Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Look Mexico

Look Mexico just released a new EP which is worth the listen, but the best starting place is with the Gasp Asp EP. I love this song.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground live session and interview

Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground : Audiotree Live : Complete from Audiotree Live on Vimeo.


Ya if you cant make it to their current tour check out this awesome video from Audio Tree. Thanks dudes for putting this together!

Im seeing them tonight in Brooklyn, so expect a review from me in a few days.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Adventure Time



Adventure Time and Regular Show are 2 of my favorite programs, period. Sometimes, this shit gets out.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

How Much Does It Cost To Make a Hit Song? (Link)

Heres a really insightful and credible article from NPR that delves into the makings of a pop record.

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Read the whole thing here.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Poem 1

Let it consume you me as the walk has come to take us
The emptiness is comforting and we gladly make way
Then almost on cue, the trucks sing and yell for their fallen wranglers



I may post some poetry or writings here from time to time because, why not? This may also be the only one I ever do. Either way I kinda like this one and its my first Sijo, a Korean poem you can find out more about here.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Explosions In The Sky Oral History (Link)

Its repost Tuesday!

The AV Club continues to churn the good articles with "From West Texas to the Billboard 200: An Explosions In The Sky oral history". How did this band make it? They were fucking good. End of story. Read it it here.

Awesome Portugal. The Man Interview (link)

Damn, I love a good interview. I spend alot of time nerding out, reading interviews and trying to peice together how my favorite bands have gotten to where they are.

And today I found a great one. Its a lengthy interview with one of my, at this point obvious, favorite bands Portugal. The Man. Its with a site called You Aint No Picasso, a site which Ive never heard of but did a great job and delved deep into all facets of the new album. I read half of it and had to stop as it goes pretty deep into the specifics of some songs, songs which arent availble yet (grrr). Defintley gonna come back to it though.

Check it here.

P.S. great this pictures lol.

'Born this Way' Commentary

Theres been ALOT written about Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way', as there should be. Its the biggest album and music focused thing that is going to happen this year. While Adele's album continues to be a monster, its Gaga who has captivated our attention.

And while I've read commentary from The New York Times, Bob Lefsetz, NPR and countless others, its the The Av Club that digested it all and put it best. If commentary on the music business and pop culture is your thing, I reccomend you check it out here.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Live Review: White Denim 6/23 in Philly

The Bowery Presents review illustrates my feelings exactly on the night. It was one of those shows that you leave with new vinyl in hand, listen to the band's records the whole way home, and just feel inspired and invigorated. They were really on a whole other level from most current rock bands. To sum it up best, White Denim continuously showcased their excellent musicality while maintaining a strong focus on melody. I can't recommend seeing these guys live enough. Well worth the traveling from NYC, $10 cover and 2 hours of sleep I got that night.

Check out video and an ok review of the show here and some pictures coutresy of WXPN here. (Im in one of em!)

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Wish I was at Bonnaroo


Dr John is playing with The Meters!!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Eric Daino Ensemble

Electric Sidewalk (3AM) LIVE by The Eric Daino Ensemble

My friend Eric Daino recently moved down to Texas and in less than a year has managed to put together an awesome collective thats starting to release some interesting music. Judging by the demos he sent me last year, this Live ep is gonna be a good listen.

My favorite part of the first single Electric Sidewalk (3AM)? During the sax solo at about 4:20, a violin joins the groove laid down by multiple guitars, keys, bass and horns to elevate the song to an exciting climax.

You can find their facebook page here.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Lionel Hampton



Hamp's ''Flyin' Home'' had made some reefer-smoking Negro in the second balcony believe he could fly, so he tried-and jumped-and broke his leg, an event later immortalized in song when Earl Hines wrote a hit single tune called ''Second Balcony Jump.''(p.77) - The autobiography of Malcolm X.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Fun Record: By Surprise - Mountain Smashers



"Artichokes with lettuce, corn on the cob with roses."

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

4/26/2011 Playlist

My friend Dave Swanson from Universal Funk Order & Imperial Stormlooper joined me for a little interview.

