Home sick is the only time to blog
Apart from my daily tasks at work and the recent bouts of weekend get aways such as college reunions, bachelor parties and preperation for moving next month, there has been absolutely no time to write about the music that I love.
But now, due to circumstances both induced on my own over the weekend and a combo of the fluctuating heat here in New England, I’m home sick with a nasty head cold. First time I’ve stayed home from work because i was sick I think in about three years.
So what’s on my mind right now when it comes to music?
The Vinyl Phenomena
I predicted that vinyl could potentially make a come back. It’s like how in Jurassic Park where we all learn a valuable lesson, nature always finds a way to correct itself. In the case of music, the goal is to try and hear it at it’s purest form. Of course, the live show is as pure as you’re going to get. But many, including myself, feel that a perfectly kept or brand new pressed piece of plastic is the closest you can get to being in the studio with the artists. So naturally, since we’ve all been moving in the direction of the digital world, where the music has been compressed to finite amounts, causing producers to alter the levels on the final production, there is a gap wanting to be filled. While the digital world may fill our “need it now” gap, it doesn’t completely supply us with the sound perfection we music lovers search for in a record.
Due to an accident out west, the vinyl phenomena may not be a crack pot idea. Check out this article in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vinyl10-2008jun10,0,3936629.story
MMJ doing NYE at MSG
While the critics may not find the latest My Morning Jacket album to be anything special, there is no question that they’re one of the best live bands around today. So when I heard they were planning a New Years Eve show at Madison Square Garden for 2008/2009 I wasn’t the least bit surprised. These guys deserve all the recognition they’ve received over the last few years. If you’re just catching wind of this southern alternative rock outfit from Kentucky, stream their latest album, Evil Urges, over at their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket.
Their latest album is a really big step in a different direction for My Morning Jacket when it comes to studio sound. They’re doing a lot more experimentation unlike their previous albums which are mainly pure reverb southern alternative rock. However, I’ve heard that their live show is still as rocking as ever.
Purhase tickets for the NYE on Friday, June 27th through Ticketmaster.
Diplo remixes “California Soul” (Marlena Shaw)
Those unfamiliar with this song need to not look any farther then their TV. If you watch a lot, you’ve probably seen the commercial for Dockers where the camera glides through the San Francisco sky line. That’s the original version of the song being played by Marlena Shaw, Blue Note Records first female artist.
In the latest Verve Remix album (volume 4), Diplo puts his own spin on the tune.
Download: “California Soul” (Diplo Remix) (right click and save)
Listen:
Visit the Verve Remix official website: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/
What’s summer time without Bluegrass?
For me, it’s not summer. So that’s why I’m happy I stumbled upon The Creaking Tree String Quartet.
They take Bluegrass to a new level. A lot more passion from adding traditional classical music elements and real theatrical moments. It doesn’t always work well with that rocking chair out on the porch sipping a mint julep moment but it’s sure worth a listen this summer time.
Give a listen to what I call “intellectual bluegrass” over at their myspace page: www.myspace.com/creakingtree
Visit their official website: http://www.creakingtree.com/
A nod to the Little Compton / R.I. Gang
During college I was introduced to the R.I. scene by a group of hooligans that I was fortunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, to be dormmates with my freshman year at UVM. Call them dysfunctional, call them irresponsible, but there is definitely musical talent in their water. Most of us Jam band kids all know one musically talented band from RI, The Slip, and due to a nod by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, so do a good portion of the indie rock scene. I also stumbled upon Deer Tick whoes tunes “Ashamed” and “Baltimore Blues No.1″ still get me going.
Now a new breed has arisen. This time, they’re not rising from their roots of R.I. but rather from the roots of the Redwoods; San Francisco.
Big Light are Fred T. (guitar, vocals), Brad (drums), Jamie(guitar, bass and vocals), Colin (keys), Dan (guitar, bass, keys and vocals), Steve (bass). They also have down their sound man, Jeremy, as a member. It’s surprising how many sound guys get over looked in the industry.
