Local Lightning Counter

You can step outside and see the sites

2006-01-06T02:07:00.000-05:00

Hey there, I have more shit for y'all to click. Dig.

Piebald -- We Are The Only Friends We Have link review

Leak Bros. (Cage & Tame One) -- Waterworld link review

Top Albums of 2005

2005-12-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess this is starting back up again, so I figured I'd come back in style. It being the end of the year and all I'm posting my top 14 albums of the year. Some of the files I found on the SkaFunkRastaPunk Forum, and the passwords for them are noted. Password for all other files is "graphic" without the quotes. And if you want the two albums I didn't provide for free, look for them elsewhere. Those are two artists I don't feel right providing for you guys, sorry. Enjoy.

1. The National -- Alligator link alternate link
2. The Decemberists -- Picaresque link
3. Tame One -- OG Bobby Johnson link
4. The Books -- Lost and Safe link
5. Antony And The Johnsons -- I Am A Bird Now link
6. Broken Social Scene -- Broken Social Scene link (pass=www.mp3bre.com)
7. Blockhead -- Downtown Science link
8. Sigur Ros -- Takk link
9. Stellastarr* -- Harmonies For The Haunted link
10. The Long Winters -- Ultimatum [EP] link
11. White Stripes -- Get Behind Me Satan link
12. Quasimoto -- The Further Adventure of Lord Quas link
13. Say Hi To Your Mom -- Ferocious Mopes link
14. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah -- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah link | 2 (pass=libbera)

2005-11-27T04:03:00.000-05:00

I declare this officially a waste of my time that is no longer necessary. I may start this back up after the semester, but I have too much else to do. If someone wants to take over, leave a comment or something. This was fun for awhile, thanks to everyone else who read this. There are plenty of other places to get music on the web, try checking out regnyouth.com or the SFRP Forums, to get you started. Peace, all.

I'm seeing objects

2005-11-19T18:16:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since my own last post, and I've broken down and given you all a full album (mostly in part because you can't buy it new on CD anymore). So, here it is, DJ Spooky's "Riddim Warfare."

DJ Spooky
Riddim Warfare
Outpost Recordings

This is probably the first real DJ album I ever encountered, back in 1998, and I still love it. Though it's nearly eight years old (doesn't it seem like 1998 wasn't all that long ago?), it doesn't sound the least bit dated. This is Spooky's second album, after "Songs of a Dead Dreamer," and like that one, it can only really be listened to as a full album. Tracks blend into one another, sounds and beats keep coming back throughout, and even MCs return in the album. Which is another thing: the album features the amazing talents of Kool Keith, Sir Menelik, Organized Konfusion, and even the Wu-Tang's Killah Priest. If that isn't enough to sell you on this album, then consider the talent, intelligence, and creativity of DJ Spooky, not only an accomplished DJ but also an artist and essayist. He recently re-edited and re-scored the silent film classic "Birth of a Nation," a racist film about the Ku Klux Klan, and gave it new, modern meanings as well as making it completely tripped out. He's also recently published a book about the social and artistic philosophies and meanings of DJing and Hip Hop. This man is brilliant. For those with turntables, buy the album.

I guess that's how the future's done

2005-11-19T00:34:00.000-05:00

Sorry, not in the mood/don't have the time to write a bunch, but this is one of my favorite albums of late. Very good stuff.

Feist -- Let it Die

I first heard Feist on a couple tracks from Kings Of Convenience, and later I saw her on tour with them. This is her recent release.

Pitchfork Says:

"Anyone who has ever seen Broken Social Scene perform in their A1 configuration knows that Leslie Feist (singer of You Forgot It in People's "Almost Crimes") has roughly six backrooms worth of charisma stockpiled in her lighter pocket alone. Yet, despite that her tenure in the scene-stealing department extends back to her days with the middling indie rock outfit By Divine Right, Feist has always approached her solo career with agonizing apprehension. Her solo debut, Monarch, appeared in 1999, and while a serviceable indie rock record, it did little to communicate the swaggery gleam of her stage persona.

Nearly five years removed from that debut, Let It Die finds Feist in a radically different state of mind, completely abandoning her guitars-and-strings indie rock shorthand in favor of folk, jazz, French pop, and disco accoutrements. While her propensity for serial genre-hopping makes it difficult for the album to congeal into a whole (Let It Die's scattered closing trilogy comprises covers of songs by Ron Sexsmith, The Bee Gees and 1940s vocalist Dick Haymes), it is nonetheless held together by her wistful song selection and an airy, summery aesthetic."

Still just a little shit in a world that's just a big shithole.

2005-11-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

So, school is eating my soul, and I have increasingly fewer chances to post, and for that I am sorry.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists -- Treble In Trouble

Today is Ted Leo day because, well, that is what I have felt like listening to today. Now, some prefacing. I am not a punk. I don't listen to hardcore. I've had plenty of good friends over the years who are, but I just never got into it. Now, there are some exceptions, Ted Leo being a very notable one. Now, I am not the first or the second person to be a Ted Leo fan in my family. My older sister has long been a big fan (in fact, I stole Hearts of Oak from her), and my Mom is also a Ted Leo fan. But, in time I got into him too, and how can you not? His songs are infectious. His lyrics are some of the smartest and inspired in the world today. He is always dead on and never pretentious. This is an EP of his from 2000, and is one of my favorite TL/RX releases.

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists -- Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead (Plus Solo)

This is another Ted Leo EP that I like quite a lot. This has a great solo version on "The High Party" and one of my favorites, "Six Months In A Leaky Boat." Solid album through and through, all music fans should recognize.

afternoon there's always something happening

2005-11-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

Hey there dudes and dudettes, sorry for my egregious lack of updates lately. Massive schoolwork+social life=no time for updates. But I'm trying.

Hey, all you hipsters and scenesters, if you want to know a little more about yours truly and help boost my ego, you should myspace me. Because I have recently decided to revive my long-dead profile.

Password for all files is "graphic"

And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead -- Worlds Apart

Stylus Magazine's words:

"The tracks that do dip into new musical waters—not necessarily uncharted by modern music but not yet explored specifically by Trail of Dead- are the better executed, more laudable sections of the album. “Overture” introduces the band’s many new facets, beginning with a syncopated, low-octave piano riff before climaxing into what my roommate understandably mistook as a classical piece from an epic blockbuster adventure (“are you listening to The Patriot soundtrack?”). Other songs, such as the piano-driven “Summer of ’91,” which favorably recalls Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed,” the multiple movements of “Will You Smile Again,” and the closer, “City of Refuge,” a jazzy, upbeat number fully equipped with electric piano and “I am the Walrus” string sweeps, are quite removed from past Trail of Dead, yet are well-played and produced, and, most importantly, enjoyable.

