Tuesday, December 30, 2008

sys36 :: LOOKING OUT FOR NO. 1


Year-end jitters notwithstanding, I am optimistic about 2009 and our new president. To celebrate, some more songs I strongly urge you to at least listen to:

1. Johnny Berlin - "Bender Parts" [LISTEN HERE]
A song I really wish we would've had time for on Walt Dizzo's "Best of 2008" show on KUWS, as I'm sure he (and his loyal audience) would've appreciated it and *ahem* I ran out of room on my year-end lists in the Budgeteer to properly honor this terrific Belgian group. Like a danceable Grnd Ntl Brnds <- if that means anything to anyone that's not me.... 2. Of Montreal - "An Eluardian Instance"
And here's a song from an album that did make said lists.

3. P.O.S. - "Goodbye" [MP3]
P.O.S.'s upcoming release, "Never Better," will surely be one of 2009's best ...

4. Lady Sovereign - "I Got You Dancing" [MP3]
and Lady Sov's new one (I think it's called "Jigsaw") will surely be one of the year's funnest.

5. Department of Eagles - "Teenagers"
Not to dwell on those year-end lists, but here's a great song from a record I wish I had gotten to spend a little more time with. Like a more-relaxed "Pet Sounds," but with oh-so-much soul!

6. Eef Barzelay - "Could Be Worse"
Stop crying, Clem Snide groupies, Eef's solo albums are just as good.

7. Fountains of Wayne - "Valley Winter Song"
Recently heard in L.L.Bean's holiday commercials. But don't hold that against Adam Schlesinger and company.

8. Marc Gartband - "The New Seventeen"
A memorable little ditty about growing old (well, turning 33...) from *let me clear my throat, really obnoxiously* my pick for the Northland's No. 1 album of 2008.

9. Cloud Cult - "Story of the Grandson of Jesus"
"Story of the Grandson of Donald Perrine" would've hit closer to home, but its appeal probably wouldn't have been as broad....

10. Alkaline Trio - "In Vein"
I haven't been keeping up with these guys, but this frenetic track from '08 sure makes me regret that. A must-hear!

11. Mark Lindquist - "Hey Buddy"
Here's what Mark Lindquist told the Duluth News Tribune's Christa Lawler about this track, aka one of the best reasons to pick up the second Homegrown compilation: “The backup band is Baby Grant and Rich Mattson and it’s the first time all three of us had played on the same song together. There’s no album to go buy (it's exclusive to "Homegrown Rawk and/or Roll: Lindquist's Mix"). It just kind of seemed to fit there right in the middle.”

12. The Long Winters - "Carparts"
This may be the Green Fairy talking, but I swear you can hear "hey, buddy" being muttered at the beginning of this one too. Odd.

13. Alva Star - "Thing for Me"
Anywho, another sick (I must apologize for using that word, but I've been watching a lot of "Epicly Later'd" of late) track from Storyhill and (Olympic) Hopefuls golden god John Hermanson. Power pop in its purest form.

14. Supergrass - "Rebel in You"
Complements "Thing for Me" expertly.

15. Jimi Hendrix - "Little Miss Strange"
I'm not crazy: Vocal duties on this Cream-esque curiosity were handled by Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. Maybe I should be paying more attention to their post-Hendrix careers.

16. DJ Muggs - "John Lennon vs. Inspectah Deck" [MP3]
"Cold Turkey," one of my favorite Lennon tracks, gets the mash-up treatment and, somehow, it works.

17. Kritical Kontact - "New and Improved"
I can't wait; Bliss recently told me that Kritical Kontact plans to do a couple tracks with Just Some Cat, probably the Duluth scene's best-kept secret.

18. team9 vs. Stereogum - "B.F. Meets T.I." [MP3]
From Stereogum's excellent free team9 album "MySplice III," which can be downloaded in its entirety here. (By the way, this track is an entertaining mash-up of Ben Folds and Regina Spektor's "You Don't Know Me" and T.I.'s "U Don't Know Me." They surprisingly work really well together.)

19. Hot Panda - "Cold Hands, Chapped Lips" [LISTEN HERE]
I'm calling it now: Canada's "It" band in '09. After hearing this gorgeous track, you won't disagree. Really, how could I be wrong with this one?

20. BLK JKS - "Lakeside" [MP3]
Johannesburg's BLK JKS is a perfect band to introduce your TV on the Radio-fancying friends to, and, since their "Mystery" EP is free right now on Other Music and eMusic, you should really do them a solid and let them know. Quick-like, though!

21. The Tisdales - "Like a Horse"
Going back to Mark Lindquist words of wisdom, I loved what he told me about this group for the very-special Budgeteer story "What the Mayor and Other Northlanders Liked in '08": "The Tisdales’ ‘Baker’s Dozen’ really captured a great old-school rock and roll sound for me."

22. Doug Hoekstra - "Disrepair"
I may have said this before, but ... for the uninitiated, Hoekstra is a Nashville singer/songwriter who’s so good at what he does that he makes crafting a perfect set of folk rock songs seem effortless.

Thus concludes your thirty-sixth dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!


Hope your holiday were splendid. Here are a couple things I've put together in the last two weeks:

"The Best Albums of 2008, Pts. 1 & 2" :: Locally, it was another banner year for music, and the national and international scenes fared just as well. See if your favorite records "made the cut." (In case you're interested, links to my 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 lists.)

"What the Mayor and Other Northlanders Liked in '08" :: The question was simple: What is your favorite local and non-local album of 2008? See how people like Charlie Parr, Walt Dizzo and Mayor Don Ness answered. (Now with fantastic newness courtesy of Cars & Trucks' Mat Milinkovich and Tony Bennett!)

"The (Mostly) Local Guide to Last-Minute Gifts" :: From art supplies to zoo memberships, our A-to-Z guide will help make this frantic last week of shopping a little more bearable. Compiled with my boss, Budgeteer editor Jana Peterson.

And some random photos that punctuated other people's stories: a potluck "still art," some kids skating at Congdon Park Elementary School and blizzard shots for our '08/'09 winter photography collection of the old Interstate Bridge and snow-covered steps in the DECC parking lot.

p.s. I also co-hosted Walt Dizzo's "Best of 2008" show on KUWS. Read what songs he (we) played on his MySpace blog or below if you're having trouble accessing it:

