08 Half Way Continued, Stuff I forgot

So, I don't know if you read my "top albums of 08 thus far" post, but since then I realized that I forgot some things. I don't really know how these albums would have placed if I would have remembered them, but that's really not important. Just tryin' to get my opinion of them out there, and most importantly, to let you know if you happened to miss them.

The Best of the Stuff I Forgot

Islands - Arm's Way
No idea how I forgot this one. I really enjoyed this album a lot. There aren't many out their who can throw put this much complexity into a simple pop album. Their first release under the Islands name, Islands are Forever, is truly a classic. Hopefully after as much play time as their previous release got on my PC, this one will go down the same path. I really need give this one a few more listens, and to be honest, I am right now.

Man Man - Rabbit Habits
I don't know if you read my review for the show with these guys and Yeasayer, but they were described as "bat-shit crazy", as they should be. These guys are truly unique. Although they may not be all that accessible at first listen, in the end the album is pretty rewarding. They pull influences from literally everywhere, and the result is just wild. The only thing more wild is their live show, in all its face-painted tribal glory.


The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale
You might have checked out the previous post, if so, then you know how fresh these guys are. This release contained a lot of old stuff from their "totally flossed out EP", which was short, but real good. Anyway, check out this album and if you like it, then be sure to grab their new mixtape called 'That's Stupid : The Mixtape", coming out tomorrow. It's being offered for free, probably here, if not, I'll be sure to post a link.



French Kicks - Swimming
These guys give me vibes similar to the Walkmen. This is a pretty sweet album in my opinion, but the stand out track for me was 'So Far We Are'. I originally checked these guys out because they were playing with the Frightened Rabbits at the basement. However, I ended up missing the show, but still became a fan of both bands. So, in conclusion, if you dig the Walkmen, The Strokes, White Rabbits or anybody with that NYC garage revival sound, you'll prolly feel it.


Foals - Antidotes
I think I said this before at some point, but I would describe these guys as a combination of Arctic Monkeys and Minus the Bear. They have that math rock style, with the pop and of course the accent reminiscent of the chaps from Arctic Monkeys. I played quite a bit of the song "Red Socks Pugie" while I was in Columbus on the radio, so check that one out for sure.


Flight of the Conchords - s/t
Had to mention this one. These songs are hilarious, although most of them aren't new. They are the versions that made it onto the HBO show. I tend to be a bigger fan of the stand-up versions, but still these guys are pure genius. New Zealand's fourth most popular folk parody duo, a must listen. Go watch the show too, pretty sure they are signed up for a new season.


The Apples In Stereo - Electronic Projects for Musicians
I heard this one via promo copy sitting around the radio station. There are some previously unreleased tracks on here, but most are rare tracks and b-sides. This is some quality pop music, like most Elephant Six associates. The Apples are truly masters of poppy psychedelic experimentation. If you're a fan, check it out, if you're not, you should be.


Fleet Foxes - s/t
Seattle folk rock. First heard their stuff from their Sun Giant [EP], which was pretty good in itself. This full length continues their Americana style, and they do it well. The critics sure do love this album, as they should, these guys are truly a talented bunch. I'd say check it out if you're into Band of Horses, My Morning Jacket, [insert some random folk influenced band]. Good stuff.

*********************************************

And theres still quite a bit I need to listen to. Some of which include the 999, 999 albums NIN keeps putting out ( ha, get it? ), the new My Morning Jacket, the new White Denim album, and probably a bunch more.

happy lis'nin,
tony

WIT A LITTLE BITA GOLD ANDA PAGAH!!!

It seems like there are so many sweet festivals going on overseas. Like for example, the Hove festival in Norway. I saw a link to this video over at Gorilla vs Bear. Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks of the Cool Kids bringin' a little west coast to the oh so hood Norwegians. Ha, regardless, they seemed to be feelin' it, and the quality is pretty good for youtube.

I love the fact that these guys are bringing back that old school hip hop back into the mainstream that is cluttered with scum like hurricane chris and soulja boy. But I'll let Ice T tell you all about that. Sorry if that's beating a dead horse, cause I think there are already multiple responses back and forth. I bet it's a promotional stunt for both sides, but enjoy the lame drama while it's out there. I wish you well on your youtube journey.

Most importantly, check out the performance below, COOO KIDS!

Uh...Wow

I loved mouse trap as a kid, but I don't think I ever actually played the game. And that is why this amuses me.

I have no other words other than "Holy Shit!".

