Dare to be STUPID! (Part 1)

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So…I assigned homework to the staff. Find a song that sums up the last eight years with George W. Bush, and come up with 2 or 3 sentences/paragraphs to explain the choice in song. I joined in the fun too. Problem is, we couldn’t keep it short…so it’s going to be a three part series. HERE IS PART ONE!

THE LITTLE ONE:
“We got him.”

Wow, we were impressed! That was comparatively swift and skillful! I guess military action in response to 9/11 was the right move. Go, U-S—what? We got who?

George Bush’s tenure in the oval office cemented for all of us that the Hollywood story of Wag the Dog was entirely possible and probable. We all began wondering which of the discredited conspiracy theories over the years should be revisited.

Ordinary citizens who believed in equality and justice, who believed that the intentions of their great country were inherently good, were thrust into the reality that political egos had hit a record high and were in desperate need of being reigned in.

When will the world listen to reason? I have a feeling it will be a long time.
When will the truth come into season? I have a feeling it will be a long time.

This was not the first time in history that Americans had been lied to by their President, or felt as if they had been. But I would argue that this was the first time that the majority of Americans became convinced that an entire administration was diabolical in their intent to mislead the citizens and the other branches of government.

Egos will feed, while citizens bleed. That’s always the way it goes.

It’s not difficult to begin to wonder whether there were domestic motives behind the vicious attacks on September 11. And that is the most disgusting legacy that George W. Bush leaves behind. When the proud face of a son who has completed his father’s mission is broadcast to a confused nation, we are forced to wonder who and what this was all for?

Americans need to have their faith and pride restored. Americans need to understand that nationalism and patriotism are not four-letter-words. In 2008 I truly believe that it is the Democratic Party that has put forth the face and the name that has the only chance of getting us there. Without that hope that a regime change will bring, I truly fear for our future.


Think you can do better? pick a song and write up a few words to explain why, and maybe you will get published on our blog! send your drafts to: inallcapsATgmailDOTcom (replace “AT” with “@” and “DOT” with “.”)

‘Cause I’m a rat, there’s no mistake.

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According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat, which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009.

They sound like someone…

I don’t remember how I stumbled across them, but I knew right away that I liked them. Figures they are from Georgia. Seems like all the bands I am falling for these days are from the South. They remind me a lot of the sound Colour Revolt had on their EP.

Dead Confederates are a dark rock band that on September 16th released their debut full-length album WRECKING BALL. They recorded this album in a small concrete box studio in Austin, Texas where the sound effects for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre were recorded.

And they sound like a band I love. Maybe they sound like a few of them? I swear it sounds like Kurt Cobain on Shadow The Walls.


[Download Dead Confederates – Shadow The Walls]

I am reminded of Pearl Jam a lot when I listen to The Rat. The Rat would definitely be THE single off the album. It’s a strong and dark anthem that is often misunderstood.

“A lot of people think it’s about a relationship,” explains bassist Brantley Senn. “It’s kind of a protest song about the religious right.”

It’s funny, I immediately thought of Manchester Orchestra while listening to this album. I even had a thought to send an email to MO and ask them if they have heard of Dead Confederates. Then I discover they are touring together through the winter! Wow!

Even with all the touring they find time to visit with Conan O’Brien on Oct 10th.

P.S. Speaking of Manchester Orchestra, their EP is dropping soon. Check out this song off that EP. It’s powerful.


[Download Manchester Orchestra – I Was A Lid]

Concert Series #3

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So for this concert series piece, I will be discussing Stereolab. Don’t know them? Well, you should! These guys have been around for close to two decades, and they’ve even had their worst emotions tested when one of Stereolab’s members, Mary Hansen, was tragically killed a few years ago. They have a new album out now, and are touring in support of it, so being a decade-plus-long fan? I had to go. I’ll be showcasing a few songs of theirs, but also I will be talking a little about their opening band, Le Loup.

