Friday, December 28, 2007

2007's top 20 singles b/w 2007's random awards (v 1.0)

Note: The following is a companion piece to the Duluth Budgeteer News' "The Best Albums of 2007, Pts. 1 & 2."

The top 20 singles list is a way to recognize great songs that otherwise would’ve slipped through the cracks; whether they are on compilation, soundtrack or EP releases -- or their respective albums just didn’t have what it took* to make the “The Best Albums of 2007, Pts. 1 & 2” list.
Hope this clarifies a few things….
The numbers are kind of meaningless (as I change my mind hourly), so just keep that in mind before you ... cancel your subscription. (HAR HAR HAR)

*******

Atmosphere - “Party Over Here”
This EP shiner has to be Ant’s most triumphant composition yet. Not to be outdone, indieground rap’s dynamic duo is already back with a new batch of songs. (I especially love how they announced the release of “Sad Clown Bad Winter #11” on MySpace: “What do you do when you record too many songs for your new album? How about drop an EP of that material for each season leading up to its release.”) Let me tell you, if 2007’s four EPs are any indication, Atmosphere is going to have a monster hit on its hands early next year when “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint that Shit Gold” drops.

Beck – “Timebomb”
Deservedly, this “playful and apocalyptic” digital-only single was recently nominated for the Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance Grammy. For once, a Grammy selection that makes sense! “Timebomb” is as fierce as most Ant productions ... and at least half as fun.

Office - “The Ritz”
The most instantly enjoyable song since Metal Molly’s “Orange.”

Best Friends Forever – “Eisenhower is the Father”
Minneapolis’ premier quirk-pop outfit performing what is arguably their most brilliant composition -- right up there with Jes and Bri’s Nothing Jive About Jupiter/reru work. (Forever on our request lines: “If I Were You.”)

Simple Kid – “The TwentySomething”
Explosive! You couldn’t ask for a more accessible single. It draws you in from the get-go, keeps things going with universal lyrics (“Don’t know where we are going / It seems we’re always running / Can’t pay for things we’re buying”) and has enough “spacey” drum fills to impress even the most ardent of ‘70s rock enthusiasts.

Grayskul – “Scarecrow”
Nothing in Grayskul’s entire catalogue even hints at the unabashed good time that is “Scarecrow.” The group is probably bracing itself for Outkast and Dead Prez comparisons on this spastic, polished track, but I’m going to go one further and say fans of the Black Eyed Peas won’t think twice about embracing it with open arms.

They Might Be Giants – “The Cap’M”
Not an instant classic, but pretty damn close: Funny, hooky and memorable!

Black Lips – “Bad Kids”
In a just world, “Bad Kids” would be at the top of the pops.

Datarock - “Computer Camp Love
Comparison shopper? Try this on for size: Sounds like P.O.S. (by way of Blueprint’s “naughtiness”) fronting TV on the Radio for a “Grease” soundtrack retread ... phew.

J Church – “Vampire Girl Prefers Me Alive”
These guys are back ... and they’ve still got it: infectious, melodic and angular punk at its best.

Brother Ali – “Truth Is”
The best (darn) Minneapolis-by-way-of-Milwaukee albino “indieground” rapper you’ll ever come across.

The Chemical Brothers feat. Fatlip – “The Salmon Dance”
Fatlip has an impeccable sense of humor and, backed by the Chemicals, he's an unstoppable force. Best line: “Did you know … that I could go to Japan?”

Justice – “D.A.N.C.E.”
Like a good Avalanches track, styles of all sorts are thrown together on one gigantic, irresistible canvas. Especially winning is the children’s choir, which has already garnered comparisons to Pink Floyd’s famous anthem “Another Brick in the Wall.”

Dntel feat. Jenny Lewis – “Roll On”
One to surely get the legions tapping their feet is “Roll On,” which features the unstoppable indie siren Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley). With a mild stomp, the song is swept away by her graceful presence — accompanied ever-so-eloquently by Tamborello’s masterful knob-twirling.

Golden Smog – “Starman” (David Bowie cover)
These guys are infallible. Just last summer they dropped the awe-inspiring “One Fine Day,” and now we get a terrific EP with this spot-on Bowie cover? We are all surely living the good life right about now.

Northern State - “Better Already”
The girls in Northern State are “all grown up,” returning with a sound influenced by (as far as I hear it) the post-punk sheen of Seattle’s Pretty Girls Make Graves.

Super Furry Animals - “Run-Away”
Recommended if you like Frank Black when he does his best to ape David Bowie and the Beach Boys (at the same time), with a slight hint of Roy Orbison’s Grade A crooning.

Black Francis – “Threshold Apprehension”
Just think: This is probably one of the songs written for the Pixies reunion album (that was ultimately scrapped), so, if you think about, getting a cute girl to sing backup vox is akin to the legendary Bostonians reuniting in your living room. (No, not really? OK….)

The Hives – “You Got It All … Wrong”
It’s nice to hear that these guys haven’t settled down!

Rogue Wave – “Lake Michigan”
Like the Hives, it’s reassuring that Rogue Wave hasn’t changed a bit from album No. 1 -- few bands sacrifice growth for consistency ... while this isn’t always a good thing (rarely, in fact), it just works.

*******

Artist of the Year: Atmosphere (it takes some mighty creative individuals to release four solid EPs of “extra songs” – and an entire freebie album on top of that)

The Record that Probably Would’ve Placed Somewhere on Matthew R. Perrine’s Hundreds of Year-End Lists Had it Not Showed Up in the Mail After Everything was Written: Office’s “A Night at the Ritz”

The “Hey, Is This the Foo Fighters?” Award: John Davis’ “Arigato!”

Most Radio-Friendly: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers’ “Glassjaw Boxer”
Best Reissue in Terms of Potentially Saving Me Thousands of Dollars on eBay: “Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo”

Best Remasters in Terms of Sound and Scope: The Traveling Wilburys collection

Most Workmanlike Release: There were many this year, but Ozma’s “Pasadena” really stands out as being the most mediocre

Best Release from People I Used to be in a Fake Gang With: Best Friends Forever’s “Romance Conflict Adventure” (had this not been the case, it would’ve rated quite high on the top albums list)

Best Album that was Actually Released in 2006: Sloan’s “Never Hear the End of It” and/or the Magic Numbers’ “Those the Brokes”

Comedy to Pee Your Pants To: Patton Oswalt’s “Werewolves and Lollipops”

The “How Could They Possibly Cram That Much Talent Into One Album?” Album: Dan Wilson’s “Free Life” (guests include Mason Jennings, Gary Louris, Storyhill’s John Hermanson, Bleu and Jonny Polonsky, "drunkle" Saul … among many, many others)

Stuff I Heard
Last Night on Walt's Show that I'm Kicking Myself for Not Including on Any of My Myriad Year-End Lists, or: I See the Light Now, and I'm Sorry: Black Kids, M.I.A., White Stripes, Future of the Left, Enon, Hotel Coral Essex and Battles

*Only kidding ... I'm not that intense about this exercise in musicgeekdom! (Close though....)



