Other things that I missed out on posting b/c I have the dumb

Stereoheroes - Poundcakes (Stereoheroes & Teen Wolf are WWF champions promo version)

Zodiac Cartel - Kneel Before Zod mix

sono sopra de ti

Oh! Boy - Summer Swells Mix

My boy chris AKA Oh! Boy just released his newest mix.

Oh! Boy - Summer Swells

Afghan Raiders take on the Black Lips

OK so once again I know that I have been slacking, but I will attempt to do right by you.

Here is a new one by the Afghan Raiders (it rules)

Black Lips - "The Drop I Hold Feat. GZA (Afghan Raiders House Party Remix)

and since I missed it before
Phoenix - 1901 (Afghan Raiders mix)

Santigold and Zodiac Cartel... Together at last

As I stated in my last post... Expect more soonish... For now check this out.

Santigold - L.E.S. Artistes (Zodiac Cartel Mix)

Forget June... June who?

Ok seriously I haven't had the time to do the blogging that I thought I would since moving to the RVA. This isn't an excuse, but more of a promise. June was a little bit slow and now I see the error in my ways. I will pay more attention to you. I will try harder. I know we can make this work. You aren't like all the rest. You and me, we've really got something special...

Pony Pony Run Run Vs Stereoheroes

This Shit Rules







Pony Pony Run Run - Hey You (Stereoheroes Remix)

*BONUS*

Stereoheroes - Midnight Sons feat Teen Wolf *AKA my favorite*

Zingone & Nina - Kick It (Stereohereos Remix)

True Pseudo - Freaking Me Out (Designer Drugs)

So I got this remix a couple days ago and I have been moving from Va Beach to Richmond, SO needless to say I haven't had enough time for blogging...

True Pseudo - Freaking Me Out (Designer Drugs Mix)

*Bonus*

Designer Drugs - Back Up In This (B. Rich Remix)

GDP - No Gods Video

The Subs / Zodiac Cartel

New single dropping on June 8th.

The Subs - From Dusk Til Dawn (Zodiac Cartel Mix) Taster

*BONUS*

Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls (Zodiac Cartel Radio Mix)

Interview: Nick Hook

I met up with Nick Hook at the Fischerspooner show. He was performing as a member of Drop the Lime (who ruled) and was a former member of the Brooklyn band, Men Women and Children. Now Nick is working on a couple other projects, djing in NYC, and just overall being a pretty snazzy dude. SO I figured he would be the perfect candidate for my first blog interview...

(ME) You are currently on tour performing with Drop the Lime. I am a fan of Drop the Lime, but I must say that I enjoyed the live show quite a bit more than I was expecting. I think that is due to the addition of the drummer as well as your electronic touches throughout the set. How did you end up with this gig as opposed to the other bands/music that you are currently working on? Are there plans for you to become a permanent member of Drop the Lime or is this a tour only type situation?

(NH) Unlike other places i've been, i really feel like most of the people in our circle of music are really supportive and all want to see everyone succeed. Luca reached out to me towards the end of last year and asked if i was interested in teaming up with himself and guy to take the project to a live setting, and of course i said yes instantly. I have always admired the whole trouble and bass squad as people, musicians and artists that really have the understanding that creating their own bandwagon is more satisfying than jumping on one that someone else created.

As far as plans to become a member, i haven't really thought that far, i am focused on playing smashing shows with guy and luca, and providing support make it the best it can be in all areas.

(ME) Being a on tour allows for some great/horrendous experiences what would you say have been the most memorable thus far on your current outing? In the past?

(NH) I think for me being on tour really becomes a special thing as you bond with the dudes you are with. So far as the 3 of us have working together, it has been the most natural, productive and most importantly fun experience i have had since i started playing music. Just cracking jokes in the van about stupid shit at 5 am, solving problems together, getting better at what you do is why i do this.

One the best memories i have from tour is being in new orleans just a short time after katrina, we ran out of gas just as we left downtown. Everything was destroyed, and we walked to this gas station with armed guards. There was no gas, they were just protecting the place. This 70 year old dude had an hour and a half drive home, and he said he could take us to the nearest gas station, but he couldn't take us back. We hopped in the bed of his pickup truck, and saw some of the craziest damage we had ever seen, and really had an amazing talk with someone so different than us about life, the hurricane, people, everything.. By the time we got gas, he was like you know what i'll talk you guys back. Very humbling experience that i will never forget.