  1. Cloud Cult – Story of the Grandson of Jesus
  2. Tisdales – Like a Horse
  3. The Plastic Constellations – Floated Down and Flew Around
  4. The War on Drugs – Arms Like Boulders
  5. The Sword – Fire Lances of the Ancient Hyperzephyrians
  6. Wolf Parade – Call it a Ritual
  7. Chris Walla – Geometry and C
  8. Doomtree – Game Over
  9. Thao with the Get Down Stay Down – Bag of Hammers
  10. Marc Gartband – Back With You
  11. The Whigs – Like a Vibration
  12. Of Montreal – Triphallus, to Punctuate!
  13. Now Now Every Children – Everyone You Know
  14. Tiny Moving Parts – Moving to Antarctica
  15. Torche – Grenades
  16. Retribution Gospel Choir – Kids
  17. Harvey Milk – Barnburner
  18. Sports! – Magnetic Yellow Ribbons
  19. Amanda Palmer – Runs in the Family
  20. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
  21. Atmosphere – You
  22. Haley Bonar – Something Great
  23. Vivian Girls – Where Do You Run To
  24. Man Man – Top Drawer
  25. Riddle of Steel – John Frum
  26. Lil Wayne – Mrs. Officer
  27. Lykke Li – I’m Good, I’m Gone
  28. Dance Band – Digital
  29. Vampire Weekend – M79
  30. Department of Eagles – No One Does It Better
  31. Human Highway – The Sound
  32. TV on the Radio – DLZ
  33. Q-Tip – Shaka
  34. Dr. Dog – The Old Days
  35. Attic Lights – Bring You Down
  36. Boris – Laser Beam
  37. Jay Reatard – See Saw
  38. Little Joy – How to Hang a Warhol
  39. Terry Lynn – Kingston Logic (angry mix)
  40. She and Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay?
  41. The Raveonettes – Black Satin
  42. Islands – Creeper
  43. Marah – Angel of Destruction
  44. Black Mountain – Evil Ways
  45. Amplive – Video Tapez
  46. Chairlift – Bruises
  47. Portishead – Magic Doors
  48. Victory Ship – Won’t Let Go
  49. Deerhunter – Agoraphobia
  50. Santogold – Lights Out
  51. Smoking Popes – Welcome to Janesville
  52. Horse & Rider – Funeral Piles
  53. Barbie Bangkok – All Over Again
  54. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!
  55. Beck – Chemtrails
  56. Portraits for Judith – 13 Plagues
  57. Fucked Up – Year of the Pig (US 7” Edit)
  58. Tanya Morgan – The Bridge
  59. The Magnetic Fields – The Nun’s Litany
  60. Black Kids – Hit the Heartbrakes
  61. Submarines – You, Me, and the Bourgeoisie
Thus concludes what will hopefully be the last This Fortnight's Shameless Budgeteer Plug!

Today's Moment of Zen: The latest music-geek crush...


Ladies and gentlemen, Anya Marina!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

sys35 :: HEAD. CARPET. SEW.


Now that all those pesky year-end lists are almost complete, I can finally return to my awesome mix tape series -- hallelujah!

1. Alva Star - "Victorian"
With the release of his self-titled solo debut in '98, Storyhill folkie John Hermanson launched the second phase of his career: power pop star. With Alva Star and the (Olympic) Hopefuls, he continues that trend. This is one of the most infectious tracks I've ever heard -- like Supergrass "Never Done Nothing Like That Before" good -- and that's saying a lot!

2. Jonny Polonsky - "Half Mind"
Similarly, this Frank Black-produced track is guaranteed to blow your mind. Space-y and radio-ready all at once.

3. The Streets - "The Sherry End"
As I might've said earlier, some clear standouts from "Everything is Borrowed" are “Heaven for the Weather,” “The Strongest Person I Know” (which, like “Alleged Legends,” features the tragically underappreciated singer/songwriter Ed Harcourt) and this gem, an undeniably catchy track that’s punctuated by trumpet and saxophone fills.

4. Coldplay - "Postcards from Far Away"
I usually can't stand this band, but I thought I'd give them another chance because my grandma in Florida likes them so much -- and, what do you know, I can stand this short 'n' sweet instrumental EP offering. Kind of relaxing.

5. Dr. Pepper Family - "Poster"
Forget Cleveland, Belgium rocks. (I know I should be ashamed of myself for comments like that, but I just can't help it: This band NEEDS to be heard by the masses.)

6. Anya Marina - "Vertigo"
A sweet little ditty from the unsuspecting chartreuse who's friends with Spoon's Britt Daniel and, oh yeah, got banned from an L.A. club for lyrics about licking a certain body part of hers clean. Yeah.... For a cute little girl like Anya, how rock and roll is that?!

7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Way Out"
Love it -- Karen O is a queen.

8. Eagles of Death Metal - "Cheap Thrills"
Never a dull moment with the *ahem* "Pigeons of Shit Metal." (Axl Rose is such an assclown.)

9. U2 - "Numb [The Soul Assassins Mix]"
Of all the hip-hop producers out there, Cypress Hill's DJ Muggs ranks right up there with Ant and DJ Abilities. Not a believer? Give this U2 treatment a spin. (p.s. Check out the nice collection of free MPs at SoulAssassins.com.)

10. Atmosphere - "The Things that Hate Us"
"As American as herpes and hot dogs." Ugh, Slug....

11. Kevin Tihista's Red Terror - "Pretty Please"
How I "won" my wife!

12. Ultimate Fakebook - "Inside Me, Inside You"
Reminds me of my Disc Go Round days. Good ol' Burning Tree Plaza.

13. The Tomorrowpeople - "Psyched by the 4-D Witch!"
Like a soundscape collaboration between Rob Zombie and Apollo 440.

14. Danzig - "Power of Darkness"
Quick, Danzig says there's a "snake between your legs" ... I need an old priest and a young priest!

15. Prong - "Innocence Gone"
"Rude Awakening" is one of those ultimate albums I couldn't imagine living without.

16. Ash - "Folk Song"
Like a lovely dream -- though, for whatever reason, it reminds me of the old Bargains Galore store in Moorhead. (It had pogs!)

17. Jon Auer - "These Times"
Posies dude strikes out on his own and makes a record that sounds ... exactly like the Posies. No complaints here, though, as I rather enjoy those Bellingham dudes.

18. Victory Ship - "I Can Pretend"
Thanks again to Walt Dizzo for letting me co-host the "Best of 2008" program on his KUWS radio show -> where I played one of this Twin Cities group's unpretentious rollers.

19. XTC - "I Bought Myself a Liarbird"
I know have no f------ idea what this song is about, but I like it!

20. Lindsey Buckingham - "Holiday Road"
Ahh, yes, good times; I recently revisited "Vacation" and I have a newfound appreciation for this uber-catchy song from the Mac man.

21. Little Joy - "Keep Me in Mind"
A Strokes side project that is both A) really catchy and B) pretty Strokes-y. At least this track, for the others I heard were a little more adventurous.

22. Riverboat Gamblers - "Don't Jinx"
Intense. Hyper. Enjoyable.

23. The Stereo - "Devotion"
Same here, but much more refined. Jamie Woolford is a golden god -- as is Rory Allen Phillips.

24. Stiff Little Fingers - "Guitar and Drum"
"Is this the new Green Day song?"

25. The Police - "Can't Stand Losing You"
I used to make fun of Sting fans, but, man, back in the day he sure was something.

Thus concludes your thirty-fifth dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Monday, December 22, 2008

