Happy Day After Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for having survived another holiday, cheers. And obviously...
leftovers.

I"m not Sayin'

I certainly don't mean to "NBA Lockout" this blog, to those of you who occasionally read this, just the business of these months make it hard to write as much as I would like.

Last night's Morrissey performance was one for the books as expected. He certainly hasn't lost his swagger, and still remains to be one of the last few, true musicians alive today. Highlight moments for me were as follows: A cover of Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love," his referring to the Republican debates to mistaking it as the movie Cocoon, and closing out the show with "Still Ill." Superb as always....



Oh, and I really enjoyed the Nico video that was played pre-perfomance...

Monday Live (Spooky Edition)

Monday Live

I scrapped my original post in honor of the show I will be absent from tomorrow night. The city of Austin is not unlike that good-looking popular kid from high school, and every neighboring city are the nerdy lackies of said city. He gets all the attention and the attractive girls, leaving his friends, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, etc., on their own. Every touring band I've ever wanted to see this year skips my town entirely in favor of the forever cooler music mecca of the great state of Texas. So, just like in high school, I'll just stay home and listen to angst ridden love songs all night.

Kevin Arnold sells Real Estate

It wasn't that long ago one of my favorite childhood pastimes was re-uploaded into memory (and yes it was a television show), The Wonder Years complete series was available on Netflix. Then, imagine my surprise, the same week New Jersey indie rock posterband Real Estate releases their newest LP, Days. And one such song entitled "Wonder Years," only hightened my excitement of this new release. Of course upon hearing...meh, not so much. I actually heard that last line muttered in my head by Daniel Stern midway through the track.

The latest album is not without it's familiar low-fi surfy charm, albiet very polished and studio friendly. I had to give it a few listens to let it grow on me, but, grow it never really did. There are a few key tracks, one of course being "Out of Tune", which wasn't really that amazing when I heard it a few months back, but now it's kind of the best song on the album. However, I will say, after viewing some of their live takes on the album, I can see behind the veil of clean, uninteresting pop, to the real backbones of these songs....they are meant to be enjoyed live. Really. But that's where the buck stops with me. I know I am being a bit hard on the guys, but when you release a debut album of such high caliber, you can only hope to do just as good at best. They set the standard too high for themselves perhaps. I don't know. It won't stop me from seeing their set in November though...see for yourself.

Anika 2

Even though this album dropped months back, the fresh uncomfortableness of Anika's dark and beautifully imagined pop tunes still make my head go bob. I like the new video of my first favorite track from her debut album.

Monday Day Live

Italo Disco Thursdays

Disappointment, Frustration, and Ice Cream

This has nothing to do with music, but just my frustration venting out...

Really, after listening to a rather discerning interview with Dallas Mavericks' Tyson Chandler today I am getting rather impatient and sad about the cancelled first two weeks of the NBA season. But at least it's at a time when the Mavericks are NBA champions, so I guess I'm just an impatient fan awaiting their follow up to an amazing season.

Monday Morning Live

Just to liven up my Monday mornings, I've decided to start this weekly forum of my favorite live performances past and present.

I suppose I'll start with the most obvious and work from there. My least favorite Beatles song followed immediately by one of my most favorites.

Cowpoke Sunday

So I think I'm finally over the newest Javelin EP, Canyon Candy. True, I've kept this in steady rotation for the past month or so, but it's high time to retire it..at least for the time being.

I don't know why I like this duo so much. They're strange blend of hip hop, classic R&B, and electronica is just fun really. That's the best I could do in adjectives, fun. Like a Tarantino film, they blend modern pop with strange nostalgic rarities from the past. Their music is fresh, albiet a bit familiar. And their latest EP, a concept album, doesn't lack in any of these. I don't normally enjoy concept albums, but this is different. Classic westerns and modern pop electronica? Count me in...well, yea, not exactly. On paper it looks rather meh, but it's fun. What else can I say?

Italo Disco Thursdays

I am really going to try to make an effort to bring back my weekly dance-a-thon that is Italo Disco Thursdays. It faded over the summer, and I think now that fall is upon us, it's time to bring this dusty old forum out of storage...

What better to reinstate Italo Disco Thursdays than the classic, and perhaps my most personal favorite jam of all time, Charlie's "Spacer Woman". This song can quite possibly be the audio definition of what classic Italo-Disco is to me. Granted, Charlie never really released anything else worth noting, but this song was certainly more than enough contribution to the genre for me.

Sealed Fresh

I have so much to blog about, but as busy schedules demand, this will have to tide me over until time permits me...

I don't normally like this brand of indie-beach-surf-pop stuff, but this song has a quality I can't quite put my finger on as to why it makes me express enough interest in to share with you. Kinda like candy corn...

I've Got Nothing Tuesdays

Introducing my new forum ladies and gentlemen. Similar to slow news days, this will be my weekly Tuesday entry. Nothing special. Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing noteworthy. Just a man and a blog entry. So take that. No, I just need more material really. This has been kind of a slow year in music. Nothing new on the horizon that has been really grabbing my attention. I've heard a few great songs, albums, and artists, but nothing that has stuck with me for more than a few days. I miss the days of perusing the cd and record selections at local music shops. Another modern day victim to the convenience of internet music downloadery. Purchasing and finding great artists used to be a real challenge, but now kids, the entire process can be done literally in minutes. And, can be quite forgotten just as fast. So no wonder nothing's really grabbing my attention lately. I have succumbed to the ease of downloading and it has in turn created a form of musical ADD.

Well, just to show that I still retain great music once heard from the days of yore (in this case, the days of 2010...whoa), California's White Fence still eases their way into weekly rotation. A bit of The Kinks, mixed with perhaps the artistry of The Fall, I have found some great pleasure in listening to this band, and perhaps may venture out into the sunshine to maybe pick up their music the old fashioned way...

