Friday, August 31, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: District 5, judge/author Mark Munger and the U.S. Slivovitz Festival ... baby!

While not admiring Verbena's "Souls for Sale" album this week (does anyone else see the connection?), I managed to squeeze in a few stories:

"Three Seek to Unseat Russ Stover in District 5" -- My favorite part about this whole experience was talking to Russ about the police at Beaner's, while the bank less than two blocks away was being robbed -- and the genius thief tried to get away in a taxi, no less!

"Slivovitz Fest Heads to Lakeview Castle" -- According to sources, plum brandy is the new tequila. (Whether or not these sources run the U.S. Slivovitz Festival is just irrelevant, innit?)

"By Dawn's Early Light: District Court Judge Mark Munger Writes Whenever He Sees a Chance" -- I didn't have the heart to tell Mark that I roll into work around 10 a.m....

p.s. I also had a hand in putting together the Budgeteer's "mayoral forum," which Meg Bye and Don Ness have been gracious enough to "attend."

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 45 (DYNO1)

Good day, and welcome to the fold.

What you're about to witness -- the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul" -- is a mix tape of the "awesomest" caliber.

I only wish I were kidding.

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

Most of today's tracks were selected for a certain undefinable quality -- they're all kind of halfway between pure, unadulterated escapism and plain ol' surrealism -- so, instead of trying to define them, I thought I'd switch things up and provide each song's opening lyrics.

We probably won't be any closer to a solution (as to what connects these seemingly miles-apart tracks) -- and you're most likely a whole lot dumber for even reading this far -- but, hey, only one life to live, right?

After listening to them, trying pondering this, though: Do the mostly abstract lyrics hold a flame to their respective songs' mind-expanding musical accompaniments?

Don't have too much fun, pally!
Matt

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


1. The Beach Boys - "I'm Waiting for the Day"
"I came along when he broke your heart / That's when you needed someone / To help forget about him."

2. The Who - "Pure and Easy"
"There was once a note, pure and easy / Playing so free like a breath rippling by / The note is eternal, I hear it, it sees me / Forever we blend it, forever we die."

3. Wilco - "Pot Kettle Black" (listen here)
"Crazy rides rockets / Who has a magic wand / Empty out your pockets / Words without a song."

4. Grandaddy - "The Group Who Couldn't Say"
"The tale I'm gonna tell / Is about the group who couldn't say / Together they discovered with each other the perfection of an outdoor day."

5. Antipop Consortium - "Ping Pong" (listen here)
"Watch the ball / Watch the way I climb around your hall / Walkin' up walls sideways and I stall."

6. Atmosphere - "Modern Man's Hustle" (listen here)
"The first time I met the devil was at a Motel 6 / She left hell to spend the weekend on Earth just for kicks / Sexy little bitch, shorter than expected / About 5-foot-5, getting thick in the breast and thighs."

(p.s. Atmosphere's "Sunshine," from the group's latest EP, "Sad Clown Bad Summer," is available here -- as well as tons of other Rhymesayers classics.)

7. Beck feat. Petra Haden - "Rental Car"
"Hey now, girl, what's the matter with me / We're on a back road, driving to sea / Straight as a razor, kicking up dust / Digging through ditches and falling to rust."

8. The Doors - "Take It As It Comes"
"Time to live, time to lie / Time to laugh, time to die."

9. The Beach Boys - "Let's Go Away for Awhile"
Uh, oops, instrumental....

10. Pearl Jam - "Aye Davanita"
Again, instrumental ... oops!

11. George Harrison - "I Dig Love"
"I dig love / I dig love / I dig love / I dig love, in the morning / I dig love, in the evening / I dig love, and I want you to know I dig love."

12. Modest Mouse - "Here it Comes"
"Walked to your house on my lunch break, here it comes / Come inside and pour a drink, here it comes / You'll probably tell me everything you think, here it comes / The place and the time when we knew everything could go wrong."

13. Olivia Tremor Control - "Define a Transparent Dream"
"Look over the surface and into the distance / Constantly showering me with decision / Define a transparent dream."

(p.s. You wouldn't believe how many Elephant 6 MP3s are available for free online....)

14. Radiohead - "Everything in its Right Place"
"Everything / Everything / Everything / Everything / In its right place."

15. The Postal Service - "Such Great Heights"
"I am thinking it's a sign / That the freckles in our eyes are mirror images / And when we kiss they're perfectly aligned."

16. Tripping Daisy - "Your Socks Have No Name"
"It's all that you do that carries you through / And the power that you receive destroys you / So you take little guns and you zap 'em / 'Cause all you ever wanted was the truth."

17. Both - "Becoming Un-Plastic"
No lyrics, per se. (Just a lot of cool samples!)

18. Cloud Cult - "Brain Gateway"
"I'll turn my stupid brain into a gateway / Meet me in the place where life comes to get away."

19. Outkast - "GhettoMusick"
"Turn me up, don't turn me down / Cut me up, don't let me down."

20. Download - "Possession"
OK, so the lyrics here are all but undecipherable, so good luck with that one....

21. Cypress Hill - "Spark Another Owl"
"Once again the powers of the herb open up the mind / Seek deep inside, tell me what you find / Come on, come on, come on...."

