Apparently I have been tagged by a fellow blogger to post 7 songs of current love/fascination. The songs were chosen by going through the last 50-odd CD's that have gone through my player over the last few months, and then pulling out my favorite 7 CD's and, finally, picking the best song off of each disc. In no particular order...
The Clean-Platypus
boomp3.com
The Clean were a rather late discovery for me, and the anthology that I picked up 9-10 months ago has not left the current rotation of CD's that I pick through when i'm not rippin' on the wheels of steel. This song gets stuck in my head for at least half a day every time I hear it.
Mahogany-Supervitesse
boomp3.com
I have a deep love for this little known Brooklyn via Lansing, Michigan band and their infectious brand of dream pop. Their sound, in a nutshell, is kinda' like that Belle and Sebastian song, Electronic Music, that's on their debut record, Tigermilk. Usually there is steady disco beat accompanied by a groovy bassline. The vocals are always dreamy and pillowy soft. Meanwhile the guitars are chiming away in the distant background. Supervitesse is the archetypal Mahogany song. Fall in love NOW.
Percee P-The Man To Praise
boomp3.com
I have said it many times before but this time I really mean it: Percee P is the most underrated MC of all time. Of course, it doesn't help his plight that he didn't release a full length album until 20 years into his career. Said album is Perseverance and is also my second favorite hip hop record of 2007 after Dalek's Abandoned Language. The entire album was produced by Madlib and features some of his most varied production. The Man to Praise is the album highlight and also chronicles the storied history of Percee P's career. Anyone who needs a quick rundown on one of the best MC's to ever grace the mic should be pressing play up top.
Pussy Plays-The Open Ground
boomp3.com
Amazing group from the late 60s that released only one album (i think? internet search doesn't pull up much except what you would expect when typing those words into google) of swirling psychedelia. Fans of Barrett era Pink Floyd gotta hear this. The CD remains out of print and the LP is a mere dream you'll never have. Download the whole thing here.
Susuma Yokota-Cherry Blossom
boomp3.com
This is off Yokota's masterpiece The Grinning Cat, which is an amazing record of beautiful and hypnotic IDM. Just picked up the vinyl re-issue recently at Audiopile (Zulu can't seem to get this) and have been listening to it heavily...along with the CD version, which I play often on the ol' discman when I ride to work.
Sebadoh-Forced Love
boomp3.com
Bubble and Scrape is soon to be re-issued (disclosure: this is by far my favorite Sebadoh album) and I put it on a few weeks ago to remind myself just how damn varied and amazing the record is. One of few Sebadoh albums where all members contribute equally. This isn't the best track on the album but it'll give you a general feel of the record. Also, i'll be in Chicago this summer to check out Sebadoh play the album in it's entirety, thus, furthering the re-infatuation.
King Crimson-Red
boomp3.com
Red is not the best track off the best King Crimson record but it has been getting steady play here at casa del Richardson. I remember putting this album on for the first or second time, in a tired state, and I thought I had accidentally put on a Queens of the Stone Age album. Seriously, listen to the opening riff and tell me it doesn't sound exactly like some QOTSA riffage.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Music, Wasted (Friday-Saturday)
My God, what a hectic week this turned out to be. Went to 4 out of the 5 Music Waste nights and managed to catch about 20 different bands. I had to bail on Sunday night because I was too exhausted/hungover to go out 6 nights in a row (Iron Maiden was on the Tuesday night before the beginning of the fest). Besides, I had seen most of the bands playing Sunday night, and the ones I wanted to see are all playing the ER next weekend. Anyways, here's a quick rundown of the bands I managed to catch over Friday and Saturday.
FRIDAY
Nu Sensae, who I have seen several times before, were in peak form. They always seemed a little shaky before and their singer lacked some confidence. Let me tell you that any stage fright she may have had before was no where to be seen on Friday. Her vocals were absolutely horrific but in the best way possible. Very reminiscent of Kat Bjelland of Babes in Toyland at her absolute nastiest, though musically it was pretty far from 90s riot-grrl. The duo of drums and bass was pretty bouncy and conducive to slam dancing, which, luckily, due to the odd and small layout of Hoko's, didn't happen.
Vapid, who I had yet to have seen, played a pretty mean set of aggressive post-punk influenced rock. Their singer, who dressed up like your drunk aunt ready to party, was howling in the crowd's face the entire night, leaning back and pausing only to howl some more. I had to leave this set after a half hour to head down to Pub 340...
Certain Breeds were quite the surprise, as I had heard very little about the band before seeing them perform. Their sound was, to say the least, pretty dark, but this was no straight up goth affair. Icy keyboards coupled with melancholic Cello helped their sound reach more interesting terrain than your typical Siouxsie rip off, of which there are plenty abound.
Ice Cream were next and they didn't disappoint either, not that there was much hype. The band has played very few shows to little fanfare over the last few months. 3 people sing in this band including the drummer, keyboardist and guitarist but only the keyboardist, who seemed like she wanted to break out and front the band, was struck by nerves and quietly delivered her few lines. The style was a good mix of female fronted post-punk, glam and disco, which their myspace clearly states. But, unlike most favorites on a band's myspace, Ice Cream's were actually right there in the music! And they did a damn good job with them! Fancy that.
