The Strokes Post #185

I've seen this picture a hundred times, and have that issue on my wall, but somehow I only noticed Jules' shirt the day before Michael Jackson passed away. it was kinda surreal.

but yeah, I just wanted to point it out that he's wearing a "Thriller" shirt in case anyone else has really horrible noticing skills (visually anyway)

unreleased Cage the Elephant song

I just came across this:



it's really good. I hope Matt sings it on Saturday, I think it's supposed to be an acoustic set. the band will be playing Rasputin in Mountain View at 2PM.

this depresses me beyond reason

compare:

NOW

vs

THEN

the new album is decent on its own merit, but comparatively to their roots, it's just awful. now excuse me while I go cry and listen to Cage the Elephant instead. if they go stadium rock in a few years, I will kill myself.

The Strokes Post #184

The Strokes - 12:51 [video]

oh how I miss the Roman Coppola directed music videos...I really am obsessed with everything that family produces. hello, Jason Schwartzman and Robert Carmine...sexiest brothers ever. oh how I adore the G-dfather series...

Pheonix - North

Phoenix - North [mp3]

I love instrumental tracks--when they're done right. I'm spinning It's Never Been Like That right now and am completely mesmerized. I love this band.

BONUS:
I was equally impressed by this track a couple of days ago:

Yann Tierson - Au Dessous Du Volcan [mp3]
this is the guy who did the Amelie soundtrack. Like Phoenix, he's also French and extremely musically gifted =)

just listen.

then take lots of drugs and listen some more.

how could this have been on the internet for four days and I'm only hearing it now?!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I LOVE SUPERGROUPS. also, The Raconteurs is by far Jack White's best project.

record review: Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

I always ponder American vs. British music, and try to come to a conclusion about which I prefer. If course, we have The Strokes, but the UK has The Beatles. I mean I could make a list that would go on forever but I’ll spare you. Personally, I prefer indie bands from here more than the ones in the UK; the Americana likes of Delta Spirit get me every time.

Humbug is great because it proves what I’ve believed all along: that American music is more complex and intricate, and therefore superior. Produced by Josh Homme and channeling The Doors like nobody’s business, the new album from Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys shows that the logical conclusion of any evolving band is to draw from guitar heavy American music, and most importantly, revive grunge. Fuck keyboards. Everything is synthesized these days. Not that the album is keyboard-free, it just relies a lot more on Alex’s vocals and Nick’s bass.

In a nutshell, the album progresses with a meticulous perfection that is just hard to come by these days. It’s definitely the band’s most thought out album, which is both good and bad. The carefree attitude that defined Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not is simply irresistible, but Humbug is intriguing in its own way, relying more on wit than teenage restlessness. Sure, it’s got nothing on their first (especially in the lyrics and dance-ability departments), but when you have a debut that good, there’s nowhere to go but down.

The album is dark and sexy (like The Dead Weather), and they even have a couple of toned down numbers, like “Secret Door”. My favourite track is probably “Cornerstone”, which reminds me of really good r&b music from the 60’s. In my opinion, the urgent “Pretty Visitors” would have made an excellent closer, but the band chose to go with “The Jeweller’s Hands”, a creepy track that evokes the feeling of being lost in a room of mirrors in some sort of freaky circus.

The album is worth getting just to be able to hear Alex say “vitamins” in “Potion Approaching”. Oh how I love Queen’s English.

3.75/5

The album was released today in the UK, we Yanks can pick it up tomorrow.

Kings of Leon to play Conan tonight

hm, I wonder which album they'll play from. not. what bugs me about Only by the Night isn't the album itself but the fact that nobody even knows about their old work. tis a shame they never play their old stuff anymore. Youth and Young Manhood is sheer perfection. sigh.

Kings of Leon - Genius [mp3]

The Strokes Post #183

Nikolai is running a marathon for charity. You can read more on his blog post HERE (and donate to the cause). For those non-runners out there, a marathon is 26.2 miles, which is a super intensive physical and emotional feat. It's one of my goals, but right now I never run more than 10 miles at a time. 

I wish Nikolai the best of luck. 

must watch video: Andrew Bird - Anonanimal (acoustic)

this gave me shivers and I just had to share it. I love Andrew Bird so much.

"I will become this animal, perfectly adapted to a music hall"
he needs to get home to his farm house and take a break.

The Strokes Post #182

I know I've posted this already but, it's actually appropriate today



Happy 31st, Jules! I always only remember his birthday because it's in August like mine. Also, I slightly favour him above the rest because he writes the music and sings in the most perfectly imperfect voice in the history of man or wolf. Sorry, Albert, Nikolai, Nick and Fab.

The Strokes Post #181

I'm really very tired. Just got back from job training all day. There's only one song that can make me feel better, no matter what the circumstance:



they're all so pretty. especially Albert.

