...and I'll tell you about the summer just past and how/why the blog was cast aside for bigger issues and more pressing efforts. But here we are again, old (close personal) friend and there is a coffee table downstairs that groans with the weight of dozens of CDs that were bought, burned, bartered or sent in the time since we last met here. So, let's dive in and try to lighten that load.
First off, in making the move from my old laptop (saying goodbye was like putting a faithful but suffering pet to sleep) to my shiny new powerbook, I found a posting which was begun during my lost summer, but never finished. So, I'll knock that off as a kickstart...
Tuesday, August 16
In July, the f.y.e. store at the Glens Falls mall snagged me with one of those deals where, if you spend $30, you get a coupon worth $10 toward a future purchase in a limited period (a couple of weeks in August). So here I am with my coupon…
Tempted by a used copy of Gwen Stefani’s Love Angel Music Baby that comes with a nifty artsy CD cased, but even used it’s nearly $30, so I cruise the cutouts and find a 2-disc set called
1. DIVAS – 32 Tracks from the World’s Most Divine Female Voices (X-Media)
I’m familiar with about half the tracks and, of those, there’s a good split between those I may have elsewhere but would like to hear again soon (Cher’s “Shoop Shoop Song,” Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner,” but I wouldn’t exactly call Vega a diva), and others that I probably don’t and would like (“Ain’t Nothing Going On But the Rent,” by Gwen Guthrie, “Looking for a New Love” by Jody Watley). Of the ones I don’t know, there may be some worthwhile discoveries. On first listen, I’m already glad to find “Get Here” by Oleta Adams and “Private Life” by Grace Jones.
All used CDs priced at $2.99 or less are now 49 cents. I can (almost) always find something at that price.
2. The CONNELLS – Weird Food & Devastation (TVT)
A name I’ve heard so often but never heard, so gotta try at this price.
3. ASH – Nu-Clear Sounds (DreamWorks)
I have a different CD of theirs, and enjoyed the band when it was an early opener on the Area 2 tour, and at a Tower records in-store a few days later. Always a little sad to see a band of merit on the slag pile like this, and the young woman who rings me up remarks that she saw Ash once at a Saratoga club and liked them, too. We both send our positive vibes to the unfairly cheapened members of Ash.
At full price, but only $2.99 for a CD single:
4. R.E.M. – Bad Day (Warner Bros. Import)
Is this the last good R.E.M. single? I am still ever so disappointed with the "Around the Sun" album. This was the last song by my former favorites to offer catchy melody and non-predictable lyrics, and even so, it seems a reworking of “It’s The End of the World as We Know It.” Come back, boys. Drag Bill Berry kicking and screaming if you have to.
And, here’s the best part. As I san the racks, looking for something I want, or something I didn’t know I wanted until I saw it on sale, I flip through the Kinks section, wondering if they have (and how much) is the deluxe 3-disc set of "Village Green Preservation Society." They don’t have it in stock, but there’s a bunch of promotional discs for a f.y.e. exclusive Kinks collection.
5. The KINKS 40th Anniversay SACD Sampler (KOCH)
There’s no price on it, probably a free-with-Kinks-purchase deal, but I bring it to the counter and the cashier slides it right on through. Fourteen high-quality Kinks tracks – not the usual greatest hits I already have (tho’ I could listen to “Waterloo Sunset” every day for the rest of my life), but a mix of bits from the later years. Free Kinks! That alone was worth the price of admission. Which was low anyway. With my $10 coupon (not good on sale items, a fact that never came up in the original purchase – shame on them), and the addition of a 99 cent disc cleaning cloth, my grand outlay comes to $4.23. Sweeeet.
August 2:
6. SKINDRED – Babylon (Lava)
Sent in advance of the upcoming Warped Tour preview, to appear in this week’s Post.
7. The CLICK FIVE – Greetings from Imrie House (Lava)
The same publicist who sent the above tossed this one in “for your girls.” Grace was hoping for an official release, but this was another cardboard advance. She’s already a fan of the band, who’ve been getting MTV play and now that I see some songs are co-written by A. Schlesinger (I’m betting that’s Adam, from Fountains of Wayne), I’m going back for another listen myself. These guys are opening for Backstreet Boys, and I’d certainly give a shout for tix to see that show, but I’ll be out of town.
8. TEN IN TEXAS compilation (Icehouse)
Though I’m not much of a country girl, there are people hear I respect, like Willie Nelson, Terri Hendrix and Asleep at the Wheel. Since moving to Virginia 12 (gulp!) years ago, I've gotten a bit more tolerant of country, just not that Big Hat, Rah-Rah America school, which is mostly from the Nashville song factories anyways. These are the real dealers.
July 29:
9. BRIAN SETZER – Rockabilly Riot (Surfdog)
July 25:
10. ZONA JONES – Harleys & Horses (D Records)
Zona is a guy’s name, a cowboy-hatted dude making a “traditional style of country,” which generally holds little interest for me. I do like the song title “House of Negotiable Affections,” though.
11. KATHY MATTEA – Right Out of Nowhere (Narada)
I never would have pegged Mattea for the Narada label, which has done a lot of new agey stuff in the past. Due out on September 27, though the bio says she performed on a 2-hour summer special of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Not knowing the show, I ask, how did they squeeze music into that? Her take on the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" ain't half bad, but a cover of Creedence's "Down on the Corner" is a teeth-clencher, and the stuff in between is too gooey by half.
July 22:
12. DAY OF CONTEMPT – The Will to Live (Epitaph)
There are four guys in the picture, three of whom show off arms covered, wrist to shoulder, in tattoos. The fourth guy’s arms are obscured, but I’m guessing he’s got major ink, too. The bio says that, “Thirty seconds into ‘The Will to Live’ the hammer comes down and clobbers unsuspecting listeners with a brutal hardcore blitz.” Honestly, I don’t prejudge, but what are the chances that I will like this?
13. BARNEY the DINOSAUR – The Land of Make Believe (KOCH)
This was the first package I opened upon my return, and I took it as a bad omen. Beyond the cutesy-wootsey-pootsey quality of Barney, which sets my teeth on edge, I have a personal vendetta against the big purple guy. Many moons ago, in my writing TV scripts for children phase, the Barney producers approached me about doing some work for them and then treated me badly before I even had a chance to voice my reservations. So screw you, Barney.
July 21:
14. OK GO – Oh No (Capitol)
I’m a little disappointed that the publicist didn’t include press kits, but at lease I’m familiar with OK Go from their appearance on a They Might Be Giants tour and the debut album with the catchy “Get Over It.” Since I signed up for the band’s mailing list, I’ve become fond of the guy named Jorge who writes their funny news items.
