To blog or not to blog....

Well here I am...It's pushing 2 o'clock and I haven't posted something to this lame ass blog in over a month. I can tell you that I've been busy during the interim, and now have 2 possibly 3 jobs that I didn't have before this month...and I'll probably see if I can't secure one more aside from the freelance work that I've been doing on the side.

As sad as it seems...I think about this blog a lot, and what it means to me and what its purpose is....I love music in all forms and styles and have since a very young age. I'd like to continue with this blog to my fullest capacity, but its hard juggling a 9am-5pm and then a 11pm-2am job.

This isn't a cop out...be warned. There are 2 album reviews by 2 great artists, and hopefully some pictures and a show review on the horizon for this week, possibly bleeding into next depending on how things go on the job front.

But in the meantime, here's a mash up by Justice I found over at Kanye West's blog of Kanye and MGMT. Just because I'm not always active doesn't mean I'm not always looking for something to write about....

Stream David Byrne and Brian Eno's new album

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today,is out today and what better way to combat piracy than by letting the album stream on your website. The 11 songs are the first collaboration between Eno and Byrne in 30 yrs. I love how simplistic the album is and the fact that I'm listening to it now instead of tomorrow or ten minutes from now.

The artists are also encouraging everyone to listen and share...so embed the player on your site, and send it to as many people as possible.




[via CNET]

Gavin Castelton?

The name Gavin Castleton is new to me...the fact that he's a part of Rhode Island band, Ebu Gogo, is still news to me but at least I can draw some sort of familiarity to his name.

I don't really attempt to post about an artist or band that I don't know well (if only through the latest release), but I was informed today that Gavin's latest record could be one of the best this year...

...Pushing forward.

Mr. Castleton, while not having any of the new album's songs available does have a very interesting blog. And while I wish you (and I) could hear these new songs lets just spend some time getting to know him.



Below is a video he posted yesterday.

(if I had $50 million I'd consider buy this guys stuff)


The Archive from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Pop Tarts Suck Toasted 4th Anniversary Party!

(ignore the spelling error)


So in an amazing feat...Staten Island stronghold blog, Pop Tarts Suck Toasted is celebrating its 4th anniversary next Saturday at Matchless. Old skool DJ duo Rachael and Nora K will be teaming up one nigh only to woman the decks during the interim, while we're treated to some great live music. PTST always puts on a good show, and just because he's going away to pre-school this fall doesn't mean there's going to be any less devotion from him.

Metronomy @ Union Hall

So I'm going to make this quick. I saw this band, Metronomy, who I've only heard through remixes they've done of other artists. My friend talked up their album and told me I should rush down to Union Hall to see them (its was around 10:30pm when he called and they were going on at 12:00am).

Now I'm not big on gimmicks or stage dressings or props, but Metronomy really didn't need the tap lights and matching t-shirts. The full length, Nights Out, that I got to hear clips of briefly before I ran out the door to catch train barely got me ready for the amazing-ly fun and light hearted show.

Good times were had by all and now the boys are back in the UK (their travel visas ran out August 2nd). I hoping that they make it back sooner than later, but until then enjoy some remixes by the band and of the band.



Metronomy - Heartbreaker (Diskjokke remix) (zShare)

Goldfrapp - Happiness (Metronomy Remix Feat. The Teenagers) (zShare)

MGMT / Black Moth Super Rainbow / The Ting Tings @ McCarren Pool

With something like 90% chance of thunder storms and an ominously black sky the Sunday of MGMT's pool party seemed like its was going to be a total wash. Even with all the negative energy swirling around, that didn't stop what seemed to be the entire NYC 'hipster' community from showing up and standing patiently in a line that was being rumored to run all the way down to the water front. I showed up early and still waited almost a hour to get inside. As I stood in line I kept getting reports that the sky was beginning to open up and many a friend canceled their plans to stand in line in the rain.

Upon entering the pool I gazed around at the not so packed (yet) grounds. London's The Ting Tings were already on stage getting ready to go on.

As the first act of the day you don't really get as excited as you would for the other bands. As the only band I hadn't seen yet and add to that the praise and exposure that they were receiving over the past few months (go ahead call me neglectful for not getting on the bandwagon sooner), I was very excited...at least intrigued to see The Ting Tings play.

