Moving to Pownce

Not sure if anyone really reads this or downloads anything anymore... So.

I'm taking all of the files off of my server and disabling the usernames. Instead I'll be posting music and random updates to friends through Pownce. You should consider joining. It's basically built to do what we've been trying to do through this blog.

I'll keep everything up for a little while, and if anyone seriously objects and would like to voice their opinion please do, and I'll reconsider.

Best of 2007... 2 months later

Got a little busy... dropped the ball... not that any of you were holding your breath.

I've just decided to go with my gut and fuzzy memory on this one, so apologies to all those I forgot:

Top 5 albums:
5. Interpol - Our Love to Admire
4. Spoon - GaGaGaGa
3. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
2. Battles - Mirrored
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows

Top 5 shows:
5. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Great American Music Hall
4. The Faint / Ratatat - the Mezzanine
3. TV on the Radio - the Fillmore
2. Battles - Great American Music Hall
1. Arcade Fire - Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Honorable mention to Live 105's "BFD" featuring Block Party, Interpol, Social D, the Faint, Cold War Kids, Queens of the Stone Age, etc. However, the fact that it was a radio festival, and only 45 minute sets, it doesn't make the cut.

Doesn't your life feel fulfilled now?

Man in the Mirror

Mark Ronson is one of, if not the, hottest producer right now. Last year he was behind Amy Winehouse which many people consider to be the best album of 2007, plus he released an amazing solo record, Version, which included unique covers of current pop hits. Rhymefest is yet another prolific chicago rapper; his last album, Blue Collar, was outstanding and his next release his highly anticipated. Michael Jackson is, well, Michael Jackson. Put all 3 together and you have Man in the Mirror: an excellent (and probably illegal) hip-hop tribute to Michael Jackson. It's fascinating, funny, head-bobbing, and just damn good. Download it from the site today.

Dane Cook

Is he funny? Was he ever funny? Is he still funny? Seriously I don't even know anymore. What do you think? Have you heard his new album?

Cold War Kids

So, it's been forever since I've posted any music, so I guess I'm due. I have posted the Cold War Kids album Robbers & Cowards, which I just recently picked up after seeing them over the summer. I like it, and they are pretty good live.

I pretty much like the whole album, but the following are the standout tracks:

"Hang me up to dry"
"Tell me in the morning"
and
"Passing the hat"

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Santa should be bringing me more goodies (if he knows what's good for him), so I'll probably post a few more in January... stay tuned.

For all you bat-nerds

the joker

I'm f'ing stoked for the 2nd installment!!

Best of 2007

Well, the year is coming to an end, and while it may be a week or so premature, I find myself needing a distraction today. Certainly there are albums I've missed, haven't heard, or forgotten... but, whatever. So, without further ado...

Top 10 Albums

10 | The Field // From Here We Go Sublime
09 | The Fratellis // Costello Music
08 | Grinderman // Grinderman
07 | Arcade Fire // Neon Bible
06 | Modest Mouse // We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
05 | Peter Bjorn And John // Writer's Block
04 | Aesop Rock // None Shall Pass
03 | Battles // Mirrored
02 | Animal Collective // Strawberry Jam
01 | Radiohead // In Rainbows

Top 25 Songs

25 | Kanye West // Stronger
24 | I'm From Barcelona // The Painter
23 | Mavis Staples // Turn Me Round
22 | Justice // Genesis
21 | Peter Bjorn And John // Up Against The Wall
20 | !!! // Myth Takes
19 | Nine Inch Nails // Survivalism
18 | Okkervil River // Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe
17 | Of Montreal // Suffer For Fasion
16 | Spoon // You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb
15 | Apples in Stereo // Energy
14 | Super Furry Animals // Neoconsumer
13 | Blitzen Trapper // Wild Mountain Nation
12 | Arcade Fire // (Antichrist Television Blues)
11 | Modest Mouse // We've Got Everything
10 | LCD Soundsystem // North American Scum
09 | Super Furry Animals // Gateway Song
08 | Aesop Rock // None Shall Pass
07 | Peter Bjorn And John // Young Folks
06 | Mavis Staples // 99 and 1/2
05 | The Fratelllis // Flathead
04 | Radiohead // Bodysnatchers
03 | Battles // Atlas
02 | Grinderman // Honey Bee (Let's Fly To Mars)
01 | Animal Collective // Peacebone

PI

They're Made Out of Meat

Here's some nice short story by Terry Bisson, I thought everyone would enjoy this:
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/TheyMade.shtml

Dusenberry

For Halloween I dressed up as the scariest thing I could think of: Andy Dusenberry.

