Music, etc.

2007-05-16T11:58:00.000-04:00

Daniel Johnston at Warsaw- 5.15.07

Last night, standing up close to one of the best and most inspirational songwriters of all time, I realized that there was nothing to fear in life. If only for a brief moment, I felt a part of the collective unconscious; felt part of something larger than myself. Although he did not play any songs off of "Don't Be Scared," the same message rung through on each tune.

Daniel looked very good on stage. His medication, which makes him shake, also made him very personable and calm on stage. He told a few jokes (none of them anti-semitic) and even mentioned how he got into trouble for some comments he made recently. Also, he was very personal with the audience, expressing his worries on growing old and his wanting for a scientific agent to extend life. "I think this is the generation who wants to live forever," Daniel said; completely serious, completely hilarious.

Daniel painted beautiful songs of universal pain, but also universal happiness. He started the night with an acoustic guitar, by himself at first and then an old buddy (I don't remember the name). They played some classics, including "Do You Really Love Me?," "Silly Love," and the first track off of his first tape, "Grievances," which he has not played in quite some time. It was truely a special moment to be a part of.

After his friend played with him, a band came out and backed him up. He seemed really into the rock n' roll vibe and was obviously having a great time playing with a full band. The continued with more classics, "Walking the Cow," "Rock & Roll/EGA," and "Speeding Motorcycle." I was only really into the band for "Speeding Motorcycle," but for the most part, they acted like it was their concert instead of Daniel's, which was not cool.

There were times when you could tell he wanted them to stop playing, but they continued. The drummer was very good though and he seemed to really appericiate Daniel. After Daniel left, the drummer was off, meanwhile the rest of the band recieved the applause meant for Daniel. All in all though, Daniel really enjoyed playing with the band, so I can't get too angry at them.

After the band headed off, Daniel came back on stage for a beatiful rendition of "True Love Will Find You in the End." It was a really special moment and brought tears to my eyes. Immediatly after his second encore of "Devil Town (sing-a-long)," he went to the Warsaw food section and got himelf a plate. A crowd of people stood and stared at him while he was seemingly unaware that his prescence made any difference. My friend was able to tell him what a great show it was and even managed to get a hand shake.

I have no idea what he has planned for tonight, but after the energy and prescence he had last night, it should be an amazing show. I'm also expecting to see come celebrities, being part of the Highline Festival and all. I'll post the review for that one tommorow.

Grievances (From "Songs of Pain")

2007-05-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

Spider-Man 3

Ever since 2004's "Spider-Man 2," (a film I consider to be the greatest comic-book movie ever made and one of the best movies so far this decade) left me on the edge of my seat, I've been long anticipating the next installment in the series.

I'm still decideing if the movie was as good as I thought it was or if I just went into it with such high expectations that I didn't want to let myself down. After some though, though, I recoginze that it is a mix of both, but mainly the part about it being a great movie.

I am not a comic book guy. I didn't watch this movie, nor any other Spiderman, and criticize it for differences to the comic book. I don't care that they didn't call Venom by his name and rather had him wander around aimlessly. I don't care that Stan Lee makes a cameo. If you want to read the comic, more power to you, but don't expect the same plots to pan out on the big screen. Think of it as a movie, rather than as a comic-book movie. As a movie, this is the most entertaining 2 hours I have spent in a theater in quite some time.

"Spider-Man 3" is not your sit down, munch popcorn and be mindlessly humorored kind of entertainment, though. Sam Raimi does an excellent job to furthur continue the saga of Peter and Mary Jane. Once again, not being a comic book guy, I don't care especially much about the villians and I am most concerned with the webed hero an his girl. Luckily for me (but not so much the comic-book people), this seems to be Raimi's approach too.

The film also has a certain sense of humor that was lacing in the first two installments. The montage of newly dressed, fly, Peter Parker is pretty hilarious. The Bruce Campbell cameo is also very funny. My complaint about the scene though is that they threw Bruce in there strictly because they knew he would draw a crowd reaction. If they put him as a character that would have been good, even with Bruce playing him, they could have doubled the awesomeness potential.

Seriously, Toby Maguire hit a "god damn" home run with this movie. I am even going to go as far as to say that he should be nominated for best actor when it comes time for Oscar season. Spiderman is at a dark period of his life and Maguire portrays this cross roads perfectly. He doesn't overact the drama, but rather he uses subtle facial expressions to convey his growing frustrations about being a hero.

Problems at work and a handful of evil villians are ruining Spidermans already depleting relationship with the woman he loves. There are even instances, and this is the first time in the entire series that I have noticed, that you are not rooting for Spidy. There are moments, when in confusion, he does some pretty horrible things. Toby plays Spiderman better than I could ever think possible. And since Raimi deides to focus mainly on the inner struggles of the hero, Maguire has a lot to work with.

All of the focus on plot, though, did not take away from the films stunning visuals. The fight scenes look absolutely spectacular. The villians are plentiful and Spiderman seems to finally have the odds stacked aginst him. A situation like that definatly will not help any problems at home.

Along with the Harry Osborne's alter ego, Hobgoblin, we are intriduced to Venom (once again, not refered to as Venom), played by "that 70's show" star Topher Grance and the Sandman, played by Thomas Haden Church. The two villians are extremely underdeveloped, having both spawned in this movie alone. The point though, is that the villians are secondary to Raimi's vision. Venom and Sandman come out of no where and still manage to bring suspense, along with great action scenes. If they can do it now, why can't they pull this same thing for furture installments?

A lot of the action and major events take place in the third act. In fact, "a whole lotta shit goes down." Some of the events, people are not going to like, people are going to bitch about. I do believe that entirely too (seriously, entirely) much happens in the final fifteen minutes. But it was a bold move; a risk the filmmakers decided to take. They didn't play it safe and I have to respect that. Some of the times, making a bold move here or there seperates a good movie from a great movie. This one falls into the latter category.

A film so important, so massive, is not going to rest without scrutiny. The film is not going to please everyone; but if you sit back and let it do its thing, you get a great piece of cinema. There are literary hundreds of different ways this movie could have gone and it seems as though most people do not like this one merely because it did not go their way as opposed to it actually be sub par.

I loved the awesome Spiderman charcater development that we've learned to expect from "Spiderman 2" and the fight scenes look absolutly amazing. As far a super hero movies go, the Spiderman franchise is king. "Spiderman 3" is no exception.

2007-04-25T15:29:00.000-04:00

New Moon

The wait is over. You can take "Either/Or" out of your cd player in hopes that a hidden track will find is burried beneath the surface. Ever since Elliot Smith's death in 2003, fans have been morning the loss of the legend while looking for material not released. For a while elliotsmithbsides.com has been servicing fans with rare demos (until earlier this month when the RIAA stepped in) and archive.org has been with concert audio. For the first time since 2004's "From a Basement on a Hill," a new Smith album is being released.

Kill Rock Stars will release the double disc, titled "New Moon," on May 8th. The album contains 24 songs recorded by Smith between 1994 and 1997, a time period in which Smith could have probably recorded an album per day. Most of the proceeds from the album will go directly to Outside In , a Portland-based organization dedicated to providing services for homeless youth and low-income adults.

Rest assured, this album will be awesome. Many live versions of the songs have long be running around, but of the 24 tracks, only 3 have been actualy released. "Whatever (Folk Song in C)," which appears on the album in demo form has long been my favorite Smith song and although I have heard a good portion of the other live versions, I'm really excited to hear more polished versions.

Whatever (Folk Song in C)

2007-04-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

Why Must Happy Hearts Break So Hard?

There is a lot more music out there than anyone has the time to listen to it. I've been a big fan of Okkervil River's "Black Sheep Boy" from 2005, but I have never had the chance to take a big look at their back catalog.

While listening to Westfall off of "Don't Fall in Love With Everyone You See" I decided to let my itunes take it to the next track, a song I had never heard, called "Happy Hearts." I thought something had malfunctioned on my itunes or it was on shuffle because right at the start of the song a peculiar voice came in, and it is not Will Sheff. "Is that Daniel Johnston?!" I shout after hearing it.

The song is fantastic. Will and Daniel share the mic for different sorrowful verses and come together for a beautiful chorus. If there is anyone writing songs right now who reminds me of a young Daniel, it's Sheff. During Daniel's verses, it is hard to believe he did not write the material.

"Everybody's searching for a place to put their love," Daniel sings, a sad, yet unlifting moment in the song. Instead of sounding depressed will the haunting lyrics, Sheff and Johnston seem hopeful, like they will find that place to put their love, eventually.

To make things even better, Daniel has added a Brooklyn show on May 15th, the day before he is playing Highline. If I wind up going to both, that week will officially go down in histroy as the best of all time.

Happy Hearts

2007-04-20T15:19:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Concerts

It's kind of hard to write a blog about new music and keep it updated when all I have been doing is listening to Sky Blue Sky. I will, however, explain how exicted I am for the week of May 9-16.

Being a teenager without his license, it is hard for me to attend a lot of shows in a small period of time. So, I always get excited when I'm seeing more than one act in a week. Memorable times when I did the "two show in one week" deal was when I say Flaming Lips on a Monday night and that coming Friday saw Sufjan. I couldn't have asked for a better week. The perfect band followed by the perfect solo act; perfect bookends.

The other time was just as good: The Hold Steady on a Saturday and M. Ward the following Friday. Once again: perfect band and perfect solo act. While it is pretty lame that I remember these things, since I don't go to too many shows I remember each one fondly.

May 9-16 though has three awesome concerts that I have been looking forward to. To start off the epic week is the start of the Highline "Festival" with Arcade Fire playing Radio City. I'm not crazy about Radio City, but the seats are good and the band is even better. Not to mention, the opening act is the fucking National! And possibly a David Bowie appearence? If so, it would be the greatest concert week even if it only had one show.

The Arcade Fire-Ocean of Noise

Two days after Arcade Fire comes They Might Be Gaints at the Stone Pony. I've always thought of them as the guys who sang the "Malcolm in the Middle" theme (which they are), but it turns out they are a lot better than that. I'm not dissing the song, it's just not that great of a representation of them. Anyway, that show should be fun, especially since the intimate atmosphere of the Pony.

They Might Be Gaints-Hall of Heads

Topping off the week, also part of Highline, is the brilliant Daniel Johnston at the newly finished Highline Ballroom. This is by far the most anticipated concert I am ever going to go to. Daniel Johnston is a god; the experience should be angelic. The best part about it is general admission. I love waiting in line and knowing I will have the chance to be right next to Daniel himself will make the wait even more enjoyable. I'm not expecting the older songs I know in love and I'm not really too familiar with his new stuff, just hearing him play music will be worth the world.

Daniel Johnston-Wicked World

2007-04-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

More Quick Caps

Yesterday I reviewed two new albums that will be remembered at the end of the year. The two reviews for today are from bands who, in the next few months, I will be seeing live. Both shows should be great for they truely are two of the best in the business. These records helped solidify Arcade Fire in my book and Wilco, well, they're just Wilco.

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

I'll start off this review with a brash statement: this is the most beautiful record I've heard in years. It's not A Ghost is Born; it's not Yankee Hotel Foxtrot; it's not Summerteeth. Sky Blue Sky doesn't deserve to be compared to those records; they were good on their own terms, but those terms were completely different. Those records shouldn't even be compared amongst themselves for they're all completely different. Jeff Tweedy is a cameleon; nothing he writes sonds even remotely similar to pervious works.

While this album is softer--more soulful, less rock--than previous efforts, each member of the band still contributes in their own way. Sure, Glen Kotche must have been a little bored putting these songs together because of minimal percussion. Nels Cline lends his hand with a lot of prog-guitar, especially on songs like "Shake it Off."

This album has not been released yet, but with it streaming on the bands website all the time, I would be surprised to find a Wilco fan who hasn't heard the record. The backlash has already began. "This is boring," seems to be the calling card for Sky Blue Sky. I'll admit it, the first time I heard the album, I was bored. Fifty plays later, I can say this album is just as affecting as any previous effort. If you can learn to go with the flow and accept the fact that Wilco isn't that much of a rock band anymore, then you'll have an easier time accepting this record for what it is.

Somehow, though, "The Thanks I Get" did not make it on to this album. Much like "Magazine Called Sunset" for "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," the track did not fit into the album. It is rare for a veteran band to continue to put out great albums with b-sides that are just as good, if not better.

