The Look Back

Valgeir Sigurðsson – Evolution of Waters (featuring Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy)

Who says file sharing is bad? Without my favorite little private torrent site, OiNK, I never would have come across Valgeir. He made his name producing some amazing artists you may have heard of. (Think the guy featured in this song and some woman named Björk) I love the fact that Will Oldham is constantly diversifying the artists/producers he works with. I’ve never heard a song feature Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy that sounded this produced, refined and just plain beautiful. I will admit that his voice is a little jarring on some recordings and when listened to with the rest of this album (Ekvílibríum out Sept. 11) it stands out but soon dissipates into the fold. For some reason I get this feeling that this album will be the slow blockbuster in the same way The National came on with “Alligator” a few years back.

Midlake – Young Bride

Strings in indie, thank you Sufjan for making this acceptable again. Midlake is a band I’ve heard about for quite some time now but never really saw it posted online or on mix CDs. Thus I have never really sought it out until recently. I don’t even remember what sparked my interest and made me start listening but I’m glad I did. The song writing is a little daunting at first though this song and others are more narrative.

Caribou – She’s the One

Here is this weeks “Song from an album that will be in my top 20 for the year” entry. This starts off more like an Animal Collective track than anything else. Soon it becomes very apparent that it is a beam of Caribou happiness. This one goes out to all of you summer loving indie rock stoner kids out there. All three of you.

Tony Lucca – Devil Town

I know next to nothing about Tony Lucca other than this is his version of this Daniel Johnston track from the “Friday Night Lights” tv show soundtrack. Below I’ve also included Daniel Johnston’s original version and a version by Bright Eyes. I have to say Tony Lucca’s is the version that sticks with me. It was also played at a key moment on the TV show which is my current television obsession. (The DVD set just came out and I’ve stayed up till midnight two nights in a row watching episodes back to back.) It’s a fantastic show that is much, much, much more than simply about high school football. I was a little put off by the cliché pilot episode what with the injury to a star player and the first year coach angle but it has since developed into much more than that. Oh yeah, the music. I’ve linked to Daniel Johnston so I won’t go into detail about his bipolar condition but this is one of his best songs. Probably more because of the time it was recorded and who recorded it but it is amazing to me how three different singers giving their voice to the SAME song cane portray completely different sentiments.

Daniel Johnston version

Bright Eyes version

Johnny Cash – On the Evening Train

I have resisted using a Johnny Cash song as my “Country Track of the Week” for a while now. It seemed too easy but when I started trying to come up with a definitive track it was next to impossible. Obviously, you’ll be seeing his name come up a few more times here.

One of Johnny Cash’s last recordings before he pasted away. Listening to “A Hundred Highways” right after a track from “Live from Folsom Prison” made me stop editing paving details for a minute and reflect on this man’s life. What a way to go out. Seemingly playing your own funeral anthem. This song in particular seems so much more real thinking of it in context to his wife’s passing.

Wanted to congratulate David (aka that guy in SoDak) for getting a mention on Scott Hanselman’s blog. (Sr. Program Manager at Microsoft, kind of a big deal.) Also, he officially started up http://seruyange.com/david/ since his last blog went down a month or more ago. Definitely add it to your bookmarks ASAP.

Buck Owens – Second Fiddle

No one now considers California a hot bed of country music by any means. Back in the 40-60’s though it very much was the West coast answer to Nashville. Buck Owens pioneered the “Bakersfield sound” that became quite popular in the 1960s after this single reached 24 on the Billboard Charts in 1959. On first listen you may group it with Hank Williams and some of the country singers from the 40’s and 50’s but it is much more refined if you listen repeatedly. This is arguably THE song that defines country music pre-1975 before country took a more pop sound and bloomed on the radio.

Johnathan Rice – We’re All Stuck Out In The Desert

Major label deal with only an EP to his name. Dating Jenny Lewis. Major movie stars in his first music video. Appeared in Walk the Line as Roy Orbison. I would say etc. etc. etc. but really that is about it. This is the single from his yet to be released, and yet to be leaked, full length which comes out later this year. Whenever I think I won’t hear anything else original coming from the “singer songwriter” vein of music I find someone like this who changes my mind.

Rilo Kiley – Dreamworld

My favorite track off of “Under the Blacklight” which came out this week and only leaked 3 days early. One of Blake’s only showcase pieces on the album, which is a shame. I love Jenny Lewis but their previous albums always gave Blake a little larger role than this. By the next album who knows. In any event, very much “Rilo Kiley” jangle guitar work that makes you really feel like you are in a “Dreamworld.” Haha, hoho. Basically a “snap out of it” kind of song.

