Writer Extraordinaire

Hooray For Earth!

2011-05-09T15:50:00.000-04:00

Lately it seems the world around me has gotten super crazy-both personally, and outside of my realm. All kinds of changes have come to pass, changing me, and the universe around me, permanently. Some of it is welcomed, and some of it is sad. I didn't really want things to change (well, certain things), but then, I know that everything has a good reason behind it, so I accept the change, the journey, and the forks in the road....

These changes of season, air, energy, and life are what solidify the elements on earth, and what better way to celebrate then by discovering new music by, none other than, Hooray for Earth! I've been a fan for a while now, but never got around to blogging about them-not for any other reason than, I just never got around to it. My first exposure to them was the fantastic song, Rolling/Nectarine off last year's Momo EP. It has a great rythmic tribal beat, with soaring angelic voices set to a lo-fi vocal courtesy of Noel Heroux. The track is both catchy and poetic. A great sound that stands above the sea of other lo-fi bands.

The newest track that has truly got me hooked, True Loves, is a fantastic blend of sci-fi tinny echoes, tribal stick banging, hiding behind a reggae beat. The video is beautiful-strangely beautiful:

The band fits in well with Yeasayer, Caribou (specifically Odessa), with a touch of Lykke Li added for good measure. Don't hear it? Well, hear this-a collaboration with Twin Shadow, A Place We Like:

visit their webpage on MySpace-http://www.myspace.com/hooray4earth for more information, and touring dates. Listen to more music there as well, and you'll find you'll be just as captivated by them as I have been. Hooray!

Too Much MIDI (Please Forgive Me)

2011-04-27T16:02:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have been following the latest trends in hipster indie music, you'll notice the deep running trend in early and mid 80's rip offs. Some sound like Scritti Politti. Some sound like Oingo Boingo. Some sound like Animotion. Heck, there's even some that sound like Prince, Apollonia 6, Sheila E, Sheena Easton....you get the point.

There is just one group that encompasses all these groups, and more. They have managed to find the best parts of the 80's-digging up the gold and purple glitter at the bottom of the pink jelly bucket, if you will. Ford and Lopatin, formally of the group Games, have come together again to release more funktastic tracks on their new album, Channel Pressure to be released June 7 on Mexican Summer-everyone's favorite indie label- imprint label, Software (a subsidiary of Kemado Records).

Sounding a bit like a Thomas Dolby production peppered with a Sufjan Stevens-esque voice, Emergency Room is a mid-tempo toe tapper that brings to mind the talent show scene from Revenge of the Nerds. Don't remember? Weren't born yet? Here's a refresher:

Tell me you don't hear the similarities-I dare you! Ah, but I digress...

The duo is made up of Daniel Lopatin, otherwise known as Oneohtrix Point Never, and Tigercity member Joel Ford. To no one's surprise, the duo are heavily influenced by 80's production techniques such as analog synthesizers and drum machines. The recent change of name is less about artistic creativity, and more about artistic confusion. Sharing the name with an equally impressive rapper, the pair decided to forgo any possible legal ramifications and permanently changed their name. But the legacy lives on as is the case here with Midi Drift:

Here is a preview of the new album, Channel Pressure:

No tour dates are listed currently (nor is there a designated website). I will list them when and if they become available. In the meantime, enjoy this totally tubular 80's movie montage:

pink redemption

2011-04-01T09:20:00.000-04:00

It's the weekend y'all!! Well, excuse the enthusiasm, I thought it would be the perfect segue to the newest band I'm lady gaga about. I've been in a folksy funk for a while now, but when I heard Moving Units it threw me back into a techno tizzy.

Moving Units is not a new band per se-they're actually credited with fronting the dance punk movement, a nice niche of live instruments (as opposed to the synthetic sound of true techno) at a bpm most recognizable in dance music.

Tension War is their newest EP released on February 14 (Moving Units Recordings, Post Modern Recordings, Cobra Music). Awfully apropos to release an album with such a name on Valentine's day, don't you think?

In any case, these songs are pretty mainstream compared to their older songs, and are easily comparable to the likes of 303, Cobra Starship, and even-don't hit me-Metro Station. Moving Units, however, have a darker sound and slightly off lyrics that still seperate them from the glitzier, cheesier groups-keeping them slightly still with groups like Shiny Toy Guns.

The standout track for me is Until She Says. I love the drum/cymbal hits, and the almost disco feel to the track:

It makes me think of Duran Duran or similar groups that gave an homage to the disco sound back in 1984-1986 but made the sound more modern and fluid. This track has the same flavor of those tracks but a new dimension in that the voice of the singer is of a modern sound-not like that of Simon LeBon and all the other sound alike singers.

Case in point; Liquid X:

After you listen to this track, you'll see what I mean. I almost imagine these guys running through a Morrocan bazaar searching for a woman painted like a panther.

If you like what you hear, you must check them out on their website: www.movingunits.net
and while you're there, you can take a look to see if they're coming to your town. They are known for electric, crazy, sexually charged live shows. Sounds like a typical tuesday night for me, but whatevs.....

Enjoy Pink Redemption, and challenge me if you don't think this woman looks like your grandmother:

Happy Friday!

the problem with your daughter

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed, I've been in this folksy, beachy, tin can vocals (I think the technical term is 'lo fi') kick for a while now, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Especially since the weather has been a bit drab and making me both love the melancholy state of the days, and wish for sun drenched moments all at the same time.

Lately, I've been fascinated with Lord Huron. Gotta love a name like that (mostly for the nod to Michigan's Great Lake), which made me a bit curious about the group, the songs, and the men behind the ideas. What got me interested in Lord Huron is the song, The Stranger. Beautiful and haunting in both lyrics and video. The imagery and the essence is thought provoking-and isn't that the goal of indie rock at it's most basic level?

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I read that this L.A based group originally hails from, none other than, Michigan! Yes, and they are very vocal and proud of this fact-as they should be. Their newest EP, Mighty, is a 4 song homage to their native land, and is, track by track, an amazing grouping of tribal, jangly rock that evokes the spirit of Michigan-the frontier men sounds, the wilderness, the lakes and the hills.

Many groups sound great on record-not so much live. But Lord Huron manage to sound amazing live just as well as on record as is the case of this live performance of The Problem With Your Daughter:

Listen to the whole album, and fork out the 4$ to buy it here: http://lordhuron.bandcamp.com/album/mighty-ep

Learn more about the man behind the Lord here: www.lordhuron.com

And while you're at it, take a look at the tour list also posted on their website, and make sure you go out in droves to one of the most amazing bands you'll ever see....well maybe not THE most, but it will certainly be up there.....

Quiet Hours

2011-03-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

I've been trying for a very long time to wake up early to get things done quicker in the day, and have more daylight to myself. It's not easy. I think my plateau time is 6:30-at which time I lay in bed till 7AM. In my defense, this is a vast improvement from my 'wake up at 10-10:30 and go to bed around 2AM'. I've spent years working on this sleep schedule and I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Even though everyone around me says they get up at 4:30-5:30. Show offs.

On these mornings when I'm feeling heroic and able to take on the world, I tend to do research on a band I either heard about her heard the music of. I have to say, I've been on this jangly, singing from a tin can at the beach sound, bender-and there's no relief in sight!

Wild Nothing, coming to us from Blacksburg VA (woo!), is one such 'band' that has evolved over the years from a College Rocker, to a sophisticated beach boy. Jack Tatum began recording under the monikor Wild Nothing in 2009, and released his first single, Summer Holiday, in 2009 as well under Captured Tracks.

Quiet Hours is from his newest album Golden Haze, released in October of 2010. The mood of the track captures the same sound I've been talking about for a while now-Beach Blanket Bimbo. However, this is a bit more haunting to me. Kind of like the feeling of the beach when the weather's cooled and everyone has moved on to school, or wherever they went, and all that's left is the memory of the fun that was had on the shore.

But Tatum is no one trick pony. He's geniusly taken the echoey sound that has dominated the airwaves and translated it into different forms of the same genre of music. Take for instance The Witching Hour:

There's a certain late 1980's, Genesis quality to this track. Promise, goes in a totally different direction-more like a funky 1985 pink and purple haze layered with a fog of sound:

You can find more information about Wild Nothing on his website: www.myspace.com/wildnothing
Expect to see him tour soon....

been a million years full of tears

2011-03-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

I'm so drowsy. I want to say it's this damn time change. I still don't get why we still do it-but I guess some things are a force of habit that steep themselves in tradition, which then become a known way of doing things in the subconscious. That can be said for a lot of things that really aren't necessary but we do them/have them anyway.

There's quite a few things I can think of, but I won't bore you with them right now. I will say though, that if I were to think about what kind of music I would use as the soundtrack for the spinning of this wheel, I would use any song by Alexander Ebert.

Much like his other band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alexander Ebert has taken a sound that reminds you of the corn fields of Iowa in the heart of Summer (never been to Iowa, but this is what I think it sounds like), and justified it with a heart felt twang that even indie rockers can't deny. The words are poetic and honestly, must be read to truly understand. But just listening to Ebert is good enough to get a glimpse inside the tumbleweeds and kicked up dirt feel his music inspires.

A Million Years' lyrics are beautiful, and make me think of Summer in the Midwest in the 1940's-just like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros does. But unlike Edward Sharpe, Ebert evokes a Baptist Church standing outside a river, dunking people into the water to show them the light. There's an underlying current of redemption, revision, and transcendent in Alexander's music. As if Edward Sharpe were the lost soul seeking love and light-and Alexander Ebert found it.

Ebert's Indie Folk Rock solo album, Alexander, is infectious and soul soothing, reminiscent of Bob Dylan and late Beatles after their trip to India.

Unfortunately there are no tour dates listed, but I will be sure to check and post them when and if they become available. There also is no website to be found, so stay tuned for any updated information I may find on this blog....

i need some summer sun c'mon and wake me up

2011-02-25T17:35:00.000-05:00

I've been a little melancholy this past week-I love Winter, but every time the sun shines through my window I pretend like it's the middle of Summer and a beach is just off to the horizon, if only I closed my eyes I could see it. But then a chill passes through me (mainly because my walls are made of high quality paper mache), and I'm reminded that it's not quite Spring yet, and Summer is still just a hope at this point. If I decide to stay in my daydream, and want a soundtrack to help paint the mood, I put on one of the greatest Summer beach songs I've heard in a long time (well, since Summer at least). Dirty Gold's California Sunrise.

With a title like that, you can already envision the notes and the feel of this song. The music inspires visions of Beach Blanket Bingo with a little dirtier of intentions. The heat of the Sunset and girls and boys pairing off in the summer of 67' or 76'-whichever time frame makes you feel good.

The video to this song matches the mood and style perfectly-almost makes me wish I were in those waters in those days-it looks like it would have been so much more fun than today. Dirty Gold, a Southern California threesome (surprise, surprise) is a fairly new band with really no more than three tracks to be found. Their name is inspired by an NPR piece in which the announcer was talking about laundered money which made one of the members think of Dirty Gold. true story.

The band says they are influenced by all kinds of music, and draw most of their influence from the 60's beach aesthetic. This inspiration can be heard in another of their tracks, Sea Hare

This is a live video-there isn't any other available online-but hearing this live gives me the feel of a bonfire beach party-really steeping me into the feel of this band. They're so new, they don't have a website yet, but you can find some cool stuff on them here: http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=155548021126073&share_id=126922727361151&comments=1

I'll keep my eyes peeled for tour dates-hopefully they'll make it out here by Summer so I can sip my vodka lemonade and listen to them with my eyes closed wishing I were that California blonde surfer girl in the 70's without a care in the world...

You're My Favorite daydream-I'm your famous nightmare

2011-02-15T13:46:00.002-05:00

i've been in an electronic mood lately. Not the usual electronic that I'm generally in. I'm slipping into my Miike Snow, Bat For Lashes, and my newest addition, Twin Shadow.

Most certainly, I've been listening to this track, Castles In The Snow, quite a bit. The words are melodic, poetic, and melancholic:

Who is Twin Shadow you ask? Twin Shadow is the sobriquet du jour for George Lewis Jr who is based in New York by way of the Dominican Republic. His haunting synths and monotone voice is quite reminiscent of Depeche Mode, and slightly of Joy Division. The deep similiarities between 1980's new wave and Twin Shadow are no coincidence. His 2010 debut, Forget, was produced by none other than Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear.

Right now, you can go on his website: twinshadow.net, and download for free the song, Slow. It's a beautiful Morrisey like track that makes me feel like I should be wearing pastels and boat shoes:

Also available on the Twin Shadow website is the tour dates, which for now are only in Europe. On February 24th, they kick in to their North American tour. I hope to catch them at the Black Cat where they will be opening for The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

You're My Favorite daydream-I'm your famous nightmare

2011-02-15T13:45:00.000-05:00

Bang Bang Bang!

2011-02-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how excited I've been to see Chromeo. I've been a HUGE fan for a few years now, so the opportunity to see them live is a true treasure. I haven't been able to make it work in the past, so I totally pumped, to say the least. I didn't know who was opening for them (didn't really care, sadly), but was pleasantly surprised to see it was MNDR. Who, you ask?

Well, you may not know MNDR by name just yet, but you definitely know their work. Amanda Warner and Peter Wade make up this electronic indie rock group which formed just two years ago. Even though they haven't been around long, they've made quite the impression on the electronic scene. Most notably in Mark Ronson and The Business's hit song, Bang Bang Bang. Yep, that's Amanda Warner singing while Q-tip tells us 'what time it is':

Not only did she sing in it though, she also co wrote the song. Her idea to bring the French cool to the song-how awesome is that? She's not new to this songwriting business either; she actually started off as a writer for hire before considering branching out into front and center of a musical duo. Although the band has an EP which came out in 2009, they are in the studio as we speak working on a full length album which is due to drop some time this year.

Warner has made an indelible impression on the electronic indie scene, no doubt about it. Her quasi french electronic sound is similar to Santogold leaning a little more towards YACHT or Cut Copy. I even hear a bit of a Katy Perry in there, but only in vocals, not in genre. Her high school cheerleader looks can be a little misleading as well, but don't let them fool you. She's got depth, talent, and the music is fantasmical. Here's the latest Cut Me Out which is available for a free download here: http://www.greenlabelsound.com/artists/mndr/

Try to catch her while she tours with Chromeo. If you can't make it, no worries. I can assure you will see more of her real soon....

2/ 10/11 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
2/ 12/11 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
2/ 17/11 Reno, NV @ @Knitting Factory
2/18/11 Oakland, CA @ The Fox Theater
2/19/11 Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater

Bang Bang Bang!

2011-02-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how excited I've been to see Chromeo. I've been a HUGE fan for a few years now, so the opportunity to see them live is a true treasure. I haven't been able to make it work in the past, so I totally pumped, to say the least. I didn't know who was opening for them (didn't really care, sadly), but was pleasantly surprised to see it was MNDR. Who, you ask?

Well, you may not know MNDR by name just yet, but you definitely know their work. Amanda Warner and Peter Wade make up this electronic indie rock group which formed just two years ago. Even though they haven't been around long, they've made quite the impression on the electronic scene. Most notably in Mark Ronson and The Business's hit song, Bang Bang Bang. Yep, that's Amanda Warner singing while Q-tip tells us 'what time it is':

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gx-EQTIHp2A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Not only did she sing in it though, she also co wrote the song. Her idea to bring the French cool to the song-how awesome is that? She's not new to this songwriting business either; she actually started off as a writer for hire before considering branching out into front and center of a musical duo. Although the band has an EP which came out in 2009, they are in the studio as we speak working on a full length album which is due to drop some time this year.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u5jr8CPElrE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Warner has made an indelible impression on the electronic indie scene, no doubt about it. Her quasi french electronic sound is similar to Santogold leaning a little more towards YACHT or Cut Copy. I even hear a bit of a Katy Perry in there, but only in vocals, not in genre. Her high school cheerleader looks can be a little misleading as well, but don't let them fool you. She's got depth, talent, and the music is fantasmical. Here's the latest Cut Me Out which is available for a free download here: http://www.greenlabelsound.com/artists/mndr/

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jjwkvkzseMQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Try to catch her while she tours with Chromeo. If you can't make it, no worries. I can assure you will see more of her real soon....

2/ 10/11 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
2/ 12/11 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
2/ 17/11 Reno, NV @ @Knitting Factory
2/18/11 Oakland, CA @ The Fox Theater
2/19/11 Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater

Super Freaky -YOW!

2011-02-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

So, anyone who knows me, knows how excited I am to see Chromeo this weekend at the 9:30 club in DC. I have been a fan of theirs since before their music shaped indie rock night life (what I'm referring to here, is how it seems everyone is doing an early 80's late 70's electro funk night or event-pretty soon braids with beads and hot purple parachute pants are going to be all the rage-you can quote me on this).

I've always been enamoured with the look and feel of those days. I was just a little kid, but it was always so sexy-those shiny tights with gold high heels, the french cut bikinis and purple and pink makeup. I wanted to be a Solid Gold Dancer; I wished I were Arlain from the '20 minute Workout' (below-she's the one with the crazy hair)

Yea, those were the days. When people dripped of sex and didn't apologize for it. When even an aerobics video was soft porn. I feel sorry for those of you born in the 90's. You were robbed.

But hey! Now you can pretend like it's the late 70's, early 80's and wear all those crazy styles (I've seen the graffiti pants-they weren't cute then, they're not cute now), go to those crazy parties (yea, well, they're not nearly as crazy, but you can at least make an attempt), and listen to that crazy music. Chromeo is a great homage to those Rick James, Prince, Sheena Easton days. But are they alone? Ooohh no, my superfreaks. I present Destroyer!

Destroyer is a Canadian Indie Rock band fronted by lead singer Dan Behar. Right now, his song Kaputt is gettting some major radio airplay, and for good reason. The slow groovy tempo makes me think of late night parties, right near the end of the night, in the hills in say, 1982. Women in ruffled flowy polyester dresses and men in their plaid suits disco dancing to an 8 track. The women with their newly coiffed feathered hair contemplating who's Trans Am they're going to go home in. It's a great track with multi layered horn riffs laid down in the back and front of the track to give it depth. The bass is a low laying sound giving you just enough to keep the melody going. It's a beautiful song that could transcend the decades:

His full length album of the same name was released late last month (January 25th) on Merge Records.

Here's an older song to give you a better idea of this so-not-a-one-trick-pony:

Savage Night At The Opera, brings to mind a little Roxy Music. The feel of the song is quite different than Kaputt, but still holds the early 80's vibe-even if it is of a different genre.

