8000 little things...

Wednesday Night

2008-09-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you want to chill out this evening, maybe relax with a few beverages while staring up at the sky, Dreamtiger at Beauty Bar is for you. These Californian shoegazers create an atmosphere that fits their name perfectly; imagine wandering through a dream filled with surreal images and overexposed colors, confronting images unnatural and eerie, and you'll get the gist of their sound. It’s ambient, atmospheric music you can sink into, and will ease you smoothly through your middle-of-the-week. Catch these guys tonight if you want a soundtrack to your evening that’ll make you feel like the coolest person at the party.

Another option, if you feel more like rocking out, is Booher and the Turkeyz at Emo's Lounge. Disregard the name if you'd like; this group includes members of Zykos, with singer Mike Booher lending his name and vocals. We've been hearing about this new project of his for a while, and feel it'll definitely be worth the cover. Hollywood Gossip and Frank Smith open.

This Weekend

2008-09-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, Chillville fave Shearwater was at the Mohawk for a packed show, in their last American concert before jetting off to tour in Europe. Maryland-based Wye Oak preceded them, and if you like lovely, quiet indie folk, you should definitely check these guys out. Live, lead singer Jenn Wasner has a vocal honesty that recalls Neko Case in intonation and clarity. With only two people, each had to pull some major multitasking duty, but between Andy Stack on drums/keyboard/backup vocals (often all three simultaneously), and Wasner’s very effective use of looping pedals, they fleshed out their sound astonishingly well.

But tonight is Friday night, and you should be hitting the town! White Ghost Shivers are playing the Mohawk with their old-timey vaudeville-cabaret-jazz fusion that is not to be missed. They have a sound that seems plucked from a ‘20s speakeasy, and promise a fun night that’ll make you want to put on your dancing shoes.

Saturday night has to be all about the Lemurs EP release party; Belaire, Pink Nasty, and Low Line Caller open, and will then take turns jumping on stage to contribute during the Lemurs’ set. Between Belaire’s crazy danceable electronic, Pink Nasty’s earnest and sometimes-dirty pop, and the Lemur’s indie new wave rock and roll, expect a fun, crowded time at this highly-anticipated shindig.

Monday Night Alright

2008-08-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

If you tuned in yesterday and caught our live music recommendations for the week, you may recall a little something about free pizza and vodka at Beauty Bar tonight; what you maybe missed with all our talk about that interesting combination of liquor and greasy food was that the six-band all-star local lineup includes many Chillville faves.

On the indoor stage, you can catch the Sad Accordians, White White Lights, and Peel. Heading outdoors to the back patio (where there will be a tent set up, in case of any stray showers), Future Clouds and Radar kick things off, followed by AM Syndicate and then Belaire to end the live music portion of the evening right. The performances are staggered, so there’ll be great music going on at all times.

There will also be three DJs helping you get your groove on, including a side-project called Murder Monkeys from one of our friends in OHN. And to provide just that little bit of overkill incentive, My Morning Jacket has just confirmed that they’ll also be chillin’ at Beauty Bar tonight, the day after their sold-out Stubbs show. Sold on this crazy shindig yet? Because we are, and we’ll see you there.

Live Tonight

2008-08-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

We’ve talked about Xiu Xiu before; last time Jamie Stewart and his band were in town their live performance blew the audience away, despite the strangely affectionate heckling of one drunken audience member (imagine “That song was very interesting! It was weird but I liked it!” delivered in a stilted roar over a relatively quiet audience; eventually Stewart replied “You’ve very persistent!” and the heckler, acknowledged at last, shut up). Avant garde, noise rock, experimental indie insanity; however you want to describe Xiu Xiu, their live show is intense and immensely interesting. They’re at the Mohawk for an early show; doors are at 8.

Also competing for an audience are noisy rockers When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, along with Dikes of Holland, Follow That Bird, and Horn of Afrika, for an entirely Austin lineup at Beerland. Or you could go with some great hip hop jams and head to Emo’s for the Cool Kids.

Friday Night Insanity

2008-08-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

As usual on an Austin Friday night, there are a plethora of shows to choose from for your evening plans. I'll be starting the night off at the Do512 and Vinyl Entertainment Rooftop Party downtown, and hope you’ll come out and say hi. But if you didn’t RSVP, don’t fret; I’ll steer you through your many other venue options.

Local band Dikes of Holland have been playing a lot recently for a band without even a MySpace to their name; they’re at Beerland tonight with Bearclaw, Elvis, and Horns of Afrika opening. Elvis’s experimental, punk/garage rock aesthetic has had many local musicians professing their love, and a band other bands love is never a bad idea to check out.

Also around the Red River district: Cartright at Creekside, the Invincible Czars at Emo’s indoors, and InSite Magazine’s Relaunch Party at Emo’s Lounge with the Banner Year and She Craves, among others. These are all definitely bands you’ll want to check out, if not tonight then sometime soon.

Other great options for your Friday night include Black Joe Lewis at Antone’s, or Frank Smith’s residency with the Sad Accordions at Progress Coffee.

Friday Night Choices

2008-07-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

This episode of what you should see this week is all about breaking down your Friday choices; you’ve got a lot of very different genres to choose from, and I'm here to make it all a bit easier.

Choice one - a recommendation I've made before - is the Health show at Emo’s. These experimental noise-rockers from LA play to destroy their audience, and it’s pretty much guaranteed you will leave completely satisfied with your concert-going experience. As a bonus, you can head over to the outdoor stage occasionally and catch Aesop Rock doing his much-lauded rap best to make you dance your butt off.

Sticking to the Red River district, Black Tie Dynasty will be grooving at Club DeVille. They, along with Follow That Bird! and Till We're Blue Or Destroy, are opening for the Always Already, whose post-punk British-influenced sound should work perfectly with the rocky backdrop of DeVille’s stage.

You also have the option of venturing east of I-35 to Progress Coffee for the tail-end of Brazos month-long residency. Their new album, chock –full of minimalist folk, drops soon, so this is the perfect time to check out the upcoming material away from the boisterousness of downtown Austin (and grab a mocha while you chill). Also-local and buzzed-about Sunset opens.

eventsssss

2008-07-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

The place to be Thursday evening is Emo’s Lounge, getting your groove on to a DJ set by Andy Rourke (of the Smiths). He’s been DJing at clubs around the world, playing and recording with various bands, and even has an ongoing stint with a radio station in Britain; tonight he’ll be mixing tunes to get Austin on the dance floor. Directly preceding him is Austin’s own Black and White Years, whose electronic/acid/dance rock is definitely something you want to catch live. This is one of their last shows in town before ACL, so catch them in the cool surroundings of Emo’s Lounge, or find yourself later in the heat of late-September Zilker Park, completely unprepared for the beats that are making you rock out.

Friday, you’ve got a plethora of options for your live music needs on this July 4. You can check out Brazos as they kick off their month-long residency at Progress Coffee; imagine sipping on some awesome caffeine while listening to tracks from their upcoming album, set to drop in a few months. With their newer material, Brazos specializes in minimalist, indie-tinged folk, and is perfect for winding down from an eventful day of sun, fun, and fireworks. Or if you want to get your dance on yet again, head over to Beauty Bar for the also-homegrown Octopus Project and their whimsical electronic stylings.

But don’t sleep in too much after your busy night; July 5th means the Exit Music Fest at Waterloo Park. It starts at 10am, is chock full of local talent (musical and artistic), and lasts until 10pm, so bring a blanket and sunscreen and make a relaxing day of it. With four stages, there’s certain to be something for everyone’s taste.

Upcoming Awesome

2008-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Don’t think that just because this is a holiday week, the musicians of Austin are taking time off along with everyone else; there’s good live music every night this week, and I'm here to lay out my personal recommendations.

You may want to take notice of the Beauty Bar – they’ve been collaborating with Navdo Presents for Monday Night Alright, a weekly event with both live music and a DJ, adding fun to a night of the week normally so quiet you can actually find parking downtown. Tonight’s lineup is Peekaboo Theory, El Ten Eleven, Ohn, and P*ssing Neon, with the Saturday Night Matador spinning tracks. Or if you want to make an early night of it (doors at 7), Antone’s has SuperSoul Monday with funkalicious Flyjack and mellow, soulful Much Love opening.

Tuesday has the all-star pick if you’re into punk: No Age was in town most recently for SXSW, where they incited and then proceeded to live up to some majorly great buzz. They’re at Emo’s, in a certain-to-be-packed gig with Abe Vigoda, Infinite Body, and The Strange Boys, who will be fresh off a gig earlier that evening (starts at 7) at Beerland with Miss Alex White & the Red Orchestra.

Check back in a few days for a run-down of our concert picks for later in the week, but for now we’ll leave you with the just-announced news from MySpace land: Bitter:Sweet is coming back to Austin! They’ll be playing the Parish on August 18th, so put that date on your calendars, and be ready to buy tickets as soon as they’re up, because this’ll be selling out quick.

2008-06-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

This just in: Mogwai is coming to town! They’re touring with F**k Buttons, who visited Emo’s just a few months ago with Caribou. The date to save is September 12 at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, just a few short weeks before our fair city explodes into the insanity that is ACL.

Tickets go on sale June 14th (that’s tomorrow!), so set your alarms for 10am, because this is a show you don’t want to miss. F**k Buttons will take the stage at 8, bringing their trance-inducing brand of organic noise rock, and then Mogwai will complete the audience’s total destruction with a post-rock post-apocalyptic sound of distorted guitars, meandering synths, and creepy, muted samples of random people talking about random things. Expect to see fellow concert-goers leaving the show with shell-shocked looks, uncertain as to what they just experienced.

For more immediate concert recommendations, tomorrow you get to choose between Busdriver’s gangsta-free and hipster-friendly rap at the Mohawk, and the Black and White Years’ 70’s-era acid rock after a fashion show at the Parish. On Sunday, your best bet is going to be Grand Old Party at the Mohawk, and Monday evening you may catch me at Rilo Kiley with Thao With the Get Down Stay Down at Stubbs. I’ve seen Thao live before, and can’t recommend this show enough.

This week in music...

2008-06-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

If you’re a fan of the show, you know that Chillville fave Bitter:Sweet’s new album dropped yesterday, and that we’ve been really digging it. It is the band as you know them from the first album, but with even more infectiously catchy pop tendencies.

They have proved themselves awesome yet again with a great Serj Tankian (yes, that Serj, the one from System of a Down) collaboration on the track ‘Drama’, which they just released for free download on their MySpace this morning. If you really need some good chill out music, this song is for you. Tankian adds another layer of haunting vocals to what is already a plaintive track, and the song encapsulates the new album sound perfectly with vamping horns, swooping strings, and Shana Halligan’s delicate voice soaring above everything.

This week has some great shows coming up. Tonight is Augustana at Antone’s; these California rockers have been called ‘America’s Coldplay,’ head to their site and listen to the tracks from their new album (streaming for free!) to decide for yourself.

Your calendar for this week needs to include the French Kicks this Thursday at the Mohawk – these guys are mellow indie rock done good, with just enough post-punk experimentation to keep things interesting. If that isn’t enough motivation, you’ve got Frightened Rabbit and local group Zykos on the bill. Don’t get there late, or you’ll miss out on some great opening acts.

Competing for your Thursday night cover is Tacks, the Boy Disaster at Antone’s. Tacks is wonderful live, and a bargain of great music at the price of $8 at the door, $5 if you RSVP through local site Do512.com.

