The Strokes Post #266

I love Berkeley sososo much. I love that I can talk to everyone about music there, and that almost everyone can keep up. so I got together with a very good friend of mine, told her I felt like getting a tattoo, and she accompanied me. the tattoo artist who did my tattoo just so happened to be the only guy in the shop who liked The Strokes, and he asked me if I liked The Hives and I said "hell yes, I've seen them in concert twice" and he asked if I had heard their early stuff and we started gushing about how far superior Barely Legal is to any of their other albums (I have that one on vinyl, too, it's one of my favourites) and how The Hives kicked so much ass when they had that unrefined punk sensibility about them. so anyhow, here is my new tattoo.


the cool thing is, it is exactly centered to MY perspective, it's off center when I hold it up to a mirror. it's my perspective that counts.

so, we're continuing our outing, we're walking towards a thrift shop where I wanted to go to pick up something to wear for Jules' show (I found the most amaaaaaaaaaaazing dress, fits like a glove) but what do we see on the wall?


I have never in my life seen any Strokes advertisements of any sort. and it just so happens to be next to the Them Crooked Vultures poster, and also the Nirvana one. we'll ignore the ad for Glee just for now. I realized that I didn't have any photos of my friend Ayesha, so we had a hobo photograph us.


Ayesha has actually been with me every time I've gotten a tattoo. I wanted to get my first one right when I turned 18, but then I met Ayesha, who wouldn't turn 18 until May and I decided to wait 8 months for her so we could get them together. we went the day after her birthday. the last two times I've visited her in Berkeley, I've gotten tattoos, and we made this half joke, half serious decision that each time I visit her, I'll get another tattoo.

so then we step into Rasputin (a record shop, I get my records at the one near my house), and unlike the Campbell Rasputin, which had ONE copy of Phrazes, these guys have FREE POSTERS as giveaways for people buying the album, and dozens of copies of the album on vinyl on display. I tell the chick who worked there I wanted a poster, and she handed one to me as I explained that I had bought one in Campbell. she didn't need to hear justification, those guys know my face almost as much as the people at Amoeba.


later, I went to Amoeba with another friend, and guess what I found?


holy smokes, I know. every time I'm in any record shop, I look under J for any non-remastered Joy Division vinyl and my efforts are ALWAYS in vain. until now, hellooooooo this is their very first compilation album.

so to finish off this commemmoration of my excellent day yesterday, I will post a short but excellent bootleg. it's a radio session, and the story at the beginning is well worth listening to. enjoy.

The Strokes - BBC Sessions, London (06 February 2000) [ZIP FILE]

1. Soma [mp3]

2. Last Night [mp3]

3. This Life (early demo version of Trying Your Luck) [mp3]

4. New York City Cops [mp3]

to top it all off, I don't have to work today. I was supposed to, but I don't have to anymore. so I'll listen to all of the vinyl I bought yesterday instead =)

Saturday Music Definitions: Zero

Built to Spill - Carry The Zero [mp3]

Jason Mraz - Absolutely Zero [mp3]

Smashing Pumpkins - Zero [mp3]

Elvis Costello - Less Than Zero [mp3]

I am well aware of the lack of a certain 2009 single from a certain art-rock band in this post. just know that it was consciously left out, as I deleted that album ages ago.

The Strokes Post #265

surprise, surprise, SPIN gave Phrazes For The Young a great review.

read it HERE, I only just stumbled upon it.

I was kind of hoping for a cover, but I'm sure they'll throw the Strokes on the cover soon enough. in any case, the current issue (with Wayne Coyne on the cover) has a very nice interview feature of Julian (which you all know about at this point)

this is me being a lazy blogger. I'll post some bootlegs soon.

Band of the Week: The Radical Sons

"I'm feeling nostalgic for the things I've never known, and all those records you lent to me, I can't tell you how much those meant to me, cause:

I'm So Sick of the 21st Century" [mp3]
amen. we were 40 years too late indeed.

combining endearingly palatable psuedo-nasally vocals reeking of inspired exasperation with sensational guitars that chase each other around like a dog chases its tail, this band kicks off their debut EP, Throwing Knives, with a bang. a pissed off bang at that, and this short but sweet taste of the young St. Louis band promises musical deliverance from the mundane despite the lead singer's nihilistic insistence otherwise.

this band is like Television in an insanely awesome alternate lo-fi universe, all wrapped up in youthful garage punk vigour.