It’s the tracks that sit closest to the old Trail of Dead that make up a majority of Worlds Apart’s uninspiring moments and also ruin any cohesion that could have otherwise been attained through the heart of the album. While Trail of Dead has always appeared to be a musical force that could, someday, bridge indie (post-)punk and mall pop-punk, leading single “Worlds Apart,” “Classic Art Showcase,” and, to a lesser extent, “Rest Will Follow” abandon any common ground and cross over to the dark side of modern radio punk. In these tracks, Conrad Keely ignores his subdued vocal delivery, often opting for straining, sometimes whiny melodies that have only a degree of separation from those other corporate label (literal) punks who, in the past two years, decided avant-garde black attire is the new Jinco-Hurley t-shirt tandem.

The amazing guitar acrobatics that spanned much of Trail of Dead’s previous material are also sorely missed. Whereas before, Reese and Keely’s chiseled guitar dueling sounded like Lee Ranaldo’s take on Tom Verlaine licks, much of the guitar work in Worlds Apart is replaced by undefined, Turbo Rat-overdriven sludge. Perhaps, the emphasis on guitar prowess was displaced by the additional focus on wall-of-sound production which—although often nicely executed in some songs (“Overture” and “Summer of ‘91”)— also, unfortunately, includes gimmicky overdubs of a wailing women and Keely cussing out laughing children.

But despite the overall disappointment of the album, fans of the ‘Dead ought not be alarmed. The Austin, Texans have been on an upward climb since their debut and there’s no reason to believe Worlds Apart isn’t merely the awkward adolescent of their musical lives. They seem tired of running solely in post-punk tennis shoes and are trying now trying on a pair of progressive penny loafers on for size. In the next couple years, it is safe to say Trail of Dead will continue to work hard, strive for new ideas, and, hopefully, hone in on a sound that will add another amazing album to their impressive catalogue. This one isn’t it."

I really don't mind

2005-11-09T18:35:00.000-05:00

Jesus, I've been neglecting the shit outa this blog. Sorry guys, but school has really picked up, so I haven't had tons of time.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Broken Social Scene -- Feel Good Lost

The debut LP from everyone's favorite indie group, Broken Social Scene, is a lot different from their most popular labum, You Forgot It In People. This album is as post-rock as it gets, with very little lyrics and lots of wayward orchestration. You have to be able to handle this kinda stuff, but if you like it, this is a masterwork.

Opio -- Triangulation Station

This album I heard from my good friend Wilder. Really, the strength of the album lies in the song "Talk Dirty," with a beat and samples so infectous, you'll spend weeks trying to get it out of your head. The album is overall fairly strong as well, and is a good listen for hip-hop fans of all kinds.

convert you to papyrus

2005-11-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the sparse updates lately.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Deltron 3030 -- Deltron 3030

Post-apocalyptic hip hop. Hooray.

Also, check out www.indieinterviews.com for some cool interviews with bands. They have a nice Colin Meloy one, and my sources tell me a Long Winters interview is forthcoming. I'll be looking forward to it.

2005-11-03T16:23:00.000-05:00

The Best Damn Rap Show

so ive given it some consideration... and this album is actually kinda sick.

In comes the two

2005-11-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

Ah, wednesday. One step closer to friday. Where does all this time go? Today is a very sad anniversary, because one year ago today, Nov. 2 2004, my heart was broken. Sigh. As Ted Leo once said "I'm sorry for my tired country." In lighter news, though, my hometown, Denver, Colorado, passed an innitiative making it legal fro adults to carry up to one ounce of marijuana. Denver, you rule.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Theivery Corporation -- The Cosmic Game

PopMatters:

"What makes a great collaboration? At its worst, the collabo is a marketing tool and predictable, at its best, a creative detour and a catalyst for inspiration. For Thievery Corporation's fourth full-length of original material, the group turns increasingly to the aid of some handsome strangers to distill their prime influences of African diaspora music into a modern beat dub. The Corporation, the duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, draws up an eclectic guest list and merges it into a characteristic chill-out collage. While the Flaming Lips, South Asian superstar Gunjan, and David Byrne anticipate a meeting of major minds, the results are admittedly subdued and subtle. Similar to how recent celeb-fest Handsome Boy Modeling School wrapped odd orgies in the loveage of Paul and Dan, the Corporation weaves each artist into its recognizable patchwork. Each contribution blends neatly together, and creates a cohesive whole.

The Cosmic Game unfolds in a steady and consistent manner, much like a mixtape segmented neatly by mood and theme. "Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun)" opens the album with a notable appearance from an Air-headed Wayne Coyne. Like Yoshimi sipping Virgin Suicides, the Corporation crafts hollow atmospheres, lonely guitar leads, and twinkling keyboards. The peaceful backing provides a counterpoint to the confrontational title and upfront lyrics: "Let's start by, making it clear / Who is the enemy here / And we'll show them / That it's not them / Who is superior." The song's chorus continues on to dream an abstract Armageddon for the negative ones, a bold statement from a group associated more with chill-outs and sessions. Given the current political rhetoric, the schism in social discourse, and the group's base in Washington, D.C., the tension is more appropriate than out-of-place. However, the Corporation sticks to its tried and true moves, and bathes Coyne's critique in such cozy warmth that the assault feels more like a well-oiled Trojan Horse. "

wind so strong it's blowing us all around

2005-11-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

I went to Greenwich Village last night for Halloween. CRAZY!!!!!! Since Etchells posted some rap today, I'm posting something pretty far from it.

Password for all files is "graphic"

David Byrne -- Grown Backwards

David Byrne, illustrius former lead singer of Talking Heads, has built a pretty formidable solo career. Nothing he does may ever match his work with Talking Heads, but this album is pretty damn good. His most recent LP, Grown Backwards has some brilliant songs. It kicks off with the brilliant "Glass, Concrete, and Stone," and the highlight of the album is the impossibly catchy "Tiny Apocalypse." The album gets a little weird at times, but Byrne is clearly one of the best musicians of the last 30 years, and it shows on this stellar CD.

Big Shots

2005-11-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

So Halloween was awesome... but since it's been awhile I thought I'd give you an update. So here it is, one of my all time favorites: Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf's "Big Shots". REcorded in '91-93, and released in 2003 on the peoples choice label Stones Throw. So cop the old school:

-------------------------------------------------------->Big Shots

I'm thinking maybe I'll cut out to Florida

2005-10-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween, everyone.

Password for all files is "graphic"

RJD2 -- Deadringer

One of the best instrumental hip-hop albums available. RJD2 has long been one of my personal favorites of the hip-hop world, starting with this amazing album. One listen to "Ghostwriter" and I don't know how you can doubt it. It's really pretty awesome.

I don't do too much talking these days

2005-10-28T21:28:00.000-04:00

Midterms are over!!!!!!!!! Hooray.

Password is "graphic"

Royal Tenenbaums -- Original Sountrack

This has long been one of my favorite movies of all time, and the soundtrack is quite good, too. It has most of the songs featured in the film, including the GREAT Nico songs. It also has the amazing orchestrations from Mark Mothersbaugh and the Mutato Musika Orchestra. This is not the exact released version, because it also has the great instrumental version of Hey Jude on it, which isn't on the soundtrack. It also has Me and Julio, too. Wes Anderson makes soundtracks like nobody else in modern film. One of these days I'll post The Life Aquatic soundtrack, too.