Exhilarating is the only way I can think to describe the band. Everything about them, the sound, their stage presence etc. Felt completely organic. When a band truly appears to enjoy the music and the performance they're putting on its almost as big a selling point as a band putting on the show of the year. The Ting Tings' show was all that and more.

Black Moth Super Rainbow, up next, is one of those bands that I enjoy on record but the last time I saw them I can't say that I was that entranced by them. This time was slightly different. They seemed to be more in sync with each other and added a little more showmanship to the show. I still say that I'd prefer to listen to them in my dimly lit parlor but I'll concede to them living up to the day.

Oh how does it come to this. I too was blindsided by MGMT's rise to fame...it seems that just the other day, The Management, were the blog band du jour. Now they're causing mass hysterics and lines that could put a *insert classic rock band name here* reunion to shame. And all the hype is not with out warrant. Oracular Spectacular, is a jolly ball of good times, and when you think you're tired of that check out some remixes they did of other artists or viceversa and you're back at it finding nuances in the music and choice of styles all over again.

Live the band embraces the free love jam flows while sticking to the straight forward style of indie rock that has got them where they are. They're tight they're entertaining... ... ...What can you say about them that hasn't already been said? Goldwasser and VanWyngarden have created a big sloppy mess and everyone will trail along behind and try and pick up the left overs.

Ennui New Record

After what feels like forever....Pittsburgh, PA band Ennui has finished their new record, the 12 song "The Myth in Which We Live", is out on August 19th. You can pre-order the album by sending $10 to their paypal account.


Check out two new songs up on their myspace and get excited.

Tracklist
1.Prelude
2.Try, Try, Try
3.Lil Radio
4.Cocaine Blues
5.Met Him Pike Hoses
6.You Gave Me Hell
7.Sundried
8.We'll Live Forever 'neath the Rolling Hills
9.In the Dark
10.White, Illuminate!
11.Colors and Shapes
12.Grey Rainbow

M.I.A. Uses Questionable Lyrics and Artwork?

(via Billboard )


Ceylon Records' artist Delon, well known in the Sri Lanka for his human rights work, has made a remix of M.I.A.'s song, "Paper Planes".


The remix itself isn't the focus of attention, its how its presented. Delon, uses the backing tracks from Paper Planes and pairs it up with photo clips of M.I.A. and Sri Lankan "terrorist" group LTTE victims and soldiers. Delon claims that M.I.A. supports the afore mentiond group through her music and visually through her albums, clothing and set design. (The tiger seen on many a M.I.A merchandise is the symbol of the LTTE.) What's happening over in Sri Lanka is what I would call a zero sum gain. The LTTE, called terrorist by some and freedom fighters by others has been waging guerilla warfare against the government for almost a quater of a century. Specifically in Tamil populated cities, [LTTE] citing injustice for the Tamil People by the Sri Lanken government. Its sort of like Darfur in many ways but remember its been going on for much longer and dare I say much more violent?


I'm not here to point fingers at anyone...I just thought that it was an interesting piece of news...


You can watch the Delon video here


and there is a very informative video about Sri Lanka on Google below...It's insane all this shit isn't it?

Pictures from the Ghostland Observatory show...

I tried writing the last few post while I was traveling, so there were no pictures...here are a few shots that I got...


The Jealous Girlfriends

Ghostland Observatory

Bushwick Film Festival

*ADDRESS HAS BEEN CHANGED*

Ghostland Observatory / The Jealous Girlfriends (27 July 2008)

Last weekend kicked off on Saturday night at Prospect Park Bandshell where Austin, TX duo Ghostland Obsevratory set up to blow the leaves off the trees.

Openers, Brooklyn's own The Jealous Girlfriends, seemed to be swallowed up in the moment. Switching from straight rock n roll induced frenzies to a pop style that I can only think to call "alternative". Slowly but surely they won over the crowd and in turn became more comfortable making the show that much better.

The big deal for everyone though was Ghostland Observatory. For such a small group, their lives shows have become legendary. Lasers, smoke machines, strobe lights..and even with all this excess going on around they still know how to work the crowd better than some of the most seasoned veterans.