Happy Monday

Here's to Monday...

On A Sunday Afternoon...

So, again, my updates have lacked so much lately. I don't know how most bloggers keep this up. I'm so busy laying around I guess. But with the lack of a basketball season on the horizon, and impending obligations at a cease and disist, I suppose I could blow the dust of this old blog and start writing again. I was incidentally, also just trying to run the clock out on that whole "My Summer Album Days" thing. Now that summer's over I can get back (hopefully) to a steady schedule of random nothings.

I've posted Real Estate material on this blog a total of two times this year, which is too much for a blog that's only 8 months old, but nonetheless I will keep them coming. It's Sunday, I'm feeling nostalgic, and dreaming of autumn...

My Summer Album Daze Part 5

Okay, so every weekly forum I have tried on this messy blog of mine has failed, but darnnit, I'm going to keep this going. As summer is ending I still have a plethora of albums to add to my summer heat collection. Actually, I may use that name as the title of my compilation to be used in one of those tv ads where couples are strolling beaches and laying by the fireplace, as song titles such as "Keep It Rollin'" scroll up on the screen.

Anyhow, I decided to mash up two album releases into one summer recommendation, as I really couldn't choose between the two. Oh You're So Silent Jens and Night Falls over Kortedala are seperate entities of beautifully written songs comprising the complete work of art each album represents, but together they make a perfect entry into my list of summer albums. The first time I heard "A Postcard To Nina" I was sizzling on my patio (at night no less, thank you Texas), and the sweet bassline just felt like a soft bassline cruising my inner ears, and yea, suffice to say, I was hooked. Jens may be one part Jonathan Richman, one part Morrissey, but he stands alone in his ability to create quirky musical gems that are none too romantic and summery in their own right.

I swear, this gem took me a while to warm up to, but if can hold out through the song's prototypical songwriting style until the 3:30 minute mark, you'll encounter the greatest use of sampling and melody ever used in one song ever. Period.



And any song that references Warren G get's an A in my book..Please enjoy.

For Blogging Out Loud

I forgot how amazing this song was. It's the loudest, soothing song I've ever laid ears upon. I'll just let the song speak for itself. I decided to include the live version as well, as it requires dual appreciation from their performance as well. (Make sure your bass levels are adjusted accordingly...the bass riff begs you.)

Gotta go to Work

This jam really works well when played first thing in the morning en route to my job on a Monday morning. Or whatever morning. Rest in peace Guru. The king of monotone. There's a shortage of MC's such of his talent these days.

M.I.A.

So I've been missing in action over the past few weeks. No matter how many times I say it, I have to make an effort to post more frequently. This effort will no doubt only last a few weeks at a time as it normally does. C'est la vie.

I meant to post this in time for the Mission of Burma show a few days ago..but as I not only missed the band's first Dallas appearance ever, I figured what the hey, might as well miss covering their importance and lasting influence in the post-punk world of music over the last three decades. What can be said about them that hasn't already been written time and time again during the band's resurgence over the last few years? Their art-punk, alternating tunings, unsettling chord structures, etc, etc. This all chalks up to entries in my favorite band's repertoire. And I'll just leave it at that. The opening bassline to this song is probably repeated in my head at least once a week now, as it is probably the best opening bass riff I have ever heard in my entire lifetime. I don't have much energy these days, but when this comes into play on my stereo or what have you,...I don't know, I get amped for some reason. I feel kind of, but not unlike Emilio Estevez a la The Breakfast Club, after partaking in typical teenage drug use and then proceeding to dance the upper level of the school library until the adrenaline wears off and windows have shattered...

Electronic Renaissance

I'm taking a break from my regular 10 part series entitled "My Summer Album Days" to bring you this special announcement. Well, it's niether special or an announcement really. Just a new song from New Jersey electro artist Com Truise. The new album, entitled Galactic Melt, doesn't really stand out from his previous work, but it does have a few gems. I can attest from personal experience, writing electronic music and retaining some originality isn't as easy as it sounds. So I do have a newfound respect for the process.

My Summer Album Days Part 4

When it comes to Mr. Richman's vast library of works, from early Modern Lovers, to his last album that dropped last year, picking any favorite is not unlike picking out what to eat at a breakfast buffet. Everything is good in it's own way, but as I'm keeping up my summer album theme, it was a tough choice between Having a Party or this masterpiece, Te Vas A Emocionar!. But I had to go with the latter. I don't know what it is about Jonathan doing solo acoustic Spanish renditions of his various works, but it is in a realm of summer beauty all in it's own. Try listening to "No Mas Por Fun" (a rendition of "Just For Fun" duh) in the midst of dreary January snow days....it just doesn't work for me. These are hot weather staples for me. Tuly enjoyable. As all of his stuff usually is.

My Summer Album Days Part 3

I think perhaps Miltons' most essential album, Clube Da Esquina as far as I am concerned, reaches my top summer albums list solely because I first picked it up in the peak of June summer heat. It certainly calls for lazy indoor escapism and air conditioning to accompany some of my favorite tracks from this classic album. I think really, whenever I first encounter an album or film or what have you, the time period I discovered it is enevitably captured and stored in my RAM to be recollected when I enjoy said album or film. But that's just me. I could patio up this album for days on end. Key tracks for me include the following:

My Summer Album Days Part 2

When Real Estate's self-titled debut album dropped two years ago, the bomb shelter that I retreat to in terms of present day music bombardments couldn't keep me safe from this album's sheer magnitude. It's not perfect, but it's as close as one can get in terms of summertime wonderment. Every song was played in heavy rotation, not just at home, or in the car, or on portable mp3 players, or in my head in dull moments of the daily grind, but continuously in spirit, repeatedly all summer long that year. And sure, the band has since drifted away from the sound they initially created, but I'm not necessarily holding the band itself in high regards, just this album. With standout tracks such as "Pool Swimmers" and "Atlantic City", this was a true summertime favorite of mine. Goes good with Saint Arnold Summer Time Pils....

