Rock Static

Hometown Boys

2006-11-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

Once again, I saw My Morning Jacket at their annual Thanksgiving Week Show in Louisville. Once again, the show was fantastic. There were giant puppets having a dance party to VHS or Beta DJs as we entered The Gardens. And Drummer Patrick Hallahan impressed fans with his attitude and control throughout the set. "Run Thru" proved particularly stellar.

My brother George (who took this photo a couple years back) and I determined that Jim James is a modern genius. In fact, George likens their arrangements to that of the late Beach Boys and Jim James' vocals and songwriting to Neil Young but with the rock that Lynyrd Skynyrd served up (the only thing LS did well, really, in my opinion).

Check MMJ out on Conan O'Brien this Wednesday evening/Thursday morning.

"Joanna, I Love You"

2006-11-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

Kool and the Gang had it right. On Saturday evening, Joanna Newsom played Greensboro College and it was all that I hoped for and more. The show was remarkable. Her backing band was reverent and completely in tune. Newsom didn't miss a beat, or a pluck or a strum, for that matter.

"Sawdust and Diamonds" was my favorite and "The Book of RightOn" was a close second. The former made me cry and the latter made me laugh. Worth seeing if you get the chance.

Feel the Heat

2006-11-16T01:23:00.000-05:00

Did I mention that I dig The Royal Sun right now? I saw them play a couple weeks back at The Flying Anvil and they rocked it. And today, while at Gate City Noise, I finally got my hands on their cd. Check 'em. It's worth your time.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

2006-11-12T19:24:00.000-05:00

The chill is coming in (in more ways than one). Here are my favorite songs as Fall turns to a deeper shade of Fall--or Winter, as they call it in more northern parts.

Top Songs for the Season:

5. Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love"
4. Prince's "Soft and Wet"
3. The Mountain Goats' "Maybe Sprout Wings"
2. The Grateful Dead's version of "Not Fade Away"
1. Michael Hurley's "Driving Wheel"

Pop Life

2006-11-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

I thought I should, in good conscience, pass this along. Enjoy.

Blood in My Veins

2006-10-16T22:56:00.000-04:00

Finally, a show that gets things revved up again. Tonight, Circulatory System/The Instruments/The New Sound of Numbers played the Green Bean in Greensboro for a WUAG sponsored show. RAWR. It rocked it. Hardcore. Whimsical, Beat-iful, Aware but Spaced Out, Highly Recommended.

These are a few of my favorite things

2006-09-29T15:34:00.000-04:00

1. I got to interview Ricky Skaggs last week and see him in concert and my article is linked on mandolincafe.com.
2. There are a crazy amount of cool bands playing around GSO this weekend including Filthybird, Tiny Meteors, The Strugglers, Tiger Bear Wolf, and so on and so on.
3. Just this week, I discovered that I like to identify people via songs and in songs. I told my friend Allison today that "James River Blues" off of the new Old Crow Medicine Show album reminds me of her.
4. Lou Reed is a lot more melodic and beautiful than I ever gave him credit for a few years back. I always knew he was a badass, but didn't realize his prettiness.
5. I appreciate that The Innocence Mission developed a song inspired from a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem.

Songs of the Season

2006-09-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

It's that time again. A few months back, I shared what songs were appropriate as spring turned to summer; now, alas, summer turns to fall. Here's what's neat:

5) Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks"
4) Will Oldham's "New Partner"
3) Ricky Skagg's "Country Boy"
2) Lou Reed's "Heavenly Arms"
1) Shuggie Otis' "Ice Cold Daydream"

Lord, Have Mercy, Y'all

2006-09-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

Last night I went down to the Flying Anvil and danced my ass off to the Dark Meat Vomit Lasers Family Band. Definitely check them out. They're beautiful and fanciful. And way cooler than the Polyphonic Spree as cult bands go. I think I counted 85 people on stage at any given time. But I had consumed a few PBRs and visited the photobooth by that point.

PS: Neptune and Dead Elephant Bicycle had their own merits as well. I missed the first band (Ostinato). My friend Matt turned to me during the Dead Elephant set and whispered poignantly, "I've been this hungover before."

"I Love the Sound of [Brinsley Schwarz]"

2006-09-17T14:50:00.000-04:00

"especially when I'm lonely. I love the sound of its condition flying all around." A friend of mine lent me his parents' old Brinsley Schwarz record and I'm in love. Who knew Nick Lowe could jam like that?

Who is this kid?

2006-09-13T21:31:00.000-04:00

I am not sure how I feel about Ben Kweller yet. He makes me feel a bit fuzzy inside. But sometimes I'm reminded of old Wilco and that's fun or somebody that influenced Ben Folds but not Ben Folds. Also, I read a little interview with him in Spin and he liked all my favorite rock 'n' roll classic bands. That's a good start, right? However, I'm a bit taken aback by the fact that Dave Matthews signed him to his label--I can stomach about two Dave Matthews' songs. Oh, poops. Am I getting soft in my old age?

Sounds Like...

2006-08-15T22:05:00.000-04:00

So, I noticed recently that Jill Andrews of the everybodyfields sounds quite a bit like Shannon Whitworth of the Biscuit Burners in a beautiful sisterly way. I dig 'em both. Now, I've never seen the everybodyfields live but I did see the Biscuit Burners tear it up (in a church no-less) about a year and a half ago. Who knew clawhammer could get that nasty?

Lovely is the feeling now

2006-07-28T01:28:00.000-04:00

It's summer. It's time to work up a sweat. Lately, I've discussed with a few friends what they think is the best dance album. Let's open this discussion. Off the Wall, Thriller and Midnight Vultures have all been throw out there. I still can't decide which Stevie Wonder album is the best overall.

On the Road

2006-07-21T23:43:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned Harlan before and I'll mention Harlan again I'm sure. They're a badass rock band out of Baton Rouge/Kentucky and they're takin' it to the streets which makes Michael McDonald really happy.

Here's Harlan's tourdates (Go see them and do yourself a big solid):

Aug. 4 - Relative Theory Records - Norfolk, VA
Aug. 6 - Trash - Brooklyn, NY
Aug. 7 - Piano's - New York, NY
Aug. 8 - Lizard Lounge - Cambridge, MA
Aug. 9 - Darkhorse - State College, PA
Aug. 10 - Mill Creek Tavern - Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 11 - Quiet Storm - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 12 - CD Central in-store - Lexington, KY
Aug. 12 - Frowny Bear - Lexington, KY

Broken Mascis Scene

2006-07-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

When I come back, I come back with a fury. Apparently guitar god J got together with scenesters elite the Broken Social Scene and jammed on many rock songs. Courtesy of something called Free Williamsburg, which doesn't seem to have anything to do with making candles.

Yo La Tengo en la Parque

2006-07-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

Some fine tuneage in the park from those cats known as Yo and La and Tengo. They played some righteous instrumental music to the images of various fish friends, crustaceans and the sort, having sex in very odd ways (these were French sea world documentaries). YLT is about perfect for this assignment, as their rock can swing from a languid, pot-smoking mixer to cacophonous art rock (which would’ve worked nicely with a shark movie). They got a little jauntiness into their beat during the wonderful piece on sea horses. Those little creatures are very cool. It would be nice if Yo La wrapped this up into a DVD.

Jennie, I’m saddened to say that I didn’t see James. The band was actually below the screen, almost in an orchestra pit, so I couldn’t even tell if he was dancing. But their music was spectacular for the spectacle.

I Begin to Understand

2006-06-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I have determined that Roy Orbison's "You Got It" is not only the best song of devotion ever written but perhaps the greatest song of all time. Let's discuss.

PS: What an inviting and bewitching voice. And cool sunglasses.