FURTHER READING
The best albums of: 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003
"2006's Top 20 Singles/Random Awards"

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: The year's best music, random photos ... sunshine on leith (kidding!)

***Damn you Superstar DJ Walt Dizzo!

"The Best Albums of 2007, Pts. 1 & 2" -- All 30 of 'em (10 local/20 not-so-local), plus — bonus! — this year's random awards and 20 best singles (see next Fly High, Duluth! post).

I also contributed photos to Lindsay Crippa's "Ready for the Worst: UMD Preps Emergency-Alert Text Messaging System" and Matt Suoja's "Even More of the White Stuff."

Oh, before I forget, there's also the sixth edition of the win-big-and-live-in-sin* "Where in the Northland is Matt Perrine?" contest. As always, a bonus clue for my Fly High, Duluth! cronies: A long drive off this short "dock" is not recommended. It may have been prior to the release of Electric Light Orchestra's better-than-you-think "Balance of Power" album, but not so much anymore. (Stay safe, San Diego!**)

*Second part? Not so true.
**I haven't slept a lot lately.***

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

FREE ATMOSPHERE ALBUM!



No joke! Here's the message from Slug on www.rhymesayers.com/atmosphere:

as a way to thank all of our supporters, ant and i have put together this party favor.

it's called "strictly leakage." thirteen songs to chase away the winter doldrums.
free and downloadable at this link : Right Click and Save as...

it's great for first dates, crappy houseparties, or to play in the backround while you google yourself again.

is downloadable a word?
what's a doldrum?

nonetheless, thank you for the love, and please have a happy safe holiday.

oh yeah, i almost forgot,
"sad clown bad winter 11" is available now, and a new album from atmosphere, "when life gives you lemons, you paint that shit gold" will be available on april 22 2008.
-slug

Monday, December 24, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 61: Living in the city is fine (if you're out of your mind)

'Tis the season for mix tapes that have absolutely, positively nothing to do with the season. (Thanks to KOOL 101.7 FM, it's pretty safe to say none of us will want to listen to Christmas tunes ever -- I repeat: EVER -- again in this lifetime.)

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society, the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

We got a red alert!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. Crew Jones - "Banjones" (listen here)
Coming in somewhere between Atmosphere and Ween, this track proves that “hip-hop from Duluth” isn’t just a punchline. (Self-plagiarism alert!)

2. Office - "The Ritz" (listen here)
The most instantly enjoyable song since Metal Molly's "Orange."

3. Mark Ronson feat. Rhymefest - "Bout to Get Ugly"
... Or this one. Talk about party anthems!

4. Father Hennepin - "Girl from the North Country" (Bob Dylan cover)
Go, Starfire, go! Bar none one of the best Dylan covers out there. (And that's saying a lot!)

5. J Church - "Turn to Stone" (Electric Light Orchestra cover) (other MP3s here)
On the other hand, this isn't exactly the most imaginative ELO cover out there; but J Church doing J Lynne ... what's not to love?!

6. Cars & Trucks - "Everyone was There"
Apparently I've been talking up C&T a little too much these past few weeks. Here's a message I got from frontman Tony Bennett on the e-mail: "I'm starting to feel like I'm the Suri Cruise to your Access Hollywood!" (!) ha ha ha

7. Fitzgerald - "Laxmi Nagar Lullaby" (DL others here) (and here!)
It's always something special when a (legitimate) husband and wife team can make such beautiful, beautiful music.

8. Low - "Starfire" (DL others here)
Speaking of that phenomenon, here's Duluth's Johnny and June Carter Cash.

9. Nothing Jive About Jupiter - "Cave-In Day" (aka "Your Eight Dollars Worth")
A sign of greatness -- When NJAJ/reru split, two terrific groups emerged: Best Friends Forever and Harp and Finial. (All three of which -- plus P.O.S.'s hardcore outfit, Building Better Bombs -- will perform at the Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis* Friday, Feb. 15, for the big NJAJ reunion blowout!)

10. Girls Against Boys - "Kill the Sex Player"
"How am I doing so far?" Brutal.

11. Ambulance Ltd. - "Heavy Lifting" (listen here)
I should really be paying a lot more attention to this band: Pretend Beulah was a '70s underground rock outfit from the United Kingdom, and you're on your way.

12. Rivers Cuomo - "Superfriend" (listen here)
This brilliant demo from Weezer's scrapped "Songs from the Black Hole" project (the album that would gel into "Pinkerton") finally got an official release earlier this month on "Alone."

13. Doves - "There Goes the Fear" (live acoustic vers.)
It's hard to improve on a classic, but this comes pretty damn close.

14. The Magic Numbers - "Take a Chance" (free Daytrotter session)
Not to totally rip off this band's name, but this shit is magical. Why did it take me so long to get into this group?

15. Sondre Lerche - "Europa & The Pirate Twins"
(free Daytrotter session)
A previously unreleased track on the obscure Astralwerks label showcase "Get Off Uranus and Listen to This..." -- worth it for this gem alone!

16. Athlete - "Hurricane" ("Airport Disco" available here)
Sorry, Athlete, but I have to take this opportunity to endorse Winchester's Old Fashioned Jerky: "It may be made in Las Vegas, but it's devoured in Superior, Wis."

17. The Cruxshadows - "Birthday" (radio edit)
I've inadvertently gone mainstream: "Birthday" recently topped Billboard's Hot Dance Sales Chart and nabbed the No. 2 slot on the Hot Singles Sales Chart. It's funny, too, because had I known how much mascara these clowns (err ... "goths," I'm sorry) wear, I probably wouldn't even given the track a second spin.

18. Supernova - "Chewbacca"
The best part of Kevin Smith's film "Clerks"? Close!

19. Iffy - "Double Dutch" (Tom Rothrock radio remix)
For fans of Len ... no joke.

20. Dan Wilson feat. John Hermanson and Gary Louris - "Breathless" (listen here)
Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic + Storyhill/Alva Star/(Olympic) Hopefuls + Jayhawks/Golden Smog royalty = one damn fine track.

21. Brenda Weiler feat. John Hermanson - "Daisy"
Hey, Johnny's back; but this time he's helping out Fargo songstress Brenda Weiler.

22. Badly Drawn Boy - "Don't Stop Believing" (Journey cover) (live at the El Ray Theatre) (download the Avalanches' mix of "The Shining" here)
He's certainly no Steve Perry (really, who is?), but a damn fine cover nonetheless.

*On 26th Street and 26th Avenue ... hope to see you there!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

It's happening!

Superstar DJ Walt Dizzo invited yours truly to co-host his KUWS (91.3 FM) show on Dec. 27.

This special program, celebrating the best music 2007 had to offer, will include selections from each of us.

Did your favorite artist make the cut? Tune in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. that night to find out!

KUWS broadcasts proudly from the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus. For more information on the station's offerings, visit click here.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 60: YOU CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC

Don't even try!

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society ... the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

We got a red alert!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. Nerf Herder - "Golfshirt"
Believe it or not, this song actually helped me land a wife!