Stereolab is the sort of group your parents would probably dig. Think indie-rock meets bachelor-pad easy listening music. It sounds odd, but they’ve established themselves as the kings in such a small niche. Many times, a band suffers from such marginalization, but these guys have mastered it. The unfortunate death of Hansen took a bit away from the band, as they relied on two singers for many of their songs, but they’ve worked to solve that, by adding another singer (a male falsetto) to the repertoire. It works surprisingly well, and hopefully it continues.

The album that first got me interested was one that many people also say first turned them on to the ‘Lab. Emperor Tomato Ketchup is a funny title, but it’s one hell of an album. I’d go so far to say one of the top ten of the ’90’s. It’s certainly debatable but that’s the beauty of the subjectivity of music – there really is no such thing as a right answer. They worked more towards the moog synthesizer sound the later into the ’90’s they went, and it produced some of the best – and underrated – music of the later half of the decade. Here, I’ll be focusing on three tracks in particular.

First up is “French Disko”. This tune was originally just a single, but was later included on Stereolab’s second compilation of Switched On, titled Refried Ectoplasm. This sounded just as good Monday night as it did when I first heard it over a decade ago.

Follow the links below for treats off of ETK that I mentioned earlier. “Les-Yper Sound” is just one helluva cool rollin’ track. Mellow, yet it rocks. “Les Yper-Yper Sound” is essentially a live remix on BBC Radio that was included on the box set Oscillons From The Anti-Sun. Sick sick track.

[Download Stereolab-Les-Yper Sound]

[Download Stereolab-Les-Yper-Yper Sound]

I’ve just got to share another vital Stereloab track. “Diagonals” from Dots and Loops is chill… Loungey… Whatever you want to call it, it’s a great cut for playing at a house party that’s made up of people older than 25. This track essentially defines the sound they took on starting with this album.

[Download Stereolab-Diagonals]

As I mentioned, the band Le Loup opened for Stereolab. They could easily be signed onto the DFA label with what I saw Monday, and they’re a good reason people should check out the opening bands. They had a very unique sound to them, which contrasted with Stereolab’s, but complemented it at the same time. Good choice by the ‘Lab having these guys open up for them!

Here is a sample of what you will hear from Le Loup. And below that? Links to buy all of these fine products! Because buying this stuff helps keep it alive!

Le Loup – We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!

Why not "In Puddles"?

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Last week, TV on the Radio released their fourth album and titled it “Dear Science.” Am I being just too much of a nerd if I ask why they didn’t pick back up on Radiohead references? OK, I digress. A bit of history for you first.

Tunde Adebimpe and David Andrew Sitek are some of the biggest musical geniuses of the decade, and it’s possible you’ve never heard of them. If you collect remixes, you may have heard one of Sitek’s: Nine Inch Nails’ Survivalism is a favorite.

Adebimpe and Sitek got together as TV on the Radio and self-released their first album in 2001, titled “OK, Calculator” (are you pickin’ up what I’m layin’ down here yet?) Now, when I say self-released, I mean they went into record stores and sneaked their album onto the shelves! LOVE THAT INDIE SPIRIT! (in all caps!)

Five years later and a few extra bandmates later, their second album “Return to Cookie Mountain” was given the label “Album of the Year” by SPIN Magazine. This album featured guest appearances from such names as David Bowie and Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Influences from Sitek’s friendship with Bowie and the band’s loose, improvisational style are still true on the current album.

Sitek is now working with what he calls “pretty much [his] favorite band in the world”, Massive Attack, on their upcoming album. Well he’s hooked me in, now. Back to the collaboration, though, these guys have so many amazing and creative ideas, and let’s hope they achieve all they set out to do, such as…

“cut the record into pieces, and then send maybe 15-30 seconds of music to a different filmmaker, like all over the world, and then have them send back it back in, without seeing what the other person was making, and then make… an hour long movie… like The Wall for people with attention deficit disorder”

The tracks on “Dear Science” are so smart. They are multi-layered, but not too heavily. There are some deep themes and smart lyrics. It’s beautiful how open to interpretation TVOTR allows their music to be, and the songs are so rich with sound that you feel like you’ve been given a gift with each listen.