15. The REDWALLS – De Nova (Capitol)
Damn, if the cover shot on this advance copy doesn’t look like the Small Faces posing for a Traffic album whose title escapes me. The publicist previously made a Kinks comparison on these guys, so they have a nice set of references.
16. HOPE PARTLOW – Who We Are (Virgin)
17. HOPE PARTLOW – Who We Are single (Virgin)
Why did they send a copy of the single with the album? There’s nothing new here. And I already got a deluxe press kit with a fake twee teenage girl’s diary. Overselling a new artist can backlash, so back off, Virgin.
July 19:
18. ELIZA GILKYSON – Paradise Hotel (Red House Records)
Her fourth album for the label, and it’s about time I checked her out, as her name keeps coming up as a touring musician who plays the local clubs I cover for the Post.
19. FRANK BLACK – Honeycomb (Back Porch/EMI)
The former Black Francis, Pixie-man supreme, recorded this in Nashville with a band including the likes of Steve Cropper, Buddy Miller, Anton Fig and Spooner Oldham. If anyone can kick some new life into country, Black can.
20. CAROLE KING – The Living Room Tour (Rockingale/Concord)
Nostalgia makes me nervous. One the ride from Lake George, one of the CDs I listened to was a live recording of Janis Ian that my brother had passed on to me. Even the songs that I remembered playing to death in my melodramtic adolscence (hell, especially those songs!) sounded terribly dated, the lyrics overwrought and the arrangements full of ersatz jazz that no doubt made me feel quite sophisticated back then. I remember so many of King’s songs fondly; that’s precisely way I’m afraid to revisit them, and a gushy baby boomer audience will only compound the problem.
July 18:
21. SON VOLT – Okemah and the Melody of Riot (Transmit Sound/Legacy)
Ooooh, goodie. Any band whose members date back to sharing studio time with Jeff Tweedy come with a recommendation to take seriously. Call it the Wilco Effect.
Dates unknown:
22. AM – S/T (self-release)
23. AM – Mainstay Remix EP (self-release)
My kind of good-looking guy – casually cool in a Peter Krause (“Six Feet Under”) little-bit-of-stubble way. Considering his background – Oklahoma to New Orleans to L.A. – adoption by the venerable Nik Harcourt of KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” and willingness to have his pop/rock/folk be toyed with by the folks associated with the Green Galactic label, this could be a musical match made in heaven. Sometimes musical discoveries are like Internet dating – you take your clues where you can find ‘em and hope to fall in love. On first listen, I'm happy to report that he may be in for a long-term relationship.
24. AMESTORY – S/T (Portia Records)
From the lovely guys at Team Clermont. Out October 4th.
25. FALL OUT BOY – From Under the Cork Tree (Island)
26. THRICE – If We Could Only See Us Now (Island)
Sent in preparation for this week’s Post preview of the Warped Tour. click here I bought the FOB CD for Grace a while back, but Thrice is something I can listen to before the show.
YTD total: 699
words and pictures about music
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
On the Road Again
I’m heading back upstate, and I’m feeling less than optimistic about what awaits there. So, this is just a way to keep busy, tidy up the desk and act like the world goes on…
Monday, July 18
Purchased:
The FOO FIGHTERS – In Your Honor (RCA)
Been looking for this on sale since I gave the one I bought during release week to my cousin. (I met him unexpectedly in a bar the night he graduated from nursing school and, since I had no present to offer, I grabbed my copy out of the car.) Refused to pay $17 at Target the next day, but as soon as I saw it on sale again at Best Buy, it was mine. Won’t count this one in my YTD total.
Grace bought (and I count ‘em, ‘cause it’s allowance that makes it happen!)
1. RELIENT K –
Since they’re coming to the Warped tour, and I have an assignment to cover it, I tell Grace to get the older album, with the cheaper price and bonus disc (punky covers of Christmas songs!) since I’m waiting on a press kit. And since this one has the song she first fell in love with, cool by her.
2. ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – Move Along –
This was on sale for $7 or $8 during its first week of release, and some other store has it for less than $13, I’m sure. But, like Veruca Salt, she wants it NOW, and we’re traveling soon, so there’s no time to argue.
Sent:
3. The BONAPARTES – S/T (self-released)
Coming to the IOTA on July 25th as part of a triple bill of young area bands.
4. HOOTIE and the BLOWFISH – Looking for Lucky (Sneaky Long/Vanguard)
From the start, way before Darius “Hootie” got involved with those bizarrely hideous Burger King commercials (between them and the Paris Hilton, I may have to give up the occasional BK fix), I have found H & BF annoying. Can’t imagine what would change my opinion now.
Saturday, July 16:
The CD Cellar trade-in booty:
5. MY MORNING JACKET – Chocolate and Ice EP (Badman)
Beautiful stuff, perfect for late-night blog writing. To those who are reading and are not big followers of contemporary rock, let’s use the old “if you like…” equation. If you like Harvest-era Neil Young, this is the band for you. Includes one of those inexplicable tracks offering a rambling phone machine message. It arrives as track 4 of this 6-track EP, like an annoying commercial break.
6. FOO FIGHTERS – One By One (RCA)
I was actually looking for a used copy of the latest, the one I gave to my cousin, but it wasn’t in stock. Meanwhile, since I’m in a Foo mood, seeing this one on sale for $7 in the “slightly scratched” bin (I haven’t bought a bum one yet) – and it was the deluxe, 2 CD set no less!, I had to have it. Previously I had only a gift-burned copy.
7. FALL OUT BOY –
For Grace, who monitors the music channels on our digital cable TV, waiting to squeal and jump along with “Sugar, We’re Going Down.”
And two “why not?” presents for the birthday boy:
8. JONI MITCHELL – Woman of Heart and Mind DVD
9. KINGS OF LEON – DVD press kit
Sent:
10. RODNEY CROWELL – The Outsider (Columbia)
Advance 2 CD set with bonus disc. Includes a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm.”
Coming to the Birchmere on Out August 16th.
11. MARTY STUART and the FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES – Souls’ Chapel (Superlatone/Universal South)
Though I’m not a big one for “Jesus Music” – another thing the right wing has destroyed for the rest of us, there’s something affecting when you hear sincere, loving praise. Stuart, a country (and alt-country) stalwart for ages, doesn’t appear to be
Wednesday, July 13:
Purchased:
12. The WHITE STRIPES – Get Behind Me Satan (V2)
Thought it was on sale for $11.99, but it rang up as $9.99. Sweeet. Got tix to see the - with the Shins opening! - at Merriweather Post in September.