2. DJ Abilities - "Kastdaddy 4 President"
One of DJ Abilities' most intriguing compositions, in which he gloriously weaves in Outkast's "Bombs Over Baghdad" and the oft-sampled -- but still killer, mind you -- Dead Prez track "Hip Hop" (aka Dave Chappelle's "entrance music" on his Comedy Central show).

3. Cars & Trucks - "Solitary One" (listen here)
Like Greg Cougar Conley's "Billy Bumblebee" last year (on the "Treasure Chest" benefit), this is the Duluth scene's "It song" for 2007.

4. Twisted Linguistics - "Kid Universal"
A half-brilliant hip-hop track that hovers between mainstream (early Cypress Hill) and indieground (Grayskul and Aesop Rock's "Voltronic Instructional Espionage"). All in all, Muad'dib should probably stick to Heiruspecs.

5. The Killers - "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf"
It's wrong how much I appreciate this Las Vegas group....

6. Led Zeppelin - "Rock and Roll" (live, from "The Song Remains the Same")
"All right, let's go!" With that barked-out order, Bonzo led the group on a glorious three-night stand at Madison Square Garden in '73 -- thankfully captured for our listening and viewing enjoyment.

7. King Size - "Exciting"
What Cars & Trucks would sound like if they had Jonny "Hi My Name is Jonny" Polonsky for a producer. (He once had Frank Black for a producer, so you can see where this is headed....)

8. The Romantics - "One in a Million"
Yeah, that's right; I listen to the Romantics sometimes!

9. The Coup - "Pork and Beef" (DL other great tracks here)
Coming from an album primarily known for its controversial artwork (the album, which was to be released in September 2001, had group members blowing up the Twin Towers), it's already fascinating; more than that, though, this is hip-hop as fierce as anything on the group's 2006 breakthrough, "Pick a Bigger Weapon."

10. K's Choice - "Walk Away"
Delightful mid-'90s alterna-pop.

11. Decibully - "Megan & Magill" (other MP3s here)
The most epic, horizon-expanding indie rock ever to flow from "Cream City."

12. Sir Salvatore - "Ambalina"
Recommended if you like Wilco, Beulah, a little pop infusion and peace on Earth.

13. The Kinks - "You Can't Stop the Music"
Some of the best opening lines ever: "Let's all raise a glass / To the rock stars of the past."

14. Chris Koza - "Crowded Bed"
Why oh why does this remind me of "The Boxcar Children"?

15. The Remains - "Why Do I Cry?"
If you like the "Nuggets" series, dig into this '60s Boston outfit, which was one of the opening acts on the Beatles' final U.S. tour. (How's that for street cred?!)

16. David Bazan - "Cold Beer and Cigarettes"
Whoa, flashback to '06: Ladies and gentlemen, the voice of Pedro the Lion ... strikes gold again!

17. White Light Riot - "What a Fool Believes" (Doobie Brothers cover)
While not nearly as imaginative as Self's cover, it's still -- and this is very, very important to me -- 100 percent fun.

18. Chris Walla - "Sing Again"
Now for another lame faux concert introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, Death Cab for Cutie guitarist/indie producer extraordinaire Chris Walla. *crowd roars*

19. Sondre Lerche - "After All" (Daytrotter vers.)
Hey, this Norwegian Mason Jennings has the same problems I do: "I like you too much / After too little time."

20. The Get Up Kids - "Overdue"
These kids only know two modes: rocking or "balladeering." (This is a great example of the latter.)

21. The Wannadies - "God Knows"
Again with the transatlanticism, here's some of the finest indie rock Sweden has to offer.

22. Remy Zero - "Problem"
When -- oh when -- will Remy Zero get its fucking due?

23. Rocket from the Crypt - "Alone" (DL others here)
Don't think too hard about it, for now we're on one of the hardest rocking songs of all time that doesn't make you want to *ahem* slam domestic brews. (he he he)

24. Rogue Wave - "Postage Stamp World" (some MP3s here) (and here)
In the beginning, this bittersweet track borders on timeless beauty ("Ever since mom walked out / Sis and I can get no sleep / Since then dad's brought home 13 redheads"), but, then, it all goes downhill with the next line: "A blonde, a brunette and a sheep." Oh well....

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Six Mile Grove, Renegade's holiday revue, free T-shirts and some exciting Giljunko news!

Liquor in Lakeside? Whose side you on?!

"Six Mile Grove's Pure Farm Boy Charm"
-- Six Mile Grove’s Brandon Sampson talks about growing up in 504-strong Lyle, Minn. (Well, to be completely accurate, it was only 500 at the time; but, as the joke goes, a new family moved in.)

"It's Official: Renegade's Holiday Revue More Fun than 'Drunkle' Saul"
-- It’s hard to believe “Walkin’ in a Bergson Wonderland, or: I’ll be Herb for Christmas” is Renegade Comedy Theatre’s 17th holiday revue. (Find out why....)

Since the "Where in the Northland is Matt Perrine?" contest is still alive and well, I thought I'd offer another exclusive clue so you, my faithful Fly High, Duluth! reader, can win big (!): My wife won a gift certificate from the Electric Fetus at this week's secret location -- which she, of course, promptly surrendered to her CD-obsessed hubby. (What a gal!)

Finally, in case you haven't already heard, Giljunko's reunion is turning out to be more than just a few random shows: According to frontman Mark Lindquist, the group will be recording an EP over the winter up at Rich Mattson's Iron Range studio (where Lindquist recorded the Little Black Books' stellar new LP "Sparta Circle Drive"). Twin Ports, rejoice -- your band is back in the saddle!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

A&E FYI: Comedy roast at Pizza Luce tonight!

shaky ray records is hosting the comedy roast of hippie dick tonight (thurs. dec. 20) at pizza luce'. it's 21+ and in the lounge. it's 15$ (that includes dinner, salad and 1/2$ wine...and 45 minutes of dirty jokes). doors at 7, dinner at 8, show at 9. food shelf donation is also suggested. roasters include devin mckinnon, mark lindquist, jenn newman, eric sisler, and chad lyons.

~Information courtesy of Mark Lindquist

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

A&E FYI: Trailer for George Clooney's Duluth football movie finally arrives



... and Duluth gets dissed! (But, really, what else did you expect from a film about Duluth that was shot in the fucking Carolinas?)

Listen for it: "You think you're the slickest operator in Duluth ... but being the slickest operator in Duluth is like being the world's tallest midget if you ask me." (Thanks, "Leatherheads"!)

p.s. Do you think it was weird for Don LaFontaine -- a native Duluthian -- to do the voiceover for the trailer?

A&E FYI: AFM hails legislation to bring fairness to radio

The American Federation of Musicians applauded the introduction today of the “Performance Rights Bill” designed to require large radio stations to fairly compensate musicians for broadcasting their recordings, while protecting songwriters, small radio stations and noncommercial and religious broadcasters.

“For performers, music is hardly ever wealth and glamour,” said AFM President Thomas F. Lee. “For most, it is hard work and a modest living. It is only fair that corporate radio compensate musicians when it uses their recorded work to attract listeners and advertising dollars. This bill strikes a great balance. It will provide fair compensation for performers, fair accommodations for small, noncommercial and religious radio stations, and fair protections for songwriters. It will help us all to survive and bring great music to the American public.”

