Just Pretend

Indie Muse

2007-12-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well... I'm not sure how many people still stumble to this blog, but if you are wondering what we've been up to, look no further than Indie Muse.

Please check this one out. It's going to be a lot better and we have dedicated hosting. Both Nyman and I have joined so it's there for your pleasure.

LINK: Indie Muse.

Song of the Day - 8/27/07

2007-08-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks a lot to GvB for this gem.

Pseudosix is a great band from Portland. Surely a diamond-in-the-rough, Pseudosix have a wholly well conceived and greatly original sound. For everyone who's reading, this could very well be your new favorite band. Definitely reminds me of Wilco but with something fresh in the mix. A regional supergroup of sorts, Pseudosix is definitely a merger of many beautiful worlds. I can't wait to listen to this over and over. It's truly a band with personality. Since I've been out of the loop for a while, I feel particularly entitled to praising this band. No blogger bias.

I bet you want to hear what all the hubub's about, well you, my friend are in luck!
Stream Pseudosix' entire album here. It drops tomorrow!!

And some MP3's to keep your iPod cozy:
MP3: Pseudosix - "Enclave"
MP3: Pseudosix - "Under The Waves"
MP3: Pseudosix - "Treacherous Ways"

Bonus! Pseudosix - "Copout" (Non-Album Track Feat. Chris Funk)

oh... and you must hear "Apathy & Excess," but I'll let you get to that.

Buy Pseudosix' Pseudosix | MySpace

Song of the Day - 8/25/07

2007-08-25T06:18:00.001-04:00

First off, that's some nice work from Virtual Hitman Designs.

Alright, so it's been a while, but I'm gonna try to jump back into this...
since I've missed a few days here and there I'm gonna give ya a little mini-mix.
We're not trying to make up for lost ground here so I'm just jumping in.

This past week has been all about Rogue Wave for me. Their upcoming album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate, has been on serious repeat. Just when you though they couldn't get better... really... they hit you with something so eclectic and cohesive you can't help but be drawn toward it. I was worried how the shift from classic indie label, Sub Pop, to Jack Johnson's Brushfire but I'm glad to say the band sounds as courageous and spontaneous as ever. Clap hands for one of my all-time favorite bands.

Rogue Wave - "Phonytown" from Asleep At Heaven's Gate |Preorder: Amazon| 9/18/07
- Grab an exclusive ep and their new single on iTunes.

The Yellow Stereo has some more.

Bonus Killer Songs Mini Mix, hopefully there's something for everyone:

Jesca Hoop - "Intelligentactile 101" from Kismet |Preorder: Amazon| 9/18/07
The Octopus Project - "I Saw The Bright Shinies" from Hello, Avalanche |Buy: Store|
Jens Lekman - "Friday Night At The Drive-In Bingo" from Night Falls Over Kortedala |Preorder: Store| 10/9/07
Stars - "Take Me To The Riot" from In Our Bedroom After The War |Preorder: Amazon| 9/25/07

Well, I'm trying this out with Mediafire, I hope it works out... tell me how I do.

I wanna blog!

2007-05-04T17:03:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody, the summer is here.
I think after splitting up and going on our respective musical journeys, we're ready to share our findings with you. The only problem is that I have no idea what to do about hosting. The once-great EZArchive charged 9.95/yr. I know that it's hard to find a host with good bandwidth for cheap.

If anyone knows anything, please leave a comment, we just want to get the good music in you.

Popcorn Superhet Reciever

2006-11-26T15:36:00.000-05:00

In light of recent exciting news, I've made a quick jump back here to let you guys hear something.

Jonny Greenwood, multi-instrumentalist of Radiohead fame is doing some insane things. Here are the wikifacts:

"Jonathan "Jonny" Richard Guy Greenwood (born November 5, 1971 in Oxford, England) is a musician and a member of Radiohead. Greenwood is also a multi-instrumentalist and often serves as the band's lead guitarist. In addition to guitar he also plays: viola, organ, piano, xylophone, glockenspiel, ondes martenot, banjo and harmonica."

He also happens to be an amazing composer (he's undoubtedly solely responsible for Pyramid Song, How To Disappear Completely, and pretty much any other Radiohead song with lilting strings and layered chords).

More wikifacts:

"Jonny Greenwood was hired by the BBC as its composer in residence in May 2004, a job which gave him the opportunity to compose several pieces for classical orchestra, piano and/or Ondes Martenot: Smear, Piano for Children and Popcorn Superhet Receiver. Smear premiered in 2004, and on 23 April 2005 Greenwood premiered his new work commissioned by BBC Radio 3, with music performed live by the BBC Concert Orchestra in London."

"Greenwood also was recently nominated for the BBC British Composer Awards, for his piece, "Popcorn Superhet Receiver". The piece was inspired by radio static and the extended, dissonant chords of Polish Composer Penderecki's Threnody for the victims of Hiroshima."

It should be no surprise to anyone that the winner of the 2006 Listeners' Award is Jonny Greenwood, who receives £10,000 from the PRS Foundation towards a commission for a new orchestral work.

Sweet.

Here is an excellent story by Robert Sandall of The Daily Telegraph. (I highly recommend reading this article)

Don't fret though, Jonny isn't going anywhere.

As quoted in The Daily Telegraph, "Despite all this extra-curricular activity, Greenwood is still "100 per cent committed to Radiohead" and says that the solitary work of composition is "nowhere near as much fun as being in a band". And he is particularly anxious to get Thom Yorke's feedback to his first BBC piece. "I'm planning to play it to him as soon as I see him." And if Yorke says he doesn't like it? "I'll believe him! He won't though. He'll find what's good about it
and highlight that.""

Thanks to lenniebudgell.com for posting Jonny Greenwood's piece Popcorn Superhet Reciever. The recording is off of the October 10, 2006 Radio 3 Broadcast, so the quality isn't perfect.

Jonny Greenwood -Popcorn Superhet Reciever - First UK Performance: 23 April 2005: BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ziegler

thank you

2006-11-14T14:53:00.000-05:00

i just wanted to personally say thank you to everyone who has come here. it is really quite flattering to be a part of something that touches all corners of the world, and thousands of people.

also, if you don't already know, in addition to loving music, we all make it. doty, nyman and akhil are all a part of the fabulous soma, who you should definitely check out, and i am 1/5 of the four hundred.

i also know that akhil and nyman are doing some other side projects too.

if you haven't observed the links up top, you should check out what we have to offer in the aspect of making music.

soma (akhil's, nyman's, and doty's band)
the four hundred (brendan's band)
peanut suicide (Soma's electronic side project)
the ponce de leons (ponce's solo project)
brownpower (akhil's solo project)

well i hope you enjoy what we have to offer you artistically.

there just may be a rebirth for us, so don't give up hope yet.

love you all,
brendan

Just Pretend... we were a blog.

2006-11-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody. This is just a small note to our readers that Just Pretend will be on "indefinite hiatus." Yes, like Rivers Cuomo and Weezer we are calling it quits for now. Mostly because of lack of readership and a slew of terrible EZArchive related obstacles, we're gonna take some time, figure things out and hopefully we'll be back to help you out with your music related needs even to some small extent. We might post every once in a while. When we're back, we'll be better than ever, I promise.

Thanks to everyone who actually read our entries and even more to those who commented. Thanks to Doty, Nyman and Brendan for coming in to chill and write when I needed it. Thanks to Wendy and The Toolshed for all the help. Thanks to Vincent for helping us get started. Thanks to IndieMuse for the rest of it.

Here's a link to the soon-to-be-great blog, The Rushmore Files.

Hope to see y'all soon. I'll be playing Mario Tennis...

Live! The Decemberists

2006-11-01T00:14:00.000-05:00

Let me just start out by saying that this show was COMPLETELY AMAZING! First: an amazing set with Japanese laterns and a huge landscape drawing of a Japanese village. Second: The band was dressed like ninjas (yes, ninjas). Third: Colin Meloy used the word "ninjery." Fourth: Halloween Costume Contest (a chimbley sweep won it). Fifth: Encore featuring R.E.M. songs and what I think is the Perfect Crime 1.

This was one of my favorite shows of all time. The volume of the music was perfect and they had a violin, viola, cello, double bass, and a bajillion other instruments. They played my first Decemberists song, "Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect" and they also played "Red Right Ankle", "Sixteen Military Wives" and of course most of the songs from the Crane Wife. Their live versions were at times better than the studio versions. The added string parts gave me chills. It was basically everything a Decemberists fan wanted (except maybe "the Mariner's Revenge," but hey, they jammed out to some of my favorite R.E.M. songs like "Cuyahoga" and "Superman"). I was also amazing with everyone dressed up in costumes for Halloween. When they played "Shankill Butchers" a guy dressed up like a butcher was waving his cleaver in the air. They brought up all the contestants on stage and it was just such a good time. Also, I saw Mr. Meloy walking down the street before the concert, only adding to my concert experience.

Long story short: I love the Decemberists and they are awesome live. The end.

Look at our Big Huge Decemberists post (but only streaming works right now...which sucks)

BUT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THESE!

MP3: The Decemberists - Shankill Butchers
MP3: The Decemberists - Culling the Fold
MP3: The Decemberists - After the Bombs
MP3: The Decemberists - Red Right Ankle

Buy Stuff
Website

EZARCHIVE IS BACK! (sort of)

2006-10-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

Links are working now ONLY FOR STREAMING! Hey, it's better than nothing...

JUST PRETEND RADIO!

2006-10-28T23:12:00.000-04:00

Listen to our very first radio show via the internets tomorrow at 10am-12pm eastern time zone SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!
Hopefully we will have some listens. I know that it's a little early for Sunday morning, but if you can at least catch the last 15 minutes, I think you'll be happy. Give us some feedback if you do end up hearing it. The link above will automatically download the item for your iTunes or whatever so you can stream it.

Click on the Radio tab to see playlists after the show is done. Unfortunately our links are still down, so this radio would be a great alternative to listen to some great music!

Dead Links

2006-10-26T15:14:00.000-04:00

Just wait it out, people. EZarchive is under construction, so all the links will be up and working in just a few days. Please return and love us, because, to be quite honest... we've got big things coming... eww.

We love you
JustPretend.

Remember when...

2006-10-25T02:49:00.000-04:00

... making music never, EVER, EVER worked this way?
I mean, why does he have three monitors?
Why is that stoner PLAYING A FUCKING BOOM BOX FOR ALIENS?!?!?!?!
"We love our toys?" Who came up with this? Honestly...
You tell me...

I miss Are You Afraid of the Dark?

This is the funniest thing I've ever seen. Definitely.
That's music, kids! Go get 'em!

Have a good day everyone. We've been working hard to help you. Just take a second to tell us how we're doing. Thanks!

Why Jeff Tweedy Is Awesome

2006-10-25T01:24:00.000-04:00

There are many reasons why Mr. Tweedy is awesome (such as that webcast). Here is another one that I think applies directly to music blogs and the sharing of music. I agree with his philosophy of music

Look at what he has to say about "stealing music"

Here is a discussion Jeff has with Lawrence Lessig about "Who Owns Culture"

Intro
Opening
Lessig Presentation
Discussion
Q&A

I think he makes a very great point about music piracy. It's all about the music (that's how it should be). I think it's nice to hear something like this from one of the best muscicians out there right now.

