Moose In A Box

Look Mexico

2011-11-01T16:48:00.000-04:00

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.

Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground live session and interview

2011-08-07T15:53:00.001-04:00

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.

Awesome Interview: The Fall of Troy

2011-07-10T02:12:00.002-04:00

Miss this band.

Adventure Time

2011-07-08T13:10:00.002-04:00

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

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

2011-07-05T15:34:00.003-04:00

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

Read the whole thing here.

Poem 1

2011-06-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

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.

Explosions In The Sky Oral History (Link)

2011-06-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

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)

2011-06-28T14:47:00.001-04:00

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

2011-06-28T12:42:00.001-04:00

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.

Live Review: White Denim 6/23 in Philly

2011-06-27T13:08:00.004-04:00

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!)

RIP Gil Scott-Heron

2011-06-25T12:18:00.004-04:00

Live Review: Portugal. The Man 6/3 in NYC

2011-06-17T01:33:00.000-04:00

Head over to AtlanticRecords.Com or click this link.

http://atlanticrecords.com/news/portugal-the-man-at-webster-hall/

Wish I was at Bonnaroo

2011-06-08T13:51:00.000-04:00

Dr John is playing with The Meters!!

The Eric Daino Ensemble

2011-05-24T20:52:00.001-04:00

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.

Awesome Video: White Denim - "Drug"

2011-05-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

White Denim - Drug from One Story Productions on Vimeo.

Lionel Hampton

2011-05-08T14:41:00.002-04:00

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.

Fun Record: By Surprise - Mountain Smashers

2011-05-04T22:33:00.003-04:00

Mountain Smashers by By Surprise

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

4/26/2011 Playlist

2011-04-26T16:09:00.001-04:00

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)

4/19/2011 Playlist

2011-04-19T16:06:00.001-04:00

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)

4/12/2011 Playlist

2011-04-12T16:10:00.001-04:00

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)

My Take: Wilco - Impossible Germany

2011-03-29T17:13:00.001-04:00

"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"

2011-03-29T13:13:00.000-04:00

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!

Rodney Mullen on Skateboarding (& beyond)

2011-03-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

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

via Evan Campbell

3/15/2011 Playlist

2011-03-15T16:01:00.000-04:00

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

Bob Lefsetz on The Gateful Dead

2011-03-08T19:36:00.009-05:00

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

2011-03-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

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)

3/1/2011 Playlist

2011-03-01T15:27:00.003-05:00

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)

Mulatu Astatke - Yegelle Tezeta

2011-02-27T22:55:00.003-05:00

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!

2/22/2011 Playlist

2011-02-22T15:15:00.004-05:00

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)

2/15/2011 Playlist

2011-02-15T15:36:00.003-05:00

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)

Geek out time; Juan Alderete

2011-02-09T21:58:00.002-05:00

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.

2/8/2011 Playlist

2011-02-08T15:09:00.004-05:00

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)

Dustin Wong/Ponytail

2011-02-07T13:44:00.007-05:00

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.

Pat Metheny on Kenny G

2011-02-05T17:48:00.002-05:00

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

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

If only marketers took this to heart

2011-01-28T01:01:00.002-05:00

from Hugh MacLeaod of gapingvoid via hypebot.

Fawm

2011-01-28T00:44:00.002-05:00

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/

New Explosions in the Sky album & tour

2011-01-25T21:56:00.003-05:00

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.

Death From Above 1979 w/ Max Weinberg

2011-01-19T11:59:00.002-05:00

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.

The Black Keys and Vampire Weekend on Colbert

2011-01-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

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 Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

MeTunes - Grammy Vote - Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney & Ezra Koenig

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

Video Archive

Scott Klopfenstein Leaves Reel Big Fish

2011-01-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

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.

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

Happy 50th Wayne Coyne!

2011-01-13T17:06:00.006-05:00

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...

2011-01-13T16:53:00.003-05:00

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?

Tom Hanks & Yogi Bear Rap

2011-01-11T13:09:00.003-05:00

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

Tera Melos & Marnie Stern Tour!

2011-01-06T15:22:00.006-05:00

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.)

Life is Funny: LCD Soundsystem on NPR

2011-01-05T15:20:00.005-05:00

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

2011-01-05T01:36:00.002-05:00

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)

Learn to Dance the JB way

2011-01-04T13:49:00.002-05:00

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.

Review/Free LP Download: A Garden Overgrown - The Lost Art of Conversation

2010-12-31T14:22:00.011-05:00

I'm jealous of the residents of Maryland. Ive been apart of a few different local scenes over the years in Jersey and Delaware and they've been mostly full of sloppy, derivative, and some what shitty bands. Yet you sometimes find a gem. A Garden Overgrown is one of those gems. Armed with a solid 35 minuete release, these guys should rise to the top of the local MD scene and beyond.

