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....
Showing posts with label Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Show all posts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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???
[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???
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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?
"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?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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:
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.
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.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
they don't love you like I love you
This is what I mean about cover songs. Covers are best when a band takes another band's song and uses it to say something new. So it's the same song, but it's not. It recalls the source material, doesn't mimic it. It's the difference between photocopying a famous painting and painting that same painting using your own brushes and paint. There's depth in the latter, there's feeling, there's passion.
That being said, I really, really dig this Rogue Wave cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps." It comes from Sweetheart, the same Starbucks compilation album that also features A.C. Newman's take on "Take on Me." It's "Maps," certainly, but it's Rogue Waves' "Maps." It is distinct, but in a way that honors the original (instead of mocking or destroying or carbon-copying it). It's the kind of cover that someone could like more the original because it is its own song. Its own gorgeous song.
It makes me feel like I'm lying outside under the stars.
"Maps" is actually an oft-covered song. It makes sense. It's a simple song, with a beautiful and memorable melody. Honestly, I have yet to come across a bad version. Notably, Arcade Fire does a passionately earnest version, and Ted Leo uses it as the bridge to his cover of "Since U Been Gone" giving it an epic urgency.
Also, when I happen to sing the song as a member of one of my Rock Band bands, the vocals are a breathtaking combination of strength and vulnerability that have brought a crowded room to the brink of tears. Not to brag or anything.
That being said, I really, really dig this Rogue Wave cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps." It comes from Sweetheart, the same Starbucks compilation album that also features A.C. Newman's take on "Take on Me." It's "Maps," certainly, but it's Rogue Waves' "Maps." It is distinct, but in a way that honors the original (instead of mocking or destroying or carbon-copying it). It's the kind of cover that someone could like more the original because it is its own song. Its own gorgeous song.
It makes me feel like I'm lying outside under the stars.
"Maps" is actually an oft-covered song. It makes sense. It's a simple song, with a beautiful and memorable melody. Honestly, I have yet to come across a bad version. Notably, Arcade Fire does a passionately earnest version, and Ted Leo uses it as the bridge to his cover of "Since U Been Gone" giving it an epic urgency.
Also, when I happen to sing the song as a member of one of my Rock Band bands, the vocals are a breathtaking combination of strength and vulnerability that have brought a crowded room to the brink of tears. Not to brag or anything.
Friday, March 13, 2009
An Ode to My Old Play Counts
Switching operating systems means there are going to be a few casualties.
Some people don't care about their play counts. Personally, i don't take them too seriously, but they are a good way to make "Top #" playlists and are some times pretty surprising. But as soon as i plug my iPod into my new (still unnamed) macbook, everything will be reset. So for posterity, here is my old top 50 most-played songs (i won't even edit it for embarrassing things. except my own band. that's actually pretty embarrassing).
The songs I Love(d) the Most:
A Tribute to My Dead PC
1. Think I Wanna Die - Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
2. Firecracker - Voxtrot
3. Who Do You Love? - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
4. Walking to Do - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
5. Australia - The Shins
6. Trains to Brazil - Guillemots
7. Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
8. Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe - Okkervil River
9. Unless It's Kicks - Okkervil River
10. Sunndal Song - The Apples in Stereo
11. The Start of Something - Voxtrot
12. Bridges, Squares - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
13. La Costa Brava - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
14. Firecracker - Steel Train
15. Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives - Voxtrot
16. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
17. 101 - Albert Hammond, Jr
18. Flathead - The Fratellis
19. The First Single - The Format
20. Made Up Love Song #43 - Guillemots
21. Glue Girls - Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
22. A Bottle of Buckie - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
23. In Transit - Albert Hammond, Jr
24. 2nd Ave, 11 AM - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
25. Rebellion (Lies) - The Arcade Fire
26. Evil - Interpol
27. Me and Mia - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
28. Electricityscape - The Strokes
29. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - The Arcade Fire
30. Phantom Limb - The Shins
31. O Valencia! - The Decemberists
32. I Feel Weird - Steel Train
33. Who Left the Lights Off, Baby? - Guillemots
34. Kissing the Lipless - The Shins
35. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You - Black Kids
36. Look Me Up - Georgie James
37. Hearts of Oak - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
38. So Far We Are - French Kicks
39. The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf
40. Soft & Warm - Voxtrot
41. I'm a Cuckoo - Belle & Sebastien
42. Marching Bands of Manhattan - Death Cab for Cutie
43. Stereo - Jared Scharff and the Royals
44. Biomusicology - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
45. Oceans - The Format
46. The Compromise - The Format
47. Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case
48. Colleen - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
49. Is There a Ghost - Band of Horses
50. Wait, Wait, Wait - The Format
The top 6 songs were played 100+ times. Every song was played at least 49 times.
