Sing Sing 'til Your Satisfied
4 days ago
31 March 2007
30 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Sonic Youth (Fri.) / Soulwax Nite Versions (Sun.)
To end what has actually been a pretty good week of tunes...
Who they are: The mother of all New York Indie bands.
What they sound like: When they aren't firmly lodged waaaaaay up their own arse with the whole guitar noise thing and decide to write a straight ahead rock song, they're quite okay...
What I think: See above. Never been a huge fan, but you could do much worse as you know, if you've been following this little project for the last few weeks :P
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Who they are: The 2 Many DJs guys have a band, and this is it.
What they sound like: Kinda that dance punk thing that I'm just about over. However... they made two versions of their last album... the original, called "Any Minute Now", and the revision, called "Nite Versions" which was a way pumped up for the dancefloor version. Needless to say, I prefer the Nite Versions.
What I think: That one's a banger. This should a pretty good show. Unless it sucks. :P
And with that, have a great weekend!
Who they are: The mother of all New York Indie bands.
What they sound like: When they aren't firmly lodged waaaaaay up their own arse with the whole guitar noise thing and decide to write a straight ahead rock song, they're quite okay...
What I think: See above. Never been a huge fan, but you could do much worse as you know, if you've been following this little project for the last few weeks :P
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Who they are: The 2 Many DJs guys have a band, and this is it.
What they sound like: Kinda that dance punk thing that I'm just about over. However... they made two versions of their last album... the original, called "Any Minute Now", and the revision, called "Nite Versions" which was a way pumped up for the dancefloor version. Needless to say, I prefer the Nite Versions.
Soulwax - E Talking (Nite Version)
What I think: That one's a banger. This should a pretty good show. Unless it sucks. :P
And with that, have a great weekend!
29 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - The Roots (Sun.) / Silversun Pickups (Fri.)
Legends vs. Up-n-comers today. I'll give you a hint... the legends win.
Who they are: The Legendary Roots Crew needs no introduction. Seriously, if you don't know who The Roots are, your life is a hollow, empty, burnt-out shell and you should end it now, as quickly but painfully as possible...
... ok, maybe that's a bit overboard. I was just trying to do my impression of an Indie Rock blogger talking about, um, I dunno, the Arcade Fire or something.
What they sound like: Hotter than ever. The albums just keep getting better, really... finally catching up to how good they've always been live. So yeah, you get a live track from these guys, of course! Here's a good one, not from a concert, but from Gilles Peterson's show and his "BBC Sessions Vol 1." compilation (which is beyond essential, btw... but you pretty much knew that, too.)
What I think: The best live band in the history of hip-hop will lay waste to all the poser indie bands at Coachella that think they know how to put on a show. Count on it. These next kids, for instance, got no shot...
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Who they are: A Los Angeles band, which got me to thinking... there sure haven't been many L.A. bands in the lineup this year. Oh, wait. That's because the scene here is total shit. Drrrp.
What they sound like: Indie leaning more towards rock than pop. The girl vocals kinda remind me of ol' skool L.A. band that dog., just to throw out a reference that almost no one will get.
What I think: These guys are quite revered around the blogosphere, which generally is a good signal that a band sucks, but for a change, they're actually not bad. Who knew? They couldn't carry The Roots' jocks in a pickup truck, but that's not even an insult ;)
Who they are: The Legendary Roots Crew needs no introduction. Seriously, if you don't know who The Roots are, your life is a hollow, empty, burnt-out shell and you should end it now, as quickly but painfully as possible...
... ok, maybe that's a bit overboard. I was just trying to do my impression of an Indie Rock blogger talking about, um, I dunno, the Arcade Fire or something.
What they sound like: Hotter than ever. The albums just keep getting better, really... finally catching up to how good they've always been live. So yeah, you get a live track from these guys, of course! Here's a good one, not from a concert, but from Gilles Peterson's show and his "BBC Sessions Vol 1." compilation (which is beyond essential, btw... but you pretty much knew that, too.)
The Roots - Meltin' Pot (Live)
What I think: The best live band in the history of hip-hop will lay waste to all the poser indie bands at Coachella that think they know how to put on a show. Count on it. These next kids, for instance, got no shot...
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Who they are: A Los Angeles band, which got me to thinking... there sure haven't been many L.A. bands in the lineup this year. Oh, wait. That's because the scene here is total shit. Drrrp.
What they sound like: Indie leaning more towards rock than pop. The girl vocals kinda remind me of ol' skool L.A. band that dog., just to throw out a reference that almost no one will get.
What I think: These guys are quite revered around the blogosphere, which generally is a good signal that a band sucks, but for a change, they're actually not bad. Who knew? They couldn't carry The Roots' jocks in a pickup truck, but that's not even an insult ;)
28 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Damien Rice (Sun.) / Rodrigo Y Gabriela (Sun.)
Acoustic guitars... they can be all soft and sensitive, or they can rock like heavy metal. Don't believe me? You will...
Who he is: A sensitive, acoustic-type Irishman... meaning he's sensitive and acoustic until he's had a few pints of Guinness, then he smashes his acoustic over yer sensitive skull.
What he sounds like: I've had a couple of pints of Guinness too, so just listen to the dang song already, before I knock yer feckin' teeth in :P
What I think: Hmm, actually the best part of that song is when the girl is singing. She's Lisa Hannigan, his full time collaborator. Of course, he apparently just fired her and she won't be at Coachella. What a cack. That said, I don't mind his his voice too much either, but Coachella + Acoustic = "I can't hear this dude over the bass coming from the Sahara Tent!"... you know this to be true!
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Who they are: Two guitarists who met in a Mexican heavy metal band, and then naturally found fame playing acoustic guitar in Ireland. Like always... sheesh... how many more times do I have to hear a story like that?
What they sound like: Like the raddest Spanish guitar you ever heard informed by modern rhythms, which they somehow manage to tap out on the guitar body while simultanaeously shredding the fuck outta their strings. If habanero peppers had a theme song, it would be this...
What I think: I absolutely cannot get enough of this. There is great music and then there is instrumental virtuosity... and these kids fall into the latter. Well, both actually... but you get my point ;)
Who he is: A sensitive, acoustic-type Irishman... meaning he's sensitive and acoustic until he's had a few pints of Guinness, then he smashes his acoustic over yer sensitive skull.
What he sounds like: I've had a couple of pints of Guinness too, so just listen to the dang song already, before I knock yer feckin' teeth in :P
What I think: Hmm, actually the best part of that song is when the girl is singing. She's Lisa Hannigan, his full time collaborator. Of course, he apparently just fired her and she won't be at Coachella. What a cack. That said, I don't mind his his voice too much either, but Coachella + Acoustic = "I can't hear this dude over the bass coming from the Sahara Tent!"... you know this to be true!
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Who they are: Two guitarists who met in a Mexican heavy metal band, and then naturally found fame playing acoustic guitar in Ireland. Like always... sheesh... how many more times do I have to hear a story like that?
What they sound like: Like the raddest Spanish guitar you ever heard informed by modern rhythms, which they somehow manage to tap out on the guitar body while simultanaeously shredding the fuck outta their strings. If habanero peppers had a theme song, it would be this...
Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo
What I think: I absolutely cannot get enough of this. There is great music and then there is instrumental virtuosity... and these kids fall into the latter. Well, both actually... but you get my point ;)
27 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Red Hot Chili Peppers (Sat.) / Mike Relm (Sat.)
Something (very very very) very old, Something quite rather new...
***UPDATE: Ha! Check it out! I included the photo of the Peppers w/ their socks on their cocks from the cover of their "Abbey Road" E.P., but apparently Photobucket took offense at that. Prudes!***
Who they are: A group I never would have expected to still be around, relevant, and for cryin' out loud more popular than ever when I first started listening to them like 20 years ago... seriously... like 1987! Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck me, I'm fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckin' oooooooooooooold...
What they sound like: I guess it's both a compliment and a criticism that they don't really sound all that different than they did, well, when Blood Sugar Sex Magik came out, which, as we have already determined, is quite some time ago... and just to prove my old skool steez, here's a b-side from the import CD single of "Taste the Pain" from the "Mother's Milk" album that I went out and bought at the CD store when I was in college, fuck me!
What I think: Ya know, I'll never hate on the Chili Peppers, although to be honest they lost me at "Under The Bridge". I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Last time they played Coachella, we passed by them right after Underworld had pretty much unscrewed our skulls and blended our brains into frothy neuron smoothies... and they didn't seem to be all that interesting at the time :P
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Who he is: Another nerdy Asian turntablist from the bay area... who knew?
What he sounds like: The music, well, it's just some turntablist stuff, ya know... ok, but not mindblowing...
What I think: ... but I've never seen a DJ rock it quite like this... guy uses the Pioneer DVD mixers in a hip-hop scratch fashion... pretty dang cool, especially for us geeks who like to geek out on geek stuff...
So this dude is definitely rad.
***UPDATE: Ha! Check it out! I included the photo of the Peppers w/ their socks on their cocks from the cover of their "Abbey Road" E.P., but apparently Photobucket took offense at that. Prudes!***
Who they are: A group I never would have expected to still be around, relevant, and for cryin' out loud more popular than ever when I first started listening to them like 20 years ago... seriously... like 1987! Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck me, I'm fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckin' oooooooooooooold...
What they sound like: I guess it's both a compliment and a criticism that they don't really sound all that different than they did, well, when Blood Sugar Sex Magik came out, which, as we have already determined, is quite some time ago... and just to prove my old skool steez, here's a b-side from the import CD single of "Taste the Pain" from the "Mother's Milk" album that I went out and bought at the CD store when I was in college, fuck me!
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Show Me Your Soul
What I think: Ya know, I'll never hate on the Chili Peppers, although to be honest they lost me at "Under The Bridge". I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Last time they played Coachella, we passed by them right after Underworld had pretty much unscrewed our skulls and blended our brains into frothy neuron smoothies... and they didn't seem to be all that interesting at the time :P
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Who he is: Another nerdy Asian turntablist from the bay area... who knew?
What he sounds like: The music, well, it's just some turntablist stuff, ya know... ok, but not mindblowing...
What I think: ... but I've never seen a DJ rock it quite like this... guy uses the Pioneer DVD mixers in a hip-hop scratch fashion... pretty dang cool, especially for us geeks who like to geek out on geek stuff...
So this dude is definitely rad.
26 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - The Rapture (Sat.) / Ratatat (Sun.)
Hey everybody... hope you had a great weekend... mine kinda looked like this...
Yeah, the drive's a bitch every day, but I think it's well worth it...
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Next, allow me to get a bit meta on you here and use the blog to talk about the blog. Up for two weeks and visitors already from Canada, Mexico, The UK, Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia and The Czech Republic! Too freakin' cool! Y'all need to say hi, so I've switched the comments settings so that anyone can leave one. So please do ;)
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All right, enough dilly-dallying. Time for some music.
Who they are: One of the first wave of the dance-punk bands, reppin' the "House of Jealous Lovers", NYC.
What they sound like: Like they've taken their game way up a notch. I would have easily dismissed them as one hit wonders after "House...", but fuck, this new album is reallllllly good. These boys might just have some staying power after all. There are also some genius remixes floating around out there... but here's an album cut.
What I think: In case you haven't figured it out, I'm highly recommending them. What's that you say? You hadn't figured it out? What are you, dense in the head? :P
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Who they are: A couple more dudes also from NYC, who dabble in the rock + electronica thing.
What they sound like: Well, it's a little bit of the rock + a little bit of the electronica... and, well, it's kinda just okay from the few songs I've heard. However, they do some pretty rad remixes, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit and throw one of those at ya, 'cuz who don't love a little Biggie Smalls on a Monday morning?
What I think: Hard to say, depends on what kind of set they play. If they've figured out a way to perform some of the remixes live, that would be very cool. I mean, all you gotta do is bring Biggie back from the dead... how hard can that be. They do that shit in movies all the time. It would be a lot more impressive than the Crowded House reunion, that's for sure...
Yeah, the drive's a bitch every day, but I think it's well worth it...
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Next, allow me to get a bit meta on you here and use the blog to talk about the blog. Up for two weeks and visitors already from Canada, Mexico, The UK, Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia and The Czech Republic! Too freakin' cool! Y'all need to say hi, so I've switched the comments settings so that anyone can leave one. So please do ;)
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All right, enough dilly-dallying. Time for some music.
Who they are: One of the first wave of the dance-punk bands, reppin' the "House of Jealous Lovers", NYC.
What they sound like: Like they've taken their game way up a notch. I would have easily dismissed them as one hit wonders after "House...", but fuck, this new album is reallllllly good. These boys might just have some staying power after all. There are also some genius remixes floating around out there... but here's an album cut.
What I think: In case you haven't figured it out, I'm highly recommending them. What's that you say? You hadn't figured it out? What are you, dense in the head? :P
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Who they are: A couple more dudes also from NYC, who dabble in the rock + electronica thing.
What they sound like: Well, it's a little bit of the rock + a little bit of the electronica... and, well, it's kinda just okay from the few songs I've heard. However, they do some pretty rad remixes, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit and throw one of those at ya, 'cuz who don't love a little Biggie Smalls on a Monday morning?
The Notorious B.I.G. - Party and Bullshit (Ratatat Remix)
What I think: Hard to say, depends on what kind of set they play. If they've figured out a way to perform some of the remixes live, that would be very cool. I mean, all you gotta do is bring Biggie back from the dead... how hard can that be. They do that shit in movies all the time. It would be a lot more impressive than the Crowded House reunion, that's for sure...
25 March 2007
DJ Gig next Saturday in L.A.
For all my peepz in Hollyweird and beyond... come out and hear me this Saturday at the Mountain Bar in Chinatown... playing an old skool acid house/rave set... fun! Bring your glowsticks... I'm da one an' only dominata!!! :P
Human Resource - Dominator (Joey Beltram Mix)
23 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Pop Levi (Sat.) / Rage Against The Machine (Sun.)
Here's where I get flamed...
Who he is: A Liverpudlian, which is a pretty funny word, you gotta admit...
What he sounds like: Got a kind of retro '60s rock thing going on with what sounds like a bit of electronics lurking under there somewhere perhaps kinda.
What I think: I love to come up with something more clever and insightful than "meh", but I just cant rustle it up today :P
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Who they are: Everyone's favorite ultra-left wing rap metal doodz.
What they sound like: Q: If I said that the only thing separating them from the Linkin Parks and Limp Bizkits of the world was a better guitar player and some freshman dorm politics, would I get my ass kicked? (A: Yes)
What I think: A good band. Like this song very much. But way overrated. Maybe it's because I'm just not into the angry music any more, maybe it's because I think their sound is really dated, maybe it's because I suck, but I'm just not nearly as excited about this "big reunion" as a lot of people. Musically, these guys were followers (of your previous day's headliners, for example), not innovators. It's not like you're going to hear of a whole generation of bands influenced by these guys, like you would for say, The Pixies. Or at least I haven't. But then again, maybe I don't know what the heck I'm talking about :P
Who he is: A Liverpudlian, which is a pretty funny word, you gotta admit...
What he sounds like: Got a kind of retro '60s rock thing going on with what sounds like a bit of electronics lurking under there somewhere perhaps kinda.
Pop Levi - Sugar Assault Me Now
What I think: I love to come up with something more clever and insightful than "meh", but I just cant rustle it up today :P
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Who they are: Everyone's favorite ultra-left wing rap metal doodz.
What they sound like: Q: If I said that the only thing separating them from the Linkin Parks and Limp Bizkits of the world was a better guitar player and some freshman dorm politics, would I get my ass kicked? (A: Yes)
Rage Against The Machine - Renegades Of Funk
What I think: A good band. Like this song very much. But way overrated. Maybe it's because I'm just not into the angry music any more, maybe it's because I think their sound is really dated, maybe it's because I suck, but I'm just not nearly as excited about this "big reunion" as a lot of people. Musically, these guys were followers (of your previous day's headliners, for example), not innovators. It's not like you're going to hear of a whole generation of bands influenced by these guys, like you would for say, The Pixies. Or at least I haven't. But then again, maybe I don't know what the heck I'm talking about :P
22 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Pharoahe Monch (Sat.) / Placebo (Sun.)
Man, just a few days off and I can't even recall what day it is today... Wednesday? Thursday? Boxing Day? Vacation rules!
Who he is: A very well thought of underground MC from Queens, NYC. Very well thought of he says... how bourgeois sounding... "Yes, we think quite highly of Mr. Monch. He is a man of superb character and rich talent...". I totally spelled "bourgeois" right the first time, btw... Anyhoo, serious rap heads would also remember that he was part of the group Organized Konfuzion a few years back as well.
What he sounds like: Hmm... kind of like Roots Manuva without the British accent... or is that just me?
What I think: He's okay. Lotta love from other bloggers, putting him up there in "legendary" status, but I would quite go that far. But then again, I am a quite surly old curmudgeon...
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Who they are: Another Brit Rock group that slipped through my radar, along with Pulp.
What they sound like: Another Brit Rock group, with kinda high nasally male vocals.
What I think: They're okay. This song does have a quite undeniable, humorous-yet-not hook, don't it? Alot of folks are incredibly psyched about them playing at Coachella, but I wouldnt' go quite that far. But then again, I am a quite surly old curmudgeon...
And there you have it.
Who he is: A very well thought of underground MC from Queens, NYC. Very well thought of he says... how bourgeois sounding... "Yes, we think quite highly of Mr. Monch. He is a man of superb character and rich talent...". I totally spelled "bourgeois" right the first time, btw... Anyhoo, serious rap heads would also remember that he was part of the group Organized Konfuzion a few years back as well.
What he sounds like: Hmm... kind of like Roots Manuva without the British accent... or is that just me?
