Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 40: THAT'S WHY I WEAR A HELMET

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

And this, right here, is the fortieth 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. Modest Mouse - "People as Places as People"
This recent gem could've been pulled from any one of MM's releases for Up Records -- it's a refreshing notion.

2. The Pixies - "Something Against You"
As recently heard by yours truly in the Mark Ruffalo vehicle "XX/XY." While the film isn't as good as his (strikingly similar) "We Don't Live Here Anymore," it's well worth your time. (Dare I even say a strong contender for "Netflix NOW"?) (I dare.)

3. Shelter Belt - "Dry"
While this wonderful group from Omaha failed to play this number (and my other favorite, "Shadow") at their show with Dave Mehling at Superior's Red Mug Saturday night *tear?* they were still quite enjoyable. (Confidential to SB: Thanks for visiting Superior and taking the time to talk to a lowly newspaper man!)

4. White Light Riot - "Atomism"
Quite the opposite here, as my ears were definitely treated to this hot track when White Light Riot lit up the Bayfront Festival Park stage for Safe Haven's Festival to End the Violence. I do hope they get around to playing Duluth once more before they're on the cover of the Rolling Stone. (Really, they're that good!)

5. Oxford Collapse - "Please Visit Your National Parks"
The problem with (most) songs with kickass titles is that they rarely live up to that level of "kickassery." But let me be the first to point out that that is so not the case here.

6. Lil' Dave Merriman (of the Arrivals) - "I Palindrome I" (They Might Be Giants cover, live on WLUW)
Spot on, Dave Merriman, spot on. Now ... just who the fuck are the Arrivals?!

7. Fair-Weather Friend - "Trestle"
Recommended if you like the Plastic Constellations' early catalog ... back when they'd play joints like St. Cloud's Java Joint. <- Although, for years, I'm pretty sure its neon only beamed out "ava Joint" to unsuspecting passersby. (p.s. Some FWF MP3s are available here.)

8. New Order - "Regret"
This + driving up Minnesota's North Shore on Highway 61 = that much closer to heaven.

9. They Might Be Giants - "Withered Hope"
"The Else" is no "The Spine," but it's damn close.

10. Los Campesinos! - "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives"
Remember what I said about kickass titles earlier? Same goes here for this mini-anthem from the jacked-up British version of Berkeley's beloved Dealership.

11. Scott Lucas (of Local H) - "Tangerine" (Led Zeppelin cover, live on WXRT)
Purists will scoff, but, unless a cover totally blows, its usually worthy of inclusion on these here mix tapes. (I probably shouldn't be admitting this in public, but the version of "Tangerine" I prefer most actually belongs to Big Head Todd and the Monsters. It appears on the timeless "Encomium" disc.)

12. The Numbers - "We Like Having Things"
And my third-favorite song title of the night....

13. Manic Street Preachers - "Nobody Loved You"
MSP ... with gee-tars!

14. The Blue Meanies - "Short Attention Span"
And you thought your little brother was a "hyper hypo".... ("That's why I wear a helmet." A HA HA) (For today's unofficial "moment of zen," check out the letter the group wrote to MCA Records, its former label.)

15. Cloud Cult - "The Shape of 8"
It's only been since Grandma's Marathon that I saw these guys perform, but, oh, how I miss them.

16. Atmosphere - "Free or Dead"
Vintage Atmosphere -- what's not to love?

17. Boy Girl Boy Girl feat. Alan Sparhawk - "Freak Accident"
Why haven't these guys been featured in any given Quarantino film?

18. The Mighty Fraff - "Could Have Been So Different"
These guys are fucking cool. Just one listen, man, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

19. Ash - "Numbskull"
Is there a Duluth Screaming Club? That might be just as healthy as gathering for a go-round of laughter.

20. Autolux - "Here Comes Everybody"
If Ken Andrews is a god, what does that make Greg Edwards, his Failure partner in crime? According to his work with Autolux, he's at least an ... you know what? I'm not going to finish that. It's such a bad joke my cheeks are flush red just thinking about it!

21. The Chemical Brothers - "We are the Night"
Ahh, yes, remember "Surrender"? You might not even be able to tell the difference from this new track and nearly anything from that classic. Read: A return to greatness.

22. The Sammies - "Postman"
The second coming of Spoon?

23. The Katies - "She's My Marijuana"
Like "Freak Accident," here's another song that also belongs in a film -- except these guys rock out more in the key of "Cameron Crowe soundtrack."

24. Marah - "Round Eye Blues"
I hate to sound too corny, but this shit melts in your ears. Is there enough room in Philly for such greatness?

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 39 (Dedicated to the Women I Admire)

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.)

p.s. For this "very special" edition of my awesome mix tape series, I've chosen to dedicate each track to a woman I admire. This way I get to honor the great females that inhabit my world AND ... well, it's just a lot more easier than actually explaining why you would enjoy each individual track.

1. Apollo 440 - "'Are We a Rock Band of What...?'"
To my sister, Emily. She probably won't remember this, but she was the first one to turn me on to this group. "Stop the Rock," anyone?

2. The Chemical Brothers feat. Fatlip - "The Salmon Dance"
To Tina Fey, for an impeccable sense of humor.

3. Pearl Jam - "Mankind"
To Gretchen Lofquist, for always besting me in the category of full-blown, slightly obsessive PJ love.

4. The Beatles - "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)"
To "the Germans," Kirsten "Kiwi" Winkler and Dorothea Levin. During our trip to Bayfield, Wis., in 11th grade, "Past Masters, Vol. 2" was one of the albums we listened to out on the porch overlooking Lake Superior. (As a sign of the times, we were playing the card game "Bullshit.")

