Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Technical Difficulties!

Sorry guys - yet another computer of mine has crashed and it may be as long as two weeks until I am lucky enough to get a new one. This sucks becuase I miss posting. And because I may or may not have lost more music. Sad face... If I could post songs, here is the unbelieveably depressing mixtape (how I feel) that I would post.

R.E.M. - Losing My Religion

Radiohead - Talk Show Host

Sufjan Stevens - For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven

Arcade Fire - Cold Wind

Death Cab - What Sarah Said (Live at Bridge School Benefit)

AA Bondy - There's a Reason

Band of Horses - The Funeral

Band of Horses - The End's Not Near
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Mas Vampire Weekend: Shut it Haters


I don't care what the dissenters say, Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut is my numero uno album right now. I've already talked about their infectious East Coast musicality and slightly morally (or economically superior) lyricism, but now I am officially addicted.Twelve step program addicted. Why do you hurt so good V-Dub?

One More reason to love these guys: Live shows. I won't be able to make their LA performance in March, for which I was prepared to whore myself out for tickets, but here is a little mix of some recent shows.


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Yelle! It's Okkervil River and Through the Woods

I don't have too much literary prose for you today. My brain is running on pure caffeine and my usual repertoire has been effectively silenced by sleep deprivation. My bed has never looked so pretty. Since yesterday was an upset for me, and my musical expectations blown, today is only about great new things. New albums, songs, and artists I can't get enough of.

First off is Yelle. I don't know where her sugary electronica has been all my life, but I'm so glad its arrived. Although the Saint-Brieuc, Bretagne, (France) native has little to offer me in English, the fact that her singing career is yet another myspace success story (one I don't hate), AND her first single is a completely brutal attack on a member of the Parisian hip-hop group, TTC, I can't help but love her translinguistically. Any girl who is brave enough to write a song called "Short Dick Cuizi" (Cuizinier is the target) and finalize it in French to "Je Veux Te Voir" is worth listening to in my book. Her debut album, Pop-Up is unforgivingly fun, and should be out in the states sometime soon. Currently Yelle is opening for Mika on his European tour leg.


Please watch this amazing video


Also on my player today is Britt Daniel's oddly unnerving remix of Feist's "I Feel it All." Somehow Britt makes the upbeat song seem creepy and depressing which I love. Using the signature Spoon garage recording, SXSW-performing, slinky tambourine playing sound, Daniel has taken one of my favorite presents and rewrapped it for me in a morbid bow.


Other new tracks from new or upcoming albums I'm listening to:

The Whigs - I Got Ideas [mp3]
Mission Control, 2008

The Teenagers - Homecoming [mp3]
Reality Check, Jan 2008

Syd Matters - Cloudflakes [mp3]
Ghost Days, 2008

Adam Green - When a Pretty Face [mp3]
Sixes and Sevens, 2008

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazurus, Dig!! [mp3]
Single, 2008

Finally I just have to end with a plug for Okkervil River, the band that got me through the last twenty four hours of less than pleasant conditions. I love you boys. 2007 was your year, but I can't wait for a new album.

Okkervil River - Unless It's Kicks [mp3]

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Monday, February 18, 2008

It's a Bad Day for Disappointment...

.... But that's just what I am, music industry: Disappointed. Today I am mad at Pharrell Williams for being too good at producing other people's music and horrible at hitmaking for himself. The newest NERD track "Everyone Nose," off their upcoming album is less than stellar. Much less. I appreciate the instrumentation, including the unique use of percussion and horns, but that extra P-Dub magic is missing. Gone are the days of In Search of... with gems like "Brain" and "Rock Star." Now that was an amazing album. But give the track a listen for yourself. Who NOSE, I might be regretting my pessimism later.


I'm also mad at Louis XIV for making a sub-par album that has disappointed all the hype I've built for this band over... well, ever. The Best Little Secrets are Kept was spinning on my player and in my head for several months in 2005, and now Slick Dogs and Ponies (I don't even appreciate this title in some obscure, artschool way) has made me cry nostalgic tears when I hear "Finding Out True Love is Blind," "Paper Doll," and especially, "A Letter to Dominique." What am I, old? It should be a good five to ten years before I long for the glory days that Bruce Springsteen so eloquently croons about.