What I think: He's okay. Lotta love from other bloggers, putting him up there in "legendary" status, but I would quite go that far. But then again, I am a quite surly old curmudgeon...
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Who they are: Another Brit Rock group that slipped through my radar, along with Pulp.
What they sound like: Another Brit Rock group, with kinda high nasally male vocals.
What I think: They're okay. This song does have a quite undeniable, humorous-yet-not hook, don't it? Alot of folks are incredibly psyched about them playing at Coachella, but I wouldnt' go quite that far. But then again, I am a quite surly old curmudgeon...
And there you have it.
21 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Peeping Tom (Fri.) / Peter, Bjorn & John (Sat.)
I have to start off the day by giving a big ol' shout-out to my sister in bloggin', the fabulous Marsupial over at Benzaiten Music. If you want a little bit of actual information and insight along with your music, as opposed to the half-arsed, knee-jerk ramblings you get here, that is the place to go. Girl knows her stuff! (Well, she is a soon-to-be-big-time Music Supervisor in the film world, after all).
Now, back to your regularly scheduled mediocrity. The writing that is. Today's bands are pretty dang good.
Who they are: Mr. Mad Genius, Mr. Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Mr. Lovage, Mr. Mike Patton and a merry band of collaborators.
What they sound like: Well, with collaborators ranging from Amon Tobin to Bebel Gilberto to Kool Keith, the results are varied, but the good kind of varied.
What I think: Me likey a lot. I don't know which of his various cohorts will join him on stage (heck, maybe even Bjork?), but it promises to be interesting. It's Mike Freakin' Patton, dangit! Dude's like, crazy!
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Who they are: Yet another reminder that Swedish people are cute, in that "I wanna pinch your cheeks" kinda way.
What they sound like: What is it with the Swedish people and the pop music. They're just so dang good at it! But I promise to make it through describing a Swedish artist without mentioning Abba -- wait... d'oh! The problem I have with PB & J (fighting off the urge to pinch cheeks again) is that with a first single as genius and classic as "Young Folks", how the hell do you follow it up? I haven't found another song of theirs yet that quite compares.
What I think: And the reason for that is because the singer's kinda off-key delivery, while soooo perfect for that song is a bit off-putting on some of their other tunes. Worth checking out, especially if you know how to whistle. Has there ever been a whistle-along at Coachella? Well, there will be this year!!!
Now, back to your regularly scheduled mediocrity. The writing that is. Today's bands are pretty dang good.
Who they are: Mr. Mad Genius, Mr. Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Mr. Lovage, Mr. Mike Patton and a merry band of collaborators.
What they sound like: Well, with collaborators ranging from Amon Tobin to Bebel Gilberto to Kool Keith, the results are varied, but the good kind of varied.
Peeping Tom - Mojo (ft. Rahzel & Dan the Automator)
What I think: Me likey a lot. I don't know which of his various cohorts will join him on stage (heck, maybe even Bjork?), but it promises to be interesting. It's Mike Freakin' Patton, dangit! Dude's like, crazy!
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Who they are: Yet another reminder that Swedish people are cute, in that "I wanna pinch your cheeks" kinda way.
What they sound like: What is it with the Swedish people and the pop music. They're just so dang good at it! But I promise to make it through describing a Swedish artist without mentioning Abba -- wait... d'oh! The problem I have with PB & J (fighting off the urge to pinch cheeks again) is that with a first single as genius and classic as "Young Folks", how the hell do you follow it up? I haven't found another song of theirs yet that quite compares.
Peter, Bjorn & John - I Don't Know What I Want Us To Do
What I think: And the reason for that is because the singer's kinda off-key delivery, while soooo perfect for that song is a bit off-putting on some of their other tunes. Worth checking out, especially if you know how to whistle. Has there ever been a whistle-along at Coachella? Well, there will be this year!!!
20 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Ozomatli (Sat.) / Peaches (Fri.)
Ahhh... just got back from a Tuesday morning walk on the beach... because "Extra" is on hiatus... and because I can :P
Who they are: Los Angeles' best party band, 256 years running.
What they sound like: Latin + Funk + Hip-Hop + Shake Yo Booty, Beeyatch! They have a new record coming out in April, but I'm gonna take ya way back today. I remember when I used to go see these guys in small clubs in L.A. when they were just starting out, places where they would barely even fit on the stage (the original lineup having must have been a dozen members, including DJ Cut Chemist and MC Chali Tuna of Jurassic 5, who are no longer with them). Yup, I'm old school like that! Be all impressed and shit. This one was one of those original jams.
What I think: Despite the fact that their lineup has gotten watered down over the years, I will refer you back to the "Who they are" section, and bid you good day.
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Who she is: A dirty, dirty electroclash bitch... and damn proud of it!
What she sounds like: I was never a big fan of the electroclash back when it was all the rage (what, 3 years ago?), but this here song off her new album is kinda rockin' and good.
What I think: Despite the fact that I'm not a huge fan, I can't see Peaches not being fun live.
Okay, back out to the beach...
Who they are: Los Angeles' best party band, 256 years running.
What they sound like: Latin + Funk + Hip-Hop + Shake Yo Booty, Beeyatch! They have a new record coming out in April, but I'm gonna take ya way back today. I remember when I used to go see these guys in small clubs in L.A. when they were just starting out, places where they would barely even fit on the stage (the original lineup having must have been a dozen members, including DJ Cut Chemist and MC Chali Tuna of Jurassic 5, who are no longer with them). Yup, I'm old school like that! Be all impressed and shit. This one was one of those original jams.
What I think: Despite the fact that their lineup has gotten watered down over the years, I will refer you back to the "Who they are" section, and bid you good day.
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Who she is: A dirty, dirty electroclash bitch... and damn proud of it!
What she sounds like: I was never a big fan of the electroclash back when it was all the rage (what, 3 years ago?), but this here song off her new album is kinda rockin' and good.
What I think: Despite the fact that I'm not a huge fan, I can't see Peaches not being fun live.
Okay, back out to the beach...
19 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - The Noisettes (Fri.) / Of Montreal (Fri.)
If you came here looking for wisdom and knowledge, um, today is not your day :P
Who they are: A British 3-piece. Apparently the singer does the same hang upside down treatment as Rosie O'Donnell. Oh jeez, did I just mention Rosie in my blog?!?! It'll take forever to get the taint out now!!
What they sound like: Kinda all over the place rock... this song alone has about 15 different sections. Of course, it's the only song of theirs I've ever heard. The rest of 'em could all be polka tunes for all I know...
What I think: Actually kind of like this, and that probably has almost everything to do with the girl vocals. Quality girl vocals will get Tone to forgive a lot in music. That's how sucky Deerhoof is, for example... they have girl vocals and I still hate 'em! Deerhoof shall never escape my wrath.
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Who they are: An Athens, GA band that is actually more or less one guy in the studio, but then he enlists his cohorts to go out and play live with him, because he finds out that he's not as cool as he thought and can't play all the instruments at the same time. Oh, NOW you ask for help, Mr. I-can-do-it-all-myself? Screw you, buddy!
What they sound like: Now, I thought, from what I'd heard, that this would be a lot weirder than the song posted here. But then again, for all I know...
What I think: Meh. But am I missing the plot? Help a brotha out!
See, told ya. Maybe I'll be of more use tomorrow :P
Who they are: A British 3-piece. Apparently the singer does the same hang upside down treatment as Rosie O'Donnell. Oh jeez, did I just mention Rosie in my blog?!?! It'll take forever to get the taint out now!!
What they sound like: Kinda all over the place rock... this song alone has about 15 different sections. Of course, it's the only song of theirs I've ever heard. The rest of 'em could all be polka tunes for all I know...
What I think: Actually kind of like this, and that probably has almost everything to do with the girl vocals. Quality girl vocals will get Tone to forgive a lot in music. That's how sucky Deerhoof is, for example... they have girl vocals and I still hate 'em! Deerhoof shall never escape my wrath.
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Who they are: An Athens, GA band that is actually more or less one guy in the studio, but then he enlists his cohorts to go out and play live with him, because he finds out that he's not as cool as he thought and can't play all the instruments at the same time. Oh, NOW you ask for help, Mr. I-can-do-it-all-myself? Screw you, buddy!
What they sound like: Now, I thought, from what I'd heard, that this would be a lot weirder than the song posted here. But then again, for all I know...
Of Montreal - Suffer For Fashion
What I think: Meh. But am I missing the plot? Help a brotha out!
See, told ya. Maybe I'll be of more use tomorrow :P
16 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Nickel Creek (Fri.) / The Nightwatchman (Sat.)
Blog-achella, being the public service that it is, sometimes makes it necessary for me to post music that I wouldn't normally give a rat's ass about. But I do it for the children. We must always think of the children!
Who they are: Strangely enough, they hail from Carlsbad, CA...
What they sound like: ... a place I would necessarily identify with acoustic country bluegrass pickin' and grinnin'.
What I think: Okay, we get it... the tie-in from Stagecoach. Willie Nelson is one thing, but it's getting kind of silly. Next!
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Who he is: Tom Morello, with a lame alias.
What he sounds like: A bad Johnny Cash impression. Amazingly (me being such an interwebs ninja and all) I couldn't find a single mp3 anywhere to share with you. But the YouTubes came through for me.
What I think:
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Okay, phew... that's done. But that just doesn't seem to be enough for a Friday. You deserve some bonus content... so... Super Mario Brothers!!!!!
Have an awesome weekend. With March Madness and St. Paddy's Day going on at the same time, here's a link that should come in handy on Monday. ;)
Who they are: Strangely enough, they hail from Carlsbad, CA...
What they sound like: ... a place I would necessarily identify with acoustic country bluegrass pickin' and grinnin'.
What I think: Okay, we get it... the tie-in from Stagecoach. Willie Nelson is one thing, but it's getting kind of silly. Next!
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Who he is: Tom Morello, with a lame alias.
What he sounds like: A bad Johnny Cash impression. Amazingly (me being such an interwebs ninja and all) I couldn't find a single mp3 anywhere to share with you. But the YouTubes came through for me.
What I think:
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Okay, phew... that's done. But that just doesn't seem to be enough for a Friday. You deserve some bonus content... so... Super Mario Brothers!!!!!
Have an awesome weekend. With March Madness and St. Paddy's Day going on at the same time, here's a link that should come in handy on Monday. ;)
15 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Willie Nelson (Sun.) / New Pornographers (Sat.)
Who can blog when March Madness has started?
Okay, okay, I'll do it.
Who he is: America's favorite stoner.
What he sounds like: Surprisingly lucid!
What I think: Not a country music fan at all, but I'd rank Willie a strong yet distant #2 to my man Johnny Cash. It's kind of interesting how they are throwing in a few hold-overs from the next weekend's Stagecoach Festival. I wonder how it will go over... I imagine Willie will have a large crowd, though, and that the contact high will be especially pungent ;)
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Who they are: Yet MORE Canucks, this time from Vancouver, where, oh so appropriately for this particular pairing, they actually have pot cafes! Bonus points for Neko Case being such a hottie.
What they sound like: More of that Indie Pop that seems to be the rage in Canada right now. When I was growing up, it seemed like the only music they had was The Tragically Hip... who rule, btw. If you disagree with that, I will fight you.
What I think: Not bad at all... well this song anyway. Didn't know these guys before, but I may have to investigate further...
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And not that you care, but my Final Four picks are Georgetown, Texas A&M, Florida and Kansas, with the Jayhawks over the Hoyas in the finals... because it's 11:39...
... AND GEORGETOWN STILL SUCKS!!!!
Okay, okay, I'll do it.
Who he is: America's favorite stoner.
What he sounds like: Surprisingly lucid!
What I think: Not a country music fan at all, but I'd rank Willie a strong yet distant #2 to my man Johnny Cash. It's kind of interesting how they are throwing in a few hold-overs from the next weekend's Stagecoach Festival. I wonder how it will go over... I imagine Willie will have a large crowd, though, and that the contact high will be especially pungent ;)
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Who they are: Yet MORE Canucks, this time from Vancouver, where, oh so appropriately for this particular pairing, they actually have pot cafes! Bonus points for Neko Case being such a hottie.
What they sound like: More of that Indie Pop that seems to be the rage in Canada right now. When I was growing up, it seemed like the only music they had was The Tragically Hip... who rule, btw. If you disagree with that, I will fight you.
The New Pornographers - Sing Me Spanish Techno
What I think: Not bad at all... well this song anyway. Didn't know these guys before, but I may have to investigate further...
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And not that you care, but my Final Four picks are Georgetown, Texas A&M, Florida and Kansas, with the Jayhawks over the Hoyas in the finals... because it's 11:39...
... AND GEORGETOWN STILL SUCKS!!!!
14 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Mika (Sun.) / MSTRKRFT (Sat.)
Sometimes musicians sound like other musicians. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes it's war...
Who he is: A Lebanese-born singer from London, who quite frankly kinda creeps me out in his pictures. But he is #1 on the charts over there right now.
What he sounds like: Two words - Freddie Mercury.
What I think: Do I lie? Not really my cup of tea. But I gotta say, between this and the My Chemical Romance and hell, even the new Muse (which I love), if Freddie were alive he'd be having some beef with some folks. Which quite frankly would be pretty damn funny. Imagine a feud between Gerard Way and Freddy Mercury, with both of them cutting increasingly flamboyant diss records, ending in a drive-by slapping of Way by Freddie outside of Crunch Gym or some shit. God, that needs to happen. Damn you for dying so young Freddie!
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Who they are: Any more Canadian acts and I'm going to start calling this thing Canuck-a-chella. Wait... did I use that joke last year? Probably. I'm a hack. Anyhoo, these guys used to have the band called Death From Above 1979, but now they have synthesizers.
What they sound like: Two words - Daft Punk...
What I think: ... which is not a bad thing! These guys are one of my favorite new outfits of the last couple years, and they have also delivered some killer remixes. Get on Hype Machine and search 'em out. Plus, anytime you make a video in which a bunch of hot secretaries are sat in a dentist's chair and completely slathered in strawberry yogurt, you are cool in my book.
Okay, maybe that was a little much.
Who he is: A Lebanese-born singer from London, who quite frankly kinda creeps me out in his pictures. But he is #1 on the charts over there right now.
What he sounds like: Two words - Freddie Mercury.
What I think: Do I lie? Not really my cup of tea. But I gotta say, between this and the My Chemical Romance and hell, even the new Muse (which I love), if Freddie were alive he'd be having some beef with some folks. Which quite frankly would be pretty damn funny. Imagine a feud between Gerard Way and Freddy Mercury, with both of them cutting increasingly flamboyant diss records, ending in a drive-by slapping of Way by Freddie outside of Crunch Gym or some shit. God, that needs to happen. Damn you for dying so young Freddie!
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Who they are: Any more Canadian acts and I'm going to start calling this thing Canuck-a-chella. Wait... did I use that joke last year? Probably. I'm a hack. Anyhoo, these guys used to have the band called Death From Above 1979, but now they have synthesizers.
What they sound like: Two words - Daft Punk...
MSTRKRFT - She's Good For Business
What I think: ... which is not a bad thing! These guys are one of my favorite new outfits of the last couple years, and they have also delivered some killer remixes. Get on Hype Machine and search 'em out. Plus, anytime you make a video in which a bunch of hot secretaries are sat in a dentist's chair and completely slathered in strawberry yogurt, you are cool in my book.
Okay, maybe that was a little much.
13 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Mando Diao (Sun.) / Stephen Marley (Fri.)
Stay tuned for awesomeness... but first, music :P
Who they are: A band from Sweden. Are these the first Swedes we've come across in this whole thing? Step it up, Sweden!
What they sound like: A bit Garage Rock, a bit Brit Rock.
What I think: Was this song used for an iPod commercial, or is it just me? I kind of like this a bit, but you expected that when I said they sounded Brit Rock, didn't you? I'm so predictable it's not funny anymore. Like, I could drop a "Fuck Interpol" here for no reason and you wouldn't even be surprised. So Fuck Interpol. See? The thrill is gone :P
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Who he is: Son #24 of Bob. Which did he have more of, kids or albums? Dude liked to sow that seed, yo! But that's nothing. There were some Amish families where I grew up that had 157 kids. And all the boys were named John. True story. BTW, in case you forgot, Jr. Gong is Damien...
What he sounds like: Much more like Damien than Ziggy, aka... more hip/hop & dancehall than roots reggae. I went with a mellow track, well, because it's really freakin' good. Plus it's got Mos Def.
What I think: "Mi come here fi drink milk, mi noh come here fi count cow". Yeah, that's what I said.
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And this, well it's just something random that got posted on the YouTubes that blows my mind. This happened 20 miles away from my parents farm when I was 6 years old. I can still remember my folks driving me and my brother by to see the ramp while it was being built... but for some reason we didn't watch it happen in person. I can't remember why... but then again, it was 30 years ago. Fuck me, I'm old. But anyways, this guy makes Evil Knievel look like a pussy. Ok, not really, but he's pretty awesome.
When I get my rocket car, I'm gonna try this again... and I'm gonna MAKE IT, beeyatch!!!!!
Who they are: A band from Sweden. Are these the first Swedes we've come across in this whole thing? Step it up, Sweden!
What they sound like: A bit Garage Rock, a bit Brit Rock.
What I think: Was this song used for an iPod commercial, or is it just me? I kind of like this a bit, but you expected that when I said they sounded Brit Rock, didn't you? I'm so predictable it's not funny anymore. Like, I could drop a "Fuck Interpol" here for no reason and you wouldn't even be surprised. So Fuck Interpol. See? The thrill is gone :P
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Stephen Marley (featuring Jr. Gong)
Who he is: Son #24 of Bob. Which did he have more of, kids or albums? Dude liked to sow that seed, yo! But that's nothing. There were some Amish families where I grew up that had 157 kids. And all the boys were named John. True story. BTW, in case you forgot, Jr. Gong is Damien...
