Monday, January 29, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 15: That's what's left of Kodachrome

For the latest awesome mix tape, I thought I'd go all out for the cover and deface Keneke's* daily specials board in Skywalk.

(No, I haven't gotten lazy....)

Anyway, like always, I hope you enjoy the tunes:

1. The Who - "Pinball Wizard"
Not to start on an incredibly somber note or anything, but this song always reminds me of playing foosball at the Village Inn (no, not those Village Inns) in Outing, Minn., with my friend and his late father. I won't get all sentimental here, but those times in and around Outing were some of the best I ever had.

2. The Format - "Time Bomb"
Switching gears, this is an incredibly sunny song. And -- bonus! -- it's only the second song I can effectively pull off my tick-tock "cow dance." (Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?" being the other ... ahh, yes, good times.)

3. The Walkmen - "Another One Goes By"
Whenever I start to think the Walkmen are overrated, I listen to them. Cures me of my assitude each and every time. This is some gentle magic.

4. Superdrag - "Goin' Out"
It's no secret: If I were a rich man, I would own a jukebox. And, if I owned a jukebox, Superdrag would definitely be on it, right next to ELO. These two never let me down.

5. Greenberry Woods - "Waiting for Dawn"
While this is a terrific song, you wouldn't expect that this group's pair of brothers would go on to form Splitsville, one of the most lush and fascinating groups since the Beach Boys.

6. XTC - "The Mayor of Simpleton"
Quick, add Andy Partridge to your list of musical demigods to meet. (This is a short list that includes Self's Matt Mahaffey, the prolific Ken Andrews and ... well, there's Robert Pollard and ... about a million others I'm forgetting at this moment.)

7. .38 Special - "Like No Other Night"
This is the only band Mitch Hedberg seemed to talk about, and that's really cool.

8. The Mood Elevator - "Watch Your Girl"
Brendan Benson before he started pissing away his talent with Jack White and the Raconteurs....

9. Better Off Airport - "Oui, Oui, Oui, Shock the Bourgeoise"
What ever happened to these guys? One might make the assumption that this is exactly how the Plastic Constellations would sound if they made a record as weird as they probably want to.

10. Charles Douglas - "New Attitude"
This one was always** a staple on the original "Don't Tell a Soul" broadcasts, but that doesn't mean I can't snobbishly tell people (again) what they're missing out on, does it?

11. The Halo Benders - "Snowfall"
Although Calvin Johnson sounded as bored as [expletive deleted] talking to me on the phone this summer, I still like pretty much everything he's ever put to tape.

Of course, singing side-by-side with Doug Martsch never hurts.

12. God Lives Underwater - "Still"
When I first heard this in late-elementary, it blew my mind. Unfortunately, their last record failed to do the same. Nevertheless, everything leading up to it was progressively innovative.

An aside: Did you ever hear the one about GLU getting arrested for inciting a riot? I think I read about that even before I knew what sex was all about -- perhaps C.R.E.S. should get its priorities straight, eh?

13. Girl Talk - "Hold Up"
The best part about listening to Girl Talk (aka the Avalanches for party people) is trying to catch all of the samples. So far I can place the Pixies' "Where is My Mind?," Ludacris' "Austin Powers"-sampling song ("Number 1 Spot"?), some 50 Cent, a song from "Office Space" and classic Weezer to take it home.

14. I Self Devine - "This is It"
I know I worship anything to come out of the Minneapolis hip-hop scene, but this is one of the most explosive tracks out there. This guy should get back with Slug for a little Dynospectrum action.

15. Self - "Miracleworker"
"Gizmodgery" was a landmark album -- made from kids' toy instruments -- so it's kind of a plain shame I haven't shoved it down your throat more often than this.

16. The Russian Futurists - "Paul Simon"
I haven't know idea how these Canadians snuck into my music player, but this is as addicting as those grilled cheese "sammiches" only found at McDonald's restaurants in ... *ahem* McCanada.

17. Fulflej - "Work in This Universe"
Even with the backing of members of the Smashing Pumpkins, these guys couldn't seem to capture the attention of even a fraction of SP's once-massive fan base. Another plain shame.

18. Melvins - "Hooch"
I used to think, When did the Melvins get so weird? Newsflash, buddy: I think it's safe to say they've always been. The mighty K.C. may have been a fan, but it's hard to say if Nirvana would've recorded something like "Hooch" after they made it.

19. Little Black Books - "Wish Away"
Giljunko 2.0? The Books' second album shied away from this rawer sound, but they're still the centerpiece of the Twin Ports' rock scene. I'm quite excited to hear the upcoming album.

20. Charlie Parr - "Right Between the Eyes"
Great song. It might be exclusive to "Iron Country," but that comp doesn't disappoint, so seek it out.

21. Brandon Wiard - "KMS"
This composition is audibly "thick." There's a lot going on. But, since it made DTAS, rest assured that Wiard makes it work.

22. The Border Cops - "Go Big"
Some sunny pop-punk I should probably feel ashamed about liking....

23. Girlsareshort - "Perfect Sound Always"
I want to say this is like a less-polished Chemical Brothers/Flaming Lips collaboration, but that's not even close to being accurate.

It'll come to me someday.

24. Valet - "Isadora Duncan"
Do yourself a favor: Go buy everything Valet put out. It's all unbelievably great. Hauntingly romantic. Timeless.

What else do you need to hear? Move!

I'm not kidding, Valet should be one of your favorite bands.

*To prove that I'm not completely heartless, watch this: EAT AT KENEKE'S. Good stuff. Nice waitstaff next door, too.
**To the best of my recollection. I mean, I know I listened to that record a lot in Fargo, and that's where I did the show and all....

Question: Is Vanity Fair a magazine "for the ladies"?

Please help me settle this. The wifey has been making fun of my latest subscription, but I thought it was just another Esquire. No?

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 14: I need a camera to my eye


This cover may look like a throwaway -- and it is: I spent about an hour tinkering with it, to where it looked somewhat presentable ... and then the program crashed. So, instead of wasting any more time on it, I decided to release it "as is" because I suppose it owes something to the artwork of Green Day's "Chris Gaines" album, "Money Money 2020." (Well worth checking out, especially the music videos on the accompanying DVD.)

Either way, this is all still so much easier than radio....

1. Roy - "Something's That Real"
Songs don't get much more epic (the good kind) than this, and that's why every album this group puts out is practically guaranteed to make my year-end Top 10 list each time.

2. The Clash - "Tommy Gun"
The Clash were just coming into their own on "Give 'em Enough Rope," and this is a great place to start.