My Summer Album Days

So I've decided a few things over the past week or so. Since I'll be spending the majority of my summer days indoors, I should make better use of my time (as opposed to watching Labyrinth and old episodes of Pawn Stars on Netflix), and write more. And as summer is in full swing on the outdoor world, the audio indoor world that is my computer desk should reflect as much. So I'm going to take a few days to highlight some of my favorite summer albums.

Now summer albums must entail a few key elements to qualify as "summery." Fist and foremost, as with all top listed albums, they should be listenable throughout their entirety. Second of all, nothing too heavy or dark (as those are reserved for October through February). And third, as all summers should be, these albums should have a rather timeless quality about them.

So for my first pick, it's naturally the first album that spawned these criteria, The Clientele's Suburban Light. Although originally released as a compilation of their earliest work, it still qualifies as an album in my eyes (or ears rather), and it is a beautiful work of art. Catchy, but not too prototypical, whimsical but not too flighty, and beautiful with a hint of melancholy just under the surface, this album was on heavy rotation in my early summer days. Picture barefoot walks in the summer sun, poolside with an iced tea and dangling feet in the blue waters....okay, okay. Sheesh, I don't write anything for a week and look what happens, sappy sappy sappy. But whatever, I think I'm allowed when I'm dehydrated and left to my own devices...



Okay, I know the following song is not from this album, but good golly it's an amazing track. It just screams summer laziness in volumes. So I'm already breaking my album rules...oh well. I'm also using phrases like "good golly." I think I need a break.

When Life Gets You Down

After the Mavs won the NBA Finals, my life didn't seem to have anymore meaning. Until I saw this...

Dreams Never End

I remember way back in October at the start of the season, hidden somewhere deep inside of me, good feelings and hope for the Mavs in 2011. But never did I imagine this day would come, the Mavs are the World Champions. I can't describe the joy I felt, embracing friends and witnessing the last two minutes of what was already the sealed win of the last game of the NBA Finals. And winning on Miami's home turf much the same way they did in Dallas in the finals of '06 made it seem a bit more special. I'm not one to ever describe my home team in terms of "we", as I see it, it was all them. They certainly earned it. I did secretely took joy in hearing one unnamed announcer proclaim that the Mavs were simply "the better team." This coming from a guy who picked the Heat to win the Championship at the start of the Finals. They earned the credit that perhaps they'll finally receive. A team of virtually no national media recoginition, no big name stars, actually earning the NBA title in spite of all odds, simply put: wow.

What a strange day this has turned out to be. It feels like the end of a movie.....roll the credits.

The Ex Monday

I know this is a written blog post, but this needs no words, save for truly amazing:



Okay, I can't help myself. The latest release by the always amazing Dutch band, The Ex, a band that has consistently released groundbreaking music for the past 30 plus years, is another work of brilliance, more or less the same Ex I've heard from years before, but the same brilliance nonetheless. I still miss the departure of G.W. Sok as the lead vocalist, but nonetheless I hope my enthusiasm for their work doesn't fade...

And in other news, I refuse to cover last night's game against the Miami Heat. A friend of mine was frustrated that the nightly news broadcast was almost entirely covering the Mavs' loss, and I can't say I blame him. It is a shame, but it doesn't need to be constantly observed from every angle on a news station that should be updating us on local and world events. Or said friend could always tune in to NPR or BBC...but that's besides the point.

Sunday Cleaning

It's Sunday....Rest and relaxation. The Clean, one of my favorite New Zealand post-punk bands released this classic back in 1981. Very cheery, and song writing styles harkening back to the pop rock styles of the late sixties and seventies, The Clean were a breathe of fresh air then, and now..

Beat the Heat

Ok, so the Mavs lost the series opener against the villainous Miami Heat, but I'm not worried. Sheesh, is this blog slowly morphing into a sports rant extravaganza? Anyhoo, the Mavs, unlike some teams I know, have actually worked very hard to get to where they are now. It has been a well deserved reward earning their place in the finals, striving and working together to earn the respect they deserve, as opposed to some players who just "take their talents to Miami." I can't express enough how much the Mavs deserve this win. It will be not unlike the small band of rebel forces taking out the Death Star, and a certain Jedi who "took his talents to the Dark Side."

Beat the heat please.

Abstract Saturday Compilation

I was utterly blown away by these paintings from Serbian abstract artist Zoran Palurovic..An artist with no formal education...

I survived a brutal storm while driving home this week, with this playing in the background....Quite appropriately named band, Austin-based Survive, shows some promise in the already exploding synth pop scene revival. I was just lucky I wasn't hit by any on-coming cars while struggling to get back on the right side of the median. Lousy rain.

The West was Won...

I know everyone is hoping for a Dallas/Miami rematch, and since that would be rather apropos given the only other time the Mavs reached the finals, they were defeated by the Heat....but right now I am just happy that the Mavs are finally getting the credit they deserve. The focus of the NBA finals all seem to be on the East Coast Conference, but it's about time that the Mavs be recognized...

I feel so cheesy tying this in...oh well. I'm a blogger now, it's my unofficial duty to be partly cheesy. Well, not exactly.

I Could Be Wrong....

