^^ZenLunatic^^

New Phaseone July 12

2010-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Adult Swim will be releasing 8 tracks over the course of 8 weeks from artists that includes Madvillain, Washed out featuring Chairlift's Caroline Polacheck, Black Lips, and Freddie Gibbs track produced by Phaseone (among other artists).

Phaseone released an awesome mix tape, White Collar Crime, last year that was one of my favorite albums of '09. Not to mention his remix for Kollosus' "Breakin' Bread" for Adult Swim's ATL RMX mix tape. Stoked for the next 8 weeks of singles and the best for last Phaseone track.

Adult Swim Singles Program:

05-17 Superwolf (Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney)
05-24 Madvillain
05-31 Killer Mike
06-07 Washed Out [ft. Chairlift's Caroline Polachek]
06-14 High on Fire
06-21 Black Lips
06-28 LCD Soundsystem: "Drunk Girls" (Holy Ghost! remix) (video)
07-05 Cults (new song and video)
07-12 Freddie Gibbs (produced by Phaseone)

Kollosus:: Breakin' Bread (phaseone remix)

Radiohead:: Videotape (phaseone and frank heat remix)

Wierd Wives is 3/4 Surfer Blood

2010-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Weird Wives is composed of Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete, bassist Brian Black, and drummer/percussionist Marcos Marchesani and non Surfer Blood member vocalist Nick Klein. Check out a YouTube video of the group entitled "New Song" and song "Fudge" below. Both tracks are barbarian heavy trash-punk that strays from Surfer Blood's lo-fi/melodic balancing Astro Coast. Head here and here to pick up two Weird Wives EPs. A third will emerge soon on a 7 inch.

Weird Wives:: Fudge

The Story I Heard: Gorillaz/Plastic Beach

2010-05-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have listened to Gorillaz Plastic Beach a lot since I bought it in March. Although Plastic Beach couldn't trump my love for Demon Days, it still tells a cohesive and imaginative narrative. The story extracted from Damon Albarn and co's newest album depends on the listener, but, there is no denying the presence of a story there.

As a person who is passionate about the creative process, I always try to figure out the motivation of my favorite artists. What gets Albarn from no sound at all to the wide range of aural style he is able to create here? I figure some musicians start with a rhythm or a chord progression and build outwards incorporating different instruments that compliment their original sonic idea. Another method could be starting with a narrative that inspires the music's direction.

Albarn might use both methods to write his music, but, Plastic Beach is definitely constructed on the foundation of a linear story. His story is made of moods, characters, and themes to which Albarn expresses through music. As a result, I have chosen to review this album by telling the Story I Heard while listening to Plastic Beach.
=====

Part 1 of 16

Introduction: "Orchestral Intro" (Featuring sinfonia VIVA)

Gorillaz:: Orchestral Intro (Featuring sinfonia VIVA)

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what you could have done differently so as not to stand in your current situation then you understand my predicament precisely. To make a long story short, there is a painting. A painting that looked like it was worth no more than an eye sore or cluttered garage so I threw it away. It bore no absolute significance until one night, as I watched the news, a few aching words chased one another across the bottom of my television screen: “Money Hidden Inside Lost Painting.” In some cruel twist of fate, the painting lost was the painting tossed. Not seconds after those words ran, a treasure hunt was set ablaze all throughout the immediate region of Normalcy. Every man, woman, and child took to every garbage heap, every pawn shop, every museum, even their neighbors’ homes in search of the money within this painting; art that I was the last to see and that is well on its way to Plastic Beach.  

Plastic Beach, much like the money inside the painting, is rumored to hold all of Normalcy’s garbage. It is where all of the things that complicate our lives are sent to be forgotten and never seen again. So it is said, but never actually seen. There is no commercial water travel to Plastic Beach because most corporations and governments deny it exists. Although this place is refused, with some investigation I found that imagination and sense of adventure are still alive in some. With a flimsy lead, I stand amongst many at the busy Normalcy harbor as the cacophony of the seaport orchestrates into a symphony that should score the most romantic departure. There is no certainty, no true liaison, no set path; the only way to Plastic Beach is with the aid from a group of radicals that call themselves the Gorillaz.

Dead Weather Perform Sea of Cowards LIVE on MySpace

2010-04-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dead Weather will perform their 2nd album, Sea of Cowards, LIVE on MySpace Music and band's MySpace page from the Live Room at Thrid Man Records in Nashville, TN on 5/3 at 3 PM PST/6 PM EST. On 5/2 MySpace will stream Sea of Cowards for 24 hours leading up to the live performance.

Also, embedded Ustream players at both Third Man Record and Dead Weather websites will show the new album playing on vinyl via live camera and audio stream on Friday April 30 at 10 AM PST/1 PM EST from both Nashville and Los Angeles with surprise guest DJs.

Did you get all of that?

MGMT to play Letterman Webcast

2010-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

MGMT will perform a live on Letterman webcast show from the Ed Sullivan Theater Tuesday May 11th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. This follows their Saturday performance on SNL in which they played "Flash Delirium" and "Brian Eno" from their most recent effort Congratulations. This performance should not be confused with their actual performance on the Late Night Show. It will be a web cast show at CBS.com that follows their televised performance. The webcast will be a full set that spans both Oracular Spectacular and Congratulations.

related:

Pitchfork sat down with the core duo of MGMT to discuss their new road-less-taken album.

SNL (the rhythm guitarist should be on the actual show with those facial expressions):

"Flash Delirium"

"Brian Eno"

beach house/"zebra" (uk radio edit)

2010-04-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

While, I haven't been able to pick up the new Beach House album, Teen Dream, I have been able to listen to a few new tracks via live performances for Daytrotter and Pitchfork TV. The current release, via Sub Pop for the "Zebra" UK Radio Edit, just gives me an excuse to discuss one of my favorite songs of twenty-ten.

Beach House is primarily a two piece made of Victoria Legrand (vocals and keys) and Alex Scally (guitar); and as in any two piece it is important for each member to play to their strengths. "Zebra" showcases Beach House's understanding of this notion with the song's beautifully executed vocals and resonating guitar.

Where some songs are outright upbeat or others are straight-up-downers, "Zebra" resides in the gray area. Legrand sings an ode to the zebra with rhythmic elongation at the end of each line as if her words become a mist. You would have to talk to her to really know if the zebra stands for something more or represents a real person. However, I opt out of such analysis and merely decide to make one assumption: her song is not about the physical animal, but, the majestic spirit of the animal's deception.

Deception is usually represented as maniacal and immoral. However, Legrand chooses to marvel at its beauty. The the Zebra's deception is ornate within the meshed black and white stripes, further incorporate in the desert environment. "Zebra" poses a moral graying that makes you wonder if most things we consider bad can actually be valued. Her voice and words are musically complimented with Scally's guitar that lingers with downtrodden optimism and elevates to a triumphant tone. "Zebra" exemplifies Beach House's power of deception through their ability to mesh tone .

"Zebra" (UK Radio Edit) was taken from Beach Houses' limited Record Store Zebra EP.

Beach House:: Zebra (uk radio edit)

jj/ "CEO Birthday"

2010-04-22T23:26:00.001-07:00

jj, as heard on jj n° 2, exudes swagger while also sounding sentimental. They repackage the aggresive nature of the Hip Hop that they sample into a feminine voice. "CEO Birthday" is no exception carrying lyrical delivery similar to Kobe's cross over with grand piano and string instrumentation that emotionally transcends the track. While jj's stand out tracks, last summer's "Ecstacy" and the most recent "My Own," exude more synthetic energy with beat heavy production, "CEO Birthday" shows that jj can still channel the same style and poignancy with less.

you say you want passion
boy I know you found it
get ready for action
don't be astounded

jj:: ceo birthday

[via gvsb]

Future Islands/"Tin Man"

2010-04-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

"Tin Man" is aptly named for it's center piece, the Steel Drum, and the metallic sound it creates. This sound is then layered with lead singer Samuel T. Hering's words or reconciliation and self discovery that he is the Tin Man (a man with no heart). "Tin Man" is clever in lyric and execution, however, it is not what is said that stands out, but, how these words are sung. Hering explodes out of your headphone speakers with guttural emotion and possessed character. While, Future Islands can find many companions within the verging artists found on most music blogs, it is Hering that distinguishes the band as something to be taken seriously.

"Tin Man" can be found on Future Island's Thrill Jockey debut, In Evening Air, out May 4th.

Future Islands:: Tin Man

[via pitchfork]

Surfer Blood/ Astro Coast

2010-03-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

I still buy music. I might not buy a lot of music, but, it's mostly because I can't afford to. So I take a few things into account when I let myself loose in a record store:

One, the packaging. Buying music isn't often about the actual sound as much as it is about what the album art looks like. If the album art is shit, drab, inconsequential, then you might as well download the album because you're not missing the tangible artwork. So as I browse, a checker boarded Jaws-like shark ferociously emerging from the water lures me over. It's Surfer Blood's Astro Coast.

Two, recommendation. Was the album heralded by countless blogs and the most stringent of critics? Well, Astro Coast did get a 8.2 by Pitchfork and is in the Amoeba "We Recommend" section. I now stand face to face with an impending purchase.

Three, to support the artist. I could just go home and download this for free. But what about the cover. Cover? Who cares about that shit...free is free, effortless, no decision, no consequence, freeeeeeee.

As I hold a Burbank Label copy of Van Morrison's Hard Nose the Highway and have this weirdly overzealous conversation with my purchasing conscience, I pick up Astro Coast; and not pick up like actually buy it, but just pick it up, hold it in my hands, look at it, feel its weight, debate the risk vs. reward... This is $15 I'm never going to get back. Will Astro Coast give back?

This might seem melodramatic, if it wasn't a serious consideration. Lets face it, buying things these days is hard. I only buy yellow tagged items when I go grocery shopping . Oh I can save 60 cents on a bottle of salad dressing. DONE! So when I barely can squeeze out 2 bucks for Hidden Valley over the store brand (forget Newman's Own), $15 for a piece of art seems like a guilt in-fueling luxury. I place the album back on the rack.

But, look at this art work...I haven't seen cover art like this in a while, Amoeba recommends it, even Pitchfork didn't banish it, not to mention I would be totally hypocritical if I didn't buy it seeing as the only reason I am buying Hard Nose the Highway is because its front cover is of an astonished, salvation seeking Japanese shepherd looking towards the celestial night with cows made of stars behind him and on the reverse cover a portrait of Van Morrison poised in thought with an astronaut-point-of-view-sized moon serving as a backdrop. And of course what about the artists man, think about the artists (in a blown away, last breath before entering total enlightenment)...the artistsssss.

So I buy it. That wasn't so hard. Hard Nose the Highway and Astro Coast...that'll be $30 dollars. $30 dollars! Easy enough. Do I need a bag? I don't need no stinking bag. But for $30 dollars I'll take two. One for each purchase.

I get into the car, open it up, and am further impressed by the packaging. When you lift up the disc its reveals the jewel case background of an elderly couple sitting beneath an umbrella on the beach looking out on crashing waves. This coupled with the front cover of a ferocious shark gets my analytical juices flowing. What lives beneath the ocean surface? Of course lots of marine life...but, most pertaining to the Surfer Blood's name and cover art...the shark. The two packaging elements of the cover art and jewel case background contrasts. One's violent the other calm. Are the artists themselves eluding that their music like the effects of their packaging exudes a sound that feels like there is some danger, something darker beneath the surface. Will there be a contrast of sounds that are eloquently balanced to create the optimum music experience? Was this worth the 15 bucks?

