Friday, June 29, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Polka, foosball, CD reviews and a whole bunch of random pictures

All right, here's the goods already:

"The Happiest Music on Earth?" -- Can you tell I have some Polish in me? Can ya?

"Moving Out of the Basement" -- No, this isn't some sort of postcollegiate, coming-of-age story about finally -- finally -- moving out of my parents' basement. Nope, this is all about the Fooshead, baby! (Intrigued? Read on!)

"New Releases from Ryan Rapsys and the Clearwater Hot Club" -- Surprise, surprise, more CD reviews ... but, hey, at least I have fun! (Also reviewed -- in brief -- Cary Brothers’ “Who You Are," Ann Savoy and Her Sleepless Knights’ “If Dreams Come True," Sir Salvatore’s “Those Men are Not Astronauts," Dan Colehour’s “Straight to the Highway” and “Music in the Zoo, Vol. 3," the latest batch of recordings to emerge from the Minnesota Zoo's summer concert series.)

Finally, some random shots I took over the past week can be found in "Fourthfest is Back" and on the Budgeteer homepage (sorry, I have no way of linking directly to my "two ducks and a deer in the drainage ditch" masterpiece).

Monday, June 25, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 33: ... And Then I Fly High

For the uninitiated, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome* mix tape series.

And this, right here, is the latest installment.

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.

Enjoy!
Matt

(Questions or comments? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

1. The Unband - "Geez Louise"
Sound familiar? This is the standout on the "Super Troopers" soundtrack.

Rock on, Scubatron.

2. Gorillaz feat. Shaun Ryder - "Dare"
I should probably admit that anything that even remotely sounds inspired by the '80s will automatically make these mix tapes. (I was there with this disclaimer when Felix da Housecat pumped out "Ready to Wear," too.)

3. Father Hennepin - "Doc Bronner"
Something about Scott "Starfire" Lunt's voice is completely heartbreaking -- well worth seeking out the "Iron Country" comp for this quasi-C&W gem.

4. Dolour - "I Smell a Lawsuit"
Recommended if you like the popcentric numbers college freshmen listen to. (This is, in no way, a slight: Dolour is heavenly.)

5. Charles Douglas - "Me + My Woman"
An irresistible nugget of a song that somehow didn't make the "31 Flavors" cut. Not to sound too redundant, but well worth seeking out Mr. Douglas for.... (I mean, I really don't know how else to get it!)

6. Cloud Cult - "Please Remain Calm"
The latest Cloud Cult genre-bouncing adventures finds our heroes dabbling in danceable indie rock (indietronic?). What's not to love?

7. Simple Kid - "The Commuter"
R.I.Y.L. Bicycle (again, the group), Forest for the Trees and, to a lesser extent, the sunnier (read: poppier) Flaming Lips moments.

8. Vegetarian Meat - "Not You"
R.I.Y.L. Charles Douglas (he's kind of half o' the group), the Jesus and Mary Chain (minus the drone but before the road songs) and late-period Pixies -> right around Black Francis' transformation into Frank Black.

9. David Miller - "Narrow Your Eyes" (They Might Be Giants cover)
If you like Aqueduct, this guy sounds exactly like "Mr. Aqueduct" David Terry.

So much, in fact, that I almost suspect "Miller" is a fake last name.

...

What, you've heard better indie rock conspiracies this week?

10. Heavy Vegetable - "Daisy"
Before Pinback, the talented (Mr.) Rob Crow was in this group -- and let's just say it's easy to hear the "aural road map." You won't be disappointed.

11. I Self Devine - "All We Need is Another Day"
Let me see, Do I think I listen to too much I Self Devine?

Hmm....

12. Steve Winwood - "Roll with It"
Question: How do you follow up one of Minneapolis' hardest-hitting rappers?

Answer: With one of adult contemporary's** most winning tracks, of course!

13. Apples in Stereo - "Sunndal Song"
I was about to write "What the fuck is a 'sunndal,'" but then I found out.

14. Look Down - "Zack Morris Phone"
All right, here's my way of stumbling into Look Down: I was at Pawn America up on the hill, spending too much money on used pieces of plastic -- per usual -- when I saw a picture of five dweebs. I thought it was your average pawn shop find. (You will know exactly what I mean if you take a look this "awesomely bad" cover.)

Well
, for some unknown reason, I decided to flip it over and look at the info.

You know, like, Is this a joke and these guys are actually really cool kind of thing or ... is this just another horrible pawn shop CD from the mid-'90s that time has understandably forgotten about?

