It's routine

A Boring Story (Part Two)

2008-08-09T01:12:00.001-07:00

So Rudy Shattuck, what's good with punk rock?

When you're a kid, you have a loose understanding of the defined set of rules and boundaries which shape subcultures and social groups within independent music. If you're a punk, especially in the middle-of-no-where wine country, anything is fair game. It doesn't matter if it's the fucking Ramones, Rancid, The Clash, Screeching Weasel, or Lagwagon, as long as the lead singer dyed his hair pink, blue, or green at one point in time, it's probably good enough for you to play on your twenty dollar CD player. I remember really loving Blink 182 and the Offspring, because you know, they were really stupid, and rude, and they seemed to be as much misfits I was feeling. Eventually I moved on to stuff less likely to get me beat up by "real punks" and more likely to be found on punk compilations or a Tony Hawk video game soundtrack.

Rancid - Sidekick
Descendents - Coolidge
NOFX - Linoleum
Osker - Alright
Lagwagon - Violins
Millencolin - Bullion
Bouncing Souls - True Believers
Propagandhi - And We Thought Nation States Were A Good Idea...
Bad Religion - I Want To Conquer the World
Anti-Flag - Drink Drank Punk
Screeching Weasel - Hey Suburbia

A Boring Story (Part One)

2008-08-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

It has been an extremely long time since I've written a blog entry. Mostly due to the fact that my MP3 hosting solutions are frustrating and inefficient. For a while I was resorting to a free service which evidently allowed me to upload and share MP3s, but it made it almost impossible to figure out how to actually share them without launching their stupid little player. So for now, I give up with that shit.

What's good with music these days according to Rudy Shattuck (that's me, folks)?

A long time ago, after yet another emotional failure, I looked towards emo (the real deal, not that alternative pop-punk-eyeliner-tripe these kids listen to today) as a way of feeling a little better about myself, unfortunately it seemed to only make things worse. Nevertheless, here are some standout tracks to mope about to:

Playlist: Emo Doesn't Sound Like This Anymore

Sunny Day Real Estate - In Circles
Sunny Day Real Estate - Song About An Angel
Mineral - GJs
Mineral - Palisade
The Gloria Record - Grain Towers, Telephone Poles
The Gloria Record - Ozona & Sonora

These all basically sound like the same band.

Something a little different:

Alkaline Trio - 97'
Jimmy Eat World - What I Would Say To You Now
The Promise Ring - Why Did We Ever Meet

So, basically, when everything seemed to be falling apart, I would put these on and try to go on about my daily work, while in fact having all my problems and thoughts just hanging around in the background ready for me to go right back to them.

At one point I realized everything wasn't really falling apart, and it had all in fact been over and done with far longer than I thought.

Somehow, I began spinning some of the old bands I used to listen to when I was in high school, you know, because in high school I wasn't so much a mopey dork, just a normal dork, but I actually liked myself some punk rock.

Stuff You're Embarassed To Love And the New Wild West.

2008-03-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this shit is old, but I don't care. I was a dope and I ignored this band the first time I heard about them, because you know, I figured it was just some more shit tripe that some 15 year old in Orange County would peddle to older, college dudes with tattoos. Guess what, it actually really is. This band is also from Florida, and everyone who ever listened to New Found Glory knows just how bad that can be.

Despite these terrible things, you have to listen to "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You." I got their whole Wizard of Aaahs album, and practically every song besides this one got annoying after a couple of days. Bummer.

Black Kids: I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

We can say the same thing about Justice. I read about them in my favorite practically-porn magazine from Mexico, Baby Baby Baby. Yeah, these guys are cool, and you'll be cool too if you listen to them. I recommend D.A.N.C.E. and DVNO, any song without a title completely made up of capital letters is dangerous territory. It's all good if you're preoccupied and working on solutions to overpopulation or foam core models of homeless shelters but as soon as you take a break you'll look at your speakers and say "What the fuck is this shit? Do I actually own this?"