No such luck. Surfer Blood's Astro Coast is not a shabby record, however, as an album it lacks a certain depth. Astro Coast has some juggernauts but not 10 of them nor $15 worth. "Swim" was the first single to hit the web and is a huge echoing anthem. It plays with catchy guitar riffs straight from '94, an island shuffle, and vocal production that is more Detroit Rock City than Vampire Weekend. I can see the mic getting turned on the crowd for the chanting "swim to reach the end." "Slow Jabroni" or "#8" (as I like to call it..."put on number eight!") epitomizes my original expectations and hence I consider it the lynchpin of the album. #8 is lazy and hazy with sweet falsetto vocals, layered over a drudge guitar, and loose string bass. It channels the feeling of insomnia or the worst rainy day hangover. But this is merely the beginning because upon the lyrical ultimatum "take some time to figure out, cause if you don't you're gonna do with out" a more pleasant tone is brought to surface. The Ibuprofen kicks in, the rain stops, the clouds lift, the road shines, you car is clean, and lead singer, John Paul Pitts, sings so lightly something so heavy in meaning, "there are no praises that are left to sing. There's just a wilderness of shame. If I knew you'd push away so savagely, then I'd back off. So take it easy on me, take it easy on me, take it easy on me." A true contrast of tone that eludes to something existing beneath the surface. Likened to all the things unsaid, the underlying agenda or feelings that embody the disenchantment that comes at the end of a relationship; #8 is the aural execution of this subtext.

Overall, Surfer Blood is awesome. They put forth a strong record full of moments. Perhaps it's my current financial rigidity that puts so much pressure on an album or just that everyone these days can only afford life changing experiences. And for that I tell myself, "hey buddy, cut these Surfer Blood dudes some slack." I do. I have. I've worn out Astro Coast on the most recent El Nino-Los Angeles, murky and overcast days...simply to drive to, not to change lives. However, just know you can skip the two bag trip, and buy numbers two and eight.

Surfer Blood:: Swim (to reach the end)

Surfer Blood:: Floating Vibes

Cibelle/"Lightworks" Video

2010-02-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

So, I must be getting jaded by the blogosphere because there is less and less stuff that wow's me to the point where I need to hop on and spread the word to the 10 people that actually read this thing. But this can also serve as a note to self: "Cibelle and her "Lightworks" is so stimulating and vibrantly eccentric that she is an artist to watch out for."

I haven't heard of Cibelle prior to watching the video (for her cover of Raymond Scott's "Lightworks"/Dilla Donuts track/currently revisited by DOOM on his '09 release Born Like This), so I did some research. Cibelle has emerged from Sao Paulo, Brazil, with music that has been deemed unclassifiable, but, best as "tropical punk." She has a multitude of EP's and two full length albums The Shine of Dead Electric Leaves (2006) and Cibelle (2003). Her method has been described as "imagining a world, and then going to fulfill this world with the appropriate sounds and textures."

Her next album, Las Venus Resort Hotel, drops this Spring via Crammed Discs. Based on pictures and minimal exposure, I can best describe her (with no intention to type cast) as an M.I.A. fashioned Bebel Gilberto with a more "punk" than hip hop attitude. Although she has been performing since the age of six and her first LP was in '06, she seems fit to break in 2010.

Video here or below.

Free Energy/ "Hope Child" at Brooklyn Bowl

2010-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ray Concepcion beautifully captures Free Energy's "Hope Child" for Pitchfork's "Tunnelvision." Free Energy is derivative music that stylistically could fit any Almost Famous classic rock mold. On record they sound like a more populist version of the Hold Steady-like bar band which is no reason to head over to their myspace, however, the video below is worth the 5 minutes.

Gil Scott-Heron/ "Me and the Devil" Video

2010-01-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

First thing, in I'd say about a month (check my last post date), that sparked a "I need to share"/"I need to discuss" fire in my brain.

Directors, Coodie & Chike and Michael Sterling Eaton, portray skate culture as a mysteriously deviant voodoo gang. The video captures the sweeping movement of skating within the haunting city night. Like most videos out there, "Me and the Devil" isn't exceptional or "post-worthy" because they well...are in congruent to the song or are just flat out flat. However, for me Gil Scott-Heron's voice and consequential musical track brings about powerful images of a man that has once lived, died, and now speaks to us from the beyond. (Not to say he is Jesus or anything, but, he sings like a man on the brink.) The song over shadows, but, the video compliments nicely.

"Brother Sport" Video

2010-01-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Animal Collective continually prove they are a factory of ideas. Vision and execution pervail in this childish psyche explosion of color. Feels like a coloring book laid over/then integrated with real life images.

Is it summer yet?

2010-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

"Big Wave Rider" by Rainbow Bridge.

Pigeons/"Tendress"

2010-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

Pigeons' "Tendress" is the sound of dark seduction. The echoing psyche guitar or high pitched whine of female vocals where female control projects images of sorcery and black magic. A woman winging within the hallows a dark basement huddles over your voodoo. Where will the needles land? "Tendress" can be found on the Lunettes 7" on Soft Abuse.

Pigeons:: Tendress

Mos Def/"24 Hour Karate School"

2009-12-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Kanye posted new "24 Hour Karate School" from Mos Def. Track was produced by Jay Z beatmaker Ski Beatz. Track showcases all the low key too high to pronunciate flow that we all have come to dig.

Beck's Record Club/Skip Spence's Oar

2009-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Beck's Record Club is currently covering Alexander "Skip" Spence's Oar. Jamie Lidell sings vocals on "War in Peace" which features some great guitar solos by Wilco guitarist Nels Cline. "Weighted Down" features Feist on lead vocals and has a deeper impact than "War in Peace." Regardless, both tracks are amazing and caused me to immediately add Skip Spence's Oar to my Amazon Wish List. I suppose that's the point of all of this.

Taken by Trees/"Annanass"

2009-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Its not news that I loved Taken by Trees' East of Eden, but, with the exception of gvsb's total support, I'm surprised the blogosphere or indie scene isn't adopting this project. That's why I'm stating Taken by Trees will be a group that emerges in 2010. "Annanass" is part of a new single in which "Anna" (from East of Eden) is given a facelift. "Annanass" is accompanied by the album version and "Annacapalla" (ft. Panda Bear). If anyone can create a remix that gets everyone talking its Panda Bear. TBT in 2010.

Winter Mix-In a Recession

2009-12-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

*disclaimer: The songs in this mix are songs that I enjoy and figure people should hear. If you own the copyright and want them taken down, please contact and I will do so.

The Holidays are an emotional running in from the cold. A time to warm near a fire place, eat until stuffed, and pass along some long overdue love in form of material gestures. Today, in 2009, it is a greater struggle to the confront the chill that Winter poses. The contrast between gloom and cheer is never more apparent than in the month of December.

In a Recession, isn't depressing or pessimistic; however, it starts with the understanding that it is cold outside, it is poor outside, it is hard to live during the Winter. As the mix plays, it, like us, seeks refuge in warm tone and Holiday flavor. Due to time constraints, it isn't a fine tuned mix; but, In a Recession is a rough sketch of how this time of the year feels to me.

May we never be too proud to come in from the cold and accept a warm meal. Once inside, may we never forget what it was like to freeze, nor, hide from what it means to live.

[DOWNLOAD]

winter mix- in a recession (68mb)

winter mix 09- in a recession

Best of '09: Animal Collective/Merriweather Post Pavilion

2009-12-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

Tons has been said about Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion, so its hard for me to say something that hasn't been already. I suppose, when you set aside the record itself, this album is far larger than the sound Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), and Geologist (Brian Weitz) created. This album marks the emergence of a creative powerhouse. From the cover/packaging to the actual music itself, nothing is bland and nothing is expected. Most writers always solute the blank page. The idea that the power within any creater is the ability to make something out of nothing. When listening to music (especially the basic variety) you can usually come to the conclusion of how one achieved the sound. Try doing that with any song on Merriweather Post Pavilion. I can remember upon first listen wondering how the fuck a band could conceptualize such an intricate sound. Animal Collective, like everyone else, started with a blank page and through whatever process made intricate electronic music palatable to the masses.

"My Girls" descends from the universal unknow to a shimmering array of vocal harmony and wet percussion that expresses an apologetic need for simplicity, "there isn't much that I feel I need/a solid soul and the blood I bleed/But with a little girl, and by my spouse/I only want a proper house." SImplicity in ethos, but, never in its musical expression, MPP contains songs that need multiple lessons. I remember giving my brother, college age, the CD already knowing that this disc best plays to the ears of those that aren't still hearing "Poker Face" on a weekly basis (my brother doesn't subriscribe to the GaGa but its party music and hears it nonetheless) I thumbnailed a few tracks for him, noting my infatuation with "Brother Sport" and that it is a "song that grows on you." A month later when we met up at Coachella, I asked him what he thought of MPP. He liked it...nothing special,but, he liked it. Perhaps he didn't get it. I asked about "Brother Sport." He claimed it was the song he liked the least. This couldn't be true. "Brother Sport," in a panicked spurt of description, is fire, it is revolutionary, it is my favorite. He needed another listen. I countered with simply playing it on the way to the festival. I can't remember his exact words, but, I do remember him realizing what made the song so special. Its magic lying within the prolonged build up of electronic twinkle to then drop off into resonate vocals and light tribal percussion. This traditional song structure plays like that of a great realization and is the most potent way to arouse emotion. Perhaps my brother didn't understand it to this degree, but, he absolutely felt the wonder.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is full of these moments. So it is no surprise, that Animal Collective orchestrated an album that was talked about, mulled over, understood, and misunderstood. Amidst the pumping bass, Beach-Boy-like vocal harmony, and electronic sampling, Animal Collective calmly says, "all you need is your mind and a few simple tools to be something special."

To the blank page.

Animal Collective:: Brother Sport

Animal Collective:: My Girls

WU LYF/"Heavy Pop"

2009-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

The mysterious group/artist WU LYF is something to get excited about. I have never heard anything like it and wouldn't know what genre to compare it to. "Heavy Pop" is a piece of work that shows the potential of music as a way to paint an environment. Listen to it and decide where you think the singer is. Is he on an island, at the beach, in a studio, in a club... Where you are coming from is equally, if not more, important than what you have to say.

I saw him singing in a prison-like 4x4 cement room. Crying out madly for attention and despite his isolation. While, there is a bed of instrumentation, the singer feels utterly alone and a times you often loose sound of the guitar and drums. What has been called "Heavy Pop" is cathartic, love-deprived, tortured, and a well executed musical emotion.

WU LYF:: Heavy Pop

Alex Bleeker and the Freaks/"Oh Boy" (girls cover) ft. Molly Sarle

2009-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Alex Bleeker and the Freaks along with Molly Sarle of Mountain Man covered an unreleased Girls' song "Oh Boy." As posted by Chocolate Bobka, Bleeker and Sarle give a truly emotional and heartfelt rendition of the song. The song is mournful while trying to be hopeful. You could hear a pin drop at this live show hinting that this is undeniably a gripping piece of music.

Alex Bleeker and the Freaks:: Oh Boy (girls cover ft. Molly Sarle)

J. Tillman/Townes Van Zandt Cover

2009-12-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

The fine tastemakers over at Aquarium Drunkard first introduced me to J. Tillman with a a post of a live performance in Sacramento. J. Tillman channels southern rock that leans more towards country, but, bares more soul than your popular country station. Great earthy rock music that makes you want to sell everything you got, hit the road, and live free. Check out the Drunkard's newest Tillman post here.

Mos Def/"Supermagic"

2009-12-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

"Supermagic" is one of the best lead-off tracks for an album I have heard in sometime. Unfortunately, it sets a tone for Mos Def's 2009 Ecstatic that is never maintained and you crave the duration of the record. Perhaps that is the magic of the track. Whether it is for his own album (Ehtiopium/sampling Ehtiopian music) or for Mos (sampling Turkish psych Sleda), Oh No takes ethnic/world music and produces another monster in "Supermagic." Ecstatic was good, not stellar or mind blowing, but good. "Supermagic" is mind blowing.

Million Young/"Hammock"

2009-12-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

Florida's Million Young sounds like everything you associate with the south eastern state. Upbeat, sunny, but always sort of tacky like when you spill soda on the ground and its not properly wiped up. Million Young's "Hammock" is just that, with bright acoustic guitar and a club baseline. Its both Miami and the Keys, but, never Orlando (the Anaheim of the east).

