An Open Letter To Izza Kizza

Dear Izza Kizza,

I'm a little upset with you.  We met at Dartmouth College (DJ Enzo introduced us) and you promised me an interview.  I e-mailed you to set it up and you never wrote back.  I even hit you up on twitter (weird) and you didn't tweet me back.  What's the deal?

I'm mad.  Well, I would be mad, except that your tunes are pretty good.  I gotta admit, I hadn't listened to much of your stuff prior to meeting you, but I listened to Kizzaland and The Wizard of Iz, and there's some pretty cool stuff going on in those tapes.  And you work with Nick Catchdubs, and he did a really sick remix of Clipse's "Cocaine", so there's some credit there.  

I especially like the collab tracks on Wizard Of Iz.  The beginning of "Connect The Dots" is awesome and the chorus is fly.  "Throw It Up" with David Banner is pretty jaunty and unstoppable.  And "It's Goin' Down" with Weezy and Birdman is a song to drink beers to in the summertime, even if Weezy's only on the track for like a second and a half.  So yeah, I can't really stay mad at ya.

So I'll put my hurt feelings aside for the moment and ask for your pardon.  Sorry for berating you earlier in this post, and drop me a line if you ever want to chat.  

Hugs,

Chris

Izza Kizza f. Colin Munroe - Connect The Dots (YSI) (filesavr)

Izza Kizza f. David Banner - Throw It Up (YSI) (filesavr)

Izza Kizza f. Lil Wayne & Birdman - It's Goin' Down (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAepJp8m5hvUxrsWaUkTT64DKmWdPYdjvRpYN_2KT_GBAPOhOQB1jp2Q54vze7MpYPaTtwdXzXEgBspbK0K4In2WFS02llMTa1KG_EI4HV8PQNTv25hHsxHCMXAYjU0bYD5C0LL5Gg1w/s1600-h/izzakizzaTSRE.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341466264218423026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAepJp8m5hvUxrsWaUkTT64DKmWdPYdjvRpYN_2KT_GBAPOhOQB1jp2Q54vze7MpYPaTtwdXzXEgBspbK0K4In2WFS02llMTa1KG_EI4HV8PQNTv25hHsxHCMXAYjU0bYD5C0LL5Gg1w/s320/izzakizzaTSRE.JPG" style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 324px;" /></a><br />Dear Izza Kizza,<div><br /></div><div>I'm a little upset with you.  We met at Dartmouth College (DJ Enzo introduced us) and you promised me an interview.  I e-mailed you to set it up and you never wrote back.  I even hit you up on twitter (weird) and you didn't tweet me back.  What's the deal?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm mad.  Well, I would be mad, except that your tunes are pretty good.  I gotta admit, I hadn't listened to much of your stuff prior to meeting you, but I listened to Kizzaland and The Wizard of Iz, and there's some pretty cool stuff going on in those tapes.  And you work with Nick Catchdubs, and he did a really sick remix of Clipse's "Cocaine", so there's some credit there.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I especially like the collab tracks on Wizard Of Iz.  The beginning of "Connect The Dots" is awesome and the chorus is fly.  "Throw It Up" with David Banner is pretty jaunty and unstoppable.  And "It's Goin' Down" with Weezy and Birdman is a song to drink beers to in the summertime, even if Weezy's only on the track for like a second and a half.  So yeah, I can't really stay mad at ya.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'll put my hurt feelings aside for the moment and ask for your pardon.  Sorry for berating you earlier in this post, and drop me a line if you ever want to chat.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div>Chris</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Izza Kizza f. Colin Munroe - Connect The Dots</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpcmxRQ3RJMHVGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08connectthedots" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Izza Kizza f. David Banner - Throw It Up</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpcmxRQ3RiV3dLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06throwitup" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Izza Kizza f. Lil Wayne & Birdman</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">- It's Goin' Down </span>(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpcmxRQ3Q1UjdIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05itsgoindown" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

What Cotton Candy Is To Food, O'Spada Is To Music

Despotz Records (or as I like to call them, Despotz Recordz) dropped this track in my inbox the other day, and boy is it tasty.  It's not your typical tasty - not a full meal, or even a delicious healthy snack.  No, this track is tasty in the way that something really sugary and probably involving Pixie Stix (tm) is tasty.  Like if I ate this song, I would bounce off the walls for a couple hours, crack a string of jokes that were only funny to me, and then collapse into a heap on my bed, sleep for three hours, and wake up with little-to-no recollection of what happened today.

Needless to say, I've been chowing down on it all day.

The track is by O'Spada, a band out of Stockholm fronted by Julia Spada, and it's called "Time" off of their debut album of the same name.  I've never heard of the band before, so I won't pretend to know anything about them, but this song is hypetastic.

Synthy like Passion Pit, rhythmically fractured like Hot Chip, and poppy without remorse.  I may overdose on the sugar of this track, but it's so damn sweet I can't stop listening to it.

O'Spada - Time (YSI) (filesavr)

Also, since O'Spada recalls some Passion Pit essence and I have no other place to post this great track up, here's the Cambridge boys' take on Dan Black's "Symphonies".

Dan Black - Symphonies (Passion Pit Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Despotz Records (or as I like to call them, Despotz Recordz) dropped this track in my inbox the other day, and boy is it tasty.  It's not your typical tasty - not a full meal, or even a delicious healthy snack.  No, this track is tasty in the way that something really sugary and probably involving Pixie Stix (tm) is tasty.  Like if I ate this song, I would bounce off the walls for a couple hours, crack a string of jokes that were only funny to me, and then collapse into a heap on my bed, sleep for three hours, and wake up with little-to-no recollection of what happened today.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341461082979715346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6GLvMZ35XJ4VQlCI4wm4Z3NEWGhEEp5RhpLKnuStvzeccG4g6T9A-01Saoa4Jscmkv-CiJkLofsfIsZzSNspFUBCzTsWf8qDo6PLsvQYiQ-qu0G7O13OtUA8KX5q6zUJLuwBfnG-K_0/s320/ospadaTSRE.PNG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /><div>Needless to say, I've been chowing down on it all day.</div><div><br /></div><div>The track is by O'Spada, a band out of Stockholm fronted by Julia Spada, and it's called "Time" off of their debut album of the same name.  I've never heard of the band before, so I won't pretend to know anything about them, but this song is hypetastic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Synthy like Passion Pit, rhythmically fractured like Hot Chip, and poppy without remorse.  I may overdose on the sugar of this track, but it's so damn sweet I can't stop listening to it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">O'Spada - Time</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpcmxVdkd3NUxIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/time" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, since O'Spada recalls some Passion Pit essence and I have no other place to post this great track up, here's the Cambridge boys' take on Dan Black's "Symphonies".</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Black - Symphonies (Passion Pit Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpcmxWUnJCMTZGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02symphoniespassionpitremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Hooray for Hollywood

On Wednesday night, I went to see the Boston Pops perform a concert consisting almost exclusively of music by John Williams, conducted by Williams himself. Williams has a history with the Boston Pops, having served as their principal conductor from 1980-1993, and an excited, sold-out crowd welcomes him each time he returns to Symphony Hall in Boston. Now, I don’t make a habit of listening to movie soundtracks, but hearing such classics as the Star Wars theme and the Raider’s March from Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark got me thinking about film music, and that’s what I’d like to write about today.

What makes effective film music? Well, first I’d like to clarify the topic of discussion. Film music can be broken into two broad categories: film scores, which are typically classical compositions composed specifically for a given film, and film soundtracks, which consist primarily of previously released songs by a variety of artists. John Williams’s music falls into the former category, and that’s the category I’d like to focus on today.

So, what makes an effective film score? Well, most basically, it must fit the film. John Williams’s score for the Star Wars trilogy is a great example of wonderful film scoring. For example, his famous Star Wars theme, which opens with an ascending perfect fifth played stridently by brass instruments, sets the stage perfectly for the Star Wars films. The perfect fifth interval has often been used to suggest vast spaces—in Copland’s famous ballets, for example, which evoke the open prairies of the Midwest—and in Star Wars, it similarly suggests the infinite black expanse of outer space. The brass-heavy orchestration gives the theme a heroic quality that effectively fits the epic tale of intergalactic warfare that is the Star Wars trilogy (let’s forget the other three movies), and, furthermore, the punching, march rhythms lend a militaristic aura to this heroic theme. Simply put, the theme is perfectly fit to the film, and it was satisfying to hear it live on Wednesday.

The most hyped film score in recent years has been that from There Will Be Blood, composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead fame. I haven’t actually seen the movie, so I can’t fairly judge the music’s efficacy as a film score. However, I have gotten a chance to listen to the music alone, and it’s pretty fascinating. The score consists solely of string instruments, so it has none of the in-your-face strength of a brass-heavy orchestra. Yet Greenwood employs the strings to create a range of contrasting effects, from an atonal buzz in the segment entitled “There Will Be Blood” to a beautiful elegiac lament in “Oil.” I’ve always found Greenwood’s guitar playing as a member of Radiohead to be quite compelling, and so I approached his classical compositions with sincere curiosity. And, let me say that they do not disappoint—“Oil,” is particularly sublime. I look forward to hearing future works from Greenwood. I’ve included both of the tracks mentioned above, as well as the ubiquitous theme from Star Wars for your enjoyment.

John Williams - Theme from Star Wars (YSI) (filesavr)
Jonny Greenwood - Oil (YSI) (filesavr)
Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HOyCUJIwhTHJXOsMFtjbZKu57mXArnsmNRngxM4NfMJTUeF3g7W9wT3qZ-ZxsDxq9hxytOY2YwabH-Ps78JUFFbrJHppZX70c9MR2SKatpLiOdzQw_vmNfAJADIGyajRYBcs34yHo3k/s1600-h/lego-star-wars-the-game.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341072754544304082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HOyCUJIwhTHJXOsMFtjbZKu57mXArnsmNRngxM4NfMJTUeF3g7W9wT3qZ-ZxsDxq9hxytOY2YwabH-Ps78JUFFbrJHppZX70c9MR2SKatpLiOdzQw_vmNfAJADIGyajRYBcs34yHo3k/s320/lego-star-wars-the-game.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 183px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">On Wednesday night, I went to see the Boston Pops perform a concert consisting almost exclusively of music by John Williams, conducted by Williams himself. Williams has a history with the Boston Pops, having served as their principal conductor from 1980-1993, and an excited, sold-out crowd welcomes him each time he returns to Symphony Hall in Boston. Now, I don’t make a habit of listening to movie soundtracks, but hearing such classics as the <span style="font-style: italic;">Star Wars</span> theme and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Raider’s March</span> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark</span> got me thinking about film music, and that’s what I’d like to write about today.<br /><br />What makes effective film music? Well, first I’d like to clarify the topic of discussion. Film music can be broken into two broad categories: film scores, which are typically classical compositions composed specifically for a given film, and film soundtracks, which consist primarily of previously released songs by a variety of artists. John Williams’s music falls into the former category, and that’s the category I’d like to focus on today.<br /><br />So, what makes an effective film score? Well, most basically, it must fit the film. John Williams’s score for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Star Wars</span> trilogy is a great example of wonderful film scoring. For example, his famous <span style="font-style: italic;">Star Wars</span> theme, which opens with an ascending perfect fifth played stridently by brass instruments, sets the stage perfectly for the Star Wars films. The perfect fifth interval has often been used to suggest vast spaces—in Copland’s famous ballets, for example, which evoke the open prairies of the Midwest—and in <span style="font-style: italic;">Star Wars</span>, it similarly suggests the infinite black expanse of outer space. The brass-heavy orchestration gives the theme a heroic quality that effectively fits the epic tale of intergalactic warfare that is the<span style="font-style: italic;"> Star Wars</span> trilogy (let’s forget the other three movies), and, furthermore, the punching, march rhythms lend a militaristic aura to this heroic theme. Simply put, the theme is perfectly fit to the film, and it was satisfying to hear it live on Wednesday.<br /><br />The most hyped film score in recent years has been that from <span style="font-style: italic;">There Will Be Blood</span>, composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead fame. I haven’t actually seen the movie, so I can’t fairly judge the music’s efficacy as a film score. However, I have gotten a chance to listen to the music alone, and it’s pretty fascinating. The score consists solely of string instruments, so it has none of the in-your-face strength of a brass-heavy orchestra. Yet Greenwood employs the strings to create a range of contrasting effects, from an atonal buzz in the segment entitled “There Will Be Blood” to a beautiful elegiac lament in “Oil.” I’ve always found Greenwood’s guitar playing as a member of Radiohead to be quite compelling, and so I approached his classical compositions with sincere curiosity. And, let me say that they do not disappoint—“Oil,” is particularly sublime. I look forward to hearing future works from Greenwood. I’ve included both of the tracks mentioned above, as well as the ubiquitous theme from <span style="font-style: italic;">Star Wars </span>for your enjoyment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">John Williams - Theme from </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Star Wars</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnT2pLa0RlcElLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/starwarstheme" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jonny Greenwood - Oil </span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnT2pLa0RlM1FLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07oil1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnT2pLa0QwMEZMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06therewillbeblood1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><br /></span>

No More Dark Night of the Soul

So I haven't really been listening to a ton of music lately, work has been busy and I have been playing a lot more ultimate, so the time for music has evaporated. I have had the chance to listen to a bunch of NPR though and one feature that recently caught my eye was a streaming first listen to "Dark Night of the Soul," a collaboration between Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and who would have guessed it, David Lynch! In addition to a host of other guest vocalists, "Dark Night of the Soul" is a thick, sonically saturnine album that really is as good and engrossing as you would expect/hope it to be. Ranging from dark folk, to punkish elements and almost ambient dub, "Dark Night of the Soul" creates a landscape. In the spirit of Stephen Colbert, a tip of the cap to NPR for their steaming the album in its entirety and an infuriated wag of the finger to EMI who is blocking the physical release of this monster collaboration due to some copyright ruckus. I have no tracks to post from the album, but please head over to NPR and listen to it and then buy the David Lynch photo book and the blank CD-R that will be released instead of an actual CD. Large scale collaborations like this are the innovative music, especially music that pushes the preconstructed boundaries of what types of artists work together and now we have a large record label preventing such a work of art from being heard by the general public. Now I have to find alternative means of acquiring the album...

On a later note, here are a couple of songs I've found and enjoyed recently.