5. Ben Kweller - "Today" (Smashing Pumpkins cover)
For Jes Seamans. During high school I "interviewed" her and Bri Smith about their first band, Nothing Jive About Jupiter (they're now two-thirds of Best Friends Forever). I remember Jes saying that, in a just world, "Today" would've seen the success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" -- not just in sales, but in cultural relevance. For some reason, this has always stuck with me. (So, I hope I'm remembering who said what correctly....)

Either way, here's Plan B: Jes is the coolest bass player since Kim Deal, and I assume she learned at least a few moves from D'arcy before D'arcy ... vanished into thin air.

6. The Scissor Sisters - "Laura" (City Hi Fi remix)
To my aunt of the same name. Last time she was in town, she brought me out to the Miller Hill Olive Garden when her husband was having surgery at SMDC. Free food will always score you loads of points with me!

7. Kanye West - "We Don't Care"
To Rebecca Ingraham (now Larson) and her "girlie crew," for making that summer at Fargo's Trollwood Performing Arts School tolerable. (For those three hot, sticky months, "The College Dropout" was in deep rotation on my car stereo.)

8. Self - "Wednesday Again"
To my editor, Jana Peterson, for allowing Wednesday to always be deadline day. (Read: Thanks for not firing me, eh!)

9. John Vanderslice - "Karma Police" (Radiohead cover)
To my best friend's girl, Liz Hartman. With you around, I don't need to listen to nearly as much Radiohead with him as I used to. LOL

10. Sean Na-Na - "Gray Clouds"
To every female record store clerk I've ever had a crush on -- starting with Erin at The Gallery in Brainerd....

11. Ultrababyfat - "Twist"
To my niece, Valerie Claire: I hope you're as cool as these ladies when you grow up.

12. The Broken West - "On the Bubble" (live on Radio K)
To Sofia Coppola. I like the way you direct, and your taste in music is superb.

13. America - "Lonely People"
To all the faded crushes ... they deserve a place on here too.

14. Blind Melon - "Toes Across the Floor"
To Briana Smith, for our less-than-successful seance. (We were attempting to channel the spirit of Shannon Hoon.)

15. The Wrens - "It's Alright"
To Heidi Myogeto, for all those wonderful nights spent in the metropolis that is Emily, Minn. (p.s. For all those shitty movies I made you sit through, I apologize most for "Frenzy." I have nothing against the film, but, man, you probably thought I was fucking nuts or something. LOL)

16. Badly Drawn Boy - "Degrees of Separation"
To all three of my grandmothers. It probably wasn't easy dealing with me as a kid, so I apologize for that -- and the fact that you all still "claim me" is really just a tribute to what wonderful women you all are.

17. The Weakerthans - "One Great City!"

To my good buddy Kristi Lang, for one very memorable road trip to Winnipeg (to see the Pixies, of course ... that's the only reason to visit Canada**).

18. They Might Be Giants - "Kendra McCormick"
To Kendra McCormick. (Hey, if she's good enough to win CD101's radio contest, then she's good enough to get name-checked on this here blog!)

19. Rufus Wainwright - "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk"
GOD BLESS MOM.

20. Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Sweet Hitch-Hiker"
To Theresa Lashyro -- winners of "best laugh" in high school gotta stick together!

21. The Coral - "Dreaming of You"
To Jenna "Pam! Pam!" Fischer, for forever holding the No. 1 spot on my "laminated list." LOL

22. The Clash - "Know Your Rights"
To Hillary Clinton -- if (and only if) she selects Obama as her running mate. Like Voltron, they will combine to form an unwavering, unstoppable (Democratic) force.

23. Unified Theory - "Wither"
To Amy Holmvig. Despite the outcome, we still had a couple good years.

24. Cordalene - "Who Loves the Sun?" (Velvet Underground cover)
To Grace Kelly, for unparalleled beauty. (There's a reason "Rear Window" is quickly becoming my favorite film....)

25. Andy Fairweather Low - "When I Grow Too Old to Dream"
Finally, to my lovely wife Sarah, as she's possibly the only one that will still tolerate me when I'm wearing adult diapers. LOL

*No joke!
**Totally kidding. I've actually been half-tempted to relocate to Canada for some time now.

Friday, July 27, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Russians at Graffiti Graveyard, (more) mayoral candidates and (even more) CD reviews

Y'all excited for the Dave Mehling/Shelter Belt show tonight at Red Mug? Me too, me too. But, since that's at least a few hours away, here's some fun to keep you occupied:

"Mayoral Roundup No. 4" -- It's finally over (12 candidates is just too much ... anyone else agree it should cost more than $20 to file in Duluth's mayoral race?). Grievances aside, this final "episode" features Herb Bergson and three of his 11 opponents: Joanne Fay, Todd Gremmels and Robert Wagner.

"Hanging Out with Some Russians at Graffiti Graveyard ... Weird" -- Truly, truly probably the strangest assignment I will ever get on in my professional journalism career. That said, it was a blast!

"CD Reviews: New Ones from Billy Southern, the Very People and Simple Kid" -- The rundown: Southern plays some pretty fine folk music, the Very People don't (but are nice people, so don't hold it against them) and, while a few tracks on "Simp's" new album are "out of this world," the majority aren't.