Check back in the next few days for pics from Pink Martini, Belaire, Shearwater, the Black Angels, and Matt Costa. Also, feel free to show you’re a fan of the show through Facebook, or check out our music recs at Chillville’s Do512 account.

Concert suggestions...

2008-05-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Friday night is a Chillville night at Stubbs with Sounds Under Radio and Jets Under Fire. Sounds Under Radio has a big indie rock sound that you can get some idea of after hearing that one of their songs was on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. Jets Under Fire is piano-heavy indie pop; a band that knows when to make crashing waves of noise, and when to fall back and let vocalist Jason Poe’s expressive voice carry them.

On Saturday, you should try and catch the What Made Milwaukee Famous show with The Whigs at Antones: WMMF, besides being homegrown, puts on an incredibly dynamic live show; if you like their recorded material you’ll love how much more they can bring to a concert. Definitely worth seeing, especially as they won’t be doing another show in town until their Austin City Limits appearance in fall. 101X has been playing ‘Sultan’ a lot recently, but check out ‘Self-Destruct’ for a more chill sound from them.

Also a strong contender for your Saturday evening, Black Tie Dynasty, another Chillville favorite, will be playing Red Eyed Fly at 9. Describing these guys as 80’s-influenced doesn’t do them justice; like VHS or Beta, they ride the fine line of acknowledging their musical predecessors without feeling like they are ripping them off. BTD has a sound that gives a nostalgic nod to bands like The Smiths and Depeche Mode, and then innovatively reinterprets it. You’ve probably heard them on the show before, but make sure to also tune in this Sunday morning, when they’ll be in studio for an acoustic set that promises to rock in an entirely different way from the night before.

Tuesdays with Mary

2008-05-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yeasayer kicked off Wednesday night at Emo’s with an intensity-fueled set; their typically gorgeous harmonies suffered a bit live, but lead singer Chris Keating more than made up for it with prowling stage presence to spare. Then Man Man came on and blew everyone away. Live, they are a little like the craziest show you've ever seen, but with the addition of rubber snakes, kazoos, and a lead singer swinging from the rafters. Think Gogol Bordello, or White Denim cranked up a few notches, and you’re starting to get the picture.

Coming up this week, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is playing a show that everyone should be buzzing about at the Mohawk this Wednesday with Port O’Brian and local group Loxsly. SSLYBY is quirky, lo-fi pop at its most charming; think of The Shins, only sweeter. If you want to spend the evening grinning at what you hear, check this show out.

Going further into the future, you may want to get your tickets now for the June 16th Rilo Kiley show at Stubbs. As if Rilo Kiley wasn't reason enough, opening act is Thao With the Get Down Stay Down, a California group who was recently in town with Xiu Xiu. Singer Thao Nguyen has a voice that at first listen reminds you of Cat Power - full, quirky, and flexible. But just when you think you have them figured out, Thao will beatbox her way into a song whose carefree bounce reminds you of a Vampire Weekend tune (jaunty, catchy as all get out), and then the guitars will kick in and change their sound yet again. You can’t go wrong catching them and Rilo Kiley at the same time. A song that perfectly illustrates her lovely voice is "Beat (Health Life and Fire)"; listen, love, and head to their MySpace for more free downloads.

Wednesday, Friday

2008-05-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yeasayer kicked off last night at Emo’s with an intensity-fueled set; their typically gorgeous harmonies suffered a bit live, but lead singer Chris Keating more than made up for it with prowling stage presence to spare. Then Man Man came on and blew everyone away. Live, they are a little like the craziest show you've ever seen, but with the addition of rubber snakes, kazoos, and a lead singer swinging from the rafters. Think Gogol Bordello, or White Denim cranked up a few notches, and you’re starting to get the picture.

Speaking of, White Denim is opening for Tapes N Tapes at Antone’s tomorrow, in what promises to be an energetic – and crowded - night. Local favorites White Denim are known for their dirty, funky garage-rock sound, and for absolutely killer live shows. If you’re there be sure to pick up their new album, for sale on tour before it officially drops for mass public consumption in June. And Tapes N Tapes – well, what can be said? Music blog darlings, these indie rockers exploded on the music scene in 2006, bringing to mind the Pixies at first listen. As incentive to check it out, listen to Don’t Look That Way At It by White Denim, and Omaha, a lovely little song by Tapes N Tapes that gets a Chillville-approved thumbs-up.

For photos of the Man Man/Yeasayer show, and a few of Mum from Tuesday, head over to Chillville's photobucket account.

Sunday, Wednesday

2008-04-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the week for profanity-laced groups visiting Austin: Holy F**k is playing a sold-out show with MIA at La Zona Rosa this Thursday, and on Sunday night, F**k Buttons took the stage before Caribou. They were relentless, playing a solid 40 minutes with no breaks for applause until the end. Noise rock may be the genre, but the noises they crafted were organic; primal, eerie, and fascinating.

Caribou’s set-up was chill; a dimly lit stage with patterns projected on the wall behind, bringing the focus away from the musicians and to the music (which deserved the attention). Heavily distorted or whispered vocals were a large feature, and occasionally, Caribou architect Daniel Snaith would leave vocals, guitar, and the occasional set of chimes behind for a drum kit, causing dropped jaws around the room at the frenetic barrage of two drummers going insane at the same time. Both acts are definitely worth checking out if you prefer music that makes you think.

A show you don’t want to miss is coming up Wednesday night at Emo’s. Man Man is eclectic, strange, and reputedly have awesome live shows. And Chillville has blogged about Yeasayer before, but to sum up: densely-layered synths, complex vocals, and gorgeous melodies.

Last night at The Parish, aka C3 sux

2008-04-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Local band The Black and White Years kicked off last night’s Parish show with their groovy brand of dance rock. A scheduling mix-up kept them from getting the crowd they deserved, but chants of ‘one more song!’ followed them off stage nevertheless. Catch them live this Friday at the Mohawk, where they’ll be playing with a powerhouse lineup: YellowFever, Elf Power, and Belaire.

Next up was Brooklyn’s Tigercity, rocking an 80’s vibe with guitar and vocal lines that would have fit perfectly into the soundtrack of any John Hughes movie. Singer Bill Gillim maintained the feel with a falsetto that was solid live, and a bombshell when recorded.

Then VHS or Beta took the stage. Their live act is polished, but what it lacked in spontaneity, it made up for with consistency of quality – with their seriously catchy beats, it was all the better for those going crazy on the dance floor. The machine-like precision of the drummer and shimmering electric guitar lines make these guys stand out live.

Check out My Broken Hand by the Black and White Years, You Are Sensation by Tigercity, and Burn It All Down [Fred Falke remix] from VHS or Beta.

The past few weeks...

2008-04-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t heard of Leslie Feist, you’re one of the few in Austin who weren’t trying to get tickets to her sold-out show at Stubbs Tuesday night. If you do know her, it may be from that one iPod commercial, or her time in Broken Social Scene, or even from her breakthrough 2007 album, The Reminder.

She started the show a cappella from behind a scrim, singing harmony over her own vocal loops. After blowing away the crowd with that performance, for the rest of the evening she could do no wrong, even when interrupting Gatekeeper to remonstrate someone in the front row for talking on their cell phone. In person, her voice was rough, attenuated; it felt like it could give way any second, yet remained perfectly on pitch. Not afraid to banter with the crowd, she sang 1234 – from the aforementioned commercial - after saying ‘let’s get this over with;’ but after only a little over an hour, no-one was ready for the end.

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Darlings of quirky indie rock lovers everywhere, The Decemberists made their name with eccentric instrumentation, melancholy lyrics about ghosts, lost love, and consumption, and stage charisma to spare. A large part of their success is due to the driving vision of lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Colin Meloy, who was at La Zona Rosa last Monday.

Toughing out a cold and drinking a copious amount of wine, he performed mostly Decemberists songs. He teased the crowd with a sample of new material, titled "Hazard" on his set list; another epic, multi-act song about star-crossed lovers and heartbreak. From an older solo tour, he sang Morrissey’s Every Day is Like Sunday, and finished off the night – with help from an enthusiastic audience – with a group sing-along to a perennial crowd favorite, The Mariner's Revenge Song.

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Sunday night at Emo's, the lineup combined local talent with visiting artists. YellowFever was charming, back down to their original two-person act, and Daniel Francis Doyle was a one-man hurricane of screeching loops, dripping sweat, and desperate, frenzied singing.

And then HEALTH took the stage and tore it up. They exemplified noise-rock at its most insane; sudden, dramatic pauses - not the best for a crowd definitely feeling the effects of a drink or two - drums that sounded like they were trying to wage a war, and music so mind-blowingly loud that the silences echoed, seeming almost absolute. Their instruments had duct tape holding them together, and from the band’s thrashing around on stage, it’s a miracle they survive each night. If you’re looking for something indescribably crazy, energetic, and original, check these guys out when they come back to Emo’s in June.

From San Antonio, really? Ok then.

2008-04-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

The name "iLL Prospekt" means sick perspective, according to the group’s MySpace, but if their perspective is sick, it is only in the newfangled definition: crazy, cool, insane. With synths and turntables, along with the more traditional accompaniment of guitar, bass and drums, iLL Prospekt crafts ambient noise into melody, mixing electronic sounds with chill drum beats, and samples with a solid bass backing.

But these guys are going for simplicity, rather than the dense layers of sound you may expect from their combination of instruments. Minimalist tracks abound, with meandering, translucent melodic lines. Samples never overpower when they make an appearance, only influence and inform the beat. Think of Air’s more delicate efforts and Ratatat’s synths for some small idea of their sound, and catch them at Lambert’s this Friday.

RJD2 at Emo's

2008-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ramble John "RJ" Krohn, aso known as RJD2, was once a hip-hop producer; after releasing 2 mostly instrumental LPs, he went in an entirely different direction with 2007’s The Third Hand, leaving behind the samples that had made his fame. And when getting together a band for the new tour, he went old school, asking friends from childhood in Ohio. Emo's was only their 3rd stop; they are still trying to make cohesive sense of RJ's old and new sound, a crazy mix-up of turntables and live instruments and vocals.

Smoke and Mirrors, arguably their most immediately recognizable tune, was given hard-hitting new life with fresh samples and live drumming mixed in, adding an immediacy that is readily accessible to a larger audience. Some of the live drum and guitar collaborations, and definitely the keyboard, have some really strong and groovy jazz influences in a way that the album didn’t; new members providing a fresh spin on material that R.J. originally crafted and recorded by himself. These guys are playing the chillest music that you still want to dance to, the catchiest tunes you've never heard.

Robbing the end of the alphabet

2008-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

YellowFever was at Emo’s Friday night, and received an impressively enthusiastic reception from an audience largely there for another homegrown band, Voxtrot. Even with guitarist/backup vocalist Isobel Martin missing for a good portion of the set, remaining band members Jennifer Moore and Adam Jones had an experimental, chill sound that was too cool for school. This group switches instruments at the drop of a hat, and while that can sometimes feel contrived, it works well for their sound: minimalist, twee, lo-fi 60’s-tinged pop. Moore has a melancholy, sweetly appealing voice, and when Martin chimes in, they seamlessly blend into harmony.

