So yesterday NPR's All Things Considered ran a great story on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and their explosion via MP3 blogs and on doing things their own way, independent of a record label. Good stuff about a good band. If you are not familiar with CYHSY, head over to their website and download the tracks they have posted. To listen, click on the ATC link above.
Brian from the great NYC band Beat Radio emailed me a short time ago to let me know that they had a new studio version of their song "Mexico" posted on their website and what was going to be just an EP has turned into a full-length album tenatively called "The Great Big Sea." You can read the interview we (I) did with Brian last month right here.
Attractive just released their debut three-song EP. This is notable (at least to me) because the group features 3/4 of hardcore stalwarts Snapcase and singer-songwriter Joshua English of the Six Going On Seven. While their sound is closer to that of SGOS than Snapcase, they still manage to rock a little. With a catchy and almost 80's new-wave(ish) post-punk sound, this little EP will leave you wanting more and waiting patiently (or not) for their eventual full-length release. The EP is out now on Welcome Home Records
The guys in Division don't ever update their website. They do (however) have a split EP out with Open Heart Surgery on The Magic Spot. More trademark pop-punk that conjures images of The Smoking Popes or maybe Jawbreaker from this Chicago band that (in recent months) has seemed to vanish from the face of the earth.
I was listening to the radio the other day and heard a new song from System Of A Down. I liked it. You should listen to it.
MP3 | Beat Radio - Mexico Previously Unreleased
MP3 | Attractive - Mother Tongues ST EP
MP3 | Division - Defeatist OHS Split EP
MP3 | System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B. Mezmerize
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Clap your hands say yeah on npr -
6
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Big time big ten -
0
Dirty Little Secret are a great new band out of L.A. The LA Weekly said "Dirty Little Secret's thundering bass, prickly guitars, helicopter high-hats and colon-cleansing kick drum...set off a post-punk powder keg. [They] reminded me of U2 when they still wanted to be the Clash." DLS also happens to be another band featuring ex-members (James & Louis) of ska-punk greats, The Hippos. They have a 5 song EP out now on Speak 'n Spell. You should pick it up.
First Light's Freeze is the latest record from avant-country group Castanets, which is the soudns of their main man Raymond Raposa. It is a dark and somber album that just feels weary and beat down. There is a lot going on in this "free-folk" music with a vast array of instrumentation clanking around at times. Recommended for fans of Akron/Family. Their aforementioned latest is out on Asthmatic Kitty and they are currently on tour with (a fave of mine) Phosphorescent.
In a (sort of but not really) rematch of last season's NCAA title game, Illinois came out on top versus North Carolina in what turned out to be (but should not have been) a pretty decent game. I have to give some credit to the young kids on the UNC squad. They can play, and once they get some experience under their collective belts they are gonna do some damage in the ACC.
MP3 | Dirty Little Secret - Long Gone ST EP
MP3 | Castanets - No Voice Was Raised First Light's Freeze
First Light's Freeze is the latest record from avant-country group Castanets, which is the soudns of their main man Raymond Raposa. It is a dark and somber album that just feels weary and beat down. There is a lot going on in this "free-folk" music with a vast array of instrumentation clanking around at times. Recommended for fans of Akron/Family. Their aforementioned latest is out on Asthmatic Kitty and they are currently on tour with (a fave of mine) Phosphorescent.
In a (sort of but not really) rematch of last season's NCAA title game, Illinois came out on top versus North Carolina in what turned out to be (but should not have been) a pretty decent game. I have to give some credit to the young kids on the UNC squad. They can play, and once they get some experience under their collective belts they are gonna do some damage in the ACC.
MP3 | Dirty Little Secret - Long Gone ST EP
MP3 | Castanets - No Voice Was Raised First Light's Freeze
Monday, November 28, 2005
My 100th post -
6
Can You See The Sunset From The Southside? (CYSTSFTS) is now 100 posts old. With no more than one post per day and oftentimes less, how about a big "hooray" for me. Oh, here's another picture of my daughter.
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 15mm fisheye, 1/15sec at f/2.8
I recently heard the music of Maryland's Page France for the first time and I'm totally loving it. Maybe it's because I recently had a kid and the child-friendly melodies and instrumentation really resonate with me, or maybe their latest record Hello, Dear Wind is just that damn good. This is indie-pop of the finest quality. Whimsical, gentle, sing-a-long-able, and ultterly charming is how I would describe this acoustic-based pop music. I just can't stop listening to this record. Lead vocalist Michael Nau sounds remakably like a cross between Ben Gibbard (DCFC) and Matt Pryor (GUK/NewAms). His vocals work perfectly with the female backing vocals and the playful instrumentation. Page France's music is joyful and honest and completely irresistible. This is highly recommended.
Another recent find (Tonight Let's Dance) is Foreign Born. This L.A. quartet has an EP out on Startime (home to Brendan Benson, dios (malos), Tom Vek, and more) and a new record coming out Dec 6th on Moshi Moshi Music. This is just well-played melodious and atmospheric indie-pop-rock that has that timeless quality about it (think Interpol or Simple Minds). On a side note, their bassist/producer used to front ska-punk greats (and friends of ours) The Hippos. Foreign Born sound nothing like that band. If you like this track, you can download a live performance from KEXP radio here.
MP3 | Page France - Dogs Hello, Dear Wind
MP3 | Foreign Born - We Had Pleasure In The Remote Woods EP
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 15mm fisheye, 1/15sec at f/2.8
I recently heard the music of Maryland's Page France for the first time and I'm totally loving it. Maybe it's because I recently had a kid and the child-friendly melodies and instrumentation really resonate with me, or maybe their latest record Hello, Dear Wind is just that damn good. This is indie-pop of the finest quality. Whimsical, gentle, sing-a-long-able, and ultterly charming is how I would describe this acoustic-based pop music. I just can't stop listening to this record. Lead vocalist Michael Nau sounds remakably like a cross between Ben Gibbard (DCFC) and Matt Pryor (GUK/NewAms). His vocals work perfectly with the female backing vocals and the playful instrumentation. Page France's music is joyful and honest and completely irresistible. This is highly recommended.
Another recent find (Tonight Let's Dance) is Foreign Born. This L.A. quartet has an EP out on Startime (home to Brendan Benson, dios (malos), Tom Vek, and more) and a new record coming out Dec 6th on Moshi Moshi Music. This is just well-played melodious and atmospheric indie-pop-rock that has that timeless quality about it (think Interpol or Simple Minds). On a side note, their bassist/producer used to front ska-punk greats (and friends of ours) The Hippos. Foreign Born sound nothing like that band. If you like this track, you can download a live performance from KEXP radio here.