Sigur Ros - Gobbeldigok (Meo Sayun...)
Maps & Atlases - Banished Be Cavalier (Perch Patchwork)

Dirty Projectors - Temecula Sunrise (Bitte Orca)

Sonny Rollins - Paul's Pal (Tenor Madness)

Fela Kuti - Monday Morning In Lagos (45)

Tune-Yards - My Country (WHO KILL)
Tune-Yards - Es So (WHO KILL)

Mean Lady - Lonely (Kid Friendly EP)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

4/19/2011 Playlist

I aired an interview I did with Thomas Hunter of Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, Wild Orchid Children, Forgive Durden etc. I will be uploading the interview asap but in the mean time download his solo record for free here. Download it. It is AMAZING.


Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground - Bowie The Desert Pea (S/T)

Wild Orchid Children - Ahead of Us the Secret (..Are Alexander Supertramp)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - White China March (S/T)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - A Vaugley Pregnant Piece of Nothing (S/T)
Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - Strange Sad Music (S/T)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

4/12/2011 Playlist

Career retrospective for Rx Bandits, my favorite band. Also my friend Lauren came on to talk about Tune-Yards.

Rx Bandits - Untitled (...And The Battle Begun)
Rx Bandits - And The Battle Begun (...And The Battle Begun)

Rx Bandits - Wrong With Me (Halfway Between Here and There)

Rx Bandits - Consequential Apathy (Progress)
Rx Bandits - Analog Boy (Progress)

Rx Bandits - Taking Chase as the Serpent Slithers (The Resignation)

Rx Bandits - To Our Unborn Daughters (...And The Battle Begun)
Rx Bandits - Crushing Destroyer (...And The Battle Begun)

Tune-Yards - Gangsta (WHO KILL)

Rx Bandits - Bled To Be Free (Operation) (Mandala)

Rx Bandits - In Her Drawer (...And The Battle Begun)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

My Take: Wilco - Impossible Germany

"Impossible Germany" is the 5:52 third track from Wilco's album Sky Blue Sky, the album and track that introduced guitarist Nels Cline into the line up. The song starts with 3 guitars playing a rather ominous melody with Jeff Tweedy singing some repeated phrases before breaking out into a calm and rather euphoric guitar solo.

Its the kind of moment in music that might make you uncomfortable. I didn't know what to think of it. At first I laughed, after all the sustained major petatonic licks and jazz interjections could be presented as a parody. But as you let your guard down, it becomes apparent that this is a moment completely without irony. It is what it is, an epic guitar solo floating on a cloud-like blanket of chords and rhythm and a moment of peace.

As Im sitting here transcribing it on my guitar, I am still excited by it as I listen to it over and over. Its a sincere moment where the musician took down his defense shields and let out his inner expression, and for that I thank you Nels Cline.

Awesome Video Alert: White Denim "I Start to Run"



I love so many things about this video. The casting of these crazy ass dudes. The 70s zoom in from far away shots. The absolute perfect marriage of the music with the proper pacing of the shots. Whenever I hear this song certain images are burned into my brain. The guy stumbling and falling at 2:10 as the keyboards enter, the demented kidnapper at 1:44 as the "wo-hos" are added to the third time through the fucking amazing riff, theres so much greatness here!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Rodney Mullen on Skateboarding (& beyond)

Great heartfelt interview with a person who has learned alot about creative expression and their relationship with their chosen medium.



via Evan Campbell

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

3/15/2011 Playlist

White Denim - Have It Just The Way We Were (Last Day of Summer)
Akron/Family - So It Goes (ST II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT)

Ivan & Alyosha - I Was Born To Love Her (Fathers Be Kind)
Bright Eyes - We Are No Where And Its Now (I'm Wide Awake Its Morning)

Iron & Wine - Tree By the River (Kiss Each Other Clean)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - Window Mouth (White china Gold)
White Denim - Incaviglia (Last Day of Summer)

Steve Wilson - The Lexter

White Denim - Light Light Light (Last Day of Summer)

Mean Lady - Rain (Kid Friendly)
Delicate Steve - Don't Get Stuck Proud Elephants (Wondervisions)

Bruce Springsteen - Rosalita

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Bob Lefsetz on The Gateful Dead

Below is a great article about The Grateful Dead and the way they shaped their career. While many envy their following, few try to emulate their methods.

Many friends of mine don't go to shows because they'd rather sit at home and casually listen to the CD. This is true for many bands. There's no event.

However there's bands like Rx Bandits, Phish, Portugal. The Man, Soulive and tons more that make their shows events. These are the best shows because you see something unique!