3. Number One Cup - "Maybe There's a Thread"
Elements of R.E.M.'s "Reveal" album. Very nice.

4. Nada Surf - "Sleep"
This song pays off in the end, but they should've done something about its sleepy* build-up.

5. The State Champs - "Death Star"
Like I said a few hundred times last week, it's going to be a damn good year for the Duluth scene.

6. Wu-Tang Clan - "Dirty Dancing"
This ODB/Method Man showcase is reason enough to save all of those "Jerky Boys" soundtracks from all the nation's bargain bins.

7. Of Montreal - "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse"
The new record sounds pretty promising. (I have to wait for my eMusic downloads to refresh at the beginning of the month to grab the rest of 'em....)

8. P.O.S. - "Suicide Uma Schrantz"
How come all of the Emily Bloodmobile tracks are such brief affairs?

9. Murs and 9th Wonder - "L.A."
I have been slow to get into his stuff outside of Felt, but this is pretty great -- would probably work better in the summertime, though.

10. The Olympian vs. Muse and Justin Timberlake - "Sexymassive Back Hole"
Interesting mash-up posted on Idolator.

11. Girls Against Boys - "Basstation"
Another group that perhaps suffers from the Ash disorder (find a formula, stick to it), but, on the flip side, GVSB somehow manages to still release interesting records.

An aside: Does anyone own "Series 7: The Contenders," the cult film GVSB scored which puts quite the interesting twist on reality programming, on DVD? I would be very interested in purchasing it from you.

12. Elliott Smith - "Coast to Coast"
Elliott's demise was quite tragic -- especially considering his last album, which was full of transcendental moments like this.

13. Wilco - "Kamera"
"I need a camera / To my eye"? I couldn't agree more.

14. X - "We're Desperate"
X : L.A. circa 1977 :: Pixies : Boston circa 1987

15. Zox - "Thirsty"
Given the bands these guys tour with, they shouldn't be nearly this good. Or: Given the quality of Zox's latest release, the group shouldn't be opening for blase labelmates.

16. Low - "Your Poison"
See No. 5.

17. Electric Light Orchestra - "Surrender"
A terrific find that wasn't released until the parade of the remasters last year.

18. Edsel - "Chester's Wig"
I know exactly nothing about this group, but every release I run into (there seems to be a great many) yields tracks worthy of my mountain of awesome** mix tapes.

19. Bob Mould - "Classifieds"
I know this is heresy to admit in Minnesota, but I still don't own "Zen Arcade." Oops....

20. Tall Paul - "God's Love"
Nothing about this song makes you want to listen to it (the title, the fact that Tall Paul cops early Moby a little too much), but it sounds nice pumping out of your stereo. Mindless fun, basically.

21. Bob Marley and the Wailers - "One Love/People Get Ready"
I don't smoke pot, and I am Bemidjian (by birthplace only), so is it OK that this is on here?

22. Youth Group - "Last Quarter"
So beautiful it hurts.

23. Gypsyfoot - "Da De Da"
You'd be surprised what great music is being made in Bismarck, N.D., these days.

This one could brighten any mood.

24. Guided by Voices - "Chasing Heather Crazy"
I'm not trying to get shot tonight (see No. 19, No. 21), but GBV's hi-fi output is far easier on the ears than the lo-fi stuff that made Robert Pollard a household name.

25. Syrup USA - "New You"
Like Gypsyfoot, most Syrup USA material is an acceptable alternative to "happy pills."

*Oh, I get it. Now....
**Self-proclaimed.

The other side of ... THE SKYWALK SYSTEM

For my next "Discover Duluth" photo essay, I aborted my plans for Seven Bridges Road until A) it gets warmer outside and B) I have new shoes that don't slip up on the easiest of slopes. And, since my camera isn't too keen on the cold temps, I thought heading inside was a good idea.

Thus, downtown's Skywalk System. ("Elevate Me," left, is an outtake from today's adventure.)

While googling the history of the walkway, I found a great column by Mark Lindquist on his "Working Blue" blog, "Skywalk Fun -- Walk With Me; It's a Freak Show Up There," and its "sequel," "More Skywalk Stories."

Friday, January 26, 2007

Must love dogs...


Netflix NOW: "Carnivale"

Most HBO series are treasures in themselves -- it's hard to say if "Six Feet Under" could ever be topped -- but "Carnivale" is really something else. As I just finished the last disc of season one (of two), I was "quite displeased" to find out it was axed by HBO* when series creator Daniel Knauf had a six-year plan for the show.

This is a travesty. Why must all good shows go the way of "Arrested Development" -- gunned down right when they're starting to solidify a devoted following?

I know you feel my pain, so check out this great resource ...




*Until a Google search, this naive reporter man just assumed the show had run its course.

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

While not a horribly prolific week, I nonetheless remain satisfied with the results. (Hey, how's that for enthusiasm!)

Kidding aside, I got to cover one of those feel good stories that community newspapers are known for ("Ordean Foundation honors Mentor Duluth match"), an artist's work of great interest to me ("Mark Ryan: Lester Park’s golden boy") and a return to writing columns ("Mini-Eminems and the P.O.S. concert review that never was").

I'm upset I had to miss the P.O.S. show, but I think the article does a good job of explaining why I couldn't stay. (I still have nightmares about the boys' horrible fashion sense....)

On deck: a great program to help the elderly citizens of Lincoln Park, a new UMD play being directed by one of the best teachers in the entire Midwest (no joke), a CD review of the new Low album, possibly a new "Discover Duluth" series, my story about the DAA's proposed cutting down of old-growth trees near its Sky Harbor Airport (which was nixed for this week because no one would speak out against the plan) and -- if I'm not completely broken down -- an opinion column lampooning all those goofy new laws being proposed by Northlanders down in St. Paul.

Whew, that was just exhausting to list off.

As always, if you read anything this week, let me know what you think.

Cheers!

Friday, January 19, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 13: A nickel buys your favorite song


I just agreed to help deliver the Star Tribune to my fellow Duluthians early Sunday morning. (The Strib is offering its paper free for a weekend or two in an attempt to bolster Duluth subscriptions.) Anyway, it will be practically pre-morning (4 a.m.) when I arrive at the DNT to pick up the stash. I only tell you this because apparently I've gone nuts, and this may be my last communication with anyone outside of my new, padded "bedroom."

"Cover art" taken during a freak snowstorm near Broomfield, Colo., before my shift at Verizon roughly a year ago.

1. The Wrens - "Faster Gun"
Tonight these guys are playing a benefit show in New York for Planned Parenthood, Roe on the Rocks, which I find interesting. What's not to love about Secaucus' finest?