Justice: DVNO

Listen to anything by the Dodos. If Two Gallants had an effeminate little brother, he'd sound like this. They really break lose on the tracks Jodi and Fools, listen to Jodi. It's bands like this that make you thankful to Mozart for inventing music and to punk rock for inspiring traditionally tinged music which doesn't fall so dangerously close to mainstream country that it makes you look like a fat NASCAR fan who eats at Arby's and enjoys the occasional Evanescence. I'm talking about Kate Maki, who's not so bad herself, but clicking on her Myspace friends sends you down a pussy, indie-kid, redneck rabbit hole the likes you never knew existed outside of Omaha and Conor Obersts' Cassadega. Kate Maki is Canadian, and so are all her friends. Great, now you have to deal with not just tractors and first beers out on Bradbury Hill, there's some hockey going on here too. Despite this, Kate Maki has produced an amazing song called "To Please" which teleports you straight to the Saloon you dreamed up in second grade and thought you would be drinking at when you grew up, before you became Straight Edge and before corporate rock stations practically beat you to death with advertisements for "Cervezas" imported from Illinois, Pearl Jam, and 100 versions of the same Foo Fighters Song all in a row. Guess who else teleported me to the Rusty Spike Saloon (Brandon made that name up two years ago, but it's fitting)? Rocky Votolato. So here's the way it works:

Two Gallants: The Real Deal, straight out of 1849 or 1908

The Dodos: Two Gallants are like Clint Eastwood, The Dodos are Edward Norton playing a guy in a movie who pretends to be a cowboy.

Rocky Votolato: Your old punk rock friend who used to have the liberty spikes, except he listened to Johnny Cash Live At Folsom Prison and decided to buy new clothes. Sometimes he sounds like a pussy, but he can still hang.

Kate Maki: What the fuck is going on in Canada? I know I sound like a dick, but lumberjacks and cowboys came together and made a whole slur of music you kind of don't want to hear, except for gems like this. When you listen to the real version of To Please, it reminds you of when Bright Eyes thought the country thing was kind of fun and ridiculous, and it sounded cool too. Not now, where they're all serious about it. It's a bad joke that they've taken way too far.

Trainwreck Riders: Let's make country punk rock that vegans can dance to, but none of that fucking swing shit.

The Dodos: Jodi
Kate Maki: To Please
Rocky Votolato: Your Darkest Eyes

Bright Eyes: Let's Not Shit Ourselves

(Fuck them Conor, fuck all of them)

Two Gallants: Steady Rolling

(Is it fucked up to listen to a song that mentions killing your spouse, at work?)

Trainwreck Riders: Slow Motion Cowboy

(It's hard to lip sync on the subway)

The Blues Came Down On Me This Morning..

2007-11-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, when you're in the zone, all you want is to have the same song playing over and over.

I'm staying home for Thanksgiving this year. Hopefully I can stay in the zone long enough to get out of my troubles.

Song number one is fitting because it's all about the blues, always fucking up, and having a girl who's name you can't remember (maybe because she's not yours to begin with?). For a while I had to keep playing this over on YouTube, but thanks to this little friend, I've got it on my iPod.

Two Gallants: Worried Now/I Like To Call It "the Slide" MP3

Song number two is another favorite that I just discovered. I was scoping out some stuff on VICE TV and I came across their music video section. I guess I also video'd this one a lot before I actually got the album it's off. My friend had been playing some Panda Bear a few months ago and I meant to get the music from him, but I never did. I don't think this was the same album, but it's still as great as I remember. Whether or not you're on drugs when you're taking this, it's gonna be a good time.

Panda Bear: Bros MP3

Wrapping up the long weekend

2007-11-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday: Wrapping up the long weekend
Location: Pomona, California.

Veterans' Day weekend was a clouded heap of field trips and new music.

I'm bored out my mind
Too sick to even care
I'll take a little walk
Nobody's going to know
I'm in senior year
It gives you a little free time
I'll just use it all at once!

After a wonderful midterm, it was time to "water" my other classes. As the above quote implies, I didn't get all that much done. I went against the prof's advice and kept working on studio. With the amount of distractions at my fingertips, I only have two slides of a PowerPoint and the first floor plan of an existing building to show for my long weekend.

I may not have followed my studio teacher's advice, but I did follow my 3D Studio Max prof's advice by going out and buying Ramblin' Jack Elliot's "I Stand Alone."

"I don't want to linger in Alabany, New York. I don't know anyone there, I don't want to know anyone there!"

If I can be half the man Jack is, I have no issue with growing old. One day it'll be me sitting in my pajamas and cowboy hat yelling at passing traffic while somewhere in Southern California an architecture student listens to songs about my arthritis, dogs, and Hong Kong. Listen to the little monologue at the end of Rake & Ramblin' Boy and join me in wondering whether or not that's where Two Gallants get it...

Ramblin' Jack Elliot: Rake & Ramblin' Boy MP3

Jack soon had company on my Ipod after I somehow decided to get Danielson's album "Ships." After three listens I remember exactly why I was so weary about ever buying anything associated with Brother Daniel Smith. The fact that my room mate says it sounds like something he'd listen to only makes things that much worse.