22. The Chemical Brothers - "Music:Reponse"
"Music / Reponse / Music / Reponse / Music / Response." (It continues on this way for awhile....)

23. R.E.M. - "Summer Turns to High"
"Mercury is rising still / Turn the fan on high / I won't step on my own shadow / No one wants to cry."

Friday, August 24, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: District 3 candidates, Hog Island pics, (almighty) photographer Bruce Ojard and Brenda Weiler's marvelous new CD

I'm spent -- journalism is hard... (ha!) -- so let's shake a little Budgeteer action already:

"Three Seek to Represent Diverse District 3 on Council" -- As expected, I chatted with District 3 candidates Sharla Gardner, Heather Rand and John Rathe. It's quite the diverse district (as noted in the headline he he he), so the race is definitely one to watch.

"Discover Duluth: Hog Island" -- My photo essay series finally gets around to one of my favorite places in Superior, Hog Island -- a former Wisconsin DNR "toxic hot spot." (Yowsas!)

"The (Secretly) Genius World of Bruce Ojard" -- It's funny* how I came across Duluth photographer Bruce Ojard's 1979 masterpiece "Jesus is Lord." It was at this year's Park Point Rummage Sale,** where some very generous (read: quite foolish) man give it up for a pair of quarters -- yeah, 50 cents for the coolest image I've seen in ages!

"CD Reviews: New Releases from Brenda Weiler and Nordic Angst" -- Brenda is unstoppable. Nordic Angst, on the other hand ... well, let's just say I'm about as welcome at one of their shows as I am at one featuring the Very People....

*Well, at least it is to me and ... oh, come now, would it really kill you to humor me? Really, you're already dying a little inside? Well, I'll be [EXPLETIVE DELETED]....
**Which is, by my own accord, almost as much fun as getting a full paper grocer's sack full of CDs for only $3 at the library's crazy "book" sale.

Today's Moment of Zen: "Photoshop Hero"! (Courtesy of Penny Arcade)

(Courtesy of Penny Arcade, with a special thanks to Adam on Perfect Duluth Day for introducing me to this marvelous spoof of my beloved "Guitar Hero" video games.)

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 44: If you lose me, girl, you lose a good thing

Good evening.

What you're about to witness -- the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul" -- is a mix tape of the "awesomest" caliber.

I only wish I were kidding.

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

Tubular! Bells!
Matt

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


1. Rancid - "Tropical London"
I love Rancid to death, but how can they still be considered punk? This is some of the shiniest pop I have ever heard.

2. Daft Punk - "The Brainwasher"
This brash "aggro-techno" number is like Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" soaked in Justice's face-melting sauce and ... acid, I guess.

3. Luscious Jackson - "Naked Eye"
And, on the sweeter side....

4. Atmosphere - "The Keys to Life vs. 15 Minutes of Fame"
Guess who's launching their lengthy national tour with a two-night stand at the little ol' pizzeria on the corner of Superior and Lake?

5. The Rentals - "Life Without a Brain" (live version available here)
After a lengthy hiatus -- and some musical missteps courtesy of frontman Matt Sharp -- everybody's favorite Weezer-is-old-news project is back on track.

6. Brother Brick - "See You Tonight"
I just heard this the other week, but it feels like I've been listening to it for ages -- almost like I was raised on it. <- And that's a quality more songs should have.

7. Rogue Wave - "Lake Michigan"
What a great year for records -- not just here in Duluth, but all over the world! The New Pornographers just dropped their fourth masterpiece, "Challengers," today, and both Rogue Wave and Hot Hot Heat will soon also have contenders (for the crown*) on the shelves. (Preorder Rogue Wave's "Asleep at Heaven's Gate" here to get a free 7" or download another track, "Chicago X 12," here.)

8. Black Lab - "The Real You"
Do you like your rock "earnest"? Step to it. (CAUTION: If you're offended by inoffensive "naughty" artwork, don't follow the above link!)

9. Jeremy Enigk - "Oh John"
Hey, remember the Fire Theft? Probably not, but you most likely remember Sunny Day Real Estate and all the joy Enigk brought to us with that outfit. (And a special thanks to him for his original compositions throughout "The United States of Leland.")

Recommended if you like all of the above and the Pumpkins' quieter moments, like "Disarm."

10. Cheap Trick - "Scent of a Woman"
Misheard rock 'n' roll lyrics have always made for interesting conversations (Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising," for one), so, on that note, I humbly present this song's half-muttered line "A man ain't a man in a one-night stand."

What do you hear?

11. Dropkick Murphys - "Hey Little Rich Boy" (Sham 69 cover)
Speaking of songs fun to sing along with, more dive bars should have this one on their karaoke machines.

12. Garbage - "#1 Crush"
I can't say much for Shakespeare at the cineplex, but I certainly support a certain soundtrack in 1996.

13. Dressy Bessy - "Tag"
I miss Denver.

14. Basement Jaxx - "Jump N' Shout"
And I miss working at Disc-Go-Round. (If just for blowing my paychecks on shiny pieces of plastic and unleashing hours and hours of Basement Jaxx on unsuspecting Sunday shoppers....)

15. MF Doom - "Potholderz" (listen here)
Speaking of record releases (see No. 7), it's also been a great year for hip-hop: a MF Doom reissue, Grayskul (soon enough), Aesop Rock and two superb Atmosphere EPs.

