My Many Moods

I just got M.I.A.'s new album, and it's pretty fucking fantastic. It's going on my best of 07 list for sure. I do this a lot, where I go into one mood for part of the day, and then I'm listening to the exact oposite. After I wear myself out by dancing in my room to Kala, I've been getting into Sparklehorse and Damien Jurado again. Especially the Ghost of David by Damien Jurado. That album used to be overlooked by me, for some strange reason. I always listened to it at the wrong times, like when I was reading something I would put a song on in the background and get bored, but when I sat down and actually listened to it with my full attention I got it. It's a really great album, front to back. It's one of the more personal sounding records he's down,, in my oppinion, probably just because it sounds pretty lo-fi. I'm convinced this man can do no wrog. Every album of his is excellent, and every time I listen to him my admiration just grows.
Here are my favorites from Ghost of David:
Desert
Great Today
Parking Lot

Buy The Ghost of David

Now about Kala. I know all the blogs are raving about it and M.I.A. is hot on the town right now, but sometimes you've just gotta forget about all the buzz and really pay the music some attention (I'm not saying that you don't... that's just a bad habit of mine, I get sick of hearing about things so I don't pay it attention). I shrugged it off at first after hearing Boyz and Hit That. I thought Bird Flu was great, but then those two tracks just annoyed me. But Hit That's not even on the album, and Boyz is the only track I don't like. It sounds like a more advanced Arular, there's more depth, but at the same time it's more fun and less serious. This is how sophomore albums should be done.
$20
Bamboo Banger
Hussel

Buy Kala

In other news...
If you read any other music blogs or have a myspace (which qualifies everyone reading this blog I bet) you've got the new Band of Horses track. I think it's really really good. That's pretty much all I can think of to say about it. It's good, and louder and faster than normal BoH. But not by much. Download it at their myspace.

Also, Sage Francis is having a remix contest, if you'd like to take a crack at Hoove Tracks in the Sand. Check it out here.

I bought Know By Heart by the Amaerican Analog Set, and I'm really loving it. I had a few tracks before but I knew i needed to buy some albums, and I don't regret it at all.
Million Young
Aaron & Maria

And I've been listening to lots of Kind of Like Spitting. Expect a blog feature about them soon!


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And I thought I should let you know I won't be blogging for another little while, Bumbershoot is this weekend!!! And this time i will give a full recap of it, with pictures and videos, but as a result it will probably take me aa little while also because school is starting on Wednsday for me. I'm pretty pumped. Hope this post will hold you over.

I'm back... again

Sorry, I should have said I was leaving for a trip for like 2-3 daysfor Lopez Island, in Washington. It was fun, my freind's mom let us use their cabin, and I won monopoly. That was a blast (as you can see by the picture).
Hmm... what to post? This blog is slowly turning into a "what-I'm-listening-to" blog, which is OK I guess. If anything, I think it's pretty cool. Sometimes I'll throw out playlists with themes or lists with MP3's, but trying to run news isn't the best thing for me, cause I just get everything from other blog's, that you probably read also.

So... Here's what I've been listening to:

Pigeon John - Do the Pigeon
At Lopez me and my friend played a ton of hip-hop. This tune was on constant rotation with us. It's so happy and easy going. This album's alright, sometimes it's great, but sometimes it's terrible actually. But seriously, I don't think you can be sad when you listen to this.
Buy The Summertime Pool Party

Dntel - Rock My Boat
This is going high on my best of '07 list for sure. This album is so good track by track. I'ts all real mellow and the electronics on it are genius. Way more adventerous than his last album or his work with Postal Service. This song's one of my favorites, it's got some dark sounding chords at the beginning that make it sound out of place, but definitely in a good way. Then in the chorus the guitar comes in and adds a whole new level to the song. I love it.
Buy Dumb Luck

Sparklehorse - It's Not so Hard
I got back into this album on the car ride back from Lopez. I almost forgot about it for awhile. It was deifnitely my favorite album of last year. It's Sparklehorse at it's happiest and poppiest. There are a few moments where it gets pretty loud, like this song, and I just love that. And the tracks that Danger Mouse produce are amazing.
Buy Dreamt For Lightyears in the Belly of a Mountain

DJ Shadow - Stem/Long Stem
On the drive up, I was tired so I just closed my eyes and listened to Endtroducing andlots of Dntel, which was perfect. Ambient, but lots of little things to peak your interest. I don't really need tot talk about this album a lot, it's already been hailed by so many other blogs probably. It is a classic. But this song especially. It's so epic and huge and different. I really really really recomend you listen if you're not already into this song. It's headphone music.
Buy Endtroducing...