I refuse to post any of their new album, even for sampling. It's too devestating.


All this and I'm pulling an all nighter before my midterm tomorrow. It's a bad day for disappointment. Luckily there are some things that make me smile.

The Blakes - Two Times [mp3]

The fact that Lauryn Hill is coming out with a new album this year, entitled Ms. Hill

MGMT - Electric Feel [mp3]
(Please go out and buy Oracular Spectacular)

Lil' Wayne - Kush [mp3]

Lykke Li - I'm Good. I'm Gone [mp3]
Everything she touches turns to amazing

Reality is calling...
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

This Valentine's

In the interest of making a V-Day mixtape to really depress single people, I searched the word "love" in my music library and came up with 926 results. Just for fun I continued the experiment searching "heart" (153 results), "care" (97), "kiss" (35), "valentine" (4), "together" (58), "you, me" (488), "break, heart" (19), "marry" (7), and for pure enjoyment, "dumped" (1). My conclusion? People like to write a lot more about the shitty times. A tortured musician gets a lot more ladies than one singing about how much he loves his girlfriend. I was going to go against the grain of the traditionally sappy hallmark mix, but then I realized I'm not 40 and bitter... yet.


To every girl, who has ever been with me,
I got over you... eventually
What becomes of the brokenhearted?
They're drunk for a few weeks, then back where they started
So pass me the wine, a cigarette too
Give me about a week and a half to get through

Women want to know what men are thinking.
'What's going on in that little brain of his?'
I will tell you the truth of what men are really thinking...
Nothing.
We're not thinking anything. We're just walking around, looking around.
This is the only natural inclination of man.
We like women, we want women, but that's pretty much as far as we've thought.
That's why we're honking car horns, yelling from construction sites.
These are the best ideas we've had so far.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Radiohead's Rainydayz

So I said I was going to have new tour information today about Kanye, Of Montreal, etc. but I got way too excited over my new Radiohead remixes to think about anything else. DJ AmpLive previously had a cease and desist order from Radiohead to stop illegal distribution of his "Rainydayz" remixes of In Rainbows, but is now being allowed to offer the tracks for free download off his website. Here's his formal statement about the controversial 8-song EP:

"After a cease & desist put the breaks on Amplive's Radiohead In Rainbows remix project, the online music community reasonably wondered if the tracks would ever see the light of day. Well, here they are.
While the Oakland producer/DJ acknowledges that he probably should have contacted Radiohead (who were not involved in the project) to seek approval prior to making his interpretations publically available, an agreement has been reached between all involved parties and Amplive has been granted permission to release Rainydayz Remixes for free to the general public. Effective immediately, the eight-track record is available here. Rainydayz Remixes is composed exclusively of source material pulled from In Rainbows, re-envisioned by Amplive and complimented by vocal work from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Codany Holiday, and Del The Funky Homosapien."

My favorite track probably won't surprise you. I'm currently in love with the "Video Tapez" remix ft. Del the Funkee. He's by far my favorite independent MC involved with the project, although I am also impartial to the vocal stylings of J5's Chali2na.



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Something to Look Forward to...

Finally, some long overdue info about up and coming albums from our favorite artists. Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change.

Yesterday
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?

February 19
Mike Doughty - Golden Delicious
Bell XI - Flock
Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride


March 11
Van Morrison - Keep it Simple

March 18
DeVotchKa - A Mad and Faithful Telling
Yael Naim - ST

March 25
Counting Crows - Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings

April 1
The Black Keys - Attack & Release
R.E.M. - Accelerate (We'll see how I feel about this one)


April 8
Gnarles Barkley - The Odd Couple
The Breeders - Mountain Battles

April 15
The Kooks - Konk

April 22
Flight of the Conchords - ST
Billy Bragg - Mr. Love and Justice
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold


April 29
Jamie Lidell - Jim

UPDATE
May 18
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
"It's really weird. It's really, really good, I think, but it's totally a curve ball, and I think it's gonna be a really polarizing record. But I'm really excited about it. It's really got some teeth. The landscape of the thing is way, way more lunar than the urban meadow sort of thing that has been happening for the last couple of records. [It's also] louder and more dissonant and ... I think abrasive would be a good word to use. [We were influenced by] heavy, sludgy, slow metal [and] synth-punk band Braniac. "