The night was nothing new for Ghostland. Loud screaming fans, dancincing...girls exposing their breast...just another night on tour I'd guess. I for one love the band and the majority of thes songs on all their records. So it was nice that they played a large assorment of songs. But what I can only take so much of is being crushed by 500 sweaty people as everyone tries and move from one end of the stage to the other. To get the "whole experience". About 2/3rds through the set I moved away from the front of the stage took a sip of water and watched them finish out the set in the cool summer night. It was definitely one of the better performances of the summer so far.



I'll post pictures soon...

Just When You Thought Indie-Dance Was Dead...Free Blood

Brooklyn underground indie dance-pop duo, Free Blood, are set to release their debut album, The Singles, on the new joint imprint between Rong Music and DFA Records.

The two members consiting of former !!! member John Pugh and fashion designer Madeline Davy (Octopi NYC) formed in 2003. Inspired, not only by the indie dance scene of the day but the emerging art and fashion coming from the other side of the East River.

The Singles (6 original tracks and 5 remixes), is due out in the US November 4th. Until then go check out their myspace for tracks from the record.
Tracklisting:
1. Never Hear Surf Music Again
2. Quick and Painful
3. Grumpy
4. Royal Family
5. Parangatang
6. Weekend Condition
7. Never Hear Surf Music Again (Barfly Mix)
8. Weekend Condition (Scotty Coats and Wes The Mes Mix)
9. Royal Family (Brothers Mix)
10. Grumpy (Greg Wilson Mix)
11. Parangatang (Tim Love Lee Mix)

New Tracks from Young Widows

Young Widows, have posted two new songs "Old Skin" and "The Heat Is Here" from their upcoming LP, Old Wounds, on their myspace. The album is due September 9th on Temporary Residence.

Liars / Fuck Buttons / Team Robespierre @ McCarren Pool (20 July 2008)

This is from a couple weeks ago, I'm just getting around to it now...


After Siren Fest, Brian Wilson and Deerhoof, I had one more show to take go to...and what better way to end the weekend/start the week then by heading down to another one of JellyNYC's Pool Parties at McCarren Pool?

The day started out strong with Brooklynites Team Robespierre kicking off the show. I heard a lot of good things about them through various friends and media sources but then I over heard Matt (from Matt & Kim) give these guys some much deserved praise before he himself went up center stage to watch. It is any wonder that he would so vocally endorse Team Robespierre. They justfinshed the F Yeah tour together and I'm sure that they saw enough of each other to form a decent opinion.

Team Robespierre definite lived up to the hype of the day. Their set was short and explosive. Burn through song after song and trying their best to not to come apart at the seams as the crowd danced and they themselves ran back and forth across the stage singing and dancing and having a genuinely good time.

Following Team Robespierre was Bristol duo, Fuck Buttons, who little over 24 hours before performed at this years Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. Fuck Buttons were another band being hyped by friends and many other places. They're an electronics group that use some of my favorite childhood toys (gameboy, Fischer-Price tape recorder, etc) to make sounds that can only be described as unique. It was hot and getting crowded but Fuck Buttons blew me away. Its rare that such a simplistic set-up gets such great results. I'm gad I caught them finally and will be on the look out when they return to the city.

Last up was Liars. I don't even want to begin to profess my love for this band. Even through all the changes in the band, line up and sound, I've been a devoted follower. The setup has changed but the energy and over the top delivery is still there. Front man Angus preened to the crowd the way that only a true rock star could. Hamming it up, dancing point dramatically towards the sky and then the crowd. Making the set memorable to say the least. This is not to say that the other members of Liars were not equally as integral to the sound and show. Mr. Gross' drumming was all at once powerful, dynamic and still had the free flow no emotion percussive sound that makes Liars the band they are and with the sequencing and synths of guitarist Aaron Hemphill providing the bases, and providing backing and on again off again lead vocals, Liars tore up the stage and took the day's top perfomance.


There are more photos over here of all of the bands.

The Octopus Project Announce New Tour

Austin,TX group, The Octopus Project, are heading out on the road again starting this weekend with a spot at this years Lollapalooza. They'll continue west and northwest (Canada anyone?) to and fro. Finishing off the tour in their home town at the 2008 Austin City Limits Festival.

Aside from making great music...Last years release, Hello, Avalanches, was one of my most listened to and enjoyed records of 2007. The Octopus Project have a unique talent for putting on energetic live shows with out losing the original focus of the music from the record.

