If Music Be the Food of Love...

We were snowed in on Valentine’s Day, second day in a row. Time to get warm by the fire and sort through all the new music that’s come my way in the last few weeks…

Here’s where I spent my own cash money:
1. The SHINS – Wincing the Night Away (SubPop)
Terry plays this just about every day, and it’s a tribute to this band that I haven’t gotten sick of it yet. Terry also tells me that he’s read a number of reviews slamming the Shins for getting big and experimental. I can hear that the sound’s a bit more polished, and there are more strings and keyboards than before, but it still sounds like the Shins to me, and it still sounds pretty damn good,
2. NELLIE McKAY – Pretty Little Head (Hungry Mouse/Sony/BMG)
I was surprised to see the Sony designation on the label. Didn’t those corporate weasels try to shut this release down? I bet I would really love Ms. McKay in concert – she’s a smartass, and I like that in my female singers (see Lily Allen). But this second release, like her debut, is a 2-disc set, and a lot of the songs sound like little throwaways, fun to entertain the concert crowd, and maybe they’re here as a souvenir of great night out, but a lot of them drift by without feeling fully formed.
3. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Different Strokes by Different Folks (Epic/Legacy)
From my yourmusic.com queue, and they’ve raised the price to $6.99 per, which just seems like so much more of a commitment than $5.99 somehow. Having seen this collection in the overpriced Starbucks racks, I will accept that this is still a deal and Terry was delighted’cause he’s a huge Sly fan. I thought he’d find the idea of redoing these classics blasphemous, but he loved it.
4. OF MONTREAL – Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? (Polyvinyl Record Co.)
This band will play the State Theatre in Falls Church on March 6, and I have my editor’s permission to preview the show. The CD, on first listen, had me grooving along and laughing out loud at the clever lyrics – for about the first half. And then it just got kind of annoying. I will revisit for the story, and hope to see the show. This release is just the tip of the iceberg for a band with a half dozen releases, so I’m betting they can put on a good show.
(After buying this neatly packaged CD at Best Buy for $10, I got a promo copy in the mail, but I will only list it once as I still have the purchased copy in the original shrink wrap, and intend to exchange it.)
5. JOHN MAYER – Continuum (Aware/Columbia)
Subtitled “Music by John Mayer” which adds a layer of pretense to the enterprise, but I will give the guy credit as a guitarist and occasionally great songwriter (“My Stupid Mouth”) with horrifying lapses in taste (“Daughters,” Jessica Simpson). Another yourmusic.com purchase.
6. SUFJAN STEVENS – Presents Songs for Christmas (Asthmatic Kitty)
Yeah, I know I’m far behind to be listing a Christmas CD now, but it is was, indeed, a 2007 purchase. I tried to special order this sweet little boxed set from my local Barnes & Noble in time for the Cool Yule compilation, but the store never got it in. I wound up buying it in early January through amazon.com so as not to miss out on the initial edition, with all the cute stickers and stuff. So it will be the first out of the box next November….

Traded for at the CD Cellar:
7. BREAKING and ENTERING – soundtrack (V2)
Music by Gabriel Yared and Underworld. At first listen, this seemed so soft as to be inconsequential, but I trust these artists to grow with time, and so they had in the second listen. A surprising change of pace for Underworld, known around our kitchen as the high NRG go-to act for boosting our lazy asses, but successful in its quiet grace.
From the $1.99 clearance bin:
8. HOPE OF THE STATES – Winter Riot Dust Rackets (Epic)
I may already have this CD single, but I couldn’t risk it. I have such fond memories of the band’s performance 2 years ago at CMJ, I’m hoping they will return sometime.
9. SHELBY LYNNE – Epic Recordings (Lucky Dog/Sony Music)
Having totally missed the point when they had her on the label, Epic trades in on Lynne’s hard-earned post-Epic credibility by reissuing some early tracks. They didn’t even bother with a nice cover shot or design above the clip art variety. A few keepers, but mostly generic tunes.
10. SPIRALING – Transmitter (Brizmuzik)
Wrote about this band many moons ago, working from a cheap advance, so I picked up this nicely designed official release.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Best of Broadway: The American Musical (Decca/Columba Broadway Masterworks)
No cover, so I didn’t know what was inside, but it turned out to be a 20+ collection of tracks of singalong fun, and it’s easy to skip the song from “Phantom of the Opera.”

INTERMISSION
This is all you need to know about this:
DIE HUNNS are about to hit the road in support of their new Volcom Entertainment album, “You Rot Me.”

Most of the albums sent to me are done so to pitch upcoming shows, so here’s a sampling of who’s coming to Town:
12.NANCI GRIFFITH – Ruby’s Torch (Rounder)
She’s written some lovely songs, but I’ve never been a big fan of her reedy voice, and it gets particularly squeaky on some of the tracks here – a collection of covert tunes. It’s a fans-only event as far as I can see. How can you not prefer the gruff contrast of Tom Waits’ grizzled voice on the original “Ruby’s Arms”? Anyway, for those who like this kind of thing, she’s playing the Birchmere on March 17th.
13. The BROKEN WEST - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On (Merge)
Yet another fine indie band and there are two chances to catch ‘em soon opening for other fine indie bands - March 23rd with the Walkmen, and
April 3rd with the Long Winters, both at Rock and Roll Hotel.
14. SHAW-BLADES – Influence (VH-1 Classics Records)
So here we have Tommy Shaw (of STYX) and Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and they, too, have recorded an album of cover songs, done in frighteningly similar style to the originals. Wasn’t the first version of Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze” enough to last a lifetime? There’s a serviceable version of Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work,” but I still don’t get the point.
Playing at the Birchmere on March 26th.
15. RICHARD BUCKNER – Meadow (Merge)
Buckner will be appearing at the IOTA on February 19th, part of a US tour with Kent, OH's Six Parts Seven. Frankly, it’s the latter that’s got me intrigued. 6P7 just released Casually Smashed To Pieces (Suicide Squeeze Records) and will serve as both opening act and Buckner’s backing band. 6P7 creates instrumental music that has often been used in music beds for their syndicated programs) and has had friends like Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine, Pedro The Lion re-working some of their older songs. Here’s one called ”Stolen Moments” Coming to Jammin Java February 20th.

16. ERNIE HALTER – CONGRESS HOTEL (Rock Ridge Music)
His press bio says he’s got 72,000 friends on his MySpace and a live "tour van cam" with nightly webcasts of his concerts across the US. He also rounded up some choice players for his album, including Pete Thomas (from Elvis Costello's Attractions).
17. TONY LUCCA – Canyon Songs (Rock Ridge Music)
He’s a veteran of the Mickey Mouse Club, and was heavily inspired by the classic folkies of the Laurel and Beachwood Canyons, where most of this album was either written and or recorded. The trouble with being a singer/songwriter these days is finding a way to stand apart from the pack. How many James Taylors can there be? Lucca strikes me more as a Livingston Taylor – not a major talent, but capable and pleasant, sure to show the audience a good time.
And BTW...
THE YOUNG KNIVES CD “Voices of Animals and Men” was listed here before, and gets a US release through RykoDisc in March. And here’s a heads-up on them coming to town – the Black Cat, March 5th. Suprisingly, they’re playing the back stage.

Promos, but no tour dates ‘round here just yet:
18. CHUCK E. WEISS - 23rd & Stout (Cooking Vinyl)
Subtitled "Deranged Detective Mysteries," this is one for the offbeat, pseudo-jazz Tom Waits fans, of which I am one.
19. 8-BIT OPERATORS - The Music of Kraftwerk Performed on Vintage 8-Bit Video Game Systems (Astralwerks)
Sounds like a gimmick, right? And yeah, it kinda is, but it also zips – and blips – by with a bright bounce. Not something I would have rushed out to buy, but fun to have,
20. FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR - S/T (??)
You gotta have balls to release a debut CD that runs across 2 discs, but this “polychromatic art-pop” band from Austin, TX makes it worth the listener’s time investment. Frontman and founder Robert Harrison's was in a garage rock band called Cotton Mather, and now he’s heading a group that brings out the Beatlesque harmonies and hooks, “Revolver” era.

YTD Total: 39

It's Pazz and Jop Time Again

The annual Village Voice Critics Poll came out this week, and – as this is the one poll I’ve participated in for the past 15 years or so - it’s always fun to see what their broad selection (dozens, maybe even hundreds) of music writers considers the best of the year. You can see the overall results here and, if you like, my personal ballot.

Part of the fun is seeing where my picks stand as regards the top ranked CDs. Am I still plugged in? Am I hip to what’s happening? What’s my street cred, dawg? As usual, I’m on the softer side of Sears.

While I was part of the herd for albums like The Decemberists (I still feel bad for leaving them off my list last year), The Thermals and Regina Spektor, all of whom placed in the Top 50, there’s two discs in the Top 10 that I wouldn’t know if they licked my face (more likely they’d just call me names) – Ghostface Killah andClipse. No, I’m just not the hip-hop type, and since I have to buy the majority of my mainstream market CDs, I don’t hear a lot of that brand of buzz stuff. Only 9 other critics joined with me in giving props to Josh Ritter, and no one else at all placed Matt Nathanson, World/Inferno Friendship Society , The Cat Empire or Teitur
in their Top 10.

I was more in tune with the pack on the singles, since those get airplay in the general marketplace. I was in on the #1 single with everybody else –Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” But the success of that group really reinforces my position in a way. It’s a rare hip-hop record indeed that reaches across the demographic (even more than racial) divide to grab me. The single I stood totally alone in praising was The Editors’ “Munich,” but the tally says that a few people had chosen it in 2005.

Does this all mean that, ultimately, I’m more of a pop girl than a rock chick? Nah. I just like what I like.

Things I Learned This Weekend

Even when I'm not "working," music is everywhere, and stuff I want to share/learn more about sneaks up on me, as it did throughout this weekend.

Last night, killing time while waiting for "Saturday Night Live" (wanted to see Lily Allen, and she was worth it), I pulled an old promo VHS out of the box to watch while doing other tasks and grabbed "Swing," a British film starring pop thrush Lisa Stanfield in a "wildly hilarious" (not) movie that also featured the E Street Band's Clarence Clemons. It wasn't much of a plot - guy gets out of prison, puts together a swing band, and wins back the girl who married the cop who put him away. Stanfield has a nice voice, and the soundtrack offered some Louis Jordan, too. Must remember to check into some old swing sounds...

