I love the random phrases you hear when you turn on the radio. The above greeted Terry and me when we got in the car, coming home from a lovely evening at Wolf Trap, Friday, June 17, after seeing
(We Get Out) CASSANDRA WILSON and AL JARREAU at Wolf Trap
Another perk of my Washington Post gig (archived at click here ) is free admission to many of the venues that I write about. If they have spare press tickets (which frequently happens), I get to check out stuff I might not otherwise experience. Terry is a big Wilson fan, so I asked and was answered in the affirmative. And while we had excellent seats inside the “shed,” we started the evening with a picnic on the rolling lawn. Turns out Cassandra was the opening act (we’d thought she’d headline) and, by the time we finished our charcuterie meal, it was intermission and we were so comfortable laying under the stars on a cool summer night, that we stayed there for Jarreau’s set, too.
It was thoroughly delightful, and the music was only part of it. Wilson has a gorgeous voice, but somewhat limited range, and the band pushed her harder than was necessary. She was engaging, but I would prefer to see her in a club with a tasteful trio or quartet. Jarreau was very upbeat and very scatty; truly, the voice as an instrument, making sounds but not always words. I would have liked more melodies and a less vocal gymnastics. But both are fine performers and the atmosphere (and price!) couldn’t be better.
There's a new batch of music, waiting to be listed - it was a good weekend for packages - but there's so much already in the hopper, let's do this:
Thursday, June 16
Sent:
1. RA – From One (Republic/Universal)
Purchased (a mere $1.50 each at the thrift store):
2. BILLY JOEL – Turnstiles (Columbia)
From angry young man to scary old one, Billy Joel’s career trajectory has been rather appalling, but there was a time when you couldn’t beat his pop craftsmanship or get his catchy, NY-centric songs out of your head. This was my favorite Joel album back in the day, so finding it as a cheap CD was nicely nice.
3. ANNIE LENOX – No More I Love You’s remix single (RCA)
A beautiful song, originally released by The Lover Speaks, and Lennox did a beautiful version on her “Medusa” album. This version incorporates pieces of “Take Me to the River” and a song (“Downtown Lights”) by the criminally underrated Blue Nile, but the remix, by Junior Vasquez, gooses the rhythm to a pint that undercuts the heartbreaking sentiment.
4. TOM PAXTON – The Best Of (Elektra Traditions/Rhino)
Nice to be reminded how many fine songs Paxton wrote – “I Can’t Help but wonder Where I’m Bound,” “The Last Thing On My Mind,” “Whose Garden Was This,” “Forest Lawn,” “The Marvelous Toy…” Paxton lives in this area and shows up at local folk shows. Next time I see him, maybe I’ll say hello.
5. DAWN UPSHAW – I Wish It So (Elektra/Nonesuch)
Songs by Bernstein, Blitzstein, Sondheim (a personal god of mine) and Weill. I listened eagerly but, while he material is excellent, I’m not a big fan of the operatic approach. (of course, I should have known, ‘cause that’s what Upshaw does.)
6.*NSYNC – It’s Gonna Be Me remix single (Jive)
Why? I asked myself the same question, and allowed myself to be swayed by the nice, reusable plastic case, the remix possibility (turns out to be a high BPM trance version by Jack D. Elliot, whoever he is) and the intriguing logo at the top, which says “Barbie #1 fan.” Maybe I can group it with some other *NSYNC debris on ebay.
Sent:
7.The WIGGLES – Sailing Around the World (KOCH Records)
First off, why is this not called “Wiggling Around the World”? That was a missed opportunity. Second, while I can appreciate the joys of making little kids happy, I bet it’s a tough road to hoe, and maybe a bit of a letdown for someone who started a musical career with dreams of entertaining one’s peers. That is why I feel special sympathy for the Wiggles member whose name is Jeff Fatt. That’s hard.
Tuesday, June 14
Sent:
8. BEWITCHED – original soundtrack (Columbia/Sony Music Soundtraxx)
Okay, much of the selection is obvious – the theme song with lyrics (sung by Steve Lawrence), Sinatra’s “Witchcraft,” a cover of “Witchy Woman” (by Broadway babe Kristin Chenoweth, so good in “Wicked,” but this is possibly even worse than the original), “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” (a waste of the wonderful Ella Fitzgerald), and the Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.” Points added for giving props to Talking Heads (“And She Was”), given gladly for tow (count ‘em, two!) tracks featuring the ever-wonderful Louis Armstrong, but taken away for inclusion of “Escape (The Pina Colada Song”), which one can only hope has some valid comic reason for being in the movie at all.
9. The OFFSPRING – Greatest Hits (Columbia)
Cool. All the stuff I’ll ever want or need. Always liked “Pretty Fly for a White Guy,” “Why Don’t You Get A Job?” is pretty funny and “The Kids Aren’t Alright” has smarts to match its attitude. A welcome addition to the reference library.
Purchased:
At Best Buy:
10. BEN FOLDS FIVE – Whatever and Ever Amen (Epic)
I fully intended to buy Coldplay’s latest while it was still on sale, but this caught my eye. Perhaps my favorite BFF album, and here remastered with 7 bonus tracks for just under $10. So, if I can trade in my old copy, I won’t be out much for the better sound and bonus tracks. Still, I think record labels should offer album upgrade deals when they reissue stuff you already own. I saw an article today on “soft piracy” – not the sharing of music over the internet, but burning an extra copy of a CD (not a mix) for a friend. Remastered albums like this, (usually) sold at full price with some sops to hard-core fans, are a reason people don’t feel guilty making copies.
11. FOO FIGHTERS – In Your Honor (RCA)
This morning’s Washington Post had a rather tough review of this CD, but heck, I’ll give Dave Grohl the benefit of the doubt for 2 discs also just under $10. He’s a local boy made very, very good who gives back to the local music community, he did a great live show at HFStivals this year and in the past, and the two tracks that I’ve heard so far on Foo TV appearances, rocked hard and well. And Taylor Hawkins is really hot.
Home delivered via Tower Records online order:
12. The DECEMBERISTS – Castaways and Cutoffs (Kill Rock Stars)
Sometimes it’s more fun to discover a band a few albums into its career. Then, while you’re still in the first flush of falling in love, you can quickly work backwards to obtain and hear the other material the group recorded before you got there. So it is with the Decemberists. Just a few months ago, I discovered them while working on a Post preview, click here
then saw Colin Meloy perform live, now “Your Red Right Ankle” is on heavy rotation in the car (Emma and Grace love it, too), so getting a copy of the band’s full-length debut is a delight.
And how’s this for a deal – 10 recently-released CDs, still-sealed, for $10. Not each, but for all 10?! It’s called the Tower Collection, Volume 1, and I discovered it on the retail web site.
Since I was already ordering the Decemberists, shipping was free (the total order came to just over $23 for everything). I already have two copies of the Push Stars’ latest. Based on covers, titles and the general look of things, I suspect there may be three or four CDs that I’ll keep, and if I trade in the rejects at my local CD store, this package will probably pay for itself. That’s a whole lotta fun for $10. Keep going, Tower. Tell me when Collection #2 becomes available. In the meantime, here’s the $1 each collection:
13. GARY STIER – The Albatross (33rd Street Records)
14. LEE ROCKER – Bulletproof (33rd Street Records)
15. PETE SEARS – The Long Haul (33rd Street….I think there’s a pattern here)
16. SAMMY HAGAR and the WABORITAS – Not 4 Sale (Cabo Wabo Records, distributed by…33rd Street Records!)
Having never been a Hagar fan, with or without Van Halen to prop him up, I planned to keep this one in the shrink-wrap and take it off to the CD Cellar. Then I saw a song called “Whole Lotta Zep” and figure I’d check it out. Did not change my mind.
17. SETTIE – S/T (33rd Street/Iguana Records)
18.ALEX DE GRASSI – Now and Then: Folk Songs for the 21st Century (Tropo/33rd Street)
19. PETER FRAMPTON – Now (Framptone/33rd Street)
Not a good cover shot. Frampton, now with short white hair, hunched over his guitar, looks much older than he probably is and definitely would want to be perceived to be. Includes a cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
20. COWBOY MOUTH – Uh-Oh (33rd Street)
My cousin the navy man swears by this band. I wouldn’t necessarily agree with his political sentiments, but he has pretty good taste in music.
21. PUSH STARS –Paint the Town (33rd Street)
The one I already have, and a damn fine CD it is, too. Now, for less than the cost of a cup of coffee, I can share it with a friend – if I see one worthy before the next trip to the trade-in store!
22. TRICHROMES – S/T (if you don’t know the label by now…!)
Looks suspiciously like a psychedelic jam band, not one of my favorite genres, especially with titles like “Knot of Eternity” and “Track 6” – which appears third. And look! There’s an extra disc in the box, bringing the collection to 11 CDs for $10:
23.TRICHROMES – Dice with the Universe (3-track single)
I played this one to get a sense of the band and it is, indeed, a Deadhead offshoot thing. God does not play dice with the universe and I am not a middle-aged white guy in a tie-dye T-shirt, so this is a goner.
The two Trichromes CDs, BTW, are dated 2002, which leads me to believe that 33rd Street Records is doing a little inventory clearance.
Friday, June 10
24. FILOMATH – (fi:lo:math) n. (self-released)
This band opened for Anna Nalick and Better Than Ezra at the Celebrate Fairfax! event I previewed for the Post. click here
I missed their set, but chatted with the manager while waiting between Nalick’s and BTE’s set. He gave me the CD when he heard what I write about.
Thursday, June 9
25. PATRIOTIC COUNTRY (SONY/BMG)
A various artists collection “designed to help show your pride and respect for our troops.” Also “an uplifting project, helping to unite the nation behind a vital, common cause: support for our troops and military families.” Not so fast.
While I’m pretty sure Johnny Cash wasn’t a fascist, and I’m with Willie Nelson on the whole Farm Aid thing, the inclusion of tracks like “Have You Forgotten,” where Darryl Worley continues the misleading link between 9-11 and Iraq, and Chely Wright’s noxious “Bumper of my SUV,” one of the more divisive political songs currently in heavy rotation in Red Stateland, puts this album in With Us or Against Us mode. Wanna support the troops? Send them desperately needed armor, and then hold accountable the administration that sent them to war under false pretenses. And bring them home!
Wednesday, June 8:
We Get Out –KILLERS, KEANE, LOUIS XIV, MAXIMO PARK at Merriweather Post
Keane were much more impressive than I anticipated. Lead singer Tom has been known as “Pudding Boy” around our house, ever since the band’s Saturday Night Live appearance when Terry remarked that he looked like a British schoolboy who ate a lot of pudding. Yes, he’s a bit doughy as compared to all the skinny indie rock boys with their toothpick legs, but he’s also quite cute, in a Harry Potter way. He was also quite gracious onstage, smiling a lot and thanking the crowd for making it such a good night, as compared to the ever-so-cool Brendan Flowers, who worked the crowd as a man very much assured of himself. Guess which persona I prefer?
I also thought Keane were stronger musically, getting a quite impressive sound out of just three instruments and holding the stage with minimal stage effects. The Killers had the huge red drapes, the admittedly cool light-up sign of their name, the big light show and two damn big hits. But aside from “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside,” the other songs from “Hot Fuss” follow very similar lines, and the new tunes, including a sop to ”Indie Rock and Roll,” led one to wonder if this band is a shooting star.
Also acquired over the past two weeks or so:
Sent:
26. PETER BRADLEY ADAMS – EP (Big Helium Entertainment)
Former member of the duo easmountainsouth. Weren’t they a couple? Is this a messy separation CD?
27. The SOUTHLAND – Influence of Geography (Ruffworld Records)
Coming to Merriweather Post soon, on a bill that I’ve been on the fence about (with O.A.R. and Pepper), but I must say I really liked this one on first (admittedly, superficial) hearing. Taking it with me on the road – a good sign.
28. DARRELL SCOTT, DANNY THOMPSON & KENNY MALONE – Live in NC (Full Light Records)
The names are presented as if I should know who they are. But I don’t.
29.JOAN OF ARC – Presents Guitar Duets (Record Label Record Label)
30.XAVIER RUDD – Solare (Salt X/Universal)
Two listens in and I’m really liking this guy. Shades of Ben Harper, Simon & Garfunkel (yeah, kinda!) and world music. Coming to the State Theatre next month. Definite preview material.
31. ISOBELLA – Surrogate Emotions of the Silver Screen (New Granada Records)
32. GEORGE JONES – My Very Special Guests (Epic/Legacy) )
Got it as an advance in cheap plastic sleeves and, while there’s no extra music in the official edition, the double disc packaging is so clean and classy, I can’t see trading off the final version, which I often do. (Advance releases have a little extra cachet.)
Not Quite Purchased:
33. iTUNES EMI sampler
On a visit to Target, I was cruising the music section and saw a stack of cards, saying “Download this exclusive collection worth over $10…blah, blah…Take this card to the register when you buy a CD from the ‘Your Favorites’ display.” If you’ve been reading these pages, you know I’ve discovered that most “Buy this and get that“ offers are pretty loosey-gooesy. I wasn’t interested in buying any of the 10 CDs listed (I already have Al Green, Exies and Aslyn), so I took the card with my other purchases, went through check out with it and brought it home to plug in the redemption code. No problemo, although I don’t think you can burn these tracks onto CD for external use. But bottom line is, none of the songs really grabbed me – not N2U, not Jamie O’Neal, not Dierks Bentley…so it doesn’t matter. I got to check out some new artists, and that’s the point.
YTD: 493
Be with us next time, when CPF:the Blog passes the 500 mark for musical acquisitions!
words and pictures about music
Monday, June 20, 2005
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Just the Facts, M'am
Down and dirty. Will clean it up soon.
Saturday, June 4
1. MARWOOD – S/T (self-released)
Coming to town on June 29. Post preview, with mini-interview, goes out Thursday.
Friday, June 3
2. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY – Promo sampler
10 tracks, spanning their career.
Also a presentation DVD.
3. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY – Live (Big Bad/Vanguard)
Upcoming Post pick, along with local a cappella goofballs (and I mean that lovingly) DaVinci’s Notebook.click here
I put the word out to the label publicist and the band’s manager, seeking info, and got packages with entirely different material from each. Hmmmm…interesting. Management sent the promo sampler and DVD, label PR the double live CD.
4. SCUM OF THE EARTH – Blah…Blah…Blah…Love Songs for the New Millenium
5. MAXIMO PARK – A Certain Trigger (Warp)
Tomorrow’s Killers/Keane show is turning into a mini-festival, with three other acts on the bill – these guys, Regina Spektor, and Louis XIV.
6. INNAWAY – S/T (Some Records)
Out July 5th.
Thursday, June 1
7. OASIS – Don’t Believe the Truth (Epic)
Educated consumers (or suckers) know that the first week an album is out is the best time to buy, since the major chains sell them cheap, starting on new release Tuesday, to get people into the stores. And labels like that since it means strong first week sales and chart placement. Target has the new Oasis dual disc for the same price ($11.99) but Best Buy offered an additional bonus disc with 5 songs recorded live at Chicago’s Metro Theater in 1994. So that’s where I got mine. The Beatles’ homage/rip-offs continue and, though I run lukewarm and cold with these guys, listening to a new Oasis album is pretty much obligatory in My Line Of Work. As obligations go, that’s not bad.
8. SANTANA – The Hits (Columbia)
At $5.99 I couldn’t resist a copy for the reference library. And a good excuse to clear out some old vinyl.
Also picked up another copy of the freebie sampler “I Love That Song,” which won’t count in the total.
Sent:
9.BETTER THAN EZRA – Before the Robots (Song/Artemis)
Post preview posts on Thursday. click here
10. LIZZ WRIGHT – Dreaming Wide Awake (Verve Forecast)
11. EMBRACE – Out of Nothing (Lava/Atlantic)
12. TSAR – Band*Girls*Money (TVT)
13. PUNK-O-RAMA (Epitaph)
14. LEFT ALONE – Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts (Hellcat Records)
15. ZZZ – Palm Reader (PolyVinyl Records)
Publicist described them as a Tim Burton soundtrack on speed. Which basically means Oingo Boingo, no? I heard it, and shades of Romeo Void, too, in the stuttering sax and sassy female vocalist. A pleasant time warp tri back to the New Wave days.
16. SCHOOLYARD HEROES – Fantastic Wounds (NA)
Tuesday, May 31
17. TURIN BRAKES - JackInABox (Astralwerks)
A new, neat discovery. Previously only a name I'd heard about, and assumed was somehow more artsy and less accessible. One of those rare releases that Terry (the hubby) noticed on first play and asked about.
18. KRAFTWERK – Minimum-Maximum (Astralwerks)
YTD: 460
Saturday, June 4
1. MARWOOD – S/T (self-released)
Coming to town on June 29. Post preview, with mini-interview, goes out Thursday.
Friday, June 3
2. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY – Promo sampler
10 tracks, spanning their career.
Also a presentation DVD.
3. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY – Live (Big Bad/Vanguard)
Upcoming Post pick, along with local a cappella goofballs (and I mean that lovingly) DaVinci’s Notebook.click here
I put the word out to the label publicist and the band’s manager, seeking info, and got packages with entirely different material from each. Hmmmm…interesting. Management sent the promo sampler and DVD, label PR the double live CD.
4. SCUM OF THE EARTH – Blah…Blah…Blah…Love Songs for the New Millenium
5. MAXIMO PARK – A Certain Trigger (Warp)
Tomorrow’s Killers/Keane show is turning into a mini-festival, with three other acts on the bill – these guys, Regina Spektor, and Louis XIV.
6. INNAWAY – S/T (Some Records)
Out July 5th.
Thursday, June 1
7. OASIS – Don’t Believe the Truth (Epic)
Educated consumers (or suckers) know that the first week an album is out is the best time to buy, since the major chains sell them cheap, starting on new release Tuesday, to get people into the stores. And labels like that since it means strong first week sales and chart placement. Target has the new Oasis dual disc for the same price ($11.99) but Best Buy offered an additional bonus disc with 5 songs recorded live at Chicago’s Metro Theater in 1994. So that’s where I got mine. The Beatles’ homage/rip-offs continue and, though I run lukewarm and cold with these guys, listening to a new Oasis album is pretty much obligatory in My Line Of Work. As obligations go, that’s not bad.
8. SANTANA – The Hits (Columbia)
At $5.99 I couldn’t resist a copy for the reference library. And a good excuse to clear out some old vinyl.
Also picked up another copy of the freebie sampler “I Love That Song,” which won’t count in the total.
Sent:
9.BETTER THAN EZRA – Before the Robots (Song/Artemis)
Post preview posts on Thursday. click here
10. LIZZ WRIGHT – Dreaming Wide Awake (Verve Forecast)
11. EMBRACE – Out of Nothing (Lava/Atlantic)
12. TSAR – Band*Girls*Money (TVT)
13. PUNK-O-RAMA (Epitaph)
14. LEFT ALONE – Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts (Hellcat Records)
15. ZZZ – Palm Reader (PolyVinyl Records)
Publicist described them as a Tim Burton soundtrack on speed. Which basically means Oingo Boingo, no? I heard it, and shades of Romeo Void, too, in the stuttering sax and sassy female vocalist. A pleasant time warp tri back to the New Wave days.
16. SCHOOLYARD HEROES – Fantastic Wounds (NA)
Tuesday, May 31
17. TURIN BRAKES - JackInABox (Astralwerks)
A new, neat discovery. Previously only a name I'd heard about, and assumed was somehow more artsy and less accessible. One of those rare releases that Terry (the hubby) noticed on first play and asked about.
18. KRAFTWERK – Minimum-Maximum (Astralwerks)
YTD: 460
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Viva Las Vegas - and music, too.
Tuesday, May 31
Today's deliveries must wait until tomorrow to be listed, as there is much catching up to do!
Saturday, May 28
Tower prices are generally higher than other stores, but you can’t beat the selection. And sometimes the clearance area has some great buys. I got these import singles for under $5 each:
1. JOHN MAYER – Why Georgia (Columbia)
Lately, I have heard a few snaps at Mayer, indicating that he’s become the new poster boy for bland commercial radio, but that’s unfair. Except for the truly treacly “Daughters,” Mayer's shown himself to be a credible, melodic songwriter and can play a wicked guitar when he wants to – usually saved for the live shows. So give him a break. He hasn’t disgraced himself – yet. Features a live version, plus one of “3x5,” and a demo of “No Such Thing.”
2. RADIOHEAD – There there (Parlophone)
Hail to the Thief single plus two previously unreleased tracks, and a small art print.
3. KINGS OF LEON – Wasted Time
Includes “Molly’s Hangover” (a slow take on “Molly’s Chambers”), a live version of “Joe’s Head” and a video of the title track.
4. SOMETHING CORPORATE – If You C Jordan (MCA/Drive-Thru)
Includes “Bad Day,” the “Jordan” video, and an acoustic version of “I Want to Save You.”
Also, these full-lengths were 75% off, so for under $3 each, I had to take a chance:
5. MARTIN GRECH – Open Heart Zoo (Island)
The sticker says that the title track was featured in the new Lexus TV commercial, which usually means something catchy. First listen started badly, but I was drawn in by later tracks.
6. SANDY DILLON & HECTOR ZAZOU – Las Vegas is Cursed (Crammed)
Zazou's name is familiar from a CD he did some years back, with interesting female vocalists (Suzanne Vega? Jane Siberry? Must look it up). I like some of the song titles, too: “God Believes in Showbiz,” “Excuse Me (If I’m Sad).” First listen indicated that Ms. Dillon has a voice that may take some getting used to.
7. WORD OF MOUTH magazine with free CD of new music
People I know I like: Nick Cave, Shivaree, British Sea Power, Arcade Fire; new ones to find out about: Broken Family Band (like the song title, too: “Where the Hell is My Baby?”), Seasick Steve & the Level Devils, et al.
Target:
8. MOTOWN REMIXED
A tale of obsessive price shopping. First time I checked this album out on iTunes, the full CD, with 19 tracks - a few of them touted as online exclusives - was offered for $9.99. But I knew it was on sale at Target for $7.98, so I went to the store to check out what the deal was. The "hard copy" of the CD had 15 tracks. So, I figured, the online version was a better deal - if those 4 additional tracks meant something to me. I returned to iTunes the next day, and the full CD was now $14.99! So I bought the Target version. I still like jewel cases and liner notes, and even if I buy all four additional tracks from iTunes, I'm ahead. So far, it's coming on as a great collection. Enough retro recognition to be an instant friend, enough new twists to make it all feel fresh again.