For some odd reason Wilco has picked a show in my town for this upcoming tour. I hope this time, I can meet the entire band and Tweedy. While I didn't get a chance to get tickets to the show a few days afterward in Hammerstein, this is the first time I'm not going to have to travel to see a great band.

"Sky Blue Sky" takes Wilco in a new direction and unlike "Cassadaga," the album maintains itself without falling flat in spots. By now, Jeff Tweedy has solidified himself as the best song-writer around today. If you can't look past the fact that this album won't make you dance, won't make you break stuff, then you're missing out on some of Jeff's most personal songs. This one is a keeper.

Shake it Off

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

"Funeral" came out of no where. In late 2004 the world went crazy for the bad peculiarly named the Arcade Fire. The album managed to live up to it's enormous praise. "Neon Bible," the bands follow up to the popularity was garnered with the same response. Debuting on the charts at number 2; selling out Radio City in minutes; the Arcade Fire are about as mainstream as "indie" gets. But hell, I'd rather them giving the general public a view of indie than having a band like the Arctic Monkeys do it.

If I could describe this complex album in one word it would be intense. Win Butler begins the journey, "I will walk down to the ocean/After waking from the nightmare/No moon, no pale reflection/Black mirror, black mirror." Needless to say, it's a lot darker than funeral. Even without Win's dark lyrics, this album would have worked as a full instrumental release. The arrangements are beautiful with haunting church organs, looping guitars, xylophone, accordion and keyboard.

The Arcade Fire really "Keep the Car Running" with this brilliant sophmore effort. It seems as though, even if Arcade Fire released an album half as good as Neon Bible musically, their intensity and angst alone would make it a good listen. And if their performance on SNL was any show of their intensity live, I am in for a real treat at Radio City.

Black Mirror

2007-04-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

Quick Caps

I've been gone from the blog for quite a while now. For the past few months I've just become really lazy and the over tiring post-a-week became too much; go figure. I do plan on keeping the blog updated from now on though, for real.

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Over the past weeks a bunch of news albums have been released. New albums from seasoned veteran artists such as Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes and Wilco have not been disappointments. And the new with Arcade Fire album, the band is able to avoid a sophmore slump. Here are some quick reviews of albums that have been in heavy rotation in my player.

Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Once I put this cd into the player, I knew it was going to be awesome. It had to be, especially after "Good News for People Who Like Bad News," which wasn't particularly bad, just boring.

It is rare that I enjoy an album too much upon first listen but "We Were Dead..." hits you right away. As far as Modest Mouse goes, it is compromable to the band's 2000 masterpiece "The Moon & Antarctica."

The album begins with the completely insane "March into the Sea" in which band leader Isaac Brock yelps out a wicked "Ahahaaa!" during the chorus. The song itself is a perfect opener with a whole lot of energy. The following song, the obvious single "Dashboard," maintains the energy of the first track and gives the radio a much needed dose of Modest Mouse.

Johnny Marr makes his presence in the band known on this album. On every song you can here the newly acquired guitarist hard at work. Brock still shines on every track and the best thing about it is that you can tell he is having a blast.

While it is obvious that songs like "Dashboard" are begging to be played on a top 40 radio station, the album is not a blatent attempt to make money. Modest Mouse aren't "selling out." The opener shows the exact contrary. Brock's voice is still there, screaming and yelping in all of its glory. His lyrics are still there, challenging the listener to sit through some of the tales. His intentions are not to compromise the music to each a larger play, but rather to challenge the average listener to listen to something new.

March into the Sea

Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

The problem with making an album after "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning" is that the new album will not be "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning." When I first heard "Cassadaga," I was disappointed. Why is Conor sining about the end of the world? How is this Bright Eyes?

Although "Four Winds" hit me with it's drawn out, honky tonk intro, the song it self made me feel uneasy. Is the direction he is taking? Turns out, it was the direction he was taking. Fourtunatly, however, it was the right direction to go.

While the arrangements on "Four Winds" itself are over done, the lyrics are well done. And while Conor is too ambitious on some songs, the ambition allows for arrangements such as those on "Coat Check Dream Song" and "Soul Singer in a Session Band."

What's gone from "Cassadaga," though, is the personality of Oberst himself. "I'm Wide Awake..." is one of the most personal albums ever recorded where each song shows another aspect of Oberst's personality .

Writing about himself is what Oberst does best. As far as song writing goes, this album is a major step down. Unlike Modest Mouse, Conor seems to be sheding artistic integrity in order to appeal to a wider crowd. His voice seems to show this trend also. He stays on key most of the time and for the most part his voice sounds a lot better, but it is lacking the emotion his cracking voice portayed in older songs like "Poison Oak."

Sure, the arrangements are more complex than any previous effort, they are the only worth while part of the album. When I think of Bight Eyes, the first thing that comes to mind is lyrics. The lyrics aren't bad per se, but they seem to distanced; too much like Conor is singing someone elses's songs. While "Cassadaga" isn't a bad album, and it is growing on me after each listen, it is missing something. If Conor can keep the good arrangenments without compromising song-writing, we will be in for a treat next time around.

Soul Singer in a Session Band

The reviews for the new Wilco and Arcade Fire will be posted tommorow.

2006-12-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas

Christmas morning: time to sit back, relax, open gifts and enjoy the company of those you love. This Christmas morning, however, a piece of news relayed to me by my grandmother put a damper on what was supposed to be a momentous day. No amount of Christmas cookies, eggnog or carols could make up for the terrible news.

I had plans to see the Godfater of Soul, James Brown, next week at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Sadly, I will no longer be attending this concert. Brown died early this morning due to pneumonia. He was an absolute legend in the music business as well as one of the worlds biggest contributers to soul and funk music.

Brown was no stranger to Christmas tunes, releasing "James Brown's Funky Christmas" in 1968. These two are my personal favorties from the great album.

Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto

Christmas in Heaven

Aside from the horrible news, Christmas has been treating me fairly. I am now much more wealthy then I was yesterday at this time and I'm also the pround new owner of an awsome coat. Enjoy the Christmas tunes. I will probably get back to daily posts next week or so. In the mean time, I'll post when I feel the need.

Christmas in the Looney Bin- Daniel Johnston

Christmas at the Zoo- The Flaming Lips

2006-12-18T18:45:00.000-05:00

Top 20 songs of 2006

After counting off the 10 best albums of the year, it was only fitting for me to put up my favorite 20 songs of the year. Please download these songs and appericate the great music given to us by these artists. I speant a long time uploading thses tracks and I would hate my efforts to be done in vain, so download and enjoy.

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20) How Could You Live in the Northeast- Paul Simon

-Paul Simon proves he still has it with this opener from "Surprise." Humanity will prevail over any local setting, a message that works especially well when Brian Eno is producing.

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19) Some Kind of Chill- Arizona

-Wheter it is the amazing guitar solo, or the brilliant folk lyrics that gets you, this song is one of the most pleasent pieces of music released all year.

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18) Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken- Camera Obscura

-This song is just delightful indie-pop at its finest.

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17) Minute by Minute- Girl Talk

-Before this year, if you were to tell me that there would ever be a song featuring Jefferson Airplane, Missy Elliott, Steely Dan, 50 Cent, The Game, Ying Yang Twins and Neutral Milk Hotel I would have said you were crazy. This song manages to mix all of these elements and more to make one of the best songs of the year.

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16) The Great Salt Lake- Band of Horses

- Like any Band of Horses's song, this one is all about the build up.

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15) Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby- Islands

- Another indie-pop gem. Just an explosion of delightful music. The lyrics are more or less nonsense, but the song is not about great lyrics.

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14) The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song- The Flaming Lips

- Typical Lips lyrics and a rocking backing make this AWWTM's finest track. It is overproduced, but that is not a bad thing. If the Lips were to make a song that wasn't overproducted, then I would be disappointed.

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13) Monkey & Bear- Joanna Newsom

-The classic story of the deception of friends is played out through the eyes of Joanna Newsom...including the niave Bear and the bastard monkey. Newsom's voice is just perfect for this amazing track.

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12) Girl in the War- Josh Ritter

- Being in a field of music which does nt require too much innovation, Josh Ritter must rely on his lyrics to get his message across. This so is one of the many examples of why Ritter is one of the finer songwriters out there.

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11) We Used to Vacation- Cold War Kids

-For having just started releasing material this year, the Cold War Kids have already released three solid EP's and an above average LP. They have matured a lot in the past year and this track from the Up in Rags EP is an example of Nathan Willett's songwriting ability.

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10) Stuck Between Stations- The Hold Steady

-The perfect opener of one of the year's best albums. Craig Finn, although many years past his glory days, can write about teenagers better than any Emo musician out there.

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9) Chariot- Page France

-Another example of great indie-pop. Never has the apoclypse seemed so happy. The build up which finally explodes into a medely of instruments is one of the most satisfying moments in music this year.

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8) Over and Over- Hot Chip

-Hot Chip's album is so infectious that in order to pick the best track from it, I played the whole album and chose which one was best by the one which made me dance the most. I dare you not to dance to this song.

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7) The Crane Wife 1 & 2- The Decemberists

-Another amazing story by the Decemberists. The entire Crane Wife album is a masterpiece and this song is not exception...definatly the finest track on the album.

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6) Shakey Dog- Ghostface

-Ghostface is one of the best storytellers in the business today. When a Ghost track is playing, the best doesn't matter, the cameos don't matter, all that matters is the "crafty darts" which come from his mouth.

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5) Hotel Song- Regina Spektor

- Playing a prostitute who regrets a life of never getting close to anyone emotionally, Spektor protrays a part of all of us that we will never share with another person, regardless of how close we get.

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4) Steal the Blueprints- +/-

-A very Postal Service esque track including funky keyboard loops and static guitar tones to complete this electro-pop masterpiece.

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3) First Night- The Hold Steady

-Aside from writing songs of wild parties, Craig Finn can also write about the effects of wild parties. This slow song is a good change of pace from a band that does so much rocking.

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2) The Funeral - Band of Horses

-I cannot get enough of this song. Ever since it came out, even during stretchs where I would hate basically anything, this song was always on a playlist of mine. The impact is apparent upon first listen.

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1) Chinese Translation- M. Ward

-This is the second #1 spot for Ward on this site. While gazing at the other lists (including Pitchfork's), I've noticed that "Chinese Translation" has been very overlooked. "What do you do with the pieces of a broken heart?" asks a love-sick Ward. I'm not sure there will ever be an answer to such a question.

2006-12-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

2006 Top 10: #2,1

This list is finally down to the final two. I had a very hard time weighing each album out and deciding on the better of the two. I am certain that I picked the better album. Each one provided me with so much joy, but when it came down to it, #1 just was overall better. There are many more lists on the way (concerts of the year, songs, etc.) so don't fret.

#2) The Decemberists- The Crane Wife

In many cases, the switch to a mjor label leads to a less artistic output. On their fourth LP, first on major label Capitol, that old myth turned out to work out the exact opposite. The Crane Wife is easily the smartest, most musically advanced album the Decemberists have ever released.

The album itself focuses on many themes: love, loss, war amongst other things. Each songs stands out on its own as a work of art. Two songs reach over ten minutes and fit enough material to fit three or foure tracks.

Signing to Capitol means more money for production; more money to pull of things they could have never imagined on an independent label. "The Island," in particular, one of the ten minutee epics, could have never been pulled of on Kill Rock Stars. It also amazes me that these advanced arrangements can be pulled off live. The five members of this band are some of the most musically talented folks out there.

Throughout tracks such as "Yankee Bayonette" "When the War Came" and "Sons and Daughters" focus on the war within the album. Ig there were anyone more qualified to write about a war on a folk-rock record, it's Colin Meloy.

Meloy just has a knack for story-telling. He always has had that in him, but this time the arrangements are more complex, giving backing to Meloy's powerful words. Any other year, thsi would be a sure0fire number one record. It includes everthing I love about music; about the Decemberists, all in a one hour package.

The Crane Wife 1 & 2

Shankhill Butchers

1) M. Ward- Post-War

I cannot name a song writer on top of his game more so than M. Ward is on his fifth release, Post-War. This time around, Ward's talents are backed by some interesting arrangements from a backing band, something Ward has lived without on his first four releases.

