Band of the Week: The National

One of my favourite things about meeting new people is getting to invade their music libraries. And yes, I only associate with people with good musical tastes, obviously. Anyhow, that is how I came to listen to The National, a friend of mine lent me Boxer (such a fantastic record, GO BUY IT NOW. it is only of the most intimate, spine tingling things that I've ever heard)...I later bought Alligator, a very good purchase, if I do say so myself.

Why should you listen to The National, you say? Let me count the ways:
1. Matt's baritone is so refreshing in this age of computerized crap. I mean don't get me wrong, I love Thom York's high voice as much as the next guy but there's something oh so intimate about the way Matt sings.
2. Great lyrics. No, really, read them. If you thought the music gave you chills, brace yourself for the poetry shall flow through your speakers/headphones.
3. They are one of those bands with incredible sync and precision. To put it simply, they know what they're doing. Just listen to the drums in 'Apartment Story' if you don't believe me.
4. They were one of the first bands to step up and declare their political backing of Senator Barack Obama, even before Hilary was out of the race. They are not afraid to voice their opinions, which is really cool. They even designed a shirt for him, buy it HERE.
5. They are from Brooklyn, and we all know how most of the world's best bands hailed from NYC.
6. They still have some tour dates!

Sep 19 2008 8:00P
CO-OPS ROCK! Benefit w/ Menomena @ Moore Theatre Seattle, Washington

Sep 20 2008 8:00P
Street Scene San Diego, California

Oct 10 2008 8:00P
Hammerstein Ballroom - NY Magazine’s 40th Anniversary w/ Grizzly Bear New York, New York

Oct 24 2008 8:00P
TIM Festival – Marina da Glória Rio De Janeiro

Oct 25 2008 8:00P
TIM Festival – Ibirapuera Park Sao Paulo

Oct 27 2008 8:00P
UFES Theatre Vitoria

Nov 8 2008 8:00P
Fun Fun Fun Fest! Austin, Texas

anyhow, here are a couple of songs for you to enjoy, but do go out and support this great band.

The National - Mr November [mp3]
The National - Apartment Story [mp3]

visit the guys on MYSPACE

every Beatles fan should watch this

John Lennon was too brilliant for this mediocre world.

"we're all Hitler inside, we're all Christ inside"

"those kids sound like squares"


The Beatles - I am the Walrus [mp3]

College 101

I've been thinking about culture lately, and how your experiences shape the person you are. Seeing as how music is an integral part of all of our lives, I was thinking about how the environment in which we live mediates some form of musical tastes.

Then I started thinking about how a lot of people get into some bands when they go to college (as opposed to bands like Nirvana, The Smiths and The Ramones which people generally start listening to at a younger age). This does NOT mean that you have to go to college to appreciate these bands, just that many people (including yours truly) start appreciating these bands when they are part of the collegiate experience. That is, the majority of people who are NOT part of the blogosphere community, or die hard music lovers.

Anyhow, here is my top 5 list of those types of bands:

5. Bob Dylan
this one is pretty self explanatory, I think.

4. Sigur Ros
the incredible music produced by this Icelandic band has gotten me and many people that I know through finals. thank goodness for Sigur Ros.

3. REM
I've gotten the impression that a lot of people like REM, I just have never met anyone who ADORES them. nonetheless, they put out consistently superb music.

2. Beirut
for me, this was my favourite discovery when I went to college. I was playing Beirut aloud in a friend's dorm's study room a couple of nights ago and this guy across the room recognized that it was Beirut and said that he just got into them and loves them. and yes, he was a freshman, so case and point.

1. Radiohead
I have a confession to make: I never listened to Radiohead (except for being able to identify the obviousness of "Creep" when it came on the radio etc etc) until my first year at uni. One of my friends was actually taking a Radiohead DeCal (student run classes here at UCB) and I accompanied him to class and thereafter got their entire discography from him. good move on my part.
As Cher says while Radiohead played in the background in the movie “Clueless”: “what is it about college and cry-baby music?” That made me laugh so hard after rewatching it last year. Radiohead is very much a band with huge numbers of college student listeners.


Sigur Ros - Untitled #7 [mp3]

Beirut - Forks and Knives (La Fete)[mp3]

Radiohead - Paranoid Android [mp3]

REM - At My Most Beautiful [mp3]

Bob Dylan - Just like a woman [mp3]

thoughts? agree, disagree, want to add to the list?

The Most Obvious Headline Ever.

yeah, NME does that sometimes.

Sunday Morning Covers

because I think that classical instrumental interpretations of rock songs are amazing:

The String Quartet - Where is My Mind (Pixies cover) [mp3]

The Section Quartet - Juicebox (Strokes cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! seriously, this is quite phenomenal.)

because Beatles' covers are a-plenty (especially via the I am Sam soundtrack):

Ben Harper - Strawberry Fields Forever [mp3]

Oasis - I am the Walrus [mp3]

The Wallflowers - I'm Looking Through You [mp3]
I love Jakob Dylan.

Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe [mp3]
I really don't like Rufus Wainwright's original songs, but I think he does really good covers.

and, just because:

Elliott Smith - Because (Beatles cover) [mp3]
wow, simply wow. if you want to understand why I worship Elliott Smith, listen to that song

anyhow, last but certainly not least, this is a SPECTACULAR cover of The Band's "The Weight" by Panic at the Disco (don't judge. listen first.)