16. Cadillac Blindside - "True and Cold"
Don't hold any association with Fueled by Ramen against Minneapolis' (now-defunct) Cadillac Blindside: This is some catchy stuff. (Another Cadillac Blindside track, "The Bottom Line," is available here.)

17. KISS - "Strutter"
I can't say I've ever been drawn to any of KISS's "masterworks," but, dammit, "Guitar Hero" is getting to me....

18. Robbers on High Street - "Crown Victoria"
Enjoyable, for sure, but not nearly as saliva-inducing as anything on the group's last effort.

19. The White Stripes - "You're Pretty Good Looking (For a Girl)"
Funny stuff!

20. Okkervil River - "Plus Ones" (listen here)
Right here's a solid track, but I struggle to hear anything more than "second-rate Golden Smog."

21. MK Ultra - "Red Cross"
I love John Vanderslice. Not only is he an unparalleled talent, but he's posted nearly everything he's ever done for free online -- including the work he did with MK Ultra.

22. The Who - "Getting in Tune"
Masterful -- yet sweet and "lofty" -- bass playing on this here classic.

23. The Jayhawks - "What Led Me to This Town"
Does it get any better than this? (If you answered "yes," then, well, sorry to break it to ya, but ... you're an asshole!)

*For Matthew R. Perrine's No. 1 album of the year, of course! (Look for my annual year-end list in the Budgeteer come December.)

Today's Moment of Zen: And this is why rock critics play 'Guitar Hero'

Saturday, August 18, 2007

This Week's (Belated) Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Johnson vs. Fedora (AND Doty), Little Caesars returns, Over the Top and Anne Crooks

Greetings all! This is what I've been up to this week:

"District 1 Deja Vu: Johnson Squares Off Against Fedora Again" -- Just when you thought you had another cookie-cutter city council race on your hands....

"Spirit Valley Little Caesars Now Open" -- Even better news: Two more locations (including one in Superior) are to open within a matter of months.

"Shakespeare Gets Over the Top Treatment" -- I heard something rather amusing through the grapevine: Apparently before each performance of "Love's Labour's Lost," someone gets up on the Leif Erikson Park stage and says something like, "If you don't know what play we're doing tonight, it's 'Macbeth.'" HA HA HA

"Former Twin Ports Newspaperwoman Returns with 'Tales of Spirit Mountain'"
-- It's always interesting to find out what Budge "alumni" are up to, and Anne Crooks' situation is certainly no exception.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Today's Moment of Zen: Mark Lindquist's legal disclaimer

In honor of Mark Lindquist's new blog -- which, according to the man himself, collects all his humor columns from the Ripsaw, Transistor, High Plains Drifter, etc. -- I've decided to "lift" his entire legal disclaimer (for your enjoyment, of course) because it explicitly said not to.

Anyway, here's to my next lawsuit!

Legal Disclaimer

All rights reserved. No part of this column may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in positive only reviews, fond criticism, or a ranking system involving giving out at least four of five stars or “two thumbs up.”

The humor contained in this column is protected under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. Yes, we’re looking at you, China. It is intended for home use only, that is, if you live in a home. If you don’t have a home, then you probably shouldn’t be wasting your time and money on this stuff to begin with, should you?

Any copying or public performance is strictly prohibited and may subject the offender severe criminal penalties of our choosing such as washing that cat smell out of the carpet on the stairs, and not limited to getting back that twenty dollars Earl still owes us. If the said offender is young and female, she’s going to get such a spanking under Copyright Law; Title 17; US Code 501 and 506.

This column has been modified from its original version. It has been formatted to fit this page. But boy, you should have seen it in its original version. It was amazing!

Any reading aloud of this column may be recorded to ensure you don’t read it sarcastically or in that voice you use when you make fun of people. Also, the information contained in this column may not be disclosed to others that may share in your sarcastic views, you cynical bastard.

All characters and places in this column are fictional, and any resemblances to those living or dead are purely coincidental. So don’t get your panties all up in a bundle. You’re not the only person who does those things.

All reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure that no viruses are present in this column. The authors do not assume liability for any viruses or errors contained herein. But just between us, if you get a small rash next to your navel after reading this, consult a dermatologist immediately. And don’t scratch it or it will spread to your genitals and face…trust us on this one.

This column is valid for thirty days after reading. It may be returned at any time within said thirty days for equal exchange with receipt only. What’s that? You don’t have a receipt? Then screw you. Ha, ha, ha, ha!

This column is to be used for entertainment purposes only…unlike astrology, which you should literally base your entire existence on. If today is your birthday: This is the year to seek out others from your past to lend a helping hand (i.e.: sending us twenty bucks or washing that cat smell out of the carpet on the stairs).

The views expressed in this column are solely those of the authors and do not represent the opinions of the publishers or advertisers except for idea that the downfall of this great country started the day women were allowed to vote. That opinion, we definitely share.

If you have received this column in error, please contact the authors and delete from your memory by looking at this watch swinging slowly back and forth. Yes, that’s it, sleep…sleep.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 43: ... It was almost funny

Good evening.

What you're about to witness, the latest installment of "Don't Tell a Soul," is a mix tape of the most awesome(st) caliber.