All Smiles - Our Final Roles as Birds (YSI) (filesavr)
Dem Hunger - Police Rasta (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWW5P_c1-c9eZ0jyCEtNVo4Vx7XULEpE46BdYLL4UJT6NtcvjBoHpKhDy-WkqMNLWCF-3A9jtPNntvxNpuDfM1xoOXftQJoC1EljirMd6C5TGWi2a1nonCyku307phPSJB_5mbiPChqMN/s1600-h/TSRE+Dark+Night.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340692254088506466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWW5P_c1-c9eZ0jyCEtNVo4Vx7XULEpE46BdYLL4UJT6NtcvjBoHpKhDy-WkqMNLWCF-3A9jtPNntvxNpuDfM1xoOXftQJoC1EljirMd6C5TGWi2a1nonCyku307phPSJB_5mbiPChqMN/s320/TSRE+Dark+Night.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 320px;" /></a>So I haven't really been listening to a ton of music lately, work has been busy and I have been playing a lot more ultimate, so the time for music has evaporated. I have had the chance to listen to a bunch of NPR though and one feature that recently caught my eye was a streaming first listen to <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104129585" target="_blank">"Dark Night of the Soul,"</a> a collaboration between Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and who would have guessed it, David Lynch! In addition to a host of other guest vocalists, "Dark Night of the Soul" is a thick, sonically saturnine album that really is as good and engrossing as you would expect/hope it to be. Ranging from dark folk, to punkish elements and almost ambient dub, "Dark Night of the Soul" creates a landscape. In the spirit of Stephen Colbert, a tip of the cap to NPR for their steaming the album in its entirety and an infuriated wag of the finger to EMI who is blocking the physical release of this monster collaboration due to some copyright ruckus. I have no tracks to post from the album, but please head over to <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104129585" target="_blank">NPR</a> and listen to it and then buy the David Lynch photo book and the blank CD-R that will be released instead of an actual CD. Large scale collaborations like this are the innovative music, especially music that pushes the preconstructed boundaries of what types of artists work together and now we have a large record label preventing such a work of art from being heard by the general public. Now I have to find alternative means of acquiring the album...<br /><br />On a later note, here are a couple of songs I've found and enjoyed recently.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">All Smiles - Our Final Roles as Birds </span>(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnYlJiTERsMHlGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06ourfinalrolesasbirds" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dem Hunger - Police Rasta</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnYlJTOC9ubHpIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/policerasta" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Stu Reid Sampler: Moby Samples Folk Singer Vera Hall

Time for another Stu Reid Sampler, where we find the dopest samples from the dopest songs and trace them back to the dopest originals.  And other things concerned with dopeness.

This one's a bit of a flashback, taking a page out of Moby's book - a guy who was insanely popular following the release of Play, his 6th LP.  In the preceding and following years, he was merely sanely popular.  He's made some noise recently, but it's gonna be hard for him to top Play.  It was 18 songs of brilliance - moving, poppy, commercial and yet personal.  

Fun facts about play:

 - All 18 of its songs were used in commercials, a first for any album

 - 50% of the songs on the album were released as singles

 - It started with slow sales but stayed on the charts for 3 years

 - The liner book contained a series of essays by Moby.  Wrote Moby, "These essays are not really related to the music, so if you hate the essays you might still like the music, and if you like the essays you might hate the music.  Who knows, maybe by some bizarre twist of fate you'll like them both."  Funny guy, that Moby.

BUT, as the album's Wikipedia page notes, "the fusion of gospel and house for which the album was most widely praised also drew some criticism for Moby's style of appropriation, with some critics claiming not enough credit was going to the original (often anonymous) musicians and performers.  THAT, my friends, is where The Stu Reid Sampler comes in.

"Natural Blues" is a tune that centers on a spiritual female vocalist, backed with electro/techno instrumentation.  It really embodies the gospel/house fusion described above.  But the anchor of the track is clearly the vocal part, so I was super excited when I learned that the original was done by Vera Hall.  Hall was a folk singer (who is immortalized in the Library Of Congress) and her voice is positively unbelievable.  It's emotive, pained, sympathetic, beautiful, and many other wonderful adjectives.  

I really like "Natural Blues", but it's tough not to find something a little deeper in the a capella original "Trouble So Hard".  This is one of those examples where the original sheds a new light on the sample.  Enjoy.

Moby - Natural Blues (YSI) (filesavr)

Vera Hall - Trouble So Hard (YSI) (filesavr)

Time for another Stu Reid Sampler, where we find the dopest samples from the dopest songs and trace them back to the dopest originals.  And other things concerned with dopeness.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340298834475843714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDzIk4VUm1UoU8hkQVFANXXGSXU9GnAdqGzHkbL-khfJRg0CfSj0d-pHjgdTUk98s5pTcsT8mC2HBSLjdWh7IlqdU_BF7QJM8ufwajumv_Ja3klZpRTkZTnSIHq7RALJIHwV3r91093w/s320/vera+TSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><div>This one's a bit of a flashback, taking a page out of Moby's book - a guy who was insanely popular following the release of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Play</span>, his 6th LP.  In the preceding and following years, he was merely sanely popular.  He's made some noise recently, but it's gonna be hard for him to top <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Play</span>.  It was 18 songs of brilliance - moving, poppy, commercial and yet personal.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Fun facts about play:</div><div> - All 18 of its songs were used in commercials, a first for any album</div><div> - 50% of the songs on the album were released as singles</div><div> - It started with slow sales but stayed on the charts for 3 years</div><div> - The liner book contained a series of essays by Moby.  Wrote Moby, "These essays are not really related to the music, so if you hate the essays you might still like the music, and if you like the essays you might hate the music.  Who knows, maybe by some bizarre twist of fate you'll like them both."  Funny guy, that Moby.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, as the album's Wikipedia page notes, "the fusion of gospel and house for which the album was most widely praised also drew some criticism for Moby's style of appropriation, with some critics claiming not enough credit was going to the original (often anonymous) musicians and performers.  THAT, my friends, is where The Stu Reid Sampler comes in.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Natural Blues" is a tune that centers on a spiritual female vocalist, backed with electro/techno instrumentation.  It really embodies the gospel/house fusion described above.  But the anchor of the track is clearly the vocal part, so I was super excited when I learned that the original was done by Vera Hall.  Hall was a folk singer (who is immortalized in the Library Of Congress) and her voice is positively unbelievable.  It's emotive, pained, sympathetic, beautiful, and many other wonderful adjectives.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I really like "Natural Blues", but it's tough not to find something a little deeper in the a capella original "Trouble So Hard".  This is one of those examples where the original sheds a new light on the sample.  Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moby - Natural Blues (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnblRwY3lsUjlMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08naturalblues_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Vera Hall - Trouble So Hard (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnblRwY3lFd2QzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/troublesohard" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Boston Artist: Father Abraham

Living in Boston, Chris and I are constantly on the lookout for interesting local musicians. Hailing from the Central Square area in Cambridge, Father Abraham fits the bill.  Father Abraham is a hip hop producer who in addition to having just released an album entitled I Am Not A Sailor I Am the Captain, is also working on an ambitious project to release a song a week for an entire year. With Aesop Rockian vocals and nimble, bumping horns backing him up, Abe's track HIAFC is an enjoyable listen. Utilizing a grandiose backing chorus, Spacemarch is another creative jam from Father Abraham, whom I am glad to have stumbled upon.

Father Abraham - HIAFC (YSI) (filesavr)

Father Abraham - Spacemarch (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bZNZ6WNgGaxOMjB2pVlx2vshHpyhJMud-IIn6zgQhtFR3nycXssRw2Iqd6DJCsvkTuWBv-beQYE2UK5rR4jK8iYWSapHz-_zSW-XLTGb4d0QLpedR9Hm_CIsjZ6hPzczJKMYGOwBAqN_/s1600-h/TSRE+Abraham.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338371892350200242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bZNZ6WNgGaxOMjB2pVlx2vshHpyhJMud-IIn6zgQhtFR3nycXssRw2Iqd6DJCsvkTuWBv-beQYE2UK5rR4jK8iYWSapHz-_zSW-XLTGb4d0QLpedR9Hm_CIsjZ6hPzczJKMYGOwBAqN_/s320/TSRE+Abraham.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a>Living in Boston, Chris and I are constantly on the lookout for interesting local musicians. Hailing from the Central Square area in Cambridge, Father Abraham fits the bill.  Father Abraham is a hip hop producer who in addition to having just released an album entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">I Am Not A Sailor I Am the Captain</span>, is also working on an ambitious <a href="http://52pickup.us/" target="_blank">project</a> to release a song a week for an entire year. With Aesop Rockian vocals and nimble, bumping horns backing him up, Abe's track HIAFC is an enjoyable listen. Utilizing a grandiose backing chorus, Spacemarch is another creative jam from Father Abraham, whom I am glad to have stumbled upon.<br /><br />Father Abraham - HIAFC (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0wxUnJtMEpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01hiafc" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Father Abraham - Spacemarch (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0wycWZrYUNGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/16spacemarchrorystark" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Hold Steady is Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day for reflection for those who have given their lives in battle, but also for straight chilling with friends and family. For me The Hold Steady really evoke a sense of Americana both through their sing along lyrics, but also their Springsteen-esque guitar and raucous organ riffs. While not a perfect live album, A Positive Rage manages to capture some of The Hold Steady's tremendous live energy and passion. Whether grilling, enjoying a baseball game, or just kicking it at home this weekend, The Hold Steady will always be part of the great American party.

The Hold Steady - Stuck Between Stations (live) (YSI) (filesavr)

The Hold Steady - Massive Nights (live) (YSI) (filesavr)

The Hold Steady - Citrus (live) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaoLy3FffCTtsnW4CVbRCHNRLZAdmzLGb6O_1C3WxH4LKW_RNCZy5DybzwQtKlzUrj5jFBx4yGJPSQM8QgmBT438Z4e6s9JC4XcIxhitWYVvqOMqSVNeiaGMLpU8JTg5Ud-QrkowWR1BM/s1600-h/TSRE+Ron+Gardenhire.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338367495003005890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaoLy3FffCTtsnW4CVbRCHNRLZAdmzLGb6O_1C3WxH4LKW_RNCZy5DybzwQtKlzUrj5jFBx4yGJPSQM8QgmBT438Z4e6s9JC4XcIxhitWYVvqOMqSVNeiaGMLpU8JTg5Ud-QrkowWR1BM/s320/TSRE+Ron+Gardenhire.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" /></a>Memorial Day is a day for reflection for those who have given their lives in battle, but also for straight chilling with friends and family. For me The Hold Steady really evoke a sense of Americana both through their sing along lyrics, but also their Springsteen-esque guitar and raucous organ riffs. While not a perfect live album, A Positive Rage manages to capture some of The Hold Steady's tremendous live energy and passion. Whether grilling, enjoying a baseball game, or just kicking it at home this weekend, The Hold Steady will always be part of the great American party.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hold Steady - Stuck Between Stations (live)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x6aytCMTUzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02stuckbetweenstations" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hold Steady - Massive Nights (live)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x6ayttNEpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05massivenights" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hold Steady - Citrus (live)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x6ays0b0RIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/14citrus" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

AV: Slug and Brother Ali Anchor a 7-Minute Freestyle Banger

Continuing the string of hip-hop-flavored videos that have been posted up on this page in the past few days, here's a pretty epic group freestyle from a recent Atmosphere show.  Slug gets on the mic with Brother Ali, Rusty, and C-Rayz Walz, and they all pretty much kill it.

They didn't do this at the show in Boston, unfortunately, but I'm glad I got to see it at all.  Completely baller.  The beat in the back is from "Smart Went Crazy", which leads me to think that this must have been a freestyle interlude during what is one of the most ballinest Atmosphere tunes already.  I think my favorite verse comes from Slug, but Brother Ali brings his own flavor and C-Rayz Walz and Rusty both show some skills - it's hard to pick one.  The clip's about 7 minutes long, but it's worth it. 

Reminder, I love Brother Ali.  Just had to mention that.

Continuing the string of hip-hop-flavored videos that have been posted up on this page in the past few days, here's a pretty epic group freestyle from a recent Atmosphere show.  Slug gets on the mic with Brother Ali, Rusty, and C-Rayz Walz, and they all pretty much kill it.<div><br /></div><div>They didn't do this at the <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/05/brother-ali-and-atmosphere-house-of.html">show in Boston</a>, unfortunately, but I'm glad I got to see it at all.  Completely baller.  The beat in the back is from "Smart Went Crazy", which leads me to think that this must have been a freestyle interlude during what is one of the most ballinest Atmosphere tunes already.  I think my favorite verse comes from Slug, but Brother Ali brings his own flavor and C-Rayz Walz and Rusty both show some skills - it's hard to pick one.  The clip's about 7 minutes long, but it's worth it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LMCdeZUVE9U&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LMCdeZUVE9U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Reminder, I love Brother Ali.  Just had to mention that.</div>

New Cassettes Won't Listen Out On June 16th

I first came upon Cassettes Won't Listen (aka Jason Drake) via a remix he did of Pela's "Lonesome Hearts", a remix that Zack contends may be the best remix ever.  Not really the best remix ever, but certainly one of the larger jumps in quality between original track and remix - the remix takes a bad track to dope levels.  Seriously, it's a great remix.

Anywho, I was psyched to hear that Cassettes Won't Listen is dropping a new instrumental album on June 16th, Into The Hillside.  I was even more psyched to hear that the single from the album is actually really good.   I had only heard CWL's remix work, and his solo stuff definitely integrates the best qualities of that medium into a more album-friendly style.  

The single, "Into The Hillside", shares a scale with Men At Work's "Land Down Under", but that just makes it even more catchy.  CWL definitely isn't music that you want to focus all of your concentration on, but if you're looking for groovy tunes to bump while you work or throw a party, these cuts fit the bill perfectly.

Also, for fun, here's a remix CWL did of El-P's awesome "Flyentology".  FUN FACT:  The opening to this song sounds just like Lady Gaga's "Just Dance", while also sounding remarkably like U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday".  COINCIDENCE?  I think maybe.  But I also think there may be some Coldplay/Joe Satriani/Cat Stevens business going on here.  Judge for yourself.

Cassettes Won't Listen - Into The Hillside (YSI) (filesavr)

Pela - Lonesome Hearts (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

El-P - Flyentology (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

I first came upon Cassettes Won't Listen (aka Jason Drake) via a remix he did of Pela's "Lonesome Hearts", a remix that Zack contends may be the best remix ever.  Not really the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">best remix ever</span>, but certainly one of the larger jumps in quality between original track and remix - the remix takes a bad track to dope levels.  Seriously, it's a great remix.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338109715534704274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1PMG05hd3LphbgZ1dowjrQ2eHYgIGs_IvtoQpUP38OsUI8hrSGT8W01XW5roUS91IkH8-iF5CWZqhRlxd_unxalaS39VqdgSv3lZw8UtPCZjXcNKt60xI5QkAz9lzEF6XoiKLcus6LQ/s320/Cassettes+Won%27t+Listen+TSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 277px;" /><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, I was psyched to hear that Cassettes Won't Listen is dropping a new instrumental album on June 16th, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Into The Hillside</span>.  I was even more psyched to hear that the single from the album is actually really good.   I had only heard CWL's remix work, and his solo stuff definitely integrates the best qualities of that medium into a more album-friendly style.  </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The single, "Into The Hillside", shares a scale with Men At Work's "Land Down Under", but that just makes it even more catchy.  CWL definitely isn't music that you want to focus all of your concentration on, but if you're looking for groovy tunes to bump while you work or throw a party, these cuts fit the bill perfectly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, for fun, here's a remix CWL did of El-P's awesome "Flyentology".  FUN FACT:  The opening to this song sounds just like Lady Gaga's "Just Dance", while also sounding remarkably like U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday".  COINCIDENCE?  I think maybe.  But I also think there may be some Coldplay/Joe Satriani/Cat Stevens business going on here.  Judge for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Cassettes Won't Listen - Into The Hillside</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x5SWV6NEpMWEE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01intothehillside">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Pela - Lonesome Hearts (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x5SWUzeUpMWEE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/lonesomeheartscassetteswontlis">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">El-P - Flyentology (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x5SWVsUjhLSkE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/flyentologycassetteswontlisten">filesavr</a>)</div>

Holy Fuck @ Middle East Upstairs 5/21/09

When I saw that Holy Fuck were going to play the Middle East Upstairs this past Thursday I was pretty excited. The Stu Reid Experiment loves the Middle East as a venue and I have been wanting to check out the Upstairs for some time now. Dinner at the restaurant was tasty, great lamb and cous cous dishes. The Upstairs itself is pretty awesome, max capacity of approximately 200 in a tight little room. Unfortunately, with Chris missing tonight, we have no cool pictures.

