pictures, pictures everywhere

here are some concert photos, long over due I know.

the Spoon Fillmore show from September:

The Heavenly States (opening band)



Spoon:




















set list:

fan who composed the set list:



THE VIRGINS!













Black Kids:







with Donald =)


with Nick =)



with Eric =)



with the other Nick =)


Nick's drawing of the monster =)

concert review: THE VIRGINS (yay!) and Black Kids (meh) + interview

Black Kids played at SF’s GAMH last night. The highlights of their set were “Partie Traumatic”, which they rendered really well, the powerful voices of their two backup female vocalists, and their lead singer’s superb dance skills. All in all, it’s safe to say that OPENING BAND THE VIRGINS (who enticed me to go to the show in the first place) blew them out of the water. Black Kids’ drummer was good, but Eric gave him a run for his money.

It was just kind of disheartened that the audience wasn’t getting into the Black Kids. They do, after all, make dance music, and only a couple of people (myself included) were dancing. The bright lights and band members’ dancing didn’t do enough to warrant a good show. I think that the Black Kids are a band that gets a lot of their energy from the audience, and although it’s OBVIOUS that they’re trying not to suck, it’s an uphill battle. Clear skies lie ahead though, so stick it out guys.

Anyhow, now to the good part of the review: The Virgins. They opened up their spectacular (but unfortunately short, “strictly 30 minute”, as Eric said) set with “Private Affair.” Lead singer Donald surprised me by actually singing all of the really high falsetto notes, including the beginning of “One Week of Danger”, which I hadn’t realized was HIM singing on the record. Midway through the set, they were about to cover a song (which I later found out was going to be “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris), but they collectively decided against it (I think bassist Nick had something to do with the decision). They promised to play it when they roll back into the city in December, however, and that gives me something to look forward to. Instead, Donald said “here’s a slow song for you” and took over Paul’s guitar obligations as they played “Fernando Pando”.

After the show, I caught up with the band and asked them some questions. They were all ridiculously friendly, and Donald was super polite and genuinely grateful when I told him that I adore his band.

When I asked newly added guitarist Paul where his crazy counterpart was, he replied “oh, Wade’s probably already passed out in the van already”

me: were any of you guys actually virgins when you started the band?
Donald: *chuckles* no.

me: what do you guys make of the abundance of references to The Strokes? They’re my favourite band, for the record.
Eric: Well, we’re flattered. They are a great band, a lot of fun to listen to. But we don’t try to sound like them or anything…
me: I know. By references I meant:
Eric: We’re both from NY…
me: You both make ridiculously good music. Incredible sync. You guys are quite popular and your fan base is growing exponentially. You had a stellar EP followed by an even stronger debut.
Eric: yeah, ok. We just wanted to make a good pop record, y’know? Something that you could put on and just listen to, like a party.
me: yeah: “cocaine brunch.” Those lyrics, man! Crazy! Did Donald write them?
Eric: oh yeah. That’s Donald, man, that’s his poetry.
me: does he write all of the music as well?
Eric: Yeah, but we all add on to it. You have to feel it, y’know? We’re really nitpicky about our music. Like even now, we get on each other’s cases: “we could have done better.” There’s always room for improvement.
me: why did you guys change “Rich Girls” on the record?
Eric: well, we changed the other songs as well. An EP is like, it’s just a demo you know? Just your stuff thrown together. The record is more…
me: polished?
Eric: kind of…more like a…
me: used gum wrapper? (as I point to their cover art)
Eric: haha, yeah sure.

me: why do you have a compass tattooed on your arm?
Eric: I was downtown (NYC) with a friend one day and I picked up a book and there it was. This incredible gold emblem on the cover
me: cool! Do you by any chance remember the book?
Eric: yeah, it was called The US Book of Maps. Super official and stuff.

me: are you one of those drummers who constantly drums with his fingers? Like tapping everything and what not?
Eric: kind of…I mostly use my teeth. I construct all of my beats with my teeth.
me: um, does your dentist approve?
Eric: you know, now that you mention it, I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time. That appointment needs to happen.


me: I adore you. Seriously, I fawn over your brilliance
Nick: well, that’s bound to happen when, well you know *points to self*
me: *laughing*
Nick: I’m just kidding
me: no you’re not

when Nick signed my CD, he made a cloud around his name which I thought looked like a sheep. He then proceeded to add on to it until it looked like an actual sheep, and then drew a monster with male genitalia on another fan’s arm. Twas highly amusing. He inadvertently stole my sharpie, but I totally forgave him for it. In addition to being the most talented of the band (sorry guys, I do love you all but hello his bass playing just makes me HAPPY), he is also the most attractive. A girl can dream, right?