What he sounds like: Much more like Damien than Ziggy, aka... more hip/hop & dancehall than roots reggae. I went with a mellow track, well, because it's really freakin' good. Plus it's got Mos Def.
What I think: "Mi come here fi drink milk, mi noh come here fi count cow". Yeah, that's what I said.
--------------------------------
And this, well it's just something random that got posted on the YouTubes that blows my mind. This happened 20 miles away from my parents farm when I was 6 years old. I can still remember my folks driving me and my brother by to see the ramp while it was being built... but for some reason we didn't watch it happen in person. I can't remember why... but then again, it was 30 years ago. Fuck me, I'm old. But anyways, this guy makes Evil Knievel look like a pussy. Ok, not really, but he's pretty awesome.
When I get my rocket car, I'm gonna try this again... and I'm gonna MAKE IT, beeyatch!!!!!
12 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Amos Lee (Sun.) / The Lemoheads (Sun.)
The world is a little less funny today, and not just because Evan Dando is playing Coachella...
Who he is: A kinda odd-looking dude from Philly. Nice hat.
What he sounds like: A bit folky and a bit soulful. Real nice voice. Very chill, though.
What I think: He should be making sweet love with that little hottie Norah Jones. She's a dirty girl. Oh yes, she is...
Oh yeah, the music. It's very coffee house, no? I'll have a venti triple half caf soy latte with pretzel bits and a shot of HGH - it's the secret ingredient that really makes it pop!
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Who they are: Evan Dando. Yup. Weirest. Coachella. Ever.
What they sound like: If this song is any indication, exactly what they've always sounded like.
What I think: Between Rage, Crowded House, and these guys, on Sunday you can party like it's 1989...
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And this just sucks. He may not have gotten the props, but he was one of the funniest motherfuckers ever...
R.I.P. Richard Jeni
Who he is: A kinda odd-looking dude from Philly. Nice hat.
What he sounds like: A bit folky and a bit soulful. Real nice voice. Very chill, though.
What I think: He should be making sweet love with that little hottie Norah Jones. She's a dirty girl. Oh yes, she is...
Oh yeah, the music. It's very coffee house, no? I'll have a venti triple half caf soy latte with pretzel bits and a shot of HGH - it's the secret ingredient that really makes it pop!
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Who they are: Evan Dando. Yup. Weirest. Coachella. Ever.
What they sound like: If this song is any indication, exactly what they've always sounded like.
What I think: Between Rage, Crowded House, and these guys, on Sunday you can party like it's 1989...
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And this just sucks. He may not have gotten the props, but he was one of the funniest motherfuckers ever...
R.I.P. Richard Jeni
09 March 2007
Blog-achella '07 - Konono #1 (Sun.) / LCD Soundsystem (Sat.)
Gotta make it quick today...
Who they are: Street musicians from Kinshasa, Congo who play homemade instruments made of junk, more or less... featuring what they call a likembe or "thumb piano".
What they sound like: Like nothing you've ever quite heard before, to be honest. And from reading a couple of articles, they like to play it LOUD.
What I think: This is the kind of thing you're either into or it gives you a headache. I am, shall we say, intrigued...
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Who they are: Tha disco infiltrator fo sho!
What they sound like: They've been covered quite frequently in this space, so I know I don't need to get into it. Jury's still out on the new album though... not feelin' it as much as the first. Here's a surprisingly downcast song, although good.
What I think: The last time they played Coachella, they were just about the best thing I saw all weekend. Don't miss it!!!!!!
Who they are: Street musicians from Kinshasa, Congo who play homemade instruments made of junk, more or less... featuring what they call a likembe or "thumb piano".
What they sound like: Like nothing you've ever quite heard before, to be honest. And from reading a couple of articles, they like to play it LOUD.
Konono #1 - Dishte Tshiekutala
What I think: This is the kind of thing you're either into or it gives you a headache. I am, shall we say, intrigued...
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Who they are: Tha disco infiltrator fo sho!
What they sound like: They've been covered quite frequently in this space, so I know I don't need to get into it. Jury's still out on the new album though... not feelin' it as much as the first. Here's a surprisingly downcast song, although good.
LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
What I think: The last time they played Coachella, they were just about the best thing I saw all weekend. Don't miss it!!!!!!
Blog-achella '07 - Kings Of Leon (Sat.) / Klaxons (Sun.)
Sometimes, working in Hollywood can be pretty surreal. How so you say? As if working with Sugar Ray on a daily basis weren't enough, meet my newest co-worker...
Yup... me and freakin' Slater, standin' around waitin' for our turn at the donuts. Wouldn't have thunk it whilst watching "Saved By the Bell" (cough cough) years ago on TBS in the hour between getting home from school and going out to milk the cows every day ... life is strange.
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Who they are: Two sons of a Tennessee preacher and two other rednecks.
What they sound like: They are the ones keepin' the spirit of Lynrd Skynrd, Thin Lizzy, Molly Hatchet, et al. alive, if you believe the press clippings. Southern Rawk!
What I think: "Freebiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiird"! Actually, that would be a massive improvement. This is sub-"meh". Go back to the trailer park, boys.
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Who they are: A British band, 2/3 of which are from Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of original B-Boy, Billy Shakespeare.
What they sound like: The British have dubbed these guys the leaders of the "New Rave" movement. British people love dubbing "movements". I personally don't get what this music has to do with raving. Maybe it's the siren?
What I think: Points for energy, but "meh". They are absolutely HUGE in Britain right now... NME thinks they are the future of music (this week)... but does anyone really believe they'll be remembered even by next year's Coachella? Me neither. I'm so jaded.
I mean, they're not nearly as memorable as this...
So to sum up... Klaxons - Flavor of the Week... A.C. Slater - Eternal!
Yup... me and freakin' Slater, standin' around waitin' for our turn at the donuts. Wouldn't have thunk it whilst watching "Saved By the Bell" (cough cough) years ago on TBS in the hour between getting home from school and going out to milk the cows every day ... life is strange.
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Who they are: Two sons of a Tennessee preacher and two other rednecks.
What they sound like: They are the ones keepin' the spirit of Lynrd Skynrd, Thin Lizzy, Molly Hatchet, et al. alive, if you believe the press clippings. Southern Rawk!
Kings Of Leon - Pistol of Fire
What I think: "Freebiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiird"! Actually, that would be a massive improvement. This is sub-"meh". Go back to the trailer park, boys.
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Who they are: A British band, 2/3 of which are from Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of original B-Boy, Billy Shakespeare.
What they sound like: The British have dubbed these guys the leaders of the "New Rave" movement. British people love dubbing "movements". I personally don't get what this music has to do with raving. Maybe it's the siren?
Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone
What I think: Points for energy, but "meh". They are absolutely HUGE in Britain right now... NME thinks they are the future of music (this week)... but does anyone really believe they'll be remembered even by next year's Coachella? Me neither. I'm so jaded.
I mean, they're not nearly as memorable as this...
So to sum up... Klaxons - Flavor of the Week... A.C. Slater - Eternal!
Blog-achella '07 - Kaiser Chiefs (Sun.) / Kid Beyond (Sun.)
Posting a little late today... why? Oh, because I just spent the last hour of my life, one I'm pretty sure I will never get back, trying to find some headline from a tabloid claiming that Courteney Cox and David Arquette's marriage is "on the rocks". GASP! OMGWTF?!?! The public must be alerted!!!!! Now, naturally, I cannot imagine a world without a happy, functional Cox/Arquette union to serve as an anchor in this sea of uncertaintly called Earth 2007, so I get right on it. I'm flipping through every goddamn tabloid we have, and I can actually hear my brain cells withering and dying on the vine like unpicked pinot grapes in a sudden frost as I peruse stories of Angelina's so-called anorexia, Britney's so-called lesbianism (which I'm all for, btw) and Jessica and John's so-called hot sex sessions, and nothing, dammit! So I go online, and find some headlines there. Thank goodness for the interwebs, right? Then I gotta go back and forth between a couple of people to see if we can get the permission to use the interwebs pages, then we do. Success! Finally! Exactly that second, the producers cut the story. After one hour of dealing with this bullshit. I love my job.
Who they are: A combo from Leeds, UK that came out originally right along with Bloc Party and The Bravery and all that lot.
What they sound like: Kind of like that lot. They have a new one out, but I picked this song off their first record because of the recent Lily Allen/Mark Ronson cover that has been out there. If you listen closely, the verses kind of sound like a pirate sea shanty... or is it just me?
What I think: Caught a show of theirs on the telly a few months back, and they are a very fun live band. Recommended.
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Who he is: Beatboxer extraordinaire from the Bay Area.
What he sounds like: He is very much like a Jamie Lidell in method, sampling and looping himself on the fly to build rather impressive compositions. His singing voice isn't nearly as good though, although his beatboxing, noisemaking skills may be even better. Supposedly, everything you hear on this track came out of his mouth...
What I think: My innate music techy nerdiness makes me a sucka for this sort of thing. I wouldn't miss it. Just watch the following video he made for Ableton Live (the software). If it leaves you all impressed, you'll know what I'm talking about...
Who they are: A combo from Leeds, UK that came out originally right along with Bloc Party and The Bravery and all that lot.
What they sound like: Kind of like that lot. They have a new one out, but I picked this song off their first record because of the recent Lily Allen/Mark Ronson cover that has been out there. If you listen closely, the verses kind of sound like a pirate sea shanty... or is it just me?
What I think: Caught a show of theirs on the telly a few months back, and they are a very fun live band. Recommended.
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Who he is: Beatboxer extraordinaire from the Bay Area.
What he sounds like: He is very much like a Jamie Lidell in method, sampling and looping himself on the fly to build rather impressive compositions. His singing voice isn't nearly as good though, although his beatboxing, noisemaking skills may be even better. Supposedly, everything you hear on this track came out of his mouth...
What I think: My innate music techy nerdiness makes me a sucka for this sort of thing. I wouldn't miss it. Just watch the following video he made for Ableton Live (the software). If it leaves you all impressed, you'll know what I'm talking about...
Blog-achella '07 - Junior Boys (Sun.) / Justice (Sat.)
J is for Jammin'...
Who they are: More Canadians, but don't worry, I won't do the "take off, hoser" bit today. They're from Hamilton, Ontario, a lovely town which you know is a big deal because they have a Canadian football team there. Canadian football, of course, is just like American football, except that the players on defense get to wear moose horns on their helmets, the running backs are pulled down the field by sled dogs, and every touchdown is worth 15,000 points. Canadians love high scores. The Hamilton side is known as the Tiger-Cats, because, well, apparently they like to be really specific in Canada. They wouldn't want you to think their team was the Tiger Shrimp or Tiger Woods....
What they sound like: More white boy nerd funk!
What I think: Love these guys just as much as the Hot Chip. This is what pop music should sound like! Now, we only need one band to complete the nerd funk trilogy, and that would be these guys...
Make it happen, Goldenvoice!!!!!!!!!
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Who they are: Frenchies.
What they sound like: They are maybe the most blog-hyped of the new French house/techno artists. They did the "We Are Your Friends" song. They like to make screechy sounds sometimes and farty sounds at others. They have a good beat and you can dance to it.
What I think: Although this sound can (and does) very often dip into the obnoxious and ear-ouchy, I can't deny that I'm into it in certain doses. I will, however, deny that I am the father of Anna Nicole's baby, no matter what the damn DNA tests "claim" to "prove". Oh crap... I've said too much...
Who they are: More Canadians, but don't worry, I won't do the "take off, hoser" bit today. They're from Hamilton, Ontario, a lovely town which you know is a big deal because they have a Canadian football team there. Canadian football, of course, is just like American football, except that the players on defense get to wear moose horns on their helmets, the running backs are pulled down the field by sled dogs, and every touchdown is worth 15,000 points. Canadians love high scores. The Hamilton side is known as the Tiger-Cats, because, well, apparently they like to be really specific in Canada. They wouldn't want you to think their team was the Tiger Shrimp or Tiger Woods....
What they sound like: More white boy nerd funk!
What I think: Love these guys just as much as the Hot Chip. This is what pop music should sound like! Now, we only need one band to complete the nerd funk trilogy, and that would be these guys...
Make it happen, Goldenvoice!!!!!!!!!
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Who they are: Frenchies.
What they sound like: They are maybe the most blog-hyped of the new French house/techno artists. They did the "We Are Your Friends" song. They like to make screechy sounds sometimes and farty sounds at others. They have a good beat and you can dance to it.
What I think: Although this sound can (and does) very often dip into the obnoxious and ear-ouchy, I can't deny that I'm into it in certain doses. I will, however, deny that I am the father of Anna Nicole's baby, no matter what the damn DNA tests "claim" to "prove". Oh crap... I've said too much...
Blog-achella '07 - Jack's Mannequin (Sat.) / The Jesus and Mary Chain (Fri.)
Ah, Monday... as your spirits are crushed by the realization that another work week has begun, look to Coachella for inspiration... and find it somewhat lacking today. Look, Coachella's fun and all, but it doesn't change the fact that your job is a dead-end and you're going nowhere in life. Oh, and nobody likes you.
Who he is: Andrew McMahon, who was also the frontman of the band Something Corporate. Nope, never heard of 'em either.
What he sounds like: Music from the O.C., for the O.C., and I'm sure at some point it was featured on "The O.C." I'm not going to look that up... I'm just going to assume it's fact.
What I think: Is it wrong to tell someone who survived a battle with Leukemia that his music kinda sucks? But hey, because of this guy, Tommy Lee playing at Coachella is now a distinct possibility (Tommy is his bud and played percussion on most of the tracks of the album.) -- Hold on, I hear the door. I'll get it. Oh, look who's here! The Apocalypse!
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Who they are: The Scottish brothers Reid and assorted other folk.
What they sound like: I remember first hearing them in college, when my freshman year roomate (this guy named Tom - who had absolutely zero personality and didn't even make it through the full year, but introduced me to all the mopey 80s music I had been totally unaware of... Smiths, Cure, etc., so he did serve some purpose) played the Psychocandy album... just wall to wall feedback and I was like "what the hell, dude?"... and so kinda blew 'em off until the following song popped up on 120 minutes, then I was like, "well, that's not nearly as suck." Okay, so it wasn't exactly an epiphany...
What I think: I saw them open up for Depeche Mode back in (cough cough) on the Violator tour, and the one thing I remember was how whichever one is the singer just beat the living crap out of his mic stand for an hour straight while he was singing, leaving it a mangled mess at the end of the show. What did the mic stand do to deserve that? I am told it called his mom a trollop. So it totally deserved it.
Cheerio!!
Who he is: Andrew McMahon, who was also the frontman of the band Something Corporate. Nope, never heard of 'em either.
What he sounds like: Music from the O.C., for the O.C., and I'm sure at some point it was featured on "The O.C." I'm not going to look that up... I'm just going to assume it's fact.
What I think: Is it wrong to tell someone who survived a battle with Leukemia that his music kinda sucks? But hey, because of this guy, Tommy Lee playing at Coachella is now a distinct possibility (Tommy is his bud and played percussion on most of the tracks of the album.) -- Hold on, I hear the door. I'll get it. Oh, look who's here! The Apocalypse!
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Who they are: The Scottish brothers Reid and assorted other folk.
What they sound like: I remember first hearing them in college, when my freshman year roomate (this guy named Tom - who had absolutely zero personality and didn't even make it through the full year, but introduced me to all the mopey 80s music I had been totally unaware of... Smiths, Cure, etc., so he did serve some purpose) played the Psychocandy album... just wall to wall feedback and I was like "what the hell, dude?"... and so kinda blew 'em off until the following song popped up on 120 minutes, then I was like, "well, that's not nearly as suck." Okay, so it wasn't exactly an epiphany...
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Head On
What I think: I saw them open up for Depeche Mode back in (cough cough) on the Violator tour, and the one thing I remember was how whichever one is the singer just beat the living crap out of his mic stand for an hour straight while he was singing, leaving it a mangled mess at the end of the show. What did the mic stand do to deserve that? I am told it called his mom a trollop. So it totally deserved it.
Cheerio!!
Blog-achella '07 - Interpol (Fri.) / The Kooks (Sun.)
In which I quite possibly piss off Plasticgod 
Who they are: With Headquartes located in Lyon, France, Interpol is the world's largest international police organization, with 186 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. Interpol aims to facilitate international police co-operation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Interpol's constitution prohibits 'any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.'
What I think: Fuck Interpol :P
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Who they are: A band from Brighton, UK. I've actually been there. Right on the English Channel. Neat place, and site of Fatboy's Slim's famous Big Beach Boutique parties.
What they sound like: Pretty much straight-ahead rock. Hooky, catchy stuff.
What I think: Kinda "meh", but sometimes these bands do surprise by putting on a fun, enthusiastic show. I remember Razorlight a couple of years ago. Never heard of 'em, wouldn't think twice about seeing 'em if I had... but ended up at their set and enjoyed it very much because they were great performers and really got the crowd into it...
Have a fantastic weekend!
Who they are: With Headquartes located in Lyon, France, Interpol is the world's largest international police organization, with 186 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. Interpol aims to facilitate international police co-operation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Interpol's constitution prohibits 'any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.'
What they sound like: Look, it's not like I so much hate their music... they're an okay band. I just hate everything else about them. Especially Carlos "I wanna be a" D.-J. I've seen better wedding DJs. Go get hit by a bus, poser. And get a hair cut before you do, you Crispin Glover wanna-be look-alike.
What I think: Fuck Interpol :P
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Who they are: A band from Brighton, UK. I've actually been there. Right on the English Channel. Neat place, and site of Fatboy's Slim's famous Big Beach Boutique parties.
