous, open production by Alison Krauss gives Nickel Creek's guitars, mandolins, and fiddles the space to dance through sparkling and genuine arrangements. Covers of everything from Pavement's rollicking Terror Twilight highlight, "Spit on a Stranger," to Carrie Newcomer's scathing folk "Should've Known Better" to the traditional "House Carpenter" are given elegant and unique twists. Plus, Thile and the Watkins siblings' originals, like the sleepy, subtle "Speak" and the darker "Beauty and the Mess," easily outdo the likes of folk-rockers Dave Matthews and Hootie & the Blowfish, while forging a new style to rejuvenate a genre that has always been a bit of a dark horse. It's decidedly more pop than post-rock-gone-folk outfits like Papa M, David Grubbs, Palace, and Miighty Flashlight, and lacks the rock & roll flash of Ryan Adams. But Nickel Creek's music is endlessly rewarding nonetheless, and accessible to just about everyone.
I chose the title track to this album as song of the day because it's that damn good. Lyrically, it is breathtaking and musically, it's complexity is soothing and the layering is brilliant.
Nickel Creek - "This Side"
Hey everyone, check out this post over at ILIM. Good stuff... give David a round of applause.
9 Artists, 8 1/2 Songs
Also, support that blog... it's gonna kick ass. This guy knows what he's saying!
9 Artists, 8 1/2 Songs
Also, support that blog... it's gonna kick ass. This guy knows what he's saying!
This is an amazing music video that everyone should see. The basic premise is that there is a band that keeps factory workers working, but then the boss has some unfortunate news for the band, but I don't want to give away the ending. Watch it for yourself.
Wolf Parade - Modern World (Video)
At some point between signing and discarding a 50-million-dollar contract with Comedy Central, Dave Chappelle executed one of the best ideas anyone had come up with in a long time. With a great deal of help, the comedian put together a Brooklyn block party on a September day in 2004 and had some of his favorite artists perform all day long. The party provided a rare chance for a large group of like-minded artists to interact and share a stage in a very unique setting, and hundreds of New Yorkers, along with some transported guests from Chappelle's Ohio hometown, were made very happy. If you couldn't be there, you can see the movie, documented by Michel Gondry, and if you want to hear an hour's worth of excerpted audio, there's this CD. Kanye West, Cody ChesnuTT, and the reunited Fugees were present but don't appear here; despite the missing artists, this is a sharp, succinct summary of what went down, with most of the best performances included. Some of the thrills include hearing Erykah Badu and Jill Scott on the Roots' "You Got Me," Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane over the Roots' "Boom!," Scott's radiant "Golden" (a single that had just been released and should've gone to number one), and Mos Def's hyper-charged "Universal Magnetic." The brief interludes, scored by the uncredited Randy Watson Experience (the Roots' Ahmir Thompson and longtime associate James Poyser), supply the sequence of performances with smooth transitions. Often-funny segments from a planning-stage conference call that involved most of the artists, Chappelle, and Gondry are laid over the backings. A Needlz-produced studio track from Black Star is included as well. If you end up owning the DVD, you probably won't need this unless you're a massive fan of the involved. Regardless, it can't hurt to have another reminder that humanity isn't always horrific. Events like the one documented by this disc should take place every day across the planet. amg.Dave Chappelle's Block Party OST (Album)
Sorry for two rap songs in a row... don't get used to it. I'm just getting a little psyched for next week's Kanye concert at Boston College... btw thanks to Sam and Judd for the tix.
Despite how you feel about Kanye West (or just this picture <---), you must admit that his production skills are among the best in the business. Kanye West is one of the most prolific artists of our generation and has collaborated with everyone from superstars such as Jay-Z all the way to John Mayer. Many people believe that Kanye is too cocky or too selfish, but I certainly do not give a fuck. Kanye West has completely reshaped the rap industry and has revived the self-concious and socially aware rap attitude that was lost in recent years. By promoting true modern hip-hop greats such as Talib Kweli and MF Doom, Mr. West has a mind to change the way people think about rap music. So if you want to listen to one ridiculously overhyped artist today, get your money's worth by returning that dumb Arctic Monkeys CD (if you're a teenage girl then maybe you bought the Teddy Geiger shit instead) and buy something by Kanye West... and if you only trust the reviews in Blender (fucking Arctic Monkeys...) then theres a pretty good one about Kanye as well.
