Monthly Archives: September 2008

09.19.08
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Ryan Adams. Musician. Author. Wait, What?

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals are set to release their new record “Cardinology” on October 28th. (Happy one day late Birthday to me!) The word from Adam’s label, Lost Highway, also claims the new record will be ‘more concise’ and ‘focused’ then the past few records. I’m not exactly sure what they are getting at here. Is it going to sound more like “Gold” ? I quite enjoy the last few Cardinals records, so a more ‘put together’ Adams may very well just be…..well, less Adams’ freakouts on stage. I’m a pretty big Ryan fan and I wasn’t even aware he was putting out a new record this year. Though really, he can write a record in a day and it would still be beautiful.

Ryan is also releasing a book called “Infinity Blues” that will be out on March 16th next year. If you preorder it you get a signed copy and a book of Ryan’s poems. I never saw “Ryan Adams, Novelist” in his future but I guess there is a place for everything in this world.

Ryan is also heading on a short tour which most likely will stop no where near you. Check out the tour dates here: www.ryan-adams.com

Cardinology”  Tracklisting:

01 “Fix It”
02 “Magick”
03 “Let Us Down Easy”
04 “Like Yesterday”
05 “Go Easy”
06 “Sink Ships”
07 “Born Into A Light”
08 “Cobwebs”
09 “Crossed Out Name”
10 “Natural Ghost”
11 “Evergreen”
12 “Stop”

09.19.08
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The Strokes: Alone, Together?

 

Everytime I hear ‘Strokes side project’ lately, I want to cringe. Though I do actually like their musical venturings outside of The Strokes, a part of me really wants them to make a new record together. Apparently they are supposed to start recording a new record by the end of this year, and it will be out next Spring. I hope so. Its been over 2 years since they released “First Impressions of Earth” and I’m going through a bit of Strokes withdrawal the past few weeks.

 Currently Albert Hammond Jr. is on tour supporting his new solo record. Nikolai is working on a film and has a folk side project called ‘Nickel Eye’ and now even Fab has a side band as well. But let’s not forget the recent collaboration between NERD, Santogold and Julian Casablancas. I must say that “My Drive Thru” is super catchy and I love Casablanca’s voice in it. Pharrell Williams is also supposed to be producing the new Strokes record. Oh what a sound that will be.

Download an MP3 of “My Drive Thru”
Check out The Strokes at www.myspace.com/thestrokes

09.18.08
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MGMT Get Eclectic

KCRW’s ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ has just posted both streaming audio and video of MGMT’s in studio performance from this week on their website. I have been watching their performance in video form and its really stellar. The Brooklyn band has really come a long way since I saw them live opening for Of Montreal in October last year. At that time, I wasn’t really sure what to make of them live. Maybe it was because I was just wanting to see Of Montreal, but for some reason, I didn’t love them. MGMT is so much tighter now since they’ve gained more touring experience. If you don’t own a copy of their “Oracular Spectacular” you should pick one up. MGMT has put out one of the greatest records i’ve heard all year.

MGMT is also on tour opening for Beck and will be playing Webster Hall on October 30th in New York City.

Stream Audio and Video of MGMT Live on Morning Becomes Eclectic http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb080917mgmt

09.17.08
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Mason Proper “Olly Oxen Free” (Will Kill You?)

I’ve become quite amused by the band Mason Proper lately. I must admit I enjoy watching the video for ‘Friendship’ more than most people should. Jonathan Visger pulls off a very Stephen Malkmus-Jarvis Cocker-Thespian style in the video as well. The band’s second album “Olly Oxen Free” is out September 23rd, and its a pretty safe bet to say its going to be beyond brilliant.

While on the Mason Proper site this morning, I also came across this funny little reading about the new record. Its ‘Survival Tips’ for the new record.

Just a reminder that next Tuesday, our second album “Olly Oxen Free” will be released to the wild, and it will be confused, hungry, and dangerous. If you encounter one, please remember these helpful survival tips:

1. Please do not make “Olly Oxen Free” noises or imitate an “Olly Oxen Free.” It will attack and kill you.

2. Do not pretend you are already dead or asleep. It will attack and kill you. An exception can be made if you are good enough at playing dead that you can appear to be only a skeleton. The “Olly Oxen Free” is not a bone-gnawer, so if you appear not to be made of meat and squishy things, it will pay you no mind.

3. Do not throw sticks or stones at the “Olly Oxen Free.” It will NOT break it’s bones. It will throw them back, only more accurately and with more force. ***NOTE*** It should go without saying, but please also remember that words can never hurt it. You are better off going with the sticks or stones.

4. Do not run, swim, fly, or teleport away. It can run, swim, fly, or teleport towards you faster than you can run, swim, fly, or teleport away.

5. Do not try to reason with the “Olly Oxen Free.” It is unreasonable. Also, do not try to offer it gifts or food. It is non-materialistic, with the slight exception being made for it’s strong interest in your meat or squishy things.

6. The best thing you can do if you are unlucky enough to encounter an “Olly Oxen Free” in the wild is to purchase it immediately, before it has a chance to pick up your smell and get it’s stomach enzymes churning.

7. The thing you can do that is better than the best thing you can do, is to:
PREORDER OLLY OXEN FREE FROM INSOUND.

You will receive a tame “Olly Oxen Free” in the mail, and any you encounter in the wild are much less likely to attack you if you are accompanied by it. You will also receive a limited-edition DVD of the “Shorthand EP,” which you can only get by preordering. Although the DVD will not help you in an encounter with an “Olly Oxen Free,” if you seek training you will be able to throw it at any rabid moths that may swoop down on you in the night, and drive them off.

-Forest Safety Commission

Genius! Check out Mason Proper on Myspace www.myspace.com/masonproper   and at www.masonproper.com

09.16.08
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Its Autumn, Its Matt Pond PA

 

There is something that happens to me when the cool air becomes breezy, it gets dark out so early, and the leaves start to fall from the tree. Everything seems to change, and the only soundtrack to that change is Matt Pond PA. Every Autumn I fall a little more in love with Matt Pond PA.

Right now I am listening to “Last Light,”  and “Emblems” on repeat and memorizing every little note, every little guitar strum. It makes me feel warm and comforted. Something everyone needs. If you’ve never checked out Matt Pond PA before, I urge you too. You don’t know what you’re missing out on.

Check out Matt Pond PA on Myspace www.myspace.com/mattpondpa  
And at their website www.mattpondpa.com   

Oddly enough, I first started listening to Matt Pond PA about 4 years ago, when a friend of mine was throwing out a mix cd that someone had made for them. I saw the band’s name on the back and snagged it. The first song I ever heard by them, and by far perhaps still my favorite is “Lookout (Closet)”. It still sounds haunting to me. Matt Pond’s voice is one of my favorite sounds.

Watch “Closet (Lookout)” from “Emblems”

09.16.08
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Thao With the Get Down Stay Down

I first came across Thao With the Get Down Stay Down in early spring opening for Rilo Kiley. Having no idea who Thao Nguyen was, I was a bit skeptical. To my surprise this girl and her eclectic backing band totally blew me away. Thao plays a bluesy kind of indie rock with a voice that is half crooner half riot grrl. This girl has so much energy especially when she performs live, I’m not sure how she’s not exploded yet. Thao With the Get Down Stay Down are performing all across the country for the remainder of the year.

Be sure to check out their tourdates at www.myspace.com/thaomusic