Monday, April 30, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 24: It's only a mountain

As my favorite plumber-as-superhero always says, "Here we go!"

1. Lolli Zan - "Ancient Girl"
It was only a matter of time before Duluth's Desert Caravan Dance Troupe rubbed off on me. Enter ill-fated attempts at male belly dancing and/or Lolli Zan's irresistible Middle Eastern-tinged pop/rock.

2. John Hermanson - "80s Party"
Sad fact: It wasn't until I heavily got into Storyhill that I discovered this gem from Johnny (aka one half of that tremendous duo). I originally found his self-titled solo disc whilst cleaning my office at NDSU's The Spectrum. Little did I know that, unlike Storyhill's precious Jayhawks-from-Montana sound, the mighty J.H. likes to occasionally rock out like "The Spine"-era They Might Be Giants. I personally guarantee that this track will have you singing and -- please excuse this moment of "hip to be square" but... -- be-boppin' around like you just don't care.

I am blushing, but I don't care. This song makes me giddy.

3. Fleetwood Mac - "That's All for Everyone"
I also got into this one -- also now one of my all-time "most favoritest" songs -- in a roundabout way. Growing up, I was never really into "The Mac," but I always thought the song "Tusk" had something going on. Fast-forward to roughly a month ago: I am rediscovering my vinyl collection (it was pretty much relegated to the scary, spider-filled basement in our last house) and come across "Tusk" the album. Now, I've enjoyed Camper Van Beethoven's complete rereading of it, but nothing could've prepared me for the back-to-back triumphs of "That's All" and "Not That Funny."

Needless to write, Lindsey Buckingham really outdid himself with his band's "Pet Sounds." Bravo!

4. Golden Smog - "Starman" (David Bowie cover)
These guys are infallible. I've said it before, but the Jayhawks breakup was hard on this (former) Minnesota boy -- yet I couldn't be happier about all the attention Golden Smog is getting these days. 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.

5. Electric Light Orchestra - "Jungle"
Although I've fancied myself an ELO aficionado for some time now, this song's brilliance escaped me for the longest time. It may be big, dumb rock, but so was "Ten." <- Yes, that's my entire argument.

R.I.Y.L. for fans of Three Dog Night -- especially "Shambala."

6. J Church - "Styrofoam"
What at first sounds remarkably like a "Big Me" rewrite quickly gels into J Church's most striking and emotive composition since 1996's "Alone When She Dies."

BONUS: It's oddly poetic for a band primarily popular in punk rock circles.


7. The Frames - "Underglass" (Live @ Lollapalooza 2006)
Now, what the Frames have done here -- ever so brilliantly, I might add -- is taken the most explosive track off "Burn the Maps" and pretty much blown the lid off it.

I really wish Duluth could book an act like this for Bayfront Festival Park....


8. The Push Stars - "Any Little Town"
I never expected much from the bargain-bin "Stop Handgun Violence," but the little comp* sure delivered with this introduction to Chris Trapper and company's "After the Party" album.

9. The SoftLightes - "The Robots in My Bedroom Were Playing Arena Rock"
Cool title, eh? Song's not that bad either, eh.

10. Josh Joplin - "One Becomes Two"
I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but Joplin's music perfectly evokes the feeling I first got when I heard R.E.M.'s criminally underappreciated "Reveal."

11. The National - "All the Wine"
I downloaded the entire album "Alligator" because someone said it was the National's "Pixies album." While that couldn't be further from the truth, it's beautiful nonetheless. Like a slightly less-polished Cinerama.

And how I love me my Cinerama!


12. Pleasant Grove - "Only a Mountain"
I'll admit; Pleasant Grove's quieter moments take awhile to get into, but this epic-in-waiting will blow you away when it finally peaks. This may be rather cliche to say, but it really resonates with a soundtrack feel -- and it's definitely "hip" enough to be featured on something like Showtime's "Weeds."

BEFORE I FORGET: I (HEART) Mary-Louise Parker ... et tu?

13. Dntel feat. Arthur & Yu - "The Distance"
I've already said enough here, so you've just gotta have faith in me, brother.

14. Brian Protheroe - "Fly Now"
Remember when 10cc blew you away with their hardcore soft-rock vibes? Well, I do (and unironically, to boot).

Anyway, this guy -- well, at least this particular track of his -- is just like that, except the masses never learned his name.

What a plain shame.

(p.s. He's since become somewhat of an actor.)

15. Baboon - "Circles"
Baboon's trend of melding its earlier, rawer sound into something magically delicious (no joke) continues with "Circles" and much of their latest, self-titled album. While not an "instant classic" like their last, "Something Good is Going to Happen to You," I'm sure it will be there upon second spin.