The Crocodiles opened and were overly loud for no apparent reason. Most of their actually enjoyable melodies were drowned out by an excessively disonnant sea of distortion, that while fitting in with their too-cool-for-school vibe, detracted from their set. All in all though, they were not half bad and they did a successful job in warming up the eardrums for Holy Fuck.

Holy Fuck came out around 11:30 and despite some initial issues with their complex equipment, they got right into creating their electronic grooves. Huddled in a cluster in the middle of the stage with a couple of tables of electronic equipment, a drum set and a bass, Holy Fuck had great chemistry in forming, dense, stentorian electronic jams that were built upon a foundation of driving bass and organized drums. Holy Fuck really is an electronic jam band. Cobbling together samples and using a wide range of devices from a melodica, to buzzers seemingly taken from late 80s video games and even a device where 35 mm film is pulled through a press to create sound. The textured wall of sound they were able to produce constantly throughout the set was impressive and overpowering, but also melodic at the same time. While most of the songs blended together for me, Tone Bank Jungle was a standout, although the whole affair was a jam. 

Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen (YSI) (filesavr)

Holy Fuck - Safari (YSI) (filesavr)

Holy Fuck - Tone Bank Jungle (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1ZWLkiT_lp-d27vu4RYSbMR8uvxlr-9oWbugnMaZB4iB9Swg0dm2ihPPgKaBJdsb5InpC9DPJUk09Dt2WkPJxf-4didnkFJQfuX7KL5IutgmO8MnYn4FmWIJH8_4K433VTblvZRhLNvu/s1600-h/TSRE+Holy+Fuck.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338370449386641122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1ZWLkiT_lp-d27vu4RYSbMR8uvxlr-9oWbugnMaZB4iB9Swg0dm2ihPPgKaBJdsb5InpC9DPJUk09Dt2WkPJxf-4didnkFJQfuX7KL5IutgmO8MnYn4FmWIJH8_4K433VTblvZRhLNvu/s320/TSRE+Holy+Fuck.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>When I saw that Holy Fuck were going to play the Middle East Upstairs this past Thursday I was pretty excited. The Stu Reid Experiment loves the Middle East as a venue and I have been wanting to check out the Upstairs for some time now. Dinner at the restaurant was tasty, great lamb and cous cous dishes. The Upstairs itself is pretty awesome, max capacity of approximately 200 in a tight little room. Unfortunately, with Chris missing tonight, we have no cool pictures.<div><br /></div><div>The Crocodiles opened and were overly loud for no apparent reason. Most of their actually enjoyable melodies were drowned out by an excessively disonnant sea of distortion, that while fitting in with their too-cool-for-school vibe, detracted from their set. All in all though, they were not half bad and they did a successful job in warming up the eardrums for Holy Fuck.</div><div><br /></div><div>Holy Fuck came out around 11:30 and despite some initial issues with their complex equipment, they got right into creating their electronic grooves. Huddled in a cluster in the middle of the stage with a couple of tables of electronic equipment, a drum set and a bass, Holy Fuck had great chemistry in forming, dense, stentorian electronic jams that were built upon a foundation of driving bass and organized drums. Holy Fuck really is an electronic jam band. Cobbling together samples and using a wide range of devices from a melodica, to buzzers seemingly taken from late 80s video games and even a device where 35 mm film is pulled through a press to create sound. The textured wall of sound they were able to produce constantly throughout the set was impressive and overpowering, but also melodic at the same time. While most of the songs blended together for me, Tone Bank Jungle was a standout, although the whole affair was a jam. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x3NDRKV09Ga1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01lovelyallen" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holy Fuck - Safari</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0w5NEhmVFpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04safari" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holy Fuck - Tone Bank Jungle</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0x3NDRreEJMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01tonebankjungle" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></div>

AV: This Japanese Beatboxer Is Impossibly Impressive

Wow.  This video is straight up insane.  In the membrane.

This kid:

A) Is a phenomenal beatboxer

B) Makes sounds that I didn't know humans could make

C) Probably spends far too much time practicing his beatboxing skills

D) Probably still has more friends than I do.

I've watched this video a few time, and I still don't even understand how good it is.

Two TSRE points if you can explain what happens at 1:33.  Holy beatbox Batman.

Wow.  This video is straight up insane.  In the membrane.<div><br /></div><div>This kid:</div><div>A) Is a phenomenal beatboxer</div><div>B) Makes sounds that I didn't know humans could make</div><div>C) Probably spends far too much time practicing his beatboxing skills</div><div>D) Probably still has more friends than I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've watched this video a few time, and I still don't even understand how good it is.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ZsML4uWoiw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ZsML4uWoiw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Two TSRE points if you can explain what happens at 1:33.  Holy beatbox Batman.</div>

Get Thee to a Record Player!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of sitting with some friends and listening to records—yes, LPs, on a record player. Rarely do I find myself sitting around with people just listening to music, but it’s something I wish that I did more often. It was such a pleasant experience (it didn’t hurt that we were listening to Otis Redding), and it got me thinking about vinyl.

Over the past year, there have been a slew of articles about the reemergence of vinyl as a musical format. Publications such as the Washington Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Guardian, and even the Wall Street Journal have featured articles about the increase in popularity of record players and their accessories. While the sales figures of practically every other form of physical music format have crashed in recent years, LP sales have increased.

So, why vinyl? Who are these people buying LPs? Well, some are audiophiles—people who pride themselves on listening to only the highest quality audio. LPs are attractive to audiophiles because, unlike digital formats like the CD or mp3, LPs produce analog sound, i.e. the vibrating sound wave of the original sound is replicated precisely in the grooves of a record, without any sort of approximation. Digital media, on the other hand, rely on 16-bit binary approximations of these same sound waves. Granted, it is a very detailed approximation, and these approximations are typically made 44,100 times per second, so the real difference in sound quality between the two formats is pretty negligible. I’d bet that many “audiophiles” can’t really tell the difference—it may be simply a matter of principle, and I respect that.

Others, I imagine, simply enjoy the rituals involved with playing an LP: the careful placement of the record on the player, the lining up of the needle to the outermost groove, the warm, fuzzy sound that then proceeds to emerge from the speakers. Furthermore, I find that listening to LPs places more emphasis on the concept of a full album (of course, singles are released as records as well, but let’s push that to the side for now). It’s a bit of a process to skip songs, and there’s certainly no way to listen on shuffle, so it’s easiest just to sit back and let the album play through. And that’s wonderful. While it does seem that people still place value in the album concept, this whole iPod shuffle culture has me a bit worried.

The rising interest in vinyl may be a flash in the pan, a last-ditch effort to reclaim a technology of the past before physical music formats go the way of the dinosaurs. But I want in. I want a record player, and I want to listen to songs such as those below on LP.

The Beatles – When I Saw Her Standing There (YSI) (filesavr)
Elton John – Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (YSI) (filesavr)
Otis Redding – Wonderful World (YSI) (filesavr)

I'm excited just thinking about it. Enjoy, and feel free to share your own thoughts on vinyl.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrEEu7FV0dsiKfcgRo_AunMb2_HOpPqJ80CFjQphwR7v4HNfzH7UVBzX8vMTEIRte_iniCd9FIvHsgr4_FP3FZXlyRwSqPhfhzunJ0o_7PCJoucPYWi29NKzzqG_HUCrRlNbUP4pgAIQ/s1600-h/beatles-please-please-me-mono-pcs3042-black-gold-label.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338456568436913010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrEEu7FV0dsiKfcgRo_AunMb2_HOpPqJ80CFjQphwR7v4HNfzH7UVBzX8vMTEIRte_iniCd9FIvHsgr4_FP3FZXlyRwSqPhfhzunJ0o_7PCJoucPYWi29NKzzqG_HUCrRlNbUP4pgAIQ/s320/beatles-please-please-me-mono-pcs3042-black-gold-label.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 265px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This past weekend I had the pleasure of sitting with some friends and listening to records—yes, LPs, on a record player. Rarely do I find myself sitting around with people just listening to music, but it’s something I wish that I did more often. It was such a pleasant experience (it didn’t hurt that we were listening to Otis Redding), and it got me thinking about vinyl.<br /><br />Over the past year, there have been a slew of articles about the reemergence of vinyl as a musical format. Publications such as the <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/28/groovin-on-vinyl/" target="_blank">Washington Times</a>, the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-et-vinyl26-2009apr26,0,7405729.story" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a>, the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2008/sep/04/whyrecordsshouldfacethevi" target="_blank">Guardian</a>, and even the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB122113970488023395.html?mod=2_1578_middlebox" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> have featured articles about the increase in popularity of record players and their accessories. While the sales figures of practically every other form of physical music format have crashed in recent years, LP sales have increased.<br /><br />So, why vinyl? Who are these people buying LPs? Well, some are audiophiles—people who pride themselves on listening to only the highest quality audio. LPs are attractive to audiophiles because, unlike digital formats like the CD or mp3, LPs produce analog sound, i.e. the vibrating sound wave of the original sound is replicated precisely in the grooves of a record, without any sort of approximation. Digital media, on the other hand, rely on 16-bit binary approximations of these same sound waves. Granted, it is a very detailed approximation, and these approximations are typically made 44,100 times per second, so the real difference in sound quality between the two formats is pretty negligible. I’d bet that many “audiophiles” can’t really tell the difference—it may be simply a matter of principle, and I respect that.<br /><br />Others, I imagine, simply enjoy the rituals involved with playing an LP: the careful placement of the record on the player, the lining up of the needle to the outermost groove, the warm, fuzzy sound that then proceeds to emerge from the speakers. Furthermore, I find that listening to LPs places more emphasis on the concept of a full album (of course, singles are released as records as well, but let’s push that to the side for now). It’s a bit of a process to skip songs, and there’s certainly no way to listen on shuffle, so it’s easiest just to sit back and let the album play through. And that’s wonderful. While it does seem that people still place value in the album concept, this whole iPod shuffle culture has me a bit worried.<br /><br />The rising interest in vinyl may be a flash in the pan, a last-ditch effort to reclaim a technology of the past before physical music formats go the way of the dinosaurs. But I want in. I want a record player, and I want to listen to songs such as those below on LP.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Beatles – When I Saw Her Standing There</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpNU1DZ2dRWUpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01isawherstandingthere" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elton John – Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpNU1DZ2dreERIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/09monalisasandmadhatters" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Otis Redding – Wonderful World</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpNU1ITkFrYUIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08wonderfulworld" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />I'm excited just thinking about it. Enjoy, and feel free to share your own thoughts on vinyl.<br /><br /></span>

AV: Saul Williams, Zack De La Rocha, and Serj Tankian Tear It Up In A Slam/Jam Live Performance

This video proves my theory that Saul Williams can make anything sound profound.  I mean, here's a guy with a voice so cool and expressive that he can literally read random words from a page of the New York Times, Allen Ginsberg's "Howl", and a Noam Chomsky book, and make it sound like a manifesto.  Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that Serj Tankian (from System of a Down) is playing guitar and Zack De La Rocha (from Rage Against The Machine) is playing drums behind him.

This video is 1 part Post Modern, 1 part pretentious, and about 7 parts awesome.

Best part of the video:  the guy behind the camera at the very beginning saying "alright, one song and then we're out of here".  What a chump.

So cool.

This video proves my theory that Saul Williams can make anything sound profound.  I mean, here's a guy with a voice so cool and expressive that he can literally read random words from a page of the New York Times, Allen Ginsberg's "Howl", and a Noam Chomsky book, and make it sound like a manifesto.  Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that Serj Tankian (from System of a Down) is playing guitar and Zack De La Rocha (from Rage Against The Machine) is playing drums behind him.<div><br /></div><div>This video is 1 part Post Modern, 1 part pretentious, and about 7 parts awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best part of the video:  the guy behind the camera at the very beginning saying "alright, one song and then we're out of here".  What a chump.</div><div><br /></div><div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0NwUhWpC2vw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0NwUhWpC2vw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So cool.</div>

Stu Reid Under The Covers: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Tweedy Guitar

Man, there are some hot covers out there these days.

Perhaps the most impressive cover I've heard in a long time comes via a 20 year old dude who makes me feel like I should be doing more with my life. His name is Gareth Pearson, and he plays classical-style guitar, fingerpicking his own arrangements of pop tunes. First heard him over on Pretty Much Amazing - definitely worth a listen. His cover of MGMT is as enjoyable as it is impressive. It's a chill instrumental version of my personal favorite MGMT track, and it makes me want to learn to play classical guitar.

Gareth Pearson - Time To Pretend (MGMT Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Cranking things up a notch with an entirely different style of guitar, The Black Keys play an amazing version of the inimitable Captain Beefheart. You might recognize "Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles" from the Big Lebowski Soundtrack. Then again, you might not recognize it at all, since this version is a far cry from the original's chilled-out grooves. But it's pretty remarkable in its grittiness.

Black Keys - Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles (Captain Beefheart Cover)  (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, a "Fake Plastic Trees" cover from Jeff Tweedy, lead singer and braintrust of Wilco. This is without a doubt my favorite Radiohead song - legend has it that Thom Yorke recorded it in one take and then burst into tears in the studio. I believe it. Tweedy doesn't bring quite that level of emotion, but it would still be pretty amazing to see this live.

Jeff Tweedy - Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Man, there are some hot covers out there these days.<br /><br />Perhaps the most impressive cover I've heard in a long time comes via a 20 year old dude who makes me feel like I should be doing more with my life. His name is Gareth Pearson, and he plays classical-style guitar, fingerpicking his own arrangements of pop tunes. First heard him over on <a href="http://prettymuchamazing.com/mp3/radiohead-paranoid-android-gareth-pearson-arrangement" target="_blank">Pretty Much Amazing</a> - definitely worth a listen. His cover of MGMT is as enjoyable as it is impressive. It's a chill instrumental version of my personal favorite MGMT track, and it makes me want to learn to play classical guitar.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Gareth Pearson - Time To Pretend (MGMT Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0w4TkxYSHdLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/timetopretendmgmtcover">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Cranking things up a notch with an entirely different style of guitar, The Black Keys play an amazing version of the inimitable Captain Beefheart. You might recognize "Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles" from the Big Lebowski Soundtrack. Then again, you might not recognize it at all, since this version is a far cry from the original's chilled-out grooves. But it's pretty remarkable in its grittiness.<div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Black Keys - Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles (Captain Beefheart Cover)  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0w5NEg5NVhIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) </span>(<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02hereyesareabluemillionmiles">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334327947549093026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJjjQvIvypRyqO0PrFpJaSo1GYgOEs-6_sOSiAmkyB1gv7U_6CVhz4qVNnPC8zF0To0W0nyFx2uElHjakPSto_K4A2Qtfvm5sJSIq7c-do8PF5obdomvdZ0hVvsYM4xxcGinryugR-1w/s320/jefftweedyTSRE.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" />Finally, a "Fake Plastic Trees" cover from Jeff Tweedy, lead singer and braintrust of Wilco. This is without a doubt my favorite Radiohead song - legend has it that Thom Yorke recorded it in one take and then burst into tears in the studio. I believe it. Tweedy doesn't bring quite that level of emotion, but it would still be pretty amazing to see this live.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Tweedy - Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqc0w4TkxsMHlGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/fakeplastictreesradioheadcover">filesavr</a>)</div>

Going Postal

Now - like any appropriately hipster music blogger - I know that Postal Service aren't supposed to be hip. They're played out and popular with tweens. But you know what? I happen to still really dig a lot of their jams. I just wish they had a little more punch.