Million Young:: Hammock

Toto y Moi on Public Access

2009-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Toro y Moi playing on Public Access is total blog material and as a result I'm probably too late with my post (the original having occurred on gvsb last week). My previous one liner, already having wasted your time, I figured I'd waste my time (and yours) by posting it. That would be the case if this wasn't so freaking awesome.

The video is intrinsically facinating, however, I will just note two beautiful elements. First, the performance is an artist, his guitar, and his voice, broadcasted (via what is now considered underground or unsalvageable means) into your living room. It's rare that we see such intimate performance these days. Second, I don't know what you call the person in charge of all the transitions and superimposisions etc. however he/she is genius. They make beautiful use of video technology (the Switcher) in a forum that is considered outdated, irrelevant, and in my opinion underused. Great colors, great movement, great piece.

No Age on Pitchfork's Surveillance

2009-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

No Age play "You're a Target" on Pitchfork's newest edition of "Surveillance."

Futurebirds/EP

2009-12-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

Aquarium Drunkard pans the spotlight to the Futurebirds EP. It being the Holiday season, the two selected Futurebirds tracks are fit to warm the frigid with exceptional harmonies and soul. Put this on while your huddled next to your space heater.

Moon Duo/"Stumbling 22nd St."

2009-12-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Moon Duo is Erik Johnson of Wooden Shjips and Sanae Yamada. The two show what is in store with the first single, Stumbling 22nd St," from their upcoming 2010 release b/w Woodsist. Moon Duo is lo-fi spook, perfect for any Halloween mix, with "Stumbling 22nd St." playing like a soundtrack for a horror film set in 19th Century London (cobblestone streets and all). The victim, drugged and vulnerable, tries to get to safety while his Jack the Ripper-type killer stalks calm and patient. A fly trying to shake free of the web.

Moon Duo:: Stumbling 22nd St.

Po Po/"Knife Iz Yung"

2009-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

We could all point and laugh like kids on the playground at Po Po's (Poh Poh or Pu Pu) name, but, from the sounds of it they would in turn probably just kick your ass with their Bollywood lo-fi garage rock. Chant worthy and fist pumping, "Knife Iz Yung" is a great live interlude track with amazing recorded distortion. Their 2010 debut is out via Mad Decent and is due for some production love from Diplo and Ariel Rechtshaid. Who's laughing now. Po Po!

Po Po:: Knife Iz Yung

Lunatic Mix 5: Light Years

2009-12-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

*disclaimer: The songs in this mix are songs that I enjoy and figure people should hear. If you own the copyright and want them taken down, please contact and I will do so.

Here's the 5th Lunatic Mix : Light Years. 5th?? Where are the other 4? It just so happens, I've been making mixes long before I started blogging...so the other 4 are on their way...in time.

Light Years is a mix that I created to put the world on hold, even if just for an hour...or six. I've always been envious of an astronauts perspective. How insignificant all must feel when finally back on Earth. These are songs that, if for a moment, help me get the right perspective.

Take a trip to my outer space:

Quicksilver Messenger Service:: Happy Trails

Quiet Village:: Gold Rush

Dan Deacon:: Snookered

Animal Collective:: Brother Sport

Ganglians:: Valient Brave

Binki Shapiro & Friends:: Green Bean

Real Estate:: Beach Comber

Atlas Sound:: Walkabout (ft. Noah Lennox)

Beck:: Runners Dial Zero

Squeak E Clean:: Martian Sunrise

Toro y Moi:: Blessa/ Radiohead:: Videotape (phaseone remix)/ Santogold:: Lights Out (panda bear remix)/ N.A.S.A. live dj set

Harlem/"Friendly Ghost"

2009-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

"Friendly Ghost" is a new song off of Harlem's Matador debut, Hippies, due out April 6, 2010.

Harlem:: Friendly Ghost

[via gvsb]

Pantha Du Prince/"The Splendour"

2009-12-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Pantha Du Prince...never heard of the guy...has an upcoming album Black Noise (from Rough Trade). "The Splendour" is one of the many blissed-out tracks that a Rough Trade record is always good for. The Panda Bear song is apparently another reason to pick up the album. If you can't wait for the actual LP, The Splendour "12 single is available now and includes two non-album b-sides.

Pantha Du Prince:: The Splendour

[via gvsb]

Gucci Mane/"Dangers Not a Stranger"

2009-12-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Mad Decent is putting out a FREE GUCCI mixtape soon. On the tape, Diplo remixes Gucci Mane's "Dangers Not a Stranger" using a 1991 Mariah Carey Sample.

Gucci Mane:: Dangers Not a Stranger (diplo remix)

[via gvsb]

Fever Ray/ "Now's the Only Time I Know" (j-wow remix)

2009-12-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Fever Ray's S/T is one of my favorite albums of 2009 and electronic artist Karin Dreijer Andersson's (of The Knife and Honey is Cool) debut. The album plays a lot like the phenomenon of an eclipse. The bleak instrumentals mask, but don't impede, Andersson powerful drone; and in turn her vocals coddle/surround the rich blacks creating a subtle contrast of tone. While the album concocts some of the most intricate music-inspired-moods, it does not position itself for more of a popular listen in electronica or any genre. It is niched.

That was until J-Wow (of Buraka Som Sistema) turned "Now's the Only Time I Know" into a rave-party-banger, making Andersson's vocals less meditative and more dance inspiring. J-Wow doesn't remove the introverted soul from the track entirely, but rather, just makes it get out on the dance floor. One of the best remixes this year!

Pitchfork gave a shout out for this track to appear on Diplo's next mixtape. I wouldn't mind hearing that...

Stream> Fever Ray:: "Now's the Only Time I Know" (j-wow remix)

Vivian Girls/"He's Gone" (chantels cover)

2009-12-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Vivian Girls cover of the Chantels' "He's Gone" is stripped of most instrumentation and of course showcases the band's exceptional vocal harmony. The Vivian Girls are constantly on the road and now its in support of their album, Everything Goes Wrong, released this past Fall (9/8).

[via gvsb]

Neon Indian/Daytrotter Sessions

2009-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Neon Indian:

...then hear Neon Indian's session at Daytrotter.

James Franco: Performance Art

2009-12-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

James Franco, of Freaks and Geeks, Spider Man franchise and Milk, is going to be on 23 episodes of General Hospital...ask me if I care. Enough to post about it? Initially no, but as originally reported Franco, is doing this as performance art. Say what???

"...Most performance pieces before the 1970s were not well recorded. All that remains of some works are scraps of various media. This wasn't simply a result of oversight. Chris Burden never intended his early pieces to be filmed because he was concerned that the films would be seen as the work rather than as a record of the work. He was more interested in completing the act than getting the greatest number of people to see it. He worried that people would regard the film as the full experience when anyone who has watched a stage play on film knows, it is never the same as seeing it live...."

If at all interested, please read his entire op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal where he does not defend his decision but rather intelligently discusses the history of performance art in relation to his motives. I can respect that.

[via Hollywood Reporter]

Salvador Santana/"Keyboard City" (dan deacon remix) [ft. gza]

2009-12-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

The constant intermixing-world of remixes can produce some pretty strong material. Salvador Santana, Carlos Santana's son, first remixed "Keyboard City" where GZA does a verse on the track. Dan Deacon then took the remix of "Keyboard City" and remixed the remix. Deacon ups the keyboards and adds his signature distorted synth.

Salvador Santana:: Keyboard city (dan deacon remix) [ft. gza]

[via Pitchfork]

Sleigh Bells/"Infinity Guitars" on Tunnelvision

2009-12-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

I am really only posting this video because of where it took place and because I have posted Sleigh Bells before. The performance isn't amazing, however, it took place at rap mogul Damon Dash's basement venue, Under 100, in Manhattan. Dash, Mos Def, and Curren$y were on hand for Sleigh Bells, Javelin, and Knife Hyts performance on the venue's inaugural night. What is with the crowd and their lack of groove. No rocking out in sight!

[via Pitchfork]

better on track?...

Sleigh Bells:: A/B Machines

Sleigh Bells:: Crown on the Ground

Sleigh Bells:: Infinity Guitars

'09: Real Estate, S/T

2009-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Writing in the blogosphere can start to seem like a cut and paste affair: "I read this, I found this" Drag, Right Click, COPY, Right Click, PASTE, type three grabbing lines of information, and POST. But, that's not why I started my blog. I started the ZenLunatic to be about my taste. I want it to sound from me.

So, in an effort to make my 2009 taste-making more genuine, I have organized a format in which I will post my favorite albums of 2009. In the same vain as Aquarium Drunkards' Decade Piece, I will consistanty post my favorite albums in no particular order from now (end of November) to the end of the year. My goal is that these albums feel as happenstance of a discovery as they did when I first put the disc in my car CD player.

2009 served as a moment in my life where I was clearly starting to define my taste in music. I started ZenLunatic in March of this year , originally out of boredom and fear (to do something meant you weren't failing). So every morning, when I found myself out of work, in my sweat pants, and wired from too much coffee, I wrote about music. It started simply because. As I continued to explore and dig deeper, I found myself exposed to another universe of artists, genres, and creative possibilities. The world of music, as experienced via the web, is an energizing and hopeful place where artists communicate and survive all while remaining dreamers. I hold fast, that our likes and dislikes (opinions) are the guards to what food, what music, what art, what film, what people might come asking to take residency in the place that makes you, you. While exercising my ability to discover within the Clear Channel-less realm of music, I learned that finding what you like and don't like is the same as finding who you are. The following albums are the ZenLunatic.

=============================================================

I've said it this multiple times this year, but, I'll say it again: "Real Estate is my favorite band to emerge in '09." I consider myself a young buck to the music game and Real Estate makes a good companion. Themselves having only been active since 2006, their first volume of material didn't hit the web, vinyl, and disc until this year. From Jersey, the band creates a sound rooted in the Shore. Not the Shore that has been showcased on MTV's True Life (jager bombs), but, the Jersey Shore that strikes any westerner as a contradictory idea. Oceans get cold? Sand can be covered with snow? As contradictory as frigid beaches might sound, so does Real Estate's music.

The album maintaina a common thread of low key optimism that doesn't promise you anything but would never think of taking anything away either. "Beach Comber" is the corner stone of the record, a song about a Beach Comber (the dudes that scan the beach with a metal detector). Analogous to the beach comber is every young human finding their way through life and everyday altering what it is they ultimately value. What is it that we are looking for? Through the multitudes of sand, the excitement and anticipation of finding grand treasure, we realize we are happiest when just looking. Hence, the music follows the lyrical content in rejoicing in a beach sway like a breeze through Palm leaves. "Beach Comber" states the ethos of Real Estate.

Real Estate rests upon their laurels of melodic, low key, and lo-fi indie rock. Real Estate's music is carried primarily by the fresh sound that Martin Courtney has brought out of his guitar. Aquatic, much, like the reflection of a swimming pool, the guitar seems suspended, but always moving. Melodic and upbeat but never overtly optimistic, weather in lyric or instrumentation, Real Estate's s/t never cuts too deep, nor, steps on your toes with idealism. It simply creates a nostalgic backyard BBQ environment where the sun is out and the vibes are chill.

Real Estate:: Beach Comber

"fake blues"

Small Black/"Despicable Dogs" Video

2009-12-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

A surprisingly amazing video directed by Yoonha Park. The video for Small Black's "Despicable Dogs" is a character study of singer-keyboardist Josh Kolenick's surfer uncle. Kolenick's uncle exudes the machismo of Chuck Norris, however, Park does a stellar job of digging deeper to portray the man's soul separate from his ambition. Life is composed of doing. Whether it's working a 9-5, surfing, washing your car, watching a movie, going to the local liquor store...all things done make up the landscape of a today and eventually a lifetime. Do what it is you enjoy.

[via Pitchfork]

'09: the Black Lips, 200 Million Thousand

2009-11-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

=============================================================

Rambunctious.

Jumping on the bed. Cutting Class.

Fucking in the back of a car. Quitting your job.

Deviant.

