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But I just wanna love you dear

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If you fall asleep down by the water
Baby I’ll carry you all the way home

OK. You can sing that to me all day and all night and I will swoon and smile and love you forever.

Because it’s just that simple.

“That’s why we love the 1950s. It was the beginning of basic pop music. They did it from scratch and pulled these amazing, timeless melodies out of thin air.”

The Drums is your new favorite feelgood postpunk summer music. Because summer is over and you hate to see things go. Floridans Jonathon Ecklund and Jacob Graham started this band just over a year ago, self recorded and produced around fifteen songs while living in central Florida and “with big dreams and a batch of songs they believed in” spent the beginning of 2009 saving money to move to New York City. Add a bassist and a drummer, and now they sound a little something like this:

Download The Drums – Let’s Go Surfing

Down, down baby
Down by the roller coaster
Sweet sweet baby
I’ll never let you go

Yes! Take me down by the roller coaster! I will follow you anywhere when you sing to me like that!

“Let’s Go Surfing” is the digital single released by the band prior to the recording of the Summertime EP. The boys say they are influenced by The Smiths and The Wake. Even though The Drums claim that some of their music is about being “alone forever”, really I don’t get any sort of alienation and desperation from this music like the feelings that The Smiths helped us cultivate in the 80’s. Then again, naming your band “The Drums” is about the most plainjane name (a la The Smiths) you could come up with during this the tale end of the ought-ten decade where google searches for anything but the most unique of names will gather far too many results.

Just try it! See what you find. If you want to get any information or buy their stuff you’ll have to go to wearethedrums.com or their myspace page.

The Drums make me happy even when they’re trying to be sad. My very favorite song is “Down By The Water.” About their music, they say: “We only write about two feelings: one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once. The other is when you’re walking alone in the rain and realize you will be alone forever.”

Visit their sites to get a hold of this music. In the meantime, check out some other feelgood or feelshitty music…Your choice.

And while you’re there buy me this:

For those that have lost

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Sunday I had a passing in the family, and so part of me figured I should try to find a song that fits the mood of what happens when someone passes and what type of feelings are there. I’m not sure why I thought of this song in particular, but I feel as though it’s fitting. As for the music to buy? I would much rather that if you’re reading this, you would help donate to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, which helps to find a cure for breast cancer. My grandmother succumbed to complications from this after fighting it – along with other maladies – for almost six years.

So today’s music is brought to you through unfortunate circumstances, but a part of the people closest to you that you lose becomes a part of you after their passing. It’s their strength they pass along. So while the song “Hurt” doesn’t really describe what this all entails, it does describe what we all feel when we do come to grips with our mortality. I’ve posted both the original by Nine Inch Nails, as well as the fabulous cover done by Johnny Cash.

Download Johnny Cash – Hurt

Download Nine Inch Nails – Hurt

And again, to donate to help find a cure, please go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure page! Thank you in advance to anyone that donates!

And all your dumb rhymin’ words

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This. Is. An excellent. Record.

“People might be surprised that anyone is still working in a long format recorded medium considering the economic climate, current trends in dissemination and consumption, i.e. the internet and mp3 players…There is so much work being produced in this moment, in this, the age of readily available prosumer recording equipment and an internet hungry for content, not to mention the mountains of old songs that exist for most listeners who, in a lifetime, will only skim the surface of that magnificent library. People might be surprised that, with all that weighing against it, buying and listening to this album will be more than just pleasurable, more than just horizon expanding. “

Kyp Malone’s new music venture is called Rain Machine. He has been writing and recording material for himself, even before getting together with the much-loved and respected group TV On the Radio. Malone joined TVotR in time to record their second record, 2003’s EP Young Liars. While performing solo, Malone went by a few different names and eventually settled on Rain Machine. His first solo album, which is self-titled, comes out September 22 on Anti-Records.

The first two releases, “Give Blood” and “Smiling Black Faces”, are excellent tracks but sandwiched between them on the record is my favorite, “New Last Name.” It’s a slow burn. Check it out:


Rain Machine -New Last Name

Oh no! Was it the line “All your dumb rhymin’ words” that summoned Kanye or was it Malone’s beard? Kanye has to interrupt everyone’s big moment! OK what is it Kanye?

I’m really happy for you Kyp, and Imaletyoufinish, but Mookie has the best beard of all time! Of all time!

Well. Mookie is working on one sweet-ass beard. But Mookie’s beard hasn’t been stroked by Stephen Colbert yet. So until that day, I think Kyp Malone might have the best one. Here’s a live shot of the very talented musician that we took when we caught TV on the Radio at OutsideLands:

Rain Machine showcases some of Malone’s best lyrics and song construction yet. But I will give no opinion and insight on the words and themes he explores on this record. You simply have to experience it yourself. You can even pre-order the vinyl below. I can’t wait to drop a needle on the actual record. That will make for quite a spritually revealing evening.

Choose your format: MP3, CD, or Vinyl…

Burn!

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So I’ve finally gotten around to watching a little known movie starring Marlon Brando called Burn! (or sometimes known as Queimada!). I found out about this flick after reading Howard Zinn’s A Power Government’s Cannot Suppress. All links for these will be below, by the way.