Their manager and self-proclaimed bitch Nick told me to delete the picture of him that I took. I refused. “You won’t find pictures of me on the internet,” he said. “yeah, you guys are impossible to locate online,” I replied. Eric laughed. “Yeah, google images is loaded with pictures of naked virgins, man” he said. “People love that shit.”

To sum it up, the mark of how good the Virgins were was the fact that I was listening to their record (and simultaneously hearing their live versions of it in my head) on the train ride home. That rarely ever happens. Actually, never. This band kicks so much ass.

I hate my SD card reader, it won’t work. I’ll find my camera cable later, and upload pictures.

Set lists:

The Virgins:

Private Affair
Radio Christine
Teen Lovers
One Week of Danger
Fernando Pando [mp3, album version]
She’s Expensive
Hey Hey Girl [definitely the best of the set. I almost died.]
Rich Girls

No encore :(

Black Kids:

Look at Me When I Rock Wichoo
Hit the Heartbrakes
Partie Traumatic [mp3 album version]
I’ve Underestimated My Charm
Listen to Your Body Tonight
I Wanna be Your Limousine
Love Me Already
My Christian Name (new song)
Strange (new song)
I’m Making Eyes at You
I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

Encore:
You Only Call Me When You’re Crying
Hurricane Jane

the verdict:

The Virgins: 4.5/5
Black Kids: 2.75/5

the good news is that The Virgins will be headlining a small tour when they finish up with the Black Kids. Stay Tuned, I'll keep you all posted.

Sunday Morning Covers

today, I will dedicate SMC to The Kooks. The Kooks are one of my favourite bands and I think that it's atrocious that the media built them up and then shot them down. They are an excellent band, and quite good live too. Both of their records are really good, the second one faltered a bit but it's still sold. They do excellent covers, behold them below:

The Kooks - All that she wants (ace of bace cover) [mp3]

The Kooks - Crazy (gnarls barkley cover) [mp3]

The Kooks - Violet Hill (coldplay cover) [mp3]

The Kooks - Kids (mgmt cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

The Kooks - Young Folks (peter bjorn and john cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

and, BONUS:

Lily Allen - Naive (the kooks cover) [mp3]

Nickel Eye record to be released January 13th

Nikolai Fraiture, the Strokes' bassist, has collaborated with Joel Cadbury (steel guitar), Jamie McDonald (guitar), Brett Shaw (drums), Regina Spektor (piano), Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (guitar), Jack Dishel of Only Son (back up vocals), Jesse Wallace (drums) + more to produce NICKEL EYE, a band with a very interesting sound.

visit them on MYSPACE

here are some tour dates:

Oct 15 2008 8:00P The Borderline London

Oct 22 2008 9:00PM Music Hall of Williamsburg CMJ Festival Brooklyn, New York

Oct 24 2008 1:00A Piano’s CMJ Festival New York, New York

Nickel Eye - Back From Exile [mp3]

The Strokes will be back in February. hallelujah.

Saturday Music Definitions: Stars

I think that every night this week, I've had the wonderful opportunity to walk beneath the gorgeous sky in the dark. We've had good weather in Berkeley, so clear skies have been abundant. I could stare at the stars forever, well I could do a lot of things forever, including listening to my music collection and reading Joyce.

Ryan Adams - When the Stars Go Blue (live at Murat theatre 02 October 2008) [mp3]
I adore Ryan Adams, and love him even more because he is so cool about the recording of his live shows. I cannot wait until DECEMBER when I get to see him open for Oasis.

Broken Social Scene - Stars and Sons [mp3]
a nice track from a very underrated Canadian band whose music I quite enjoy.

Belle and Sebastian - Stars of Track and Field [mp3]
everytime I hear Belle and Sebastian, I laugh because I remember High Fidelity.