The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Berman, Issa, Conyers, Shadegg, Harman and Blackburn, and in the Senate by Senators Leahy, Hatch and Feinstein. “Professional musicians are deeply grateful to the legislation’s sponsors for their leadership and foresight in trying to bring the U.S. in line with the developed world, where performers routinely are paid royalties for radio broadcasts,” said Lee. The AFM pledged its support for the legislation and called for swift enactment.

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.

~Information and image courtesy of AFM

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Snatch: A Game of Action ... for Children and Adults!

I'll admit; I felt a little weird buying this from the sweet old lady behind the counter of the antique store, but my fears were quelled when she enthusiastically said, "I have one of these at home!" (Not to be confused with that other Snatch game....)

Friday, December 14, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Life House, Wing Young Huie, Batteries, Two Many Banjos, Starfire's Homegrown comp and Rock for the Tots

A busy week for the letters "A" and "E," indeed!

"Life House Provides 'Safe Harbor' for At-Risk Youth" -- Duluth has so many wonderful organizations out there, I only wish I could cover them all.

"Wing Young Huie Swings for the Fences (Again)" -- That's right; somehow I got the famed Duluth-born photographer to talk to little ol' me. (If you can't tell by my words, I have one of those shit-eating grins on right about now!)

"LocalM.com's Rock for the Tots Returns"
-- To help get the word out about this worthy cause, I chatted up Craig Rhode Jr. (aka Mr. Local M) and the Surfactants' Zac Bentz.

Finally, what I live and breath for: more CD reviews. This week I take on Batteries' "That Great Grandsuck of the Sea," Two Many Banjos' self-titled debut and "Homegrown Rock and/or Roll: Starfire's Mix" -- which, by the way, I just found out (from Starfire himself, no less) wasn't actually sequenced by Starfire ... oops!

p.s. Round 4 of "Where in the Northland is Matt Perrine?" is now up. If you need another contest clue, try this super-secret one on for size: "Don't drag your feet at this place. Seagulls leave curiously colored droppings." ("Eh?" is right....)

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Quick, quick, play the Mac Lethal game!

Kansas City rapper extraordinaire Mac Lethal is currently soliciting fans for photos of them with his Rhymesayers debut, "11:11," or, I assume, other Mac Sheldon-related paraphernalia. (Mine's pictured at right ... and no cracks about my frumpy "Where's Waldo?" shirt! LOL)

So get movin' already! All you have to do is snap a shot and e-mail it to maclethalzzz [at] gmail.com. There, easy as pie.



FURTHER READING: My review of "11:11" (Duluth Budgeteer News, Nov. 11, 2007)

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

A&E FYI: The 38th annual Park Point Art Fair wants YOU!

Who: You, Mr. (or Mrs.) Artist you
What: 38th annual Park Point Art Fair
Where: Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth

When: June 28 and 29, 2008
Why: Exposure and cash awards!

Artists are invited to apply for entry into the 38th annual Park Point Art Fair, which will feature 115 visual artists exhibiting and selling their work June 28 and 29, 2008, at the Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth. Applications are due (postmarked) March 1.

This is a juried art fair of original, handmade work in clay, jewelry, glass, fiber, sculpture, photography, wood, painting, leather and 2D and 3D mixed media. Not accepted: kits, patterns, buy/sell or country crafts.

Applicants submit four slides or electronic samples (JPEG photos) representing the work they will show and sell. A jury of three art professionals will judge the slides based on craftsmanship and originality. The highest scores in each category are then selected to attend the two-day event, where more than $1,000 in cash awards -- including a $300 Best of Show honor -- is bestowed upon artists.

In 2007, 115 artists were selected from a pool of local, regional and national applicants. The free event attracted an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 visitors for its fine arts and crafts, food court, live music, interactive arts for children, storytelling, juggling and more.

The Park Point Art Fair is presented by the Park Point Community Club, a volunteer citizen group that uses art fair proceeds to support local youth activities, environmental projects -- such as tree plantings and dune preservation -- and other community-minded efforts.

For an application, more information and a complete list of 2007 artists, visit www.parkpointcommunityclub.org. You can also contact coordinator Carla Tamburro at carlajake@clearwire.net or (218) 428-1916. Mailing address: Park Point Art Fair 2008, P.O. Box 16326, Duluth, MN 55816-0326.

~Information courtesy of the Park Point Community Club people – “Pi?” photo (taken near the end of the Park Point Nature Trail) by me, Matthew R. Perrine


A LITTLE BACKGROUND: Kyle Eller’s “Art Fair Thrives by Treating Artists Right” (Duluth Budgeteer News, Aug. 23, 2002)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

dtas59, in which Matt(y) raids the iTunes store

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society ... the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

We got a red alert!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. Beck - "Timebomb"
Deservedly, this "playful and apocalyptic"* digital-only single was recently nominated for the Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance Grammy. For once, a Grammy selection that makes sense! "Timebomb" is as fierce as most Ant productions ... and at least half as fun.

2. The Pixies - "Bam Thwok"
Don't believe the (anti-)hype: "Bam Thwok" is worthy of the Pixies name -- and then some. It's just too bad the "Shrek 2" soundtrack committee didn't see it my way....

3. Atmosphere - "Party Over Here" (download lots of "goodies" here)
Speaking of Ant, this EP shiner has to be his most triumphant composition yet. Not to be outdone, indieground rap's dynamic duo is already back with a new batch of songs. (I especially love how they announced the release of "Sad Clown Bad Winter #11" on MySpace: "What do you do when you record too many songs for your new album? How about drop an EP of that material for each season leading up to its release.") Let me tell you, if 2007's four EPs are any indication, Atmosphere is going to have a monster hit on its hands early next year when "When Life Gives You Lemons..." drops.

4. Big George Webley - "Handbags and Gladrags" (Mike d'Abo cover)
Now I can relive the antics of David Brent and Gareth Keenan every time I slip this disc into my player.

5. Matchbook Romance - "Monsters"
I would never usually give this mall punk group a chance (I did walk out of their show in Seattle before they even took the stage...), but goddamn if that isn't the coolest intro ever! Thanks for the introduction, "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" -- you sly dog.

6. Shaimus - "All of This"
Speaking of that series, here's an early bonus song that actually didn't suck.

7. Queen - "Keep Yourself Alive"
Probably Queen's first shining hour, but I didn't really give it much thought until I found myself "grooving" to it during an episode of "Freaks and Geeks."

8. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - "Bad Reputation"
And now for that show's bitchin' theme song! I love it; I really do.

9. Holy Ghost! - "Hold On" (listen here)
I have no idea how I ended up downloading this face-melting anthem (maybe it was one of those free tracks?), but I'm sure glad I did. If I were lost on some backwoods dirt road at 3 a.m. and this came on, I would A) feel slightly better before realizing B) this is probably the most terrifying song you could have "pumping on your stereo" at 3 a.m. on some backwoods dirt road.

