Today is both my wife's birthday (XOXO! HBD2U!) and Halloween.

Yesterday baby Hailey finally got to come home. Amy and I spent most of the past week going back and forth to the hospital to see Hailey, but it has all been worth it. She was released from the NICU yesterday and is at home where she belongs.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 15mm fisheye, 1/15sec at f/3.5

The above picture of mom and baby was taken last week. They are tops in my book.

As for little Hailey, I have the image of her little face forever burned into my mind. I can't explain in words the love I have for this little girl. It is unbelievable. The feeling is something that non-parents can't understand. I didn't until a week ago. And maybe it's just the "emo" in me, but I just want to cry when I think of how beautiful she is.

My wife and I brought her into this world and gave her the gift of life. It truly is a miracle. No matter how many babies are born you will never understand how powerful it is until the baby is yours. It is totally fucking amazing.

Tonight's songs are for Amy since it is her birthday. Rehasher is a fast pop-punk band from Gainesville, FL that features (among others) Roger from Less Than Jake. Their debut record is out on No Idea Records. The Loved Ones are also a punk band. They play rough punk-rock that is fueled by buzzsaw guitars and raspy vocals. Members' previous bands include The Curse, Kid Dynamite, and Trial By Fire. They have an EP out on Jade Tree Records and are in the process of recording their first full-length due out on Fat Wreck Chords in Feburary.

MP3 | Rehasher - Lift Off Key Melodies
MP3 | The Loved Ones - Candy Cane ST EP

Lately I've been getting a lot of emails from people that want me to post some of their music. I can honestly say that I've listened to all of it and some is good and some is not so good (bad). Let me share some of this new music with you and just maybe you'll discover something you like.

The Subways are from England and you can tell. They succeed where groups like The Datsuns and The Vines fail and rock in a way that reminds me of the first Oasis album (that is a good thing). Snotty, brash, adolescent guitar rock about about love, lust, and the like. Maybe like a British version of The Strokes? I dunno...

MP3 | The Subways - Rock And Roll Queen Young For Eternity

WTF? Ice Cream Headache (at least this song does) sounds like 80's punk-n-roll. This is a fun little tune that got my toes a tapping. RIYL - Sloppy Seconds, The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers, The Dickies, etc... I can't find much info about this band, but this is a fun little song nonetheless.

MP3 | Ice Cream Headache - Guantanamo Pheed The People

Straight outta Miami comes Awesome New Republic. Luckily, their music is pretty interesting and actually pretty awesome. Electronic pulses, beats, fuzzy guitars, soulful vocals, and a bit of experimentalism make this band worth checking out. If I could I would compare them to something/someone, but they have a pretty unique sound that is an amalgamation of new wave, soul, IDM, post-rock, and free-noise. I highly recommend checking these guys out.

Their music is hard to explain. It is both danceable and unpredictable. Some of their promotional material says it is , "Somewhere between Sly Stone and Levon Helm of The Band, the modern instrumental and sonic dynamics of Black Dice, and intelligent observational wit and musical exploration in the vein of David Byrne. Imagine Goodie Mob's Soul Food as played by the Boredoms, and fronted by Prince." That sounds pretty accurate to me.

MP3 | Awesome New Republic - Wheels No Engines ANR So Far

Another band from across the pond that has been getting a bit of hype lately is The Capes. These South Londoners play music that isn't out of place with the likes of Bloc Party, Clor, Maximo Park, Franz Ferdinand, etc... You know what I mean. Upbeat British new-wave that is a bit more eclectic than the aforementioned bands and that walks the line between California synth-pop and English proto-punk. This tune is from their debut album Hello on Hard Soul Records.

MP3 | The Capes - What You Want Hello

I was about to rant about the statement that preceeds the following song, but I'm not. That aside, The Motion Sick are a pop band plain and simple. For some reason I just keep thinking they sound a little like Wolfie. These teenage love affair songs remind me of my younger days. Oh, check out their website where you can get a free postcard.

MP3 | The Motion Sick - The Day After Her Brilliant Fifteen

Sun Kil Moon has a new record coming out November 1st. It is an album made up entirely of Modest Mouse covers. Now Mark Kozelek has already released and album of Bon Scott-era AC/DC covers, but on this new album, Tiny Cities, he reinterprets Issac Brock's songs and makes them his own. I've only heard a few tracks, but I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the full album.

