Music Worth Listening To

Is That A Rash?

2005-04-08T09:39:00.000-04:00

Shimmer - Shimmer
So this whole "neo-soul" thing that groups like Maroon 5 are making a lot of money playing has never really been my thing. I mean, perhaps for me it's an occasional guilty pleasure to listen and groove along to these catchy tunes, but they never seem to have must lasting power in my library. Of course, with Maroon 5 specifically, I could never get over the whole Kara's Flowers thing. I mean a band adds a few years and 1 member and all of a sudden they've got soul? Huh?

Well, my friend Justin Rosolino mentioned this band Shimmer to me sometime last year. I listened to the couple of tracks they had posted to their website and was intrigued, but was going to save my full judgement until their debut album was released. Well, here we have the new album just released this week (thanks Robert for catching it) and it is on Rhapsody.

Not quite sure what to make of this band. This disc is not what I was expecting. A lot more neo-soul than I expected. Of course, the two tracks I heard early on had solid tinges of soul, but I was hoping that the full disc would also exploit a lot of the rock those tracks showed too. "Shoulda Known" was one of those I heard a while back and it is a funkified rocker that I enjoyed. Still not my typical fare, but the guy can certainly sing and this track has some loud, groovin' guitars. Good stuff. Most of the rest of the album, though, heads more towards Maroon 5 land with a more stripped down, soul-pop approach. But, the one huge difference here that ultimately makes this disc light years better than anything the 5 of Burgundy can muster is that the lead singer, Skip Peri, has got some golden pipes. Dude can sing. Think Jeff Buckley mixed with Lenny Kravitz (the on-pitch version of Lenny) mixed with Prince. Just don't judge him by his appearance... he wears disco and 80's pop tshirts ALWAYS and sweats a lot, apparently. I urge you NOT to look at the photo section of their website before listening to their stuff. Some of it is downright frightening. The crotch-grab-while-wearing-a-George-Michael-tshirt shot is a bit much for me.

So, in the end, not what I was wanting to hear, but still a solid execution of the genre for which they are shooting. Some cool instrumentation in places and growing on me in spots... I hate to admit... I need some anti-neo-soul lotion... it's a nasty rash. Enjoy!

Bravely Go Where Many Have Gone Before

2005-04-07T23:26:00.000-04:00

Ash / The Bravery / The Crimea
The Cat's Cradle, Carrboro, NC
March 11, 2005>
So I'm kinda bored with the new stuff in Rhapsody right now so I thought I'd play a little catch-up and finally post about the show I went to about a month ago. I was looking forward to this one since The Bravery is one of the current "it" bands, I was enjoying the new Ash CD, and I really love The Crimea's EP Lottery Winners on Acid. Unfortuanately, The Crimea had already started playing by the time we got there, but we still got to see a decent amount of their set. Lead singer definitely has charisma, but it certainly seemed that they were trying to weird-out the trendy crowd that had shown up to see The Bravery. Very intense, very noisy, very jerky, in their own little world. I would love to have seen more but they played a short set. I love their recorded stuff so much but will have to see them again live to really get their vibe. Hope I get the opportunity soon.

The Bravery played 2nd and man, what a walk down memory lane. My friend and I couldn't stop laughing at how plucked from the early 80's they were, right down to their haircuts and their incessant posing. The lead singer continually put his foot up on the monitor and leaned forward, wailing into the mic... something he must have learned in "How to Be a Rock Star: 101." I swear it seems that some record executive, after catching wind of this "New, New Wave" movement, went out and created the "perfect" new wave revival band. For me, it was all too much and I just couldn't get into their stuff. Just too put on and seemingly insincere. The guitarist even wore a face paint, a la Adam Ant... By the way, after seeing this show I REALLY wanted to hate their album but so far, it's not so bad. Just so long as I don't have to look at them while I listen to their music, I guess...

The Ash, for me, was a lot more enjoyable and certainly a lot LOUDER. They certainly got the "rock out" bug lately as their live show matched their latest release, Meltdown, in shear drive and true hard rock vibes. Even their older, punkier stuff came off as more rockin' in this show. They've been around a while, but their energy levels are certainly not decreasing. A good bit of the audience was very familiar with Ash, and sang along to many of their older tunes. All-in-all a good time. Definitely recommended.

Click on the picture above to be taken to a little photo album of the show. My camera phone is really crappy so don't expect much.

So Exactly How Did It Get So Oily?

2005-04-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

British Sea Power - Open Season
I love this band. Of course, it's mostly because I love their music... but I also love their image and the fact that they are so unabashedly British. Even right down the the production on their albums which, to me, can be so abrasive. I personally have to run it through an equalizer to warm it up a little with some bass, reducing the mids a little... But, I don't fault them for this because I know the sound they want to capture... that old school brit, "Jesus and the Mary Chain" brashness.

And while this album has the same production feel of their debut album, they do not hit us with as much of the raucous guitars and in-your-face songs. Don't get me wrong, any of the songs on Open Season could easily fit on The Decline of British Sea Power, but the overall feel of the album is different. I suppose to some it could come off as a band trying to tone down their sound for the masses, but I see it as a band growing and perhaps becoming a little more introspective. "It Ended On an Oily Stage" starts the album off perfectly and is joined by "Please Stand Up" as classic BSP. I'd say the only two tracks that were surprising by themselves would be the last two of the album, "The Land Beyond" which kinda sounds a little tweepopish, and "True Adventures" running an epic 8 minutes and closing out the album in a mysteriousf fashion. Enjoy!

Mmmmust... rrresist... p-p-p-pun... arrrgh...

2005-04-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

Richard Goode - Mozart
Well, if I continue this trend, I might just have to add a "Classical Album Reviews" category or something. Showing my other side here... I'll get to the other new releases out today... but for now...

I love Nonesuch Records. Of course, as you now know, I first fell in love with them when they started releasing the GÃ³recki recordings. Not only were the recordings top-notch quality and top-notch performances, they also injected a proper amount of style to the packaging and marketing. So many classical recordings seriously lack in those areas therefore potentially losing any kind of mass appeal. The covers of the GÃ³recki discs just about forced you to want to take a listen. Call me shallow or crazy, but I think that kind of stuff is important if your goal is to get as many people to listen to the albums as possible. And Nonesuch does it so well. Not like a porn movie where all the money is spent on the packaging and the movie inside is a low-budget disaster (I almost used the words "sucks" or "blows" but thought better of it...), Nonesuch's recordings match their gorgeous exterior.

This album, released today and available on Rhapsody, is no exception. It's packaging fits so well alongside the GÃ³recki albums and the other greats in Nonesuch's catalog (including the impeccably dressed A Ghost Is Born by Wilco). And inside that package is yet another stellar album. The production on this one is as clean as I have heard for a piano-only album. Sure, you may think it's easy to achieve that when there's only one instrument involved, but I can assure you that recording the piano is not easy. With this recording we get to hear the crystal clear sounds of the piano filled with the expression of Mr. Goode without having to endure the miscellaneous sounds a piano can make, nor the sounds of the airspace between the mic(s) and the piano strings.

Richard Goode has had a lengthy successful career, considered to be a master interpreter of Beethoven. He has two releases of Bach Paritas, both of which are critically acclaimed and one of which appears on Rhapsody. This recording of Mozart takes us through lesser known pieces that are so well played that you will even forget to notice his playing... as natural as the pieces themselves. Mozart as it should be played. With emotion, but also with a keen sense of structure, melody, and timing. Mozart was the master of the "Classical" period, providing that incredibly sturdy bridge between the regimented counterpoint of Bach and the romantics, such as Beethoven and Brahms. Mr. Goode does sweet justice to these pieces.

Ok, need to get back to some good indie stuff before I become too refined here. Enjoy!

Neil and The Crickets

2005-04-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Great Lake Swimmers- Great Lake Swimmers Ok, while we wait for the completely new albums to be added to Rhapsody today (not a great new releases week anyway though), here's one that was released two years ago but is being re-released today. It's a beautifully quiet, delicate album with heavy Neil Young influence (the good kind). The band is based in Toronto--one of my favorite cities--and actually just released their 2nd album, Bodies and Minds, in Canada last month. Unfortunately, it won't see release in the US until August 16th, so I assume it will be that long before we see it show up in Rhapsody.

This self-titled debut album is haunting, with simple acoustic instrumentation and vocals recorded in what sounds like a cave, complete with a lo-fi hiss that gives the impression of a light breeze, a distant river, or even a family of crickets. Don't let me give the impression that it has a hokey feel though... the atmosphere adds nicely to the sparse songs. The vocals have just the right amount of shakiness and modesty to fit the songs very well, while still able to occasionally lift up the songs with beautiful little harmonies. Album has a gorgeous closer...

... and I think those really might be crickets. Sure hope they recorded it outside in the summer up there. I've been there in the winter. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Enjoy!

And Now For Something Completely Different... Sorta.

2005-04-04T09:05:00.000-04:00

Kronos Quartet - Henryk Górecki: Already It Is Dusk (String Quartet No. 1, Op. 62) (1988) / Quasi una Fantasia (String Quartet No. 2, Op. 64) (1990-91) I received such a great response to the last post. Rock on to all of you who took the time to listen to that incredible work. Luckily, it's not the only thing Mr. Górecki has written. It's definitely the piece that has received the most attention and is my favorite, but I also love just about everything else of his I've had the opportunity to hear. On the wave of attention that the Symphony No. 3 recording brought (went to #13 on the British POP charts!!), Nonesuch records released a series of fantastic recordings of Górecki's stuff. The album in today's post is one of those.

I was so excited when I saw this album released way back in 1993. What could be better than the Kronos Quartet performing works by Górecki? I rushed out and bought it and listened to it as quickly as I could. Well, what a surprise. I really wasn't sure what to expect from this recording as I knew that Górecki was (is) a modern composer and that his 3rd Symphony was a surprise to some when he wrote it back in 1976 because it was unchararcteristically traditional. But, what direction had he taken since writing his 3rd? This recording is comprised of two pieces. The first, Already It Is Dusk, was written in 1988, and the second, Quasi una Fantasia, was written in 1990 and 1991. So we're 10 plus years beyond his 3rd and upon my first listen I really wasn't to sure I was happy about the progress.

These two pieces are not at all as initially digestible as his 3rd. These are much more thorny, much more dissonant, and much more schizophrenic. A difficult listen. I am generally not a fan of modern classical music, and that was my first impression of these pieces. But, because it was Górecki and because of the impeccable playing of the Kronos Quartet, I forced myself to give it a better listen. It was a struggle at first, but in the end it was this recording that truly clued me into Górecki's amazing talent. Don't get me wrong, I was well aware of his skills after hearing his third, but for me, this 2nd album was kinda like an awesome sophomore effort from a band... the one that proves to you that they aren't just a one-good-album band... one where they don't just try to copy their first album but continue their growth as artists. Granted, there were many albums of Górecki's stuff out before this, but it was the 2nd one I heard so it had that same effect for me.

I don't think there is a more passionate composer alive today and hardly a one throughout history. He has an amazing ability to grab hold of your emotions and do with them as he will. These pieces are full of anger, frustration, fear, resignation, disillusionment. Again, as with the 3rd Symphony, it deserves and requires a serious listen. I don't expect it will have you in tears, but your heart will race at times and by the end of the pieces, you will probably feel the same kind of exhaustion as the music exudes. I love, love, love it.

Fingers crossed that the other Nonesuch Górecki albums are added to Rhapsody soon too. Some awesome choral works. Enjoy!

Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

2005-04-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

Henryk Mikolaj Gorecki - Symphony No. 3 Oooooo, I am so excited to tell you about this one! Thank you Mr. Robert of the Radish for asking me that "Desert Island Song" question earlier today and making my scour my brain (I know, that shouldn't take too long... haha... you're funny) for my absolute favorites. In doing so, I discovered that the best recording of my absolute favorite "classical" piece is now available on Rhapsody! Now, in the end I didn't choose anything from this album even though it is one of my favorites of all time because I'd probably end up shooting myself if I were listening to this album and stranded on a desert island (or maybe jumping out of a tall palm tree if I didn't have a gun). It is so, so, so, so sad. While I consider myself to be in touch with my emotions and willing to pour myself into music and be moved by it, nothing has evoked such a strong emotional response from me as this one has.

Now, before you get all excited and jump right into this one, let me get you in the right frame of mind. First of all, don't even attempt to listen to this one unless you have a solid 30 minutes set aside in your day to sit down, put this on, and listen to it closely. That's how long the first of three movements is and it is just so incredibly important that you listen to this one straight through and don't lose focus. It is so intense and putting it on as background music is just so inappropriate for this kind of beauty. Secondly, make sure you're wearing waterproof mascara if you are an eye makeup kind of person. And guys, don't invite your "dude" friends over right after this. If you do not have tears running down your face by minute 13, then you are either not following my first instruction above, or you're dead. Thirdly, let me just tell you a little about the piece itself. The first thing you are going to hear is a double bass (yes, the enormous upright bass) playing a beautiful, tragic melody. You might have to turn up the volume to hear this, but hearing it is important. You see, what you are hearing is the first statement of what becomes a huge canon... (or round, for the layfolks out there... you know... row, row, row your boat... ). Listen closely and you'll hear that right after the double bass starts playing the melody the 2nd time, another double bass comes in a little after, playing the same melody in a round. Only difference is that the 2nd double bass is starting a 4th higher than the original double bass. After that 2nd double bass starts playing the melody the 2nd time, a cello comes in playing the same melody in a round as well... and it also starts a 4th higher. This continues further and further up until we finally get to the violins wailing the sorrowful melody, the previous instruments still pushing through the round, the basses reduced to a rumbling, and emotions soaring.

Intense for sure, I see this as the mounting cries of the people of Gorecki's homeland, Poland, during the 2nd World War. Gorecki is strongly patriotic and wrote this symphony for his country. When the canon is in full swing, the violins are practically screaming with the pain of his people, while the now rumbling lower instruments represent, to me, the crumbling buildings, distant bombs, and underlying sounds of destruction and death. Slowly, the fury subsides, the screaming drops out, the rumbling does as well, and we wind down the canon fading out in the middle, peaceful instruments... a sigh of relief as the smoke clears, perhaps.