2. Atmosphere - "Tears for the Sheep"
Speaking of Slug, have you seen his new video with P.O.S.?

3. Ozma - "Your Name"
The end of "Tears" segues nicely into slice of "mellow gold."

Why'd these guys have to break up? Weezer should've been the first to go!

4. The Polyphonic Spree - "Mental Cabaret"
While nothing will probably ever live up to their cover of Nirvana's "Lithium," this new material is as good as anything else they've done.

p.s. The Spree should come back to "Las Vegas" -- that was just surreal. (The musical guests are typically acts like the Black Eyed Peas, Jewel, etc.)

5. Sleeper - "Nice Guy Eddie"
To the casual listener (there I go again...), this sounds like just another number from Elastica's darling debut.

6. Pretty Girls Make Graves - "Bring It On Golden Pond"
File under: What ever happened to these guys? They started out so promising....

7. Combine - "Know Regrets"
Another one of those CMJ "finds" from early junior high. To be enjoyed at maximum levels, for sure.

8. Aqueduct - "Heart Design"
If my wife says this sounds like something they'd play on "Grey's Anatomy," I guess that means David Terry will be a rich boy soon enough.

9. Eddy Grant - "Electric Avenue"
Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza and Watering Hole. The Arvada one. It's for lovers. Where Fat Tire is legal. Pepperoni rolls. To die for. Slight intoxication. Good times.

10. Death Cab for Cutie - "Flustered/Hey Tomcat!"
I-94. Heading to St. Cloud. From Fargo. Best Friends Forever were gonna be in town. They were. Good show. Bad, bad blizzard way back.

OK, I'm done. (For now.)

11. The Gallows - "Side Street Shuffle"
In this weekend's paper, I likened this song to Lifter Puller tearing through certain points of the Beach Boys' catalog. And I was totally sober. I apologize.

12. Electric Light Orchestra - "Rockaria!"
I wish Jeff Lynne would teach me how to play this one.

13. Carmine - "Your Biggest Fan"
If you find this album anywhere outside of a bargain bin, take it up to the man and laugh in his face. Not that it's not worth more, but I can't say I would pay one cent more knowing what I know.

14. Brandon Wiard - "I'll Write These Songs"
This guy's really awesome, and he lives only two doors down (Michigan), and he's opened up for Mason Jennings, and, and, and ... I'm out of breath.

15. The Doobie Brothers - "It Keeps You Runnin'"
Last-minute filler is the best. I mean, it's not like you can go wrong with the Doobies!

You can?

No. Way.

Screw you, pigface ... don't tread on Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.

16. Black-eyed Snakes - "Rise Up" ("Green Fever 2003" vers.)
Personal apocalypse? Here's your soundtrack.

17. The Black Crowes - "Cosmic Friend"
I know you're only supposed to "get" stuff like this (or "Hey Tomcat!") if you're on LSD, but I like it anyway.

18. Orbit - "Medicine"
The weirdest thing happened to me one time in Fargo (come on, everybody, all together now: "How weird was it, Matt?") ... err, anyway, it was weird: I met someone else that liked Orbit. I [expletive deleted] you not. Before him (I think his name was Troy something*, worked at UPS with me), I hadn't even met someone else who had ever heard of them!

Like all good tales, his girlfriend moved to California and, against his parents' wishes, he followed.

That actually sounds a lot like a plot for a good Orbit video.... I mean, I'm sure their record label would greenlight it if they found at least ... five other fans.

19. The Plastic Constellations - "Smallest Skyline"
TPC rocks the party that rocks the party-party. I sure wish they were playing with P.O.S. tonight -- that would be totally kewl.**

20. Charlie Parr - "Bullfrog Blues" ("Green Fever 2003" vers.)
I don't think Charlie likes me anymore (I called him "disgustingly humble" in the Budgeteer), but I hope I'm just being paranoid. He's one of the most talented musicians these ears will ever hear and -- bonus! -- he's one of the few musicians that would actually make for a good neighbor.

How's that for a Minnesota Nice compliment, eh?

21. The Doors - "The Soft Parade"
I think it's kind of sad when people get down on the Doors. This song (and album) was great. A nine-minute epic that doesn't suck? That's rare.

Very nice percussion throughout, too -- the "best part of the trip," as Jim might say.

22. OK Go - "Let it Rain"
A good closer for any season. Terrific.

*I want to say Algar, but I must let you know I've watched "Wayne's World" at least 300 times.
**In an effort to attract younger readers, I decided to start using words that make me sound as if I graduated from the University of North Dakota.***
***Oh, snap.

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

I was really happy with everything I did this week (this may be a first, so take note!): a feature on Lake Superior Brewing Company, "The business of being Duluth’s lone microbrewery," one on the world's finest crayon artist, "Don Marco: A career built on Crayola," reviews of two excellent local discs, "Gallows, State Champs lead off ‘year of Duluth,'" and the latest in my photo essay series highlighting interesting places around the region, "Discover Duluth: Grassy Point Trail."

Aside from a review of P.O.S.'s show at Luce tonight, I'm not really sure what's coming up for next week.

Oh well, if you read 'em, let me know what you think. Cheers!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 12: ... And I like 'em pretty bright


I know it seems like all I blog about is mix tapes, but if making mix tapes is all I do with free time in "real life," then it's only fitting, right? Right? And, no, it's not sad.


OK ... kind of. But it's not like I haven't contemplated kicking journalism for my "great" return to radio, but then -- oh yeah -- I remember back to my DJ days and how ... *sob* no one ever listened. Like always, it looks like I'm making mix tapes for an audience of one. (Ha!)


Anywho, here's the latest treats to grace my speakers. "Cover art" is from my deck in Fargo, circa 2005.
1. P.O.S. - "Stand Up (Let's Get Murdered)"
In an imaginary clash of the titans between producers the RZA and Ant, this would be the soundtrack. Am excited for the show at Luce Friday night.

2. Lifter Puller - "I Like the Lights"
I was slow to get into early LFTR PLLR, but this one will make a convert out of anybody.

"... And I like 'em pretty bright."

3. Mason Jennings - "Ulysses"
Songs about books? Usually a pass, but Mason pulls it off.

4. Rogue Wave - "Bird on a Wire"
Do yourself a favor next time you're down at the Fetus: Pick up everything by these guys. Their catalog is consistent, through and through -- even their Buddy Holly cover on "Stubbs the Zombie"!

5. Deckard - "What Reason"
This group's highly refined melodies soar -- could easily pass for something on the two "Grosse Pointe Blank" soundtracks.

6. Nada Surf - "Firecracker"
A Middle Eastern-esque intro segues into a wall of sweet-sounding guitars. Brilliant. And yet they remained criminally overlooked until their third proper album.

Where is the shame?