I also really like Richard Buckner. He makes good music. The Merge Records website says the following about his most recent album:

"Lauded by critics and adored by fans, Richard Buckner is one of the most heartfelt and honest songwriters you will ever hear and his first release on Merge Records (and sixth full-length) is a departure of sorts for this modern troubadour. Still full of all the heartbreak of his previous work, Dents and Shells adds some powerful elements with a few full band tracks framing Buckner's muscular lyrics and powerful voice. The new album was recorded in Tucson (Wavelab Studios) and Austin (Tophat Studios), with a little bit of home and "tent" recordings thrown in to round things out. Following in the storytelling and folk tradions of people as diverse as Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, and Richard Thompson Buckner's approach on Dents and Shells will have fans of recent artists such as Iron & Wine, Cass McCombs, Sufjan Stevens and Damien Jurado listening closely."

MP3 | Sun Kil Moon - Ocean Breathes Salty Tiny Cities
MP3 | Richard Buckner - Ariel Ramirez Since

Seattle based Rocky Votolato is not your typical singer-songwriter. He is a touring musician and a father of two. His music is honest, comforting, and familiar like your favorite pair or old jeans. You know, the one with the hole in the pocket. He began playing in the emo-punk band Waxwing in 1996 and although they haven't been active for a few years, they are officially playing their final shows in December.

When he began writing songs that didn't fit Waxwing's rock sound, he decided to go it alone (but with the help of some friends) and recorded Burning My Travels Clean. In 2003 he recorded his second solo album full of sparse acoustic folk-country-punk. That record, Suicide Medicine, is amazing. His performances are both delicate and heart wrenching affairs that you should make every attempt to attend.

You can (and I highly recommend you do) get the aforementioned records from Second Nature Recordings, but he has recently signed on with Barsuk Records and they will be releasing a new record from him called Makers on January 24, 2006. I can't wait, but you don't have to. Download a new track from it called "White Daisy Passing" here.

13 And God is members of the German glitch-pop group The Notwist and Anticon group Themselves. You make the call.

MP3 | Rocky Votolato - Suicide Medicine Suicide Medicine
MP3 | 13 And God - Men Of Station ST

Can you see the sunset from the southside? Chicago White Sox fans certainly can. The sun has set on their magical season and despite the fact that I am a Cubs fan, I can't help but get caught up in their amazing post-season run. They won the World Series. That is amazing. It might also be a sign that Hailey was born only moments before the first pitch of this year's World Series. Sox fan or Cubs fan?

Between the fantastic baseball of this week and the birth of my new daughter, it has been a surreal couple of days. Baby Hailey is still in the hospital and doing fine, but her mom and I (especially her mom) really miss her and just want her home with us. Very soon...

I got an email from a publicity company promoting the band Cinemechanica in my email inbox today. It's a little tacky for a publicity company to send emails to MP3 bloggers. I can understand a new band that can't afford a publicist trying to get the word out about their band. DIY baby! But from a publicist? C'mon. That aside, Cinemechanica ain't half bad. Their myspace page states that sound like (among others listed) Faraquet, Drive Like Jehu, Sleepytime Trio, Milemarker, Shellac, and Turing Machine. Yes. Mathy technical post-rock that is repetitive in that Don Cab sorta way, but not totally instrumental. I'd be interested in hearing their new full-length when it is released, but an email from a publicist? Something a little more personal like the email I got today from The Motion Sick would have made me like them even more.

Chicago's own Pelican play sludge/drone instru-metal that conjures images of far-off glacial landscapes. This is the thinking man's metal band that is heavy, pummeling, and atmospheric. They have a few records out on Hydra Head Records including their latest EP. Why do I keep writing? You already know if you are gonna like this band or not. But don't take my word for it. Pelican guitarist Laurent Leblanc states, "We're a fucking triumphant band." Well said.

MP3 | Cinemechanica - Brain Tarp The Martial Arts
MP3 | Pelican - Sirius The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw

I just had a baby (see previous post) and I haven't felt this "emo" in years (LOL). That's why the sounds of these two bands are just really getting me today.

Get Up Kids were from Kansas City and throughout their career played music that began as simple poppy post-hardcore but (as they matured) became infused with a touch of Americana. I first heard them on the Woodson 7" that (along with a few of their other records) was put out Doghouse Records. Those two songs (IMHO) and "Dottie.." from their Post Marked Stamps split 7" with Braid are their three best songs. Call me jaded, but their early stuff is by far their best.

I was fortunate enough to see them live quite a few times. Two particular times that stand out are at the Fireside Bowl with Braid, 90 Day Men, and Jimmy Eat World on a cold Decemeber evening in 1997 and again a few years later at Metro with At The Drive-In and Ultimate Fakebook. They played amazing and impassioned sets both times.