Destroyer is currently planning a Spring Tour along with War On Drugs:

03-17 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
03-18 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile

03-19 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
03-21 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
03-22 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
03-23 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
03-25 - Austin, TX - The Mohawk
03-26 - Dallas, TX - The Loft
03-27 - Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingers Chicken Shack
03-28 - St. Louis, MO - The Luminary Center For The Arts
03-29 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
03-30 - Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room
03-31 - Toronto, ON - Lee’s Palace
04-01 - Montreal, QC - La Cabaret du Mile End
04-02 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East
04-03 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
04-04 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
04-05 - Washington, DC - The Black Cat
04-06 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
04-07 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
04-08 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
04-09 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
04-11 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
04-12 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Centre
04-13 - Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre
04-15 - Edmonton, AB - The Starlite Room
04-16 - Calgary, AB - 1 Royal Canadian Legion

Like what you hear? Learn more: www.myspace.com/destroyer

I'm out-gotta go get some beads for my Bo Derek braids-I'm going to make David Macklovitch (singer of Chromeo) fall in love with me...

Can I have some please?

2011-01-25T10:19:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to a lot of UK pop lately. It's happy and fun, and the perfect compliment to this dreadfully cold winter. I've been a little down lately and this has been just the right amount of pick me up. One of my favorite singers out of the UK is Eliza Doolittle. Her newest hit, 'Skinny Genes' is incredibly tongue and cheek and chock full of every double entendre you can think of.

If you don't know anything about her, let me help you out:
Eliza Sophie Caird (her real name) comes to us from London, and released her sef-titled debut album, Eliza Doolittle on July 12, 2010. She comes from a musical family; her mother having represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1994, is also an actress (and otherwise notable singer) who won a Tony Award for her part in Les Miserables. Her father is a well known stage director, and screenwriter. Talk about coming from some good stock.

Although you may not have heard of her here in the States, the rest of the world is totally head over heels over this girl, and for good reason. As one person had put it 'if Amanda Bynes and Miley Cyrus were to have a child, Eliza Doolittle would be it'. Her quirky lyrics, and warm purring sound make for a great pop star. Here's another single from her, Rollerblades:

I'd tack on a website for her, but if you start googling her, her name will pop up. She's no new, underground find for me, but she is still definitely under the radar here. Thought I'd share her with you. Now, pass it along....

twisted sister

2011-01-14T07:48:00.000-05:00

Last night, I went out to see my cousin's band, Hye Tension rock out at Jammin' Java. They are an incredible band (and I'm not saying that because we're related, it's cause they really are), and I'm excited to one day blog about their debut album. It's going to happen, and it's going to happen soon.

In the meantime, I have other bands to listen to on my favorite satellite station, XMU. One that I've been hearing quite a bit of is Twin Sister. No, they're not a band of look alikes. They're a band made up of four guys and a female lead singer who sounds a lot like Cat Power, hailing from Brooklyn by way of Long Island. Their sound is nostalgic (most music now is), and her voice is like a smooth cigar-smoky and silky.

The stand out track on their album, Color Your Life (released March 2010) is All Around and Away We Go.

So Bananarama licious. I love the Jodi Whatley ness of the video and the great contrast between the vision and the song.

Lady Daydream is simply that: a garden daydream set to music, ethereal and haunting.

I'm surprised these songs didn't make it onto a Twilight Soundtrack-but I digress.

Check out Twin Sister on their website: http://twinsistermusic.com/

Tour dates are also available there. And while you're at it, take a listen to my cousin's band and judge for yourself the absolute awesomeness:
http://www.myspace.com/hyetension1

Don't Be Afraid, You're Already Dead

2011-01-11T15:11:00.001-05:00

One of my all time favorite books is called Candide by Voltaire. My Philosophy professor had it as required reading when I was in my first year in College. The first time I read it, I thought it was the dumbest thing I'd ever read, and was pretty upset he made me read it. The second time I read it, I thought, this is actually a pretty cool book, and noticed subtle symbolisms in it which intrigued me. The third time I read it (yes, I am a little slow), I found it to be the most eye opening, riveting, and relevant book I'd ever read. It plays out life in a nutshell, and ever since then, I've wanted to move away into a little village with my favorite people and become potato farmers, forgetting this cruel world ever existed.

Since I can't do that, I chose to lose myself in music (hence, the blog). Very few times have I come across a band that I think I would like to be the soundtrack of my potato farming life. Rusted Root, Polyphonic Spree and Freelance Whales are at the top of the list. Now there's a newcomer: Akron/Family.

Akron Family is not a new band by any means. They've been around since 2002. But they're a new band to me, and that's saying a lot. Their new album (which is slated to come out February 8) has a crazy title that I challenge any other band to outdo: S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT. Now that's using your creative noggin!

The first track off the album, So it Goes has a dark psycho acid vibe lacing the folk style harmony through out the song.

After hearing this first teaser off the album it makes me excited to hear what's next. If you want to get more information on this band, visit their website: http://www.akronfamily.com/

Tour dates are also available on there. Now, off to petition some of my friends into potato farming with me...

Don't Be Afraid, You're Already Dead

2011-01-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

The first track off the album, So it Goes has a dark psycho acid vibe lacing the folk style harmony through out the song.

After hearing this first teaser off the album it makes me excited to hear what's next. If you want to get more information on this band, visit their website: http://www.akronfamily.com/

Tour dates are also available on there. Now, off to petition some of my friends into potato farming with me...

Mornin'!

2011-01-06T09:38:00.000-05:00

So I decided this year I'm going to take the year by the horns and make something of myself. I'm still working on it, of course. I started my new company, I'm working out, and I'm taking yet another class this semester to finish my degree. It's a lot of work being me this year, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's damn exciting!

I'm feeling the pain though. I've yet to sign my first client, everyone in admissions at my school is a mush for brains, and I've done zumba three days in a row. My body hurts. More than it should.

So, today I decided to do yoga and give my brain a break. Star Slinger is good for music that makes you want to close your eyes and drift away to lala land as he wraps you in his amazing tracks. I'm going back a few months with this one-not exactly new stuff, but well worth talking about.

I found out Star Slinger has released a free EP, Rogue Cho Pa. There is talk of him (with Knoxville based Ambient producer, Teams) being signed to Indie label Mexican Summer (same label that signed The Miracles Club) to release a 12" by early this year. Makes me want to go back 6 months and showcase some tracks by this UK producer that started this ball rolling.

Here's Rogue Cho Pa for your listening pleasure:

http://www.mediafire.com/?okc82xs28gskppr

Mornin' has a great Motown sound, sped up to chipmunk level. It's still a beautiful track. Makes me want to take a ride with the top down in a Summer's day.

1987 is another track I've really grown to love. Makes me think of a bunch of people dressed up like Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation dancers at a Carnival. Weird? Not really. Take a listen.

Visit Star Slinger on his website: http://www.starslinger.net/home.html

A US tour is in the works starting in February-keep your eyes and ears open for that one. In the meantime, enjoy the music. It's a beautiful day!

Now where did I put my silk multi colored zip up hoodie?

2011-01-04T11:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm a little late on this bandwagon, but I don't care-no apologies, dammit! Let's start from the beginning shall we? So, I've ventured into this new realm of music (new to me, not anyone else). A gritty, underground, funky style of dance music that's a little early 80's Prince, a little Miami Vice, and a little indie rock chick just graduating from the Center of Creative Studies. It all started with a trip to Detroit, when I went out with a friend to an awesome night at the grungiest bar in the sketchiest part of the city. Macho City (the event itself) changed my life-the R&R made me want to wash my hands, and spend the night.

My friend visited from Detroit, and we found two of the same kind of events in DC. Well, not exactly, but they certainly were on to something. The underground, stripped down, funky house music made me think of what it must have been like going to clubs in the 80's. Wait, what am I saying? I was there. I just don't remember much of it, cause I was way too young to be there in the first place. Moving on.

I've been on a sort of hunt for new music reminiscent of those B-side, one off, super underground funky tracks that are so specialty, they're now novelties. I think I may have found what I've been looking for in The Miracles Club.

This video has been posted on a lot of blogs, and for good reason. It's chock full of every trend the 90's had to offer (anyone else notice the COOGI dress?) and it has a goat. What more would you want?

Church Song starts with a great synth riff similiar to what you would hear in a great house track circa late 80's-I can almost see the gay boys at Berlin dancing around in their black stretch T's and tapered acid wash jeans.

Allthough A New Love starts out sounding like more of a practice run than a finished track, it's still got that great stripped down Chicago House feel to it-actually, a little more like Detroit House/Acid House, but nonetheless, it's a fantastic homage to the root of what made the late 1980's-1990's the best years ever. Not bad for a trio from Oregon.

There isn't a whole lot of information on them. But they do have a Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/themiraclesclub

Take a listen to the EP (songs are all on their page) and I promise you, you will be at the Salvation Army tomorrow, looking for a wide brimmed hat, a floral jumper, and a coogi sweater jacket. Mark. My. Words.

No, you can't wear him, but he's just as sparkly...

2011-01-03T09:46:00.000-05:00

Wow. How did I lose a decade? Well, I didn't exactly lose it by not paying attention. I chose to ignore it. It was a horrible past ten years. Well, maybe that's a little melodramatic. But it wasn't exactly my best. I can think of two good things that happened in the past ten years, but other than that, I'm happy to be beginning a new decade. Most certainly with a bang. I started my own company, VersaTel Solutions, I'm blogging again, (hallelujah), and pretty soon, I'm going to start a new blog based on my experience as a Virtual Administrator. Pretty exciting stuff!
I'm not quite 'let's buy the whole jewelry store', but I'm definitely interested in Diamond Rings. Diamond Rings is a one man band made up of Toronto based synth pop/indie rock singer John O'Regan. On his debut full length album, Special Affections (released in the US Oct 25), O'Regan brings us a new take on classic styles, never quite dreamed up the way Diamond Rings presents them.
His voice is a bit like that of The National's lead singer, Matt Berninger, but not quite so baritone. This particular track is The Drums meets Spandau Ballet (if you listen carefully, you'll hear what I mean).
But then we get Show Me Your Stuff with a piano riff and beat straight from the clubs of Chicago circo 1989-1993. Then it goes into a (don't ask me why) a slight semblance of Animotion Obsession stripped of it's strong synths.
On tour with Robyn for the US leg of her tour, Diamond Rings videos, music, tour dates, and more can be found on his Myspace page: myspace.com/diamondrings
Unfortunately, I'm unable to post vids (not sure why), and after having tried for an hour, I feel like perhaps there must be something better for me to do with my time. Perhaps...not quite sure yet...

Caught in the Undertow

2010-11-10T17:09:00.000-05:00

So, I'm a little bit excited about being in Arlington this weekend. I'm catching two shows back to back which is a bit of a marathon for me, but it's ok. They're going to be great shows, and I will be sure to share when I come out of my music coma....

This band unfortunately won't be there, but I thought I'd blog about them. They've been around forever (2004) in Indie years, and have a great sound. Almost like Luscious Jackson and Au Revoire Simone got together and made a baby. The baby's name? Warpaint!

I've been hearing their song, Undertow, quite a bit lately, and so I became curious with what else they have to offer. The art rock group have an edgy sound fringed with delicateness that ebbs and flows between angst and sweet naivete.

Their full length album, The Fool, was released October 25th, and has been getting rave critical reviews.

Undertow has a groovy beach sound laced with dark wanting and desire. Almost haunting and endearing.

Bees, however, has a hard drum beat and combines a junk yard feel with a high laced guitar groove

Warpaint are currently touring Europe and plan to be in the US by next week. Check out their website for their tour dates, more music, and of course, to learn more about these lovely ladies: http://www.myspace.com/worldwartour

My next blog will be about the two bands I plan to see: Rad Dog, and one half of the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray. Till then-Rock On!

Medieval Salon?

2010-11-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

Before I go any further, i have to share my obsession right now-I've been listening to this song non stop, and I think you should be just as obsessed with it as I am:
Matt and Kim Block After Block

Now, moving on.
There's a band that has been on my radar for a short while now, and I'm still trying to figure out where I stand with them. The music is crazy good. Great lo-fi sound. This song, I was thinking has a groovy hand clap beat that'll have you shakin' at least midway through the first guitar riff.

Gauntlet Hair is made up Andy and Craig, two guys from a small town in Colorado who, really weren't even a blip on the map until MtyMx. There's a great mix of R&B, lo fi, reverbing guitars, hollowed vocals, and fun guitar riffs, a la Animal Collective, or Surfer Blood.

There doesn't seem to be much on them other than their Myspace page, and even there, there aren't any tour dates. This is a very new band, indeed.

Stay tuned for tour dates-as soon as I find them, I'll post them

Hmmm Interesting

2010-10-18T17:51:00.000-04:00

This has been an interesting week. It's only Monday. Nevertheless, it's starting out very interesting. It ought to end just as interestingly. I sound evasive, I know, but bare with me. I'm a bit multi emotional right now. Why, you ask? Well, because this weekend I have an alumni homecoming football game at my old high school. it's for the grades three below and two above me. I don't care about seeing the people in my class. I've already had my ten year reunion, and all the preconcieved notions have dissapated. Ah, but there are those that were above and below me, whom transformed me, whom I transformed, that are making me the most anxious. I wonder if the younger boys I teased will be there? Or the older ones I swooned over? It sure does make a reunion more interesting doesn't it? I sure do like that word, as well, don't I?

One thing this week has gotten me in the mood for is some music reminiscent of those care free days. Something that's part Souxsie and the Banshees, part Venus Hum, with a little dabbling of a John Waters movie soundtrack. I think I've found what I want in School of Seven Bells.

The three members of the group (well, the two now; Claudia Deheza has announced that she has left the group for personal reasons-hopefully she'll come back. It's like Van halen without David Lee Roth-it just doesn't work). Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines, and the Deheza sisters (they're twins), met when opening on an Interpol tour and the rest is history. The sweet vocals of the sisters laden with synth heavy tracks reminds me of the great music coming out of the College scene circa 1989-1993.

Half asleep is probably their most elctronic track off their last album. Their new album Disconnect from Desire, is chock full of everything you loved in College-if you went to College in the 90's.

Windstorm is a great track-incredibly reminiscent of that sound when all was happy in the world, and we were full of so much hope and promise.

The album released in July 13th is full of synth and drum heavy tracks gently sitting atop cool vocals. See if you can check them out locally, seeing as their one member short now, you may not get the chance again.

20 Oct Ottobar Baltimore

21 Oct Rock and Roll Hotel Washington

22 Oct Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia

find out more on their website as well: http://www.sviib.com/

I hope your week goes as interestingly as mine...

Ghosts

2010-10-08T10:44:00.001-04:00

As I've said many a time before, I just LOVE Fall. It makes me feel so happy. Don't get me wrong. I'm not some Emo all black wearing Hot Topic chick. I just love everything that comes with the beauty of Fall. Even my taste in music tends to match the melancholy feeling I have during this season. Which is why I'm digging The Hundred in the Hands right now.

Pigeons, off their new album, The Hundred in The Hand, is a brilliant song, and an even more brilliant video. Firecracker vomit? Genius.

There isn't a whole lot on the interweb about this fun, dark band. I can tell you their from NY. The lead singer's voice is beautiful, similiar to Bat for Lashes. The music is somewhere between Morrissey, Depeche Mode, and the Cure.

Ghosts makes me think of Crystal Castles without vocoding. Haunting and beautiful, you'll find yourself as mesmerized as I have been.
go to their website, where, not only will you learn more about them, but can also read their interviews of people they really like: thehundredinthehands.com
On their website they have all their US dates listed also. If you can make it out-you should try...if not for the beauty of her voice, or the fun music, then to see a truly great band for a few dollars and a night out with friends...

its what you make of it...

2010-09-26T22:16:00.000-04:00

Wow-it's been a long time since I've blogged. Funny how that happens. Time flies by and although it seems like a cliche, you just can't find a moment to sit and write about your passion. Frankly, I haven't really been inspired by anyone lately. I can hear your gasping from hear. But it's true. My channels of music have been a bit stale lately, and it's been a bit depressing. I was even too lazy to tell everyone about the Drums and Surfer Blood concert. Sorry. Didn't feel like it. So sue me.

I will say that the concert was tremendous. Surfer Blood were oddly much more interesting than Drums were. You would think with a lead singer like him who poses with every move he makes. Who has this Napolean like stance about him would be slightly more fun than a guy who just plays a guitar and sings. Nope. It was a bit more comical than interesting. But he's somewhat cute so I'll forgive him for it.

Surfer Blood had us jumping up and down, singing along, and bopping away. They seemed nervous, and rightly so. They had two underwhelming performances to follow, and the crowd was none too pleased. But Surfer Blood redeemed the night, and made us happy we spent the 15$ to come see them.

Sadly, like I said, I haven't really been inspired since then. Why should I just blog just to blog? I should have something to say-I should be thrilled to say it. And so that is why I'm blogging today. Not about a new band. but a newish duo with a great new direction.

Matt and Kim are what is described as a 'dance punk' duo, who've been together since 2004. Not really new. BUT, they have a new album, with a kick ass first single that I can't stop humming. Cameras was released on August 31st as the first single off of their third album, Sidewalks which is scheduled for a November 2, 2010 release.

At first listen, Cameras sounds like a song Sleigh Bells may have passed over. There's a great influence on the overall feel of the track. There's a slight marching band feel to it that makes me dance around regardless of where I am.

Some of their other songs are a bit more well known, and at first listen sound a bit the same. But if you listen a bit more carefully, you'll hear how much more organic this track is. It makes me excited to hear how the rest of the album comes out.

Here's some past tracks to refresh your memory, or to familiarize you better with them:

Daylight:

Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare:

Lessons Learned:

Check out more on their kooky website http://www.mattandkimmusic.com/

On there, you'll find their tour dates as well.

I promise, I'll try to blog more often. But only if I'm inspired more often....

Tennis anyone?

2010-08-20T17:07:00.000-04:00

When I was younger, I used to love watching Pee Wee Herman. My favorite part of that show was the word of the day. I loved how the furniture and anyone else who happened to visit him would scream with their hands in the air if someone said the word. For me, this week it's been 'Universe'. I've spent the last 6 days with friends I haven't seen in more than two years. Some as long as seven years. There was no awkwardness; it was like we just picked up where we left off. I left each visit feeling warm and gushy inside. With each person, we shared the same view; that the universe brings you what you need, takes away what you don't, and that there are just some people who are tethered to you irregardless of time and space. We should all have people like that in our Universe, right? AHHHHHH! Heheh, just kidding.

Today's word of the day is: Tennis! This husband and wife duo from Denver, brush a musical canvas with the deep blue of the east coast oceans, and bonfire nights at the beach. A throwback to 60's bubblegum pink high school dances, A;laina Moore brings the feel good vibe of seashells and moonlight, while Patrick Riley reminds you of the boy you'd make out with under the docks.

Tennis - South Carolina from woodsman man on Vimeo.

Imagine the two of them on their sailboat, lazily following the waves of the ocean to wherever it may take them. As if they recorded their songs (like this one: South Carolina), on the actual boat, their music exudes the feelings and memories of warm summers and cool nights in the sand, cozying up to the one you could fall in love with.