There is so much to highlight from the career of TV on the Radio. But because I’ve already done them a horrific justice, I will just throw you the mp3 without further ado. I’m going to share with you cut 3 from “Dear Science”, and it’s one of the faster tracks. Enjoy “Dancing Choose”…

[Download Dancing Choose]

Take this sinking boat and point it home

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We’ve still got time

I am feeling very uninspired at the moment. Sorry. I hate to disappoint, but sometimes it’s tough to come up with something interesting to write, so instead, I will just highlight a few tracks that I think are interesting.

Deal?

Funny thing JUST happened! I put iTunes on shuffle to have something to listen to while I sit down to write this, and I totally fell in love with a new song from an album I had not gotten around to listening to yet. The group is The Frames. The song is Falling Slowly. I know nothing about the artist, song, album. Nothing.

But the song stopped me in my tracks just now. So good it earned a spot in the title for this post.

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can’t go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I’ll paint it black


[Download The Frames- Falling Slowly]

I went to see Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters recently. Good show as always. Although I have seen better Foo shows, it’s still good to see them live. 

A friend of mine thinks that Grohl and Taylor Hawkins have had gay relations. I mean they do seem to be inseparable. I think I might disagree. Well. Maybe they did experiment together? Taylor could have been a power bottom.

TANGENT.

They played Gimme Stitches in the encore. They haven’t played it in MANY years. That was kick ass.


[Download The Foo Fighters – Gimmie Stitches]

My last thought is that I may have to eat my words, because I have always talked shit about Chris Cornell. Two important people in my life love Cornell. I would spout off how untalented I thought he was as soon as his name was mentioned.

Then things start unraveling.

My friend requested some specific tracks. One of them was Chris Cornell covering Micheal Jackson. I was appalled, and quickly said: “Don’t hold your breath.” But I was intrigued. I was confident that hearing Cornell do a cover of Billy Jean would crystallize his awfulness. Fuck. I was wrong. I was sorta awestruck after hearing it. Then I made the mistake of listening to more of his acoustic covers. Led Zeppelin cover. Amazing. Bob Marley cover. Even more amazing.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Then I discover that Cornell is doing an album with Timbaland. Oh…I cracked jokes for a week. Then I heard the single Scream off the upcoming album. Damn it all to hell. It was great!

My stomach hurts just at the thought of publishing this post. You just don’t understand the shit I am about to get.

I deserve it.

Listen for yourself:

[Download Chris Cornell – Scream]

…and bonus downloads:

[Download Chris Cornell – Bob Marley Cover]

[Download Chris Cornell – Michael Jackson Cover]



Mellow…..That’s My Style

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So anyone my age would probably know the song that the title of this entry is from. It’s one fucking badass song! The image of a Charlie Brown shirt on the DJ for Urban Dance Squad with skaters abound in an empty swimming pool is one of the things I remember clearly. So for those of you who may not know it? Check out the video for “Deeper Shade of Soul”.

With that said – and you all are no doubt recovering from dancing in your seats – I have this week’s music additions to enrich your lives. Because I know you don’t want to hear any more bullshit about the election or how crazy Sarah Palin is (because she is, btw). And if you’re depressed about the stock market? Well, this music probably won’t help you. As a tip, I think Alaska still has the highest suicide rate in the US. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that if we elect McCain and Palin, that the effect she has will make that number go up nationwide. Just sayin’. So listen to our music. If it makes you happy and you know it, clap your hands. And do it at the store. I’m sure that would make their employees smile. Or look at you funny. Don’t judge me!