SATURDAY
Onomatapoeia rocked a set of heavy laptop beats fronted by his manic vocal attack and attempts to get the crowd rocking. In between songs he had to fend off his seemingly coked-out buddy who kept attacking him while he tried to set up the next track. Other than his cape-wearing friend, the crowd was a little too tame to indulge the singer in his antics. This sorta thing woulda' worked out a little better if everyone knew what they were in for. Note: to any kids who want to attempt this sort of act, the fuel is apparently cough syrup and Red Bull, among other illicit substances.
Jesse Taylor was up next and rocked a similar vibe, ie. dancing and shouting along to pre-programmed beats and trying to get the crowd riled up. My favorite quote was, "Let's get this place shut down, like Black Flag did in the 80s!" Good stuff but not nearly up to the usual standard of a Twin Crystals or CH 3x4 set.
After Jesse's set, I raced down to the Astoria to catch the last half of i/i's set, and, boy, am I glad I did. i/i turned out to be the best surprise of the whole fest, and they now enter into my list of favorite Vancouver bands. The vibe was similar to Bardo Pond (the electric violin makes it happen!) but more like if they were on a hit of speed rather than a bottle of cough syrup. The music was instrumental and pretty loose, even though they all did seem to be on the same path to frenzied nirvana.
White Owl played immediately after and were in top form, which was surprising considering that their drummer had just gotten back from a 2 month tour with Modern Creatures. Their new-ish bass player, Bianca, who also moonlights in The Riff Randells and Ice Cream, anchored the group and gave the crowd something to move to. Meanwhile, the wah attack of Brandon's guitar and the buzzsaw assault of Lindsay's (who is also the singer) guitar kept all the bro's heads-a-bangin'. The true muscle of the group is the Octopus-armed drummer, Mike, who gives all the tracks their thunderous, poly-rhythmic feel. Catch the White Owl kick off the second night of Geronimo!, which is a new night at Pub 340 every Wednesday.
Winning played to a thinning crowd (most people were heading over to 340) but nonetheless were fantastic. I had heard the record at work and didn't think much about it. This band is all about the live show. They play a brand of anti-rock in the vein of US Maple, the kind of rock that would have your average indie-rock fan clamoring for the door. These boys pulled it off quite well, I do say. Had to leave this one a little early to catch White Lung at 340.
These girls are really growing on me, and after their set opening for CPC Gangbangs and their headliner at Music Waste, they're proving to be one of Vancouver's finest DIY bands. The night was pretty blurry by this point so most detail is now lost to the night, but I highly recommend checking this band out before they a) break-up or b) become too big for their own good.
Thanks for all the memories, Music Waste, and we'll do it again next year!
FRIDAY
Nu Sensae, who I have seen several times before, were in peak form. They always seemed a little shaky before and their singer lacked some confidence. Let me tell you that any stage fright she may have had before was no where to be seen on Friday. Her vocals were absolutely horrific but in the best way possible. Very reminiscent of Kat Bjelland of Babes in Toyland at her absolute nastiest, though musically it was pretty far from 90s riot-grrl. The duo of drums and bass was pretty bouncy and conducive to slam dancing, which, luckily, due to the odd and small layout of Hoko's, didn't happen.
Vapid, who I had yet to have seen, played a pretty mean set of aggressive post-punk influenced rock. Their singer, who dressed up like your drunk aunt ready to party, was howling in the crowd's face the entire night, leaning back and pausing only to howl some more. I had to leave this set after a half hour to head down to Pub 340...
Certain Breeds were quite the surprise, as I had heard very little about the band before seeing them perform. Their sound was, to say the least, pretty dark, but this was no straight up goth affair. Icy keyboards coupled with melancholic Cello helped their sound reach more interesting terrain than your typical Siouxsie rip off, of which there are plenty abound.
Ice Cream were next and they didn't disappoint either, not that there was much hype. The band has played very few shows to little fanfare over the last few months. 3 people sing in this band including the drummer, keyboardist and guitarist but only the keyboardist, who seemed like she wanted to break out and front the band, was struck by nerves and quietly delivered her few lines. The style was a good mix of female fronted post-punk, glam and disco, which their myspace clearly states. But, unlike most favorites on a band's myspace, Ice Cream's were actually right there in the music! And they did a damn good job with them! Fancy that.
SATURDAY
Onomatapoeia rocked a set of heavy laptop beats fronted by his manic vocal attack and attempts to get the crowd rocking. In between songs he had to fend off his seemingly coked-out buddy who kept attacking him while he tried to set up the next track. Other than his cape-wearing friend, the crowd was a little too tame to indulge the singer in his antics. This sorta thing woulda' worked out a little better if everyone knew what they were in for. Note: to any kids who want to attempt this sort of act, the fuel is apparently cough syrup and Red Bull, among other illicit substances.
Jesse Taylor was up next and rocked a similar vibe, ie. dancing and shouting along to pre-programmed beats and trying to get the crowd riled up. My favorite quote was, "Let's get this place shut down, like Black Flag did in the 80s!" Good stuff but not nearly up to the usual standard of a Twin Crystals or CH 3x4 set.
After Jesse's set, I raced down to the Astoria to catch the last half of i/i's set, and, boy, am I glad I did. i/i turned out to be the best surprise of the whole fest, and they now enter into my list of favorite Vancouver bands. The vibe was similar to Bardo Pond (the electric violin makes it happen!) but more like if they were on a hit of speed rather than a bottle of cough syrup. The music was instrumental and pretty loose, even though they all did seem to be on the same path to frenzied nirvana.