Track List!
1. Bixby Canyon Bridge
2. I Will Possess Your Heart
3. No Sunlight
4. Cath
5. Talking Bird
6. You Can Do Better Than Me (But I Can't Do Better Than You)
7. Grapevine Fires
8. Your New Twin Size Bed
9. The Remainder
10. Pity and Fear
11. The Ice Is Getting Thinner

May 20
Coldplay - TBA
Scarlett Johansson - Anywhere I Lay My Head

June 10
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

August 5 (3 Days till Lydia is 21...)
Joseph Arthur - All You Need is Nothing

Other 2008 Anticipated Releases (That we care about)
Aimee Mann
Blur
The Cure
Damien Jurado, Dr. Dre
Franz Ferdinand, The Fugees
Gang of Four
Jenny Lewis
Mates of State, Metric, Muse
NERD, Nikka Costa
Oasis (Pick Your Price download), OK Go
Patrick Wolf, Postal Service
Rachel Yamagata, Raconteurs
Team Sleep, The Streets, The Vines
Weezer, Wolf Parade
Zach de la Rocha (of Rage)

Rage Against the Machine - Born of a Broken Man [mp3]
If you made a reunion show last year, I am insanely jealous of you
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Pretty People Can Sing #2

We all know and love her; the male population maybe more than the rest. She starred in the ever popular (and slightly overrated) Lost in Translation, the blockbuster The Prestige, a slew of Woody Allen films (3) including Match Point, and in my favorite performance to date, indie flick Ghost World.

The effortlessly beautiful Scarlett Johansson is not just an actress anymore world. The native New Yorker is now a full fledged recording artist, with a debut album entitled Anywhere I Lay My Head to be released May 20th of this year. The album, originally entitled Scarlett Sings Tim Waits, is produced by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio and hosts 10 Waits covers and 1 original track. The record will also feature appearances by the quirky Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Celebration.

Now before you go and diss SJ and/or blindly approve of anything she does, take a listen to this cover she did for the non-profit album Unexpected Dreams - Songs from the Stars, the effervescent "Summertime." (Fun Fact: Summertime beats out The Beatles "Yesterday" for the most covered song of all time with around 21,792 live performances and 15,313 recordings. Contrastingly, "Yesterday" has only been covered 2,500 times). I will admit SJ has a tough road ahead of her covering a legend like Tom Waits, but from her vocals on this track alone I'm willing to give the Eight Legged Freaks star a shot. After all, she is pretty.

Scarlett Johansson - Summertime [mp3]

Tomorrow: Upcoming CD releases to watch for and new tour information from Kanye, The Mars Volta, and Of Montreal
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Josh is Back

Deep breath... at least for the girls... Joshua Radin has landed again. This time he's back with a four song EP called Unclear Sky. I went on iTunes at midnight to buy it, but it wasn't available (Thanks Apple for putting up Simple Plan and not something good) So instead I hopped on this morning and bought it. Here's my initial reaction.

I want to love his new material as deeply as I coveted We Were Here and subsequent live session, but the immediacy of affection wasn't there for Unclear Sky. Granted its only a four song teaser, but I didn't feel the same initial fascination with this release. The first songs "Sky" (featuring indie princess Ingrid Michaelson) and "Lovely Tonight" are more upbeat than I remember his previous tracks. The relaxing atmosphere created by Radin's debut, his simplistic instrumentation and low-key harmonies, are what sparked my initial obsession. The change of pace isn't a bad thing though, even if just for variety's sake. Especially since the electric guitar played on "Lovely Tonight" is done by none other than Ryan Adams!

I am glad to report, however, that the more I listen to Unclear Sky, the more I appreciate it. Especially in terms of Radin's artistic growth. I love "The Fear You Won't Fall," mostly because I've been rocking the live version for months now. The amazing Priscilla Ahn (i.e. "Dream") is responsible for the female vocals. This track is the most similar to his earlier material and has been featured on shows like (the now stupid) Grey's Anatomy.