Sent:
9. DAN HICKS and the HOT LICKS – Selected Shorts (Surfdog Records)
Actually, got three copies of this in one day, two of them addressed to other Post writers as if they lived at my house. Yeah, I'm running a major newspaper out of my basement! Called the publicist today to straighten out the mistake. Will only count it once.
Friday, May 27
WE GET OUT: Todd Snider and the Nervous Wrecks, plus Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers at the State Theatre
Great show, good fun. Kellogg wasn't as chatty/funny as his reputation made him out to be, so my preview might have been a little off the mark click here. And Todd Snider was playing with a band, so he was less verbose than he was on his wonderful solo live CD, but both had appealing presence, warmth and musical support to make for a fine night of good-time music. i especially like the way Todd ended with an audience singalong of "Enjoy Yourself" (it's later than you think), which appears on his latest, East Nashville Skyline.
Sent:
10. 30 SECONDS TO MARS – A Beautiful Life (Virgin)
Advance. Album in stores August 16.
Gracie bought herself a belated birthday present:
11. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE – Three Cheers for Sweet Romance (Reprise)
I wrote about these guys months ago click here , but didn't hold on to the CD. Grace loves them now, smitten with the clever movie-trailer style video for "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)." It's harder than my usual taste, but they've got humor to go with the angst.
Thursday, May 26
12. ATHLETE - Tourist (Astralwerks)
More grand, emotive British pop for those who can't get enough Coldplay. Not bad, but I keep thinking I'm hearing outtakes from an Elbow album.
Wednesday, May 25
Bought for Grace’s birthday – but I dig ‘em, too:
13. GORILLAZ – Demon Days (Virgin)
Looks like a sure-fire entry to my year-end top ten. The single, "Feel Good Inc." was buzzing through my head for the days leading up to CD release, and now the full-length is the go-to selection when I can't make up my mind. So many styles and so much cool.
14. GREEN DAY - Shenanigans (Reprise)
Her boys, with rarities, covers and B-sides.
Tuesday, May 24
WE GET OUT: Judith Owen and Harry Shearer at Jammin’ Java.
If all you know of Harry Shearer is Spinal Tap, Mighty Wind or the Simpsons, get thee to KCRW.com and check out Le Show, Harry's weekly one-hour mix of music and commentary, often with brilliant audio sketches. Sometimes he plays songs recorded by his wife, Judith Owen, and rightfully so. She's got a beautiful voice and writes wry material that fits in well with the Le Show smarter-than-your-average-radio vibe. Having Judith appear at Jammin java was a treat, especially with Harry adding tasteful bass lines and doing a quick song while she took a "drug break." Afterwards, I got the chance to speak with them both (separately) and was delighted to find that, despite all the intellectual cool they radiate onstage, they're genuinely friendly folk off. Always a thrill to meet heroes. Even better when they share the warmth.
Sent:
15. JOE PERRY – S/T (Roman/Columbia)
16. JOHN CENA & tha TRADEMARC – You Can’t See Me (Columbia)
World Wrestling Federation star turned rapper. No need to break the shrink wrap.
Purchased:
17. BORDERS ESSENTIALS, Vol. 4
Two cents. That’s what this ten-song sampler, including The Clash’s “Train in Vain,” Cheap Trick’s “Surrender (live)” and Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye," among others, cost me at the big but not nasty book store. Perfect to keep in the car as fall-back refreshment for when the radio craps out and you've forgotten to grab new discs for travel.
Monday, 23rd
18. UMe/Chronicles SAMPLER GOLD
This week’s Best Buy freebie. Twelve tracks, but not as tasty as the Borders collection. Having reaquainted myself with the likes of Moody Blues' "Your Wildest Dreams" and Kool & the Gang's "Too Hot," I'm not anxious to revisit any time soon. Still, I dare you to hear Tom Jones sing "It's Not Unusual" and not sing along. A cheap way to cherry-pick for the iPod, though.
Sent:
19.The NERVOUS RETURN – Wake Up Dead (La Salle Records)
Sunday, May 22
Back from Vegas, some packages await. (Sigh, I remember once, returning home from an extended stay in L.A. and having a stack of boxes waiting for me that clocked in at about 80 releases. Those were my glory days of swag!)
20. TODD SNIDER – East Nashville Skyline (Oh Boy!)
A new favorite, discovered in doing a preview for the Post. click here
21. ROSANNE CASH – Interiors (Columbia Legacy)
22. ROSANNE CASH – Seven Year Ache (Columbia Legacy)
23. ROSANNE CASH – King’s Record Shop (Columbia Legacy)
Three generic plastic-cased reissues, coming this summer. Back in the day, when I lived in NYC and wrote a syndicated music column about music videos, I was invited to dinner at a hip Tribeca restaurant (I think DeNiro owned it) with Ms. Cash and about six other music writers. It was a blast, and I met a cool editor from Seventeen magazine, who later threw a little work my way. At the time, Rosanne was promoting Interiors, and I remember liking the album a lot. Listening to it again now, it doesn't have quite the same you-are-there impact, but I'll enjoy re-exploring this wise woman's music.
24. DAVID POE – Love is Red (7 Twenty Records)
Mature, but not dull-edged, pop/jazz, sorta like Sting without the annoying smug success factor. Coming to Jammin Java next week.
25. THE MOANERS – Dark Snack (Yep Roc)
26. ARUNA – Running Red Lights (Eskala)
27. PEPPER’S GHOST – Shake the Hand that Shook the World (Hybrid)
Official version of a generic cardboard advance I got many weeks ago. Playing at Nation on June 13th.
28. JEFF BLACK – Tin Lily (Dualtone)
29. The GREENCARDS – Weather and Water (Dualtone)
Official version duplicate of an advance I received earlier. Easy to like pop/rock bluegrass.
30. DROPKICK MURPHYS – The Warrior’s Code (Hellcat Records)
Celtic punk. Like a Reese's peanut butter cup, two great tastes that taste great together.
Wednesday, May 18
Purchased from iTunes:
31. STEPHEN KELLOGG and the SIXERS – S/T (Foundations/Universal)
I had an advance of this album in the reference binder, but it wouldn't load into my iTunes for the Vegas trip, so I bought it. Much as I enjoyed Kellogg in concert, the songs alone don't grab me yet.
32. TODD SNIDER – Near Truths and Hotel Rooms
Also purchased to help with the Post story (I spend in order to do my job, so don't begrudge the freebies when they come), this CD was a revelation. Todd's such a good storyteller that, as catchy as his songs are, you're kinda happy when they end 'cause then you're gonna get another sweet tale.
Emusic:
33. MY MORNING JACKET - Live at the 930 Club 8-16-2002
Gotta use up my monthly music allowance and refuel the iPod for the trip.
34. SPOON – Gimme Fiction
And this is what makes emusic so good - beign able to to take a chance on a CD that I've only heard about, for about $4.oo. Could be a contender for year's best. Only now I wanna read the liner notes!
35. TROUBLED HUBBLE - Live at Schubas 3-8-2005
Today (Monday, May 31st), Grace got an envelope in the mail with a TH t-shirt and handmade birthday card from these guys. You gotta love them - and if you listen to 'em, you will. It's not just a 'love 'em 'cause I like 'em' thing.
YTD: 442
Today's deliveries must wait until tomorrow to be listed, as there is much catching up to do!
Saturday, May 28
Tower prices are generally higher than other stores, but you can’t beat the selection. And sometimes the clearance area has some great buys. I got these import singles for under $5 each:
1. JOHN MAYER – Why Georgia (Columbia)
Lately, I have heard a few snaps at Mayer, indicating that he’s become the new poster boy for bland commercial radio, but that’s unfair. Except for the truly treacly “Daughters,” Mayer's shown himself to be a credible, melodic songwriter and can play a wicked guitar when he wants to – usually saved for the live shows. So give him a break. He hasn’t disgraced himself – yet. Features a live version, plus one of “3x5,” and a demo of “No Such Thing.”
2. RADIOHEAD – There there (Parlophone)
Hail to the Thief single plus two previously unreleased tracks, and a small art print.
3. KINGS OF LEON – Wasted Time
Includes “Molly’s Hangover” (a slow take on “Molly’s Chambers”), a live version of “Joe’s Head” and a video of the title track.
4. SOMETHING CORPORATE – If You C Jordan (MCA/Drive-Thru)
Includes “Bad Day,” the “Jordan” video, and an acoustic version of “I Want to Save You.”
Also, these full-lengths were 75% off, so for under $3 each, I had to take a chance:
5. MARTIN GRECH – Open Heart Zoo (Island)
The sticker says that the title track was featured in the new Lexus TV commercial, which usually means something catchy. First listen started badly, but I was drawn in by later tracks.
6. SANDY DILLON & HECTOR ZAZOU – Las Vegas is Cursed (Crammed)
Zazou's name is familiar from a CD he did some years back, with interesting female vocalists (Suzanne Vega? Jane Siberry? Must look it up). I like some of the song titles, too: “God Believes in Showbiz,” “Excuse Me (If I’m Sad).” First listen indicated that Ms. Dillon has a voice that may take some getting used to.
7. WORD OF MOUTH magazine with free CD of new music
People I know I like: Nick Cave, Shivaree, British Sea Power, Arcade Fire; new ones to find out about: Broken Family Band (like the song title, too: “Where the Hell is My Baby?”), Seasick Steve & the Level Devils, et al.
Target:
8. MOTOWN REMIXED
A tale of obsessive price shopping. First time I checked this album out on iTunes, the full CD, with 19 tracks - a few of them touted as online exclusives - was offered for $9.99. But I knew it was on sale at Target for $7.98, so I went to the store to check out what the deal was. The "hard copy" of the CD had 15 tracks. So, I figured, the online version was a better deal - if those 4 additional tracks meant something to me. I returned to iTunes the next day, and the full CD was now $14.99! So I bought the Target version. I still like jewel cases and liner notes, and even if I buy all four additional tracks from iTunes, I'm ahead. So far, it's coming on as a great collection. Enough retro recognition to be an instant friend, enough new twists to make it all feel fresh again.
Sent:
9. DAN HICKS and the HOT LICKS – Selected Shorts (Surfdog Records)
Actually, got three copies of this in one day, two of them addressed to other Post writers as if they lived at my house. Yeah, I'm running a major newspaper out of my basement! Called the publicist today to straighten out the mistake. Will only count it once.
Friday, May 27
WE GET OUT: Todd Snider and the Nervous Wrecks, plus Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers at the State Theatre
Great show, good fun. Kellogg wasn't as chatty/funny as his reputation made him out to be, so my preview might have been a little off the mark click here. And Todd Snider was playing with a band, so he was less verbose than he was on his wonderful solo live CD, but both had appealing presence, warmth and musical support to make for a fine night of good-time music. i especially like the way Todd ended with an audience singalong of "Enjoy Yourself" (it's later than you think), which appears on his latest, East Nashville Skyline.
Sent:
10. 30 SECONDS TO MARS – A Beautiful Life (Virgin)
Advance. Album in stores August 16.
Gracie bought herself a belated birthday present:
11. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE – Three Cheers for Sweet Romance (Reprise)
I wrote about these guys months ago click here , but didn't hold on to the CD. Grace loves them now, smitten with the clever movie-trailer style video for "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)." It's harder than my usual taste, but they've got humor to go with the angst.
Thursday, May 26
12. ATHLETE - Tourist (Astralwerks)
More grand, emotive British pop for those who can't get enough Coldplay. Not bad, but I keep thinking I'm hearing outtakes from an Elbow album.
Wednesday, May 25
Bought for Grace’s birthday – but I dig ‘em, too:
13. GORILLAZ – Demon Days (Virgin)
Looks like a sure-fire entry to my year-end top ten. The single, "Feel Good Inc." was buzzing through my head for the days leading up to CD release, and now the full-length is the go-to selection when I can't make up my mind. So many styles and so much cool.
14. GREEN DAY - Shenanigans (Reprise)
Her boys, with rarities, covers and B-sides.
Tuesday, May 24
WE GET OUT: Judith Owen and Harry Shearer at Jammin’ Java.
If all you know of Harry Shearer is Spinal Tap, Mighty Wind or the Simpsons, get thee to KCRW.com and check out Le Show, Harry's weekly one-hour mix of music and commentary, often with brilliant audio sketches. Sometimes he plays songs recorded by his wife, Judith Owen, and rightfully so. She's got a beautiful voice and writes wry material that fits in well with the Le Show smarter-than-your-average-radio vibe. Having Judith appear at Jammin java was a treat, especially with Harry adding tasteful bass lines and doing a quick song while she took a "drug break." Afterwards, I got the chance to speak with them both (separately) and was delighted to find that, despite all the intellectual cool they radiate onstage, they're genuinely friendly folk off. Always a thrill to meet heroes. Even better when they share the warmth.
Sent:
15. JOE PERRY – S/T (Roman/Columbia)
16. JOHN CENA & tha TRADEMARC – You Can’t See Me (Columbia)
World Wrestling Federation star turned rapper. No need to break the shrink wrap.
Purchased:
17. BORDERS ESSENTIALS, Vol. 4
Two cents. That’s what this ten-song sampler, including The Clash’s “Train in Vain,” Cheap Trick’s “Surrender (live)” and Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye," among others, cost me at the big but not nasty book store. Perfect to keep in the car as fall-back refreshment for when the radio craps out and you've forgotten to grab new discs for travel.
Monday, 23rd
18. UMe/Chronicles SAMPLER GOLD
This week’s Best Buy freebie. Twelve tracks, but not as tasty as the Borders collection. Having reaquainted myself with the likes of Moody Blues' "Your Wildest Dreams" and Kool & the Gang's "Too Hot," I'm not anxious to revisit any time soon. Still, I dare you to hear Tom Jones sing "It's Not Unusual" and not sing along. A cheap way to cherry-pick for the iPod, though.
Sent:
19.The NERVOUS RETURN – Wake Up Dead (La Salle Records)
Sunday, May 22
Back from Vegas, some packages await. (Sigh, I remember once, returning home from an extended stay in L.A. and having a stack of boxes waiting for me that clocked in at about 80 releases. Those were my glory days of swag!)
20. TODD SNIDER – East Nashville Skyline (Oh Boy!)
A new favorite, discovered in doing a preview for the Post. click here
21. ROSANNE CASH – Interiors (Columbia Legacy)
22. ROSANNE CASH – Seven Year Ache (Columbia Legacy)
23. ROSANNE CASH – King’s Record Shop (Columbia Legacy)
Three generic plastic-cased reissues, coming this summer. Back in the day, when I lived in NYC and wrote a syndicated music column about music videos, I was invited to dinner at a hip Tribeca restaurant (I think DeNiro owned it) with Ms. Cash and about six other music writers. It was a blast, and I met a cool editor from Seventeen magazine, who later threw a little work my way. At the time, Rosanne was promoting Interiors, and I remember liking the album a lot. Listening to it again now, it doesn't have quite the same you-are-there impact, but I'll enjoy re-exploring this wise woman's music.
24. DAVID POE – Love is Red (7 Twenty Records)
Mature, but not dull-edged, pop/jazz, sorta like Sting without the annoying smug success factor. Coming to Jammin Java next week.
25. THE MOANERS – Dark Snack (Yep Roc)
26. ARUNA – Running Red Lights (Eskala)
27. PEPPER’S GHOST – Shake the Hand that Shook the World (Hybrid)
Official version of a generic cardboard advance I got many weeks ago. Playing at Nation on June 13th.
28. JEFF BLACK – Tin Lily (Dualtone)
29. The GREENCARDS – Weather and Water (Dualtone)
Official version duplicate of an advance I received earlier. Easy to like pop/rock bluegrass.
30. DROPKICK MURPHYS – The Warrior’s Code (Hellcat Records)
Celtic punk. Like a Reese's peanut butter cup, two great tastes that taste great together.
Wednesday, May 18
Purchased from iTunes:
31. STEPHEN KELLOGG and the SIXERS – S/T (Foundations/Universal)
I had an advance of this album in the reference binder, but it wouldn't load into my iTunes for the Vegas trip, so I bought it. Much as I enjoyed Kellogg in concert, the songs alone don't grab me yet.
32. TODD SNIDER – Near Truths and Hotel Rooms
Also purchased to help with the Post story (I spend in order to do my job, so don't begrudge the freebies when they come), this CD was a revelation. Todd's such a good storyteller that, as catchy as his songs are, you're kinda happy when they end 'cause then you're gonna get another sweet tale.
Emusic:
33. MY MORNING JACKET - Live at the 930 Club 8-16-2002
Gotta use up my monthly music allowance and refuel the iPod for the trip.
34. SPOON – Gimme Fiction
And this is what makes emusic so good - beign able to to take a chance on a CD that I've only heard about, for about $4.oo. Could be a contender for year's best. Only now I wanna read the liner notes!
35. TROUBLED HUBBLE - Live at Schubas 3-8-2005
Today (Monday, May 31st), Grace got an envelope in the mail with a TH t-shirt and handmade birthday card from these guys. You gotta love them - and if you listen to 'em, you will. It's not just a 'love 'em 'cause I like 'em' thing.
YTD: 442
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
I Want My Job, Too
Tuesday, May 17
Just two CDs in the mail today:
1.SYSTEM OF A DOWN - Mezmerize (American/Columbia)
2.SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS soundtrack (Sony Music Soundtraxx)
I read the book 'cause Grace said it was one of the best she ever read, and it's a nice teen book. Now the movie with her favorite TV star, from the Gilmore Girls, which I watch faithfully, too. Something I can add to her pile of presents - she'll be 15 next week.
but where I was going yesterday...
Monday, May 16
There used to be a saying in the music biz, "It's all in the grooves." What do we say now that vinyl has been largely replaced by shiny plastic? And what if there's more to talk about than just the music, i.e. packaging? The majority of the releases I obtained in the past few days are not only wonderful to listen to, for the most part, but artfully presented. That's the kind of thing that iTunes still can't match.
Purchased:
3.TROUBLED HUBBLE - Making Beds in a Burning House (Lookout!)
Even if this lovely quartet from Chicago didn't sleep in my basement for much of the time they were recording their album in Arlington (with Jason Caddell, ex of Dismemberment Plan, producing) and even if they didn't thank me (and the family) personally in the liner notes, and even if they weren't four of the nicest guys I've ever met in this crazy business of show, I would STILL call this a damn fine CD. Lead singer and lyricist Chris Opetka has a deliciously skewed worldview (try "I See Molecules") and a tender heart ("Even Marathon Runners Need to Nap") and he's backed by a kickin' rock band that has fun while getting the job done. I give this my personal guarantee. You will not be disappointed by this CD and, if you can see them live, money back if you don't have a great time. So there.
Sent:
4. MEREDITH BRAGG and the TERMINALS -S/T (The Kora Records)
At first I was drawn to the beautiful packaging - letterpress on kraft cardbboard with blue/purple ink and sly wording ("Timbre quality manipulated by Mr. Chad Clark" - I think that means the DC area stalwart mixed it). But in just two listens, it's moving fast up my personal hit parade. I'm such a sucker for bands that use cellos. Bragg still sounds very Elliot Smith, albeit with a happier disposition, and there's touches of Nick Drake and Postal Service, too. Perfect late night drifting away music.
Months ago, I wrote about Bragg's appearance on a multi-act benefit for the late and lamented music/fashion store Now! and he sent me a CD-R of music to write about. Given the name Meredith, and the fact that we communicated only via email, I assumed I was writing about a woman and, when the disc came, I was suprised to hear a voice uncannily similar to Elliot Smith's. I remained confused until I saw the subtiitle on this official disc's elegant cover: "An inquiry into the nature of pressure waves through eleven songs by Meredith Bragg with his band the Terminals, Vol. 1." Call me stupid, but at least I'm honest about it. The last male Meredith I knew was the guy who wrote "The Music Man."
5. NIKKA COSTA - Can'tNeverDidn'tNothin' (Virgin)
Official version of a CD I got as cardboard case advance a while back. Popped it in the car for a few songs, but doubt I'll go back again. It's chick dance blues rock scream stuff and not my bag, baby.
Sunday, May 15
Purchased at the Galaxy Hut, after A Northern Chorus played a great set, moving from delicate cello (they're everywhere these days!) and harmony sentiments to bracingly loud crescendo. click
6. A NORTHERN CHORUS - Before We All Go To Pieces (S/R)
The band's first, self-released CD, from 2001 is one of those each-and-every-one's-unique productions. The disc, with stickered label, sits on a corrugated cardboard tray in a silver metal box with the band name and title stencilled on front. There's a crudely glued paper insert with song titles and production details and two small square art cards - little screen prints. This is why the phrase "musical artists" applies to some bands more than others. The music is equally attendent to detail. Another great evening album for stimulating chill time.
7. A NORTHERN CHORUS - spirit flags (Sonic Unyon)
Saturday, May 14
Great day at the HFStival. Sad to see we missed They Might Be Giants' set, but we did catch the two Johns chatting with a third - the much-missed HFS DJ Johnny Riggs - who was conducting interviews from the basement of M&T Band Stadium in Baltimore.
At first, it looked like it would be a quiet, sit-in-the-stands kind of day when the media will call window had no record of my photo pass request from SUM-41. But then I ran into Rich, my pal and former editor at the Post, and he did a little backstage wrangling when he went to do an interview with Benji of Good Charlotte and came back with the magic laminate. With that, I was able to shoot mainstage pit shots of Garbage, Billy Idol, Coldplay and New York Dolls, although the Dolls shots were lost in a media card snafu, as was a great close-up of Shirley Manson, Dave Grohl and Butch Vig backstage. (GRRRRRR....) Also made the effort to shoot SUM-41, despite the fact that they "stood me up" and found their potty-mouth juvenile delinquency act is getting tired. The best part of their set for me was taking the disposable camera of a discouraged fan in a far corner spot and bringing it with me into the prime pit area so I could give her some good shots (I hope).
"I want your job!" one girl, crushed against the barricade, moaned as I moved freely in the photo pit in front of the stage, dodging the flying crowd-surfers. It's more a paid hobby, I told her, but yeah, it's fun in a place like this. Rich and I agreed, sneaking a smoke outside the glass-enclosed press box, complete with free drinks and many clean bathrooms, that big festivals would be pretty hard to get through at our age without the niceties of press access.
Other high points included a brief chat with the lovely Miss Manson, introducing Grace to Benji and Joel of GC, getting a hug from Vince from Army of Me (great local band) and chatting with two guys from the Bravery about their Rube Goldberg-ian video. And hearing Foo Fighters sing "My Hero," one of my favorites ever! That, and seeing Taylor with his shirt off - again.
The shots that came out well - including many of the Divine Miss M in fishnets, Billy Idol's scowl, and Chris Martin's scary hairy belly - will be up soon on my web site, closepersonalfriend.com.