Oh, Dark Reaches of Childhood Memory

2006-06-22T01:07:00.000-04:00

I thought I should pass this along. It's a collection of mostly 80s music videos in full form--pretty varied too. My favorites as a little tot: Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" and Aretha Franklin and George Michael's "I Knew You Were Waiting." I admit to having watched the video for "Push It" about 8 times since yesterday in attempts to finally rock it like Pep.

Not Jennifer or Meg, Not Pink Floyd

2006-06-20T00:50:00.000-04:00

Tilly and the Wall is playing Cat's Cradle tonight. I may go because I can get in for free (work perk) and a friend of mine who has some agreeable taste in music can't stop talking about them. They're sharing a bill with DeVotcKa who rocked my socks at the M.Ward show back in the spring of 2005. DeVotchKa's lead singer stopped my heart with his cover of "Hot Burrito No. 1." Gram Parsons was proud, I'm sure.

Also, Tilly and the Wall look like they could be a fake band from a sitcom on the Disney channel. Remember that show on Disney with the teen band? (Not Kids, Incorporated, but the other one.) Very sharp and edgy. Ooh.

That's What Friends Are For

2006-06-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

As my friend Gerry moves away with his lovely wife (and better friend) Jaimee, I will reflect on some of the best songs about non-romantic relationships:

1. "No Surrender" (Bruce Springsteen)
2. "With or Without You" (U2)
3. "Reuben James" (Kenny Rogers)
4. "You've Got a Friend" (James Taylor)
5. "In the Street" (Big Star)
6. "Hard Road" (Lucinda Williams)
7. "Looking Up in Heaven" (Paul Westerberg)
8. "My Family" (Joan Armatrading)

Tell me more if you can think of them.

Top 5 Records as Spring Turns to Summer

2006-06-14T01:45:00.000-04:00

1. Les McCann & Eddie Harris' Swiss Movement
2. My Morning Jacket's The Tennessee Fire
3. this mix c.d. a friend made me featuring Common, Mos Def, MF Doom, & James Brown
4. Caroline Herring and Claire Holley's Live at St. Andrew's
5. Bruce Springsteen's The River

A Town Without Pitney

2006-06-13T16:27:00.000-04:00

I realized what is missing from music today. My fellow blogger, dcnahm, informed us of the death of Gene Pitney a couple months back but it didn't really strike me until a steamy summer night how much he's missed. No one can really woo like he does while simultaneously whining. In the midst of considering ditching this one-horse town, he hits my emotions right on the head every time. The loss, the lust, the regret, the ache. And it's all totally sexy.

To the Moon

2006-06-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

Bobby Womack is coming to the Greensboro Coliseum with The Whispers on July 7th. Tickets are a bit out of my range but I plan to hang outside the stadium and try to get some back door action. He's dreamy.

Live from Nowhere

2006-06-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

Here at Rockstatic, we always try to keep you up to date on the latest concert happenings. From the Avett Brothers to Jenny Lewis to the immortal 2 Live Crew, we cover it all. And keeping with that trend, here is another show not to be missed.

Tomorrow night, Local 506 in Chapel Hill will feature two bands whose music can only be described as gorgeous: Over the Rhine and Hem. We've talked about Over the Rhine before. Let me just say, everything in that post still holds true, maybe even moreso now. As for Hem, you can't go wrong with a band that produces songs as delicate as spiderwebs, but at the same time has the intestinal fortitude to cover classic REM songs, and cover them well.

Tickets are still available. I'll be there, JennieT will be there, you should be there too. You couldn't ask for better music on a cool summer night.

Gardening at Night

2006-06-06T11:57:00.000-04:00

My knowledge of the instrumental rock, of the "chill-out" genre, is quite limited. I admit this freely and am quite okay with it. I had all of the Massive Attack records, of course, and then there were those Portishead discs that kept me company on a few cold winter nights. But that's where it stops for me. One day, I'll expand my horizons. One day, I'll try something new.

Zero 7 fits nicely between Massive Attack and Portishead, I think. Their new album, The Garden, releases today and comes as quite a surprise. Whereas I tend to think of this type of music as cold, distant, the sound of ice cracking in the early spring, Zero 7 presents music that is warm, enveloping, a summer breeze. It sounds like something that had been put away years ago, only to be found now. Something you forgot about and then rediscovered.

The Garden is their third album and continues to feature Sia on vocals, who herself has become a bit famous thanks to her song "Breathe Me," which was used prominently on the series finale of Six Feet Under. Here, her voice is just as soulful as I remember, flowing through the beats rather than be buried by them. Jose Gonzales also shows up and adds a distinct folk feel to his track, "Futures." Take a listen here.

A surprising album and a good summer treat, especially in these days before the wind dies down and the humidity and heat return.

(Buy at Amazon)

Bad A@# B!$%h

2006-06-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

Yes, the rumors are true. 2LiveCrew is coming to the Blind Tiger in Greensboro tomorrow night. I'm going and I hope to be arrested or at least witness some lewd behavior. Front row, baby.

Dance With Me

2006-05-24T15:24:00.000-04:00

Here is my favorite discovery of 2006 so far. I've been pushing The Pipettes on every single person I know. I want them to feel what I feel when the music starts. The sudden rush. The sheer happiness that starts at your feet and works upward in a torrent. The smile you can't hold back. This is girl group music for now, but it owes everything to Phil Spector, to the Supremes, the Ronettes, even the Beach Boys and their heavenly harmonies. This is music for summer, for long car drives with the windows down. This does everything pop music should do, but sadly, isn't right now. This gives us hope.

The Pipettes - "Pull Shapes"

Here's a taste from the album, the track all ABBA strings and Shirelles' harmonies.

The Pipettes on Myspace.

The album comes out in July overseas with no release date stateside, so be ready to track down that import as soon as you can.

I Can Hear the Heart Beating

2006-05-16T11:06:00.000-04:00

For GC over at Backwards City (because I shamelessly forgot about him on the last Bruce post), a hint of the new Yo La Tengo record, due in stores this September. The song is called Beanbag Chair.

Okay, not bad.

But the album is called I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass.

Best. Album. Title. Ever.

Movin' On Up

2006-05-15T17:53:00.000-04:00

Well, since recovering from missing the Avett Brothers show on Friday due to contracting the black plague, I have bounced back into the world of music thanks to Filthybird. Once again, these kids have saved the day. They're hard at work on their new full length and have posted a new song in which we will experience sweet bliss. "The Gospelrough Mix" is every bit as thoughtful and intuitive as "Kites Without Tails" or "Second Wind," but a bit more joyful in its reverie. It sounds like how black raspberry ice cream makes me feel. Whereas those latter songs remind me of a long night of PBR, Old Granddad, and quesadilla grande fajitas. Both experiences are vital and beautiful in their respective ways, of course. It's just that now I'm ready for ice cream.

It Will Rock Us, It Will

2006-05-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

As opposed to other blogs who post about crap that's already posted on other blogs, we here on rockstatic.blogspot.com like to talk about the music we're enthused about. This Friday, the Avett Brothers will play the Flying Anvil (which as venues go pretty much rules the roost--pool tables, full bar, arcade games, photo booth, nice roomy space, and foosball). I am pumped.

I don't write these things just to eat my own earwax.

