Songs to Save

Phosphorescent @ SXSW

2010-04-08T14:33:00.008-05:00

Here is a video of Phosphorescent performing "At Death, A Proclamation" off their 2007 release Pride. This live version features a nice jam at the end that isn't featured on the album version. Since I like this live version much more, you can download it below along with a track off the new Phosphorescent album titled Here's To Taking It Easy, which is due out May 11.

Phosphorescent- At Death, A Proclamation (Live) [Download]

Phosphorescent- It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama) [Download]

Power Animal- People Songs

2010-04-06T22:33:00.003-05:00

Power Animal is not just a band, more like a group of "outside the box" musical phenoms. Power Animal doesn't follow the traditional guitar, drums, vocals blueprint we are so used to, instead they create intricate landscapes using: xylophone, violin, cello, melodica, keyboard, whistles, various brass instruments.... just about anything they can get their hands on really. There are a lot of things going on in Power Animal's music, and it is composed very well considering the band basically started out as the solo work of high school drop out Keith Hampson. Yes, you will read or hear something along these lines a lot as Power Animal continues grow, "Power Animal is the work of Keith Hampson, who at the age of sixteen dropped out of high school and began recording what is now known as People Songs." Sure this is an interesting fact, but not the key information you need to know about Power Animal.

However one thing you should know is how spectacular their live shows are. I got to see them last night at Little Hamilton Collective, and their set was unbelievable. First off, Little Hamilton Collective is about as underground as it gets in Nashville. It's a non-profit warehouse space for local artist and self coined "free thinkers" that is located in South Nashville near Belmont, and a very short walk away from Purple Heys (for those of you who enjoy that kind of thing). So, Little Hamilton Collective is a very small venue, that housed maybe forty people for this show. I kinda felt like I was watching this show in my friends basement, and the poorly shot picture I took from my phone supports this thought. As for Power Animal and their performance, well as I said before it was spectacular. Now I was a little nervous at the start of the set when one of their sound boards went haywire and made or horrible piercing sound at the crescendo of their second song which caused them to stop playing completely while they fixed everything, but soon they picked up right where they left off (literally) and the rest of the show was perfect. The band played in perfect harmony and rhythm even during the songs with odd time signatures. The best thing about Power Animal is their instrumental diversity. At one point two of the band members were sitting indian style across from each other on the floor playing xylophones in front of the crowd, kind of like a dueling banjos thing going on, but a thousand times cooler cause it was dueling xylophones. Simply, Power Animal is a group of very talented artist making very interesting music.

Power Animal is one of the greatest bands I've heard this year, and truly a breath of fresh air in what can sometimes be a bland indie genre. I highly recommend this band, and if all possible check them out live. Below there is a "music video" for "Copernicus" and a download of the song "Dear My Body I'm Not that Body, Dear Keith Hampson I'm Not Your Name. You Are A Shaky Boat With A Curse Upon It, But I Need You To Get To The Other Side Of The Lake" Yes this is the title of the song, and totally worth its length.

Here is one of the videos from the homemade dvd the band gave out to supporters of the band last night. If you actually do what is directed to do in the beginning of this video, then you might trip pretty hardcore. (as I did when I got home from the show) I suggest that you check it out for that reason, and because "Copernicus" is a great song.

Copernicus - Power Animal from Nicholas DiCicco on Vimeo.

Power Animal Myspace

Power Animal- Dear My Body, I'm Not That Body mp3 link

the blog has gone to hell

2010-04-06T12:44:00.001-05:00

So this afternoon I was planning on doing a post about a spectacular band called Power Animal, but after a few minutes into the writing of this post I noticed something very disheartening. Dropbox (the server who host all of my mp3's) has suspended my account because there's to much traffic from people downloading my mp3's, and now that means all of the mp3's on this blog no longer work. So here I am, basically "Up a shit creek", as some of my southern patrons might say. I mean I had a feeling that this would happen one day, but I was too lazy to find another server, and now I'm paying for it. Now I begin the search for another server and the long process of transferring all of the current files to the new server.

Also to all of you who feel my pain and want to help me out feel free to send me and email for recommendations for a new file host, preferably a free one since I am a poor college student. Anyways, bear with me while I get all this shit sorted out. Sorry for the inconvenience.

5 songs from 5 upcoming albums

2010-03-30T11:11:00.006-05:00

Harlem- Hippies (April 6)

Noise pop? Garage rock? Experimental? Call it what you want, but its destined to be one of the best albums to listen to this summer.

Harlem- "Friendly Ghost"

Jonsi- Go (April 6)

Another upbeat happy song from Jonsi, reminiscent of Gobbledigook. This is a great song to start your day.

Jonsi- "Animal Arithmetic"

The Tallest Man On Earth- The Wild Hunt (April 13)

Kristian Matsson is one of the best folk singers around. His ferocious vocals have made him one the most unique voices since Dylan. On this track he sits at the piano and tears into your soul with a heavenly sound.

The Tallest Man On Earth- "Kids On The Run"

Caribou- Swim (April 20)

Such a unique and addictive sound. Be prepared to play this track over and over again.

Caribou- "Odessa"

Broken Social Scene- Forgiveness Rock Record (May 4)

There are always a few butterfly's when one of my favorite bands releases a new album. I'm always afraid that they will release a terrible record and make me hate them, but this song helps kills those feelings.

Broken Social Scene- "Forced To Love"

Jónsi covers MGMT

2010-03-20T15:33:00.003-05:00

The solo album from Sigur Ros frontman Jónsi is just around the corner and luckily Jónsi has been teasing us with live performances every once and a while. The latest was his performance on BBC radio 1 today where he played "Go Do" and believe it or not a cover of "Time To Pretend" by MGMT. I have a very good feeling that this album is gonna be amazing.

Jónsi- Time To Pretend (MGMT cover)

Seabear- We Built A Fire

2010-03-20T13:44:00.003-05:00

I've been on a little bit of a folk kick lately, listening to the obvious folk artist like Dylan and Cohen, but also exploring the strong lineup of current folk artist including: The Tallest Man On Earth, The Cave Singers, The Low Anthem, and Freelance Whales (who intensified my folk kick after an astounding show at The End last week). But the latest addition to my folk library hails from Iceland, and has easily found a home in my heart.

Seabear is from Iceland, but they don't sound what you would expect a band from Iceland to sound like, i.e. Sigur Ros, mum, Olafur Arnalds. Actually they sound like they come from the hills of East Tennessee and North Carolina, but with a hint of Ambient sound that you would recognize from Icelandic music. All the vocals are in English, so you don't have to worry what "E sigh O" means, which sounds really good but I wonder how different Seabear would sound with native lyrics.

Overall Seabear is a folk gem that is under the radar of most, but worth every ones time.

Seabear- Pocket Knife

two songs for the madness

2010-03-19T20:08:00.003-05:00

Here are two bands that have sparked a flame in my heart. First, The Middle East soothe me with folk charm and breathtaking harmony. They deliver luscious acoustic melodies that are hard to top; blend that with great vocal harmonies, and you've got a great band on the rise. Then, following Emeril Lagasse's motto, Young Jesus "kicks it up a notch!" These Chicago natives have rock in their blood, but their sound is not as plain as the genre has become. A fairly new band, with their first ep recently being released(which is also free by the way), they have a sound that will be making waves on the indie scene pretty soon.

Hope you like them, and hopefully I'll be able to stay on top of things and bring you some reviews for all these great albums that are set to release in the next couple of months. Enjoy your March Madness friends.

The Middle East- Blood

(Myspace)

Young Jesus- Up All Night With Sterotypes

(Myspace) download the free EP here

Darwin Deez... another sign that the moustache is in

2010-03-03T12:44:00.001-06:00

Never seen or heard of this guy? Well you should; why? One, because he has so much style that it hurts; and two, he makes some catchy tunes that are worth a listen. These songs are fun and provocative and you definitely can't turn your head away form this frizzy hair, moustached man. Just check out the video for "Radar Detector", and try to tell me you have a wardrobe that can compete with his.

Darwin Deez - Radar Detector from Lucky Number Music on Vimeo.

Damn that guy can dance. I hope you enjoyed the video as much as I did. I also hope you download the song "Constellations", cause its very infectious. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go grow my moustache out.

Darwin Deez- Constellations-----(link removed)------- check it out on Myspace instead

we have two more years to live

2010-03-02T13:01:00.000-06:00

Yes dear friends the world will end in two years. Just look at the recent string of deadly earthquakes, and now the massive earthquake in Chile has possibly shifted the earths axis and caused our days to shorten. Sure our days have only shortened by 1.26 milliseconds, but in 793 days that will add up to one whole second! Upon hearing this news I have started to fashion a cardboard sign that proclaims "The End Is Near!", and I stand on street corners spreading the word.(this is why I haven't posted anything in almost a week) Anyways read about the earth axis change at Yahoo!

Now on to the music! I have had a ton of music submissions, and its been a little overwhelming to tell the truth. So I've been trying to clean up my inbox and post some songs today. So here are four songs that have made the cut so to speak.

Teru'ah- Somewhere Uptown (Myspace)
Let's Say We Did- Galaxies (Myspace)
The Rest- Everything All At Once (Myspace)
The Deer Tracks- Bless The Waves (Myspace)

Toro Y Moi- Causers Of This

2010-02-24T19:33:00.004-06:00

Maybe I've been a little harsh on the chillwave scene in the past, but thanks to this album by Toro Y Moi, I'll eat my words. First let me say In my defense I wasn't really hating on the chillwave scene as much as I was on Neon Indian, so let my try to clear the air right now. Ok, Neon Indian's album Psychic Chasms left a bad taste in my mouth after the first listen. The reason for the bad taste was because of the endless amounts of reviews about how amazing and original Psychic Chasms was. That left me thinking that Psychic Chasms would change my life and bring me some sort of spiritual enlightenment, but like an eager child on Christmas morning expecting a laser wielding robot that plays the song "The Final Countdown" every time it attacks your loser friends.... well lets just say I was let down. But that was then and I haven't given up on Neon Indian, and now I've grown to like his album. Even though It hasn't changed my life, its a nice little lo-fi electronic album. and I'm looking forward to seeing his live set at Bonnaroo. I hope that "clears the air" somewhat. Allright, on to Toro Y Moi.

Now then, "Blessa" and "Freak Love" have been constantly playing on my ipod lately, and for good reason. These are some very solid songs, and a consistently great album. If your familiar with Neon Indian and Washed Out then you will know that their albums are kinda lo-fi, especially Neon Indian, which is something that I enjoy but at certain times I hate the fuzz and feedback that goes with it, but Toro Y Moi doesn't have that lo-fi sound and that makes the album very smooth. The reason I like Causers of This so much is because of how clean and complete it sounds. There aren't any tracks on the album that I feel like I have to skip, but I admit that I sometimes do just so I can get to "Freak Love". I don't know why, but that song has me in its grips right now. So if you haven't gotten around to getting this album, then I urge you to give a try. And if your still unsure about this whole chillwave thing like I once was then give "Freak Love" a listen and hopefully you'll be a changed soul.

Toro Y Moi- Freak Love

Gil Scott-Heron -- I'm New Here

2010-02-23T13:44:00.000-06:00

Gil Scott-Heron is very new to me, and his latest record I'm New Here has blown my mind. First, this is not a traditional rock/pop/indie album, it is a very unique album that concentrates on the confessional poetry of Gil Scott-Heron, rather than instrumental prowess. His spoken word style songs about his life are supported by dark and minimal electronic beats, which do great justice to his vocals. Gil Scott-Heron is a poet first and a musician second, and that lyrical focus makes this album very interesting and amazing. The only thing you might criticize about this album is its length. Topping out at only 28 minutes long, the album seems finished before it even starts. I have a feeling of wanting more after each listen of this album, which is probably one of the keys to is success. Overall this a great album and worth a listen. Probably a couple of listens before you can fully grasp its greatness.

Below is the video and mp3 link for his first single "Me And The Devil"

Gil Scott Heron- Me And The Devil

do i look like a hipster doofus jerry?

2010-02-22T21:44:00.000-06:00

Hey I actually posted something new on Songs to Save. Are you as surprised as I am? Well I'm back for the moment and got some catching up to do I suppose.

First off, why is "The Kramer" on this post? Well its because for some reason this past weekend I reignited my love for Seinfeld. What very little amount of free time I had this past week was spent watching "a show about nothing", and women's curling too of course. Just look at these chicks from Russia. What's not to love about curling?

I also reignited my love for Daniel Johnston while watching "The Devil and Daniel Johnston". You may know from an earlier post that I'm a huge fan of Daniel Johnston, but somehow I forgot how insane he truly is, and I mean that in the nicest way. The very weird thing about this film for me personally is that last year I became relatively close friends with a guy who had manic depression just like Daniel. What was weird about it was that he looked just like a young Daniel Johnston and did a lot of the same "crazy" things Daniel Johnston did in this film. I'm sure that people with manic depression do a lot of the same things, but for me to witness these things first-hand and then to see a musical genius like Johnston do the same exact things... its bizarre to say the least. So even if your not lucky enough to have a friend with manic depression like me, I would highly suggest that you watch the film "The Devil and Daniel Johnston".

Believe me or not, but I swear to you that my friend really loved Mountain Dew too.

Also I bought my Bonnaroo ticket last week and I'll be purchasing my Rites of Spring ticket Friday, so I'm very excited about my music festival lineup this year. The only thing I'm missing is a visit to Coachella, and that could be a possibility with some recent news about a trip to So. Cal. Apparently a friend of a friend has some relatives that live in Redlands, which isn't too far from Coachella, and we could spend a week at their pool house for free. The catch is that the folks we would be staying with are two homosexual men, and me and my two friends (three heterosexual males) would effectively spend a week as "pool boys" at the house of two people we have never met before. It sounds like the script for a new sitcom to be featured on NBC. "Pool Boy, every Thursday on NBC, right before that other kinda funny show." So a possible last minute trip to Coachella? God that would be beautiful.
Last but not least, the weather last weekend was perfect. It was like 60 degrees and the sun was shining all weekend, It was like spring and it got me so excited for spring and summer to finally come. New releases from Broken Social Scene, The Tallest Man on Earth and Arcade Fire on the horizon!?! (and all possible late additions to Bonnaroo) Damn this weather has got me all fired up!

Daniel Johnston- Story of An Artist
Broken Social Scene- Worldsick
The Tallest Man On Earth- King Of Spain

Just A Band- 82

2010-02-17T18:22:00.001-06:00

These guys are from Nairobi, Kenya and are putting out some interesting music. Their latest album, 82 just dropped and you can get it on itunes here. I haven't had much time to listen to it, but the single they released to me is kinda addictive. Its titled "Ha-He" and I find myself crawling back to the chill electronic beats and Swahili lyrics. So, if your considering increasing your music library and adding some Kenyan music, I would add these guys first. And if you haven't considered adding some Kenyan music, then what is your problem?