I only wish I were kidding.

ANYWAY, to encourage the consumption of music that does not (under
most circumstances) suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Ciao!
Matt

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

p.s. Does anyone else see "The Balance of Power" is this edition's "cover art"?

1. Son Volt - "Caryatid Easy"
Ye olde Wiki-Wiki describes "caryatid" as "a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural element such as a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on its head."

Just thought you should know....

2. Thingy - "Mayday" (take a listen here)
Thingy = Rob Crow = Pinback = perfection. (Don't worry, Heavy Vegetable's in there somewhere too.)

3. Beck - "Feather in Your Cap"
I wanted to come on here and brag about how I found a mint CD copy of "Golden Feelings," but, honestly, it kind of sucks. So, instead, I'm playing it safe with this winner from the "Suburbia" soundtrack.

4. Colorfinger - "13 Years"
Speaking of really, really ridicuously rare CDs, I just parted with Colorfinger's classic album "Deep in the Heart of the Beast in the Sun." While I'll miss it tremendously (I only parted with it for a very "modest" fee), I'm sure Art Alexakis will reissue it now that Everclear is as much of a joke as, say, the rest of the has-beens lot. (Why is it that Sugar Ray and Collective Soul quickly come to mind?)

5. Matthew Good - "Pony Boy"
Here's what Matthew Good (a Canadian demigod) had to say about this smokin' "The Audio of Being" B-side on his Web site: "In June of 1999, after completing 'Beautiful Midnight,' I briefly returned to the studio for fun and recorded the original version of this song, which, in my opinion, was far superior to this one. The only member of the band involved in the original recording of the song was Ian Browne, and it would not be considered for proper recording until the sessions for 'The Audio Of Being' began."

6. The Jayhawks - "Fingernail Moon"
Like "Pony Boy," "Fingernail Moon" is a recently unearthed treasure. This timeless "demo," recorded right at the end of '80s, didn't see release until "Blue Earth" was remastered and re-released four years ago. (The disc also includes two other bonus tracks, including the exquisitely titled "Two Minute Pop Song.")

Most memorable track on this here mix tape, for sure.

7. Badly Drawn Boy feat. Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra - "Come on Eileen" (Dexy's Midnight Runners cover)
Could have been more imaginative, but enjoyable nonetheless.

8. The Sharp Things - "Cruel Thing"
If you, like me, were raised on worn-out cassette copies of the soundtrack to "The Big Chill," this track -- which, if I'm not mistaken, includes a "cameo" from the Hold Steady's Franz Nicolay -- will surely melt your heart.

An instant classic, if you will.

(p.s. Lots of links to free MP3s on the group's label's Web site.)

9. Fear of Pop (Ben Folds) feat. William Shatner - "In Love"
For fans of Baz Luhrmann's "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)," Travelocity.com commercials* and beautiful, beautiful self-loathing.

10. Willie Nelson - "Midnight Rider" (Allman Brothers cover)
Recommended if you like pretending to be a cowboy, jokes about mistaking "taxes" for "Texas," etc.

11. Black Lips - "Cold Hands"
R.I.Y.L. the forthcoming selection.

12. The Bomboras - "Run and Hide"
R.I.Y.L. the preceding selection.

13. Sparrow - "This is How it's Done"
Contrary to what you may think, this is not the same group that eventually morphed into Steppenwolf, but it's cute of you to think that.

14. John Vanderslice - "Exodus Damage" (Alias remix)
Remixes are something else. They range from near-complete "unwind," as is the case here, to ...

15. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Gold Lion" (Nick Zinner remix)
complete reinvigoration of the original, as is the case here.

16. Yacht - "See a Penny (Pick it Up)"
R.I.Y.L. the Scissor Sisters' stranger moments, remixes of tunes by the Blow.

17. Calling All Monsters - "We Are: Special Forces"
Think: a more-mainstream Melvins.

18. The Push Stars - "Minnesota" (listen here)
R.I.Y.L. pandering to the locals and/or natives.

19. Charlie Parr - "Yo-Yo Blues" (BBQ Bob Hicks cover)
Maybe it's just me, but nothing says "Duluth" like anything from Charlie Parr.

(p.s. Some very fine -- and very free -- C-Parr MP3s available here.)

20. Big Hate - "Beauty Mark"
Question: Was the ghost of Layne Staley present for this recording session?

(Scratch that -> he was very much alive when this was recorded. Do I smell a commie cover-up or what?)

21. Bob Seger - "Love the One You're With" (Stephen Stills cover) (listen here)
Recommended if you don't mind letting your "freak flag" fly every now and again....

22. Blue Meanies - "I, Fitznik"
Man alive, is this epic ska or what ... epic ska? Not since the Clash have those two words come together in such beautiful matrimony!

23. Cordalene - "My Little Red Book" (Burt Bacharach cover)
Zumpano, the group A.C. Newman was in before the New Pornographers (and the group Jason Zumpano -- get it? -- was in before Sparrow), did a terrific cover of this song too, but I'll always keep coming back to Cordalene. For me, this is the definitive version.

*Just seeing if you were paying attention, Priceline "negotiators."