Despite how you feel about Kanye West (or just this picture <---), you must admit that his production skills are among the best in the business. Kanye West is one of the most prolific artists of our generation and has collaborated with everyone from superstars such as Jay-Z all the way to John Mayer. Many people believe that Kanye is too cocky or too selfish, but I certainly do not give a fuck. Kanye West has completely reshaped the rap industry and has revived the self-concious and socially aware rap attitude that was lost in recent years. By promoting true modern hip-hop greats such as Talib Kweli and MF Doom, Mr. West has a mind to change the way people think about rap music. So if you want to listen to one ridiculously overhyped artist today, get your money's worth by returning that dumb Arctic Monkeys CD (if you're a teenage girl then maybe you bought the Teddy Geiger shit instead) and buy something by Kanye West... and if you only trust the reviews in Blender (fucking Arctic Monkeys...) then theres a pretty good one about Kanye as well.Song of the day is one off of Kanye's unreleased mix tape, The Freshman Adjustment and also appears on import versions of his critically acclaimed Late Registration. It is brilliant.
Kanye West - "Improvise"
...a.k.a. "The Blues Clues Guy," Steve Burns blew me away. I was skeptical at first, but believe me, this guy is the man.I could write a post here about how he quit his day job (Blues Clues) one day and wrote a ton of songs after listening to "The Soft Bulletin" (Which is conveniently here on THIS VERY BLOG just a few posts down.) and then got the Flaming Lips to help write and produce this album with him... just to give you some idea about how his music is, but I feel like this excerpt from his website does it better:
"are you dead? i heard you were dead. there was a thing on the internet that said you were dead. did you die of a heroin overdose? how did you die? i heard you were thrown out of a helicopter by sumner redstone. will you come back as a zombie and eat brains? brains! brains! brains! brains! brains! brains!
I am not dead. I do not plan to die until august 24, 2098. My death will take place in the middle of a 96-minute guitar solo that I will perform wearing a robotic exoskeleton. it will be broadcast live from alpha colony via brainwave-cable, as part of vh1's telecast of the monsters of metaphoric science rock reunion tour."
Steve Burns - "Songs for Dustmites"
"Binary Star is an underground duo based out of Pontiac, MI. The two artists (Senim Silla and the Anonymous) met while in high school and released their first independent full-length production in 1999, the album was entitled Water World, a reference to their home of Michigan. After changing to Subterraneous Records, they re-released Water World in November of 2000, by remixing the whole album and renaming it Masters of the Universe. It is their first nationally distributed LP."
Binary Star - "Masters of the Universe" (Track)
*If you guys dig this, then I'll put the whole album up!
Of Toronto, Canada, We Will Build makes indie-pop/electronica and can be compared in the vain of The Postal Service or Air as I Guess I'm Floating would describe them. Their album is a fun listen. It's not too heavy or lyrically dense at all, but serves for a fulfilling music experience nonetheless. The guys have been given honorable mention by their own idols Dntel and The Mobius Band, so they're worth the listen.They've offered their entire new, self-titled album for free here, check out their MySpace for more info.
I've uploaded the album too, with all the Id4 tags, album art and all that shit.
We Will Build - "We Will Build" (Album)
Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle With Me (Video)
0 Comments Published by bestimitationofmyself on 4.09.2006 at 11:15 PM.
Take a look at the Be Gentle With Me video!
It takes the guys in the picture and makes them into puppets. It's a good one.
(also it is iPod ready)
Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle with Me (video)
Owen is Mike Kinsella. For almost a decade, Kinsella has been known for his important role in some of Chicago's most revered bands: Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owls, and American Football. After having opened up for Rainer Maria on tour, Kinsella returned home from his time on the road with an album's worth of material. With tales of lost love and heartbreak, and utilizing his own home studio and an acoustic guitar, Mike Kinsella started recording songs and in 2001 released his self-titled debut on Polyvinyl Records. Received well by critics and fans alike, the younger Kinsella returned with his sophomore release for Polyvinyl in 2002, entitled No Good For No One Now, a collection of seven songs that combine the intricate beauty of his self-titled debut with more stinging indictments of broken hearts and broken souls which only a Kinsella could fashion. (Amg)This is another song I got turned onto by Pandora FM. It's great and reminds me of The Album Leaf and Ambulance Ltd. a little. Great production and timing make this song... Song of the Day.
Owen - "That Mouth"
Today, I'm gonna put up an ep instead of a song. I was about to put Death Cab's latest single, "Crooked Teeth," as the song of the day, but you already have that, I'm sure... the new Crooked Teeth EP has two unreleased songs in addition to "Crooked Teeth." First is the single. "Crooked Teeth" is the song that tied together their latest album and lyrically is equally as pleasing as all of Ben Gibbard's other endevours. Track 2 is an unreleased song called "Talking Like Turnstiles." It's a little bit of an experimentation for the group, but they come away with a sound that resembles more of their older stuff. The final track is a bonus called "World Shut Your Mouth." It's a happy song and probably my favorite right now, just because I was dying for some new Death Cab... I know we all are...Death Cab For Cute - "Crooked Teeth EP"
If, for some reason, you know this blog but you don't know The Indie Connection, I suggest strongly that you visit there. The Indie Connection is pretty much the sole reason I even have readers here. Vincent feels sad and a little bit whiny because I never make any posts about him... so I will.