I just adore this song, Marathon. It for some reason reminds me of my trip to Martha's Vineyard. The beauty of her voice brings home the feelings like a siren.

If the book 'The Outsiders' were ever to be remade again, 'Baltimore' would be the soundtrack. The boppy vibe is so catchy, it will have you singing along half way through.

Not much is available yet on this fresh new group. Check them out on their website: http://www.myspace.com/tennisinc

On their page, you'll see their upcoming shows, and get to watch some pretty rad videos too. Oh Lord, did I say rad? I think it's time to up my sunscreen SPF.....

Digital killed the Video Star

2010-08-04T09:01:00.000-04:00

Growing up in the 80's, I'd imagine, was unlike any other decade. We were introduced to mainstream computers, technology stretched to the outer rims of the universe, spilling into all senses. An archaic people began to build their icons out of steel and wires. Movies and music reflected the changing times and embraced the new beta animal. A synthetic new sound began to force itself on the airwaves. Moving pictures, light and sound, offered special effects blowing minds like an acid trip.

Remember the first time you saw E.T? Or how about Tron? Terminator and Maximum Overload scared us with their ominous future. 2010 and Cocoon made us wonder if these things were even possible. Music began to blip and blop like the 010101 number series in the very computers they were trying to emulate. My eyes were wide and my mind was hungry for all the possibilities this new technology had to offer. Thus my love affair with music went into hyperdrive.

Fast forward to today and technology has streamlined itself, become smaller, and those blip blops have turned themselves into orchestral sounds. No more jagged edges; only harmony. If there were to be a soundtrack to these crazy times, you'd hear the teen daze remix of Fol Chen, The Holograms.

I heard this song yesterday and it perked my ears up instantly. I had to hear more. To my happy delight, Fol Chen is multi layered. Signed to the greatest music label ever, Asthmatic Kitty, Fol Chen is poised to dominate the airwaves quicker than you can dowload an app. Their new album, Part II The New December, is songs in prisms. In Ruins, off the album, is fun, upbeat, and just a little dirty:

The album is available now-it's an absolute must buy! But if you want to see them in concert, here's the cut and paste from their website:

Wednesday

2010-08-04 Union Pool

484 Union Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$10

With: Baths

Thursday

2010-08-05 Johnny Brenda's

(215) 739-9684

1201 N Frankford Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$10

With: Baths

Monday

2010-08-09 Echo

(213) 413-8200

1822 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm

Monday

2010-08-16 Echo

(213) 413-8200

1822 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm

With: Light Pollution, Crocodiles

Monday

2010-08-23 Echo

(213) 413-8200

1822 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm

With: Crocodiles

Monday

2010-08-30 Echo

(213) 413-8200

1822 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm

Wednesday

2010-09-22 Black Cat

(202) 667-4490

1811 14th St , N.W.

Washington, DC 20009 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$18

With: !!!

Thursday

2010-09-23 Royale

279 Tremont St.

Boston, MA 02116 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$18

With: !!!

Friday

2010-09-24 Pearl Street

(413) 586-2632

10 Pearl St

Northampton, MA 01060 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: !!!

Sunday

2010-09-26 Lee's Palace

529 Bloor Street West

Toronto, ON Canada, M5S 1Y5 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm

With: !!!

Tuesday

2010-09-28 Blind Pig

208 South First St.

Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: !!!

Wednesday

2010-09-29 Bottom Lounge

1375 W. Lake St,

Chicago, IL 60607 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$20

With: !!!

Thursday

2010-09-30 Headliners Music Hall

1386 Lexington Road

Louisville, KY 40204 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: !!!

Friday

2010-10-01 Beachland Ballroom

15711 Waterloo Road

Cleveland, OH 44110 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$18

With: !!!

Tuesday

2010-10-05 The Met Cafe

(401) 861-2142

1005 Main Street

Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$18

With: !!!

Friday

2010-10-22 Bluebird Theater

(303) 377-1666

3317 E Colfax Ave

Denver, CO 80206 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$18

With: The Apples in stereo

Saturday

2010-10-23 Armstrong Hall

719.473.4801

14 E Cache La Poudre

Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$16

With: The Apples in stereo, The Electric Illuminati

Sunday

2010-10-24 The State Room

638 South State Street

Salt Lake City, UT 54111 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$17

With: The Apples in stereo

Tuesday

2010-10-26 Crocodile Cafe

(206) 448-2114

2200 2nd Ave

Seattle, WA 98121 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: !!!

Wednesday

2010-10-27 Mississippi Studios

(503) 753-4473

3939 N Mississippippi

Portland, OR 97227 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$14

With: The Apples in stereo

Thursday

2010-10-28 The Depot at Humboldt State

(707) 826-3928

Center Arts/Humboldt State

Arcata, CA 95521 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

Saturday

2010-10-30 The Independent

628 Divisadero

San Francisco, CA 94117 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

Sunday

2010-10-31 Blank Club

44 S Almaden Ave

San Jose, CA 95113 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

Tuesday

2010-11-02 Casbah

2501 Kettner Blvd

San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

Wednesday

2010-11-03 Plush

340 E. 6th St

Tucson, AZ 85705 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

Sunday

2010-11-07 Walter's on Washington

(713) 864-2727

4215 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$12

With: The Apples in stereo

Monday

2010-11-08 Granada Theater

(214) 824-9933

3524 Greenville Ave

Dallas, TX 75206 (Map)

Set: 8:00pm
$15

With: The Apples in stereo

to further broaden your experience, visit them at http://www.folchen.com/

do you wanna go surfing?

2010-07-30T16:12:00.000-04:00

Ah, it's the start of another weekend, and again it's jam packed with activity, which is always a good thing! I think the highlight of this weekend will be tomorrow's Christmas party. Yep, you heard right-a Christmas party! I swear sometimes I wish I were smarter, I would've done this in a heartbeat. It's odd to celebrate Christmas in July, I know, but if you don't know by now-I'm sorta attracted to odd.

The kickoff to August, for me at least, is also the kickoff for the beach. The water is just warm enough and I have a couple of free weekends to soak in the sandy beach and sun, which couldn't come at a better time. Just hearing this song makes me want to pack up the sunblock and head there now. The Drums, "Let's Go Surfing" was released in February (NOT surfing weather, but I digress) and originally I passed over them-I wasn't in the mood for surfing music. BUT GUESS WHAT? NOW I AM!

At first listen, I thought of these guys as surf pop, beach pop, etc; but then I heard this song, Best Friends and was quickly taken back to Springtime in Middle School sitting on the grass in my friend's backyard watching the boys boarding on the half pipe dreaming about which one was going to be my husband, listening to The Smiths, and the Cure on the radio.

I Felt So Stupid, is just another example of pure 80's British Pop that seems to be the heavy influence for this band

The Drums come to us not from Jolly ol' England as their sound may showcase, but from Brooklyn New York. Major influences as The Smiths, Joy Division, The Wake, The Zombies, The Tough Alliance, The Legends, The Shangri-las and Orange Juice should come as no surprise. Nor that they look better in skinny jeans then I do, but I digress.

Here Are some tour dates if you'd like to catch them live. They're touring with Surfer Blood which is an added bonus (I may catch them at the 9:30 Club, personally);

9/11 Providence, RI @ Jerky's Live Music Hall

9/12: Washington, DC @ The 9:30 Club

9/13 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506

9/15: Atlanta, GA @ The Loft

9/17: Orlando, FL @ Social

9/18: Miami, FL @ Grand Central

9/19: Tampa, FL @ State Theatre

9/20 Gainesville, FL @ Common Ground Coffeehouse

9/21: Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder

9/23: Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's (The Drums ONLY)

9/24: Dallas, TX @ The Loft (The Drums ONLY)

9/25: Austin, TX @ ND (The Drums ONLY)

9/27: Phoenix, AZ @ Clubhouse

9/28 Pomona, CA @ Glass House

9/29: Los Angeles, CA @ The Music Box

10/01: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (The Drums ONLY)

10/03: Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom

10/04: Seattle, WA @ Neumos (The Drums ONLY)

10/05: Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret

10/07: Boise, ID @ Neurolux

10/08: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

10/10: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

10/13: Minneapolis, MN @ The Varsity Theater

10/14: Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall

10/16: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club (The Drums ONLY)

10/17: Montreal, QB @ Cabaret du Musee Juste Pour Rire (The Drums ONLY)

10/18: Boston, MA @ Paradise (The Drums ONLY)

10/20: New York, NY @ Webster Hall

10/22: Philadelphia, PA @ Making Time

What do you Feel?

2010-07-29T16:13:00.000-04:00

I've always joked about my life being a series of unplanned events. Generally speaking, it's been fine-I've learned and experienced the most amazing things just by not expecting things to happen, or by planning my days. I let them happen to me, and almost always it's a precious gift I cherish intensely.

This past week has been no exception, albeit not as much fun. I've gone from having a job, to not having a job, to having a job, but not what it appeared to be; having a friend, to not having a friend, to wondering where we stand; not sure if I'll be able to make school happen, when I was sure I would just days ago, and waiting to the last minute to decide if I'll take a week trek up north. If you ask me what I've got planned, all I've got for you is a shoulder shrug and a 'uduno'. If I were to close my eyes and emit a song to showcase how I feel, you'd here-aptly named-Feel, by Brothertiger

John Jagos (the brainchild behind Brothertiger) is a one man synth pop genius coming to us from the humble town of Athens, Ohio. Dreamy bleep blop music set to a haze of harmony only scratches the surface of the warm mood of the music.

From his EP 'Vision Tunnels', Lovers sounds like a roller skating love song-giving me visions of short shorts, grape flavored lollipops and rainbow striped pastel t shirts. Using the synthesizer like some digital mating call, he brings you back to your teen crush and pushes you forward into what the sound of the future could be.

This chill dance wave has been on my radar for quite some time now, but up until now I haven't heard anyone who can take innocence, sex, and pure joy, wrap it up into a pink and purple package and plug it into my ears quite like Brothertiger. Having nothing else make sense right now, it's a pleasure to know Brothertiger is there to ease the stress.

As of now, Brothertiger is not signed, so your chances of catching him in a city near you is pretty slim to none (his 'tour' consists of two dates posted on his myspace page and their both in NY). But, if you show him you like him, just as much as I do, who knows what the future could bring?

Find more at www.myspace.com/brothertiger

Now....what to do next.....??

have you ever met a panda bear you didn't like? I didn't think so...

2010-07-22T21:57:00.001-04:00

I realized how boring I am in a very depressing way recently. My girlfriend and I love to go to this great club, 18th Street Lounge on Sunday nights, because they play the best house music this side of Chicago. It makes me feel like I'm home, even when the DJ plays new tracks-although I just melt when I hear the old stuff.

Unfortunately though, it wasn't even 12:30 before we started waning. I looked at her determined to make it to 1AM. It was tough, but we did it. Such losers. But on the bright side, we went out, we had fun, so the energy level was low, but I think I'm allowed that once in a while. Sometimes it's ok to be into something a little more low key-for me that would be Panda Bear.

Yes, panda bears are cute and cuddly, and will eat all the bamboo you can provide, but this particular Panda Bear, is a rare species. The brainchild of Noah Lennox (founding member of Animal Collective-see a trend there?), the experimental sounds rely heavily on his techno and house influences.

Mind blowing creativity, melded with subtle ear bending sounds is just a hint of what to expect with Panda Bear's music. Lennox takes his music to another level, inviting his listeners to experience just a small dose of what he has to offer. Although I've never seen him live, it can only be expected that Panda Bear would take his fans on a crazy ride.

Panda Bear's album, Tomboy, is due to be released September 2010. The single "Tomboy" and the b-side "Slow Motion" were released July 2010.

If you didn't get a chance to catch him at Pitchfork this past weekend, you should try to see him on his Tomboy Tour:

07-17 – Chicago, IL - Pitchfork Music Festival

08-13 – Oslo, NO - Oya Festival

08-14 – Gothenburg, SE - Way Out West Festival

09-06 – San Francisco, CA - Fox

09-08 – Portland, OR - Musicfest NW

09-10 – Raleigh, NC - Hopscotch Music Festival

09-11 – New York, NY - Governor’s Island

If this isn't the best reason to own a hand gun, I don't know what is....

2010-07-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time there was a scary penitentiary not too far from here, abundant with ghost stories and urban legends. It even looked old and creepy, like those prisons you see in old black and white films with little windows and high towers. The kind only the craziest, most dangerous criminals went to. Fast forward to the now, and that old prison, which has been long since closed down, morphed into something only a country built on capitalism could create-an art based village called the Workhouse Arts Center. GOD, I LOVE this country!

Tomorrow (or today, depending on when you read this) they are hosting a benefit to raise money to help save the wildlife affected by the oil in the water and beaches in and around the Gulf. Generally speaking, I wouldn't be caught dead at an event like that unless it were indoors with working AC, had free food and wine, and required me to wear lipstick. But, my cousin's band is playing, and they're pretty kick-ass, so I'm going to endure the 100 degree weather, and sweat it out to watch them play while I can still say 'I'm with the band'. I just have to make sure I wear enough sunscreen, because as we know, it can have very dire consequences, and I'm still itchy under my buttcheeks from the severe burn just 5 days ago.

New bands, as you would know from having read my blog (and if you didn't know this, then you're new-hey, guess what? I LOVE new music. There, now tell me something about you.....mm, mmhmm very interesting. Ok, now back to me), are what I live for. And it's not just about new music-oh, no no no, my friends, it's a about GOOD music-that happens to also be new-that I crave. So you could imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Hannah Georgas!

Coming to us from America's hat, Canada, she sings with a vibrance, undershadowed by a come hither tone in her voice, making her that much more desirable to listen to. Imagine sitting around a campfire at the break of dawn, as the smoke from last night's fire still wafts gently through the air. Now, imagine your sitting across from the most beautiful fire haired woman you've ever seen with a guitar on her lap and a poetic song coming from her mouth, and you have Hannah Georgas.

My favorite so far is 'Bang, Bang, You're Dead'

It has this Reality Bites quality to it, that for some reason reminds me of The Smashing Pumpkins 1979. Not that it sounds the same, it just gives me this wistful feeling, I truly enjoy. Another standout track for me is The Beat Stuff. A fun video to watch, and a truly catchy song:

Her first full length album, This is Good, was released on Hidden Pony Records in April, and has since produced two singles, Chit Chat, and The Deep End. Check her out on her myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/hannahgeorgas

For now, she only has Canadian dates, but you never know-she may decide to cross the border (legally of course, don't want to get in trouble), and do a few dates here. But if you're in Canada, or plan to go on these days, do try to catch her. If she's as much of a treat as she is in her youtube videos in concert, it would be a great show to see.

Malahat Revue at Malahat Revue-Vancouver Folk Fest, Vancouver, BCTomorrow @ 3:00 PM

Keane Show at Molson Amiptheatre, Toronto, OntarioFri, July 30 @ 7:00 PM
Val David, QC at Le Mouton Noir, Val David, QuebecSat, July 31 @ 7:00 PM
Osheaga Festival at Osheaga Festival, Montreal, QCSun, August 01 @ 6:00 PM

And if you happen to be in Virginia, in Lorton, in the area where the Workhouse is, and you're in the mood for some really good music (and I'm not just saying it cause he's related, believe me, I'd tell you if he sucked), come check them out: HyeTension at say 1pm. I'll be the woman lathered in spf 70 sunblock and a honkin' big rimmed hat.

Toes in the water, ass in the sand

2010-07-15T14:28:00.000-04:00

Ahh, we are nearing the middle of Summer, and I'm already sad to see it go. Festivals, family, and friends time has been a priority as the dog days start dwindling down. The weather's been a little squirrely lately, but I've hardly noticed. I've been trying to keep myself busy with all the new music I can get my hands on.

I've been happy dancing around the house over this super fun group, Tango in the Attic. They come to us from the jolly land of Scotland, which is a surprise, considering they sound like they've been playing under the docks of the sandy pacific shores. This seems to be the undercurrent trend (no pun intended) across the pond-that lo-fi beachy pop that makes you smile when you hear it-not like the trend a few years ago, that made me feel like slitting my wrists, it was so depressing.

Although they're riding the beach pop wave (har har), their sound sails in a slightly different direction. Think less Best Coast, and more Vampire Weekend, or one of my absolute favs, Bedouin Soundclash. Less Neoprene and more Linen with a hemp sash for good measure.

The standout track for me is 'One Step Away'. In every note, I can feel the warm sand smooshing between my toes, and in every lyric I smell the coconut tanning oil wafting in the breeze.

This short little diddy makes you beg for more after you hear it, and believe me, there isn't much yet on these guys-the downside of discovering new music so very new, the band themselves just discovered themselves yesterday.

Here's another fun track, 'Off to....'

As of now, they are not touring in the US, but I'm sure with enough demand, they'll make their way over here. In the meantime, get all their music free (for now) and be sure to support them, you know, when they sign to a label-which I have a feeling will be very very soon.
http://mp3cart.net/search.php?q=free+music+downloads&saff=5

Until then, visit them on their myspace page, and hey, what the heck, be their friend;
http://www.myspace.com/tangointheattic

But don't do anything before you put on a bunch of sunblock, because if last weekend's tubing taught me anything, it's that you need to spray that stuff everywhere-even under the buttcheeks-who knew it could burn so badly there? ow, ow, owww.....

soooo this isn't about jamaican sausage?

2010-07-07T14:56:00.000-04:00

It is frackin' hot outside, and it doesn't seem as if it's going to be letting down anytime soon. In Michigan, the summer would be nice and breezy-a possible 80 to 85 degrees. Here in the DC area it's a balmy 100 to 105. Blech. I don't like being this hot. There's only so much clothes you can take off, if you catch my drift. So I've packed my weekends with water sports. Rafting, tubing, swimming, etc. Really anything that involves water, because it's essential to my level of comfortableness. There is only one thing I like to be hot-the hotter the better, and that's new music!

I've been religiously listening to the Blalock's Indie Rock Playlist-or BIRP for short, and one of the standout tracks for me is by Narcoleptic Dancers-Rastakraut.

There isn't a whole lot on the group right now, other than they hail from France (where all cool music comes from). This song is actually a demo of theirs, and their other songs, off of their EP 'Not Evident'.

What I do know for sure is that they consist of Melody Van Kappers, a 20 year old from Holland, and Anton St. Louis Jr, 31 from France-a brother and sister duo whom had only just met recently at the death of their father. Although it was sadness that brought them together, the music brought the sun back into their step. The songs are light, melodic, fresh and cheery, and the name of their group is an homage to their father, a nickname lovingly given to him by his peers. Check out their EP and more information about them on their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/narcolepticdancersband

No tour dates are available yet, seeing as they are still brandbabyspanking new, but as soon as it is available, I will post it on the blog. Now, to figure out what a rastakraut is, and if it goes well with peppers and onions....

Heaven's on Fire!