I remember hearing a few months back about this, and only now have I had the courage to actually view it. John Lydon, the man once responsible for anarchy in the U.K., on a butter commercial. Oh mercy. It is rather laughable, and in a good way. The Sex Pistols were truly a revolutionary band, but short lived and rightly so, as that kind of energy can only survive for so long before it outlives it's own meaning. But along came John's later project, and in my opinion, the more influential and just better in general artistic terms, Public Image Ltd. PIL will always be known as the first real, true "post-punk" bands, exploring more experimental and dense material than the punk scene of that time seemed to be limited to. Don't get me wrong, I love what punk rock and the Sex Pistols stood for, and still appreciate it's energy and anti-everything-in-general attitude. But PIL seemed to speak to me in a different way, encouraging more creativity. But watching this now, I don't know what to think.....Perhaps he's in need of some extra cash flow. Or perhaps he secretly enjoys the obvious irony of this endeavor, recreating his own public image, and caring very little if his fans will see it with the same light air..



Two of my favorites:


And obviously...

There's an App for what?

This is a rather amazing finger painting done via a simple brush app on the iPhone. Credit to Jorge Columbo. Well done. There truly is an app for everything.

Caught Up in the Rapture

This postcard was posted recently via Laughing Squid, and apparently was the first artistic depiction of the Rapture just outside of downtown Dallas circa 1980. I have no opinion on the matter, I just found this piece to be actually kind of amazing.


Anika did a rather amazing cover of Skeeter Davis' "End of the World" for her self-titled debut back in October. But the original still holds true after all these years. So sweet, so melodic, and so heartfelt...



And I can't help but include the Anika version. She blew me away with this scathing version. But so does all of her unusual takes on classics such as this.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Polyrocks

Produced by legendary stylistic composer Phillip Glass, and exploring the same minimalist and experimental song writing techniques, Polyrock sounds very good today.

And Now For Something Completely Similar

While bustling away at work the other day, a song came on the overhead radio that took me by mild surprise. A reggae, yes, reggae, rendition of Radiohead's Karma Police that struck me like casual slap to the face. It was then that I had a sort of epiphany, which was nothing too surprising as it was something I've probably known and have only come to realize. There might just be a general lack of creativity in the pop culture proverbial repertoire that has generated a sort of rehash of pop hits and films saturating today's creative scene.

I would say on any given day, four out of ten songs played on the satellite radio station are adult contemporary renditions, or even reggae versions of hit songs from the days of yore. I must say that most of said versions are at least something different, but different isn't always good. And this doesn't just apply to music, but the film industry as well. Remakes of bad 80's comedies and the like are hitting theaters in larger quantities, and the failure rate of this films are almost inevitable. So what is wrong with our creative juices? There is certainly plenty of new ground being explored in the world of music and film, and I am no way discrediting the countless artistic breakthroughs that have come along these past few years. But it just seems that a cyclical rehashing syndrome has struck the general artistic community of today, and it's somewhat depressing. I like to think that I'm not the only one noticing these trends, and that someday people will realize that true art and photoshopped and updated revisions of art are truely separated and appreciated on completely different levels. I love being nostalgic the same as the next guy, but please, let's create new things to be nostalgic about for future generations as well..But I must admit: mixing Thom Yorke with steel drums is certainly entertaining anyway.

I've Got Nothing Today

I Still Kick Myself

I regret missing the Os Mutantes play their reunion show last year along with lo-fi rock wizard Ariel Pink. The Mutantes were at the forefront of Brazillian tropicalia, but were also influenced by The Beatles and the psychedelic rock of Jimi Hendrix, which made for interesting results as their infusion of styles stood in a class all it's own. And still influencing the music of today I might add.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Great Film. And great soundtrack...

Rainy Afternoon Fun

It's stormy, I'm all hopped up on allergy medicine, and feel too tired and lazy and goofy to write anything at least halfway decent this afternoon. Sorry blogosphere. Not that that matters really, my little world of music entries is about as groundbreaking as Not Another Teen Movie. If only the producers of that film were as hard on themselves as I am.

This song by one of my all time favorite experimental/pop/rock bands Deerhoof is a pleasant mixture of fun and noise. I enjoy watching them perform this number particularly as careless and all over the place as it seems, it is really precise and well written. And how much fun would it be to play this anyway? And on a side note, this is the most minimalist drum kit I've ever seen played this amazingly.



And one more just for the heck of it..

Gray Wave Tuesday

I remember this jam way back a few years when they were under the moniker Bubonic Plague. Geneva Jacuzzi is just plain weird. And that means a lot coming from someone who appreciates Captain Beefheart instrumentals and Daniel Johnston artwork. I do enjoy this song however. Released last year, Geneva Jacuzzi may get some comparisons to Ariel Pink and the like, but I just think she's on a artistic realm that exists all her own. Although I tend to over think these comparisons....



But she might also have the ability to laugh at her own silliness judging by this video...

Disco Jets

Okay, one more I swear. I have to give praise to the Mavs for sweeping the defending champions, the L.A. Lakers out of the Western Conference Semifinals. No more "what is wrong with the Lakers?" as it's obvious that it's more like "how unstoppable are the Mavs?". Give them the credit that is due. Nowitzki and Jason Terry especially....

Okay, as I got up this morning a faint song fluttered into my ears over the stereo and blew me away as much as the first time I heard it. Utopia's "Disco Jets", in all its instrumental fuzzed out glory. Todd Rundgren, perhaps best appreciated for his early singer-songwriter days, his later, more experimental. synthesized, and weirded out rock is what really solidified my Rundgren appreciation. And Utopia really shines in this manner. Lead by Rundgren, their music could easily be mistaken for the thousands of lo-fi prog-rock imitators today....not that that's a bad thing by any means.