MP3: Jeffy Tweedy - A Shot In the Arm (Live, Acoustic, Amazing)

Download the Ben Folds on MySpace MP3!

2006-10-24T23:56:00.000-04:00

Did you see tonight's amazing Ben Folds performance on MySpace? Were you just like me, struggling to get that thing to play on your Mac? Sorry with all the questions lately... but do not worry, the great folks over at The Suburbs have done the work and brought you the audio... and it's a GREAT recording!

Throughout the show, Folds was on his computer playing requests ONLY via instant message. This novel idea led to fun for the whole crowd, but the innovation didn't end there. Although he was playing with his band (Folds + drums and bass), he couldn't help bringing in about 40 guys to play in the "Nashville Guitarchestra." Folds took the show to the next level. He also got the rest of the crowd to play their ringtones to add even more ambiance to certain parts of the show. As if that wasn't enough, Folds didn't just play the piano, but also a range of synths that sounded great.

Folds continued to have surprises throughout the live webcast such as a (possibly planned) "drunk guy" falling from the balcony... yeah, I said it. The whole crowd gasped and Folds stopped playing the song ("Jesusland"). The screen went to broadcast colors for a few seconds and then returned to show Folds jumping right back into the song just where he left off, without hesitation. Some say hoax, here's possible proof. I'm pretty sure it was, just listen to the recording...

Folds played new stuff, old stuff, Dr. Dre and Postal Service covers and his signature improv jams. He even brought out a man who looked like Hitler in a dress, aptly named Titler, to play a Johnny Cash cover (I kid you not). As if things couldn't get any more ridiculous, there is a possibility that Ben Folds committed suicide at the end of the show by jumping off the balcony as well... (still not joking) the feed went dead.

I really hope y'all take the time to listen to it. Ben Folds is really awesome. No video as of now, but we should see this as a DVD in the future, so stay tuned.

Here's the setlist courtesy BenFolds.org:
1) Random Jam
2) Always Someone Cooler Than You (feat. Nashville Guitarchestra*)
3) Learn To Live With What You Are
4) Kate
5) 20 Flight Rock Improv
6) Bastard
7) Jesusland [lifeless jackass in red shirt falls to the floor, band stops, signal cuts in and out, ben plays ringtone from Boondocks]
8) All You Can Eat
9) Cross The Line (Walk The Line, Cash cover by 'Titler**)
10) Such Great Heights (Postal Service cover feat. ringtone orchestra and Nashville Guitarchestra)
11) Army
12) Bitches Ain't Shit (Dr. Dre cover feat. ringtone orchestra and Nashville Guitarchestra)

*Random fans who met with Ben earlier in the day w/ their guitars
**A mysterious balding guy with fake Hitler mustache and women's dress.

Sorry it's just one file, but listening to this HIGH QUALITY MP3 any other way would be a shame... great show! I've provided deeplinks, SendSpace and Yousendit links, because EZArchive is almost always THE DEVIL.

MP3: Ben Folds - "MySpace Live!" (1:01:27 | 70 MB) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Sendspace: Ben Folds - "MySpace Live!"
YouSendIt: Ben Folds - "MySpace Live!"

Just so you can see SOME video of Folds, here's Ben's only great video. He did this video with his wife for a song about his son.
Ben Folds - "Still Fighting It"

I like the original better... ("1979" Cover)

2006-10-24T23:27:00.000-04:00

Who loves the Smashing Pumpkins?
Who is totally pumped for the new album?
Who else thinks that "1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins is one of the best songs of all time...?
Who thinks that any cover wouldn't cut it...?
Who has heard New Jersey's own Lismore cover this song?

If you answered "yes" to these three questions, maybe you don't understand them...

just kidding...

But seriously, take a listen to Lismore and tell me what you think of this cover... cause I don't like it much. Why listen to this attempt at an electronic "1979," when the original is almost godly? "A" for effort, I guess...

The song is an interesting take. Removing drums and guitar for most of the song... and then trying some trance/house/electronic thing after a short, decent, bridge... I dunno... it's not doing it for me.

Listen:
MP3: The Smashing Pumpkins - "1979"
MP3: Lismore - "1979 (Cover)" (Awesome.... so awesome.)

If you liked it (hmm), or you're still willing to give them a chance (more likely), hear a few more Lismore tracks here. It's a pretty good site, though.

Now, for the greatness that is the "1979" video. Doty loves this opening shot...

WARNING: THIS MIX IS SCARY

2006-10-24T18:10:00.000-04:00

Here are some frightening tunes for the Hallowe'en festivities. The first track is one by Wolf Eyes, which makes heavy metal look like twee. If you haven't heard of Wolf Eyes, then let me explain. It's not supposed to be music, it's supposed to be noise; it's part of a genre known as noisecore. This song will make you feel like you're being stabbed in the face. The next is the Hallowe'en prevention satire song that came out last year which is an indie lovers dream collaboration (and the proceeds went to UNICEF). Included was Arcade Fire's Win and Regine, Beck, David Cross, Devendra, Feist, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Islands J'aime, Jimmy Tamborello, Rilo Kiley's Jenny and Blake, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Smoosh's Asya and Chloe, Wolf Parade's Dan and Spencer, and Karen O and MORE. It's quite amazing (it's fun listening to figure out who is singing). The rest are self explanatory. Also refer back to the Evangelicals post for a Halloween E-card.

MP3: Wolf Eyes - Stabbed In the Face
MP3: North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative - Do They Know It's Hallowe'en?
MP3: The Flaming Lips - Halloween On the Barbary Coast
MP3: Daniel Johnston - Casper The Friendly Ghost
MP3: Evangelicals - Halloween Song
MP3: Danny Elfman - This is Halloween (from the Nightmare Before Christmas)
MP3: Neutral Milk Hotel - Ghost
MP3: Dave Matthews Band - Halloween
MP3: Sonic Youth - Halloween
MP3: David Bowie - Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
Mp3: John Carpenter - Theme to "Halloween"
MP3: The White Stripes - Little Ghost
MP3: Michael Jackson - Thriller
MP3: Ben Gibbard - Thriller (Michael Jackson Cover)

BONUS VIDEO!
MARILYN MANSON singing "This Is Halloween" on this Special Edition Soundtrack of The Nightmare Before Christmas...(Marilyn Manson on a Disney soundtrack? who'd have thunk)

+/- (Plus/Minus)

2006-10-24T01:05:00.000-04:00

Song of the Day - 10/24/06

I've had a few songs by +/- (Plus/Minus) for a while and I was able to listen to their whole album "Let's Build A Fire" and I must say it is quite good. My favorite track off this album is going to be the song of the day. Even though the whole album is excellent, this one track really sticks out in my mind. The combination of drums, guitar, strings, and what sounds like a melodica or accordian (I can't tell), is perfect. It's a very simple song, but it's quite beautiful. Please listen.

MP3: +/- (Plus/Minus) - The Important Thing Is Love

Make sure to check out their album which comes out TODAY!

Website
MySpace

JEFF TWEEDY LIVE WEBCAST TONIGHT!

2006-10-23T20:39:00.000-04:00

Hey! Here's a quick note that Jeff Tweedy will be showing his entire upcoming DVD, Sunken Treasure, online (FOR FREE) beginning at 9 pm EST and ending at midnight. It's on demand, so no matter when you tune in between 9 and 12, you will be able to catch it. So settle in, feel good and watch it! Cuz it's gonna be awesome. Sorry to tell you so late. Here's the link:

http://wilcoworld.net/sunkentreasure/

have a good one everybody!

Danielson Video - "Did I Step On Your Trumpet?"

2006-10-23T16:27:00.000-04:00

EZarchive has once again become the bane of my existence, that said...Hey there. Midterms are almost over, but here's a video from Danielson's AMAZING '06 release, Ships, to tide you over. If you haven't seen it yet, this video was directed by Chris Palladino, who incedentally plays keyboards for the band. Palladino, while directing, also did the graphic work and made all the cut-outs in the video. I think this is one of the best videos ever made with ONE ANGLE (Yeah yeah... Ok Go, blah blah blah). Take a listen to the track and watch the video. (On a side note, Chris Palladino has never directed videos for Eminem...)

MP3: Danielson - "Did I Step On Your Trumpet?"
VIDEO: Danielson - "Did I Step On Your Trumpet?" (Highly Recommended)

Buy music from Danielson (a.k.a Danielson Famile): Amazon | iTunes
Take a look at their extensive catalogue and listen to more MP3's.

Bonus MP3: Danielson - "Bloodbook on the Half Shell"
Bonus MP3: Danielson - "Five Stars & Two Thumbs Up"

p.s. Thanks to the great folks over at The Toolshed for hooking me up, they are good people.

Listen to Beat Radio...then Download Their Album (For Free!)

2006-10-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

Normally you have to search various music blogs to find the CD you want to download. Beat Radio is skipping that middle step between hearing a few songs and wanting the album. They are giving away their debut album "Great Big Sea" as a free download! I would take them up on this offer of their great music. I'm sure they will make some impression on the music blog world and the music world. I have listened to the album and I enjoy it. Beat Radio has been taken in by the New York music scene and are for fans of Broken Social Scene, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Luna.

MP3: Beat Radio - Mexico

MP3: Beat Radio - Elegy

Download their Album at their Website

MySpace

The Specimen

2006-10-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

How do you describe the music of the Specimen? Matt Gorny doesn't want to be compared to any type of music, but rather he wants you to take a look at his music independently. There are loads of influences here and he creates an interesting eclectric genre of his own. His website says that "Gorny constructs infectious narratives against a throbbing backdrop of incendiary indie-rock and lubricious dance grooves." There really is no other way to describe it. He just released an EP entitled "Do U Damage." I recommend you listen to it...and dance (you know you want to).

MP3: The Specimen - Do U Damage

MP3: The Specimen - A Kick In the Teeth

Website
MySpace

Buy the EP on iTunes

Beck with the Flaming Lips!

2006-10-21T03:03:00.000-04:00

I guess this happend way back in 2002 at the KCRW studio, but regardless, this is pretty awesome. One can only dream of this kind of collaboration. Beck has the Flaming Lips as a back up band(!). The result is pure magical music goodness. This is the era of Sea Change for Beck, which is my favorite kind of Beck and the era of Yoshimi which is my favorite ear of the Lips (along with everything else they have done ever). I highly reccommend listening to all of these tracks. The Flaming Lips make everything so much better. Go ahead, listen to them. Download the whole set here

The Shins' New Album Leaked.

2006-10-20T12:37:00.000-04:00

Don't really know much on how it got out or why. I do know Sub Pop sent Rolling Stone some pre-release versions, but how quickly they got online is a mystery. From what I hear, it's a somewhat low-quality (128 kbs?) rip, but still the 11 tracks that Mercer announced a few days ago.

More to come as this possible dilema unfolds.

Medeski, SCOFIELD, Martin and Wood!

2006-10-20T01:05:00.000-04:00

I love Medeski, Martin & Wood. They make great music, and are great live. With only three people, they have a surprisingly large sound, especially in terms of jazz. But I'll tell you a secret. On many lonely nights of listening to Combustication and The Dropper, I thought to myself, "Damn, this would probably kick so much more ass if there was a guitar player. A really good, jazz legend guitar player." Then what? MMW finds the best jazz guitar player they can: John Scofield. While MMW was John Scofield's back up band on his 1998 album, A Go Go, this was before they were well known, and that album was really more of a John Scofield album than a MSMW album.