Aug 2 2008 8:00P	Schuba’s	Chicago, Illinois
Aug 3 2008 12:00P	Lollapalooza	Chicago, Illinois
Aug 4 2008 8:00P	Record Bar	Kansas City, Missouri
Aug 5 2008 8:00P	Opolis	Norman, Oklahoma
Aug 6 2008 8:00P	Tequila Station	Lubbock, Texas
Aug 11 2008 8:00P	Rhythm Room	Phoenix, Arizona
Aug 12 2008 8:00P	Congress Theater - ALL AGES!	Tucson, Arizona
Aug 13 2008 8:00P	The Casbah	San Diego, California
Aug 14 2008 8:00P	Knitting Factory	Los Angeles, California
Aug 15 2008 8:00P	Cellar Door	Visalia, California
Aug 16 2008 8:00P	Bottom of the Hill	San Francisco, California
Aug 18 2008 8:00P	Satyricon	Portland, Oregon
Aug 19 2008 8:00P	Nectar Lounge	Seattle, Washington
Aug 20 2008 8:00P	Richard’s	Vancouver, British Columbia
Aug 22 2008 8:00P	Velvet Underground	Edmonton, Alberta
Aug 23 2008 8:00P	Hi Fi	Calgary, Alberta
Aug 25 2008 8:00P	Urban Lounge	Salt Lake City, Utah
Aug 26 2008 8:00P	Hi Dive	Denver, Colorado
Aug 28 2008 8:00P	Lola’s	Ft. Worth, Texas
Aug 29 2008 8:00P	Warehouse Live - ALL AGES!	Houston, Texas
Sep 28 2008 1:30P	Austin City Limits Festival	Austin, Texas

The Octopus Project - Truck (MP3)

Mike Edison I Have Fun Everywhere I Go

Back when I was younger I had this thing call 'Summer Reading'. I never followed it properly and only read about half the books I was supposed to based on titles and cover art. As a young adult I started reading more on my own especially during the summer when it was one of the only legal ways to tourist at a beach community. Now here I am unemployed, and I find myself reading more magazines and websites, than good old fashion books. **That's why I have to alert everyone I know or who will cares to listen when I finish a new book. That's why when I finished Mike Edison's new novel, I Have Fun Everywhere I Go

Mike Edison is probably one of the most well known, unknowns of the New York City scene. You may not realize it at first, but when names like GG Allin, Regan Youth, High Times and John Spencer's Blues Explosion come up in the text you almost immediately start drawing the lines of recognition in your mind.

The book itself isn't life changing, even though the philosophy Mr. Edison has adopted would probably do some of you squares some good to follow...Its just an autobiography. Sure there's much more to it than that, and if you want to know what 'it' is go out an buy the book.


I was actually more interested in how the book was being marketed. The physical book appears to be a lumbering 300+ page behemoth, but its a light read finished in a week or so on train rides to and fro. Mike Edison is a good writer, history won't remember most of his work but he never makes himself out to be a world famous stereotype. He just did it his way and that worked for him. And like I said I was interest in other things other than just the text. For one the gorilla that appeared at the bar at the onset of my Mike Edison Journey (pictured below).

The next thing and the real important one, or the one that intrigued me the most was the idea to put some excerpts of the book, read by Edison, onto a CD. Yes a book on tape. Well lets see...I guess you could technically call it an audio book, but it was only excerpts...a few paragraphs from the book hear and there. If you listened to just the cd, you probably have no idea what's going on and you probably even more confused by the electro-space blues backing music that is Mike Edison's Rocket Train and friends. I posted a lo-fi video of the final performance of the book tour at Pete's Candy Store.

Its a great idea, and beats the hell out of the usual sit down Q&A goes along with your standard book reading. Mike even had time to answer a few inquiries before he took the stage for the performance.

(some more pictures below)

Since I'm Lazy Beach House / The Islands / Steve Malkmus and the Jicks / Broken Social Scene @ Siren Fest

After Jaguar Love, I took a much needed rest in the shade. I know I should of supported Ra Ra Riot, but I had seen them the most out of any band playing, and I just couldn't stand up anymore. The heat was getting to me and my water had turned warm.