You know an album and band for that matter is good when it/they make you feel proper and reserved. The Black Lips shook my universe with the release of 200 Million Thousand earlier this year. Spontaneously brash, irrational at times, but contradictory with clear musical decision making the Black Lips showed turthful this year. 200 Million Thousand likens to a more hip version of the Stones' "Exile on Main" and highlights one of 2009's biggest statements: Apathy is the new Fuck You.

The first track, "Take My Heart," showacases Cole Alexander's vocal style with his echoing howl of apathy. Energetic "woo" and guitar whale creates a flailing atmosphere of carelessness. The Black Lips channel spook and gloom in "Trapped In A Basement" with ailing vocals and a waltz that sounds confidently mad, lost inside a house with too many doors and not enough rooms. Ultimately, "The Drop I Hold" is Alexander's greatest lyrical accomplishment and the bands best mood on the album. The track is a Basketball Diary-esque love poem to a drug. The bass line drips in rhythme with Alexander's flow. The guitar's subtle twang adds to the eerie fatalist mood:

feel so lame/what a shame/smoke my brain/got no name/it's insane/what a game/pulled by the pain/will it wain?/nine times out of ten/ain't got no money/But the gods make it fuckin' rain

All of 200 Million Thousand is gripping and inspiring. It feels accessible and friendly even if it sounds conflicted. Its through the struggle that the Black Lips channel a rhythm, flow, and attitude that says "its OK not to give a shit."

Black Lips:: Take My Heart

Black Lips:: Drop I Hold

Map of Africa/"Bone"

2009-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

I first heard Map of Africa's "Bone" back in June on the Gorilla vs. Bear Summer '09 Mix. The track is old school rock 'n roll that spares no soul. It digs deep, cuts through the shit, and gets to the point. A homecoming of sorts with enflamed confidence and a secure standing in the world that only emerges from an extensive aventure. Beautifully strifed, tired, and relieved, this track comes from a truly tried man's heart.

Map of Africa:: Bone

[via Aquarium Drunkard]

"History" Live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

2009-11-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

Mos Def and Talib Kweli stopped by "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to perform "History" from Mos Def's '09 release the Ecstatic. The Roots (Fallon house band) performed the instrumentals along with guest performances by Amber Coffman and Haley Dekle of Dirty Projectors. This is a truly organic Hip Hop performance.

[via Pitchfork]

Cheerleader (neon indian remix)

2009-11-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

Neon Indian, crafty chill wave architect of 09's stand out Psychic Chasms, remixed Grizzly Bear's "Cheerleader." Neon Indian puts out two remixes titled "Sega Genesis P-Orridge" and "Studio 6669." Both add a jolt of electricity, removing the patience from the original.

[via Pitchfork]

Citay/"Careful With That Hat"

2009-11-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

California-grown psyche band, Citay, will release their third LP via Dead Oceans on January 26. The album is called Dream Get Together, and "Careful With That Hat" is the public's first taste. The track is a swinging with bonfire vocals, a hi-freq guitar solo, and psyche jam that shows us the door. It actually feels exactly like the above artwork looks (vintage hot air balloon and all!).

Citay:: Careful With That Hat

[via Pitchfork]

The Notwist/"Boneless" (grizzly bear remix)

2009-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Grizzly Bear remixed The Notwist's "Boneless." Never heard of The Notwist before (have now), but its Grizzly Bear; and they no doubt make anything sound lovely. Sounds very 1920/40's Harbor, then takes the tone of any modern day offshoot, airport, bus station...wherever you find the contradiction of emotions, the sadness of leaving and excitement of just arriving.

The Notwist:: Boneless (grizzly bear remix)

[via gvsb]

Panda Bear New Album/Film

2009-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Panda Bear discusses new film and album here.

More from the new Animal Collective EP Fall Be Kind due out in December. "I Think I Can" is as inspiring as Thomas, but, no were as feeble. It is large and loud, leading one to believe AC's next venture might have the word "Arena" in it.

Animal Collective:: I think I Can

[via gvsb]

Magic Lantern/Platoon

2009-11-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hendrix brought about a curse when he chose to pick up the guitar and bless us with his style and artistry. Since Jimi, anyone that chooses to whale out on a guitar in psychedelia and blues is just considered to being doing "their best Hendrix impersonation." So when I stumbled across Cameron Stallone's new Magic Lantern project, I immediately thought sounds like, but, will never be Hendrix. (NOW, I'm simply saying that the tune is in the same style of Hendrix, not that Stallone intends to be or is Hendrix's caliber.) Having said that, the excerpt from "Dark Cicadas" is pretty pretty pretty close. Scuzzier than most of Hendrix's cleaner sounding blues progressions, "Dark Cicadas," is funky and ohhhh soooo groovy baby. I wish there was a way to surf this sonically inspired wave of light flowing from my speakers. "Dark Cicadas" is on Magic Lantern's Platoon due out in a month or so.

Magic Lantern:: Dark Cicadas (excerpt)

[via gvsb]

Fucked Up "Couple Tracks"

2009-11-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

Matador will release a Fucked Up singles collection called Couple Tracks on January 26th. Reminiscent of Mix CD's you would makes as kids, Couple Tracks: Singles 2002-2008 will be split into two discs, Hard Stuff and Fun Stuff. "Neat Parts" is on Hard Stuff, but, is still too much fun. Tasty Hardcore that only Fucked Up can bang out.

Fucked Up: Neat Parts

Vivian Girls: "Tunnelvision"

2009-11-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

Latest from Pitchfork TV's "Tunnelvision":

Vivian Girls Live at New York's Museum of American Art as captured by Ray Concepcion.

King Midas Sound Fact Magazine Mix 103

2009-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

King Midas Sound released a tone-perfect mix by way of Fact Magazine. The mix starts poetically and is supported by Reggae/R&B/Soul sounds. It features tracks from Burial, Lovejoys, Little Dragon, Gregory Isaacs, and includes some cuts from KMS's full length Waiting For You (due out next week on Hyperdub).

<full tracklist>

King Midas Sound:: Fact Mix 103 (128 mb)

Animal Collective "What Would I Want Sky?"

2009-11-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

Animal Collective will cap off the year the way they started, in the news and in your ear. The trio will release EP Fall Be Kind on December 15. "What Would I Want Sky?" (first track to hit the web) has been part of AC's set list this Spring/Summer/Fall. The song starts with an extensive intro of drum breaks and roller coaster clanking (as heard in Panda Bear's remix of Santogold's "Lights Out"), however, it emerges and reaches out into the wide open where the air is fresh and crisp. The track is the first song to sample the Greatful Dead and manipulates the original lyric "Willow sky/Whoa, I walk and wonder why" to hit your ears as "What Would I Want Sky?" Humbled and submissive to that greater force, we often look to the sky for answers. While AC poses the question, their ingenuity and consistent creativity makes them near powerful enough to answer most of their own inquisitions.

Animal Collective:: What Would I Want Sky?

[via Fader]

While You Wait For The Others (Acoustic)

2009-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

Grizzly Bear:: While You Wait for the Others (Sound Opinions/2009)

[via Aquarium Drunkard]

Mountain Man "Animal Tracks"

2009-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ironically, Mountain Man is a group of three girls (Molly Erin Sarle, Alexandra Sauser-Monnig, and Amelia Randall Meath) that bring a "wise as oak" folklore to the audible landscape this morning. Perfect for the Fall, "Animal Tracks," is an adventurous and spiritual hike through the wilderness. Pitchfork best categorized Mountain Man as "set up camp between the old-timey lilt of Aela Diane or Fleet Foxes and the laid-back lo-fi vibes of Underwater Peoples pals like Real Estate and Julian Lynch." As a great admirer of both Fleet Foxes and Underwater Peoples (especially Real Estate), it is no wonder that this feels right.

Mountain Man:: Animal Tracks

related:

Alex Bleeker and the Freaks (the same Alex Bleeker of Real Estate), covered Mountain Man's "Animal Tracks." Bleeker and the Freaks elaborate on Mountain Man's hand sketched original cut with scuzzy guitar and a wider production. The cover is the first song off of the band's self-titled LP by way of Underwater Peoples.

Alex Bleeker and the Freaks:: Animal Tracks (Mountain Man cover)

[via Pitchfork]

Topaz Rags "Sightings"

2009-11-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

Topaz Rags is a "haunting jazz" trio made up of Amanda/Brit of Pocahaunted and Ash Cunningham (piano). "Sightings" exudes the lurk and universal bleakness experienced in Pocahaunted, however, Cunningham's piano adds an inflection of romanticism. The track can be owned on the LA collective's debut EP Capricorn Born Again (limited to 400 copies/black vinyl/jacket art above).

Topaz Rags:: Sightings

[via gvsb]

The (k)Now

2009-11-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

beck/charlotte gainsbourg "heaven can wait"

Recently, Beck made a record with French Actress/Singer Charlotte Gainsbourg. The first track, "IRM" perferated the blogosphere in late summer. The song's production implicates Beck's involvement but there are no actual vocals that place him in studio (although he absolutely was). Proof is in the pudding, but, no writing on the wall...Until the second helping off of IRM, "Heaven Can Wait," scribbles all over the proverbial wall with lipstick and spray paint "BECK WAS HERE." Beck and Gainsbourg elegantly merge their vocal mojo in a track that likens to most material off Sea Change.

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real estate "fake blues" & "basement"

Real Estate performed new track "Basement" (as captures by Ray Concepcion) at Piano's in NYC for CMJ and "Fake Blues" at Pitchfork Showpaper Benefit. "Basement" carries the common thread of aquatic, ever expanding guitar that makes Real Estate so pleasant. While "Basement" lingers before shooting for the moon, "Fake Blues" seems to start mid flight. The Pitchfork Showpaper Benefit set includes a performance of Ducktails' "Mall" and is available for free download at Pitchfork.

======

dum dum girls "play with fire"

Buzzsaw band Dum Dum Grils create a teasing and distant sounding cover of Rolling Stone's dingy "Play With Fire." With tasteful and purposeful decisions the band create a sonic current or stretch of road with the elongated "fire" that leaves lead singer's, Dee Dee, mouth. While I wish more of the lyrics were audible, that's not in the Dum Dum Girl's vain; playing it the way they hear it.

stream> dum dum girls:: "play with fire"

Forge Your Own Chains

2009-10-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Forge Your Own Chains is a new 60's-70's psych/funk/global compilation from Now Again/Stones Throw. Gorilla vs. Bear posted track "Two Make a Pair," by the Strangers, which is organ heavy with moments of adventurous guitar. Now Again better describes it as, "a winning example of the sound that leapt out of East Nigeria after the January 1970 armistice in the Nigerian Civil War."

the Strangers:: Two Make a Pair

The (k)Now

2009-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

So I came back with a few posts and then went away again...but it was all for a good cause. Here is The (k)Now with some more music/writing projects on the way.

real estate "black lake"

Another video from Jersey's Real Estate. The band played at CMJ last week and all the classy basement fun was captured by Chocolate Bobka. Real Estate's live footage adds to the charm of the band and is more essential than most of their LP's.

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them crooked vulture "new fang"

Them Crooked Vultures composed of Homme, Grohl, an Jones is a no brainier on paper (at least to me). The band can't fail in the rock world. Whether it is critically acclaimed is another issue and the band's first song "New Fang" is the critics most tangible piece of material. The track is riff frantic, carries a nice swing pace, and Homme always makes rock and roll sound ghastly. "New Fang" doesn't break down any walls and I hope this is one of the more instrumentally mild tracks. As safe as this song sounds, I am sure it is safer to spend $14 for the whole S/T LP out November 17th...so head to your nearest Best Buy.

previously:

them crooked vultures

For all things mainstream and Best Buy-like, I am curious to wonder what Josh Homme (lead singer/guitarist of Queens of the Stoneage) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin bassist) would want to do with Dave Grohl of the "Foo Foo Fighters." It is understood that Grohl and Homme have worked together (Grohl playing drums on the QOTS's Songs for the Deaf), but, after Grohl's most recent Foo releases, what could they possibly still have in common. All bitching aside, I am excited to hear about this undeniable supergroup called Them Crooked Vultures in which Grohl will once again sit behind a kit, Homme on guitar, and Jones on bass. Let's hope Grohl wipes off the Foo stank from his boots before entering the studio and can get back to basics with some originals.

