Untitled

Herman Jolly & Ladyhawk

2007-06-04T03:28:00.000-07:00

I'm having one of those music inspired moments where music and thought sync up and there is all this creativity and passion running through your body...And I know some of you may be wondering what I'm on but I assure you nothing. I mean I agree that I may have exaggerated the emotions a bit but I was just making sure that point was clear. ;-)

But actually I was just talking to my talented dear friend Tara about forging your own path, with your own unique style, adding something to your own field(s) of interest something I admire about her...And something I think I may have been lacking in my posts lately.
My daily affirmation: Be original! Stray away from the heard! Weeee!!

And I got an early birthday present this weekend (I'm smiling) a turntable! But it gets better...The turntable plugs right into my computer and converts the marvelous music to mp3 (of course you can't reproduce the glorious sound of a record and man it is glorious) but it makes it that much easier to share my growing record collection with you. Weeee! I will post a song from the first records soon. :-) So thankful and happy!

mp3: Candy Stairs - Herman Jolly
Bunker Life 2007 - Get It

mp3: War - Ladyhawk
Fight For Anarchy 2007 - Get It

Lovely Mix & Criticism

2007-05-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ok so I need some constructive criticism on the new site it is not completely transferred over but there is enough up for you to get a general idea of what it is going to look like...Specifically I need a few questions answered...

1. What do you think about the black text on white background opposed to the white text on a black background?

2. Which side should the sidebar be on? The left or right?

And if you have anything else you would like to add by all means speak up or forever hold you peace. ;-)
The following mix of songs is just some recent releases I have been enjoying the past few days and I thought you all would enjoy them as well. So that is all I got for you, I am looking forward to hearing what you all think of the new look. And Mentok now you know I haven't been just fucking around this entire time, I really have been working on it. :-p

mp3: More Past - Trespassers William
Noble House EP 2007 - Get It
(Some of you may remember Trespassers William from a long time ago here )

mp3: In A Wreck - Morningbell
Through The Belly Of the Sea 2007 - Get It

mp3: The Canadian Shield - A Northern Chorus
The Millions Too Many 2007 - Get It
(Thanks to Colin for introducing me to this amazing band)

mp3: Breathe - The Cinematic Orchestra
Ma Fleur 2007 - Get It
(I have been listening to this album non-stop, I highly recommend checking it out)

Sick and Twisted

2007-05-28T18:31:00.001-07:00

Actually I wouldn't say I'm twisted but definitely sick....So please forgive my short absence while my body defends itself against whatever virus I picked up.

Being sick sucks x 10

In the mean time listen to this breathtakingly beautiful song off the new Cinematic Orchestra's new album, Ma Fleur

mp3: To Build a Home - Cinematic Orchestra

Ma Fleur 2007 - Get it

Coltrane Motion, Songs About Music

2007-05-24T00:44:00.000-07:00

Coltrane Motion, Songs About Music

That's what I call reinventing music in the digital era. Brilliant.

mp3: Twenty-Seven - Coltrane Motion

mp3: Ex-Girlfriend In A Coma - Coltrane Motion

Songs About Music 2007 - Get It

Stars, Do You Trust Your Friends?

2007-05-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

Do You Trust Your Friends? 2007

I posted about the Stars album Do You Trust Your Friends? awhile back, which you can find here. The album has officially been released on the Arts & Crafts label and I highly recommend picking up a copy because it is a fantastic collection of re-invented songs from their brilliant 2005 release, Set Yourself on Fire

And I couldn't think of a better song to post in celebration that I am no longer unemployed than this fabulous rendition of the Stars, Celebration Drums. (Weeeeeeee!)

Cheers!

mp3: Celebration Drums - Camouflage Nights with Kevin Drew

Do You Trust Your Friends 2007 - Get It

City-State, Monument

2007-05-21T01:14:00.000-07:00

City-State, Monument 2007

The band City-State quickly became one of my favorite new bands when I heard their
"Wolves" + 4 EP last year, in fact it was #7 on my 2006 EP Picks.

The bands new album, Monument was released this past week on Liberty Fuse Records and once again this 4 member band from Washington D.C. has dropped in and swept me away with intense marching drums and atmospheric guitars. And Jim Anderson's soaring vocals blend effortlessly with the dark melodic rock. Monument does a wonderful job of displaying City-State's own unique style amongst their post-punk rock comrade's.

mp3: Mary - City State

mp3: The Dakota - City State
[mp3 will only be available for a limited time]

Monument 2007 - Get It

Music Is Art - Song Context Part III

2007-05-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

I was quite honored when Danielle from the wonderful music blog, Music Is Art asked me to contribute to such a unique feature such as her "Song Context" feature. I highly recommend checking it out, you will be hooked! Music Is Art is one of my favorite music blogs, bookmark it if you haven't already.

Song Context Part III

Ensemble And Cat Power

2007-05-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

Well...I am pretty much done with this day. And I think I am 0 and 3 in my music picks, I have been getting some grief and I give myself enough of that already, hopefully all ruffling of feathers will cease and we can all sit down and listen to some damn good music. Cheers!

Perfect song to end this day. Wooo hooo.

Ensemble teams up with Cat Power on their 2006 self-titled release (Fat Cat Records), a match made in heaven indeed. A beautiful ambient folk melody dances with Power's sultry soul and I just don't want it to end.

Good night!

mp3: Disown, Delete - Ensemble, Cat Power (vocals)

Ensemble 2006 - Get It

BOAT, Let's Drag Our Feet

2007-05-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh yes the extraordinary oddball indie-rock band BOAT from Seattle, Washington has a new album, Let's Drag Our Feet out July 10th on Magic Marker Records. A 14 track album filled with music that is energetic and original. I will even go as far as to consider BOAT to be the poster band for indie-pop in my mind, fun-tastic music indeed. They have a handful of summer shows lined up, check their myspace for more info.

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day yesterday, I took my mom to see The Hoax, it was entertaining, pretty good and funny.

I also finally designed a new header that I'm actually happy with for Untitled 2.0...I know I've been talking about it for the last decade now...But moving to a new place on the net is not easy, and perfection takes time. ;-)

Enjoy!

mp3: (I'm A) Donkey For Your Love - BOAT

mp3: Let's Drag Our Feet! - BOAT

Let's Drag Our Feet 2007 - Get It

The Clientele Saves My Sanity

2007-05-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

My car over-heated yesterday!!! My poor 2004 VW Golf...I think at some point I seriously angered the car gods...Anyways I had her towed to the closest VW dealer because it is still under warranty and it turns out the water pump was busted...I thought it was for sure the thermostat but I guess this is why I am not a mechanic. It was all covered under warranty (Weeeee). But they tried their hardest to get some money out of me because suddenly my hood release isn't working correctly (even though I had just opened it when she started over-heating and it seemed perfectly fine to me) so they either broke it or they were trying to screw me, I'm thinking it's both so I told them to just fix what needed to be fixed and that was that.

But given the circumstances I needed some dreamy indie-pop to take me to a land filled with beautiful flowers and dancing elephants...The Clientele is a four piece band from the UK who make some of the dreamiest psych-pop with a 60's flare I have heard since Belle & Sebastian. Their new album God Save The Clientele (Merge Records) was just released this past Tuesday and it is pop-tastic indeed. Cheers!

mp3 expired: Somebody Changed - The Clientele

mp3 expired: Carnival on 7th Street - The Clientele

God Save The Clientele 2007 - Get It

Mp3's are expired but you can stream the entire album at their website here

New Music Galore

2007-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Quite a few new releases this week...I don't even know where to start...

Singer/Songwriter Shannon Wright releases her sixth solo album on Quarterstick Records entitled, Let In The Light. Her music is a delicate mix of emotionally charged ballads and simple bare bone beats, proving that she is one of indie-rock's finest.

mp3: Idle Hands - Shannon Wright

mp3: St.Pete - Shannon Wright

Let In The Light 2007 - Get It

____________________________________

The Sea and Cake are an indie bubble rock band from Chicago, Illinois, band line up: Sam Prekop (guitar and vocals), Archer Prewitt (guitar), John McEntire (drums) and Erik Claridge (bass). They just released their first full length album after a four year hiatus on Thrill Jockey Records entitled, Everybody. A ten track album filled with effortless dream-pop that is just lovely in every way, leaves me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

mp3: Middlenight - The Sea and Cake

mp3: Exact To Me - The Sea and Cake

Everybody 2007 - Get It

That's all I'm giving up for now...More tomorrow, hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday. And to all my fellow Californians try to stay cool.

Sunday Mini Mix

2007-05-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

I have a few random tracks I've been digging taken from some recent releases and some not so recent...A little indie-pop to brighten your Sunday along with some dreamy indie-rock to sweep you to far away lands.

mp3: Say What You Will - The Lea Shores
Guillotine 2007 - Get It

mp3: Your Fridge And I, The Insomniac - The Camaromance
Different Paths 2006 - Get It

mp3: Thursday - Asobi Seksu
Friendly Fire Recordings Sampler 2007 - Get It

mp3: Faster Peach - The Harvey Girls
Declinate 2007 - Get It

On another note, I've seen a few great films in the past couple of weeks that deserve a mention and a couple out on DVD as well:

"The TV Set"
Written and Directed by Jake Kasdan
Quite a funny flick (Mentok, I highly recommend)

"The Namesake"
Screenplay by Sooni Taraporevala, Directed by Mira Nair
My mom wanted to see this film so we went for her birthday, I've been raving about it ever since.

"Waitress"
Written and Directed by Adrienne Shelly
This was a good film, I enjoyed it but there were a couple of things that just didn't work for me. If you see it, chime in and we can discuss.

On DVD

"Little Children"
Written and Directed by Todd Field

"Volver"
Written and Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

CocoRosie, The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn

2007-05-05T01:34:00.000-07:00

Sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady are behind the funky Avant-garde trip-hop goodness you hear. Pitchfork hated it but I think it deserves a listen. Even if it is just to hear the seductive dream pop of Promise. Just the way I like to kick off my weekend indeed. Similar artists: Joanna Newsom, Portishead and Bjork

mp3: Promise - CocoRosie

mp3: Rainbowarriors - CocoRosie

The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn (Touch and Go, 2007) - Get It

Frog Eyes, Tears of the Valedictorian

2007-05-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Melanie Campbell, Spencer Krug, Carey Mercer, Michael Rak and McCloud Zicmuse are the main members of Frog Eyes. And if the singer's voice sounds familiar that's because of Mr. Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown). Frog Eyes is just one of his many projects and Absolutely Kosher just released their new album Tears of the Valedictorian.

And I think we all agree that Mr. Krug can do no wrong, this album is no exception...Just listen to that voice wail on ...Eagle Energy.

mp3: Idle Songs - Frog Eyes

mp3: ...Eagle Energy - Frog Eyes

Tears of the Valedictorian 2007 - GET IT

Beirut Video

2007-04-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Did I ever mention how much I love Beirut? I think I have...
;-)

Elephant Gun - Beirut

We All Scream For Ice Scream

2007-04-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to update because I am so sick of looking at this screen but I had to give a little update on Untitled 2.0 I have finally made some progress and after trying every possible option available and even options that weren't possible...It all boiled down to going with WordPress...Which is grand, it just means twice as much work for me! Weeeeee!

Anyways you all may not be so excited because you probably feel like I am never going to finish this re-vamp, and that's fine, I could understand that...But hey, this shit isn't just cut and paste, this is like edit, copy, paste and print! So bring it! ;-)

Midnight Movies a kick ass band from LA, their new album Lion the Girl has been getting quite the buzz. They are taking their psychedelic indie-rock on the road for the next couple months; they just finished some dates with Blonde Redhead, there next set of dates will be with Autolux and The Raveonettes.

Tune in on May 8th at 11:00am Midnight Movies will perform live on Morning Becomes Eclectic - KCRW 89.9FM

Also on May 8th Midnight Movies will do a live in-store at Amoeba Music in Hollywood, CA - 7:00pm

mp3: Bell Tower - Midnight Movies

mp3: Coral Den - Midnight Movies

Lion the Girl 2007 - GET IT

Far Away Galaxy

2007-04-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

This blog has been giving me many heartaches the last few days, but whatever...It's not about the blog URL or how many stats I have it's about the music.

Young Galaxy just released their debut album today, this band that hails from Canada can make some fantastic indie pop-rock indeed. I love everything they do, I really don't think they can do wrong.

mp3: Outside the City - Young Galaxy

mp3: Searchlight - Young Galaxy

Young Galaxy 2007 - GET IT

Road Blocks and Dust Bunnies

2007-04-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

I ran into some road blocks the last few days...It's been good fun. While trying to point my blog*spot URL to my custom domain I got an unfriendly error message that might as well have said, "Go to Jail. Move directly to Jail. Do not pass "Go" Do not collect $200". Actually the real message says something like, "There is another blog hosted at this address" or something around those lines, the thing is there is nothing else at that address and I told Blogger that but Blogger didn't care so Mr. Pip came to the rescue and is trying to troubleshoot the issue with Dreamhost so hopefully this weekend I will no longer have the yucky http://lttlamb.blogspot.com address but instead have www.untitledrecords.com

Then last night I left my laptop for awhile and returned to find a PC Error Message, this message was even more unfriendly than the previous message and was far more serious...Basically my laptop was over-heating and needed to shut down immediately otherwise it would self destruct...Of course I almost self destructed thinking about all that I would lose...But after a little sleep and a little research I read other people have had the same error message and they opened up their laptop and cleaned it out and it worked like new again...YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!Mr.Pip helped me do that too and after a few fights with some nasty dust bunnies my laptop can finally breathe again. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

So that is what I have been dealing with the last couple of days...A little mini-mix to share what I've been listening to...

mp3: Shankill Butchers - The Decemberists
The Crane Wife 2006 - GET IT

mp3: Whirling Dervish - Student Film
Sleeping Giant 2007 - GET IT

mp3: Emmawood - Buildings Breeding
Building Breeding 2006 - GET IT

And Death Cab for Cutie's, Something About Airplanes is now on vinyl!

mp3: Bend to Squares - Death Cab for Cutie
Something About Airplanes LP 2007 - GET IT

Cloud Cult Among Other Things

2007-04-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Scott West and Connie Minowa paint on stage during Cloud Cult's live shows

You know what scares me? Psychic Readers...It's not the phenomena that scares me, it's that people actually believe they have the ability to predict the future and read people's minds...And then people actually believe it! That's scary.