While obvious inspiration for AGO comes from bands like Explosions in The Sky and Thursday, they find ways to keep The Lost Art of Conversation from being a pure tribute to the post rock and emo trail blazers. Album opener "Go, Mordecai!" lies closest to EITS territory with their use of the common post rock tools of reverb, sleigh bells, and gradual crescendos. "Starboard" branches out to a more indie/emo sound with more of a focus on the revebed out and almost Geoff Rickley reminesent vocals. Album midpoint "Cassini Division", while still in character with the rest of the record, brings a welcomed change of pace with the use of minor keys, distortion and screamed vocals. Album closer "With Enless Love, We Left You Sleeping" has a more spacy vibe complete with a perfect spoken word intro before rising to a dramatic conclusion.

The Lost Art of Conversation is solid first outing for A Garden Overgrown with only a few drawbacks that are to be expected with any new band. The songs can sound a bit derivative at times, lying very close to their aforementioned influences. There are some moments that could be mistaken for an EITS record. The other drawback for me comes in the mixing of the vocals. While the album sports quality production with excellent instrument tones, the vocals are a bit low in the mix at times and have a bit too much reverb for my taste. This can make it somewhat difficult to decipher the lyrics.

All in all, this album is a great introduction to a new band and works very well on repeat listens. A Garden Overgrown is off to a good start and it should be fun to see them grow and develop.

Full Album Download;
http://www.mediafire.com/?pzcr928vpvl56if

Bootsy Collins explains the funk

2010-12-30T19:07:00.000-05:00

Required Viewing: Parks & Recreation

2010-12-26T23:46:00.009-05:00

If you, like myself, have some spare time on your hands this week, may I recommend you check out the fantastic NBC comedy Parks & Recreation.

Parks & Recreation revolves around the parks department of small town Pawnee, Indiana and stars an amazing ensemble cast including Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari. While the first season sure had its highlights, during the second season the show developed into one of the great shows on TV.

P&R marries a high amount of quality jokes with supreme character development, which draws you closer with each successive episode. Amy Poehler portrays main character Leslie Knope, the perennial do-gooder, well meaning and often oblivious #2 at the Pawnee Parks department. From the pretentious hipster teen intern April (Aubrey Plaza) to the well meaning police officer Dave (Louis CK), each character adds something special to the show. As the second season goes on, be it through making fun of the hapless Jerry or helping Leslie overcome a sex scandal, you can start to feel these people become a more cohesive unit.

While new comedy superstar Aziz Ansari is obviously a highlight, its Chris Pratt's Andy character that consistently brings in the laughs. The upbeat, down on his luck idiot displays exactly why the show is so great; hes hilarious, somewhat destructive and a little sweet.

While Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) is the familiar boss archetype character that's been done before, Offerman brings it a new life. Ron is the pessimistic head of the department who is lazy and shows outward disdain for his work and coworkers. Yet instead of falling into the repetitive trap of a Dr. Cox (Scrubs) type character, Ron gives the viewer and the characters on the show a reason to care about him. Through the slow reveal of who the Ron character is, you get drawn to a character you least expected to. And this is what is so miraculous about this show compared to others. After only 30 episodes, almost every character has gone through some sort of crucial transformation, that has redefined their character.

Without giving anything else away, I'll just say this series is a must see and truly raises the bar for network TV comedies. If you don't trust me check out Time Magazine's analysis or The AV Club's glowing year end review.

You can catch up of the first two seasons on Netflix or for free on Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/parks-and-recreation)

30 min Interview With Always Sunny Creators

2010-12-25T23:13:00.003-05:00

This 30min interview with Rob McElhenney & Glenn Howerton chronicles the creation of the show all the way through to today. Its pretty great and if you are looking for more great interviews, check out The Sound Of Young America.
The Sound of Young America

Paramore's Awesome Break-up

2010-12-22T18:23:00.002-05:00

So the drummer and guitarist of Paramore just quit the band and rather than disappearing quietly, they have written a blog exposing Paramore as a manufactured band put together by Hayley, her dad, Atlantic Records and their managers. Click the link below to read all the details.

Tetelestai: Josh and Zac's Exit Statement

Jeff Tweedy putting concert goers in their place

2010-12-18T18:14:00.003-05:00

Theres nothing i hate more than people talking during the quiet/moving moments of a show. Ive had to confront quite a few people at Explosions in The Sky, Mogwai and Maps & Atlases shows to the point of yelling as they were ruining the show for everyone trying to listen. These are shows you'd typically expect people to be respectful at. So its really great to see Jeff Tweedy call people out like this, but its also sad it had to come to this. Please don't be this person when you go to shows.

12/10/2010 Playlist

2010-12-10T14:03:00.002-05:00

Today I played some of my favorite releases of the year on this show, including 2 song blocks from my top 3 favorites.