What they sound like: Pretty much straight-ahead rock. Hooky, catchy stuff.
What I think: Kinda "meh", but sometimes these bands do surprise by putting on a fun, enthusiastic show. I remember Razorlight a couple of years ago. Never heard of 'em, wouldn't think twice about seeing 'em if I had... but ended up at their set and enjoyed it very much because they were great performers and really got the crowd into it...
Have a fantastic weekend!
Blog-achella '07 - Hot Chip (Sat.) / Infected Mushroom (Sun.)
You know, I think I'm right about at the halfway mark now... whew...
Who they are: A London band signed to James Murphy's DFA Records (always a sign on quality) who have been darlings of the blog-o-sphere for over a year now. Thing is, unlike most of the (and I'm about to invent a sweet acronym right now) DOTBOS (eh? eh? scha-weeeeet!), these guys are actually quite good. Case in point: Deerhoof = DOTBOS. Yup, Deerhoof even gets some scorn a whole year later. Feel the pain, Deerhoof!
What they sound like: It's like white boy nerd funk, which sounds kinda lame but it's pretty fitting. Much like Junior Boys and Fujiya & Miyagi. Hold on now, did I just invent a sub-genre as well? Fuck, I'm good!
What I think: I like these guys, and the other two bands I just mentioned, quite a bit, but that's probably because I'm a nerdy white boy who is sometimes funky :P Hot Chip also dabble in the remixing with some good results... you may want to hit up Hype Machine and look for their mix of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab"...
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Who they are: A trance act (huh? they still have trance?) from Israel (oh, that explains it - I can't remember why, but I know that for some reason trance has always been big in Israel. Anyone care to enlighten me?)
What they sound like: Trancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrance. The hard kind. I did manage to find a "slower" song that is actually not too bad to listen to, though...
What I think: It would be pretty hypocritical of me to poo-poo the trance in a kneejerk fashion, since I started in the electronic music by going to Moontribe parties, so let's just say... I'm a bit too old too for, um... this...
PLUR, bitches!
Who they are: A London band signed to James Murphy's DFA Records (always a sign on quality) who have been darlings of the blog-o-sphere for over a year now. Thing is, unlike most of the (and I'm about to invent a sweet acronym right now) DOTBOS (eh? eh? scha-weeeeet!), these guys are actually quite good. Case in point: Deerhoof = DOTBOS. Yup, Deerhoof even gets some scorn a whole year later. Feel the pain, Deerhoof!
What they sound like: It's like white boy nerd funk, which sounds kinda lame but it's pretty fitting. Much like Junior Boys and Fujiya & Miyagi. Hold on now, did I just invent a sub-genre as well? Fuck, I'm good!
What I think: I like these guys, and the other two bands I just mentioned, quite a bit, but that's probably because I'm a nerdy white boy who is sometimes funky :P Hot Chip also dabble in the remixing with some good results... you may want to hit up Hype Machine and look for their mix of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab"...
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Who they are: A trance act (huh? they still have trance?) from Israel (oh, that explains it - I can't remember why, but I know that for some reason trance has always been big in Israel. Anyone care to enlighten me?)
What they sound like: Trancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrancetrance. The hard kind. I did manage to find a "slower" song that is actually not too bad to listen to, though...
Infected Mushroom - Elation Station
What I think: It would be pretty hypocritical of me to poo-poo the trance in a kneejerk fashion, since I started in the electronic music by going to Moontribe parties, so let's just say... I'm a bit too old too for, um... this...
PLUR, bitches!
Blog-achella '07 - Happy Mondays (Sun.) / Richie Hawtin (Sun.)
Yer twistin' me melon, man!
Who they are: Shaun Ryder (one of the most awesomely batshit crazy frontmen in the history of rock) and his merry band of wackos, reunited! I especially like the Bez guy who doesn't do anything but dance.
What they sound like: Madchester lives, baby! I was SO all over the "baggy" sound back in the day. These guys, Stone Roses (now that's a reunion I'd love to see), Charlatans, The Farm, you name it. I still have all those CDs, even the Soup Dragons! Love it, love it, love it!
What I think: In my book, the biggest reunion of Coachella this year. Rage Against The Machine? Bah! They weren't even broken up that long, plus they're overrated. No sir, this is where it's at. The question: will they be awesome or a complete train wreck? The answer: who bleedin' cares?!?! This is the Happy Mondays! Get off yer tits for this show, or yer missin' the point, mate! 24 hour party people, massive!
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Who he is: Aka Plastikman, the techno forefather from Windsor, Ontario, eh.
What he sounds like: Mnml Techno at it's finest, eh. Don't be scared aboot that, though... it's not so bad, eh. I even managed to dig up a full live set for you hosers, so take off, eh.
What I think: I think I'll drop the Canadian schtick. I'm kind of having a revival of liking the techno, but I can usually only get into this kind of music for short periods of time. It can be deep, in-the-pocket funky or it can just get boring 'cuz there's not so much going on. But if you listen to the set up there, most of it is pretty good, and when you consider it will be very LOUD with pretty lights and whatnot, I'm sure it will be fun for at least a look-see.
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Oh, and BTW, why don't some of you hosers who have found the blog through the RSS feed feel free to say hi and make yourself known in the comments, eh?
:P
Who they are: Shaun Ryder (one of the most awesomely batshit crazy frontmen in the history of rock) and his merry band of wackos, reunited! I especially like the Bez guy who doesn't do anything but dance.
What they sound like: Madchester lives, baby! I was SO all over the "baggy" sound back in the day. These guys, Stone Roses (now that's a reunion I'd love to see), Charlatans, The Farm, you name it. I still have all those CDs, even the Soup Dragons! Love it, love it, love it!
Happy Mondays - Bob's Yer Uncle
What I think: In my book, the biggest reunion of Coachella this year. Rage Against The Machine? Bah! They weren't even broken up that long, plus they're overrated. No sir, this is where it's at. The question: will they be awesome or a complete train wreck? The answer: who bleedin' cares?!?! This is the Happy Mondays! Get off yer tits for this show, or yer missin' the point, mate! 24 hour party people, massive!
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Who he is: Aka Plastikman, the techno forefather from Windsor, Ontario, eh.
What he sounds like: Mnml Techno at it's finest, eh. Don't be scared aboot that, though... it's not so bad, eh. I even managed to dig up a full live set for you hosers, so take off, eh.
Richie Hawtin - Live In Detroit 11/22/06
What I think: I think I'll drop the Canadian schtick. I'm kind of having a revival of liking the techno, but I can usually only get into this kind of music for short periods of time. It can be deep, in-the-pocket funky or it can just get boring 'cuz there's not so much going on. But if you listen to the set up there, most of it is pretty good, and when you consider it will be very LOUD with pretty lights and whatnot, I'm sure it will be fun for at least a look-see.
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Oh, and BTW, why don't some of you hosers who have found the blog through the RSS feed feel free to say hi and make yourself known in the comments, eh?
:P
Blog-achella '07 - Grizzly Bear (Sun.) / David Guetta (Fri.)
Yesterday's groups were so much better... sigh...
Who they are: A very large carniverous quadrup -- okay, okay they're a band from Brooklyn. 4 guys. And I'm pretty sure there are beards involved.
What they sound like: Very mellow and acoustic. Again! Seriously, if you wanna spend this entire Coachella like, layin' on yer back, lookin' up at the sky and/or the stars and just, you know, BEIN', man... while sensitive, bearded men play sensitive bearded songs, you will have absolutely no problemo. Well, unless someone accidentally steps on your face, that is. Man, do I hate people who lay on the ground at Coachella when it's night and it's dark and my eyes can't see straight anyway... and then I trip over 'em and they look all pissed at ME? Hello, I'm not the dumbass lying on the ground IN THE DARK WITH 60,000 PEOPLE STUMBLING AROUND WASTED OUT OF THEIR MINDS!!! DUMBASS!!! Ahhhhh, that felt good to get out...
What I think: Huh? What? Sorry, I nodded off there... not bad home listening, though.
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Who he is: A French house DJ, but not of the robot variety, rather of the well... do I have to say it? I mean, look at the picture...
What he sounds like: No, seriously, look at the picture. This dude makes BT look street, and that, my friends, is no easy feat.
What I think: See? Told ya. He's so cheesy, he's in cahoots with Oakenfold, and need I say more? Seriously though, between him, and Benassi and Tiesto and Van Dyk, yuck... the Sahara tent is going to be the suck a large portion of the time.
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And finally, check out my music page for another new tune, called Eboa. Kind of a tracky tech-house thing... fo da dancfloor, yo!!! (whatever)
Who they are: A very large carniverous quadrup -- okay, okay they're a band from Brooklyn. 4 guys. And I'm pretty sure there are beards involved.
What they sound like: Very mellow and acoustic. Again! Seriously, if you wanna spend this entire Coachella like, layin' on yer back, lookin' up at the sky and/or the stars and just, you know, BEIN', man... while sensitive, bearded men play sensitive bearded songs, you will have absolutely no problemo. Well, unless someone accidentally steps on your face, that is. Man, do I hate people who lay on the ground at Coachella when it's night and it's dark and my eyes can't see straight anyway... and then I trip over 'em and they look all pissed at ME? Hello, I'm not the dumbass lying on the ground IN THE DARK WITH 60,000 PEOPLE STUMBLING AROUND WASTED OUT OF THEIR MINDS!!! DUMBASS!!! Ahhhhh, that felt good to get out...
What I think: Huh? What? Sorry, I nodded off there... not bad home listening, though.
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Who he is: A French house DJ, but not of the robot variety, rather of the well... do I have to say it? I mean, look at the picture...
What he sounds like: No, seriously, look at the picture. This dude makes BT look street, and that, my friends, is no easy feat.
David Guetta - The World Is Mine
What I think: See? Told ya. He's so cheesy, he's in cahoots with Oakenfold, and need I say more? Seriously though, between him, and Benassi and Tiesto and Van Dyk, yuck... the Sahara tent is going to be the suck a large portion of the time.
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And finally, check out my music page for another new tune, called Eboa. Kind of a tracky tech-house thing... fo da dancfloor, yo!!! (whatever)
Blog-achella '07 - The Good, The Bad & The Queen (Sat.) / Gotan Project (Sat.)
Hey, so the Oscars were last night... but since I yet again wasn't honored, I won't get too much into it, except I gotta mention the "Dreamgirls" musical number. Good God Almighty, I've never heard such caterwauling in my life! You had three chicks out there whose only purpose was to sing louder, higher, and with more notes per second than the other two, kinda like the female equivalent of three guys throwin' their junk down on the table to see whose is biggest. Your word of the day is cacophony! Can the histrionics and just sing the damn song, 'cause that shit was making me wanna scoop out my eardrums with a melon baller, ladies. Brutal!
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Who they are: Once again Damon Albarn goes out and collects a seemingly random group of blokes for a new project... this time he got Paul Simenon (bassist from The Clash), Simon Tong (guitar player from The Verve) and Tony Allen (drummer from Fela Kuti's bands), all with Danger Mouse producing. So yeah, a supergroup of sorts.
What they sound like: It's a pretty mellow, moody affair, definitely calling to mind the many gloomy days in London it's songs are about.
What I think: For a guy who I used to pretty much only associate with the "Woo-Hoo!" song, I gotta say, Damon Albarn has become the Man! Woo-hoo indeed, sir. Woo-hoo indeed...
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Who they are: No introduction should be necessary to the folks reading this page... your trivia - one is French, one is Argentine, one is Swiss and all are obviously quite dapper.
What they sound like: Tango-tronica!
What I think: If it wasn't so good, it would probably suck, ya know. Few groups are able to do this kind of mix of traditional and modern and not come off cheesy, but as we all know, Gotan Project is ace. It will, however, be pretty hard to tango on the litter-strewn grounds of Coachella, but dangit, you owe it to yourself to try!!!!
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Who they are: Once again Damon Albarn goes out and collects a seemingly random group of blokes for a new project... this time he got Paul Simenon (bassist from The Clash), Simon Tong (guitar player from The Verve) and Tony Allen (drummer from Fela Kuti's bands), all with Danger Mouse producing. So yeah, a supergroup of sorts.
What they sound like: It's a pretty mellow, moody affair, definitely calling to mind the many gloomy days in London it's songs are about.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen - Nature Springs
What I think: For a guy who I used to pretty much only associate with the "Woo-Hoo!" song, I gotta say, Damon Albarn has become the Man! Woo-hoo indeed, sir. Woo-hoo indeed...
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Who they are: No introduction should be necessary to the folks reading this page... your trivia - one is French, one is Argentine, one is Swiss and all are obviously quite dapper.
What they sound like: Tango-tronica!
Gotan Project - Una Musica Brutal
What I think: If it wasn't so good, it would probably suck, ya know. Few groups are able to do this kind of mix of traditional and modern and not come off cheesy, but as we all know, Gotan Project is ace. It will, however, be pretty hard to tango on the litter-strewn grounds of Coachella, but dangit, you owe it to yourself to try!!!!
Blog-achella '07 - Gogol Bordello (Fri.) / Jose Gonzalez (Sun.)
To mosh or not to mosh, that is the question...
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Who they are: A bunch of Eastern European types from New York City with funny clothes who named their band after a gay Ukrainian writer from the early 19th century.
What they sound like: They call it "Gypsy Punk"... it's loud and shouty and has accordions and violins and um...
What I think: Um, err... I don't get it. It's like a mosh-pit broke out in Borat's village or something... oh, wait, no... they like country there...
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Who he is: Argentine dude who grew up in Sweden, got acoustic guitar, rocked softly, did many cover songs and starred on the latest Zero 7 album.
What he sounds like: I'm not making fun here, I promise, but don't you hear a liiiiiiittle bit of Christopher Cross in his voice? Or is it just me?
What I think: Come on, now... just a little, if you listen real hard? No? Anyhoo, dude is cool in my book, although there will be no mosh pits here, unless people are being, like, super ironic.
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Oh, and despite the fact that I work on one of the offending "celebrity news" shows, I just really wish people would leave Britney the fuck alone. I'm somewhat embarrassed to be even a small, unwilling part of the media's stalking of the poor girl. Who's with me on this?
Have a great weekend, kids.
Blog-achella '07 - Ghostface Killah (Sat.) / Girl Talk (Sat.)
Gonna break a couple rules on the ol' blog today. You say you were unaware that there were any rules for this blog? I'm a stinkin' Virgo, people! Of course there are rules! Millions of 'em! And they exist only in my twisted little brain...
Who he is: Somehow an original Wu-Tang member became the official rapper it's okay to like if you're an Indie kid. Seriously, though, Ghostface's 2 albums from last year were on every blog's year-end top 10 list, right next to Decemberists and TV on the Radio and Joanna Newsom all the rest of the indie crushes. Weird.
What he sounds like: Very, very good. Thick-ass Wu style beats and he is one of the best storytellers in rap. But for my song selection, I'm breaking my unwritten rule of not featuring collaborations, especially not with other Coachella artists. It's just a thing, okay. I like to give everyone their own individual shine, but this song is just too damn good. Such a bizarre team up, but the results are sweet...
Ghostface Killah - You Know I'm No Good (
What I think: Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin' to WHAT? That there song should actually be re-created live at the show, which will be fun. The only reservation I'd have with Ghost is that I've seen Wu-Tang live on TV and it ended up being one of those deals where there were too many guys yelling all at once at it kinda sucked. So, guess it depends on how many people he brings with him. Definitely peep the albums though.
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Who he is: Mr. Greg Gillis of
What he sounds like: DJ Z-Trip on crack. But, as you can see in the photo, he's not really a DJ, nor does he claim to be. His album, Night Ripper, was all made on his trusty laptop, and honestly, not even someone of Z-Trip's skillz could recreate it on turntables. Over, oh, 45 minutes or so, he takes bits and pieces of 164 different songs and just throws 'em in the blender on "Jucify", and the result, well... here's where I break another rule. Although the album is split up into "tracks", you really just can't properly experience it in three minute snippets... so here's the whole damn thing...
Girl Talk - Night Ripper (.zip file)
What I think: The art of the mash-up taken to the highest level. Awesome. .
Blog-achella '07 - The Frames (Sat.) / The Fratellis (Sat.)
It's Ireland vs. Scotland on the pitch today! Should be a hell of a match!
(Look, I gotta come up with something to liven this thing up sometimes, otherwise it's just two more "meh" indie rock bands :P )
Who they are: The Irish side, featuring a strong attack from midfield and solid play in goal, they look to force the action with long crosses and constant pressure.
What they sound like: "Is minic a gheibhean beal oscailt diog dunta!"
The Frames - Sad Songs
What I think: These guys have like six records out and I'd never heard of 'em. How "meh" is that?
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Who they are: The Scottish side plays a more conservative game, with a stifling defense, although their wingers are very creative with the ball. Extremely dangerous on the set pieces, especially corners.
What they sound like: "Did you cowp mah pint, ya bastard? Any mair ay yer cheek an' ye'll get a cuddy lug, ye wee cunt!"
What I think: I dig this song, especially the groovy little coda at the end. Apple always does pick decent indie rawk trax for their iPod ads, don't they? Still kinda "meh", though, if you think about it.
Prediction: Nil/nil tie. Meh.
I promise I'll have something constructive to say tomorrow. No, really...
(Look, I gotta come up with something to liven this thing up sometimes, otherwise it's just two more "meh" indie rock bands :P )
Who they are: The Irish side, featuring a strong attack from midfield and solid play in goal, they look to force the action with long crosses and constant pressure.
What they sound like: "Is minic a gheibhean beal oscailt diog dunta!"