Monday, August 13, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 42: I jump in my car and ride, ride to oblivion

In case you didn't know, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome -- and I can't stress that final point enough -- mix tape series.

And this, right here, is the latest installment.

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that does not (under
most circumstances) suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Cheerio!
Matt

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


1. The Afghan Whigs - "Lost in the Supermarket" (Clash cover)
After some soul-searching,* I have come to the conclusion that this is a really, really ridiculous concept for a song -- and, yet, somehow it works. (All too beautifully, I might add.)

2. Atmosphere - "You Make Me Wanna"
Slug and Ant are unstoppable.

3. Cheap Trick - "Special One"
If you'd be so kind, please check out what I, at considerable lengths, wrote about this track here. Heartbreaking, innit?

4. Simple Kid - "Self-Help Book"
Again, I'd be stepping on my own toes if I didn't direct you somewhere else to read my thoughts on this one.

5. Kenna - "Freetime"
Although Chad Hugo traditionally takes a back seat to his ubiquitous Neptunes partner in crime, he shines on here as co-producer -- and, if I'm not mistaken, co-songwriter. As for Kenna himself, impressive stuff here ... must look into his album, "New Sacred Cow."

6. Shellac - "Canaveral"
"Stick his c*** in my wife"?! This isn't for the faint of hearing, that's for sure. (This really shouldn't be a surprise, though, seeing that frontman Steve Albini -- yes, that Steve Albini -- used to be in a group called Rapeman and all.)

(Free download of "Watch Song" available here.)

7. Carbon Carousel - "always better sorry."
Like Slug and Ant, Micheal Larsen (aka Eyedea) really makes me proud to be from Minnesoter.

8. Brother Brick - "Color Me Impressed" (Replacements cover)
A while back (1999, it turns out), a bunch of Australian bands (23, in fact) got together for "I'm in Love ... With That Song," a "tribute to the genius of the Replacements." And you know what? For the most part, it really works out.

It's amazing to think that a little band from Minneapolis could make such big waves halfway across the world.

Aw-shucks aside, here's what Brother Brick's Stewart Cunningham wrote for the liner notes: "The first time I ever met a girl at a gig in Sydney and went home with her was because I was wearing a Replacements shirt. It was at s's at the Petersham Inn and I was about 19, we were watching the band and she was standing in front of me and she just turned around and started passionately/drunkenly kissing me. When I asked her why she did this out of the blue, she later told me it was cos I was wearing (a) Replacements shirt and she was a huge fan of theirs. Believe it or not???"

Funny stuff! (p.s. A few Brother Brick tracks are available here for free.)

9. The New Pornographers - "Silent Systems"
I used this line last time around, but here goes nothin' (hold onto your butts...): The fine folks at Matador Records are brilliant: Buy "Challengers" early, get all sorts of free (goodies) now -- like this glorious B-side.

As a huge 'Mac fan, I especially love what lead Pornographer A.C. Newman had to say about this wonderful track: "This one was troubling me as a demo but then we decided that we should give it a Fleetwood Mac 'Second Hand News' feel, and it fell together nicely."

Indeed.

10. Bjork - "Isobel"
And now, for a little detour into the jungle before ...

11. The Velvet Underground feat. Nico - "Sunday Morning"
the prettiest song of all time (?) juxtaposed against ...

12. Blind Melon - "Skinned" (live)
a kazoo-laden song about "a serial killer who used to build furniture out of people's bones" (Shannon Hoon's words).

So happy, yet so disturbing. (Sadly, the same thing can be said about the album this was taken from, "Live at the Palace," which was recorded 10 days before the singer's untimely Oct. 21, 1995 death.)

13. Black Labels - "Sex Train" (live at Beaner's, Duluth, Minn.)
Alas, a little number to lift your spirits.

14. Kinski - "Punching Goodbye Out Front"
Speaking of Blind Melon, here's a track recommended for fans of those guys -- as well as of Black Sabbath, Fu Manchu and the entire "Dazed and Confused" soundtrack.

15. Fair-Weather Friend - "Dividends"
Taking off from there, Fair-Weather Friend would go well alongside Kinski labelmates Oxford Collapse (and/or Hopkins' unmatched Plastic Constellations).

16. Los Campesinos! - "Please Don't Tell Me to Do the Math(s)"
This is utterly original. And all over the place. And irresistible.

Buy product. Buy product. Salute your shorts.

17. The Revelers - "Detroit Bridge (Summertime)"
Some bloke over at Big Takeover said it best: "The Revelers give Supergrass competition as heirs to the Who's legacy."

And there's no better testament to those words than this "raucous '90s fusion of R&B and Mod-era rock" <- also lifted from the sticker on the front cover....

18. Oxford Collapse - "The Money You Have is Maybe Too Little"
Oh, hey, I've talked these guys up before!

19. Mouth - "Pure"
Don't let the fact that you'll most likely find this release in a bargain bin throw you ... this is post-punk angst at its most melodic and infectious. Recommended (highly) for fans of Metal Molly and the Pixies.

20. Black Lab - "Time Ago"
If you like Live's "Throwing Copper" -- like a lot (it's OK to admit it, I do too) -- here's a moody summer anthem for your next road-trip mix tape. (Also for fans of the Standard.)

(p.s. Some Black Lab goodies available here.)

