Sunday, February 21, 2010

sys65 :: THE MOTE IN GOD'S EYE

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, I humbly present ... "The Mote in God's Eye":


1. Rogue Wave - "Good Morning"
Perhaps in an effort to attract the tween set, one of indie rock's most on-the-verge acts has returned with quite the danceable number (and quite the confusing piece of cover art to boot). No matter; I love it.

2. Butch Walker and the Black Widows - "Trash Day"
Like the Marvelous 3, do ya? Best move on, for their fearless leader has struck radio gold by aping the Gin Blossoms' formula. (I'm not knocking it -- I obviously dig this song, as I featured it here -- but that was just a forewarning for M3 diehards.)

3. Motion City Soundtrack - "Skin and Bones"
In case you missed my earlier blog post on the matter, MCS will be back in Duluth April 6 at Grandma's Sports Garden with fun. (!), A Rocket to the Moon and Sing It Loud in tow.

4. Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons - "Longer Time at Sea"
Another of the many Brendan Benson-approved (and -aided) groups in my record collection. Love it.

5. Eels - "End Times"
This one goes out to Perfect Duluth Day co-founder Barrett Chase, quite possibly the most ardent Eels fan I've ever met. Which is good, because they truly deserve people like him backing them.

6. The High Strung - "N Over C"
I don't listen to these guys consistently enough (for shame, I know) to accurately assess their sound, but this mighty fine number harkens back to Sloan's magnum opus "Never Hear the End of It."

7. Schatzi - "Undergrowth"
Like MCS? Can't go wrong here.

8. Ben Kweller - "Never Let You Fall"
With Kweller and his The Bens band mates Lee and Folds, it's hard to pick a favorite, but ... oh yeah, it's not  a competition: Love them all -- especially this soft rock-esque winner.

9. Beck - "Painted Eyelids"
Great tune from way back when.

Don't let rock stars' personal lives get in the way of you enjoying their music. I guess that would be the lesson here....

10. Midlake - "Acts of Man"
Why's everybody in this band so down? If I had talent like this, I would write songs like ...

11. Aqueduct - "Frantic (Roman Polanski Version)"
this one! One of my all-time favorites, for sure.

12. Weezer - "Thought I Knew"
Relaxing a bit, here's another radio-ready slice of current-gen soft rock.

13. Supergrass - "Sitting Up Straight"
I don't care how embarrassing this comes across, but when I recently received "Lego Rock Band" in the mail and Supergrass' "Grace" was the first song I got to play, I nearly lost it. I was just soooooo happy. I got that same feeling back at the turn of the century when I happened upon a copy of "I Should Coco" at an HMV in New York City (I believe it was the one in the Fashion District, but, "The September Issue" notwithstanding, that's not something I've ever paid much attention to).

14. Cake - "Comfort Eagle"
According to the most reliable source on the planet (...), this song was cancelled as Cake's second single (for the album of the same name) because of its not-even-close-to-being-offensive lyrics in the wake of 9/11.

15. Gramercy Arms - "Automatic"
This song's intro sounds exactly like ... can't. think. of. it. (I will have to get back to you later on that one, as it's really bothering me.) Regardless, if you don't know these guys, A) that's a plain shame and B) Dave Derby of the Dambuilders is a member. See, you've learned something today. I can now retire.

16. DJ Me DJ You - "Glassbong"
Has anyone else heard those horrible Last Place on Earth radio commercials in which someone approximates a borderline-racist Jamaican accent? Makes me feel like _______ ___ ___. <- And I'm sure they don't want that on their conscience.

17. Mos Def - "24-Hour Karate School"
Remember when the John Travolta revival was in full swing with "Pulp Fiction" in 1994. Well, that's exactly what Mos Def's career is going through right now. He's remedied all previous ills and is, once again, an MC in top standing with music geeks worldwide.

18. Cage - "Days"
When Cage, in all of his doom-and-gloom splendor, says "This day is the best day I'll ever have," I just have to smirk. (Another reason not to believe him: Cage's label, Definitive Jux -- which is also home to artists like Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic -- has been closed indefinitely by mastermind El-P because he wants to concentrate on making music.)

