The Joggers cover Yes

You know what rhymes with bloggers? Joggers.
What do Joggers do? They run. Long Distances.

The Joggers - Long Distance Runaround (Yes Cover) (mp3)

They have another (new?) song streaming over at theirspace called "No Dice." Unfortunately my firewall allows me only to stream downloadable myspace tunes, so I can't sample.

As you know, I <3 the Joggers like none other. Mostly for genius songs like this:

The Joggers - Back to the Future (mp3)

Become a fan and we'll start a revolution.

Grizzly Bear Vs. Yeti

I know I might be alone on this one, but I don't love Grizzly Bear [website / myspace]. I was promised great things from many different people last night at the Bowery Ballroom, and although the Bears may have it in them, I didn't see it last night.

Arriving early, I was able to claim a decent spot up front. In fact, the room stayed virtually empty until the moment the Grizz took the stage. The first few songs bored me to tears, and it wasn't until I retreated to the rear of the space was I able to appreciate some of the sonic elements propelled my way. Generally, the less I paid attention the easier it was to digest. Giving myself space and distance from the stage, it became more of a Soundtrack than an Event, and as such it was far more successful. I scoffed to my neighbors [who rode to the show from Of Montreal in s-t-y-l-e] as each song painfully began, but shortly thereafter I'd have cause to somewhat recant & admit that maybe -just maybe- I don't dislike them as much as I thought in the beginning. The drum effects and loops were my favorite memory of the night.

You won't find hyperbolic acclaims to Yellow House here. But you also won't find a derisive rant either. I'm keeping the extremes in check. Apologies to my neighbors who felt the brunt of my snark last night, but I'm not sure where all these kids are finding such strong words of adulation. Someyeti's gotta keep them in check. When the Grizz broke a bass string right before they closed their set, they said last time that happened they played a Hot Chip cover. It was too much to hope for.

Praise can be found over at Brooklyn Vegan. Commentors there are applauding it as "one of the best shows I've been to this year" and "might be my favorite show of the year."

Doveman on Daytrotter & La Blogotheque

Daytrotter is really carving a name for themselves. Sunday night I was chastising a Sunset Rubdown fan for being unaware of their superior Daytrotter Session which revealed fantastic new material.

This week Daytrotter brings us Doveman, the most fragile and inspiring band you'll come across. Head over there to download for these tracks:

Honey
Sunrise —unreleased
Happy
Castles —unreleased
Boy Plus Angel

Be sure to check out the other Daytrotter artists. Coming up they'll have Damien Jurado whose new album is awaiting my eager listen.

Like Grizzly Bear before them, who play Bowery tonight, Doveman was filmed walking and playing their tunes "Walk On" and "Castles" by La Blogotheque. Well, in actuality: Sam Amidon is walking until Thomas Bartlet joins in sitting at the piano. We need to get him an accordian or something. Wouldn't that make "Honey" so much better? Bartlett should be at the Grizz' show, so I'll bring it up. Openers for the Grizz' are and friends and partial co-members of Doveman, Stars Like Fleas.

Before I get too sidetracked, both Blogotheque videos are stunning and highlight everything I love about the music he's created.

Shows and More Shows Reviewed

09-16 Man Man @ Speigeltent
I love the Man Man. Seeing them in what amounts to a circus tent should have been insane, and at times it was, but never more so than the typical Man Man circus they bring. The stage at Speigeltent is too low which makes the sitting lovebirds Pow Pow and Honus Honus invisible when they dont rocket out of their seats. With a start time at 12:40 and beers at a prohibitive $6/10 oz, I became so drowsy by 2:00 AM that I don't remember the last 10 minutes. I gotta toughen up for CMJ or else I'll be narcoleptic all week.

09-19 Sparklehorse @ Bowery
Sparklehorse was amazing. Linkous can strum a D-chord and you could sense the charge in the crowd. I'm quite affectionate towards the new album and even though he played very little off of it, I was entranced the entire time. Not much happens on stage, but not much needs to.

09-20 Sono Oto @ Mercury
Not a live band and it showed. They were strongest with Mark Phillips [Phillips is to Sono Oto as Linkous is to Sparklehorse] on keyboard rather than guitar. The highlight of the night was the five Apple songs they played back-to-back. The string section was unneccessary and I'd rather see fewer on stage with little to do; especially if you're not a live band. Still, Phillips has those five Apple songs that promise good things to come.

09-21 Ra Ra Riot @ Annex
Pretty good. I need to familiarize myself more to see if the songs I'm don't know stack up to those of which I do. Plus, I was stuck in the back of "The Tunnel" so any visual connection was minimal.