First track? "Zack Morris Phone." Bam. (That's the sound of me excitedly slamming down my three bucks to see if it's as listenable as it is funny.)

I'm glad I took a chance. Look Down is one of the most intriguing groups to come out of the Twin Cities since Best Friends Forever, the Plastic Constellations or Better Off Airport. (Your choice.)

15. A - "Old Folks"
If "ageist" comments don't fly in your household, this track will surely not be welcome on your station wagon's "poppin' tin" stereo. (Good tune though!)

16. X - "Someone's Watching"
I swear, backing a track by A with one by X was wholly coincidental ... I am not lame.

Or at least I try not to be whenever possible....

17. Live - "Horse"
If you like your rock to straddle (so to speak) the C&W fence -- like my mix tapes frequently do -- here's another golden oldie, "Horse," aka the unlisted track on the group's landmark album "Throwing Copper."

18. The Strugglers - "The Latest Rights"
Coming in at a cozy place somewhere between Ireland's the Frames and France's My Diet Pill are the Strugglers, the best group to have a record deal everywhere except these here United States. (Yep Roc, are you listening? These guys are the new Wilco: Best snatch 'em up before Lost Highway does!)

19. The Jayhawks - "Save it for a Rainy Day" (live on Cities 97)
Heartbreaking. Epic. (And/or monumental.) Oh, and Minnesoter.

Jayhawks, how I miss thee.

20. Jason Anderson/Wolf Colonel - "From Wisconsin"
This track draws comparisons to Neutral Milk Hotel. While everyone is compared to Neutral Milk Hotel from time to time, this is one of the few acts (guys) who actually deserve that level of praise.

21. Wilco - "Walken"
I don't know for certain, but I'm guessin' this one's gonna rock when Wilco comes back to town Aug. 14.

22. Dylan Hicks - "Renaissance Man"
Like Mark Mallman, Dylan Hicks has mastered the crap out of unpretentious Minneapolis rock. Way to go; that makes me even more proud to say I was born in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Sorry, cheesy moment's over ... will never happen again.

23. Sonic Youth - "Superstar" (Carpenters cover)
Sonic Youth successfully taking on the Carpenters' greatest triumph? Who knew?

*Like you didn't know.
**At least it was contemporary in the '80s....

Today's Moment of Zen: A Job I Don't Envy

Friday, June 22, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug

Another week, another set of stories to tell your children at night...

"A Replacement for Green Man?" -- The Gallows' Marc Gartman has crafted up the ideal Duluth summer music festival. The lineup is amazing: Low, Trampled by Turtles, the Gallows and Charlie Parr -- to name just a few. Anyway, it will be held July 7 on Park Point, and it's free, so mark your calendars.

Accompanying that story is "Other Minnesota Summer Festivals," which is, more or less, the longest sidebar you'll ever read. (p.s. Did I mention that I got to talk to Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles for these two stories? Most excellent.*)

"Discover Duluth: Seven Bridges Road" -- My beloved** photo essay series finally hooks up with my favorite spot in the entire Twin Ports! Plus, as an added bonus, I managed to squeeze one of my favorite photographers, Mark Ryan***, into another Budgeteer story!! (That's right; two exclamation points.)

"Pickin' on Charlie Parr, the Gallows and Ryan Adams"
-- It was like my birthday or something this week, as, along with excellent new releases from Charlie Parr and the Gallows, I was fortunate enough to be able to review Ryan Adams' new classic before its street date. (Something funny I just noticed: Of the three A&E stories this week, I managed to mention Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles in all of 'em. A HA HA)

ALSO: "Dixon Reflects on Exciting Times in District" isn't my handiwork, but it does include two of my photos from Tuesday night's "heated" school board meeting. (I'm sorry, I think I confused "heated" with "What happens when a bunch of Northlanders infected with Minnesota Nice get upset? Not a whole lot.") AND, if you give me a few hours to work them up, "The Northland's Week in Review" for June 16-22 will have some of my shots from this morning's much-talked-about fire on Railroad Street.

UPDATE: "Beyond the Big Screen: Home Entertaining Gets Personal," my contribution to this season's Blueprint special edition, is now online. If you enjoy billiards, foosball, darts, etc., read on.

*I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy....
**By my gramma ... in case you were wondering.
***My all-too-brief Q-and-A with him is available here, in this online exclusive.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 32.5: Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yep (Cloud Cult for the Uninitiated)

After their monumental performance at the Grandma's Marathon Big Top Tent last Saturday night here in Duluth, my wife (as well as half of my friends) is positively obsessed with Cloud Cult. As such, she asked me to make a little mix tape (er-ino) with some of the group's best songs. Here's what I came up with.