16. The Russian Futurists - "2 Dots on a Map"
This reminds me of the Avalanches, and that is always a good thing.

(On a strange sidenote, it could also easily pass as wedding music. Discuss.)


17. The Twelve Caesars (aka the Caesars) - "(I'm Gonna) Kick You Out"
Embarrassing story of the night: While listening to one of the nearly two dozen comps I purchased at Superior's Globe News last Friday, I found this little band the Twelve Caesars that sounded exactly like the Caesars.

...

WAIT.

FOR.

IT.

Same frickin' band. (I'm eternally the fool.)

18. The Fratellis - "3 Skinny Girls"
For a band so incredibly overrated as the Fratellis, this B-side is not bad. (Much more enjoyable than those blokes in the Arctic Monkeys, anyway.)

Perhaps C.K. would agree enough to deem them "rated" proper?

Perhaps.

19. Fields - "Heretic"
While the Fields are ineffective at branding, "Heretic" shows promise.

20. Firewater - "Green Light"
I always like Firewater's songs, but have never really gotten into a full album of theirs. <- Is anyone else finding this to be true?

21. Badfinger - "Andy Norris"
As with R.E.M.'s "Reveal," Badfinger's self-titled release is criminally overlooked. (That should be word enough to facilitate your next import-only CD purchase on Amazon.)

22. Frank Black and the Catholics - "King & Queen of Siam"
Frank Black is a god -- with or without those other Bostonians.

23. Dealership - "I Don't Want Your Love"
I will not rest until everyone I care about owns the three Dealership LPs. (And, with No. 4 on the radar, you best be hustling down to www.dealerkids.com.)

*Which, I'll admit, I purchased for "Kiss Me." But if that cute girl from Second Spin in Denver ever asks, it was for Cake's "Guitar" ... OK?**
**Oh, dammit, that would mean admitting I didn't already own "Prolonging the Magic" ... [BAD WORD]. I am so screwed.

Today's Moment of Zen: Failed Attempts of Stay-at-Home Copy Editors, Pt. 1

This anonymous "correction" -- courtesy of "Budgeteer Reader,"* who conveniently didn't leave a return address -- probably would've been more stinging had it actually been, you know, correct.


*All things considered, we should've known something was up when "Budgeteer" was misspelled on the envelope....

Friday, April 27, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Zoo pics, belly dancing, a new trail group and (even) more CD reviews

The lowdown this time around:

I took a bunch of pics for Jana's story "Zoo and City Get a Loud Wake-Up Call" -- including a full "Discover Duluth" series. (At least check out the "raging" Kingsbury Creek falls pic. I am quite proud of that one!)

"Belly Dancing Comes to Scottish Rite" -- Even if you feel "awkward" about watching seductive Middle Eastern dances, at least do yourself a favor and go to the show so you can experience the magnificent Scottish Rite Masonic Temple auditorium in all of its Egyptian-themed glory.

"Duluth Area Trails Alliance Takes Shape" -- Nice guy. Good mission. Cool pics. (OK, now I'm just tootin' my own horn.)

Finally, what would an A&E section be without some more CD reviews? This week I caught up with new releases from Ron Franklin (easily the next Dylan), the always-delightful Drew Danburry and, finally, "that other dude from the Postal Service's" other band, Dntel.

Like always, let me know what you think!


Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Friday, April 20, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

A terrific week. I am quite pleased:

"Hell's Kitchen Coming to Canal Park" -- It's true. Read on, reader.

"Discover Duluth: Duluth Woman's Club"
-- When I used to live in Lakeside, I'd often drive by their grand estate at 2400 E. Superior St. and wonder, Gee, I wonder what it looks like inside. Well, this week I had the chance. Hopefully my photos do the place justice! (A crappy photo I took of the exterior also accompanies Jana's story about the club's history.)

"Stage II Shines On with the 'The Perfect Play'" -- They're actually doing David Auburn's "Proof" ... the headline looks a little confusing when I capitalize most of the words. I do apologize.

Plus, as a very special treat, I reviewed new albums from the Little Black Books (classic), Ol' Yeller's Rich Mattson (pretty damn good itself) and Brother Ali (with production from Ant, it lives up to most Rhymesayers standards).

If all that wasn't enough, I also took a few pictures for the Spring Sports Preview for local high school teams. They were mostly forgettable, so I'm gonna not link to 'em ... mmm'kay?

Cheers! Enjoy! Deliver me some feedback!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 23

My new mantra has inevitably become: I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will, I will, I will ... I mean, I started it over a week ago.

So, here goes nuthin' ... hold onto your butts:

1. Feable Weiner - "San Deem Us Ready"
As if this band's album packaging wasn't cool enough (basically a to-size Trapper Keeper), they actually write catchy, uber-hyper songs to boot.