Their new album, Out Louder, was just released, and I can't stop listening to it. It's funky, It's fun, It's soothing, It's Jazz. There are some amazing songs on this album. Cachaca is a great song that exemplifies the avant-garde jazz that MMW is known for, only there is crazy guitar all over it. Julia is a jazzed up cover of John Lennon's famous ode to his mother. Down The Tube is another solid fusionesque song that I can't stop listening to. This album is great because it is also very accessible. Anyone who has any interest in jazz will undoubtedly enjoy this album. It's something that I enjoy, my parents would enjoy, and even my grandparents would enjoy. You should too.

Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood - Cachaca - Out Louder (2006)
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood - Julia - Out Louder (2006) *Beatles Cover* (!!!)
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood - Down The Tube - Out Louder (2006)

Buy Out Louder
Buy A Go Go
Visit MMW's Website
Visit John Scofield's Website
Visit MSMW's Myspace

See MSMW Live!
Purchase Tickets to Their Tour Below

Nov 10 2006 10:00P 9:30 Club - Washington DC
Nov 11 2006 8:30P Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA
Nov 12 2006 8:00P Calvin Theatre - Northampton, MA
Nov 14 2006 9:00P Higher Ground - South Burlington, VT
Nov 15 2006 9:00P Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel - Providence, RI
Nov 16 2006 7:30P Berklee Performance Center - Boston, MA
Dec 3 2006 8:00P Liberty Hall - Lawrence, KS
Dec 4 2006 8:00P The Blue Note - Columbia, MO
Dec 5 2006 8:00P Mississippi Nights - St. Louis, MO
Dec 7 2006 8:00P First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
Dec 8 2006 8:00P Eagles Club - Milwaukee, WI
Dec 9 2006 7:30P Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL
Dec 10 2006 8:00P Vogue Theatre - Indianapolis, IN

I Believe in Mr. Grieves; TV On The Radio

2006-10-19T23:52:00.000-04:00

Hot damn.

I usually don't post covers, but I stumbled across this today, and thought "Mr. Grieves? TV On The Radio? Isn't that a Pixies song? Someone probably just labeled it wrong." Then I realized that there was no way that anyone would label a Pixies song wrong, much less using a band that isn't even in megastardom status. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, try searching for Sweet Home Alabama in Limewire, and you'll get the same song, although it will be labeled as everyone from Queen to Pink Floyd when it's really Lynryd Skynyrd.)

Anyway. Back to what I was saying. I found this song today, and it is one of the best covers I have ever heard. And I don't hesitate to say that either. I was expecting it to be a boring note for note cover, and this blew me away. It is great.

Check it.

Mr. Grieves - The Pixies - Doolittle (1989)
Mr. Grieves - TV On The Radio - Young Liars (2003)

Song of the Day - 10/19/06

2006-10-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I just had to get it out of my system. I hope I didn't hurt anyone too much.
From 1979 to 2006, Gang of Four have really been giving it their all. Definitely pioneers in music, they have my respect. Unfortunately, today they really aren't as well known as one would like. I almost forgot about the excellence of their debut, Entertainment! until I took a look at the tracklist for the upcoming Marie Antoinette soundtrack, which isn't bad at all.

Here's your song, an amazing anthem that is sure to get you psyched for Friday. These songs were WAY before their time.
MP3: Gang of Four - "Natural's Not In It"
Bonus MP3: Gang of Four - "Damaged Goods"
Bonus MP3: Gang of Four - "Not Great Men"
Buy music from Gang of Four: Amazon | iTunes

I don't know much about the movie. I do know Sofia Coppola is pretty cool. Jason Schwartzman plays Louis XVI and Rip Torn (!!!) plays his father. Thats about it. In the sound department, they're doing something right. Enlisting the likes of Aphex Twin, Air, The Strokes, The Radio Dept., The Cure and more, I dig it (On TWO DISCS).

Here are a few of my recommended picks from the rest of the Marie Antoinette OST.
MP3: Air - "Il Secondo Giorno (Instrumental)"
MP3: The Cure - "Plainsong"
MP3: The Strokes - "What Ever Happened"
MP3: Jean Philippe Rameau w/ Christie - "Tristes Apprets.."
MP3: Siouxsie & The Banshees - "Hong Kong Garden"

Buy the Marie Antoinette OST: Amazon

Click here for the Making of the Marie Antoinette Soundtrack video.

Fuck. The. Killers.

2006-10-19T14:12:00.000-04:00

You know, anyone who has the nerve to say he's better than Thom Yorke is an idiot. Anyone who has the nerve to say he's better than Thom Yorke in Blender is a fucking jackass. Enter Brandon Flowers, the pompous, arrogant jackass who claims his newest album, Sam's Town, is "one of the best albums in the past 20 years."

I was drawn into this article because on the cover of the newest Blender was the subhead "Radiohead (So Over)," just underneath the title "The Killers." I had to read. Now that I have, I can safely say that The Killers (and moreover their frontman, Flowers) can take Sam's Town and shove it up their/his asses/ass.

"I love Sam's Town. I don't regret saying that. I'd put it up against OK Computer. I'd put it up against Achtung Baby. It's what I'm here for: Thom Yorke's not gonna make another OK Computer; he's making a bunch of noise," says Flowers. At this point, I am furious. Whether you think The Eraser is good or not, nobody--NOBODY-- will ever regard the Killers the way they do Radiohead.

I don't often find the need to post my own personal feelings about bands or impose my feelings, but I really need to say that this may be a man more arrogant than anyone I've heard of in music in a good long while. I really enjoyed Hot Fuss, really. I think it's a decent album. It doesn't demand much and to be honest, it's pretty catchy. There's nothing wrong with that. When I heard Sam's Town, all I could think was "Meh... it's a lesser remake of their first album..." and here's Brandon Flowers saying that musicians suck when they're making a bunch of records that sound the same... Dumbass. Even more, The Killers success brought about a slew of bands that sound just like them, for example, The Bravery, who I would almost prefer listening to than Sam's Town.

The article, though, wasn't exactly singing Flowers' praises. In fact, by the end, it really makes these guys seem like they just think that they're hot shit. I'm sorry if I offended anyone here, but I just need to say that when a band warrants their attitude with true greatness, it can be appreciated. But after only one successful album and in the dawn of what could really just blow up in their faces, Killers have no right to say "[The Killers] are up there with anyone now. Anyone."

Listen guys... if you want to say you're the best band out there... don't let Evanescence show you up... that's all.

For more info, just take a look at a dossier of all the stupid shit The Killers actually do and say courtesy of good ol' Idolator. And for the record, Tom Delonge is way cooler than Flowers.

Just for fun, here's a solid list of entries that comes up when you type "The Killers Suck" into Google.

Finally, I just want to say, this really isn't about the actual music, but rather the way these musicians see themselves. Arrogant, assinine and jaded, the way they regard themselves makes me sick. Say what you want, but I won't give you my 2 cents...

Ben Folds on Conan Tonight

2006-10-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

Hey, just giving you the drop that Ben Folds will be performing on Conan O' Brien tonight to promote his "new" SuperSunnySpeedGraphic LP. Catch it... Folds in an unbelievable live show.

Cobain Gets Murdered... even more...

2006-10-18T22:53:00.000-04:00

If Justin Timberlake is making Cobain roll over in his grave... then he should work with these guys. I mean, the Ukelele is nice... but that singer needs to stop. IMMEDIATELY.

Song of the Day - 10/18/06

2006-10-18T22:16:00.000-04:00

As you know, Jeremy Enigk's newest album just came out last year. Everyone who has heard it doesn't seem to think it lives up to Enigk's previous work, but I'm definitely digging it.

I really hadn't heard much of him before yesterday, but this album, if not an all-around good album, is at least great on a rainy day. Full of contemplative songs and winding vocals, Enigk has talent. The only complaint I can really come up with is the repetition. A lot of the album focuses on similar themes and the flow between songs will make you wonder if there actually are ten tracks or if it's just one long poem courtesy of this former member of Sunny Day Real Estate.

Jeremy Enigk was the lead singer of the (awesome) band that eventually made up The Foo Fighters. He isn't a joke. Although this album is clearly more mainstream than the previous, it is important not to discredit Enigk. If you like solemn, mellow melodies a la The Perishers, David Bowie or Nick Drake, or driven music such as Coldplay, Damien Rice or Oasis, you should give Jeremy Enigk a try.

MP3: Jeremy Enigk - "Canons"
MP3: Jeremy Enigk - "River to the Sea"

Buy Jeremy Enigk's World Waits: Amazon | iTunes

Bonus MP3: Jeremy Enigk - "Dare a Smile"

If you like what you're hearing, then take a trip over to AOL's The Interface and hear a really great and intimate session from Mr. Enigk. Enjoy!

Song of the Day - 10/17/06

2006-10-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

Hello all. I just visited Insound's "Save The Album" website and was intrigued by all the different insight these artists have on their favorite albums. My favorites are John Darnielle and of course, Colin Meloy.

Mr. Meloy talks about The Pogues, who, now that I draw the comparison, seem kind of like a minimalist predecessor to The Decemberists. Only lacking Meloy's signature voice, the Pogues also tell stories with vibrant language, smart song structure and clever melodies... also, they're totally Irish. With Shane MacGowan super-ironically on and off the bottle during the band's career, the bands sound and purpose was constantly changing. While some say their music suffered a great deal as a result, I do enjoy seeing a band grow. Agreed, the power and passion in their first three albums probably won't be matched, it is interesting to see what the guys will release and be proud to call their own.

Celtic Punk was once the phrase used to explain to me what The Pogues were like, but I would say they're more Prog-Folk, you know? I'm just kidding, I actually have no idea what's going on...

Here's your song (it's about Tuesdays!!!) and also that video of Colin Meloy.
MP3: The Pogues - "Tuesday Morning"

Buy one of Colin Meloy's favorite albums: Insound
Buy more music from the always amazing Pogues: Amazon | iTunes

Here are some classics:
Bonus MP3: The Pogues - "If I Should Fall From Grace With God"
Bonus MP3: The Pogues - "Streams of Whiskey"

speaking of the Irish... have you seen The Departed yet? If not... you're missin out, I tell ya!

Built to Spill - You NEED This

2006-10-16T15:55:00.001-04:00

Here I am, writing this instead of my ten page research paper due last tuesday... but its for a good reason. These guys are freakin awesome. In my limited opinion, they may be the best indie rock band ever. On top of the fact that Doug Martsch's beard is probably the coolest beard on the face of the planet, he rocks especially hard, and has been a staple of the indie music scene for about 2 decades. 'Brownpower' and I had the extreme fortune of seeing these guys twice in the last few months... and they were absolutely great. There was a post a while back on BTS, so I wont say much... besides the fact that everyone needs to tell their friends to listen to this band, because they are that cool.

I just chose a few of my personal favorites, two are from the new You In Reverse, two from Theres Nothing Wrong With Love, which are both excellent albums. Also, theres a Doug solo song that is incredible... I recommend giving that a try, its nice and slidey:

Built to Spill - Big Dipper (great lyrics)
Built to Spill - The Wait
Built to Spill - Twin Falls
Built to Spill - Conventional Wisdom (great guitar)

Doug Martsch Solo (read: awesome)

Doug Martsch - Dream

Children of the Universe...

