Key to the Universe

Best of 2008; We're Really Doin It

2009-02-06T00:38:00.002-05:00

We haven’t been slow in getting out our best of 2008 lists; we’ve just waited for everyone else to give their best effort before we put forth the answer key. The format’s a little different this year. Each of us will offer only 3 albums (gold, silver, bronze) as our best albums of the year. We’ll then offer winners in other categories, created by us individually. Our 18-track 2008 mix tapes will follow. Sorry this is pretty bare bones with no pictures, links, etc. I just needed to get this up; will try and add frills later. Without further ado.

Gold – Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Haunting and beautiful, sparse yet full of sound, calming yet intense, Bon Iver put out the best album of the year. I think I already really liked this album before I even heard a song when I heard the back-story of Justin Vernon holing himself up in a cabin for the winter, hunting deer for food and recording this gorgeous album. Each song is well-crafted and they fit together perfectly. Every time I listen to this album I have a new favorite song. I predict this being my favorite album for a long time. Best listened to on vinyl while drinking a Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale.

Silver – Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Afro-pop, chamber-pop, ska, joy, energy, youthfulness, Cape Cod, all wrapped up for your listening pleasure. Prediction: their next album is going to be just as good. Best listened to on a road trip in the summertime in a Sienna mini-van.

Bronze – Sigur Ros – Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Prettiest album of the year; huge sounds. Can’t comment on the lyrics because Sigur Ros sings in their own language translated as “Hopelalndic.” Dead serious. Look it up. I find it awesome because lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's voice just becomes another instrument, meshing with the music as he sees fit. Also, buying this album increased my collection of Icelandic music by 100%. Best listened to on a long-run in northern Michigan.

Special Categories:

Best Track Names: The Walkmen – You & Me
If I ever make an album, this is what I would want to name my songs. I would have bought this album without hearing a song just based on the track listings. Also, two tracks have parentheses tracks, which I like (question for discussion: what is the best track ever with a parentheses in the title? Mine’s probably Rosalita (Come Out Tonight). Little D’s is probably Over My Head (Cable Car), by the Fray. He loves the Fray.)
The track names (and this is a great album as well):
1. Donde esta la Playa
2. Flamingos (For Colbert)
3. On the Water
4. In the New Year
5. Seven Years of Holidays (For Stretch)
6. Postcards from Tiny Islands
7. Red Moon
8. Canadian Girl
9. Four Provinces
10. Long Time Ahead of Us
11. The Blue Route
12. New Country
13. I Lost You
14. If Only It Were True

Album I Won’t Be Able to Hold Off Buying Much Longer: The Killers – Day & Age
Everyone’s ragging on the Killers these days, but hey, maybe they just wanted to make some anthemic synth-pop that sounds a lot like Belinda Carlise; and maybe I’m okay with that. I’ve only heard two songs off this cd, Human and Spaceman, and I friggin love them both. I’ve had the mouse over the “buy this album” button once or twice; it’ll happen one of these days.

Best Album to Put On When You Have a Lady Over For a Mexican-Themed Dinner: Calexico – Carried to Dust
I would characterize this album as latin mysterious twang. “Slowness” is a beautiful number accented with some slide-guitar. Start making your move here.

Best Newcomer: Basia Bulat – Oh My Darlin
My early pick for album of the year, but was beat out. Pretty melodies, an auto-harp, and a beautiful, unique voice. Her next album will make waves.

Best EP of the Year: Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons – Cabin Ghosts
Partly recorded live at what sounds like a coffee shop in his hometown, this EP is a folk-record with soul. Beautiful songs and the kid can sing. Can’t wait for the full-length.

Most Arrogant Album of the Year: The War On Drugs – Wagonwheel Blues

A three-minute instrumental track, a song clocking in at 9:57, and a song called Needle In Your Eye #16. Arrogance. I do really love this album though. Bought it on vinyl. Gets better with every listen.

18 Tracks ( played in this order)

1) In the New Year - The Walkmen - You & Me
*It’s gonna be a good year.

2) Arms Like Boulders - The War On Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues
*Highway 61 Revisited…revisited. (I’m sure someone has used that line before, but I’m claiming it as my own)

3) Mexico City -Jolie Holland - The Living and the Dead
*Jolie Holland adds the number of quality songs about Mexico.

4) Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur - Sigur Rós - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
*Happiest song of the year; but what would you expect from a band that sings in hopelandic.

5) Lights Out –Santogold –Santogold
*Sounds a bit like Cyndi Lauper…and by that I mean awesome.

6) Ready for the Floor - Hot Chip -Made In the Dark
*Automatic party.

7) In the Night - Basia Bulat -Oh, My Darling
*Best song of the year, hands down.

8) Half Asleep - School of Seven Bells -Alpinisms
*Postal Service beats, beautiful tune.

9) Play Your Part (Pt. 1) - Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
*Who knew you Lil’ Wayne and Sinead O’Connor went so well together.

10) Straight To Video- Chris Koza -The Dark Delirious Morning
*Minneapolis artist makes classic pop single.

11) That's Entrainment - Van Morrison -Keep It Simple
*It’s really hard for Van Morrison to produce a bad song.

12) On My Side - Cory Chisel -Cabin Ghosts
*Prettiest song of the year.

13) Skinny Love - Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
*This song cuts to the core.

14) Lost Coastlines -Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
*Classic Okkervil…complete with oh, oh, ohs…

15) Kids –MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
*Happiness.

16) St. Peter's Day Festival - Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
*This album was really close to being awesome. This song is.

17) A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
*My two year old cousin dances to this song. So do I.

18) Human -The Killers -Day & Age
*I kept trying to take this song off my list. Sorry.

News and Notes

2008-09-06T23:40:00.004-04:00

*While we're making grand, definitive statements, as we tend to do, I will say that the best single out right now is "Lost Coastlines," by Okkervil River. Give it a listen at their myspace.

*I don't know how into Ratatat everyone is, but I just got into them, and this song is one of the top 7 things that happened to me this summer. Turn up the volume.

*Last Christmas I got a record player for my parents and one for Maggie. I got one for my parents due to their ridiculous record collection that has gone unused since their old one broke some time in the 80s; it was pretty fantastic pulling out albums like "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," and "Exile on Main St." on vinyl. I got the one for Maggie so that we could build up our record collection from scratch (pun intended); it's really fun for a few reasons. First, records sound amazing. Second, the process of actually putting a record on is a joy. And third, building a record collection allows you to weed out all the tunes you don't really want in your library. With records, you can't exactly skip tracks, so the albums you buy have to stellar throughout. Therefore, your record collection becomes only your favorite albums...a true reflection of who you are, musically speaking. We currently own five albums, with plans to expand. Those five are:

1) Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cold Roses
2) Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
3) The National - Boxer
4) Feist - The Reminder
5) The Arcade Fire - Funeral

I plan on buying some more vinyl tomorrow...I'll keep you posted.

Greatest Album of 2008

2008-09-05T12:01:00.005-04:00

Yes, it's only September (and barely so). Yes, Ray LaMontagne still has yet to release his new album of songs about getting his feelings hurt. No matter; the greatest album of 2008 has already been released.

On March 17, 2008 Van the Man released his THIRTY THIRD studio album. And it is a masterpiece. It's a carefully crafted set of new originals that are both catchy and thoughtful. It's clear that Van was inspired to write, and the material is flawlessly executed. It's almost frightening when a guy who has:
1) the greatest voice of all time (distant second: Stevie Nix)
2) 40+ years of recording experience (1968's Astral Weeks is 40 this year)
decides that he has something fresh to say.

Stand out tracks are:

How Can A Poor Boy
School of Hard Knocks
That's Entrainment
Don't Go to Nightclubs Anymore
Lover Come Back
Keep It Simple
End of the Land
Song of Home
No Thing
Soul
Behind the Ritual

It's too bad for Jackie Greene (see: Giving Up The Ghost) that this album was released in 2008, because otherwise Mr. Greene might have had a good shot at greatest album, but it's really just not a fair fight when a juggernaut like Van puts his mind to it.

That's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment, that's entrainment....

Noun: entrainment (plural entrainments):

1. Any of several processes in which a solid or liquid is put into motion by a fluid.
2. The carrying away of droplets of liquid during violent boiling
3. The movement of sediment in a stream of water or in a glacier
4. The mixing of air currents
5. (biology) The alignment of an organism's circadian rhythm to that of an external rhythm in its environment

If you don't own this album you don't care about music or science.

- JtR

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

2008-08-14T12:00:00.005-04:00

This album is great. Do you need to hear anything more? I'm sure by now you've heard that MMJ is the new savior of contemporary rock, so I won't bore you with the details. Ok, at least not all of them.

To be honest, I still have not bought Z. I regret it still, but funds are tight and priorities have to made so I skipped over it in my MMJ collection and bought Evil Urges. However, after a brilliant spectacle like Evil Urges, I think I'll have to find the pennies in my couch to purchase Z.

Jim James' voice soars over each track in perfect harmony as the guitars float seamlessly through the songs, no matter how different they are. "I'm Amazed," the lead single and best track on the album, blends oddly with "Highly Suspicious," a growly, hard-banging song that diverges wildly from the usual "voice in a subway" sound of previous albums. Instead, it features James doing his best Prince impersonation.

The more traditional MMJ sounding "Sec Walkin'" is hauntingly beautiful and more of what you would expect from James. However, even this simple song leaves you wanting more in an early Wilco-like moment. The mellowed out "Smokin from Shootin" blends a nice Ryan Adams sound as James soulfully croons.

I put on Evil Urges to write this post and had almost finished when "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2" came on. It would have been a major oversight on my part if I hadn't included it here in some way. Easily a close second to "I'm Amazed," "Touch Me..." is a great track that gets you involved from start to finish. The Coldplay pop sound is there without the cheese and James speaks so honestly and emotionally that you just want him to let loose and scream by the end (which happens...sort of).

Evil Urges will definitely be in my crowded running for "Album of the Year" with its eclectic and progressive sound. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see them perform live someday because that is truly the test of a band's greatness. Until then, I'll rock out on my iPod and enjoy what I've got so far.

My Morning Jacket -
*I'm Amazed.mp3

*Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2.mp3

myspace link

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

2008-08-13T12:00:00.007-04:00

Jump on the bandwagon, people. If you haven't heard of Fleet Foxes yet, you still might be drinking Crystal Pepsi. This CSNY-cum-Appalachian sounding group is taking the indie world by storm.

I got hooked on their excellent Sun Giant EP a few months ago, playing their signature track "Mykonos" over and over again. However, I never saw coming such a rich and thorough album follow-up as their self-titled debut provides (only $7.99 on Amazon mp3!).

As excited as I was for their full release to come out. I was actually expecting them to fall on their face a bit. It would be easy for a band like their's to overdue their sound. Instead, the feelings are almost understated as the listener is invited to sing in his or her own head (or out loud...) as a sixth member of the band.

At one point, lead singer Robin Pecknold was quoted as saying he liked being in a band where everyone sings because it provided a family-like atmosphere where everyone participates. I wholeheartedly agree with that philosophy and I hope it serves them well in the coming years.

It's hard to pick out favorite songs from the album because each track has its own endearing quality and sound, but the opening two tracks "Sun It Rises" and "White Winter Hymnal" should give you a pretty good idea about what this band is all about...but also check out the appropriately named "Blue Ridge Mountains" and the My Morning Jacket-esque "Your Protector."

Fleet Foxes -
*Sun It Rises.mp3

*White Winter Hymnal.mp3

Josh Ritter - Live at Williamsburg Music Hall, NYC 4/28/08

2008-08-12T13:00:00.004-04:00

Before I even get into Josh Ritter's performance, I have to say that I'm in love with Williamsburg Music Hall. The Bowery Ballroom attracts most of the best acts, but they would be much better served to play WMH on any given night. An intimate, yet sizable venue, WMH provides exactly the type of experience you would want from Josh Ritter.

It had taken me until April to see Ritter in person when he played a riveting solo acoustic performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Hilary Hahn, a famous violinist. His absolutely stunning version of "Idaho" sold me for good on his work (check out "Girl in the War" from that night on his myspace page). Not that I needed any convincing - see here and scroll to the bottom.

At WMH, Ritter played a great set list with a full band that truly seemed to enjoy playing with him. Unfortunately, Jack the Rabbit met Ritter a few days prior and officially dubbed him as arrogant and aloof (sounds like the perfect JTR artist if you ask me...), but I respect JTR's assessment. However, it was hard to not be moved by Ritter's on-stage presence.

His night managed to capture most of my favorite songs while keeping everything fresh. He didn't just run through The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter absentmindedly as so many artists do nowadays. Instead, he played quite a bit from his entire catalog, including songs like "Come and Find Me" from the Golden Age of Radio and a slew of songs from The Animal Years, including a fantastic "Lillian, Egypt" to close out the show.

One thing I found interesting was Ritter's decision to swap his opening songs from their order on THCOJR. On the album, "To the Dogs..." leads into "Mind's Eye," while in concert, he flipped the two to open the show. Was this a post-release realization of Ritter's or was he just trying something new? Anyone who's ever made a mix knows that the order of songs means just as much as the songs played so it's interesting to see Ritter switch it up so soon after an album's release.

You should probably own The Animal Years and THCOJR at least by now so I won't get into how great his performance was on those songs (and it was amazing...), but I will suggest you go see him live at some point. It's rare to see an artist seemingly enjoy their work so much that they can't help but smile throughout their show. At one point, Ritter asked the crowd to turn around and sing an a capella version of "Empty Hearts" to the sound man on tour. It was fun and definitely a highlight of the night.

Check out the set list below, but I highly recommend buying a few of his albums to get into his body of work if you haven't yet.

Set List:

Mind's Eye
To the Dogs or Whoever
Wolves
Open Doors
Good Man
Come and Find Me
Snow Is Gone
Here at the Right Time
Wings
Rumors
Right Moves
Real Long Distance
Thin Blue Flame
California
Empty Hearts
Kathleen

***
Encore:

Temptation of Adam
Lilian, Egypt

*Side Note*
Check out Langhorne Slim. They opened and were so good I bought their self titled album on the spot. Cool sound, great stage presence, and a lot of fun.

Jack the Rabbit: This Bud's for You

2008-08-11T15:22:00.005-04:00

An email from JTR (italics added by me for emphasis):
"We like the new ray lamontage single that’s been leaked, right? Sounds like it’s harkening back to the heart of the matter.

Worst albums I’ve ever bought:

The Weepies – Say I am You

Martin Sexton – Seeds

The National – Boxer

Ray – TTSTB"

JTR, in response to the last two albums, I have asked Harland Williams to best express my feelings at exactly 0:59 from the clip below. That is all.

Raycharles

2008-08-05T11:24:00.003-04:00

You'll thank me later:

http://tracychapstick.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/373/

Also, if you haven't heard it yet, head over to Heather's blog to check out Ray's new single, "Let It Be Me," off his upcoming Gossip in the Grain. I'm more than excited. It sounds like it could have come off of Trouble (quiet, backing instrumentation and lots of Ray's vocals) and I've already listened to it 5 times at work today.

The Huckleberry Flynns

2008-07-23T09:50:00.004-04:00

As promised a million years ago, I've found my version of The Huckleberry Flynn's A Lost Duet. This is not the version off of their EP Live in Rathmines, but rather off of a live bootleg set from 2006.

It's raw, but you can sense the burgeoning talent. Latest I've heard, the group added a Bristol, CT guitarist. They are currently giging in central Connecticut under their latest reincarnation, "The Bob Dylan Motorcycle Incident" but have plans to begin a recording effort dubbed the Red River Sessions before the end of the summer.

I will keep you posted as best I can as events develop.

A Lost Duet

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

2008-07-22T01:42:00.000-04:00

I've got about six other posts that I'm three months late on, but I couldn't wait on this one. After anxiously awaiting The Hold Steady's new release, Stay Positive, for so long, I was finally able to buy it late last Tuesday night. Needless to say, I listened to it three times before lunch the next day.

The only thing that would do it justice is to say that it is good. Really freaking good. Like 'I want to dance around like I'm in convulsions because Craig Finn does it and I can hear it in his voice as he spills his tales of drunken debauchery and youthful mistakes in love and life' good.

"Sequestered in Memphis" is the lead single from this album, and while entertaining, it's not the standout track for me. "Lord, I'm Discouraged" brings me into a Cream-esque daze that I want to climb into and never come out. A soaring guitar solo that lasts a full minute and soulful lyrics combine to make this song a memorable one in my book.

"Both Crosses" is Craig Finn's closest attempt at making a Springsteen song. Dark and dreary, it delves into the emotions of Christ's crucifixion - not happy stuff. Then again, nothing on this album is overly joyful. While some of the songs sound decently upbeat, the album title serves more as a warning than anything.

If I were to pick one song, I'd say "Magazines" is the front runner for a back to basics Hold Steady track. Wry lyrics, piano, and hard guitar riffs cover all their usual bases on this uptempo tune that is sure to please.

Overall, I have to say I really like this album. I don't think it will have the same staying power as their previous releases, but I think it will give them greater exposure as a band. I needed a new Hold Steady fix and this fills the gap nicely for now. I don't know how many times I can listen to "Party Pit" but I was beginning to test the limits, so this comes at just the right time.

I think Finn is branching out just enough to keep things interesting. While not reinventing himself, he is working with different styles and I like that (check out the Frampton sounding guitar work on "Joke About Jamaica"). The Hold Steady know what their sound is and they know that it works. While they might never achieve Springsteen status - and I know the analogy is overused, though accurate - I don't think an artist like Springsteen could flourish in today's market. Cream would never score and Van Morrison could take his pipes and go home. However, I think in 20-30 years, we'll have an interesting discovery of great music that got lost in the mix and never was able to fully develop.

Here's to hoping The Hold Steady find their Miracle-Gro.

The Hold Steady -
*Lord, I'm Discouraged.mp3

*Both Crosses.mp3

*Magazines.mp3

Get On Board with Pela

2008-07-21T15:50:00.002-04:00

Pela is an American rock band from Brooklyn, NY that represents all that's good about music and America. Please spend some time on their myspace

(listen to "Lost to the Lonesome" first), and then read their bio. If you don't love them, that's your choice, but it's the wrong one.

Remember when Little D. used to post seven times a day...those were the days.

Required Listening

2008-07-21T13:51:00.002-04:00

Little Gun - Maybe in your letter to Ray, you really just wanted to ask him to be a bit more like Kreg Viesselman. - Jack the Rabbit

Well, Oh well, Jezebel
The friends that you made
They're headed for hell
Lazy old fools
The sheep and the mules,
For doing it just like you tell

The sailors come
Between the storms
And they use you like a tool
They make promises now
When they're hungry some how
Just to break them when they're full

Well, oh well, Jezebel
There's a bird in your hand
And there's two in the well
No one knows why
The sparrow won't fly
And nobody blames you he fell

He came to you like a newborn calf
And he left you like a bull
And you lost your hold
On your heartstrings, I'm told
Before you felt the pull

The Pull, The Pull
Out on the end
You'd think I'd have learned
But down I descend
The Pull, The Pull
Back on the mend
Breaking my spirit Again

Well, oh well, you ragged girl
I guess that you gave it a whirl
Squeezing so hard
On that broken old shard
It's like to turn into a pearl

Listen

"She was just like Jesse James"

2008-07-17T14:30:00.004-04:00

D., Little

G., Little

Hoping you guys can help me out. I'm looking to expand upon my iPod playlist which includes only songs that mention Jesse James.

So far I have:

Jesse James by Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band

Jesse James by The Pogues

Crazy Face by Van Morrison

Western Plain by Van Morrison

Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me by Warren Zevon

Thanks!

The Rabbit, Jack

KREG VIESSELMAN IS THE MAN

2008-07-15T15:43:00.001-04:00

You'll see.

A Letter to Ray LaMontagne

2008-06-24T23:10:00.003-04:00

Dear Ray,

First off, I consider myself not only your fan, but your friend.
We've met once. You remember. It was at the Austin City Limits Music
Festival. It was 100 degrees outside and you were dressed in a
flannel shirt and jeans. I walked up to you and asked if you were Ray
LaMontagne, and you said, "Yes. Yes I am." You were watching Tristan
Prettyman, your future flame, perform. I asked you when you were
going to perform. You had no idea. I think we really hit it off.
I'm sure you remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

Due to our friendship, I think I owe you my honesty. And frankly,
with honesty comes some tough talk. So here it comes. Your last
album, Till the Sun Turns Black, was not very good. I'm sorry if that was
harsh. Your first album, Trouble, was unreal. It immediately slid
you into my top ten artists of all time. I could listen to Trouble
forever and not get sick of it. The songs are simple, classic,
emotional, raw. It was a classic album. Till the Sun Turns Black was
the exact opposite. It was over-produced. Your powerful voice was
somehow smaller. The normally raucous, powerful "Three More Days,"
sounded like elevator music. You turned the heartbreaking, hushed
"Can I Stay," into something that should be on a Zales commercial.
You where flannel shirts in 100 degree heat. You're a man who buys
hard packs of cigarettes and swings 9 pound hammers. Your music
shouldn't sound like a Zales commercial. And I don't even know what
to say about "Barfly;" what was that?

However, I have a solution. I'm going to tell you how to make your
next album. You need to follow these instructions word for word. You
can thank me later.

First, you need to get away from any type of studio. I need you to go
and rent a cottage on Prince Edward Island. Preferably on the
seashore. If there's a lighthouse around, that's even better. In
fact, if there's a lighthouse, you should probably record there, the
same way that Jim James of My Morning Jacket used to record in a grain
silo. In fact, that's not a bad idea. If there's a grain silo, get
yourself into one of those. You should take your pick-up truck (I'm
sure you own one) and pack in it these things: one beat-up guitar, a
four-track recording device, once violin, one trumpet. Maybe a
ukulele. No, leave the ukulele, that would be ridiculous. I don't
care who plays trumpet or violin, but it should probably be someone
from Calexico. Actually, it should be definitely be someone from Calexico…those fuckers know what they're doing. Nowhere on this album should you
have "lush orchestration." Your last album was filled with "lush
orchestration." Your first track should feature no instrumentation,
just your pipes; maybe a little guitar. Take a page out of Josh Ritter's book and listen to the song "Idaho." I want the guitar barely audible. You should title
it "Spokane." Please title the album "Can I Stay?" and re-record the
song "Can I Stay." Make it hurt this time.

That's it. Don't forget about the silo.

Little Gun

Author's Note: Apparently Ray did not listen to all of the advice I gave him, but if you go to his website, it'll tell you a little bit about his new album Gossip In The Grain set to drop (as the kids say) on Sept. 9th. I'm a huge fan of this "railroad blues" talk.

Nada Surf - Live at Terminal 5, NYC 4/11/08

2008-04-27T19:54:00.006-04:00

Remember Nada Surf? A staple of my adolescence, their first single in the mid-90s was the teenage rock anthem "Popular" - a blend of witty spoken word and hard rock guitar riffs that exploded through my speakers for well over a year.

Well contrary to popular belief, Nada Surf never left. Much like Semisonic, they were a trio that was defined by one song in the 90s but actually held quite a substantial catalog of quality songs. Unlike Semisonic, Nada Surf has continued to put out new music, including their new album Lucky, which is currently in the running for my album of the year.