Vincent...
1. Runs the Indie Connection...
2. Lives in the Midwest...
3. Once wrestled a grizzly bear and beat it into submission...
4. Lost his virginity to an Italian supermodel when he was ten. She was something like 28 and wanted to get married... but he didn't want the commitment...
5. Started a Wilson-Phillips cover band and is currently touring the casino circut...
6. Is Just Pretend's Hero.
Please visit the Indie Connection if you already haven't. It's one of the best sites out there and you should recognize that...
Vincent...
1. Runs the Indie Connection...
2. Lives in the Midwest...
3. Once wrestled a grizzly bear and beat it into submission...
4. Lost his virginity to an Italian supermodel when he was ten. She was something like 28 and wanted to get married... but he didn't want the commitment...
5. Started a Wilson-Phillips cover band and is currently touring the casino circut...
6. Is Just Pretend's Hero.
Please visit the Indie Connection if you already haven't. It's one of the best sites out there and you should recognize that...
Feature: Cunninlynguists - "Southernunderground" (Album)
0 Comments Published by brownpower on at 2:12 PM.
"For those searching in the ashes of 21st century hip-hop for a semblance of its basement past, the sophomore LP by Dirty South trio Cunninlynguists was an encouraging sign. The generally unheralded crew put together a revisionist type of album in a time of lost innocence for hip-hop (referred to here as the "Ice Age"). The spit and polish of the album is remarkable for a so-called backpacker group as the tightly packaged tracks touch on the entire emotional gamut (something of an anomaly in hip-hop at the time of its release). The emcees, Kentucky native Deacon The Villain and Florida representative Mr. SOS, display a lyrical deftness and genuine feel for the music rarely seen in the bling-conscious rap of the latter day era. The bulk of the sound is sculpted by the idiosyncratic ear of Atlanta-based producer Kno who hits the listener with a variety of soundscapes ranging from the rugged ("The South") to the emotional ("Love Ain't" with a smooth lyrical sample of Classic IV's "Traces") to even the heartwrenching ("Rain" which lifts a lyrical sample of Elton John's "We All Fall In Love Sometimes"). This is music with both meaning and sincere feeling as the group tackles everything from politics (on "Dying Nation" and the instrumental opus "War") to disgruntled fast food workers (the manically perverse "Falling Down"). The lyrical content, always sharp and articulate, is sometimes as powerful as a jab to the windpipe. Dense, self-indulgent, serious but not without comic relief, this is a bona fide "end-to-end burner" from an unexpected source." (AMG)AMG Score: 4/5
Pitchfork Score: 7.4/10
Cunninlynguists - "Southernunderground" (Album)
We get mad props at NPC's blog! http://ncraig.wordpress.com/2006/04/07/updating-my-blog/#respond
thats the proof... heres the site: NPC's Blog. Give it a visit... Craig is a good man.
thats the proof... heres the site: NPC's Blog. Give it a visit... Craig is a good man.
A lot of kids are raised in musical families, but few had the introduction to music that Ben Kweller had. Nils Lofgren was one of his Kweller's father's buddies during Lofgren's days with Bruce Springsteen. Young Kweller, not even old enough for kindergarten at the time, would try to be like the famous guitarist when he picked up his own toy version of the instrument. He played the piano since his very early childhood and, by the age of eight, Kweller had graduated from toy guitars and simply tapping the ivories to penning his own tunes. The following year, he received a nod of encouragement from Billboard Magazine when it conferred an honorable mention on the youth for his entry into its yearly songwriters competition. By the time he hit his teen years, Kweller was accomplished on the guitar and also played the drums. As many teenagers do, he pulled together a band, which he dubbed Mirage. He followed up with groups named Green Eggs & Ham and Foxglove. In 1993, with Bryan Blur on bass and John Kent on drums, Kweller established Radish. The group made its mark on the local Dallas scene, not far from Greenville, TX, where Kweller was raised. In 1994, the musical wunderkind and his outfit put out the EP Hello through Practice Amp Records. That same year, the label released the album Dizzy. Roger Greenawalt, a producer, stepped into the picture in 1995. He led Radish through the production of a demo that led to the inking of a contract with Mercury during the summer of 1996. The label released Restraining Bolt the following spring, and Kweller led Radish through European and American tours and stops on late-night television talk shows, including The Conan O'Brian Show and Late Night With David Letterman. When Radish disbanded in 1999, Kweller headed east, in the spring, to Guilford, CT, where he stayed only a short time before relocating to Brooklyn, NY, the following November. Not yet 20 years old, he signed with Island Records as a solo artist. He spent time touring with such artists as Juliana Hatfield, Guster, Kristen Hersh, and Evan Dando. He also collaborated with Ben Folds and Ben Lee for a series of dates down under in 2003 and appeared on Folds' limited edition EP The Bens. Kweller's sophomore effort, the much more subdued On My Way, followed in spring 2004.