They'll be playing locally this month with some pretty impressive acts, including Health, Belaire, and The Black and White Years. Catch them live before they take off on a summer tour of the west coast, and for a sample of their quirky charm, listen to Alice.

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Xiu Xiu does not create music you can easily ignore: love or hate, you will have an opinion. They are avant-garde, experimental, with every track like a sometimes-great, sometimes-insane recording session that the band was just enjoying too much to end.

Singer Jamie Stewart’s voice is shaky, unstable, on the verge of complete breakdown. With spoken, sung, screamed, and whispered lyrics – sometimes all within the same song - screeching sound effects, and crashing, discordant piano, Xiu Xiu is never what you expect, and does not often go where you think. Yet they have an appeal, if only to see where they’ll lead you next. But a word of warning: don't listen before going to sleep; they may give you nightmares. Try them out with I Luv the Valley OH!, and if you can manage it, catch them at the Mohawk this Saturday.

Voxtrot at Emo's

2008-03-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

I was at Emo's Friday night for Voxtrot's first Austin show in almost a year. The crowd mixed hardcore fans - wearing Voxtrot shirts, grabbing photos with the band, singing along with almost every song - with those only there to check out what all the buzz was about.

They started with Firecracker; a 'with a bang' pun may be considered foul play, but is difficult to resist. The crowd was dancing, singing along; generally ignoring the miserable weather to scream at the top of their lungs. Cementing their place in fan’s hearts, Voxtrot played two encores - the second of which the impatient-to-leave completely missed out on.

Before starting, singer Ramesh Srivastava polled the audience for someone who knew the words, and then proceeded to pull her on stage. Other band members helped a few more up as the song progressed, and by the end the stage was packed, a gigantic dance party, and the perfect, euphoric ending to an eminently fun show. Catch these guys live if you can; they should be playing a few more gigs before summer, when bassist Jason Chronis goes on tour with Belaire.

Recs from SXSW

2008-03-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Austin band Brazos has a sound that could fit into the soundtrack of your life. Some songs settle into the background, illustrating everyday moments with quiet complexity, while others kick in and rock out. The lead singer’s voice is easy and flexible, and he’ll occasionally surprise you and bust out with a falsetto that is dedicated.

Think post-rock guitars – they have three – with acknowledgements to more traditional southern rock and folk, and guitar almost entirely taking the place of keyboard, and you’ll have some small idea of what Brazos is all about. Check out Mary Jo for something chill, and go to their MySpace to hear more of their versatile sound.

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While most experimental music can be described as interesting, not as frequently can it be called beautiful. New York’s Yeasayer, however, is crafting some of the most melodically lush songs out there.

They have tight vocal harmonies, handclaps, and the occasional chorus of untrained voices joining in; sometimes eerie but always joyful, their appeal is easy to understand. Yeasayer is riding the edge of a wave of buzz that started with 2007’s SXSW; they just finished up a tour with MGMT at this year’s SXSW. Watching a wonderfully imperfect Take Away Show in Paris, you can get some idea of their sense of whimsy, pared down from the instruments-laden tracks of 2007 release All Hour Cymbals. Listen to the Take Away Show, download Red Cave, and check out their album – if you like one song by them, you will enjoy them all.

SXSW 4

2008-03-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Digitalism has a style that defies immediate description, but someone at Wikipedia said it best: ‘Digitalism is pioneering the electro-punk and indie dance movements.’ Not what you’d think of as traditional electronic or dance at all, that question factor they bring to the music is what makes it so catchy; it may possibly even get the blasé Austin hipster masses dancing. If you can catch their DJ set at Pangaea Saturday night, make every effort to do so; the dance floor should be packed and moving. To give you some idea of how much fun it’s going to be, download I Want I Want, a track from Idealism, and check out their MySpace for more.

Film School, hailing from California, is an almost stereotypically perfect band for the morning after a long night. You could play the entirety of Brilliant Career, their first album, straight through; staring at the ceiling, watching the room grow brighter around you, trying to remember the details of the night before. Their atmospheric, sometimes psychedelic indie rock sound (think Interpol) is best listened to late at night or early in the morning, and if you need a break from the insanity of SXSW, this is a band to check out. Here’s Lectric, and for live chilling out purposes, they’re at Beauty Bar on the 13th, Mohawk on the 15th.

Last night at Emo's

2008-03-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Last night was the What Made Milwaukee Famous cd release party at Emo’s, with Black Before Red, Loxsly, and the Lemurs, and it was a rocking time. Black Before Red had a member of Okkervil River helping them out on bass, and impressed as usual with their vaguely folk-tinged indie rock. Loxsly’s efforts at synchronizing video projection with their music were a bit hit-or-miss, but a laudable effort to add another dimension to the live performance. Their singer’s voice was interestingly raspy, but maybe not diverse enough in sound for my tastes; the combination of indie pop rock and occasionally post-rock feel to their instrumentation was intriguing, however.

I don’t think I’ve recommended the Lemurs before, and I have to remedy that immediately. These guys are absolutely awesome live; it’s like a shot of adrenalin. Their timing is so tight in every set; they are fond of dramatic cut-offs and crashing entrances, and they pull off some of their more dramatic bits of tempo so effortlessly live that I am just continually impressed. Have Breaking You Down, and check out more from them; they are worth it. And if you can manage to catch them live, do so; I recommend it without reservations.

Sporadic chants of ‘Oi!’ came from one corner of the room, as local band made good What Made Milwaukee Famous took the stage; you may have heard their most recent single Sultan on your radio, or will soon. The thing that first stands out during a live performance by these guys, who are about to kick off a tour with Louis XIV, is lead singer Michael Kingcaid’s sterling voice. In this age of digital retouching, you can never be certain what your favorite band will sound like live, but his vocal performance was flawless, and these guys in general just put on a show.

They played until 2am, and the crowd would’ve gladly stayed longer. The recent addition of guitarist Jason Davis to their band has added more than an instrument; he also contributes a voice that harmonizes effortlessly with Kingcaid, adding a layer to the vocals that is just gorgeous. Have Self-Destruct from their recent release (alternate title, according to Kingcaid last night: ‘Ann Coulter’s a Cunt’. The live ending of this song went ‘..if you can’t acknowledge that then just go fuck yourself,' if you need further proof that they are awesome.). The fact that I had a really difficult time choosing from about 4 songs from this album for the one I wanted to upload the most is an indication that it is totally worth your time to listen to and love.

SXSW part 3

2008-02-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

SXSW recs below... just a few, but more to come (just have to hunt down links and upload some music). I'm going to be at the Ghostland Observatory album release party tomorrow night (if you haven't heard of Ghostland, you should totally check them out if you are at all interested in dance/electronic/rock/unclassifiable awesomeness), so expect a write-up on that as well.

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Playing quirky, irrepressibly infectious pop tunes, Swedish indie band the Shout Out Louds have been touring the world since their 2005 SXSW showing, and are joining us again for this year’s lineup at The Parish on Friday night.

While Howl Howl Gaff Gaff, their first release, was fairly straightforward pop, almost edging into indie emo at times, sophomore effort Our Ill Wills contains both that dash of ‘80s pop, and the constantly-moving-forward indie-rock sensibility of an Arcade Fire song. With wistful lyrics and bouncy, catchy tunes, the Shout Out Louds play to leave you smiling.

Check out their website for more about them; for a sample of their sound, have a song: Ratatat’s remix of The Comeback by the Shout Out Louds.

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Austin’s own Zykos have been on the verge of mainstream success for almost five years; with each new album, they receive glowing reviews from everyone from The Austin Chronicle to Spin, but somehow never manage to break through. However, with their new EP, they are hoping to finally reach critical mass.

They have driving drums, and impressive, sometimes interestingly experimental guitar-work for what is at its essence a rock-and-roll band, but this group is undeniably set apart by its vocals. Mike Booher’s raspy, drawled delivery has a self-assurance that from the first listen makes Zykos sound like a band you should have already heard.

Their MySpace is here, and for a sample of their sound, have Keep It Light, a song that highlights both Booher’s voice, and the sweet appeal of Catherine Davis’s back-up vocals. They play Wednesday at Maggie Mae’s.

ETA Oh hey, I'm listening to this awesome remix of MIA's Paper Planes, and thought that everyone should have it: Paper Planes [Holy Fuck Remix]

I'm Listening To: Death Cab for Cutie - Champagne From a Paper Cup

SXSW mark 2

2008-02-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

You’re all totally going ‘yes, Mary, SXSW, we know, but jeeze, don’t you have anything else in your head right now?’

Um. As usual, my something else is also music. I’m going to start blogging for a local radio station’s Sunday morning show, Chillville, which is all about down-tempo electronic, relaxed awesomeness – think of it as the quiet ease-out from your hangover. Blogging for more than myself ftw!

Before I go on to South-by artists, here are a few other bands that I’ve been listening to lately.

I love The Violent Femmes for their lyrics, which are almost always strange and interesting and random. Machine is from New Times, and I was totally entranced on the first play-through. Maybe spoken lyrics in songs aren’t your thing, but give this a try for me? The percussion is seductively chill throughout, but as the words layer and distort, the intonation of the song as a whole grows progressively more disturbing (and awesome). it was either take over the world or learn French

Speaking of The Violent Femmes, I cannot let anyone go further without having Blister in the Sun in their music collection. It is a bit more indicative of their sound as a whole, and one that, even if you aren’t familiar with the artist, you might just recognize anyways; bouncy, catchy, with lyrics that are very characteristically them. I’m high as a kite / I just might stop to check you out

Interpol should be a familiar name with anyone who has dug even slightly below the top 40 radio-friendly hits of the past few years, but I can’t resist throwing in a song or two from them anyways. Antics is an album that I have no problem playing straight through; I really enjoy just about every song on it. Next Exit is the first track, and settles you into the tone to come perfectly. I’ve always loved Interpol for the way they settle the lyrics within a song, and this (and the next one) is no exception; it’s all timing and intonation.

From their first album, Turn On the Bright Lights, I have to give y’all Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down, because I love it. LOVE.

Now for SXSW.

As soon as you hit play, Bedroom Walls’ music takes you out of your physical setting, and into a place where you’re driving around the city, windows down, in the middle of the night; soothing, slightly eerie, and strangely beautiful. Think of Do Make Say Think or maybe the Castanets in the quiet moments, with an echo of The Beatles at times, and altogether, a bewildering conflagration of influences coming together to make some seriously haunting music. This is a band you will shut your eyes to hear more perfectly, and then open to glare at anyone talking over it; both the content silence and rumble of uncaring conversation will add to the overall appeal. Listen to In Anticipation of Your Suicide, and catch more of them on Thursday at Wave.

Ok, I am sorta kinda in love with Digitalism, I have to say; I first heard them only when starting research on this year’s lineup, but since getting hold of their album, I’ve turned it on just about every day. They are from Germany, and as much as I’d like to ramble on for many long, ungrammatical sentences, attempting to describe their style, someone at Wikipedia says it best: ‘Digitalism is pioneering the electro-punk and indie dance movements.’ They are not what you’d think of as traditional electronic or dance at all, and that question factor they bring to their songs is what makes you want to listen again, and possibly jump up and start flailing around. If you can possibly catch their set at Stubbs on the 15th, make every effort to do so; I guarantee that the dance floor will be packed and moving, and hey, you may even run into me there! To get some idea of how much fun it’s going to be, have Idealistic, a track from Idealism.