Two quick notes before the fun starts: I have not included any tracks from "The Shade Project" and/or "Lost Music from the Lost Years" because ... well, I can't get my hands on them. (Help?) However, Craig Minowa has assured me that the group now has national distribution for its music and at least "Lost Music" will be repressed for the masses. Finally, I have provided links to free, artist-sanctioned (or at least I hope so) MP3s of the songs wherever available.

I hope this here playlist nudges you in the right direction (in other words, falling head over heels in love with Cloud Cult).

Cheers!
Matt

1. "Please Remain Calm"
2. "Living on the Outside of Your Skin"
3. "Where it Starts"
4. "Take Your Medicine"
5. "What it Feels Like to Be Alive"
6. "Moving to Canada"
7. "It's Gay"
8. "You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat"
9. "Washed Your Car" (live on KUMD)
10. "Son is Watching/You are My Sunshine" (live on WOXY)
11. "The Deaf Girl's Song"
12. "Untitled" (from "Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus")
13. "Chemicals Collide"
14. "As Long as You're Happy"
15. "On the Sun"
16. "Transistor Radio"
17. "Ready to Fight"
18. "Shape of 8"
19. "Alone at a Party in a Ghost Town"
20. "May Your Lives Be Long"
21. "Puck's 6th Birthday"
22. "Pretty Voice"
23. "Fairy Tale"
24. "Moon's Thoughts"
25. "Car Crash"
26. "Your 8th Birthday"

Agree? Write me. Disagree? Get your own damn blog.

Today's Moment of Zen: My Very First Facebook ("dot com") Meltdown!

For all those Facebook.com haters out there, I feel your pain. I signed on to stay in contact with all those lost classmates, but it's becoming more and more ridiculous. For example, I logged on today and found a "hot" discussion titled "Is Being Gay OK?"

No shit it is! What are we, George W. Bush zombies or something?!

ANYWAY, for your viewing pleasure, I've attached my "response" to the stupidest question ever:

Post #417
wrote one second ago

Why are people even bringing up the Bible? It's about as valid as a Britney Spears song in any given argument.

Besides, "Is Being Gay OK?"? It's such a non-issue these days ... unless, of course, you're an ignorant Republican hillbilly who's had his eye on his sister for the past couple of years.

God bless!
Matt

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 32: Now I'm with you everyday

For the uninitiated, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome* mix tape series.

And this, right here, is the latest installment.

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.

*No joke. I mean, at least the songs were awesome at the time of this here blog's posting.

Enjoy!
Matt

(Questions or comments? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)


1. Muse "Assassin"
A little harder than most "DTAS" selections, I'll admit, but it eventually gets to that lovable Radiohead-biting** aesthetic.

2. I Self Devine - "Overthrow"
Just another reason to get down on your knees and say "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy" to the Minneapolis hip-hop gods.

3. Live - "The Dam at Otter Creek"
A slow builder, sure, but a slow builder with a payoff.

4. Cloud Cult - "Living on the Outside of Your Skin"
"Yi, yi, yi, yi, yep."

Love it, love it, love it.

I believe it was during this song at the Grandma's Marathon Big Top Tent last Saturday night that I turned to my lovely wife to say, "I think this is my new favorite band."

5. Lou Reed - "Vicious"
"Why don't you swallow razorblades"? Hey, man, we've all had those days; but only fuckin' Lou Reed is man enough to write a catchy jingle about it.

6. Dessa - "551"
Of the three* Minneapolis hip-hoppers on this mix tape, Dessa is definitely the cutest. Err ... I mean, the one with the best chance to cross over and sell millions of albums on the pop charts. (Which is also true.)

7. Rjd2 feat. Blueprint - "Final Frontier"
Recommended if you like pretending you're not a honky by singing this at karaoke night on Tower Avenue.

8. Prince - "My Little Pill"
R.I.Y.L. Outkast's brilliant "?" track on "Stankonia" and/or the score to "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."

9. Atmosphere - "Horny Ponycorn Horns"
Three words: "The Fun EP." Like the pros say, "Get it before you gotta get it on eBay."

And nothing, my friends, screams "fun" like a pornographic circus song. (Isn't that Prince's territory, anyway?)