On paper, the first track, "Poison Cup" does not look like an M. Ward song, but once the deep voice and electric piano pick up, it becomes a love song in which only M. Ward could pull off. Having appeared on Daniel's tribute album a few years ago, it is interesting to see Ward go with another cover from Daniel Johnston. No doubt, M. Ward gives the song, "To Go Home" the justice it deserves. The song is just done perfectly and the harmonies from Neko Case only adds to the mystique.

I never even think about clicking the skip button when "Post-War" is playing. If you are a fan of M. Ward's voice, which is a bit to get used to for a new comer, than this is the perfect M. Ward album for you. Even the less serious tracks, like "Magic Trick" come off brilliantly.

"Requiem," is a sad, yet pretty uplifting song. The character has died, but the way he lived his life is what really matters to those who knew him. Cliche, I know, but the way Ward adds his own touch really shows how far good lyrics can take a song. Take the basic idea of mourning and add M. Ward and you get one of the most happy songs about death you'll find anywhere.

"What do you do with the pieces of a broken heart?" asks a love-sick Ward to an old man under a weeping willow tree during the albums masterpiece, "Chinese Translation." The song itself is one of the finest pieces of music I've heard in the past few years.

Even on lighter songs, like the instrumental "Neptune's Net" or the fun "Rollercoaster." Post-War is an example of a great song-writer producing a brilliant record. Sure, other albums this year have been pretty great, but this one surpasses all the rest.

Chinese Translation

Requiem

2006-12-13T22:50:00.001-05:00

2006 Top Ten: #4,3

The countdown is winding down and we're getting closer to the year's best release. Today marks the first appearence of a solo female vocalist, as well as the second. I reviewed one of them just around a week ago, so I'm going to pull the old cop out and pretty mush repost my exact review, only this time from a more advanced perspective, having giving the album many more listens.

4) Regina Spektor-Begin to Hope

The album kicks of with easily the years most catchy song. A lot of Spektor fans were upset about this, becuase they felt Regina gave up on her old style in favor of the radio-friendly tunes on "Begin to Hope." She hasn't lost that flare for songwriting though, drawing the listener deeper and deeper into the songs are multiple listens.

Regina has one of the most beautiful voices in modern music, a benefit that only helps the ambitious love songs on "Begin to Hope" work out really well in the end. In easliy the songs most eccentric song, Samson, Spektor sings to the mysterious Samson, "You are my sweetest downfall, I loved you first." As the soft piano-backing is drowned out by Regina's high note, the song begins to take on a mystical tone.

On the next track, she sticks with the love theme in "On the Radio." The song can put anyone in a good mood. The song portraits a young couple with no regrets as they lie together in a car as "November Rain" comes on the radio.

Spektor takes on the persona if a prostitute on my favorite track on the album, "Hotel Song." The poor, lost narrator searches for love in a dark hotel room, optimistic at night, but in the morning she is sad and lost one again. "I have dreams of orca whales and owls/but I wake up in fear/you will never be my, you will never be my dear/will never be my dear, dear friend," finishes up the catchy, yet depressing song.

Regina, with her beautiful voice and knack for song-writing has created one of the most delightful albums of the year. It is hard not to sing along with every track on the record, it is that good.

Hotel Song

Samson

3) Joanna Newsom- Ys

After all of the hype about it, I thought that Joanna Newsom's new album simply title "Ys" would disappoint me greatly. After one listen though, I can say that it completly blew me away. Not to hate on "The Milk-Eyed Mender" but "Ys" puts Newsom's freshman effort to shame. This time around, so much is going on in each song, too many themes to fully grasp. Thats the true wonder of it though, it takes time and if you're willing to gather up all of the beautiful allegories and metaphors, then you're in for a tremendous treat.

One song in particular, "Monkey & Bear," almost brings me to tears. Newsom's song-writing skills really shine in a story of two friends, and the decieveing tricks we will play on our firends, regardless of the consiquences, just to benefit ourselves. Newsom's voices weaves maticulously through fantasy and reality to make some of the most breath-taking moments in recent music memory. Each song, ranging in the five to sixteen minutes range, tells a beautiful story.

The utter ambition and uniqueness gives this album a completely refreshing feeling. Newsom's harp perfectly coats each beautiful song. She even trows in some Jew's harp on the absolutly stunning "Cosmia." Unlike all of the other albums on this list, you won't find a guitar, bass, or a set of drums anywhere in album. Instead, a lovely arrrangements of strings creates a surreal feeling throughout.

It also is a great bonus that Newsom's voice is actually bearable on this five song mix. Again, it's not that I did not like her previous release, I thought her voice was weird for the sake of being weird. This time, we get a more polished, beautiful version of the pierceing voice that plagues "Mender."

I've never been a big Newsom fan, but if there ever were a time to convert, it is now.

2006-12-13T20:18:00.000-05:00

NIP/TUCK Finale

For the most part, this season of "Nip/Tuck" has been a complete mess. The storylines, which did build up at all, like they usually do, revolved around a completly ridiculous concept, once again involving villian Escobar Gallardo. He seems to be the wirter's scapegoat when they cannot think of anything more creative.

The finale, which aired last night, completly redeemed the entire season. All of the horrible sotrylines and characters (Michelle, Escobar, Juila) are all gone for next season. On top of that, they have moved from Miami to Hollywood, a move that could just save the show from the gutter it was headed for. I think it was the writers' way of saying, "You had to put up with all this crap this season, here is a gift."

"Nip/Tuck" has been one of two reasons for me to turn on the television recently (the other being the completely amazing Dexter). I really feared that after this season, the show that I called my favorite for years now was going to become a complete mess, but episodes like last night really remind me why I'm a fan in the first place.

"Nip/Tuck" episodes always have a few great tracks to back-up a few scenes. Last night, my favorite scene, a complete ode to Magnolia, found the characters singing along to "Brighter Discontent" by the Submarines. This marked the third appearence of Submarines in the finale alone. It was just one of those classic scenes where I had no idea why it was left in (maybe Ryan Murphy is just a huge Magnolia fan?) but I was completely happy that it was.

The track comes from the Submarines release this year, "Decalre a New State." Personally, I am not familiar with the album, but this track is pretty good. Anything that can aide in the revamping of a great show is alright in my book.

Brighter Discontent

2006-12-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

2006 Top Ten: #6,5

As the week winds down, so does my list of the greatest releases of the year. Today is a pretty interesting mix of a debut cd from othherwise noted veterans, as well as one of the best rap albums to come out in the past few years.

6) Ghostface Killah- Fishscale

Fishscale sets Ghostface as one of Rap's best lyricists. After a short intro, the album jumps right into its most solid track, "Shakey Dog." The song itself describes, in complete detail, Ghost and his boy Frank robbing a convenience store full of drugs. Everything down to the food being eaten by the security guards is described in detail. The drug game, as described in this song, is previlant throughout the 18 solid tracks on Fishscale.

"Kilo," easily the albums's most catchy track, flows right after "Shakey Dog" and uses an interesting hook to describe the goal of high ranking drug dealers. The lyrics delve into detail just as much as the previous track. "Some say a drug dealers destiny is reachin the ki'/I'd rather be the man behind the door, supplying the streets/A hundred birds go out, looking like textbooks/when they wrapped and stuffed/four days later straight cash, two million bucks."

"R.A.G.U." explains about the not-so-great world of the big drug tycoons, acting as a good counter-balance to "Kilo." Whereas most rappers, especially popular ones like Ghost, are rapping about how they "own the south" or they're "the king of new york," Ghost's just lets his unparralleled ability to tell a story guide him through this record. "My arts is crafty darts? Why ya'll stuck with laffy taffy?" Ghost asks in the track "The Champ." With all of the amazing hip hop out there, it really is amazing how a song like "Laffy Taffy" can make someone that much money.

Having matured greatly since "The Pretty Toney Album," Ghost's lyrics allow him to venture areas, such as "Underwater," that he hasn't touched upon in his first four solo albums. Out of all the rap cds released in the past couple of years, this one sits high above the rest.

Shakey Dog

The Champ

5) Islands- Return to the Sea

This was the first truely great album of the year. For anyone upset after the split of The Unicorns, Islands answers all their fans questions with this masterpiece of a pop album. The album, according to lead sing/songwriter Nick Diamonds, is loosley inspired by Paul Simon's "Graceland." Any band thats seek inspiration from Paul Simon gets credit in my book and pulling off an album like this gives them even more credit.

Diamonds belts out tunes ranging from love stories, to death stories, to stories about the apocalypse, all with a unique flare.While it is very hard to be too original is pop music, Islands' songs do not sound like anything you would hear on top 40 radio, but they definatly could reign supreme if they were explosed to such toxins.

Track after track these songs come at you with their infectious melodies and gradually explode into poppy wonders. "Rough Gem" and "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby" are just two songs that come to mind that are just wonders. Each song, though, has the ability to get stuck in your head, never to be shoved out again.

Rough Gem

Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby

2006-12-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

2006 Top Ten: #8,7

I'm sure most of you, like me, love to read top 10 lists. Even if the only reason we read them is to disagree with them, it is still fun to sit through other people realing off what they got out of the music year. Some of the times though, if it is a straight list with a brief explination after each choice, I find myself reading only the number one choice or some of my personal favorites. Since I feel every album that makes a top 10 list must be solid on its own merit, I will be posting two albums a day until I reach the number one spot on Thursday.

8) Band of Horses-Everything All the Time

For a while I thought this album was not going to make my list, but there are just too many great tracks on this Band of Horses debut album for me to exclude it from the list. Although "Return to Cookie Mountain," the album which I originally placed in the number eight spot is a really great album, it just does not have the affect that "Everything All the Time" has upon each listen. Overall, this is the most consistant, track by track record of the year.

For a debut album, no band could ask for more from themselves. Ben Bridwell is obviously an amazing songwriter whose talent can only grow in the coming years. I won't get my hopes up too high though, because there is no way the band's sophmore effort, whenever it may be made, can be as good as this. Although I don't anticipate it being as good as "Everything All the Time," I do expect another kick-ass record from these Seattle rockers.

Not to spoil any future list, but at least two of my top 20 songs of the year are on this album, including my number one choice for song of the year. I really don't know why I was going to exclude this from the list, writing this very review (with "Weed Party" playing on my itunes no less) just gets me even more excited about this album. St. Augustine, an aucuostic number, is also one of the best closing tracks of the year.

Sure, Band of Horses are not the most unique band out there. Obviously they are influenced by bands (or horses) such as My Morning Jacket, but influences, in my book, are a good thing. But instead of taking in influences and playing it safe, Bridwell writes songs that are all over the place. The songs aren't too catchy, they aren't too poppy or even heavily sentimental, it is just a good rock band doing what they do best.

The Funeral

The Great Salt Lake

7) The Flaming Lips- At War With the Mystics

This pick should come as no shock to readers of this blog. It's an album that was overlooked by a lot of publications this year (but still earned a nod for Best Alternative Album of the Year at the Grammy's) and met a dismal Pitchfork review. Although I can agree with some of the criticisms expressed in the review, I think it is perposterious to suggest that the Lips don't give studio albums their all.

The thing I love about being Flaming Lips fan is that I never know what to expect. They've evolved so much since thier hard rocking "Flaming Lips" debut. After "The Soft Bulletin" and "Yoshimi" this album may seem like a small achievement, but on its own, it stands up as a great album.

From the beginning "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah," the listener knows that they are going to be taken on a freaky ride in which only a band like the Flaming Lips would dare to go. After revisiting the ride too many times, I've grown to love it just as much as I had expected.

And unlike many albums out there, this one is pretty solid throughout. "Haven't Got A Clue," almost single-handedly take this album down to number seven though. It is just such a bad song, which I honestly haven't got a clue why it was left on the record. Definatly the worst Lips song in their history. After first hearing this album, "Vein of Stars" stood out as one of my least favorite tracks, until I saw them do the song live and it completly changed my mind on the song, which is actually very good.

Other than that one throw away track, it is a solid album. "Free Radicals" brings in some Prince and Queen influences to portray Wayne trying to discourage a crazy suicidal bomber from doing something stupid. "The Sound of Failure," is another great depiction of loss from the arsnal of Wayne's mind.