I had jury duty today... fuck that... Kweller sums it up for me with "Tylenol."
On the evidence of Rockin' the Suburbs, Ben Folds's decision to jettison the two-piece Five that had backed him on four largely excellent albums has not resulted in any significant shift in trajectory. The Ben Folds Five were only getting better, gradually discovering the confidence not to hide their musical uniqueness (there have been too few piano-led power trios) and lyrical intelligence behind undergrad Barenaked Ladies-style gags. Songs like "Mess" and "Brick" signaled an extraordinary new songwriting talent worthy of comparison to Folds's obvious idols, Elvis Costello and Paul Simon. Only this album's title track harkens back to Folds's fondness for comedy, and it is by far the weakest track here. The rest is mournful, reflective, and, at best, quite magnificent. Folds's hymns to his family, "Still Fighting It" and "The Luckiest" are shot through with an honesty that's rare in alternative rock. The acerbic essence of character sketches such as "Carrying Cathy," "Losing Lisa," and "Zak & Sara" are leavened with a generous compassion. Folds's second solo effort is his best album yet. The remainder of his career must be anticipated with equal parts expectation and impatience. --Andrew Mueller
PITCHFORK GIVES "ROCKIN' THE SUBURBS" A 6.8.
Ben Folds - "Rockin' the Suburbs" (Album)
Oregon foursome Derby has all the right sounds on their debut album. The opening "Jet Set" is decorated with electric piano and Stereolab-like synth burbles under Nat Johnson's pleasantly weedy lead vocals (the Shins' James Mercer is a fair touchstone), "Qualities" has the kind of hard-candy guitar riffs that a generation of power-pop bands have nicked off the Raspberries, "Sunk A Few" is an easygoing Kinks-style shuffle and "One Reason" has a keyboard sound highly reminiscent of Venus and Mars-era Wings. But that takes the listener over a third of the way through This Is The New You with very little sense of this band's abilities beyond their admittedly fine record-collecting skills, and the rest of the disc is equally derivative. There are some catchy tunes to be had here, and it's always fun to play Spot the Influence, but unlike similar bands that can synthesize their influences into something more unique (again, the Shins come to mind, as does the Coral), Derby never quite manage to take that next step into creating someone one would want to hear instead of their Raspberries, Kinks and Wings records.
I got this tip from David over at his blog. It's a great summer tune and well, now it's song of the day. It's something a little faster than the chill stuff that usually comes as song of the day, but I'm trying to branch out here... so give it a taste, I bet it'll feel good.
Derby - "Parade"
p.s. I really couldn't find a picture of these guys at all...
Legend has it that in 1998 a man named Edgar Graham, a.k.a. "Ugly Casanova", impressed himself upon the band Modest Mouse while backstage at a concert in Denver, Colorado. After some prodding, he shared his work with the band, and began performing it early before shows while some people were milling around. Whenever he completed these performances, he retreated quickly with a look of anger and shame. After a time, a few small recordings were created, after which Edgar vanished completely.
So how cool is that? Apparently in actuality Isaac Brock made the guy up so that he could detach himself from the whole situation to avoid pesky interviews and such... but I still like to think that the story is true, if only because it is so eerie. The album is a great one, I was turned on to the band a few years ago by a friend who put some of the songs on a mix for me... I strongly recommend listening to "Things I Don't Remember," and "Hotcha Girls" for a good intro to the band. As far as side projects go, this one blows most out of the water, even though it is still not widely known. The music is mellow and the lyrics are trippy, good to listen to if you just feel like chilling out.
Ugly Casanova - "Sharpen Your Teeth"
Another solid 45 for y'all... more to come today! This was a good week for music, so take it all in people. I must say, this is the best roundup yet... good job internet.