19. Atmosphere - "Bam"
All is not lost, however, as Minneapolis' hip-hop powerhouse Rhymesayers Entertainment is as strong as ever.

20. Andrew Jackson Jihad - "Brave as a Noun"
Is it wrong that I only picked up this album from Hot Topic's clearance rack because I thought the name of the group was funny? Thankfully, the music isn't anything to scoff at. (Take a listen above.)

21. Neil Young - "Transformer Man" ["MTV Unplugged" vers.]
I like this song so much, I've already started harassing local favorites AM rubin to incorporate it into their sets. I can already hear it winning over the crowds at Carmody.

22. Phoenix - "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" [Bob Dylan cover]
And just when I was going to write off this French outift as the most obnoxiously buzzed-about group of all time, this gave me pause: Perhaps they do deserve all the kudos. At least I know they have good taste.

23. Kings of Leon - "The Bucket" [Live in Belgium]
From one of the most exciting live releases of all time, "Day-Old Belgian Blues."

24. Dead Kennedys - "Moon Over Marin"
A selection from the first decent punk record I ever found on vinyl. If you can get past its eye-opening cover, you're in for a treat.

25. Yellowcard - "Only One"
And, to totally piss off every Dead Kennedys fan who stumbled upon this blog, it's ... Yellowcard. Ha!

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

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Cloud Cult coming back to Duluth next month!


Cloud Cult Announce First US Tour Dates in Nearly Six Months;
Band Currently In-the-Studio Working on New Album for Fall 2010

New York, NY – Cloud Cult is thrilled to announce some US tour dates this February, March and April – their first in nearly six months.  The handful of 2010 US dates include a benefit show on February 26th at First Avenue in Minneapolis where all proceeds will go to saving The Electric Fetus Record Store outside of $1 from each ticket that will be set aside for the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief Fund.  In addition, this past fall Craig and Connie Minowa moved to a new home just West of Madison, WI where Craig has been writing and recording a new album set for release later this year.  The record will be the band’s first studio album in more than two years and is the follow up to the critically acclaimed Feel Good Ghosts (Tea Partying Through Tornados) (Earthology – April 2008). 

Despite not releasing a new album in 2009, it was far from a quiet year for Cloud Cult.  They put out a documentary DVD No One Said It Would Be Easy on April 21st.  The film tells the unique journey of the group, serving as both an introduction and introspection meant for newcomers and fans alike.  The band followed up the release of the film with nearly two months of tour dates including their first performance at the annual Coachella Music Festival in Indio, CA.

In addition, Cloud Cult released a double-disc reissue of They Live on the Sun (2003) and Aurora Borealis (2004), two of their earliest albums which were re-envisioned, remixed and remastered. The reissues made these out of print and hard to find albums available nationwide for the first time.  And if that wasn’t enough, as a special treat for fans, an album of previously unreleased tracks was also released: Lost Songs from the Lost Years

With a new studio album in the works, Cloud Cult is thrilled to start playing out live again.  They kicked things off on February 6th with a show in Lutsen, MN and as mentioned above will be doing a benefit concert at First Avenue on February 26th.  In addition, for the first time ever there will be a Cloud Cult art show featuring works by both Connie Minowa and Scott West.  The art show is free and will take place from 4pm until 9pm in the VIP Room of First Avenue on the same day as the benefit! 

For the most up-to-date information on Cloud Cult, please check out the band’s website:
www.cloudcult.com

Cloud Cult Tour Dates:
Feb.       26th         First Avenue Main Room                              Minneapolis, MN
                27th         Gardner Lounge @ Grinnell Col.                 Grinnell, IA
Mar.       26th         U. Minnesota Duluth-Kirby                         Duluth, MN
Apr.       15th         Lincoln Hall                                                       Chicago, IL
                16th         Majestic Theatre                                              Madison, WI


~Information courtesy Stunt Company

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

fun. (ex-Format) to open for Motion City in Duluth!