I was fortunate enough to catch Nada Surf here in NYC at a recent show that they co-headlined with good friends Superdrag. While Superdrag lived up to their live show reputation (and graciously played "Sucked Out"), Nada Surf blew the night open. They played everything I could have asked for except "Imaginary Friends." However, as a special treat, they played "Popular" which they do not play very often. Matthew Caws prefaced the song by explaining that "contrary to popular opinion, we don't hate playing this song." This was news to me and my friends since we had heard for years that they didn't play it live anymore because they were sick of it. Instead, they played an inspired performance much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.

After rolling through favorites such as "Happy Kid," "What Is Your Secret?", and "Killian's Red," Caws asked the audience to get into a Motown feel for "Inside of Love." After a quick demonstration, everyone in the crowd was stepping right and left with the beat while clapping over our heads. It was a beautiful moment and a highlight of the night.

One surprise on the night was the addition of Calexico member, Martin Wenk on keyboard, synthesizer, and horns. He was amazing and especially fantastic in the encore.

After playing most of their old favorites and almost everything off Lucky, the band finished off their first set with a great rendition of "See These Bones." As the band strode off the stage, I was already formulating my encore wish list. I knew they would play "Blizzard of '77" and "Blankest Year" but I still wanted to hear "Imaginary Friends." Caws and Co. came back on stage after a short break to explain that they wanted to play 4 songs in 15 minutes so they had to hurry.

Of course, they opened with "Blizzard" but then strategically moved into a well played "Blonde on Blonde." To follow, they played the fan favorite "Always Love" to a great response. And in a classy move, they squeezed in "Blankest Year," much to my own happiness. Wenk was absolutely awesome during this song and added a great horn to this already uptempo tune.

On the whole, the night was absolutely phenomenal. It has been so long since Nada Surf has held much mainstream relevance, but I could feel their resurgence with the 2,000+ fans who packed Terminal 5 to rock out with them.

It's nice to see them getting the recognition they have deserved all along and once again, getting back on top of the indie rock scene.

I've got two songs for you below, one old and one new, but make sure to check out the video captured by a fellow fan from the night. And of course, go buy Lucky. It's got the Lil' D stamp of approval.

Nada Surf -
*Popular.mp3

Nada Surf -
*See These Bones.mp3

"Popular" - Live at Terminal 5, 4/11/08

"Killian's Red" - Live at Terminal 5, 4/11/08

"Blankest Year" - Live at Terminal 5, 4/11/08

Austin TX Can Really Go To Your Head

2008-04-11T11:09:00.001-04:00

Chuckleberry superstition brought on by the dead / Got inside my constitution ate up all my head / Take me down to nowhere that's where I belong / Keep it going beautiful don't try and get me wrong / Sideshow snakebites got me in the mood / Switched over to decaf hate to be so rude / Operating allnight need some quick relief / Released in the ocean with your sharklike teeth

She'll use all the closet brass in her little pipe / Smoking in those wingtips kissing it goodnight / Damage done soliloquy highwater gash / Firehose nosewater need a little cash / Swimmin in her boxcar her scents in my beard / There's gonna be a fireworks display everyone is weird / Sperm kitchen headache everywhere I turn / Shallowwire snakeskin maybe I’ll never learn

She got the gun she got the gun again / Sippin on a pipe razor packed and smokin Indochina / She got the gun that refunked the fire / That refunked my redirectory

Jabberwocky pignut caramella White wall disaster ocean surf chumps

New Matt the Electrician Song

2008-04-02T12:35:00.002-04:00

This news makes my heart happy. Head on over to this blog to hear/download Matt the Electrician's new song "Got Your Back." It's exactly what you would expect from MtE - a simple acoustic arrangement complimented by his raspy but sincere voice. A little whistling and soft horns are thrown in for good measure.

MtE is another Austin staple and one that I would love to see more of out here in NYC. Apparently he'll be making a trip some time in late May. Last time he came out, he only did a 30 minute set at the Living Room. Luckily, the first time I saw him open at the Saxon Pub for Bob Schneider in Austin, he had a full set to impress me enough to buy three of his CDs. Hopefully the new one comes out soon.

I think he and Norah Jones should get together and start creating something. Their sounds would be perfect together!

Check it out his MySpace page for further proof. He's got a great playlist going on there.

The Bad Plus - Live at the Blue Note, NYC 3/20/08

2008-04-01T14:54:00.006-04:00

So if you haven't heard of The Bad Plus yet, you should really jump on the bandwagon. A contemporary jazz trio that really brings the house down, they guys are incredibly talented at each of their respective instruments.

(photo of the guys backstage before playing Late Night with Conan O'Brien)

Ethan Iverson, pianist, is the ultimate intellectual nerd. Funny and utterly amusing, Iverson tells elaborate stories that introduce and explain the following song - but always dressed in his usual suit and tie. One great story in particular was about a 1980 Olympic ski jumper who won the gold medal and then did a spontaneous dance in celebration on each of the next 365 days. The song was "1980 World Champion" off their newest album, Prog.

Reid Anderson, bassist, is an extremely talented musician, driving the songs forward and providing a unique texture to the band's sound.

The real gem of the band however, is drummer David King. King is originally from Minneapolis, so you know he's legit. When Brian McLeod left Mason Jennings' band to play for Atmosphere, King stepped in to record Boneclouds with Mason. King's abilities are only explained through first hand viewings, as his ridiculous control and energy seem to be from some superhuman entity, not a regular man from the Midwest. He can be playing incredibly fast but as quiet as you could imagine when, unexpectedly, he leaps from his chair to reach over and tickle the underside of his drums in one fluid and mind boggling motion. Without a doubt, I have no qualms about crowning him the best drummer in the world that I have ever seen or heard.

On the night I saw them, they were on fire from the first note. After playing two songs, including "Let Our Garden Grow," Iverson first addressed the crowd. Throughout the course of the night they played a slew of amazing tunes like "Cheney Pinata" and "Dirty Blond" ("in reference to the hair color" - Iverson).

And of course, they played one of their trademark rock covers. While some of their more famous ones are "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "We Are the Champions" and Aphex Twin's "Flim," we were lucky enough to catch Blondie's "Heart of Glass." An incredible arrangement, the guys took the song to a new level.

Unfortunately, about five drunk 20-somethings thought the Blue Note would be the perfect place to come after a pregaming session. Thanks for that.

However, the night was a great experience and I can't recommend a live show highly enough. The only way I can truly relay their performance is to leave you with a live clip of them playing Aphex Twin's "Flim." It's better quality sound and picture than the one I posted last time, so I hope you enjoy it. Make sure you check out King at around 1:44 and 3:00 - pure genius - and don't miss the drum tickle at 3:30.

Gnarls Barkley Is Back with a Vengeance

2008-03-29T14:17:00.003-04:00

I didn't buy Gnarls Barkley's new CD The Odd Couple right when it came out because I was skeptical that it would hold up to their surprisingly fantastic St. Elsewhere. Boy was I wrong. With their first single, "Run," Gnarls Barkley have proven their staying power.

If you've been hiding out in a spider hole in Iraq and don't know Gnarls Barkley, they could be described as a mix of Outkast and Black Moth Super Rainbow - a combination of innovative beats, instruments, and creativity.

From front to back, The Odd Couple scores big with a vast array of songs that won't get old anytime soon. Check out the seizure-inducing (but kickass) video for "Run."

You'll dance to it.

New Raconteurs

2008-03-28T15:08:00.002-04:00

Even though I just realized that Heather already posted this clip, I figured I'd do it anyway. This new Raconteurs song will make your nipples dance:

iTunes Sucks - Amazon.com Is the Balls

2008-03-26T10:36:00.006-04:00

I admit it. For years, I was an illegal music downloader. The RIAA would probably have had a good case against me if they caught me, but in my defense, I was a principled downloader. I railed against the selfish and conservative recording industry and their $18.99 Sam Goody CDs and their terrible digital stores that only provided a fraction of a fraction's worth of available music. I swore that if anyone ever came out with a comprehensive legal downloading site, I would renounce my ways and purchase music again.

Luckily, iTunes came along and satisfied my demands. After using iTunes exclusively for a few years I was able to buy most of the music I wanted at reasonable prices with little inconvenience. However, after a time I time I became annoyed: limited burnability of purchased music (only 7 burns in one playlist? wtf?), lower sound quality, and .m4p (.m4a if you're lucky) formatting of songs. iTunes had become ruler of the market and it seemed like no one was able to secure contracts like they had with so many different labels.

That's when I turned to Amazon. Amazon has an incredible used CD collection that you can buy at dirt cheap prices - I've bought amazing albums for as low as $1. I still like buying the physical CD since it allows me to rip the songs at a higher quality and also have a permanent backup in case something should ever happen my computer and 2 backup external hard drives. I'm a bit paranoid.

As if I didn't like Amazon enough, they go and roll out an iTunes-crushing mp3 store that rocks harder than Zach de la Rocha on fire (I don't know, I just picture him screaming "Bulls on Parade" louder if he's on fire). Slowly but surely Amazon is accumulating an incredible library of mp3's for purchase.

Instead of iTunes' $.99 songs, Amazon's are $.89. Instead of iTunes' average $9.99-10.99 ablums, Amazon's are $6.99-8.99. Instead of iTunes' 128kbps quality, .m4p format with DRM-protection that only plays on iPods, Amazon gives you 256kbps quality in user friendly .mp3 format that is DRM-free all the time and compatible with all players.

iTunes tried to do DRM-free music at higher quality, but they called it iTunes Plus and charged you like $1.19 a song. F*#@ that. Now with some stiff competition, iTunes is trying to do iTunes Plus for $.99 a song on some of their new music. Sorry iTunes, too little too late. I've taken my business elsewhere.

So buy your music at Amazon. And here's me getting off my soapbox.

My South-by-Southwest

2008-03-17T15:04:00.005-04:00

I went to SXSW in Austin, TX for the first time this year. Here’s what happened.

My buddy Will and I arrived late. There was supposed to be a dance celebrating spring break at the end of our school day on Friday, and I was going to take off early from school so we could get up to Austin in time to see Basia Bulat at 9 PM, followed by the famed Vampire Weekend at 11. However, at 1:30, the power went out in our school, the dance was canceled, and Mr. Little Gun was stuck in a non-air-conditioned room with 22 13 year olds who haven’t all gotten behind the idea of deodorant just yet.

After being released at 4, we made the best time we could, but didn’t get to Austin until 11. Apparently Vampire Weekend is a popular band, because when we got there, there wasn’t a seat to be had. So we focused our attention on the 12 o’clock shows. At 12 we checked out the White Rabbits. I found the White Rabbits to be very legit. First, they have 2 drummers with full kits on stage, which is usually a positive. They also feature a keyboard, another positive. The band sounds a bit like the Cold War Kids, only with vocals that don’t soar as high as Nathan Willet’s. You can check out their whole album at their website. If you don't have time to listen to the whole album, listen to "While We Go Dancing;" in my opinion it's far and away their best song. If you like the Cold War Kids or The Walkmen, I’m betting you’ll like these guys. (side-note: I always enjoy when random band members walk around stage during songs banging on random percussion instruments…this band does that. 2nd side note: I’m hoping that a lot of you have never heard of the White Rabbits of The Walkmen so that I can sound really edgy by comparing a band you’ve never heard of to another band you’ve never heard of.)

After the White Rabbits, we caught Blitzen Trapper, out of Portland, OR. They were good, but not awesome. Their music was kind of bluegrass/psychadelic/rock/jam-band-leaning-ish, if that makes sense. Requirement for being in the band was that you had to have an unkempt beard; unless you’re the lead singer. The next day we met the bassist downtown, and he was a really cool guy…he was a big fan of my hold steady t-shirt…apparently they’ve opened for them…propers. The title track of their album "Wild Mountain Nation," is ridiculously good.

Before I move on to day two, let me explain SXSW real quick. First of all, its absolutely nuts. Walking down sixth-street at night you’re not sure if there are a lot of people out having fun, or if the world is ending. You can’t walk without knocking into someone. People are banging drums and dancing in the street, and there is loud music emanating from every bar you pass. There were 1,700 (I think) bands in Austin this year, and there is live music in just about every bar in town. Most places will charge a cover, but the max cover is about $15 dollars, so conceivably you can pay $15 dollars to get into a bar at 7 and watch ridiculously good live music by some very legit bands until 2.

On Day 2, that didn’t exactly happen with me. We got up a little too late and missed Paste 4 to Watch artist Lightspeed Champion. However, we did make it to The Whigs show at 1:00 PM (no cover). The Whigs are a power-trio that pretty much play straight rock n’ roll in the same vein as the Replacements. They rocked pretty hard, and I thought they were good, but I don’t see myself buying their album. After The Whigs I took a long hiatus to drive my buddy to the airport, go for a run, take a dip in Barton Springs, and enjoy some Texas craft brews before the big event of the night: M. Ward, followed by Jim James of My Morning Jacket (side note: if you don't own MMJ's Acoustic Citsuoca you must...it's beautiful), playing at St. David’s Church. So excited was I for this show that I got to the church an hour beforehand, so I’d be sure to get in. As it turned out, others had a better idea than I did and I was about an hour too late. By the time I got there, they were only letting you stand in line if you had a wristband (which costs lots of money) or a badge (meaning you were “in the industry.” Apparently my KTTU press credentials didn’t cut it). As a pretty sweet consolation prize, I caught Okkervil River at Stubbs (awesome venue). After that I got turned away from the Dirty Dog (wrist bands and badges) who had the Tokyo Police Club on at 1am, and then Buffalo Billiards (same) who had Sea Wolf on at 1am. So then I caught up with some friends at Latitude, which featured exclusively acts from the United Kingdom. I caught a British band called Scouting For Girls, with hits like “James Bond,” which featured the chorus “I wish I was James Bond/JUST FOR A DAY!” Awesome. After that I wondered over to B.D. Riley’s where through the windows I caught part of the show by a promising sounding band from Chicago called Bound Stems. If you clicked on what I just had you click on, listen to "Excellent News Colonel." It sounds like a Bright Eyes track off of Noise Floor...so clearly JTR won't be clicking that link. Check out their website, and click on South to get more favorable reviews. Anyway, next time I’m in Chicago I’m definitely going to see if they’re playing; a lot of energy.

And that was my SXSW

Kiss Me I'm Irish

2008-03-14T12:45:00.002-04:00

Happy early St. Patty's Day! I was going to save this for Monday when it's official, but I figured I would post this now and give people some fodder for the festivities and debauchery that should be taking place tomorrow. I have a weird thing for Celtic music as it is, so I tried to limit my tastes to more mainstream tunes for your perusal.

Jack the Rabbit, I hope these are on the playlist for tomorrow. I know Afro Celt Sound System will be.

Enjoy these Irish artists as they provide some welcome energy to this holiday weekend.

**Disclaimer: I know the Braveheart song is Scottish, but the bagpipes are amazing and it gets me in the holiday mood regardless. Plus, we both hate the English. Also, Snow Patrol have been living in Scotland but they're originally from Northern Ireland. Suck it, Trebek.**

Bell X1 -
*Rocky Took a Lover.mp3

Damien Rice -
*Lonelily.mp3

The Ike Reilly Assassination -
*When Irish Eyes Are Burning.mp3

Snow Patrol -
*Shut Your Eyes.mp3

Bing Crosby -
*When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.mp3

Boondock Saints -
*Boondock Saints Theme.mp3

Braveheart -
*The Legend Spreads.mp3

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova -
*Into the Mystic.mp3

Dropkick Murphys -
*I'm Shipping Up to Boston.mp3

Van Morrison -
*Sweet Thing.mp3

The Pogues -
*London Girl.mp3

U2 -
*Sunday Bloody Sunday.mp3

Afro Celt Sound System -
*Whirl-Y Reel 2 (Folk Police Mix).mp3

Imagine How Popular Cat Stevens Would Be If He Was First Hitting The Scene Now

2008-03-13T09:57:00.003-04:00

These days, the bigger pansy you are, the bigger you're going to be in the indie music scene (see: Bright Eyes, The Format, The Weepies, any other band that Little Gun likes). Given this fact, imagine how successful Cat Stevens would be if he was putting out music for the first time today. The edge he would have on the field would be that he's not in the least bit angsty. So, no, Little Gun, angsty singing does not "happen to everyone." Just see Exhibit A.

Exhibit A:
Cat Stevens - On The Road To Find Out

(P.S. - I would have put Iron & Wine in the list of nancy music except that I think he's more like a Paul Simon on different drugs and with less compelling percussion. I'm actually waiting for him to start a religion. I may join.)

- jack rizzle.

I Can't Get This Song Out of My Head

2008-03-11T20:51:00.006-04:00

I really don't know much about Tift Merritt, but she was the first song on this past month's Paste magazine sampler and I can't stop listening to it. Her song "Broken" combines her sweet voice with some country-twanging guitar, violin, and a steady drum beat that drives this song into your head and won't get out. I have debated whether or not to buy this album solely on the strength of this song, but I'm hesitant to get into an alt-country album like this without at least a little knowledge of the artist first. If you buy Another Country, let me know how it is.

Tift Merrit -
*Broken.mp3

Mason Jennings signs on to Brushfire Records; new album due in May

2008-03-08T15:35:00.004-05:00

So I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago, but I'm just now getting around to putting it up. Mason Jennings, who up until recently held the title of the current greatest singer-songwriter of our generation (Josh Ritter has a slight edge at the moment), is moving up in the world. He has signed on to Jack Johnson's record label Brushfire Records in advance of releasing his much anticipated new album in May.

I'm so excited to hear the new stuff as a follow up to his fantastic 2006 release, Boneclouds. Mason has really begun to make a name for himself, getting featured twice on the amazing soundtrack for the Dylan biopic, I'm Not There. He will be playing at Bonnaroo this summer as well as embarking on a European tour with Jack Johnson and G. Love & Special Sauce.

Mason is known for his thoughtful lyrics (even I listen to his words) and his beautiful acoustic arrangements, combining to showcase a truly authentic Minnesotan persona. Jack Johnson has taken a personal liking to Mason's work, covering Mason's upcoming song "Buddha" at the tail end of his video for "Sleep Through the Static."

Enjoy some of Mason's work off Boneclouds at his Myspace page.

Special Guest Post - Wilco's Legendary Nights in Chicago

2008-03-06T15:04:00.006-05:00

Wilco recently put on a 5 night tour in Chicago where they played every song from their catalog. Our good friend Cherry Ghost was lucky enough to attend nights 2 and 3. Here's his review of those incredible shows.

***
In mid-February, Wilco played 5 shows in 6 nights in front of a hometown audience at Chicago's historic Riviera Theatre. Billed as the "Wilco Winter Residency 2008," five-night passes sold out in less than 2 minutes for what arguably could have been the biggest concert event to hit Chicago since The Smashing Pumpkins played their final show in December of 2000. Wilco promised to play every song from their six studio albums over five nights, as well as various B-sides and tracks off of the Mermaid Avenuecollaborations with Billy Bragg – and the band delivered in a big way.

After missing the first show that played most of Sky Blue SkyI was fortunate to attend the second and third shows of the series that played more than half of the band's catalog from their first two albums, A.M. and Being There. Night 2 opened with Jeff Tweedy quietly strumming "Someone Else's Song" from Being There(and singing an octave higher than the album version), while the full band joined after the first verse. The band smiled throughout the first song and received a loud and raucous welcome from the hometown crowd. Wilco switched gears to A Ghost is Born's "Handshake Drugs." While I never have been a big fan of the song, it sounds completely different live – and so much better. Glenn Kotche's drums and Nels Cline's ridiculous lead guitar licks drove the song into one of the night's surprise highlights. Cline brings an incredible amount of experience and a great deal of versatility to the live shows. He is, without a doubt, one of the premiere lead guitarists of the modern era. Bold statement, I know – but those who have seen him live would certainly agree. At times while he solos, Cline plays so hard that his right hand becomes blurry – something I wouldn't believe unless I saw it with my own eyes.

The first surprise came just a few songs into the set with "Via Chicago," a song many had predicted would be the closing song on the fifth and final night. After dusting off a solid version of "Hotel Arizona," which surprisingly sounded good live, Wilco fans were treated to an extremely rare occurrence – Tweedy grabbed the bass while fellow original member & bassist John Stirratt picked up an acoustic guitar and belted out "It's Just That Simple" from A.M.. It was just the fifth time Wilco has played the song since 1995. The crowd roared & thanked him with an electric ovation and, in what proved to be a beautiful moment in the night, Tweedy gave Stirratt time to receive the extended ovation, smiled, & said, "I think that's overdue, John."

After delving into Summerteeth with a lively version of "When You Wake Up Feeling Old," fans were treated to fellow Chicagoan violinist/whistler extraordinaire Andrew Bird joining the band for a fantastic rendition of "Jesus, Etc." The crowd's singing echoed nicely along with Bird's violin and Mikael Jorgensen's soulful keyboards. Bird stood in for roughly eight songs on Night II. Wilco dug deep into the archives and played phenomenal live versions of the country-based "Forget the Flowers," "Red Eyed & Blue," "I Got You," the rare Yankee Hotel Foxtrotouttake "Magazine Called Sunset," a loud electric sing-along"Casino Queen," and "Dreamer in My Dreams." Bird even appeared onstage for the dainty little A.M. ballad, "Dash 7," which just so happened to be the first ever live performance of the song. When the band walked off closing with "The Lonely 1," the house lights went up and the roadies started to pack up the equipment. "Peaches" by The Presidents of the United States of America played on the PA system, but the crowd did not leave! Instead, all 2,000+ people stayed standing, cheering wildly and clapping. After a few minutes, "Peaches" faded, the lights turned off, and the band came back & finished with "ELT" from Summerteeth and a high-energy version of "Hoodoo Voodoo" from Mermaid Avenue. It was an emotionally charged moment for all, and the band was clearly touched by their loyal fans graciousness.

The first half of Night 3's set showed why they are one of today's most talented and versatile bands by shifting from the the folk ballad "Remember the Mountain Bed" to the alt-country, twangy "Hesitating Beauty," "That's Not the Issue" led by Cline's country licks, "You Are My Face," and an electric version of YHF's "Kamera." One of my personal highlights was "Remember the Mountain Bed" from Mermaid Avenue, Volume 2 with Andrew Bird. Mountain Bed has been a staple at Tweedy's solo shows, but it is rarely played with the full band. Cline & Bird helped carry the song by trading licks on slide guitar and violin, as an inspired Tweedy sang most of the Woody Guthrie lyrics with his eyes closed. Also, I was pleasantly surprised as to how good the songs from Sky Blue Sky sounded – almost as if they were meant to be played live (Hate it Here, Side with the Seeds, and Walken – in particular). I was mostly looking forward to hearing the old Wilco classics from the early days, but I was really impressed by the SBStracks, and especially blown away by Cline-Tweedy-Pat Sansone trading guitar licks during "Impossible Germany." Night 3's finish was similar to Night 2 – the band walked off, the lights came on, "Peaches" played, the crowd went nuts, and the band returned minutes later and rocked out to a horns-driven "Can't Stand It" and "Nothingsevergonnastandinmyway(again)."

By my count, of the 160 songs Wilco played during the 5 night Winter Residency series, 96 different songs were played (some were repeated). This is more than just an impressive statistic. It's a testament to Wilco's versatility and ability to diversify their catalog. While only 2 members of the original band remain, their current lineup is by far the strongest – both in the recording studio and live. It's rare to see a band these days play six consecutive songs from six different albums – each one sounding different, but just right. In the end, the Winter Residency series showed that even thirteen years after the release of A.M., Wilco is as strong and dedicated as they have ever been. Hopefully, Tweedy holds true to his promise that they'll "do this again next year."