13. JOHN STEVENS – selections from Red free sampler (Maverick)
14. MOJO magzine with U2 compilation
Sent:
15. GREENLAND – S/T (self-released)
Coming to IOTA on July 25th.
I’ve lost track of what came when, so here’s a catch-all of recent acquisitions:
16. PEASALL SISTERS – Home to You (Dualtone)
Maybe I’ve lived in the south too long, but this former New Yorker is getting quite fond of that quiet, Appalachian porch sound, especially when sung with such lovely female harmonies.
17. BILLY F. OTIS – Sowing Wild Oats (Wild Oats)
Local singer-songwriter that persistently nags me to write about him. That’s fine, and the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all, but his stuff doesn’t bowl me over, so it gets awkward.
18. MARS ARIZONA – All Over the Road
19. LISA BELL – It’s All About Love (Hapi Skratch Records)
20. The HACKENSAW BOYS – Love What You Do (Nettwerk)
Coming to the 930 Club on August 9th.
21. The BEL AIRS – Got Love (Hightone Records)
22.The DOMINO KINGS – Some Kind of Sign (Hightone)
23. The MORELLS – Think About It (Hightone)
24.BRIAN CAPPS - Walk Through Walls (Hightone)
All from the same label, these four acts are coming to the IOTA on August 16th as the “big Noise from Springfield Missouri” tour.
25. MIKKI JAMES – Guess What… (Xemu Records)
It says RIYD (recommended if you like): The Strokes, The Dead 60s, The Vines, White Stripes. That’s quite an ambitious bunch. Worth a listen, but there’s a clear danger of the publicists overselling.
26.GRACE POTTER and the NOCTURNALS – Nothing But the Water (self-released)
Classy package for a self-released CD. The band will be playing on July 29th at the Birchmere, opening for hometown heroes (and damn nice guys) Last Train Home. If I weren’t going to be out of town, I’d definitely try to check it out.
27. DABY TOURE – DIAM (Real World)
Coming to the Kennedy Center this Thursday (July 21), so it’s out of my “domain.” I don’t get a lot of world music, and it’s also a pleasure to hear the sounds of other places/
28. JANN KLOSE – Black Box EP (self-released)
29.BOTTOM of the HUDSON - Holiday Machine (Absolutely Kosher)
YTD total: 573
Be thankful every day for the love in your life.
Monday, July 18
Purchased:
The FOO FIGHTERS – In Your Honor (RCA)
Been looking for this on sale since I gave the one I bought during release week to my cousin. (I met him unexpectedly in a bar the night he graduated from nursing school and, since I had no present to offer, I grabbed my copy out of the car.) Refused to pay $17 at Target the next day, but as soon as I saw it on sale again at Best Buy, it was mine. Won’t count this one in my YTD total.
Grace bought (and I count ‘em, ‘cause it’s allowance that makes it happen!)
1. RELIENT K –
Since they’re coming to the Warped tour, and I have an assignment to cover it, I tell Grace to get the older album, with the cheaper price and bonus disc (punky covers of Christmas songs!) since I’m waiting on a press kit. And since this one has the song she first fell in love with, cool by her.
2. ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – Move Along –
This was on sale for $7 or $8 during its first week of release, and some other store has it for less than $13, I’m sure. But, like Veruca Salt, she wants it NOW, and we’re traveling soon, so there’s no time to argue.
Sent:
3. The BONAPARTES – S/T (self-released)
Coming to the IOTA on July 25th as part of a triple bill of young area bands.
4. HOOTIE and the BLOWFISH – Looking for Lucky (Sneaky Long/Vanguard)
From the start, way before Darius “Hootie” got involved with those bizarrely hideous Burger King commercials (between them and the Paris Hilton, I may have to give up the occasional BK fix), I have found H & BF annoying. Can’t imagine what would change my opinion now.
Saturday, July 16:
The CD Cellar trade-in booty:
5. MY MORNING JACKET – Chocolate and Ice EP (Badman)
Beautiful stuff, perfect for late-night blog writing. To those who are reading and are not big followers of contemporary rock, let’s use the old “if you like…” equation. If you like Harvest-era Neil Young, this is the band for you. Includes one of those inexplicable tracks offering a rambling phone machine message. It arrives as track 4 of this 6-track EP, like an annoying commercial break.
6. FOO FIGHTERS – One By One (RCA)
I was actually looking for a used copy of the latest, the one I gave to my cousin, but it wasn’t in stock. Meanwhile, since I’m in a Foo mood, seeing this one on sale for $7 in the “slightly scratched” bin (I haven’t bought a bum one yet) – and it was the deluxe, 2 CD set no less!, I had to have it. Previously I had only a gift-burned copy.
7. FALL OUT BOY –
For Grace, who monitors the music channels on our digital cable TV, waiting to squeal and jump along with “Sugar, We’re Going Down.”
And two “why not?” presents for the birthday boy:
8. JONI MITCHELL – Woman of Heart and Mind DVD
9. KINGS OF LEON – DVD press kit
Sent:
10. RODNEY CROWELL – The Outsider (Columbia)
Advance 2 CD set with bonus disc. Includes a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm.”
Coming to the Birchmere on Out August 16th.
11. MARTY STUART and the FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES – Souls’ Chapel (Superlatone/Universal South)
Though I’m not a big one for “Jesus Music” – another thing the right wing has destroyed for the rest of us, there’s something affecting when you hear sincere, loving praise. Stuart, a country (and alt-country) stalwart for ages, doesn’t appear to be
Wednesday, July 13:
Purchased:
12. The WHITE STRIPES – Get Behind Me Satan (V2)
Thought it was on sale for $11.99, but it rang up as $9.99. Sweeet. Got tix to see the - with the Shins opening! - at Merriweather Post in September.
13. JOHN STEVENS – selections from Red free sampler (Maverick)
14. MOJO magzine with U2 compilation
Sent:
15. GREENLAND – S/T (self-released)
Coming to IOTA on July 25th.
I’ve lost track of what came when, so here’s a catch-all of recent acquisitions:
16. PEASALL SISTERS – Home to You (Dualtone)
Maybe I’ve lived in the south too long, but this former New Yorker is getting quite fond of that quiet, Appalachian porch sound, especially when sung with such lovely female harmonies.
17. BILLY F. OTIS – Sowing Wild Oats (Wild Oats)
Local singer-songwriter that persistently nags me to write about him. That’s fine, and the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all, but his stuff doesn’t bowl me over, so it gets awkward.
18. MARS ARIZONA – All Over the Road
19. LISA BELL – It’s All About Love (Hapi Skratch Records)
20. The HACKENSAW BOYS – Love What You Do (Nettwerk)
Coming to the 930 Club on August 9th.