MP3 | Page France - Dogs Hello, Dear Wind
MP3 | Foreign Born - We Had Pleasure In The Remote Woods EP
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Seven things -
11
I was tagged by Kristi the Frontier Psychiatrist to complete this meme. I'm short on words today, so this will have to suffice.
7 things I plan to do before I die:
1. Drink beer in Belgium.
2. Run another marathon (or more).
3. Move the hell out of Chicago.
4. Be the "World's Greatest Dad".
5. Graduate.
6. Feel comfortable in my own skin.
7. See the Cubs win a World Series.
7 things I can do:
1. Play guitar.
2. Cook up a mean pulled-pork sandwich.
3. Ace tests = kill the curve.
4. Ski/snowboard almost any terrain in front of me.
5. Always have an opinion that's different than yours.
6. Make lists filled with useless information.
7. Do whatever I put my mind to.
7 things I cannot do:
1. Tell a joke without butchering it.
2. Drink rum without vomiting.
3. Color within the lines.
4. Converse with animals Dr. Doolittle style.
5. Be patient.
6. Ride a unicycle without falling.
7. Hit the high notes (singing that is).
7 things that attract me to another person:
1. That person is my wife.
2. A good sense of humor (cliche, I know).
3. Sincerity.
4. Beautiful eyes.
5. Shyness.
6. Good taste in music.
7. Kindness and compassion.
7 things I say most often:
1. Isn't Hailey cute?
2. Did she poop?
3. Sure. I'll change her diaper.
4. What the fuck?
5. School sucks.
6. Let me play you a song from a band you've never heard of.
7. I need to exercise more.
7 people I want to do this:
1. Amy
2. Jacob
3. Sarah
4. Moka
5. JT
6. Andy
7. Kurteaux
Music today from the kings of noise in Wolf Eyes, whose latest album is out now on Sub Pop, and Chicago's own Milemarker. They have been making apocalyptic post-punk sin the mid 90's and their fantastic new release Ominosity is out on Eyeball Records.
MP3 | Wolf Eyes - Reaper's Gong Burned Mind
MP3 | Milemarker - Food Chain Ominosity
7 things I plan to do before I die:
1. Drink beer in Belgium.
2. Run another marathon (or more).
3. Move the hell out of Chicago.
4. Be the "World's Greatest Dad".
5. Graduate.
6. Feel comfortable in my own skin.
7. See the Cubs win a World Series.
7 things I can do:
1. Play guitar.
2. Cook up a mean pulled-pork sandwich.
3. Ace tests = kill the curve.
4. Ski/snowboard almost any terrain in front of me.
5. Always have an opinion that's different than yours.
6. Make lists filled with useless information.
7. Do whatever I put my mind to.
7 things I cannot do:
1. Tell a joke without butchering it.
2. Drink rum without vomiting.
3. Color within the lines.
4. Converse with animals Dr. Doolittle style.
5. Be patient.
6. Ride a unicycle without falling.
7. Hit the high notes (singing that is).
7 things that attract me to another person:
1. That person is my wife.
2. A good sense of humor (cliche, I know).
3. Sincerity.
4. Beautiful eyes.
5. Shyness.
6. Good taste in music.
7. Kindness and compassion.
7 things I say most often:
1. Isn't Hailey cute?
2. Did she poop?
3. Sure. I'll change her diaper.
4. What the fuck?
5. School sucks.
6. Let me play you a song from a band you've never heard of.
7. I need to exercise more.
7 people I want to do this:
1. Amy
2. Jacob
3. Sarah
4. Moka
5. JT
6. Andy
7. Kurteaux
Music today from the kings of noise in Wolf Eyes, whose latest album is out now on Sub Pop, and Chicago's own Milemarker. They have been making apocalyptic post-punk sin the mid 90's and their fantastic new release Ominosity is out on Eyeball Records.
MP3 | Wolf Eyes - Reaper's Gong Burned Mind
MP3 | Milemarker - Food Chain Ominosity
Friday, November 25, 2005
Buckets or barrels of hope -
4
Stationary Odyssey has a new record out on The Great Vitamin Mystery as well as a free EP that you can download here. I don't even know what to say about this music. It almost reminds me (at times) of Akron/Family or perhaps Fugazi dropped acid and began playing Devendra Banhart songs. Indie rock with a psychedelic and folkish vibe. Punk Planet called it "Sweet, dreamy, ambient music that sounds like it were made by a lonely child left in his room with a bundle of old instruments. The band's resident member Aaron Tanner actually collaborated with over 10 different musicians, but it still sounds like a solitary, organic project. My favorite new space-out music. (TG)" Good stuff from these (I think) Indiana dudes.
From their humble beginnings as a pop-punk band with a hard-on for metal, so-cal punks Thrice have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of hardcore. Over the course of four albums they have matured considerably. In 2003 they released their major-label debut, "The Artist In The Ambulance." It was filled with crushing moments of metallic hardcore fury as well as soaring melodies and catchy hooks. Their music is deceivingly complicated though. Metal riffage and crazy time signatures go almost unnoticed because of the great musicianship and well-crafted songs.
Thrice recently released their latest full-length entitled "Vheissu." It is similar in style to "TAITA," but it is darker, more menacing, and more worldly. Accented with atmospheric synths, music box-like samples, and even acoustic guitar, it is reminiscent of "Jupiter" era Cave-In, but perhaps a little heavier. It is melodic but makes you work a little harder to wrap your ears around it.
In addition to putting out great records, Thrice also gives back. As part of its record contract, the band insisted that a percentage of album sales of "TAITA" be donated to the SSE Foundation and also donating a percentage of sales of "Vheissu" to 826 Valencia. It's pretty rare to find a band (or anyone) that would write that into a contract. Oh and the cover art for "Vheissu" was done by none other than (one of my favorite authors) Dave Eggers.
MP3 | Stationary Odyssey - Perpetual Of The Retired Evermore Perpetual MP3 EP
MP3 | Thrice - The Earth Will Shake Vheissu
From their humble beginnings as a pop-punk band with a hard-on for metal, so-cal punks Thrice have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of hardcore. Over the course of four albums they have matured considerably. In 2003 they released their major-label debut, "The Artist In The Ambulance." It was filled with crushing moments of metallic hardcore fury as well as soaring melodies and catchy hooks. Their music is deceivingly complicated though. Metal riffage and crazy time signatures go almost unnoticed because of the great musicianship and well-crafted songs.