- Cherry Ghost

rbally Making a Comeback?

2008-03-03T17:21:00.003-05:00

From time to time, I still click on over to rbally's site to see if he happened to make a triumphant return. Well today I was in luck. It sounds like the site is making a comeback in the form of a new owner in mid-March. However, Jennings will no longer be posting which is disappointing.

The reason I have an affinity for rbally is because it was the first music blog I stumbled across about three years ago, finally spawning this blog. Hopefully it comes back with a vengeance.

I Could Teach You, But I'd Have to Charge

2008-03-03T10:10:00.001-05:00

This Is An Album

2008-03-02T00:06:00.006-05:00

A little while back, our friend Cherry Ghost sent us a track by Bon Iver (actual name Justin Vernon) called “Skinny Love.” The track was fantastic, and upon its release, I bought Bon Iver’s album. I haven’t stopped listening to it since.

It’s literally been two weeks. Vampire Weekend has gotten a few rotations, but that’s pretty much it. I have been listening to Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, for two weeks straight, and I don’t see myself stopping soon.

This album is “singer-songwriter,” but like you’ve never heard a singer-songwriter before. The songs are wandering, exploring, unpredictable, full of crescendos and decrescendos (yes, decrescendos), hard to peg into a particular genre. Which is probably why his myspace describes the music as neo-soul.

This album is personal. It was written while Vernon was holed up in his father’s hunting cabin in the middle of a Wisconsin winter, alone, following the break-up of his band, and, I’m guessing, a break-up with a girl named Emma.

This album is sparse. The majority of it is just Vernon’s falsetto and his acoustic guitar. But the voice is rich and the guitar is beautiful. Horns are added brilliantly on the title track.

This album is echoes. Voices echoing for the first 40 seconds of “Creature Fear.” A single guitar echo throughout the gorgeous closing track “Wisconsin.” Echoes that call to mind a cabin in the woods.

This album is an album in the truest sense of the world. All the songs are unique, but they’re all strung together, bound together; there is a mood that is maintained throughout the album. This album is an album in the sense that Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks is an album, or Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run is an album; it’s a complete piece that should be listened to from start to finish.

Here’s a video “Skinny Love.”

Pick up the album. It’s gotta have the early lead for album of the year in my book. Although…

Some Thoughts From Your Favorite Oryctolagus Cuniculus

2008-02-22T10:15:00.003-05:00

First of all, what's the deal with Bright Eyes? Does anyone really like this music, or is everyone just too afraid to step up and say that he sucks because he's not pop? I mean, what do people like about his songs? Thoughtful lyrics? I think he truly does put a lot of thought into them, but that's completely countered by the fact that he's a total pansy. I mean, he has a song which starts out by mentioning that he cries when a certain male friend of his sings. Come on.

This is actually a bit more informed than is customary for the Rabbit, but I spent the morning listening to the 23 Bright Eyes tracks that I have unfortunately acquired ('Cassadega' and 'I'm Wide Awake...") . There are a few songs that are actually not bad. These are 'Classic Cars,' 'If The Brakeman Turns My Way,' and maybe 'First Day Of My Life.' But basically, I don't get it. The dude sounds like a sobbing nancy at an open mic night. He should add some cool members to his band. Like a horn player. And a lead guitarist. And maybe he should get someone else to sing his songs. And write them.

Anyway, someone please try to explain this to me. Maybe the Cherry Ghost can hit me with some knowledge.

Secondly, I guess The Format broke up? I'm sort of indifferent to this. I liked The Format in a maybe-you've-never-heard-of-Queen kind of way. I thought 'Dog Problems' was pretty great. I had a really great time at one of their shows. But I guess at the end of the day I would have been embarrassed to have had to go out and buy their newest album on pre-release, so I'm thankful they saved me the embarrassment. Maybe it turns out I never really believed in them, despite the 'Caravan' cover.

Finally, if someone told me that 'Evil Empire' was the greatest album of all time, I would probably not argue. You can't argue with Rage Against the Machine fans anyway, but choosing that as the g.o.a.t. is a respectable choice. I mean, if I could kick it in a Havana speak-easy with Che Guevera, smoking a cigar and drinking rum, I'd probably want 'Year of tha Boomerang' rocking over the Bose sound system.

Bonus - I dare you to tell me that Conor Oberst is not singing lead in this song by Wild Sweet Orange called 'House of Regret.' Enjoy.

Vampire Weekend: Believe the Hype

2008-02-20T00:50:00.009-05:00

This NYC-based Afro-reggae-punk-rock band is absolutely worthy of all the praise you have heard. One of the most blogged about bands of the past few months, I already felt like I knew Vampire Weekend before their self-titled album was even released. However, I was not fully convinced until I heard the entire thing through as a whole.

Consider me converted.

These guys have a unique sound that instantaneously gets you moving. Their music is more varied than you would initially think, but it is gripping in its raw sincerity and emotion. I dare you to listen to this and not feel something deep down inside your gut. Forget my beloved Bedouin Soundclash. Forget Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Forget Sublime. Forget Orchestra Baobab. These guys are the real deal.

Enjoy.

Vampire Weekend -
A-Punk.mp3

Aberfeldy Makes Catchy Music

2008-02-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

So I'm out in L.A. finishing up our film - hence the lack of posts - and the Lighting Supervisor starts telling me about this band called Aberfeldy. Besides enjoying their name, I am really digging their sound. They've been around for a few years and I've only listened to their 2004 debut album Young Forever, but they really have found a niche with their catchy pop sound.

A Scottish band led by two brothers, Aberfeldy does not give the impression of a unique sound. Yet, as you listen to them, you can't help but get into their music. Much like Jack Johnson, even though the tunes are not groundbreaking or experimental, they are easy to listen to and enjoyable. Check out their myspace page here for a taste of what they have to offer.

And I'm pretty sure I've heard "Summer's Gone" in a commercial somewhere...

P.S. I'm convinced L.A. only plays the Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. In the past week, I started a tally and I'm up to 10 RHCP songs and 5 Pearl Jam songs played at any given time (and most likely right after the other). Also, 311 has made three appearances with "Love Song" and "Amber." I didn't know they were still played on the radio (not that they don't deserve to be...).

Aster - Some Things Seldom Heard Of

2008-01-30T16:51:00.000-05:00

So Austin, TX is legit. Apparently I like anyone who is from there, records there, or has visited there. This obviously includes the amazing new band Aster and their debut album Some Things Seldom Heard Of. A feast of instrumentation and rolling vocals, this CD is so pleasing to listen to that Van Gogh would've thought twice about messing with his left ear if he had heard this first. I first heard of these guys through our friend C, and I couldn't stop listening to the album that they are still streaming online for free.

With an abundance of piano and solid drums, "Stop the Parade" sounds like a rolling sea of tunes that make you run down a beach at dusk as the tide rolls in on your bare feet.

"We Won't Remember" is probably the premiere track on the album. With a Strokes-esque "12:51" impression, it really is a wonder that this is just a two-man band.

The singular, staccato piano keys of the title track definitely lend themselves to comparisons with The Postal Service. For further definitive evidence, check out "Attempting to Multiply." In short, these guys are good, their album is solid, and you need to buy it. Check out the album for free now, and then make the right decision and go pick this up. You won't be disappointed.

James Moore Will Serenade You with Mandolin

2008-01-23T13:18:00.000-05:00

I've discussed many times how much I love the mandolin in any song, but James Moore takes it to a new level. His song "Barely in Love" is an emotional treat that will draw you to this reserved and up and coming artist. His album Past Miles is chock full of gems that are perfect for chilling out and enjoying some sweet tunes with a beer in hand.

Speaking of beer in hand, Moore is playing the 169 Bar this Friday night here in NYC. He'll just be doing a 30 minute set at 7:30, so come check him out. I know I'll definitely be there.

Sample a few of his songs including his newest, "Crows," at his MySpace page.

James Moore MySpace

Joe Pug - Dylanesque

2008-01-18T00:07:00.000-05:00

Good singer-songwriters, I find, are often described as "Dylanesque." In most cases, however, I don't think it's because they sound like Bob Dylan, but instead, they are just good singer-songwriters...just like Bob Dylan. For example, I saw a reviewer refer to Brett Dennen's album as "Dylanesque." However, while a great singer-songwriter, Brett Dennen's music, in my opinion, does not sound like Bob Dylan's.

That being said, Joe Pug is a singer-songwriter who fits the description of "Dylanesque." My buddy Alan introduced me to his tunes using just that phrase to describe his music, and it is spot on. Joe Pug is "Dylanesque." I'm not saying that this guy is the next Bob Dylan, but in terms of his lyrics, song-structure, and his screaming harmonica, his tunes sound right off of "The Freewheelin." And the guy sure can write some lyrics. His 7 song CD "Nation of Heat," opens with this bit of poetry:

"Well I've come to know the wish-list of my father/I've come to know the shipwrecks where he wished/I've come to wish aloud/among the over-dressed crowd/come to witness now the sinking of the ship/throwing pennies from the sea-top next to it."

It's like, if he claimed that Bob Dylan was not one of his influences, I'd call him a liar to his face. Anyway, he's got some great tunes. Give him a listen.

p.s. Little Dynamite is kicking some ass on this blog. Little D, apparently Vincent Moon has a film starring The National...but it's been "Coming Soon" since the summer...so we'll see.

Bell X1 on Conan; new CD Feb. 19th

2008-01-17T11:47:00.001-05:00

Bell X1 were on Conan the other night playing their 'new' single "Rocky Took a Lover." I use the word 'new' loosely since they released their album Flock in their native Ireland back in 2005. Finally, they're releasing it in the good ol' U.S. of A. on February 19th. Of course, I've already got it marked on my Google calendar so the countdown begins.

With their previous two albums, Neither Am I (2000 - Ireland) and Music in Mouth (2003 - Ireland), Bell X1 solidified themselves as a truly innovative group. I was turned on to them by Little Gun after he spent 6 months in Ireland drinking beer. They have only released those albums in Ireland and the UK, waiting until now to jump into the U.S. music scene. You can check some of their work out at their MySpace page, including "Rocky Took a Lover," but I highly recommend trying to find a CD online and buy it since they are not on iTunes yet.

You may recognize one song, "Eve," from The O.C. episode where Mischa Barton and the infinitely hotter Olivia Wilde make out. Yes, it is sad I know that.

Anyways, check them out because they are amazing. Formerly called Juniper, with fellow Irishman Damien Rice, these guys have sprung out on their own and created a fantastic sound for themselves.

Look out for Flock on February 19th and enjoy what you are about to get into.

18 Tracks (Best of 2007)

2008-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

In an homage to Bruce, we have decided to post our favorite 18 tracks of 2007 for you to check out. We came up with 18 since that's what will typically fit on a standard CD. We're doing this individually so you can hear more songs and, ultimately, to see that I clearly have the best taste in music on this blog (here's a guarantee: at least 4 Josh Ritter songs will show up on JtR's post).

Enjoy the best of 2007 below for a limited time (if you want to find the CD, and you should, click the link on the artist's name):

***I did not include the I'm Not There Soundtrack for consideration because they are not original songs. However, that entire album is awesome.***

1) Bright Eyes -
Four Winds.mp3

This was a fight to the finish, but Conor Oberst's standout song could not be beaten. Cassadaga barely missed my list at #11, but it was a difficult decision as well. The rich, full sounds of the orchestral ensemble alongside Oberst's unique voice make "Four Winds" the song of the year.

2) The Shins -
Australia.mp3

A close 2nd, "Australia" encompasses everything I like about music. An uptempo track incorporating great harmonizing vocals and a combination of instruments that come together perfectly, this song is one that will get stuck in your head if you're not careful...I think I played it on repeat around 6 or 7 times in a row at one point.

3) Kings of Leon -
Fans.mp3

Another album that just missed my top 10, Kings of Leon's best track comes through in "Fans" with its opening chord that lingers through the oncoming acoustic and vocal onslaught of the brothers Followill before returning to take over this fantastic song. Definitely the hit of the summer.

4) Modest Mouse -
Dashboard.mp3

MM was once a group that I was hot and cold on. Their albums were like a roller coaster of "awesome" to "terrible" songs that ping-ponged all over the place. Now, they have gotten to the point of producing albums with songs that go from "really good" to "Dashboard-tastic." Enjoy.

5) Arcade Fire -
Keep the Car Running.mp3

I wish I could have voted on a top 15 albums list, because it would not have been so difficult to leave off these albums from the recognition they deserve. A beauty of a song, this one blends about 8 instruments together behind Win Butler's dynamic voice. Emotion at its finest right here.

6) Feist -
Past in Present.mp3

While the entire album is great, this is the one song that always catches my ear. It's hard not to feel like you need to dance around by the time the first note hits your ears.

7) The National -
Fake Empire.mp3

Just beautiful. Matt Beringer's deep, clear voice sings sweetly over a piano and bass beat that is haunting. All is right with the world once the trumpets blast in at the end.

8) Bruce Springsteen -
Gypsy Biker.mp3

The lone harmonica that opens this track chills you to your soul. However, it doesn't take long for Bruce's voice to warm you right back up. A passionate story of yet another fallen soldier coming home, Bruce's opening line speaks right to the politicians who are behind this tragic war:

"The speculators made their money on the blood you shed." If that doesn't get your blood boiling, nothing will.

9) Josh Ritter -
To the Dogs or Whoever.mp3

Today's greatest songwriter (I'm so sorry Mason...), Ritter has an uncanny ability to paint grandiose pictures of Americana lore while spitting out lyrics in rapid fire. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that his musical talents are phenomenal.

10) Iron & Wine -
The Devil Never Sleeps.mp3

The shortest song on this list, coming in at just over two minutes, this track packs a punch, evoking a Ray Charles meets the Rolling Stones style that is infectious.

11) The Alternate Routes -
Aftermath.mp3

Tim Warren's vocals are a perfect complement to the sweet guitar sounds that drive this song. A song that will absolutely get stuck in your head, it's actually one time that you will not mind it.

12) Kanye West -
Stronger.mp3

Kanye's strong release on 9/11 produced a plethora of memorable tracks, but it's "Stronger" that takes the cake. Sampling Daft Punk's awesome "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger," Kanye turns it and makes it his own with his wit and his Midas-touch producing skills.

13) Aesop Rock -
None Shall Pass.mp3

One of my surprise picks, this song opens without warning and doesn't let up until it finishes or you say "uncle." Aesop Rock has been producing high quality rhymes for years, but this is by far his defining work. This is hip-hop at it's finest.

14) Peter Bjorn & John -
Young Folks.mp3

The catchiest and most sung song of year for me, I couldn't get enough of this after I first heard it. To be honest, I neglected most of the album due to repeating this song so many times (which is the exact opposite of what normally happens), but I don't regret it for a minute.

15) Jay-Z -
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)....mp3

American Gangster is in itself a masterpiece, but "Roc Boys" is where the CD reaches its boiling point. Self proclaimed "black superhero music," the song evokes a funky 70's feeling that keeps your body moving long after the song finishes.

16) Black Moth Super Rainbow -
Sun Lips.mp3

A mellow, synthesized trip, "Sun Lips" is surprisingly complex, bringing together a wide range of instruments that make one of the year's most innovative songs. This is not a one-hit wonder for these guys, by the way.

17) Dropkick Murphys -
The State of Massachusetts.mp3

Boston! Beer! Murphys! Yeah! You can't help but pound a Guinness while jumping up and down to this rocking track. Classic Murphys.

18) Radiohead -
Reckoner.mp3

In Rainbows was one of the year's best, but Reckoner is the one that stays with you after you've moved on from it. Thom Yorke's beautiful vocals resonate over a subdued and soothing instrumentation, eliciting the feeling of an abandoned row boat on the ocean at dusk as the credits to a movie roll by -- or at least that's what I feel.

*Bonus tracks*

19) Wilco -
Side with the Seeds.mp3

The Volkswagen commercials were all over the place, but this was my favorite off Wilco's even, but overall standard album. The guitar solos at the end are what really do it for me.

20) Andrew Bird -
Plasticities.mp3

Bird's incredible whistling skills are only bested by his violin proficiency. This fluttery but well crafted song gives the impression of Bird's finely tuned style with a catchy hook.

La Blogotheque: Very Legit

2008-01-15T10:14:00.001-05:00

So I've been talking about this website for almost a year now, but I'm finally getting this out there for everyone to enjoy. There's a website where the beer flows like wine and the women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano...I'm talking about a little place called La Blogotheque (two Dumb and Dumber references in two days? I think I need to see that again...).

Housing a vast collection of videos directed by Vincent Moon, La Blogotheque's "Takeaway Shows" are stunning. The first time I heard of the site was due to an incredible performance by Arcade Fire in which the entire band crams into a service elevator to play "Neon Bible" as it travels through some building. Sandwiched between each other, they create their music by ripping pages out of a magazine, tapping the elevator walls, and playing their instruments ever so quietly. When the elevator opens, they step out into a throng of fans to play "Wake Up" inside a sea of people.

#41 - Arcade Fire - Neon Bible & Wake Up
Uploaded by lablogotheque

The Shins also have a phenomenal show on the streets of Paris. Basically, the band plays while walking down the sidewalk, stops in front of a cafe to play for the outdoor seating, finds an upper apartment courtyard for a quieter tune, and then rocks out in an apartment to my favorite song "Australia."

As amazing as these videos look, it's the sound that really makes me appreciate the quality of these videos. Watch the Shins' "Australia" and tell me where the mic is. No one is radio-ed up and the camera moves seamlessly throughout the apartment, even looking outside, while the audio is never interrupted. These guys are good.

I highly recommend The National's performance, as well as Andrew Bird's. There are so many videos, I haven't seen nearly enough, but explore and find some new music while you're at it.

Takeaway Shows

An Ode to Norah Jones

2008-01-14T17:28:00.000-05:00

With the sultriest voice in the biz, Norah Jones is my favorite musician to listen to if I can't sleep. For years, I've fallen under her spell and now it looks like I might have a real shot with her (and by real I mean none). Because now my chances are one-in-a-million as opposed to absolutely nothing.

Now I hate to bring light to a breakup, but in this case, I'm hoping I bump into her in some quiet bar in the Lower East Side. I'll probably buy her a beer and she'll sing an acoustic version of "Sunrise" to me. That's probably pretty likely right?

Two Can Play at That Game

2008-01-12T15:28:00.000-05:00

Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais

2008-01-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

On sait que le francais est une tellement jolie langue. Le chanson de Serge Gainsbourg "Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais" est un exemple des paroles qui sont à la fois tristes et délicats, et bien sûr très belles, qui soivent possible seulement en francais (ou en italien). This is due in part to the advantage of every syllable in the language ending in an -eh sound.

Mais, remarquez que the version translated and performed by Will Sheff of Okkervil River on their Golden Opportunities Mixtape (available free at their website - and highly recommended as long as you delete the song "Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear") is so fraught with emotion that I think it trumps any french version of the song I can find on youtube.com. The french may be more beautiful as a lyrical poem, but Sheff really nails it with his delivery, as well as a really commendable translation which displays a bit of artistic license even before he shifts gears into "96 Tears."

A moment on the translation: Will did a couple of pretty cool things. One, he wasn't overly literal in the translations, which allow his english lines to sound natural and emotional. He pretty much got the gist of a phrase and translated not just the subject, verb and predicate, but also the feeling involved. Notably, in the french Serge writes "oui je t'aimais, oui, mais", which Will translates as "you ask me 'did I love you?', well I loved you, ok?" Nicely done. Same idea. Different words. Equally poetic and angsty. Also - my favorite move - Sheff used the same rhyming syllable. Note that French "en vais" rhymes with "away." Nice idea to take that and run with it.

Écoutez le chanson attaché ci-dessous. Et allez chercher les autres chansons de cette "mixtape". April Anne est un chanson aussi magnifique.

I Came Here To Say I'm Going Away

The Greatest Cover of All Time

2008-01-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

There was once a really weird dude named Warren Zevon (rest in peace). He created great music.

There's also a very sensible, earthy, overly-self conscious (of late) musician named Bruce Springsteen. Bruce is a big fan of Warren's music, and I believe they were friends.

That's the background.

Listen, to be the greatest cover of all time you need a few things:

1) A great original song (not necessary to be by a prolific or consistently great musician)
2) A great and prolific musician covering it
3) It should be live, because that means at the time it blew a lot of surprised listeners' minds
4) Something to add some weight to it, like being friends with the original composer, and him having recently died.

Runners up for this title are:
1) Warren Haynes peforming 'Glory Road,' live at Bonnaroo 2006
2) Jeff Tweety performing 'I Shall Be Released,' live at Vic Theatre, Chicago, March 5, 2005
3) The Counting Crows doing Van Morrison's 'Caravan' live
4) The soon-to-be-released you tube video version of 'Me And Mr. Jones' performed by Little Dynamite

Here's the greatest one ever: 'My Ride's Here,' original by Zevon, covered by the Boss. This blog has gotten too into itself with posting thoughts and opinions, and we need to get back to sharing more music.

My Ride's Here

Bulat in '08

2008-01-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

I'm starting the campaign right now for Basia Bulat. Her album, "Oh My Darling" is not yet available stateside (how underground is that), but when it does drop (as the kids are saying these days) on February 5th, I highly recommend you get your hands on it. I already have my hands on it (not important how) and it is fantastic. Bulat's voice is amazing, and on "Darling" it's complemented by beautiful instrumentation from guitar, to ukulele, to piano, to orchestral strings. The songs are gorgeous, ranging from waltzes to lullabies to up-tempo numbers with bongos and hand-clapping (always a plus). I got my hands on the album about a month ago and it's been my go to ever since. Check out her website, check out her myspace (Her myspace tracks are great, but they are not even my favorites on the album. I just checked her page and there is a new track called "In The Night," which I didn't even know about, but is awesome. There is also a nice little demo of her covering the Stroke's "Someday," a song that I love. Bulat's version is definitely rough and just thrown together, but there are beautiful bits in it that make you wish she would develop the cover and throw it on a record). Anyway, get on board for Bulat in '08.

I'm Having Rabbit for Dinner Tonight

2008-01-04T11:47:00.000-05:00

I stand by my quote completely. Amy Winehouse will never again make an album as good as her not-top-10-worthy debut.

And I can't believe you brought Bruce into this equation. How dare you? You have soiled the name of the Great One and for that, you face automatic expulsion -- it's in the bylaws that you obviously haven't read:

"Thou shalt not take Bruce's name in vain or horrible analogies that cause you to discredit yourself or other members of said blog."

This immediately overrules your defenseless vote.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
-John 8:32

Little Dynamite: Arrogant Liar, Fascist Thief, Friend

2008-01-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

Little Dynamite - this is for you! (it's a chaise-lounge!)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I first mentioned that Amy Winehouse was the second best album of 2007, you said:

"she'll never make an album that good again..."

What the hell does that have to do with how good her 2007 release is? Did the fact that Springsteen put out 'Born To Run' in 1975 have anything to do with your ranking of 'Magic' in 2007?

I vote to expel Little Dynamite from the blog unless he posts a .wav file of him performing the Winehouse song 'Love Is A Losing Game.' Little Gun, if you concur then it will be official by 66.67% majority.