Film School, hailing from California, would fit almost perfectly with the radio program I mentioned earlier; I could happily listen to most of Brilliant Career, their first album, while staring at the ceiling, watching the room grow brighter around me, trying to remember the details of the night before. Here’s A Taste of Dust; listen and tell me I got my description wrong, I dare ya. For personal and live blissing out purposes, they’re at Beauty Bar on the 13th, Mohawk on the 15th.

Tokyo Police Club seems to be kind of a big deal, which makes me wonder why I haven’t heard of them before. Hailing from Ontario, these guys have been making indie/garage rock (with major punk sensibilities) since 2005, and from what I’ve heard, are doing some pretty damn catchy things. If you liked Secular End from my last post, or just groups riding that punk/pop edge that fall more heavily on the indie side, these guys are worth a listen. It sounds like they’d be a lot of fun live; you can catch them at Emo’s on the 13th. For a track to have for your very own, here’s Box.

I'm Listening To: Digitalism - I Want I Want

Music Recs, SXSW edition (part 1 of many)

2008-02-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

So, South by Southwest is coming up... are you excited? Or alternatively, very very afraid of the coming drunken tourist horde? That very special time of the year is almost upon us again; March 7-16 is only steps away, and I feel the need to expose a few of the awesome artists that will be playing our fair festival.

The Black Angels – Sniper at the Gates of Heaven
The Black Angels are all about psychedelic rock a la Velvet Underground, with some heavy references to the Vietnam War, and at the moment I am ridiculously fixated on them. Their sound is dirty, gritty, and feels like it should be played over a battlefield scene in a film. I know they are playing South By, but they don’t have any official dates/venues posted yet.

The Black Keys – The Lengths
I tend to get obsessed with songs, and this was one that for a while I would listen to just about every day. The lyrics are simple (Please yourself / so you don’t have to / be afraid), but the tone of everything is just mellow and restrained – it’s his voice that really sells it. I can’t really recommend these guys enough. Another band that hasn’t mentioned when/where they’ll be playing, and I’d really like to know, so I could get an early jump on attempting to bribe the doorman; I have a feeling it is going to be really fucking difficult getting in to see them. They are about to drop a new album, and plan to kick off their tour with the SXSW appearance.

The Octopus Project and Black Moth Super Rainbow - Lollipopsichord
A lot of Chemical Brothers, a bit Xiu Xiu, some Mogwai, and countless other influences that I could probably name if I was running on more than about 3 hours of sleep, this collaboration is a great meshing of similar sensibilities approached from very different angles. The Octopus Project is all about euphoric chords and sweeping gestures of sound, while Black Moth Super Rainbow brings a more avant garde electronic feel to the mix. BMSR will be at Stubbs on the 15th, The Octopus Project will play Stubbs on the 12th, and Emo’s on the 13th.

Secular End – One of Us Is Insane
An of-late local punk-rock band that has been floating around the country with various musicians for years, Secular End is finally launching an aggressive attempt to make their mark on popular music. I’ll warn you now, this song has a refrain that is insidiously catchy; also, check out their MySpace and listen to Radio for backup vocals by their insanely hot base player, Theresa. They only have 3 songs up for now, but are working on getting more all polished up and pretty. Prepare to hear some major buzz about them soon... just remember, you heard them here first!

Recs yet to come: Asobi Seksu, Asylum Street Spankers, The Black and White Years, Castanets, DeVotchKa, David Ford, Future Clouds and Radar, and many other bands containing different letters of the alphabet.

Flogging Molly and etc

2008-02-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

So, Flogging Molly was Friday night, and totally awesome. I was in the mosh pit for just about the entire thing, and have gigantic bruises everywhere... yeah, but more about that later; for now lets talk opening acts.

The first was Dusty Rhodes and the River Band from California, and... well, to describe them accurately, the frontman said that they were going to sing a song about drinking, and I went "Dude, you're 12!" and a guy in front of me turned, laughing, and went "I know!" They made me feel old. The genre was pretty much impossible to pin down, but something like a mix of the quirky feel and instrumentation of The Decemberists, the lyrics of just about any teenage/early 20something band out there, with a good dash of 80s hair band, power-ballad-rock-anthem, and folk/country for shits and giggles. They were a lot of fun.

Second act was Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, which, well... there are three people in it. The guitarist/singer and the washboard player (I know! But trust me, it works) are husband and wife, and the drummer is the singer's brother; that's it, there isn't anyone else. But in volume and charisma, this is totally a big damn band. I was trying to describe them to someone, and the best I could come up with was punk bluegrass; the work repetition, cadence, and delivery felt punk, but the music was pure backwoods country. They totally rocked out.

And then there was Flogging Molly. Float, their first album of new material since 2004, is being released in March, and the tracks they played from it were all well-recieved; some people already knew the lyrics and were singing along. As expected, though, it was the old favorites that made the crowd jump around and yell at the top of their lungs, and occasionally throw their arms over the nearest person's shoulders to sway back and forth. They played for a solid hour and a half, with one encore, and left the crowd wanting more. It has been two years since they played Austin, at Emo's during SXSW (which at the time didn't feel nearly packed enough for the awesome that is Flogging Molly live, though it did mean that this writer was able to get a hug and guitar pick from Dennis Casey), and the popular sentiment was that they need to come back to town as soon as possible.

In live music at the moment, this week, so far, will contain Indieroke at The Mohawk on Tuesday (karaoke to music that will not actually make you cry of shame at listening, though the singing might), possibly Chicago Typewriter at Red Eyed Fly on Wednesday, and also at Red Eyed Fly Say When/The Banner Year/One Eyed Doll/Language Room on Saturday. Not to mention anything else that crops up (which it inevitably will).

Between all the new tours starting up, and SXSW, the next few months are going to kill me. Did I mention buying a Colin Meloy solo tour ticket presale? He's playing La Zona Rosa in early April; tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday.

Christian Bland at Club DeVille

2008-01-31T07:28:00.000-08:00

I was at Club Deville last night, listening to Christian Bland, guitarist for The Black Angels, a band I recommended in my last music post. They are on a bit of a break, just back from touring and trying to keep busy; their next show isn't until March 8th.

Even as a solo artist, Bland mainly stayed stylistically close to his band's psychedelic rock sound. His lyrics could use some polishing, but vocally there was nothing to complain about; purely on intonation, he sounds a bit at times like Morrissey of The Smiths.

Groovy, 60s-influenced rock, not so deafening you couldn't talk if you wanted, an artist that doesn't take himself too seriously (and can actually sing!); this is a good act to catch live.

Friend The Black Angels on Their MySpace for bulletins about more local shows, and to listen to more of their music.

Music Recs

2008-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

So, I’ve been listening to an amazing amount of new-to-me (ok, and some not new-to-me) music over the past month or so, and thought I’d share some of it with y’all. This music DL-ing spree came from reading up on a few music blogs, and suddenly realizing that I had absolutely no indie cred left. It was a sad, sad moment, and I decided to work my ass off to fix it. Bold links take you to the downloads.

The Black Angels – Empire
To accurately describe this song: at one point, I looked at the speakers and went "What?!" because of the guitar line, which is just love. These guys have a funky, dirty psychedelic rock sound that draws inspiration from bands like The Velvet Underground (whose "Black Angel Death Song" is the basis for this group’s name). They are apparently a local band, but I still haven't managed to catch them live. Check out their MySpace for more songs and info.

Iron and Wine is a band I know I’ve mentioned before, but I will push them on people until everyone I know has heard of them, because Sam Beam has a delicate, whisper-soft voice that everyone needs to recognize as awesome. Southern, alt-country, folk, even bluegrass at times, the music feels like a childhood spent outdoors, climbing trees and scraping your knees, going to the beach and looking for sand dollars. Here's a live version of a song from the new album: Flightless Bird, American Mouth.

Speaking of Southern, but in an entirely different way: The Black Keys. I’ve rec’d them before, but since they are coming to South By Southwest this year, are about to drop a new cd, and are also just awesome, I feel they should be mentioned again. Listening to them, it’s difficult to believe that there are only two guys making all that sound; it’s rock and roll, it’s blues, and it is totally part of the soundtrack to my life. I actually don’t have any songs of theirs right at hand to upload, but if you go to my MySpace Profile, I have a few of their songs on my playlist that are some of my personal favorites (The Lengths, especially). Hell, check out all the songs on my playlist, they are all ones that I love.

So, Goldfrapp’s new album – has anyone else heard it, despite the fact that it isn't supposed to be released until the end of February? Guys, it makes me sad, because I love Alison Goldfrapp’s awesome dramatic voice, but I was expecting something different from this. The first few songs had a very 60’s folk feel, and then it (briefly, woe!) swings back to the vaguely 70’s glam sound that they are more known for, vamping, swooping strings and all. This is much simpler than previous offerings from them, and I have to admit, I’m not sure I like the new direction some of the songs are going in. I get what they were trying to achieve, but it just didn’t work for me. Well executed, but not my thing.

Have some old-school Goldfrapp instead: Utopia and Strict Machine, which broke my heart when it was used last summer in a commercial for that damn Chocolate phone.

Possibly True Love Waits by Radiohead is one of my favorite songs ever in a remarkably subtle way; I can go weeks without thinking of it, and then I’ll hear it and be obsessed again. The words, Thom York’s plaintive voice, the words omg have I mentioned them?, it all comes together and is just so melancholy and lovely. This version is from I Might Be Wrong, a collection of some live recordings, and since it’s a bit more obscure, you may never have heard it before. If you can find a copy of this cd, buy it; it is totally worth it.

Ok, guys, don’t hate me, but I must admit a shameful addiction to mash-ups... you know, those things where two or more songs get spliced together in sometimes awesome, sometimes awful ways, usually with one artist that you love and one you hate, that in some strange gestalt sometimes come out even better than the originals? Well, the ones I’m recommending here are composed completely of artists I love, and so of course the resulting songs can’t be anything but wonderful, yeah? Yeah.

First, Placebo/Air – Pure Air, a combination of Pure Morning and Surfing on a Rocket, which are both in my top five of favorite songs by each artist. This mash-up, therefore, was destined to be on many playlists by me.

Snow Patrol/The Police - Every Car You Chase
This is somewhat popular, so you may have heard it before, but it is just a wonderful mix, and so had to be included. Every Step You Take and Chasing Cars.

Fugazi – Turkish Disco
If you haven’t heard of Fugazi, then I am very happy for being the person who gets to introduce you to them, for they are so very cool. Listening to them, I feel like I am not musically knowledgeable enough to really appreciate what they’re doing on some of the tracks, but I totally don’t care, because their sound. Experimental, punk rock, I’m not sure exactly how to describe them, but their rhythm always rocks. This song in particular is just groovy.

There will be more recs over the next few weeks, because this isn’t anywhere near the number of songs or artists I want to pimp out, but I would really like to stop typing right now, so I’ll leave with a request: if anyone has the strings version of Kraftwerk’s Computer Love, could they please god upload it for me? I used to have it, but when my evil computer wiped my iPod, I lost it, and that makes me sad because I absolutely love that version of it, and the original just isn’t the same.

I’m Listening to: A Perfect Circle - Blue (Bird Shake Mix)

2008-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, that music post is still totally coming, guys, but RL just got very insane very quickly. I went from no plans for this weekend, to a party both Friday and Saturday, and about an hour ago got convinced to host an afterparty tonight at my apartment for a local band. They are playing a gig at 10:30 at Emo's, so the party isn't likely to start until at least 12.