ALSO: Although my contributions aren't deserving of a byline, I had a hand in putting together both "Al Franken Q-and-A: Part Deux" and "Mahtowa's Free Highway 61 Folks Festival Returns Aug. 3-5, Rain or Shine."

p.s. What'd ya think of "The Simpsons Movie"? Even though I haven't watched the show religiously since I was a kid, I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

p.p.s. I chose this photograph (to "pimp" my stories) in honor of this week's hot cop action.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Today's Moment of Zen: Matt Suoja's "The Golden Mask and the Three Lions"

My coworker made the mistake of showing me this little project he did for a visual arts culture class at the University of Minnesota Duluth a few years back. (Why UMD archives this shit is another solid "moment of zen," to be sure. LOL)

His defense? "You don't think the story's good? ... You don't like it?"

Sit back, relax and the let the furtive narrative unfold. (This is my favorite "scene." Click on it to start from the beginning.)

p.s. More from the mind of Suoja here, at Duluth Soup.


Monday, July 23, 2007

Duluth FYI: Tugboat to hold auditions in August for fall musical 'Miss Nelson has a Field Day'

From a Renegade Comedy Theatre e-release:

Tugboat Children’s Theatre will be holding auditions for its fall musical "Miss Nelson has a Field Day" Aug. 18 and 19, at 3 p.m. in the Renegade Comedy Theatre at 222 E. Superior St. There are seven roles for men and women, ages 17 and older, and musical experience is helpful but not necessary. Actors are asked to bring a prepared song and to be ready to read from the script. The show is being directed by Jill Hoffman.

"Miss Nelson Has A Field Day" will be staged in September and October at Renegade Comedy Theatre.

Renegade Comedy Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)3 arts organization and is eligible for bequests.

For more information, visit Renegade's Web site or e-mail its executive producer, Brian Matuszak. (The accompanying picture of Matuszak is an outtake from "Luck of the Draw...," my behind-the-scenes feature on Renegade's Out of the Hat 9.)

Duluth FYI: Starfire Screen Printing Co. launches Web site

Here it is: www.starfirescreenprinting.com. And here's what I said in the Budgeteer a couple weeks back: "Homegrown Founder Launches Starfire Screen Printing Co."


Scott “Starfire” Lunt at his new business on Fourth Street, Starfire Screen Printing Co. He will celebrate its grand opening June 22. Matthew R. Perrine/Budgeteer News

Friday, July 20, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 38

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. White Light Riot - "Charlatan"
I know there were only a handful of people on hand for White Light Riot's performance at the Festival to End the Violence in Bayfront Festival Park, but, wow, they still put on one hell of a show!

2. Queens of the Stone Age feat. the Strokes' Julian Casablancas - "Sick, Sick, Sick"
Although you really can't "hear" Mr. Casablancas' contributions on this QOTSA rager, it's nice to know Josh Homme let him come along for the ride.

3. Billy Southern - "All the Proctor Girls"
Funny, but oh-so-wrong: "All them Proctor girls is blonde / Yeah, all them Proctor girls is blonde / It may be politically wrong but I don't care / 'Cause all them girls is blonde."

Catchy tune!

4. Modest Mouse - "You're the Good Things"
If only Mason Jennings' transition to working for Epic Records had been this smooth....

5. Dressy Bessy - "There's a Girl"
I've said this a million times, but Dressy Bessy is the best thing to ever come out of the Mile High City.

6. Spoon - "My Little Japanese Cigarette Case"
Much of "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" is a big disappointment, but this track is right up there with the most enjoyable moments in Spoon's extensive back catalog.

7. Reel Big Fish - "You Don't Know"
Hey, give these guys a chance; they're not annoying as you might think.

8. They Might Be Giants - "The Cap'm"
Here's what I said about "The Else" (and this track from it) on eMusic:**

Not an instant classic ... Perin from Superior, Wis.
but it's pretty damn close! If you're curious, I'd start with "The Cap'm." Funny, hooky AND memorable!

9. Glen Phillips - "Falling"
Can't say I ever listened to Toad the Wet Sprocket growing up, but it's hard not to love Glen's solo adventures.

10. Pinback - "Seville" (demo)
This unassuming demo version builds into something offhandedly epic -- not to be missed!

11. Shelter Belt - "Shadow"
Twin Ports music fans rejoice, as Omaha's excellent Shelter Belt will be gracing us with two separate shows next weekend. Get the details here.

12. Greg Laswell - "Amazed"
As far as I can tell, Greg Laswell A) came out of nowhere but B) should stick around for awhile (hear "Through Toledo" in its entirety) and, totally unrelated, is that he C) is a funny guy.

13. The Mood Elevator - "Beginner's Luck"
Damn Raconteurs....

14. Sondre Lerche - "Night and Day" (Cole Porter cover)
My introduction to Sondre came at the University of Minnesota's Whole Club probably about five years ago now (opening for Nada Surf), and he's never failed to fascinate me since that time. He plays the kind of timeless music that is perfectly acceptable for both your grandparents' unexpected visit to your new place and ... umm *cheeks redden* playing tonsil hockey with your lady.

Oh, geez, I suppose I should offer some sort of disclaimer: These two activities should never, EVER cross paths. Grandpappy and grand-ma-ma don't need to see that!

15. Cloud Cult - "Do You Ever Think About..."
A nice excursion before ...

16. Mr. Lif - "The Fries" (remix by Abdul Malik)
Remember that really creepy scene in "Super Size Me" featuring a group of kids from fat camp singing "Pizza Hut / Pizza Hut / Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut"? Well, this song (the aural equivalent of "Fast Food Nation") samples that chant to maximum efficiency, and that's just the beginning. Brilliant, invigorating stuff here.

