Yeah that's awesome. Great video, great song. New stuff from Rural Alberta Advantage. They have a new album out, Departing (official release date is March 1, but you can "preorder" the digital edition, and download it now). It's damn good, so you should probably go get it right now. It's OK, I'll wait here.
Now, I will start off by saying something negative about it. It's a short album. The ten songs clock in just over 30 minutes. It's not a bad problem to have, I'd much rather have something come off too short as opposed to too long. Too short leaves you wanting more. Too long, you get bored. (This is actually the same way I felt with their Hometowns album too, these guys are good at leaving you wanting more.)
That's the only bad thing I can say about this album. It's great. It's follows Hometowns well, delivering the same sound, same "emotional without being emo" lyrics, and same Canadian-centric themes. I dig it. While I think Hometowns might have a song or two that are better individually, Departing is the better album, each song is solid. (I'd really love to listen to both albums back-to-back, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I think they'd flow together pretty well.) The highlights for me include "Stamp" (shown above), "Barnes' Yard," and "Goodnight," below, from SXSW a few year ago. Such a fantastic song. Enjoy it, get the album, listen, and enjoy it some more. If you're lucky enough to have them playing in your area, check them out. And if you have a place for me to crash, let me know and I'll join you.
(oh and PS - Amy Cole is super freaking adorable, she's my latest bandgirl crush. It's serious.)
My last post gave the details of a weekend that had happened a few weeks prior. This time, it's only slipping back a few days (OK, maybe more than a few, but within a week). I may actually get to the point where I'm actually timely with these things, posting right when everything's still fresh in my mind, right after they happen. And who knows, maybe I'll get to a point where I'm posting before stuff happens. (Sorry, that was a terrible attempt at a joke, in what is turning out to be a terrible attempt at a blog post.)
The weekend started off right, playing Guitar Hero and drinking with some friends. The songs got a little hazy, but I know I sang to a Santogold song, "Why Bother" by Weezer, Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People," and "ABC" by the Jackson 5, among others. The hostess made blueberry muffins, the host mixed drinks, and I brought the rest of the party. Right.
Saturday started off at an easy pace. Got up, got some lunch at Danny Edward's Boulevard Barbecue, and hung out around town. I stopped at Rainy Day Books, hoping to pick up a new Wodehouse and A Fan's Notes by Frederick Exley. Sadly, they had neither (though they are getting in some more copies of the Exley, should be in this week!). I'm sure you all wanted to know that. It was a lazy day. Had to save up my energy for the night, for I was going to see Arkells, Freelance Whales, and Tokyo Police Club!
I was most excited about Freelance Whales, a group out of Brooklyn, NY. A few months ago, some friends and I decided sort of last minute to go catch their show in Lawrence, KS, when they were playing at the Replay Lounge with Bear in Heaven and Cymbals Eat Guitars (for $3. Seriously). Obviously we needed to stop for drinks before getting to the show, so after a Tom Collins or two at Bourgeois Pig (if you're in Lawrence and like cocktails, this is the place to go), we walked to the venue. FW was already playing. Rats. We were able to see a few songs, but sadly, we missed most of it. We stuck around for Bear in Heaven (good live show), and since it was getting a little late and we're pretty much old and lame, we left before Cymbals Eat Guitars going. Yeah, we were those people, but for $3, we still got our money's worth. I did have a chance to buy a shirt and talk with Freelance Whales' front dude Judah Dadone. Super, super nice guy, seemed genuinely grateful, very friendly, and just a pleasure to talk to as a fan.
Once I saw they were going to be playing in Kansas City, at recordBar, about a mile from my place, I got excited, and knew I'd have my chance at redemption. I was going to get my ticket at my first opportunity.
I forgot. Not a problem, how many people are going to be going?
A lot.
I had a long story here, but for the sake of brevity, I deleted it. Basically, I was the last person without a ticket admitted, and it was awesome. I loaned the guy in front of me $2 because he didn't realize it was a cash-only thing, and once inside, he bought me a drink. I WIN! But, I had run into my bff Paul Shirley (another story for another time. Maybe?), and had told him I'd buy him a drink if I saw him at the show, so really, I BREAK EVEN.