Random Thoughts: What I learned from Paste 49


In an effort to curb the mounting stack of magazines around the flat (...), I've decided to bring back the "What I Learned" column. Here are some nuggets I plucked from the 49th issue of Paste (December '08/January '09):
  • This isn't so much new information as a reaffirmation of beliefs formerly held: "cover model" Zooey Deschanel is as cute as a button. (She's posing with Him, aka M. Ward.)
  • If you fly American Airlines -- Who has money for vacations during a recession, right? -- you can listen to Paste-selected tunes by plugging into your armrest. Weird partnership....
  • Paste subscribes can go digital (sampler and all) come February. That's good to know, considering I just bought my brother a subscription and re-upped myself.
  • The Mountain Goats, Sloan and the Weakerthans will all be playing one of those rock 'n' roll cruises in February. Hosted by Barenaked Ladies ... eww.
  • Good idea for the holidays: If you have just a couple of bucks left on a gift card, mail it to GiftCardGiver.com and they'll donate the remainder to charities like Habitat for Humanity. -> Think of the children!
  • Hip-OSelect.com has some really sweet Motown T-shirts. Vintage-looking!
  • Coming Jan. 27, 2009: "Ready for the Flood," Gary Louris and Mark Olson's first post-Jayhawks album. <- Sweet.
  • "All of Us in Our Night," by Athens band Modern Skirts, was co-produced by R.E.M.'s Mike Mills (of course) and Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven's David Lowery. That's pretty impressive!
  • Paste's pick for best album of 2008 was She & Him's "Volume One." (Hence the cover.) It's up there on my list too.
  • Of their picks for best film of '08, I've seen exactly none. Yay for me! What, no "Pineapple Express"?
  • Their pick for best show? "Battlestar Galactica" = dorks. (Just kidding, I just got done playing "Halo 3.")
  • Speaking of games, they gave the nod to "Fallout 3." I haven't played that one, but I have No. 6 and No. 7 ("Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Rock Band 2") -- so I'm doing a little better than I did with the movies....
  • How cool is Paste? Facing ads from CCR and Of Montreal, that's how cool.
  • You can get 25 free music downloads (and one free audiobook) from eMusic.com, one of my favorite sites, by visiting www.emusic.com/pastemag.
  • If you ask me, Paste's Digital VIP subscription seems like a pretty good deal.
  • Have you seen what Merge is up to with "Score!"? It's a 14-disc set, with each one curated by people like R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and comedian Zach Galifianakis -- kind of like our very own Homegrown comps.
  • Former Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan has another collaboration album out. But this time, instead of Greg Dulli (together they are the Gutter Twins), it's Belle & Sebastian's Isobel Campbell. Sounds interesting.
  • Jesse Malin has covered the Hold Steady on his new(ish) album, "On Your Sleeve." Again, interesting.
  • Stephen Kellogg and Glen Phillips are both on a new compilation, "New Arrivals, Vol. 3," which benefits the National Eating Disorders Association.
  • Here's one for my coworker Matt: In the humorous article "Gazing Into the Crystal 8 Ball," writer Paul J. Williams predicts that, on Aug. 3, 2009, Liam Gallagher will protest the presence of brother and Oasis bandmate Noel Gallagher at Glastonbury Festival. Nice!
BONUS EDUCATION: Issue 49's New-Music Sampler
  • RosieThomas' "Why Can't it Be Christmastime All Year" is a decent enough holiday song; part Flaming Lips, part Amy Grant....
  • Other songs to consider seeking out: The Steps' "Dagger," The Deep Vibration's "Oklahoma City Woman Blues (Veracruz)," Denison Witmer's Fleetwood Mac-esque "Life Before Aesthetics," Anathallo's Format-conjuring "The River," the Whispertown 2000's does-it-better-than-Lucinda "Old Times," LoveKrafty's "Just Go On," the Great Unknown's "I'm Not Listening" (something I'm pretty sure Charlie Parr or Marc Gartman would dig), Modern Skirts' "Soft Pedals" (it's growing on me) and Dear and the Headlights' "I'm Not Crying, You're Not Crying, Are You?"
  • Ones to avoid: Ani's new one, "Smiling Underneath," and Lovedrug's "Blood Like." Just awful, both of 'em.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Best of 2008 :: Radio Flyer 2 :: WHISKEY & GREEN TEA


A radio show for music geeks worldwide: The best music of 2008. Picked by the likes of KUWS's resident superstar DJ, Walt Dizzo; myself; and, most importantly, his loyal listeners. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, on 91.3 FM/www.kuws.fm.

Best of 2008 RADIO FLYER, Pt. 1: Garbage Pail Music Geeks


That's right; it's the time of the year for a barrage of inane radio flyers touting my guest appearance on Walt Dizzo's KUWS show. The details: The best music of 2008. Picked by the two of us and his loyal listeners. Mostly good (you can never really predict taste). From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, on 91.3 FM/www.kuws.fm.

Many, many more flyers to come....

Charlie Parr, Lorrie Morgan, the Tisdales, Rachael Kilgour, Highland Street and rawk and/or roll!


Who knew being a music geek could be so "hard"? I've spent entirely way too much time getting ready for this year's best-of lists. The silver lining, though, is that I was invited back to Walt Dizzo's show on KUWS to share some of my favorites. If you're interesting in hearing what the two of us have been listening to all year, tune in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday night/Friday morning. If you're out of KUWS's reach (91.3 FM in the Northland), feel free to listen in online at www.kuws.fm. Should be a fun time!

Anyway, here's what else I've been up to lately -- all of these stories are available for your reading pleasure at DuluthBudgeteer.com:

"Lorrie Morgan: 'Getting on Stage is My Therapy'" :: Lorrie Morgan is as close to Nashville royalty as they come, and the Budgeteer has an exclusive interview with her. Read on.

"CD Reviews: Charlie Parr, the Tisdales, Rachael Kilgour and the Second Homegrown Comp" :: Another local CD blowout: Charlie Parr's "Roustabout," the Tisdales' "Baker's Dozen," Rachael Kilgour's self-titled debut and the “Homegrown Rawk and/or Roll: Lindquist’s Mix” compilation -- hand-selected Northland tunes from Giljunko/Little Black Books frontman Mark Lindquist ... in case you couldn't tell.

Finally, this weekend's cover shot, of Highland Street in West Duluth, by yours truly, Matthew R. Perrine.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Yep Roc offers free Rodney Crowell EP!


From the Yep Roc newsletter, which I highly suggest you sign up for:

Rodney Crowell is nominated in the Best Contemporary Folk / Americana Album category for his album Sex & Gasoline!

Now Grammy-recognized over the span of three decades, Rodney adds another milestone to an already illustrious career with this nomination for his critically acclaimed album Sex & Gasoline. Crowell won the 1989 Grammy Award for Best Country Song for his hit single 'After All This Time' from his legendary album Diamonds & Dirt.

During the course of his career, Rodney has written songs for some of music's most notable artists (Emmylou Harris, Bob Seger), collaborated with Johnny Cash, produced breakthrough albums (Roseanne Cash) and charted five No. 1 hits of his own on the Billboard charts.

A decidedly political record that tackles the objectivity of sex and overt greed that has been driving our culture, Sex & Gasoline serves as a wake-up call for a country on the brink of change. Sex & Gasoline was produced by sought-after artist and producer Joe Henry. Its title track peaked at No. 1 on the Americana Music Chart and is still currently in the Top 5, where it has remained for the past several months.

The album was released through a partnership between Work Song Inc. and Yep Roc Records. This is the first nomination for Work Song and the fourth for Yep Roc.

Rodney will be performing songs from Sex & Gasoline at the famed Lincoln Center in New York City on January 23.

AND, to celebrate, we are offering fans a free EP featuring a bonus track from Sex & Gasoline and songs from Rodney's recent appearances on WXPN's Free at Noon and NPR's Mountainstage.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Gary Lundstrom, Lance Rhicard, Kwanzaa, Mr. Mrozinski, George Kaplan and high style!


It's been an eventful week at the Budge.

"Gary Lundstrom Unveils Northland-Inspired Art Lamps" :: With the public unveiling of his Great Lake Design studio’s long-in-the-works Art Lamps (one of which is pictured above, at Lizzard's downtown) now a reality, Gary Lundstrom believes he is nearing the zenith of his career.

"Kwanzaa Comes Early at UMD" :: To celebrate the recent Kwanzaa event at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Budgeteer spoke to Jebeh Edmunds, coordinator of the event and the Duluth Public Schools African American Cultural Center. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

"CD Reviews: Lance Rhicard, Nicholas Mrozinski and George Kaplan" :: Enjoyed this week: Lance Rhicard's "Big Heart Down," Nicholas Mrozinski's "Oak Chase Way" and George Kaplan's "Reinvented Wilderness."

In other news, the Duluth Budgeteer's online content will soon be moved to the Duluth News Tribune's Web site, www.duluthnewstribune.com. While our Web team is trying to make the transition as smooth as possible, hiccups will occur. If you have trouble accessing any of my stories, please let me know ASAP and I will remedy the situation.