2. This is Me Smiling - "Mixin' Up Adjectives"
Pop-punk meets classic rock. (It's OK; they play down the pop-punk part.)

3. Cheer Up Poems - "Fox on the Run" (Sweet cover)
I finally got my grubby little paws on "How Long Have You Been in Love?" (thanks, Edgewood!) -- a lovely little comp that features Duluth musicians recording the first song they at least claim to have fallen in love with. The Cheer Up Poems have successfully transformed Sweet's sickeningly sweet anthem into a gentle lullaby in the key of Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver."

Spectacular, all of it. I highly recommend you too seek out this terrific album.

4. Best Friends Forever - "Eisenhower is the Father of the Interstate Highway System" (live on The Current)
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.") Plus, although it was recorded live, the sound is superb.

5. David Byrne - "Miss America"
I've always adored this track, but when it ushered in the credits after the first episode of HBO's phenomenal "Big Love," I just fell in love all over again.

6. Modest Mouse - "Florida"
They've really nailed their formula down. Did you know their new album debuted at No. 1? Amazing, but it's really no wonder with songs like "Florida." This here "trackeroo" incorporates elements from the last couple records, and yet it's still poppy enough to keep the Clear Channel drones happy.

7. Les Savy Fav - "The Sweat Descends"
Taking the Yeah Yeah Yeahs route to global domination, Les Savy Fav continue to redefine "indie cool."

8. Taylor Hawkins and the Coattails Riders - "It's OK Now"
Who knew Foo Fighters' drummer had the best modern classic rock album within him? If it weren't for bargain-basement prices at the local pawn shop, I sure wouldn't....

from Amazon.com...

Defies all expectations, March 16, 2007
Reviewer:M. R. Perrine "nothingman82" (Fargo, N.D. USofA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I really didn't know what to expect -- I didn't remember it getting especially great reviews when it came out -- but I'm really glad I took a chance on this record.
This is one of those "lost" albums, like Unified Theory's debut, that failed to catch an audience. More than likely you'll find it in a pawn shop (as I did ... for both of them, as a matter of fact), but DO NOT let that dissuade you.
This is exceptional rock 'n' roll. PERFECT for long summer nights spent around a campfire with close friends. (And preferably in the northern woods of Minnesota or Wisconsin.*)
It's nonconfrontational rock, so it's great for carrying on one of those deep conversations. Best of all, it has the ability to suck everyone in because, as it's a tribute to classic rock or whatnot, it's always vaguely familiar -- even if it's your first spin.
Take a chance on this one. At least give "Louise" a shot, because you'll surely be hooked after you hear that one.

*Trust me. Everything sounds better up here.

9. Spartan Fidelity - "The Hollows"
I miss Remy Zero. Seriously. I know they got a little Target-approved near the end of their time together, but they deserved every ounce of support. That said, SF finds the two most important RZers (Cinjun Tate and Shelby Tate) exploring the moodier aspects of RZ's output.

10. Brother Ali - "Truth Is"
I just got done reviewing Ali's new album, so all I'll say here is this track is essential to any upcoming summer mix tape and -- oh yeah -- READ THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE BUDGETEER!*

11. Turin Brakes - "Red Moon"
Quite enjoyable track to accompany any time spent in the countryside. (At least this proved to be true when I headed up to Gooseberry with TB in tow.)

12. The Push Stars - "Drunk is Better than Dead"
Although pretty much a defunct group, I find frontman Chris Trapper to be quite an enjoyable individual, so I thought I'd pay tribute to the first song I heard of his -- this lackadaisical number. (By the way, is this supposed to be funny? Because I always laugh, but then I catch the lines about suicide attempts....)

13. Electric Light Orchestra - "Latitude 88 North"
Since I've already taken my obsessive love for ELO and beaten it over your heads on numerous, numerous occasions, I thought I'd take this opportunity to give you something else ... IT'S ELO HISTORY TIME, BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBYYYY: Previously unreleased, "Latitude 88 North" -- quite an enjoyable number, I might add -- was originally put together for release on 1977's triumphant album "Out of the Blue," but wasn't completed until 30 years later for the glorious reissue.

Love life. Love ELO. That's all you need to know.

14. Verbena - "All the Saints"
I know I throw "triumphant" around quite a bit lately, but that is exactly what this is.

...

Actually, the more I think about it, the best way I can describe this song is like a close relative to the sunnier sides of Everclear's "Sparkle and Fade."

That was a glorious album, and this is a glorious song.

15. Au Revoir Simone - "A Violent Yet Flammable World"
"Ah, yes, make-out music."

"Really?"

"Sure."

16. Air - "Once Upon a Time"
Not their most exciting track, but they've given me so much over the years that the least I can do is mention that they have a new album.

17. Little Black Books - "Wet Gospel"
Like Brother Ali, I also just finished a (rave) review of the new Books album, so I'm gonna save my precious words and have you check back tomorrow for a link to the review.