17. Air - "Mer du Japon"
Meanwhile, it's the only tolerable track on the new Air album....

18. Polara feat. the Jayhawks' Gary Louris - "Obsolete"
You like late-period (but pre-latest reunion) the Who? Do ya? Well, this is kind of like that.

Kind of ... but better.

19. Fleetwood Mac - "Blue Letter"
Say what you want, but it won't change the fact that I L-O-V-E the Mac. Naysayers be damned.

20. Iron & Wine - "Boy with a Coin" (single edit)
I never got into this group*** until a free MP3 on MySpace (of all places) persuaded me to give them/him a listen, and I'm glad I did. Like everything else I hear these days, it's "kind of Cloud Cult-y."

21. Lansing-Dreiden - "A Line You Can Cross"
Wow, tubular, it's like an '80s time warp! (Except a little more depressing than you were hoping for.)

22. The Replicants - "Destination Unknown" (Missing Persons cover)
I should probably know who Missing Persons were, but, when I listen to this, all I can think is: KEN ANDREWS IS GOD.

All other thoughts are, therefore, brushed under the dirty ol' rug that is my mind. <- Umm ... what? Sadly, I'm with you on that one.

23. The Bogmen - "The Big Burn"
You never forget your first couple times. There's just something about that young age when you find out A) you love music and B) it sounds a whole lot better at maximum volume. To my parents' home entertainment system (and little surround speakers that just couldn't handle it...), I apologize for this one, R.E.M.'s "Circus Envy" and Nine Inch Nails' "Dead Souls." They kind of wrecked you, didn't they?

*At least that's what my mom tells me....
**Though I recommend you purchase it at an independent retailer so you don't miss out on the fabulous bonus disc, "Cast Your Pod to the Wind," which collects the best of the group's podcast material.
***I'm not admitting anything outright, but I may have been afraid of his beard.

This Evening's Moment of Zen: Amazon.com searches for Duluth band Boy Girl Boy Girl return interesting (AND useful) results

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: 'Geeks Gone Wild,' pics from Amity Creek and mayoral candidates 6-8 (and 1/2)

Hope y'all have a pretty nice little Saturday planned ... maybe go to the Home Depot with the wife? Bed, Bath and Beyond if you have enough time? You're not sure if you'll have enough time for both, are you?

Yeah, you're right; you'll probably be busy reading these Matthew R. Perrine "masterworks" in the Budgeteer ... the trusty ol' Budge:

"Mayoral Roundup No. 3" -- I sit down with recently announced candidates Sunny Helbacka, Reiner Nelson and John Socha (and, to a lesser extent, Mr. Nice). Now only four more to go....

"Discover Duluth: Amity Creek Trail" -- My photo essay series finally makes it around to my favorite "little" trail in Duluth. Yay!

Finally, "They Call it the 'Geek Streak'" proves what you've always suspected: Paul Lundgren is a very nice man (and oh-so-funny!). The Geek Prom founder was gracious enough to sit down with me and discuss "Geeks Gone Wild," a benefit for this year's GP streakers, who were ticketed and pepper-sprayed by a trigger-happy (so to speak) St. Paul policeman.

Today's Moment of Zen: But does this pertain to the girls at Red Mug?

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Today's Moment of Zen: The Wrens' authorized biography (of sorts)

Today's Moment of Zen brought to you by the boys in the Wrens (see right). If you don't already love 'em, get prepared for that gushy feeling:

The Wrens get a call in 1989 off their first demo asking if they want to open for comeback band - The Fixx. The catch is that they must sell 1000 tickets. The Wrens fail to sell even 6 tickets and sadly, the Fixx cancel. The ‘80s draw to a close.

The Wrens get a gig as the house band on the on Cape May/Delaware Ferry. The Wrens later get fired after performing the Pixies’ “debaser” to the mostly senior citizen crowd.

The Wrens move to a house in Secaucus, NJ. (The Wrens will continue to live together and record at home for the next 10 years)

The Wrens make their first 7”, Low (1993), and send a copy to Camille Sciara at Grass records/Dutch East India. She offers a deal over the phone, faxes a contract and they are signed in one day - becoming label mates and friends with Brainiac, Toadies and others....

The Wrens issue first full length, Silver (1994), to surprising and wonderful critical acclaim.

The Wrens’ first tour’s first show is in Omaha, Nebraska playing to an overwhelming five-person crowd that includes Robb, Conor, and Todd of the as-yet-unfounded Saddle Creek label/scene (Conor and Todd of Bright Eyes and the Faint respectively). The Wrens and the creek become friends, and over the next few years play many shows together, have many sleepovers, and later issue a split 7" w/ Park Ave on their Saddle Creek label.

Wrens continue to tour domestically & in Europe through 1995 and begin work on follow-up lp.

Grass records is bought from Dutch East India by insane, grudge-bearing millionaire and Chinese food aficionado, Alan Melzter, to acquire the Wrens - now the label’s flagship band. The Wrens release their second full length, Secaucus (1996), for Meltzer’s revamped Grass to even more wonderful critical review.

Halfway into first tour supporting Secaucus, the Wrens are told that if they do not sign their ‘big buck record contract’ all promotion for Secaucus will be stopped. The Wrens, frowning on strong-arm tactics, do not re-sign and as promised, all promotion (including support for a pending tour of Europe with Brainiac) is pulled. The head of the record company, infuriated, commences layoffs of involved record company personnel and vows that “the next band to walk through that door will be made famous - at any cost”. The next band through the door is Creed. Grass Records becomes Wind Up Records. Creed becomes famous at any cost.