Got home from the festival and had this most delightful discovery:
8. BRIAN ENO - Thursday Afternoon (Astralwerks)
9. BRIAN ENO - Music for Films (Astralwerks)
10. BRIAN ENO - More Music for Films(Astralwerks)
11. BRIAN ENO - Apollo (Astralwerks)
Many weeks ago, I sent an email to one of the label's publicists, admitting that I had no assignment, but if she could spare any of the Eno reissues. At the time, I may have been referring to the more song-oriented works, like Before and Afetr Science (a personal favorite), but I think I was late off the mark. Any Eno is good Eno, and these selections from his ambient series are, for the most part, most welcome replacements for vinyl. What a nice upgrade and sweet welcome home from a fine day of muc more rowdy music.
Also in the day's mail:
12. DEATH BY STEREO - Death for Life (Epitaph)
13. HUSKY RESCUE - Country Falls (Minty Fresh)
It's hard to call attention to new bands before they earn/cajole/bribe their way to radio play, so the first best plan may be to have a cool name. Husky Rescue is such a name. Without hearing a note, I've been tracking their movement in the flurry of press releases sent by the publicity team working them. Now the CD has arrived, so I put it in gladly, to discover that it's got a chilly female vocalist and folk/electronica vibe which sorta reminds me of Portishead.
YTD: 407
Just two CDs in the mail today:
1.SYSTEM OF A DOWN - Mezmerize (American/Columbia)
2.SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS soundtrack (Sony Music Soundtraxx)
I read the book 'cause Grace said it was one of the best she ever read, and it's a nice teen book. Now the movie with her favorite TV star, from the Gilmore Girls, which I watch faithfully, too. Something I can add to her pile of presents - she'll be 15 next week.
but where I was going yesterday...
Monday, May 16
There used to be a saying in the music biz, "It's all in the grooves." What do we say now that vinyl has been largely replaced by shiny plastic? And what if there's more to talk about than just the music, i.e. packaging? The majority of the releases I obtained in the past few days are not only wonderful to listen to, for the most part, but artfully presented. That's the kind of thing that iTunes still can't match.
Purchased:
3.TROUBLED HUBBLE - Making Beds in a Burning House (Lookout!)
Even if this lovely quartet from Chicago didn't sleep in my basement for much of the time they were recording their album in Arlington (with Jason Caddell, ex of Dismemberment Plan, producing) and even if they didn't thank me (and the family) personally in the liner notes, and even if they weren't four of the nicest guys I've ever met in this crazy business of show, I would STILL call this a damn fine CD. Lead singer and lyricist Chris Opetka has a deliciously skewed worldview (try "I See Molecules") and a tender heart ("Even Marathon Runners Need to Nap") and he's backed by a kickin' rock band that has fun while getting the job done. I give this my personal guarantee. You will not be disappointed by this CD and, if you can see them live, money back if you don't have a great time. So there.
Sent:
4. MEREDITH BRAGG and the TERMINALS -S/T (The Kora Records)
At first I was drawn to the beautiful packaging - letterpress on kraft cardbboard with blue/purple ink and sly wording ("Timbre quality manipulated by Mr. Chad Clark" - I think that means the DC area stalwart mixed it). But in just two listens, it's moving fast up my personal hit parade. I'm such a sucker for bands that use cellos. Bragg still sounds very Elliot Smith, albeit with a happier disposition, and there's touches of Nick Drake and Postal Service, too. Perfect late night drifting away music.
Months ago, I wrote about Bragg's appearance on a multi-act benefit for the late and lamented music/fashion store Now! and he sent me a CD-R of music to write about. Given the name Meredith, and the fact that we communicated only via email, I assumed I was writing about a woman and, when the disc came, I was suprised to hear a voice uncannily similar to Elliot Smith's. I remained confused until I saw the subtiitle on this official disc's elegant cover: "An inquiry into the nature of pressure waves through eleven songs by Meredith Bragg with his band the Terminals, Vol. 1." Call me stupid, but at least I'm honest about it. The last male Meredith I knew was the guy who wrote "The Music Man."
5. NIKKA COSTA - Can'tNeverDidn'tNothin' (Virgin)
Official version of a CD I got as cardboard case advance a while back. Popped it in the car for a few songs, but doubt I'll go back again. It's chick dance blues rock scream stuff and not my bag, baby.
Sunday, May 15
Purchased at the Galaxy Hut, after A Northern Chorus played a great set, moving from delicate cello (they're everywhere these days!) and harmony sentiments to bracingly loud crescendo. click
6. A NORTHERN CHORUS - Before We All Go To Pieces (S/R)
The band's first, self-released CD, from 2001 is one of those each-and-every-one's-unique productions. The disc, with stickered label, sits on a corrugated cardboard tray in a silver metal box with the band name and title stencilled on front. There's a crudely glued paper insert with song titles and production details and two small square art cards - little screen prints. This is why the phrase "musical artists" applies to some bands more than others. The music is equally attendent to detail. Another great evening album for stimulating chill time.
7. A NORTHERN CHORUS - spirit flags (Sonic Unyon)
Saturday, May 14
Great day at the HFStival. Sad to see we missed They Might Be Giants' set, but we did catch the two Johns chatting with a third - the much-missed HFS DJ Johnny Riggs - who was conducting interviews from the basement of M&T Band Stadium in Baltimore.
At first, it looked like it would be a quiet, sit-in-the-stands kind of day when the media will call window had no record of my photo pass request from SUM-41. But then I ran into Rich, my pal and former editor at the Post, and he did a little backstage wrangling when he went to do an interview with Benji of Good Charlotte and came back with the magic laminate. With that, I was able to shoot mainstage pit shots of Garbage, Billy Idol, Coldplay and New York Dolls, although the Dolls shots were lost in a media card snafu, as was a great close-up of Shirley Manson, Dave Grohl and Butch Vig backstage. (GRRRRRR....) Also made the effort to shoot SUM-41, despite the fact that they "stood me up" and found their potty-mouth juvenile delinquency act is getting tired. The best part of their set for me was taking the disposable camera of a discouraged fan in a far corner spot and bringing it with me into the prime pit area so I could give her some good shots (I hope).
"I want your job!" one girl, crushed against the barricade, moaned as I moved freely in the photo pit in front of the stage, dodging the flying crowd-surfers. It's more a paid hobby, I told her, but yeah, it's fun in a place like this. Rich and I agreed, sneaking a smoke outside the glass-enclosed press box, complete with free drinks and many clean bathrooms, that big festivals would be pretty hard to get through at our age without the niceties of press access.
Other high points included a brief chat with the lovely Miss Manson, introducing Grace to Benji and Joel of GC, getting a hug from Vince from Army of Me (great local band) and chatting with two guys from the Bravery about their Rube Goldberg-ian video. And hearing Foo Fighters sing "My Hero," one of my favorites ever! That, and seeing Taylor with his shirt off - again.
The shots that came out well - including many of the Divine Miss M in fishnets, Billy Idol's scowl, and Chris Martin's scary hairy belly - will be up soon on my web site, closepersonalfriend.com.
Got home from the festival and had this most delightful discovery:
8. BRIAN ENO - Thursday Afternoon (Astralwerks)
9. BRIAN ENO - Music for Films (Astralwerks)
10. BRIAN ENO - More Music for Films(Astralwerks)
11. BRIAN ENO - Apollo (Astralwerks)
Many weeks ago, I sent an email to one of the label's publicists, admitting that I had no assignment, but if she could spare any of the Eno reissues. At the time, I may have been referring to the more song-oriented works, like Before and Afetr Science (a personal favorite), but I think I was late off the mark. Any Eno is good Eno, and these selections from his ambient series are, for the most part, most welcome replacements for vinyl. What a nice upgrade and sweet welcome home from a fine day of muc more rowdy music.
Also in the day's mail:
12. DEATH BY STEREO - Death for Life (Epitaph)
13. HUSKY RESCUE - Country Falls (Minty Fresh)
It's hard to call attention to new bands before they earn/cajole/bribe their way to radio play, so the first best plan may be to have a cool name. Husky Rescue is such a name. Without hearing a note, I've been tracking their movement in the flurry of press releases sent by the publicity team working them. Now the CD has arrived, so I put it in gladly, to discover that it's got a chilly female vocalist and folk/electronica vibe which sorta reminds me of Portishead.
YTD: 407
Friday, May 13, 2005
Not Lazy, Just Busy
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
I have a lot of catching up to do, so it might get ugly. Gotta ram on and maybe a few details and dates will get fuzzy. Cause it’s a blog!
It's been a busy, and very musical interlude, with a couple of fine shows to recall.
Friday, May 13
No music in the mail today. Karmic payback for not keeping up.
Thursday, May 12
Good news. I got a photo pass for this Saturday's HSFtival in Baltimore. SUM-41's publicist said yes for the book project, and I'm pretty sure the pass will be good all day. So I'm good, too.
In the mail:
1. ROBERT CRAY - Twenty (Sanctuary)
Coming to the Birchmere next month.
Wednesday, May 11:
Purchased:
WILL SMITH - "Switch" (iTunes single)
One song, not to be counted in the YTD total. This is one damn catchy piece of work and the small production details are killer. Been hearing it in the morning on drive time radio (when Grace isn't popping CDs into the player) and every time I hear it, I smile. Having it at home, feet on the floor rather than on the gas pedal, I can dance, too.
2. WEEZER - Make Believe (Geffen)
Grace will pay for this one since she's a big fan, but since her allowance comes out of my pocket, I will claim it here. I hope she doesn't read too much into the Rivers' saga. He may not be the role model of my dreams. But he does have a way with a hook. 'cept for "We Are All In Drugs." That one's just dumb. Oh wait, I just heard "Best Friend." Even Grace agrees that it's a real lazy lyric.
3. The STARTING LINE - Based on a True Story (Drive-Thru/Geffen)
Saw the band from the side of the stage with Grace at the Flipside show (click here) and thought they were quite good. Lead singer has a star's charisma, mighty confident for a young buck just making the move to the big time, I bought it now on sale ($7.99) for Grace's birthday in two weeks. Shhhhh....it's a secret.
4. LIL JON & the EAST SIDE BOYZ - Get Crunk/Lovers & Friends (TVT)
Almost every week, Best Buy offers some add-on CD or DVD trailer bonus if you buy this or that special sale item. But if you buy just about anything else in the entertainment department, you can add one of the freebies to the pile and the cashier just passes it on through. They don't care, but I do. I am not very crunk, but I'll check it out so that I have some knowledge when I need to explain why I am not very crunk. Reason one: ‘cause repeating “Get crunk, monkey feather” (or words that sound a lot like that) is not writing lyrics.
Sent:
5. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - Devils and Dust (Columbia)
An advisory sticker on a Bruce album?! Must admit, I was taken aback when I read the lyrics to the song that earned the tag ("She slipped me out of her mouth...wet her finger, slipped it inside her..."). But by the end of the song, when you realize the desolation that has brought this guy to the hooker's bed, it's truly heartbreaking. Leave it to Bruce, in this age of boobie-phobic censorship, to write a song that demands you admit that "adult imagery" isn't always intended to titillate and corrupt.
I could write a book (actually I did, in 1984 for Ballantine, one of a series of unauthorized rock biographies) about my torrid, if unrequited, love affair with the Boss. We've grown apart in recent years. I prefer the raucous-yet-sensitive gypsy boy of the "Born to Run" era to the elder statesman who's got the state of the world on his mind and the weight of the world on his shoulders. But when Bruce put himself on the line for Kerry, the old romance came back for a while. Bruce is like an old boyfriend who was there for me at a special time in my life. We may have gone down separate roads, but there will always be something intense there.
One strangeness however - this does not appear to be a DualDisc, and I thought all of the CDs were being manufactured that way. Will look that up at Tower records site. Disappointed not to get the full magilla (yeah, yeah, I know; buy the sucker).
6. JULIE LAVENDER - Never Felt the Sun (Covenant)
Covenant Records? Is this Jesus music? The song titles head more for the gooey new age spectrum ("Velvet Arms of Midnight," "Here Come the Dreamers") or Grand Statements - "Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 Aria" (whew! typing that was a bitch!) Listening the first time, with one ear while typing, it sounds more like mellow girl jazz. Might be nice on quiet nights, might be cloying. Need to revisit later.
Also in the mail, and very special to my music-loving soul:
ELVIS COSTELLO - a set list and ticket from the Palais Theatre in England, November 23, 2004, plus a set of actual Elvis guitar strings from the show; the lot purchased on ebay. The set list is for a book project I'm working on (ask for a link if you want to see pages in progress) and, though I have an autographed picture that a former editor got for me at an interview, knowing what a fan I am (shout out to Jeff!), there's something that makes me a little bit giddy to know that EC himself stroked these strings.
Oddity noted on the setlist - "13 Steps" (as it's called here) appears twice. There's a listing for "Brilliant Mistake." Is he covering Bruce? And there is no "Watching the Detectives"! Oh dear. Elvis is coming to Wolf Trap this summer. If there's a chance he's no longer performing my #1 A-list favorite song, I'd better start bracing myself now.
Tuesday, May 10
No CD's in the mail today, but I did score reasonably good tix (Row T, center aisle) to take Grace to see Green Day and Jimmy Eat World in August, thanks to the fan presale, which I was alerted to by a publicity mailing. Wherever you are, you would have heard her scream for joy when I showed her the email confirmation, but she shoved a pillow in her face to spare us all.
Saturday, May 7
purchase:
7. FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF 2 CD-set from Filter magazine and Urban Outfitters
Excellent price ($15) for a double disc that covers lots of my recent favorites - Death Cab, Interpol, Elbow, Franz Ferdinand, (the ubiquitous) Kaiser Chiefs - and cool newcomers - LCD Soundsystem, Juana Molina, Rilo Kiley, Caribou - many in new remixes and previously unreleased tracks. Played it on the car ride home from NYC, picking up college girl and everyone in the car (age range 15-54) was diggin' it. Almost left one of the discs in the mini-van rental. That would have been a major bummer. Well worth looking for.
Wednesday, May 4:
Spent a brief twenty minutes or so speaking on the phone with Stu Livingston, one of the two guitarist-vocalist-lyricists of the fine Canadian band, A Northern Chorus, this week's Post Live! pick click here. The Ontario chamber pop quintet's third release, "Bitter Hands Resign," is one of those never-would-have-heard-of-it-otherwise albums that came to me because of the Post gig. A lovely discovery.
Nothing musical in the mail today, but I went to Best Buy and got
8. The PARTRIDGE FAMILY - The Complete First Season (DVD)
I'm including it in the count because it contains a 4-track sampler of music from the show and one of the special features is the ability to go straight to the "musical performances" (if ever a phrase required ironic quotes..) I can't tell you more now since I'm waiting to open it until after Mother's Day, in case I get one as a gift.
9. I LOVE THAT SONG/THE BEST OF THE 20th CENTURY - sampler for the Universal Millenium Collection releases
This week's freebie (with purchase).This one has a few songs I can add to the oldies mix, a number I already own and two (Toby Keith, Motley Crue) I will never need.
Monday, May 2
10. MASSIVE ATTACK - Unleashed soundtrack (EMI)
First "Danny the Dog," now "Unleashed." I'm getting a doggie vibe here. Though I'm not well versed in the music of this highly-regarded British dance band, I have enjoyed what I've heard so far. Dance/electronica, even some at its best, just flows through me, and it's hard for me to judge the various styles (house, dub, trance, etc) so I just like what I like and let other people stick on the titles. Massive Attack is a brand name with clout, so I trust it.
Speaking of which, I lost track of when this one came in, but recently re-discovered it in Terry's car:
11. BEN WATT – Buzzin’ Fly, Volume 2: Replenishing Music for the Modern Soul (Astralwerks)
I came to Watt’s work with Everything But the Girl late, but appreciate it now. This is more of an electronic mix thing he’s got going, and the first track is a respectful rumination of post 9-11 New York City. Somehow, I never seem to get past the third track without being interrupted, but I’m looking forward to more of what I’ve heard so far.
Sunday, May 1
Grace and I arrived at the Interpunk Flipside Festival (Post Preview) late in the game - it was 6ish and the music started around noon. Aiming for Rufio, a band reccomended by her cousin, but they went on a half hour early (unheard of!) and so we caught Motion City Soundtrack first. Got to stand on the side of the stage, which made for some new photo angles.
12. DEAD EYES – Grave for the Fireflies (S/R)
Some enterprising young band did a great job of creating these promo discs. The disc label is a little creepy – a B&W illustration of an eyeball being cut (shades of Bunel!) but each one is packaged in an individually made envelope – stickered and distressed, even singed at the edges, as if caught in a fire. I have #921/1000 and I will keep it for the design elements; the music is fairly generic goth rock gloom.
On one of the side stages, Grace caught a Baltimore outfit and, deciding she liked the music - and thought the band was cute - bought both of their self-released CDs:
13. SILENT FILM- Our New Heaven
14. SILENT FILM - The City is My Sea
15. PATENT PENDING - I Am Your Biological Father ((Booyah)
Grace was catching a chill, so we grabbed a bargain at another merch table, this one manned by a friendly guy who turned out to be the lead singer for the band Patent Pending (truth be told, I thought that was the label’s name, there were so many T-shirts!) She got a sweatshirt with a nice rocket logo and the band’s CD for $20. And it turned out to be pretty good music, too. “Cheer Up, Emo Kid” could be a left-field hit.
16.The STARTING LINE - Say It Like You Mean It (Drive-Thru Records)
Smitten by the band after seeing their set from the side of the stage, Grace purchased the CD and a rugby-style T-shirt. She played this on the car ride home, and squealed with delight when she discovered they sang a song she’s always loved from a sampler her sister had made for her.
17. EQUAL VISION RECORDS – Summer sampler 2004
18. NEW SOUNDS VOL. 2 (Equal Vision Records sampler)
19.CRASH BOOM BANG – S/T (S/R)
DC area band, appearing at the HFStival.
Saturday, April 30
$1.50 bargains at the thrift store:
20. NUYORICAN SOUL - S/T (Giant Step/Blue Thumb)
The CD design was just so cool - designed like a miniature cigar box and the price so low, I took a chance.
21. PREFAB SPROUT - Jordan: The Comeback (Epic)
Inspired by Le Concorde, whose singer/songwriter Stephan Backer swears by them. Since I adore Le Concorde’s “Universe and Villa” CD, I snatched this up, but it’s a tad too twee for me.
Friday, April 29
Sent:
22. A NORTHERN CHORUS - Bitter Hands Resign (Sonic Unyon)
A classy CD package, pulled together using public domain engravings from the Dover artist series. The music shows the same kind of meticulous care. An album I liked within minutes of putting it on. Do you need the Post preview link again?
click here
23.RUFIO – MCMLXXXV (Nitro)
Another Flipside band (the one we missed).
Purchased at the Black Cat show, with IVY and Astaire:
24. STARS - Set Yourself On Fire (Arts& Crafts International)
Going into this show, I had no fore-knowledge of this Canadian collective, but they impressed me straight out of the gate. Two vocalists, one male and one woman, the guy a small man with big attitude in the right way. Dedicated the song “Reunion” to Dick Cheney, in hopes that he would return to high school and finally consumate his love for the football team player he's lusted for all these years.
Wednesday, April 27
Traded for at the CD Cellar
25.SHELBY LYNNE – The Making of Suit Yourself (Capitol)
I’ve tried to play this promo disc twice – in my car and in my discman – and it keeps popping out. Maybe it’s a DVD?
26.KIKI and HERB Will Die for You at Carnegie Hall
Gay drag cabaret versions, with funny, bitchy commentary, of songs like “When Doves Cry,” “The Windmills of My Mind,” “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” and “Ladies and Gentlemen, We are Floating in Space.” Something I can’t play in front of the family or they may cart me away.
27. BRITISH SEA POWER – Open Season
Somebody’s cheapo knock-off advance (paper cover, no title, generic CD-R disc), and a bargain for $1.99. Evocative, slightly grand (but not pompous) British rock. Not what I expected, since I expected long guitar solos, but it’s the kind of thing I like. Interesting lyrics (there’s a song about a falling ice floe) and headphone worthy elements.
28. HELLO RECORDING CLUB
One of the Johns in They Might Be Giants started this mail-order music club back in the day. But hey, it’s got a 1997 copyright, so maybe HRC lasted longer than I thought. This edition, featuring a band called You Were Spiraling, is a nice addition to my found-music set. Gentle pop with a Ben Folds vibe.
29.PLUNDERPHONICS
Before there were mash-ups and sampling, there was John Owsley, putting stuff together that wasn’t meant to be but sounds weirdly wonderful just the same. I read about his work years and years ago in Wired magazine, I think, but it seemed he might never get clearance to release his bizarre experiments, which pull recognizable bits from classic songs and run them through an audio meat grinder. Whether it’s legal or not, this is a classy two-disc set with a booklet of extensive liner notes to guide you through his musical rubic cubes.
30. 33Hz – Digital Lover/Crazy All The Time
Free giveaway single. The return of disco, but not the fun kind.
Oh, dear. I'm losing track of what came when! The OCD is kicking in big-time, and I don't know what to do...! [ORGAN STING!] Oh well, just toss in a few more…
Purchased:
31.BEN FOLDS - Song for Silverman (Epic)
New Dual Disc mode. Fold has such a natural ability to write melody that you can take him for granted; even on first listen, this new album is as comfortable as Westin hotle “heavenly bed.” But I’m not sure if he can, as a solo artist, meet the heights of his work with the Five. There’s a song here called “Gracie,” which is, naturally a family favorite, but if it were named “Katie,” I don’t think I’d consider it more than a sweet throwaway.
32.VICTORY RECORDS free sampler
"Free with purchase of select Victory Records CDs." Or anything else you might pick up at Best Buy.
Sent:
33. EDIE CAREY – When I Was Made (self-released?)
34. The FORECAST – Late Night Conversations (Victory)
35. MATISYAHU – Live at Stubb’s (Or Music)
Jewish rap seems to be a new trend. I’m a recovering Catholic, but I was raised in New York City and attended a few seders in my time, so it’s not as exotic as world music from a far distant country, but I know I’m not getting the full effect.
36. JOHNNY REINHARD – Charles Ives Universe Symphony (Stereo Society)
This was sent to me by mistake, addressed to another Post critic at my address. The last time this happened, the editor told me to keep it, adding, ‘if the publicists don’t know their business well enough to get the address right, that’s their problem.’ I usually let them know, though, and worry that someone somewhere is getting my mail!