Before I appropriate any more of his points to my examples, heres Bob's article;

Lessons Of The Dead
by Bob Lefsetz

I went to see the Grateful Dead exhibit at the New York Historical Society. Thank God I slept late. Turns out they don’t open until noon. Finally, a rock and roll museum show!

Not that I’d recommend it. You see there’s very little there. It’s kind of like going to Carvel and getting only a dollop, going to In-N-Out and getting a cheeseburger or going to Mrs. Fields and getting half a cookie. We want the complete ice cream cone, shots and all, a Double Double, enough cookies to fly high above the astral plane on the sugar buzz. And that’s what the Grateful Dead delivered. It wasn’t a concert, but an experience. They played for hours.

And most people didn’t give a shit.

3/8/2011 Playlist

Portugal. The Man - Colors (Censored Colors)
Wilco - Impossible Germany (Sky Blue Sky)

Ivan & Alyosha - Glorify (Fathers Be Kind)

Maps & Atlases - If This Is (Perch Patchwork)
Maps & Atlases - Was (Perch Patchwork)
Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork (Perch Patchwork)

Rx Bandits - Apparition (...And The Battle Begun)
Mulatu Astake - Mulatu (Timeless)

Explosions In The Sky - The Birth and Death of a Day (All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - Tinfoil Slip (White China Gold)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

3/1/2011 Playlist

Ivan & Alyosha was kind enough to do a interview with me at the top of the show and I will soon have an audio recording of that up!

Ivan & Alyosha - Glorify (Fathers Be Kind)
Ivan & Alyosha - Easy To Love (The Verse, The Chorus)
Ivan & Alyosha - Beautiful Lie (Live at NPR)

Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground - Bowie The Desert Pea (S/T)

Mulatu Astake - Kasaléfkut Hulu (Timless)

Iron & Wine - Glad Man Standing (Kiss Each Other Clean)

Dr. Dog - From (Fate)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - A Vaguely Pregnant Piece of Nothing (White Chine Gold)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Mulatu Astatke - Yegelle Tezeta

Ive been meaning to get into African music for around 2 years and I finally got around to listening to at least one artist, and its great! Its from Ethiopia, was recorded in 1974 and is incredibly hip. If anyone has recommendations for more African tunes let me know!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2/22/2011 Playlist

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - White China March (White China Gold)
Bright Eyes - Four Wind (Cassadaga)

Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground - Diggin (Live at Daytrotter)
Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground - Birds (On a Day Like Today) (Live at Daytrotter)

John Scofield - Ideofunk (Uberjam)

B.B. King & Friends - Rock This House (w/ Elton John)

Charlie Christian - Kerouac
Grant Green - Solid (Solid)

Thomas Hunter & White China Gold - Strange Sad Music (White China Gold)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

2/15/2011 Playlist

Akron/Family - Last Year (Set Em Wild Set Em Free)
Iron & Wine - Half Moon (Kiss Eachother Clean)
Bright Eyes - Triple Spiral (The People's Key)

Weezer - Susanna (Blue Album Re-issue)
Yuck - The Wall (Yuck)

A Great Big Pile of Leaves - Bring Back Breakfast (Have You Seen My Prefrontal Cortex?)
The Beatles - Revolution (Love)

Santana - Batuka (Live Fillmore West July 4th, 1971)
Santana - No One To Depend On (Live Fillmore West July 4th, 1971)
Santana - Toussaint L'Overture (Live Fillmore West July 4th, 1971)

Less Than Jake - Last Train Out Liberty City (Hello Rockview)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Geek out time; Juan Alderete

If you like me love The Mars Volta, are a musician, and like to nerd out on gear you will love this 30 min interview with Juan Alderete about his effects rig. Its full of great info, demonstrations and moments of awesome; one of them being at around 15:30 you can hear Juan talk about the tremelo effect that you can hear so clearly on The Mars Volta's "A. Gust of Mutts" from their 06 live album Scabdates. This could be tedious to some, and fascinating to others, hopefully you fall in the later.You can watch it here or download it on iTunes.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2/8/2011 Playlist

Akron/Family - Love, Love, Love (Everyone) (Love Is Simple)
Delicate Steve - The Ballad of Speck and Pebble (Wondervisions)
Maps & Atlases - Carrying the Wet Wood (Perch Patchwork)