I really don't give a fuck what you think, Panic is a great band, and they are growing exponentially. Brendon's voice just keeps getting better, as do the instrumental quality of Spencer's drumming, Jon's bass playing and Ryan/Brendon's guitars. they are going to go down in music history as a band popularized then slammed by the internet, but in the end not giving a shit what people think and making really good music. one day, it's gonna be weird NOT to like Panic. they are really good live, I've seen them twice.

anyhow, here's a LINK to more covers of "The Weight"

Fab Moretti talks about his side project Little Joy

The Strokes have been busting out side projects like nobody's business

from Julian's collaboration with N.E.R.D and Santogold

to Albert Hammond Jr's July record (he's had a solo career since 2006)

to Nikolai's excellent new project, Nickel Eye

anyhow, Fab has collaborated with with Binki Shapiro and Rodrigo Amarante to produce Little Joy. an eponymous record will debut on November 4th, the tracklisting is as follows:

01 The Next Time Around
02 Brand New Start
03 Play the Part
04 No One's Better Sake
05 Unattainable
06 Shoulder to Shoulder
07 With Strangers
08 Keep Me in Mind
09 How to Hang a Warhol
10 Don't Watch Me Dancing
11 Evaporar

some tour dates for you:

09-24 San Diego, CA - Casbah
09-25 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
09-26-27 Big Sur, CA - Festival in the Forest
09-28 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
09-30 Seattle, WA - Neumos
10-01 Portland, OR - Doug Fir

visit Little Joy on MYSPACE

new Radiohead LP in the works

Johnny says that they've finished most of it.

read more on NME

Radiohead - Videotape [mp3]

Saturday Music Definitions: Trees

I am watching the Cal/Maryland game right now and while seeing my school's team being slaughtered, I started thinking about the oak trees being annihilated earlier this week for the sake of a new athletic center. it makes me so sad. people are so greedy. enjoy some tree based tunes below while we wait another 150 years for similar trees to grow back.

Ben Sollee - Prettiest Tree on the Mountain [mp3]

Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees [mp3]

Wolfmother - Apple Tree [mp3]

new music from Jack White

watch and listen the new ad for Coke, with a James Bond theme HERE

Jack White does with guitar what Rodin did with sculpture: punches you in the face with his incredible power. too bad the clip is simply a snippet of his talent. get more of Jack below:

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army [mp3]

UPDATE: apparently, Jack isn't too pleased that Coke is using his song. read more on NME

band of the week: Frightened Rabbit

I am super impressed with this band. I only just heard them for the first time yesterday and am now deeming them band of the week. They are based in Scotland (helloooo accent that accentuates the music to the max) and I am planning to go down to the record shop and buy their two records in the very near future (within the next 48 hours perhaps). They are on tour, be sure to check them out in your area.

visit them on MYSPACE

by the way, they are featured on DAYTROTTER today, which is pretty cool. check that out for an article and free mp3s.

Frightened Rabbit - Go Go Girls [mp3]

Frightened Rabbit - Poke [mp3]
slow, methodical, and it grows on you. it reminds me of The Honorary Title's good songs (comme "Far More")

Frightened Rabbit - The Modern Leper [mp3 highly recommended!!]
this is one of those songs that gives you chills, and progressively gets better until you're all goosebumped out.

sounds like: a more aggressive Snow Patrol

the Strokes will be back February of next year

according to Nikolai's MYSPACE for his side project Nickel Eye, "The Strokes have collectively agreed to take a break until February 2009. Until then: Enjoy!"

I'm hoping that means that the new record will be coming out in February, but in all logical probability, they will most likely just be heading back to studio. Oh, Strokes, HOW LONG MUST I WAITTTT??? (insert crazy Arabian Nights-ish Albert solo here. listen below.)



The Strokes - Vision of Division [mp3]

Reptilia video parody

as a huge Strokes fan who absolutely loves the Reptilia vid, I can't stop laughing at this. gosh Nikolai you need a haircut and shave.

I love that they emulated 1:44 and 2:53 perfectly.

HAHAHA oh man seriously this is too funny. The Strokes would get a kick out of this.

The Strokes - Under Control [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.]

Noel Gallagher attacked on stage.

at 1:30

that is so sad. why would you go to an Oasis show (which are always sold out thank you very much) and do something like that? I mean I know it's fun to fuck around, but come on, respect the band. as if Noel didn't have enough to complain about...

Oasis - Hey Now! [mp3]

people give Oasis so much shit. it's not even funny. you'd think that people would be nicer to a band that is universally acknowledged as one of the greats out there. I love how people revere Radiohead but trash Oasis. no, I really don't love it. grow up guys.

kings of leon leak!

I'm a minute and 28 seconds away from hearing Only by the Night. will post properly thereafter.

I really don't care about THEIR OPINION ON BOOTLEGGING because I plan to buy the record a la vinyl when it is officially released so it doesn't even matter.

YAY IT'S READY.

Sunday Morning Covers

Today I'm gonna post some things a bit out of the ordinary, as in artists covering songs that you wouldn't have guessed they'd do a good job at.

Citizen Cope - Karma Police (Radiohead cover) [mp3]
now, this is probably my favourite Radiohead song (but that does change quite often to be honest...let's just say that OK Computer is my favourite Radiohead record)
anyhow, Citizen Cope comes nowhere near the shivery goodness of Thom's vox, but I like the reggae twist, it works well and is quite original (which is paradoxical, seeing as how it is a cover)

Cat Power - Wonderwall (Oasis cover) [mp3]
my bias against most female vocalists has hindered me from really getting into Cat Power, but I will admit she did a really good rendition of a song that I think we all consider gold. her version seems like it should be playing as rain pours in some sad scene in a film. again, this is quite distinct from the original, but that is most definitely not a bad thing.

and the best for last:

The Walkmen - The Old Revolution (Leonard Cohen cover via daytrotter HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) [mp3]
The first song I heard from The Walkmen was "Red River" off the Spiderman 3 soundtrack, and I was immediately struck by the soft quality of Hamilton Leithauser's voice. it seemed a bit out of place from the music in the background and he was evidently trying to make more powerful and rock-esque. I remember thinking that he should have been a folk singer 40 years ago. anyhow, this cover of Cohen is really really good. it's a bit sweeter, less bitter than the original (not that I'm criticizing the original, I just mean the way that they're singing). The Walkmen give us a newer version that doesn't sound like a ballad of hopelessness. keep your eyes out for this band, they're climbing the ladder of musical greatness, slowly but ever surely.

enjoy.

Saturday Music Definitions: Bend

As I glanced at my Ben Sollee CD this morning (it was on my dresser), I realized that I really am learning to bend. Life is simply a collection of humans trying to accommodate other humans who make them happy. Or simply learning to accommodate yourself. That can be a hell of a lot harder.

here are some mp3s for you
Ben Sollee - Bend [mp3] (oh so pretty.)