Band of the Week + Interview: The Swing Movement

The Swing Movement hail from a town right outside of Bradford in the UK. They formed in 2006 and make downright fantastic music. They sound like a lovechild of The Beatles and The Rascals who was raised in an indie night-club somewhere in the middle of Scotland. Ok, so the part about Scotland is speculative, I'm not all that familiar with their nightlife, but I am just guessing that it is awesome. Basically, The Swing Movement is Brit-pop at its finest, kind of like Oasis in their glory days mixed with the lively energy of the Arctic Monkeys circa 2006.

A lot of their tracks obviously draw from their musical inspirations of Nick Cave and the Rolling Stones, but there is no doubt that they are a 21st century band. Like a lot of my favourite bands, they know how to capture the perfect balance between old and new music. This is the kind of music that you can dance to or use as a muse for your poetry.

Although The Swing Movement currently do not have any music for sale, they are in the process of getting things organized as they continue playing gigs in the UK. You can download a couple of their songs below, and I'll keep you updated about the band. If you live in the UK, definitely trek out to one of their shows, and if you don't, well, you'll just have to wait like me.

The Swing Movement - Disaster [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

The Swing Movement - The Town and the City [mp3]
(this is their newest song)

The band consists of Ben Walker (vox, guitars), Joe Gamble (bass) and Kieran Borrett (drums, percussion) and Patrick Wanzala Ryan (guitars). I had the lovely opportunity to grill Patrick and Ben, so read on below:

How did you guys form? Did you always want to play music?

Ben Walker - We were exiled from our community after being involved in some unsavoury activity. Forced to live on the outskirts of society we thought we ought to do something to stop us from getting bored. So forming a band was that very thing…
Patrick Wanzala-Ryan - I don’t think any of us ever harbored huge desires to make music until we actually started making it.

You played Leeds. How was that experience? How difficult is it to play to huge crowds who are obviously waiting for bigger name bands?

BW - Leeds Festival was fun, but the sun was going down into our eyes; we looked like four squinting moles that were seeing sunlight for the first time in eight years. I think we coped though. The fact that other bands were hanging over our heads didn’t bother us, you just have to go play and try keep people interested for half an hour of their time. I don’t think we did too badly.
PWR - In any case until you’re a ‘bigger band’ all gigs are in front of crowds who are waiting for bigger bands so its best just to get over yourselves and enjoy it.

What was your first gig, and how did it go?

BW - We played in an old loft style building…
PWR - One of those places that’s down a back alley, then down another back alley then down another.
BW - It was a rotting punk club called the 1in12; the room had camouflage hanging from its ceilings, and the sound desk was in a cage. Terrifying as the place was; we did love it, so did the 150 people who turned out! As a consequence we’ve played there a few times since.

What have you been up to lately? The new song “The Town and the City” is moving in a different direction than your older work. Are you guys going for a more mature sound or will you continue to stay true to your name and make catchy dance numbers?

PWR - We’ve always made a point of not discussing what sound or direction we should head in. But I think since recording the first set of songs we’ve all improved as musicians and all that boring jazz, therefore naturally I suppose the songs will have a more mature feel to them. The dancyness has never been intentional; we don’t really make tracks for people to dance to but if people fancy dancing that’s cool.
BW - We’re all keen to keep changing and evolving. We’ll just have to see what happens.

What’s your town like? Do you have a solid music scene?

BW - Our town is slipping from the edge of a Moor, the shops are 20 years behind; and the music scene even further so. But we elope to the nearby Bradford and Leeds for our gigs, and there’s always been a strong scene over there, Bradford is especially friendly to us.

What is your fondest musical memory from adolescence?

BW - When I was 14, Joe, myself got a coach to go see Kasabian at the Manchester Apollo shortly after their first album came out. It was my second ever gig and the bus there was full of Mancunians pissed up to their eyeballs singing Club Foot and discussing how Han Solo used to be a painter and decorator. That journey will go to the grave with me.

There are tons of great bands out there. If you could be granted the wish to collaborate or tour with any band in the world, which would you choose?

BW - Nick Cave & Warren Ellis from the Bad Seeds. The noises Ellis gets out of that violin are insane. As is the facial hair. I would love to work on one of their film soundtracks with them. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are phenomenal, but the soundtracks Nick & Warren have done are absolutely incredible.

Which song do you wish you could have written, and why?

BW - “Goin’ Out West” from Tom Waits’ Bone Machine. Everything about that song is impressive. The vocals, the guitars; that double bass creeping in the background, the whole sound and atmosphere. Apparently that whole album was recorded in the old cement hatchery rooms in the basement of the studio. He just took all the kit down there because he liked the echo. It’s that kind of Lateral thinking that makes Tom special.

In this digital age, new music is a dime a dozen, and it’s really easy to spread the word about a new band. The problem is, a lot of bands can’t stand the test of time, unless they bring something completely indispensable to the table. What can The Swing Movement offer that will set them apart as a force to be reckoned with?