2010-06-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

I had a marathon of birthday parties this weekend. Really, this month has been a marathon of birthday parties, end of season parties, end of school parties, yay it's summer parties, etc, etc ,etc. Never once did it ocur to me that Christmas has nothing on the month of June. At least not until this year. This has been an ongoing expensive month that seems to be bleeding into the next. Well, it ain't cheap to have a social life, so I guess it could be worse. Heaven could be on fire. Wait, wait...Heaven IS on fire! According to the Radio Dept, that is!

I've had an arm's length love affair with this fluffy indie rock group from Sweden. The first time I heard them was on the Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette soundtrack with Keen on Boys. This was a great, catchy track, with a deep message-my kind of song. But then they dissapeared. I forgot about them. Until now.

The Rado Dept. is back with a new album Clinging to a Scheme, released April 20th. The song that made me fall back in love with them was of course, Heaven's on Fire:

Little known fact, the speaker in the beginning of the song is that of Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. This catchy little diddy brings to mind the Avalanches. A great beach track that makes me think of laying on dewy morning grass looking up at the sun and picking out shapes from the clouds in the sky. You'd be hard pressed to find a catchier tune for the Summer.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to catch them live, unless you're overseas. Summer is full of festivals in Europe and just generally abroad, and most of yoru favorite indie bands are headlining or just being a part of some or all of those festivals. The Radio Dept. is of course one of those attending bands. But don't fret just yet, I'm sure they'll be back in the states in no time, and you can enjoy some of their cool dreamy rock soon enough. In the meantime, check out their website:
http://theradiodept.com/

And, if you're in need of a refresher of their Marie Antoinette track, here's Keen On Boys for your viewing pleasure:

the best coast

2010-06-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

The weather has been thick with humidity for a few days now. It almost feels as if it won't let up. Part of me wishes it would, even for a minute so I can breathe. But a small part of me is ok with the wet warmth. I like how it feels when I'm standing outside talking to a neighbor and I can feel my skin burning. It makes me want to jump into water and stay there. That's what I've been doing. I've been at the pool every second I get. There's an endearing nature to it. Summer. It's when you go to the neighborhood pool and make new friends. It's tanning and sweating, and wearing your hair up for three months. I'm itching to go to the beach. To feel the sand on my back and the salty water in my mouth. I've been listening to a lot of Beachy music lately. It's gearing me up for the weekends spent at the beach. Best Coast is inspiring me to wear sunblock even if I'm not going out in the sun. Now that's what I call a good band.

A lo fi garage pop band, part of the beach rock movement (DuckTails, Wavves, Real Estate would all fall into that category), Best Coast is fronted by the ever so bubbly Bethany Cosentino. Largely hyped as the Liz Phair of her genre, Cosentino's new album is boardwalk fun. I absolutely adore this ditty, "When I'm With You"

Complete tongue in cheek fun, the video pretty much sets the stage for the whole album. A slight nostalgic feel of the early 90's grunge sounds of summer will make you smile with each song you hear. Another of my favorites is 'Up All Night'

The voice through a tin can sound makes me think of laying on the sand with the one I love watching the clouds turn to shapes and wonder how I got to be so lucky to be right there. "Feeling of Love" brings the whole feeling to full circle:

If you want to see Bethany in person, you'll have to visit Best Coast overseas; most of the concerts in the States have already passed. But don't fret; you can always visit the website to get your Best Coast fix;
http://www.myspace.com/bestycoasty

Well, I'm off: Gotta go get more lavender sun block-planning a trip to the beach....

Sonic Thunder from down under!

2010-06-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

Summer has officially arrived here in Northern Virginia. The weather has been so hot and sticky, it seems theis will be one of the longest summers I can remember. One of the greatest things about this time of year is all the social events; the barbecues, the bonfires, the camping out in the moonlight. All the things I enjoyed as a kid, and still look forward to today. Sometimes, the kind of music you listen to puts you in the mood-as if certain songs, and certain bands are meant to be played only during certain months. This time of year I like to listen to alot of dance music, and a lot of psychedelic dreamy music. That's why I love Tame Impala so much right now.

Hailing from Australia, this group is psychedelic acid tripping throwback to the 70's rock that feeds the soul and broadens the mind. They're heavily influenced by the songs of the late 60's and 70's and is apparent in every song.

Almost makes you want to sit around a bonfire at the beach lighting one up, doesn't it? Not surprisingly, they are on tour headlining in support of their EP InnerSpeaker and in support of MGMT. Although MGMT has somewhat veered away with their newest album from this form of trippy rock, Tame Impala is heavily steeped in the nag champra generation-giving it's followers a lot of tofu to chew on. Ok, I'll stop the granola jokes-here's some tour dates:

May 28 - Avila Beach Resort with MGMT San Luis Obispo, California

May 29 - Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium with MGMT Santa Cruz, CA

May 31 - Sasquatch Music Festival Quincy, Washington

Jun 1 - Crystal Ballroom with MGMT Portland, Oregon

Jun 2 - Crystal Ballroom with MGMT Portland, Oregon

Jun 4 - In The Venue with MGMT Salt Lake City, UT

Jun 6 - Stubb's Bar-B-Q with MGMT Austin, TX

Jun 7 - House of Blues Houston with MGMT Houston, TX

Jun 8 - House of Blues Dallas with MGMT Dallas, TX

Jun 11 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre with MGMT Morrison, CO

Jun 13 - Uptown Theatre with MGMT Kansas City, Missouri

Jun 14 - The Vogue with MGMT Indianapolis, IN

Jun 15 - The LC Pavilion with MGMT Columbus, OH

Jun 16 - The Fillmore Detroit with MGMT Detroit, MI

Jun 18 - Riviera Theatre with MGMT Chicago, IL

Jun 19 - Turf Club St Paul, MN

Jun 20 - Riverside Theatre with MGMT Milwaukee, WI

Jun 21 - Subterranean Chicago, IL

Jun 24 - Pianos New York, NY

Jun 25 - Glasslands Brooklyn, New York

Jun 29 - Silverlake Lounge Los Angeles, California

Jul 31 - Splendour In The Grass Woodford, Queensland

Make sure to check their website out too, http://www.tameimpala.com/

krautrock on!

2010-05-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

Ok, before I delve into my newest venture, I have to share one of my favorite songs right now-yea, I get it, I'm a few years late, but I just found it so for me it's new! I wish this band would come out with new music, because everything about them is so starburst fresh: Enjoy some Architecture in Helsinki:

Alright well now that I got that out of my system, on with the blog!

This has been a profound week for me-lots of enlightment, inner and outer reflection, and chi quakes. No, I'm not a nut-just thinking this journey of mine on this earth is getting spicier, and I kinda like it!
I feel like a traveler with a backpack full of experience, and found out I have hidden pockets in there ready to be filled up. Makes me kind of like some sort of spiritual collector...perhaps that's why I'm so in love with the newest song by Here We Go Magic-Collector

This gem of a song has a slightly early police, men at work feel that has me bopping my head from the get go. You may or may not notice the euphoric synth in the background that holds the song together. All in all, from beginning to end, the tight drum riff has you dancing around and happy to be on an earth that has music like this.

Here We Go Magic is the newest band from Luke Temple, formerly performing on his own. His (their) music has been described as an every subgenre of rock there is such as "psychedelic electro-folk" and walking "the line between ambient hypnotica and melodic indie rock"; a krautrock (heh??) influence, and an "ethereal collage of indie folk, Baroque pop, and plains country".

Well, whatever you want to call it is fine by me, so long as they keep it comin'. Watch them krautrock it out at a show near you;

05/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound Festival

06/08 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

06/10 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival

07/18 – Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival

07/19 – Omaha, NE The Waiting Room

07/20 – Denver, CO @ Hi Dive

07/22 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux

07/23 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

07/24 – Seattle, WA @ Capitol Hill Block Party

07/25 – Vancouver, BC @ Media Club

07/28 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall

07/29 – West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour

08/01 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Rhythm Room

08/03 – Dallas, TX @ The LOFT at the Palladium

08/04 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s Outside

08/06 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

08/07 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle

08/08 – Washington, DC @ The Black Cat

08/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

09/11 – Isle of Wight, UK @ Bestival

Nationalist

2010-05-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling a bit homesick lately. I know what you're saying 'But you live in the same state you grew up in, how are you homesick exactly?" Well, I may have been born here, and I may have spent some of my childhood here, but NOVA is not what I consider home. Detroit is where I consider home. The peaks and valleys, the lakes and ponds, the dirt and grime of Michigan. That to me is home. And yea, we've had love/hate relationships with pretty much the whole country (anyone else want me to bring up the whole stimulus catastrophe and the automaker's implosion, hmm?) But no one moreso than Ohio. Perhaps that's why I like the National's 'Blood Buzz Ohio' so dern much.

the National started out in Ohio, oddly enough, and are now based in Brooklyn. Although you may (or may not, I don't know) be too familar with them, they've actually been around a long time-since the 90's, that was like, forever ago!

Their video for Blood Buzz Ohio was released on the same day as their album High Violet. Which happens to be today-coincidence?

The National - "Bloodbuzz Ohio" (official video) from The National on Vimeo.

If you like what you hear, check them out live:

APR 22-23: Richmond, VA @ The National Theater

MAY 6: London, England @ Royal Albert Hall

MAY 7: Paris, France @ Le Zenith (w/Pavement)

MAY 9: Berlin, Germany @ Astra

MAY 22: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

MAY 23: San Diego, CA @ Spreckels Theater

MAY 27: Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

JUN 02: Boston, MA @ House of Blues

JUN 5: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

JUN 6: Washington DC @ DAR Constitution Hall

JUN 8: Toronto, Ont. @ Massey Hall

JUN 16: New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall

and while you're at it, visit their website: http://www.americanmary.com/

fun fact: the website name is from their first single, and they've never gotten around to changing the name-why fix it if it ain't broke, as I say...

sleigh bells ring-are ya listenin'?

2010-05-05T14:23:00.000-04:00

I've been so friggin' busy this past few weeks-not with anything special, really. My social calendar is packed with events, and this social butterfly has a REALLY hard time saying no. There's just so much going on, I'm feeling schitzophrenic-but in a good way! Reminds me of the group I heart now-Sleigh Bells!

I honestly can't remember if I've highlighted them before, so if I have, well, you're in luck, because you get more of them again. I fell in love with their song, Ring Ring a couple months ago, and now they've got me back with 'Tell 'Em'.

Here's some Ring Ring to refresh your memory;

You know a good group when their songs are totally different, and yet somehow the same. Ring Ring makes me think of high school cheerleaders gossiping in the locker room, whereas Tell 'Em makes me think of these cheerleaders as total badasses. See Sleigh Bells and judge for yourself:
March 28: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade

March 30: Carborro, NC - Cat's Cradle

March 31: Baltimore, MD - Bourbon Street

April 2: New Hyde Park, NY - Starlite Ballroom

April 4: Boston, MA - Middle East

April 6: Columbus, OH - BoMa

April 16: Indio, CA - Coachella

April 17: San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore Auditorium

April 19: Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom

April 20: Seattle, WA - Neumos

April 21: Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom

April 23: Salt Lake City, UT - In the Venue

April 24: Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre

April 25: Omaha, NE - Waiting Room

April 26: St. Louis, MO - Gargoyle Club

April 27: Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

April 28: Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre

April 29: Chicago, IL - Metro

April 30: Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop

May 1: Toronto, Ontario - Lee's Palace

May 2: Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rossa

May 3: Boston, MA - Paradise

May 4: New York, NY - Webster Hall

May 5: Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero

sorry, I can't go more into specifics today-I've got to get back to work! Enjoy Sleigh Bells....

Whale Hunting

2010-04-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

I've been in a mushy romantic mood lately. I've checked my temperature, and had blood work done, and it seems, I'm not dying. Let me explain: I'm NEVER in a mushy mood, romantic mood, or any combination of the two. I guffaw at anyone who admits to liking the Notebook, Dear John, or anything remotely like those books or movies. But listening to this band makes me feel all warm inside, and somehow, I'm ok with it.

Freelance whales is newer on my radar and I've been watching them closely. They have this great vibe most familiar to Postal Service, Owl City, or Sufjan Stevens, to name a few. Their story is pretty unusual, and extraordinary.

For a year they played exclusively on street corners, in the subway stations, and pretty much anywhere that would have them. Before long, this eclectic bunch-which use instruments such as an harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, synthesizers, guitars, bass, drums, and a waterphone, were making a big splash, ahem, on the indie music scene.

My favorite song right now is Hannah-also featured on XMU on XM/Sirius Satellite radio;

and I love Broken Horses:

Go ahead and check out their website: It has their whole album listed for your aural pleasure:
http://www.freelancewhales.com/weathervanes/index.php
While there, you can also download for free their single, Generator^First Floor.

Here's some of their tour dates, be sure to catch them live-from what I've seen on YouTube (because they're not in DC yet) they give a pretty cool live show:

May 3

8:00 pm Philadelphia

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

May 18

8:00 pm San Francisco
Great American Music Hall

May 25

9:00 pm San Diego
The Loft at UCSD

Jun 1

8:00 pm Boise, ID
Neurolux

Jun 2

7:00 pm Salt Lake City
Kilby Court

Jun 5

9:00 pm Denver

High Dive

Jun 7

8:00 pm Columbia, MO
Mojo's

Jun 8

9:00 pm St. Louis
Off Broadway

Jun 10

8:30 pm Indianapolis
locals only art & music pub

Jun 12

9:00 pm Cleveland

The Grog Shop

Jun 13

8:00 pm Buffalo

9th Ward at Babeville

I think it's going to be me, a cup of nescafe, a blanket, and an episode of Grey's Anatomy tonight on DVR-that's about as romantic as I'm willing to get....

For Your Health

2010-04-22T17:12:00.000-04:00

I love this country. I love the craziness, the irrational thinking, and the amish bread. I love the barbecue, the arrogance and the clusterfuck of it all. Yea, the USA lacks the history some countries have, and the deeply rooted traditions, but heck, we've got our own. You know what I love the most though? USA Boys!

Health is a fantastical noise, experimental, electronic conglomeration of fucktardness (yes, I've used the word twice-yet another great thing this country does for me-gives me the right to use it). No, they're not from Sweden, or Finland, or Britain-they're from Los Angeles, and damn proud of it. They've played a multitude of concerts for free-genius marketing by the way, and were named the Best New Band (from California). In all their smartness, the name of the band came about in a discussion of what everyday word had yet been taken-health happened to be the only one not used.

Their song 'USA Boys' is a blippy bloppy dream sounding more like a riff meant for a rapper than a bonifide cream of a song.

According to resources, Health plans to debut a clothing line and an internet television show entitled HEALTHvision. Friggin cool.

A new album will be released June 22nd. this album will feature remixed tracks from the Get Color album. This song is the original-I can't WAIT to hear the remix to Die Slow:

Their unusual sound comes from a Zoothorn-what in God's blessed earth is that you ask? it's a permutation of microphone and guitar pedal-hell freakin' yea!

You MUST MUST MUST see them live-the show is amazeballs.
HEALTH/Indian Jewelry/Gold Panda - 2010 Tour Dates

Jun 08 - Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex #w/ Best Coast
Jun 09 - San Francisco, CA - Slims

Jun 11 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios

Jun 12 - Seattle, WA - Vera Project

Jun 15 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry

Jun 16 - Kalamazoo, MI - The Strutt

Jun 17 - Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dees (NXNE)

Jun 18 - Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa w/ Quintron and JEFF the Brotherhood

Jun 19 - Allston, MA - Great Scott w/ The Death Set

Jun 20 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg

Jun 22 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church

Jun 23 - Charlotte, NC - Snug Harbor

Jun 24 - Atlanta, GA - 529

Jun 25 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jack's

Jun 26 - Austin, TX - Red 7

Aug 08 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza

Ch Ch Ch Check 'em out:
http://www.healthnoise.com/

http://www.myspace.com/healthmusic

Go Do Be Jonsi

2010-04-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

My first day back from Chicago and I'm totally exhausted. I had the greatest time with my close friends, and really wish I could stretch the hours to have been able to make the night last longer. We talked and laughed and shared openly-something I haven't done with them in years. I don't know why it took me 7 years to go back to Chicago? Time seems to have me in a chokehold. Why don't I just do what I want when I want it, as opposed to waiting for the right time? I made the conscience decision at the beginning of this year, I would no longer do that (one of the results of this decision, me finally going back to Chicago). It felt great-it was cathartic. And I can't think of a better song to tie in just how I feel...

Jonsi, lead singer of Sigur Ros, has a new solo album which hit stores April 6th, and is mostly in English (not in his native Icelandic, which is a bit of a pleasant surprise in the music world). What with Sigur Ros being on indefinite hiatus (apparently due to many of the members with new children), Jonsi embarked on what I find to be ethereal electro, upbeat love. Go Do, has the most prolific sound, and the words are beautiful; you must look them up, they are rather quite poetic, but if you don't get the chance, here's the video: embedding was disabled, but you can always follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6HjT4SQKJI

He is also featured on Tiesto's new track, Kaleidescope. Although it starts off a bit slow, it takes off like a jet plane:

he is currently on an extensive North American Tour. You must try to see him. Don't put it off, or just decide to wait till he comes back. Just Go Do.

13 April roseland theatre, portland or, united states

15 April zellerbach auditorium, berkeley ca, united states

16 April palace of fine arts, san francisco ca, united states

18 April coachella, indio ca, united states

21 April paramount theatre, denver co, united states

22 April liberty hall, lawrence ks, united states

24 April pantages theatre, minneapolis mn, united states

25 April pantages theatre, minneapolis mn, united states

26 April the pabst theatre, milwaukee wi, united states

27 April vic theatre, chicago il, united states

28 April vic theatre, chicago il, united states

30 April sound academy, toronto on, canada

1 May sound academy, toronto on, canada

2 May metropolis, montreal qc, canada

3 May electric factory, philadelphia pa, united states

5 May house of blues, boston ma, united states

6 May house of blues, boston ma, united states
8 May terminal 5, nyc ny, united states

9 May terminal 5, nyc ny, united states

Go to the official website for more information: http://www.jonsi.com/

I Heart Cults

2010-04-05T20:29:00.000-04:00

So Easter has finally come and gone and so we are now finally done with the holy holidays till December rolls around again and I have to deal with all the bullcrap again. Don't get me wrong, holidays are great, especially when you get the time off. But the kind of things I have to deal with have nothing to do with the down home warm feeling holidays are supposed to give you. It saddens me that I have to defend or even feel a little shifted when I tell people I'm not a Christian. Every should get a say, I think, in the religion or faith they are. It shouldn't be seen as taboo, or be met with a guffaw, just cause I'm not the same as you. I'm not a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, or any other religion. And I'm all of them. I'm all and nothing. Can I help it if the people who look at me with a puzzled look are too daft to imagine there's a possiblity of not being the same religion my mother is? Oy. Makes me want to join a cult. Or Cults, as the case may be.

