Wake Up
I haven't talked about Dr. Dog as much as I would have liked, but their CMJ 2005 show, on the bill early with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, ranks as probably my favorite concert-going experience of the past year. I made it a point to go to Mercury Lounge early that night, hoping to catch them on the strength of some glowing word-of-mouth (and, to be honest, avoid the mad CYHSY crush to come later). They were the best of surprises; energetic, super-fun and hooks for miles. The crowd went nuts, me included, and I had *never* heard one of their songs before. That's impressive. "Wake Up" is a nice little sample from their album Easy Beat, and while I'm not sure they intended their production to sound like an M. Ward record, I expect big things from them. Special note to fans of My Morning Jacket to watch this space.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:09:52
Grass
Making the song "Grass" follow "Wake Up" in my podcast might lead you to believe that I'm suggesting something very different than my actual intent. Whatever you're thinking, that's not it. I'm more of a 'jolt awake and do a couple rails' kinda guy. Really, I just had to include this song because I like it so much. It makes me feel good, even though I don't know many, if any of the correct lyrics. All I do is sing my interpretation loudly and wonder if 'down by the freighter of the ocean liner' is actually what they're saying. I could look up the lyrics, but that would be no fun.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:00:14
Slow Life
Another theme song. The Super Furry Animals have always been one of those bands that existed on the fringes of American consciousness. They'll release a beautiful pop album in English like Phantom Power, then go and release an album entirely in Welsh (as is their wont -- they are from Wales, land of no vowels). I think people tend to forget about them in between, but they remain masters of their craft, and one of the best live acts I've ever seen.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:01:02
Wish I Was Dead, Pt. 2
The Shout Out Louds were one of my 'growers' in 2005. I got a promo piece or two, and on the strength of their comparatively upbeat single "The Comeback," I thought they might be destined for the retro new wave remainder bin. Then I started listening more closely. They live in the same neighborhood, musically, as Rogue Wave and Death Cab (redundant?), and get coffee at the same bodega as Snow Patrol, possibly shopping at the big U2 emporium in the next town over. Feel me? This one is shot through with aching hurt, but that's why I like it. Don't call it the comedown...
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:01:47
One Hundred Days
For my money, the most exciting moment of any Queens of the Stone Age show is when Mark Lanegan appears out of the shadows, unannounced, in a hazy cloud of cigarette smoke and warbles the most bad-ass dirges that Queens have in their catalog. And then disappears...just...like...that. To be honest, my iPod fell in love with this album before I did, but it came up in shuffle play so much that I couldn't not pay attention to it. Lanegan is my hero these days, which is potentially disconcerting, but he's the most prolific guy in rock right now. He's got a new album with Isobel Campbell from Belle & Sebastian and an album on deck with Greg Dulli called The Gutter Twins. All very exciting.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:02:32
Stop Breaking Down
Shame on you if you don't have the complete White Stripes discography; the V2 records and the Sympathy For The Record Industry initial pressings, the b-sides, covers and 7"s. I thought this one would serve as a good daily affirmation. It's a Robert Johnson cover, btw.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:03:12
Random
I don't know why I like Lady Sovereign so much. Perhaps it's because I discovered her by myself, busking on the mean streets of London, spitting her double-tracked rhymes in time with a little Tascam tape recorder. I bought the girl a tiny little velour tracksuit, her first, and offered to get her hair braided, but when we got to the shop, it turns out I only had enough money to do one side of her head. That's how it goes. This song is nuts, and when I do the new thing, the new sing-along, I make it much more cockney than it actually is (just do sumfin' random). Ess-Oh-VEE!
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:04:11
Monique The Freak
Ween get in touch with their inner Prince, which, come to think of it, has never been that far below the surface. Where did you go, Ween? Come back!
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:04:54
Rocket Man
I debated for a while about putting Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" on here, but thought it might be silly. Still a good song, though. Reminds me of early MTV, although "I'm Still Standing" was the more entertaining video. Instead, here's a My Morning Jacket cover of one of Mr. Dwight's best. Interesting to hear MMJ's early influences on this album, which also includes a (less successful) cover of "White Rabbit." Very pretty stuff, but also notable as an audio artifact wherein Jim James has not quite discovered his Jim James-ness. ie; "Let's try that one with more reverb."
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:05:36
Bullets
From one of my favorite new bands comes a little ode to getting over it, which I will dedicate to my former employer. Let's listen to some of the lyrics:
If something has to change then it always does
Oh, you don't need this disease, not right now
No, you don't need this disease, not right now
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:06:14
Awesome New Unreleased Bloc Party Song
Audio: Blah blah blah
(MP3, 3.58mb)
Download Now
By: Um, Bloc Party?
Sike.
When you get caught between the moon and New York City...
Christopher Cross won the best new artist Grammy in 1980.
Published on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 15:40:43