Thrice recently released their latest full-length entitled "Vheissu." It is similar in style to "TAITA," but it is darker, more menacing, and more worldly. Accented with atmospheric synths, music box-like samples, and even acoustic guitar, it is reminiscent of "Jupiter" era Cave-In, but perhaps a little heavier. It is melodic but makes you work a little harder to wrap your ears around it.
In addition to putting out great records, Thrice also gives back. As part of its record contract, the band insisted that a percentage of album sales of "TAITA" be donated to the SSE Foundation and also donating a percentage of sales of "Vheissu" to 826 Valencia. It's pretty rare to find a band (or anyone) that would write that into a contract. Oh and the cover art for "Vheissu" was done by none other than (one of my favorite authors) Dave Eggers.
MP3 | Stationary Odyssey - Perpetual Of The Retired Evermore Perpetual MP3 EP
MP3 | Thrice - The Earth Will Shake Vheissu
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Turkey and trimmings -
5
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Spend time with your families. Enjoy each others company. Tomorrow (officially) begins the holiday season and we should all take a minute or two out of our busy days and actually think about all we are thankful for.
Enjoy the turkey, sweet potatos, stuffing, cranberry sauce, punmkin pie, (s)mashed potatos, and whatever else ends up on your table. I know I will. And for all those vegans out there, here is my mother's vegan (tofu) pumpkin pie recipe:
TOFU PUMPKIN PIE
1 pkg. (10 - 14 oz.) soft silken tofu, blended in a blender until smooth
1 16-ounce can pumpkin
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Preheat oven to 425. Cream together pumpkin and sugar. Add the salt, spices, and blended tofu. Mix until thoroughly blended. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then lower to 350 and bake an additional 40 minutes or until firm. If you can only find firm tofu add a bit of soy milk to the blender.
If you want realism, click here, or you can just listen to the tunes from Paul Duncan and Nick Drake.
MP3 | Paul Duncan - Tired And Beholden Be Careful What You Call Home
MP3 | Nick Drake - Northern Sky Bryter Layter
Enjoy the turkey, sweet potatos, stuffing, cranberry sauce, punmkin pie, (s)mashed potatos, and whatever else ends up on your table. I know I will. And for all those vegans out there, here is my mother's vegan (tofu) pumpkin pie recipe:
TOFU PUMPKIN PIE
1 pkg. (10 - 14 oz.) soft silken tofu, blended in a blender until smooth
1 16-ounce can pumpkin
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Preheat oven to 425. Cream together pumpkin and sugar. Add the salt, spices, and blended tofu. Mix until thoroughly blended. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then lower to 350 and bake an additional 40 minutes or until firm. If you can only find firm tofu add a bit of soy milk to the blender.
If you want realism, click here, or you can just listen to the tunes from Paul Duncan and Nick Drake.
MP3 | Paul Duncan - Tired And Beholden Be Careful What You Call Home
MP3 | Nick Drake - Northern Sky Bryter Layter
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
It's that time of year again -
8
Yes, the holiday season is upon us, but that is not what I'm talking about. Nope. I'm talking about the start of the NCAA basketball season. Yep. After the crazy ride that was last season, my University of Illinois Fighting Illini are gearing up for another run. They routed Texas Southern (no surprise there) tonight, but I spent most of the night watching Michigan State and Gonzaga battle. What a game. The Zags prevailed after three overtimes in what was a classic. The Illini (3-0) are currently ranked 15th, but with basically only Dee Brown and James Augustine returning from last year's team, this could be a very interesting year.
If you don't have other plans, you should go read some of the outstanding fiction posted at Tough Love and also read what CBT has to say about things.
I recently got the new EP from New Jersey's Killed By The Bull sent to me by their singer Justin. They play straight-ahead punk rock that is (at times) reminiscent of early-Bouncing Souls, Plow United, or Against Me. Great stuff from this new band made up of former members of The Judas Factor that makes me feel young again.
Listening to J Page also makes me feel young again. Gruff punk rock with a hint of pop sensibility that sounds like it comes straight outta Gainesville (which it does). This band features former members of As Friends Rust and The Scaries. Maybe like AFR or HWM or any other number of bands with that Gainsville sound. Their latest EP is out now on Nice Guy Records.
MP3 | Killed By The Bull - Of A Well ST EP
MP3 | J. Page - Personal Space Invader Goodbye Chapel Hill EP
If you don't have other plans, you should go read some of the outstanding fiction posted at Tough Love and also read what CBT has to say about things.
I recently got the new EP from New Jersey's Killed By The Bull sent to me by their singer Justin. They play straight-ahead punk rock that is (at times) reminiscent of early-Bouncing Souls, Plow United, or Against Me. Great stuff from this new band made up of former members of The Judas Factor that makes me feel young again.
Listening to J Page also makes me feel young again. Gruff punk rock with a hint of pop sensibility that sounds like it comes straight outta Gainesville (which it does). This band features former members of As Friends Rust and The Scaries. Maybe like AFR or HWM or any other number of bands with that Gainsville sound. Their latest EP is out now on Nice Guy Records.
MP3 | Killed By The Bull - Of A Well ST EP
MP3 | J. Page - Personal Space Invader Goodbye Chapel Hill EP
Monday, November 21, 2005
The night gives no applause -
0
Too much too do in too little time. This is the story of my life. Enjoy some songs from Metric and Nudge. Metric features the lovely vocals of Emily Haines (Broken Social Scene) while Nudge features members of Fontanelle and also Honey Owens from Jackie-O Motherfucker. Nudge's Cached is out on Kranky. Excellent stuff from both artists. Ciao for now.
MP3 | Nudge - My New Youth Cached
MP3 | Metric - Police And The Private Live It Out
MP3 | Nudge - My New Youth Cached
MP3 | Metric - Police And The Private Live It Out
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Four weeks old today -
5
It is hard for me to believe that Hailey is four weeks old now. Where did that time go? The past four weeks have been (to say the least) a blur.
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 50mm fixed, 1/8sec at f/1.8
So while Amy and Grandma Peg were out doing some shopping this afternoon, Hailey and I just lounged around the house. I read to her. We listened to music. It was a wonderful relaxing Saturday afternoon for the both of us. We both enjoyed the latest albums from Isolee, Laura Viers, and Nudge.
Laura Viers' latest Year Of Meteors is a great record that I am glad I stumbled onto. I've never heard any of her previous albums, so this was a real treat. She is esentially a singer-songwriter that has added a vast array of different instrumentation to back her acoustic guitar and vocals. Lyrically Viers can paint a vivid picture in any hue she chooses. It is a great record that doesn't exactly break any new ground, but is exceptionally well-crafted and performed. Year Of Meteors is out now on Nonesuch.