OK Computer

Ben requested the files for OK Computer. If anyone else wants to download them they are now posted.

The Binary Theory

In Rainbows was released 10 years after OK Computer

In Rainbows was released on 10/10

In Rainbows was announced 10 days in advance

In Rainbows has 10 letters

In Rainbows has 10 tracks

In Rainbows is available from a rumored ten servers

In Rainbows is available only as a digital file (so far)

O = O.K. Computer
I = In Rainbows

In Rainbows was proceeded with 10 cryptic messages using the letter X (roman numeral for 10)

Puddlegum thinks the key to unlocking the "hidden message" is to create a playlist intertwining In Rainbows and O.K. Computer (see their site for the suggested playlist). The result (I just listened to it like that) is interesting. It certainly sounds great together, but is that just because they are both wonderful albums or is it something more? What do you think?

Another interesting point to note is that at the golden ratio of In Rainbows (61.8% through) Thom begins to croon "In Rain, In Rain, In Rain, In Rain, In Rainbows" This appears to also be true when the two albums are mixed together.

Standards of Review

Quality Posts

I just wanted to give a quick props to the high level of music postings lately. Aesop, Animal Collective, Blue Scholars and Drunken Immortals were all enjoyable.

In Rainbows

Don't forget to download Radiohead's new album, In Rainbows, out today!

Sweedish TV

Friday Music, Volume X

Super Furry Animals // Hey Venus!

Many of you know that I'm a super Super Furry Animals fan. Their latest album, Hey Venus!, isn't quite as strong as their last (Love Kraft), where it seemed every song was a hit. However, it is still a really fun album and worth listening to while there are still a few nice days left until winter. Make sure you listen to The Gateway Song, it's quite possibly the best 42 second song ever (try to listen to it only once)!

Stand out tracks:
Baby Ate My Eightball
The Gateway Song
Neo Consumer

My first Sports post... ever (and probably last)

I'd like to take a quick moment to talk about sports. Well, not so much sports but the sociological effects of sports teams and sports super-stars on a specific geographical area. Namely: What the fuck Was Lebron James thinking?!?!



It's been a rough week for King James; he's brought it on himself. Less than a week from his dismal appearance hosting Saturday Night Live, the most famous and respected Clevelander of all, wore a New York fucking Yankees hat to the Indians playoff opener and flaunted it on national television. As an ambassador to the city of Cleveland he has failed. He has taken a shining moment from the Indians. No one here is talking about how great Kenny Lofton played, or about what a beating the Tribe gave the Yanks. He has turned a wonderful moment sour.

At least he's not on trial for peeing on a 15 year old, murdering an ex-lover, running down someone with his car, or raping a white girl. But for most Clevelander's, that are desperate for hope and a team to get behind, he has committed treason, and that might even be worse.

Maybe next time the Cavs are in the playoffs we'll see Travis Hafner sporting a pistons cap!

Thom Yorke // Eraser

FYI: At the request of Altvater, I've posted Thom Yorke's solo album.

Radiohead // In Rainbows

Radiohead has announced that their new album will become available on October, 10. It is to be available in two formats. One is a "disc box" which contains 2 enhanced CDs, 2 vinyl records, and a digital download for 40 pounds. The other option is the digital download portion only. The price to download is up to you. It remains to be seen what that actually means but it looks like it will be free or very very inexpensive to download and then you will be asked to donate. They have also chosen to record and distribute the album without the use of a record company. Distribution details aside, I'm very exited to hear this album and hope that the delivery doesn't overpower the music.

link

Friday Music, Volume IIX

Animal Collective // Strawberry Jam
Yes that's right Strawberry-mother-fucking-Jam. When I learned the name of one of my favorite band's newest album I peed myself a little. As most of you know (some of you lived there) the house I lived in in college was lovingly refered to as Strawberry Jam, or for short, simply, The Jam. Anyway, this is Animal Collective's most accessible release, and in my opinion, is a pop masterpiece. It is at once ambitious, sprawling, creepy, happy, catchy, challenging, calming, and disturbing which all adds up to a distinct animal collective sound. When an album feels important on it's first listen, when it feels like the future just got a little closer and a little further away at the same time, when you listen and it changes your perception of other works, that's when I really fall in love with art. This album does that. Battles' Mirrored did that most recently, so did TV on the Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain. With all that being said I fully expect most of you to hate this album. McCord describes it as "that creepy hippy clown music." Whatever. Mike, this is the album I was telling you about at the Tribe game the other night.

stand out tracks:
peacebone
fireworks
winter wonderland

Is this dude for real?

either way... awesome.