The Get Up Kids first full-length CD, Four Minute Mile (too me at least) is plagued by a sloppy recording and low production values. Their second album Something To Write Home About was released by Vagrant Records and propelled them to emo superstardom. A much more solid effort that their previous one. On A Wire was a disappointment to me and to a lot of other fans. Their direction changed too drastically and it just didn't feel like the Get Up Kids anymore. After re-releases of some earier EP's and a b-sides album, they released The Guilt Show shortly before their break-up. Suprisingly, I think it is probably their strongest full-length album to date. A blending of their rough emo-punk sound with the rural-esqe of their hometown.

I heard about their break-up earlier this year, but knew it was inevitable. All the members have (however) continued on in other bands. The New Amsterdams, Reggie And The Full Effect, and Blackpool Lights being those bands.

I consider myself lucky to have been going to school in Champaign-Urbana, IL while Braid was doing there thing. And while I'm not sure how they are regarded outside of the Midwest, here they are kings.

I first heard Braid at a Champaign Park District concert on 9/6/96. It was an outdoor show and they played with another favorite of mine, Hum. I can recall thinking that it was punk music that didn't sound punk. I went out and bought their album The Age Of Octeen the following day. I saw them live at least a dozen (maybe more) times at house parties in Urbana to one of their final shows at the Metro in Chicago. They were consistently amazing.

From the screamy post-hardcore of their debut album Frankiewelfareboyagefive on Divot Records to the near-perfect emo-pop of their final 7", the music of Braid never let me down. They played 537 shows (excluding the 2004 reunion tour) during their 5 year existence and put out more records than I can even count. Three great full-lengths, a live ablum that documents one of their final shows, and a 2-disc collection that contains all their compilation tracks and 7" records. Their final album Frame and Canvas as well as the 2-disc Movie Music collection and tons of 7" records were released on Polyvinyl Records.

When I heard they were splitting up in 1999, I was devastated. Here was a band that had "spoken" to me. Their music had a little of the DC sound but was always held together by pop melodies. The dual vocals of Bob Nanna and Chris Broach added a whole different layer of depth that most bands simply can't match. What would we do without Braid around?

Well... three-fourths of Braid (Bob, Todd, and Damon) formed (the now-defunct) Hey Mercedes, while Chris continued to work on Firebird Band material. Chris also runs Lucid Records and Todd (along with original drummer Roy) run a record label called Grand Theft Autumn. While these bands were good, none of them captured the magic that Braid had. The dynamics between Bob and Chris created such tension in the music that it just explodes out of your speakers. Bob is currently working with/as The City On Film.

Bifocal Media also re-released the Braid DVD Killing A Camera last year to coincide with the band's 2004 reunion tour. As great as those shows had to have been, I didn't attend any of them. I didn't want to have to give up one of my all-time favorite bands twice.

MP3 | Get Up Kids - Second Place Woodson EP
MP3 | Braid - Forever Got Shorter Post Marked Stamps 7"

Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon my wife and I welcomed the newest addition to our family into the world.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 50mm fixed, 1/100sec at f/1.8

Haily Elyse was born at 5:42 PM CST on October 22, 2005. She was 19-1/4 inches long and weighed in at a whopping (to us at least) 5 lbs. 15 oz. She was born 35 weeks and 2 days into the pregnancy. I can't put my happiness into words. I love this little girl so much it hurts.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 15mm fisheye, 1/13sec at f/3.5

Hailey, we love you.

Mom is recovering and doing fine. She will spend tonight at the hospital, but should come home tomorrow. Hailey will come home as soon as she is ready.

No music today. There are more important things going on right now. For now I will provide you with a link to Elizabeth Mitchell (of Ida fame). She has a few children's records that parents and kids can both enjoy.

Here is a picture from my trip to the Morton Arboretum to see what little fall color was there.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 28-80mm, 1/4000sec at f/4

OK. I've finally gotten a chance to post the entire 35 songs from the Jeff Tweedy solo performance (featuring Wilco) at the Vic Theatre in Chicago on March 5, 2005. It was a helluva show. John & Pat from Wilco (aka The Autumn Defense) opened and then Tweedy played for what seemed like forever. The evening was capped off with an rocking encore featuring the full band (minus Nels). The greatest moments (however) are the quietest ones. At times it's hard to fathom the silence coming from the sold-out 1200+ seat venue. You can read some more about it here and grab the setlist there as well. You can download the entire Tweedy/Wilco set below and the Autumn Defense set two posts back.

Jeff Tweedy - Part 1
Jeff Tweedy - Part 2
Jeff Tweedy - Part 3
Jeff Tweedy - Part 4
Jeff Tweedy - Part 5

For your daily music fix, I give you Broadway Project and Summer At Shatter Creek. Broadway Project makes what I might call "cinematic new-age hip-hop." Thunderous drums surrounded by movie-music. SASC (on the other hand) plays dreamy, country-tinged chamber-pop that echoes with themes of loss, pain, and depression. I like it.