Cloud Cult released The Meaning of 8 on April 10th and I must applaud this Eco friendly band from Minneapolis. 18 tracks of spectacular experimental indie-rock popping goodness...There is not a bad song on this album and it has shot right up into my 2007 top ten fav albums list! For the next 2 months they hit the road, check their show page to see when they play near you.

mp3: Pretty Voice - Cloud Cult

mp3: Thanks - Cloud Cult

The Meaning of 8 - 2007 - GET IT

Mix of 5

2007-04-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

Mix of 5

Sorry it has been a little quiet around here...I have been trying to figure out what to do with the bloggy blog. It took a great deal of time to figure out which platform I was going to run with...I settled on Serendipity and at first I was really quite excited but then when I went to customize the template I ran into quite a few road blocks and then began to reevaluate the entire situation...I don't know what I was thinking, it takes me forever and a day just to decide on what I want for dinner let alone what blog platform I want to use...

It was also my mom's b-day so we went and saw The Namesake, which was actually really well done, the director, Mira Nair also directed Monsoon Wedding, which I also recommend.

Anyways, I thought I would post a little mix of what I have been listening to while I work on Untitled 2.0 (it's coming, slowly but surely)

mp3: Snow Lion - Feist | Readymade FC
Open Season 2006

mp3: Between The Bars - Elliott Smith
Either /Or 1997

mp3: My Body Is a Cage - Arcade Fire
Neon Bible 2007

mp3: Home (Acoustic) - The Cinematics
A Strange Education 2007

mp3: Jason Believes Me, You Can't Trust Your Dreams - Sunset Rubdown
Sunset Rubdown EP 2006

Under Construction

2007-04-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Please be patient while Untitled undergoes some construction, it should only be down for an hour or so!
Thank you.

Random Mix of Goodness

2007-04-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know what these three songs have in common...Besides being unbelievable and the fact that they have been on constant repeat and even when I'm not listening to the pod I'm singing them in my head, sure my version is a poor excuse to the real goodness but hey I take all types of goodness.
Besides that I'm feeling a bit down this evening, can't seem to pin point exactly what has a hold of me but I am sure it will pass like all things do. Cheers! Drink up. ;-)

mp3: Wet and Rusting - Menomena
Wet and Rusting EP 2007 - GET IT

mp3: Apistat Commander (Xiu Xiu Cover) - Sunset Rubdown
Remixed & Covered 2007 - GET IT

mp3: Your Ex-Lover is Dead (Stars Cover) - Final Fantasy
Do You Trust Your Friends? 2007 - GET IT

Wait actually they do all have the same album release date...So there ya go...

NYC Recap and New Music

2007-04-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

So I think it may take me a little longer for Untitled 2.0 than I originally thought...I am lost with WordPress and I was reading some plug-in installation instructions and I don't know...I am getting scared again. It just seems so complicated, I need some sort of WP guru to sit here and hold my hand. They should have a service for that.

Anyways the trip to NY was alright, I mean don't get me wrong I went kicking and screaming...But once I got there and realized I hadn't seen my family members for 5 years I was really quite happy I went. Friday we arrived and my mom and I stayed with an old college friend of hers, which was fun because she is crazy and I didn't care because I was tired as hell so I went to bed all early. We woke up and went to temple, which was a freaking party! No it really wasn't but my cousin did wonderfully with her Haftarah reading and then later on that evening we got all dressed up and partied...While the UCLA Bruins played the Florida Gators and lost. But it was all good because I sipped on Apple Martinis all night and was feeling pretty fine when the end of the night came around.
The next day I was a little ummm how should I say? Bitchy? Yes that sounds about right... I was a little groggy from the previous nights festivities but we went to have brunch with everyone and then I was bored as all hell for what seemed like a week but was actually only 2 days or so. It was a good time had by all and I even got to pop into the city to have dinner with friends at this fantastic Indian Restaurant, I can't for the life of me remember the name of it however but I am working on it.
Then finally Tuesday came and our flight was at 4:00pm EST time but didn't end up departing until like 5:45-6:00pm EST time so you can only imagine how long that flight seemed. And did you know now when there is ever any turbulence they make the flight attendants sit down...Yeah we weren't given a beverage until 2 hours into the flight...It was lovely. And I do believe that pretty much sums up my little family fun trip to the East Coast. Weeeeeeeeee!

Some new music for you...

mp3: Damnit Anna - The Morning Benders

mp3: Chasing a Ghost - The Morning Benders
Boarded Doors EP 2007 - GET IT

mp3: A Wave is Rolling - The Innocence Mission

mp3: Brotherhood of Man - The Innocence Mission
We Walked in Song 2007 - GET IT

I Am So Very Sleepy

2007-04-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and continue to have a lovely Passover as well.

Small Sails are a one of a kind band from Portland Oregon...I tell you Oregon is beautiful, with some great bands and awesome bud...I kid about that last part, well sort of...
See? I am sleepy so I'm getting all loopy and itchy, I get itchy when I am tired...Does this happen to anyone else or am I some sort of freakish creature? Don't answer that...
I digress, Small Sails create glittering post-electronic music and they also make films, which they perform at their shows using reel-to-reel footage and dual projectors. That is pretty rad, I want to see...Their first full length album, Small Anniversaries was just released.

mp3: Somnambulist - Small Sails

mp3: This Flimsy Traveling Machine - Small Sails

Similar Anniversaries 2007 GET IT

Lost In EITS Once Again

2007-04-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

I think I may have mentioned something about new music last time...But I kind of got lost listening to Explosions in the Sky tonight. So I say fuck it, who needs plans? I really try to plan out my posts at least a little in advance sometimes even if it is just some ideas but it never works out...There is too much emotion and feeling when it comes to music. But you know I find myself speechless listening to EITS...They just take me away.

The interview went as well as interviews go I suppose...I never really know how interviews go, it is so hard for me to judge that, it is all pretty damn nerve racking if you ask me...Especially if you are on your way to an interview and there are crazy taxi drivers following you who like to stop in front of you in the middle of the street and yell out the window, "You hit me and didn't stop!"
Ummmm yeah...

So I should find out about the job sometime at the end of next week...I'll keep you posted...But of course only if you want me to keep you posted, I don't want to force any unwanted updates...

Question: Do you think it would be absurd to drive 6 hours to see EITS play in Arizona on Thursday 4/26?

mp3: Look Into The Air - Explosions in the Sky
How Strange, Innocence 2000
GET IT

mp3: Day 4 - Explosions in the Sky
The Rescue 2005

All Time Favorite #16

2007-04-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for the lack of action here the last few days, I have been trying to catch up and it is craziness. Plus I am in the midst of migrating to WordPress on my own domain and I think I mentioned before I am not WP's biggest fan...More on that later.
So just to let you know there is no shortage of new music, quite the contrary really, which is why I am all antsy to dive right in...But first things first, I have an interview tomorrow and I am really excited about it! A community newspaper is looking for a Production Artist so think good thoughts please around 11:00AM PST. :) After that I have a bunch of new music, NY tales and interview updates for you.

Tonight I thought we could enjoy the music of the Dropkick Murphys from one of the best films of 2006, The Departed. You may remember Pip's 2006 Top 10...
I really wasn't expecting to like this film as much as I did and still do. It blew me away when I first saw it, Leonardo DiCaprio is usually always wonderful (except for that one flick, which will remain nameless) but I think he quickly learned he didn't want to go down the Celion Dion loving chick flick road. Mark Wahlberg really surprised me the most, I mean this is not the first time this Ex-New Kid surprised me but I really enjoyed his performance in this film. Not to mention the rest of the cast! The chemistry was right on, and Martin Scorsese is definitely an All Time Favorite director and this film, which took home 4 Academy Awards including Best Motion Picture is most certainly an All Time Favorite of mine.

mp3: I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys
The Departed Soundtrack 2006 Get it

I'm Home!

2007-04-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeee I am home!!! Oh my goodness those might have been the longest 4 days of my life. Details to come. But here are a couple of tracks off the new album from The Rakes, Ten New Messages. This album was one of many that accompanied me on my trip.

mp3: We Danced Together - The Rakes

mp3: Leave The City And Come Home - The Rakes

Ten New Messages 2007 Get it

The Weekend Ahead

2007-03-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

The weekend ahead is going to begin tomorrow or today rather in approximately 3 hours when I board a plane heading East to Long Island, NY against my will. My mom asked me like 6 months ago if I wanted to go to NY for my cousins Bat Mitzvah and at the time I didn't really give it very much thought and simply responded with, "I don't know..." So then a week goes by and since my grandma MUST get her airline tickets 6 months prior to the trip I can only assume she was nagging my mother to get hers as well, which then lead to my mom asking me a second time...My response, "When is it?", my mom tells me all the details...And since this was last year!!!! I said, "I guess so"!

Don't get me wrong, I love New York, wouldn't mind living there someday but to fly there for a weekend to go to Temple and be held captive on Long Island is not really how I want to spend the next 3 days. Anyways quite honestly after listening to my mom nag me to death for the last month about finding a dress for this little family fun fest I started to have second thoughts about this entire situation, but I knew the tickets were already bought and my mom and I still kind of have a hard time communicating...So I kept my mouth shut. Did you know you can't wear pants to temple?! I didn't until my mother informed me after consulting with my Aunt about the black slacks I wanted to wear, apparently I would offend the entire congregation!

So I finally fessed up that I didn't want to go...But apparently I am 5 years old all over again and I can't make decisions for myself because I'm starring at a half packed suitcase and dreading the next 3-4 days of my life, but most of all I am pissed at myself 1) for getting myself into this situation in the first place, but this is what I do when I get questions sprung on me regarding any sort of planning. 2) I am really pissed that I am 25 years old and just like my mom does with her mother, I'm allowing my mom to control me and sway my decisions.

Maybe someday I will grow up and be the person I feel deep down within...

A little Radiohead to numb the pain...

mp3: Knives Out
mp3: Life In A Glasshouse
Radiohead, Find it on Amnesiac 2001 Get it

mp3: Creep (Radiohead cover) - Damien Rice
Find it on Sounds Eclectic: The Covers Project 2007 Get it

ps. A revamp of Untitled, new site coming soon!

All Time Favorite #15

2007-03-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jackie Brown 1997 is probably my favorite Quentin Tarantino film so far...I have watched this movie so many times, Pam Grier owns this film and Samuel L. Jackson plays his character Ordell to a T; Robert Forster is fantastic as well.
Jackie Brown seems to fall under the Pulp Fiction shadow, which is unfortunate because it is wonderfully written. This film is the reason why I have so much respect for Tarantino, because it was nothing like Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, it was a different style but it still had that Tarantino flare that we have all come to know and love. So of course if you have yet to see Jackie Brown than all I've got to say is you have some homework to do this weekend, rent it, I expect to hear what you think by Monday!

The soundtrack is filled with 70's R&B delights, which makes this film All Time Favorite #15!
2 tracks for your listening pleasure...

mp3: (Holy Matrimony) Letter To The Firm - Foxy Brown

mp3: Midnight Confessions - The Grass Roots

Find it on the Jackie Brown Soundtrack 1997

Yeah that's right I posted Foxy Brown! It's no mistake, I actually have a secret love for hip-hop especially when it comes to the Notorious B.I.G and Foxy Brown; I just love Foxy's bad girl attitude she can lay down some great tracks and as for the B.I.G? Well I mean he is "Notorious", hip-hop will never be what it was when he was alive.

Also Grindhouse, the new film written by Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino is out April 7th.

Cat Power Traffic Serenade

2007-03-26T01:54:00.001-07:00

I seem to have washed away at some point this weekend...Feeling a little blue. Saturday night while on my way home I ran into a little bit of roadwork on the HWY...A 5 lane highway was reduced to 2 lanes on a Saturday night...It took me an hour to get home, but I realized that it wasn't really that bad, I actually enjoyed it...I listened to my pod shuffle through some of my favs and then Cat Power came on...It was one of those moments where an old song is shuffled on and it all seems so familiar but at a different angle...My pod brings a smile to my face no matter what, even if it is a sad smile, it lets me feel, my vice I suppose...I'll embrace it.

A couple of tracks off Moonpix, an album that ages like only the finest do. This album is a must in my opinion; enjoy!

mp3: Back Of Your Head - Cat Power
Find it on Moonpix 1998 and What's Up Matador 1997

mp3: Cross Bones Style - Cat Power
Find it on Moonpix 1998 and Everything Is Nice Matador Records 1999

Compilations Are Awesome

2007-03-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Modest Mouse - Bowery Ballroom, NYC 11/17/2006

I believe I have mentioned in the past how much I love compilations, somewhere...And I think my love for compilations is so grand that I can say it again, I love compilations. There I feel better now.

So I was listening to the new Modest Mouse album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank...Unfortunately at this moment in time I can't say I am into it at all, so you won't hear any songs from their new album here. But I do like the older stuff of Modest Mouse, as I was checking out some compilations I came across some tracks that remind me of the Modest Mouse I love.

I would love to hear what some of you think of their new album...If you have heard it chime in and lets hear what you think.

mp3: Heart Cooks Brain - Modest Mouse
Find it on Lonesome Crowded West 1997, Everything Is Nice Matador Records 1999

mp3: A Life of Arctic Sounds - Modest Mouse
Find it on Building Nothing Out Of Something 2000, Slaying Since 1996 2006

All Time Favorite #14

2007-03-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

It's been some time since my last All Time Fav feature...And I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the birthday of Mr. Film Buff (aka drainpip).
Fight Club was directed by David Fincher, screenplay adaptation by Jim Uhls and the novel was written by Chuck Palahniuk. It may come as a surprise to some that Fight Club is an All Time Favorite of mine, as it surprised the hell out of me...Put all the violent fight scenes and mixed reviews aside...In my eyes Fight Club is not just some mindless testosterone driven guy flick, it is a dark intelligent film with style...What's not to like? And good lord Edward Norton is yummy!