Just A Band- Ha-He

indie love songs mix #3

2010-02-13T17:45:00.003-06:00

"Love's the noblest frailty of the mind"

Cloud Cult- Radio Fodder
Fruit Bats- When You Love Somebody
She & Him- Never Had Nobody Like You
Jose Gonzales- Heartbeats
Scout Niblett- Do You Wanna Be Buried With My People
Six Organs of Admittance- Words For Two
The Morning Benders- Fools Rush In
The Dears- You And I Are A Gang Of Losers

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart- Everything With You
Daniel Johnston- True Love Will Find You In The End

indie love songs mix #2

2010-02-12T14:22:00.004-06:00

As promised, I have another love mix for you; and if your an authentic indie kid like me then I expect you to record these songs to a cassette using your mom or pops 1979 Walkman pro, and then give the authentic "mixtape" to person you desire the most. Hopefully you'll write something on the tape too. Something like, "Love conquers all", "The love always remains", or "Love is a battlefield" just something that references music and/or is terribly cliché. This is all assuming your a super alt lover like me, not everyone can be I guess.

City and Color- Against The Grain
Sebadoh- Think (Let Tomorrow Bee)
The Raconteurs- Together
Page France- We Remain As Two
The Mountain Goats- Love Love Love
Best Friends Forever- Handpocket
Failure- Stuck On You
Emiliana Torrini- Big Jumps
Sondre Lerche- Words & Music
Built To Spill- Car
Bon Iver- Blood Bank

Rites of Spring 2010 lineup announced

2010-02-11T19:44:00.003-06:00

Well its finally here, the announcement for this years Rites of Spring has been made and I am pleasantly surprised. I mean, I really wasn't expecting a strong lineup after The Flaming Lips graced us with an insane psychedelic freak show last year, but Vandy put it together and got us a good little show lined up. Take a gander my friends.

Drake
Ben Harper and Relentless7
Phoenix
Passion Pit
Cold War Kids
Melanie Fiona
Doug E. Fresh
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
JJ Grey and Mofro
The New Mastersounds
Two Door Cinema Club
Salvador Santana

Obviously its all about Ben Harper/Phoenix/Passion Pit/ Cold War Kids, I could care less about the others except for Doug E. Fresh of course. Seriously I can't wait for this festival. Last year I was tripping the psychedelic rock balls, this year I'll be tripping electronic dance balls, except for the time when I burn one down with Ben.

Ben Harper- Burn One Down
Cold War Kids- Something Is Not Right With Me
Phoenix- Lisztomania
Passion Pit- Little Secrets

Dan Black ft. Kid Cudi "Symphonies"

2010-02-10T10:10:00.003-06:00

Here is a great video for the remix of "Symphonies" that features Kid Cudi. The whole video is just one film reference after another, and it works perfectly. Right now I'm trying my best to name all the films that are referenced, but my brain just doesn't want to work right now. I know they did Sin City, Donnie Darko,and Se7en, but then its just a lot of speculation. Maybe Tron, Catch Me If You Can, 2001 A Space Odyssey, 500 Days of Summer, Tarzan, and Godzilla? I don't know, they all seem so familiar though. I feel like there should be a Tarantino reference, but I don't see one.

Either way it's a great video and a catchy tune so give it a try. And let me know what you think, and give your insight on the what films are referenced.

Dan Black ft. Kid Cudi- Symphonies

indie love songs mix #1

2010-02-09T17:44:00.003-06:00

Since Valentines day is around the corner I figure It would be a good time to post some songs about love and all that jazz. I'm gonna try to do two more mixes cause there's about a billion songs about love (or only 69 if your a Magnetic Fields fan).

The first mix mostly contains some old favorites of mine. Its a pretty straight forward mix, no lies just love. Enjoy and stay tuned for more to come.

Radiohead- All I Need
Sufjan Stevens- To Be Alone With You (Download)
The Microphones- I Felt Your Shape (Download)
The Features- The Idea Of Growing Old
The Blow- Parentheses
M. Ward- I'll Be Yr Bird
Neutral Milk Hotel- I Love How You Love Me
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros- Home
The Dodos- Undeclared
Gregory And The Hawk- Boats and Birds
Soltero- Communist Love Song
The Beatles- And I Love Her
Sunset Rubdown- Shut Up I Am Dreaming Of Places Where Lovers Have Wings

11 essential Grizzly Bear songs (not from Veckatimest)

2010-02-09T02:44:00.001-06:00

Grizzly Bear are definitely in my list of best bands of all time. Ever since I first heard "Knife" I've fallen madly in love with them. Now Veckatimest has brought Grizzly Bear to the top of the indie scene and for good reason. Since it goes without question that Veckatimest is amazing, I'm gonna post 11 of my favorite songs from the rest of their collection for you to fall in love with. I hope you enjoy them, and let me know what Grizzly Bear songs you love.

Grizzly Bear- Knife
Grizzly Bear- On a Neck, On a Spit
Grizzly Bear- Colorado
Grizzly Bear- Deep Blue Sea
Grizzly Bear- A Leader Always Carries a Stick
Grizzly Bear- Owner of A Lonely Heart (Yes cover)
Grizzly Bear- He Hit Me (The Crystals cover)
Grizzly Bear- Little Brother (Electric)
Grizzly Bear- Deep Sea Diver
Grizzly Bear- Don't Ask (Final Fantasy remix)
Grizzly Bear vs The Knife- Knife/Heartbeats (PARRKA)

Jon Hardy & The Public

2010-02-05T20:00:00.001-06:00

Just got a hold of these guys earlier this week, and I'm very into this free EP they just released. Jon Hardy & The Public are a folk/rock/americana band from St. Louis that kinda remind me of The Walkmen at times. (I think its the heavily reverbed lead guitar riffs) Basically Sugar is about broken relationships and how shitty they can make you feel; which is what 77% of all music is about, which also isn't a bad thing necessarily. Anyways these guys have caught my eye and Sugar is free so why not download it and check them out for yourself?

Jon Hardy & The Public- Worst I Ever Had

Link to free EP

Midlake- The Courage of Others

2010-02-04T15:11:00.002-06:00

Its about time Midlake released another album. Four years ago I fell in love with The Trials of Van Occupanther. It was the summer I graduated from high school and that album was a soundtrack to my lazy summer activity's. I vividly remember driving through the countryside near my house and listening to "Bandits". It was a beautiful summer day, there was a cool breeze gently shaking the leaves on the trees, and the sun made love to the earth; It was all the ingredients to a perfectly cliche summer day. Now four years later I wonder if The Courage of Others will make me think of such cliches down the road. I surely hope so.

The Courage of Others was released Tuesday, I highly recommend it. The album is filled with complex layers and the beautiful harmonies Midlake is known for. Right now I feel like I've found an album for the calmer days of spring.

Midlake- The Courage of Others
Midlake- Winter Dies

The White Panda at it again

2010-02-01T17:55:00.001-06:00

The White Panda's music output is insane. Every week I get an email from them about a new track they just mixed, and that blows my mind. Not only do they release something almost every week, but the mash-ups they produce are very solid. So why was I surprise this morning when I saw another email from The White Panda? Two words... Owl City.

As you can probably guess, I hate that clown; and unless your fourteen then you probably share my sentiment. So do I dare post a mash up involving Owl City? Well when I first saw the title I expected the worse, but as with most White Panda tracks I was pleasantly surprised. I hope you feel the same way, I mean its got Young Joc in it.

The White Panda- Fireflies Goin Down (Young Joc vs. Owl City)

snow

2010-01-29T14:02:00.002-06:00

Today I embrace with the snowstorm that amasses.

I find this song very fitting.

Arvo Pärt- Spiegel im Spiegel

Very minimal, almost depressing, but incredibly georgeous. I just wanted to share it with you.

cover me monday- the timeless Neil Young

2010-01-25T15:22:00.001-06:00

There are only a handful of artist who are as talented, influential and spectacular as Neil Young. He has been in the business for almost fifty years now and he continues to write and perform folk masterpieces; and just recently he teamed up with Dave Matthews for the Hope For Haiti Now benefit. Together they covered Hank Williams "Alone and Forsaken", and it is an amazing cover. So to start off this weeks covers mix you can download the Young and Matthews duet, and then there are a couple people covering Neil. I tried to select the best, cause you probably now there are a million covers of Neil Young out there. Also, there is a video of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and St. Vincent doing a cover of Harvest Moon which I highly recommend.

Neil Young and Dave Matthews- Alone and Forsaken (Hank Williams cover)

Ryan Adams- Helpless (recorded right here in Nashville at the Exit/In. That's why you hear a beer bottle drop during this song, cause we're alcoholics around here and can't hold on to our beers.)
Uncle Tupelo- On the Beach
The Flaming Lips- After The Gold Rush
The Smashing Pumpkins- Cinnamon Girl

more stuff from Jónsi

2010-01-24T15:11:00.002-06:00

You might have noticed that I'm really looking forward to the new album from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi Birgisson. Every song sounds amazing so far, and Jónsi's voice is exceptional. To hear him sing in english really gives us a look at his talented writting skills that are hidden in his work with Sigur Rós. I have a feeling that Go will be one of the best albums of the year.

So Jónsi appeared on WNYC Thursday and gave us some beautiful acoustic versions of his new songs. You can listen to the whole broadcast below, which feautures some talk about Jónsi's voice and love for Iron Maiden, and you can download each acoustic track below. Check them out and enjoy your week friends.

Jónsi- Go Do (Acoustic)

Jónsi- Boy Lilikoi (Acoustic)

Jónsi- Around Us (Acoustic)

Thee Silver Mount Zion Orchestra- Kollaps Tradixionales

2010-01-21T15:11:00.001-06:00

I have never really mentioned it on this blog before, but post-rock has been a huge influence on my life. Ever since Goodspeed You! Black Emperor first caught my attention with "Dead Flag Blues", I have been a cult like follower of the post-rock scene. Officially Godspeed You! Black Emperor is no more, but there are a handful of bands created by the members Goodspeed, and one of them is Thee Silver Mount Zion Orchestra.

Kollaps Tradixionales is the latest from Thee Silver Mount Zion.(or A Silver Mount Zion or whatever the hell you wanna call them, cause they have about ten different names I think) At first listen I feel there is a big improvement from their last release 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons. The one thing that Silver Mount Zion does that Goodspeed didn't really do is sing, and that brings interesting results for a style of music that focuses on instrumental compositions. The singing duties are shared by the band but are led by Efrim Menuck. Efrim's vocals are not gorgeous but they are honest and strong. At the height of "I Built Myself a Metal Bird" he sings "Dance you mother fucker, dance you mother fucker" on top of blistering instrumentals, a moment that could be muddled with noise but it does nothing of the sort. His vocal force is not outdone by the intense instruments but rather finding a suitable home right next to them. This a key component to blending vocals to heavy post-rock.

As expected the album has a couple of long instrumental compositions. The opening and closing track are fifteen minutes and fourteen minutes respectively. The tracks are long enough to take you on a journey of sound. They hit the slow soft moments with ease and suspense, then carry you off with a slow ascent of sound and instrumental fury. Kollaps Tradixionales does not disappoint the post-rock fan like me, and I hope it wont disappoint you either.

Thee Silver Mount Zion Orchestra- Kollaps Tradicional (Bury 3 Dynamos)

If you wondering who writes this blog.... now you know

2010-01-20T21:55:00.001-06:00

Whats up bitches! I just wanted to upload a pic of myself for the world to see the real Justin. I know what your thinking, but the answer is no, I'm not available ladies. I'm sorry, but when you got guns like these, you can't keep the pussy off this hairy and discolored crotch. I'm packing a lot of thunder too. I bought this speedo so I could tastefully show off my goods, it was the best purchase I made this year. Some people say the mullet is out of style, but as we all know I'm an alt kid, so therefore I'm cutting edge alt. I decided to show off my guitars to prove I'm pretty musically inclined. I know you might think the guitars don't fit this picture well, but i wanted to show that there is more to me than just some bad ass mother fucker who will kick your ass if you cross me up. I'm also a sweet and mysterious rock star who melts the panties of girls everywhere with my mix of blues and soul music. I am Justin, I write this blog.

And this has nothing to do with this post really, but these mash-ups and remix are really making the doors on my 1976 Blazer rattle. So I suggest you check them out, or I will kick your ass. And oh yeah, watch for the corn hole.

The White Panda- Pop Lock N Grizzly
Bee Gees- Staying Alive (Wolves Of Saint August Remix)
Redlight- Ghost On Fire

cover me monday- a take on Jeff Mangum

2010-01-18T15:33:00.001-06:00

Jeff Mangum is extraordinary to say the least. Early in his career he dabbled in lo-fi, psychedelic bands, but eventually he decided to leave those bands and focus on his own songs. With the help of close friends he released an album titled On Avery Island in 1996 under the moniker Neutral Milk Hotel. It was a decent album but two years later it was his second album, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, that took the world over and has now become regarded as one of the greatest indie albums of all time. The albums lyrics mostly centered around, though sometimes very vague, Anne Frank and the Nazi oppression of Jews. Mangum's howling and almost out of key vocals gave the album a life and passion that is has yet to be reproduced. Then before the year anniversary of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea could be celebrated, Jeff Mangum and Neutral Milk Hotel went on an indefinite hiatus.

From there the story becomes very interesting. He was reported to having a nervous breakdown after the success of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea and left America to begin field recordings all over the world. (Anything not recorded in a studio. Mostly attributed to the recording of ambient sounds of different areas.) I once read that he went kinda insane and started recording whale sounds, I'm sure that was just a fabricated tale though. One thing that is certain is that he did do some field recordings. He did field recordings of Bulgarian music while traveling across Europe. That album is titled Orange Twin Field Works, Vol. 1, just in case you don't believe me, and yes maybe Mangum did go a little insane for a little while.

So now Jeff Mangum is seen as an almost messianic figure to some, including me. He recorded one of the greatest albums of all time(an album mostly about the Jewish people during the Holocaust oddly enough) then he effectively disappeared from the world. Messianic or not, the truth is that he doesn't record his own music anymore, which is a real shame. He has been known to collaborate with artist, the most obvious is his effort on the Apples in Stereo album New Magnetic Wonder, but here is the enigmatic Jeff Mangum again with a cover of Tall Dwarfs. The cover is featured on the album Stroke, which is the collaboration of 33 bands doing covers of Chris Knox, who unfortunately suffered a life altering stroke last year and the proceeds for this album are going to pay for his rehabilitation.

So listen to Jeff Mangum doing a cover of "Sign the Dotted Line"

Jeff Mangum- Sign the Dotted Line (Tall Dwarfs cover)

Then buy the Stroke album here. Link

Then listen to some covers of magnificent Neutral Milk Hotel

Fanfarlo- In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
The Mountain Goats- Two Headed Boy
Frightened Rabbit- Song Against Sex

obscure bands find a home on Songs to Save

2010-01-16T17:44:00.003-06:00

When I first started this blog about four months ago I really had no clue what to do, which is very obvious in the early post. (though I really think some of those post are kinda funny, and I think It will be hard to top the level of humor in some of those post. Well at least the swine flu one) Of course there were some pretty crappy post(and still are for that matter), but I continued to keep throwing the crap out and eventually a gem showed up here and there. Though I do not devote all of my time and efforts into this blog, It is a part of me and I care for it. (I would say I care for it like my own child, but there are times when I leave this blog out in the car in the 100 degree heat and leave the windows cracked and say, "just sit tight, I'll be back in a sec", and then I go inside to my favorite outlet mall and while I'm leaving I say, "maybe I'll get my hair done, it will only take a second". I am a bad mother to this blog sometimes)....