The albums more psychedelic tones will inevidably draw comparisons to Pink Floyd. All of the cosmic instrumental numbers have, in a way, been inspired in part by Pink Floyd, especially Steven Drozd's first attemot at lead vocals on "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung."

Overall, the album is a political and universal triumph. With shots at George Bush and other governmental officicals, "The W.A.N.D." acts as the album's most rocking track. "Mr. Ambulance," depicts a man pleading for the ambulance driver to hurry upin order for a loved one to be saved. The song itself was written after the death of Wayne's mother.

Since this is their first album in over four years, I wish they could have given someting that was better overall, but this will more than suffice for the time being. It's good to see the best band out there still has it.

Free Radicals

The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (Slow Version)

More from these bands over at the Hype Machine.

2006-12-11T16:49:00.000-05:00

Inlets

Sebastian Krueger is just the latest solo artist to bear a plural name. He is also one of the very few people out there offering really good music at a great price; free. Over at luv sound you can find Kruegar's latest release, Vestibule EP, as a free download.

It is not too hard to hear the Sufjan Stevens like quality of Inlets. When I put my itunes on shuffle, "Pictures of Trees" came on right before a Sufjan song and it had not hit me that the song playing was not inlets until I brought itunes back up. It is not as if Krueger is copying Sufjan's style, it is just that they have very similar voices. The similarities more or less end there.

Being a local New Yorker, Kruegar has a few dates in the upcoming months scattered throughout the city. Without even realizing it, I saw Kruegar play guitar for My Brightest Diamond at the Sufjan show in Town Hall. Playing with two Asthmatic Kitty acts maybe can get him signed by the label? Well, let's hope so, because if this music is amazing when it's free, I can only imagine what this guy can down with an LP.

The idea of free music that you don't have to feel guilty about downloading is a very pleasing one. Especially when you are getting a product as solid as Vestibule EP.

Pictures of Trees

Roots on Sidewalks

Check for more Inlets over at The Hype Machine and become Kruegars Myspace friend.

2006-12-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

2006 Top Ten: #10,9

With the year winding down, I have no choice to compile my own list of the year's top 10. Instead of listing them all at one time, I have decided to list two a day for the next 5 days.

This year has definatly produced some great albums. Newcomers have put out completly magical debuts and even veterans pushing 70-years-old have managed to add something new and refreshing into the mix. Overall, the music year produced enough music to feed even those looking for someting completly new.

10) Paul Simon- Surprise

Even at 65 years old, Paul Simon has the same power that he had 40 years ago when he and Art Garfunkel put out some of the most poignant folk-rock this country has ever seen. The first track off of "Surprise," How Could You Live in the Northeast, sets the standard for the record. If you're looking for the same acoustic strum and phoned-in lyrics that most veterans try to pass off these days as music, then Surprise is not for you. Each song manages to encompass a lot of the themes Simon has played with throughout his carrer: love, loss and the incredible question as to what makes a person; only this time he is telling it from a perspective of an old man, who has been battared even more by life since America Tune and who has spent years Slip Slinin' Away.

With songs like Wartime Prayers and Outrageous, Paul ventures into familiar territory, giving it his own spin. Brian Eno's production really shows; especially on Outrageous in which Paul raps about somethings in life that just don't seem too fair. But it's outrageous for a man like him to co mplain, a paradox that seems to be eating up this old-timer. On top of the excellent, reflective lyrics and Eno's personal technological input, Paul's voice is another shining moment of the album. It seems as though as much as he has changed as a person since he began writing music, his voice has remined the same, with little signs of ageing.

I got a chance to see the living legend in concert this past summer and I was glad to see that he played the majority of tracks from this record. Paul seemed to be just as emotinally attached to thses songs as he did with his back cataloge. If Simon never relases anoter album, I will be happy with Surprise as a good-bye.

Outrageous

How Can You Live in the Northeast

9) The Hold Steady- Boys & Girls in America

This is the tough thing about making a top 10. When the album first came out, I thought it was very good, but I did not really feel like hearing it again for a while. A few weeks ago though, it really hit me. I've been listening to it more and more now and I fear that I am not doing it justice by ranking it the number 9 album of the year.

This album follows their release last year, Seperation Sunday (the album that made me fall in love with them), and it is a pretty different album. The boys and girls in this album have a blast just drinking, doing drugs and having a good, easy time. This is the album that Art Brut was going for when they released "Rock and Roll," the similarities are undeniable, but there is much more truth in "Boys and Girls." The characters in each story remind me of people I know: doing anything they can to get some sort of buzz, but still are unsatisfyed when the buzz finally arrives.

Instead of merely belting out his vocals to his descriptive stories, band-leader Craig Finn finds his own singing voice, but it is just as raw as if he were talking. Unlike most other bands these days, The Hold Steady are not afraid to rock out on one track and completly go the opposite way on the next track. But, through out the album is Finn's truthful tales of young American life.

Stuck Between Stations

First Night

2006-12-07T15:16:00.000-05:00

You've got to be joking

So, the Grammy Nominations are in and just as I'd expected, they are absolutly ridiculous. "You're Beautiful" for Record of the Year? Justin Timberlake for Album of the Year? And that's not even the worst part. Do you remember that two hour long piece of trash the Red Hot Chili Peppers put out this year? Neither do I (or at least I wish I wasn't able to remember), but thats right up there with J.T. for album of the year. Excluded from this list is Paul Simon's "Surprise," which may be the biggest shocker on the whole list. In fact, he doesn't even make one appearence! Holy Shit, the people running the Grammy's have gone mad.

Sure, past years have sucked, but this year's list takes the cake. And of course the overrated Arctic Monkeys are up there for "Alternative" album of the year, but at least the Lips got the same 'honor' for "At War With the Mystics." The Lips are also up for Best Rock Instrumental Performance (the category which they won in 2002) for their song "The Wizard Turns On..."

Normally I try not to be so biased, but this is really upsetting. I know I'm going on a rant and by doing so am turning off a lot of people, but I'm sure most will agree that this list is a complete joke.

No Joanna Newsom. No Regina Spektor. No TV on the Radio. No M Ward. And worst of all, no "Crane Wife." Let me thrown in an awful pun to end this rant and say that leaving "The Crane Wife" off of Best Alternative Album is the imperfect crime.

Here is some Crane Wife for you to listen to as you look in awe at who will be at the Grammy's...

The Perfect Crime 2

Shankhill Butchers

The Crane Wife 1 & 2

2006-12-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

Covers

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Graceland

Although I am an Owen Ashworth fan, I was a little skeptical going into this song for Paul Simon's Graceland is one of my all time favorite songs. Although Islands were able to cover this song very well (Islands- Graceland ), it is not an easy song to duplicate. This new monotone, depressing take is a breath of fresh air and works as an interesting interpertation of a pretty hopeful song. Some sythn cords back this pretty slow, stripped-down cover. A limited edition of Casiotone's 7" "Graceland" single can be found here .

Goldspot - Float On

A lot of Modest Mouse fans detest the band's 2004 brush with the main stream that came along with the song Float On. I, however, find it to be one of their more delightful songs. Obviously the fact that it was more over-played than "Crazy" is going to get some people upset. Although I can't speak for experience, Modest Mouse shows seem to include more people just banking on hearing that song, which is pretty lame. This cover is also pretty lame. I was trying to find a cool bluegrass cover of this song that I heard a while back, but that was no where to be found. It doesn't help that this track come from the new O.C. Album.

The Flaming Lips - After the Goldrush

Since I've given you one shitty cover and one mediocre cover, I thought'd I'd top off this weeks covers with a great rendition of Neil Young's "After the Goldrush" from my favorite band of all time. This pretty rough version of the song, that can oly be described as "kick ass," comes from the Lips anthology, A Collection of Songs Representing an Enthusiasm for Recording... By Amateurs (1984-1990). Much like Young's voice, Wayne's voice is by no means the old standard of great. The both of them though have such a unique voices that it fits their own personal music very well. I couldn't imagine a beautiful voice like Jeff Buckley's pulling off "The Spiderbite Song." Because this is a fairly early Lips' recording, you have to expect the noisy quality to it, but that quality only adds to this great cover.

2006-12-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

Cold Hard World

Hundreds of years from now, after a nuclear holocaust takes out the entire Western Hemisphere, and a new age of civilization arises from the ashes, if the people of the new generation were to find one burried relic under the ruins of America, I would really hope they find an old Daniel Johnston tape. Sure, it might be hard for the beings to master the technology involved in playing it, but once they figured it out, they would have a positive view of their lost, disconnected ancestors.

If you think about it, all we have from the ancient Greeks (while trying to understand their personalities) are their classic works and other small things that have stood the test of time. It would be really awful for our society to be represented by an old copy of "The O.C." or a Click 5 cd. Who knows? Maybe I'm just talking out of my ass here, but I really believe that if we were to only be known for Daniel's music than we're in good shape.

First off, If you havent seen the 2005 Sundance award-winning film, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, do yourself a favor and buy it. Daniel has had a rough life, but I'm sure he wouldn't trade it for the world. He has been to more places and done more things than I could ever hope to do, while at the same time suffering from a severe illness. On top of that, he is easily one of the top five song-writers of all time.

Never does a Daniel Johnston song seem dated, sure some of their technical qualities have been "a little worped from the rain," but that does not stop them from sounding just as brilliant than they did 20 years ago.

Every now and then you hear a song and you wish time would freeze; some songs actually have the power to make time feel as if it is indeed frozen. A song like "Cold Hard World," no matter how sad and lonesome it can sound, has an undeniable truth ridden throughout the two jumping chords and depressing lyrics. As depressing as the lyrics are though, it is a song that you can put on when you're in a bad mood in order to brighten you up and give you the message that "you aren't the only one in that boat."

Wheter you have run over a ladder, have had an abortion, have lost a loved-one, or just simply don't feel like seeing an old friend after so many things have changed, it is important to know that it really is a "Cold Hard World" and as soon as we can all realize this, the better off we will be. Have fun with life while it lasts because it truely is special.

This beautiful song comes from his 1982 cassette "Don't Be Scared" which can be purchased at the offical website of Stress Records. Honestly buy it. For five bucks, you will never be able to find a better collection of songs.

So, as the new dawn rises and "Don't Be Scared" is found to the delight of a new, futuristic audience, people of all generations will get to experience how great a world so cold and hard can actually be.

Cold Hard World

Check out this bonus Daniel Mp3:

Funeral Home (Sing Along)

And don't forget to check Daniel out over at The Hype Machine

2006-12-02T18:54:00.000-05:00

Immortal Technique

Who is my favorite rapper out there? A few weeks ago I would have said Ghostface, the most consistantly good rapper maybe of all time. With yet another cd coming out this week (I'm so excited), Ghostface has been delevering an album every two years ever since I can remember (and two in this year alone).

A few weeks ago, however, while in a complete rap phase, I began downloading some rap cds and give artists a try when one artist, who I had only been familiar with through the absolutly haunting song "Dance with the Devil" really stood out. The artist, as most of you probably have at least heard of, is Immortal Technique. Ever since that fateful day of hearing Revolutionary Vol. 2 in its entirity, my experiences with music have greatly changed.

A lot of people generalize about rap and say it is made by no-talent hacks looking to make a quick buck. This is mainly due to the fact that most main-stream rap is just awful. Hearing bands like Creed though don't make me say that all Rock is awful, so I wish people would look at it from a different perspective and quit being so ignorant. If more people were to pick up an Immortal Technique song--or just a lyric sheet--they would not be able to deny its lyrical brillance. As far as lyrics go for me, Immortal is the best rap writer of all time. With only two full albums and a few mix-tape tracks under his belt, things can only get better for him.

Nothing is safe when Immortal gets a hold of it: religious groups, the government and even his own neighbors get a tatse of Tech's venom when the beat is playing. His best work though, comes from his extensivly researched governmental bashes including personal favorite "The 4th Branch" in which Tech spits:

Embedded correspondents don't tell the source of the tension
And they refuse to even mention, European intervention
Or the massacres in Jenin, the innocent screams
U.S. manufactured missles, and M-16's
Weapon contracts and corrupted American dreams
Media censorship, blocking out the video screens
A continent of oil kingdoms, bought for a bargain
Democracy is just a word, when the people are starvin'

At the end of the song, Tech sends a message to his people on the streets, people of all ages and races, by asking them to stop watching the news, stop watching these lies, and pick up a book and read. Don't depend on the talking television heads for information, read and find it out for yourself.

