The Look Back

I made it back in one piece from Michigan. I was able to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland which opened my eyes to a number of new songs by some familiar artists I hadn’t spent enough time with. The museum was interesting but cluttered. The opening rooms let you explore the history of Rock and Roll and the general influences of a number of classic artists but it didn’t go into much depth. The displays were filled with any number of trivial pieces of tour and personal artifacts but none really did much for me. Seeing some of the hand written lyrics were a nice touch but most were so illegible that if you didn’t know what it was you would never be able to tell it apart from a note a homeless man gives you on the streets referencing the purple cow’s plot to overthrow the world. Two artists here made it in already, enjoy and try to figure out which ones.

The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses

Just watched the very good Rolling Stones documentary about their 1969 free concert at the Altamont Speedway in San Francisco. It was a nice surprise to see this song be selected as one of the live numbers preformed in its entirety during the documentary. For some reason I always thought this was sung by Bob Dylan growing up but that can probably be chalked up to being a bewildered youth who only listened to music on the way to and from town in his parents 83 Oldsmobile 88.

Grizzly Bear – While You Wait for the Others

A new song that the group has been performing live for a few months now. This was recorded at the Morning Becomes Eclectic studios last week so pardon the sound quality. I’ve seen them perform it on one of the late night shows but never in person since they didn’t do this one back at the Walt Disney Concert Hall performance. It will definitely make you wish they were not performing it live right now and rather that they were in the studio busting out 10+ other songs of equal amounts splendor and bliss to be released SOON!

Bright Eyes – Mushaboom

Bright Eyes just sounded right today. Bright Eyes covering Feist before she was the Apple cover girl and before I knew she was my co-workers first cousin. Oh those Canadians.

Dwight Yoakam – Above and Beyond

Dwight Yoakam performed last weekend at Coachella. Sadly, I was unable to attend and from what I have read online not many people were into his performance. I kept reading snippets where people tried to say he was not in the same league as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Really? Who ever said he was? Jaded hipsters wouldn’t have given 2 cents for a Johnny Cash record even 10 years ago let alone gone to see him perform on an outdoor stage in 100+ degree temperatures. Give Dwight time, he will attain that crossover appeal soon enough and I commend the booking agents with Coachella for signing him up. I only hope this doesn’t dissuade them from including other crossover country music stars in the future. As some year I might actually make it out to the desert.

Off to Michigan for the girlfriend’s graduation from the University of Wolverines. I’m excited to see the Angel’s play on the road for only the second time. (The first doesn’t really count as it has been against the Dodgers.) Everyone else is probably sweating it out in Coachella right now. Sorry I’m missing Dwight Yoakam on Saturday.

No Age – Teen Creeps

From the yet to be released Nouns cover album on Sub Pop. I am a fan of Weirdo Ripper but have seen a different side of the duo on these tracks. The brute force energy is still very apparent but they do put in remarkable diversity with the song selection and vocals especially. I’m not sure this is a band we will still be discussing as relevant in even 5 years but you never know, stranger things have happened. Support the local LA bands.

My Brightest Diamond – Inside A Boy

Single from A Thousand Shark’s Teeth. Very true to the first album, FYI that is a very good thing. I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing one song of hers live as we got to the Sufjan Steven’s show late two years ago. I can only imagine how much better it has gotten over that time. The song writing has matured though I think the playfulness in some of the tracks comes through even more so than her last release.

Caribou – Melody Day

I caught the last half of Fuck Button’s opening set for Caribou last night at the El Rey. They were good and had enough energy for the room but I still find it hard to see this kind of music in a live setting without wanting to laugh at the DJ bobbing away on stage. In typical hipster fashion no one was moving (me included) and I think a lot of people were shocked and didn’t really know what to think. Then came Caribou. I was initially a little put off as the drummer is put at the front of the stage and he took over the sound. For the first three songs, Melody Day included, drums were the dominant force on stage and the vocals were a distant 4^th. This as disappointing but by the middle of the set I was much more engaged. There is no banter between songs, usually a negative for me when they don’t, but the music seemed to warrant no explanations. The drum offs were a welcome surprise as I’d never seen the band live and thus had no idea what to expect. I’m not sure I need to see them live again but I did see a band that truly enjoys playing live.

Garth Brooks – American Honky-Tonk Bar Association

I’ve been on a Garth Brooks kick as of late. I know, it isn’t something I like to discuss in public forums so please keep this between you and me Mr. Interweb. I posted this song just to give another modern country radio cliche a little room to breath. This being the “I’m a hard working American who doesn’t want to support no free loaders! Let’s get drunk and yell about it!” A fun song none the less and one that definitely brings back fond memories of 30 min car rides to town in the summer.