The Great Destroyer

2006-05-03T00:27:00.000-04:00

One of the things I have been listening to is the most recent Low album, "The Great Destroyer." I listened to Low some when I was in college and have a few of their LPs, but never really got that into them. I don't have much of a tolerance for slow music, which of course can be a problem if you want to listen to Low. "TGD" came out last year and is differnt than their previous records. Obviously the tempos are brisker and the sound is full and loud (the album was produced by David Friedmann. The production is closer to the new Sleater-Kinny record than the Flaming Lips--very overdriven and harsh rather than warlby and wispy.) but there is something else that separatest he album from its predecessors. The songs are more upbeat and melodic but the album as a whole seems much darker. Whereas their prior LPs sounded dark and brooding, the minimal arrangements and the slow tempos gave the songs some room for the light to shine through, but here every nook is filled with a rumbling sound. The speakers seem to be blowing out constantly. On the first song they sing, "We'll never make the light/but that's alright" and somehow rather than sounding mundane and innocuous the line rings with tension--the spirit of teenage alienation and self-destruction; the sound of an unhappy couple driving themselves into the ground; the detached air of someone who doesn't care whether their life is in danger or not. I think Pitchfork panned the song "California" in their little singles reviewing column, but it is the best one on the album--beautiful, catchy and heartbreaking.

I like this record alot.

Notes on Music

2006-05-03T00:12:00.000-04:00

Well, the boss has dissed us in the mainstream media--but I have a reason for the lack of posting in the last few weeks--one that does not include reference to finals or papers.

Back at the beginning of April I went to a show here in Chapel Hill and afterwards I decided that I don't think I like music anymore. I don't know why. It wasn't a bad show--one of the bands was really great--but for some reason I left with a feeling that I wouldn't ever care about music again. Unfortunate since music has been the centerpiece of my life since I was in middle school. I decided that I don't really care to stay up late, in dark places that are full of smoke to have mediocre bands wear down my hearing. I'm just kind of tired of it.

I think part of this feeling is attributable to stress from school. Another portion is that there haven't been any new things that have really caught my ear. I have been listening a lot to some LPs that I already had but didn't really listen to when I first got them--which I will write about later. But over all, I don't know what to say. Maybe I don't believe in Rock-n-Roll anymore.

Or maybe I need a nap.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! (A Different Mayberry/Mayday Reference)

2006-05-01T19:03:00.000-04:00

I was quite delighted when my friend Tiffany pointed out the couple in the matching "Pink Floyd" t-shirts yesterday at MerleFest. Among all the hippies and their hula-hoops, some lovely souls remembered to sport shirts with pink silkscreened Floyd the Barbers on them. We weren't too far from the home of Andy Griffith, after all.

Great bbq and ice cream aside, I had a spiritual experience yesterday. Emmylou Harris made my eyes water up while I got a bit of a suntan too. She even brought out Gillian Welch and David Rawlings to sing with her (that's the afore-mentioned surprise). This was after having spent the earlier portions of the day listening to Caroline Herring and Claire Holley play spirituals and getting to interview both of them individually.

I do believe this is the way to spend Sunday. I will leave you with a quote from Floyd Lawson, may he rest in peace:

FL: "You know, everyone complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it. Calvin Coolidge said that."
Andy Taylor: "No, Floyd, that wasn't Calvin Coolidge that said that, it was Mark Twain."
FL: "Then what did Calvin Coolidge say?"

Talking Heads demos

2006-05-01T16:13:00.000-04:00

Not much time for witty reparte, but this is some essential rock.

This Just In...

2006-04-30T19:30:00.000-04:00

A few follow-ups to things mentioned earlier this week because here, at the Rock Static, we strive to keep you in the loop (even when we may be out of it).

First, Regina Spektor, first mentioned here, has a new album coming out in June. The title is Begin to Hope and while June may be a ways off, you can stream some of the new songs here and here. Quirky as always, you can start to sense some maturity in these songs, though whether that will be for good or ill remains to be seen.

Also, we talked about Neil Young, rebel with a cause, back here. You can now hear Neil's album, Living With War, in its entirety on his website. Starting Tuesday you can buy the album through Itunes, and a week later, you can hold it in your hands, as it hit stores. The album is rough, scared, angry, juvenile, righteous, and sad...all the things that make for a great Neil listening experience, and one I recommend in these times of trouble.

If You Believe in Love

2006-04-28T14:17:00.000-04:00

Marvin Gaye - "Let's Get It On"

It's Friday afternoon, which means it will soon be Friday night, which means now is a perfect time for this song, yet another in my Top Ten. Don't laugh. Don't point fingers. I know you've heard this song before, but that's okay. We've heard lots of things before. We've heard about sex and love and understanding and pleading and pure, full desire. But that doesn't mean hearing about it again will hurt. Not at all.

So much has already been said about this song, about how the opening guitar sounds like the buildup to orgasm, about how no one could really have sex to this song without laughing, about how these five minutes launched Jack Black's career at the end of "High Fidelity." We won't say those things today. Let's look at something different.

The song has a purpose, a purpose implied by its title but even more so by Marvin's voice. Listen with headphones and you'll hear how it's double-tracked at some points, providing that extra bit of urgency. Sometimes a second Marvin is to your right; sometimes he's behind you; sometimes he is sitting the corner nodding his head in affirmation. Marvin surrounds you with his voice. It's his weapon, after all. It's all he has left after he's tried every trick he knows to get you to fall for him. But perhaps his greatest trick is what he chooses to do with that voice.

I want you to listen closely from 2:25 to 2:31. Marvin sings "you know what I'm talking about" but it doesn't come out that easily. Instead the words are spaced far apart and Marvin's voice is hesitant and willing at the same time, like he is having trouble forcing those words past his lips. The desire is too much, it's built up inside of him, and it is so strong, so strong, that he needs all his energy to contain it, lest it come out in a torrent, a rush, and the mood be totally lost.

This is a song not about emotional and physical release, but a song about controlling that release. To let it all go would be too easy. We let ourselves go all the time, but where does it get us? Marvin's been there, and he's not going back. No, he's going to take his time, let the words flow, hold back, and, when he's ready, when the time is right, there will, indeed, be some sanctifying going on tonight.

Come On, Rise Up!

2006-04-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

Bruce Springsteen's new album, The Seeger Sessions, comes out tomorrow and the praise is already starting to roll in. Now, I love me some E Sreet Bruce, almost as much as my friends JennieT and Pclem, but this one, recorded without the E Street Band, looks to be the real thing. Buy one for yourself, and while you're there, buy one for that neighbor down the street you shared a beer with the other night.

(At Amazon)

*Update* The album is really, really good. "Mrs. McGrath" is flawless and Bruce channels Tom Waits on "Erie Canal." What's not to love?

Not My Lover

2006-04-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

Via You Ain't No Picasso, a few tracks too good not to share. Gibbard's is nice, but Belle and Sebastian's could save your life.

Never say I fail to bring you the goodness on a Sunday night.

A Pair of Dull Scissors

2006-04-22T20:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a song that tells a story of exactly how I want to be loved.

We were talking of this Thursday night. It was a warm night, but inside the bar it was cool, and we could watch the sun reflect off the polished wood of the booth we were sitting in. We didn't have to look each other in the eye, which was good, because these are not easy things to speak of.

I told her, when Regina sings "you are my sweetest downfall," that I wanted that, to be someone's sweetest downfall. I like both the hope and regret in that line. It sounds like both sides of love. My friend said her line was "and the Bible didn't mention us/ not even once," and I think she was speaking of regret also, but I could not find the hope. Still, I think we were both right.

Regina Spektor - "Samson"

This song tells a story, one we've all heard before. Sean over at Said the Gramophone has heard it, and he told his story about the song a while back. I like his words and you will too, I think.

But this is about right now, and this is about my story. And simply, it is this: this is how I want to be loved. Passionately, completely, with power and regret, and an absolute open heart bare for all the world to see. I think Regina knows this, though how, I do not know.