Finally, this probably isn't relevant to too many of you out there, but I have completed a revamp of the Budgeteer News stylebook. If you belong to a group or organization in the Twin Ports and would like your information included, please e-mail me and we'll take care of it.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (MUCHO BELATED*) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

*The shame cometh....


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Psst ... Jeremy Messersmith in Duluth Wednesday!

So sayeth my MySpace inbox: I'm playing a show in Duluth tomorrow night if you are bored and have nothing else to do on a Wednesday night. :)

12/03/2008 09:00 PM - U of Minnesota-Duluth with Greycoats - All Ages UMD Kirby CenterDuluth, Minnesota 55805Cost: $5 for non students- free for students Description:http://www.d.umn.edu/kirby/

To celebrate the occasion, I'll ... shamelessly plug my reviews of Jeremy's last two albums. I know I do that a lot, but it'll help you brush up on your Messersmith and, if undecided, help you realize why the trip to UMD will be a worthy one.


Jeremy Messersmith builds on success of ‘The Alcatraz Kid’

When “The Alcatraz Kid” came out, I said, “Melancholy has a new best friend forever in Jeremy Messersmith.” I may have spoken too soon.

While its follow-up, “The Silver City,” isn’t like an I’m-having-so-much-fun-surfing-I-could-hurl early Beach Boys record or anything, there’s at least a glimmer of sunshine that wasn’t present two years ago.

For instance, when the Twin Cities popsmith expounds upon hell on Earth in “Welcome to Suburbia” — as in, actually living in suburbia — he does it in such an epic and catchy way that you almost want to reconsider living in a place as special as Duluth. Almost.

Much of this newfound pop love can probably be credited to the man behind the boards, producer Dan Wilson. He’s the Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic frontman who, weirdly enough (see previous review), also transformed underappreciated folk duo Storyhill into a Jayhawks-rivaling phenomenon on 2006’s “Storyhill.”

Everything that made “Alcatraz” such a revelation — namely Messersmith’s fascination with the late great Elliott Smith’s skill set (see “Franklin Avenue”) — is still present on “The Silver City,” but there’s an extra layer of polish that will help the troubadour reach greater audiences. Again, a la Storyhill.

Like Aaron Espe’s “Songs From a Small Town,” this concept album about getting around Minneapolis* isn’t something you’ll want to pass up at the local record store.

*As far as I can tell. My reasoning: Interludes include recordings from the city’s light rail system, and there’s even a cover of the Replacements classic “Skyway.”

This review of "The Silver City" originally appeared in the Sept. 21, 2008, issue of the Duluth Budgeteer News. Written by me, Matthew R. Perrine.



Messersmith proves himself as Minneapolis’ next great singer/songwriter


Melancholy has a new best friend forever in Jeremy Messersmith.

Although he probably wasn’t attempting to record an anti-Mason Jennings album, that’s exactly what “The Alcatraz Kid” is. While both singer/songwriters operate out of the Twin Cities, two very different — and two very real — outcomes emerge when they commit their lives to tape. Jennings is happy in love, soaking in the sun (even when he’s trying to hide it) while Messersmith is left beaten down and brokenhearted.

More akin to select Pacific Northwest troubadours, Messersmith’s songs run rampant with loneliness and self-medication. The aptly titled “Novocain” may start out with some powerful acoustic strumming that seems uplifting enough, but the lyrics quickly remind listeners who’s between their ears: “I need a shot of Novocain / To numb my heart / Could you pass me the bottle? / Make it something hard.”

Similarly, the album’s most contagious rock chords (found on “Great Times”) are slightly dampered by lines like “If I had a slightly better job / Would it make you proud of me?”

It’s not to say that Messersmith isn’t entitled to write complete downers, but one definitely has to be in that kind of mood to fully appreciate this album’s stark intricacies.

Even in the quietest moments, though, the songs still shine. Messersmith, sounding eerily like Paul Westerberg on the Replacements’ “Skyway,” is both poignant and poetic, accompanied by not much more than his gentle acoustic strumming on “Day Job.”

And while much of “The Alcatraz Kid” plays to those subdued pop tendencies, traces of the Beach Boys’ grandeur masterpiece “Pet Sounds” can be heard on the album’s closer, “Old Skin.” While not necessarily upbeat by any means, scattered thoughts about growing old with a loved one quietly run together, culminating with the repetition of the words “I’ll love your old skin.”

Taken at face value, that line doesn’t scream “play me at your next wedding anniversary,” but, given the 10 oft-dreary tracks that preceded it, the fact that Messersmith may hold the 21st century’s answer to the Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty-Four” is only further compounded. It’s incredibly endearing and, most important of all, it gives the album a heart for listeners to hang onto.

While we’ll still turn to Jennings for that eternal glee and untarnished optimism, it’s good to know that we can listen to Messersmith for more than a sharp comedown.

This review of "The Alcatraz Kid" originally appeared in the Oct. 8, 2006, issue of the Duluth Budgeteer News. Written by me, Matthew R. Perrine.



~Image of Jeremy courtesy Darin Back

sys34 :: GRAPE SODA TODAY


Y'all ready for Black Friday/to be a good American? <- That dates this mix tape, doesn't it?

1. dEUS - "Fell Off the Floor, Man"
It's true, you gotta be your own dog. This immortal dEUS track pushes the boundaries of modern recording theories.

2. Motion City Soundtrack - "Red Dress"
Seattle. Denver. Duluth. What is "Cities the Wife and I Have Seen MCS in Concert"?

3. The Sleepy Jackson - "God Knows"
... but He can't see in tents! Seriously, though, this is terrific baby-makin' music. ha ha ha

4. Sebastien Grainger - "Who Do We Care For?"
Ourselves, unless we're some imaginary kind-hearted fool. (I'm not bitter; I just think there is no such thing as a selfless act -- besides the conundrum-slayer presented on "Friends," that is....) Is any of this covered by Mr. Grainger? No, not quite. But it doesn't matter: This is some of the most listenable indie rock (for those afraid of change) in ages.

5. Led Zeppelin - "Over the Hills and Far Away"
Ahh, helps me reminisce about the Brainerds Lakes Area. What is it about those Power Loon playlists that made them just wedge themselves in my soul?

6. Starlight Mints - "Brass Digger"
If Liverpool were a city in Oklahoma, this would've been the Beatles' most triumphant hour.

7. Guns N' Roses - "Get in the Ring"
This one goes out to my classmate Chris Stirewalt, who, if you read the Duluth News Tribune but at all, you might know as one of the first Minnesotans to senselessly lose their lives this hunting season. You see, back in sixth grade -- Mr. Anderson's class, to be exact -- he thought it'd be funny if I read Axl's potty-mouthed lyrics to this song out loud. I wasn't exactly Martin Prince (or maybe I was?), but, of all the kids in our grade on the "A" honor roll, I was the only boy. Either way, I'm sure it was funny to hear a dweeb such as myself saying such "naughty" things. Of all my encounters with Chris, this one stands out as the most memorable because of its sheer "those were the days" quality.

8. Spiderbait - "Black Betty" [Ram Jam cover]
Believe it or not, "Without a Paddle" has its moments.... Actually, my favorite memory associated with this song would have to be that brief period in college when I was trying to get in shape. -> For inspiration, I would make myself high-energy mix tapes (go figure!) for running around the NDSU fitness center track, and this song always seemed to get me going. Until I gave it all up to be a traditional journalist type three or four days later....

9. Miss Kittin - "Requiem for a Hit [Glove Radio Mix]"
Another obscure classic from my college days. I distinctly remember listening to this one near the Target in Moorhead; which is weird, because A) we hardly ever went to that Target and B) I'm pretty sure I lost all of my readers with that last inane piece of commentary, so I'm free to write whatever I want nowadays.