And then I'm going to the Flogging Molly concert next Friday, and dude, I just found out that Panic at the Disco is coming to Austin for their tour! Tickets go on sale in a few weeks, and I also still need to buy plane tickets to Vegas in May. And I want to go to various other concerts in the area over the next few months (Citizen Cope! Band of Horses! Ghostland Observatory! All of SXSW OMG) also, and so I am totes asking for $$$ for my birthday.

Insanity, OMG! Plz to send alcohol!

I'm Listening To: The Black Angels - Sniper at the Gates of Heaven

Lollypops and Crisps

2008-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Not living, just killing time...

I've never mentioned my total infatuation with True Love Waits by Radiohead, have I? Possibly it is my favorite song by them, and that's very difficult to say, because I totally have a ridiculous crush on just about the entirety of their music.

Sorry, but that song came up on random shuffle and distracted me from my purpose here, which was to mention the gigantic music recs post (with DL links!) that is coming up within the week. I haven't put together one in a while, so I'm excited (if a bit rusty). I'm hoping that there will at least be a few artists and songs that are new and shiny to someone out there.

But in other news, I was on the hunt for paper last night at my apartment to sketch out a truly kickass henna design for the upcoming SXSW (iz nao completed, and truly awesome; I'll take pics and post when the design is actually on my skin), and stumbled across my spiral of short stories and song lyrics from last summer. Wow, I was really creative, wtf happened? It makes me sad. I may try and post bits and pieces now and again.

I'm Listening to: Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place

This Will Destroy You

2007-12-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

This Will Destroy You’s self-titled LP, due out January 2008, is a love-letter to Texas. With hushed moments of serenity like a deserted highway, and crashes that feel like the river in flood; they paint a picture of Texas as it was 100 years ago, as it still is outside the bustling cities and towns.

They join fellow Texas natives Explosions in the Sky in their post-rock endeavors, but rather than raising questions to the universe, this album makes statements. Tracks like The Mighty Rio Grande and Burial on the Presidio Banks say ‘yes, this is what we are; this is what it is about; listen to what we’ve done and understand where we come from.’

I saw these guys live at Emo's on Monday, and they completely kill in person. The room was full of people who weren't talking, but listening with squinted-shut eyes, just concentrating on the music.

Their band name is eminently appropriate.

I'm Listening To: This Will Destroy You - Leather Wings

Iron and Wine at La Zona Rosa

2007-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

There were eight people on stage last night at Iron and Wine’s sold-out show, and the music never stopped; from his impeccable performance, you’d never know the lead singer had a cold.

Iron and Wine is best known for Sam Beam’s high, whispery delivery, and in the louder songs his voice tended to get lost in intricate instrumentation. Though cheers weren’t scarce, the crowd seemed to prefer the quieter, simple songs that let Sam and Sara Beam’s effortless harmony ring through; Sodom, South Georgia in particular was met with an involved hush, and received the loudest cheers of the evening.

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To sum up, Iron and Wine live = an experience you have to see.

I'm Listening To: Iron and Wine - Boy With a Coin

A result of my upbringing...

2007-12-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

My mother is a Psychology professor, and though I like to complain that she always reads too much significance into all of my actions, her field of study does make for some interesting dinner table discussions. I grew up flipping through her classes' textbooks for the interesting stuff (she taught a Human Sexuality course as well, and let me tell ya, I ended up damn well-informed for my age). When I took Psych in college, I had an awesome resource just a phone call away.

So I'll share with y'all a few links that I was planning on emailing to my mother. I found them interesting, she probably will as well, and I hope you do also.

From the first time I heard of it, neurological phenomenon of Synesthesia has fascinated me (short summary: in a person with synethesia, one sense or experience is indelibly, involutarily and automatically linked with another (the most common is letters/numbers associated with colors)). This blog explains it in more detail, but more awesomely, talks about a colorblind synesthete. That this person associates to colors that they can't actually visually percieve. How nifty is that? Then this blog talks about what they believe to be the philosophical ramifications of that, which I can understand but don't really care about, though some people will probably find it fascinating (personally, I can't read philosophic theories for too long; it's all so damn subjective, which drives me up the wall... give me something that is absolute, please?).

I also found an article from a few months ago in the New Yorker, written by music critic Tim Page, about living with undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome. I work for a nonprofit that deals with mental health/mental retardation; we diagnose for Asperger's (along with other autism-spectrum disorders) fairly often. Consequently, I have likely met more people with this than you, oh random reader. I would love to link this article everywhere; mental illness is still so stigmatized and misunderstood, and this article provides an eloquent first-person account of how this disorder affected Page's entire life. The statistics say that only about 6 in 1000 will qualify for an autism-spectrum disorder, but my experience (even outside of work) is that just about everyone has met or will meet at least one person with some degree of developmental disability. As such, I think that articles like this are important in encouraging the general public to better understanding and acceptance of people that are different.

Lastly... oh, Texas, why must you shame me with your occasionally nutjob religious fanatics? The New York Times does an article about the Texas Education Agency’s director of science, Christine Castillo Comer being essentially fired "after forwarding an e-mail message on a talk about evolution and creationism". This is my blog, so can I just say that Creationism absolutely baffles me?

OK, I guess it's more like I have trouble understanding blind faith in general, and faith in a divine power if you want to get specific. But that's just me. It is totally about whatever gets you through the day and doesn't hurt anyone else.

I'm listening to: Busdriver - Imaginary Places

Feminism: such a popular topic, no?

2007-11-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

So yeah, there was this article in the New York Times about the perception of women in the workplace, and as this is always such a welcomed topic of conversation, I just know you'll be happy to read and discuss...

What, no? Really?

Ok, me neither generally, but reading the article, I felt like I was surrounded by plastic wrap, and as such, sense that it was a fairly accurate representation of women's experience in their place of business, and sometimes in life in general. My first thought was 'Oh, I should totally link this,' swiftly followed by 'Great, and then everyone will think I'm some sort of rabid feminist,' which is in itself an indictment of society's perception of women: that if you talk about the situation at all, you must be one of those women who hates men, and probably doesn't shave her pits... and possibly smells a bit (from her totally righteous wrath, of course). It is a touchy subject with everyone, and as such, is either gingerly stepped around, or if discussed quickly devolves into accusations and defensiveness (on both sides).

Catalyst’s research is often an exploration of why, 30 years after women entered the work force in large numbers, the default mental image of a leader is still male. Most recent is the report titled “Damned if You Do, Doomed if You Don’t,” which surveyed 1,231 senior executives from the United States and Europe. It found that women who act in ways that are consistent with gender stereotypes — defined as focusing “on work relationships” and expressing “concern for other people’s perspectives” — are considered less competent. But if they act in ways that are seen as more “male” — like “act assertively, focus on work task, display ambition” — they are seen as “too tough” and “unfeminine.”

And don't think this is just against men; women classify with these stereotypes as well, sometimes even more stubbornly and capriciously than guys. I feel it is partially the influence of culture, and partially ingrained instincts ((wo)man as primate, w00t!).

But I'm not going to go into this further at the moment, mostly because I'm at work right now, and should probably get back to it. If I was still in college, this would've been the very rough beginnings of a paper for my Racism, Sexism, Power, and Ideology senior seminar (which was awesome btw), but I'm out of college now, and not planning on attempting to publish anything. Maybe I'll put it on the backburner for grad school... (though I'm still not certain what I want to go for).

Anyways, the article was interesting, so I thought I'd link.

Best Summer Ever

2007-07-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

I had what was possibly the best summer of my life in 2006, despite not having internet access almost at all - I was living rent-free with my dad and stepmom outside of Austin, interning with the Kinky Friedman for Governor Campaign, and every week I was partying or just hanging out with my friends. After an evening of listening to their band - or other bands - play, or going to a co-op party, or just watching movies and hanging out (everyone was oddly into playing Scrabble, actually), about half the time I'd end up crashing on their couch... so much so that I actually kept an overnight bag in my car.

My friends in Austin have had a huge impact on my musical tastes, introducing me to bands I never would've heard of without them. Their band plays funk music, but they listen to everything.

The beginning of the summer was all about Air. I was talking to my friend Will on a night I crashed at their place, discussing perfect songs to fall asleep to, and he said that Air was his current choice. They are French electronica, very dreamy and unique. If you've seen the movie The Virgin Suicides, they did the entire soundtrack.

Biological is, I think, Air's version of a love song, and a good introduction to their sound. It is from my favorite album by them, Talkie Walkie. Lyrics: Your blood is red / it's beautiful genetically

Kelly Watch the Stars. Repetitive in the best way, and very chill, and then you get to the sweeping piano runs and it's just really cool. From Moon Safari.

Playground Love, from The Virgin Suicides soundtrack. Remember how I called them dreamy? I could imagine falling asleep to this song, sinking into sleep with the soft, smooth alto sax, and the subdued vocals.

In July, we took a camping trip to Enchanted Rock, and I convinced my friend Michael to drive the entire way. As such, I had control of the music. My obsession at the time was Massive Attack, who he had originally introduced me to. Massive Attack were pioneers of the trip-hop sound, which can be characterised as "downtempo electronic"... I just say that it's awesomely chill.

Heat Miser. I put on this song, and he went "...is that Massive Attack? What song is that?", because even though he didn't know the song, their style is eminently recognisable (along with Thievery Corporation, including their remixes, but that's another music post). I love this song; there aren't any words, but the music builds intensity all on its own. This is from Protection, which I think is one of their best albums.

Risington is so goddamned sexy... Really, the entirety of Mezzanine is full of very lush, sexy beats. It is my favorite of their albums, and is probably in my top 5 favorite albums ever.

Also on the drive, Michael decided to take over the music choices for a bit, and utterly suprised me by putting on Arcade Fire. If you haven't heard of them, I'd be shocked, because they are finally becoming as popular as they deserve - their music is always just a gorgeous wave of sound, and for some reason I thought it was too epic and romantic-sounding for him, but he suprised me. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) is the song he put on.

Soon after that, the band - 4 of the 5 of them lived together in a house - had to move out. 1 was working, so I helped the other 3 with moving and cleaning, and proceeded to get utterly and completely drunk while doing so. My clearest memory of the night: sitting draped over one of their chairs on the sidewalk in front of the house, around midnight, singing, and Michael sticking his head out the door and going "Are you singing Billie Holiday? Man, you are so drunk!" Good times.

God Bless the Child. Yes, this is the song I was singing, probably because it's one of my favorites of hers. Lyrics: Mama may have, and papa may have / but god bless the child that's got his own

Like I said, Michael introduces me to the best music (South African electronic drum circle, anyone?). Usually, we are just chillin', talkin', hangin' out, and he has a playlist on, and I hear something I really like, so I plug my iPod into his computer and transfer the music. The fact that we hung out so much last summer facilitated that. Over the course of the summer he introduced me to:

CocoRosie, who has a sound that isn't exactly like anything I've heard before. Made up of two sisters, CocoRosie recorded their first album in Paris in their apartment, using toys from a nearby store for much of the instrumentation. If you want something offbeat and memorable, these are your girls, from Sierra with her opera-trained voice to Bianca with her little-girl sound. I'd recomend Miss Madonna and Terrible Angels as favorites from their first album, and definitely Werewolf from their third.