Regina also sings, with a broken voice, "I loved you first." Then she repeats it. She's reminding us of her place in the world, of her place in his world. You see, this is her story too.

Buy all of Regina's albums. (This song was recently re-recorded for Regina's upcoming album, but the original version, the one I give you here and that you can find on her album "Songs," is home.)

Four Dead in Ohio

2006-04-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

Today, Neil Young played his new album for record executives. He recorded it in three days as part of a power trio: electric guitar, bass, drums. His own manager had no idea he was even recording. Neil kept everything under wraps because this album was different. This was a protest album, an anti-war album. I'll let the New York Times elaborate:

The 10-song album, "Living With War," will probably represent Mr. Young's most overtly partisan work since the song "Ohio," recorded and quickly released by the group Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as a response to the Kent State shootings in 1970.

Elliot Roberts, Mr. Young's longtime manager, said the album would be "more about soldiers" and "what it's like to all of a sudden be 18 and on the line."

Sounds good so far. I like me some angry Neil. But then there is this, from the same article:

The titles on the album include "Let's Impeach the President," which features Mr. Bush's voice overlaid above a 100-voice choir singing, "Flip flop."

Uh-oh.

Opening Night at the Anvil

2006-04-10T14:48:00.000-04:00

will actually be a two-part event. But I'm simply going to highlight the concert I'm going to. So there. The Avett Brothers will rock your panties, as my friend Miriam used to put it, on May 12th with this sweet high school jazzgrass band Beaconwood kickstarting the evening. I had a chance to interview these kids for the GoTriad and they were supercool and very aware of their proverbial shit. Check them out. I'm so excited I can barely sit still.

Because I Want You

2006-04-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

Here is a gem of a song, perfect for a Sunday evening. Nothing more than acoustic guitar, piano, bass, and the gentlest vocals you can imagine. Over the Rhine are a husband and wife duo from Ohio. Their songs are concerned with real life things, those we love and the ground we walk on. These are not songs that hide but rather present themselves clear and unsmudged.

"I Want You To Be My Love" opens their most recent album, Drunkard's Prayer. It is a song about exactly what the title suggests. Karin Bergquist sings it easily, in full command, not the least bit hesitant about what she wants. But when she sings why she wants it, then the song changes. The whys are never easy to tell. You'll know when it happens. Her voice goes high, sudden, out of nowhere, and the song fractures in all the right places. Listen for it when it comes around again. See if you are holding your breath.

Someone once told me she wanted this song played at her wedding, to walk down the aisle to its words. This song could belong there, but it could also belong in your living room, next to your table and chairs and among your candles. It could belong in a hushed club, people huddled together, clinging to the ones they love, or, as Karin sings, the ones they want to love.

Buy all their albums here. Go see them live here.

RIP Gene Pitney

2006-04-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

Angel of the First Degree

2006-04-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

Van Morrison - "Tupelo Honey"

With Spring upon us, it is time for this song. Here is what Spring sounds like. The gentle hum of the organ. The warm flick of the electric guitar that gives way to those delicate acoustics. This is an invitation. The song starts slow. Van has a long time to get his point across and he will. Trust him. Listen to how warm the vocals are. You don't sing like this unless you are absolutely in love with someone, something. You don't sing like this unless your heart is beating fast.

"You can't stop us on the road to freedom," he sings and this is both a statement and a promise. Not long after this, Van's commitment deepens. Now the vocals aren't so delicate. "She's as sweet as Tupelo honey." Now there are backup singers behind him, urging him forward, telling him, as James Baldwin once wrote, "that deep water and drowning (are) not the same thing" and it is time to head for the water. And then the sax solo comes in, and you can feel the water on your skin.

When Van returns he knows now, even more so than before, what he is after and it is pure and sweet and close enough to taste. The vocals rip and you can hear that soul music that must have been playing in Van's crib the day he was brought home. The drums loose themselves now, pounding, insistent, a witness themselves. Then there is quiet, then there is loud again, one final push, and then we lose Van in his love for this woman, wherever she may be, whomever she may be, may he find her soon.

Play this song with the patio doors swung wide, warm winds flooding your apartment. Play this song on someone's porch when you are pouring that last glass of wine. Play this song. It is in my Top 10 for a variety of reasons, but at the heart of it all is this. Sometimes a song sounds like a season and sometimes that is more than we could ever hope for.

Captain Beefheart

2006-04-03T19:03:00.000-04:00

Once again courtesy of Tom Greenjeans: this time some Captain Beefheart, a legendary performance from Saturday Night Live. A long distance to lip-synching Simpsonite. You've got some vid and some aud.

The Most Proper Tribute to the Beatles

2006-04-03T18:48:00.000-04:00

Forget tribute albums, this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Juggling to Abbey Road (I'm terrible with song names--Golden Slumber?). This truly is awesome. Prepare for video and audio operations. Thanks to Tom G.

Return of Razzle

2006-03-29T14:55:00.000-05:00

Razzle was one of the best Chapel Hill bands ever. Heavy, harmonized guitar; nimble drums and a bass that sounded as though it was strung with cement. They oft discribed themselves as Thin Lizzy+Big Black--and that's probably right. In any case, they were four of the most talented musicians I have ever seen. They broke up two years ago, but are having a reunion show at the Resivoir in Chapel Hill for a Katrina benefit. A couple members of the band have family in Louisiana. In addition to raising money, people are encouraged to bring old instruments they don't want for the musicians of LA who lost everything.

For us, we get a short return of mighty, real rock-n-roll--in all of it peacock like grandure.

Saturday, April 1, 2006. No lies. The show is free. Bring a donation or an instrument.

For a Spring Night

2006-03-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

I can't say enough good things about Claire Holley, so I'll make it simple. A brokenhearted voice with songs to match, the kind of music that makes you want to open a window on a cool Spring night, maybe to let her voice out into the world, or maybe to invite others in.

Claire plays the Green Bean in downtown Greensboro on Wednesday night. She's in Chapel Hill a few days later. Tour dates, pics, song samples, links to purchase her lovely albums can all be found on her website. But she must be seen live to be believed. Here's a taste of what you will get. For the rest, the Green Bean. Wednesday. 8:00 in the evening. Open your windows on the way there.

(thanks to Sean for the inspiration today)

The Nein v. America

2006-03-28T13:20:00.000-05:00

The Nein have just gotten back from a long tour (and visit to SXSW). It was outrageous. (That's Finn from the Nein in the green shirt, about a foot from MF Doom, watching him grab his dick.)

Pt. One
Pt. Two

Still Ashamed?

2006-03-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

Though it has never stuck to my ribs like it should have, country music has always held an important place in my heart. From Cash to Willie to even Trisha Yearwood (the voice, the voice!), I've enjoyed so much of it. Put the Dixie Chicks on that list too.

You remember them, don't you? Maybe not. Country radio did all they could to end the Chicks' career a few years back, when their lead singer, Natalie Maines dared to speak out against the Iraq War. Banned songs, album demolitions, and death threats followed. But something happened on the way to the Chicks' funeral. They sold out their concert tour. And then Rick Rubin, Cash's producer of the last few years, came calling. And now they're back.

The new album, Taking The Long Way, comes out in May. The first single, "Not Ready to Make Nice," is a direct attack on those that went after them. You can hear it on their website. It doesn't play nice and it's a joy to hear. And another funny thing has happened. Country radio is playing it. Turns out, they needed the Chicks all this time. Turns out, maybe we all did.

Melt Your Heart

2006-03-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

Last night Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins invaded a sold out Cat's Cradle in Carrboro. The crowd was a solid mix of shaggy haired boys with their tongues out, dying to get a glimpse of the lovely Lewis, and their dates, girls in their dresses, their hair long and loose, doing all they could to envelop themselves in Lewis's crisp, heartbreaking voice. In the end, both groups succeeded.