10. Monty Python - "Galaxy Song"
The highlight of "The Meaning of Life" for me. Catchy and informative.

11. Star Casino - "Stroll Around the World" [MP3]
Video game music doesn't get any better than this -- and that's saying a lot, considering the competition this track faces on "Lumines II."

12. Mos Def - "May-December"
A surprisingly sweet little instrumental from Mr. Black Star. (Sorry, Talib, I guess that makes you the missus....)

13. Nas - "I Can"
Never mind the bollocks spewed forth by Rolling Stone when this song was released -- "a silly stay-in-school ad attached to a Beethoven sample" -- it's catchy in a good way and, dammit, people (like me) like it.

14. The Wannadies - "Skin"
The best Sweden has to offer. One of my all-time favorite songs, and, thus, one of the all-time most used tracks on these here mix tapes.

15. Metal Molly - "Orange"
But enough about Sweden; here's a brief history of my love affair with Belgian rock -- courtesy of my review of Dr. Pepper Family's new self-titled album* in the Budgeteer: Until 1996, I, like most Americans, was completely sheltered from the Belgian music scene. That all changed when quirky alt-rockers Metal Molly burned a sizable hole in my head with their infectious single “Orange.” (This was during the same “land grab” that found anxious record labels searching the world high and low for the next potential “sugar metal” It band. The group’s album, “Surgery for Zebra,” was released between Silverchair’s “Frogstomp” and “Restraining Bolt,” the ill-fated major label debut from Ben Kweller’s group Radish.) Fast-forward to the early 2000s, when I somehow — magically, I suppose — stumbled upon the country’s premier record label, Kinky Star. To put things into perspective, it is the Belgian equivalent of Sub Pop in the late ’80s. Like that Seattle label’s involvement during grunge’s heyday, it seems that everyone making Belgium’s fledgling rock scene so memorable is somehow involved with Kinky Star.

16. Sloan - "I Hate My Generation"
Not to be confused with the Cracker song of the same name, though I like that one quite right as well.

17. Decembers Architects - "Isadora the Fashion Victim"
While I usually agree with the line "it's better to burn out than to fade away," this MPLS math rock outfit went away far too quickly.

18. Charity - "Aren't I Lucky? [Voice Mix]" [MP3]
It's hard to believe that this former Curb recording artist, who goes by the name Kelly Henderson Brainard Grussendorf in real life, now teaches theater at the University of Minnesota Duluth and agrees to interviews with chumps like me.

19. Valet - "Record Store"
Way back when, this was my introduction to this criminally under-heard Twin Cities band.

20. Youth Group - "Shadowland"
Reminds me of working at Best Buy, but I won't hold that against these Aussies.

21. Blur - "Strange News from Another Star"
The sound of ageless beauty.

*Damn, I just realized I forgot to mention dEUS in that article on all that rocks in Belgium!

Thus concludes your thirty-fourth dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Monday, December 1, 2008

Margi Preus, the Ohara Peace Bell, 'kid lit,' B&Bs, Marcia Hales, lights, divorce and zombies!


This blog ain't dead yet....

"Margi Preus Returns to 'Kid Lit' with Peace Bell Book" -- Duluth author and educator Margi Preus’ second children’s book in a decade tackles the amazing true story of the Ohara Peace Bell.

"Duluth's Bed-and-Breakfasts Band for Holiday Tour" -- Angie Allen, of A.G. Thomson House, talks about the collective event on Dec. 7 and what it's like running a Zenith City bed-and-breakfast. A Q-and-A.

"DVD Review: Divorce Through the Eyes of a Child/Zombie Hunter" -- Shelli Ryan’s “Jake’s Closet” is probably one of the strangest films ever made about divorce, but it’s still worth your time. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, this weekend's cover shot of Marcia Hales, Park Point's famous light putter upper. (If you've never experienced her electric winter wonderland, it's well worth the short drive.)

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

This Week's Shameless Budgeteer Plug + New P.O.S. Album Announced!


Before the good news, though, here's what I've been up to the last couple days:

"UMD Alumnae Team for 'Hummingbirds'"
:: The University of Minnesota Duluth’s theater department is once again utilizing alumna Jeannine Coulombe for fresh material. At the helm? Kelly (Brainard) Grussendorf, another UMD graduate. (Interesting side note: Grussendorf once had a national recording contract with Curb Records under the moniker Charity. Click here for a free MP3 download of her track "Aren't I Lucky?")

"CD Reviews: Clearwater Hot Club, the New Standards and Dr. Pepper Family" :: Albums enjoyed this week: Sam Miltich and the Clearwater Hot Club's “Just You, Just Me," the New Standards' "Rock and Roll" and a self-titled album from Belgium's Dr. Pepper Family. (While I can't share the e-mail with you, the New Standards' Chan Poling had quite the hilarious first reaction to my review of "Rock and Roll." So, to avoid this with anyone else, some words of wisdom: Read the whole thing -- I'm like the M. Night Shyamalan of record reviews.... LOL)

"New Books Gets Lift Bridge Story Right" :: A large chunk of Tony Dierckins’ "Crossing the Canal" is dedicated to separating Aerial Lift Bridge myths from reality. Not to be confused with my review of "Crossing the Canal," this interview with the author and publisher for Canal Park Times (a special supplement to the Duluth Budgeteer News) sheds some light on the book's findings.

"Shy Guy" :: This week's seagull-tacular front cover.

And, finally, without any further ado, the press release you've been dying to read...

P.O.S. TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM NEVER BETTER FEBRUARY 3RD ON RHYMESAYERS
P.O.S. returns with Never Better, February 3rd on Rhymesayers. It's the follow-up to 2006's critically acclaimed Audition. Most of P.O.S’ new album was written in a moving car. On it, he raps at full-clip to ride rolling drums and revving distortion. There’s an urgency that he keeps in careful check, and then unleashes for spring-loaded verses that represent his best work. P.O.S built his reputation as an innovator, with an unlikely punk rock past and expressive, honest content. He re-earns the accolades with every release. His records capture his charisma—they’re driving and sincere, the dark moments counterbalanced by some giggling banter with the engineer. On Never Better, the new disc, he conjures get-away cars, racing chariots, the pursuit of sirens, and the occasional rueful nighttime drive.
P.O.S. himself made more than half of the beats on Never Better, and the production bears his unmistakable signature. The album enters a room like bombshell with a black eye—badass, noisy, impossible to ignore. Feedback and relentless drum rolls are only occasionally tempered by sung choruses and clean, chiming guitar lines. Some critics will be eager to categorize the album as a hybrid—some kind of crossover project. But it’s probably not. P.O.S is a rapper with range, he’s a real musician and an unstoppable performer. For him, genres are as they ever were: permeable.
The packaging for P.O.S's new album Never Better is a one of a kind four panel transparent plastic Digipak that holds 16 solid and 6 Transparent inserts. The solid inserts have artwork on the front and lyrics/credits on the back. The Transparent inserts have artwork that when placed over the various solid cards, enhance and change the look of the art underneath, hundreds of combinations are possible. Look for P.O.S. to embark on a headlining tour for the month of February and he will stay on the road through the summer, where he's confirmed for the entire Vans Warped Tour.
P.O.S.'s two plus years on the road in support of Audition proved that no genre can contain him. He's just as comfortable performing in front of punk and rock crowds as he is with his ever growing loyal hip hop fan base. On different tours, he went out with Atmosphere, Minus the Bear, Gym Class Heroes and Underoath plus did 50+ dates on the Vans Warped Tour. Audition made it up to #13 on the CMJ Radio Top 200 and was #1 on the Hip Hop chart for three weeks. The video for his single "Bleeding Hearts Club (MPLS Chapter)" received heavy rotation on MTVu and also on MTV2's Subterranean.