Their first single, “Hard Knocks”, off their seven song EP is available for download below or at their myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/biglightband). The song’s about a person that reminds Fred of his sister Jane and has almost a Tom Petty vibe to it. Fred is the lead vocalist in the group and he’s got a low, lazy and raspy approach to vocals. This vocal style is common among the psych-folk scene that crawls all over San Fran. The music itself is very crisp and has a nice bouncy groove to it. Great summer time tune.
Download: “Hard Knocks” (RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE)
Listen:
Big Light are going on a West coast tour soon and will be playing with both Apollo Sunshine and Surprise Me Mr. Davis. Their EP release party will be at 12 Galaxies in San Fran on June 26th, which kicks off this tour:
High Sierra Music Festival - 7/4 thru 7/6
Spaceland, Los Angeles (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/8
SoHo, Santa Barbara (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/9
Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/11
Cafe Du Nord, San Fran (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/12
12 Galaxies w/ Charles Gonzalez & The Stereo Glitter - 7/31
12 Galaxies - 8/28
12 Galaxies - 9/25
Las Tortugas Dance of the Dead III - 10/30 thru 11/2
12 Galaxies - 11/27
Friday Love - Hercules and Love Affair, MGMT, Boston Gang, etc.
Hercules and Love Affair “Blind” Remix
It’s been one busy week at work as you can see with the lack of posting going on at the square. So, to make up, here are some remixes of the Hercules and Love Affair dance floor smash, “Blind”. If you don’t know anything about these cats, all you need to know is they’re a DFA produced, p-fork would probably lick their boots if they could and they’re on a mission to bring disco back to the dance floor and doing so in futuristic style. Their debut self-titled album is out in the U.S. on June 24th from Mute Records (on license from DFA). It’s already out in the U.K. I believe.
Blind (Hercules Club mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles dub):
Blind (Serge Santiago version):
Get a free Hercules and Love Affair MP3 download for the “Hercule Theme”
You will be hearing more about these guys as the summer goes on. They’re currently in touring in Europe but will be returning to the states shortly after. No tour has been officially announced but a little birder has told me that it’s in the works. Keep yourself tuned to the square for updates and also some contest giveaways such as tickets, cds, remixes, t-shirts and other goodies.
MGMT video for “Electric Feel”
Don’t own their latest album, Oracular Spectacular? You should. Get it here: (Amazon MP3)
Local Boston Scene
This Saturday the kids from Soulclap are throwing down a neighborhood outdoor party on the Charles called Dancing on the Charles. They have seven dates scheduled for this outdoor party this summer. It started last year and get some great responses. Hope the weather holds up for their opening day bash. Last year they had about 300+ kids show up so they’re hoping for an even larger turn out this year. There will be tiki torches, drinks, music, port-o-potties and lots of dancing.
Soulclap home page: http://www.soulclap.us/
Event Info: http://www.soulclap.us/dotc/
On Monday, June 2nd, there is a pretty crazy show at Underbar being put on by FTW. I’m not sure how I feel about this whole “Monday night is the new Saturday night” movement going on recently (Hot Chip, Cut Copy and most recently, M83 on this coming Monday and this show too).
Dopemine Records brings Lifelike and Alan Braxe to our lovely city. Supporting will be Boston’s own Hearthrob and DJ Die Young, who recently signed with Dopamine.
Event info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23236200309
Sound Samples:
Lifelike DJ set:
Download: http://www.lifelike-music.com/goodies/LIFELIKE-DJSet-01_2008.mp3
Alan Braxe mini mix:
Download: http://www.whosyamama.com/mixes/AlanBraxeminimix.mp3
Recent albums, tracks and shows to recommend
Going to be a busy week so throwing up this quick post and that’s probably all she wrote until after the holiday.
Below are a few recommended albums that I’ve recently picked up and a couple of gigs happening in Boston that are worth mentioning. Let me know if you’ve got anything to add in the comments.