7. Tommy Stinson - "Couldn't Wait"
It's songs like this that help us forget he plays in a band with the world's biggest tool.

Why, Tommy? Didn't your mother warn you about boys like Axl? No good!

8. M.I.A. - "URAQT"
In a strange move, this utterly infectious big beat M.I.A. track wasn't included on her debut album until it was released in America. Usually it's the other way around, like everywhere else in the world getting the good Strokes cover....

9. Sense Field - "Love Song"
A tune for the ladies? I guess that could be said about the next three tracks, but I love them all.

10. Madonna - "Borderline"
I blame this inclusion on my mother and my sister, who were always making me listen to Madonna and Janet Jackson as a youngster. Oh well, best shut up and dance if I know what's good for me.

11. Motion City Soundtrack - "Hold Me Down"
I know it's cool for MPLS people to reject bands like MCS (and the Stereo before them), but I can't get enough of this group. Both times I've seen them (in Seattle and Englewood, Colo.) were excellent, so much fun.

12. Of Montreal - "She's a Rejecter"
This channels Elastica in much the same way Elastica used to channel Wire. It's not plagiarism, it's flattery, and it makes me want to blush for having confused this group for Joan of Arc until ... late 2006. For shame.

13. The Amps - "Tipp City"
The Dandies were right. Everyone wants a girl as cool as Kim Deal.

Who else could pull off a song like this and make it seem ... easy?

14. Pulp - "Mis-Shapes"
I wanted to say these guys were "dastardly," but a quick conversation with Google confirms what I most feared: That makes no sense.

15. Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel - "Further Along"
The best comparison I can come up with for Fermin: She is the American Neko Case. Lovely, innit?

16. Money Mark - "Too Like You"
I love R.E.M.'s "Reveal." To death, actually. (Long story.) Anyway, this is eerily similar, so it should be no surprise that it made the cut.

17. Mollycoddle - "Cosmic Dancer" (T. Rex cover)
It's easy to screw up T. Rex, so bravo, bravo.

18. Pavement - "Billie"
Am I in the wrong, or did latter-day Pavement kick earlier recordings to the curb? I should watch my back, because this revelation is on par with my argument that Guided by Voices' hi-fi recordings are far superior to their lo-fi ones.

Didn't win a lot of friends with that one, either.

19. .38 Special - "Teacher, Teacher"
This was a last-minute inclusion to the mix, but with it this mix became "perfect" (i.e. 79:59, the full capacity of my CD-Rs).

20. The Pixies - "Rock Music"
These guys rock. So hard. Another group (like Of Montreal) that I was told I would like way before I got into them -- I hit the Pixies hard come 12th grade in and around Crosby, Minn.

21. Toadies - "Mexican Hairless"
Funny. Did I ever tell you the one about when I saw the Toadies on their last tour when they stopped at First Avenue? After the band I was lucky enough to meet the band. What do I do? Thank them for playing "Where is My Mind?" Yeah....

To my defense, though, at that moment in time A) it didn't look like the Pixies would ever play together again and B) no one knew it was the Toadies' last tour.

22. The Glands - "Straight Down"
"Me" tested, David Cross approved. (Watch "Let America Laugh.")

23. Dealership - "Endless Affair"
I would feel a whole lot better about the world if I ran into another Dealership fan who didn't hear about them through me.

Am I some fluke?

Please don't answer that.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 11: Mark Mallman Rules, OK?*

Mark Mallman made history in '99 with "Marathon 1," a 26.2-hour song -- performed live at St. Paul's Turf Club. Amazingly, he returned in '04 to record "Marathon 2," which clocked in at a staggering 52.4 hours. (Peter S. Scholtes chronicled that experience terrifically for "Complicated Fun," his City Pages blog.)

But I'm hear to tell you he's more than just another nugget of Minnesota trivia ... he's the man.

Since I completed my Mallman discography Wednesday at the Fetus, I thought I'd share his "greatest hits."

("Cover art" taken Jan. 31, 2006, in my Federal Heights, Colo., apartment with a Sony DSC-H1. By the way, today I finally replaced my Colorado plates with Minnesota ones -- officially ending the longest, most expensive vacation I ever took. Cheers!)

1. "Besides the B-sides"
"Substances" is the song that really roped me in originally, but this little gem -- which I found on a Crisp Songs sampler on eMusic -- is just beyond words. Wonderful (X3).

2. "Substances"
His hit single. If you have a secret stash of Billy Joel records, there's nothing to argue about: You will love this song. And even if you don't secretly love the Piano Man, you'll still like it ... I just like to pretend I'm not the only one who thinks "My Life" -- had I actually been born four years premature -- rocked 1978 the most.

3. "Dear Glory" (Mark Mallman and Vermont)
So this is what the Promise Ring would've sounded like had Mallman stuck around Milwaukee. Anyway, it's interesting to hear him and Davey VonBohlen working together. By the way, the harmonica? Bittersweet.

4. "Natural Blues (live)" (Moby cover)
I was never really fond of the original, but this one's groove-y enough.

5. "Persuasion"
As I mentioned previously, this combines the best elements of the Traveling Wilburys records. In the running with "Substances" for most accessible Mallman track.

6. "Still Wasted"
A half-ballad? Either way, this guy is on fire!

7. "Life Between Heartbeats"
It's funny (sort of...), this song's piano intro could easily sneak its way onto Moby's "Play." That image takes a backseat after the acoustic strumming and gentle percussion rolls in, though.

8. "Symphony No. 9 in D Minor Op. 125 - Fourth Movement" (Mark Mallman and Vermont)
Hands down, the best 18.8-second song I know.

9. "Too Hot" (Mark Mallman and Vermont)
This one's more a showcase of VonBohlen's fragile allure, but just another reason to go snatch up this joint effort. Nice harmonica. Again.

10. "True Love"
A stomper. Interesting skirt lyric.

11. "I'm Over You" (Ben Connelly feat. Mark Mallman)
Mark's contribution is more in the background, but it's a great song and, per my conversation with him for the Budgeteer, it's really because of Ben that I decided to check out Mark's music in the first place.

12. Unlisted track on "Live from First Avenue, Minneapolis"
This is great. I'm not really sure what it is, but it sounds like an outtake from "Pet Sounds." And that is always a good thing.

13. "16 Animals"
A little bit INXS, a little bit Har Mar, a little bit ... Jesus Jones? Don't let that last one scare you, though, this is a pulsing pleasure cruise. (OK, OK, I promise never to utter that phrase ever again....)

14. "Midnight Man"
Is it wrong to label this "blue-collar rock"? No offense to anyone, but it just seems to fit.