But seriously I don't just like the film because I can lick Edward Norton clean...The soundtrack can not be ignored, produced by the LA duo The Dust Brothers (Michael Simpson and John King). The two are most famous for their work with the Beastie Boys and Beck, but they have had their hands in a slew of other projects as well. The Dust Brothers assembled the perfect soundtrack to accompany this deviously dark film...If the mixed reviews of this film steered you away from checking it out I recommend giving it a chance...It's a mind-fuck but a good one none the less.

mp3: This Is Your Life - The Dust Brothers
Fight Club 1999 Get it

Happy Birthday Mr. Pip! ;-)

Mid-Week Music Galore

2007-03-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

What makes a "good" album? How many albums are simply deemed "good" because the band is popular and it is expected? Unfortunately more than I can count...I have been asked where I find the music that gets posted on Untitled and I never really know what to say to that...I don't really find it in a specific place really, I just listen...I try to put all genres, stereotypes and expectations aside and just listen...
I have a tendency to stay away from listening to anything really popular until the smoke clears...Just because I give myself time to have an open mind about it all, it is difficult to have an open mind about an album when everywhere you look it's being talked about...Because for me this is not a popularity contest, I could give two shits what Pitchfork says about a record or what band will give you the most hits and Hype love. Just give me the album, let me put it on and absorb each song one at a time and then repeat it.

So on that note shall we get to the music?

Matador has just released The Pony's full length debut, Turn The Lights Out and man Matador knows how to pick them, I shit you not. This Chicago based band can play some fantastic indie-rock punk but they aren't afraid to show their softer side either. They have a slew of shows lined up, including The Earl in Atlanta, GA tonight (Rich?) and Johnny Brenda's in Philly on March 25th and they will even be coming to The Echo in LA on April 14th. Check out their myspace to see when they are playing near you and while you are at it you can listen to a couple of my picks off their new album:

mp3: Turn The Lights Out - The Ponys

mp3: Kingdom of Hearts - The Ponys

Turn The Lights Out 2007 Get it

Andrew Spencer Goldman is the master mind behind the Fulton Lights, his self titled full length debut was just released on Android Eats Records...When I first heard this album I was sold instantly, the album has been playing repeatedly on my pod for the last week now. Soft melodic arrangements accompany Spencer's hushed vocals, all led by a slow trip-hop beat...It is all just beautiful; the album is a pleasure and a true treasure indeed.

mp3: 1,000 Little Eyes - Fulton Lights

mp3: Fire In the Palm of My Hand - Fulton Lights

Fulton Lights 2007 Get it

And that "Sweet" image up there is actually from this t-shirt site I ran across on the web called, Rad Rowdies and they have a t-shirt that says, "I'm A Dork" in this 70's retro font it's freaking awesome!

Andrew Bird Serenade

2007-03-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

Andrew Bird's new album, Armchair Apocrypha hits record stands today...And my, my, my ladies and gentlemen I do believe Mr. Bird will steal your heart away. This 12 track album is composed in a way that only Mr. Bird could make. The album is a mix of cool jazz rhythms and classical melodies that are so refine, it is beautiful. Andrew Bird is quite honestly a singer songwriter who is in a class of his own.

Unfortunately the closest show of his is at Coachella 2007 in Indio, CA and well that sold out in like 2 minutes...So unless I find tickets to Coachella growing on some fabulous Coachella Ticket Tree or I take a road-trip to San Fran...I don't think I will be able to catch him this time around, which is just a tragedy...Wouldn't you agree? Enjoy!

mp3: Heretics - Andrew Bird

mp3: Cataracts - Andrew Bird

Armchair Apocrypha 2007 Get it

Oh and check out the new Google Personalized Home Themes at the right hand top of your page...I am using the Sweet Dreams theme of course because I like Van Gogh think that the night is much more alive than the day...“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” -Vincent Van Gogh

How was every one's St. Patty's day?

We Say Goodbye

2007-03-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

So the SXSW has wrapped up and everyone is either home or on their way home. Some people are happy, some people are sad...But one thing you have to admit you have to have heard something new this last week right?

In closing I give you two bands...

The Good, The Bad & The Queen's self titled album was officially released worldwide on Jan. 23rd. This London quartet played a couple of shows at SXSW. Here is a track off their most recent release:

mp3: Northern Whale - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen 2007 Get it

The Gossip is a indie-punk rock band from Portland, OR with a whole lot of spunk. They just released a new single on March 1st Get it. They also played a few shows in Austin, here is a track off their 2006 album:

mp3: Jealous Girls - Gossip
Standing in the Way of Control 2006 Get it

Coming up on Untitled, Andrew Bird, The Innocence Mission and more music than was thought possible.

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 8

2007-03-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

I think what bummed me out the most about missing this year's SXSW was the fact that I also missed this:

Beirut
Wednesday, March 14th - Emo's Main Stage 10:30pm
with Blonde Redhead, Mountain Goats, Emma Pollack and Wolf & Cub

and

Friday, March 16th - Austin City Limits/KEXP 7:00pm

And I gather everyone may have noticed my love for Beirut? Yes, I do admit I think he is marvelous.
He does have a couple more shows in May, unfortunately both are on the Eastern part of the Continent:

Sunday, May 6th and Monday, May 7th - Bowery Ballroom, New York
Final Fantasy will be on the bill for both nights. Ticket info here

After these shows Beirut heads off to Canada to record with Owen of Final Fantasy for his new album. I posted a track off Beirut's emusic only release, Pompeii a week or so ago unfortunately because it is an emusic only release and because it is a single it was only up for a very short time. But I do however have a couple tracks for you, two of my favorites to celebrate the Beirut SXSW goodness...I guess we are also celebrating St. Patty's day too so Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!

mp3: The Gulag Orkestar - Beirut
Gulag Orkestar 2006 Get it

mp3: Carousels - Beirut
Lon Gisland EP 2006 Get it

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 7

2007-03-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

What freaking day am I on? I know it says 7 up there but I don't know...I am out of it, went to bed and woke up on the wrong side and it was kind of a busy day...Anyways my apologies for the delay. Let us resume where we left off shall we? I am sure the Friday festivities are just winding down in Austin...Sigh...

Every time I listen to the Summer Hymns I can't help but think of Rich over at Cable & Tweed (Hi Rich!)...This Athens, GA band have been making fantastic indie-folk rock since the late 90's. Backward Masks was released on Misra last fall and they also are performing their last show at the Misra Records and Absolutely Kosher Records SXSW Showcase March 17th at 8PM at the Habana Calle 6 patio.

mp3: Way You Walk - Summer Hymns

mp3: Ice Age World - Summer Hymns

Backward Masks 2006 Get it

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 6

2007-03-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Hot Puppies are definitely hot shit, quite the buzz buzz buzz. In all honesty I went back and forth when I first heard this five piece band from the UK, I wasn't sure if their style was music to my ears or not...But there is just something about their music that I can't deny...The Hot Puppies literally draw from every genre, mixing them all together with the end result being some fantastic 50's country punk rock genre of music that kicks some major ass! They of course are playing at BD Rileys/SXSW on March 15th then they fly to London for a couple of shows in April. Their debut album, Under The Crooked Moon is available here.

mp3: How Come You Don't Hold Me No More?, The Hot Puppies
Get the single How Come You Don't Hold Me No More? here 2007

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 5

2007-03-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

And yeah I am like a day behind but that is no surprise as I am always running late...And I think I feel bad keeping people waiting all the time...This might be one of the reasons why I apologize for almost everything...But I must say in my defense more often than not people seem to be running just as late as I. Not that, that means my tardiness is justified, it is not...I'm just saying...

So enough ramblings for one day, on to the music.
Au Revoir Simone an all girl trio from Brooklyn who make sweet honey dipped indie-pop. Their music is heard and suddenly flowers bloom, butterflies dance about to the chirping birdies and a giant rainbow paints the sky...It is lovely. Au Revoir Simone will be playing a handful shows at SXSW and then they cool down after their festival festivities with a show in LA at the Knitting Factory.

Mar 15 2007

1:45P

SXSW Press Here Publicity party

Austin, Texas

Mar 15 2007

4:00P

SXSW Urban Outfitters party

Austin, Texas

Mar 16 2007

2:00P

SXSW Moshi Moshi and Sup Magazine Party

Austin, Tennessee

Mar 16 2007

10:00P

SXSW Moshi Moshi Records party

Austin, Texas

Mar 17 2007

5:15P

SXSW Red Eye Distribution party

Austin, Texas

Mar 17 2007

11:45P

SXSW showcase @ Copa Bar and Grill

Austin, Texas

Mar 18 2007

8:00P

Knitting Factory

Los Angeles, California

Two songs off their most recent release, The Bird Of Music...

mp3: A Violent Yet Flammable World, Au Revoir Simone

mp3: Night Majestic, Au Revoir Simone

Get the album The Bird Of Music 2007

SXSW Post Fest - Day 4 And Then Some

2007-03-13T01:39:00.001-07:00

I figured we must not dwell on the fact that we are not partaking in any of the festivities happening in Austin, TX. We can listen to some great music from bands who are partaking in Texas festivals but there is more to music then just SXSW, I know it is hard to believe but there are bands releasing fantastic albums as we speak that are not participating in any Texas festivals and why should they be left out? They shouldn't and they won't! ;-) Sorry got a little carried away there...

Mouthful of Bees are just divine! A fantastic indie-rock debut from this Minneapolis foursome. Afternoon Records picked up this rock-n-roll clan, the same label who also released the lovely Ms. Haley Bonar's, Lure The Fox
Currently the Mouthful of Bees are playing a handful of shows in Minneapolis but keep checking back I think this band is just getting started.

mp3: The Now, Mouthful of Bees

mp3: Sunny, Mouthful of Bees
The End 2007

The A-Sides are another great indie-rock band from the oh so fabulous city that is Philly. Their new album Silver Storms should be released any day now...Sorry can't really say when as they are currently shopping for a label. But they are tearing it up in Austin, TX their first show is at the Mohawk (SXSW) on the 14th, which is tomorrow. Listen to a track off their forthcoming album Silver Storms...

mp3: Cinematic, The A-Sides
Silver Storms 2007

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 3

2007-03-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of my fellow Armadillos have heard of the odd ball band Apostle of Hustle, but regardless if you have heard or not heard...Broken Social Scene's lead guitarist Andrew Whiteman is the front runner for Apostle of Hustle and after their recent release, National Anthem of Nowhere people are starting to take this band seriously. And rightfully so their dynamic indie-folk rock is infectious and there is something about this band's chemistry that just lets you know they enjoy making music together.

The band will be performing at SXSW on March 16th at the Habana Calle 6 Annex...But for the rest of us here are two songs off their March 6th release...

mp3: "My Sword Hand's Anger", Apostle of Hustle

mp3: The Naked & Alone, Apostle of Hustle

National Anthem of Nowhere 2007

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 2

2007-03-10T23:29:00.001-08:00

Slaraffenland was introduced to me by Lucas and it just so happens that they are also participating in this year's SXSW. Not to mention I fell in love with their music, which reminds me of a younger edgier Explosions in the Sky. Slaraffenland hails from Copenhagen, Denmark and according to their myspace page "Slaraffenland is the Scandinavian word for "the land of milk and honey"." Their new album Private Cinema is due out March 15th, that's this Thursday. They will also be playing on March 14th at the SXSW/Mohawk and for all of us who can't make it to their SXSW show here are two songs off their forthcoming album, Private Cinema.

mp3: Polaroids, Private Cinema

SXSW 2007 Post Fest - Day 1

2007-03-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Weeeeeeeeee! Today kicks off the South by Southwest Festival in Austin Texas and oh baby I wish I was there! But rather than pouting about it I thought I would profile a band a day from the SXSW Festival. So for the next 10 days I will bring you a little taste of SXSW Untitled style and next year WE are going people, I don't care if we have to drive there we will be there and it will be glorious, start planning now.

The first band for this SXSW post fest is The Palaxy Tracks, Brandon Durham, Keith Grap, Brad Murph and Chuck Harling hail from Austin, TX. Their third full-length album, Twelve Rooms 2005 is definitely their most polished album to date. Their all-embracing emotive melodies are matched by Brandon Durham's emotionally intense lyrics creating music that the listener can identify with and find pleasure in. In January 2007 The Palaxy Tracks released a special digital edition of Twelve Rooms, which you can find here. They will of course be a part of the South by Southwest Festival, playing at the Blender Balcony at The Ritz on March 14th.

mp3: Lamplighter, The Palaxy Tracks
Twelve Rooms 2005

mp3: Grey Snake, The Octopus Project Remix
Twelve Rooms Special Edition 2007

Thumbs Up

2007-03-08T02:28:00.000-08:00

So if you can make it through the Arcade Fire excitement you can also listen to a track off Maria Taylor's new release, Lynn Teeter Flower.

And for a little pick me up take a listen to the 80's punk pop-rock of Charlotte Hatherley off her 2007 release, The Deep Blue.