The openers, Arkells, were impressive. I hadn't heard their stuff, so I didn't know what to expect, but they were kind of a power pop group, but Canadian. Not sure what the exchange rate is with them, but. . . I have nowhere to go with that one. They're good though. Very charismatic.
Up next - Freelance Whales! They played stuff from their debut album, Weathervanes, set list as follows:
Hannah
Location
Starring
Generator ^1st Floor
Ghosting
Kilojoules
Generator ^ 2nd Floor
It was a good set, not too long, not too short. For me, Generator ^ 1st Floor was the highlight, with a great balance of voices on one of my favorite songs. Splendid! Hearing a new song or two would have been nice, but I'm not going to complain too much. At least I got to hear them at all. I took a second to talk to Judah again, mentioned that even though their album just came out a couple months ago, I want more stuff. He said they may record an EP this year, possibly out by November. AWESOME.
Here's the only picture I got that actually looked semi-decent. Hooray for cellphone cameras.
Yeah, not that great. But oh well.
Tokyo Police Club was up next to close down the show. I'd only really heard a few of their songs, and while I liked what I knew, I didn't know much. The boys were good at their instruments, though, and played a set of really clean, well-polished songs. I enjoyed it. They had lighting effects and everything! Lead singer Dave Monks was personable, and introduced a new song, called "Top Five," saying it was the first time they've ever performed it live. Then he added, "look for it on Youtube tomorrow." My fellow concert goers did not disappoint -
I like it. Going to have to pay closer attention to their songs, and maybe try to catch them live again. They had a tight sound, and I'm not bitter at all that these kids are all 5-6 years younger than me. Not at all.
So yeah. It was an awesome concert, I'm glad I went. I'm REALLY glad it worked out to be on a weekend night, shows starting after 10 don't really fit well into my work life.
Weekend before last, I was in Iowa City for the wedding of two friends. I've known them both for a long time, it was a wonderful ceremony, on a beautiful day. Here's a picture of me and the groom from years and years ago
(That's the perfect picture, right? Yeah.)
So it was a good time. And I was looking like the money.
(I'm bringing back hats and suspenders. Trust me)
Anyways, I digress. There was drinking, and there was dancing. Of course there was, it was a wedding. Now, I'm sure many of you who actually know me know that I don't take to dancing very frequently or very well at all. I did this night, because come on, I had to. The usual slow stuff, where you just sort of transfer your weight from one leg to the other. No problem. But it got me thinking (after my head cleared a few days later), anything outside of that, I'm pretty clueless. Then, yesterday, it hit me. I know who to blame. Misters John Linnell and John Flansburgh.
Exhibit A:
In my "formative years," I was kind of dorky. To put it lightly. I flipped out at the episode of Tiny Toons that featured two They Might Be Giants songs. I didn't talk to girls, instead I played Zelda. I went to a total of 0 dances throughout high school and my rather extensive college career. Most of my friends are also inept at the art of talking to females (sorry pals, you know it's true), and few have married, so there were never many opportunities for me to dance. And so, I learned solo. Anyone who has seen me dance can attest, I look like the fellow in black in this video (appearance about 22 seconds in, then again at 1:11 [my birthday is 1/11!!!! coincidence? I'm drunk]).
Now, being a "musician," I have an excellent sense of rhythm (apparently not an excellent sense of how to spell rhythm, THANK YOU SPELL CHECK). This actually does help, to an extent. It's more of the "where" and the "why" for my extremities. I'm sure there's video evidence of this somewhere out there, and if you have any, send it my way, I swear I'll post it here. I have no shame.
So yeah. My early influence in moving my body to the music were these guys
And as much as I loved them (and really love them still), I never stood a chance.
(OK, I think I had bigger plans for this one, I think. It's a good start. But I had a bottle of Seagram's gin that was opened, so I had to finish it before it went bad!)
Also, this is post #400. What a wild trail we've blazed, friends. I'd have a little speech prepared, but feel that it would be a little cheap, since we haven't spent much time together over the last, oh, year or two. But thank you for hanging around, if indeed you are hanging around. Maybe I'll get a little retrospective put together, but just be patient with me. I'm still finding my stride.