MP3 | Broadway Project - Raga 5 In Finite
MP3 | Summer At Shatter Creek - Fall Down Drunk All The Answers

Baby Update: Amy is being prescribed a healthy dose of bedrest, but has been taken off of the Terbutaline (SP?) so at least her heart palaptations have ceased. We are still playing the baby waiting game. It could be tonight or it could happen two weeks from now. Who knows. She is hella uncomfortable and is having horrible heartburn. I can't even imagine what it must be like for her. She (and all other mothers) get the utmost respect from me for what they go through. Remember guys, be loving to and patient with your pregnant wives. They really deserve it.

I will post the Jeff Tweedy live show tomorrow. I promise. Oh yeah, and the new iPod is sweet. I gotta get me one of those.

Holopaw has a new record out now on Sub Pop that I have really been enjoying lately. Holopaw features some guys that were (are) in bands like Ugly Cassanova and The Mercury Program. This group of Floridians play alt-county-ish (sorta) music that doesn't really sound a whole lot like either of their labelmates Fruit Bats or Iron & Wine, but is good and distinct in its own right. They have a muted sound that is a bit hard to pin down. Atmospheric without being hazy, their music is subtle, understated, and wholy wonderful.

Why do so many bands cover songs by The Misfits? Minus Story is the latest that I've heard cover "Hybrid Moments." Although I love the Bob Nanna sung Friction version, this one is great as well. I especially love the 1:30 of clanking noise at the end. Ahhh... This is a quirky pop band that may (or may not) sound anything like anybody else. Give 'em a listen.

MP3 | Holopaw - Shiver Me Out +/- Fight
MP3 | Minus Story - Mybrid Moments Heaven & Hell EP

I feel like I've been saying this a lot lately, but school is keeping me really busy! So to make up for not posting yesterday, here is a live set from The Autumn Defense that was recorded at their March 5th, 2005 show at the Vic Theatre in Chicago. That night they opened for Jeff Tweedy and then joined him during his encore along with Glenn and Mike for what was basically a stripped down version of Wilco. You can download both parts of their set below.

Autumn Defense - Part 1
Autumn Defense - Part 2

Hopefully I will get the Tweedy set (35 songs) up tomorrow or Saturday depending on how school goes. The show was amazing in person and I think this recording captures it pretty well. Let me know what you think.

Copper Press has introduced me to a lot of good music over the last handful of years. Devin Davis is the latest artist that I read about in the zine and heard on their sampler disc. He creates catchy songs that are full of heart and humor. His album Lonley People Of The World, Unite! is a home recording masterpiece that explodes with classic pop and rock sounds reminiscent of The Kinks, The Shins, and (yes) Brendan Benson. This is a great album from a talented Chicagoan.

Does everyone love Brendan Benson? I remember when Aaron and I were the only people that had One Mississippi. That is a fantastic record. Anyhow, it seems that everyone on all the blogs has only good things to say about BB, and my blog will be no exception. Blah, blah, blah. I bought that record from the cutout bin and this version of "You're Quiet" is from the Metarie EP.

MP3 | Devin Davis - Iron Woman Lonley People Of The World Unite
MP3 | Brendan Benson - You're Quiet Metarie EP

A few days ago I posted a song from a new group from NYC called Beat Radio. Since their website is a bit short on details about the band, I decided to ask them a few questions. Frontman Brian Sendrowitz was kind enough to answer a few of them via email. Here is the interview.

(CYS)Who is Beat Radio?

(BS)Beat Radio is Mike McCabe on bass and vocals, Jim Mansfield on Drums, Phil Jimenez on guitar and keyboards and me on Vocals and guitar. I write the songs. Phil is the producer.

(CYS)How long have you been doing this?

(BS)We played our first show in june of this year and we just played our fourth show. all the shows have been at Sin-e thus far, but we are venturing out in the coming weeks. All the guys in the band had played on my two solo records, which were more acoustic singer-songwriter based. Jim was also the drummer for an earlier Beat Radio lineup I fronted that played around New York from 1/02-6/03. The other guys in that lineup went on to form a band called the Diggs that are getting to be fairly well know in New York as of late.

(CYS)Are you guys doing music full-time or do you still have day jobs like the rest of us?

(BS)Jim does music full time. Phil is a full time record producer. Mike and I have day jobs.

(CYS)I know you’ve sent out MP3’s to a number of blogs and from what I can tell the response has been positive. That’s a pretty DIY approach to self-promotion.

(BS)We're DIY by default, by necessity, and out of love. I emailed a bunch of bloggers about our band partly because I can't afford to hire a PR company, and it would probably be a waste of money anyway, but also because reading MP3 blogs has had such a huge effect on me personally over the last few months, and the whole way I listen to and consume music. I must say it has been a huge help. There's such immediate gratification. Less than a week after we finished mixing the studio version of treetops, it was posted on a bunch of blogs and we actually had an A&R guy flying out from LA to see us. It's all been very surreal and exciting.

