Still, One Of My Favorites

So I know this video/song is from at least 2 years ago, and I know some of you are probably sick of it, but I stumbled across the video again and remembered how cute it was. I was feeling nostalgic today, so here's your post:



I had the chance to see Bright Eyes live on their most recent tour when they came to Memphis. I was pleasantly surprised, especially after past drunken live debacles. For the encore, Teenie Hodges came out and ripped on the electric. Conor was sweet as was his fellow-saddle-creek-artist-turned-girlfriend Maria Taylor. To whom he dedicated "First Day of my Life". It was all like a cute overload.

Juno out in select theatres

She's cute.

OK, I lied, how about the top 6?

# 6.2- Okkervil River-Love to a monster
Uploaded by lablogotheque

#45.3 - Andrew Bird - Spare-Oh
Uploaded by lablogotheque

Architecture in helsinki - #58.1 -Heart it races
Uploaded by lablogotheque

BEIRUT - Sunday Smile from The Flying Club Cup
Uploaded by flyingclubcup

http://www.blogotheque.net/concertaemporter/

Daniel Johnston - Rediscovered, Repressed!

Okay people. I am continually rethinking if anybody is actually reading this, but I would love to bring to your attention this pressing matter. Hehe I just made a pun. You dont even know.

Anyway, the beloved Daniel Johnston, who I have the once-in-a-lifetime pleasure of seeing in Los Angeles in August of 2007, has been reissued on vinyl! His albums "Hi How are you?" and "Yip Jump Music" have been repressed on vinyl, which is welcome news for those of us that were considering forking over $100 for Hi How are You? on Evil-Bay. You can find it here, or at the following Link to Daniel's online store. On a related note, if you dont know Daniel's story, try to watch/rent/purchase "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" a documentary on the song writer's life.

http://store.hihowareyou.com/

Bodies of Water New Take Away Show(s)

SPLIT 2 BODIES OF WATER - I GUESS I'LL FORGET THE SOUND I
Uploaded by lablogotheque

SPLIT 1 BODIES OF WATER - I HEARD IT SOUND
Uploaded by lablogotheque

Those fine French directors over at Blogotheque have done it yet again. Soon I will post my top 5 Blogotheque videos, in the meantime, go decide for yourself.

Also, go to http://rhodesradio.org today from 6-7PM Central. Scott and I will be doing our 5th show and it is electronica themed!

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note today. Caleb over at my favorite music blog has released "Peace on Earth" a Christmas Compilation album from a variety of wonderful indie artists, and the proceeds benefit Toys for Tots! This amazing album only costs $7 and is worth every penny. Please support this great work.

Tim Fite - Preaching to the Converted

Tim Fite's art is extremely Hard to describe. If there was some way for me to prefectly describe Tim Fite, i believe that would be a signal that I would be a genius. But the only person that could do that would be the preacher himself. In order to give you at least a vague idea, this video could help:




So Tim Fite's ensemble consists of several elements. The most apparent members are Tim and his brother Greg, who gallop onto the stage, whooping and a wailing, as if you have suddenly found yourself in a southern tent revival in the early 20th century. Similarly to the role of Tim and Greg, a projector unit is set against a white screen behind them both, featuring a variety of silly videos or simply a recorded film of Tim as an unknown character who sits in a wheelchair and plays the necessary instrument for the song.

While Tim, Greg, and their projector are the most apparent members of the visual and auditory artistic expression, their is one last member of this piece that holds an intriguing amount of power in the reception and interpretation of Fite's work: the audience. While the audience is encouraged to sing, dance, clap, or yell, Fite's preaching is only encouraged by either the audience's enthusiasm or laughter (the latter being the case at the performance I attended)

While speaking to Fite afterwards, I constructed nearly 30 questions throughout his six song opening for My Brightest Diamond, but I was only able to regurgitate a few in the presence of a sweet man who was more than happy to discuss his work. Describing his great musical influences as late 80's rap music, in which "the REAL party happened," I was perplexed at the possiblitity that Fite was actually speaking to me in character. Fite's continual use of religious language when describing his performance, I believe, is pivotal to truly understanding his art.

While I was enthralled with Fite's performance, I was left with a variety of disturbing questions. The first and most important is what is the true nature of the relationship between the audience and the artist. Most artists hold a certain 4th wall between themselves and the audience, but one that is much less constricting than that held in drama or any similar visual performance. While the wall may be less constricting, how relaxed should it be? What is the "balance" between audience immersion and the respectful worship of the artist?