09-21 Klaxons @ Studio B
I had one of the unluckiest nights in recent memory this night, culminating in tripping on stairs and gashing my leg. With a throbbing pain in my leg, not a penny to my name [I used my last 6 bones and the last cent that DJ Neverforget had to get in], I tried to enjoy the Klaxons. And I did. But I can't specifically recall anything about them. Next time: shin guards.

09-22 Favourite Sons, Snowden @ Mercury
Missed all but the last two songs of the Head Set. Favourite Sons were alright, and Snowden... hmm... I still don't understand the appeal of that band. The F'Sons have an interesting back story and while that shouldn't make their music better, it sorta did. Or at least it made me appreciate what they were all about more.

09-23 V-Fest: The Who, Killers @ Pimilco Racetrack, Baltimore
The biggest names in corporate rock [Gnarls, Raconteurs, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.] and I only really saw two acts. The Killers were actually, I readily admit, pretty good. The teenage crowd was fanatical and the abundant crowdsurfers produced many falls and bloody noses. The Who were awe-inspiring and I felt priviledged to finally witness such a influential rock band. The press of the crowd was nearly unbearable and so I evacuated before the RHCP could show me their sock puppets.

09-23 LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad @ Sonar, Baltimore
One of the best things I've seen this year. At the V-fest afterparty, we ditched the official party room [room temperature: 65 F] for this freakathon in the room across the hall [room temperature: 90 F]. It was sweaty, dark, hot, and the entire room was dancing like a bunch of insane motherfuckers. I was floored. They're finishing up their US Tour, so catch them if you can. [NYC date has passed] :(

09-24 Sunset Rubdown @ Bowery Ballroom
Spencer Krug has a mustache. Sunset Rubdown are the Polaris winners in my book. I've met more Rubdown uber-fans than I know for Wolf Parade. I don't doubt why. Krug is the man.

The Zune... by Apple?

Even after all that branding by Microsoft and enlisting the blogs to shill, Amazon UK flubs one. [via]

Mississippi John Hurt Video

Mississippi John Hurt was one of America's greatest folk/blues musicians. Last time I mentioned him, the feedback was overwhelming [mostly in emails]. Glad to see he's still appreciated.

When I saw this video [click on image above] of Hurt playing "Lonesome Valley Blues" via Metafilter, I teared up with joy. I didn't know such footage existed. If you're a fan, or never heard of him, take a moment to watch.

Also check out Skip James singing "Crow Jane."

A Concert Review, in Survey Form

An anonymous friend reviewed a recent show using a myspace survey as his guide. I didn't myself attend the show and neither share nor disagree with the opinions herein.

1. Who is the last person you held hands with?
The other night I went to a Beirut side project thing at Cakeshop

2. If you were drafted into a war, would you survive?
And I think you might wanna hear about this before it comes to your town

3. Would you want to join the war?
Cause really, I learned some things the other night and I thought I'd share.

4. Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton?
I found out that you can indeed use your bands good name to draw people to see your side project.

5. Have you ever won a spelling bee?
Yes, i did in 3rd grade.

Anyway, we paid $5 to get in, I don't usually pay for shows, but come on, it's a last minute thing, it's a Beirut side project!

Read On.

Free Golem Show

Who: Golem
Wait, who?: They're on myspace!
What: Free Concert in support of their new album Fresh Off Boat
When: Thursday, October 5th
Where: Zebulon- 258 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Who the hell is Golem? They're than Balkanesque band everyone is talking about.

Here's a picture of me looking mightily unimpressed and sweaty, no matter how much they rocked. I swear I was nowhere near as bored as I look: Hey, Asshole!

Tomorrow I'll update this with an empeethree.

Waraw is Khelm [Youtube] [Com' on it's only 53 seconds] Via.

The Yeti Stripper Mix

Musicsnobbery went to a bachelor party this past weekend and found himself suddenly in charge of tunes for the stripper. Some M.I.A. [a five-song kickstart to his set] followed by some DFA love and a few other choice tracks. Not sure what I'd have thought of 'on the fly'. Probaly that "I am a Pirate" song I posted earlier today. Here are some more fun mp3s to strip to, or so I'd imagine.

Yeti Stripper Mix
Ghostland Observatory - Rich Man (mp3)
Hard-Fi - Hard to Beat (mp3 over at Snook)
Octopus Project - Hot Sinners (mp3)

It's a short dance.






Songs You Can't Strip To But Had Promising Titles:
The Go! Team - Everyone's a V.I.P. to Someone
Jens Lekman - Pocketful of Money
Joanna Newsom - Only Skin
Mark Kozelek - Up to My Neck in You

I need to stop now.