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

New Season of Always Sunny Round the Corner

Hot Damn I can't wait for the new season. Oh yeah, Happy Birthday to me.

Remember to read yur contracts, ya'll.

VH1 Rock Honors: The Who

Now I don't normally sit down for hours at a time and watch specials on tv, but I found myself doing just that a few days ago. VH1 has been advertising that "VH1 Rock Honors: The Who" for some time now, and I really didn't think much of it. However, I was flipping through the channels and I must have caught the second showing of the documentary. Let me just say, I almost feel like a more complete person after watching it. I mean I've heard a lot of their music and about them through my parents and whatnot, but I guess I never really gave it much attention and really took them for granted. It was neat that the entire documentary was through their perspective rather than some clown just going through their discography. These guys were great, they were pioneers, and I really had no idea. I always assumed Roger Daltrey came up with the lyrics, being the lead vocalist. Being in this naive position, it was news to me that the guitar god that is Pete Townshend was actually this introverted artistic genius. From the pop rock to the rock orchestras, I couldn't change the channel and have been on a listening binge since.

I don't know if there is something I find more entertaining than listening to musicians or people associated with musicians talk about all the 'behind-the-scenes' action they experienced back in the day. I think I mentioned this when I ran into a sound engineer for the Bowery Ballroom in the 70's on my trip to NYC/british sea power show. Anyway, back to the documentary, all the inner turmoil, the pirate radio stations, the smashing of equipment and just letting go and channeling all emotion into their music. That is what it is all about, and this documentary left me with that fist pumping fuzzy feeling inside. There really isn't anything like music. I feel like I'm being incredibly cliche and that I should be adding a "...man" after every sentence, but I don't care.

Happy Listening,
tony

More Wars in the Stars?

Woo, I don't know whether you've gone to the movies lately, or are just a die-hard Star Wars fanatic, but, as you may know, there is an animated star wars movie coming out. It focuses on the clone wars and the animation actually looks kinda neat. Maybe Lucas Films finally did something right, as they have been batting like the Cleveland Indians as of late. More important than anything, this gives me another Star Wars premier to wear my ever so beloved Ewok costume. The thought of this gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Anywho, check out the trailer.

Just A Rant, Move Along.

**disclaimer: Before going any further, I would like to say that I have been reading an awful lot of hipsterrunoff.com. I realize clothing has little to do with the music.

Hey there, honestly, I was about to go to bed until I saw this advertisement that inspired somewhat of a half ass 1:30 AM rant. At first glance, I found this ad very clever. Then I got to thinking, this is actually an incredibly true statement with today's "indie" culture, which makes sense, as I saw it on Pitchfork. Sometimes people, and I'm sure I could be accused, try so bad to be "hip", that they end up wanting to keep all the hip-ness to themselves. This sales pitch is right on, as soon as something begins to get some publicity or hype, all of a sudden it is abandoned. A perfect example of this in the "indie" scene is the ever-so-hyped Vampire Weekend album. Those guys got so much hype in a small amount of time, and all of a sudden some blogs and forum-goers begin to bash them. Now I realize that not everyone is going to like them, and that some people would have bashed them regardless. But, my point is, it seems they lost some 'street cred', if you will, due to their popularity. Ha, I also realize that street cred is a terrible phrase when discussing Vampire Weekend. I guess this is just the way trends go, people like, people lose sense of uniqueness, people move on.

This leads me to another topic, "indie" or "alternative" clothing styles. Now I'm not all that trendy apparently, but it seems I like the music a lot of hipsters dig. I realized this at the !!! concert (which you should have went to regardless). Now there are other variables, such as the !!! concert took place at a clothing store, which probably means half the concert goers were hardcore shoppers. But, I need to get a few things off my chest. Honestly, when did mullets become cool? I saw 2-3 dudes with mullets at that concert, didn't the human race learn their lesson already? I mean, I'm not all that into fashion, I catch some TLC here and there, but apparently plain solid colors are totally in. And if I am being completely ignorant, then I apologize. I guess I just don't dig the style that goes with todays 'trendy' culture. I wanna teleport back to the 90's when lofi-rock was in full gear, and for some odd reason 'normal people clothes' were associated. Chillin' in the suburbs, listening to some Pavement on mah skateboard, reppin my favorite sports team and a pair of wranglers.

In conclusion, I checked out their site and their shoes are kinda cool, although expensive. I'm glad I could give them some free promotion. By the way, I love the new Vampire Weekend album.