Gorillaz - All Alone
As I got further into Rise of the Ogre, I got into the part about Demon Days, which got me more into the album. It's really cool and progressive. It flows way better than the first album, and it's way more polished. And the guest stars are even better. Roots Manuva just tears through this track and brings it to life.
Buy Demon Days

I'm back

Not really like I was gone. 2-3 days break, I dunno.
One thing I need to say though.

The day of the show MF DOOM called in and said he couldn't make it and cancelled. You have no idea how infuriated I was. DOOM apparently has this kind of reputation though, but it makes me lose a lot of respect for him as a person. So instead they got Redman to do the show, but who would want to see Redman??? I didn't, so hopefully my ticket will be refunded (my friend's mom is working on it).

I'll do a small recap of the KEXP BBQ pretty soon. It was very very good though. But the videos I took this time didn't come out as well... Bummer.

This post will be just a lot of collected things, like random songs and links, no real theme.

Here's a pitchfork interview with Aesop Rock. I don't like Pitchfork Media really (can anybody like their writers???) but I still read it cause they have a lot of important news and sometimes an interview like this comes up and it's really good.

I've been going in and out of music moods really rapidly lately. I get really into lots of acoustic folky stuff and then within an hour I'm listening to the Downward Spiral in it's entirety. So I'm going to try and sum up what I've been doing with my iTunes and iPod these last few days.

Enya - Only Time
Seriously, this song is amazing. I know a lot of people might laugh or scoff, but when you tap into it, it's totally soothing and you can just release everything. That's what Enya's good at, helping you release stuff. I've been checing her out more because of this track and some is pretty good (but some isn't so much).

Nine Inch Nails - Mr. Self Destruct
I said I was really getting into the Downward Spiral, and I really am. It's an amazing album, from front to back. It's so dark and loud, but it has these great really soothing parts that give you a break so it's not all one thing the whole time, and every track's really different. I can confidently say I like every single track, especially the instrumental ones, which NIN fans and reviewrs seem to not like as much.

Feist - I Feel it All
I wasn't so big on the Reminder, but there are a few tracks that I really like, such as this one. One thing I like about this album is her voice is even more luscious and sultry than her past effort's, which seems hard to do. (damn! She totally should have made my vocalist list. I messed that up). My favorite part of this song is the "oh oh oh oh" part. I think you know what I mean.

Cave Singers - Seeds of the Night
They were really great at the BBQ. I've been playing this song all the time lately, and it's the only track of theirs I have. This is what made me dig through iTunes looking for good folky acoustic music stuff. Maybe some Dylan or Elliott Smith or Iron and Wine. I can't wait for the debut. September 25th (I think). Get it!

Johnette Napolitano - Suicide Note
So tragic and heart wrenching. This song just cuts to the core of sadness. I love the drum sounds on here, and the sparse piano is just enough.

Xiu Xiu - Vulture Piano
Also for when I'm feeling dark. Sometime I'll make a post about how much I love Xiu Xiu, because I can't just write about one song, the whole catalouge is amazing.

Cannibal Ox - Pigeon
Lyrically, Vast Aire is unbelievable on this track. It took me awhile to figure out the metephor in the lyrics (I won't give it away, try to figure it out yourself). Plus the beat is flat-out ridiculous.

Hot Chip - The Warning
This whole album is so fresh and amazing. The programming just makes me go crazy, and the vocals are so laid back and easy sounding. Funky and addicting all around. It seems like I've been listening to this CD a lot this whole summer.

And I'm still playing Gorillaz and the new Stars album a ton, but I've posted enough track from those.

On another note, I just found this great blog, Music is Art. The layout and the content is just really cool and original. The writing just comes from the heart it seems, the person's not some indie hipster trying to boost their indie cred by tearing down some bands, they just write about what they really love and as a result you get a really honest blog.

Remember Gorillaz???

I guess it wasn't that long ago, but for me it was. When their first album came out I was pretty young. I think back then I was listening to Sister Hazel, Presidents of the United States of America, Savage Garden and Barenaked Ladies. I dunno, I listened to those bands scattered throughout my childhood, it's hard to remember when. But I do remember I got really into hat Ed Case remix of clint Eastwood when I was little. And my dad burned me the CD cause he was doing a lot of file sharing then. But that stories kinda boring, all that happens is I get into that album as a little kid, which is pretty wierd for me back then, cause it's an amazing album.
The thing I admire most about it is how ecelcic and different it is. Every son is way different than the one's before it. One vibe that kind of stays persistant in almost every track on the first album is there's lots of dub, which isn't there on Demon Days. I'm not a big fan of dub, I think it all starts to sound the same, but Gorillaz really harness it well and make a very different sound every time. The bass is thick and groovey and the keyboards are so catchy and Damon Albarn's voice, or should I say 2D's, sounds wonderful.
And the guestlist is way cooler than I remember. There's Dan the Automator, Kid Koala, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Miho Hatori, Ibrahim Ferrer (of Talking Heads fame), Ibrahim Ferrer, and Junior Dan.
I've been reading that 'Rise of the Ogre' coffee table styl book which is basically the complete story of Gorillaz from beginning to end, and that' what sparked up my interest again. It's very interesting and amazinly drawn. The character's are great, I almost wished they were real, but the idea of a cartoon and is just so cool. Thumbs up Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett!