YTD total: 394
Whew! I know there’s stragglers I haven’t included, so I’ll toss ‘em in at a late date, but now at least I can start fresh tomorrow! Tune back in for news from the festival!
I have a lot of catching up to do, so it might get ugly. Gotta ram on and maybe a few details and dates will get fuzzy. Cause it’s a blog!
It's been a busy, and very musical interlude, with a couple of fine shows to recall.
Friday, May 13
No music in the mail today. Karmic payback for not keeping up.
Thursday, May 12
Good news. I got a photo pass for this Saturday's HSFtival in Baltimore. SUM-41's publicist said yes for the book project, and I'm pretty sure the pass will be good all day. So I'm good, too.
In the mail:
1. ROBERT CRAY - Twenty (Sanctuary)
Coming to the Birchmere next month.
Wednesday, May 11:
Purchased:
WILL SMITH - "Switch" (iTunes single)
One song, not to be counted in the YTD total. This is one damn catchy piece of work and the small production details are killer. Been hearing it in the morning on drive time radio (when Grace isn't popping CDs into the player) and every time I hear it, I smile. Having it at home, feet on the floor rather than on the gas pedal, I can dance, too.
2. WEEZER - Make Believe (Geffen)
Grace will pay for this one since she's a big fan, but since her allowance comes out of my pocket, I will claim it here. I hope she doesn't read too much into the Rivers' saga. He may not be the role model of my dreams. But he does have a way with a hook. 'cept for "We Are All In Drugs." That one's just dumb. Oh wait, I just heard "Best Friend." Even Grace agrees that it's a real lazy lyric.
3. The STARTING LINE - Based on a True Story (Drive-Thru/Geffen)
Saw the band from the side of the stage with Grace at the Flipside show (click here) and thought they were quite good. Lead singer has a star's charisma, mighty confident for a young buck just making the move to the big time, I bought it now on sale ($7.99) for Grace's birthday in two weeks. Shhhhh....it's a secret.
4. LIL JON & the EAST SIDE BOYZ - Get Crunk/Lovers & Friends (TVT)
Almost every week, Best Buy offers some add-on CD or DVD trailer bonus if you buy this or that special sale item. But if you buy just about anything else in the entertainment department, you can add one of the freebies to the pile and the cashier just passes it on through. They don't care, but I do. I am not very crunk, but I'll check it out so that I have some knowledge when I need to explain why I am not very crunk. Reason one: ‘cause repeating “Get crunk, monkey feather” (or words that sound a lot like that) is not writing lyrics.
Sent:
5. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - Devils and Dust (Columbia)
An advisory sticker on a Bruce album?! Must admit, I was taken aback when I read the lyrics to the song that earned the tag ("She slipped me out of her mouth...wet her finger, slipped it inside her..."). But by the end of the song, when you realize the desolation that has brought this guy to the hooker's bed, it's truly heartbreaking. Leave it to Bruce, in this age of boobie-phobic censorship, to write a song that demands you admit that "adult imagery" isn't always intended to titillate and corrupt.
I could write a book (actually I did, in 1984 for Ballantine, one of a series of unauthorized rock biographies) about my torrid, if unrequited, love affair with the Boss. We've grown apart in recent years. I prefer the raucous-yet-sensitive gypsy boy of the "Born to Run" era to the elder statesman who's got the state of the world on his mind and the weight of the world on his shoulders. But when Bruce put himself on the line for Kerry, the old romance came back for a while. Bruce is like an old boyfriend who was there for me at a special time in my life. We may have gone down separate roads, but there will always be something intense there.
One strangeness however - this does not appear to be a DualDisc, and I thought all of the CDs were being manufactured that way. Will look that up at Tower records site. Disappointed not to get the full magilla (yeah, yeah, I know; buy the sucker).
6. JULIE LAVENDER - Never Felt the Sun (Covenant)
Covenant Records? Is this Jesus music? The song titles head more for the gooey new age spectrum ("Velvet Arms of Midnight," "Here Come the Dreamers") or Grand Statements - "Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 Aria" (whew! typing that was a bitch!) Listening the first time, with one ear while typing, it sounds more like mellow girl jazz. Might be nice on quiet nights, might be cloying. Need to revisit later.
Also in the mail, and very special to my music-loving soul:
ELVIS COSTELLO - a set list and ticket from the Palais Theatre in England, November 23, 2004, plus a set of actual Elvis guitar strings from the show; the lot purchased on ebay. The set list is for a book project I'm working on (ask for a link if you want to see pages in progress) and, though I have an autographed picture that a former editor got for me at an interview, knowing what a fan I am (shout out to Jeff!), there's something that makes me a little bit giddy to know that EC himself stroked these strings.
Oddity noted on the setlist - "13 Steps" (as it's called here) appears twice. There's a listing for "Brilliant Mistake." Is he covering Bruce? And there is no "Watching the Detectives"! Oh dear. Elvis is coming to Wolf Trap this summer. If there's a chance he's no longer performing my #1 A-list favorite song, I'd better start bracing myself now.
Tuesday, May 10
No CD's in the mail today, but I did score reasonably good tix (Row T, center aisle) to take Grace to see Green Day and Jimmy Eat World in August, thanks to the fan presale, which I was alerted to by a publicity mailing. Wherever you are, you would have heard her scream for joy when I showed her the email confirmation, but she shoved a pillow in her face to spare us all.
Saturday, May 7
purchase:
7. FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF 2 CD-set from Filter magazine and Urban Outfitters
Excellent price ($15) for a double disc that covers lots of my recent favorites - Death Cab, Interpol, Elbow, Franz Ferdinand, (the ubiquitous) Kaiser Chiefs - and cool newcomers - LCD Soundsystem, Juana Molina, Rilo Kiley, Caribou - many in new remixes and previously unreleased tracks. Played it on the car ride home from NYC, picking up college girl and everyone in the car (age range 15-54) was diggin' it. Almost left one of the discs in the mini-van rental. That would have been a major bummer. Well worth looking for.
Wednesday, May 4:
Spent a brief twenty minutes or so speaking on the phone with Stu Livingston, one of the two guitarist-vocalist-lyricists of the fine Canadian band, A Northern Chorus, this week's Post Live! pick click here. The Ontario chamber pop quintet's third release, "Bitter Hands Resign," is one of those never-would-have-heard-of-it-otherwise albums that came to me because of the Post gig. A lovely discovery.
Nothing musical in the mail today, but I went to Best Buy and got
8. The PARTRIDGE FAMILY - The Complete First Season (DVD)
I'm including it in the count because it contains a 4-track sampler of music from the show and one of the special features is the ability to go straight to the "musical performances" (if ever a phrase required ironic quotes..) I can't tell you more now since I'm waiting to open it until after Mother's Day, in case I get one as a gift.
9. I LOVE THAT SONG/THE BEST OF THE 20th CENTURY - sampler for the Universal Millenium Collection releases
This week's freebie (with purchase).This one has a few songs I can add to the oldies mix, a number I already own and two (Toby Keith, Motley Crue) I will never need.
Monday, May 2
10. MASSIVE ATTACK - Unleashed soundtrack (EMI)
First "Danny the Dog," now "Unleashed." I'm getting a doggie vibe here. Though I'm not well versed in the music of this highly-regarded British dance band, I have enjoyed what I've heard so far. Dance/electronica, even some at its best, just flows through me, and it's hard for me to judge the various styles (house, dub, trance, etc) so I just like what I like and let other people stick on the titles. Massive Attack is a brand name with clout, so I trust it.
Speaking of which, I lost track of when this one came in, but recently re-discovered it in Terry's car:
11. BEN WATT – Buzzin’ Fly, Volume 2: Replenishing Music for the Modern Soul (Astralwerks)
I came to Watt’s work with Everything But the Girl late, but appreciate it now. This is more of an electronic mix thing he’s got going, and the first track is a respectful rumination of post 9-11 New York City. Somehow, I never seem to get past the third track without being interrupted, but I’m looking forward to more of what I’ve heard so far.
Sunday, May 1
Grace and I arrived at the Interpunk Flipside Festival (Post Preview) late in the game - it was 6ish and the music started around noon. Aiming for Rufio, a band reccomended by her cousin, but they went on a half hour early (unheard of!) and so we caught Motion City Soundtrack first. Got to stand on the side of the stage, which made for some new photo angles.
12. DEAD EYES – Grave for the Fireflies (S/R)
Some enterprising young band did a great job of creating these promo discs. The disc label is a little creepy – a B&W illustration of an eyeball being cut (shades of Bunel!) but each one is packaged in an individually made envelope – stickered and distressed, even singed at the edges, as if caught in a fire. I have #921/1000 and I will keep it for the design elements; the music is fairly generic goth rock gloom.
On one of the side stages, Grace caught a Baltimore outfit and, deciding she liked the music - and thought the band was cute - bought both of their self-released CDs:
13. SILENT FILM- Our New Heaven
14. SILENT FILM - The City is My Sea
15. PATENT PENDING - I Am Your Biological Father ((Booyah)
Grace was catching a chill, so we grabbed a bargain at another merch table, this one manned by a friendly guy who turned out to be the lead singer for the band Patent Pending (truth be told, I thought that was the label’s name, there were so many T-shirts!) She got a sweatshirt with a nice rocket logo and the band’s CD for $20. And it turned out to be pretty good music, too. “Cheer Up, Emo Kid” could be a left-field hit.
16.The STARTING LINE - Say It Like You Mean It (Drive-Thru Records)
Smitten by the band after seeing their set from the side of the stage, Grace purchased the CD and a rugby-style T-shirt. She played this on the car ride home, and squealed with delight when she discovered they sang a song she’s always loved from a sampler her sister had made for her.
17. EQUAL VISION RECORDS – Summer sampler 2004
18. NEW SOUNDS VOL. 2 (Equal Vision Records sampler)
19.CRASH BOOM BANG – S/T (S/R)
DC area band, appearing at the HFStival.
Saturday, April 30
$1.50 bargains at the thrift store:
20. NUYORICAN SOUL - S/T (Giant Step/Blue Thumb)
The CD design was just so cool - designed like a miniature cigar box and the price so low, I took a chance.
21. PREFAB SPROUT - Jordan: The Comeback (Epic)
Inspired by Le Concorde, whose singer/songwriter Stephan Backer swears by them. Since I adore Le Concorde’s “Universe and Villa” CD, I snatched this up, but it’s a tad too twee for me.
Friday, April 29
Sent:
22. A NORTHERN CHORUS - Bitter Hands Resign (Sonic Unyon)
A classy CD package, pulled together using public domain engravings from the Dover artist series. The music shows the same kind of meticulous care. An album I liked within minutes of putting it on. Do you need the Post preview link again?
click here
23.RUFIO – MCMLXXXV (Nitro)
Another Flipside band (the one we missed).
Purchased at the Black Cat show, with IVY and Astaire:
24. STARS - Set Yourself On Fire (Arts& Crafts International)
Going into this show, I had no fore-knowledge of this Canadian collective, but they impressed me straight out of the gate. Two vocalists, one male and one woman, the guy a small man with big attitude in the right way. Dedicated the song “Reunion” to Dick Cheney, in hopes that he would return to high school and finally consumate his love for the football team player he's lusted for all these years.
Wednesday, April 27
Traded for at the CD Cellar
25.SHELBY LYNNE – The Making of Suit Yourself (Capitol)
I’ve tried to play this promo disc twice – in my car and in my discman – and it keeps popping out. Maybe it’s a DVD?
26.KIKI and HERB Will Die for You at Carnegie Hall
Gay drag cabaret versions, with funny, bitchy commentary, of songs like “When Doves Cry,” “The Windmills of My Mind,” “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” and “Ladies and Gentlemen, We are Floating in Space.” Something I can’t play in front of the family or they may cart me away.
27. BRITISH SEA POWER – Open Season
Somebody’s cheapo knock-off advance (paper cover, no title, generic CD-R disc), and a bargain for $1.99. Evocative, slightly grand (but not pompous) British rock. Not what I expected, since I expected long guitar solos, but it’s the kind of thing I like. Interesting lyrics (there’s a song about a falling ice floe) and headphone worthy elements.
28. HELLO RECORDING CLUB
One of the Johns in They Might Be Giants started this mail-order music club back in the day. But hey, it’s got a 1997 copyright, so maybe HRC lasted longer than I thought. This edition, featuring a band called You Were Spiraling, is a nice addition to my found-music set. Gentle pop with a Ben Folds vibe.
29.PLUNDERPHONICS
Before there were mash-ups and sampling, there was John Owsley, putting stuff together that wasn’t meant to be but sounds weirdly wonderful just the same. I read about his work years and years ago in Wired magazine, I think, but it seemed he might never get clearance to release his bizarre experiments, which pull recognizable bits from classic songs and run them through an audio meat grinder. Whether it’s legal or not, this is a classy two-disc set with a booklet of extensive liner notes to guide you through his musical rubic cubes.
30. 33Hz – Digital Lover/Crazy All The Time
Free giveaway single. The return of disco, but not the fun kind.
Oh, dear. I'm losing track of what came when! The OCD is kicking in big-time, and I don't know what to do...! [ORGAN STING!] Oh well, just toss in a few more…
Purchased:
31.BEN FOLDS - Song for Silverman (Epic)
New Dual Disc mode. Fold has such a natural ability to write melody that you can take him for granted; even on first listen, this new album is as comfortable as Westin hotle “heavenly bed.” But I’m not sure if he can, as a solo artist, meet the heights of his work with the Five. There’s a song here called “Gracie,” which is, naturally a family favorite, but if it were named “Katie,” I don’t think I’d consider it more than a sweet throwaway.
32.VICTORY RECORDS free sampler
"Free with purchase of select Victory Records CDs." Or anything else you might pick up at Best Buy.
Sent:
33. EDIE CAREY – When I Was Made (self-released?)
34. The FORECAST – Late Night Conversations (Victory)
35. MATISYAHU – Live at Stubb’s (Or Music)
Jewish rap seems to be a new trend. I’m a recovering Catholic, but I was raised in New York City and attended a few seders in my time, so it’s not as exotic as world music from a far distant country, but I know I’m not getting the full effect.
36. JOHNNY REINHARD – Charles Ives Universe Symphony (Stereo Society)
This was sent to me by mistake, addressed to another Post critic at my address. The last time this happened, the editor told me to keep it, adding, ‘if the publicists don’t know their business well enough to get the address right, that’s their problem.’ I usually let them know, though, and worry that someone somewhere is getting my mail!
YTD total: 394
Whew! I know there’s stragglers I haven’t included, so I’ll toss ‘em in at a late date, but now at least I can start fresh tomorrow! Tune back in for news from the festival!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
A Day Without Music?
Nothing in the mail yesterday of a musical nature. Very boring mail all the way around, in fact. Not even one of those fake checks for mult-thousands of dollars, mine to cash - if I hand over the mortgage.
But it was not totally a day sans musique - I went off to the IOTA club to see Essie Jain (a singer I met in NYC at the last CMJ) and Ed Harcourt, whose new CD, Strangers, is quite good. While Essie was singing and I was ordering a drink, Ed came up to the bar right next to me (the IOTA is such a cozy joint like that), so I complimented him on the CD, which I had been listening to in the car on the ride to the club. He seemed surprised, and pleased.
His set featured fine music and good fun. Alternately charming and prickly, he has a great deadpan accent (reminded me of Elton John when he spoke; sometimes of Tom Waits when he sang) and, among other things, he did a very funny take on the Coldplay/Keane school:
"It's raining..."
keyboard chord
"I'm lonely..."
another chord
"I'm British..."
Listening to the CD again on the ride home, I heard the songs with that new illumination that comes from hearing them in concert. "Black Dress" was particularly good on both counts.
And I scored another set list, although not the one that Ed wiped his face with before asking for a towel. That one, he crumpled into a ball at the end of the show and took with him. So, no DNA samples to sell on ebay...
In today's mail, a Tuesday new release package from Columbia but not, alas, the new Springsteen.
Tuesday, April 26
1. The RAVEONETTES - Pretty in Black (Columbia)
Intriguing song title - "Love in a Trashcan" - and if "My Boyfriend's Back" is a cover of the oldie/goodie, I'm interested, but I don't have high hopes. After the White Stripes and Fiery Furnaces, I don't know if there's room in my life for another boy/girl duo.
Saturday, April 23:
Sent:
2. Hidden in Plain View - Life in Dreaming (Drive-Thru Records)
One of the bigger bands that will be playing next weekend with over 50 other (!!) acts at a local all-ages show, The Flipside Festival. The CD arrived after I filed the story. One song that I mentioned, "Bleed for You," was described in the advance material as being about "date rape." That phrase wouldn't fly in the Post section I write for, and might turn off the parents who read it - and need to drive the kids to the show - so I called it a "searing indictment of sexual predators."
3. DRIVE-THRU RECORDS SAMPLER
Tucked in the HIPV CD when I broke open the shrink wrap. A nice suprise, but why wouldn't the record company sticker such a bonus? (Unless it was destined to be a promo copy). Grace and I listened to a bit on the drive to Japanese class (hers). Steel Train stuck out for its sweet acoustic vibe among Angry White Boy Hell.
Bought (from emusic.com)
4. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE - Give It Back!
Finally got around to watching "Dig!" and was totally engrossed in the story of one band's rise and another's implosion. Since I have the recent Dandy Warhols release, it was a pleasure to find this one on my monthly online music grab.
5. VINCE GUARALDI - A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
While looking for BJM, browsed my way to this sweet find. You can't play the Charlie Brown Christmas CD all year 'round, so it's nice to have VG doing some other gentle stuff.
Friday, April 22:
Bought:
6. FRANK SINATRA - Sinatra Sings Cole Porter (Columbia Legacy)
Aaargh!!! This is the squishy, chorale version of "I Get a Kick Out of You," not the groovy swing one. Should have remembered that the Capitol sessions were so much cooler than the Columbia ones! Not all SInatra is prime Sinatra, even when he's singing Cole Porter. I shoulda seen this coming...bummer.
Sent:
7. MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK - Commit This To Memory (Epitaph)
Surprisingly melodic for a bunch of young pop-punksters. Even a touch of the young and hungry Police, as I mentioned in my preview of MCS et al. at the Flipside Festival.
8. TIM BOOTH - Bone (Koch Records)
Handled by the same accomodating PR gal as MCS, so I asked for this oldie (2004). As a former James fan (Booth was their lead singer), I was pleased to catch his solo show at Fez (RIP) in NYC two CMJs ago, where he debuted much of this material. He's got a strong rock voice, occasionally Bono-esque lyrics (sometimes in a too-grandiose way), and isn't afraid to go into sometimes difficult listening territory. Was listening to this one in the car Saturday and went more than half-way through before changing discs - that's a compliment when a new, unknown disc is under driver's-ear scrutiny.
9. The GREENCARDS - Weather and Water (Dualtone)
Thursday, April 21:
Bought:
10. AMERICAN IDOL (Season 4) - When You Tell Me That You Love Me (RCA)
Blame it on my soon-to-be 15-year-old. I've been watching Idol now and then. And now I even have a favorite - Constantine - tho' I didn't see him do his supposedly quite credible version of "Bohemian Rhapsody." And I really want to get that smirking Scott off the show ASAP. Oh. My. God, I'm actually voicing opinions about this stuff. Enough. I bought this CD single for Grace (who likes Anthony best, even tho' she admits Constantine has the better voice). And American Red Cross gets 50cents for each single sold (I paid $2.99), so I can call it charity. But I'm still ashamed.
11. SOUTH PARK: Bigger Longer and Uncut (DVD)
I'm counting this because it was the music that forced me to buy it. Last weekend, after watching Saturday Nigth Live (Tom Brady was surprisingly good and Beck was unsurprising good (since he's just damn intrinsically cool)), I switched to Comedy Central's "Secret Stash" while I finished some front-of-TV puttering. The night's offering was the South Park movie which, not being a huge SP fan, I had never seen. But the opening song - a direct hit on the "my little town" number that begins "Beauty and the Beast" - had me grinning and the next tune, the happily vulgar "Uncle Fucker" was stuck in my head all through Sunday morning. So I gave up and I gave in.
Sent:
12. LAST TRAIN HOME - Bound Away (Blue Buffalo Records)
Eric Brace is a sweetie. The lead singer and songwriter for this local country/rock outfit has another job - former columnist and current frequent contributor to the Washington Post. A tireless supporter of local music, and a winner of a Washington Area Music Award (WAMMIE) as such, Eric never throws attitude around despite his talent and his "power." (Catch me offline and I'll tell you about another WashPost Editor, the One That's a Big Pain in the Butt.) And the band is damn good, too. Always gonna wish Eric and his boys the best.
Tuesday, April 19:
13. The DEAD 60's - S/T (Epic)
14. TOWERS OF LONDON - On a Noose/I Lose It CD single (TVT Records)
Monday, April 18:
15. WORD magazine with WORD OF MOUTH compilation CD
There's only ten tracks, but most are prime - Everything But the Girl, Magnetic Fields, etc. Was listening in the car while driving the college girl back to the train station. When she asked "who's this?" (it was a Ben Lee track), I knew we had a winner.
16. UNCUT magazine with ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE (Music Inspired by the Band) compilation
Another excellent selection - Wilco, Little Feat, Sparklehorse and The Band itself - from the eponymous LP I loved the best, the one (nostalgia laert!) that I got as a bonus from the Sears salesman when I purchased my first big ticket ($70) plastic record player with the detachable speakers!
TOTAL TO DATE [a new feature!]: 338
But it was not totally a day sans musique - I went off to the IOTA club to see Essie Jain (a singer I met in NYC at the last CMJ) and Ed Harcourt, whose new CD, Strangers, is quite good. While Essie was singing and I was ordering a drink, Ed came up to the bar right next to me (the IOTA is such a cozy joint like that), so I complimented him on the CD, which I had been listening to in the car on the ride to the club. He seemed surprised, and pleased.
His set featured fine music and good fun. Alternately charming and prickly, he has a great deadpan accent (reminded me of Elton John when he spoke; sometimes of Tom Waits when he sang) and, among other things, he did a very funny take on the Coldplay/Keane school:
"It's raining..."
keyboard chord
"I'm lonely..."
another chord
"I'm British..."
Listening to the CD again on the ride home, I heard the songs with that new illumination that comes from hearing them in concert. "Black Dress" was particularly good on both counts.
And I scored another set list, although not the one that Ed wiped his face with before asking for a towel. That one, he crumpled into a ball at the end of the show and took with him. So, no DNA samples to sell on ebay...
In today's mail, a Tuesday new release package from Columbia but not, alas, the new Springsteen.