Never Better Tracklisting
1.Let It Rattle
2.Drumroll (We're All Thirsty)
3.Savion Glover
4.Purexed
5.Graves (We Wrote the Book)
6.Goodbye
7.Get Smokes
8.Been Afraid
9.Low Light Low Life
10.The Basics (Alright)
11.Out of Category
12.Optimist (We Are Not For Them)
13.Terrorish
14.Never Better
15.The Brave and the Snake

(Information courtesy P.O.S.'s people.)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Today's Moment of Zen: Cat in a Box

This is Violet. She likes *ahem* not being in boxes. (The blue is the anger.)

sys33 :: OUR AMERICAN COUSIN, REVIEWS OF


I still can't get over getting my letter published in Playboy. The 12-year-old inside me is beside himself. LOL

1. Dr Pepper Family - "Can't Recall"
My all-time favorite Belgian rock band (just squeaking past Starfighter and Metal Molly) is back, and the results are, as expected, transcendent.

2. Sebastien Grainger - "Love Can Be So Mean"
The solo career of Death From Above 1979's Sebastien Grainger is, oddly enough, a dead ringer for the pre-"Happiness Ltd." Hot Hot Heat sound. [Some fun downloads here.]

3. The New Monarchs - "No Commotion"
So sayeth the Budgeteer (once again): While there’s not a bum note [on "Blueprints"], some immediate standouts for curious potential listeners would be “Common,” for fans of “Com Lag”-era Radiohead; the IDM-tastic “No Commotion,” which shines on like a quirky Valet diamond; and “You’ll Always Know,” which is quite possibly the most gorgeous track I’ve heard in months.

4. Electric Light Orchestra - "Mr. Blue Sky"
For whatever reason, the Democrats used "Mr. Blue Sky" at about every rally this campaign season, so it's about time I take it back in the name of ... just kidding; I can see why they used it and, if Obama ever needed a nickname, I don't think Jeff Lynne would mind him "nicking" this song's title.

5. Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"
The new Rogue Wave? Quite possibly.

6. Del the Funky Homosapien - "The News (A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Microsoft Inc.)"
Cool interlude, humorous but dated (try Google...) title.

7. Brother Ali - "Mr. President (You're the Man)" [MP3]
Sure, the production's a little "phoned in," but this one's an instant classic for its message.

8. The New Standards - "Hey Ya" [OutKast cover]
Not as fun as the Supersuckers' version, but a worthy spin nonetheless.

9. Nirvana - "Lounge Act [Z-Trip Remix]" [MP3]
This Stargate-ready remix works because it brings out Kurt's haunting vocals.

10. Yo Majesty - "F----- Up"
From my review of "Futuristically Speaking ... Never Be Afraid" in the Duluth Budgeteer News: ... I’d peg “F----- Up” and “Get Down on the Floor” as the best places to start. These tracks — which Jewel B and Shunda K actually wrote with the members of Hardfeelings — are both extremely easy on the ear and, were it not for the in-your-face lyrics, would be strong contenders for high chart positions.

11. Rhymefest - "Stick"
A little sleazy for my beloved mix tapes, but, hey, I've already made a Stargate reference tonight....

12. Danzig - "Cantspeak"
No matter how hard I try, I still think of Beavis and Butt-head's "ploppy" description of this song's music video when I listen to it/attempt to enjoy it.

13. The Melismatics - "Soul Sucker"
According to my Budgeteer CD review (he he), I sure liked this track's "host album": ... You’d be hard-pressed to find any songs on ["The Acid Test"] that wouldn’t work as singles. There’s a trio of songs on “The Acid Test” that Clear Channel programmers should lose their jobs over if they don’t hear the appeal: “Digging Deep,” “Going for the Kill” and the aforementioned “Soul Sucker.”

14. Beloved Binge - "Miso (I Don't Like People)"
And, yep, looks like I'll again be leaning back on previously published words of mine: Seamlessly blending the best aspects of Grnd Ntl Brnds, the Geraldine Fibbers and all Calvin Johnson’s projects (most notably his work with Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch in the Halo Benders), their new album, “Blender Theory,” gets off to a terrific start with “(Got) Married on MySpace.” The song’s concept may seem a little hokey, but, once you hear its hyperactive chord progressions, you won’t give it a second thought. Not to be pigeonholed, Rob Beloved and Eleni Binge follow up that spastic track with “Miso (I Don’t Like People),” a mellow number akin to latter-day Imperial Teen. The majority of “Blender Theory” follows along those lines, showcasing the group’s flair for both the highs and the lows.

15. The Plasticines - "Under Control"
Best Friends Forever meets Ace of Base?

16. Tears for Fears - "Pale Shelter"
Hate all you want, but you know there's a group as embarassing as this on your iPod!

17. Scapegoat Wax - "Space to Share"
If I had to do junior high all over again, this is the song I would be requesting at all those awkward dances in Crosby-Ironton High School's cafeteria....

18. Cracker - "Hold of Myself"
A meandering track that manages to redeem itself in the end with lyrics about *ahem* man's best friend.

19. The Wrens - "In Turkish Waters" [MP3]
This is what Wrens bassist/vocalist Kevin Whelan had to say about this track when confronted by Stereogum: "This is a Wrens demo that I worked up for the band in our kitchen in our New Jersey band house. Eventually another Wrens version will see the light of day ... hopefully, the light of that day will be before 2015...."

20. Harold Faltermeyer - "Axel F"
"Family Guy" gold!



21. Mighty Fairly - "Closer to End"
I'm sure you're probably hating my shameless-self-promotin' ass right about now, but, as my imaginary kids say, "Again! Again!" OK then: This isn’t to say “Big Words” lacks the fun of its predecessor, but some of the bright and bouncy moments have been replaced with easy-to-swallow songs about a certain four-letter word (“Closer to End,” “Save Your Love” and, as if it escaped from “Songs for Silverman,” “Live for Love”) and ones that are unfailingly epic (the poignant “Alaska,” for one). (Hint: This one works even better if you happened to be married to a Sarah.)

22. Tim DeLaughter and the Polyphonic Spree - "The Crash"
A nice little interlude before ...

23. Janove Ottesen - "Go Tell Her"
another mix tape-closing love song. Ahh....

Thus concludes your thirty-third dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

A&E FYI: Radiohead and Wilco members hit the road with Neil Finn

Radiohead's Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway to re-join Neil Finn for new 'Seven Worlds Collide' project

Radiohead's Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway will once again back Neil Finn for a follow up to the acclaimed Seven Worlds Collide, a project supporting international development organization Oxfam.

Seven years ago OBrien and Selway were invited by Finn to participate in a special series of concerts in New Zealand under the banner Seven Worlds Collide. Also returning from that original Seven Worlds Collide lineup will be founder of the Smiths and member of Modest Mouse Johnny Marr, Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, songwriter and violinist Lisa Germano, and Liam Finn. Artists newly joining the project include Jeff Tweedy, John Stirrat, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone from Wilco, and New Zealand songwriters Bic Runga and Don McGlashan. Behind the mixing desk will be master recording engineer Jim Scott. More names will be added to the lineup in the coming weeks.

The album will be recorded over the next few months in Auckland's Roundhead Studios and is due for release in 2009. Like its predecessor, the project will also see a series of concerts featuring many of the artists included in the lineup. The shows will take place in Auckland early in the New Year. Details will be announced soon.