10. Scissor Sisters - "Get It Get It"
Slightly chintzy production values -- WebTV's background music actually comes to mind -- make this bonus track from the Scissor Sisters' debut even more endearing. What's not to love?

11. Billy Squier - "Lonely is the Night"
Another "Guitar Hero" aww-yeah track.

12. The Flaming Lips - "(Just Like) Starting Over" (John Lennon cover)
The world's greatest cover band?

13. Pilot - "Magic"
Overall ripping-off-ELO vibe aside, this is magic. I fucking love this song!

14. "The Citizens of Halloween" - "This is Halloween"
In my book, Danny Elfman is infallible. You may know something I don't, but this almost makes me want to go back and dive into the Oingo Boingo catalogue ... no?

15. Pearl Jam - "Love, Reign O'er Me" (Who cover)
I could do without the schmaltzy piano opening (it just sounded so much more "authentic" on "Quadrophenia"), but a damn fine cover nonetheless.

16. Mason Jennings - "If You Need a Reason"
Whoa, I just learned Mason was born in Honolulu ... and I thought I knew the man!

17. Faith No More - "Epic"
A spot-on title if I ever did see one.

18. The Afghan Whigs - "I'm a Soldier"
Hopefully the two magnificent new recordings on "Unbreakable" will spark a full-on Whigs reunion. Don'tcha think that's what the world kind of deserves, Greg Dulli?

19. Herman's Hermits - "There's a Kind of Hush"
Strange how my memory improves tenfold when aided by music. -> This one brings me right back to the summer of '04, when I worked at Fargo's glamorous Trollwood Performing Arts School ... as a glorified janitor. LOL (It's too darn hot....)

20. Nada Surf - "All You Need is Love" (Beatles cover)
While this has to be one of the least adventurous covers I've ever heard, it remains one of the loveliest.

*Thanks, USA Today!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 58: Put your depressed sedations to rest

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society ... the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Sixteen stone!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. Mac Lethal - "Mean Jab" (listen here)
Don't let the bluesy, Crew Jones-esque intro fool you -- this track quickly picks up the pace.

2. The Hives - "You Got it All ... Wrong" (listen here)
It's nice to hear that these guys haven't settled down!

3. The Afghan Whigs - "66"
The utlimate "slow jam" for people who aren't idiots?

4. Kenna - "Daylight"
Forget the image. Forget the famous friends. Forget the major label. Just dig into this expansive piece of heaven.

5. Eyedea & Abilities - "Star Destroyer"
I almost lost myself when E&A dropped this killer track at Pizza Luce last month -- that had to have been the most mindblowing show that place has ever hosted.

6. The Killers - "Who Let You Go?"
How did this not make "Hot Fuss"? (On a related note, what do you think it would take for the Electric Fetus to give me that bigass "Sawdust" promo poster they have?)

7. The Weakerthans - "Aside" (download others here) (and here!)
Tracks like this more than make up for the fact that these guys are fucking Canucks.... (Just kidding; I've got lots of love for the Weakerthans and the Great White North!)

8. The Specials - "Gangsters" (live MP3s available here)
This is legend.

9. Superdrag - "Cynicality" (Daytrotter vers.)

From the Daytrotter session notes: "'Cynicality' was one of the songs we recorded for our first album, 'Regretfully Yours.' It’s pretty much been in the setlist ever since." Great sound on this classic. (p.s. If you dig this, much of John Davis' new solo album, "Arigato!," carries on in the same fashion.)

10. Cake - "Daria" (two cover MP3s here)
Another interesting factoid from CakeMusic.com: "The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska." (Damn you, Steph Perpich, for calling me "Daria" for an entire year!)

11. The Standard - "Little Green" ("A Year of Seconds" available here) ("Metropolitan" available here)
If you want brooding, no-nonsense (and intelligent) rock 'n' roll, the Standard's got your card.

12. Billy Corgan - "Spiders"
No, my fascination with the "Ransom" soundtrack hasn't gone away yet....

13. Outkast feat. Sleepy Brown - "Morris Brown" (watch video here)
I love Outkast, but I was a little surprised to find out "Idlewild" went platinum ... aside from a few tracks (this one included), it just felt like a lemon.

14. The Hippos - "Wasting My Life"
As far as ska rock goes, there aren't too many bands I can stand. Congrats, Hippos!

15. Arrested Development - "Since the Last Time"
Turning a deaf ear to that embarrassing reference to Woody (yes, the Woody from "Toy Story"...), this is one of the best comeback tracks I've ever heard. (You must remember that, had I been involved with the Edgeways compilation "How Long Have You Been in Love?," I would've most certainly covered Arrested Development's "Tennessee.")

16. Splitsville - "Our Love Was" (Who cover) (other MP3s here too)
First off, I'm a sucker for anything remotely Who-sounding; so, when I found out that one of my favorite groups ever was covering one of the Who's most underappreciated tracks, I nearly lost it. And, to make my day a second time, Splitsville decided to offer this one up for free on its Web site!

17. ActionReaction - "Have a Cocktail"
I really didn't know what to expect from the former vocalist of Further Seems Forever -- I found this at the Village Square dollar store -- but I was pleasantly surprised. Just some gorgeous music here ... well worth a trip up there (and your pocket change, of course).

18. Val Emmich - "Privacy Attracts a Crowd"
Recommended if you like the Promise Ring, Pete Yorn and the feeling you get from good college radio.

19. Phonograph - "Little Chief"
Something tells me these guys would get along splendidly with Josh Harty.

20. Fielding - "OK, Alright"
Another dollar store find. This is epic-sounding pop music (you know, the kind favored by the Beatles before they started resenting each other...) that's lush, lush, lush.

21. Nathan Larson (of Shudder to Think) - "Operator" (many DLs available here)
It's funny how the members of Shudder to Think always make me want to watch movies I'm pretty sure I'll hate (they've collectively scored a number of films -- this Danny Elfman-worthy track's from "Phone Booth").

22. Hum - "Puppets"
This song kind of makes me sad. I bought this EP on vinyl at First Avenue during the band's farewell tour. (Tear?)

23. Maritime - "I Used to be a Singer"
I never thought Davey would up and top his work with the Promise Ring, but ... he's getting awfully close.

Friday, December 7, 2007

It's like when Harry met Sally ... almost

December 27 is a momentous day for local radio.

As reported earlier, his graciousness Superstar DJ Walt Dizzo invited yours truly to co-host his KUWS (91.3 FM) show on Dec. 27.

This special program, celebrating the best music 2007 had to offer, will include selections from each of us.

Did your favorite artist make the cut? Tune in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. that night to find out!

KUWS broadcasts proudly from the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus. For more information on the station's offerings, visit click here.

This is a public service announcement ... with guitars!

Calling all Superstar DJ Walt Dizzo groupies: Your beloved renegade master was gracious enough to invite me to co-host his KUWS show on Dec. 27.

This special program, celebrating the best music 2007 had to offer, will include selections from each of us. (There's already been a few disagreements -- I don't want to name names, but someone didn't totally just, like, fall in love with EdVed's solo album -- so, at the very least, it promises to be a riveting night of radio.)