21. Polar Goldie Cats - "Maoist"
It's funny to me that this used to be my study music at UMD, for now it sounds like it came straight out of an opium den....

22. Grayskul - "Dope" (edit)
There's always a lot going on in each and every Grayskul hip-hop face-melter, and "Dope," the Rhymesayers-by-way-of-Seattle group's latest, is certainly no exception.

23. They Might Be Giants - "My Other Phone is a Boom Car"
Twenty-eight (point nine) seconds of silliness before ...

24. Flick - "How's Your Sister?"
A line at least a few of my friends probably wish I would stop asking.** (HA HA HA)

25. Modest Mouse - "Steam Engenius"
driveuptheshore.

*No offense to anyone that does any sort of "real" soul-searching....
**And my wife, for that matter.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 41: You're free to have everything you can see

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. M.I.A. - "Boyz"
She's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

2. The Pixies - "Hang Wire"
As recently heard by yours truly in "The United States of Leland." <- A terrific film with a terrific cast (and soundtrack). Netflix NOW.

3. The Cardigans - "Step on Me"
For years I thought "Been It" was the Cardigans' finest hour. Well, that was before I rediscovered this undeniable gem.

4. Dave Mehling - "Idaho"
Although some* have expressed to Sir David (it's the only moniker he responds to, trust me...) that Wyoming would've made for more appropriate subject matter, this is a timeless piece of work. His songwriting is far more mature than his young looks let on.

5. MOTH - "Shock City"
MOTH's systematic execution on this stomper is alarming, to say the least -> I can't keep my ears off it.

6. Shelter Belt - "If It Feels Like"
Bran Van 3000, anyone?

7. The Stereo - "Things to Consider"
Another cherished deep album cut from Jamie Woolford and the boys in the (now-defunct) Stereo.

8. Carbon Carousel - "savior simplex."
Recommended if you like the Bogmen ... if they turned evil. (And had Eyedea out front.)

9. The Shins - "Australia"
A lot of credible people have told me that I'd "love" the Shins, but, come on, if Zach Braff likes them, how good can they be? I must admit, though, despite the whole Z.B. angle, this is pretty enjoyable stuff -- like a really, really, really poppy Rogue Wave.

10. Central Services - "The Salesman"
Speaking of enthralling West Coast post-punkers, Central Services is your new No. 1. Check 'em out.

11. John Vanderslice - "Bill Gates Must Die"
This guy has balls.

12. Cloud Cult - "Alien Christ"
You can't tell me the near-complete departure of a musical interlude at 1:32 isn't transcendent.

13. Oliver Future - "Happiness Machine"
You like Of Montreal? Do ya? Well, then, write this one down.

14. Mouth - "Float"
R.I.Y.L. Metal Molly, the Pixies and songs that are -- without compromising anything -- exactly 41 seconds long.

15. The Robocop Kraus - "Life Amazes Us Despite Our Miserable Future"
Cool, cool, cool: Cool title, cool music and, generally, just a cool song to (pretend to) smoke to -- one foot behind you, bracing yourself against the side of a brick building. Hold that pose, feller, 'cause the pretty girls are only going to be looking for a few ... more ... oops, party over -> you fell. (And, besides, how far do you think you could have gotten with that "spiffy" Canadian tuxedo on?)

16. Jeff Tweedy - "The Thanks I Get" (live)
This shit is vindictive. ... Or is it?

17. The Long Winters - "Ultimatum" (EP vers.)
For some reason, this song reminds me of "We Don't Live Here Anymore," only in reverse.... Yadig?

18. Dropkick Murphys - "The Dirty Glass"
I never really "got" the Dropkick Murphys -- or at least their appeal -- until one fateful night at Thirsty Pagan in Superior. To this end, cheers!

19. Rocket From the Crypt - "Burning Army Men"
As Brick Tamland would say, "Loud noises!"

20. A Sunken Ship Irony - "Lost in the Nintendo"
The 8-bit intro is just killer.

21. The National - "Mistaken for Strangers"
Like a less-slick Arcade Fire....

22. Alternative Champs - "Welcome to Fort Awesome"
That's it, song title of the year ... err, whatever year this came out (2005). Best of all, the song's content lives up to its title!

Another thing I love about this group is that their Web site sheepishly proclaims "The Internet Starts Here."

23. Spoon - "I Didn't Come Here to Die"
Roadhouse blues REDUX, baby!

24. The New Pornographers - "Speed of Luxury"
The fine folks at Matador Records are brilliant: Buy "Challengers" early, get all sorts of free shit now -- like this glorious B-side.

25. Fountains of Wayne - "Fire in the Canyon"
I was experiencing an emotional meltdown when I first heard this track, so that may be why -- and I'm no scientist, by any means, so please don't take (just) my word for it -- I'm kind of scarily attached to this (gently) thundering roller.

26. Nick Heyward - "These Words"
If Nick Heyward is guilty of one thing, it's subdued brilliance. He's great, don't get me wrong, but one gets the feeling he'd be just as happy being a fly on the wall -- at his own concert.

*I have no idea who I could be talking about....

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Photographer Craig Blacklock, "ab-fab" Glensheen pics, two amazing debut albums and more city council candidates

A friendly reminder to my fellow Twin Ports-ians ... umm, how do I make that plural? Regardless, your attention please: Bayfront Blues Festival is this weekend. Unless you plan on attending, avoid Canal Park at all costs.