Simon and Garfunkel - Flowers Never Bend With the Rain [mp3]

Radiohead - The Bends [mp3](one of my all time favourite Radiohead songs)

Dashboard Confessional - Bend and Not Break [mp3](performed by a string quartet, not the band)

I really recommend the last one. Buy that CD on AMAZON

new video: The Last Shadow Puppets - My Mistakes were made for you

I love Miles at 1:18. that nod is so very mafia muahaha
they look quite in their prime in the gazebo
good video, great song.

The Last Shadow Puppets - Seperate and Ever Deadly [mp3]

visit the guys on MYSPACE

band of the week: We Are Scientists

this CA based duo which consists of the ever so witty Keith Murray (guitar, lead vox) and Chris Cain (bass, background vox) make fun tunes for road trip mix tapes. I'd say more but I really have to get ready for class.

visit them on MYSPACE and enjoy an mp3 from their latest effort (Brain Thrust Mastery) below:

We Are Scientists - Impatience [mp3]

here's a video from when there were three of them:

Delta Spirit: TOUR + CONAN

Delta Spirit - 2008 Tour Dates*
Sep 4 - Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Sep 5 - IOTA Club & Cafe' Arlington, Virginia
Sep 6 - The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 7 - 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, Tennessee
Sep 8 - Bottletree Birmingham, Alabama
Sep 9 - Thirsty Hippo Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Sep 10 - The Republic New Orleans, Louisiana
Sep 11 - Walter's on Washington Houston, Texas
Sep 12 - Lola's Saloon Ft. Worth, Texas
Sep 13 - The Parish Austin, Texas
Sep 16 - Club Congress Tucson, Arizona
Sep 17 - The Casbah San Diego, California
Sep 19 - Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Sep 20 - Cellar Door Visalia, California
Sep 22 - W.O.W Hall Eugene, Oregon
Sep 23 - Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Sep 24 - Tractor Tavern Seattle, Washington
Sep 26 - Austin City Limits - 4:00PM Set Austin, Texas
Sep 27 - Hi-Dive Denver, Colorado
Sep 29 - The Waiting Room Omaha, Nebraska
Sep 30 - The Record Bar Kansas City, Missouri
Oct 1 - High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin
Oct 2 - Blind Pig Ann Arbor, Michigan
Oct 4 - Pop Montreal - Le Petit Campus Montreal, Quebec
Oct 6 - Higher Ground South Burlington, Vermont
Oct 7 - Club Hell Providence, Rhode Island
Oct 8 - Revolution Hall Troy, New York
Oct 9 - Iron Horse Northampton, Massachusetts
Oct 10 - Middle East (downstairs) Cambridge, Massachusetts
Oct 12 - Rock and Roll Hotel WASHINGTON, Washington DC
Oct 14 - Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Oct 15 - Tasty World Athens, Georgia
Oct 16 - Cafe 11 St. Augustine, Florida
Oct 17 - Common Grounds Gainesville, Florida
Oct 18 - Club Downunder - Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida
Oct 20 World Grotto Knoxville, Tennessee
Oct 21 - Mercy Lounge Nashville, Tennessee
Oct 23 - Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 24-25 CMJ, NYC

* (Sept 5-Oct 10 w/ Dr Dog)

I'll post the Conan performance (two nights ago) when it goes up on Youtube. stay tuned.

visit Delta Spirit on MYSPACE


Delta Spirit-Children [mp3]

Delta Spirit- Trashcan [mp3]

please do check these guys out. trust me, it's nice to have known them before they got signed. they are a super talented and down to earth band. you can enjoy them before everyone jumps the bandwagon, which I promise will be very very soon.

UPDATE:

here is the YOUTUBE LINK for the Conan performance. sorry, it won't let me embed it. amazing, though, right?

Alex Turner to record a short story

and release it on the 13th of October. in case you wanted to mix lit and sexy, do check out the Arctic Monkeys' frontman's original thingy ma bob. read more HERE

Arctic Monkeys - From the Ritz To the Rubble [mp3]

really. funny. headline.

the sub headline is pretty hilarious too.

I'll have to admit, if I were there, I probably would have thrown my bra up on the stage.

Andrew Bird- A Nervous Tic Motion to the Left [mp3]

Matt Costa + Ryan Adams + Oasis = the ultimate concert.

damn lucky Canadians. oh well, i got to see Matt with Delta Spirit, which was pretty fucking amazing.

09/04 – Ottawa, ON CANADA – Scotiabank Place
09/05 – Montreal, QC CANADA – Bell Centre
09/07 – Toronto, ON CANADA – V Festival (Toronto Island Park)
09/09 – London, ON CANADA – John Labatt Centre

some other Matt Costa tour dates:

09/20 – Atlanta, GA – The Loft @ Center Stage
10/04 – Los Angeles, CA – Detour Festival
10/07 – Greenville, SC – Furman University
11/13 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Theatre

and and and, a new video:

Cigarette Eyes on YOUTUBE

Matt Costa - Sunshine [mp3]

Bowie to release a compilation album

of his favourite songs via Virgin/EMI on October 14th

tracklisting as follows:

'Life On Mars?'
'Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing'
'The Bewlay Brothers'
'Lady Grinning Soul'
'Win'
'Some Are'
'Teenage Wildlife'
'Repetition'
'Fantastic Voyage'
'Loving The Alien'
'Time Will Crawl'
'Hang On To Yourself'


David Bowie- Life on Mars [mp3]

I previously posted about him discussing these songs (read that post HERE) but now you can jhave all of the songs in a handy dandy cd.

Beck adds tour dates

to his North American trek. hello Canada.