Metacritic at one point last week had Isolee's latest record Wearemonster as the highest rated album of 2005. While I wouldn't rate it that high, Raijko Mueller has certainly injected some new life into the techno landscape. I'll be the first to admit that I really don't know shit about techo and most electronic music aside from knowing what I like and what I don't. I like Isolee. A lot. This is a lush, melodic, adventurous, and totally danceable album.
MP3 | Laura Viers - Magnetized Year Of Meteors
MP3 | Isolee - My Hi-Matic Wearemonster
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 50mm fixed, 1/8sec at f/1.8
So while Amy and Grandma Peg were out doing some shopping this afternoon, Hailey and I just lounged around the house. I read to her. We listened to music. It was a wonderful relaxing Saturday afternoon for the both of us. We both enjoyed the latest albums from Isolee, Laura Viers, and Nudge.
Laura Viers' latest Year Of Meteors is a great record that I am glad I stumbled onto. I've never heard any of her previous albums, so this was a real treat. She is esentially a singer-songwriter that has added a vast array of different instrumentation to back her acoustic guitar and vocals. Lyrically Viers can paint a vivid picture in any hue she chooses. It is a great record that doesn't exactly break any new ground, but is exceptionally well-crafted and performed. Year Of Meteors is out now on Nonesuch.
Metacritic at one point last week had Isolee's latest record Wearemonster as the highest rated album of 2005. While I wouldn't rate it that high, Raijko Mueller has certainly injected some new life into the techno landscape. I'll be the first to admit that I really don't know shit about techo and most electronic music aside from knowing what I like and what I don't. I like Isolee. A lot. This is a lush, melodic, adventurous, and totally danceable album.
MP3 | Laura Viers - Magnetized Year Of Meteors
MP3 | Isolee - My Hi-Matic Wearemonster
Fortunato's friday flashback -
8
Q: Hey didn't your old band just put out a new album?
A: Yes they did.
So the guys in Allister (my old bandmates) just put out their third full-length entitled Before The Blackout. It is their typical pop-punk-rock fare that doesn't stray too far from their trademark sound. While the songwriting has gotten a little darker, more mature, and less bubblegum, it's still undeniably Allister. Tim and Scotty will always sound the same. Even though my musical tastes have moved (far) past pop-punk, I still hold these guys dear in my heart. This record won't make my top ten of 2005 list, but I still find it very (very) nostalgic and quite enjoyable.
MP3 | Allister - Rewind Before The Blackout
Next week Drive-Thru/Geffen Records is putting out what they are calling Drive-Thru Records Greatest Hits. Yeah right. I opened Montresor's vaults and compiled my unoffical version of that list for y'all. It features old songs from A New Found Glory (note the "A" before NFG), the haters in Midtown, the former Supermarket All-Stars in Last Summer, and more. I've also included a track by The Hippos since they were good friends of ours (and of the label), plus two by The Wrens. They were almost (thank God they decided against it) signed to Drive-Thru back in 1999. Their tracks posted below are both (very) different versions of songs that ended up on their phenomenal album The Meadowlands.
MP3 | The Wrens - Miss Me YNEFFA Compilation
MP3 | A New Found Glory - Passing Time Nothing Gold Can Stay
MP3 | RX Bandits - Lost Halfway Between Here And There
MP3 | Allister - X-Girlfriend You Can't Do That On Vinyl 7"
MP3 | Last Summer - This Looks Like A Good Spot Remember Those Days
MP3 | Midtown - Direction Save The World, Lose The girl
MP3 | Caught Inside - Solstice Bolts In The Machine
MP3 | Mothermania - Mom & Dad Before The Blackout
MP3 | The Hippos - Forget The World Forget The World
MP3 | The Wrens - This Boy Is Exhausted YNEFFA Compilation
A: Yes they did.
So the guys in Allister (my old bandmates) just put out their third full-length entitled Before The Blackout. It is their typical pop-punk-rock fare that doesn't stray too far from their trademark sound. While the songwriting has gotten a little darker, more mature, and less bubblegum, it's still undeniably Allister. Tim and Scotty will always sound the same. Even though my musical tastes have moved (far) past pop-punk, I still hold these guys dear in my heart. This record won't make my top ten of 2005 list, but I still find it very (very) nostalgic and quite enjoyable.
MP3 | Allister - Rewind Before The Blackout
Next week Drive-Thru/Geffen Records is putting out what they are calling Drive-Thru Records Greatest Hits. Yeah right. I opened Montresor's vaults and compiled my unoffical version of that list for y'all. It features old songs from A New Found Glory (note the "A" before NFG), the haters in Midtown, the former Supermarket All-Stars in Last Summer, and more. I've also included a track by The Hippos since they were good friends of ours (and of the label), plus two by The Wrens. They were almost (thank God they decided against it) signed to Drive-Thru back in 1999. Their tracks posted below are both (very) different versions of songs that ended up on their phenomenal album The Meadowlands.
MP3 | The Wrens - Miss Me YNEFFA Compilation
MP3 | A New Found Glory - Passing Time Nothing Gold Can Stay
MP3 | RX Bandits - Lost Halfway Between Here And There
MP3 | Allister - X-Girlfriend You Can't Do That On Vinyl 7"
MP3 | Last Summer - This Looks Like A Good Spot Remember Those Days
MP3 | Midtown - Direction Save The World, Lose The girl
MP3 | Caught Inside - Solstice Bolts In The Machine
MP3 | Mothermania - Mom & Dad Before The Blackout
MP3 | The Hippos - Forget The World Forget The World
MP3 | The Wrens - This Boy Is Exhausted YNEFFA Compilation
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Bloodletting or economies of scale -
2
So yesterday it snowed in Chicagoland for the first time this year. You know what that means is right around the corner? This, this, and this. I can't wait.
Holy shit! Anyone that has a new baby needs to have this. Absoutely amazing.
Smoke Or Fire is a punk band from Richmond, VA. They play melodic but gruff punk rock that fits nicely onto the roster of Fat Wreck Chords bands like The Lawrence Arms, Rise Against, Dillinger Four, Avail, and even Kid Dynamite or Strike Anywhere. They bring the rock when they need to and make it catchy when it has to be. If I was 15 or 16 again I would have gone bitchcakes over this shit, but (even so) their debut full-length (Above The City) is as solid a punk release I've heard in awhile. Rumor has it that these guys are orignally from Beantown and were in a band called Jericho.