(CYS)When & on what label is the new Ecstatic EP coming out on?

(BS)That's a good question. We'll be done with the EP in a few weeks. We've spoken with a couple independent labels. We just haven't decided yet. It looks like it may turn in to a full record, if we can get some sort of budget. We'll know more soon. We'll have some more MP3's out there soon as well.

(CYS)What are you listening to these days? What’s in your stereo right now?

(BS)I just got the new Broken Social Scene. I really love the music they're making. They're probably my favorite band at the moment. Scorcese's Bob Dylan documentary and the companion soundtrack are amazing. My favorite record last year was Joanna Newsom's Milk Eyed Mender. I still remember the first time I heard her. It was shocking. As a writer I think she's just stunning. I still listen to Van Morrison's Astral Weeks often. I think that's the best record ever.

(CYS)NYC seems like a tough indie scene to crack. How have audiences responded?

(BS)New york is just flooded with bands. It's really hard to build up a steady following. Last week was our fourth show and it was the first time we were able to pack the place out. The response was amazing. It seems to be all about momentum. Right now things seem to be swinging in the right direction for us.

(CYS)Any plans for touring in the near future?

(BS)Yeah, that's our immediate goal. Nothing scheduled just yet but it seems really close. We've all toured before in some capacity and are anxious to get out there together.

(CYS)If Pitchfork reviewed your EP, what rating would they give it and what would they say about it?

(BS)I don't know how to answer that without being either sarcastic or narcisistic, so I should probably leave it alone. I hope they review us and like us. I think they will.

So when Beat Radio gets on the road and out of NYC, I suggest you all check them out. If you haven't already, go over to their website and listen to the songs they have posted.

Another great group that I was recently introduced to is Frantic Mantis. My brother said I should check them out and that the band consisted of members of Frodus/Decahedron and Division of Laura Lee, and after hearing them I have to say it is a seamless merging of the sounds of those bands. On their myspace page they call it "Datapunk." It is punk/hardcore with little 8-bit electronic flourishes. If you liked either of the members prevous bands, you will almost certainly like this.

Although their first record was a commercial smash, The Knack are basically a one-hit-wonder. "My Sharona" is a truly great song though. I love how the bridge/solo sounds like a completely different song, but yet goes right back into "the riff" that we all know so well. It may be the only tune of theirs you can name, but it is a good one.

MP3 | Frantic Mantis - Dark Horizons Data Is Not Information
MP3 | The Knack - My Sharona Get The Knack

Things have (and will continue to be) a bit busy around here for the time being. My wife is at home on bedrest due to complications with her pregnancy and because of that, my mother-in-law will be staying with us for a while. In happier news, one of my wife's friends got us a little baby outfit that says "Baby Punk" on it. Too cute.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 28-80mm fixed, 1/250sec at f/3.5

Today's music consists of a few live tracks. One is a new Wilco song called "Walken" that has been floating around the blogs lately. I've also got a live Jeff Tweedy track from his sold-out solo show in Chicago on March 5, 2005. The Autumn Defense opened the show, so it really was no suprise (but totally awesome nonetheless) that Wilco came out and played the encore. I have both the Tweedy/Wilco set and the Autumn Defense set if anyone is interested I can try to post the whole thing.

MP3 | Wilco - Walken (Live) Previously Unreleased
MP3 | Jeff Tweedy - Gun (Live) Previously Unreleased

Two songs. Two great movies. Two bands that were profoundly influential for me and countless others.

Christian Slater starred in the 1990 film Pump Up The Volume. This is dark and funny teen-movie about a teen that starts a pirate radio station. It is fitting that the thing I most remember about this movie is the music from it. The soundtrack features songs by Concrete Blonde, Bad Brains, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, and The Pixies, but leaves off songs from the film by Leonard Cohen, Beastie Boys, and the Descendents.

I initially wanted the soundtrack for the Leonard Cohen song "Everybody Knows," and was dismayed to find that it was not on the soundtrack, but the version by Concrete Blonde is pretty good. The Pixies UK Surf version of "Wave of Mutilation" included on this soundtrack is great and totally different from the version found on Doolittle. Great song by a great band.

Lost In Translation was released in 2003 to much critical acclaim. This oscar-winning film is a must see for any Bill Murray fan. The film is beautiful and the accompanying soundtrack is gorgeous as well. The soundtrack just happens to feature one of my favorite songs of all-time from one of my favorite bands. In the movie, the scenery of Tokyo set to the music of MBV is almost breathtaking.