Anyways.... Why do I say all this? Because its a new year and I have high hopes for this blog and for the new music that is coming out this year. Yes I have alot of things planned for this blog, but the main thing that might be interesting are interviews, bio's and mp3's from unsigned and obscure bands. And I'm not talking about obscure guys like Tiny Letters, cause I know that alot of you probably weren't into it as much as me, but I'm talking about bands who really have a sweet sound and could make it in the indie music scene. Now here is my question to you faithful reader. Does this appeal to you? Or would you rather me just report on the more popular side of indie music? And before you decide, have a listen to a couple of the obscure bands that would be included in this.

Dan Koshute- Cygnet
Dan Koshute- Double Dip
En Tout Cas- Dengue Fever
En Tout Cas- Join The Fold
Her Name Is Calla- Long Grass

These are all bands that have contacted me and have been gracious enough to give us free samples of their music. Thankfully there are still bands who care more about the music rather than the money. (at least for a little while I guess) And I'm really into these guys, I hope you will check all of these bands listed here out. Now rest assured, Songs to Save isn't changing, its just adding some more content. (that is if I can be a better mother to this site. It's something I'm working on still. I'm reading books about being a good mother so that should help, but I read that I already made a mistake by not breastfeeding this blog from the start.... Damn)

rest in peace Jay Reatard

2010-01-14T14:44:00.001-06:00

Another great artist has recently died. Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. (aka Jay Reatard) died in his sleep January 13, at his home in Memphis. The cause of death is unknown at the time, though there are rumours of an overdose.

Jay's garage punk style of music was an unfaltering attack of the senses. He easily blew us away with the noise rock that somehow found a perfect home in the blues driven scene of Memphis. His shows were energetic and organic. He was a very talented multi-instrumentalist who was not afraid to experiment with new sounds; a fact clearly seen in his undertaking of the synth and his band Terror Visions. Jay Reatard was another very respected and talented artist who has left us to soon.

Jay Reatard- My Shadow

the camo kilt- comfortable and practical

2010-01-13T00:33:00.000-06:00

I just want to be the best "alt" kid I can be, and what better way than with my camo kilt? The problem is that all the other "alt" kids don't understand me. Fuckin hipsters! We need to progress our alt style to a new type of clothing, and I'm gonna be the guy to lead the way. I mean the fuckin american eagles and mtv took our flannels away from us, whats next? The camo kilt! That's what's next! Just think about it. Its unique, its got easy access to the junk between your legs and it helps you blend into the trees at your local park. Give it a few months before the "mainstream" catches on and ruins it for me though. For now I'm just gonna dance my ass and hope everyone can see my ass while doing it.

The White Panda- Dancefloor Sex (Cascada vs. Jeremiah)
Will Smith- Fresh Prince of Bel Air (Mustard Pimp Remix)

Vampire Weekend- Contra

2010-01-11T16:54:00.002-06:00

History usually tells us one thing about bands that have hit debut albums, their sophomore album will usually suck. So the question everyone is asking is, "will the second album by Vampire Weekend suck?" Here's the simple answer my friends; no, it does not suck........ maybe its not as amazing as the first album, but that's a decision we all have to make for ourselves right?

Contra doesn't stray far from the recipe that worked for the first album. Very upbeat "clean" guitars are the support to Ezra Koenig's falsetto vocals. Then there's the support of horns and violins that build the orchestral feel. Overall the album is strong and well worked out. Vampire Weekend had a huge task ahead of them in creating this album, and they did an admirable job with it. I know some will say that Contra is just another album, but to me it has a unique sound that only Vampire Weekend could produce. They are a very original sounding band, and no doubt that is one of the reasons people like them. Though Contra hasn't blown me away, I enjoy this album. There is still a lot of time for it to grow on me, and everyone else for that matter. Why not give it a try?

Vampire Weekend- Cousins

cover me monday

2010-01-11T16:44:00.001-06:00

It's old news, but The Flaming Lips teamed up with very amazing Stardeath and White Dwarfs to cover Pink Floyd's album Dark Side of the Moon. It features vocals from the sometimes under appreciated Henry Rollins and the always awkward Peaches. The Flaming Lips and Stardeath and White Dwarfs are the perfect match for this very trippy album. So if your a fan of Pink Floyd or The Flaming Lips, why not check it out. And if your a fan of expanding your mind, then you know what to do.

Flaming Lips- Dark Side of the Moon=Buy
Flaming Lips- Speak to Me/Breathe (feat. Henry Rollins and Peaches)=Try

As for cover me monday, I got four other covers to make you feel good inside. Another Pink Floyd cover maybe?

Radiohead- Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)
Ben Folds- Twin Falls (Built To Spill cover)
José González- Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover)
Scala & Kolacny Brothers- Heartbeats (The Knife cover)

Best Albums of 2009

2010-01-03T21:00:00.008-06:00

2009 is over and so begins the natural phenomena of the "best of the year list". Its like a law of the earth really. Just as we have gravity, we must also have a list of the best things of the year, no matter how ridiculous that list is. Naturally I can not deny this law and I will try my best to provide you with my list of the best albums of 2009. Hopefully you'll check out the stuff your not familiar with. I would suggest Great Bloomers. Just saying

The Best Albums Of 2009

25. Woods- Songs of Shame

Woods- Rain On

24. Passion Pit- Manners

Passion Pit- The Reeling

23.The Flaming Lips- Embryonic

The Flaming Lips- Watching The Planets

22. Akron/Family- Set Em Wild Set Em Free

Akron/Family- River

21. Wild Beast- Two Dancers

Wild Beasts- All The Kings Men

20. Great Bloomers- Speak of Trouble

Great Bloomers- The Young Ones Slept

19. Freelance Whales- Weathervanes

Freelance Whales- Starring

18. Bibio- Ambivalence Avenue

Bibio- Ambivalence Avenue

17. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart- Everything With You

16. Local Natives- Gorilla Manor

Local Natives- Sun Hands

15. Cymbals Eat Guitars- Why There Are Mountains

14. Ramona Falls- Intuit

Ramona Falls- I Say Fever

13. Real Estate- Real Estate

Real Estate- Beach Comber

12. The Rural Alberta Advantage- Hometowns

The Rural Alberta Advantage- Frank, AB

11. Japandroids- Post-Nothing

Japandroids- Young Hearts Spark Fire

10. Bill Callahan- Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle

Bill Callahan- Jim Cain

9. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros- Up From Below

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros- 40 Day Dream

8. Girls- Album

7. Dirty Projectors- Bitta Orca

Dirty Projectors- Cannibal Resource

6. Bear in Heaven- Beast Rest Forth Mouth

Bear In Heaven- Lovesick Teenagers

5. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest

Grizzly Bear- While You Wait For the Others

4. The xx- The xx

The xx- Islands

3. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Phoenix- Fences

2. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion

Animal Collective- Brother Sport

1. The Antlers- Hospice

The Antlers- Two

Honorable Mentions that didn't quite make it into the top 25
Megafaun- Gather, Form & Fly
Magnolia Electric Co.- Josephine
Matt & Kim- Grand
Mount Eerie- Dark Winds Poem
Letting Up Despite Great Faults- Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Espers- III
We Were Promised Jetpacks- These Four Walls.

I would have made the list to 3o but I'm to lazy, and I dont have the time to upload five more tracks. You should be happy with 25... hopefully. Also I apologize for the lack of info on these albums and why I liked each one so much. After getting some good feedback from my last post I feel like I'm letting the small group of people who read this blog down. So I apologize to you guys, my new years resolution will be to provide better post in the near future.

Well there is another list of good ass music for you. As usual let me know how you feel about these albums, and tell me how I screwed the list up. And since there are two kinds of people in this world, (People who love Animal Collective and People who hate Animal collective) I expect to see one of these two comments. 1. What the hell damn guy! AnCo number 2!? this blog is for the birds. 2. oh wow! AnCo number 2?! I guess they're not as overrated as I once thought. Im glad someone is finally putting the animal collective in their right place. (this guy is being very sarcastic by the way)

REVISION:

I have removed some mp3's due to copyright infringement allegations. I have been notified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry for allegations of infringement. I'm going to leave the mp3's down for now until more information is gathered. Sorry for the inconvenience. Blame the man, not me

25 songs I obsessed over in 2009

2010-01-02T20:08:00.010-06:00

Hello 2010! I see great things on the horizon. Maybe I'll become the next William Faulkner. Maybe I'll find true love with a hipster that understands the importance of playing authentic music during love making, and none of that Phoenix stuff cause I cant keep that beat. Or maybe Arcade Fire will release a new album and it will bring peace to the world, or solve world hunger, or something like that. Anyways, so if you probably know, I haven't been posting on a regular basis lately, but I hope to make up for it with a ton of mp3's to download. I really mean a ton of downloads, tomorrow I'll be releasing my top 25 albums of 2009 so there will be alot of mp3's there too. So, here is my list of my most obsessed songs for the year of 2009. Some of these songs obviously didn't come out this year so its not a best songs of the year list. Is that cool with you?

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros- Home
This song really took my breath away the first time I heard it. There is nothing as organic and beautiful as the interlude when Alex and Jade are just talking to each other, and when played live it only gets better.(Even though Jade was sick and could barely sing when I saw them, it still was magical)
The Antlers- Bear
As you already know Hospice is almost perfect. Every song is flawless, but "Bear" was the one song off this album that I could not stop playing. The lyrics are what set it apart for me. Though I didn't get a random girl pregnant, I did turn twenty one around the time this album came out, so that's cool I guess. And if I did knock somebody up I would have been fine with making my offspring a cave and finding food for him/her to eat, all the while I know we're fucked and not getting unfucked soon.
The Tallest Man on Earth- The Gardener
Can you escape the power of these vocals? The Tallest Man on Earth is rapidly becoming my favorite folk singer of all time. He has so much passion that its almost intimidating when seen live. When I saw him at Exit/In he just stared every single person in the crowd down; and when his eyes met your eyes it was like your soul was being possesed by a folk god.
Bows And Arrows- I Spent My Nights Awake
A local band that I'm love with, and this song was constantly playing on my ipod it seems. The breakdown near the end of this song continues to make me dance uncontrollably, even though I've listen to it over a thousand times.
Animal Collective- What Would I Want Sky
We all know Animal Collective is amazing, but when they sample a Grateful Dead song then you start to realize the genius behind these guys. You gotta respect Animal Collective.
Bob Dylan- Moonshiner
This song is very special to me. Why? Well the first time I heard this song was at the Tallest Man on Earth show. Needless to say it was a great cover, but a couple of months later me and some friends did our own cover of "Moonshiner". It involved a bachelor party with 30 guys in a huge cabin in Gaitlinberg, 2 bathtubs full of alcohol, a pair of acoustic guitars, and a crowd of old, grey moustached bikers. I wish someone would have recorded our version, cause it was kick ass my friends.
Harlem Shakes- Strictly Game
"Make a little money, take a lot of shit
Feel real bad, then get over it
This will be a better year" The most amazing lyrics. If your down, then this will cheer you up.
Warren Zevon- My Shits Fucked Up
I'm always afraid to go to the doctor when I listen to this song, cause the doctor will probably say my shits fucked up. Apparently Zevon felt the same way, except he had a phobia of doctors which can be a bad thing. Especially if you have cancer and refuse treatment which will lead to an unfortunate death. Zevon, another great singer/songwriter who has left us to soon.
Tallest Trees- Alouette!
Another awesome local band that I've fell in love with. Somewhat psychedelic somewhat experimental, somewhat amazing. That should be enough description for this very loved band and track.
Xaphoon Jones- I Wanna Know Now
Xaphoon Jones knew what he was doing when he mixed Marley and MGMT. Anything Bob Marley attracts my attention and just about everyone else in the world. This is a good ass song, dont take my word for it though.
The xx- Crystalised
Justin Vernon- Ring Out
Passion Pit- Sleepyhead
The Dodos- Men
Cymbals Eat Guitars- And The Hazy Sea
Magnolia Electric Co.- Josephine
The Hood Internet- Two Weeks of Hip Hop (Dead Prez vs Grizzly Bear)
Grizzly Bear- Two Weeks
Carissa's Wierd- Ignorant Piece of Shit
Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay- Why'd You Go?
Bill Callahan- Eid Ma Clack Shaw
City and Color- Against The Grain
Nico- These Days
Plants and Animals- Feedback in The Field
The Beatles- Yesterday

I hope you enjoyed this little list of songs I really digged in 2009. I know I did. Hit me up and let me know what you really got into last year. I appreciate your thoughts too, ya know?

rest in peace Vic Chesnutt

2009-12-27T23:11:00.006-06:00

I have just read the news about Vic Chesnutt, and the sadness I feel is immense. Vic's life has undoubtedly been hard ever since becoming a paraplegic at the age of 18 after a car accident, and his songs eloquently spoke of those pains. Sadly, at the age of 45, Vic Chesnutt took his own life by means of an overdose. He died at 3 in the afternoon on Christmas day surrounded by his family. Many questions are yet to be answered, but one reason for his actions could be attributed to over $50,000 he owed in medical bills. Now the Health Reform bill is going through the usual process, whether you support it or oppose it does not matter. The real truth is that money is a very evil thing, and for it to drive men to kill themselves is a sad reality to comprehend.

My thoughts are with Chesnutt's family, and I hope they realize the huge influence he has been on the music scene. I for one have found his voice a soothing answer to the hard times I have experienced myself. I will greatly miss Chesnutt along with many others, but if you have never heard him I urge you to seek out his music. My favorite album would be North Star Deserter, an album featuring compilations with Three Silver Mount Zion, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Fugazi's Guy Picciottio. An astounding album, and an even more astounding man. His newest album, At the Cut, is turning out to be his greatest work yet. Aquarium Drunkard is where I read the news, and I want to quote this from them, "Now, in the wake of Chesnutt’s suicide, one of the album’s best songs has also taken on a different tone. “Flirted With You All My Life” was, as Vic explained it in an interview we conducted earlier this year, “about being a suicide. I’ve attempted suicide a couple of times and I think about things such as that. [People who attempt suicide] have a kind of love/hate relationship with death. I do, in some ways. That’s what I say in the song – ‘tease me with your sweet relief.’ The song is about realizing that I don’t want to die. I want to live.” A song that seemed to point to a triumph over Death’s call, instead now reads like a lost promise."