(ME) How do you feel about this current online revolution of music that is allowing indie djs/electro musicians to be heard and spread their names successfully when larger labels/bands are failing miserably just to break even?

(NH) I love it. Taking things into your own hands never hurt anyone.

(ME) Vinyl , Cds , or Mp3s?

(NH) Depends on the situation. Could live without cds, but not vinyl or mp3.

(ME) What type of hardware/software are you using currently while performing?

(NH) midi controllers, apple computers that control the gremlin (synth luca coded by hand)

(ME) After some quick online searching I see that you are currently working on two other projects, Sports and Cubic Zirconia, as well as Djing in NYC? Is there anything that I am missing that you are currently working on? Any big plans for the immediate future? Any other tours coming up?

(NH) Cubic Zirconia's first 12" plus digital drops on june 22. remixes by dam funk, nacho lovers, dances with white girls, andy george, plus a bunch more. If you know what's good you cop that shit the first day.

(ME) What else is there to know about Nick Hook?

(NH) I like oatmeal, espresso, can't learn how to handroll my own cigarettes, i love my friends, and thank you for reading this.

follow me on twitter.. www.twitter.com/nickhook

*Bonus*

Cubic Zirconia Mixtape

Drop The Lime - Tobac Theme

Funk Fanatics - Love Is The Answer (Nick Hook Remix)

Viva Voce Rose City

I think Get Yr Blood Sucked Out will always be my favorite offering from Viva Voce, but I can respect what they are doing currently. Rose City is a more refined/serious album that I would recommend to anyone that is into inspired indie rock.

The title track, Rose City, is the most up beat song off this album and From The Devil Himself is my favorite song of theirs.

Shook Ones - Unquotable A.M.H.

More melodic than their last outing, but just as amazing. This album is a bit like Kid Dynamite era Jason Shevchuk singing 'Can't Slow Down' by Saves The Day. Everything about it is worthy of your time and eventual adoration.

I like They're Very "Yes" a whole lot

Bands that you've never heard about, but should have. Brainiac

Brainiac is probably my favorite band from Ohio. They had 3 genius full lengths, a handful of singles/7"s, and some amazing tours under their belt when lead singer, Tim Taylor, passed away in May of 97.

These guys were the missing link between Kraftwerk and The Faint with a hint of the Jesus Lizard thrown in for good measure. It is widely agreed that they were way ahead of their time, yet somehow or another they are now slipping through the cracks and everyone seemingly forgets this monumental Dayton band.

For more info check out Wikipedia

My favorite songs by them if I had to pick a few would be.

Hands of the Genius

Flash Ram

Nothing Ever Changes

Anesthetize

Get them all here

Joan of Arc - Flowers

I remember the first time I ever attempted to listen to Joan of Arc, I was a bit younger and someone introduced me to them as "the new Cap'n Jazz band." I can honestly say I didn't get it at all. I think it was just because I was hoping for something entirely different at the time.

Flowers is the 10th Joan of Arc release and I have now been listening to Tim Kinsella and crew for awhile. This album isn't for everyone, but I would think that anyone with an open mind and varied musical tastes would get into it. I know I am down.

I couldn't decide which track(s) to use, so I finally decided on A Delicious Herbal Laxative and Life Sentence / Twisted ladder

Volume

I ran this place for 5ish years. I had some pretty amazing times while sitting behind the counter. I could list a couple hundred bands that played in the shop, but for now I will just sample a couple of them and if I remember come back to it and do more every now and again.

Lucero - Drink 'Til We're Gone

Young Hearts - Caught Up

Settlefish - Measures Can Divide

Neil Sutherland & Friends - This Time Next Year

Briggs - Let Them Know

Get them all

that is a start if you guys remember anything else or have any pleasant experiences please share them...

Songs that remind me of being younger 3

I need to blog more. You need to read more. We need to work on things.








Kid Dynamite - Shiner

Pezz - Slippery Rock

Trial - Reflections

Waxwing - Everything's On Fire

7 Seconds - Young 'Til I Die

Aquabats - Super Rad

All of them

Fischerspooner - Entertainment

I wanted to wait to review this album until after I had a chance to see them live in DC. Their releases come a close second to their live shows and I really wanted the full experience. The only negative thing I can say about this release is that after a 5 year wait there was a whole lot of anticipation and I was nervous that it would not stand up next to their older works. After listening to Entertainment and seeing it performed live I can honestly say that it was worth the wait.