A mock-up of Josh and Priscilla

My favorite song, even in demo form (or quite possibly because it is bare bones demo form) is the final track, "You've Got Growin Up to Do." A little more folksy than I've heard him before, Radin's heartfelt lyrics and poignant vocals are the star here. Josh says on his MySpace that "this song is going to have a very special female vocal added to it for the record verson but it's a surprise. but i can tell you, i can't believe she said yes. it's been a dream to work with this woman." Who do we think? Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor, Cat Power maybe? Okay the last one was a little stretch. Or was it?

All in all, I'm thoroughly enjoying the teaser; anything from Josh is worth the price tag on reputation alone. It helped me a little to hear Josh promise that he's saving the best songs for his full-length release, out later this summer. I'm loving Unclear Sky more as the day wears on, but just knowing there's a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow puts a smile on my face. And makes me hungry for Lucky Charms.

Joshua Radin - Sky ft. Ingrid Michaelson [mp3]

Joshua Radin - You've Got Growin Up to Do (Demo) [mp3]

Joshua Radin - Everything Will Be Alright (Will's Lullaby) (Live) [mp3]
My favorite from We Were Here

PS. Josh is on The Hotel Cafe Tour right now with Ingrid, Sara Bareilles, Cary Brothers, Eric Hutchinson, meiko, Priscilla Ahn, and many many others. The tour does come to California but Josh doesn't play that night (they have a rotating artist schedule).

Priscilla Ahn - Dream [mp3]

Upcoming Tour Dates for Josh (None in CA = Frown)
Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Feb 13 2008 8:00P
last call with carson daly television
Feb 18 2008 7:00P
Reynolds Auditorium @ Duke University Durham, North Carolina
Feb 24 2008 7:00P
Studio 111 Flagstaff, Arizona
Feb 25 2008 7:00P
Launchpad Albuquerque, New Mexico
Feb 26 2008 8:00P
The Black Sheep Colorado Springs, Colorado
Feb 27 2008 8:00P
Belly Up Aspen, Colorado
Feb 28 2008 9:00P
Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 1 2008 7:30P
The Big Easy Boise, Idaho
Mar 2 2008 7:30P
The Big Easy Spokane, Washington
Mar 3 2008 7:00P
John Henry’s Eugene, Oregon
Mar 13 2008 7:00P
The Parish (SxSW) Austin, Texas
Mar 14 2008 8:00P
House of Blues- Dallas Dallas, Texas
Mar 15 2008 8:00P
Meridian Red Room Houston, Texas
Mar 17 2008 8:00P
Workplay Theatre Birmingham, Alabama
Mar 18 2008 8:00P
Exit/In Nashville, Tennessee
Mar 19 2008 7:00P
Center Stage Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 20 2008 7:30P
Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina
Mar 21 2008 8:00P
Rams Head On Stage Annapolis, Maryland
Mar 22 2008 6:00P
World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 24 2008 8:00P
The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza New York, New York
Mar 25 2008 7:00P
Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 26 2008 6:30P
State Theatre Ithaca, New York
Mar 27 2008 7:00P
Mr. Small’s Theatre Millvale, Pennsylvania
Mar 28 2008 5:30P
Park West Chicago, Illinois
Mar 29 2008 8:30P
High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin
Mar 31 2008 8:00P
Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I Can't Get No...You Know

Well it seems the WGA can stop singing the Rolling Stone anthem for disgruntled employees everywhere; They've finally got some satisfaction. Or money. And so do I, seeing as the Writer's Strike is coming to an end! Pretty soon as I hear it. That means I get new episodes of my favorite shows, and America sees an exponential decrease in potential suicides. If you think about it the WGA is full of humanitarians. Well, Mother Teresas who wanted more mula for their charity.


The timing of the shows will still be off, and seasons may be cut short. Execs over at LOST say even with the WGA back in action, the 22 episode season may be cut to 17. This is good news to me, cause it means they'll have less time to confuse me with more questions. New shows like Gossip Girl will run all 22 episodes through the summer (Shout out to Max if you ever read this), while others will end as scheduled, in May.

JJ Abrams - LOST Theme [mp3]
Driveshaft - You All Everybody [mp3]

The Trancenders (Creators of the Black Eyed Peas) - Gossip Girl Theme ft. Kristen Bell [mp3]


More importantly, Weeds will be back for a brand new 12-episode 4th Season sometime this summer. Word is the crew starts filming in April for a summer release! Seriously, for a show about marajuana, its like crack. I must have watched all three seasons in a single week. Don't judge me. PS. What do people think is in store for Agrestic?

