Alkaline Trio cover Tegan & Sara

Posted on 1 September 2008 | 3 Comments

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After spending much of the day listening to live Alkaline Trio songs, I just want to say that I wish Agony & Irony wasn’t so painful to listen to. Many of those songs are really good and when played live really sound great, but just sound totally blah on the album. So I did come across (thanks to Switchblade Comb)the following video of Tegan Quin (of Tegan & Sara, duh) performing on the Alkaline Trio’s cover of the T&S song “Wake Up Exhausted,” and just sorta fell in love. So much that I clipped the original Spinner podcast (which has 4 other songs with an interview that you can download here) down to just the T&S cover for your listening pleasure.

MP3 | Alkaline Trio w/ Tegan Quin – Wake Up Exhausted (not the acoustic version)


Video: Alkaline Trio w/ Tegan Quin – “Wake Up Exhausted”

And while you are at it, go over to Asian Man Records and order yourself the remastered version of Alkaline Trio’s best album Goddamnit, kay? You’ll thank me later.

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Because it is...

Posted on 21 June 2008 | No Comments

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Yeah, two simple songs for a simple summertime Saturday night. Hope your weekend is going well because it’s all downhill from here folks.

MP3 | Screeching Weasel – First Day Of Summer
MP3 | Rachael Cantu – Saturday

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One little left arm out

Posted on 7 December 2005 | 5 Comments

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I fixed the link to the Mark Kozelek version of “White Christmas.” Click here to download.

Quick question for all the readers out there. Does anyone use the Daily MP3 Player link on the sidebar? Clicking it will stream the daily MP3’s. Vote “yay” or “nay” in the comments section. If no one uses it, I’m gonna get rid of it. Seems to me that most people just want to download the files. Oh well…

So two late additions to what will become my best of 2005 list are Architecture In Helsinki and Broken Social Scene. Both bands do a lot of genre hopping. Both play variants of indie-pop. Both have new-ish records out that are pretty f’ing fantastic. Since this is just a quick post you can read Cokemachineglow’s review of each here and here. Or Pitchfork’s reviews here and here. Much much more tomorrow kids (goodies that is).

MP3 | Architecture In Helsinki – What’s In Store In Case We Die
MP3 | Broken Social Scene – Ibi Dreams Of Pavement (A Better Day) ST

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Songs of the season

Posted on 6 December 2005 | 13 Comments

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So when it comes to holiday or Christmas music, I am pretty much a purist. Especially when it comes to the classic songs of the season. What I am saying is that there are way too many bastardized versions of Christmas songs out there. I (generally) absolutely abhor almost every single R&B vocal version of any Christmas song recorded from about 1980-present. Yes that means you Mariah Carey!

So what I present you with tonight are some of my favorite modern interpretations of traditional Christmas songs as well as some new original Christmas songs from your favorite artists. And even though all the songs are taken from other compilations, they are features here together for the first time ever! A Very CYSTSFTS Christmas contains songs by: Alkaline Trio, Seven Day Jesus, Death Cab, Sufjan Stevens, The Dismemberment Plan, Feist, Jason Gleason, Five Iron Frenzy, The Promise Ring, Fall Out Boy, Coldplay, and Belle & Sebastian. You gotta love that.

A Very CYSTSFTS Christmas.zip

I also recall that as a child, I always eagerly anticipated the Holiday Dr. Demento show that featured the best holiday comedy songs around. A bunch of those classic tunes are complied below and will leave you laughing in a puddle of your own urine.

A Dr. Demento Christmas.zip

In addition to all that, we have a version of “White Christmas” by none other than Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon fame as well as a track from the latest release by Diane Cluck. She is a unique singer/songwriter in the same vein as Tori Amos or Julie Doiron. Her most recent release is called Oh Vanille/Ova Nil and is out now on Important Records.

According to Mojo Magazine, Devendra Banhart said, “This record is by my favorite singer-songwriter in all of New York City. I’m so happy to be alive at the same time she is because i get to see her perform. It’s her and guitar or her and piano or her and harmonium. Her lyrics are so good, when i play this for people they stop doing everything and are quiet for hours after.”

Nouvelle Vague is a fantastic French project/group with an interesting concept. Per their website, “Their idea was to forget the initial punk or new wave background of each song, keep simple fundamental chords, work with young singers who never heard the original versions, and make the quality of original songwriting happen in a completely different way.” It is a fantastic album and this version of The Clash’s “Guns Of Brixton” is great.

MP3 | Mark Kozelek – White Christmas (Live) Previously Unreleased
MP3 | Diane Cluck – Easy To Be Around Oh Vanille/Ova Nil
MP3 | Nouvelle Vague – Guns Of Brixton ST

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A spoonful of emo (vol. 7)

Posted on 2 December 2005 | 9 Comments

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You guys (and gals) are familiar with The Mars Volta right? How about Sparta? Well, both those bands rose from the ashes of El Paso, Texas emo legends At The Drive-In.

They toured a lot. A whole fucking lot. ATDI won over countless people with their live shows including me. I first saw them upstairs at Stevie Ray’s House of Wax in Muncie, IN. If you think they were energetic and explosive on big stages, just imagine looking them in the eyes as they are bouncing off the crowd, one another, and the walls of the record store. They were intense. During “Napoleon Solo” I clearly remember Cedric looking us in the eyes (like a man possessed). With the mic in one hand, he proceeded to gesture and seemingly “paint” symbols or words into the air only inches in front of our faces. I was awestruck at the emotional outpouring. They ripped through their songs and with such fervor and tenacity it was almost frightening.