Fang Island - Daisy (Fang Island)
Fang Island - Sideswipper (Fang Island)

Maps & Atlases - Israeli Caves (Perch Patchwork)
Maps & Atlases - Banished Be Cavalier (Perch Patchwork)

Good Old War - Thats Some Dream (Good Old War)
Good Old War - Sneaky Louise (Good Old War)

Dr. Dog - Shadow People (Shame, Shame)

The Budos Band - Rise of the Ancients(III)
Soulive - Eleanor Rigby (Rubber Soulive)

Dirty Projectors & Bjork - Beautiful Mother (Mount Wittenberg Orca)
Dirty Projectors & Bjork - When The World Comes To An End (Mount Wittenberg Orca)

Tera Melos - Frozen Zoo (Patagonian Rats)

Circa Survive - Strange Terrain (Blue Sky Noise)

New/Free Snowing LP

2010-12-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

PA band Snowing recently put out a new full length “i could do whatever i wanted if i wanted.” for free and it can be downloaded at http://www.snowingtheband.com/

Snowing is a great band, and in their music you can really hear a sense the fun they have playing it. No pretension here. The vocals may be a little abrasive at first, but by the 3rd song in you'll be lovin it. So enjoy the new record and through some dollars toward a good DIY band.

The Dear Hunter - Colors EP

2010-12-08T15:40:00.000-05:00

Top be honest, I havent kept with this band as of late. I really dug Act II, but had no interest in Act III as it sounded like a little more of the same. But with the new "Colors" project (an ep for 9 different colors) and this video from the Green EP I think ill be comin back for another round.

12/3/2010 Playlist

2010-12-03T14:10:00.003-05:00

Sonny Rollins - Pauls Pal (Tenor Madness)
Wes Montgomery & Jimmy Smith - Baby Its Cold Outside (Dynamic Duo)

Wilco - Impossible Germany (Sky Blue Sky)
The Flaming Lips - Waitin for A Superman (The Soft Bulliten)

Wes Montgomery - When A Man Loves A Women (Greatest Hits)
Wes Montgomery - Scarborough Fair (Greatest Hits)

The Black Keys - Black Mud (Brothers)
Rx Bandits - Bury It Low (Mandala)

Medeski, Martin & Wood - Philly Cheese Blunt (The Dropper)

Medeski, Martin & Wood - Sun Sleigh(The Dropper)
The Budos Band - Reppirt Yad (III)

Esperanza Spalding - Live at NPR

2010-12-01T14:25:00.002-05:00

After seeing this i think im gonna have to go pick up a hard copy of her new album Chamber Music Society. She is actually blending genres, and not in the way that bands say when they are trying to differentiate themselves in press releases. Awesome arrangements, melodies, swagger, its got it all!

My Kid Will Watch Yo Gabba Gabba!

2010-11-20T22:03:00.001-05:00

11/19/2010 Playlist

2010-11-19T14:16:00.003-05:00

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

Portugal. The Man - Colors (Censored Colors)

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Melting Chariots (The Apocalypse Inside of An Orange)
The Budos Band - Black Venom (III)
The Budos Band - Budos Dirge (III)

Coconut Records - West Coast (Nighttimin)
Sigur Ros - Gódan daginn (Meo...)

Big D & the Kids Table - She Knows Her Way (Strictly Rude)

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings on Conan

2010-11-16T02:12:00.000-05:00

Downloading doesnt hurt artists?

2010-11-15T14:08:00.001-05:00

Matt Embree;

"The fact of the matter is if you download music from an independent artist, you are taking anywhere between 5 and 8 dollars from that artist. If you steal it from an artist on a major label, you're taking like 10 cents to a dollar, and the principle is the same, but in the end, I think that what I'm trying to say is the majority of the financial hurt goes on."

Recommendation; Tera Melos

2010-11-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

Prepare to get your mind fucked up. Review coming later.

11/12/2010 Playlist

2010-11-12T14:08:00.003-05:00

Wild Orchid Children - Birth Of A Cabin (The Wild Orchid Children Are Alexander Supertramp)
Rx Bandits - Bled To Be Free (Manadala)

The Flaming Lips - Race For The Prize (The Soft Bulliten)

Hellogoodbye - When We First Met (Would It Kill You)
Hellogoodbye - Betrayed By Bones (Would It Kill You)

A Great Big Pile Of Leaves - We Don't Our Heads (Have You Seen My Prefrontal Cortex?)

John Scofield - Hottentot (A Go Go)
The J.Bs - Doint It To Death w/ James Brown (Doin' It to Death)

Conan O'Brien - And they Call Me Mad? (And They Call Me Mad? 7")

Into It. Over It. - Batsto (52 weeks)
Into It. Over It. - Anchor (52 weeks)

Cast Spells - A Badge (Bright Works & Baton)

In need of more riffs? Might I reccomend Wild Orchid Children.

2010-11-09T20:28:00.002-05:00

Today they released their debut LP ..Are Alexander Supertramp, but to get a good taste check out a live set recorded just a few weeks ago. It RIPS.