BW – Free Condoms. For everyone. After every show.
PWR - Always a difficult question. Folk end up sounding like fools by saying “Feel our music and our passion duuuude” or give big huge bullshit replies about how revolutionary they are… We don’t want to look like fools and we certainly don’t want to bullshit you so… I can’t answer that.

visit the band on MYSPACE for gigs, music, and other excellent things

The Strokes Post #180

"I kinda like messing with perception a little bit. Kind of what drugs do sometimes, and drinking. I mean, you know, you mess with your mind a little bit to see life from different angles. Within reason, if you can handle it." - Julian Casablancas

The Features - Lions

The Features are a band that I discovered in the dollar cd bins at Amoeba. I picked up this green cd but somehow managed to lose it. This isn't surprising, as I've lost everything from notebooks to my favourite black shirt.

But anyways, thanks to the lovely folk at Hippies are Dead, the band has been brought to my attention once again.

Apparently, the Tennessee based band is now signed to Kings of Leon's new label. More importantly, their single is catchy as hell, and I've been listening to it over and over and over again.



I've gotta pick up their full length album, which you can see at the 29 second mark. Good self-promoting, guys.

damn, I love me some Southern boys.

Classic Track Thursday

Green Day - When I Come Around [mp3]

this song is from 1995, back when the band didn't suck. I refused to go see Franz Ferdinand in San Jose, because they're opening for Green Day and I WILL NOT SUBJECT MYSELF TO UNADULTERATED CRAP--which is what Green Day has been for the last, well, ten years really. anything after Nimrod (1997) just isn't worth listening to.

but Dookie--well, that album is just classic. I will love thee forever and ever.

observe:

Zooey Deschanel can DANCE!

like wow. if you didn't have a major crush on her before, brace yourself:

click HERE to watch the video

500 Days of Summer was an excellent movie. if you haven't seen it already, GO.

Cage the Elephant on RS + free show

Rolling Stone has called Cage the Elephant a "breaking artist". read more HERE

the fantastic Kentucky band will be playing a free show at Rasputin in Mountain View next Saturday, the 29th, at 2PM. I think I read somewhere that it'll be a stripped down acoustic show. should be interesting, see you there!

Cage the Elephant - Psycho Killer (Talking Heads cover) [mp3]

BONUS:
this made me laugh: I was looking for a picture of the band via google images, and came across THIS. definitely NOT cage the elephant hahahhahahaha.

The Strokes Post #179

haha, oh Nikolai.

CONTEST: win a free copy of That Summertime Sound

thanks to the lovely folks at Sneak Attack Media, Music Induced Euphoria has a copy of the book to give away. if you live in the United States or Canada and want to enter the contest, leave a comment with your name and favourite book or author.

make sure that you enter your email in the comment section, so that I can contact you.

next Wednesday, I'll pick a winner at random and let you know who the lucky person is. bon chance!

you can purchase That Summertime Sound on AMAZON

The Beatles on the cover of the new RS

this is a nice break from the retard Jonas Brothers that the magazine usually features. read a preview HERE

Pete Doherty: Libs will play festivals next summer

our main man Peter has rounded up John and Gary, and is only awaiting Carl.

he jokes: "Maybe I could reform The Libertines without him, like he did without me. I'll put an advert in NME: 'Carlos lookalike required'."

read more on NME. I can't wait until they reunite. I started liking them well after they had broken up, and the prospect of seeing them live just makes me giddy.

The Libertines - Boys in the Band (live, Jools, 2002)

book review: That Summertime Sound

It’s rare that you come across a novel so honest, so amplified, so relatable as That Summertime Sound. The story follows a nineteen year old college student during his summer adventures through the music culture of Ohio in the 80’s, as he experiences things that all music lovers can relate to.

Obsessed with a local band called Lords of Oblivion, the narrator desperately clings to their measly two 45s as divine inspiration. He is determined to meet the deliverer of truth—the band’s lead singer Nic Devine. What ensues is a rollercoaster of fresh perspective through a genuinely original story.

In short, this is a book that Chuck Klosterman should have written. I am a HUGE fan of Mr. K, and adore all of his non-fiction, but when I finished reading his first novel (Downtown Owl), I wanted to send him an angry letter telling him never to write fiction ever again, because he is damn awful at it. I was expecting a story grounded in music, with love et al. as a secondary thing, what I got was the opposite.

With That Summertime Sound, Matthew Specktor has achieved what I wanted Klosterman to fulfill. The book is riddled with abundant musical references—sometimes obscure, sometimes mainstream, and sometimes esoteric. Chapters are titled with song lyrics or titles, reminding me of how I used to title my own journal entries in high school. The narrator does not hide his disdain for his girlfriend’s favourite artist—Elvis Costello, whom he deems a phony, unworthy of the name he “stole” from the King. He talks about Grand Funk Railroad incessantly. He speaks of mix tapes and drugs, of girls and backlash from people who do not understand the sanctity of music. And with him, the reader discovers many shocking things, such as the mortality of our musical heroes. The story is as timeless as David Bowie.