Akron/Family - Don't Be Afraid, Youre Already Dead (Love Is Simple)
Mean Lady - Indian Sun (Kid Friendly EP)

Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group - El Todo (You're Welcome)
Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group - My Horror is in Park, Drive Me Aqay Troubled Heart (You're Welcome)

Soulive - Signed Sealed, Delievered (Live @ The Paradise)

Fake Problems - Songs For Teenagers (Real Ghosts Caught on Tape)
Wavves - Post Acid (King of the Beach)

Akron/Family - River (Set Em Wild, Set Em Free)

Monday, February 7, 2011

Dustin Wong/Ponytail



Im pretty over alot of the loop stuff as it was over used in unimaginative ways during the mid 2000s. However, lately some people have been doing it justice. Case in point Dustin Wong.

Found out about this guy as he opened for Delicate Steve this past weekend in Brooklyn, and having missed the boat on Ponytail, I felt obligated to give him a listen. Pretty noodley, lots of delay, but if thats your thing you may dig this one.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Pat Metheny on Kenny G

Pat Metheny wrote an infamous short essay on Kenny G that is spectacular, take a read.

http://www.jazzoasis.com/methenyonkennyg.htm

Friday, January 28, 2011

If only marketers took this to heart

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from Hugh MacLeaod of gapingvoid via hypebot.

Fawm

Heres a cool thing I think I'm going to try to join in on. Fawm basically lays out a mission statement to write 14 songs over the course of the 28 days of February. More details at http://fawm.org/

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

New Explosions in the Sky album & tour



Take Care, Take Care, Take Care track-listing

1. Last Known Surroundings
2. Human Qualities
3. Trembling Hands
4. Be Comfortable, Creature
5. Postcard from 1952
6. Let Me Back In



This show is already sold out, so we can only hope more dates will be announced.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Death From Above 1979 w/ Max Weinberg

DFA 1979 reuniting for Coachella reminded me of this video from when they were on Conan years ago.



ps. never realized this was the Human Giant theme till today.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Black Keys and Vampire Weekend on Colbert

Everyone has probably seen this, but if you haven't, check out this fun piece of self aware musicians poking fun at themselves. Only on Colbert...

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
MeTunes - Grammy Vote - Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney & Ezra Koenig
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogVideo Archive

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Scott Klopfenstein Leaves Reel Big Fish

Sad day for ska and live music fans. As one of the three remaining longtime members in RBF, Scott contributed a certain essence to their performance and presence. Hes a fantastic musician who really completed the RBF sound by contributing vocals, trumpet and guitar (not to mention top notch stage banter). He will be missed, and live Reel Big Fish will never be quite the same. At least we have DVDs and youtube that we can still fire up when we all need that RBF fix.

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Message from Scott:

Dear Friends,

It is with overwhelming mixed emotions that I write this letter to announce my departure from Reel Big Fish. This decision has weighed heavily on the heart and mind of my wife and I. We found out in September that we were pregnant with our first child. A baby girl. We spent many nights debating back and forth over the subject of how to best arrange our lives to create the most safe and comfortable environment for our daughter. After much deliberation, we arrived at the conclusion that there was no way to create the home we envisioned without us both being present, to watch over and participate in the building of that home. Brick by loving Brick. In light of this announcement, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all for making one of the most important phases of my life as beautiful and rich as anything I have ever known. The man I stand as today is a direct byproduct of all of you wonderful people who have allowed myself and the rest of the guys to be apart of your lives. Those of you who have allowed us to entertain you in an attempt to make real human connections through our music. You all are true blessings in my life and I will never forget all that you have done for the band, my bandmates, my family and for me. I will deeply miss watching you all, as you dance, smile, sweat and sing along. No one could ask for a better group of fans, (fans almost seems like too crass a word to describe you all, but i lack a better word at the moment). Your love and support have always been the fuel that make Reel Big Fish continue to move forward. And when I tell my daughter stories of my time in the band, I will probably become misty eyed, like I am now, when I remember all of your beautiful faces. Please take care of yourselves and those around you. And remember, don’t let your dreams stand waiting in the wings. Invite them center stage. They need to be seen.

Much Love and Respect, Scott Allen Klopfenstein

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Happy 50th Wayne Coyne!