Danielson: Did I Step On Your Trumpet MP3

Finally, the most played album of this weekend is nothing as recent as the last two, it's actually and oldie (relatively). Grandaddy's "Sumday" is an amazing album that's so inoffensive I could probably play it around my mom. Nevertheless, I love this record and I don't think it'll be put away for quite some time. Enough time has passed since I remember hearing "Now It's On" being played on Live 105 (read: KROQ) that I don't have to feel guilty, just happy that at this point, this band will probably never be the soundtrack to a frat party. Say Hi (to your mom). Dude looks like my last boss.

Grandaddy: The Group Who Couldn't Say MP3

The Black Lips

2007-10-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Band: The Black Lips
Location: Atlanta, Georgia.

It makes me feel really uneasy to see this band strutted about everywhere. Their latest album is definitely worth the commotion, and I don't really think these guys will be the next White Stripes or The Strokes (this is bad, yes?) because of the fucked up things they supposedly do on stage, so it's all good.

Do like I do, and try to convince as many friends as possible to go to their show to see firsthand what all the fuss is about.

The Black Lips: O Katrina! MP3, Bad Kids MP3, Cold Hands MP3
Most Official Site: http://www.vicerecords.com/blacklips.phpt
Myspace: www.myspace.com/theblacklips

The Lawrence Arms

2007-10-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Band: The Lawrence Arms
Location: Chicago, Illinois.

My musical soul mate.

It all started with three songs that I found off of a random assortment of punk compilations and a few MP3 downloads. Before I knew it, I was going so far out of my way to catch these guys in concert almost five years ago. At the time, I had very few friends, none of which were interested in the show, I had no car, so I had to cut class to make the three hour bus ride, and I didn't even have a clue where I was headed. I ended up in Beverly Hills instead of West Hollywood that night. I eventually made it to the show after a long walk.

Many eventful things happened that night, and now, years later I still fall in love with this band every time I see them live.

I'm taking this time to post up a set of "hidden songs" that I always wanted as separate tracks (three of these are found within one track). I finally went and separated them, I hope someone can enjoy these as much as I do. They are not very representative musically of what the Lawrence Arms do, but they capture their spirit perfectly.

The Lawrence Arms:
Old Mexico Way MP3 -Originally on the album, Ghost Stories
Faintly Falling Ashes (Acoustic) MP3 -Originally on the album, Ghost Stories
Heaven Help Me MP3 -Originally on the album, Ghost Stories
Warped Tour Summer Extravaganza (Major Excellent!) MP3-Oh! Calcutta!

Most Official Site: http://www.thelawrencearms.net
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thelawrencearms

The Anniversary

2007-09-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Band: The Anniversary
Location: Lawrence, Kansas.

Getting into this band for me was destiny.

A long time ago, in a high school far, far away, I played my first round of Emogame while I was taking a break from my late-afternoon drafting class. A pixelized rape scene is the perfect thing for your teacher to catch you wasting your time on.

After a few minutes of nonstop joy, I would get to the mini-boss band that was The Anniversary.

Months would pass by and I eventually forgot about this amazing band, that is until I decided to look for songs with the name of my friend, Emma, in the title. The Anniversary found their way into my heart through the song "Emma Discovery", a song that places somewhere between 7 and 15 of my personal list of greatest songs in the world.

This band broke up in 2004 after they went downhill and degraded into a not-quite-Foo Fighters-rock-but-still-annoying-and-somewhat-southern bore-fest, but they're still number 9 in my heart.

Pass up their album "Your Majesty" and head straight for "Designing A Nervous Breakdown".

Most Official Site: http://www.lawrence.com/bands/the_anniversary/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theanniversary

Nedelle

2007-09-03T01:26:00.000-07:00

Band: Nedelle
Location: Oakland, California.

Rilo Kiley let me down because they were on the front cover of Spin Magazine and because dimwits throw around comparisons of them to the super awesome bands your middle school science teacher listens to.

Nedelle doesn't let me down because she puts up bulletins about cool shows she's doing in Oakland and San Francisco, and because she does music that's cool like Vetiver and Devendra, minus the trendy beards and plus some women's intuition.

This is romance like Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper.

Nedelle: Ghost Ships MP3
Official Site: http://www.nedelle.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nedelle

The Concretes

2007-09-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

Band: The Concretes
Location: Stockholm, Sweden.

This band is cool because they have comic book style drawings of their band.