There are some rumors about a fall album release and tour, however, no official word. Until then stay connected at the bands official website, Myspace, and Facebook. Something smells...

=======

Distortion in music is mostly associated with what was considered as grunge, or, punk; and gets overused by most alternative styles in an effort to add an edge or aggressive quality to what would normally be listened to as soft. This year specially, I have heard far more lo-fi infused songs/groups. Now add distortion to one's populist palette. "A/B" Machines by Brooklyn's Sleigh Bells, is a hook heavy, indie car guitar driven explosion that takes drum distortion to new lovely brutal level. "A/B Machines" can be found on Sleigh Bells' CD-R called Magic Metal.

Sleigh Bells:: A/B Machines

======

g vs. b halloween mix

Mixtape scary weirdness from the scene, Gorilla vs Bear. They claim this is no party mix (they are right), not even, a mix to get ready to; but, its definitely a music equivalent to a ghost story. So when the night is winding down, bust out the flashlights and scare the shit out of all your friends with this mix.

gorilla vs. bear halloween mix 09 (29mb)

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the mantles "bad design"

I can't get sick of rushed sounding music. While I would never assume no effort went into The Mantles new track "Bad Design," their sound is lazy, ambivalent, and unimpressed with everything (even themselves). It is an amazingly spontaneous attitude that I can most accurately be describe as how you feel waking up after a day of making mistakes. "Bad Design" the A-side on the Bad Design "7 is limited to 300 copies and available here.

The Mantles:: Bad Design

The (k)Now

2009-08-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

where the wild things are: all is love

The first track from the loaded Where the Wild Things Soundtrack is on the film's myspace. The always spastic Karen O serves as chief architect of the soundtrack enlisting an assortment of her musical buddies (including an untrained children's choir) to partake; hence, the title of the single, "All is Love" by Karen O and the Kids. As trite as the title is, the song is playful and tone appropriate for what Spike Jonze's film looks like. It start with a saddened piano and progresses into a sing along lovefest highlighted by the the voices of children. (where's the sunshine and rainbows) While this song could have easily slipped into a purple dinosaur suit carrying life lessons like how sharing is caring, Karen O's quirky and spontaneous sensibility keeps it a tad more dystopian.

stream "All is Love">

very best and m.i.a.

"Rain Dance" (feat. M.I.A.) is the newest single from Warm Heart of Africa to hit the internet. From what I've read, this track isn't the best on the album, but, is the most accessible song, playing it safe with the always stylish M.I.A.

The Very Best:: Rain Dance (feat. M.I.A.)

dan deacon: "paddling ghost"

Dan Deacon is one of my favorite discoveries of '09. His album, Bromst, is a battle of man vs. machine; and within moments shows a world where the two can coexist. Regardless the strife or the synergy, Bromst is a sonic pleasure. "Paddling Ghost" is featured on Bromst and is an adequate "slipping into" or starter.

dum dum girls: "be my baby" (the ronettes cover)

The (k)Now

2009-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

the babies: "meet me in the city"

The Babies is a band made up of Cassie from Vivian Girls and Kevin from the Woods. "Meet Me in the City" is exactly what that combination of the two musicians would sound like: Kevin's vocals complimented by Cassie's, while staying afloat a garage rock rhythm. Upbeat, clunky, always with forward motion, "Meet Me in the City" is playful but introspective. It almost feels carefree about taking life seriously. I guess that's what happens when you realize life's absolutes. When you're "too young to think like [you] do" or you just "feel shitty," "keep trying, keep trying" and "meet me in the city."

The Babies:: Meet Me in the City

washed out: "belong"

"Belong" is an aquatic 80's melody that shows off Ernest Green aka Washed Out's vocal allure. It likens to a watered down (in a good way) "Electric Feel." The vocals then strays from the party-vibe inspired by "Electric Feel" and ventures into more reflective territory. "Belong" is from Green's High Times Cassette on Columbia, South Carolina's Mirror Universe.

Washed Out:: Belong

sic alps

2009-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

The past six months have been a tastemaking period for me. Through reading blogs and exposing myself to new music, film, art, I have been overhauling and rejuvenating my creative in's and out's. Recently, I got my hands on a few garage rock compilations and promptly added the genre to my sleeve of appreciation. The music exudes outside the lines rambunctiousness, while maintaining clear direction and artistry. It is careless as much as it is orchestrated. This contradiction is never a coincidence. Sic Alps is my newest find to channel the garage rock style. "L Mansion" can be found on the band's newest 7" on Slumberland Records. The single is less lo-fi than most current garage rock, however, it highlights key elements of a good 60's garage rock song: swanky hatch-marked guitar and "whoo" vocals."

Sic Alps:: L Mansion

more of The Very Best

2009-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

As if Green Owl needs to promote The Very Best coming LP, Warm Heart of Africa, anymore on the indie circuit. Needless to say, the record company is releasing a limited (500 copies) 7" with tracks "Warm Heart of Africa" (feat Ezra Koenig) and the newest single "Yalira." "Yalira" is darker and less welcoming than "Warm Heart of Africa," however, it eventually progresses to the Afro Pop optimism we all love about The Very Best.

The Very Best:: Yalira

look alive

2009-08-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Despot's new track "Look Alive" is an arena jam that is felt from barracade GA to the "touch the wall" back row. Track was produced by RATATAT and will be featured on Def Jux Presents 4 comp. All songs that channel "look alive" carry dynamic sentiment. Does the artist mean "look alive" as a call to action, or, "look alive" in the sense that we need to be aware, "heads up!" Despot blends the two with the hook, "look alive, nobody move, nobody gets anywhere" (former) and opening words, "some sound advice coming soon, look alive or they'll make an honest mistake and bury you" (later).

Despot:: Look Alive

The (k)Now

2009-08-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

best coast: "something in the way"

"Something In The Way" is a new track from Best Coast. I discussed their previous "The Sun Was High (And So Was I)" back in June and it has been part of my summer soundtrack ever since. "Something In The Way" doesn't divert from the tone harnessed in "The Sun Was High," but, it does feel more reflective.

Best Coast:: "Something In The Way"

family portrait: "on the floor"

Family Portrait was another band featured on the Underwater People's Showcase earlier this year. While the tracks "Snow" and "Mega Secrets" were spaced day dreams, "On The Floor" is a rampant surge towards the girl "On The Floor." Summer Love has never sounded so unobtainable nor so prevalent.

Family Portrait:: On The Floor

pterodactyl: "share in the shade" video

So Pterodactyl (never heard of you) chose to tackle the myth of what happens (if anything) when you lick a toad in the forrest. According to them, you actually do hallucinate, and your visions are quite extraordinary or (to me) hilarious. I hope their wizard of imagination land is wearing pants. There is no visual evidence that he is...so I can only hope.

I Got it On Vinyl!

2009-08-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

I Got it On Vinyl! is meant to be a tongue-in-cheek discussion of vinyls (new and old). While a certain degree of snobbery is associated with vinyl, "I like it because it sounds brighter," I simply collect vinyl because its a more grown up means of collecting comic book cards. More gratifying than a '94 Fleer Ultra set of X-Men, the albums I collect play and communicate. I Got it On Vinyl! is my discussion of what these albums say. Enjoy.

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The front cover of With a Little Help From My Friends is the typical characteristic of Joe Cocker with his puddy face molded into distortion beneath a twisted head of hair. Ironically, it is a picture of just Cocker, leading me to wonder, “With a Little Help from My Friends…where are the friends? Why isn't there a picture of Joe Cocker and his buddies in a group hug, all smiles, skipping around in circles, maybe one friend bent over in laughter, looking at the camera as if to say, ‘only if you were in our group of friends, you would get the joke." This isn’t the case and I believe this irony keeps the album sounding honest. This album is all about Joe Cocker and that is understood by the front of the jacket. However, where there is Joe, you best believe there are a collection of musicians and artists (his friends) backing him up when is voice wont stretch as far or taking a step back, allowing him to roam into the oddest of territory.

Flip the cover and you'll see just who managed to come around for a good friend. Cocker was accompanied by an arsenal of whose who musicians: Matthew Fisher, Henry McCullough, Chris Stainton, B.J. Wilson, Stevie Winwood, Mike Kelly, and Jimmy Page. If you recorded with a collection like that, you better name the album something about friends, friendship, or buddy-o-pals. Just below their respective pictures is a listing of each track with detail credits of each person's contribution to the respective song. Notable are the hand full of covers like Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman,” and of course Paul McCartney and John Lenin’s “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Whether Dylan, McCartney, or Lenin were friends were in Cocker's speed dial (or Roladex to be era-correct), their music appears on Cocker's album because of what they meant to him. Through the multitude of talent on the page and in the air, it is made clear that this album was a group effort even if it was to prop up one man.

This particular Cocker album, isn't all around exceptional and perhaps isn't his best work. This album is less about what the music sounds like and more about what it represents. As a result, I am not going to dissect the album but merely point out what makes this album special (insert sentimental line about friendship). The album jumps off to an amazing start with "Feeling Alright," which next to the title track, ”With a Little Help From My Friends,” is my favorite song on the album. "Feeling Alright" does exactly that. It’s boisterous, it’s energizing, and it’s celebratory with soulful back up vocals. It sounds like it was recorded in a room full of people that all agree to feel one way only. Rivaling “Feeling All Right” on the a-side is "Marjorine." It’s a perfect example of how a strong supporting cast can allow an artist room to breathe and explore. Joe Cocker and friends create a schizophrenic rambling of obsession. As a listener you are forced to wonder does this woman exist at all, does it matter that she might not, does it make this man any less vulnerable. Cocker's obsession and fixation of this woman, true or imagined, leaves him vulnerable and the quirky track he sings over helps make some sense of the madness that surrounds her. The song comes to a bouncing conclusion that feels like a fleeting moment of increased chaos. There is resolution in more madness and there will never be clarity regarding Marjorine.

The B-side achieves exactly the same as the a-side, with songs that make up a harsh bark exterior, surrounding those that ooze of sappiness. While heartfeltness is always apart of friendship, the sentimental songs poke holes in the momentum that songs like "Feeling Alright" and "Marjorine" create. The highlights of the b-side are "Sand Paper Cadillac" and the title track, “With a Little Help From My Friends.” "Sand Paper Cadillac" is a doomsy expedition to self-freedom, "my call is to be free...and it’s calling escape out of me." The piano tip toes past the guitar guard of our own prison and in brightening moments gives us a glimpse of what it is like to be free of ourselves. “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the title track, Beatles Cover, Wonder Years theme, however you can relate to it, is the epicenter of the album. It comes out at you from a distance with a maudlin guitar riff, then tumbles with a roll on the tom drums, and is accompanied by Joe Cocker's whiskey soaked voice singing, "What would I do if I sang out of tune?/would you stand up and walk out on me?/Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song/And I'll try not to sing out of key." Like in "Feeling Alright," Joe is backed by soulful back up singers Madelene Bell, Sunny Wheetman, and Rosetta Hightower, "I get high with a little help from my friends/Gonna try with a little help from my friends." Like Cocker and the original authors of the song, I often wonder what if my talents are self aggrandized or imagined, what if I "sang out of key," what do I do when I am single and alone, what would I do if I didn't have my friends to humor me? For me, I don't think it’s ever a question of if but when. When I speak out of turn, or take up too much of the conversational stage do my friends tolerate me? Do they ever walk out? Fortunately, they have never walked out, and still sit to listen to my continuous song.