Enter the Mexicans With Guns remix of "We Will Become The Silhouettes", the best-named Remix of 2009 (beating out Hipster Or Homeless by a narrow margin). This track is phenomenal. The slow intro reminds me of Vangelis' "Chariots of Fire" - epic to say the least.

Some more great stuff happens here with the vocals - well timed echoes that create off-rhythms that really spice up the track. And more than ever before I find myself concentrating on the lyrics, which are actually pretty cool. A well played remix that really enhances my enjoyment of the song, this track has an embarrassingly high play count on my iTunes and I'm not getting tired of it yet.

The Postal Service - We Will Become The Silhouettes (Mexicans With Guns Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Vangelis - Chariots of Fire (YSI) (filesavr)

<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Now - like any appropriately hipster music blogger - I know that Postal Service aren't supposed to be hip. They're played out and popular with tweens. But you know what? I happen to still really dig a lot of their jams. I just wish they had a little more punch.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334321249089207266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLubRmLBlPlOz0rbNiZIUjveAmcAFzdGOjEDSo3coE85Tt0puPWkyU5W4aUOVrkdmqhTXOTwNaTHEmQ0qQNhPCULyWe9cQlSVpwtblWO0lMwmGO8IG71XwB2bcWxfvu2j1rUVIYPI-vU/s320/Postal_Service_Truck_TSRE.JPG" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 152px; " /><div>Enter the Mexicans With Guns remix of "We Will Become The Silhouettes", the best-named Remix of 2009 (beating out Hipster Or Homeless by a narrow margin). This track is phenomenal. The slow intro reminds me of Vangelis' "Chariots of Fire" - epic to say the least.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some more great stuff happens here with the vocals - well timed echoes that create off-rhythms that really spice up the track. And more than ever before I find myself concentrating on the lyrics, which are actually pretty cool. A well played remix that really enhances my enjoyment of the song, this track has an embarrassingly high play count on my iTunes and I'm not getting tired of it yet.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Postal Service - We Will Become The Silhouettes (Mexicans With Guns Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpZEV5Tk13NUpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/wewillbecomesilhouettesmexicans" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Vangelis - Chariots of Fire</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpZEUwNXZxRTEzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/chariotsoffire" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div></div></span>

Caught Off-Guard By Weighty Ghost

Heard this song yesterday on Deadspin, of all places, and it really hit me right.  I had never heard of Wintersleep before, but I like the vibe they have going on "Weighty Ghost" - kind of a collective choral thing with some off-rhythm hits and a gradual build over the course of the song.  It's the perfect song to start off a great week.   

Turns out Wintersleep is pretty legit - they won the Juno prize last year for New Canadian Group of the Year, which is a cooler honor than it sounds like it is.  Plus, a couple of their members (drummer Loel Campbell and keyboard/guitarist Jon Samuel) are also members of Holy Fuck, that talented but poorly named electronic group.  Instant street cred.

I listened to their other stuff, and although it never really grabbed me the same way "Weighty Ghost" did, it's still pretty decent.  I also stumbled across a stellar acoustic cover of "Weighty Ghost" by Land of Talk.  Baller.  It's worth sharing, along with the original.

Keep your eye on these kids, they have something cool going.

Wintersleep - Weighty Ghost (YSI) (filesavr)

Land of Talk - Weighty Ghost (Acoustic Wintersleep Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Heard this song yesterday on Deadspin, of all places, and it really hit me right.  I had never heard of Wintersleep before, but I like the vibe they have going on "Weighty Ghost" - kind of a collective choral thing with some off-rhythm hits and a gradual build over the course of the song.  It's the perfect song to start off a great week.   <div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336997307712781218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgqUnozF2Y0VPmEcueslresSdvlS26XRJ8Gkn3-AQBn7Ee6ZebyuSAKhIR7qZR5s6eMvVqSClbho1iyHojXVR2rRidWpjt1B8qYKooww5AaLpLBfCI5zhcICxrqXLmdRraF6eMOvzBrg/s320/wintersleepTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" /><div>Turns out Wintersleep is pretty legit - they won the Juno prize last year for New Canadian Group of the Year, which is a cooler honor than it sounds like it is.  Plus, a couple of their members (drummer Loel Campbell and keyboard/guitarist Jon Samuel) are also members of Holy Fuck, that talented but poorly named electronic group.  Instant street cred.</div><div><br /></div><div>I listened to their other stuff, and although it never really grabbed me the same way "Weighty Ghost" did, it's still pretty decent.  I also stumbled across a stellar acoustic cover of "Weighty Ghost" by Land of Talk.  Baller.  It's worth sharing, along with the original.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep your eye on these kids, they have something cool going.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Wintersleep - Weighty Ghost </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpQ3Q4NnlEbUxIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/weightyghost" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Land of Talk - Weighty Ghost (Acoustic Wintersleep Cover)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpQ3Q4Nnk4Q1NGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/weightyghostacousticwintersleep" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></div>

Twittering From The Streets - Mike Skinner Opens Up

I've been starting to use Twitter more - not for broadcasting my everyday habits to the world, but for following interesting people.  The large majority of those people are musicians.  Sure, Shaq is there, but some of the most exciting posts come from the likes of Saul Williams, Talib Kweli, Diplo, etc.

Above any other, though, my favorite musician on Twitter is Mike Skinner, better known as The Streets.  His updates are funny and enlightening, and more often than not include a new song, or pictures of him working in studio.  It's a fascinating peek at the production cycle of a song in its barest form.

Also, he's in the UK, so he's always up before me.  I could, if I wanted, know what Mike Skinner was doing every day before I knew what I was doing.  Weird.

But enough about Twitter.  A little bit more about Skinner/Streets.  The songs he's been dropping on Twitter have been pretty great.  I posted about a couple of my favorites a couple weeks ago, but recently he's dropped another gem, "Where My Heart Has Been".  It has an infectious hook, a solidly standard beat, and some great verses from Skinner.  Love what he's doing.  Hope you like it too!

The Streets - Where My Heart Has Been (YSI) (filesavr)

Also, another twitter track from Skinner.  Sounds like maybe the same dude on the hook?

The Streets - Long Working Day (YSI) (filesavr)

I've been starting to use Twitter more - not for broadcasting my everyday habits to the world, but for following interesting people.  The large majority of those people are musicians.  Sure, Shaq is there, but some of the most exciting posts come from the likes of Saul Williams, Talib Kweli, Diplo, etc.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337004171031462530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SwrzwB1RbDRLM1BilBjgbEovQY5KVHN5kCYzq8cs8yqzYcxzZiPaUFbmBNDcnoTcU8RGPCKERa-mYl9C-rbRZSoBCrmMs8MfNm2IBhi1Zi3u5260MI5Xfb5k7EZ31Eh6SlAYaUNQPik/s320/StreetsTwitterTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" /><div>Above any other, though, my favorite musician on Twitter is Mike Skinner, better known as The Streets.  His updates are funny and enlightening, and more often than not include a new song, or pictures of him working in studio.  It's a fascinating peek at the production cycle of a song in its barest form.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, he's in the UK, so he's always up before me.  I could, if I wanted, know what Mike Skinner was doing every day before I knew what I was doing.  Weird.</div><div><br /></div><div>But enough about Twitter.  A little bit more about Skinner/Streets.  The songs he's been dropping on Twitter have been pretty great.  I posted about a couple of my favorites a couple weeks ago, but recently he's dropped another gem, "Where My Heart Has Been".  It has an infectious hook, a solidly standard beat, and some great verses from Skinner.  Love what he's doing.  Hope you like it too!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - Where My Heart Has Been</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpQ3Q0QTZveE5MWEE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/wheremyhearthasbeen">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, another twitter track from Skinner.  Sounds like maybe the same dude on the hook?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - Long Working Day</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFpQ3Q0QTZIcWQzZUE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/longworkingday">filesavr</a>)</div>

Mouthful of Bees it Sure is

Mellow, ramshackle, beautiful are all adjectives that I would use to describe Mouthful of Bees' self-titled new album. The simple lo-fi instrumentation, coupled with an overal shoegaze aesthetic really makes this album evocative. An interplay of male and female vocals combine with swirling horns and twinkling piano keys to create an enveloping atmosphere on many of the standout tracks. When you get the album, check out the final track, Rory is Off-Limits, if you're in the mood for a massive, hazy piano opus. One of my favorite tracks, Please and Thank You will transport you places and is the perfect song for an hot afternoon by a lake. Similar to Chiddy Bang, Mouthful of Bees will be playing this summer on my speakers, but for another reason altogether.

Mouthful of Bees - Thomas Aquinas (YSI) (filesavr)

Mouthful of Bees - Please and Thank You (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIFeivhCpEiEDRXEbmsfBAjKPKJhrtTaBZyz6_3oQBbrYKabgy5aUqSD7eF0AbUoSRac00EmlEBffveBtouB6cuon_E3Fs_UA5UMJkNToOpLcpYA_4JBUI6WF89CQxJLq1akXqLn-iqne/s1600-h/TSRE+Bees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334625341958593682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIFeivhCpEiEDRXEbmsfBAjKPKJhrtTaBZyz6_3oQBbrYKabgy5aUqSD7eF0AbUoSRac00EmlEBffveBtouB6cuon_E3Fs_UA5UMJkNToOpLcpYA_4JBUI6WF89CQxJLq1akXqLn-iqne/s320/TSRE+Bees.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" /></a><span>Mellow, ramshackle, beautiful are all adjectives that I would use to describe Mouthful of Bees' self-titled new album. The simple lo-fi instrumentation, coupled with an overal shoegaze aesthetic really makes this album evocative. An interplay of male and female vocals combine with swirling horns and twinkling piano keys to create an enveloping atmosphere on many of the standout tracks. When you get the album, check out the final track, Rory is Off-Limits, if you're in the mood for a massive, hazy piano opus. One of my favorite tracks, Please and Thank You will transport you places and is the perfect song for an hot afternoon by a lake. Similar to Chiddy Bang, Mouthful of Bees will be playing this summer on my speakers, but for another reason altogether.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Mouthful of Bees - Thomas Aquinas</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFockhRUzh0QTNIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03thomasaquinas" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mouthful of Bees - Please and Thank You</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFockhRUzg0b0FLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05pleaseandthankyou" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Please Direct Your Attention to Hip Hop

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT: Hip Hop is getting good again.

Statik Selektah calls it out on "The Thrill Is Gone", the first single from his September-due The Hangover - "I think Nas said 'Hip Hop is Dead' 'cause he couldn't see the culture in it...too many funny clothes, too many autotunes." TRUE. But some tracks have spun my way recently that give some hope.

First up is the aforemention "The Thrill Is Gone", a track that features Styles P and Talib Kweli and puts some hard verses over a chill beat. Zack's been a big fan of Statik Selektah for a while, but I'm just coming around. Happy to join the party.

Statik Selektah f. Styles P and Talib Kweli - The Thrill Is Gone (YSI) (filesavr)

The second track that is surprisingly hot comes from just those things that Selektah calls out. Clipse, fresh off of the release of their PlayCloths fashion line, team up with Captain Autotune himself, Kanye West. A weird combination and one I wouldn't have expected, but hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. I've tried it, and it's pretty hot. Clipse are their usual selves, bragging about spending cash in a recession. Kanye, on the other hand, finally spits a real verse - remember that he's actually a pretty solid rapper? Self-aware and self-depricating, he doesn't bug me on this track. Still, although I love the swagger, I hope the rest of the album is a little harder than this tune.

Clipse f. Kanye West - Kinda Like A Big Deal (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, the latest from Mos Def, personal hero. Every time someone mentions Mos around me, my only response is "What a cool dude". Because seriously, what a cool dude. I love his flow on this track, so relaxed but fiery hot. I really dig this tune, and I'm super excited to get my hands on The Ecstatic when it drops on June 9.

Mos Def - Casa Bey (YSI) (filesavr)

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT: Hip Hop is getting good again.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334315179590479922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6j6hyLYYTPbWQShtUC473SkXKLoaSm-Cv1RxslleHkmCHnvcUDmMAJd-5R5JMjEwmiN74cPmKqfHhG6XcWlhpPrQBNyBt3PnmesWrT8LWtWTqBsnrZdnNx8GufdoXOYvjOnCWXoQt3Y/s320/think_hip-hop_TSRE.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 320px;" /><div>Statik Selektah calls it out on "The Thrill Is Gone", the first single from his September-due <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Hangover</span> - "I think Nas said 'Hip Hop is Dead' 'cause he couldn't see the culture in it...too many funny clothes, too many autotunes." TRUE. But some tracks have spun my way recently that give some hope.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First up is the aforemention "The Thrill Is Gone", a track that features Styles P and Talib Kweli and puts some hard verses over a chill beat. Zack's been a big fan of Statik Selektah for a while, but I'm just coming around. Happy to join the party.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Statik Selektah f. Styles P and Talib Kweli - The Thrill Is Gone <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGl0Q1J1Yk1LSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01thethrillisgone" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The second track that is surprisingly hot comes from just those things that Selektah calls out. Clipse, fresh off of the release of their PlayCloths fashion line, team up with Captain Autotune himself, Kanye West. A weird combination and one I wouldn't have expected, but hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. I've tried it, and it's pretty hot. Clipse are their usual selves, bragging about spending cash in a recession. Kanye, on the other hand, finally spits a real verse - remember that he's actually a pretty solid rapper? Self-aware and self-depricating, he doesn't bug me on this track. Still, although I love the swagger, I hope the rest of the album is a little harder than this tune.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Clipse f. Kanye West - Kinda Like A Big Deal <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGl0Q1JJMHVGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/kindalikeabigdeal" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the latest from Mos Def, personal hero. Every time someone mentions Mos around me, my only response is "What a cool dude". Because seriously, what a cool dude. I love his flow on this track, so relaxed but fiery hot. I really dig this tune, and I'm super excited to get my hands on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Ecstatic</span> when it drops on June 9.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mos Def - Casa Bey</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGl0Q1JrYURIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/casabey" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Brother Ali and Atmosphere @ The House Of Blues 5/13/09: When God Gives You Ugly, Make Beautiful Music

Atmosphere has a pretty sweet gig these days.  Their hype man - their "opening act" - is Brother Ali, one of the fiercest, truest, most impressive emcees around.  There's no need to ease into a set when you follow a could-be-headliner.  By the time Atmosphere took the stage as the headliners of the God Loves Ugly Tour at the House of Blues on Wednesday night, the crowd was already loose, already pumped up, and chomping at the bit to bump.  

Atmosphere's frontman, Slug, was clearly impressed by the Boston masses.  "Intimidating", he called the crowd at the House of Blues, saying that the audience for him represents the city, and that he'd never played a crowd like this.  For all I know, he says that in every city.  But he says it well, and it seemed like he meant it.  And from the first verse he dropped until the end of the night he had the crowd waving their hands, raising their voices, and revelling in the jubilation of the night.

For me, though, the real show was in that opening act. Brother Ali is my favorite rapper around, and his performance on Wednesday night straight up blew the roof off of the House of Blues.  With a tight set of 9 songs, he proselytized newcomers while preaching to a multitude of existing fans. An informal poll from the stage revealed that half the venue had seen Ali before. Given his performance, it's no surprise that they came back for seconds.