San Diego, CA Street Scene Festival (September 19)
Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl (20)
Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater (22)
Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium (23)
El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theatre (25)
Austin, TX Austin City Limits Festival (27)
Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom (28)
Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre (29)
Minneapolis, MN Wilkins Auditorium (30)
Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom (October 2, 3)
Toronto, Ontario Sound Academy (5)
Montreal, Quebec St. Denis Theatre (6)
New York, NY United Palace Theatre (9, 10)

Beck - Lord Only Knows [mp3]

The National lend their song for a goosebump inducing Obama ad.

no, I am not jumping on the Obama bandwagon. as you can see from my dA journal post from February of '07, I've been keeping my eye on Obama for a long time.

anyways, watch the video that includes The National's "Fake Empire" below. go out and vote and change the world.



The National - Fake Empire [mp3]

Ra Ra Riot on Conan

watch their tv performance of "Ghost Under Rocks" below:



read my previous post on RRR HERE

Phantom Planet on Daytrotter

check out the article and free mp3s HERE

Phantom Planet - Do the Panic [mp3]

Phantom Planet on MYSPACE

Coldplay are being busy

what? no, get your mind out of the gutter, not that kind of busy. they're gonna release yet another record this year, an EP entitled "Prospects March" during the winter. It will include things left out of Viva La Vida, including a song in which they collaborate with Kylie Minogue, called "Luna". read more on NME

now, personally, I think Viva is way over hyped, it's good though. Coldplay were at their best with their debut, Parachutes, and since then have become obsessed with the whole astronomical arena sound thing. perhaps the EP will return to form? who knows.

Coldplay - What If [mp3]

the National add new tour dates

19 SEP: SEATTLE, WA
CO-OPS ROCK! BENEFIT SHOW
w/ MENOMENA

20 SEP: SAN DIEGO, CA
STREET SCENE FESTIVAL

10 OCT: NEW YORK, NY
NEW YORK MAGAZINE 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION @ HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM
w/ GRIZZLY BEAR + HOSTED BY: Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain (STELLA COMEDY)

24 OCT: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
TIM FESTIVAL

25 OCT: SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
TIM FESTIVAL

27 OCT: VITORIA, BRAZIL
UFES THEATRE

ALL Tickets for the shows in Brazil will be available in September

08 NOV: AUSTIN, TX
FUN FUN FUN FEST!

visit The National on MYSPACE

The National - Fake Empire [mp3]

Sunday Morning Covers

Foo Fighters - Keep the Car Running (Arcade Fire cover) [mp3]

The Kooks - Kids (MGMT cover) [mp3]

John Mayer - Kid A (Radiohead cover) [mp3]

personally, I love the Kooks cover the best of the three, but they're all good. I think the Kooks have an uncanny ability to cover songs really well. and produce some damn good original stuff too. click HERE to download their cover of PB&J's "young folks"

new video: The Hives - Won't Be Long

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!

this is my all time favourite Hives song EVER. I went crazy when they sang it live. I need to choose between seeing them again live or Liam Finn, because they're playing SF shows the same night. I will probably choose these guys, because they are simply phenomenal live. so is Liam, but you can't really dance like it's 1999 to his music.

the video, by the way, consists of various clips of their shows and them on the road. you can see Pelle sleeping =) total creeper status haha

I love The Hives. and if you don't listen to them, START IMMEDIATELY. seriously, they are the coolest Swedish garage rock band ever =)

The Hives - Diabolic Scheme [mp3]

The Hives - Won't Be Long [mp3]

The Hives - You've Got it all Wrong [mp3]

Saturday Music Definitions: Start

a new year, the same old stuff. I try to start over, end up falling back to old habits. whatever, here are some mp3s

Voxtrot - The Start of Something [mp3 highly recommended!]

The Strokes - When It Started [mp3]

Razorlight - Back to the Start [mp3]

and, I know this is cheating because it is a cover and today isn't Sunday haha but this is really good:

The Flaming Lips - (Just Like) Starting Over (John Lennon cover) [mp3]

that's so weird, except for the Voxtrot tune, all of those songs are track 9's.

band of the week: Liam Finn

this Kiwi (New Zealander) who takes after his father Neil's musical talent blew me away when I first heard his voice. upon listening to a couple of songs on his MYSPACE, I immediately ordered his record online, a very very wise purchase. "I'll be Lightning" is a stunning debut with a eclectic feel, from the higher energy songs ("Second Chance", Lead Balloon") to slower, Elliott Smith type whispery quiet vocals("Music Moves my Feet"), all of the songs guaruntee chills (the good kind)

I saw him open up for Laura Veirs (I went specifically for him and didn't pay attention to Laura's set). he was spectacular. he has a signature thing where he always plays drums on "Second Chance", which is truly breathtaking. I remember, at one point he nearly lost control and dropped one drumstick, but continued and picked it up without skipping a beat. well, not literally of course, but it was a SMOOTH save.

now watch this performance. really, do. it's amazing.



and, now that you're convinced, go to your local record shop, buy his album and make sure to catch him live (a ton of tour dates are posted on his MYSPACE, including a SF show where he is headlining =)

when I saw him, I asked him to play my favourite song off the record, "Wide Awake on the Voyage Home" and he agreed, even though he and EJ hadn't planned to. before he began, he said "this song was requested by a very special fan", which was sweet, and so true. I adore Liam. and now you do too.

Liam Finn - Second Chance [mp3]

Liam Finn - Wide Awake on the Voyage Home [mp3]


and, some bonus songs not included on the record:
Liam Finn - I found a noise in ATP [mp3]

Liam Finn - I will explode [mp3]

Liam Finn - Never feel the same [mp3]

new Kings of Leon video: Sex on Fire

it's the most interesting video I've seen in a long while, check it out on YOUTUBE

also, they've revealed cover art for "Only By the Night":



and, an mp3 of the above song:

Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire [mp3]

Albert Hammond Jr to design cool suits

he's been wearing them for years, has excellent fashion sense. He once said that he used to dress up and pretend he was in the band, and get into shows for free that way. maybe the same will happen to you if you buy a suit of his (haha major endorsement-age)

anyhow, read the entire article on NME and download a tune below:

Sunday Morning Covers (sorry, it's late.)

so I'm back in the old dorms and I just got internet access like 35 minutes ago. sooo, here are some cool songs

because I've been listening to the Velvet Underground all day:

The Morning Benders - Temptation Inside Your Heart (VU cover) [mp3]

because Pink Floyd is always relevant:

My Morning Jacket - Mother (PF cover) [mp3]

and, just because:

Arcade Fire - A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke cover) [mp3]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIAN!!