Medeski Martin and Wood and St. Germain, who I'll have to recommend in more depth in a future post, because this one is getting gigantic.

Radiohead was also a constant presence, as both him and I are big fans. Paranoid Android is the track he'd go for most often, while I introduced him to a few of the more obscure tracks, like The Amazing Sounds of Orgy and Talk Show Host.

Portishead was also one of my favorite bands to listen to when it was quiet all around. In the mornings, before anyone was awake, I'd put on the Welcome to Portishead album and draw, or write short stories, or just stare at the ceiling and think. It is trip-hop at its best, full of slinky beats and with an amazing lead vocalist.

I love when I manage to play something that he hasn't heard, as it happens so rarely... I managed that with IAM, a French rap group, and Gogol Bordello, who describe themselves as 'gypsy punk'.

But I'll have to talk about them more some other time... I need to get some sleep!

Currently Listening to: Goldfrapp - Silver Rain Fell

Stem Cells, Violent Death, and Creationism... good times.

2007-06-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

So, once again Bush vetoed funding for stem cell research, which isn't suprising... he's stayed utterly consistent in his stance on the issue, which, you know, would possibly be a good thing if only it wasn't so incredibly exasperating for those hoping for the slightest bit of give on the topic

What drives me up the wall is the whole thing about letting the possibility of eventual life stop you from trying to extend and improve the condition of those already living, and I just don't get it... but yes, let me get off my soapbox. Sorry about that.

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In other news that you're likely not hearing about, several months ago a 35-year-old man was brutally beaten to death by three guys over the course of several hours, during which they took photos and called a friend. They are now claiming in their defense that they committed the act because he came on to them and they panicked (though all reports from his family and friends say that he was not gay).

To use someone else's succinct words, "Either Aaron Hall was brutally beaten to death because he was gay, or else his murderers are attempting to exhort a sick sympathy from homophobic jury members by portraying beating a man to death as a natural response to homosexuality." His murder happened on April 12th, and the link I provided is to a summary of events written by someone living only hours away from the town it occurred in, but who nevertheless only heard about the event a few days ago.

It makes me wonder why some news stories get publicized and latched onto by every media outlet known to man, and others - seemingly just as horrific - fall by the wayside... Anyways. Check it out, and if you're sufficiently motivated, spread the story.

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Lastly, I stumbled upon this series of photographs of the Creation Museum, which is probably just what you're thinking: an entire museum dedicated to giving the finger to Darwin. Aren't those religious nuts adorable? This brings back fond memories of watching the religious channel - those shows trying to prove to you that Darwin was wrong, wrong, wrong - in the middle of the night, while completely fucked up after a party, with friends who were equally trashed... good times.

But dude, creationism freaks me out, because, seriously, if humans had been around with dinosaurs? THERE WOULD BE NO MORE HUMANS OMG. Because we don't have sharp teeth, claws, or stealthy hiding capabilities, and WE RUN SLOW. Humans=good prey for those of a carnivorous bent. RLY.

So go check out those pictures, and boggle at an entirely different view of the world.

Music recs

2007-05-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

So, I had most of this music post prepared on Saturday, but then my computer started freaking out, and I couldn't get it fixed up all pretty again until tonight... hence the late music post. Below are eight songs that I'm in love with right now, and as usual, a tiny bit of editorialization about why they rock.

Colin Meloy - Every Day Is Like Sunday, a cover of a song by Morrissey (of The Smiths). Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) embues it with a desperate earnestness that's just not present in the original 80’s synth-soaked version. This is from an EP titled Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey, which was only available for purchase on his first solo tour. Lyrics: Hide on the promenade / Etch a postcard: / "How I Dearly Wish I Was Not Here"

the Mountain Goats – The Monkey Song. You cannot but love this song... Seriously, there really isn’t much better for utter random awesomeness. John Darnielle, the singer, is a big fan of the lo-fi style, so the scratchiness of this recording might turn you off if you let it, but give it a try just for the hilarity of the lyrics. Lyrics: there's a monkey in the basement / how did the monkey get there? / There's a monkey in the basement / Where did the monkey come from? / Where did the monkey come from?

Jefferson Airplane – White Rabbit. I don’t care how old this song is, if you don’t already have it in your music collection then you need to. Dude, I love this song so very much... The 60s ruled, and Jefferson Airplane's psychadelic rock was a significant contributor to that. Lyrics: And if you go chasing rabbits / And you know you're going to fall / Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar / Has given you the call

Feist – When I Was a Young Girl. Feist is totally my new obsession – she’s got this pared-down jazz sound, and something about her voice’s flexibility reminds me of Regina Spektor, This song I especially like... It’s a cover of a traditional American folk song, and is just lovely. I literally listened to it over and over until I could sing it properly. It is one of those songs that’s deceptively simple, yet really freaking hard to sing well. Actually, quite a few of her songs are like that. Lyrics: Please send for the preacher to come and pray for me / And send for the doctor to heal all my wounds

The Black Keys – The Lengths. I saw these guys live, and would give quite a bit to see them again, because their music is just so cool. SERIOUSLY, WHY ARE BANDS LIKE THIS NOT MAKING THE KIND OF MONEY THAT CRAPPY TOP 40 HITS ARE? Their music is raw and real, and I can’t recommend them enough; they have a dirty rock/blues sound with a laid-back confidence that reminds me a bit of Creedence Clearwater Revival. This song in particular is my new favorite of theirs, because it’s lazy and mellow and full of awesome. Lyrics: tell me what you were thinkin’ / to treat somebody so / the care he took / the lengths to which he'd go

Muse – Supermassive Black Hole. This is a departure from Muse’s normal sound, but it’s just so much fun that I don’t care. It is British glam rock in a way I hope they maintain, because it's a sound that's not exactly like anyone else out there right now. This song in particular apparently was released last year as lead single to their latest album, but as I don’t listen to the radio, the first I heard of it was through Supernatural. Dude, this song rocks. Lyrics: I thought I was a fool for no-one / Oh baby I'm a fool for you

Bjork – All Is Full of Love. The first I heard of this song was a Death Cab for Cutie cover of it, and I thought it was really interesting and different. Then, someone on the LiveJournal Audiography group uploaded Bjork’s version, and I went ‘omg, that is so awesome.’ Seriously, her voice just soars... she leaps into notes with no hesitation, and that’s why she rocks. Lyrics: you just ain’t receiving / your phone is off the hook / your doors are all shut

SXSW

2007-03-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

If you want to check out my latest mehndi endeavors, here is my MySpace page (just go to my pictures)... seriously, if I could just figure out how to get my name out there, I think I could make more than a few bucks at it.

The (non-retail) job search is going badly, badly, woefully badly, but this week happens to be South by Southwest, so I shall at least have lots of good music to temporarily console myself with. And speaking of, it's totally time for my SXSW music post, though this one will be shorter than last year because there aren't as many artists this year that I urgently have to see omg love omg. Here are a few of the artists that I am looking forward to this year.

Explosions in the Sky - First Breath After Coma. WOE. I totally missed seeing them last week when they were in town, and I am so sad. This song is from a cd titled The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place, and yes, that's it exactly. This group is all about sweeping, epic landscapes of music, and I completely love them. They are called post-rock, but when they kick in, I dare you to say that this isn't rock. This SONG, omg. DAMN YOU WORK WHY MUST YOU MAKE ME MISS AN AWESOME CONCERT?

Ainjel Emme - Long As It's Sweet. OK, nifty backstory here: I had this song on my iPod for a while, and quite liked it actually, but had no idea where it came from. I just happened to be checking out the LiveJournal AustinCommunity for SXSW info, and Ainjel had posted to let Austinites know that she was going to be in town for the week. I recognised the name and decided to check it out. Dude. If you have a chance to see her live (or, ya know, check out some of her music), do so... she's got a powerhouse voice that's just fun to listen to, and I really enjoyed her songs. Listening to her live made me go "oh yeah, I forgot; this is why I never took Michael up on his urgings to sing with his band... I totally don't have those kind of songwriting skillz." Not to mention that she seems genuinely nice.

Do Make Say Think - Frederica. And now for something completely different... A bit more along the lines of Explosions In The Sky, but on a less grandiose scale, these guys make me think of nothing so much as some of my more experimental musician friends getting together for a really good jam session. And dude, I really like the drummer on this track.

RJD2 - Smoke and Mirrors. I have a playlist on my iPod called "Driving Mix," and this is totally on it. Very laid-back, and every track I have by them can be described as 'cool.' I'd really like to see them live, to see how their music translates to a live performance.

Eisley - Marvelous Things. Oh, Eisley... They can be described pretty well as 'indie pop,' I think, but I can't help but adore them. I saw them at ACL a few years back, and just... yeah. I would like to rub noses with the lead singer, she just sounds that utterly adorable... her voice is just so pretty, and when she harmonises with the keyboardist, who has a great alto voice, they make some great noise. When I get the urge to sing along with some lovely music, I turn them on.

Artists not linked on here (because I can't find the music on my computer, woe!) that I nevertheless want to see this week include Blonde Redhead, Castanets, Ghostland Observatory, The Polyphonic Spree, Phunk and Associates (yes, my friend's band is playing some small venue for SXSW) and Spoon, among likely a few others that I forgot. Here's the lineup, so if you check it out and see a band that you really like and I don't have listed, feel free to recommend them to me... I love hearing about new artists.

Currently Listening to: Castanets - Try Not to See That Much of That You Can't Touch

Moving

2007-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

So, I'm moving to Austin over the next few days; I'm transferring to a Target there while also attempting to set up a side business doing henna tattoos for people, and trying to find a real job, while also contemplating going back to school for maybe another bachelors (in English or Mathematics, maybe) versus going for my masters in Public Affairs.

But yes, the henna thing... I don't think I've mentioned it to y'all yet, but I've posted pics in the past of my mehndi drawings. The thing is, I've had enough people:
1)ask me where I had my henna done;
2)ask me if it was a real tattoo;
3)express admiration and disbelief that I drew it myself; and
3)mention being interested in paying for me to do this for them in the future
that I've decided that it might actually be profitable enough for me to give it a try. I just need to find a good henna supplier and I'll be set. Anyone have any ideas?

In regards to the bachelors thing... I literally didn't take one english course in college; I took AP exams in high school, and then took a test to get credit without having to take the remaining class once I got to college. I MISS LITERATURE CLASSES, YO. Also, while my one math class in college was literally titled 'Math for Liberal Arts Majors,' I freaking loved math in high school. I mean, LOVED. I mean, I tutored people in Geometry and Algebra and PreCal. And reading SGA fic, with its obsession with prime/not prime and theoretical physics and millenium problems and such has only brought my love of numbers to the fore once again. I AM READING PRIME NUMBER THEORY FOR FUN PEOPLE.

So, my life is finally setting down a bit... It's slowly beginning to sink in that I'm done with college for now; if I want to go back, it'll be for my own pleasure, at my own pace, with no-one's expectations but my own. God, it's a lovely feeling.

Currently listening to: Beck - Nobody's Fault

Knitting and Mathematics

2007-01-15T02:39:00.000-08:00

OMG, this article is full of awesome. Knitting as a means to physically demonstrate abstract mathematical theory, and omg, it's about as cool as the thing about using the mathematics of origami to help develop a space-based telescope... a concrete linking of fine arts to hard sciences, and it's not often-enough expressed that most sucessful creative endeavors are, even if it isn't always explicitly acknowledged, built on underlying realities of the universe that mathematicians and physicists try to lay out theoretically every day.