2006-10-15T15:15:00.000-04:00

Here are some great videos I've been watching. Take the time and you will enjoy them...

James + The Rainbows - "Children of the Universe"

Regina Spektor - "Samson"

The Album Leaf - "Eclectic (Time-Lapse)"

TOTALLY AMAZING ARTWORK BY:
RinpaEshidan - "1week of ArtWorks"

Free Silversun Pickups/Viva Voce Show!

2006-10-13T17:29:00.000-04:00

Are you near Boston University? Their students are getting a real treat this weekend with a FREE (YES, FREE) Silversun Pickups and Viva Voce concert. I've now seen a deal of shows at the George Sherman Union and I can definitely tell you you won't get an experience like this.

The show starts at 7:30 and it's this Saturday night at BU Central... It's going to kick some serious ass.

To find out what all the buzz is about these guys,
read here: Chromewaves | Filter | Noise For Toaster

If you aren't as awesome as you think and aren't going to the ridiculous BU show, here are the rest of the tour dates.

VV & SP | 2006 TOUR DATES

10.13 Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia PA
10.15 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge MA
10.16 The Bug Jar Rochester NY
10.17 Lee’s Palace Toronto ON
10.18 The Lime Spider Akron OH
10.20 Empty Bottle Chicago IL
10.21 Maintenance Shop Ames IA
10.24 Hi Dive Denver CO
10.26 Neurolux Boise ID
10.28 Doug Fir Lounge Portland OR

Friday is for Dancing!

2006-10-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

Song of the Day - 10/13/06

I'm sure you want some Friday the 13th post or whatever, but come on! We need to feel good today!

So... John Legend... new album comes out on the 24th... that's 11 days. 11 days until you can hear this new, awesome album. I just finished my first listen and I am feeling great because this album is great. If you liked Legend's debut, Get Lifted, you're going to feel a little different about this one. He's been taking some of the emphasis off of the modern, piano-driven, downtempo jams and really embracing the style of the soulful music of the 60's and 70's. Listening through the album I could have sworn that some old O' Jays or EWF was playing ("Slow Dance"). The only difference was Legend has added his signature keyboard nuances and really takes his music to a new level. Other songs feature no piano at all. "Show Me" simply features a hot beat and a distorted rock guitar cranking out a little jazz but still sounding like rock.

Finally, some songs just make you feel good. Here's today's song of the day from the upcoming John Legend album that is totally amazing. Whether Legend is playing some old soul, some old funk, some new age jazz, rock music, bossa nova or plain solo jazz, he excels and really keeps me listening. I can't speak for the whole community, but if you found his debut slightly inaccessible, you will love this stuff. If you really loved John Legend before, this album only shows his versatility as an artist and it is great to see an artist grow... Especially if he's growing into the stuff of legends (no pun intended).

Despite the ridiculously stupid title, this song is AWESOME! Listen to it loud.
MP3: John Legend - "P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)" from Once Again (Feelin' Good!)
MP3: John Legend - "Slow Dance" from Once Again (OH! That's soul, my friends...)

Preorder Once Again: Amazon | iTunes
or order from his website and get Once Again, one of his live albums and a behind the scenes documentary!
Listen to more John Legend on his website or his myspace.

Bonus MP3: John Legend - "Show Me" from Once Again
Bonus MP3: John Legend - "Save Room" the single from Once Again
Bonus MP3: John Legend - "It Don't Have To Change" from Get Lifted
Bonus MP3: John Legend - "Sun Comes Up" from Live at S.O.B.'s in New York

Catch John Legend on tour:

October 2006
26 - Washington, DC - Hilton Hotel
27 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata
28 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
30 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre
31 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head

November 2006
4 - Boston, MA - Avalon
5 - Washington, DC - Cramton Auditorium
6 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
8 - Detroit, MI - State Theatre
9 - Chicago, IL - Riviera
10 - Minneapolis, MN - Quest
13 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theater
14 - Park City, UT - Harry O's
16 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
18 - San Francisco, CA - To be announced
20 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
21 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
22 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
24 - Dallas, TX - Gypsy Ballroom
25 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
27 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues
28 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Revolution/Hard Rock
30 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

December 2006
1 - Charlotte, NC - Tabernacle
2 - Norfolk, VA - Norva

Ezarchive sucks dong...

2006-10-13T13:48:00.000-04:00

Posts are taking a long time to upload today, sorry...
-Justpretend

Bishop Allen's September EP

2006-10-12T23:46:00.000-04:00

Here it is! The track from their September EP (that's 9 down, 3 more to go for their EP a month for a year project). Justin from Bishop Allen was down in Chile for his movie screening, Mutual Appreciation. You can definitely hear the South American influence in this one: the acoustic guitar, the trumpets, the drumming. Listen and then buy their EPs!

MP3: Bishop Allen - Like Castanets

Ive League Material.

2006-10-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, that ridiculously clever pun of a title is in reference to one of my new favorites, the Ivy League. Twentyseven Records' newest acquisition isn't just a band, but a story of two good friends.

Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez were childhood friends. Two who played music with each other only, but consequently lost touch . For seven years, to be exact, the two hadn't seen each other. Once they met once again, they had travelled and defined themselves. Ryland had been playing with Kite Flying Society and Alex was playing keyboards with members of Parliament/Funkadelic.

The two have finally made a band that is simply awesome. Listing their influences as Simon & Garfunkel, Burt Jansch, Nick Drake, Astrud Gilberto, Of Montreal and the Acid House Kings, it is easy for a listener to be skeptical... they do it... well.

I assume these guys have been pounding the blogs with post request, because I believe that they would be under our radar... we're lucky to have them. Listen to this track. It's pretty awesome. Tell me what you think... I only wish you could hear the other songs... you should definitely buy this.

MP3: Ivy League - "London Bridges" (Recommended)

Buy their London Bridges EP : Twentyseven Records

Listen to the other artists on Twentyseven Records here.

REMIX!

2006-10-11T21:27:00.000-04:00

Time for another shot of remixes.

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - The Dress Looks Nice On You (Alex O'Nan Remix) (Recommended)

MP3: The Submarines - Peace & Hate (Nobody Remix)

MP3: Dntel - (This is) The Dream of Evan and Chan (Lali Puna Remix)

MP3: Interpol - Obstacle 1 (Arthur Baker Remix)

Mazzy Star - Hope Sandoval Will Melt Your Heart

2006-10-11T17:12:00.000-04:00

Back in my junior year at boarding school, a teacher came to teach us calculus... and he turned out to be a totally awesome dude who knew a shitload about all sorts of bands and genres. He gave me a bunch of CDs (because he has an incredible collection which he bought... with money... in a store) and in that pile of gems was a little band called Mazzy Star.

Every once in a while you come across a voice unlike any other you have ever heard. For me that voice belongs to Hope Sandoval, the lead singer of Mazzy Star. If you were to take Christmas morning, wrap it in a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer, and then coat the whole thing in smooth, rich, melty chocolate you would have some idea what she sounds like. The first time I heard this song, I knew that I would marry the woman singing without knowing what she looked like... turns out she's beautiful. Give this song a good listen over a warm cup of tea in a dark room and you will know what I mean.

MP3: Mazzy Star - Fade Into You

Pas/Cal - Dear Sir EP

2006-10-11T16:37:00.000-04:00

Song of the Day - 10/11/06Honestly, this was definitely the first time I thought I had the drop on an album no one has posted... but I was beaten to the punch by a most worthy adversary. lol. But seriously... how do you do it, guys?

I recieved the new Pas/Cal EP a little while ago and could not be happier with what I'm hearing. It's casual pop with strains of experimentation littered all over. You're almost expecting some breakdown like an Apples in Stereo song... but better. This is FEEL GOOD music, my favorite music.

These guys have an amazingly tight sound. I've listened to the EP quite thoroughly the past few days... and they are in contention for my favorite EP of this year. So put this on your headphones and take a little walk... it's just right.

MP3: Pas/Cal - "Little Red Radio" from Dear Sir EP

Preorder Dear Sir EP: Pas/Cal Website

Read You Ain't No Picasso's Pas/Cal post and hear more from the Dear Sir EP.

Get Psyched for Halloween with the Evangelicals!

2006-10-11T10:44:00.000-04:00

Well hello there! It's almost Halloween! If that means you will be attending My Morning Jacket's Okonokos film premiere (!!!), seeing The Decemberists in Amherst for a Halloween extravaganza or just eating a shitload of candy, it's time to get into the mood!

Check out this spooktacular (i had to...) e-card from Oklahoma's own: The Evangelicals. This e-card, courtesy of The Toolshed, also includes a very special new Halloween song by the band. ENJOY!

Link: EVANGELICALS HALLOWEEN E-CARD!

MP3: Evangelicals - "Halloween Song"

Buy Evangelicals' Music: Amazon | iTunes

Bonus MP3: Evangelicals - "Here Comes Trouble"
Bonus MP3: Evangelicals - "Another Day (And Yoor Still Knocked Out)"

Song of the Day - 10/10/06

2006-10-10T13:27:00.000-04:00

Hey there everyone. Sorry there haven't been a lot of posts in the past few days. Nyman came out to Boston for the long weekend and we were too busy being outside (!!!) to post. My apologies.
Today's song is from a TV/radio show on the famous JJJ in Australia. This show, aptly named Like A Version does some past nastification and has todays favorites (Ben Folds, Tegan & Sara, Willy Mason, etc.) covering songs from their favorite bands in a very different way. If you remember just a few weeks ago, Sir Ben Folds covered The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights."

Today's is an older one from James Mercer and the Shins. Zach Braff obviously doesn't have time to change your life today (wtf), so I will. Check out everyone's favorite band from Albuquerque covering The Magnetic Fields. Mercer has always been known to impress, this is no exception.

MP3: The Shins - "Strange Powers" (Magnetic Fields Cover)

My Doctor's Excuse

2006-10-09T16:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, guys. I've been in the studio recording all weekend.

Here's proof.

I hope you'll forgive me. Due to my obsession with Broken Social Scene, and the fact that I will be talking about them alot in the near future, check out this video. Do it. You won't regret it.

The Decemberists Crane Wife B-SIDE! (PART 2!)

2006-10-08T13:19:00.000-04:00

Quick Post!

Just wanted to let you know that one of the other B-sides from the Crane Wife is over at Good Weather for Air Strikes. Run on over an get it. Those guys are awesome.

Link: The Decemberists - "After The Bombs" via Good Weather For Airstrikes.

Also, get "Culling the Fold" by The Decemberists here.

Song of the Day - 10/7/06

2006-10-07T18:15:00.000-04:00

Have you had the time to listen to Ben Kweller's new album? Of course you have! That's probably because it's really fucking good. A return to the Sha Sha days is welcome, surely.

Today's song of the day is another b-side (because we know how much you love b-sides), this time one by Mr. Kweller. It appears on his Sundress EP which I conveniently picked up at Newbury Comics the other day. Three tracks, "Never Let You Fall," "Sorry Signs on Cash Machines," and an acoustic version of "Sundress," are b-sides on the EP.

Listen to this and tell me what you think, personally, I really like "Sorry Signs on Cash Machines."