We may be sad he is gone, but we can have faith that he reached his "sweet relief".
Vic Chesnutt- Glossalalia
Vic Chesnutt- Flirted With You All My Life

songs to get you through the week

2009-12-21T22:00:00.004-06:00

The slogan, "Guns don't kill people, people do" seems very apparent in this picture. Now I'm not a gun advocate or hater really, but its pretty obvious that crazy guys like Rambo will kill no matter what the instrument. He doesn't need a 50 cal. machine gun on his shoulder to do some good ol' fashion killing, just a recorder he probably stole from a third grade music class. Sometimes I wonder if Rambo traded his unquenchable thirst for blood for a love of music. Think of all the ladies he could've attracted with his blood red headband at Motley Crue shows. Then again maybe a hair band like Motley Crue wouldn't be the genre of choice for the new gentle Rambo, the new Rambo would probably be a big fan of the singer songwriter genre. Lets face it, acoustic guitars and sappy lyrics are hardly the tunes for killers. (Except for David Chapman of course)

This is a playlist on Rambo's iPod
STELLA!!!! You drew first blood, you drew first blood
Soulsavers- You Will Miss Me When I Burn
Ola Podrida- Jordanna
Eef Barzelay- Ballad of Bitter Honey
Ethan Master of the Hawaiian Ukulele- The Part I Like
Leonard Cohen- Suzanne

Rambo With Recorder by Daryl Waller from Winter Drawings

Yeasayer- Odd Blood

2009-12-17T15:22:00.001-06:00

You cannot escape the Yeasayer hype right now. Every freaking blog in the world has some post about the new Yeasayer album and how good it is, or how it got leaked this year so it should be the best album of this year and for next year too because that's its official release year. Well you can go ahead and add me to that shit storm of blogs "blogging" about Yeasayer. I won't go as for to say that its the best album of the year or next year or even the best by Yeasayer, but I will say that Odd Blood has some pretty good songs. Just as the last album All Hour Cymbals had "Sunrise" and "2080", Odd Blood has "Ambling Alp", "Madder Red" and even "Love Me Girl", but right now that's as far as the album goes. Considering I've only listened to the album a couple of times, I will probably change my mind as time goes on and I get the chance to absorb the total album.

Anyways, the hype seems to outweigh the results right now, but that doesn't mean they don't have a respectable album on their hands. For me "Madder Red" is the only contender against my much loved song of two years ago "2080". I'll let you decide for yourself.
Yeasayer- Madder Red

Pitchfork and their "top blah blah blah list"- Am I less authentic for liking some/alot of these songs?

2009-12-16T14:33:00.000-06:00

Well Pitchfork has released their best of 09 stuff, and all the hipsters like me and you are viewing this list and saying stuff like, "why the hell is Lady Gaga on this?" and "wait a second, I'm on Pitchfork. This shit is to mainstream for my taste." Well no matter how you feel about Pitchfork and their hugely popular "Indie Blog", it goes without question that some of the songs on this list are pretty good. So that raises the question, am I a less authentic "Indie music lover" if I like the first five tracks on this list?(Well not so much Daniel. It shouldn't be number four, but Natasha Khan is hot, so its ok i guess) I figure since your reading this post your probably going through the same quandary as me. Where is the line between authentic "Indie Music" and mainstream crap? I don't know or really care anymore, I'm just stealing a line from the great carles.(thank you for returning carles. I can be authentic after all)

Here have the top five tracks of the year. (As decided by the almighty Pitchfork)

new song from Liars

2009-12-14T12:55:00.003-06:00

Yeah you probably already know that Liars have a new album titled Sisterworld coming out next year, and you probably already know that they released a free track a couple of days ago. But if you didn't know those things, then you have located your internet machine in the right place.

I first fell in love with Liars with the album Drums Not Dead. The ethereal and enigmatic sound of that album hooked me from the start. I mean the album is really kinda weird the first time you listen to it, but the constant support of tribal drums became the key to Liars success. Then came the self titled album and it pushed a more upfront attack of rock. Right from the start Julian Gross pounds on the drums and makes sure your prepared for the rest of the album. As for the newest release entitled "Scissor", it incorporates elements from both of those albums. It starts soft and ethereal then your attacked with a wave of loud rock sound. I'm really digging this song, and looking forward to the new album.

Have a taste for yourself and let me know how feel about it
Liars- Scissor

Jónsi is so busy these days

2009-12-13T13:55:00.000-06:00

Jón Þór Birgisson is better known as the voice behind Sigur Rós. His unmistakable falsetto vocals are angelic, and have pushed Sigur Rós to the greatest heights of beauty. Now Jón Þór Birgisson, Jónsi for short, will release a solo album in March of next year. Earlier this year Jónsi already collaborated with boyfriend Alex Somers and released a lovely album titled Riceboy Sleeps, and then of course last year Sigur Rós released the fantastic Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust. So its safe to say Jónsi has had alot on his plate lately.

The album from Jónsi is titled Go; and if the free track released by Jónsi is any indication for what the rest of the album holds, well we might have our hands on the best album of next year. There is a tour following the release of this album too, which is awesome but kinda sucks at the same time. I mean I know that the Jónsi solo tour will be amazing, but it just doesn't seem right to see Jónsi without the rest of the guys from Sigur Rós. I'm not gonna complain though, hopefully he'll come somewhere close to Nashville. Actually I hope he plays at the Ryman again. Think how intimate and magical that setting would be. Please come to the Ryman Jónsi, please.

Jónsi- Boy Lilikoi

Seasick Steve- Man From Another Time

2009-12-11T13:33:00.003-06:00

Seasick Steve has lived a very interesting life. When he was thirteen he left his home and began his life as a vagrant. Seasick Steve once said, "Hobos are people who move around looking for work, tramps are people who move around but don't look for work, and bums are people who don't move and don't work. I've been all three." Just look at the picture of him on the album cover, it's obvious he has lived a pretty crazy life on the streets. As for his music... can I get an amen on the blues skills this homeless man possesses? Amen brother, AMEN!

Seriously, Seasick Steve has some insane blues licks. The kind of licks that take you back to early BB. King, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker days. It's also insane because he plays alot of his songs on old beat up guitars that are missing strings. He's famous for playing a an old three string Trance Wonder, which looks like it should've been thrown in the trash thirty years ago, but Seasick Steve see's that old beat up guitar as a beautiful creature that will never die as long as Steve's around.

The latest album by Seasick is Man From Another Time, and it's a guaranteed hit for the blues genre. His voice is sincere and powerful. His ballads tell stories about his life and troubles, just like any other blues master, his songs are truthful renditions about the low down and dirty days of life. His guitar sounds like it was part of his life since birth. He knows the fretboard like the back of his hand. This is one of the best blues albums of this modern era. Give it a listen and make sure to put on an old flannel and coveralls just to get in the mood for this album.

Seasick Steve- Diddley Bo

Seasick Steve- My Home [Blue Eyes]

Seasick Steve - A Take Away Show - Part 2 from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Phoenix is for hipsters

2009-12-10T01:11:00.000-06:00

If you didn't know already, Phoenix is for hipsters. Not Phoenix the city, but these four stylish Frenchmen pictured above. Just look at them, with their long hair and designer scarves. They just ooze hipster, but does that mean they're a bad band? Of course not. Their latest release Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, is just as contagious as the swine flu. Its true, people dance and drink pbr to this album every night, but a music savy person like you already knew that.

Anyways I mostly just wanted to post this video of them on LA BLOGOTHEQUE. Which is a freakin awesome site that has a video of almost every great band playing either in the streets or van or elevator... and stuff like that. These videos really give you an idea how good a band really is when its stripped down to the bare minimum and played in the middle of the streets.

Phoenix - 1901 - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Secondstar- Teeth

2009-12-09T15:33:00.001-06:00

You can go ahead and add this EP to list of great music released this year. Teeth is an infectious blend of vocal harmonies over banjo and acoustic guitars with some occasional hand clapping and whistling thrown in there. I for one think Secondstar is a great band, but as I write this post my best friend argues fervently with me about how much he thinks they suck. So for the first time on this site I will post the review of a band from an outside voice. A man I've known all my life and shared countless, pointless arguments about life, sex, physics, and of course music. His name is Caleb, and yesterday was his birthday.

Here is the setting. Caleb is in the shower, I am sitting on the toilet with my computer. He is dictating his review to me through the thin shower curtain and I am trying my best to type word for word his thoughts. Here is the review.
"Dude this band is killing me! They sound like they're trying to be the Beatles.... but they can't be the Beatles, no one can! Its like a retarded version of Bon Iver covering "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow, but its like some old suicidal bullshit! Who the fuck are these guys trying to be? Do you hear that shit man? Its like some whistle while you work Snow White bullshit! Seriously this music is making my balls swell in awful agony. This is what Charles Hudgens is listing to in his old piece of shit truck while he's got three dip cans in his pocket and a huge dog turd in. What the fuck are you listening to this for? Get the fuck out of my bathroom!"
Word almost verbatim by Caleb

There you have it, a review by Caleb. Does it make you wanna listen to this band? I hope it does, because I'm really into this band. Yes, it does sound like Bon Iver a little but that is definitely a good thing. The reason Caleb doesn't like this band is because they sound like Bon Iver, a band which he loves, and he wants more originality to his music not copycat stuff. A fact I understand completely, but it's not as close to Bon Iver as he makes it seem. I'm really digging Secondstar right now, and I'm pretty sure Caleb will come around eventually. So I hope you've enjoyed this post, and I hope you try this band out.

Secondstar- Ravens
Here is a link to the EP. Which is free by the way. Teeth EP

Spitdust- Rabbitskin

2009-12-05T23:11:00.003-06:00

Here is another obscure band that I just stumbled across. Spitdust are a four piece folk band hailing from the U.K. They are a "do it yourself" band that is trying hard to get some much needed exposure by using all the online media outlets to their advantage.(facebook,myspace,reverbnation,twitter, their own blog, etc.) I hope all their hard work results in a bigger fan base. I like their sound but I am equally impressed by the bands artwork. I haven't found who did these paintings yet(not really searched alot either I must admit), but they are something to be admired.

Here is a video for the song "Flutterbye". This song is very post-rock instead of folk, but you probably know I love the post-rock genre from time to time and this song made a great first impression on me. Not only is the song good, but the video is just as impressive. The video fits the song very well, and is kinda trippy at times, which is always a good thing if you ask me.

So hit up this bands first album Rabbitskin and pass the word about another obscure band reaching for fame.

They want me... but they cant have me

2009-12-02T03:13:00.003-06:00

Just watch this

That video makes me happy, and so does that song. Its by The Mae Shi who are an experimental rock band from L.A. They're kick ass too. This song is very kick ass.

I really wanna see that song live, but the original members have split so I guess I'll miss out on that. One of the original members and his brother are supposedly carrying on the Mae Shi name, but who knows how that will go.
Anyways check out The Mae Shi and don't forget to wear protection, or you might end up on Maury.

Also, does it look like I'm from chinatown?
4VPEAZA86VHN

What if Bob Dylan and Kenny G had a Baby?

2009-11-30T14:44:00.000-06:00

Last night I saw a copy of Bob Dylan's Christmas album sitting next to a Kenny G. Christmas album, and it got me to thinking. If Kenny could take his sax and impregnate Bob's guitar what kind of music would the offspring create? Would such a contrast in sound create miniature black holes in our universe and eventually destroy us all? Or is that the kind of music they listen to in heaven, and our minute brains could never comprehend all of the intricacies of such an angelic sound?

Either way, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that its Christmas and its time for money to be made and and spent on frivolous things; so why don't you spend your money on a Christmas album that will help feed America. Yes, Bob has teamed up with Feeding America, and all of the royalties from this Christmas album will go straight to this charity. So before you grab another copy of Kenny G's Christmas album, why not pick up Dylan's Christmas in The Heart.(Its for the kids you know)

By the way, the album is pretty good too. It's obvious Dylan is getting old, his voice has that old man rasp to it(reminds me of Tom Waits a little), but that doesn't matter cause its Bob Dylan. What else can I say?
Here is a link to download his album here Bob Dylan- Christmas in The Heart

Morning Teleportation

2009-11-28T15:22:00.001-06:00

Morning Teleportation could be one of the best new bands you've never heard. Well at least I had never heard them until Wednesday when they opened for Cage the Elephant, and the show they put on surprised everyone. We were all looking at each other and asking "who are these guys?", a question which no one had the answer to. Thanks to the internet its not very hard to answer those kinds of questions.

Morning Teleportation blend folk, experimental, jam band, electronic, and I'm sure some other crazy things. That makes for a very unique and exciting listening experience, and when played live, well that's an amazing experience. These guys bring a fresh sound to the music scene and its so refreshing.

I haven't listened to these guys long, so I don't have a bunch to say about them right now. But here are four songs that you probably wont be able to find anywhere. I hope the quality is good, cause I was in a huge rush during the ripping of these songs.
Morning Teleportation- Crystaline
Morning Teleportation- Banjo Disco
Morning Teleportation- Puma vs Magestic MahiMahi
Morning Teleportation- SNOWFROGvsMOTORCOBRA Pt3

Speaking of covers

2009-11-25T15:03:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple of cover songs that I've been wanting to throw out. There's some good stuff here. A cover of a SNL skit, the vocal beauty of Anya Marina gives T.I. a run for his money, and the unbelievable bluegrass cover of "Kids" by MGMT.
Some of these have been out for a while, but some are pretty new. Overall a pretty good mix of songs if you ask me.

Taken By Trees- My Boys

Julian Casablancas- I Wish it Was Christmas Today

The Da Vinci's- Paper Planes

Emmy The Great- Where Is My Mind

Anya Marina- Whatever You Like

Dr. Dog- Heart it Races

Dr Fox's Old Timey String Band- Kids

Serena Ryder & The Beauties- The Funeral

On another note, Cage the Elephant tonight at The Cannery! It's guaranteed to be a great show. So here is Cage the Elephant covering "Psycho Killer". You probably don't know this, but I'm a pretty big Talking Heads fan. They were another great band that I was raised on, and "Psycho Killer" has always been one of my favorites. Cage the Elephant did pretty good with this cover too. Being a huge fan, I was really afraid they were gonna screw it up, but thank god they didn't.

Cage the Elephant- Psycho Killer

Neil Young does cover songs?

2009-11-25T02:22:00.000-06:00

Luckily my parents had great taste in music. I grew up listening to Jimi, Dylan, Stevens, Grateful Dead, Cream, and of course The Beatles to name a few. But there was one artist that stuck to my brain more than any other, yeah it was ol' Neil. His voice floats among the clouds and his guitar picking is only the tip of the iceberg. Neil Young is a folk god.

When I saw this video of Neil on Fallon, I couldn't contain my joy. A folk god like Neil Young playing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? What else could you want to see in your life?

Neil Young playing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme

Do you think Will Smith saw this and was like, "damn, that old white guy is trying to show me up!" Do you think Will Smith will retaliate and release a folk rock album? Do you think Neil Young should have played the lead role in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air instead of Will Smith? Or, who's version of the song is better, the original or the folk cover? Let me know, in the mean time I'm still searching for a Heart of Gold.
Neil Young- Heart of Gold

top albums of the decade

2009-11-23T00:12:00.004-06:00

Everyone has there own way for creating a list of great albums/songs/animals/venereal diseases for the year; and no matter what, someone will be unhappy with your list and say your completely wrong. That won't stop me from making my own list though. Also I'm obviously bias towards albums I really like(Yeah that's breaking rule number one of journalism). So here is my list. Enjoy?