Speaking of soundtracks, am on the lookout for the score to "Babel," a wonderful film the hubby and I caught up with on Friday night. Not as depressing as I feared, and full of heart-breaking moments to remind us of our common vulnerability in this fearful modern world. Beauitful music throughout.

Today, I reached back into the video box and found a promotional tape from the Sundance Film Channel with three episodes of the series "Keeping Time," about American roots music. The first episode had a long look at Nickel Creek, including a great live cover of Nirvana. Another band I need to find out more about. Also fun to see a segment on small labels with plenty of shots from SXSW, which I would like to attend some day.

And now, I've got "Extras" on, with Chris Martin taking a fine piss out of himself to promote the new Coldplay greatest hits collection. Since I've been attempting to organize the photo collection this weekend, I have handy two shots of Mr. Martin, taken at a long-ago HFS-tival. One is a stage shot....



The other picture is, for me, testimony to his good guy-ness. I was in the backstage bowels of RFK Stadium when the band came running by, headed for the stage, about to perform in front of a crowd of 50,000, previewing new material from the "X &Y" album, which was still weeks off. One of the young teens I was with took off after the band, running alongside them and trying to say hello. I tried, but couldn't stop her, and was steeling myself for some kind of negative response - which I could see as deserved, given the high anxiety of those last pre-stage moments. Instead, Chris Martin noticed my young friend, stopped in his tracks and asked "would you like a picture?" And she quickly passed the camera off (to me? to my daughter?) to capture a golden Kodak moment. So here's to you, Chris Martin. Maybe I didn't think "X & Y" was a riveting piece of work, but you've still got soul in my book...



Can't talk about this weekend in music without mentioning Prince at the Super Bowl. Points for a trooper who will put it all out there even with in a downpour - which made "Purple Rain" all that more effecting. And while we didn't get the butt-less trousers, that little trick he pulled, playing behind a scrim which made his guitar even more of a phallic symbol, kept alive the tradition of "WTF?!" Super Bowl musical moments.

Another piece of music news I discovered tonight, upon perusal of the James Brown memorial issue of Rolling Stone, is that my hands-down favorite contemporary music writer, Rob Sheffield, has a book out. This guy is laugh-out-loud funny in his regular columns for the magazine, and the one time I met him - at a CMJ conference a few years back - he came across as a genuinely friendly, no-pretense kind o' guy. The book is called "Love is a Mix Tape," an ode to his late wife, the equally charming Renee Crist, whom I had one delightful dinner with ages ago on a visit to LA. I can't wait to read it - going to Barnes and Noble tomorrow. (Flirted with amazon, but want Rob to get every penny he can.) His column ends with what appears to be an emal link, but it actually just takes you to the RS web site, so I couldn't send him a cyber note of congratulations.

Actually, I did take care of a little bizniz this weekend. Updated the closepersonalfriend web site to include the latest music previews for the washington post:
The Guggenheim Grotto at Jammin Java
Lennex, HumanRoom, et al at Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse

I'm way behind on the O/CD tally, but here's a few new ones, with more to follow soon (they're piling up!)
1. SONDRE LERCHE and the FACES DOWN - Phantom Punch (Astralwerks)
Much as I love Lerche, his latest (fourth) full-length album, isn’t doing it for me. He recorded with his Faces Down band, several songs captured live in one take, and he’s clearly going for a more aggressive sound. And that’s the trick. “I didn’t want to be subtle this time around,” he says in the press kit, “I wanted every song to jump out of the speakers.”
Producer Tony Hoffer has worked with Beck, Belle & Sebastian and Marianne Faithful, but here he's more in his Supergrass mode. The problem for me is that Lerche is so charming and distinctive in his classic songbook pop mode, why would he want to trade it for a dime-a-dozen rock sound?
Due February 6th
2. LOST IN THE TREES - Time Haunts Me (Trekky Records)
This is a solo CD from Ari Picker, leader of The Never, who released a storybook album, “Antarctica” (with artwork by Picker), last year. It was quite lovely - as is this one, a compilation of songs, written over the last 7 years, that tends toward the more solemn and personal. A guy who’s spent time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Picker has a classical flourish to his songwriting and used a 9-piece backing orchestra for this, including violins, viola, cello, upright bass, trombone, melodica and banjo. A nice change of pace. Here’s a link to the track ”Tall Trees”
Due March 20th.
3. The GUGGENHEIM GROTTO - ...Waltxing Alone (UFO)
The afore-mentioned Post preview was one of those I pushed a bit harder for since I really wanted to cover the band. They'll be at Jammin Java this Wednesday and I expect to be there, camera in hand.

YTD Total: 19

OMG! MTV is playing music videos again

Back in The Day, Sunday night was when you heard all the good stuff. Back in NYC, there was Vin Scelsa's "Idiot's Delight" radio show; here in DC, HFS played local music and new releases and true alternatives. And MTV had "120 Minutes," where you could watch the more interesting new stuff from the American indie and underground scenes, plus breaking British stuff. But now, thanks to the teen in the house, I've found MTV2's "Subterranean," where I've just seen videos by The Shins, Postal Service, Beck and now, Interpol. Awright!

I haven't put up any photos in a while, so let me get out these few from the England trip.
It turned out that our artist's sublet was not only in the hipster territory of Hoxton Square, but also literally around the corner from a live concert venue. We didn't realize it the first night, when Terry and I went to the bar for a few drinks, but behind a curtain past the bathrooms was a square room with space for about 100 people and a raised stage. I knew something was up when I saw five guys sporting guitars and teased hair leave with a rowdy entourage. Terry came out of the men's room a few moments later to tell me about the boorish boys he'd just encountered, comparing the size of their manhoods (boyhoods?). I immediately went on a fact-finding mission and discovered the venue area, where the bartender told me that the band in question was "crap" (he didn't know their name), but Amy Winehouse's brother (posters for Ms. Winehouse were all around town during our visit) had also performed that night and he was pretty good.

So, I checked into my copy of Time Out London and lo, the next night was a triple feature of Ghosts, Jesus Licks and Arthur Brick.
(Ooops. Perhaps I spoke too soon. This video station just played Fergie's "London Bridge" nonsense and now there's a trashy Latino pop video. I'm outta here.)

The way TO described the acts it seemed like a good way to spend a night, so we left the kids in the apartment (they had a chance to come, but were tired. HA! Let the old-timers show the kids how it's done) and headed over to the bar, where a mere 5 pound cover got us in.

Can't say much about Ghosts, since we arrived during the last song, but Jesus Licks was almost comically bad. Two men, who seemed to know how to play, and two women - the world's most listless drunmer, plus a "lead singer" whose voice was so fragile that I was reminded of my daughter's vocal recital, where most of the audience held its breath nervously for fear the singers might break and leave the stage crying. The sound - a wannabe Fairport Convention-style folk-rock - and its pained execution seemed better suited to an afternoon arts and crafts fair than a professional music club. Chances are, you'll never hear of them again, but here they are:


After the awkwardness of Jesus Licks, we toyed with leaving, but chose to give the headliner a chance and I'm glad we did. Arthur Brick was everything the other band wasn't - confident, accomplished, interesting. Made up of two older guys - one on stand-up bass, the other a Jack of many trades, mostly intriguing folk-y instruments - and two young snappers - one on drums and occasional rappy vocals, the other a keyboard/sampler and theremin wizard - the Brick (is there an Arthur in the bunch?) veered from a punky. somewhat Pogues-ian, tradtional sound to beat-dominated grooves that reminded me and hubby of Talking Heads. All in all, a happy discovery, and a band I'd like to know more about.



A visit to the band's not-very-intuitve web siteoffers links (if you can find 'em) to some sound samples.

One Pound = Two Dollars

And finally, for the O/CD project, here's the musical acquisitions from the Trip Across the Pond:

From the newsstand at the tube station:
1.VARIOUS ARTISTS - The Playlist Vol. 3 (Playmusic Magazine)
I thought I would load up on all my favorite British magazines and save money doing so, but with the awful dollar value, I would save very little $ and have to lug the extra weight, so I grabbed only this one, which I haven’t seen in the U.S. Grace immediately fell in love with the cute band on the cover, so I picked up the CD for her later in the trip.

At the TESCO Express across from Liverpool Station:
2. VARIOUS ARTISTS - NME: The Essential Bands
Why is it that the British do such good compilations? This 2-CD set cost me almost $25, but it is jam-packed with all the names I’ve been reading about, and offers genuine hits (now I don’t have to buy the only Killers single worth hearing from the new CD) and great new discoveries.
3. PAOLO NUTINI - These Streets (Atantic)
He’s young and he’s Scottish and he’s cute, so when I saw a good write-up – with nice photo – in a magazine some time ago, I “gave” him to my teenage neighbor/cat sister as her new boyfriend and promised to find the CD in our travels. He’s not bad – bright pop/rock with a bit more credibility than the usual pretty boys.
4. The AUTOMATIC - Not Accepted Anywhere (B-Unique/Polydor)
The cute band Grace spied on the cover of Playmusic magazine. The single “Monster” is silly rock fun.

At the HMV store in The Oracle, Reading:
5. GET CAPE. WEAR CAPE. FLY - The Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager (Atlantic)
LOVED the band name, and the sticker promised a sound (Billy Bragg-ish) that I might like, so I took the chance.
6. LILY ALLEN - Still, Alright (Transgressive)
She’s a big star in Britain, and is about to launch her U.S. assault next month. Grace immediately took to her, and I like the sassy female vibe. She sounds bright and poppy, but listen closely and she’s telling off the boys in no uncertain terms, while celebrating a sunny day in London, watching crack whores and granny thieves at work. We like our ladies sweetly subversive.
7. The FRATELLIS - Costello Music (Drop the Sun Recordings)
Grace took to their song on the NME compilation, and the buzz was good, so we took another chance, and it paid off. Goofy but talented, with a distinctly British dance hall theatricality and juvenile (in a nice way) spunk, kinda like The Faces’ little brothers. Songs with whistling and engaging singalong ‘na-na-na” chorus and titles like "Vince the Loveable Stoner" and "Got Ma Nuts from a Hippy." What’s not to love?
8. SPIRITUALIZED - Amazing Grace (Sanctuary)
I've followed this band for awhile, but like them more in theory (great packaging) than in practice (I rarely listen through an entire CD). Since this title was on super-sale (2 pounds), I took another chance, but can't say a first listen changed my mind. Elements I liked, but not consistently.
9. The YOUNG KNIVES - Voices of Animals and Men (Transgressive)
When Terry came back from a trip to England last Novemeber, he said this was the band he kept hearing about. I found a single of theirs in the Tower records clearance and was quite taken with it, so the band was top o' the radar for this trip's music search. And the full CD lives up to my expectations - plenty of spiky hooks, odd detours and angular rhythms - real alternative rock.