Motion City Soundtrack Announce Spring US Headlining Tour;
New Album My Dinosaur Life Debuts at #15 on the Billboard 200, Critics Weigh in Favorably and Band Performs First Single on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

New York, NY – Motion City Soundtrack have announced a Spring US headlining tour in support of their Columbia Records debut – My Dinosaur Life – which entered the Billboard album chart at #15, the band’s highest debut to date.  Critics have been raving about the new album with Entertainment Weekly giving it an A+ and Spin stating that it “…may well trigger their long-awaited breakthrough.”  The band was thrilled to perform the first single from My Dinosaur Life – “Her Words Destroyed My Planet” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon February 2nd.

The press for the live show has been equally as good.  In a live review of their sold-out Fillmore at Irving Show the NY Post wrote, “Like a Toyota with its pedal stuck to the metal, Motion City Soundtrack is all acceleration.” And Dan Aquilante went on to say, “If you've never heard of Motion City Soundtrack, don't feel bad: They're the well-kept secret of the college kids who hit the annual summer Vans Warped tour. But with this kind of energetic and musically superb performance, they won't be flying under the radar much longer.” 

The band is wrapping its’ current headlining tour of the US on the West Coast where they’ll be playing the House of Blues in Los Angeles and Anaheim, before heading overseas to tour Japan, Australia and the UK.  They kick off the Spring tour dates on April 6th in Duluth, MN and will be on the road through May 2nd when they perform at the Bamboozle Festival in NJ.  For the Spring trek Motion City Soundtrack will be joined by openers Fun., A Rocket To The Moon, and Sing It Loud.  Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 13th and all confirmed dates are below.  Please check www.motioncitysoundtrack.com for the most up-to-date information.

April      6             Grandma’s Sports Garden                                            Duluth, MN
                7             House of Blues                                                                 Chicago, IL
                9             The Rave                                                                             Milwaukee, WI
                12           Rocketown                                                                        Nashville, TN
                13           Newport Music Hall                                                       Columbus, OH
                15           Blue Moose Tap House                                                 Iowa City, IA
                17           Winona State Univ./McCown Fieldhouse            Winona, MN
                19           Orange Peel                                                                       Asheville, NC
                20           40 Watt Club (18+/except w/guardian)              Athens, GA
                21           The Venue (18+/except w/guardian)                   Gainesville, FL
                24           State Theatre                                                                    St. Petersburg, FL
                25           House of Blues                                                                 Orlando, FL
                27           Lincoln Theatre (16+)* (No Fun.)                           Raleigh, NC
                28           9:30 Club* (No Fun.)                                                     Washington, DC
May       2             Bamboozle Festival                                                       E. Rutherford, NJ

~Information courtesy Stunt Company

This Week in Weird: Chromeo, Daryl Hall joining forces

DARYL HALL & CHROMEO UNITE AT THE 2010 BONNAROO FESTIVAL FOR "LIVE FROM DARYL'S HOUSE"

PERFORMING FRIDAY JUNE 11th AT BONNAROO FESTIVAL IN MANCHESTER, TN

CHROMEO CURRENTLY AT WORK CRAFTING THIRD STUDIO ALBUM, SLATED FOR SUMMER 2010 



CHROMEO_DARYL_WEB


In a match pairing two pop music favorites of past and present, Daryl Hall & Chromeo have announced their joint performance on Friday June 11th at this year's Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN.  A reprise of the widely successful collaboration first appearing on a 2008 episode of Daryl Hall's web series "Live From Daryl's House", the Bonnaroo performance will also feature Hall and Chromeo performing together as one unit.  A nod to Chromeo's inimitable take on the blue-eyed sentiment of Hall's music, the triumvirate of Daryl Hall, Dave 1, and P-Thugg of Chromeo will unite once again for a rare set of Hall & Oates and Chromeo classics.