B-Ball

I have to take a minute out of my ordinary schedule to personally congratulate the Mavericks for their outstanding game last night. Shutting down the Lakers not once, not twice, but three games consecutively in the semifinals goes to show that this team is definitely on the right track. Nowitziki outshined the Bryant dynasty and I just hope there's more to come...

Okay, that's enough nerd talk. Now to more nerd talk. Since I must tie this in with music somehow, this tune, by New Jersey's Javelin, will somehow fit into this Saturday morning basketball praise....I don't know why, but every time I hear this jam it magically whisks me away onto a basketball court somewhere in the Bronx in the 1970's....

It's Friday and I Feel Kinky

Whenever asked the age-old question, Beatles or Stones? I would invariably have to choose C. The Kinks. Sandwiched between albums like Beggar's Banquet and the Beatles' White Album, The Kinks' Village Green album went almost unnoticed. With hard rock songs the likes of Street Fighting Man, Voodoo Child, and Revolution burning up the scene, the Davies' soft spoken songs about strawberry jam and playing cricket were perhaps out of touch with the classic anthems of it's day. But looking back now, it seemed like the most progressive and masterful songwriting of it's time. Simple, sweet, and with just the right touch of melancholy, this album displays talent most independent artists today could only hope for. I think the problem with most indie bands today is the intense level of cuteness unnapologetically injected into every tune of what I like to call car commercial pop. You know, the songs with the overused ukeleles and whistling, yeesh. I cringe just thinking about it. The Kinks however easily display the same innocent yet soulful songwriting without really striving for it. And therein, I think, lies The Kinks' charm.



And if I had to, I would choose the Beatles..... obviously.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Obviously...I'm just being lazy today.

Happy International Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you..

My Old Days

I remember a time when Dr. Dog, the quintessential break out band of the 2000's (in my humble opinion), were at their peak, and their throwback style of 60's and 70's garage rock was all that mattered to me. Their debut album Easy Beat, was in constant every day rotation, for easily 6 or 7 months. Sure, I'm beating an old drum when I say their style harkened back to the heydays of the likes of the Beach Boys, The Band, and the always inevitable and undeniable comparison to the Beatles. But it was fresh, and almost instantly recognizable at the same time. But, now, ugh. Their last few efforts at recreating lightning in a bottle again and again are forever gone. It's sad, but such is the way of most pop music these days. You're lucky to squeeze out two or three unbelievable works of art, then, it tapers off in a sea of bland mediocrity. Maybe I'm being too hard on these Philly boys, but there's only so far I'll follow an artist (see also: Robert DeNiro, George Lucas, the Muppets, etc.) to the end of their career when they seem to be only producing work purely for the sheer enjoyment of it themselves (or perhaps more accurately the money.) I wish you would go back your old ways, Dr. Dog, I really do.

Nothing to Blog Home About

I meant to do some catching up on some shows I missed while out of town. But I really don't feel like writing about it just yet. My headcold got the better of me. So, I'll just keep it to a single video from New Jersey Christian art/rock band Danielson. Yes, a Christian band, that you would have no idea of their religious faith unless told so. And they are far more out there, and perhaps more terrifying than many so called artistic or experimental band that exist in the secular music world. But I think that's what the draw is to their brand of weirdness. They've managed to creep their way into the indie music world and gain very well deserved recognition.



And from Daniel's Thesis show from '94.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Simply amazing. I'm feeling so under the weather, but this bass-driven dance classic is helping somewhat. Or maybe that's the Dayquil talking.

What's The Point?

I have a vague, and I use that term loosely, memory of this film as a child. I don't know why, but sometimes random memories will come and go as they please, leaving brief smiles on my face and recollections of a simpler time...yadda yadda yadda. It's funny how everything we see as a child is ginormous (yes, ginormous) and larger than life, but revisiting the actual memory as an adult, you wonder, at least I do, what all the hubub was about. E.T was a terrifying film about a very real, nightmarish alien (at least at the time). But upon viewing this film now, I can see past the first scary opening minutes of the film, and realize how charming that ugly alien demon monster actually was. Anyhow, this children's tale created by Henry Nilsson (is there anything he can't do?) and narrated by Ringo Starr was a real classic, albeit a little drug-influenced, (hey, it was the 70's, what wasn't?) and it still stands timeless, well aged, and well appreciated all at once.



I think this song could easily be played in terms of the retro music scene revival today that is constantly evolving, and would probably blow up almost instantly. That is to say, it is really good.

Bragging Rights

I love these street installations done by artist Juliana Herrera. Very decorative fabric filling various potholes around Paris, I hope they don't get removed anytime soon.




I have nothing original to add today. This is my Friday, and I'm knee deep in allergies and post-vacation depression. Bleh.

When I first picked up Life's a Riot With Spy Vs. Spy by London artist/activist Billy Bragg, my life at the time seemed to be at the absolute best point to receive such musical enlightenment as this pivotal record. Sweet, teary-eyed songs, sung at such desperate volumes by just a bloak and his electric guitar. It moved me then, and does even now. This single, off his follow up LP, Brewing Up might be my favorite, and seems like it was the missing track from his beloved debut.

Happy Easter

Home Crap Home

Ah, yes, home crap home. After a two week vacation to the most secluded chain of islands in the world, returning back to real life is not unlike what I might imagine relocating from a luxury suite at the Four Seasons, to um, jail. But I must move on, and return to my steady life of predictability and routine. Post vacation depression syndrome is really gonna leak through to these future posts I'm afraid.