The final hour is approaching for the people of earth

2005-10-27T21:59:00.000-04:00

So, I have lots of Hip-Hop for all you junkies out there. Jesus, can't y'all get a job? Or a girlfriend? Or a Jorlfriend?

Password for all files is "graphic"

Tame One -- O.G. Bobby Johnson

From Exclaim!:
"Tame One is definitely on the right side of the tracks with his second solo album, OG Bobby Johnson (taken from a character in the movie South Central). Boasting a long and respected career in the record industry, Tame One represents the elements of hip-hop both on the mic and with his trademark graffiti. Kicking rhymes since the early ’90s, most will remember Tame from his days as a former member of the influential duo, Artifacts. Tame made more waves in 2004 on the collaborative project with Cage and the Leak Brothers. This “one man Wu-Tang Clan” still brings the same raw, braggadocios lyrical style over hardcore and old school beats as heard on the bona fide 1994 classic, Between a Rock and a Hard Place and his well received solo album, When Rappers Attack. OG Bobby Johnson features production from High & Mighty, DJ Mighty Mi, CamuTao and Dialekt, as well as a guest appearance from Yak Ballz, CamuTao and Metro of S.A. Smash. Look out for tracks like “Arizona Iced Tea” featuring Meskaline and “a pilled up studio black couch broad who was there” and “Mocafella,” an old school rendition of Redman's “Rocafella.” OG Bobby Johnson proves there's nothing tame about this underrated notty head terror."

King Geedorah -- Take Me To Your Leader

King Geedorah is not only a classic Godzilla villain but also none other than Daniel Dumile, AKA MF Doom. This album is special, though, because not only does Doom MC the album, but he also produced it. He is a very illustrious producer in his own right, but he doesn't always make his own beats. This is right up there with his best albums. The beats are tight as a virgin on prom night and the beats are harder than a linebacker's skull. it's hard to find anything wrong with the album. Hip-hop fans and novices alike should rejoice for King Geedorah.

I will be your crutch and cast if you will be my screeching crash

2005-10-26T18:26:00.000-04:00

To whoever told me to stop posting rap, I say fuck you. Today's selection was chosen before that, though, and is not rap. But mark my words. Hip-hop is an integral part of LLC, and if you don't like it, stop reading.

TV On The Radio -- Desperate Youth, Bloodthursty Babes

This is one of my favorite albums from 2004. TV On The Radio have one of the most original sounds around, and this is a masterful album. Popmatters:
"TV on the Radio came out with a brief but big statement on last year's Young Liars EP. That debut featured four near-perfect originals, a brilliant doo-wop cover of the Pixies, and immaculate production. Young Liars delivered an exciting new voice out of Brooklyn but mostly unrelated to the New York sound. These tracks sounded like an alley squeezing tighter, and even the disc's artwork was dark with just a spot of blurry electric light offering us a chance to walk somewhere. That light didn't come out of the music or the words of TV on the Radio, but perhaps out of the fact that someone was making music this good.

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes has an insert with similar art, but instead of a fuzzy signal to walk, we're given a blazing streak of light that sits somewhere between lightning bolt and mad scientist lab on the cultural symbol scale. If Young Liars was an announcement of a new voice in a dark world, Desperate Youth sets itself up as the call to action in this bleakness. The opening track "The Wrong Way" begins with a saxophone, an instrument new to the band's recordings. The first lyrics tell us something new is about to hit: "Woke up in a magic nigger movie." TV on the Radio sounds ready for action, and its saxophone suddenly sounds like that instrument so important to the revolutionary poets of the '60s (Baraka and the Stooges). The lyrics proceed to spit at the happy darkies of the world, and the narrator enumerates his intelligence, compassion, spirituality, and sexuality, as well as his ambivalent feelings about those characteristics. The song builds to a declaration recalling 100 years of civil rights struggles: "I don't wanna march peacefully / ...New negro politician / is stirring... inside me." But wait: "No, there's nothing inside me / but an angry heart beat." The tension between two ways of responding to a racist society comes to a head here, just as we were getting more Malcolm than Martin, more DuBois than Washington. "

That ain't right

2005-10-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

One selection today, this one by request. It's midterms week, so posting may be a bit sparse.

Non-Prophets -- Hope

Seatlle Weekly's words:
"“Emo,” “white,” “Rhode Island.” There. Those terms are out of the way; let us not speak of them again. While the same nerdphobic chumps who throw around the term “undie” might consider Sage Francis’ identity inseparable from that trio of (apparently pejorative) signifiers, the real substance in Sage’s style is his willingness to render those paradigms meaningless. Hope is his first full-length as the MC of Non-Prophets, in which he teams up with producer Joey Beats, and the album plays like a shadowboxing session where punch lines are delivered with brass knuckles. His sneering smartass flow is only sluggish when you capitalize the “S,” though Sage’s more exosphere than atmosphere, a get-lifted, tongue-twisted dynamic attack neatly underlined by Beats’ archetypal indie-rap psych-funk breaks. Sage’s forte is deceptively simple sociological dark humor, a Vonnegut to El-P’s Bradbury, every slaughtered cipher’s passing marked with a bitter battle-rap aloofness that carries about as much remorse as a compulsory “so it goes.” And his upbringing seems to have left him with a street-hop/indie-think split personality to boot. It’s enough to claim to “go to Fugazi shows requesting Minor Threat songs” a couple lines before name-dropping Craig Mack on the comically nihilistic haters’ anthem “Damage.” But for such a backlash-prone MC to spend the majority of “That Ain’t Right” beating down new jacks with superiority both lyrical and moral (“I attended candlelight vigils for Matthew Sheppard/While you put out another ‘fuck you, faggot’ record”) is proof that self-loathing is just good practice for loathing others."

Everybody's acting like I'm fucking crazy or something

2005-10-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't post yesterday even though I got two albums uploaded, so that means I'm posting three today. But, I don't really have any time to discuss the selections, so trust me on them, they're good.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Architecture In Helsinki -- Fingers Crossed

Laid back, mostly instrumental.

!!! -- Louden Up Now

It'll make you dance until your knees implode.

Travis -- The Man Who

Slow, soulful british pop. Think depressed oasis.

I promise a more in depth post next time.

I look outside and see the world at war

2005-10-22T20:20:00.000-04:00

No post yesterday because I was in the city, but I give you a saturday night post.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Elefant -- Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid

For me, this album is right up there with Alligator by The National among the top 10 albums of the year. Diego Rivera's voice is great. Low, soulful, and the lyrics suit him perfectly. These are tales of love and living, with well written songs that nobody can help but like. The strong, driving basslines are crucial to the albums success, as evident in most of the tracks. I really can't say enough good things about this cd. The title track is one of the best songs I have heard all year.

They hurt me bad, but I don't mind

2005-10-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

I was going to post the first album yesterday, but the internet went down in my dorm for awhile, so I have 3 today.