. . . but I'm pretty sure I already have my two favorite albums of the year.
I know I'm far far far from the first to say this, but Animal Collective's latest album, Merriweather Post Pavilion is incredible. From track 1 ("In the Flowers") to the final song ("Brother Sport"), I don't think there's a minute where I'm not just totally enamored. I recognize a lot of these songs from the shows last year, including "In the Flowers," the first single (from I gather) from the album - "My Girls," and my personal favorite, "Summer Clothes."
"Summer Girls" performed at Coachella
Animal Collective - "My Girls" video
I mean, how can you not like that? And really, you should go to the youtube page for that video, and click on the "Watch in HD." It's beautiful. (maybe a post in the future will be about my current addiction to HD youtube videos.) And listen with headphones. or very loudly. That's how it should be heard. TRY NOT DANCING IN YOUR CHAIR, OR GETTING UP AND SHAKING YOUR RUMP. I'm hoping to see these guys again on their current tour, it'll be part of Flenker's 2009 vacation plans, since they're aren't coming anywhere near me. Oh well, I think it'll actually work out splendidly.
It's really early to say this, the year isn't even 1/12th over, but this could be the best album of 2009 already. Really. If you haven't listened to it, do it now, please. By any means necessary. And should you hear this album through "illicit" means, just promise that you'll eventually buy it for real. Because dammit, you should. It's the best album of the year!
And I mean that as no slight to this next album. They (he?) put a valiant fucking effort into it, and is rewarded with a very very solid spot at #2 for 2009. Of course I mean Emil Svanängen, aka Loney, Dear, and his latest album, released today, Dear John.
Loney, Dear - "Airport Surroundings"
This album has a slightly different sound from the previous releases, but it's a totally natural progression, not a shock to hear. And it's done so well. The "older" sound is still there in some songs, the quiet, desperate at times vocals with minimal instrumentation, but some hints of almost, but not quite, electronic sounds come out in some of the tracks, like the above "Airport Surroundings." Emil (yes, I feel like I can call him by his first name. He's given a hug to one of my best friends in the whole wide world, who has in turn hugged me. it's like he's hugged me through her) creates an album full of beautiful songs, shows off a wide vocal range, and just makes me want to pack up and move to Sweden (don't think I haven't considered it) Malin Ståhlberg, if you happen to be reading this, I love you. Move to Kansas City, we'll have a magical life together, we'll make music, start a family, and just be happy together, I'm sure of it. I'm going to most likely be at the Des Moines show, you can just hitch a ride back here with me, and we can conquer the world.
So, in summation, Animal Collective and Loney, Dear are awesome. Each and every one of you reading (all 3 of you) should listen to them over and over and over again, see them in concert, and spread the good word of this righteous music.
I don't know how I've made it this long on here without giving this song, possibly the greatest song ever, the proper respect it deserves. Of course I'm referring to Love's "Alone Again Or," first track from the album Forever Changes (one of the best albums, ever).
Take a listen
Downright amazing, isn't it?? You may recognize the song from Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket, or from the Calexico cover a few year back, or just from it being a goddamn great song.
The flamenco-esque style works so well, with in the trumpet highlights and then the most excellent solo in the middle, accompanied by strings. The vocals are borderline desperate, which creates some tension with the upbeat instrumental arrangement, resulting in awesome. Words fail me. Just listen to the song again, and appreciate all that Love has done for us.
I think I'll be embarking on a new adventure in the blog world soon, as well as reacquainting myself with an old one. Probably something I should have done this past weekend like I had said I would (sorry H), but I'll try to get something done tomorrow.
I'm excited about this new project, something that started out as a joke, but it inspired me so much that my co-conspirator and I think that we should probably do something about it. More details to come.
Until then, watch this most excellent clip from La Blogotheque (my current favorite time-waster at work) of the Shins, including a little noodling around with quite possibly one of the best songs ever at the beginning. And a couple of excellent songs of their own.
Things have been going well around the life of Flenker lately. I guess I should say as well as they can go when the Hawkeyes aren't playing very well, my ceiling occasionally leaks water, and the nation headed towards an election that somehow is still so close that it makes me really nervous.