The Wrens ditch their really-way-too-big new york law firm representation and spend second half of 1996 and most of 1997 in hilarious courtship ritual with various labels through new attorney.

In the meantime, the Wrens release an ep, Abbott 1135 (1997) for Camille’s new label, Ten 23, and more critical riches follow. The wren’s music is used in several MTV programs, some independent films and a handful of compilation cd’s. And in 1998, they are asked to perform opening night of 1998 World’s Fair, EXPO ‘98, in Lisbon, Portugal.

1998: Interscope Records A&R on hearing the Abbott 1135 ep, continues hilarious courtship ritual. Sadly, A&R gets laid off in ugly corporate merger before signing the Wrens. Happily though, A&R later emerges at competitor label and signs the Strokes.

1999: The Wrens go into hiding to write/ record next record for friends, richard & stephanie reines’ Drive Thru Records. In 2000, Drive Thru cements distribution & money deal with MCA.

Spring 2002: the Wrens emerge with a new full length, the Meadowlands. And wary of more involvement with another major, happily decide to release the Meadowlands in a partnership with good friend, Cory Brown’s Absolutely Kosher Records in the Spring of 2003.

July 2002: the Wrens throw drunken hoe-down to celebrate final completion of the Meadowlands. Party highlights include erasure of all Meadowlands multi-track master tapes.

Fall 2002: Wrens update bio…

(Photo courtesy of
Patrick Glennon.)

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

"OK X: A Tribute to 'OK Computer'"

For a limited time, it's free on Stereogum -- enjoy! (Highlights include John Vanderslice's take on "Karma Police" and Samson Dalonoga's Outkast-esque "Fitter Happier.")

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 37: It's the cruelest joke to play

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 Melvins - "Hooch"
Holy Holly, it's the dark side of grunge!

2. Pearl Jam - "Spin the Black Circle"
You can never go wrong with hard-rockin' anthems celebrating everything vinyl (aka the most perfect of music formats).

3. Modest Mouse - "Willful Suspension of Disbelief"
And for the third straight song from a group originating in Washington state....

4. Queens of the Stone Age - "In My Head"
It's all good, for QOTSA hails from the Golden State's high deserts.

5. The Advantage - "Super Mario Bros. 2: Overworld"
I know bands covering NES gems is "old news," but no one does it quite as magically as the Advantage.

Viva la 8-bit!

6. Helmet - "Symptom of the Universe" (Black Sabbath cover)
A little harder than DTAS traditionally gets, I'll admit, but I'm desperately yearning for the day when I get to pick my "Guitar Hero" set list. This little-heard cover's a strong contender.

7. Rocket from the Crypt - "Heads are Gonna Roll"
Actually, this one's quite "rollicky"* too ... I must've been high on testosterone or something when I made this mix tape.

8. The Ramones - "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"
Phew, let's take a breather. How about this li'l unexpected gem from the Bronx bombers?**

9. The Mekons - "Sin City"
Yee-haw!

10. The Amen Corner - "(If Paradise is) Half as Nice"
Recommended if you like the intro on Glen Phillips' "Thankful," the best '60s pop had to offer (primarily Herman's Hermits), Simple Kid's highest highs, Gary Portnoy's "Cheers" theme (but I can't say why) and, quite possibly -- but don't hold me to this -- LSD.

11. Scissor Sisters - "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'"
R.I.Y.L. unabashed resurrections of disco/rock (and not the other way around). This is some fun shit!

12. The K.G.B. - "Fortune and Fame"
Horns! Energy! Excitement! Yes!

13. Mexico 70 - "Jimmy McGriff"
"I wonder if it hurts."

14./15. Simian - "Mr. Crow" / Mollycoddle - "Ms. Crow"
I hate being too obviously gimmicky, but these songs actually work well together. Simian is pretty much the second coming of the Beatles*** proper, while Mollycoddle's sunny Boston-by-way-of-New Mexico vibe is irresistible to fans of "the quiet Beatle."

16. The Beatles - "Flying"
Oh, speaking of those demonic stalwarts....

17. Justice - "Genesis"
Want to know what I think of Justice? I hope so.

18. The Russian Futurists - "The Science of the Seasons"
Have you ever tried to pass out (err, get a good night's sleep) while there's still a party semi-ragin' in the opium den/room next door? This is kind of what music sounds like in that situation of situations. (Chew on that!)

19. Deckard - "What Reason"
This track's infectious chorus would've easily fit alongside tracks like ...

20. The Jam - "Absolute Beginners"
on the "Grosse Pointe Blank" soundtrack. I'm not a religious man, but thank God for those two CDs. -> They're definitely going with me on my next plane trip. (See, I assume every plane trip will end up like the one on "Lost"....)

21. Laptop - "Not the Right Time"
Sounds like someone else also thinks Ken Andrews is a god.

22. John Vanderslice feat. Spoon - "Time Travel is Lonely" (alt. vers.)
How do you improve on what may already be the best song ever recorded?

You don't, silly.

But, with friends like Spoon, you can at least try to make a second take almost as enduring.

Regardless of semantics (and/or really lame shenanigans), this one is not to be missed.

23. Mason Jennings - "Nothing" (Live at the 400 Bar, Oct. 20, 2001)
Like No. 22, this is another attempt at improving on aural gold. And you know what? I'm half-tempted to say Mason has pulled it off!

24. davis? - "Problem"
I never thought I'd say this, but I miss a lot about Fargo -- especially davis? "Pretension" isn't a word in these guys' vocabularies. This is just sincere, laidback rock 'n' roll at its finest.