Recommended Albums
Quiet Village - “Silent Movie”
- Label: iK7
- Sound: Chilled out electronic inspired by vintage movie soundtracks and the balearic movement. Great for a relaxing Sunday drive.
- Favorite Song: “Pacific Rhythm”
- MP3 Download: “Circus of Horror”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/quietvillage
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Jason Collett - “Here’s To Being Here”
- Label: Arts & Crafts
- Sound: Americana rock w/ BC rock revival influence. For those who don’t know, Jason is a member of the ever so popular Vancouver based indie rock mega group, Broken Social Scene.
- Favorite Song: “Out of Time”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/jasoncollettofficial
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Lyres - “Lyres Lyres”
- Label: Ace of Hearts
- Sound: Garage rock at it’s finest. You would find them hanging out with Boston bands such as Mission of Burma and Neighborhoods around the mid-80’s. Started in 1979 and has in some way shape or form stayed in tact off and on ever since. The main man behind the project is Jeff “Mono Man” Connelly (former member of DMZ).
- Favorite Song: “How Do You Know”
- MP3 Download: “How Do You Know”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/thelyres
- Purchase: (eMusic) (Amazon)
Recommended Boston Gigs:
Wednesday night there is a show at the Middle East Downstairs. Headlining the show is Subtle and opening are Black Moth Super Rainbow and The Republic Tigers. The headliner and the second opener, Black Moth Super Rainbow, are worth checking out. Althought I’m not sure how BMSR will translate at the Middle East Downstairs. I see them being more of like an ICA or Museum of Fine Arts show where you sit down and let their onslaught of crazy sounds and melodies take over your thought process. I know nothing about the other band besides the fact that they were featured in the Boston Metro this morning. That isn’t always a good thing.
Subtle have collaborated with one of the square’s favorites, TV on the Radio. The music mixes the exotic rapping and vocal style of Doesone with electronic/instrumental minglings of Alexander Kort, Jordon Dalrymple, Jeffrey ‘Jel’ Logan, Marty Dowers. Another collaborator and original member, Dax Pierson, adds an emotional element to the ever evolving Sublte sound by experimenting with voice recordings and harmonica even though a car accident while on tour in 2005 confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. He no longer tours with the band but still contributes his voice recording and synth experiments to their albums. Doesone, real name Adam Drucker, and Jeff Logan are founding members of the label Anticon. However, Subtle is on Lex Records. This crew also has strong ties with Amoeba records in the Bay Area so yeah, you can say these guys are pretty well connected in the indie scene. But they also have strong ties in the hip-hope world as well.
- Location: Middle East Downstairs - corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: $12
- Details: 18+
On Friday don’t miss the Solid! night at Zuzu where DJ Die Young and and Baltimoroder will be laying it down for the Basstown faithful.
- Location: Zuzu - right next to Middle East Downstairs on the corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Bring your dance shoes / 21+
Hearthrob Approved Track Download:
Recent track download recommended by the boys of Hearthrob comes from The Presets. It’s a track called “This Boy’s In Love” and below is both the original and a remix by LifeLike. Keep your ears out for this one during their sets.
Listen
- Original
- Remix:
Download
LETS GO FLYERS!!! (and Black Kids and Cut Copy)
In support for the greatest team in the NHL, I will not be posting too much this weekend. However, I must remind you that Black Kids and Cut Copy are playing on Monday night at Paradise Rock Club. Yes, I know, another great Monday night show but it’s also another one not to miss. Should be a really fun time and I highly recommend you get your bottoms over there.
Listen to Black Kids (The Twelves Remix):
Download: Cut Copy - “Lights & Music” (radio edit)
I’ll leave you with footage from what is going to go down as one of, if not the greatest hockey fight in the history of the sport. This happened in modern times so for all those folks who feel Hockey has gone soft, check out this one between the Flyers and the Ottawa Senators. Both sides get their throws in but it’s clear the men in Orange and Black come out on top.