Password is "graphic"

Violent Femmes -- Viva Wisconsin

I remember "Blister in the Sun" from when I was a little kid and would listen to the radio in my parents car. I had no idea what it actually meant, but it was catchy and I liked it. I've been through long stretches where I hardly listen to Violent Femmes, but I never stopped liking them. Even though it's a live cut, Viva Wisconsin is probably my favorite of their albums. THey play all of their best songs, and the all acoustic sound makes the songs stronger. All the big hits are here, "American Music," "Kiss Off," "Gone Daddy Gone," and "Gimme the Car." There is just something visceral about this music, it's a sound that you can easily relate to, but isn't cheesey or false. It's as genuine as music gets.

Belle & Sebastian -- The Boy With The Arab Strap

How much of a nerd am I? Well, my senior quote was from a Belle and Sebastian song. It was off of Sinister, which I'll post someday, but what I have fo you all today is The Boy With The Arab Strap, the third album from the Scottish pop group. The sound of Belle and Sebastian has always been difficult for me to describe. They are a pop band in only the british sense. Much of the strength comes in Stuart Murdoch's brilliant writing and boyish voice, which gives the songs a complexity and innocence that makes it wonderful. The instrumentals are often acoustic, though not always, but they do have a certain sound that is difficult to describe but very noticable in all their work. Really, everybody in the world should listen to Belle and Sebastian, because they are one of the most talented and beautiful bands around.

Aesop Rock -- Appleseed

Aesop Rock fans rejoice, because I am making available one of his finest and hardest to find releases. Aesop Rock is one of the most venerable underground MC's around. His unique, gruff flows are accompanied by his amazing lyrics. The stellar production that is there on some of his later albums hasn't arrived yet, but this features some of his best work. The highlight of the album is the last track, where he collaborates with another MC of equal stature, Dose One. Anyone who likes good hip hop owes it to themselves to hear this.

God bless the Infesticons, fuck the Majesticons!

2005-10-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

In 2000, hip hop genius Mike Ladd came up with a concept that illustrated to a degree his frustrations with indie and mainstream rap music. He imagined two separate rap groups, the Infesticons and the Majesticons. The Infesticons were concerned with ideas and the content of their minds, whereas the Majesticons were only concerned with style and the exterior. The full story is heard on the first track of the Infesticons album (Cinderella Theme). This concept was to be illustrated with a trilogy of albums (released on Big Dada). The first album was the Infesticons rebelling against the Majesticons at Gun Hill Road, and the track from this album is Hero Theme.

The Infesticons - Gun Hill Road
Big Dada
Hero Theme

This album chronicles a battle royale, giving the Infesticons a key victory in this epic struggle. However, the Majesticons regrouped, and were aided by the Trusticons, the rich and powerful. In Mike Ladd's own words, "They traded in their Ford Explorers for Land Rovers and '68 Volvo Hatchbacks, their Ninja 550s for '73 Ducatis. They traded in their Cristal at Nell's for Uzo on the bluffs of Santorini. They traded in their Fubu for vintage reconstructed Sergio Valente re-imported from Japan. They traded in their Glocks for Lawyers and their Desert Eagles for real estate brokers." And so, in 2003, they came back with what Ladd also describes as the "Empire Strikes Back to the Infesticons." Ladd gave us a Beauty Party, and the track from this album is Majestwest Party.

The Majesticons - Beauty Party
Big Dada
Majestwest Party

The trilogy has no final part, yet. However, it will surely be epic. And if any of these two albums are anything to go by, it will be hilarious. So check out the albums. The Infesticons album features appearances by Beans, High Priest, BMS, Company Flow, and Saul Williams, the Majesticons album features Murs, El-P, Vast Aire, and Mr. Lif, and both are amazing albums with spectacular production from Mike Ladd. Get the brains, get the looks, help them make lots of money.

that's for him to know and they to never find out

2005-10-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

Rumours are flying now that Cheney is gonna resign. Oh man, things are looking good for the blue these days.

Password for all files is "graphic"

DJ Shadow -- One Night In Bangkok

I don't have lots of time to write elaborate descriptions. This is a live DJ Shadow set, and it's pretty awesome.

Viktor Vaughn -- Vaudeville Villlain

Y'all have been saying you want more Doom so here ya go. The album was released as Viktor Vaughn, but it is the same Daniel Dumile (aka MF Doom) that we know and love. This is a great release by him. Anyone looking for the best indie hip-hop has to offer should look no further than this album.

And we will all go down together

2005-10-18T01:04:00.000-04:00

So it looks like the walls may finally be crumbling for ole Bush & co. Indictments could come any day now, Miers won't make it out of committee, and now Fitz is looking for Cheney. Hmmmm... First Agnew, then Nixon. Anyway, firedoglake has been all kinds of on top of things lately. They really have the best coverage of the whole traitorgate scandal. And now the American Conservative Union is pissed off at Bush, too. Don't count your chickens, Ways. Don't count your chickens.

He never did win no checkered flag, but he never did come in last

2005-10-17T19:52:00.000-04:00

This is Ways not writing his paper.

Password is "graphic"

Primus -- Sailing the Seas of Cheese

The story of me and Primus goes back a long way. When I was 8 years old and still living in DC, I had decided (probably because my sister had decided first) that I was too old to watch kids shows and that I should start watching MTV. I thought it was awesome then. Plenty of Presidents of the USA and Live played, and it was good. We also got this channel where you paid to request music videos, I think it was called The Box, but it could be wrong. Anyway, this channel had a lot of cool and interesting videos (where I first heard of Marilyn Manson, for example), and my favorite video they would show was for Primus' "Southbound Pachyderm," which had what I remember to be a weird claymation video. Well, I then forgot about them, and come 7th grade I found myself with my parents in a record store and they told me I could buy a CD, when I came across Primus' Sailing The Seas Of Cheese. Something possessed me to chose that, and it started me on a major Primus kick that lasted until about 9th grade, with this album being my favorite. Yeah, I was kind of a weird little kid. Well, eventually I moved on to other music, and had let Primus subside until my friend John, who was younger than me by a few years, became (and still is) a big fan of Primus. So, this CD settled back into my rotation, and now I offer it to you all. This is a stellar album. Les Claypool is undoubtedly the most talented bass player in history, and nowhere does his work shine through as well as here. Everyone should be a Primus fan.

Watch how the city destroys us

2005-10-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

Sunday again and I just woke up. Sometime last night we reached 10,000 hits on the little counter I set up the second week of the blog. Thanks to all the readers. This'd be pointless without you.

Password for all files is "graphic"

The Delgados -- Universal Audio

This is the last album in the illustrious catalogue of the Scottish band. They broke up last year, right after I discovered them. On this album there are two singers, Alun Woodward and Emma Pollock, who alternate tracks. It's different from their other releases, it's more bare-bones and natural, but some of the songs are truly amazing. It's mostly guitar singles, with some piano driven songs put in there as well, and is a great listen.