Top Ten Albums Of This Decade

Arcade Fire- Funeral(2004)By far one of my favorite albums of all time. Arcade Fire seemed to come out of nowhere and blew the world away with this album. The album was named Funeral due to the bands increased attendance of funerals during recording, but this album is hardly morbid. Full of a life an energy that is more powerful than any other album this decade.
Arcade Fire- Rebellion (Lies)
Radiohead- Kid A(2000)The scale and atmosphere of this album is immense. This album has an ambient feel at times with the sustained guitars and wide array of keyboard/synth sounds. To me, Kid A is almost a spiritual experience. Beautiful, intelligent, and one of a kind, this album takes your breath away.
Radiohead- Everything in Its Right Place
Sigur Rós- Takk...(2005)Every Sigur Rós album is beautiful, but this one barely got more play time than, ( ) and Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust. Ambient, Icelandic music will always be close to my heart, and for good reason. This album has touched the soft spot in everyone's heart.
Sigur Rós- Hoppípolla
White Stripes- White Blood Cells(2001)Paving the way for the garage rock revival, White Blood Cells showed the world the musical genius that is Jack White. Simple blues, garage rock never sounded so great. It's amazing how only a guitar and drums could sound so massive.
White Stripes- Hotel Yorba
The Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots(2002)Exciting and unique is a simple way to describe The Flaming Lips and this album. The album is a double shot of pure energy. Songs about life, death, and hope. Truly an inspirational album.
The Flaming Lips- Do You Realize???
Sufjan Stevens- Illinoise(2005)Another indie masterpiece of this decade. Acoustic melodies that could tear down mountains, and Sufjan's delicate voice put this album above every singer/songwriter style album of the decade.
Sufjan Stevens- Come On! Feel the Illinoise!
Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago(2007)When Justin Vernon left North Carolina and headed back home to Wisconsin, I doubt anyone thought that he was going to record one of the best albums of the decade. Vernon spent three months of solitude at his fathers cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin and managed to build an album that is stunning. Vernon's vocals are brilliant and could calm any storm.
Bon Iver- Skinny Love
Wilco-Yankee Hotel Foxtrot(2002)Sometimes called the Radiohead of America, Wilco is a fantastic alt country/rock band. The album is diverse but every track fits perfectly. The album is interesting and never gets old.
Wilco- I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Radiohead- In Rainbows(2007)Not only did Radiohead deliver another fantastic album, but the way in which it was released caused a huge buzz in the music world. Radiohead went for a more traditional rock sound for this album, and it paid off big time.
Radiohead- Jigsaw Falling Into Place
Death Cab For Cutie- Transatlanticism(2003)I fell in love with is album, along with billions of other hipster high school kids everywhere. Soft, pop songs brought out the sensitive side of everyone. Great lyrics and sensitive instrumentals built Death Cabs greatest album yet.
Death Cab For Cutie- Title and Registration
Cloud Cult- Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus(2007)
The Antlers- Hospice(2009)
Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes(2008)
Menomena- Friend and Foe(2007)
Bright Eyes- Fevers and Mirrors(2000)
Girl Talk- Feed the Animals(2008)
Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend(2008)
Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillon(2009)
MGMT- Oracular Spectacular(2007)
Godspeed You! Black Emperor- Lift Your Skinny Fist Like Antennas to Heaven(2000)
There you go. Now its time for you to judge and critique this list. Feel free to tell me what I left out, got wrong, or just tell me how much I suck.

Tiny Letters- This is What Folk Music Will Sound Like When the Robot Overlords Destroy Our Acoustic Guitars

2009-11-18T13:11:00.001-06:00

Lo-Fi self recorded songs are something I enjoy a lot these days. Probably because I think I'm an artist too, and have filled my computer with my own crappy, self recorded songs. So when I find an obscure, do it yourself, artist like Tiny Letters, I get pretty excited.

Tiny Letters is a guy from Phoenix. He has a pretty good following around his area but nothing really outside that. This is What Folk Music Will Sound Like When the Robot Overlords Destroy Our Acoustic Guitars, is a pretty awesome name and one of the biggest reasons I checked this guy out. The album is all piano except for one song on acoustic guitar which is titled, "Willie Dixon Bass Line (TAKE THAT ROBOTS! YOU'LL NEVER GET THIS ONE! version)". This album is a little reminiscent to the great Daniel Johnston with all that Lo-Fi piano, but don't think Tiny Letters is the next Daniel Johnston just yet. The album is pretty simple, but that doesn't mean its not good. I really see some potential in this guy, I just hope he keeps on writing new stuff.

Tiny Letters- Photograph of Spain

Here is a link to the entire album for free. Its in a zip format so you will have to extract the songs using winzip or something like that. Just google "extract zip files" or email me if you can't figure it out.

New Flaming Lips video- One ups the Girls porn video

2009-11-17T16:44:00.000-06:00

Well I thought the Girls video "Lust for Life" was kinda cutting edge with its intense nudity, but I guess someone had to take it to the next level and who better to do that than The Flaming Lips. Not only is the video full of nudity but its kinda weird. What else would you expect from The Lips? They're not gonna just throw some naked girls and dudes in front of a camera, they're gonna have them riding bicycles through a forest and a girl escaping from well.... just look for yourself. I'm not gonna put the actual video on this page, cause I feel like my music blog is slowly becoming a pornography blog. So im just gonna put a link up.
Check out the new Flaming Lips video "Watching the Planets"

Those Darlins

2009-11-16T13:33:00.000-06:00

Yeah I know this albums been out for a while; but considering I just started this blog a month and a half ago, I have alot of catching up to do.

I first stumbled upon Those Darlins early this summer. The first track I heard was "Whole Damn Thing", and I found myself hearing something energetic, folky, and kinda crazy. I liked the song but I didn't end up searching the web for some more Those Darlins tracks, which was a huge mistake on my part. Luckily one of my friends wanted to go see their album release party in June. I agreed to go, because I really just wanted to see Black Lips who were opening for Those Darlins. Well... that show was i-n-s-a-n-e. I guess your wondering how insane it was? Well here's what the stage looked like at near the end of the set.
Just look at that intoxicated hipster girl in red, grinding all over that dude. And I don't know if the dude in the front is trying to flex/dance or if he is about to crap out all those shrooms he ate before the show. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you get a bunch of drunken hipsters together listening to energetic folk music, and you have the building blocks for a good night.

Ok, let me get to the point. Those Darlins are from Nashville and play Nashville country music like it should be played. These girls are talented, but I think more importantly they're crazy. They have a reputation for being party girls. Here's a quote from Nikki Darlin, "I get into my share of trouble. We don't do it every single night. I did last night, really hard. The other day I woke up in a hotel room that wasn't mine with a note on my chest. Alone. The note said, 'Dear Nikki, have a wonderful tour. Love, Jared.' The Black Lips ended up carrying me to their room because I couldn't find mine and I fell asleep at the bar. Not my best moment ever." So they're party girls but what about the music? Well they play twangy ballads about getting drunk and being crazy. They have the "I don't give a fuck what you think attitude" along with some nice country/folk and blues instrumentals to back it up. Overall they're just a really fun band to listen to, and an extremely fun band to see live.
Don't miss out on the this trio of Darlins
Those Darlins- Wild One

Bud Adams says Fuck You!!!

2009-11-16T13:11:00.006-06:00

Oh shit! The Titans are on a three game win streak! Its time for all of us around Nashville to show a little pride for our team and give a polite "Fuck Off!" to all those other NFL teams. Hey the big man himself, Titans owner Bud Adams did. That means we gotta follow his lead right?

Bud Adams I love you.
Also, I wanna suggest marketing a foam middle finger for our fans. Lets capitalize on your enthusiasm.

Freelance Whales- Weathervanes

2009-11-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

Freelance Whales are another brand spanking new band that has made a surprisingly great first record. Weathervanes has a chill, indie folk sound that nuzzles up against you with the warmth of a lover. After a thorough first listen I just wanted to say, "Ahhhh.... that is refreshing", call me crazy, but you'll probably feel that way too once you have a listen. Or at least I hope you feel that way.

Weathervanes is filled with a nice array of instruments. The glockenspiel, banjo, harmonium, waterphone, synth and cello all make an impressive appearance. Pair those instruments with some sensual vocals and you've got another indie pop sensation in the works. Freelance Whales are currently unsigned, but after this release I wouldn't be surprised to see them on a relatively large indie label soon.

Freelance Whales are on tour now. Sadly the closest thing to Nashville is a stop in Birmingham, Alabama. Check out there myspace page here and maybe catch a show around your area.

Freelance Whales- Generator ^ First Floor

Bear in Heaven- Beast Rest Forth Mouth

2009-11-09T21:33:00.002-06:00

There's something about Beast Rest Forth Mouth that I cant completely comprehend. The sound is expansive almost filling the room with melodic ambiance, but at the same time it is tearing at the walls looking for a small hole to escape into a much greater space. This is immediately apparent with the opening track of Beast Rest Forth Mouth, with the song "Beast in Peace". The rhythmic tribal drum beat of "Beast in Peace" is the bed in which Jon Philpot lays his delicate vocals. Then with a stroke of synth, his vocals become unsuppressed and fill every inch of the room. The chorus builds on this expansion and releases all of the youthful energy that seemed bottled up from the intro of the song. At first listen I knew I was gonna be hooked to Beast Rest Forth Mouth.

At times Bear in Heaven can take your breath away with ease. The sound they produce is massive. "Deafening Love" is one of my favorites of the moment. The first seconds sound exactly like The Flaming Lips with that weird noise that is made, then the vocals hit you and sound almost like Arcade Fire. Then a slow crescendo creates that wide expanse of sound that I love so much. Cue the stab of vocals again, lead by the strike of a dark, dissonant guitar chord. I can only say that the sound is massive, at times feeling like its to much to contain. A very beautiful, uncontrollable, expansive sound.
Simply put, I love this album.

Bear in Heaven- Deafening Love
Bear in Heaven- Lovesick Teenagers
Bear in Heaven- Wholehearted Mess

40 years of Sesame Street = YouTube Love

2009-11-09T21:22:00.001-06:00

I went to google something today and I saw this.
The count is my hero. Do you wanna know why he is my hero.
This is why.

Yeah its an old video but its a classic.
Thank you Sesame Street. I hope you got another 40 years in you.

This is a music blog, and these songs are totally relevant right?

Local Natives- Gorilla Manor

2009-11-08T23:44:00.003-06:00

Local Natives are a new band to me. I picked up their debut album Gorilla Manor last week so I could see who would be playing before Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros at 3rd and Lindsley, and to be honest I'm a little upset that I didn't know about them sooner.

During my first couple of listens I immediately fell in love with the vocals. Angelic three piece vocal harmonies perfectly intertwined with lush instrumentals. I hate to make such a comparison, but they kinda sound like a "rockier" version of Fleet Foxes. Take away the acoustic guitar driven folk of Fleet Foxes and replace it with electric guitar driven indie rock and you get Local Natives. Now they touch on a folk sound a little bit, but mostly they have a laid back rock feeling that centers around a strong vocal presence. The album is pretty chill and transitions masterfully. Gorilla Manor is the kind of album I would listen to on a late night drive through the city. Local Natives are not the next big thing in indie music, but they put out a pretty solid first release that you should know about.

Local Natives- Airplanes

Weezer covers "Viva La Vida"

2009-11-06T13:11:00.002-06:00

Weezer has been up to a lot lately. They have a new album, on tour, and now covering Coldplay at small clubs? What's next, Rod Stewart covers?

Lets face it Rivers Cuomo is such an awkwardly funny guy; and to see him try to capture the stage antics of Chris Martin, well that's just music comedy at its finest. It's obvious that Cuomo is making fun of Martin, and we all know he deserves it. Props to Rivers for sticking it to Martin.

"You know how I know your gay? You listen to Coldplay."
"You know how I know your gay? You cover Coldplay songs while wearing a purple tracksuit."

new Girls video- artistic expression or softcore porn?

2009-11-05T14:11:00.001-06:00

Girls are one of my favorite up and coming bands right now without a doubt. Their album, which is titled Album, is full of messy, drug influenced, energy about... well girls. I'm not here to review the album, I'm here to ask you if the video "Lust for Life" is modern art or your basic porn.
Now alot of the Girls songs and videos are sexually charged already, but with this video they just decided to take tease of nudity out of the picture. Its full of boobs and a couple of penis shots. In one scene two guys are laying in bed together, and one grabs the others penis and sings into it like a microphone. So its obviously offensive to some people, which is the whole point of the video and Girls in general I think.
Well have a look for yourself
WARNING THIS VIDEO IS FULL OF NUDITY- IF THAT OFFENDS YOU DON'T WATCH IT

What do you think, art or porn?

Well if you didn't like that, I'm sure you'll like this. This is the video for "Hellhole Ratrace", this song was named one of the best 500 tracks of the decade.
"I don't wanna cry, my whole life through. I wanna do some laughing too, so come on come on come on come on and laugh with me. And I don't wanna die, without shaking up a leg or two. Yeah I wanna do some dancing too. So come on come on come on come on and dance with me."

Kind of a long song, but I rather call it "epic"

There is no question in my mind that Girls are a great new band, and their first album is worth a look. It doesn't stick to one sound throughout. Some songs are slow and beautiful, some are fast and rough, some have over exaggerated vocals that bring a little humor to the song, and some have a sad and almost depressing tone. The first album by Girls deserves some of your love.

The Features

2009-11-04T17:33:00.003-06:00

If you live in Nashville then you've probably heard of the Features. If not then you probably think that the Kings of Leon are the only good band from Nashville, and that is a real shame dear reader.

So The Features kinda have a long history, but I'll sum it up like this: They started out playing music around Murfreesboro in 1997, released an EP with a local label, people around Nashville thought they were hot shit, recorded a full length album with the local record label but was never released, that label ending being bad shit and they left that label, they constantly toured and self recorded albums and people were still thinking they were hot shit, finally got signed to Universal Records and released Exhibit A, Universal was not happy with the bands sales, Universal asked them to do a cover of "All You Need Is Love" for a commercial, they didn't want to cover the song and eventually got dropped by Universal, people still thought they were hot shit and gathered a cult like following, self released an album in September of 08, that album got picked up by a label and was re-released on July of 09, now they're back to touring and that makes them hot shit...again.

So that wasn't really necessary I know, but it gave me an excuse to say "hot shit" alot. Here is what you really need to know about The Features. First, they make fun, intoxicating music. Second, they have fantastic live shows.(Surprisingly I haven't seen them live, but everyone I know has and just about every critic out there says their shows are awesome. I'll take their word for it) Third, they're from Nashville, that's all you gotta know.

Ok, The Features are pop, but not the Jonas Brothers, Hanna Montana pop. I know pop sounds like a bad word, and usually it is, but its a different definition of pop. They're pop because the songs are so easy to sing and dance along to, and almost everyone who hears them can enjoy them. I don't feel bad calling them a "pop masterpiece" at all really. The vocals are sweet and soothing with a couple of great rock riffs that help you dance like the stereotypical "white guy"; but it's ok, you're not the only "white guy" dancing.

Check them out Thursday at the Mercy Lounge with The Whigs.
The Features- Blow It Out

songs to get you through the week

2009-11-02T19:11:00.003-06:00

I haven't done this post in a while and figured I probably should since weird things have happened to me since I last did this post.(like getting kicked out of the Black Lips show) So I think I should go back to doing the "songs to get you through the week post", cause I don't need to get kicked out of any more shows.