We are then presented with a bright sound, from the piano.. the striking of a single key. Almost signaling some soft of enlightenment or perhaps realization... as this is followed by the beautiful soprano sounds of Dawn Upshaw singing the Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery. The words, in Polish, are a mother crying over a dying son. Perhaps the realization note was the realization that her son had been wounded and is dying. Her voice is now weeping over his body, sorrowful, passionate. Her short prayer then builds into an incredible crescendo as she gives in to the realization that he is dying and we are hurled back into the thickest part of the canon, the wailing and the rumbling at full force. This is, in my mind, as dramatic a moment in classical music history as I canthink of. This is when my tears continually find their way to the surface.

Slowly we are let back down to the ground by the canon as again the peaceful instruments fade out and we are left shellshocked, tired, trying to make sense of all that has just happened...

Ok, phew... that's enough. I do encourage you to listen to the rest of the Symphony as well as it is all beautiful and hard-hitting. As you can tell I love love love this piece and I hope I can introduce it to at least one person out there who ends up feeling the same way about it. Enjoy!

Woohoo, I'm Goin' Bigtime!

2005-03-31T19:44:00.000-05:00

No, just kidding. No bigtime for me. I just finally got around to forking out the 8 or so bucks for a domain name. I've been meaning to do this for a while, but am just now doing it because I am starting to play around with some other blogging tools/hosts, etc. and don't want to have to keep telling people new URLs if I make changes. So... drumroll please... from now on, please go to: http://www.worthymusic.net Exciting, don't you think? Yeah, me either. For now, I am going to stay on Blogger, but I am looking at some other possibilities like Typepad, WordPress, Movable Type, Textpattern, etc. but all of those cost some level above free, whether it be for the software itself or, in most cases, the web space to host it. So, I am testing out a bunch of stuff to see what I like. I think the biggest reason for me wanting to make the switch besides my curiousity is post categories... something so simple, but just apparently not something Blogger will be adding any time soon. Also, I like some things like the TypeLists in TypePad, etc. We'll see. One added feature of actually paying for it would be that I could hold someone accountable when things don't work. I've been having a lot of problems with Blogger lately but since it's a free service I get what I get... sigh... Chris

An Early Arrival!

2005-03-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer Ooops, apparently my calculations were a little off! Glen Phillips' new album is already available on Rhapsody. Perhaps they are slowly getting back to making new releases available first thing in the morning on Tuesday morning. Anyway, now you can see if you agree with all my blabbering about this album this past month. It's also available on iTunes and, of course, you can buy the CD itself from Amazon. All links below! Enjoy!

Busy Man

2005-03-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer Just a quick post here with another Glen Phillips playlist. This time, I've included all the collaborations I could find on Rhapsody. He's had quite a bit more than this list implies, but many are not on Rhapsody... such as flapping Flapping, Cory Sipper, Headless Household, Kenny Loggins (yes, Kenny Loggins), among others. Some of these are obvious, like all the Sean Watkins collaborations, but other's are quite bizarre, especially the backing vocals on The Atari's single, "The Saddest Song." Some are easy to pick out, like the Mutual Admiration Society for which Glen provided lead vocals (I only provided two of their tracks rather than the whole album), but others are faint, like both the Matt Nathanson tracks. Glen Phillips Collaborations Glen helps out other's collaboration lists on his new album out tomorrow. Appearing on it are Ben Folds, Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish), Dan Wilson (Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic), Jon Brion, Kristin Mooney, Pete Thomas (Squeeze/Elvis Costello and the Attractions). Enjoy!

One More Day

2005-03-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer Ok, the day is almost here. The release date for the long-awaited, highly-anticipated, major label debut for former lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips. It has been in my player non-stop for the past month and I cannot wait to listen to a first-quality version, rather than the 64 Kbps WMA stream version. It is truly a great album that I hope, hope, hope gets Glen the kind of attention he deserves as a songwriter and performer. Based on my super-secretive, highly-scientific, extremely-complex calculations, the album will be available on Rhapsody tomorrow. I'm estimating sometime between 12pm-2pm EST. I'll keep my eyes peeled and let you know ASAP. "Eyes peeled" ... that's gross if you really think about it. In preparation for his new release, I've made a playlist of some Glen classics. It includes the first single from the new album, "Thankful," plus a gorgeous song that was written for him to sing by Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, "Let It Fall," and a bunch of his Toad the Wet Sprocket stuff. Made sure to include some live tracks from the recently released Toad album, Welcome Home: Live At The Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara 1992. I hope you enjoy all of this as much as I do: A Case For Greatness Ok, I think that's it. Be sure to check back tomorrow when I will post a link to the album in Rhapsody as soon as it is added. Enjoy!

Ok, Forget That Full Cup, Drink Some Of This!!!!!

2005-03-23T18:27:00.000-05:00

Justin Rosolino - Wonderlust Ok, for all (3) of my readers out there who just didn't trust me enough last year when I went on and on and on and on and...well, you get the picture... about this one to go out and buy it yourself, your stubbornness has finally paid off. Damn you. Anyway, I was checking the New Releases listing in Rhapsody today and BAM! there's this fabulous album by my good friend, Justin Rosolino. Yeah, yeah, yeah, biased, biased, biased, blah, blah, blah. Well, now you have no excuse for not listening to this one. Now you can validate or discredit its 9th place finish in my "Most Worthy of 2004" list. And if you discredit it, I don't like you. At all. Stop reading my blog. I hope that all of you will give it at least 3 or 4 listens before drawing your long-term conclusions. It is a subtle album that does not wrestle your affections to the ground. Instead, it does what all great albums do... it slowly, assuredly earns them. While the catchy "Anyone" would fit in on just about any radio format, save the hip-hop/rap stations, it is the album's more delicate moments that are truly powerful... like the slowly building guitars and drums on the heartbreaking "Legacy," or Justin's angelic, breathtaking falsetto chorus on "Believe." Justin is one of the most talented musicians I have ever witnessed. His vocal range is enormous. His guitar skills are approaching godly (if you don't believe me after listening to "29," then you're nuts). His knowledge of music is astounding (who else can pull off something like "Stump Justin" at his shows where the crowd shouts out songs to try to find one that he cannot play). His songwriting skills are strong and strengthening by the day. And he is extremely intelligent, extremely kind, and extremely generous. Ok, enough gushing. Go listen to the album. Several times. See if you get it. If you're having a hard time, turn out the lights, turn up the music, close your eyes, and try again. It's worth it. Enjoy!

Thy Cup Overfloweth

2005-03-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, quite a day for Rhapsody. If it weren't for damn Merge Records (Radar Bros. new one out today), they'd have just about every one of today's notable releases in the indie-ish world. Unfortunately we are still waiting around for Merge to get on the ball with other online music services besides the unfortunately omnipotent iTunes. So, I've got my playlist all set up to listen to these. Thought I'd post them out here first so all of you can get started listening and not waiting around for me to say a word or two about them. No particular order here but the first in the list is also the first in my listening list. Liking it a lot so far. Lots of hype around this band, but perhaps they'll actually live up to it! Enjoy!

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm The Decemberists - Picaresque Brendan Benson - The Alternative To Love Acetate - This Band Makes Me Feel Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze John Doe - Forever Hasn't Happened Yet Louis XIV - The Best Little Secrets Are Kept Edie Sedgwick - Her Love Is Real... But She Is Not Out Hud - Let Us Never Speak Of It Again M.I.A. - Arular Dishwalla - Dishwalla

Holy Crap!

2005-03-21T23:37:00.000-05:00

Muse is playing Raleigh fuckin' North Cakalaky!!! And I, of course, am going to see them! Holy crap, Batman!

What's The Point?

2005-03-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

Long-View - Mercury So how was that for a blogging vacation? I wish I could say that it was because I was also actually vacationing from work, but no such luck. Just been a terribly busy and tiring week which has left me little energy to put towards writing. I have a lot to say about the shows last weekend and I promise to get to that soon. In the meantime, I felt compelled to write about this album... Ok, so I don't really think of my site as a "review" site. I usually only choose to write about albums that I really enjoy and I don't think of myself as overly critical of music... ok, maybe I am towards some obvious targets, but usually I'm pretty open to what artists are trying to do. Well, this post is a little different. There is only one purpose of me writing about this one: WARNING: AVOID THIS ALBUM AT ALL COSTS. There you go. I just had to issue the warning before any of you either actually buy it or even click the "Play Now" button in Rhapsody. It's crap. Total crap. What a waste of time for the musicians, engineers, producers, record company (yes even a waste of time for the likes of Sony), record stores, the printing company, the CD pressing company. I'm thinking about suing the band for the reckless use of plastic, aluminum and paper and for the impending overuse of the landfills. It's really that bad. Definitely at the top of my list for Worst Albums of 2005 and I can't imagine anything out-crapping this one. Sure, there's a lot more crappy music out there (i.e. Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Justin Guarini or however you spell his name, etc.) but I don't even listen to that stuff for it to make it onto any of my lists. This album is being pushed as an alternative album, the band is out of the UK (Manchester, even)... I should like it. And hey, I'm the guy who loves Keane even though many reviewers toss it aside as fluff... If you do like this music, let me tell you what else you like: Dawson's Creek (or any other cheesy teenager show that plays sappy bad music behind the last scene where someone ends up realize how difficult, yet beautiful life can be... and yes, I know that it is no longer on the air and it has been replaced by the O.C., but I can't knock a show that puts out such good soundtracks, even if they do miss their target audience), Applebee's, Light Beer (or maybe Mike's Hard Lemonade), the Gap, Hondas (or maybe even Saturns)... I think you know what I'm getting out. Nondescript, sappy for the sake of being sappy, extremely derivative and boring. It's almost offensive that they named their album "Mercury," the name of one of the many great American Music Club releases... Pointless.

My (Near) Future's So Bright....

2005-03-09T23:12:00.000-05:00

Ash - Meltdown Well, this weekend is sure looking up. First, the Crimea is added to the Ash/The Bravery show for which I already had tickets since my Irish friend wanted to go. Now, the latest Ash disc gets released stateside and whaddya know? I like it! I've never really been an Ash fan, but I am totally enjoying this release. Not to say that I've been anti-Ash up to this point, I just have never really been drawn to their stuff before. But this album (and perhaps the easy access to it via Rhapsody) has changed that. What an interesting mix. In a nutshell they are like a hard rockin' metal-ish band during many of their verses, but then they somehow smoothy hit you with a sharp as hell pop-influenced hook in their choruses. On paper it sounds sorta simple, I guess. But when you hear it for yourself, you'll see how well they pull it off. It's like they get at your fist pumping, face scowling muscles and your heartstrings all at the same time. Now, you losers out there stop thinking Evanesence... that's not what I mean (If you like Evanesence you probably shouldn't be reading my blog anyway). Definitely more of an indie rock/pop feel rather than arena rock. It's gonna be one hell of a show, I bet. Loud, for sure. But a blast. Now I am really excited. Enjoy!

Stoned? Then Listen To This...

2005-03-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

Kasabian - Kasabian We waited this long for this? Give me a break. Weak, weak, weak. "Club Foot" was a lie... all a lie. This band is nothing more than a lame party band for a party where everyone is sitting around getting high... I just don't get what they are trying to do here. They sorta sound like the trippy Stone Roses tracks... sorta... Not in a cool "Fool's Gold" kind of way, but just in a boring, shallow sort of way. Maybe I'll give it a few more listens to see if I get that "aha!" At this point, I just don't see it getting there. Perhaps you will enjoy! Not me.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

2005-03-07T23:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, the world had better notice this time that Glen Phillips is one of the best American songwriters to come along in a while. I have been listening to his new album (due out March 29th) over and over and each time something new grabs me. Just check out some of these lyrics:

though we all return to dust there's alot of us in a terrible rush --from "Courage" by Glen Phillips

Dang, ain't that the truth? I often wonder why I spend so much time working at a job that I don't really care for and always rushing around everywhere to get things done... We're all going to end up with the same earthly fate so what does it matter who's in first while we're here? And how about:

Everybody here's got a story to tell Everybody's been through their own hell There's nothing too special about getting hurt But getting over it, that takes the world --from "Duck and Cover" by Glen Phillips

Damn straight... And who has written a better love song than:

I was eighteen, so were you And I was that birkenstock, geek rock dude You were the backflip, doe eyed, tree climbing, earth mama beautiful evergreen girl And I never thought that I would be Getting my gray hairs with you beside me And there's something I'm blind to but you still see And it couldn't be better I know And it shouldn't be easier ohhh I should just stop waiting for the other boot to fall I want to be the toy in your cereal box I want to be Carter at your peace talks I want to get almost too familiar But still notice the way that you walk And if you said you were going away I would run on the tarmac and I would lay down in front of the plane just to get you to stay It couldn't be better I know I don't want it any easier ohh I should stop waiting for the other boot to fall I've got everything I've ever wanted here Everything and damn this constant fear Sure I'm gonna lose it all Just waiting for the other boot to fall If you thought I could be replaced I wouldn't just stop with an ear I would cut off my whole fucking face just to make my point clear That it couldn't be better I know And it shouldn't be easier ohh I should just stop waiting for the other boot to fall Waiting for the other boot to fall --"Easier" by Glen Phillips

Man, I would be so set if I could ever muster up words like that... My wife definitely deserves them and luckily I have people like Glen to lean on to help me express how I feel. He just has some sort of magical way of putting things in that "aha!" perspective. I've loved that song from the first time I heard him perform it live years ago and am so happy it is getting a proper studio version release. "Carter at your peace talks?" Who writes stuff that good?

I'm jagged rock you, waterfall your gentle touch you wear me down 'til I am smooth 'til I allow 'til I can bend 'til I can bow it's simple simple simple simply all I need I'm complication live wire down I'm agitation distorted sound and while I sleep I wanna forget everything these last years, take them from me wipe them away, I wanna be simple again --from "Simple" by Glen Phillips

Just an album full of fantastic songwriting and simply beautiful lyrics that are simultaneously very personal, cryptic at times, but yet can speak to you and put things in a new light for listeners... at least for me... Enjoy!