White Owl played immediately after and were in top form, which was surprising considering that their drummer had just gotten back from a 2 month tour with Modern Creatures. Their new-ish bass player, Bianca, who also moonlights in The Riff Randells and Ice Cream, anchored the group and gave the crowd something to move to. Meanwhile, the wah attack of Brandon's guitar and the buzzsaw assault of Lindsay's (who is also the singer) guitar kept all the bro's heads-a-bangin'. The true muscle of the group is the Octopus-armed drummer, Mike, who gives all the tracks their thunderous, poly-rhythmic feel. Catch the White Owl kick off the second night of Geronimo!, which is a new night at Pub 340 every Wednesday.
Winning played to a thinning crowd (most people were heading over to 340) but nonetheless were fantastic. I had heard the record at work and didn't think much about it. This band is all about the live show. They play a brand of anti-rock in the vein of US Maple, the kind of rock that would have your average indie-rock fan clamoring for the door. These boys pulled it off quite well, I do say. Had to leave this one a little early to catch White Lung at 340.
These girls are really growing on me, and after their set opening for CPC Gangbangs and their headliner at Music Waste, they're proving to be one of Vancouver's finest DIY bands. The night was pretty blurry by this point so most detail is now lost to the night, but I highly recommend checking this band out before they a) break-up or b) become too big for their own good.
Thanks for all the memories, Music Waste, and we'll do it again next year!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Music Waste-Wednesday and Thursday
Here's a quick rundown (in descending order) of the bands I managed to catch on Wednesday and Thursday night.
THURSDAY-Pub 340
This was the first time I've seen the B-Lines and did they ever manage to blow me away. The singer, Ryan, who I've known for about a year and is normally a pretty reserved dude, stalked the stage like an even more punk rock version of Calvin Johnson. Screaming into the mic, diving into the crowd, eyes rolling into the back of his head, Ryan was magnificent to watch. The music was pretty straight forward 3 chord punk, but on my bike ride home, I had one of their songs embedded in my brain. Can't wait to seem 'em again.
The Dead Ghosts put on a great set of garage rock that was almost embarrassingly similar to the Black Lips. They had the moves and the tunes down pat but the only thing missing was the debauchery of early Lips shows, though they did try to fall apart at the end of their set. Clint, the bass player in Dead Ghosts, actually opened for the Black Lips with his former band Ladies Night when they first came to Vancouver. The connection was so obvious on Thursday that the DJ followed their set by playing a Black Lips track. Still pretty good despite the derivative nature of the band.
Get Well Bomb played a decent set of Country Teasers-esque garage rock that would have went off a little better if the lead singer wasn't so drunk. But, hey, isn't that what this type of rock is s'posed to be about? I see good things in the future of this gang if they just tighten it up a bit.
Only caught the last 3 songs of the TVees but they weren't bad. Pretty tight, 50s rock inspired garage that had at least a half a dozen attendees buying their self-released CD.
WEDNESDAY-Cobalt
Ejaculation Death Rattle lived up to the hype of their brief Wire review and delivered an odd set of disco-death jazz. This has to be seen to be believed.
V. Vecker, who I predicted to have a faulty set, dropped a serious load of hyped-up, one-man SunnO))) that would have been perfect if half his stack of amps hadn't faltered. Nonetheless, it was pretty awe-inspiring and one of the early highlights of Music Waste.
Perelisk: Keep it in the basement for now, kids.
Empty Love put on a great set of throbbing, cinematic drone that was fronted by a dream machine, which I had never actually seen in the flesh before. The fucker fell over after 5 minutes but was soon taped down by the helpful crowd. Staring into this thing with drone being played was pretty hallucinogenic, I must admit. Below is a photo I took of the dream machine and youtube clip of the dream machine in action.
note: you might want to turn down the lame music on this youtube clip. Also, this is an up close shot of one and doesn't nearly capture the same effect of a real dream machine.
*all photos courtesy of my own damn self*
THURSDAY-Pub 340
This was the first time I've seen the B-Lines and did they ever manage to blow me away. The singer, Ryan, who I've known for about a year and is normally a pretty reserved dude, stalked the stage like an even more punk rock version of Calvin Johnson. Screaming into the mic, diving into the crowd, eyes rolling into the back of his head, Ryan was magnificent to watch. The music was pretty straight forward 3 chord punk, but on my bike ride home, I had one of their songs embedded in my brain. Can't wait to seem 'em again.
The Dead Ghosts put on a great set of garage rock that was almost embarrassingly similar to the Black Lips. They had the moves and the tunes down pat but the only thing missing was the debauchery of early Lips shows, though they did try to fall apart at the end of their set. Clint, the bass player in Dead Ghosts, actually opened for the Black Lips with his former band Ladies Night when they first came to Vancouver. The connection was so obvious on Thursday that the DJ followed their set by playing a Black Lips track. Still pretty good despite the derivative nature of the band.
Get Well Bomb played a decent set of Country Teasers-esque garage rock that would have went off a little better if the lead singer wasn't so drunk. But, hey, isn't that what this type of rock is s'posed to be about? I see good things in the future of this gang if they just tighten it up a bit.
Only caught the last 3 songs of the TVees but they weren't bad. Pretty tight, 50s rock inspired garage that had at least a half a dozen attendees buying their self-released CD.
WEDNESDAY-Cobalt
Ejaculation Death Rattle lived up to the hype of their brief Wire review and delivered an odd set of disco-death jazz. This has to be seen to be believed.