10. Reverend Horton Heat - "Reverend Horton Heat's Big Blue Car"
These guys seriously wail. Tubular vernacular aside, this is no joke. When they came to Fargo while I was living there, they definitely helped us party down. The lead singer/guitarist, aka the Reverend, got up on the bassist's stand-up unit (it was on its side at the time) just to play a freakin' guitar solo -- and this song, which was fresh, shiny and new at the time, effectively sums up that night.

They blew me away.

11. The Waxwings - "Clouded Over"
I flip-flop between listening to the Waxwings 24/7 and totally forgetting they exist.

So, for this, my beloved Waxwings, I must apologize.

Guess what? I remembered your complete and utter greatness again!

12. Fleetwood Mac - "I Don't Want to Know"
If you're not down with the 'Mac, well ... that's your prerogative.

But I will say that you shan't be expecting an invitation to my bar, The Pierce Arrow, anytime soon.

And I hope it stings when you find out how much fun we had playing foosball without you.

13. Marah - "The Apartment"
If you're ever feelin' kind of Wyoming, plug this in. The Spanish horns will have tears in your beer in no time.

14. Moth - "3 Choices"
How could this band have escaped me for so long? For shame.

15. Robbie Fulks - "Move it on Over" (live at the Brewhouse) (Hank Williams cover)
A fine companion piece to George Thorogood's legendary cover of this track.

16. Ben and Jason - "How the Hell Do I Explain?"
R.I.Y.L. sad, sappy sucker music written by boys that probably emulate Radiohead's early "emo" sides too much for most people (except yours truly). Plus, classy title. *THUMBS UP*

17. The Format - "Sore Thumb"
R.I.Y.L. Motion City Soundtrack, and you're not afraid to shout it out loud!

18. The Traveling Wilburys - "She's My Baby"
I usually didn't pay attention to this leadoff track while surfing through the greatest-supergroup-ever-amassed's second (and final) album, but, of course, after I found out it was primarily a Jeff Lynne composition, I've been playing it nonstop.

Viva ELO!

19. Lucky Boys Confusion - "Hey Driver"
This song's magical verses sound like something straight out of the realm of classic rock radio. (Although I'm quite sure I will be the only one to hear that.)

Eddie Money? Perhaps.

No, no, that couldn't be it ... or could it?

ANYWAY, that half-punk chorus? Sing along or die.

20. Dolour - "B.K.S."
Acronyms I don't get right away frustrate me....

Music's good, though. -> Like a cross between Lucky Boys Confusion ('cause I'm sure y'all know their back catalog by heart...) and "Magical Mystery Tour."

UPDATE: I think it means "Butter Knife Suicide." Sometimes acronyms are best left unsolved....

21. The Wrens - "This Boy is Exhausted" (early vers.)
Already one of my favorite songs of all time (like in the top 20 favorite!), this here early version -- available on the "You'll Never Eat Fast Food Again" comp from Drive-Thru Records*** -- effectively adds minor elements of surprise to a track I've pretty much worn out.

p.s. This track's not available free, but the band does have quite a hefty collection of tracks available for your downloading pleasure.

22. Jason Anderson/Wolf Colonel - "Astronaut, Astronaut"
It's sad to say, but if Jason Anderson hadn't released "Something/Everything!" on K Records -- which I love dearly, just so you know -- and, instead, had released it on, say, Astralwerks, he would be a lot closer to becoming the household name he deserves to be.

This is one of those painfully overlooked masterpieces. (It's cheap, too, so buy it already!)

"Now I'm with you everyday."

23. Oasis (and friends) - "Fade Away"
Guess what happens when Oasis drops the pretentiousness and the unnecessary feedback and noise? The best -- and prettiest -- song of their career.

Well worth seeking out the first "HELP" War Child charity album for this gem, which features Johnny Depp on guitar and -- second "What the fuck?" moment in this sentence -- model Kate Moss on tambourine.

Lovely nonetheless.

24. reru (fka Nothing Jive About Jupiter) - "If I Were You"
Remember when I spoke briefly about the 20 best songs ever recorded? This one's near the top.

Although possessing a completely different dynamic, Jes and Bri's next band (without Damon and Ethan, unfortunately), Best Friends Forever, is somehow better.

*Or four? Does anyone know if Blueprint actually resides in the Twin Cities?
**In the best way possible, of course.
***How fucking weird is that? One of the most treasured groups of all time on one of those throwaway punk labels.... To Drive-Thru's credit, though, I will always have a special place in my heart for Fenix*TX's two releases (as Fenix*TX, that is). Oh, and Midtown -- I secretly like them a lot too.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Today's Moment of Zen: Another One from the Archives ("Spot the Owl")

(Originally published in The Spectrum, the pride and joy* of North Dakota State University.)