Blockhead -- Music By Cavelight

Pop Matters:
"Blockhead hails from New York City, where the obstacles for a DJ trying to get his name on something other than countless self-produced mixtapes are fairly immense. His partnership with Def Juxer Aesop Rock manifested itself swimmingly on Aesop's first full-length, but gained the producer noticeable underground street cred on the highly praised Labor Days follow-up. His work on Labor Days outshines what a lot of producers will hope to obtain decades from now. Blockhead is forward-thinking on Aesop's 2001 masterwork; applying a creepy and subtle sensibility to the emcee's signature growl. His compositions are the most-discussed gems on the album and make up the bulk of the release. He has since been actively producing other hip-hop albums in and out of the Def Jux dynasty, but Music by Cavelight hearkens back quite a bit to the bleak wasteland of gloomy beats that backed Labor Days and the Daylight follow-up EP."
Yeah, it's good shit.

...

2005-10-15T15:45:00.000-04:00

I woke up today and there was sun out my window and I was confused. I haven't seen the sun in over a week.

Password is "graphic"

MF Doom -- Special Herbs Vol. 9 + 0
alternate link

The most recent installment of MF Doom's beats collection, Special Herbs Vol 9 + 0 is great instrumental hip hop. Everyone knows MF Doom for his vocal prowess (as was again made evident on Dangerdoom, something you all need to buy), but he is also a talented producer. My favorite beat on the album is "Coltsfoot Leaf," followed by "Datura Stramonium." Anyone who enjoys listening to beats should already own this album, but if you don't, well, that's why I'm here.

I thought I was just the guy for you

2005-10-14T14:33:00.000-04:00

Holy shit, it has been raining so goddamned much out here on Long Island. It's been like this all week. I saw on the news that if this rain had been snow, it woul dbe the biggest blizzard on record. It's fucking insane, all this rain.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Pedro the Lion -- Achilles Heel

Rainy days call for rainy day tunes, and I like this mope-rock album. Pedro the Lion are not a christian rock band, but they are a band that happen to be christian, which can make the listening a little tough on their earlier albums. That is much less evident on this album, and waht shines through are the somber melodies and good lyrics that make this albu great.

The Magnetic Fields -- I

While not as majestic an acheivement as 69 Love Songs, I is a great album. The standout track is "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend," which can make the straightest men sing along. "Infinitely Late at Night" is my favorite song, which slowly oozes the atmosphere of the middle of the night. Someday I'll get around to posting all 69 of the love songs, but this is still great Magnetic Fields material.

And before their was even a metal faced villain....

2005-10-11T16:41:00.000-04:00

So lately I've been digging through a lot of my records and came across this oldy but goodie. I remember 'back then'... Ha, what am I talking about. Anyways, for your listening pleasure:

Before the birth of MF Doom, their was KMD (Zev Love X, Subroc, and Onyx the birthstone child), surfacing in '91 with their debut LP "Mr. Hood". As original as their names, this album features eclectic production that draws from jazz, sesame street, and language records. Not to be taken completely as a joke, the album features concious lyrics that take on the days social issues. So for all those that are still down with the old school, and completely original.:

Mr. Hood

and ways, i got a cold too man.

Got a left-handed way of making a man sign up for that automotive dream

2005-10-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

So, I have a cold. I fucking hate colds. They ruin absolutely everything for days. Fuuuuuuuck. Well, it isn't stopping me from giving y'all two awesome selections.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Múm -- Summer Make Good

Relaxing, instrumental, icelandic music. I like it, a lot of people don't. Be in the mood to chill out.

Paul Simon -- Paul Simon

I got into Paul Simon around 10th grade and went through a major phase. I listened to this CD so much that I actually broke it and had to get a new copy. it was just something that connected with me. It had a grace and elegance that struck a cord, but was simple and intelligent. "Me and Julio" was one of my favorite songs before even getting the album, but the true stalwarts are "Duncan" and "Paranoia Blues." Paul Simon is one of the best songwriters of all time, and this is his best album.

I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused.

2005-10-10T15:41:00.000-04:00

Monday blues? I have the cure. Today's selection.

Password is "graphic"

Elvis Costello -- My Aim Is True

To this day, I've yet to find an artist who holds up so well over time as Elvis Costello. All of his songs have a smart, raw energy and are catchy, yet insightful. The music is ery accessable but very deep, and every song seems as good as the last. I chose this album because it has some of my favorite of Elvis' songs, "Blam It On Cain" and "Less Than Zero," as well as "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes." I expect that many of my readers have this album already, but if you don't do yourself a favor. This absolutely must be in everyone's collection.

you want to say something words cannot

2005-10-09T22:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry duders, I was in a 48 hour film competition all weekend, so I couldn't update. And now I'm catching up on work, but I'm still gonna give you one of my favorites today.

13 & God -- 13 & God

So, I don't have much time to elaborate, but basically this is a collaboration between Themselves (Dose One & Jel) and The Notwist. It's a little bit of both, and it's really cool, as long as you can handle weird things. The sounds are complex and the lyrics can be (in typical Dose One fashion) quite esoteric, but it has a great sound and is a very interesting record.

Since I'm Macintosh I'mma double-click your icon

2005-10-07T13:52:00.000-04:00

In the past few years, I've noticed that politically-charged music is getting bigger and bigger, especially in hip hop. It seems like almost everyone I know has been recommending me some politically active hip hop (though I'm pretty much on top of that shit). And there has been some pretty good stuff out there, but there is no political hip hop like the Coup. You can big up Dead Prez or Immortal Technique (who I actually think sucks, but that's a different story), but they don't compare at all to the brilliance of Boots Riley and Pam the Funktress from the Coup. Hell, I even prefer them to Public Enemy, and to an extent, they're even more radical (the cover of their latest album, released in 2001, was delayed because the original cover art featured Boots detonating a bomb blowing up the World Trade Center). Boots doesn't hold anything back, declaring openly that he's a Communist (he'll tell yo momma the truth). And his production is the best I've heard from any political hip hop as of yet. So today I bring you a cut from their best album, entitled "Steal This Album."

The Coup - Steal This Album
Dogday Records
Me and Jesus the Pimp In A '79 Granada Last Night

Now, I've hyped the Coup up as this amazing poltical hip hop act, but the song I've put up is actually their least politically charged song. You may be wondering, "what the fuck?" Well, as amazing as they are as political activists, I thought I'd let you know what a fucking unbelievable storyteller Boots is. He's right up there with Slick Rick, in my opinion. Here he tells the tragic story of his mother, a prostitute, being beaten to death by her pimp in front of him when he was nine years old, and how he exacts his revenge years later. His poetry is smooth and flows beautifully, his emotions and story are moving, and the description is unbelievable. He even manages to make meaningful political connections about prostitution. And last but certainly not least, the production on this song is spectacular. This song is just perfect, as is the entire album. This is how hip hop should be all the time. Buy the album, support the revolution.

You'll be my only preoccupation

2005-10-07T12:45:00.000-04:00

Friday once again boys and girls. I am debating adding another person to the LLC crew.

Password for all "graphic" is files.