Now I've been listening to the latest from Lowlights a lot lately. The music of Lowlights is that of New Mexico native Dameon Lee. He was previously in the garagey punk band Scared Of Chaka, but (although I really liked them) you can rest assured that Lowlights sounds nothing like SOC. This (instead) is music that paints a picture of the southwest that is desolate and lonely and true. It is (for the most part) country slo-core that probably sounds best served with beer or whiskey. The closest comparison I can draw is to the work of Rocky Votolato and that is (IMHO) a very good thing.
MP3 | Smoke Or Fire - Loving Self-Loathing Above The City
MP3 | Lowlights - The Way You Were Dark End Road
Holy shit! Anyone that has a new baby needs to have this. Absoutely amazing.
Smoke Or Fire is a punk band from Richmond, VA. They play melodic but gruff punk rock that fits nicely onto the roster of Fat Wreck Chords bands like The Lawrence Arms, Rise Against, Dillinger Four, Avail, and even Kid Dynamite or Strike Anywhere. They bring the rock when they need to and make it catchy when it has to be. If I was 15 or 16 again I would have gone bitchcakes over this shit, but (even so) their debut full-length (Above The City) is as solid a punk release I've heard in awhile. Rumor has it that these guys are orignally from Beantown and were in a band called Jericho.
Now I've been listening to the latest from Lowlights a lot lately. The music of Lowlights is that of New Mexico native Dameon Lee. He was previously in the garagey punk band Scared Of Chaka, but (although I really liked them) you can rest assured that Lowlights sounds nothing like SOC. This (instead) is music that paints a picture of the southwest that is desolate and lonely and true. It is (for the most part) country slo-core that probably sounds best served with beer or whiskey. The closest comparison I can draw is to the work of Rocky Votolato and that is (IMHO) a very good thing.
MP3 | Smoke Or Fire - Loving Self-Loathing Above The City
MP3 | Lowlights - The Way You Were Dark End Road
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Riot inside my battered skull -
4
Hailey and I were just listening to the newest record from Matthew Houck's Phosphorescent. This, his third full-length, is a strange, haunting, and imperfectly beautiful album that could easily be lumped into the category of alt-country, but to do that would miss the point. The songs move forward at a languid pace that suggests they themselves are unfolding before Houck (and revealing their true nature) only when they are good and ready. Decorated with flourishes of pedal-steel guitar, horns, organs, and choir-like vocals, Houck's cracking vocals and meandering piano spill out the raw emotions of melancholy. Aw Come Aw Wry is a sparse and woeful album that doesn't so much sound it, but rather feels it (or makes you feel it). It is out now on Misra Records.
Another band that I've been listening to a lot lately that also makes you feel it is Lightning Bolt. They (however) do it by bludgeoning the listener with a thunderous cacaphony of bass and drums. This Rhode Island noise-rock duo has been getting some attention of late and you can also find another track off their latest album over at Black Balloon. Definately recommended if you like Wolf Eyes, DFA 1979, or Christina Aguilera.
MP3 | Phosphorescent - South (Of America) Aw Come Aw Wry
MP3 | Lightning Bolt - 2 Morro Morro Land Hypermagic Mountain
Another band that I've been listening to a lot lately that also makes you feel it is Lightning Bolt. They (however) do it by bludgeoning the listener with a thunderous cacaphony of bass and drums. This Rhode Island noise-rock duo has been getting some attention of late and you can also find another track off their latest album over at Black Balloon. Definately recommended if you like Wolf Eyes, DFA 1979, or Christina Aguilera.
MP3 | Phosphorescent - South (Of America) Aw Come Aw Wry
MP3 | Lightning Bolt - 2 Morro Morro Land Hypermagic Mountain
Monday, November 14, 2005
Who wants a free ipod? -
7
I do. Do you? Click here or the link on my sidebar, and read on for more details.
A few days ago Gorilla vs. Bear put up a link to an Iron & Wine/Calexico show from the Triple Door in Seattle. In addition to being an excellent performance in which they covered "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones, October 22, 2005 (the date of the show) was also the date my daughter was born. (I know, mushy and yucky, but c'mon...)
Now I am pretty convinced that the whole free iPod thing is legit, but being a bit skeptical (and greedy) I want to see if I can get one of my own. Plus, the new iPod is so sweet. I already signed up and painlessly completed an offer that got me a whole lotta good coffee from Boca Java. I'm not sure if that offer is still valid, but I'm sure there are other good ones out there. For a referral, click here
Now I have done a little homework on Gratis Internet (the company behind freeiPods.com) and they seem to be too legit to quit. In fact, they were named the 18th fastest growing company in the U.S. in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2005 Inc. 500 ranking.
Many of the offers that you must sign up for to get your iPod are with big name companies like eBay, AOL, Citicard, etc. I can only assume that those companies would not want to take part in an internet scam that could harm their reputations. Besides, the economics behind the system make sense from business perspective.
Anyhow, Wired and Geek.com have both said it works, so I'm gonna try to get mine. If you want to help me out and get started on your own free iPod, just click here.
Now Death From Above 1979 has a remix album coming out. What's up with all the remix records these days? Anyhow, the new record is fantastic and (oh yeah) DFA 1979 totally slays. In addition to other artists reworking their tunes, they also have a fuzzed out version of a Bloc Party tune on that English group's own remix album. Whew.
MP3 | Death From Above - You're Lovely (But You've Got Problems) Romance Bloody Romance
MP3 | Bloc Party - Luno (Bloc Party vs. Death From Above 1979) Silent Alarm Remixed
A few days ago Gorilla vs. Bear put up a link to an Iron & Wine/Calexico show from the Triple Door in Seattle. In addition to being an excellent performance in which they covered "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones, October 22, 2005 (the date of the show) was also the date my daughter was born. (I know, mushy and yucky, but c'mon...)
Now I am pretty convinced that the whole free iPod thing is legit, but being a bit skeptical (and greedy) I want to see if I can get one of my own. Plus, the new iPod is so sweet. I already signed up and painlessly completed an offer that got me a whole lotta good coffee from Boca Java. I'm not sure if that offer is still valid, but I'm sure there are other good ones out there. For a referral, click here
Now I have done a little homework on Gratis Internet (the company behind freeiPods.com) and they seem to be too legit to quit. In fact, they were named the 18th fastest growing company in the U.S. in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2005 Inc. 500 ranking.
Many of the offers that you must sign up for to get your iPod are with big name companies like eBay, AOL, Citicard, etc. I can only assume that those companies would not want to take part in an internet scam that could harm their reputations. Besides, the economics behind the system make sense from business perspective.
Anyhow, Wired and Geek.com have both said it works, so I'm gonna try to get mine. If you want to help me out and get started on your own free iPod, just click here.