Gorillaz - Sound Check (Gravity)
Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (Ed Case Remix)
Gorillaz - M1A1
Gorillaz - Re-Hash
Gorillaz - Punk

Buy Gorillaz


Alright guys, tonight I'm seeing MF DOOM!
And then tomorrow's the KEXP BBQ!
My weekend is looking great. I'll check in with you sometime after Sunday.

Wednsday Rarities

That's a picture I found on google. These are some more MP3's for you.

The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health (Ratatat Remix)

Broken Social Scene - Puff the Magic Dragon

M.I.A. - Galang (Hot Chip Remix)

PJ Harvey - When Under Ether (Live)
This tracks going to be on White Chalk, out September 25th.

Postal Service - We Will Become Sillouhettes (Matthew Dear's Not Scared Mix)

My Favorite Voices

I'm sorry I've been lagging, I think my post quality will increase if I stop trying to post daily. Sorry everyone, but I think it's for the best. Really! Now I'll actually post when I have something to say, instead of trying to find something to say for every post
I felt like highlighting some of my favorite singing voices around in this post. It's pretty fun to go through your music and think about who's voice you really like. Without further ado, my top 10 (I couldn't order them though, that's way too hard and it would be innacurate).


Sia Furler (Zero 7, Sia)
She is definitely my number one voice ever. Her voice could impress anyone with any standards. She could go on American Idol and totally dominate, but luckily she decided to put sing and write good songs. I can't say I listen to her solo work all that much, I appreciate it, but Zero 7 is really her best. She can sing in barely a whisper, or she can belt it out, any way she sings, it's terrific. Even though Zero 7 is my favorite thing she's done, a song that really showcases her voice (IMO) is this one, off her solo album "the Colour and the Shape".
Sia - Numb

Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie, Postal Service, All-Time Quarterback)
Where do I begin with Ben Gibbard. Death Cab are probably my favorite band (I can't officially say that cause that's a huge title, but when it comes down to it they most likely are). They basically were the beginning of my introduction to a lot of the music I listen to now. His voice is very stand-out, which appeals to me. Pretty much all of these vocalists, I don't like because of their technical skills but their originality and different sound. The way he pronounces his words is very defined. I don't know why I like it so much, trying to describe why is hard and what I'm saying just sounds dumb. Just appreciate his voice with me.
Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight (DJ Downfall Mix)

Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu, Ten in the Swear Jar, IBPOA)
I love Xiu Xiu so much because they're so one of a kind. That's not the only reason, but the thing is when you get in that mood where you want to listen to Xiu Xiu you can only listen to them, anything else I know doesn't really fit in too well. Jamie's voice is so dark and interesting. When he mutters and sings so quiet it's interesting and captivating, and when he yells and shouts it's liberating just to listen to. His dark lyrics really give him his voice, but he definitely would not be able to deliver those lyrics without his unique voice.
Xiu Xiu - Crank Heart

Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse)
I'm a sucker for the really quiet voices. Mark's voice is really almost a whisper. And he knows what sounds good, he has a mic he likes to use live that gives it a great fuzzed out and distorted sound that works like magic! *sigh* I'm getting burned out on giving so much praise and analyzing all these voices so close, just listen.
Sparklehorse - Homecoming Queen


Elliott Smith
This one's kind of obvious. Who can't love Elliott's voice? His backing harmonies always amaze me. He really knew his stuff about music and theory.
Elliott Smith - I Didn't Understand

Craig Minnowa (Cloud Cult)
His range rests so naturally higher than most singers, yet it sounds strained at the same time. That sort of voice makes Craig's yells and hollers sound way more heartfelt. He has a really charming but wierd kind of accent that is only more prominant when he sings. It makes him seem like a bit of an underdog, trying to do the best he can, especially in songs like Washed Your Car or Breakfast with My Shadow. I have a hard time not falling in love with every song they do, and Craig's voice is definitely one of the biggest reasons.
Cloud Cult - Breakfast With My Shadow

Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle)
But y'all wouldn't have guessed I like Tool or A Perfect Circle, well guess what... I love both! But I'm not here to argue with haters or talk about a whole indie cred thing, I want to show you how much I love Maynard's voice. It's aggressive, but piercingly melodic. Some might say it's a bit over worked, but I personally love it. It doesn't take a lot of listening to hear that he does have quite an impressive voice, and his range is quite exceptional. This Joni Mitchell cover shows what amazing things he can do with his voice. The harmonies are beautiful
A Perfect Circle - The Fiddle and the Drum

Sam Beam (Iron & Wine)
Like Elliott, I always am in awe of the backing vocals and harmonies in almot every song of his. Just by listening you can hear that he knows a thing or two about music and isn't just singing another melody he made up over the top of the main vocal track, he plans it out, and it sounds amazing. It's so calm and soothing, I think it loses a bit of it's charm when it stands against loud music, he projects that quiet voice well but it just doesn't sound the same. But when it's soft and low, it's unbelievable soothing, as most of you are probably aware of.
Iron and Wine - Promising Light

Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse, Ugly Cassanova)
Listening to Modest Mouse's later stuff, you can hear lots of layering that wasn't in their earlier CD's. On songs like Tiny Cities Made of Ashes it sounds like each vocal track is sung by a different person. It's just so odd and unique, I can't help but love it.
Modest Mouse - Bukowski

Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
I must admit, I'm not big on the Bends, or atleast I'm not as big on their poppier stuff as most people. I think their experimental albums and songs are their best because I feel they really make a new niche for Radiohead and I think those are way more influential than the Bends or Pablo Honey. As Yorke's career went on you can hear he started singing in a way more haunting and soft manner than on Radiohead's earlier stuff, which I think sounds way better and fitting.
Radiohead - I Will


Runner Ups:
Bjork, Andrew Kenny (American Analog Set), David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones), Andrea Zollo (Pretty Girls Make Graves), Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes), Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Karin Dreijer (The Knife)

New Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez's new video for Down the Line is pretty dark. even though I don't really get it I really like it. It's directed by Andreas Nillson, who's also behind many of the Kinfe's wierd videos. From the two songs I've heard it sounds way darker and a bit louder than Veneer was. I'm sure a lot of people were expecting another version of Veneer, but I'm really happy he's growing musically and making tracks like this.
Too bad I can't find out how to attach the video to this post do go here.

And here's the MP3 plus another new song.
Down the Line
Killing for Love
In Our Nature comes out September 25th.


And this recording isn't on the record but there is a cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" on there, and here's a bootleg of a performance he did of the song. I can't wait to hear a good recording of this track.
Teardrop (live)

I'm taking tomorrow off.

Sorry if you were looking forward to it. But I don't have too much sympathy cause I think this is a well deserved break, considering I've only missed my daily post once.

But on another note, I'm putting up a poll, but it's not really a poll. I'd like every single person who reads this to vote, because it's to give me an idea of how many readers I have. If you read this and don't vote... well I won't like that too much.

I'm feeling acoustic

I've been digging lots of indie and folky songs as of late. Small, minimal, acoustic. Or actually, I guess indie more sums it up, because Stars and Death Cab aren't always really acoustic or minimal at all. Not much else to say, here are the songs I like a lot now.





Death Cab For Cutie - Expo' 86
Off of one of my favorite albums ever, it flows front to back so well, each song makes the next song better just by being next to each other. This is one of the more average songs on the album, but it's melodies and hooks are so hard not to love.
Buy Transatlanticsm

Stars - Window Bird
I've really been liking this album a lot. The bass and drums are so tight and... groovey(?). It's really mellow and Amy's and Torquil's voices work extra nice on al these tracks.
Pre-Order In Our Bedroom After the War

Fionn Regan - Snowy Atlas Mountains
I was thinking about buying this album just based on this and another song I have, bought I have it on hold at the library instead (I know, I'm cheap). But this song is so damn pretty. When the drums and strings kick in, I get suckered in every time.
Buy The End of History

American Analog Set - The Kindness of Strangers
I only have about 10 tracks of theirs, but now I'm going to buy Know By heart for sure. Once you get into one song a lot, you get into all their songs a lot. Sometimes it's good have a very one sound kind of thing when your sound is this good. And I just absolutely love this song.
Buy Know By Heart

Joni Mitchell - California
I actually just got into Joni Mitchell really recently. As a kid you shrug off all your parent's music and think they can't like anything cool or good, but recently I started looking at my parent's records more and listened to some of the stuff that drove me nuts as a kid and it's actually sort of cool. But Jony Mitchell especially, and my mom's super psyched that I'm listening to her now.
Buy Blue