The only thing I've listened to since I've been back is classic Brazillian songwriter Jorge Ben. Though not as political as some of his contemporaries of his time, and certainly more mainstream, his music is still quite enjoyable. Mixing samba and folk-rock, at the peak of the Tropicalia movement, his albums reached a more mainstream audience.

So, this is my humble return to city life. Help me Jorge, help me.



And one of my favorites:

Jorge Ben - 01 - Morre o Burro, Fica o Homem by Mexisota Kid

Italo Disco Thursdays

This week's entry: Klein & MBO, "Dirty Talk." A classic staple.

It's Wednesday, Hallelujah

It's truly been a while since I've updated, and as this is my first day off and laziness abounds, I thought I would share some afternoon praises by my favorite Swedish pop musician Jens Lekman. An oldie but goldie, this live version doesn't quite live up to the original studio recording, but I enjoy the trumpet substitution all the same. And since Jens will be playing next week in Sweden, this sort of coincides right? No, it's not relevant at all. But it's a slow news day.

Italo Disco Thursdays

Pure Ecstasy?

Besides having one of the worst band names I've heard this year, this band also has one of the best songs I've heard thus far. Austin-based Pure Ecstasy show promise scattered throughout their EP's, and this brand of fuzzed-out, easy to label, chill wave rock is quite enjoyable if I do say so myself. Bad band names be damned. My last favorite band obsession was named Dr. Dog for crying out loud. Okay, so Pure Ecstasy isn't so bad. But when I see that name, I just envision the picked over cassette bin at a local Goodwill, complete with lots of lightning bolt typesetting and glittery outfits....

OMD omg (sorry, but that title was obvious)

I forgot to cover the OMD show two nights ago at the Granada. Their reunion tour this Spring was really quite honestly the only show I was looking forward to. Sure, I love their big hits, but it's the few gems from their earlier work, such as Telegraph that I would like to hear in their live set.

When this song occurs, (yes occurs, not plays) at work, I have to stop and really take in the only saxophone solo I've ever really enjoyed in 80's pop music history. Sorry Clarence Clemons.



And I promise never to use the OMG abbreviation ever again in my future writings.

For the Love of Pete

I remember owning this album waaaay back when I was only the wee age of 13...I can't even fathom what I was thinking when I picked this up at a local Blockbuster Music (typing something like that just made me feel the chills of old age), and even then I had no idea how remarkable the East Coast hip hop scene was at that time. I think more than likely it was because it was the only hip hop album that didn't have a parental advisory label on the cover, which would pass a mother's inspection. I don't even remember liking this album that much, but when this jam found it's way into my random selection today, it truly did reminisce over me.

Italo Disco Thursdays

I know it's not Thursday, but I failed to keep up with my first weekly installment of Italo Disco. So, for that I apologize, probably to no one, but I apologize nonetheless.









This week, my feature is the Casco classic Cybernetic Love. Vocoders and laser blasts galore. It's Friday, and I hope that any further interruptions in my weekly italo disco forum will not occur.

Hokey

I had my first encounter with live professional hockey last night, and it was very enjoyable to say the least....

And on a side note, I was treated with free tacos, and this song being played (much to my surprise) over the loud speakers. Is hockey trying to corner a new market by catering to us old wavers and post punk hipsters? Nah, it's just a good musical interlude between the icey excitement that is professional hockey.

Italo Disco Thursdays

I couldn't decide between Italo Disco Tuesdays or Thursdays, but seeing as how I missed my opportunity two days ago, and today is Thursday; thus Italo Disco Thursdays, my new weekly mainstay, is born.

This genre of classic electro dance pop got it's start in the late 70's and 80's throughout Europe, but has seen it's revival and various face lifts over the past few years. It's a secret passion of mine, but here I am coming out of my disco closet to perhaps come to terms with my inner Italian disco youth. Wait, I'm not Italian. Nor was I old enough to appreciate this at a time that disco mainstays such as Charlie and Mr. Flagio were at their prime. But maybe that's a good thing. It's perhaps comparable to kids these days not old enough to understand how bad auto-tuning is, but will rediscover it in their late 20's, and base their Tuesday night theme DJ sets around it. Blech.

Well, I think to start this weekly forum out right, I'll begin with the most influential producer of his kind, Giorgio Moroder. His classic soundtrack to the film Midnight Express gets me excited evertime I happen upon it while surfing through cable tv movie channels.

Laavaa Flow

If only I had this warning sign in my childhood. Those perilous trips from the living room to the kitchen would've been so much easier.

Ducktails

I knew my idea for a chillwave side project entitled Talespin was a good idea. Oh well. This is a new jam from New Jersey solo project Ducktails, and it's not bad really. It's instantly catchy, and buzz-worthy, and whatever, it's Saturday and I'm lazy. My in-depth retrospective into art punk of the early 80's will have to wait...

"Hey! Listen:"

I really need to be better about keeping up with this blog. I'm no hairdresser, nor am I on fire, but I'm always busy, really busy these past few days. My apologies to non-Morrissey fans for the previous reference. I saw the following video, combining two of my favorite childhood icons, and I just had to share. This song echoed throughout my house the summer of 1999, (wow, that makes me feel old) many a days and nights. I don't quite get the Boba Fett connection, but I appreciate it all the same.

Anika

Fela Kuti

Choosing the perfect soundtrack to wash the aural background while painting abstract expressionism is a tricky thing. But I've narrowed it down to three as of today: Brian Eno, The Ex (and Tom Cora), and Nigerian Afro-beat pioneer Fela Kuti. Though today is a day for Kuti, as his energy and rhythm match what I'm trying to accomplish through my painting. Plus it's just so easy to dance to.