Now Death From Above 1979 has a remix album coming out. What's up with all the remix records these days? Anyhow, the new record is fantastic and (oh yeah) DFA 1979 totally slays. In addition to other artists reworking their tunes, they also have a fuzzed out version of a Bloc Party tune on that English group's own remix album. Whew.
MP3 | Death From Above - You're Lovely (But You've Got Problems) Romance Bloody Romance
MP3 | Bloc Party - Luno (Bloc Party vs. Death From Above 1979) Silent Alarm Remixed
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Reflecting in the angles -
7
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 50mm fixed, 1/25sec at f/5
My daughter (pictured above) doesn't like loud rock music yet. Can you tell? Someday she will. Oh yes, she will. Enjoy the retro-style-pseudo-hippie-noise jams from those crazy Swedes in Dungen and the non-Ohioans (from NYC) Akron/Family. Go Bears.
MP3 | Dungen - Panda Ta Det Lungt
MP3 | Akron/Family - Raising The Sparks Angels Of Light Split
Friday, November 11, 2005
What the family is listening to -
1
My father has been a passenger on a lot of airplane flights. in addition to more frequent flier miles than 99% of the world, he likes to listen to in-flight radio programs and tell me all about the cool new artists that he "discovered." The last batch of them included: Ray LaMontagne, Joseph Arthur, Mary Gauthier, Keaton Simons, and Griffin House. Not a bad selection at all.
As I may have mentioned before (or may have not) my brother is getting married next year. his finacee Kelly recently told me about a new CD she got and is enjoying. It is Back To Bedlam by James Blunt. You might like it if you like David Gray or Damien Rice. For a good laugh, read this review of the record from Cokemachineglow.
Kurteaux informed me that his next music purchase will indeed be the new Neil Diamond record. WTF??? Rick Rubin (allegedly) has worked his magic yet again and made another pretty killer album.
My daughter can't make choices yet. She (being 3 weeks old) is forced to listen to whatever mommy or daddy decides. Lately (because my mother-in-law is staying with us) that has been Elizabeth Mitchell, some relaxing piano music from George Winston, DVD's from Baby Einstein, and some Cocteau Twins courtesy of Kristi.
My wife (after being on bedrest for 3 weeks, giving birth, and having her mother and mother-in-law staying with us for extended periods of time) hasn't really been listening to a whole lot of music lately. She has managed to listen to a little Gratitude but not much more. Upon her "return to the real world" she will probably be listening to the newest records by such bands as Allister, Matt Pond PA, AAR, Denison Witmer, Panic! At The Disco and more.
Below are a few tunes from some of those aforementioned groups that will take you high and higher. The song from Soft is pretty good. They emailed me and wanted me to check it out. Pretty good stuff from their EP (which I heard is a top seller over at Insound).
MP3 | James Blunt - High Back To Bedlam
MP3 | Soft - Higher New Soft
As I may have mentioned before (or may have not) my brother is getting married next year. his finacee Kelly recently told me about a new CD she got and is enjoying. It is Back To Bedlam by James Blunt. You might like it if you like David Gray or Damien Rice. For a good laugh, read this review of the record from Cokemachineglow.
Kurteaux informed me that his next music purchase will indeed be the new Neil Diamond record. WTF??? Rick Rubin (allegedly) has worked his magic yet again and made another pretty killer album.
My daughter can't make choices yet. She (being 3 weeks old) is forced to listen to whatever mommy or daddy decides. Lately (because my mother-in-law is staying with us) that has been Elizabeth Mitchell, some relaxing piano music from George Winston, DVD's from Baby Einstein, and some Cocteau Twins courtesy of Kristi.
My wife (after being on bedrest for 3 weeks, giving birth, and having her mother and mother-in-law staying with us for extended periods of time) hasn't really been listening to a whole lot of music lately. She has managed to listen to a little Gratitude but not much more. Upon her "return to the real world" she will probably be listening to the newest records by such bands as Allister, Matt Pond PA, AAR, Denison Witmer, Panic! At The Disco and more.
Below are a few tunes from some of those aforementioned groups that will take you high and higher. The song from Soft is pretty good. They emailed me and wanted me to check it out. Pretty good stuff from their EP (which I heard is a top seller over at Insound).
MP3 | James Blunt - High Back To Bedlam
MP3 | Soft - Higher New Soft
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Kurtrteaux is an old man now -
4
I was at Tower Records today not searching for a birthday gift for my brother. There, I was flipping through Alternative Press and found an interview with my former bandmates. It's nice to know that they are finally getting some recognition. Oh yeah, their new record came out a few weeks ago and is pretty solids even if they did rework a few old Conways tunes.
So today is Kurt's birthday, and unless Kelly has managed to rein him in a bit, I can only assume that he is somewhere getting trashed since he won't return my phone calls.
When I last spoke to him a few days ago, he mentioned that he was into this band called Bear Vs. Shark. They are different that Gorilla Vs. Bear and also We Versus The Shark. They are mildly hardcore in a very indie sorta way. I thought that he might like them as well. Their latest record is out on Hello Sir Records.
Test Icicles are have been called England's answer to the Blood Brothers, but they are only tangentally related. Both bands belt out spastic art(hard)core, but what Test Icicles lack in brutality they more than make up for in danceability. Their is a certian sexual quality about many of the tunes. Just call em testicles.
MP3 | We Versus The Shark - You Don't Have To Kick It Ruin Everything!
MP3 | Test Icicles - Boa Vs. Python For Screening Purposes Only
So today is Kurt's birthday, and unless Kelly has managed to rein him in a bit, I can only assume that he is somewhere getting trashed since he won't return my phone calls.
When I last spoke to him a few days ago, he mentioned that he was into this band called Bear Vs. Shark. They are different that Gorilla Vs. Bear and also We Versus The Shark. They are mildly hardcore in a very indie sorta way. I thought that he might like them as well. Their latest record is out on Hello Sir Records.
Test Icicles are have been called England's answer to the Blood Brothers, but they are only tangentally related. Both bands belt out spastic art(hard)core, but what Test Icicles lack in brutality they more than make up for in danceability. Their is a certian sexual quality about many of the tunes. Just call em testicles.
MP3 | We Versus The Shark - You Don't Have To Kick It Ruin Everything!
MP3 | Test Icicles - Boa Vs. Python For Screening Purposes Only
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Up all night long with the baby -
4
I found it funny that those crazy Italians over at Indie For Dummies sent me an email asking me for my top ten albums of 2005. I'd actually been thinking about that for the last few days. My only question (this and every year) is how the fuck am I going to choose only ten? Help me! It seems like its been a pretty good year.