Another highly anticipated band was Beach House. Add them to the list of first-time performers for me. I was worried that their sound's ambiance would lower the so far up beat tempo of the days performers...that I wouldn't want to stand around in the sweltering sun listening and watching a band create atmosphere outside for thousands of people. I was wrong...although the heat had finally taken its toll on me I was very content and relaxed albeit sweaty and sun-burned during their set. I left in the middle of their last songs to check out Islands.


When I got to the main stage again I noticed that the crowd seemed to be grown exponentially from the mid point of the day to the end. I got stuck between speakers that seemed to delay the drums and bass on The Islands songs. I was content still in the fact that they were playing lots of stuff from their first record, Return to the Sea, and even the new songs were being received warmly by the crowd.


I decided to try my luck and push forward as the crowd dispersed to go see Helio Sequence and possibly Broken Social Scene. I found a spot dead center about 60 feet from the stage so I could catch the start of Steve Malkmus and the Jicks. This was going to be my first time seeing them since moving to Brooklyn and the first time seeing them play with Quasi drummer Janet Weiss. The sound was full and everyone was on his or her game. Weiss' drumming style felt akward at times as it tried to keep up with the slow jam-esque songs The Jicks are know for...but then she would become the driving force behind the next series of bars, riffs and jams. Satisfied is the only way to describe how I felt leaving the stage.

I knew heading to catch the last band, Broken Social Scene, already through half of their set that I wouldn't be able to get close enough to enjoy the performance visiaully but I could still hear them and hopefully some of these new songs from an album that I just found out about a few days before. What I didn't count on was an ambulance riding down the middle of the crowd for no reason in particular. It didn't stop and help anyone. It just stopped. I feel bad if someone needed medical assitance and couldn't get it, but if some ass in an EMT uniform just wanted to get closer to the stage then fuck him or her. After the ambulance blocked my view I got annoyed by the people around me very fast. The 8 hours of music and sun had turned me into a very iritable person and the only thing that had kept me from snaping was seeing the next band. Now that I wasn't "seeing" the next band I noticed every little problem...I was hot, tired, I smelled of sweat and Coney Island (or maybe it just smelled where I was)...people were becoming real again and I had to leave as soon as possible. I couldn't even finish out the set, which I was told only lasted for 15 more minutes. I hopped the Q and was home in 20 minutes before the crowds.

My secret to a successful Siren Festival was drinking lots of cold water and walking on the boardwalk between sets since there was a nice cool breeze there. I also didn't eat anything there aside from a orange and a PB&J sandwich that I brought with me. (I made the mistake last year of eating greasy food and sugary drinks from the venders and it made things worse for wear as the day went on.) This was a great day all in all with record numbers showing up for all the bands and lets hope that we'll be able to have the 9th Siren Fest next year.

Times New Viking / Jaguar Love @ Siren Fest

Next up on my list was Times New Viking. I hadn't seen them before but have been listening to their latest release, Rip It Off, since its release earlier this year. The energy between singer Jared and drummer Adam is inspiring. While the light raspy voice of keyboardist Beth Murphy sets a nice little juxtapose between the band. Probably the best set from a new band that day. But I had high expectations for the next band playing too.


Jaguar Love is the product of Pretty Girls Make Graves Guitarist, and The Blood Brothers Guitarist and Vocalist. Jaguar Love sounds nothing like either of the former bands. More rock n roll then anything and Whitney's screaming delivery of bands past was replaced by a high pitched rockers cry. I desperately wanted to get into their set but I was putting to much pressure on the band in my head. I need to give the songs themselves a more devoted listen before I cast my final judgement on this indie rock super group.


I also want to apologize because my camera died around the end of Times New Viking's set. Its gonna be all imagination from here own out I guess.

The Dodos / Annuals @ Sire Ffest

The first act I wanted to catch on the days bill was San Francisco's The Dodos. I saw them about a year ago and they really blew me away. And I wasn't the only one who wanted to see them. The crowd was as large as it had been all day with the exception of those who hadn't left the second stage to see Film School yet. I love The Dodos and their unique blend of high energy percusive indie folk pop, but it wasn't as crisp sounding as the time I saw them before. They still managed to pull off the set through shear energy alone if not loads of talent. And still were one of the better acts of the day for me.

As the set came to an end I decide to check out a little bit of Annuals before settling back over at the main stage for Times New Vikings.