I love Amoeba Berkeley. I found ONE copy of this album on vinyl there a few weeks ago, I thought I would have to trek to SF or even pay extra shipping costs to get it directly from the band (who only pressed 300 copies of it). but nope, my favourite store always delivers. kind of like this band.

Nick, Benjamin, Geoffrey, Patrick are currently recording new material in Brooklyn.

visit them on MYSPACE and snag a copy of their top notch EP before their stores run out. side b is entirely demos and entirely awesome.
(also worth mentioning, the 12" has a handpainted sleeve! it's pretty cool, they combine mediums to give a couple of different textures. it's mainly spray paint, with a dab of black paint here and there. almost as cool as my Muslims LP, which has bullet holes in it.)

SPIN contest: win a vinyl copy of Morrissey's latest B-side release

go to SPIN.com to enter, the mag is giving away ten copies. good luck to you and me both!

Morrissey- Ganglord [mp3]

The Strokes Post #264

hahaha Ticketmaster is so stupid. not only does it exploit my wallet with 20 dollar surcharges, it thinks I need an event reminder for this concert. I don't think ANYONE going to this show needs to be reminded of its date

Classic Track Thursday

The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for the Man [mp3]

one of the greatest tracks ever, from such an incredibly solid debut album.

the reason I'm posting this is because I bought my brother an ipod a few days ago on the condition that he raid my itunes and take some of my music beyond the Strokes...anyhow, he was being lazy so I had to do the work for him and when I said I was loading the VU onto his itunes he was all confused and all I had to do was play this song (which he recognized) and say was "yo, it's the song Bowie sings in Almost Famous". because that is one of our favourite scenes, when that guy screams "IT'S BOWIE!!!!" hahahhahaha good stuff.

the Velvet Underground owns you. that's all you need to know.

PS helloooo Pierre Fraiture.

PPS listen to White Light/White Heat under some sort of inebriation. trust me, it will be a monumental trip.

Vampire Weekend to play free show in SoCal TOMORROW

their "first-ever skate park show!" will be all ages, free, and take place at 4PM on Friday, November 13 @ Alliance Skate in Lake Elsinore, CA. I have no idea where that is, but check it out if you're in the area!

Vampire Weekend - M79 (daytrotter) [mp3]

The Strokes Post #263

Filter Magazine is one quality publication.

oh oh oh before I forget, I wanted to do something for you guys. now, I know that it isn't guaranteed that I'll meet Julian, but if I do, are there any questions that any of you guys would want me to ask him? not lyric meanings or anything, but you know, anything else.

example, do you have a sweet ride? (see below photo for answer:)


oh those legs.

Patrick Wolf releases new video: "Damaris"

ok, so I love The Bachelor (I think it's a cohesive album even thought it's supposed to be part one of two), but seriously, Stereogum rocks. you should read their description of the news of the video release. hilarious indeed.

Andrew Bird to score film: "Norman"

more than Where the Wild Things Are and 500 Days of Summer combined, this will be the ultimate I'm-going-to-see-this-film-because-of-the-music-featured-within-it flick.

Bird says of the film:

"It could do quite well. It’s got a fairly well known cast and it’s really well written and everything. It is more of a drama, it tackles high school drama without being lame...This is the first legitimate full length film that I did. I had the monitor of the film in the studio and I’m playing. It’s a lot of work. I don’t know if I ever want to do it again."

read more HERE

the premise of the film sounds cool enough:
"A troubled high-school kid (Byrd) pretending to be dying of cancer encounters problems with his new girlfriend (VanCamp) and others when he's exposed as a fraud"

it stars the guy from Aliens in America and the chick from Everwood. someone shoot me now for knowing that just by looking at a photo on IMDB. can I redeem myself by saying that I love Adam Goldberg? 'cause I do.

on a slightly related note, I was listening to Andrew Bird and the Mysterious Production of Eggs as I was tweezing my eyebrows this morning

Andrew Bird - Being Green (cover, en Francais!) [mp3]

Rolling Stone gives Phrazes a mediocre review

it figures. they have such trite music critics. not that I'd trust a publication that put Megan Fox on the cover one issue ago, and devotes 1/3 of its current cover to Bono (how many times has he made the cover this year alone? talentless hack.)

they didn't like Ludlow St, but if I remember properly, they gave Costello's piece of crap album a good review

don't even get me started on their despicable reverence for those Jonas drones and the fact that they couldn't appreciate Led Zeppelin in their own time.