Sorry for the shoddy posting as of late for the Friday Mix.  I have valid excuses for the weeks missed, trust me.  I’m getting this one in under the wire if the upload goes well.  For reference I’m sitting in my Grandmother’s front room drinking a Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and eating a Handi Snack, which I haven’t had since elementary school.  All the while watching ESPNews and typing this out on my *hacked Verizon EVDO equip smartphone.  And sadly, no, I have not been paid any money by any of the above referenced companies to drop the names of their wonderful products here.  If only that were true. 

*I find it funny that I have to “hack” something that I am already paying $40/month to have access to.  Seriously though, that is about the only problem I have ever had with Verizon. 

Mission of Burma – That’s When I Reach For My Revolver

My favorite Mission of Burma song to date. (Yes, they are still together.) Hard to believe this came out just a couple years after I was born.  While not affecting my upbringing as much as other musical styles, the post-punk sound shaped high school and late college for me.  Great anthem here. 

sOuth – Better Things

I got this track in an email this week and was intrigued so I checked it out.  Was it the lack of capitalization except for that “o”?  Why an o?  Why not the “u”?  This is one of the most addictive songs I’ve heard this year outside of pure sugar pop records such as Robyn.  I had already racked up 9 listenes within the first 2 hours of receiving the song.  I can’t wait to hear the rest of this album from these British lads.  (Yes, you are required to call them “lads” if they are from England and you are writing a blog in the US)

Cut Copy – Lights and Music

Unexpected album that a friend introduced me to.  I guess Pandora can be good for something after all. 

The Dodos – Winter

Chaulk this one up to the PFork effect.  A relationship told from both perspectives.  Not a new premise but an interesting approach to the topic at hand.  The music is nowhere near as avant garde as other tracks on the album but I felt the song was much more relatable than others.  Emails from certain people remind me of such things more than others do. 

The Flying Burrito Brothers – Christine’s Tune (aka Devil in Disguise)

Found this through You Set the Scene.  I’d heard the Gram Parson’s Byrd’s album many, many times but had never delved very deep into The Flying Burrito Brothers.  This song is great and you can definitely hear the Bakersfield sound from the legend Buck Owen’s in there. 

Sorry for the lack of a Friday Mix last week.  I was busy planning Ranch-A-Thon 2008 which went off splendidly.  The hills were green, the fireworks were grand and we even found a new explosive to throw in the fire. 

Radiohead – Last Flowers

Yes, it’s taken me this long to really sit down and digest “In Rainbows.”  I like Radiohead but I can’t say I’m a hopelessly devoted fanboy as seems to be required.  I’ve listened to the album a number of times this week while toiling away on wiring plans and other things not normally required at the office and seem to pick up subtleties I never noticed previously.  I don’t know if this is because of my fascination with the Jonhy Greenwood scored soundtrack to “There Will Be Blood” but I notice so much more depth on this Radiohead album musically.  Well, there I go again discussing the overall album and missing this single entirely. It’s grand. 

The Album Leaf – San Simeon

From a tour only promo cd called “The Enchanted Hill” comes this Central Coast inspired song title.  I’ve still never caught the Album Leaf in concert even though he seems to play Detroit bar a couple times a year. I’m just not sure what the live experience of this would translate to.  I consider this mostly bedroom music which would fittingly apply in numerous ways depending on the persons interpretation of what activities go on in a bedroom.

The Teenagers – Homecoming

I had heard nothing of this French band until I listened to the initial single “Starlett Johanson”.  The synth pop was very apparent and I had a slight indication that they could be a “joke band” based on that song title alone.  It wasn’t until I listened to this track, the first off of “Reality Check” that the initial curiosity was confirmed.  The accents still make me think of one of those late 80’s to mid – 90’s sitcoms where a French national tries to steal the affection of an American girl and plays up the “I’m so foreign” angle.  (Ok, I now realize I’m thinking of a recurring plot point on Cheers.) Still this is a pretty fun track and fun album.

Garth Brooks – That Summer

Continuing the dirty song nature that seems to be the theme for this week.  Modern country radio hits really are some of the dirtiest songs around.  This song revolves around a cougar attacking a helpless young man.  The imagery only gets dirtier from there and you probably won’t think about thunderstorms the same after listening to this track. 

Before I head out for the weekend I had to post a few quick Easter songs.  I felt I had to diversify my hipster blog from everyone else who is posting the hot new Pitchfork Recommended track of the week. Enjoy these offerings from Gene Autry (Original owner of my Anaheim Angels) and Perry Como (Ask your grandparents). 