The Frames - Sad Songs
What I think: These guys have like six records out and I'd never heard of 'em. How "meh" is that?
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Who they are: The Scottish side plays a more conservative game, with a stifling defense, although their wingers are very creative with the ball. Extremely dangerous on the set pieces, especially corners.
What they sound like: "Did you cowp mah pint, ya bastard? Any mair ay yer cheek an' ye'll get a cuddy lug, ye wee cunt!"
What I think: I dig this song, especially the groovy little coda at the end. Apple always does pick decent indie rawk trax for their iPod ads, don't they? Still kinda "meh", though, if you think about it.
Prediction: Nil/nil tie. Meh.
I promise I'll have something constructive to say tomorrow. No, really...
Blog-achella '07 - Fields (Sat.) / Fountains of Wayne (Sat.)
Did you know that baseball spring training has started? Summer is just around the corner! And you know what they play baseball on...
Who they are: A British band that has the good sense to put the nice looking bird in the front of the publicity photo, even though she isn't the frontwoman of the band.
What they sound like: Rich, full-bodied Brit-Rock with a pungent aroma and hints of um, ah, forget it.
What I think: I like their sound, being the sucker for Brit-Rock that I am. Other things I am a sucker for: Redheads, Microbrews and Movies where a bunch of dudes swear and shoot guns at each other ("The Departed" for Best Picture!).
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Who they are: A New York band that was actually around for quite some time before that whole "Stacey's Mom" song. I actually got hipped to them by Chris Douridas on KCRW back in the day - the main songwriter, Adam Schlesinger, was in this band called Ivy that was quite good, and Fountains Of Wayne was just supposed to be a side-project. 10 years later, and the "side project" is still going, whereas Ivy has long since ceased to be. Oh, and since I mentioned KCRW... blow me, Nic Harcourt :P
What they sound like: Guitar Pop the way it should be, aka, minus all the damn TWEE! Seriously, it's like who can be the fuckin' twee-est these days between the Sufjans and the Decemberists and the Belle and Sebastians all that crap. Just because you want to play catchy pop songs doesn't mean you have to be a gigantic pussy, and Fountains of Wayne are excellent proof of that. Here's the first song of theirs Mr. Douridas played on Morning Becomes Eclectic that I totally dug.
What I think: See, that's how you do it. It's catchy, it's pop, and I don't want to punch anyone in the band in the face right now. Good work, boys.
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And finally, a photo that really sums up the Bush adminstration...
(I'm truly sorry for that. I am.)
Who they are: A British band that has the good sense to put the nice looking bird in the front of the publicity photo, even though she isn't the frontwoman of the band.
What they sound like: Rich, full-bodied Brit-Rock with a pungent aroma and hints of um, ah, forget it.
What I think: I like their sound, being the sucker for Brit-Rock that I am. Other things I am a sucker for: Redheads, Microbrews and Movies where a bunch of dudes swear and shoot guns at each other ("The Departed" for Best Picture!).
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Who they are: A New York band that was actually around for quite some time before that whole "Stacey's Mom" song. I actually got hipped to them by Chris Douridas on KCRW back in the day - the main songwriter, Adam Schlesinger, was in this band called Ivy that was quite good, and Fountains Of Wayne was just supposed to be a side-project. 10 years later, and the "side project" is still going, whereas Ivy has long since ceased to be. Oh, and since I mentioned KCRW... blow me, Nic Harcourt :P
What they sound like: Guitar Pop the way it should be, aka, minus all the damn TWEE! Seriously, it's like who can be the fuckin' twee-est these days between the Sufjans and the Decemberists and the Belle and Sebastians all that crap. Just because you want to play catchy pop songs doesn't mean you have to be a gigantic pussy, and Fountains of Wayne are excellent proof of that. Here's the first song of theirs Mr. Douridas played on Morning Becomes Eclectic that I totally dug.
Fountains Of Wayne - Radiation Vibe
What I think: See, that's how you do it. It's catchy, it's pop, and I don't want to punch anyone in the band in the face right now. Good work, boys.
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And finally, a photo that really sums up the Bush adminstration...
Blog-achella '07 - Felix Da Housecat (Fri.) / Lupe Fiasco (Sun.)
And now, a President's Day message from a very special guest blogger... give it up for the 11th President of the United States, Mr. James K. Polk!
"Thank you, Tone. So, yeah, it's President's Day. Big fuckin' deal. Why would I say that, you ask? Because all you people seem to care about are those grandstanders Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln... how come you never celebrate James K. Polk on President's Day, huh? I did some cool shit, ya know! You ever hear of the U.S. Naval Academy? I built that shit. Yeah, me. The Smithsonian? Bet you've been there on a school trip, huh? James K. Pizzolk. How about postage stamps, ever use one of those? You got the Polker to thank for that, too! But that shit's just small beans, yo! I added a grip of land to this country. Texas, Washington, Oregon, oh, and try havin' your little Coachella thing without a little James K. Polk acquisition called California. Manifest Destiny, bitches! Google dat shit!... Anyway, I'd like to present now, the greatest recording in the history of music. Sorry for the crap sound quality, apparently this mp3 was ripped with technology invented while I was still in office...
... James K. Polk, out!"
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Who he is: The Chicago DJ that it seems has been around for approximately 1,000,000 years and is always at Coachella, hangin' out at the beer tent.
What he sounds like: Never really been one of my favorites, but then again the only time I can really remember seeing him spin live was at one of the URB Coachella after-parties and I was way too fucked up to pay attention :P
His own productions, however, I can definitely say are a bit dodgy. The last album, I forget what it was called, was a damn-near unlistenable '80s throwback which got sold right back to Aron's after one spin. But here's a kinda good remix he did last year...
What I think: I dunno... all the house DJ's in the world, you'd think they could come up with someone different for a change...
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Who he is: Also from Chicago, he's kind of like Kanye West's and Jay-Z's nerdy little cousin
What he sounds like: Nice hip-hop of the backpackin' variety
What I think: Well, what we have here is a rare occurence, a popular rapper that doesnt' suck! Who knew? Actually, though, considering who he runs with, it's no surprise. Recommended, and maybe he'll do some skateboard tricks for ya, too.
"Thank you, Tone. So, yeah, it's President's Day. Big fuckin' deal. Why would I say that, you ask? Because all you people seem to care about are those grandstanders Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln... how come you never celebrate James K. Polk on President's Day, huh? I did some cool shit, ya know! You ever hear of the U.S. Naval Academy? I built that shit. Yeah, me. The Smithsonian? Bet you've been there on a school trip, huh? James K. Pizzolk. How about postage stamps, ever use one of those? You got the Polker to thank for that, too! But that shit's just small beans, yo! I added a grip of land to this country. Texas, Washington, Oregon, oh, and try havin' your little Coachella thing without a little James K. Polk acquisition called California. Manifest Destiny, bitches! Google dat shit!... Anyway, I'd like to present now, the greatest recording in the history of music. Sorry for the crap sound quality, apparently this mp3 was ripped with technology invented while I was still in office...
They Might Be Giants - James K. Polk
... James K. Polk, out!"
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Who he is: The Chicago DJ that it seems has been around for approximately 1,000,000 years and is always at Coachella, hangin' out at the beer tent.
What he sounds like: Never really been one of my favorites, but then again the only time I can really remember seeing him spin live was at one of the URB Coachella after-parties and I was way too fucked up to pay attention :P
His own productions, however, I can definitely say are a bit dodgy. The last album, I forget what it was called, was a damn-near unlistenable '80s throwback which got sold right back to Aron's after one spin. But here's a kinda good remix he did last year...
Vitalic - You Prefer Cocaine (Felix Da Housecat Mix)
What I think: I dunno... all the house DJ's in the world, you'd think they could come up with someone different for a change...
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Who he is: Also from Chicago, he's kind of like Kanye West's and Jay-Z's nerdy little cousin
What he sounds like: Nice hip-hop of the backpackin' variety
Lupe Fiasco - Daydreamin' (ft. Jill Scott)
What I think: Well, what we have here is a rare occurence, a popular rapper that doesnt' suck! Who knew? Actually, though, considering who he runs with, it's no surprise. Recommended, and maybe he'll do some skateboard tricks for ya, too.
Blog-achella '07 - Faithless (Fri.) / The Feeling (Sun.)
Things are getting a little poppy today...
Who they are: Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo (who was apparently in the loo when this picture was snapped)
What they sound like: I've always thought of them as being on the poppier, less interesting side of electronica, but then again I haven't really heard a whole lot of their stuff since, well, you know...
What I think: TUNE! Haha. Love that one! Used to make John Vo cry like a little girl! :P
As far as what they're doing now, it's a bit "meh", but here's a very cool video for a song called "Bombs"...
I'm gonna guess that despite the fact that they are not a particularly ground-breaking act, their live show is probably pretty damn good. They've been around a long time and I'll bet they know what they're doing. Plus you know you'll lose your shit when they play "Insomnia", so don't even front!
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Who they are: A British group.
What they sound like: Again, I can't say it any better than their own blurb... "premiere exponents of prog pop meets nouveau soft rock"... although I'm pretty sure I could improve on the grammar.
What I think: Has this been on "The O.C." yet? Because if it hasn't, it should. Oh, right. "The O.C." is cancelled. Snap.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Who they are: Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo (who was apparently in the loo when this picture was snapped)
What they sound like: I've always thought of them as being on the poppier, less interesting side of electronica, but then again I haven't really heard a whole lot of their stuff since, well, you know...
What I think: TUNE! Haha. Love that one! Used to make John Vo cry like a little girl! :P
As far as what they're doing now, it's a bit "meh", but here's a very cool video for a song called "Bombs"...
I'm gonna guess that despite the fact that they are not a particularly ground-breaking act, their live show is probably pretty damn good. They've been around a long time and I'll bet they know what they're doing. Plus you know you'll lose your shit when they play "Insomnia", so don't even front!
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Who they are: A British group.
What they sound like: Again, I can't say it any better than their own blurb... "premiere exponents of prog pop meets nouveau soft rock"... although I'm pretty sure I could improve on the grammar.
The Feeling - Love It When You Call
What I think: Has this been on "The O.C." yet? Because if it hasn't, it should. Oh, right. "The O.C." is cancelled. Snap.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Blog-achella '07 - Explosions In The Sky (Sun.) / Fair To Midland (Sun.)
Today, as it so happens, we get two indie rock bands from Texas --
"Holy dog shit. Texas? Only steers and queers come from Texas, Private Blog-boy! And you don't look much like a steer to me so that kinda narrows it down!"
"Holy dog shit. Texas? Only steers and queers come from Texas, Private Blog-boy! And you don't look much like a steer to me so that kinda narrows it down!"
Umm... ooookay. Anyhoo...
Who they are: These ones are from Austin
What they sound like: Like a slightly less interesting version of MogwaiExplosions In The Sky - Welcome, Ghosts
What I think: I can sorta get into this. A bit shoegazy for me, but if you put these guys on at sunset you might be onto something, no? But then again, they're playing the same night as Air so NO DEAL!!! :P
"What is your major malfunction, numbnuts? Didn't Mommy and Daddy show you enough attention when you were a child?"
Who let that guy in here?
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Who they are: These ones are from Dallas
What they sound like: I gotta go to the bio on this one... "Depending on who's counting, there are anywhere from 100 to n-frigging-thousand subgenres of rock music a band can slide into for easy categorization. And depending on where you drop the laser on Fair to Midland's Serjical Strike debut, The Drawn and Quartered E.P., at least half of those subgenres are being reinvented at once."... so, in other words... it's just kinda all over the place, no? Wankers.Fair To Midland - Orphan Anthem
What I think: I think they are re-defining half of the known subgenres of "meh". What do you think of that, R. Lee Ermey?
"I'm gonna give you three seconds; exactly three-fucking-seconds to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull-fuck you!"
Yikes!
(Aaaaaaaaand scene.)
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Also, very quickly, went to Catalina Bar & Grill last night for V-Day with the little lady, and we caught one Christian Scott and his combo playing some live jazz. Dude is very, very good. Give him a click.Blog-achella '07 - Roky Erickson (Sat.) / Evil Nine (Fri.)
Happy Valentines Day! Here's some Love for ya...
Who he is: Okay, so, heck of a story. An Austin Texas native and member of the psychedelic rock band The 13th Floor Elevators from the '60s, you know dude was rockin' major amounts of acid, weed and whatever else, so he was probably pretty weird to begin with. But then check this out, according to Wikipedia... "In 1969, Erickson was arrested for possession of one marijuana joint in Austin, Texas. Facing a ten year prison term, Erickson pled insanity, which proved to be a mistake. He was sent to the Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where he was subjected to electroconvulsive therapy and Thorazine treatments and held until 1972. When released from the state hospital, Erickson's mental outlook had changed..." How's that for an understatement... D'oh!
What he sounds like: Kinda like this...
What I think: Kind of a head-scratcher, this one... but still for some reason makes more sense than Crowded House, I guess. But, um, yeah... Weirdest. Lineup. Ever.
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Who they are: Look, do you really need an actual photo of a couple more pasty English knob-twiddlers? Didn't think so.
What they sound like: Top-notch breaks biznizz.
What I think: Bonus points for prolific use of cowbell. Probably one of your best dance tent bets for the weekend. I still love this video from a couple years ago...
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And here's a special Valentines Day bonus that I just found. This is... well... very appropriate... a bit dark... but absolutely genius if you ask me...
Roky Erickson & The Explosives
Who he is: Okay, so, heck of a story. An Austin Texas native and member of the psychedelic rock band The 13th Floor Elevators from the '60s, you know dude was rockin' major amounts of acid, weed and whatever else, so he was probably pretty weird to begin with. But then check this out, according to Wikipedia... "In 1969, Erickson was arrested for possession of one marijuana joint in Austin, Texas. Facing a ten year prison term, Erickson pled insanity, which proved to be a mistake. He was sent to the Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where he was subjected to electroconvulsive therapy and Thorazine treatments and held until 1972. When released from the state hospital, Erickson's mental outlook had changed..." How's that for an understatement... D'oh!
What he sounds like: Kinda like this...
Roky Erickson - I Have Always Been Here Before
What I think: Kind of a head-scratcher, this one... but still for some reason makes more sense than Crowded House, I guess. But, um, yeah... Weirdest. Lineup. Ever.
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Who they are: Look, do you really need an actual photo of a couple more pasty English knob-twiddlers? Didn't think so.
What they sound like: Top-notch breaks biznizz.
Evil Nine - Burn It To The Ground
What I think: Bonus points for prolific use of cowbell. Probably one of your best dance tent bets for the weekend. I still love this video from a couple years ago...
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And here's a special Valentines Day bonus that I just found. This is... well... very appropriate... a bit dark... but absolutely genius if you ask me...
Malcolm McLaren - Love Will...
Blog-achella '07 - DJ Shadow (Fri.) / El-P (Fri.)
Today on the "White Rapper Show"...
(Okay, only one of 'em is a rapper, but they're both white and they both do hip-hop so neener neener neener)
Who he is: The pride of Davis, CA... which just happens to be "the most bicycle friendly town in the world". Yeah, they have like bike lanes on every street and all sorts of off-road trails and bike-only drive in movies and McDonald's with bike-thru windows and, well actually it's kinda ridiculous, okay, Davis? We GET it. You got your little niche and you're milkin' it for everything you can. Good for you. Let me pat you on the back and pinch your little cheeks, and now get the fuck out of my sight, you pathetic attention-whore.
What he sounds like: For a large portion of his new album, The Outsider, Shadow for some unknown reason decided to embrace the current Bay Area hip-hop sound, known as "hyphy", which is basically pretty similar to crunk and therefore also pretty similar to shit. Sure the tracks sound nice and all but the whole thing is weighed down by some pretty bad local rappers. So I grabbed one of the other tracks for you which features a tight live band that pops up a few times on the album.
What I think: Ah, that's more like it. And check out that live set up in the photo. Need I say more? It's gonna be gooooood.
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Who he is: A New York rapper and producer, most famous for his work with the group (wait, I think it was a duo) Company Flow.
What he sounds like: Serious lyrics over serious music. Abstract poetry over heavy, dense and atmospheric beats. No jokes here. Dammit.
What I think: Love dude's production. He's kinda one for the headz, but I'm sure hell get people up and jumpin' live. What do I base that on? Absolutely nothing, but I'm an optomist :P
(Okay, only one of 'em is a rapper, but they're both white and they both do hip-hop so neener neener neener)
Who he is: The pride of Davis, CA... which just happens to be "the most bicycle friendly town in the world". Yeah, they have like bike lanes on every street and all sorts of off-road trails and bike-only drive in movies and McDonald's with bike-thru windows and, well actually it's kinda ridiculous, okay, Davis? We GET it. You got your little niche and you're milkin' it for everything you can. Good for you. Let me pat you on the back and pinch your little cheeks, and now get the fuck out of my sight, you pathetic attention-whore.
What he sounds like: For a large portion of his new album, The Outsider, Shadow for some unknown reason decided to embrace the current Bay Area hip-hop sound, known as "hyphy", which is basically pretty similar to crunk and therefore also pretty similar to shit. Sure the tracks sound nice and all but the whole thing is weighed down by some pretty bad local rappers. So I grabbed one of the other tracks for you which features a tight live band that pops up a few times on the album.
DJ Shadow - Skullfuckery (ft. The Heliocentrics)
What I think: Ah, that's more like it. And check out that live set up in the photo. Need I say more? It's gonna be gooooood.
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Who he is: A New York rapper and producer, most famous for his work with the group (wait, I think it was a duo) Company Flow.
What he sounds like: Serious lyrics over serious music. Abstract poetry over heavy, dense and atmospheric beats. No jokes here. Dammit.