In case you missed it ...

Upcoming Shows at the Grog Shop

For all you Clevelanders, I found a few good shows coming up at the Grog Shop:

2007 - 09/19 - Aesop Rock Feat. Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz / The Octopus Project / Blockhead w/ DJ Signify - 9pm $15

2007 - 09/24 - Iron & Wine - The Grog Shop Presenst At The Beachland Ballroom - Iron & Wine / Arthur & Yu / Sin Ropas - 7:30pm $20 - TIX ON SALE SAT. 9/8 10AM

2007 - 09/28 - Minus The Bear / Ela - 6pm $16 TIX ON SALE 8/4 @10AM

2007 - 09/30 - Two Gallants / Blitzen Trapper / Songs For Moms - 9pm $8 adv / $10 dos

Friday Music, Volume VIII

David Byrne & Brian Eno // My Life in the Bush of Ghosts.
This album is truly a classic and a pioneer. Recorded in 1981 but feels like it could've been recorded last week. It has influenced and inspired countless musicians.

America is Waiting
Mea Culpa
Help Me Somebody

Totally Rad Show

Ben, this one's for you buddy. Have you ever seen the Totally Rad Show? It's a video podcast from Revision 3. It's basically 3 dudes our age sitting around talking about movies, videgames, TV shows, comicbooks, etc. It's pretty entertaining. Anyway, the one dude on it reminds me SOOOO much of you that it actually creeps me out at times. You should check it out, at the very least, to see your doppleganger.

Friday Music, Volume VII

Seven weeks of new music and going strong. This week's edition comes from Mavis Staples. She is, to put it simply, a national treasure. Enjoy.

Down In Mississippi
99 and 1/2
Turn Me Around

Ronald Jenkees

Friday Music, Volume VI

Aesop Rock // None Shall Pass
Do I really need to introduce Aes Rizzle? Must not sleep. Must warn others.

3 Tracks:
None Shall Pass
Citronella
Five Fingers

Okkervil River // The Stage Names
There seems to be a small trend of incorporating the earliest essence of rock 'n roll in some of this summers releases. Okkervil River has channeled some of that 1950's magic into their newest album The Stage Names. If you like a little bit of storytelling in your songs then you'll definitely want to check this out.

3 Tracks:
Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe
A Hand To Take Hold Of The Scene
Savannah Smiles

But Biting Bug

Friday Music (kinda), Volume V

Okay, a little break from all the albums. This Friday's edition is a radio show called Radio Lab from WNYC's NPR affiliate. Earlier in the blog I mentioned that you should listen to this show but now I'm providing the Radio Lab episode 'Morality' for your listening pleasure. Enjoy.

Friday Music, Volume IV

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Blitzen Trapper // Wild Mountain Nation

Maybe the only reason I like this album is because of it's haphazardly played guitars that remind me of Pavement's Stephen Malkmus. Blitzen Trapper goes places Pavement never went (and probably never would). At times it's even reminiscent of the Grateful Dead (eeek!). Spanning from americana to electronica along the way touching upon prog, alt, indie, southern and hard rock.

Standout tracks:
Wild Mountain Nation
Sci-Fi Kid
Country Caravan

_______________________________________
Justice // Cross

Listening to Justice gives me some of the same feelings I had when first listening to Daft Punk 10 years ago. That's probably because both groups make incredible dance albums that don't fit into the dance music mold.

Standout tracks:
Genesis
Let There Be Light
DVNO

chocolate rain

lovin your mama

Can't Touch This!

Friday Music, Volume III

Common // Finding Forever
Kanye West's (the fact that in my description I'm mentioning Kanye before Common speaks volumes for the album) production is top notch in fact sometimes it's a bit over the top and tends to leave Common in the shadows instead of letting him shine. On the other hand without West it's doubtful Common would be making albums. That being said Common's soft but stern flow is as good as ever. Let's hope the duo puts out a third album that's just as good as Forever and B.

Stand out tracks:
The People
Black Maybe
So Far To Go (It's a J Dilla beat not Kanye's)
__________________________________________
Gogol Bordello // Super Taranta!
Eastern Europe's answer to the Pogues. Need I say more?

Stand out tracks:
Ultimate
Supertheory of Supereverything
American Wedding

If You're Into It

Set them all on fire

Friday Afternoon Music

This Friday you can mope and rage at the same time with the infamous Nick Cave's new project Grinderman. It could probably be qualified as punk rock blues which creates a bit of a cacophonous expectation. And, well, yeah, it's loud and obnoxious. It's also really fucking good and funny too: "I changed the sheets on my bed, I combed the hairs upon my head, I sucked in my gut and still she said that she just didn't want to."