Having recently released their new single "Night By Night" and a disco-infused mix album for the prestigious DJ-Kicks series, Dave 1 and P-Thugg have been laboriously clocking hours in the studio for their highly anticipated third studio album (see them in the lab on their newly launched blog).  Currently slated for an August 2010 release, the follow-up to 2008's breakout album Fancy Footwork will raise the bar yet again for the electrofunk duo famously known as the best Jewish/Arab partnership in history.


For more info:
http://www.myspace.com/chromeo
http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/
http://www.bonnaroo.com/
 



~Information courtesy Biz 3

Monday, February 8, 2010

sys64 :: BE READY WITH BELLS AND DRUMS



Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, I humbly present ... "Be Ready with Bells and Drums":

 


1. Motion City Soundtrack - "Her Words Destroyed My World"

Ever since "The Future Freaks Me Out" first rocked the original, on-air incarnation of "Don't Tell a Soul," I've championed this Minneapolis band. Needless to say, it fills me with great pride to know that they've amassed such a dedicated following. This explosive, impossible-to-resist track's parent album, "My Dinosaur Life," debuted in the top 15 of the Billboard 200 when it was released last month.

2. Harvey Danger - "Cream and Bastards Rise"

The boys in Harvey Danger have been considered a one-hit wonder by some because their only tangible success came as a result of the song "Flagpole Sitta," but, like Nada Surf and their mock-high-school-drama hit "Popular," they turned around their careers and became bona fide critical darlings. It's easy to hear why.

3. OK Go - "Oh Lately It's So Quiet" [acoustic vers.]

I can't argue that OK Go is served best with a mountain of sugar, but, even in its quietest moments, the band manages to dazzle.

4. Drew Danburry - "Gas Masks at the Barbecue Beach Party Make-Out Session"

Everyone makes fun of Marc Gartman for being ever-so-prolific, but, somewhere in Utah, he has an equal. Luckily, they're both terrific songwriters and, as I actually have firsthand knowledge of this, terrific conversationalists.

5. Starlight Mints - "Eyes of the Night"

Before they went off the deep end and made their "drug album," these Oklahoma kids knew how to craft intelligent, Electric Light Orchestra-worthy pop singles that even fans of "Barnyard" and, perhaps more relevant, needless "Van Wilder" sequels could enjoy.

6. Ima Robot - "Sine Your Life Away"

Have you ever bought a house/witnessed the future of your "fun money" completely wither away in front of your eyes? Well, this isn't a song about that, but it might help you get over that disgusting feeling in your stomach nonetheless. (p.s. Did you know that, upon disbanding Ima Robot, the voice you're now hearing* went on to form Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros? Quite a change of pace ... like OK Go going all MGMT on us.)

With terrific supporting players, Lucky (whom I was *ahem* lucky enough to meet at Pizza Luce a few years back) crafts one of the most relaxing/paranoid downtempo hip-hop tracks in some time -- wouldn't have been that out of place on "Unsolved Mysteries."

8. Aceyalone feat. Chali 2na and Bionik - "Eazy" [FREE MP3]

... And miles away from "Borrowedtime" is "Eazy," one of the most battery-draining jams to ever assault your system. (Listen to at maximum volume to get the full effect.)

9. Semisonic - "Erotic City" [Prince cover]

Hearing members of this squeaky-clean Minneapolis group sing along to one of the Purple One's naughtiest jams (and that's saying a lot)? Priceless.

10. System of a Down - "The Metro" [Berlin cover]

Say what you want about "Not Another Teen Movie," but it had quite the soundtrack.

11. Self - "KIDdies" [FREE MP3]
A dark moment from the Self mastermind Matt Mahaffey, for sure: "Let's go trick-or-treatin' dressed up like Marilyn Manson / Snatch up all the kiddies and then hold 'em all for ransom."

12. Sid Six - "20one"
As heard on the "Dawson's Creek" episode "Promicide," this is sincerely the most obscure rock gem I've ever heard on such a made-for-the-masses forum. It's worth seeking out this track, to be sure, as it's most definitely not on either of the show's soundtrack releases.

13. Idlewild - "As If I Hadn't Slept"
While these Scottish rockers' songs never really caught on over here, I've always been a fan of their earnest, workmanlike brand of rock 'n' roll. (And I was fortunate enough to catch them in Fargo while they were opening for Pearl Jam back in '03.)