The Strokes Post #262

do you guys know that line from Serendipity at the elevator: "bye, my sweet lesbian lady lover. I'm just kidding"? that's kind of how I feel about Katie.








insane quality.

The Strokes Post #261

I dunno if you guys have seen this already, I never posted it but it's been around for a few days. it's the interview Julian did with the Wall Street Journal, and it's really good. most importantly, he reassuringly states that he's moving back to NYC in January

another cool bit of slightly overlooked info, Nikolai did really well in the marathon he ran! he finished in the top fifth. congrats to him on accomplishing such an amazing feat.

in exactly one week I will behold Julian with my own two eyes. it's kind of surreal. it's supposed to rain that day, but I don't care, I'm still waiting outside all day. I've done crazier things at crazier hours in crazier SF weather in crazily inappropriate outfits.

Them Crooked Vultures streaming ENTIRE ALBUM

damn, I was fantasizing about this album last night. it seems as though the music g-ds have answered my prayers.

in short? this is baby making music.

The Strokes Post #260

Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension (live, Conan) [link has been removed]

I originally ripped this for Connor, but when I ended up listening to it, it grew on me. initially, I hated the performance--mainly because Julian looked so pissed and out of it, plus the mixing was all messed up at the beginning, not to mention the fact that I was angry to see Julian without my other four favourite boys.

but objectively speaking, the song really does improve after 1:10, and, like Connor said, it is a nice funky version of the song.

I love that bit at 3:10

bon appetit.

Sunday Morning Covers

ZIP FILE

Julian Casablancas - I'll Try Anything Once (The Strokes "cover") [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
I watched this video so many times yesterday. now everyone can carry it around in their music players.

Flunk - Karma Police (Radiohead cover) [mp3]
this is a solid cover of my favourite Radiohead song

Dr. Fox's Old Timey String Band - Kids (MGMT cover) [mp3]
doesn't that band name ring a bell? a good cover in any case.

Elliott Smith - Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (Willie Nelson cover) [mp3]
so many Elliott covers in my collection. I'm so glad he left behind so many great bootlegs.

The Misfits - Rise Above (Black Flag cover) [mp3]
kind of fuzzy quality but the essence is there

Death Cab for Cutie - I'm Going Home (Sonics Cover) [mp3]
very cool. excellent audio quality, superb axe work.

The Hives - Find Another Girl (Jerry Butler cover) [mp3]
oh how I love this. oh how I love it when my favourite bands cover old numbers. *COUGH* Arctic Monkeys *COUGH*

Goldfinger - Ghouls Night Out (Misfits cover) [mp3]
this band was the shit when I was in middle school. I still have their cd somewhere.

Beck - Ballad Of Big Nothing (Elliott Smith Cover) [mp3]
beautiful, simply beautiful

Ben Harper - The Drugs Don't Work (The Verve Cover) [mp3]
his voice is so soothing.

Franz Ferdinand - Mis-shapes (Pulp cover) [mp3]
Franz Ferdinand covering Pulp? yes, you better thank your lucky stars. now get listening.

The Format - Do You Believe in Magic? (The Lovin' Spoonful cover) [mp3]
recommended by Chuck, authorized by Hanan. really good stuff.

BONUS:

this is cute. it's just like Jules "covering" the Strokes, this boy is covering a song by his other band, The Format, with his new band, fun.

The Strokes Post #259

Saturday Music Definitions: Working

gotta go into work today, which is lame because teachers should never work on Saturdays.

here's a mix for y'all to enjoy.

Ryan Adams - Dreams Of A Working Class Clown [mp3]

The Henry Clay People - Working Part Time [mp3]

John Lennon - Working Class Hero [mp3]

Michael Jackson - Working Day And Night [mp3]

Bob Dylan - Working Man's Blues #2 [mp3]

I love The Henry Clay People.