Album Leaf, The - In A Safe Place
All-American Rejects - Move Along
Ambulance Ltd. - New English EP
Arab Strap - The Last Romance
Architecture in Helsinki - In Case We Die
*Band of Horses - Tour Releases EP
Beck - Midnight Vultures
Beck - Odelay
Belle & Sebastian - Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant
Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Ben Folds & WASO - Live in Perth
Bloc Party - Black Sessions
*Bloc Party - Silent Alarm Remixed
Bright Eyes - Lifted of the Story Is In the Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Groud
Bright Eyes - Take It Easy (Love Nothing) CDS
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Common - Be
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
Devendra Banhart - Oh Me Oh My
Devendra Banhart - Nino Rojo
*Dntel - Early Works For Me If It Works For You
Elliot Smith - XO
Green Day - Bullet In A Bible
Green Day - Kerplunk
Guitar Wolf - Golden Black
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - Fear Is On Our Side
Jamie Cullum - Catching Tales
John Frusciante - Shadows Collide With People
Lemon Jelly - Lost Horizons
Light Footwork, The - One State, Two State
Magnetic Fields, The - i
Mando Diao - Bring Em InMemphis Bleek - 534
Mos Def - The New Danger
Phantom Planet - The Guest
Pharell - In My Mind
Pixies, The - Bossanova
Raul Midon - State of Mind
Southern Sea, The - Simple Machines for Complex Minds
Stellastar - Harmonies for the Haunted
Sundays, The - Blind
Teddy Geiger - Underage Thinking (he blows) (pass: www.e-junkie.net)
Tegan and Sara - Under Feet Like Ours
*You Say Party! We Say Die! - Hit the Floor
Zero 7 - The Garden
*Courtesy of The Indie Connection. Password is theindieconneciton.
Other links are from Regnyouth, Indie Surfer, Against The Grain, Baby Borderline, e-Junkie, Francis the Cat, Greyout, Lost on Purpose, mp3 Index, Oh No!, Palaver, Music Man, Smooth Tunes, Sound Education and Where is Your Mind.
Hope you all enjoy, and as always, these links have been gathered from around the net. I didn't upload any of it.
Portland, Oregon-based acoustic/slide guitar player and singer-songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps has been carving a growing niche for his music throughout the 1990s and Roll Away The Stone (Rykodisc, 1997). Phelps was raised in Washington and learned country and folk songs, as well as drums and piano, from his father. At first, he concentrated on free jazz and took his cues from musicians like Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis and John Coltrane before finding his true calling as a blues musician in the late '80s, when he began listening to acoustic blues masters like Fred McDowell and Robert Pete Williams. He began singing as well, and released his critically praised debut, Lead Me On, in 1995. Six original songs showcase Phelps' ability in the blues idiom, but he also tackles, and does justice to, traditional numbers like "Motherless Children" and "Fare Thee Well." Phelps, as deft and creative an acoustic slide guitarist as you'll hear anywhere in the U.S., also made appearances on Greg Brown's album Further In, Tony Furtado's Roll My Blues Away, and Townes Van Zandt's The Highway Kind. In recent years, he's opened shows for B.B. King, Leo Kottke, Keb' Mo', Robben Ford and Little Feat. He released his second album, Roll Away the Stone, in 1997, and followed it up with 1999's Shine Eyed Mister Zen. Sky Like A Broken Clock, which appeared in 2001 exuded a more sultry disposition from Phelps; it's companion piece, the Beggar's Oil EP, was a critic's fave in 2002. Phelps was on fire, however changes loomed ahead. He switched up his role from solo act to bandleader when it came to recording a fifth studio effort in late 2002. Phelps wanted a dramatic orchestrated sound, so he collected guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Keith Lowe as well as Zubot and Dawson's Steve Dawson, Jesse Zubot and Andrew Downing (bass) for the recording of Slingshot Professionals; the album appeared in March 2003 and quickly earned critical acclaim among indie critics. ~amgKelly Joe Phelps - "Tommy"
You like Rogue Wave? Me too...
Here is some stuff
Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures
Rare Songs
Rogue Wave - Eyes
Rogue Wave - March
Rogue Wave - Manna
And lastly, the "Publish My Love" music video (iPod Ready)!
Rogue Wave - Publish My Love (Video)
Just throwing out a thanks to Kill Your Co-Workers and Blasting Fonda for linking us. Great blogs guys... and thanks for the hits!
They're great blogs with damn good music tips. You all should give it a visit.
They're great blogs with damn good music tips. You all should give it a visit.
*NEW* Raconteurs - "Broken Boy Soldiers" (Album)
3 Comments Published by brownpower on 4.04.2006 at 1:34 PM.
MAN! Is it your lucky day or what! When I saw what Child Star had waiting for me today, I almost flipped... THE NEW RACONTEURS ALBUM!