Ali opened with "Bitchslap", an underground favorite from Shadows on the Sun, my favorite of his albums.  He moved on nicely with "Truth is Here" and a fantastic version of "Uncle Sam Goddamn", wooing the crowd, ramping things up, and getting Boston to sing along by the end of his third song.  Then, with the audience at attention, he absolutely KILLED it on "Walking Away", the most impressive track off of his latest full length, The Undisputed Truth.  Already an intensely personal song, the tune bumped up a notch as Ali spit two unrecorded verses - a cappella, I might add - about an incident involving his ex-wife and his son Faheem.  I've never seen an audience like I did during the last 2 minutes of the tune - rapturous, attentive, impressed, heartbroken, and completely consumed by an artist and his craft.

As an albino, Brother Ali has difficulty seeing.  At one point, he asked the crowd to make noise to show their support, since he has trouble distinguishing anything out in the audience.  A thousand throats cried out their support.  It's no surprise that later in the evening Slug would proclaim in admiration - "Damn, y'all really love hearing your own voices".

The final tunes of Ali's opening act summed up the mood for the evening - celebrating the beauty of the individual.  "Good Lord" from his newest EP, and his signature "Forest Whitiker" had the crowd moving, grooving, and celebrating the beauty of being human.  Throughout the following set, Slug would repeat the refrain "God loves ugly"; Brother Ali took it one step further - "To everyone out there who's a little different, I say damn a magazine, these is God's fingerprints".  Amen.

Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Goddamn (YSI) (filesavr)

Brother Ali - Walking Away (Live @ Daytrotter Session) (YSI) (filesavr)

Brother Ali - Mr. President (You're The Man) (YSI) (filesavr)

Sidenote:  I got a chance to shake Brother Ali's hand and talk to him for a minute after the show, and he was a legitimately genuine dude.  He took time to sign autographs, made an effort to engage with his fans, and spent over an hour after his performance just listening to people who listen to him.  As if I needed another reason to ride for the man...

Atmosphere has a pretty sweet gig these days.  Their hype man - their "opening act" - is Brother Ali, one of the fiercest, truest, most impressive emcees around.  There's no need to ease into a set when you follow a could-be-headliner.  By the time Atmosphere took the stage as the headliners of the God Loves Ugly Tour at the House of Blues on Wednesday night, the crowd was already loose, already pumped up, and chomping at the bit to bump.  <div><br /></div><div>Atmosphere's frontman, Slug, was clearly impressed by the Boston masses.  "Intimidating", he called the crowd at the House of Blues, saying that the audience for him represents the city, and that he'd never played a crowd like this.  For all I know, he says that in every city.  But he says it well, and it seemed like he meant it.  And from the first verse he dropped until the end of the night he had the crowd waving their hands, raising their voices, and revelling in the jubilation of the night.<div><div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335899483883642210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcmjyDp0P7Ih3AFPnDmannBOsAAKQ4jkltpgMAy_GsmBCiv7r3W4uRZNfglfPR2EpXTnnr6xuuZrdK78SoOXRnR7dEmuVo4F-Xs9uintjpeemfdQhBRkZtIax8uo9JGaZgdoMrO9N4-M/s320/BrotherAliTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" /><div>For me, though, the real show was in that opening act. Brother Ali is my favorite rapper around, and his performance on Wednesday night straight up blew the roof off of the House of Blues.  With a tight set of 9 songs, he proselytized newcomers while preaching to a multitude of existing fans. An informal poll from the stage revealed that half the venue had seen Ali before. Given his performance, it's no surprise that they came back for seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ali opened with "Bitchslap", an underground favorite from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Shadows on the Sun</span>, my favorite of his albums.  He moved on nicely with "Truth is Here" and a fantastic version of "Uncle Sam Goddamn", wooing the crowd, ramping things up, and getting Boston to sing along by the end of his third song.  Then, with the audience at attention, he absolutely KILLED it on "Walking Away", the most impressive track off of his latest full length, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">The Undisputed Truth</span>.  Already an intensely personal song, the tune bumped up a notch as Ali spit two unrecorded verses - a cappella, I might add - about an incident involving his ex-wife and his son Faheem.  I've never seen an audience like I did during the last 2 minutes of the tune - rapturous, attentive, impressed, heartbroken, and completely consumed by an artist and his craft.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an albino, Brother Ali has difficulty seeing.  At one point, he asked the crowd to make noise to show their support, since he has trouble distinguishing anything out in the audience.  A thousand throats cried out their support.  It's no surprise that later in the evening Slug would proclaim in admiration - "Damn, y'all really love hearing your own voices".</div><div><br /></div><div>The final tunes of Ali's opening act summed up the mood for the evening - celebrating the beauty of the individual.  "Good Lord" from his newest EP, and his signature "Forest Whitiker" had the crowd moving, grooving, and celebrating the beauty of being human.  Throughout the following set, Slug would repeat the refrain "God loves ugly"; Brother Ali took it one step further - "To everyone out there who's a little different, I say damn a magazine, these is God's fingerprints".  Amen.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Goddamn</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/U0d3ek9xUEM5bEFLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/12-brotherali-uncle22335d" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Brother Ali - Walking Away (Live @ Daytrotter Session)</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/U0d3ek9uTWNsUjhLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/brotheralidaytrottersxsw3" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Brother Ali - Mr. President (You're The Man)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnclVPZDVuSlNGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/mrpresidentyouretheman" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sidenote:  I got a chance to shake Brother Ali's hand and talk to him for a minute after the show, and he was a legitimately genuine dude.  He took time to sign autographs, made an effort to engage with his fans, and spent over an hour after his performance just listening to people who listen to him.  As if I needed another reason to ride for the man...</div></div></div></div>

The Gnarliest Album Ever

So, as you probably know by now, the upcoming Wilco album, titled Wilco (The Album) has been leaked. You can listen to a free stream of the entire album here. It, like Sky Blue Sky, is characterized by a sleek, clean sound which has bothered some people in the past. It doesn’t actually bother me at all, but I wasn’t in the mood for it yesterday. So, I decided that, rather than listen to the new Wilco album, I would listen to the gnarliest, most chaotic album I know of: the 1969 classic Trout Mask Replica, by Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band. And that’s what I’m going to write about today.

I was introduced to this album through the writing of none other than Lester Bangs, whom I wrote about previously. I had so much faith in Lester that I went out and bought the album, knowing precious little about it. This was a couple of years ago. Yesterday was probably the first time I ever managed to listen to it all the way through.

That's because it’s a damn tough listen. Don’t pop it in the CD player unless you really want to be challenged (I made the mistake of trying to listen to it in the car—do not do this). Frankly, it doesn’t sound nice at all. It’s chaotic, noisy, and as weird as anything you’ve ever heard. It sounds like a bunch of guys, under the influence of many strange substances, got together and had the weirdest jam session ever. Who would want to listen to that? (And, you might ask what producer in his or her right mind would work with and release such insanity. Well, the answer is none other than Frank Zappa, who was a friend and former schoolmate of Beefheart.)

But, if you can get past these issues, it’s a really interesting listen. Beefheart’s songs are mash-ups of the most savage, primitive variety. Take elements from the Delta blues, garage rock, spoken word, sea shanties, avant-garde classical music, and free jazz, and throw them into a broken blender, and you might get something close to Captain Beefheart. But you might not. The Captain’s vocals cover a range of styles, sometimes evoking Howlin’ Wolf, and other times evoking Allan Cummings of The Guess Who. But he always sounds pretty grizzled, like some crazy, frightening, weather-beaten guy that you would definitely hurry past if you were to walk by him on the street.

As chaotic as it all sounds, the songs were actually painstakingly rehearsed for eight months before recording. The story goes that the band members lived communally in the house of Don Van Vliet, a.k.a. Captain Beefheart, rehearsing and surviving off of small amounts of sometimes-shoplifted food. Vliet apparently wanted them to “live” the album, and forbade the band to leave the house. No wonder Trout Mask Replica came out like it did.

Vliet's lyrics are as strange as the music. Take the spoken introductory line from the song “Pachuco Cadaver” (as if the title weren't enough to convince you): “A squid eating dough in a polyethylene bag is fast and bulbous, got me?” I’ll leave it at that. It’s weird. If you don’t like weird music, you shouldn’t be listening to this album… but then again, if you didn’t like weird music, you probably wouldn’t have read this far.

Anyways, my favorite track from Trout Mask Replica is “Moonlight On Vermont.” The opening guitar riff foreshadows the grungy sound of early Modest Mouse, while the chorus could almost be lifted straight out of a Grateful Dead song. And the lyrics make reference to Steve Reich’s landmark avant-garde tape piece, “Come Out,” repeating the line “Come out to show them,” several times. I dig it. And it’s one of the more conventional songs from the album, so I recommend that you check it out if you want to dip your toe into Captain Beefheart’s water. I’ve also included another great track, “When Big Joan Sets Up,” a song about a woman “too fat t' go out in the daylight,” that has some of the free-jazz elements I mentioned earlier. Enjoy, if you dare:

Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - Moonlight On Vermont (YSI) (filesavr)
Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - When Big Joan Sets Up (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqueZcECvSk5wbn_nEhTrZKynwspC0JKYQmQU89sVuF7sBXRELU9Zdbb5xefaDI4TnlZ4Q49uEkTO_IYsXvOncEa5dKpRK7CwpZBq8sMXvKn4EC_pm8YsCi8wwvKNolIS2IsaVF7Akj3I/s1600-h/album-trout-mask-replica.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335903555990324434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqueZcECvSk5wbn_nEhTrZKynwspC0JKYQmQU89sVuF7sBXRELU9Zdbb5xefaDI4TnlZ4Q49uEkTO_IYsXvOncEa5dKpRK7CwpZBq8sMXvKn4EC_pm8YsCi8wwvKNolIS2IsaVF7Akj3I/s320/album-trout-mask-replica.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">So, as you probably know by now, the upcoming Wilco album, titled <span style="font-style: italic;">Wilco (The Album)</span> has been leaked. You can listen to a free stream of the entire album <a href="http://beta.wilcoworld.net/records/thealbum/index.php" target="_blank">here</a>. It, like <span style="font-style: italic;">Sky Blue Sky</span>, is characterized by a sleek, clean sound which has bothered some people in the past. It doesn’t actually bother me at all, but I wasn’t in the mood for it yesterday. So, I decided that, rather than listen to the new Wilco album, I would listen to the gnarliest, most chaotic album I know of: the 1969 classic <span style="font-style: italic;">Trout Mask Replica</span>, by Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band. And that’s what I’m going to write about today.<br /><br />I was introduced to this album through the writing of none other than Lester Bangs, whom I wrote about <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/02/love-that-loves-love-that-loves-love.html" target="_blank">previously</a>. I had so much faith in Lester that I went out and bought the album, knowing precious little about it. This was a couple of years ago. Yesterday was probably the first time I ever managed to listen to it all the way through.<br /><br />That's because it’s a damn tough listen. Don’t pop it in the CD player unless you really want to be challenged (I made the mistake of trying to listen to it in the car—do not do this). Frankly, it doesn’t sound nice at all. It’s chaotic, noisy, and as weird as anything you’ve ever heard. It sounds like a bunch of guys, under the influence of many strange substances, got together and had the weirdest jam session ever. Who would want to listen to that? (And, you might ask what producer in his or her right mind would work with and release such insanity. Well, the answer is none other than Frank Zappa, who was a friend and former schoolmate of Beefheart.)<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnosE5Gm-RRL9k54EebPrvKB3CElvosmP-KyiJlEJqgL1tuZroTFalgv6dMKCzwtlPkW9IF-PARdaklW2rLXXfmb-kiDNBzXZRI2RZ9tw8d6SpvAwcdIFmV_sUUHd51C-EeMk82yK4K4c/s1600-h/6a00d8341c81bd53ef00e54f87374c8834-800wi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335903757121785282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnosE5Gm-RRL9k54EebPrvKB3CElvosmP-KyiJlEJqgL1tuZroTFalgv6dMKCzwtlPkW9IF-PARdaklW2rLXXfmb-kiDNBzXZRI2RZ9tw8d6SpvAwcdIFmV_sUUHd51C-EeMk82yK4K4c/s320/6a00d8341c81bd53ef00e54f87374c8834-800wi.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 204px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">But, if you can get past these issues, it’s a really interesting listen. Beefheart’s songs are mash-ups of the most savage, primitive variety. Take elements from the Delta blues, garage rock, spoken word, sea shanties, avant-garde classical music, and free jazz, and throw them into a broken blender, and you might get something close to Captain Beefheart. But you might not. The Captain’s vocals cover a range of styles, sometimes evoking Howlin’ Wolf, and other times evoking Allan Cummings of The Guess Who. But he always sounds pretty grizzled, like some crazy, frightening, weather-beaten guy that you would <span style="font-style: italic;">definitely </span>hurry past if you were to walk by him on the street.<br /><br />As chaotic as it all sounds, the songs were actually painstakingly rehearsed for eight months before recording. The story goes that the band members lived communally in the house of Don Van Vliet, a.k.a. Captain Beefheart, rehearsing and surviving off of small amounts of sometimes-shoplifted food. Vliet apparently wanted them to “live” the album, and forbade the band to leave the house. No wonder <span style="font-style: italic;">Trout Mask Replica</span> came out like it did.<br /><br />Vliet's lyrics are as strange as the music. Take the spoken introductory line from the song “Pachuco Cadaver” (as if the title weren't enough to convince you): “A squid eating dough in a polyethylene bag is fast and bulbous, got me?” I’ll leave it at that. It’s weird. If you don’t like weird music, you shouldn’t be listening to this album… but then again, if you didn’t like weird music, you probably wouldn’t have read this far.<br /><br />Anyways, my favorite track from <span style="font-style: italic;">Trout Mask Replica</span> is “Moonlight On Vermont.” The opening guitar riff foreshadows the grungy sound of early Modest Mouse, while the chorus could almost be lifted straight out of a Grateful Dead song. And the lyrics make reference to Steve Reich’s landmark avant-garde tape piece, “Come Out,” repeating the line “Come out to show them,” several times. I dig it. <span style="font-style: italic;">And</span> it’s one of the more conventional songs from the album, so I recommend that you check it out if you want to dip your toe into Captain Beefheart’s water. I’ve also included another great track, “When Big Joan Sets Up,” a song about a woman “too fat t' go out in the daylight,” that has some of the free-jazz elements I mentioned earlier. Enjoy, if you dare:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - Moonlight On Vermont</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnclVQcGt0NjhLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06moonlightonvermont" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - When Big Joan Sets Up</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFnclVDZ2dCMTRLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/17whenbigjoansetsup" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /></span>

Chiddy Bang is Like a Car That Can Fly --> AWESOME

Chiddy Bang draw comparisons to the Cool Kids, but in actuality they are very different, aside from being cool that is. Sonically and sample wise, Chiddy Bang is a hipster's dream. Sampling/remixing massively popular tracks like Kids and Day and Night, Chiddy Bang manage to maintain the core of the original songs, but still add their own distinctive feel. Whether it is humorous, topical rhymes or just some great electronic reworking, Chiddy Bang delivers a slew of hipster rap anthems. I am a sucker for sports rap references and Chiddy Bang know how to use them. Any rapper that can coherently name drop both Rajon Rondo and Memhet Okur, while insulting Asher Roth gets a gold star in my book. Chiddy Bang will be blasting from hipster speakers everywhere this summer. Count on it.

