I'm (Still, Still) On a Boat

OMG. I have no words. Other than: What do you think the ratio of words to expletive beeps is? Poor Jorma...

(Put on Your) Summertime Clothes

Animal Collective was live on David Letterman last week. They killed it, as usual. I'm still holding out for them to do something with "Lion in a Coma" single-wise. It may not be as radio-ready as others, but it's bottom-line brilliant.

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes [mp3]

You Can Wear Your Furr

Portland favorite Blitzen Trapper stopped by Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions for a stunning live set and a chat with our favorite music critics/DJs, Jim and Greg.

If you aren't already subscribed to the Sound Opinions podcast, take advantage. Make something happen. The show is a perfect blend of relevant music news, album reviews, live sets, and general music commentary by two of the most opinionated and knowledgeable guys in the business.
Here's some links to stream some live Blitzen in iTunes. Visit Sound Opinions, and/or download last week's podcast for more content.

Blitzen Trapper - Furr [m3u]
Blitzen Trapper - Lady on the Water [m3u]
Blitzen Trapper - God & Suicide [mp3]

You can also peep them live on Conan here:

The Crowd was Getting Thinner, We Were Getting Closer

We @ GDM love on The Asteroids Galaxy Tour live. Can you see now why Apple and Amy Winehouse are both fans? Their upcoming album Fruit is definitely a fun one - though maybe not groundbreaking - to watch for. I liked Spin's description of their "weird intersection of Portishead, the Go! Team, and '60s Staxx soul... topped off by a voice you'll either love or loathe." I think you know where I stand. P.S. Props to them for transforming some of the most depressingly relatable lyrics into electro-soul-pop gold.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More (Thomas Gold Remix) [mp3]

View the entire nine song set HERE.

I'm Trying to Be As Smooth As I Can, But I Guess I Need Another Plan

With one of my favorite and most played albums of 2008 under his belt, Raphael Saadiq continues to charm me every chance he gets. His live show remains no exception. I mean, how much are you loving on those oldschool glasses, that suit, sycnchronized hand claps, and that gorgeous smile? Raphael's shows are no stranger to being "souled out."

Raphael Saadiq - 100 Yard Dash [mp3]

Wade In the Water

You should consider this my "How to Love Mavis Staples in Five Songs or Less" post. Don't worry, I'm not allowing Matthew McConaughey anywhere near this one.

1. Mavis Staples - Wade In the Water (Live) [mp3]

Though you couldn't tell from their lifestyle now, both my parents grew up in Church. For my dad this meant every Saturday night and Sunday morning in Catholic Mass. For my mother, it was weekly trips to her local Unitarian Church. It's not really a surprise to me that after years of forced services, catechism class, and nonsecular school, they ditched the big man in favor of atheism.

2. Mavis Staples - 99 1/2 [mp3]

This did mean gospel music was somewhat scarce in my childhood. The genre became a discovery for me in adolescence, and one band I immediately admired was The Staple Singers.

Formed in 1951 by patriarch Roebuck Staples (Pops Staples), and supported by daughters Cleotha and Mavis, as well as son Pervis, The Staple Singers recorded together for decades. Initially signed to Stax records, the quartet later moved on to lay tracks for Curtis Mayfield's label Curtom, as well as 20th Century Fox and MCA. Pops Staples passed in 1994, after sustaining head trauma in a household fall.

3. Mavis Staples - We Shall Not Be Moved (Live) [mp3]
4. Mavis Staples - Down in Mississippi [mp3]

Mavis Staples began recording solo around 1970. She was largely unappreciated as a vocalist however, until her last two releases, Have a Little Faith in 2004 and 2007's We'll Never Turn Back. The latter album, which is chalk full of gospel re-recordings and civil rights era anthems, ended the year on my favorites list. Imagine my joy when Mavis released a live album only months later. Hope at the Hideout perfectly showcases her vivacious spirit and heartwrenching vocals. Though she may never be compared to Aretha, Nina, Ella, or Patti, Mavis is a diva in her own right. It only takes one track for me, but here's to loving Mavis in five songs or less...