Next up I'll kick off my 10 day SXSW 2007 post fest because I have been wishing on stars and I have been tossing pennies into fountains for some sort of miracle takes place and I wake up one day between the 9th-18th in Austin, TX and I see and hear some of the greatness that is bound to take place...But alas I think the odds of this actually happening are some what laughable so to take some of the bummer blues I will post a SXSW 2007 band a day for ten days. Weeeeeeee

Mp3: Good Start, Lynn Teeter Flower 2007

Mp3: I Want You To Know, The Deep Blue 2007

What's New at the Candy Store

2007-03-06T01:46:00.000-08:00

Candy meaning Record, therefor meaning Record Store...Meaning recent releases that have been given the "Approved for Lovin" stamp by me obviously.
And not to stray away from the purpose here too much but based on experience make sure your insurance covers "water damage" because unexpected kitchen pipes can burst sometimes and shoot out water for an hour until someone discovers it and doesn't know how to shut the water off! Oh my mom is comedy, but do not weep for my mother my dears she indeed has "water damage" coverage and now she gets wood floors, so yeah she is not really that upset it seems but man water does a lot of damage and it does it fast.
I also start my new job tomorrow/today so I must get to bed. Enjoy!

mp3: You Turn My Head Around - Dean & Britta
Back Numbers 2007

mp3: Rise & Fall - The Cinematics
A Strange Education 2007

mp3: The Dance - P.G. Six
Slightly Sorry 2007

Oh Sweet Sweet Beirut

2007-03-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Where the hell have I been? Asleep at the wheel obviously because what did I see when I logged in to emusic? The new single from Beirut, Pompeii! It is available at emusic and it is nothing like Gulag Orkestar or the Lon Gisland EP; both tracks incorporate a little electronic sound; proving that Zach Condon is only just beginning his journey down the road of musical greatness. So I must lift my glass and toast Beirut as they continue to reinvent their sound and define their very own genre of music.
I give you one track for your sampling pleasure, it will only be available to download for a limited time.

mp3: Fountains and Tramways (mp3 expired) - Beirut

Pompeii 2007

All Time Favorite #13

2007-03-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

I saw Punch Drunk Love on November 21, 2002 at 7:50pm I still have the ticket stub. It was the beginning of so many wonderful things that still continue to grow. One of which is my LOVE for Paul Thomas Anderson, Punch Drunk Love is in my humble opinion one of the greatest love stories of all time. If you haven't seen it, you are missing out on something magical.

The soundtrack is by no other than Jon Brion and to say that Brion's colorful score and PTA's cinematic flair are a perfect match is an understatement. The music and scenes go hand and hand, flowing into one another and you no longer know which one influenced the other, they become one.

Since this is such a special film to me there are two tracks I picked from the film's score to make this my official All Time Favorite #13.
Cheers to "us"!

mp3: Here We Go - Jon Brion

mp3: He Needs Me - Shelley Duvall (vocals), Harry Nilsson (original composition),
Jon Brion and Jonathan Karp (additional composition)

Punch Drunk Love (Score) 2002

Dr. Dog, We All Belong

2007-02-27T23:39:00.000-08:00

What is with all the Philly love? Everything I look at, hear and eat seems to have some sort of connection to Philadelphia, I guess it's because it is so damn awesome of a city! Dr. Dog consists of 6 guys from Philly and they are pretty awesome too. Their third album, We All Belong hit record stands today and may I applaud. With this record Dr. Dog have polished their 60's psychedelic indie-rock sound; they added a few other decades in and then went ahead and tossed in a little personal Philly style making this new album one of their finest. So cheers to them!

But I will have to cut this one a bit short, must go to sleep at somewhat of decent hour because I have an interview tomorrow so wish me luck because I'm kind of nervous, and then listen to two track selections off We All Belong...Enjoy!

mp3: Worst Trip

mp3: The Way The Lazy Do

Dr. Dog, We All Belong 2007

Ps. Check here for their many tour dates.
Pss. Go here for their Daytrotter session!

Rewind Repeat #4

2007-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Errr kind of in a funk this evening...Think the lack of action on the job hunt has caught up a bit...And I know something will come into play, I'm just saying it is a bit of downer.
And I noticed my mom removed a picture from a frame and replaced it with one of her and her significant other on their recent trip to Hawaii...Which I understand and it pleases me that she is happy, she deserves it...It's just blue blah and I do apologize if I brought anyone down. But I tell you it felt good to sit down and zone while listening to some music and of course I invite your ears as well. Enjoy!

I will include a few words with Cortney Tidwell's music...As I have previously mentioned Tidwell's, Don't Let The Stars Keep Us Tangled Up a couple of times here and here. Her debut full length was just made available in the States and Canada and since it is such an amazing album I thought I would point her out again.

Eyes Are At The Billions - Cortney Tidwell
Don't Let The Stars Keep Us Tangled Up

Eternity Is A Long Time - Creeping Weeds
We Are All Part of a Dream You're Having

American Pastime - David Karsten Daniels
Sharp Teeth

Gone - The Fast Camels
The Magic Optician

Chemicals Collide - Cloud Cult
The Meaning of 8

Disaster - The Besnard Lakes
The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse

All Time Favorite #12

2007-02-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

Rushmore (1998)...Need I say more? I love this movie, another Wes Anderson creation and if you haven't seen this movie...Then I don't know what to say...But if you haven't seen this movie then something needs to be done about that immediately.

As always with any Anderson film the soundtrack is fan-fucking-tastic and almost impossible to select just one track but you all know how picky I am so it is certain that I back my pick 100%

Wes Anderson is currently working on two films:
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2008)
This is the one I am really excited about, adapted from the children's book by Roald Dahl

And the Academy Awards are this weekend, and I wish I was going to Mentok's bash but alas once again I can not teleport therefor I probably won't even watch them. But I do recommend seeing The Departed and the awesome Little Miss Sunshine. Ok now as for the soundtrack pick from Rushmore...Enjoy!

Nothing In This World Can Stop Me Worrin' Bout That Girl - The Kinks
Rushmore Soundtrack (1999)

Warm in the Wake

2007-02-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

Why does change come on like a freight train? Is it so you can't hesitate? You just take it on and hope for the best? Change sucks, it's mean and heartless and it sucks! Change says, "Ok this, this and this is going to happen but you have to do this and this" And my "this" is like so much harder than the "this" Change is responsible for. Am I making sense?
And I'm so stuck, knowing what I have to do but having a difficult time following it through...

Anyways...

Rich turned me on to the music of Warm in the Wake and their new EP Gold Dust Trail, so everyone say, "Thank you Rich!" and go check out his fantastic site Cable & Tweed.

Warm in the Wake sum up their sound best on their bio/history page of their website, "simple American songs that have been gently thrown into the space rock realm." Ahhh yes simple yet wonderful. The perfect soundtrack for this rainy Friday. Enjoy!

Skeleton Friend

Golden Inhibition Destroyer

Warm in the Wake, Gold Dust Trail 2007

Indecisive Mix

2007-02-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

So I have been sitting here pondering what music to post...And I have strummed my fingers on my laptop and bitten my lip because that's what I do when I am pondering things and yet I am still just not sure what to do. See it is not a matter of not having anything to post it is matter of having too much to post, which is really not a good thing for me because I am the most picky indecisive person you will ever know!

In the spirit of indecisiveness (wow that is a word!) I have decided to post a mix, who knows maybe this will be a new feature. Enjoy and yeah for Wednesday! Middle of the week baby! And Yeah for surviving my first Astronomy midterm!

Bronson - Calla
Strength In Numbers 2007

Oh, MJ! - The Little Ones
Sing Song released to the UK on 2/12/2007
US get it here

Yankee Go Home - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!
Some Loud Thunder 2007

A House Is Not A Home - Field Music
Tones of Town US release 2/20/2007 get it here
UK get it here

Alright that is all for now, don't want to run out of music! Is that possible? I think not.

Explosions In The Sky

2007-02-20T03:50:00.000-08:00

It is pretty cool when you play an album whether it be for the first or hundredth time the melodies spin and twirl their way into your head and the beat marches it's way in and then it all just resonates inside, making it's home, making you feel...

Explosions In the Sky released their new album today in this Northern part of the world, All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone.

I think it is fucking brilliant.

Welcome, Ghosts

So Long, Lonesome

Explosions In the Sky, All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone [Get it]
Check out their news section for some info on a remix disc with purchase of their new album. Also they are currently on tour and selling out fast.

Least Amount of Words

2007-02-19T03:25:00.000-08:00

Yeah I've kind of been in one of those moods as of late...Like I have been avoiding just speaking in general, I am such a chicken shit really. But what is that saying? "You can run but you can't hide"....Is that even a saying? If not it should be...

So do forgive me if I post a little mini mix tonight rather than carry on about broken hearts, Astronomy Mid-terms, new loves or tell you how awesome all of these songs are (which they are) but I suppose I have already managed to carry on quite a bit. ;-P
Some brand spanking new music and some not so new, enjoy!

Fade Together [Avalanches Remix] - Franz Ferdinand
*Eleanor Put Your Boots Back On

Ease My Mind - Annuals
*Big Zeus

You're a Wolf - Sea Wolf
Sea Wolf will be playing at *The Troubadour in LA on March 2nd

I Might Be Wrong - Radiohead
*Amnesiac (Probably one of my favorite of Radiohead's songs if not #1 then #2)

What I'm Excited For

2007-02-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Has everyone had enough love, chocolate and hallmark bullshit for one day? I think I forgot it was V-day like at least 5 times through out the day. Who cares? I am not a big chocolate person so it is not really all that exciting for me.

What is exciting?

A little sneak peak to get you all as excited as I am for this Tuesdays releases...

The Subjects will release their full length indie-rock album, with the ease grace precision and cleverness of human beings on Pretty Activities. Check out their Daytrotter session here
The Hounds of War - The Subjects
with the ease grace precision and cleverness of human beings [Get it]

The One A.M. Radio's new album, this too will pass will also be released this Tuesday on
Dangerbird Records. I am really excited about this album and this song certainly intensified this excitement because it is just beautiful.
In The Time We've Got - The One A.M. Radio
this too will pass [Get it]

Happy Friday everyone!

All Time Favorite #11

2007-02-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a little BDSM!
Secretary is really just a superb film, it is surprising actually. Directed by Steven Shainberg who I personally have never heard of nor have I seen any other films in which he directed but bravo to him for this film. Secretary also introduced me to the work of Erin Cressida Wilson who wrote the screenplay and Mary Gaitskill who wrote the short story, but regardless of the unknown this film was so well done and I applaud all who had a hand in creating it.

I am sure some were probably hesitant to see this movie because of the sadomasochistic plot but I think as long as you are not my grandma (who actually did see this film not knowing the plot outline and being the miserable closed minded person she is you can only guess what she thought of it) I recommend giving it a whirl, I think you may just be pleasantly surprised unless of course you are a miserable, bitter and closed minded person then you may not like it so much.

Leonard Cohen's sultry I'm Your Man accompanies Gyllenhaal's character as she crawls on her hands and knees towards her boss's office, and with that this makes Secretary my official All Time Favorite #11 on this mushy love blah blah blah day. ;-)

I'm Your Man - Leonard Cohen
Secretary (Soundtrack) 2002 [Get it]
also available on I'm Your Man 1988 [Get it]

Random Music #3

2007-02-13T04:28:00.000-08:00

Land of Talk members include Elizabeth, Bucky and Chris they are a Montreal-based band started by Elizabeth Powell. Elizabeth has been making music for awhile but it wasn't until she met up with drummer Bucky was Land of Talk formed, then Chris (bass) came along and the intricate beaming rock of Land of Talk was complete. Their debut album Applause Cheer Boo Hiss was released on Dependent Music on April, 11th 2006. Weeeeee!
Sea Foam - Land Of Talk
Applause Cheer Boo Hiss
Get it

Nurse & Soldier is collaboration between 4 members who hail from Brooklyn, New York and I urge you to read their bio here, quite entertaining. Their new album, Marginalia was released on Brah/Jagjaguwar on January 23rd.
Fishing - Nurse & Soldier
Marginalia
Get it

Helene I have posted about before here she has released a new single, Apostille Series 8. Her angelic voice is always a pleasure to listen to.
Apostille - Helene
Apostille
Get it

Rewind Repeat #3

2007-02-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

I know I have been away for too long but I do have some wonderful music to offer you...What has been sparking my interest this past week? Well let's see...

Bloc Party's Weekend in the City was officially released this past Tuesday and I immediately noticed Okereke's apparent lyrical growth. The lyrics of songs like "Waiting for the 7:18" and "I Still Remember" are much more expressive in a strikingly direct way. "I Still Remember" recalls an attraction of two schoolboys with such an eloquent tenderness:

And on that teachers' training day
We wrote our names on every train
Laughed at the people off to work
So monochrome and so lukewarm...
-I Still Remember, Bloc Party

It is hard to deny that Bloc Party has demonstrated their growth and experience by giving us an album that retains the same energetic post-punk Bloc Party we have come to love and combines it with an emotional intimacy, which has created a connection that resonates in the listeners mind. Get it here.
(mp3 expired) Hunting For Witches
(mp3 expired) I Still Remember

Other music I was enjoying this week?

The Apples In Stereo have released their long awaited new album, New Magnetic Wonder. Get their new album here.
(mp3 expired) 7 Stars
(mp3 expired) Beautiful Machine 3-4

Also, I highly recommend giving Eleni Mandell a listen, her new album, Miracle of Five was just released and it is fantastic. Get it here.
(mp3 expired) Moonglow, Lamp Low
(mp3 expired) Make-Out King

All Time Favorite #11

2007-02-09T03:24:00.000-08:00

Dead Melodies - Beck
From Adaptation (2002)
Available on Mutations (1998) [Get it]

This All Time Favorite almost didn't happen but then while I was requesting pip's vote on a possible ATF contender it dawned on me and then suddenly the clouds in the sky parted and golden rays shined from the heavens and I was granted immortality...Actually wait can I change what's granted to me because I would so much rather have the ability to teleport! That would be so rad! But I have really just gone off on a fanciful tangent that may have been exaggerated just a smidgen...

Going in to see Adaptation in the theater I don't really remember anticipating it's release but I loved this film! Directed by the very cool Spike Jonze who also directed Being John Malkovich, as well as numerous music videos for artists like Björk and the Beastie Boys.
The screenplay was written by the Kaufman brothers and I think it is Charlie Kaufman and Donald Kaufman who really deserve the gold stars for how well this film turned out.
I must add that I think it might just be my favorite Nicholas Cage film who is actually playing Charlie and Donald Kaufman in the film. (He was unbelievable in Leaving Las Vegas but I mean you don't feel like celebrating much of anything after watching that film)

And of course Beck's, Dead Melodies makes Adaptation an official All Time Favorite. Happy day! It's Friday! Next up I'll rewind the week...