Top 10 Albums of 2008 - Thus Far

Well it is pretty much half way through the year and all the bloggers seem to be posting their "Best Of Thus Far" lists, and I don't see why I shouldn't hop on the ole bandwagon. So far 2008 has been pretty friendly to me in the realm of music. I've seen some exciting live shows and have experienced some pretty darn good albums. Today I'm going to focus on the albums, perhaps I'll touch upon the live shows later on in the year.

Tony's Top 10 Albums of 2008 Thus Far

10) Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing

Going into this album, I knew nothing of the artist, except that they were touring with Caribou (didn't make it to show anyway). I also have never really been into really noisy electronica that seems to be pretty non-objective. However, although I haven't experimented much from the album, I did really enjoy it. Oddly enough, I found it very relaxing when trying to focus. Perhaps the complexity of the sound countered the complexity of whatever I was doing. This is definitely a challenging listen if it isn't your style, but a rewarding one at that. Don't play it at a party unless you are into hardcore drugs or something, headphone material in my opinion.

9) The Roots - Rising Down

I have always admired these guys, and really appreciate them giving the hip hop scene some much needed credibility. Although this is the first of their catalog that I have listened to in the correct sequential order, it inspired me to grab their catalog, and I really dig all of it. This band is truly a class act, so much talent, and they always seem to feature the coolest artist or sample the sickest beat. The album is a great listen, some excellent headphone hip hop.

8) Wolf Parade - At Mt. Zoomer

Gotta give Krug and company a pat on the back for this one. I don't think they topped their previous excellent release Apologies to the Queen Mary, but they honestly didn't need to. Really glad they avoided the dreaded sophomore slump. Although this album lost a bit of bounce from their previous album, it still sounds excellent. To me, it seems like Krug got a bit more control, as it gives me some of the same vibes as a Sunset Rubdown record might. But I love that band, so it's all good. So, I'll recommend this one to all those Sunset Rubdown/Spencer Krug fans out there. And hate to say it, but if you ONLY liked wolf parade and none of the other reincarnations, you might be out of luck.

7) The Black Keys - Attack and Release

"Akron's Own", heh, you might have noticed that I play quite a bit from these guys. Ever since I saw them live, I've been somewhat of a super fan. This album is no exception. Although it may not be as raw and in-your-face as previous releases, it still has that bluesy soul that I can't get enough of. This could be due to the fact that it was produced by Danger Mouse. But, either way, I dig it. Although a bit different, it offers an enjoyable break between Rubber Factory on repeat. Oh yeah, check earlier posts, these guys are playing EVERYWHERE, go see them.

6) Animal Collective - Water Curses EP


I am really feeling the new direction Animal Collective is taking. This EP really pumps me up for the eventual full length. At only four songs, I'm still pretty sure it deserves this spot. I really love how this band continues to reinvent and completely step aside from the current music scene and consistently create unique jams. Check out some of their performances on youtube during this summers festival circuit. Can't wait to hear more.

5) British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?

Yes. Yes I do. This is truly and epic album, only put to test by their even more epic live performance. I saw these guys at the Basement in Columbus, and at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. I was completely blown away by both performances. Before seeing them live, I couldn't really get into the album all that much. However, afterwards, well, I have it at number five thus far. Be sure to check earlier posts for pictures and whatnot from the above mentioned shows. Oh and listen to this album loud, you'll thank me.

4) Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight

This one took me a few listens, but paid off tremendously. I'm sure this band gets a crapload of comparisons to their scottish brohams, The Twilight Sad, and I can understand how. But, this album, in my opinion, puts the two bands on two different levels of play. After paying attention to the lyrics on probably the third or fourth listen, they are actually pretty funny. Sounds like the guy has had some recent problems with the ladies, or men...no clue how these rabbits swing. So if you are feeling down or angry, this album will probably cheer you up a bit, and rock your face a bit too. As long as you don't mind a fairly strong accent.

3) The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

I actually came across this album through a recommendation from a friend. Somehow these guys have slipped under my radar completely. I would explain their sound as a fusion between Modest Mouse and Band Of Horses...both bands I enjoy tremendously. I can really get into every song on this album, and like I said, if you like either of the previously mentioned comparisons, I'm sure you will love these guys. On this album alone, they have made a dent in my last.fm charts. Now all I have to do is find the rest of their discography :)

2) Vampire Weekend - s/t

This is possibly the most upbeat and catchy album I've heard in some time. It just makes me generally feel good. So good that I can look past all the silly hype and just enjoy them for what they are. Unfortunately, I missed them when they rolled into Columbus. I totally underestimated the hype, as they sold out the Wex at least a week before the show. Really excited to see what these guys do next, extremely talented group. Great album for some summer relaxin and whatnot.