"At-Large City Council Race, Pt. 2"
-- Last week I profiled the first four candidates running in the at-large race — Jeff Anderson, Jack Arnold, Henry Banks and Tony Cuneo — and this week I spoke with the final four: Jon Donahue, Becky Hall, Tim Little and Tony Salls. Just remember, kids: It's hip to be informed....

"Discover Duluth: Glensheen" -- Any excuse to visit Chester Congdon's London Road behemoth, and I'll be there. (Two things about the photograph at right: I shot it at Glensheen and, aside from the text, I didn't alter it in any way. Draw your own conclusions.)

"And They Call Him 'Blacklock'" -- I'm too lazy to tease this story again in any sort of creative and/or fashionable way, so here's what I wrote on the Budgeteer's Web site: "The famed Moose Lake photographer Craig Blacklock returns with 'Minnesota’s North Shore,' a large 175-image book and 3-hour DVD (which features an original score by Duluth's Ryan Rapsys)."

Finally, what's an issue of the Budge without more CD reviews from yours truly? This week I fawn over the debuts of Duluth singer/songwriter Greg Tiburzi and NYC stalwarts Phonograph. Headphones = ON.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Ladies and gentlemen, the Mesabi Miner!


A flock of camera-wielding Canal Park tourists welcome the Mesabi Miner to Duluth July 14, 2007, shortly before midnight. According to BoatNerd.com, the ship, which was constructed in Lorain, Ohio, made its maiden voyage (to Superior) June 7, 1977. Matthew R. Perrine/Budgeteer News (I just thought I'd throw this image, lovingly titled "When the Mesabi Miner Comes to Town," on this blog, as I forgot to mention it in the last dispatch of my shameless Budgeteer plugs. Either way, it's also available on my "Discover Duluth" page.)

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 40.5: The Many Lives of Charles Douglas

Here it is, Charles Douglas' greatest hits (at least according to me). If you've never heard his work -- or, even worse, never even heard of him (see above) -- you're doing yourself a huge disservice, as he's one of the most talented and prolific post-punk* rockers out there.

From Wikipedia:
Charles Douglas - musical pseudonym of popular novelist Alex McAulay, who has recorded four indie rock albums under that name, and recorded with members of the Velvet Underground and the Pixies. He is best known for writing songs about his favorite musicians, including Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) and Syd Barrett.

See!

Anyway, here's what I've gathered about how everything came to be (by slyly ripping off the discography he posted on his MySpace page): Things started out in the early '90s when he formed Vegetarian Meat with Indian actor Manish Kalvakota.

Together they released two 7" singles (now both out of print) and one terrific full-length album, "Let's Pet," in 1995. (Douglas has since collaborated with Kalvakota on some of the actor/musician's solo works.)

This is also the same time Douglas launched his solo career, with "The Burdens of Genius." That album -- as well as 1996's "Minor Wave" -- is now out of print, but was reissued on the "31 Flavors" compilation in 2001.

"The Lives of Charles Douglas"
followed in 1999, and featured none other than the Velvet Underground's Maureen Tucker on drums (and handling production duties).

It would be a full six years before "Statecraft" -- my personal favorite -- was released. Not to be outdone by its predecessor, the album features the Pixies' very own Joey Santiago on lead guitar. (Aside from his Martinis releases, it's some of the axe man's most enthralling work outside of the Pixies.)

Without further ado, I humbly present my selections for Charles Douglas' greatest recordings to date:

1. "Blues for Catalina" (from "Statecraft")

2. "New Attitude"
(from "Minor Wave")

3. "A Boy Like Me"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

4. "I Don't Care"
(from "Statecraft")

5. "She's an Angel"
(They Might Be Giants cover) (from "Hello Radio")

6. "Beneath the Flowers"
(from "Statecraft")

7. "Part Time Lover"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

8. "Diamond Mine"
(from "Outer Limits," credited to Manish Kalvakota with Charles Douglas)

9. "Not You"
(from Vegetarian Meat's "Let's Pet")

10. "Free at Last"
(from "Statecraft")

11. "Girl (of the World)"
(from "The Burdens of Genius")

12. "Splitting the Atom"
(from "Statecraft")

13. "Baby Come On"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

14. "Ancient Mysteries"
(from "Statecraft")

15. "Go"
(from "The Burdens of Genius")

16. "Me + My Woman"
("31 Flavors" outtake, unreleased)

17. "Groom Lake"
(from "Minor Wave")

18. "Ring or Ashes"
(from "Outer Limits")

19. "If"
(from "Minor Wave")

20. "Luxury"
(from "Minor Wave")

21. "Sticker Atlas"
(from Vegetarian Meat's "Let's Pet")

22. "Minor Wave"
(from "Minor Wave")

23. "Summertime"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

24. "Name"
(from "The Burdens of Genius")

25. "(Unlisted)"
(from "Outer Limits")

26. "Spiders & Snakes"
(from "The Burdens of Genius")

27. "Under the Command"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

28. "Volume & Tone"
(from "Minor Wave")

29. "The Day You Went Away"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

30. "Earlybird School"
(from "The Lives of Charles Douglas")

31. "Trip"
(from Vegetarian Meat's "Let's Pet")

32. "The Rabbit Never Gets the Carrot, Pt. 2"
(from "Statecraft")

33. "Drive Me Away"
(from Vegetarian Meat's "Let's Pet")

*If we must apply labels. It seems fitting, however, as he's done so much work with the Pixies' "axe man," Joey Santiago. And we all know "post-punk" is a term that always pops up in discussions revolving around those legendary Bostonians.