A Plug for a Band Full of Friends

This is Birds of Yore. They are a local, little-known band from North County San Diego, CA. They are all my friends. They all play wonderful music. Kera and I have been in a couple bands together over the years (including the now-legendary punk band "Nancy Drew", circa 1999-2001). Anyway, one of the things I miss most about being home is seeing them play music. Although the band has taken a backseat now for most of them, they are still writing songs and playing shows. Check them out at http://myspace.com/birdsofyore. The songs on their myspace are a little outdated as are the following videos/mp3 downloads, but if for some reason you are ever in San Diego, check them out.



Here's some of my personal favorites for you to download:
Birds of Yore-Ghosts in White Sheets
Birds of Yore-Trees Form Shadows

Thom Yorke is Consuming My Life

No. Literally. I have spent the past week or so trying to sort this out.

http://puddlegum.net/radiohead-01-and-10/

After having read an article about two weeks ago on Stereogum about this topic, and discussing this topic with a good friend of mine who is a diehard Radiohead fan, i have still not given up hope. After countless mathematical and musical exploration, Radiohead as officially taken over my free time. Trying things out. Let me know what you think. Zepeleptic@gmail.com

A Tribute to The Blood Brothers

I'm sorry to keep taking Pitchfork's headlines, but this is big news (at least for me). Post-hardcore act The Blood Brothers have officially broken up. Back in my dance rock/hardcore/punk days, I absolutely loved this band. They are still one of the most entertaining bands I've ever seen live. So here is to a a group of musicians that have been playing truly original music. You are noisy, in the best possible way, BB.

Arcade Fire ACL Performance

Enough said.

Its so hard to find a friend these days...

David Bazan, the prophet of the disillusioned. Last Year, at the Ladies Literary Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I had the honor of partaking in a conversation, among 3 fellow students, with David for nearly 2 hours. I have heard plenty of speakers either religious or secular, and David Bazan is without a doubt, a prophet. I do not mean to declare that I agree with everything he prophesies as "holy," but that he somehow can grasp and articulate the struggles of the generational burned over district in which I reside. If you ever have the chance to speak with David, please dont miss it. Your life will change.

And now, for the point of my post. Please visit Hard to Find a Friend if you get a chance, for two reasons:

Reason Number 1: Caleb just posted a David Bazan show from his most recent tour. I was able to see him in September in Chicago with Owen Ashforth. It was a great show, but I am definitely a bigger fan of his acoustic work.

Reason Number 2: Caleb's musings on the musical world is not to be missed. From subtle observances to the presentation of mix tapes to go with his mood that day, you will undoubtedly relate to his understanding and begin to appreciate the intersection between art and your
everyday.

p.s. November 13 Caleb is releasing a wonderful Christmas album for a wonderful cause.

Jens in someone's Chicago apartment

The Blow - Live in France

The Blow - otherwise known as Khaela Maricich, is definitely one of those bands that arouses a mixture of feelings: love, discomfort, laughter, and overall happiness. A few weeks ago, a French radio show, sponsored by Tomlab, featured Khaela in all her electronic glory. Of special note, upon downloading this great set, notice the icon. Pretty much the norm for her. Buy her wonderful array of albums here.

The Show

Dylan Movie Soundtrack, Sufjan's BQE, Casiotone Daytrotter Sesh, Darjeeling, and more

My apologies for the post below. There has been a lot going on among the indie-elite circles, and for those of us who prefer to stay on the sidelines and deny our membership to hipsterdom (says the girl who wishes Pitchfork's staff eternal damnation and yet reads it everyday), I'm here to give you a concise summary of the last week and a half in review:

First, I finally saw Darjeeling Limited. Not his best film, not his worst (I'm sorry, but I can't stand Bottle Rocket), but very typical Anderson (slow motion scenes, family issues, music, at least one of the Wilson brothers, etc). Aesthetically, it is quite pleasing, and I would recommend it if only for that. I probably need to see it again. Oh and I found Adrian Brody incredibly attractive. Despite the nose.
Daytrotter put up a Casiotone session. Not my favorite songs, but great performance (with San Diego's Donkeys, btw). Read/Listen Here. While you're there, check out the recent Andrew Bird session.

The latest (and supposedly greatest) Bob Dylan biopic, I'm Not There, will hit (limited) theatres on November 21. In the meantime, you can listen to the amazing soundtrack with contributions from Cat Power, Sufjan, Jeff Tweedy, Sonic Youth, etc., Here. Or, buy it on vinyl Here.

I'm sure you've already heard, but Sufjan's BQE project premiered last night. Details here (Pitchfork has also been raving, as was expected). To be honest, it all looks a little forced to me.