MP3: Ben Kweller - "Sorry Signs on Cash Machines" from Sundress EP

Buy Ben Kweller - Ben Kweller : Amazon | iTunes | Newbury Comics
Buy Ben Kweller - Sundress EP : Amazon | Newbury Comics

Bonus MP3: Ben Kweller - "Never Let You Fall" from Sundress EP

Also, take a look at Ben Kweller's set at Lollapalooza. It's really fantastic... so go to iTunes and pay for them... because Lollapalooza is all about the music.

The Decemberists Crane Wife B-SIDE!

2006-10-06T15:01:00.000-04:00

B-SIDE! whoo! Not much else to say here. "Culling the Fold" is in heavy rotation today at the JP office.

This song, along with another (iTunes "Exclusive Track"...) is one of the b-sides to the new Decemberists album, The Crane Wife. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks to Bon Ton for this gem.

MP3: The Decemberists - "Culling the Fold" (I really like this song)

If anyone has the mp3 for "After The Bombs," I would love to hear it, if you can. the address is requests [dot] justpretend [at] gmail [dot] com

...and by the way, If you haven't brought The Crane Wife, do it... it is SOOOO good. Here's The Decemberists on Conan (thanks to Stereogum).

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

Sleepwalkin'

2006-10-06T00:21:00.000-04:00

Song of the Day

I'm looking foward to Modest Mouse's new album, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank which comes out December 19th. I'm interested to see how they will do after the success of Good News For People Who Love Bad News. The song of the day is an older Modest Mouse song from Interstate 8. It also appeared on Build Nothing Out of Something. The reason why this song sticks out for me is that Isaac Brock harmonizes with a girl, Nicole Johnson. It's one of their more quiet songs and I enjoy it very much. Have a listen.

MP3: Modest Mouse - Sleepwalkin'

Website
Amazon | iTunes

The (New) Canadian Super-Group

2006-10-05T21:05:00.000-04:00

My roommate, Andrew, turned 20 yesterday. He asked me if he could make just one post for the people. I stepped down from my throne to grant him his wish... Happy Birthday, Andrew! Enjoy:

The (New) Canadian Super-Group by: Andrew

Seeing as how I recently left that period of my life known as teenagerhood behind, I’m ready to move onto bigger and better things. No more Kids Bop for me. Not that there ever was….

Anyway, Anathallo. I’m here to talk about Anathallo. I had the pleasure of seeing this band over the summer when they opened for and played with The Format. They released their debut album, Floating World, back in February and have been touring mercilessly since then. At the end of October they’ll be back on the road again with Page France (!!!), so make sure to check them.

Here are a few tracks to get you excited… about music.
MP3: Anathallo - "The Bruised Reed" (My personal favorite)
MP3: Anathallo - "By Number"
MP3: Anathallo - "Hoodwink"

Buy Anathallo - Floating World: Amazon | iTunes
Visit their MySpace and their band website.

Broken Social Scene on the NPR World Cafe LIVE!

2006-10-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

What do Feist, Metric, Stars, Do Make Say Think, KC Accidental and The Dears have in common? They all make up the band Broken Social Scene.

In other news, if you haven't heard of Broken Social Scene, then I think you should return that new Gerardo album.

Here's their World Cafe session. They play "Major Label Debut," "Something For The Holidays," and "Ibi Dreams of Pavement," but the great part about it is the interviews. Recorded on March 2nd, 2006, it doesn't make sense to miss it.

Broken Social Scene - Live on NPR World Cafe

or Download the Full Zip File.

Buy Broken Social Scene Stuff: Amazon | iTunes

One of the best songs of all time.

2006-10-05T19:49:00.000-04:00

Song of the Day - 10/5/06

You could say I've been having a bit of a phase lately. No, it's not some new indie band or anything like that, but rather with dream pop. Dream pop (shoegazing) is best characterized by bands like Low, Luna, Mazzy Star and one of my new favorites, Mercury Rev.

From what I can gather, Mercury Rev was a changing lineup of extremely talented musicians. Consisting of players like Johnathan Donahue, who was The Flaming Lips' original guitarist, Dave Fridmann, producer for the Lips, and Luna's Dean Wareham.

Once again, I have to do a lot more listening to this kind of music, but I leave you with "Car Wash Hair," a bonus track from a reissue of the band's first album, Yerself Is Steam. The story is that Dave Fridmann spent all the band's advance money on a vacation for his mother just before he left the band. Wareham jumped in the studio and helped throw down this: one of the best songs I've ever heard, I'm sure... and I can't put my finger on just why I am addicted to it. Please listen:

MP3: Mercury Rev - "Car Wash Hair" (Highly Recommended)

Support the artists of dream pop.

Bonus MP3: Luna - "California (All The Way) (recommended)
Bonus MP3: Low - "Weight of Water" (recommended)
Bonus MP3: Mazzy Star - "Flowers In December" (recommended)

Again, I'm just as new to this kind of stuff as a lot of you, so any input would be totally appreciated.

Pink Moon

2006-10-05T01:24:00.000-04:00

I remember when I first heard this song in a Volkswagon commercial for the Cabrio. I was very happy when I found out who did it and I ended up buying the whole Pink Moon Album. I've used this song for many mixes and it's one of those songs that I don't really get sick of. I want to share the beautiful original song and some covers.

MP3: Nick Drake - Pink Moon (Original)

MP3: Damien Jurado - Pink Moon (Standard Cover)

MP3: Beck - Pink Moon (Lo-fi Cover)

MP3: Tom Barman - Pink Moon (Piano Version)

MP3: Sebadoh - Pink Moon (Hard Rock Version)

Can Joann

2006-10-04T18:01:00.000-04:00

Can Joann is a band that you should check out. After self-releasing an EP in 2005, they're all ready to go with a brand new album entitled Hurt People Hurt People. They are currently working on getting a tour together, but they will be playing in the Durham Music Festival (October 18 - 21st, www.troikamusicfestival.org) with The Mountain Goats, Okkervil River, The Rosebuds, and Portastatic. We recommned listening to them and if you like what you hear, then you tell us by leaving comments or tell them at band@canjoann.com.

The song "After the Seizure's Gone" has been playing in the JP office all day. You can listen to more MP3s at their website.

MP3: Can Joann - Indecision's Way
MP3: Can Joann - After the Seizure's Gone (recommended)
MP3: Can Joann - Lady Luck

Buy their album
Website

Video - Gone Daddy Gone

2006-10-04T17:42:00.000-04:00

If you haven't seen this video by Gnarls Barkley yet, well, here you go. I highly recommend watching it. It might be one of the most original music videos I've ever seen. I am also including a link where you can download it at cliptip, so you can watch it on your portable media device. Go down to Wednesday to see it.

Song of the Day - 10/4/06

2006-10-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

John Mayer is cool. I've said it before, and I'm gonna keep on doing it. Take his latest (and definitely BEST) studio effort, Continuum. Holy Shit is it good. Admittedly, "Waiting on the World to Change" isn't the best choice for the first single, but I will say for sure that I never skip a song when listening to the album. You tell me that "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" isn't a great metaphor and I will fight you.

If you're one of those people who doesn't like Mayer because you're "way too indie for that," then you're missing out. John Mayer has lasting potential and is one of the best artists of our generation (prolly gonna die for saying that). Shifting to the bluesy side of things may be one of the best choices Mayer has ever made. Reminiscent of Buddy Guy, the album just feels right. When people like Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton and the likes say how good he is, you just gotta believe it.

Don't agree? Listen to these works of art (listen to all of em if you can):

MP3: John Mayer - "Belief" (Ridiculously Amazingly Recommended)
MP3: John Mayer - "The Heart of Life (Wow... that's good)

Buy Continuum: Amazon | iTunes
Read his hilarious blog and MySpace.

Bonus MP3: John Mayer - "I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You"
Bonus MP3: John Mayer - "Dreaming With A Broken Heart"

Honestly, picking only a few songs to post from this album is ridiculously hard. They're all good. Finally, I have a version of "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" from his latest EP. It features Ben Harper.

MP3: John Mayer feat. Ben Harper - "Waiting on the World to Change"

Here's a video of Mr. Mayer being awesome along with Steve Jordan & Pino Palladino (amazing)

Congratulations to Mr. Mayer on the success of his latest album.

Blogger problems.

2006-10-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry if you were trying to acccess the blog between 1 am and 10 am, guys, there was some problem over here, but it looks like we're good now. Just Pretend isn't going anywhere.

Why You Should Listen to Pandora

2006-10-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

Let me explain why Tim Westergren (aka the founder of Pandora) is awesome.

You may have already listened to it or heard about it, but after hearing the explanation, I can appreciate it a hell of a lot more. He came to my school and spoke about Pandora and the Music Genome Project and what exactly goes on to create them. He started the Music Genome Project which basically anylizes a song and defines it using 400(!!!) different characteristics including range of the singers voice, the instrumentation, the tempo, use of major or minor keys, and more musical terms and characteristics than anyone should ever know. About 50 music "experts" identify the "genes" of each song. They spend 15-40 minutes on just ONE song. He even said he was crazy for thinking about it. Pandora is an online radio thing that will base a station off an artist or a song and base the rest of the songs off the qualities that are encompassed in the artist or song. Then you can see why that song was chosen and you can say if you liked it or not, and it will keep that in mind for the rest of the radio station. It's amazing.

One other VERY important thing that Tim emphasized was that the songs are grouped by genre necessarily or some sort of cultural group: it's all about the quality of the music. This way good independent artists who are just as good as those who are already famous can be on the same musical level and can have just as much exposure. Anyone can send a song to them and it can be processed to see if it can be added to their playlists. It's all about the music and nothing else.

As a musician and a music fan, I think that this concept and project is something that needs to be supported. So go listen! It's also free.

Pandora

Page France Daytrotter Sessions

2006-10-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

I'm very happy that Page France is gaining popularity. They definitely deserve it. These Daytrotter sessions are awesome. They really spruce up the songs with some electric guitar; you can feel the energy in them. You can really hear it in "Chariot" with a few different verses. Michael Nau has a lot more force in his voice. Fans of Page France should be happy. There is also an unreleased song "The Ruby Ring Man". Enjoy! (or else)

Daytotter Sessions:

MP3: Page France - The Ruby Ring Man
MP3: Page France - Chariot (Especially Recommended)
MP3: Page France - Dogs
MP3: Page France - Antartica

Song of the Day - 10/3/06

2006-10-03T12:11:00.000-04:00

Well... last night's Built To Spill concert was surely amazing. DOTY was there with me. They had it all... and beards... totally awesome beards. I pretty much lost it entirely when they started to play an extended version of "Conventional Wisdom." In the background were paintings from Portland artist Mike Scheer and they were definitely the dark, disturbing icing on the cake. Built to Spill is still underrated, in my opinion. If you don't listen to them, do yourself a favor, please.

MP3: Built to Spill - "Conventional Wisdom"

Buy Built to Spill's music: Amazon | iTunes

Bonus MP3: Built to Spill - "Carry the Zero"
Bonus MP3: Built to Spill - "The Plan"

Another awesome thing that these guys did was a cover of a great protest song by The Gladiators entitled, "Re-arrange." I almost forgot about seeing them do it at Lollapalooza. Check out the video and download the mp3. (Check out the video in the background)
MP3: Built to Spill - "Re-arrange" (The Gladiators cover) LIVE

The Science of Sleep

2006-10-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

Let me just get this off my chest: I love this movie. I saw it twice. I felt very inspired after seeing it. Michel Gondry makes you want to be creative and fall in love. The visuals were not the only aspect that was inspiring, the music made me want to write more music. I want to share it with it you. The first is the one (if you've seen it) when they are dressed up like cats (see picture above). The cast is actually singing the song. The next is one by Charlotte Gainsbourg, who plays Stephanie in the movie. Both songs deserve many listens.