Cults is an incredibly new, so fresh and completely off the radar group, they are almost impossible to find information on. A boy and girl couple NY film students at the tender age of 21, they make music sound retro and fresh; classy motown with a warhol edge. According to an interview with Pitchfork, their direction of sound is a result of their different music backgrounds. Madeline Follin comes from a punk background and BrianOblivion is steeped into psychedelic surf-rock. Blend that with them listening to Motown-era soul music when they started dating, and you get an idea of their sound.

This song, 'Go Outside' is a virtual (literally) hit, having initially posted on bandcamp.com. People went nuts over this and the other two songs they posted and the rest, my friends, is history.

Cults are currently working on their first full-length recording and are planning to go on tour in the summer. Check them out on the only website that has them posted: cults.bandcamp.com and download their songs for free (nothing illegal here, folks).

I'm going to go enjoy my next 8 months-thank you very much......

The Miike Snow Experience

2010-03-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Every one has a hobby. A way to expel themselves of their stress; their daily worries. Some have knitting, some exercise, and some eat. I choose to lose myself in music. I turn the radio on so loud in my car on my way and from work, I can feel the vibrations on the surface of my skin. I like the sound to penetrate-the bass booming so loud it massages my cells and opens my pores. It's the reason why I'm sane. It's how I get through my days. Music. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't seeped into my DNA. It excites me, amuses, soothes, and inspires me. I'm no knitter. I exercise when I have to. And eating-well, that's another story. But music? It's my drug. I crave it, I seek it out, and it elates me when it's really good. That's why I'm still so high from the Miike Snow concert last night.

I've been looking forward to this concert for a while now. I actually screeched when I found out they were coming back (I was really upset I wasn't able to see them here in October). My friend flew in from Detroit to join me, and we headed out early to catch dinner at Marvin in DC (a Belgian/Soul food fusion masterpiece inspired by Marvin Gaye). After having delicious shrimp and cheese grits, Belgian frites, and Belgian cheese croquettes, we headed to the 9:30 club. We missed DeLorean, unfortunately, but made it in plenty of time for Miike Snow!

They came out, as they have been at their shows, in white masks. The blue lighting glowed in the cavernous club, making me, completely sober (ok, somewhat sober), feeling like I was on an acid trip. the pulsing lights and smoke accentuated the preluding synths. Then, before we could prepare for the blasting music, they began the show. Each song melded into the other no different than if we were to have been listening to a mix CD. That is, if the mix CD was full of glowing indie electro geniuses. Like Miike Snow.

Sweat poured out of me as I dived into Animal, to Cult Logic, to Horse is not a Home. Then Silvia, San Soleil, and Burial brought me back out for air. We danced collectively in a trance to Plastic Jungle, Song for No One, and two new songs that were equally amazing. The only song I didn't hear was Faker (which is fine with me, I'm not the biggest fan of that song anyway). As the show headed to the end, something wonderful happened. The music got louder and faster; the lights got brighter, the crowd lighter. Before we knew it the house had turned to trance and the crowd had turned into one big animal. In the end, my only complaint was it wasn't long enough. I begged for more. I've never done that before. Then again, I've never been to a Miike Snow concert before. Like anything amazing, it effected me, and lingered in my thoughts all day today. I've been to a whole lot of concerts. Only two have ever made me somewhat happy. This one blew them all out of the water.....

Although we missed DeLorean, the group is really a great musical group, not too different from Miike Snow. Whereas Miike Snow is more on the indie rock end of the spectrum, DeLorean is more on the trippy dance end of the spectrum.

This video for "Stay Close" is the first single from Subiza, available on True Panther Sounds and Mushroom Pillow June 8th, 2010. Directed by Weird Days, the video is a montage of summer fun clips dipped in kool aid.

Delorean is a Spanish synthpop group from Barcelona. Conveying a style of European club music along with Indie pop, they throw in elements of various other genres. Not only do they play amazing music, they do amazing remixes too. My favorite is the XX Islands remix. For some reason, I never realized the band with Miike Snow was one in the same. I'm now becoming a fan of them also. They'll never ever replace Miike Snow, but they'll make a good ad in now and then...

here's a list of the rest of their tour list:

Mar 24 2010 8:00P

9:30 Club + Miike Snow WASHINGTON, Washington DC

Mar 25 2010 8:00P

Theater of Living Arts + Miike Snow PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania

Mar 26 2010 8:00P

Music Hall of Williamsburg + Miike Snow *SOLD OUT* BROOKLYN, New York

Mar 27 2010 8:00P

Webster Hall + Miike Snow *SOLD OUT* NEW YORK, New York

Mar 28 2010 8:00P

Bowery Ballroom + Miike Snow *SOLD OUT* NEW YORK, New York

Mar 29 2010 8:00P

MERCURY LOUNGE+ LEMONADE + BRAHMS NEW YORK, New York

Mar 31 2010 8:00P

Paradise + Miike Snow Boston, Massachusetts

Apr 2 2010 8:00P

Club Soda + Miike Snow Montreal, Quebec

Apr 3 2010 8:00P

Phoenix Theatre + Miike Snow Toronto, Ontario

Apr 4 2010 8:00P

METRO + MIIKE SNOW Chicago, Illinois

Apr 5 2010 8:00P

Metro + Miike Snow Chicago, Illinois

Apr 6 2010 8:00P

Varsity Theater + Miike Snow Minneapolis, Minnesota

Apr 8 2010 8:00P

The Record Bar + Miike Snow Kansas City, Missouri

Apr 9 2010 8:00P

Bluebird Theater + Miike Snow Denver, Colorado

Apr 10 2010 8:00P

Urban Lounge + Miike Snow Salt Lake City, Utah

Apr 12 2010 8:00P

Commodore Ballroom + Miike Snow Vancouver, British Columbia

Apr 14 2010 8:00P

Hawthorne Theater + Miike Snow Portland, Oregon

Apr 15 2010 8:00P

The Independent + Miike Snow *SOLD OUT* San Francisco, California

Apr 16 2010 8:00P

The Independent + Miike Snow *SOLD OUT* San Francisco, California

Apr 17 2010 8:00P

Echoplex + JJ Los Angeles, California

And check them out on myspace; http://www.myspace.com/deloreandanz

and if you're just as fanatical about Miike Snow and want to see them in a town near you here' s the rest of the tour dates;

3/25/10 PHILADELPHIA, PA Theater of Living Arts

3/26/10 BROOKLYN, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg

3/27/10 NEW YORK, NY Webster Hall

3/31/10 BOSTON, MA Paradise

4/02/10 MONTREAL, PQ Club Soda

4/03/10 TORONTO, ON Phoenix Theatre

4/05/10 CHICAGO, IL Metro

4/06/10 MINNEAPOLIS, MN Varsity Theater

4/09/10 DENVER, CO Bluebird Theater

4/10/10 SALT LAKE CITY, UT Urban Lounge

4/12/10 VANCOUVER, BC Commodore Ballroom

4/13/10 SEATTLE, WA Showbox at the Market

4/14/10 PORTLAND, OR Hawthorne Theater

4/15/10 SAN FRANCISCO, CA The Independent

4/16,17,18/10 INDIO, CA Coachella?

Wait for it....wait for it....WAIT FOR IT....YESSSSSS!

2010-03-16T22:58:00.000-04:00

I gave up on making plans a long time ago. It seems every time I expect something to happen, it doesn't and vice versa. Yesterday, I had every intention on going to the gym, instead, my friend came over from 1 and stayed till well after dinner, then just as I was settling down I got a pleasant visit from another friend who joined me for a late tea. By the time I was left alone, it was way too late to go anywhere. That's just one example of millions more that happen to me on a daily basis. The biggest being, I never thought in a million years I'd ever live in Virginia again, much less right outside of DC, and actually like it. But here I am, in love with where I live, a place I once hated. It's morphed into something beautiful since the last time I was here. What once was like an ugly caterpillar to me is now a sparkling butterfly. Much like Spanish Sahara.

The Oxford, England band, Foals, seem to constantly surprise me. Here's a song I've been poo poo ing, not having heard the entire track, only the beginning and knowing I wouldn't like it. It's way too slow, a little too acoustic for me, and so I never gave it a fighting chance. This morning, I was too caught in thought on my way to work to pay attention to the awesome song I was listening too until I realized how freakin' insanely good it was. To my surprise, it was Spanish Sahara.

For a song that starts off truly slowly and very stripped down, it builds itself making you think it's going to be another electro indie song. Ah but that's where you're wrong! It builds and builds with the bleeps and thumps until it morphs into a drum set, and the synth track becomes a guitar, and the song that started slow has a great tribal beat that went from slow song, to dance song, to rock song seamlessly. I feel bad now for not having given this song the accolades it deserves. I should have known better when everyone said this was the best song so far this year. That's what I get for not looking at the big picture, for not looking deep enough. Seems I do that in all aspects of life. And every time I do peek in to see more, I'm always pleasantly surprised.

Check out Foals on their website: http://www.foals.co.uk/splashpage.html
Sorry to say though, according to their website, they won't be coming to the US anytime soon, but if they do, I will be sure to blog about it....

My idea of porn

2010-03-10T14:45:00.000-05:00

I had the craziest last two weeks. There was constantly something going on-a party, an event, a dinner, a get together. Yea, I know, cry puddles of tears for me, but it did get a little exhausting. This coming weekend is my only free weekend for the next 6 weeks. At least I'll have some really good music to listen to. Like the newest single from The New Pornographer's album Together, which is coming out in May; Clap Your Hands Together.

The New Pornographers, as some of you may know, formed in 1997, and are best known for the classic 'Letters From An Occupant," and for their solo projects from members A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Dan Bejar, Todd Fancey, Kathryn Calder. Their newest album has some kick ass contributors. I can't wait to hear the whole album!

Unfortunately, they are no longer going to be at SXSW, but there's always the new album to look forward to! All kinds of information is available on their website: http://www.thenewpornographers.com/index.html

They have no plans on touring in the states other than the Sasquatch Music Festival but if you plan to be in Washington May 31st, you can catch them there. I'd assume though you'd be at Movement that weekend in Detroit, but I can never be too sure...

So Fresh!

2010-03-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

So, I'm counting down the days till my daughter's 80's themed birthday party. It's pretty funny that the 80's are so long ago now that they're cool again-what's not so funny, is that I lived through them. Not born into them. I LIVED them. Bleah. Well, there' s a lot to be said about the 80's. Many would agree that today's music is nothing more than an interpretation of early 80's music. So many different genres were created then: electronic, new wave, punk (albeit punk is really 70's but it was HUGE in the early 80's), house music the synthesizer, the keytar, hip hop, RnB as we know, music videos, the list goes on and on. Music was no longer just rock, country, folk, and soul. It was multi dimensional, spreading and multiplying for the masses. And I was there experiencing every moment of it.

I spent hours just listening to the radio and my records-i could spend days in my room just soaking in music if I were allowed to. I haven't changed a bit. I still have a driving passion for the music. That's why I'm so excited to hear music, and people, coming full circle. And what better way to celebrate that than with Devo's newest single (Yep, I said Devo-yes the same guys who wore red shiny planters on their heads), Fresh.

Honestly, it sounds very Devo-ish, it has the same whip cracking, and synthesizer background, but it seems to work perfectly with today's sound.

I used to think they were the coolest act I'd ever seen (mind you, I was really young when they came out, and everyone around me thought I was strange-not much has changed there either).

Yes, Devo is making a comeback, and no one could be happier than me. Check out their website: http://www.clubdevo.com/

As of right now, the only tour plan to date is to be at Coachella. If you make it out you'll get an experience unlike any other. Well, I better get back to googling 'PacMan Cakes'. I've got the CD's mixed, the streamers up, and the glowsticks ready. I'm ready to whip it! whip it good!

Ok, yea, that was cheesy, I'll go now...........

2010-02-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm just one short month away from seeing my ultimate band, Miike Snow, with my two really good friends. I'm so excited, I can't remember the last time I was this anxious to see or do anything. Not much phases me anymore. I've seen and done just about everything a person can do-legally and kinda illegally, but we won't get into that.I listen to Miike Snow nearly every day-it never gets old. But every now and then when I have a desire to listen to something else, I turn to two great artists.

Les Sins, the newest and greatest on the music scene, isn't that new at all. Let's explore the six degrees of seperation shall we? Ok, well I can only think of three, so here it goes: Les Sins, is the pet project of Chaz Bundick; Chaz Bundick is also in the awesome band Toro y Moi. The French House bass of the track Lina had me wondering who this group could be? Hence the, ahem, three degrees. Moving on.

This is so hot off the presses, there isn't a whole lot of information just yet. Here's what I've got so far;
http://www.myspace.com/lessins...yep, that about does it....

And just in case you're not familiar with Toro y Moi, here' s Talamak for your listening pleasure

Chaz Bundick will be at SXSW this year-gee, I wish I could go! Well, I'll have to settle for the great music *sigh*

Another great listen (and I know this is a little old, but I love it anyway) is Golden Cage, by Whitest Boy Alive, remixed by Fred Faulke...

Try to catch Toro Y Moi in your local city:

3/12 Santa Barbara, CA Muddy Waters w/ Ruby Suns

3/13 La Jolla, CA UCSD – The Loft w/ Ruby Suns

3/14 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room w/ Ruby Suns

3/15 Tucson, AZ Plush w/ Ruby Suns,Quasi and Explode Into Colors

3/17 – 3/20 Austin, TX SXSW

3/22 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn w/ Ruby Suns

3/23 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 w/ Ruby Suns

3/24 Washington, DC Black Cat w/ Ruby Suns

3/25 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie w/ Ruby Suns

3/26 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl w/ Ruby Suns

3/27 Cambridge, MA Middle East w/ Ruby Suns

3/28 Winooski, VT The Monkey House w/ Ruby Suns

3/29 Montreal, QC Il Motore w/ Ruby Suns

3/30 Toronto, ONT The Drake Hotel w/ Ruby Suns

3/31 Chicago, IL Schubas w/ Ruby Suns

4/02 St. Paul, MN Turf Club w/ Ruby Suns

4/03 Lawrence, KS Jackpot Saloon w/ Ruby Suns

4/05 Denver, CO Hi Dive w/ Ruby Suns

4/06 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court w/ Ruby Suns

4/07 Nampa, ID Flying M Coffee w/ Ruby Suns

4/08 Seattle, WA Chop Suey w/ Ruby Suns

4/09 Vancouver, BC Biltmore w/ Ruby Suns

4/10 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios w/ Ruby Suns

4/12 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill w/ Ruby Suns

4/13 San Luis Obispo, CA SLO Arts Center w/ Ruby Suns

4/14 Los Angeles, CA The Echo w/ Ruby Suns

And The Beat Goes On...

2010-02-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched my 15 year old cousin and his friends rock it out at a local music cafe. Watching him on that stage brought back some great memories of all the shows I did, and the anticipation of being on a stage in front of tons of people who came just for me. The adrenaline rush is unlike anything I've ever experienced up till and since then. Seeing him start his music career after mine has been over for a very long time made me feel nostalgic. The clubs, the bars, the parties, and the music. The music! Oh, those were fun days-the bubblegum fun of the 90's....if only there were someone out there who could bring it back to me.....wait! What about Alphabeat? YES!

Hole In My Heart is pure 90's style goodness (are we already done with the 80's then?). The single is part of this Danish band's album The Beat Is... which is set to be released March 1st, the video and the song brings back a nostalgia that is less annoying, and more appreciated.

Alphabeat have been confirmed as the support act for Lady Gaga on her U.K leg of The Monster Ball Tour in February and March 2010. All of their tour dates are in Europe, so no plans yet to come here, but as soon as they do, I plan to get out my glo sticks and dance like I'm at the Roxbury....

Taking the High Road

2010-02-15T22:27:00.000-05:00

So, I'm going to watch my 15 year old cousin's band play tomorrow night, and I'm in awe of the sheer talent coming off him and his friends. They write songs that are raw and full of emotion-above and beyond their young age. They rock out in the basement like they're headlining SXSW. It's pretty damn cool. I gotta say, I'm pretty damn proud.

Who would have thought the combination of Armenian styling and heavy influences of the Strokes would make the greatest sounding music? Reminds me of the newest group on the Indie Rock scene: Broken Bells.

Broken Bells is made up of Danger Mouse (billed by his real name, Brian Burton) and James Mercer the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie rock band The Shins. The pair decided to work together after meeting at a Danish music festival in 2004 and found they were fans of each others work.

On the morning of December 21, the band informed fans in an e-mail message of the release of their debut single "The High Road", which was made available as a free download on their official site. The self-titled debut album is due out in the U.S. on March 9, 2010.

There are no tour dates available yet-I mean, they JUST became a power group. But they do have a super fun website: http://www.brokenbells.com/

Can't wait till tomorrow night where I plan to be blown away by the most indie of indie rock bands. Till they land a record contract, you're just going to have to settle for Broken Bells... ;)

It's not about the fight-it's about the fighter

2010-02-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

I've always thought of myself as scrappy. Every time I got 'hit', I always jumped right back up. Yea. sometimes I'd get down and doubtful-but it never lasted. My confidence never waivered, because I wouldn't let it. But recently, I'm starting to have my doubts. I don't doubt my capability, but I wonder if my confidence is a little misguided. I could be wrong you know-but I could also be right.

Yet another agent rejected me, which has brought on my doubts. I've always considered one of my biggest strengths to be my storytelling; perhaps I'm not as good as I thought? Or maybe, I'm not seeing it the way everyone else sees it? or maybe, this was never my path after all? Perhaps the truest test is to let go, and see what happens. But age has made me less confident, and less likely to take chances. Yet the possiblity of letting go and letting it bring me back the answer is awfully tempting....

The most beautiful song written that suits my mood today would be aptly titled 'Let Go' by JJ- a duo from Sweden. Her ethereal voice is like a dream over the chords. The song starts off where you wouldn't expect-harmonica and stringed guitar?? Then a synthesizer playing lightly over the guitar? Heh?? But then Elin Kastlande's silky voice starts singing so definitively like a drug just getting to coarse through your veins-she takes over the senses and makes you happy about letting go. The background sound of waves lightly crashing makes you want to let the song take you away. I could listen to JJ all day long...

This being the first single off their much anticipated album "jj n° 3" which will be released March 9, 2010 on Secretly Canadian/Sincerely Yours.
'My Way', another song off the album, is just as beautiful and ethereal in a Jamaican rastafarian fantasy, was released in conjunction with 'Let Go'. It's almost ok for Lil' Wayne to be on the track, like his being there makes the song more tangible-without him, it would float away

Expect to see JJ at SXSW. After that they're on tour with The xx.