The Strokes Post #258

Katie is my guardian Strokes angel.


Albert looks amazing. the first thing I was gonna ask Jules if I met him was "how is Albert?!" but that looks a tad unneccessary now. I am so happy.

this made me cry real tears:


it's such a homage to his fellow Strokes, and it was just so cool of him. he's bringing the attention back to the band, not being selfish or anything. oh I love you Julian C.

you know, everything has seemed like a rollercoaster but this is a sign of good things to come.

happy weekend everyone!

Band of the Week: Cut off Your Hands

this morning, as I was gushing over the happy Strokes news of late, I wanted to listen to some music to match my mood. I opened up my cd drawer and my eye caught my The Shaky Hands cd, which reminded me of a slightly better band called Cut off Your Hands, nee Shaky Hands (they changed their name because of legal issues). so I pulled out my vinyl copy of You & I instead.

Cut Off Your Hands is like a lovely post-punk cocktail of The Clash, early Beatles, The Smiths' pop hooks (minus Morrissey's depressing lyrics) and your local indie group that makes music that you can dance to.

like recent blog darlings Girls, they make really good nostalgic music which is stuck in limbo between the 50's/60's/70's and the internet age. also like Girls, they fluctuate between wistful ballads and high energy dance numbers. they're like an infinitely better Kaiser Chiefs. and I like the Kaiser Chiefs.

everything is so right about this band, down to the live shows I've heard so much about. this is probably the best band you've never heard of, if I were you, I'd head on over to AMAZON (or your local record store) and pick up their debut right away.

I still have this clipping somewhere in my collection of music reviews etc

if you needed any more convincing, the band hails from New Zealand, which houses, without a doubt, the sexiest accent of the English language ever. don't believe me?

Cut off Your Hands - Oh Girl [mp3]



visit Cut off Your Hands on MYSPACE, they have some shows for their fellow Kiwis and Australian neighbours

The Strokes Post #257

oh Pitchfork can whine and moan but they drool over Jules like the rest of us

here's a link to a very good interview. I'm so relieved he's moving back to NYC.

I loved this bit:

Pitchfork: Are the over-the-top shows the type of thing you'd be able to do with the Strokes?

JC: No, I would never get those four dudes to agree on something like that. You'd have one guy say, "Let's go out and have some Persian rugs and done!" And you'd have another guy say, "Let's dress like robots," and then nothing would get done.

Pitchfork: I like the robot idea, I'd go with that person.

JC: That person is me. [Laughs]

what I really love about these recent interviews with Julian is he really lets his guard down and it's almost like having a proper conversation with him. he is one cool mofo.

PS if you still haven't read the SPIN interview, the whole mag's digital issue is up.

Classic Track Thursday

this song is so magical. it makes me dance without worry, it brings me back to happier days.

The Lovin' Spoonful - Do You Believe in Magic? [mp3]

but you know how they say curiosity killed the cat? well I stupidly clicked HERE after being confused by a google search of the song's name. holy crap it made me want to stab something. or a couple of people. please don't look at the view count, it might make you throw up.

The Strokes Post #256

photos and mp3s have surfaced of Julian's (secret) record release show at LA's Spaceland. I love that tattoo on his right forearm. I'm quite pleased to have a better view of it =)









set list:

1. “River of Brakelights”
2. “Out of the Blue”
3. “Glass”
4. “11th Dimension”
5. “Tourist”
6. “Left & Right in the Dark”
7. “4 Chords of the Apocalypse”

download the entire show here
(thanks, K.!)

record review: Julian Casablancas - Phrazes for the Young

The album begins with an eerie ten seconds which keeps the listener on edge, unsure of what is to come. Then, “Out of the Blue” explodes with a Strokes-like force that reassures you: all will be well. The song itself meanders along Julian’s existence, as if his whole musical life were flashing before him. But instead of blubbering some ambiguous stream of consciousness, his lyrics are crisp, well formulated and demanding recognition. Long gone are the days of hiding behind cryptic messages. This is Julian’s voice, in every sense of the word.

Phrazes for the Young continues with catchy songs, and Julian uses every instrument to its ultimate potential. He doesn’t have flashy solos or ominous bass lines, he just has the musical equivalent of eloquence gushing from his hands and feet and kisses.