We let them sleep on our floor that night and in return, they gave us a copy of “In/Casino Out” on fabulous clear vinyl. In our tiny two room apartment the guys of ATDI were quiet and unassuming. They obviously left everything on stage. After a few self-released 7” singles, they released their first full-length on Flipside in 1995. They followed that with “In/Casino Out” and the “Vaya EP” on fearless before hooking up with Grand Royal Records. They then put out what is considered by many to be their swan song, “Relationship of Command,” which has sold over a million copies since its release in 2000.

I know I’m gonna catch some flak because Built To Spill is not really emo but (regardless) I am still including them here. The first BTS song I ever heard was “Car” as performed acoustically by Bob Nanna and Chris Broach from (at the time) Braid. I was so floored by their rendition of the song, I asked them who the original was by and they told me. I bought “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love” the next day. That album was the last before the Boise, ID band’s move to a major. It is a little slice of indie-pop heaven from way back in 1994 and “Car” remains one of my favorite songs still. Emo? Maybe not. Emotional and near-perfect? Hell yes.

More to come. Stay tuned.

MP3 | At The Drive-In – Napoleon Solo In/Casino/Out
MP3 | Built To Spill – Car There’s Nothing Wrong With Love

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Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on NPR

Posted on 1 December 2005 | 6 Comments

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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 tentatively 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

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Big time big ten

Posted on 30 November 2005 | No Comments

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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 sounds 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

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My 100th post

Posted on 29 November 2005 | 6 Comments

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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 utterly 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 remarkably 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

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Seven things

Posted on 26 November 2005 | 11 Comments

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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

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Buckets or barrels of hope

Posted on 25 November 2005 | 4 Comments

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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

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Turkey and trimmings

Posted on 24 November 2005 | 5 Comments

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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 potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, (s)mashed potatoes, 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

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It's that time of year again

Posted on 23 November 2005 | 8 Comments

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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 Gainesville 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

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The night gives no applause

Posted on 22 November 2005 | No Comments

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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

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Four weeks old today

Posted on 19 November 2005 | 5 Comments

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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 Veirs, and Nudge.

Laura Veirs’ 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 essentially a singer-songwriter that has added a vast array of different instrumentation to back her acoustic guitar and vocals. Lyrically Veirs 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 techno 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 Veirs – Magnetized Year Of Meteors
MP3 | Isolee – My Hi-Matic Wearemonster

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Bloodletting or economies of scale

Posted on 18 November 2005 | 2 Comments

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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. Absolutely 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 originally 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

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Riot inside my battered skull

Posted on 15 November 2005 | 4 Comments

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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 cacophony 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. Definitely 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

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Who wants a free iPod?

Posted on 14 November 2005 | 7 Comments

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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

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Reflecting in the angles

Posted on 13 November 2005 | 7 Comments

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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

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What the family is listening to

Posted on 12 November 2005 | 1 Comment

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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 bed rest 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

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Kurtrteaux is an old man now

Posted on 11 November 2005 | 4 Comments

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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 solid 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 tangentially 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 certain 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

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Up all night long with the baby

Posted on 10 November 2005 | 4 Comments

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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 something 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 lifted 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

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Severe thunderstorm warning

Posted on 8 November 2005 | 3 Comments

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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 retain 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 definitely 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 | My Morning Jacket – Off The Record Z

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Sweetness and samurai mike

Posted on 7 November 2005 | 2 Comments

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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.

Because 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 Shufflin’ 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

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Ours! mine and his'n both!

Posted on 5 November 2005 | 5 Comments

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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 sentence, 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

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Descended like clean draws

Posted on 5 November 2005 | 2 Comments

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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 Cheyenne, 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

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Endless summer nights

Posted on 4 November 2005 | 2 Comments

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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 water skiing 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

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Happy birthday with candy corn

Posted on 31 October 2005 | 8 Comments

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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 February.

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

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All new music just this time

Posted on 30 October 2005 | 4 Comments

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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 precedes 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

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Short and sweet

Posted on 29 October 2005 | No Comments

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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 traditions 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

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Billy Reubens played third

Posted on 28 October 2005 | 2 Comments

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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

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A white sox winner

Posted on 27 October 2005 | 2 Comments

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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

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A heaping spoonful of emo (vol. 6)

Posted on 25 October 2005 | 7 Comments

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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 December 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 earlier EP’s and a b-sides album, they released The Guilt Show shortly before their break-up. Surprisingly, 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 album 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”

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Jeff Tweedy live at the Vic

Posted on 22 October 2005 | 12 Comments

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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

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Looking down and to the left

Posted on 22 October 2005 | 3 Comments

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Baby Update: Amy is being prescribed a healthy dose of bed rest, but has been taken off of the Terbutaline (SP?) so at least her heart palpitations 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 label mates 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 wholly 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 – Hybrid Moments Heaven & Hell EP

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Send me to mount melleray

Posted on 21 October 2005 | 1 Comment

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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 Lonely 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 Lonely People Of The World Unite
MP3 | Brendan Benson – You’re Quiet Metarie EP

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The beat must go on

Posted on 18 October 2005 | No Comments

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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 narcissistic, 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 previous 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

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Mustang Sally

Posted on 18 October 2005 | 7 Comments

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Things have (and will continue to be) a bit busy around here for the time being. My wife is at home on bed rest 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 surprise (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

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Friday film flashback one

Posted on 14 October 2005 | 4 Comments

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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

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Fine young cannibals

Posted on 14 October 2005 | 6 Comments

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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

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Ceteris paribus

Posted on 13 October 2005 | 5 Comments

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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

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Remember the mountain bed

Posted on 11 October 2005 | 4 Comments

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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.