Chiddy Bang - Kids (ft. MGMT) (YSI) (filesavr)

Chiddy Bang - Because (ft. Radiohead) (YSI) (filesavr)

Kid Cudi - Day and Night (Re-Work) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKFSjyh9VNJDnH0LZLwQ_XP3QuaPX_aW-oxZGvNzshGK4xDFxrUk7TK_Y1HZZj1oKw4BMHQ5phLA5pl03BeurjX2cTIKZhLwCs4oBSOGfw4U6dgmWbS52OogQWr4eyjB_vh-WhhnfGUMY/s1600-h/TSRE+Chitty+Chitty+Bang+Bang.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334559962528650834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKFSjyh9VNJDnH0LZLwQ_XP3QuaPX_aW-oxZGvNzshGK4xDFxrUk7TK_Y1HZZj1oKw4BMHQ5phLA5pl03BeurjX2cTIKZhLwCs4oBSOGfw4U6dgmWbS52OogQWr4eyjB_vh-WhhnfGUMY/s320/TSRE+Chitty+Chitty+Bang+Bang.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 192px;" /></a>Chiddy Bang draw comparisons to the Cool Kids, but in actuality they are very different, aside from being cool that is. Sonically and sample wise, Chiddy Bang is a hipster's dream. Sampling/remixing massively popular tracks like Kids and Day and Night, Chiddy Bang manage to maintain the core of the original songs, but still add their own distinctive feel. Whether it is humorous, topical rhymes or just some great electronic reworking, Chiddy Bang delivers a slew of hipster rap anthems. I am a sucker for sports rap references and Chiddy Bang know how to use them. Any rapper that can coherently name drop both Rajon Rondo and Memhet Okur, while insulting Asher Roth gets a gold star in my book. Chiddy Bang will be blasting from hipster speakers everywhere this summer. Count on it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chiddy Bang - Kids (ft. MGMT)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwK2VucHZwM25IRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/kidsftmgmt" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chiddy Bang - Because (ft. Radiohead) </span>(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwK2VwYUlvQUxIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/becauseftradiohead" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kid Cudi - Day and Night (Re-Work)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwK2VwYUllaFIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/dayandnightchiddybangre-work_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Sly Voxes @ The Roxbury Latin 5/12/09

Last night, Dedicated Fan X and I had the distinct pleasure of catching a one-night-only performance by the Sly Voxes, one of Boston's premiere male vocal ensembles.  It was a black tie affair not to be missed, and the group certainly did not disappoint.

From the outset, the Voxes were impressive, opening the concert with a beautiful fugue-ish rendition of "Sing dem Herrn" as they progressed from the back of the venue to the stage.  They then proceeded to flaunt their chamber chops with a first half of slower traditional pieces.  The Voxes were at their best during faster spirituals "Witness" and "Ain-a That Good News", but "Alleluia" and "Salmo 150" were hauntingly beautiful - evocative of Fleet Foxes, Wooden Wand, and some of the more choral blog bands of today.

The second half of the program was a more relaxed affair, kicking off with a loose and jazzy cover of Eric Clapton's "Change The World", always a crowd favorite.  Josh Fischel gave a great performance during "I'm Into Something Good", and the two headed lead singers Ben Davis and Paul Spinale brought it home on "Only You" with some backup help from the devilishly handsome Jon Simpson.

The last song, "McDonald's Girl" had everyone in the audience smiling - a one of a kind show that left everyone feeling great.  Well done, you sly voxes.

Last night, Dedicated Fan X and I had the distinct pleasure of catching a one-night-only performance by the Sly Voxes, one of Boston's premiere male vocal ensembles.  It was a black tie affair not to be missed, and the group certainly did not disappoint.<div><br /></div><div>From the outset, the Voxes were impressive, opening the concert with a beautiful fugue-ish rendition of "Sing dem Herrn" as they progressed from the back of the venue to the stage.  They then proceeded to flaunt their chamber chops with a first half of slower traditional pieces.  The Voxes were at their best during faster spirituals "Witness" and "Ain-a That Good News", but "Alleluia" and "Salmo 150" were hauntingly beautiful - evocative of Fleet Foxes, Wooden Wand, and some of the more choral blog bands of today.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335340073798194242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEN8EYIo3ERkoFbg_72TmcT3Z7xB8zBQlRywtKybzjKQbHQzO5xdbKQChQl8p7g0vBhNCnmbGJC7eYLJEI6o6WmmXJEJVLJfUBQqOpl9CDk5cS6Iu-NWy2NHwwbS0YW2LXvoEdMEVJ_Co/s320/slyvoxesTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></div><div>The second half of the program was a more relaxed affair, kicking off with a loose and jazzy cover of Eric Clapton's "Change The World", always a crowd favorite.  Josh Fischel gave a great performance during "I'm Into Something Good", and the two headed lead singers Ben Davis and Paul Spinale brought it home on "Only You" with some backup help from the devilishly handsome Jon Simpson.</div><div><br /></div><div>The last song, "McDonald's Girl" had everyone in the audience smiling - a one of a kind show that left everyone feeling great.  Well done, you sly voxes.</div>

Dirty Projectors Rock My Brain and My Heart At The Same Time

I'm pretty sure Dirty Projectors lead singer Dave Longstreth is one of the weirdest dudes ever. I'm pretty sure Dirty Projectors are one of the weirdest bands ever. I'm also pretty sure that Bitte Orca, the band's latest studio album (out on June 9th), is going to blow my mind like few records can.

See, The Getty Address kinda changed my life. It has earned a permanent spot next to Graceland on my Favorite Albums Of All Time list. The songwriting and musicianship on that record are imperfectly perfect - I wouldn't change a single note.

And here's the thing. Everything I have heard from Dirty Projectors in the past 6 months has been better. "Knotty Pine", the collaboration they did with David Byrne for Dark Was The Night, was a highlight on a phenomenal compilation. "Stillness Is The Move", Bitte Orca's lead single, showed off Angel Deradoorian and Amber Coffman's vocals like few Projectors tracks have - and they somehow managed to match Longstreth's weird intensity. And then this.

This new song, "No Intention". I can't get over it. I can't even get halfway up it.

It takes the best parts of pre-Rise Above Dirty Projectors and grafts them onto the newer, more polished plant that the band has become in the past couple years. It's beautiful, weird, haunting, and somehow catchy. Blows my mind.

Time for me to stop talking and go listen to this track 37 more times today.

Dirty Projectors - No Intention (YSI) (filesavr)

Dirty Projectors and David Byrne - Knotty Pine (YSI) (filesavr)

Dave Longstreth - Lay Down Restless Bones (YSI) (filesavr)

I'm pretty sure Dirty Projectors lead singer Dave Longstreth is one of the weirdest dudes ever. I'm pretty sure Dirty Projectors are one of the weirdest bands ever. I'm also pretty sure that Bitte Orca, the band's latest studio album (out on June 9th), is going to blow my mind like few records can.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334309700598104546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqxcyM9-PPHWS94J0LMHQmIEdd1Bn5BuOHLDuLLh3uLI_fB03Ng7do7xtaIi7C9DL-lF8x6fuzKY2NdudY_Wjd43M2Ew8eQEUO32qZ0115LB2c4dLf5XokOWZYQxfIxl6TgwYFB5NEFU/s320/dirtyprojectorsTSRE.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" />See, <i>The Getty Address</i> kinda changed my life. It has earned a permanent spot next to <i>Graceland</i> on my Favorite Albums Of All Time list. The songwriting and musicianship on that record are imperfectly perfect - I wouldn't change a single note.<br /><br />And here's the thing. Everything I have heard from Dirty Projectors in the past 6 months has been better. "Knotty Pine", the collaboration they did with David Byrne for <i>Dark Was The Night</i>, was a highlight on a phenomenal compilation. "Stillness Is The Move", <i>Bitte Orca</i>'s lead single, showed off Angel Deradoorian and Amber Coffman's vocals like few Projectors tracks have - and they somehow managed to match Longstreth's weird intensity. And then this.<br /><br />This new song, "No Intention". I can't get over it. I can't even get halfway up it.<br /><br />It takes the best parts of pre-<i>Rise Above</i> Dirty Projectors and grafts them onto the newer, more polished plant that the band has become in the past couple years. It's beautiful, weird, haunting, and somehow catchy. Blows my mind.<br /><br />Time for me to stop talking and go listen to this track 37 more times today.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dirty Projectors - No Intention</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGlqVEhFd2QzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07nointention" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dirty Projectors and David Byrne - Knotty Pine</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGlqVEg1UjVMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-01knottypine_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dave Longstreth - Lay Down Restless Bones</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGlnYTJRR2VGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05laydownrestlessbones" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Stupot: Filty Electro Remixes

This Tuesday is pretty wacky for me. Besides being the first day of my work week, I have to waiter a fancy dinner for French artist Erik Desmazieres and a bunch of curators from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston tonight. Exciting, but also nerve wracking in a way. The dinner will also preclude me from watching game 5 of the Celtics-Magic series, which the Celtics will be winning obvi. Big day coming up and then the LOST finale tomorrow. HYPE!!

To the music, both of these remixes heap on the synth and really glam up both of the original tracks. The Ra Ra Riot track is especially great, with Passion Pit's synths providing a perfect complement for Ra Ra Riot's haunting vocals.

Ra Ra Riot - Ghost Under Rocks (Passion Pit Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Empire of the Sun - We are the People (The Golden Filter Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf4cA3thN0R9ryBjEC54KZMgjZDwYfnM-tZpO_SNaLguX4ztbTo_h9mFpv-de1ivSjSFaZiYkU5ZAzJ6gHOCr0cym_KJCCwpJEzgse1BGRNg5s7HNNBwWYKtQ7lEKKlXqcFAaKWDuFF6I/s1600-h/TSRE+Ra+Ra+Riot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334625438518313042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf4cA3thN0R9ryBjEC54KZMgjZDwYfnM-tZpO_SNaLguX4ztbTo_h9mFpv-de1ivSjSFaZiYkU5ZAzJ6gHOCr0cym_KJCCwpJEzgse1BGRNg5s7HNNBwWYKtQ7lEKKlXqcFAaKWDuFF6I/s320/TSRE+Ra+Ra+Riot.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" /></a>This Tuesday is pretty wacky for me. Besides being the first day of my work week, I have to waiter a fancy dinner for French artist Erik Desmazieres and a bunch of curators from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston tonight. Exciting, but also nerve wracking in a way. The dinner will also preclude me from watching game 5 of the Celtics-Magic series, which the Celtics will be winning obvi. Big day coming up and then the LOST finale tomorrow. HYPE!!<br /><br />To the music, both of these remixes heap on the synth and really glam up both of the original tracks. The Ra Ra Riot track is especially great, with Passion Pit's synths providing a perfect complement for Ra Ra Riot's haunting vocals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ra Ra Riot - Ghost Under Rocks (Passion Pit Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwK2VqMGNIcWRMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01ghostunderrockspassionpitmix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Empire of the Sun - We are the People (The Golden Filter Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwK2VoZ1BlaFFLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/wearethepeoplethegoldenfilterremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

From The Soul

De La Soul made news a couple weeks ago when they released the latest in Nike's great RUN series - notable former home to favorites A-Trak and LCD Soundsystem.  It has the cute title of aRe yoU iN? and represents a slight departure for the thus far electro-heavy series.  I haven't had a chance to check the whole album/mix yet, but the lead track, "Big Mouf" is bangalicious.  Cracking drums recall The Roots - an always complimentary comparison - and the rhymes are solid.  Sounds like there's also a Thom Yorke sample in the back, which is super hot.  Love the echoing a cappela close to the track.

De La Soul - Big Mouf (YSI) (filesavr)

Another De La track that's been in my ears recently is the Tatelarock and Troublemaker Remix of "Oooh", the first single from their 2000 record Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump.  The remix adds some high profile samples (Biggie, Bravehearts) to an already great track that features a verse from Redman.  Great remix that gives some current spotlight to a fading track.

De La Soul - Oooh (Tatelarock and Troublemaker Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, a non-De La track that I've been spinning a lot recently, "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden.  I can't get enough of this track, really, and I don't think anyone else can either.  Best part about this track:  it's reintroduced the word "bonkers" into my vocabulary.  BOOM.

Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden - Bonkers (YSI) (filesavr)

De La Soul made news a couple weeks ago when they released the latest in Nike's great RUN series - notable former home to favorites A-Trak and LCD Soundsystem.  It has the cute title of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">aRe yoU iN?</span> and represents a slight departure for the thus far electro-heavy series.  I haven't had a chance to check the whole album/mix yet, but the lead track, "Big Mouf" is bangalicious.  Cracking drums recall The Roots - an always complimentary comparison - and the rhymes are solid.  Sounds like there's also a Thom Yorke sample in the back, which is super hot.  Love the echoing a cappela close to the track.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">De La Soul - Big Mouf</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGlxeFhrWStGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-01bigmouf" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334303171509374290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7LUD25l6oExkNSsXEGsfk8Fnf4yFXwH-lA7uFc1SWB1L8TkzalphsWCkkCrFIQNvW3w4Z2rnrs5VdvZ-sHzB5AKSHfgTDRvT3X48S-tJOjGohm9L7hw3qNbBuoSaWcJXKLwLRf3r7UM/s320/delaTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" /><div>Another De La track that's been in my ears recently is the Tatelarock and Troublemaker Remix of "Oooh", the first single from their 2000 record <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump.</span>  The remix adds some high profile samples (Biggie, Bravehearts) to an already great track that features a verse from Redman.  Great remix that gives some current spotlight to a fading track.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">De La Soul - Oooh (Tatelarock and Troublemaker Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGlxeFhsMHdLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/ooohtatelarockandtroublemakerre" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, a non-De La track that I've been spinning a lot recently, "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden.  I can't get enough of this track, really, and I don't think anyone else can either.  Best part about this track:  it's reintroduced the word "bonkers" into my vocabulary.  BOOM.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden - Bonkers</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwZGl0R0ZrYURIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bonkers" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Junior Boys @ The Middle East 5/8/09

Having been a fan of Junior Boys since their tremendous sophomore album So This is Goodbye, I was pretty excited for the show, although not without a few reservations. At the apex of my interest in Junior Boys, In the Morning was perhaps my favorite song and I played it constantly. Around the same time, in the Fall of 2006, while studying History in London I was lucky enough to catch Junior Boys in concert. Awesome. Needless to say I was very excited and unfortunately the show failed to fulfill my lofty expectations. First off, the place was the back room of a pretty swanky bar and while the sound was great, Junior Boys never really seemed to amp it up to the next level. From what I remember, they spent most of the show focusing on their slower grooves and the crowd was fairly weak and lacking energy.

Just for frame of reference, that past show is the reason for some of the doubts running through my head on Friday night. With the help of a hyperactive opening set by Londoner Max Tundra and the close confines of the Middle East, all my fears were quickly assuaged by the time Junior Boys took the stage. Leading off with some of their more high powered tracks, Hazel, Double Shadow and The Equalizer to really get the crowd moving. It was a great crowd, everybody dancing, especially when Jeremy Greenspan whipped out his guitar to add a little more live instrumentation to the mix. With three LPs at their disposal Junior Boys had a wide range of tracks to chose from during their hour plus set. And chose well they did, with tracks ranging from minor hits from Last Exit like Birthday and More than Real to the major singles like In the Morning (ballin as usual) and Parallel Lines. From jokes about his shirt and razor sharp synths, Jeremy Greenspan and co. had the crowd roaring.