25. Deathray - "My Lunatic Friends"
R.I.Y.L. Self, the K.G.B. and sweet-ass lines like "I just wanna tell you people / That everything's my fault / I just wanna kick the door down / And start my 24 seven-day assault."

*Making up words is acceptable if and only if you're old enough to know better. It's not cute at 24, but, really, is it cute at any age? (p.s. If you can't already tell, I subscribe to the "no babies in 2007" battle plan.) A HA HA

**I know they're from Queens, but that just doesn't sound as cool ... Queens bombers? I didn't think so.
***Smack anyone that tells you otherwise. No, really, they're just trying to hurt you.

Friday, July 13, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Gary and New Duluth, 'Fame' and some 'bodacious' CD reviews (y'all)

Yay, it's the weekend, and it's still (somewhat) summer-y!

"Gary and New Duluth: Not Always Synonymous" -- My "Neighborhood Spotlight" series (finally) continues with two communities I honestly didn't know much about going into the article. But I think my piece will serve as a decent-enough introduction for fellow "newcomers." (I'm especially proud of some of the could've-been-shot-way-out-west photos!)

"All-City High School Musical Returns"
-- Maybe it's a Matt thing (or maybe it's a class of '01 thing), but I really, really enjoyed talking to "Fame" director Matthew Pursi about theater -- something I know very little about.

"Piano Prodigy Gets Chance to Shine with LSCO" -- These kids are nuts ... they have to be so brave to get onto the stage at Weber Music Hall and run through the first movement of Beethoven's "Emperor Concerto" -- alone, and all without crying, mind you.

"CD Reviews: New Ones from White Light Riot, Shelter Belt and Justice" -- Minneapolis power poppers, Omaha's most intriguing collective (and/or just a big band) and -- as the Budgeteer's Web site warns -- a French electronic duo with tunes so abrasive listeners' faces will surely melt off. (As an added bonus, this story also includes another shot of White Light Riot's enjoyable Electric Fetus in-store acoustic performance.)

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

This Evening's Moment of Zen: White Light Riot's Electric Fetus In-Store

It's true; Minneapolis power poppers White Light Riot were in town tonight, promoting both their excellent* new album, "Atomism," and their (what we can only expect will be an) excellent headlining performance at the Festival to End the Violence. The show, which will be held this Sunday at Bayfront Festival Park, is a benefit for Duluth's Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women = good tunes, good cause.

ANYWAY, here's a shot of the group (well, at least a shot of half of the group) going the unplugged route in my favorite record store. Though it was sparsely attended -- drummer Mark Schwandt even cracked "If you like Brian McKnight, you'll love us" as their set came to a close -- it was a stellar performance.

Kudos to the Fetus for hosting it, and for allowing them to raise awareness for this worthy benefit concert!

*More on this in this weekend's edition of the Budgeteer, as I review it alongside two other (equally) excellent albums: Shelter Belt's "Under the World Awhile" and Justice's "
."

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 36

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.)

p.s. I'm at the point where I'm just having so much fun making my awesome mix tapes that they're piling up and I'm not getting them to the Web in an efficient manner. Thus, for this here mix tape -- and hopefully only for this here mix tape -- I'm going to use only one word to describe each treasured selection. Let the intrigue begin!

1. Polyphonic Spree - "Running Away"
Sunshine!

2. Justice - "Stress"
Doomsday!

3. Soundgarden - "Zero Chance"
Suicide!

4. Zeph and Azeem - "Play the Drum"
Accordions!

5. Aesop Rock - "None Shall Pass"
Classy!

6. Alkaline Trio - "Trouble Breathing"
Brooding!

7. The Affair - "Andy"
Keyboards!

8. Moth - "Shock City"
Hooks!

9. Captain - "A Day in the Life" (Beatles cover)
Elegant!

10. The Get Up Kids - "Wouldn't Believe It"
Pretty!

11. Steve Miller Band - "Serenade"
Dreamscape!

12. Simple Kid - "Average Man"
Upbeat!

13. Richard Swift - "As I Go"
Wilco!

14. Mates of State - "A Control Group"
Frenetic!

15. Bob Log III - "Log Bomb"
Raw!

16. Scissor Sisters - "Lights"
1977!

17. Ken Andrews - "The 23rd Boy"
Alarming!

18. Get Him Eat Him - "2 x 2"
Jubilant!

19. Sean Na Na - "Hands, Paws and Claws"
Comeback!

20. Wintergreen - "Tomb"
Free!

21. The Anniversary - "Tu-hitt Tu-Whoo"
Cool!

22. Alternative Champs - "Rockingham"
Offbeat!

23. Cloud Cult - "Radio Fodder"
Obscure!

Friday, July 6, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: AT&T buys Cellular One, Al Franken, Amnicon Falls, a 'macro' guy and a crazy Southerner*

Wow, what a week!

"Discover Duluth: Amnicon Falls" -- This week I took my photo essay series to my "most favoritest" park in the world, Amnicon Falls State Park. Oh, yeah, it's a gas; you should probably check it out. (This week's "poster" is from those sessions.)

"AT&T Expands with Cellular One Acquisition" -- It's true. Good news for iPhone fans, (possibly) bad news for Duluth's 250 call center employees.

"More Human than Human" -- Great Lakes Aquarium employee Chad Netherland is going for his 10th world record this weekend, and it promises to be a "doozy."