(Obligatory note: If you are the legal age to do so, please please please make sure you are registered to vote. If you're a college student away from home, make sure you change your registration site or vote absentee. If you've moved recently, update your information and find your polling place. The election is less than a month away now, so time is running thin. And please, make an educated decision, read up on the candidate's stances, and VOTE!! There will be more to come. . .)
So in spite of all of that crap, I've been doing pretty well. I've only spent one night at home in the past 2 weeks, just hanging out a friend or two, getting dinner, watching TV, going to see Michelle Obama speak, and went to see Stars!
My friend Dominique and I went to the show, hitching a ride to Lawrence with a couple of friend who were heading there to see the Dandy Warhols. The venue's website just listed a time of 7 for the concert, so I assumed that was when doors opened (especially since it was a Friday night in a college town), and thusly decided to join up with friends for dinner. We ended up getting to the Granada around 8:15, just in time to see the beginning of the second song by Stars, having totally missed BellX1. Kind of a bummer. I think this was probably the most prompt show I've ever been to. The show was excellent, though, almost all of my favorite songs were played (the only one I was hoping to hear but didn't was "The Night Starts Here," and that could have before we got there).
The place wasn't packed, but there were a lot of people there, mostly couples. Definitely glad that I went with someone, otherwise I would have been the one lonely dude there. I take that back, there was another guy there by himself. We could have been lonely together. Thankfully, I had company.
The band put on a good show, throwing roses out into the crowd between most songs (of course they would, have you heard them? They definitely fit the "melodramatic popular songs" genre listed on their myspace.) Lead singer Torquil Campbell introduced a song (one I didn't know, so I can't recall the name) as being about "fucking yourself and your lover to death." Pretty intense. Later Amy Millan cutely prefaced "My Favourite Book" as being "just a love song." There was a little talk about the presidential debate that was taking place at the same time, with Campbell saying "Obama is giving his plans for change, and McCain is scaring everyone." Good stuff.
A good time, though, with great music, in a pretty good venue. I hadn't been to the Granada for over 8 years, when I drove down from Ames to see Weezer.
Ok, I just a quick search and found the setlist for this show. And wouldn't you know it, "The Night Starts Here" was in fact the first song they played. Dammit. Here's the list:
Taken from the flickr page from the concert, found here.
So yeah, it was fun. We were out a little after 10, but our friends' concert didn't finish until nearly midnight. So Dom and I had a lot of time wandering around Mass in Lawrence. For it being Friday night before a football game, the town was freaking dead. I guess these Kansas kids don't know how to do it up like Iowans. But we still had a good time people watching.
ugh, I've spent too long on this post, and am still not completely happy with it, but oh well. I don't know what I don't like, but whatever. It'll have to do. I'll put a better effort into the next one.
(alternate title for today: "This post is rated 'R,' for Rockin'! And swears")
I had the chance to see this first band a few months ago here in KC. And, as I tend to do, I missed it. I don't remember why I didn't go, I actually knew about their show ahead of time, but for some reason, I stayed home. I kind of wish I would have gone, I think they were playing with Caribou.
The Fuck Buttons (website | myspace) are an experimental/noise/prog group from the UK, kind of along the same lines as 65daysofstatic, but with a more ambient noise influence, less of a guitar-driven influence. Maybe if Animal Collective and 65dos got it on and had a baby in the form of another band. A sweet, sweet sounding baby.
Fuck Buttons - "Sweet Love for Planet Earth" at SXSW
Staying foreign (and a possible future place of residence for yours truly, if America keeps on being a basically bad place for things, and depending on what happens in November), and in the same vein of music, here is Holy Fuck, of Toronto (website | myspace). These guys would probably be the young, brash brother of the Fuck Buttons. Maybe a little edgier in sound, but with a family resemblance. This family likes to experiment with sounds, with some catchy loops and hints of electronica, without the glow sticks and ecstasy.
Holy Fuck - "Milkshake"
Ok, maybe a little bit of ecstasy.