15. "Ghost to Ghost"
Hey, the first titled song in his entire catalog! This no novelty selection, though: I reckon this has to be his first great track.

16. "Death Wish"
This song doesn't make a whole lot of sense until :31, so stick with it. Oh, I'm sorry, you don't have some form of ADD?

17. "Love Look at You (live)"
Does that guitar part not scream late-period Beatles?

18. "Clockwork Hangover"
My computer had this song as being untitled, but "Clockwork Hangover" makes a lot of sense. Nice instrumental.

19. "Anesthesia"
The most anyone has sounded like Sponge's second album since ... um ... why did they start sucking after album No. 3, anyway? I miss them.

20. "Love Look at You"

I would like to say this studio version made the cut because it would give new listeners to compare and contrast against the live cut, but, more accurately, I'm an idiot and didn't notice my error. But it is interesting, no? The guitars sound decidedly less Beatles here.

21. "I Just Want to Play Piano"
There's a lot going on here. Be brave.

22. "Hardcore Romantics"
Here too. Really nice harmony on this one. It kind of sounds like a summer night for soon-to-be sixth-graders. (?)

Both excellent, though.

23. "Simply in the Distance"
Mark sounds a little scraggly at first, but this is probably the most beautiful track he's put to tape.

24. "Outside the Castle"
Ah, yes, the sound of losing yourself (not getting lost, mind you ... well, maybe a little) on Highway 61 northbound. The "UFOs are landing!" soundscape are a nice touch too -- reminds me of my darling ELO.

*Original title: "Matt's Mini Mark Mallman Marathon Mix"

Shameless Budgeteer Plug No. 9

Wow, what a week. Monday was a day I'll remember my entire life. I got to follow around Mayor Herb Bergson for the entire day. And, on top of that, it was the day of his final* State of the City address, so it was quite interesting. The results can be found in the story "A day in the life of Mayor Bergson" and its accompanying photo gallery. (Check out the view from that office!)

As expected, my favorite entry (7:43 a.m. Shoot, I’m a little early. I was really hoping my first entry would’ve been “8:05 a.m. -- Arrive five minutes late. Introduce self as ‘Matt from the News Tribune.’”) was the one that was cut.

Anyway, my contributions to the paper were rounded out by "Duluth: A two-cellist kind of town?" (about Josh Aerie** and his Sunday Musicales series at Torke Café) and some book reviews, "Making Karl Marx proud and Minnesota (Not) Nice revisited."

For next week, I'm working on a Lake Superior Brewing Company feature, a CD review of the Gallows' new album (which might be a joint affair with the new State Champs record, I'm not sure), a feature on Duluth's only (the world's only?) crayon artist and ... an undisclosed "Discover Duluth" photo essay. I've been getting some great feedback on that series, so that makes me really happy.

*As he would lead us to believe.
**I don't like to applaud my own endeavors, but my portrait of Aerie was probably the highest quality shot I've snapped for the Budge. I am quite proud!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 10

It's hard to do any "work" when I know the "Transformers" trailers are out, but I'll try.... I would say my childhood is making a full-tilt comeback, but the "TMNT" looks pretty lame. Anyway, the shot to the right was taken somewhere in Colorado roughly 10.5 months ago. Good times!

1. Sloan - "Gimme That"
Big surprise, right? A Sloan stomper in the pole position. At least it's good for you.

2. For Squirrels - "8:02 PM"
The song that got me hooked way back when.

3. Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel - "Is That All?"
This will be forever linked in my mind with driving across the South Shore to the U.P. I love that piece of the country.

p.s. AFTG's new album is going to drop soon, and I couldn't be more excited!

4. P.O.S. - "Yeah Right (Science Science)"
This only makes me miss Building Better Bombs even more. Either way, I look forward to Stef's show at Luce. Here's just one reason.

5. Dirt McGirt feat. Pharrell - "Pop Sh*t"
R.I.P.

6. The Pixies - "Manta Ray"
Why was this only a B-side? Was it because of Black Francis' ape sounds?

7. Aqueduct - "Frantic (Roman Polanski Version)"
It's funny, I dropped the ball on picking up this record for the longest time, but now I won't let it out of my sight.

Shh ... Aqueduct's sleeping right now.

Anyway, new record next month, "Or Give Me Death." Free samples NOW.

8. The French Kicks - "Roller"
If loofahs somehow had the magical power to turn to song....

9. Hot Hot Heat - "Goodnight Goodnight"
This would've killed at Budokan.

10. Heatmiser - "Still"
Elliott Smith's first group is great, but the intros on songs like this sound really dated. At least they turn themselves around and start kicking in your speakers.

11. The Hold Steady - "You Gotta Dance (With Who You Came With)"
Everyone should love handclaps.

12. Violent Femmes - "I Hate the TV"
I must be playing the role of "Intro Man" tonight because ... doesn't this one's sound awfully similar to something Rush did?

13. The State Champs - "For the Captain"
This will be a good year for the Duluth scene. Just look at how it's starting. There's this, which is getting distribution help from none other than Secretly Canadian, and ...

14. Low - "Hatchet"
the band that needs no introduction and ...

15. The Gallows - "Class Hill Station"
fresh off the success of their highly celebrated contribution to "Treasure Chest," Marc Gartman's latest crowning achievement.

16. Mark Mallman - "Persuasion"
This was apparently lost somewhere between the first and third Traveling Wilburys records. Nice work. Now come to Duluth as promised.

17. Maritime - "Calm"
Two parts Promise Ring, one part Dismemberment Plan ... all good.

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)

18. Neko Case - "Lady Pilot"
I love this lady.

19. R.E.M. - "Tongue"
Why was everyone so down on "Monster"? I celebrate it in its entirety. (We're not counting "Kind of Comedy," right?)

20. 764-HERO - "Stained Glass"
An essential to any collection. Too bad they didn't get more recognition.

21. M.I.A. - "Galang (South Rakkas Remix)"
Man, I am such a sucker for female Brits (yes, I know she's new there) who like to rap.

22. Klaxons - "Atlantis to Interzone"
This is bizarre stuff, but I dig its urgency.

23. Of Montreal - "The Party's Crashing Us"
This one sounds like someone tried to shove Sloan into an NES. (How many times can I compare these guys to Sloan before someone else writes in and agrees?)

24. Electric Light Orchestra - "Strange Magic"
Skip the single version. The string intro (there I go again...) is where it's at.

25. The Get Up Kids - "The Dark Night of the Soul"
This phrase was muttered on "Big Love," which just happens to be my latest obsession -- alongside "Carnivale." (I really like what Clea DuVall brings to ... everything.)