MP3: Gael Garcia Bernal, Sacha Bourdo, Alain Chabat & Aurelia Petit - If You Rescue Me

MP3: Charlotte Gainsbourg and Air - Songs That We Sing

Listen to more of the soundtrack at the MySpace.

Movie Website

Brendan's Famous Mixtapes: September

2006-10-02T18:45:00.000-04:00

This year I learned something very important. Now that September has passed, I think I should let you all know.

September means college, and college means Beer Pong. That’s right. What does this have to do with you, you ask? Simple. At the end of each month, I will be posting a mixtape, basically of all the songs that had heavy airplay in my life during that month. Being as September means college, and college means Beer Pong, this is my OFFICIAL Beer Pong playlist. If you don’t have one yourself, you need to get one. That way when you own the table, you can listen to your favorite tunes. Enjoy this, it’s a gift.

1. Autolux – Turnstile Blues – Future Perfect (2004)
2. Badly Drawn Boy – Once Around the Block – The Hour of the Bewilderbeast (2001)
3. Metric – Poster of a Girl – Live It Out (2005)
4. Beck – Think I’m In Love – The Information (2006)
5. Andrew Bird – Skin Is, My – The Mysterious Production of Eggs (2005)
6. Of Montreal – Wraith Pinned To The Mist & Other Games – The Sunlandic Twins (2005)
7. The Raconteurs – Level – Broken Boy Soldiers (2006)
8. Broken Social Scene – 7/4 (Shoreline) – Broken Social Scene (2005)
9. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (2005)
10. Kings of Leon – King of the Rodeo – Aha Shake Heartbreak (2005)
11. Wolfmother – Witchcraft – Wolfmother (2006)
12. Kasabian – Last Trip (In Flight) – Empire (2006)
13. Mates of State – For the Actor – Bring it Back (2006)
14. Beulah – Silver Lining – The Coast Is Never Clear (2001)
15. Kanye West – Celebration – Late Registration (2005)
16. Pavement – Stereo – Brighten The Corners (1997)
17. The Sounds – Tony The Beat – Dying to Say This To You (2006)
18. Spoon – I Turn My Camera On – Gimme Fiction (2005)
19. Voxtrot – Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives EP (2006)
20. The Strokes – Hard To Explain – Is This It (2001)

Song of the (Mon)Day - 10/2/06

2006-10-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

MONDAY Mini-Mix

I've been wanting to post this every Monday for a long time, but I always forget.

1. MP3: Jon Brion - "Later Monday" - let this one be your theme song today. From Jon Brion's amazing work on the I Heart Huckabees soundtrack, this song is perfect for a pleasant Monday and really comes together in the last lines of the song, "Nothingness... somethingness... nothingness..." Just like Monday.

2. MP3: Damien Rice - "Moody Monday" - yeah... I like Damien Rice... This song is totally chill. With Mr. Rice playing through solo's and crying out in the background in signature style, this b-side is another great song to get your Monday going. Take a listen and enjoy.

3. MP3: New Radicals - "Crying Like Church on a Monday" - it's no secret that I love New Radicals. You may remember them from their single hit, "Get What You Give," but their album, Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, is definitely a worthy listen. Keep a lookout for a big New Radicals post in the future.

4. MP3: Wilco - "Monday" - this CCR-influenced romp from the first disc of Being There is just an awesome song. Tweedy shouts "Monday! I'm all high!" throughout the song, reminding us of what Mondays are really for.

Have a good monday.

The Decemberists: A Short Musical History

2006-10-02T15:33:00.000-04:00

With the Crane Wife approaching us very quickly, I think it is important to look back and see what they have done before this. I'm going to choose one of my favorite songs from each album or EP. I'm also including a track from Tarkio, which is Colin Meloy's band before he was in the Decemberists. I hope you all go out and buy the Crane Wife and enjoy it. If you like any of the other songs, buy the album! You'll probably like it, too.

Tarkio - Keeping Me Awake

The Decemberists - Oceanside

The Decemberists - Grace Cathedral Hill

The Decemberists - The Soldiering Life

The Decemberists - Everything I Try To Do, Nothing Seems To Turn Out Right

I'm not going to post one for this, because it needs to be listened to as a whole (although I really like IV)

The Decemberists - On The Busmall

The Decemberists - Bridges and Balloons (Joanna Newsom Cover)

The Decemberists - Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)

Website
iTunes

Song of the Day - 10/1/06

2006-10-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

It's the beginning of a new month. So I think I feel obligated to search for the word "October" in iTunes and find the best song with the word October in it. That's journalism, guys... take some notes.

I really enjoy The Adventures of Pete & Pete. If you don't, you might be crazy... or dead. An awesome band called Polaris did almost all of the original music for the show and even though there really wasn't an official soundtrack, the band re-recorded all the songs from the show and released them on their only album, the critically acclaimed Music From the Adventures of Pete & Pete. Here's the one called "Waiting for October," because honestly, it's October.

And yes... I know this song is about the end of the world which, incidentally, should have occurred on October 28, 1999.
MP3: Polaris - "Waiting For October"
Bonus MP3: Polaris - "Hey Sandy"

Buy Polaris' music: CD Baby | Amazon | iTunes

BONUS: Some other songs that have the word "October" in their titles:
MP3: Erik Brandt & The Urban Hillbilly Quartet - "October, St. Mary's" (Highly Rec'd)
MP3: Of Montreal - "October is Eternal"

New Sufjan Song! (and some live stuff)

2006-09-30T21:23:00.000-04:00

Here it is: Majesty Snowbird. It is not a studio version, but for those hardcore Sufjan fans it won't matter at all. This is an epic song, 10 minutes, and it doesn't even feel like it's that long. The song is very majestic (as one would think). I don't know how he does this...it's absolutely gorgeous. I'll listen to anything this man makes. I'm looking forward to anything he does ever.

Also, I have his live performance at the Triple Door. All of these songs are highly recommended. I wish I could see him live very badly. Please listen:

New Song!

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Majesty Snowbird

Bonus MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Sister Winter

Live! At the Triple Door
Casimir Pulaski Day
The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders
The Praire Fire That Wanders About
Jacksonville
The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades
Chicago
The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
John Wayne Gacy Jr.

Song of the Day - 9/30/06

2006-09-30T15:17:00.000-04:00

The Replacements broke up in 1991... that was sad. But the good of it is that Paul Westerberg began his solo career and has written some really amazing songs. After more than 10 years and 6 albums, 2 ep's and scoring the upcoming Open Season soundtrack, Westerberg has had a pretty awesome career.

Listening through 2004's Folker made me stumble on a song that I had almost forgotten about. One of my favorite Westerberg tunes, "Looking Up To Heaven," is poetry. A love song of sorts, but also just an optimistic and powerful song. It's sunny outside, do yourself a favor and take this one with you.

Have a great weekend everyone.

MP3: Paul Westerberg - "Looking Up To Heaven" from Folker (2004)

Buy Mr. Westerberg's Music: Amazon | iTunes

Bonus MP3: Paul Westerberg - "Let The Bad Times Roll" from Stereo (2002)
Bonus MP3: Paul Westerberg - "Love You In The Fall" from Open Season (2006)

Used To Be One Of The Rotten Ones And I Liked You For That

2006-09-30T03:35:00.000-04:00

Who loves Emily Haines? I love Emily Haines. And you should too. She is extraordinary. She is the front woman of Metric, one of the many superstars who contributes to Broken Social Scene, and most recently, solo artist. Known for her beautiful lilting melodies and her fragile beautiful voice, she adds a certain depth to Metric and Broken Social Scene that bring them up a level into indie rock legends. On her new solo album, she is more exposed than usual, most often only accompanied with a piano, a beat and occasional strings, yet her voice has never sounded better.

As a member of Broken Social Scene, she has sung some amazing songs, including my favorite BSS song, "Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl," off their breakthrough "You Forgot It In People."

As a member of Metric, she has released two albums officially (finished in 2001, their "debut" titled "Grow Up and Blow Away" was never released because of a conflict with their record label, however Last Gang Records recently purchased the rights and plan to release it in 2007.) In 2003, Metric released "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?" to much critical acclaim. Their most recent album, "Live It Out" was released last year, and has garnered them even more attention. Out of the three, I like "Grow Up and Blow Away" the best, so I think they will become even more popular upon its release next year.

Last week, Emily released a solo album, titled "Knives Don't Have Your Back," and it is more stripped down than anything she has done before. It features Sparklehorse's Scott Minor, members of Stars, Broken Social Scene and Metric. Emily said “When I was a little kid…I would creep downstairs to the piano and write rudimentary songs about imaginary places. I’m told the first song I ever wrote was a love song to a cranberry tree. I always used the mute pedal. I hated the idea of anybody hearing me. Everywhere I’ve lived while working with Metric, I’ve written songs on the piano and played them for no one. On the advice of a friend, I decided I’d better start recording them before they were forgotten. Four meandering years later I ended up with this collection of songs featuring a few of my favorite people, a group I call The Soft Skeleton.”

Although she released this solo album, she stated that her main priority is still Metric, and Broken Social Scene announced that they are going on hiatus after their fall tour, so we should expect either more Metric, or a Emily Haines solo tour. I would be content with any of it, and am driving five and a half hours to Ann Arbor in order to see BSS.

Pardon my banter, Emily Haines gets me excited.

MP3: Metric - Parkdale - Grow Up and Blow Away (2001)
MP3: Metric - Raw Sugar - Grow Up and Blow Away (2001)
MP3: Metric - Succexy - Old World Underground, Where Are You Know? (2003)
MP3: Metric - Monster Hospital - Live It Out (2005)

MP3: Broken Social Scene - Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl - You Forgot It In People (2002)
MP3: Broken Social Scene - Swimmers - Broken Social Scene (2005)

MP3: Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton - Detective Daughter - Knives Don't Have Your Back (2006)
MP3: Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton - The Lottery - Knives Don't Have Your Back (2006)

BONUS!!
Because I like watching Emily Haines, and because this music video is wierd, here is the music video for Monster Hospital.

Only Son

2006-09-29T23:47:00.000-04:00

Everyone once in a while, I'll be surfing blogs and I'll find a song or an artist and I will say to myself "HOLY CRAP! This is damn good!" I would first like to thank Indie Muse for allowing me to listen to this wonderful music.

"Only Son is the music of NYC based songwriter Jack Dishel. He has spent the majority of 2006 on the road opening for both Regina Spektor and Adam Green on their many tours of Europe, the UK and the United States. He will be opening solo for Regina Spektor once again this fall on her US tour before returning to NYC to play shows with his full band. Before creating Only Son, Jack was the frontman of NYC band Stipplicon as well as lead guitarist for The Moldy Peaches."

(from his website)

Jack Dishel remind me a lot of Islands/The Unicorns and Electric President, with a little bit of Ben Folds mixed in there. There's a good combination of guitar and electronic elements. I recommend listening to it right now.

MP3: Only Son - Sleepyface (recommended)

MP3: Only Son - Long Live the Future

MP3: Only Son - Quiet Surrender

Buy his stuff please
iTunes

A song best heard in the dark...