Fisticuffs aside, did your favorite artist make the cut? Tune in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. that night to find out!

KUWS is located at 91.3 on the FM dial. For more information on the station's offerings, visit www.myspace.com/deanslist913.

(A special thanks to Despair Inc. for helping me realize this first promotional poster.)

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Discover Duluth 'investigates' downtown blizzard fun and another contest starring ... me!

Yep, so I guess blogging is all I do on my days off.... Anywho, here are some great reads (and "sees") for y'all:

"Discover Duluth: Downtown Blizzard Fun"
-- Just like the headline says, me and my camera (a match made in heaven?) toured downtown during the Tuesday blizzard's "warming-up" period. (Some photos from that session were also used with freelancer Robert Lillegard's story "Snow Smarts: A Winter Weather Refresher.")

Speaking of freelancers, I also contributed some bits and pieces to Diana Blom's "Say No to Lead: Great Local Gift Ideas for Children." (If you've followed my "career," but can probably just about pinpoint where I left my mark.)

On that subject, here are some links to stories I did on local products that would make superb stocking stuffers for you and yours: "Duluth's Music Community Bands Together for Baby Pearl" and "'B' is for Brian Barber, Illustrator Extraordinaire" -- and, since we're here and all, it's about high time I remind you that Barber's Pizza Luce art show opens Thursday. (More info here.)

And, finally, the third installment of the "Where in the Northland is Matt Perrine?" contest is online now. (Bonus fourth clue -- which couldn't possibly help you in the slightest: Referring to it as "make-out city" significantly reduces your chances of being invited back....)

(Today's "poster" is an outtake from the "Where in the Northland is Matt Perrine?" contest. If you can't tell, I was actually playing* with a spider on the old Interstate Bridge when this photo was taken ... yikes!)

*In reality: Trying not to run away screaming like a little girl.

ELEVATION: Zac from the Surfactants talks about the Rock for the Tots benefit

In case you haven't already heard, LocalM.com is sponsoring a terrific benefit Saturday, Dec. 15, at R.T. Quinlan's (downtown Duluth).

The event, allusively dubbed "Rock for the Tots," will feature such hard-charging acts as the Surfactants, Autotoxin, Professor Hefner and Jealous Jester. (Secure entrance by shelling out five bucks or ... by doing the best thing and donating a new toy for a child in need.)

To shed a little more light on this worthy cause, we here at Fly High, Duluth! (OK, just me...) harassed the Surfactants' Zac Bentz until he gave in and answered a few questions:

Fly High, Duluth!: When was the second album (untitled, like its predecessor) released?

Zac Bentz: The unofficial CD release for the second album was at our Red Lion show July 14. Right now it's still only available on our site, but it should be in stores very soon.

Was it recorded like the first one, with everyone contributing their respective parts from their own homes?

Yep. I did some recording with Eric (Anderson) and Marcus (Matthews) a couple times, but for the most part everything was recorded by each member in their own homes. I then gathered all the files via the Web and did all the mixing and editing myself.

How did you guys get involved with the Rock for the Tots benefit? Are you friends with Craig Rhode/the LocalM.com people?

Yeah, we've known the LocalM people for a while, and got to know them a bit better at last year's Homegrown. They've been a huge supporter of us, which is pretty amazing. They just came to us with the date and we jumped at the chance.

What do you think of the three other groups on the bill? Have you played with them before?

We've played with Professor Hefner before, but Autotoxin and Jealous Jester are both new to us. Judging from their MySpace stuff, I think we're all in for a very interesting night.

Finally, this may be a stupid question, but what kind of presents would you be hoping for if you were a kid these days?

Video games. There really doesn't seem to be any quality to the regular toys that are out there. Even the new Star Wars figures are all rad and boring. I think a Nintendo DS and a few games would be the best thing to get. Probably because I have one myself! Give it to the kid during the day, then sneak in some gameplay yourself after they go to bed.

(Image stolen from the Surfactants' Web site, www.thesurfactants.com.)


COMING JANUARY 2008: A full-on Surfactants feature in the pages of your trusty Duluth Budgeteer News!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

So, guess whose space heater JUST STARTED ON FIRE?!

No joke -- only five minutes ago I had to rip mine (pictured) from the wall, run down the stairs and throw it into the snow to prevent my house from burning down! I just wanted to share this information with you as a public service announcement so you remember to NEVER, EVER buy anything from WeatherWorks. That's all.

A&E FYI: ‘The Brian Barber Pizza Luce Art Show!’

Who: Brian Barber
What: Art show
Where: Duluth’s Pizza Lucé, 22 E. Superior St.
When: Dec. 13 through Jan. 8 (the opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13)
Why: Brian’s awesome … man. (And here’s proof!)

Illustrator Brian Barber will be exhibiting paintings, drawings and screenprints at Pizza Lucé in downtown Duluth. Many of the illustrations on display are from his recently published children’s books, “My Favorite Places from A to Z” and “My Favorite Sounds from A to Z.”

The opening reception will be Thursday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m., and is free and open to the public. The show will be on display at Pizza Lucé through Jan. 8, 2008.

Barber has illustrated work for children as well as work for Minnesota Monthly, Mpls./St. Paul Magazine, City Pages, The Rake and locally for the Homegrown Festival and Ripsaw News. His work has also been seen in several advertising campaigns.

“My Favorite Places” and “My Favorite Sounds” are among the first titles published this year by Maren Green, a new publishing company in Minnesota. Peggy Snow is the author of both books.

For more information on Barber or his illustrations, visit www.brianbarber.com.


FURTHER READING: "'B' is for Brian Barber, Illustrator Extraordinaire" (Duluth Budgeteer News, Oct. 28, 2007)

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

FHD say 'Keep yourself alive!'

That's it; just a friendly reminder from the staff at Fly High, Duluth!* (Tonight it took me no less than two-and-a-half hours to make it home because of the blizzard -- a commute that on any other given day would've taken 15 minutes ... tops.)

*Me, basically.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 57: What's that floating in the water?

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society (wanna join?) ... the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Dragonfly, get back to yr mother!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank - "2010"
The Hobo Nephews (Teague and Ian Alexy) make music that will "restore your faith in recorded sound." (Not to rip off myself too much or anything....)

2. Kenna - "Out of Control (State of Emotion)"
"Pop music" hasn't sounded this good since ... Kenna's last record. (Go figure.)

3. Maritime - "Guns of Navarone"
(other MP3s available here too)
If you, like me, think the Promise Ring's "Wood/Water" was one of the most important records of the new millennium, then ... well, you probably already own Maritime's new record -- so I'm kind of preaching to the choir, eh?

4. George Harrison - "Apple Scruffs"
It's a debate for the ages: What's a better record, "All Things Must Pass" or the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds"? Someone should just tell me the answer, because I'm sick of losing sleep over this silly little query.

5. Jens Lekman - "The Opposite of Hallelujah"
Recommended if you like Rufus Wainwright and Dexys Midnight Runners. A weird mix, I know, so hopefully you'll hear it too.

6. Babyshambles - "Delivery"
I'm as sick of Pete Doherty as the next music geek, but, what do you know? He actually sat down and took some time to wrote another decent song. (It's been awhile, "brah"!)