Specktor’s first novel delivers a very powerful kind of musical description, only capable of being uttered by a person who worships a certain band. For example, the narrator describes a Lord of Oblivion song as one that “drew blood it was so urgent.” It'll make you stop and reminisce about your own favourite bands, and how powerfully their art affects you.

My favourite thing about the book was how the narrator’s perspective changed as he looked into the stories behind the music that he so desperately loved. He began to realize that while singles are the perfect form of delivering a powerful shot of musical glory, they might just be a way to hide behind the fear of creating a full length album.

My only criticism is that the author tries a little too hard to create memorable themes, such as “summertime adventures” or the namelessness of the narrator. In my opinion, he could have done it a bit more subtly. But that’s it. The book is great, and you won’t be able to put it down.

That Summertime Sound is prose of the highest form—irresistibly delectable and close to your heart. It’s the kind of novel that I wish I could have written, and that is a critic’s highest praise.

buy the book on AMAZON

The Strokes Post #178

the following is one of the Strokes' earliest gigs, at Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado on October 9th, 2001. Jules uses the word "fuck" in its various forms about 267 times, and the band sounds perfect. Like most of their early gigs, they play all of the songs from Is This It in consecutive order, with the exception of "When It Started", which they play after "Is This It" ("When It Started replaced "NYC Cops" in the American release of the album). I seriously would give any of my limbs to have attended one of these early concerts (when they play all of the songs from Is This It in order). It just about kills me that I was cursed with being so young. The only consolation that I have is these bootlegs, so do as I do, and revel in their glory.

ZIP FILE (entire concert)

1. Intro
2. Is This It
3. When It Started
4. The Modern Age
5. Soma
6. Barely Legal
7. Someday
8. Alone Together
9. Last Nite
10. Hard to Explain
11. NYC Cops
12. Trying Your Luck
13. Take It Or Leave It

Music for Animals to play free gig in San Jose

Thursday, the SF dance-rock band will be playing a free set at concert in the park at Cesar Chavez Plaza in San Jose, CA

the music starts at 5:30 and I can guaruntee that it will be an excellent show, having seen the band perform live already.

for more info, click HERE

see you there!

visit the band on MYSPACE

Music for Animals - Redder Cells

new Arctic Monkeys BBC session

the lovely people over at WE ALL WANT SOMEONE TO SHOUT FOR have a really cool Arctic Monkeys session, I'd suggest checking it out!

The Strokes Post #177

this is seriously the most entertaining thing on youtube. it makes me crack up with convulsions each time I watch it:



watch all four parts, PLEASE.

It Might Get Loud

the only thing I love better than a good documentary is a good MUSIC DOCUMENTARY.

It Might Get Loud features Jack White, The Edge and Jimmy Page. I am really excited about this film.

click HERE to watch a trailer

and HERE to watch a clip from the film.

here are some RELEASE DATES

visit the official SITE

Jack White is my favourite of the three. who do you like best?

new Voxtrot single + interview

Austin's Voxtrot is one of my favourite bands. A couple of weeks ago, they announced their new single, "Berlin, Without Return...", and it sounds great. I like it a lot; even though "Trepanation Party" was interesting, I prefer this new single. It draws back from their older EPs (which in my opinion, was their best work). There are lots of pretty string arrangements, too. You can order the 7" or buy it on itunes by clicking HERE

I had the chance to ask lead singer Ramesh Srivastava a few questions. He was super quick in getting back to me, but his responses were a bit concise. Oh well, the music speaks for itself. Read on below:

Before releasing your debut, you released a bunch of EPs. Lately, you’ve been releasing singles. Have you begun to work on a full length album or are you just warming up your creative buds right now?

I suppose we are probably releasing a full length album, however, we'll probably start with an EP and see how we go from there.

Your keyboard player Jared recently left the band. How is Voxtrot different without him?

Cheaper travel costs.

While “Trepanation Party” was delightfully synth filled, your latest single draws back to the layered simplicity of your earlier songs. Are you treading between these territories or have you found your niche yet?

Not sure, just trying all kinds of things, I suppose. There is, however, a goal in mind.

I see that you are releasing your latest single via the recent trend of a 7” I know you’ve done this with previous singles and EPs, too. What do you think about the future of digital music?

I have no idea where we are going with the future of digital music. At this point, the only thing I mind is that nobody is hearing anything at great sounds fidelity. It's all mp3s...

Your live shows are quite a spectacle. You’re always up and about, dancing your heart out. How do you feel when you see musicians remaining static as they play?

It depends upon that band. Honestly, both can be good-I'm trying to work on a delicate mixture.

How has working with Jim Eno been? Are Voxtrot fans of Spoon?

