Nevermind What Anybody Else Does

Based on the single "Ambling Alp," I am super excited for Yeasayer's new album.

The nudity and yellow goo laden video:



SO WEIRD! I LOVE IT!

NEW TED!

And a release date! And a name! The Brutalist Bricks is out on Matador on March 9th. BUT you can download the lead single, 'Even Heroes Have To Die,' over at Pitchfork.

Now, I've heard this one live a few times now, and the studio version is exactly what I'd hope for. Plenty of energy, not over-produced, and a little drawn-out echoplex at the end. Oh Ted. LOVE.

Those Oh-oh-oh's are catchy, right? I am SO mad at myself for not getting tickets in time for his Bowery Ballroom show this weekend. Maybe I'll just show up and try to get in, it's worked before!

Only about 3 months to go for the album....

Don't Fight It

You won't win.



I take back every bad comment I've made about Lady Gaga. You win Gaga. You've made the hottest, most bat-shit crazy video I've ever seen. You are my idol now.

Contemplating the Future of Music

A really great discussion about the future of the music industry, passed on to me, that i am passing on to you. sure, it's a little long, but very engrossing:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monitormix/2009/11/to_pay_or_not_to_pay_q_a_with.html

I'm glad I didn't get a job at a label, that's for sure. But it's true, the system's broken. BUT that doesn't mean there's no future. The live experience will always be something people will want (and pay for). And even if music-as-commodity comes to an end, and streaming music will replace it, vinyl has proved it has staying power.

Also, I really connected to part about loyal fans paying for anything an artist does. Lord knows, I may not have bought Ted Leo's albums, but I've paid for 15 shows, and own two of his t-shirts and a hoodie. Plus I bought his last album cause it came with a bonus EP. I'm a sucker for that shit! But only if it comes from him. AND I only got into him cause I didn't pay for his music in the first place. I don't see an ethical dilemma here. I feel like the actually music is just a marketing tool to get people hooked on a brand (the artist) for life.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the matter.

Hurry Boy, It's Waiting There For You

Because I've been watching a lot of Chuck recently, I have THIS SONG stuck in my head. Thanks Chuck.



Jeff and Lester are such a lovable odd couple. AND I LOVE Adam Baldwin's face at 1:33. PRICELESS!


There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever doooooo......


Oh, who I am I kidding? Everyone knows I can't resist terribly cheesy 80's Pop. So seriously, thank you Chuck.

It's Just Something in the Water Here

My new favorite band, Awesome New Republic, has an awesome new video out!

The official "Alleycat" video comes about a week after the release of their awesome new LP Hearts. (sidetrack: you can add "awesome new" to just about anything and it'll be funny. After seeing ANR live for the second time, very late at night and slightly intoxicated, I put this theory to the test and IT WORKED. It was awesome new funny.)

You may remember, I posted a live-in-studio video of this song a few weeks back, but this is a more colorful, if even more home-video-looking, version of the song (and I don't mean that in a bad way, I actually find it quite endearing).



I think this is probably the most bouncing and infectious break-up song I've ever heard. Oh, FYI, those are projections of jellyfish. How cool, right?! And isn't that drummer a looker? Trust me, he's even cuter in person.

There is nothing I don't like about this band. Except track 8 on the album. SKIP.

Speaking of Weezer...

Nothing warms my heart quite like watching someone mock Coldplay. And so Rivers Cuomo again has earned my good graces by ironically covering "Viva la Vida," complete with tracksuit, bells, and a cheat sheet with the lyrics. But, as Stereogum put it, he "clearly has Chris Martin's dramatic arm movements memorized."

Enjoy!

Oh Weezer, What Will You Think Of Next?

Weezer. More like Super Hot and the Geeks, amiright? I'll take the next foot massage, Brian.

Gotta admit, the new tune is kinda catchy, and with a 50's themed video to boot! I mean, I can accept they've peaked, but i don't begrudge them making new music. Or fun, fake infomercials.

11.02.2006

Let's have a flashback moment, shall we? all the way back..... to 2006.

On this day 3 years ago, me and my then-roommate, Angela, went to go see The Wrens and The Walkmen play a show at our then-school. I went cause I was getting really into music and heard that these bands were good, she went because we'd seen a guy dressed in a waffle costume handing out fliers the day before. Good reasons both, as far as I'm concerned.

We were in the front row for an electrifying (if crazed) performance by The Wrens.

As you can see, the frontman played a sawed-off bass and wore a parka. Then he started pulling kids onto the stage.
It turned into a amp-climbing, mic-screaming dance party (though nowhere near as epic as the one Broken Social Scene achieved in the same venue two years later).

We moved away from the craziness for The Walkmen, who were unfortunately less memorable. Though I remember the lead-singer being extremely adorable and tall and there being a crazy-looking, stripped-down piano.

As far as the music goes, I didn't really keep listening to either, but a track or two will make it onto the odd playlist. "Louisiana" and "The Rat," though very different, were Walkmen standouts in my mind. I heard their new album was great, but never got around to listening to it. Wrens standouts were easily "Everyone Choose Sides" and the demo of "Miss Me" which unfortunately became the less-good "Boys You Won't" on the album The Meadowlands.

So in honor of nostalgia, and the day before I met some of my best friends, here's the awesome Battleship themed video for "Everyone Choose Sides":



Be careful with those torpedoes! It's not just a game! It's real, old man!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween morning with my roommate some pumpkin donuts and this movie. perfection.



Needless to say, this song will be stuck in my head the rest of the day.

Dan Smith Isn't the Only One Who Will Teach You Guitar.