7. Jay-Z - "Lucifer"
Should've retired at the top.... (However, a special nod of our collective hats to Kanye West for one of the tightest tracks in Jay-Z's lengthy catalogue.)

8. Fare Well - "Stay Pretty"
R.I.Y.L. Motion City Soundtrack, early Stereo.

9. Northern State - "Away Away"
Sounds like somebody's aiming for Deborah Harry's throne!

10. Buck 65 - "Intro" (from "Situation")
It's weird to put an intro track on a mix tape without the song it "introduces," but Buck 65's "Intro" has a misleading title: This is more along the lines of an original DJ Abilities composition. Stunning ... can definitely stand alone. (Speaking of Abilities, wasn't his performance Friday night at Luce -- with Eyedea, of course -- one of the most amazing things you've ever seen in your life?)

11. Mac Lethal - "Pound that Beer"
You heard it here first: "Party album of the year." p.s. Watch this track's sweet, "retro-fantastic" video on Rhymesayers' Web site.

12. Electric Light Orchestra - "Hold On Tight"
Better before it was used in a commercial, but, still, a classic.

13. Ween - "Your Party"
Funny shit right here.

14. Eels - "That's Not Really Funny" (some MP3s available here)
But not here -- though the vibe really flows from track to track.

15. The Format - "If Work Permits" (free live MP3 here)
The epic closer from 2006's No. 3 album. (Can you tell I'm getting excited for this year's list?)

16. Ravens & Chimes - "General Lafayette! You are Not Alone"
R&C's lead singer sounds exactly like the Format's ... weird.

17. Mason Proper - "My My (Bad Fruit)"
Rock it.

18. The Shapes - "Dry on Ice" (listen here)
For fans of Dealership, reru and, to a lesser degree, Imperial Teen. Good stuff.

19. Modico - "Vertigo"
These guys are sure to blow a speaker or two, but I can't quite put my finger on what they sound like. (Download it and give it your best shot!)

20. Billy Corgan - "Rats"
The one good thing about "Ransom"....

21. Pitchshifter - "W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G." (listen to a live version here)
Oh, boy, this sure brings me back to high school. This is some intense rock 'n' roll.

22. The Killers - "On Top"
I know it's not "cool" to love the Killers, but I just can't help myself sometimes.

23. Pearl Jam - "Push Me Pull Me"
It's funny how experimental PJ can sometimes get, and, yet, retain a level of listenability that's enviable compared to some of the shit I've come across in my adventures.

24. The Pixies - "Mr. Grieves"
The ultimate Pixies statement?

Sunday, December 2, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: McInnis' Kitchen, Great Northern Music Center, CD reviews and Jay Cooke

Enjoying this season's first monster snowstorm? Either way, here's a few choice nuggets to keep you warm tonight:

"McKinnis' Kitchen Launches Debut Album, Side Project" -- For fans of the sounds of the Atlantic Maritimes, Newfoundland, Scotland and Ireland and/or two fiddles/Perrines for the price of one!

"Bob Norquist, Eliza Blue and Cadillac Kolstad are Welcome Here Anytime" -- CD reviews for three superb out-of-town acts.

"Discover Duluth: Road to Jay Cooke" -- Like the road to Hana, but a lot bleaker. (Yay!)

"Make Your Own Music with Great Northern" -- An advertorial, yes, but a Superior Street tradition nonetheless. (I just bought my first ukulele there!)

And, finally, if you can find it, I recycled "Sunsets 'R' Fun," which I shot at Bayfront Festival Park's lights festival around last Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 56: I find myself at 90 degrees to the rest of the world

Submitted for the approval of the Twin Ports Awesome Mix Tape Appreciation Society (wanna join?) ... the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul."

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Kawaba! Kawaba! Kawaba!
Matt


(Questions? Comments? Want one of your band's songs to be considered for an upcoming awesome mix tape? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

*******

1. Smashing Pumpkins - "Tarantula" (listen here)
I thought I'd give it a shot because, hey, this band's given me so many great memories over the years....

2. Rory Allen Phillips - "Faking a Feeling" (some downloads here)
The man with the golden ear -- he helped found, among other outfits, the Impossibles, the Stereo and slowreader -- recently struck out on his own, and the results are as satisfying as anything else in his illustrious career.

3. Pearl Jam - "Untitled" (from "Live on Two Legs")
What a beautiful, beautiful song -> I'm really glad this was able to find its way onto a record of some sort.

4. The Beta Band - "Round the Bend"
Oh, man, back in '99 this was my fucking anthem!

5. The Decemberists - "The Perfect Crime #2" (A Touch of Class remix) (listen here, download others)
I've never been too keen on the Decemberists' sound, but anything A Touch of Class touches comes straight from the heavens.

6. The Pixies - "The Happening"
Paging Gonzo Science.... (This was supposed to go on my UFO mix tape -- influenced by GS's Area 61 convention, I'm sure -- which, sadly, kind of went by the wayside.)

7. Statistics - "No Promises" (DL other Statistics MP3s here) (and here!)
I want to make a really bad joke about combining my two favorite things in life (glamorous indie rock 'n' roll and stats), but I just can't muster the strength. LOL

8. Voxtrot - "Kid Gloves"
You like Best Friends Forever and the Wedding Present? Then maybe you try on Voxtrot for size, "bruddah."

9. Goldrush - "Feel" (DL others here) (and here too)
This sounds a lot like modern-day Nada Surf. <- A good band to rip off if I ever did hear one.

10. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - "I Won't Back Down"
After listening to Pearl Jam's cover of this song incessantly a couple months back, I just had to return to the source material. As tasty as ever. (Did anyone else out there listen to Brainerd's kickass "Power Loon" radio station throughout, like, their entire formative years?)

11. Big Star - "I'm in Love with a Girl"
A big cyber-hug (ha ha ha) to Briana Smith, for introducing me to these guys so many years ago. She knew I'd love Big Star -- she just knew it.

12. Badfinger - "Love is Easy"
Man, I was really in a classic rock mood when I drafted this mix tape. Nonetheless, the day I stop digging the Badfinger action is the day you have permission to brand me a soul-suckin' jerk (and/or pretentious asshole).

13. Supergrass - "It's Not Me"
Music to fall in love to. Sincerely.

14. J Church - "Anybody" (some hard-to-find MP3s here)
When they're on, they're on. Melodic punk never sounded sweeter.

15. Grickle-Grass - "Tractor Beam"
FYI: These guys jump out of your speakers just like the Plastic Constellations, so remember that when you're planning your next party mix.

16. Radiohead - "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"
"In Rainbows" was, as a whole, overrated, I'll agree -- but you can't deny the immediate appeal of this mesmerizing track.

17. Pigeonhed feat. Jerry Cantrell - "Marry Me"
Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell is one of the most underrated guitarists (and songwriters, while we're at it) of all time, so it was with great pleasure that I stumbled across this Pigeonhed collaboration at the local Pawn America the other day.