Sweden isn't quite as sophisticated as France, but it's fun to walk around in the rain with their music anyway. Wear light blue when you listen to this but don't smoke cigarettes, Europeans look all refined when they do it, but you just look like a sorority girl.

Official Site: http://www.theconcretes.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theconcretes

Watoo Watoo

2007-09-03T00:33:00.000-07:00

Band: Watoo Watoo
Location: Bordeaux, France.

Girls think it's hot when you listen to music that's in French. Unless they're from France or Canada, it doesn't really matter what it is.

Fortunately for you, you get the hook up with a French band that's so cool they make music by taking old SEGA videogame soundtracks (Daytona USA) and instead of having random Japanese dudes sing in "English" they just sprinkle magical French singing and instantly make you the smartest person to ever wear a turtleneck sweater. This group doesn't necessarily do what I just wrote, but it sounds good anyway. I chose the above picture for this post because the singer looks like my white, next-door neighbor's hot mom.

Watoo Watoo: Perdu MP3
Official Site: http://www.watoowatoo.net/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/watoowatoo

Two Gallants

2007-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Band: Two Gallants
Location: San Francisco, California.

Face it, all the bands you listen to are nothing but generic clones of screamo bands from when I was in highschool, and while you're out getting a nautical star tattoo'd on your ass, my buddy Paul still kicks your ass because he got his before you even saw it on that t-shirt at Zumiez.

Two Gallants may not be making some space-age shit like Xiu Xiu, but at least you get the comfort of knowing that no one else is doing anything even close. Grandpa Jones has some shit on these guys, but he's dead.

Two Gallants: Despite What You've Been Told MP3
Official Site: http://www.twogallants.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/twogallants

Trainwreck Riders

2007-08-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Band: Trainwreck Riders
Also Check Out: Songs for Moms, Holy Ghost Revival.
Location: San Francisco, California.

Last night I went down to the Gilman to see Trainwreck Riders. Gilman kids are amazing because of their ability to take songs more suited for a hoedown, and turn them into slam anthems. I not only got my mouth fingered by one of my classmates' little sister in the commotion, but I've gotten the closest I've ever gotten to kissing a guy. After that I decided to not sing along and just keep my mouth shut.

Listening to their first CD might be detrimental to my health, because I've found that it makes me drive way too fast when it's dark and that shit uses up my gasoline way too fast.

The Trainwreck Riders: Slow Motion Cowboy MP3
Official Site: http://www.trainwreckriders.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thetrainwreckriders

The Fits

2007-07-15T00:47:00.000-07:00

Band: The Fits
Also Check Out: Islands, The Shins, Broken Social Scene.
Location: Oakland, California.

Pandora Radio and I have had an on and off again sort of relationship since I first started dabbling with it in about a year ago. I first heard about it on a plane ride in one of those shitty (but not always), free magazines they put in the kangaroo pocket on the back of the seats.

I think it's a great idea, and it has worked a million times better than I expected, considering what kind of music I'm asking it to match... but when someone recommends Phish and Dave Matthews Band to me, that's the auditory equivalent of cutting off my balls and shitting in my nutsack.

That said, Pandora has had its share of triumphant moments as well. Not only did it hook me up with an amazing little pop song the other day, but it's also from a band from right across the Bay.

Amongst the ever looming "State of Emergency" and machine gun bursts of Oakland, a man who dresses like a college student from 1997 is making the songs that will make my week.

The Fits: Ball Of Twine MP3
Official Site: http://www.ufirecords.com/bands.html
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thefits

Cansei de Ser Sexy

2007-06-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Band: Cansei de Ser Sexy
Also Check Out: Le Tigre, Klaxons, Hot Chip.
Location: São Paulo, Brazil.

My brother won tickets to Live 105's big show, BFD, and being the only one he knows with a car, I got to go along with him.

Usually any show put on by a major radio station is one big jerk-off fest to whatever mainstream rock bands the muscle heads happen to listening to, when they're not pretending to be black and listening to sellout rap artists. Essentially this was just another case of this except that the white kids are actually listening to ex-indie bands these days. This opened the doors for a few cool artists this year at BFD. I'm still bummed that Foo Fighters didn't make it though, they're like the staple "Rock" band everyone listens to at these shows.

One of the first bands to hit the stage was CSS, that one Brazilian band you probably know about.

They're honestly the kind of band you can't just put on and be like, "damn, this shit really speaks to me" and then start imagining how these kids from Brazil are going to come over and totally change our concept of rock and roll or some shit. Even my Mates-of-States-loving self has a tough time with this band, download their album and see what you think.