"it's the new Belle and Sebastian. do you like it?"
"holy shit. what the fuck is that"
"it's the new Belle and Sebastian"
"it's what we've been listening to and enjoying"
"well that's unfortunate because it SUCKS ASS!"

hahaha I love Jack Black.

and please, please watch this clip as well. I promise you it's well worth your time:



the air conditioner bit gets me every time. I love this movie.

the new Fall Out Boy video rocks

this is a couple of weeks old but I just watched it now:



I swear Fall Out Boy get catchier with every record. Take This To Your Grave will always be my favourite but I do enjoy me some STUDIO VERSION Fall Out Boy (not to mention I adore the lyrics. Pete Wentz rocks my socks.) I've forgiven them for their shitty live performance, maybe one day their excellent recorded sound will manifest itself live.

Band of the Week: In Cadeo

the band's MYSPACE profile tells all:

Hailing from Oregon, Ohio, and DC, and Forming in early 2008 in NYC/Brooklyn, in Cadeo is a fresh dose of kick-you-in-the balls/face/balls kind of indie rock. Having just released their self-titled debut EP in April 2008, they will be releasing their first full-length album in January.

This is Hanan, and I fully endorse this message.

They are actually giving away both their EP and a sampler of their LP FREE IN DIGITAL FORM ON THEIR WEBSITE. CLICK HERE to download the lovely tunes.

I really like this band. Apparently, I downloaded their stuff ages ago, but never got a chance to give em a listen. Thanks to shuffle, I heard (and fell in love with) "The Archer", a song with proper "indie" sound. haha yes, that gives you permission to hate me.

"Passing" sounds like something from Dashboard Confessional if Chris Carrabba stopped screeching and started singing, "Vultures" emulates early Modest Mouse, and "City Lights" sounds like happier Elliott Smith songs. "Ghosts" is sung like The National's songs, minus Matt's baritone. download each of these songs below:

In Cadeo - Passing [mp3]

In Cadeo - Vultures [mp3]

In Cadeo - City Lights [mp3]

In Cadeo - Ghosts [mp3]

In Cadeo - The Archer [mp3, highly recommended!]

keep an eye out for their forthcoming record early next year!

The Killers perform "Human" + "Spaceman" on SNL

this song is growing on me. every day I hate it less and less. this live version is a lot cooler than the studio one, because it's so much more synth and so much less pop-crap. by the time their October 21st Warfield show rolls by, I will probably love this song. and I don't hate myself for that prospect. The Killers are one of my all time favourite bands after all, I've gotta be somewhat biased in their favour.

UPDATE:

here is the video for Spaceman. this song rocks so much. this performance gives me chills it's so good. THIS IS THE BAND THAT WE KNOW AND LOVE! ah! I love it so much. now I don't even have to force myself to like "Human", this song makes up for it so much. this performance emulates the song's brilliance a lot clearer than this one.



Mark's bass line reminds me of the guitars in "7 nation army" by The White Stripes. good stuff.

Sunday Morning Covers

another round of one of my favourite things in the world...covers.

music makes me so happy.

Stereophonics - Best of You (Foo Fighters cover) [mp3]
there are rumours that Foo might be done, as they've stated that they need a "long break"
they've given us some great songs, and I hope they don't break up, but if they do, I will be sad but not bitter. they've been amazing. anyhow, this cover is reaaaaaaaaaaally good, it does the song very much justice, and then some

M. Ward - Let's Dance (Bowie cover) [mp3]
I think M. Ward is a talented musician. I adore Zooey Deschanel as an actress, I cannot stand their folk duo project, She and Him.
this cover is vastly different from the original. it's not dancable at all, but it's slow and beautiful.
much love to Ziggy, as always. do give this song a listen, it's a really interesting interpretation of

Green Day - I fought the law (Clash cover) [mp3]
a "punk" band covering a PUNK band. I was watching Knocked Up last night, and a three year old girl in the movie said that she wanted to listen to Green Day. my oh my.

Andrew Bird: new mp3 + track listing

now, the cool new song "The Master Swarm" which Mr Bird played at Outside Lands held us over for a while, but now we get more!

Andrew Bird - Oh No [mp3]

Noble Beast is set for a 27 January release.