It has a little bit of everything, from a deliciously soulful “4 Chords of the Apocalypse” to the electrifying “River of Brakelights” (a song that will leave you dizzy for sure) and even a country ballad called “Ludlow St” which eulogizes the past and cynically proclaims the inevitable bleakness of the future.

Ironically enough, this album is the ultimate futuristic record: it relies heavily on synths and consistently references better things to come. “Forgive them, even if they are not sorry”, Julian sings. Strokes fans might be reassured that this wise, sober, musically omnipotent higher being will be the much needed glue for the future of the band.

Phrazes for the Young ends with a couple of exquisitely intoxicating songs, concluding with just as much of a whirlwind bang as the opener--just in completely different musical territory.

In the end, we can all rest assured that the world’s greatest songwriter has not lost his Midas touch.

Damn good album.
5/5

buy it on AMAZON, vinyl or cd (I'm getting both)

Julian Casablancas - Out of the Blue [mp3]

The Strokes Post #255

I wish it was Christmas today.

I love Christmas music so damn much. combine that with Julian's voice, and, to top everything off, I wasn't expecting to hear this for at least another month--so seriously, I wish it was Christmas today. this is so perfect.

I think my fixation with the holiday derives from my nostalgia for the snow days I never had and the lack of Christmas trees in my childhood household. I have such issues.

Julian Casablancas - I Wish it was Christmas today [mp3]

read all about it HERE, the song was originally featured on SNL

I think Jules needs more cowbell.

[many thanks to Rachel aka klein for the links!]

must watch videos: Julian Casablancas secret record release show @ SPACELAND, LA

HOLY CRAP I DIDN'T THINK I'D FIND ANYTHING.
I love youtube. he sounds so amazing.



these two users have the show.

The Strokes Post #254

happy happy joy joy! the day has finally come!



(cool embedded thing courtesy of Katie the German feline!)

happy official Phrazes for the Young day everyone! and screw you Britons for having it a day early.

PS did y'all hear? last night, Jules played Spaceland in LA as a secret LA record release show. I'm so uber jealous, because I've heard about Spaceland from PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE PLAYED THERE. ie it's a small, intimate venue for super obscure indie bands etc

le sigh.

PPS here are a couple of bonus tracks (courtesy of Connor!)

Julian Casablancas - 30 Minute Boyfriend [mp3]

Julian Casablancas - Old Hollywood [mp3]

PPPS Jules has some great 45 inch holiday goodness in store for us.

PPPPS I was GOING to post a proper review of Phrazes today but I am extraordinarily exhausted (mentally and physically). maybe tomorrow? in any case, Out of the Blue is officially my favourite.

The Strokes Post #253

guess what I picked up after work today? it made me so giddy, I was dancing around through the store as I left

[just for the record, I bought these THE MINUTE THEY WENT ON SALE. I only PICKED them up today.]

if I can, I will record the concert. but if I know my big venues, I know they're pretty anal about video. people in the back rows manage to snag videos, but I am always in the front. always.

ahhh I is so excited.

The Strokes Posts #251 + 252

here's a nice bootleg as an "I'm sorry for being a neglectful blogger" catch up post.

The Strokes - Live at Eurock Cannes, 2006 [ZIP FILE, ENTIRE CONCERT]

epic set list. I partiuclarly appreciate the constant love to "Alone, Together", which might as well have been a single--they play it so much =)

1. Juicebox

2. The End Has No End

3. Red Light

4. The Modern Age

5. Heart in a Cage

6. 12: 51

7. Alone, Together

8. Electricityscape

9. Is This It

10. Ize of the World

11. Someday

12. You Only Live Once

13. Hawaii

14. Last Nite

15. Hard to Explain

16. Vision of Division

17. Reptilia

18. Take it or Leave It

Sunday Morning Covers

ZIP FILE

Editors - Road To Nowhere (Talking Heads cover) [mp3]

Bonnie Prince Billy - Puff, The Magic Dragon (Peter, Paul & Mary Cover) [mp3]

Guillemots - Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand cover) [mp3]

Jimi Hendrix - Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan cover) [mp3]

Dashboard Confessional - Valens (The Movielife cover) [mp3]

Rufus Wainwright - The Origin of Love (Hedwig and the Angry Inch cover) [mp3]

Joey Ramone - What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong cover) [mp3]

The Botticellis - Here I Go Again (Whitesnake cover) [mp3]

Saturday Music Definitions: Fear

belated Halloween post!