Monday Monday Monday!!!!!
Not only is it a new week, but a new month. Yippee!? Sadly Halloween is over and you didn't listen to "Thriller" as much as you wanted too; but a friend did dress up as Steve Aoki, and that made your night great since you realized you finally have a cool asian friend. (Every alt kid/hipster needs cool asian friends)
Tokyo Police Club- Tessellate (Acoustic)

Tuesday(More like Bluesday)
You can't believe the guitarist for The XX quit. You haven't been this sad since you got punched in the face for wearing a bow-tie to prom. The worst thing about it was that your date punched you in the face, not some bully. It was really a sad day.
R.E.M.- Everybody Hurts

Wednesday...is like climbing a mountain, a mountain that only gets higher as you climb it
When will people stop wearing plaid? Your alt, your the only one allowed to wear plaid. Why are so many people trying to steal your alt brand? How can you be alt with all these hipsters stealing your style? Its time to bring the turtle-neck back out of the closet.
Scott Walker- 30 Century Man

Thursday... is like the girl who never leaves after a party. Just go away already, we live here and have things to do
Having discussions with people "smarter" than you about music is frustrating. We all know Beck is not this era's Dylan. Lil Wayne or Kanye are obviously closer to being Dylan than Beck. Times are obviously different from the Dylan days. Oh well
Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start- My Argument Precedes Me

Friday... is like the only day you don't have to explain
You support PETA. Why? Because Animal Collective does. So you go and "save" stray cats and dogs around the city by feeding them and taking them to an animal shelter, until... You come across a homeless man under a bridge with a kitten in his hand. You decide this is a poor living environment for a kitten, so you tell the homeless man your taking the kitten so you can clean it up feed it and take it to a shelter. He says that the kitten is his only friend and he loves him, but you insist that the man's hygiene is bad for the kitten and take it any ways. You are a good person.
TV on the Radio- I Was A Lover

Trick? or Treat?

2009-10-30T15:22:00.002-05:00

Yes, this is a painting of me.(I'm very short for my age) Yes, I love Philip Seymour Hoffman.(who in their right mind doesn't?) Yes, I will be roaming the streets of Nashville with my plastic pumpkin head searching for booty.(booty is slang for candy) Yes, I will never grow up.(well until I get diabetes, then I'll probably grow up)

So this painting was done by Brandon Bird. He is a fantastic artist who paints pop culture icons like: Chuck Norris, Harrison Ford, Christopher Walken, Edward Norton, and puts them in interesting situations. Like "Lazy Sunday Afternoon" or "No One Wants to Play Sega with Harrison Ford"

I feel like Bird would cite Andy Warhol as an influence in his work, like pretty much every artist I guess. Not so much the focus on commercialism like Warhol is famous for, but the love he had to paint celebrities and the uniqueness he brings to it. That is obviously just an assumption, but I do think Brandon Bird is great artist who needs some more exposure. Check out his work-
Brandon Bird Site
Brandon Bird Blog

Black Lips

2009-10-28T23:44:00.004-05:00

Four guys from Atlanta who play loud, fast, hard, and don't give a fuck. (Yeah you can steal that quote from me if you want) Really as elementary as it sounds, and maybe a little cliché for a rock band, but its a good description of the Black Lips. They don't blow you away with beautiful vocals and genius instrumentals, but they do blow you away(quite literally) with thrashing, distorted guitars turned up to "eleven"(clichés are fun) and the screaming vocals of madmen tearing up the stage. Needless to say, these guys are crazy; but the good kind of crazy.

The Black Lips are self described as "flower punk", which is because they think people can't accurately apply a genre to their music. Here is what drummer Joe Bradley said, "Journalists would give us the most ridiculous titles, like 'blues country.' So we just decided to call ourselves something. It's like we're too hippie to be punk and too punk to be hippie, or something like that." I totally understand why they think that, I mean honestly it's pretty hard to label them. I see them as punk, but not the kind of stereotypical punk we all know, and then obviously a garage rock feel and maybe some psychedelic and a little hint of blues. Yeah I tried, I don't know why really. I should have just left it at "flower punk" like they want it.

As I was saying, these guys are pretty crazy, and that is proven by the live shows. They have been known to have woman dressed up in crazy outfits hula hooping neon light up hula hoops, setting fireworks off, lighting guitars on fire, starting fights with body guards, and generally just "tearing shit up". Now when I saw them none of that cool "shit" happened, except for the hula hoop thing, but the light show did have liquid projections. You know the thing they always did in the sixties with mixing different color inks on a projection screen and it was just "super trippy". Needless to say that is a pretty awesome thing to see, and I hope they do it again Thursday.

So here's the deal, they're playing Thursday night at The Mercy Lounge with the already mentioned Turbo Fruits. This is a show you should really check out, especially if your into having a lot of fun at shows.(Or you could go see Califone tomorrow, cause they're pretty awesome too, but its not gonna be a crazy party like the Black Lips) Also these guys are bigger than you probably realize. I mean they've played all over the world, and that's got to mean something I think.
Black Lips- Short Fuse
Black Lips- Bad Kids (It's bad kids, not faggots. Though faggots would make for a much funnier song)

Turbo Fruits

2009-10-27T20:33:00.004-05:00

Go to west end and buy an overpriced cup of joe, then chill with the college kids at exit/in and listen to smooth indie rock. Or head to east Nashville and grab a bottle of jack daniels, chill with musicians, artist, other poor people like you, and listen to fast, loud, and dirty rock and roll. Which sounds like the night you would enjoy more? If it is the second choice then I have a band for you.
Turbo Fruits are three guys from Nashville who are making some fun energetic music. First let me say this:
They enjoy this list of “things” very much.
1. A day out on the river 
2. A day out on the lake 
3. Taking their shirts off 
4. Shitting with the door open 
5. Turkey hunting 
6. Riding and making love to Motorcycles 
7. Walking around the house in underwear 
8. Big ass titties 
9. Goin really really fast 
10. A Good Bar 
11. Bad Jokes 
12. Joints 
13. Cliff jumping 
14. Rope-swings 
15. cheap domestic beer 
16. Big dogs 
17. the farm 
18. Chainsaws 
19. Turnin’ it up really loud 
20. Paint mares 
21. Hot tubs 
22. Porn 
23. Cookouts 
24. Camping 
25. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

These guys are like a garage band in the sense that they play loud and fast but they have strong melodies instead of the noisy guitar fills that garage bands usually have. Its a mixture of raw power and melody that is really a pleasing sound to the ear. On top of that they have some songs with some catchy lyrics, my favorite being Naked With You, and My Stupid Heart. Turbo Fruits are playing what I think should be known as the new "southern rock". Its fast in your face, no holds bar, dirty down south rock. That is to say its the kind of music that should be played during a bar brawl. At least that's what I think.

Though the first Turbo Fruits first album didn't get much attention their second, Echo Kid is a Nashville release with some real promise. Catch these guys Thursday at the Mercy Lounge opening for Black Lips(I'll talk about them next) which will be a great show without a doubt.

Turbo Fruits-Naked With You

Grizzly Bear- In a church

2009-10-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

Here is an awesome video of the very fantastic Grizzly Bear. They're playing Foreground in a beautiful church, which is the perfect place for them to play any of their songs.

this is not a mash-up (still hating on them)

2009-10-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

Time to get your fix of some hipster party tracks. Play these songs at the next authentic alternative party you go to. That is if you can somehow take the control of music away from the guy who keeps on playing Memory Tapes.

Drake-Best I Ever Had(Matamatics Remix)

KiD CuDi- Pursuit of Happiness(Benny Benassi Remix) Yeah Benny Benassi, you know its gold

Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay

2009-10-23T16:00:00.003-05:00

Here is an up and coming folk gem from the music city. The beautiful mixture of Michael Ford Jr.'s singer/songwriter styling and the Apache Relay's bluegrass sound. Their first album, 1988 is surprising, almost as surprising that the title of the album is the birth year of lead singer Micheal Ford Jr.

1988 is a strong release from this very young band. Comprised of smooth bluegrass ballads about love and the occasional upbeat flavourings. The first thing you notice is Michael Ford Jr.'s vocals. His voice is soft and sweet but with a unique quiver thrown in here and there which sounds like a heartbroken emotional man. The vocals are supported by a strong folk/bluegrass presence that is hard to not love. The amazing thing is that Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay are relatively young and have made an album that is really great, which should be the first of many great things to come from this very talented band. Catch this band around Nashville while you can, these guys are worth your time.

Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay- Sugarcane

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

2009-10-19T17:00:00.007-05:00

Yes this is a long name for a band, but what else do you call a group of ten or so hippies? When I say hippies I mean these guys look like they just came from Woodstock, not as performers but as the people who attended Woodstock. The guys and girls who were entrenched in rain and mud, literally elbow to elbow with half a million people for three days. Even through the rain and intense body odor produced by three days of not showering(or probably more), these were the guys that did nothing but smile and enjoy the world around them. That is the kind of hippie I'm talking about; not the new age prius driving hipster hippies, but the guys who don't need to shower and drive a 40 year old bus around. That is the kind of hippies that are in Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and my god can these hippies make some fantastic tunes.

The songs are built on whistles, trumpets, stomping feet, choral harmonies, and guitar riffs that make you dance in a euphoric freedom. "40 Day Dream" is a perfect example of this, you can't help but dance and sing to this song from the start. Then the lyrics aren't that bad either. My favorite being, "Nobody better bitch me, bitch I swear I'll go crazy"; and not to forget the lyrics to "Home", which you'll just have to listen to yourself. Then the live shows are a must see. You know these hippies are enjoying themselves and its so apparent in every song. It's really amazing to me that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are a relatively obscure band right now, but give it time and they'll be the next Arcade Fire or Grizzly Bear.

This is part one of a twelve part feature length movie musical. Which is a masterpiece in itself.

I'm a little disappointed in lead singer Alex Ebert's choice of clothing for this performance. Usually he wears a toga/dress that looks like it came from the bible times, which makes him look like Jesus, and that's pretty awesome if you ask me.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros may be credited as a key force in the Folk-Rock revival. They're bringing back the love and energy that molded the 60's, and it is a perfect time for this revival. It's time for you to open your ears and "feel the love".

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros- Home

By the way, the breakdown at the 3:10 mark in this song is by far my favorite thing about this band.

wrap it up

2009-10-18T08:08:00.006-05:00

What happened this week?
First there was this

Yeah thats a flying saucer with a kid, or an alien, or popcorn inside.
And then there was this
Thats gross! But this kid did the right thing. If your dad makes you crawl in a box for two hours so he can be famous, then you just throw up on national tv and one up that lying con-spiriting mofo.
Then of course we gotta have some of this

Here is one thing to remember. A kid cursing+grandma filming the kid and instigating the kid+ off color Anne Frank comment+any mention of the name Kanye= Internet Gold
So let me "wrap it up" for you.

Insane breaking news story that can't be possible, but its on tv so it has to be true
Kid throws up on national tv and says some interesting things which make us think maybe this was all a hoax
Its generally accepted that it is a hoax and America is angered.
Then to capitalize on this huge, ridiculous story, the youtube is filled with peoples comments and thoughts and babies cursing.

Oh yeah a suicide bomber killed 29 today in Iran, and the Iranian government blames the U.S. for the incident. Don't be fooled this is not the news you need to worry about, only dancing hamsters and cursing babies are things you need to worry about.

what the hell is this- I officially hate mash-ups

2009-10-17T23:11:00.001-05:00

As you know I like a good mash-up to add a little zaaazz to my life. So here is a Notorious BIG mix, and if your like me your thinking Biggie is amazing and this mix will be pretty kick A. Also if your like me, you didn't see the red flag right in the title. Seems Im oblivious to the pop music scene these days. Well feast your ears on this.

Notorious BIG- Party and Bullshit(In the USA)

Yeah I know what your thinking. This can't be possible. Not Biggie, of all people don't mix Biggie Smalls with that..... thing. As of this moment I hate mash-ups, and possibly hate all music. I have a horrible taste in my mouth, and there's nothing to wash that junk out.

If Biggie was here today what would he say about this mix? I think he would probably start a gang war over this. Or at least I hope he would.

Its truly a sad day in the music world

David Bazan at the Social- Review

2009-10-13T15:33:00.001-05:00

Since I'm in Florida I decided to check out a show in Orlando, and what a better show to see than the magnificent David Bazan. Or the lead from Pedro the Lion and Headphones if you don't recognize the name.
First off I want to say that from what I've seen, Orlando is a hip city. It's pretty nice and has some pretty awesome spots. One of these spots is called The Social.
The Social is an unexpected gem. Everything is clean and polished, it has a ton of space, a huge bar, a great sound, and most importantly a disco ball.(which was used perfectly for the slow songs-man I miss prom) I really wish they could just uproot that building and place it in Nashville, cause The Social just has a great feel to it. The kinda feeling that's hard to explain, but we all can somewhat acknowledge.

So on to the show. The opener for Bazan was Say Hi(formally Say Hi to Your Mom), an energetic indie rock band from Seattle. I was pleasantly surprised by their on stage energy and presence. They really captured the crowds attention from the start. I don't know if the crowd is always this respectful and attentive, or if Say Hi, as cliché as it is, really rocked it. I'm leaning a little towards the first statement since even Bazan touched on the subject during the end of his set. He said "I guess alot of people don't come down here often and play, but you guys have always been good to me when I've been here." That kinda leads me to think that maybe Orlando is a music starved town, and any good band they can get down there is greeted with open arms. Granted I'm not saying that to take away from Say Hi, cause they are a really good live band. I just wanted to throw that observation out there.
Bazan controls the stage. No one can turn they're eyes away from him. So much is expected from him, and he delivers without a wince. The truth is most of the people are here to see him perform Pedro the Lion songs, and he doesn't hide from that fact. He knows what the crowd wants and he gives them exactly that. He performs the old songs with the life and energy that you would expect to be absent after playing them for almost ten years, and the crowd loves it. Bazan appears to have gained a cult like following. The Social crowd knows every word from every song, whether its from his solo work, Headphones, or Pedro the Lion.

One of the hits of the show was multiple Q&A sessions after Bazan played a couple of songs in a row. The questions ranged from, "When are you gonna play_____?", "What mixed drink do you suggest?", and of course "Do you believe in God?" First why a mixed drink suggestion. Well last time he was in town he gave a recipe for a mixed drink, and that same guy who was there for that time asked for another suggestion. Bazan couldn't think of anything, but the drummer had a unique mix. It went something like: cucumber, lemons, gin, salt, and worcestershire. He said it was like a bloody mary, but It makes me sick just to think of that in a glass. As for the belief in God question. Well Bazan was a Christian when Pedro the Lion first formed and most of his songs were very religious, but somewhere along the way he began to lose his faith, and now everyone wants to know whats up with that. So here was his answer, "Man I get this question everywhere I go. (here he kinda exhaled air and seemed like he didn't want to answer but eventually he said) I believe in something, but not in the way that you mean it." So interpret that however you want, it doesn't take away from the amazing musical ability Bazan has.

The show was great success. He played all of the much loved songs from Pedro the Lion to the crowds pleasure. Once he finished the set the crowd stayed for almost ten minutes screaming for an encore. Finally Bazan came out and basically said "what are you guys still doing here? I was in the back enjoying some wine and I came to check the merch and your still here. I wasn't planning to do an encore, but I can't turn you down." So to the crowds delight he performed two more songs as the lone man on stage. As expected it was a fantastic show from Bazan, to a very appreciative crowd.
David Bazin- How I Remember
Headphones- I Never Wanted You
Pedro the Lion- Rapture
Here is a great vid from the Bazan tour journal. Bazan is in the back teaching the bassist for Say Hi to play I Never Wanted You.