Vampire Weekend, The National, and Sara (of her and Tegan) can too! That is, if you're only interested in playing one of their songs. I don't know about you, but I've waited FOREVER for the mysteries of "A-Punk" to be revealed. But seriously, snark aside, this is a pretty fun series that Qtv has created here.

Now, prepare yourself to be schooled by Ezra Koenig:



Isn't that last part - about messing up even when he wrote the part - adorable? It helps that everything he does is intrinsically adorable. Can I have him?

ANYWAY, after annoying my roommate for 20 minutes or so last night, I think I can tell you it's a tiny bit trickier than it looks. Guess I need to watch the video again....

Who Else Is Excited...

... to see Pirate Radio?



Great cast. Great music. I'm pumped.

This Is Your Song...

I remember this one episode of Gilmore Girls (bear with me) where Lane's boyfriend was naming every song their band wrote after a girl's name. He explained that songs named after girls got better radio play (or something, i don't really remember), like Roxanne, Leila, etc. Anyway, it's true that a lot of bands have songs that are girls names. And at some point every girl will probably have a song with their name in the title (or in the song).

Unfortunately, this is mine.....



Who would have guessed? And now I know that Madelyn rhymes with again. Thanks Hanson!

Let me just say, that if my 11 year old self knew about this, she should have been really mad. She hated Hanson. A lot. At this point, I guess it's not so bad. It's a little cute.

AT LEAST I still have "Apology Song."

Some moments from Glee

I LOVE when Glee prominently features the sexy mohawked boy.

also, this song makes me think of the Red Sox.

"Sweet Caroline" from last night's Glee (starts at :27):



I mentioned this on twitter, but the lack of eyebrows on the lead guy (sitting in the back in this video) freaks me out sometimes.

And this has got to be my favorite musical number they've done yet (context: they're all high on uppers):



Oh how i love a good (and unexpected!) mash-up. And a break-dancing asian. You guys are watching this show, right?

a random note.

Thanks to google analytics, I can know how most people find my blog. And I think it's funny that someone found it by googling "dinosaures kids brooklyn" (their misspell, not mine).

I think it's even funnier that someone found this blog by googling "ezra dinosaur laser."


COMING UP ON Dino in Brklyn: My thoughts on...
Muse's The Resistance
I'm Not There
Karen O and Where the Wild Things Are
The Awesome New Republic show I'm attending on Tuesday
and
My brief encounter with John Mayer

see you soon....

A-Ha Update

Sad news 80's fans. After 25 years, A-Ha are breaking up. You may think to yourself, 'I didn't know they were still together.' And neither did I. BUT they were, and now they're not anymore. That is, until the end of their 2010 Farewell Tour. So, not broken up, but planning to breakup. It's like it's the summer after high school graduation and A-Ha are that couple that's going to colleges on different coasts; together for now, definitely over by Christmas.

But who knows? Didn't The Who have like 6 Farewell Tours? There's still hope!


Here's "Take on Me" Live (definitely post-80's):



Making that face is totally necessary to hit those high notes. Also, I think full band in leather pants is a good policy. I'm not so sure about Ms. Backupsinger's full-length vinyl dress, however.

My Vinyl Weekend

What a successful weekend it was! If one measures the success of a weekend by how many awesome records one buys. And everyone does, so, again, what a successful weekend it was!

What with finances being tight, I haven't wiled away as many hours searching for records as I might like these days. But on Saturday, my roommate and I took a walk down to Bedford Avenue and the first stop was naturally Academy Records. I love this place. It's 95% vinyl and 100% awesome. They even have an adorable cat!

Anyway, I wasn't planning to buy. That is, of course, unless I found Combat Rock, the only Clash LP I didn't yet have (Cut the Crap doesn't count as a real Clash LP). And I did find it. Along with the single for Rock the Casbah. And then I found Thriller, and I HAD to get that too! (I also found a HILARIOUS record that I can't post about just yet, but I will soon, promise). My roommate came away with a $4 big band-y Frank Sinatra record.

Monday, finding ourselves with another day off, my roommate and I headed down the block to The Vortex, a great junk/thrift store across from the Montrose L station (after egg sandwiches at our favorite cafe, natch). I was actually looking for a nightstand, but we ended up looking through the vinyl crates anyway. I was pumped to come across Black Market Clash, a B-sides and rarities LP. And I was THRILLED when I found Hunting High and Low, by A-Ha featuring, you guessed it, "Take on Me." AND THUS RETURNS THE DINOSAUR IN BROOKLYN TAKE ON ME PROMISE. Missed it, didn't you? To finish off the story of my great vinyl weekend, my roommate found a copy of Boston's self-titled (with "More Than a Feeling") that I informed her if she didn't buy, I would. And she did.

Ch-ch-ch-check it OUT:


Why yes, I did buy Rock the Casbah almost exclusively for that amazing cover.

Anyway, I spent way too much much money, but dancing with my roommate to "Take on Me" or sitting here now listening to "Straight to Hell," I am way too much happy. So it's worth it.

On a related note, Insound is having another Wharehouse sale coming up on October 23-24, in case you also want to stock up on some vinyl (or CD's or free beer). Here's the flier with details.

Wow, That T-Shirt Makes You Look So Effortlessly Cool.

I just found the coolest site.

Worn Free is a T-shirt company that reproduces shirts worn by rock stars. And we're talking Keith Moon, Joey Ramone, Debbie Harry type rock stars. The effortlessly cool ones. The ones you might actually want to dress like.