I'm really quite bad at remembering my favourite bands' birthdays, but hey lookie here I actually remembered Jules because he has an August birthday, like me

Julian Casablancas, singer/songwriter extraordinaire, turns 30 today. In 2001, he and 4 of his friends changed the world of music forever by bestowing upon us lowly mortals the brilliant record, Is This It.

Thus ended a long streak of crappy rap/rock that had stripped rock and roll of everything we love about it. The Strokes inspired many bands to come, and truly revolutionized music. They made rock and roll cool again. With 2 equally strong (but very different) follow ups (Room on Fire and First Impressions of Earth), The Strokes continually gave us tasty, brilliantly crafted tunes. As the band's primary songwriter and the common denominator between the band, Julian is the cornerstone of my favourite band ever ever ever, and one that I consider to be the best in the world.

Also to be noted, Julian has recently cleaned up his crazy party habits, and has given up most drinking and smoking, as he realized that it began to affect the music. His most recent work was a collaboration with NERD and Santogold for a Converse commercial, with a tune called My Drive Thru

The Strokes will be back to grace our lives from the mundane in 2009, with a new record and tour dates to follow.

now, watch this interview with early Julian (circa 2001), and try not to fall in love with this man. yep, I know, it's impossible





I am addicted to his voice in these two live videos:





The Strokes - Is This It [mp3]

The Strokes - Ize of the World [mp3]

The Strokes - Last Nite [mp3]

The Strokes - Take it or Leave It [mp3]

The Strokes - Under Control [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.]

The Strokes - NYC Cops [mp3]

finally, if you are already a fan (or still need to be convinced of this band's coolness), and haven't seen In Transit yet (or even if you have), feast your eyes on this. greatest thing ever.

Saturday Music Definitions: Red Light

Kings of Leon - Red Morning Light [mp3]

Arctic Monkeys - Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured [mp3]

The Strokes - Red Light [mp3]

all excellent songs from 3 fantastic bands.

new Kooks video: Sway

most of the video is composed of Luke looking a bit pained while lipsynching the song from their latest record, "Konk"

DAMN IT ALBERT, WHERE ARE MY NORTH AMERICAN DATES???

Albert Hammond Jr has just posted a load of European tour dates on his MYSPACE ending in October. Apparently he is going to open for Coldplay on their Euro trek.

here are the tour dates:

Sept. 1 – Strasbourg, France – Zenith
Sept. 2 – Manheim, Germany – SAP Arena
Sept. 4 – Lyon, France – Tony Garnier Hall
Sept. 6 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau St. Jordi
Sept. 7 – Madrid, Spain – Palcio des Deportes
Sept. 9 – Paris, France – Bercy
Sept. 10 – Paris, France – Bercy
Sept. 12 – Cologne, Germany – Koln Arena
Sept. 14 – Hamburg, Germany – Colorline Arena
Sept. 15 – Berlin, Germany – O2 World Arena
Sept. 17 – Stockholm, Sweden – Globe Theatre
Sept. 18 – Stockholm, Sweden – Globe Theatre
Sept. 19 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
Sept. 22 – Prague, Czech Republic – Sazka Arena
Sept. 23 – Budapest, Hungary – Budapest Arena
Sept. 24 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
Sept. 26 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
Sept. 28 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Sept. 29 – Bologna, Italy – Palamagotti
Sept. 30 – Milan, Italy – Datchforum
Oct. 2 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – The Ahoy
Oct. 3 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – The Ahoy
Oct. 4 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportspalais

please please please come to the SF area Albert! and then rush back to NY to work with your fellow Strokes and blow us away with a fourth record. yeah, he'll probably never read that, but whatever, you just did, and are now informed not only of his new tour dates, but of my freakish tendencies induced by my ridiculous love of his (and the Strokes' of course) music.

Albert Hammond Jr - Bargain of a Century [mp3]

band of the week: MGMT + record review

I've been meaning to blog about my love for their debut record "Oracular Spectacular" all week, so this works quite nicely. This NY based duo (Andrew and Ben) have taken psychedelic rock on a whole new level. I remember, hearing "Time To Pretend" for the first time, thinking that this was just another band with a catchy single who would inevitably be drowned out by the rest of the music industry trying to do the same thing. But I did acquire their record, and upon my first listen, I was pleasantly surprised to the contrary. Easily one of the year's best releases thus far, Oracular Spectacular is indeed a spectacle for your ears to behold. From lyrics that make fun of famous people (so, themselves, really): "Let's make some music, make some money, find some models for wives; I'll move to Paris, shoot some heroin, and fuck with the stars"-to some happy go lucky declarations of childlike wonder (Kids; The Youth), this record is just teeming with ridiculously good melodies and trust me, you will find yourself dancing to it, although somewhat unconsciously. There is even a hint of early RHCP type guitars ("Of Moons, Birds and Monsters"), and the record ends with "Future Reflections", a tune that mixes a very futuristic feel (haha appropriate) with a subtle chord progression emanating a more vintage sound. It's as if MGMT wants to remind us that the whole electronica/psychedelic fad is ultimately grounded in the 60's, which probably produced more acid-influenced records than any other decade. "This is a call of arms to live and love and sleep together" sums up that theme quite nicely.

I did have the lovely opportunity to see them live, and they were superb (although at one point the mic wasn't working, and I was about to go crazy. this was before Andrew started singing and I was just bubbling with happy suspense.) so, if you have the chance, check out their live renditions of their very palatable songs.

enjoy my favourite tracks from the record below, and do go out and buy the record, you will not regret it.

MGMT - The Youth [mp3]

MGMT - Electric Feel [mp3]

MGMT - Kids [mp3]

(oddly enough, they are consecutive)

also, visit them on MYSPACE.

watch the new SSLYBY vid on PASTE

HERE

the song has some cool guitar riffs. they sort of look like the new Weezer here. and it has that same feel from that new Vampire Weekend video.