Tuesday, April 26
1. The RAVEONETTES - Pretty in Black (Columbia)
Intriguing song title - "Love in a Trashcan" - and if "My Boyfriend's Back" is a cover of the oldie/goodie, I'm interested, but I don't have high hopes. After the White Stripes and Fiery Furnaces, I don't know if there's room in my life for another boy/girl duo.
Saturday, April 23:
Sent:
2. Hidden in Plain View - Life in Dreaming (Drive-Thru Records)
One of the bigger bands that will be playing next weekend with over 50 other (!!) acts at a local all-ages show, The Flipside Festival. The CD arrived after I filed the story. One song that I mentioned, "Bleed for You," was described in the advance material as being about "date rape." That phrase wouldn't fly in the Post section I write for, and might turn off the parents who read it - and need to drive the kids to the show - so I called it a "searing indictment of sexual predators."
3. DRIVE-THRU RECORDS SAMPLER
Tucked in the HIPV CD when I broke open the shrink wrap. A nice suprise, but why wouldn't the record company sticker such a bonus? (Unless it was destined to be a promo copy). Grace and I listened to a bit on the drive to Japanese class (hers). Steel Train stuck out for its sweet acoustic vibe among Angry White Boy Hell.
Bought (from emusic.com)
4. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE - Give It Back!
Finally got around to watching "Dig!" and was totally engrossed in the story of one band's rise and another's implosion. Since I have the recent Dandy Warhols release, it was a pleasure to find this one on my monthly online music grab.
5. VINCE GUARALDI - A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
While looking for BJM, browsed my way to this sweet find. You can't play the Charlie Brown Christmas CD all year 'round, so it's nice to have VG doing some other gentle stuff.
Friday, April 22:
Bought:
6. FRANK SINATRA - Sinatra Sings Cole Porter (Columbia Legacy)
Aaargh!!! This is the squishy, chorale version of "I Get a Kick Out of You," not the groovy swing one. Should have remembered that the Capitol sessions were so much cooler than the Columbia ones! Not all SInatra is prime Sinatra, even when he's singing Cole Porter. I shoulda seen this coming...bummer.
Sent:
7. MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK - Commit This To Memory (Epitaph)
Surprisingly melodic for a bunch of young pop-punksters. Even a touch of the young and hungry Police, as I mentioned in my preview of MCS et al. at the Flipside Festival.
8. TIM BOOTH - Bone (Koch Records)
Handled by the same accomodating PR gal as MCS, so I asked for this oldie (2004). As a former James fan (Booth was their lead singer), I was pleased to catch his solo show at Fez (RIP) in NYC two CMJs ago, where he debuted much of this material. He's got a strong rock voice, occasionally Bono-esque lyrics (sometimes in a too-grandiose way), and isn't afraid to go into sometimes difficult listening territory. Was listening to this one in the car Saturday and went more than half-way through before changing discs - that's a compliment when a new, unknown disc is under driver's-ear scrutiny.
9. The GREENCARDS - Weather and Water (Dualtone)
Thursday, April 21:
Bought:
10. AMERICAN IDOL (Season 4) - When You Tell Me That You Love Me (RCA)
Blame it on my soon-to-be 15-year-old. I've been watching Idol now and then. And now I even have a favorite - Constantine - tho' I didn't see him do his supposedly quite credible version of "Bohemian Rhapsody." And I really want to get that smirking Scott off the show ASAP. Oh. My. God, I'm actually voicing opinions about this stuff. Enough. I bought this CD single for Grace (who likes Anthony best, even tho' she admits Constantine has the better voice). And American Red Cross gets 50cents for each single sold (I paid $2.99), so I can call it charity. But I'm still ashamed.
11. SOUTH PARK: Bigger Longer and Uncut (DVD)
I'm counting this because it was the music that forced me to buy it. Last weekend, after watching Saturday Nigth Live (Tom Brady was surprisingly good and Beck was unsurprising good (since he's just damn intrinsically cool)), I switched to Comedy Central's "Secret Stash" while I finished some front-of-TV puttering. The night's offering was the South Park movie which, not being a huge SP fan, I had never seen. But the opening song - a direct hit on the "my little town" number that begins "Beauty and the Beast" - had me grinning and the next tune, the happily vulgar "Uncle Fucker" was stuck in my head all through Sunday morning. So I gave up and I gave in.
Sent:
12. LAST TRAIN HOME - Bound Away (Blue Buffalo Records)
Eric Brace is a sweetie. The lead singer and songwriter for this local country/rock outfit has another job - former columnist and current frequent contributor to the Washington Post. A tireless supporter of local music, and a winner of a Washington Area Music Award (WAMMIE) as such, Eric never throws attitude around despite his talent and his "power." (Catch me offline and I'll tell you about another WashPost Editor, the One That's a Big Pain in the Butt.) And the band is damn good, too. Always gonna wish Eric and his boys the best.
Tuesday, April 19:
13. The DEAD 60's - S/T (Epic)
14. TOWERS OF LONDON - On a Noose/I Lose It CD single (TVT Records)
Monday, April 18:
15. WORD magazine with WORD OF MOUTH compilation CD
There's only ten tracks, but most are prime - Everything But the Girl, Magnetic Fields, etc. Was listening in the car while driving the college girl back to the train station. When she asked "who's this?" (it was a Ben Lee track), I knew we had a winner.
16. UNCUT magazine with ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE (Music Inspired by the Band) compilation
Another excellent selection - Wilco, Little Feat, Sparklehorse and The Band itself - from the eponymous LP I loved the best, the one (nostalgia laert!) that I got as a bonus from the Sears salesman when I purchased my first big ticket ($70) plastic record player with the detachable speakers!
TOTAL TO DATE [a new feature!]: 338
Monday, April 18, 2005
Not Quite Brenda Starr...
...but I did my best at the Maroon 5 and Thrills show at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and got some nice Thrills shots for the book project (you'll have to ask; it's high concept). And as soon as I get my HTML act together, I'll be posting such shots for your visual amusement.
Maroon 5 were better than I expected, but I didn''t expect much. First/last time I saw them, opening for John Mayer, Adam seemed totally full of himself, and that was before the Grammy and multi-platinum sales, so I was worried he would be unbearable this time around. But he didn't do much more preening than the situation requires, and the catchy songs are catchy. Still, I think the M-5 sound is a variation on solo Sting's lesser jazz-rock efforts, and when the band did "Highway to Hell" in the climax, I think they were admitting that they, too, find the trademark sound a bit...boring.
Highlight of the evening - besides shooting the Thrills and scoring a signed set list - was meeting the grand poobah of 930 Club and the new, improved M-Post, Seth Hurowitz.
Also, I am thoroughly spoiled by the VIP parking lot. While others were trying to get their cars out of the lot, I was already zipping down Route 29. Sweeet!
In meantime, these just in:
Monday, April 18:
1. PATRICIA VONNE - Guitars & Castanets (CoraZong Records)
2. DIG - the movie on DVD (Palm Pictures) I asked for - and got - a copy last week. I'd better ask if they want me to send this duplicate back...
Saturday, April 16:
4. ANGELS OF LIGHT - The Angels of Light Sing "Other People" (Young God Records)
Sent to preview an IOTA gig in late May. Way too soon to know if I can cover them.
5. AKRON/FAMILY - S/T (Young God)
Paired with above act on the IOTA bill.
6. TSAR - Band-Girls-Money (TVT Records)
and I also got a thank you card from Box, for having written about them last week in the Post. A nice, and much appreciated gesture.
Friday, April 15:
7. The UNSEEN - State of Discontent (Hellcat Records)
Thursday, April 14:
8. SHANNON McNALLY - Geronimo
9. ERIC GRAF - S/T (
10. BOXSTEP - Back Roads (Hobo Music)
Eric is the main man of Boxstep, an indie act I wrote about many moons ago. He's coming back to town in early May, though I fear that will be the "off" week on my current (budget-gutted) biweekly schedule.
11. CAESARS - Paper Tigers (Astralwerks)
Why is David Lindqvist brandishing a big, sharp knife in the press photo? And, almost as scary, why does he have that long. wispy white hair? One of the other guys is holding a metal skull. I generally like the stuff Astralwerks puts out- good label for dance-electronica-rock - but this photo does not bode well.
So, I put it on and OH-MY-GOD-IT'S-THE-iPOD-COMMERCIAL SONG! I do love that tune (simply titled "Jerk"), and have been trying to figure out who did it for ages. Even on the rare times I've caught it on the radio, the DJs didn't say who it was. And why doesn't the iTunes music store highlight these tracks? Music should not be like those snotty restaurants and bars that don't put their names on the door (if you don't know, you're not hip enough to come in).
So glad to finally have this tune, but I'm well aware of Jet Syndrome. That's when the first (iPod-hyped) single is so good, you rush out for the album and find that the one song is the only one worth having. And "Look What You've Done" is such a blatant rip-off of the Beatles' "Sexy Sadie"! How'd they get away with that?
12. DIG - the film DVD (Palm Pictures)
Really looking forward to this one. Asked for it by name.
13. DEVIL DOLL - Queen of Pain (Lucky Bluebird Records)
Playing the IOTA Club on May 9th.
Tuesday, April 12:
A package of 4 new CDs on New Release Tuesday. Columbia is the only major label that stills sends me regular mailings of new releases, god bless 'em.
14. ANNA NALICK - Wreck of the Day (Columbia)
15. IL DIVO - S/T (Syco Music/Columbia)
Yes, they're cute. I was intrigued by the Spanish boy band concept at first look. Now I see them hyped all around me, which I'm not sure makes the album more or less appealing. Still haven't cracked the shrinkwrap yet.
16. KYLE RIABKO - Before I Speak (Aware/Columbia)
17. ELKLAND - Golden (Columbia)
Maroon 5 were better than I expected, but I didn''t expect much. First/last time I saw them, opening for John Mayer, Adam seemed totally full of himself, and that was before the Grammy and multi-platinum sales, so I was worried he would be unbearable this time around. But he didn't do much more preening than the situation requires, and the catchy songs are catchy. Still, I think the M-5 sound is a variation on solo Sting's lesser jazz-rock efforts, and when the band did "Highway to Hell" in the climax, I think they were admitting that they, too, find the trademark sound a bit...boring.
Highlight of the evening - besides shooting the Thrills and scoring a signed set list - was meeting the grand poobah of 930 Club and the new, improved M-Post, Seth Hurowitz.
Also, I am thoroughly spoiled by the VIP parking lot. While others were trying to get their cars out of the lot, I was already zipping down Route 29. Sweeet!
In meantime, these just in:
Monday, April 18:
1. PATRICIA VONNE - Guitars & Castanets (CoraZong Records)
2. DIG - the movie on DVD (Palm Pictures) I asked for - and got - a copy last week. I'd better ask if they want me to send this duplicate back...
Saturday, April 16:
4. ANGELS OF LIGHT - The Angels of Light Sing "Other People" (Young God Records)
Sent to preview an IOTA gig in late May. Way too soon to know if I can cover them.
5. AKRON/FAMILY - S/T (Young God)
Paired with above act on the IOTA bill.
6. TSAR - Band-Girls-Money (TVT Records)
and I also got a thank you card from Box, for having written about them last week in the Post. A nice, and much appreciated gesture.
Friday, April 15:
7. The UNSEEN - State of Discontent (Hellcat Records)
Thursday, April 14:
8. SHANNON McNALLY - Geronimo
9. ERIC GRAF - S/T (
10. BOXSTEP - Back Roads (Hobo Music)
Eric is the main man of Boxstep, an indie act I wrote about many moons ago. He's coming back to town in early May, though I fear that will be the "off" week on my current (budget-gutted) biweekly schedule.
11. CAESARS - Paper Tigers (Astralwerks)
Why is David Lindqvist brandishing a big, sharp knife in the press photo? And, almost as scary, why does he have that long. wispy white hair? One of the other guys is holding a metal skull. I generally like the stuff Astralwerks puts out- good label for dance-electronica-rock - but this photo does not bode well.
So, I put it on and OH-MY-GOD-IT'S-THE-iPOD-COMMERCIAL SONG! I do love that tune (simply titled "Jerk"), and have been trying to figure out who did it for ages. Even on the rare times I've caught it on the radio, the DJs didn't say who it was. And why doesn't the iTunes music store highlight these tracks? Music should not be like those snotty restaurants and bars that don't put their names on the door (if you don't know, you're not hip enough to come in).
So glad to finally have this tune, but I'm well aware of Jet Syndrome. That's when the first (iPod-hyped) single is so good, you rush out for the album and find that the one song is the only one worth having. And "Look What You've Done" is such a blatant rip-off of the Beatles' "Sexy Sadie"! How'd they get away with that?
12. DIG - the film DVD (Palm Pictures)
Really looking forward to this one. Asked for it by name.
13. DEVIL DOLL - Queen of Pain (Lucky Bluebird Records)
Playing the IOTA Club on May 9th.
Tuesday, April 12:
A package of 4 new CDs on New Release Tuesday. Columbia is the only major label that stills sends me regular mailings of new releases, god bless 'em.
14. ANNA NALICK - Wreck of the Day (Columbia)
15. IL DIVO - S/T (Syco Music/Columbia)
Yes, they're cute. I was intrigued by the Spanish boy band concept at first look. Now I see them hyped all around me, which I'm not sure makes the album more or less appealing. Still haven't cracked the shrinkwrap yet.
16. KYLE RIABKO - Before I Speak (Aware/Columbia)
17. ELKLAND - Golden (Columbia)
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The Best Laid Plans...
I thought it was a simple idea - tracking all the new music coming in, making a few comments, plenty of time to write about concerts seen and songs that tickle my eardrums. But how quickly the time flies and the stack of uncataloged CDs mounts! (Yeah, play that tiny violin; we should all have such gripes.)
Quickly, quickly then. Must catch up.
Monday, April 11
1. THE CHRIS STAMEY EXPERIENCE - A Question of Temperature (Yep Roc)
From the late and well-liked dB's. Threw it on just for background sound and found myself pulled in numerous times to ask myself "what's that? That's cool." One track in particular, "McCauley Street (Let's Go Downtown)' made me stop in my tracks, listen, and look up the title for a repeat visit. Features Yo La Tengo, too. Huzzah. Coming to the IOTA on May 12.
2. THE NARRATOR - Such Triumph (Flameshovel Records)
Two from my press-kits-for-imports trading partner:
3. R.E.M. - Acoustic 1991
4. SIOUXZIE and the BANSHEES - Best of (Universal/Polydor)
sent:
5. NIKKA COSTA - Can'tNeverDidNothin' (Virgin)
They want the words in the title to run together like that, so don't blame me.
Do you want her body and do you think she's sexy? C'mon now and tell her so.
Thursday, April 7
6. GEORGE JONES - My Very Special Guests (Columbia Legacy)
7. A LOT LIKE LOVE - soundtrack (Sony Music Soundtraxx)
At first, I dismissed this collection as a cheap mix of songs I already have (Third Eye Blind, The Cure, Aqualung) and I'm still suspicious of the carefully calibrated mix of played-to-death radio hits (like a little cousin to the "Now That's..." series) and new artists that need the promo push. But Grace keeps tossing it on the player and it usually - 'cept for "Semi-Charmed Life," which I never have to hear again - sounds real good. For those who don't free music sent (not to rub it in), check it out on iTunes and just buy the ones you don't already own to make your own soundtrack CD. You can live without the pics of Ashton Kutcher, trust me.
Wednesday, April 6
8. Q Magazine with British compilation, RULE BRITANNIA
A sprinkling of music from bands I want to check out - Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs- but mostly a glorious retreat into songs I haven't heard in a while from the Kinks (always welcome), Suede ("The Drowners" may be the only track of theirs I'll ever need), The Jam, Madness, Ian Dury and more. Another nifty sampler from those generous Brit mags.
9. NME magazine with free CD, BEST NEW BRITISH BANDS SHOWCASE 2005
Yet another Kaiser Chiefs song! That makes three in three samplers; who needs to buy the CD? Actually, I'm tempted, if I can't get one from the publicist. "I Predict a Riot" is just that good!
Tuesday, April 5
10. DONNA THE BUFFALO - Life's a Ride (Wildlife/BMG)
Regional jam band heroes. Played it once. Nothing stuck, but nothing offended. One of the many that go on the pile to be given another chance (if time permits) later.
Monday, April 4
11. JASON RINGENBERG - A Day on the Farm with Farmer Jason (Yep Roc)
JASON and the SCORCHERS - Wildfires and Misfires: Two Decades of Outtakes and Rarities (Yep Roc)
Remind me to tell you the tale of having Jason stay in the family room/basement rock and roll B&B when he came to town to play the Jammin Java club. Dang nice guy, even with his evil twin. Some explanation available in my Post preview.
12. IAN TYSON - Songs from the Gravel Road (Vanguard)
13. THE KISSERS - Fire in the Belly (self-released)
Coming soon to a Post preview near you.
14. DEBBY BBONE - Reflections of Rosemary (Concord)
Good thing my mom likes Rosemary Clooney, or this would be a coaster fer sure.
Saturday, April 2
15. STATISTICS - Often Lie (Jade Tree)
16. SO MANY DYNAMOS - When I Explode (Skrocki Records)
from St. Louis, mixed by Jason Caddell at Inner Ear Studios
17. BOX - three song demo
Met two of this female trio's members when I was jockeying for photo position in front of the stage at the Indigo Girls/Great Unknowns show. While I was chatting with one of them, we exchanged names and she yelled, "Oh my god! You're Marianne Meyer?" Luckily, that was a good thing for me to be. Turns out the other woman was in a band I had written about a while back. Now she was in this new band. We exchanged emails next, and then she sent this CD. Rockin' grrrl power with some lesbian lyrics. This week's Post pick.
Friday, April 1
18. JASON RINGENBERG - Empire Builders
iTunes purchase, made so that I could bone up on JR's recent stuff before he arrived to play - and stay at our house.
Post preview (if you missed it the first time)
Collected at the George Mason University Arts Center luncheon, announcing the 2005-2006 season at the the venue:
19. MARK O'CONNOR'S APPALACHIA WALTZ TRIO - Crossing Bridges (Omac Records)
20. JOHN MAYALL & FRIENDS - Along for the Ride (Eagle Records)
21. ROBBEN FORD -
22.SING DOWN THE MOON: Appalachian Wonder Tales - cast recording (George Mason University)
WASHINGTON BALALAIKA SOCIETY ORCHESTRA- and Friends (WBS)
Balalaika, balalalaika. I just like saying balalaika!
Quickly, quickly then. Must catch up.
Monday, April 11
1. THE CHRIS STAMEY EXPERIENCE - A Question of Temperature (Yep Roc)
From the late and well-liked dB's. Threw it on just for background sound and found myself pulled in numerous times to ask myself "what's that? That's cool." One track in particular, "McCauley Street (Let's Go Downtown)' made me stop in my tracks, listen, and look up the title for a repeat visit. Features Yo La Tengo, too. Huzzah. Coming to the IOTA on May 12.
2. THE NARRATOR - Such Triumph (Flameshovel Records)
Two from my press-kits-for-imports trading partner:
3. R.E.M. - Acoustic 1991
4. SIOUXZIE and the BANSHEES - Best of (Universal/Polydor)
sent:
5. NIKKA COSTA - Can'tNeverDidNothin' (Virgin)
They want the words in the title to run together like that, so don't blame me.
Do you want her body and do you think she's sexy? C'mon now and tell her so.
Thursday, April 7
6. GEORGE JONES - My Very Special Guests (Columbia Legacy)
7. A LOT LIKE LOVE - soundtrack (Sony Music Soundtraxx)
At first, I dismissed this collection as a cheap mix of songs I already have (Third Eye Blind, The Cure, Aqualung) and I'm still suspicious of the carefully calibrated mix of played-to-death radio hits (like a little cousin to the "Now That's..." series) and new artists that need the promo push. But Grace keeps tossing it on the player and it usually - 'cept for "Semi-Charmed Life," which I never have to hear again - sounds real good. For those who don't free music sent (not to rub it in), check it out on iTunes and just buy the ones you don't already own to make your own soundtrack CD. You can live without the pics of Ashton Kutcher, trust me.
Wednesday, April 6
8. Q Magazine with British compilation, RULE BRITANNIA
A sprinkling of music from bands I want to check out - Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs- but mostly a glorious retreat into songs I haven't heard in a while from the Kinks (always welcome), Suede ("The Drowners" may be the only track of theirs I'll ever need), The Jam, Madness, Ian Dury and more. Another nifty sampler from those generous Brit mags.
9. NME magazine with free CD, BEST NEW BRITISH BANDS SHOWCASE 2005
Yet another Kaiser Chiefs song! That makes three in three samplers; who needs to buy the CD? Actually, I'm tempted, if I can't get one from the publicist. "I Predict a Riot" is just that good!
Tuesday, April 5
10. DONNA THE BUFFALO - Life's a Ride (Wildlife/BMG)
Regional jam band heroes. Played it once. Nothing stuck, but nothing offended. One of the many that go on the pile to be given another chance (if time permits) later.
Monday, April 4
11. JASON RINGENBERG - A Day on the Farm with Farmer Jason (Yep Roc)
JASON and the SCORCHERS - Wildfires and Misfires: Two Decades of Outtakes and Rarities (Yep Roc)
Remind me to tell you the tale of having Jason stay in the family room/basement rock and roll B&B when he came to town to play the Jammin Java club. Dang nice guy, even with his evil twin. Some explanation available in my Post preview.
12. IAN TYSON - Songs from the Gravel Road (Vanguard)
13. THE KISSERS - Fire in the Belly (self-released)
Coming soon to a Post preview near you.
14. DEBBY BBONE - Reflections of Rosemary (Concord)
Good thing my mom likes Rosemary Clooney, or this would be a coaster fer sure.
Saturday, April 2
15. STATISTICS - Often Lie (Jade Tree)
16. SO MANY DYNAMOS - When I Explode (Skrocki Records)
from St. Louis, mixed by Jason Caddell at Inner Ear Studios
17. BOX - three song demo
Met two of this female trio's members when I was jockeying for photo position in front of the stage at the Indigo Girls/Great Unknowns show. While I was chatting with one of them, we exchanged names and she yelled, "Oh my god! You're Marianne Meyer?" Luckily, that was a good thing for me to be. Turns out the other woman was in a band I had written about a while back. Now she was in this new band. We exchanged emails next, and then she sent this CD. Rockin' grrrl power with some lesbian lyrics. This week's Post pick.
Friday, April 1
18. JASON RINGENBERG - Empire Builders
iTunes purchase, made so that I could bone up on JR's recent stuff before he arrived to play - and stay at our house.