When I first heard My Bloody Valentine in the early 90's, their music forever changed my views on music. I'm not going to go into it here, but to me (and many others) their album Loveless is a groundbreaking work that will forever hold a spot in my list of all time greats. Perhaps I will explore this deeper in another post, but (for now at least) enjoy these tunes, watch these movies if you haven't seen them, and enjoy your Friday evening.

MP3 | The Pixies - Wave Of Mutilation (UK Surf) Pump Up The Volume OST
MP3 | My Bloody Valentine - Sometimes Lost In Translation OST

I really wish that Wednesday night's ALCS game between the White Sox and the Angels didn't end the way that it did. While I am a big opponent of instant-replay in baseball, the play might make some people want to change their mind.

Funny man David Cross (of Mr. Show fame) is also getting sued. HA! (Funny!) You can read a little bit about it here, or you can read the press release from the guy who is suing him here.

Tonight I bring you the soulful sounds of Blackalicious and the instru-metal mayhem of Collapsar. Maybe Andy and Kurt will enjoy these songs.

MP3 | Blackalicious - Powers The Craft
MP3 | Collapsar - Pray To Thor ST

For as long as I can remember (at least the last ten years of so) there have been punk rock broadcasting over the airwaves of Chicago and it's suburbs. The All Ages Radio program airs from midnight - 4AM every Friday night/Saturday morning on North Central College's station, WONC. I mention this not only because the show is good, but it's also the place where I first heard the music of Division.

Division is (was?) a pop-punk band from the Chicago suburbs in the same vein as The Smoking Popes, early Alkaline Trio, and Dear You era Jawbreaker. They have never really toured, and haven't gotten much national recognition. I'm not ever sure if they are still together or not. They have records out on The Sinister Label and The Magic Spot including a new split ep with Open Heart Surgery. The songs are pretty straightforward but not formulaic and they have some great vocal harmonies. Their drummer Mark has engineered a number of records for various suburban bands, and is a great guy to boot. Check em out below or click on MP3 Player on the sidebar.

A little while back I posted about the breakup of Chicago's own Troubled Hubble. I'm always a little late, so I picked up their latest record (from which the song below is taken) and have been enjoying it a lot. Their sprightly indie pop is like a cross between They Might Be Giants and The Dismemberment Plan. The singer sounds a lot like Travis and his vocals go perfect with the tunes that brimming with energy and just plain fun.

MP3 | Division - Broadcasting Conversational
MP3 | Troubled Hubble - I'm Pretty Sure I Can See Molecules Making Beds In A Burning House

Yesterday I got a package in the mail which contained the mix discs that were put together by Ryan from Muzzle Of Bees. I was familiar with most of the artists, but was introduced to a few that I will soon share with all of you. Well done.

A few days ago I got an email that began, "This is Brian from an NYC based band called Beat Radio." While I'm a little late with this one (I usually am) I think they deserve some praise. Beat Radio is using technology to their advantage. News of the "next big thing" spreads like wildfire on MP3 blogs and the internet and by promoting themselves to everyone that might be interested they are getting their name out. DIY + technology + talent = Good things to come. While they aren't breaking a lot of new gound, their upbeat indie rock definately caught my ears.

I listened to some of their stuff last night and they immediately reminded me of another band that (at the time) I couldn't place. A wonderful mix of jangly but slightly fuzzed-out guitars and wavering vocals that are backed by good heart-felt lyrics. After much listening (especially to "Treetops") I finally figured out who they reminded me of: The Weakerthans. There is a hint of Americana that bleeds through their songs and makes them feel warm and familiar. When their upcoming EP is released, I suggest you check it out.

The Living Blue used to be called The Blackouts. They put out a few records on Chris Broach's (of Braid and Firebird fame) Lucid Records, and have a new one out today on Minty Fresh Records. They play rock-and-roll music with none of the hype or image of bands like the Strokes. These guys are the real deal.

Hailing from the same cornfields of central Illinois that also spawned the likes of Braid, Hum, Poster Children, Wolfie, and more. Joe, Mark, and original bassit Ben, were also all members of the short-lived ska-punk band Jumpsuit Robbie that played around Champaign, IL from about 1996-1998. They were friends of mine as well.

MP3 | Beat Radio - Treetops Ecstatic EP
MP3 | The Living Blue - Tell Me Leza Fire, Blood, Water

I am going to go out on a limb here and talk about a few bands that may be considered only marginally emo. Here goes.

It is hard for me to believe that Hot Water Music has been together with the same line-up for ten years. Also a bit ironic that I chose to mention that despite the fact they are on hiatus with three members continuing as The Draft. Anyhow, Hot Water Music has put out a ton of great records on labels like No Idea, Some, Doghouse, and Epitaph. Their music infused post-hardcore with a gruff, southern, loose rock and roll energy that is instantly recognizable as HWM.