Ted Leo shows up 11 times. I'm surprised it's not more, actually.
Sorry. This post is more for me than for you.
Some people don't care about their play counts. Personally, i don't take them too seriously, but they are a good way to make "Top #" playlists and are some times pretty surprising. But as soon as i plug my iPod into my new (still unnamed) macbook, everything will be reset. So for posterity, here is my old top 50 most-played songs (i won't even edit it for embarrassing things. except my own band. that's actually pretty embarrassing).
The songs I Love(d) the Most:
A Tribute to My Dead PC
1. Think I Wanna Die - Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
2. Firecracker - Voxtrot
3. Who Do You Love? - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
4. Walking to Do - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
5. Australia - The Shins
6. Trains to Brazil - Guillemots
7. Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
8. Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe - Okkervil River
9. Unless It's Kicks - Okkervil River
10. Sunndal Song - The Apples in Stereo
11. The Start of Something - Voxtrot
12. Bridges, Squares - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
13. La Costa Brava - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
14. Firecracker - Steel Train
15. Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives - Voxtrot
16. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
17. 101 - Albert Hammond, Jr
18. Flathead - The Fratellis
19. The First Single - The Format
20. Made Up Love Song #43 - Guillemots
21. Glue Girls - Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
22. A Bottle of Buckie - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
23. In Transit - Albert Hammond, Jr
24. 2nd Ave, 11 AM - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
25. Rebellion (Lies) - The Arcade Fire
26. Evil - Interpol
27. Me and Mia - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
28. Electricityscape - The Strokes
29. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - The Arcade Fire
30. Phantom Limb - The Shins
31. O Valencia! - The Decemberists
32. I Feel Weird - Steel Train
33. Who Left the Lights Off, Baby? - Guillemots
34. Kissing the Lipless - The Shins
35. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You - Black Kids
36. Look Me Up - Georgie James
37. Hearts of Oak - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
38. So Far We Are - French Kicks
39. The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf
40. Soft & Warm - Voxtrot
41. I'm a Cuckoo - Belle & Sebastien
42. Marching Bands of Manhattan - Death Cab for Cutie
43. Stereo - Jared Scharff and the Royals
44. Biomusicology - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
45. Oceans - The Format
46. The Compromise - The Format
47. Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case
48. Colleen - Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
49. Is There a Ghost - Band of Horses
50. Wait, Wait, Wait - The Format
The top 6 songs were played 100+ times. Every song was played at least 49 times.
Ted Leo shows up 11 times. I'm surprised it's not more, actually.
Sorry. This post is more for me than for you.
Friday, February 20, 2009
"everything's calm in the half-light of dawn...
but the morning will bring no peace."Last night I dreamed that I was in my high school with my best friend, and we walked into the field house and the marching band was playing (including our friend Katie). I don't remember what they were playing at first, but then they started playing "The Crane Takes Flight" by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Then this guy with dreadlocks handed me a mic. So I sang. The next song they played was "Fields of Gold" by Sting, and this kid Ben started singing, and I was like, 'I'm outta here!' That's it.
What do you suppose that means?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dear Bruce,
Thank you for putting on a genuinely joyful and ecstatic Super Bowl halftime show, and helping bring integrity and musicianship back to an increasingly ridiculous/tarnished tradition. (Prince helped too).
And thank you for sliding into that camera.
Love, Madelyn
And in honor of the Boss, here is a video Ted Leo covering "Dancing in the Dark." Jersey boys unite!
(from Pitchfork.tv. Head here for an interview with Ted talking Bruce and Jersey)
side note: I could have seen Ted play a solo show the night that video was filmed, but I had to write a final paper instead. I got an A, but I'm still not sure it was worth it.
And thank you for sliding into that camera.