11/5/2010 Playlist

2010-11-05T14:03:00.002-04:00

Tera Melos - So Occult (Patagonian Rats)
Tera Melos - Kelly (Patagonian Rats)
Tera Melos - The Skin Surf (Patagonian Rats)
Maps & Atlases - Carrying The Wet Wood (Perch Patchwork)

Dirty Projectors - Rise Above (Rise Above)

Explosions in The Sky - First Breath After A Coma (The Earth is No a Cold Dead Place)
Bright Eyes - We Are No Where & Its Now (I'm Wide Awake & Its Morning)
A Great Big Pile of Leaves - Alligator Bop (Have you Seen My Prefrontal Cortex?)

John Legend & the Roots - Wake Up Everybody (Wake Up!)
John Legend & the Roots - Our Generation (Wake Up!)

The Sound of Animals Fighting - Chinese New Year (The Ocean & The Sun)
The Sound of Animals Fighting - Uzbekistan (The Ocean & The Sun)

10/29/2010 Playlist

2010-10-29T14:04:00.004-04:00

Streetlight Manifesto - We Will Fall Together (Somewhere in the Between)

Tera Melos - Frozen Zoo (Patagonian Rats)

Big D & The Kids Table - Deadpan (Strictly Rude)
Big D & The Kids Table - Snakebite (Strictly Rude)

Soulive - Up Right (Up Here)

Dr. Dog - The Ark (Fate)

The Sound of Animals Fighting - Intro (The Ocean & the Sun)
The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean & The Sun (The Ocean & the Sun)
The Sound of Animals Fighting - Ahab (The Ocean & the Sun)

Fela Kuti - Zombie (Zombie)

Russian Circles - Philos (split w/ These Arms Are Snakes)

10/22/2010 Playlist

2010-10-22T14:03:00.003-04:00

Rx Bandits - Bring Our Children Home (or Everything is For Nothing) (Mandala)
Santana - Incident at Neshabur (Abraxas)
Wes Montgomery - I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face (Full House)

Grant Green - Minor League (Solid)

The Budos Band - Unbroken, Unshaven (III)
The Budos Band - Black Venom (III)
The Budos Band - River Serpentine (III)

The Flaming Lips - Conviced at Hex (Embryonic)

White Denim - I Start to Run (Fitz)
Portugal. The Man - Bellies Are Full (Church Mouth)

Funkadelic - I Bet You (Funkadelic)

The Budos Band

2010-10-17T21:56:00.000-04:00

My favorite track off the new album.

10/15/2010 Playlist

2010-10-15T14:06:00.003-04:00

Eli Reed - Young Girl (Come & Get It)
Eli Reed - Name Calling (Come & Get It)

Bruce Springsteen - Tenth Avenue Freeze Out (Born To Run)

Avett Brothers - Shame (Live, Vol. 3)

Limbeck - Big Drag (Live at WVUD)
Dr. Dog - Station (Shame, Shame)

Maps & Atlases - Pigeon (Perch Patchwork)
Dirty Projectors - Temecula Sunrise (No Intention + Bitte Orca (Expanded Edition))

The Roots/John Legend - Compared To What (Wake Up)

The Mars Volta - L'Via L'Viaquez (Frances The Mute)

Jimmy Buffet - A Pirate Looks At 40

Free Moral Agents - Little Trouble Girl (Control This)

I can get behind this.

2010-10-12T03:28:00.002-04:00

http://www.ticketfeelitigation.com/

Alright take that TicketMaster!

10/8/2010 Playlist

2010-10-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

Free Moral Agents - Dragon Paw Control This)
Hotel Of the Laughing Tree - Track 2 (Old Domain)

Good Old War - Get Some (Good Old War)

Portugal. The Man - And I (Censored Colors)

Dr. Dog - The Ark (Fate)

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

Free Moral Agents - North is Red (Control This)
The Budos Band - Budos Rising (TheBudos Band II)

The Mars Volta- Cassandra Gemini I (Frances the Mute)
The Mars Volta- Cassandra Gemini II(Frances the Mute)
The Mars Volta- Cassandra Gemini III(Frances the Mute)
The Mars Volta- Cassandra Gemini IV(Frances the Mute)

Live Review: Royal Family Ball ft Soulive @ Terminal 5 - New York - Sat, Oct 2, 2010

2010-10-04T14:06:00.009-04:00

Featuring Soulive, Lettuce and Nigel Hall along with a myriad of other guests, this night proved to be unbelievable. As I arrived a bit late, I only heard a bit of the last song by soul-revivalist Nigel Hall. While I was bummed I didn't get to see more of his solo set, I knew he'd be back for more in just a bit.

After a grabbing a beer i nestled into a cozy spot near the back of the floor and prepared my mind and feet for one of the world's best funk bands, Lettuce. The band didnt disappoint and got the crowd moving early with "Blast Off", the first cut off their most recent album "Rage!" They followed it up with a few more instrumental tracks before bringing up Talib Kweli. He performed two songs, including a great version of his hit "Get By" along with Nigel Hall. Soon after, out came guitar legend John Scofield. This is where the show really started to heat up. Scofield knocked it out of the park with some wild lines and effects during "The Flu" from Lettuce's 2002 album "Outta Here" (video below). Christian Scott, Big Sam, Maurice Brown, The Shady Horns, and Rashawn Ross all also shined heavy during the hour plus set each taking extended solos. As the set concluded, every one was freaking and I couldnt help but think "that was just the opener".