The Budgeteer: Somewhere Between Billboard Magazine and The Boston Globe

This just about made my month. Storyhill's sublime self-titled release from late last year (see my year-end Top 10) will soon be rereleased by St. Paul's Red House Records. In anticipation of this, a standard press release was sent out to media outlets. That's fine and all, but it included lines from my original review a few months back. Not only that, but they were sandwiched between those of Billboard and The Boston Globe!

I was somewhat disappointed, however, when the rest of the staff here didn't join me in my impromptu performance of "Movin' on Up."

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 9

OK, I've been sitting on this mix tape for far too long (no, it hasn't hatched...). I would like to provide a track-by-track preview of the new Low album before it's "old news," so I must shoulder through this. (The accompanying photo is an outtake from the "Discover Duluth: Congdon Park" outing Jan. 1.)

1. Weezer - "American Gigolo"
I like the way this song makes its presence known. And "Keep on / Keep on" crawls under your skin (in the most delightful way possible).

2. Ash - "Won't Be Saved"
This wasn't necessarily a "new" direction for Ash, but from them, that's A-OK. At least they're not regressing to the sound of their first album.

3. R.E.M. - "Leaving New York"
I think I was too harsh on the "Around the Sun" album when it was released in '04. This is a damn (same-y) good song. They may suffer from the "Ash disease," but at least they're keeping the botched rapper collabs to every 13 years. (Ha!)

4. The Amps - "I Am Decided"
For the longest time, I was putting up with a scratched-to-[expletive deleted] copy of "Pacer." What the "H" is wrong with me? This is probably the best song to be released in '95. (Yes, it appears I'm stuck in a time warp tonight.)

5. Beulah - "Gene Autry"
Know what's funny? I know this song was used on NBC's craptastic "Friday Night Lights." You see, I have this disorder that forces me to keep a muted TV on when I'm listening to music (and alternately piss off hippies, but that's another story all together). Anyway, I glanced over one evening and my CC bug was buzzing about this song being featured when some hokey actors were driving around in a truck. Strange, innit? (Full disclosure: My "Beulah Saves" T-shirt is one of my prized possessions and, similarly, I like bragging about interviewing Miles for one of my desktop publications.)

6. The Rentals feat. Petra Haden - "Keep Sleeping"
I purchased "Seven More Minutes" sometime in high school. While the year's uncertain, I know it was a Circuit City in Las Vegas -- of all places. It was great. I had a lot of Christmas money, and I didn't want to go to the mall, so I got dropped off with a mission: Blow all of it. It was something like $150, so I loaded up on the Rentals' two albums, the Clash's entire catalog and Steely Dan's "Can't Buy a Thrill." It was bliss.

7. Track Star - "Something to Do"
These guys are really terrific. Kind of a subdued approach, like Death Cab, but definitely more "rock" in these guys' diets.

8. Air - "Surfing on a Rocket"
I really, really wish the teenaged version of me -- the one that so "adored" White Zombie -- could look in at me now, enjoying the subtle nuances of France's Air.

9. Gay Dad - "Joy!"
With this song, the ! is actually warranted. (And, not that anyone cares, but this is a front runner for appearing on highest number of my mix tapes. Just this song, too, because I can't for the life of me remember anything else Gay Dad did.)

10. The Sights - "Scratch My Name in Sin"
I feel so stupid. When the Sounds' new album came out, I was super-excited because it was getting rave reviews and I LOVE this song and this album. But -- oh yeah -- this is the Sights. People have got to be more creative with their band names....

11. J Church - "Where the Trains Go"
The first time I heard J Church was on "Honest Don's Welcome Wagon," a compilation I found in the bargain bin at a Fargo pawn shop. Isn't that sad? The bargain bin at a pawn shop? Anyway, "Alone When She Dies" blew me away. I didn't get that feeling again from J Church until I ran across the "One Mississippi" album and this track. It's amazing.

12. KRS-One - "Let 'em Have It"
Hey, he survived his R.E.M. collab. Do you think Q-Tip can survive his?

Just kidding, "Galvanize" with the Chemical Brothers (and, now, beer commercials!) has changed my life. On a number of occassions.

13. Goldfrapp - "Strict Machine (Sasha's We are Glitter Mix)"
This is hot. I know dorky journalists can't say that, but I did. Please don't take away my access to a keyboard.

14. Prince - "Kiss"
This is hot too. (See, I'm unstoppable!)

15. Sloan - "Keep on Thinkin'"
If only everyone else in the entire world knew how much Sloan means to me, then I wouldn't have to put them on every single mix tape.

16. The Rakes - "22 Grand Job"
Another faceless (pretty much nameless too) member of the latest British invasion, but, per usual, it's really catchy. Undeniable fun, just undeniable faceless fun.

17. Sunday's Best - "The Try"
Who are these guys? Seriously, how did they get on my mix tape? It's pretty good, but there's no saying where I found it. A pickle, for sure.

18. Steely Dan - "Peg"
Of course, this selection was inspired by Best Friends Forever's masterful telling of this ancient fable at Diorama-rama 2.

Right, that was a while ago now....

19. Chris Smither - "Origin of Species"
Funny stuff. This sounds like a Charlie Parr knockoff, but it comes highly recommended by Rolling Stone. (And that's the first time I've said that since ... ... ... ever?)

20. Violent Femmes - "Out of the Window"
Straight outta Milwaukee. I always get a kick out of these guys, especially after I heard they played a show in a University of Minnesota Twin Cities parking ramp. Yeah!

21. Maximo Park - "Once, a Glimpse"
Oh, hey, remember what I was saying about nameless, faceless Brit acts? Here's another. Similarly fun, though, so it warrants inclusion.

22. Pushover -"Pitiful"
Rising from the tortured* ska ashes of Mealticket comes this wonderful project ... that's probably already ashes itself now. Considering my record collection is scattered throughout time -- and what's "new" to the bargain bins of America isn't necessarily new-new. Yadig?

23. The Kickovers - "Fake in Love"
Similarly, this group was founded by a former member of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Desptie somehow owning two of their records, I kind of hate that band -- so I'm glad I didn't possess this information when I picked up the Kickovers' excellent "Osaka" from Cheapo in Moorhead a year back.

24. Everclear - "Pennsylvania is..."
Wrong.

Hey, do you remember when Everclear actually mattered? Everything Art did before "So Much for the Afterglow" was great -- especially Colorfinger's "Deep in the Heart of the Beast in the Sun," which I possess an original** copy of. Don't get me wrong; there were moments of greatness until the last two albums (like "Local God"), but the man just kind of fizzled, no?

*OK, not really. Poetic, though, isn't it?
**I hope, anyway.

File Under: How Duluth Am I?