#1 from Undertow on Vimeo.

Neon Indian- Psychic Chasms

2009-10-13T10:10:00.001-05:00

The first full length album from Neon Indian is here. If you don't know, Neon Indian is getting huge coverage on the internet. Though little seems to be known about Neon Indian, music critics/bloggers/hipsters act like Neon Indian is the second coming of jesus christ neon superstar. Honestly I don't see what the big deal is, but it is my duty to inform you of such "insanely popular music". Now I will try to explain to you what this album is.
It takes one word really.
Chillwave
Don't know what that is? From what I can tell it entails lo-fi, downtempo, spacey dance grooves, synth, synth, and more synth. That is what the whole album is, nothing really that special. Now I'm not saying it's not good cause it's exactly what its supposed to be. Chill, kinda soothing, kinda dancey music, and for that genre its an absolute hit. So what I'm saying is, if you are into chillwave then this album is for you. If you've never heard any chillwave stuff, but like electronic/dance music then you will probably like this album at least a little. If you hate to dance and think that a synth sounds like a table saw, then stay away from Psychic Chasms. Its that simple.
Neon Indian- Deadbeat Summer
Neon Indian- Should Have Taken Acid With You

songs to get you through the week (Florida Version)

2009-10-12T23:11:00.007-05:00

Its that time again. The new week begins. You need some songs to get you through it all. Since this week I'm in Florida, I dedicate this to my friends in Florida.
Monday
You wake up to the sounds loud tropical music. Why is it so early? Why do these bands strut down the street every morning playing their rendition of tropically stylized music? Why is it so loud?
OS Mutantes- Panis Et Circensis
Tuesday
Its hot in Florida. Its always hot in Florida, but today its FUCKING HOT! You plan to move to Toronto and start an authentic band similar to Broken Social Scene or Arcade Fire. You love Toronto even though you've never been there, but you know you love it. Canada has everything going for it.
Stardeath and the White Dwarfs- Those Who are From the Sun Return to the Sun
Wednesday
Everybody thinks you know how to swim well just cause from Florida and live on the beach. Contrary to every one's beliefs you swim about as well as Leonardo Dicaprio in Titanic. Not that he couldn't swim but he ended up dying, and that's how you'll turn out too. You were alt from the start. You didn't learn how to swim, you learned how to make meaningful mixtapes. Your really considering that move to Toronto now.
Empire of the Sun- Walking on a Dream
Thursday
Every afternoon while your on your lunch break this homeless guy comes up to you and ask if you know where sand comes from. You always say yes, but that doesn't matter. He tells you his story about how sand fairy's were inadvertently created by Christopher Columbus on his trip to America. Apparently the fairy's were supposed help him find a passage to China, but there were complications during birth and something about Moby Dick, well long story short Christopher Columbus created sand fairy's which create sand for our beaches. Its amazing how the world works. There are no homeless in Toronto.
Plants and Animals- Feedback in the Field
Friday
You go to a show and meet with some friends you don't get to see very often. Your pretty excited about the reunion, but your excitement intensifies tenfold when you meet your friends. These are the first words one of your friend says to you, "DUUUDE! I just got my hands on a pound of weed. A FUCKING pound man! Were going to disney world man!" You love Florida, there's nothing better.
Jefferson Airplane- White Rabbit

Monsters of Folk

2009-10-12T23:11:00.001-05:00

Monsters of Folk are, as the name kinda implies, a supergroup. Consisting of Jim James(My Morning Jacket), Conor Oberst(Bright Eyes), M. Ward(She & Him), and Mike Mogis(Bright Eyes). If you don't already know, this is a line-up of pure folk magic. These are all huge names except for Mike Mogis maybe, but he is an under appreciated and amazing multi-instrumentalist who was the genius behind the scenes that put Bright Eyes on the map.
The self titled album takes full advantage of the groups vocal power. Right away on the first track Dear God(sincerely M.O.F.) you hear James, Oberst, and Ward share a sample of their unique and magnificent vocals. The always changing vocals keep every song on the album fresh and interesting.
Then you have a wide range of instruments, manned by Mogis, giving every song a unique layer, and yeah it's layered with precision. You would think with a supergroup that these guys are all gonna play a different instrument and potentially leave the songs a little cluttered with sounds, but I assume that's where Mogis comes in and puts every instrument into perspective. Even though sometimes you have slide, steel, and acoustic guitars everything turns out smooth and balanced.
At times Monsters of Folk are pretty chill and beautiful, then sometimes they're upbeat and full of energy. These guys are all amazing songwriters and musicians, and they put out a pretty solid album. I wouldn't say this albums is gonna be hugely popular or start a folk revival but its worth an add to your collection.
Here is the intro track, and I'm particularly fond of the song Man Named Truth, which takes the mandolin on a trip up and down the fretboard. Along with the upbeat rhythm and fantastic lyrics you cant go wrong with this one.
Monsters of Folk- Dear God(sincerely M.O.F.)
Monsters of Folk- Man Named Truth

Edgar Allan Poe= Hero or Looney?

2009-10-12T11:11:00.003-05:00

Edgar Allan Poe: poet, genius, influence, goth, alcoholic, and a poor mother fucker, these are some of the words someone might use to describe Poe. Initially Poe was an pretty unsuccessful writer. It was not until after his death, that he received the credit he deserved for being a pretty good writer.(which is true for a lot of writers/artist/actors/messianic figures) People thought he was a pretty crazy guy and didn't respect his work; but then he died and people realized that he wasn't crazy, but really crazy and pretty talented. He gave us works like "The Raven", which gave the junior high soon to be alt/indie kids thoughts like, "Maybe I am different, maybe its cool to be different",and "I understand what it's like to lose your love and then be driven to madness. I wonder if there is a song about this?" Yes, we all know what came next; the endless nights of listing to The Smiths and reading poetry alone in they're room. It was the building blocks for the alt/indie lifestyle, and how beautiful it was.
Well yesterday, 160 years after his death, the city of Baltimore gave Edgar Allan Poe a proper burial. "A proper burial?" you ask. Poe unexpectedly died of some unknown reason at the age of forty, and apparently only seven people were at his funeral. So the city of Baltimore took it upon themselves to give him a "proper" burial, which included a replica of Poe in a casket, actors portraying other popular writers of that time, and a horse drawn carriage to take the replicated Poe to be buried.
Just look at this replica, it scares me more than any of the writings Poe produced. It makes me think that Baltimore has become crazier than Poe was. The re-burial of Poe was success though, as people held an all night vigil at his grave site. Which leads me to believe that vigils are pretty popular thing to do these days. Vigil's are kinda like bars. You go to a vigil for someone you love(like Michael Jackson, or Kurt Cobain), and you meet other people who have that same interest/love, and amongst the crowd there is bound to be your soulmate.(maybe its not that easy, but you get the idea)
So Poe has been buried for a second time, Baltimore is getting crazier and crazier every day, and alt kids are being born every day thanks to the great, late, twice buried, Edgar Allan Poe. Let us all have a moment of internet silence and thank him..............Nevermore

They Don't Want Me

2009-10-12T10:33:00.001-05:00

A couple of dudes(or blokes maybe?) from New Zealand made a track that brings me back to the days of Motown. I can't believe my ears, and neither will you. The vocals on this track are eerily familiar of the great Marvin Gaye. Its insane really! I don't know how this bloke has a voice like this. Its almost a perfect cover of what soul was during its hype, except obviously for the last minute and a half of the track.
Electric Wire Hustle- They Don't Want

I must be lost

2009-10-12T10:22:00.003-05:00

You may have asked yourself where I've been lately; where are the authentic post about the indie/alternative society? I've asked myself the same question. Well I've headed south for the winter.(actually just a week) Escaping the freezing Tennessee weather and welcoming the beautiful warm state of Florida. As to my authentic post? They were put on the back-burner for a while, but do not worry I'm placing them back on my list of things to do. Stay tuned for an onslaught of music news/indie/alt/random things.

songs to get you through the week

2009-10-05T23:11:00.003-05:00

Monday
You start the week off chilling with a buddy at a cafe, and apparently some white honky chef thinks he can chill with you. Your kinda confused by this honky but you accept him for who he is and you make an unexpected new friend.
Buck 65 Remix- Blood Pt. 2
Tuesday
You go to the indie record store where all the other hipsters chill and gather around the water cooler to discuss important issues. This week the hot topic is whether or not the new hot local band will finally release an album that features both accessible rock driven guitars, but with the introspective lyrics the band is famous for. You give your two cents on the matter and the hipsters agree with little criticism, which hardly ever happens. Needless to say you feel great after that.
Vampire Weekend- A-Punk
Wednesday
You have to cover for an ex-girlfriend at the book store you work at, because she has to "fly to Portland for an interview as a graphic designer, I'm finally gonna make it big!" she says. You believe the lie and agree to cover for her, mostly cause you think your "such a nice guy", but while working a co-worker spills the beans that your ex is going to Portland to spend the week with her new boyfriend. Your full of rage.
The Black Keys- Psychotic Girl
Thursday
You spend all night searching for the perfect plaid button up. You spend almost three hours searching the net and every online store that provides only authentic alt clothing. Then you finally find the perfect button up that will make you so much more authentic than all the other hipsters. As you are setting up the payment details the power goes out. Guess what? You forgot to pay your electric bill. You curse the "man" for taking your power then listen to this lil track.
Rage Against the Machine- Testify
Friday
The coffee you bought taste like it came from a terrorist in Iraq. It makes you think about the links between terrorism and coffee. You think you've uncovered a huge conspiracy. You think that Starbucks is really Al Qaeda in disguise. The first step was to hook Americans on coffee like crack addicts.(Huge success) The next step is obviously to slip chemicals into the coffee and kill off the American population. You tell your alt bro's your theory over a round of PBR's and they call you "ridiculous and uneducated", but you know that they're already addicted to it and most likely have some traces of weird chemicals in their systems. You decide to stay away from them for a while.
Built to Spill- In Your Mind

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-05T16:44:00.005-05:00

I have been slacking lately and I am ashamed of myself for not giving you up to the minute alt news. Now I have to make up for my laziness, but really I just wanna go watch Where the Wild Things Are. Who can blame me? This movie has alt written all over it, and I can guarantee that the alts will be flocking in record numbers to the movie theater on the sixteenth. When I say record numbers I mean this will be the next "Juno", which undoubtably gave the alt kids some mainstream respect.
I cant sit here and say I loved the Where the Wild Things Are book as a child, cause quite frankly those monsters scared the crap out of me. Even when I stared into their yellow eyes without blinking once, I found pools of urine in my bed; but now I'm a little older and a little more authentic, and I'm gonna face those monsters head on.(and I didn't become the authentic alt I am now from running away from conversations about whether The Smiths changed the landscape of pop music more than Nirvana. Unfortunately I said Nirvana did, but we all make mistakes when were lil alt kids, and we grow from those mistakes)
Where the Wild Things Are is directed by the sometimes under appreciated Spike Jonze.(No relation to Mike Jones, who apparently still thinks no one knows who he is) Jonze, who not only has an awesome name, but a repertoire for making great music videos. Some you probably recognize, like: Cannonball- The Breeders, Buddy Holly- Weezer, Feel the Pain- Dinosaur Jr., Sabotage- Beastie Boys, Undone(The Sweater Song)- Weezer, The Rockafeller Skank- Fatboy Slim, and lets not forget he co-created Jackass and directed the much loved Being John Malkovich. Its true Spike Jonze is awesome.
Needless to say this movie looks like a winner; but the real winner is the soundtrack, which is the new work from Karen O. Yeah we all love Karen O and here work with Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but now her project with Karen O and the Kids features contributions from guys like: Brian Chase(Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Nick Zinner(Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Bradford Cox(Deerhunter), Aaron Hemphill(Liars), Dean Fertita(The Dead Weather), and my favorite Jack Lawrence(The Dead Weather,Greenhorns, Raconteurs), not so much for his musical talent, but for his look. Really he looks like a serial killer when he performs live if you ask me. He looks like he should be driving an unmarked van instead of playing bass; but I love it that he looks like that, though I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate that comment, but I do have a lil alt crush on him so that makes it ok I think.Well I cant wait to see this movie, that is if Jack Lawrence doesn't hunt me down and kill me first. So gather your alt bro's and alt gal's and hit up your local Chili's have a few el presidente's then watch the monsters that gave us all nightmares when we were young, even though most wont admit it.
Have a listen to the beautiful Karen O. (and you can right click and save all the music on this blog if you didn't already know)
Karen O and the Kids- All Is Love
Karen O and the Kids- Worried Shoes (yet another Daniel Johnston cover)

who are you? or more importantly what song defines you?

2009-10-04T23:11:00.001-05:00

What song defines you as an artistic, self aware, socially complex, individual of society?
Does the song Nub by the Jesus Lizard express your edgy lifestyle? The loud bending guitars and incoherent vocals say, "I'm here to rock an roll! Get your stupid pansy music away from me you unsophisticated bag of designer clothes!" This song says your an independent strong willed woman who doesn't need your sympathy. Sure you got knocked up in some dude's van after watching The Replacements cover band; but what does that matter, your still an in your face woman who you might find in a roller derby one day kicking the ass of other edgy women. Even though your carrying a little punk baby in your stomach, your clothes still represent your belief that the grunge era is still alive and kicking; and because of this you don't have to shower, not because your grunge but because your an independent, sophisticated woman.Charmer by Kings Of Leon says you came from humble upbringings but then you hit the big time and now some people see you as d-bag. Not that it really matters cause your still loved by billions and billions of teenage girls everywhere, and teenage girls always know what's awesome, which is undoubtedly you. Caleb Followill's screams(which kinda sound like a girl) say that at heart your a pretty crazy person and you might be found dressed like a pirate one day or another day selling cocaine to a bunch of teenage girls who will do anything you say, cause lets face it, your hot shit.
I'm Waking Up to Us by Belle & Sebastian says hey I can be a pretty cool guy but I'm mostly awkward. I'm a sensitive guy who only wears khaki pants, and strums a few simple chords so all the awkward girls I know will fall hopelessly in love with me. But the truth is I'm better than all of you people cause I listen to Belle & Sebastian, and I'm looking for another soul mate who will understand what its like to always wear khakis and be awkwardly funny. The song also says that you might be a little gay but you think your just an intimate lover.(which probably isn't true)
Nighttiming by Coconut Records says you know how to escape the mainstream and express your real feelings. You may have left a popular band for a number of reasons, but we all know the real reason. You left that band because it was getting way to mainstream for your alt taste; and now your solo project is sufficiently alt and that helps you sleep well at night. Most importantly your now viewed as an multi talented alt-god, who will probably begin to star in "indie" movies that display your lovable alt awkwardness along with your sophisticated understanding of a complicated world. Lets also not forgot your endless battle to save a plot of land from being destroyed by the evil corporations, which is the ultimate definition of alt.(which is to say the alt will always fight the "man", because the "man" is mainstream evil)

why do I love mash-ups?