On the other hand, when you see a little Japanazilian jump around on stage and dance like she's in a middle school talent show, and you're there pumping your fist, stomping your feet, and kicking up dust, while the Asian jock next to you claps along because this song happens to be about alcohol, it makes it all seem actually pretty alright.

Official Site: http://www.csshurts.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/canseidesersexy

Monkey Swallows the Universe

2007-06-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

Band: Monkey Swallows the Universe
Also Check Out: Azure Ray, Au Revoir Simone, Camera Obscura.
Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Don't you hate it when you put on some hardcore bluegrass radio station, or one with a name like Cowboy's Heritage Radio, and you totally expect this bad-ass music about whiskey and whores and missing your baby that you left behind after you shot some fucker who looked at you cross in the saloon, but then suddenly you hear some really terrible pop-country that once again reminds you why you've stayed completely away from country music in the first place before you realized Johnny Cash was actually kind of cool?

Monkey Swallows the Universe is a lot like that shitty music because it's essentially just straightforward pop music with a tinge of country. This band is different though, because instead of being based on shitty commercial pop from the late 80s and early 90s, it instead uses the UK indie-pop we've all grown to know and love. Monkey Swallows the Universe, therefore, is amazing.

Monkey Swallows the Universe: Sheffield Shanty MP3
Official Site: http://www.mstu.co.uk/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mstu

Matt &Kim

2007-06-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Band: Matt & Kim
Also Check Out: The Blow, Mates of State, Tilly & the Wall
Location: Brooklyn, New York.

This reminds me of the time I was playing Bright Eyes at my old job and the Engineering Manager came back to tell me to turn it down because she could hear it all the way in her office. It was the part on "Road To Joy" where he yells "MAKE SOME NOISE" and then everyone just goes fuck crazy and fucks shit up.

The reason it reminds me of that is because sometimes Matt & Kim sound the kind of piss-horrible that I'm sure no one but me and the like-minded would appreciate. They're no Mates of State though, those guys take the peanut-butter cake in that category.

That said, Matt & Kim are electro-pop bliss... to me... and maybe you.

Matt & Kim: Verbs Before Nouns MP3
Official Site: http://www.mattandkimmusic.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim

Dawn Landes - Young Folks (Bluegrass Cover)

2007-06-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Band: Dawn Landes
Also Check Out: Cat Power, Mazzy Star, Vetiver, The Cranberries.
Location: New York, New York.

I got into the Peter Bjorn and John craze a little late I think. I forget which video linked me from YouTube in the first place, but I remember feeling like I stumbled onto something a little unsettling. I actually got a hold of their album with Young Folk's on it and gave it a spin. I enjoyed it for the most part and even put some songs out on mix tapes. Today I see the full spectrum of PB&J and realize that every corporate rock cock sucker from here to Manitoba has been hearing it on heavy rotation, not to mention the poor kids all over Europe. I know how those foreigners like to blast not only the original of a hit song to death, but they continue their assault with numerous dance club remixes. If my guess is correct, Young Folk's probably has it's own dance to accompany it somewhere.

I present to you yet another Young Folk's remix, the only one I will endorse. Of course, it's blue grass. That's the only response that would have proved me alright.

Dawn Landes has some nice original music as well, she had a spot on SXSW. If you want her MP3 for Young Folk's, which is very recommended, you go seek it out! You can be responsible and buy it on iTunes, ahem, or you can be cool and find it for free. We have the technology. Also, you can enjoy the Beirutish acoustics of "Traffic" or the 1990s status of "Kissing Song" all on her website.

Dawn Landes: Traffic MP3
Official Site: http://www.dawnlandes.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dawnlandes

Final Fantasy

2007-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Band: Final Fantasy
Also Check Out: Beirut, Sufjan Stevens, Xiu Xiu.
Location: Toronto, Canada.

The first time I ran into Final Fantasy I didn't realize it was Owen Pallet's musical project, I thought I was listening to music off of a video game. My roommate was looking at his brother's Myspace and we both agreed the music on his page was really good. Thinking it was just one of the many interesting songs composed for the Final Fantasy series, I put it out of my mind. It wasn't until sometime last year that I found out that Final Fantasy was the name of a band out of Canada. I read an interesting interview where Owen Pallet mentioned that mixing styles (indie rock and classical) wasn't something he was endorsing and he said rappers backed by orchestras will always sound like shit, there's no way around it. I wonder what he thinks of Metallica :(

I, unknowingly, bought a copy of a Spanish rock magazine from November of last year that included a sampler CD with a track by Final Fantasy along with some other very good Tomlab artists. This was enough to get me to finally check out some more tracks and even get his albums.