Kind of Like Spitting - 26 is Too Soon
I think this song totally speaks for itself. Absolutely beautiful.
Buy One Hundred Dollar Room

Album Feature: And Now That I'm in Your Shadow

Pretty much assume when I do an Album Feature I'm just going to rant about it for the whole time, because it's such a good album. This is such a good album. Personally I think it's Damien Jurado's best, and I can't think of any other artist who's latest work is my favorite.
By the opening track, Hoqiuam, it starts strong with that beautiful cello that perfectly compliments the songs on almost every track. The recording and production on this record is so lush and quiet, but the emotion is so strong the songs are almost overwhelming. A song that really showcases this is the title track, which is definitely qualifiable as one of my favorite songs ever made. is the title track, which is definitely qualified for one of my favorite songs ever made. I'm really struggling for words to describe the song, it's just so powerful. The strings and the drums definitely drive the track. It manages to be quiet but booming at the same time and every word that Damien almost whispers sounds tragic and captivating.
The album keeps the same mood practically throughout the whole 12 songs for the most part, and while some songs start to blend together (like I am Still Here and Shannon Rhodes) I find that's OK because I usually end up wanting to play some songs over, but it leaves you with a really complete feeling when the album finishes (even the artwork captures the same mood). And the lyrics separate each song from the rest. Damien Jurado has a great narrative voice in his songs. I wonder how much of his songs are real stories or if he imagines these sort of things playing out in his head. Either way, it's incredible and it paints such an amazing picture in your head. He barely has to say two sentences and you already get a sense of what's happening in the song. The songs I mentioned earlier, I Am Still Here and Shannon Rhodes really prove these songwriting skills. And I had No Intentions is probably the saddest song I've ever heard, every time I hear it I can't help but feel the tragedy depicted.
I'm a huge fan of pretty much everything Damien's done (that I know of) but I always end up listening to this album the most, and I usually get hooked and end up listening to it all the way through. Here are a few of my favorite tracks:

Hoqiuam
Denton, TX
I had No Intentions
And Now That I'm in Your Shadow
I am Still Here


Seriously, you should own this album. Buy it Here.

And he's working on a new album too, I'm really looking forward to that. I don't know what to expect.

Try to catch Damien Jurado on tour, opening for Okkervil River:

Sep 3 2007 9:00P	Casbah w/ Okkervil River	San Diego, California
Sep 4 2007 9:00P	Troubadour w/ Okkervil River	Los Angeles, California
Sep 5 2007 9:00P	Independent w/ Okkervil River	San Francisco, California
Sep 7 2007 8:00P	WOW Hall w/ Okkervil River	Eugene, Oregon
Sep 8 2007 9:00P	Berbatis Pan (MusicFest NW) w/ Okkervil River	Portland, Oregon
Sep 9 2007 9:00P	Richards on Richards w/ Okkervil River	Vancouver, British Columbia
Sep 10 2007 9:00P	Neumos w/ Okkervil River	Seattle, Washington
Sep 12 2007 8:00P	Kilby Court w/ Okkervil River	Salt Lake City, Utah
Sep 13 2007 9:00P	Marquis Theatre w/ Okkervil River	Denver, Colorado
Sep 14 2007 9:00P	Waiting Room w/ Okkervil River	Omaha, Nebraska
Sep 15 2007 9:00P	Picador w/ Okkervil River	Iowa City, Iowa
Sep 17 2007 9:00P	Pabst Theater w/ Okkervil River	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sep 18 2007 9:00P	Logan Square Auditorium w/ Okkervil River	Chicago, Illinois
Sep 19 2007 9:00P	The Canopy Club (Pygmalion Festival) w/ Okkervil River	Urbana, Illinois
Sep 21 2007 9:00P	Lees Palace w/ Okkervil River	Toronto, Ontario
Sep 22 2007 9:00P	Pepper Jacks Cafe w/ Okkervil River	Hamilton, Ontario -
Sep 23 2007 9:00P	La Sala Rossa w/ Okkervil River	Montreal, Quebec -
Sep 24 2007 9:00P	Higher Ground w/ Okkervil River	Burlington, Vermont
Sep 25 2007 9:00P	Middle East w/ Okkervil River	Boston, Massachusetts
Sep 26 2007 9:00P	Iron Horse w/ Okkervil River	Northampton, Massachusetts
Sep 28 2007 9:00P	Webster Hall w/ Okkervil River	New York, New York
Sep 29 2007 9:00P	Johnny Brendas w/ Okkervil River	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sep 30 2007 9:00P	Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Okkervil River	Washington, Washington DC
Oct 2 2007 9:00P	Cats Cradle w/ Okkervil River	Carrboro, North Carolina
Oct 3 2007 9:00P	Athens, GA - 40 Watt w/ Okkervil River	Athens, Georgia
Oct 4 2007 9:00P	Club Downunder @ FSU w/ Okkervil River	Tallahassee, Florida
Oct 5 2007 8:00P	House of Blues w/ Okkervil River	New Orleans, Louisiana
Oct 6 2007 9:00P	Walters on Washington w/ Okkervil River	Houston, Texas

woah look at that, it copies the HTML from Myspace. That's pretty cool.