Post preview (if you missed it the first time)
Collected at the George Mason University Arts Center luncheon, announcing the 2005-2006 season at the the venue:
19. MARK O'CONNOR'S APPALACHIA WALTZ TRIO - Crossing Bridges (Omac Records)
20. JOHN MAYALL & FRIENDS - Along for the Ride (Eagle Records)
21. ROBBEN FORD -
22.SING DOWN THE MOON: Appalachian Wonder Tales - cast recording (George Mason University)
WASHINGTON BALALAIKA SOCIETY ORCHESTRA- and Friends (WBS)
Balalaika, balalalaika. I just like saying balalaika!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Send More Bubble Wrap!
Most of the music that's come into my home lately as been mailed in cardboard packages. I am suffering from bubble wrap withdrawal. This is fine by my husband, who can hear the pop, pop, pop, from two floors away (we're in a townhouse) as I methodically squeeze the air out of the torn sheets of plastic wrap. But it's not just a good cigarette substitute - if I can't recycle all these puffy bags, I can at least make them a teeny bit smaller before they go into the landfill.
It's all good - so give me the damn bubble wrap and no one gets hurt!
Wednesday, March 30
1. ANOINTED - Now is the Time (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
Fresh-faced black couple on the cover, titles like "Gonna Lift Your Name," "Eternal Life" and "Jesus is Lord," the latter featuring a guest appearance by Andrae Crouch. It's Jesus Music, the good kind (I hope) as compared to John Ashcroft and the Religious Right(eous) singing "Let the Eagle Soar."
2. A STATIC LULLABY Faso Latido (Columbia)
Musical whiplash from its companion, above, in the Columbia press package. Knowing absolutely nothing about the band, I threw this one in the player while I ate lunch. Within moments I knew I was back in Angry White Boy Hell, where screaming about the unfair world to the sound of loud guitars is the rule. I was too lazy to get up and change it and when Grace, who likes My Chemical Romance and Unwritten Law and other AWBH music came in, she asked "who is this?" in a way that indicated she wanted to know so that she could avoid them in future. Faso Latido = fast into the latrine.
Tuesday, March 29
3. ELVIS COSTELLO - Artist's Choice (HEAR/Universal)
If Starbucks sold their compilation CDs for less than $10 each, I would snap them up in an instant as a quick and easy investment in hearing new sounds, or well-packaged reissues. But the $13 and $15 they charge for what are basically promotional tools is a rip-off.
Still, Terry was gonna put this one in my Easter basket, hesitating only because, knowing my great love for EC, he was afraid I might already have it. So he says he owed it to me, damn the price. And it *is* a great collection, which starts with another idol of mine, Louis Armstrong, and ends with an anti-war song from the 70s which is, sadly, as relevant as ever.
4. DE NOVO DAHL - Cats & Kittens (Theory 8)
Gotta love the record label's motto: "Theory 8 records - we don't know who you are either."
And spiffy packaging! I'm a sucker for letterpress printing, and this one is a double CD, with 32 tracks and many goofy titles ("Wanna Beer Man?" "Little Conquest on the Prairie," "I Broke a Plate," "Doody-ball Upside Down") and six players, all of whom write songs (it says here) and one of whom is a woman, so I'm hopeful the funny stuff isn't just frat-boy funny. Will let you know.
It's all good - so give me the damn bubble wrap and no one gets hurt!
Wednesday, March 30
1. ANOINTED - Now is the Time (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
Fresh-faced black couple on the cover, titles like "Gonna Lift Your Name," "Eternal Life" and "Jesus is Lord," the latter featuring a guest appearance by Andrae Crouch. It's Jesus Music, the good kind (I hope) as compared to John Ashcroft and the Religious Right(eous) singing "Let the Eagle Soar."
2. A STATIC LULLABY Faso Latido (Columbia)
Musical whiplash from its companion, above, in the Columbia press package. Knowing absolutely nothing about the band, I threw this one in the player while I ate lunch. Within moments I knew I was back in Angry White Boy Hell, where screaming about the unfair world to the sound of loud guitars is the rule. I was too lazy to get up and change it and when Grace, who likes My Chemical Romance and Unwritten Law and other AWBH music came in, she asked "who is this?" in a way that indicated she wanted to know so that she could avoid them in future. Faso Latido = fast into the latrine.
Tuesday, March 29
3. ELVIS COSTELLO - Artist's Choice (HEAR/Universal)
If Starbucks sold their compilation CDs for less than $10 each, I would snap them up in an instant as a quick and easy investment in hearing new sounds, or well-packaged reissues. But the $13 and $15 they charge for what are basically promotional tools is a rip-off.
Still, Terry was gonna put this one in my Easter basket, hesitating only because, knowing my great love for EC, he was afraid I might already have it. So he says he owed it to me, damn the price. And it *is* a great collection, which starts with another idol of mine, Louis Armstrong, and ends with an anti-war song from the 70s which is, sadly, as relevant as ever.
4. DE NOVO DAHL - Cats & Kittens (Theory 8)
Gotta love the record label's motto: "Theory 8 records - we don't know who you are either."
And spiffy packaging! I'm a sucker for letterpress printing, and this one is a double CD, with 32 tracks and many goofy titles ("Wanna Beer Man?" "Little Conquest on the Prairie," "I Broke a Plate," "Doody-ball Upside Down") and six players, all of whom write songs (it says here) and one of whom is a woman, so I'm hopeful the funny stuff isn't just frat-boy funny. Will let you know.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Take the Call, Win an iPod!
While I was working on this blog entry, I got a phone call from my ever-so-connected and always-into-something pal, Shari. With loud music playing in the background, she says (yells, actually) that she's at some kind of press party and she got a second iPod shuffle; do I want it as a belated birthday present?
Having given my old skool 5 gig model to my daughter when hers broke, I consider this divine intervention.
Sunday, March 27
The CD Cellar in West Falls Church is my go-to place for trading in the CDs I don't want for ones I do. With my 15-year-old nephew-in-law visiting, what better way to entertain than take him and Grace with me to make a musical switcheroo.
Brendan gets:
BLINK 182 - Dude Ranch
Better potty mouth punk pop than the Goodfellows poster he had his eye on.
(not being counted in the daily or year-to-date totals)
Grace gets:
1. GREEN DAY - Insomniac
"My boys," Gracie calls them. On her hand-written list of Things To Do during Spring Break (just ended), she wrote: "Buy all other Green Day CDs and listen/memorize."
2. CINEMA BEER BUDDY compilation
Jimmy Eat World, Thursday, Thrice, etc. on a 11 track collection of emo favorites.
3. FIRED UP compilation
I get:
4. ARENA - Pepper's Ghost (Inside Out)
A mistake. I bought this CD thinking it was a different version of the new release by Pepper's Ghost, a PA-based band that's opening for Ashlee Simpson tomorrow night. Turns out that Pepper's Ghost is the title of the CD, and Arena is the artist, a German metal band performing a "lite metal opera." Well, it's an interesting concept and the CD booklet is a cool-looking cartoon. I'm not a metal fan, but I'll look at this as fate moving my hand (and ears) to pay some attention.
5. The CONCRETES - You Can't Hurry Love CD single (EMI Records)
6. FATBOY SLIM - Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars
A self-defense purchase. Found this in a generic jewel box - no cover, no booket - for $1.99. Considering how much Terry plays "Palookaville," which, to my mind, has only a few good tracks and a lot of swill, this may buy me some substiution time on the kitchen boom box.
7. ESSIE JAIN - Dalliance (self-released)
A $1.99 clearance bin orphan. Since a friend and I went to see Essie's show recently at Galaxy Hut, and will probably catch her again opening for Ed Harcourt, I figured I'd rescue this 5-track demo and pass it on to my pal, so she can learn up for the show.
Purchased:
8. COMES WITH A SMILE magazine, with free sampler CD
A groovy sized (8x8 inch) glossy magazine from England. I'd never heard of it before, but it has the ubiquitous Conor Oberst on the cover, a free CD with songs from Brendan Benson, Camper Van Beethoven, M Ward and Mark Mulcahy, a personal favorite since back in his days with Miracle Legion (find a copy of "Me and Mr. Ray" - it's an MIA classic).
Sent:
9.ALANA DAVIS - Surrender Dorothy (Tigress Records)
This one was sent a while back, when it was just being released, but Alana's coming to town, so it was "reserviced." I played it the first time and found nothing caught me ear but the reworking of "Don't Fear the Reaper." But since it came again, and I may write about the show, I played it again. And nothing caught my ear but the reworking of "Don't Fear the Reaper."
Thursday, March 24
10. SECRET GARDEN - Earthsongs (Decca)
Every fear I had of new age drek - from the cover shot of the two bland lovebirds to the titles and general soft-focus feel of the press pic - was confirmed when I put this on late Friday night, finishing a jigsaw puzzle (the modern mandala) while the kids had a scary movie slumber party. I was waiting for Terry to call from the bedroom, "what is that crap?"
11. 22-20's- S/T (Astralwerks)
At this point, any four-piece guitar band is gonna have to compete with Kings of Leon, and those are mighty tough shoes to outrun. Threw this one on the player during a late-night drive to DC to meet hubby and daughter at the Amtrak station and, while it ain't no "Aha Shake Heartbreak," it's got strong beats, nice hooks, and the occasional ballad (which Kings don't do) that made the drive most enjoyable. They're playing next week at the Black Cat, with Graham Coxon and the Golden Republic, so that could be a good show to check out. (out April 19)
Wednesday, March 23
12. UTAH PHILLIPS - Starlight on the Rails: A Songbook (AK Press)
13.KIDS CHOICE compilation (Nick Records/SONY/BMG)
Past winners in the music category have included Outkast, Usher, Destiny's Child and Hillary Duff. Oh well, three out of four ain't bad. (Did you know that it's Hillary's sister who played the prom queen type in "Napoleon Dynamite"? Neither did I, 'til I read the press kit yesterday in the john...)
I passed this one right off to Grace, since I can always borrow it if I need a fix for tween tunes. There's stuff she likes (Kelly Clarkson, Switchfoot, Avril Lavigne and Alicia Keys), along with stuf she likes to make fun of (Britney Spears, who should NEVER be seen again on a children's channel; Clay Aiken and Jessica Simpson). On the whole, the good and the not-offensive outweigh the out-and-out crap. Maybe there is hope for the youth of America yet.
Tuesday, March 22
14. BRIGHT EYES - Digital Ash in a Digital Urn (Saddle Creek)
Oooh, sexy black jewel case. When Conner Oberst became the ubiquitous cover boy on virtually every music magazine I read, plus the NY Times Arts section, my first reaction was not "oh, he must be a great musician," but "oh, he must have an amazing publicist." I dug out an old CD I'd burned ages ago, and liked the free iTunes song that slams the President (of course), but it was only when Target put the CD on sale for $6.99 that I took the bait. My hype deflector shield is up, but the vaguely electronic settings of this album make his awkwardly pained voice more interesting.
Monday, March 21
Purchased:
15. NIRVANA - With the Lights Out (Geffen)
I've been lusting after this one for a while, but never had the spare coin. My parents gave me $50 for my birthday, saying I should buy something I want but don't need. Then Best Buy put it on sale for $40. Case closed. So much to hear and see!
16. JIMMY EAT WORLD - Futures
Grace's purchase, and I can't argue with her taste.
17. GREEN DAY - (Lookout)
Part of Grace's ongoing quest to complete her Green Day collection.
Among the revelations in this first Green Day album:
1. Billie Joe looks awfully cute as a young boy with curly hair falling out of his baseball cap.
2. Tre Cool was not the original drummer!
3. While the studio sound is certainly primitive, the band is surprisingly tight and the songwriting impressive for such a young band. Grace tells me that one song was written when Billie Joe was 12 years old.
Her faith in this band is well-placed.
Sent:
18. ALL HOURS - In Flagrante Delicto (hybrid Recordings)
Other recent arrivals:
19. TRAIN RIDE (DVD) (TriMedia/Columbia Music Video)
Ordinarily, I wouldn't count a film DVD in the music count, but it came in the Columbia press mailing, and it lists M.C. Lyte among the stars, so that puts it in the running. But not in the DVD player. There are so many, many movies I have yet to watch, and the opening line of the box copy runs thusly: "An off-campus get together goes horribly wrong for college freshman Katrina when Will, a sociopath senior, drugs her then joins his boys in brutally attacking her." Not for me, thanks.
But wait! There's a blurb on the back cover, too: "Entertaining and extremely thought provoking" says....DJ Jazzy Jeff. Oh, that changes everything. Where's the popcorn?
And a final (almost literally) note:
This afternoon, I was checking into vinyl prices on ebay, wondering if it was time to unload some of my unloved LPs. Some guy was selling off his Billy Joel collection, with the following subhead on his listing:
"Billy's in rehab. By (sic) His Albums Now. Come On! Who Knows"
Man, that's cold.
Reminded me of the time I was hanging out with some photogs at the WHFStival, when Scott Weiland was just launching his post-Stone Temple, pre-Velvet Revolver solo career. A press minder came by the gaggle of shutterbugs to ask if anyone wanted to be escorted to the photo pit to shoot Weiland. For a moment, no one expressed any interest. Then, one jaded dude remarked, "He could die tomorrow and this would be his last show." And, somewhat reluctantly, most of them followed the press woman to the pit.
But, hey, Scott's still here, so it's not a total bummer blog ending.
Having given my old skool 5 gig model to my daughter when hers broke, I consider this divine intervention.
Sunday, March 27
The CD Cellar in West Falls Church is my go-to place for trading in the CDs I don't want for ones I do. With my 15-year-old nephew-in-law visiting, what better way to entertain than take him and Grace with me to make a musical switcheroo.
Brendan gets:
BLINK 182 - Dude Ranch
Better potty mouth punk pop than the Goodfellows poster he had his eye on.
(not being counted in the daily or year-to-date totals)
Grace gets:
1. GREEN DAY - Insomniac
"My boys," Gracie calls them. On her hand-written list of Things To Do during Spring Break (just ended), she wrote: "Buy all other Green Day CDs and listen/memorize."
2. CINEMA BEER BUDDY compilation
Jimmy Eat World, Thursday, Thrice, etc. on a 11 track collection of emo favorites.
3. FIRED UP compilation
I get:
4. ARENA - Pepper's Ghost (Inside Out)
A mistake. I bought this CD thinking it was a different version of the new release by Pepper's Ghost, a PA-based band that's opening for Ashlee Simpson tomorrow night. Turns out that Pepper's Ghost is the title of the CD, and Arena is the artist, a German metal band performing a "lite metal opera." Well, it's an interesting concept and the CD booklet is a cool-looking cartoon. I'm not a metal fan, but I'll look at this as fate moving my hand (and ears) to pay some attention.
5. The CONCRETES - You Can't Hurry Love CD single (EMI Records)
6. FATBOY SLIM - Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars
A self-defense purchase. Found this in a generic jewel box - no cover, no booket - for $1.99. Considering how much Terry plays "Palookaville," which, to my mind, has only a few good tracks and a lot of swill, this may buy me some substiution time on the kitchen boom box.
7. ESSIE JAIN - Dalliance (self-released)
A $1.99 clearance bin orphan. Since a friend and I went to see Essie's show recently at Galaxy Hut, and will probably catch her again opening for Ed Harcourt, I figured I'd rescue this 5-track demo and pass it on to my pal, so she can learn up for the show.
Purchased:
8. COMES WITH A SMILE magazine, with free sampler CD
A groovy sized (8x8 inch) glossy magazine from England. I'd never heard of it before, but it has the ubiquitous Conor Oberst on the cover, a free CD with songs from Brendan Benson, Camper Van Beethoven, M Ward and Mark Mulcahy, a personal favorite since back in his days with Miracle Legion (find a copy of "Me and Mr. Ray" - it's an MIA classic).
Sent:
9.ALANA DAVIS - Surrender Dorothy (Tigress Records)
This one was sent a while back, when it was just being released, but Alana's coming to town, so it was "reserviced." I played it the first time and found nothing caught me ear but the reworking of "Don't Fear the Reaper." But since it came again, and I may write about the show, I played it again. And nothing caught my ear but the reworking of "Don't Fear the Reaper."
Thursday, March 24
10. SECRET GARDEN - Earthsongs (Decca)
Every fear I had of new age drek - from the cover shot of the two bland lovebirds to the titles and general soft-focus feel of the press pic - was confirmed when I put this on late Friday night, finishing a jigsaw puzzle (the modern mandala) while the kids had a scary movie slumber party. I was waiting for Terry to call from the bedroom, "what is that crap?"
11. 22-20's- S/T (Astralwerks)
At this point, any four-piece guitar band is gonna have to compete with Kings of Leon, and those are mighty tough shoes to outrun. Threw this one on the player during a late-night drive to DC to meet hubby and daughter at the Amtrak station and, while it ain't no "Aha Shake Heartbreak," it's got strong beats, nice hooks, and the occasional ballad (which Kings don't do) that made the drive most enjoyable. They're playing next week at the Black Cat, with Graham Coxon and the Golden Republic, so that could be a good show to check out. (out April 19)
Wednesday, March 23
12. UTAH PHILLIPS - Starlight on the Rails: A Songbook (AK Press)
13.KIDS CHOICE compilation (Nick Records/SONY/BMG)
Past winners in the music category have included Outkast, Usher, Destiny's Child and Hillary Duff. Oh well, three out of four ain't bad. (Did you know that it's Hillary's sister who played the prom queen type in "Napoleon Dynamite"? Neither did I, 'til I read the press kit yesterday in the john...)
I passed this one right off to Grace, since I can always borrow it if I need a fix for tween tunes. There's stuff she likes (Kelly Clarkson, Switchfoot, Avril Lavigne and Alicia Keys), along with stuf she likes to make fun of (Britney Spears, who should NEVER be seen again on a children's channel; Clay Aiken and Jessica Simpson). On the whole, the good and the not-offensive outweigh the out-and-out crap. Maybe there is hope for the youth of America yet.
Tuesday, March 22
14. BRIGHT EYES - Digital Ash in a Digital Urn (Saddle Creek)
Oooh, sexy black jewel case. When Conner Oberst became the ubiquitous cover boy on virtually every music magazine I read, plus the NY Times Arts section, my first reaction was not "oh, he must be a great musician," but "oh, he must have an amazing publicist." I dug out an old CD I'd burned ages ago, and liked the free iTunes song that slams the President (of course), but it was only when Target put the CD on sale for $6.99 that I took the bait. My hype deflector shield is up, but the vaguely electronic settings of this album make his awkwardly pained voice more interesting.
Monday, March 21
Purchased:
15. NIRVANA - With the Lights Out (Geffen)
I've been lusting after this one for a while, but never had the spare coin. My parents gave me $50 for my birthday, saying I should buy something I want but don't need. Then Best Buy put it on sale for $40. Case closed. So much to hear and see!
16. JIMMY EAT WORLD - Futures
Grace's purchase, and I can't argue with her taste.
17. GREEN DAY - (Lookout)
Part of Grace's ongoing quest to complete her Green Day collection.
Among the revelations in this first Green Day album:
1. Billie Joe looks awfully cute as a young boy with curly hair falling out of his baseball cap.
2. Tre Cool was not the original drummer!
3. While the studio sound is certainly primitive, the band is surprisingly tight and the songwriting impressive for such a young band. Grace tells me that one song was written when Billie Joe was 12 years old.
Her faith in this band is well-placed.
Sent:
18. ALL HOURS - In Flagrante Delicto (hybrid Recordings)
Other recent arrivals:
19. TRAIN RIDE (DVD) (TriMedia/Columbia Music Video)
Ordinarily, I wouldn't count a film DVD in the music count, but it came in the Columbia press mailing, and it lists M.C. Lyte among the stars, so that puts it in the running. But not in the DVD player. There are so many, many movies I have yet to watch, and the opening line of the box copy runs thusly: "An off-campus get together goes horribly wrong for college freshman Katrina when Will, a sociopath senior, drugs her then joins his boys in brutally attacking her." Not for me, thanks.
But wait! There's a blurb on the back cover, too: "Entertaining and extremely thought provoking" says....DJ Jazzy Jeff. Oh, that changes everything. Where's the popcorn?
And a final (almost literally) note:
This afternoon, I was checking into vinyl prices on ebay, wondering if it was time to unload some of my unloved LPs. Some guy was selling off his Billy Joel collection, with the following subhead on his listing:
"Billy's in rehab. By (sic) His Albums Now. Come On! Who Knows"
Man, that's cold.
Reminded me of the time I was hanging out with some photogs at the WHFStival, when Scott Weiland was just launching his post-Stone Temple, pre-Velvet Revolver solo career. A press minder came by the gaggle of shutterbugs to ask if anyone wanted to be escorted to the photo pit to shoot Weiland. For a moment, no one expressed any interest. Then, one jaded dude remarked, "He could die tomorrow and this would be his last show." And, somewhat reluctantly, most of them followed the press woman to the pit.
But, hey, Scott's still here, so it's not a total bummer blog ending.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Hey Sailor(s)!
Late night in Annapolis, Maryland. Drove here Friday afternoon to meet Grace, whose animation team was competing - and won - the annual FIRST Robotics Competition. I hit the road with The Dissassociatives, who have a great sound for driving - upbeat dance pop, with a hint of Jellyfish-style harmonies and light. Moved on to Kings of Leon's new one, which just gets better and better. I'm even able to make out some of the lyrics!
And, after a celebratory dinner-and-movie ("The Incredibles") at a shopping center cinema grill, I found a Tower Records (actually, I found it while getting lost on the way to the movie) and picked up a few things:
1. ROCK SOUND magazine with free CD
This one's for Grace - Green Day on the cover and a big story inside with many more photos of her "boys," plus a free page of stickers, including one of the "American Idiot" logo and My Chemical Romance. The disc claims to have an "exclusive" Arcade Fire song, but it's from the "forthcoming album 'Funeral'" so this must be an old issue. Grace took it to her room, so I don;t have the date. I hope that awful pic of one of the guys from Slipknot doesn't give her nightmares.
2. ELVIS COSTELLO - Goodbye Cruel World
I didn't know Tower dealt in used (sorry, "previously played") CDs, but this store had a small-but-sweet selection. Elvis may bankrupt me with the continual re-release of his catalog, but how can I resist these two-disc sets with rarities and demos, especially when it's $10.99 with an extra 20% off? Looking forward to reacquainting myself with this album on the drive home tomorrow.
3. BRAZIL - THE GREATEST SONGS EVER (Time-Life)
Another used cheapie - $4.oo - with "Girl from Ipanema" and a slew of names I don't recognize. But Terry likes Brazilian music (he saw Antonio Carlos Jobim perform in Rio!), so this will make a dandy gift.