Well Pierce My Ears And Call Me Drafty!

2005-03-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

Some of you may recall my mention of a band a while back I'd heard quite a few times on XM Radio station XMU, The Crimea. And, some of you may have picked up that I am going to the Ash/The Bravery show this coming Friday at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro. Well, I was just checking the Cradle's show listing and surprise!! The Crimea have been added as the opener for the show! Rock on! Now I'm really excited for the show. I'm not really a fan of Ash and of course the verdict is still out on the Bravery who are already drowning in hype even though their debut album isn't out yet. So, now the night has much, much less potential for being a disappointment. Just need to make sure I get my friends motivated early enough to catch them. I've also found out that The Crimea's debut full length has been reworked and will finally see a US release date early this summer! Very cool. It will have 4 of the 5 tracks that appeared on their Lottery Winners on Acid EP to which I have provided links again below. I'll be sure to post my comments on the show next weekend. Enjoy!

WARNING: Long Gushing Post

2005-03-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer The waiting is over. I'm finally listening to this one in its entirety. All 3 (or am I up to 4 now?) of my regular readers know that this guy is one of my all-time favorites and I have been anxiously awaiting this release for quite some time now. No, I'm not so special that I am now getting advance copies of CDs to review... don't hold your breath on that one... Actually, I was just out browsing around in Amazon and came upon their section of advance releases that allow you to listen to the albums early if you go ahead and purchase prior to the release date. And, lo and behold, there was Mr. Phillips and his exquisitely clad new album, Winter Pays For Summer. My love affair for the talent of Glen Phillips began back in 1990 when I was in a little, now-defunct record store in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was my senior year in high school there and I had a really good friend who had very similar eclectic tastes in music as I did. We would spend hours in that record store listening to new stuff that the "Guy-who-knew-everything-about-music" who worked there would play for us. We'd scour the tape and CD racks for new stuff that caught our eye. Great fun. Spent all of the money I earned bussing tables for the tourists on my music collection. Well, for my friend's 18th birthday I decided I was going to walk into the record store and buy the most bizarrely named band in the whole dang store. I looked and I looked. Came upon bands like "That Petrol Emotion" who's names were certainly bizarre, but we already knew them. I made it all the way down to the T's when I came upon a new CD by a band certainly not to be surpassed in the strange name category: Toad the Wet Sprocket. I definitely did not understand the name and was unfortunately not cool enough to place the origin. So, I bought it. The CD was Pale and I brought it with me to his birthday party. To make a long story not quite as long, the party was one of those "parents out of town" kind of things. We had a lot of fun. But, as the party was winding down, and the way-too-serious-relationships-for-18-year-olds found their way to the various corners of the house to have their deep, meaningful, teary, end-of-party discussions, I decided to play DJ. I yelled up to my friend that I was opening up my present to him I didn't hear a response back, but I opened it anyway and popped it into the CD player, turned it up, and then layed back on the floor. A little interesting piece of info here is that this night happened to be the first night I dropped my intense abstinence from alcohol and decided not to take life so seriously myself. So, I wouldn't say I was drunk, but a little tipsy. And when the first words out of Glen's mouth on the opening track "Torn" were "I feel nothing..." I nodded my head and said "Me either." What followed was a slow realization that I was listening to an album that would become my favorite album of all time. I remember my friend shouting down from upstairs, "Who is this? I love them!" Me too, my friend, me too. From that point on I became a fan, nearly a full-fledged fanatic. I saw them live some 13 times or so prior to their breakup in 1998 and even saw a reunion tour show a couple of years back. I've spent quite a bit of time talking with the band (even got a tour of their tour bus... haha) and have always been impressed with them musically and personally. I have many anecdotes that I could spend hours spouting on about, but I'll now get on to this album. When I heard the title announced a while back, I thought it so perfect. Glen's ride since the breakup of Toad hasn't exactly been all shits and giggles. I think he's spent a lot of time discovering his true personal music and perhaps even more time trying to figure out where in the music industry he could carve out a little solo space. He's often reflected on his website on the difficulties of the industry and predetermined expectations of his music. I think he was tired of being a hitmaker and wanted to explore new musical territory. Luckily, he eventually found his way to Lost Highway records who seems to be the perfect landing spot for the best singer-songwriters out there. Let's hope they do as good a job promoting Glen's album as they did with Tift Merritt's and Ryan Adams', among others. The music itself is still sinking in, but its a great mix of introspection and declaration. Glen's songwriting has become even sharper as he continues to peer deeper and deeper into his thoughts on life's curve balls, life's inexplicables, and his strong beliefs on equality, anti-commercialism, and his general "live and let live" mantra. With each listen, it is apparent that while Glen's music has become more singer-songwriter and less radio-friendly since leaving Toad, his talon's are still sharp and dig deep into your psyche and your heart. He is a subtle performer which is probably why so many critics have previously been able to overlook him. It takes a few listens to get beyond the initial general listenability of his music to truly uncover just how much of a chord Glen strikes... and how great an album he can put together. I imagine that with the tone of the music and Lost Highway as the label, we might even see CMT pick up a couple of the tracks... especially with Glen's association with Nickel Creek and the Mutual Admiration Society... But, I wouldn't say the album is country at all. It has moments of Americana, but I hear a lot of XTC, maybe a little 80's Peter Gabriel. Hard for me to make comparisons like that since I tend to put Glen in his own little box... Anyway, I'm loving it and am sure I will continue to love it for a long time. I'll stop with my silly gushing now. Back to our regularly scheduled program. Enjoy!

Falling in Love All Over Again

2005-03-02T10:55:00.000-05:00

Doves - Some Cities Went out first thing yesterday morning and bought this CD (along with the new Mars Volta) as soon as I could. I am a huge fan of their previous work and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And, luckily for all Rhapsody users, the album was added to the service sometime yesterday afternoon around 2pm. Anyway, I popped into my car CD player (which rocks) and thus began the slow process of falling deeply in love with yet another great album. And that's what the Doves always seem to release. Not a collection of songs, but an album. Not really concept albums, mind you, but solid, consistant, whole albums... devoid of filler tracks as well as poor song placement/transitions . While Some Cities doesn't deviate too dramatically from the established Doves sound on their two previous releases, it is decidedly less lush than The Last Broadcast... more direct, less fragile. But it completely works. The emotion flows even more intensely on this one as they amp it up in a few spots, with "Black and White Town" being more raucous than its cousin "There Goes the Fear," and a driving bass "drum" on "One of the Days," to drive the song home. There are some beautiful symphonic moments, such as "The Storm," and their underlying employment of more soul than any other Britpop band oozes on the near Motown "Walk in Fire," which if you removed the Doves' orchestration/instrumentation and had Otis Redding or someone similar perform the song, it would sound completely natural. I love this band. I love their unique sound. And I love that they continue to release great albums... no let downs thus far! Enjoy!

Don't Worry, This "The" Band Sounds Nothing Like The Strokes

2005-03-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

The Autumns - The Autumns Here's another band who has been around awhile but just has never made my listening list. It's bizarre that I've never really noticed them before as they often draw references to the Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Radiohead, and -- as Rhapsody describes them -- all channeled through Toad the Wet Sprocket (who my regular readers know is one of my all time favorite bands and in my opinion the band who's impact to the music of the 90's is totally underappreciated). I just noticed The Autumns latest release from September of last year was added to Rhapsody yesterday so I finally gave this band a listen and after a couple of times through, I have to say that I'm impressed. This one apparently has less of the Cocteau Twins sonic landscape than their previous albums and is a more organic affair. I think it is a very sweeping, emotional, epic release that I am still struggling to completely get my hands around. For the first 3 minutes of the opening track, "The End," you will probably think you should prepare yourself for another Coldplay-influenced album, full of pensive falsetto, meandering beautiful melodies, barely there harmonies, etc. But, don't hit stop just yet because it's at that point that you will be abruptly introduced into what will make this album different for you. In Radiohead-esque fashion, the track quickly changes from Chris Martin to Matt Bellamy. And luckily, lead singer Matthew Kelly has got some pipes. This disc doesn't stick to that formula on every track though. There are varying textures here with even two instrumental tracks featuring a string ensemble. You've got some straight ahead rock tunes such as "Every Sunday Sky" and perfect Brit-pop such as "Cattleya" which successfully mixes Coldplay piano and attitude, Cocteau Twins guitar, Toad harmonies, Muse soft-loud-soft, and just great pop songwriting. Turn it up so you're ready for the fuzzy bass that helps drive the track home. Awesome. And the disc closes out with the sprawlingly wonderful "Wonderfully Wonderful" and the sweet, offkilter, quirky, beautiful waltz, "Heatsick on the Open Sea," closing out what turns out to be quite a journey. Enjoy!

Ha! Tasty Little Bite of Apple

2005-02-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

Early Day Miners - All Harm Ends Here Well, well, well... whaddya know? It's been a little while since I've come across a new one that's on Rhapsody but not on iTunes. You go Secretly Canadian! That's the way to prioritize! Are you listening Merge??? Hmmmmm??? We wanta stream Arcade Fire, M. Ward, Richard Buckner, Crooked Fingers, The Rosebuds, American Music Club, etc, etc, etc! Of course, Secretly Canadian still owes us Sufjan Stevens... Anyway, I am really enjoying this new one from the Early Day Miners. For whatever reason, I haven't listened to their older stuff too much. One of those groups I always intended to listen to, but never did. My loss apparently as this album here is fantastic. I've read that this one is a definite step in the right direction and may even be a career definer, but from an objective viewpoint I'd say it's a solid release that is very sweeping, very mellow, very beautiful. Recommended for lazy, pensive days. Enjoy!

"Some Cities" Preview

2005-02-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post here to let you know about a "Some Cities" album preview site the Doves have created. Just got it today in a mailing list email. The album was released this past Monday in the UK and should be out here in the US this coming Tuesday. I'm not too concerned about whether or not it hits Rhapsody as I will certainly be buying the CD for this one. One of my all time favorite bands. Click here to go to the preview site.

Hanging on Her Every Word

2005-02-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

Tift Merritt / Hotel Lights Cat's Cradle, Carrboro NC February 19, 2005 Ok, the third and final live show in the "Best of 2004" series... at least so far, that is. Only live show I have nailed down coming up is the Ash / The Bravery show in March. Might go see the Rosebuds that same weekend, too... But I digress. My (wonderful) wife and I were both excited about this show as we both really like Tift Merritt's albums. She provides us a nice middle ground on which to meet. Plus, I was excited about the opening band as Hotel Lights is Darren Jesse's new band. Darren, as the astute popsters in the crowd know, was the drummer in Ben Folds Five. He's pulled a "Dave Grohl" and is playing guitar, keys, and singing lead vocals in his new band. So, with all this excitement, you can imagine my disappointment when we had made it over halfway to Carrboro and realized we'd forgotten the tickets. Grrrrrrrrrr. It's like a disease we have. Would you believe we had tickets to the Continental Tire Bowl a few years back when my Virginia was playing and left the damn tickets on the refrigerator? Unbelievable, I know. Luckily, this time we had purchased the tickets online at etix.com... Mix that with a little quick thinking and you're scanning your brain thinking of where in the world the closest Kinko's is (excuse me...make that FedExKinko's). I knew where one was nearby, but of course hit every single traffic light getting to it and got there 5 minutes after it closed. Luckily, Chapel Hill is a college town so we found a Kinko's there and $2.25 later had reprinted the tickets. Which means we weren't too terribly late to the show. Got to see the last few Hotel Lights songs. From what I could tell, they were lulling the crowd to sleep. Their music is very peaceful, *very* mellow. I thought that maybe live they'd turn it up a bit, but no... they were happy to make it a sleepy affair. Unfortunately, I just think it was the wrong crowd to truly appreciate it and to tell you the truth, I don't think I was in the right mood or mindset to enjoy it either. I did pick up their self-released debut and I'll be reviewing it soon. Fortunately, Tift Merritt was easily able to turn things around for the crowd. The middle-ground I mentioned earlier apparently applies to others as well as the crowd was extremely diverse. From the young college-age kids (man, I'm getting old) to folks who could have been my parents and even grandparents were in attendance and seemed to be very aware of her music. There were the hipsters, the not-so-hipsters, the I-don't-even-know-what-a-hipster-is-ers, and the nerds, like me. But, everyone in attendance seemed to be totally entranced by this woman. In between some of the songs there was a weird silence after the applause and shouting subsided... Tift joked about it saying we were so well-behaved but eventually someone shouted out "We're hanging on your every word!" which I think was completely the case. No one wanted to miss a thing she said. It was very different than any other show I'd been to. There is really something special about her and people are just drawn to her... Maybe it's her sheer talent, maybe it's her songwriting, maybe it's her sweet beauty, maybe it's what comes across as the most intense kindness, maybe it's her innocence... who knows? Whatever it is, it works. Throughout the main set of her show, she was fantastic. Her vocals were tight, even though she was having serious monitor problems early on and couldn't hear herself at all. Her band was perfect for her. The backing vocals were spot on. The keyboards were rockin'... and so on and so on. Had the crowd dancing and singing along. But, all that said, Tift really nailed in the fact that she is a special talent during her encore set. She came out with just her acoustic guitar and let us into an intimacy that I hadn't experienced for a while at a live show. What a voice, what a spirit. I love it when a performer validates praise live. Tift definitely did that. I obviously recommend checking her out if you get a chance. See if the crowd is set into the same trance where you are. Perhaps it was all because this is her howetown, but I'm guessing it's because she really has what it takes.