2006-09-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

You know those nights when you sit down with your head phones on in the dark and a song plays that really just blows your mind? I had one of those last night courtesy of mellow, shoegazing, dream-pop wonders, Low.

Everybody talks about Low and I never listened. Now I am sure they are one of my favorites. I haven't really listened enough to give you a good review, but don't expect this to be the last Low post from me either, they rock... in the most mellow way possible.

Song of the Day (and Night) - 9/29/06
MP3: Low - "July" from Things We Lost In The Fire

Buy Low music: Amazon | iTunes

Bonus MP3: Low - "Starfire" from Secret Name
Bonus MP3: Low - "Sea" from I Could Live In Hope

Other Stuff: Oh... and it's a wonderful to learn about good music from your own blog... thanks Dave, Brendan and most importantly, DOTY.

Kill Them With Kindness

2006-09-29T03:41:00.000-04:00

I have a confession, and I’m sure this won’t be very surprising. I can’t get enough of bands with girl singers. Recently, my insatiable appetite was fed when I found Polyvinyl’s new darlings Headlights. Headlights released an EP in 2005, and just released their first LP last week. They describe themselves as "Indie pop with a shoegazing aftertaste." They are based out of Champaign, Illinois, and are starting their tour in the Midwest, heading east, south, and back to the midwest (sorry west coast) and then crossing the Atlantic. World Tour baby. They have some songs up on their MySpace page that you can check out too. Do yourself a favor and enjoy Headlights. Then go see them at a tour date near you. 
 MP3: Headlights - Owl Eyes 
 MP3: Headlights - Hi-Ya!

 Website

REMIX!

2006-09-29T00:38:00.000-04:00

Everyone loves a good remix.

MP3: Teddybears - Punkrocker (Squeak E. Clean Remix)

MP3: Stars - The First Five Times (Russian Futurists Remix)

MP3: Andrew Bird - I (Joe Beats Experiment Mix)

MP3: Death Cab for Cutie - Steadier Footing (Mikio Mix)

MP3: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago (To String Remix by Jongalloway)

MP3: The Polyphonic Spree - Solider Girl (The GO! Team Remix)

The Postmarks

2006-09-28T21:56:00.000-04:00

I can't say that I know much about The Postmarks, other than that the lead singer has a beautiful voice, and that I like listening to them. You can find more information about this Florida based band here. You can also listen to more songs on their MySpace. Maybe the Postal Service will do a remix! HAHAHA! Anyway...here are some MP3s...

MP3: The Postmarks - Goodbye

MP3: The Postmarks - Know Which Way The Wind Blows

Website

The Glorious Revolution Part. 3

2006-09-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

This is Brendan. Brendan is a good man. Brendan plays in an awesome band called The Four Hundred, who will be in a REAL STUDIO(!!!) next month. Brendan likes good music. Brendan used to blog on our Sister Site. Now Brendan blogs on this one.

Today, Brendan is going to start posting great music for all of you to hear and bring JP to the next level. If you could, welcome this man... because he's awesome.

Blogger: Brendan (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Buy Brendan Nice Things: Korg | Candy | GIANT CHEESEBURGER
Be Brendan's Friend: MySpace

MP3: The Four Hundred - "Fiji (Demo)"

Song of the Day - 9/28/06

2006-09-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

Lupe Fiasco is one of the best rappers in the mainstream today, no doubt about it. With a scene filled with 50 Cents and Chamillionaire's, it's really refreshing to hear someone who is not only rapping about real ambitions and skill, but someone who is self-concious as well.

Lupe's first real album just got released and if you're at all atuned to the buzz, he's made a pretty big impact on the blog circut. Food and Liquor, while suffering the same small imperfections that plague any debut, comes out extremely strong. If that wasn't enough, the album features vocals by Jill Scott, Gemeni and the always amazing Jay-Z as well as fantastic production by both The Neptunes and Kanye West.

I've gotten a lot of heat from all around because of my opinions on rap and all that, but I really don't see the pleasure in listening to someone rap about how much tacky looking "bling" they have in their teeth when they don't even deserve whatever little respect they are getting. Bring me more Talib Kweli, RJD2, MF Doom, Aceyalone, Jedi Mind Tricks, Cunninlynguists and of course, Lupe Fiasco.

MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Daydreamin' (Feat. Jill Scott)"

Buy Food & Liquor: Amazon | iTunes
Stream the ENTIRE ALBUM on MySpace.

Here are some tracks (both new and RARE) from Mr. Fiasco.
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Kick, Push" The single
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "The Instrumental (Feat. Jonah Matranga)"
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Pop, Pop" From the rare 12" Single
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Lu Myself" From Lupe the Jedi Mixtape (SICK FREESTYLE)

But Lupe's new album isn't all that great, though... the last track is a 12 minute shout-out to pretty much everyone this guy has ever met... it's terrible (every rapper has to do it... I think it's natural to them). Don't believe me? Check this out:
MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Outro"

Live! Architecture In Helsinki

2006-09-28T00:47:00.000-04:00

Last night I saw Architecture In Helsinki at Pearl St. in Northampton, MA. They are a very fun band to watch with all their bongos, drum pads, synths, and a trombone. The only real problem was that there were some technical difficulties. They fixed that problem by bringing people up on stage to tell jokes. Once they got everything fixed they were able to keep up the fun atmosphere they created. They played A LOT of new songs, and they didn't say what the names of any of them were. They haven't named their new album (which is due out early 2007), but look forward to it. I think they're going to have a lot to offer on their new work.

MP3: Architecture In Helsinki - Do the Whirlwind

MP3: Architecture In Helsinki - It's 5!

Mp3: Architecture In Helsinki - Maybe You Can Owe Me (my personal favorite song by them)

Website
MySpace

Amazon | iTunes

Isen Biter

2006-09-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's because I'm half Swedish or maybe it's because they are really good or maybe it's both, but anyway I think I really like them. I think it's the perfect use of ba ba's and la la's. I think they are definitely worth a listen. They remind me a little bit of Oh No! Oh My! and a little bit of Sufjan as far as the rythmn and chord progressions go. Have a listen! Oh, I almost forgot. Thanks to Idolator for bringing them to my attention.

MP3: Isen Biter - What If The Sun Goes Down

MP3: Isen Biter - Insanity

Go to their MySpace

Fun Fact! Their name translated from Swedish means "Ice Bites."

Wayne Coyne = Awesome

2006-09-27T13:26:00.000-04:00

Look at this article from Pitchfork. It explains everything.

Song of the Day - 9/26/06

2006-09-26T16:49:00.000-04:00

People throw "Recommendations" around like they're nothing on the internet, but take my advice on this one.This past summer was a great summer for music. All the different music that I really had time to listen to gave me a great understanding for how much good music actually exists these days. For example, after reading about Lady & Bird back in July or so, they are one of my most recommended bands these days... they're amazing.

Their self-titled debut album was released on June 20th here in Los Estados Unidos and has gone almost unnoticed outside of the blogger's realm, they only have a thousand myspace friends... I know it's really lame, but even decent indie bands have thousands upon thousands and most aren't nearly as good as Lady & Bird. Their music is so pleasing to listen to, it puts me in a trance.

Their album is truly a special one. As their profile confirms, the album is "...certainly not aimed at the preschool set. Far from it. Lady & Bird tells the story of two curious, disembodied creatures who are stuck in the bodies of a pair of grownups."

That should sound really good to you. Please buy their album Lady & Bird (A Children's Story For Adults) if you ever get the chance. From the tragic "Suicide is Painless" to the infectious , indie trip-hop of "See Me Fall"... I RECOMMEND THESE SONGS IN THE MOST SERIOUS WAY.

MP3: Lady & Bird - "Suicide is Painless" (Totally Recommended!)
MP3: Lady & Bird - "See Me Fall" (Ridonkulously Recommended!)

Buy Their Album: Amazon | iTunes
Visit their MySpace for more info.

*Bonus* MP3: Lady & Bird - "Stephanie Says" (Velvet Underground Cover)
*Bonus* MP3: Lady & Bird - "Walk Real Slow"

Why I Like Ben Kweller

2006-09-26T11:25:00.000-04:00

Today I bring a few Ben Kweller songs that establish why I think he is awesome. Besides for being just generally a good song writer and musician, these songs really did it for me. The first is the song "I Don't Know Why." This isn't the version off the album, this is an older, more acoustic version that I enjoy better than his new one. I listened to it just as much as I listened to Sha Sha (my favorite Ben Kweller album.) The next is his cover of "Ice Ice Baby." That's all I have to say about that. Finally, there is one from his new album, "Thirteen." It's just so beautiful and honest that it's hard not to feel something when you listen to it.

MP3: Ben Kweller - I Don't Know Why (Alternate, More Acoustic Version)

MP3: Ben Kweller - Ice Ice Baby (Vanilla Ice Cover)

MP3: Ben Kweller - Thirteen

Bonus! Mp3!

MP3: Ben Kweller - Sundress (Acoustic)

Website
MySpace

Buy BK Stuff:
Amazon | iTunes

Guillemots: Awesome band... really hard to pronounce, though.

2006-09-25T20:19:00.000-04:00

These guys are really cool. Everyone I ask about them seems to either think that they're totally great or just trying to be Coldplay (so wrong...). Personally, I feel like Guillemots have their own distinct sound and really just need to be given a chance. The great part about them is that the band doesn't just consist of old friends that like to jam, it's made of a multinational group with multinational musical backgrounds. When a classical pianist, a Canadian double-bassist, Scottish drummer and Brazilian guitarist join forces, the product can be, at worst, extremely interesting and at best (in this case) something moving.

Their latest release, Through the Window Pane as well as their upcoming Trains To Brazil (Released Sept. 11) were both released this year as an EP entitled From the Cliffs. If anything, these guys are ambitious, and that is one of the best qualities you could have in music today. Enjoy music by Guillemots here, and buy their albums too... because they are good.

MP3: Guillemots - "Made Up Love-Song #43"
MP3: Guillemots - "Trains to Brazil"

Buy Guillemots: Amazon | Fantastic Plastic

Bonus! MP3: Guillemots - "Who Left The Lights Off, Baby?"

Song of the Day - 9/25/06

2006-09-25T16:43:00.000-04:00

So I was with some friends last night and we watched the movie Rushmore by Wes Anderson (who is a freaking genius filmmaker... Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic, Bottle Rocket... some of my faves of all time) starring Jason Schwartzman (above), and I realized that the soundtrack to this movie was absolutely phenomenal. Featuring some great old Cat Stevens and John Lennon tunes, the movies closes with the song Ooh La La by The Faces. This is a perfectly appropriate and poignant song for the ending of this film, and for life in general. I sat through all of the credits just listening to this great song, and I decided I would make it my first post in months. Enjoy... make sure to check out any Wes Anderson film you can, and if you are dissatisfied by them, you suck.

MP3: "The Faces - Ooh La La"

Buy the Soundtrack: Amazon

Andrew Bird - Fingerlings 3

2006-09-24T08:09:00.000-04:00

Thank you to i guess i'm floating...

Andrew Bird will be releasing Fingerlings 3 sometime this fall. Hopefully that will tide me over until his new solo album, "Armchair Aprocrypha" comes out in spring 2007. If you can't wait at all, then you should listen to Um, Circles and Squares by Dosh that features Andrew Bird (Dosh is the dude Mr. Bird toured with this summer). Check out our post about him. Anyway, here's a track from it. You can also find it on his MySpace.