I'm not sure what I can say about this band that hasn't been said before. Live they are like no other. Heartfelt and sensitive but at the same time driving and powerful, the music of HWM (while not your traditional emo) is essential listening for anyone exploring post-hardcore and emo.

Boxer was (if I recall correctly) the first band actually signed to Vagrant Records, and probably the least-known band the label has ever had. Although they were not at the forefront of the emo revolution, they certainly played impassioned emo-punk-n-roll-core (I'm laughing) that ranks way up there.

Their one and only full-length The Hurt Process is a must-have. The record is full of uptempo post-hardcore about broken relationships that recalls the latter work of Lifetime. In a live setting, the boys from Boxer were a force. I can even recall a night when Nathan (the drummer) lit his cymbals on fire and then pounded away. Damn. It's also an interesting note that their orignal drummer (not Nathan) left the band to join Dillinger Escape Plan.

When Amy and I were living in Indianapolis in 1998, these guys must have stayed with us over a half-dozen times. They became friends. We introduced each other to great new music. We narrowly avoided death in their van on I-65. They even made apple pancakes for us and At The Drive-In. We miss them and their musical fury. Dave and Will are now playing in The Lot Six (another band you need to check out. Look for MP3 posted here soon) and Matt is playing with Jared Leto in 30 Seconds To Mars. They were only briefly a band, but their impact (to me at least) was huge.

MP3 | Hot Water Music - It's Hard To Know No Division
MP3 | Boxer - Georgia The Hurt Process

Tagged by Cannot Be Trusted - The Dream Meme:

1. If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life?

I would be working a desk job and posting MP3's on my blog. OK. Really, I would be taking photographs and making music. I would be spending all my time with my wife and (soon enough) my kid.

2. Money is just that - an object, so why aren't you doing it?

Wait a second. In question one money is no object. But as you state in this question, money is an object. It is something that most people need for food, shelter, clothing, etc... Money allows us to fill our needs and hopefully at least a few wants as well. Back to the question, maybe its just semantics, but I don't think it's phrased correctly.

3. What's better: horses or cows?

Cows. I've never eaten a horse, but a grilled slice of cow (if done right) can taste damn good. (Have any of you seen the Boston Market commercial with the Reverend Horton Heat "Beef" song? Hilarious).

4. What do you think the secret to happiness is?

Cash money. Fo shizzle!

5. When was the last time you had a dream that you either remember well or did not want to awake from? Can you share a bit?

I rarely remember dreams that I have. It is usually only for a few moments if at all. Does it count if you are passed out?

6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A baseball player, a rock star, or an astronaut.

7. Complete this statement: Love is...

...the most important thing to have in a marriage. A marriage without two loving partners is bound to fail.

8. Can you tell a good story? (write one!)

Yes. You can read part one of a true story here.

9. Can you remember your last daydream? What was it about?

Yes and none of your damn business! J/K. It was about my kid who decided that she wanted to be born 7 weeks early. Very funny.

10. If you were to thank someone today, who would you thank?

I would thank everyone that has come to the hospital to vist the wife and I. Everone that has called or sent flowers. Everyone who has prayed for our well -being and the health of our child. You are amazing and we cherish you as friends and family.

I don't care if you don't play stupid blog games like this, because now it's time for the tag (two lucky winners):

Grubbs (from Texas)
Kurteaux (from the Dirty)

Jim Suptic (formerly of Get Up Kids) has a new band. Blackpool Lights also features members of The Belles, Ultimate Fakebook, and Creature Comforts. They have a bit more of an american rock sound than Get Up Kids. More traditional, I guess. Dig that.

Eats Tapes are the Bay Area's latest technotroic art-punk mess. The duo's broken beats and grating synths are perfect for you next living room raver. Their latest is out on Tigerbeat6 and they call Eats Tapes, "Equal parts Wolf Eyes and Daft Punk."

MP3 | Blackpool Lights - This Town's Disaster Previously Unreleased
MP3 | Eats Tapes - Acid, Its What's For Dinner Sticky Buttons

So sorry I have been away. Did you miss me?

Anyways, Amy wasn't feeling particularly good on Wednesday so she went to see her doctor and was told she needed to go to the hospital because she was going into pre-term labor. Now this wouldn't be such a bad thing except that our little girl was not due until late November which would make her (if born today) 7 weeks premature.

Basically, I have been at the hospital since Wednesday afternoon and haven't slept much (if at all) since then. Amy has been on a magnesium sulfate drip to slow the contractions and (hopefully) delay the delivery, but it has been making her very nauseated and tired. Basically the doctors want to keep the baby inside as long as possible at this point. It is the safest place for her to be.