Last, I will leave you with the new Sigur Ros video:

Remember, he is singing "fucking bullshit".
I know, it's a lot to take in all at once.

P.S. Here is what I'm really excited about:

On a Regular Day...

Every morning I get up around 8:15am. I get dressed, brush my teeth and all the rest, and then make a cup of coffee (single-cup style) which I drink in front of my computer screen while reading Drudge, Pitchfork, and a few other music blogs. Sometimes, to change things up a bit, I'll have a granola bar. Then I go to class. Then work (where I check Drudge, the music blogs again). Then more class. Then more work (depending on the day). Sometime in between I might (if I have time) have lunch. Sometimes I'll do a little catch up work or take an hour off and play guitar between classes and/or work. At about 4-5:30, I sit in my room and waste time on Facebook or more Pitchfork or whatever. Sometimes I'll watch The Office or 30 Rock. Sometimes I'll read some poetry. This is that awkward time of the day when I refuse to do anything productive. Then I eat dinner. Then I spend approximately 6:30 to 12am on school work. I allow myself a break every other night to practice piano.
And believe me, this never changes. It is pretty much the same monotonous routine every single day. I need change. I feel something already growing up inside me that will change me if it hasn't already. I'm thinking of entering this writing contest for the Atlantic. I had a dream about being published. Ha.
I've been reading Dostoevsky and Nietzsche and poetry (Lowell, Eliot, Pound, Carson, Bensko). Watching Match Point, Miller's Crossing, and The Office. Listening to a mix I made that contains Bright Eyes (digital ash), Arcade Fire, Rancid, Ratatat, Great Lake Swimmers, Beatles, Dylan, Animal Collective, Jenny Lewis, David Bazan, Casiotone, Sufjan, Ryan Adams, Daniel Johnston, Damien Rice/Jurado, Menomena, Belle and Sebastian, Nirvana (unplugged), Simon and Garfunkle, Sufjan, Wilco, etc. In other words, being unoriginal again.
Here is what I have been up to:



PS, I know this shouldn't be for ranting, but I couldn't help myself.
PPS, Here is the real reason I posted: http://rhodesradio.org
It is the radio station I help out with at my school. I'm hosting a music show with my friend Scott, so as soon as that is up and running, I will let you know (whoever "you" are).
PPPS, ONCE will be on DVD in December. Preorder HERE.

Across the Universe

Across the Universe - or, "Let's present the most stereotypical review of the 60's we can create!"

Across the Universe is the worst fucking movie I have ever seen. I am not kidding. I have seen Plan 9, Flash Gordon, etc, yet Across the Universe is the worst fucking movie I have ever seen. Living in an off-the-track college town, this film was finally brought to our shores this weekend and I, quite giddily, pursued taking part in a viewing on Friday night. However, after about 15 minutes of contrived plot lines and stereotypical characters, i couldn't handle it anymore and simply started heckling the movie from my seat. Granted, an immature approach, but I really stopped giving a shit about looking mature.

Don't worry folks, this movie contains it all! Hippies, Vietnam, the "Janis Joplin" character, a circus, and Bono - thats right, Bono. Fucking Bono! Once i heard Bono (playing their own adaption of Timothy Lear) started singing "I am the walrus" I pretty much lost all hope in this film achieving anything, and just sat back to watch the legacy of the Beatles crash and burn. By setting forth our main characters, Jude, the Liverpool welder, and Lucy, the suburban conservative, (don't worry, she is soon converted) the audience loses any interest in the survival of a couple whose entire relationship is built upon the fact that they are cute and have Beatles songs named after them.

For those who are not entirely caught up with the complete Beatles discography, the illiterate listener is kindly presented with a series of "hints" (I would call it bad acting) in which every song is foreshadowed exactly one minute and thirty seconds before it is sung. Throughout the film, the audience member is forced to oblige director Julie Taymor, as she slowly, painfully, "develops" these two character through the most stereotypical review of the 60's, fight against Vietnam, bring about a "revolution" and tie it all up in a kiss. Don't worry, they all live happily ever after.