1) Evangelicals - The Evening Descends

Wow, I just love this album, I don't know what else to say. I love all the influences I hear when listening to it. They range from the psychedelic sounds of pink floyd to the power pop of elephant six associated groups. And at the same time, I feel as though they are just doing their own thing and having a ton of fun while doing it. Give this one a once over and I hope you fall in love with it as I did.


Your thoughts?

Keep it fresh, ya'll

Strawberry Fields Forever?

So today, oh boy, I had a very interesting experience. I have been having trouble finding a summer job because OSU finishes Spring quarter so late, all the damn seniors beat me to the punch. So, after BSing all the way home from Cbus after the !!! show, my buddy jokingly mentioned picking strawberries for money at some farm in BFE. For some reason I thought this sounded like the funniest thing ever. So after laughing at how pathetic it was, we agreed to do it for humors sake. So, I got up at 5am and headed over to the strawberry patch for some sweet, sweet pickin'.

I learned a couple things
1) The Beatles would be very foolish to wish upon anyone "Strawberry Fields Forever".
2) Everyone should take a crash course in empathy before discussing illegal immigrants.
3) Every hick stereotype is true.
4) "If yucan pick 5 bushels in 3 hours, yr a purdy goot picker, yuns could make alotta berries"
5) "If yuns mash a berry, that's one less berry yuns can pick"

I would prefer not to work on Maggies Farm No 'Mo!





check out the white rabbits version too, they rock quite a fair amount.

Chk! Chk! Chk! - OHIO.FM

Welp, to be blunt, last night was the shit. How often does a sweet band come in and put on free show for you? If you answered often, I want to be your friend... Anyway, the show, and everything having to do with the show, blew my expectations.

I arrived around seven or so, only to see a line edging closer and closer to the Flying Pizza. Once I received my VIP pass (*pauses for laughter*), I headed in to the store. I had never been in the store, not really my cup of tea, but it was pretty cool inside, so trendy I felt dirty(alt-bro-tastic if you will). Anyway, the show took place on the second floor with all the merch pushed to the side. Overall the sound quality was "ok", but then again, that's amazing when considering the building is a clothing store. Although, after ninja-ing a spot in front via clothing rack, it sounded loads better, with just the amps and monitors. The set was pretty rockin', although very brief. Some songs I remember are Heart of Hearts, All My Heroes are Wierdos, and Must be the Moon. I was really hoping they would play The Step, which happens to be my favorite from their catalog. Regardless, my face was rocked. Anyway, here are some pics of last night, and a little video clip to give you a taste of the atmosphere.


Had to take down pics 'n stuff do to legal reasons, people is hard at work to bring em back, yo

A Chuckle For You

Another gem from one of my favorite comic sites,graphjam.com, be sure to check out their stuff.

Woah, I'm Excited!

Earlier this morning I was just making my rounds through the interweb, and I eventually came across Pitchfork, only to see an add for Saturday's show. I got excited and turned it into a concert poster. Well, a poster version of the ad.

Pitchfork Interviews The Black Keys

This is probably one of the best band interviews I've seen. That poor woman from Pitchfork has no chance making a successful report, as the guys just goof around. It's pretty hilarious watching the woman try and get them back on subject, not to mention the content itself is great.

Also, the Black Keys are showing Ohio some major love this summer:
-Toledo, OH 8-2-08
-Pittsburgh, PA 8-8-08 (new american union fest)
-Cincinnati, OH 10-9-08
-Columbus!, OH 10-10-08
-AKRON!, OH 10-11-08

NEWSFLASH! Smoking Is Cool Again!

I was unpacking some of my stuff and I ran across this lighter. I don't even smoke and I have found 2-3, probably a late night UDF purchase. Quality isn't amazing, but it pretty much proves smoking is cool again. What do you have to say about that S.T.A.N.D? Honestly though, that is the some of the most obvious marketing I've ever seen. It is almost embarrassingly obvious. I wonder how many loner/social rejects have come across this brand of lighter and gave it a shot.

/lights up

heh

Songs in my head today:

I had two things stuck in my head today at different times. The first is "My Body is a Cage" by Arcade Fire. I assume it was there because it's so damn good, and in honor of that I've found this neat little video featuring that very song set over scenes from an old western move, "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Sergio Leone. Here it is:



The other thing I had in my head was "Day Man," a 30 second song created by "Charlie" in an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Not as serious as the first, but you better believe it's just as awesome ("master of karate, and friendship, for everyone!") I promise you'll be humming it :D



-R.D.