V. Vecker, who I predicted to have a faulty set, dropped a serious load of hyped-up, one-man SunnO))) that would have been perfect if half his stack of amps hadn't faltered. Nonetheless, it was pretty awe-inspiring and one of the early highlights of Music Waste.
Perelisk: Keep it in the basement for now, kids.
Empty Love put on a great set of throbbing, cinematic drone that was fronted by a dream machine, which I had never actually seen in the flesh before. The fucker fell over after 5 minutes but was soon taped down by the helpful crowd. Staring into this thing with drone being played was pretty hallucinogenic, I must admit. Below is a photo I took of the dream machine and youtube clip of the dream machine in action.
note: you might want to turn down the lame music on this youtube clip. Also, this is an up close shot of one and doesn't nearly capture the same effect of a real dream machine.
*all photos courtesy of my own damn self*
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Music Waste 2008-->My Personal Picks
Music Waste is that one special time of year where I get to check out all the local bands that I haven't gotten around to seeing, or just peeping new groups that I haven't heard at all. This year there are a lot of familiar faces that I have caught over the last year or so, and a few that I have been meaning to see but never got around to. Below is a night by night rundown of the bands that I will be checking out and you should too. Music Waste is the only festival of mostly underground local acts that are almost always worth checking out. $15 gets you into at least 5 shows, plus all the venues are close together so you can hop around at your leisure. I will hopefully update the blog with pics and brief descriptions of the shows I take in. Ya'll come back now...
WEDNESDAY
Well this is a no-brainer. There is only one event tonight and it's the Fake Jazz night at the Cobalt. Pretty excited to see V. Vecker (Keith, vocalist of Sex Negatives) perform a wall of drone. This may or may not go off as he plans, he seemed a little iffy on it when I spoke to him earlier in the week. Also excited to see Ejaculation Death Rattle, who are riding high off their brief write up and photo that appeared in this month's Wire magazine. I have also heard a bit about Perelisk, so i'm interested to see how that turns out. Should be one of the better MW nights and a better
THURSDAY
This night will find me at Pub 340 peeping Dead Ghosts (former Ladies Night member) as they perform their gutter pop-garage. Their myspace has some pretty promising songs. The B-Lines are heading up the night and i'm interested to see what the former members of Fun 100 are up to. The other two bands that night, i'm not familiar with, but that's what Music Waste is all about.
FRIDAY
Hoko's will find me getting down to the sounds of Vapid, who have released a fine 7" this year but i've yet to catch the group in action. Also playing is Nu Sensae, who I have caught before but am interested to see again. Once again, I have heard some great things about Stamina Mantis but haven't caught them in the flesh yet. Pink Noise I don't know a thing about. I have linked to their myspace but i'm not gonna listen to it. Gotta save myself a few surprises.
SATURDAY
Most of Saturday I will be at the Astoria checking out i/i, The Barcelona Chair and the mighty return of White Owl, who are back in action after a few months off (their drummer was on tour in the US with Modern Creatures). White Owl, when they are ON, are quite a sight. Loud as fuck, all kinds of catchy, the meanest drummer in the city and a damn near danceable vibe usuallyall come together to create a potent cocktail. Don't miss out on this. After they exit the stage, I will be heading to Hoko's to catch Jesse Taylor (Twin Crystals, CH 3x4) and experimental voice artist Piper Davis, who should be easy on the eyes after a weekend of gristled, sweaty dudes.
SUNDAY
Tonight is another no-brainer: Pub 340 with local faves Modern Creatures (just back from tour), Mutators (also just back from tour), Adjective (havent't seen yet) and Mattress? Last I heard, Mattress was from Portland, but maybe he has just recently moved here. Either way, this should be one of the better nights and a bit of a homecoming for Vancouver's finest noise-mongers.
WEDNESDAY
Well this is a no-brainer. There is only one event tonight and it's the Fake Jazz night at the Cobalt. Pretty excited to see V. Vecker (Keith, vocalist of Sex Negatives) perform a wall of drone. This may or may not go off as he plans, he seemed a little iffy on it when I spoke to him earlier in the week. Also excited to see Ejaculation Death Rattle, who are riding high off their brief write up and photo that appeared in this month's Wire magazine. I have also heard a bit about Perelisk, so i'm interested to see how that turns out. Should be one of the better MW nights and a better
THURSDAY
This night will find me at Pub 340 peeping Dead Ghosts (former Ladies Night member) as they perform their gutter pop-garage. Their myspace has some pretty promising songs. The B-Lines are heading up the night and i'm interested to see what the former members of Fun 100 are up to. The other two bands that night, i'm not familiar with, but that's what Music Waste is all about.
FRIDAY
Hoko's will find me getting down to the sounds of Vapid, who have released a fine 7" this year but i've yet to catch the group in action. Also playing is Nu Sensae, who I have caught before but am interested to see again. Once again, I have heard some great things about Stamina Mantis but haven't caught them in the flesh yet. Pink Noise I don't know a thing about. I have linked to their myspace but i'm not gonna listen to it. Gotta save myself a few surprises.
SATURDAY
Most of Saturday I will be at the Astoria checking out i/i, The Barcelona Chair and the mighty return of White Owl, who are back in action after a few months off (their drummer was on tour in the US with Modern Creatures). White Owl, when they are ON, are quite a sight. Loud as fuck, all kinds of catchy, the meanest drummer in the city and a damn near danceable vibe usuallyall come together to create a potent cocktail. Don't miss out on this. After they exit the stage, I will be heading to Hoko's to catch Jesse Taylor (Twin Crystals, CH 3x4) and experimental voice artist Piper Davis, who should be easy on the eyes after a weekend of gristled, sweaty dudes.