21. The BEL AIRS – Got Love (Hightone Records)
22.The DOMINO KINGS – Some Kind of Sign (Hightone)
23. The MORELLS – Think About It (Hightone)
24.BRIAN CAPPS - Walk Through Walls (Hightone)
All from the same label, these four acts are coming to the IOTA on August 16th as the “big Noise from Springfield Missouri” tour.
25. MIKKI JAMES – Guess What… (Xemu Records)
It says RIYD (recommended if you like): The Strokes, The Dead 60s, The Vines, White Stripes. That’s quite an ambitious bunch. Worth a listen, but there’s a clear danger of the publicists overselling.
26.GRACE POTTER and the NOCTURNALS – Nothing But the Water (self-released)
Classy package for a self-released CD. The band will be playing on July 29th at the Birchmere, opening for hometown heroes (and damn nice guys) Last Train Home. If I weren’t going to be out of town, I’d definitely try to check it out.
27. DABY TOURE – DIAM (Real World)
Coming to the Kennedy Center this Thursday (July 21), so it’s out of my “domain.” I don’t get a lot of world music, and it’s also a pleasure to hear the sounds of other places/
28. JANN KLOSE – Black Box EP (self-released)
29.BOTTOM of the HUDSON - Holiday Machine (Absolutely Kosher)
YTD total: 573
Be thankful every day for the love in your life.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Isn’t It Nice to Be Home Again?
“Didn’t I miss your smiling face?” James Taylor sang that line in the song that bears this entry’s title. And yes, indeed, I am glad to be back.
Dad’s still in the hospital, still in ICU, but more stable, so please keep sending good karma his way. My brother flew in from California to be with him and mom, so I came back home to tend to my nuclear family (hubby, two kids) and some work issues. I will back with the ‘rents,, if all goes well for all of us, in another two weeks.
And so, back to what passes for normal life. To see my latest articles for the Washington Post, here’s the links:
Shannon McNally and the Alternate Routes (separate gigs)
click here
The Getwaway Car, The Argument, and Spiraling
click here
Before I left upstate, I went on two other retail therapy runs.
First one, at the local mall brought me (or shall I say, me bought) something I’d been wanting for a long time. It wasn’t on sale ($23.99, with a $3 discount coupon), but it was time to treat myself:
1. TALKING HEADS – The Name of This Band is Talking Heads (Rhino/Sire/Warner Bros.)
The expanded edition, two CDs, including the full “Remain in Light” tour set list. Terry was delighted to see it, and we’ve been listening – and reliving those glorious days in NYC – throughout the Friday evening. He challenged me to name my Top Five musical acts of my time. No hesitation – Beatles, Heads, Bruce, Costello, U2.
F.Y.E. (the store in question) was having one of those come-ons –buy $30 of merch now and get a coupon worth $10 (no minimums or exemptions) later in the summer. I was looking for something interesting to take me to that magic number and found this cool remainder:
2. MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Forever Delayed, Special Edition (SONY UK)
A 2-CD set from 2002 for $8.99, one of which is remixes from the likes of Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, David Holmes and Avalanches. I don’t know the Manx, as the Brit pop press likes to call them, but I have read so much about them over the years that I couldn’t resist the cheap chance to check ‘em out, especially with the remix disc offering so many artists that I do know and like, Nicely packaged, too, with a bilingual sticker label (English/French) which makes me feel oh-so international.
A second visit to the head shop, and I got two presents for Terry:
3. RADIOHEAD – Street Spirits
A double disc set, recorded live in Toronto, 2000.
4. RADIOHEAD - B-sides and rarities.
Saving this one for his birthday next week. Shhhh...don't tell.
And my brother came bearing gifts – a few CDs he no longer wanted, that I can keep or trade as I wish:
5. EYES WIDE SHUT OST (Reprise)
I'm so sick of Tom Cruise, I don't even want to look at the cover.
6. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - London Cast
A single disc version, so something must be missing, I don't think I can listen to Andrew Lloyd Weber anymore.
7. JANIS IAN - Encore collection (live)
8. ANN MARGRET – Let Me Entertain You (RCA)
A 1996 collection that will fit nicely in with my lounge series and Vegas hits. I’m looking forward to her version of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Not so much the last track, “As Long as He Needs Me.”
9. AARON NEVILLE - Warm Your Heart (Polygram)
I have this one already, or did. Neville has a great voice, but his arrangements can be syrupy. Love his version of Randy Newman's "Louisiana."
And now to the stack o’ wax that awaited me on my return. Actually, a dump of discs. Since I don’t know what days they actually arrived, I’ll go by postmarks.
July 6:
10. The CLICK FIVE – Greetings from Imrie House (Lava)
Opening for Backstreet Boys, after opening for Ashlee Simpson. Personally, I think it's a step up.
11. ANTIGONE RISING – From the Ground Up (Lava)
Been hearing a lot about these ladies, but I wonder if the Starbucks-only sales strategy may hurt them. First listen reveals a strong female band. Yet to see if the songs will grab hold, but would like to check 'em out live,
July 5:
12. SHELBY LYNNE – Suit Yourself (Capitol)
Coming to the Birchere in the next week or so. Saw her once at the 930 Club, with elder teenage daughter and suddenly realized that some of the lesbian crowd thought she was my date! Weird feeling, that!
I played the shine off the "I Am Shelby Lynne" CD, an album with a beautiful "Dusty in Memphi"s vibe - but was seriously disilluisoned by its follow-up, "Love, Shelby," especially with the kitten pose cover. "Identity Crisis" was a bit back to form, and now I hear this one has a great low-fi vibe.
13. RESTORING POETRY IN MUSIC – Dream Awake (self-released)
In sharp contrast with Shelby Lynne’s CD, which came in a full-tilt press kit – folder, color pic and many photo-copied bio pages and tearsheets, RPM, as they are also known, comes in a hand-written envelope with a two-page hand-written note, in which the main guy sweetly and respectfully says, regarding an upcoming show (July 25th at the IOTA), “ We would really appreciate it if you could make it out that night and write a review of our show.” The female booker who gave him my address may not have explained that I do previews, not reviews, and I won’t be in town that night, but I’ll see what I can do to be helpful in future.
July 1:
14. ROYKSOPP – The Understanding (Astralwerks)
June 30:
15.EARL KLUGH – Naked Guitar (KOCH Records)
June 24:
16. WYNTON MARSALIS – Amongst the People: Live at the House of Tribes (Blue Note)
17. ERIN McKEOWN – We Will Become Like Birds (Nettwerk America)
Coming to IOTA on Friday, July 15 and then again on Tuesday, July 26, opening for Ani DiFranco.