Lettuce w/ John Scofield

Soulive then played close to an hour and a half set featuring crowd favorites such as a horn charged version of "El Ron" and closer "Too Much". They opened the set however with a medley of Beatles songs found on their new record "Rubber Soulive". Sco came back out and was joined by all the horn players from before, and with the crowd's energy really brought it to the next level. As Big Sam was pumpin out a ferocious solo mid-set, you could see Christian Scott diggin just how amped the crowd was getting. Some were dancing, others nodding their heads and a few high-fiving after each song. Another special guest, guitarist Warren Haynes, came to the stage and killed the classic "Born Under A Bad Sign". Near the end of night Kraz and Sco squared off in the Scofield tune "Hottentot" and produced some of the nights most exciting solos. For an encore they played a James Brown song I believe, with Nigel Hall leading the band through a succession of horn hits and multiple bows, ending the night perfectly.

Really, this show was the most fun Ive had in recent memory. It was full of grooves no one could resist dancing to and incredible and sincere musicianship. A night thatll stay engraved in my mind for quite some time.

10/1/2010 Playlist

2010-10-01T14:07:00.002-04:00

Maps & Atlases - Will (Perch Patchwork)
Maps & Atlases - The Charm (Perch Patchwork)
The Walkmen - Juveniles (Libson)

Wilco - Jesus Etc (Live At The Vic Theatre)

The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You (I and Love and You)
Cast Spells - Letters (Split w/ Good Old War)

John Scofield - A Go Go (A Go Go)
Lettuce - Express Yourself (Rage!)

The Black Keys - Tighten Up (Brothers)

Weezer - Tired of Sex (Pinkerton)
The Promise Ring - Is This Thing On (Nothing Feels Good)

Cap'n Jazz - Little League (Analphabetapolothology)

9/24/2010 Playlist

2010-09-24T14:04:00.003-04:00

Good Old War - Good (Good Old War)
Good Old War - Here Are My Problems (Good Old War)
Maps & Atlases - Israeli Caves (Perch Patchwork)

The Young Veins - Change (Take A Vacation!)

Yes - Ive Seen All Good People (The Yes Album)

Diego Paulo - California (Cafe Con Leche)

Eli Reed - Found You Out (Come & Get It)
Eli Reed - Tell Me What I Wanna Hear (Come & Get It)
Parliament - Handcuffs (Mothership Connection)

The Books - Beautiful People (The Way Out)

Weezer - Susanne (Blue Album)
Pavement - Cut Your Hair (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain)

Cast Spells - Potted Plant (Bright Works & Baton)
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook (Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust)

9/17/2010 Playlist

2010-09-17T14:06:00.002-04:00

Sly & The Family stone - Dance To The Music (Dance To The Music)
The Black Keys - Next Girl (Brothers

The Who - Heaven & Hell (Live at Leeds)

Funkadelic - Mommy Whats a Funkadelic (Funkadelic)

King Tubby - Base Dub (From The Palace of Dub)
Portugal. The Man - 1989 (Censored Colors)
Portugal. The Man - Our Way (Censored Colors)

Isley Brothers - Its Your Things
Lettuce - Express Yourself (Rage!)

Euphone - Whers The B (Hashin It Out)
Eli Reed - Young Girl (Come & Get It)
Eli Reed - Name Calling (Come & Get It)

Sly & The Family Stone - I Want To Take You Higher

9/10/2010 Playlist

2010-09-10T14:42:00.003-04:00

Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves - Come & Get It (Come & Get It)
Westbound Train - Ain't Gonna Be Easy (Come & Get It)

Westbound Train - Come & Get It (Come & Get It)

Maroon 5 - Misery*
HelloGoodbye - Here In My Arms*

Passion Pit - Little Secrets (Manners)
Portugal. The Man - When The World Ends (American Ghetto)

Wavves - King of the Beach (King of the Beach)
Maps & Atlases - Banished Be Cavalier (Perch Patchwork)

Dirty Projectors + Bjork - Beautiful Mother (Mount Wittenberg Orca)
Dirty Projectors + Bjork - When The World Comes to An End (Mount Wittenberg Orca)

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Window Shopping (I Learned The Hard Way)

*=Requests

9/3/2010 Playlist

2010-09-03T14:11:00.005-04:00

My first show of the year! Thanks for listening and the requests. Its gonna be a good year.