Odd Nosdam -- No More Wig For Ohio

Odd Nosdam never ceases to amaze. The anticon production stalwart shines in my personal favorite of his albums. Listen to track 7. In fact, put it on repeat. It could possibly explode your brain. And don't get confused, because there are no track names for this album, kinda like Sigur Ros.

Devotchka -- Una Volta

This album makes me homesick. One of the best Denver based bands, Devotchka, has a very unique sound. Operating somewhere between indie rock and gypsy music, Devotchka is a must for fands of bands like The Decemberists and Belle and Sebastian. "Queen of the Surface Streets" is my favorite, and "Commerce City Sister" is also excellent, though I may have bias because of my intimate knowledge of Commerce City (which, for those who don't know, is just north of Denver, and is mostly factories, dog tracks, and industrial parks). Well, I'm gonna go give some directions in terms of cardinal directions and think about T-rex while not getting drunk at fucking sea level.

PS. Tim wanted me to link to Solid Steel, a ninjatune radio show. It's pretty ill, mane.

I was born on jupiter

2005-10-06T23:53:00.000-04:00

So last night I took a jaunt to New York City's Webster Hall to see The Decemberists. Oh snap, kiddos, it was awesome. I was right in the front and dead center, right by Colin. If anyone was there, I was the guy who asked Colin for his tie. Anyway, I'm not posting any Decemberists, because they are on my list of bands who's albums I don't post. I did, though, post the Picaresque bonus tracks and my ver first post was Tarkio, Colin Melloy's first band.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Elliott Smith -- Roman Candle

Dr. Octagon -- Dr. Octagonecologyst

I like my asses fat, not flat.

2005-10-03T18:45:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year!

Password for all files is "graphic"

Belle and Sebastian -- Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant

This was the first Belle and Sebastian album I ever listened to. While Sinister is my favorite of their albums, this one always held that signifigance. The best songs are the Murdoch songs, and the Isobel Campbell tracks are great as well. Well worth the listen.

Quasimoto -- The Further Adventures of Lord Quas

Another love it or hate it album that I happen to love. The tone of Quasimoto's voice takes getting used to, but this is really what would be considered a madlib solo album. Yes, madlib, the producing hald of Madvillain. Quasimoto is Madlib's voice put through a pitch changer. Madlib raps the other half of the album in his normal voice. Well, that's when there is rapping. Most of the album is in the production, and while some of the beats are amazing and inventive, sometimes they reach too far, to the point where the album stops being accessible for parts. Still, it is one of the most original albums of the year.

I guess I'm doing fine

2005-10-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

So, sorry for the lack of posts yesterday, but I was in the City since friday.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Beck -- Sea Change

Sorry, no time tonight to elaborate, but in short, this is one of Beck's better albums, IMO. Slow, soulful, and tortured, with long acoustic tracks and meaningful lyrics. Good shit, basically.

And tonight we're on our knees

2005-09-30T14:48:00.000-04:00

So, speaking again of Andrew in the UK, I may be helping him out with a new documentary he is working on, being his New York arm, even though I'm in Long Island. So again, I offer another tribute to him, this time some good ole Nick Cave.

Password is still "graphic"

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds -- No More Shall We Part

This could be one of the most beautiful albums ever. Nick Cave has so much soul in his voice that it almost brings you to tears just listening. If anyone has heard Antony & the Johnsons, you'd know that as good as it is, it is basically trying to be Nick Cave again. Speaking of which, freakyfrenchie has a great post of all the 2005 mercury prize nominees, Antony included. All quality.

Now, to go gallivanting around Brooklyn, getting crunk and seeing free jazz. Who says I miss Denver?

Meet Jack Torrance

2005-09-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

He's a writer looking for inspiration.

Meet Danny - he's a kid looking for a dad.

This is fantastic. As with the album posted below, credit goes to the magic of the Ninja Tune forum.

I caught him stickin' his penis in the VCR!

2005-09-30T14:14:00.000-04:00

Since the 1980s, Prince Paul has been the absolute craziest and funniest producer in hip hop. Getting his start with De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising," he was the first person to sample George Clinton, and he made it sound dope. More importantly, though, he made it sound fun. And he brought with him a love for skits, and has since made some of the funniest interludes ever. He's done production for Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Method Man, and many others. He's also done countless remixes and done work with Dan the Automator as Handsome Boy Modeling School, and also made three solo albums. With that, I give you his most recent, "Itstrumental."

Prince Paul - Itsrumental
Female Fun

This is the whole album, which was posted on an internet forum I go on by a user named "out of control robots." It's a spectacular album, with the usual craziness, hysterical samples, and amazing production. One track, "Inside Your Mind," which is my favorite, features MC Paul Barman (which is why it's my favorite, really). It's an awesome album. Don't sleep. Buy it here.

In the Kingdom of Spain

2005-09-30T00:57:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of the SFRP/Regnyouth forums I bring you the vynil bonus tracks of off The Decemberists' Picaresque album. ¡Es muy bueno! (hat tip to Tim for showing me the spanish exlamation point)

The Decemberists -- Picaresqueties

I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train

2005-09-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I came to school out here was because we just didn't get enough rain in Denver. Well, it's raining today. It's good.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Vordul Mega -- The Revolution Of Yung Havoks

Vordul Mega is one half of Cannibal Ox. Vast Aire, the other member, and Vordul Mega have each released solo works. This album is a strong, driving hip hop album, full of force and raw energy. Vast Aire, on the other hand, should stick to CanOx and Atoms. The Revolution of Yung Havoks showcases Mega's lyrics, backed by good, strong beats. Hip hop fans rejoice, another choice offering from LLC.

The Strokes -- Is This It

I know The Strokes, especially when this was released, had more hype than Bush has fuck-ups, but The Strokes had actual talent to back it up with. I really, really like this album. The songs are not deep, but they speak about relationships and life in cities and things that you can easily relate to. And best of all, they're effective. I realise they got a little too big for their britches, but this is a great album. Now, four years removed from the hype, I encourage every rock fan to go and listen to it again. You won't be disappointed.

He stands like he doesn't see

2005-09-28T15:13:00.000-04:00

I finally found a mac program that can allow me to mar .rar archives, so I'll probably be making mostly those now. Does anyone have a strong opinion either way? Rar compresses more than zip. Password for all files is still "graphic"

Blonde Redhead -- Misery is a Butterfly

I sort of think of Blonde Redhead as PJ Harvey singing Colin Meloy, if that makes any sense. See, I'm not a professional music journalist or even an audiophilic nerd, so my descriptions aren't as in depth as some places around the net. But I know what I like, and I like this album. This is a very complex album, full of beuatiful melodies and Kazu Makino's voice is amazing. This album sounds to be the most mature of their career, and is my favorite, as well.

Slint -- Tweeze

Slint are one of the most influential bands of the late 80's/early 90's. They are the group that gave rise to Post-rock and have had a measurable influence on indie music to come after it. After listening to this album, you can listen to Mogwai or Tortoise and it all seems to just make sense. While not as inaccessable as a group like Le Fly Pan Am, not everyone seems to really get it. The melody, tempo, pitch, and volume change frequently and the music has no real lyrics. There are shades of Pixies and the album has an unmistakeable sound of the era, but you can tell that every avant/indie band that came after Slint have shades of them in their music. It is a dynamic album, one which anyone who is interested in the beginning of a style should listen to.