Wednsday Rarities

I don't like the name of this day anymore. Whatever, here are some not-so-common songs.





Wolf Parade - Claxxon's Lament
A cover of a Blackout Beach song. Blackout Beach is just Cary Mercer's side project from Frog Eyes, it gets mislabled as a Frog Eyes cover frequently. But it's really good. Wold Parade don't usually get this quiet.

Thom Yorke - Analyse (Live)
This is really wonderful. A really great stripped down perfeormance of the song, just Thom on the piano. It's not the best he could have done I feel but it still sounds pretty great.

Ratatat - The Mule remix (Z-ro, Devin the Dude and Juvenile)
Not really rare, but I just had to post one of these remixes. I've been listening to them a lot lately, they're just so cool. It's wierd how good this is and how terrible the originals are.

Quannum MC's Meet Jurassic 5 - Concentration
I found this track this year and I was so wowed. It's got so many of my favorite MC's and producers. Here's the list: Chali 2na, Zaakir, Akil, Marc Se7en, Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Lyrics Born, Chief Xcel, DJ Nu-Mark, Cut Chemist, and DJ Shadow. All on one track!!! Jesus Christ. Don't worry, it does not dissapoint.

CSS - Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above (Hot Chip Remix)
I like CSS. I like Hot Chip. But the math doesn't always add up well, sometimes Hot Chip's remixes aren't so good (like their !!! one). Sometimes they're amazing, but sometimes... I get nervous they won't work. This one starts slow but luckily it's long and it eventually builds up and breaks into this really sweet groove by the end. And strangely it's less of a party song now, the vibe totally gets switched up.

Sleep

I really really like falling asleep to music. I love the feeling of being half awake and half asleep and being aware of what's happening but it feels like reality is a little distorted. And when you wake up you can remember the last song you heard and look on iTunes at what order the songs were played and figure out what time you went to sleep. Awhile ago I crafted one of the best sleep playlists I've ever made, seriously. I can't post the whole 32 song long thing but I'll type it all up and post a few tracks.
It's mostly acoustic type stuff from singer-songwriters, but when I'm in that right moodit feels awesome and I go to sleep like that *snaps fingers*. Hopefully you'll get to sleep just like that dog in that picture. Get ready for lush slow and sleepy acoustic beautiful goodness!

(meant to be played on shuffle)
American Analog Set - Born on the Cusp
Beck - Already Dead
Ben Gibbard - I Was a Kaliedescope (Acoustic Live at KEXP)
Chris Walla - Sing Again (Acoustic, Live)
Cloud Cult - The Deaf Girl's Song
Cocorosie - Not for Sale
Damien Jurado - Gas Station
Dave Matthews - Some Devil
David Bazan - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover)
Decemberists - I Don't Mind
Eels - It's a Motherfucker
Elliott Smith - A Fond Farewell
Grizzly Bear - Deep Blue Sea (Dan Rossen Solo)
Harvey Danger - Diminishing Returns
Iron and Wine - Waitin' For a Superman
Kind of Like Spitting - Passing Through
Lisa Germano - Too Much Space
Marissa Nadler - Clowne Towne (Xiu Xiu Cover)
Onelinedrawing - Your Letter
Pedro the Lion - Winners Never Quit
Pinback - Penelope
Radiohead - High and Dry (Acoustic)
Rocky Votolato - Portland is Leaving
Rogue Wave - Endgame
Secret Stars - Shoe In
Sera Cahoone - Last Time
The Shins - Harvest (Neil Young Cover, James Mercer Solo)
Sia - Paranoid Android
Silversun Pickups - Creation Lake
Sparklehorse - Maria's Little Elbows
Tiny Vipers - They Might Follow You
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Turn Into (Acoustic iTunes Exclusive)

mmm... just typing it makes me want to crawl into my bed. 17 out of 33 songs I think is pretty good. Take advantage of this excessive amount of music and download all these songs! They're really good!

Thanks to
www.thepunkguy.com
www.underratedmagazine.com
http://radiokgb.blogspot.com/
Young God Records
http://thecanals.blogspot.com
for some of these MP3's

Songs right now

These are songs I've been listening to a lot lately. I'm going to talk about them and recomend them to you. Seriously download all of these if you don't have them already. And that's that.