Slightly less foreign, but still hailing from a place I would like to live (Portland, OR), is starfucker (myspace - couldn't find a website, and not to be confused with the NIN song "Starfuckers, Inc."). In this little musical family that I have been creating, these guys would probably be the cool cousin that the other two like hanging out with for a little while, mostly at parties. They still have the "experimental" sound, but it's a little more dance-y, and a little poppier. In a totally sweet way.
I also couldn't find that great of a video, but I didn't really search too long. There are some live ones out there, so you should check them out.
So there you have it. Three awesome bands with something in common. I'll leave that to you to find out what it is. . .
And soon to come: a recap of my most recent concert - Stars!
These guys are pretty awesome. I love their bluegrass sound, and the lead singer's voice works really well with the style, without going to the "twangy" side of the genre. Not that it would be a problem if he did, I dig. Plus, I'm a fan of any musical use of a saw. These guys are good at what they do.
Frontier Ruckus - Nerves of the Nightmind
They're from East Lansing, MI, but I can forgive them that. Check out their home page, myspace, and youtube for some more sounds, and keep an eye out for their debut LP, being released on November 6. They're good. I hope they make their way to the KC area sometime in the future. That would rock.
The last line is "With buckets of popcorn." I made it up on the spot.
And yes, I realize this is probably the best possible choice to have for the first video of myself on the internet. At least the first video of which I am aware.
This was at our company outing to the Royals game, so I am surrounded by coworkers, including my manager, and my boss (both sitting to my immediate right). I am a hit, and probably the most popular guy around. That American Idol guy David (can't remember his last name) isn't the only one from KC with talent.
At the risk of making this post too awesome, I couldn't help but post this other video, too. The song is just too damn good, and the video is too damn amazing. So enjoy a little bit of Milwaukee's own French Horn Rebellion
I dig these guys. It's like Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses went electro, joined Minus the Bear, brought some 80's pop synth sounds, and damn catchy lyrical lines. Damn. I can't stop watching the video. This song is just too good.
When 65daysofstatic first came up on XM, I knew I had recognized the name, but couldn't place it. A quick Google search showed me where I had heard of them - they were on tour with the Cure, a tour that came through KC, a tour that made me struggle with the decision of buying a $60 ticket for a concert in a venue bigger than I would have liked, for a band that I would have rather seen 10-15 years ago. Not that I don't love the Cure, I think their shows back then would have possibly been sweet (not to mention a little cheaper, and hopefully smaller). Had I known how much I would come to love the opening act, the decision would have been that much more difficult (I still think that Poor Flenker, especially in those early KC days, would have passed on it, but I would've been much more upset about it at the time).
"Retreat! Retreat!" was the first song of theirs that I heard, it grabbed me by the face showed me an epic, lush soundscape (holy shit I should write for Rolling Stone). As soon as the song ended, I was on their site, listening to everything posted, going to their myspace, and taking it all in. If you want some epic instrumentals that occasionally straddle the border of noise, electronic, and progressive rock (emphasis on ROCK!!), this is your band. I recently picked up their album The Fall of Math, their first full-length, released in 2004. How have these guys gotten unnoticed by me for so long? Damn, ain't that a thing. They kind of remind me of a less math, more electro version of Dillinger Escape Plan, pre-Mike Patton. Whatever the hell that means.
***
In other news, things in the life of Flenker have been good. Very good, in fact. It'd be a little better if the Royals would play well more consistently, but I'll be content with what I've got. The weather's taken a nice little dip into the 80's, I've been to a good number of Royals games, I've had friends and family visit, and have some plans for the future. Next weekend (21st-25th to be precise), I'll be heading eastward, to a mini-tour of the East Coast. I'll be flying into Baltimore, taking a train to DC, then heading to Philadelphia on Friday with Marin, catching a Dodgers/Phillies game, then we'll be continuing onward up to Vermont on Saturday for a wedding. Then back to DC on Sunday, and KC on Monday. It'll be quite the whirlwind trip!
The weekend after that, Labor Day weekend as we call it here in the States, I'll be heading back to the lovely state of Iowa, to see more friends and family, and, almost as important, as I feel like they're part of my family, the Iowa Hawkeyes!! It's the first football game of the season, against the powerhouse of Maine University. Tickets are all set up, I'm ready to go!