Check out Infidels of the World Unite

*Bonus* Supply and Demand (Dim Dub Remix)

and look at these sweet camera phone pics (I really need to get a digital camera)

NewIslands - Don't Stop Dreaming

So normally if I got a demo song that reminded me of Depeche Mode singing a Pink Floyd song I would be a little offended by the lack of originality and/or substance that a band was portraying. Yet here I am listening to this infectious song one more time and humming along.

NewIslands - Don't Stop Dreaming (demo)

I can't wait to hear more by these guys.

Check them out on the space

Designer Drugs + Combichrist = Good Times

I am normally not the biggest fan of Combichrist. I couldn't tell you why. Maybe I am just not spooky enough, but this song is a definitely worth hearing.

Combichrist - Can't Change (Designer Drugs Remix)



*BONUS*
N.A.S.A - Strange Enough (Designer Drugs Remix)

Tigersapien - Youth and Vitality (Designer Drugs Remix)

All 3 Together

Esser - Brave Face

The haircut, being from the UK, and the idea of dropping your first name from the equation are not the only things that this young man has in common with my favorite British citizen. They also each have their own unique pop sensibilities and with that being said you should be hearing Esser's name more frequently in the near future.

I Love You is my favorite song on the album... The whole album is pretty damn catchy though.

Datarock - Red

The first single is Give It Up and someone should have told them to do so before they went into the studio

Son Volt - American Central Dust

Thank goodness for leaks. I will be purchasing this the day it comes out in July, but until then I will be savoring my unsavory digital copy. I know it is blasphemous to say such a thing, but I believe that Son Volt is the better of the two ex Uncle Tupelo bands (the other being Wilco of course). This album like almost everything Jay Farrar touches is genius. You need it.

*Song has been removed. I will try to get a stream closer to the actual release*

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I listened to 'Alphabetical' a lot when it came out, but somehow forgot about this band shortly thereafter. I really couldn't tell you why (possibly the short attention span... who knows.)

French alternative band...? A modern day jangle pop band...? However you want to describe this band/release it is pretty stellar. You need to get it when it comes out next month.

*The songs that I had posted had to be removed*

Bangarang

Another installment of songs that I have recently stumbled upon.

Kid Sister - Life On Tv

Calvin Harris - Im Not Alone (Extended Mix)

Don Diablo - Too Cool For School (Original / Trevor Loveys / In Flagranti Medley)

Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler (Jesse Rose Remix)

Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix)

Jamie Foxx - Blame It (BOLTAN Remix)

FnDannyBoy - Raining Blood (FnDannyBoy Mix)

All of them here

Bands that you've never heard about, but should have. The Screamers

The Screamers were one of those bands that history just somehow overlooked. This band that the Dead Kennedys , the Germs, the Dils and many of the other seminal left coast bands opened up for escaped notice and disappeared into obscurity while the aforementioned openers went on to cult like statuses.

It may be that there was never a proper Screamers recording, it may be that the world just wasn't ready for synth/art punk at the time, or maybe it is some worldwide conspiracy to cover up a truly great band? Who knows...?

For more Screamers info check out their Unofficial Page and listen to some of these live/demo recordings.

Magazine Love (Whisky, LA 1/6/78)

Matar Dolores (Pat Garrett Demos 7/7/77)

In A Better World (Marbuhay Gardens 9/2/78)

Get all 3 here

If you like this stuff you can purchase their double cd from Xeroid Recordings

Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South

I can honestly say I have never liked more than a song or two on any given album that I have been forced to listen to by Bright Eyes. So when I had the opportunity to get this album I was excited to tear it apart. I sat down to listen to it with a giant smile on my face just waiting anxiously for the first thing to make fun of. Here I sit on listen #2 and I have yet to find any major fault with it. Upon further examination I must say that he has matured quite a bit from the obnoxiously drunk love struck 8th grader that I once took him for and that if all of the releases he appeared on sounded this well put together that I would own his entire collection.

It's a toss up which song I like the best on this one, so check out these songs: Difference Is Time and Big Black Nothing.

The Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice - Moon Colony Bloodbath

I remember the first time I heard the Mountain Goats. I was riding around in my friend Caroline's car in Baltimore. She had a handful of tracks off of 'Tallahassee' and song or two off of 'All Hail West Texas' on a mix cd. Imagine folk songs that were witty and sarcastic enough to please my punk rock sensibilities, and without the short comings of most of the new singer/songwriters. I thought John Darnielle was reinventing the wheel. He has progressed over the years, his songwriting has improved, and his lyrics have seemed to become more personal. Add that with some John Vanderslice mixed in and how could you possibly go wrong?

You Must Hear Sudden Oak Death

Paper Route - Absence

This album is getting rave reviews across the board from magazines and people who I thought had some taste. What do I know? Better yet what do they know? It is catchy and I would rather hear this than most of what is played on the radio, but that isn't saying much. Paper Route is the easy listening version of the Postal Service.

Loops in the music, an over polished voice, and a major label budget just couldn't make anything about this stand out. The best song is the first one, Enemy Among Us.

Double Dagger - More

Double Dagger's new album is kind of amazing. I must have missed the boat on their second release, but I've had their "S/t" album since I purchased it off the band back in 03. This album seems to be a little bit more fuzzed out and less hipster than the previous release which isn't a bad thing in the slightest. More is abrasive, discordant, and really everything you could possibly ask of it. I will be listening to this MORE and I recommend you do the same.

Camouflage has been played more than any other song thus far... You need it.

Not At My Wedding

I am lucky enough to DJ weddings for some pretty amazing people. These are some songs that I would never play at a wedding.





Double Dagger - I Was So Bored I Wanted To Hang Myself On The Dancefloor

Cream Abdul Babar - Jennifer Aniston's Pussy

Little Teeth - Between My Ears

Flag Of Democracy - Bag of Lime

Daniel Johnston - Walking The Cow

Holy Molar - You've Had More Kids Pulled Out of That Thing Than a Burning Orphanage

Get Them All Here

PS I love all of these songs... A LOT

Dance Versions of songs you know

OK so when I am Djing for 4+ hours sometimes it gets a little boring/tedious (not because it isn't a great time, but more because you start running out of ideas or losing focus.)

When this happens I always seem to start playing dance versions of songs everyone knows...


Fast Foot - Eye of the Tiger (2009 Club Remix)

Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby (Benny Benassi Remix)

Meterhead - Newness

Notorious BIG - Juicy 2009 (3 Bad Brothaz Electro Mix)

Beastie Boys - Intergalactic (Tom Neville Dub Remix) *Thanks to Stoneyroads.com*

Britney Spears - Gimme More (Eli/Grayson mix featuring Amanda Blank)

A-trak - Sir Duke

All of them Here

The Loose Cannons

I haven't heard much by these guys, so when I got an email earlier telling me to check out their new mix I didn't know what to expect. I like it and will be playing it in my set this weekend for sure.

Lady Gaga - Starstruck (Loose Cannons Bump That Rmx)

*BONUS*
Speech Debelle - The Key (Loose Cannons Funny Likkle Style mix)

Songs that remind me of being younger 2

As per the title here is a batch of songs that remind me of being quite a bit younger than I currently am.







Go Sailor - Ray of Sunshine

Archers of Loaf - Wrong

Diesel Boy - Lime Green

Far - I Like It

The Blue Meanies - Smother Me

On The Might Of Princes - 13 Cheers for Beer and Bullshit

The Thermals - Now We Can See

I was worried when I first heard that The Thermals were no longer on Subpop. I wasn't worried because I thought they would make anything less than a spectacular album, but more because any change could possibly mean a new direction. Luckily enough for me this is DEFINITELY a Thermals album. That isn't saying that they are just remaking the same album over and over again, but it is just saying that it lives up to and exceeds the expectations set for it.

The track I Let It Go is very uplifting

Earth Crisis - To The Death

I am not sure exactly what to think about Earth Crisis getting back together. I have listened to the new tracks a handful of times now and although the songs aren't bad they will never write another Firestorm. I would go see them again, but I do not think I can endorse this album fully. It is middle of the road at best, but I would listen to it over all the newer hatebreed'esqe stuff out there.

Something about Security Threat #1 reminds me of Pantera

Art Brut - Vs Satan

For some reason or another I really enjoyed the last Art Brut album. It was catchy, witty, and rather enjoyable. The same can not be said for this release. I was hoping for something I could tell you to rush out and buy when it comes out next month, but save your money and go see fischerspooner on tour instead.