Jim is great-he is really nice and studio is amazing. Any sound a musician might desire, Jim can create that sound. I am not terribly familiar with the Spoon catalog, but they are fantastic live performers.

Your lyrics are very memorable. Where do you draw inspiration for these words? Do you have a favourite lyricist or poet?

My favorite lyricists are probably Bill Callahan and Joni Mitchell-also Stuart Murdoch, and my favorite printed page writer is John Berger-beautiful use of language and subtle detail. I suppose I get my inspiration from the more subtle aspects of the lives of either real or fictional characters.

You’re originally from Scotland, right? What brought you to Austin? Do you prefer the indie-rock scene here better than Brit-pop?

I am actually from Austin-I went to university for several years in Scotland-it was wonderful. American and British music is so different that it is hard for me to make a choice between them. However, were it an imperative, I would likely say British.

What have you been playing on repeat lately?

Los Valentinos-Midnights (Emperor Machine Remix)

What current band(s) do you admire?

Deerhunter, Ponytail, The Field, Vampire Weekend.

Can we expect a new tour anytime soon?

Hopefully sooner than later, so, yes.

Any last words?

Stay tuned...

Voxtrot - Trepanation Party [mp3]

visit Voxtrot on MYSPACE to stream the new song and for other cool stuff.

The Strokes Post #176

I wonder if Jules has ever really handled a gun...

I am really pissed.

I got some cds out of the library today, and picked up a couple by Drive By Truckers. When I put the first one (Decoration Day) into my stereo a few minutes ago, I immediately wanted to take it out, but stuck it out a little, and was impressed with the guitar work. I can't stand the guy's voice though. Someone needs to do some tribute albums for this band, and fast, because I just can't listen to them anymore.
Don't you hate that? You find a cool new band only to hate the lead singer's voice.
Fuck it all.

Sunday Morning Covers

ZIP FILE

Faris Badwan (The Horrors) - I'll Be With You (Black Lips cover) [mp3]
very unlike the upbeat original, this one is dark and really quite interesting. while Black Lips are lo-fi, this one is just subterranean.

Kid Rock - No Woman No Cry (Bob Marley cover) [mp3]

Ben Folds - Golden Slumbers (The Beatles cover) [mp3]

Weezer - The Weight (The Band cover) [mp3]
not the best cover of this song out there, and it barely sounds like Weezer (whom I've given up on lately). but I thought someone out there might like it.

Oasis - Octopus's Garden (The Beatles cover) [mp3]
this is one of my favourite Beatles songs. oddly enough, I usually have it stuck in my head when I take long showers.

Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson cover) [mp3]
this one is just as famous as the original, and I prefer it a little more.

She & Him - You Really Got a Hold on me (William Robinson Jr cover) [mp3]

Band of Horses - Your Love is Forever (George Harrison cover) [mp3]
are these guys perfectionists, or what?

Antony and the Johnsons - Candy Says (The Velvet Underground cover)
Lou Reed dips into this one. I love love love this. I've been on an Andy Warhol binge lately, and the Velvets have provided me with lots of good music (as always). Antony Hegarty has a beautiful voice and doing this cover must have been really special for him (he is transgender, and Candy Darling was a transsexual).

OK Go - The Lovecats (The Cure cover) [mp3]
this is fantastic. just found it a few days ago.

Spoon - Modern World (Wolf Parade cover) [mp3]

BONUS:
Elliott Smith - Jealous Guy (John Lennon cover) [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
one of my readers sent this to me. now we all know that Elliott left behind tons of live recordings and covers, but most of the sound quality isn't too great. this is a mind-boggling exception. it's really crisp, you've gotta download it.

The Strokes Post #175

youtube is a glorious place for a starved fan.



oh, Fab hahahaha.

Saturday Music Definitions: West

because, for nineteen of my twenty years on this earth, I've lived on the West coast of the United States, specifically California's beautiful Bay Area.

Andrew Bird - Way Out West [mp3]
from the live album Fingerlings

Billie Holiday - East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon) [mp3]

Pavement - Western Homes [mp3]

Louis Armstrong - West End Blues [mp3]

Coconut Records - West Coast [mp3]
I love everything Jason Schwartzman has ever done.

BONUS:

She & Him - Sweet Darlin' [mp3]
as much as I love Zooey Deschanel, I really don't like Volume One by She & Him. I really like her singing voice but hate her songwriting. the only songs that I like from the album are the covers she does, and the one song she co-writes, with, you guessed it, Jason Schwartzman.

The Strokes Post #174

this is absolutely priceless:



XD

on the sanctity of physical music.