Elton John: iPods are "Silly"

Elton John told Jay Leno on Tuesday's Tonight show [would that be tonight?] that he thought iPods are, well, let's hear it from him:

I don't have a silly iPod. I like to go buy the whole artist's work. If I'm going to watch My Name is Earl [in reference to the fact that the show's star, Jason Lee, was sitting next to him], I'm not going to just go and watch one program, I'm going to watch the DVD of the first series, and I'm going to watch the whole thing together.

As a commentator on digg said, "Someone tell him that you can put an entire album on an iPod. Several, even."

Mr. Rocketman, as you might recall, shills for XM.

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day

If you download one song today, this must clearly be it. Play it loud, play it proud.

LazyTown - You Are a Pirate! (mp3)

Update: here's another from the Nick Jr. cartoon Barkyardigans:
Backyardigans - A Pirate Says Aargh (mp3)

Hey Igor, Join My Band

Igor Falecki is four years old and drums like he's not. Boing Boing posted this video of the prodigy, but there are others.

Take that, Rachel Trachtenburg.

Free CDs , and More

Sono Oto released a fun little EP earlier this year all about apples. I previously [gloated/glorified/glowered?] over it here. They'll be at the Mercury Lounge Wednesday with a special rare performance made even more rarer with a special string section. In addition, they'll be giving away copies of the EP to all that attend. Stream a few of the tunes at myspace. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Likewise, Stars Like Fleas are hand carving the 1's and 0's onto 3" CDs for 100 people who buy advance online tix to their gig with Grizzly Bear next Tuesday at Bowery. Buy here. Then e-mail the band your receipt. Cumbersome, I know.

Not to be outdone, I hear Linkous will be giving free hugs at Sparklehorse tomorrow.

1.21 Gigabytes

I put One Point Twenty One gigawatts, errr- bytes, of music on my ipod Friday. Here are my quick reviews. Nothing like loving and trashing albums after one listen.

Annie Stela - There Is A Story Here
A four song EP. Works better in sequence than as seperate tracks. Her voice is appealing, but the lyrics are cliche-riddled and distracting. C

Benjy Ferree - Loving The Nest
One of the top albums I've heard this year. I'll give this it's own special raving Essential 2006 post later. I immediately put it on repeat four times and sent out the requisite OMG! new obsession messages to all I know. A+

Bob Dylan - Modern Times
Several twelve bar blues numbers with other classic songwriting structures and melodies. "Workingman Blues 2" is pretty bad, like something Franklin from Arrested Development would sing. The loungey "Beyond the Horizon" is quite nice. B

Bound Stems - Appreciation Night
A jumble of interesting moments that get lost in the clutter. There is a lot to dissect here, but overall it left a favorable impression. Promises to improve on a future spins. B, maybe B+

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeletons - Knives Don't Have Your Back
Many beautiful songs, but overall it's tiring. Good to read to, but not enough to engage me on it's own terms. B-

The Hold Steady - Boys & Girls in America
Just what I wanted from these guys. Pretty much Part II of Seperation Sunday, but in a direction that is not a repetition of that work. A-

I'm From Barcelona - Let Me Introduce My Friends
Just another indie twee band? Maybe, but they have nearly flawless songs and great arrangements. Not actually from Barcelona. A-

Joseph Arthur - Nuclear Daydream
The male version of Emily Haines record. Many fine moments but nothing to convince me it's more worthy than hundreds of other records available. Likely to satisfy existing fans. C+

Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye
Not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal behind the album. I'd imagine their live show would be a bore, but as an album it does what it does well enough. Still, and this is a personal grade, I give it: B

Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer
The first Of Montreal album I've really given a shot. I've seen them twice and wasn't a fan; this didn't change much, although I didn't outright hate it as I feared. B-

Okkervil River - Overboard & Down EP
This superb little tour EP has me anxiously and eagerly awaiting to see where else Will goes with this. Better than the uneven Appendix EP late last year. Only this time, it's too short. A+

Ra Ra Riot - WOXY Session
Pretty standard indie rock. Their sound is a dime a dozen, but crap on my shoe if it isn't well constructed. Again, nothing groundbreaking, but highly enjoyable. B+

The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love
I didn't think I'd like this, and I was rolling my eyes at first. But eventually I came around and when I found my toe uncontrollabley tapping and elbows flapping and flailing. B+

Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah
The single had appeal, and the majority of songs here are good, just not quite good enough. It's not as terrible as I've heard some tell it. B