The Broken West – So It Goes

Continuing the California artists post with another local LA band. They have been making the rounds a lot as of late having toured early in the summer with the National. They played a show in OC earlier this year that was great and really do make a case for some good music coming out of the underground scene in LA. One of my favorite songs for the current month.

No Age – Escarpment

True LA underground. “The Smell” has been getting a lot of pub recently with the release of this album considering it graces the cover. I first heard about the Smell around this time last year. Will Oldham (who is becoming a staple of this Friday Mix as I seem to reference him every week.) played his only LA appearance here last October and I unfortunately had to miss it. Just coming back from Alex’s 30^th birthday cruise didn’t lend itself well for me to drive up to LA and see a show that same night. Heather has been to this club previously and said it is definitely an experience. Sorry for the off track moment there. This might be a little too much in the “noise” realm for some but it is by no means Wolf Eyes so don’t worry. Your ears probably won’t bleed after hearing this. Probably.

Flight of the Concords – Business Time

I’m a big fan of the TV series that is currently running on HBO. I was at first a little leery about the premises but it has not disappointed. It is also a show I would not be surprised to see not renewed for a second season. Very funny but on the same plane as Arrested Development in terms of the humor and the lack of a laugh track. I’m a little confused if this EP has come out yet but if it has (or if it hasn’t go find the torrent) go get it. Only four songs, two being live recordings, and a “banter” track which is very funny and gives you a great taste for the shows humor. Sorry, I’ve spent this whole time describing the series and not the track. I would have posted “Robot Invasion” but it was one of the live recordings and not the best quality. This has a great hook though.

Blair – Mona Lisa

Valerie invited me to go see her at the Silver Lake Lounge a couple weeks ago but I wasn’t able to make it up there. The show got great reviews and a good reception from the hipster elite. (aka they actually stayed to listen to her instead of going home after the local bands play.*) She has a nice sound and a knack for nice song writing. The EP goes by much too quickly so I am eagerly awaiting the release of a full length after hearing this.

Charlotte Gainsbourg – The Operation

French singer/model/actress from France. Surprisingly I found this on Subterranean on the same night as I found the other stand out track “Falling Slowly” from a few weeks back. Very catchy song and something I could see gaining mass appeal. The rest of the album is very French and not something I would normally be that into. There must be a quota in France where if you release something 75% of it has to only appeal to the French audience.

Animal Collective – Fireworks

Even though this album (Strawberry Jam) isn’t scheduled to come out until September 19^th I’ve heard nothing but buzz for this song as “Song of the Year.” I’m not going to claim to be a HUGE Animal Collective fan as I found their last album (Feels) to be a daunting undertaking to fully comprehend. I gave this a listen with the rational being I would give it a few listens while at work and see if it stuck. It has, in a big way. This track is one of my favorites, along with “For Reverend Green.” It has the trademarked “ooo, ooo oooo ooooooo” in the background and the interesting pedal work from a group of guys who have more pedals in their live show than the Polyphonic Spree has band members.

Charlie Louvin – KnoXVIlle Girl (Featuring Will Oldham)

This week’s country song is brought to you by the remaining member of the Louvin Brothers. Charlie has put out a number of releases since his brother was killed in the 50’s. A rather unique album as on each song he is accompanied by a different contemporary indie rock vocalist/band member. This track being with Will Oldham aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. The subject of the song, guy meets girl, guy kills girl, guy tries to get rid of dead girl, mom finds out. The feel good song of the year!

*Credit Valerie email August 10^th, 2007.

First off, I wanted to thank Mike Panic again over at randomn3ss.com for the OiNK invite. I’ve not had a lot of time to browse yet but what I have seen it lives up to all the expectations. I also highly recommend his blog for all things random such as this. On to the music.

Patton Oswalt – Clean Filth

First off, this is DEFINITELY not safe for work if you don’t have headphones. You will know why in the first 2 seconds. This is also the first non-music track I have put up here but not the last. You will know Patton Oswalt as the star of some movie with a cooking rat that is currently out. Obviously, this kind of humor was not put into that movie. I still always think of Patton Oswalt for his random appearances in Reno 911 as the Renaissance Fair attendee who is always getting arrested, good stuff.

Clipse – Trill

The first rap track for a Friday mix. One of the best albums of 2006 and one that made me download a few old albums that I hadn’t listened to in a while. Coke rap in all its glory.

Sunset Rubdown – Up on Your Leopard, Upon the End of Your Feral Days

From the soon to be released Random Spirit Lover album. I would call this the “single” but do non-radio friendly albums really have singles? I guess it is an excuse to put out some limited edition colored vinyl and get the record dorks in a tizzy but other than that it seems like an antiquated idea. (I guess just like vinyl. OUCH!) Oh yeah, the track. I have really started to appreciate this and new album more than I ever did with “Shut Up I Am Dreaming”.