Fang Island - Daisy (Fang Island)
Sigur Ros - Inní mér syngur vitleysingur (Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust)

Maps & Atlases - Pigeon (Perch Patchwork)

Dirty Projectors + Bjork - Ocean (Mount Wittenberg Orca)
Dirty Projectors + Bjork - On And Ever Onward (Mount Witeenberg Orca)

Dr Dog -I Only Wear Blue (Shame, Shame)

The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 2 (Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)

The J.B.'s - Pass The Peas
The J.B.'s - Gimme Some More (live)

Good Old War - Thats Some Dream (Good Old War)
The Beatles - Blackbird (The White Album)

The Black Keys - Everlasting Light (Brothers)
The Clash - London Calling (London Calling)

Bright Eyes - At The Bottom of Everything (I'm Wide Awake, Its Morning)

Review: Dirty Projectors + Bjork - Mount Wittenberg Orca

2010-09-02T00:47:00.009-04:00

Sometimes I loose my way, and I think we all do. We forget where we come from, we we're going and what things mean to us. I fell like I'm in a constant battle sometimes with remembering why I do the things I do. I listen to music so often and rely on it so heavily that I forget about the magic it can bring. But every once in a while, when I need it most, I hear something that makes me inspired to live. Many albums recently have made me feel this way, including the new Maps & Atlases album, and I hope many will continue to make me feel this way. Currently I just can't help but feel genuinely happy, when I hear the relentless harmonies and aahs radiating from the new Dirty Projectors & Bjork collaboration EP Mount Wittenberg Orca. It is a little weird, especially on first listen, but its the unique qualities that get stuck in my head and make me come back for more. "What was that?" followed by "I need to hear that again" has been my general response.

All this said, I think if you are just getting into the Projectors definitely start with Bitte Orca as its their most accessible. This along with Rise Above make for excellent second steps. All I can hope is that whether its from music, family, friends or another source, I can find the same type of joy and wonderment I get while listening to this EP.

Recommendation: Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork

2010-08-28T00:54:00.003-04:00

Take a listen, give it a few days, and when youre ready, come back here. We'll discuss.

This is why Rx Bandits are the best

2010-08-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

New Tera Melos Video. Prepare yourself

2010-07-30T16:55:00.000-04:00

How do you find your music?

2010-06-19T16:33:00.003-04:00

Ah Middle School. I remember counting down the days with anticipation to see the premiere of the new Sum 41 Video on TRL, waiting in my parent’s parked Volvo to finish listening to a Brand New song on the radio, and of course eating up every second of Blink 182 closing out the MTV Video Music Awards by jumping around with fireworks and little-people on trampolines. Now it may just be that I’ve gotten older, or possibly that I want to feel hipper, but to me these more traditional outlets I used to look at for music seem to have faded. MTV has canceled TRL and the New York rock radio station K-ROCK switched to an all talk format for over a year. Does this scary trend where reality shows and talk radio replace music point to something more significant? Are people really listening and demanding less music than they were just a couple years ago? No. But one thing that has changed that is the way that people are discovering new music.

What are the typical ways that someone has found music in the past 60 years? The dominant force has been radio which is a format that has had a rather tumultuous history. The payola scandals, where DJs were paid to play certain songs, have been on-going since the 50s. In an interview with Alternative Press, legendary DJ John Gorman said in the 1980s, in order to get a song on a major market radio station, the labels would have to pay an average of $5,000 per song. For Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” to be played, each station had to be paid $10,000. New forms of payola took place in the 1990s where labels could buy blocks of radio time to play their own music. With new laws and pressure from the government, the scrutiny has cooled down a bit in recent years. Still, radio now looks to another force on what to play. MTV.

In the past 29 years, MTV has become a powerful force in youth culture, and a considerable source for new music. While the network began as a hot bed for new emerging artists and sounds, it quickly turned into something different. The current MTV playlist is hardly based on creative videos or great songs, but rather what will attract viewers and advertisers. Atlantic Records video commissioner and owner of Refused TV Cathy Pellow said in an interview with Paste Magazine, “Everything is based on numerics and statistics, and that’s what has ruined both commercial radio and MTV; you used to have DJs and VJs who could pick music to play—now it is all playlists made by the corporation. There is no room for soul, or intuition or instinct.”

While these companies are playing what they think will attract viewers, quite the opposite is happening. According to kingsofar.com, radio just had it’s worst year since 1954. 2009 also marks radio’s 9th consecutive struggling year. MTV is not fairing too well either. According to Variety, MTV’s ratings dropped 23% in the fourth quarter of 2008 with their key demographic, 12-34 year olds, and as a result they unveiled 16 new unscripted reality shows in 2009. This is in addition to hundreds of layoffs at the network and the recent announcement that they will be dropping “music television” from their logo.

So what does this all mean? It seems to show that rather than discovering music through commercial radio or MTV, people are discovering it through each other. With the advent of file sharing, streaming sites and cd-rs, people can trade music they enjoy freely and discover it more organically. Less people are hearing what they’re “supposed” to hear and are instead embarking on their own aural journeys.

This isn’t to say that people aren’t looking to sources about what to listen to. Services like Pandora and Last.FM are popular and for good reason. They give music recommendations based off music qualities and what people with your tastes are listening to. Sites like Pitchfork and Stereogum are also thriving, and podcasts as well as blogs continue to take off. And although these services are still functioning as businesses, they aren’t aiming to please the masses. Since they aren’t yet part of large-scale corporations, they can focus on the niches and quality content in order to profit.