So yeah, things are going well. I'm making new friends around town, running into old ones from years ago, getting some travelling in, and fitting in some sports. Plus, I've been playing my sax and guitar more, the little sausage shop that I'm falling in love with is going to be out grilling some cheddar bier brats tomorrow, I've got some hell of good beer in my fridge ($18 for a 4-pack, but freaking worth it, possibly my most favorite beer ever), and found an awesome place to check out downtown.
Yesterday, after some $1 tacos and a $2 margarita in downtown KC, I was driving home, stopped by a record shop and picked up 65dos's album (as well as MGMT's album, pretty solid all the way through, I must say. It was cheap and I love their song "Electric Feel," so I feel like it was worth it), stopped by what has become my favorite coffee shop (unfortunately it's about 10-15 miles away, not super convenient for me to go to all the time), and thought "goddamn, I love this city." Everyone should come here and check it out. I mean, we've got the second most fountains in the world, behind Rome (I had thought it was Paris until tonight, so for everyone I've told Paris was #1, I apologize), some parks, some awesome sections of town, amazing barbecue joints, and best of all, FLENKER!!!
So let this serve as an open invitation for anyone and everyone to come down! I've got a futon and an air mattress, and lots of room!
If you haven't had the chance to see it yet, check out Radiohead's latest video, for the song "House of Cards."
The video was done entirely without any lighting or cameras, instead fancy computers and lasers were used.
I really love the song, the video just adds to the feeling. It's kind of beautiful, while being still a little creepy. Maybe more than just a little. But still awesome. Just another manner in which Radiohead seems to be ahead of the game, showing that they're not afraid to take full advantage of digital methods in any instance. And yes, as my manager said, Thom Yorke is still kind of odd looking. His ugliness does indeed transcend all forms of media.
Now, for a total shift in mood, here's another recent favorite of mine. stellastar* with "My Coco."
(you have to deal with the live version here, but to see the "official video" for the song, since embedding has been disabled for it, you actually have to go to youtube. Jerks. Anyways, here's a link to it, so you can save a step!) It's an awesome song, one that gets me going. They kind of have an 80's New Wave sound. An awesome sound. Listen, and love.
Joe Posnanski, one of my favorite reporters, has written an article about something I've been thinking and saying for a while. The Royals should sign Barry Bonds. It's a win/win situation. He's stated that he'd play for free!!! What's the problem here? I'd go into it more, but Posnanski writes so much better than I do, so you should read the article.
And you should listen to The Submarines (website | myspace). I had a post about them from June 3rd that I thought I published, but must have forgotten. Anyways, they're like a combination of Mates of State and minipop, and every now and again, I hear hints of Nina Persson's voice coming out in Blake Hazard (which is an excellent name). Which is appropriate, because Nina was one of my first band-girl crushes, and Ms. Hazard has become one of my latest. Unfortunately (for me, but good for her), she's dating bandmate John Dragonetti. It's kind of a funny (cute?) story with them. They started dating, playing in each other's bands, broke up, each wrote songs about the breakup, she still was recording at his place, they talked, found out they had both written songs about how much they loved and missed each other, got back together (romantically and musically), and created The Submarines. Perfect! Their music is already all over the place, on Nip/Tuck, Gray's Anatomy, and Weeds, so don't be the last to hear them! Unless I am, which could be the case. . .
And their video is so damn cute. I hope it works out for those kids. I don't know if I could be in a band with someone I'm dating, but between these guys and Mates of State, they make it seem easy. Anyways, listen and enjoy!
I'm up very late on a Monday night, but it was worth it. I went down to visit my friends at Skinless Gallery (ok, so I kinda know one of the guys there, through Charczuk, but I think I can still call him my friend), since there was a show being played there, and I need to go out and be social on occasion.
Opening was Alex Niedt (myspace), a local kid playing (I think) his first show. He was good, has a great voice, and good show (in spite of his"jitters," which he claimed he had, but I never saw).
Next on deck was Francois Vidot (website | myspace). I had only heard his stuff in the background, last time I was at the gallery, so I wasn't too familiar with his stuff. But when he set up on the side of the stage, to perform without any amplification on his guitar or mics for his vocals, I was intrigued. Then I was amazed by his performance. Here's a sample, in a little bit of a different setting, but you'll get the idea.