Each page has a photo of the musician with the shirt on, and the time and place they wore it. There are some obvious artists on this list (John Lennon, Kurt Cobain) but there are some surprises too. Like Iggy Pop. He didn't wear shirts often, and they have 4 different times that he did! wow! Also, Mohammad Ali makes the list. It's a little bit of a stretch, but I suppose we can consider him a metaphorical rock star.

I like Debbie Harry's "Camp Funtime" shirt:












Fun, right? Check out Keith Moon:














Jesus saves, indeed.

My favorite inclusion is Joe Strummer, obvs. Though the selection of t-shirts they chose to reproduce is underwhelming. Especially considering the Clash made so many interesting ones themselves. Reproducing a hand-made "Complete Control" T-shirt would be much more interesting. But I'll take what I can get.

What a great store idea. And Good News! Now through the 18th, all women's T-shirts on Worn Free are $25 (half-off). SWEET! Halloween, maybe? (or, i do have a birthday coming up...)

How could Rock Band be improved?

LEGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS!



IGGY! AS A LEGO! plus, this song is great.

They've got Bowie too!




Oh man, i can't wait! Apparently this isn't news, and trailers have been around for months, BUT this Bowie teaser was just released a few days ago.

Honestly, I thought this whole genre was heading toward the uncanny valley (did you see the Guitar Hero Kurt Cobain? creepy), but this is the BEST POSSIBLE solution to that problem. May the group playing of fake instruments never die. Amen.

The Band That Brought Me Back to Blogging

I have a new favorite band. And I just had to tell you about it. Their name? Awesome New Republic.


[in the interest of full disclosure, before I begin, I should first say that the PR firm I'm interning for represents this band. Also, I know my supervisor has a google alert on the phrase 'Awesome New Republic' (Hi Andy!). But rest assured, I'm writing about them from a place of pure, unadulterated love, and nothing else. MOVING ON!]


So it's been awhile since I wrote about anything. And it's been a combination of a truly soul-crushing job search and a post-job search i'm-working-two-jobs-and-the-band-has-started-up-again schedule. But it's also been because, as I tweeted to a friend a few weeks ago, I haven't found anything that really excited me in awhile. Since my Clash phase was plateauing to an appropriate (and not crazed) level of appreciation, and I can't expect a new Pharmacists album till the Spring, I was stuck in a playlist of a few exciting tracks that quickly wore themselves out.

Enter Awesome New Republic.

The Miami duo are not only masters of the dance-floor beat but true musicians who experiment with laptops and synthetic sounds as well as interesting instruments and various styles. And they are able to do this without having strained vocals or an at times alienating weirdness (I'm looking at you MGMT!), or without having substance-less lyrics or a too serious attitude.

Their style seems to be in interesting juxstapositions. Take the introduction of their EP Rational Geographic, Vol. I, "National Insecurity/Rotary Clone." The first track is a brief ragtimey piano tune that abruptly transitions synth-driven, dance-floor burning track, complete with a spoken, auto-tuned shout of their own name, "A. N. R."And it works. OR take the very next track, "Birthday," a standard dance tune about falling in lust in a club. But it's sung entirely from the girl's perspective (sexy falsetto included). I mean, they describe themselves as Punk/Soul/R&B, things that you would never think would go together, but magically, in them, do.

Should I take a moment to mention that I'm completely in love with Michael John Hancock's voice? I want to take it out behind the middle school and get it pregnant, so to speak.

So, being familiar with their three most recent recordings, Rational Geographic, Vol. I & II, and the soon-to-be-released full-length Hearts, it's REALLY HARD to pick my favorite tracks. But here we go:

"Digital World"
(appears on both Rational Geographic, Vol. I and Hearts)



Slow-building, thought-provoking, and stick-in-your-head-worthy. Great example of what they do, and an obvious stand-out among their tracks.

"Dances When"
(but ONLY the version on RG, I NOT the version they re-recorded for Hearts (bad decision, boys...))

I can't understand a word, but damn if I don't sing along.

"Alleycat"
(lead single off Hearts)



Upbeat song about a hot-and-cold relationship is extremely infectious.

"Wheels No Engine"
(Hearts)
I love how they sing about riding their bikes (see also: "Magic City" on RG I). It's adorable. Plus this song is gorgeous (though it did have to grow on me a little). The breakdown toward the end gets me every time. I won't post it, cause the album hasn't come out yet, but when it does...

"Florida"
(and pretty much the entire rest of Rational Geographic, Vol. II)

Epic. and awesome. The entire EP is so cohesive. Thematically and musically. I love it.




So there you have it. My new faves. What I've been listening to non-stop. A few weeks ago, RG I & II were available for free from their website, www.anrmiami.com, but I don't see that they are anymore, which is sad for everyone.


so.... WHO'S COMING WITH WITH ME TO SEE THEM DURING CMJ???

Winter's cold's too much to handle, indeed.

Has everyone heard the new Vampire Weekend?



Balaclava's a funny word. and they do indeed make you look psychotic.

"Horchata" is exactly what one might expect (read: want) from Vampire Weekend. After a few listens, here's thinking good thoughts for Contra.



via Paste.

Who is Julian Plenti?

When a front man goes solo, it's no surprise when he sounds just like the band he fronts.

But luckily for Paul Banks, he fronts a really good band. All together, sounding like Interpol isn't a bad thing.