Lewis and the Watson Twins started the show by descending from backstage, singing "Run Devil Run" without mic or accompaniment. It took the crowd a moment to quiet down so that the three could be heard, but soon their voices filled the Cradle. The harmonies were note perfect, and the smiles that slowly ran across all three singers' faces were worth the price of admission. Then the band took off, all steel and acoustic guitar, drums crashing into "Big Guns" and the show was on.

As to be expected, the singing was the main draw and it was flawless. Lewis can twist her voice so that one moment it is soft and sweet, the voice of a choir girl coming into her own, only to tear her voice down, let it crack, and break your heart. The setlist jumped from fast song to slow, full band to Lewis alone. Highlights were "Rabbit Fur Coat," "Melt Your Heart," and "Rise Up With Fists!"

It was a good show bordering on great, and then it made the leap when Lewis debuted a new song, "Jack Killed Ma," that was even better than the title implied. The track sounded like something from Loretta Lynn's last album, the Jack White produced gem. The song was full of electric piano and burning steel guitar. The band really let go on this murder ballad, the Watson Twins' harmonies pushed to the brink. The song's melody reminded me of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" except at the end of this song, the other woman doesn't make out so well, and on this night, in this place, that seemed just about right.

The show closed with an old gospel hymn that found Lewis dueting with her guitarist, the Watson Twins filling in the blanks, and then everyone took their bow and left the way they had come, no accompaniment, no mic, just voices in the crowd cheering them on.

Jews Show

2006-03-22T17:28:00.000-05:00

As evidenced by my multiple posts on the subject, I was, as they say, looking forward to a Silver Jews rock and roll show. Lop onto that a newly acquired New York sense of entitlement, and I thought there was a distinct possibility something special might happen, probably in the vehicle of a special person showing up. So as I stood in the frigid early night on the curb outside Webster Hall, a sense of anticipation served as a conductor of heat. So did moving my body as often as possible. A yellow cab pulled up, close enough I had to step aside. And who should step out of the car but a long, willowy sort of fellow, he of an angular face supported by a messily wrapped scarf. He wore glasses and his hair longish. His visage said icy. Yes, it was Malkmus, exactly what I expected. I watched him as he spoke to the bouncer, then as he crossed the street and talked to friends. Berman’s arrival at the same spot almost minutes later seemed something of a let down.

As the British like to say, I rang Jennie T. I was gleeful on the message I left, clearly hoping to stir in her a touch of jealousy. And perhaps the masters of indiedom recognized my pride, for Mr. Malkmus never left the comfy confines of the balcony VIP area (where a regular Pave reunion bubbled—Ibold and West too). In fact, I didn’t know he was up there until the lights had gone on, instead focusing all my energies on the little doorway stage right, where only one Ex-Pave guy emerged. Apart from the misdirection, the night was excellent. Had the sound quality been good—the guitars were mired in the back, leaving nothing but vocals—I might have been blown away. An advantage Berman has over other shows is his available catalog. He’s never played so everything is up for grabs. And he made great choices. The list doesn’t really change from show to show, but you can’t expect it to given that DC has to read all the lyrics, and I mean all of them.

Berman was wonderfully self-conscious and clumsy on stage, not letting the absurdity of the situation detract him from important tasks, like finding the contact that kept falling from his eye. I was a little surprised when he did a stage dive . . . okay, he didn’t stage dive, but someone swiped his farmer’s cap and did. Cassie got in the dude’s face in a polite way and the hat was returned.

So there it is, a Jews show for the ages. I’d see him again, maybe in a smaller locale. But it would almost be nice if he never showed up again, having this one tour serve as the legacy, a marker. Doubtful, but nice.

Pirates on Mescaline

2006-03-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

Last night's Man Man show proved fruitful. I lost my hearing temporarily and Man Man's band members lost a few pounds via sweat and cardio workouts while on stage. Just for kicks, y'all should check this rowdy crew out sometime. Good music, by the by, too: sounds like Tom Waits had an orgy with Three Dog Night and Captain Hook; looks like Richie Tenenbaum?

SCHOONER

2006-03-22T16:47:00.000-05:00

Schooner are a great Chapel Hill band. Here is a great song by them, called "Indian Sunburn." It is off of a new 4 band split cd put out by Pox World Empire called 3X4. The other bands--Erie Choir, The Sames and Summer Set--are also great and it is worth checking out. Here is another great song of thiers: "Stunts, Showmanship and Codes."

Trying to say what makes Schooner so good is difficult. At first they seem good, but fairly normal, but after a while you notice that there is something lurking below the surface: similar to, say, an early Sebadoh song--it is simple and beautiful and seems, at first, sweet, but after a while you sense the sour below the surface. Live, this really comes through. They could be the most crowd pleasing band in the world--and I use this phrase as a negative, meaning, pandering to the crowd, playing it easy, going soft--but there is a subtle oddness, a strain in them that resists. It is hard to describe: Like an attractive kid in school who grows his hair long to hide it; a beautiful girl who wears clothes to large to hide herself. They could just strum and strum and make us sing, but they stop half-way through the song, put their hand over the mic and wait until the good feeling has passed.

This is a very good thing.

Baby You're Much Too Fast

2006-03-21T19:16:00.000-05:00

If your life is recently devoid of great beats, of smooth guitars, of seductive vocals, then today is the day for you. Prince's new album "3121" is now available at all fine retail outlets, independent and otherwise. Picking up where he left off with "Musicology," His Royal Purpleness continues his late career return from the land of bad instrumentals and side projects.

But is this one good, you ask?

Pitchfork says 6.0. Rolling Stone says 4 stars. But what do they know?

I say put on the single "Black Sweat," and ratings and stars don't matter at all. The Neptunes, Dre, Kayne, they've been ripping off the Purple One for years. Sometimes, though, the teacher needs to teach. Sometimes, though, the students need to remember their place in line. Now is such a time.

And, on top of all that, I understand he makes some pretty damn good pancakes.

I have no comment

2006-03-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

Talk About, Pop Musik

2006-03-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

I have a weakness for pop music. I say "weakness" because sometimes the music is so lovely, it brings me to my knees. A good pop song is candy and ice cream on the side. A good pop song is expensive red wine and a kiss goodnight.

Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," Britney Spears' "Toxic," Robyn's "Be Mine." You can add to that list Marit Larsen. She's from Norway. You should be in love with her already. A former member of the group M2M, Larsen now has her own solo album out. Stylus approves and so do I. I hope that's enough for you.

Her website has some tracks for you to be wooed by (be warned, it is down from time to time). Go and listen and, though you may try to fight it, feel your knees give way.

Random Rules Part Deux

2006-03-16T14:03:00.000-05:00

In honor of all the recent Joos postings and The Onion article of a few weeks ago, I am taking the Random Rules challenge. The Ipod had been put on shuffle, my fate is in its tiny hands, and here are the first five songs it deems worthy of play:

1. "Don't Look Back in Anger (live)" - Tori Amos: A 2005 live cover of the Oasis song in which Tori, for some reason, rails against Morrissey before starting the song. The bridge on this version is crazy good as she lets her voice go on a rampage in a way, sadly, she rarely does anymore.

2. "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again" - Bob Dylan: Everything you need in a song. Bob, heartbreak, and Memphis.

3. "The Hard Way" - Shannon McNally: A bluesy romp by this Southern native. This song drips humidity and her voice is a sticky Mississippi night.

4. "Standing" - Patty Griffin: In which Patty takes us to church and we are happy to come along.