Hook and Ladder to Heaven

2005-02-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

The Fire Theft - The Fire Theft Ok, who added this one to Rhapsody without telling me? I mean, come on people, work with me here... Just kidding, of course. I need to pay someone to sit and scan the music services for the albums I'm waiting on and tell me when they are added. This is one that I waited on for a while into early last year but then finally gave in an purchased the CD... I know, I know... the HORROR! I had just heard the song "Chain" enough times to know that I wanted to 1) listen to the entire album and 2) blast that song in my car with the windows down. Well, luckily the whole album is good and it actually has a song or two better for blasting than "Chain." Fire Theft is, as I am sure many of you know, 3/4 of Sunny Day Real Estate whom many credit with being the originators of true emo. But, don't pigeon-hole this group into just a SDRE reunion as there is a lot more going on here. Vocals here are as large as ever provided by the illustrious Jeremy Engik, but this incarnation has the band channelling much less "emo" and much more classic rock. I even hear some Led Zepplin influence on some of the sweeping instrumentals. But, don't let me scare you away. I'm not a big classic rock fan either. The music is very intense, very huge, very inspiring. And if you're not completely sold by the first few tracks, skip on up to "Heaven" and turn your speakers to 10. One of the best builds in recent music history. Enjoy!

Dressed Up Like The Hamptons

2005-02-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

Josh Rouse - Nashville I've been a fan of Josh Rouse's since way back at the release of his debut, "Dressed Up Like Nebraska." Since then, it's been very interesting to watch him grow as a performer and songwriter. If you first listen to his debut and then go immediately to his last release, "1972," you might think you were listening to two different performers... the first being extremely introspective, unsure, fragile... the second being more extroverted, more outwardly emotional, a bit more confident. But, the constant thread has been the fantastic songwriting and strong focus of each album. With this latest release, Josh doesn't change his most recent formula too much. Still more upbeat, still more extroverted. But this time, I'd say its an even better mix between the old and new and the whole affair stays very engaging throughout. Now, understand that we're not talking absolute rocking here or anything... It's Josh Rouse, for God's sake... But if you turn it up it will keep a strong hold on your focus. It feels as if he's even more comfortable with this more outward stance than before... Sounds has if he's been performing this way forever. I especially love the Smiths-tinged "Winter in the Hamptons." Enjoy!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

2005-02-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've listened to a lot of stuff lately that has just not inspired me enough to write about it. So, here's a list of things that have recently been added and then subsequently removed from My Library in Rhapsody:

Eisley - Room Noises Boring, boring, boring. What's the point of fluff like this?

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - Worlds Apart I think they named the album after the two main opinions on this album. I have some friends who will argue with me on this one, but I am falling on thie "ick" side of the polarized reviews of this album. I think they lost me on the "Hey, fuck you man" followed by children's laughter. Very disappointing.

Blue Merle - Burning In The Sun See folks? THIS is what a Coldplay clone sounds like. (Don't you dare use that assessment of Keane anymore!) When this band doesn't sound like Coldplay, they sound like bad Counting Crows. Makes me queasy.

Erasure - Nightbird It's not bad. I just don't get it. Why come out with a new album like this when it's just as easy to listen to their great 80's stuff that is *exactly* the same. Pretty at times, but generally forgettable.

Annie - Chewing Gum Pitchfork, what are you doing to me here? You've been singing the praises of this woman since sometime last year, even putting her album in your year-end top 100 and giving one of her singles the top single of the year. Are you kidding me? One of her songs just showed up on Rhapsody so I could finally give her a listen... and I'm starting to think she must be sleeping with one of the Pitchfork writers or something...

Ok, that's enough for now. There have certainly been more things I've listen to and not liked, but I need to get back to listening to the good stuff now. Maybe I'll do this again someday soon.

17 Going On 35

2005-02-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

Kyle Riabko - What Did I Get Myself Into? I actually had dinner Kyle last fall when my good friend Justin Rosolino was in town playing with Matt Wertz. Kyle was the opening act for the show at the Lincoln Theatre here in Raleigh. Meeting him in person before seeing him on stage really nailed down what a phenom this guy is. The stage can make just about anyone seem larger than life, but when I first met Kyle at Poole's, I just thought he was a young friend of the band, or one of the backing musicians of the band perhaps. He is a small framed guy and when standing next to him he looks his age... which is only 17. He was very nice, fairly quiet, definitely polite, very cool. Now cut to him on stage and I will paint you a very different picture. The first striking thing about Kyle is that he can freakin' *play* the guitar. I mean really play. He spews musicality through his fingers and totally envelopes himself in his playing. When I leaned over to my brother who was with me at the show and told him that Kyle is only 17, he looked at me like I was crazy. His playing alone puts at least 10 years on him. Then comes his singing. What a surprise to hear this bluesy, intense voice come out of this skater-looking guy. Totally fitting of his music, full of pent up tension. Then add in his very entertaining wit which continued to draw in the audience and kept us all laughing in between songs and you end up with a guy who comes off as a very seasoned performer. Now, his music is not my normal fare, but he does what he does so well that I find myself enjoying it. This is a rerecorded single from his last EP that is now fully produced with a full band. Bluesy rock teeming with intensity. He unfortunately gets compared to John Mayer (who is the current reigning champ of the worst-show-I've-ever-ever-ever-seen award) which is unfair as he has more talent in his little finger than Mayer has ever dreamed of having. Oh, and if I have any teen girl readers (doubtful, I know), Kyle is much, much hotter as well. Enjoy!

Dozing Off in the Men's Room

2005-02-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

Readymade - On Point and Red Ok, this one's a few years old but I totally missed its original release. As a matter of fact, I totally missed both of this band's releases. Never heard of them until today. Before today, if someone had put me through a word association test and said "readymade," I would have yelled out "urinal." (Duchamp, anyone?) And if the band had been in earshot, I'd have felt really bad because I don't feel that way about their music at all. As a matter fact, I quite like it. They have a new release that came out Jan 9th, but hasn't been propagated out to the music download services or even to Amazon. Just available on toneVENDOR. So, I'm listening to their previous release which is apparently a good segway into the new one. Some of you may know that I have a thing for shoegazer as well as a thing for dream pop occasionally. Well, Readymade is a mix of the two... It's kinda like My Bloody Valentine mixed with Bedhead. A wonderfully sleepy affair that is just what I was looking for today, sitting in my favorite coffee shop with my headphones on my head and a light breeze on my side. The song "A Blind Tomorrow" is pure joy that sucked me into a perfect daydream in which I am still swimming. Totally my kind of stuff here. Can't wait to hear their new one. Might just have to make a purchase and not wait for it to show up on Rhapsody. Enjoy!

We Don't Need No Stinkin' Lead Guitar

2005-02-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

Death from Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A Machine There's been a whole bunch of buzz around this band since this was released towards the end of December. I've been checking Rhapsody every so often and just noticed today that it had been added. One time through and I can understand the buzz... not only because this band makes the most noise of any 2 instrument band (yes, White Stripes included), not only because those 2 instruments are drum and bass (do not confuse with drum'n'bass... not even close), but because cutting through the fuzzy, distorted bass, pounding drums, and wailing vocals, their songs are actually very infectuous. It's a sorta rock-metal-funk-swagger affair with a definite groove throughout. Some standouts are "Black History Month" and the first single, "Romantic Rights," but the whole thing is very solid. Strongly recommended for your rock-out days. Enjoy!

Whaddareya, a buncha hippies or sumthin?

2005-02-10T23:53:00.000-05:00

Lovers - The Gutter and the Garden It appears that Orange Twin just made available a bunch of its artists. It is a "label," so to speak, owned by the members of the band Elf Power. According to their website, Orange Twin "is raising funds for land preservation and sustainable development. We are currently working on an 150 acre eco-village in Athens, Ga. We support artists by providing an affordable place for them to display and sell artwork and music at www.orangetwin.com." This one is a great release from 2004. As you can expect from an Athens label, there is some Elephant 6 influence here, especially Neutral Milk Hotel... but a female singer, and a quite a bit more sweetness added in. I am really enjoying this one so far and it is growing on me more and more after each listen. Enjoy!

Music Dorkage Alert

2005-02-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Archer Prewitt - Wilderness This one just showed up on Rhapsody about a week after release date. Archer Prewitt is a member of the band The Sea and Cake, but has had a pretty strong solo career as well since the release of his solo debut back in 1997. I've had a chance to listen to this one a few times though now and I find it very interesting. Definitely one that will continue to grow on me, but it's ability to hook you early on is damn right stealthy. Through the mist of the rolling, swirling, folk pop, Archer likes to throw you totally unexpected curve balls. They are very subtle, but enough to perk you out of any sort of lull the peaceful music has pulled you into and bring you back to the surface. Being the Music major dweeb (yes, that's college major... not that I am a major dweeb although I am sure that's up for debate) that I am, I was perhaps pulled in by one of these little surprises earlier than some. Towards the end of the first track "Way of the Sun," he throws a 3/4 time handclap over the 6/8 of the song. Again, very subtle, but just so freakin' cool that I love it. I've always loved the 3 over 2 effect, and it is pulled of sweetly here, with the split 3's of 6/8 time adding a nice complexity. Another of my favorites on the album is "Judy, Judy" which has very slight changes in tempo between the 1st and 2nd verse, and then a chorus that jumps from 4 time to 6 time followed by a bridge that hops between 4 and 6 time. All the while, the music has a very smooth, flowing feel about it. Very cool stuff here. Stays beautiful and interesting throughout. Enjoy!

We're Huge in Belgium

2005-02-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Frames - Burn The Maps This album was just released today and hit Rhapsody immediately. And, after listening to it a few times, I'd have to say that I disagree with Pitchfork on this one. I've never really been too into this band, but have enjoyed a few of their songs over the years, especially the classic "Revelate." Still a little known band over here in the States, these guys are superstars in their home country, Ireland... which to me makes this new release even more impressive. They are surely living very comfortably in their homeland, which usually leads to less intense music. Not the case here as the Frames continue to produce wonderfully raw and passionate stuff. The Frames have always been known for their heartfelt, anthemic songs which fit well in the large venues they play in Ireland. This release does have a few songs that fit perfectly into that model, especially the sure-to-be-a-classic-in-Ireland "Finally" which will swoon those crowds with its intense, slow build. Or "Dream Awake" to which I can envision the crowds jumping in unison when the strong, frantic drums come hailing in halfway through the song. I do agree with the Pitchfork reviewer that this album has a bit more noodling experimentation than other albums, but I think they pull it off. Especially the beautiful "Sideways Down" or the slightly Radiohead-esque, trip-hoppy "Ship Caught in the Bay." The album does wind down to a slow crawl on the last 3 songs, but in my opinion they still carry the Frames' trademark intensity. Sure, maybe not the driving drums and wailing vocals of their great songs, but in my opinion a fine way to end an album. Enjoy!

When Did the World Stop Revolving Around Me?

2005-02-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

Mellowdrone - Go Get 'Em Tiger Ok, here's another find from XMU, the new music station on XM Radio which is great. I made a mental note of this band after hearing them play the song "I'm Too Young" a couple of times and really being charmed by its gorgeous melody and harmonies and its overall beauty and peacefullness. So, I went out looking for more of their music. Turns out they don't have a full-length release yet. 4 EPs of which only 2 are still available. Seem to be starting to get some attention so maybe there will be more soon. Who knows? They are not on Rhapsody yet, but on their website you can download all of the two available EPs. Rock on! Of course, with a name like Mellowdrone I expected all their stuff to have the same quiet, slow, beautiful quality of the song I heard on XM. Well, it turns out I was wrong. They are mostly upbeat pop, with occasional electronic embellishments. Not groundbreaking stuff here, but some beautiful soaring melodies wrapped up in solid songwriting. "I'm Too Young" is still the standout for me, appearing on their most recent EP, Go Get 'Em Tiger. There's just something about those harmonies that gets me. Love it. Looks like their latest EP came out in September of 2003, which may have made them a bit more different at the time (pre-Killers, etc). Will be interesting to see what they offer us next, for sure. Enjoy!

Ed, Edwina, Edleton, Edgerton, Edwardo, and Edmond Harcourt

2005-02-04T13:53:00.000-05:00

Ed Harcourt - Strangers I've never really zeroed in on Mr. Harcourt. I've given his previous stuff a listen as it has come out but never was inspired enough to make the leap and purchase it. Of course, now that I have Rhapsody, its not as big a deal to give it multiple listens and let it grow on me (are you listening record companies?). I've given his older stuff another listen and I do like it, but this new one is my favorite. Released last year in the UK and this week in the US, this one is a much more upbeat affair than anything he's released to date. He's apparently a pretty talented guy as he not only plays a zillion instruments, he also manages to touch on just about every incarnation of "brit pop/rock" in this release. The usual mentions for his music are here such as Jeff Buckley (I know, not a Brit), Chris Martin, Fran Healey, Bono (I know, not a Brit... I would NEVER make that mistake), Rufus Wainwright... But on this release, you will probably hear less of the mentions of Tom Waits and you certainly have to start throwing in such references as Radiohead and Muse. Its a very schizophrenic affair, song to song sounding like different albums, but overall is very enjoyable... his voice acting as a sort of glue that holds the whole thing together. The first single "Lonliness" is a perfect brip-pop barn-burner, while "Something to Live For" is a beautiful, fragile song so delicately delivered. Definitely a talented guy and a great album that shows off a good portion of his amazing chops. Enjoy!