At times though, especially during the final third, the show began to lag as Junior Boys got bogged down in their slower, gloomier, Depeche-Modier if you will tracks, but all in all the crowd stayed into it for the entire hour plus set. Capping off the sweaty night was In the Morning, which I personally was dying to hear, followed by an awesomely unexpected encore of Under the Sun. A swirling, atmospheric track, Junior Boys jammed out on Under the Sun to create a massive meandering, pulsating groove in closing out the night. Besides the great musical performance, Junior Boys were genuinely happy to be playing to a packed house and definitely showed it, especially after their recent technical difficulties in New York. It is pretty crazy how similar Junior Boys sound to Depeche Mode when they really emphasize Greenspan's melodically detached voice coupled with cavernous, reverberating synths. It is very refreshing to have your love of a band renewed by a great live show. Cheers.

Junior Boys - Hazel (Ewan House Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)
Junior Boys - The Equalizer (YSI) (filesavr)
Junior Boys - Under the Sun (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHLzVR6WIm7z1QJtUs6YMSfrCNiOD-gxk__zQqxRaWcAPuQRC1PiVfDJBtCoER9WCmi5S7UL4doXB0-c7ou1Md2OBQ0zdppixJx10-_CQJo1l8ujNOotULVqNp2qkrfntns__Cl45kPvG/s1600-h/TSRE+Junior+Boys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334013999332593314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHLzVR6WIm7z1QJtUs6YMSfrCNiOD-gxk__zQqxRaWcAPuQRC1PiVfDJBtCoER9WCmi5S7UL4doXB0-c7ou1Md2OBQ0zdppixJx10-_CQJo1l8ujNOotULVqNp2qkrfntns__Cl45kPvG/s320/TSRE+Junior+Boys.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 234px;" /></a>Having been a fan of Junior Boys since their tremendous sophomore album So This is Goodbye, I was pretty excited for the show, although not without a few reservations. At the apex of my interest in Junior Boys, In the Morning was perhaps my favorite song and I played it constantly. Around the same time, in the Fall of 2006, while studying History in London I was lucky enough to catch Junior Boys in concert. Awesome. Needless to say I was very excited and unfortunately the show failed to fulfill my lofty expectations. First off, the place was the back room of a pretty swanky bar and while the sound was great, Junior Boys never really seemed to amp it up to the next level. From what I remember, they spent most of the show focusing on their slower grooves and the crowd was fairly weak and lacking energy. <div><br />Just for frame of reference, that past show is the reason for some of the doubts running through my head on Friday night. With the help of a hyperactive opening set by Londoner Max Tundra and the close confines of the Middle East, all my fears were quickly assuaged by the time Junior Boys took the stage. Leading off with some of their more high powered tracks, Hazel, Double Shadow and The Equalizer to really get the crowd moving. It was a great crowd, everybody dancing, especially when Jeremy Greenspan whipped out his guitar to add a little more live instrumentation to the mix. With three LPs at their disposal Junior Boys had a wide range of tracks to chose from during their hour plus set. And chose well they did, with tracks ranging from minor hits from Last Exit like Birthday and More than Real to the major singles like In the Morning (ballin as usual) and Parallel Lines. From jokes about his shirt and razor sharp synths, Jeremy Greenspan and co. had the crowd roaring.<br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl-fP2X816K1xIrwbhd8oiY2Vdw_Y4K36N2jFKvz0Va8eZ-w4wntHXlS8Lk9rAhqRVHNKKelOtElj4ALjj8htUK62rvDRvx9JsVolPA1kLap2d0f4wuG6Fl_NRaMAhCLi6R2OGoEoA_w5/s1600-h/TSRE+Junior+Boys+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334020290272539058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl-fP2X816K1xIrwbhd8oiY2Vdw_Y4K36N2jFKvz0Va8eZ-w4wntHXlS8Lk9rAhqRVHNKKelOtElj4ALjj8htUK62rvDRvx9JsVolPA1kLap2d0f4wuG6Fl_NRaMAhCLi6R2OGoEoA_w5/s320/TSRE+Junior+Boys+2.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 237px;" /></a>At times though, especially during the final third, the show began to lag as Junior Boys got bogged down in their slower, gloomier, Depeche-Modier if you will tracks, but all in all the crowd stayed into it for the entire hour plus set. Capping off the sweaty night was In the Morning, which I personally was dying to hear, followed by an awesomely unexpected encore of Under the Sun. A swirling, atmospheric track, Junior Boys jammed out on Under the Sun to create a massive meandering, pulsating groove in closing out the night. Besides the great musical performance, Junior Boys were genuinely happy to be playing to a packed house and definitely showed it, especially after their recent technical difficulties in New York. It is pretty crazy how similar Junior Boys sound to Depeche Mode when they really emphasize Greenspan's melodically detached voice coupled with cavernous, reverberating synths. It is very refreshing to have your love of a band renewed by a great live show. Cheers.<br /><br />Junior Boys - Hazel (Ewan House Mix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZWT01OQnhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02hazelewanhousemix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Junior Boys - The Equalizer (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZWT01qY3FGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02theequalizer" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Junior Boys - Under the Sun (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZWT00xUUIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-07underthesun" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></div>

Max Tundra @ The Middle East 5/8/09

If you could bring the Wacky Waving Incredible Arm Flailing Tube Man to life, he would probably be a lot like Max Tundra. The man looks like somebody's weird uncle mixed with David Cross, and acts pretty much the same except hopped up on some sort of hyperjuice. His instrument collection is a combination of hi-tech electronics and dollar store keyboard chatchkies, and he plays them all (at the same time). Max Tundra is 1 part The Books, 1 part Holy Fuck, and 3 parts speed.

Oh, and he's awesome.

On Friday night at the Middle East in Boston he warmed up the crowd like a savvy veteran, engaging in banter with the audience, bringing electronic music to the masses, and generally making a highly entertaining spectacle of himself. More than just a superficial gimmick, though, Tundra followed through with great music.

Highlighting the set was "Orphaned", a track off of his latest album Parallax Error Beheads You . On record the song struggles to find a cohesive structure, but in concert it killed. Also a highlight was "Which Song", a tune that Tundra stretched across a few minutes, showing off his timing and talent.

I was a fan but not an aficionado going into Friday's show. Now, I'll spend most of this week pouring through Max Tundra's back-catalog trying to capture the energy of his set.

Max Tundra - Orphaned (YSI) (filesavr)

Max Tundra - Which Song (YSI) (filesavr)

Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music (Max Tundra Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

If you could bring the Wacky Waving Incredible Arm Flailing Tube Man to life, he would probably be a lot like Max Tundra. The man looks like somebody's weird uncle mixed with David Cross, and acts pretty much the same except hopped up on some sort of hyperjuice. His instrument collection is a combination of hi-tech electronics and dollar store keyboard chatchkies, and he plays them all (at the same time). Max Tundra is 1 part The Books, 1 part Holy Fuck, and 3 parts speed.<br /><br />Oh, and he's awesome.<div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334061973726176466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJBNUF_9IJrf_HzQLlGG-bSKDWzq9fSpclRfEo64aSuPOqNbwv3iJUXoTz0GmaFJZkXBdDN1HXOpMWImvtYatSgFj9599KfrcTmNc7PwgSOndC3i10MgjcEymmkKhlcwK1XbZcvjl1SQ/s320/Max+Tundra+TSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" />On Friday night at the Middle East in Boston he warmed up the crowd like a savvy veteran, engaging in banter with the audience, bringing electronic music to the masses, and generally making a highly entertaining spectacle of himself. More than just a superficial gimmick, though, Tundra followed through with great music.<br /><br />Highlighting the set was "Orphaned", a track off of his latest album <i>Parallax Error Beheads You </i>. On record the song struggles to find a cohesive structure, but in concert it killed. Also a highlight was "Which Song", a tune that Tundra stretched across a few minutes, showing off his timing and talent.<br /><br />I was a fan but not an aficionado going into Friday's show. Now, I'll spend most of this week pouring through Max Tundra's back-catalog trying to capture the energy of his set.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Max Tundra - Orphaned</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZkR0ZwcFYzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05orphaned" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Max Tundra - Which Song</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZkR0ZEa1VLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01whichsong" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music (Max Tundra Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlva0ZkOW5ZY1RIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04holdmusicmaxtundraremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Ellie Goulding *Swoon*

I have a crush on Ellie Goulding. Beginning with the two tracks I posted a few months ago, my burgeoning crush has been rekindled by Goulding's new track Starry Eyed that I recently found at the dopeshow Neon Gold. Thanks! Weaving her melodic British voice into a fairly straight forward landscape of danceable synths, snaps and bells, Starry Eyed is a happy jam for any hipster with a soft side. Don't lie, you do. I really am fixated on how well this song works. Goulding's bubbly voice floats along on a swell of gushing synths that are every so often softened by a dash of twinkling bells. In short, this track is great and be sure to keep an eye out for Ellie Goulding. I'll be waiting with bated breath for what she comes out with next.

The Junior Boys and Max Tundra at the Middle East in Boston last night was phenominal as well. Reviews to come on Sunday.

Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtLGqDlt-A8QyWVIiCrCEB1w3TP3HSau3hd3LahFgBbrCGGyqhMN_CwrTpqEOC41Q5hz9u9PfaQ_d_jqGfN1VvG98AXFQDX-0VcV0QTQItUH6B2Y0csh13NTVEruwEuiiEMJ57kXGEg_3/s1600-h/TSRE+Ellie+Goulding.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333442426055973778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtLGqDlt-A8QyWVIiCrCEB1w3TP3HSau3hd3LahFgBbrCGGyqhMN_CwrTpqEOC41Q5hz9u9PfaQ_d_jqGfN1VvG98AXFQDX-0VcV0QTQItUH6B2Y0csh13NTVEruwEuiiEMJ57kXGEg_3/s320/TSRE+Ellie+Goulding.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" /></a>I have a crush on Ellie Goulding. Beginning with the two tracks I posted a few months ago, my burgeoning crush has been rekindled by Goulding's new track Starry Eyed that I recently found at the dopeshow <a href="http://neongoldrecords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Neon Gold</a>. Thanks! Weaving her melodic British voice into a fairly straight forward landscape of danceable synths, snaps and bells, Starry Eyed is a happy jam for any hipster with a soft side. Don't lie, you do. I really am fixated on how well this song works. Goulding's bubbly voice floats along on a swell of gushing synths that are every so often softened by a dash of twinkling bells. In short, this track is great and be sure to keep an eye out for Ellie Goulding. I'll be waiting with bated breath for what she comes out with next.<br /><br />The Junior Boys and Max Tundra at the Middle East in Boston last night was phenominal as well. Reviews to come on Sunday.<br /><br />Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvc2ZJYXlxRTJGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02starryeyed" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Justin Vernon Does High School

Bon Iver, I have decided, is my favorite band of the last year or so. I understand that this revelation is not groundbreaking in any way—Bon Iver have been praised by everyone and their mother, from The New Yorker to Pitchfork. Nonetheless, I have been playing For Emma, Forever Ago repeatedly since I first discovered it, and have yet to grow tired of it. And their follow-up, Blood Bank EP, features the song “Woods”, which I wrote about previously and continue to find fascinating.

What most sets Bon Iver apart for me is the soaring falsetto vocals that singer Justin Vernon layers in harmony over practically every song. These vocals give the songs an ethereal quality, accentuated by the abstract yet beautiful lyrics, that I find rare in contemporary popular music. I truly believe that Bon Iver’s songs more than live up to the hype that has surrounded this soft-spoken singer-songwriter who recorded an album in a remote Wisconsin cabin. Indeed, I think that, many years down the road, we’ll look back at them as beautiful, timeless songs, and I feel lucky to be following Vernon at this point as his career progresses.

I was already sold on Justin Vernon, but when I heard about the recent concert in which he performed with a high school jazz band back in Wisconsin, I was further intrigued. Here is this artist who has been praised by practically every significant music publication who returns to his hometown to perform with the jazz band from his high school. How generous and humble of Vernon to share his talents in such a concert so soon after he achieved fame.

Fortunately for us listeners, the Memorial High School Jazz Band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is quite good. For proof, check out the flute solo on the performance of “Lump Sum.” Pretty exquisite. Also included for your enjoyment is a recording from the same concert of Justin Vernon singing the classic “Satisfied Mind,” previously performed by such luminaries as Mahalia Jackson and Jeff Buckley. Unfortunately the audio quality on these tracks is not ideal, but they're great nonetheless. Enjoy:

Justin Vernon w/Memorial High School Jazz Band - Lump Sum (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)
Justin Vernon - Satisfied Mind (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm42ShI7oKiS9JTbmIYJn0OP9QAbHVFchZcdFPIcqraev-atn8GkqsWQO7-zkuEPM4EZDOzNPy8AbSX7NggftQHSUJqF8eY2YiDJ7riqWe1BIaRQPHhUj-XJ4H3UAklQy0q_G4MO5a6A/s1600-h/bon_iver_and_cat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333311698365436482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm42ShI7oKiS9JTbmIYJn0OP9QAbHVFchZcdFPIcqraev-atn8GkqsWQO7-zkuEPM4EZDOzNPy8AbSX7NggftQHSUJqF8eY2YiDJ7riqWe1BIaRQPHhUj-XJ4H3UAklQy0q_G4MO5a6A/s320/bon_iver_and_cat.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>Bon Iver, I have decided, is my favorite band of the last year or so. I understand that this revelation is not groundbreaking in any way—Bon Iver have been praised by everyone and their mother, from <span style="font-style: italic;">The New Yorker</span> to Pitchfork. Nonetheless, I have been playing <span style="font-style: italic;">For Emma, Forever Ago </span>repeatedly since I first discovered it, and have yet to grow tired of it. And their follow-up, <span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Bank EP</span>, features the song “Woods”, which I wrote about <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/03/unbearable-beauty-of-auto-tune.html">previously</a> and continue to find fascinating.<br /><br />What most sets Bon Iver apart for me is the soaring falsetto vocals that singer Justin Vernon layers in harmony over practically every song. These vocals give the songs an ethereal quality, accentuated by the abstract yet beautiful lyrics, that I find rare in contemporary popular music. I truly believe that Bon Iver’s songs more than live up to the hype that has surrounded this soft-spoken singer-songwriter who recorded an album in a remote Wisconsin cabin. Indeed, I think that, many years down the road, we’ll look back at them as beautiful, timeless songs, and I feel lucky to be following Vernon at this point as his career progresses.<br /><br />I was already sold on Justin Vernon, but when I heard about the recent concert in which he performed with a high school jazz band back in Wisconsin, I was further intrigued. Here is this artist who has been praised by practically every significant music publication who returns to his hometown to perform with the jazz band from his high school. How generous and humble of Vernon to share his talents in such a concert so soon after he achieved fame.<br /><br />Fortunately for us listeners, the Memorial High School Jazz Band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is quite good. For proof, check out the flute solo on the performance of “Lump Sum.” Pretty exquisite. Also included for your enjoyment is a recording from the same concert of Justin Vernon singing the classic “Satisfied Mind,” previously performed by such luminaries as Mahalia Jackson and Jeff Buckley. Unfortunately the audio quality on these tracks is not ideal, but they're great nonetheless. Enjoy:<br /><br />Justin Vernon w/Memorial High School Jazz Band - Lump Sum (Live) (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwMFh2YWJqV0NGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/lumpsum" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Justin Vernon - Satisfied Mind (Live) (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwMFhxU1BRYTlMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/satisfiedmind" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

AV: He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu!