I love love love the band's new record, Pershing. it's happy and sweet without making your teeth rot. great vocals, nice melodies too. highly recommended for anyone with two ears and a heart

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE

new video: Oasis- The Shock of Lightning

hellooo psychedelic goodness



that seems to be a trend lately...

Albert Hammond Jr- GfC



MGMT - Time to Pretend


Oasis - Champagne Supernova [mp3]

Pete Doherty and co banned from festival

the authorities in Wiltshire, England were worried that Babyshambles would incite violence.

the band plans on playing a private show near the festival, which was canceled

read the full story on NME

one more step towards an Orwellian society...this is utter bull. rock n roll isn't about a well behaved crowd. it's about getting fucked up and rowdy with your friends and enjoying the music. which, most of the time, bashes society and promotes law breaking anyways.

Babyshambles - Fuck Forever [mp3]

Anthony Green does acoustic version of his song "Slowing Down"

watch the video on PUREVOLUME

it's quite beautiful.

the Circa Survive frontman released his solo debut effort entitled Avalon earlier this month.

Anthony Green - Devil's Song [mp3]

Noel Gallagher promises a less mainstream record.

The guitarist says that the latest Oasis effort "Dig Out Your Soul" will NOT be the anticipated "Britpop". I haven't been excited about a record like this since Albert Hammond Jr's Como Te Llama. I love Oasis's music already, I wonder how great they will be with a more indie approach.

read the full story on NME

Oasis - Wonderwall [mp3]

oh the ludicrous nature of today's generation.

(please do click on the above picture to get the desired full effect)

I was exasperated yesterday when my younger brother told me that he couldn't switch from Honors English to regular English because there wasn't enough room in the latter. In my days (and I am only four years older than him) there were ONLY TWO honors classes, with 20 people each. Our grade consisted of 450 students. So the honors students were less than 10%. So what my brother is saying is that now, there aren't even that many people capable of accelerated coursework. That made me so sad, especially because I want to teach one day. I was just thinking yesterday how if there were classes in Guitar Hero and brand name shoes, today's generation would be star pupils. Which brings me to today's post. Take a looskie at this bit of news on Rolling Stone:

Teen Drops Out of High School To Become Professional “Guitar Hero”

that makes me want to bang my head against the wall, but I will refrain for the sake of my brain cells, which apparently are a rare commodity in our society.

I have nothing against kids dropping out of school to pursue music. The lead singer of my favourite band (Julian Casablancas of the Strokes) dropped out after junior year, but then continued studying music. Having ambition is admirable. But thinking that you can support yourself via a simulated video game is simply retarded.

The Hives - Walk Idiot Walk [mp3]

back to school, already?

I know a lot of US high schools are starting today (my younger brother included). I'm moving back to Berkeley on Wednesday, or Thursday, term starts the following Wednesday.

here are a couple of songs to get us through the hard times:

Belle and Sebastian - Wrapped up in my Books [mp3]

The Wombats - School Uniforms [mp3]

30 seconds to Mars gets sued...by their own record company.

the LA based band fronted by actor Jared Leto (Requiem for a Dream; "angel face" in Fight Club) is using a loophole in their contract (that one cannot be bound to a contract for more than 7 years) to get out of a bad relationship with Virgin/EMI. they've had a tumultuous relationship, and the company insists that 30STM owes them 3 more records (they haven't had an effort out since "A Beautiful Lie" in 2005), and is thus suing them for 30 million dollars. yep, that's right, 30 million.

sorry, no accompanying mp3, they aren't on my computer (I listened to them a lot junior year of high school) and I don't feel like digging through my collection to find one of their cds.

Sunday Morning Covers

today I will post some very, very different versions of some classic songs:

The National - Clampdown (Clash cover) [mp3]

Ben Gibbard - All Apologies (Nirvana cover) [mp3]

Play Radio Play! - Mr Brightside (Killers cover) [mp3]

sometimes, a good cover means properly emulating the original artist, other times, it's quite nice to have a different twist on the song. my favourite of the above three is the last, because although the original is one of my all time favourite songs and nothing will change that, I thought PRP did a cool interpretation of it. it certainly does homage to the synth feel of "Hot Fuss", even if the vox will never be on par with Mr Flowers'. I do like how he sings the chorus, though. and it definitely gets better in the middle/toward the end (the beginning is a bit weak, imo)

what do you think?

yet another Nickel Eye Song available

via MYSPACE.

"where the cold wind blows" is slow and methodical, perhaps my favourite of his thus far. an album to be released by Niko and co this fall.

Saturday Music Definitions: Grass

there are few simple pleasures better than lying in the grass, looking up at the clouds above. to honor the peaceful loveliness of the green stuff, here are a couple of songs:

disclaimer: the AC tune isn't as peaceful as the I&W. but of course you knew that already.

Iron and Wine - Teeth in the Grass [mp3]

Animal Collective- Grass [mp3]


Iron & Wine on MYSPACE

Animal Collective on MYSPACE

band of the week: Spoon

a friend of mine gave me "Kill the Moonlight" back in October of 2007, and my love for this band has only grown since then. I have yet to hear a Spoon song that I don't like. This superb band from Austin, TX is great to behold on disc or live, and lucky for you, they tour pretty often. They have a few upcoming shows,

Sep 19 2008 9:00P Street Scene
San Diego, California

Sep 20 2008 8:00P
Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, California

Sep 22-24 2008 8:00P
The Fillmore San Francisco, California

now give the following tune a listen and get ready to add a new band to your list of awesome.

Spoon- Don't You Evah [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE

FINALLY, new Oasis single available

for all the nay sayers who claim that all Oasis songs have melded together into some unintelligible white noise, here is the fiesty new single to prove them wrong

it is loud.
it is lengthy.
it is a massive supernova of energy that will blow you away.

"I got my feet on the street but I can't stop flyin,
my head's in the clouds but at least I'm tryin
I'm out of control but I'm tied up tight"

it sounds like Oasis are sick and tired of being praised, then shot down, over and over and over again.