5. "Just the Way You Are" - Billy Joel: And things were going so good for my Ipod until now. The ultimate wedding song by perhaps the ultimate wedding singer. That said, Billy Joel can still kicks ass on demand, so I'll shut up now.

Joosy Juice

2006-03-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

Today has been a happy one. And I don't think that it's even totally hit me yet. Last night, I saw the Silver Jews play and it was what I expected. And then some. Bob Nostanovich made a guest appearance, Cassie Berman (David's wife) played bass, and David read all his lyrics off of a stand just a foot or two away from his face. The show began with "Random Rules." Let me repeat: the show began with "Random Rules." Within minutes, the Joos played "Black and Brown Blues" as well along with "Pet Politics" and "Dallas." (The first few chords of "Dallas" automatically affect my target heartrate.) From the new album, the setlist included "How Can I Love You If You Won't Lie Down" and "Punks in the Beerlight." My only real complaint is that the show seemed to fly by but that's what happens with great fun, right? Tempus Fugit, I reckon.

God, he's one fine lookin' man.

loudQUIETloud

2006-03-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

A fine piece on SXSW in Salon, with specific attention paid to the new Pixies documentary, which, because of it's split between concert footage and the portrayal of thirties/forties rockers in weird places in their lives, is much more attractive to me than actually seeing them play live. Sacrilege, yes. But the movie is cheaper and I am a supreme tightwad. Regardless, I think it will be good.

#1 With A Bullet

2006-03-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

In honor of my hometown Memphis Tigers receiving their first #1 seed ever in the NCAA Tournament, I thought a little PJ Harvey b-side would be appropriate. Listen to it on a loop while your filling out those brackets. Think about Beale Street and the rush of the Mississippi and all the things you should have said when you were standing on the roof of the Peabody Hotel and she told you she loved you for the very last time.

PJ Harvey - Memphis

What The Bachelor Should've Been From the Get-go

2006-03-13T01:06:00.000-05:00

Can I say that I'm elated about the results of a reality show? Of course I can. Especially when it involves Flavor Flav choosing a good woman. The world is right sometimes.

If You Won't Lie Down

2006-03-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

For Pclem, a link to download the first Silver Jews show in, I think, ever. Direct from the 40 Watt Club on March 10, 2006. And for those still looking for a little Berman fix, Cat's Cradle on March 14. Tickets still available. For now.

And one small note. Rumor has it the setlist might not change much over the tour, so if you don't wanna know, don't download until after you have touched the hem of his garment.

This is Nasty in a Good Way

2006-03-11T23:03:00.000-05:00

I don't care if it's the stuff hipsters are made of. I know it's only rock-n-roll and I like it. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have a new album, Show Your Bones, coming out in a couple weeks and the video for the first single, "Gold Lion," is available on the website now. I still don't believe that those sounds come out of Karen O's mouth, but that doesn't stop me from listening. Keep in mind that I was one of the few fans of Milli Vanilli that didn't care if Rob and Fab could sing a lick. They were pure fashion rock and that's what makes David Bowie proud.

Karen O always looks as if she's scared of her own power or crunked or exactly like the twin of the cross-eyed chick from that Devo "Whip It" video and that's something we can all respect. Besides, she wears her panties on the outside of her clothes.

PS: In regards to JJerm's previous post, I think the Yeah Yeah Yeah's bonus track on Fever to Tell could match up with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." I'm still trying to determine if another track could saddle up with Tiffany's (aka Tommy James and the Shondelles') "I Think We're Alone Now."

Scott Walker

2006-03-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Mr. Scott Walker has a new LP coming out on 4AD. It is called The Drift. Here is a clip of him playing a song--"Rosary"--off of the incredible album TILT.

Landing on Water

2006-03-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

"Touch the Night," from Neil Young's great 1986 LP,Landing on Water.

I say March Insanity

2006-03-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

First the Silver Jews, then Mr. Leo. Oh, yes, it’s Ted Time. I’ll admit I’ve gotten a little crazy with my Ted Leo/Pharmacist obsession. Yes, I’m going to see them again, this time at the famed Knitting Factory a few weeks hence. To tide me over, and yuns, some free demos for the new album , which will come out via Touch and Go.

Crix Crax Crux

2006-03-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

I don't know who Crix Crax Crux is, but his/their song "Radio On" is pretty damn tight in the Tight Science Dept. All that I have been able to determine is that CCC have recently moved to Durham from Florida and they make some great David Bowie/Sebadoh-esque pop music. "Moth" has muffled sound like Spoon being drowned in a nasty lake by 4-track. There are some syths, some drum machines, and lots of fuzzy acoustic guitars. Pop-Jandek? I don't know.

Put Your Hands Together

2006-02-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Certain things were made to go together. Peanut butter and jelly. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Sam and Dave. The Captain and Tennille. But little did I know that certain songs were made to go together as well. And not just go together. Certain songs were meant to intermingle, their parts slipping and sliding together in some sort of song mating ritual, something we don't have pictures of yet, but should.

CCC has seen those pictures and the mashups he brings forth for our enjoyment are proof. His MySpace profile has many waiting for you, but this one will cause you to join the choir and sing his praises. I won't tell you who is involved, but listen for those strings during the last bridge, and that amazing snare in the verses, and you'll know all you need to know. You'll know what CCC knows, and, sometimes, that's enough.

When is Indie indie?

2006-02-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

Interesting article in the NY Times Magazine profiling the Toronto music scene, with a special highlight on Broken Social Scene. Of course, there are plenty who see BSS as sellouts and corporate, and by some comparisons they might be. But you're always going to have that: we're so indie that everyone shares profits from everyone's albums, we're so indie that we don't record in studios, we're so indie that you have to send a carrier pigeon to order a record. I hereby announce the formation of my new indie label, which is SO indie that it will not put out any music and will be free and clear of any and all musicians, of which I am not one.

Second Story Man

2006-02-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

Second Story Man are a great band from Lousiville, KY--one of my favorite Louisville bands (second only to CRAIN, but most things are second to CRAIN, even CRAIN). They formed in 1998 or so and are releasing an excellent new EP called Red Glows Brighter. I have heard a few songs on "internet" and heard a few songs "live at a show" and have to say, "Oh, Crap! That's Good!"

SSM are refreshing becuase they are a) excellent musicians who know how to play but don't care much for showing off--in this respect they are perhaps similar to the Band--they're just tight, the arrangements are complex without being intrusive, and they don't make mistakes; b) their four-part, boy/girl vocal harmonies are the jam; and c) they are one of the few bands that can play simple, catch, relaxing pop music without sounding boring. Overall, a very exciting band.

Check out their songs on their Myspace or their website and if you are in KY, buy thier new EP or go to a show.

Gratis Destroyer

2006-02-24T13:57:00.000-05:00

Salon.com has not one, not two, but three free songs from the new Destroyer record three free songs from the new Destroyer record. Certainly worth the free pass. I download from eMusic tomorrow. I love you, tomorrow.

Random Rules

2006-02-24T12:56:00.000-05:00

The Onion's new dealio featuring rockers who press Shuffle on the guyPod and see what comes up. Since it's called Random Rules, they had to give Governor DC Berman first crack.

On Saturday Night Live, 1979

2006-02-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen: Ornette Coleman (and Milton Berle).

2006-02-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

Robot songs? I nominate, and miss, Randy Ward.

(via MetaFilter)

On Shedding

2006-02-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

Connor Bell is a Lousiville musician--and member of Parlour--who has been putting out interesting music in a number of contexts for the past 8 years or so. Currently, his main project is called Shedding--a one man, electro-acoustic group. Live, Shedding takes the form of Mr. Bell and his laptop, sans vocals, but on record, the songs are more open and organic--and very lovely. Try "Daylight Fades." I am reminded of Flying Saucer Attack--but with less squall and more lull.