1. Oh No
2. Masterswarm
3. Fitz & The Dizzyspells
4. Effigy
5. Tenuousness
6. Nomenclature
7. Not A Robot, But A Ghost
8. Anonanimal
9. Natural Disaster
10. Confess
11. Souverian
12. On Ho

that's cute, his first and last songs are inversely related. I adore word play.

visit him on MYSPACE for tour dates and other cool stuff.

Saturday Music Definitions: Under Pressure

I am in the midst of midterm season, which for an English major entails hours on end WRITING and READING hundreds and thousands of pages of texts, respectively. I swear, it requires so much more effort than just memorizing facts, which is what is required of most other majors.

anyhow, I apologize for the sparse blogging, I'll come back full throttle with reviews and such soon, I promise

now, there is only one song which adequately describes my situation, and it's Under Pressure. enjoy.

David Bowie and Queen - Under Pressure [mp3]

now, I will watch the Cal/Arizona state game while working on my Philosophy take home midterm.

one last thing, I actually really like the MCR/Used cover. it's a lot of fun. not as good as the original, of course, but I have a weakness for Gerard Way's voice. hear it below:

Band of the Week: Frogs in Fire

my familiarity with French music is probably limited to Daft Punk and Justice, but this is a rock band that totally kicks ass.

they have a bunch of covers on youtube, including an excellent cover of Last Nite by The Strokes:



they're not on tour or really producing anything at the moment, but I thought I'd share them because I liked their sound.

For Fans of: Kaiser Chiefs, The Strokes, The Libertines

visit them on MYSPACE to hear more

calling all American readers:

watch this video. I hope you're already registered, if not, I hope this helps sway you. Sarah Silverman is so great.



I know this is a music blog, but this election is huge. you have musicians backing Obama everywhere you turn

anyhow, go out. rock the vote.

Kasier Chiefs cover MGMT

this rendition of Time to Pretend is really cool! I love that covers of MGMT songs are always vastly different from the original, but still quite tasty.



I need to get my hands on "Off with their heads" (their forthcoming record, to be released on the 20th)

Noel Gallagher: Ryan Adams' version of Wonderwall is superior

I'm reading the newest issue of Spin, and in an interview, Noel responds to the claim that Liam hates singing Wonderwall by saying: "I hate him singing it too. Liam doesn't sound like he did ten years ago. Your voice and your body change. We've never got it right. It's too slow or too fast. I think Ryan Adams is the only person who ever got that song right. I'd love to do the Ryan Adams version. but in front of 60,000 Oasis fans that wouldn't be possible" (Oct 2008 issue pg 70)

now, I know this will make me feel bad when I hear them at the Oracle in December, because you know they will play it.

anyhow, I do adore the Ryan Adams version. enjoy it below:


Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (Oasis cover)

it's a good interview. you can read it online for free by flipping to page 70 in the digital version of Spin

Noel also tells Spin of how drugs helped him right brilliant songs, and how he thinks Radiohead are full of crap

The Virgins on Letterman TONIGHT

catch em on your telly at 11:30. well, more like 12:25, but whateves.

gotta love these guys. their eponymous debut is fan-fucking-tastic. I actually reviewed it in my notebook, maybe I'll post it here later.

they're on tour with the Black Kids. check them out on MYSPACE!

The Virgins - Rich Girls (EP Version) [mp3]

Airborne Toxic Event bites back.

Pitchfork has a record of being really quite bitchy and excessively critical when it comes to record reviews. Their recent review of ATE's eponymous debut was not spared from their wrath, getting a 1.6/10 rating. Now I had never heard this band's music before (I do remember their name, but never heard any songs), but the following letter got me listening to them. And I've got to say, I like what I hear. Now, as soon as I scrounge up a couple of bucks (thank you Killers show for eating up the last of my money), I'm gonna head down to Amoeba and get the record. So expect a review within the next couple of weeks.

Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight [mp3]

visit the band on MYSPACE

here's the letter:

Dear Ian,

Thanks for your review of our record. It's clear that you are a good writer and it's clear that you took a lot of time giving us a thorough slagging on the site. We are fans of Pitchfork. And it's fun to slag off bands. It's like a sport -- kind of part of the deal when you decide to be in a rock band. (That review of Jet where the monkey pees in his own mouth was about the funniest piece of band-slagging we've ever seen.)