10. DOCTOR WHO - Radio Times freebie (BBC Audiobooks)

Gifts from my British friends
11. JAMES BROWN - Funky Christmas (Polygram)
I have a variation of this album in another form – probably just the American release.
12. VARIOUS ARTISTS - In the City - Unsigned
Three discs of new alternative rock. Will be a challenge to know who’s who, since the iTunes playlist print-out stopped with disc one.

Virgin Records store at airport:
13. SCOTT MATTHEWS - Passing Strangers (San Remo)
Heard this playing in-store at the HMV in Reading, and thought it sounded neat, but the price was close to $20 American, and I had plenty of others to buy. Luckily, saw it again at the airport store for about $15, and am glad I brought it home. A soulful voice and a sweet vibe.
14. BASEMENT JAXX- The Singles (XL Recordings)
Gracie’s choice, and a great car album, full of fist-pumping fun. Favorite tracks: “Romeo” and “Where’s Your Head At?”

YTD total: 16

The Latest Links

Today was a day to update the Close Personal Friend web site archives with the most recent articles I've written for the Washington Post. And, while I finish off the list of new music acquired in England, and that which was waiting for me upon my return, I share those links here, for your one-stop reading pleasure...


Bottle Rockets at IOTA Club and Cafe

Steep Canyon Rangers at State Theatre

Jimmie's Chicken Shack at Fat Tuesday's

The Grandsons at Clarendon Ballroom

And this one, from last year, 'cause it was fun to catch up with the man who once Blinded Me With Science:

Thomas Dolby, BT at the Birchmere

Greetings from the U.K.

Well, it's been six great days in the U.K. and we leave tomorrow. I have photos (on another computer) and stories to share, but there's no time now! Just wanted you all (whoever you are) that I haven't forgotten you.

Tune in later this weekend for on-stage pics of Jesus Licks (didn't like them), Arthur Brick (liked them quite a bit) and a list of cool new music collected abroad....

cheerio!

Get The Party Started

I'm leaving for London tomorrow, for a week, to see the College Girl settled into her sping semester abroad. I tend to go into a nesting ritual before such trips, trying to put the entire house in order while I figure out what to pack. But I don't want to leave before dropping a few lines here.

I wanted to start the New Year off on the right foot, with something positive, but there wasn't a lot happening in my musical world the past few days, 'cept for being annoyed at the promo pic for the new Rolling Stone reality series, in which one of the two female wanna-be reporters is posed sitting up on the desk around which the male candidates are gathered, showing off her leggy, mini-skirted journalistic credentials. Perhaps I can plan to be out of the country every Sunday night.

But, as I said, it's too early in the year for bitchery. Thanks to an email from the PR folks at Tell All Your Friends, I found something much more fun to share. In touting a new act, Fujiya & Miyagi, whose "Transparent Things" comes out February 6th, the group included a link to a video of a dude named Charles dancing to the track, "Photocopier".

The link takes you to the YouTube collection of said Charles Dancing, a beefy young man who just lets his groove thing go in front of a camera, with "costume" (jeans and t-shirt) and "cinematography" that make the OK Go clip for "A Million Ways" look like "Lord of the Rings." He's loose and natural and throughly appealing, and I can see bands submitting songs to him just to see how he interprets them. Is Charles Dancing the next Viral Video hit?

In other press mailing news, the lovely people at Team Clermont have announced their new Digital Delivery service, and so will not be sending out hard copies of new CDs. Instead, they sent a link to a download of the new CD by The Couch and Four (I don't think I'm authorized to share it). As they said it:
" While there are certainly some drawbacks to moving away from sending physical promos, we can't help but be excited by these facets of our Digital Delivery plans:
* Cuts down on the expense and time it takes to mail
* Eliminates a substantial amount of waste from bubble mailers, bios, and the like
* Does not contribute to cluttering your office/apartment/house
* Allows for delivery of audio and biographical content in a convenient package"

I'll check it out, but I may still take them up on the promise to send physical copies to those who ask. And no, it's not a way to beef up the stack of stuff I sometimes take to the trade-in store. Call me old school - or just call me old - but as much as I love my iPod, I have a hard time keeping track of even those digital files I buy for myself out of genuine interest. I keep a stack of the new promo acquistions near the stereo and rotate a few each week into the car, so that I can just plug 'em in and test them out. And I still like looking at the covers, reading liner notes and gleaning what I can from the packages before/as I hear the music. Digital direct is the way of the future, sure, but that doesn't automatically mean it's always better.

Case in point, takes me to the first new musical acquisitons of the new year:
1. Arthur Dodge - The Perfect Face (Remedy Records)
An unexpected, but most welcome, surprise from YARRR! PR. A singer/songwriter with a a definite young Dylan vibe, less obstuse, more romantic and initially quite impressive.
2. Hero Pattern - The Deception EP (self-released?)
A little hint of early Elvis Costello rhythms and attitude (always a good thing) in a relatively generic alt-rock package.

And so, the Year-to-Date total (at least until I test out the Team Clermont offering) is...
YTD: 2

It's the End of the Year As We Know It

Okay, so I've been less than diligent in keeping the blog going this past/last month. The holidays kept me hopping, and the end of Tower Records (so sad to see you go, Red and Yellow Retail Wonder) had me scarfing up music at a rate that would have been hard to track while maintaining a real life. I estimate I bought nearly 200 CDs in the past month, as prices dropped to ridiculous lows. At the bittersweet end, full-length CDs were less than a buck each, and singles were 10 cents. I found stuff I'd been waiting for, made great discoveries, was free to experiment with bands I'd only heard about, and bought CDs just because I liked the covers. It'll take the next few weeks just to test them out, a lovely way to start the year (though I'd gladly have passed it up if it meant keeping the store open).

The CPF blog will be revamped in the new year. I resolve to obesess less and write more, true to the Blog Spirit. More photos, links, and reports from the music field as things happen. Here's to the Clean Slate, the Fresh Approach.

For the final entry of 2006, here's my ballot for the Village Voice Pazz and Jop Poll, which I sent off today, the final day to submit. (I love deadlines. I like the sound they make as they whoosh by!)

Top Ten Albums of the Year:
Josh Ritter - The Animal Years (V2)
The Decemberists – The Crane Wife (Capitol)
Jose Gonzalez – Veneer (Mute)
Regina Spektor – Begin to Hope (Sire)
Matt Nathanson – At the Point (Acrobat)
The Cat Empire (Velour)
Elbow - Leaders of the Free World (V2)
Teitur – Stay Under the Stars (Equator)
World/Inferno Friendship Society - Red-Eyed Soul (Chunksaah)
The Thermals – The Body the Blood the Machine (SubPop)

The Other Ones That Almost Made It:
Julian Velard – The Movies Without You (Saing)
Arctic Monkeys – Whatever You Say I Am… (Domino)
Scritti Politti – White Bread Black Bear (Nonesuch/Rough Trade)
Silversun Pickups – Carnavas (Dangerbird)
Thom Yorke – The Eraser (XL)

SINGLES:
Justin Timberlake – SexyBack (Jive)
Gnarls Barkley – Crazy (Downtown/Atlantic)
Neil Young – Let’s Impeach the President (Reprise)
My Chemical Romance – Welcome to The Black Parade (Reprise)
The Raconteurs – Steady As She Goes (V2)
Editors – Munich (Fader)
Green Day and U2 – The Saints are Coming (Universal/Mercury)
The Rapture – Get Myself Into It (Universal)
Keane – Is It Any Wonder (Island)
OK Go – Here It Goes Again (Capitol)

YTD: >1,000 I lost count, but with the Tower feeding frenzy, I'm sure I topped 1,000 CDs for the year.
Much as I love the jewel box approach, with all the digital downloading I've been doing lately - even labels are sending links to free mp3's rather than hard copies - I'm guessing we won't hit that mark in 2007.
But that's not to say we won't try!

Happy New Year, close personal friends. Peace.

Way to Go, Silversun Pickups!

As I started tap-typing away, the California quartet was tearing it up on Letterman and reminding me that I need to revisit the album. They’ve got a female bass player/support vocalist, and a fiery sound that moves from quiet to raucous in the same song, so the Pixies comparisons hold, but they’ve got their own twist in the mad doctor on the keyboards. Always nice to see a promising young band get a major break – but if they get huge, will I still be able to get into their show next year when they tour with Snow Patrol?