"So it is written; so it shall be done."
-- King Solomon

Top 10 Albums of 2007

2007-12-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is...the obligatory Top 10 post from yet another music blog. Sure you've seen a few of these before, but what you haven't seen is the definitive Top 10.

Look no further.

After choosing our individual Top 10 lists, we scored the compilation the only way we know how: college football rankings style. In the end, we were happy with our results, which we humbly present to you now, starting with number(s) 10.

10. (tie) Mark Knopfler - Kill to Get Crimson

Bob Schneider and Ryan Adams should take note of Mark Knopfler’s career. You don’t have to get bored of your stuff and start doing crazy shit. Just enjoy playing music, invite new artists to collaborate with you from time to time (please note celtic vibe at play here, with accordions and fiddles joining the fun), and keep creating excellent music.

That’s what Van Morrison did. And it’s what Mark Knopfler does. He’s the consummate veteran of the music industry, and this is a polished, impressive album that he’s released in 2007. I’ve been a Knopfler fan since I was a Dire Straits fan, which was for a long as I can remember. The guy doesn’t miss.

Here we have a collection of tight stories benefiting from the impeccable performance Knopfler’s vocals and guitar give to every song they touch. I think this guy is a real genius in our midst that maybe we won’t fully recognize until he’s gone. By the way, Little Dynamite and Little Gun missed the ball on this one big time. But then again, they’ve never respected the history of Rock ‘n Roll.

P.S. The Eagles album is garbage.

-JtR

10. (tie) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Earlier this year, when I first posted about this album, I think I said something along the lines of “I don’t want to listen to any more music, because nothing will be as good as the Arcade Fire.” I’ve since backed off that statement (I was probably drinking), which is not to say that this album isn't still fantastic. What I love most about Arcade Fire is the care that they seem to put into each song. Each note, each lyric seems to have been painstakingly poured over until it is just right. They show us that their music is important, their message is important; even if that message is often that the world is about to end.

In Neon Bible, Win Butler and gang fire away at the war-torn world that surrounds them. They do this through lyrics about the working-class man, the disillusioned man, and the soldier both here and abroad. Their songs on this album are mostly Springsteen-esque four-chord rock songs, delivered with Springsteen-esque passion. For me, the song of the album is “Ocean of Noise,” a beautiful tune in which Butler describes an “ocean of violence” that lies between so many of us. However, the listener is left with hope at the end, as trumpets and strings come to the forefront as Butler desperately sings “It’s time to work it out.” And hopefully, Butler finds that we can, and maybe their next effort won’t involve the word ending.

-Little G.

p.s. Here’s your stocking stuffer. I recently bought my mom an album by Joe Henry called Civilians. If I had listened to it before making this list, it would definitely be in my top ten. As my mom said “Some of the artists you listen to should take some lessons from Joe Henry.”

10. (tie) The Shins - Wincing the Night Away

Right from the get-go, this album reminds me why I love music so much. The first song, "Sleeping Lessons," takes you from a dreamlike state to a dancing and joyous rocktastic climax that makes you want more. And then they follow up with "Australia." Arguably the best song of 2007, this beautiful pop song solidifies this album as one of the year's best.

The Shins used to be that cool underground band you could throw out there to impress other indie-rock fans, but that all went away with the Garden State phenomenon. I was worried about how that would affect them going into this release, but I found it hasn't hurt them at all (except possibly in the critics' minds, who I think are a little pissed that people other than them now know who the hell the Shins are...see album reviews for WtNA for further evidence).

From every "la la la" to every guitar chord, this album is as synced up as James Mercer imagined when he wrote the entire CD. Tight pop music at its best, WtNA is exactly what I could have hoped for out of the Shins. Don't let Zach Braff down. They can still change your life.

-Little D

7. (tie) Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

I heard “The Underdog” on WFUV and knew right from that instant that I had to burn this album from one of my friends that actually paid the money to buy it. I knew (and still know) nothing about this group of Texan’s backcatalogue, but I may be heading out and actually spending my hard earned green on some of their earlier work. This album transformed me from a “burn the CD” to a “buy the CD” fan.

What I like about Spoon on this album is that they’re rock and roll, and poppy, and still maintain an indie rock edge. They’re the ideal band to represent me when I try to explain the type of music I’m into to a mainstream / soft rock / pop fan. Usually the conversation goes like this:
Other: “So, what kind of music are you in to?”
Me: “Oh, I like a lot of different stuff.”
Other: “Oh.”

Now, it can go a little more like this:
Other: “So, what kind of music are you in to?”
Me: “Oh, I like a lot of different stuff. Here, listen to ‘Don’t You Evah’ on my iPod.”
Other: “You’re pretty cool.”

Thanks Spoon.

-JtR

7. (tie) Romantica - America

This album was a surprise hit for me. I listened to it one time through, thought it was fine, but thought that was about it. But then I listened to it more, and kept listening to it, until I realized that I really, really like this album. Coming to us from Belfast via Minneapolis, Romantica has commonly been compared to Mr. Adams and Wilco, and while this is true at times, these comparisons do not encapsulate their sound. “Ixcatan,” a somber, heart-breaking ballad about a murder in Mexico, sounds straight off a Mark Knopfler album. Lyrics like “Oh it’s gonna be cool, all the boys from school/And the girls from down the way” or “Between my daughter and my wife is where you’ll find me,” are positively Boss-like, a slice of Americana; even if lead man Ben Kyle is sometimes talking about Ireland.

The album has a few up-beat pop tunes to start the album, and while they’re very good, they’re quickly forgotten. Romantica’s strength is in the ballads that make up the bulk of the album, complete with lush strings, beautiful pedal steel, finger-picking, piano, and the aforementioned Americana lyrics. Romantica made the most beautiful album of the year and I think you should check it out.

-Little G

7. (tie) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Ryan Adams gets his heartbroken a lot it seems. And if this is the case, I’m not happy about it, but damn does it make for some good music. Throughout his career, girls have been breaking his heart, stealing his records, and the English girls, in particular have just been so mean. He’s been waiting for them to come home, he’s been begging them not to let him go, and wondering why they always leave.

On Easy Tiger, none of this changes. In this tight, focused effort from Adams, failed relationships and loneliness are still the main themes. And he relays this heartache through beautiful lyrics and even more beautiful music. The top track on the album is “I Taught Myself How to Grow Old.” It’s one of Adams’ prettiest, saddest, and best written songs. A pedal-steel guitar weaves in and out as Adams sings “I taught myself how to grow/without any love…”, his lines punctuated by a lonely harmonica. I heard an interview by Ben Harper in which he said something along the lines of “You could go to therapy for 20 years, or you could just listen to this song every day.” Surrounding this gorgeous number are classic Adams pop/folk/alt/country tunes, along with some straight twangy tunes in “Pearls on a String” and “Tears of Gold.” A fantastic listen from front to back.

-Little G

6. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

In case you haven’t heard, they tried to make her go to rehab. She said “No.” Again and again, she said “No.” Yet, alas, in the end, she went to rehab. Does that make her a liar? Yes. Does it make her album any less impressive? Only marginally.

Look, this a sexy, old-school album that I ranked #2 on my list of best albums of 2007, and was relegated down to #6 because of the cowardly, front-running choices of Little Dynamite and Little Gun adding up in our scoring system. When I listen to this album I picture an anorexic-thin Winehouse, dripping wet (potentially just out a bubble bath…with scented candles…), wearing nothing but a burgundy hand towel, running her fingernails down a chalkboard – except that the noise created is a jazzy, sultry crooning with retro-instrumentation. Get in.

To sing its praises, this album is cohesive but varied. Amy invented the word “fuckery” (as far as I know, maybe it’s a common term in the UK). It has fantastic melodies, gripping themes, and did I mention she has a sexy voice? And did I just hear Jadakiss? Yes, yes, I did. This is the 1920s on 21st century designer drugs and fruit-flavored booze, with style, some dignity, a little less class and plenty of pizazz. Smooth, you ask? Smooth as a vodka tonic for lunch.

-JtR

5. Bruce Springsteen - Magic

I hesitated to review this album since I already gave it a write up when it came out, but if there's one thing that I don't mind doing, it would be singing Bruce's praises. I was so anxious for this album to come out that I played Born to Run on repeat for about a week prior to its release date.

Even though Bruce lends us our blog's title, we are not completely biased towards his works (at least not like Rolling Stone is to Bob Dylan...I swear, Dylan could put out a 45 minute disc of himself snoring and Rolling Stone would give it five stars and proclaim all other music inferior -- in the same issue that they put Zac Efron on the cover...and he has been on the cover this year, fyi...). However, we do enjoy Bruce's efforts for a reason. It's not everyday that an artist can inspire multiple generations of men and women to fall in love with music again and again.

The king of American music, Bruce's latest release elicits scenes of late nights on the open highways out west, political corruption and turmoil, war veterans, and good old fashioned Americana fun with "Girls in Their Summer Clothes." I'm not sure if you can find a more rewarding storyteller in today's industry, although Bruce himself has acknowledged a few different proteges (hello...hello again). This apple pie wrapped in an American flag album provides die hard Springsteen fans with enough juice to satiate their appetites, but it also gives new listeners a chance to find out what they've been missing.

-Little D

4. Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

I can't say enough about this album. I think I used up all my adjectives in the past three months since this album came out trying to describe it to people. Solidified by incredible studio work from a full band, Sam Beam once again comes through with a magnificent work of art. His voice is so soothing and soft that I've often wondered if I would be able to hear him in a normal conversation.

After becoming enthralled/slightly obsessed with their previous album, Our Endless Numbered Days, I was just a little excited to buy The Shepherd's Dog. Needless to say, I was blown away by the full, rich sound that greeted me. Acoustic guitars, subdued and varied percussion, singing slide guitar, violin, and organ music all came together at once to lift me up on a wave of bliss-filled happiness. If you can honestly listen to "Lovesong of the Buzzard" and not want to hug the nearest person by the end of it, I would submit that you have no soul.

If it weren't for the #2 album on this list, The Shepherd's Dog would have been my first choice for album of the year, hands down. Nothing else has come close to the beauty and emotion that this CD has accomplished. Hats off to Beam for his fantastic creation and I will be looking forward to whatever comes next for Iron & Wine.

-Little D

3. Feist - The Reminder

Leslie Feist, how I love you. Let me count the ways:

1) You have the single greatest voice in music today. Even though I would rather be serenaded to sleep every night by Norah Jones, her pipes have nothing on yours when it comes down to it.
2) You are absolutely awesome at guitar. I saw you live and you rocked out way harder than I ever thought you could. "Mushaboom" was everything I hoped it would be.
3) You are sexy as hell. Not in the I'm-a-tramp-in-a-thong hot or the pole-dancing-in-my-music-video hot, but just naturally I-am-really-cool-to-hang-out-with-and-I'll-probably-make-out-with-you hot. There's nothing better.
4) You like to dance. A lot. No, really, quite a bit. That's always a big plus in my book.
5) "It may be years until the day/My dreams will match up with my pay." I think you just summed up my life.

-Little D

2. The National - Boxer

In May of 2007 I bought an album called Alligator, by The National. It was incredible. Two days later, I bought their follow up, called Boxer. It was better. Now, it wasn’t better right away, but I had plenty of time to let it sink in on a 24-hour drive home from Texas to Michigan. Boxer is an album that needs that time to marinate. It’s filled with thoughtful, melodious guitar arrangements, catchy drum beats that move the songs along, and exquisite lyrics brought to you by front man Matt Beringer’s baritone; a baritone that leaves the lyrics lingering long after a song is complete. Lyrics that are able to turn the mundane into something celebrated, able to turn everyone’s small world into something greater.

The album starts with pretty, steady piano as Beringer comes in with the opening lines “Stay out, super late tonight/Pickin apples, making pies/Put a little something in our lemonade/Take it with us, we’re half awake, in our Fake Empire.” Soon a bass drum comes in, slightly off-beat, before syncing up with the piano just as the drums pick up tempo, then a fill, and onward with the song. From there on, the album lingers with a steady pace, no real rockers, no real downers, as Beringer weaves words describing “the un-magnificent lives of adults” throughout the album. However, the tales he tells of un-magnificent jobs, un-magnificent personalities, and un-magnificent meetings leave the listener wondering if this “Fake Empire” that Beringer describes, really is un-magnificent, or if it’s all you need.

-Little G

1. Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

Someone may ask you, “Why is the ocean blue?” Perhaps you’ll know to tell them it’s because the water reflects the blue of the sky. Yet if they then ask why the sky is blue, the only valid answer would be to perform “Edge of the World” on a wind instrument.

When Josh Ritter put out Animal Years, I thought he was a really great singer-songwriter and a lot less of a nancy than a lot of the artists Little Gun listens to. But when he put out The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, I started to wonder whether he was Siddhartha Gautama incarnate. This album really blew my socks off. It has the best of what was good about Dylan, Springsteen and The Beatles, yet even better because it is fresh, exciting and new.

I saw Ritter live touring for this album, and the guy is magnetic. He seems to genuinely enjoy performing his catalogue. And why not? This album alone is full of humor, sensitivity, energy, longing, confusion and expectation…sometimes all on the same song.

A lot has been said about this album by others as well as by me, so I won’t wax on for much longer. Essentially, this is an album that cuts a cross section into the human heart and examines all the emotions that reside therein. It does it all with energetic spirit. You are ultimately left just short of a classic catharsis, rather, your soul longs to again experience something so powerfully human – humor and pain and all. Who knows when an album will next be able to so completely fulfill this desire? For now, I am simply content to have such a deserving album top our list.

-JtR

Others Receiving Votes:
Scott Matthews - Passing Stranger (6 pts.)
Radiohead - In Rainbows (5 pts)
Deadstring Brothers - Silver Mountain (5 pts.)
Fionn Regan - The End of History (5 pts.)
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (4 pts.)
A.A. Bondy - American Hearts (3 pts.)
The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism (3 pts.)
John Fogarty - Revival (2 pts.)
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga (2 pts.)
The Alternate Routes - Good and Reckless and True (1 pt.)

The Alternate Routes - Live at the Blender Theater at Gramercy, NYC 12/15/07

2007-12-28T23:07:00.000-05:00

On a recent Saturday night, I was lucky enough to finally see The Alternate Routes live at the Blender Theater at Gramercy. On a weekend packed with Christmas parties and other events, I had just enough time to show up for their opening set before the Clarks came on afterwards.

Their debut album, Good and Reckless and True, came out last spring, but I didn't get into them until this summer. An album that is as solid as it is fun, GaRaT easily became one of my favoirte CDs this year. After missing a couple of shows earlier this year, I was excited to get to catch them in person for the first time.

To be totally honest, I didn't know what to expect live. Their album is very well produced and clean sounding, which made me wary of seeing them live. However, thier stage presence was incredible as they tore through their eight-song setlist. They played my three favorite tracks "Ordinary," "Aftermath," and "Time Is a Runaway" with precision, but the other songs are really what elevated their credibility in my book. A great song off their album, "Going Home with You" can get lost behind the other previously mentioned standouts. However, as the third song of the night, this was where the show switched gears. Guitarist Eric Donnelly stepped out and delivered a jaw dropping performance as he ripped through his notes and guitar strings (he popped one or two during this song) on some of the most ridiculous solos I've ever seen. With a scary amount of control, Donnelly was flying through notes faster than I could watch his fingers in one of the best live guitar performances you could imagine.

Vocalist Tim Warren also showcased his great voice, proving that his talent is not limited to the studio. His smooth and clear sound projected perfectly over the band's coordinated instrumentation. He also brought a fun-loving attitude to the group, introducing "My Old Lady, She Ain't Home, She Won't Cry, 'Cause She Don't Know" by explaining "everyone's got a song about cheating on your wife -- this one's ours."

Speaking of "My Old Lady...", this song was good enough to have closed out the show. They still had not played my favorite song, "Aftermath," but when they finished "My Old Lady...", I realized they could've walked off the stage then and I still would've been blown away -- it was that good. A hard, raking, foot stomping, call-and-answer song, "My Old Lady..." stole the show. Hopefully, it'll make their next album, which can't come soon enough for me.

If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing them live; if you can't, go buy their CD and get to know these guys now. I guarantee it won't be long before everyone else does.

Setlist:

Shelly
Time Is a Runaway
Going Home with You
The Future's Nothing New
Say What You Mean What You Say
Ordinary
My Old Lady, She Ain't Home, She Won't Cry, 'Cause She Don't Know
Aftermath

Johnny 5; Staying Alive

2007-12-26T12:18:00.000-05:00

Since Little Dynamite responded to my challenge to post our top 5 favorite albums, I'll respond now with mine. The only difference here is that my Top 5 favorite also happen to be the 5 greatest albums of all time as well. Lucky for you, the reader, to be able to read about both my favorite and the greatest in one go.

First off - ground rules: No Greatest Hits. No live albums (although if somebody wanted to make the Live at Folsom Prison argument, I'd be listening).

Let's do this climactic order.

5. The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace With God

This album has it all. The killer title. The rocking lead track (title track). The pop hit (Fairy Tale of New York). The instrumental track that holds up (Metropolis). The soul stretching introspective-but-not-self-conscious track (The Broad Majestic Shannon). This is a near perfect album put together by an unstable group of musicians at their apex. In fact, it should be pointed out that the fact that this band even reached their full potential is incredible. When they could barely get Shane MacGowan on stage most nights, let alone on stage sober enough to remember the words to his own songs, how could they have held it together for long enough to write and record this is a mystery to me.

This album is punk. It's traditional Irish music. It's cheeky, irreverent, fun, calamitous, potent and ultimately cuts right to the core of human existence. It's impossible for me not to simply quote from the lyrics and hope that starts to shine some light on this work.

In "Fairytale of New York," the man courting the woman is accused near the end of the tune of taking her dreams away when he met her. How does he respond? "I kept them with me, babe. I put them with my own, can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you." Exit air from room. In Shane's own words (and I know this isn't the first time I've quoted him on this) "Lovely song, I wish I could rememeber writing it."

This album is absolute genius. One more fly-by highlight is the greatest horse racing song of all time ("Thanks and praises, thanks to Jesus, I bet on A Bottle of Smoke / I went to hell and to the races to bet on A Bottle of Smoke / The day being clear the sky being bright, he came up on the left like a streak of light / Like a drunken fuck on a Saturday night, up came A Bottle of Smoke / Twenty-fucking-five to one, my gambling days are done / I bet on a horse called A Bottle of Smoke and my horse won"). I dare The Weepies to write a horse racing song.

Maybe you don't get this album if playing tin whistle isn't one of your hobbies, but I don't think that's the case.

4. Bruce Springsteen - Greetings From Asbury Park New Jersey

The first we hear from "the future of rock and roll." He starts us with "Blinded by the Light," a song best known for being butchered by the Manfred Mann Faggot Band. And after a few lines, we get it. Bruce is going to bring us to his little slice of America, and introduce us to the quirky personalities who somehow resonate as weightily as Conrad's Marlow and Hemingway's El Sordo. This album oozes it's so smooth. The energy skips out of the speakers and takes on size and weight as it fills the car, room, backyard, or wherever.

This album contains my favorite (read: the greatest) song of all time in "For You." This song is not-so-ostensively about a suicide, but even given the dire subject matter the indominable spirit of the album can not be subdued. The ultimate sense is of a sort of hope. You feel that there is a great big eager exciting world swirling around the tradgedy at hand, knocking at the door and threatening to enter and make all well again at any time. Ironically, perhaps, in this song the Boss postulates that his intended "did not need [his] urgency."

Maybe she didn't need it, but we do and always have. The best of Bruce is his urgent, honest, bright-eyed assessment of our world. This album is full of that best, at its best. These qualities are still apparent even in The Rising, The Seeger Sessions Band stuff, and Magic, which is why Bruce is still the greatest after all these years.

As a side note - this album contains the name of this blog, which I only hope is as youthful and exuberant as its namesake. There's nothing worse than a dispassionate, scientific exploration of music.

3. Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

I am going to continue to put my money where my mouth is on this album. Despite being just over 3 months old, this collection of songs has to be one of my 5 favorite of all time. I can't even tell you with what excitement and disbelief I found myself listening to the album for the first 500 times. It is a complete effort, and in fact it shares many of the same youthful and energetic qualities of the previous disc. I would also like to mention at this time that having 6+ words in the album title is NOT an element of my album choice discernment process, it's just a coincidence that IISFfGwG, GfAPNJ and THCoJR all happen to be similarly titularly verbose. Although I will say, all three are fairly arrogant titles (the current album being the most egregiously so) and that does tickle my fancy.

Anyway, there's not too much to say about this album in addition to the current buzz surrounding it. The lead track is brilliant, and "The Temptation of Adam," to use Little Gun's own words, is like "a five hundred page great American novel in 4 minutes and 12 seconds." I still think that the line "fusion is the broken heart that's lonely's only thought" may still one day prove to be scientifically accurate when the medicinal pendulum swings back toward the primacy of the 4 humours and leeching as a viable treatment for influenza.

I started to write that Josh Ritter brings us back to a simpler, more decent time with his music, but I caught myself. Rather, I believe he shows us what is simple, important, and true in the very world we're all caught up in. His phrases are clear and transparent yet do not lack the least in beauty. This album will stand up for a long time to come.

2. Martin Sexton - The American

"Freedom came my way that night
Just like a jet plane in and out of sight
I was hauling ass at a million miles an hour
Wondering how hard I'd hit.

Singing sweet Cherie, Cherie, Cherie,
Cherie, won't you dare to
Leave a message and your number please
Wrap them in a big red bow and then send them care of me

I've taken my chance on the wind
I'm packing up all my bags
Taking a mistake I gotta make
Then I'm glory bound."

If I ever have a band, I'm going to name at least two of my albums The American. It's the best album title I've ever seen. And this album is dynamite to boot. It's like a fucking Kerouac novel set to music and performed by an angel choir. The lyrics here almost outshine Martin's pipes. And that's saying something.

This album captures all the wonder and heartache of one forced by his own circumstance and weakness to flee to the comforting anonymity of The West. This is the only story worth telling in America. Every other story has been told thousands of years ago in China, India, Greece, Egypt and Italy. All we have as Americans is this one story. In "Glory Bound", "The American," "The Beast In Me," "Love Keep Us Together," and "Way I Am" Martin spins this very tale with effortless skill and fascinating variation. Perhaps he draws on his own experience. Perhaps he's the pro(an)tagonist of "Love Keep Us Together." Regardless, this album is THE truly American experience. This is why it will always be my second favorite album.

To bad Martin Sexton sucks now (see: 2007 release Seeds).

1. Van Morrison - Astral Weeks

If Martin Sexton has told the American story, George Ivan Morrison tells the human story. In 8 tracks. The best word for the album, I think, is magical. Mystical, maybe. The instrumentation is remarkable, varied, and unstable. Van Morrison himself brings the cohesiveness to each track with near constant repetition of lines. It's a deep, passionate and personal journey we are permitted to follow him down, and I feel almost embarassed to listen, as if I am prying into something that should be between a man and his god, and not to be shared with anyone who has $20 and an amazon.com account.

I think that this album is uncoverable and without flaw. Every note, stammer, pause or otherwise seem to be simultaneously intentioned as well as improvised. The songs do not only tell of stories, the instruments do not merely play notes. The songs themselves become love, panic, change, rain, wine, sunlight and everything else that has ever or will ever exist. Describing this album is impossible. I'm done trying. Hopefully that was over-the-top enough.