SUNDAY
Tonight is another no-brainer: Pub 340 with local faves Modern Creatures (just back from tour), Mutators (also just back from tour), Adjective (havent't seen yet) and Mattress? Last I heard, Mattress was from Portland, but maybe he has just recently moved here. Either way, this should be one of the better nights and a bit of a homecoming for Vancouver's finest noise-mongers.
Friday, May 30, 2008
In the Garage
Couple gnarly slabs of vinyl and tape flew in through the front door this week, and they're all releases from some garage rock faves and some new finds.
***NOTE: I have no idea why there are a few large gaps between some of these posts. Anyone have any clue why this is? It looks fine in the preview but comes out weird when I publish. HELP!***
BILLY BAO "Fuck Seperation" 10" (S-S Records)
Billy Bao fled from Nigeria, landed in Bilboa (Basque Spain) and employed thnastiest punk rock drummer and guitarists he could get his hands on. Since then Billy Bao has released a few 7"s, a full length on Parts Unknown (came out earlier this year) and this 10" of 2 punishing tracks. Actually, this pretty much acts as one long track that features that exact same riff pummeled over the listener's head for almost 20 minutes. This is very reminiscent of the endurance test that was the Cadaver In Drag full length, which I enjoyed immensely last year.
White silk screened cover on a thick, white card stock all on white vinyl. Perfectly captures the white-hot rage of the music within. A man on a serious mission. You better pay attention.
S-S pressed 600 and there are 40 left.
Buy it HERE
Meanwhile, download some OOP 7"s
ACCUMULATION 7"
Bilbo's Incinerator 7"
BLANK DOGS "On Two Sides" LP (Troubleman)
Spun this one a couple times at work before giving it a home. It took a few listens to really nail this one, but once you do, it sticks like hot gum in yr hair. Kind of reminds me of those Devo demos that Eno heard before he went down to Ohio to produce the shit out of them. Also brings to mind just about any of the 80s DIY groups featured on the impeccable Messthetics label, which all makes sense once you check out the band's blog. It seems as if at least one member of the band has an obsession with seeking out little known DIY groups from the 80s and ripping them to their blog. The influences are riding pretty high on their sleeves, but no particular group is overtly sticking out. Every time this got played in the store, everyone had their own opinion of what it sounded like. My ears hear early Flying Nun, the astral pop of John Maus and the bouncy end of Joy Division. It's great to hear groups pick up on this side of the 1980s rather than the god-awful electro/disco end of the spectrum, which has permeated dance music for years now.
This was originally released as a tape on the excellent Woodsist/Fuck It Tapes label.
The band has saved me the time and uploaded the album to their blog. Get it HERE
In addition, here are links to downloads of their early 7"s.
The First Two Weeks 7"
The Doorbell Fire 7"
Yellow Mice Sleep 7"
NAKED ON THE VAGUE "Blood Pressure Sessions" LP (Siltbreeze)
Hard one to pin-down from this newest release by Siltbreeze. This is a duo from Australia that conjure up some hypno-darkness with a dirty organ, untuned drum and a busted up, creeky bass . I managed to catch these folks play at Pub 340 a month ago and the live show was fantastic. Short, sharp stabs of synth, lumbering bass and Lucy Phelan's "doom poetry" (she played both Organ and drum) made for a particularly haunting night. Listening to the record comes close to the dark psychedelia of that night.
DOWNLOAD HERE
SIC ALPS "Fool's Mag" Cassette (Folding)
Managed to scoop up two of these from AQ before they all got snagged, and i'm glad I did because I just watched this fucker get flipped on ebay for $20. Funny thing is, it looks like you can still get copies from the Folding website. Anyways, these four songs were recorded live at WFMU late last year. These are mostly songs that have been issued in some form or another in the last two years and show the band in fine form. The tracks are pretty muddy for the most part but they do show the band's unique garage-pop sensibilities that have had critics and fans wagging their tongues for the last year and a half. Nab one quick before they be gone!
Since I don't have the capabilities to put my tapes into mp3 files (yet!), I have uploaded a copy of their OOP LP Description of the Harbor for your listening pleasure.Also, Animal Disguise is re-issuing all of their early tapes, 7"s and the Harbor LP in one convenient CD. This will be limited to 1000 copies. Act fast.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HARBOR---> Download
A.H. KRAKEN "s/t" LP w/CD (In The Red)
French garagesters unleash some sloppy but catchy tunage on their debut for In The Red. Pretty typical group for ITR--barely audible vocals (all in French!), manic and fuzzy guitar work, and all of it underproduced for maximum cochlea scraping. Gotta love the cover with what looks like the little sister of a band member, wearing a Slipknot t-shirt and holding a rifle. How very, uh, French!
DOWNLOAD HERE
FACTUMS "The Sistrum" LP w/7" (Sacred Bones)
Next up is the newest full length from Factums, whom you remember from my 2007 best of list, right? This beast is much subtler than it's aggro, slashed speaker predecessor. In fact, you probably wouldn't be able to guess that this was ever the same band. Blown out guitars and heavily distorted vocals have been replaced by hypnotic, trebly guitar lines and barely there vocals. Most of the record actually reminds me of the quieter moments of early Chrome. There is also an accompanying seven inch--first side, first track is more of that entrancing guitar with manipulated vocals. The second track is a 60 second punker more reminiscent of their earlier work. The second side of the 7" is the best track in the whole package. A short, surfy guitar line with some garbled and aggressive vocals laid out over top. It's good to see that these kids can still get aggressive when they want to. Great package on this one, folks. Silk-screened cover, bonus 7" and two creepy lock grooves at the end of both sides of the LP. You can nab this fucker here and here.