*At least when my crew was around! A HA HA

Monday, June 18, 2007

Friday, June 15, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Out of the Hat 9, Enger Park pics and Camp Kid-Again

I'm so excited for tomorrow night's Cloud Cult performance ... I may vomit. At least you'll have these stories on your front steps to clean up the mess:

"Luck of the Draw..." -- Watch (read) as I go behind the scenes for Out of the Hat 9, the latest installment of Renegade Comedy Theatre's 10-minute random* play series, and try not to make a complete ass of myself.

"Discover Duluth: Enger Park" -- You like pictures of towers and flowers? This story's got 'em!

Finally, "'Send Your Mother to Camp'" is the true story** of a very enjoyable couple (Gary and Judy Gordon) and the program they started at the College of St. Scholastica, Camp Kid-Again.

*Nothing -- and I mean nothing -- about these plays screams "I'm a sane writer/director/actor and that straitjacket is wholly unnecessary." <- Sounds like my kind of humor! (Viva los Pythonites!)
**Imagine that ... in a newspaper!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 31: You do it to yourself, you do

I like how at the DECC their employees on security detail are practically forced to say "hello" to each and every body that passes through the Skywalk on the way to the parking ramp.

Usually I don't mind, because usually DECC employees are genuinely nice.

Not tonight, though.

This guy, who shall remain nameless (partially because I don't know his name and partially because ... OK, it's all because I don't know his name), interrupts a walkie talkie "call" he was on to say "hello" to me.

But it wasn't "hello" in a "damn glad to meet ya" kind of way -- you know, like a greeting. This "hello" was more like an order: "Say 'hello' back to me -- gosh darnit -- so I know you're not a no-good boll weevil."

Which is understandable, considering how the entirety of Skywalk System is crowded with "no-good bollweevils"....

But it's me, come on. I mean, I was dressed appropriately enough ... was it because I was nose-deep in the new issue of Transistor, thoroughly enjoying Paul Lundgren's latest installment of "The Next Level"?*

So you know what I did?

"No, what?!" exclaims an elusive voice from out in the crowd....

I looked right back at him and said "hey." But it wasn't "hey" at all, it was more like a point-blank "Buzz. Off."

Tough as nails, I tell ya, tough as nails.

1. Cloud Cult - "Chemicals Collide"
Ah, yes, the song that triggered a Cloud Cult shopping spree.

The ears are so happy, but the wallet....

Anywho, if you haven't heard, Craig Minowa and friends will be performing at the Grandma's Marathon Big Top Tent Saturday (the night of the race). Wise up and put it on your calendar. Full details here.

2. Dessa feat. Sims - "Press On"
Lazerbreak's production prowess is uncanny. It's like the second coming of Ant ... how did Minneapolis get so lucky?

3. Air feat. Ken Andrews and Jason Falkner - "People in the City"
So good (and/or trippy and weird) that my wife actually likes it. Another cerebral masterpiece for the French duo, with a little help from their friends/two of my favorite musicians. (I believe I've referred to Andrews as a "god" on a number of occasions.)

4. Moth - "I See Sound"
Say what you want about the MCS sound, but it just makes me wanna dance!

5. Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald - "Just" (Radiohead cover)
Recommended if you, like I, always believed "Just" could've benefited from a little hot brass action.

6. Prince - "Sarah"
Similarly, this track is sassy and brassy! (He he he....)

7. Blonde Redhead - "Silently"
R.I.Y.L. dreamy, surreal soundscapes that fall somewhere between a quintessential David Lynch soundtrack and one belonging to -- here we go -- "The NeverEnding Story."

8. Victory at Sea - "Cecille"
Who does this singer sound like? I can't quite put my finger on it.

Help me out if you can.

It's killing me.

Seriously.

9. Marah - "Soul"
R.I.Y.L. John Fogerty's "Centerfield" album, Wilco's best summer songs, a majority of John Mellencamp's body of work (from the good period, of course), indie soul.

10. Number One Common - "Destroy All Evidence"
11. Number One Cup - "What Does it All Mean?"
12. Number One Fan - "Come On"
I put this handy little guide together so we'll (I'll) never confuse these groups in everyday conversations ever again.