Climb Trees, Go Out On A Limb

2005-09-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Sage Francis -- Personal Journals

Password for all files is "graphic"

This one is repping Tim's home town of Providence, RI. If he doesn't make it clear enough on the second track, Sage Francis is different, like afromullets. He's a vegetarian, a poet, a true underground rapper, and don't compare him. But by the end of the record, we all know who Sage Francis is. Francis' lyrics are sometimes esoteric but always effective, and his beats are never subpar. my personal favorite tracks are "Crack Pipes," "Drifferent," and "Climb Trees."

Crucified In My Sportscar

2005-09-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

Hat tip to my friend Andrew in the UK for this one. 2 years ago I got all my good music through his recommendations, and this album is still one of my favorites he ever introduced me too.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Stars -- Nightsongs
backup link

I personally regard this as Stars' best work. Heart was too cutesy and Set Yourself On Fire lacked the passion of Nightsongs. This is, though, one of my favorite albums. It originally got press from the cover on the album of Morrissey's "This Charming Man," which I personally (having never been a major Smiths fan) prefer to the original. The album starts off beautifully with "Counting Stars on the Ceiling," a song that perfectly captures the akwardness of relationships and connects on a very visceral level. "My Radio" is one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. "International Rock Star" is haunting and beautiful, and the samples are spot on. "Liar" is as disturbing as songs get. The album resonates through the interesting drum parts and the haunting voices of Chris Seligman and Torquil Campbell show through on this album better than on their following releases. While I usually don't like dance music or europop, this album just does it better and smarter, and it is absolutely wonderful. I have nothing else like it in my collection, yet it is one of my favorite parts of it.

Ongoing thoughts about the 2008 election

2005-09-26T18:49:00.000-04:00

I have, really since november of last year, been very interested in who is going to be running in 2008. I already have an opinion on who will be the republican nominee (saving it for a later post), but I've been stcuk on who should run for the dems. Andy Ostroy had a great post the other day suggesting Al Gore should run. I was skeptical at first, but I must say, it's a pretty convincing case.

He's got a real shot here folks. For one thing, he's been against the Iraq war from the get-go. Hillary Clinton voted for it, as did Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and former 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry (D-MA). All three will surely vie for the '08 nomination. The latest polls show that a majority of Americans want the U.S. to bring home the troops now. This growing anti-war fervor will be a major factor in the next primary election, and can bode very well for the former veep.

Additionally, Gore is Mr. Environment, and has been preaching the global warming gospel for 20+ years. Most recently he preached to the proverbial choir at the World Environment Day conference in San Francisco, a five-day U.N. gathering to promote pro-environment practices. A growing chorus of scientists believe the recent frequency of strong Category 4 and 5 hurricanes such as Katrina and Rita may be linked to global warming. They believe that rising global temperatures warm the oceans, which in turn fuel hurricanes and intensify their power. On this issue, Gore just might have a groundswell of very interested listeners for a change.

Another strong factor is his underdog cult-hero status among many Democrats stemming from the highly controversial 2000 election against Bush. Let's not forget that he won the popular vote and, to many of us, the election (does anybody really still think Karl Rove and Jeb Bush didn't rig Florida?!). As a result, he could be dubbed The Comeback Kid and ride the momentum that goes with it. Remember, Nixon lost to Kennedy in 1960 then returned in '68 to squeak past VP Hubert Humphrey by a 43.2% to 42% margin (Alabama Governor George Wallace picked up 13.5%) to become president.

Since 2000, Gore's become an extremely passionate and rousing speaker. He's dropped the stiff wonkish routine and found his mojo. Plus, he's rested, he's confident and his prescience on a number of key issues and events is now clear. He's also squeaky-clean, with no skeletons in his closet, as 2000 proved.

Consider this my official word of support for Al Gore in 08.

NYcity full of nothin' but stressed cats

2005-09-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

Cannibal Ox -- The Cold Vein

This is another one of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time. Vordul Mega and Vast Aire come together to form Cannibal Ox, straight from the streets of New York. The beats get your head pounding and the flows keep you wanting more. "Iron Galaxy," which starts off the album, is one of the best songs around. There are few weak songs on the album, and other highlights include "Battle for Asgard" and "ATOM." The guy's of CanOx don't mess around, either. The shortest song clocks in at 3:57, and no song disappoints. A true must-have.

Ay Yo

2005-09-26T15:44:00.000-04:00

So yeah. My name is Tim, and I'm gonna start posting on this blog with what will probably be massive irregularity. I'm a DJ under the name Samurai Banana, and crazier than you could really imagine. As opposed to posting albums, I'll just be putting up individual songs, and putting up links to where you can buy the full album (because that's how I do). So for the first one, I'll make it a little special, and put up a track from my favorite DJ and personal hero, Kid Koala.

Kid Koala - Some Of My Best Friends Are DJs
Ninja Tune
Basin Street Blues

This is the lead single from his second album. It's a remake of an old blues song of the same name (you never would have guessed, would you?). The album covers a few genres, from blues to jazz to hip hop to funk, as well as others, and maintaining an amazing sense of humor throughout. Great feel-good music. Buy it here.

I shot a man in Reno

2005-09-25T23:31:00.000-04:00

Back in my dorm room once again. Because I was just back out west, I figured I should post some country. Now, I don't like most country. So what was I to do? Well, there is one country artist that nobody can hate. That's right. The man in black.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Johnny Cash -- At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash is purely and simply a badass. At Folsom Prison showcases Cash at his all-time best. Every song is dramatic, and the album has a quality radiating from the fact that it is being performed in a maximum security prison for some of the most feared criminals at the time. This was the recording that launched Cash into icon status. "Hello. I'm Johnny Cash." Cash was the OG, a badass of epic proportions, and one listen to this CD will make a country fan out of the most jaded hipster.

Stay just as far from me as me from you

2005-09-25T00:27:00.000-04:00

Hat tip to my sister on this one. You should look at her blog (http://twtmw.blogspot.com), too. I remember this album from riding in her car to school.

Password for all files is "graphic"

Mission of Burma -- Signals, Calls, and Marches

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a punk. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it was just never my style. There are some punk bands, however, that I love. Okay, I mean, I know this is considered Post-punk, but to the ignorami like myself, this is still close enough. "That's When I Reach For My Revolver" and "Academy Fight Song" are reason alone to listen to this album.

Some Mailman Someplace Is Not Doing His Job.

2005-09-24T00:08:00.000-04:00

I went to synagogue tonight for the first time since the high holidays last year and it made me sad that I don't go more often. Even though I don't like the head rabbi, I like being there. I've never been a religious person.