So with Paul's alter ego Julian Plenti, and the album, Julian Plenti is... Skyscraper, we get the same affected vocals, the same opaque and sexual lyrics, the same driving rhythm section. The lead single "Games for Days" is dark, but with a straight-forward pop/rock construction and a shout-along chorus. This track definitely feels less sharp-dressed and drilled than Interpol. I mean, I can imagine actually dancing to it (which is saying something!). It sounds like what Our Love to Admire was trying to be. "Fun that We Have" sounds like it could be straight off Antics, but with some electronic flair. It's repetitive and building in a good way.

I am... fan. I think. I should really hear the rest of the album before I judge.

Check out the hot video for "Games for Days."



I love his hats. And his general high level of attractiveness. You may also recognize Metric's Emily Haines as the leading lady? No? It's ok, neither did I.


You can snag the Mp3 of "Games for Days" over at Stereogum.

I clearly watch too much TV...

... cause that's where I've been getting all my new music recently.

You've doubtless seen this fabulous Bacardi mojito ad:



He's walking through every era's parties! How cool! But what caught my attention even more was the rocking piano jam that every era is dancing too.

Turns out it's Matt and Kim's "Daylight," and it's my new favorite song. It's the only song of theirs I know so far, but it has encouraged me to want to explore their work. And let me tell you, I could listen to this song over and over. It's like happiness with a great beat and killer riff. Pop perfection.

Here's the video for the tune in its entirety. It's very "this is our lives as a cute couple! we play music i weird places! we smile a lot!", which is a bit obnoxious, but the song itself saves it from being too sugar-sweet.




side note: I was at Insound's warehouse sale last thursday and after picking a sweet copy of The Clash Live at Shea Stadium on vinyl, i checked out the free-with-purchase bin. Not only did I find a poster of a robot walking through the country shooting laser beams out of its eyes, but there was a 7" single of this very song! sweet!

Damn you, Monk!

USA Network has done it again. Their incessant advertising for the last season of Monk hasn't made me any more interested in the show, but it has interested me in the Keane song they've used in the ads. "Time to Go" is a B-side on "The Lovers Are Losing" single, and on the Deluxe edition of Spiralling only on iTunes. And for the life of me, I can't find an mp3 to download anywhere on the interwebs.

Enter youtube:




Unlike most of their new album, this one is simple and deconstructed. Piano, acoustic guitar, and Tom Chaplin's pure vocals. And I think it's that simplicity that makes it so lovely and memorable. Like a less-rocking, but less sentimental, "Closing Time," that'll get stuck in your head just as easily.

Now if only Monk would stop using it, so I could enjoy it in peace.

Some Musics of My Summer (so far)

I find that my summers are often defined by my tunes. Last summer, for me, was all Voxtrot and Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin. I haven't found that one defining sound yet, but there are some tunes that I'm enjoying.

1. Crocodiles
Their trendy sound is at times a little too much, but I really like a couple tracks."I Wanna Kill" constantly gets stuck in my head, and is much more pleasant and summery-light than the title suggests. "Neon Jesus" is another gem, and the video is kinda sick!



You can have your Passion Pit, I'll take Crocodiles.

2. "Two Weeks"
Grizzly Bear is everywhere these days, what with the new album. And honestly, I'm not that into them, even after seeing them. Granted, their entire performance was wiped from my memory by be so thoroughly rocked by The National. So maybe it's not fair to judge yet.

Two Weeks


But I am definitely a fan of this track (even if the vid is less than inspiring until the 3:00 mark). I think it's the chunky piano and the smooth harmonies. It makes me want to be on a roof drinking wine and watching the sun set over Manhattan.

You can find an mp3 of this track almost anywhere. if you can't, you're not trying.

3. Discovery
... is bound to be the trendy thing this summer. I mean, memebers of Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot teaming up? Hipsters everywhere are wetting themselves. Most of it is ignorable. HOWEVER, "Carby (feat. Ezra Koenig)" is immensely fun and engaging (and I promise that's not just cause I'm in everlasting love with Ezra Koenig).



LOVE IT. I'm also going to highly recommend "Swing Tree" (it's SOOO summer) and "I Want You Back," yes, the Jackson 5 "I Want You Back," but a very unique take.

4. "I Fought the Law"
Classic.





Unfortunately, being so busy has inhibited my discovering new music, but I'll share as I find it....

PEACEEEEE.

The Decemberists cover Heart and it's SICK

"Crazy on You" is one of my favorite Guitar Hero 2 jams, and the Decemberists rock so hard on it, thanks in no small part to vocal powers Shara Worden and Becky Stark (but mainly Shara Worden). This was live in St. Louis, and pretty great for a fan vid. CHECK IT!



Absolutely killer.

Side note: when I say Shara with My Brightest Diamond, I was less than impressed, but her work with the Decemberists has been stellar! Maybe it all happened when she cut her hair.


(via Stereogum)

getting my life together

I'll be back on track soon, I promise.

Things to look forward to? A few interesting things I came across while looking for an mp3 of "Single Ladies," an interesting Harry Potter find (relevant, I promise!), and probably more Clash (I did just watch Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten and am in the middle of reading A Riot of Our Own: Night and Day with The Clash, so, you know)

For your enjoyment, a framed poster of Asia!

It was the heeeeeeeeeeat of the moment...

new favorite song

i wish i could have seen them live....

oh, brandon flowers...

I can't decide if this is horrible or amazing. both? My favorite part is their trying to sing without knowing any of the words. And the end note OF COURSE.

Law & Order: Hipster Intent

How do you know a trend is played? It's featured on Law & Order.

Turns out Jeff "The Genius" Goldblum's first episode as a CI regular is about the death of a Williamsburg hipster. Seriously. They actually use the word hipster in the episode description (titled "Rock Star," by the way).