Everyone and their mother has been listening to The Go! Team for awhile now, but I am (as I am with everything) a little late hopping on this train. I recall hearing an import of this last winter and not being overly impressed. But after hearing it again recently I liked what I heard. The music is too fun and upbeat to not find somehting of value in it. Recommended.
I also think that Men Without Hats were PFG. Even today they sound as indie as CHYSY, and I think that that band lifeted a melody or two from MWH as well. This songs lends a little perspective (along with bands like The Clash, Gang of Four, and Mission of Burma) as to what bands were up to 15, 20, and even 25 years ago.
MP3 | The Go! Team - Get It Together Thunder Lightning Strike
MP3 | Men Without Hats - Pop Goes The World The Greatest Hits
Everyone and their mother has been listening to The Go! Team for awhile now, but I am (as I am with everything) a little late hopping on this train. I recall hearing an import of this last winter and not being overly impressed. But after hearing it again recently I liked what I heard. The music is too fun and upbeat to not find somehting of value in it. Recommended.
I also think that Men Without Hats were PFG. Even today they sound as indie as CHYSY, and I think that that band lifeted a melody or two from MWH as well. This songs lends a little perspective (along with bands like The Clash, Gang of Four, and Mission of Burma) as to what bands were up to 15, 20, and even 25 years ago.
MP3 | The Go! Team - Get It Together Thunder Lightning Strike
MP3 | Men Without Hats - Pop Goes The World The Greatest Hits
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Severe thunderstorm warning -
3
Thanks to Matthew over at Black Balloon for posting about Amanda Rogers a few days ago. I was impressed enough to seek out her latest ep, and while the production is a bit sketchy in places her songs still shine through. Her songs are comprised of mainly piano and voice, but according to her website, she feels most comfortable in punk and hardcore circles. Now in addition to a few original tracks, she covers Radiohead's "No Surprises," and (the song I've posted below) "198d" from At The Drive-In's Vaya EP. Quality stuff from this Syracuse songstress. He latest is out on Immigrant Sun Records.
The new My Morning Jacket record Z is amazing. While their new material is less southern rock, they still reatin much of the flavor of their hometown of Louisville. This new album attempts (very successfully) to tie varying styles such as rock, reggae, pop, country, and more together into a cohesive whole. It is a winning combination. The music here seems to be more focused and probably poppier than most of their previous stuff, but also (IMHO) more interesting. This is definately music renders the literal meaning of the lyrics unnecessary. The music itself says it all.
MP3 | Amanda Rogers - 198d Something Borrowed, Something Blue EP
MP3 | Elizabeth Mitchell - Ladybug Picnic You Are My Sunshine
The new My Morning Jacket record Z is amazing. While their new material is less southern rock, they still reatin much of the flavor of their hometown of Louisville. This new album attempts (very successfully) to tie varying styles such as rock, reggae, pop, country, and more together into a cohesive whole. It is a winning combination. The music here seems to be more focused and probably poppier than most of their previous stuff, but also (IMHO) more interesting. This is definately music renders the literal meaning of the lyrics unnecessary. The music itself says it all.
MP3 | Amanda Rogers - 198d Something Borrowed, Something Blue EP
MP3 | Elizabeth Mitchell - Ladybug Picnic You Are My Sunshine
Monday, November 07, 2005
Sweetness and samurai mike -
2
Yes. It's true. I'm not dreaming. The Chicago Bears have won 4 straight and are leading the NFC North. Ron Rivera's defense is fierce. Kyle Orton is getting better every week. Cedric Benson finally decided to show up and put his money where his mouth is. Yes, these are glorious days.
Beacuse of their recent (and let's hope not fleeting) success, I present to you "The Super Bowl Shuffle" as performed by the 1895 Chicago Bears Sufflin Crew. Included in the .zip file is the original version along with an extended vocal mix and an instrumental version. Sweetness.
The Super Bowl Shuffle
The first time I listened to the new Deerhoof album I thought it was the same old goofy and spastic Deerhoof at work. I let it play and really didn't give it much additional thought. I mean, I would have posted something sooner but it really didn't do anything special for me. Until now.
I just listened to it again today and was hella surprised at what I heard. I might have been tired before, but this record is super quirky (like they always are) but also manages to rock pretty good on a fair number of tunes. If you've never heard Deerhoof before, beware. The vocals take a little getting used to, but take my word for it. Dig in and force yourself to listen to their new album The Runners Four a few times before giving up. This is a great record that keeps on getting better with every spin.
The Decemberists latest album Picaresque is (at least in my book) one of the best albums of 2005. I can't recall who had this tune posted a few days back, but Squeeze also happens to be one of my favorites. Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were master pop songwriters that penned many a great melody and lyric. The Decemberists certainly sound at ease with this tune.
Now lately I have been listening to a lot of "kids" music because of my new daughter and among the best of it is anything by Elizabeth Mitchell. She (along with husband Dan) both play in Ida and Nanang Tatang. Classic folk and children's songs done wonderfully that both kids and their parents will enjoy.
MP3 | Deerhoof - Scream Team The Runners Four
MP3 | The Decemberists - Up The Junction The B-Sides
MP3 | Elizabeth Mitchell - Ladybug Picnic You Are My Sunshine
Beacuse of their recent (and let's hope not fleeting) success, I present to you "The Super Bowl Shuffle" as performed by the 1895 Chicago Bears Sufflin Crew. Included in the .zip file is the original version along with an extended vocal mix and an instrumental version. Sweetness.
The Super Bowl Shuffle
The first time I listened to the new Deerhoof album I thought it was the same old goofy and spastic Deerhoof at work. I let it play and really didn't give it much additional thought. I mean, I would have posted something sooner but it really didn't do anything special for me. Until now.
I just listened to it again today and was hella surprised at what I heard. I might have been tired before, but this record is super quirky (like they always are) but also manages to rock pretty good on a fair number of tunes. If you've never heard Deerhoof before, beware. The vocals take a little getting used to, but take my word for it. Dig in and force yourself to listen to their new album The Runners Four a few times before giving up. This is a great record that keeps on getting better with every spin.
The Decemberists latest album Picaresque is (at least in my book) one of the best albums of 2005. I can't recall who had this tune posted a few days back, but Squeeze also happens to be one of my favorites. Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were master pop songwriters that penned many a great melody and lyric. The Decemberists certainly sound at ease with this tune.
Now lately I have been listening to a lot of "kids" music because of my new daughter and among the best of it is anything by Elizabeth Mitchell. She (along with husband Dan) both play in Ida and Nanang Tatang. Classic folk and children's songs done wonderfully that both kids and their parents will enjoy.