Tonight's update

Them -- Them

There was a stage in my musical development that relied heavily on this album. It was when I first started listening to hip-hop. This album and Labor Days by Aesop Rock were the first two hip-hop albums I really got into. Them (later renamed Themsleves due to a dispute with Frank Zappa), especially broke down the barrier I had towards hip-hop, by first showing me that it can be innovative and deep, and not like TRL crap. Since, I've grown quite an appreciation and a good sized collection of Hip Hop. This album for me still holds. Providing the vocals, Dose One, is at his best. With a unique flow and some of the densest lyrics around, he boggles the mind and expands your thoughts. Jel, the producer of the album, is equally magnificent. "Glass Skirt and Fruit Hat" has a piano-driven beat rivaled only by Saul WIlliam's "Black Stacey," and the tempo subtley increases as the song goes on. On "Directions To My Special Place" Jel adeptly uses an opera sample that matches perfectly with Dose One's delivery. One of my personal all-time favorite hip hop albums.

And who really cares

2005-09-23T16:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, blogger is being a bitch. This is like the third time I've written this post. I'm currently blogging from home in Denver, Colorado. I got a little free time, so I figured I'd update. I bought a carton of cigarettes last night. $30 for 20 packs, or a dollar fifty each. I can sell them at school for 4 dollars each, and people will be saving 2 bucks. It's good. Also, though I won't have time this weekend, I should buy some cowboy boots. You can sell them in Manhattan for like 3 times what you pay out here. Easy money.

I don't really have time to elaborate on the selections, what with Blogger deleting my post repeatedly, but trust me, these are both very quality selections. Very different, but both great it its own respect. Password for all files is "graphic"

The Streets -- Original Pirate Material

Lou Reed -- Transformer

Also, in the coming days, my friend may be joining this blog. Just keeping you informed.

For the first time in my life I'm sure

2005-09-21T18:26:00.000-04:00

I regret to inform all 3 of my loyal readers that after today's updates, it will be fairly difficult for me to update until monday. I have a 7 am flight home tomorrow for my sister's Bat Mitzvah, and I won't be coming back until Sunday. Between familial, social, and scholarly obligations, I am highly doubtful I'll have time before I get back. But fear not my brave ceraunographians. I'll have an extra special post on monday.

Now, to the music.

Danger Mouse & Jemini -- Ghetto Pop Life

Okay, let me preface this by saying that ever since I first heard the grey album I have been in love with Dangermouse. He keeps proving to me that he is one of the best producers around. The new Gorillaz was produced entirely sample free. One of the two* releases this year I am most anticipating is his Madvillain-style collaboration with MF Doom, Dangerdoom, which is mere weeks from release (and, possible world domination). Now, anytime you tell me that Dangermouse produced an album, I'll go and get it, but tell me he produced an album for an MC as venerable as Jemini, and I'll stomp old ladies for it. And the album does not disappoint.
(* The other being the forthcoming Long Winters EP)

The Replacements -- Pleased to Meet Me

I must give credit where credit is due, and the credit for this lies with my Dad. He has been a replacements fan since the beginning, and some of my earliest memories include this album in my dad's car. Now, inevitably, and album as good as this would have found its way to my ears eventually. To me, this album is one of the best rock albums in history. Paul Westerberg is the epitome of genius, from "Alex Chilton" to "The Ledge" to "Can't Hardly Wait," his mastery shines brightly. I don't care what kind of music you like, you need to hear this album. I'm not joking.

i've got two sets of headphones, I miss you like hell.

2005-09-20T22:15:00.001-04:00

"The day Katrina struck, Cool Express, a Wisconsin refrigerated-trucking line, was called on to haul ice for disaster relief. Hired by ice firms contracted by FEMA, Cool Express filled 75 trucks with 40,000 pounds of ice each and shipped them to the Gulf Coast. Eventually, though, military officials began turning ice trucks away, sending them as far away as Boise, Idaho, and Allentown, Pa., to "await further instructions," says Cool Express owner Dan Wessel. Late last week, nearly 1,400 ice trucks were scattered across the country, still awaiting further instructions. Yet orders for ice still rolled in from FEMA, says Wessel. FEMA says it just rewrote its ice contract "to make sure this doesn't happen again."

I don't think i did too well on my french test. I made stupid little mistakes, and I think it hurt me. Whatever. I am writing a paper/procrastinating, which means more music for you all.

The National -- Alligator
While I have yet to make my "Top records of 05" list, you can rest assured that Alligator, The third album from the Cincinatti group The National will be very near the top. Matt Berninger's simple, deadpan singing style and the perfectly matched bass and drums make this a rock album worth a number of listens. The album starts out with "Secret Meeting," a song full of provacative lines ("Didn't anybody tell you how to gracefully disappear in a room?"). The CD ranges from the acoustic "Daughters of the Soho Riots" to the screaming "Mr. November." Really, this is a great download. Dare I say, a must have.

I pictured you in coffins

2005-09-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

Because I should be A) writing an essay on J.S. Mill's On Liberty and B) studying for my french test tonight, I give you three selections. As I am still getting used to this blogger technology, I finished this post and it got deleted, so now I am filled with hate and spite towards technology. Nevertheless, here goes round two.

Beck -- Mellow Gold
Mellow Gold is Beck's debut album. it was recorded mainly on tapes at his house, and has the raw power that makes it one of the best of the 90's. "Loser" still holds up today as a brilliant tune, and the album touches on a number of genres. "Beercan" is as hip-hop as it comes, and "Mutherfuker" is a mock-industral song so scathing it would (and probably has) made Trent Reznor cry. A must have for fans of all music in general.

Clinic -- Walking With Thee
To be honest, my Mom listened to Clinic before I did. I remember being in her car and everytime this CD would come on I would get confused. Now, I am a Clinic fan in my own right, but I'm still confused. Ade Blackburns vocals are boyish and haunting, and the CD permeates with such an array of sounds that makes it like no other band in the world. A CD that is purely unclassifiable (Post-rock? Garage rock? Hip-Hop??) and 100% awesome, you should listen to it over and over again.

DJ Vadim -- U.S.S.R. Life From The Other Side
While Vadim's glory days may have passed, this is still a fun and interesting record. While the dazzling array of guest MCs may not perform totally up to snuff, it is still chock full of head pounding beats and interesting flows. "Viagra" is a staple of every party mix I make, and "Your Revolution" is the highlight of the album. A great listen for hip-hop rookies and junkies alike.

Helena Won't Get Stoned

2005-09-19T15:20:00.000-04:00

Colin Meloy came from Montana. He made some beautiful music there, but Montana is hardly the place for exposure. He moved to Portland. I was born in Washington, D.C. and moved with my parents to Denver, Colorado. I never made music. I go to college in Hempstead, New York, as a film major. I have, however, made a musicblog. And, as such, I offer my very first selection to all the people who aren't reading this.

Tarkio -- I Guess I Was Hoping For Something More

Tarkio was Colin Meloy's first band. They disbanded when Meloy moved to Portland, having released this album and an EP, Sea Songs For Landlocked Sailors. It is closer to Alt-country and bluegrass than The Decemberists, but still features meloy's trademark sound and simple, engaging lyrics. A must have for any Decemberists fan, and what I find to be a fitting way to kick off my blog.