"Common" hails from Duluth and, for all intents and purposes, kicks a lot of ass. They're like the second coming of Fear Factory-style brutality -- minus the "nifty" electronics and, unfortunately, plus some silly growling at times. Nonetheless, if I were in charge of the "Guitar Hero" series, "Destroy All Evidence" would surely make the cut.

"Cup" represents all the Windy City has to offer when it comes to blissed-out indie rock. If you consider yourself a Pavement fan -- when they're not being all pretentious and gross -- it's about time you "shopped the 'Cup.'"

Finally, "Fan," is a product of ... [Quick Google search later.] Appleton, Wis. Wow, did not know that. Very cool. I'd say the best bet for future "Fan" fans is a strong interest in Motion City Soundtrack's most "mall punk" tunes.

But, somehow, like MCS, I'm not at all revolted by what "Fan" stands for. (Discuss.)

In fact, consider me an enthused listener.

13. The Negro Problem - "Repulsion (Show Up Late for Work on Monday)"
The best** part about listening to the Negro Problem is telling the person who asks "Wow, that's damn good, who is it?" what's so "damn good."

It's OK, though -- or so I'm told -- because TNP's main man, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Stew, is, in fact, an African American and the name isn't simply for shock value.

Rather, it's used ironically, as in the laughable divide between "white music" and "black music."

14. The Breeders feat. J Mascis - "Do You Love Me Now, Jr.?"
Who knew Kim Deal could improve on the already-magical "Do You Love Me Now?" -- apparently all it took was a little duet with the immortal Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame).

15. Manish Kalvakota feat. Charles Douglas - "Diamond Mine"
I could go on and on about Charles Douglas' immense talent, but I'd rather let him describe his experiences recording with Kalvakota: "Produced and played guitar on this unusual album by Indian actor/musician Manish Kalvakota."

Now that makes me giggle!

16. Dan Hutt/Dan Kaspari - "Misunderstanding"
Similarly, Dan Hutt is the man. Pass it on.

17. Simple Kid - "The Twentysomething"
R.I.Y.L. Bicycle (the group, not the hippy-dippy activity), Forest for the Trees and, to a (much) lesser extent, Primitive Radio Gods.

18. Voxtrot - "Your Biggest Fan"
R.I.Y.L. nights in Fargo, when you're actually sober.

19. Echo & the Bunnymen - "Don't Let it Get You Down"
R.I.Y.L. knowing those who say "there are no second acts in [FILL IN THE BLANK]" are [EXPLETIVE DELETED]-wads. (No disrespect to F. Scott Fitzgerald, of course.)

... Unless you're dead, this one'll cut right down to your core. (Baxter.)

20. Mike Doughty - "27 Jennifers"
R.I.Y.L. Mike Doughty, if and only if he's embracing his Soul Coughing past. (Hallelujah!)

21. Manitoba - "Crayon"
Like the Echo cut, this is just ... beautiful. And, unless they've totally turned their playlists upside-down, this sounds like something the University of Minnesota Morris' stellar (and somewhat unfortunately named) radio station would play.

22. The Early Years - "All Ones & Zeros"
Do you remember Pearl Jam's live album "Live on Two Legs," when the group's jams were nearly transcendent? Yeah, well, this track could've been sniped from those soundboards -- simply terrific.

23. The Flesh - "The Truant"
For indie rockers, the Flesh play up the "rock" half quite right.

24. The Figgs - "Breaking Through These Gates"
R.I.Y.L. the direction Sloan has been heading for the better part of a decade. (This sounds nothing like the Figgs of "Blame It All Senseless" fame, but I like it.)

*Which, by the way, is brilliant. "House of Widows" will surely go down as one of his best.
**And by best I mean most awkward moment you'll ever share with anybody ever.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 30.5: A Beginner's Guide to the Chemical Brothers [WIP]

I'll agree; the title of this awesome mix tape is a bit of a misnomer -- as the true "beginner's guide" to the undisputed kings of techno* is actually their premium collection, "Singles 93-03."

Anyway, the reason for this here awesome mix tape is actually twofold: A) It's my little way of honoring the greats before their next life-altering, mind-expanding masterpiece, "We Are the Night," drops July 17 and B) upon quite enjoying the two Noel Gallagher collaborations I put on an Oasis odds 'n' sods mix tape for Suoja (an avid Oasis fan), he wanted to hear more.

Being the nice co-worker I am (and quite the obsessed mix tape master I also am), I happily volunteered my time.

One final note: The accompanying artwork is a tribute to the Brothers' landmark '97 album, "Dig Your Own Hole"** -- which I concocted back when I lived out west. It may also look familiar because I previously "issued" a variant of it as cover art for DTAS11, "Mark Mallman Rules, OK?"

p.s. For the uninitiated, I've linked to places you might hear these nuggets for the first time.