We decided a long time ago not to take reviews too seriously. For one, they tend to involve a whole lot of projection, generally saying more about the writer than the band. Sort of a musical Rorschach test. And for another, reading them makes you too damned self-conscious, like the world is looking over your shoulder when the truth is you're not a genius or a moron. You're just a person in a band.

Plus, the variation of opinions on our record has bordered on absurd. Most of what's been said has been positive, a few reviews have been on the fence and a few (such as yours) have been aggressively harsh. We tend not to put a lot of stock in this stuff, but the sheer disagreement of opinion makes for fascinating (if not a bit narcissistic) reading.

And anyway we have to admit that we found ourselves oddly flattered by your review. I mean, 1.6? That is not faint praise. That is not a humdrum slagging. That is serious fist-pounding, shoe-stomping anger. Many publications said this was among the best records of the year. You seem to think it's among the worst. That is so much better than faint praise.

You compare us to a lot of really great bands (Arcade Fire, the National, Bright Eyes, Bruce Springsteen) and even if your intention was to cut us down, you end up describing us as: "lyrically moody, musically sumptuous and dramatic." One is left only to conclude that you m ust think those things are bad.

We love indie rock and we know full well that Pitchfork doesn't so much critique bands as critique a band's ability to match a certain indie rock aesthetic. We don't match it. It's true that the events described in these songs really happened. It's true we wrote about them in ways that make us look bad. (Sometimes in life you are the hero, and sometimes, you are the limp-dicked cuckold. Sometimes your screaming about your worst fears, your most trite jealousies. Such is life.) It's also true that the record isn't ironic or quirky or fey or disinterested or buried beneath mountains of guitar noodling.

As writers, we admire your tenacity and commitment to your tone (even though you do go too far with your assumptions about us). You're wrong about our intentions, you're wrong about how this band came together, you don't seem to get the storytelling or the catharsis or the humor in the songs, and you clearly have some misconceptions about who we are as a band and who we are as people.

But it also seems to have very little to do with us. Much of your piece reads less like a record review and more like a diatribe against a set of ill-considered and borderline offensive preconceptions about Los Angeles. Los Angeles has an extremely vibrant blogging community, Silver Lake is a very close-knit scene of bands. We're one of them. We cut our teeth at Spaceland and the Echo and have nothing to do with whatever wayward ideas you have about the Sunset Strip. That's just bad journalism.

But that is the nature of this sort of thing. It's always based on incomplete information. Pitchfork has slagged many, many bands we admire (Dr. Dog, the Flaming Lips, Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, Black Kids, Bright Eyes [ironic, no?] just to name a few), so now we're among them. Great.

This band was borne of some very very dark days and the truth is that there is something exciting about just being part of this kind of thing. There's this long history of dialog between bands and writers, NME ripping apart the Cure or Rolling Stone refusing to write about Led Zeppelin -- so it's a bit of a thrill that you have such a20strong opinion about us.

We hear you live in Los Angeles. We'd love for you to come to a show sometime and see what we're doing with these lyrically moody and dramatic songs. We're serious about this stuff. You seem like a true believer when it comes to music and writing so we honestly think we can't be too far apart. In any case, it would make for a good story.

all our best--

Mikel, Steven, Anna, Daren, Noah
the Airborne Toxic Event

Sunday Morning Covers

today, in honour of the whole UK vs US music power struggle that kind of re-exploded after this NME article, I will post US bands/artists covering UK ones and vice versa

Kate Nash - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (Black Kids cover) [mp3]
I think it's adorable how she sings "dance". I'm overlooking my usual dislike for female vocalists in this case, it's a pretty decent cover

The Flaming Lips - Life on Mars (David Bowie cover) [mp3]
The Flaming Lips? Bowie? can you have anymore psychedidelic-y goodness? I think not.

Panic at the Disco - The Weight (The Band cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!]
and, I know this is cheating because The Band is Canadian, but what the hell, I've been listening to this song on repeat for ages. it is mind-fucking-blowingly good. really, listen to this rendition of the much covered song, and tell me that Panic are not growing musically at an exponential rate.

Ben Folds - Lost in the Supermarket (The Clash cover) [mp3]
really, this is too adorable. yes, I SAID A CLASH SONG IS ADORABLE. well, the cover anyways =)

Arctic Monkeys - Baby I'm Yours (Barbara Lewis cover) [mp3]
mmh. Alex Turner makes me melt.