Bonus: Weeds Music Mix (This show has such amazing taste, part of the reason I watch)

Malvina Reynolds - Little Boxes (Weeds Theme) [mp3]
Elvis Costello - Little Boxes [mp3]
Death Cab for Cutie - Little Boxes [mp3]
The Shins - Little Boxes [mp3]
The Decemberists - Little Boxes [mp3]
Ozomatli - Little Boxes [mp3]
Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice - Little Boxes [mp3]
Regina Spektor - Little Boxes [mp3]
Linkin Park - Little Boxes [mp3]
The Individuals - Little Boxes [mp3]

Ozomatli and Jenny Lewis remain my favorites

Micahel Franti - Ganja Babe [mp3]
In the running for favorite song on the show
Nellie McKay - David [mp3]
Nellie is amazing; the live version of this is even better
Marion Black - Who Knows [mp3]
One of those amazing oldies that makes you realize you might be missing more than you realize
NRBQ - Wacky Tobacky [mp3]
Soundtrack track
Snoop Dogg - Vato [mp3]
The MILF weed episode
Page France - Jesus
Second candidate for favorite song used on the show
State Radio -Keepsake [mp3]
Season 3 Finale song that makes you want to hug your family. Great Band.

Smoke, Out.
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Monday, February 11, 2008

Arctic Monkeys Fans Rejoice

The Arctic Monkey's lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter is going solo. Not permanently of course, but Alex Turner has announced his intention to do a solo album with friend Miles Kane (from The Rascals) and producer James Ford. How excited am I for this "sixties-y" release, which Turner says will have "... a lot of orchestration and stuff." Sounds vague but promising; seeing as the sixties did for music what the seventies did for feminism. There has been no other decade to equal it musically. At least not yet.

Although super shy, Alex has always struck me as an extremely down to earth individual. He obviously cares passionately about the music he's making (being only one year older than my 20-yr old self), and has so far avoided all the stereotypical behaviors/indulgences of the celebrity elite. The Arctic Monkeys support up and coming bands by attending local nightclubs and still attend football games in their hometown of Sheffield, England, where currently Alex lives with friend and fellow musician, Jon McClure, head of Reverend and the Makers.

There has also been some buzz about a possible Arctic Monkey's collaboration with Justin Timberlake. I'm not sure how I think their sounds will blend together yet, but both artists keep amazing me, and not just with their pretty faces.

Good Luck Alex, I can't wait to see the final product!
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A Monday Music Wrap-Up

Instead of the usual mixtape, I wanted to wrap up a little of my overflowing music plate. It's been a big month for music, movies, and the arts in general. Heres a few of the major happenings this week and the not so distant future.

The Hype Machine's list of popular mp3s is being dominated this week by the lovable, sweater-vest wearing Vampire Weekend. "I Stand Corrected," "A-Punk," and "M79" are currently their most popular tracks - that is to say the most commonly posted and/or talked about. This puts a smile on my face; for once a new band honors the hype. And they're coming to the El Rey in LA this March!


Del the Funkee Homosapian has a new track spinning called "Workin' It." His new album, Eleventh Hour drops March 11, and is already getting some much deserved promotion. Del has been producing hits since 1991, loved by fans and critics alike. His distinct vocals and imaginative lyrics made him a hip hop legend. Currently Del is more well-recognized as part of the alt hip-hop group, Gorillaz. Their smash 2005 album Demon Days was a huge success, and recently the group released D-Sides, a compilation of new, rare, and remixed tracks.


Heres a special treat: Live from the 50th Grammys, its Kanye West and Daft Punk's collaboration. The awards aired on CBS this past Sunday. If you haven't seen the list of winners, heres a quick breakdown. Amy Wineho = blah, blah, blah, too many awards. Kanye wins Best Rap Album (finally), Herbie Hancock pulls in Best Album of the Year, Foo Fighters take home Best Rock Album, White Stripes get Best Alt Album, Flight of the Conchords win Best Comedy Album (sweet!), and Mark Ronson gets Producer of the Year. PS. How fucking badass does Kanye look onstage? Its the stunner shades for sure. I think I found my next Halloween costume...
.