No matter how old you get, Wayne you will always inspire me. Getting the chance to see The Flaming Lips live was an amazing experience. I'd lie if I didnt tear up a bit hearing and seeing "Do You Realize" with my brother and one of my best friends this past 4th of July in Atlantic City. One day I hope to create something like Wayne, Steven and all current/past members of the Lips have.

Thanks,

Nick Harvey

If you like funk and are in the NYC area...

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GO TO THIS! If not for yourself, than please for me. Here you have possibly the worlds best current funk band (Lettuce) joined by the legend Maceo Parker. Oh, and did I mention ?uestlove is DJing and all the money goes to a charity? What could be better?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Tom Hanks & Yogi Bear Rap



Also did you know Dan Aykroyd is the owner of Crystal Vodka?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tera Melos & Marnie Stern Tour!

Fans of the wierd, poppy, complex and/or experimental rejoice for your tour of the year is here. Tera Melos released a pretty fucked up album last year (I mean that in the best way possible) that my friend Bill Nechamkin referred to as "the album Syd Barret would make if he were a product of today."

Joining them will be NY based female shredder Marnie Stern. Ex-Tera Melos drummer Vince Rogers will be behind the kit for Marnie Stern, and he KILLS. Vince is an excellent stand in for Zach Hill (who has played on all of her albums) and just too good to not be playing with someone. Dates listed below (count me in for the Philly date);


Tera Melos & Marnie Stern Winter Tour 2011
Feb 18 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Feb 19 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
Feb 20 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
Feb 22 - San Antonio, TX @ Ten Eleven
Feb 23 - Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Feb 24 - Dallas, TX @ Sons Of Hermann Hall
Feb 25 - New Orleans, LA @ The Parish Room @ HOB
Feb 26 - Tallahasee, FL @ Club DownUnder
Feb 27 - Orlando, FL @ The Backbooth
Feb 28 - Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn
Mar 01 - Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade
Mar 02 - Washington DC @ Red Palace
Mar 03 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
Mar 04 - New York, NY @ Santos Party House
Mar 06 - Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East
Mar 07 - Montreal, QU @ Il Motore
Mar 08 - Toronto, ON @ Wrong Bar
Mar 09 - Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strutt
Mar 10 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Mar 11 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Jr
Mar 12 - Denver, CO @ Moes
Mar 13 - Salt Lake City @ Kilby Court
Mar 15 - Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
Mar 16 - Portland, OR @ Branx
Mar 18 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill
Mar 19 - Sacramento, CA @ Sol Collective




(Also check out at the end of the video where she says some things very close to James Murphy in that she too was an asshole at 22 and is glad all of her success happened at a later age.)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Life is Funny: LCD Soundsystem on NPR

James Murphy recently gave an awesome interview on NPR syndicated program Sound Opinions. He talked alot about the arch of LCD Soundsystem's career and his own life including how he had opportunities to write for Seinfeld, produce for Janet Jackson and write with Britney Spears. Now instead of freaking out about these possible life changing opportunities, he was just kinda lazy and let them fizzle out. His view on the Seinfeld situation is summarized in this awesome quote;

"If the world had told me I was awesome at 22 I would have become an insufferable fuck. The world telling you that you're good before you figure out that the world doesnt really care and that what ever happens is funny really limits your enjoyment. I think failing consistently during my 20s set me up to be happy later in life. So much of our band is about being older."

I think this a refreshing view of life and I reccomend checking out the rest of the interview for more awesome nuggets like this.
James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem on NPR

Love You Moon



Well the pictures they tell me what it takes to be a man.
I need a high paying job and buy as much as I can.
And I aint’ really strong without a gun in my hand.
With a mouth full of meat I choke “United We Stand!”
I gotta drink, fuck, and fight and love my automobile.
And I pledge my allegiance to invisible boundaries.
And I can’t ever let no lady get the best of me.
Gotta keep that upper hand, Right?

— Matt Embree (Love You Moon)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Learn to Dance the JB way

Im on a massive James Brown kick right now. I will be forever envious of whoever got to see his out of control live show. Seriously amazing. If youve got some time, browse youtube to see on of the best shows ever.

Part of his legendary stage presence were his dance moves. My Mom hit it on the head when we were watching a live DVD a few days after Christmas. Although not a very big JB fan she said, "I love watching a person whos so in love and having so much fun with what they're doing." If anyone sees me playing music in the future, expect to see a few of these sweet moves.