18. Ed Harcourt - "Hanging with the Wrong Crowd"
I don't know where this guy came from (or where he's going), but everything he records is utterly beautiful. -> If I were a rich man, I would proposition him to record a this-is-so-gonna-pay-for-itself ballad for my lovely little lady.

19. Pedro the Lion - "Indian Summer" (some free MP3s available here) (here too!)
Man, these guys should've been HUGE!

20. The Webb Brothers - "All the Cocaine in the World"
A tender little ditty about *ahem* the white stuff. A-ha.

21. Miles - "Pretty Day"
Kind of poppy, but kind of infectious at the same time.

22. The Black Crowes - "Wiser Time"
I'm not even kidding when I say that this C&W-tinged anthem makes me want to move to Wyoming, buy a big ol' ranch and ... set up shop against an old, rickety wooden fence. I mean, I know I couldn't pull off one of those iconic cowboy poses, but it sure would be fun trying!

23. Sun Kil Moon - "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes" (Modest Mouse cover)
It's weird, right, that Mark Kozelek recorded an entire album of Modest Mouse covers? ... Is Isaac Brock the next Dylan??

Stupid questions aside, this is one of the most beautiful tracks I have ever heard. A nice song to daydream to.

("Poster" credits: Original image courtesy of Dynamic Video Images of Ft. Lauderdale and/or Naples, Fla. -- digital manipulation by yours truly.)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Appendix to last week's This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

Blame it all senseless, but I forgot to share with you my contributions to this season's Canal Park Times, which was printed alongside this weekend's edition of the Duluth Budgeteer News:

"Views from the Top" -- Frank Nichols, a retired bridge worker (and Crosby and/or Ironton, Minn., native!), explains what it's like to sit on top of the Aerial Lift Bridge and snap a few photographs.

"Discover Duluth: Canal Park" -- A few weeks ago I took my photo essay series down to Duluth's entertainment/tourism district, and these are the results. Hope you enjoy!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Tony Bennett/Cars & Trucks, Clearwire's PC card and pics of 'Squirrel Man'

Oops! I musta been too busy enjoying the fruits (err...) of Black Friday to update this here blog. Anywho, here's what you'll find if you wander on over to DuluthBudgeteer.com this weekend:

"Speaking as a Child of the '70s" -- Tony Bennett is a bona fide Duluth Renaissance man, and the power pop-infused Cars & Trucks is just his latest sterling achievement.

"Clearwire: 'Fastest Card on the Market'"
-- Clearwire takes on Sprint and Verizon in Duluth's wireless-Internet PC card arms race.

Finally, as a I promised, check out "Meet 'Stinky' -- Not Tall, But Definitely Dark and Handsome" to see my pics of a domesticated squirrel living in east Duluth. (Yeah, that's right!)

And now ... for a little taste of the silliness: "Only in Duluth..." -> Duluth merchant makes swimsuit-related funny.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Before you freak out on a store clerk tomorrow morning...

Please read the following, my account of working a "Black Friday" at Fargo's Best Buy a few years back. I've been there; it's not their fault! (p.s. I haven't read this since I wrote it last year, so hopefully it's not too offensive or anything....)

*******


Stuck inside of Best Buy with the day-after-Thanksgiving blues again
Matthew R. Perrine
Budgeteer News - 11/17/2006

When I think of Thanksgiving, I hear a song.

Not one of the myriad of Christmas songs coming up through my record needle 24/7 (thanks, wifey), but one from Milwaukee’s the Promise Ring.

“Get on the Floor” includes three stellar and potentially prophetic lines: “I feel paranoid / I get on the floor / And I just freak out.”

Now, this might not make a lot of sense until I let on to the fact that, at this time last year, I was working at Best Buy No. 13 (Fargo).

One of my responsibilities included a pre-dawn, day-after-Thanksgiving shift in the camera department. (Cue sinister theme music.)

Who better to tell “day-after” war stories than someone who has worn that dorky blue polo and lived to tell about it?

The weekend prior to Black Friday (as it’s known in “the biz”), Store 13’s army commenced for an early morning training session. The mission was simple: Prepare everyone for the day-after onslaught.

We’d all heard rumors, but how bad could it really be? As the hilarious accounts on BestBuySux.org’s forums were my only window into that madness, I was decidedly shocked when our store manager popped in a video from the previous year’s Black Friday.

The few that bumrushed the poor soul who had to open the doors (which were, by that time, busting at the seams) snowballed into an avalanche of rabid bargain hunters — all in a matter of seconds.

It had the look, the sound and, from what I gathered last year, the smell of a stampede.

These people were nuts. Not in the way bargain-store shoppers hover over your shoulders (you know, in case you somehow stumble upon the deal of the century ... otherwise known as “the one”), but in the sense that putting “blood” and “thirsty” together doesn’t even come close to cutting it.

It was complete and utter madness. At least a few of them had dollar signs glowing in their eyes where pupils used to sit.

Of course, now knowing what we were up against, a trial run was conducted. Leading the pack were senior team members who had “been there, done that.”

It was scary. Some coworkers I considered halfway normal became werewolfs, getting in my face and barking at me for this or that from all imaginable directions.

“Ha, good one,” I scoffed.

Little did I know that they were going easy on me. As I would soon find out, Black Friday bargain shoppers are freakin’ lunatics. If you don’t give them X amount of cameras in Y amount of time (a couple of seconds ... if you’re lucky) for Z amount of dollars, you will be in some sort of XYZ hurtbag.

I had never been so scared in my life. When the stampede reached my department (near the back of the store), it had been all of 2.2 seconds since the doors opened. (Not to be outdone by physics, the accompanying trail of saliva still attached to the corner of their seething mouths somehow reached us first.)

There wasn’t any time to think, let alone blink. My department supervisor would later admit that, from time to time, he’s had employees literally freeze up. No joke. They had to be taken to the break room to recoup. But it’s entirely understandable. Had half of Fargo’s television news media not been there recording every move, I could’ve fallen by the wayside.

Not me, though. I wore my “blues” proud that day. Sure, I kind of wished I had been born with more arms, but, after the initial rush, the legions of zealous shoppers were ushered into a checkout line that wrapped around the entire store.

The cattle had had their day. Now it was time for them to queue up. Moo?

But this triumphant feeling soon fizzled. Sure, I was free enough, standing in my own space, but then the glares hit me. I knew what they were thinking: “If only you had moved a little faster, I would’ve gotten that cheap digital camera or that cheap memory card or....”

They didn’t appreciate the fact that I had busted my butt. No, all they could imagine was just how fast I could’ve moved.

Their faces said, “Black Friday is your one day to transcend your human form, Matt. Channel that inner mutant.”

Mouthing “I tried my best” or “I’m just one man” or “Yes, I agree, my mother should have enjoyed some Morgan Park water back in ‘82” wasn’t going to cut it — and that’s exactly why I had to retire from the game.

Matthew R. Perrine is the Budgeteer’s news clerk/reporter. He can be reached at 723-1207 or mperrine@duluthbudgeteer.com.

*******

This concludes the first installment of my new series, THE RECYCLER: OLD STORIES MADE NEW AGAIN! (All hail the almighty Slate!)