Oasis - The Shock of Lightning [mp3]

The Virgins rework "Rich Girls"...again.

my favourite version is still the original EP version, but hear a squeaky clean live rendition below:



visit the not so chaste Virgins on MYSPACE

calling all Florida readers: free Smashing Pumpkins show

the only thing better than a good live act would be a FREE good live act.

the Smashing Pumpkins will play in Orlando on August 22nd.

get your free tix HERE

HINT: if you enter “Pumpkins” in the Summer Krush comment box while applying for tickets, your ticket form will get priority.

go forth, Floridians, and see Billy Corgan and co while you still can

Smashing Pumpkins- Today [mp3]

Blogs are good for record sales

read the article HERE. it's pretty interesting.

new Oasis songs streaming online

listen to "Falling Down" below



I've only listened to it a couple of times but I'm pretty impressed.

"The Shock of Lightning" debuts tomorrow.

Oasis - Don't Go Away [mp3]

goodies with new Of Montreal record

in case the music itself was not lavish enough for you, Of Montreal are including some cool extras with the Skeletal Lamping LP

read more HERE

that lantern has my name all over it.

Kings of Leon PRESALE PASSWORD

the magic word is "KINGS"

buy tix HERE until 10 PM EST (7 PM PST) tomorrow for the following shows:

* 9/23 - New York: Webster Hall
* 10/15 - Los Angeles: Nokia Theatre
* 10/20 - Seattle: Paramount Theatre
* 10/21 - Portland: Schitzer Hall
* 10/23 - Denver: The Fillmore
* 11/3 - St. Louis: The Pageant
* 11/7 - Toronto: Kool Haus
* 11/18 - Atlanta: The Tabernacle

get em while you can

a few other shows (San Diego and SF for example) go on presale tomorrow)

Kings of Leon - Molly Chambers [mp3]

visit KoL on their official website HERE

new mp3: Nickel Eye

Strokes bassist gone solo side project (a la many artists this year).

visit Nikolai Fraiture's project "Nickel Eye" on MYSPACE

Nickel Eye - Back From Exile [mp3]

Radiohead + Palahniuk = ecstasy.

this is the best news of the day, imo

Radiohead is apparently going to be providing the musical score for the upcoming film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's best selling "Choke". He gained notoriety for the famous "Fight Club" (my favourite movie) and he remains my all time favourite author. His work is quite demented, I love it.

Chuck is apparently ecstatic about the entire ordeal. Radiohead will debut all new material for the upcoming film. Read more HERE

Radiohead - Weird Fishes Arpeggi [mp3]

Franz Ferdinand streaming new track online

visit them on their website HERE to hear the track that they maintain is "not a single" or simply click below:



wha wha what?? this song is so tasty. it is so much more electronica than anything else they have done.

we can anticipate a new record from this Scottish band named after a horse named after the archduke who caused WWI in January.


Franz Ferdinand - The Fallen [mp3]

SF's Outside Lands Festival schedule is available

give it a looksie HERE

buy your 3 day passes, single day tickets, or VIP passes HERE

Cold War Kids - Something is not right with me [mp3]

Spin's Artist of the Day: Ra Ra Riot

see for yourself HERE

I really like this band. their music is quite refreshing.

read a previous post of mine here

Ra Ra Riot - St Peter's Day

Brandon Flowers coming terms to not being able to please everyone

“But we’ve got faith in what we do, faith in our fans and faith in the soon-to-be-converted.”

read the Rolling Stone article about the forthcoming "stripped down" third record HERE


The Killers - Under the Gun (b-side version) [mp3]

watch a hilarious skit below:

Death Cab announce new fall tour

08-12 Singapore, Singapore - Esplanade Concert Hall
08-15 Seoul, South Korea - ETP Festival
08-17 Melbourne, Australia - The Palace
08-18 Newtown, Australia - The Enmore
08-20 Fremantle, Australia - Metropolis
08-22 Fortitude Valley, Australia - The Tivoli
09-01 Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot
10-03 Boston, MA - Agganis Arena
10-04 Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theater
10-05 Atlantic City, NJ - Showboat Casino Hotel
10-06 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
10-08 Columbus, OH - LC Outdoor Amphitheater
10-12 Champaign, IL - Assembly (University of Illinois)
10-13 St. Louis, MO - Fox Theatre
10-26 New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Music Experience

visit them on their official website

Death Cab for Cutie - Technicolor Girls [mp3]

Liam Gallagher lashes out at Radiohead and Coldplay fans

he called them "ugly and boring"

haha! I personally like both bands, but not as much as Oasis.

now where would we be without the Gallagher brothers constantly talking trash about other bands? bored, that's where.

read the story on NME


Oasis - Don't Go Away [mp3]

new I'm from Barcelona song

free download for "Music Killed Me" available for those who sign up for their newsletter HERE

visit the 29 piece Swedish band on MYSPACE

Saturday Music Definitions: Happy Birthday

haha ok so I'm usually not this self centered, but today is my 19th birthday, and I thought I'd share a couple of birthday songs by a couple of my favourite singers, and my current favourite Strokes song: Alone, Together. It boggles my mind how perfectly the rhythm and lead guitar parts work together, not to mention the perfectionnn of the bass, drums and vox. Hot damn I love the Strokes.

It must be noted that I adore all of the Strokes' songs equally, but I become a wee bit more obsessed with one at a time.

It's usually from their first record Is This It. If you don't own that record, you cannot consider yourself someone with good music taste. I'm sorry, I'm biased but whatever, it's a masterpiece. My all time favourite record. I swear it gets better each time I listen to it.

ok, so here are your tunes, ENJOY!

Andrew Bird - The Happy Birthday Song [mp3]

Sondre Lerche - Happy Birthday Girl [mp3]

The Strokes - Alone, Together [mp3]

Band of the Week: The Clash

Ok, I'm cheating. Band of the week is about exposing you lovely readers to obscure indie bands that actually make tasty tunes. But I've been listening to nothing but The Clash ALL WEEK. I've been humming "Rock the Casbah" for ages (I love that song particularly because I was raised Muslim and my parents HATE my love for "the rock n roll"). Hot damn this band is the coolest. By far the best punk act. London Calling is a fucking masterpiece.