For those of you that don't know, The Raconteurs is a rock and roll supergroup featuring the songwriting of Jack White of The White Stripes and Brendan Benson. In their own words they are "a new band made up of old friends."
The full band consists of:
- Jack White (of The White Stripes) - vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Brendan Benson - vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Jack Lawrence (of The Greenhornes and Blanche) - bass guitar
- Patrick Keeler (of The Greenhornes) - drums
Wikipedia says:
"The Raconteurs' full-length debut, titled Broken Boy Soldiers, will be released on May 15, 2006 in the UK and May 16 in the US.
The album will be released on via Third Man Recordings/XL Recordings in the UK, and through Third Man Recordings/V2 Records in the US. Early listeners to the album have compared it to Nirvana's Nevermind album.
A version of Broken Boy Soldiers leaked onto the Internet on April 2nd, more than a month ahead of its release."
Did I miss something?
The Raconteurs - "Broken Boy Soldiers" (Album) on Rapidshare (LINK DEAD!)
The Raconteurs - "Broken Boy Soldiers" (Album) on SendSpace (LINK DEAD!)
Maybe you had time to grab it... if not, take my word and pre-order this thing. It is so good, I don't even know how to describe it. I love it. I already ordered mine!
Visit their webpage, and buy the album as soon as possible!
Blasting Fonda: Top 10 Records That Changed My Life
0 Comments Published by brownpower on at 1:23 PM.
I'm gonna throw out an article that Jacob at Blasting Fonda wrote a few days ago. It's a great list and great writing as well. Take a look into these ten albums. Nice work, Jacob. Great Stuff.
Blasting Fonda: Top 10 Records That Changed My Life
Blasting Fonda: Top 10 Records That Changed My Life
The Four Hundred: "In the mid 19th century, Ward McAllister remarked, 'There are only 400 people in New York that one really knows,' later popularized in society reports by the New York Sun. The notion 'elite' is said to be from the selection of high society guests by the socialite Mrs. William B. Astor Jr., whose ballroom could hold 400."From my hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Four Hundred is a new project from my good friend Brendan. I don't use this blog to promote my friends, this song is just truly worthy of song of the day status. Despite a few kinks in mixing, this song is a modern orchestra with lyrics that are definitely special. "Fiji" is one of those songs that is going to get stuck in your head. With the tagline "I've been waiting all my life just to tell you yours is a lie," you know something special is going on here.
The Four Hundred - "Fiji"
The Fiery Furnaces+ Gasoline by: John Kenneth Cox
1 Comments Published by brownpower on 4.03.2006 at 8:58 PM.
This is a comment from a while ago... but I feel like it deserves a spotlight:
" ok,, to be honest.. That song Benton Harbor Blues song by The Fiery Furnaces had a strange effect on me.
There is a town on ... called nevers. new nevers new nevers. nothing every wtf?
and then later on the album they do it again with freaky reverse recordings of their voices, yeah that makes me want to run around and set the apt. on fire.
OMG. It is just like taking in a good whiff of gasoline while you are filling up your tank. You know that they smell is killing your braincells but there is something about the smell that makes you smell it again and again.
thats my take on the fiery furnaces. its like smelling gasoline." - John Cox
SMELL SOME GASOLINE WITH THESE ALBUMS:
The Fiery Furnaces - "EP"
The Fiery Furnaces - "Bitter Tea"
" ok,, to be honest.. That song Benton Harbor Blues song by The Fiery Furnaces had a strange effect on me.
There is a town on ... called nevers. new nevers new nevers. nothing every wtf?
and then later on the album they do it again with freaky reverse recordings of their voices, yeah that makes me want to run around and set the apt. on fire.
OMG. It is just like taking in a good whiff of gasoline while you are filling up your tank. You know that they smell is killing your braincells but there is something about the smell that makes you smell it again and again.
thats my take on the fiery furnaces. its like smelling gasoline." - John Cox
SMELL SOME GASOLINE WITH THESE ALBUMS:
The Fiery Furnaces - "EP"
The Fiery Furnaces - "Bitter Tea"
*FEATURE* The Doobie Brothers - "Listen to the Music: The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers" (Album)
3 Comments Published by brownpower on at 5:40 PM.
From their webpage:"The "dictionary definitions" below represent some of the ways we've heard people try to describe our music, and show some pretty good reasons why someone once said simply - "listen to the music." It's hard for us as the Doobie Brothers to define our music, and as a matter of fact one of the things that has kept the band going through the years is an approach that isn't self-limited stylistically.