Things I learned about my neighbors and neighborhood by watching Law & Order: CI (in real time):

• Hipsters are rich, white, and racist
• They live in loft communes
• Williamsburg is where "worlds collide," what with all the Jews and "Urban Blacks" and Musicians
• Williamsburg is a slum
• The difference between Rappers and MCs (see below!)
• Every hipster is in a band
• and has bedbugs
• and go to Spelling Bees? "Nostalgia and beer. Who can resist?" (ok, I have to give L&O that one, that actually sounds like real hipsters)
• It is extremely hard to get gigs as a hipster band
• Girls can drum
• No-name hipster bands magically have audiences
• Everyone wants to be a rock star (ok, that one's true too)
• JEFF GOLDBLUM PLAYS A MEAN PIANO (holla!)
• Hipsters kill to get spots in hip bands
• A girl who paints canvases with her own body fluids! (that sounds like a hipster too)
• Bed bug epidemic. ew.
• You have to be "ready" to play clubs in the East Village
• All 20-year old girls sleep around
• Developers are trying to push out the artists to build condos (true story!)
• OMG! that's Albert Hammond Jr's (and Medium Cool's) guitarist Marc Philippe Eskenazi! What's he doing on Law & Order? as the bassist?
  
• scarves and leather are totes in.
• "He's gonna be bigger than Brooklyn"
• Near McCarren Park is a "dangerous neighborhood"
• No one insults Bo Diddley and gets away with it! Irreverant kids!
• The Grammy's are irrellevant (true)
• Don't trust aging "rock stars." (oh, i get it....)
  

Also, how dare that redhead doubt Jeff "The Genius" Goldblum's brilliancy, even for a second!

Despite the ridiculous premise, JGold is AMAZING. Tivo it if you get a chance.

Here's a taste (courtesy of Videogum):

Liveblogging Decemberists on Colbert

11:50 Colbert calls the Hazards of Love a list of STD's set to music. this will be fun

11:51 Starts with the personal questions I see, might as well just ask if they're getting any... Just Colin and Chris, interesting....

11:52 Very little love for Portland. Ha! Guitarmageddon. Remember that? What a great title.

11:53 Colin's bangs are so much cuter than mine. sigh. Sideburns joke! But no mention of Funk's near-handlebar.

11:56 Who's that dude?

11:57 OH! they're all there, but only Colin and Chris get to talk. I see how it is.

11:58 I don't know which song this is. I'm embarrassed of myself. I was hoping for "The Rake's Song." .... But this is nice.

11:59 I love Nate's blue Fender Jazz Bass.

12:00 Shara Worden, you look so different from the last time I saw you. Where's the hippie hair and peasant dress? but damn, she is wailing.

12:01 ...And Becky Stark gets to shake a tambourine. ... I swear Stephen built that stage to have more musical guests. I love it.


Hm, best song choice? Not sure. But that interview was adorably awkward.

I'll post the video when I have it!


UPDATE: vids vids vids.

The Interview.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Decemberists
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Gay Marriage Commercial

The Song. "The Wanting Comes in Waves."

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Decemberists - The Wanting Comes in Waves
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Gay Marriage Commercial

BONUS! Colin's Twitter about the event:

colinmeloy Would've tweeted more from the show but there was a cell lock-down in the studio. Think Stephen was afraid I'd mobilize my twitter legion.

new most played song

I don't need to re-recount my itunes reset. But that does naturally mean that I have a new Most Played list. What is my new #1 after about 6 weeks, you might wonder? Ok. You don't care. But I'm going to tell you anyway!

So, this little ditty was featured on the Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist soundtrack. I never saw the film, which is probably why I missed this song when it first came out. I found it recently, and immediately couldn't stop listening to it.

It's every wonderful thing you might expect from VW. Catchy, summery, self-referential. With great strings. I think it's my favorite Vampire Weekend song. (and i kind of like them a lot).

Also, have you heard they're recording a new album? like, right now. They're making a concerted effort to make somethign new and different. They seem to be aware that if they release another album with the same sound there will be ALL SORTS of new backlash. Those Ivy League degrees weren't for nothin'.

High-larious

Ever wonder what the news would be like T-Pain style?




Who knew Katie Couric was such a great singer? "Oh snap! How fast?" Fab. U. Lous.


Thanks so much to Emily for bringing this to my attention!

Is Passion Pit the new Vampire Weekend?

I certainly hope not. I much prefer boat shoes and African beats.

However, the CONCEPT for the video of "The Reeling," the first single off their as-yet-unreleased debut Manners, is pretty cool. I want to go to a party like that!



But seriously, it's kind of better with the sound off.

I'm not being mean. I tried to listen to their Chunk of Change EP and couldn't get through it. The synths/electronics are beyond abrasive, they're painful. They literally hurt my ears. Like, Dear Passion Pit, Turn down the fucking treble, you're making my ears bleed, love, madelyn.

I'm not saying the songs are bad. The melodies are great! I even like Michael Angelakos' screechy falsetto. But I just can't listen to their music the way it is.

Remixed, however, totally different story! Listen to The Knocks' remix of "Sleepyhead" and you will understand what I mean. UH-mazing. Compared to the original, no contest.

times like these need musics like this

Feel-good music is the best, isn't it?

Fellow NYU senior Nyle is a talented rapper and musician who, with "Let the Beat Build" has created an infectious, spirited, and inspiring tune. And an equally engaging video. Love the mustachioed man at the beginning. And damn can those ladies sing, right?


Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

also, he just so happens to be a former roommate of one of my good friends, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I recently skipped his set when he was performing at the same show with The Americans and Samuel. Sorry Nyle! After seeing this, I definitely won't do it again.

New Obsession, continued

Honestly, Yeasayer is way hipper than the music I usually listen to. I mean, their album was Pitchfork's "Best New Music" for weeks when it came out. I mean, seriously, they are from Brooklyn and describe themselves as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel." Somebody kill me now, please. Gross.

BUT THIS TRACK IS INCREDIBLE.

The only reason I listened to it was because I had been listening to Yeah Yeah Yeahs and just let my itunes continue to play. What just happened to come on was Yeasayer's contribution to the Dark Was the Night compilation, "Tightrope." It think I've already listened to it about 12 times today. And that's a conservative guess.

Here's a video of them performing the song. Slightly different than the studio version, but still delectable. (don't let the disgusting hipster outfits turn you off. it's pretty bad. like, downright stereotypical.)



It was raining when I first heard this song. And I think that almost describes it perfectly. It's music to listen to the rain with. Gorgeous, contemplative, dreamy. Like the tribal Broadcast 2000. The more rocking Beirut. With monkey sounds. That's it! It's rain forest music. And I mean that in the best possible way. Also, I'm really in love with Chris Keating's vocal delivery; he doesn't settle for the straightforward and really plays with what he singing, the "never mind" bit is my fave.

After the first couple listens I noticed the first few lines... "So you're wishing that you never did all the embarrassing things you've done. And you're wishing you could make it right. And you're wishing you could stay the night." Seriously. Story of my life. And he's right, "wishing never solved a problem."


NEW THEME SONG TO MY LIFE.

New Obsession

Can't stop listening to Yeasayer's "Tightrope." More on this later.

late-night ruminations

It's funny how music can be so associative. The first bars of Voxtrot's "Fast Asleep" mentally put me in last June, walking through Peter Cooper Village, smelling the summer, feeling... whatever it was i was feeling back then. I listened to Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, & Wives and Raised by Wolves back-to-back almost exclusively for weeks. The association is so strong, I almost can't stand it. I probably could break it if I really tried, but I don't know if I want to. It's kind of cool that I have an instant time machine of sorts. But it's also a little sad that I can't listen to these songs without the association. Like, they have a meaning now and they can't mean anything else. They're frozen in the past, they can't just be what they are. Then again, is that really better? Should songs be free of association? No. But they should perhaps not be saturated in association.

God, this is starting to sound like my "Art of Listening" class. I apologize.

Forget about this. Go see Crank 2.



Side note: I know I should be sleeping at this hour instead of philosophizing, but at least it's better than my last two nights in which, instead of sleeping, I was either thinking I was dying from heart palpitations or embarrassing myself on facebook. This is more public, but considerably better for my health.

Go see Crank: High Voltage

this is a music blog, true (and, admittedly, one i have been slacking on). HOWEVER, i enjoy movies as well. My friends and I have been spending the semester watching ridiculous action flicks (including a Valentine's Day Transporter double feature). So naturally, the release of Crank: High Voltage was going to be an exciting event. Not only have I recently become infatuated with Jason Statham, but by the looks of it, it was going to be an entertaining and ridiculous gore-fest.

And man, was I right. Do yourself a favor, GO SEE IT. The gratuitous violence, sex, and surrealism will do you some good.

Plus it features REO Speedwagon's "Keep on Lovin' You" and a cameo by a Spice Girl!

While listening, just imagine Jason Statham making out with a topless Amy Smart, shocking himself, then shooting some people and you've pretty much got it.

He won't stop till somebody stops him...

So I've been spending most of my afternoon watching Human Giant. In the 4th (?) episode is one of my favorite sketches ever (though the version on the DVD is a little different), and I'd totally forgotten how much I love it. I think they really nail the indie music culture, particularly the Pitchfork bit. Plus Ted Leo's in it.




"Yeah well, I got gold records on my wall... and blood on my hands." Now, the real question is, how do I get a job like that?

rock me, sexy earth

Lindsay at Videogum is totally right, Paul Rudd can sing and dance on Sesame Street dressed as the planet Earth and still be sexy.




Yes, Paul, the Earth does rock.


Notice how he's totally channeling Elvis. I love it.

Set your Tivo!

The Decemberists are returning to The Colbert Report on April 27th. Neat-o.

Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin @ The Mercury Lounge

and Drew Danburry too.

I haven't been going to shows lately. With the exception of seeing Samuel play a few clubs (once with the always fun Postelles), the last show I went to was Indie Rock Karaoke Returns Again with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists hosted by Andrew W.K. and that was in December. SO, needless to say, I was looking forward to going to see a band I don't personally know in a proper music venue.

Two word review:
SO FUN.

More word review:
I honestly didn't know what to expect from Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin live. Their albums aren't the rockingest, so would their show be? I decided to set my expectations low. That's not to say I don't really like them. Pershing was the album of (the second half of) my summer. "Think I Wanna Die" was my most-played song ever. But still, I hate to get my hopes up and be let down.

But seriosuly, it rocked. I danced. I sang along. I shouted "Hey" along with them. I chatted with equally enthusiatic fans. They had a ton of energy and it was a blast.

Their set was a little too short in my opinion, but it included most everything I wanted to hear. "Pangea" and "Oregon Girl" kicked it off, and an amazing "Modern Mystery" closed it out (pre-encore). They were fun to watch, and very personable. Post-encore they threw their instruments and jumped all over the drum kit. It's good to watch a bad that has fun with what they do.