Final Fantasy's latest album "He Poos Clouds" (wonderful title) is at times epic enough to be a big movie soundtrack, but retains indie sensibility. From the way this guy names his songs, to the way he dresses, Owen Pallet has a great sense of humor. Check him out at a Cosplay convention near you.

Final Fantasy: He Poos Clouds MP3
Official Site: http://www.reidtaheny.com/ff/read.html
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/owenpalletmusic

The Proposition (Movie)

2007-05-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

Movie: "The Proposition"
Also Check Out these Movies: For a Few Dollars More, The Wild Bunch, Seraphim Falls.
Soundtrack Composers: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
Also Check Out these Artists: Ennio Morricone, Tom Waits, Calexico.
Location: Australia

To follow up the Two Gallants, I want to present a movie that is two years old now, but one I just recently discovered.

The Australian film, "The Proposition" can be classified as a Western despite not taking place in the Western part of the United States. Many parallels can be drawn between the Victorian Era in the United States West and the Australian Outback, both have their share of legends and myths involving outlaws and lawmen.

This movie tells the story of the Burns brothers, three notorious outlaws. When the two younger Burns brothers are captured, the middle brother, Charlie, is given until Christmas to find and kill his older brother Arthur or else be forced to witness his youngest brother hung at the gallows. The movie paints a grim picture of an Australia deeply torn apart by racism and imperialism. Captain Stanley, the lawman, is haunted by his need to civilize the outback for the good of his family.

This movie is full of grisly scenes, it starts out with a gunfight, but don't mistake it for merely a cheap shocker, this movie conveys a strong message through more than just blood and guns. It's worth watching for the amazing shots of Australian landscape alone.

I've posted up some MP3s of the excellent soundtrack composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis: Happy Land MP3, The Rider Song MP3
Official Site: http://www.theproposition.co.uk/
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421238/

Hot Club de Paris

2007-05-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

Band: Hot Club de Paris
Also Check Out: Arctic Monkeys, The Dead 60s, The Shins, The Libertines.
Location: Liverpool, England

It was near impossible to find much information on these guys through a basic Google search, but judging by the treasure trove of linkage found on Hype Machine, it's safe to say that these guys are getting buzzed by blogs, and touring, naturally.

I'm a sucker for songs that you can pretend to be a pirate to, Two Gallants do it for me a lot, but unlike the San Francisco duo, these guys are total apes. They've got song titles like "Sometimesitsbetternottostickbitsofeachotherineachotherforeachother" that reveal a decent sense of humor while on the other hand you have songs like "Hello. I wrote a song for you called "Welcome to the Jungle" which take me back to melancholy high school days where it seems like every time I'd think about a girl I'd get caught in a diluvian downpour.

Sing along with your "Yo Ho Hos!" to Shipwreck.

Want MP3s? Try looking these guys up on Hype Machine :)
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hotclubdeparis

Los Campesinos! (Music in English)

2007-05-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

Band: Los Campesinos!
Also Check Out: Thunderbirds Are Now!, Hot Club De Paris, Klaxons
Location: Cardiff, Wales

I feel like some cheesy fucker-in-a-dew-rag-standing-outside-of-Rasputin-records trying-to-sell-you-a-burned-CD when I say this, but this band is really hot right now.

I heard about these guys from the friend of a Myspace friend (great stuff) playing on his profile. Usually I'm quick about turning that shit off, but I decided to let these guys play after hearing the first few seconds of the song.

This reminds me of the time some rapper from NY sent me a message on Myspace telling me how most people know if they like something within the first ten seconds of a song, he on the other hand was asking me for only five seconds of my time, and if I didn't like his shit he'd go on his merry way. I listened to that shit and deleted his friend request.

Stupid story aside, these guys have a hit with the song "Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks." It's full of alls sorts of great energy, and if I happened to be the kind of guy who danced alone in his room in order to get some bit of athletic activity in his pathetic life, I'd be dancing to it right now. Last time I did that it was to Le Tigre, if I happen to get out of finals alive I'll give these guys a ring. There's something about the way the girl sings in this band that reminds me of someone else...