Doobie Brothers n. ['Hind. dub; Sans. durva, a kind of pasture grass; L. frater; G. bruder, Sans. bhratar; AS. brothor, male sibling']
1. Music group known for blues based songs with a rock edge, often with lush vocal harmonies (see also rock 'n' soul).
2. Assemblage of musicians specializing in country based rock featuring instrumentation such as violin and finger-picked acoustic guitar combined with electrical instruments and drums.
3. Musical entity recognized for incorporating sophisticated jazz stylings into "popular hit" songs.
4. "Rock" band, origins circa 1970, with reputation for exciting live performances and skillful musicianship."
Not many people share my love for the smooth music of the Doobie Brothers, but I believe that's because most don't give them a chance. After listening to this greatest hits album, you will understand why the Doobie Brothers have such a cult following and why they are the most "feel good" artists ever. They're way before my time, but that doesn't change a damn thing for me.
Note: Mike... just enter the code and start the DL. It's easy!
The Doobie Brothers - "Listen to the Music: The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers" (Album) LINK FIXED
In alternative rock, as in any other genre, it's hard to stand out from a crowded field. When the Spinanes emerged in the early '90s, they got a couple legs up on the competition to be different. Taking the power trio format one stage further, they created a full-bodied rock sound with just two members, guitarist/singer Rebecca Gates and drummer Scott Plouf. They also were one of the first Sub Pop bands that did not subscribe to a grungy metallic sound, although they rocked pretty hard.Beyond these striking characteristics, however, the Spinanes' music isn't far off the beaten path of standard college-radio alternative fare, with its droning guitar textures, occasional harmonies, and measured vocals that avoid both slickness and extreme emotion. They're wise enough to realize the limits of their format, and their second album, Strand (1996), expands their instrumental, production, and songwriting ranges in interesting ways. When Plouf exited the duo after the LP's release, Gates relocated from Seattle to Chicago, where she continued the Spinanes as a solo project, resurfacing in 1998 with the excellent Arches and Aisles. The Imp Years, a much-needed collection of early Spinanes singles, followed in mid-2000.
The Spinanes - "For No One Else"
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin (Album)
1 Comments Published by bestimitationofmyself on at 11:32 AM.
So the official release of "At War With the Mystics" isn't for a few days, but until then, here is the best Flaming Lips album, "The Soft Bulletin." The Lips exemplify through this album what it means to be weird and beautiful at the same time. Pitchfork gave it a rare 10.0. It is definitely worth many listens.The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
Doty's first...
Discovered by the late Bradley Nowell from Sublime, and signed to his record label, Skunk Records, Slightly Stoopid is an intriguing fusion of reggae, ska, metal, punk, and dub. Coming out of Southern California, the band strives, like many others from SoCal, to capture the essence of the lifestyle found in that area in their music... and they do it well. Achieving a cult status among their fan base, they are known as the best college party band around, and although I have never been to one of their shows, I can see why through their music. Just a great all-around feel good band... I recommend you go out right now and buy their newest album, Closer to the Sun, because it is that good.
For the song of the day, I have decided to mix it up and choose one of the songs off of Slightly Stoopid's live acoustic album "Live and Direct." A recent obsession of mine, the song offers a balanced mix of intertwining razor-sharp guitar riffs and still maintains a totally relaxed feel... the album as a whole is incredible, and you can really feel the reggae roots. Just listen to the separate guitar parts perfectly blended in Cool Down, the first track off of the album:
Slightly Stoopid - "Cool Down"
Discovered by the late Bradley Nowell from Sublime, and signed to his record label, Skunk Records, Slightly Stoopid is an intriguing fusion of reggae, ska, metal, punk, and dub. Coming out of Southern California, the band strives, like many others from SoCal, to capture the essence of the lifestyle found in that area in their music... and they do it well. Achieving a cult status among their fan base, they are known as the best college party band around, and although I have never been to one of their shows, I can see why through their music. Just a great all-around feel good band... I recommend you go out right now and buy their newest album, Closer to the Sun, because it is that good.For the song of the day, I have decided to mix it up and choose one of the songs off of Slightly Stoopid's live acoustic album "Live and Direct." A recent obsession of mine, the song offers a balanced mix of intertwining razor-sharp guitar riffs and still maintains a totally relaxed feel... the album as a whole is incredible, and you can really feel the reggae roots. Just listen to the separate guitar parts perfectly blended in Cool Down, the first track off of the album:
Slightly Stoopid - "Cool Down"
Listen, I don't just let anyone who "thinks" they know music contribute to the blog, but I have to make an exception every once in a while. Doty is going to start contributing to the blog because we want to make sure that the music coming onto the site is well rounded and is accessible to everyone. I also like the idea of having multiple posts every day so that you always have something to listen to.