- JtR

My 5 "Favorite" Albums

2007-12-21T03:30:00.000-05:00

I know this is late. Even Lil' D late. But I promised I'd have this post out at some point and I've finally had enough Celebration Ales to complete my promise.

To refresh your memories, Jack the Rabbit challenged Little Gun and me to post our favorite 5 albums of all-time about a lifetime ago. Now to clarify, these aren't our most critically acclaimed albums, nor our highest rated albums. They are simply our 5 'favorite' albums in any context. I've had my albums in mind this whole time, but I'm just now getting around to posting, so here it goes.

5) Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman (cassette)

This album will always hold a special spot in my heart for reasons only I can know. While I was extremely tempted to put New Age artist Ray Lynch's 1984 cassette Deep Breakfast in this slot for similar reasons, Chapman's album is still one that I listen to today, beyond my childhood memories. Both albums bring me back to driving in my dad's car when I was really little: on our way to a 5:00 a.m. hockey practice, cross country to Colorado for a family vacation, or to pre-school, this album will always bring me back to the two of us in his old grey Audi driving in the early morning somewhere. And for that, Tracy Chapman will always have a hold on me.

4) Marc Cohn - Marc Cohn

Ok, ok. This probably seems like I'm doing a disservice for my credibility at this point, but I can't deny my true feelings. Originally, I had the Beatles' Abbey Road slated in this spot. It would have been a safe pick, and while probably my favorite critically acclaimed album, it didn't meet my requirements as a 'favorite' album quite like Cohn's did. This cassette-turned-CD (yes, about that time) was a staple in my upbringing. I had at one point resolved to sing "Walking in Memphis" at the all school talent show in 1992. Luckily, I ended up doing an MC Hammer dance routine with a bunch of other friends that never made it to stage.

This album is chock full of gems that I still enjoy listening to until this day. Besides the well known "Walking in Memphis," "Ghost Train" and "Saving the Best for Last" provide some substance to this standout CD. While Little Gun may tell you that my wedding song will be Chapman's "The Promise" due to my own rantings at one point in time, it's really Cohn's "Perfect Love" that strikes a chord whenever I hear it. Now I just need a fiance and Cohn or James Taylor to agree to play at my wedding. I'm sure it'll all work out...

3) Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

I'll never forget the first time I "really" listened to this album. My family was in doing something somewhere, and I was left in our old Volvo wagon in the parking lot. This wasn't any old Volvo though -- it had a CD player. Our first CD player in a car (a 6-Disc changer in the back of the car), it was '96 and it was the only CD in the player. I begrudgingly put it on and was immediately enthralled. Now, as pointed out many times, I'm not one for lyrics, but I was hooked by the stories and the emotions exuded by this to-me-still-unknown artist (I was only 12 or 13 at the time). I couldn't get over the growls, the sax, and the wonderfully arranged music that blasted so vehemently throughout the speakers. To this day, I've never enjoyed a single CD in one sitting as much as I did that one fine day.

2) Dave Matthews Band - Under the Table and Dreaming

Without a doubt, this was my ultimate find. To this day, I've never felt so excited about finding a new artist more than I did when I bought this CD. I bought this CD during the summer between 4th and 5th grade and never stopped listening to it. Sometimes you buy an amazing album and you listen to it so many times you actually burn out (hello Vitalogy and River of Dreams), but this was not the case with UtTaD. To this day, I can listen to this CD straight through and recite every mumbled line, albeit incorrectly, and instrument's note without batting an eye. I always dreamed that I would someday be at a DMB concert and one of the members wouldn't show up, leaving me to go on stage and sing their instrument's part since I knew it so well. I'm still waiting...

1) Derek & the Dominoes - The Layla Sessions

Anther Volvo favorite, my Dad bought this for my Mom for her birthday after we got the car. He was so excited when we gave it to her, but I didn't know why. Needless to say, I can almost guarantee that I've never listened to one album more times than this one. If I could pinpoint perfection, this would most likely be it. With an all-star band collaborating so cohesively, it's a wonder that this work of art isn't always in the running for best all-time album. From the first call-to-arms guitar licks on "I Looked Away" to the soothingly soft "Thorn Tree in the Garden," this album has it all.

While Eric Clapton is lovingly referred to as "God" around the world, I think that he's beyond labels. There's no one like him out there -- never has been, never will be. That includes Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix if you can believe that. Clapton's true manifestation comes in the form of a plastic disc that can swallow you whole if you don't pay attention.

If I become a millionaire, the only extravagant thing I would actually purchase is Clapton's '56 axe "Blackie," sold not so recently for almost $1 million. I don't even play guitar, but just knowing I could pick that beast like on "Key to the Highway" would be enough for me.

Fun to the Power of 3

2007-12-10T00:02:00.001-05:00

I go to Austin, TX for two reasons: 1) To see live music. 2) They have an enormous Whole Foods there. A couple of weekends ago I went to Austin for both these reasons. The live music that I was going to see was courtesy of the second annual Fun, Fun, Fun Fest, which is put on by some local folks, probably because they think that other music festival in Austin is a little too commercial.

Anyway, the festival takes place in Waterloo Park, just north of Ironworks Barbeque (which my girlfriend’s dad can tell you how to get to from Minneapolis, Minnesota). The park is quite small…think of your town’s town park and that is about what it is. For that reason, the festival was incredibly intimate, which I’ll talk more about later. The festival is set up with three stages, and as far as I could gather, the acts on these stages were split up into three categories: Stage 1 was dance/dj/mash-up music; Stage 2 was the indie rock stage (guess where I was); and Stage 3 was the punk stage. And when I say punk stage I don’t mean like the Blink 182 kind of punk, or the Clash’s brand of punk, but instead I mean black t-shirt, multiple piercings in uncomfortable looking places, screaming your head of type of punk. My friend Will ventured over to Stage 3 at one point and was visibly shaken when he came back. The best punk-band name by far was Angry Samoans. A distant second was Viva Hate. (actual band names)

Anyway, here’s who I saw at my nancy-pants indie-rock stage.

3:50-4:30 – White Denim
-First of all, sweet band name. Second of all, really exciting band live. Their lead singer had a permanent smile on his face, their drummer randomly yelped, and their bassist looked like he was 12 and was wearing a shirt that he probably wore when he was 12. Myspace describes their music as visual/grime/fusion, which, although I have no idea what that means, seems to be accurate. At the show they basically played minute and a half spurts of songs, seemingly no beginning or end, just a barrage of drums and guitars, and then once they hit something resembling a song, they would stop, talk to the crowd for a little bit, and then say something like “Okay, here’s crazy-sexy-rainbow.”

4:35-5:20 – Final Fantasy
-The crew I was with was all about Final Fantasy, but I personally thought he was kind of not that sweet. He basically just plays the Andrew Bird game, quite literally. He’s got a piano on stage, a violin, and a looping pedal. And while it was neat to see him thread some tunes together all on his own, I didn’t think the songs themselves were all that strong on the whole. Also, the name of his album is “He Poos Clouds,” which I can’t really respect.

5:25-6:25 – Okkervil River
-Okkervil River is really the whole reason I went to the Fun Cubed Fest. I bought their newest album, Stage Names, a couple of months ago, and I like it a lot. This band brings a lot of intensity with both their up-tempo numbers and their slower tracks. Thumping drum beats, catchy tunes, and they utilize the piano nicely. The intensity only intensifies (?) live, with lead-man Will Sheff flailing about in a suit that was too small for him. It was also the end of their tour, and Sheff looked like he could have keeled over at any moment. One fun fact I just found out about the band is that in their liner notes, the lyrics to their songs are written in paragraph form…take it for what you will. The top track is “Unless It’s Kicks.” Try listening to this song in your car and not punching your steering wheel when the drums finally kick in…honestly, try it.

6:30-7:30 – Of Montreal
-I don’t know much about this band…but I really liked what I heard. Sweet bass-line on almost every song…almost like some sort of alt/disco/pop. Half-way through the lead singer came out in some very revealingly chaps sort of garment…the guitarist was wearing large wings the whole show.

7:35- 8:35 – The New Pornographers
-I thought this band was good, not great, which I think seems to be the general consensus regarding the New Pornos. I think the main thing that I can’t get over with this band is that Neko Case is the CO-lead singer…and that “other guy” she sings with actually gets the bulk of the mic time. The whole time I’m just like, “shut-up and let Neko sing.” And, I don’t know, maybe their songs don’t fit Neko’s vocals as well…but if that’s the case, maybe they should just write folk/alt/country songs that are in Neko’s wheelhouse. I’m quite serious about this. You wouldn’t ask Michael Jordan to share more of his shots with Horace Grant…why is Neko sharing a mic. (author’s note: I realize the Michael Jordan/Neko Case comparison is overstating the case just a bit. And I’ve actually thought about this a great deal, and in the realm of folk/alt/country singers, Neko would be more like a Chris Mullins (still a dream-teamer) with Lucinda Williams being Scottie Pippen, Patty Griffin as Larry Bird, and EmmyLou as MJ. Sheryl Crow would probably be Cristian Laettner.)

8:40 – Girl Talk
-We actually left New Pornos early to get up fairly close for Girl Talk…and for good reason. For those unaware, Girl Talk is a dj that creates “mash-ups,” where he combines bits and pieces of different songs (i.e. Biggie rapping over Tiny Dancer) into some dope dance tracks. Before the show there were a bunch of people on stage connecting various wires and whatnot, and we were trying to guess which one of the guys was Girl Talk. Then this shaggy haired skinny guy with a hooded sweatshirt who we thought was a roadie came out and carefully unwrapped two computers and set them on a table on the stage. Then, he just said, “Hey, my name’s Greg and I’m gonna play some songs for you guys.” Then he went off stage for a little while, before some sort of intro music came on and he re-emerged, this time charged with energy, and he just started mashing up some tracks on his computers. The best part was that he invited as many people as could fit on to the stage and people were just going crazy…you couldn’t even see Greg/Girl Talk. The show was really something; unfortunately I had to leave early to go watch BC lose to Florida State.

On Day 2 I only got to see one show because I had to get back down to the border town I call home, but the show I got to see was The Cave Singers. Just about every review of the Cave Singers I’ve read refers to their music as this type of folky punk-rock, or punk-rock folk music. I would just say that it’s somewhat dark, somber folk-music. It’s a 3-man outfit, consisting of the finger-picking of guitarist Derek Fudesco and the unique voice of lead-man Pete Quirk, and the multi-instrumental percussion laid down by Marty Lund (including a washboard). It was a good show, albeit a little boring. I think there was about 20 people there since it was one of the first of the day. After the show we met Mr. Fudesco, who is quite tall.

We had to head out after that, unfortunately missing Ted Leo and Cat Power (playing separate shows…not together…although that would be neat), but still, the Fun Fun Fun Fest lived up to it’s name.

Notes:
*Pictures and Links will have to come later because it's late and there is a cloud in the sky so my internet is going very slowly.
*Little D, you're so right on with Cold Roses. I would also like to say that "Now That You're Gone" is one of the most haunting beautiful songs Adams has every written.

Little Dynamite's Music Corner: Cold Roses revisited

2007-12-09T04:12:00.000-05:00

Inspired. Focused. Tight.

These are the adjectives I would use to describe Ryan Adams’ 2005 double disc, Cold Roses. Not the traditional words one would think of when listing ways to asses a still-addicted Adams, this recording was something that signaled his permanent place in folk history for me. Alongside The Cardinals, Adams’ backing band and collaborators, he finds himself among nature and whatever utopian peace that can be found within a cloud of drug and alcohol induced euphoria.

I took a new listen to this album recently after reading Adams’ newest write-up in the uber-cool indie magazine Paste. Now I've listened to his most recent Easy Tiger many, many times already, so it was nice to delve back into his older collection to see where he came from, where he has been, through to what he has become. Much of the article was devoted to his relationship with The Cardinals, who I often took for granted or outright dismissed. However, it's clear that these guys have a special relationship with Adams that grounds the notoriously fickle artist.

I put this album on at work for a few days in a row and was pleasantly surprised that I still enjoyed it as much as I did. Songs such as "Meadowlake Street" and "Beautiful Sorta" seem to have taken on a new mood on my newest listen -- something that I've never heard in their original plays. When "Meadowlake Street" begins, it seems like any other Adams ballad in that it is a solo acoustic recording with a hauntingly soft vocal track. However, when the band breaks through, Adams' vocals become a frantic, almost pleading spectacle that looking back, highlights his growing paranoia in the real world.

Classics such as "Let It Ride," "Rosebud," and "Dance All Night" do not go unnoticed, but they stand out less now than they did way back when. Maybe it's just the circumstances, but as a whole, this album functions soundly, in stark contrast to his critically disastrous double disc, Love Is Hell.

While it's nice to see Adams supposedly kicking his habit, it's interesting to look back at his older stuff and see what his experiences have done to him. From "Easy Plateau(s)" and natural peace to today's contentedness, Adams seems to have achieved what he always wanted.

I just hope he isn't content with his music already.

Martin Sexton is the new Sonic Death Monkey

2007-12-09T02:25:00.000-05:00

I know nothing about Martin Sexton. Ok, almost nothing. I know I love "Glory Bound" but who doesn't? On the repeated recommendations of Jack the Rabbit, I blindly bought tickets to see Martin Sexton at the Roseland Ballroom the other night. It's extremely rare that I go to a concert without a solid knowledge of the artist, but the last time I took JTR's advice on a new band, I ended up awed at the Wood Bros. with him, so I figured Sexton might come through.

Well, yes and no.

If I were to give the night one word, it would be inconsistent. It seemed like every time I started to feel one of his songs, I was pulled right back out by a weaker track. It was like watching a great movie that continually addressed the audience. Totally interrupting. I rarely talk at concerts but I found myself talking to my friend most of the night when things got boring.

That's a bad sign...out of the entire night however, my biggest complaint was the lighting. Yes, I know: who pays attention to the lighting at a concert? Which is exactly why that's a bad sign. It was so bad that I was constantly annoyed by it. Good lighting is like good editing in a film -- you should never notice it. I was angry that whoever was in charge of the spotlight couldn't hold it on Sexton while he moved 6 inches this way and that while he was solo for the first 3 or 4 songs of the night. What could they possibly be looking at? And then, when the rest of the band came on stage, the lighting genius decided to continually flash the horrifically bright audience lights at us throughout the night. If you don't know what I mean, these were two sets of 8 lights that are blindingly bright that will sometimes go up at fantastic concerts like U2 and Pearl Jam when the audience is supposed to participate. When used sparingly at certain times, the audience will responded with the necessary "Oooo" or "Ahhhh" as the song dictates.

But here, they were just flashed indiscriminately, offbeat, and at very inappropriate times. I was actually getting angry.

Now, on to the good parts of the night. Sexton's voice is amazing. It's rare to hear someone with the range he has, a la M. Ward or Feist. Yet he sings with such a smooth and enjoyable presence that it's almost contagious. The audience was one of the most supportive and fervent crowds that I've seen and I was pleased with the energy that was in the venue. Sexton does need to work on how and when to use this following, however. At one point, he asked the audience to clap along, but he made the most complicated clap-along I've ever seen in my life. Without drinking even one beer at the show, I spent the entire 2+ minutes trying to figure out his rhythm to no avail. Obviously, the audience fared much worse. Sing-a-longs proved similar in some instances which was embarrassing for the audience as much as it was for Sexton.

Alright, alright. Way too many negatives. It's easier to write of the negatives than to explain the positives but I'll do my best.

After a lackluster and reggae-esque "Glory Bound," (the entire reason I came to see him) I turned to my friend and apologized for the night. I said that I had no idea what to expect and that the last song was my last hope.

And then they went unplugged.

I rarely am surprised at live shows, but this was truly a great idea. Sexton pulled out his acoustic guitar and the rest of his band crowded with him around a single microphone. After explaining that they would perform the next few songs "unplugged" and that the audience needed to be quiet to enjoy it, they busted into a few amazing songs that brought the house down. Featuring Sexton on acoustic and the rest of the band on stand-up bass, percussion on a bar stool, and something that I-completely-forgot-the-name-of-but-that-sounded-like "harmonium," they basically saved the night. With an enjoyable performance of "Way I Am," they made way for a tremendous cover of "Folsom Prison Blues" that blew me away. I was jumping and singing right along with them, even with the "please be quiet" restrictions in effect.

I think this might be the last time I buy tickets for a Martin Sexton concert, but I do have to say that there were many times throughout the night where I was enthralled by the show. His enthusiasm was never doubted and his encore performance left a good taste in my mouth as I walked out of the Ballroom. Sexton played keyboard and sang his brains out, just like I knew he could, instead of dancing and gesturing around like Jack Black as he did the rest of the night. Literally, you could have substituted Black in for Sexton and never known the difference. Haircut, dance moves, voice, banter, you name it -- it was uncanny. See for yourself:

If I had any influence, I think Sexton could do an unbelievable cover of Animal Libertation Orchestra's "Maria." Just listen to his voice vs. ALO. Anyways, here's some video evidence as to how amazing the unplugged portion of the night was:

Way I Am:

Folsom Prison Blues:

And just in case you were looking, here are some samples to get you going:

Martin Sexton -
*Glory Bound.mp3

ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) -
*Maria.mp3

Johnny Cash -
*Folsom Prison Blues.mp3

The Shins - Live at Terminal 5, NYC 10/23/07

2007-11-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

I love The Shins. I never get sick of their albums and I find their style unique and easy to listen to in just about any setting. I've tried to see them live a few times but have just never made it until a few weeks ago. This was not only my first Shins show, but my first trip to the new Terminal 5 venue in Midtown West. A little bit hard to get to, its warehouse feel was pretty cool and it definitely had an older feel (even thought it's brand new).

I had always heard that the Shins played great live shows and I really enjoyed their performance. The audience wasn't totally into the concert, since their sound really doesn't lend itself well to a raucous atmosphere anyways, but I liked everything I heard. They played all the songs I wanted to hear and surprised me with what has become their staple cover on this tour, Pink Floyd's "Breathe."

After the show, I read a ton of reviews online about how people have ripped their live shows - forgetting words to "New Slang" (my friends saw their second show the next night and confirmed this as well), humming lyrics, and giving lackluster performances all around. To be honest, I didn't see any of this and I really did find the show to be entertaining. My advice, check 'em out. If they're on like they were for my show, awesome. If not, then don't go see them again.

Check out a few videos from the night to see for yourself. The first one is "Sleeping Lessons" which also leads off their latest album Wincing the Night Away. A perfect opening song, its music video is also a thing of beauty. The second video is "Australia," my favorite Shins song in their collection. The video's audio is not so great, but the video is better than "Sleeping Lessons." Enjoy!

Sleeping Lessons:

Australia:

The Shins - Live at Terminal 5
1. Sleeping Lessons
2. Kissing the Lipless
3. Mine's Not A High Horse
4. When I Goosestep
5. Turn A Square
6. Girl Sailor
7. A Comet Appears
8. Sea Legs
9. Girl Inform Me
10. Saint Simon
11. Gone for Good
12. New Slang
13. Australia
14. Turn on Me
15. Know Your Onion!
16. Pam Berry
17. Phantom Limb

Encore:
1. Breathe *Pink Floyd cover*
2. The Past and Pending
3. Caring Is Creepy
4. So Says I

I hang out with lead guitarists...no big deal

2007-11-15T12:55:00.000-05:00

First, a little back story: One of the perks of hosting trivia nights at the Pourhouse on Thursdays is that I get to create my own playlists for the music each week. A few months ago, I played "Aftermath" by one of my favorite new bands, the Alternate Routes. As soon as the song started my friend Joe, and trivia regular, started sprinting up to the front, asking me if I picked out the song. As it turns out, Eric Donnelly (far right), lead guitarist and vocalist for the band, is one of Joe's best friends.So when I met up with Joe to go to the Pourhouse for some food and a few beers last night, I was introduced to Eric who was hanging out for the night. After Joe explained that I was a big fan, I tried to act very nonchalant about the whole deal, but it wasn't long before I was asking questions about the band. I should also note that while we were ordering pitchers of Bud Light for the table, Eric quietly drank Jameson on the rocks. Well played.

They're winding down their tour for the holidays but will be coming back to NYC to play a show in Gramercy at the same place I saw Mason Jennings play. Turns out Eric's a fan of Mason - score one for Eric. As we got talking, he asked me what music I listen to, which caught me off guard. I recommended The National, who he had not heard of yet - score one for Little D.

I was actually taken aback that he didn't know them. I always figured all musicians know the obscure music scene better than any of us (even though the National is far from obscure anymore) but it made sense that someone could not be as deep into new music if they're on the road all the time and trying to write new music themselves.

Anyways, Eric was a quiet, cool guy and he said he's going to put Joe and me on the guest list for the show in December. Sweet.

Check out four of their best songs on their myspace page, including the previously mentioned "Aftermath."

Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem - Live at Randall's Island, NYC 10/6/07

2007-11-08T01:02:00.000-05:00

Little Gun has finally gotten to me. I saw Arcade Fire live and let me tell you something: they enjoy playing music. A lot. The energy that came out of their live show was something you just have to experience for yourself.

Before I delve into Arcade Fire's performance, I'll give a brief overview of LCD Soundsystem's opening act. I missed all but the last half of LCD's set as it took a while to get to the island, and the Texas-Okalahoma game was still too close to leave. While we may have missed some of their stuff, what I saw was just great. The one song I wanted to hear, "All My Friends," was fantastic. Here's a video of their performance of "Yeah," one of the night's highlight songs:

I didn't expect the look of a middle-aged high school science teacher when I saw LCD, but they put on a great performance. I really enjoyed everything they played, even though I'm way less-versed in their catalog.

Aracade Fire, on the other hand, I know quite well. Their performance, while entertaining and enthusiastic, was a little disappointing to me. For one, I could not stop looking at Régine Chassagne and her annoying, over dramatic posturing. Now don't get me wrong, I think she's great and adds a lot to the band, but she also takes away a lot of the attention with her Bjork-like antics and distracting activities. For example, her performance on "Haiti" was incredible, but then she had to go and run around stage whenever she wasn't playing an instrument or singing. I have to admit, even when she was singing, she would turn her head and look sideways at the audience with this ridiculous smirk...I know, I'm crazy, but it drove me absolutely nuts.

However, her husband and lead member of the band, Win Butler, was amazing. He announced that this would be the last time they play here for a few years so I'm going to guess this was a pretty epic show for them. His stage presence and command of the band was felt throughout the audience as he cycled through favorite after favorite (although, what's not a favorite off their first two albums?). To finish this great night, they played the crowd pleaser "Wake Up," which was as amazing as I had hoped. Someone caught it with some pretty good audio, so enjoy:

Overall, it was a performance to remember and one of the most beautiful nights of the year in New York City. Here's to hoping it won't be years until Arcade Fire returns.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - Live at Madison Square Garden, NYC 10/18/07

2007-11-07T23:48:00.000-05:00

The word of the day is expectations.

I make this the word of the day because this is all I had going into this show. Expectations. You see, this was the last concert I wanted to see before I die. Seriously, the only one left. I saw Clapton. I saw U2. I saw Pearl Jam. This was it. And you know what? It didn't disappoint. Pretty amazing for the only concert I could ever want to see. This has been a quest of mine for years. I'd heard of the legendary live Bruce shows, but I wanted to make sure I saw him with the entire E Street Band the first time I saw him. This led to years of waiting - I skipped the Seeger Sessions tour, the Devils and Dust tour, and countless other shows...waiting.