June 23:
18. STOLL VAUUGH – Hold On Thru Sleep & Dreams (Shadowdog Records)
June 22:
This was a big day, with numerous labels sending out packages.
19. FATTY KOO – House of Fatty Koo (DASLabel/Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
20. BRANDI CARLILE – S/T (Red Ink/Columbia)
21. BOW WOW – Wanted (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
22. TOMMY BOY PRESENTS HIP HOP ROOTS (Tommy Boy)
This one's great fun in the car with the teenagers, as they try to remember which current/recent hip-hop tracks used the source material contained here, like the Monkees' "Mary Mary." The press kit is an invaluable cheat-sheet that lets me act like I know what I'm talking about.
23. SHANNON McNALLY – Geronimo (Back Porch/EMI)
Official release to follow an advance I got weeks ago to promote a Jammin’ Java gig, which I did in the Post. Though the CD booklet has full lyrics and a few pics, I will hold on to the advance and pass this one on. But I’ll make note here and now of a nice bit in the liner notes: “Dedicated to the memory and spirit of Geronimo and the disenchanted hope of Hunter S. Thompson.”
24. TOWERS OF LONDON – Fuck It Up/Down in the Streets CD single (TVT)
The Sunday Independent (UK) calls ToL “the most notorious, remorseless, antisocial band in Britain right now” and the press sheet repeats it like it’s a good thing. From the photos, looks like these guys wanna mix Motley Crue misogyny with Sex Pistols manners. Oh boy.
25. DaKAH HIP HOP ORCHESTRA – San Francisco Debut, Palace of Fine Arts 7/31/04 (KUFALA Recordings)
26. DaKAH HIP HOP ORCHESTRA – Unfinished Symphony (KUFALA Recordings)
June 21:
27. The KALLIKAK FAMILY – May 23rd, 2007 (Tell-All Records)
Intriguing from the get-go. The futuristic title, the subtle package with simple line drawing, the liner notes stating that tape recordings made in Italy, Oregon and Illinois were then mixed and edited May 24th 2003 – 2005. Did they stop end on the same calendar day? The titular (is that word too pompous?) date is the one on which a fortuneteller predicted the artist’s death. The publicity people – those lovely folk at Team Clermont – say that it’s for fans of The Books, Susumu Yokota, Keith Fullerton Whitman, Alejandra & Aeron, Gastr del Sol and Brian Eno. The only name I know on that list is Eno’s. No matter what you think you know in this bizniz of music, there’s hundreds of bands you’ll never hear…This one goes to the top of the pile.
June 20:
28. KAISER CARTEL – Double Standard (self-released)
Since I am no longer on most of the major label mailing lists, much of what gets sent to me is directly targeted by publicists and bands who are hoping for coverage in the Post previews, and that means many indie label acts like this one. And many are hand-written envelopes, with return addresses that would allow me, if I were a stalker, to show up at their door and harass them personally. So it is with Kaiser Cartel, a Brooklyn duo who will be at the Galaxy Hut on Monday, July 18th.The CD comes in a cardboard case with a line drawing sticker cover. Let’s hear it for scrappy underdogs.
June 18:
29. FINE CHINA – The Jaws of Life (Common Wall Media)
The PR people are in Athens, GA, but the package came from Phoenix, with the band’s logo stamped in a large (6” square), and included a sticker as well. A sign of a better-than-average push for an indie band.
Arrival/postmark dates unknown:
30. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Twentythree (Virgin)
31. VIVIAN GREEN – Vivian (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
The label says that UPS sent this out on June 7. That doesn't seem right...anyway. saw Vivian Green at an intimate press performance at the time of the release of her debut and. though I liked her voice, was unimpressed with her material. I'll give it a listen, but not so sure.
32. KATE CAMPBELL – Blues and Lamentations (Large River Music)
33. The JULIET DAGGER – Turn Up the Death (Good Charamal Records)
I had requested this one as a possible Live! preview, but the press kit didn't arrive in time (I even gave the update address to facilitate. Whether the publicist paid attention or not, I don't know).
34. RA – Duality (Republic/Universal)
A second copy of something that came in earlier, perhaps because the band is coming to Virginia Beach. But that’s out of my range. Hey, they do a cover of "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic."
So much new music to catch up on. A lovely welcome home, indeed.
YTD total: 544
Dad’s still in the hospital, still in ICU, but more stable, so please keep sending good karma his way. My brother flew in from California to be with him and mom, so I came back home to tend to my nuclear family (hubby, two kids) and some work issues. I will back with the ‘rents,, if all goes well for all of us, in another two weeks.
And so, back to what passes for normal life. To see my latest articles for the Washington Post, here’s the links:
Shannon McNally and the Alternate Routes (separate gigs)
click here
The Getwaway Car, The Argument, and Spiraling
click here
Before I left upstate, I went on two other retail therapy runs.
First one, at the local mall brought me (or shall I say, me bought) something I’d been wanting for a long time. It wasn’t on sale ($23.99, with a $3 discount coupon), but it was time to treat myself:
1. TALKING HEADS – The Name of This Band is Talking Heads (Rhino/Sire/Warner Bros.)
The expanded edition, two CDs, including the full “Remain in Light” tour set list. Terry was delighted to see it, and we’ve been listening – and reliving those glorious days in NYC – throughout the Friday evening. He challenged me to name my Top Five musical acts of my time. No hesitation – Beatles, Heads, Bruce, Costello, U2.
F.Y.E. (the store in question) was having one of those come-ons –buy $30 of merch now and get a coupon worth $10 (no minimums or exemptions) later in the summer. I was looking for something interesting to take me to that magic number and found this cool remainder:
2. MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Forever Delayed, Special Edition (SONY UK)
A 2-CD set from 2002 for $8.99, one of which is remixes from the likes of Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, David Holmes and Avalanches. I don’t know the Manx, as the Brit pop press likes to call them, but I have read so much about them over the years that I couldn’t resist the cheap chance to check ‘em out, especially with the remix disc offering so many artists that I do know and like, Nicely packaged, too, with a bilingual sticker label (English/French) which makes me feel oh-so international.
A second visit to the head shop, and I got two presents for Terry:
3. RADIOHEAD – Street Spirits
A double disc set, recorded live in Toronto, 2000.
4. RADIOHEAD - B-sides and rarities.
Saving this one for his birthday next week. Shhhh...don't tell.
And my brother came bearing gifts – a few CDs he no longer wanted, that I can keep or trade as I wish:
5. EYES WIDE SHUT OST (Reprise)
I'm so sick of Tom Cruise, I don't even want to look at the cover.
6. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - London Cast
A single disc version, so something must be missing, I don't think I can listen to Andrew Lloyd Weber anymore.