A Tale of Two Ci... Uh... Shows

2005-02-02T20:43:00.000-05:00

Ah, what a weekend. Definitely one I'll never forget. Filled with fantastic music and fantastic friends (and a fantastic wife, of course). As my regular readers know, I hit the Arcade Fire show in Carrboro, NC on Friday night and the Keane show in Charleston, SC on Sunday night. Both absolutely wonderful shows, both absolutely different shows... The Arcade Fire / Final Fantasy Cat's Cradle, Carrboro NC January 29, 2005 So, as you probably know, I was hyped as hell for this show. The Arcade Fire's debut album was my favorite release of 2004 and one of my favorites of all time. I couldn't believe I was able to get tickets to this one as I just happened to notice they were coming to the Cradle one day and bought the tickets right away in what was apparently just a two or three day window before the show sold out. Friday night was a cold night and unfortunately there was something going on in the neighboring Carrboro Arts Center so we had to park very far away even though the line for the Arcade Fire had barely started to form. We had some pizza there next door at Amante's Pizza and watched as more and more people lined up and more and more people showed up with "Wanted: One Ticket" signs, desperately wanting to get into this show. When we finally gave in and decided to wait in the cold, there were probably 50 or so people in front of us. Only had to wait about 10 minutes out there before they let us in... and I was very surprised when we got in that we were still able to get a spot right in the front row. I know, not always the best place to stand for sound, but just wanted to experience this band up close. The show started with a single, thin guy with a violin who said "Hi, I am Owen and I am in the band Final Fantasy." So, of course we thought there were a few more people in the wings who were going to join him at some point. Quickly though, we realized this was not the case. Instead, this guy is a one man string quartet (sometimes quintet, sometimes octet, etc.) and vocalist. Amazingly, he uses a loop pedal to create loops of violin parts on the fly, using his foot to tell it when to start recording and when to loop, etc. Within a minute he has many intricate, swirling, intertwining string lines building while he then sings over top. Truly an astounding performance. The crowd was definitely amazed and definitely showed their enjoyment by totally getting into the show and giving him the praise he deserved. I bought his handmade disc and have only given it one listen so far, but I'll review it once I get to mull it over some more. Due to the lack of a necessity to change stage set up, the Arcade Fire came on fairly quickly after Final Fantasy finished. From the first note they played, I knew we were in for a great show. I've never seen anything like it. By my count, there were 6 members of the band onstage (with Owen of Final Fantasy also playing on many songs) and just the violinist played her single instrument throughout the night. The others all switched between all songs but one. While this does mean there is a bit of a break between songs as they trade instruments and places, it is totally worth it as each of them have a different way of playing the instruments. They have a musicality surpassed by few, and an energy unmatched by any show I've ever seen. To me, it's amazing that they put this much into their shows night after night after night. I don't know how they do it. The only negative point I have from the show is that the amp for the keyboards was up WAAAAAAY too loud. While I am sure at the soundboard things sounded good once they were routed through the large stage speakers and made it back to the back of the room, there was no reason the keyboard MusicMan amp had to be up so much louder than the rest of the amps on stage. On the songs where the keyboard played a major role, the other instruments were drowned out. Now, keep in mind that I was in the front row, but still... a good sound person will try to make the sound acceptable from all spots in the room. She (I am pretty sure it was a she) should have turned that keyboard amp down and then pushed it up in the overall mix for the large stage speakers.... simple as that. Anyway, I thought we might should move back, but I decided that for this show the experience of being 2 feet from the band was too awesome to pass up... So overall, in my opinion, the Arcade Fire has the potential to become one of the greats of our time. They certainly have the live show to back the incredible studio work which makes such a big difference to me. They played one new song, "Intervention" which was great and makes me look forward to their next studio stint. They played most, if not all, songs from Funeral and I believe just one song, "No cars go," from their self-released EP, which I bought at the show and will review soon (pictured above). If the Arcade Fire comes anywhere near your town, go see them. Do whatever it takes and go see them. Totally worth it. I don't think I've sweat that much in a long time which is always a good measure of a show! Keane / The Zutons / The Redwalls Center Stage at the Plex, Charleston SC January 30, 2005 Ok, so I had way too much fun in Charleston this weekend. Headed down on Saturday so we could take in the city and its nightlife a night before the show. Had a great time with good friends. So by the time I made it to the Keane show I was in great spirits and probably the perfect mood to take in this show. Well, we arrived at the show probably halfway through the Zutons show so I missed the Redwalls altogether. Don't really like any of their stuff though so I really didn't mind too much. Just not into those who sound more like a copy than influenced... But anyway, I have to say that I was very unimpressed with the Zutons. While they were very tight in their sound, they seemed to have an uncanny ability to lose the audience in an instance. One second the audience is dancing and enjoying the show and the next second it was as if we were in a club with a random house band as they dilly dallied through some uninteresting stuff. I am just not into their music, nor was I into their live vibe. Not engaging. Now Keane is a totally different story. Keep in mind that there are just 3 of them. The lead singer (who only played an instrument on one song ... another keyboard!), the pianist, and the drummer. The bass "guitar" is added by the pianist via a laptop and some sort of bizarre integration that I have yet to figure out. I whipped out my camera phone and snapped a few (bad quality) pics to show that they had a good light setup that added just the right theatrics to their beautiful music. The band itself was fairly calm on stage, the lead singer not resorting to much dancing or overt expression. As many of you know, I am a singer and I have to say that the lead singer is perhaps the most talented vocalist I have ever heard. I don't think he hit one wrong note all night... not even slightly off pitch. Truly amazing. When I first heard their album I thought for sure he had a "studio voice" that could never really sound like that live. Well, I was completely proven wrong. I stood there most of the show completely in awe of what I was hearing come out those pipes. The crowd was VERY into what they were doing and even really got into the new stuff they played. Just a fun, happy, inspiring, impressive show. It is great to see a band who is just that good, that talented, and just knows how to write and perform perfect pop songs.... you know? I recommend seeing them if you have the chance. Oh, and they are performing on SNL this weekend. You'll swear they're pulling an "Ashlee" but I can assure you he's really making that beautiful sound. I have tickets in hand to two more shows over the next month or so... So I'll keep the live reviews coming as I can. Thanks for reading!

A True Great.... Under-Appreciated... But Great

2005-02-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

Glen Phillips - Thankful Ok, I'm back home from my wild weekend in Charleston, SC where I was fortunate enough to see the band Keane live (and unfortunate enough to see the Zutons open). That show coupled with the Arcade Fire show on Friday will definitely make this weekend go down in history as one of my best music-related weekends ever. I know I owe you a review of the shows and I swear it is coming. But, I have a few other things I want to get out quickly too. Like this one. Its the first single off Glen Phillips forthcoming album "Winter Pays for Summer" and it was just added to Rhapsody (and apparently a bunch of the other music services) yesterday. Glen is truly one of the great singer/songwriters of our generation. Toad the Wet Sprocket has been one of my favorite bands of all time for a long time and I was always baffled that they didn't get more credit than they did. Since the split, Glen has ventured further into the singer/songwriter world spending much of his time performing as a solo act with just an acoustic guitar. He's released one studio album ("abulum") which was mostly acoustic and one live album ("Live at the Largo") which is just him and his guitar. The upcoming album is his first on Lost Highway Records, home to Tift Merritt, Ryan Adams, Lyle Lovett, etc. and from the sound of this single has been quite fleshed out beyond the acoustic guitar. I love the instrumentation and vocals on this track. Very catchy, yet very interesting. Makes me even more excited for the album, which is hard to do... Enjoy!

Arcade Fire Show Afterthought

2005-01-29T02:08:00.000-05:00

Holy crap.

Today is Officially ARCADE FIRE Day in the Land O' Worthy

2005-01-28T09:05:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok, ok, I know I said I had more discs in my queue to review. Problem is, I can't think about anything else music related today except the fact that I'm going to the Arcade Fire show tonight in Carrboro! Woohoo! I'm so freakin' excited. Their album keeps getting better and better for me with each listen (yes, still in heavy rotation for me 4 months after release... which is a big deal for me). Lately, in preparation for this show, I've been scouring the web for info about their live shows and have come upon some great stuff. I don't think I've ever been this hyped for show, so they'd better be as good as everyone says! For those who want to live vicariously through me (I feel truly sorry for you if you do!), here are some links to the info I've found. First, here is the link to their live performance on Nic Harcourt's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." This is a live in the studio performance that shows just how great a band they are. This set has a new song called "Intervention" that thankfully gives a sense of "there's more where that came from." Always worried when a band starts out this strong that they won't be able to follow it up with anything... Great cover of a Magnetic Fields song too... Secondly, here is a link to a interview and live performance montage for a show called The Turnpike that shows up on the Lawrence.com site. Apparently Lawrence, Kansas is a pretty cool town. I performed there back in the early 90's but pretty much only saw the KU campus... so I guess I missed out. Anyway, while the interview part of this one is pretty hokey (the interviewer is no Nic Harcourt), the live show clips show their incredible energy which I am so looking forward to tonight. Finally, here's a list of links of people talking about the live performances. The first link has MP3's of the live show recorded by a simple clip-on mic. Listen to Rebellion (Lies) for the "Holy Shit" proclamation referred to by the author. The others are reviews of the live shows: Bradley's Almanac Blog Critics Tiny Mix Tapes #1 Tiny Mix Tapes #2 Tiny Mix Tapes #3 I'll post my post-concert thoughts either tomorrow morning or early next week as I am headed to Charleston, SC this weekend to catch the Keane show on Sunday night! Woohoo! More excitement! Enjoy! I know I will!

Better on Rhapsody, But Still Just Not Into It ...Yet

2005-01-26T18:38:00.000-05:00

Lemon Jelly - '64-'95 Ok, why do artists put crappy quality versions of their music online? I just don't see the point. Music recorded at crappy low-bit rates sounds just that... crappy. Doesn't matter how good the songs are, hearing them through what sounds like an AM radio will always destroy them. I know they are just trying to keep away the music pirates and preserve bandwidth as well, but come on... Case in point, this new Lemon Jelly album. Just the other day I posted a link to an early-listening stream of this CD ... which was a crappy quality stream... and I did not like the album at all. If I didn't have Rhapsody, I'd probably never given the disc another listen. Luckily, I do have Rhapsody so I was able to give it a proper listen and while I am enjoying it MUCH more than the stream, I'm just not feeling it yet. Just seems too detached, too cold... but I'm going to give it a few more listens just to see. I do still really like the last track... which brings up an oopsie in Rhapsody. They have the track order wrong. The track they have in the #1 position is actually the last track of the disc and I believe on the print copy it is a hidden track, but haven't confirmed that yet. So, rather than just posting a link to the album, I've posted a playlist with the tracks in the correct order so you can experience the awesomely strong finish of this disc. Enjoy!

Look! He Can Count With His Hoof!

2005-01-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

M83 - Before the Dawn Heals Us Woohoo! The day is finally here! Let the floodgates open and awash us in new music! I've got 6 new discs in my queue to listen to and review so I should be posting pretty regularly this week. Plus, I'm sure to find a few more throughout the week. First up is the release I have been most anticipating this week. I loved last year's album from this band (#25 on my Most worthyMUSIC 2004 list), but was curious what direction they would take with the new one. To me it seems that electronic bands are often one-trick ponies. Well, from the first few bars of music on Before the Dawn Heals Us, it is easy to realize that M83 has more to offer. While the "wall of music" sound is still present, still moving, and still beautiful, we now have wide-ranging variations of texture. This is mostly due to the introduction of new instrumentation into the mix like guitars and piano. The opening track, "Moonchild," starts off sounding like a lead-in track to a Boston CDand I'd swear the song "*" was Mars Volta and kept waiting to hear Cedric Bixler's high-pitched shrieking voice chime in. There are still downtempo, lush tracks to be found, but the further development of their themes and moods have truly made this a more exciting and entrancing album than their last. Enjoy!

The Anticipation Builds... Sorta

2005-01-21T01:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, unfortunately, no new playlists with this post. Just an update on a couple of discs headed our way. First of all, Lemon Jelly's new CD is either coming out this Tuesday or the next. I've seen conflicting dates on the XL Recordings website and the Beggars Group USA website... which is interesting since the Beggars Group owns XL... Anyway, if you go to the Beggars Group USA site for Lemon Jelly, there is a link to listen to the new album in its entirety. I've listened twice now, and while the sound quality of this music stream isn't great, I'd have to say that I'm a little disappointed. It's a lot more distant and soulless than I like throughout much of the disc. The last track is quite powerful and moving, but up until then I just wasn't ever really pulled in. Now, of course, I will give it a good listen if and when it hits Rhapsody as I am sure there are nuances I am missing so far... Also, on the Glen Phillips front, thanks to Rob Holloway for letting me listen to a couple of tracks recorded for the upcoming CD. I gotta tell you that I think this is going to be one of the truly great albums of 2005. I just hope to God (or god, or whatever) that he gets the kind of recognition he deserves. Hearing him fully utilize the "full band" and "full studio" setting again is such a thrill. For music that is still pretty accessible, I'd say he's one of the most creative and exciting songwriters of today. Fingers crossed for the Trail of Dead and the M83 discs to show up in Rhapsody this Tuesday.

Water... water... water... water...

2005-01-18T18:24:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! I finally found something I want to write about! Man, this dry spell is killing me. I'm starting to feel like a junkie desperate for my next hit... Anyway, for those of you following along, you'll remember that I bought my wonderful wife an XM receiver and subscription for Christmas since she spends so much time in her car. I totally expected to hate it but have been *totally* proven wrong. I love it. Their music selection is amazing and they actually have a "new music" station that really does play only new music and even introduces me to new stuff. If only Rhapsody's radio was anywhere near as good as that... sigh... Well, anyway, the new music station (XMU) has played a few tracks from this band and I really like them! I was pleasantly surprised to find them on Rhapsody. Turns out their first LP came out in the UK on a homegrown label last March. Warner Bros. has since picked them up in some capacity and released an EP, their first release of any sort over here. Not sure if and when their debut LP will be released over here. They fall loosely into the whole indie/post-grunge world, but their songs are loose and infectious. "Baby Boom" is fantastic, inspiring, beautiful, soaring while still rough edged and unsure. I love it. Good thing I didn't do a "Best Songs of 2004" countdown for I'd surely have to be rearranging things now. (And luckily this is just an EP so I don't have to rearrange my Best Albums of 2004 list). Hope you fall in love with this music like I have. Enjoy!

Preparing For Upcoming Releases

2005-01-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

I am getting very excited about some upcoming releases. Its always fun this time of year to move beyond the holiday new release lull and check out what's headed towards us in the pipeline. In preparation for some of those releases, I've pulled out some of the previous albums of the performers with new stuff coming soon. Let's all keep our fingers crosses that all the new discs hit Rhapsody on release date!