And finally Magic came along. The CD itself blew me away and I knew seeing Bruce live was now or possibly never at the rate I was going. After finagling tickets through multiple mutual friends, I got two seats at MSG - one for myself and one for Jack the Rabbit who made the trek down for the night.

The night was amazing. He opened with "Radio Nowhere" which elevated the song's credibility for me after hearing it live. I had a few requests, a few far reaches, and one demand. Overall, I couldn't have been happier with the set list. My one demand, "Born to Run" was dutifully played in the encore, leading to frenzied dancing, fist pumps, and screaming by JTR and myself. I would say the only surprise non-play was "Thunder Road." I really expected him to play it, but he may have played it the night before.

That disappointment fell by the wayside as he surprised the hell out of JTR and me when he broke into "Jungleland" out of a serene "Meeting Across the River." Easily one of my all-time favorite songs, "Jungleland" was totally unexpected since it's such a lengthy song, but nevertheless, Bruce and Clarence dove right in and played the hell out of it. Easily the highlight of the night for me. Other great songs: "She's the One," "The Promised Land," "Badlands," and "American Land" (pattern?). Some may already know my affinity for Celtic music so ending the night with an Irish song I could drink to all night was the perfect way to cap it all off.

Again, this was my first Bruce experience live and I knew all the hype that went along with it, raising my expectations to a new level. Yet by the end of the show, I was more than satisfied. I still don't understand how a 58 year old man can run around stage screaming all night, night after night, and still bring the energy and passion that he exudes. I was exhausted and hoarse by the end of the night and I was stuck dancing within my 2 sq. ft. seat area. Bruce was all over the place, howling at the crowd and increasing the intensity of the show.

Everything I wanted at this show was there. From the homo-erotic doubling up of Bruce and Van Zandt on the same mic to Clarence blasting away on his horn in his oh-so-cool manor, I was so happy.

(Side note: old people need to let loose. This just made me so sad when Bruce was rocking out and half the crowd was only standing because they couldn't see over the people in front of them if they sat. Sing! Dance! Go crazy! It's The Boss for chrissakes! See Pearl Jam if you want some crowd involvement...)

To validate my love for this show, I'll let you decide for yourself what you missed out on. Below is the entire concert, provided so nicely by our friends at nyctaper.com. Please visit their site and catch some other great shows. This show was originally lossless and I know it's a no-no, but for us Mac users and for the good of everyone else out there, I converted the files to .aiff for easier use. Enjoy!

*songs currently uploading...check back soon!*

**Nevermind, these files are huge...go to nyctaper and grab them for yourself in .flac format...there are free programs out there for converting them if you want to, just google it**

The Boss is Back

2007-11-07T23:04:00.000-05:00

(note: these were my thoughts immediately after buying the new Bruce Springsteen album, Magic. I'm posting this post prior to my review of his amazing concert)

******

Well it's been less than 24 hours since I purchased Bruce's new CD with the E Street Band, Magic, and I can already tell you I'm impressed.

Very impressed.

There isn't a weak track on the album, starting strong and finishing smooth, reminiscent of Born to Run, the ultimate Bruce album in my opinion.

From the opening track and single, "Radio Nowhere," we are immediately drenched in classic Bruce sound. His growling voice signals a return to the original E Street style of thumping drums and wailing guitars, something missing for the last 20-odd years.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved The Rising, but it didn't bring me back to good old Bruce; for me, it was like Clapton's Pilgrim - an enjoyable project, but not exactly what I expect to hear when throwing on Springsteen (save for "The Rising" and "Lonesome Day").

So far, my favorite tracks have to be the hauntingly beautiful "Gypsy Biker" and "Livin' in the Future," a political rocker and a standout for Clarence. The harmonica on "Gypsy Biker" immediately sends me to a lost highway at night somewhere in Nebraska or Wyoming. Awesome.

"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" is a fun one and something that will no doubt be a great addition to Bruce's live repertoire. The one song I'm not a big fan of is "Your Own Worst Enemy." It's bearable, but not something that I would ever play outside of listening to the album straight through. The vocals just die on me and it's frankly a little annoying, but I wouldn't say it's a bad song (or course, this is about as close as I can come to ragging on a Bruce song).

Also, make sure to catch "Last to Die." An emotionally frantic tune that pierces your soul, this is exactly the type of song I had hoped to hear on this album. Well played Bruce.

I'm not going to post any songs from this CD since you should buy it anyways...if you don't buy this CD, you're letting the terrorists win. So ante up folks and purchase what you've been waiting for: a legendary album by one of today's last great legends.

Thunder Road - Pt. II

2007-10-18T12:35:00.000-04:00

A lot of people think that Thunder Road is the greatest song of all time. They're wrong; but they aren't off by as much as people who think songs like Two Step by DMB and Stay by Jackson Browne are the greatest.

Anyway, Thunder Road is an incredible song. It's a beautiful moment of hope for two young Americans. The future of their lives lies in the balance of those long seconds between the screen door slam and the (potential) car door slam. I can sene their quickening hearts during the stand-off. The scene is remarkably genuine. Will our young Romeo take off alone, or with company? What will the future hold?

The Boss left the decision up to us for a while. What did we think happened? Our own life experiences probably dictated our thoughts.

But what most people don't know is that we have the second piece of the puzzle. We can see how it all panned out. There is a Thunder Road Pt. II song. It's called The Promise.

Enjoy. I'll say hi to Mr. Springsteen at MSG for you all tonight.

You Ain't No Picasso

2007-10-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

JTR played me the song "You Ain't No Picasso," by Bishop Allen a while back, most notably, I presume, because the chorus is "you ain't no picasso." And I haven't thought of them much since. However, I just read a little piece about them (of course it was in Paste) saying that last year they made 12 EPs (one for each month), and have just come out with a new album that Paste gave four stars (out of 5). So I thought I'd check out a track or two...and I think you should too.

http://www.bishopallen.com/music/ClickClickClickClick.mp3

Iron & Wine, Josh Ritter etc.

2007-10-14T17:56:00.000-04:00

Excuse me if I'm all over the place on this post, but I get internet one day a week when I go over to my buddy Alan's place to watch football, so I've gotta make this one count. To better organize my thoughts, I'll go to bullet form (To close, switching to guns).

*Iron & Wine Little D, the concert sounds amazing. I'd really like to see the show, but last I checked, Austin-based Iron & Wine is not coming to Austin...awkward. Also, I applaud you for your diction (you know you got out your thesaurus for "cacophony"); you'll ace the GRE...not that you'll need to take it, seeing as how all you do is make major motion pictures. Which segues me back into Iron & Wine (Beam has an MFA from FSU). I also really enjoyed the new album. However, while the broader arrangements on this album is definitely a natural progression for Beam, there were times when I missed the vintage Iron & Wine sound. This is never more true than in the song "Wolves," which reminds me of one of those songs of Bob Schneider's where he tries to rap, with equally mediocre results. And I think Beam is aware of this too, which is why he follows it up on the album with "Resurrection Fern," the most classically Iron & Wine song on the album, featuring some pedal steel and Beam's voice coming to the forefront so we can hear the lyrics. Also, while I really like "Boy With a Coin," doesn't it kind of sound like Nelly Furtado could have collaborated on that song.

Anyway, if you're eager for some vintage Beam after hearing his new album, pick up his first album Creek Drank the Cradle. I realize that many of you may already own the disc, but I heard it for the first time the other day and thought it was fantastic. It's just Beam cooing his poetry over banjo and acoustic finger-picking. Recorded in his basement on a four-track, apparently singing so softly so as not to wake his daughters. A great ying to Shepherd's yang.

*Has anyone checked out Josh Ritter's back catalog? After Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, when Josh Ritter became my favorite artist of all time, I decided to do just that. Of course I already owned Animal Years, so I bought the album Hello, Starling, Ritter's second effort following The Golden Age of Radio (which somehow costs $15 dollars on itunes...if that's not arrogant...). It's really fun to see Ritter's progression from a collection of mostly sparsely arranged, pretty folk songs (Starling...it's fantastic by the way) to the classically Americana Animal Years, to the epic that Historical Conquests is.

4 random notes on Ritter: 1) Brian Howe from Paste magazine, gave Historical Conquests 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), and called Ritter "the most gifted interpreter of Americana, as an arranger and a lyricicst, working today." 2) Joan Baez covered the song "Wings" off of Starling. 3) Also according to Paste, Ritter created his own major at Oberlin College called: American History Through Narrative Folk Music...raise your hand if you would not have majored in that if it was offered. 4) How arrogant of Ritter is it to put two versions of the same song, "Wait For Love," on his album...and how much do you love him for it?

*Is there any doubt that Little D used drugs at the Flaming Lips show he went to?

*The Sunday version of my ACL post should be up by Christmas.

*I just complained that BC is rated 3rd behind South Florida...I think I'm getting spoiled.

*And speaking of BC, can we all speak sometime about where Craig Finn went to college...I think it's time.

Arrogant Names Etc.

2007-10-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

Leave it to a Brit to have two unnecessary letters in his name -- the "h" in Thom and the "e" in Yorke. From here on out I will refer to him only as Tom York. That sounds more like a guy you'd go drinking with, and less like a pretentious artiste. I mean, as arrogant as Jeff Tweedy is, at least he doesn't spell him name Geoff Tweadey.

By the way -- wonder how far your 7 quid went towards covering the 1000s of people who will pay 1 American cent for the album. Also I wonder who will pay the most for it. If I hear about some idiot paying $350 grand I will not even be shocked. Also, my bet is that Little Gun will pay $9.99. He always plays it by the book.

Finally, great call on the Clay Aiken thing.

Out.

€7 Does NOT Equal £7

2007-10-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

So I guess Radiohead made $15 instead of $10 off me...that doesn't make Thom Yorke look any less like Clay Aiken...

Why Jack the Rabbit is the most credible blogger of KTTU

2007-10-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

1) Little Gun likes The Weepies. Visit the website and please note the following: "The Weepies collaborate on Mandy Moore's new album." I will never forgive Little G for tricking me into buying Say I Am You.

2) Little Dynamite will openly admit that he doesn't care too much about lyrics. It's really unfathomable that his taste in music is as good as it is, given the aforementioned fact.

So, for the record, in all instances of disagreement, the Rabbit has the final word.

The Bad Plus are pretty good

2007-10-03T02:17:00.000-04:00

My brother went to see this group called The Bad Plus back home in Minneapolis and he sent me this video for an idea of their performance...pretty sweet.

I don't know anything about them, but I like what I see so far. Maybe Little Bubs will comment and give us some insight into the show...

Black Moth Super Rainbow - as crazy as their name suggests

2007-10-02T14:22:00.001-04:00

If you're wondering who would come up with a band name like Black Moth Super Rainbow, you don't have to think hard. With band member names such as Tobacco, The Seven Fields of Aphelion, Power Pill Fist, iffernaut, and Father Hummingbird, you know this band is going to be insane - and I mean that in the most literal sense possible.

Once you get over their ridiculous names, you're left with a solid group that is full of psychedelia, electro-rock, folk, and other wild combinations that usually don't fall under my muscial umbrella. I saw them live opening for the Flaming Lips at the Myth in Minneapolis where I was hooked on their creative energy and moving music. On stage, the band is not lit, save for a disturbing collection of what looked to be '70s low budget muppet shows (NOT Sesame Street) and early '90s B-movie scenes on a large screen behind them. While the films had nothing to do with the show, it put the audience in an uneasy and on-your-toes state of mind that eventually allowed everyone to open up their minds and relax. The band, sihouetted against said screen, was rendered as one dark entity, fluidly making music together.

At first, I was not into the music at all; turned off by the experimental sound and lack of focus since there was no clear band leader for me to pick out in the dark. However, after a few minutes, I began to get sucked into the sound as well, as the images projected behind them incoherantly narrated the tracks while Tobacco sang distorted lyrics on his vocoder that were hardly recognizable as English. By the end of their set, I didn't even care about the Lips coming on stage - I just wanted them to keep playing.

A group of software engineers and other nerdy backgrounds, Black Moth Super Rainbow keep their anonymity so that they are able to lead an enviable double life on the road making music and rocking out unsuspecting crowds around the country.

Check out their myspace page for some key tracks, including my absolute favorite "Sun Lips." Listen to it a few times if necessary, but don't give up on these guys if you aren't hooked immediately. You've got to be in the right mood for it (like waiting for the similarly crazy Lips to start playing) so don't force it if it isn't there.

Further listening, including "Sun Lips," can be found for keeps on their website. (RTs: "Vietcaterpillar," the entertaining "Boatfriend," and the ever cool "Lost, Picking Flowers in the Woods") Keep an open mind and enjoy the goodness!

Click here for another great song - "Forever Heavy"

Radiohead are changing the world

2007-10-01T11:51:00.000-04:00

This is the most revolutionary thing to hit the music industry since Napster. I'm speechless.

Radiohead's new album, which I was impatiently waiting to show up next year, is being released in 9 days in a surprise move. That's not the revolutionary part.

You pay what you want for the album.

That's right. You, the consumer, get to choose how much you want to pay to buy Radiohead's new CD. That goes from free to infinity (and beyond). I will eagerly purchase it for $9.99 in thanks for such a phenomenal idea. This might change the music industry as we know it. And remember, Radiohead don't have a record label. They're doing this all on their own. Here's to hoping they make a mint off this and encourage other free thinking ideas from today's music frontrunners (*ahem* Pearl Jam *ahem*)...

And in case you were wondering, I like Radiohead. A lot.

Iron and Wine - Live at Town Hall, NYC 9/30/07 (featuring a review of this year's best album The Shepherd's Dog)

2007-10-01T02:27:00.000-04:00

It's kinda late, so I'll be brief with this review, but don't let the brevity of this post short sell this performance in your mind. I've been a big fan of Austin-based Iron and Wine (anyone spotting a trend here?) for a while now, but this was my first time seeing them live -- needless to say, I was more than impressed.

Their current tour is in support of their brand new album, the phenomenal The Shepherd's Dog which just hit stores on Tuesday. I've only had a chance to listen to it a few times since I bought it, but from the moving opener "Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car," through the final tune "Flightless Bird, American Mouth," this album already has "instant classic" written all over it. I think it rivals Josh Ritter's newest album The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter in comparison, so that's saying something.

In short, it's perfection on plastic.

On to the show. I rarely see a show that I don't like because I usually will only spend my cash on someone that I know will be good live. However, I've never heard any reviews of Iron and Wine's live shows, so this was a little bit of a leap for me based solely on my appreciation of their studio work. I was actually expecting a toned down show since most of their work can be stripped down to Sam Beam's exceptional vocals and an acoustic guitar and still sound as sweet as ever. Surprisingly, eight - count 'em, eight - people walked on stage. I'll list what each of the eight did just to give you an oversight into how talented this group was:

1) Sam - acoustic/electric guitars; lead vocals

2) violin; vocals (I don't know who this woman is, but I have a major crush on her; and yes, of course she had red hair)

3) piano; electric guitar

4) upright bass; electric bass guitar

5) drums (this guy was amazing)

6) accordion; vibraphone; electric guitar

7) slide guitar; electric guitar

8) SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST (see below)

The eighth person in the band gets his own paragraph. This dude had what I'll call a "percussion pit." He sat behind two small tables with a cacophony of instruments that looked as if he were barricading himself against a horde of High School Musical fanatics. Here's a quick rundown of things I saw him play: 2 hollow wooden boxes (wood block style except much larger...think table sized), mini-xylophone, finger cymbals, bongos, snare drum, crash cymbal, 3 tambourines, 2 salt shakers, different shaped bowls that "pinged," a hand-held bell with no pin, a triangle wand (sounded like a triangle, but it was on the end of a wand, not dangling and he appeared to just hit his own free hand gently with it under the mic), one of those billy clubs with bells on it, and a steel drum. I know I missed more, but I couldn't watch him the whole night...

The slide guitar was a welcome touch on this night, as they played songs almost exclusively off the new album. I don't want to get into favorites because they were all pretty amazing in their own right, and my favorites from the album so far are premature. I will say I'm really happy I got to hear "Boy with a Coin" before I left. In fact, I'm pretty sure they played almost, if not everything off The Shepherd's Dog. The did play a couple of tracks not on the CD, such as "Jezebel" and "Sodom, South Georgia" that were beautiful, but on the whole, they featured their new stuff prominently. And for good reason.

My only complaint for the night was a one-song encore, but to be honest, it didn't matter. The show exceeded my expectations so much that I couldn't have asked for anything more.

*BREAKING NEWS*

Listen to the ENTIRE album at their myspace page!!! I'm hesitant to give RT's because of how amazing each song is (hint: listen to the whole album...or just go buy it!) but if you're going to be lazy, make sure you catch...oh Jesus, this is hard to narrow down..."Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car," "Lovesong of the Buzzard," "Resurrection Fern," and "The Devil Never Sleeps." I'm listing those so that anyone listening for the first time will get a good overview of what to expect from Iron and Wine.

Side Note #1) NPR's very legit "All Song's Considered" has their show from last night in D.C. available to stream here. Haven't listened to it yet, but I guarantee it's awesome.

Side Note #2) I think I was/am supposed to live in Austin. Maybe my doppelganger lives there instead of me.

Side Note #3) Town Hall is a great place for a concert. Just ask Feist.

Side Note #4) The opening band was sweet. Arthur & Yu. I bought their CD after only hearing 3 songs (we got in a little later than I had hoped). Post forthcoming.

Side Note #5) When I went to name this my favorite album of the year, I realized that 2007 is really shaping up to be a ridiculous year for new releases. Our end of the year top 10 is going to be crowded. I expect blog-blood to be spilled as we are forced to hammer out our list come Dec. '07/Jan. '08 but I'm really looking forward to it.

so much for the short post...work in t-minus 4 hours...gross...

ACL: Part II

2007-09-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Saturday

After a late wake-up call, ma lady and I grabbed some b-fast at “Austin Java,” which had some pretty solid gringo breakfast tacos (I think, with some planning and minimal effort, one could eat breakfast tacos in Austin for every meal for at least a week and never repeat restaurants). Then it was out for some sweat and sun on the walk to Zilker Park to catch:

Augustana (2:30-3:30): Augustana was surprisingly solid. I didn’t think that I knew anything by them, until I recognized at least five of their songs from the radio; and I never listen to the radio, so they must be on a lot. Anyway, those radio hits are good songs; I like them. And, the band was pretty sweet. And, they played a track off their new album that was very roots-rockish, departing a bit from their pretty piano pop tunes. Good start to the day before heading over to…

Cold War Kids (3:30-4:30): (Author’s Note: Caught the end of the Paulo Nutini set on the walk over to CWK…I have no respect for that asshole...although I do own his album...so I don't know what to think) I’m sure after I sang their praises following Lollapalooza, you all ran off and bought the record (Robbers and Cowards); but for those who didn’t, I would like to reiterate that this band is awesome. Every track on the album is fantastic, and every track is even better live. Live, the distorted, echoed guitars are struck without restraint, Nathan Willet’s vocals reach a level that surpasses the sound on the album, and the thumping back-beat that exists throughout the album is that much louder (I also find it neat that whenever a band member is not playing another instrument, they go and dig some sort of percussion instrument to hit on stage). Anyway, they were awesome (RT’s (myspace): Hospital Beds, Hang Me Up To Dry).

After CWK, we stayed put, basking (read: struggling) in the Austin sun. I would like to point out at this time, that several of my friends went off to watch Stephen Marley. Am I the only one who doesn’t make it a priority to see the Marley boys at a music festival? And for the record, yes, they are at every music festival you will ever attend. Why? Because they are a good Bob Marley cover band…and Bob Marley music is ideal for festivals. Still, it's not Bob Marley playing, so why the fuss? Also, why do people like Robert Randolph? And Phish? Anyway, during this time I scurried about to grab some foodstuffs, Sweat Leaf Tea, and of course a couple of brews, in preparation for one of my own most anticipated shows of the festival…

Andrew Bird (5:30-6:30): There’s only three guys on stage during an Andrew Bird show!!! Three!!! You should hear the sound!!! You’d think there was a g-darned orchestra on stage. This is basically how it goes. Andrew Bird walks out on stage wearing a woman’s shirt (pretty sure) and looking very gaunt, as an artist should. Then, he plays some beautiful tune on his violin, steps on a looping pedal, picks a little ditty on said violin, steps on a looping pedal, whistles an unbelievable whistle, and then plays a track from his spectacular catalogue. If you ever have the opportunity, just go. Even if you’ve never heard him, or don’t care for him; it’s something to be seen. He’s running around the stage, grabbing new instruments, looping a guitar part, quickly shedding it for a violin and bow, improving, almost completely changing certain songs from their album version. Phenomenal. (RT's (myspace): Scythian Empires, Cataracts, Measuring Cups, Fake Palindromes, Sovay).

It is here that we may have made our only mistake of the festival. We decided to stick around the Arcade Fire (8:30) stage to get good seats. However, we missed Damien Rice...who I heard was really good...and I like Damien Rice a lot...our bad. Instead, we caught the Arctic Monkeys, who everyone raves about, and they sounded okay, but I'll need to hear more before making a final judgment. Also, I think the lead singer was 12. After the Arctic Monkeys, everyone pushed forward for seats, and in the stage behind us we heard the entire Clap Your Hands Say Yeah show as we were waiting for Arcade Fire to come on. I think I like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah...however, I know I don't like them live. They seem to have a sloppy sound by design, but I don't think it translates well to outdoor festivals. And Alec Ounsworth's yelping high-pitched vocals end up sounding like a raccoon that's fallen into a window well (long-story). Anyway, after CYHSY, we were ready for...

The Arcade Fire (8:30-9:30): This band is one of my favorite bands of all time. There, I said it, and no, I haven't been drinking. Every song they played was amazing, because every song in their catalogue is fantastic. Their songs are beautiful, well-written, and performed with emotion, both on the album, and even more so live. They are awesome live. They have, like, 20 people on stage. They bring out these instruments that look like their from the 1820's, and they sound awesome. There are times when there are upwards of 5 people singing. Whenever someone isn't playing an instrument, they pound on a drum, or jump up and down, or sing, sometimes in a mic, sometimes not. Highlights of the show were: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), just because it's an incredible song, and it's even more incredible when the whole crowd joins in on the "ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, ooos" at the end of the song, and their encore of "Wake Up." Everyone knew it was coming, but it was still fantastic. Anyway, I hope you love this band as much as I do. (RTs (Myspace): Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Intervention, Ocean of Noise, Well and the Lighthouse, Wake Up, Every Song They Have)

So Saturday was pretty sweet. After the show we ate at Chuy's Tex-Mex (worth 20 points) which offers a Burrito the size of your face and complimentary chips and salsa. And then it was on to...

Ryan Adams tweaks out at Minneapolis show

2007-09-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

I thought he was done with this type of stuff? I've always blamed his legendary live meltdowns on substance abuse but if he really is clean and sober, this isn't a good sign...

And I've never heard the story about him ripping on Paul Westerberg - that lands him in major hot water with this disappointed Minnesotan.

ACL: Part I

2007-09-23T15:57:00.000-04:00

So I'm going to do a report on this years Austin City Limits Festival in three parts, each part covering a separate day of the festival. There is no guarantee that these installations will occur in three consecutive days, or even in three consecutive months, but they should all be out by 2009. With that said, I'd like to now say that Austin City Limits is the greatest music festival out there, and I will be tallying up points for ACL throughout the post to show you.