Last little query of the day...Is it wrong of me to find this just a bit ridiculous? The headline reads, What made us care about Nicole?
Seriously? I care about the baby she supposedly had a few months ago, I mean does anyone care about that? (sorry there is my gossipy two cents on a bit of Hollywood star soap opera crazy talk)

Peter Bjorn and John, Writer's Block

2007-02-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Chills (mp3 expired)

Objects Of My Affection (mp3 expired)

Peter Bjorn and John, Writer's Block [Get it]

The poster above is from a free in-store the Swedish indie-pop band Peter Bjorn and John did at Fingerprints on 2/2. They also sold out The Roxy in LA on 2/1. The official US release of Writer's Block has finally arrived and now I want another live show please. ;-)

Writer's Block is a solid well paced album, the kind of album you pop in and enjoy all the way through and maybe even repeat it.

You can hear the entire album spin here.

That's all I got for you at the moment, still looking for a job, learning about the stars and chilling with Puma (she sleeps a lot)

Weeeeeeee for Wednesday!

Rewind Repeat #2

2007-02-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

Farewell sweet weekend till we meet next time...
So last week I started classes again to finish off the last couple of credits I need, basically kids, my only advice is something my dad would always say, "Eat your peas before your dessert" because it is just so much easier to get classes like Astronomy or Math and Survey of Literature out of the way. The lit class really is one of those classes that could be cool with the right professor but you know that is not always the case, and as much as I love reading the epic poem, Beowulf I do feel as if these classes have become much more of a thorn in my side than they seemed when I was a weeee college freshman at the bright age of 18! Holy shit I am old!

Anyway let's see what my old ass was listening to last week ;-P

Gong (mp3 expired) - Sigur Rós
Takk (2005) [Get it]

Sigur Rós has been playing on my headphones quite a bit due to their January 13th announcement of a new album in the works. This gets me excited, so to celebrate I revisited their glorious 2005 album, takk...
And I don't think there is anything I could say that could possibly top this...

‘takk…’ is, according to the band (with icelandic tongue firmly placed in icelandic cheek), a “rock’n’roll record” – and it certainly is on occasion played both loud and fast – but few of the clichés of the genre come through sigur rós intact. in fact, listening to ‘takk…’ it is not images of rebellion or off-the-peg degradation that comes to mind, but more a feeling of being washed clean by music. even when they rock sigur rós provide a clear spot of, dare i say, sanctity, and, at the end, of the record the prevailing feeling is one of peace. -Sigur Rós website

An album which is high upon my all time favorites list, play it loud and often (just broke the cliché-o-meter with that one I think). Also check out a couple of Sigur Rós covers over on their site:

Hoppípolla Acoustic (mp3 expired) version by We Are Scientists

Starálfur Acoustic (mp3 expired) version by Special Moth

Still Toasting The Shins

2007-02-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Your Algebra (mp3 expired)
Oh, Inverted World (2001) [Get it]

Baby Boomerang (mp3 expired)
Fighting in a Sack (2005) [Get it] also found on
A House Full of Friends (2005) [Get it]

Happiness Is A Chemical (mp3 expired) - Darren Hanlon
Featuring special guests: Jesse Sandoval (The Shins), Mark Monnone (The Lucksmiths), Katy Davidson (Dear Nora), Lenka Kripac (Decoder Ring) and Cory Gray (Desert City Soundtrack).
Fingertips And Mountaintops (2006) [Get it]

So I'm still celebrating the music of The Shins...Shit I need to celebrate something after this never ending hell week. But it's Friday! Weeeeeee!

King of Prussia, Save the Scene

2007-02-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

Cheerleaders (snippet)

Shades of Hippiedom (snippet)

->The songs above are now snippets of the original song for you to preview, I highly recommend the entire album you won't be disappointed. Support the band buy Save the Scene

King of Prussia hails from Georgia (Another band from GA? Yes, no joke.) And I am now officially placing GA on my "considering to live" list. These 5 guys have really left quite an impression on me...And their debut 7 track album consists of majestic sweeping pop that is quite simply some of the most promising indie-pop I have heard in quite some time. I can really go on and on praising this band, but I know as soon as you hear their music it will speak for itself (forgive the cliché, but I am serious).

Since this fantastic band is currently checking out some possible label options this debut album hasn't been the easiest to come by, so I have heard (I have a magical genie so I am lucky in that respect) But as of right now you can pick up a copy of their new album, Save the Scene on their myspace. They are playing a series of shows in Georgia but I am hoping if I ask real nicely, King of Prussia will head out West in my direction sometime soon in the near future. ;-) I know they're working on it.

All Time Favorite #10

2007-01-30T02:10:00.000-08:00

Rob: I get by because of the people who make a special effort to shop here - mostly young men - who spend all their time looking for deleted Smith singles, and original - not re released, underlined - Frank Zappa albums. Fetish properties are not unlike porn. I'd feel guilty taking their money, if I wasn't...well...kinda one of them.

High Fidelity as one of my All Time Favs? What a cliché, but a damn good cliché! I think I have watched this movie like 52 million times, maybe that's an exaggeration, it might be more like 51 million. My copy isn't in it's box and I have no idea where it is but that's alright because it was a VHS and after watching it 51 million times it only really had one or two more viewings before it went to VHS heaven right along side my VHS copy of Kicking and Screaming (1995). But I digress...

John Cusack is a cutie patooty and he can make me a mix tape any day...This movie appeals to both men and women and that is rare. The soundtrack really just completes the package nicely with gift wrap and a big giant red bow.

Selecting one song to include this pick as an All Time Fav was not an easy task...Stereolab, The Beta Band, The Velvet Underground and then some appear on this soundtrack and if you don't own this soundtrack...Go buy it right now. Seriously stop what you are doing and go to your nearest record store and pick up a copy ASAP.

After careful consideration...

Cold Blooded Old Times (mp3 expired) - Smog
High Fidelity Soundtrack (2000) [Get it]
also available on Knock Knock (1999) [Get it]

Smog is awesome, Bill Callahan is brilliant...

the type of memories
that turn your bones
turn your bones to glass

and though you were
just a little squirrel
you understood every word

and in this way
they gave you clarity
a cold-blooded clarity

Cold-blooded old times
Cold-blooded old times
Cold-blooded old times

though how can I stand
and laugh with the man
who redefined your body?...

-Smog (Bill Callahan)

Fucking chilling it's so good.

Rewind Repeat

2007-01-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

What's this you say? A new feature? Yes, you are correct sir!
The way this feature plays is quite simple, the following is a mix of songs which have been playing repeat style on my pod throughout the week. So the songs vary from brand new album releases to not so new album releases. Some songs may be from albums that have previously been featured on Untitled but I will never re-post a song. Is everyone following my complicated explanation? Hope so...I make everything ten times harder than it needs to be, a terrible flaw I admit.

But pish posh let us get to the music....Weeeeeeeee!

Of Montreal released their new album, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? Quite an original album title don't you think? Of Montreal create some of the most unique synth pop-rock I have heard in awhile and in all honesty their new album is electric. The album has something for everyone, which is why I think it is so appealing. The opening track "Suffer for Fashion" is a magnetic pop gift from the heavens that I never want to end. Other tracks like "Labyrinthian Pomp" and "She's a Rejecter" are equally enjoyable in a amusing bizarre way. You can stream the entire album here

Sink The Seine (mp3 expired) - Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? (2007) [Get it]

The Shins have also released their new album, Wincing The Night Away, hopefully there are still some of you who avoided the leak and held out for the official release. This is what I did and as always this makes it so much more enjoyable for me. This is another album I was pleasantly surprised by and after 3 Shinless years this album was highly anticipated to say the least. So did they live up to the hype? Well, they did and they didn't...I think this album demonstrates the progression of their tra-la-la pop to a swirly symphonic layered tra-la-la pop that is quite pleasing. But I think some fans have yet to appreciate the evolution of sound, and I say they are missing out. I have to raise my glass to toast The Shins as they have succeeded in expanding their music without loosing what made them so delightful to begin with. Cheers!
Stream the entire album here
thank Chad over at Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands for that.
I leave you with a taste, the opening track, dreamy fan-fucking-tastic pop...

Sleeping Lessons (mp3 expired) - The Shins
Wincing The Night Away (2007) [Get it]

This next band is courtesy of Rich over at the always fantastic Cable & Tweed. He introduced me to the music of Chainestereo and their debut EP Magnetic South, which proves that some of the best indie-pop rock is coming out of Georgia. A strong and very enjoyable 6 track EP from this fairly young unknown band that I highly recommend giving a listen. The EP is available at Criminal Records [Phone: (404) 215-9511] or contact the band.

Appomattox - Chainestereo
Magnetic South EP (2006) [Get it]

My last song for this first Rewind Repeat post is from a band I previously covered here. But I think they deserve a bit more attention. They recently signed a 3 album contract with Polyvinyl sharing the same label as our friends Of Montreal. The first album is a re-release of their debut full length, Broom which is just quite simply fan-fucking-tastic. Catchy glee pop that is honest and personal. I highly recommend checking out the album, here is a sample track which has been playing non-stop on my pod...

House Fire (mp3 expired) - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Broom (2006) [Get it]

Bulletproof...I Wish I Was

2007-01-25T02:03:00.000-08:00

I think Radiohead is my favorite of all time, I am going to go ahead and stand by this statement, so it's official Rachel's favorite band=Radiohead.

I was going through my mp3 files *cough* checking to make sure all songs were properly labeled and organized...Yeah, I know I have no life and I am fully aware of my OCD tendencies so save your psycho analysis for some other chap.

The Bends quite possibly might be my favorite Radiohead album but I hesitate to order any of their albums because no matter how many times I have heard any of their album(s) I still experience it differently, new light is shown, a different perspective is seen or another emotion evoked with each and every listen. Quite simply nothing compares...

Bulletproof... I Wish I Was
Limb by limb, tooth by tooth
Tearing up inside of me
Every day, every hour
I wish that I was bullet proof

Wax me, mould me
Heat the pins and stab them in
You have turned me into this
Just wish that it was bullet proof,
was bullet proof

So pay the money and take a shot
Lead-fill the hole in me
I could burst a million bubbles
All surrogate and bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof

- Radiohead 1995

Bulletproof...I Wish I Was
Radiohead, The Bends [Get it]
Acoustic version found on Fake Plastic Trees CD2 [Get it]

The Broken West, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On

2007-01-24T02:32:00.000-08:00

It is not often I share the locale of a band I am listening to, not sure why perhaps because LA isn't really a happening place when it comes to music. As for film and TV, well that is another story, you could say LA may have some of that here. :-P

The Broken West formed in Los Angeles in 2004 and after a little name change in 2006 Merge has released their debut full length. A 12 track album consisting of contagious energetic pop that is just fantastic I am not kidding. I know the new Shins album came out today as did Of Montreal's new one.... But they are rotating over there in my absorbed in section, I just want you to not forget about this highly recommend band The Broken West, give them a listen you'll be hooked by their airy melodies, I guarantee it.

In other news things are winding down at work, the company I work for is selling to a competitor so by the end of February I have no job (and job hunting is so much fun, almost as much fun as standing in front of a huge audience naked would be, not my idea of a good time). Each day it gets harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning and I am really quite bored in general with the place and I know I was looking for a better job anyway but still now I actually have to look for one...*oh bother* Ok what happened to Broken West's music? It stopped, press play...Yes see that is much better.

As for other things? Well...lots of stuff is a changing and this would probably be the cause of my space cadet ways last weekend. But my oh my it's been divine. But it's jam jam time, bedums for me and Puma (my cat)

So It Goes (mp3 expired) - The Broken West

Big City (mp3 expired) - The Broken West

I Can't Go On, I'll Go On [Get it]

I just have one question what was with Merge giving away temporary tattoos with pre-ordered purchase of Broken West's album? What? Are we 12?

Bloc Party Remixed

2007-01-23T02:51:00.000-08:00

Well did I ever get myself into a predicament opening my big mouth about posting my favorite Bloc Party remix...WTF was I thinking? One? ha yeah I don't think I could pick just one, especially if you include the unreleased stuff geez...

So yeah I have a few favorite BP remixes, chime in with your favorite(s) in the comments below.

Tulips, Club Mix [Tulips 2005]
-I don't think any version of this song could be bad-

So Here We Are (removed), Four Tet Remix [Silent Alarm Remixed 2005]
-Pretty much a given for me, we all know I have got to have atmospheric dreamy melodies-

Compliments (removed), Shibuyaka Remix By Nick Zinner [Silent Alarm Remixed 2005]
-My pick if I am feeling mysterious and creepy-

I also like...

Helicopter, Weird Science Remix Feat. Peaches

Plans, Re planned by Mogwai

Two More Years (removed), MSTRKRFT Mix [Courtesy of BlocParty.net]

There are others I am forgetting I am sure, in fact if you go here you can see a spectacular list containing every remix, also while you are there check there mp3's they have a fantastic collection.

It's Tuesday! Check out the new Contrast Podcast - Stick to Acting is the excellent topic suggested by Andy over at Concrete Circles. Weeeeeee!!!

Bloc Party Monday

2007-01-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

I felt like celebrating the best damn danceable dark pop music of the one and only Bloc Party for a couple of reasons...

Monday is upon us and I need something to help me through the dreaded Monday blues
Because Bloc Party feeds my remix addiction
In honor of their forthcoming release, A Weekend In the City due out February 6th

And although I will not be posting any songs from their LEAKED A Weekend In The City album, I will however post a couple songs from their debut album Silent Alarm which always manages to put a smile on my face no matter what day it is. Check out their myspace to listen to The Prayer from their new album, download available now at itunes, and maybe if I am feeling it later I will post one of my favorite remixes

Banquet (removed)

So Here We Are (removed)

Silent Alarm (2005) [Get it]

Long Knives

2007-01-21T04:51:00.000-08:00

My magic genie Rich over at Cable & Tweed introduced me to the music of the Long Knives, and when I listened I knew why he recommended them. Delicate melodies highlight the hushed lyrical tones creating music which is both mellow and strong making it just right. I couldn't think of a better Sunday soundtrack.