MP3: Andrew Bird - Scythian Empire (Highly Reccommended)

Song of the Day - 9/24/06

2006-09-24T06:22:00.000-04:00

I can't express my respect for the Flaming Lips. They always impress me. Always. There are so many emotions that can go through you while listening to their music. They provoke thoughts and sometimes paralyze me. This may sound like an over exaggeration, and maybe it is, but you should just listen to this song for yourself. I feel like this song could be a companion to "Do You Realize?" Once you listen, you'll understand.

We can't predict the future
Or is this the inevitable urge to try?
But we want to know the answers
To understand the infinitive of time

MP3: The Flaming Lips - We Can't Predict The Future

New Of Montreal

2006-09-23T14:26:00.000-04:00

The album will be called "Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destoyer?" and it will be coming out in January 2007. I've been listening to these songs for a little bit, and I enjoy them. Go ahead, listen to them! They won't bite

MP3: Of Montreal - We Were Born The Mutants Again With Leafling

MP3: Of Montreal - Suffer For Fashion

Information on the New Beck CD

2006-09-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

I can't say I've ever been a big Beck fan. Don't get me wrong, I like his stuff, but sometimes I have a hard time getting into him. His new album "The Information" has changed that for me. I understand it now. This album has been in production for three years with the same guy who did Kid A, OK Computer, Sea Change, and Mutations. The album also has no set artwork because it will contain stickers where you can create your own. How cool is that?

Anyway, here are some tracks. Listen to them

MP3: Beck - Elevator Music

MP3: Beck - Strange Apparition

Get the album when it comes out, October 3rd

Amazon

Song of the Day - 9/22/06

2006-09-22T15:20:00.000-04:00

That's good a good press kit.

I never gave Mr. Meloy enough respect... I'll be honest. More and more I am realizing how important a vocal melody is to music. In that aspect, NO ONE is better than the Decemberists. There is a lot to be excited for on their new record. If you were one of the many who downloaded the leak of The Crane Wife, you're going to have to keep a lookout because as a result of the leak, the band has gone back to the studio to remaster the whole album.

In the meantime, here is one of my favorites from the upcoming The Crane Wife.

MP3: The Decemberists - "O Valencia!"

Preorder The Crane Wife

Bonus!MP3: The Decemberists - "Summersong"

Rogue Wave B-Sides

2006-09-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

Rogue Wave has become one of my favorite bands. Two albums is not, however, enouh to hold me over. So today I'm going to give everyone some Rogue Wave B-Sides. This post did not just come out of nowhere, though. There was an article on Pitchfork about their drummer and how he needs a kidney transplant. You can read the article here. Ben Gibbard, Guster, Nada Surf and John Vanderslive will be putting on a benefit for him September 30th.

Songs:

Rogue Wave - On A Plain (Nirvana Cover)

Rogue Wave - Manna

Rogue Wave - Eyes

Rogue Wave - March

Buy Rogue Wave Stuff

Amazon | iTunes

Autumn Mini Mix #1

2006-09-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

It's about that time of the year and why not accompany it with some music that provides the soundtrack for the season? But enough with the small talk, all you really want are the songs. Here you go:

The Long Winters - It'll Be a Breeze

Nico - Fairest of the Seasons

Sufjan Stevens - Wolverine

Polaris - Waiting for October

(Who is Polaris? You may remember them from the soundtrack to the hit TV show the Adventures of Pete and Pete)

Bonus Mp3s

Polaris - Hey Sandy (AKA the theme for the Adventures of Pete and Pete)

Ben Gibbard - It'll Be a Breeze (The Long Winters Cover, Live)

Postal Service Live XFM Session (EP/Set Installment #6)

2006-09-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hey Just Pretend... could you be any farther behind the curve?

Sure. Check me out.
Here's a set by a band who released one album in 2004 and that's about it. Have you heard of the Postal Service yet? There's this one guy who's in another band thats from Seattle or something called Death Cab For Cutie and he's pretty interesting. I can see them becoming mildly popular in the underground. I hope you like it. Remember... it's The Postal Service. That's a stupid name, if you ask me.

The Postal Service - XFM Sessions

BEN FOLDS COVERS "SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS!"

2006-09-19T19:45:00.000-04:00

Holy shit.... this makes my day. A STUDIO COVER! I love this so fucking much. Ben Folds is so awesome... Turns out he brought in a few random drummers from Australia and just recorded this sort of spur of the moment... the video explains it better.

Watch this video and then download the track.

MP3: Ben Folds - "Such Great Heights" (Cover) Highly Recommended!!!

I am very excited for his new album, don't know about you.

Page France on KEXP (EP/Set Installment #5) and HOT NEWS!

2006-09-19T16:24:00.000-04:00

Continuing in our new tradition of... this, here's another great set from the great live shows at KEXP.

Page France is one of my favorite bands of the past year (thanks to YANP) and have followed them so closely it's ridiculous. Michael Nau is one of the most interesting writers out there, in my opinion. His voice wraps around his great songs in a way that few can do and still seem serious. Enjoy this great set and be sure to take note of the interviews as well... it's worth it.

Page France - Live on KEXP (Full ZIP File)

or:

Order their albums and the NEW Limited Double EP and support Fall Records.
Be Their Friend: MySpace

In other Michael Nau related news, YANP (My FAVORITE real music blog ever) has given us the lowdown on Broadway Hush, the adorable new side-project between Michael Nau and Whitney McGraw (who are both actually in Page France). Check out their cover of Gene Austin's "Tonight You Belong to Me."

Broadway Hush (via You Ain't No Picasso)

BONUS!
MP3: Page France - "Million Man, Money Hand"
Mp3: Page France - "Passengers Laughing"

Why Ben Folds should be the new God.

2006-09-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

This is why.

Folds makes up songs on stage in real time and calls them "Rock This Bitch" if you didn't know.

Song of the Day - 9/19/06

2006-09-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

My awesome new roommate just made me listen to Doolittle again and it just reminded me why I liked the Pixies so much. A soft verse and some loud chorus action is just what you need sometimes. I'm certainly not as familiar with these guys as he is, but I can see why they have some of the best fans ever. From songs like "Debaser" to the holiness that is "Hey," I just want to tell you all to BUY THIS ALBUM. It is crazy that I never listened to it in its entirety and now I might just get murdered for saying it...

The whole album is a journey through the minds of these true artists. I recommend it more than anything else today.

MP3: Pixies - "Hey" (AMAZING)
MP3: Pixies - "Debaser"
MP3: Pixies - "I Bleed"

Buy Doolittle: Amazon | iTunes

*Bonus MP3: Pixies - "Here Comes Your Man"
*Bonus MP3: Pixies - "Mr. Grieves"

Martin Dosh

2006-09-16T12:38:00.000-04:00

You may have heard of Dosh because he has been touring with Andrew Bird this summer. He also has been working on Bird's new album and vice versa. When I saw Andrew Bird at Summerfest, he had Dosh with him and the new sound that he was making made me really psyched for his new album. I looked up Dosh online to see what kind of stuff he does and I really liked it. I have a song from Dosh's new album which features some of Andrew Bird's violin in there. It's pretty solid. You should listen to it.

Dosh - Um, Circles and Squares

Bonus Mp3s

Dosh - Simple Exercises (This song has been revamped to be on the new Andrew Bird album)

Andrew Bird (with Dosh) - Plasticities (Live at Bonnaroo)

Live! Mates of State

2006-09-15T00:47:00.000-04:00

Tonight I saw Mates of State play in Northampton, MA. I thought that their show was nearly perfect. They played everything you'd want to hear (they even did the Like U Crazy/Crazy combo). They played David Bowie's "Starman" and the second to last song they played "These Days." I was hoping that they would play it and when they did, it made me feel very good. If you haven't listened to them yet, then do so, please. If you have the opportunity to see them live, then do so, please.

Mates of State - These Days (Jackson Browne/Nico Cover) (Highly Recommended)

Mates of State - Like U Crazy

Mates of State - Like U Crazy (Live with Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy")

Website

Buy: Amazon | iTunes

Rainer Maria FREE at Boston University TONIGHT!

2006-09-14T16:11:00.000-04:00

Look at me! Look at me! I'm the last person to ever tell you about Rainer Maria! Here I am, about four months after the curve...

Anyways... there's a free show at the George Sherman Union today for Rainer Maria at 8:30 pm. I don't know if it's limited to students only, but I've been to a few (Ben Lee, Matt Pond PA and so on) last year and it was excellent. Try to do what you can...

If I managed to introduce you to Rainer Maria just now... it's ok. They play on Polyvynil (ooooo!) Here are some tracks. Their new album Catastrophe Keeps Us Together is out now.

MP3: Rainer Maria - "Catastrophe" (recommended)
MP3: Rainer Maria - "Ears Ring"
MP3: Rainer Maria - "Keep It With Mine" (Bob Dylan Cover!)
MP3: Rainer Maria - "Breakfast of Champions"

Buy their stuff: Amazon | iTunes
Visit their website: RainerMaria.com | MySpace

Song of the Day - 9/14/06

2006-09-14T15:43:00.000-04:00

This band consists of something like 20 people and is something of a "supergroup" from Georgia. That is really the bulk of what I know about the people. What I can tell you for certain is that this song is extremely happy and is made in such a way that you feel like part of the whole group of people who came together to make this record. Enjoy one song from the debut Universal Indians.

Despite how evil it may sound, it's really good... and drunk.

Dark Meat - "Angel of Meth"

The Polyphonic Spree

2006-09-13T08:04:00.000-04:00

I think if I were a member of the Polyphonic Spree I would probably end up being happy for the rest of my life. I just recently got their first album and I'm upset at myself for not listening to them sooner. Whenever you're feeling down, all you have to do is listen to any song by them and it is almost a guarantee that you will be at least a little happier. Today I have two songs from the new Wait EP and some extra rarities from a bonus disc I got at a used music store. Please listen and have a happy day.

The Polyphonic Spree - Sonic Bloom (Tripping Daisy Cover aka Tim DeLaughter's other band)

The Polyphonic Spree - Lithium (Nirvana Cover)

BONUS! MP3s! WHAT A HAPPY DAY!

The Polyphonic Spree - Soldier Girl (UK Version) (Highly Recommended Version)

The Polyphonic Spree - Light & Day (Orchestral Version) (Ditto)

Visit the Website

Buy: Amazon | iTunes

Insomniac Post

2006-09-13T04:01:00.000-04:00

I didn't really sleep last night and whenever I can't sleep I always think of this Eels song. I know it's off the Shrek 2 soundtrack, but it's still a really good song. I think this one is very appropriate. I don't know why this song has stuck with me so well. It's very simple: a basic drum beat, distorted electric piano, and what sounds like a music box. It works very in describing the feeling of sleeplessness.

Eels - I Need Some Sleep

Only 7 more days...

2006-09-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

Until the new Ben Kweller album!

Aren't you excited?

It actually came out in Europe yesterday...those lucky Europeans.
I got the acoustic version of Sundress off of iTunes, and I decided that I would share it with you. I almost enjoy this version better than the original. I like it more stripped down so you can notice the killer harmonies he does in this one.

Ben Kweller - Sundress (Acoustic)

Make sure to get the album when it comes out