By far the most fun to watch was Phil, who drummed for most of the set but picked up a guitar and the mic toward the end. When he was drumming, he was ON FIRE. So amazingly energetic. And I am constantly impressed by anyone who can drum and sing at the same time (even you, youngest Jonas). Maybe the energy wasn't all natural though... my favorite part of the night was this exchange between him and most-of-the-time lead singer/guitarist and sometimes bassist, John:

John: Is that a Red Bull?

Phil: Yes.

John: How many have you had?

Phil: Four.

John: (pause) That's not even a joke, is it?

Phil: No.

John: What's your record?

Phil: Six.

John: Was that in Cleveland?

Phil: Yes.

John: You need six Red Bulls for Cleveland.

Anyway... they were great. I went from generally liking them to really loving them in one night. This is why I love live music.

And a note on Drew Danburry: He was delightful. I love when an opener is charismatic enough to entertain a group of people who doesn't know who he is. He even got me singing along! And his bassist wore his bass so high he looked like he was straight out of 1952. It was adorable.


For your viewing pleasure, the obviously low budget (and obviously AWESOME) video about dueling paper boys (and aliens!) for Pershing standout "Modern Mystery." New love-of-my-life Phil is in the pink (orange?) wayfarers.




The "Think I Wanna Die" video (that I posted here) was what made me first like them, but this one might just be better. I really like the fact that that the song was live recorded especially for the video. I like the feel of it.


I imagine that they would be a very fun bunch to hang out with.

This is why I have a "Take on Me" google alert

because otherwise I would miss out on FABULOUS things, like this...

A ToM cover by Shiny and the Spoon. It's quite beautiful. And probably the most original one I've heard so far, and that's really saying something. I think you'll like it, cause I mean, who doesn't love a good ukulele?





thanks to The Smiths' Occasional Blog for originally posting about this.

the joys of twitter

colinmeloy: In the event of society's collapse, I hope I can count on you all to serve as my army. @johncmayer will no doubt be a powerful rival clan.

If those are my choices, i choose Colin.

The Ocarina of Rhyme

A Hip-Hop/Zelda mash-up mixtape. BRILLIANT!

Producers Team Teamwork took the themes from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and layered on the beats and rhyming of such artists as Clipse, Jay-Z, Common, Aesop Rock, and Spank Rock (among others).

And it's pretty awesome on many levels. But I think I mostly like it because I have such strong feelings and childhood associations with Ocarina.

The opening track featuring Clipse/The Lost Woods theme is a great one to start with. But track 2 featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg/Getting Treasure, while clever, is not as enjoyable. The Jay-Z/Meeting the Owl track, on the other hand is truly amazing. I could probably listen to it all day, and I'm not a hip-hop fan, so that's really saying something. Pimp C, Li'l Keke, & P.O.P./Hyrule Field has its moments, especially the great chorus. The Common/Hyrule Market track is good, but not as good as it should be, you know? Aesop Rock/Goron Village, on the other hand, is AWESOME! As is the Edan/Battle track that follows. But MF Doom/Horse Race is kind of cute? ultimately, a little too kitschy for my taste. And the Spank Rock/Zora's Domain and Slim Thug & Mike Jones/Fairy's Fountain are nice, if mellow, way to take us out.

Here are my favorite 3 tracks: Clipse, Jay-Z, and Aesop Rock.

You can listen to the whole thing over on 8tracks, and you can download it here.

Team Teamwork also have a sweet Okkervil River mash-up over on their myspace.

Even More Hutchtastic!

Remember when I wrote about The Thermals' new single "Now We Can See" off the their album of the same name (out today!)?

Well that catchy tune of theirs now has a video!

Not entirely unexpected, they tend to like rocking out in a room for their videos. But Hutch is in fine form (love the adorable dancing), and the song is fun. So rock on.



You can snag an mp3 of the song over on Stereogum.

Video Flashback: Punk

The fruits of my labor; or, what I found while researching my presentation on punk.

Notice how Iggy alienates his audience.... the blood! such style! you gotta love a band that can tell you to fuck off and still rock your shit.



And the Clash... god, if i was a teenage girl in '83 (instead of not alive) I would have been so in love with Joe Strummer. He's so dreamy. Like, he just doesn't give a fuck what you think. How cool is that?




Now THAT is what it means to be a fucking rock band.

oh baby. i would nail him so fast...

Remix time!

A brand new remix of "Take on Me," who would have guessed?

This one's by the Brazilian producing duo The Twelves. Their other remixes are of modern acts like MIA, Black Kids, The Virgins, etc. According to electronic rumors, a few artists have recently remixed ToM for a Norwegian Chrysler promotion. What a great idea! This is the first one I've come across, and it's making its way round the interwebs right now.

When I first listened to it I didn't think it was anything spectacular. Honestly though, the more I hear it, the more I like it. It's fun and fresh. It retains the original's spirit while putting a totally modern spin on it.

Totally worth a listen, and inclusion on your next party playlist. Enjoy!

The Twelves also have a great remix of Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" over on their myspace.

Say what you want about Nine Inch Nails...

... but this shit is funny.

Check out the track list! Lolz. Good to know that Trent has a sense of humor.


EDIT: an incredible (fake) review of (fake) Strobe Light can be found at onethirtybpm.com. I particularly liked this bit:

The title of “Feel Like Being Dead Again” is a nod to Lil Wayne’s classic codeine ode “I Feel Like Dying,” and features Reznor free-associating over an inspired sample of A-ha’s “Take On Me.”

can you imagine? I might actually become a NIN fan if he made a song like this. Thanks again Google alert!