Friday

My lady friend (Maggie) and I began the day with some breakfast tacos at Juanitas (Breakfast tacos: 1 point ACL). If you ever find yourself in Austin, make the journey down fifth street to this charming joint that operates out of a trailer. From there we booked it over to Zilker Park (which features a spring to take a dip in: 2 points ACL) to begin this years festival. We were late for Sahara Smith, an Austin local that I wanted to catch, getting there a little after 12:30 to catch…

Jesse Malin (12:30-1:30): I hate to say it, but I wasn’t impressed. I do like a few of his songs (Brooklyn, for instance) but the others just seem to blend together. I thought I really was going to like him, after hearing how Bruce guested on the album, and how he has an “Americana” vibe, which I dig, but to me, Malin ended up sounding like a bunch of other artists out there; nothing that really separated him from the pack. Plus he went on this ill-advised rant about our technology driven culture in which he kept repeating “I’ve gotta have my myspace, I’ve gotta have my youtube,” and he ended up making no sense. However, it was a gorgeous day and I was feeling good. Except of course for the fact that I was drenched with sweat 10 minutes in, and would remain drenched for the duration of the festival (readers note: I am legendary for my ability to sweat; so it’s awkward that I live in Texas). So after Jesse, we headed to…

Joseph Arthur (1:30-2:30): Joseph Arthur’s new album is a more rockin affair than his past efforts of ballads that make their way onto many a movie soundtrack. However, because he was playing tunes off this new “rockin” album, he ended up sounding exactly like Jesse Malin. I swear I thought Malin had just switched stages. And so it was that I started my day with a collection of mediocre 4-chord rock songs. So then, for a change of pace, we went to…

Pete Yorn (2:30-3:30): Who played more four-chord rock songs. Only his were good. Nothing really of note to report, other than Pete wearing a t-shirt that said “Clancy’s” and Maggie yelling, “We have a drug store named Clancy’s,” thinking that the drug store made t-shirts and Pete was a fan of said drug store. Also, just as he did at Lollalapalooza, Pete covered Peter, Bjorn, and John’s hit “Young Folks.” Which is kind of weird because next we went to…

Peter Bjorn and John (3:30-4:30): Now I thought it odd, and bad etiquette, that Yorn would play a song from a band who was at the same festival, not to mention following his show 200 yards away. So, I thought that maybe the bands knew each other, were friends, and it was cool. Apparently it wasn’t. PB and J spent a cool 2 minutes on stage kind of ripping on Yorn in their own Swedish way, seeming a little miffed that he played their song…you know, when they were about to play it 15 minutes later. All in all, the show was good ("Paris 2004" was a highpoint), but not that good. It seemed like they couldn’t really produce the wall of sound they had on their album in a live outdoor show. One notable part of the show was when they brought out Mel Draisey of The Clientele to sing “Young Folks,” and she was a very pretty lady with a great voice. Besides that, nothing of note besides a discussion about how they definitely ordered their names so it went in the order PBJ, rather than naming the band Bjorn John and Peter.

From there we took a little break to grab some food and some Sweat Leaf Sweet Tea (3 points ACL) before catching…

LCD Soundsystem (5:30-6:30): All I heard before the show was how sweet they were in concert, and it was a good show, but I’m not completely sold on their tunes. Their lead singer, James Murphy, seemed like a cool guy, especially when he invited the entire crowd to his wife's birthday party that night. But while their aggressive rock/electronic/dance sound worked brilliantly at times, at other times Murphy sounded like the devil that Will Farrell played in the SNL skit when he tries to teach Garth Brooks a hit song ("I said the guitar was out of tune!"). Apparently I was not the only one who thought so; another person who did was…

James Hunter (6:30-7:15): Hunter started his show with a friendly jibe at LCD. LCD ended their show with a tune in which lead-man Murphy kept repeating “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.” The tune went a little over LCD’s time-limit, causing Hunter to awkwardly mill around stage in his vest and tie before starting his show. So when it was time, Hunter said, “And as one great poet once said, ‘yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.” Classic middle-aged-man-listening-to-LCD Soundsystem-joke…my dad would have made the same one. Anyway, I really enjoy James Hunter. He sings tunes reminiscent of Sam Cooke in a silky smooth voice and plays a mean blues guitar. And when I say he plays Sam Cooke reminiscent tunes, I mean Sam Cooke could have actually sung these songs; Hunter is very throwback. This was evident in the fact that Maggie and I were BY FAR the youngest folks there. Everyone else was 50 plus and it was clear that all the ladies had a serious crush on Mr. Hunter. Seeing James Hunter was probably our boldest move of the festival, because we missed Spoon to see him. We missed Spoon partly because James Hunter is awesome, and partly because we saw them at Lollapalooza and weren’t that impressed. And from talking to people who went to the ACL show, they weren’t too impressive in their home city either. And while we’re talking about Spoon, I would like to say that I do usually enjoy Spoon and I did enjoy their latest record Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, but I definitely don’t respect them. Have you seen the track-list for this album? It includes tracks named “Rhthm and Soul” and “Don’t You Evah.” Are they 7th grade girls trying to be hip? Are they writing text messages? Until I hear valid explanations for the misspellings, I withhold my respect…which I’m sure they care about. However, I do respect…

The Killers (8:15-9:30): After walking around for a while and catching a bit of the Gotan Project, whose Argentinian/Parisian jams are intriguing if nothing else, we found our way to The Killers show, who were sharing headlining duties with Bjork. We were really far away for The Killers, but it was still a good show. I think they are a great band, built for playing festivals. And I really dig the anthemic rock they threw our way in Sam’s Town, even though it received mixed reviews. Anyway, we took off 15 minutes early to beat the crowds and hit up 6th street (4 points Austin) before heading to bed early for another day of tunes on Saturday…

(Authors Note: I just realized that maybe I didn't think that the bands Friday were all that sweet. But Saturday and Sunday more than made up for it. You'll see when I post about those days in December.)

Post-Script. In case you haven't heard some of the bands mentioned above, here are links to their myspace and some recommended tracks (RT) in case you want to sample on itunes.

Jesse Malin RT: Brooklyn

Pete Yorn RTs: The Man, Murray, Life on a Chain

Peter Bjorn and John RTs: Paris 2004, Young Folks, Against the Wall

James Hunter RTs: People Gonna Talk, Mollena

The Flaming Lips - Live at Myth, Minneapolis 9/9/07

2007-09-16T22:33:00.000-04:00

Sure, Jack the Rabbit is an arrogant guy.

But King Kong ain't got shit on me...I can explain my reasoning in one sentence: The Flaming Lips are the best live show in music today. Don't believe me? Then my only guess (and correct one at that) is you've never had the pleasure of seeing them in person.

Now I'll clarify my statement by emphasizing the word SHOW. I didn't say they're the best artists, songwriters, or wearers of designer shades and skull caps. However, a live Lips show is like entering a circus for adults and I couldn't have been happier.

One of the cool things about the Lips is that they all help set up their equipment between the opener and their own show. No pretentiousness, no arrogance (so not your typical KTTU band). Wayne Coyne, the lead singer, was the only one to leave the stage before the start of the best opening performance I've ever seen.

While the band set up, a few roadies were handing out laser pointers to the entire audience. Laser wars broke out as people fired beams across the venue at unsuspecting patrons, creating a sense of community that was so important to the show.

Not very long after, Steven - guitarist and keyboardist, Michael - bassist, and Kliph - drummer - started playing...and that's when it happened. Eight girls came running out from stage left wearing green alien masks and futuristic purple dresses, while another eight Santa Clauses emerged stage right. Superman, Captain America, one of the Incredibles, and a Trojan-like character also made appearances as the crowd and stage members danced and cheered wildly. Wayne began to walk out wearing two giant hands a la The Science of Sleep, which he proceeded to use to hug each group of dancers and then the rest of the band individually. As "Race for the Prize" picked up, I started to feel lighter and almost what I would expect an out-of-body experience to feel like (seriously, I don't do drugs, but this would definitely be the show to do it at...). As Wayne got to the mic and started to sing, the night exploded. Laser pointers, erupting confetti cannons, massive yellow balloons, and smoke filled the air as they played. It was the trippiest time I've ever had, and it was amazing.

When I die, I'm sure I'm going to be scared to enter the afterlife, but if I have any say, I want to enter heaven with the Lips playing a show. I was actually a little worried that I was dead about halfway through the first song, because if I could've imagined an orientation/welcome to the Pearly Gates, this would've been it. I can't explain the feeling much more than that, but luckily I was very much alive and enjoying the mayhem around me as I jumped and danced and sang with a couple thousand other people.

The best part of the night was when they turned out the lights on the stage. Immediately everyone shone their laser pointers on Wayne as he finished his guitar part, illuminating him in a red 3-D ball of moving points (remember the old Nintendo system that failed miserably, where you look into the goggles at the red 3-D lines? something like that...). It was a cool moment, especially since the lingering smoke from the smoke machine and cigarettes caused the air above us to turn into a web of red lasers, blanketing the audience in a ceiling of red warmth.

In a related, but less spontaneous moment, Wayne asked everyone to shine their lasers at him just as the lights went out and as he picked up a huge mirror. The reflecting beams were cast back over everyone, creating a tangle of light throughout the club. It was a sweet effect that somehow made everyone seem interconnected at that time and place.

One thing that really stood out for me was how much the band embraced the crowd's craziness. After setting such an example themselves, they really took to whatever happened with the greatest of ease. For me, at some point having laser pointers flashed in my eyes repeatedly all night would get me a little pissed off. Not these guys. They welcomed it more than anything.

The night slid by as they played all the old favorites as well as some new ones from their great album At War with the Mystics. Slightly disappointing, but cool nonetheless, they did a toned down and slower version of "Yoshimi vs. the Pink Robots" that the crowd sang to along with Wayne (I should probably note that Steven only spoke in a high pitched Mickey Mouse voice all night to say "thanks" and other assorted phrases).

Highlights included "Fight Test," "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song," "Free Radicals," a rare "Riding to Work in the Year 2025," a brief cover of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," and my favorite, "Do You Realize?" (look for this in an upcoming post). But the real treat came in the final song of the encore when they branched from their normal set list to play a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Moonlight Mile." As the song ended and Wayne walked off the stage, the rest of the band held the tunes until the big, bright moon projected on the screen behind them zoomed out until it was nothing more than a black screen.

A classy way to finish a crazy show and completely satisfying. Check out "Race for the Prize" and let me know what song is playing for you as you head through the big gates in the sky.

The Flaming Lips -
*Race for the Prize (remix).mp3

For more songs, including my all-time favorite "Do You Realize?" check out their myspace page here.

Set List (in picture form):

*big thanks to everyone at the Flaming Lips message boards for the pics!*

The Shins - Sleeping Lessons Music Video

2007-08-29T03:51:00.000-04:00

So Wincing the Night Away was supposed to be my follow up to Teddy Thompson's Separate Ways wayyyyy back in January, but as you can probably tell, the Shins really keep tabs on my personal playlist...

In response, I've made the attempt to get Jack the Rabbit involved in the Shins by lending him Chutes Too Narrow. This CD is the baseline for making truly involving music and they have just released their 4th(!) single off of Wincing... called "Sleeping Lessons."

This video, directed by an NYU student, is absolutely fantastic and you should all really enjoy the relationships between the band members...you'll really enjoy when I make my post on "Le Blogotheque" but until then, pretend you're a random tourist in Paris and you happen upon the Shins playing along the sidewalk...

I can't explain more...just enjoy this great video for now, and then understand after my "Le Blogotheque" post...it'll all make sense then...

Serenade Me With Rocks, Love

2007-08-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

I bought Josh Ritter's latest work. I had bought his last album, The Animal Years, last year after an experience with the song Wolves. I thought that it was a really great album, and one that surprised me by growing on me with time.

His latest album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, arrived a few days ago in the mail, courtesy of the lovely folks over at Amazon. I was instantly taken by the arrogant title and album art. I cracked it open and threw it on in my car. As soon as the first words hit (deep in the belly of the whale I found her / down with the deep blue jail around her) I knew I was in for something special. There is something very loose and free about the music. Opening up the CD booklet, I started skimming the lyrics before even listening to the respective songs. To steal an image from Bob Dylan, the words were pouring off the page like they were written in my soul. The poetry of the lyrics was apparent even before hearing them put to music. Even from a quick skimming.

Art should transcend its physical limitations. Music should be more than words and chords and notes. It should be emotion realized. It is for this reason that Madame George can move me so thoroughly despite the fact that I don't know what it is about.

Before I wax too complimentary of this album, let me ground myself. I realize that this is a pop album. It's fun. The songs are catchy and whimsical. Yet, when I first listened to this album I was completely caught up in it. I think Mr. Ritter captured a moment, an emotional spectrum that, though fun, is such an impressive feat to accomplish that it merits the strongest words of praise. And there is depth and pathos and struggle laced throughout the work that should not be overlooked.

I called Little Gun up and said something stupid about the first listen to the album being like someone throwing on Born to Run in 1975. I have since retracted this statement because Born to Run is a tight 8 track album while this is a little scruffier. Maybe it's more like a first listen to Highway 61 Revisited in 1965.

The Temptation of Adam is the standout song in this collection. In it, Josh writes:

Then one night you found me in my army issued cot and you told me of your flash of inspiration
You said fusion was the broken heart that's lonely's only thought
And all night long you drove me wild with your equations

Explaining fusion, the key (I believe) to the most dangerous weapon yet conceived of, in such a human way is remarkable. And somehow it makes sense that even at the most basic, molecular level of the universe, the desire for and frustration due to love is present.

This is a beautiful work. I'm not even going to post a track -- you need to own this entire album.

Speaking of Irish Singers

2007-08-26T22:36:00.000-04:00

How do we feel about Fionn Reagan? The 20 year old Irish newcomer was featured in the latest Paste Magazine sampler (once again, I hope everyone who reads this blog also reads paste magazine…buy one copy and you won’t look back) with a song called “Put a Penny in the Slot.” Intrigued, I read some rave reviews (four stars in The Independent; nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize; for the record, I have no idea what that is), and ended up picking up his debut album The End of History. And I think it’s a pretty solid album as well.

In a word I would describe the album as pretty. There are some real nice melodies and some beautiful finger-picking (almost like a not-so-dark sounding Jose Gonzales). All the tunes are pretty laid-back (I think I only picked up a drum beat on one track “Black Water Child”…a very good tune coincidentally). The subdued tunes, combined with Reagan’s young age and often times quite poetic songwriting has earned him many comparisons to Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst. Lyrically, however, I don’t think Reagan is quite as skilled as Oberst; he’s a little more abstract, and not always focused on lyrics that rhyme, which can, at times, lead to incoherent rambling (this comes to fruition on a song called “Hey Rabbit,” which sounds like it could be a track by Flight of the Conchords). But even at these points I still find the songs charming. Reagan’s songs are definitely more optimistic than Oberst, and Reagan’s voice is not filled with teenage angst, which is a definite positive.

The best track on the album is, indeed, the aforementioned “Put a Penny in the Slot,” with a nod to “Snowy Atlas Mountains,” which depends more on beautiful instrumentation than Reagan’s wordsmithing. In the end, if you enjoy the mellow sounds in the like of a Bright Eyes or even a Damien Rice, I’m guessing you’ll dig Fionn Reagan. (Sidenote: I believe he's from the coastal town of Bray, Ireland, just outside of Dublin...which, if you've been there, will give him a leg up in your book)

Here's a music video (kind of) for "Put a Penny in the Slot."

Stranded in Austin, and not minding at all

2007-08-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

First of all, the title of this post was just going to be Stranded in Austin, but then I put the last part in because now it sounds like the title of a Willie Nelson song. Moving on...

So the reason I haven’t posted lately (I’m addressing my fan base here…put base on the end of it…fan base) is because I’m back in Texas, where there are plenty of wild boars to come by, but few sources of wireless internet. Luckily, however, I have made contacts with a gentleman who seems to run a wireless company out of his van, and I will be getting internet within days…although apparently it cuts out whenever there’s a cloud in the sky or the wind blows…so we’ll see how that goes.

In other news, when I was driving down here, I was just about to hit Austin when I received reports of flash flood warnings in San Antonio. So, rather than put my 1998 Toyota Sienna mini-van to the test, I decided to crash in Austin for the night. Upon checking into my room, I decided to take advantage of the free wireless feature (a luxury for me) at the Days Inn, to see if there was any live music going on. Naturally, I first checked Bob Schneider’s website, figuring he was probably playing in some dude’s basement somewhere in Austin. I wasn’t far off. He was playing at some bar on the outskirts of town in something known as “Bob Schneider’s Bluegrass Massacre.” I didn’t attend for a few reasons. First, I wasn’t sure if he was hosting the event or actually playing in it. Second, I think that Bob is getting bored in Austin, and maybe is experimenting too much with different styles of music that I don’t necessarily want to check out (for instance, last week his myspace claimed that he was an italian pop artist...however, it now seems there are some new tunes on his myspace). And third, the last time I saw Bob Schneider I tried to buy him a shot at The Nutty Brown and he turned me down…I’m sure he remembers it too, and it’s gonna be awkward the next time I see him.

So, with Bob out, I checked out the website of another Austin resident, Matt the Electrician. Little D and I saw Matt the Electrician open for Bob Schneider at the Nutty Brown in Austin in May, and he really is pretty great. He’s got a kind of raspy voice, but smooth…like a rich man’s John Mayer. Anyways, he writes some catchy tunes. Moral of the story is that he indeed was playing in Austin that night as well (and every other night of the week). On this night he was playing at a local coffee shop near UT’s north campus in some mini strip-mall known as “the Triangle.” He was playing there with another local musician, Southpaw, and I swear that I was the only one there who did not know one of the two guys personally. It was like I was at my high school buddy’s open mic night...only it wasn't my buddy at all...it was Matt the Electrician. Real weird. But still a lot of fun. They were taking advantage of the relaxed vibe by taking turns playing the tuba and singing falsetto harmonies. Highlight of the night by far was when they closed with their rendition of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” Genius.

Moral of the story is that if that night was any sign of things to come, it’s gonna be a good year of music in Tejas.

Listen to My Dog...also note in his influences are: Taj Mahal, and Jesse Harris (of Norah Jones fame). Well played.

These Guys Can Sing

2007-08-23T21:56:00.000-04:00

The best singers are Irish. Here are the three best. I would listen to these guys sing the phonebook.

VAN MORRISON
soul

Van Morrison sings songs that come from some sort of a deep place I'm not even sure I have. He's also crazy; which is very helpful in being a rock musician. I think that Astral Weeks is the greatest album of all time.

I'm not sure that any song hits home harder than Madame George does when Van starts wailing "and you know you gotta go / on that train from dublin up to sandy row / throwing pennies at the bridges down below / and the rain hail sleet and snow / say goodbye to madame george / dry your eyes for madame george." Madame George is not a song that I understand.

Van Morrison also has a really bad attitude. Check out this song I told Little Gun about a long time ago. Little Gun told me it wasn't on iTunes, so you know this shit is underground.

SHANE MACGOWAN
whiskey

I love The Pogues. They are absurd. They have one song that a fair amount of people know. It's called Fairytale of New York. It's a killer song. It's a duet and in the end the woman accuses the guy, saying "I could have been someone...you took my dreams from me, when I first found you." The guy's response is chillingly beautiful. "I took them with me, babe, I put them with my own, can't make it all alone, I built my dreams around you." She musta been smitten.

Want to know what Shane said about that song when asked? "It's a beautiful song; I wish I could remember writing it." And now we've hit the nerve on The Pogues. Shane, the real spirit of the crew, always pushed it a little too far. His lifestyle was more over the top than I can relate here. Look it up if you're interested. I think he was drinking beer by age 4 and had his first whiskey at age 7, at which point he had a conversation with a goose. Or something.

I dare you to understand any lyrics to this song without looking them up. I dare you not to love this song once you do.

BONO VOX
showing us the maximum potential of the human heart

I'm not going to waste my time. Either you get it that this guys is transcendent or you don't. And if you don't then the maxium potential of YOUR heart is...less than.

One of my favorite readers sweet jane reminded me of this little gem the other day. It's a cover of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. This is another song I don't quite get. Somehow it compares the story of David (the king) and Bathsheeba with a contemporary relationship. I would read a 90 page essay on this song if it was available.

The first 10 times I heard this version of the song I hated it. The next 10 I was confused. Now I think I get what he's trying to do. But I still don't understand this song.

The world is a wild, confusing place. The only sure bet is that the Irish do it best. Whatever it is.

The Format - Live at Webster Hall Aug 21, 2007

2007-08-22T20:54:00.000-04:00

Last night Little Dynamite and I went to see The Format at Webster Hall. This was a great situation because:
A) It's right next door to The Pourhouse, our favorite watering hole
B) It's owned by the same people as The Pourhouse, which is also Lil Dynamo's semi-employer so we got in for free (only to immediately burn that $17 boon on numerous $7 bud light bottles that they pour into a cup to try to trick you into thinking you're drinking a draft beer).
C) It was a Tuesday, which was probably what pushed me over the edge to going. I mean honestly - who goes to see The Format on a Tuesday?

I'll tell you who goes to see The Format on a Tuesday. High schoolers. I did not expect, but in hindsight should not have been surprised, to find that The Format has a very young fan base. On a positive note though, this is a fan base who LOVES their band. The floor, and Dynamo will attest to this, was bouncing like a trampoline. It was a great effect, but in all seriousness they should get someone in there to check the floor for structural deficencies.

So, the crowd was totally digging it and the band was great. They have a great catalogue and they have great live energy. The band basically consists of:
- The lead singer who is some sort of borderline emo Mick Jagger / lead singer of The Hives dude who has one sweet move which is flipping the mic up into the air and snagging it out of the air with a slapping alternate hand. It's also important to note he is a major pansy.
- Some kind of Warren Zevon / Neil Young guy (directly above) who is usually in jeopardy of jerking a body part into a microphone stand or a fellow band member. He was my favorite because he is clearly (attempting to be) a man of mystery.
- A Matisyahu like guy who plays an acoustic guitar or keyboard. This guy will kill somebody in the near future; he's terrifyingly emotionless.
- A few other guys who are pretty run-of-the-mill.
(Note: We decided last night that all talented bands are made up of main bandmembers from some other place, like Minneapolis or Copenhagen. However, these people have come to New York to find a drummer and bass player. This is why all bands are based out of NY.)

I'm not going to focus on the concert too much. I think you can probably get the idea. Great atmosphere and music that I really enjoy.

Set list (courtesy, as always, of Little Dynamite cell phone storage):
1) If Work Permits
2) The Compromise
3) Tie the Rope
4) Oceans (pick this tune up - the one that has stuck in my head; I've been whistling it all day)
5) Snails
6) Tune Out
7) Wait, Wait, Wait
8) I'm Ready I Am
9) Janet
10) On Your Porch
11) Inches and Falling
12) Dog Problems
13) She Doesn't Get It

So, by the end of the concert I was saying to Dynamo that "I like these guys, but I don't respect them." Then I ate crow.

The band wrapped up their set and took off. The place was raucous and I knew they were coming back. Which they did. What transpired still knocks me out.