Snowden - Anti Anti
You're kidding me. This is the Snowden I've heard good things about? Maybe I'm missing something, but there's not much here to keep me wanting to come back. It's well-produced, but the songwriting is sub par. We'll see if my opinion changes when I see them Friday. C+

Viva Voce - Get your Blood Sucked Out
Initial "leaked" mp3s can give a misleading impression and such was the case here. What I expected to be a diappointing album from the band that gave us the stellar "Wrecking Ball" song, is actually solid. Very happy with this. B+

What Made Milwaukkee Famous - Trying to Never Catch Up
Fairly good collection of songs here. After remembering how mediocre I felt their were at Mercury Lounge, I was surprised by the album. Unsure how it'll hold up on repeated listenings, but my first impression was good. B+, maybe even a A-

Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass
Do I need another Yo La Tengo album? Not really, but this goes through familiar YLT territory and refreshes the memories of listening them on cool Fall evenings, and falling asleep at the concerts [I'm two for two!]. B+

Ra Ra Riot dates

Who is Ra Ra Riot? You'll soon know. Good stuff. Jeff CV proclaimed them "the quintessential blogband," and I must say that description is pretty accurate. They have a seemingly familar sound but add their own catchy angle. Kathryn Yu sent me their WOXY session and I became a supporter. They are from Syracuse and when I first saw this photo I thought they had 12 people in their band. Then I realized I'm an idiot.

Ra Ra Riot - WOXY Lounge Act (mp3)

9/21 - Annex: that ASCAP/Deli show this Thursday with Sam Champion, Chin Chin, and Endless Boogie. $8, but there is Beer, as in Free, from 7:30-8:30.

10/7 - Mercury Lounge: with Harvey Danger, So Many Dynamos, and Metal Hearts. Tix.

10/31-11/4 - CMJ: Every single day, every single showcase, every single venue.

The Annuals aren't bad at all

The Annuals are a hot item right now. They're predictably on the Elbo.ws Top Ten Where're My Bitches At?, along with all the usual suspects. [My GOD! won't people ever stop mentioning 5ufjan.]

But even the Annuals seem a bit inflated based on the mp3s floating around. Sure they're decent, but are they worth a gozillian mentions? What's the big deal? I wasn't sure until I saw them play Sin-e last night.

The Annuals - Brother (mp3)

They began their set with "Brother" like gangbusters, it also being the only song at the time I knew well and liked. They are tight, have a full sound, and play with infectious passion. The lead guitarist has mad chops, and the lady on keys could very well be a contender for #1 Miss Indie Rock 2006. Photographic evidence courtesy of Rachael.

But most notable about the band [from my perspective] were the drums. I love a lot of floor tom and they gave me a lot of floor tom. Three musicians banging on the toms at once. Pounding away like a chase scene through the woods. For half the the show they dedicate two people to playing two drum kits; nothing new, but while other bands redundantly do this, with the Annuals I could feel the difference. Buddooombuddombuddomdbudoom... The way the drums would play off the guitar and bass, it was genius. They sounded like they practiced it, as in, actually rehearsed. The syncronization was a breath of fresh air.

Not to be overpraising them, but I had fun. Go see them tonight at Northsix. They are listed as #3 of 5 bands, so I have no clue when they go on. They also make that Voxtrot November 6th show more appealing.

The Blue Scene becomes the New Scene.

The Blue Scene [website/myspace/purevolume] is a band I've trashed several times before, namely for doing the unspeakable: writing catchy-as-hell songs with lyrics I want to to take a shovel and dig myself bunker to escape. I saw them by accident once and have existed in limbo ever since. Most endearing about the band was that when their friends chanted their name it kinda sounded like "Pussy."

It pains me to say this, but the band is No More. Their last show is October 7th on Main Street in Sayville, New York. That's right: the town is shutting down MAIN STREET for this last hurrah.

But, like a Phoenix out of the flames -or a Zombie that will never die- they are forming the New Scene [myspace]. I don't know what this means. I just want to hear these two songs over and over and over. Maybe they'll "cover" them. The New Scene play October 11th opening for Teddy Geiger in "Little Boxes" Levitown.

The Blue Scene - Morning of Kafka (mp3)
The Blue Scene - New Wave Girls (mp3)

If these arent awesome/awful/awesome, I'll give your time back for listening. I'm hoping that immediately after their last Blue Scene show, they strip naked and suddenly become the New Scene.

We've Been Had?

As you might already know, Gawker launched a new blog today focused on music, or as it appears, the music scene. Pretty much saying how shitty blogs have become, shows have become, bloggers at shows have become. All breaking news we've never heard before, as if we weren't reminded of the shortcomings by anonymous commentors telling us to Fuck Off.