The Kooks - Kids (MGMT cover) [mp3]
I think that I've posted this before, but it's so good that I'm reposting it. Luke + acoustic guitar = love. this song is so much fun to behold live (well, MGMT in general are pretty amazing live AND in studio), The Kooks give it a surprising twist.

and, of course, the song that has encited so much "it's better than the original" controversy:

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (Oasis cover)
I love both Ryan and Oasis. I adore Wonderwall. I might maybe prefer Ryan's version a wee bit, but my musical favouritism fluctuates like nobody's business. Plus, I've been kind of obsessed with Ryan the past couple of weeks. His voice is heavenly.

I enjoy good music, and both the UK and the US produce ace tunes. Granted, I'm exposed to more crap here on the US homefront (when I was home for the summer my brothers would play Chris Brown or Rhianna if they wanted to punish me or just piss me off) but I'm sure the UK has its share of lousy music. Oh, and one last thing, I am most definitely moving to Canada if McCain wins the election. Which is NOT going to happen. Just had to put that out there.

clips of the Treasure Island Festival available on SPIN.com

watch them HERE

the last video, of Vampire Weekend, is adorable. Ezra looks all intimidated...
I saw them at Rickshaw Stop, a really cool small venue in the city. They connected with the audience really well, everyone was dancing and having a great time. I don't know if they have the makings of big, fetsival/arena size gigs. Once again, I'll reiterate that drummer Chris Tomson is the friendliest musician that I have ever encountered. He rocks.

Vampire Weekend - I Stand Corrected (daytrotter session) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Saturday Music Definitions: Alone

I am a VERY social person, but I do enjoy solitude as much as the next neo-transcendentalist. Sometimes, music is the only company that I need.

Kings of Leon - Happy Alone [mp3]

The Strokes - Alone, Together [mp3]

Neutral Milk Hotel - Leave Me Alone (live 1997) [mp3]



Nick OWNS YOU. really, watch 2:40-3:15 and try not to get chills. I DARE YOU.


oh, and I'll have all of you people note that from now on, I will be removing mp3s after TWO WEEKS of posting them. I'm really too broke to be sued by anyone, and two weeks seems to be the acceptable time period for posting mp3s for "sampling purposes".

new Coldplay promo video: Lost

This is the highlight of Viva La Vida. The keyboards in this song give me chills. I actually really like that record, but critics and fans blew it way out of proportion. Coldplay will never be as good as they were on Parachutes. Simple, raw (but not in an unrefined way, in a soulful, honest, stripped down way) and perfect.

Coldplay - Sparks [mp3]

THE KILLERS! ON TOUR!

I've actually known this since two nights ago, when I was reading Guardian on the train home from the Spoon concert, but here's an official post. I will catch these sexy beasts at the Warfield on October 21st, buy tickets HERE for that show on Sunday morning.I've already forgiven them for "Human", because I've been waiting for them to tour for AGES, especially since I heard of the new record in the works. "Neon Tiger" and "Spaceman" are actually really fantastic, so I'm not doubting a kick ass third record. Listen to them HERE

They only have a handful of tour dates thus far (see below) but they will most probably tour after their new record is released. Day and Age hits the shelves November 24th.

Oct 20 2008 8:00P
House of Blues Las Vegas, Nevada

Oct 21 2008 8:00P
Warfield Theater San Francisco, California

Oct 24 2008 8:00P
Hammerstein Ballroom New York, New York

Nov 3 2008 8:00P
Royal Albert Hall London, London and South East

now, enjoy my favourite Killers song of all time:

The Killers - Under the Gun (original B-Side version, NOT Sawdust version) [mp3]

band of the week: Justin Nozuka

yay, I'm back to exposing you lovely readers to obscure bands and artists! I was listening to this VERY TALENTED Canadian singer/songwriter of American and Japanese descent while hanging out with a friend last night/this morning. She adores him, and now I do too.

He has one record so far, entitled Holly. Buy it HERE.

sounds like: a FANTASTIC combination of Jason Mraz and Ray Lamontagne with a hint of Gavin Degraw. I wonder what people will label him as, but I'm sticking to simply and wonderfully soulful.