1. "It Began in Afrika"
2. "Setting Sun" (feat. Noel Gallagher of Oasis)
3. "The Golden Path" (feat. the Flaming Lips)
4. "Block Rockin' Beats" (radio edit)
5. "Galaxy Bounce"
6. "Hey Boy Hey Girl"
7. "Galvanize" (feat. Q-Tip)
8. "Denmark"
9. "Under the Influence"
10. "It Doesn't Matter"
11. "Left Right" (feat. Anwar Superstar)
12. "Come with Us"
13. "Get Up on It Like This"
14. "The Boxer" (feat. Tim Burgess of the Charlatans UK)
15. "Marvo Ging"
16. "Asleep from Day" (feat. Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star)
17. "Pioneer Skies"

Agree? Disagree? Call on me at mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.

*
Or whatever the (John Deere) the "P.C." way to refer to the group's genre is these days....
**AKA when and where I got on the "Bros. bandwagon."

Saturday, June 9, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Chester Bowl, its ski jumps and Cloud Cult (baby!)

I do apologize for getting this out so late, but yesterday I was busy walking six miles on Park Point for the neighborhood's annual -- and, let's be honest, awesome -- rummage sale.

Here's what you won't be reading until 5 p.m. tonight, when the sales officially close:

"Chester Bowl's Ski Jumps: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" -- In addition to a link to my "Discover Duluth: Chester Bowl" photos (which I'm quite proud), this story features interviews with 1952 Duluth Olympian George Hovland (who is quite funny) and X-communication publisher Tony Dierckins, who is also quite funny ... that is, when he's not all worked up about the possible dismantling of Chester Bowl's historic ski jumps.

Finally*, I proudly present "Music for the Green Revolution," a lengthy Q-and-A with Mr. Cloud Cult, Craig Minowa. He was fascinating to talk to -- topics ranged from staying "green" on the road, MTV's sudden interest in what he's up to and the unfortunate passing of his 2-year-old son, Kaidin -- so hopefully some of that translates to the written word.

Enjoy!
Matt

*Apparently it was the week of monster stories....

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

'Scrubbed in sunshine'

First Dru, now Kelsey...

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Kelsey Smith.

I was living just an hour down Interstate 29 from Dru Sjodin when she was abducted from the Grand Forks, N.D., Target's parking lot, and I can't help but recall that whole heartbreaking saga. (The eerie similarities between the two cases don't end there. Besides the discomforting details I don't need to repeat, Sjodin was also taken across state lines and, as a testament to today's technological advances, there were haunting last glimpses of a life between the store's surveillance videos and failed attempts to call for help on a cellular phone.)

Unfortunately for everyone involved, the pain and suffering is not even close to being over. One of the last hurdles is capturing the scumbag(s) involved and making sure that justice -- or whatever passes for "justice" these days... -- is served.

Everyone should take some time to remember Kelsey and Dru, and hopefully, together, we'll think of ways to prevent this type of unthinkable tragedy from ever happening again.

(Associated Press photo provided by Smith's family.)

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 30

For the uninitiated, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome* mix tape series.

This is just the latest installment.

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.**

*No joke.
**At least they were free and artist-sanctioned at the time of this here blog's posting.

Enjoy!
Matt

(Questions or comments? E-mail mperrine@duluthbudgeteer.com.)


1. Muse - "Starlight"
R.I.Y.L. Placebo, U2, Radiohead's most mainstream tracks.

2. Marah - "Point Breeze"
R.I.Y.L. the Hold Steady (especially for Craig Finn's voice), Buster Poindexter's "Caribbean cruise" party atmosphere.

3. Jeffrey Foucault - "Lodi" (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
R.I.Y.L. M. Ward's famous interpretations of classics, the original "Lodi."

4. Ozma - "Barriers"
Holy shit, Ozma's back!

5. Peter Walker - "I'm Through"
R.I.Y.L. leather jackets on singer/songwriters. (How's that for a Josh Harty reference?)

6. Mull Historical Society - "Animal Cannabus"
R.I.Y.L. Jellyfish's "time warp" sound.

7. Tegan and Sara - "The Con"
R.I.Y.L. Avril Lavigne(-Whibley) ... I don't know, maybe?

8. The New Pornographers - "My Rights Versus Yours"
Life's always a little better when the NPs are releasing new music.

9. The Rentals - "She's Cool"
Same goes for these guys (let's face it; Matt Sharp's solo releases were kind of a bore), but, since I don't have any of those new tracks yet, here's an excellent track that somehow didn't make the "Seven More Minutes" cut.