Corperations are another thing that he just can't understand. This is once again a point that he is dead on with. His words are not something that would come out of a cd with a major lable on the cover. I'm glad he has not sold out, only to produce records that are only half of his true potetential like other rappers. In stead Tech "cuts out the middle man" by releasing the records on the company to which he is the president, Viper Records. In the song "Freedom of Speech" explains his success just by distributing himself:

Fuck a middle man, I won't pay anyone else
I'll bootleg it and sell it to the streets myself
I'd rather be that than signed and stuck on a shelf
And because of this executives try to diss me
Racism frozen in time like Walt Disney
And now they say they wanna get me signed to the majors
If I switch up my politics and change my behavior
Try to tell me what to rhyme about over the beat
Bitch niggas that never spent a day in the street

Thats another thing about Technique, he could have easily been corupted by the inner city life, but Tech speaks for a different perspective. Sure, he's been in gangs, spent time in jail and has definatly "sent some people to heaven" but to quote Pac, "that's just the way it is." Who am I to say he is a bad man for doing anything in his life, when all I've had thoughout life is the suburban lifestyle. I am a "Bitch nigga who has never spent a day in the street" so why turn around and get angry with him for decisions he has made?

On one concert that I got my hands on, Tech explains to the crowd that he isn't trying to portray a shetto you see in the movies or on TV, where the good times flow just like the cocaine; he wants to show the ghetto where your whole family can die in one night and you could get raped walking home from work. Tech is at least giving a brutal, real-life version of the place he has lived for the majority of his life. The media down-plays the struggles that go on everyday by instead glamorizing a horrific world; they don't even offer a way to fix it.

That leads to another point that is apparent is Tech's raps: classism. "I don't want to escape the plantation I want to come back, free all my people, hang the Mother-Fucker that kept me there and burn the house to the god damn ground. I want to take over the encomienda and give it back to the people who work the land," is found in the non-rapping track, "The poverty of philosophy." It seems as though that the people living in inner cities, who are working their asses off day by day just to get by, are not in the slightest way represtented. Even when someone rises from thses conditions to make money, most of that money goes to getting the latest car or the biggest house. This is the reason Immortal doesn't rap about material objects, it also helps to be intelligent, somthing to which he can definatly say.

Listen to some intelligent rap from one of the most insightful guys out there. And dont worry about downloading it with lyrics like, "Burn it off the internet and bump it outside," I'm sure he won't mind. But if your going to listen, pull some ideas out of it instead of just some fo the great beats. So, by all means, bump this shit outside:

The 4th Branch

Bin Laden (feat. Mos Def)

Peruvian Cocaine

2006-12-02T18:27:00.000-05:00

Alright, I'll pretend that anyone actually read this blog before two month hiatus and that you guys are really upset that I haven't been blogging. I am making a vow, however to have at least one post a day for one month in order to make it up to you.

After all of the hype about it, I thought that Joanna Newsom's new album simply title "Ys" would disappoint me greatly. After one listen though, I can say that it completly blew me away. Not to hate on "The Milk-Eyed Mender" but "Ys" puts Newsom's freshman effort to shame. This time around, so much is going on in each song, that I am certain that I missed about 90% of the themes going on in each masterfully crafted song. But the 10% or so that I picked up is enough to put it towards the top of the list for this years finest releases.

Although it's not quite "The Crane Wife" yet, we are talking about one listen. A good reviewer would give himself time to understand the album more beofre giving it a justifiable review, but I feel that first impressions while listening to an album are really important.

One song in particular, "Monkey & Bear," almost brings me to tears. Newsom's song-writing skills really shine in a story of two friends, and the decieveing tricks we will play on our firends, regardless of the consiquences, just to benefit ourselves. Newsom's voices weaves maticulously through fantasy and reality to make some of the most breath-taking moments in recent music memory. Each song, ranging in the five to sixteen minutes range, tells a beautiful story.

It also is a great bonus that Newsom's voice is actually bearable on this five song mix. Again, it's not that I did not like her previous release, I thought her voice was weird for the sake of being weird. This time, we get a more polished, beautiful version of the pierceing voice that plagues "Mender."

I've never been a big Newsom fan, but if there ever were a time to convert, it is now. Check out "Monkey & Bear" to get a taste of the beautiful album.

Check out the Hype Machine for more Newsom tracks from fellow bloggers.

Monkey& Bear

2006-10-01T19:23:00.000-04:00

Sufjan at Town Hall: 9.29.06

After the Lips to start the week, Sufjan was the perfect bookend. With all three shows at Town Hall being sold out, I was extremely happy to get my hands on a ticket. To my utter shock, Sufjan came out of Town Hall about a hour before the show began. It was a really haunting experience. I could not think of anything to say and just stood there speechlessly. He seemed to be in a rush though considering he ran off down the block after leaving Town Hall. It was just me and a friend sitting there, which makes me regret not talking to him even more.

The show kicked off with My Brighest Diamond, lable mates of Sufjan. They had some really good songs that were only helped by Town Hall's amazing sound. Off all the venues I've been to, this was by far the best sounding place. It was also really small, seating only about 800, making the music more intimate too.

After about an hour of MBD, the place was packed and ready for Sufjan. With all the instruments already on stage, the only prep work that needed to be done was the hanging of the butterflies. When the crew took the stage and Sufjan introduced them, it was really a special moment. The band consisted of about 15 members. Lots of violin and horn players made each song sound as beautiful as they do on cd. All of the players, including Sufjan, were wearing elobrate wings, which I found really funny. Where else can you see an utterly serious band wearing butterfly wings?

He began with Sister which is really beautiful when it gets going. After the song, he introduced the next song, explaing how in Metropolis, Illinois Superman is a hero among men. In another little bit of humor, blow up superman dolls were thrown out into the audience while a completly ridiculous video played on the screen.

Going into the concert, I was reletivly unfamiliar with non-Illinois Sufjan. So, the next couple of songs I had not heard, but that did not stop me from loving every minute of them. While Sufjan played a familiar song, To Be Alone with You, an interesting new instrument was added to the show. The police siren from outside drowned out the music for a moment, but Sufjan didn't miss a key.

He continued switching off from piano and guitar as he played greats like John Wayne Gacy, Jr.; Predatory Wasp (really funny story went along with this), Dear Mr. Supercomputer, Jacksonville (which was overwhelming) and A Good Man is Hard to Find. After this he asked the audience to "stay patient as I play this new song." The new song, named Majesty Songbird, was definatly one of the highlights of the show. Clocking in at just under ten minutes, it was an epic explosion of piano, guitar, horns and violins.

Here is the video someone at the show took, it's definatly worth a watch:

After a rocking version of Chicago, Sufjan said good night and left the stage. The entire place stood up for five minutes giving him the applause he had earned. Just when it seemed as though Sufjan was not coming back out for an encore, the place erupted when he came out and the opening of 'They are Night Zombies!' came blasting through the speakers. I was feeling great at this time, but I was a little bummed out that Casimir Pulaski Day, my all time favorite song by any artist was excluded from the set. After 'Night Zombies' Sufjan explained that the next and final song was about 'A holiday comemorating the great Polish...' that was enough for me to wet my pants. He was ending was ending with it? No fucking way!

It was chilling to say the least. By the time the cardnial hit the window, tears were running down the sides of my face. I know, I know, that only happens when teenage girls come to see the Backstreet Boys, but the song is just so beautiful, I couldn't help myself.

Overall, the show was a perfect end to a damn good week.

Casimir Pulaski Day

2006-09-30T14:38:00.000-04:00

9.25.06

This was probably the most anticipated event in my entire life. You only get to see your favorite band for the first time once, so I was especially looking forward to this. All these years being a Lips fan and hearing all these absurd things about their concert, it was finally my chance to experience it first hand.

I arrived at Hammerstein Ballroom at 4:30 and was excited to see I was about 20th in line. Two hours passed as I munched down my bag lunch and then it was finally time to enter the Ballrom. I had never even been to the venue, so I was really excited to see that it seemed like a cool place. I was standing in the second row, which is the closest I've ever been at a concert.

A few hours later, Danielson took the stage. They were pretty good. The entire family was there, so it was possible to pull of most songs on the new album. The live rendition of 'Did I step on Your Trumpet?' was fantastic. By the end of their preformance, the place was filled with Lips fans anxious for the show to begin. Wayne got suited up in his ball and the music began. Standing to the left of the stage, I was one of the first people to hold Wayne up. In doing so, however, I was hurled back about 4 rows, but I didn't give a shit, I was already having the time of my life.

When Wanye finally got back to the stage, Race for the Prize began to blast throughout the building and the ballons and confetti began to fall. There was such a sense of community during this song and throughout the entire show. Everyone was singing along and having a great time. They played the ususal rounds with The WAND, The Yeah Yeah Yeah song (which had a killer sing along session), Vein of Stars, Do You Realize??, Yoshimi and She Don't Use Jelly (these two also had sing along sessions also).

I was surprised to hear my favorite track off of Yoshimi, In the Morning of the Magicians, as well as my favorite Bulletin track, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton. I was shocked, just shocked, to hear the old 'Ode to C.C. (Part 2)' thrown into the mix. Steven just started playing it and to the audiences amazement, Wayne sung it. It was truely a beautiful moment.

The night before at Hammerstein, there was a laser light spectacle. This night, however, the folks at Hammerstein told Wayne not to do it. "Take it from me, last night I was shot in the eyes all night with those lasers and nothing about me is different tonight. However, we must be respectful of the orders." These parts of the show, where Wayne addressed the audience, was just as good as when the music was playing. He is just the most normal, regular guy in rock music today.

After a lenghty story about hope and struggle, the Lips ended with something I would not have expected in a million years, especially since I didn't read the setlist from the night before. Steven turns to Wayne and says "Sing this one real beautifuly" and Wayne began 'Autopsy of the Devil's Brain (You've got to be Joking)' off of my favortie Lips album, Hit to Death in the Futurehead.

The night was amazing in every single way. I doubt that there will ever be another concert that affects me so much. I am still feeling it a week later.

I still haven't found this show on the web yet, but here is Race for the Prize, Ode to C.C. and Autopsy, studio versions...

Race for the Prize

Ode to C.C. (Paart II)

Autopsy of the Devil's Brain (You've Got to be Joking)

2006-09-18T20:31:00.000-04:00

Robbers and Cowards

If you're a Cold War Kids fan like me, than I'm sure you'll be picking up their first LP, which is due out October 10th. The kids, who are Indie blogs favorites, plan on following up their Three EPs (no Beta Band relation) with their first LP, simply called Robbers and Cowards. Thanks to the help of constant blog support and a killer live show, the Cold War Kids are becoming one of the indie communities most anticipated bands.

Although the album includes many songs that were on their first EPs, there is enough new material, as well as a killer cover, to constitute a purchase. For months they have been touring their asses off and already have another date scheduled for New York in October. Hopefully the album will see decent record sales, allowing them time to take a rest from months of constant touring.

Head over to their

Website to pre-order the album now. I'm expecting it to be one of the better albums this year.

Saint John

2006-09-18T19:42:00.000-04:00

Did I Step on Your Trumpet?

If you are in the minority here and you haven't picked up Danielson's latest LP, Ships, then go do yourself a favor and buy it. You won't be disappointed. Danielson just sings these friendly, unassuming, popy folk music. The result of such an ambitious mix could have turned ugly, but Daniel Smith does a great job countering the absurdness of his music with catchy hooks and rocking solos.

A lot of people find his voice unbearable, but I guess it is one of those love-it-or-hate-it type of things. The way it scratches and jolts all over the place throw people off, but as long as you don't dwell too much on the voice, you'll really have a good time. Like his pal, Sufjan Stevens (who actually plays on the record), a lot of the his songs on Ships are religious in nature. This should not throw the listener, anyone who listens to the album knows that it is completly harmless. Even those who don't agree with Danielson's beliefs will have a fun time with this album.

There are few songs this year that are as good as "Did I set on Your Trumpet?". It sounds strikingly similar to Modest Mouse, while still maintaing its originality. I recently found out that Danielson is opening up for The Flaminf Lips next week, which make me even more excited to see the show.


Time That Bald Sexton

Did I Step On Your Trumpet?