Love, Madelyn
And in honor of the Boss, here is a video Ted Leo covering "Dancing in the Dark." Jersey boys unite!
(from Pitchfork.tv. Head here for an interview with Ted talking Bruce and Jersey)
side note: I could have seen Ted play a solo show the night that video was filmed, but I had to write a final paper instead. I got an A, but I'm still not sure it was worth it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Goodbye Sound Fix
Bedford Avenue just got a little sadder.
According to Prefix, Williamsburg's Sound Fix Lounge is closing.
Granted I didn't go there often, in fact, the one show I saw there was Dave Lerner's post-Pharmacists project Spectacular Bird ( a little disapointing after being such a fan of his work wih Ted Leo, but "C'mon Katherine" is catchy). All shows were always all ages and free. The bar served cheap drinks, and even made chai teas in mason jars for my friends when asked. It was intimate and adorable and will be closing (apparently) because of neighbors complaining about noise. Neighbors suck.
Sound Fix the Record Store plans to remain open.
According to Prefix, Williamsburg's Sound Fix Lounge is closing.
Granted I didn't go there often, in fact, the one show I saw there was Dave Lerner's post-Pharmacists project Spectacular Bird ( a little disapointing after being such a fan of his work wih Ted Leo, but "C'mon Katherine" is catchy). All shows were always all ages and free. The bar served cheap drinks, and even made chai teas in mason jars for my friends when asked. It was intimate and adorable and will be closing (apparently) because of neighbors complaining about noise. Neighbors suck.
Sound Fix the Record Store plans to remain open.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My Guaranteed Happiness Playlist
The songs that make me happy right now. (links are to some pretty excellent videos)
1. Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time
(which is no surprise, since I wrote about this song yesterday)
2. The Who - The Kids Are Alright
3. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
4. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Walking to Do
(starts around 3:30, but is preceded by an equally happiness inducing song)
5. The Apples in Stereo - Sunndal Song
6. Belle & Sebastian - I'm a Cuckoo
7. The Shins - Australia
8. Creaky Boards - The Songs I Didn't Write
(available for download here)
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die
10. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
Also, Guaranteed Happiness Picture!!!
Here's the whole thing in the handy imeem format!
What are YOUR happy songs?
1. Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time
(which is no surprise, since I wrote about this song yesterday)
2. The Who - The Kids Are Alright
3. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
4. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Walking to Do
(starts around 3:30, but is preceded by an equally happiness inducing song)
5. The Apples in Stereo - Sunndal Song
6. Belle & Sebastian - I'm a Cuckoo
7. The Shins - Australia
8. Creaky Boards - The Songs I Didn't Write
(available for download here)
9. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die
10. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
Also, Guaranteed Happiness Picture!!!
Here's the whole thing in the handy imeem format!
What are YOUR happy songs?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
My Favorite Musical Discoveries of 2008
Vampire Weekend
I may had heard the name in 2007, but I didn't really listen to them till they were already passe among the hipper crowd. But they've made an album of catchy, interesting, and unskippable songs (with the obvious exception of "One (Blake's Got a New Face)," i mean seriously, what the fuck is that song?). I love their album forwards and backwards. It is summer in auditory form. I wish I had gotten in to see them when they played Central Park, instead of getting drenched for no reason. Plus, i love their aesthetic. How can you not love boys in cardigans and boat shoes? And seriously, how fun are they? evidence:
Boys in cardigans! adorable!
"Don't Look Back in Anger" - Oasis
It's embarrassing that it took Rock Band to acquaint me with this song, but i'll admit it. I think it's probably my favorite song ever. ok, my favorite song ever is Ted Leo's "Walking to Do," but this one is up there.
Gotta love those Gallaghers.
"Take On Me" - RAC feat. Karl Kling (A-ha cover)
I'm not about to debate the artistic merits of covers. All I know is that THIS version of THIS song was lodged in my head for a good three days straight. literally. I couldn't sleep, i'd just have this song running through my head. I feel bad for anyone who was around me during that time of my life, for making them listen to me sing "take on me" without even hearing the kickass version of the song i was hearing in my head. now they can. check it out/download it here.
Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
I know they've been around for years. But their excellent Pershing came out this year, and it became my album of the summer. I can't tell you the number of time I listened to it on repeat as I drove to work. There is a lot I like about them; their music is fun and catchy and not too serious. The tracks all have excellent harmony parts as well, and several of them have some great woah-oh's. I guess you need to hear it to know what I mean. What really made me fall in love with them, however, was this adorable video for their song "Think I Wanna Die" (you better believe it's my number 2 listened to song on itunes):
The Shills
I had the honor and privilege of working with Bryan Murphy for five weeks this summer. He is one of the most talented men I have ever met, not to mention one of the nicest. His band, the Shills, are a Boston based rock quartet and they are incredible. Their high energy shows are a blast and their songs are simultaneously accessible and musically intricate. No one deserves greater success and renown than they do. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Pick up their self-titled album while you're at it.
Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives - Voxtrot
I cannot recommend this EP enough. I adore Voxtrot and have been listening to them for awhile, but I only found this EP in May. It is five tracks of fantastic. I can tell you without exaggeration that I spent a solid week listening to this and the Raised by Wolves EP on repeat. The title track is a particular favorite of mine.
THE BEST RE-DISCOVERY OF 2008:
"Faded" - SoulDecision
How could we let THIS slip out of our collective conscience?
amazing
I may had heard the name in 2007, but I didn't really listen to them till they were already passe among the hipper crowd. But they've made an album of catchy, interesting, and unskippable songs (with the obvious exception of "One (Blake's Got a New Face)," i mean seriously, what the fuck is that song?). I love their album forwards and backwards. It is summer in auditory form. I wish I had gotten in to see them when they played Central Park, instead of getting drenched for no reason. Plus, i love their aesthetic. How can you not love boys in cardigans and boat shoes? And seriously, how fun are they? evidence:
Boys in cardigans! adorable!
"Don't Look Back in Anger" - Oasis
It's embarrassing that it took Rock Band to acquaint me with this song, but i'll admit it. I think it's probably my favorite song ever. ok, my favorite song ever is Ted Leo's "Walking to Do," but this one is up there.
Gotta love those Gallaghers.
"Take On Me" - RAC feat. Karl Kling (A-ha cover)
I'm not about to debate the artistic merits of covers. All I know is that THIS version of THIS song was lodged in my head for a good three days straight. literally. I couldn't sleep, i'd just have this song running through my head. I feel bad for anyone who was around me during that time of my life, for making them listen to me sing "take on me" without even hearing the kickass version of the song i was hearing in my head. now they can. check it out/download it here.
Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
I know they've been around for years. But their excellent Pershing came out this year, and it became my album of the summer. I can't tell you the number of time I listened to it on repeat as I drove to work. There is a lot I like about them; their music is fun and catchy and not too serious. The tracks all have excellent harmony parts as well, and several of them have some great woah-oh's. I guess you need to hear it to know what I mean. What really made me fall in love with them, however, was this adorable video for their song "Think I Wanna Die" (you better believe it's my number 2 listened to song on itunes):
The Shills
I had the honor and privilege of working with Bryan Murphy for five weeks this summer. He is one of the most talented men I have ever met, not to mention one of the nicest. His band, the Shills, are a Boston based rock quartet and they are incredible. Their high energy shows are a blast and their songs are simultaneously accessible and musically intricate. No one deserves greater success and renown than they do. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Pick up their self-titled album while you're at it.
Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives - Voxtrot
I cannot recommend this EP enough. I adore Voxtrot and have been listening to them for awhile, but I only found this EP in May. It is five tracks of fantastic. I can tell you without exaggeration that I spent a solid week listening to this and the Raised by Wolves EP on repeat. The title track is a particular favorite of mine.
THE BEST RE-DISCOVERY OF 2008:
"Faded" - SoulDecision
How could we let THIS slip out of our collective conscience?
amazing
Thursday, December 18, 2008
stay tuned, folks
So, i've been on a little hiatus from the blogging business. A wicked cold and finals have been monopolizing my time for the last few weeks. But all that is ended now! I'll be headed back to Boston for a month, where I expect to be devoting my time to the consumption and enjoyment of all things musical.
Also, expect a post on the fabulous Indie Rock Karaoke Returns Again with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists that I attended at the beginning of the month.