Doves Upcoming Release: Some Cities Expected Release Date: March 1, 2005 (U.S.) Notes: I love, love, love the Doves. Been looking forward to this one for a long time. In Preparation:

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead Upcoming Release: Worlds Apart Expected Release Date: January 25, 2005 Notes: I've enjoyed the Trail of Dead's previous releases and this one already seems to be polarizing.... which is cool... In Preparation: M83 Upcoming Release: Before the Dawn Heals Us Expected Release Date: January 25, 2005 Notes: Supposedly adds some more organic acoustic sounds into the mix. Love their last release. Check out their website. It's cool as hell. In Preparation:

Glen Phillips Upcoming Release: Winter Pays for Summer Expected Release Date: March 29, 2005 Notes: Been awaiting this one for a long time. Glen is the former lead singer for Toad the Wet Sprocket and one of the truly great songwriters of my generation. He's finally landed a label deal for his solo stuff and will be releasing this one on Lost Highway Records, home to Tift Merritt, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and others. In Preparation: Lemon Jelly Upcoming Release: '64-'95 Expected Release Date: January 25, 2005 Notes: Really enjoyed their last release, but don't really know much about them. Hoping this one has some similar mellow grooves with, of course, a few surprises thrown in to keep it fresh. In Preparation: Ok, that's enough to chew on for now. Certainly plenty more exciting releases coming. I'll post another batch sometime soon. Enjoy!

When Does Extended Mean Long?

2005-01-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know this makes me insane in most indie circles, I never really got into last year's Fiery Furnaces release, "Blueberry Boat." It was just too difficult to listen to... and for me that's important. Of course, each of us have a different tolerance level for eclectic music and I generally think of mine as being pretty good. But, I just never warmed to it. Thus, my surprise when I actually made it through their new B-sides and outtakes release, "EP," and even really enjoyed it! Not really a traditional EP in length with 9 tracks, perhaps this is the Furnaces' definition of an EP with the overall song length average being considerably shorter. Maybe I can just handle their schizophrenic sounds better in small doses. Who knows... All I know is that for a collection of B-sides and outtakes, this is one very coherent album. For songs at a time it doesn't sound like they even paused between songs and just kept rolling... Whether or not you like this stuff, you have to admit they are pretty original... Enjoy!

Doot... Doo Doo Doot... Doo Doo Doot, Bwah Bwah Bwah Bwah Bop

2005-01-10T06:04:00.000-05:00

Not sure if I am the last to notice this, but the most recent Belle and Sebastian album was added to Rhapsody. I have been checking for this one every so often and just noticed it for the first time yesterday. I have no idea why I never bought this CD as I love it... guess this is just one that I was subbornly waiting to be added to Rhapsody as the rest of their albums are out there. Anyway, while this album does retain some of the fragility that has always made B&S special, they definitely amped it up on this one. Now, keep in mind, B&S amped up is still not too amped, but the toe tapping from their previous releases is now actual getting up and dancing... know what I mean? I love it. Love to see bands progress and change (so long as they don't completely sell out...). Enjoy!

Kinda like Jersey without Newark... and maybe Trenton

2005-01-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Besides being a complete music nut, I love movies. Netflix is my movie Rhapsody. I rented and watched about 80 movies this year from Netflix alone. On the Netflix site, I have rated 787 movies so far. That's a lot of freakin' time. Add that to the time I spend listening to music and its amazing I have any time to do anything else. Anyway, we just watched this movie the other day and loved it. I think Zach Braff is truly amazing. He has such incredible comedic timing... I'm an avid Scrubs fan (oh yeah, I like TV too) and am amazed that he has already ventured into the movie writer/director realm. He did a great job with this movie. Its a beautiful little love/life story that really spoke to me. Plus, it has great music. The soundtrack has been nominated for a Grammy. Unfortunately, it is not available in its entirety on Rhapsody... but I was able to piece together 10 of the 13 tracks into this playlist. Plus, if you want, you can add The Postal Service's original version of "Some Great Heights" rather than the Iron and Wine acoustic cover of the song that appears on the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Most worthyMUSIC 2004

2005-01-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so there you have it. My Top 30 of 2004. For your enjoyment, I've compiled a playlist with 2 songs from each album that both appears on my list and is available in Rhapsody. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite have the climax I would have liked as the top 3 are not available on Rhapsody. Oh well. Still a great listen anyway. Just click on the graphic below. In early 2005, I am really looking forward to the new Trail of Dead CD out in a few weeks. In late Feb/early March comes the new Doves CD, which I am sooooo excited about. I already have the first single and it is very good, very Last Broadcast, but I'm guessing the full album will have some surprises... We'll see. Enjoy!

1 - The Arcade Fire - Funeral

2005-01-06T18:19:00.000-05:00

To any of my regular readers (I think I might be up to 4 of you now), this one is not a surprise. I've been ranting about this album for a while now. A true classic that will, for me, be a defining element of 2004. Its one of those albums where you stop thinking about how "cool" it is compared to other things out there and you don't really even think about what other things it may sound like. To me, its one of those albums that sort of has its own spot in the genre world. Kind of the way "In the Aeroplane Over The Sea" did for me a few years back as well... To understand just how astounding this album his, ponder this... the band didn't even form until the summer of 2003. They released an EP in 2003, and then in 2004 they signed to Merge Records (who had an amazing year...), recorded this album, and then released it on September 14th. And now they sit atop a large majority of the Best of 2004 lists out there, especially the indie-focused ones. How amazing is all of that? Plus, add in that the lead singers, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, got married along the way and the band had 3 close relatives die within the year... well, you can see that this album was built on a whole boatload of emotion, which is exactly how it comes across. And for those of you who have been following along, this is band #3 for which I have tickets in my hands to see. They are playing at the Cat's Cradle on the 28th of this month. I luckily was reading the Independent a couple of weeks ago and saw that they were listed in the Cradle's schedule and I jumped at buying the tickets. Amazing since just the week or so before I checked the Arcade Fire's website and the closest they were coming was Asheville. The show is now sold out so I was really lucky... For the few of you who have not heard this album, I have to warn you that you might have to give it a few listens. It is not immediately easy to process and get into. Took me a few listens before I got that "aha!" and was hooked. I keep taking this one out of my CD player and then it finds its way back within a day or two...

2 - Monarch - The Grandeur That Was Rome

2005-01-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

Our alarm clock is set to 88.1 WKNC here in Raleigh, NC so every morning I wake up to fairly decent college radio programming (thankfully they don't have the metal hour or bluegrass hour scheduled on weekday mornings... not that there's anything wrong with metal or bluegrass, just not my choice for pulling me out of a deep sleep). I can't remember the DJ's name, but for a while there they had a really good guy who had a show from 6-8AM and his music tastes aligned farily closely with mine. Well anyway, I remember hearing the song "Wasteful" from this album as I woke up one morning and immediately being drawn to it. Well as is custom on a lot of college radios, they announce songs in big groups so I somehow missed what the song was. But, my research skills are pretty good in this area and 99.9% of the time I can use Google or other internet tools and find the songs. This was not the case with this one... Couldn't find a single thing. So, I resorted to posting on WKNC's forums and it turns out that this DJ doesn't only play good music, but also soes a good job with the rest of his responsibilities and responded immediately. Turns out Monarch is a widely unknown and very young band out of Pittsburgh, PA. I bought the album immediately and was blown away by the whole thing once I got it. It has been a regular listen of mine ever since. And everyone I have played it for loves it too. Perhaps part of my love for the album is because of its obscurity and the fact that I cannot believe this music is not being heard by exponentially more people than it currently is. But mostly, I love this album because it completely moves me. It is very passionate, very spiritual (yes, the band seems to have a Christian leaning, but the songs are universal to me), and, simply, beautiful. There is definitely some British influence here, but remove the tongue from the cheek and add in earnest emotion. And the lead singer's voice is gorgeous. Pure, soaring tenor. I know very little about this band as they seem to enjoy their obscurity or something. Their website is up and down and not very updated when it IS up. I know they played SXSW last year and then got in a car wreck on the way back (minor injuries, I think) but that's about it. Would be tragic as hell if they fade away. Actually, I did just hear one of the songs on XM Radio the other day (got it for my wife for Christmas knowing she would love it, but I expected to be personally underwhelmed... which I have not been at all... but I will write about that later once I finish this poll) so hopefully they are still alive and well. Whatever the case, this one will go down in my collection as a true favorite and I am sure I will listen to it for a long time to come. Enjoy!

3 - All Things Bright And Beautiful - Love & Affection

2005-01-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, all you Rhapsody users looking for things to listen to on our beloved Rhapsody, you can tune out for the rest of the countdown. The top three are unfortunately not available in Rhapsody... sigh... All Things Bright And Beautiful is the name of the solo project of Lee Bozeman. Who is Lee Bozeman? Well, he's in the band Luxury. Who is Luxury? Well, they are... still under the radar. This album hit me like a ton of bricks. I really wasn't expecting too much since it is so far below the radar, but it is truly special. The first song I heard was on a Paste Music sampler that Justin Rosolino was on. I remember liking the song, but not being blown away. Well, I came upon ATBB again soon after and decided to go ahead and buy the new album.... so so so so happy I did. The first full length song on the album, "Speaking in Tongues" is enough alone to garner this #3 spot, but the rest of the album amazes over and over and over again. I cannot understand why this disc is not getting more attention. I've noticed a little groundswell backing this band, but still not what it deserves at all. Fully recommended and loved.

4 - Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous

2005-01-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

I didn't expect this one, for sure. To be honest, I didn't know much about Rilo Kiley before this one came out. And my first impression was "Nice storytelling, tongue-in-cheek" songs but that's about it. But then it started to grow on me and suck me in. I know this sounds strange, but to me they are kinda like the cynical, indie version of Tift Merritt. I say this because somewhere in my brain is a little link between the two albums. Probably partially affected by the proximity of their release dates and the slight country twang at times on this Rilo Kiley album, I think the reason for the link is that Rilo Kiley also varies their sounds and influences from track to track. A wonderful, spunky, emotional, honest album. I love it.

5 - Keane - Hopes and Fears

2005-01-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, for those of you who have been following along, this is band #2 for which I have tickets to see in the next two months. My friend and I will be headed down to Charleston, SC for the Keane show on the 30th and I am very excited. And while we're talking about Coldplay comparisons (because I know that's what you're already thinking about), my friend and I are making a trip for this show because we opted not to make a similar trip years ago when we could still see Coldplay in a small venue. We've been kicking ourselves ever since so we're not letting this one slip by. I love this band, I love their sound, No I don't think they are Coldplay redux. The near epitome of British melody, I find this entire album inspiring and moving. And the lead singer's voice is so crystal clear. I heard them perform on Nic Harcourt's radio show and he really does sound like that. Very much looking forward to the live show. I'll report back after.

6 - Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand

2005-01-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

Near impossible for this one to not be in just about everyone's top 10 for 2004 (love double negatives, don't you?), Franz Ferdinand seemed to come out of nowhere. And what a perfect first single was "Take Me Out?" I mean, I remember hearing it for the first time thinking in the first 10 seconds, "Geez, how boringly British can you get?" Of course no more than a minute later, the Ferdinands abrupty slapped me across the face for having such a thought and started to beat me with a swagger that I am sure is illegal in most of the US. Strong, ethralling, entertaining, and surprising throughout the album.

7 - Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days

2005-01-05T18:23:00.000-05:00

The most fragile, intimate release of the year. Its interesting too... as the production on his albums gets better, his music gets even more bare and raw to me... its delicateness is more exposed than ever. To me, a very listenable, repeatable album that still hasn't lost its power with me after almost a year listening to it. Beautiful.

8 - Magnet - On Your Side

2005-01-05T18:20:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful album. Truly beautiful. Even Johansen is Magnet and he is amazing. Think ethereal, electronic brit pop as the base and then add in an amazing mix of instrumentation which not only adds immensely interesting complexities, but also an organic quality which helps to root the entire thing. The first song is bittersweet and gorgeous, and when I read he plays all the instruments himself, including the horns... I was speechless. My insides hurt everytime I listen to this.

9 - Justin Rosolino - Wonderlust

2005-01-05T17:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, this one is hard for me to place. I consider Justin such a good friend of mine that I have a hard time taking a step back and taking an objective viewpoint towards his music. Every time I listen to it I find myself thinking about Justin the person and his live performances and the joy of performing with him back in college and so on and so on. Part of me just wants to push it up to #1 because I want everyone to hear it. But, I struggled a bit and fit it in where I best could. A very melodic, very creative, very musically dorkish, very entertaining disc. Not mainstream, not indie, not folk, not pop, but a little of each. An amazing singer and even more amazing guitarist, I definitely recommend this one to other musicians. And if you're not a believer after listening to the listed tracks, just wait until you get to "29," the instrumental solo guitar hidden track. Awe inspiring.

10 - Tift Merritt - Tambourine

2005-01-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am embarrassed to admit it... but I am going to be strong and just come out with it. Here goes. Iamatiftmerrittfanandiliveinraleighandihaveneverseenherlive. Horrible, isn't it? Makes me nauseous. Luckily the problem will be remedied February 19th when my wife and I catch her show at the Cat's Cradle. Thank goodness. I always make a New Year's resolution to see more live shows but you know how resolutions go. This year, though, I am hitting the ground running with tickets to 3 awesome shows already in my grubby hands. The other two besides Tift are coming up in the countdown so pay attention! This album has a mainstream production and confidence about it which is usually a problem for me, but her songs are so good and her delivery is so incredible that I easily get over my "indie" disease. Genre defying, generation defying, this one should hit the history books. Maybe the Grammy nomination will help.

11 - Hope of the States - The Lost Riots

2005-01-05T17:07:00.000-05:00

While the tragic quality of this album is heightened by the suicide of the band's guitarist during the recording sessions, this is an epic album on its own. I have to admit that I am not impressed with the mixing or mastering of the disc. It was produced by Ken Thomas who is extremely accomplished, but I found that the mix just came off much like the British Sea Power debut... too tinny, too brash. Luckily, a good set of speakers and decent equalization can overcome that and to me make this album very enjoyable and very moving.