As far as I could tell from the crowd and reaction they were rocking. I only caught 2 songs but it was enough to satisfy my curiousity.

These Are Powers / Parts & Labor @ Siren Fest 2008

I'm finally feeling up to the challenge of posting about Siren Fest 2008.

I didn't really plan out my day, and decided to try and catch at least a little bit of all the bands, or as many as I could up until the time when the bands I wanted to see came on and I just planted myself somewhere in the crowd for 45 minutes at a time.

I arrived and walked up to the main stage where Dragons of Zynth were finishing up their set. I've seen this band on a few occasions, but for some reason their live show doesn't hit me like the recorded songs...I would of liked to given them another shot but I was late arriving this warm afternoon and had to try and catch as many band (2) in the next 1 1/2 hours as I could.

First up was Brooklyn via Chicago band These Are Powers. Yes they rock with enough energy to make the crowd forget it was pushing 93 degrees already and dance. My first experience of this band was very favorable but short as I made my way a few blocks away to see....

...Parts and Labor.


I had been hoping to catch them since I heard they added another member to the lineup. This was another one of those 1/4 of the set for me things. I didn't notice any difference to the sound with the addition of a guitarist who shreds. Okay so I was a tiny bit impressed by them, but I can't give a huge rambling speech about technique or songwriting vs performance because it was early in the day and I was still trying to meet up with everyone who I'd promised to catch up with, and some who I didn't promise as well.


I'm off for the time being but I'll be back soon to get the rest of them posts up asap. For now check out some of the pictures I took here. Sadly my camera's battery died around 5pm and my backup didn't charge the night before due to a little mis-hap with some curious kittens and a surge protector.

Deerhoof and the Metropolis Ensemble @ Prospect Park (18 July 2008)

Its come to my attention that there are a lot more shows that I want to attend at Brooklyn's Prospect Park Bandshell this summer then previous summers. I already had the honor of seeing Issac Hayes earlier, and now another favorite, Deerhoof took the stage Friday July 18 with the Metropolis Ensemble.

The orchestra did well performing the Rite:Remix. The sound was superb and it was just wavy enough to prepare the audience for crazy experimental sounds of Deerhoof.

Deerhoof is a hard band to describe to someone who's about to see them live for the first time. Sure their avant-garde noise pop is both at once obtrusive and enlightening, but you can never really show someone Deerhoof until they've seen them live.

The quartet from California doesn't really make any attempt to cater to the fans. They just play their music, and as founder/drummer Greg Saunier said, "...I'm sorry if I forgot to mention this earlier I was just to focused on playing...". And this is Deerhoof (to me atleast). A band that doesn't care to impress or influence anyone but its own members. They've been putting out music for over a decade and its just now that they've accidentally stepped into the lime-light with last years, Friendly Oppurtunity.

The band is also jumping onto the whole free music bandwagon, but with a twist that only Deerhoof (and The Wrens (sort of)) could think of...Instead of worrying about their songs leaking to the masses, Deerhoof has actually challenge its fans and anyone else who thinks they can handle it to record their own version of the single "Fresh Born". Providing the sheet music and a place to upload the submissions for anyone brave enough to attempt taking on the band that makes music seem as complex as it is fun.

Deerhoof's latest effort, Offend Maggie, is set for release October 7th 2008. Check out their Kill Rock Stars site for more information



Deerhoof - Running Thoughts (mp3)

The Thermals Demos...and I want to visit Portland,

I'm not sure if anyone is aware of this, but The Thermals are one of the best bands of the decade. I constantly go back to Fucking A, when ever I need to find hope or just want to hear some good music. Their other albums hold just as much weight in my heart, but effing A is that album for me.

The duo of Kathy and Hutch that is The Thermals recently put up some demos on their myspace, and boy am I happy to hear them. They're only 8 track demos, but still show great potential for their upcoming record. "I Let It Go" is classic Thermals in my mind, while "You Dissolve" is a song with the potential to evolve into a new form of that no-fi pop that they do so well.

And not only is there new music to be heard, but MTV overdrive has some videos on the Portland music scene featuring songs be the band of this post.



The Thermals - Here’s Your Future (mp3)

I met someone amazing at Brian Wilson's show in Coney Island...

...and no it wasn't Mike Love.