03/22 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon w/ The xx

03/24 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl w/ The xx

03/25 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle w/ The xx

03/28 - Washington, DC @ Sixth & I Historic Synagogue w/ The xx

03/29 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/ The xx

03/30 - Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory

03/31 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall w/ The xx

04/02 - Boston, MA @ Paradise w/ The xx

04/04 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Theatre w/ The xx

04/05 - Columbus, OH @ Wexner Center w/ The xx

04/06 - Bloomington, IN @ Buskirk Chumley Theater w/ The xx

04/08 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall w/ The xx

04/09 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre w/ The xx

04/12 - Bellingham, WA @ The Nightlight Lounge w/ The xx

04/13 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom w/ The xx

04/14 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom w/ The xx

04/16 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill w/ The xx

04/17 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex w/ Delorean

Want to learn more about JJ? Check them out here: http://www.last.fm/music/JJ

Maybe listening to them will inspire me to let go-or at least build up the courage to....

Let it SNOW!

2010-02-07T00:43:00.000-05:00

So, I'm not quite sure if I'll ever be able to get out of my house again; the snow has barricaded me in. There's at least 30" on the ground, and apparently, there's more to come. Since I can't get out of my house, and there's only so much cooking and cleaning one person can do (really), I've taken it upon myself to consider this my mini vacation. I've gone hot tubbing as the snow gently fell and froze on my face; I went to my neighbors for a lovely cafe au lait and a slice of cake; went snow diving till I couldn't feel my legs. And that was all before lunch.
Another thing I've been able to do is find some great music. A band I've been intrigued by but haven't had the time to really get to know is Caribou. After hearing the song 'Odessa', I fell in love.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that Caribou is Manitoba-a psychedelic fun adventure project of Dan Snaith. Although Dan performs live with a band, in the studio, all the genius is all him. But there is one caveat-he won't be performing in the US anytime soon.

But of course there's great hope; check out his myspace page to get more information about him, the project, and the great music that comes out of his brain:
http://www.myspace.com/cariboumanitoba

In the meantime, I plan to rest up; there's a whole lot of snow out there and I plan on playing in it...

2010-01-29T18:46:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's Friday, and it's time to unwind with some friends, food and wine. My bread pudding is ready to be popped into the oven, and my hair is ready to be let down. I'm kicking off the weekend with some new music. Fresh from the announcement that Gorillaz will be closing Coachella, and right before their album, Plastic Beach is released on March 9th, the first track of the album 'Stylo' was leaked. The official release date for the track was set for January 26th, but who cares about details-the song is hot! Accompanied by the vocal stylings of Bobby Womack, and newest 'Gorilla'-Mos Def aka 'Sun Moon Stars'-the track has all the classic musical artistry we've come to expect and love from them.

On this, their third album, the group has garnered another eclectic and impressive group of guest stars such as Snoop Dogg, De La Soul, Lou Reed, the Fall’s Mark E. Smith, Gruff Rhys and the Clash’s Mick Jones and Paul Simonon-just to name a few!

Here's the awesome track list:
1. “Orchestral Intro”

2. “Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach” (feat. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)

3. “White Flag” (feat. Kano Bashy)

4. “Rhinestone Eyes”

5. “Stylo” (feat. Bobby Womack and Mos Def)

6. “Superfast Jellyfish” (feat. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)

7. “Empire Ants” (feat. Little Dragon)

8. “Glitter Freeze” (feat. Mark E Smith)

9. “Some Kind Of Nature” (feat. Lou Reed)

10. “On Melancholy Hill”

11. “Broken”

12. “Sweepstakes” (feat. Mos Def Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)

13. “Plastic Beach” (feat. Mick Jones Paul Simonon)

14. “To Binge” (feat. Little Dragon)

15. “Cloud Of Unknowing” (feat. Bobby Womack)

16. “Pirate Jet”

Coachella really is the only place I could find them playing-and boy, does it look like it's gonna be sick! Some artists that will be there are Muse MGMT Gorillaz Jay-Z Vampire Weekend LCD Soundsystem Hot Chip Phoenix Spoon Grizzly Bear Yo La Tengo Thom Yorke Passion Pit Gossip Florence and the Machine Pavement De La Soul Sia Echo And The Bunnymen Faith No More Corinne Bailey Rae La Roux Devo Camera Obscura The Specials The xx Yeasayer Deerhunter Sly And The Family Stone The Cribs Orbital The Dirty Projectors David Guetta Tokyo Police Club Coheed and Cambria Little Boots The Raveonettes Tiësto She & Him Beach House The Whitest Boy Alive Frightened Rabbit Mew Benny Benassi Fever Ray Ra Ra Riot Matt & Kim Deadmau5 The Temper Trap Yann Tiersen Gary Numan Grace Jones Miike Snow White Rabbits The Dead Weather Big Pink Girls The Avett Brothers Flying Lotus Porcupine Tree Public Image Ltd. Them Crooked Vultures Hadouken! Wale Kaskade Infected Mushroom Gil Scott-Heron 2 many DJs Charlotte Gainsbourg Frank Turner Julian Casablancas Major Lazer Old Crow Medicine Show Portugal. The Man Hockey Mutemath Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros Sunny Day Real Estate The Dillinger Escape Plan Band of Skulls Deer Tick Talvin Singh Delphic Local Natives Iglu & Hartly Little Dragon Rx Bandits Bassnectar As Tall As Lions Lucero Plastikman Céu King Khan And The Shrines Shooter Jennings Erol Alkan Rusko Calle 13 P.O.S. Steel Train Aeroplane Aterciopelados Kevin Devine Z-Trip Bob Proxy The Soft Pack Dirty South Les Claypool Baroness Zoe Pretty Lights Middle East Owen Pallett Wolfgang Gartner One eskimO Sleigh Bells Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Kate Miller-Heidke Jets Overhead The Glitch Mob Jonsi Mayer Hawthorne & the County Babasonicos Alana Grace Craze Klever The Almighty Defenders Paparazzi DJ Lance Rock John Waters Club 75 Pablo Hassan

Whew! Yep, that's alot, so much that it worked up my appetite and my thirst. Off I go to enjoy my wine and bread pudding...Oh, and enjoy the newest Gorillaz!

Try Try and Try again...with Hot Chip!

2010-01-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

I watched Julie and Julia last night. It was a good movie-much better than the book. The book was painfully boring. The movie inspired me. Not to cook, mind you-that takes too much time, and I'd rather be writing. But seeing the frustration on Julia's face when it took almost ten years to publish her first book; the many rejections she faced and she still soldiered on made me hopeful. Seeing Julie, the writer of the book, frustrated and ready to give up as a writer made me feel like I'm not alone. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm really good enough to be published. If I was ever that good of a writer anyway. Giving up is not an option. I'm still going to write-regardless if anyone thinks I'm any good. It's what I do. I write. And I listen to music. So sue me.

Two groups I've been following for a while are Hot Chip and The XX. I've posted a blog about The XX before, so I won't be redundant. I never thought to write about Hot Chip because frankly, everyone knows about them right?

But their newest single from their yet to be released album has me all a flutter. 'One Life Stand' from the album of the same name which is set for release on February 1st is incredibly catchy. I can only imagine the rest of the album will be just as fun. Here's a track listing for your viewing pleasure:
01 Thieves in the Night

02 Hand Me Down Your Love

03 I Feel Better

04 One Life Stand

05 Brothers

06 Slush

07 Alley Cats

08 We Have Love

09 Keep Quiet

10 Take It In

The video brings to mind Pet Shop Boys...if you were to watch them through the peep hole of your door...

Here's another single-this reminds me so much of New Order:

All the music, expectedly is fun new, new wave; nothing surprising there. The delivery is fresh and exciting though, which will make you want to not only buy the album, but see them in concert. Unfortunately, they sold out quick here in DC but maybe you can catch them in a town near you:

Hot Chip & The xx - 2010 Tour Dates

April 16 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater

April 19 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre

April 20 - Toronto, ON - Koolhaus

April 22 - New York, NY - Terminal 5

April 24 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club

So, I'm off-back to the grindstone-if I don't try, how will I ever know if I can succeed?

Dead Man's Bones' be rattling...

2010-01-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already been ten years since my dad died. I passed by the cemetary today on my way to work. I had to take a short cut and it only occured to me it was where my dad was buried when I passed it. Pretty sad huh? Who knew in the ten years my dad died I would have two children and then move from detroit to about a mile away from him. Funniest part about it? I was listening to Dead Man's Bones as I passed. Ironic, huh?
Only slightly did my attention divert to the fact that I hadn't thought about my dad in a really long time. Mostly I was submerged in the awesomeness that is DMB. no, they don't use acronyms, I just don't feel like typing it all out. The song, Pa Pa Power is infectious in a back door kind of way. There's no in your face guitar riffs or screaming in your ear. The sound is moody, beautiful and soft. Although this is not the official video, I thought this fan's video was kinda neat

Thoroughly different, DMB seems to stay at least within a theme of morbid beauty. If there is such a thing. this video for 'My Body's a Zombie For You' pretty much sums it up:

even their website looks like the trailer for some awesome murder movie. Not slasher type, more 'Mystic River' like. Maybe the incredible imagery can be attributed to Ryan Gosling. Who you say? Yep, this is HIS band. and yes, that's HIM singing. If ever there were more reason to love that man, this would be it. The fact that he's this demented and poetic makes him that much more dreamy. Eh hem-I digress.

Cool tidbit of information: The entire album is a collaboration with the Silverlake Conservatory Children’s Choir. Two guys and a bunch of kids singing never sounded so cool
Check out their website:www.deadmansbones.net
oh, and just to keep a song of theirs in your head for days:

Oh, and as far as tour dates, there are none available for 2010 yet, but as soon as they post, I will be sure to let you know. Now I'm off to bed to dream about ghosts and hope my dad's isn't lingering around me. I'm not ready to chat just yet...

Here Here to the Holidays!

2009-12-07T22:51:00.000-05:00

Every year, I look forward to the Holdiay Season. The cookies, the decorations; the general good feeling that permeates through the air. This year, however, I'm so not into it. I begrudgingly brought out the Christmas tree; I've dreaded every recipe I've come across for the cookies I have no choice but to make. I can't peg why I feel this way. Maybe it's just not my season anymore. Not much to be happy about..except Yeasayer!

Ok, ok. bad segway, but really-how would you connect the two, huh? Anyways, I can't say I've really ever paid much attention to Yeasayer. They haven't got much more than a passing thought from me. Until I heard Ambling Alp. Then, my ears perked up and I had to ask 'who are these people with their Mr. Mister like sound?'

It's like the group took every favorite movie from the 80's and combined them into one incredible video. There's Conan, Thunderdome, Alien, and the list goes on and on. But don't worry-the compilation only adds to the coolness of this song. Yea, it's a little disconnected at times, but it's forgivable for the sake of art.

Ambling Alp, was being offered by the group on their website for free, which really soared the song on air. Smart marketing. And although the band describes themselves as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel", I describe them as eclectic mainstream pop-or at least what pop sounded like in 1984.

Yeasayer recently revealed their sophomore album would be released on February 09, 2010. There are four new songs they've been playing live; the four new songs are "Madder Red", "O.N.E.", "I Remember", and "Amblin' Alp". Sound familiar? Yep, that song is the shining star of the album-just a teaser of how awesome the rest of the album will be.

Looking at their tour dates, it seems they'll be here for two dates in February, and plan to finish off their tour overseas. I'm confident though, they'll be back. From the looks of it, Yeasayer is well on their way to being the next most sought after band.

Oh, and before I forget-I posted a live version of 'Cousins' by Vampire Weekend-but a new video has just been released, and here it is for your viewing pleasure!

A different Stroke-hardy har...

2009-11-22T11:49:00.000-05:00

I've been having a whole lot of fun lately. I've got great friends, and great places to go to where I make more great friends. Life is good. I gotta say the last time I felt this way was early 2000-I had a great group of friends and I was really happy. Yep, I hit a few bumps between then and now but I'm just as happy and at peace, if not more, now than I was then. Funny thing is, the soundtrack of my emotions at the time was a great new band that had made me happy about music again. There was so much crap in the 90's I had begun to lose hope someone could breathe new life into it. Then the Strokes appeared and my trifecta was complete. My social life was good, my personal life was good, and my listening pleasure was off the charts.

He we are again, we've come full circle, and again when my social and personal is as high as it's ever been, I've come back to the Strokes in the form of Julian Casablancas. I have always admired them for making me fall back in love with music again (not that I ever fell out, but I had begun to stray). Imagine how happy I am about his newest solo album, Phrazes for the Young. A huge (in my opinion) departure from classic Strokes, this album is full of synths, hand claps, and classic guitar riffs. He perfectly sewed together what we expect of him, Strokes inspired musical styling, perfectly melded lyrics, and the cool vibe that can only be brought by Casablancas.

11th Dimension, his newest single off the album is easily my favorite. Great pop tune (though doubtful you'll ever hear it on a radio station). The catchy lyrics and synth driven melody caught me a little off guard-putting a big smile on my face:

my next favorite is most definitely Out of the Blue:

great classic feel to it, guitar driven and most definitely danceable. All the songs on the album will have you jumping up and shaking your head. Great party music if I say so myself. Especially when among your great friends, and family-creating a new soundtrack to your life...
find out more about Phrazes for the Young, Julian Casablancas, and tour dates here:
http://www.juliancasablancas.com/

What is it about Vampires, huh???

2009-11-10T14:32:00.000-05:00

I gotta say, I've never been so inundated by Vampire-ism in my life. Between the Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Twi-friggin-light, I'm a little over done (although if Rob P and Taylor-after he turns 18-show up at my door professing their undying love for me, I won't close the door, if you know what I mean-meeeoooow).
The only Vampire I'm into right now is Vampire Weekend. I've been a fan of theirs for a while, and honestly, I'd forgotten about them (except in cases of early Dirty Projectors of which the lead singer of VW, Ezra Koenig sang with originally, and of course, Discovery, of which he shares the masterminding skills with Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot). And of course the song I can't get enough of that features Ezra-Warm Heart of Africa by The Very Best. But I digress...
Their song, Horchata, is on their new album Contra.

There's a great feeling to this song, very minimal and tribal. Almost sounding like a soundtrack. I wouldn't be surprised if the song becomes the background of some indie, cool, hip show.

Another song from the new album, which is planned to come out in January of next year, is Cousins

This song is so new, that there isn't a studio version of it yet-just the live version. That doesn't make it less cool, amazing, or brilliant. Ezra Koenig has a way to pull the fun out of it's listener and make it dance.

Unfortunately for me their show here in February is already sold out-no surprise-but the rest of the tour dates are here. http://www.vampireweekend.com/shows.php

If ever I felt the deep desire for a Vampire to take over me, these guys would do the trick. But I'll keep hope on RPatz too just in case....

Let Your Funk Flag Fly

2009-10-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, I can't remember when cause I can't remember anything past, oh say three weeks-blame it on too much partying; I started to itch for a new type of music. I had had enough of emo-it had started to bring me down (isn't that the point?) and I needed something fun and funky. Dance music had thumped it's way out of my life, and Pop music was just junk (some things don't change). Where would I find something fun and funky, smart and indie all wrapped into one super cool package? Meet Chromeo...

Chromeo has been around for a bit, so I wouldn't say they're the newest thing, but their new song, 'Night by Night' seems to me to be more popular than their last well known track 'Fancy Footwork'. So much fun, and so catchy, 'Night by Night' proves the Miami Sound Machine sound they have mastered still works in a world where music has gotten a bit ADD. Not too many groups can keep a consistent sound for 4-5 years and still be relevant. Most bands that are this precise in their genre fade away after one hit. Maybe if they're lucky they'll get two. Lucky for them, Chromeo is still hitting all the notes and still making us shake our bootays (yes, I said it, I'm not taking it back).

Montreal based, the duo-P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel) on keyboards, synthesizers, and talk box, and Dave 1 (David Macklovitch) on guitar and lead vocals-jokingly describe themselves as "the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture." I couldn't have said it better myself!

As of now, their tour dates for the rest of the year are as follows:

Oct 30 Freaky Deaky Halloween Chromeo Crystal Castles Boys Noize Chicago

Nov 3 Erin Muir Live Los Angeles

Nov 27 Neon Noise Project, CHROMEO (dj set), JBAG (JERRY BOUTHIER & ANDREA GORGERINO), CLASSIXX, Special Guest TBC London, United Kingdom
Dec 31 Chromeo w/ Peanut Butter Wolf, Vega & Gaslamp Killer Los Angeles

So let your funk flag fly, my friends-here's how you can start: http://www.chromeo.net/

Oink

2009-10-21T22:20:00.000-04:00

My daughter was incredibly sick yesterday so we both stayed home and watched mindless television starting at 6:30 in the morning. I hadn't seen MTV in a while so I thought, 'Hmm, I wonder if they play music videos still?' The first video that came on was by a group called Temper Trap. I couldn't believe the genius visuals in this video. on MTV. MTV!! I quickly turned off the TV after the video, lest I seem like a sellout for watching something so 'commercial'. I forgot about them and focused the rest of my day on my ailing child.

Today, bored at work, I remembered their name and googled them. Turns out they're not as mainstream as I thought. First time anyone in the states heard of them was at SXSW this past March, only a few months before anyone anywhere had heard them. Talk about a new band.

Temper Trap come to us from Australia with their debut album 'Conditions' (actually they had an EP in 2006, but that doesn't count in my mind). The big song (and the video that hooked me to them) is 'Sweet Disposition'

Here's 'Science of Fear'. Good Song-really cool video

If you've seen '500 days of Summer' you may recognize the song. Otherwise, you should check them out on their website and get to know this ethereal band with thumping beats and swooping guitars. Think Coldplay+Linkin Park-boring-anger-pretentiousness=Temper Trap
http://www.thetempertrap.net/

US dates are as follows:

23 October 2009

Bowery Ballroom - SOLD OUT
6 Delancey St New York, NY 10002-2804, United States
With special guests

Get tickets 24 October 2009
Levi’s® FADER FORT NYC @ The ACE Hotel
20 W. 29th Street (Between Broadway and 5th Avenue) New York City
The Temper Trap Performance: 3:30 – 3:55pm. Other Acts: Restless People, MNDR, Vega, Jenny Wilson, Chauffeur, Midnight Juggernauts, Florence And the Machine, and Pill

28 October 2009
Kung Fu Necktie
1248 N Front St Philadelphia, PA 19122-4602, United States
With special guests

Get tickets 29 October 2009
Great Scott
1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston MA 02134
With special guests

off to care for my child-hope it's not pig flu.....