Paden, one of Mr. Bell's older groups was an interesting mixture of live elements--drums, guitar, vocals--and pre-recorded electronics. Try "Ache" or "For Friendship." Both really great songs.

He's got half a dozen other musical projects worth checking out.

On the Filthiest Bus Ever

2006-02-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

Filth Friday? Yes, yes! Oh, the exclamation point is so wrong.

But, why? I read this: a Kid Rock and Scott Stapp sex tape (CNN does explain that at no point do either have sex with each other--would that have redeemed it?). There are so many uncomfortable feelings inside: Rock and Stapp getting it on with groupies on a bus, filmed by multiple people-- what a sour scene. But you know what is the worst part to think about? Kid Rock and Creed toured together? The thought makes my mouth feel like I licked a public bathroom floor that Brit has just walked across barefoot. Additionally, CNN also titles the article "Rock, Stapp Sex Tape Due," as though this were some Hollywood project that had been simmering for years and was finally ready for the eyes of the world to see. My faith in everything is shaken. I can't go on.

And I thought I was depressed yesterday!

The King and I

2006-02-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm from Memphis. Because of this, I am required, by city ordinance, to adore all things Elvis. They should arrest me now because I just can't do it. Maybe it's the constant bombardment, maybe it's the Vegas, I don't know, but the King never ruled my country.

But there is an exception.

Elvis' best album is called, simply, "The Memphis Album." And on it you can find his best song, "Suspicious Minds." It's all pleas and promises and gospel vocals. But this post isn't about his version. No, this is about another version, a different version. This about a band from Kentucky. This is about My Morning Jacket.

What you have here is Jim James, their fearless leader, and his guitar all alone on a stage with nothing but this song. When Elvis sings "Suspicious Minds" he is pleading from his knees. When Jim James sings it, he is alone in his bedroom, crying softly into a pillow. Both men are in love and both are heartbroken. Both men want her to come back home.

On Buddha

2006-02-16T15:44:00.000-05:00

The mysterious Buddha Machine, from MF3, is a small box, of various colors, with an actual buddha inside, that plays short electronic music loops. I've not heard one, but from what I hear, those that have them, love them. I can't help but imagine, without basis, that it might be more fun/interesting if there was some way to manipulate the sound, or at least access it so that you could manipulate it. Also, the above links are not in a language that I know how to read or speak, so they are probably of limited probative value to the general readership of this institution of music criticism.

Reviewed in Pitchfork and elsewhere on the internet.

An interview with one of the creators.

I'm a Legitimate Writer Now

2006-02-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

Look, look. I even made a plug for Rockstatic.

On Cocaine Blunts

2006-02-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite music resources is Cociane Blunts and Hip-Hop Tapes. CB is a blog that specializes in rare hip-hop tracks--from long lost 12" records and old cassette singles--and is an outgrowth of an old radio show on WRGW. Though the site covers hip-hop from all eras, it seems to focus alot on the late 80's/early 90's, which I love since that is when I grew up and started listening to music. Hearing the songs on CB is like stepping back in time to an awesome middle school dance I never got to go to. Too much good stuff to highlight any one thing (and it should be noted that songs only stay up on the site for a little while)--just click over and start exploring. Well, I will highlight this report on Cam'ron's new career as child advocate.

On Crash

2006-02-14T19:01:00.000-05:00

Crash is a young MC from Durham, NC. I've seen him live a few times--the first being a the Nightlight, where Crash and his DJ played from behind the record bins--on the opposite side of the room from the stage. He prowled back and fourth with his hat cocked on his head, on top of a couch that had been pushed out of the way. It was a rock show and the bands had taken up all of the room on the stage. Before he started, we all looked at each other with looks of, "He's so young." Afterwards, we walked out quiet, with our asses in our hands.

"Rock for the People" sounds like a mid-ninties hip-hop classic that just came to light--soft saxes bleating, rounded beats tumbling over themselves. The young man has a future.

Ultimate Fantasy--Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins

2006-02-13T15:08:00.000-05:00

Rowan: Gareth, quick trust exercise, ultimate fantasy?
Gareth: Hmm?
David Brent: We're just doing the ultimate fantasy, we're all doing it.
Gareth: Two lesbians probably, sisters. I'm just watching.
Rowan: OK. Erm. Tim? Do you have one?
Tim: I'd never thought I'd say this, but can I hear more from Gareth please?

I'm sorry, but it's hard for me not to think of this sequence from The Office when I hear twins. These twins backing Jenny Lewis do some delicious harmonizing on a couple of entirely pleasant, if not necessarily challenging, countryish toons. I'd like to see them play.

On Joan Rivers

2006-02-13T14:18:00.000-05:00

In 1987, after the release of what would be their last LP, Warehouse: Songs and Stories, Husker Du went onto the Joan Rivers Show and played "Could You Be the One." Great song, painful interview. Rivers asks them if they've gone soft and who is the party animal of the band.

I think the only thing that keeps Warehouse: Songs and Stories from being the best Husker Du LP is the production, which is kind of weak on the drums. Maybe it will get a re-mix/re-master someday. As it stands that prize goes to Candy Apple Grey or New Day Rising. I love the 1980's underground music work ethic: keep cranking out album after album of brilliant, ragged music rather than taking years and years.

Reigning Sound

2006-02-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

Drats. Anybody ever use that word? I remember a brief period, perhaps four days, when I was around 10 and interested in Dungeons and Dragons--until I realized I could never understand the rules. Anyway, I've been searching all over for some free rock from this band, which hails from Memphis. Someone had dropped a song on me once, and I was expecting more garage rock from Home for Orphans, but it's just a pure rock record, reminiscent of Dylan, old gentle Replacements, Big Star. I'd downloaded it, forgotten it, listened to it for the first time the other day and immediately played the whole thing through again. If anyone can find a link to songs, let me know and I'll put them up.

On PIL, ABS and Me

2006-02-10T00:53:00.000-05:00

There is a great post up at the Nation Sack about the 1980 appearance of Public Image Ltd. on American Bandstand. Here's what it looked like (thanks to You Tube). Stark Pimp writes:

And at so many points Lydon looks so eerily like a young and newly electric Bob Dylan, jubilant like a man who has discovered the delights of a nice suit of clothes made just for you, and screw all that slumming bohemian costumery I had so stupidly stuck myself with up til now.

It is a pretty amazing performance. Lydon lipsyncs--or doesn't--and the band mimes their instruments, but instead of being weak it is totally riveting and invigorating. What band could make lipsyncing this vital? PIL tears it apart. I've never seen a band make not playing a song so wonderfully meaningful. By the end everyone has engulfed the band and are helping Lydon beat on the drums.

My favorite moment is in between their two songs, Dick Clark talks to the band and to Lydon, who has spirited himself up to the top of one of the dance towers. He reminds me of a freightened possum--unsure of what he has done and scared to take the hand offered to him.

Siren Song

2006-02-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

I don't know much about this band. I know they have a website here where you can order their lovely EP. I know Dusted magazine has a profile of them here. I know I'm not the first to write about them. I also know that I've been playing this song all week.

"You Broke My Heart" comes at you plainly, openly, wearing its heart not just on its sleeve, but right there on its chest. The vocals are high and waver in and out. There is strain here, pain, honesty. She wants you to know. She's trying to tell you something she's been hiding for a while. These are not easy words. And listen to those cymbals, those bells behind her. They know what she is feeling. They know what he has done to her. But she presses on. The piano gives her no choice.