I had the pleasure of running into this man....


He was quite distraction but at the same time entertaining.

I went to see the legendary Brian Wilson in Coney Island this past Thursday (July 17th). Amidst all the controversy and complaints about his last performance in New York City, I had high hopes that the set would be full of classic Beach Boys and Wilson standards, as well as some newer stuff from his up coming record, That Lucky Old Sun, which sounds like it will be a new take on that old California sound that Mr. Wilson helped to shape in from the late 50's through today.

The show was as good as I could of dreamed. Aside from being 120 yards away from the stage and Mr. Old Dude, it sounded great. Brian and his band definitely made everyones night sing hits from Surfer Girl to Help Me Rhonda and many many more.

You can find out tons of stuff about the new Brian Wilson record, out September 2nd on Capital/EMI Records, via his website.

God Only Knows

Land of Talk signs with Saddle Creek

That's right. Montreal indie rock act, Land of Talk, has signed a deal Omaha label Saddle Creek in the US. This also comes on top of the news of Land of Talk's full length album which is scheduled for release (on Saddle Creek of course) October 7th.

Some Are Lakes track listing:

1. Yuppy Flu

2. Death By Fire

3. The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)

4. Some Are Lakes * first single

5. Give Me Back My Heart Attack

6. It’s Okay

7. Young Bridge

8. Corner Phone

9. Got A Call

10. Troubled

After the falling in love with 2006 EP, Applause Cheer Boo Hiss, I am very interested how almost 2 years of touring North America and Europe has shaped their sound. Some are Lakes was recorded with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) in Montreal...and I'm sure there will be a tour to go along with the release.


More info soon, and possibly some new tracks.


Land of Talk - Speak to Me Bones (mp3 via zshare)

My first McCarren Pool Party this summer with The Breeders and Matt & Kim

First up on the bill were Manchester's The Whip. I just walked through the gates on the hot but lovely day and caught the last few songs of what seemed like a well received set. I have to say...even though I don't find myself listening to a lot of that disco house sound that seems to be creeping up from Europe, it was the perfect thing to get the crowd pumped for the next 3 hours of music dancing and heat.

Next up was my personal favorite, one of Brooklyn's finest live shows over the past few years...Matt and Kim! If The Whip didn't already have the crowd going, then Matt and Kim sure did. There was crowd surfing, a big mass of kids dancing and screaming to the songs...and when you'd think nothing else could make the set any better...Matt invited Rude Mechanical Orchestra onstage to finish out their set.

It was a fine piece of showmanship, and the highlight of my afternoon....Kim even got in on some choreographed dance steps.

Matt and Kim - YEA YEAH (mp3)

The Breeders, were the days headliner. There's so much I could say about the new album, or Kim and Kelley Deal, but the day was not theirs. It was sounding a little rough for the sisters from Ohio.

The Breeders - Bang On (mp3)

More pictures here.

Murakami

Japanese Artist Takashi Murakami was the featured exhibit at Brooklyn Museum for the past few months (it ends today so I suggest you try to go see it). I myself made it there twice and I was glad that I did. I don't know why for some reason the art on the walls and the floors and the ceilings swallowed me up this last time, instead of me mentally eating up the art. The show was and will probably be one of the best pop art displays I've ever come to see. Mr. Murakami, know for his Poku style which mixes pop art with the Japanese Otaku style/obessesion.

Walking through the gallery I felt myself traveling through the art as it developed. It something you should do when you go see an exhibit of an artist that you appreciate, but I usually don't. My first time through may have been rushed since I showed up right as the last tickets were being sold, but redardles of all that I definitely learned a great deal about Murakami, his styles everything is right there to see on large canvas sheets. There is no hiding in these portraits it's as is.


One of the things I did miss out on was the videos that Murakami created/directed that were being shown in a small theatre in the museum. Most notably was his video for Kanye West's Good Morning. For this reason or that it was shelved, but it was cool to see it anyway. The video below is a bootleg so I apologize for the poor quality.





I don't think I can stress enough everyone's need to see the exhibit @ The Brooklyn Museum. Unfortunately its over today at 6pm.

A Wall-E remake

I haven't seen it yet, but that hasn't stopped me from appreciating everything that comes from other people watching and loving the film.