Francois Virot - Say Fiesta
His vocals are definitely unique, but they fit his style so well, are so emotional (without being emo), and, even though he was in the midst of losing his voice during the performance tonight, sounded so great to me. To top it off, he's a super nice guy. I talked with him a while, about his tour and the Midwest, and about speaking French.
The third and final act of the night was Ramona Cordova (website | myspace). Another great guitarist and vocalist. His songs were touching, his voice touching, and guitar parts complemented the setting perfectly.
Ramona Cordova - Heavy on my Head
He was also struggling with his voice, I guess they camped out in Arizona a week ago, and the dry air got to their throats. It didn't hurt the performances too much, though, even when the singers couldn't quite complete the verse before a fit of coughs came on, it didn't detract from the song, and they still gave it their all.
I was sooo glad I came to this show. It turned out to be one of the more impressive shows I've seen in a long time, and a genuinely good time. If they're coming to your town (I'm looking at you, Minneapolis friends - Wednesday at a place called New Pines, check either of their myspace pages for more info), I'd really recommend going to see them, support them, chat with them, because they're great guys, great musicians, and definitely worth your while.
I'm just sitting at work, watching the U.S. Open playoff (Tiger wins it in sudden death!), listening to some tunes. Busy day.
Here's another group I've just heard about through XM. I'm probably way behind on them, like most bands, but I thought I'd mention them anyways. Here's The Films (website | myspace)!
My favorite song of their so far has been "Belt Loops," but "Black Shoes" is pretty solid, too. They have some of Elvis Costello's old punk sound, mixed in with more modern indie pop, like an American version of the Arctic Monkey (a band I've been getting way way into, by the way). A pretty catchy combination, if you ask me. And obviously you care what I think.
Well, it's about time I get hittin' that old dusty trail. But, I'm very excited for an album coming out tomorrow, a new one from the Notwist. So check back for my thought on that!!
I Love Math features members of the Deathray Davies and Philip Peeples of the Old 97's, as well as the drummer from Apples in Stereo. And with their name, I basically liked them before I heard a note. Good thing they didn't disappoint.
They've got a folky-country-indie sound, that I really dig. Their myspace is their only website, so go check it out. It's nice to have on in the background, and just generally nice to listen to. I wouldn't lead you astray.
In other news, posts should grown longer and more frequent after Friday, when I'll finally be getting internet set up at my place. So until then, enjoy the music, and check back this weekend. . .
I've been getting way into these guys, started listening to them at work, and bought their album Visiter yesterday. It's amazing. So check out the Dodos
To me, they sound like a more easily accessible version of Animal Collective. A little more straight-forward and simpler melodic lines. And I'm not trying to make it sound like a bad thing, I mean that in an awesome way. They have some great lyrics, inventive lines, and just a fun overall sound. I dig them, a lot. Of course, they're not playing anywhere near me, or on any dates I can make in a city where any of my friends live. I guess I'll just have to wait, and listen to their album over and over again, until they come to the greater Kansas City area.
I'm going to attempt to do a new little feature, and, hopefully, I'll actually stick this one in the future. I'm going to make posts about what I'm listening to at work, since that's actually when I spend most, if not all, of my time online. So I have XM on, and if I hear a musician or group that intrigues me, I'll check out their myspace page. So far, such bands have included Airborne Toxic Event and Fog, as well as a few others that I'll talk about in the next few days. But for today, here's Nik Freitas!
Here's his website, here's his myspace. I heard the song "Sun Down," and instantly liked it. He's got a Paul Simon/Bob Dylan sound, without being overly obnoxious about it, or sounding too pretentious. It's a good thing. And it's great stuff to listen to at work, relaxing, and not requiring too much attention. That's not to say it's not worth focusing on, because it is. But, it's nice to have on in the background.
Basically I'm saying it's good, I like it, you should listen to his stuff. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. And I'd appreciate if he'd come to Kansas City, instead of playing 2 dates in Omaha. Omaha's a nice city and all, but come on, help me out here Nik!