Justin Nozuka - After Tonight [mp3]

check out his MYSPACE for tour dates. I would totally go and see him, but he's playing the same night as THE KILERS! sorry, dear, crappy new single or not, The Killers still rock my socks.

concert review: Spoon at Fillmore 24 September

I've had a crazy couple of days, so here's the review finally.

You know those concerts that inspire you, to write, to pick up that instrument, to live life better?

That was the case on Wednesday night, when Spoon played their third and final night at the Fillmore in San Francisco

Oakland's very own Heavenly States opened with a decent set, I actually liked their recorded songs a bit better. They have a lot of talent, but they need to harness their live energy sound. The lead singer sounded like a Conor Oberst NOT on the verge of sobbing, which was quite lovely. He connected with the audience with jokes that he had allegedly written on his set list. The bass player had more action going on when he played tambourine than with his actual bass. The highlight was probably a tie between the keyboardist/violinist and their cool cover of the Derek and the Dominos song "Bellbottoms", where the band got to showcase their musical talent which was a little lacking in their songwriting. (2.5/5 stars)

As for Spoon, they blew my fucking mind away. I never fully appreciated Spoon before Wednesday night, and now I am determined to listen to all of their songs, all the time. The best thing about the show was the fact that they reinvented their songs for the live show, so it was a very different (but equally good) experience than listening to the record. I appreciated that they played a lot off of their latest Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, which is my favourite Spoon record. I loved Rob's twist on the bass in "Don't Make Me A Target" (the bass throughout the show was orgasmic) and Eric the keyboardist was on fire all night. Britt kept falling to his knees during his solos, and Jim was grinning through the entire show, not usually the facial expression that you find on a drummer. They had such great chemistry with each other and with the horn section, a truly rare find nowadays. The show was quite a treat for fans, the band connected with the audience, and the set list was actually compiled by a Spoon-lover named Ahmad, who had given them a list of his favourite Spoon songs the night before. The band played two encores, including a new song called "Who Backs Your Money".
If Spoon comes to your neck of the woods, CHECK THEM OUT. They are spectacular performers, and it will be the highlight of your month. I'm inspired: I've already started living better and I've written a lot since the concert (they inspired me to finish a paper of Alexander Pope!), but most importantly, I'm gonna get behind the piano again. Thank you, Spoon, for being so passionate and so flipping brilliant.(4.5/5)

for some reason, my computer will not read my SD card. I will post pictures soon.

Spoon - Don't You Evah [mp3]

this email frightens me.

Blogger has been notified, according to the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), that certain content in your blog infringes upon the copyrights of others. The URL(s) of the allegedly infringing post(s) may be found at the end of this message.

The notice that we received, with any personally identifying information removed, will be posted online by a service called Chilling Effects at http://www.chillingeffects.org. We do this in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Please note that it may take Chilling Effects up to several weeks to post the notice online at the link provided.

The DMCA is a United States copyright law that provides guidelines for online service provider liability in case of copyright infringement. We are in the process of removing from our servers the links that allegedly infringe upon the copyrights of others. If we did not do so, we would be subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits. See http://www.educause.edu/Browse/645?PARENT_ID=254 for more information about the DMCA, and see http://www.google.com/dmca.html for the process that Blogger requires in order to make a DMCA complaint.

Blogger can reinstate these posts upon receipt of a counter notification pursuant to sections 512(g)(2) and 3) of the DMCA. For more information about the requirements of a counter notification and a link to a sample counter notification, see http://www.google.com/dmca.html#counter.

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Affected URLs:

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Ottoman - a new Vampire Weekend track...

...that rocks as much as the new Killers song sucks. (translation: A LOT.)

tis playing on repeat. me thinks you should give it a listen. NOW.

Vampire Weekend - Ottoman [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

it's off the soundtrack for that new movie, Nick and Norah's infinite playlist.

record review: Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

I am such a fucking pothead. This morning, I look at my notebook of record reviews and realize (or think so at least) that I already wrote a review for the new K o L record. After I typed it out, I realize that that is THE THIRD RECORD, NOT THE NEWEST ONE. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm an insomniac who does drugs. Not a good combo, nope, not at all. Oh well, I don't feel like reviewing Only By The Night right now (I probably will later in the week), this review is pretty accurate though. Anyhow, I don't expect you to read my review of their year old record, but I typed it so I sure as hell am posting it.