Perhaps I've taken it to far, made it too personal, put words in Joe Cocker's mouth, made this album far more sentimental than it should be, further exemplifying my hypocrisy (are there holes in me because I sometimes sing sappy songs). However, beyond the neurosis, is the grounding idea that perhaps that’s what music intends to inspire. It can allow us to contemplate, to over analyze, to use as a catalyst for self-examination. To call this the power of (music), is to simply assume that it isn't apart of. Music and its interactive property is a part of life and we, along with the creators, share in its power. It’s a part of my persistent over analysis, ability to think, to speak, to write loosely, to collect records, watch the 2009 Dodgers, and drink Tecate on a lazy Sunday. It is within this room to breath that everything comes easier, sounds sweeter, and looks brighter. Whenever I run into a Marjorine, feel alright, or scale the walls of myself, it's always with a little help from my friends.

Joe Cocker:: With a Little Help From My Friends

Abacus:" Beach Wail"

2009-08-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

The title might be clever, but, Abacus' interpretation of sea life is more than just a catch phrase. Clap happy with aqua guitar and "whale" oohing vocals, "Beach Wail" bobs about much like a buoy. Abacus presents a music double entendre fit for the last two months of summer.

Abacus:: Beach Wail

The (k)Now

2009-08-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

jay reatard: waiting for something

Jay Reatard is precisely the remedy to take some seriousness and music snobbery out of my '09 experience. In his documentary Waiting for Something, Reatard discusses his music, where he came from, and how he got to where he is now (all in 20 something minutes). Reatard will probably be the first to admit that, although he listens to a lot of punk, his music isn't punk rock, but, punk and pop influenced. Distinctly it sounds a lot like what apple pie with melted American cheese might taste like. (Jay recommends it) His new album Watch Me Fall will be out August 18 (the same day he plays the Los Angeles Amoeba). See you there.

taken by trees: watch the waves

Taken By Trees' full length album, East of Eden, is poised to be the quintessential Fall Album. Recently National Geographic filmed Victoria Bergsman record the album in Pakistan. While I was on my mini-hiatus, I went into fits with anticipation after watching the doc. The album will release September 8th (just in time for the leaves to start falling) and can be pre-ordered now.

Taken By Trees:: Watch the Waves

palms: boundary waters (deakin remix)

When I preview most of the music I post, its always at work (don't tell my boss) and with headphones...so I welcome anything that pans and can offer a slight vacation from the windowless halogen viewscape. Deakin creates a beautiful sputter of electronica out of Palms usual bleakness. Things just seem wide open and less closed off when listening to Deakin's "Boundary Waters" (the perfect mind set for the weekend).

Palms:: Boundary Waters (Deakin of Animal Collective)

magic kids: good to be

Ambiguity is not always a bad thing, especially when it pertains to lo-fi pop. Magic Kids "Good to Be" makes us feel like its good to be whatever it is that we are. The Memphis beach poppers might be talking about a love-like situation, but, ultimately its really just "good to be." Goner is releasing "Good to Be" on the b-side of a 7" single, with the already discussed "Hey Boy" on the a-side. Rough Trade has the exclusive colored vinyl version of the single. Pre-order the single here.

a-side:

Magic Kids:: Hey Boy

b-side:

Magic Kids:: Good to Be

lumina: i'll be with you (black lips cover)

Black Lips' "I'll Be With You" will release as a single in the UK. It will split a 7" with Lumina's gothic cover of the same song. The original is a hyped up old school rock song, while, Lumina drones it out and makes the sentiment "I'll be with you" haunting.

Lumina:: I'll Be With You (Black Lips Cover)

The (k)Now

2009-08-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

raekwon: "house of flying daggers"

(feat. Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and Method Man)

Raekwon's Only Built for Cuban Linx still sits on my Amazon Wish List, but, this track gets me cocked and ready for Raekwon's upcoming Part II. I am a rap novice extraordinare, so I won't pretend to know what I am talking about, but, I can say that this Jay Dilla produced track creates a mob-like-mood for some vengeful flows from Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and of course Method Man. This album is starting to sound like a true second part because as I listen to "House of Flying Daggers" I want to hear the "more" from where it came from.

truman peyote: "new wife new life"

Truman Peyote is more than a clever psyche band name. As pointed out on the Forkast, their new jam "New Wife New Life" sounds like a derivative of Animal Collective's more rootsy Stawberry Jam. While I agree, I also think this track shows more direction than most tracks on Strawberry Jam and as a result is more palatable. The stomp beat mixed with twinkling, not frilly, guitar is a great build up to a too common realization: "she's not the one for me." Or in other words, just because you have a new wife, doesn't necessarily make it a new life. Running themes in multiple story lines currently unfolding in my world.

Truman Peyote:: New Wife New Life

C.W. Stoneking: "Ragged and Dirty"

2009-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

C.W. Stoneking is a blues singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His voice comes out of no where, especially after hearing him mumble/slur through his interview. Stoneking will be playing at the Redwood Bar & Grill in Los Angeles from August 8-16 nightly.

The (k)Now

2009-08-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Heath Ledger's video for Mouse's "King Rat"

The video Heath Ledger directed for Modest Mouse's "King Rat" has been posted on Myspace Music. Ledger was creating the video just before his death in January of '07, for the film and music company Masses as a means of protesting against the "illegal commercial whale hunts taking place off the coast of Australia." It begs to ask, what if the shoe was on the other foot? You can fill in the gaps.

frat dad: "freak in nature"

Underwater Peoples has made a significant contribution to my music adventure this year and they have added another psyche lo-fi group to the list of places to travel. Frat Dad was featured on Underwater People's Showcase earlier this year and are featured on the Forkcast today. "Freak in Nature" presents howl at the moon and shroom bonfire vibes similar to the new material by the Ganglians. The track channels suburban motives for "freaking out" by claiming "my mom isn't home now, she said she'd be back at six, cause she's out playing tennis, so I'll eat up all the sticks." Childish and in need of a babysitter, Frat Dad's ambition is simple and far out...just to be a freak in nature.

Frat Dad: Freak in Nature

No Deachunter

The No Deachunter tour features Dan Deacon, No Age, and Deerhunter. The three artists kicked off the tour in Baltimore by playing a 10 minute version of Deerhunter's "Cryptograms." This is really an odyssey of a track that blends electro, noise pop, and Deerhunter's melancholy melodies into something special.

wale: "pretty girls"

Wale is set to release a studio album later this year, however, his Back to the Feature Mixtape is my favorite rap album of '09 (so far). While his cred has been taking some hits with his release of "Chillin" which features the much taboo Lady Ga Ga, "Pretty Girls" straddles the line between silencing haters and better defining what Wale brings to the table. My love for Back to the Feature stems from its smooth flow that doesn't get obnoxious or tiresome with overused gimmicks. "Pretty Girls" channels the same ease with piano backing, a soulful vocal hook, and of course a hip hop bang.

jack white's solo single

Jack White is a Music Man. As posted earlier this year, White has a long list of music related endeavors and he keeps adding to it. There has been a lot of buzz about a possible White solo album. While these rumors have been neither dispelled nor confirmed, he will be releasing a solo track ("Fly Farm Blues") in support of an upcoming documentary It Might Get Loud (in which he is profiled). The documentary captures White, U2's Edge and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page sharing guitar trade secrets and jamming together. The trailer is pretty epic and features Jack wearing a bow tie while making a slide guitar out of a Coke bottle and piece of wood. The track was "written on the spot" upon film director Davis Guggenheim's request. It will be released on a one-sided "7 and digitally.

Jack produced singles for Transit and Dan Sartain for his Third Man Label due out August 11. Transit is composed of all Nashville Metro Transit Authority workers and wrote "Cmon and Ride"/"Afterparty" about Nashville's bus system. Alabama singer/songwritter, Dan Sartain, will also release songs "Bohemian Grove"/"Atheist Funeral" on Third Man.

them crooked vultures

There are some rumors about a fall album release and tour, however, no official word. Until then stay connected at the bands official website, Myspace, and Facebook. Something smells...

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pitchfork

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The (k)Now

2009-08-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am back with my first posts in almost a month (maybe it has been more). I've been away due to a combination of work and lost ambition. I started to notice that I simply was filtering material found along the main drag. This was fine for me because I tend to look at this blog as a bit of a scrapbook to document the new music I like. However, as I saw more and more people were reading or paying attention, I realized I had to focus on my own coverage of music. As a result, I am back and refreshed with new features like I Got It On Vinyl! where I will do free-sample-like write ups about the new vinyls I have added to the collection and reviews of some notable '09 releases. Also for those that care, there might be a facelift in the works for the site. To sum it up, I used my time off to figure out how to make the ZenLunatic more about me and less about the other blogs.

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ethiopium

Stones Throw's Oh No will follow up his '07 Dr. No's Oxperiment with Dr. No's Ethiopium in which he samples only Ethiopian music. The new disc will be available exclusively on stonesthrow.com this month.

Oh No:: Ethiopium Mix

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gvsb

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Real Estate and Alex Bleeker & The Freaks outdoor party

Real Estate is absolutely one of my favorite bands of '09. Their lo fi beach pop is a unique mood-set. The video is footage (shot by Chocolate Bobka) of New Jersey summer house party in which bassist Alex Bleeker and his other band Alex Bleeker & The Freaks played. Real Estate joined Bleaker after he and the Freaks wrapped things up to play "Green River" (off of "Fake Blues" "7 out in the UK on Half Machine) and "Suburban Beverage" (on "7 from Underwater Peoples). While lo fi pop music has been a running theme on this blog and increased importance in my collection, Real Estate proves to be more than a trend. Their sound is weightless, wavering, and refracted similar to when light reflects off a swimming pool.

From the same Jersey house party Alex Bleeker & The Freaks perform "Summer > Epilogue." The band is composed of two members from Real Estate and Julian Lynch. The video is unique because it is a close up look at the band's live performance. You see every pick of the guitar, highlighting the less is more aspect to Real Estate's (and now The Freak's) amazing summer sound.

deerhunter on we have signal

Alabama's Public Access Television's music show "We Have Signal" was on hand when Deerhunter played the Bottletree in Birmingham. Included in the set are "Never Stops" and "Nothing Ever Happened" from '08's Microcastle.

jay reatard: "it ain't gonna save me" video

Jay Reatard was already on my list of artists to watch this year and his upcoming album (August 18) Watch Me Fall is compulsively noted on my Mac Sticky. The summer has been filled with candy coated psyche pop, electro/dance hall, and lo fi pop so I am looking forward to some new tunes to take me back to when I used to craft grind rails out of PVC pipe. Not to mention the video is a child anarchist dream and who can deny that epic intro to childhood destruction. Happy Birthday to you!

dungen: "samtidigt"

Sweedish psych rockers Dungen have released an extended version of "Samtidigt" that appeared on 2008's 4. The 15 minute track takes you many places with flute instrumentation and a distorted, sparks flying guitar riff. A great blend of industry and nature. This track will be released on a "12 tour-only white-label-release from Kemado. So catch them on tour with Fleet Foxes, Woods, and Kurt Vile on their respective tours and dates.

Dungen:: Samtidgt

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Pitchfork

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major lazer "pon de floor" video

In my time away from incessant posting, I have become an awe'd spectator of Diplo and Switch's imaginative Major Lazer Project. Say what you want about the DJ culture, but, the sound great DJ's can create is inventive and artistic. Major Lazer is the pack leader of drawing out more creative substance from the dance synthetic of DJ music.

Below is the Switch's remix of "Baby" featuring MIA. The track debuted on the Major Lazer Essential Mix on the BBC.

Major Lazer feat. Prince Zimboo and MIA:: "Baby" (Switch Remix)

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fader

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mp3 squeeze

2009-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

"Make You Sweat" rests on its awesome beat (Zep-sample). Robert Plant's "uh" repeats, blending into an electro effect. The pace of the track doesn't downgrade TIP and showcases his knack for speed. While, most current T.I. material will be an effort to keep him relevant while he serves his sentence, this track doesn't feel restrained or tactful. T.I. isn't locked in, but, "Make You Sweat" brushes up against some of his best work.

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"My Heart" is a great score to Hitchcockian suspense. Something is after us. The third party knows its pace, its vigor, its desire, but, the listener sits treading water unaware. The instrumentation lays out an expansive environment adding to the bleakness of the track's tone. Although there are many elements composing the sound, as a listener you still feel like you are in a void. Perhaps thats Raymond Raposa sentiment as he says "my heart is an empty room for you."