Okay, so first up is more music to make you understand I’m getting older. What’s sad is I’m only in my early 30’s, but no one really knows this band. Siouxsie and the Banshees weren’t a band I really discovered until this song came out, but many people know their early ’80’s hit “Peek-A-Boo”. This is the 1990 cut “Kiss Them For Me” and is actually from my own collection. It’s a really well done remix of it, and very mellow and also about eight minutes long! Awesome remix, though.

Now, just as a little added extra, here’s the video for the original. Believe it or not, I think I have this one on wax somewhere, now that I think of it!

Next up is a remix of Radiohead’s “Reckoner” off of their latest album, In Rainbows. It’s a remix done by Flying Lotus and is EXTREMELY mellow! There are tons of remixes of this cut out there, as the band has had a bit of a contest – yet again – to remix their tracks. One? It’s free stuff they ain’t gotta pay for. Smart. Two? Why the hell not? They’re also on the lookout for talent, so this is a great idea. With that, below is the Flying Lotus remix!

As always, buy this stuff! Do it! Do it now! Now, just imagine a really shitty Arnie impression while reading that. ‘Cause I am. And it’s funny. To me.

Is this a joke song?

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Listen folks, I hate to break it to you, but Kings of Leon writes some terrible, terrible lyrics.

Soft lips are open
Them nuckles is pale
Feels like you’re dying
You’re dying

You
Your sex is on fire
And so
Were the words to transpire

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS! (note: maybe the last lines are “consoled by the words to transpire”. I don’t know. One way or another, it’s pure crap.)

The first time I heard this song on the radio I kept waiting for the punch line. I was sure it was a ridiculous parody of a love song, like Adam Sandler’s “At A Medium Pace.” A song which, by the way, at least keeps the tempo.

When I realized this “Sex on Fire” track was a real song and had been recorded by Kings of Leon, I went to check my iPod and found that I do have their third album. So I gave it a listen.

Singer Caleb Followill even told the BBC that he thought this “your sex is on fire” hook was “ridiculous” when the band came up with it. “I was like, ‘Come on, man, I gotta be singing about someone’s fiery sex for a year and a half.'” That album comes out in September 2008.

After listening to “Because of the Times”, released last year, I beg to know, then… What happened in the jam session where someone came up with this little ditty?

either way you caught me whlist-a-lyin
you caught me whilst-a-lyin
you caught me with my pants down

Or…

so cool in her new camaro
black as coal and it go don’t it go

(And repeat.
And repeat again? Dear God make it stop!)

They are a family band… I suppose they all think alike then. Who is driving this crazy bus?

I gave “Because of the Times” an honest listen. I was attracted at first because I heard that southern influence. Track 4, “McFearless”, had potential until someone mistimed the vocal track. It honestly sounds like he is the drunk karaoke singer unaware that he should be trying to keep up with the music. But when used properly, his voice is a beautiful blend of Adam Durwitz and Dave Matthews. They use some sick guitar riffs and properly placed tambourines. It then becomes so convoluted, detached, and confusing. Is this a soulful southern rocker or Iggy Pop? Am I supposed to chill and enjoy or shake my head and scream? And just what the hell are they singing about anyway? Do fans actually sing along to these lyrics?

Rock to the rhythm
And bop to the beat of the radio

I must know who these fans are.

I am more scared to hear what is on this next album, “Only by the Night”, than I am to accidentally catch another 5 seconds of A Shot At Love with Tila Tequila. I would rather go to the Blue Martini in a jewel-toned minidress than hear any more of this band. Rolling Stone wondered, “how much better can Kings of Leon get?” Yes, it is clear: I have entered an alternate universe. At least that review added “They’ve already gone further than anyone could have guessed.” /cough

I will keep repeating: “Rock and Roll really was saved. Rock and Roll was saved. Rock and Roll was saved.” At least they don’t sound like anyone else, and I can’t snarkily quip that I already heard that album when it was called fillintheblank.

I would normally insert a video here, but do you want to know what else? Kings of Leon are douches.