2009-10-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

So you know how there's a neighborhood bar in virtually every neighborhood where the locals gather round and get cheap beer, bad service, disgusting food, and excellent atmosphere? Well, apparently my neighborhood has one too, except it's a wine bar, with great food, amazing service, excellent wine (and beer) and equal atmosphere? Of course I have found my favorite watering hole, and have finally discovered a beer I can drink. I hate beer just in case you didn't know. But now that I've found a beer I like, I feel renewed! It's an expensive French beer that's virtually impossible to find, but hey-I don't choose what I love; it chooses me.
So, just in case you were wondering, the beer is called La Mouska-it's very smooth, light, and refreshing with a orange blossom aroma. It's impossible to find, and no one has ever heard of it. That's a theme with me. I seem to love things that no one else knows about. Hence why I blog; so I can share these things with you!
Also, just in case you were wondering (and happen to be looking for a wine bar in my neighborhood) here's a link to their website-they carry an extensive array of wines, and an impressive list of hard to find beers.
http://www.winehouseonline.com/

Speaking of things no one has heard of, I had never heard of Tommy Sparks until I heard his amazing song 'She's Got Me Dancing'. How did I miss this one?? Tommy Sparks is an amazing Glam Electro Rock/Pop artist from New Zealand who really pulls from the 80's (it seems I'm on a roll on these eccentric retro artists-I LUURVE them, so sue me). Here's the funktastic video-it's like TRON on roller skates:

This video is for the newest single 'Miracle' and the video must be seen. Imagine if Billy Idol did Children of the Corn, but the kids were super cool.

Check him out on his website: http://www.thisistommysparks.com/

Looking at his tour dates it doesn't look as though he'll be hitting the States, but that could change of course!
Enjoy the music; I plan to finish my glass of Bruchetto and go to bed with thoughts of laserbeams shooting out of the eye sockets of a she man. Sweet Dreams!

Oh the Horror of it all!!

2009-10-15T14:03:00.000-04:00

How did we go from Summer to Winter exactly? Did fall have absolutely no say in it, or did it say 'Meh-it's the same thing every year, I think I'll sit this one out. Winter? Can you cover for me?" I swear Friday it was 90 degrees here and now I sit freezing my tukus off and it's barely 40 degrees. The laptop is keeping my lap nice and toasty and I've had more coffee than I should for the sheer warmth it brings to my frozen chest. No, not even my squishy parts that are supposed to keep me warm are doing me any justice. My only survival now is to find a way to stay warm-so I dance. Or at least think about it.

If I were to decide to dance though (if my legs had thawed out enough to attempt it) I would dance to Miami Horror. Awesome band that's been out for a couple of years that are now really gaining momentum with their hit song 'Sometimes'. Coming from one of my favorite places, Melbourne Australia, Miami Horror is mostly just one guy, Benjamin Vanguarde-the brainchild-although he tours with a four piece band.

Think 80's electro pop with a bit of funk mixed in for good measure (Prince Funk, not Parliament Funk), and you get some of the idea of what Miami Horror is all about. This video from last year can easily be confused with something from the early 80's:

It's called 'Don't be On With Her', and has a great dance feel to it. Miami Horror sits perfectly in company with FrankMusik, Calvin Harris, and Gameboy/Gamegirl. Here's the video to their new single:

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if I can fit into my oven for some warmth-wish me luck....

All is Love...

2009-10-12T11:40:00.000-04:00

I had a really interesting weekend. My cousin and I went to Guarapo's in Arlington and were enjoying the music and drinks (and people watching) when three young men approached us (when I say us, I mean my cousin). He of course introduced himself to her and asked if she would like a drink as I stood idily by. His friend asked my name to which I replied. He said, 'Sevan, that's an interesting name. Where is it from?' I told him I'm Armenian. He chuckled. I asked him why he found it amusing. He waved his arm towards his friends and said, "We're Turkish". Eesh. Flabbergasted I said, "Well today is a historic day for us now isn't it?" For those of you who don't know, the two countries signed a treaty-read more about it here: http://news.aol.com/article/turkey-armenia-reach-historic-accord/413295

He then went on to apologize for his government and to show his sympathy for my people. The three of them were so sincere and honest in their graciousness it made my heart swell. He said 'We are all from one God. All of us. I cannot-we as a people-cannot hate anyone, because that would mean we hate God. Yes, they did a terrible thing, and we pray they will do the right thing. But we Turks-today's Turks-don't hate you. We only want to make the wrongs of our great grandfathers right.' Talk about cathartic!

The risidual feeling is still simmering in me from that interesting conversation we had. Here we were; two first generation Armenians, and three immigrated Turks enjoying a drink and conversation; smiling and talking as if we had no underlying issues. In reality we don't. They're great grandfather's government committed terrible crimes against my great grandfather and his people. Should we, so many generations later, continue to hold eachother accountible when we haven't been DIRECTLY affected by it? Or should we be more spiritual about it and say 'I cannot control what you do to me-I can only control how I react to it' ? I chose the latter. if I expect change, I must change myself. Those three showed me, very honestly, how they as a people wanted nothing more than to heal our wounds. It was my choice to let them. And you know what? It felt REALLY good....

Love seems to be the theme of my weekend. I felt a burst of it Saturday night, when I completely wasn't expecting it-then, in anticipation of the opening weekend of one of my favorite books 'Where the Wild Things Are', I have felt a joy that I can share with my children. The soundtrack is mainly made up of Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's) under the pseudonym Karen O and the Kids. The first track from the album is called 'All is Love'.

No, this is not the official video-it's a montage of all the trailers with the song, but it gives you a sense of what the movie will be like (which is ripped almost directly from the book, the imagery is amazing-kudos to Spike Jonze)

The song is almost Polyphonic Spree like with the group singing 'Kumbaya' feel to it. Karen O's voice is a little hard to discern from the children, which makes the song that much more endearing. It is a short diddy full of simple lyrics and a great vibe-making it a wonderful song for children, adults, and the child within. Check out the sound track :http://www.amazon.com/Things-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B002M2N9MA

Get tickets to the movie that comes out on the 16th as soon as you can; remind your inner child, your inner wild thing, what a wonderful world you actually live in. Inside your reality-inside your imagination, is Love....

2009-10-09T21:58:00.000-04:00

My kitchen is overrun by gnats. I hate those damn things! I've tried drowning them, smashing them, spraying them with poison-those damn things just keep reproducing. Ugh. I used to love fruit. But to see even just one of them on a luscious banana makes me wanna hurl. I hate how they infect everything in my kitchen, and yet somehow, I am hard pressed to throw any of my produce away. It's a double edged sword....
There are some things, however, I don't mind being infected by. One such thing is the group Islands. Who, you say? Well, if you remember The Unicorns, a band from Oh Canada-then meet their pop project baby, Islands. Made up of the same three members, Islands is electro pop goodness, with a little tongue and cheek funk poured in for good measure

Vapours-released September 22nd, is a bit of a departure from their previous albums. In the past more keyboard and synth heavily accessorized their songs. In their new album, they explore more rock guitar and horns. At the start of Vapours, you get a strong feeling as if you've been transported to a beach party circa 1976. The horn section (I can't explain why) makes me think of Dexter's Midnight Runners. Maybe it's the good ol' boppy sing along-ness of their songs, or maybe I just imagine them on a street corner in overalls, I'm not sure, but I like how they make me feel. That's most important. Plus it's good music when I'm mixing poison to kill those stinkin' gnats. Finding them on Google may be a bit of a challenge, and their website I believe no longer exists, so make sure to check them out here: www.myspace.com/islands
I think you'll probably find them just as infectious as I do....

Stranger things have happened....

2009-10-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

There have been many times in my life where I've thought something had happened, but it hadn't or vice versa. Some blame it in De Ja Vue-I blame it on early dimensia. But the first itme I heard this group I swore I had heard them before, and couldn't understand what the big deal was. I mean, they've been around forever, right? What's everyone getting all excited about? Isn't this song like 15 years old or something? Man, I really need to up my medication...

The XX completely blew me away. I SWEAR I have heard them before, in the early 90's back when Marcy had a playground; when Pulp was Fiction, and when Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis massacred people in Kalifornia. You know, I have to say, The XX's song Crystalized, sounds as though it came from the soundtrack for that very movie. The flat guitar strumming notes, drumming and drumming over the monotone sexual voices of the main singers make for a very sensual track.

Although they sound like they're from the deserts of the west, they actually hail from London. And their come hither very mature voices hide the fact that all four of them (two girls, two boys) are merely 20 years old.

Their song Crystallized is burning up blogs, and podcasts, creating legions of followers. Find out more at
http://www.thexx.info/

I have to say, their sound is not original-they're very reminiscent of the early 90's-more 1993-1996 sound of where alternative was going-so you'll either love or hate them..either way, the four very young entertainers have managed to impress on both sides of the pond, and no one can deny them their sheer ability to hypnotize their listeners.....

2009-09-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

There's an underlying current in Fall's return-a sort of resonance that either comforts you or depresses you. I like to think of Fall as my favorite time of year. Although I love Spring-my only reasoning is for the Flowers. I love Fall for the way it makes me feel. The dark clouds and the gusty winds brings me solace. Call me Emo-I don't care. But I'm more creative then; I'm more open to different art. That excites me, and makes me happy. This time of year also brings me back to my more mellow, favorite artists that bring a sense of familiarity when the sky is gloomy and a short bite nips in the air.
Au Revoire Simone, a three girl band, has been a favorite of mine for some time now. The three have an almost ghostly sound, lending themselves perfectly for the Autumn theme. The girls haven't had anything new out for a while, but recently, I started warming up to their newest song, 'Shadows'. Although I'm a fan of the original, there's something to be said with the Teenagers remix-a reinterpretation if you will. Take a listen (not the video):

Starting with the acapella, you hear the vulnerability in their voices-the off key subtleties that leads into the rest of the song. the light orchestral build up into a more dancy mix brings the ghostly value to their voice that is to be expected. Here's the original too (again, not the video):

almost sounds like the kind of music you'd hear in a scary movie when they're speeding away from impending doom....
So, maybe I'll go back to reading Eclipse in the Twilight Book Series-not that it's affecting me in any way or anything...just saying...

Hello, I've been expecting you....

2009-09-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

Ever had the feeling you knew what was going to happen before it happened, and then when it does happen you're not as jolted by the happening as you thought you would be? Like expecting a break up, or an eviction, or a pink slip?
Something occured to me yesterday that I half expected-it didn't make it less jarring-but it was certainly not a surprise. I have to say though, although I should have felt bad about it (no, I'm not telling you what it is nosy rosie), I kind of felt relieved. Like an 'Ok, well then that's settled, good.' There's a slit of solace in the depth of the news that gave me peace. It helped that I had just heard a wonderful song by a group that's warming up to me big time. I just hummed the song all day and it made me feel better.
Washed Out, a chill wave group from Perry, Georgia of all places, gives you a feeling you've heard them before but it doesn't make them less original. Yes there are others out there like them, say Memory Cassette or Neon Indian, or even if you hark back to when New Wave was new, like early Erasure, or Joy Division. Not that they're New Wave, but you know that was a widecast net back in the 80's when the sub cultures of music were not defined or noted.
One of my favorite tracks is 'Belong'. There is a great sound quality to his music. A grainy almost tinny sound that is more experimental than musical, but sounds delightful just the same (by the way, this isn't the video-there isn't one to my knowledge)

The big song out right now 'Feel It All Around' is really breaking Washed Out onto the scene with a funky slow rhythm and drums reminiscent of those used for The Knife's 'Heartbeats'. Funny, the slow groove kind of reminds me of the songs that would play in those 80's aerobic videos during the cool down portion.

Maybe that's why I couldn't stop humming the song. It gave me great pleasure to get lost in the warm stylistic groove when I should have been having a bad day. This is why I didn't have a bad day. It was just what I needed, right when I needed it, as if it were all part of the plan...

find more here: http://www.myspace.com/thebabeinthewoods

There's only one thing better about Amsterdam other than the obvious...

2009-09-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

And that's Anderson (you totally thought I was going somewhere else with that didn't you!)
Anderson hails from the Netherlands (yes, that's Amsterdam for those of you who think it's in Germany) and consists of two guys, a guitar, and a synth. I think I've made it clear how much I love that fancy keyboard, and no one makes it sound better than they do. On their album, It Runs In the Family released earlier this year, they name each song for a family member-not their own family, mind you-but of the bensons. No idea who they are, but they sure do make some catchy tune ideas. My fave is Trevor*On The Dancefloor:

The electronic dance of this song is just one part of their indie electronic sound. With a voice and sound similar to Postal Service (Ben Gibbard MUST be upset about this-maybe he'll write a song...), but more bouncy-more mainstream, this band could easily be mistaken also for 3OH!3-without the clumsy white guy dancing and over accentuations of the letter 'R' .
Michael*On The Asphalt is also a track that stands out as one of the stars on this album:

Although a bit reminiscent of the synth rock from, say 1987-1989, the indie value of their intelligence separates them from the bands who mimic the sound completely. Visit them on their website for more information and a listing of their tour dates http://www.myspace.com/andersonnl

I'm not as cool as I'd like to think I am....

2009-09-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

I'd like to think I'm a pretty good dancer-I can shake it like the best of them (I've mentioned this before, and yes, I will reiterate). I went to hip hop class again, and I must say I looked like an injured duck trying to do the dance moves I so obviously was not getting. Is it true what they say about white people? Yes, I'm afraid so...

So maybe I should stick to what I really know best-and that's music (and literature, but this isn't that kind of blog just yet). Last time, I told you about the DCFC track for New Moon (and somehow my book club chose Twilight as our next book-how do these things happen to me?) Then , I had every intention to write Friday and/or Saturday about MGMT, whose new album Congratulations is set to come out in 2010. Guess who was in DC? For a free concert? Ugh-as I was attempting popping and locking MGMT was busy making people happy with their trippy rock/electronica in our Nation's Capital. That was the salt on the wounds of my knowledge on Saturday that Miike Snow was here FRIDAY. Grr....

Having roomed together in college, the boys of MGMT found a way to channel their love for deep psychedelic music by engaging their listeners in acid induced imagery. 'Time to Pretend', 'Kids' (which is my main ringtone), and 'Electric Feel' can only be experienced fully by viewing the video along with listening to the songs. The raw imagination these two have is awe inspiring. The trippy catchy songs are addictive. Don't take them as one trick ponies though; their song with kid cudi and ratatat is ingenious

*Not the video-just the song and lyrics-the video is not available yet...

while your at it, visit their youtube channel to get what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/user/mgmtmusic?blend=1&ob=4

and while you're sitting in front of the computer, check them out on their own website:
http://www.whoismgmt.com/

This excerpt is from wikipedia:

MGMT has been working recently on their new album, Congratulations, expected to be released in early 2010. The band has been in Malibu recording the album, and have been recording with Pete Kember, ex-Spacemen 3. MGMT debuted three new songs titled "Congratulations", "It's Working", and "Song for Dan Treacy" at recent shows. In a Rolling Stone interview a fourth song titled "Flash Delirium" was revealed to be on the upcoming album but has yet to be played live.

So, I'm going to think of what cool things I can do now to shake off the uber uncoolness I displayed this past weekend.....

Me? Controversial? Nah.....

2009-09-17T23:27:00.000-04:00

Hence why I didn't write about the MTV awards, or comment on the ludicrous behavior of an artist I deemed respectful and respected. It's become a pretty sick and twisted schtick and it's unfortunate that the moment had to be deformed in order to gain popularity. I didn't want to comment about it, or give it anymore press than it already had. There's a lesson we learn as children and that is to not award bad behavior, and here we are as adults, constantly giving our attention and praise (and press) to that very thing. And that would be why I'm changing the subject....don't get me started...
I've been excited to tell you for the last few days (but like I said, I wanted it to all blow over) about the very first single on the New Moon Soundtrack. Although I'm not a big Vampire fan (except when Brad Pitt played one and even then it wasn't incredibly sexy) but the group chosen to release the track is what has me all in a flutter. Death Cab for Cutie (whom I've been a long time fan), wrote a special song for this album called 'Meet Me At The Equinox'. I did a simple google search to see if it was available online so you could get a sense of how awesome this song is:

MTV Shows

The haunting sound of Ben Gibbard's voice lends itself perfectly to the overall feel of the movie. Like I said, I'm not a big Vampire fan, but the strong storyline with Taylor Lautner (he's old enough now where I can say yummmmmmeeeee), and the inclusion of one of the best songwriters of our time is beginning to convert me...

On another subject, I've wanted to include the dates of artists I love that will be in the area-after checking out two websites, I had a hard time just choosing a couple, so I've added links for your convenience....

http://www.930.com/concerts/
http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com/portal/calendar/

Not that I'm bitter or anything....

2009-09-07T21:43:00.001-04:00

But I won't be home this weekend. I'll be driving up to Detroit for a friend's baby shower. Which shouldn't matter to you (unless you care that much about me, if so then-Creeeeeppppyyyy, but anyway), ThisSaturday two AMAZING artists will be performing-LadyHawke and Ida Maria at the 9:30 Club. Tickets are still available for 20$ and doors open at 8.

That being said, Ida Maria, one of the newest newcomers to the Indie Rock scene, hailing from Sweden via Norway, is one of the most anticipated artists of this year. She has a great pub band voice; a little grovely, a little matter of fact, and a smidge in your face. Her song 'I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked' is not only a great song, but a great example of her style and sense. Find more here: http://www.myspace.com/idamaria

Ida Maria will be opening for the ridiculously amazing Ladyhawke. Having been compared to Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar and Kim Wilde, this KiWi is one you won't want to miss. Who says no one can be a success with Asperger's huh? Her cover of 'Paris is Burning' is bananas, as are most of her songs. Dusk til Dawn will make you feel like you've entered a time machine into 1986. The synthesizers are genius as are the lyrics. But what do you expect from someone who is so highly influenced by music from the 80's. Philipa Brown changed her name to Ladyhawke for the character of the same name from the movie of the same name from when? The 80's-that's right. Reminisce here: http://www.ladyhawkemusic.com/

Well, I may be missing out on the concert, but at least I'll have my favorite event in Detroit to look forward to. Dally in the alley: http://www.dallyinthealley.com/ Expect a full report when I get back. If anyone goes to see LadyHawke and Ida Maria, let me know your thoughts!

Now if this existed in real life...

2009-09-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

I have to say, I have a lot of expectations; it's just how I'm wired. I expect to be treated with respect (yes, I'm talking to you Starbucks Barista), I expect my evenings to be spent on the computer (cause it's how I roll), and I expect all my bills to come on time..random I know, but that's just some of my expectations...

One of the big things in my list of expectations is to not be let down by good music. So far, so good. One such group that never lets me down-I swear I've never heard a song I didn't like- is Friendly Fires. Though they've only been signed for two years, the band members have known eachother since having been teenagers. Hailing from England (I did tell you I'm an anglophile, right?), they're first hit single, 'Paris' made it to the charts before they signed a record deal. Now that's workin' it.

My favorite song right now is 'Kiss Of Life'. Full of African drums, cow bells, and maracas, they've melded indie rock with bhangra. Think Thom Yorke and Coldplay going on a vacation in Capetown; their inspiration would create this bangin' song. Check out the video and judge for yourself...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK0H3jEwUYc&feature=related

Shot in the desert with a line of drummers wearing bird masks, the ethereal organic feel of the video brings them to a whole new level. This song brings them to the forefront of indie electronic rock. Hope you like them as much as I do!
Ok, my attention is lost now, I'm watching Real Housewives of Atlanta and it's finally getting interesting....