Shout Out Louds - Very Loud
I was bouncing aroud my bedroom last night, getting into this song. It's got so much energy. These guys aren't really special but they're real easy to like and the guy's voice is so cool. The chorus hook gets me everytime, it's just such a sweet melody.

Aesop Rock - Daylight
Ever since the Block Party this songs been on heavy rotation with me. I like to think this is one of the Aesop Rock songs I can understand the lyrics meanings. Again, the chorus is enough to get you. "All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day, put the pieces back together my way."

Sleater-Kinney - Jumpers
I'm pretty new to Sleater-Kinney, I've just been really digging this song as of late, and this album for that matter. The melody in the chrous moves mountains! It's so powerful and huge sounding. I just love when they get loud and start yelling.

Caribou - Melody Day
I'm a sucker for hooks and choruses, all these songs have been like that so far, and especially this one. I like when singers can pull off falsetto's without it sounding cheesy. Plus I really like the video.

Honeyroot - Nobody Loves You (The Way I Do)
Thank you so much to Alex at Be Kind & Remind for recomending this to me cause I've been listening to it a ton for the last month or so. I don't know why I like it so much, just the melody and the way it builds. It's super simple but it's got an awesome groove and it's really easy to tap into.

Cannibal Ox - Iron Galaxy
Vast Aire's verse in this song is amazing. I need to buy this CD soon, it's so good. And the intro, I'm extra fond of that.

Devendra Banhart - Long Haired Child
I've been listening Cripple Crow a lot lately, so I just had to choose one of my favorite cuts from that album, and this is it. It's got Devendra's witty humour all over the lyrics, which I love.

Antony and the Johnsons - Fistful of Love
Another album I've been getting into a lot lately. It's so beautiful, words can't describe. When you really get into these songs it takes a bit out of you emotionally cause it's so powerful and emotional. This track, not so much, but it is the song I've been listening to the most lately. Despite the lyrics, it's an incredibly uplifting song. It starts out with just that steady groove that's really mellow and it slowly builds into the soulful ending that always gets me super pumped for the day.

My concert calendar for awhile

Whoopy! There are some really stellar shows coming up for the remainder of the year in Seattle, and I'm going to cut to the chase and just tell you what they are, and if you live elsewhere I'll post some links for some bands tour dates so you can see if they're coming to you. Oh yeah, plus mp3's.



August 17th - MF DOOM!
Shit boi! Doom's a comin. He has some dates on his myspace, but keep your ears open for more dates cause Seattle's not listed there, but the Showbox has confirmed he is in fact playing, and I have my ticket!
See two posts ago for some Doom Mp3's.
Buy Doom's stuff.


August 18th - KEXP BBQ
Awesome lineup. Pela, the Blakes, The Cave Singers, Blue Scholars and Cloud Cult. I'm most pumped for Cloud Cult even though I've seen them twice before, they're absolutely stunning live. The Cave Singers should be really good also and Blue Scholars have their whole 9 piece backing band which should be interesting.
Cloud Cult - Mr. Tambourine Man
from Live at KEXP Vol. 3
Cloud Cult Tour Dates


Labor Day weekend (Sept 1-3) - Bumbershoot
Oh man. Just check out that line-up. Devendra Banhart, Andrew Bird, Lyrics Born, Menomena, the Shins, and WU-TANG! This is a huge highlight of my year, every year.
Andrew Bird - Heretics

September 7th - Yacht and the Dirty Projectors
Yacht's awesome. If you didn't know that then...
Buy Yacht's stuff and Tour Dates.
Yacht - The Magic Beat

October 2nd - Mt Eerie and PWRFL Power
I saw Phil Elvrum awhile ago, before I knew who he was, and I don't even remember it, like at all, so I'm excited now that I'm listening to more Microphones. And I think PWRFL Power's really cool. I really recomend you check him out.
PWRFL Power - Let Me Teach You How to Hold Chopsticks

October 15th - the GO! Team
Tour
Pre-Order Proof of Youth
Go! Team - Grip Like a Vice

October 16th - Rogue Wave
I'm so pumped for this new record of theirs.
Tour
Buy Descended Like Vultures
Rogue Wave - Sightlines

November 16th - Stars
the new album is awesome, I've been listening to it a lot, but I've just got to find a friend to go with. This tracks my favorite off the new one I think.
Tour
Stars - Take me to the Riot

December 3rd - Tegan and Sara
I probably won't end up going to this, but it'd be cool if I did. I just don't think I have any friends who are into them. That's a problem I run into a lot. But I've been enjoying the Con a lot actually. It's nice and fun and poppy.
Tour
Tegan and Sara - the Con

So I've got quite a bit on my plate. All that makes me totally forget about not being able to see Wolf Parade and Jose Gonzalez (kinda)(damn you 21 and over). And I'm sure there'll be more. Hoo Doggie.