14. Spoon - "Who Makes Your Money?"

Believe the hype: "Transference" is a killer album, and you'll be enjoying it for years to come.

15. Bjork - "I Miss You" [Original Mix]

Have you ever stopped to think what the world would be like without Bjork? The Icelandic phenom has to be one of the most creative individuals ever to call this planet home, and I, for one, will never grow tired of her genre- and boundary-pushing ways.

16. Digital Leather - "Kisses"

Question: Do you like the Raveonettes and the Butthole Surfers (circa "Electriclarryland" in particular)? You're absolutely going to dig this radio-ready slab o' fuzz.

17. Vic Chesnutt - "Society Sue" [FREE MP3]

Speaking of recommendations, if you like where Bob Dylan has been taking his music over the last couple albums (and who doesn't?), check out this free gem from the late/great Vic Chesnutt.

18. Earlimart - "Interloper"

While I appreciate this song for what it is, I must remark on its recording quality: It's simply phenomenal -- yes, even for an MP3! Recommended if you like Jason Lytle's more a-wanderin' sonic experiments.

19. Islands - "EOL"

On the flipside, if you like the compositions that the aforementioned now-solo Grandaddy frontman pumps out which sincerely knock you over because of their sheer pop perfection, this Islands track (which is, perhaps, an homage to ELO) will absolutely win over your heart.

20. Bran Van 3000 - "Problems"

Musically, this is great (per usual), but it's the fantastical lyrics that immediately draw me in: "I live in a frequency / Where action rules / That god is me."

21. The Smashing Pumpkins - "Disarm" ["Earphoria" vers.]

I've really been on a Pumpkins kick lately. (In other words: What's left to say about the genius of Billy Corgan? Even the albums he's put out of late are great. Not timeless, mind you, but great nonetheless.)

22. The Pixies - "Blown Away" [Live @ Winnipeg's Burton Cummings Theatre, April 14, 2004]

I went. I saw. I wrote a column about nearly getting stuck in the Great White North. (With a little help from my friends, of course.)

23. Cursive - "Making Friends and Acquaintances"

Omaha has a certain sadness to it, so it only makes sense that its most exciting export sometimes conveys that. (Same goes with the films of Alexander Payne -- chief among them "About Schmidt" -- of which many are based in the city.)

24. Dealership - "Nerdy Girl" [FREE MP3] 
I've known a few. 
... But you know what? I love them all. (Seriously. One girl actually turned me on to the "Fatal Frame" series. How cool is that?)

25. Air - "Remember"

Songs don't get much more beautiful than this. This is one dreamy French soundscape that will forever be stuck on repeat in my humble abode.

*If you're "playing along at home," that is.

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

Avett Brothers coming to Bayfield, Wis. ... seriously!

The Avett Brothers will make their Big Top debut Friday, July 9, 2010. Tickets for the show are $42.

There is no harmony like brotherly harmony. Something indelible in the weave of voices and play of sensibilities is stamped into the fraternal DNA and also stems from a lifetime of shared experiences. You can clearly hear fraternal magic at work in the songs of Scott and Seth Avett, better known as the Avett Brothers, as well. That magic is abundantly evident on I and Love and You, the Avett Brothers’ big-label debut. Its 13 songs are delivered in a style that defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop - even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there.

Big Top Chautauqua information, schedules and ticket prices are available at www.bigtop.org or by calling 888-BIG-TENT (888–244-8368). Big Top is located 3 miles south of Bayfield, WI.


~Information courtesy Big Top

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

El-P: 'As a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus.'

Hip-hop visionary and Definitive Jux founder confirmed some rumors on the label's Web site today. (For a taste of what Def Jux is all about, follow this link for Definitive Jux Free Amazon Sampler [Explicit], a free MP3 sampler on Amazon.com from the label's top acts.)