12 - Earlimart - Treble and Tremble

2005-01-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I am committing some sort of sacrilege by putting Earlimart on my list and not the posthumous release by the great Elliott Smith. You see, the latter is a major influence on the former... sometimes eerily so. But Earlimart adds that kick to the music that I sometimes found myself wishing that Mr. Smith would do and was hoping at some point in his career he would. I guess I am showing my true pop colors with this one, but it is good stuff. And the single "Heaven Adores You" is breathtaking.

13 - Joy Electric - Hello, Mannequin

2005-01-05T16:47:00.000-05:00

Albums like this make me ponder the question, "What makes a truly great album?" Well, while that question could be discussed forever I am sure, luckily this is my poll and is only my opinion. So there. Kidding aside, this album makes such a high position on my chart because it is so incredibly enjoyable for me to listen to. I must have listened to it hundred times so far. Sure, its all music made with a Roland keyboard... but show me someone who can do it as creatively and successfullly as this guy and I'll you another performer I'd probably like... I like music that makes me happy sometimes.

14 - TV on the Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

2005-01-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

I was a late-comer to this one as it still isn't available in Rhapsody. I finally got around to buying it in early December and I have to admit I was a little taken aback at first. I had heard a couple of the songs from the album, but the whole thing at once was a bit hard to swallow at first. But, as is often the case with me, those are some of the albums I come to love the most. I don't think this one has hit the "love" phase yet, but it is a great album. Innovative and without boundaries. For the open-minded.

15 - Ray Lamontagne - Trouble

2005-01-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

Definitely one of those albums that feels like it is from another time, another place... Sounds like a masterpiece from long ago that has resurfaced. Back from the days of the soulful folk singer... passion running deep in the veins. Amazing this guy was working in a shoe factory when he just apparently had an epiphany that he should be a musician. Wish I'd have an epiphany...

16 - Peter Cincotti - On The Moon

2005-01-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

Another stellar beautiful release from Jazz/Pop performer Peter Cincotti who has now reached the age of 22. Born and raised in Manhattan, this guy exudes such amazing talent. We saw him live twice this year. Once here in Raleigh the NC Symphony backing him which was great. And then we saw him perform in one of the small theaters in the Kennedy Center in DC. Our tickets were on row D in a theater the size of a movie theater... and as we made our way to our seats, we realized rows A, B, and C do not exist. So we were front row center for a breathtaking show. Felt like we could reach out and hi-five the guy. He blew the audience away...

17 - Muse - Absolution

2004-12-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

I've loved this band since their first album "Showbiz" which was released back in 1999. I don't think there's another band out that that fills their music with such raw passion and intensity. Their first album didn't really make a splash in the US and thus their next couple albums were not released stateside at all, which is such a shame as they were magnificent. I actually bought Absolution in 2003 as an import when it was released in the UK (I recommend CD Wow... not a great selection, but free shipping to anywhere in the world), but since it was released in the States in 2004 (woohoo), I included it here.

18 - Aloha - Here Comes Everyone

2004-12-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

Interesting instrumentation and variation is what really makes this one a true gem. Well, that and some good songwriting, of course. This is another one of those that I am surprised by every time I put on. Somehow both subtle and in-your-face at the same time... whatever that means...

19 - The Veils - The Runaway Found

2004-12-31T17:25:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable to me that the lead singer and songwriter for this band is only 21. His voice and the band's sound is much more weathered and mature. Perhaps its because he is the son of the former XTC and Shriekback keyboardist Barry Andrews, but apparently more because of a move to Australia when he was younger... there he was consumed by the local folk scene, which definitely affected the timbre of his music. A nice mixture of BritPop melodic sensibilities and folk earthiness. I love it.

20 - The Album Leaf - In A Safe Place

2004-12-24T13:24:00.000-05:00

Think Sigur Ros, but add in a touch of rock/pop with an occasional driving beat. Perfect chill-out, country road driving music (unless you're sleepy, which would be a dangerous combination). The lead singer of Sigur Ros even makes an unintelligible cameo (of course) on "Over The Pond." I've listened to this one over and over...

21 - Tegan and Sara - So Jealous

2004-12-23T18:59:00.000-05:00

I've never liked the Indigo Girls. Even back in the early-mid 80s when my sister came home from UGA with a basement tape (remember when we used to call them that?) of this local band called the Indigo Girls whom she loved... So when I heard someone refer to Tegan and Sara as an indie Indigo Girls I was turned off. But, since I have Rhapsody, I gave them a listen anyway and my mind was changed pretty quickly. Seems the fact there are two girls who sing harmonies and are lesbian is about all they have in common with the IGs... thank goodness. There songs are sharp, witty, and their wrapping harmonies with catchy guitar riffs are pretty hot. Album stays solid throughout. Plus, my wife really likes them which is always a nice bonus.

21 1/2 - Joseph Arthur - Our Shadows Will Remain

2004-12-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, late arrival here. Just picked this one up yesterday and felt I couldn't leave it off this list. I've been waiting (and waiting) for it to show up on Rhapsody, but no luck. So, I saw it on sale for $9.99 (woohoo) and picked it up. I have to tell you, though, that I can't quite put my finger on this one yet... and I'm not sure I ever will be. Sometimes it's Peter Gabriel-ish with its electronic but earthy beats and rhythms (yet sung by Arthur's rich baritone rather than Gabriels sometimes harsh tenor), yet other times its acoustic and subtle, and other times it just rocks out. Definitely an interesting listen. His confidence is pretty amazing considering its only his second release.

22 - Namelessnumberheadman - Your Voice Repeating

2004-12-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

Nice find here. Kansas City band flying below the radar... for now. While I don't expect mainstream success, I do think they've got a good chance of making some waves in the indie world. Their mix of electronica, folk, pop, psycheldelica, and even hits of country is definitely interesting as hell. Plus, there is a real beauty to their music that eventually finds its way to your insides.

23 - Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News

2004-12-23T01:29:00.000-05:00

Man, I am so wanting to start hating this disc. How dare Modest Mouse get this popular. What's the world coming to? With the state of public opinion these days, I have a natural gravitation away from albums the general public gets its grubby hands all over. While I do want to see those who make good music get the most press and airplay, I just can't help but get a feeling that a disc is somehow flawed if that many of the crazy people in this world like it. But, as you can see with this disc being in my top 30, my natural tendencies have not taken over yet. Every time I listen to it I am reminded of how brilliant it is. Reckless, imperfect, but beautiful.

24 - Autolux - Future Perfect

2004-12-23T01:16:00.000-05:00

Love this CD... especially really loud in my car... bass turned up. Somehow this group is calling on a different era than most other bands these days but is still fresh and strong and very effective. Very reminiscent of the early 90s rock. Dirty, serious, lots of minor keys. The drums are fantastic. Recorded by T. Bone Burnett, which is an interesting mix.

25 - M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

2004-12-22T22:50:00.000-05:00

Lush. So very lush. That's the word that comes to mind immediately when starting this album. It's as if it quickly envelopes you with its ball of sound and keeps you warm. Not sure why, but I've been enjoying a few electronic discs this year which is something I haven't really done since the 80's. M83 do it just the way I like it. So much sound, so much intensity, such beautiful melodies. Heartwrenching without saying a word.

26 - The Walkmen - Bows and Arrows

2004-12-22T22:36:00.000-05:00

Intense and noisy, the Walkmen thankfully pick up where Jonathan Fire Eater left off and erase that huge disappointment from everyone's mind. With a driven swagger, they produce a sound I've actually heard compared to U2's early sound. At first listen, I didn't agree... but now I totally hear it. Great stuff. Let's just hope they don't go "big" like Bono and the boys did.

27 - The Secret Machines - Now Here is Nowhere

2004-12-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

Some good psychedelic pop here. Fuzzy drums and distorted bass give much drive as you dive into the opening 9 minute track. Nice contrasts on the album too, like the spacey Leaves Are Gone which then perfectly falls into the driving Nowhere Again. Damn good for a debut.

28 - Snow Patrol - Final Straw

2004-12-22T17:30:00.000-05:00

While this brit pop offering is extremely accessible, it has enough passion to help it rise above the masses in that genre. Glad to see they are getting some airplay here in the States... or at least I've heard... I don't listen to the radio...

29 - Owen - I Do Perceive

2004-12-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

I've really been enjoying the simple beauty of this album. It's really interesting to hear him bring out the wonderful melodies that were present with American Football, but just more hidden. A definite recommendation.

30 - Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters

2004-12-22T16:31:00.000-05:00

This one is a fun one. Who knew that a bizarre dance remake of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb would garner a Grammy nomination? Go figure. You just try and keep that booty still while you listen to this one...

Introduction to My Madness

2004-12-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, you knew it was coming... What else could I possibly have been doing for the past twelve days? (Well, that and some Christmas shopping. And a nice trip to DC to celebrate my 5th anniversay with my wonderful wife and take in a Peter Cincotti show at the Kennedy Center.) Over the next few days I am going to be posting my top 30 favorite albums of 2004. As I am just one person and no one has started sending me their discs for free (yet... yeah right), it is certainly not going to be an all inclusive list. Just the ones that I have taken to this year. The top of the list is pretty well sorted out, but once I got closer and closer to 30 it became increasingly difficult to put one above the other... so take those ratings with a grain of salt. I haven't completely decided how I am going to do this... one post per album? or several albums per post? I think I'll do one post per, with several posts per day. I am going to include links to either the album in Rhapsody or to a site where you can purchase the CD and listen to samples... which will usually be Amazon unless they don't carry that album. Please feel free to comment just so long as you keep in mind that this is simply my opinion. :) Enjoy!

My Heart Has Strings, Here's How You Pull Them

2004-12-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

I got to thinking tonight about how I do sometimes enjoy the plethora of "fun" bands who are out there now... You know, the barrage of 80's retro bands who are rebelling against all the seriousness of Radiohead, et al. But, when it gets down to it, that's just not the music that sticks with me. I just love that feeling when a song pulls at my insides, and I've found it can be lyrically driven at times, other times musically driven, and sometimes a mixture of the two. So, I did a quick comb through My Library in Rhapsody and made a playlist of the songs that do this to me. I didn't really throw them into any specific order, just basically did first glance adds of those songs mostly from recent years that move me. Its a long playlist which I am sure I could never make it through in one sitting without needing a break, both mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, there are bunches of other songs from recent years that move me immensely that just haven't made it into Rhapsody yet... but this list is a pretty good chunk. I recommend putting it on Shuffle and turning out the lights. Oh, but let it start playing the first song before you press the shuffle button. Its a good one to set the mood. Enjoy! My Heart Has Strings, Here's How You Pull Them

Merritt Has Merits

2004-12-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

I could have sworn that I'd blogged about this one previously, but in checking my archives, apparently not. I did include it in my Brain Dump a little bit ago, but guess I never got around to commenting on it. Anyway, I was truly surprised to see that Pitchfork actually got around to reviewing it and that they gave it a solid 7.3/10. Not that the album doesn't deserve it, just not the typical fare that does well in their reviews. I usually take their reviews with a grain of salt, realizing that they are sometimes uber-indie and will trash a perfectly enjoyable album just because it isn't obscure enough. But, they are generally my favorite review site and I check it every day... Perhaps they finally reviewed this one because of its recent surprise Grammy nomination in the Best Country Album category, along with such big names as Loretta Lynn (who I'm sure will win), Tim McGraw (you've got to be kidding me), Keith Urban (isn't he a rapper? shows how much I know about country... or rap for that matter), and newcomer with a hot single, Gretchen Wilson. To my friends, I had predicted that this album would be her big breakthrough album that would sell across generations and genres, like Michael Buble, Harry Connick, etc.... Not that her music is anything like theirs, just that it is classic, beautifully performed, and generally accessible. But, that breakthrough has not come yet with her album getting good press, but not truly breaking through. Fine by me just so long as she's making enough money to keep at it and live comfortably... ;-) Anyway, I wholeheartedly recommend this album, no matter what genres you usually gravitate towards. Its a great listen, with strong classic country influences, and a real beauty that is at times fragile and other times raucous. Sure I'm biased since she's a fellow Raleigh-ite, but I guess I'm not the only one. Perhaps she'll get all the attention she deserves now that she's received the nomination she deserves. Enjoy! Tift Merritt - Tambourine

Jeremiah Was A Lamenter, He Was A Good Friend Of Mine

2004-12-08T04:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, this one is a work in progress as searching for Classical pieces is a bear in any catalogue, especially one such as Rhapsody which doesn't seem to have very much info on each recording and certainly doesn't have an advanced search feature. I guess I don't mention this much, but I am a singer, currently singing with the NC Master Chorale. This playlist is a selection of some of my favorite choral pieces, or at least the ones I've been able to find on Rhapsody so far. I especially love Thomas Tallis' Lamentations of Jeremiah, an absolutely gorgeous Renaissance piece that shows how deep and moving simple polyphony can be. The "Aleph" section is particularly pleasing to sing... at least for Basses! I was also happy to find Verleih Uns Frieden which is by Felix Mendelssohn. One of the great melodies in choral music that just isn't performed enough. You'll also hear some fierce ones on there like the "Dies Irae" from both Mozart's Requiem and Verdi's Requiem, and the "O Fortuna" from Orff's Carmina Burana. All very fun to sing. One of the most beautiful choral pieces ever (in my opinion) is Sergei Rachmaninov's "Bogoroditsye Deyvo (Ave Maria)" from Vespers. Unfortunately, I can only find it in Rhapsody in Latin rather than the original Russian, so a little of the impact is lost. But still gorgeous... I truly hope you enjoy! Choral Favorites

Prince? Ha! We've Got Antony!