Artist Feature: MF Doom

Oh shit! MF Doom is coming to Seattle!!! I cannot wait. He's just about my favorite MC ever. I don't care if his live shows aren't really all that great, I'll be thrilled just to be in the same room as him.And the show has like, a skate demo, a dunksxchange (like... you buy and sell shoes? it's kind of wierd) and live painting. Sounds prett interesting.
So to get extra hyped about this show I'm going to take you through some of my favorite tracks from the masked villain.

Madvillain - Accordian
Man, this is just an essential. The beat is just so great, Madlib is such a genius. It's actually a Daedelus sample! Madvillainy is definitely my favorite hip-hop album of all time. It's fresh and new and completely original and it's so progressive and there's so many tracks. The album flows like... water(?). Every track is incredible.

De La Soul ft. MF Doom - Rock.Co.Kane Flow
While it's not really the era or style De La I like best, this track just clicks. There's one line that I always rewind to hear over, even though it's not Doom.
"They say the good die young so I added some
bad ass to my flavor to prolong my life over the drum." - Plug One

Vast Aire ft. MF Doom - Super Friendz (Edan Remix)
I already posted this song. I really don't have to explain why it's awesome. I only know Vast AIre from Cannibal Ox but every single verse I've heard of his is stellar. And Doom's laid back flow fits perfectly. Makes me really want to check out Edan, and also hear the original to see if it's any good.

Danger Doom - Crosshairs
Danger Mouse, with me, either hits or misses with his beats and in this case it's a home run. When I hear that baseline I get the shivers (or a cabby). I need to hear the original sample. And when Doom comes in with the string section, aaahh!!! It's just so good. When Doom gets the right kind of groove that works with his voice it's just unstopable.

Madvillain - Great Day (Four Tet Remix)
The original is OK, one of the few songs on Madvillainy that kind of blend together for me, but this remix takes it to new heights. Four Tet does some of the best remixes around. And check this line from Doom "Last wish, I wish I had two more wishes
And I wish they fix the door to the Matrix, its mad glitches
Spit so many verses sometime my jaw twitches
One thing this party could use is more *ahem*
Booze."

Viktor Vaughn - Raedawn
Something about this album I don't like as much as his others but this song really stands out to me. I think it's just the beat. I heard someone say Doom's sick but his beats are shit, which I totally disagree with, as demonstrated by this next song

MF Doom - Deep Fried Frenz
I know what he's talking about. I've got my pals.What a feel good summer joint.


Support Doom
Buy some of his albums

The Capitol Hill Block Party Post: DAY 2

fuck it. whatever. the stranger basically summed the whole thing up in a way more interesting thing than I could. Plus they've got sweet video. All I'll say is Aesop Rock and PWRFL Power stole the show. Oh! And during John Vanderslice, backstage we spotted John Roderick, the Long Winters Bassist, David Bazan, Jason McGerr, and Ben Gibbard!! Pretty cool.
www.thestranger.com/blockparty
here are some video I took.
PWRFL Power:


Mirah:


Aesop Rock:



BOAT:


Spoon:



oh and check out these sweet pictures I got of Aesop!







He's looking right in the camera on the first one!
Grayskul came out!

Alright, I'll continue my normal blogging schedule as of tomorrow. Sorry that was so lame.

My Bad

I know I need to get around to that CHBP blog for Saturday, it will be way better than the Friday blog, but I'm feeling not so hot and lazy (actually it's pretty hot right now, I have the fan on). What I'm trying to get at is I really don't feel like writing much today and I thought I should check in cause I haven't in awhile.
But I've got some really great blogs coming up. One about MF Doom, (because he's coming to Seattle!!!)
Also I've got an interesting story about my bike getting stolen, which was not so cool, but there's a twist (kind of. I wouldn't call it a twist). Either way, keep reading my blog! I won't post daily for the next week I think, but I'll keep checking in. I think it's pretty cool that I've been posting pretty much daily for about my first month(?). Now I'm giving you music:



Aesop Rock - Coffee (featuring John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats)
Kind of Like Spitting - Title Track (Death Cab cover)
Fionn Regan - Snowy Atlas Mountains
Sera Cahoone - Last Time

Aesop Rock's a little out of place there... Oh and that picture is some art from Andy Goldsworthy, who is fantastic if you don't know about him.
Now I'm going to read some Harry Potter (I'm a slow and steady reader, I'm onlny about half way through. Don't you dare give anything away).