Other popular tracks include hits from Hot Chip, Radiohead, and Amy Winehouse (To borrow from Michael Bluth: her?) Okay so she swept a few Grammy's up, but jinkies, haven't we beat this coke horse into the ground yet?

The News

First off Tim Fite, rapper extraoridnare, is gearing up to release a new LP entitled Fair Ain't Fair. Last year I was amazed by Over the Counterculture, a release that Tim offered for free off his website. I even named "Camoflage" one of 2007's best songs here. The new LP will be released May 6; independently or under a label I do not know. But I'm psyched. Check out the track list here.


My exit wounds make record execs goons swoon
I've been shot so many times the bullets had to make room
Raised up out the dust like bloodlust phoenix
It seems the more bullets that I catch I gets the greenest...
If I hadn't been shot I would have never got paid,
Never got signed, never got laid
I would have never known how lonely it gets at the top,
Would never've been shit if I hadn't got shot...
22 caliber salary

A hilarious commentary on hip-hop culture today, including the glorification of gang violence.

Also, in a more locally significant announcement, Tegan and Sara are coming to the Glass House in Pomona! Tickets just went on sale Saturday, Feb 9 for $25. Part of the proceeds from tix sales will go to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, an amazing organization that "provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are facing illness, disability, or age-related problems." Check out their website. Buy tickets for the great music and to support the cause! Show starts at 7 pm.


The Media

NEW MOVIES! Sorry I got a little excited there. Check out some new trailers from films that I will have a front row seat for.

Smart People (Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church & Ellen Page!)


Son of Rambow (A bunch of English ppl you don't know)

There's also a teaser for Star Trek now up, but it's so short and too true to the JJ Abrams' give-absolutely-nothing-away trailer style (i.e. Cloverfield) that I thought it pretty useless. The movie stars Chris Pine (so pretty) as Kirk, Simon Pegg as Scotty (YES!), Zachary Quinto as Spock (Double YES! for the Heroes fans), Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson, and Eric Bana as Nero. I'll post a decent trailer as soon as I see one...

USS Enterprise Out.
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Friday, February 8, 2008

The Life Here

What did I tell you about these guys last year! Hilarious; and now, blowing up on the front page of youTube with this amazingly low-budget video. Bringing the High-Five back. Me likey.

Yea Big and Kid Static - The Life Here
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Friday, I'm in Shuffle

I haven't done this one in awhile. So heres a few songs of the old pod.

The Lightning Seeds - Change [mp3]
(Fun Fact: From the montage in Clueless, when Cher sets up her teachers)

A Tribe Called Quest - One Two Shit [mp3]

Rogue Wave - Debaser [mp3]
(Fun Fact: Pixies Cover)

The Strokes - Ask Me Anything [mp3]

Damien Jurado - What Were the Chances [mp3]
(Fun Fact: From one of my favorite OC episodes, when it didn't suck)

Xiu Xiu - FTW [mp3]

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The Ninties Are Alive

Well, only in memory. And through amazing covers like this one by the Kooks! Ace of Base was the pinnacle of my elementary school existence. "The Sign" was everywhere in those days, and you couldn't go a few minutes without a radio station blaring that wonderfully synthesized pop sound and 4-grade reading level lyrics into the airwaves.

The Kooks are famous in my book for their Radio One set alone. But this cover of AoB's "All That She Wants" takes the band to a whole new level of admiration, turning the one hit wonderish chorus of the original into a legimate indie rock song.


Both Salt n Pepa and Ace of Base covers in one week. What's next in this rainstorm of gifts? Is Vampire Weekend going to do a cover of "Rump Shaker"?

A girl can dream.
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Thursday, February 7, 2008

It's a Good Day for New Things

Everything old is new again. But new things are just new, and usually yummy. Heres some music I'm loving this week and why. Theres some selections from newly released albums, remixes, covers, and spanking new singles.

OMG new Gnarles Barkley is here. The CIA might shoot me in the face for posting this. As long as its a Jason Bourne type or even Clive Owen's character that dies in the first movie, I'm okay with it. PS: This song is SO good.