(via Stereogum)

On Haunted Cassettes

2006-02-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

Pitchfork reports that for his upcoming tour, Ariel Pink will be selecting a different local band each night to be his back up band. These bands won't know his songs or have ever played with him before. He is playing in Durham at the Duke Coffeehouse on February 27th with Boyzone The Clang Quartet. Boyzone are the Nightlight's house band--and by band I mean pile of writhing bodies--and the Clang Quartet are God's favorite one man percussion/destruction artist. It should be an intense show.

I am really looking forward to the release/re-release of House Arrest, the new/old AP album. I really loved Doldrums (I haven't heard Worn Copy, but have it on good authority that it is good). "For Kate I Wait" is a brilliant song--the type of song that I can listen to over and over without getting tired of it--and has a brilliant--and discomforting--video as well. "For Kate I Wait" is a 70's soft rock ode to love filtered through 30 years of rotting speakers, disintegrating magnetic tape and drug nightmares. There is nothing that sounds like Ariel Pink. Doldrums isn't perfect--each song is about 2 minutes longer than it needs to be and the album just goes and goes--but perfection isn't the point. Ariel Pink creates his own world and lives in it as its king and only subject.

Ariel Pink returns some of the strangeness and weirdness to underground music that has disappeared since the rise of the internet. Now, bands are easily found, their songs are readily available. You can see their webpage, their blog, their myspace. Everyone has pictures of themselves. Anyone can make a nice looking site, record on their computer, put their songs online. The challenge to the music consumer is removed. This is good, but sometimes I miss the mystery. I am reminded of the early days of =seBADoh= obsession--hunting far and wide for all those cassette and vinyl only releases. Ariel Pink gets back to some of that. He has dozens of cassette only releases, he records alone, the songs are woozy and unstable. I think it is great that he is having bands that haven't played with him before and don't know his songs play as his band. Too long we have traded in creativity for quality.

Boyzone and the Clang Quartet have no problem with either and should be seen to be believed. February 27th looks to be a Fucked Up Night.

Blame Canada

2006-02-09T01:32:00.000-05:00

So my brother calls me up last night and says, "You gotta see this woman I saw a few nights back....Her name is Feist and she friggin' rocks." And, I say, "Done and done. I saw her at Cat's Cradle Monday." Saw her, I did. She's striking. I've never seen bangs worked quite like that. Jason Collett complemented his old friend too. I nearly reached my target heartrate when he covered Springsteen's "Prove It All Night" and took off his suitjacket. Mmmmhmmmmm. I wish Feist would have offered up her BeeGees cover of "Inside and Out"; that omission did leave me wanting (and singing with my friend Toy in the parking lot). "But, Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted....He lived happily ever after."

Norwegian Appliancecore

2006-02-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

I haven't learned all of the truths and untruths about Hurra Torpedo, but I think this video, even in the period that is James Frey, is quality regardless of its fiction quotient.

On Recess

2006-02-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

On Thursday Night at the Nightlight in Chapel Hill is Recess. Recess is a more-or-less monthly evening of electronic/avant/experimental/weird music overseen by Robert Biggers (from the Nein, Erie Choir, Cold Sides). This edition will feature:

DAVE CANTWELL (from Cantwell, Gomez and Jordan; The Whole World Laughing; The Wusses) performing a computer music piece he composed about 12 years ago (or that is the word on the street.

CHRIS EUBANK (from Sharkquest and a million other avant projects) doing something that is no doubt be awesome.

PHON are an electronic duo from Raleigh. No computers I don't think, just circuits and sounds. Recently they have been playing as part of Raleigh's STRANGE, a pairing that has been really nice sonding.

CHRIS ROSSI runs a studio and is also in the Wusses. Last time he played, a month ago, it was rock harpsichord. The time before that is lost in the mists of time.

Recess is insanely good and successful--musically that is. Robert has been running it for roughly two years (maybe a little longer) and each show has been either really, really good or oddly interesting in a way such that you are happy that you saw it at least. It is a nice way to get out and hear music that you usually can't hear because of the economics of the rock world.

The acts each play about 20 minutes each with little breaks in between, with DJs often spinning dance music in between. Though the music is often very out-there, the short sets makes it all go down nice and smooth. Additionally, there is a high premium put on fun and entertainment as opposed to self-seriousness. The Nightlight is a sandwich shop and bookstore so the environment for the show is really great.

Thursday is the new October.

Star Witness

2006-02-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

I love pretty voices. Sometimes, I feel this may be a weakness in my life, a block to so much more good music out there. But I can't help it. Gorgeous, soaring vocals kill me. They hit that warm spot between my heart and the pit of my stomach. They take me to my knees.

Neko Case has been knocking me down for a while now, and she's about to do it again. A sometimes-member of the Sadies, a full-time member of that lovely Canadian powerpop band The New Pornographers, Neko, on her own, is all bar room brawl and Southern belle glam. Her voice echoes and swoops, one minute alive, the next barely holding on.

This is a new track from her upcoming album, "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" which comes out March 7 on Anti records (home of Tom Waits, of the not-so-pretty voice). I've had it in my hands for a couple weeks now, and all I can say is set aside your 12 bucks for this one. This is what Lucinda Williams and Loretta Lynn listen to when they are drunk and alone and it's 2 in the morning and the lights are starting to dim.

On Destroyer

2006-02-07T18:06:00.000-05:00

First, thanks to PC and JT for letting me play.

Today, Merge posted the new Destroyer LP--Destroyer's Rubies--for streaming. I am only halfway through the first song--9+ minutes--but it is pretty great already. But I am a Destroyer geek, so don't take my word for it.

Merge also has a Destroyer e-card you can send to your honey for Valentine's Day. (via Word Nerdy)

Speaking of Destroyer Geeks--there is now a Destroyer Wiki set up for the annotation of Dan Bejar's lyics. It is still in its infancy, but I think this will be a really cool resource--at least for those of us that obsess about this sort of stuff.

I've tried a few times to speak eloquently about what I think is great and important about Destroyer, and failed, so just listen to the record and see for yourself--and go see them on March 30th at the Cat's Cradle.

Avett Brothers/New Record/Today

2006-02-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

My last column took on the brothers Avett. Wonderful guys to talk to, and the record, Four Thieves gone, continues to climb in my esteem ratings. No free tracks, which is rather a bummer, but I think you should all buy it.

Cat Power Cancels Tour

2006-02-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

Because she realizes she blows. On stage anyway--almost literally, the worst show I've ever seen. Here's a new track and a vid.

In much better news, DC Nahm will accept an offer from the firm of Rock Static, LLP to represent us in all matters legal and rockist. Hip hip, hurrah!

New Blood

2006-02-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have a verbal commitment from one Jeremy Isaacs to join the Rock Static staff. As our postings have dropped with personnel dispersement, we need to broaden the team. I'm hoping to have another contributor shortly, but let's wait with jailbaited breath for his first post.

The National conversation

2006-02-06T10:24:00.000-05:00

This is the band I yearn most to see right now. Since they live somewhere about these parts, I'm assuming it's only a matter of time. Their record Alligator is excellent.

The Sweet Smell of Greenbacks

2006-01-31T10:22:00.000-05:00

Dino Jr. is getting it while the getting is good, hitting the road this spring for a lengthy tour. Of course they'll hit the Cradle for another puncturing of local ear drums. Any word on whether Superchunk will do the honors of opening?

Wonderfully ironic: appears they're skipping NYC.

Double Your Fun with Wilco

2006-01-31T10:21:00.000-05:00

Wilco will two time it in Chapel Hill, according to Pitchfork.

Look at the pretty colors

2006-01-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

Along the lines of the cassette compilation, here's a nice bouquet of analog tape boxes. Beautiful to look at.