4. IVY - In the Clear (Nettwerk)
Another one for the boy. While I am a bigger fan of Adam Schlesinger's work with Fountains of Wayne, Terry is smitten with this band - must be the coy female vocalist.
Sent:
THE HOOTZ - Too Hoot to Handle (Koch)
A children's album, pitched as what it might sound like if Mariah Carey and LL Cool J recorded for kids. But you can't say Hootz around me without bringing up an image of Hooters, and that is a negative image indeed. Aimed at ages 3-5, it may be something I can pass on to one of the neighborhood kids, but there's no place I can think of to pitch it.
It's late. Must sleep. Robots again tomorrow/today...
And, after a celebratory dinner-and-movie ("The Incredibles") at a shopping center cinema grill, I found a Tower Records (actually, I found it while getting lost on the way to the movie) and picked up a few things:
1. ROCK SOUND magazine with free CD
This one's for Grace - Green Day on the cover and a big story inside with many more photos of her "boys," plus a free page of stickers, including one of the "American Idiot" logo and My Chemical Romance. The disc claims to have an "exclusive" Arcade Fire song, but it's from the "forthcoming album 'Funeral'" so this must be an old issue. Grace took it to her room, so I don;t have the date. I hope that awful pic of one of the guys from Slipknot doesn't give her nightmares.
2. ELVIS COSTELLO - Goodbye Cruel World
I didn't know Tower dealt in used (sorry, "previously played") CDs, but this store had a small-but-sweet selection. Elvis may bankrupt me with the continual re-release of his catalog, but how can I resist these two-disc sets with rarities and demos, especially when it's $10.99 with an extra 20% off? Looking forward to reacquainting myself with this album on the drive home tomorrow.
3. BRAZIL - THE GREATEST SONGS EVER (Time-Life)
Another used cheapie - $4.oo - with "Girl from Ipanema" and a slew of names I don't recognize. But Terry likes Brazilian music (he saw Antonio Carlos Jobim perform in Rio!), so this will make a dandy gift.
4. IVY - In the Clear (Nettwerk)
Another one for the boy. While I am a bigger fan of Adam Schlesinger's work with Fountains of Wayne, Terry is smitten with this band - must be the coy female vocalist.
Sent:
THE HOOTZ - Too Hoot to Handle (Koch)
A children's album, pitched as what it might sound like if Mariah Carey and LL Cool J recorded for kids. But you can't say Hootz around me without bringing up an image of Hooters, and that is a negative image indeed. Aimed at ages 3-5, it may be something I can pass on to one of the neighborhood kids, but there's no place I can think of to pitch it.
It's late. Must sleep. Robots again tomorrow/today...
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Where Was the Green Beer?
Thursday, March 17
Top o’ the evening to you. I’ve got Irish blood from the Gillis clan (grandmother) and spirit from the Sweeneys (hubby’s mom), but I wore no green today. Leprechauns need to stay undercover. I’m playing Celtic rock, though. U2 to start, then Raindogs.
Feels like I’m a student, behind on my homework. No new music arrived today, but there’s a pile on the desk of things I’ve yet to catalog. Behind, behind, behind…
Wednesday,
Tuesday, March 15
1. PORCUPINE TREE – Deadwing (Lava)
Monday, March 14
2. AQUALUNG – Strange & Beautiful (Columbia)
First off, he’s gotta change that name. I’m old enough to remember Jethro Tull, and the name association is not a pretty one. Mr. Lung, however, (real name Matt Hales) is quite the cutie in his press photo. On first listen, it’s more sweet-voiced British balladry of the Coldplay school and while that sort of sound is pleasant enough, Aqualung’s breathy ramblings make Keane sound positively nasty, and that’s too twee and a third.
3. LONG VIEW – Mercury (14th Floor/Columbia)
First listen brings a sense of ho-hum leading to a maybe…there’s a bit of old-school progressive rock and a touch of bombast, but with pop smarts. Too early to tell, but this band is playing with Phoenix and Dogs Die In Hot Cars later this month, so I’m coming back for another round.
4. JONATHAN EDWARDS – Cruising America’s Waterways (2000, Media Artists)
Yes, it includes “Sunshine.” Just wrote a preview piece about JE for the Post and listened to that first eponymous LP (the phonograph still works for the collected vinyl) and was reminded that he was a sweet-voiced hippie dude – and he sang a song called “Emma,” which I must play sometime for my daughter of the same name. But – maybe I’m just fighting against my own aging here – that Kumbaya vibe doesn’t grow better with time and this new CD, a soundtrack of sorts from a PBS TV series, literally put me to sleep when I played it during an early morning lie down.
5. JOHN BUTLER TRIO – Sunrise Over Sea (Lava)
Put this one on earlier today while I was working on some ad copy for a chocolate company web site, and it passed the passive listening audition with the proverbial flying colors. Periodically, I would come out from my writing coma, drawn to something I heard happening on the stereo behind me and ask myself “which CD is that? That’s good.” The capper was the hidden track that came up after the last song – not so much another song as an ambient soundscape that snuck up on me. When a first, casual listen calls to me like this one did, I look forward to another listen soon. I’ve got a long drive tomorrow; this CD’s coming with me.
6. GIRLYMAN – Little Star (Daemon)
(out May 24)
Sunday, March 13
7. THE MERCY SEAT – S/T (West Pier Records)
Previewed this trio in the Post, along with getting-to-be-a-pal Essie Jain, and went to the show, where I was mightily impressed. The guys looked very tired while Essie sang and her slow tempo sounds looked like they might put them to sleep. But they perked considerably when I showed them a copy of the story. (They gave me the CD at the end of the set.) It’s nice to give some attention and encouragement to a band like this on a long, hard haul of a tour that lands in tiny, no cover bars, where the only thing you make are new fans and some beer money from merch sales. A bracing live performance and a fine, taut CD as well – a cross of Tom Petty’s southern slur (the group is from Gainesville, Florida) with some dry Tom Waits style narratives, and a stand-up bass to boot. A nice new discovery.
Saturday, March 12
8. The BRAVERY - 3-track free sampler
The video for this band’s song (something like “My Mistake;” it’s not on this sampler) is fabulous, except for all the annoying shots of the band that get in the way of the real action – the amazingly contorted Rube Goldberg-ian chain reaction of things, starting with lines and lines of falling dominoes and then moving on to lots of other things rolling and bouncing and setting off fires and knocking down stuff…so, so cool. The band looks annoying, the song hard British pop cliché, but the video could make it a hit just so we can watch that cool shit happen over and over again.
9. JOHN DIGWEED – Fabric 20 (Fabric Records)
10. FORTY5 SOUTH – We’re Country So We Can (Tilo Records)
11. CELTIC FIDDLE FESTIVAL – Play On (Green Linnet)
Oh, no. Just read the accompanying press release to discover that this is a tribute by the Green Linnet artists to fiddler and founding member Johnny Cunningham, who died in December 2003. I’m 99% sure this is the same Johnny Cunningham I interviewed way back in the days of the Raindogs. It was one of my first short artist profiles for Rolling Stone, and took place in the band’s dressing room at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. I remember being nervous and I remember the band being a bunch of kind, friendly guys, especially JC. I’m listening to the Dogs’ “Lost Souls” right now. And it’s still just barely (almost midnight) St. Patty’s Day. Johnny was a Scotsman, but I still think it has a bittersweet appropriateness. Here’s to ya, JC.
12. THE METHOD AND THE RESULT – The Things You Miss (Losing Blueprint/KiraKira Disc Records)
Thursday, March 10
A visit to the Thrift Store almost always yields some good buck-fifty CDs.
13. US3 – Hand on the Torch (Blue Note, 1993)
14. BBC MUSIC magazine – Live from the Proms
Walton Symphony #1 and Takemitsu, From Me Flows What You Call Time
15. FARGO – soundtrack music by Carter Burwell (1996, TVT Records)
16.MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC – KCRW compilation (1999, Mammoth)
Sign of a music addict – buying a CD that you’re not entirely sure, but you may already own…but at $1.50 with acts like Beth Orton, Air, Lyle Lovett and Pink Martini in rare live spots from LA’s hippest morning radio show, how can you not take the chance?
17. MANDY PATINKIN – Experiment (1994, Elektra Nonesuch)
A 50 cent cassette for my mom. Tho’ I love Patinkin’s voice, and he will always be a god for having starred in Sunday in the Park with George, perhaps the greatest musical I’ve ever seen, his arrangements can border on the treacly (one of the reasons he’s best doing Sondheim; no unctuous sentiments there). I’ll listen once and pass it on. My tape player’s pretty much a reference tool these days, like a microfiche reader.
18. U2 – Wide Awake in America (747 Music)
Another 50 cent cassette, tho’ not for mom. Despite the lowly cassette’s position on the food chain of music-delivery devices (even the 8-track fares better, with a kind of kicky vintage charm), there are albums I find in the format that I don’t have otherwise. Death Cab for Cutie recently released Transatlanticism on cassette so that fans who were driving in their parents’ car would have something cool to listen to! Anyway, I bought this U2 cassette ‘cause it looked like something released in another country and now, with a magnifying glass, I can see that it was made in Singapore. (The Japanese cassettes I have are cooler.)
Oh, and I did eat a green bagel....
Top o’ the evening to you. I’ve got Irish blood from the Gillis clan (grandmother) and spirit from the Sweeneys (hubby’s mom), but I wore no green today. Leprechauns need to stay undercover. I’m playing Celtic rock, though. U2 to start, then Raindogs.
Feels like I’m a student, behind on my homework. No new music arrived today, but there’s a pile on the desk of things I’ve yet to catalog. Behind, behind, behind…
Wednesday,
Tuesday, March 15
1. PORCUPINE TREE – Deadwing (Lava)
Monday, March 14
2. AQUALUNG – Strange & Beautiful (Columbia)
First off, he’s gotta change that name. I’m old enough to remember Jethro Tull, and the name association is not a pretty one. Mr. Lung, however, (real name Matt Hales) is quite the cutie in his press photo. On first listen, it’s more sweet-voiced British balladry of the Coldplay school and while that sort of sound is pleasant enough, Aqualung’s breathy ramblings make Keane sound positively nasty, and that’s too twee and a third.
3. LONG VIEW – Mercury (14th Floor/Columbia)
First listen brings a sense of ho-hum leading to a maybe…there’s a bit of old-school progressive rock and a touch of bombast, but with pop smarts. Too early to tell, but this band is playing with Phoenix and Dogs Die In Hot Cars later this month, so I’m coming back for another round.
4. JONATHAN EDWARDS – Cruising America’s Waterways (2000, Media Artists)
Yes, it includes “Sunshine.” Just wrote a preview piece about JE for the Post and listened to that first eponymous LP (the phonograph still works for the collected vinyl) and was reminded that he was a sweet-voiced hippie dude – and he sang a song called “Emma,” which I must play sometime for my daughter of the same name. But – maybe I’m just fighting against my own aging here – that Kumbaya vibe doesn’t grow better with time and this new CD, a soundtrack of sorts from a PBS TV series, literally put me to sleep when I played it during an early morning lie down.
5. JOHN BUTLER TRIO – Sunrise Over Sea (Lava)
Put this one on earlier today while I was working on some ad copy for a chocolate company web site, and it passed the passive listening audition with the proverbial flying colors. Periodically, I would come out from my writing coma, drawn to something I heard happening on the stereo behind me and ask myself “which CD is that? That’s good.” The capper was the hidden track that came up after the last song – not so much another song as an ambient soundscape that snuck up on me. When a first, casual listen calls to me like this one did, I look forward to another listen soon. I’ve got a long drive tomorrow; this CD’s coming with me.
6. GIRLYMAN – Little Star (Daemon)
(out May 24)
Sunday, March 13
7. THE MERCY SEAT – S/T (West Pier Records)
Previewed this trio in the Post, along with getting-to-be-a-pal Essie Jain, and went to the show, where I was mightily impressed. The guys looked very tired while Essie sang and her slow tempo sounds looked like they might put them to sleep. But they perked considerably when I showed them a copy of the story. (They gave me the CD at the end of the set.) It’s nice to give some attention and encouragement to a band like this on a long, hard haul of a tour that lands in tiny, no cover bars, where the only thing you make are new fans and some beer money from merch sales. A bracing live performance and a fine, taut CD as well – a cross of Tom Petty’s southern slur (the group is from Gainesville, Florida) with some dry Tom Waits style narratives, and a stand-up bass to boot. A nice new discovery.
Saturday, March 12
8. The BRAVERY - 3-track free sampler
The video for this band’s song (something like “My Mistake;” it’s not on this sampler) is fabulous, except for all the annoying shots of the band that get in the way of the real action – the amazingly contorted Rube Goldberg-ian chain reaction of things, starting with lines and lines of falling dominoes and then moving on to lots of other things rolling and bouncing and setting off fires and knocking down stuff…so, so cool. The band looks annoying, the song hard British pop cliché, but the video could make it a hit just so we can watch that cool shit happen over and over again.
9. JOHN DIGWEED – Fabric 20 (Fabric Records)
10. FORTY5 SOUTH – We’re Country So We Can (Tilo Records)
11. CELTIC FIDDLE FESTIVAL – Play On (Green Linnet)
Oh, no. Just read the accompanying press release to discover that this is a tribute by the Green Linnet artists to fiddler and founding member Johnny Cunningham, who died in December 2003. I’m 99% sure this is the same Johnny Cunningham I interviewed way back in the days of the Raindogs. It was one of my first short artist profiles for Rolling Stone, and took place in the band’s dressing room at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. I remember being nervous and I remember the band being a bunch of kind, friendly guys, especially JC. I’m listening to the Dogs’ “Lost Souls” right now. And it’s still just barely (almost midnight) St. Patty’s Day. Johnny was a Scotsman, but I still think it has a bittersweet appropriateness. Here’s to ya, JC.
12. THE METHOD AND THE RESULT – The Things You Miss (Losing Blueprint/KiraKira Disc Records)
Thursday, March 10
A visit to the Thrift Store almost always yields some good buck-fifty CDs.
13. US3 – Hand on the Torch (Blue Note, 1993)
14. BBC MUSIC magazine – Live from the Proms
Walton Symphony #1 and Takemitsu, From Me Flows What You Call Time
15. FARGO – soundtrack music by Carter Burwell (1996, TVT Records)
16.MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC – KCRW compilation (1999, Mammoth)
Sign of a music addict – buying a CD that you’re not entirely sure, but you may already own…but at $1.50 with acts like Beth Orton, Air, Lyle Lovett and Pink Martini in rare live spots from LA’s hippest morning radio show, how can you not take the chance?
17. MANDY PATINKIN – Experiment (1994, Elektra Nonesuch)
A 50 cent cassette for my mom. Tho’ I love Patinkin’s voice, and he will always be a god for having starred in Sunday in the Park with George, perhaps the greatest musical I’ve ever seen, his arrangements can border on the treacly (one of the reasons he’s best doing Sondheim; no unctuous sentiments there). I’ll listen once and pass it on. My tape player’s pretty much a reference tool these days, like a microfiche reader.
18. U2 – Wide Awake in America (747 Music)
Another 50 cent cassette, tho’ not for mom. Despite the lowly cassette’s position on the food chain of music-delivery devices (even the 8-track fares better, with a kind of kicky vintage charm), there are albums I find in the format that I don’t have otherwise. Death Cab for Cutie recently released Transatlanticism on cassette so that fans who were driving in their parents’ car would have something cool to listen to! Anyway, I bought this U2 cassette ‘cause it looked like something released in another country and now, with a magnifying glass, I can see that it was made in Singapore. (The Japanese cassettes I have are cooler.)
Oh, and I did eat a green bagel....
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Mo' Money, Mo' Music
Tuesday, March 7
This morning, I spent over $400 on four U2 tickets – two for DC, two for NYC, and they weren’t even the most expensive seats in the venues. But I was happy and consider the $20 I spent to renew with the band’s online fan club as a great bargain - it allowed me to buy tickets in a presale that nearly guaranteed I would get in, even if I couldn’t buy four tickets in the same city. So, one of us will take the live-at-home teenager to the MCI Center show and one of us will travel to NYC (any excuse to go back is fine with us) to take our NYU girl to Madison Square Garden. That’s what we consider a proper musical education.
The mail came, and there were no packages. Sad.
But then the Fed Ex man arrived, and there were four. Happy.
Two were from a film company, promoting upcoming DVD releases – but no screeners within, just press releases. Why does it say "Extremely Urgent" on the packages? Unless there’s a cure for cancer inside, or a check made out to me, there’s no urgency that I can see (ooh, I like that rhyme).
Anyway, the music:
1. ASLYN – Lemon Love (Capitol)
I requested this advance CD when I was working on a preview story about her show with Ryan Cabrera and Kyle Riabko click here, which ran almost three weeks ago. It’s not all that helpful now. At the show, knowing nothing about the act except what I’d read online, the kids and I saw Aslyn’s set as a chance to grab something to eat. That’s no slam to her music, but a simple example of how delay created a lost opportunity for both of us.
2. DAFT PUNK – Human After All (Virgin)
Here’s something I didn’t know was coming but am delighted to get. Heard a great song that sampled/paid homage to Daft Punk on WXPN, Philly, when I was driving up to NYC a few weekends ago (saw the Gates; loved ‘em). I think it was LCD Soundsystem's "Daft Punk is Playing at Me House." I consider it a sign. Must. Listen. To. Daft. Punk.
Monday, March 6
3. THIEVERY CORPORATION – The Cosmic Game (ESL)
Local boys made very, very good. International jet set lounge sounds, and now they’re working with David Byrne (a personal hero), Perry Farrell and other cool cats.
Saturday, March 5
4. L.P. – Suburban Sprawl and Alcohol (Light Switch Records)
5. LOVE TRACTOR – Black Hole (Fundamental Records)
6. WONDERFUL SMITH – Hello, It’s Wonderful (Fundamental Records)
7. BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA – Atom Bomb (Real World)
8. CHRIS CHANDLER – Collaborations (Prime)
Next weeks’ Washington Post pick click here, this guy is a verbose street poet type who’s hooked up with a pretty impressive array of helpers, as the title suggests - Catie Curtis, Dan Bern, Dar Williams, and others. Trouble (for me, at least) is that density words and intensity of Chandler's anger at the Powers That Be, even if I agree with him, makes for tiring, uneasy listening.
Friday, March 4
Purchased:
9. DONNA SUMMER – The Journey: The Very Best of (UTV/Mercury)
$10 in a nice velvety box, with a hard-cover copy of her autobiography (which I skimmed and put in the bag for the used book store). Why so cheap? I confess, I wore a "Disco Sucks" button back in the day, and still think "Love to Love You Baby" is soft-core crap, but some of those other songs - "Dim All the Lights," "She Works Hard for the Money," and "On the Radio" - have grown to be real dance anthem classics. Yes, I was wrong.
10. ROCK ON Universal Records free sampler
Who needs radio when you can grab a pile of free or cheap samplers and hit the road, tasting a potpourri of new offerings? And, if you hear something you like, there's the song title and artist, which most radio stations still make it hard to find out. When You Play It, Say It, people! This one has already won me over to Kaiser Chiefs.
Sent:
11. The MARS VOLTA – Frances the Mute (Universal)
I came thisclose to buying this CD yesterday at Target for $7.00; even though I can’t name a single song of theirs or hum a fragment of melody, the press has been so good for this band that I’ve been feeling compelled to find out what the fuss is about. To have the CD arrive, unsolicited, in the mail is one of those simple joys of writing about music.
12. ELVIS COSTELLO and the IMPOSTERS– The Delivery Man (extended version) (Lost Highway)
Elvis, I love you, but I can't buy every new reissue of albums I already bought, even if there's new tracks included. Luckily, this one came out on my birthday and, when the publicist sent an email reminder of the fact, I was able to request one as my gift of the day. (Thank you)
There's one sad note in trading in my old copy of the disc, which this one makes irrelevant. The new one doesn't have this disclaimer on the back, above the FBI anti-piracy warning:
"This artist does not endorse the following wanring. The F.B.I. dosn't have his home phone number and he hopes that they don't have yours."
Elvis, truly, is king!
13. MATT BIANCO featuring BASIA – Matt’s Mood (Decca)
"Cruisin' for Bruisin'" was a great song by Basia, but her stuff overall leaves me cold. This is more of what i don't dig - washed-out ersatz jazz.
Thursday, March 3:
14. The REVEREND AL GREEN – Everything’s OK (Blue Note)
Was this guy not amazing on Letterman, and adorable on the Daily Show?! Skip over the cover of "You Are So Beautiful," though. Not worthy of the great man.
15. The DISSOCIATIVES - S/T (Astralwerks)
16. DOVES – Some Cities (Capitol)
I asked for it; I got it; so far, I love it. Doves are such a great mix of dance grooves and rock muscle. And there's something upbeat about them in a world of sadness. They're coming to town in May. Terry and I will be there.
17. BILLY GILMAN – Everything and More
18. THE CLICK FIVE – 4 song sampler for Greetings from Imrie House (Lava)
A second copy, sent by request (hey, I didn’t know the first was in the mail!) as a possible story, tied to the upcoming Ashlee Simpson tour. (see entry far below about Pepper's Ghost, also sharing the bill).
This copy came with two blue jelly bracelets, the now ubiquitous fashion accessory, though the only charity here is the band’s website. First listen – boy band pop in nice suits. Grace will have to be the final judge, but the opening guitar riff, to “Catch Your Wave,” is either custom-made to be an MTV show theme, or was stolen from one. (out this summer)
19. ROBOTS – soundtrack (Virgin)
Official release of the soundtrack, previously sent as a slim-line advance. On this one, Fountains of Wayne is listed by its full name, whereas the strange appellation F.O.W. appeared on the advance, hinting at naughty rap group. Nice selection – besides F.O.W., there’s James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Gomez and Fatboy Slim’s “Wonderful Night,” my favorite track on the otherwise erratic “Palookaville.”
This morning, I spent over $400 on four U2 tickets – two for DC, two for NYC, and they weren’t even the most expensive seats in the venues. But I was happy and consider the $20 I spent to renew with the band’s online fan club as a great bargain - it allowed me to buy tickets in a presale that nearly guaranteed I would get in, even if I couldn’t buy four tickets in the same city. So, one of us will take the live-at-home teenager to the MCI Center show and one of us will travel to NYC (any excuse to go back is fine with us) to take our NYU girl to Madison Square Garden. That’s what we consider a proper musical education.
The mail came, and there were no packages. Sad.
But then the Fed Ex man arrived, and there were four. Happy.