Never listen to The Replacements

The Riot Before - We Are Wild Stallions

The Riot Before - "We Are Wild Stallions!" from Dave O'Dell on Vimeo.

Things that I am looking forward to

Songs from albums that really should be out now, but I am waiting semi patiently for them to drop.




Fischerspooner - Supply and Demand

The Thermals - When We Were Alive

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

Kid Sister - Get Fresh

Rye Rye - Bang (feat MIA)

Royksopp - Miss it So Much (feat Lykke Li)

More reviews coming soon

Sneak Peek: Abstract Rude - Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is the title track of the new Abstract Rude album. I can't wait to hear the rest of it. 5-5-09

SXSW sampler

I am not a fan of torrents in general and I buy everything when it comes to music, but this sampler is only available through torrents and it is 6gb of mostly good music. Thanks to the lovely people over at some unofficial SXSW site I can offer you these torrent files for your collection.

SXSW_2009_Showcasing_Artists_Part1.torrent

SXSW_2009_Showcasing_Artists_Part2.torrent

SXSW_2009_Showcasing_Artists_Part3.torrent

Scott Reynolds

Scott Reynolds put out an amazing solo cd last year that everyone seemingly slept on. I can be included in the everyone that I was referencing, but now that I have it I have no clue what I was thinking. Scott is most known for his work with All, but what people missed over the years were his other two great bands Goodbye Harry and the Pavers. His music is essential and you really should own it all.

Check out

Scott Reynolds - None of This is Funny

The Pavers - Mr. Shepherd's Bandage

Goodbye Harry - They

Fantastical (attempt 3)

OK so this is the third attempt at posting this blog (it was up for about another 24 hours and somehow deleted itself... AGAIN). There was originally something somewhat witty right here for you to read. ALAS it is gone for the second time...

Check out these songs (0r else)

HotTUB - 1 2 3 GO!

Unkle - Restless (Fake Blood Remix) *Thanks to Stoneyroads.com*

Adam Freeland - We Want Your Soul (Trumpdisco Remix)

The Juan MacLean - Tonight

TheGirlsCanHearUs! - Now Move

Brother Ali - The Truth Is Here

So maybe it is just me, but the Rhymesayers label has definitely stepped it up quite a bit over the last couple of years. Brother Ali's new cd ep/dvd combo is no exception. Maybe I am too positive lately, or maybe this year has just been really good for releases (who knows), but the only complaint I have at all with this release is that I wish it was a full length.

You need to hear Talkin' My Shit

This seriously just made my day

"good riddance I guess, I kinda didn't like the guy that owned the place that much but oh well"

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I would marry Neko Case for her voice alone (her song writing abilities may help a little too). This album is just the next step in the progression of goodness that she started over ten years ago. I really can't say much without sounding like a total fanboy, but this album is genius and will be on my essential of 09 list for sure.

People Got A Lotta Nerve is fantastic

Beep Beep - Enchanted Islands

Gone are the frantic vocals and songs that remind me of Black Eyes. It is much slower and more melodic than the first album which at first really threw me off. Now after a handful of listens I believe I get it. This is not the album I will be working out to, but I can definitely listen to this album the next time I am feeling slightly intellectual and want to stimulate my cerebral cortex.

Goodbye Sunshine reminds me of the last !!! album with a Brainiac like vocal thing (it rules)

RIP VMS Records

I put about 6 years of my life into doing this small label and I still stand by the releases I put out back then.

Check out

Something About Vampires and Sluts - Can't Be Wrong

The Vote - Overpass

The Gadjits - Waffle House is not a Home

The Shakedowns - I Just Met My Match

Brett from The Riot Before covering Lucero

Ok so this has been online for awhile now and I just found it the other day. Check it out.

Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs

Say Hi (formerly Say Hi To Your Mom) changed their name on their last album and it really bummed me out. The music has stayed consistent throughout, but the old name was just much more fun. This album should be a favorite for anyone that is into the Postal Service or other such indie pop. Go see Eric and crew on tour!

Dramatic Irony is the quintessential Say Hi song

New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight

I really wanted to hate this album, but it was too damned catchy.

Listen To Your Friends is exactly what you would expect from NFG.

Songs that remind me of being younger

Nofx - Soul Doubt

Jawbreaker - Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault

Sunny Day Real Estate - 47

Smoking Popes - Need You Around

Gorilla Biscuits - No Reason Why