From http://www.definitivejux.net/news/jux-crew/1628:

Dear Inter-web, fans, friends and JUX family,

People keep asking me what's up with JUX. There's been some talk, there have been some rumors. Some half true, some way off. Reports of our demise have been mildly exaggerated. Here's what it really all boils down to: 
(read on)

This year, a decade after starting DEF JUX and after overseeing the releases of some incredible albums including the forthcoming release of my dear late and great friend Camu Tao's brilliant "KING OF HEARTS" LP, I'm stepping away from my duties as artistic director for the label to concentrate on what I love most: being a producer and an artist full time. This is something I've been contemplating for a few years now, and can't think of a better time or, with the eventual release of Camu's record, a more poetic way to transition into a new direction.

This means change for JUX. Of course we'll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more as well as bring you news and updates on all our projects and artists. We will be releasing "KING OF HEARTS", a DEF JUX remix compilation, a 10 year anniversary retrospective and some other goodies. But then as a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus. We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we've been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it's current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures.

In 2000 starting a traditional record label made a lot of sense. But now, in 2010, less so and I find myself yearning for something else to put my energy into. I also see newer, smarter, more interesting things on the horizon for the way art and commerce intersect, and as an artist and an entrepreneur, I'm eager to see them unfold. The evolution of this industry is, in my opinion, exciting, inevitable and it would be nice to see the DEFINITIVE JUX brand be a part of it. In other words, maybe we can turn this hoopty in to a hovercraft.

All business aside, and regardless of what form JUX may inevitably take, my focus for the immediate future is going to be back-to-basics. The fun stuff: sitting in the studio and immersing myself in music, performing it for for my fans when the time comes and whatever (or wherever) else might be out there creatively for me. Thats how it all started and that's how the next phase will begin. The days of me dedicating the majority of my time and energy into providing JUX with a constant stream of physical releases from multiple artists are on hold for the time being. My heart (and what little common sense I possess) is telling me to simplify my focus and it has always been my policy to listen to my heart.

Truly, DEF JUX has been amazing to be a part of. So many good people. So much fun. I feel very lucky to be friends and collaborators with people who have affected and continue to affect my life and work deeply and indelibly. Working with the likes of Amaechi Uzoigwe, Jesse Ferguson, Jason Drake, and Katy Eustis at JUX as well as allies like Kathryn Frazier (biz3), Michael Bull and Lisa Socransky-Austin (to name only a few) has been incredible. These are people who worked for generally meager wages because they loved what they did and they believed in the artists and the idea of DEF JUX. Anyone would be lucky to have worked with even one person as dedicated and passionate as all of them are. They are true champions of indie music and they (and too many others to mention here) have my gratitude and loyalty forever.

None of it would have existed, though, if not for the artists. Artists who rolled the dice on us the same way we did on them, and were there with us as we battled it all out. CAMU, MR LIF, AESOP ROCK, MURS, CAGE, ROB SONIC, HANGAR 18, CHIN CHIN, CANNIBAL OX, THE PERCEPTIONISTS, RJD2, DESPOT, SA SMASH, YAK BALLZ, CRAYZ, THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS, DIZZEE RASCAL, DEL, P.F.A.C, ACTIVATOR, COOL CALM PETE ... the list goes on. I consider them all geniuses at what they do. Every victory that they have had and will have will always feel like a victory for myself and all of us at JUX. It's been a joy to create and even struggle with them all. It has not always been easy, but it's almost always been fulfilling. I only hope the work we put in together helped build a path to their collective futures. They have my sincerest well wishes and genuine respect.

Lastly and most importantly are the fans... holy shit THE FANS! Our fans are no joke. I can't tell you how humbled I am to have felt the love and respect that they have shown us all. Even when we did things they didn't like, they stuck around. This was their label as much as ours. We answered to them, and yet they respected that we did what we loved, nothing more and nothing less. We always will. You are why we do any of this, and I'll never be able to express how much your support means to all of us. I think I speak for all of us Jukies when I say I love making music for you and can't wait to make more.

Until then, on behalf of everyone here at JUX and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

EL-P
Founder/Artistic Director/Recording Artist
DEFINITIVE JUX