Elliott Smith - Fear City [mp3]

Doves - There Goes the Fear [mp3]

Death Cab for Cutie - Pity and Fear [mp3]

Smashing Pumpkins - Where Boys Fear to Tread [mp3]

The Strokes - Fear of Sleep [mp3]

The Bravery - Fearless [mp3]

Kings of Leon - McFearless [mp3]

Band of the Week: The Takeover UK

for fans of: Mando Diao

this is a weird coincidence: in posting The Takeover UK as Band of the Week following Bombay Bicycle Club last week, I have effectively posted about 50% of the bands featured in this SPIN article

it wasn't intentional, I've just been listening to their debut album, Running with the Wasters, a lot lately.

anyhow, even though this band is from Pennsylvania, they do sound like a UK indie band in a lot of ways. they're vibrant without being cheery, they're catchiness is directly proportional to the amount of repetition in their choruses, and they have energy up the wazoo

this song kind of reminds me of Jimmy Eat World--listen, and deliberate:

The Takeover UK - Running with the Wasters [mp3]

really solid debut, can't wait to catch their live show. I can just feel a cult following forming already.


so perverse, I love it.

visit them on MYSPACE

new Spoon LP on the way

I still haven't listened to the Got Nuffin EP. I am bad. I love this band, just never got around to listening to their latest offering.

in any case, I am super stoked about this news, that they are planning to release their seventh full length album in January. it shall be called Transference. Spoon makes perfect albums. seriously, it's insane how cohesive and listenable their studio albums are. I'm not familiar with their EPs as much so I can't make any claims in that department.

here is a track listing:

'Before Destruction'
'Is Love Forever?'
'The Mystery Zone'
'Who Makes Your Money'
'Written in Reverse'
'I Saw the Light'
'Trouble Comes Running'
'Goodnight Laura'
'Out Go the Lights'
'Got Nuffin'
'Nobody Gets Me But You'

and this means new tour dates. thank your lucky stars.

Spoon - Everything Hits at Once [mp3]

The Strokes Post #250

[from my MOJO newsletter]:


this makes me wish I were a proper music journalist. le sigh.

Classic Track Thursday

Rancid - Time Bomb [mp3]
from ...And Out Come the Wolves (1995)

Rancid come from Albany, which is where a lot of my professors at Berkeley lived. the band recorded their stuff at a studio in Berkeley and I'm sure played loads of shows at 924 Gilman (the club of Green Day fame)

this band adores the Replacements, you can just hear it in their music.

there really is nothing better for everyone's inner child than 90's punk rock from the East Bay. listening early Rancid and Green Day proves this. it's perfect for every adolescent in existence, seeing as how there is just the right combination of angst and punchiness (the songs usually averaging at 2 and a half minutes)

The Strokes Post #249

you know how everyone freaks out about turning thirty? I don't think Jules is one of those people.
he's so beautiful, it's insane.

artist to watch: The Potentials

I get emails all of the time of bands claiming that they have a "unique" sound, and usually it's not true. but sometimes, that's not entirely a bad thing.

The Potentials are a three-some from Fairfax, VA. they aren't unique, because their music sounds like what Chester French would be in an alternate universe where they hung out in their garage instead of going to an Ivy league school.

regardless, I'm grateful that it's electronica that doesn't leave me with a horrible headache. so go ahead and indulge in something one part derivative, two parts catchy.

The Potentials - Mayday Baby [mp3]

The Potentials - The Next Attraction [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE

The Strokes Post #248

yeah, the sound mixing was sounding a bit funky (especially at the beginning), but seriously, I was so glad when I heard the imperfections.



it means that Julian, who's ears are infinitely more musically inclined than mine, will DEFINITELY pick up on this during his shows and compare it nostalgically to the glory days of The Strokes, and he will never ever allow the band to break up.

but anyhow, 3:08 and on, is just glorious. I couldn't move last night when I was watching this, I was just gaping in awe of his excellence. he sounds so good.

does he have any idea how sexy that wide legged stance thing he does is?