2009-10-02T15:33:00.002-05:00

I can't seem to tear myself away from checking out the latest songs on the hype machine. This week its another mash-up that is blowing up the internet.(no surprise there) So I feel like I'm not alone in this love for a good mash-up every once and a while, but at the same time my alt instincts say I'm a non-conformist and things that are popular are mainstream, and I fuckin hate mainstream! The fact is tons of alts are drooling over a new song but we all know that were alt and mainstream is our kryptonite. What are the alts to do? Its just another paradox of living the alt life I guess.
Well this weeks song is definitely worth all the hype. It comes from the guys at The Hood Internet and they made my day mixing a classic white boy rap group(Beastie Boys) and the unbelievable duo of upbeat drums and piano(Matt & Kim).
One reason I love this mix is because I love Matt & Kim. They put one of the best small live shows possible. Everyone dances like tribe folk and sing/scream every lyric. Most importantly Matt & Kim loves to interact with the crowd. Between each song they'll talk to crowd about random things; maybe about whether Matt looks good without glasses or if the one of the guys in the crowd should take off his shirt and crowd surf because Matt says "It's a fucking party".
ANYWAYS this is an awesome song for the moment and not to forget that the Beastie Boys really can rap pretty good.(for white kids that is)
The Hood Internet- Good Ol' Fashion Rump Shaker (Beastie Boys vs Matt & Kim)

artist you need to know

2009-09-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

This is Daniel Johnston. He is holding his self released cassette Yip Jump Music, which was recorded on his $59.oo Sanyo boombox. This tape is one of many self released cassettes that Daniel recorded. If you haven't realized it yet Daniel is a very interesting person.
Daniel Johnston isn't your run of the mill singer/songwriter, he is an extraordinary talent that little know about. Though diagnosed with manic depression and bipolar disorder, he has managed to create an amazing amount of music. His music has been described "from spotty to brilliant", and that's definitely the truth. At times he sounds like a child singing random words about the world, but full of emotion and maybe a little out of tune; and other times his voice pierces your soul with surreal lyrics that only a genius could create. His early albums are lo-fi, and contain only him banging on a piano or guitar. Nevertheless he gained a cult like following and his songs have been relentlessly covered by almost every musician. The influence he has had on musicians is immense. The most notable would be Kurt Cobain who has been photographed multiple times wearing Daniel Johnston t-shirts. Even though countless musicians have cited Johnston as an influence, and covered tons of songs, he has never gained notoriety among the masses.
The fact is, Daniel Johnston loves music and loves recording it. His songs are perfectly simple and emotional. Every song i listen to, I can almost picture Daniel in his garage recording on his Sanyo singing his lungs out.
It's almost impossible to describe every aspect of his music, and I'm not gonna tackle that task. The only thing I can do is let you listen to some of his early stuff and let you decide for yourself.
Daniel Johnston- Story of an Artist
Daniel Johnston- Some Things Last a Long Time
Daniel Johnston- I Did Acid With Caroline
Daniel Johnston- True Love Will Find You In The End
On another note, Daniel is still around and still recording music. Now a days he finds himself collaborating with other artist. The latest is with Jason Faulkner, and they will release the first Daniel Johnston album in six years. (Which should bring his total number of full length albums to around twenty six I think) Johnston will be walking away from the lo-fi and into the studio with the new album, with hopes that it will be more accessible and maybe get the world to recognize the genius of Daniel Johnston. The new album, Is and Always Was is coming out October 6.
Daniel Johnston- Freedom

Thom Yorke and Flea to play together

2009-09-29T20:44:00.001-05:00

I am effing the ineffable! Thom, the calm, collected intellectual, to play with Flea, the outrageous, in your face, master of bass.(Yeah the guy who played live with nothing but a sock on his cock) How these two got together I'll never know, but what matters is they are and it might be a magical experience for anyone who gets to see it.So the whole band consist of: Thom, Flea, Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco, and Nigel Godrich. Right now they are only set to play two live shows, both at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, on 10-4 and 10-5. They'll be playing songs from Thom Yorke's solo album The Eraser, and some of Thom's new work.
These two shows are going to be more than funky with Flea slapping the bass behind one of the most intoxicating voices of this era. If you can get tickets, you are lucky. Not to worry for those who cant, because I feel like they might add a couple more shows if it goes well in L.A., which I'm sure it will.
Lets see what Flea might bring to the picture.
Thom Yorke- Felling Pulled Apart by Horses
Thom Yorke- Black Swan

songs to get you through the week

2009-09-28T02:22:00.006-05:00

A new week on the horizon. Is it gonna suck? Will I get fired from Urban Outfitters? Will the mainstreamers walking down the street with me finally start to respect my alt lifestyle? Will my sleek apple laptop die at Panera Bread before I can download the newest Midnight Juggernauts album? Will my alt bro's stop by and drink all my PBR while we watch Seinfeld?
All I know is, i'll have a mixtape that will keep me authentic.

Monday
Yes you will inevitably want to kill everyone at your office. Why? Because its Monday, and you hate Mondays!
Crocodiles- I Wanna Kill
Crocodiles are just two guys who play some loud and sometimes beautiful music. Honestly they look and sound like they belong in the 80's. They have some potential, why not check them out.

Tuesday
You will probably be hungover after going to that bar down from your apartment where they only play authentic tunes for authentic people. Let this song take the edge off
Volcano Choir- Island, IS
Volcano Choir is the collaboration of Collections of Colonies of Bees, and Bon Iver, but really most just see it as the latest work from the the almighty Justin Vernon. The music is ambient with the vocals of Vernon pushing you through a landscape of perfect harmony.

Wednesday
Your bored. You will be sad that your hot co-worker didn't like the mixtape you made her. Its time to cheer up
Fruit Bats- The Ruminant Band
Fruit Bats are a folk band with some real pop. They've been around for a while and their experience shows in the songs. Boasting some bright, verb infused guitar with lead licks that take your ears on a journey. These guys are great and might finally be getting the exposure they deserve.

Thursday
You argue with a fellow alt about the electronic movement. She says "Its evolution, the music follows the technology. Its about time if you ask me, electronic is the new wave; and the shows are fun as hell." You say "Take me back to the days traditional instruments, played by talented artist who spent they're time practicing and writing; not dancing and spinning. Electronic music is a gateway drug to shitty music." You both waste an hour arguing for nothing, because no one truly wins an alt argument. You blast this song on the way home because its "Therapeutic".
Cymbals Eat Guitars- And The Hazy Sea
Cymbals Eat Guitars sound sometimes experimental, sometimes pop, and sometimes perfect. And the Hazy Sea immediately knocks you off your feet then it slowly helps you back up; but right when your about to be up they throw you back down. Simply put crescendos are fantastic.

Friday
Its been a long week but that's all behind you now. The weekend is what you live for and your ready to make it the best weekend yet. Your probably gonna pass out somewhere unfamiliar, but that's ok cause its Friday and you can pass out wherever you want cause your alt.
Its time to pre-game with this little track.
The White Panda- What You Know About Little Secrets (T.I. vs Passion Pit)
Just stumbled upon The White Panda. Apparently they are into the whole mash-up phenomena too. Not sure if anything else is work while, but you cant go wrong with this mix.

whats the deal with the swine flu?

2009-09-27T18:04:00.002-05:00

You would think the swine flu would be a distant memory by now, but sadly its still taking names and kicking the ass of the U.S. What are we supposed to do to defeat the deadly swine flu.

Wear mask and follow the fad that Asians started back in 2003.

Stop driving my prius to american apparel and trying on every pair of briefs just so I can look like Dov Charney.Do you ever think that swine flu virus was created by Mexican government; and they were trying to slowly destroy America. Or even more possible maybe it was created by the U.S. with the intention that the swine flu hype would take our eyes off the growing economic downfall.
Whatever the case may be, all that matters is we have a leader who is focused on the important things.

Don't let the swine flu get you down. Chill with some tunes for a bit. It will all be over soon
Cold War Kids- Something Is Not Right With Me

Conor Oberst- I Don't Want To Die (In a Hospital)

Cake- I Will Survive

i used to be a dj

2009-09-24T16:44:00.002-05:00

Do you ever listen to guys like girl talk, and the hood internet and say "That shit is weak I could mix a couple of songs together"? Later that day did you find yourself scouring the internet for music editing and mixing tools so you could be the next Gregg Gillis? Then once you finally got that software installed did you start working on your first big hit which was a mash-up of Bob Dylan and Jay-Z? Then an hour later did you find yourself almost throwing your saran wrapped laptop out into the mean streets? Yeah I did too, and so did almost every other alt kid who thought they were better than every other wanna be dj.

Oh Gregg you were so naive back then. If only you knew what kind of music mixing god you were to become.

Well I did not stop trying to be a hit dj, and i managed to turn a couple of decent tracks.

Im sure your thinking this dudes just like everyone else who puts out shitty tracks, and you know what I wont deny that fact. But I'll let you decide for yourself.

Check out these two tracks and let me know how much they really suck, or admit that maybe these songs could be featured on an apple commercial one day.

Abel Sun- Lil Wayne on the Radio

Abel Sun- Too DJ (With Jmoney)

And here is another mix from an actual artist that is definitely worth a look

Xaphoon Jones- I wanna Know Now (Bob Marley, MGMT)

is dogfighting the new kool thing to do?

2009-09-24T02:20:00.004-05:00

When you go to drop your kids off for daycare do ever notice anything funny going on around the place? Maybe a couple of tied up bloody dogs? Well obviously its not a big deal if you see a couple of beat up dogs around your childs daycare, because lets face it.

Everyone is doing it, Michael Vick, our fiends in Afghanistan, and now the good folks down at your trusted daycare.

Yeah dogfighting at a daycare, what's the harm really? Its not like they were training the kids to fight and appear on battle royal pay per view.(though im sure it would be a record selling event)

It seems like i missed the dogfighting boat somewhere. As a self proclaimed "alt kid" Im always searching for the the latest and greatest fads to claim before anyone else knows about it. Then i get pleasure out of exiting that trend when it hits the mainstream and then making fun of my friends for being "so lame with that mainstream crap". But here I am staring at a trend that i didn't take full advantage of before the rest of the world got there mainstream hands on it. Where did I go wrong? Should've bought that german shepherd instead of that chihuahua last year. We all make mistakes in our alt life i suppose. I think kidfighting might be the next big thing I can jump on before everyone else.

artist you need to know

2009-09-24T01:24:00.003-05:00

So I'm gonna try to do this "artist you need to know" post every week.

I'm gonna start off with a band i've really been into lately.

The Antlers

The Antlers started as a solo project by Peter Silberman. Eventually he added two members and The Antlers recorded an album that everyone should have in their collection. Hospice is one of the few start to finish masterpieces that has been released lately. The album is an epic story about a man losing a loved one to cancer. You cant hide from the pure emotion that is portrayed in every lyric. The beautiful vocals draw you in, and then relentlessly attack your emotions. Every song I find myself feeling sorry for the narrator and the hell he is experiencing. Most of Hospice has a ambient feel to it but don't let that drive you away from the work as a whole. Every song transitions seamlessly and keeps you involved until the story ends.

I cant stress enough how beautiful the whole album is and how much you should check it out.

The Antlers Myspace

The Antlers- Bear (Hospice)

Why Zooey?

2009-09-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

So Zooey Deschanel is getting married, to Ben Gibbard of all people! Its a shame that sneaky Ben kid stole her from right under me. Sure, Bens in two prominent bands (Death Cab For Cutie, Postal Service), but what does that matter? I'm the leader of a very successful Phil Collins cover band. Honestly Zooey did you think this one through? What is to become of She and Him? Is it gonna be She and Him and now that guy?

Alas it seems all good things must come to an end. I will miss you Zooey.

As for She and Him, well there is a new album in the works. Volume 2 is due for release sometime in 2010, as long as Ben Gibbard doesn't find a way to turn it into an emo, sadcore masterpiece for teens. (Don't get me wrong, I like Ben and his bands but he's kinda like your once best friend and roommate who decided to date your ex-girlfriend. Things just aren't the same between us now.)

I assume this song was written about me

She & Him- Sentimental Heart

Flaming Lips- Embryonic

2009-09-22T04:08:00.001-05:00

Yes! The Flaming Lips are still around and yes! they are still creating mind exploding music. The latest album from the lips is Embryonic and it is long overdue. I must say i am a rabid lips fan and luckily a friend told me that they were performing on The Colbert Report. So as you could guess i watched it without blinking. Then from the show i found out that the album was streaming on Colbert Nation and of course i spent all night listing to it. So is the album amazing? Well... lets just say its different.

Embryonic takes a turn from the small commercial success of At War With The Mystics, and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, with the re-emergence of the classic psychedelia that the lips were founded on. Embryonic is a landscape of dark unfamiliar sounds supported by the punishing drums of a madman. The album may be a little hard (for the not so rabid lips fan like me) to enjoy at first. The songs hit you in the face and you can be a little overwhelmed by the range of sounds, but that is usually what's great about The Flaming Lips, but I'm afraid that most will view this album as a bust due to its uninviting sound. The album lacks the pop element that we have become to enjoy after great singles like Do you Realize?? and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1, so don't expect this album to contend with the Jonas Brothers. Embryonic actually reminds me of their album A Collection of Songs Representing An Enthusiasm For Recording . . . By Amateurs, for those of you who are familiar with such obscure albums. ANYWAYS, So the album may only find love by the rabid lips fans and the drug head down the street who needs an album to help expand his mind,(I cant deny that Embryonic makes me wanna hang out with him and talk about the importance of Noam Chomsky) but it is definitely worth a look. It may not hold a single pop masterpiece, but the album as a whole can take your mind on a trip that cant be explained.

Lets face it The Flaming Lips are still a great band and have created another solid "out of the ordinary" album, but we all know why we love the lips. The live shows my man, the live shows. If you don't already know, the lips will rock your ass off no matter what; and if you don't like the album then don't skip out on a live performance, because it could possibly change your life.

Embryonic will drop October 13

Contrast and Compare a track from the very old and one from the very new

God Walks Among Us Now (A Collection Of Songs Representing An Enthusiasm......)

Silver Trembling Hands (Embryonic)

the start of something

2009-09-21T04:45:00.001-05:00

This is a blog about: music, relationships, popularity, hipsters, shows, work, films, college, weekends, philosophy, sex, the internet, avant-garde, fads, artist, society, vertigo, folk, weather, mind expansion, nightlife, socialism, love, sports, sunsets, indie, feminist, maritime laws, the future, oregon trail, high school, electronica, money, solipsism, social equality, depression, riots, famous people, drugs, trees, autotuners, superman, playdough, bigfoot, sushi, time space continuum, mashups, silver lining, formulas, explosions, idioms, economics, poems, speed, lines, hippies, volume, conservation, paintings, universal health care, phones, cults, munchies, conspiracies, freedom, sci-fi, yoga, camping, vespas, infomercials, books, waterbeds, 2012, guitars, mainstream, radical ideas, prosperity, canada, the fibonacci sequence, dream catchers, perfectionist, laissez faire, pop culture, ethics, everything.
so don't give up just yet because there are songs to save you from the monotony of every day

Voxtrot- The Start of Something