Worlds Collide
Worlds Collide is a live album released in 2001 by New Zealand singer/songwriter, Neil Finn. This is a live recording culled from a series of five shows from April 2, 2001 to April 6, 2001 featuring Neil Finn & Friends recorded at the St James theatre in Auckland, New Zealand. Notable guests in Finn's band included Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr, Ed O'Brien, Tim Finn, Sebastian Steinberg, Phil Selway, Lisa Germano and Betchadupa. The title of this album is derived from the line "Seven worlds will collide / whenever I am by your side" from Crowded House's 1993 single Distant Sun.

Oxfam International
Oxfam is an international development organisation working to end poverty and injustice to bring real and lasting change to the lives of people living in poverty and to create a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.
Oxfam believes that poverty is not inevitable. Instead, poverty results from unjust policies, and the denial of basic rights and opportunities. There are 13 Oxfam affiliates working with communities on the ground in over 100 countries. We put all our effort and expertise into saving lives, developing programmes that empower people, and campaigning for lasting change.

Radiohead*
Radiohead is Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Philip Selway and Thom Yorke. Radiohead's recordings have included 1993's Pablo Honey, 1995's The Bends, 1997's OK Computer (the tour for which was documented by the 1998 film Meeting People Is Easy), 2000's Kid A, 2001's Amnesiac, 2003's Hail To The Thief and In Rainbows, which was self-released via Radiohead.com in October 2007. In Rainbows was released to traditional retail by TBD Records/ATO in January 2008 and entered the U.S. chart at #1.

*Like you didn't know....



~Information courtesy Nasty Little Man

Holy crap, Playboy published my letter!

December 2008 issue. Page 17. Yes!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Haley Bonar, the Streets, circa a.m., Hand Over Fist and the Mighty Underdogs


What's I've learned this weekend: The "Stewie head" box set Amazon is selling isn't something you want to wake up to....

"Bonar: 'I Don't Have a Degree, I Have Records'" :: Haley Bonar has a problem: She’s big enough to have a lot of information about her on the Internet, but not big enough for these so-called experts to get their facts straight. An entertaining Q-and-A with my former University of Minnesota Duluth "classmate." (We both only attended UMD for one school year, 2001 to 2002, so there's a chance we had a class together....)

"CD Reviews: The Streets, Hand Over Fist and the Mighty Underdogs" :: It's another hip-hop blowout: The Streets’ “Everything is Borrowed,” Doomtree side project Hand Over Fist’s self-titled debut and the Mighty Underdogs’ “Droppin’ Science Fiction.”

"circa a.m. @ World of Wheels"
:: I'm not very fond of this photo set from Halloween -- largely because the Budgeteer's Web site, for whatever reason, won't let me edit my images' captions (beyond what I entered initially) -- but it does feature some nice shots (in theory) and guest appearances by Andy Perfetti and members of the Surfactants.

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Melismatics, Hillary Clinton, Mighty Fairly, Lester Park, Victory Ship and the other 'Hef'


I just found out that my hometown, Crosby, Minn., was supposedly the first town in America to elect a communist mayor. How weird is that?!

"The World According to Jim Heffernan" :: Considering that “Hef” has been writing columns for three-and-a-half decades, whittling down more than 1,500 columns to 52 for his new book was the “huge, daunting task” you can probably imagine.

"CD Reviews: Three (More) Albums That Will Restore Your Faith in Recorded Sound" :: Thoroughly enjoyed this week: The Melismatics' “The Acid Test,” Mighty Fairly's “Big Words and Power Chords” and Victory Ship's “Before the Fall.”

"Discover Duluth: Lester Park, Vol. I-III"
:: If you have family visiting from out of town and want to show off Duluth’s natural beauty, Lester Park should be at the top of your to-do list. DuluthBudgeteer.com exclusive!

Finally, some standalone pics for ya: "Veterans' Day in Duluth" and last weekend's cover, "Clinton Push Enough for Franken?"

Thus concludes THIS WEEK'S (BELATED) SHAMELESS BUDGETEER PLUG!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

sys32 :: HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, FISH-BULB


"Suffering" through an hour-and-a-half-long power outage really puts your priorities in perspective....

1. The White Stripes - "Jimmy the Exploder"
Surprisingly, googling "famous people who have exploded" doesn't yield any results of the Spinal Tap manner.

2. Oranges Band - "Wild Ride"
"I got out my little black book / I told a little white lie." Surf-tinged post-punk deception has never sounded so ... danceable?

3. Tim DeLaughter and the Polyphonic Spree - "Debate Montage (Courtesy of Tripping Daisy)"
I know Tim was the mastermind behind Tripping Daisy, but I don't quite get what this absorbing instrumental's title is referring to. I assume he just enlisted the Spree to revisit some Tripping Daisy material, but I don't recognize the song.

4. Brother Ali - "The Trap"
I was about to include Brother Ali's Obama song, "Mr. President (You're the Man)" [DOWNLOAD IT HERE!] on this mix tape, but "The Trap," in all of its Roots-sampling glory, just called out to me. Since it's somewhat of a rarity, I really hope me putting it on every other mix tape gets the point across: This is quintessential hip-hop.

5. The Melismatics - "Useless Generation"
Well, let's see what *nudge nudge* the Duluth Budgeteer had to say about this anthemic track: “Useless Generation” is a perversely disconcerting experience, with the Melismatics cramming at least four decades of rock hits into a song that’s less than three minutes long.

6. Prince feat. Murs - "Kiss [Remix by DJ Z-Trip]" [MP3]
If you thought Slug and Murs sounded great together, make sure to take advantage of this illegal art before Paisley Park shuts Z-Trip down.

7. LadyHawke - "Another Runaway"
God, I miss the '80s.

8. Tokyo Police Club - "New New Song" [MP3]
With this gorgeous track, I'm finally starting to come around to the much-hyped TPC sound. Here's what frontman Dave Monks had to say about "New New Song" in an exclusive Stereogum interview: "The song is one of the only songs I wrote about an actual person and actually feeling shitty. Most of my lyrics come from narratives that I think up so I treated this one with a whimsical perspective. As for that lyric in particular, I was thinking about the book [Roald Dahl's] The BFG and how the giant kept lots dreams in bottles on his shelf."

9. R.E.M. - "Red Head Walking"
R.E.M. leans (hard) on surf atmospherics for this worthy "Accelerate" B-side (found on the accompanying DVD, "6 Days," and, if I'm not mistaken, most digital versions of the must-have album).

10. Of Montreal - "An Eluardian Instance"
Again, Elephant 6 all-stars Of Montreal never cease to amaze.

11. The Standard - "Sunday Eyes"
Rock is dead? Not for fans of the Standard or, look out below, Victory Ship.

12. Queen - "Spread Your Wings"
I hate to pimp out my awesome mix tapes, but it's bound to happen from time to time: Are y'all on board with the Amazon MP3 store yet? Every day Amazon features a complete album for cheap. While today's selection, Janet Jackson's "Control," doesn't have me bustin' out the plastic, Queen's "News of the World" for two bucks the other day sure did.

13. Mighty Fairly - "Shadow"
Oh, hey, time for another shameless Budgeteer Plug. Here's what I (yeah, secret's out...) wrote about this particular track: The tracks I mentioned earlier are great, but they don’t compare to the downright pop perfection of “Close” and “Shadow.” The former, a carbon copy of Splitsville in its Burt Bacharach-worshiping heyday … and the latter? Well, let’s just say these four Minneapolis kids are blessed with a talent that’s beyond comparison. [Need proof? Download some Mighty Fairly tracks here.]