They got arrogant. They came out and started it out slow, as Dynamite insisted you have to on an encore. Then they hit Time Bomb, one of my faves. AND DIDN'T STOP. So they did Cause A Scene. AND DIDN'T STOP. The lead singer (I should look up his name but I'm not that legit) asked the crowd for a little help. He needed us to sing "Laa laa la la, la la la". I looked over at Dynamo and said "are they really going to do this?" AND THEY DID. They closed with Caravan, the Van Morrison song that may be my second favorite song of all time. And they nailed it. The only problem was the crowd didn't get it. The crowd was all about The Format but they just didn't have the musical background to know what they were experiencing. So Dynamite and Jack the Rabbit doublehandedly lifted the crowd onto our shoulders and rode the concert out belting out the "la la"s and pumping fists. They alienated their entire crowd (minus us and some awesome dude in the back) to finish strong. And I left the venue both liking AND respecting those dudes. Damn, what a finish

Encore:
14) Matches
15) Time Bomb
16) The First Single (Cause A Scene)
17) Caravan
*as a special treat download this great cover of Caravan by another bunch of dudes (best part is the "shake it Vin, shake it." by the way i really wish i was a rock star.

In closing, great show. Goddamn I love an arrogant band.

We Get It; Little Dynamite is a prolific poster...and other notes from around the horn

2007-08-21T15:37:00.001-04:00

First off - much respect to Little Dyanamite. All of us who had written him off as washed up and burned out are elated to have him back in action. And unlike Ryan Adams circa Cold Roses, he is prolific in a 100% quality way. Thank god. Now it looks like it may be time to put Little Gun on the side of the chocolate milk carton.

Also - let me please extend my gracious acceptance of your apology regarding Afro Celt Sound System. Don't doubt the dogma of JtR again.

Two related points:

1) speaking of Ryan Adams the arrogant bastard who put out what may have been one of the greatest 25 albums of the last 50 years (Cold Roses) - then mixed in another 12 garbage tracks to make sure he did not achieve this mark: here is a great article Little Dynamite found a while back that never made it to a post. go ahead and sign up to view it; it's free (cheapskate).

2) i'll be seeing The Format with none other than Dynamite himself tonight. here's a great track off of their most recent album Dog Problems. this one was track 1 of my seminal summer mix '07. believe in it.

TIME BOMB!

FINALLY - BIG NEWS!

Brace yourself.

Springsteen announces the other day that he'll release his first album with the E Street Band in five years on Oct. 2, 2007. For those of you who packed it in after The Ghost of Tom Joad; be forewarned - The Rising was an incredible album. I expect nothing less of this. Bruce seems to be painfully aware of his music these days, and I can't imagine him putting out anything less than magical (get it?). Plus, in my opinion he comes close to suffering from Billy Joel Syndrome - or, the inability to release bad music. The opposite of this is, obviously, Ryan Adams Syndrome.

In fact, while we're on the subject, my favorite 6 Springsteen album (excluding Born to Run, which is on a different plane of existence) are his first 3 (Greetings from Asbury Park New Jersey, The Wild the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle, Darkness of the Edge of Town) and his last 3 (The Rising, Devils and Dust, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Band). I guess I like folksy Bruce more than rocker Bruce. Sorry I don't work in a Ford factory in 1972 and have a mustache like Daryl Oates (I mean John Hall).

This is the last track he released with the E Street Band (that's right, the final track of The Rising). Remember the landscape post-9/11 and tell me this guy isn't the G.O.A.T. The amazing thing is that he wrote this pre-9/11 (about his homeland Asbury Park, NJ) which pretty much makes him a prophet. Mark the calender for Oct. 2.

CITY OF RUIN!!

Bob Schneider - Live at the Knitting Factory, NYC 7/13/07

2007-08-21T01:15:00.000-04:00

Again? Another Bob Schneider post? You're damn right it's another Bob Schneider post. I'm going to hammer this into your head until you become as big of a fan as I am or I'll die trying.

Fine, that was a little too over dramatic, but you get the picture.

I almost forgot that Bob was playing here in NYC until the week of the concert. You may remember a few performances that I saw with Little Gun in the great state of Texas not too long ago, as well as one I've alluded to with Jack the Rabbit in September of '06 at the Knitting Factory (surprise post coming when you least expect it). Well I've got big news - they both missed out. This last concert may have been the premiere BSchneids show. I will say that the '06 concert has a possible leg up due to the fact that Bob played requests from the audience in an intimate solo acoustic show, but this last show was unbelievable.

Playing with his full band in one of my most beloved small venues in NYC, Bob rocked out with old favorites and new classics to a well-versed and attentive audience.

There were so many great things that happened on this night that I'll really focus on one:

He opened with my all-time favorite song - "The King of the World."

Now I know I've ranted on and on about how "Oklahoma" is my newest song of choice, and for good reason, but "The King of the World" has always been my favorite. A 10 minute story of "big dreams" and "smoke filled bars," I've played "The King of the World" in the best and the worst of times. And every time, I've always felt better by the end of it.

I didn't know that Bob played this live due to the length of the song and I basically have always told myself to never expect it, but when I first heard those acoustic picks to start off the show, I started getting jittery. Could it be? Well it was and I almost jumped out of the bar. While different live, as I should've known, it was just extraordinary. With respect to our Top 25 Most Played lists, "The King of the World" was my number one for a long time with well over 50 plays, which should say something for a 10+ minute epic.

Bob Schneider - (studio version)
*The King of the World.mp3

I almost don't know what else to say for the rest of the night because the whole night took off like a rocket after the first song. Favorites abounded and a few songs stood out for me but I'll leave the experience up to you.

If anyone knows the name of the song at the end of Mudhouse (which loses a bit of its intensity/awesomeness when not seen live), I'd be much appreciated. I heard it in Austin with Little Gun to close out the night at Saxon Pub, but I still don't have a name for it. Same goes for the second to last track.

And seriously, enjoy the final song - a double song of the classic "Assknocker" right into a jump-up-and-down version of "Sex Machine" that went at least another 5 minutes longer than the recording allowed.

Rock on Bob. Rock on.

Bob Schneider - Live at the Knitting Factory 7/13/07
DISC 1:

DISC 2:

The Ultimate Summer Boating Mix (Lake Minnetonka Edition)

2007-08-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

I've recently been getting the impression that my parents don't love me. Or they love my younger brothers more - one of the two.

I first came to this realization when I moved away for college. Not more than 2 months later, they decide that they're going to buy a hot tub. Sweet. It's not like I had been begging for something like that in high school when all I wanted to do after football was to soak in a hot tub of jets. Not too useful to me now, is it?

Ok, so they bought a hot tub. Big whoop. But the next year, my dad goes and buys a boat. Now being from the glorious state of Minnesota, life revolves around the lakes - summer and winter. However, access to Lake Minnetonka on a beautiful summer day is about the greatest thing there is. Good thing they waited until after I left to get this.

Now it's fantastic to be able to go home on breaks to see the fam and use the new toys, but where the heck were these when I could've used them regularly?! So now, like this year, I'm relegated to one afternoon a summer spent lounging in heaven while my favorite tracks play on through my iTrip.

Yet with each trip out onto the boat, I've come to the truth that I listen to the same songs over and over again when I'm on the lake. When I'm not home, a few songs will always remind me of the incredible time spent out on Lake Minnetonka on the most perfect days of the year.

Most songs are featured in certain orders, because that's what tended to play when starting the boat (with the cd changer starting before my ipod) to cruising the lake to anchoring off Big Island or Robinson's Bay to pulling back into Wayzata Bay.

The easiest track on this mix for me is the opener: "Diane" by Guster. I had bought Guster's Keep It Together just before the summer started that we got the boat and this was the first track on the CD. It would start up as the engines started, the opening bass lines humming along with the low rumble of growling motors. Its chill lyrics, soft harmonies, and guitar strumming keep this one at the forefront of my mix. The entire Keep It Together CD is a good one to listen to on the boat, but the opening track is the winner for this particular post.

As we pulled out of the docks and the no-wake area, it's time to throttle up with G. Love & Special Sauce's "Dreamin.'" Driving along at a higher speed and cranking this song up brings a smile across my face every time. A master of my personal summer anthems, G. Love features prominently on any trip out on the boat and for good reason.

By the time we hit our destination, it's time for some relaxing, tanning, beer, chips, and sandwiches if we thought ahead.

"Come With Me Tonight" by Bob Schneider tends to start about now followed by Blue Merle's "Burning in the Sun." This Coldplay-esque tune chimes in with a little gusto but a lot of the summer feel necessary to crack this mix.

Now's the time to put on the suntan lotion, find an empty spot on the boat and half-sleep to the rest of the tracks with a cold Summit in your hand. I've realized that this post would be enormous if I continue to write about each song as I've already written too much for the number of songs on here...just try to imagine the greatest day of your life as you lie out under the sun with a bathtub-warm lake at your disposal, a cooler of ice cold Minnesota beer, and these songs serenading you along the way.

I will, however, speak for two seconds about the last three songs on the mix. They are the ones that remind me of pulling back into the dock at night after a wonderful day of boating. I tend to leave the boat's battery on while I clean it out and put up the cover which takes a little while after a full day.

The Format's "Snails" (the acoustic version) is my happiest song of all time. For some reason, I'm always happiest when I hear it no matter where I am. It brings a huge smile to my face and I tend to listen to it as I pull up to Wayzata Bay with its downtown lights glowing so softly. As I make it into the docks, Semisonic's "Gone to the Movies" is my favorite choice to transition into finishing off the night. Dan Wilson's Minnesotan voice as well as the perfect acoustic guitar fit nicely as the I pull the boat into its slot.

And finally, another Minnesota legend, Mason Jennings finishes off the night with his song "The Light, Pt. 2" as the cover goes up and the coolers are passed up onto the dock. You can't help but drive home happy after a day like this. I'm definitely missing home right about now, but this mix helps ease those thoughts...

I've split this mix up into 2 convenient 'cds' as my mix was meant for iPod use originally. I recommend that this mix be played exclusively on Lake Minnetonka, but if you can't make it there, play through it when you can at least appreciate the atmosphere (aka - a great bbq on the deck, a long distance road trip, or another lake outing of your choice).

*Available for a limited time only*

Little Dynamite's Ultimate Summer Boating Mix (Lake Minnetonka Edition)
DISC 1:

DISC 2:

Feist - Town Hall, NYC 6/11/07

2007-08-19T04:37:00.000-04:00

It's official. I'm in love with Leslie Feist.

Yes this post is extremely late. Yes I know I probably don't have a chance with her. But let me at least get this off my chest before I collapse.

This show was incredible. From the opening note to the euphoria that I experienced as she walked off the stage, I was enamored with Feist. There's something incredibly sexy about a woman who can rock as hard on the guitar as she did, but sing so smoothly.

She played everything I wanted to hear except for "Secret Heart" and that's saying something considering I wanted to hear everything off of her latest two albums Let It Die and The Reminder, respectively. If I hadn't been there to believe it, I would've called myself a liar, but her voice is even sweeter and more beautiful in person. The entire show was entrancing and she really knows how to engage an audience with even the softest of tunes.

I happened to have gotten 4th row seats for Town Hall, which was my first time there, but I felt like overall, it was an intimate venue. Feist felt comfortable enough to invite up a random audience member to whistle bird calls with her as she recorded a background tune for a song. Awesome.

One of the highlights of the evening was when she called out former bandmate in Broken Social Scene, Kevin Drew. It was a great moment as he played piano while Feist sang a memorable version of his "Lover's Spit." While that was the only song Drew came out for, it was a well received cameo performance.

I used to have the setlist in my cell phone, but I erased it for a Bob Schneider concert (bad move...I ended up buying the Scheider concert on CD and having it available anyways). Highlighted songs from the night included "The Water," "My Moon My Man," "1234," and "Mushaboom." I think the sleeper for best song of the night may go to "Sea Lion Woman" however.

Overall, an extremely fun night and a two-thumbs-up performance by one of my favorite artists.

Feist -
*My Moon My Man.mp3

Broken Social Scene -
*Lover's Spit.mp3

Teddy Thompson - Separate Ways

2007-08-19T04:02:00.001-04:00

So you don't know who Teddy Thompson is? Shame on you.

Technically, shame on me, but I'll explain why. Teddy Thompson was supposed to be my first album review when we started this blog way back in '06, but I slacked off *gasp*.

Well here it is, finally, only one album too late. You see, Teddy has just released his newest CD Upfront and Down Low, an album of legendary country covers that departs wildly from his phenomenal 2006 release, Separate Ways.

I don't want to spoil anything for you, but Mr. Thompson was an enormous surprise find for me. He was the opening act for Mason Jennings when I saw him back home for my brother's birthday last summer. All stores were closed by the time I got home from the concert, but I woke up the next day and bought Teddy's album first thing.

Amazing.

It's been one of my absolute favorite purchases at the indie level. Thompson, an Englishman via New York, has catchy, but sincere melodies in his verses. He takes you into his confidence as he confesses his personal desires as well as his tongue-in-cheek experiences as a musician.

I want to be a huge star/who hangs out in hotel bars./I want to wake up at noon/in somebody else's room./I want to shine so bright it hurts...

I want to be high strung./Make people wonder what they've done./No one will talk back/cuz they'll never know when I might snap./I want to shine so bright it hurts...
-"Shine So Bright"

I know I recommend for people to buy just about every artist I write about, but you seriously need to get into Teddy now. He's already showing his range with his newest release so you should probably claim him as your own before he blows up.

Teddy Thompson -
Shine So Bright.mp3

Teddy Thompson -
I Should Get Up.mp3

Official Apology to Jack the Rabbit

2007-08-19T00:40:00.000-04:00

This is the only time you'll ever get this...

I'm officially sorry to have doubted your arrogance on Afro Celt Sound System. I immediately purchased the album on iTunes and have not looked back. This music is right up my alley and I am a big proponent of random world music. I just purchased a double cd by a new-flamenco Spanish group that has been out of print since 2002. A post will be forthcoming...

I don't know where to begin. For one, the idea of blending African and Celtic music is beyond me. However, it works in a great way and as I sit here writing, I'm almost mesmerized by its sound. I have this weird thing for certain types of Celtic music and this, in its own odd way, fits the bill for me. Sometimes the album dives into a bit too much of dance/house for me, but when the Celtic portions come through, they explode.

So there you have it. Jack the Rabbit comes through brilliantly and this will no doubt encourage him in his future postings.

God help us.

Arrogance? Or Genius?

2007-08-17T08:33:00.000-04:00

I recently posted my iPod's Top 25 Most Played list. Dark Moon, High Tide by Afro Celt Sound System was my #1 most played track. And I promptly received the following responses from my co-bloggers:

Little Dynamite: "your #1 song is by a group called 'Afro Celt Sound System'...you're so arrogant.."

Little Gun: "I agree with Little D...I think the reason that it took your top 25 so long before coming out was because you had to play that "Afro Celt Sound System" song on repeat to gain it the top spot...arrogance"

I'd like to address these comments head on.

My first thought was to just post the song and let the music speak for itself. But if it's accusations of arrogance I am trying to combat, and arrogant response like that will not do. So, let me try to show you where I'm living.

First off - two confessions:

1. I only got an iPod about a month ago. Before then, I had been operating with a Dell DJ for about 4 years. I did confess to Little Gun that I was "rigging" my Top 25 List since I had a brand new iPod with no baggage. To be clear, all I meant by this was that I was not listening to my entire library on full shuffle. This was to prevent some horrible accident such as, through a glitch in mathematical randomization, the song The Special by Hot Action Cop sneaking its way into my Top 25 to destroy my blogging credibility, which is currently rivaled only by Cherry Ghost.

2. I do admit that I bought the Afro Celt Sound System album Volume 1: Sound Magic purely out of arrogance. I saw it on the World section shelf at a Best Buy a few years ago and grabbed it without knowing anything about what secrets it might hold. Greatest blind purchase of my life.

Get in. Now that you've downloaded the song, let me tell you why it has a league leading 11 plays (edging Oklahoma by a single play). Put it on. Now picture this. I was sitting out on a second level deck on my cottage, all alone, the other evening. The sky was alive with heat lightning so frequent and intense that I was truly concerned that nearby New York City was being annihilated by nuclear weapons and it was only a matter of time before the radiation got to the Connecticut border. What better tune to listen to as one watches this beautiful world end. So I played it on repeat 3 or 4 times, until I was convinced that the danger of decimation had passed.

Since then, the song has frequently been added to On The Go playlists because I really enjoy it. I think it's a song about the maximum potential of the human heart; but that's the wonderful thing about it - it could have a different message to everyone it reaches.

Please post apologies/retractions.

Jack the Rabbit: 25 Most Played

2007-08-15T08:29:00.000-04:00

Here's the list.

1. Dark Moon, High Tide - Afro Celt Sound System

2. Oklahoma (live) - Bob Schneider

3. The Temptation of Adam - Josh Ritter

4. Corpus Christi Carol - Jeff Buckley

5. Brainy - The National

6. Start A War - The National

7. Me and Mr. Jones - Amy Winehouse

8. Love Is A Losing Game - Amy Winehouse

9. Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse

10. Razz - Kings of Leon

11. Squalor Victoria - The National

12. Go Back Home to Harlem - The Rosewood Thieves

13. Elusive - Scott Matthews

14. Caledonia Mission - The Band

15. Valentine's Day - Bruce Springsteen

16. I Shall Be Released (live) - Jeff Tweedy

17. Quiet Town - Josh Rouse

18. Green Gloves - The National

19. Guest Room - The National

20. Oh My Sweet Carolina - Ryan Adams

21. Call Me On Your Way Back Home - Ryan Adams

22. Put It On Me - Ben Harper

23. Original of the Species - U2

24. Yahweh - U2

25. Northern Muse (Solid Ground) - Van Morrison

I have the best taste in music on the KTTU Blog.

Quick talking points:

1. Much as I hate to admit it, Little Gun was right...The National is my new favorite band. Although I must say, it took me a while to "get it." Start A War and Brainy were the tracks that precipitated the break through. Thanks, Little Gun.

2. The newest Josh Ritter album has all the makings of being the greatest, most arrogant(ly titled) album of 2007. The Temptation of Adam is the greatest song written since I Shall Be Released, which probably makes it the best song in the last 40 years. Believe it. Listen. I dare you.

3. Amy Winehouse album is actually pretty good. See if you can hang with me for this: Tears Dry On Their Own should have been a Fleetwood Mac song, that Amy Winehouse covered. If that was the case, Amy Winehouse's version would have become the definitive version. Got it? Anyway, great tune.

4. Respect to Jeff Buckley for putting out a (pop) album in AD 1994 in which one of the tracks begins with: He bear her up, he bear her down. He bear her unto an orchard ground. And in that orchard there was a hold, and it was hangèd with purple and gold. And in that hold, there was a bed, and it was hangèd with gold so red. Lay-oh-o-lay, lay-oh-o-lay; the falcon hath bourne my maid away...

A Day in a Lolla

2007-08-13T22:57:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday, me and my steady gal (Maggie) checked out Lollapalooza. We only bought the one day pass because we'll be seeing a lot of the bands at Austin City Limits (the best festival in all the land) and wanted to save some scratch. Why Saturday though? Quite simply, The Hold Steady played on Saturday; but we'll get to that later. Here's a rundown.

I'm From Barcelona played at 12:30 and we caught the end of that show, which is unfortunate. What transpired was 40-50 Swedish (not actually from Barcelona...I was confused too) folk running around on stage in brightly colored clothing, animal suits, or both. I was visibly shaken.

Pete Yorn was on at 1:30. We got their early to get close to the stage because Maggie's in love with him, which is unfortunate for me. The set was solid, but I couldn't completely enjoy it for aforementioned reasons. By the way, I'm convinced that if Pete Yorn took off his sunglasses he'd look like a weasel. That was uncalled for. Also, Lance Armstrong was on the side of the stage for the show, and Pete Yorn's keyboardist may be Elvis Costello...thought you should know. Here's the set-list (Recorded by Little Dynamite Cell Phone Method)

Pete Yorn at Lolla:
1. June
2. Already Is
3. Ask Yourself
4. Life on a Chain
5. Splendid Isolation
6. Just Another
7. The Man
8. Closet
9. Policies
10. On Your Side
11. Murray
12. Young Folks (Peter Bjorn and John cover...neat suprise)
13. Strange Condition
14. New Track...sorry

The Cold War Kids were next show we checked out. The show was packed. We had to sit under a tree, and we couldn't see the stage. However, the show was phenomenal. I liked every song. Bought the album when I got home. Soaring vocals (provided by Nathan Willet), strong back beats, bluesy guitars, sloppy piano for a fantastic product. Plus they're obsessed with Tom Waits, which has to be a good thing. I also heard that they had a poet open for them on tour. Myspace them. Do it.

Which brings us to The Hold Steady. They played for one hour, and in that one hour provided one of the top five shows I've ever seen. The Hold Steady is pure joy on stage. No one could ever accuse these guys of taking themselves too seriously; they are having the time of their lives up there. Keyboardist Franz Nicolay waved to the crowed and jumped up and down beaming in anticipation for the show. Frontman Craig Finn came out giddy as well, adorned in a Ron Gardenhire jersey (for those of you that are not from Minnesota like Craig Finn or Little Dynamite, Gardenhire is the Twins manager...and Finn was wearing his jersey...how cool is that). And the smiles continued throughout the show. After songs, Finn would scream jokes across stage at bassist Galen Polivka and lead guitarist Tad Kubler. Between lyrics, Finn would move to the front of the stage, away from the mic, and yell at the crowd, as if he was having a conversation with us, further explaining the lyrics to the song. As Kubler's six-string wailed out a solo, Finn would dance the type of dance you do when you think no one's watching.

The set was fantastic. They played 7 tracks from Boys and Girls in America (Stuck Between Stations, Chips Ahoy, Hot Soft Light, Party Pit, You Can Make Him Like You, South Town Girls, Massive Nights) but also dipped into their earlier catalogue, which I'm not too familiar with, but desire to become familiar with. The audience of mainly males aged 20 to 35 was jumping up and down the whole show, screaming lyrics back at Finn. The band patted each other's back, swigged Bud Selects, and laughed. At the conclusion of the show, Finn told the crowd that they started playing as an excuse to get together and drink beer once a week. He told us how much joy there was up on stage, as if we couldn't see it, and thanked us for sharing in it. It was, of course, my pleasure.

Post-script: I bought a Hold Steady t-shirt that has the first names of the band members listed down the front...and that's it.

Pictures of the show to follow.

My Top 25 Most Played

2007-08-02T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'll start by saying that my list is reset every time I update my iTunes, so this list is very new and very album biased since I tend to listen to albums at work almost exclusively...with that in mind, here goes:

1) The Shins - Australia
2) Bob Schneider - Oklahoma
3) The Shins - Pam Berry
4) Ryan Adams - New York, New York
5) The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
6) The Shins - Phantom Limb
7) Feist - Past in Present
8) The National - All the Wine
9) The National - Abel
10) The National - Mr. November
11) The Shins - Sea Legs
12) The Shins - Red Rabbits
13) Teddy Thompson - I Should Get Up
14) Feist - 1234
15) M. Ward - Post-War
16) M. Ward - Chinese Translation
17) M. Ward - Eyes on the Prize
18) M. Ward - Magic Trick
19) M. Ward - Neptune's Net
20) M. Ward - Rollercoaster
21) M. Ward - Today's Undertaking
22) The National - Baby We'll Be Fine
23) The National - The Geese of Beverly Road
24) Ray LaMontagne - Three More Days
25) The Slip - Children of December