Well, the movie details the imperialism and colonialism that was rampant amongst so many European nations for centuries. And how puppet governments were propped up, rebellions were started, and more. It’s not the original 132 minute presentation, which I would love to get my hands on, but once you figure out where the story is going, you will keep watching.

As for music? Well, this movie twice plays a piece by Ennio Morricone, who is best known for his music for such classics as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. It’s classical, yet isn’t. The song “Abolicao” is an absolute masterpiece, and defies any sort of pigeonholing. Today’s post includes this brilliant piece as well as a video of a live performance.

Download Ennio Morricone – Abolicao

Seriously. Chills. Brilliant song. Now. Do your part and buy something!

In the truest land of opportunity

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“Obviously, sometimes you can’t shut your feelings off,” says Keene. “If we’re having a problem, we try not to bring the band into it, but we’re all best friends, and everyone [in the band] understands.” In that sense, the music (and friendships) can be therapeutic. When any Mean Creek member comes to practice feeling unhappy about something, he says, “More than half the time we leave feeling a little bit better.”

The pair that is Aurore Ouinjin and Chris Keene shared their thoughts for a Boston Phoenix post on “Couple Bands” back in 2008. After playing acoustic folk and simply calling themselves Chris and Aurore (like Matt and Kim!) for a few years, they added a rhythm section and are happy with permanent additions Erik Wormwood and Mikey Holland. For three years now they have been known as Mean Creek.

And yes, they do take their name from the 2004 indie movie starring Rory Culkan about secrets and bullies. I don’t actually see the connection, although I could easily throw words around like “melancholy” “dark” or “intense” and try to make them fit. You can find a melancholy song on any album. And to be quite honest I don’t even know what in the hell they do sing about. But The Sky (Or The Underground) is a clean record with tracks that mesh, vocals that complement each other, and music that can be appreciated.

I do know what this song is about though. With its simple, repetitive chorus and verses that peacefully address a specific social problem it is a traditional folk song. Opening screeches and escalating bridges that threaten to rip your face off, though, expertly take this track into modern day and place this band at a House of Blues or a Slim’s rather than your local Cuppa Joe Joint. Check out Not To Dream:

Download Mean Creek – Not To Dream

Buy their first album and be the first to review it for Amazon! Come on, you know you’ve always wanted to be the first to know about music. Now you can be famous too.

Then you can go over to iTunes and get the newest album. Hell, be the first to review it there too!! Look at you!

Bizzare Ride

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Everyone here remember the Pharcyde? You’re talking about a group that put out one of the top hip-hop albums of the 1990’s in Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. I remember back in early 1992, I bought this on cassette along with a Run DMC tape. This one certainly stuck around with me for years.

There was one cut that stuck out besides “Passin’ Me By”. The track “Soul Flower” was originally done with the Brand New Heavies on Heavy Rhyme Experience, which is how I even found out about the group. Well, I lost my tape, and bought it later on CD, and suddenly, the version of “Soul Flower” had changed! It was still good, mind you, but very different from the original. Well, I am simply going to showcase some of the other remixes of this song here today.

First, the version off of the CD that was such a big change from the original Brand New Heavies version. This is such a good party song for folks to just play in the background. Awesome track that for people like myself? Brings back a lot of memories.

Download The Pharcyde – Soul Flower

Next up are three remixes off of a remix and rarity album of Pharcyde tracks. The highlight of the three here is the “Dogs B*ll*cks Remix”, for sure. The other two are certainly good ones, but really can’t hold a candle to the first one. A big winner of a track.

Download The Pharcyde – Soul Flower (Wrong Tree)

Download The Pharcyde – Soul Flower (Dogs B*ll*cks Remix)

Download The Pharcyde – Soul Flower (2 Tha 3 Mix)

Last up is a much more recent remix. It’s the Gutter remix, and most of the song is strong…….until they add some other MCs by the name Verb and Wale. Seriously, if you’re going to make a remix? Don’t taint it if it’s a classic. Good remix, but horrid addition of other MCs.

Download The Pharcyde – Soul Flower

As an added extra bonus? I’ve also tossed in the Hot Chip remix of “Passin’ Me By”. Enjoy all the cuts!

Download The Pharcyde – Passin’ Me By (Hot Chip Remix)

And go buy stuff! If not, Barry Bonds will rub cream on you. And it won’t be steroids!

And we have more Batman!

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So yesterday saw the release of a new Batman game. I have to admit, I’m nerdy enough that I had it pre-ordered, and played it for a good portion of the day yesterday. It’s been getting rave reviews, so if you’re a gamer? I’d suggest going to get it. The amount of stuff to do and find in the game borders on ridiculous. Finding all the Riddler’s statues, then having to solve riddles? Not to mention unlocking upgrades, etc.?

If you get it for the Playstation 3? Well, you have the opportunity to get a challenge map where you can even play as the Joker! I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that? It’s a great game, and you can easily lose yourself in it even if you’re just a casual gamer. Below is a trailer for it.