For me it is nice to think that music listeners aren’t just quantifiable numbers and an age group that some man behind a desk can try to manipulate into buying something. It’s kind of cool to be able to think of listeners again as art appreciators and not just consumers.

5/20/2010 Playlist

2010-05-20T17:05:00.005-04:00

This was my final show of the semester and I want to thank everyone for listening, showing me new music, being a guest on my show and supporting me in any way. I can't wait to do it next year!

Artist - Song (Album)

Rx Bandits - Untitled (And The Battle Begun)
Rx Bandits - And The Battle Begun (And The Battle Begun)
The Dead Weather - Blue Blood Blues (Sea Of Cowards)

Dr. Dog - I Only Wear Blue (Shame, Shame)
MGMT - Brian Eno (Congratulations)

The Bamboos - Typhoon (4)
Suburban Legends - Hey DJ (Dance Like Nobodys Watching)
Goldfinger - Superman (Hang Ups)

Portugal. The Man - The Pushers Party (American Ghetto)
Minus The Bear - Hold Me Down (Omni)

Big D & the Kids Table - What The Hell Are You Going To Do (Gypsy Hill)

Fang Island - Davy Crockett (Fang Island)
Andrew WK - Party Hard (I Get Wet)

5/13/2010 Playlist

2010-05-13T17:09:00.006-04:00

On this show I interviewed 4/5 of Diego Paulo about their new album coming out this weekend, live shows, ka-bobs and a bunch of other stuff. My recommendation, definitely check this album out. You can stream some tracks on myspace.com/diegopaulo.

Ted Nugget - Cat Scratch Fever * Request for Walt

Diego Paulo - Schekere
Diego Paulo - New Girl
Diego Paulo - California
Diego Paulo - Katie Anna Perry

All songs from "Cafe Con Leche"

5/6/2010 Playlist

2010-05-06T17:13:00.003-04:00

Artist - Song Title (Album)

Cast Spells - Glamerous Glowing (Bright Works and Batton)
Dr. Dog - Where'd All The Time (Shame, Shame)

Foxy Shazam - Wanna Be Angel (Foxy Shazam)
Foxy Shazam - Count Me Out (Foxy Shazam)

Minus The Bear - My Time (Omni)

Circa Survive - I Felt Free (Blue Sky Noise)

Lettuce - Sam Huff's Flying Raging Machine (Live From Brooklyn)
Streetlight Manifesto - Birds Flying Away (99 Songs of Revolution)

Good Old War - Texas Blues (Split)
Cast Spells - Letters (Split)

4/29/2010 Playlist

2010-04-29T17:07:00.004-04:00

Played some psychedelic jams on this show, and got to feature the premierw of Diego Paulo's track Holiday.

Artist - Song (Album)

Maps & Atlases - Witch (You & Me & The Mountain)
Dirty Projectors - Cannibal Resource (Bitte Orca)

Diego Paulo - Holiday (Cafe Con Leche)
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt II (Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)

Caribou - Odessa (Swim)

Funkadelic - I Got a Thing, You Got a Thing, Everybodys Got a Thing (Funkadelic)
Can - Vitamin C (Tago Mago)

The Mars Volta - Cicatriz ESP (De-Loused In The Comatorium)

Andrew WK - Party Hard (I Get Wet)

4/22/2010 Playlist

2010-04-22T17:19:00.003-04:00

Circa Survive - Get Out (Blue Sky Noise)
Maps & Atlases - You & Me & The Mountain (You & Me & The Mountain)

These two were requests from Josh Lowe and Mike respectively,
Rx Bandits - Who Would've Thought (Progress)
Death Cab For Cutie - Long Division (Narrow Stairs)

Coconut Records - Minding My Own Business (Nighttimmin')

Dr. Dog - The Ark (Fate)
Caribou - Sun (Swim)

James Brown - Funky Drummer

Miles Davis - Spanish Key (Bitches Brew)

4/15/10 Playlist

2010-04-15T17:07:00.003-04:00

On this show I played all of Tera Melos' Complex Full Of Phantoms to start off with.

Tera Melos - 555-9676
Tera Melos - Party With Tina
Tera Melos - When Worms Learn To Fly
Tera Melos - Melody 9
Tera Melos - Last Smile For Jaron

Fang Island - The Illonois (Fang Island)
Weezer - Falling For You (Pinkerton)

James Brown - Mother Popcorn

Dr. Dog - Stranger (Shame, Shame)
Panic At The Disco - Nine In The Afternoon (Pretty. Odd)
The Beach Boys - Sloop John B (Pet Sounds)

The Sound Of animals Fighting - On The Ocassion Of Wet Snow ( The Ocean & The Sun)

4/8/2010 Playlist

2010-04-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

Artist - Song (Album)

Lettuce - Move On Up (Rage!)
Westbound Train - Aint Gonna Be Easy (Come And Get It)
Sam Cooke - A Change Gon' Come
Dr. Dog - Shadow People (Shame, Shame)
Simon & Garnfunkel - Ceclia
Good Old War - No Time (Only Way To Be Alone)
Parliament - Give Up The Funk (Mothership Connection)
Soulive - Backwards Jack (Up Here)
Grateful Dead - Dark Star (Live/Dead)
Grateful Dead - Truckin

New Dr. Dog Album!