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via pitchfork

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The guitar in "Elephants" twinkles with John Frusciante similarity. The track starts melancholy from a distance and then approaches you with zeal and uptempo. Jenny Lee Lindberg's vocals are effortless and tasteful, using classic psyche lyrical tactics by using repetition to change the original meaning of the phrase (ie. what sounds like "call me a beast, call me a beast" becomes "come in peace, come in peace" becomes "come in, come in") "Elephants" flirts with recklessness using stretched out aqua vocal effects and constant cymbal splashing, but, never looses its purpose.

Warpaint:: Elephants

via Fader

Videos

2009-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Its very seldom we see narrative Music Videos these days. They often are low budget visual pieces or high budget green screen, Ritter fan abusing (giving divas that windblown look) afterthoughts. No green screen, Ritters, or divas here. Just your typical desert hostage situation.

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To say that Mosshart is sexy is to undersell what she brings to any band as a front woman. Her recklessness broods seduction and almost makes you crave chaos (as long as it is reads VV). Jack White astounds on the drums with tight transitions within his fills and blends in nicely as the drummer. The greatest challenge of this band (and consequently the hook or essence) is for every member (not Jack White) to make fans forget about the verging icon behind the kit and insist they watch the Dead Weather, not "Jack White's supergroup." VV Mosshart will have a lot to do with that.

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"Waiting for My Man" is the second song from Beck's Record Club: Covering Velvet Underground's Velvet Underground and Nico. The video shows off Beck's arsenal of instruments that makes any ensemble look possible. Maybe that's why he is choosing to cover each album in a day. Consequently, this track (and I assume the others) will sound more like sketches rather than actual orchestrations. Where "Sunday Morning" sounds more like Sea Change, "Waiting for My Man" sounds like the middle road between Mellow Gold and Mutations.

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Summertime Clothes is an obvious selection for any summer mix and now there is a video to accompany the track. Using the same sheet improvisers as seen on Late Night with David Letterman, ice sculptures, people rocking around in transparent balls, Animal Collective has added a new found oddity to the ecstasy environment of the Electro Culture. These abstract visuals no matter how subtle or contrived are creative notions of some sort of think tank, or collective. A sign that some art is still a community.

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compliments of FADE (not to be confused with Fader):

I am not sold on the track, but, I like the literal approach of the video. It adds a comedic effect and each lyric is creatively approached.

mp3 squeeze

2009-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

As previously posted, Ganglians are the newest band off the Woodsist Record Label to take a stab at the psyche 60's era revival. The newest track off of their debut EP Monster Head Room, "Valiant Brave," is a creep through the wilderness. Brushing back branches in search of my paradise, I can hear the shine of shuffling guitar strings, muffled floor toms, and Mama's and the Papa's style calls from the voodoo wilderness.

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The Go! Team have remixed Black Moth Super Rainbow's sunny day trip "Twin of Myself." Loaded with pep and childish joy (is that a choo choo train whistle?), this remix needs to accompany a Sesame Street montage. You can't help smiling and heading to the nearest Sweet Factory (if they still exist).

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"Maltese Terrier" is the first track off of the highly anticipated and asked-about (within the indie scene, no worries we were both out of the loop) from Scott Kannberg or Spiral Stairs. The inaugural LP The Real Feel lands October 20. The track is as throw back as a varsity letterman jacket, but, stays away from such taboos with british lyrical inflections and UK piano innuendo. It carries a swanky strut, proclaiming themes of experience, "I don't use my body when I am with you," while securely using the concrete innocent sound of your favorite oldie for traction.

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via pitchfork

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I will probably blog about this band until I am six feet under. Real Estate (of the Jersey Shore) is a verging band of '09 with a couple of "7 inches available on their MySpace and two tracks featured on the Underwaterpeoples Showcase disc. Their newest "Green River" is on the B-side of their upcoming UK "7 due out on Half Machine Records (preorder for 2.99 pounds). "Green River" is short, to the point, with the Real Estate staple venting vocals and beach vibe.

Real Estate:: Green River

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Esau Mwamawaya + Radioclit's The Very Best Mixtape was one of 2008's highly underrated and over looked albums of the year. Perhaps it was the "mixtape" label that prevented it from being taken seriously, but, as news of the next Very Best LP approaches, I have found myself revisiting last year's gem. On the heels of the much blogged about Very Best Mixtape, Esau Mwamawaya + Radioclit will debut a full length album, Warm Heart of Africa, this fall on Green Owl. Both tracks showcase the Very Best ability to incorporate the charm of African tribal influences in pop/electro grooves.

the Very Best:: Warm Heart of Africa (feat. Ezra Koenig)

and

Stream> the Very Best:: Ntende Uli

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A great summer track that will definitely be making the ZenLunatic Summer Mix (coming soon, maybe tomorow). It is rare that lyrics can articulate a feeling flawlessly, but, beneath the beach fuzz instrumentation the notion that "the sun was high and so was I, I thought of you" is a great impression of what it is to be high.

Best Coast:: Sun Was High (So Was I)

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via gvsb

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News (Making Up for Lost Time)

2009-06-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

When people tell you to "keep your day job" they must mean stop blogging. Breaking free for just an hour to post some things that you've may have already heard about in the past week (but this is more for me than you). We proceed to take note on some telephone wire intercepts.

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Beck has been blowing up news wires with his announcement of his Record Club project where he and some friends (Devandra Banhart, MGMT, Jamie Lidell, and producer Nigel Godrich) will pick an album and spend one day recording a cover of the entire thing, posting one song at a time on the internet. Beck has chosen Velvet Underground's "Sunday Morning" off of Velvet Underground and Nico as the first item produced by this hyper drive covering factory. Check it below.

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As seen in the DVD Doc of Atlanta's now verging (once hidden) music scene, We Fun, the Black Lips have a close relationship with King Khan (of King Khan and the Shrines). Consequently, The Black Lips have joined a punkster super group with Khan and Mark Sultan (of BBQ) called the Almighty Defenders. The group is going to release their first S/T record on September 22 on Vice Records.

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The American master of surrealism (films like Eraserhead, Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Dune...) is releasing Fox Bat Strategy: A Tribute to Dave Jaurequi. The disc contains seven tracks that feature lyrics by Lynch (sung by Fox Bat guitarist Dave Jaurequi) and music by Fox Bat. Fox Bat were session players for Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me and "were in the 'pink room' and 'blue Frank' scenes in the film." (for you Lynch fanatics) As quoted in the EW article, "Dave Jariqui was not a singer, he was a guitarist, a fantastic one, but I asked him to sing and speak these lyrics of mine, because I had a hunch that proved correct: he had great phrasing, and I love the grain of his voice." The first released track (as of yet) "Shoot the Works" carries a typical Lynchian spook expressed through 50's style rock. A great and challenging contrast when considering the 50's era was such a hum drum Golden Age of Americana purity. Amidst the rows of manicured lawns and white picket fences of the 50's suburbs there was always the house that was "haunted." Mid summer, dressed in your bermuda khaki shorts and white pocket t shirt, you crept up to see what brooded inside. As you got closer, you could hear "Shoot the Works" playing from a phonograph just on the other side of the warped beach wood door. The sound is seductive, but, unpromising. It is your challenge and mocks your fear of adventure.

Stream> David Lynch:: "Shoot the Works"

mp3 squeeze

2009-06-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Black Lips stopped by Daytrotter to cut a few tracks off of 200 Million Thousand. The group recorded "Drugs" and "Take My Heart" along with a cover of 1960's psyche group Lollipop Shoppe's "You Must Be A Witch."

Stream> Black Lips:: Various Artists (Daytrotter session)

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"Lost Words" is a track off psychadelic noise pop Ganglian's Monster Head Room LP. Light and airy, (not a bit noisy) "Lost Words" floats swaying left to right as it looses altitude every second. It sounds a lot like a lesson learned, garnering joy from experience.

Ganglians:: Lost Words

N.A.S.A. in Paris

2009-06-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Live DJ set from Sam and Ze of N.A.S.A. for Le Mouv Radio France to promote "The Spirit of Apollo."

N.A.S.A.:: Le Mouv Radio France (2/19/09)

Video: We Have Band

2009-06-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Video for "You Came Out" by We Have Band creatively uses animation, paint, and human subjects to create a mixed medium music video. The video is composed of a series of 4,816 stills that will be posted on We Have Band Flickr "allowing people to re-edit the sequence as they see fit in order to make their own video..."

[gvsb]

Major Lazer vs. N64 Kid

2009-06-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Major Lazer's "Hold the Line" mixed with the N64 kid. The new Major Laser Album is streaming now and will be in stores June 16.

[gvsb]

mp3 squeeze

2009-06-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

White Denim's slowly approaching summer release Fits is creeping with likened pace as my next album to over-hype (like overdrive). I last posted "Mirrored and Reversed" which sounds like something off of Walkmen's '08 album You & Me and to name a godfather of the style Velvet Underground. Then came the first true single "Start to Run" which is a slap bass happy soul stimulant. Both songs originate from different styles, so the adventurousness of Fits is inevitable and highly anticipated. "Start to Run" is part of a "7 (due out June 6) that will be accompanied by non-album track "Yo-Yo." Listen to it now at Full Time Hobby website.

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I love starting my morning to discover new music. HIGHLIFE is a new London project from Sleep Doug Shaw of White Magic. "F Kenya Rip" is the first completed tack and sounds straight from an African Marketplace. It is rich in culture and spirit, orchestrating an appropriate summer vibe with elevating back up vocals and natural instrumentation.

HIGHLIFE:: F Kenya Rip

ala gvsb

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Vivian Girls posted "Death" B-side on their "7 single (which also includes "Moped Girls"). The track is more lo-fi whispers from the trio. The tone and subject matter is a tad more cryptic than anything found on their S/T.

Stream> Vivian Girls:: "Death"

via pitchfork

Featured Artist: Tommy Hollenstein

2009-06-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tommy Hollenstein is a painter and philanthropist. Recently, he was accompanied by 16 rock legends (including Ringo Starr) to compose painting "Helping Hands" and raise money for Shane's Inspiration and Canine Companions.

Tommy became a quadriplegic after a mountain bike accident in 1985. A promising artist and athlete before the accident, Tommy has since worked towards continuing to create art. His process might have originated as a consequence of his injury, however, through years of practice, Tommy has developed an innovative technique. Using his wheel chair wheels as a brush and Behr household paints, Tommy composes highly texturized, moving, and vibrant pieces.

Tommy's art has not only gained more recognition over the past few years (with multiple exhibits throughout Los Angeles and media coverage), but, his attitude and story has captivated those that were initially drawn in by his paintings. As the saying goes, "art is life and life is art." Tommy Hollentstein's story is artful in itself.

mp3 squeeze

2009-06-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

MGMT doesn't reinvent the wheel with this track nor did they care to reinvent "Doomed." If you're like me and have never heard "Doomed," then you will enjoy hearing new stuff from MGMT.

Violens:: Doomed (mgmt remix)

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Jay released another track from the anticipated Blueprint 3 (release set for September 11). "D.O.A." is a statement track that sings goodbye to the Auto-Tune. Jay Z vocalizes his struggle to stay true to his style as hip hop continues to loose its edge. (straying from what Jay calls "black hoodie rap" ) The track is produced by No I.D. and Kanye West (irony). The production is rootsy and simple setting an organic environment that leads us to believe that Jay is still the only MC "to rewrite history without a pen."

Jay Z:: D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)

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Phaseone remixes Animal Collective's glistening "Daily Routine." Where most remixes tend to elaborate or re stylize, Phaseone cleans up and smoothes out what can be considered one the more "rough around the edges" tracks off of Merriweather Post Pavillon.

Animal Collective:: Daily Routine (phaseone remix)

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Toro y Moi is dream audio project from Chaz Bundick out of Columbia, SC. Great use of panning effects and textures leave you suspended. Bundick is also known for the visuals that accompany his music.