[this is in response to an anonymous comment left on this post]

in this post, I'll attempt to properly explain why I hate digital music so much, and why physical albums mean so much to me.

here goes.

everyone who's ever stepped foot in my bedroom is always taken aback by the stacks of vinyl, the shelves and drawers of cds (there is more music in my dresser than clothing haha), and the walls of posters. oh, and my closet lined with set lists. when I have my own house, I want to cover my walls with my receipts from record stores and my ticket stubs, both of which I always save.

it's kind of obvious that I'm a music enthusiast.

what's not obvious to most people is that it wasn't always this way. I always get really jealous when people talk about growing up listening to Zeppelin or The Beatles, because I didn't.

I went to a private Islamic school when I was a kid. my parents are super conservative, and they didn't believe in pop music. my older brother, always the first one to rebel, exposed me first to pop-punk like Green Day and Blink 182 and later into rappers like Tupac and Biggie. but soon, I wanted to explore my own musical terrain.

when I was 15, I started listening to alternative radio, and I would make mix tapes by recording tunes off the radio. then I discovered limewire, and started to burn entire cds.

this is how I came across Is This It. it's because I really liked the Franz Ferdinand single ("Take Me Out") that would always play on the radio, and wikipedia directed me to The Strokes, a similar band.

I'd also borrow loads of cds from the public library, and burn my favourites (like XO by Elliott Smith)

but anyway, I always felt guilty for downloading music, but I knew I'd get in trouble if my parents found out what I was listening to. I swore to myself that one day, I'd buy all of the things that I had downloaded.

so I compromised. I started buying as many cds as I could afford and hiding them, kind of like Lane from Gilmore Girls. I'd listen to my cds-- both burned and bought-- under my covers at night, and these albums spoke to me like nothing else could. they gave me hope that one day I could be free. I felt the same thrill reading the liner notes as I did when I read Ralph Waldo Emerson or Betty Friedan. it was nothing short of catharsis. I knew that my brain and my music would pave my path to independence. I had to break free of the mold that my parents wanted me to fill. Arab women are expected to get married and raise nice families. that always disgusted me beyond reason. I wanted something different.

when I went off to college (on a full scholarship to UC Berkeley), I raided record stores like nobody's business, mostly buying things from the clearance cd racks. I had a part time job, and every month, I'd go down and spend most of my paycheck at Amoeba, only saving money for concerts.

and then I started collecting vinyl, which made fulfilling the promise I made to myself (of purchasing the albums which I had illegally downloaded years prior) a lot easier. a lot of the vinyl that I've bought are records that I burned and really loved back in high school, albums that I still listen to. going to these record stores also exposed me to tons of cool new music, and at a dollar a pop, I could afford to buy 20 albums a week. it was pretty great.

I still download music illegally, mostly leaked albums, but I only do so to sample albums. albums that I don't like, I delete, and the ones that I do like, I buy (usually, in the more expensive vinyl format), or I put on a list to buy later.

at this point, my parents know about my music addiction. I'd slowly bring home some records each time I'd visit them from college, but now, everything's out in the open. it still bothers them, but we're all adults now, and I don't have to sneak out to go to concerts, like I did when I was 16. for the most part, they've accepted me as I am.

when people talk about how great itunes is, and how inconvenient and obsolete physical albums have become, I get really annoyed. for me, physical music was always a luxury, one that I had to hide for years.

do you remember that scene in the beginning of Almost Famous, where Anita sneaks the Simon and Garfunkel record into the house, and a few scenes later, William's thrill at discovering the vinyl that she left him? those two scenes affect me the most from the whole movie.

a lot of us have parents who not only think that people like Joe Strummer or David Bowie are worthless, and will never appreciate the art that they left behind, but like to tell their kids that these people will burn in hell, alongside people who idolize them.

and they have kids like me, who love music more than anything in the world, and who couldn't give a damn about a G-d who would punish people for wanting to appreciate good music, and who tell their parents that they would much rather spend an eternity in damnation with these "wicked" people than a minute in paradise with religious bigots like themselves.

and these kids write stupid blogs about music because music is their favourite thing in the world and they have pipe dreams of being music journalists which are crushed when they realize how hard it is to get paid for your writing. so they decide to keep it as a hobby instead, knowing that they at least have the power to share their favourite music with some strangers who might just understand their obsession with music.

but whatever. I don't think I've ever told anyone all of that. that's about as much information about my personal life as you're ever gonna get.

I'll end this post with the ever-so-famous scene from Almost Famous, when they sing Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" on the bus.



I always get shivers (the good kind) when Penny Lane says "you are home". that sums up everything about me perfectly.

I think Almost Famous will always be my favourite movie. and In Transit, of course.

band of the week: Stereophonics

I don't know everything there is to know about this band, and I won't pretend that I do. I only have one of their six albums (their second), Performance and Cocktails--a cd I picked up from the clearance racks at a record store because I loved the album art.


In a twisted way, it reminded me of this famous photograph.

I subsequently fell in love with the cd, but never went and looked for more of the band's music. This is most unlike me, I think it was midterms to blame.