Here's two cute Asian girls dancing to this band the way I wish I could:

Los Campesinos: Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks MP3
Official Site: http://www.loscampesinos.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/loscampesinos

La Buena Vida

2007-04-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Band: La Buena Vida
Also Check Out: Yo La Tengo, Devotchka, Belle and Sebastian
Location: San Sebastián, Spain

So you get sick of listening to the same Mexican version of Hawthorne Heights and Spanish pop just makes you think of all the happy people that aren't you. Well, if you're looking for something much less menacing you should take a step towards a better life.

"La Buena Vida" translates to "The Good Life" in English. For this band's sound think Yo La Tengo and a little Belle and Sebastian. They've got mostly soft guitars but they mix in all sorts of other sounds in there very nicely. I'm a big fan of the horns, the short solos they have in their music are awes.

This band has some good staying power, they're so relaxed that they're not at all overbearing, but at the same time they have some very memorable songs that don't just get lost in the mix. The lead singer has a low wispy voice, so if you've got anything against girl singers you need not worry here.

Check out the video and don't forget the MP3, it's a must-listen!

La Buena Vida: Mi Año Natural MP3
Official Site: http://www.lapaginadelabuenavida.com/

"Ahora que te vas pediré perdón y dirás que no
y estará muy bien, ya sabes por qué
Yo me esconderé, ahora que te vas
Ya no saldré más; dime para qué, si no te voy a ver"

-Que Nos Va A Pasar

Made In Spain

2007-04-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

Band: Los Fresones Rebeldes
Also Check Out: Cola Jet Set, La Buena Vida, Nosotrash
Location: Barcelona, Spain

This post is specifically aimed at giving some recognition to a few very interesting bands from Spain. First up is Los Fresones Rebeldes, and from what I understand they're actually already broken up. What's kind of the repeating story for these particular Spanish Indie Pop bands is the fact that they manage to create singular songs so sublime it's unbelievable. Sadly, the actual albums aren't all that outstanding, maybe one or two (at most) standout songs, while the rest is just a tamed version of their hits. Fresones Rebeldes claim as their outstanding track "Al Amanecer", a song I have seriously played on repeat for the past week. The video captures their energy and attitude pretty well and makes me almost want to fly out to Spain just to hang out at the carnival with these girls and guys. In general, this is just really fun, Beach Boysesque kind of music.

Los Fresones Rebeldes: Al Amanecer MP3
Official Site: http://personal5.iddeo.es/momonari/flash.html
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/losfresonesrebeldes

Band: Cola Jet Set
Also Check Out: Los Fresones Rebeldes, Beach Boys, Los Hombres G
Location: Barcelona, Spain

Everything I just said about Los Fresones Rebeldes, it's applicable to Cola Jet Set as well. I found out about Cola Jet Set before I heard about Fresones Rebeldes, but it turns out that Cola Jet Set rose from the ashes of LFR seeing as they have two ex members. My favorite is the dude who plays drums for LFR and guitar for Cola Jet Set, he looks like this kid they call "Pollo" in my design studio.

Anyway, the standout song, by far, for these guys is called "Quiéreme." The video for this one is also really fun, it plays out like a pop up book for kids. Honestly, every single band I mention here was found through YouTube by linking from one band to another.

If you were to put together a playlist of Los Fresones Rebeldes and Cola Jet Set, you'd have the soundtrack for the most amazing summer you've ever had where you wear eye numbingly bright colors and every single girl wears Mondrian dresses and either has hair like Marcia Brady or a helmet-like bob. I imagine this is what Holland used to be like in the olden days, but in lispy-Spanish.

Cola Jet Set: Quiéreme MP3
Official Site: http://www.violeyant.com/colajetset
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/colajetset

Band: La Casa Azul
Also Check Out: Belanova, and all the bands already mentioned!
Location: Barcelona, Spain

I saved the very best for last. I'm sure after hearing the previous two bands you probably think I've completely lost my mind. You're absolutely right, and here's the band that did it to me in the first place. After clicking on a Camera Obscura video (Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken) this band came up as a similar link. At first I thought this had to be a joke, there's no way a band could look like this and play the music they played... and also the term "Superguay" sounded SUPER GAY to me as a Mexican-American Spanish speaker. After seeing some live videos and learning the true story behind the band, I warmed up to them a lot!

Turns out that the first five people pictured above are simply actors used to film the videos and for other promotional issues. The man behind the music, Guille Milkyway, decided he just wanted to create the perfect band down to the finest detail. The fact this guy is so upfront about it makes me admire him. I hate those fuckers that make boy bands because they take the joke too far and lie about it the whole time, Guille on the otherhand plays all the live shows himself and does a good job about it. Also, I think I really love his vision, check out the video for "Como Un Fan" because it's just so insanely surreal.