7. JANIS IAN - Encore collection (live)
8. ANN MARGRET – Let Me Entertain You (RCA)
A 1996 collection that will fit nicely in with my lounge series and Vegas hits. I’m looking forward to her version of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Not so much the last track, “As Long as He Needs Me.”
9. AARON NEVILLE - Warm Your Heart (Polygram)
I have this one already, or did. Neville has a great voice, but his arrangements can be syrupy. Love his version of Randy Newman's "Louisiana."
And now to the stack o’ wax that awaited me on my return. Actually, a dump of discs. Since I don’t know what days they actually arrived, I’ll go by postmarks.
July 6:
10. The CLICK FIVE – Greetings from Imrie House (Lava)
Opening for Backstreet Boys, after opening for Ashlee Simpson. Personally, I think it's a step up.
11. ANTIGONE RISING – From the Ground Up (Lava)
Been hearing a lot about these ladies, but I wonder if the Starbucks-only sales strategy may hurt them. First listen reveals a strong female band. Yet to see if the songs will grab hold, but would like to check 'em out live,
July 5:
12. SHELBY LYNNE – Suit Yourself (Capitol)
Coming to the Birchere in the next week or so. Saw her once at the 930 Club, with elder teenage daughter and suddenly realized that some of the lesbian crowd thought she was my date! Weird feeling, that!
I played the shine off the "I Am Shelby Lynne" CD, an album with a beautiful "Dusty in Memphi"s vibe - but was seriously disilluisoned by its follow-up, "Love, Shelby," especially with the kitten pose cover. "Identity Crisis" was a bit back to form, and now I hear this one has a great low-fi vibe.
13. RESTORING POETRY IN MUSIC – Dream Awake (self-released)
In sharp contrast with Shelby Lynne’s CD, which came in a full-tilt press kit – folder, color pic and many photo-copied bio pages and tearsheets, RPM, as they are also known, comes in a hand-written envelope with a two-page hand-written note, in which the main guy sweetly and respectfully says, regarding an upcoming show (July 25th at the IOTA), “ We would really appreciate it if you could make it out that night and write a review of our show.” The female booker who gave him my address may not have explained that I do previews, not reviews, and I won’t be in town that night, but I’ll see what I can do to be helpful in future.
July 1:
14. ROYKSOPP – The Understanding (Astralwerks)
June 30:
15.EARL KLUGH – Naked Guitar (KOCH Records)
June 24:
16. WYNTON MARSALIS – Amongst the People: Live at the House of Tribes (Blue Note)
17. ERIN McKEOWN – We Will Become Like Birds (Nettwerk America)
Coming to IOTA on Friday, July 15 and then again on Tuesday, July 26, opening for Ani DiFranco.
June 23:
18. STOLL VAUUGH – Hold On Thru Sleep & Dreams (Shadowdog Records)
June 22:
This was a big day, with numerous labels sending out packages.
19. FATTY KOO – House of Fatty Koo (DASLabel/Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
20. BRANDI CARLILE – S/T (Red Ink/Columbia)
21. BOW WOW – Wanted (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
22. TOMMY BOY PRESENTS HIP HOP ROOTS (Tommy Boy)
This one's great fun in the car with the teenagers, as they try to remember which current/recent hip-hop tracks used the source material contained here, like the Monkees' "Mary Mary." The press kit is an invaluable cheat-sheet that lets me act like I know what I'm talking about.
23. SHANNON McNALLY – Geronimo (Back Porch/EMI)
Official release to follow an advance I got weeks ago to promote a Jammin’ Java gig, which I did in the Post. Though the CD booklet has full lyrics and a few pics, I will hold on to the advance and pass this one on. But I’ll make note here and now of a nice bit in the liner notes: “Dedicated to the memory and spirit of Geronimo and the disenchanted hope of Hunter S. Thompson.”
24. TOWERS OF LONDON – Fuck It Up/Down in the Streets CD single (TVT)
The Sunday Independent (UK) calls ToL “the most notorious, remorseless, antisocial band in Britain right now” and the press sheet repeats it like it’s a good thing. From the photos, looks like these guys wanna mix Motley Crue misogyny with Sex Pistols manners. Oh boy.
25. DaKAH HIP HOP ORCHESTRA – San Francisco Debut, Palace of Fine Arts 7/31/04 (KUFALA Recordings)
26. DaKAH HIP HOP ORCHESTRA – Unfinished Symphony (KUFALA Recordings)
June 21:
27. The KALLIKAK FAMILY – May 23rd, 2007 (Tell-All Records)
Intriguing from the get-go. The futuristic title, the subtle package with simple line drawing, the liner notes stating that tape recordings made in Italy, Oregon and Illinois were then mixed and edited May 24th 2003 – 2005. Did they stop end on the same calendar day? The titular (is that word too pompous?) date is the one on which a fortuneteller predicted the artist’s death. The publicity people – those lovely folk at Team Clermont – say that it’s for fans of The Books, Susumu Yokota, Keith Fullerton Whitman, Alejandra & Aeron, Gastr del Sol and Brian Eno. The only name I know on that list is Eno’s. No matter what you think you know in this bizniz of music, there’s hundreds of bands you’ll never hear…This one goes to the top of the pile.
June 20:
28. KAISER CARTEL – Double Standard (self-released)
Since I am no longer on most of the major label mailing lists, much of what gets sent to me is directly targeted by publicists and bands who are hoping for coverage in the Post previews, and that means many indie label acts like this one. And many are hand-written envelopes, with return addresses that would allow me, if I were a stalker, to show up at their door and harass them personally. So it is with Kaiser Cartel, a Brooklyn duo who will be at the Galaxy Hut on Monday, July 18th.The CD comes in a cardboard case with a line drawing sticker cover. Let’s hear it for scrappy underdogs.
June 18:
29. FINE CHINA – The Jaws of Life (Common Wall Media)
The PR people are in Athens, GA, but the package came from Phoenix, with the band’s logo stamped in a large (6” square), and included a sticker as well. A sign of a better-than-average push for an indie band.
Arrival/postmark dates unknown:
30. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Twentythree (Virgin)
31. VIVIAN GREEN – Vivian (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
The label says that UPS sent this out on June 7. That doesn't seem right...anyway. saw Vivian Green at an intimate press performance at the time of the release of her debut and. though I liked her voice, was unimpressed with her material. I'll give it a listen, but not so sure.
32. KATE CAMPBELL – Blues and Lamentations (Large River Music)
33. The JULIET DAGGER – Turn Up the Death (Good Charamal Records)
I had requested this one as a possible Live! preview, but the press kit didn't arrive in time (I even gave the update address to facilitate. Whether the publicist paid attention or not, I don't know).