Kangaroos Are Wierd-Looking, And Apparently Relaxed

Have you ever driven down the street to stop at your local bike store only to be starred at by some wanna-be GaNgStER with a "hard" attitude? During this interesting confrontation, I was listening to an Outback Steakhouse ad being played on the glorious "Magic 105.7". Now I knew going into it that it was the Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal) jingle that for some reason exists. However, this time it was different. It was a Father's Day version... Now I love Of Montreal's power pop hooks and indie jams as much as the next guy, but damn. I hope to god he got paid a fair amount of coin for that tomfoolery. Ok, so this obviously got my musical juices flowing, and also caused me to kinda zone out and accidentally return a blank stare that he seemed to misinterpret for a "hard" gangS-T-A-R stare back. I wonder if he wanted to fight me for looking at him. That is pretty impressive, made me wonder what he was listening to. I want to get a hold of whatever it was, because it must be some damn intense stuff if that was his reaction. Then, in a sudden moment enlightenment, I realized he could be listening to Kevin Barnes on that lame ass Father's Day ad. This sensation quickly declined as I passed him in my car only to realize the bike shop had been closed for two hours.

No Rules, Just Right

I went to Ruby Tuesday's later on that night...gg Kevin Barnes, heh.

Not Just Another Nude Remix...oh wait...

So if you have been paying attention to anything besides MTV, you probably know about Radiohead releasing "Nude" to the public for remixization err something. I've listened to a few versions, and they come in a wide variety, from Holy Fuck's rather professional sounding to The Hipster Runoff's counter trendy mockery. But, after cruisin' through the blogosphere, this guy just brought the game to a whole different level, using archaic electronics.



Big Ideas (Don't get any) from 1030 on Vimeo.

Listening to "A Night at the Opera", Thinking About Mercury (uh oh)

I think Freddy Mercury was so popular with the ladies (and men, as it were) because he had the gift of SASS. While at mention of that word you probably were haunted with visions of Rosie Perez (and I sincerely apologize), that isn't at all what I mean. Freddie had ATTITUDE, and his singing was bold and ballsy. This comes from someone who has never seen a video of the man singing--and I don't need to. I can hear his intensity and his passion. But, you say, many singers are passionate and many sing very beautifully! True, says I, but singers today often lack a something, an invisible presence, and that is where I think this "sass" word comes in. When I hear Mercury singing I envision him getting all up in someone's biddness, snapping his fingers in their face and cracking a roguish grin. Weird vison? Yes...perhaps I can phrase it in a less repressed-emotion sort of way: If Freddie Mercury were on American Idol he would silence Simon, make that drunk woman fall off her chair, and make the stereotypically black man say something along the lines of, "dogggg you a bomb-diggit madman." (No offense intended). Modern rock doesn't exist without Queen, and Queen wouldn't be Queen without that not-like-a-barrio-girl-sassy-but-sassy-nonetheless lead singer, Freddy Mercury.

-R.D.

NEWS!: THE MARS VOLTA RE-SCHEDULE!

Ok, here's the situation, I stayed up way to late last night and woke up at like 12 to a phone call from an unknown number. To my surprise it was a recording, a recording that I would later discover had knowledge of the news I had been waiting for. The woman/machine voice told me that The Mars Volta Show on April 18th at the Newport has been rescheduled at a different time and venue. The show will now be held at the Lifestyles Community Pavilion on Sept. 12th! About time we hear something about these guys. Although, I did read somewhere on the Comatorium that someone talked to Omar at the Cleveland show. The guy said he seemed really down and disappointed about the whole situation. At first I didn't really believe it, but the wonderful ticketmaster machine lady told me that people with Newport tickets would be let in early, also there will be a separate line. So, apparently the band cares after all, and I can put my poster back up.

-tony

Random: Yeasayer featured on Pitchfork's "Don't Look Down"

So, I don't know if you've heard of pitchfork.tv... Ha, if you haven't you are probably living under a rock. Anyway, one of the coolest shows they have goin' is definitely Don't Look Down, where bands perform on some rooftop. They have had some pretty sweet artists in the past such as the Thermals, but this week is Yeasayer. They perform a five song set in the frigid weather, and it's pretty rad. Sorry if this is kinda redundant, I've posted quite a few live videos by theses guys, can't get enough.

Here's a vid for 'Sunrise', which sadly tops my video taken during the show a few weeks back. Make sure to check out the rest of the set over at pitchfork.tv