It was a quiet Friday night, so I gave myself a trip out to Tower records yet again, since they’ve now entered the 50% off stage (or more) on everything. I got there only about 40 minutes before closing, so it was a quick hit:
1. BRITISH SEA POWER – The Decline Of…(Rough Trade)
I had my eye on this one the last time I was at Tower, but decided to be frugal. A week later, another 10% off – and it was still there! – so I gave in.
2. BLONDIE – Parallel Lines (Capitol/Chrysalis)
Another one I had my eye on. And, for some lovely reason, after ringing it up for what I thought was the price ($6.50), the nice cashier dude goes back and re-enters it – for $2.50! The original breakthrough album, remastered, plus 4 bonus tracks, including a live take on “Bang a Gong.”
3. CHRISTINA AQUILERA – Ain’t No Other Man (RCA)
Singles are 70% off, so this was all of $1.50. It’s for my girl Gracie, who loves the tune. I think it’s catchy, but I can’t stand the fact that she rhymes “class” with “ass.” That was a joke in a song from the original “Chicago,” but such subtleties are not for the likes of Christina who, BTW, did a terrible job of lip-syncing at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. And why did she get to sing her single when everyone else did a holiday song? Bah, humbug!
4. GORILLAZ – Kids with Guns (EMI)
I can’t imagine spending $8 for this 3-track single, but for $2.oo, I can surprise Grace, who’ll enjoy the new track (“Stop the Dams”) and the fold-out mini-poster of Noodle.
5. BEBEL GILBERTO – eponymous (Six Degrees)
There are some albums that are so horribly overstocked that the store is desparate to get them going. This album was in a bunch offered for a mere $4 each. She’s got that ultra-chill bossa-nova vibe.
6. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Christmas Remixed (Six Degrees)
The second volume of the world music label’s holiday series, which is becoming a new holiday classic. The label does a type of mash-up, mating vintage crooners with electronica rhythm beds. The results have the comfort of familiarity with the right amount of cool, fresh attitude. Soon to appear on this year’s Cool Yule collection – Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Went to the second-hand store yesterday to drop off a few bags of unwanted clothing, books and other stuff. As per usual, checked out the racks of donated music and found a few nice CDs for $1.50 each. It’s odd and somewhat amusing to recognize some things that I had dropped off last time, and saw that someone had recently given up some nice music in great condition. I took home:
7. LOW MILLIONS – Ex-Girlfriends (Manhattan)
Never actually heard this band before, but when it first came out, I recall listening to a few tracks at the Tower listening station and liking it, so this was a happy find. Listening again on the car ride home, I was taken by the immediately catchy melodies and the singer’s confident voice. Initial lyric scan was cool, too.
8. COWBOY JUNKIES – The Caution Horses (BMG)
I bought this soley for the cover of Neil Young’s “Powderfinger,” a song I’ve always loved. I may actually have it on an old freebie sampler, but I couldn’t remember, so what the hell for this price? I popped it into the car player to hear the Young track and was immediately reminded that Margo Timmins’ voice – and the Junkies’ lethargic tempos – wear very thin very quickly.
9. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Italian Love Songs (K-Tel)
Wow – how long since I’ve heard the name K-Tel?! This 10-song cheapass collection has Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore,” Vic Dana’s “More,” Connie Francis’ “Forget Domani” and a few I don’t quite know. What the ?? is “Non Dimenticar” by Frankie Avalon? Whatever; I thought my Italophile hubby would find it fun.
10. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Happy Valentine’s Day (Musicmaker.com)
Homemade mix CDs don’t have quite the same charm as mix cassettes, but this one caught my eye because someone had gone to the trouble of designing a cover and had the taste to include some old skool funk – “Atomic Dog,” “What is Hip?”- a few K.C. and the Sunshine Band hoot-a-longs, and even some downright silliness (“The Chicken Dance” – seriously). Musical voyeurism is fun.
11. BARRY MANILOW – Swing Street (Arista)
I haven’t forgiven him for getting the EMMY over Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, but if Craig Ferguson can, I guess I should let it go. (Still, it was way more fun to watch Ferguson dancing than listening to Manilow sing when the latter appeared on the former’s show.) I’ll listen to this once to see if there’s anything to crib, but it’s really just a stocking stuffer for Mom.
12. EVANESCENCE – Fallen
I’m not that into it, but it’s for Grace, who is, and saw the band perform some weeks ago with a pal who’s a huge fan. They hung out afterward and Grace got her pocketbook (the only thing she had!) signed by the band.

Also yesterday:
13. RAY CHARLES – A Ray Charles Christmas (Rhino)
Was in Kohl’s, filling up some packages for one of my Christmas Angels, and found this for a mere $5. Who else but Ray could make “The Little Drummer Boy” not merely tolerable but downright righteously good?

My Husband Went to England and All I Got Was This Lousy CD:
14. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Now Hear This, Word magazine, Dec. 2006
It’s not lousy at all, but I liked the headline. Here’s a band called Joan as Police Woman? Lloyd Cole is looking rather scrubby on the cover.

Trade-In Store missing from last time:
15. The DIVINE COMEDY – Absent Friends (Parlaphone)
Studio and live version, plus video, of the title track, plus a live version of “Something for the Weekend.” Bought out of curiosity, but he’s too grand by half for me.
16. JUDY GARLAND – A Star is Born (Columbia)
$2.oo clearance bin stocking stuffer for my olde-time-musicals- lovin’ college girl.

Coming to Town:
17. SISTER HAZEL – Absolutely (Croakin’ Poets Records)
13 songs of roots rock. The first single, “Mandolin Moon,” features guest vocals from band pal Shawn Mullins.
18. TEITUR – Stay Under the Stars (Equator Music)
The una-nominal Scandinavian singer/songwriter will be appearing at Jammin java next Thursday (December 7th) and I am really looking forward to hearing him. Hope he does “I Run the Carousel” – it’s like a bittersweet short story in a song – and his stripped-down, slowed-down version of “Great Balls of Fire.”

Purchases:
More acquisitions from Tower, scattered over a few visits:
More Tower Music, Trip 3:
19. KRAAK & SMAAK – Boogie Angst (Quango)
The double-disc American version was cheaper than the single disc import and, since the former had all the tracks of the latter plus a whole ‘nother side of remixes, that’s a no-brainer. Another discovery I owe to KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” radio show, since I doubt I would have encountered them otherwise, and the name would never have probably made me think they were something totally other. The group, BTW, takes its name from an old Dutch phrase meaning ‘crunchy & tasty.’
20, FEIST – Open Season: Remixes and Collabs (Cherrytree/Interscope)
Just under $7.50.
21. BEACH BOYS – Pet Sounds (Capitol)
Deluxe 2-CD edition in the green fake suede package. A joy to rediscover.
22. BEN FOLDS – Live at Tower Records
Three tracks recorded at the Lincoln Center store in NYC on 4/26/05. “Jesusland” and “Trusted” and “Bastard” and no frills; not even a decent picture of Ben. But it was $2.00 with the 50% off singles pricing. Ripped to iTunes and right into the trade-in bag.
23. CESARIA EVORA – Club Sodade (RCA)
Remixes by the likes of Carl Craig and Senor Coconut.
24. BJORK – Minuscule (One Little Indian DVD)
I thought I was a hardcore Bjork fan when I got the Gling Glo CD as an import, but I gave up being a completist around the time she began releasing multiple versions of singles from the Vespertine CD and I couldn’t keep up with all the variations. She’s the same with DVDs now, with so many promo video compilations and concert videos, I don’t have the time or patience. But this DVD, a backstage look at the 2001 Vespertine world tour, was only about $7.oo after discount, and I thought it would be a good companion to the one music video set I do have.
25. BRIGHT BLACK MORNING LIGHT – S/T (Matador)
Nifty packaging, with prismatic glasses that make my head hurt.
26. The MINUS 5 – Down with Wilco (Yep Roc)
Slowly replacing the favorite CDs that some bastard stole out of Terry’s luggage on his (halfway)cross-country trip.
27. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Music Ahead sampler (Verve)
Freebie sampler with Costello & Toussaint, Jamie Cullum, (skinny boy) Rhett Miller and others.
28. The LIBERTINES – Can’t Stand Me Now (Rough Trade)
3-track single for $1.25.

YTD Total: 714

'Tis (Almost) The Season!

I've broken out the boxes of holiday tunes, much to my husband's chagrin. He doesn't believe in any Christmas music before we finish the Thanksgiving turkey and, while I can see his point, I have the annual Cool Yule collection to think about, so I'm getting my jingle bell groove on while he's out of town.
First out of the box, literally, is "Sounds of the Season," a Target collection that offers a fine set of choices, like the cuurently playing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Ray Charles (need I say more?). There's nice rendition of "My Favorite Things" by Rod Stewart, but I'm not sure I can use it - he says "snitzel with noodles"! C'mon Rod, that's "schnitzel,' you fool.

Let's clear the decks of recent purchases....No pics, just picks.

Yet Another Visit to the CD Trade-In Store:
Getting lean – a bag full of a few dozen used CDs nets only $39 in credit, so I wind up owing them $11 when I come home with these:
1. ROSEWOOD THIEVES – From the Decker House (V2)
The band I wrote about in the last entry…
2. The RAPTURE – Pieces of the People We Love (Universal/Motown)
Ditto, in the previous entry. Although, now that I check the label, I think it’s rather funny that these ever-so-white downtown hipsters are on Motown. Anyway, this one’s become a big hit in our house. Still giving “Get Myself Into It” a daily spin, and Grace has stolen the CD for her morning wake-up call.
3. DAMON ALBARN and FRIENDS – Mali Music (Astralwerks/EMI Records)
Is this an import version? Made in Holland sticker, soft cover, like a CD tucked into a small paperback book. I haven’t had a chance to give it a good listen, but I’ve heard it in passing while hubby cooks, and he loves it.
4. B*WITCHED – Jump Down: The Mixes (Sony Music)
Three remixes and a video by the Spice Girl wannabe/also-rans. If I get around to it, I’ll have quite the nice little lot for an eBay offering, including some cure friendship bracelets and stickers the record company sent when they were pushing these not-so-bad babes.
5. ELBOW – Not a Job CD single (V2)
Title track plus alternate video of same, and two more tracks.
6. SECRET ANNEX – What Is it About This Place? (Ocelot Records)
It was 50cents and I liked the title, plus a few of the song titles, too – “Cello Love Song,” “The Fatal Glory of Steamboat Racing,” etc. No big risk.
7. SUZZY and MAGGIE ROCHE – Zero Church (Red House Records)
A lovely surprise – those two siblings with the gorgeous harmonies in a pan-denomination set of church songs, sung with guest stars and the ghosts of 9-11 hovering over it all.
8. DIRTY PRETTY THINGS – Waterloo to Anywhere (Interscope)
It was playing when I walked into the store and caught my ear right away.
9. COUNTING CROWS – New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall (Geffen)
A gift for the college girl, who’s a faithful fan – and I enjoy them, too.

And once more to Tower Records, where it’s up to 30% off most merchandise.
10. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Ones to Watch, Vol. 03/magazine
15 tracks, “choice cuts of your future favourites” and the only name I recognize is Two Gallants. But magazines are 60% off cover price and this glossy British rag, which I’ve never seen before, has Dirty Pretty Things on the cover (it’s a sign!), so I want to check out both print and audio.
11. PRINCE – Te Amo Corazon (NPG/Universal)
Full sized jewel case for 40cents – and hey, there’s a Prince single here, too.
12. U2 – City of Blinding Lights (Island Records)
The song I know as “oh, you are so beautiful,” in a 2-track import, which I will spring $2.50 on to hear the Killahurtz Fly mix.
13. XTC – Apple Box (Idea Records)
British import, 4-CD set, collected both the Wasp and Apple Venus CDs, plus companion discs of demos and alternate versions. Now that the discount takes it under $25, it’s mine, mine, all mine!
14. BUZZCOCKS/VARIOUS ARTISTS – Ever Fallen in Love with Someone You Shouldn’t’ve (EMI)
Two-track import (also $2.50) with the original hit, plus a new version performed by the likes of Futureheads, Elton John, Pete Shelley and Robert Plant, done as tribute to John Peel, with proceeds donated to Amnesty International.