14. Victory Ship - "Won't Let Go"
Oh, wait, one more straight from the music geek's mouth/pen: Whether or not you knew Victory Ship when they were known as the Teeth is inconsequential: “Before the Fall” is impossibly good for a debut record. Straight-up rock ‘n’ roll hasn’t sounded this necessary in years.

15. Janove Ottesen - "Garbage Man"
This guy's the new Sondre Lerche -- not that Lerche is going anywhere soon (I hope)....

16. Run Run Run - "Fade Into You [DJ Z-Trip Remix]" [Mazzy Star cover] [MP3]
"Fade Into You" without Hope Sandoval? It's possible. (In other news, did you know "So Tonight That I Might See" turned 15 on September 7? Unbelievable!)

17. Travis - "J. Smith" [MP3]
If you think about, Travis is quite possibly the definition of "workhorse."

18. Swiss Kiss - "Lickity Split" [MP3]
I love the Internet. I only stumbled upon these guys when a Download.com search came back negative for ... I have no idea what I could've been searching for. Anyway, this is rambunctious alt-rock for anyone out there in the *sarcastic-quote marks mode on* "blogosphere." Highly recommended.

19. The Plasticines - "Alchimie"
A French Elastica? Our prayers have been answered. (I realize that might've come across as sarcastic, but I assure it wasn't intended to. I love, love, love Elastica. And France. And *ahem* the gorgeous Parisians in the Plasticines.)

20. Yo Majesty - "Booty Klap"
I'm a whore -- another "nugget" from yours truly courtesy of the Budge: ... The track most people will probably seek out first [on "Futuristically Speaking ... Never Be Afraid"] is “Booty Klap,” as it was produced and co-written by the legendary house duo Basement Jaxx. And, as far as Basement Jaxx material goes, this is the gold standard; the Yo Majesty ladies really brought out the best of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe. It’s a pummeling tour de force, not unlike “Cish Cash,” the British duo’s intensely catchy 2003 collaboration with Siouxsie Sioux.

21. Michna - "Triple Chrome Dipped" [MP3]
A great Aphex Twin-aping song to ... wash dishes to?

22. Tim Fite - "RAW"
This entertaining nod to Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" appeared as one of the free Halloween downloads on Fite's site. Actually reminds me of the time Kritical Kontact's emcees joined Number One Common onstage at Norm's to do a cover of the immortal ODB track.

23. Danzig - "I Don't Mind the Pain"
... And I don't mind the Danzig. Sincerely.

24. The Smiths - "Shakespeare's Sister"
To celebrate the release of the new Smiths retrospective "The Sound of the Smiths" Tuesday, Rhino is hosting an online "listening party" to help the uninitiatied familiarize themselves with the legendary group. Click it.

25. The Pixies - "Ana" [Live on the BBC, Aug, 18, 1990]
A classic in every sense.

Thus concludes your thirty-second dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Saturday, November 8, 2008

sys31 :: LONG SECRETED FRIEND


Soon enough, it'll be a new America. Until then, we rock out ... er, read about rocking out, on another unnecessary music blog.

1. The Mighty Underdogs - "Monster"
Annoying kids in the beginning and at the end aside, this Outkast-leaning superhit* from indie rap's newest supergroup (featuring, most prominently, Blackalicious' Gift of Gab) is as instantly appealing as songs come. (For a taste of the Mighty UDs sound, check out this free MP3 download of "War Walk." <- Also from the group's new album, "Droppin' Science Fiction.")

2. The Black Hollies - "Paisley Pattern Ground" [MP3]
This track doesn't necessary scream originality -- it screams "unabashadly enjoyable," though -- so I will forego saying something original about it and lean entirely on Download.com's mini-bio: Psychedelic garage rockers the Black Hollies have reinvented their sound for their sophomore release, "Casting Shadows." ... Getting inspiration from the likes of the Yardbirds and the Animals, the Black Hollies made a complete 180 from their days in NJ’s post punk Rye Coaltion. After leaking two tracks they gained national attention via a Dell television ad.

3. Clem Snide - "Your Favorite Music [Master Key Mix]"
My favorite music? At the moment, Clem Snide!

4. Elliott Smith - "Thirteen" [Big Star cover]
Gloriously low-key. And haunting.

5. The Polyphonic Spree - "Move Away and Shine [In a Dream Version]"
Uplifting -- and very necessary at that, considering the "album" it's found on (the "Thumbsucker" soundtrack).

6. De Novo Dahl - "Memphis"
For whatever reason, this track's album, De Novo Dahl's self-titled debut, isn't listed on the group's Web site. I can't think of why that would be: This is amazing pop music, especially for a first try. (To see where the group is now, five years later, download "Shout" here.)

7. Jake One - "Hi"
Another crafty little interlude courtesy of Rhymesayers-signed uberproducer Jake One.

8. Kritical Kontact feat. Cannon - "Here We Go Now"
So good it was used twice, on Kritical Kontact's "Evolution of Revolution" and Cannon's "DCC Reloaded."

9. Michna - "Swiss Glide"
Mesmerizing production worthy of underground sensation Just Some Cat. (I understand that won't help most of you understand exactly what Michna is up to, so try on this free MP3 download of "Triple Chrome Dipped" for size.)

10. The White Stripes - "Astro"
What else can be said about this frenetic track? If this thing isn't in your player already ... somebody needs to prepare you a "mix tape care package" -- and stat!

11. Le Tigre - "Hot Topic"
Younkers is the way that I run. Oh, wait....

12. Manplanet - "Ball of Twine"
Another one from the "Don't Tell a Soul" radio show hall of fame.

13. Of Montreal - "For Our Elegant Caste"
Did you really think the new Of Montreal album would be a dud? I don't see that day ever coming.

14. Drug Rug - "Day I Die"
What the f--- is a drug rug?

15. Sean Na Na - "Photo Booth"
Har Mar Superstar is such a diverse musician.

16. The Danburrys - "The Duet" aka "El Duo (Spanish for the Duo)"
As much as I love Drew Danburry's solo career, I'll always remain enthralled by the Danburrys' lone release, "All the Good Ones Go for Jerks." One of the best songs I've ever featured on these here mix tapes.

17. Radiohead - "2+2=5" [LIVE]
Is the "Com Lag" mini-LP the best thing Radiohead's put out? Hardly, but this first track is definitely worth seeking out. Explosive.

18. Soul Asylum - "Shut Down"
Only gets better with age.

19. Molly and the Heymakers - "He Comes Around"
For whatever reason, my parents went through a country phase in the early '90s. Outside of Dwight Yoakam, this is one of the few groups I'm actually glad to have been introduced to. While the Heymakers (and Molly Otis, certainly) were popular with the country crowd, fans of Americana will find much to love here as well.

20. The Afghan Whigs - "Summer's Kiss"
Hopelessly romantic, as are all of Greg Dulli's records.

21. The Melismatics - "The Stranger"
“The Stranger,” while as engaging as anything as Motion City Soundtrack has put out, is also a delicate balancing act between vocalists Ryan Smith and Pony Hixon-Smith. I approve.

22. Marching Band - "Gorgeous Behavior"
If indie rock doesn't work out for Marching Band, the group's lush sound could easily translate to children's records. You'd assume there's money in it, as They Might Be Giants seem to make an album for the kiddies every other year!

23. The Albertans - "Canada"
Recommended if you like the Terrordactyls.

24. The Terrordactyls - "Baltimore" [MP3]
Speak of the devil ... I know it's only been a month, but I really wish the Terrordacyls would come back to town. Twisted (read: has a sense of humor) indie folk at its finest.

25. Sonic Youth - "'The Simpsons' End Credits Theme"
Told ya!

*In a just world.

Thus concludes your thirty-first dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series previously known as "Don't Tell a Soul."