Gregory and the Hawk, Bad Habit

I think it speaks for itself.
http://myspace.com/gregoryandthehawk

Damien Rice in Murray, Kentucky

So after class on Wednesday, me and two other friends piled into a Subaru and headed Northeast for three hours on a mostly two-laned highway stretching through cotton fields, cow pastures, and cute little towns where everyone sat on porches in their rocking chairs. Being from Southern California, it was a very romantic little road trip through my now-resident state of Tennessee. After getting lost on a dark country road (I know, cliche), we made it to Murray State University, where Damien was to play at the Lovett Auditorium. I was surprised to see the venue, big as it was, only slightly more than half full. Not five minutes had passed since we sat down when Damien took the stage with a dark wood acoustic and played "The Professor", a song from his B-sides ep.
The crowd was loud and rowdy (I suppose this is to be expected from a college town venue) but I was incredibly impressed with the performance. I had seen Damien play in Houston over the Summer, and don't get me wrong, it was amazing, but he really surpassed my expectations this time. The band backing him up was the same I'd seen perform with him before with the addition of a tall, lanky electric guitarist. The whole set was all big sound; plugged in, heavy distortion on songs like "Woman like a Man", "Me, my Yoke, and I", and "Coconut Skins". Normally, I prefer an acoustic set to an electric one, but he really pulled it off, really.
He did a couple mellower songs, "Professor", like I said, was just him on acoustic. "Rootless Tree" was a very toned down version, one I'd heard on his KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic performance, with him on the piano. For the encore, he came out with an acoustic and stepped in front of the mic to play a completely unplugged "Cannon Ball".
One of the highlights of the show was his performance of "I Remember". He introduced the song with a story about a girl he had dated, which he compared to "going to the grocery store and getting a can of peas, and then realizing, it's just a fucking can of peas." What was really different about the song (besides, unfortunately, Lisa Hannigan's voice missing) was a tag he did at the end..."Bang Bang (She Shot Me Down)" by Sonny Bono, a song made famous by the Kill Bill Soundtrack.
My camera was acting funny, so I didn't get any pictures, but I'm posting a video someone else took at the show. Overall amazing performance. If you have a chance to see him, I recommend it highly.


And the Rootless Tree Video:


Set List:
The Professor
Time
Delicate
Volcano
Me My Yoke and I
Rootless Tree
Amy
New Song Sketch (?)
Eskimo
Woman like a Man
Grey Room
I Remember (with Kill Bill tag)
:Encore:
Cannonball
9 Crimes
Blowers Daughter
Coconut Skins (plus big drum off)

New Andrew Bird Video, Imitosis

Our violin-picking scientific-singing friend, Andrew Bird, has released a new video, Imitosis, fromhis most recent album, Armchair Apocrypha. I had the privilege of seeing Andrew Live at the Ladies Literary Club in Grand Rapids, the first show of his Armchair tour, featuring his now-iconic spinning loudspeaker gramophones. If you have a chance to see him live, please please do so, just the logistics of his looping techniques are worth the ticket price.

Beirut Blogotheque Take Away Show

Some days, I really love Beirut, and some days, I just find them incredibly boring and repetitive (kind of like Hawk and a Hacksaw, you know the gypsy thing). Today, it is the former:

BEIRUT - Nantes - from The Flying Club Cup
Uploaded by flyingclubcup

Pretty amazing, huh?

New National Video, Apartment Story

I think the National is one of those bands you don't quite get the first time around. My first impression was "this is yet another band in the vain of the Cure/Depeche Mode/the Smiths/Morrissey/enter hip 80's band name here" and that's why everyone is raving about them. Of course, this is not entirely a bad thing, just you know, we're all mostly looking for something fresh and original (and trying to avoid the stigma that comes with jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak). There is something more to the National though, that caught my ear on a second listen. Besides of course, being catchy, melodramatic indie pop (I mean, how can you say no?), the sound is very simple but very together, and often there is a beauty in the simplicity (we can't all be orchestral Sufjans, nor do we want to be). Coupled and complimented by the same wonderfully simple, self-depreciating lyrics, the National's Boxer is a good soundtrack for a rainy day, in other words.
With that said, the new video:

Home was a Photograph you taped to your wall....

September 7th, 2007 The Beat Kitchen Chicago, IL 9:30 PM

Casiotone For the Painfully Alone with David Bazan of Pedro the Lion.

It was so great to see Owen live for the 3rd time. I was able to pick up an LP of Twinkle Echo to finalize my complete collection of CFTA LP's and also picked up an extra copy of Etiquette. Owen is a sweet guy who collaborates with The Donkeys on several occasions, who hail from San Diego.

Check him out at: www.cftpa.org

CFTPA set list
1)Cold White Christmas
2) White Corolla
3) Nashville Parthenon
4) Scattered Pearls
5) N/A (Everything was so bright...)
6) Young Shields
7) Calloused Fingers Wont make you strong, Edith Wong
8) Bobby Malone
9) Love Affection
10) Toby Take a Bow
11) A Sunday Street
12) Graceland