But that's ok. There *are* enough good blogs to keep me entertained and informed, and dumb comments *are* a good thing to have, no matter how offensive. The Idolator, like Nick Denton's other sites, requires an invitation to comment, and then subsequently a username and password. The invite they emailed around stated that they "are here to tell you that you've been had. The music-blog netherworld has becomeas homogenized and indistinguishable as therecord labels themselves."

We've been had? Really? Songs:Illinois not long ago said basically the same thing. Gerard-Vs-Bear, a new satire/personal-attack on blogs, countered Craig by saying:

Gerard is perplexed by this strange man. Tomorrow what is he going to concern himself with? "I am worried that the swiffer wet jet is not as great as it's made out to be on television."

And before I could wonder if Idolator would concern itself over the Swiffer, I see that they call for submissions of pictures of annoying people at shows so we can all publically laugh at them... some bizarre cross between Blue States Lose and that pyschotic CraigsList loser. They call it "Hey, Asshole!"

Excited yet?

Catbirdseat is an instant fan, saying the all the annoying people at these shows could fill a volume of "The Field Guide To Music Bloggers" for New York City alone.

Fucking hell. What the fuck? The LEAST annoying people at shows are bloggers. Am I really that annoying? If so... Jesus... I apologize. I always thought the annoying people at shows were the people standing next to me getting annoyed at other people for doing normal 2006 things. WhAAAAATT???! A Cellphone? A camera!!! Get the fuck out!

Someone PuhLEEEEZE take my photo tonight at the Annuals. I'd love give a big shout-out to our new neighbors.

----------------------
Jen C. Gothamist wisely says everything I wanted to, but far more concisely than I was able.

UbiquitousMarketing has an even more eloquent critical perspective.

Disclosure: Lock advises me I should disclose that back in May they were interviewing a bunch of writers for possible positions, and at one point considered having myself on their staff. It probably wouldn't have worked in either of our interests. I really have no experience in writing, but it was an honor that they'd even consider me. Apologies to all if my critique of the Idolator's stance towards the blogosphere appears to be a personal vendetta. I enjoy the Gawker sites and am disappointed with the the initial reveal of this latest prospect.]

CMJ Artists Announced

Chris has been busy. He's writing quite a few posts a day with solid content. For one, I just learned that Lo-Fi FNK is coming for CMJ! I must remind myself to visit the BathRoom BatteringRoom more often. He noticed the preliminary list of artists for CMJ has been released.

Go here for the preliminary lineup.

Some bandnames I love/hate/love.

Bravo Fucking Bravo - a Bravo Silva cover band?
Die Princess Die - Ahh I see. The first word is indecipherable, so it must be repeated.
Super XX Man - where'd my other X go?
Wax On the Radio - where'd my TV's go?
Babyshaker - I just want to picket outside the venue
Child Abuse - Ditto.
Mouth of the Architect - Hey, I'm an architect!
All Smiles - gag me now.
Dappled Cities Fly - randomly non sequitur in sequence placed words
The Cassettes - and their rivals...
Forget Cassettes - I hope they play with Cassettes Won't Listen.
Brighton, MA - More or less exciting than Matt Pond, PA?
Canada - This better be a supergroup of every Canadian band at CMJ. Or else!
Germans - This better be... a supergroup... of Swedish bands.
Peanut Butter Wolf - Didn't they get the memo that this year we're all doing Cassettes?
Tia Carrera - God I wish this was the Tia Carrera.
Baby Shakes - wait, isn't there another band that... oh screw it.

and the #1 band name for CMJ...

I Need Sleep - yes, it's right there on the list.

More Menomena sPacifics

Menomena has some good news. In addition to the upcoming tour and subsequent NYC date previously mentioned, they are releasing a tour-only EP [also available here] with unreleased material and the "hit single" off their forthing coming album out January 23, 2007. The EP/Single/Teaser is called "Wet and Rusty." I have a few dirty theories behing the title, mostly involving a prostitute, a plumber and a priest.

If you can't wait, you can sample the hit song via theirspace.

Also, check out this sweetass tour poster they'll be selling at shows. I want one.

Teddybears' Yours To Keep Remixed

"Yours To Keep" is one of my favorite songs of the year. The original version is very good, the new version for their USA release was even better. Pitchfork has a remix of the tune with vocals by Annie. Much of the charm has been extracted, but it's still worthy of a listen. And yes, I'm deeplinking this:

Teddybears - Yours To Keep Remix feauring Annie (mp3)

My favorite version found on Soft Machine is available for free this week at iTunes here.