34. RA – Duality (Republic/Universal)
A second copy of something that came in earlier, perhaps because the band is coming to Virginia Beach. But that’s out of my range. Hey, they do a cover of "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic."
So much new music to catch up on. A lovely welcome home, indeed.
YTD total: 544
Sunday, July 03, 2005
The Healing Power of Music
It’s after one in the morning, Sunday, July 3rd and, as I write this, my father is in the hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit, and things aren’t looking great. He’s been there for two weeks now, and I’ve spent almost that same amount of time with my mother in upstate New York, visiting him and trying to be supportive to both of them.
Up to now, this blog has generally kept to the light and fluffy, and I don’t intend to go very deeply now into the full emotional rollercoaster of these past days. Maybe it seems odd that I even mention this very personal matter in the context of a music blog. But that word – context – is the key.
Throughout this experience, I have kept myself distracted, kept myself comforted, perhaps even kept myself sane, because I have music around me. For someone who doesn’t share this love, it may sound silly, trivial or downright stupid but as I type, the local alternative rock station, WEQX (102.7 FM), is playing dance music mixes, and hearing Bono sing “It’s a Beautiful Day” over a pulsing dance beat is genuinely comforting. So was catching Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” when I turned the radio on, riding home from the hospital one night. Hearing the horn charts kick in during the middle break gave my spirits a lift, and singing along with the final verses brought temporary relief from all the pressures of the day.
So I blog on. Rituals are comforting, too, and listing these discs brings a small sense of order into a time when all the truly important things are way beyond my control. This is the context, then, in which I recall the latest new music in my life…
In the morning, if/when I make breakfast for mom and me, I put something on the CD player, choosing carefully among the few CDs I brought with me (most of what I’ve brought is stored on the iPod, and I have no conversion device), looking for something that she might like, too. Mom teased me the other day, asking, “What is that song that says, ‘she will have music wherever she goes?’ That was written about you.” It’s a fair cop.
One reliable selection, brought from home in the recent promo acquisitions was:
1. SONNY ROLLINS –Without a Song (The 9-11 Concert) (Milestone)
Of course, there’s a sense of melancholy in a live recording of a memorial for such a tragic event. But if anyone can make his instrument soothe and soar with a survivor’s strength, it’s this jazz master. Includes one of my favorite sentimental standards, “Where or When,” tho’ I must say I’d prefer a slower, moodier take on this bittersweet classic. A lucky, perfect choice that I threw into my bag at the last minute.
While I’ve been here in the land of scarily obese people and amazing mullets, I’ve been to the local malls (but I refuse to visit the Wal-Mart) and have found odd pockets of good, cheap, clearance items:
2. HELP: Benefit for War Child (Go! London)
49 cents. That’s less than the cost of buying an empty jewel box. This used CD includes tracks by Oasis (featuring Johnny Depp?!), Paul Weller, Radiohead, Massive Attack and other British favorites. I have a copy back home, but at this price, of course I will get one to keep on hand.
3.The SEAHORSES – Do It Yourself (Geffen)
A different store offered other 49 cent bargains. Bought simply on the name recognition of John Squire, formerly of Stone Roses, a band I grew to love only after its demise.
4. ALISON MOYET – Essex (Columbia)
The Dollar Market didn’t have much to offer, but this one brought back memories of YAZZ, a band that made some great music back in the day. Initial listening doesn’t reveal any great surprises, but Moyet’s strong voice and general lack of shrill is good for driving with mom.
5. BJORK – Emotional Landscapes (N/A)
The local head shop offers glass pipes, for tobacco use only (yeah, right) and a few racks of concert recordings (none dare call them bootlegs). Back before we all got wise to the ease of burning our own CDs, this shop used to sell the concert discs for $20 or more each disc. Now the cost is coming down. Most were $16, but I scored this live Bjork set for $10. It’s good to have the Icelandic chanteuse on my side, especially since this collection is from my favorite period – from the “Debut” and “Post” CD to “I’ve Seen it All,” from “Dancer in the Dark.” The disc comes with official warnings about “unauthorized copying and lending…” Yeah, tell me about it, record label that has no name…
6. COLDPLAY – X&Y (Capitol)
When I tell you that I paid $14.99 for this at Target, you may say ‘so what?’ But anyone who knows me well knows that I NEVER pay full price for a current hit CD that can be found for $12 or so at the local Big Box store (but not Wal-Mart). But I discovered I couldn’t wait any longer. In true ear-worm fashion, “Speed of Sound” has become lodged in my brain, and I remember “Fix You” from the HFStival as being a lovely song of caring concern. It just seemed that Coldplay would be a good album to have around. And then Jon Stewart mentioned this one and Foo Fighters in the Daily Show in an solicited testimonial of great new sounds. That clinched the deal. And so far, it hasn’t disappointed. Coldplay may not be doing anything daringly original, but they do what they do damn well. And if the New York Times critic faulted them for having not a hair out of place, I remember initially holding that against Steely Dan and now some of their early stuff is among my favorites. So yeah, worth the extra coupla bucks.
And here’s some stuff I jotted down before I left on my trip…
Monday, June 20
7. DAIKAIJU – S/T (Reptile Records)
8. HOWIE DAY – Stop All the World Now (Epic)
Featured in the Post. Personally, I can’t stand “Collide.”
Saturday, June 18
9. SIDE STEP – Hey Cadet (Arc the Finger Records)
10. MOJO magazine Mod Club Party free compilation
11. The AVETT BROS. – Live, Vol. 2 (Ramseur Records)
12. The CHICHARONES – When Pigs Fly (Camobear Records)
According to the press release, this Canadian indie-rap act is composed of brothers Sleep (that’s his name) and Josh Martinez, who
are “tearing up the mouths and hearts of all who come in contact.” But what if I don’t want my mouth torn up? That sounds nasty. Named after spicy crispy deep fried pork skin, los chicharrones.
Out August 23rd.
13. MARIA TAYLOR – 11:11 (Saddle Creek)
14. SPIRALING – Challenging Stage (self-released)
Upcoming Post preview. I did an email interview with the leader during the last week of upheaval. It was a good distraction.
15. The ALTERNATE ROUTES – Good and Reckless and True (self-released?)
Coming up in next week’s Post also, and another fine heart-mender. Early listening bodes well, especially track two, “Who Cares,” which has an instantly engaging beat. Mom asked “who is that?” while I was working on the story. She said, “He has a lovely voice.” Yes, indeed.