_________________________________

Garage rock is known for its Clash-like aspects, most notably for short, fast rock anthems that piss adults off. The Kings of Leon's third effort opens with a seven minute track, but remarkably, you fail to realize how long it is because, like the songs of Zeppelin, it proves to be epic, not overstretched. Entitled "Knocked up", it tells the tale of a man's confrontation with his pregnant girlfriend and his determination to do the thing properly. The Kings of Leon follow his example and soar with their third record.

The Kings soon jump back into the band we know and love, like the powerful bass line and louder-than-thou guitars in "On Call".

Caleb's screeching vocals in "Black Thumbnail" remind listeners of the Georgia band's southern roots, but that is most definitely not a bad thing.

The lyrics overflow with a sense of rejection, of incompetence. "Girl, you're wanted like a wanted man," Caleb sings. He tells us that he's been rejected by a girl with a "smart mouth and a killer hand". All but three of the thirteen songs have the word (and theme) "she" in them. The exceptions can be summed up: "And I want to say here's to me to go and change the world". Lucky for us, the Kings have already done so.

All in all, while this is definitely not a conventional love letter album, it's 51 minutes of tasty bass parts and hooks like nobody's business. 3.5/5 stars

And now, I present my favourite track:

Kings of Leon - Ragoo [mp3]

Sunday Morning Covers

the following covers are really fucking good, if I do say so myself

Eddie Vedder - Christian Brothers (Elliott Smith cover) [mp3]
Elliott's song brings about a softer quality in Eddie that I've never heard before.

Rufus Wainwright - The Origin of Love (Hedwig and the Angry Inch cover) [mp3]
once again, I will stick to my claim that Rufus does brilliant covers, sucks at his own work

and, best of all:
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - D.A.N.C.E (Justice cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!]
this has been on repeat all morning. I really adore this song, and all you Justice fans, don't hate me when I say that I think it's a bit better than the original. Don't get me wrong, I love Justice as much as any other hormonal college party animal, but GCWCF just makes the song so much tastier.

ah! I almost forgot this gem:

Jason Mraz - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!]
who ever thought a MJ cover would be sexier than the original? Mr Mraz, you never cease to amaze me.

Cold War Kids on Jimmy Kimmel

a very very cool performance of a song bursting with energy!



apparently, the post I wrote about the leaked Loyalty to Loyalty was deleted off of my blog, that's kind of freaky. oh well, I'll post again on Tuesday.

HOLY CRAP! THE NEW OASIS ALBUM HAS LEAKED!!

I went down to my favourite record shop a couple of days ago, and on the way down was yearning for this day to come.

once again, I shall reiterate, I LOVE THE INTERNET.

Blair at CERTAIN SONGS brought this to my attention. I'll rehost the song he uploaded, and will upload more once my own download finishes and I pick which ones I love the best

Oasis - Waiting for the Rapture [mp3]

if the Kings of Leon set sex on fire, Oasis are setting the stars ablaze. this is quite possibly my favourite Oasis song in a looong time. Oasis are reminding us why they are one of the world's biggest bands right now, and helping us realize that they are still quite relevant today. Long live the Gallaghers and co.

UPDATE:

wow, that was really fucking fantastic. here are a couple of stand out tracks

Oasis - I'm outta time [mp3]

Oasis - To be where there's life [mp3]

as always, I'll post a proper review once the album is officially released.

Saturday Music Definitions: South

I'm almost done reading Absalom Absalom! (!)

I have to read it for school in a couple of months but I got a head start because I've always had trouble reading Faulkner. Now, however, I fully appreciate the sanctity of his magnitude.

Anyhow, here are some songs concerning the Southern parts of our glorious nation (whoa, where did that come from? haha)

Elliott Smith - Southern Belle [mp3]

The Faint - Southern Belles in London Sing [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.]

Iron and Wine - Sodom, South Georgia [mp3]

OH, BY THE WAY, I KEEP HAVING TO MAKE NEW ACCOUNTS TO UPLOAD MP3S TO, SO PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD ANYTHING AND IT SAYS THAT I'M OUT OF BANDWIDTH, DROP ME A MESSAGE AND I WILL REUPLOAD IT!

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"