So yeah everyone thank Rich...Thank you Rich! ;-)

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, I seemed a bit outta sorts, in a scatterbrain sorta way. I left my wallet at this pizza joint near my house and it had a significant amount of money in it too, I hadn't even realized I had left it there until I got a local call on my phone an hour later alerting me to the fact that someone just turned in my wallet! FUCK!

But through some miracle of divine karma gods or perhaps magical genies I rushed over (even though if the money was gone it was gone and no amount of rushing would ever get it back) picked up my wallet and all cash money, money was intact along with misc. cards of all sorts and my driver's license. SWEET!

I also dropped a lot of stuff throughout the course of the weekend and most of this went un-noticed by the person they call Rachel. Yeah so that was like one version of my weekend, there are other versions but those will have to be for another time perhaps another place in the mean time enjoy the Long Knives. ;-)

Song for Summer (mp3 expired)

Life In a Dollhouse (mp3 expired)

Long Knives, Long Knives [Get it]

All Time Favorite #9

2007-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

V for Vendetta (2006 World Release)

When the trailers first started coming out for this movie, I immediately deemed it unworthy and vowed not to see it...Then I saw it and well...I felt like a complete ass.
I couldn't stop talking about, I recommended it to everyone I came in contact with. And maybe it was the mysterious rebel V or the bad ass action sequences, which won me over. Most likely it was combination of both and then some but whatever it was this film kicks some major revolution ass and at the same time makes your heart go pitter-patter in that girlie girl flick kind of way.

And to top it all off the soundtrack is just some of the best jukebox loving I have heard in a long time. There are a few songs I could pick from this album but since I have previously mentioned the Cat Power's cover of I Found a Reason and Julie London's version of Cry Me a River I thought for my All Time Fav #9 it was time to turn the spotlight on Antony & The Johnson's, Bird Gerhl

Bird Gerhl

Antony & The Johnsons
V for Vendetta (original soundtrack) [Get it]

Bubble Pop Glee

2007-01-17T03:11:00.000-08:00

I can be in the yuckiest of the yucky kind of moods but no matter how pissed I may be the music of Belle & Sebastian seems to cheer me up instantly. Before I know it I am dancing and singing my heart out to their fan-fucking-tastic ;-) bubble pop music.

Eyes of Love (mp3 expired)

Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch & Sarah Martin

Found on Future Pilot AKA, Secrets From the Clockhouse [Get it]

We Are the Sleepyheads (mp3 expired)

Belle & Sebastian, The Life Pursuit [Get it]

Various Compilations

2007-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

I am kind of a sucker for compilation/sampler/various artist/soundtracks etc....I don't know why, maybe something about the surprise factor...I don't know, I can't really help you out with an explanation just some music...Weeeee!

Hope everyone survived their Monday, poor Mentok is still experiencing his Monday...Everyone give Mentok a sympathizing sad face :( hehehe

And check out this weeks Contrast Podcast #42...Where? HERE

When I Goosestep (mp3 expired)

The Shins
Sprout Soundtrack (2005), Wicker Park Soundtrack (2004)
*Just for the record I didn't see either of these movies.

Go (mp3 expired)

Sparklehorse with The Flaming Lips
Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered (2004)
*Highly Recommended

Mondays Suck

2007-01-15T03:16:00.000-08:00

I am so getting this shirt before I leave this job

Who hates Mondays? I do, I do. How come most everyone else has tomorrow off but yet I don't and I know some other people who don't have it off either...I mean it is either a holiday or it is not, it's just that simple. Bullshit!

I offer some song's for you to kick off the work week with, all of which come from highly recommended albums. Cheers!

Taste of Monday (mp3 expired)
The Purrs
The Purrs [Get it]

Fists Up (mp3 expired)
The Blow
Paper Television [Get it]

Abandon Ship (mp3 expired)
Mixel Pixel
Music For Plants [Get it]

___________________________________________

It's a girl!!!!
Congratulations to Chad and his wife!

Madeline (mp3 expired)

Yo La Tango
And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out

Random Music #2

2007-01-13T02:50:00.000-08:00

Whooooo hoooooo! It's the weekend!
I think the beginning of this week started 2 weeks ago, I thought it would never end. But it did, I survived as did you.

So to celebrate the kick-off of the weekend I have 3 random songs, that have been playing on the pod for quite some time now. Yippee for random music!

Faith (mp3 expired)
The Boy Least Likely To... (George Michael cover)

I Love Creedance (mp3 expired)
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Etiquette [Get it]

Following the Death of Her (mp3 expired)
Panda & Angel, Panda & Angel [Get it]

Protokoll, Paradoxon

2007-01-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

Jose, Ben, Daniel and Reid are the 4 guys who make up Protokoll. Illicit Records recently released Paradoxon in November 2006, great post-punk with substance. If you like Bloc Party or the Editors then I recommend giving Protokoll a listen.

Sunken (mp3 expired)

Moving Forward (mp3 expired)

Protokoll, Paradoxon [Get it]

All Time Favorite #8

2007-01-10T02:38:00.000-08:00

I am going to go ahead and make a bold statement here, so do prepare yourselves:
Best opening shot ever is in Kill Bill Vol. 1, the black and white shadows along with Nancy Sinatra's beautiful haunting voice made this shot easier to take in and take in I did. I just think it is really well done in every way, if it doesn't grab you and suck you into this film, I honestly don't think anything would.

I am one of those oddities who preferred Volume 1 over Volume 2, I mean in my opinion it is really no contest:

1. Best opening shot
2. Favorite Nancy Sinatra song
3. A chick who is out for revenge kicks ass
4. And probably one of the greatest of great bad ass speeches ever:

O-Ren Ishii: [after she cuts off Tanaka's head, in Japanese] So you all will know the seriousness of my warning, I shall say this in English.
O-Ren Ishii: [in English] As your leader, I encourage you from time to time, and always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. If you're unconvinced that a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so, but allow me to convince you and I promise you right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo. Except, of course, the subject that was just under discussion. The price you pay for bringing up either my Chinese or American heritage as a negative is... I collect your fucking head. Just like this fucker here. Now, if any of you sons of bitches got anything else to say, now's the fucking time!
[pause]
O-Ren Ishii: I didn't think so.
O-Ren Ishii: [calmly, in Japanese] Gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned.

Like I said no contest really, my All Time Favorite #8:

Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Nancy Sinatra

Kill Bill: Volume 1 Soundtrack [Get it]

Also, check out the Contrast Podcast #41 as they blast off to space.

And I want to send good thoughts and love over to Chad and his wife as they get ready to welcome their first child into this world. Cheer them on over at Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands!

Just Music of Chrisopher Blue

2007-01-09T02:36:00.000-08:00

So many thoughts whirling through my head right now, so I don't have much to say tonight, just some music...

Check out Chrisopher Blue's myspace. Below two songs from his 5 song EP, which is the prelude to the full length album, Room Tones due out Spring 2007.

Equanimity

Such Love

Chrisopher Blue EP [Get digital]

Haley Bonar, Lure the Fox

2007-01-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

Haley Bonar has toured with the likes of Mason Jennings, Andrew Bird, Arcade Fire, Mary Lou Lord, Richard Buckner and Charlie Parr. Her gentle lyrics and meticulous guitar arrangements are beautiful and ever so inviting. Her latest release, Lure the Fox was released at the beginning of 2006 and every song on this eleven track long album is wonderful. Look for her on Andrew Bird's upcoming recording, slated for a 2007 release.

Us (mp3 expired)

Fox and Hound (mp3 expired)

Haley Bonar, Lure the Fox [Get it]

Yo La Tango & I Are Not Afraid

2007-01-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Remember the Media Player update that took a decade to install? The next day I start up my PC and open up my iTunes, which is another program that I think the planet could do without but I digress...
iTunes starts and immediately opens a little pop-up window alerting to a problem with my sound device, so I think iTunes is just being it's usual self so I go to repair it/update/install whatever but it still doesn't work. I go into the sound section on XP and I open up the properties and this huge error message comes up telling me something is broken somewhere with some name and then immediately closes. WTF? I am thinking what have I done between now and last night besides sleep? Then I remember the decade long update of Media Player that I did...Well I am not really a happy person without my sound, not being able to listen to music is basically not an option for me so after some advice from computer guru drainpip I went and ran the little restore point thing to the previous day before the Media Player update and what do you know my sound works wonderfully and Rachel is happy again YEAH!

I still don't have the updated Windows Media Player but you know I don't really care, I suppose I will care when I need to care, but until then I am keeping the old player...So there Microsoft! *sticks out tongue*

I am not the only one who has recently experienced some PC related hassles, check out Mentok's hilarious post about his grand pain in the ass experience with Symantec here.

Also, Fuck EZ Archive!
I am sorry that was the last time I promise, but FileLodge is still down and looks as if this may be a permanent thing, FileDen was down today too...So that is why I just had to say it one last time. :)

So for all the software/program/hosting and computer issues and also because they have a Live EP release coming up, here are a couple songs off Yo La Tango's oh so appropriately titled 2006 album, I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass:

I Should Have Known Better

Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind

I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass [Get it]

Look for Yo La Tango's Live iTunes exclusive EP this Tuesday, January 9th.

The Hero Cycle, Lakes and Ponds EP

2007-01-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Hero Cycle started out as a four member band from Vermont in 2005. It has grown to include 7 members, which combine each members unique instrumentation creating a dynamic electric sound that is quite promising.

Lakes and Ponds is their new EP set for release this month and I highly recommend giving it a listen. It is currently available online at emusic and look for the official release in the next couple weeks.

I have been a little busy finishing off a month of hell at work so I apologized if it has been a little quiet around here. I am itching to just browse all of my fav fellow bloggers for hours and catch up on all the music news that I have missed in the last week...So my plan later this evening is to go into seclusion for a couple of hours and I am looking forward to it.

Hope you all are having a lovely day :)

American Proxy (link removed)

Breathing In (link removed)

The Hero Cycle, Lakes and Ponds EP [Get it]

Time is never on my side

2007-01-04T04:14:00.001-08:00

It is all coming, new 2007 music and I still need to make my rounds...Later on this will all take place.

Random Music

2007-01-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

Ummm since we are a bit in limbo here in regards to new music...I am literally wanting to post something good that has been released in 2007 but it being Jan 3rd and all it is difficult to really suggest music that I haven't been able to absorb to maximum sponge like absorption levels.

I do have some songs that were sitting there on my hard drive wanting to be played...Of course I remembered why these songs are rarely played as soon as I clicked on them and Windows Media Player pops up and instantly alerts me of an update. One update mind you...Yeah the update from media player 10 to media player 11! I was sitting here for an hour, I got up did some laundry baked a cake and came back to see that finally it had finished and now wanted me to restart...Which then caused my laptop to get all pissy because SOME operating system, which will remain nameless is making it reboot even though it knew very well it was unnecessary to reboot because it already had recognized there was an update.

Geez, it is stuff like this which makes me want to rebel and say, "No! I will not update! I will press on and triumph above the Windows Microsoft Corporation!" "Victory will be mine!"

But alas if I did that then I wouldn't be able to hear these songs which I downloaded many moons ago from War Child Music and since it was before I got my cute little pod I downloaded them as windows media fuck files, so after a little tweaking I bring you a couple of songs from my long lost War Child Music downloads.

If you are scratching your head wondering what the hell War Child Music is then I highly recommend taking a gander here.

Two songs by 2 of my favs...

Easy To Please
Coldplay, Brothers & Sisters (1999)
download or order here

Lucky
Radiohead, OK Computer (1997) and Help: A Charity Project for the Children of Bosnia (1995)
download or order here

All Time Favorite #7

2007-01-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Steve Zissou: You really think it's cool for you to hit the sauce with a bun in the oven?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Directed by Wes Anderson and written by both Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach (two of my favorite film makers ) this is a fantastic film and although a bit messy in some parts Bill Murray seems to help hold it down.

But the primary reason for this All Time Favorite feature is of course the music, and Life Aquatic being a Wes Anderson film you know it has an amazing soundtrack. Selecting just one song from any of Wes Anderson's original motion picture soundtracks is not an easy task and although my pick for All Time Favorite #7 is not included on the soundtrack CD it is part of the original score and it is an amazing song.

Starálfur
Sigur Rós
also available on their 1999 album ágætis byrjun [Get it]

The Pip's Top 10

2007-01-01T02:14:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to lil Rachel's blog, no this is not a hostile takeover, but a guest to shed some light upon the celluloid (or in certain cases digital chip) world. You may call me El Presidente Pip, or El Matador for short. I have been called upon to create a top ten list of 2006 for my favorite films. I would like to keep with the vibe of this place and stay truly independent, but alas I cannot. Firstly, I do enjoy a good big-budget pure Hollywood film from time to time. In the right hands (as you'll see in my list) I get suckered in like the best of the popcorn chugging cell phone answering sumbitches that surround me each time I go to worship my all-points digital THX surround heaven. I love film, movies and straight to video, I don't discriminate, much like my obsessive love of The Three Stooges - I love all the Curly's.

(please note, I really don't have an obsessive love of The Three Stooges, but we have dated once or twice.)

I must, unfortunately, start my list with some sad news. I didn't get to see every film that came out this year. I saw a good 83.4% of the films I had a yearning to see, but as you know that leaves 19.3% that I didn't. Of those, I must say that "Children of Men", "The Queen", "Letters from Iwo Jima", "Pan's Labyrinth", "Little Children", "Volver", "Tsotsi" (2005, I know, but late here), "Half Nelson", among others that I just can't remember off the top of my head were casualties of living in the middle of nowhere. My little town, a cozy 300,000+ people, either did not see these in theater, or in all likelihood I couldn't get someone to come with me in that one week the film was playing, and...