Okkervil River – A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene

This will be on every hipsters Top 10 of 2007 album list along with The National – Boxer. The stand out track which feels a lot more airy than the actual tone and theme of the track intend. An interesting take on the inevitable “we’ve been a band now for x years and we are always touring so here is our album about being touring rock stars” album. Putting the whole rock star “thing” into a different light and not coming off as sounding preachy by any means.

Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden

I’ve decided I have to put up one country track per week. You NEVER see country tracks on mp3 blogs unless it is solely dedicated to country music. (I have yet to run into one of these so if anyone has any suggestions I’m open.) I received the “Legends of Country: 50’s, 60’s and 70’s” compilation set for my birthday and this is a track from the 70’s. I grew up listening to mostly 70’s and 80’s pop country and this was always a popular song. It’s very interesting how different you can view a song when it just clicks in someday as to what it is truly about.

I’m not sure how else to express this but with the above referenced phrase.  Bonds hit 756 tonight, great.  I can honestly say he is the only PLAYER in all of team sports I truly feel disdain for.  Sure he is on the San Francisco Giants, a team I really don’t like, but it is 99.9% him. 

Think to yourself, how many other players in all of sports does EVERY other city boo and snarle at when they play there?  I can’t think of any.  Barry Bonds is a vial human being who thinks nothing of anyone but himself and his well being.  I really hate saying that about someone I have never met but his actions and a million and one press clippings aren’t wrong. 

If this wasn’t bad enough I had to subject myself to the horrors of San Francisco based sports talk radio on Saturday night after he tied Hank Aaron.  If that 20 min was any indication there will be a line a mile long outside of PacBell (or whatever the battery chuckers are calling their stadium) tonight with fans on their knees ready to take it in the mouth for Barry. 

Lastly, if my stupid rant wasn’t bad enough, here is an interesting article about how it isn’t just steroids who have tainted Bonds “record”.  Die Barry, Die!

Barry Bonds’ HR Record Tainted by Elbow ‘Armor’

Mike Panic over at http://www.randomn3ss.com is currently giving away four invites to OiNK which I mentioned previously. I figure I’d be above board and go ahead and tell everyone that is what is going on rather than just posting a link and then having everyone wonder what it was all about. With any luck I’ll get one of the invites and http://www.randomn3ss.com will get a big boost through Google etc.

In other non-torrent news, I had a great weekend back home and got some nice birthday gifts from the family. Including:

Lens Baby 2.0

Canon 50mm USM 1.4mm

The Encyclopedia of Cheese

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly

This comes off of an album the two Europeans (Hansard from Scotland and Irglova from the Czech Republic) made together last year entitled “The Swell Season”. I’ve heard differing stories on how the rest of it happened but they managed to film a movie (“Once”) around this album that is fictional. It’s getting a lot of high praise from some rather respected critics and is being called the best musical of our time. It’s playing by South Coast Plaza if anyone wants to catch it with me next week.

I first heard the song on Subterranean last Sunday night. I have to admit that I usually watch this show as I am doing other things on the computer and will often skip videos of artists I’m not interested in and/or haven’t heard anything good about. I hadn’t heard anything about this song, though I had heard of the movie. The song immediately caught my ear and I was sucked in.

Rufus Wainwright & Teddy Thompson – King of the Road

I may have mentioned something about not posting any country songs this week. Sorry, had to do it. David wanted to hear some good driving music. I was originally going to go with Roger Miller’s original version but then remembered the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack had an excellent cover by Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson. Like most of the soundtrack it is a very good homage to the original tune.

Phoenix – Everything is Everything

I think I first heard this during my Phoenix obsession during the summer of 2006. You know the time and place. You were out with your hipster friends and seemingly wherever you went they were playing “If I Ever Feel Better”. Everyone thinks the song just came out but in actuality it was 3+ years old. Yeah, that summer. I just got this on the Six Feet Under Soundtrack Vol. 2: Everything Ends. Definitely a great summer song like most of their stuff. France be damned!

Foo Fighters – Everlast

“Big Me” was my first favorite Foo Fighters track. I had to wait for this offering on their second album, “The Colour and the Shape”, to have a second favorite track. A song about starting out in a relationship and not really knowing how to react other than with pure enthusiasm.

Broken Social Scene – Pacific Theme

This is one of my favorite driving songs for the “dog days” of summer back home in Paso Robles. I’m going home this weekend so I’m going to be putting this song to good use. This is an instrumental track off of the wonderful “You Forgot It In People” album.