I'm enjoying this renewed interest that Fela Kuti has been generating as of late. The off-Broadway production Fela!, which is set to go on tour of the U.S. later this year, and a film based on his life is also set to go into production this year. A Fela Kuti vinyl box set that was just released is calling my name....and I might add a bit louder than a new mp3 player that I so desperately need. And all of this newfound interest is rightfully deserved. He was a pioneer and innovator of the Afrobeat sound, whose outlandish stage performance and political views saw him through incredible persecution from the Nigerian government. Even his mother was thrown from a window to her death by Nigerian soldiers for crying out loud. But despite brutal beatings and eventual imprisonment, Fela Kuti still retains his musical genius to this day. And with songs ranging from the 10 to 20 minute range, I don't have to get up constantly and change the album with oil paint-covered hands. That's a pain...

Ninten D'oh

I'm old enough to actually appreciate this now, but still. Where was this game when I was 10 years old?!?!

Toy Division

A friend of mine shared this video with me a few days ago. I love how Joy Division still manages to show up from time to time with various face lifts and reincarnations. They are probably the most influential band of their time, along with the latter Joy Division manifestation, New Order. So it just goes to show that when your band can still create buzz after thirty-plus years, you're gonna have a stop motion lego band or two overdubbed to your classic tv appearances. This is only enjoyable for the lego Stephen Morris, his drumming is almost spot on.



And, while I'm on the subject, I remember seeing this video a while back, and I think it may have been the only time the word "nonplussed" was ever appropriate in it's usage, and the only time I've ever used the word for that matter. This is probably the best cover of any Joy Division song, and the only time I've ever appreciated the use of the steel drum.

I Want to be a Richman

If I were a Richman, I suppose I would be able to take the night off and go see perhaps one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the last 30 years take the stage....but, alas I am a poor man, and probably will have to spend my evening playing Jonathan's library on shuffle on my trusty mp3 player at work. What better way to spend Valentine's Day eve?

Jonathan Richman is one of those artists that has undeniably influenced a great many musicians and song writers over the years, but does seem to just miss the recognition he deserves. He was the founding member of The Modern Lovers, whose "Roadrunner" has been covered countless times, but still manages to retain it's fresh Velvet Underground-esque rock appeal after all these years. He sadly, may be best known as the chorus man in the film There's Something About Mary, a side note that has probably been attached to almost every little bio written about him. The Dallas Observer sighted that an artist such as Richman should be playing larger venues, and that such recognition of Richman would be a reflection as such. The venue that will be housing the show tonight is rather small and out of the way, but it's not without it's charm. And a larger venue would probably subtract from the intimacy that is part of Jonathan's appeal. Anyhow, it doesn't matter, a crowded ballroom, or a dim street corner, Jonathan's performance is definitely worth seeing, and perhaps worth skipping out of work for. I can feel a cough developing, ahem.





I'm missing the show okay? Sheesh, one more video won't kill you.

Dream Baby...Dream?

Last night I dreamt about Suicide. No, no, no, not the act of, but the song "Dream Baby Dream" by influential protopunk band Suicide. It was playing in my tapedeck of an old beat-up Chevy, and I think I was going to school inside a Coca-Cola factory, but that's besides the point. Alan Vega was a weirdo, but he was at a level of weirdness that approached genius status with his highly influential minimal electronic music. Suicide was among one of the first bands to coin the term "punk music", and one of the first acts among the current scene to incorporate synthesizers and electronic drums into their sound, neither of which are considered to be synonymous with today's traditional "punk music". And Bruce Springsteen even did a version of "Dream Baby Dream" closing his shows in 2005. Maybe my favorite thing he's ever done...

Anyhow, I only saw Incepetion once, so I don't know all the rules about the different sub-levels of dreams, but I thought it was kinda interesting nonetheless. And I just realized this post just turned into perhaps my version of a "slow news day." Man dreams about songs about dreams, and local dog gives birth to 15 puppies, all this and more at 11.

Lousy Teenagers

Two years ago, in the summer of 2009, I took the long drive down to Pensacola Beach Florida, and brought with me what would be my summer audio background for the week, the debut release by Chicago youngsters, The Smith Westerns. I think the combination of discovering a new musical achievement coupled with a serene beach environment went to my head, and this summer soundtrack soon turned into my fall, and even winter season tunes. Their Marc Bolan-esque guitar-riffery was refreshing, albiet a little dumbed down, but charming nonetheless. And to add insult to injury, these band members were still in high school at the time, rendering my high school day's music writing pale in comparison. But I think I just needed to own a guitar as edgy as my pathetic teenage mustache to complete my mysterious ensemble.

The Smith Westerns will be performing tonight, and alas, although I am free for the evening, I think I'll pass. It's sad in a way, and call me what you will, but I just can't bring myself to see them live. As good as their debut album was, it just doesn't outweigh how bad their new one, Dye It Blonde , is. Okay, it's not all that bad, and their are certainly way worse albums being released nowadays, but for me, some of their magic is gone. They cleaned up their production, and perhaps that's where they lost some of their charm...at least for me. I guess it wasn't just the music, but also the image of basement production value done by group of kids who are still a little unsure of themselves, but still have a good time while doing it. Dye It Blone is still getting rave reviews throughout the blogosphere, and I may be alone in my opinion, so don't take it from me by any means. I prefer to just play the "lousy kids and your music" card than to actually try to appreciate something for what it really is.

This video was my first exposure to the Smith Westerns, and may still be my favorite song of theirs. The guitars are so oversaturated in overdrive fuzz that it's almost unlistenable. But just writing that put a smile on my face.

Monday Morning Jam

Hearing this track, "Breeze Up" by The Midnight Express Show Band, I imagine myself cruising the strip on a hot summer night, instead of sniffling and reviewing my tax return on a cold Monday morning.