As promised, Mike Skinner's Zombie Mash-Up for his most recent The Streets track, "He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu".  Warning - some of the footage is pretty gorey.  This isn't for you if you just finished lunch...

For kicks, here's a happy Streets tune to leave you with a better taste in your mouth.

The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed (YSI) (filesavr)

As promised, Mike Skinner's Zombie Mash-Up for his most recent The Streets track, "He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu".  Warning - some of the footage is pretty gorey.  This isn't for you if you just finished lunch...<div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K9hK45Are6w&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K9hK45Are6w&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>For kicks, here's a happy Streets tune to leave you with a better taste in your mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvbGtITkFrUmtLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01everythingisborrowed" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

The Streets' Twitter EP Highlights

It's no secret around these parts that I'm a huge Streets fan. No matter what Pitchfork tells you about Mike Skinner's most recent efforts, I've found them fun, engaging, and entertaining. In fact, I think I'd be more disappointed by a subpar but similar follow up to A Grand Don't Come For Free than by a complete change of style like the one he's put into play.

Recently, Skinner has taken to Twitter, releasing a number of tunes via the truncation-heavy service. He contends that he is doing it outside of his label's influence, and I for one believe him. The whole thing seems very organic - he announces that he's headed to the studio (his apartment?), snaps a couple pictures, and then posts a track up on zShare some hours later.

He's released a number of tracks over the past two weeks - some great, some good, and some uninspired. But given the fact that they are spur-of-the-moment, free, and direct to fans, I have literally zero to complain about.

Here are my two favorites from what some are calling The Streets' Twitter EP. Check back this afternoon for the awesome mash-up video for his most recent tune, "He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu". True Story.

The Streets - Trust Me (YSI) (filesavr)

The Streets - David Hassles (YSI) (filesavr)

Additionally, for those of you who are into this kind of stuff, Skinner has released the composite parts for Trust Me to any wannabe remixers. Grab them here!

It's no secret around these parts that I'm a huge Streets fan. No matter what Pitchfork tells you about Mike Skinner's most recent efforts, I've found them fun, engaging, and entertaining. In fact, I think I'd be more disappointed by a subpar but similar follow up to <i>A Grand Don't Come For Free </i> than by a complete change of style like the one he's put into play.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332907549450380770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDK2sr4QTdDJSI07SxP5zO8dyAsEtcaYAWt5V-ALrGw8472s_VBbcsJeASbhr3X1i65qq96s1JFgYq9Zli1nlxlTmAflciKdDikdMfMjG7TNW6snPl_adAz9Z3-MOFAT7SRQ7fWLmtIM4/s320/Streets-Mike-Skinner+TSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" />Recently, Skinner has taken to Twitter, releasing a number of tunes via the truncation-heavy service. He contends that he is doing it outside of his label's influence, and I for one believe him. The whole thing seems very organic - he announces that he's headed to the studio (his apartment?), snaps a couple pictures, and then posts a track up on zShare some hours later.<br /><br />He's released a number of tracks over the past two weeks - some great, some good, and some uninspired. But given the fact that they are spur-of-the-moment, free, and direct to fans, I have literally zero to complain about.<br /><br />Here are my two favorites from what some are calling The Streets' <i> Twitter EP</i>. Check back this afternoon for the awesome mash-up video for his most recent tune, "He's Behind You, He's Got Swine Flu". True Story.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - Trust Me</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvbGtQcGt6NE4zZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/trustme" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - David Hassles </span>(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvbGtETStqY3FGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/davidhassles" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Additionally, for those of you who are into this kind of stuff, Skinner has released the composite parts for Trust Me to any wannabe remixers. Grab them <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/qbwwi7" target="_blank">here!</a>

Weird Vibes

I am just going to put it out there. I do not know quite how I feel about Vibes. Their music is in the lo-fi experimental vein and is definitely weird for lack of a better term. Coming from this sort of lo-fi pedigree, Vibes do it well, but what is it exactly? The bass ranges from harbinger of doom to barely there, while the guitar can be danceable and funky at one moment and then completely fractured the next. While I do not quite like them yet, I can feel myself falling into the unmistakably weird groove of the Vibes.

Vibes - Honeycomb (YSI) (filesavr)
Vibes - Understand This (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4-dMyJwpCrTIyvRUbW2BGpqzfON4z8F7YzAEgwOA96cGM_fXgXSgqQ-XpEWoZRgRolDRxmGj3dl6FllPpSsqsfOvizY86S4yimFVf-NJba_n36FGB6dsozkuP-e4WHuF9w56J-S4Wb1M/s1600-h/TSRE+Owen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332554795015068402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4-dMyJwpCrTIyvRUbW2BGpqzfON4z8F7YzAEgwOA96cGM_fXgXSgqQ-XpEWoZRgRolDRxmGj3dl6FllPpSsqsfOvizY86S4yimFVf-NJba_n36FGB6dsozkuP-e4WHuF9w56J-S4Wb1M/s320/TSRE+Owen.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>I am just going to put it out there. I do not know quite how I feel about Vibes. Their music is in the lo-fi experimental vein and is definitely weird for lack of a better term. Coming from this sort of lo-fi pedigree, Vibes do it well, but what is it exactly? The bass ranges from harbinger of doom to barely there, while the guitar can be danceable and funky at one moment and then completely fractured the next. While I do not quite like them yet, I can feel myself falling into the unmistakably weird groove of the Vibes.<br /><br />Vibes - Honeycomb (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwSmI5UnFveE9Ga1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/honeycomb_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Vibes - Understand This (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwSmIrZDV0TWwzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/understandthis" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Bill Cosby Sweater and Reebok Pumps!

Saw this video over on Pigeons and Planes this morning and thought it was hilarious - what a good outfit, Bill Cosby sweater and Reebok pumps.

Plus the dudes from the Yelle video dancing.  Pretty fly.

Saw this video over on Pigeons and Planes this morning and thought it was hilarious - what a good outfit, Bill Cosby sweater and Reebok pumps.<div><br /></div><div>Plus the dudes from the Yelle video dancing.  Pretty fly.</div><div><br /></div><object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4435717&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4435717&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object>

Stu Pot! f. Gossip Girl, Stan Rogers, and Hot Licks

Zack started up the Stu Pot a little while ago, and it's perfect for today's post.  I've had a bunch of songs bouncing around my computer for a while that I haven't had a great place to post.  I want to share them, though, so here we go!

Apparently this first song was on Gossip Girl last night - no matter, it's been spinning through my iTunes for a few months now.  I can't get enough of it, really.  It just builds so nicely that it's basically uncontrollable.  It starts off with kind of an old-school Travis type feel before ramping up the action to a pretty emotional open-voice climax.  All without really changing dynamics, simply through instrumentation and passion changes, which is pretty impressive.  Besides, who isn't desperate to connect?

Gotye - Hearts A Mess

Update:  Thought the Gotye track was approved for posting, but it's not - so go buy it, it's worth it!  And in the meantime, check out the pretty sick video that animator Brendan Cook made for the song:

 

On the topic of tunes that I've been listening to for months (or better yet years), here's an old classic from Stan Rogers.  He's not your typical indie-rocker.  In fact, he's not an indie-rocker.  He's an old-school folk singer with a gristly voice.  But he's also a great story teller, and this song is amazing.  I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

Stan Rogers - Athens Queen (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, another great tune that doesn't really fit in anywhere.  It's called "I Don't Want Love", and it comes from Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, an amazingly fun band.  I heard this song once on a car-ride and had to listen to it four times in a row.  I mean, seriously, the lyrics include "If love makes you give up steak and potatoes, rice, corn, chitlins and tomatoes - if love makes you give up all those things, I don't want love".  Dynamite, I love this song.

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks f. Brian Setzer - I Don't Want Love (YSI) (filesavr)

<div>Zack started up the Stu Pot a little while ago, and it's perfect for today's post.  I've had a bunch of songs bouncing around my computer for a while that I haven't had a great place to post.  I want to share them, though, so here we go!</div><div><br /></div>Apparently this first song was on Gossip Girl last night - no matter, it's been spinning through my iTunes for a few months now.  I can't get enough of it, really.  It just builds so nicely that it's basically uncontrollable.  It starts off with kind of an old-school Travis type feel before ramping up the action to a pretty emotional open-voice climax.  All without really changing dynamics, simply through instrumentation and passion changes, which is pretty impressive.  Besides, who isn't desperate to connect?<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Gotye - Hearts A Mess</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Update:  </span>Thought the Gotye track was approved for posting, but it's not - <a href="http://luckynumbermusic.com/artist-gotye.htm" target="_blank">so go buy it</a>, it's worth it!  And in the meantime, check out the pretty sick video that animator Brendan Cook made for the song:</div><div><br /></div><div> <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnXFJOXvL_A&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnXFJOXvL_A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332161430137075474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pqxCcXgTSFo/Sf-kkdhb9xI/AAAAAAAAACo/NJVDxKRGMEE/s320/Stan+Rogers+TSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" /><div>On the topic of tunes that I've been listening to for months (or better yet years), here's an old classic from Stan Rogers.  He's not your typical indie-rocker.  In fact, he's not an indie-rocker.  He's an old-school folk singer with a gristly voice.  But he's also a great story teller, and this song is amazing.  I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Stan Rogers - Athens Queen</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyaUNPYStRR2QzZUE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10thewreckoftheathensqueen">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, another great tune that doesn't really fit in anywhere.  It's called "I Don't Want Love", and it comes from Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, an amazingly fun band.  I heard this song once on a car-ride and had to listen to it four times in a row.  I mean, seriously, the lyrics include "If love makes you give up steak and potatoes, rice, corn, chitlins and tomatoes - if love makes you give up all those things, I don't want love".  Dynamite, I love this song.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks f. Brian Setzer - I Don't Want Love</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyaUNERndCSWVGa1E9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01idontwantlove">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div>

AV: Last.fm Interviews Lady Sov

I can't get over how she starts this interview - I think I'm going to start all of my phone calls like this now.

Part One:  Subject of conversation and parties involved.

Part Two:  Location.  (Ex. "in a rocking chair")

Part Three:  Howdy-hoo and all that business. 

I like this video because it's Sov being herself rather than trying to pretend she's a total tough guy.  Fits nicely with the Lady Sovereign Second Chance tour and her new poppier incarnation.

If you're not tired of all the Sov talk today, I commend you.  And I invite you to check out this ballin' video from her early song "Those Were The Days".  Sov at her sharpest, and it's a fun video.  I'm going to print important sentences from my life on t-shirts now...

Happy Monday, folks...

I can't get over how she starts this interview - I think I'm going to start all of my phone calls like this now.<div>Part One:  Subject of conversation and parties involved.</div><div>Part Two:  Location.  (Ex. "in a rocking chair")</div><div>Part Three:  Howdy-hoo and all that business. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like this video because it's Sov being herself rather than trying to pretend she's a total tough guy.  Fits nicely with the Lady Sovereign Second Chance tour and her new poppier incarnation.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qps-vjFgZ-4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qps-vjFgZ-4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>If you're not tired of all the Sov talk today, I commend you.  And I invite you to check out this ballin' video from her early song "Those Were The Days".  Sov at her sharpest, and it's a fun video.  I'm going to print important sentences from my life on t-shirts now...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d819GFDGQ6s&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d819GFDGQ6s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Happy Monday, folks...</div>

Lady Sovereign @ The Paradise 5.3.09

I saw Lady Sov play last night at The Paradise, and it was pretty redonkulous. Despite a couple brief pauses where she intimated that she felt like she was going to be sick ("If I vomit...I'm sorry") she rebounded quickly and tore the place down, rocking the crowd harder than I expected. Her new material is poppier (i.e. less rap) and she has some punk rock running in her veins, which gives some fire to her show.

I should probably just go on the record now saying that I have a huge crush on Lady Sovereign. There, glad I got that out there.

Also, Beth from Melophobe loaned me her SLR for the night, so I got to take some sweet photos of the show - kickass.

Most Random Moment Of The Night: Lady Sov kicks a banana around the stage. 'Why am I kicking a banana around?' she asks, before answering herself, 'Because I just don't like them shits'. Priceless. Ever the lady.

One of the best jams she pulled out was a hard-hitting rendition of "Random", the song that put her on the scene. I forgot how hard that song hits. She also covered Metro Station's "Shake It" and had the crowd geared up on "Pennies", a track I had previously found dull and uninteresting. She changed my mind.

I'll be writing a full review over at Melophobe this week, but in the meantime enjoy some Sov tunes, remixes young and old, as well as that Metro Station original.

Lady Sovereign f. Missy Elliott - Love Me Or Hate Me (Missy Elliott Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Lady Sovereign - Hoodie (Basement Jaxx Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Metro Station - Shake It (YSI) (filesavr)

I saw Lady Sov play last night at The Paradise, and it was pretty redonkulous. Despite a couple brief pauses where she intimated that she felt like she was going to be sick ("If I vomit...I'm sorry") she rebounded quickly and tore the place down, rocking the crowd harder than I expected. Her new material is poppier (i.e. less rap) and she has some punk rock running in her veins, which gives some fire to her show.<div><br /></div><div>I should probably just go on the record now saying that I have a huge crush on Lady Sovereign. There, glad I got that out there.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoBkW_G0kIqZssWE4p5SRlmsB2g3yoDGbz2X1wt7f26EBCV2UzcBy-Si6FgU2Kjo-RUVM9o6OuqwG3xS2PQbpaPbwY-6byzqtNDqFNMOkCosgxq9vWtugGxhZD1DvNNmwdj-4ILLnqoA/s1600-h/IMG_8096.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331826929252500706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoBkW_G0kIqZssWE4p5SRlmsB2g3yoDGbz2X1wt7f26EBCV2UzcBy-Si6FgU2Kjo-RUVM9o6OuqwG3xS2PQbpaPbwY-6byzqtNDqFNMOkCosgxq9vWtugGxhZD1DvNNmwdj-4ILLnqoA/s400/IMG_8096.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a></div><div>Also, Beth from <a href="http://www.melophobe.com/" target="_blank">Melophobe</a> loaned me her SLR for the night, so I got to take some sweet photos of the show - kickass.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most Random Moment Of The Night: Lady Sov kicks a banana around the stage. 'Why am I kicking a banana around?' she asks, before answering herself, 'Because I just don't like them shits'. Priceless. Ever the lady.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best jams she pulled out was a hard-hitting rendition of "Random", the song that put her on the scene. I forgot how hard that song hits. She also covered Metro Station's "Shake It" and had the crowd geared up on "Pennies", a track I had previously found dull and uninteresting. She changed my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be writing a full review over at Melophobe this week, but in the meantime enjoy some Sov tunes, remixes young and old, as well as that Metro Station original.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Lady Sovereign f. Missy Elliott - Love Me Or Hate Me (Missy Elliott Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV0orZDVHa04zZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/ladysovftmissyelliott-lovemeorhatemeremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Lady Sovereign - Hoodie (Basement Jaxx Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV0orZDVoeVpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/hoodiebasementjaxxcb670" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Metro Station - Shake It</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV0o5UnFsamVGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04shakeit" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>