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.

Please note that repeated violations to our Terms of Service may result in further remedial action taken against your Blogger account. If you have legal questions about this notification, you should retain your own legal counsel. If you have any other questions about this notification, please let us know.

Sincerely,

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Affected URLs:

http://musicinducedeuphoria.blogspot.com/2008/09/record-review-cold-war-kids-loyalty-to.html

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"

Fab Moretti talks about his side project Little Joy

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

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

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

to Nikolai's excellent new project, Nickel Eye

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

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

some tour dates for you:

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

visit Little Joy on MYSPACE

new Radiohead LP in the works

Johnny says that they've finished most of it.

read more on NME

Radiohead - Videotape [mp3]