What I think: Love dude's production. He's kinda one for the headz, but I'm sure hell get people up and jumpin' live. What do I base that on? Absolutely nothing, but I'm an optomist :P
Blog-achella '07 - Digitalism (Fri.) / DJ Heather (Sat.)
Now, I know that the Grammys are a meaningless joke not even worth getting irritated over, but seriously...
Carrie Underwood for Best New Artist over Imogen Heap? Fuck right off. And I know, I know... Milli Vanilli once won this award, so why bother even mentioning it? But I had to... Imogen deserves some recognition! Maybe if she got it, she could sell a bunch more albums and buy some normal clothes! Because, um, you're genius at music and all, but... damn, girl... you're giving Bjork a run for her money...
Also, I gotta say that despite the fact that I agree with the Dixie Chicks politics (democrat) and know that they really got fucked over by their conservative fans and record company and radio, they were still juuuuuuuuust a little too smug and self satisfied with their "ha-ha, we won" act last night. Or was it just me. Half the problem with liberals is how they can sometimes come off as thinking that they are so much smarter than everyone else, and this is off-putting to the general voters (who they are, in fact, smarter than, but that's neither here nor there) and well, um... what was my point? Oh yeah... the Dixies Chicks make crap music.
Also, I loved how sting busted out the haircut from Dune and the sleeveless shirt for the big Police reunion. It's like 15 of his last twenty years of being a pussy just disappeared instantly :P
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Who they are: A couple of zee Germanz wiz zee loud sythesizer macheenz
What they sound like: The first of a few acts we will encounter on this trip that are part of the current Euro-trend of house music with really buzzy, grindy, lo-fi analog synth work. Lots of "RAARAR, WEEOOWEEOO, FAZAZAZAZA" etc. Some of it is quite good, with some really excellent production trickery and makes you wanna dance... and some of it just makes your ears hurt and feel like they're going to bleed. These cats, luckily, are on the better end of the spectrum, with this track being much mellower than some stuff you'll hear a few blogs down the line.
What I think: This is what the kids are all kooky for these days and for the most part it works for me... although sometimes I wonder, "whatever happened to some just plain ol' house music"?...
... and segue thusly.
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Who she is: She is a DJ... named Heather... duh. From Chicago
What she sounds like: Jus' some plain old house music. Doesn't seem to do much if any production, though, apart from (looks like) some vocals on other people's trax. So I scoured the web, found a fuckin' rad website called Samurai.fm (which you need to bookmark immediately) and the page below contains a couple of mixes to stream. Just look through the list... you'll find 'em.
What I think: Yes, please!
One last note... through your lack of participation, I shall assume that the poll idea was GHEY, and we shall never speak of it again.
Also in breaking news... Anna Nicole = still dead.
Carrie Underwood for Best New Artist over Imogen Heap? Fuck right off. And I know, I know... Milli Vanilli once won this award, so why bother even mentioning it? But I had to... Imogen deserves some recognition! Maybe if she got it, she could sell a bunch more albums and buy some normal clothes! Because, um, you're genius at music and all, but... damn, girl... you're giving Bjork a run for her money...
Also, I gotta say that despite the fact that I agree with the Dixie Chicks politics (democrat) and know that they really got fucked over by their conservative fans and record company and radio, they were still juuuuuuuuust a little too smug and self satisfied with their "ha-ha, we won" act last night. Or was it just me. Half the problem with liberals is how they can sometimes come off as thinking that they are so much smarter than everyone else, and this is off-putting to the general voters (who they are, in fact, smarter than, but that's neither here nor there) and well, um... what was my point? Oh yeah... the Dixies Chicks make crap music.
Also, I loved how sting busted out the haircut from Dune and the sleeveless shirt for the big Police reunion. It's like 15 of his last twenty years of being a pussy just disappeared instantly :P
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Who they are: A couple of zee Germanz wiz zee loud sythesizer macheenz
What they sound like: The first of a few acts we will encounter on this trip that are part of the current Euro-trend of house music with really buzzy, grindy, lo-fi analog synth work. Lots of "RAARAR, WEEOOWEEOO, FAZAZAZAZA" etc. Some of it is quite good, with some really excellent production trickery and makes you wanna dance... and some of it just makes your ears hurt and feel like they're going to bleed. These cats, luckily, are on the better end of the spectrum, with this track being much mellower than some stuff you'll hear a few blogs down the line.
What I think: This is what the kids are all kooky for these days and for the most part it works for me... although sometimes I wonder, "whatever happened to some just plain ol' house music"?...
... and segue thusly.
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Who she is: She is a DJ... named Heather... duh. From Chicago
What she sounds like: Jus' some plain old house music. Doesn't seem to do much if any production, though, apart from (looks like) some vocals on other people's trax. So I scoured the web, found a fuckin' rad website called Samurai.fm (which you need to bookmark immediately) and the page below contains a couple of mixes to stream. Just look through the list... you'll find 'em.
DJ Heather Mixes (plus others) via Samurai.fm
What I think: Yes, please!
One last note... through your lack of participation, I shall assume that the poll idea was GHEY, and we shall never speak of it again.
Also in breaking news... Anna Nicole = still dead.
Blog-achella '07 - CSS (Sun.) / The Decemberists (Sat.)
A new attempt at some interactivityness today on the blog, but first we may have a fight on our hands...
Who they are: I believe they are the rightful owners of the name "Brazilian Girls", as demonstrated in this handy scientific chart.
So what's up with THAT, so-called "Brazilian Girls"? You dirty posers! I think these girls should kick your ass, and I'm pretty sure they could. So give it up, or come get yer pain!
What they sound like: Just really fun. Bouncy indie dance pop.
What I think: A bunch of crazy Brazilian Girls (REAL ones!!!) bouncing around on stage playing fun dance tunes? Count me in!
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Who they are: A Portland, Oregon band beloved by bloggers, but not so much by Novemberists, who think Christmas is way overrated and commercialized.
What they sound like: More of that wimpy indie pop that the kids seem to love these days. For some reason, while listening to this song, the words "Gordon Lightfoot" popped into my head.
What I think: The Indians called it "meh"ze. Sorry for that joke. No, really, I am. It's just that I'm to up to my ass in Anna Nicole Smith here at work to think of anything good. But I did think of this... polls! I love comments, but if you can't be arsed to leave one, at least click one button on the poll. Is this lame? Lemme know...
Who they are: I believe they are the rightful owners of the name "Brazilian Girls", as demonstrated in this handy scientific chart.
Band Name Actual # of Brazilian Girls
-Brazilian Girls 0
-CSS 5
-Brazilian Girls 0
-CSS 5
So what's up with THAT, so-called "Brazilian Girls"? You dirty posers! I think these girls should kick your ass, and I'm pretty sure they could. So give it up, or come get yer pain!
What they sound like: Just really fun. Bouncy indie dance pop.
CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
What I think: A bunch of crazy Brazilian Girls (REAL ones!!!) bouncing around on stage playing fun dance tunes? Count me in!
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Who they are: A Portland, Oregon band beloved by bloggers, but not so much by Novemberists, who think Christmas is way overrated and commercialized.
What they sound like: More of that wimpy indie pop that the kids seem to love these days. For some reason, while listening to this song, the words "Gordon Lightfoot" popped into my head.
The Decemberists - Sons And Daughters
What I think: The Indians called it "meh"ze. Sorry for that joke. No, really, I am. It's just that I'm to up to my ass in Anna Nicole Smith here at work to think of anything good. But I did think of this... polls! I love comments, but if you can't be arsed to leave one, at least click one button on the poll. Is this lame? Lemme know...
Blog-achella '07 - The Cribs (Sat.) / Crowded House (Sun.)
Has Coachella jumped the shark? I'm starting to wonder, but first...
Who they are: Three brothers from Wakefield, England with unfortunate haircuts. Wakefield lies in the county of West Yorkshire, is most famous for its prisons, unemployment rate, the National Coal Mining Museum and the annual Rhubarb Festival. Book your vacation today!!!
What they sound like: To use another band we've previewed, take Arctic Monkeys and generally suckify them by a factor of approximately 3.87 (yes, slightly more than Pi) and you're there.
What a think: That's a bit shite, innit? Of course they're hot stuff right now in the UK, but I think that has less to do with the music and more to do with the fact that the singing one has some sort of mouth injury (which apparently never fully heals) that causes him to bleed profusely from said mouth every time he sings and I mean, c'mon, how fuckin' PUNK RAWK is that??!?!
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Who they are: The most WTF?!?!?! band ever to play this shindig, if you ask me. Luckily I have obtained an excerpt of the transcript from the meeting in which the decision took place...
Okay, maybe not the most elucidating excerpt there, but I have been assured... assured!... that the excerpt was indeed from the meeting in question. My source is good, people. You have to trust me on this one!
What they sound like: Wouldn't it be crazy it turns out they've re-invented themselves as a Drum & Bass act?
And now what you've all been waiting for...
What I think: You know, if they were going to dig up some one-hit wonder '80s band from Australia, they could have had the common decency to make it Men At Work... come on, Goldenvoice! That's a slam dunk, there! Man, I should be running this thing.
But seriously though, between this, recycling the Chili Peppers again, and the bluegrass band, I think I hear a motorboat revving up somewhere... :P
Who they are: Three brothers from Wakefield, England with unfortunate haircuts. Wakefield lies in the county of West Yorkshire, is most famous for its prisons, unemployment rate, the National Coal Mining Museum and the annual Rhubarb Festival. Book your vacation today!!!
What they sound like: To use another band we've previewed, take Arctic Monkeys and generally suckify them by a factor of approximately 3.87 (yes, slightly more than Pi) and you're there.
What a think: That's a bit shite, innit? Of course they're hot stuff right now in the UK, but I think that has less to do with the music and more to do with the fact that the singing one has some sort of mouth injury (which apparently never fully heals) that causes him to bleed profusely from said mouth every time he sings and I mean, c'mon, how fuckin' PUNK RAWK is that??!?!
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Who they are: The most WTF?!?!?! band ever to play this shindig, if you ask me. Luckily I have obtained an excerpt of the transcript from the meeting in which the decision took place...
Unknown guy: "What time is it?"
Unknown guy 2: "5:30"
Unknown guy: "Shit, already? Okay, let's take 5. I gotta call and cancel my dermabrasion now. Fuck!"
Okay, maybe not the most elucidating excerpt there, but I have been assured... assured!... that the excerpt was indeed from the meeting in question. My source is good, people. You have to trust me on this one!
What they sound like: Wouldn't it be crazy it turns out they've re-invented themselves as a Drum & Bass act?
And now what you've all been waiting for...
Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over
What I think: You know, if they were going to dig up some one-hit wonder '80s band from Australia, they could have had the common decency to make it Men At Work... come on, Goldenvoice! That's a slam dunk, there! Man, I should be running this thing.
But seriously though, between this, recycling the Chili Peppers again, and the bluegrass band, I think I hear a motorboat revving up somewhere... :P
Blog-achella '07 - Cornelius (Sat.) / The Coup (Sun.)
How is it that today's blog will end up with an endorsement of celebrity water sports? Read on to find out!
Who he is: Yet another kooky Japanese dude... who travels the land solving crimes with his sidekick Blue Dot.
What he sounds like: Like similar kooky Japanese dudes Towa Tei or Fantastic Plastic Machine, it's hard to really pin down Cornelius to any particular genre as he tends to be all over the place from one song to the next. Compared to those two, however, he's a little more experimental and less pop-oriented... sometimes. Some call him the Japanese Beck, but I don't quite get the comparison. Maybe he's good at breakdancing and I just don't know it. Headspin!
What I think: Very groovy listen, for sure. I read that his live show includes some very wild visual elements, so I think he'd be worth checking out. If this video, for another one off the new album called "Fit Song" is any indication, upgrade that to definitely worth checking out...
That is pretty awesome, right there.
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Who they are: Boots Riley and DJ Pam the Funkstress (how much do I love the name "Funkstress", btw?), reppin' Oak-town, big up!
What they sound like: Very good and VERY political... like, naming an album "Genocide & Juice" political. Like, "agenda of sociopolitical insubordination" political. And funky too. I kinda cheated by posting a track with a couple of guest shots, but hey, sue me...
What I think: I wanna see that plus-sized mama tear up the wheels of steel, yo! I also wanna see the Kim Kardashian/Ray J sex tape, because... it's not everyday you can see Brandy's little brother pee on OJ Simpson's lawyer's daughter. Or maybe it is, if you know the right people...
... just sayin'...
... but, uh, yeah. The Coup should be good.
Who he is: Yet another kooky Japanese dude... who travels the land solving crimes with his sidekick Blue Dot.
What he sounds like: Like similar kooky Japanese dudes Towa Tei or Fantastic Plastic Machine, it's hard to really pin down Cornelius to any particular genre as he tends to be all over the place from one song to the next. Compared to those two, however, he's a little more experimental and less pop-oriented... sometimes. Some call him the Japanese Beck, but I don't quite get the comparison. Maybe he's good at breakdancing and I just don't know it. Headspin!
What I think: Very groovy listen, for sure. I read that his live show includes some very wild visual elements, so I think he'd be worth checking out. If this video, for another one off the new album called "Fit Song" is any indication, upgrade that to definitely worth checking out...
That is pretty awesome, right there.
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Who they are: Boots Riley and DJ Pam the Funkstress (how much do I love the name "Funkstress", btw?), reppin' Oak-town, big up!
What they sound like: Very good and VERY political... like, naming an album "Genocide & Juice" political. Like, "agenda of sociopolitical insubordination" political. And funky too. I kinda cheated by posting a track with a couple of guest shots, but hey, sue me...
The Coup - My Favorite Mutiny (ft. Black Thought and Talib Kweli)
What I think: I wanna see that plus-sized mama tear up the wheels of steel, yo! I also wanna see the Kim Kardashian/Ray J sex tape, because... it's not everyday you can see Brandy's little brother pee on OJ Simpson's lawyer's daughter. Or maybe it is, if you know the right people...
... just sayin'...
... but, uh, yeah. The Coup should be good.
Blog-achella '07 - CocoRosie (Sat.) / The Comedians of Comedy (Fri.)
Today in Blog-achella '07...
Funny-weird vs. Funny-ha-ha.
Who they are: Two weird sisters from Weirdville. Seriously, though, the bio is one of those where you have no idea what the hell they're talking about or how much of it they're making up, so your guess is as good as mine.
What they sound like: Pretty weird. But kinda interesting. I've been trying to figure out someone to compare them to, but I keep coming up just short. Matmos on Estrogen injections, perhaps?
What I think: The title sure fits. Basically, if the vocals were a little better, I might really dig this. But they're not. So "meh".
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Who they are: Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Zach Galifianakis and Maria Bamford... four of the funniest stand-up comedians around.
What they sound like: If they had a band, they would suck, but lucky for the world, they don't. I looked on the YouTubes for some snippets of their acts, but most of the videos were kinda crap - little 30 second snippets with bad audio. Curse Viacom and their cracking down on the Interwebs pirates ways! But this little clip here kinda sums it all up nicely...
What I think: I worked with Patton for three years on Mad TV and can tell you that he is easily one of the funniest motherfuckers on the planet and a cool dude to boot. I could tell you stories of antics and shenanigans for days! If you haven't seen the "Comedians of Comedy" show on Comedy Central, definitely check it out. It's like "Tourgasm" but with humor. (btw, it is my personal opinion that Dane Cook should be shot out of a cannon into a brick wall covered in dog poo... and spikes... big pointy spikes) If you want to give your ears a break from all the loud music and laugh 'til you pee in your pants a little, go check 'em out. Oh, and if the Coachella folks are smart, they'll be doing their act in the beer tent :P
Funny-weird vs. Funny-ha-ha.
Who they are: Two weird sisters from Weirdville. Seriously, though, the bio is one of those where you have no idea what the hell they're talking about or how much of it they're making up, so your guess is as good as mine.
What they sound like: Pretty weird. But kinda interesting. I've been trying to figure out someone to compare them to, but I keep coming up just short. Matmos on Estrogen injections, perhaps?
What I think: The title sure fits. Basically, if the vocals were a little better, I might really dig this. But they're not. So "meh".
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Who they are: Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Zach Galifianakis and Maria Bamford... four of the funniest stand-up comedians around.
What they sound like: If they had a band, they would suck, but lucky for the world, they don't. I looked on the YouTubes for some snippets of their acts, but most of the videos were kinda crap - little 30 second snippets with bad audio. Curse Viacom and their cracking down on the Interwebs pirates ways! But this little clip here kinda sums it all up nicely...
What I think: I worked with Patton for three years on Mad TV and can tell you that he is easily one of the funniest motherfuckers on the planet and a cool dude to boot. I could tell you stories of antics and shenanigans for days! If you haven't seen the "Comedians of Comedy" show on Comedy Central, definitely check it out. It's like "Tourgasm" but with humor. (btw, it is my personal opinion that Dane Cook should be shot out of a cannon into a brick wall covered in dog poo... and spikes... big pointy spikes) If you want to give your ears a break from all the loud music and laugh 'til you pee in your pants a little, go check 'em out. Oh, and if the Coachella folks are smart, they'll be doing their act in the beer tent :P
Blog-achella '07 - Circa Survive (Fri.) / Jarvis Cocker (Fri.)
A bit challenging writing up the ol' blog today. I somehow managed to lose my eyeglasses this weekend. I suspect foul play by a restaurant I will not name at this time, or by whomever sat at the table after I left - whatever, hope you enjoy your new $700 ant fryers, cuz that's all you're going to be able to do with 'em. Them things is strong! So now I'm wearing an old set of glasses with an old prescription that is making me want to alternately fall down or throw up. Good times. But the blog must go on...
Who they are: A Philly band I've never heard of made up of guys who used to be in other bands I've never heard of.