“It’s difficult when you make a new record and you wanna play all the new songs live, but with technology these days, there’ll be someone out there with a recorder and it kinda spoils it for us. You don’t wanna play too many new songs because otherwise they’ll be on YouTube or something, so we have to pick and choose. If it was up to us we’d play all the new songs because they’re so fun to play.”

So no mp3, no video – embedding of videos is disabled on their YouTube page. So, no thanks, I am not all that interested in posting the others floating around the internet. They can just go on being cool and inaccessible. Douches. Write one decent lyric, just one. I challenge you.

Bicycles make such sweet music!

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This is a little short and sweet post. This is a song I first bought on music download site Stompy, and felt the need to share it with the world. Well, the world that views our site. Which I know is huge!

So this group is called Rubicks. They’re an odd group, mostly making pretty kitschy rock cuts. This cut, however, is a very uplifting sort of downtempo track called “Bicycle Boy”. It was featured on the weird-house label U-Freqs. If you really wonder why I call it weird house? Well, check out Stompy and just take a listen to some of their stuff. Here’s a small sample of Big Hair on the U-Freqs label.

But I digress. So back to the superfantasticalawesomeness of this track. Seriously? One sick track I think everyone here should go grab.

walk off my drink…

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From the blog dated September 23, 2008:

Manchester Orchestra’s very own lead singer Andy Hull is proud to announce the release of his second installment in the Right Away, Great Captain! series. For those unaware, Andy took us on an intense and emotionally rattling 15 songs with “The Bitter End” and now his 17th century protagonist has returned. After the crushing blow in losing his captain he has once again lifted his head and this time he is heading home… To Kill His Wife…

Stay tuned: November 11th will see “The Eventually Home” released both digitally and in indie music retail outlets around the country on Favorite Gentlemen Recordings.

I’m planning on reviewing the album fully once it’s released…but I couldn’t help to tease it.

Enjoy!


[Download RA,GC! – Anna No]

Flesh is heretic

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I really wanted to like anathallo. It was long ago when they were on “the list” for a scouting trip to Zia Records. Anathallo, Vedera, Paramore, The Format, Ben Kweller (I still have it in written form. It’s saved as a memento.) In the years to follow, I would find that many musical artists whom I respected were big fans of anathallo, yet, I still couldn’t get into them.

I’ve found another ensemble-slash-collaboration band, however, that I can get into. It’s called The Sound of Animals Fighting. Since 2004, more than a dozen artists from various other established acts have come together – whether physically or by the power of studio engineering – to create music that really paints a beautiful aesthetic.

Each band member takes on the identity of an animal. Although each artist gets proper credit for their position in the ensemble, it’s prominent and understood that the band is really made up of the animals. At present, The Sound of Animals Fighting is Nightingale, Walrus, Lynx, and Skunk.

And the intent is to focus on the music. I can’t say there is anything catchy about it, but it’s good and pure and focused. Their fans are certainly obsessed ardent. Lyrics from the song The Heretic have been tattooed on ribcages, forearms, and feet!

I can enjoy each of the tracks on the third album, The Ocean and The Sun, for different reasons. I’m not going to become an obsessed fan, and teaser videos like the one below that helped to promote this last release are not ever going to cause me to bate my breath, but it’s good stuff that I’d like to hear more of.

You can hear elements of those who have contributed to the band over the years: Members of Circa Survive, Chiodos, Atreyu, Rx Bandits, and more. But I think The Swan showcases the most talent and represents the type of music you hear on the rest of the album the best:

I love this idea of taking members from multiple bands and forming “side projects” and collaborations. Everywhere you look, it’s being done. It’s such an enrichment to our current music climate. What seemed great a couple of years ago just keeps getting better and better, exponentially, in ways never before imagined.

If you’re into long tracks, songs that take you on a journey, or just need some really soulful ::ahem:: background music, you’re going to want to check out one of these albums.