2006-09-18T19:33:00.000-04:00

UNBELIEVABLE

Say what you will be about the novelty aspect of their live show (i.e. them not playing live music all the time, a limited set list, etc.) you must admit that the Flaming Lips now how to entertain. Next Monday, I will finally get to see the best band I have ever heard, play live. Sure, I would have loved to see them back when say, Ronald Jones was in the band, but videos like this one make me extremely happy about being a Lips fan.

This video, form the big UFO unveiling show in Oklahoma City, is one of the greatest things I have ever seen in my life. When I go to a concert, I like to have a good time and hear good music. Well, that is pretty much what the Lips are aiming for when they put on a show. I know they most likley have the UFO in Hammerstein next Monday, but I can rest assured I will have a spectacular time.

While I patiently await the show, I guess I'll just have to listen to the Lips.

Christmas at the Zoo

2006-09-18T18:21:00.000-04:00

Magnetic Monday

Sadly, I haven't made a post since the last Magnetic Monday, but what can I say? Truth is that I am just too lazy. However, I have been listening to a lot of 69 Love Songs this week and there is one track that really stands out. I've had it on repeat for the entire day.

The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side is one of the more convential songs on the album, but that doesn't make it less fantastic than the others. The lyrics are rather sad, yet the singer doesn't seem to mind being used for his car. He understands that his car is the reason for him going on rides with the lovely lady, but what does he care. None of the other guys on the Lower East Side are riding with the girl. I guess it's good to have something even if it's materialistic; just that one thing that keeps you going whne everything else isn't so good.

This song is so hopeful and so sad. It reminds me a lot of some more recent Jens Lekman tracks; no doubt he is a 69 Love Songs fan.

The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side

2006-09-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

MP3 Roundup

Heres what I have been listening to recently...

The Mountain Goats - Woke Up New

Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life

Grizzly Bear - Knife

Modest Mouse - Bankrupt On Selling

Loudon Wainwright III - The Swimming Song

Death Cab For Cutie - A Lack of Color

TV On the Radio - Staring at the Sun

Captin Beefheart - Ella Guru

2006-09-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

love is like a bottle of gin

All of my music listening life I have been told by everyone I know, "Check out the Magnetic Fields." I really had planned on listening to them, especially 69 Love songs which supposedly 'has no bad tracks.' After years of hearing this, I still did not give them a chance. In every descussion of the best songwriter of all time that I have ever had, the name Merritt was always mentioned near the the top of the list.

After a while I had enough. I was going to explore this band! I was not going to be the first and certainly not the last, but I will no longer sit to the side of best song-writing debates because I was not familiar with a particular Merritt's ability.

Recently I made a decison that will forever change the way I listen to music and the way I rate songwriting. 69 Love Songs really does not have any bad tracks. Most bands go through a ten track album and only have five or six good songs on them. The Magnetic Fields could have finished Sufjan's 50 State Project, I'm certain. Surely the ability to make so many heartfelt songs should put you on the top of any list.

I haven't even had enough time to thoroughly enjoy the entire 69 Love Songs album, doing so would take months. I've been trying to listen to it in its entirety each time I listen to it. Usually I only get through the first disk or so, but each time I pick up something different. There are so many forgotten tracks that excite me upon each listen.

I would like to introduce to you, Magnetic Fields Monday. Each Monday from now on I will post my favorite 69 Love Songs track of the week. Despite the title of the post, this week goes to Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits. The song is one of the more optimistic tracks on the record. It reminds me of a pre-Aeroplane rough Jeff Mangum song.

Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits

2006-09-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

To Bush, From Moby

As much as I will never understand what attracts people to Moby's music, I do however love him as a person. It is sort of like Hansel at the Model of the Year acceptence speech in Zoolander...'Sting would be another person who's a hero. The music he's created over the years, I don't really listen to it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that.'

Moby is out there, and say what you want about him, he is making an effort in his own personal way. I was recently browsing

Moby.com and found an interesting letter he posted to George Bush.

Here it is...

"dear president bush,
stay out of new york.
you don't like us and we don't like you.
90% of us voted for john kerry in the last election. we don't trust you, and we believe, based on your record, that you've been a terrible president.
you're supposed to come to new york city today.
you're not welcome here.
you only come to new york city when you need to bolster your poll numbers.
you came here after 9-11 even though you ignored warnings of terrorist attacks and cut funding to anti-terrorist programs.
you came here for the rnc convention even though your policies have made america less safe.
you are not welcome in nyc.
go back to texas where you can cut wood for the tv cameras.
or go back to washington d.c where you can watch dick cheney run the country.
you are a liar.
you are inept.
you are probably the worst president that the united states has ever had to endure.
you are not welcome in nyc.
we are not your cheap whore, to use whenever your poll numbers are in the toilet.
we are not your crappy prop, to use when you're worried that you might have to deal with the consequences of your failed policies.
you suck, and we don't want you here.
everything you've done has gone wrong. you are in the pocket of the oil and defense industries, and the poor idiots on the religious right actually sometimes believe that you care about them and their agenda.
you only believe in issues that will keep your corporate backers happy.
you are an awful, inept, corrupt, and tragically incompetent president.
and i'm sorry that you've chosen to come to new york city on 9-11.
we didn't vote for you and we're not in any way happy that you're here.
go home, gw, and let us just get on with living our lives in the city that was attacked
due to your pre 9-11 ineptitude and incomptetence.
-moby"

I must say, I completly agree with him. George Bush, you've done enough shit, New Yorkers don't want to see your face.

MP3:

Moby-Honey

2006-09-09T15:54:00.000-04:00

Yusef Islam

Wheter or not you agree with his choices (I for one, couldn't care less) it is hard to dispute that Yusef Islam, formely Cat Stevens, is one of the all time greatest songwriters.

After 28 years of inactivity in the music business, the classic singer/songwriter has recently announced plans for an upcoming LP. With a year full of ruturns to the business (The Who, The Pixies), this one remains my favortie. Remember listening to classic albums such as Tea for Tillerman and Mona Bone Jakon and just thinking, 'Will this man ever make another album?'. Well your questions have been answered and it remains one of my most anticipated albums of this year.

Possibly a tour following the release? We'll keep out fingers crossed...

Cat Stevens-Father and Son

The Flaming Lips-Fight Test(Sound Familiar?)

2006-09-01T17:43:00.000-04:00

For Pete's Sake

It is about time I wrote a new post, and what better way is there to get back into the game than introducing a great local band. For Pete's Sake aren't your typical rock n' roll band. Sure they have all the basics of a rock group (guitar, bassm drums, keyboard) but their age sets them apart from most of their peers.

The group, consisting of Jesse Pianelli, Jake Erlich, Peter Clabby, Zach Sewall and Eric Luba can't even drive themselves to shows, being that they're 16-year-olds. That doesn't stop them from rockin, however. In just little over a year, I have seen this group transfer from 'lets have fun and play music' to 'this is our jobs'. With the change of attitude came a change in sound also. Recent tracks show much more mature lyrics as well as more complicated and fierce arrangements.

Having played Chubby's, Count Basie, and Stone Pony (yes, the same venue Bloc Party played at recently) things can only get better for this power five. As far as a live act goes, you won't see a tighter group of young kids up there on the stage. So far, they have only released a demo, with relatively old material, but I still can't see myself taking it out of my cd player.

Check them out, you'll really enjoy them.


Passion

Try It

She Paint's Me

2006-08-06T18:10:00.000-04:00

"OMG, He broke up with me...

...Now I hate the world, and I hate you too, she said" These are the opening lines to probably the most catchy song of the year. The song is called Emo Phillips and it is by a small indie group called Arrah and the Ferns. Dispite the title, however, this pop masterpiece has nothing to do with the absolutly hilarious comedian. The song itself is pretty hialarious, as well as terrificly written.

I say this a lot, but I honestly 'can't stop playing it'. It really depicts this drama-queen teenager that everyone knows. Instead of making fun of the girl's problems, Arrah and her mighty Ferns offer the troubled teen consolation. 'You care about the weather, when you know its going to change tommorow'.

Usually songs dealing with teenage love/depression tend to be cheesy and over the top. Emo Phillips manages to add just enough humor to the beautiful backing arrangements, which is refreshing to hear in a pop song. You'll never hear this song on the radio, but it sure is better than any teeny bopper pop I have heard. Look up Arrah and the Ferns, support them. After hearing this track I immediatly ordered their album, Evan is a Vegan, off of their website. They also have a few tracks on their myspace that are worth checking out.


Emo Phillips

2006-08-06T17:26:00.000-04:00

Post-War

What is there to say about M. Ward that hasn't been said before? The man is a brilliant song writer, plain and simple. Last year's Transistor Radio made it on to my top 10 2005 and 'Fuel for Fire' ranked as the number 2 song of last year for me (behind Casimir Pulaski Day). I first heard of Ward while watching the Austin City Limits concert with Bright Eyes on PBS. Sure, Bright Eyes was good, but the one song that sttod out for me was M. Ward's O'brien. From that point I discovered Transistor Radio and worked myself backward.

Ward has already built up a pretty extensive catalog for himself, and in a couple of weeks, he plans to add to it. His new LP, Post-War, is due put August 22nd, meaning I will make sure I have nothing to do that day so I can give it the good listen it deserves. The three tracks that have been leaked are superb.

A few weeks ago he had a free show planned in the city, but for some reason he canceled. This really upset me because U really wanted to attend. I have never seen him live before and the fact that it was free was an added bonus. He is stopping at Webster Hall this September, but all my cash is tied up in Decmberists/Flaming Lips/Sufjan tickets (I have all three, yes!). While it upsets me that I won't get to see Post-War live, I'm still happy to see a new Ward album out this year.

Chinese Translation

Todays Undertaking

Requiem (Highly Recommended)

2006-08-06T16:51:00.000-04:00

Indie Supergroup

2006 has been filled with amazing releases and the 'coming soon' list for the year excites me. There is room on that upcoming list for at least one more release. Swan Lake is yet another indie supergroup including the amazing Destroyer and Pornographer, Dan Bejar. This time, however, his co-conspirators do not have red hair. They are Spencer Krug (of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown) and Carey Mercer (of Frog Eyes).

If you were to tell me a week ago that these three extremely talented musicians were going to join together and release an album, I would not have been suprised. After all, they are Canadian, and if Broken Social Scene/Stars/Metric/The Weakerthans has tought us anything, it is that every Canadian musician is interchangable.

The only track out, Swan Lake, is very strong. A lot of people are bashing it for 'not trying to be different' but I respect that decision. Krug has a good thing going with Parade/Rubdown, so why would he change it? Also, this is only track available, I would wait for at least a few more tracks to become available before making such a claim.

I don't see where Bejar contributes to this track, but I'm sure his presence will be more than evident on the LP, which is due out November 21st. Hopefully, they'll do a Krug/Bejar track by track switch ala New Pornographers.

All Fires

P.S. Canada, I'm still looking for a Buck 65/Arcade Fire collaboration!

2006-07-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

Another Fine Album

Jeff Tweedy has been having a busy 2006 so far. His main band, Wilco, have been touring their asses off this year. Wilco is also working on a new album, which is due out early next year. Tweedy also has a few solo dates scheduled. His side project, Loose Fur, released an album at the beginning of the year. Although the album, Born Again in the USA, is no where near Wilco quality, there are a few gems. Finally, his other side project, Golden Smog, released their third album last week.

The album, Another Fine Day, is unlike any of their other albums. Golden Smog's first record, Down by the Old Mainstream is very loud and not very well arranged. That was 10 years ago though. These guys have changed, they have grown up.The songs seems more focused and the band seems to cleverly craft each song, with the exception of a few wild ones. Also, instead of sticking with the alt-country sound in which they created on their first two albums, the boys aren't afraid to be poppy. The first single (not the song by The Format) 5-22-02 is very pop sounding, which isn't a bad thing.

The change from country to pop was very unexpected. When I first heard this album, I wasn't sure it was the same Golden Smog. With such a talented group of musicians, it is good to see that they changed their style for the better. After a few listens, this album really sinks in. Not to put down Dan Murphy or Chris Mars, but I think that the change had a lot to do with Tweedy. Honestly, just the fact that they made a new album is a tribute to their fans. With each member having their own sucess in the music industry, it is great to see that they still care about making music that their fans want to hear.