What they sound like: Kinda loud and a bit proggy and mostly pointless. Oh, and the dude's high voice scares me.
What I think: There is a note on their website reading "...we are playing this years coachella music festival and can barely believe it..." Me neither. Zang!
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Who he is: The singer from the band Pulp. Now, for some reason, despite being a bit of a Brit-Rock afficianado, I completely missed Pulp. I wouldn't know a Pulp song if it poked me in the taint with a stick. But apparently, they're a big deal, and Jarvis Cocker solo a similarly big deal. Or is he just a big deal because he's a bit of a scallywag?
What he sounds like: What did Pulp sound like? Like this? Seems like pretty straightforward stuff to me, but I have no idea what the rest of his music might sound like, nor can I be arsed to investigate further.
What I think: Gotta give this a hearty and raucous "meh". But am I missing something here? Lemme know.
TTFN
Who they are: A Philly band I've never heard of made up of guys who used to be in other bands I've never heard of.
What they sound like: Kinda loud and a bit proggy and mostly pointless. Oh, and the dude's high voice scares me.
Circa Survive - The Great Golden Baby
What I think: There is a note on their website reading "...we are playing this years coachella music festival and can barely believe it..." Me neither. Zang!
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Who he is: The singer from the band Pulp. Now, for some reason, despite being a bit of a Brit-Rock afficianado, I completely missed Pulp. I wouldn't know a Pulp song if it poked me in the taint with a stick. But apparently, they're a big deal, and Jarvis Cocker solo a similarly big deal. Or is he just a big deal because he's a bit of a scallywag?
What he sounds like: What did Pulp sound like? Like this? Seems like pretty straightforward stuff to me, but I have no idea what the rest of his music might sound like, nor can I be arsed to investigate further.
What I think: Gotta give this a hearty and raucous "meh". But am I missing something here? Lemme know.
TTFN
Blog-achella '07 - Busdriver (Fri.) / Manu Chao (Sun.)
Upon reading the awesome Sarah the Awesome's latest blog, I see that I am not the only one feeling slightly ambivalent about the big Coachizzer this year. BUT, hey, I'ma keep doin' dis thang, because the most important part of it, whether you (or I) attend the show or not, is to find some great new music you (and I) haven't heard yet. Because whether or not one breaks up with Coachella, one can never break up with music. Why not? 'Cuz music always gets half. I mean you can't even get the bitch to sign a pre-nup :P
Who he is: A hometown L.A. rapper with perhaps the best real name of any rapper yet. Busdriver's real name is Regan Farquhar. You'd expect someone with a name like that to be Chip Doddsworth's roomate at Brown, majoring in Economics and rowing Crew, wouldn't ya?
What he sounds like: Remember Z-Trip two years ago, the MC that came on for one song and rapped reeeeeeeeally fast? That was our boy Mr. Farquhar. He's a bit on the crazy side.
What I think: Love it. Great beats plus ridiculous flow plus batshit crazy equals winnah in Tone's book.
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Who he is: Says Wikipedia, "a French Latin folk singer of Galician-Spanish origin". I actually didn't know where he was from. Actually don't know that much about him at all, which is kinda odd since he's a pretty big deal.
What he sounds like: Um, hard to say... world music with all sorts of different influences... Latin, Reggae, North African... you know, just your typical mix.
What I think: That's nice, but it's pretty mellow, huh? Most of his stuff is. So how come I keep hearing how wild and crazy his live shows are? Oh yeah, that's where Radio Bemba comes in...
Whoa! Now that looks like a party! Count me in!
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Now, apparently there's a big game going on this weekend. And no, I'm not talking about the Puppy Bowl. Not that anybody cares, but I think, and it pains me to say this, that Peyton Manning is gonna get it done and the Colts will win in a surprisingly close and potentially great game. I just can't see Sexy Rexy bringing it in the big one. Maybe the Bears defense will stamp the Manning Face permanently onto Peyton's grill and win the game by its damn self (which, of course, they've done on more than one occasion this year), but I just don't see it happening. And hey, maybe with the win, Peyton can finally get himself a TV commercial or two.
Colts 31, Bears 24 (with the winning Colts score coming very late. My S.U. boy Marvin Harrison with the MVP, 100+ yards, 2 TD including the winner.).
Who he is: A hometown L.A. rapper with perhaps the best real name of any rapper yet. Busdriver's real name is Regan Farquhar. You'd expect someone with a name like that to be Chip Doddsworth's roomate at Brown, majoring in Economics and rowing Crew, wouldn't ya?
What he sounds like: Remember Z-Trip two years ago, the MC that came on for one song and rapped reeeeeeeeally fast? That was our boy Mr. Farquhar. He's a bit on the crazy side.
Busdriver - Kill Your Employer (Recreational Paranoia is the Sport of Now)
What I think: Love it. Great beats plus ridiculous flow plus batshit crazy equals winnah in Tone's book.
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Manu Chao w/ Radio Bemba Sound System
Who he is: Says Wikipedia, "a French Latin folk singer of Galician-Spanish origin". I actually didn't know where he was from. Actually don't know that much about him at all, which is kinda odd since he's a pretty big deal.
What he sounds like: Um, hard to say... world music with all sorts of different influences... Latin, Reggae, North African... you know, just your typical mix.
What I think: That's nice, but it's pretty mellow, huh? Most of his stuff is. So how come I keep hearing how wild and crazy his live shows are? Oh yeah, that's where Radio Bemba comes in...
Whoa! Now that looks like a party! Count me in!
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Now, apparently there's a big game going on this weekend. And no, I'm not talking about the Puppy Bowl. Not that anybody cares, but I think, and it pains me to say this, that Peyton Manning is gonna get it done and the Colts will win in a surprisingly close and potentially great game. I just can't see Sexy Rexy bringing it in the big one. Maybe the Bears defense will stamp the Manning Face permanently onto Peyton's grill and win the game by its damn self (which, of course, they've done on more than one occasion this year), but I just don't see it happening. And hey, maybe with the win, Peyton can finally get himself a TV commercial or two.
Colts 31, Bears 24 (with the winning Colts score coming very late. My S.U. boy Marvin Harrison with the MVP, 100+ yards, 2 TD including the winner.).
Blog-achella '07 - Brazilian Girls (Fri.) / Brother Ali (Fri.)
Finally we get some hip-hop today, but first...
Who they are: They are zero Brazilians and only one girl. What gives?
What they sound like: They call their sound "melting pop", which is terribly clever and cutesy... but sort of fitting what with their different musical touches and songs in different languages and stuff, so we'll allow it.
Now, usually I like to give you something as new as possible and these kids do have a newish album out... but heck, you know the chorus of this song is going to be one of the biggest Coachella sing-along moments ever, so don't even front...
What I think: I wanna know what's up with the singer gal always having her eyes covered in photos and even during the shows. Does she have like a Thom Yorke eye on one side and a Forest Whitaker eye on the other or some shit? Because if that's the case, it's probably a good move. Otherwise, it's just kinda weird. Looking at the Friday schedule, I'd call these guys a don't-miss act. 'Cuz, ya know, fuck Interpol. (See that? There wasn't even any reason for me to say that there. But I did. You know why? 'Cuz fuck Interpol, that's why! Yes, new readers (and I assume there may be a few after Plasticgod gave me the promo... thanks, sir!), this blog comes with some serious, occasionally completely unfounded biases that you will come to know and maybe even love, and one of them is "fuck Interpol", especially Carlos D.)
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Who he is: A Minneapolis rapper and a guy who takes the concept of the white rapper to a whole new level. How so, you ask? Because he's a freakin' albino!
What he sounds like: A bit angry. But I would be too if my eyes were bright red and light hurt my freakin' skin! And um, he's pretty good. Nice beats.
What I think: Considering that this year there seems to be nowhere near enough hip-hop in the lineup, a must-see for the headz. Seriously, there's like 3 hip-hop acts each day, and that's ridiculous. There should be an all hip-hop stage like there used to be. Because, ya know, there's five stages and because fuck Interpol!
Who they are: They are zero Brazilians and only one girl. What gives?
What they sound like: They call their sound "melting pop", which is terribly clever and cutesy... but sort of fitting what with their different musical touches and songs in different languages and stuff, so we'll allow it.
Now, usually I like to give you something as new as possible and these kids do have a newish album out... but heck, you know the chorus of this song is going to be one of the biggest Coachella sing-along moments ever, so don't even front...
What I think: I wanna know what's up with the singer gal always having her eyes covered in photos and even during the shows. Does she have like a Thom Yorke eye on one side and a Forest Whitaker eye on the other or some shit? Because if that's the case, it's probably a good move. Otherwise, it's just kinda weird. Looking at the Friday schedule, I'd call these guys a don't-miss act. 'Cuz, ya know, fuck Interpol. (See that? There wasn't even any reason for me to say that there. But I did. You know why? 'Cuz fuck Interpol, that's why! Yes, new readers (and I assume there may be a few after Plasticgod gave me the promo... thanks, sir!), this blog comes with some serious, occasionally completely unfounded biases that you will come to know and maybe even love, and one of them is "fuck Interpol", especially Carlos D.)
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Who he is: A Minneapolis rapper and a guy who takes the concept of the white rapper to a whole new level. How so, you ask? Because he's a freakin' albino!
What he sounds like: A bit angry. But I would be too if my eyes were bright red and light hurt my freakin' skin! And um, he's pretty good. Nice beats.
What I think: Considering that this year there seems to be nowhere near enough hip-hop in the lineup, a must-see for the headz. Seriously, there's like 3 hip-hop acts each day, and that's ridiculous. There should be an all hip-hop stage like there used to be. Because, ya know, there's five stages and because fuck Interpol!
Blog-achella '07 - The Black Keys (Sat.) / Blonde Redhead (Sat.)
So wait, Saturday and Sunday are sold out already? What, did they limit the amount of single day tickets available in order to drive up sales of the $250 3-day tickets, knowing that not many people will go for the 3 whole days, so let's make 'em? I dunno... I don't see any way in hell that the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing AGAIN, the Arcade Fart and Cock-iesto (see, I didn't even feel like being clever there, such is my bile) could justify Saturday tickets selling out like instantly... I mean, because as awesome as LCD & Gotan & MSTRKRFT and all those folks are, they certainly didn't sell 50,000 tix. So either there's an artificial scarcity of single day tickets, or...
... maybe it's not just our little thing anymore... hmm... i kinda liked it when it was our little thing. As a matter of fact, I don't think anyone outside of California (with the exception of people I personally know and like) should be allowed to come to Coachella. Get your own festival, bitches! I don't wanna have to pay extra money to a scalper for a ticket because some hesher in Pennsylvania sold his fuckin' IROC for ticket money to see Rage Against the Machine reunite. Nothing against Rage, mind you, it's people from Pennsylvania we don't need. (If said hesher was from Baker, home of the world famous BUN BOY, however, come on down, bro!) Tell you what, Pennsylvania, you can have RATM... hell, throw in Limp Bizkit, Live, fuckin' Slayer, Kiss, 311, Anthrax and, fuck, I'll even try to talk McGrath into puttin' Sugar Ray back together for ya (dude owes me 5 bucks anyway), rent out Beaver Stadium and have yourselves a fuckin' hootenanny!!!!! Just stay outta my Coachella! P.L.U.R. my ass!!!!!! Blow me!!!
Anyhoo...
Who they are: A couple doodz from that musical hotbed... Akron, Ohio
What they sound like: Like the White Stripes but less whiny and with a drummer who actually knows how to play drums.
What I think: Not bad. And they can't possibly suck as hard live as the White Stripes do. Like I said, the one dude seems like he actually maybe played the drums at some point BEFORE forming the band, and the other dude can't possibly be as big a guitar wank-off as Jack White, so they gotta have somethin' on the Stripes. Plus they read Silver Surfer, and Silver Surfer is fuckin' rad. You know he's the focus of the next Fantastic Four movie right? Cop the teaser trailer. Spiffy!
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Who they are: A New York band consisting of a cute Asian gal and a couple of apparently hands-y Italian brothers. Twins, no less! Twins kinda creep me out.
What they sound like: Kinda indie, kinda experimental, kinda "meh".
What I think: The kind of band that gets the indie kids' knickers all in a bunch, but leave Tone's knickers pretty much unaffected...
Actually the big Beaver Stadium show can have both of these, too. That line-up is shaping up... hold it... late add here... Guns' N Roses! And what's that? Moby in the dance tent? Will ya stay home now? Please?
UPDATE: Aw, man! I just read that Bun Boy is now a frikkin' Bob's Big Boy!?!?! WTF??? America has just lost another little piece of it's soul...
... maybe it's not just our little thing anymore... hmm... i kinda liked it when it was our little thing. As a matter of fact, I don't think anyone outside of California (with the exception of people I personally know and like) should be allowed to come to Coachella. Get your own festival, bitches! I don't wanna have to pay extra money to a scalper for a ticket because some hesher in Pennsylvania sold his fuckin' IROC for ticket money to see Rage Against the Machine reunite. Nothing against Rage, mind you, it's people from Pennsylvania we don't need. (If said hesher was from Baker, home of the world famous BUN BOY, however, come on down, bro!) Tell you what, Pennsylvania, you can have RATM... hell, throw in Limp Bizkit, Live, fuckin' Slayer, Kiss, 311, Anthrax and, fuck, I'll even try to talk McGrath into puttin' Sugar Ray back together for ya (dude owes me 5 bucks anyway), rent out Beaver Stadium and have yourselves a fuckin' hootenanny!!!!! Just stay outta my Coachella! P.L.U.R. my ass!!!!!! Blow me!!!
Anyhoo...
Who they are: A couple doodz from that musical hotbed... Akron, Ohio
What they sound like: Like the White Stripes but less whiny and with a drummer who actually knows how to play drums.
What I think: Not bad. And they can't possibly suck as hard live as the White Stripes do. Like I said, the one dude seems like he actually maybe played the drums at some point BEFORE forming the band, and the other dude can't possibly be as big a guitar wank-off as Jack White, so they gotta have somethin' on the Stripes. Plus they read Silver Surfer, and Silver Surfer is fuckin' rad. You know he's the focus of the next Fantastic Four movie right? Cop the teaser trailer. Spiffy!
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Who they are: A New York band consisting of a cute Asian gal and a couple of apparently hands-y Italian brothers. Twins, no less! Twins kinda creep me out.
What they sound like: Kinda indie, kinda experimental, kinda "meh".
What I think: The kind of band that gets the indie kids' knickers all in a bunch, but leave Tone's knickers pretty much unaffected...
Actually the big Beaver Stadium show can have both of these, too. That line-up is shaping up... hold it... late add here... Guns' N Roses! And what's that? Moby in the dance tent? Will ya stay home now? Please?
UPDATE: Aw, man! I just read that Bun Boy is now a frikkin' Bob's Big Boy!?!?! WTF??? America has just lost another little piece of it's soul...
Blog-achella '07 - Andrew Bird (Sat.) / Bjork (Fri.)
In which I continue to serve the needs of my fellow gadabouts in their search for Coachella goodness, so that they may not maunder, but rather um... shit, Nancie, I need another big word to finish this off! Help a brother out!
Who he is: A dude from Chicago who RAWKS the violin! Is there anything more heavy metal than that? I think not!
What he sounds like: I guess you could say he sounds like indie rock with a lot of violin. Real insightful, eh?
What I think: Not bad, but not too exciting either. Our forefathers had a word for this, and I believe it was "meh". But, I am somewhat intrigued because live he supposedly does an Imogen Heap/Jamie Lidell do-it-all-my-damn-self kinda vibe with lots of on-the-fly sampling and looping and whatnot, and that's always pretty interesting to watch. Saturday is awfully packed, though, so who knows? Could I be any more non-commital? Maybe :P
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Who she is: Don't really need this one here, eh?
What she sounds like: Who knows what the new album will sound like? I've read that she's working with Antony (Antony and the Johnsons), Mark Bell, some African musicians... it's always an adventure. But I'm sure it will be, as usual, awesome. Anyhoo, figured I'd throw you a little B-side (from the Pagan Poetry single)...
What I think: You know I wouldn't miss it. It's looking very much like I will be taking Friday off work and heading to the desert early. Album is supposed to be out late spring, so I'm guessing it will be a lot of new stuff and absolutely not to be missed. Plus, maybe she'll dress like a penguin this time... or a pizza... or something...
Mmm... pizza...
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So, kinda tired this morning after a raccoon invasion at the new house last night. Little bastards are all over the place out there. Actually, I shouldn't say little... they're huge! Seems kinda odd though, raccoons on the beach? Who knew? And they make some messed up noises when confronted by three kitties that have their big fat tails on, ready to fight. Scares the crap outta ya in the middle of a silent night, that's for sure! Know what raccoons hate? When ya throw water on 'em! But that again begs the question, why they hangin' out on the beach if they don't like water? Wassupwiddat? This world, she is full of mysteries...
... oh, and here's a raccoon trying to hump a dog.
Cue the Barry White music...
Who he is: A dude from Chicago who RAWKS the violin! Is there anything more heavy metal than that? I think not!
What he sounds like: I guess you could say he sounds like indie rock with a lot of violin. Real insightful, eh?
What I think: Not bad, but not too exciting either. Our forefathers had a word for this, and I believe it was "meh". But, I am somewhat intrigued because live he supposedly does an Imogen Heap/Jamie Lidell do-it-all-my-damn-self kinda vibe with lots of on-the-fly sampling and looping and whatnot, and that's always pretty interesting to watch. Saturday is awfully packed, though, so who knows? Could I be any more non-commital? Maybe :P
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Who she is: Don't really need this one here, eh?