Also, expect a post on the fabulous Indie Rock Karaoke Returns Again with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists that I attended at the beginning of the month.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Review: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' Rapid Response EP
Albums are taken out of context all the time. For some albums, there’s little difference listening to it when it came out or much later, or knowing why it was made or not. Many albums have nothing other than an artistic thesis. But others have a very pointed agenda that has nothing to do with art. How do we evaluate these albums? What had to be sacrificed musically in order for it to relevantly, and timely, address social problems?
Ted Leo’s Rapid Response – EP is one of those albums. Out of context, it is a hastily thrown-together, poorly-produced collection of only partially thought-through original songs and covers. In the pantheon of Leo’s (excellent) releases it would easily rank last (including his oft-forgotten, puzzling, self-titled, lo-fi debut). More than anything else, it sounds like a promising demo. This from a man who we’ve come to expect quality releases from? Unacceptable. You wonder who let him release this when it’s so obviously sounds unfinished. A glance at the linear notes lets you know why.Leo quite clearly delineates that this release is literally a rapid response to the violence at this year’s Republican National Convention. Released on September 15th, two weeks after the event, its goal was to be heard while still relevant. In addition, all proceeds from the EP were donated to Democracy Now! And Food Not Bombs (Touch and Go, the label representing Leo, offered the digital only EP at different price levels, depending on the generosity of its buyers). As Leo explains, “This isn't meant to be some grand sweeping statement on our part - it's just a way for us to contribute SOMETHING real to the lives of real human beings, and show our material support for those whose actions and thoughts we value in this ideological struggle.”
So, can he be forgiven for half-baked ideas and craptastic production (Garage Band? Really, Ted?). A particularly unforgiving friend of mine (who is also an ardent Ted Leo fan) assured me that releasing an EP in two weeks is no excuse; that a good song can be written quickly and perhaps this is a sign of Leo loosing his touch. I disagree. I give the man the benefit of the doubt. I believe that it is the message that’s most important to Leo, and the music can take a backseat on the particular release. Because honestly, it’s not all bad. “Paranoia (Never Enough)” is rousing and sing-along-able (and having seen this song played live, there wasn’t one person in the crowd not shouting “Paranoia!” along with the Pharmacists). “I Got Your Number” is a buoyant cover, logically following the two originals, that easily sticks in the head. Is it Leo’s best work? No. Is it his most noble, and perhaps most passionate work? I think so. It may never make it on my most played list, but I will never begrudge him the fact that he did it.
Rapid Response can be purchased here.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
An Introduction
Tonight I met my friends at Soho Park for some amazing burgers and onion rings. The talk involved how sad it is when good songs become cliches (spurred by Blondie's "One Way or Another" later followed by The Go-Go's "We Got the Beat") and what we listened to in middle school. In the fifth grade Ryan had much better taste than I. He listened to Ben Folds Five, I listened to the Spice Girls. I'm not ashamed.
My introduction to music outside the mainstream came rather late in my life. And it is 100% my fault. In high school I lived in a musical theater bubble. While my friends were seeing the New Pornographers, I was seeing Hairspray. But that all changed a few years ago. I was 19, fresh off my first year at NYU and increasingly frustrated with theater when I was introduced to the world of non-mainstream music. And I can say with no hint of exaggeration that it changed my life. The actual moment, a certain Sunday afternoon with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, I will go into more detail about later.
I am now a musician myself, living in Williamsburg, the heart of hipsterdom. And let me tell you, life ain't easy among the tragically hip. I know what I like, and I don't pretend to be cool. So this is me, not trying to keep up, just trying to have some fun. Shall we?
My introduction to music outside the mainstream came rather late in my life. And it is 100% my fault. In high school I lived in a musical theater bubble. While my friends were seeing the New Pornographers, I was seeing Hairspray. But that all changed a few years ago. I was 19, fresh off my first year at NYU and increasingly frustrated with theater when I was introduced to the world of non-mainstream music. And I can say with no hint of exaggeration that it changed my life. The actual moment, a certain Sunday afternoon with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, I will go into more detail about later.
I am now a musician myself, living in Williamsburg, the heart of hipsterdom. And let me tell you, life ain't easy among the tragically hip. I know what I like, and I don't pretend to be cool. So this is me, not trying to keep up, just trying to have some fun. Shall we?
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