So I'm recovering from a day spent with the mayor (on State of the City day, no less) and what comes in my mail? A review copy of Low's "Drums and Guns" -- not to be released until March 20.

I'm so excited ... I might vomit!

Friday, January 5, 2007

Shameless Budgeteer Plug No. 8

Another short week, with only enough output to look lazy! But there's some good stuff: "Catching up with Duluth’s online community," a story I've meant to do for some time (many thanks to Mark Ryan for the splendid photo), the second installment in my beloved photo essay series, "Discover Duluth: Congdon Park," and a chance to interview one of the three lovely sisters in QuinnElizabeth, "Making mama proud (three times over): A Q-and-A with Elizabeth Christianson of Wisconsin’s sister folk trio QuinnElizabeth."

As always, if you read them, please let me know what you think!

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

File Under: Ouch!

As an employee of the Budgeteer, I receive the newsletter put out by one of the leading daily newspapers in Duluth.*

The recent edition included a quick ad announcing employee subscription rates. Swell, I thought, dirt cheap. I quickly called them up and said, "Sign me up." I was told I would have to stop in at their offices and sign some payroll-deduction forms. Fine. The whole process only took a few minutes.

But when I get back to our offices, there's a message on my phone saying I'm not employed directly through them, so no go.

Not a problem, but then the lady explains to me, in the nicest possible way, that I am eligible to get my paper -- a free paper -- at a discounted rate because I am an employee.

I don't know if I should laugh or cry!

*Come on, use your noggins.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 8: Best of Beaner's

Since 2001*, Beaner's Central has been releasing live CDs. And, save for 2005, I've collected 'em all: "Best of 2001" and volumes one through three of "One Week Live." ("Cover art" taken at Congdon Park New Year's Day for an upcoming installment of my "Discover Duluth" photo essay series in the Budgeteer.)


Here's the best of what I've found:


1. Mr. Lindquist - "In Addition"
This guy never gets old.

2. Black-eyed Snakes - "Honey"
Sublime Moby cover.

3. Pete Ekstam - "The Lines"
I like this song, I do, but its inclusion is more of an "I'm sorry for the infamous review of Onatangent's last show in The Statesman" kind of gesture.

4. Black Labels - "Unknown"**
This is really cliche, but this sounds like it was beamed to Beaner's from the great Quentin Tarantino jukebox in the sky -- although I really don't think anyone involved in this comparison is dead.

5. Father Hennepin - "John's Song"
This is good, real good. I should probably get these guys' album.

6. Haley Bonar - "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy"
Sadly, no Big & Rich cover here.

OK, kidding ... that's the last thing I need: "That dork from the Budgeteer hearts the country/rap exploitation of little people."

7. Martin Devaney - "Landlord's Daughter"
According to the Wiki Monster, Martin Devaney is a footballer currently playing for Barnsley F.C. Wait a second....

(I hate it too. The most popular Matt Perrine on Google was called a "Tuba Monster"*** by NewOrleansNightcrawlers.com. What the hell does that even mean?)

8. Ballyhoo - "Forever"
When I lived in Fargo (don't ask) for about four years, it made me a little sad each time I found a Ballyhoo CD in the bargain bins at Moorhead's Cheapo. It's jam-y, sure, but it's good. It must be, because I do more than tolerate it.

9. Both - "You're Such a Bore"
I'm glad Greg Cougar Conley pursued his solo career, but this works too.

10. No Room to Pogo - "Good Times"
Despite all the hurricanes and death and W. not caring about black people, OMNIMAX's "Hurricane on the Bayou" had some feel good gems on its soundtrack. Point? This could've made the cut.

11. Charlie Parr - "1922"
I'm still waiting for Parr to release a bad record. This can't go on forever, can it?

12. Ben Weaver - "Cold House"
This guy could be rich. But, of course, that would mean selling his soul to the Ying Yang Twins like Maroon 5's Adam Levine.

(I'm sorry, but that's probably the saddest money-grabbin' collaboration these eyes have seen. Pathetic. And I still love Kara's Flowers!)

13. Dukes of Hubbard - "Anne Marie"
Hint: If you want to make any Duluth mix tape, just mention our city within the first couple of lines. See, easy as pie.

14. Sight Like December - "Doot Doot Do Do Doot"
Who are these guys? And can they play at the Budgeteer's next Neil Diamond Day party?

15. Trampled by Turtles - "School Bus Driver"
No one needs any help liking these guys. Next.

16. Jerree Small - "Trap Door"
Does anyone know where a guy could get a really good trap door? I knew this rental property was lacking something. Besides size. (It's comically small.)

17. The Alrights - "I'm So Great"
Me too. We'd probably get along swell.

18. Accident Clearinghouse - "Lonely, Broken-Hearted Fools"
While they'll never top "Bird on the Wing" (don't worry, few could), this is a nice attempt.

19. Muldoons - "Bottomless Town"
This is really swell. I do hope their albums are easy to find.

20. I.P.A. - "Barricades"
A little long for my tastes, but the "Promise me you won't tell a soul" bridge is incendiary.

21. Mr. Lindquist - "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven"
I'm pretty sure this is a take on the Love and Rockets classic.** Either way, it's a nice way to end this here album. (Love the line "The Ripsaw music critic with a grudge.")

*To the best of my knowledge.
**Unfortunately, my version of "Best of Beaner's 2001" came without a track list. If you have any information on this album, please leave a comment.
***Know what's really sad? I used to play the tuba. From grades 5 to 12. Yeah.

Story in the key of 'X'

"They said it was a weather balloon /
I know the truth / I know the whole shebang."

--Soul Coughing, "Unmarked Helicopters"

*******

from CNN.com...

FAA blames UFO report on weird weather

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- -- Federal officials say it was probably just some weird weather phenomenon, but a group of United Airlines employees swear they saw a mysterious, saucer-shaped craft hovering over O'Hare Airport in November.
The workers, some of them pilots, said the object didn't have lights and hovered over an airport terminal before shooting up through the clouds, according to a report in Monday's Chicago Tribune.
The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged that a United supervisor had called the control tower at O'Hare, asking if anyone had spotted a spinning disc-shaped object. But the controllers didn't see anything, and a preliminary check of radar found nothing out of the ordinary, FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory said.
"Our theory on this is that it was a weather phenomenon," Cory said. "That night was a perfect atmospheric condition in terms of low (cloud) ceiling and a lot of airport lights. When the lights shine up into the clouds, sometimes you can see funny things."
The FAA is not investigating, Cory said.
United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said company officials don't recall discussing any such incident from November 7.
At least one O'Hare controller, union official Craig Burzych, was amused by it all.
"To fly 7 million light years to O'Hare and then have to turn around and go home because your gate was occupied is simply unacceptable," he said.