What she sounds like: Who knows what the new album will sound like? I've read that she's working with Antony (Antony and the Johnsons), Mark Bell, some African musicians... it's always an adventure. But I'm sure it will be, as usual, awesome. Anyhoo, figured I'd throw you a little B-side (from the Pagan Poetry single)...
What I think: You know I wouldn't miss it. It's looking very much like I will be taking Friday off work and heading to the desert early. Album is supposed to be out late spring, so I'm guessing it will be a lot of new stuff and absolutely not to be missed. Plus, maybe she'll dress like a penguin this time... or a pizza... or something...
Mmm... pizza...
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So, kinda tired this morning after a raccoon invasion at the new house last night. Little bastards are all over the place out there. Actually, I shouldn't say little... they're huge! Seems kinda odd though, raccoons on the beach? Who knew? And they make some messed up noises when confronted by three kitties that have their big fat tails on, ready to fight. Scares the crap outta ya in the middle of a silent night, that's for sure! Know what raccoons hate? When ya throw water on 'em! But that again begs the question, why they hangin' out on the beach if they don't like water? Wassupwiddat? This world, she is full of mysteries...
... oh, and here's a raccoon trying to hump a dog.
Cue the Barry White music...
Blog - achella '07 - The Avett Bros. (Sun.) / Benny Benassi (Fri.)
Okay, um, possibly the wierdest tandem of tunes ever here in the blog. Guess that's what keeps it interesting, eh? That and my witty commentary, of course.
Who they are: They are from North Carolina, and only two of them are brothers... which I guess means the other guy is some kinda dirty interloper or something.
What they sound like: Blugrass, bitches! No, really. This is a blugrass band. At Coachella. OMGWTFROFL!
What I think: Hey man, I love bluegrass as much as the next guy. Unfortunately, this...
... is the next guy. Squeeeeal!
But I jest.
Ok, not really.
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Who he is: No less than Italy's leading DJ! No, really. It says so right on his website.
What he sounds like: I'm guessing your typical big room house DJ fare. As for his original productions, he seems to specialize in bad house remakes (anyone for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun 2006"? Anyone?) but he's put out a couple good choons. Like this one. You know it.
What I think: I think he makes excellent videos...
Well, excellent for the fellas, anyway. Us mens is pigs :P
'Til Tomorrow!
Who they are: They are from North Carolina, and only two of them are brothers... which I guess means the other guy is some kinda dirty interloper or something.
What they sound like: Blugrass, bitches! No, really. This is a blugrass band. At Coachella. OMGWTFROFL!
The Avett Brothers - Swept Away
What I think: Hey man, I love bluegrass as much as the next guy. Unfortunately, this...
... is the next guy. Squeeeeal!
But I jest.
Ok, not really.
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Who he is: No less than Italy's leading DJ! No, really. It says so right on his website.
What he sounds like: I'm guessing your typical big room house DJ fare. As for his original productions, he seems to specialize in bad house remakes (anyone for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun 2006"? Anyone?) but he's put out a couple good choons. Like this one. You know it.
What I think: I think he makes excellent videos...
Well, excellent for the fellas, anyway. Us mens is pigs :P
'Til Tomorrow!
Blog-achella '07 - The Arcade Fire (Sat.) / Arctic Monkeys (Fri.)
Two bands today that are the subject of incredible amounts of hype. (Don't worry, I won't reference Flava Flav again... or wait... I guess I already did. Shit. What a hack). But is the hype justified? Let us examine...
Who they are: I guess I didn't realize they were from Montreal. Kinda makes me feel sorry for 'em, having to deal with the Quebecois. They wanna secede from Canada, as you may know, because they're French and douchebags. But the funny thing is, they're such douchebags, the French don't even give a shit anymore. Now THAT says something.
What they sound like: (Oh jeez, here's where I start gettin' in trouble... ) Twee Indie pop with a very high wank factor.
What I think: Maybe I'll give 'em a chance... but lump these guys in with Sigur Ros in Tone's book. Not what they sound like, obviously... at least Arcade Fire has a pulse. No, I'm talking about the band whose whose live show is supposed to be so awesome because some of 'em can play more than one instrument and they hop around a lot. Not that Sigur Ros hops around. Why, they'd have to stop staring at their shoes to do that. But nah, it's about what they're actually playing and this sort of stuff makes me cringe. Sorry, Arcade fire fans, ya know I still love y'all, but it just ain't happenin'. But hey, you'd follow me over to watch, say, Konono #1 and be like "Tone, what the fuck IS this shit?", so it's all good :)
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Who they are: The biggest band in the UK right now... or maybe that was 5 minutes ago and now they suck. You never know with the Brits.
What they sound like: Um, pretty much straight-ahead hooky, punky rock. Very British, though, innit?
What I think: Catchy tune. And once again proving that the British bands just seem to do it just a little bit better, huh? I mean, we get all that emo-screamo bullshit for rock and they get this. I'll take this over 3 million Jared Leto-fronted groups of whiny-ass mascara wearing bitches any day. You hear me Jared Leto? I just called you a bitch! And your band sucks! Whaddaya gonna do, try to choke me? Bring it, sucka. I ain't no hobbit!
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Wow, I'm full of piss and vinegar today. So let's counteract that with something ridiculously cute and fluffy...
Awwwwww...
Who they are: I guess I didn't realize they were from Montreal. Kinda makes me feel sorry for 'em, having to deal with the Quebecois. They wanna secede from Canada, as you may know, because they're French and douchebags. But the funny thing is, they're such douchebags, the French don't even give a shit anymore. Now THAT says something.
What they sound like: (Oh jeez, here's where I start gettin' in trouble... ) Twee Indie pop with a very high wank factor.
The Arcade Fire - Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
What I think: Maybe I'll give 'em a chance... but lump these guys in with Sigur Ros in Tone's book. Not what they sound like, obviously... at least Arcade Fire has a pulse. No, I'm talking about the band whose whose live show is supposed to be so awesome because some of 'em can play more than one instrument and they hop around a lot. Not that Sigur Ros hops around. Why, they'd have to stop staring at their shoes to do that. But nah, it's about what they're actually playing and this sort of stuff makes me cringe. Sorry, Arcade fire fans, ya know I still love y'all, but it just ain't happenin'. But hey, you'd follow me over to watch, say, Konono #1 and be like "Tone, what the fuck IS this shit?", so it's all good :)
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Who they are: The biggest band in the UK right now... or maybe that was 5 minutes ago and now they suck. You never know with the Brits.
What they sound like: Um, pretty much straight-ahead hooky, punky rock. Very British, though, innit?
Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
What I think: Catchy tune. And once again proving that the British bands just seem to do it just a little bit better, huh? I mean, we get all that emo-screamo bullshit for rock and they get this. I'll take this over 3 million Jared Leto-fronted groups of whiny-ass mascara wearing bitches any day. You hear me Jared Leto? I just called you a bitch! And your band sucks! Whaddaya gonna do, try to choke me? Bring it, sucka. I ain't no hobbit!
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Wow, I'm full of piss and vinegar today. So let's counteract that with something ridiculously cute and fluffy...
Awwwwww...
Blog-achella '07 - Lily Allen (Sun.) / Anathallo (Sun.)
Ambivalence, followed by confusion...
Who she is: A saucy British bird
What she sounds like: Hmm... kinda like a girl version of the The Streets with singing and some ska thrown in and lyrics about blowjobs and how much everybody but her sucks, from what I gather.
What I think: I know she's all the hype and whatnot, but I can't say that I'm really on the bandwagon. Can't quite put my finger on it (but ya know, I never really did get The Streets), and upon reading reviews, there are some that are crazy about her and some that think she's the suck... but she's definitely fun and more interesting than 90% of pop. See, I say that, but before I said I wasn't quite feelin' it. So which is it Tone? Make up your mind, waffle-boy!
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Who they are: A bunch of apparent weirdos from Michigan... who love Jesus (but hey, who doesn't?)
What they sound like: Just weird, man. Their Myspace page says Folk/Experimental and their lyrics are supposedly heavily Christian, but I say just weird. I mean check this out, and yes, that's the real name of the song... something to do with some Japanese folk tale or some shit...
What I think: As Moe from The Simpsons says, "Whaaaaaaa?"
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And a great interwebs find I must tell you about, the music blog called Loronix. If you loves the Brazilian and particularly the Bossa Nova, you have just hit the mother lode. They specialize in full albums (!) of Brazilian goodness, all out of print, from the 50s on up. And they post like 5 a day!! Since finding it last week, I've already picked up albums by Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Deodato and Dom Um Romao to name a few. Essential! Their file host kinda blows because it makes you wait like an hour between downloads, but that is a mere quibble! Mere! Get at it!
Who she is: A saucy British bird
What she sounds like: Hmm... kinda like a girl version of the The Streets with singing and some ska thrown in and lyrics about blowjobs and how much everybody but her sucks, from what I gather.
What I think: I know she's all the hype and whatnot, but I can't say that I'm really on the bandwagon. Can't quite put my finger on it (but ya know, I never really did get The Streets), and upon reading reviews, there are some that are crazy about her and some that think she's the suck... but she's definitely fun and more interesting than 90% of pop. See, I say that, but before I said I wasn't quite feelin' it. So which is it Tone? Make up your mind, waffle-boy!
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Who they are: A bunch of apparent weirdos from Michigan... who love Jesus (but hey, who doesn't?)
What they sound like: Just weird, man. Their Myspace page says Folk/Experimental and their lyrics are supposedly heavily Christian, but I say just weird. I mean check this out, and yes, that's the real name of the song... something to do with some Japanese folk tale or some shit...
Anathallo - Hanasakajijii (Four: A Great Wind More Ash)
What I think: As Moe from The Simpsons says, "Whaaaaaaa?"
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And a great interwebs find I must tell you about, the music blog called Loronix. If you loves the Brazilian and particularly the Bossa Nova, you have just hit the mother lode. They specialize in full albums (!) of Brazilian goodness, all out of print, from the 50s on up. And they post like 5 a day!! Since finding it last week, I've already picked up albums by Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Deodato and Dom Um Romao to name a few. Essential! Their file host kinda blows because it makes you wait like an hour between downloads, but that is a mere quibble! Mere! Get at it!
Blog-achella '07 - Against Me! (Sun.) / Air (Sun.)
All righty, then. Now that we've gotten started there can be no more of this one band a day dilly-dallying. No, siree. We go double shots from here on out... which leads to some very odd pairings of mp3s around here. Like so...
Who they are: Some punks from Gainesville, Florida. Go Gators! (Actually, screw the Gators. First they win the national championship in basketball, then they win the national championship in football, too? Jeez, bet their heads aren't too big right now. Am I just hatin' because my Syracuse teams suck? Of course I am.)
What they sound like: Loud and shouty...
What I think: One bonus point for excellent song name, which brings their final total of points up to... one. Sorry, just a wee bit too shouty for me. And this is what he sounds like on all the songs, which is rather annoying. Don't get me wrong. I have a bit of appreciation for the punk rock, but you can kinda hear 'em trying to sound like The Pogues here, which in my book is a bad idea. You can't try to sound like The Pogues when you're from Florida. You've probably seen the sun and brushed your teeth at least once in your life (okay, maybe scratch the brush your teeth part... they could be from the swamp, after all... man, I wanna ride one of those dope-ass fan-boat things some day... those are rad... but I digress). And besides, who wants to mosh in 100 degree weather? Dumbasses, that's who.
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Who they are: Well, as you can see in this recent photo, apparently they're like the T-1000 Terminator model, only much more French and sophisticated.
What they sound like: They got the new album called "Pocket Symphony" (love that title) coming out in March, and let's just say it is quite sufficiently Air-y. No experimentations in dubstep or reggaeton here, so don't you worry. Here's a track from it... (if there are new people reading the blog this year, yup, that's how we roll around here!)
What I think: Air's main stage set at sundown a couple of years ago is definitely up there with the all-time legendary sets at Coachella. Will they put them back in that same time slot? They damn well better, or else someone's gettin' a cock-punchin'!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, and I've uploaded a new song over at my music page. It's called "Low Flowtation", and yes, I spelled it that way to be "cool". Spelling is for nerds. Lemme know if you happen to like it.
Who they are: Some punks from Gainesville, Florida. Go Gators! (Actually, screw the Gators. First they win the national championship in basketball, then they win the national championship in football, too? Jeez, bet their heads aren't too big right now. Am I just hatin' because my Syracuse teams suck? Of course I am.)
What they sound like: Loud and shouty...
Against Me! - Pints of Guiness Make You Strong (Live)
What I think: One bonus point for excellent song name, which brings their final total of points up to... one. Sorry, just a wee bit too shouty for me. And this is what he sounds like on all the songs, which is rather annoying. Don't get me wrong. I have a bit of appreciation for the punk rock, but you can kinda hear 'em trying to sound like The Pogues here, which in my book is a bad idea. You can't try to sound like The Pogues when you're from Florida. You've probably seen the sun and brushed your teeth at least once in your life (okay, maybe scratch the brush your teeth part... they could be from the swamp, after all... man, I wanna ride one of those dope-ass fan-boat things some day... those are rad... but I digress). And besides, who wants to mosh in 100 degree weather? Dumbasses, that's who.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who they are: Well, as you can see in this recent photo, apparently they're like the T-1000 Terminator model, only much more French and sophisticated.
What they sound like: They got the new album called "Pocket Symphony" (love that title) coming out in March, and let's just say it is quite sufficiently Air-y. No experimentations in dubstep or reggaeton here, so don't you worry. Here's a track from it... (if there are new people reading the blog this year, yup, that's how we roll around here!)
What I think: Air's main stage set at sundown a couple of years ago is definitely up there with the all-time legendary sets at Coachella. Will they put them back in that same time slot? They damn well better, or else someone's gettin' a cock-punchin'!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, and I've uploaded a new song over at my music page. It's called "Low Flowtation", and yes, I spelled it that way to be "cool". Spelling is for nerds. Lemme know if you happen to like it.
Blog-achella '07 - !!! (Sun.)
All right everybody, here we go... another year of Blog-achella gets underway... where we find out who the hell these people are! We will be wandering around that polo field in a chemically induced haze (What? Beer is a chemical. Did you think I was talking about -- oh my! Well, I never! Shame on you!) from stage to stage in quest of some good music... who shall we to listen to and swing our bits about as we do, and who shall we leave to the people who embrace the suck? There's only one way to find out, so lets begin, shall we?
Actually first, I must point out the special redesign of the blog, especially that super sharp banner up at the top. Sweet, huh? It better be! You have no idea how much I paid for that design! The hours in front of the focus groups! I spared no expense!
Also, just to mix it up a little bit this year, instead of going by day, I'm gonna do 'em in alphabetical order. Why? 'Cuz some dude on the Coachella message board actually took the time to arrange all the band names in such a list. What a dork.
(Hello, pot? This is the kettle. You're black.)
But enough of the flim-flammery! Let's do this shit!
!!!
Who they are: A Brooklyn based band formed in Sacramento that recorded their latest album in Nashville... oh, and they're on a British label (Warp). Most people pronounce the name "chk chk chk", but personally I want to start a lobby for "Sproing! Sproing! Sproing!". I think that sounds way more fun.
What they sound like: I guess you would put these dudes into what the blog kids call the "Indie Dance" nowadays, a term that I'm not sure if I'm terribly fond of, but hey, who am I? I'll tell ya who. I'm the damn BOSS, that's who I am! I make the rules around here! I am the Hip N--- In Charge! You hear me?!?!?!
Um... where was I? Oh yeah, they're funky, they have guitars and sometimes horns and vocals and things. LCD Soundsystem is not a bad comparison, but these guys are a bit more loose and freaky.
!!! - Heart of Hearts
What I think: I would guess a very fun band to see live, and they are in fact hyped as such. I'm leaning towards ignoring Flava Flav's advice and believing the hype this time, but after the Debacle of The Juan McLean last year, I'm not so sure anymore. Yes Juan, if that is in fact your real name, that's what you have done. You have brought my hype-believing instincts into question! I hope you're happy. Cock.
(Ah, welcome back, Blog-achella, ol' pal...)
Actually first, I must point out the special redesign of the blog, especially that super sharp banner up at the top. Sweet, huh? It better be! You have no idea how much I paid for that design! The hours in front of the focus groups! I spared no expense!
Also, just to mix it up a little bit this year, instead of going by day, I'm gonna do 'em in alphabetical order. Why? 'Cuz some dude on the Coachella message board actually took the time to arrange all the band names in such a list. What a dork.
(Hello, pot? This is the kettle. You're black.)
But enough of the flim-flammery! Let's do this shit!
!!!
Who they are: A Brooklyn based band formed in Sacramento that recorded their latest album in Nashville... oh, and they're on a British label (Warp). Most people pronounce the name "chk chk chk", but personally I want to start a lobby for "Sproing! Sproing! Sproing!". I think that sounds way more fun.
What they sound like: I guess you would put these dudes into what the blog kids call the "Indie Dance" nowadays, a term that I'm not sure if I'm terribly fond of, but hey, who am I? I'll tell ya who. I'm the damn BOSS, that's who I am! I make the rules around here! I am the Hip N--- In Charge! You hear me?!?!?!
Um... where was I? Oh yeah, they're funky, they have guitars and sometimes horns and vocals and things. LCD Soundsystem is not a bad comparison, but these guys are a bit more loose and freaky.
!!! - Heart of Hearts
What I think: I would guess a very fun band to see live, and they are in fact hyped as such. I'm leaning towards ignoring Flava Flav's advice and believing the hype this time, but after the Debacle of The Juan McLean last year, I'm not so sure anymore. Yes Juan, if that is in fact your real name, that's what you have done. You have brought my hype-believing instincts into question! I hope you're happy. Cock.
(Ah, welcome back, Blog-achella, ol' pal...)
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