Um. Perhaps I shouldn't be writing a note at 2:00 in the morning, if it leads to incoherent ramblings about the beauty of science. But I've already started, so here are a few random links to some other cool stuff I've been looking at recently.

The Drake Equation, which is all about guesstimating the amount of alien civilizations that we could potentially come in contact with, given various parameters (rate of star formation, percentage of the stars that have planets, etc). Relatedly, there is the Fermi Paradox. Personally, I think that if there are alien civilizations out there that have advanced sufficiently enough to explore neighboring star systems, why the hell would they bother with us, when our space programs haven't even advanced enough to set up colonies off of earth? Seriously, why bother with the primitives? *g*

I also find myself obsessed with prime number theory recently, for reasons that I am not going into because you really really don't want to know, I promise you. But yes, obsessed. Obsessed as in, oh hey, here's paper and a pencil, and I know that 18,523 is a cuban prime (where the simplified equation is 3y²+6y+4), so let's solve for y... oh, hey, it's 77, cool!

I also find twin primes (p, p+2) and cousin primes (p, p+4) strangely attractive, and find myself compulsively counting upward at random times. Relatedly, if you throw in a sexy primes (p, p+6) (And I swear, that's their name! It's from the Latin! But dude, really, sexy. *g*), and p+8, you get prime quadruplets (p, p+2, p+6, p+8) like (191, 193, 197, 199), which... dude. Rock. And then how it relates to the twin prime conjecture, which is omg so nifty, ohman.

And wtf, I have a BA, not a BS... I took one course in mathematics in college, and it was really actually called 'Math for Liberal Arts Majors,' aka math for idiots. But possibly the lack of straighforward formulas in my post-secondary education has affected me negatively, because now I'm all jonesing for some equations. Seriously, I'm thinking about taking some night classes in physics or calculus or trigonometry or something, just to get it out of my system.

Software hate, job update, and musicspam.

2007-01-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

OMG PHOTOSHOP WTF. *spazzes out* I was working on an icon, and had three others in half-finished states, and then I went to save one and IT ALL CLOSED WITHOUT WARNING. Seriously, I lost it all, and have no idea what the hell happened, and this pisses me off.

On the job thing, I got an awesome tip from an aquaintance of mine, and so am going to head to the capital on Monday morning, resume in hand, and attempt to land a real job... you know, one that doesn't involve retail. Relatedly, I still don't have a damn apartment; I have to find one soon, though, because my lease expires on the 20th, and I refuse to live with my parents again.

And now, because I've been driving a ton (from San Antonio to Austin and back, three times so far this week) and listening to a really awesome mix while doing so, I thought I'd share some of my favorite songs from it with y'all.

The Dresden Dolls - My Alcoholic Friends. Seriously, I absolutely love The Dresden Dolls, what with the always-disturbing-yet-strangely-awesome lyrics, the violent way she fights/plays the piano, and her deep, emotive voice... Really, I don't know how you can not like this song, because it's just fun. Lyrics: I’m trying hard / not to be ashamed / not to know the name / of who is waking up beside me / or the date, the season or the city / but at least the ceiling's very pretty

Beck - Girl. Beck does the best cruising-around-with-your-windows-down songs ever, and this is no exception. The lyrics are trippy as all get out, and make no sense, but the sound is so great you won't care. Lyrics: I saw her, yeah I saw her / with her hands tied back / rags a' burnin' / calling out from a landfilled life / scrawlin' her name upon the ceiling

The Strokes - Is This It. Another great cruising song. The Strokes have some great mellow songs, and also some really energetic ones, but the lead singer's voice really lends itself more to quiet drawls, and this song really is seriously chill. Lyrics: Can't you see I'm trying? / I don't even like it. I just lied to / get to your apartment

Less Than Jake - I Would Walk (500 Miles). Ahahaha, possibly the most fun cover EVAR. It so pseudo-punk, and just... *loves* I dare you to not listen and end up singing along, because while the original is kickass in its own way, this is just so much fun! Lyrics: And if I get drunk, yeah I know I'm gonna be / I'm gonna be the man that gets drunk next to you / and if I haver, whatever the fuck that means / I'm gonna be the man who havers next you

Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice. Dude, don't hate, the Beach Boys totally rocked. This song is great to sing along with. Lyrics: too sickeningly sappy for me to put here.

Cat Power - Wild Is the Wind. This is a Nina Simone cover, and Cat Power does it absolutely beautifully... her voice is wistful and melancholy, and creates an entirely different tone from Nina's version, which is pleading and desperate. Lyrics: You're Spring to me / all things to me / don't you know you're life itself / like a leaf clings to a tree / oh my darling, cling to me

The New Pornographers - Use It. I almost didn't include this, because I thought everyone would've had it already, and then realised that just because a band is popular with my friends, it doesn't necessarily mean that the entire world has heard of them. So, yes, The New Pornographers rock, give them a try. Also, Neko Case, the femals singer, has some cds of her own that you should definitely check out if you love Americana folk-rock alt-country whatever you wanna call that genre. The lyrics aren't necessarily coherent, but the sound is just great. Lyrics: heads down thumbs up / two sips from the cup of human kindness / and I'm shit-faced, just laid to waste

Grandaddy - The Go in the Go-For-It. Grandaddy is totally one of my go-to bands for relaxing music... I just love the sound of the instruments, and the singer's voice is very low-key. Lyrics: my farewell e-mail reads / farewell to thee / I'll pass through your world with ease / like wind blowing through the leaves

Pink Martini - Anna (El Negro Zumbon). OK, if you've ever heard the wonderful crack that is The Avalanches' Frontier Psychiatrist (and dude, DL this one also, it is so much awesome), then you'll totally recognise the beginning of this song as being the source of one of their samples. And you'll never have any idea how much I geeked out at recognising a sample by one fairly obscure artist by another fairly obscure artist; I feel it may have cemented my indie cred forever.

Portishead - Wandering Star. This song is really freaking eerie; it's based on a bit of scripture from Jude 1:13 "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." One time this summer, when I was really depressed, I listened to this song on repeat; her voice is just haunting. This sort of song is why I love the trip-hop genre. Lyrics: Those who have seen the needle's eye, now tread / like a husk, from which all that was, now has fled

Ok, now for bed.

Currently listening to: Portishead - Sour Times

The tazer thing, and evil penguins

2006-11-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

A UCLA student was asked to produce his student ID; when he couldn't, he was asked to leave, and when he didn't do so promptly and politely, he was tazered multiple times. The event happened on Tuesday evening, and has exploded over the internets over the past day or so. Here are various writeups about it. The last two links are to the news site for the Bruins, and the LA Times. People are really polarizing over this; I've read both utter outrage and disgust, as well as dismissive 'he got what he deserved for acting that way to cops.'

As far as I can understand from reading about what happened, and watching the youtube video, the guy was finally leaving after having been asked to repeatedly because he didn't have his student ID, but got upset when the cop took his arm to escort him out. He yelled "Don't touch me!" and went limp, and at that point the situation escalated. The cops were trying to make him stand up to leave, and he wouldn't, so they tazered him to get him to move. This is where I think the situation went really bad, because then they just kept tazering him to get him to leave, even when he told them that he was going to go, and apparently even tazered him after he was already in cuffs.

Someone else pointed out, and I agree, that it was largly a matter of mishandling a bad situation to make it worse. The cops saw 'danger' instead of 'pissed-off college student,' and reacted to the level of threat they percieved. Then, the crowd and shouting only made it more dangerous and confusing, and the situation got out of hand.

I think that both sides have their points, but of course all the people yelling about it don't seem to be making any efforts to recognize that there is not any perfect understanding of the situation to be had. There are mitigating factors from all angles of the incident. The kid likely shouldn't have made such a huge fuss upon being asked to leave, because it really is common library policy, but the cops shouldn't have kept tazering him after he was neutralized, shouldn't've threatened bystanders with being tazered. If it had been different cops, the situation likely wouldn't have occurred, or it would've ended differently (if they had been more polite in the beginning, if they had handled the crowd better, if if if...).

So, yeah. But, in lighter news, Happy Feet, that kids movie with the penguins, is apparently "ultra-hippie, atheist, eco-extremist garbage" written by hardcore left-wing liberal nutjobs. Ahahahha, and I though it was just a kids movie. Apparently, it is an evil kids movie. This is making me want to go see it, because, dude, propaganda. Subversive propaganda aimed at kids. AWESOME.

2006-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

OK, here's the first part of my poll response... There are only seven songs, but I'm really tired and don't feel like uploading more right now. I'll probably post some more tomorrow, along with the requested random nifty link spam.

Some of these are sexy (you'll really be able to tell which ones I think are), and some I just love and can't get out of my head.

The Decemberists - The Culling of the Fold. This song was apparently a b-side to their newest release, The Crane Wife, but ohmygod I love it so very very much. When they did it live at the concert a few weeks ago, Colin Meloy prowled the stage, and at one point borrowed the cell phone of a girl in the front row and sang the refrain into it. This is a typical Decemberists song, in that it contains quirky instrumentation, big words, and lots of gleeful death. Lyrics: Get him down on his knees / With your hands all shaking / That'll teach him how to take it

The Decemberists - The Shankill Butchers. OK, another by them, but I am freakin' obsessed with this song. It's a really creepy little cautionary song, just guitar and voice, and even more chill-inducing because Colin Meloy wrote it based on the story of the Shankill Butchers, a gang in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, who killed around 30 people in horribly vicious ways. Lyrics: they used to be just like me and you / they used to be sweet little boys / but something went horribly askew

She Wants Revenge - Tear You Apart. Um. Perhaps I have some wierd switches, because I totally think that this song is omfg so sexy. It reminds me of Interpol, so much so that when I first heard it on the radio I though it was a new release by them, but I don't care at the lack of original sound because dude, sexy. The actual verse lyrics sound like the singer had a crush that turned into scary obsession, with the tone of the singer's voice, the refrain, the driving drums in the background, the occasional casual violence mentioned... yeah, it makes it sound very desperate. Lyrics: Either way he wanted her and this was bad / He wanted to do things to her it was making him crazy

Massive Attack - Protection. I am totally going to do a gigantic post just about Massive Attack some time in the near future, because I absolutely love them and think that everyone else should also know just how awesome they are. This song is from their second album, and is chill, vaguely R&B-ish, good to sing with, and just very cool in general.

Massive Attack - Risington. OK, I cannot just post one by them. This is from Mezzanine, possibly one of my favorite albums ever, and is just dark and trancy and so very sexy. God, all of their songs are perfect for listening to in the dark, and when they performed at ACL at 9pm on a Saturday night a few months ago, the entire crowd was just blissed out and grooving. Seriously, so sexy.

Air - Surfin' On a Rocket. I don't know why I love this song so much... oh wait, I do, and it has a ton to do with the 'five four three two one zero' bit of lyrics. This genre of music is, I think, classified as 'electronica,' but really, genre doesn't matter, DL this because it just sounds cool. Another great song for listening to in the dark. And I think I also love them for the ending of this, which doesn't fade away, but cuts off with a flair.