Coming Attractions: Annuals and Klaxons

My inbox has been wonderful ever since I bitched and moaned yesterday about what to post. The two bands I mentioned who are buzzing like bees out of a dog's bark are the Annuals and the Klaxons. The first email I got was this track:

The Klaxons - Atlantis to Interzone (mp3)

Not bad... then I remembered DJ NF included a Klaxon remix in his mixtape I posted last month. The first person to tell me they were the next String Cheese Incident of the blogosphere was Cameron, who admonishes me in my comments. The band plays Sept. 19th at Club Midway [Scenic] and Sept. 21st at Studio B. Their EP comes out Oct. 10 on Modular [who I think still hate me for missing the Presets].

The next email I got was a reminder about the Annuals playing this Thursday for the Friction show at Sin-e [tix]. See flyer, left. More info at Crackers-U.

This song begins pretty and gets better:

The Annuals - Brother (mp3)

They are on Ace-Fu, home of Man Man and Tunng.

Bobby Bare Jr. - Back to Blue

Bobby Bare Jr. [and the Young Criminal Starvation League] - Back to Blue (mp3)

So I got momentary clearance to share a Bobby Bare Jr. track off his forthcoming release called The Longest Meow [Preorder]. News of the recording session made headlines due to massive amounts of beer they consumed during the recording. If you're looking for the brand names from the guests he brought into the studio, the final product is consistently Bobby... no matter how expansive his Young Criminal Starvation League extends.

All you need to know is here: The Chattanooga Times Free Press gave it Four out of Five stars.

If you like you're indie with a bit of quirk, a bit of goof, and a bit of twang, listen to "Back to Blue." After the mariachi trumpet intro, the first lines are typical Junior: "Hairbrain cocaine and a girl name Rose..." or later: "If you find me in a pile of rollerskates..."

Country music for blue states.

Bloodshot is also hosting this track if you're not yet convinced: Heart Bionic (mp3)

The Aquarium Drunkard praised it as well, saying Bobby "has really gone and upped his personal ante on this one... The Longest Meow did a cartwheel in my living room the other day when I was only expecting the hand jive. I know you know the feeling. You go to take a sip of well bourbon and discover Knobb Creek or Woodford Reserve in it's stead -- that kind of moment."

Enjoy.

No mp3s Today

The three albums I'm listening to the most [The Decemberists, Sparklehorse, and Oxford Collapse] have all yet to be released and if you look easily enough you can find them. I've tried posting a tune from each of the latter two but both had to be removed; I'm not even going to tempt the RIAA with a song off The Crane Wife. Even the new Bobby Bare Jr. doesnt come out until September 26th and as much as I want to share a track off it [he's already on tour supporting the dang thing] I won't. So I'm here on your internet posting about how I'm not posting, trying to figure out what to say that won't get me in trouble.

So let's talk about 9/11.

Just kidding. I won't. I guess I could mention Sure Juror. That's safe: they offer up their whole album for free. But I don't dig it as much as my compatriots. There's a whole slew of albums sitting on my desk I could rifle through, but I just can't get up the enthusiasm of Central Village for the Bound Stems, or Amrit for Snowden, or for Junior Boys, or Pitchfork for Yo La Tengo, or others for Emily Haines, or Rolling Stone for Bob Dylan. Not that I won't like them. I don't know. I'm just busy and happy with these others I can't share. [Rolling Stone gave Bob Dylan a perfect score, right? I don't even know.]

Can someone tell me who the Klaxons are? The Annuals? Where did all these bands come from? I hope to God they don't have albums. That's the only reason I had liked the Arctic Monkeys, the Head Set, and countless other brilliant bands sans LP. Even Lily Allen had a great thing going there for a moment.

-------------------------------------------------------
Sweet. I just name-checked like sixteen bands, almost all the cool ones except Swan Lake and Beirut. Fuck. Let the blogsearch hits roll in! Although maybe I should retitle this "MP3's Galore!"

Quick Reviews

The Magic Numbers @ Joe's Pub
Ug. Joe's Pub. Annoyingly oversold, the "intimate" setting is more often a disaster than a nice place to lounge with dinner [as it alleges]. When I'm not shifting to accomodate the servers, or peak around someone standing in front of me, I'm resigned to zoning out and falling asleep on the couch. Even the Magic Number were no match. They closed with two of my favorites, salvaging my evening to some degree.

Norwegian bands @ Sin-e
Turns out Norwegians love country. Wouldn't have guess myself, but they do. Two bands, both country. Usually I can find a silver lining in all genres, but they were too plain and too safe. It left us snickering in the back like foolios.