15. MASSIVE ATTACK – Collected (Virgin)
This month’s yourmusic top-of-queue item. $5.99, shipping included. Great stuff. “Protection” with Tracey Thorn, “Karmacoma” with Tricky and stuff I don’t know – yet.

Sent:
16. KRISTOFFER RAGNSTAM – Do You Want a Piece of Me EP (bluhammock)
17. CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR – The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch (Fueled By Ramen)
They opened for Hellogoodbye at Irving Plaza during CMJ, and the publicist asked me to check ‘em out when he heard I was going to the show. I meant well, but got there late, so I asked if he could send a copy. It was waiting for me when I got home. Now that’s what I call service! Grace has asked to hear it, so I know there’s teenage buzz.
18. EL GOODO – S/T (Empyrean Records)

Advances:
19. ERIN McKEOWN – Sing You Sinners (Nettwerk)
Out in January.
20. CLEMENTE - …Whilst Honey Hums (Moodswing)
Coming January 30th.

Pitches:
21. PARTICLE – Transformations Live: For the People CD and DVD (Shout! Factory)
They appeared at the State Theatre recently, and the publicist sent the collected works in hopes of a preview (but my editor chose a different show). Will I ever watch over 2 hours of video, even with special guests (Blackalicious, Robby Kreiger, Joe Satriani, DJ Logic)? Answer would have been no, but I put the CD on and it was noodle-dancing music in a nice way.

Duplicates:
22. GOB IRON – Death Songs for the Living (Transmit Sound/Legacy)
Full release copy, with enhancements, of an advance I got earlier.
23. MEAT LOAF – Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose (Virgin)
Same as above. Speaking of Mr. Loaf (I love when the New York Times calls him that), his record company sent a transcript of a tele-conference the Meat held recently, and it's a great document of inane conversation, opening like this:
"And our first question comes from Brad Topel from About.com.
FRED TOPEL: Hi, it’s actually Fred, but that’s okay.
MEATLOAF: Fred? Hi Fred.
FRED TOPEL: But my question is how hard is it to find other writers who can write songs for you like Simon did?"
Simon, who is referenced throughout the dozens of pages, has to be, by reason of deduction, Jim Steinman, co-creator of the whole "Bat Out Of Hell" phenomenon. Why didn't anyone correct this before sending out the transcript?!
Rock journalism is not brain surgery. Thank god. We'd have a lot (more) zombies out there.

YTD Total: 686

Our House Is a Very, Very, Very Fine House

And our Senate is looking better, too.

As SNL put it last night - in an ironic twist, Iraq has forced regime change in the United States. I live in a purple state, a mix of red and blue that feels like the future. And as the button I now wear on my lapel simply states: Optimism.

Okay, so I need to harken back to the CMJ Marathon, and to the joy of Halloween in New York City…

After a few years of frantically racing uptown and down, from venue to venue, trying to catch as many events as possible, I have developed a lazy person’s approach to the festival - Pick an area and concentrate on all the events within its boundaries instead of ricocheting throughout the city, where even a distance of 10 blocks can take a half hour to traverse. Keep it simple. Go with the flow.

If there’s a Merge party on Ave A and 11th Street that starts at 3 pm, even getting to 14th and Broadway for the Silversun Pickups Puma in-store may be a stretch, especially if you’re surprised by the arrival of a favorite friendly publicist and want to sit and chat. Besides, you might hear the people in the booth behind you announce that there’s another party down the block, and a good showcase happening ninety minutes later around the corner. Bottom line – don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Pick the showcase with the maximum ratio of (possibly) good bands to those unknown and just settle into the club as I did the night I went to Tonic to see The Slip and Oppenheimer. I broke my own rule and left before the Mosquitos went on, in a fools errand to try and catch the Knife at Webster Hall, where I had only a dim hope of being guest-listed. Didn’t get in, but had a pleasant conversation with the music reporter from Newsday, who was also bounced. I know I’m small beans, but when the gate-keepers bar one of the city’s major papers from getting in, you wonder where their priorities are.

Anyhoo, The Slip show was a good discovery. I’d heard them from a distance as they played the Day Stage at Avery Fisher while I checked email in the press room. Though I couldn’t catch the vocals, I liked the strong guitar sound, aggressive without being assaulltive, with surprising bits of melody, like soft marshmallows in the crunchy Lucky Charms. They were playing right before Oppenheimer, one of the few bands I had made a firm promise to see (I had written about them for the Post, liked the album a lot, and told the publicist I would definitely check 'em out) so I made a point of getting there early. Wanted to catch Hotel Lights, too, since I liked that CD – and the pedigree of a former Ben Folds Five member, but got caught up in dinner with College Girl.) Live and up close, The Slip turned out to be a trio making that mighty noise and lived up to the fine first impression.
OPPENHEIMER were great fun. Only two guys – drummer/singer and guitarist/keyboard creating a bright, buoyant pop party that’s reminiscent of Air.


ROSEWOOD THIEVES were another Day Stage revelation – along with the fact that I could sit comfortably in the Mountain Dew lounge and get wireless through the exhibitors’ system (the press room was small and dingy, though I always appreciate the thought). There I sat, happily typing away - except for when someone splashed water out of the freebie cooler (I don’t want another $1200 ruined computer incident) - and listening to the Thieves, who seemed initially downcast by the small audience, but warmed as they earned genuine applause. The singer opened with Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll be Staying Here with You,” which fit both his flawed-yet-expressive voice and the band’s overall slightly-country, smart rock vibe. And the keyboard player looked like the girl who started out on “Freaks and Geeks” and then popped up on “ER.” I gave lead singer a card ‘cause I sincerely hope to see them again if they come down DC Way.

Despite a passing interest in “House of Jealous Lovers,” I hadn’t given much thought to The RAPTURE either way, but when a dinner companion/publicist mentioned how much he was looking forward to their Monday night show, and followed up Tuesday with a glowing report, my CMJ pal Shari and I decided to try the door schmooze. Luckily, the press/photo pass combination (and, I’d like to think, my polite inquiries to the door man) worked, and we got in. It was a rousing good night all ‘round. Dewars hosted, which meant cheap scotch and cool swag (a nice T-shirt and an adorable guitar mini-amplifier) and the Rapture was great! Even if they should be paying royalties to Talking Heads for the “Remain in Light” rhythms and some to Adam Ant for the tribal lyric chants, the combination is killer. And how can you not love a band that dresses in full-body skeleton suits for Halloween?! “Get Myself Into It” is new to the Daily Playlist, so hey Rob, thanks for the lovely meal and fine musical recommendation.



On Monday, while Rob was enjoying The Rapture, I was bouncing to the pop-rocky goodness of HELLOGOODBYE at Irving Plaza, where the SoCal goofballs were starting a two-night stand as headliners.



I’d seen them before, as the lowly opening act on a multi-act bill with The Academy Is… and Panic! At the Disco, and as players on a Warped side stage, so it was quite a shock to see them getting full star response at this show, along with a back-drop and stand-up creatures stage setting. These guys radiate warmth in the manner of my dear, departed Troubled Hubble, and they even gave the crowd a balloon drop during the encore. Another winner!

Speaking of Halloween in New York City, it’s a truly wonderful trip in that sometimes you’re not 100% sure if you’re looking at a person in costume or just another uniquely New York personality. For instance, I leave the Verizon Store and an Arab sheik walks by. I’m guessing Middle Eastern royalty is in town, then notice that there’s an 8-year-old princess in pink by his side. A costume then…probably.

(photo by Shari, from a parallel moving cab)
Other favorite moments during what must rival the Carnivale as the world’s largest street costume party:
*A priest with a teddy bear and inflatable female date
*Zorro on roller skates
*Captain Hook walking east on 8th street, and Peter Pan walking west (I was dispappointed that the didn’t acknowledge each other)
*A dalmation dog (real canine) being walked by a dalmation dog (man in costume)
*Death (long black robe, skull head) hailing a cab
* Four different supermen – all in suits with the logo shirt underneath.
* The ham hock tribute to Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” that actually looked kinda like a pile of poo, so the poor girl inside had to write “HAM” on the outside.

One trend I could have done without: skimpily-dressed girls in brightly colored wigs. Too easy, in both senses of the word.

With all the free music being handed out (more on that next time), I only purchased one CD while in New York:
1. AMINA – Animamina (Worker’s Institute)
I had previously seen the winsome Scandinavian women open for Sigur Ros last year, at a moving performance that took place, appropriately enough, on 9-11. Hearing that they were appearing at Joe’s Pub, just around the corner from Shari’s place (my home for the festival) was too good a chance as we walked home from the Rapture show. It was late (almost one a.m.) but the group was still onstage, casting their soft spell on a nearly breathlessly quiet audience (two yapping guys at the bar should have been smacked down). I bought the oh-so-quiet CD on the way out. Then discovered it was just an EP - $15?!! (Karmic payback for the missing cocktail glass…)

YTD total: 663

B-4 CPF went 2 NYC 4 CMJ

The CMJ wrap-up will come next - hopefully, after we celebrate good news on the election (or is it really an intervention?) front.
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!
(unless you're Republican; then, feel free to take the day off)

But here's where we were before I split for the Big Apple...

Getting Out and About:
1.The MILES – The Story of Yourself (self-released)
2.The MILES – Making of The Story of Yourself (DVD)
The odd ways in which bands get discovered: I went to Jammin’ Java to see a band named Husky Rescue, which I had previewed for the Post. When I arrived, the opening act was onstage and I liked what I heard, so I signed the band’s mailing list, sitting on a speaker in front of the stage. But then, the band onstage introduced itself and it was NOT the one I signed to receive info about. And I had written in the “notes” section: “Liked your set. I write about music. Get in touch.”
Well, the next week, I get a sweet note from this band I knew nothing about and I had to admit the mistake. But the guy kept in touch, kept me informed about other gigs, and so I felt almost obliged to attend the band’s CD release party.
Happy ending: I liked them! A nice muscular but melodic sound, with hints of U2 anthemic rock and some neat Radiohead-style sonic noodling. Lead singer guy is as cute as his emails were gracious and I intend to keep track of what they do next.