I do know that they have created one of the best covers that I have ever heard, which you can download below. A main reason that the cover is so good is because this band is a dead-on Welsh version of Foo Fighters. The steady drum beats; the guitar fueled, messy but moving songs delivered in an angst filled scream that renders both of you breathless. Oh, and the occasional acoustics of course.

As I dug around the internet for more info on this band, I realized that they sing the following song:

Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow

! I never knew that! I totally love that song. And this is why I love blogging about music. Because it helps ME discover awesome new things about bands I love. I think it's about time I delved a bit into the band's other five albums.

visit the band on MYSPACE

Stereophonics - Best of You (Foo Fighters cover) [mp3]

PS I'm really proud of myself. I've been consolidating my music collection and deleting things I don't listen to anymore. Over the last couple of weeks, I've gone from 69.5 GB to 38.46. I also have a stack of vinyl and cds I've gotta sell or give away. It makes shuffle a lot more pleasant and my computer is running a lot faster too. As Michael Scott would say, Win, Win, Win.

The Strokes Post #173

just, wow. this is freaking amazing.

new video: Free Energy (eponymous song!)

haha I love that they named their debut single after the band, which also has a killer name.

click HERE to watch the video

great song, I'm still on the look out for the 7 inchhhh.

pst, I still like the following song (their first) better:

Free Energy - Dream City [mp3]

keep your eyes peeled for this band, they'll go far.

visit them on MYSPACE

Julian Casablancas photo + quote slideshow

this is why I love NME.

On pop music: "Why does everything that has to be big and popular suck? I got a problem with that, so I'm trying to do something about it." (Rolling Stone, 2003).

Radiohead forsake the art of creating albums

I just found out that Radiohead has made the decision to only release singles and EPs from now on.

This makes me incredibly sad. I am a firm believer in records, not individual songs. One of the reasons that I cannot stand itunes is that people now only purchase the songs that they like, and therefore do not get the full experience intended behind the music. It's like looking at only a portion of a photograph or watching 20 minutes of a film or eating the crust of the pie. It's incomplete, and although it might keep you occupied for a moment, it doesn't leave any lingering satisfaction.

And it seems that this has affected the way that some musicians view their craft.

Thom Yorke says it'll kill the band to release another LP. Well how convenient, some of the industry's most creative people have gotten sick of their jobs. I guess creating music for crap films like Twilight is more appealing than the purity of art.

Don't get me wrong, I think Radiohead have done really great work so far. Kid A, Ok Computer and In Rainbows are all amazing albums. I just hate this decision. For me, I'd rather they didn't release anything anymore rather than only work on singles. For me, singles and EPs are for bands in their early stages, who are experimenting with their sound and trying to get gigs booked. They're also nice to satiate the fans' hunger for new tunes between albums. But they're never as good as the proper full length efforts.

But what do I know?

This will probably be the last time that I ever post about Radiohead. I'll just keep myself occupied with their old albums. I'm not interested with what they have to offer anymore.

Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees (acoustic) [mp3]

The Strokes Post #172

I just watched this for the first time a few days ago:



pretty sweet footage.

I am crying tears of joy.

read the entire interview with Julian from NME here

move over, Dead Weather, Them Crooked Vultures are here

I was really excited when I first heard about this new supergroup, consisting of Josh Homme on guitar and vox, John Paul Jones on bass guitar and Dave Grohl on drums.

according to Austin Scaggs, they just played their first gig.

yeah, it's gonna be epic. have I ever mentioned how much I love the concept of a supergroup? take a bunch of super talented musicians and force 'em to make a record together? sounds like a good plan to me.

an album and tour is forthcoming. I'll keep you updated.

Julian Casablancas talks about forthcoming tour

via NME

"I'm in the process of figuring out what kind of show it's going to be," he said. "It's like anything, it's starting out probably a little bit too ambitious so we've got to figure out what we can and can't do and that will dictate how much touring happens. Ideally, I'm going to try to put on some over-the-top, amazing, Disney shows.

"Not Disney, but you know how they have some amazing rides where you feel like you're in a weird world, like the Epcot Centre or something? I'm not thinking of the big Goofy costume but I was thinking of how those rides make you feel with lots of set changes and stuff. But that might not happen and we'll do straight shows, I haven't quite figured it out yet, it's the next thing to do."

(of course they put the one thing that he takes back [disney] in the header...)

The Strokes Post #171

I'm gonna post an entire bootleg today, because it's too good to split up.