You're so close to sticking out your tongue and calling me a "stinker" that I can feel it.... <- That very well could be the silliest fucking thing I've ever written.

Seriously.

18. Rob Crow - "I Hate You, Rob Crowe"
I don't want to say this guy is a no-name just because I don't know anything about him, but that seems like the easiest thing to do....

(TO BE FAIR: If you're out there, Mr. Crow, drop me a line. I do quite enjoy what you do.)

19. Lauren Hoffman - "Rock Star"
Like Tracy Bonham. A lot like Tracy Bonham.

But I "heart" her, so ... that's kind of why Hoffman got the inclusion this go 'round.

(No, you're a cheeky bastard.)

20. The Fall - "I Can Hear the Grass Grow"
This song almost makes me want to be a pretend truckfucker.** Almost.

21. Kaiser Chiefs - "Ruby"
If you could crawl up inside a rainbow, this is exactly what the jukebox would be playing.

22. The Pixies - "All Over the World"
Why has it taken me so long to honor this, one of the most rocking songs (of all time) from one of the most rocking bands (of all time)?

For shame.

Do yourself a favor and buy at least 12 copies of "Bossanova." It is the group's ultimate expression of Bostonian rock-a-tude.

23. The Frames - "Listen Girl"
Turning the page, I present to you one of the least rocking songs of all time -- this song is utterly beautiful.

And fragile.

So F-ing fragile I could ... I mean ... well, let's just say I wouldn't let my hyper-hypo of a brother around it.

*I'm such a whore, aren't I?
**Sorry, Dorothy, I'll have to explain what this means sometime. But, yes, I will take some soap with my potty mouth.

Friday, April 13, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

Not the most prolific week ever, I'll admit, but I think you'll understand, oh faithful reader, when you see how much time and energy I spent on my Morgan Park package -- which I am quite proud of.

"Morgan Park: The Little 'Industrial Suburb' That Could" -- My pride and joy features a lengthy narrative about "The Model City's" history and what's going on there these days. (The story is the first in a series we're calling "Neighborhood Spotlight." It's really quite self-explanatory, innit?) It also includes a photo gallery of different highlights around the community, including two beautiful churches and a decrepit-but-visually-intriguing "rear entrance" railroad bridge underpass.

"Something to Get the City Singing"
-- What do you know? Another week and another Rodgers and Hammerstein production being featured by yours truly. I'm not knocking those legends, but I just find it really funny because it didn't even hit me until production day. Anyway, this time it's "Carousel," and it's being put on by the Playhouse. It's a rather interesting story because for the first time in a long time (I just aped my lede...), the community theater organization is featuring a professional actor as its lead.

Controversial? You be the judge.

EDIT: I forgot to add that I also took a portrait of a very lovely elderly couple for Ralph Doty's feature "Reversing a Trend: Retirees Migrate Back Home."

As always, if you check out any of my stories, please let me know what you think.

Cheers!


Friday, April 6, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

'Twas a good week for the Budgie and yours truly:

"With Bergson Out, Mayoral Race Heats Up" -- It's kind of a good thing that I can't vote in Duluth anymore: Ness, Bye and Bell all make some good points.

"Around the World in 50 Plays" -- Do you believe in theatrical fate? You will after you read this one. (A special thanks to all of our readers who provided photos from the Concordia Lutheran Church singalong with the cast from "The Sound of Music.")

"Positively Fourth Street: The Burrito Union Finally Opens" -- Finally, finally, finally.

"A Film Festival with a Message" -- Free films that matter. That'll learn ya!

Finally, I didn't write "Wild Winter Ends," but that sweet pic of Chester Creek? That belongs to this guy. (And there was much rejoicing....)

As always, if you like or dislike what you read, don't be shy about letting me know.

ALSO: I do apologize for a lack of updates on this blog, but I (not to sound too repeater) finally, finally, finally got Internet hooked up at my new house this morning. They'll be rolling in now, sonny.

Monday, April 2, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug

So sorry I didn't get to this earlier. (I was busy a-movin' into my first house.)

"Conservative Publication Makes Waves at UMD" -- I feel for the Duluth Truth editor, Christina Wilson. During my college days, I was a liberal running a newspaper at a conservative campus. It was interesting to interview someone in the exact opposite position.

"Where in the World is Chris Trapper?" -- Although you might not know his name by heart, you've surely heard one of his songs (solo or with his last group, the Push Stars) on the million-plus soundtracks they've been on. Plus, he likes Dave Mehling, and that is very, very cool.

"Discover Duluth: Voices in the Fog"
-- Fog pictures from last Monday. I think they turned out really well -- so proud!

As always, if you check out any of these articles/photo galleries, please let me know what you think.