In defense of Keane

So those ubiquitous In Plain Sight commercials have reminded me how much I liked Keane back in the day. (on second thought, maybe it's only ubiquitous because of the amount of Law & Order: SVU that I watch on USA. but i digress).

The song is "Everybody's Changing," and it's interesting that they're using it now, since it's about 5 years old and was never a single. But those factors combined actually make it pretty fresh sounding, in the way that only a song that you used to love but haven't heard in years can. But the question I constantly have to ask myself with these guys is do I like them because I used to love them, or because they make good music? Because, honestly, it's not very hip to like them. (honestly, who reading this isn't a little skeptical right now?).

I'm just going to say it: I LIKE KEANE.

And I'll tell you why.

I took the time to listen to them. I did not let "Somewhere Only We Know" inform my entire opinion. It was a hit, and was branded "adult contemporary" (whatever the fuck that means) and they were often mentioned in the same breath as Coldplay (fuck Coldplay). And if you only listen to that song, it makes sense. But the rest of 2004's Hopes and Fears goes in more than one direction. It's piano driven rock, sure, but it gets fast paced and even experimental and dark toward the end.

And unlike Coldplay, there next album did not replicate their earlier sound. 2006's Under the Iron Sea is an extremely cohesive and interesting album. It might even be considered a concept album, complete with a thematic instrumental track half-way through. Again, the different tracks feature different things, from Tim Rice-Oxley playing his piano through a vintage guitar petal on "Is It Any Wonder?" to Richard Hughes playing a backwards beat (there's no other way to describe it) on "Atlantic," all while Tom Chaplin pushes and explores his vocal range (aside: this band is a great example of why all songwriters should have the best possible vocalist for their songs. sometimes it's better if you don't sing it yourself).

And again, 2008's Perfect Symmetry saw them finding a new sound. And I think they quite successfully explore synths and more dance-ready tunes (see my synthtastic playlist). Not to say the whole album is like that. I can't comment extensively on this album, however, since I don't know it as intimately as I do the other two.

I don't mean to say they don't have there missteps. There are songs I can't stand, but on the whole, I think they get it right, particularly on Under the Iron Sea which so brilliantly uses the album as a form instead of just a collection of songs.


I mean, they're a power trio! and adorably British! I am unashamed to love them.



The song that set off this rant (live! in a stadium! post-rehab!):



i mean, have you ever seen someone rock out so hard at a piano? i didn't think so.


(this post is dedicated to brittaney with whom i will always be united in keane love)

But is it worth it?

I... kind of want to go to All Points West?


If I buy early it's only $199. But I don't really care about the 3 big headliners. Is wanting to see 11 of the other bands and all the comedians really worth it?


or should I just fuck it and go to Bonnaroo?

Breaking Form

This has little to nothing to do with music, but I have interests that are broad and diverse, and I came across something the other day that I really enjoyed, and thought you might enjoy, and since I spent part of my day at Buffalo Exchange (the clothing store they go to, just wait you'll see), and since I love any and everything that David Wain does especially if it involves Paul Rudd (and the best things do), here is an episode from David Wain's web series "Wainy Days" that parodies The Pickup Artist, vh1's terrible "reality series" which is actually amazingly entertaining if you just let go of any and all respect you every had for any human being. whoo. ok let's go.



Do I know comedy, or do I know comedy?

some friendly advice

Make a Genius playlist using Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill."


YOU'RE WELCOME.




I mean... this is pretty much THE bike riding song, am I right? Peter Gabriel does what he wants.


(thanks to Ryan for pointing out the video)

Video Flashback: Will Smith

Last night, full on sushi and lazily watching an old SNL, the topic of Will Smith came up among my friends and I. After seeing a trailer for the DVD release of Seven Pounds we began to lament the fact that Will Smith seemed to no longer do tie-in music videos with his films. (haha, imagine what a Seven Pounds tie-in would have been like? Pretty ridiculous. But I Am Legend? A video for that could have been amazing!)

Anyway, even though it is widely agreed upon that Men in Black is a much better movie than Wild Wild West, there was some disagreement as to which was the better song. Now that is something worth discussing. Both songs tell the story of their respective movie's plot, both sample famous melodies ("Forget Me Nots" and "I Wish"), and both feature a charismatic, costumed Frsh Prince. But which is superior?

Let's refresh our memories:



"It's the MIB's. Here come the MIB's." Ha. I love it. I remember quite well that this video comes after the credits on the VHS tape. Also, I think I know about 95% of the lyrics and could sing back the whole song without much prompting. And that dance breakdown with the alien? Genius.

Next!



This video comes with its own storyline. And the song itself is arguably more catchy (as is the source material). AND it features Cisco of "The Thong Song" fame! But unlike with "Men in Black," which makes me want to watch the movie, "Wild Wild West" just reminds me how good the movie should have been and wasn't.

But we're comparing videos here. And "Wild Wild West" not only features the ever-gorgeous Selma Hayek, but there are cameos by Stevie Wonder (we love Stevie) and CARLTON! (at 3:06 is you missed him). Ultimately though, I don't like the separate storyline. And though Will Smith makes a hot cowboy, nothing beats the sharp suit and Ray Bans.

If I HAVE to choose, though both are fabulous, my heart belongs to "Men in Black."


Which is better? Leave your vote in the comments.

All the Single...what?!

I agree with Gabe at Videogum: this is the worst.




I don't even know where to start with this? It's not cute and tongue-in-cheek, it's just straight-up wrong. And every time you think it's bad, it just gets worse. Most importantly, WHO LET THESE PEOPLE INTO YALE??