Friday, June 17
16. SONYA KITCHELL – Words Came Back to Me (Velour)
17. HOPE PARTLOW – Who We Are (Virgin)
The press kit, in which the song lyrics are presented in the form of a teenager’s diary, with curly script and little hearts for punctuation, is too cutesy-pootsey for words.
YTD: 510
Time to sleep, another way to escape.
Thanks in advance for any good karma you can send dad's way...
Up to now, this blog has generally kept to the light and fluffy, and I don’t intend to go very deeply now into the full emotional rollercoaster of these past days. Maybe it seems odd that I even mention this very personal matter in the context of a music blog. But that word – context – is the key.
Throughout this experience, I have kept myself distracted, kept myself comforted, perhaps even kept myself sane, because I have music around me. For someone who doesn’t share this love, it may sound silly, trivial or downright stupid but as I type, the local alternative rock station, WEQX (102.7 FM), is playing dance music mixes, and hearing Bono sing “It’s a Beautiful Day” over a pulsing dance beat is genuinely comforting. So was catching Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” when I turned the radio on, riding home from the hospital one night. Hearing the horn charts kick in during the middle break gave my spirits a lift, and singing along with the final verses brought temporary relief from all the pressures of the day.
So I blog on. Rituals are comforting, too, and listing these discs brings a small sense of order into a time when all the truly important things are way beyond my control. This is the context, then, in which I recall the latest new music in my life…
In the morning, if/when I make breakfast for mom and me, I put something on the CD player, choosing carefully among the few CDs I brought with me (most of what I’ve brought is stored on the iPod, and I have no conversion device), looking for something that she might like, too. Mom teased me the other day, asking, “What is that song that says, ‘she will have music wherever she goes?’ That was written about you.” It’s a fair cop.
One reliable selection, brought from home in the recent promo acquisitions was:
1. SONNY ROLLINS –Without a Song (The 9-11 Concert) (Milestone)
Of course, there’s a sense of melancholy in a live recording of a memorial for such a tragic event. But if anyone can make his instrument soothe and soar with a survivor’s strength, it’s this jazz master. Includes one of my favorite sentimental standards, “Where or When,” tho’ I must say I’d prefer a slower, moodier take on this bittersweet classic. A lucky, perfect choice that I threw into my bag at the last minute.
While I’ve been here in the land of scarily obese people and amazing mullets, I’ve been to the local malls (but I refuse to visit the Wal-Mart) and have found odd pockets of good, cheap, clearance items:
2. HELP: Benefit for War Child (Go! London)
49 cents. That’s less than the cost of buying an empty jewel box. This used CD includes tracks by Oasis (featuring Johnny Depp?!), Paul Weller, Radiohead, Massive Attack and other British favorites. I have a copy back home, but at this price, of course I will get one to keep on hand.
3.The SEAHORSES – Do It Yourself (Geffen)
A different store offered other 49 cent bargains. Bought simply on the name recognition of John Squire, formerly of Stone Roses, a band I grew to love only after its demise.
4. ALISON MOYET – Essex (Columbia)
The Dollar Market didn’t have much to offer, but this one brought back memories of YAZZ, a band that made some great music back in the day. Initial listening doesn’t reveal any great surprises, but Moyet’s strong voice and general lack of shrill is good for driving with mom.
5. BJORK – Emotional Landscapes (N/A)
The local head shop offers glass pipes, for tobacco use only (yeah, right) and a few racks of concert recordings (none dare call them bootlegs). Back before we all got wise to the ease of burning our own CDs, this shop used to sell the concert discs for $20 or more each disc. Now the cost is coming down. Most were $16, but I scored this live Bjork set for $10. It’s good to have the Icelandic chanteuse on my side, especially since this collection is from my favorite period – from the “Debut” and “Post” CD to “I’ve Seen it All,” from “Dancer in the Dark.” The disc comes with official warnings about “unauthorized copying and lending…” Yeah, tell me about it, record label that has no name…
6. COLDPLAY – X&Y (Capitol)
When I tell you that I paid $14.99 for this at Target, you may say ‘so what?’ But anyone who knows me well knows that I NEVER pay full price for a current hit CD that can be found for $12 or so at the local Big Box store (but not Wal-Mart). But I discovered I couldn’t wait any longer. In true ear-worm fashion, “Speed of Sound” has become lodged in my brain, and I remember “Fix You” from the HFStival as being a lovely song of caring concern. It just seemed that Coldplay would be a good album to have around. And then Jon Stewart mentioned this one and Foo Fighters in the Daily Show in an solicited testimonial of great new sounds. That clinched the deal. And so far, it hasn’t disappointed. Coldplay may not be doing anything daringly original, but they do what they do damn well. And if the New York Times critic faulted them for having not a hair out of place, I remember initially holding that against Steely Dan and now some of their early stuff is among my favorites. So yeah, worth the extra coupla bucks.
And here’s some stuff I jotted down before I left on my trip…
Monday, June 20
7. DAIKAIJU – S/T (Reptile Records)
8. HOWIE DAY – Stop All the World Now (Epic)
Featured in the Post. Personally, I can’t stand “Collide.”
Saturday, June 18
9. SIDE STEP – Hey Cadet (Arc the Finger Records)
10. MOJO magazine Mod Club Party free compilation
11. The AVETT BROS. – Live, Vol. 2 (Ramseur Records)
12. The CHICHARONES – When Pigs Fly (Camobear Records)
According to the press release, this Canadian indie-rap act is composed of brothers Sleep (that’s his name) and Josh Martinez, who
are “tearing up the mouths and hearts of all who come in contact.” But what if I don’t want my mouth torn up? That sounds nasty. Named after spicy crispy deep fried pork skin, los chicharrones.
Out August 23rd.
13. MARIA TAYLOR – 11:11 (Saddle Creek)
14. SPIRALING – Challenging Stage (self-released)
Upcoming Post preview. I did an email interview with the leader during the last week of upheaval. It was a good distraction.
15. The ALTERNATE ROUTES – Good and Reckless and True (self-released?)
Coming up in next week’s Post also, and another fine heart-mender. Early listening bodes well, especially track two, “Who Cares,” which has an instantly engaging beat. Mom asked “who is that?” while I was working on the story. She said, “He has a lovely voice.” Yes, indeed.
Friday, June 17
16. SONYA KITCHELL – Words Came Back to Me (Velour)
17. HOPE PARTLOW – Who We Are (Virgin)
The press kit, in which the song lyrics are presented in the form of a teenager’s diary, with curly script and little hearts for punctuation, is too cutesy-pootsey for words.
YTD: 510
Time to sleep, another way to escape.
Thanks in advance for any good karma you can send dad's way...
Monday, June 20, 2005
“Bernice is no longer depressed…”
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!
(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!
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!
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