Unlike the other two bands, i think Guille delivers a bit more when it comes to the individuality of his music. I recommend every single song except for "Superguay," that one is just too much for me.

This band is like Salvador Dali and Gaudi having a party with Austin Powers and sleeping over with the Brady Bunch.

La Casa Azul: Como Un Fan MP3
Official Site: http://www.elefant.com/en/grupos_dis.php?id=12
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lacasaazulband

Au Revoir Simone

2006-10-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Band: Au Revoir Simone
Also Check Out: Clue To Kalo, Architecture In Helsinki, Mates Of State, Collette Carter, Nedelle
Location: Brooklyn, New York

Chalk another one up for Indie Pop Rocks. I was working on a model and Yolanda was on my computer while the radio was on, she was doing some floorplans or something. Suddenly some crazy happy music comes on that was so catchy that I interrupted her dilligent work because I had to find out who it was. Since then I've discovered Au Revoir Simone is an all girl trio with three keyboards. Their music is fun happy and smooth. Interestingly enough, their name comes from the movie "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" which I think is just completely awesome. Check them out if you're into all girl vocals and electric beats. Ephereal.

Currently on tour with We Our Scientists in the UK.

Au Revoir Simone: Disco Song MP3
Official Site: http://www.aurevoirsimone.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone

Tapes N Tapes

2006-10-05T03:55:00.000-07:00

Band: Tapes N Tapes
Also Check Out: My Bloody Valentine, Wolf Parade, Okkervil River
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

I first heard this band on Indie Pop Rocks about a month ago. More recently, I heard them on a friend of a friend's myspace and the track she had up just pulled me in. I have been excited about these guys for a little while now, they're definitely worth checking out. I only wish I was able to buy a copy of their album, but for now I've been working off of their myspace and other sources. This band pulls off some incredible moments in their music, tracks like Manitoba express well how dynamic this band is. It goes from a relaxed slow drive to a pulsing, pacing change of speed that switches up moods very weel. Currently they've got a good amount of music up on their myspace and they're busy promoting their single, the song "Insistor" Insistor is a great track and you have to check it out.

Tapes 'N Tapes is on tour with the Futureheads throughout the South Eastern United States, I believe they've just finished a tour of the UK. Their latest album is The Loon, which was released worldwide in July. Here's a track you'll likely be hearing more often in the time to come. Don't forget to check out "Insistor".

Tapes 'N Tapes: Cowbell MP3
Official Site: http://www.tapesntapes.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tapesntapes/

Stars Of Track And Field

2006-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Band: Stars Of Track And Field
Also Check Out: I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, Snow Patrol, My Morning Jacket, M83.
Location: Portland, Oregon

My old roomate recommended these boys to me a good two months back. When he mentioned the name I thought of Belle and Sebastian, which is always a good thing. They may have taken their name from the track on Are You Feeling Sinister, but this band is noBelle and Sebastian , it's a lot more ethereal and has a very soft edge. They've got plenty of electronic beats to carry you through their dreamy pop songs. This is a great band to pass the time if you want something that fades into the background. Currently these guys are on tour with the Twilight Singers, making me regret not being anywhere near the tour circuit yet again! Check out their myspace for some good tracks, I prefer the last two tracks. Here's my personal favorite:

Stars Of Track And Field: With You MP3
Official Site: http://starsoftrackandfield.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/starsoftrackandfield

My Latest Novel

2006-10-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

Band: My Latest Novel
Also Check Out: Arcade Fire, New London Fire, A Fire Inside (just kidding), Film School
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

I've listened to a handful of songs by this Glasgow based group and they've made a very good impression. I first heard about them over at The Fabulist a while back and again when they were recently mentioned a few days ago. Fabulist says they've been compared to Arcade Fire and Belle and Sebastian, I wouldn't have thought of Belle and Sebastian until I listened to more songs over at their myspace, on the other hand I feel the relation towards Arcade Fire is well justified. Don't pigeon hole them so easily though, they seem to run the gamut in their music from Folk to Indie Pop. Don't expect to hear happy anthems though, I'd say they're more of a somber sort of lot. Check out Fabulist to hear a great song of theirs called Sneaker Sister, Sneaker Soul. As for me, I prefer the dreamy ambience of their song "Hope Edition".

My Latest Novel: Hope Edition MP3
Official Site: http://www.mylatestnovel.com/
Myspace: http://myspace.com/mylatestnovel