The Best of (the Worst of) Fly High, Duluth!

Greetings! Lawrence tagged me for this "Best of" Meme, in which -- just so you know, I've decided to rip off his explanation, pretty much verbatim, for this whole experiment -- the blogger is supposed to pull out 10 or fewer posts that represent his or her high points to date. I decided to lift out 9 posts that:

1) were original work,
2) showed the variety of things I did on my blog, and
3) may have not received much attention the first time I published them

*******
First of all, I hate Lawrence for doing this to me, because he assumes that A) I do anything even remotely original on my blog, B) "variety" is a word in the Fly High, Duluth! lexicon and C) my blog ever receives attention.

Regardless, an introductory message for all those new to the Fly High, Duluth! "experience": This here blog is my main outlet for archiving pet projects, entertaining myself and promoting things/fake secretaries I love.

On the other hand, here are a few posts (and series) I'm quite proud of:


"Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 27: Wear Your Headphones, and I'll Whisper You the Code" -- I could've picked any installment of my awesome mix tape series, but, at least for me, this one is a special marriage of choice cuts and my amateurish forays into "cover art."

And if awesome mix tapes weren't enough, with "Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 11: Mark Mallman Rules, OK?," I started occasionally featuring just one artist. Even cooler was Mallman's response after I told him about it on MySpace: "
RE: My Awesome Mallman Mix Tape No. 6
Body: Matt -

very cool. thank you! quite spot on in the PERSUASION "Travelling Wilburys" comparason... I actually was thinking of CONGRATULATIONS when I wrote that song... crazy! very. Interesting choices very flattering indeed....

-mm

Of course, I'd be remiss to neglect my "This Week's (Shameless) Budgeteer Plug" series. (The one I selected here has a "very special" photographic tie-in with a recent Twin Ports drug bust.)

"Nothing Says 'We Need to Have a Talk' Like..." -- I'm still strangely proud of this post, which is probably the first unofficial "Today's Moment of Zen." (And, no, I'm not ashamed of myself for so blatantly ripping off "The Daily Show." It's an homage ... yeah, that's it.)

"Failed Attempts of Stay-at-Home Copy Editors, Pt. 1" -- No need to worry, my friends, the spiteful (vindictive even?) streak that started at The Spectrum is still alive and well.

Finally, "'Scrubbed in Sunshine'" proves I do, indeed, have a serious side. I may not be the "Nancy Grace of the Twin Ports," but I like to believe ... OK, there's no way to finish this sentence without sounding pretentious; so, instead, I'll simply let you read the post and make up your own mind about my level of pretension.

*******

Okay, meme accomplished! I hereby tag Klang (and her "dream cronies"), Suoja, Swany, Sybil and Greg "The Tooth" Boose.

Meme Rules:

1. Please try to limit your post to 10 items or less.
2. Tag five.
3. Take your time. Do some digging in the archives and find the perfect ones -- it’s to your advantage more than anything else.
4. Please if possible, link to this post for meme info, and please link to the post that you were tagged in. Memes go on for quite a long time and, when trying to follow one backwards to see some of the other posts, it gets quite difficult when only the blog URL is used. Just a request.
5. The people you tag, please let them know by email, contact form or some other efficient method.

Friday, August 3, 2007

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug: Candidatos aún más políticos, a 'Special' book review, Greg Tiburzi and Zenith City Weekly

You are now reading the words of an official Spirit Valley Days parade judge -- how cool is that?

"Eight Vie for At-Large City Council Seat" -- Guess what? I only talked to four of 'em this week (I don't think anyone's brain could sort through any more in one sitting): Jeff Anderson, Jack Arnold, Henry Banks and Tony Cuneo. Next week I'll catch up with the rest. Promise.

"Book Review: Minnesota State Fair Book a 'Special One'" -- I had so much fun writing this one -- I really hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do! (p.s. Wifey dearest, if you're reading this, "Apollonia" meant nothing ... nothing!)

"Greg Tiburzi Heads Down Singer/Songwriter Path" -- Not to take too much away from my upcoming review of his solo debut, "In a Blue Haze," but Greg Tiburzi is a singer/songwriter on par with the likes of [HINT: I decided not finish this sentence -- so as you might just read my review when it comes out in a few weeks' time].

Finally, "Introducing ... Zenith City Weekly," is ... exactly what it sounds like: Say hello to the Northland's newest newspaper.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Today's Moment of Zen: As a former tuba player AND "Guitar Hero" fanatic...

Activision Reports Sluggish Sales For <i>Sousaphone Hero</i>

The Onion

Activision Reports Sluggish Sales For Sousaphone Hero

SANTA MONICA, CA— "I played in career mode for hours and kept feeling like I was playing the same annoying circus tune over and over," complained a disappointed gamer.