Standout Tracks:
No Pussy Blues
Honey Bee (Let's Fly To Mars)



Note: I'm no longer posting direct links to the files and urge you not to either. Just tell everyone that it's there and then they can go get it. That way we avoid having any casual observers finding and linking the hell out of our files thus costing me a fortune in transfer fees.

Bikini Girls with Machine Guns

Well not exactly bikini girls but this may be even better, robots with mother fucking machine guns.

really really really slow

Let them sing it for you

Just type in your favorite quote, or anything really, and hear a pop music montage sing it right back to you.

Archie, WTF?!?

Zach does Kanye

Kanye West's new video was directed by Zach Galifianakis. Check it out.

Friday Afternoon Music and Comedy

A few of my recent downloads have been keeping me sane at work today and are now available on the FTP site. Here's some info:

_____________________________________
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

So many bands put out a great first album and then slowly sputter out as the years pass. Spoon is not one of those bands. Each album has gotten progressively better. The latest, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, is also their best. Get ready to stomp your feet.

Stand out tracks:
You Got Yr Cherry Bomb
The Underdog
My Little Japanese Cigarette Case

_____________________________________
Patton Oswalt - Werewolves & Lollipops

Live comedy from Austin, Texas that will have you rolling. Oswalt on the President: "At this point Bush and Cheney have turned into the Dukes of Hazzard. Like every week the get themselves in these crazy prediciments. 'Ain't no way the Duke boys are gettin' outta that one!' And then they fucking jump the General Lee over the Bill of Rights! It's fucking insane!!"

Stand out tracks:
America Has Spoken
The Dukes of Hazzard
Cirque Du Soleil

_____________________________________
Interpol - Our Love to Admire

By now you probably already know if you like or dislike Interpol. This record is there "fastest" overall to date, however there are more reflective moments as well. The beginning of the album really gets going and then slows down towards the end nicely.

Stand out tracks:
No I In Threesome
Mammoth
Rest My Chemistry

_____________________________________
Ulrich Schnauss - Goodbye
This album, or any Ulrich Schnauss album really, will make you want to buy a nicer pair of headphones. Stunningly beautiful electronic soundscapes that are never boring.

Stand out tracks:
Goodbye
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

_____________________________________
Another thing to check out that's been keeping me sane at work is Radio Lab. Radio Lab is show broadcast by New York City Public Radio (WNYC). Go to iTunes and subscribe to the podcast or go to their website and download an episode (or all of them). You will not be disappointed. Guaranteed. Every time I listen I learn something, I'm entertained, and I'm sad when it ends.

Calling things "the new black" is the new black

Seriously folks, we're all on the same page here. Everybody reading this blog knows that Paul Reubens and Al Gore planned the whole thing by a camp fire roasting marshmallows while discussing the didactics of Kafka's "The Metamorphasis" and when the shit finally crumbles they'll have to gumby up and call the whole thing peanut brittle fiddle faddle.

Flight of the Conchords

If you're not already watching this show, you'd better start. It's on HBO, which means you cheap ass mofo's won't be able to watch it, but you can check some stuff out on youtube, myspace, and hbo dot com. Anyway, below is a little clip from the pilot episode. It's flippin hilarious. It's on after Entourage.

"...You're so beautiful... you could be a part-time model... but you'd probably still have to keep your normal job..."

Other Music

Other Music is a fantastic and famous music shop in NYC. They have within the past few months launched a digital music store. It's a great DRM-free alternative to iTunes. You can explore much easier without having ads for top 40 bull shit and the descriptions are very helpful as well. Plus you're helping independent labels, musicians and stores by buying.

Live Earth

I'm sure some or all of you have heard about Live Earth - concerts for a climate change. I think after seeing An Inconvenient Truth, and getting inspired, I went to Al Gore dot com to see what else he had to say. Anyway, he is heavily involved in Live Earth, and has been publicizing it as much as he possibly can. Wanting to do my part, I encourage you to at least check out this website, to see what we all can do to help this problem. Go ahead an call me a hippie, Tingquist, I don't mind. So, check the site out, do what you can, and support Live Earth, and everything else that is green.

Okay, I'll step off my soapbox now...

Tim Fite // Over The Counter Culture

Tim Fite critiques Hip-Hop better than most. His new album is totally free on his website. Check it out.