What? Oh, right, the list... (each of the posters will link to the trailer)

10. Edmond

I didn't see this in theaters, in fact I didn't even hear about this until I was walking around Target one fateful afternoon and saw Bill's (yeah, we're on a first-name basis) face staring out at me. I remember thinking "wtf? How exactly did Bill get into a film without my knowledge??" Blasphemy! My repentance jumped up 10-fold when I saw that it was a Mamet screenplay. I picked it up for a whopping 7.99 (which scared me, Mamet has been known to miss, but Bill?) and I just didn't understand how this one was swept under a rug. And upon viewing, I really don't understand. Fans of Mamet and Bill Macy need to check into this one, especially if you've not heard of it. I've not seen Macy be as tight as he is in this film, and this thing goes to some dark places... of course if I would have written it, all the women would be more nakeder.

9. The Descent

Jesus... Christo... I think I might have screamed out for my mother on numerous occasions while viewing this flick. Luckily, I was pretty much alone in the theater... or unluckily. I don't think I'm ever going to step foot even near another cave again, let alone go inside one. I'll take a picture of it with a telephoto lens perhaps. Maybe look at it from afar with a... ok so yeah, I'll shut up about that. I'm not a huge horror fan, unless they break genre or revolutionize, and this one basically does both. The gore in it is horrendous, not because it's over-the-top, but because it's freaking realistic. I think I yelled at the screen for it to stop, but deep down, I didn't want it to. Well done.

8. Superman Returns

Yeah, I know, I know, two thrillers then we do a superhero movie? Yeah well I really loved this one, I don't give a damn what anyone says from the 'tru' fanboys, to the snobby nose-in-the-air "flickaphobe" (I really need to patent that word). I love the character of Superman, and although I've never thought about it as deeply as Bill (the one that died in that one movie), he's always been special to me. From the time that I ran around the house as a child with a towel strapped to my back wearing only my whities, up until the time I ran around the house as a man with a towel strapped to my back wearing my whities - I've always wanted to be him among all the superheroes to choose from. Like, no contest. And in this film, he's exactly the Superman I've always envisioned... I can't wait for the sequel.

7. Running Scared

Wow, what a night this film rides you through. I literally just finished watching this one, I missed it in the theater and if it weren't for Ebert's review I would have never seen it. Speaking of Ebert, he was absolutely right about how over-the-top this damn film is. I know what you're thinking, this guy is a moron. All he likes are mindless or gory action films and thrillers where Macy goes insane. Just you go and watch this thing. "Paul Walker is a dumbass", you'll think walking into it... then when you're done you'll be all like "Damn, I'm the dumbass for doubting El Presidente Pip and his cat-like powers." Don't get comfortable watching this thing, just when things are going along a groove the entire universe implodes and starts over. Although it is totally unrealistic, I still love it... the poor kids though, they're going to need some serious therapy.

6. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

I never watch TV, but several of my friends recommended "Da Ali G Show" to me knowing that it would be right up my alley. I still haven't gotten around to it, but I sure as hell did watch the Borat movie. Yes, it's everything that everyone has said it was, and I laughed really fucking hard. I simply love that it offends everyone and is being sued by everyone it is offending. My kind of movie.

5. Casino Royale

Yeah, there he goes again with his stupid ass action movies - and a Bond movie, no less!! The nerve! I personally like about maybe half of the Bonds that were made, but this one is my personal favorite. I have no real attachment to any of the guys that have played the Bonds of the past, but I will say I do now. Daniel Craig is an excellent actor, and he does this with a scary sort of insanity right around the edges, yet maintains the sexiness of Bond on the whole. Smart, sexy, fun and sprawling. Everything you need in a Bond flick.

4. Marie Antoinette

I really, really dig Ms. Coppola's style. All of them have been a sort of hypnotic meditation on the story rather than an a-b arc. I always get swept up and this was definitely no exception. I was a bit curious as to what all the bitching about historical accuracy was going on about. It's been said by much more eloquent hands than these about what it really is about, and really all of her films are about the same thing. I guess it's really lonely being a girl? Or is it all the girls look at us guys like: "Fuck, that's all we got?" Thus the lesbian is born. What was I talking about? Oh yeah! If you missed this one for some reason, or liked Ms. Coppola's other work I highly recommend this one, I loved it to pieces.

3. The Departed

Simply a powerhouse. A lot of whiners were bowing down to this as the best Scorcese in a long time... pssh I say to these folks. He's been making great films all along the way, this just happens to have so much muscle behind it you can't not pay attention. This was one of the rare times I saw the original version before it was remade here in The America, and to be honest there were just a few minor things that I missed about the original. Namely little details in the ending... but all in all, everything was perfect. Bravo.

2. Little Miss Sunshine

No other film this year (and since Amelie probably) left me with such a feeling of happiness. This film gives the entire gamut of emotions which I love so much, while still at its core just being an amazing, sweet tale woven together masterfully and acted out with such love that I literally have to gush this out like a Care Bear Stare right into your eyes. Go see it now if you haven't.

1b. United 93

I went into this film with a lot of trust, and I'm glad I did. I'm sure you've heard it to the gills about this movie by now as to how it plays... it's like you're there. There is no post-9/11, there is no nothing... there is just that terrible day and you live it. I was punched in the gut really hard by this one, probably sat in my seat trying to compose myself until the ushers were in there picking up popcorn. Doesn't matter what you think about anything, just see it... prepare yourself, then see it.

1a. The Fountain (yeah I know, couldn't decide between them)

I will start by saying Aronofsky is probably in my top three of working filmmakers. He connects with me and just makes such beautiful heart-wrenching films. Literally everyone in the theater walked out going "huh?", I know I was the only one from the people I went with that liked it - let alone liked it enough to make it my fav of the year. I guess it reminded me a bit of 2001 (maybe my favorite film) while bringing a love story into it - and a love story of such power that I was basically in awe of everything about the actors. I will cherish this story always.

So here it was... not perfect unfortunately, but until everyone starts sending me copies of screeners of everything, this is just going to have to do.

Love,
El Presidente Pip

Tex La Who?

2006-12-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

Tex La Homa
Good mellow music from UK based singer, composer Matt Shaw, his latest release, Into Timeless Shadows, a 6 song EP released in July is lovely in every way. Look for his new album Some Lost Bliss due out early 2007 in the US and Europe.

I would be lost in this world of chaos if it wasn't for music...With giant ice shelves breaking and executions happening I need somewhere to escape this madness...

Orange Moon

All Those Things

Tex La Homa, Into Timeless Shadows [Get it]

Bright Eyes

2006-12-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott are the guys behind Bright Eyes and although 2006 was a rather quiet year for the band they did release a collection of singles entitled, Noise Floor (Saddle Creek) on October 24th. Noise Floor has done a good job of passing the time until the release of their full length album due out Spring 2007. But before the full length Saddle Creek will get fans excited for the full length with the release of Four Winds an EP containing 5 B-sides due out March 7, 2007. Look for the band to perform some February dates as well.

Four Winds Track Listing:
1. Four Winds
2. Reinvent the Wheel
3. Smoke Without Fire
4. Stray Dog Freedom
5. Cartoon Blues
6. Tourist Trap

As we look to 2007 we can listen to a couple tracks from Noise Floor and a favorite track of mine from the 2002 release Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (Yeah longest album title ever)

I Will Be Grateful For This Day

Amy In The White Coat

Bright Eyes, Noise Floor [Get it]

Lover I Don't have To Love

Bright Eyes, Lifted or the Story is in the Soil... [Get it]

______________________________________

You may have noticed a lot of the files on this page are not working...Sorry for the inconvenience, first the bandwidth issue and now Filelodge is down for maintenance. Hopefully they won't be down for too much longer...I think I have used every hosting service available since the EZ debacle but I decided Dreamhost is a must in the new year.

Also, check out the New Year's Contrast Podcast, a perfect playlist to ring in 2007.

Plus go check out FiL's "choonz released in 2006 that made me a happy FiL" list it is awesome x5!

Pure Horsehair, Aubade

2006-12-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

I am not in the best of moods...I just finished listening to some terrible, terrible music; listening to such things usually influences my over all well being.

But it is alright because then I heard the music of Pure Horsehair (not the most appealing band name in the world but you get over it) and I began to forget all the other malarkey. Pure Horsehair reminded me that some of the best music is found where you least expect it to be.
I have a confession...I tend to stray away from the Country/Folk isle, which is really something I try to be aware of in my quest for music, but I must admit sometimes I avoid this section like the plague.

Pure Horsehair though is a perfect example of why I need to suck it up and browse the feared Country/Folk section.
I do agree that you can most certainly hear the country folk influence in Garrett Devoe 's acoustic melodies, however I wouldn't strictly classify his new album, Aubade as country.

Anywho, give it a listen and decide for yourself...If you like Damien Jurado, The Lancaster Orchestra, Jose Gonzalez or Sparrow Horse I suggest checking out Pure Horsehair.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and all of their wishes came true :) Mine was rather uneventful but quiet and peaceful, that is always good.

I know that Marcy got a kick ass turntable, but I would love to hear some of your favorite gifts or memorable moments from the holidays...
Notice how I talk about the holidays in the past tense? This is because if I hear one more Christmas/Holiday tune I think I might lose it.

Alright I am going to bed...Hopefully tomorrow I will wake-up and it will be Saturday morning, that would be sweet!

All Is Fine, All Is Well

The Sun is the Source (highly recommended)

Pure Horsehair, Aubade [Get it]

Part 2: 2006 Track Picks

2006-12-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I have been a bit busy, I apologize for the delay. I decided to edit the title a bit here because the "Leftover" was causing some confusion...

These song picks are some of my favorite songs of the year from bands who were not present on either my Album or EP lists, the following list is my top 20 song picks:
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

I Don't Mind (mp3 expired)
Trespassers William, Having [Get it]

The Dead Tree Gives No Shelter (mp3 expired)
Blue Sky Black Death, A Heap Of Broken Images [Get it]

Through Wounds We Soon Will Stitch (mp3 expired)
A Whisper In The Noise, As The Bluebird Sings [Get it]

All Fires (mp3 expired)
Swan Lake, Beast Moans [Get it]

Fidget and Fudge (mp3 expired)
White Whale, WWII [Get it]

Gold Lion (mp3 expired)
Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Show Your Bones [Get it]

Elephant Ears (mp3 expired)
Boat, Songs That You Might Not Like [Get it]

My War (mp3 expired)
Emma McGlynn & The Monorails, The Murder Set [Get it]

And Now That I'm In Your Shadow (mp3 expired)
Damien Jurado, And Now That I'm In Your Shadow [Get it]

La La (mp3 expired)
Cortney Tidwell, Don't Let The Stars Keep Us Tangled Up [Get it]

Sleep Sweet (mp3 expired)
Home Video, No Certain Night or Morning [Get it]

Anna Lee (mp3 expired)
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltson, Broom [Get it]

The Seed (mp3 expired)
Nobody & Mystic Chords of Memory, Tree Colored See [Get it]

Hear A Song (mp3 expired)
Ian Love, Ian Love [Get it]

Lie To Me (mp3 expired)
Devics, Push The Heart [Get it]

What If You (mp3 expired)
Joshua Radin, We Were Here [Get it ]

Speeding Cars (mp3 expired)
Imogen Heap, Goodnight and Go [Get it]

St. Lawrence (mp3 expired)
Helene, Routines [Get it]

Hope (mp3 expired)
The Submarines, Declare a New State [Get it]

Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone (mp3 expired)
Islands, Return to the Sea [Get it]

Spoon Fed

2006-12-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post "Leftovers Part 2" this evening but I guess we don't always get what we want right?

People suck! And by people I refer to the clients that called me today...

"Hi, this is so and so, from blah blah and I was wondering when we were going to receive a proof. I submitted it on Monday and I am going to be gone ALL next week and I wanted to send it to print..."
She MUST know that every single one of the other clients I handle submitted on Monday as well right?

...I can't tell you how hard it was for me to hold back, "FUCK OFF!!!" on the 5th or 6th call, I couldn't even talk because it took everything I had to hold it in. Then this one client called and rubbed the fact that she was taking all next week off as well (even though I have worked with these people for the last 10 months and I know for a fact they have taken plenty of fucking time off! It must be nice right?) So I ask her when she will be departing tomorrow...9am.

FUCK YOU!!!! You will have a proof awaiting you in the morning!

And to top off this HOLIDAY BULLSHIT tra la la hell...I am seriously over playing chicken shit with the rest of the people in the office in answering the phone, I lose consistently and it is sad.

I can't wait till the New Year so I can get the fuck out of this hell hole. I seriously think I officially had it after today. Anyways got the work done, proof is awaiting her...And if she doesn't approve it or submit changes by the time I walk in that office door...

Yeah so I am going to bed...Here are a couple of tracks from Spoon, off one of my favorite albums, Gimme Fiction (2005, Merge).

Two Sides / Monsieur Valentine

I Summon You

Gimme Fiction [Get It]

It is raining here though that brings a smile to my face, other things that bring a smile to my face:

Coxon posted his "Favourite Songs of 2006" over at his blog To Die By Your Side

Marcy posted her "Favorite Songs of 2006" over at her blog Lost In Your Inbox

Charlie posted his "The Best 30 Singles of 2006" over at his blog Nerd Litter

And Marcy has a post about Jesus and sticks...Just kidding heart on a stick says send in your lists for the 2006 Music Bloggregate (you can find out more details if you follow the links) :P

Alright good night!

Manchester Orchestra Spring Tour

2006-12-21T02:34:00.000-08:00

Photo By: Don Van Cleave

Oh this was good news, which helped me to forget the overall shit of a day I had.