Also on the bill this night:
Chris Trapper, former leader of the PushStars and a straight shooter of the singer/songwriter school, popular in my household for the Irish wake sing-along, “Keg on My Coffin.”

and the opener:
3. JANN KLOSE – Black Box EP
In a brief echo of the Miles’ story, I caught only the last two songs of Klose’s set and, while they didn’t make a strong impression, I snapped off a few shots and send them to his publicist, who had mentioned his appearance previously. She forwards the shots to him and I get an appreciative note asking if he can post two on his site and would I like a copy of the CD. Sure, and now I feel it’s the good karma thing to catch his show in its entirety next time he comes around.


Another Day, Another Show:
4. The ROOSEVELT, DELETED SCENES, GARY B and the NOTIONS - sampler
This freebie was handed out as we left the Regina Spektor show at the 930 Club – a clear baggie with a prescription pad page listing the bands as if they were medicines to take at prescribed times, promoting a show later that week at a newish club, The Red and The Black.

And Yet Another:
5. YOUNG LOVE - YL (Island)
Two-song sampler from the cute boys who opened for Good Charlotte and the Pink Spiders last month at the 930 Club, given out at the club, along with my new collection passion – 1” pinbacks. Leader Dan Keyes is tall, thin and good-looking in a mop-topped Brit-rock kind of way, and there seems to be a push on to get him the heartthrob vote. Be careful Island- it seems like a nice hook now, but the music I heard sounds better than that which you sell at a discounted cred rate to the TRL crowd.

6. YOUNG LOVE – Too Young to Fight It (Island)
In the weeks before the concert, the publicist reached out to promote YL’s set and I asked if she could send music. I get an overnight delivery (so I know they weren’t skipping on cost) and inside is unlabeled CD, not even in a cardboard or paper sleeve.
7. VARIOUS ARTISTS – State of the Union: DC Benefit Compilation (Dischord)
Good Charlotte may be MTV stars now, but they haven’t forgotten where they came from. They gave over the merch booth to the socially conscious local charity Positive Force, and let the organization’s main man give a little speech before their set. This sampler was among the get smarter swag being given away at the booth.
And, BTW, the Madden boys are looking mighty buff these days. Benji has a stance that even recalls Springsteen at his ripped peak...


Yeah, I Paid Cash Money for Some Stuff, Too
8. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Soul Legends (Motown)
When Mom visits, she likes to check into a local discount chain called Tuesday Morning. I go along and drift through the aisles, and usually wind up with some weird licensed merchandise toy at an absurdly low price. There’s not much in the musical coll
9. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Best of 60s British Beat
Another visit with mom to a discount store, another find (I thought), but Caveat Emptor, music fans. Be sure to read the fine print, which I didn’t do carefully enough. “Big beat stars from pop’s brightest decade interpret their hits as only they know how…great versions of memorable songs…” As in, not the original versions. So I’ve got lame, recent reworkings of “Yeh, Yeh” by Georgie Fame,“Bad to Me” by Billy J. Kramer, “Hello Little Girl” by Foremost and other pale imitations.
10. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Take It Easy: 15 Soft Rock Anthems (Q magazine)
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Paste # 26
12. CYNDI LAUPER – The Body Acoustic (Epic/Daylight)
This month’s $5.99 order from yourmusic.com. Lauper revisits some of her greatest hits in sometimes striking new arrangements. Not all of them work, but it’s nice to hear her stretching out – while making a living.

At the CD trade-in store:
13. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Joni Mitchell Artist’s Choice (Hear Music/Rhino)
As you’d expect, Mitchell’s selection is eclectic and jazz-tinged (two Duke Ellington, Miles Davis) with some classical stuff and classic singer/songwriters (Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen). A few surprises – she includes one of her own songs (“Harlem in Havana”), highlights two tracks from Deep Forest (instead of spreading the love to another obscure band) and ends with a one-hit wonder, New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give.”
14. RHETT MILLER – World Café Live (DVD)
'Round my house, we call him Skinny boy Rhett” 'cause he looks so lean and cute in his slim black jeans. And he's a great songwriter, too.
15. ELVIS COSTELLO – It’s Time (Warner Bros.)
Three track single with a cover of Springsteen’s “Brilliant Disguise” done as twangy country blues.

Oh, No, Tower Records, Don’t Go:
Music geeks are in despair but we also know a bargain when we hear about one, so the next few weeks will be an ongoing pilgrimage to the beloved retail store, tracking the drop in prices (20% off everything now, due to drop as the weeks go) and calculating how few XTC box sets are on the shelves before we commit. At this first visit, I got:
16. VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Remix FM2 (Virgin EMI)
Two CDs with an odd collection of tunes. $7.50
17. DIANA KRALL – Temptation (Verve)
The tan stickers mean 25% off, which leads to these two tracks costing less than the price of a jewel box. True music geek confession – I think I already have the album, but I have to adopt these orphans (besides, she’s married to Elvis Costello!)
18. PHOENIX – Everything is Everything (Virgin)
Four tracks for under $2 – the catchy title track in audio and video versions, a live take of “Run Run Run” and a medley of early demos, which shows that many of the band’s catchy tunes hold up as songs and don’t need the playful studio production.
19. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Devils & Dust (Columbia)
Another 20-center. Just the single song in a cardboard cover.
20. VARIOUS ARTISTS – I Want My ‘80s! sampler (Universal Music)
Free with purchase. Grand, cheesy anthems.

Pitches:
21. MATTHEW RYAN – From a Late Night High Rise (00:02:59)
Coming to the IOTA on November 6th. The album comes out December 5th.
22. BARENAKED LADIES – Are Me (Desperation Records)
Nothing as directly humorous as on previous CDs (though “Bank Job” takes on an unusual subject for a pop song – a botched heist), but BNL have a way with a melody and a hook. Played the Patriot Center on November 4th.
23. MIKE DOUGHTY – Haughty Melodic (ATO Records)
He opened for BNL on November 4th, which adds to the odds that it was a fine show. The former leader of Soul Coughing sounds much like you imagine it would – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Much as I love the ubiquitous java joint, how could I not also love a song entitled “Busting Up a Starbucks”?

Palpable Hits:
24. The DECEMBERISTS – The Crane Wife (Capitol)
I read one comparison to Jethro Tull and endless repetitions of the term "Prog-folk," but to me it's just more great Decemberists. “The Perfect Crime” has the galloping beat of Talking Heads in their “Life During Wartime” prime.

25. NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Double CD with the original soundtrack, a disc of new recordings by the likes of Panic! at the Disco and Fiona Apple, and some of Danny Elfman's demos. All great, 'cept for the She Wants Revenge version of "Kidnap the Sandy Claws," which trades all the charm for a gothy, Human Leaguey rendition.
26. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE – The Black Parade (Reprise)
When the band preformed the title track on SNL, I knew I had to get the CD right away, just so I could hear it again. Not because I was sure I liked it; more because it was so outrageous, I needed to know if I could believe me ears. It has lived up to the cost and then some.

Fine First Impressions:
27. The BALDWIN BROTHERS – The Return of the Golden Rhodes (TVT)
Why do I keep thinking they should be on Astralwerks? This band has that uber-hip dance feel that the label specializes in, and TVT is known for much raw-er stuff.
28. PAUL MICHEL – Quiet State of Panic
When was he in Army of Me?
29. The KOOKS – Inside In/Inside Out (Astralwerks)
Strokes style, but more fun.
30. CHRISTINE FELLOWS – Paper Anniversary (Six Shooter Records)
Soft-voiced woman with intriguing musical vignettes, reminiscent of other favorites like Jane Siberry.
31. SONNY ROLLINS – Sonny, Please (Doxy)
32. WHITEY – The Light at the End of the Tunnel is a Train (Dim Mak)
33. SIERRA LEONE’S REFUGEE ALL-STARS - Living Like a Refugee (Anti-Records)
34. MICHAEL FRANTI – Yell Fire! (Anti- Records)
He’s pissed, and I share his outrage. Luckily, he also couches the anger in varied, skillful tunes.
BTW...
and did I mention? DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!

Jury’s Still Out:
35. KT TUNSTALL – Acoustic Extravaganza (Relentless/Virgin)
An audio CD and a DVD at a single disc price; still, aren't they just cashing in?
36. K-OS – Atlantis:Hymns for Disco (Virgin)
37. AIRPUSHERS – Themes for the Ordinary Strange (Sarathan)
Swag, of sorts: an Airpushers air freshener that you can hang in the car, or a funky closet.
38. The STRAYS – Le Futur Noir (TVT Records)
About to hit the road with The Cult.
39. VERUCA SALT – IV (Sympathy for the Record Industry Records)
Missed the Jaxx show last month.
40. VIVA VOCE – Get Yr Blood Sucked Out (Barsuk Records)
41. RACHEL JACOBS – Friend Overseas
Nice pairing of a 7” vinyl EP and a CD – the same music in two versions.
42. SASHA DOBSON – Modern Romance
“Plangent, almost vibrato-free voice” says the sheet, but the title track is a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
43. PAPER CRANES – Vidalia (Mother May I Records)
44. The BLUE VAN – Dear Independence (TVT Records)
45. CARL TANNER – Hear the Angle Voices (Timeless)
Big voice/operatic Christmas songs, heavy on the religious carols.
46. The LOW FREQUENCY IN STEREO – The Last Temptation of…(Gigantic)
Uh-oh. I listened once in the car and kinda liked it, so I wanted to go back and hear it again. But, when I opened the digipack, the CD was cracked right through. I fear it was trod upon by the school carpool.
47. BREAKS CO-OP – The Sound Inside (Astralwerks)
48. GOB IRON – Death Songs for the Living (Transmit Sound/Legacy)
Jay Farrar and Anders Parker
49. AS TALL AS LIONS – S/T (Triple Crown/East West)
Says here it's “British influenced contemporary indie rock” and makes comparisons to Sunny Day Real Estate meets Elbow, or Doves meet the Police. Sorry, but I don't hear it.
50. DANGEROUS MUSE – Give Me Danger EP (Cordless Recordings)
Second EP from the Electro-clash band.