DOWNLOAD HERE
HOSPITALS "Hairdryer Peace" LP (Self-released)
Now we have the newest full length by a personal favorite in the over-the-top garage rock category, The Hospitals. I was expecting a bit of the same ol' with this new one. You know, screaming, violent vocals, neanderthal drum beats, spastic riffs all topped off with some feedback drenched production. Not this time. Ok, the hissy production is there, but the boys are going for a larger approach. Full on psychedelic passages sit side-by-side with some syrupy riffage and hammering, meaty drum beats. The album sold out within weeks from their website but you may be able to get a copy from some of the fine distributors listed at the bottom of this here blog. Easily the best thing these kids have ever put to wax.
I'll let Scott Simmons describe this for you in better, grittier detail...
"Doesn't really matter whether you loved or hated The Hospitals before, cuz this is some year zero shit. This is the most psychedelic fucking record in a long time and there are no rainbows - no feather earrings - no beards. Mixed for maximum hallucinations, it has the stoned riffs of a killer rock record, totally cracked pop, pure headfuck, but more than anything else just an all around perfect album. It's Chief Hospital Adam Stonehouse with oringal Hospital co-founder/shredder Rod Meyer and Rob Enbom from Eat Skull and Chris Gunn from an island off the coast of the future. Sounds nothing like any bands or anything else.. Seriously, if a better record comes out this year, next year, whenever.... I promise. Edition of 500. Don't be an asshole." - Scott Simmons
Yikes! Just looked this up on ebay in the completed listings and it just changed hands for $50 US. Luckily, ya'll can get it free here.
That's it for now. Music Waste picks tomorrow!
***NOTE: I have no idea why there are a few large gaps between some of these posts. Anyone have any clue why this is? It looks fine in the preview but comes out weird when I publish. HELP!***
BILLY BAO "Fuck Seperation" 10" (S-S Records)
Billy Bao fled from Nigeria, landed in Bilboa (Basque Spain) and employed thnastiest punk rock drummer and guitarists he could get his hands on. Since then Billy Bao has released a few 7"s, a full length on Parts Unknown (came out earlier this year) and this 10" of 2 punishing tracks. Actually, this pretty much acts as one long track that features that exact same riff pummeled over the listener's head for almost 20 minutes. This is very reminiscent of the endurance test that was the Cadaver In Drag full length, which I enjoyed immensely last year.
White silk screened cover on a thick, white card stock all on white vinyl. Perfectly captures the white-hot rage of the music within. A man on a serious mission. You better pay attention.
S-S pressed 600 and there are 40 left.
Buy it HERE
Meanwhile, download some OOP 7"s
ACCUMULATION 7"
Bilbo's Incinerator 7"
BLANK DOGS "On Two Sides" LP (Troubleman)
Spun this one a couple times at work before giving it a home. It took a few listens to really nail this one, but once you do, it sticks like hot gum in yr hair. Kind of reminds me of those Devo demos that Eno heard before he went down to Ohio to produce the shit out of them. Also brings to mind just about any of the 80s DIY groups featured on the impeccable Messthetics label, which all makes sense once you check out the band's blog. It seems as if at least one member of the band has an obsession with seeking out little known DIY groups from the 80s and ripping them to their blog. The influences are riding pretty high on their sleeves, but no particular group is overtly sticking out. Every time this got played in the store, everyone had their own opinion of what it sounded like. My ears hear early Flying Nun, the astral pop of John Maus and the bouncy end of Joy Division. It's great to hear groups pick up on this side of the 1980s rather than the god-awful electro/disco end of the spectrum, which has permeated dance music for years now.This was originally released as a tape on the excellent Woodsist/Fuck It Tapes label.
The band has saved me the time and uploaded the album to their blog. Get it HERE
In addition, here are links to downloads of their early 7"s.