The Strokes - Live, Santiago (Chile, 2005) [zip file, entire concert]

1. Last Nite
2. Soma
3. Under Control + A Salty Salute (Guided By Voices cover)
4. The Modern Age
5. 12:51
6. Juicebox
7. Automatic Stop
8. Someday
9. Hard to Explain
10. Is This It
11. Heart in a Cage
12. You Only Live Once
13. I Can't Win
14. Alone Together
15. Take It Or Leave It
(encore)
16. Trying Your Luck
17. Hawaii
18. Reptilia

my only complaint is that they didn't do NYC Cops, but the set list is great. I especially love that they played "Trying Your Luck" (probably my favourite Strokes song...or "Is This It"...or "Under Control"...or "Alone Together"...or "I Can't Win"...oh no I've gotta stop before I list all of their songs)

as usual, Jules tells the crowd that they're great (he even sort of requests "encore" cheering hahaha!)

the sound quality is fantastic, and the vocals are absolutely perfect. I love this bootleg.

Moz says: don't buy reissues

apparently, the forthcoming November reissue of Morrissey's singles was done without his approval, and he will not be receiving royalties. he therefore asks that you don't buy them. read more on NME

good going, Moz. I always hated reissues anyway.

Morrissey - The Youngest was the Most Loved [mp3]

The Dodos to play Rickshaw Stop

I should have posted about this when I first heard about it but I am spacey and stuff. In collaboration with Outside Lands, they'll play a nice full set at the greatness that is SF's Rickshaw on Wednesday August 26th. The gig is bound to be intimate, so catch it while you can, before the band gets too big and you're stuck seeing them at Oracle (ew.)

go to Rickshaw Stop's WEBSITE for tickets and visit the Dodos on MYSPACE

The Dodos - Red and Purple (live, Austin) [mp3]

The Strokes Post #170

I was going through my external hard drive yesterday and found loads of Strokes goodies. the following interview, I'd never seen on youtube, so I uploaded it. enjoy!







BONUS:

I never get bored of watching that performance. sososososososososososo good.

calling all UK readers

hey guys,

I was wondering if one of you could do me a huge favour. according to this tomorrow's issue of NME has an interview with Julian Casablancas. I really want it. correction: I need it.

when they came out with the commemorative issue of The Strokes a few months back, I looked EVERYWHERE for it, but couldn't find it. nobody stocks NME. Fog City News used to but they don't anymore. I gave up because I was so swamped with school work but I never thought of using this blog to get my hands on one.

anyhow, all I need is for one of my UK readers to pick up the issue and send it to me (I'll email you my mailing address). I'll reimburse you in full (including shipping charges) via paypal.

any takers? I'd be really grateful. it's no secret how I feel about The Strokes.

Arctic Monkeys: live!

"all that's left is the proof that love's not only blind but deaf "


ah, bootlegs, how I love thee.

Arctic Monkeys - Black Sessions, France (2006) [zip]
sample: Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum (live, Black Sessions) [mp3]

Arctic Monkeys - Live at The London Astoria (2007) [zip]
sample: Arctic Monkeys - Leave Before the Lights Come On (live, London Astoria) [mp3]

Arctic Monkeys - Live at Glastonbury (2007) [zip, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
sample: Arctic Monkeys - Balaclava (live, Glastonbury) [mp3]
they do "Temptation Greets You Like a Naughty Friend" for the first time. my oh my how I love good b-sides. hear that crowd go.

Arctic Monkeys - live album (2006?) [zip]
sample: Arctic Monkeys - The View from the Afternoon [mp3]
this one is mislabeled as "Apollo Theatre" but that concert happened in 2007 with FWN songs. I don't know the origin of the bootleg, but all of the songs are from their debut, so it's probably from 2006.

I hope you enjoy em, K.

BONUS:

The Last Shadow Puppets cover The Beatles

why doesn't anyone ever tell me about these things? I can't spend all of my time scouring youtube!



BONUS:
they look A LOT like The Beatles here.

The Strokes Post #169

may I present, my new desktop background:


I've fantasized about Jules with a guitar for years.

Radiohead - Harry Patch (In Memory of)

am I the only one who doesn't like this song?



I'm sorry Thom. try again.

Sunday Morning Covers

ZIP FILE

Adele - Last Nite (The Strokes cover) [mp3]

Fol Chen - The Beautiful Ones (Prince cover) [mp3]

The Black Keys - Act Nice and Gentle (The Kinks cover) [mp3]

Rogue Wave - Maps (Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover) [mp3]

Elliott Smith - These Days (Nico cover) [mp3]

Ben Gibbard - Harvest (Neil Young cover) [mp3]

Rufus Wainwright - Chelsea Hotel (Leonard Cohen cover) [mp3]

Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) - Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead cover) [mp3]

Foo Fighters - Tiny Dancer (Elton John cover) [mp3]

Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet (Grace cover) [mp3]

Doves - Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths cover) [mp3]

The Hives - Lost and Found (The Saints cover) [mp3, highly recommended!]

Ray LaMontagne - Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover) [mp3]

BONUS:

because it is my birthday, I will share my favourite cover (well, at least of this song):

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) [mp3]

BONUS x2:

these Beck covers keep getting more and more abstract. click HERE to hear "There She Goes". I think they're trying to capture the essence and spirit of the VU rather than be musically faithful.

The Strokes Post #169