Yes, I'm an anglophile, so sue me...

2009-09-02T14:48:00.000-04:00

I have to say, I'm pretty ADD when it comes to what I like (if it's not yet evident in my blogs, then you haven't been listening), but one thing remains the same-I've always loved all things British-yes, that includes the food...not all of it, but a good portion of it...

One of my newest loves isn't new by a long shot. He's on Kanye West's new label (If you haven't checked out the artists on GOOD, you must-everyone is handpicked, and everyone is stellar!)

Mr. Hudson (formerly known as Mr. Hudson and the Library) is a band led by Ben Hudson and have been around for a few years now. The best way I have heard of them being described is if "Kanye and Bjork were to have rainbow sex-they would give birth to Mr. Hudson" Couldn't have said it better myself.

They have a street sound-if the street was SoHo; bringing a coolness to the edge; a rocker with a rap desire. Mr. Hudson has written songs for Kanye, and Kid Cudi, among many others, and has a quality that has been kept underground-till recently...

My fave right now is 'SuperNova', of course, with Tinchy Stryder-it's a great banger with orchestral elements, choir roots, and a street edge. The words are thoughtful and the beat is bangin'. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-83VlAqXf0

I think I may listen to this as I prepare my bangers and mash-yummm

Yes, I'm a snobby snob...

2009-08-27T16:13:00.000-04:00

When it comes to most everything-I'm a coffee snob, a book snob, a music snob, a food snob, and occasionally, a TV snob. Sometimes being a snob is a bad thing-in my case, it's pretty awesome. Let me explain.

I don't generally go gaga over something or someone unless they are worth my energy-which makes me a bit of a snob over what I do and don't like. Right now, I'm classified as a Hip Hop Snob by my friend-so be it. I'll tell you why

I don't like most rap these days-they're so uncreative. Rap started off as an art form; a platform to showcase lyrical skills. Not much skills these days considering most are about strippers or money or both. Maybe that's why I love Kanye-I don't care if he's arrogant, he has earned the right to be; Common-a complete underdog; and a newcomer that has really grown on me: Kid Cudi.

Kid Cudi is signed to Kanye's label GOOD (some great art on that label including John Legend). He caught Kanye's attention with his now famous mix tape and with good reason. If you pay attention to his newest hit "Make Her Say' his lyrical style is reminiscent to the early 80's rappers. The fluency in his rap is a beat in it's own. Quite impressive for someone who may not even remember the early rappers.

Check out his video with Common and Kanye here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlpvXOuIJT4#watch-main-area

Make sure you check out Man on the Moon-even if you don't care for rap, it's a respectable album, very creative, very out there-what more could you expect from a Kanye protoge?

Well, while you're checking that out, I'm going to make banana bread, because clearly, I'm a food snob-can't just have any bread, gotta make my own.....

Really? Sheesh....

2009-08-24T20:56:00.000-04:00

Oh my, has it been this long since I've written? I kept thinking I've written about one of my favorite artists, but it seems this is one of those things I've thought I've done, but haven't-pretty much like everything else in my life!
Sometimes, I come across an artist I really enjoy and don't write about them-I forget to..yea, I know-shocker. One such band is Miike Snow.

So great these guys from Sweden are, that the fact that I haven't mentioned them before is puzzling me. They're said to be a cross between A-Ha and Animal Collective. I don't see the A-Ha, but ok-maybe more like Sufjan Stevens meets Dirty Vegas without so much stardust in their eyes.

My two favorites are Animal and Burial. Great songs with heavy lyrics set to upbeat light music. Almost like Passion Pit without the falsetto and the keytar (ok, they don't use a keytar, but I just love that word! If those things aren't back in style they should be). If you like Sam Sparro, FrankMusik (if he were deeper) and Peaches (after she's taken a shower) then you need to make room in your MP3 player for Miike Snow.

They're not just another piano band, although you may assume they are with all the piano riffs. There's a unique electronic edge to them that puts them above the piano trend so many bands are following now. Follow them at myspace.com/miikesnow, and definitely check out their videos on youtube. The poetry in their lyrics are well defined in the creativity of their videos.

2009-08-20T21:35:00.001-04:00

Ah-the weekend..no work, no worries, it's like a mini vacation for me. Two days of bliss-well, three for me, but two for most everyone else in the world. Something about the kickoff to the weekend makes me want to mix a martini and turn on the radio. Except radio today sucks, so I stick to my MP3, and lately the only voices I want to hear are FrankMusik and Sam Sparro.

Sam Sparro has this great gritty soulful voice that, for some reason reminds me of George Michael (although I can't put my finger on why). Sam hails all the way from Australia although he spent most of his time in LA. The core of his soulful voice comes from his father taking him to church and soaking in the sounds. The experience he had clearly comes through in his songs.

Better known for his hit 'Black and Gold' that came out last year, some of my favorites are 'Twenty First Century Life' and 'Pocket'. Check him out here:
http://www.myspace.com/samsparro

My Two Favorites Break My Heart

2009-08-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

I had a visit from a good friend this past weekend from Detroit. It was great to see her-a familiar face from home. We talked about Detroit a bit and I gotta say my heart ached some just thinking about it. I miss Detroit and all it's grittiness. it was good to see someone from home; a little bittersweet. I gotta say, as much as DC has to offer, it can't replace my first love, my first heartbreak-Motown baby!
Speaking of heartbreaks, MSTRKRFT teamed up with John Legend, two amazing artists, for a song that couldn't be a weirder pairing, and couldn't be more genius. 'Heartbreaker' takes MSTRKRFT classic skills and pairs it with the buttery smooth sounds of John Legend. The song starts with the unmistakable piano riff accompanied by a dance beat-from the getgo, you know this is going to be a fun song.
From beginning to end, the song has you bopping your head, as only the two of them can. Each one unique and greatly respected in the music industry. With songs like this one, both can break my heart any day of the week....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6gHLHbYVeA

I am a dirty girl....

2009-08-12T20:12:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wonder if there's an invisible tail behind me causing destruction like a tasmanian devil, undoing all the hard work I put into this home. Oh, wait. I do. They're my children. How could I forget.
I used to keep everything in my home so orderly, so clean; I walked around like a drill sargeant making sure there were no toys out and everything was pristine. I'm broken now. I'm just happy there' s nothing dead behind the sofa, and it still smells ok when we walk thru the door. Call it what you will, I call it letting go. I have to say, I'm much happier now-maybe a touch more cluttered, but definitely more happy.
You know what else makes me happy? Dirty Projectors. No, I don't mean that literally, sillies, I'm talking about the band. Dirty Projectors is a Brooklyn based experimental rock band. Some would say indie, but there a little too eclectic to be labeled as such. Three men and three women make up the band and hint a bit of Polyphonic Spree, a dash of Fever Ray, and a smidgen Black Kids. Check out their single 'Stillness is the Move'. Barren in arrangement, the song is still pretty catchy, oddly hypnotic, and melodious. I think I'll play that on my iPod tomorrow when I clean my bathrooms. Oh is that the dignity ship that just passed me? Ah well, I don't think there's room on there for me now anyway......

I wore shorts this weekend...

2009-08-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

Not because I look good in them, in fact, I'm the heaviest I've ever been. I'm also the oldest-clearly. I've got more spider veins and due to a rogue mosquito in my home, my legs look a little like a connect the dots. Why would I wear shorts, you ask, if they look that bad? Because it's about time I feel good about myself, have enough confidence to wear them. If I died tomorrow, would I have been able to say I gave shorts a chance? It's important to respect my deep desires and bring them to light (a spotless house is probably going to have to wait, but one can dream). One of the things I have on my list of things to do before I die was to wear shorts. So I did just that with reckless abandon.

Can't say I had a list before last Friday though. Always thought I should, but never got around to it. Having read Jill Smolinski's Next Thing On My List, inspired me greatly. It reminded me to not forget about me, cause it's super easy to do. The book is based on a lady, June, who gives a ride to a young lady to a Jenny Craig meeting. As fate would have it, a deadly car crash changes June's life. She takes on the task (due to her guilt) of completing the young lady's '25 things to do before I turn 25' list. As June sets out on completing each wish, she realizes how little she had done in her own 32 years of life. A compelling story this isn't your average chick lit. An interesting concept wrapped around a character easily relatable. It's difficult to read this book and wonder about the things you've done in your own life-or lack thereof.

Yea, I know, I usually talk about an artist or band I'm totally obsessed with like a 12 year old is with all the boys in her class, but I thought it important to mention books also (yes, I read, I am a writer ya know). This blog alone is another item on my list. Thank you Jill for bringing to my attention how badly I really need to complete more tasks before I get too old to do them.

Cooler than Cool

2009-08-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

I've worked hard on my addictions. I've done my best to keep the ones I have controlled, and new ones at bay. I no longer can resist one in particular-it's too strong. My friend has been enticing me and I finally broke down last night. Yep, I'm addicted-to NYC Prep on Bravo. Who needs Gossip Girls? This is the real (enough) thing, kids! They make me wish I was that cool. Especially when I was a teenager. Alas, I was a teenager through the late eighties early nineties. There was nothing cool about that time. Even today's fashion nod to the 80's doesn't touch the late 80's-don't blame 'em, I wouldn't either. At least I have NYC Prep to watch and wish I was as fashionable and as cool as them. If anything, it inspired me to at least pay attention to what I wear, and aspire to dress better, more cutting edge than I have lately. I've been slipping lately, and this show has been my breath of fresh air.

Another thing that has been inspiring me (and has been feeding my 'cool' addiction, is Little Boots. She's not only super cool, but super cute. Little Boots (real name Victoria Hesketh) hails from jolly ol' England and was once in the indie/pop electronic band Dead Disco. When band members couldn't see eye to eye on the musical direction the band should take, Little Boots branched off onto her own electro pop journey. At her shows you can see her play the piano, or keyboard; stylophone, and a Japanese instrument called a Tenori-on. The fact that she can play an instrument I've never heard of makes her that much cooler.

Her music is infectious and boppy (which is a theme in the music I like), her voice is sweet like a kitten rocking it out on the dance floor. Little Boots found her following thru the internet, posting her songs on YouTube and MySpace. Her new single 'Remedy' is a dance floor favorite, but different than any other dance song. She has a certain edge to her, seperating her from all the other dance floor divas. A coolness that can't be pinpointed, but makes you want more. That's exactly the kind of addiction I love.

I can do that.....

2009-08-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

I think I'm a pretty good dancer. I can shake it like a salt shaker, pop it lock it AND drop my birthday cake (I have no idea what I just said, but apparently it means 'to dance well'). I joined a friend at a hip hop dance class today which proves, unbeknownst to me, that no, I shouldn't try out for So You Think You Can Dance, and no, I most certainly shouldn't attempt to do any of the choreography in public. again. ever. never ever.

It did remind me though that hip hop dancing, and the music, transcends generations, races, and creeds. What a beautiful thing that music can do! From the streets in the ghetto, to the rural farms, hip hop affects everyone-uniting us all in 808 rhythm. For some people, they are affected mildly, and for some, it changes the direction of their life. Case in point: Kid Rock.

Ok, ok, I know, I'm into electronic, indie, blippy bloppy cool people music-what the hell am I discussing Kid Rock for? Because he, like hip hop, transcends generations, cultures, races, etc. His music makes rednecks rock; country folk dance, and hip hoppers jam. I must say, for all the concerts I've ever been to (and that's a lot folks), his is by far the most electrifying, energetic, diverse show I've ever seen. Generally, when you go to a concert, you just know what types of people there'll be there (emo anyone??) But at a Kid Rock concert, it's a catch all of people where you find yourself saying 'Really? You like Kid Rock?'

From the moment he jumps on stage to the last moments where the crowd chants 'KIIIDD-ROCK ROCK!' and every Mother F**in moment in between, this son of Detroit makes those of us from there feel an unspoken pride of the 'D', and those not, wishing they knew what that felt like. Yea, his music is cocky, arrogant, in your face; but that's what Detroit is. No apologies. If you could form a person out of the city, you'd have Kid-no doubt about it. No matter what the news says about the Motor City; no jobs, no hope, etc-you can't knock 'em down. That city is a fighter, and Kid Rock glorifies that attitude. Even if you don't like him, you've got to give the man respect. No, Mr. Kid, most people have never met a mother f**er quite like you, but then, most people who've never experience Hockey Town, Motown, Motor City, the 'D', wouldn't understand anyway. Rock on Kid-ROCK ON.

3 Little Words-I love FrankMusik!

2009-07-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

I'd like to think I'm a pretty good writer (I'd also like to think I'm a pretty good cook, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves). For some reason though I've been having the dreaded writer's block. Perhaps it's because I get interrupted almost every five minutes by a child, a dog, or a husband. It may even be that I have so much crammed into my mental database, there's no room left for creativity. Maybe I should give my creativity a break and focus on someone else's for the moment.

I started this blog really to enhance my writing prowess-and to talk to the only thing that doesn't interrupt me. I can't help but glow about the things that make me happy-music, and writing. So I write about music. When something else starts making me happy, I'll let you know-trust me. Right now, FrankMusik makes me very happy. FrankMusik is a breath of creative fresh air in what I consider a very dull pop music scene. Sure I have a year's worth of indie rock tucked away to savor when radio bores me, but really, what options do lovers of pop music have? Sadly, there aren't that many to choose from.

From the UK, FrankMusik is the brainchild of Vincent (Turner) Frank-formerly known as Mr. Mouth in his beatboxing days. His new album, Complete Me, will be out August 3rd. Produced by mastermind Stuart Price (of Madonna's Confessions on The Dancefloor), every track commands you to the dancefloor (may it be in a club or in your living room). Labeled 'electro pop', FrankMusik evokes early Duran Duran in the poetry of his lyrics over boppy poppy tracks, layered with synthesizers and vocoders. My personal favorites are Confusion Girl, Better off as Two, and 3 Little Words. Videos for these songs can be found on youtube, but good luck trying to find them on iTunes. Unfortunately, they're only available on iTunes UK.

Getting his first big break on Gaydar Radio (another one of my obsessions-I know, I have many), FrankMusik's lisp-ful lovesongs captured the essence of summer parties and sheer fun in one full album. Listen to one song and you'll be hooked. The synthesized melodies will put you in an instant good mood. He ain't shabby to look at either.

Well, off I go now to drum up some creativity to finish my short story. FrankMusik is a great escape when I feel a bit frustrated. Not as great as a glass of wine, but then that's another story...

The Irony of Teenage Angst and a love for PB&J

2009-07-28T11:01:00.000-04:00

I've been reminiscing alot. Perhaps it's because it's Summertime and there's nothing on tv. Not sure though. In any case, when I found out Depeche Mode were coming to town, I jumped on the tickets-literally-and then later I found out Peter Bjorn and John would be opening. Oh my heart's delight! So of course, as I do, I excitedly told everyone to which each of them responded 'Who?'

PB&J (the band, not the sandwich) are an indie rock band from Sweden. They've been around for 10 years, only recently being discovered in the states with their cutesy almost pop hit 'Young Folks' last year (featuring Victoria Bergsman of The Concretes). I just loved that song, jumpstarting my infatuation with the band (cause I don't just 'like' a band, I generally become in 'lust' with them).

Not ones to stick to indie rock alone, their song has been sampled by Kanye West for his mixtapes album ('Can't Tell Me Nothing') and they recently collaborated with rapper Drake on 'Let's Call It Off'.

I plan to convert the three women I'm going with tonight to Peter Bjorn and John lovers. If they don't love them I know they'll groove to them-just as I will. It will be like having brie and berries before the main course of filet mignon-Depeche Mode.

Oh, there's nothing like memories of dark melancholy to make me smile. Ahh-the good ol' days. No more black combat boots, jeans and t shirts I wore endlessly in my podunk town repeating to everyone I knew.."Ha-you can't understand me-don't even try". I'm alot happier now-not nearly as dramatic (ok, well maybe still dramatic, but on a more positive keel). Revisiting the soundtrack to my teen angst is like meeting up with an old boyfriend for coffee. I'm not trying to relive the past or even to be a part of it again. I'm going to celebrate what it did for me, thank it for being a part of my life, and sing along. See you tonight guys!

My Newest Discovery

2009-07-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

I've really gotta get more creative with my titles, don't you think? I really can't stand it when people name things with 'My' or 'I am' or anything like that. I know it makes no sense to you (or maybe it does, I don't know you that well), but it really irks me cause it has no creativity behind it. Ugh-I think I'm now saying I'm not creative, and I'd like to think I am-at least the voices say I am, so I'm gonna change the subject now...

So on to my newest discovery: Discovery. HA! Bet you didn't see that coming, did you? My little play on words? Get it? Huh? Huh?? Ok, Discovery is a band (collaboration) of two guys, one of Vampire Weekend, Rostam Batmanglij, and Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot (two bands I adore so). Trippy and soulful, every song has a hint of a memory in it. Perhaps a summer spent in Detroit in the 60's when Motown was king. Or maybe laying in the tall grass with friends, smoke circling above you in the fall of 77' humming a tune by Bob Marley. Some songs evoke lazy Saturdays in the 80's when New Wave ruled the world. Each track, may it be original or a cover, has a special underlying aspect to it, making it unique to Discovery. My favorite? I want you back by the Jackson Five cover. It sounds like a dolphin singing underwater with a keytar. Genius.

I've downloaded a few of their songs as I think you should too-check them out on youtube or iTunes. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go back to reading my Thesaurus. Perhaps it will inspire me to be more creative....

My Little Secret

2009-07-19T19:36:00.000-04:00

I sit here half alive after spending a whole day at the pool. Who knew swimming would take so much out of me? I must say, I did learn alot about myself this weekend. Case in point: I went to a martini lounge friday night in a strip mall in what I consider the boonies and had a blast. Who knew that was possible? It's not always where you are, but who you're with.

I also found I have a whole lot less patience than I give myself credit for. My current job frustrates the heck out of me, and I'm finding it more and more difficult to be patient, waiting for a literary agent to help me publish my book. I've always been a go getter-not a wait arounder, so waiting is not my thing; contrary to my previous belief.

Also, as today has shown the greatest evidence, I am not as fit as I'd like to think I am. I got half way through a lap and thought I would pass out. Apparently working out is a virtue. One of which I need to work harder on...

One thing's for sure-and has never changed about me, I love writing, music, media, etc. I wouldn't change that for the world. Since we're talking about music (because I say we are), I have to say Passion Pit have become my new obsession. All their songs are falsetto fantasies weaved into blippy bloppy goodness. My favorite is Little Secrets. I imagine tweenie girls with braids rollerskating down a board walk wearing unicorn and rainbow t shirts and super short white shorts with pastel trim. It's summer 1984 put to music. Check em out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBt9sxTailQ

I'm going to veg on the couch now-my arms hurt from all the swimming. Yes I'm a wimp. I said it. Not taking it back.