So anyhow, how does this relate to music? Well, that’s easy! Don’t any of you remember the original Batman movie? The one with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson? No? Well, that just means you’re young. Well, way back when, Prince did the soundtrack to that first Batman film, and there are actually some decent cuts on that one. Here I’ve tossed up the first track that was released from that album, pretty simply titled “Batdance”, as well as the track “The Future”. Luke Solomon actually did a damn good bootleg of “The Future” a few years back, but I can’t seem to locate it at the moment. Enjoy these two cuts, though!

Download Prince – Batdance

Download Prince – The Future

I’ve even been nice enough to include the music video for “Batdance”. It shows you how far we’ve come with music videos.

And yes, go buy something. Do yourself a favor!

Don’t Want to Have to Call You up From a Pay Phone

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This is supposed to be a post about Set Your Goals, the sixpiece “post-hardcore” or “hardcore infused with pop” band from San Francisco. The band formed in 2004 and was fortunate enough to go on tour with The Warriors based off an EP they had recorded. They ended up signing with The Warriors’ label, Eulogy, and followed up the re-release of their EP with their first studio album, Mutiny! in 2006.

I thought Mutiny! was a decent freshman effort. Someone else must have thought so, too, because they went on tour with Anti-Flag and Alexisonfire the following year. Then in 2008, Set Your Goals played the entire summer on Warped Tour and got a contract on Epitaph Records in early 2009.

Influences such as this should make a dent on a punk band.

But This Will Be The Death of Us, released in July of this year, seems to take a step backwards. There is so much life and energy in Mutiny! that you would think could have been harnessed into excellent, mind-melting guitar riffs and stronger-than-ever lyrics, but it didn’t. I don’t know what happened. Instead, this album is full of lay-it-on-too-thick double bass and lay-it-on-too-cheesy rebellious rants you might hear from a fledgling teenage punk band, but not a bunch of guys in their late 20’s who have been around absolute legends in the punk industry.

[Download Set Your Goals – Summer Jam]

These sugary, anthem-y chants in This Will Be The Death of Us reminded me of another band: Hawk Nelson. This is an energetic punk band from Canada which has been around since 2004. They also happen to be a Christian band, which obviously precludes them from ever being invited to tour along with Alexisonfire or most of the other punk godfathers.

Somehow, though, the boys in Hawk Nelson have managed to polish their craft with every album they put out. They don’t get played on mainstream radio, although they did appear on a major motion picture and did get nominated for a Grammy. They don’t get invited to go on tour with anyone but other Christian bands or Christian festivals.

[Download Hawk Nelson – Long and Lonely Road]

But put almost any of Hawk Nelson’s singles up against any track on This Will Be The Death of Us and the only difference you will hear is a better execution by the Canadian boys. I ask what is the point of putting Set Your Goals on Epitaph at all. Compare “Let’s Dance” from Hawk Nelson and “Look Closer” from Set Your Goals.

[Download Hawk Nelson – Let’s Dance]

[Download Set Your Goals – Look Closer]

That’s how this post which was supposed to be about Set Your Goals becomes a post about Hawk Nelson. Would you like to hear some music that actually makes you get up and jump? Are you really going to overlook a decent band because they are Christian?

Check out some Hawk Nelson. They have a fourth studio album on its way next month, but below you can get the mp3 off the new release.

Gone swimming in a stream.

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So it’s hot as hell up here in Boston. When living in Las Vegas? At least every home had central air. Not up here in Boston. It seems every way of living, they need to drive home the point of, “Suck it up! We’re gonna build character in you!” Honestly, it does nothing but give Bostonians the attitude they’re so known for. Seriously. Sit in an apartment with no AC when it’s 95 outside and 80% humidity and try not to get angry.

So what the hell does that have to do with music? Well, I recently heard the cover of “Islands In The Stream” that the Constantines did with Feist. Mmmmm….streams…..cold water…..shriveled junk. So I figured today, I would post this lovely little cover. The Constantines are part of the great lineup that Toronto label Arts and Crafts has put together. They also include other indie darlings such as Apostle of Hustle, Stars, and Broken Social Scene. The Arts and Crafts website even has a page devoted to this cover. That’s how much they love it, also.

Download the Constantines and Feist – Islands in the Stream

So, the song is a cover of a song written by the Bee Gees. Yes. The Bee Gees. Had the Bee Gees sung it? The world may have blown up. But instead, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton did the honors, and as odd as it sounds, I thank them for helping all of us escape a very close call. So here’s the original version from 1983. Believe it or not, I’m able to remember when this came out. Kind of sad, but true. It became a number one hit for the duo, and helped lead them to more collaborations, but none quite as successful as this classic song.

Download Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers – Islands in the Stream

And just for the hell of it, I am posting a video from Mad TV. Why? Well, the show was awful. I mean, it just WASN’T funny. But they used to poke fun at Kenny Rogers after he became more of a showboating salesman than a singer. In this skit, it’s Kenny Rogers performing with the crew from Jackass.

Now, if you don’t buy this music, I swear to christ I will post more Mad TV clips. And trust me. Most of them are just a new kind of awful.