The boys also have a mini tour thing going on. They have one show today in Minneapolis and another show on July 26 at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC. I would love to attend the show in they city because I love the new cd, but it's not worth the trip if Tweedy isn't at the show, which is a pretty big possibility.

5-22-02





While you're at it...

The latest blog craze has been Girl Talk. While I'll admit, I like the idea. Hell, if anything can make top 40 listenable, then it is Girl Talk. With that being said, it gets old very quick. Sure, it is cool to hear Biggy's 'Juicy' over the piano chords to Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer' but it gets old too quick.

See for yourself:

Ask About Me

Too Deep

2006-07-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Concerts

There are three concerts that are coming up that I must see. Pretty much my life depends on seeing these three artists.

THE FLAMING LIPS...September 24&25...Hammerstein Ballroom

...Last time I had plans to see my favorite band of all time, The Flaming Lips, the most horrible thing happened. My tickets had just come in the mail. Keep in mind that these were extremely hard tickets to find, considering the show had sold out immediatly after the sale. So, I'm sitting at my home with two tickets to see the band I had always wanted to see and I can't go because Webster Hall only lets 18+ into the shows. That might have been the most disappointing thing I've ever had to do. When I sold the tickets, I felt like I was giving away a small child.

The WAND

SUFJAN STEVENS...City Hall...September 29

...Any time Sufjan Stevens is playing, everyone should go and see him. I am happy to say that I already have a ticket, and just to know I'll be there makes me extremely excited. When I found out that he was touring, I couldn't believe it. Considering he said that he wanted to take a break in a recent Pitchfork interview. I've always wanted to see Illinois live and I am certain it will not disappoint.

The Pick Up (from the Avalanche)

THE DECEMBERISTS...November 3...Hammerstein Ballroom

Considering I have not been to too many concerts in my day, ever time a favorite comes around, it is usually going to be my first time seeing them. I haven't seen the Decemberists play live and I honestly can't wait for the show. It is a month after they release their 4th album (1st under Capitol), The Crane Wife. With all the info Meloy has given out about the album, it sounds like it will be very good (or above average, as he puts it).

Eli, the Barrow Boy

2006-07-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

What does a scanner see? Into the head? Into the heart?
Does it see into me? Clearly? Or darkly?

I have to confess, I have not read Phillip K. Dick's novel, A Scanner Darkly. In fact, I haven't read any of Phillip K. Dick's novels. He has always been one fo those authors for me. The kind that you hear so much about, but can never find the time to read a full book. With that being said, I did not have much background going into the movie theater. All I knew was that Richard Linklater (who I enjoy very much) was using that same 'Waking Life' animation. The animation upset me; how can he pull this again? Nothing bugs me more than when a state of the art style is over-used.

Five minutes into the film, I realized that the animation really was needed. Agent Fred, played by Keanu Reeves, is forced to wear a 'scramble suit' in order to remain completly undercover. The way the 'Scramble Suit' works is that every second or so the whole body of the person wearing it changes appearence (hair, clothes, etc.), an effect that could not have been used in C.GI. Fred is one of many agents used o stop the epidemic of 'Substance D' abuse. This drug, is the most addictive drug known to man. There are no 'weekend warriors' on substance d. You either are addicted or you haven't tried it.

With so much happening on screen in such a short period of time, it is sometimes hard to follow the plot at times. Linklater does his best, it seems, to make a movie for fans of the book. That could be the reason why he used such a fast paced animation style. As far as style goes, this is the best looking film I've seen all year.

With such great style, however, it looses a lot in preformances and direction. Fred is sent undercover to investigate the suspicious behavior of local druggie Bob Arctor. Fred, in real life, happens to be Bob Arctor. Keanu was mis-cast, flat out. The internal struggle between Arctor and Fred could have lead to more drama, more conflict, if Keanu even attempted to bring life to either character. Instead Keanu playes the do with the tail between his legs. He does not know where he is , why he is there. If only they had casred an actor who did know where they were. Robert Downey, Jr. ,however, is perfect as Barris, the nutty house-mate of Arctor, who tries to turn him in various times. I can't help but think that the movie would have worked more if those two switched roles.

In the end, the story is very legible. Although the story jumps around a lot during the film, in the end I believe Linklater accomplished all that he wanted to. This could be the sleeper of the year, a Memento of sorts. After a while, when it is long gone from the theater, people are going to realize that it is a terrific movie.

2006-07-20T18:54:00.000-04:00

Concerts Special

Okkervil River...7-13-06...Castle Clinton

It was exactly a week ago when I attended this free show. I had been long anticipating watching these guys from Texas play their tunes. Black Sheep Boy was one of my favorite albums last year and it only helped that the show was free. Overall, the show was worth the 20$ train ticket to the city.

I arrived at Battery Park at 4 o'cock; exactly one hour before tickets were going to be given out. I was waiting on line for an hour,but it seemed to go by quick with all of the interesting people around. One heavy-set lady was playing the electric harp, and I got a kick out of that. Also, the older man standing next to me happened to be the father of lead singer/song-writer Will Sheff. It was interesting to hear that a man whose son is an extremely talented musician had disdain for musicians back when he was in high school. The entire Sheff family was standing behind him, (Will Sheff's sister is incredibly hott!) which was pretty cool.

The show started off with a few gems off of Black Sheep Boy. The crowd was not too into it at first. Everyone who had waited hours to get actual seats did not get up. That would be alright if we had gone to see a movie, but we were there to watch a frickin rock show. Eventually they all got up, allowing me to move closer to the band. I never realized how good the song 'Stone' was until I heard it live. Sheff sings with just the right amount of flare and emotion.

"Will Sheff, you have a beautiful voice!" a man from the back of the venue screams.

"You too, sir. I can hear it all the way up here." Sheff returns the compliment.

For not having played together in months, the guys really seemed tight. Will Sheff is also very good doing solo material. He introduced two new songs, 'Life is not a movie or maybe' and 'The presidents dead', the latter was one of my favorites of the night. Having really wanted to hear Westfall live, I was extremely excited when they started plating the opening chords. These guys are playing the city again in October and I do not plan to miss it.

Two Favorites from the show...(from Ryspace)

The Presedents Dead

The Latest Toughs

Paul Simon...7-16-06...PNC Bank Arts Center

When I purchased my tickets for Paul Simon, nothing could describe how I was feeling. If there is one musical artist who I could considered obsessed with, it is Paul Simon. The man is a god, he is my god. Every thing he has ever written is just fantastic. That is saying something for such a prolific artist.

My weekend had not been going too well, considering I had to go on a camping retreat with people from school. I'm not saying it wasn't a good time, but it was a little much. But it was sunday night, nothing was going to stop my from enjoying my idol, not even my crappy lawn seats (I have to buy closer seats next time he comes around). The benefit of the lawn seats, though, was that it is easy to smoke a little while enjoying the concert.

Suprisingly, Paul opened the show with Gumboots, off of Graceland. Graceland seemed to be the theme of the evening, a lot of the songs from the night came from it. As an S&G super-fan, I am upset to say that I am not a big fan of 'Mrs. Robinson.' I guess because it is over-played. During the show, however, I couldn't get enough. Paul changed it considerably, adding many instrumental solos as well as making the song slower. That was the highlight of the night for me.

Althogh he didn't play some of my favorite songs that I was dying to hear live (American Tune, I know what I know) he did manage to mix in sme lesser known favorites like Duncan and You're the One. Also, since this is the Suprise tour, he played a lot of Suprise. I had no problem with that because it is a really great album.

After the show, I had a real sense of what Heaven was really like.

Graceland (covered by Islands)

American Tune

2006-07-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

If what doesn't kill us is making us stronger

We're gonna last longer...

I have always been a big fan of Roseanne, both the woman and the TV show. As a comedian, Roseanne was everything that other female comedians were afraid to be, herself. She laughed at herself, at her deranged family, at her weight. I never thought she was the funniest comedian, but she always held a spot in my head as one of my favorites. It was because of that fearless stage presence that she recieved a sitcom. This could mean one of two things: sell out or innovate. Unlike many comedains, with the excption of Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, and Bill Cosby, Roseanne chose the latter. I can't say what the reaction was back when the show first came out (I wasn't even alive!), but I can say that the sitcom is now very respected for being real. The Connor's weren't the Seavers, they weren't the Clevers, and hell, they damn sure weren'tthe Bradys. They were a blue collar family with a lot of love to give.

Ever since I was little I remember watching the show, both in the new ABC episodes and the sindication on 'Nick at Nite'. Distant memories of the final episode have been in my head, ever since it was first broadcast, but I was seven then, and I can hardly remember where I lived when I was seven. Today, the sindication the Oxygen network finally had reaced that infamous final episode. I was ready for what was going to happen, but I was not ready to be so emotionally affected by a sitcom. The truley great thing about art, about writing, regardless of the medium, is the affect it can have on people. And yehh I now I sound corney, it's a freakin sitcom for Christ's sake, but someone like Roseanne conquered the art of the sitcom. They all don't have to be sappy, paper thin comedy like Friends, or light-hearted fluff like Everybody Loves Raymond. Sitcoms, even on a major network, can be meaningful. The way I see it...Roseanne, Seinfeld and All in the Family are the three most important sitcoms of all time. They all gave the audience a chance to look at themselves differently and really laugh.

That is why I love music so much, it is just another way for me to feel thing I would not necessarily feel. Someone may listen to Michael Jackson and be really affected by it. While soemone, possibly the Michael Jackson person's best friend, is really affected by Matellica. Sure, I can be pretty pretentious (you like Creed?), but never too much. Eveyone has there own thing and I understand that. Nothing is meant for everyone either. As nuts as it may seem, some people don't find Woody Allen funny (pretention lingers) and get the biggest kick out of the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

As an artist, Roseanne was able to write with the help from her friends, her family. She wasn't able to please everyone, or even make everyone laugh, but she really affected some people, on a greater level than just making them laugh for a minute. She made people think, how can we make the best out of a dead-end job?...How can I make the best out of life? The closing monologue is one of the greatest moments in TV history...

"I made a commitment to finish my story, even if I had to write in the basement, in the middle of the night, while everyone else was asleep. But, the more I wrote, the more I understood myself and why I had made the choices I made, and that was the real jackpot. I learned that dreams don’t work without action. I learned that no one can stop me, but me. I learned that love is stronger than hate. And most important, I learned that God does exist. He, and/or She, is right inside you, underneath the pain, the sorrow, and the shame. I think I’ll be a lot better now that this book is done."

Feel free to comment, telling about what art/artists affect you.

2006-07-20T17:11:00.000-04:00

Was knowing your weakness what made you strong?

When I first heard Crazy back in October, I was delighted. There I was with this masterpiece, all to myself , I thought. When ever I was with a friend, I would play the track. This was back in the day when the radio was not even imagined for the song. Always, the reaction would be that of shock. Who is this? Why haven't I heard of them? I did not have a clue who Gnarls Barkley was when this track first emegred. All I knew was that it was Cee-Lo and Dangermouse, that must have been why it was so good. As the months passed, I was growing tired of the song and I was longing for the release of St. Elsewhere. Finally the day came and I was amazed. By that time, everyone and their mother had heard Crazy, but at least I had the rest of the CD, and no radio listening teeny bopper was going to take that away.

I feared the day when I heard that 'Smiley Faces' was going to be released as a single. Oh no! Not another song that I love, please don't play this on the radio. Sure enough, I'm in the car, with the top 40 station on the dial, if that isn't bad enough, I hear 'What did you do? what did you say? Did you walk or did you run away?' Damnit, they've got a hold of it.

The good thing about this otherwise horrible news is that I knew there would be a video. And if there is one thing I love about Cee-Lo's music, is that is usually translates into an amazing piece of film. Taking a page out of Woody Allen's Zelig (if not blatently plagiarizing that page) Gnarls made a pretty interesting video. The editing is fantastic as it shows Dangermouse and Cee-Lo blending in with rock greats such as David Bowie and The Rolling Stones.

Take a look, it's a pretty nice video...

Please radio, please don't take Transformer...(but hell, that would make an epic video)

2006-07-11T00:28:00.000-04:00

What do atheists scream when they cum?