The First Two Weeks 7"
The Doorbell Fire 7"
Yellow Mice Sleep 7"
NAKED ON THE VAGUE "Blood Pressure Sessions" LP (Siltbreeze)
Hard one to pin-down from this newest release by Siltbreeze. This is a duo from Australia that conjure up some hypno-darkness with a dirty organ, untuned drum and a busted up, creeky bass . I managed to catch these folks play at Pub 340 a month ago and the live show was fantastic. Short, sharp stabs of synth, lumbering bass and Lucy Phelan's "doom poetry" (she played both Organ and drum) made for a particularly haunting night. Listening to the record comes close to the dark psychedelia of that night.DOWNLOAD HERE
SIC ALPS "Fool's Mag" Cassette (Folding)
Managed to scoop up two of these from AQ before they all got snagged, and i'm glad I did because I just watched this fucker get flipped on ebay for $20. Funny thing is, it looks like you can still get copies from the Folding website. Anyways, these four songs were recorded live at WFMU late last year. These are mostly songs that have been issued in some form or another in the last two years and show the band in fine form. The tracks are pretty muddy for the most part but they do show the band's unique garage-pop sensibilities that have had critics and fans wagging their tongues for the last year and a half. Nab one quick before they be gone!Since I don't have the capabilities to put my tapes into mp3 files (yet!), I have uploaded a copy of their OOP LP Description of the Harbor for your listening pleasure.Also, Animal Disguise is re-issuing all of their early tapes, 7"s and the Harbor LP in one convenient CD. This will be limited to 1000 copies. Act fast.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HARBOR---> DownloadA.H. KRAKEN "s/t" LP w/CD (In The Red)
French garagesters unleash some sloppy but catchy tunage on their debut for In The Red. Pretty typical group for ITR--barely audible vocals (all in French!), manic and fuzzy guitar work, and all of it underproduced for maximum cochlea scraping. Gotta love the cover with what looks like the little sister of a band member, wearing a Slipknot t-shirt and holding a rifle. How very, uh, French!DOWNLOAD HERE
FACTUMS "The Sistrum" LP w/7" (Sacred Bones)
Next up is the newest full length from Factums, whom you remember from my 2007 best of list, right? This beast is much subtler than it's aggro, slashed speaker predecessor. In fact, you probably wouldn't be able to guess that this was ever the same band. Blown out guitars and heavily distorted vocals have been replaced by hypnotic, trebly guitar lines and barely there vocals. Most of the record actually reminds me of the quieter moments of early Chrome. There is also an accompanying seven inch--first side, first track is more of that entrancing guitar with manipulated vocals. The second track is a 60 second punker more reminiscent of their earlier work. The second side of the 7" is the best track in the whole package. A short, surfy guitar line with some garbled and aggressive vocals laid out over top. It's good to see that these kids can still get aggressive when they want to. Great package on this one, folks. Silk-screened cover, bonus 7" and two creepy lock grooves at the end of both sides of the LP. You can nab this fucker here and here.DOWNLOAD HERE
HOSPITALS "Hairdryer Peace" LP (Self-released)
Now we have the newest full length by a personal favorite in the over-the-top garage rock category, The Hospitals. I was expecting a bit of the same ol' with this new one. You know, screaming, violent vocals, neanderthal drum beats, spastic riffs all topped off with some feedback drenched production. Not this time. Ok, the hissy production is there, but the boys are going for a larger approach. Full on psychedelic passages sit side-by-side with some syrupy riffage and hammering, meaty drum beats. The album sold out within weeks from their website but you may be able to get a copy from some of the fine distributors listed at the bottom of this here blog. Easily the best thing these kids have ever put to wax.I'll let Scott Simmons describe this for you in better, grittier detail...
"Doesn't really matter whether you loved or hated The Hospitals before, cuz this is some year zero shit. This is the most psychedelic fucking record in a long time and there are no rainbows - no feather earrings - no beards. Mixed for maximum hallucinations, it has the stoned riffs of a killer rock record, totally cracked pop, pure headfuck, but more than anything else just an all around perfect album. It's Chief Hospital Adam Stonehouse with oringal Hospital co-founder/shredder Rod Meyer and Rob Enbom from Eat Skull and Chris Gunn from an island off the coast of the future. Sounds nothing like any bands or anything else.. Seriously, if a better record comes out this year, next year, whenever.... I promise. Edition of 500. Don't be an asshole." - Scott Simmons
Yikes! Just looked this up on ebay in the completed listings and it just changed hands for $50 US. Luckily, ya'll can get it free here.
That's it for now. Music Waste picks tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
More Blog Scrawlings
Ex-co-worker and fellow hip hop connoisseur, Sam "Biggie Samuels" Macklin, had enlisted me to pen the write ups for his newest hip hop mix. I must admit, despite there being a slight lack of rarities (a challenge has been issued by him on this matter. More on that at a later date), this is a super-solid mix of 90s hip-hop classics and underrated joints. His special lady friend wrote the notes to his other mix and was bit more personal, and thus, funnier than mine. I think I took it a bit more serious than necessary but that is just how I can get when dissecting hip hop. Whatever. Peep it, yo!
Link is here
Sam lives here
Check on him regularily. He likes to blarg.
Stars of the Lid-Seattle. Whole Show!
As promised, here is the entire Stars of the Lid show from April 18 in Seattle. The show was recorded, cut into tracks, and edited for fidelity by my good friend Adrian. Thanks for getting this to me so fast. This is a high quality rip @320. Adrian has pulled out some annoying background noise and cleaned this puppy up. It sounds fucking awesome.
Tracklist
1. Intro by Adam Wiltzie
2. Fratres (Arvo Part cover)
3. Requiem For Dying Mothers Parts 1 and 2
4. Even If You're Never Awake
5. Syriana Suite (Alexandre Desplat cover)
6. December Hunting For Vegetarian Fuckface
7. Tippy's Demise
Part 1
DOWNLOAD HERE
Part 2
DOWNLOAD HERE
As an added bonus I have included a rip of the very first Stars of the Lid full length, Music For Nitrous Oxide, which has been out of print for many years. These are all 4 track recordings dating from 1993-1994. The album was released on Austin based Sedimental records in 1995. The work here is, what I would guess you would call, lo-fi ambient. The warmth of tape hiss envelopes these recordings and lend it a dirtier, Texan feel, which is exponentially noticable when compared to their incredibly clean, orchestrated work of the last ten years. Overall, a great peek into the beginnings of a band that would soon become a huge stepping stone in the world of ambient.
This is the original press release that came with promos of the album.
"Sedimental announces the first CD from Austin drone stars Stars of the Lid, an amazing 4-track recording that is created in the spirit of Eno, Main, and Spacemen 3. Produced without keyboards, this lo-fi ambient journey employs predominately guitar, avoiding typical rock elements while still possessing the “home” recorded feel of so much independent music.