Midnight Express Show Band - Breeze Up by Mexisota Kid

Saturday Showdown

These are my three personal favorites from the new Great Showdowns series by artist Scott Campbell.

I'm mildly upset I'll be missing a show tonight by one of my favorite acts hailing from the great land of L.A. Abe Vigoda's last effort, 2010's Crush, came out of nowhere, and is indeed an old story. The incorporation of dance pop into their already interesting sound seemed completely out of left field, and normally would disappoint me, but it didn't seem like a lazy new direction hastily done just to jump onto the dance pop bandwagon. Ugh, oh well. There will be other shows featuring LA acts that do musical 180's and pull it off with ease I'm sure.



How is this the same band?

Snow Schmo

I used to love snow days as a child. I would stay out all day while my ears would get painfully numb building crude snowfriends and having glorious snowball fights with my sister. I say glorious, but snowballs actually hurt quite nicely when hit in the face at close range. Ahh, tears and blood...glorious. But nowadays, ugh, I curse my dog's inpenetrable thick coat of fur not allowing one degree of cold air to touch her skin, thus maximizing her allotted outside time while I freeze towing her leash. Oh well. Deep down I'm still a Calvin, even though lately I've become more a Calvin's father. What was his name anyway?

Real Estate's debut album was my summer soundtrack last year. This was before Best Coast and Wavves, or whatever else that is now the current trend of hipster surf rock, and their style seems to just narrowly fit into this genre. But their songs seem to have a timeless quality that wasn't exactly predisposed for a short life span, as is the way this style of music naturally lends itself. I just hope they can maintain their sound amidst their growing popularity....

Egypped

Silly Fox News. Egypt is in Africa.

The Next Cassavetes?

A few months back I remember watching John Cassavetes' 1971 classic Minnie and Moskowitz, and I suppose just out of curiosity I flipped on my IMDB application on my iPhone to peruse his extensive film library, when I came across a new project entitled The Next Cassavetes. There wasn't much detail to the story behind this new film, other than it's being directed by a virtual unknown and that veteran Cassavetes actor Seymour Cassel will be playing himself. Cassavetes' has been responsible for some of the most heart-wrenching styles of cinema verite, and among some of my favorite films, Husbands, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and of course Minnie and Moskowitz. Apparently this new movie is not only loosely based on a remake of Moskowitz, but will also incorporate some of the director's own personal life story. It certainly sounds interesting, and Seymour Cassel's return somewhat legitimizes this intriguing homage to the original DIY director.

This, my favorite scene from Minnie and Moskowitz, is probably one of cinema's greatest confessions of love. Not even Seymour's amazing 'stache will distract you...well, not entirely.



And I can't leave out the always enjoyable Ben Gazzera....the opening scene from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.

Yawn...

I feel as though I haven't slept much lately, and as this lazy Saturday morning comes to a close, I must bring an end to my tired state. And in conjunction bring closure to the song that's been getting multiple plays as of late. Sun Araw, or otherwise known as Cameron Stallone, creates hazy lo-fi sounds that don't mix well with already laid-back personality types such as mine. I don't know why I've been enjoying this lately, as it's not really my taste per se. Psychedelic is one of the few adjectives I can barely stomach in musical terms. I don't abuse hallucinogenic drugs, nor do I smoke pot, and I barely have the tolerance for over-the-counter drugs. So why is this so appealing to me? Intermittent insomnia and Saturday morning coziness brought me to this...

Warms the Heart

Which House?

So a friend of mine played me a few tracks from electro-drag band Salem the other day, just released last year. I guess I never paid much attention to this growing phenomenon (if you could call it that) of new stylistic electronic music. It's a sub-genre of a sub-genre dubbed witch house. Witch house? Really? Okay, the music itself, somewhat shoegazey, droney, dark electro-pop, isn't really that bad. It is technically new ground being explored, but, sigh, witch house? This may be the silliest labeling of a genre since math-metal. I love the good sound of synths floating over an upbeat tempo, don't get me wrong, but this is getting a little ridiculous. In the world of indie music, the revolutionary thing to do may someday actually be just a simple musician playing music through...um, hm, let's just say the guitar for example, to maybe break up the monotony of electronic hullabaloo.

John Fahey, a master of acoustic, finger-picking minimalism, is a breath of fresh air today. I'm very grateful for being exposed to the creative experimental world that is today's modern music. But sometimes I just want to hear someone play six strings for Pete's sake.

Saturday Randomness

I stumbled across these very fluid paintings by Brazzillian artist, Rimon Guimaraes. I don't have anything to say about them, as they speak quite well for themselves....What's the saying? A painting is worth a thousand bucks? No, words, a painting is worth a thousand words. Ouch. These are beautiful.

I do, however, have something to say about the following musical accompaniment. I don't have the luxury of artists sending me their new material, so I must resort to the relentless searching (and the inevitable deleting) of endless waves of new music material that I come across. So far, every time I discover a new possible musical endeavor, it's almost always the only decent track in the artists' repertoir, which then renders said track only mediocre. I hate to sound negative, as I am quite a responsible appreciator; I welcome new music with open arms and ears. Discovering a new group of talented musicians is like seeing a really good film that sticks with you for days and days. Anyhow, Tony Bonanza has a new E.P. available for download (for free) via Bandcamp. Baby B is decent enough, and shows promise. It's nothing new mind you, nor ground-breaking, but still quite enjoyable.

Tony Bonanza - Baby B. EP - 04 yssup by Mexisota Kid

And I can't help myself....Just to sort of round out this cocktail of random thoughts today, Elli et Jacno.