Sound Team @ Bowery
I like this band. They have some great moments. I had the last few bars of Movie Monster in my head all night.

Catfish Haven @ Mercury
Maybe it was the 8 drinks sloshing around my circulatory system, but I immensely enjoyed their set. They had a shitton of backup singers on stage at one point which only furthered my glee. That... and my next drink.

Birdmonster @ Mercury
Birdmonster played Mercury too. They are ok. I wish they'd place Spaceman like they do on the record. They speed up the slow part. Ruins the whole thing.

Rapture, Presets, Forward Russia! Dates

I flaked out on the Presets last night. Too much spaghetti plus a trek on the G-Train plus an ambiguous set time kept me at home. But at least I'm well-rested now. I also missed openerHoly Hail. I'll make it up to y'all later by pretending I went and how I imagine the live show will be. No promises though.

In lieu of missin' out, I'll be seeing the Presets open for the Rapture at Webster Hall October 30th [tix]. That's as close to CMJ as you can get and keep those buggering badge people.

Another notable date today includes iForward, Russia! at Bowery Ballroom on November 28 [tix]. That's in addition to the CMJ show at Mercury I mentioned earlier.

Lastly: The Silver Jews go on yet another tour. They'll play Webster Hall December 30th [tix].

A Long Time Coming: Albums in the Waiting

When I first listened to Elvis Perkins, the major hindrance in getting people to listen was the fact that it was impossible to buy the album. That condition is no longer. Buy Ash Wednesday here.

But the nine months waiting for this baby isn't the longest I've bemoaned. I've praised The Head Set from mountaintop and valley stream without them ever releasing their album. Yet, I still went ahead and named it one of my favorites last year. Well wait no longer. Coming November 14th [ok, fine; wait two more months] The Head Set will finally release Way Pass Used. Preorder it now. It'll be interesting to hear how much the recordings have changed over time.

-Elvis Perkins is on tour with Okkervil River and will play Bowery Ballroom October 14th.

-The Head Set play the Mercury Lounge on September 22 with Snowden and Favourite Sons.

State of the Year in Songs Part VII

The best of the best. Without repeating an artist, my favorite songs I’ve listened to in 2006, Part VII. [Part I, II, III, IV, V and VI previously].

1. Suburban Kids with Biblical Names - Rent a Wreck
This track came from a recommendation by Jeff CV. My biggest dilemma this month was that none of my favorites worked as a good lead off track. Then this fell into my lap and it worked perfectly. I love the inane "Buh Buh Buh's" and the distracted boredom coming through in the lead vocals.

2. The Long Winters - It's a Departure
Buried pretty deep in the Long Winter's latest record [it's the penultimate track], the guitar riff over the chorus really drives this tune home.

3. Snowglobe - Happy
With horns trumpeting happily, I -for reasons unknown- consider this a parade song. Not quite Junkanoo or Mardi Gras, it still makes me want to march around. The lyrics all sung in chorus don't help.

4. Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
I'm late to the game on Camera Obscura, but nonetheless this is a lovely song.

5. Kevin Devine - Brooklyn Boy
Kevin Devine is perpetually playing shows I'm attend, but with opening slots I've always managed to miss. Here's a superb track off his forthcoming record. The album gets a little too samey after a few listens, but in the very least it's consistent. His voice reminds me a bit of Fountains of Wayne. Good pop from a solo artist I hope to see in the future.

6. William Elliott Whitmore - Take It On The Chin
Banjo! Yay! I really like this guy. At times he ventures too close to Ben Harper Territory, but here he's at his finest. Full of lamentations and wisedom.

7. Cold War Kids - We Used to Vacation
Yes, I know. CWK have been around for a while. But their last tour left such an impression on me that I needed to point them here. Plus, Pitchfork lambasted them stating that "every song sounds like a Jeff Buckley cover band playing a wedding while drunk," as if that were a bad thing.

8. Oxford Collapse - Let's Vanish
Oxford Collapse are about to release a deceptively solid album.. It's not amazing by normal standards, but it's easy to listen without overplaying and that's exactly what I've done. It's in the same subgenre as Birdmonster and Tapes 'n Tapes so those who need innovation need to look elsewhere. But for the rest, give it a chance to sneak into your playlists.

9. Page France - Chariot
Page France and The Chariot are remnants of 2005; since the album is being rereleased in a couple weeks and I'll include it anyway. For those that are repulsed by any reference to religion, you might be scared away. That'd be unfortunate because it's a well-composed album that deserves more attention. The individual elements in the Chariot sound something Sufjan Stevens might attempt. Suffie would butcher it by over-orchestration and damn it with self-indulgently clever lyrics. Page France needs none of that.