"Mike Nordin: The King of Close-Up" -- If you like macro photography, you'll love Mike's new show at Beaner's. (It doesn't open until Thursday, so don't get too excited there, buddy boy.)

Finally, while I didn't technically write "Franken on Politics, Being Minnesotan and More," I was there at Lakeview Coffee House with the big man, sippin' a latte (like a little girlie man) and asking a few questions ... OK, I can't hold in my excitement anymore: We're living in the second Al Franken decade, baby!

(Please excuse that little outburst ... it's almost quittin' time!)

*Who just happens to be living in Duluth.
**OK, more photo than essay ... but I digress.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 35: I met my new neighbor / Had a drink on her veranda

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. Jason Falkner - "Do Ya" (Electric Light Orchestra cover)
Jason Falkner? Rocks. ELO? Definitely rocks ... what's not to love?

2. Logan Whitehurst and the Jr. Science Club - "Me and the Snowman"
For this selection I'd like to thank Superior's Globe News for always keeping me in a healthy supply of low-cost compilations and samplers. <- Without them, sadly enough, I don't think I would have ever come across this terrific music makin' machine.

3. The Doors - "Love Street"
Not to get too gushy or anything, but this track's another "thank-you selection." This time it's HBO's "Entourage," for helping me "reconnect" with my Doors collection.

Because of Jim Morrison, the only poetry I enjoy is drunken poetry.

Naysayers be damned.

4. John Vanderslice - "White Dove"
I don't want to speculate too much, but from what I'm hearing here, John Vanderslice might just have the 2007 album of the year on his hands: This is powerful stuff.

(p.s. JV probably has the best selection of free MP3s of any artist on this here awesome mix tape.)

5. Scissor Sisters - "I Can't Decide"
What's with bouncy rhythms and twisted lyrics producing the best songs these days? (Need more proof? Check out Aqueduct's "As You Wish" -- which, by the way, is the other record of the year. Strangely enough, like John Vanderslice's "Emerald City," it was also released on Barsuk.)

6. The Talks - "Any Other Saturday"
Recommended if you like Rasputina (with half the goth posturing), Guano Apes (with 50 percent more goth posturing) and/or mix tapes made by Kristi Lang. (Hey, she's good.)

7. Oasis - "The Meaning of Soul"
R.I.Y.L. bands which are A) somehow still making great records and B) somehow still alive.

8. Alien Crime Syndicate - "Ozzy"
Sure, this probably could've been on an "American Pie" soundtrack or two, but, dammit, I like it.

9. The Buggles - "Video Killed the Radio Star"
When's the last time you actually heard this classic from 1979? It's become such a "stat" in the MTV universe that many regrettably never actually take the time to sit down and enjoy it, the grandiose UK pop oddity that it is.

10. Oxford Collapse - "In Your Volcano"
R.I.Y.L. the Plastic Constellations' lust for life, faux rockabilly intros, (damn) good times.

11. Queens of the Stone Age - "Turnin' on the Screw"
This shit is epic -- like Led Zeppelin-wandering-through-a-desert epic ... I'm still surprised they're going to be gracing us with their presence at the DECC Aug. 1. <- Less than a month away!

p.s. Who the hell are the Vultures of Culture?

12. Low - "Just Stand Back"
"I could turn on you so fast."

...

Is anyone else scared?

13. John Doe - "The Golden State"
Like Frank Black, John Doe's solo career is excellent; but it's even better when he shares singing duties with equally-as-competent female vocalists.

(p.s. I love his new home, Yep Roc Records. Check out this out-of-office reply from James Bailey, one of the label's PR guys: "I'll be out of the office July 4th & 5th enjoying an extended celebration of America's birthday. Yo go America! You don't look a day over 229!!")

14. Treble Charger - "Ever She Flows" (live on Rock 100.5 - NYC)
This one gets under your skin. Kind of sad, kind of introspective ... more sad than introspective, though. (I want to carry out all future music reviews in this fashion....)

15. Phonograph - "In Your Mind"
R.I.Y.L. Wilco (just before "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot").

16. Adam Levy - "Too Close to the Sun" (live at the Minnesota Zoo)
Do you think the chimpanzees were welling up when they first heard this, too?

OK, kidding ... totally kidding.

17. Tom Taylor - "King of July"
R.I.Y.L. Storyhill. In fact, it's almost scary....

18. The Alternative Champs - "Set Your Face on Fire"
R.I.Y.L. song titles that fucking rock!

(p.s. Some MP3 "freebies" are available here.)

19. Harrydash - "Tank"
R.I.Y.L. Pilot to Gunner and other post-hardcore outfits that I can never recall off the top of my head. It's great music, but it's all kind of same-y ... no?

20. The Rogers Sisters - "I Dig a Hole"
I thought I'd bring back this DTAS classic because, well, this group is damn cool: Check out their Web site and you can get this song as a free ringtone. (How modern of me! HA HA HA)

21. Pawns - "All My Dreams are Ghost Towns"
R.I.Y.L. the Wrens. (No joke, this group will blow you away.)

22. Ryan Rapsys - "Aperture"
Let's hear it for the hometown techno. Oh, right ... electronica. Either way, this is nearly seven minutes of mind-altering ethereal soundscapes.

(p.s. Many Ryan Rapsys MP3 "previews" available here.)

Today's Moment of Zen: Maria Bamford takes a shot at the Budgeteer!

Monday, July 2, 2007

Today I whore out my blog to ... A-Plus Electronics!