Matt Albert Costa is such a chill guy. The pro skateboarder-turned musician (after a horrific leg-shattering accident) has been making music on his 4-track recorder for a while, but really started turning heads in 2005 with Songs We Sing. Jack Johnson and the rest of the Brushfire recording co took an avid interest in the indie hitmaker, allowing Matt to open for Jack's 2005 summer tour, and re-releasing his previously independent album under their label. Now Matt is back with a new cd entitled Unfamiliar Faces, which I might love more than his last. But don't quote me on that one yet. The jury is still out...


Nada, Nada, Nada Surf is turning 17 this year - only one year shy of being able to smoke, porn, and vote it up! Unfortunately for as long as these guys have been around, they don't get nearly enough credit for their eclectic sound. Since their conception in '92, all focus has been on their hit single "Popular." An excellent ode to the angst of teenagerdom, but defintely not their best single. Their latest release, Lucky is more proof why NS has been able to maintain a cult-like fan base. Not many bands have emerged from the 90s alt rock phase successfully; finding a way to evolve past the post-grunge-i-live-in-my-parents-basement-but-still-rock-out era, and resurface better than ever.


I'm sure you all know I love Britney Spears - even crazy trains can make good dance records. This cover of "Toxic" puts me in an entirely different mood though. Yael Naim's vocals are near perfection for this seductive, sensual take on the smash pop hit. Move over Marvin Gaye, theres a new song to get it on to. Sidenote: F'in Apple has already made me hate her a little bit by putting her song "New Soul" all over the f'ing place. Gosh darn those iPod commercials!


Songs that make me a sell-out, but provide pure entertainment value that no one can dispute. In other words, I shamefully love these.


Tomorrow: New Kooks!
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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

I Just Blue Myself: An Arrested Movie?!!

Arrested Fans come together on this one: a movie is in the works! If I don't get to see Tobias, (that blowhard) on tv anymore, I still might be able to watch him and Gobias Industries on the silver screen!

Take a look at this post from the amazing blog, "The Playlist". I take NO credit for the following life-alterning, newsbreak story...

Steve Holt! 'Arrested Development' Movie Becoming A Reality?!?

Attention all never-nudes, banana stand employees, 'Poof!' magician subscribers and those who may or may not have committed light treason, the Bluth family might be returning for a big-screen version of the much-beloved and prematurely cancelled TV sitcom "Arrested Development."

Talk about a feature-film adaptation of the show have been going on since the last episode when in a meta, inside-joke moment, cousin Maeby sold the Bluthe family rights to Ron Howard - the real life producer of the show and uncredited narrator (and a pretty good one at that, above average of most shoddy narrators).

Leading the charge for the big-screen reunion was lead actor Jason Bateman (Michael Bluthe) who confirmed to E!Online today that talks are indeed moving forward. "I can confirm that a round of sniffing has started," Bateman said. "Any talk is targeting a poststrike situation, of course. I think, as always, that it's a question of whether the people with the money are willing to give our leader, [series creator] Mitch Hurwitz, what he deserves for his participation. And I can speak for the cast when I say our fingers are crossed."

Jeffrey Tambor who played the bumbling patriarch, George Bluth, also told XM Radio's the Ron and Fez Show that he had been approached by Ron Howard to see whether he was willing to do an "Arrested Development" film. "I think we have good news, I think we're going to make a movie," Tambor said. "There's a real push to get movie made."

Bateman recently stoked the 'Arrested' embers in December of last year telling MTV News that creator Mitchell Hurwitz, bored during the writer's strike was getting an itchy creative urge. “This writers strike, it’s a devil’s playground,” grinned Bateman. “The guy doesn’t have anything to do. [During the strike] you’re allowed to write things you’re not being paid to do. I’m trying to talk [Hurwitz] into writing the ‘Arrested Development’ movie. And he could be coming around.”

E! claims sources tell them that other cast members (who include among Michael Cera, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, and David Cross) have also been contacted about their interest in participating and that everyone seems to be excited and onboard.

Fingers crossed everyone. Now if you don't mind, we're going to do our version of the chicken dance in cautious celebration. Oh, C'mon! [cue "The Final Countdown"] Just remember: just because there's a writer's strike doesn't mean you can't write a script for the hell of it. AM I RITE!? AM I RITE!?