I was just listening to Bill Hicks (which I find myself doing often) and it just baffles me how much this guy did in his short period of time on earth. For years to come, young people will discover his voice and it will affect them, just like he has done to me. He was only 32 fucking years old and he died of cancer. It bugs me to no end that I will never be able to talk to him or even see him. He is by far the funniest comedian I have ever seen, not to mention one of the most insightful people to ever live. As far as stand-up comedy goes, Hicks will forvever be the barometer. When ever I am somewhere and I feel the conversations have hit a wall, I love to see peoples reactions when I bust out some Hicks jokes. It sounds corney, but try it and see what happens.

I got a chance to read the Hicks biography, Agent of Evolution, by life time friend Kevin Booth and it is fascinating. His short life was fulled with things that I couldn't even imagine. Being up on stage at such an early age and being able to make people double your age is something I've always wanted to do, but I just don't have that talent. The thing about the book that I really loved is that Kevin is not afraid to show the darker aspects of Bills life. He was human; he had some drug problems; he loved porn. I have always wanted to be a stand-up comedian; it's my dream job, but I could never see myself making people laugh on stage.

Bill had a vision, a vision that everyone on the planet should at least give a look into. Whether or not you agree with him politically, you can't deny his talent.




Drunk Driving

2006-07-10T17:54:00.000-04:00

Page France: Tell them to kill Zidane

Although the headline is a play on words, it expresses the two things I want to do at the moment: kill Zidane for his bone-headed 'header' yesterday, and listen to Page France. Enough about soccer though, (but I mean, seriously, how are you going to let a PK shootout determine the winner of the World Cup?) and let's move on to Page France. These guys are amazing. I know, I know...Hello, Dear Wind came out last year and therefore I am late to the game, but I'd rather be late than be out of the loop forever.

Michael Nau is a great song-writer. From the start Hello, Dear Wind delivers. Chariot is probably my favorite song of all time. There is a touch of hyperbole in there, but it is that good. Before listening to the album in its' entirity, I looked up the review over at Pitchfork. I wasn't suprised; typically, they dwelled on the 'Christian' aspect of Nau's writing. Christian themes are scattered about the album, but it is much more than that. I think they are there to add to the other themes of the album.

My first Page France song was 'Mother' I came upon it while surfing the blogosphere on Mother's Day. After hearing that song, I had to get everything that they had released; I was hooked. Usually when I listen to a band for an extended perios of time, I take a while off from their music, but in this case, doing that would be impossible. If you haven't heard them yet, do yourself a favor and buy Hello, Dear Wind.

Mother

Jesus

Chariot




...And if you haven't heard Arizona, check them out:

Some Kind of Chill

2006-06-30T19:29:00.000-04:00

--Newman plays tennis?

-He is fantastic.

The week is over and finally friday is here. Time for some good new tunes from the reliable boys of Outkast.

After about 50 download attempts today, I finally stumbled upon some pretty good music. Considering it is the new Outkast, I wasn't too suprised...These guys have been making great music for a while. I'm happy to see that they did not split as was rumored. The first track is from Andre 3000 and is named Idlewild Blues. It centers on a basic blues riff and relies upon Dre's catchy/absurd lyrics. Unlike other Outkast tracks, especially supposed singles, this track doesn't contain much besides the blues riff.

Idlewild Blues

Big Boi's effort, Morris Brown, is much more Outkast sounding than Idlewild Bues. This song has potential to become a big hit single. These songs are set to appear on the soundtrack for the boys' new feature film, Idlewild directed by

Bryan Barber, who directed Outkast in Hey Ya! and The Way You Move. Andre has proved himself big-screen worthy in last years

Four Brothers and the shitty

Be Cool.

Morris Brown


Bounus tracks I found today:

Radiohead (New Songs...Live at Bonnaroo)

Nude

Bodysnatchers

2006-06-29T15:03:00.000-04:00

Holy hoax and talk show hosts...
According to

Billboard, the Jeff Mangum message on E6 Townhall was indeed a hoax. This news comes from long time friend and frontman for The Apples in Stereo, Robert Schneider, who reported to fans that Jeff claimed not to have written the post.


Although we will not be treated with new music from Jeff Mangum, who I have believe is the second greatest song-writer of all time, there has been so much good music this year that everyone can keep their heads up. Here are some of my favorite songs so far this year.


Cold War Kids

These guys are my favorite new band. Originally a blog favorite, these kids have gained some serious creditability. Their 2006 ep offers six fantastic tracks and 2007 is looking even better. They are very indie sounding, but it works out.

We Used to Vacation

Saint John


Arizona
great track

Diventa Blu


oh no! oh my!

Jane is Fat


Islands
The first effort from super-group Islands provides a plethora of catchy pop songs. Rough Gem is a standout.

Rough Gem


Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan plans on releasing his outtakes to last years Illinois, called The Avalanche, this July. Although he did not seem too happy about the quality of the record, from what I've heard it is just as good as Illinois There is a touch of hyperbole in there, but a lot of the songs on the album are amazing.

Adlai Stevenson


Beruit

Postcards from Italy


Mason Jennings

If you need a reason


+/-

Steal the Blueprints


The Flaming Lips

At War With the Mystics was a bit of a disappointment due to the amount of time since the release of Yoshimi. There are, however, a handful of classic
lips songs.

The WAND




Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter is fantastic. He is one of the best living song writers and his new album, The Animal Years, did not disappoint.

Kathleen

2006-06-28T13:07:00.000-04:00

news and fish and meaningful messages.

This has quickly become old news, but I thought that my first post in months should be about some great news. Originally a blog phenomenon, then swallowed by Billboard and Pitchfork, Jeff Mangum (supposedly) is making new music! Ever since the release and sucess of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in 1998, Jeff Mangum has Salingered himself away from the public eye.

Sunday night I was perusing the E6 message boards whe I came across a new user, Nigh, claiming to be Jeff Mangum. At first I wrote it off but now with all of the attention it is getting, there must be some substance to the post. If in fact that was Jeff and he really is making new music and planning on playing shows, then that is the greatest thing I've heard all year

anyway, here is the original post by Nigh:

"hello again.

for the past few months ive been putting together the pieces of everything ive written in the past three years and its been a revelation. whenever i had the time ive been writing melodies and keeping them in my head for later, and songs just accumulate, im not waiting as some have said. i still dont know how we’re going to put it all together, the songs will have more noises and collages in them. because of that we dont know whether this will be korena pang or neutral milk hotel or michael bolton but that doesnt really matter. names are just a box we put things in to separate them, and we’re figuring out what box these songs go in.

we dont have a timetable for releasing the album yet, so dont get your hopes up for new songs now. if you want more “aeroplane” just ignore all of this, the songs are songs but they’re longer and more free. when jeremy came down after his tour we just spent days playing noise while screaming and it was incredibly liberating.

it has been so much fun that we will for sure be playing a show or two, probably more. freedom is a wonderful thing but at a certain point you need the routines of normal life. ive had that for a while but i realized last year at the show with the livys that the best sort of normal ive ever had was on the road with my friends. getting to gigs late with cars coughing and trombones smacking on doors, the giant egg leaks over the masses, the yolk sustains us, we eat whites for days. it can never be the same but i need to get as close as i can to that again.

so thats all. everything is happening soon, this is the year.
thanks for listening. jeff."

i'll celebrate by posting some Jeff mp3's:

Engine

Sailing Through

2006-05-01T16:18:00.000-04:00

Let's Impeach The President?

Neil Young seems to be back to his old form with his new cd Living with War. This anti-Bush record isn't Young's first leap into the protest game: Ohio, Southern Man, etc. But unlike last year's disappointment, Praire Wind, Living with War gives you the feel of old Young (I know, I know). He is basically saying, "Hey, I still got it"

Like most Young albums, this one is really centered on the guitar. The first sound heard when you place the cd in the stereo is a hard-rockin riff, ala Ohio. Neil can display more in a riff than most musicians: his anger, his frustrations and most importantly his ideals. This time around, though, he is upfront in the words he uses. How much more upfront can you get than Let's Impeach the President? That track itself seems very Michael Moore to me. Dealing with the age old defense of Bush using his [Young] religion in order to win the election. This is more along the lines of dorm room, left wing politics. Other songs are upfront and work out, such as the Restless Consumer. "Don't need not TV ad/Telling me how sick I am" The lyrics are the low point and the high point of the cd. They are sometimes too easy to criticize, but sometimes they are hard to deny.

Besides the sometimes frustrating lyrics, this album is one of this year's better efforts. It shows Young at his most honest, most heartfelt times. A lot of people will buy this record and take it as gospel. "Bush is bad because Neil Young says he's bad" I'm not too interested in the politics of the record. Of course I hate President Bush, I mean doesn't every American? But I'm more interested in how important this is for Neil. I can honestly say that he has one "great" cd left in him.

For being 60 years old and spending much of his life with a needle in his arm, Young suprisingly has a lot left, even with last year's brain aneurysm scare. You always see these former musicians mumbling through interviews (Bob Dylan, David Bowie) but Neil seems to be on the top of his game. This album is a prime example why.

2006-04-24T15:52:00.000-04:00

WILCO: Starland Ballroom 4.21.06

I arrived at Starland Ballroom at 5:30 P.M. (two hours before doors opened) so I could get a great view of one of my favorite bands, Wilco. I enter the small, bar-like venue to see that there was practically no one near the stage yet. I got the fourth row, center. After a few episodes of "The Three Stooges" I was ready for the opener, A band I'd never heard of called Morricone Youth. The place nearly shit itself when vocalist Dreiky Caprice remarked, "Your this much closer to seeing Wilco!"

Prior to the show I was a Wilco virgin, in the concert sense. I was determined to make my first show one to remember. Morricone Youth did a really good opening act. They got the crowd really into it with their "Movie Music" I must say it was really unique. After their set, everyone in the crowd was ready. 30 minutes later I was ready to die. I haden't eaten all day so I was hungry and my feet hurt due to my refusal to wear socks. But when the lights went off at a crazy Africa beat played on the speakers, I was no longer hungy and my feet felt fine.

When Wilco hit the stage I nearly cried. I just kept thinking, "Jeff fucking Tweedy is standing 20 feet in front of me" For a first time show, this was all very overwhelming. They started it off with the "Ghost" track Hell is Chrome which lead right into Handshake Drugs, one of my favorite Wilco songs. For a few songs it was a flawless; the crowd was singing along,dancing and having a good time. Then this obviously wasted guy came plowing through the crowd and decided to stand right next to me. Jeff, obviously pissed, gave the guy the middle finger during "Muzzle of Bees" After a few songs Jeff decided it was necessary to tell the guy off. "I know your excited because of the show and that makes me feel guilty because I hate you" Everyone in my sectionwas so greatful because he finally did shut up.

With that little conversation the band went right into "Jesus, etc." My favorite track from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I tried not to sing along the whole show, but I could resist singing "Our Love is all we have, Our Love is all God's money, everyone is a burning sun" From there it just got better. Spiders live is unlike anything I've seen before. The whole crowd was into it and the band didnt disappoint. After a little mistake, they did a little tune from Being There, "Forget the Flowers" The band finally left the stage while the entire crowd clapped until they came back for Encore. With Brown University horn players, they tore up "I'm the Man who loves you" and "Monday" To end the night they played my favorite Ghost track "The Late Greats"

With a great view and a great band, my night was also great, but it wasn't over. While waiting for our ride, my friend and I decided to wait by the tour bus with about 15 other fans. To my amazement I got to meet the man who just mezmorized me with his hard rockin guitar, Nels Cline. He gave some great info to the fans: the new CD should be out by late 2006/ early 2007. After him it was bassist John Stirratt who also chatted with us before heading for the bus. While waiting for Tweedy it began to rain. So the 9 or so remainging fans headed under a little roof. The members, feeling bad for us, gave us a pizza to eat! It's a great story to tell people that you ate Wilco's pizza. Sadly Tweedy never showed, but drummer Glenn Kotche came out. "Are you guys eating my pizza?" he remarked. He was extremely nice. I got him to sign my ticket.

I got the feeling of something great after the show: viewing one of the best bands in the world playing as well as they could. They sounded so tight and things I didn't think could be done live, were done better than they had been in the studio. Watching 50 year old cuitarist Nels Cline rip it up is a great sight. And just being in the same room as someone as talented as Tweedy is a real treat. After all this excitement I was ready to pass out. It was truly an amzing event. This definatly not be my last Wilco show!