2010-04-06T16:02:00.003-04:00

Dr. Dog's new album is finally here, and its great. I've been on a non-stop Dr. Dog binge for the past few weeks, so this album comes at the perfect time.

Shame Shame - Dr. Dog

3/25/10 Playlist

2010-03-25T17:06:00.008-04:00

Dr. Dog - The Rabbit, The Bat and The Reindeer (Fate)
Portugal. The Man - Do You (The Satanic Satanist)
Akron/Family- The River (Set Em' Wild, Set Em' Free)
Local Natives - Camera Talk (Gorilla Manor)
The Raconteurs - Salute Your Solution (Consolers of The Lonely)
Westbound Train - Ain't Gonna Be Easy (Come And Get It)
Medeski Martin Scofield & Wood - In Case the World Changes Its Mind (Out Louder)
Quantic Soul Orchestra - Hands Of MY Love (Pushin On)
Rx Bandits - In Her Drawer (..And The Battle Begun)
Panic! At The Disco - But Its Better If You Do (A Fever You Can't Sweat Out) *Request for Spencer
The Flaming Lips - Fight Test (Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)
Jaga Jazzist - One Armed Bandit (One Armed Bandit)

3/18/10 Playlist

2010-03-18T18:01:00.004-04:00

Dr Dog - My Old Ways (We All Belong)
Florence & the Machine - Dog Days Are Over (Lungs)
Portugal. The Man - The Sun (The Satanic Satanist)
The Walkmen - Weve Been Had
Quantic Soul Orchestra - Pushin On (Pushin On)
Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others (The Veckatimist)
Suburban Legends - All Around The World (Infectious)
Parliament - Dr. Funkenstein (The Clones of Dr Funkenstein)
The Flaming Lips - Fight Test (Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)

This was also during WVUD's Radiothon!

Dr. Dog New Song/Live Set

2010-03-18T01:49:00.004-04:00

Recently Dr. Dog released a new song from their forthcoming new album "Shame Shame" on Stereogum (found here) entitled "Shadow People". Its really quite great, and I am excited for the new album. To tide me over though I found a live set of theirs, which I have embedded below.

Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com

Foxy Shazam is Gonna Blow Up

2010-03-17T13:46:00.001-04:00

My music prediction for 2010, Foxy shazam is gonna blow up. Just wait and see.

Save Ferris Is Almost Too Ska

2010-03-13T13:01:00.001-05:00

Best part of the song? The added half time trombone solo, so good.

3/11/10 Playlist

2010-03-11T17:10:00.008-05:00

Playlist for March 11th, 2010. This show also featured the premiere of my new segement of the 5:30 funk block (which started with The Budos Band on this show).

Fang Island - Daisy (Fang Islnd)
The Flaming Lips - She Don't Use Jelly (Transmissions From The Satellite Heart)
Dirty Projectors - No Intention ( Bitte Orca)
Algernon Cadwallader - Foggy Mountain (Fun)
Broken Bells - Vaporize (Broken Bells)
Portugal. The Man - Do What We Do (American Ghetto)
Local Natives - Airplane (Gorilla Manor)
The Budos Band - Chicago Falcon (The Budos Band II)
Bodega - Heady Funk
Parliament - Funkin For Fun ( The Clones of Dr Funkenstien)
The Walkmen - Louisiana (A Hundred Miles Off)
Grizzly Bear - Ready, Able (The Veckatimest)

New Jaga Jazzist Album!

2010-03-09T13:59:00.002-05:00

More great blending of jazz, electronica, and psychedelia from this awesoe Norwegian nine piece band.

And a side note, this site Lala rules. Its a great place to go and test out an album for free without downloading or buying.

One-Armed Bandit - Jaga Jazzis...

Good Old War @ UD Tomorrow!!

2010-03-03T00:31:00.006-05:00

I book shows at the University of Delaware with an on campus group called Take The Mic and while its always a rewarding experience, its even better when you love the bands playing. That happens to be the case with the show tomorrow as one of my favorite bands, Good Old War, will be playing. This event took some planning and effort but its all gonna be worth it. Also playing are two really great local bands Diego Paulo and My Friends. Everyone in Delaware should come out and party! Ill see you there.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Good Old War
w/ Diego Paulo & My Friends
Doors: 6:30
FREE!!
Bacchus Theater in the Perkins Student Center
325 Academy St Newark, DE 19717

Here are some of my favorite Good Old War tunes;

New Portugal. The Man album Streaming!

2010-03-03T00:10:00.000-05:00