5. Mavis Staples - This Little Light (Live) [mp3]

I'm (Still) On a Boat

The video premiered as a Digital Short on Saturday's SNL. You know who else made an appearance? The always incredible TV on the Radio as the musical guest. Sound quality wasn't at it's best, but they always bring the energy in spades. Catch their performance of "Golden Age" below.

TV on the Radio - Golden Age [mp3]

Indie Rokkers

I am obsessed with Sundance's Live from Abbey Road. Exhibit A:

MGMT - Electric Feel (Live @ Abbey Road) [mf]

Exhibit B (The vocals on this one trip me out so much I love it):



MGMT - Time to Pretend (Live @ Abbey Road) [mf]
MGMT - Indie Rokkers [mf]


Maybe I'm just bias because of how much I'm MADLY in love with Andrew VanWyngarden (pictured above on left). He is absolutely the bees knees. Ben's not too shabby either! Seriously if you haven't had the opportunity to see either season, check out some vids at the official Sundance website here, or search YouTube for a particular band you love.

Put your circuits in the sea / This is what the world is for / Making Electricity /
LtK

Turn Smile Shift Repeat

Phantom Planet - Turn Smile Shift Repeat [ysi]

LCD Soundsystem - On Repeat [ysi]

So I guess I can't help help help myself. Things just seem to sound better in repeat. Like the fact that my favorite songs kick ass live, which you may notice is the second time in two days I've said so. On Live at KEXP Volume 4, which dropped in small record stores like Seattle's beloved Easy Street Records on Tuesday, Umbrella favorites like Pela, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Elbow, Fleet Foxes, The Hold Steady, Arthur & Yu, The National, and many more demonstrate just why the winning combination of live in-studios and non-profit organizations dominate. All proceeds from the sale of the CDs go straight to KEXP, which is why you won't find this gem on any online music service out there. Get your cute butts down to your local indie store and support the cause! Keeping in mind of course, that KEXP recordings are exclusive and always only available for a limited time. While you're at it, pick up a copy of of The Walkmen's new CD that I am about a month behind on plugging. You & Me completely took me by a storm of authentic engagment - a must have.

LIVE at KEXP Volume 4 Track List

01. Pela - Lost to the Lonesome
02. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk [ysi]
03. The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy
04. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Let Them Knock
05. The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No
06. The National - Start a War
07. Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
08. Angelique Kidjo - Salala
09. Yeasayer - 2080
10. !!! - Yadnus
11. Fleet Foxes - Oliver James [ysi]
12. Atmosphere - Guarantees
13. The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend (Pictured Below in KEXP Studio)
14. British Sea Power - Down on the Ground
15. Les Savy Fav - We'll Make a Lover Out of You
16. Arthur & Yu - Lion's Mouth
17. The Raveonettes - Aly, Walk With Me
18. Calexico - Cruel
19. Carter Tanton - Red Ballons

20. Rufus Wainwright - Going to a Town

Later Today: We pick apart the new 007 Quantum of Solace theme (Sidenote: How frickin' HOT does Daniel Craig look going rogue in all those previews?!) from Jack White and Alicia Keys that EVERYONE & their mom's divorced brother-in-law's dog-walker is talking about. Stay tuned!

I Think It's Better

... Live.

Jill Scott - I Think It's Better [ysi]

After listening to 2 live versions of Death Cab's "Grapevine Fires," keeping in mind that the religious experience of Bumbershoot 08 turned it into my new favorite DC track, I've decided that Ben and the boys only get more captivating raw. Its wrong just how melodic Benjie's voice really is, haunting really; sort of like he was anointed or something. If you were a fan of Narrow Stairs, I would suggest downloading the exclusive Live from the Palms EP off iTunes (those money-grubbing b-words i know...) I hate to think I'm putting one more buck in the Maloofs bajillion-dollar deep pockets but hey, I don't watch their trainwreck of a reality show, Living Lohan, so I guess it all evens out in the end. Call me when you set up TV cameras of Linds back in rehab. Sort of like Intervention, Celebrity style. That'll be on November during sweeps...

Death Cab for Cutie - Grapevine Fires (Live from Las Vegas) Link Updated 9/19/08

Death Cab for Cutie - Talking Bird / Grapevine Fires (Live in Eugene, OR) [ysi]

Peace, Love, and fireman who work in double shifts with prayers for rain on their lips,
LTK