So if you guys have not yet worshiped this band, I suggest that you start very very soon. Download one of their songs below and go out to your local record store and get their eponymous debut on vinyl. Or I'd recommend this compilation -> The Clash - The Singles. But vinyl >>> everything else so yeah.

One of my favourite things about this band is the timelessness of their lyrics. Another is how they pack so much punch in such short songs.

Here's a cool website dedicated to all things Clash.

The Clash - Cheat [mp3]

fucking sweet guitar solo.

Liam looooves John.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis has written a ballad entitled "I'm Outta Time" for the new record which shows his love for the famed Beatle, Mr Lennon. It features an extract from an old interview with Lennon.

I love Oasis. I love The Beatles. I love "Champagne Supernova". I love the following quote:

"If you're not in it to become bigger than The Beatles then it's just a hobby" - Noel Gallagher

'Dig Out Your Soul' will be available on October 6th.

The full tracklisting is as follows:

'Bag It Up'
'The Turning'
'Waiting For The Rapture'
'The Shock Of The Lightning'
'I'm Outta Time'
'(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady'
'Falling Down'
'To Be Where There's Life'
'Ain't Got Nothin''
'The Nature Of Reality'
'Soldier On'

bring on the tour dates!

Oasis - Champagne Supernova [mp3]

Analogue magazine

I just found out about a cool independent Irish publication which is determined to make itself available for FREE for each and every issue. I gave their fourth issue a looksie in the PDF format available HERE, and was quite pleased. Check it out.

here is their official website:

analoguemagazine.com


Foo Fighters - Free Me [mp3]

Albert Hammond Jr is Guest Listed by Pitchfork

he talked to them about happiness, Tom Petty, and his David Bowie ringtone.

read more HERE

visit Albert on MYSPACE

Albert Hammond Jr - In Transit [mp3]

Wolfmother drops 2 members, singer to stick it out

It all started when keyboardist/bassist Chris Ross left the band, and drummer Myles Heskett soon followed suit.

However, singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale said that he is going to recruit new members and continue with the band

new Kings of Leon single streaming online

listen to "Sex on Fire" on their MYSPACE

I really like it. It's less aggressive than their first single, Crawl. You can really hear the yearning in Caleb's voice, in vein of Dave Grohl. Great guitar riffs, too.

UPDATE:

I've acquired an mp3. download it below:

Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire [mp3]

Happy Birthday Elliott Smith

he would have been 39 today.

I was just listening to The Elected today and realized how much Elliott's music has influenced bands today. We miss you dearly, Elliott, may you rest in peace.

I don't like to talk about my love for this man very much, because most of my friends don't like his music and I can't stand to hear anyone say anything remotely negative about him. XO changed my life, and I subsequently acquired his entire discography, some of the best stuff in my collection. If you haven't really listened to Elliott Smith's music, give it a try. The following song gave me chills the first time I heard it, and I just fell in love with Elliott right that moment. His music is so intimate, his lyrics so poetic. This man was a genius and died too soon. His music will forever be his legacy.

Elliott Smith - Waltz #2 (XO) [mp3]

Wolfmother to split?

I really hope not. The Australian-based band only has one record out so far, an eponymous debut which I really liked. I saw them live at a festival a couple of years back and they were great.

anyhow, read more on NME and I will post updates soon

Wolfmother - Dimension [mp3]

Kings of Leon North American Tour Dates

they have not one but TWO SF shows. =)

The Whigs, We Are Scientists and The Stills will open

9/23, New York, NY (Webster Hall)*
10/11, Las Vegas, NV (The Joint) #
10/12, San Diego, CA (House of Blues) #
10/15, Los Angeles, CA (Nokia Theatre) #
10/17, San Francisco, CA (Warfield Theatre) #
10/18, San Francisco, CA (Warfield Theatre) #
10/20, Seattle, WA (Paramount Theatre) #
10/21, Portland, OR (Schnitzer Hall) #
10/23, Denver, CO (The Fillmore Auditorium) #
10/25, Austin, TX (Austin Music Hall) #
10/26, Oklahoma City, OK (Bricktown Events Center) #
10/28, Houston, TX (Verizon Wireless Theater) #
10/29, Dallas, TX (Palladium Ballroom) #
10/31, Chicago, IL (Aragon Ballroom) #
11/1, Minneapolis, MN (Orpheum Theatre) $
11/3, St. Louis, MO (The Pageant) $
11/5, Milwaukee, WI (The Eagles Ballroom) $
11/7, Toronto, Ontario (Kool Haus) $
11/8, Detroit, MI (The Fillmore) $
11/10, Washington, DC (DAR Constitution Hall) $
11/12, Boston, MA (Orpheum Theatre) $
11/15, Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory Ballroom) $
11/18, Atlanta, GA (The Tabernacle) $
11/19, Nashville, TN (Nashville Municipal Auditorium) $

(* w/ the Whigs)
(# w/ the Stills and We Are Scientists)
($ w/ the Whigs and We Are Scientists)


Kings of Leon - Red Morning Light [mp3]

of Montreal + Freudian psychology = spectacular on so many levels

now I love of Montreal for many reasons, primarily their trippy high energy melodies that get me pumped at the gym

but the following lyric reminds of Brave New World so I have a new found reason to love these guys:

"Can’t help it if its true, don’t wanna be your man, just wanna play with you"

tasty, tasty. anddd it's on repeat. alas, they've done it again.

download the new song from their forthcoming record, Skeletal Lamping, below:

of Montreal - Id Engager

and if you have yet to discover this cool band from, where else: Athens, Georgia (that city has given us so many top notch bands), trek over to their MYSPACE until they hook you with their sexy and completely palatable dance music (oxymoron? I think not) and you go out and buy Hissing Fauna, or a number of records from their lengthy discography.