The Manchester Orchestra posted the following on their Myspace:

SPRING TOUR WITH BRAND NEW

Mar 15: Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom

Mar 16: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

Mar 17: Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre

Mar 18: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

Mar 20: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Mar 21: Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre

Mar 22: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

Mar 23: Milwaukee, WI @ Rave at The Eagles Club

Mar 24: Kansas City, MO @Beaumont Club

Mar 25: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre (16 +)

Mar 27: Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

Mar 29: Seattle, WA @ The Fenix

Mar 30: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

Mar 31: San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theater

Apr 3: Hollywood, CA @ Avalon Hollywood

Apr 4: Hollywood, CA @ Avalon Hollywood

Apr 5: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

Apr 6: San Diego, CA @ SOMA

Apr 7: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre

Apr 9: Dallas, TX @ Ridglea Theatre

Apr 10: Austin, TX @Stubb's BBQ

Apr 11: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

Apr 12: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues

Apr 13: Orlando, FL @House of Blues

Apr 14: Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution

Apr 16: St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing

Apr 17: Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

Apr 19: Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

Apr 20: Norfolk, VA @ NorVa

Apr 21: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!

Apr 22: New York, NY @Irving Plaza (16 + )

Apr 24: Boston, MA @ Avalon

Apr 25: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
__________________________________

Notice how I high-lighted not one but two shows they will be playing in my neck of the woods. Rich, are you responsible for this or wait you are some sort of undercover genie aren't you? :)

Since I removed the links to my 2006 Album picks , I thought I would give those who haven't heard these guys an opportunity to see what I am all excited about...

Don't Let Them See You Cry

I'm Like A Virgin Loosing a Child [Get It]
You can listen to more of their songs here

Check out Coxon's "Favourite albums of 2006" over at his blog To Die By Your Side
Pajo is good shits...It is a damn fine list.

Part 1: 2006 Leftover Track Picks

2006-12-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite tracks from 2006 which were NOT present on my 2006 Album or EP lists. So basically this means these are my leftovers from dinner at one of my favorite restaurants.

Kapeesh? The first set may contain some picks that may seem like odd ball selections coming from me...But you know sometimes I have to stir things up a little, keep you all on your toes. ;-)

Some files will only be available for a couple of days, then I am yanking them. If you like what you hear then go out and support the band by purchasing something from them. Thanks.

My Love (link removed)
Justin Timberlake (Featuring T.I.), Single Version

Providence (link removed)
TV On The Radio, Return To Cookie Mountain

(Video) Harrowdown Hill
Thom Yorke, Eraser

Left Side Drive (link removed)
Boards Of Canada, Trans Canada Highway

Arrhythmia (link removed)
R/R Coseboom, Beneath Trembling Stars

I am To You (link removed)
A Lily, Wake:Sleep

Us Ones In Between (link removed)
Sunset Rubdown, Shut Up I Am Dreaming

Dark Star (link removed)
Beck, The Information

2006 EP Picks

2006-12-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Edit- SOME FILES ARE NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO BANDWIDTH SUCKING LEECHING WEBSITES. IF BANDWIDTH EXCEEDS THE LIMIT THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE CHARGE. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

Below are my ordered 2006 EP picks, enjoy and let me know what you think.

1. Elephant Gun [mp3 expired]
Beirut, Lon Gisland EP [Get it]

2. Back Home To Harlem [mp3 expired]
The Rosewood Thieves, From The Decker House EP [Get it]

3. Don't Leave [mp3 expired]

Frankel, Chatterbox EP [Get it]

4. High On A Hill [mp3 expired]
The Little Ones, Sing Song EP [Get it]

5. Trouble [mp3 expired]
Voxtrot, Your Biggest Fan EP [Get it]

6. Your Unknown [mp3 expired]
Le Firm, Flugsport EP [Get it]

7. Atrophy [mp3 expired]
City-State, "Wolves" + 4 [Get it]

8. When I Am Gone [mp3 expired]
Sparrow House, Falls EP [Get it]

9. Roll Down The Hill [mp3 expired]
Fields, 7 From The Village [Get it]

10. Dark Rooms [mp3 expired]
Tom Thumb & the Latter Day Saints, Kindermusik EP [Get it]

And although 3epkano doesn't deem their debut album an EP...I think it should be considering it is 6 tracks with a running time of 31 minutes but I wanted to mention this Self Titled album again because I think it is one of the better instrumental indie-rock albums of this year. Check out the website for some free downloads.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to FiL over at Pogo A Go-Go
You are the greatest FiL!

BBC With A Hawk And A Hacksaw and Tour News

2006-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

The third album from Albuquerque native Jeremy Barnes but the first album with Heather Trost on violin. The Leaf Label release of The Way The Wind Blows is a gypsy folk dance with an influence of Romanian musicians, Fanfare Ciocarlia, striking brass instrumentals and the romantic melody of violin strings and old world style accordion.
(Zach Condon from Beirut also contributes his trumpet expertise)

Like Beirut this duo has a deep appreciation for music and instrumental sound, something I think music these days often neglects. A sophisticated beautiful album that deserves to be heard.

A Hawk And Hawksaw will be on the BBC Radio 3 show, Mixing It today (Friday) and will be available online for a week after the aired session.

They will also be joining Of Montreal on tour for some shows in January. Also according to their record label The Leaf Label:

"Jeremy and Heather will be back in Europe for another tour in May 2007, where they will perform with a group of handpicked Hungarian musicians. There will be a new release to coincide with the tour."

Courtesy of The Leaf Label a couple of tracks from AHAAH's new album, take a listen and if you think you have heard AHAAH before I highly recommend taking another listen.

In The River

The Way The Wind Blows

Album available for purchase HERE (UK) and HERE (US)

All Time Favorite #6

2006-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Will: I wanna move up to Nashua, get a nice little spread, get some sheep and tend to them.

Oh yes, the famous Good Will Hunting. When this film came out I was obsessed, watched it all the time...Still do. Although, I do believe all the hype about this movie has affected me a bit, but that is with most things and if I ignore it I can still find myself lost in the dialogue of this film, especially the conversations of Robin Williams and Matt Damon's characters.

I have to admit though I think I enjoyed the soundtrack of this film most of all. An Elliott Smith dominated soundtrack with tracks by Al Green, The Dandy Warhols and an original score by Danny Elfman make this film and soundtrack my All Time Favorite #6.

Angeles - Elliott Smith

Good Will Hunting Soundtrack
also available on
Either/Or

Elliott Smith, we miss you.

2006 Album Picks

2006-12-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

This was not easy…Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite album and selected song from that album in the comments. My other list will follow but for now here are my 2006 Album Picks:

-EDIT-

A couple of things, Alexi Murdoch's track just below entitled Shine starts out kind of funky, as if it is messed up but it is not so do keep listening.

Also, his next show is no longer in Chicago his next stop is Utah for the Sundance Film Festival and then I do believe he will be coming back to LA for a free instore at Sea Level Records on Dec. 28th.

Shine

Alexi Murdoch, Time Without Consequence [Buy]

Not a big surprise? I don't know how many times I have mentioned this wonderful human being in the last year, his full length debut was released on June 3, 2006 independent style. If you haven't checked out his album after all of the times I have suggested it, or if you have still not purchased it then I seriously weep for you. He just recently completed his tour...His next show is in Chicago Illinois, check his myspace for more info.

Injoy

Sol Seppy, The Bells Of 1 2 [Buy]

When I first heard Sol Seppy (aka Sophie Michalitsianos, who has collaborated with Sparklehorse) I had a "slow motion" kind of moment; where everything appeared to be gracefully moving around me to the enchanting melodies composed by this classically trained musician. Soft piano notes complement Sophie’s chilling vocals on tracks like, "Gold" and heavy rock driven synths meld with a deep hypnotic beat on tracks like "Move". The Bells of 1 2 whisks you away with striking arrangements that you hope will never end, an impressive debut to say the least.

Triggering Back (excerpt)

Benoît Pioulard, Précis [Buy]

This debut album is magnificent and proves that the greatest albums are the one’s you least expect. Précis is an album compiled of lush instrumentals which move through the air as Meluch's haunting vocals blend together flawlessly. A mesmerizing full length album compiled of dark electronic folk-rock that is amazing and is certain to leave you breathless.

Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)

Beirut, Gulag Orkestar [Buy]

Gulag Orkestar is the debut album by Albuquerque native now Brooklyn resident Tom Condon that has captured indie-rock fans everywhere. Balkan brass inspired arrangements and rhythmic drums accelerate the romantic twelve piece instrumentals with such a passionate energy it is astounding. Condon’s voice…Leaves me utterly speechless; there is so much emotion in every lyric, in every note that I find it hard to stop listening. I think that is what resonates with me the most, the spirit and pure love for music that Condon puts into every intricately constructed song, it is really quite inspiring. And although Beirut had to cut their tour short due to Condon’s hospitalization from exhaustion, you know he is writing up a storm.

Knights of Cydonia

Muse, Black Holes and Revelations [Buy]

I didn't see this one coming and what I mean is I simply didn't for see that their album would be on my end of the year list, especially not my end of the year album list. I think what impressed me the most about this album is the bands apparent drive to progress their sound and progress they did. This album is a multi-genre roller-coaster; they draw from previous legends such as Queen yet manage to maintain their own unique sound. Expanding their guitars to sound greater than ever while mixing in spacey synth electronics, dramatic piano based melodies and Bellamy's memorable piercing vocals. They push themselves to the very edge of the sound barrier and it is outstanding.

The Funeral

Band of Horses, Everything All the Time [Buy]

In order to avoid sounding redundant I am going to link to my previous post. I think Band of Horses just blew everyone away with their outstanding song, The Funeral. Unfortunately because it is such an amazing song the rest of the album is overlooked. Like Chad mentions here this album has more to it than just one great song, “The First Song” and “The Great Salk Lakes” are good examples of other stand-out tracks from Everything All the Time.

Matchbox

The Kooks, Inside In/Inside Out [Buy]

This is another album that has been on my headphones all year since its release in January. This post-punk rock band from the UK has a solid catchy tune that is fresh and filled with a rebellious energy that you can’t help but like. Another band that manages to draw from all genres, they sound good loud with tracks like “If Only” and they sound just as good when they turn the amps down and play acoustic melodic songs like “Seaside” and “Got No Love”.

Where Have You Been? (myspace)

Manchester Orchestra, I’m like a Virgin Loosing a Child [Buy]

As I type this it comes as a bit of a surprise to be including it on my list, but this is really a fantastic album by this Atlanta based band. “Where Have You Been?” is a song of epic proportions, with Andy Hull’s intense sorrowful voice piercing along with the pounding drums and delicate guitar melody that builds into a passionate ballad that resonates in your mind. They have even managed to bring me to tears a couple of times with the beautiful grief-stricken; “Sleeper 1972” (although I am a little embarrassed admitting that). I highly recommend checking them out.

Now, I just wish they would come to California…They don’t even need to come to LA, I would take a road-trip if necessary. Rich, do you think you could tell them to get their asses to California? ;- P

The Greatest

Cat Power, The Greatest [Buy]

This album reminds me of an old friend and when it first came out I loved it, listened to it daily for months. Then well it suddenly became difficult to hear Chan Marshalls honest lyrics and I retired The Greatest to my shelf where it remained for months until one day for no particular reason I returned to it, dusted it off and synced up my pod and revisited Chan Marshalls slow revealing vocal melodies and even though it hurt a bit listening, it didn’t matter because I can’t deny how wonderful songs like, Hate and The Greatest are and I also after a 3 year break I can’t deny what a triumphant return Marshall has made with this album.

10.

Mountaintops In Caves

Talkdemonic, Beat Romantic [Buy]

Beat Romantic combines traditional instrumentals with modern electronic beats creating some of the most moving arrangements. Kevin O’Connor is the individual behind Talkdemonic and for this album has brought on Lisa Molinaro on Viola for a fantastic collaboration of sound, together the duo create sophisticated emotionally charged “foltronic-hop”.

Please Stand By

2006-12-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

Minor technical difficulties...

Album list is done though, sometime today I will post it.

I know I am such a tease!

A Band

2006-12-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

It is officical Band Of Horses have become one of my favorite bands. I love Ben Bridwell's voice and their genre defying arrangements.

So since they appear on the newly released OC Mix #6: Covering Our Tracks I thought I would share even though the rest of the blogosphere seems to be sharing it as well. But the rest of the blogosphere is not sharing this demo track of theirs...So yeah enjoy.

This is it until Monday kids when I post my end of the year lists. Have a great rest of your weekend!

-Edit-

mp3 files fixed, thanks Tad for the heads up ;-)

The End's Not Near
Band of Horses
OC Mix #6: Covering Our Tracks (2006)

I Lost My Dingle On The Red Line
Live Demo courtesy of 3Hive many moons ago

To The Moon

2006-12-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

I currently have a badge that says "I AM Acting My Age" (I think it is going to be a movie put out by Newline...Wait can I say that? If I disappear we'll know why...But I liked it because of what it says). "See You On The Moon! Songs For Kids of All Ages" is lovely in a tender pop-tastic kind of way. I mean how could you go wrong with covers like "Puff The Magic Dragon" by Broken Social Scene.

Cheers!

Puff The Magic Dragon - Broken Social Scene (a tad long)

Max - Junior Boys

Buy See You On The Moon!

~Edit~

Stop by Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands and check out Chad's "Top Records of 2006" (Part II, Top 10)
Also, FiL over at Pogo A Go-Go posted a awesome Punk X-mas Mix that whipped me into the holiday spirit!

A Debate

2006-12-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

Chime in...

In compiling top/fav/best albums and songs of the year, do you:

a) Include songs from your selected albums as contenders for your song list?

b) Choose your album list but exclude any songs from those albums from being eligible for your song list?

Does this make sense? Because I look at the albums on my list as a whole (meaning I look at all the songs on the album and how many songs on the album are good etc. etc.) and I think that excludes any songs that I might favor over the other songs on the album from being eligible to be on my song list...So I am just wondering what you all think...

Hopefully this makes sense, you should have heard this debate last night...

My actual post for today will come later... :-)