Goldfrapp - Human. *brainmelts* Dude, Goldfrapp has just the most sumptuously sexy sound ever. It's lush. This song has these awesome strings in the background, and her voice is just compelling. I've been very bitter ever since the summer and that new chocolate phone came out, because they used my favorite Golfrapp song ever (Strict Machine, which I can upload if anyone wants it, because it too contains ungodly levels of sexy) for the damn commercial, and that pisses me off. But this song is good also. Lyrics: I shiver when you shake / And I fold into jelly / I think I loved you more than me

Currently listening to: Goldfrapp - Black Cherry

Newsishness

2006-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Headlines
Tibetan refugees shot by PRC forces, witnesses silenced. Seriously, the China/Tibet thing has been going on since the '50s, and it almost never gets international attention, despite a disturbingly large amount of really truely horror stories about innocent people being killed by soldiers. This is just the most recent episode, the only difference being that someone caught it on film.

Email Servers Will Choke, Says Spamhaus. The situation: Spamhaus is a site that assists in blocking spam emails, and they are currently in an ongoing legal kerfuffle over their domain rights. They say that if their site is shut down, the sudden influx of all the spam emails that they aren't blocking anymore will royally screw up email servers. But really, it's just usage of the word 'choke' in association with mention of teh internets that has me twitchy.

Astro etiquette. OMG, space tourism, and how much does it rock being alive right now?

Steven Johnson's new book The Ghost Map. All I have to say is that this book sounds pretty damn cool.

China economy applies the brakes. Seriously, China is going to have some issues in the future (industrial waste pollution, capitalist/communist conflicts, the communist issue of censorship in general, population control, and etc), but they are gearing up to become the next superpower - though they sorta already have major weight to throw around - and it'll be interesting to watch them try and keep their economy on track over the next few years.

Respect Copyright merit patch from LA Scouts design. HATE. The Motion Picture Association of America came up with the patch and the course curriculum to earn the patch. W. T. F.

OK, not a headline, but nifty anyways. This is a simple, easy-to-understand explanation of postmodernism in the theatre.

Iceland 'breaks ban on whaling'. "Iceland has reportedly broken a 21-year-old international ban on commercial whaling by killing a fin whale - an endangered species." *incoherent unhappy noises*

Asylum Street Spankers youtube video, 'Stick Magnetic Ribbons on Your SUV'. Dude, totally hilarious, albeit not safe to listen to at work.

ACL 2006

2006-09-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, song post. Again. Last year after I went to ACL, I did a post of some of the artists I saw over the weekend, and so when it came around again this year I figured, well, why break tradition?

Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces. First off, Gnarls is so much fun live. They ended their set with this song, and it was perfect, because the sun was out, people were dancing, and everyone was feelin' good. This is just a really happy, fun song. Lyrics: What went right? What went wrong? / Was it the story - or was it the song? / Was it overnight - or did it take you long? / Was knowing your weakness what made you strong?

Thievery Corporation - Facing East. Thievery started out with this song, and had a really gorgeous belly dancer gyrating onstage for the entire thing, which was so very nifty. The band is classified sorta as downtempo electronica, but have a very international feel to their sound. They have guest singers for the tracks that have vocals, but their particular mixes and tones to the music itself are very distinct and recognisable. I have a Thievery remix of a Radiohead song, and when it came up in a playlist in my car, a friend of mine listened for a few minutes, looked at the track info, and said "I thought it sounded like Thievery". Very cool, very chill.

The Shins - New Slang. Seriously, I might just have a love affair with The Shins lyrics, because omg... it's not so much the lyrics, exactly, as a combination of his voice and certain words, and it's just lovely and smooth and love. Lyrics: Dawn breaks like a bull through the hall, / Never should have called / But my head's to the wall and I'm lonely.

The Shins - We Will Become Silhouettes. OK, I'll admit, I loved this before I knew it was a cover. This is originally a Postal Service song, which is another awesome band that people cover really really well (I'll be posting another cover of them further down).

Iron & Wine - Free Until They Cut Me Down. If you ever have the chance to see them, do so, because they are absolutely wonderful live... I found myself wishing more than once during their performance that they'd release a live cd sometime, because the live versions of their songs were possibly even better than the polished album tracks. Really, I had a difficult time picking which of their songs to use for this post, because I really like just about all of them. Lyrics: When the sea takes me like my mother’s arms / I will breathe free as any word of God

Iron & Wine - Such Great Heights. This is the second Postal Service cover, and since the original and the cover are so different, I just have to post them both, because both are awesome, but in very different ways. Iron & Wine's version is from the Garden State soundtrack, and it is just very dreamy, and quiet, and lovely. The original version by Postal Service has a much faster tempo, and is my favourite of the two versions. Lyrics: and I have to speculate that God himself / did make us into corresponding shapes like / puzzle pieces from the clay

Aimee Mann - Pavlov's Bell. She was also good live, though the majority of her songs are slower songs, and she was on at a point in the afternoon where everyone was starting to get worn out, so I perhaps didn't enjoy the performance as much as I would've in a smaller venue.

Ok, I'm getting tired of messing with yousendit, so I'll stop at that. I saw more artists than are posted here, of course, but I'm tired, so I'm going to get some sleep, and maybe post more music later.

And a sweet sound it made...

2006-04-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Wow, it was really difficult to choose just a few tracks from each CD to upload, because I cannot really think of a song by The Decemberists that I don't like.

I first stumbled upon The Decemberists through Audiography, and almost immediately fell in love. I have a weakness for people who know how to use pretty words well, and lyricist and lead singer Colin Meloy could certainly do that. Each song tells a story with rich, evocative language: consumptive, indolent, harrowing, wanton... I could go on. The use of such whimsical instruments such as upright bass, glockenspiel, and accordion (to name just a few), along with the more traditional rock instrumentation, adds an offbeat originality to their songs, and I at least haven't heard any artist quite like them (though they have been compared to Neutral Milk Hotel and The Zombies, to possibly give you a measuring post).

According to their official website, the five members of the band met in a Turkish bath house, and tour concert-halls and brothels across the globe exclusively with Dr. Herring's Brand Dirigible Balloons. This says a lot about them; they enjoy and feed into their sense of whimsy. They have been classified as pop, or indie pop, and I must admit I've never understood how "pop" can include so many different types of music. The Decemberists lean more towards The Beatles than Britney Spears on the pop spectrum, and really, taking their name from the Decembrist Revolt of 1825 Russia, they couldn't help it.

In 2001, they released Five Songs, which quirkily enough, contains six.

01. Oceanside feels like a song you'd listen to on a lazy summer evening, or while driving in the country with your windows down.
But oh, if I could only get you oceanside to lay your muscles wide, it'd be heavenly. And oh, if I could only coax you overboard, to leave these lolling shores, to get you oceanside.

03. My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist is quite possibly my favorite song by them. It is very mellow, but OMG the lyrics. There is a line where he sings about drinking in a cantina in Paris, and the accordion comes in for a brief, very French-style riff. Possibly they have owned my soul from the moment I heard it.
And she met my father at a fete in Aix-en-Provence. He was disguised as a Russian cadet in the employ of the axis. And there in the half-light of provincial midnight to a lone concertina they drank in cantinas and toasted to Edith Piaf and the fall of the Reich.

Castaways and Cutouts came in 2003, and really, I'd recommend just about every song on here.

03. July, July is so much fun! When the chorus kicks in, you cannot help but sing along... really, this whole song is just a blast. I mean, how can you not love a song that contains crooked French Canadian rum runners? They set the keyboard to electric organ, and I can't imagine hearing it with any other band, but with them, and especially with this song, it just works. The juxtaposition of gruesome lyrics with an upbeat tune is also something that The Decemberists seem to delight in doing, and is something that you'll hear in song after song; they do like their melodrama.
And we'll remember this when we are old and ancient, though the specifics might be vague. And I'll say your camisole was a sprightly light magenta when in fact it was a nappy bluish gray.

04. A Cautionary Song is really the first of their songs that I'd classify as a 'sea shanty', but certainly not the last. With lilting accordion, accompanied by pared-down drums, guitar, and the occasional tambourine, this song delights in its own grim content.
And they tell her not to say a thing to cousin, kindred, kith, or kin or she'll end up dead. And they throw her thirty dollars and return her to the harbor where she goes to bed. And this is how you're fed.

Next was Her Majesty The Decemberists, also in 2003.

08. Red Right Ankle, to me, reads as Colin Meloy's version of a love song. It is simple, just him and an acoustic guitar (with a bit of organ, softly, towards the end), but as usual, it's the lyrics that really set this song apart. I think it's utterly lovely.
Some had crumbled you straight to your knees
Did it cruel, did it tenderly
Some had crawled their way into your heart
To rend your ventricles apart

10. I Was Meant for the Stage's ending, dissolving into chaos, reminds me of The Beatles' A Day in the Life. This is a ballad (with a gorgeous melody line) for a good portion of the song, mockingly poking at the sense of arrogance and fate that most successful performers have, before crumbling into the aforementioned insanity.
I was meant for applause
I was meant for derision
Nothing short of fate itself
Has affected my decision.

The Tain came in 2004, and goes in a very different direction from all of their other work. It is one song, divided into five tracks, and is loosely based on the central bit of the Irish 8th century Ulster cycle of heroic tales, the Tain Bo Cuailnge. Part I is sung by the crone; II by husband and captain; III by soldier, chorus of waifs, and chaplain; IV by the evening widow; V by woman, daughter, and then back to the crone. It features, in its 18 minutes, both wailing electric guitar and a jaunty, carousel-esque calliope. To give some idea of the style, Black Sabbath was named as one of the inspirations for this.

I really feel that this needs to be taken as a whole to get the full affect. To facilitate this, here is the song with all five tracks linked into one.
When the dawn comes to greet you, you'll rise with clothes on
And advanced with the others, singing old songs
Of cattle and maidens and withered old queens.
Let the music carry you on.

Picaresque really marked a turn towards a new direction for the band, in terms of pacing. Every track on the CD seems to be richer, with a more sweeping and grandiose sound.

04. The Sporting Life has an incredibly infectious tune to it, what with the swingy drums, tambourine, and horns; you can't help but dance around. It rings sympathetic bells with anyone who has ever absolutely hated having to play sports in gym class.
but while I am lying here
trying to fight the tears
I'll prove to the crowd that I've come out stronger
though I think I might lie here a little longer

07. 16 Military Wives contains a fairly blatant political statement, but if that’s not your thing, you can ignore it for the pure fun of the horns and saxophones. This song is a theatrical flourish of sound that is aural awesomeness, and the lush showiness of it reminds me of a Beatles song.
Cause America can, and America can't say no
And America does, if America says it's so
It's so!

10. The Mariner's Revenge Song rocks hardcore, it must be said. If you are ever able to see them live, plead for them to perform this (spoiler: They bring out a cardboard cutout of a whale, and before the song, they make you practice screaming like you are being swallowed by the aforementioned whale. I HAVE PICTURES.) This is another sea shanty: piping accordion, mandolin, tales of consumption and privateers and all. The song is almost nine minutes, but is definitely worth it, especially when it turns into a reel towards the end.
"Find him, bind him
Tie him to a pole and break
His fingers to splinters
Drag him to a hole until he
Wakes up naked
Clawing at the ceiling
Of his grave!"

Feel free to tell me if you liked these tracks, or if you need me to re-upload them, because I like nothing more than getting someone new hooked on an artist that I adore.