Minus the Bear - When We Escape

Minus the Bear - When We Escape [mp3]

I don't know much about this band (other than that they are epic live), but this song is gorgeous. the reason that I'm posting it is because, yesterday, when I was sorting through my things, I came across a post-it with the song title written on it.

when I used to work in tech services at my school's library, post-its were everywhere (we had to flag things etc etc) I ended up using them to write song titles of things I liked from last.fm. I had listened to Minus the Bear before, just not regularly. this guy I was sort of interested in at one time gave me some of their music and I ended up going to a show of theirs with one of my friends, who was a big fan of the band. but anyhow, it's a great track, enjoy.

The Strokes Post #247

I think it's very cute that this showed up a few hours after the album leaked. it reminded me strongly of what The Dodos did for Time to Die (great album, btw)

Arcade Fire - Wake Up

this song came on the radio today as I was picking my younger brother up from school, and I put it on FULL BLAST. it's such an epic song, and I love it. it makes me want to see the band live so much, just hearing their music. the echos, the buildups, the layers, everything is just perfect. then it got me thinking to the days when my older brother would pick me up from school with Mac Dre playing really loudly. oh how very different we are.

Julian Casablancas: European tour dates

Copenhagen Vega (November 30)
Stockholm Gota Kallare (December 1)
Berlin Maria Am Ostbahnof (3)
Amsterdam Paradiso (5)
Paris Le Bataclan (8)
Manchester Ritz (11)
Glasgow ABC (12)
Dublin Academy (14)
London Forum (16)

yay! I'm so happy for my Euro-trash Strokes fan counterparts. haha, I'm only joking, I wish I were Euro-trash

he really looks so much better with dark hair. it's making me seriously contemplate dying my hair black, an idea I've been toying with for ages. but if I did that, I would want my hair straightened and I would miss my curls aka mane.

The Strokes Post #246

I've been singing this song all day, disappointing myself when I hear my voice isn't Jules'.

"on ludlow streeeeeeet"

I love the line about Puerto Ricans. it reminds me of West Side Story.

Sunday Morning Covers

ZIP FILE

Vampire Weekend - Exit Music (for a film) (Radiohead cover) [mp3]
I don't think I've ever posted this one, even though I've listened it to bits.

Ben Folds - Lost in the Supermarket (The Clash cover) [mp3]
I love this one. it made me get up and make a cup of tea, though =)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Sheena is a Punk Rocker (Ramones cover) [mp3]
solid.

Beck - Hot In Herre (Nelly cover) [mp3]
of course, Beck reinvents a classic into something barely recognizable, but totally psychedelic and awesome. the original was one of my favourite songs as a pre-teen. haha. preteen.

Conor Oberst - Kodachrome (Paul Simon cover) [mp3]
I tried to give his solo album another go this week, but it just wasn't cutting it for me. oh well.

Delta Spirit - I'm Waiting (Bill Bush cover) [mp3]
I am itching to see these guys again.

Rogue Wave - Birds (Neil Young cover) [mp3]

CSS - Rat (Rage cover) [mp3]

of Montreal - Computer Blue (Prince cover) [mp3]
I wish I had the attention span to get through this band's entire discography, but, then again, like The Flaming Lips, of Montreal is a fun band to turn to for a musical trip rather than obsessive listening rampages.

The Black Keys - Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran cover) [mp3]

Arctic Monkeys - Baby I'm Yours (Van McCoy cover) [mp3]
I think this is the fourth or fifth time I'm posting this song, but it's just so good.

The Strokes Post #245

seeing as how everyone is equipped with Phrazes at this point, I think I'll post some pictures instead

here's the Valensi family + Fab







his wife is a really good photographer. I quite like the selection on her blog

Morrissey collapses, is hospitalized, but is currently "stable"

our main man Moz wasn't feeling too good last night and collapsed during a performance. you can read more on NME

here are my wishes for a speedy recovery!

The Smiths - Asleep [mp3]

I know this is a bit inappropriate to post, because it's about death, but it's my favourite Smiths song, and it's just so beautiful.