I have finally gotten a chance to come home and will (if I don't fall asleep while typing) go to work this afternoon and then go to class before heading back to the hospital tonight. I am so excited to be a father, but I just wasn't ready yet. Another month would have been good. I have also never been so scared about anything in my life. I am hoping and praying that this baby (whenever she comes) will be healthy and that there will be no complications with either mother or baby.

So, in case any of you were wondering, that is where I've been the past few days.

You can check out the Tiny Mix Tapes review of the Alias & Ehren record here, or you can read Pitchfork's review of Shining's latest record here. Both are excellent.

MP3 | Alias & Ehren - Cobblestoned Waltz Lillian
MP3 | Shining - Aleister Explains Everything In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster

So I was listening to NPR today and heard an interesting story about how the oil companies are consciously creating supply shortages to increase prices and boost their profits. It made me want to scream. You can check out the entire story here.

Englander David Edwards is better known to some as the man behind Minotaur Shock. On his latest album Maritime, he delivers a seaworthy electronic album that is as playful as it is good. Ryan Adams and his band have a new record out. He removes the "alt" from the country tag he is often given and goes roots. Hell, even Pitchfork gave it a 7.7 rating.

MP3 | Minotaur Shock - Luck Shield Maritime
MP3 | Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Pa Jacksonville City Nights

Okay everyone. I just got back from a 2-1/2 mile run. Not much (I'll admit), but a start. A new start. A good start. A much needed start. More later on that.

Dropsonic is from Hot-lanta, USA. Their music is sweaty blues-riffed rock-n-roll rooted in classic rock but swirled with modern indie-rock. Sounding like the Jesus Lizard playing Zeppelin covers, they rock really hard. The music moves with a thunderous swagger rarely heard among today's indie bands. They have a few records out on 54 40 Or Fight, and their latest Insects With Angel Wings is out now. Believe it.

Roughly 2 years ago I ran the Chicago Marathon. I finished it, but due to an injury I didn't run as fast as I would have liked to. I trained hard for it and was in great physical shape. Since then, I haven't done much running and (for the last few months at least) I haven't done much of anything. I have been eating crap, not working out, and as a result the stress levels (and the scale measurements) have slowly crept up. Fuck that. It is time to make a change for good.

With a daughter on the way in less than 2 months, now is the time to make a change. I want to be a positive role model. I don't want to be a hypocrite. I want to practice what I preach. I want to be comfortable in my skin again.

The Belles play indie pop equally perfect for warm summer nights or snowy winter nights. A little lo-fi with a slightly alt-country feel, the duo's latest record Idle Acres seems to fit in perfectly with the diverse Lawrence, KS indie scene. Second Nature Recordings put out their last record and (hopefully) we will see some new material from these guys soon. For now, go out and buy Idle Acres.

My sister just ran the Chicago Half Marathon and (in December) is going to run the Honolulu Marathon. She has helped motivate me off my ass. I will finish school in early '07 and who knows where life will take me after that, but here is my goal. I am going to run the Chicago Marathon in 2007. Anyone who wants to train or run with me between now and then is more than welcome. Otherwise, I'll see you at the finish line.

MP3 | Dropsonic - Good Intentions Belle
MP3 | The Belles - Idle Acres Idle Acres

I think that every true Chicago Cubs fan (myself included) was a bit disappointed yesterday when the White Sox clinched a spot in the playoffs. I don't hate the Sox, but as hard as I try, I just can't root for them. I just don't really like em all that much. But now that they are playoff-bound and have won the A.L. Central, here is a weak "Go Sox!" Yeah.

I wrote a detailed description of Saxon Shore but I didn’t save the stupid thing. Damn. Anyhow, I have to give shout out to Mike Jonze for turning me on to this band. Both repetitious and melodic Saxon Shore’s instrumental-rock is equal parts gorgeous atmospherics and churning guitars. Although they (and many other instrumental bands) don’t stray too far from the soft-loud-soft song formula, they groove well enough that you won’t notice. Their new record comes out October 18th on Burnt Toast Vinyl, but you can buy in now at Insound.

The Disctict of Columbia’s Canyon play neo-alt-country. They have a discernable country influence but are daring enough to introduce non-traditional elements and instrumentation. Subdued and melancholy their songs are about love, loss, and evoke the range of emotions those subjects cover. This is not surprising as two of the members were part of the great emo band Boy’s Life. The music of Canyon is (however) light years away from their previous efforts Jehu-esqe guitar rock.

MP3 | Saxon Shore - Amber, Ember, Glow Four Months Of Darkness
MP3 | Canyon - Blankets & Shields Empty Rooms