10. I'm From Barcelona - Oversleeping
Also nothing dramatically new, but nonetheless undeniably familiar and catchy. Daaaaaaamn.

Mark Your Calendars

Some notable upcoming shows:
The Presets
9/5 Galapagos

The Gaskets
9/8 Mercury Lounge
9/9 Union Hall

Oxford Collapse
9/9 Cake Shop

Sono Oto (rare -ish live show)
9/20

Paris Hilton Prank

Paris Hilton [myspace, for laughs] recently released one of the best albums of the year according to Pitchfork. Culture subvert and UK artist Banksy bought an album, remixed it, and placed 500 copies of his version in 42 stores across the U.K. Watch the Youtube enactment of the deed and pictures of the insert booklet.

You can download the senselessly long 40-minute remix of a track here, but it's not really worth it. Someone should liveblog the listening experience. [via BB]

Love is All About Returning

Yay. One of the best live acts so far this 2006 is returning to the Knitting Factory. And it's a Friday. And it's before CMJ so I know I won't miss it.

Love is All tour dates:

Oct 24 Starlight Ballroom Philadelpia, PA
Oct 25 Black Cat Washington DC, DC
Oct 27 Knitting Factory NYC, NY
Oct 30 Neumo's Seattle, WA
Nov 2 Popscene San Francisco, CA
Nov 3 The Echo Los Angeles, CA

Tix on Sale only for Philly and LA right now.

Labor Dayness

Don't you just want to hug and squeeze and cuddle this website now? I have a new site coming in the next week or two so in the meantime I'm just playing around with the background on this old worn one. Don't expect the new home to be so cuddley.

This weekend ends summer and I'm not ready to "go back to school." Tonight is sadly the last Seaport show and the Spinto Band will being singing the requiem. I'll be there in tears, bidding adieu to yieu and yieu and yieu [that is: Beaches, Revealing Summery Clothes, White Pants].

Which reminds me. Crap! I wanted to wear white pants today. Yet another thing I forgot this morning.

Final Fantasy; Joanna Newsom

I had planned on writing all about Final Fantasy today following Owen's spectacular show last night and then post some famous classical music. No use in posting actual FF songs. I can't stand the recordings. But watching Owen perform is like watching music literature being composed as it's performed. For many it's great to witness; for others, it's annoying to see so many fans fawning over something so noodley.

He's undoubtably divisive. I can sympathize with those that don't care for him; I for one can't listen to 20 seconds of He Poos Clouds before I get distr- oooh look, ball! But seeing the musicianship up close and the various methods he utilizes the achieve the layers of sound, it just enthralls me. It's so far from Indie Rock norm that it really shouldn't be classified as such. It's more like deranged classical music. I've sat through enough diddling concertos, symphonies, and sonatas to bore multiple teenage years, but I've also been transfixed at an equal amount or more. And I'm not talking about John Williams here [link to hilarity on youtube]. I'm talking more like the Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro. It's just brilliant. Not that Final Fantasy is on the same level -I'd never propose that- but closer than say the Shins and their dreadful live show. I'd love to post one of my favorite Beethoven pieces right now, but I forgot the disc at home. Look for it Tuesday. In the meantime, rock out to this:

Le Nozze di Figaro - Overture (mp3) by the Oberlin something.
[Not the most dramatic version, but it's what I could find].

Some Guy [Greg Lowe]'s sweetass electric version of the Overture (mp3) More Greg Lowe here.

Ok. Fine. Here's a Final Fantasy mp3. But it's a Joanna Newsom cover, and it's a segue.

Final Fantasy - Peach Plum Pear (go to So Much Silence for download)

Equally divisive is Joanna Newsom. I haven't made up my mind yet on the new album, but it's not something I could actively listen to. It's something to have on and forget about it until a fleeting moment when the melody clicks. J liveblogged the 16:53 odyssey-track here. He live-emailed me his thoughts the first time he listened to it yesterday. Excerpts from those emails:

J: It bothers me most that there are nice little spots where everything's lovely. But then it goes on and on and on and on and my God, I just punched a hole in my face.
Yeti: Shouldnt you be listening to the new Bob Dylan?
J: I am currently 7 MINUTES AND 11 SECONDS INTO THAT SAME SONG.
Yeti: You need to shuffle the new Rapture the Newsom. They work well together.
Yeti: Done yet?
J: I made it. And all that was waiting for me was ANOTHER one. It's like getting off work and suddenly remembering you have a second job."