Direct from the band:
51. ENVIE – S/T (self-released)

I’m Just Not That Into You:
52. POLLY PANIC – Painkiller (Greyday Records)
Pitched as a PJ Harvey, Siouxie Sioux style artsy tough mama, and I always love the sound of the cello, but this is just a bit too harsh for me. I do like the back cover – a photo of two prescription bottles, with the song titles listed on the labels.
53. ESTEBAN – Best of Esteban (Dreambox Records)
16th studio album from a new age worker on the direct-sales-through-TV beat. Skillful but noncompelling versions of “Fernando” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Runaway” and some Latin-tinged originals.
54. BADLY DRAWN BOY – Born in the U.K. (Astralwerks)
There are times when, much as you like an artist, his (of her) album makes you yawn or, in the case of some of the lyrics here, wince. The press kit says this album came out after tortured fits and starts. It doesn’t sound belabored, it just sounds limp.
55. BRIAN SETZER – Lucky 13 (Surfdog Records)
56. The CARS – Unlocked (Documrama DVD)
Why would I want to watch a DVD of the Cars in concert? When I saw them at Madison Square Garden at the height of their popularity, they were one of the most boring live shows I'd ever seen.
57. LISA PALLESCHI – Released (Lightyear Entertainment)
Here are the kind of lyrics you can play “what’s the rhyme?” with – she starts a couplet with “Maybe I’m a fool for trying” and you know it’s heading for something like “I don’t see the point in lying.” You can play, too:
“After what you put me though/After what you made me…do!” Generic female ballad pop, with strings. The cover of the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” stands out, but only as simple relief that it’s not more of the same.


Kids Stuff:
58. DAVID GROVER – Passin’ It On (KOCH)
subtitled “Pickin’ & Grinnin’ & Singin’ Them Old Time Tunes: American Folk Music from Our Living Room to Yours”
59. DAVID GROVER - There’s a Light in You (KOCH)
A David Grover sampler
60. DAVID GROVER & the BIG BEAR BAND - As Different as We Are (We’re All the Same) (KOCH)
(Koch Records)
61. MEREDITH VIERA - TUBBY The TUBA (Koch)
The new co-host of the Today show narrates a kids classic. Can there be a picture book far behind?

It’s Mostly a Waste of Time to Send Me Country Music…
62. MARK CHESNUTT – Heard It In a Love Song
63. TOM WURTH
I wanted to count how many variations on “Wurth hearing” were inl his press kit, but I got tired.
64. HEARTLAND – I Loved Her First (Lofton Creek Records)
wedding song of the year?

…But Then Again, There’s Stuff I Like:
65. CHRIS SMITHER – Leave the Light On (Signature Sounds)
I first heard “Origin of [the] Species” on NPR and liked the wry take on evolution. The rest of the album is more straightforward Steve Earle-edged country blues rock, and much of it is quite catchy.

YTD: 662

Back on the Horse that Threw Me

To begin, here are the most recent Washington Post (regional) previews:
SUSAN GREENBAUM and MICHELE SWAN at Focus Inn
Friendly folkies.
AMY TAN at Reston Center Stage
Sometimes I write about book events, too.
DEAD MEN’S HOLLOW at Front Porch Fest
Pleasant local band doing bluegrass/folk.

CAT EMPIRE at The State Theatre
The publicity group called the morning the piece ran and asked if I could FedEx (on their dime) a printed version of the paper to go with the online link. No one’s ever cared enough to ask for overnight delivery before. I was flattered then, and moreso (plus surprised) when the PR team sent out a mass emailing a few days later, reprinting the story in full. I'm happy to say that the live show lived up to my recommendation. A way fun band.
Band Camp
This was a different kind of article for me – I went to a show and took a bunch of pictures and talked with the kids who played in a recital for Northern Virginia’s own School of Rock. Alas, despite lots of material and some color photos I was very proud of, the paper ran two small shots in black and white. I thought it was gonna be a fairly large photo essay. Here’s one of the shots they didn’t use…



Which takes us to the start of the CD list, since these were sent in conjunction with the above stories:
1. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Focus 2006-07
This made-for-me mix comes from the local arts group that pitched its new series of shows for Post preview coverage. Susan Greenbaum’s tracks were here. And then the singer herself sent me:
2. SUSAN GREENBAUM – You Are My Holiday (self-released)
3. SUSAN GREENBAUM – Hey! Hey! Hey! (self-released)
4. DEAD MAN’S HOLLOW – Two-Timin’ (Acoustic Americana)
5. The CAT EMPIRE – Two Shoes (Indica Records)
This Canadian-made special edition includes a second disc of live performances and music videos. It was sent when I was working on the preview.

6. The CAT EMPIRE (Velour)
A single CD of six tracks, enhanced with a few videos and footage of the band in the studio.

Purchased/Found at Retail:
7. SCISSOR SISTERS – Ta-Dah (Polydor)
I bought the super deluxe import version with the bonus tracks and tricky-to-open cover when I realized that Best Buy was selling it for an outrageousely low price ($12.99 I think). And I found this to go with it:
8. SCISSOR SISTERS sampler (Universal Motown)
Best Buy exclusive, three-tracks in a cardboard sleeve – two remixes of “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and an unreleased studio track, “Ambition,” none of which are on the double-CD version. So that’s 21 tracks total from S2.
9. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Sirius Radio Outlaw Country
Another freebie (what it’s supposed to come free with, I have no idea. I just saw a pile and took one to the cashier, and it rang up for a penny.) Hosted by Mojo Nixon, and including tracks by Todd Snider (so he’s country now?), Loretta Lynn (please don’t sing “Fist City” in San Francisco. See how Scissor Sisters have got me thinking?), Williams-es Lucinda and Hank, Johnny and Willie. Good times.
10. BECK – The Information (Geffen)
The packaging is a trip – a blank grid and a set of stickers (supposedly there are four sets, each designed by a different artist-du-jour) that enables you to make your own cover.
Question #1 - Will I ever bring myself to actually use the stickers?
Question #2 – Why hasn’t the album itself pulled me in?
11. PASTE magazine sampler #25
No DVD this month, alas.
12. CMJ NEW MUSIC magazine with CD sampler
Issue #142 has Catfish Haven on the cover, and only 51 pages, which seems quite slight for this publication. Is it a sign of had times? What does it portend (oooh, that’s an ominous word) for the upcoming CMJ New Music fest, which I hope to attend for the 4th (5th?) straight year. Shmooze-athon!

Good First Impression:
13. FIELDS – Seven from the Village (Black Lab)

Pitched:
14. TIME AGAIN – The Stories are True (Hellcat Records)
Punk newcomers played at the BigHairHardRock haven known as Jaxx earlier this month.

Requested:
15. STEVE GOODMAN – Live at the Earl of Old Town (Red Pajamas Records)
I was delighted to hear that the Oh Boy! label had found a long-lost concert tape of the endearing, much-missed singer-songwriter. But there's no “The Dutchman” here, alas. Perhaps becuase it's the most heart-breakingly beautiful love song ever and Goodman was having too much fun with his hometown Chicago crowd and didn't want to make them cry.
16. MATES OF STATE – Bring It Back (Barsuk Records)
17. The STARLIGHT MINTS - Drowaton (Barsuk)
I was really excited to hear that the ‘mints were coming to town. I thought their last CD was one of the best of its year. But Terry was called away to an all-day bizniz trip and Grace wasn’t feeling well, so I stayed home and watched the finale of “Project Runway” with here instead of going to the show. Jeffrey’s been a real dick for much of the Runway season, so why was I still happy to see him included in the final four who went to the big fashion show? It’s certainly not the neck tattoo…(shudder)
18. The RANDIES – Saw The Light
Do they wanna be the Dixie Chicks or the Donnas? I can't tell.
19. KASABIAN – Empire (RCA)
Another British band that sounds like it wants to Be Important, with a Big Anthemic Sound. Came with a neat oversized playing card bearing the band’s logo, though.

20. L.E.O. – Alpalcas Orgling (Cheap Lullaby Records)
As the band's name suggests, there's a lot of ELO referencing going on here and a bit of Queen and a smattering of Pink Floyd, too.

Two Albums You Can Play for Your Mom:
21. MADELEINE PEYROUX – Half the Perfect World (Rounder)
A lovely voice and a style reminiscent of Billie Holiday, which is also/always lovely. But I wish she wouldn't slow things down so much. That trick is too often used on cover tunes, as if to say "I'm really taking this song seriously."
22. AMOS LEE – Supply and Demand (Blue Note)
His first album was appealing, so I'll give this a spin some night when I'm drifting off.

And these others:
23. OPPENHEIMER – S/T (Bar None Records)
Tune in next week, when this Irish electronica/pop duo will be the Post preview for its Oct. 28 gig at the Galaxy Hut. Pitched as a cross between Postal Service and Air. I hear more of the latter, and a bit of pop, too.
The publicist also threw in:
24. HOT ONE – S/T (Modern Imperial Records)
Watch out – scary titles ahead. “Get Your Priest On,” “Fuckin’” and “Pistol-Whip Me.” Also “Waiting for the Rapture” and “If God is On My Side.” Someone may be going to hell…
25. BREAKS CO-OP – The Sound Inside (Astralwerks)
26. JESS KLEIN – City Garden (UFO/House of Leo)
Over the course of weeks, I got two copies of this CD. I listened - twice - but I just didn't dig it.

Kid Stuff:
27. The SWEET DREAMS MOVIE – soundtrack (KOCH)
I got a copy of this just a coupla weeks ago.
28. FARMER JASON – A Day at the Farm with…(Kid Rhino)
Had this one from the last time Farmer Jason (a.ka. Jason Ringenberg, once of the mighty Jason and the Scorchers) came to town and crashed in my family room, after doing two shows at local club Jammin Java - a matinee as Farmer Jason and an evening show as his rockin' "evil twin."
29.FARMER JASON – Rockin’ in the Forest with…(Kid Rhino)
Didn't have this one yet. I love the press note: “File Under: Anarchy in the Pre-K”
30.The WIGGLES – Sing Along: Crunchy Munchy Music (KOCH)
31.The WIGGLES – Tinsel Town Tunes
Versions with and without music, so you can sing along to “It’s a Christmas Party on the Good Ship Feathersword”
32. ELOISE AT CHRISTMASTIME – (KOCH)
23. SONGS FROM FAIRYTOPIA – Original Cast Recording (KOCH)
Barbie…you’ll never escape her.

Advance worth Pitching:
34. The INNER BANKS – S/T (DAG! Records)
Seven tracks, sweet female voices, gently pulsing rhythms, interesting instrumentation.
RIYD (it says here): Azure Ray, Japancakes, Air. I also hear a bit of Ivy, too.
Out December 5.