Gene Autry – Easter Mornin’

Gene has an interesting voice that is more of that say/sing variety.  I like it and appreciate these tracks.  Others find it grating and would rather listen to a local art/noise band.  I will choose a mash up of the two.  This is the least traditional Easter song of the three and probably created in 5 minutes after waking up from a hang over. 

Gene Autry – Peter Cottontail

A more traditional offering that I remember from random Easter morning Disney channel cartoons that they can’t seem to put on DVD for me to remenise with.  The one I’m really looking for is branded with the “PAAS” characters which are more familiar to the cheap Easter egg dye you buy at the grocery store.  How these guys were deemed deserving of a 30 min animated feature, I’ll never know but I want it. 

Perry Como – Easter Parade

This is the more traditional Easter song that your grandparents are sure to associate with Easter. (Along with Easter bonnets and Easter clothes.) Now Easter is pretty much just another excuse for JC Penny’s to hold a “Late Night Friday” and “Early Bird Saturday” clothing sale that all the house wives clamor for.  I hope this helps get you in the spirt and you dye a few eggs tomorrow night and wake up to some great candy from the Easter bunny.  Oh yeah, and go to church you heathens! 

I’m heading up North for the weekend but not before throwing out these gems. Happy Easter.

Silver Jews – San Francisco BC

Off the new album out next month from the indie loved Silver Jews. Often described as “country inspired” you will really notice it here on this narrative. I haven’t done my research yet to determine all the references which really end up being half the fun on tracks such as this.

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks – Gardenia

I found Pavement late in the 90’s so I can’t claim to have been along since the start. I have finally found a track that really makes me think back to those original Pavement recordings with Mr. Malkmus and the band. This track is a great kick off to spring with its floral references and poppy sing along appeal.

Animal Collective – Water Curses

Following up their extremely well received “Strawberry Jam” record of 2007 is this track off their yet to be released EP of the same name. Definitely in the same spirit as the later album, as it should be with the B sides that make up the majority of the album. People seem to be going nuts for this online but I’m still not certain all these people actually listen to Animal Collective or if they just like the idea of what listening to Animal Collective means. (They also get a couple White People Points for the band being from Baltimore and for The Wire having been based there.)

Man Man – The Ballad of Butter Beans

Xylophone love here. Another fun spring song that really stays with you. I’ve yet to see these guys live in concert but from what I’ve heard I am definitely missing out on some fun. The all white attire and eye white should be reason enough. The lyrics here are a little lax in my opinion but the musical accompaniment really shines.

Punch Brothers – Punch Bowl

Chris Thiles of my favorite country/bluegrass band of all time, Nickel Creeks (I hate that they sound so similar to Nickel Back as I always get really excited when I hear “Nickel” and then have to get let down when they finish with “Back”.) new band. Chris is somewhat of a bluegrass prodigy as he has been making records since he was 12 years old. This band formed after/during the anti-climactic devolvement of Nickel Creek and during Chris’ recent divorce. This song doesn’t speak much of that but previous albums go into great depth. Some may say this is undeservedly labeled as “country” but really, what music isn’t undeservedly labeled something it really isn’t? Just listen and make a determination for yourself, there are no dumb opinions.

thingswhitepeoplelike already covered it, sorry.  I am definitely a white guy (who wishes he started that page.) but I found this on youtube and had to share. 

Arrested Development YouTube

Please pray for a movie. (and that I pass section D)

Every year I say I’m going to buy my SXSW badge in September and make the trek to Austin. I never do it. Maybe that will change this year…or not. With that in mind, I’m still here in (not so) sunny Southern California blogging about a rather eclectic mix of new and old tunes. Hoping to get out next Friday to the Orange County Museum of Art to see the Broken West.

Tokyo Police Club – Your English is Good (Link removed at Saddle Creek’s request)

From the soon to be released Elephant Shell album. I still find it hard to believe they didn’t have a full length album until now. Without throwing around words that really don’t mean a lot (yes, I’m well aware that I use them too.) they have put together a very nice indie pop album which I will play on repeat for quite some time and then lose interest in. Seeing them live really didn’t do anything for me. Their energy is hard to describe other than it appears as if they are as nervous as a college freshman in a beginning speech class. They have their instruments to hide behind and put on what you would expect a rock show to include but they have absolutely no in between song banter. (For the record, I measure just about all “between song banter” against John Vanderslice who is the master in my mind. If for no other reason than his 2 minute rant about how meaningless encores are and how he wouldn’t be doing one.) My opinion obviously doesn’t transcend the masses as they are playing two sold out shows in a row at the Troubadour next week so what do I know?