Come on, just look at those prices -- if you were to go to any turntable accessories Web site, you'd be paying that for just one needle. So wise up and take your business to good ol' Ironton, Minn. A-Plus has been my needle hookup for years, so go right ahead and mention my name. (It won't get you anything, but, damn, doesn't it feel good to know a fairy just got its wings?! LOL)

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 34: Paperfaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!

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. Bob Log III - "Clap Your Tits"
If you can't already tell from this song's title, Bob Log III is nothing if not a gentleman. (And certainly not a drunk-and-disorderly "blueshound"....)

2. Queens of the Stone Age - "Another Love Song"
In celebration of QOTSA's Aug. 1 taking of Pioneer Hall.

3. Wilco - "Shot in the Arm" (live in Chicago)
Not to sound too redundant or anything, but this one's in celebration of Wilco's Aug. 14 taking of Bayfront Festival Park.

(On the other hand, what's with a bunch of "hip-hop" has-beens invading Bayfront Sept. 2?)

4. Simple Kid - "Kids Don't Care"
Is this song offensive to "slow" children? I sure hope not, because it has a certain "Feel Flows" ... well, flow.

5. Hum - "Comin' Home"
Ahh, yes, my first-ever show at the legendary "danceteria" First Ave. Precious, precious memories!

6. CJ Bolland - "Sugar is Sweeter" (radio edit)
Once upon a time in Spokane there was a low-power FM "barnraising," and yours truly was there representing North Dakota State University's Thunder (Web) Radio.

This is true.

(I promise to finish this story later....)

7. Alien Crime Syndicate - "Take Me to Your Leader"
Recommended if you like big, bombastic pop/punk in the key of Moth and, to a lesser extent, Motion City Soundtrack.

8. Weezer - "Paperface" (demo)
I really wanted DTAS34 to have a song from Weezer's latest studio album, "Make Believe," but I just couldn't do it. What has become of Rivers Cuomo?

The outlook for the future of Weezer looks even more bleak when you go back -- way back -- to this demo recorded before the "blue album" made them household names (well, at least in the homes of good people like you). This actually rocks.

9. Moth - "Sticks and Stones"
Wow, Moth ... again, on DTAS -- what a surprise!

R.I.Y.L. being the only one in the room (besides my darling wife) who knows just who the hell Handsome Devil is, and why you should actually care.

10. Kelley Deal 6000 - "Box"
Another "find" at Four Thousand Holes in Spokane. Good stuff.

... And damn them for having so much good stuff. I nearly broke the bank on that shopping excursion!

11. The Strokes - "Last Nite" (demo)
I know, I know -> "What, you mean the songs they release on their albums aren't just demos?"

No, I'm pretty sure the Strokes pay a lot of money to make their tunes sound like really, really ridiculously good demos.

12. Built to Spill - "Fling"
Doug Martsch has a knack for crafting the most beautiful tunes this side of George Harrison.

13. Imperial Teen - "Our Time"
I burned through the IT records so fast during DTAS's inaugural "radio" run that I'm finally coming around to them again. For this group, there are no "B-sides."

14. Vegetarian Meat - "Trip"
R.I.Y.L. Stephen Malkmus/Pavement and the best the immortal Velvet Underground had to offer (no joke). <- I find this kind of interesting, actually, as Charles Douglas (one-half of Vegetarian Meat) went on to record a solo album, "The Lives of Charles Douglas," with VU's Maureen Tucker. (Oh, yeah, it's fantastic; check it out.)

15. Sloan - "The Other Man"
Dirty dirty dirty.

16. Cloud Cult - "Pretty Voice"
Like Built to Spill's Doug Martsch, the world of Cloud Cult's Craig Minowa is one of supreme beauty.

17. Ryan Adams - "Everybody Knows"
I know it's "so passe" to express your undying love and devotion to the records of Ryan Adams, but I truly liked "Easy Tiger" in its entirety -- and here's proof.

18. The Handsome Charlies - "Makes Me Love You"
The second coming of the Beatles? This is some quality stuff right here. I shall try to dig up some more.

19. Spoon - "The Underdog"
Our Spoon is back and they've got another record....

20. Blind Melon - "2x4"
"I'm talkin' / I'm talkin' to myself more."

R.I.P. Shannon Hoon, I still remember the day.

21. Citizens Here and Abroad - "Stranger"
CHAA combines the best aspects of Dealership (aka my favorite band*) and that of their buddies in Secadora. I'm sure you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, but you should trust me ... this is my life. ("Stranger" isn't available for free, but numerous others -- including tracks from CHAA and Dealership -- are here.)

*Tear?*

22. The Afghan Whigs - "I'm a Soldier"
I've been told not to call it a comeback, but, hey, wouldn't that be nice? (As nice as the "Twin Peaks" pilot finally getting a proper DVD release in the "Nifty 50"!)

23. Mark Mallman and Vermont - "Too Hot"
It's all too beautiful.

Oh, God, it's insatiable.

24. Elliott Smith - "Either/Or"
Like Shannon Hoon....

*To be fair, this is a title shared with a number of other groups, including -- but certainly not limited to -- ELO, the Pixies, Marah, Atmosphere, the Who, Cheap Trick, Roy, Best Friends Forever, Cordalene, Cloud Cult, My Diet Pill, Pearl Jam, Mason Jennings, everything in Duluth, Beulah, the Impossibles, Self, the Plastic Constellations, Valet, anything Charles Douglas touches and so many more** that it's becoming impossible to be me.
**If your band isn't listed above, there is a standard form to fill out to become "One of Matthew R. Perrine's 12,000-odd Favorite Bands."

...

You should really think about applying....