The Jury's Still Out:
35. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Cracker Barrell Presents Songs of the Year
Each song a previous winner of Song of the Year from either the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association or Academy of Country Music. Still not sure who's promoting what and why it was sent to me.
36. DARKEL – S/T (Astralwerks)
37. DEADSY – Phantasmagore (Immortal Records)
38. BEN CONNELLY – Over You (AD/CD)
39. NICOLA – Don’t Take it Personally (Hot Cherry)
“Hot chicks don’t have to lip-sync and buy songs from old men anymore!” Okay, but they also don't have to pose on the album cover with extremely defined cleavage, either.

And finally...
From The Onion , a scary piece of self-recognition:

CHARLESTON, SC-Tourist Alex Pratt decided to "get the feel" of the
historic South Carolina port city of Charleston by making the rounds
of its local used-CD stores Tuesday. "I found a Marshall Crenshaw CD
I didn't have, and really lucked out on The Feelies' The Good Earth-I
haven't seen that in years," said Pratt, who has also shopped for
music in Boston, San Francisco, Gettysburg, PA, and Kansas City. "I
like this place. It's a lot like my regular used-CD shop back in
Chicago." Foregoing a ferry-ride to nearby Fort Sumter, Pratt said he
intended to spend the remainder of the afternoon peeling the
protective plastic off the CD cases and enjoying a sandwich from a
local Subway restaurant.

Ouch! I am the geek! (But I'm female, so there's something exotic about it that may save me yet)

YTD: 597

Happy Birthday, Kay!

My mom turned 80 yesterday. She doesn't share my musical tastes for the most part, but how can I not say hey to Kay on her day!?

Purchased:
1.BOB DYLAN – Modern Times (Columbia)
Uh-oh. I used to get Columbia music on a regular basis. Have I been dropped from another list? So I bought it at Best Buy and this bonus – a nifty CD-sized booklet of all Bobby’s album covers.
There are only 10 tracks in all, but those that are, are choice -positively cheery. One even has a James Taylor arrangement – breezy and charming. And on “Beyond the Horizon” he seems to be – is it possible? – crooning!
2.GNARLS BARKLEY – St. Elsewhere (Downtown/Atlantic)
After hearing only the ubiquitous “Crazy,” I went for it on super sale ($9.99) and am glad I did. One of those albums, like Gorillaz’ “Demon Days,” that makes you feel cool anytime you put it on.
3.JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE – SexFuture/LoveSounds (J)
It’s become rather rare that I rush out to buy a CD on release day, but this one was a must – if only to save me from giving in to buying the “Sexyback” single on iTunes, which was just a matter of time, so I might as well have the other songs, too. Too bad that the bonus track from Best Buy is a track featuring Snoop Dogg. I am not a fan.
4.PINK – I’m Not Dead (LaFace)
This month’s yourmusic.com selection (only $5.99, including shipping). Getting one is a reminded to go and check the queue, ‘cause they charge you each month whether or not you have an order on file. I added the Massive Attack best-of collection, to go with the Cyndi Lauper acoustic hits collection and a Brian Stokes Mitchell (Broadway vocalist) to give to my mom when the holidays come around.

Another visit to the CD trade-in store:
5.The LONG WINTERS – Putting the Days to Bed (Barsuk)
Saw John Roderick, the lead singer for this band, at the “Revenge of the Bookeaters” benefit last month and was intrigued by his high, keening voice and his impressionistic lyrics. Though I recognize one song from that show, the one I was really hoping to hear again – something about falling from space, a la Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” is not here, as far as I can tell.
6.PHASER – Sway (Emperor Norton)
Always sad to see a good band in the $1.99 clearance. Though I was fairly sure I had this CD already, I didn’t recognize the cover and so took the chance. It turns out this version has a few tracks that weren’t on the one I had, so nothing lost. When I put it on again, I was impressed anew with the band’s slow, cool guitar sound. Wondering what happened to this fine band.
7. CARTEL – Chroma (Epic)
Another Grace selection for her pretty-boys-play-pop/emo collection. I saw the video – bright colors and a myspace romance story – which was quite cute, as was the lead singer.
8. WILCO – A Ghost is Born (Nonesuch)
Terry went on a long car trip this past summer, which began and ended with a plane ride. He took a case of his favorite CDs, which did not make it home with him (we suspect it was taken from his luggage). One of the missing pieces was this longtime favorite, so I replaced it. It took a little of the sting out that I was able to get a copy of the limited edition disc (which we didn’t have) with the extra disc of live and demo tracks.

Free samplers:
9.DONAVON FRANKENREITER – Move By Yourself
And two “snippets.”
10.VARIOUS ARTISTS – Lost Highway
A nice collection, with two each from 4 artists, including some good new sounds from Golden Smog.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Deluxe Edition, Volume 3 (Universal)
Yeah, I have it already, but if Best Buy is gonna give ‘em out, I’m gonna take ‘em and redistribute to the bigger world. Gave a similar sampler to the guy who installed my water heater the other day. He was happy, and I felt good. Musical socialism?

We Get Out:
12. TOBIAS FROBERG – Somewhere in the City (FireEgg Recordings)
This Swedish singer/songwriter’s CD caught my ear immediately with a Simon & Garfunkle-y folkiness on tunes like "God's Highway" and breaks my heart every time I hear his duet with Norweigian star Ane Brun, "Love and Misery." I caught his set at Jammin Java and, though, I prefer the studio versions, he’s one to watch.
13.TEITUR – Stay Under the Stars (Equator Records)
This one-name artist from the Faroe Islands, in the north Atlantic Ocean between the UK, Norway and Iceland, was supposed to headline the show that Froberg appeared at, so I was curious about his CD and bought it sound-unheard. I’m so glad I did. He’s got a quiet, organic sound with subtle arrangements, and writes vignettes that echo like short stories, my current favorite being “I Run The Carousel.”
14.STEPHEN KELLOGG and the SIXERS – S/T (Foundations)
Interview feature for the Post.
A lovely man to speak with, especially as he’s a friend of Matt Nathanson’s and we had lots of fun talking about their musical friendship. This album, frankly, doesn’t rock my socks, but the live show – held at the student union of a local commuter college – was filled with thoroughly charming moments. Kellogg spoke with clear pride about his upcoming studio CD, due in February ’07, so I’m going to keep an ear out for that.


Other Covered Artists:
15.NAKED BLUE – Five by Five (self-released)
Local acoustic husband-and-wife pair (with band) played a free show at an outdoor plaza.
16.M. WARD – Post-War (Merge)
Played the Birchmere.

Coming to Town:
17.GAELIC STORM – Bring Yer Wellies (Lost Again Records)
Playing at the Birchmere on October 11th
18.The PRIDS – Until the World is Beautiful (self-released?)
Sorry, I can’t find the release, but they’re coming soon.
19.POWERMAN 5000 – Destroy What You Enjoy (DRT Entertainment)
A JAXX show – act now, ‘cause it’s Wednesday, the 27th.
20.YONDER MOUNTAINSTRING BAND – self-titled (Vanguard)
October 8th at 930 Club. A dupe of a CD I got earlier.

Advances:
21..JEREMY ENIGK – World Waits (Lewis Hollow)
Former Sunny Day Real Estate player’s solo album.
Out Oct. 17th
22.MEAT LOAF – Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose (Virgin)
Out Oct. 31st.
23.MINDY SMITH – Long Island Shores (Vanguard)
Lovely late night listening. One of those voices that instantly soothes.
Out Oct. 10th
24.JESS KLEIN – City Garden (Vermillion)
Out Oct. 10th.

Dupes:
25.The KLEZMATICS – Wonder Wheel: Lyrics by Woody Guthrie (JMG)
26.IMA ROBOT – Monument to the Masses (Virgin)
Official jewel-box edition of one I got in a cardboard advance. And I finally put it on. And while I can’t say I dislike it, there’s something a little novelty song sounding about the enterprise.

Pleasant Surprises:
I didn’t know I’d be getting these, but was delighted to open the packages.
27.SPARKLEHORSE – Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain (Astrakwerks)
Listened to this one three times the first day I played it.
28.The SCIENCE OF SLEEP – soundtrack/music byJean-Michel Bernard (Astralwerks)
How much does you enjoyment of a film – or happy anticipation of it, as in this case, predisposes you to enjoy the soundtrack? So far, so good.
29.SAM MOORE – Overnight Sensational (Rhino)
30.The KLEZMATICS – Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah (JMG)
It’s happened – I got my first Christmas-oriented catalog in the mail and, while it ticks me off for retailers to start talking about the holidays this soon, I’m fine with getting advance holiday music, since it’s never too early to start thinking about this year’s “Cool Yule” compilation.

We’ll See:
31.PROPHET OMEGA – The Natural World (Astralwerks)
I misread the cover and thought it was called Project Omega, which I like better (less attitude).
32.NIOBE – White Hats (Tomlab)
33.STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE – The Sweet Dreams Movie Soundtrack (Koch)
34.LIBBY JOHNSON – Annabella (Wrong Records)
35.TRUST THE MAN (various artists) – Soundtrack (Wrong Records)
More Libby Johnson.
36.The ANTIQUES – Nicknames and Natives (Banter Records)

So-So:
37.LEMURIA & KIND OF LIKE SPITTING – Your Living Room’s All Over Me (Art of the Underground)
A split-disc from two bands from Buffalo, NY. And the difference between the first 7 tracks (Lemuria) and the last five was obvious – as in, I wanted to turn the CD off during the last five.

Mistaken Delivery:
38.DANGEROUS MUSE – The Rejection Remixes (Cordless Recordings)
Intended for another Post writer (the paper has a no-forwarding policy, which probably hurts me far more than it helps in the occasional extra CD).

YTD Total: 558

And…a new, probably ongoing feature…
Heavy Metal Ha-Ha
or, Why I’d rather read about metal music than listen to it
From a press emailing about ZOROASTER
Subject: “a tumultuous, cerebellum-roasting doom celebration”
“the sound of doom buried in LSD-drenched cotton and imploding like a black hole…the indecipherable vocals become almost percussive weapons, pounding like the battering ram of the music against the gates of your sanity." - Rebel Extravaganza
And this one:
"Like the tentacled leviathan depicted on their debut mini-album's front cover, the music created by Atlanta, GA's Zoroaster rises up from unfathomable depths, propelled by tsunamis of doom, submerged in viscous sludge." - All Music Guide