2004-12-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

I tell you... when you're looking for it, incredible music is just spewing all over the place. Finding it isn't always easy, but with a little perseverance you quickly come to find that some of the best stuff out there is the least known. I often ask myself that if all the radio stations were playing the good stuff rather than all the crap they stuff down the throats of Americans, would I still like it? I have no idea... There is definitely a part of me that thrives on finding the needle in the haystack and hoping it stays special to me and doesn't get wildly popular and tarnished by the media, etc. But, it would be nice to turn on the radio and be inspired from time to time... Oh well. Anyway, here is one that will probably not find its way to the radio anytime soon even though it is very listenable and beautiful. As a matter of fact, it has apparently taken me 7 whole years to find out about it. Go figure. It has been way way way below the radar until this summer when they signed on with Secretly Canadian records (Damien Jurado, Songs: Ohia, Jens Lenkman) who then rereleased this disc. (Their new disc is due out in February.) If you are a fairly closed-minded person, I urge you to click this link and listen to it before you read anything about the band or its leader. If you are open-minded (I like you!), go ahead and read about the androgynous lead singer and his painful, emotive lyrics. His voice is a unique instrument that is very affecting. Enjoy! Antony and the Johnsons - Antony and the Johnsons

Former NFL Star Continues Legacy... No, Wait...

2004-12-06T17:34:00.000-05:00

Continuing to stumble upon some great ones here... I've been very inspired--now being involved in the great Radish--to find new gems and this is one of them. This band is basically the side project for former American Football member, Mike Kinsella. Not sure how many of you enjoyed the albeit short existence of American Football, but I did. They were a very subtle band, with very subtle song... kinda Pinback-ish. Emo back when emo wasn't such a horrible word. I'd say Owen is similar to American Football in the way the songs are subdued, but extremely interesting and grabbing... not in a hooky way, but just something keeps your attention. I find myself start to push this music back to background music, but then something will quickly perk my interest again. The vocals are more present that AF, which I enjoy. This release (just out on November 9th) is the third long-player from Owen, but Mike also released to EPs earlier this year. I recommend this one for the stellar version of the AF "classic" Never Meant. Enjoy! Owen - I Do Perceive

Wait! Before you click this link! Volume knob to 10, please...

2004-12-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, this one rocks. Not in the way, say, Metallica *used* to rock (before they became sellout, money-hungry softies). No, this is totally different. Think indie rock presentation of prog-rock songs, with some jazz mixed in at times... or, uh, something like that. Turn it up before you start the first track and let those kick-ass yet musically-dorkish 6/8 drum beats tear you up. They are sorta Arcade Fire-ish (the band with the BEST 2004 album NOT on Rhapsody), but amped up... even the slow songs are intense and I find myself needing to play those loudly too... Kinda hard to describe as you can tell. Varied instrumentation (yes, you are nodding your head to xylophones) and a fantastic singer really make this one solid. Enjoy. Aloha - Here Comes Everyone

Namelawhozawhatzuhpedman? Yeah, them...

2004-12-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

As some of you might be able to tell, I like to be challenged by musicians. No, that doesn't mean they all have to be like Radiohead and use bizarre textures and instrumentation. They just have to pull me out of my comfort zone, or my "expectation zone" to make me really think about whether I like it or not. I am definitely one of those folks who often finds his favorite albums are the ones he didn't like too much at first. This album is definitely one of those. Its been out for a few months, but I am just now getting my head around it and really believing in what they are doing. Its an amazing feeling, you know... that feeling when you sink below the surface noises and sounds and swim in the protoplasm of the song, letting it push and pull you at will... that moment when you stop trying to control the music and it controls you... Phew, am I a sap or what?!? Anyway, don't be surprised if your first listen of this album isn't extremely enjoyable. Give it a few listens before you draw your final conclusions. I can't guarantee, but I sure hope you do: Enjoy. Namelessnumberheadman - Your Voice Repeating

Friends Don't Let Friends Listen to Bad Music

2004-12-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I have to admit that I'm not usually into the organic, soulful, rootsy, acoustic kind of music. I shy away from the Ben Harpers, the Jack Johnsons, and the Dave Matthews (even though he was our local fave back in college at UVA in the early 90's). But every now and then someone comes along in this genre and is just amazing enough to transcend any tags and pulls me into the music. When I was having dinner a month ago with my good friend Justin Rosolino (go buy his disc, now... stop reading this... go buy it... I'll be here when you get back) and Matt Wertz (with whom Justin was touring), they were raving about this guy and his debut CD. I couldn't quite remember his name when I got home and I certainly wouldn't have nailed the spelling... So I filed it away in the back of my head. I just came upon him in my daily music surfings and was happy to see he is also on Rhapsody. Many reviewers are hailing him as the next great songwriter and are using "a dusty Van Morrison" as a reference point. I'd agree with them, but would just add that, at least on this album, his stuff is very intense, very heartfelt, and very passionately delivered. So don't think "Brown-Eyed Girl," but rather "Crazy Love." Know what I mean? Put it on, lay down, close your eyes, and feel those emotions you push so far down inside... Enjoy. Ray LaMontagne - Trouble

Wish You Were Here

2004-12-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, brave stuff here. Basically what we've got is a live album from a slick, well-produced group from France. Not exactly the kind of group I'd expect to release a live album. But, their live show is suprisingly organic and their songs sound great in this format. Definitely not some dude in the back clicking "Start" on a prerecorded instrumentation track here... And as it turns out, the lead singer's voice is really that pure. The live version "If I Ever Feel Better" is fantastic. Looks like the band just started their first U.S. tour, but unfortunately are not coming anywhere near me. Oh, and it appears this live album will not be released in CD format in the US until February! Digital distribution rocks... no pressing time necessary! Phoenix - Live! 30 Days Ago

We're Not Worthy

2004-12-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to those of you who are coming via the Rhapsody listeners heaven, The Radish. Isn't that site ridiculous? Robert's knowledge of music is truly astounding. I am honored that he has invited me to post on his blog and hope I can add a little to the already amazing mix available on his site. For those of you who are already familiar with my site, you know that my focus is to find new and exciting music. I am the type who usually listens to whole albums at a time and only pull up playlists mixes every so often, so most of my posts are entire albums rather than mixes. But, every now and then I'm moved to compile what I've been listening to lately into a massive playlist... For my first Radish post, I thought I'd go for the truly obscure that I am sure most of you are not familiar with yet. The Joy Electric is basically a one-man band--a dude with a Roland synthesizer and that's pretty much it. I know, I know... ewwwwww was my first reaction too. But you've really got to give this one a listen. He has a solid command of melody and countermelody and produces that 80's-perfect blend of modernism and hooks, all without seeming too hokey... which is hard to do. I find myself listening to his latest album over and over. Its addictive! Enjoy! Joy Electric - Hello, Mannequin

Tense Music from a "Tense" Album... haha get it? Tense Album? har har har

2004-12-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

More Rhapsody bliss. Here's one that I most certainly wouldn't have originally bought off the CD racks based on the reviews I've read, but now that I've had a chance to listen to it on Rhapsody, I love it... and I actually bought the CD too the other day when I found it a used promo copy for $7. All the reviews are pointing to the early 90's influences like Nirvana, Sonic Youth, etc, etc, etc... Which is all good, just seemingly out-of-place in 2003. I mean, aren't we another 5-8 years away from a full grunge revival? We are squarely rooted in an 80's new wave reincarnation now so are these guys (and girl) behind the times (i.e. not able to move on from the 90s) or way ahead of the times? Whatever the case, the fact of the matter is that this is good music. I would probably lean more towards being ahead of the time because they take the dirty rock sounds of the 90s and update them, adding a freshness to them with interesting vocals and melodic qualities. The whispered vocals add just the right amount of smooth to the drive of the expertly recorded drums, bass, and distorted guitar. Sounds awesome on my Rhapsody setup, and kicks ass in my car. Enjoy! Autolux - Future Perfect

Left of the dial

2004-11-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, I think many Rhapsody users I know agree that Rhapsody Radio stations kinda stink... or at least are lacking... I mean, they are Ok for that occasional usage as background noise at a party, especially holiday parties. But when you're really wanting to listen closely, they are just so boring and predictable. When I click on the Indie station, it is a near guarantee that I will hear Pavement, Guided by Voices, Belle and Sebastian, or Death Cab for Cutie within the first three songs. Not that I have much against any of those groups, but its just seems that the station should be called "Indie Music for Dummies." I'd love to see a station that strives to introduce me to the latest and greatest indie music which is still at some level of obsurity. (BTW, I think Death Cab will have to be removed from the Indie station now...) But, luckily, the Rhapsody community is coming to the rescue. Several websites similar to mine (but with much more frequent posts!) have popped up and are filling in the gaps left by Rhapsody Radio. So far, my favorite is Rhapsody Rock School, probably because the owner seems to like much of the same music I do. Plus, he posts several times a day usually. And, he works for Rhapsody so he is definitely the "man in the know" when it comes to new adds, etc. Wish I had his job. Another good one is Rhapsody Radish which has a ton of playlists stored... all kinds of themes. This guy must have an abundance of time on his hands as his level of knowledge about music is insane. A playlist of songs featuring cowbell? I'm in awe. His playlists should be very helpful in just about any situation. So, while Rhapsody Radio is better than the actual radio, these sites really bring the kind of life and vitality to "assisted music listening" that I love. Thanks folks!

Elliott Lives!

2004-11-20T09:29:00.000-05:00

I've really been enjoying the newest Earlimart release, although I have to admit it's a little spooky. They can seriously channel Elliott Smith; at times on the disc I swear it's Elliott... and with his death and recent posthumous release, the whole thing is spooky. Anyway, the thing that made Elliott great was his songwriting and I'd say Earlimart does a fine job of songwriting on this album. It's actually pretty cool to hear this style of music with some heavier drums mixed in at times, and other little deviations which keep them from being a complete Elliott Smith tribute band... Enjoy! Earlimart - Treble and Tremble

Never Too Early To Teach Them How To Be Cool

2004-11-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

Just sent this information to a good friend of mine who has a 1 year old. Thought maybe some others would like it too... who knows? This week as I scouring the web/Amazon/Rhapsody for good CDs for kids (for a 1 year old nephew and a 6 year old neice) and I came upon a few things I thought you might like (and may already know about). The first one is a great CD of lullabies from around the world. Its called "The Planet Sleeps" and is on Rhapsody: Various Artists - The Planet Sleeps I also love the They Might Be Giants childen's CD called "No!" Before you snicker, They Might Be Giants has lately been doing a few really good things for kids. This recording came out a couple of years ago and received a gold award from the Parents Choice Foundation and they recommend it for ages 2 and up. It is also on Rhapsody: They Might Be Giants - No! There are also a couple of compilations from the past few years called "For the Kids." They both have children's music performed by a lot of today's artists. You gotta love anything with "Mahna Mahna" on it. Both CDs are on Rhapsdoy: Various Artists - For The Kids Various Artists - For The Kids Too If you would like artists who are more mainstream, an album called "Mary Had a Little Amp" just came out too, but it's not on Rhapsody. Another good lullaby CD that is not on Rhapsody is "Bedtime with the Beatles" by Jason Falkner. Jason is an artist I really love. He used to be in the bands Jellyfish and the Grays--both of which were alternative bands of the 90s--and has recorded several solo albums too. This is a very subdued, all-instrumental recording of Beatles tunes as lullabies primarily geared for children, but also calming and enjoyable for us adults. Very soothing. There are pink and blue versions of the disc, but they are the same music... so don't buy both! Anyway, just thought some of you might like some of this "cool" kids music.

I feel sick...

2004-11-03T04:13:00.000-05:00

This country frustrates the crap out of me sometimes...

Brain Dump... What I've Been Listening To Lately

2004-10-22T16:13:00.001-04:00

Ok, been a while since I've posted so here's a big dump (ew) of most of the things I've been listening to on Rhapsody... Perhaps I'll write more about some of them eventually. Enjoy! Hope of the States - The Lost Riots Chris Thile - Deceiver Tift Merritt - Tambourine The Hidden Cameras - Mississauga Goddam Tegan and Sara - So Jealous Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Shake the Streets n.Lannon - Chemical Friends Midnight Movies - Midnight Movies Magnet - On Your Side Florez - Find Yourself Dolorean - Violence in the Snowy Fields Communique - Poison Arrows Peter Cincotti - On the Moon Ken Stringfellow - Soft Commands Phoenix - Alphabetical The Music - Welcome to the North

Sprinkers On At Tilt... Run For Your Lives, Kiddies!

2004-10-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

Ok, this one's not on Rhapsody... Seems that Merge Records is not too interested in the whole online music thingy. Must be too "digital" for them. I need to go over to their offices (which are nearby) and tell them to get off their collective asses and catch up. Especially since they are releasing some of the best albums of the year... Like this one... currently at the top of my list for 2004. After much urging by several of my trusted online music sites, I went out and purchased this disc. Luckily, it was one of those discs I wasn't too sure about at first. A part of me gets really, really excited when on my first listen I am thinking "eh, I'm not too sure about this one." That usually means I'm going to love it eventually... Unless of course we're talking about the Celine Dion-ish discs my wife sneaks into our collection. Anyway, this one is getting more and more fantastic with each listen. Its a little Neutral Milk Hotel, a little Pixies, mixed with some hearty originality and lots of emotion. The variation in textures within each song is not formulaic and has repeatedly brought a welcome "Oh!" from me when the come... Gotta love a band that keeps a Music major guessing... Ok, that's enough from me on it. Go get your own and come up with your own opinions! I don't like affecting my [two] readers too much. Enjoy!

Secret Agent Man

2004-09-20T16:09:00.000-04:00

Ok, got another response from Real. Turns out that there was a dispute between the RIAA and the labels over the DRM. This halted all new music from being released on Real or Rhapsody for a week. It has been resolved and apparently needed some sort of outage to address the DRM issue and get things straight (that's my own assumption). Anyway, Rhapsody's back and they added over 2000 CDs on Thursday... including the new one from Peter Cincotti which I heartily recommend. Enjoy!

Return to Normalcy

2004-09-17T18:09:00.000-04:00

Ok, looks like the folks at Real finally got their crap together and fixed whatever was going on. There was another small outage since my last post and now everything is back up and the new stuff is out there and can be listened to! So, coincidence that the new stuff just appeared after this major outage? I don't think so. I think something's been wrong for the past week... wonder how long it took them to notice that the new stuff wasn't showing up in Rhapsody/RealStore? That canned response I was sent still annoys me... Rock on.