Doty is a welcome addition to the team. I've known him for a few years and he will definitely add a new element to the blog. Tell us what you think... and welcome Doty.
What separates Rufus Wainwright and the other second-generation singers who sprang up at the same time (Sean Lennon, Emma Townshend, and Chris Stills the most notable among them) is that Wainwright deserves to be heard regardless of his family tree; in fact, the issue of his parentage is ultimately as immaterial as that of his sexuality -- this self-titled debut cares little for the rock clichés of an earlier generation, instead heralding the arrival of a unique and compelling voice steeped most solidly in the traditions of cabaret. Like his folks, Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he's a superb songwriter, with a knack for elegantly rolling piano melodies and poignantly romantic lyrics; while the appearance of Van Dyke Parks and his trademark orchestral arrangements hints at an affinity for the pop classicism of Brian Wilson or Randy Newman, the vocals come straight out of opera, and although Wainwright is unlikely to be starring in La Boheme anytime soon, he conveys the kind of honest emotion sorely lacking in the ironic posing of many of his contemporaries. Maybe the kids are alright after all.
AMG SCORE: 4.5/5 and an Album Pick
Rufus Wainwright - "Rufus Wainwright" (Album)
and for your viewing pleasure... Ben Folds and Rufus Wainwright singing Wham!'s "Careless Whisper" and New York City's Summerstage:
Well... we all have to admit when we make mistakes... turns out this whole time I have been posting Songs of the Day, I was labeling them about a month off... so instead of 3-25 I would put 4-25. Sorry about that... if it threw you off... get back on track.
(From their website)
Mates of State is the organ and drums, vocal-laden duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel. The band essentially began in 1997. After a few months in the midwest, they high-tailed it out to a new home in San Francisco. California greeted them with sunshine, pop sounds, and a great music community.
Their long-standing motto of "Play anywhere, anytime" allowed them to play everywhere from Oakland parties to venues up and down the west coast. Kori (organ, vox) and Jason (drums, vox) quit their day jobs as a teacher and cancer researcher in 2001, got married, and hit the road bringing their love to the rest of the world. They've toured the US, Europe and Japan and by the looks of it, won't stop any time soon.
It's difficult to place MOS in a genre as the song structures are unique, often complex. At the same time there are always the pop elements of catchy melodies and loads of harmony. Even though there are only two of them, they fill up the space with the monster, bass-heavy organ, creative drumming, and constant dueling vocals. The music can be sweet. At other times it's spastic, but either way, you leave MOS shows with a warm feeling.
Mates of State has been described by critics as unabashed joy, honesty at its best, a two piece with balls, and a band that you must see live.
Mates of State - Like U Crazy
Mates of State - So Many Ways
LFO (Lyte Funky Ones) formed in the boy-band mecca of Orlando, FL in 1996; there singer Rich Cronin befriended aspiring model Brad Fischetti, and as a duo they spent the next two years honing their vocal, dancing and songwriting skills. With the addition of third vocalist Devin Lima, LFO's line-up was complete, and the trio toured in support of the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1999, scoring a hit with the single "Summer Girls." The attempted to do it again in summer 2001 with the release of Life Is Good, but nobody really cared.It's no surprise that this song would turn up at some point as song of the day. Making countless top 10 lists all over the place and generally known in the underground of the music community as some of the greatest songwriters of all time, Rich "Big Rich" Cronin, Brad "Fish Hookz" Fischetti and Devin "The" Lima are often compared to the likes of John Lennon and Bob Dylan. For example, in today's song of the day the Lyte Funky Ones makes olde English literature accessible to younger generations with lines like, "When you come near you buzz like a hornet, Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sornets." At other times they will form a close connection with the audience by discussing topics that maybe might be close to them maybe. Ex: "You are the cutest girl that I ever did see, the late Larry Bird Jersey.. THIRTY THREE." Pop culture isn't taboo for them either! " Fell deep in love,but now we ain't speakin, Michael J Fox was Alex P Keaton" This song was written in '96 or something... so it wouldn't be the best to reference a television from fucking ten years before that, but not for LFO, no sir. Finally, and possibly the best line in songwriting history, " There was a good man named Paul Revere, I feel much better baby when you're near." It just makes sense...
LFO (Lyte Funky Ones) - Summer Girls
also, there was an equally "special" parody by the band HMO entitled "Hummer Girls." It was about blow jobs... but I don't really feel like making anyone listen to it...