Wall-E Down To Earth from Anthony Meadows on Vimeo.


(Via Kelly )

Morrissey covers the Buzzcocks

The quality isn't that great, but it is Morriseey doing an amazing rendition of a classic Buzzcocks song at the O2 Wireless fest on July 4th.


Morrissey - You Say You Don't Love Me (Buzzcocks Cover)

The Sound of Animals Fighting...New album coming soon

Before I get to far a head of myself let me once again keep apologizing for my lack of summer time updates. There's been a lot going on and the job search is all but futile..I have a house full of kittens I'm fostering and that by itself is a job and a half...But this is me trying my best to keep this blog up-to-date.

And on that note...It gives me great pleasure to announce that California super group, The Sound of Animals Fighting, latest album The Ocean and the Sun, is scheduled for September 9, 2008 release via our friends @ Epitaph. All signs point to another stellar collaboration on the experimental post hardcore story-telling that brought them to my attention, what feels like a decade ago. (its only been 3 years). The 9 song track listing can be found on their myspace blog.

I don't know much else about the new record, but there is this little teaser off their myspace.....

...and a song for old times sake.

Act II - All Is Ash Or The Light Shining Through It (MP3) from 2005's Tiger and the Duke

New Futurama Movie (Part 2 of 4)

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs (trailer below)

Comes out this Tuesday. Its a little late to be mentioning this but you can still pre-order the move on Amazon.com.


Yay for geeky cartoons!!!

I Saw Red

This is my 100th post....and it makes me sad, but its a good sad

It's funny that this post falls on the date of my birth, it wasn't planned that way I just happened to find this video on Punk News.





I knew it was true, but hearing it from Tom Delonge just makes it all the more disheartening. I'll be the first to admit that one of my greatest guilty pleasures is Blink 182's 1997 album Dude Ranch. It came out while I was in high school and of course I'm a big fan of their poomor. So it just one of those albums that sticks with me. The melodies are memorable, and the lyrics consistently make me smile.

Oh nostalgia!






Blink 182 - Dammit

Boy George Tumbles For NYC Sanitation Department (and Other "Cleaner" Cities)

If no one else is aware....80's cultural phenomenon Boy George, of Culture Club fame, is going on tour this summer in North America for the first time in 10 years...no not just as a DJ, but as a performer.

But what is more interesting, aside from his public misfortunes, is his dedication to New York City's Department of Sanitation.

Mr. George will be playing a free concert for the DSNY on Sunday August 17th. Boy George will perform all his Culture Club hits plus many many more for a crowd of over 5,000 NYC Sanitation workers and their families at DSNY Family Day. (DSNY Family Day is an annual event for Sanitation workers and their families to enjoy a picnic and entertainment at the Department of Sanitation training facility in Brooklyn.)

Aside from this he will be appearing across the US at a House of Blues near you throughout the summer....

TOUR DATES:

07/10: Aspen, CO @ Belly Up (Tickets )

07/11: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues (Tickets )

07/12: San Diego, CA @ Concerts In The Park (Tickets )

07/13: Anaheim, CA @ The Grove Of Anaheim (Tickets )

07/15 -16: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre (Tickets )

07/17: Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra (Tickets )

07/18: San Francisco, CA @ Regency Center - Grand Ballroom (Tickets )

07/20: Seattle, WA @ Showbox (Tickets )

07/21: Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom (Tickets )

07/22: Calgary, AB @ Flames Central (Tickets )

07/23: Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre (Tickets )

07/25: Miami, FL @ Club Cinema (Tickets )

07/26: Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Hotel Orlando (Tickets )

07/27: Tampa Bay, FL @ Jannus Landing (Tickets )

07/29: N. Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues SC (Tickets )

07/30: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club (Tickets )

08/01: Philadelphia, PA @ Keswick Theatre (Tickets )

08/03: Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues (Tickets )

08/05: Long Island, NY@ Theatre at Westbury (Tickets )

08/07: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues – Chicago (Tickets )

08/10: Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus (Tickets )

08/12: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis (Tickets )

08/13: Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre (Tickets )

08/14: New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (Tickets )

08/19: Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage (Tickets )

08/21: Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ (Tickets )

08/22: Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater (Tickets )

08/23: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues – Dallas (Tickets )

One song that we can all hope to hear performed for the DSNY...