Two were from a film company, promoting upcoming DVD releases – but no screeners within, just press releases. Why does it say "Extremely Urgent" on the packages? Unless there’s a cure for cancer inside, or a check made out to me, there’s no urgency that I can see (ooh, I like that rhyme).
Anyway, the music:
1. ASLYN – Lemon Love (Capitol)
I requested this advance CD when I was working on a preview story about her show with Ryan Cabrera and Kyle Riabko click here, which ran almost three weeks ago. It’s not all that helpful now. At the show, knowing nothing about the act except what I’d read online, the kids and I saw Aslyn’s set as a chance to grab something to eat. That’s no slam to her music, but a simple example of how delay created a lost opportunity for both of us.
2. DAFT PUNK – Human After All (Virgin)
Here’s something I didn’t know was coming but am delighted to get. Heard a great song that sampled/paid homage to Daft Punk on WXPN, Philly, when I was driving up to NYC a few weekends ago (saw the Gates; loved ‘em). I think it was LCD Soundsystem's "Daft Punk is Playing at Me House." I consider it a sign. Must. Listen. To. Daft. Punk.
Monday, March 6
3. THIEVERY CORPORATION – The Cosmic Game (ESL)
Local boys made very, very good. International jet set lounge sounds, and now they’re working with David Byrne (a personal hero), Perry Farrell and other cool cats.
Saturday, March 5
4. L.P. – Suburban Sprawl and Alcohol (Light Switch Records)
5. LOVE TRACTOR – Black Hole (Fundamental Records)
6. WONDERFUL SMITH – Hello, It’s Wonderful (Fundamental Records)
7. BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA – Atom Bomb (Real World)
8. CHRIS CHANDLER – Collaborations (Prime)
Next weeks’ Washington Post pick click here, this guy is a verbose street poet type who’s hooked up with a pretty impressive array of helpers, as the title suggests - Catie Curtis, Dan Bern, Dar Williams, and others. Trouble (for me, at least) is that density words and intensity of Chandler's anger at the Powers That Be, even if I agree with him, makes for tiring, uneasy listening.
Friday, March 4
Purchased:
9. DONNA SUMMER – The Journey: The Very Best of (UTV/Mercury)
$10 in a nice velvety box, with a hard-cover copy of her autobiography (which I skimmed and put in the bag for the used book store). Why so cheap? I confess, I wore a "Disco Sucks" button back in the day, and still think "Love to Love You Baby" is soft-core crap, but some of those other songs - "Dim All the Lights," "She Works Hard for the Money," and "On the Radio" - have grown to be real dance anthem classics. Yes, I was wrong.
10. ROCK ON Universal Records free sampler
Who needs radio when you can grab a pile of free or cheap samplers and hit the road, tasting a potpourri of new offerings? And, if you hear something you like, there's the song title and artist, which most radio stations still make it hard to find out. When You Play It, Say It, people! This one has already won me over to Kaiser Chiefs.
Sent:
11. The MARS VOLTA – Frances the Mute (Universal)
I came thisclose to buying this CD yesterday at Target for $7.00; even though I can’t name a single song of theirs or hum a fragment of melody, the press has been so good for this band that I’ve been feeling compelled to find out what the fuss is about. To have the CD arrive, unsolicited, in the mail is one of those simple joys of writing about music.
12. ELVIS COSTELLO and the IMPOSTERS– The Delivery Man (extended version) (Lost Highway)
Elvis, I love you, but I can't buy every new reissue of albums I already bought, even if there's new tracks included. Luckily, this one came out on my birthday and, when the publicist sent an email reminder of the fact, I was able to request one as my gift of the day. (Thank you)
There's one sad note in trading in my old copy of the disc, which this one makes irrelevant. The new one doesn't have this disclaimer on the back, above the FBI anti-piracy warning:
"This artist does not endorse the following wanring. The F.B.I. dosn't have his home phone number and he hopes that they don't have yours."
Elvis, truly, is king!
13. MATT BIANCO featuring BASIA – Matt’s Mood (Decca)
"Cruisin' for Bruisin'" was a great song by Basia, but her stuff overall leaves me cold. This is more of what i don't dig - washed-out ersatz jazz.
Thursday, March 3:
14. The REVEREND AL GREEN – Everything’s OK (Blue Note)
Was this guy not amazing on Letterman, and adorable on the Daily Show?! Skip over the cover of "You Are So Beautiful," though. Not worthy of the great man.
15. The DISSOCIATIVES - S/T (Astralwerks)
16. DOVES – Some Cities (Capitol)
I asked for it; I got it; so far, I love it. Doves are such a great mix of dance grooves and rock muscle. And there's something upbeat about them in a world of sadness. They're coming to town in May. Terry and I will be there.
17. BILLY GILMAN – Everything and More
18. THE CLICK FIVE – 4 song sampler for Greetings from Imrie House (Lava)
A second copy, sent by request (hey, I didn’t know the first was in the mail!) as a possible story, tied to the upcoming Ashlee Simpson tour. (see entry far below about Pepper's Ghost, also sharing the bill).
This copy came with two blue jelly bracelets, the now ubiquitous fashion accessory, though the only charity here is the band’s website. First listen – boy band pop in nice suits. Grace will have to be the final judge, but the opening guitar riff, to “Catch Your Wave,” is either custom-made to be an MTV show theme, or was stolen from one. (out this summer)
19. ROBOTS – soundtrack (Virgin)
Official release of the soundtrack, previously sent as a slim-line advance. On this one, Fountains of Wayne is listed by its full name, whereas the strange appellation F.O.W. appeared on the advance, hinting at naughty rap group. Nice selection – besides F.O.W., there’s James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Gomez and Fatboy Slim’s “Wonderful Night,” my favorite track on the otherwise erratic “Palookaville.”
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Beware the Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
They are tasty and addictive and even if you're supposedly avoiding carbs, you will eat the whole package and prattle away on the keyboard, fueled by the sugar as you attempt to remember all the new music that came your way in the busy week-and-change past....
Tuesday, March 1:
1. GREG KING - Cinematics (DVD)
Rachel’s (yes, with the possessive) were fantastic in concert this night, the double projectors showing evocative, slow motion imagery while the cello and violin created melancholy beauty. A perfect way to spend my birthday evening.
I chatted with Jason Noble before the show, a face-to-face meeting after a telephone interview many years back. Charming fellow. There will be more on this.
2. IDA - Angel Hall
A beautifully packaged letterpress package of a live-to-DAT performance of Ida, Low, The Secret Stars and His Name is Alive, recorded at a Brooklyn (yea, Brooklyn, my hometown!) benefit for people with HIV. What we heard on the ride home from the show (Ida opened for Rachel's) was truly lovely.
3. POLYVINYL 2005 sampler
19 tracks of intriguing sounds from a hip little label - Of Montreal, Joan of Arc (once a Pazz and Jop Top Ten fave of mine; recently too indulgent for my taste), Ida and more.
4. EMBRACED – Out Of Nothing (Lava)
(out May 3)
5. THE CLICK FIVE – 4-track sampler of tracks from Greetings From Imrie House (Lava)
(out this summer)
6. ANNE HEATON – Give In (Q Division Records)
She’s a feisty white woman, but according to her bio, Heaton was signing in a Harlem Gospel Choir when its director introduced her to jazz drummer Max Roach, and she torued with him through Europe, singing jazz standards, spirituals and original Roach songs. But she sounds like a bright popster, with hints of country. Her debut, “Black Notebook,” didn’t stick with me, but this sounds catchy on first listen.
(out late spring, it says)
Monday, February 28
Purchased:
7. JANE SIBERRY – Shushan the Palace (Hymns of Earth) (Sheeba)
8. JANE SIBERRY – Jane 101 (Sheeba)
Siberry is a fascinating, occasionally frustrating woman, one of those artists who does her own thing, damn the consequences and dares you to come along for the ride. She’s not quite of this world, god bless her, and the few times I interviewed her, she was gracious but obtuse. Sometimes just attempting to follow her line of thought left me grasping for the thread (not unlike young Michael Stipe). Writing her preview story of the Post click herewas a hard task – conveying how much I admire her without wanting to bring in newcomers not ready for the full Siberry effect. With or without my recommendation the concert was packed, and wonderful – and yes, sometimes inscrutable. Visit the website (www.sheeba.com) and get a taste. That’s where I ordered the Shushan CD, a new collection of interpretations of classical and other pieces, along with a strange but cozy Sheeba hat and scarf. Jane 101, a sampler of five Siberry songs from across the years, starting with the heart-breaking “You Don’t Need” and moving to the divine “Calling All Angels,” was a bonus.
Sent
9. THE FENIANS – Every Day’s a Hooley (Mizen Head Music) “Night Visiting Song” made me think of the Who, which is odd for a Celtic band. Some of the lyrics are real ear-catchers. Not sure about the guy’s voice. Need to revisit.
Saturday, February 26:
Purchased:
10. VAGENIUS – S/T (self-released) Saw this female-led trio open for the amazing Kings of Leon (more on them anon), and was compelled to buy the CD – which will not, I’m sure be the one that makes them famous, but they have definite potential. If I did A&R, I would tell them to change the name, play down the retro new wave party vibe (a shoulder-strapped keyboard?!), roughen up the Euro-trash sound, and go for the Blondie/Gwen Stefani smart pop effect. The chick singer has a fine voice, but needs a stylist who’ll tell her why thigh-high boots, zebra stripe tights and pink lace panties are a messy mixed message. Diamonds in the rough, Vagenius was blessed with a receptive crowd and made the most of it.
Kings of Leon, meanwhile, kicked major ass. And that is not a term I use lightly or often.
Sent:
11. BLACK 47 – Elvis Murphy’s Green Suede Shoes (Gadfly Records)
Friday, February 25:
Purchased:
12. PRINCE – Musicology ( ) My husband’s been asking me to buy him this CD for months – and threatening to buy it at full price (he’ll pay $17 for a CD without blinking, while I balk at anything over $13). I finally remember to pick it up, bring it home triumphantly and when I hand to him, he laughs out loud. He had just bought me a copy for my birthday, acknowledging that it is as much a gift to himself as to me. The kicker – he got the better deal - $12 at Target versus the $13 I spent at Best Buy.
When Prince is good, he’s amazing, and when he’s bad, he can be pretty annoying. At first listen, this one seems to be solidly in the first category though I’d prefer the funky dance tunes to outnumber the slow jams.
Sent:
13. IDA - Heart Like a River (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
I honestly, honestly, honestly couldn’t find the copy of this CD a kind publicist sent last year and with the hush-core ensemble coming to town (on my birthday, no less!), I humbly requested a new one. Lovely stuff -
three songwriters crafting a spare, bittersweet sound with beautiful harmonies. Mournful but not depressing, perfect wintery sounds. Even at the Black Cat, where a sometimes boorishly loud crowd can spoil quiet numbers, the group had a respectful audience, and did a gorgeous Brian Eno cover.
Ida opened for Rachel’s (see above).
14. GREATER CALIFORNIA – Somber Wurlitzer (Earthling Records)
(out April 5)
Combining chill-worthy lounge with late 60s British pop (think Zombies and Hollies) this Long Beach-based collective may well be favorite discovery of recent weeks. This, the group’s second CD, was written specifically to take advantage of a newly-acquired instrument’s hypnotizing tones (hence the title), but it’s no novelty act. The press bio says that it was purposely recorded “in dimly lit rooms between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.” and it feels like it. Not hangover music, but true mellow chill, with some of those deep, up all night revelations. Neat.
15. DEANA CARTER – The Story of My Life (Vanguard)
Thursday, February 24:
16. JON CLEARY and THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN – Pin Your Spin (Bason Street Records)
Concert previewed for the Washington Post. click here
17. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Genocide in Sudan (Waxploitation)
The guilt of being a bad global citizen was eased only slightly by bidding on ebay auctions from Waxploitation records, with all proceeds going to the victims of genocide in Sudan, but it’s a start.
This CD is a compilation of artists like System Of A Down (in truth, a band I admire but don’t truly enjoy), Thievery Corporation (DC hometown heroes) and a real mixed bag from artists like Gorillaz, Kinky, Danger Mouse & Murs, Jill Scott, Angelique Kidjo, The Pretenders, Toots and the Maytals. The auction listing said I was bidding on a copy signed by Aesop Rock, El-P, and Rjd2, but the one that came in the mail has only one scrawl on it (I think it’s Rjd-2.) Am I disappointed? A little. Will I complain? No. Do I sound like Donald Rumsfeld when I ask myself questions? (eeewwwwwww!) Proceeds will go to groups such as UNICEF, and UNHCR. No regreats at all. (http://www.waxploitation.com/html/genocide.html)
Wednesday, February 23:
18. KYLE RIABKO – 3 from “Before” (free sampler)
19. ASLYN – 2-track S/T (free sampler)
Obtained at the Ryan Cabrera-headlined show at the Birchmere click here , to which I took three teenage girls, ranging from barely-know-who-Ryan-is to I’m-gonna-marry-Ryan. (Grace was the one in the middle, interested but not fanatical.) Cabrera did his thing and the audience of YM, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl readers squealed on cue. It was relatively harmless, but Ryan’s handlers nearly derailed the love with the post-show meet-and-greet restrictions. If you paid $20 (!!!) for a copy of the CD you no doubt already owned, you could stand on the line and say hello to Ryan and have him hand you a signed CD booklet. But no other purchase of merchandise qualified you and if you were simply a fan who wanted a personal moment, tough luck. Shameful.
Kyle Riabko, on the other hand, is a real musician and, as an opening act looking to make new friends, stood by the merch area throughout the night, chatting with fans, posing for pictures, signing anything you asked him to. Granted, it wasn’t the kind of mob scene Ryan might have generated, but it lacked that sickly mercenary feel. Kyle’s the one that Grace wants to marry.
20. ELECRIC EEL SHOCK – Go USA! (Gearhead)
21. ROBOTS – soundtrack (Virgin)
22. LOST CITY ANGELS – Broken World (Stay Gold Records)
(out April 5)
23. HARP Magazine with free CD - ATO Records New Music
People I know I like – JEM, Mike Doughty, Orbital, My Morning Jacket - a few I’m not crazy about – Govt. Mule, David Gray, - and a few to decide upon- Ben Kweller, Vusi Mahlasela, North Mississippi Allstars, Patty Griffin.
Tuesday, March 1:
1. GREG KING - Cinematics (DVD)
Rachel’s (yes, with the possessive) were fantastic in concert this night, the double projectors showing evocative, slow motion imagery while the cello and violin created melancholy beauty. A perfect way to spend my birthday evening.
I chatted with Jason Noble before the show, a face-to-face meeting after a telephone interview many years back. Charming fellow. There will be more on this.
2. IDA - Angel Hall
A beautifully packaged letterpress package of a live-to-DAT performance of Ida, Low, The Secret Stars and His Name is Alive, recorded at a Brooklyn (yea, Brooklyn, my hometown!) benefit for people with HIV. What we heard on the ride home from the show (Ida opened for Rachel's) was truly lovely.
3. POLYVINYL 2005 sampler
19 tracks of intriguing sounds from a hip little label - Of Montreal, Joan of Arc (once a Pazz and Jop Top Ten fave of mine; recently too indulgent for my taste), Ida and more.
4. EMBRACED – Out Of Nothing (Lava)
(out May 3)
5. THE CLICK FIVE – 4-track sampler of tracks from Greetings From Imrie House (Lava)
(out this summer)
6. ANNE HEATON – Give In (Q Division Records)
She’s a feisty white woman, but according to her bio, Heaton was signing in a Harlem Gospel Choir when its director introduced her to jazz drummer Max Roach, and she torued with him through Europe, singing jazz standards, spirituals and original Roach songs. But she sounds like a bright popster, with hints of country. Her debut, “Black Notebook,” didn’t stick with me, but this sounds catchy on first listen.
(out late spring, it says)
Monday, February 28
Purchased:
7. JANE SIBERRY – Shushan the Palace (Hymns of Earth) (Sheeba)
8. JANE SIBERRY – Jane 101 (Sheeba)
Siberry is a fascinating, occasionally frustrating woman, one of those artists who does her own thing, damn the consequences and dares you to come along for the ride. She’s not quite of this world, god bless her, and the few times I interviewed her, she was gracious but obtuse. Sometimes just attempting to follow her line of thought left me grasping for the thread (not unlike young Michael Stipe). Writing her preview story of the Post click herewas a hard task – conveying how much I admire her without wanting to bring in newcomers not ready for the full Siberry effect. With or without my recommendation the concert was packed, and wonderful – and yes, sometimes inscrutable. Visit the website (www.sheeba.com) and get a taste. That’s where I ordered the Shushan CD, a new collection of interpretations of classical and other pieces, along with a strange but cozy Sheeba hat and scarf. Jane 101, a sampler of five Siberry songs from across the years, starting with the heart-breaking “You Don’t Need” and moving to the divine “Calling All Angels,” was a bonus.
Sent
9. THE FENIANS – Every Day’s a Hooley (Mizen Head Music) “Night Visiting Song” made me think of the Who, which is odd for a Celtic band. Some of the lyrics are real ear-catchers. Not sure about the guy’s voice. Need to revisit.
Saturday, February 26:
Purchased:
10. VAGENIUS – S/T (self-released) Saw this female-led trio open for the amazing Kings of Leon (more on them anon), and was compelled to buy the CD – which will not, I’m sure be the one that makes them famous, but they have definite potential. If I did A&R, I would tell them to change the name, play down the retro new wave party vibe (a shoulder-strapped keyboard?!), roughen up the Euro-trash sound, and go for the Blondie/Gwen Stefani smart pop effect. The chick singer has a fine voice, but needs a stylist who’ll tell her why thigh-high boots, zebra stripe tights and pink lace panties are a messy mixed message. Diamonds in the rough, Vagenius was blessed with a receptive crowd and made the most of it.
Kings of Leon, meanwhile, kicked major ass. And that is not a term I use lightly or often.
Sent:
11. BLACK 47 – Elvis Murphy’s Green Suede Shoes (Gadfly Records)
Friday, February 25:
Purchased:
12. PRINCE – Musicology ( ) My husband’s been asking me to buy him this CD for months – and threatening to buy it at full price (he’ll pay $17 for a CD without blinking, while I balk at anything over $13). I finally remember to pick it up, bring it home triumphantly and when I hand to him, he laughs out loud. He had just bought me a copy for my birthday, acknowledging that it is as much a gift to himself as to me. The kicker – he got the better deal - $12 at Target versus the $13 I spent at Best Buy.
When Prince is good, he’s amazing, and when he’s bad, he can be pretty annoying. At first listen, this one seems to be solidly in the first category though I’d prefer the funky dance tunes to outnumber the slow jams.
Sent:
13. IDA - Heart Like a River (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
I honestly, honestly, honestly couldn’t find the copy of this CD a kind publicist sent last year and with the hush-core ensemble coming to town (on my birthday, no less!), I humbly requested a new one. Lovely stuff -
three songwriters crafting a spare, bittersweet sound with beautiful harmonies. Mournful but not depressing, perfect wintery sounds. Even at the Black Cat, where a sometimes boorishly loud crowd can spoil quiet numbers, the group had a respectful audience, and did a gorgeous Brian Eno cover.
Ida opened for Rachel’s (see above).
14. GREATER CALIFORNIA – Somber Wurlitzer (Earthling Records)
(out April 5)
Combining chill-worthy lounge with late 60s British pop (think Zombies and Hollies) this Long Beach-based collective may well be favorite discovery of recent weeks. This, the group’s second CD, was written specifically to take advantage of a newly-acquired instrument’s hypnotizing tones (hence the title), but it’s no novelty act. The press bio says that it was purposely recorded “in dimly lit rooms between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.” and it feels like it. Not hangover music, but true mellow chill, with some of those deep, up all night revelations. Neat.
15. DEANA CARTER – The Story of My Life (Vanguard)
Thursday, February 24:
16. JON CLEARY and THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN – Pin Your Spin (Bason Street Records)
Concert previewed for the Washington Post. click here
17. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Genocide in Sudan (Waxploitation)
The guilt of being a bad global citizen was eased only slightly by bidding on ebay auctions from Waxploitation records, with all proceeds going to the victims of genocide in Sudan, but it’s a start.
This CD is a compilation of artists like System Of A Down (in truth, a band I admire but don’t truly enjoy), Thievery Corporation (DC hometown heroes) and a real mixed bag from artists like Gorillaz, Kinky, Danger Mouse & Murs, Jill Scott, Angelique Kidjo, The Pretenders, Toots and the Maytals. The auction listing said I was bidding on a copy signed by Aesop Rock, El-P, and Rjd2, but the one that came in the mail has only one scrawl on it (I think it’s Rjd-2.) Am I disappointed? A little. Will I complain? No. Do I sound like Donald Rumsfeld when I ask myself questions? (eeewwwwwww!) Proceeds will go to groups such as UNICEF, and UNHCR. No regreats at all. (http://www.waxploitation.com/html/genocide.html)
Wednesday, February 23:
18. KYLE RIABKO – 3 from “Before” (free sampler)
19. ASLYN – 2-track S/T (free sampler)
Obtained at the Ryan Cabrera-headlined show at the Birchmere click here , to which I took three teenage girls, ranging from barely-know-who-Ryan-is to I’m-gonna-marry-Ryan. (Grace was the one in the middle, interested but not fanatical.) Cabrera did his thing and the audience of YM, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl readers squealed on cue. It was relatively harmless, but Ryan’s handlers nearly derailed the love with the post-show meet-and-greet restrictions. If you paid $20 (!!!) for a copy of the CD you no doubt already owned, you could stand on the line and say hello to Ryan and have him hand you a signed CD booklet. But no other purchase of merchandise qualified you and if you were simply a fan who wanted a personal moment, tough luck. Shameful.
Kyle Riabko, on the other hand, is a real musician and, as an opening act looking to make new friends, stood by the merch area throughout the night, chatting with fans, posing for pictures, signing anything you asked him to. Granted, it wasn’t the kind of mob scene Ryan might have generated, but it lacked that sickly mercenary feel. Kyle’s the one that Grace wants to marry.
20. ELECRIC EEL SHOCK – Go USA! (Gearhead)
21. ROBOTS – soundtrack (Virgin)
22. LOST CITY ANGELS – Broken World (Stay Gold Records)
(out April 5)
23. HARP Magazine with free CD - ATO Records New Music
People I know I like – JEM, Mike Doughty, Orbital, My Morning Jacket - a few I’m not crazy about – Govt. Mule, David Gray, - and a few to decide upon- Ben Kweller, Vusi Mahlasela, North Mississippi Allstars, Patty Griffin.
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