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Get it While It's Hot

What's on the menu today my peoples? Seattle's own, Throw Me the Statue. I am so excited for this band's debut CD, Moonbeams to be released on February 19th! If I was home in the Emerald city right now you best believe I would be going to their Bellingham release Party with No Fi Soul Rebellion on the 22nd. Western Washington University attendees of course, you're available; you lucky B-stock wearing bastards.

I'm telling y'all, buy your tickets and see this band at a small venue while you can. My astronomical predictions say that TMtS will be blowing up in the next few months, and then all us cheap bastards (I like my concerts 15 dollars and under thank you) might be screwed. On March 12 these guys will be making their SXSW debut in Austin, and then its back to Seattle for a few more shows. If Spring Break blesses me with perfect timing, I'll be catching one. Front row.

Throw Me the Statue - Lolita [mp3]

Throw Me the Statue - Conquering Kids [mp3]

If I can't convince you of their greatness, maybe these guys can:

"This standout track ("Lolita") has the straightahead bedroom vocals of Guided by Voices, the lilting pop instincts of fellow Seattleites the Long Winters, and chutes-and-ladders melodies recalling the Shins. All are in service of a breezy July-afternoon song full of ramshackle bells, electronic beats, and simple, chugging guitars.” - Pitchfork Media

"TMTS throws a perfect storm of clatter into his homey pop...The absolutely addictive "Lolita" hits like Bob Pollard's beloved Kinks asking us to, please, come dancing." - Stereogum

"This guy is from Seattle, and, good lord, he is good!" - USA TODAY Pop Candy

"Offering a breed of ludicrously melodic synth-driven pop." - The Guardian

"Moonbeams, the debut album from the group, is a collection of catchy, upbeat indie pop with enough experimental twists and turns to keep it interesting..” - NPR

"88%. A captivating set of songs that begs for repeated listens.” - Filter Magazine

"Throw Me the Statue’s live show is wildly energetic...an abandon grounded by serious musicianship." - The Stranger Weekly Blog

"Scott Reitherman's bedroom pop - catchy melodies, uke and synth, part Guided By Voices & part Magnetic Fields, - wields a wistfulness that's sometimes breathtaking." - Said The Gramophone

"Nods to everything from Of Montreal to the Beach Boys make his a tough sound to corral, and that’s the beauty of it." - Seattle Weekly

"One of the catchiest and most enjoyable indie records of the summer." - I Guess I'm Floating

Peace love and records
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Monday, February 4, 2008

Yes We Can

Whoever you vote for tomorrow, belief in change is a beautiful thing.
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Chris Martin Transcends Gravity

Brand new Coldplay has my iPod all smiles today! The new album is slated for release sometime in the first half of this year, and fans are buzzing on all seven continents. The only preview we have so far is a live rendition of a new song called "Gravity" - Chris Martin's vocals on this one are beautiful enough to move me to tears. I'm talking classic CP, Parachutes style. Not that I've been disappointed by any of their releases, but I have expressed a certain affinity for Coldplay's earlier work. If "Gravity" is any indication of whats to come, sign me up, and book me front row seats on their tour. April-June-July can't come soon enough...


Coldplay - Gravity (Live)
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Jump Under the Covers

OMG yes! Someone has finally been brave enough to cover Salt and Peppa's 1987 hit "Push it." I had only sampled The Rosebuds up until this point, dabbling in songs from Night of the Furies and Birds Make Good Neighbors, but now I can say I'm truly a fan. Whats not to love?

The Rosebuds - Push It (Salt-n-Peppa)


In addition to Hot Chips "Sexual Healing" (posted 2/2), other awesome covers this week include Franz Ferdinand's attempt at LCD's amazing hit "All My Friends," as well as gems from Xiu Xiu, My Morning Jacket, and Jesse Malin.

Franz Ferdinand - All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem)

Xiu Xiu - Under Pressure (Queen/David Bowie)

My Morning Jacket - Rocket Man (Elton John)

Jesse Malin - Questioningly (Ramones)

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (Once) - Into the Mystic (Van Morrison)


Eric Hutchinson (Loves him!) covers Whitney Housten


Eric does a Medley - A little Temptations, R Kels, and BEP
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