Tory y Moi:: Blessa

Toro y Moi:: Talamak

Pulp Commercial

2009-06-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Pulp Commercial has poped up all over the web. Photographer Neil Krug and model Joni Harbeck have collaborated on Pulp, a book that will featured more than 200 of Krug's images.

Featured Artist: Santigold

2009-06-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

(Santogold has changed to Santigold. story here.)

I first read about Diplo and Santigold's Top Ranking Mixtape and wasn't inclined to pick it up. Santigold's '08 album barely missed my top 10 and as a pop album I dug her ferocity (describing her as MIA meets Gwen Stefani). I introduced Santigold to the my circle of friends and they too (for whatever reason) made certain compromises and indulged, repping Santigold and her tasteful pop sound. So as my friend Tony and I meandered through Amoeba looking for any smart finds, the Top Ranking red/florescent blue album cover and yellow GOLD jumped out at us. (ironically Diplo should have been the first name we noticed) I told Tony I had read about it and thought he should get it (secretely knowing that I would burn it...cheap I know). Already on a shoping spree, basket bulging with Hendrix and Madlib records, he tossed the disc in, becoming one of the many (perhaps not the most important) buys of the evening. Through multiple burning attempts and trips to Tony's house, burning forgetting, burning, forgetting, I finally got around to hearing the album in full and can officially say I should have jumped on this Mix Tape sooner. It starts out on fire with "Unstoppable" mix of 3-6 Mafia's "Late Night" and continues to the center of the disc where an '80s vibe comes alive and highlights what Santigold is all about. The record tends to drop out towards the end, but, overall it is a great way to rejuvenate Santigold's '08 debut.

Santigold & Diplo:: Guns of Brooklyn (Doc and Jon Hill dub)

Flash forward a day later:

I was browsing Fader and saw Terry Urban and Goldcoin's Southergold Mixtape that include tracks 'Unfreakable Girl" and "Still Tippin' It." "Unfreakable Girl" features Gucci Mane (mixing the beat from Sant's "Unstoppable") and "Still Tippin' It" features Slim Thug and Mike Jones (mixing "Shove It"). Now, if you aren't a huge fan of southern rap, then these tracks might tarnish your Santigold music.

Santigold:: Unfreakable Girl (feat. Gucci Mane)

Santgold:: Still Tippin' (feat. Slim Thug & Mike Jones)

Personally, I could live without the songs and normally I wouldn't have bothered to post them in the squeeze let alone devote a full paragraph of type. BUT, these tracks show that Santigold is not only a mainstream success, she is respected by her peers. She has reached southern rappers, electro DJ's, brooklyn elites like Jay Z, the list goes on. Her S/Trecord was perhaps bigger for pop music than I once realized. She wasn't just the go to woman for mainstream meets underground savy beats/hooks because the 2008 litter was sparse. She brought an A grade album that's style is infusing all genres a year later.

Jay-Z:: Brooklyn (Go Hard)

Esau Mwamwaya:: Get It Up (feat. MIA & Santigold)

3-6 Mafia:: Shuvit (feat Project Pat & Santigold

Santigold:: L.E.S. Artistes (XXXchange remix)

"Rainwater Cassette Exchange" Cover

2009-06-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

These phantom hands from Barcelona perform a cover of Deerhunter's "Rainwater Cassette Exchange" that Brandford Cox describes as "fantastically better than the original. It actually sent shivers up my spine, especially during the second verse..."

orig:

Deerhunter:: Rainwater Cassette Exchange

my post.

MGMT "Kids" Video

2009-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. MGMT has a video for "Kids" from director Ray Tintori. Now people have been disclaiming the video saying "no children were harmed," but, I choose to side with Fader and believe that while the child in the video will grow up to have no recollection of the video experience, he will definitely make some life decisions based on his newly created subconscious. (which speaks to what the video is trying to say) Amidst a neglective mother, the little dude sees monsters and freaks out at the world around him, then spawning a psyche animation experience that has to be inspired by his childhood trauma. It is amazing what we see in the world when we feel vulnerable, even as kids.

Fly Girlz on the Fader

2009-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Last posted, Fly Girlz are a girl rap group (ages 12 to 14) from Brownsville Middle School. They are apart of Representing NYC (headed by Sam Hilmer) a music initiative trying to keep kids safe and off the streets. Currently, the girlz got a nice feature video on the Fader.

Lightning Dust Live on Minnesota's Radio K

2009-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Lightning Dust composed of Josh Wells and Amber Weber (of Black Mountain) played a mini live set on Minnesota's Radio K. "History" and " I Knew" are on the duo's upcoming LP Infinite Light and "Castles and Caves" was on their s/t debut.

Stream> Lightning Dust:: Radio K Performance

Fever Ray Remix

2009-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Abyss dwellers and mood creators Fever Ray have been playing though my speakers the past couple months. While right now Fever Ray is one of my favorite albums of '09, I have to say the disc is not for the faint of heart. It is a combination of Bjork oddity and bleak soundscapes (amazingly produced and executed). Below is a remix from Ben Hoo of Fever Ray's single "Triangle walk" as way of gvsb.

Fever Ray:: Triangle Walk (ben hoo's still frame)

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Fever Ray:: When I Grow Up (version by lissvik)

Music Videos

2009-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

From time to time as I comb through the web looking for fresh music related material, I start to question whether my interest derives from the pursuit of more mind blowing work, or an indication that I really need to get a life. So between watching Weezer cover "Kids" (at a T Mobile party filled with sorority sisters and fraternity brothers in Los Angeles) and the Killer's new music video for "The World We Live In," I occasionally find a treat. "Dark Bubbles" video from Black Moth Super Rainbow is one of those finds that validates geeking out over new music and video content. It is the first step in reinventing the music video and embracing the web as the portal (opposed to MTV, VH1, Fuse or any other "music" T.V). The video alone stands as a visual piece, however, the interactive component is what makes this video an experience all to its own (and surely a trend setter).

Black Moth Super Rainbow is a psychedelic candy project, that overloads on the synth and vocoder while incorporating some folk elements. Like "Dark Bubbles" video and their sound elude, Black Moth Super Rainbow thrives off experimentation. I got a hold of BMSR's 2008 release Dandelion Gum and was transported. (I didn't love it, but, I liked it) The band can come across as one dimensional and listening to an entire album can feel tedious; however, Black Moth Super Rainbow at its best is a promising blend of styles.

via passion of the weiss

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"Beach Comber" from one of my favorite sunny psychedelics at Underwater Peoples, Real Estate. The video is simple, not much to it...but I can't get enough of this song or band. Real Estate has located a nostalgic and forgotten tonality that I can only hope makes a comeback.

via pitchfork

Making of "Bang" Video

2009-06-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

"Bang" is new single from Rye Rye.

GLC posts unreleased scene from "Spaceship" Video

2009-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

via the Fader:

GLC posted a 5 year old unreleased clip of Kanye's "Spaceship" video. In the post GLC calls Kanye and Consequence "young dreamers." Fader's post echoes my sentiment of Kanye's career. This video seems like a long time ago...

Fucked Up's Pink Eyes FOX News Commentator

2009-06-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pitchfork reports, Damian Abraham (better known as Pink Eyes and lead singer of hardcore band Fucked Up) is set to have a recurring role as commentator on Fox News' "Red Eye" with Greg Gutfeld. Gutfeld initially had Abraham on because Fucked Up is one of his favorite bands and Chemistry of Common Life was his favorite album of 2008. He calimed that Fucked Up are "like the Beatles if the Beatles were any good." Abraham has appeared twice on "Red Eye," once, wearing an Obama t-shrt, which Gutfred ignored. The second time on, Pinkeyes gave Gutfeld a "Support Our Candian Troops" shirt after the host belittled the Canadian troops role in the Iraq War. This should get interesting...

mp3 squeeze

2009-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

gvsb posted a 30 minute set that Madlib performed on Radio Nova in Paris last week.

Madlib:: Live on Radio Nova (paris)

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"Beach On the Moon" (recycled lyrics) sounds like a spout of steam. Kurt Vile's voice is conversational in tone with fluid to slight drunken-like slurring. Relaxed, calm, with fits of pitch shift, the song is wide open and light, fit for any vagabond. While "Beach On the Moon" tends to just float like a billowing floom seen from a great distance, "Freeway" moves towards an end destination (wherever you choose...its music). With tinges of "Learning to Fly," "Freeway" likens to Tom Petty, if Petty came from the heartland instead of swamp country. "Beach on the Moon" and "Freeway" can be found on Vile's God Is Saying This To You LP. GVSB claims it is on of 2009's top albums (thus far).

Kurt Vile:: Beach On The Moon (recycled lyrics)

Kurt Vile:: Freeway

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Jay Reatard claims "all is lost there is no hope," however, the tempo of the song is energetic and purposeful. "It Ain't Gonna Save Me" is a great blend of chaotic punk themes and energetic upbeat pop sensibility. In a time where everyone seems to be looking for a savior, Reatard chooses not to care.

via pitchfork

The Smith Westerns + Jorm

2009-05-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Fader posted a cool new track from a band called The Smith Westerns. I love the old school waling guitar that serves as a table cloth instead of a center piece. The writer on the Fader blog describes the song more conceptually than I could do justice. I do agree, this song could grit up any Cameron Crowe scene nicely.

the Smith Westerns:: Be My Girl

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unrelated & compliments of freak boy:

We all do this internally, when we hear this song. Which leads me to wonder, what happened to interpretive dance as comedy...

NEW Jay Z "Can't Cheat Death"

2009-05-27T17:13:00.001-07:00

New track from Jay (as posted on Kanye's blog) "Can't Cheat Death." The track was produced by DJ Premier and comes after Jay's announcement that there will be no Auto-tune on his upcoming release Blueprint 3.

stream/download mp3> Jay Z "Can't Cheat Death"

Wee See & Third Man Releases

2009-05-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Wee See is "part art installation, part pacifier." It is a playful experience that couples Rolyn Barthelman's animated black and white shapes with a soothingly ambient score from Polyphonic Spree's Tim DeLaughter.

via gvsb

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unrelated:

Jack White's Third Man label released 45's on May 25:

1. Dead Weather- "Treat Me Like Your Mother" and "You Just Can't Win" (second single from the group with a 'Them" cover on the B-side.

2. Mildred and the Mice- "I Like My Mice (Dead)" and "Spider Bite." This 45 is the first single from Third Man's blue series and debuts the "mysterious goth milquetoast from Mammoth Cave, Kentucky."

3. Rachelle Garniez- "My House of Peace" on side single. Second in the blue series of 45's.

While Third Man is cash only, and these 45's are only immediately available to walk in customers of the Nashville shop (located on 623 7th Avenue South), there is an online offer.

mp3 squeeze

2009-05-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing huge to check out, must have been the apathy of the holiday weekend. This might be combing through the sawdust, but, here are two tracks that have been on the brain.

gvsb posted a cool track from Dem Hunger. They uncovered "Police Rasta" via astro nautico, who described the beat tape as "Ras G x Madlib x trees x dirt x insomnia." Contemplate that mix then check out the song.

Dem Hunger:: Police Rasta

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While, I would never label someone or imply their vices, nor do I know if Marina from Marina and the Diamonds indulges in the fine white, the picture above lets my imagination run wild. (reality doesn't matter) Part of enjoying the zen lunatic philosophy is applying it to today's culture. Consequently, one zen lunatic mantra I have come to develop is "one should always love a cokehead." Now I'm not saying "go out and rip lines until you are penniless and in the street" (or toothless and now smoking rock) because that is hardly attractive. However, like the heroin look in the mid to late 90's was popular in fashion mags (black mascara probably sold 10 fold when compared to the 80's), so is the "cokehead look" of the new millennium. Marina might not do coke, or have ever, but man does she look hot "strung-out." Fitting that The Shoes remix of her song "I am Not a Robot" is an addicting synthetic upper with extreme sex appeal. Guilty pleasure.

Marina and the Diamonds:: I AM Not a Robot (the shoes remix)

via Fader