MP3 | Deerhoof - Scream Team The Runners Four
MP3 | The Decemberists - Up The Junction The B-Sides
MP3 | Elizabeth Mitchell - Ladybug Picnic You Are My Sunshine
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Ours! mine and his'n both! -
5
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 28-80mm, 1/13sec at f/5
At the request of a few readers, here are are few more baby pics. During the typing of the previous sentance, little Hailey soiled her diaper in what we affectionately call a BXP (Butt eXPlosion) and managed leak through her diaper. And I just changed her 10 minutes ago. The joys of fatherhood I guess.
With the demise of the legendary Braid came the anticipation of the next musical project from Bob Nanna. Enter Hey Mercedes. Less adventurous and more straightforward and even-keeled than Braid, but still undeniably Nanna. I remember their first show at the Fireside Bowl in Chicago. It was August of 2000 and people came from as far away as (and probably further) Mississippi to see this performance. It was intimate and awesome even though it wasn't Braid. In light of their recent break up I think it is fitting to post this. Download the first Hey Mercedes show below.
Hey Mercedes - First Show - 8/26/00 - Part One
Hey Mercedes - First Show - 8/26/00 - Part Two
Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 28-80mm, 1/15sec at f/5
Jamie Lidell is a soul singer. His music evokes images of Stevie Wonder or Otis Redding getting the laptop glitch treatment. It's like letting Prince put those classic soul and funk records into a blender with some microchips and then selling it to ravers to get high off the fumes. The vocals are slightly dirty yet crooning and smooth. Both modern and classic at the same time.
So yesterday I mentioned that the new Rogue Wave album is amazing. Yes it is. I seriously don't know what they did between releasing Out Of The Shadow and now, but their new stuff is just so much better. They play eclectic indie-pop that (at least here) is about as good as it gets. Whether fast and rocking, subtle and acoustic, or just plain noisy, it's music to my ears and well worth your $12. It is out now on Sub Pop.
MP3 | Jamie Lidell - Multiply Multiply
MP3 | Rogue Wave - Publish my Love Descended Like Vultures
Friday, November 04, 2005
Descended like clean draws -
2
I just (finally) got the new Rogue Wave album and I have only one question. Was I listening to the right band on their first record? Out Of The Shadow isn't close to as good as Descended Like Vultures. Whatever I was missing before, I now understand. Their new record is great and out now on Sub Pop. More on that later.
This past summer my brother introduced me to the music of Bayside. They play melodic-hardcore infused with smooth crooning vocals like those of Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes, Duvall). That is now unimportant. I was saddened to find out that earlier this week their van flipped over on an icy road outside of Chyenne, Wyoming. Their drummer (John Holohan) was killed and a number of people in their crew seriously injured. My condolences and prayers to all of them. Tiny Mix Tapes has more info about this tragic event and you can donate to John's memorial fund here.
Rumor also has it that in addition to resurrecting Loose Fur and Golden Smog, Jeff Tweedy and the boys in Wilco have 13 (or so) new tracks that they are working on for a 2006 release. Hot diggity.
Tonight I give you a track from the great The Small Knives. They are an Australian acoustic-duo. They sound not unlike other groups like-minded groups such as Lewis & Clarke or the now-defunct Scud Mountain Boys. They make intimate little country-esque pop songs that I just can't get out of my brain.
Andy told me to find the song "Wear Clean Draws" by The Coup. He said it was fitting now that I am the father of a beautiful little girl. Thanks Andy. Good call on this tune. Upbeat and unoffensive hip-hop for those that are into that sort of thing. This one goes out to all the dads of little ladies. Oh yeah, here are the lyrics.
MP3 | The Small Knives - Paper Wings Rain On Tin
MP3 | The Coup - Wear Clean Draws Party Music
This past summer my brother introduced me to the music of Bayside. They play melodic-hardcore infused with smooth crooning vocals like those of Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes, Duvall). That is now unimportant. I was saddened to find out that earlier this week their van flipped over on an icy road outside of Chyenne, Wyoming. Their drummer (John Holohan) was killed and a number of people in their crew seriously injured. My condolences and prayers to all of them. Tiny Mix Tapes has more info about this tragic event and you can donate to John's memorial fund here.
Rumor also has it that in addition to resurrecting Loose Fur and Golden Smog, Jeff Tweedy and the boys in Wilco have 13 (or so) new tracks that they are working on for a 2006 release. Hot diggity.
Tonight I give you a track from the great The Small Knives. They are an Australian acoustic-duo. They sound not unlike other groups like-minded groups such as Lewis & Clarke or the now-defunct Scud Mountain Boys. They make intimate little country-esque pop songs that I just can't get out of my brain.
Andy told me to find the song "Wear Clean Draws" by The Coup. He said it was fitting now that I am the father of a beautiful little girl. Thanks Andy. Good call on this tune. Upbeat and unoffensive hip-hop for those that are into that sort of thing. This one goes out to all the dads of little ladies. Oh yeah, here are the lyrics.
MP3 | The Small Knives - Paper Wings Rain On Tin
MP3 | The Coup - Wear Clean Draws Party Music
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Endless summer nights -
2
It is the third of November and 70 degrees in Chicago. What gives? In light of the great weather today, I started thinking about summers past and now long gone. Below are two songs that remind me of hot summer days spent on a pontoon boat on the Illinois river. I might have been eight or nine years old and for some reason every time I hear these songs I am instantly transported to back in time and onto that boat. I can remember the situations with so much more clarity than just about anything else from my childhood and I don't really know why.
The smell of sunscreen mixed with river water. The warmth of the low afternoon sun. The rough of sand in my towel. The astroturf flooring and aluminum rails on the boat. The smell of the outboard motor burning gasoline. The burning hot of the vinyl seats against my back. The thrill of waterskiing and being pulled on a tube. The warmth of a fresh sunburn on cold bedsheets at the end of the day.
It seems like forever ago, but here's to the good old days. I'll drink to that.
MP3 | The Commodores - Nightshift Nightshift
MP3 | Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World Songs From The Big Chair
The smell of sunscreen mixed with river water. The warmth of the low afternoon sun. The rough of sand in my towel. The astroturf flooring and aluminum rails on the boat. The smell of the outboard motor burning gasoline. The burning hot of the vinyl seats against my back. The thrill of waterskiing and being pulled on a tube. The warmth of a fresh sunburn on cold bedsheets at the end of the day.
It seems like forever ago, but here's to the good old days. I'll drink to that.
MP3 | The Commodores - Nightshift Nightshift
MP3 | Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World Songs From The Big Chair