Monday, January 1, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 7: Disc Go Round ‘Finds’

Since my perfect Duluth New Year’s Eve plans were squashed by heavy rain (which turned into all-out slush and, eventually, troublesome wet snow) and a bothersome cold, I decided to kill some time at Disc Go Round, one of my favorite former places of employment. While not all of these tunes are from today’s expedition, many are. Seventeen CDs for 30-some bucks? Not bad at all. (The accompanying “cover art” is a self portrait shot today in my kitchen.)


1. Matthew Sweet – “Where You Find Love”
Many of Sweet’s compositions are blasé, mild mannered and just kind of bleed together, but he cranked up the glorious fuzz for this tight and infectious space anthem.

2. Prince – “Life ‘O’ the Party”
It’s nice to see Prince selling records again.Spare me the porno reactions.)

3. Wilco – “Theologians”
“Theologians / They don’t know nothing / About my soul.”

Wilco, honey? Please come back to Duluth.

4. Electric Light Orchestra – “Four Little Diamonds”
One of the last additions to my ELO master collection, 1983’s “Secret Messages” is a bit of an enigma. You’re pretty much conditioned to believe it’s going to suck as bad as Ali G’s full-length movie, but it doesn’t. Not even close. And – bonus! – this one made the cut for one of those “Grand Theft Auto” soundtracks.

5. Hot Rod Circuit – “Consumed by Laziness”
Likewise, HRC is quickly dismissed by many as “just another emo band.” While that statement is at least 85 percent true, they have a few great rock songs, like this one. Labels be damned.

6. Iffy – “Can-O-Cope (Freddy Fresh Mix)”
This is probably way too “hot summer night” for this weekend’s slushy grayness, but these guys disappeared way too fast, and that kind of sucks. But hey, at least they got to sell out to Kmart before the end.

7. Greg Cougar Conley – “Lonely in L.A.”
I moved on past “Billy Bumblebee” … aren’t you proud of me? “Lonely” finds Conley channeling Greg Dulli – pre-“Powder Burns,” of course, because that’s when his voice took a scratchy nosedive one toke over the line.

And, since it's moody and the City of Angels is referenced in the slightest, I’m going to have to say this would’ve fit in perfectly on the “Mulholland Drive” soundtrack.

8. Radio 4 – “This is Not a Test”
Strong percussion worthy of Blur’s “Think Tank.” An urgent, perky bass line Elastica (R.I.P.) would die for. A cowbell. Or at least something that sounds a lot like a cowbell. What’s not to love?

9. Cosmo Vitelli – “Alias”
I bought this “budget-priced” album simply because it was on Astralwerks. Guess what? Per usual, I wasn’t let down. Even that label’s forgotten releases are full of gold. I can really see Placebo fans getting into this track.

10. Songs: Ohia – “Nervous Bride”
More classic rock masquerading as indie rock. I love it. (Let’s just say Neil Young’s influence becomes more and more apparent with each Jason Molina release.)

11. Midtown – “Like a Movie”
Midtown suffers from the same plague as Hot Rod Circuit, except that these guys are far more consistent because – believe me, this is all speculation – they incorporate that ’80s FM rock sound that no one (except maybe my wife and I) will admit to absolutely adoring.

12. Sebadoh – “Rebound”
Aside from Robert Pollard, Lou Barlow is probably the most inconsistent songwriter in my record collection. But, as the Guided by Voices story goes, when this guy hits it, he really hits it. This single’s EP is worth seeking out.

13. The Promise Ring – “Best Looking Boys”
This song probably wasn’t written about me, but I can dream a little dream, can’t I? (Ha!)

14. The Minus 5 – “Emperor of the Bathroom (video mix)”
Not too many of this collective’s tracks sound the same, but that’s quite all right. This early “hit” benefits from the presence of the Posies’ Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer. Pretty tame compared to some of this year’s songs from the group, but quite enjoyable – jangly and loose like Wilco’s early records.

15. Love as Laughter – “Margaritas”
I actually hate much of this group’s output, but I still buy their records because … well, here’s the part where I admit that I have an addiction to buying music. But it’s more than that: It’s for songs like this. Each LAL release comes packed with a few.

16. Five-Eight – “Shouldn’t Be Here”
These guys are actually pretty decent, but they’re plagued by two very important issues: much of their artwork is crap (no joke) and the fact that all of their albums are always in the bargain bins kind of devalues the entire experience.

It’s not like in Denver, where I picked out a rare Sean Na Na release at Second Spin – that was good fortune. Finding a Five-Eight CD in those bins is, sadly, expected.

17. Ash – “Taken Out”
Ah, yes, another excellent Ash B-side that’s only available on – you guessed it – a $20 single. (Thanks, DGR, for not caring what items are currently going for on Amazon.com.)

18. Poststardom Depression – “Suntan Lotion”
This is an exercise in parallel ministries (if you will). Take a sleazy-sounding singer and put the best strings this side of “The Big Chill” behind him, and “Suntan Lotion” is born.

19. Sloan – “Everything You’ve Done Wrong”
How does this always happen? Every time I find myself living in Duluth (yes, all two of them), I just happen to be completely enamored with these lovable Canadians. Borderline obsessed, more accurately. Is it the relative proximity to the border?

But enough about me, this is the best Chicago-sounding song since the late ’70s – which is excellent news for closet Chicago fans (like me).

Right, sorry.

20. The Get Up Kids – “Mass Pike (live)”
Youngsters need more ivory in their diets.

21. Air – “Bathroom Girl”
Important people somewhere (elusive) say you can never go home again. Well, I did, and this is what I listened to. It was in “The Virgin Suicides,” sure, but it’s forever locked in my mind with that “transitional” month.

(By the way, please don’t take this as pandering to my local audience, but it really sucks living anywhere else in Minnesota when you know Duluth is just a few hours away. We may have our problems, but our city by the bay*, well, she’s a survivor.)

22. Idlewild – “Mistake Pageant”
I can’t say I was entirely “taken” by these guys when they opened up for Pearl Jam in Fargo, but they’ve really grown on me. This one will make you a believer too.

(Strangely, I wasn’t really “cuckoo” for Frank Black when he opened up for PJ back in ’98, either, but it’s probably no secret how I feel about him now: When I wasn’t being singled out in college for playing the role of “the guy who mentions his crush on Tina Fey at least once in each and every article he writes for the school paper,” I found time to fulfill my other “role”: “the guy who mentions his crush on the Pixies at least once in each and every article he writes for the school paper.”)

p.s. Eat your Ritter Sport Alpine milk chocolate. There is none higher.

*Tear? Journey lawsuit?