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Killing the Blues

This one completely caught me off guard. Stunningly beautiful album from two seemingly opposite front (wo)men. I know JC Penny’s is using this in a commercial so I am obviously a little late to the party but this is a damn good party. The pedal steel is evident on virtually every song and the vocals balance surprisingly well.

Leonard Cohen – Everybody Knows

I had to include something for my favorite new inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sure, it’s one of his bigger songs and sure, it was used in American Gangster but it is a great song. Especially powerful in our current society as much so, if not more so, than in the original time of inception.

Kathleen Edwards – I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory

A great find. I knew very little about Kathleen Edwards until I was sent this CD. I know she probably wouldn’t like the title but she has some very good 70’s/80’s country music on this album. Heart felt narratives as well as the jilted lover who is looking to say “F U” one last time. The steel guitar is here and really makes this. I think she is labeled more under the “alt-country” title only because I doubt she is played heavily on modern country radio. (Of course she isn’t considering country as she writes her own music and doesn’t hail from Nashville and write songs about tractors being sexy.) This is a fun track if for no other reason than she gives a shout out to both Wayne Gretzky and Marty McSorley. Hence solidifying the fact that she is Canadian.

Mark Chesnutt – Goin’ Through the Big D

This is the “official” country song of the week. I had to go back to a song I LOATHED growing up as they seemingly played it every 2 hours on the radio. (Knowing what I know now, they probably DID play it every 2 hours.) Quintessential 80’s country radio hit. Great hook, solid instrumental and steel guitar just so you know it is “country”. Other prerequisites met include 1) scorned by a woman 2) divorce 3) Texas. I’ve listened to it constantly at work this week so as to get that same feeling I had back in 89.

First off, my thoughts go out to the family of former M.I.A. punk founder Mike Conley. He was found dead early last Thursday morning in Chicago. He was the owner of my favorite bar in OC, Avalon. He was one of the driving forces behind the rebirth of West side Costa Mesa and will be missed. Memorial is set for Sunday at Detroit Bar.

On a happier note, congrats to David for winning the signed Johnathan Rice vinyl and tshirt. Check your inbox for more details. The week flew by and I never did get a chance to post last weeks mix. Thus I’ve rolled it over to this week. I got out to two shows in the last week. Grizzly Bear with the LA Phil Harmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday night and then last night I got out to see Division Day at Detroit bar again. (Note to Detroit bar, PLEASE allow the headlining band to go on before 11:30pm on week nights. There are some of us who enjoy good music and still have to work normal 8-5(7) jobs.) Grizzly Bear was outstanding, with the exception of the two odor filled teenagers sitting in front of us who were drinking a 40 of King Cobra and trying to record the entire set with their camera phones. If you haven’t made it out to see any performances at the WD Concert Hall you really need to get on top of that.

Crystal Castles – Alice Practice

I was thrilled to hear they will be gracing Westside Costa Mesa on Aril 11^th at Detroit Bar. Sadly, HEALTH won’t be playing but it is sure to be a good show none the less. 8-bit sounds layered under frantic vocals and somehow syncing the two perfectly. This is my favorite track off the “whatever the hell it will be called here” CD due out sometime this year.

Kate Nash – Foundations

If iTunes was working on my laptop at work you would have seen that this was my number one most played song for the last week. Addictive and playing on the “super happy upbeat music associated with heartbreaking lyrics” card. When I first heard it I thought it was a Lily Allen rip off but then I thought better of that and realized Lily Allen doesn’t have the patent on “English girl sing/say songs”. This would be my pick of the month for addictive songs.

A Place to Bury Strangers – Don’t Think Lover

I kept seeing these guys pop up on my recommendation charts and blogs late last year. I naively passed them off as being another screamo outfit due to their name. WRONG! (well, mostly) They are definitely dark but the frantic guitar work and pedal shifts make for something unique.

Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant

This had to have been recorded in a church in the Appalachian Mountains. Beautiful and yet the simplest lyrical progression on the entire list. Subtle string work near the end are the only instrumentation in the entire song and it would have probably taken you 2-3 listens to even pick up on that unless I said it here. You get so sucked into the sound and effects you forget the rest of the pieces that are “missing”. I don’t know that I’ve ever found an EP to be better than the LP but in this case I am saying just that. Both are very nice and are sure to be on a LOT of bloggers Top XX of 2008 come November.

Josh Rouse – My Love Has Gone

I put Media Monkey on random and got this song once this week. I forget how great Josh Rouse’s Nashville album is until I run across one of his songs such as this. Steel guitar is in full effect and you get a very nice contemporary alt-country song out of it. Worth the download for all you anti-country music people out there.