10. My Diet Pill - "Sandy's Bathroom"
R.I.Y.L. Frank Black (with or without the Pixies dearest), slightly naughty lyrics and, I don't know, France!

11. D Generation - "Helpless"
This is the next best thing to a new Replacements record ... and I'm not even kidding.

12. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Weapon of Choice"
R.I.Y.L. bands that find their groove on record No. 1 and keep on hammering out that formula until you stop listening.

Well, lucky for BRMC, we're not sick of 'em yet.

13. Sonic Joyride - "Is Anybody Out There?"
Technically this is probably best categorized as "big, dumb rock," but it's quite alluring nonetheless.

14. Chris Trapper - "Party at the Andersons"
R.I.Y.L. Storyhill (if they went really pop) and Bostonians, exceedingly humble, charming Bostonians.

15. Golden Smog - "Magician"
A pretty (bizarre) instrumental before...

16. Oliver Hart (aka Eyedea) feat. Slug - "Forget Me"
Eyedea and Slug? Does it get better than this? (Don't answer that, haters....) There's a lot of talent on this track, and, yet, it's not weighed down by this fact.

17. Catherine Wheel - "Sparks are Gonna Fly"
FYI: Catherine Wheel's singer and guitarist, Rob Dickinson, is a cousin of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson ... weird.

Conversely, here's a "TMI" for ya: I own (or at least used to) Bruce's '94 solo effort "Balls to Picasso" on tape, and I bought it for $1 (or less).

18. Joseph Arthur - "Chemical"
FYI: Singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter "Sledgehammer" Gabriel. How cool is that? That's probably -- if not more -- as monumental as Columbus "discovering" America!

19. Eric Idle (of Monty Python) - "Sit on My Face"
Sick. And wrong. But oh so funny!

20. Letters to Cleo - "Dreams" (Fleetwood Mac cover)
I've become quite the 'Mac aficionado of late, and I must say: this easily rivals the original.

Heresy, I know, but damn true.

21. Dan Hutt/Randy Watson - "Lantern Schematic"
It should come as no surprise that Hutt (of Acme ... and numerous other projects) has a thing for the Beach Boys. The harmonies on this piece are to die for.

22. Of Montreal - "Voltaic Crusher/Undrum to Muted Da"
R.I.Y.L. anything else Of Montreal has done in the last three to five years.

23. The Beautiful South - "Don't Marry Her"

Briana Corrigan has a lovely voice, and the backing track is quite jangly and pleasant, so ... it kind of makes you spit out your cereal when she unexpectedly belts out "Don't marry her / Fuck me."

OK, more than just "kind of"....

Friday, June 1, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Starfire's business, a new play company, Ms. Lessley and -- brace yourselves -- another bridge picture!

What a lovely week to be a Twin Portsian! (Since I can't call myself a Duluthian anymore.... *tear*)

Here's how the Budge is shaping up this weekend:

"Homegrown Founder Launches Starfire Screen Printing Co." -- Scott Lunt's had his hand in so many wonderful projects (a very special kudos for the "Treasure Chest" CD), and what I've seen from his latest doesn't disappoint.

"Theater Company Launches with 'Fool for Love'" -- Bravo to Michelle Juntunen and Kelli Latuska for launching By the Seat of Your Pants Productions, another fine player in the Twin Ports' burgeoning theater scene.

"On the Outside Looking In" -- Longtime Northland vacationer Joani Marie Lessley -- a very nice (and intuitive) lady, if I might add -- lands a June gallery show at Park Point's Blue Iris.

Finally, on my "Discover Duluth" page, you'll find "The Ghosts of Bridges Past, or: Trilogy, Completed," a nifty shot of some "fisherpeople" I took on what remains of the Arrowhead Bridge. (It was replaced by the Bong Bridge in the '80s.)

Oops! I almost forgot: I took a few pictures for our Spirit Bottle Shoppe advertorial too.

EDIT: Silly me, I did forget about my picture of Hell's Kitchen for Canal Park Times (which, unfortunately, I don't have a link for yet) and the area schools I shot for the graduation tab: Central, Denfeld, East, Hermantown, Lakeview, Marshall and Proctor.

p.s. I apologize in advance for my girlie "poster" above ... I've been watching a little too much "Carnivale" lately.