Being based in Austin, a town loaded with so many heavy guitar bands, one wonders how they came to make such hypnotic and engaging sounds. Especially when Stars mastermind Adam Wiltzie is involved with so many “rock” bands himself, having recorded Ed Hall’s Motherscratcher and its forthcoming release, the Flaming Lips Peel Sessions, as well as running sound for Bad Livers, and Doo Rag tours. Citing Cage, Spacemen 3, Robert from Main and Loop, nitrous oxide, and Bedhead as artistic inspirations, he also comments the group is a reaction against the “muscle” rock and C&W that dominates the Austin music scene and a way to withdraw from it.
The group (un)officially formed when Adam met Brian at KTSB during Brian’s long running overnight radio program of subtle collaging of multiple sources into spacey otherness. Finding kindred creative spirits to share inspiration, and recreational drugs, they began their reclusive recording endeavors.
Despite their current unknown status, we at Sedimental were so impressed by the music of Stars of the Lid , we felt it worthy of our first CD release. After giving this a few listens(especially the brilliant trio of tracks 7,8, and 9), we are sure you will think they belong on the same plateau as EAR, Labradford, Main, and Organum."
DOWNLOAD HERE-------->This was taken down at the request of Adam Wiltzie himself. Apparently NO2 makes him wanna puke when he thinks about and has asked me to remove it. Guess we won't be seeing a vinyl reissue of this any time soon... Send me a shout if you NEED to hear this.Thursday, May 22, 2008
A Serious Case of Veee Deee
Veee Deee are a two-piece--drums and guitars, natch, with one dude from Britain (Thomas, Drums) and a Canadian (Clay, Guitar) both now living somewhere in Japan and making some seriously assaultive psych-o jams. Think a hybrid of Lightning Bolt, Ruins and Comets on Fire and yr pretty darn close to the terror that these lads have unleashed on two short-run CDR's. I nabbed both of these from Aquarius Records when they came out earlier in the year and they have been slaying my world ever since. I don't normally go for CDR's from groups that i'm not already familiar with, but after hearing the brief sample on the AQ site, I had no choice but to pick these up.
Veee Deee-self titled CDR (self released)
When this arrived in the mail from AQ, I was blown away by the sonic skree attack of these three tracks. It's not all black reign from the clouds, though, moments of hazy drift float in for a moment only to soon be crushed by a flash flood of furious drumming and spazzed guitar. The last two tracks contain some screamed vocals, although i'm not too sure which of the two are doing them, they are quite raw and gutteral, giving the music even more edge.Veee Deee- Self-titled (At War With False Noise)
A 2xCDR released on the Glasgow label, At War With False Noise, which I also nabbed from AQ. This is currently out of print. Now, if you're gonna release a stinking CDR, please put this kind of love into it. Two 3" CDR's housed in a thick, clear case with some decent art work adorning it, is this much to ask? I usually flat out refuse to by CDR's slapped into a folded piece of xeroxed paper with some scribbles on it. The content can't be that great if so little effort is put into the packaging. Just a theory. Anyways, this release is two songs, one on each disc, and both about fifteen minutes long. Both of these tracks are buzz jams more in line with their Jap-psych brethren of yore, and a bit more "out there" than the tracks on the debut CDR. Vocals are still there but not as important to the music this time around. Again, moments of calm arrive before all out war breaks loose. Good shit here if you are into the above mentioned bands. Like the other VD, these guys will leave you burning!DOWNLOAD HERE
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ride The Grooves
Sorry about the severe lack of updates but the sunshine calls and I dare not miss out on some sorely needed Vitamin D. Anyways, I am now the proud owner of a new turntable which should keep me basement-dwelling for the rest of the summer. After much deliberation, I decided that a new turntable was in order. I had a shitty deck from the 70s that I picked up for about $60 several years ago, but the needle had had it and it has sat collecting dust for the last few months. The records have been coming in but the means to hear them was naught. Well, kids, let me tell you that it is more than worth your hard earned cash to invest in a decent turntable. I picked up a Rega Planar 1, which is a British made, entry level deck that you can get for about $400 if you shop around. I nabbed mine at Signature Audio on Cambie and 15th.
The difference between my old deck and this new one is night and day. I'm currently playing the Metallica Ride the Lightning re-issue (half speed mastered, 180gr, 2x45rpm 12"s--also limited to 100 copies. Get it fast!) and I can never again listen to this on CD or on my old, shitty turntable. I compared the CD version with the LP and there is quite a difference. The CD is all high end, a much sharper sound. Crisp I believe is the term. Fuck crisp, this LP is super warm. The bass kicks in the gut rather than hanging around in the background. The guitars sound as if they are being played right in front of me rather than recorded a million miles away. Don't even get me started on the drums, which is about as close to Lars as I would ever want to get.
Another great, entry level turntable that I had my eyes on, and you can get on the cheap, is the Pro-ject Debut III. This is $350 and you can pick it up at Commercial Electronics on Burrard. They also have a version with a USB hook up installed inside of it so's that you can digify all yr vinyl, if you're into that kinda thing, which I soon will be. In the next month or so, I will be picking up the Fono Mini amp for the Rega that will allow me to rip some of the OOP vinyl that I have, all so I can share it with ya'll.
Special thanks to Joe for all the help with seeking out a new deck. I wouldn't have even known where to start.
Later in the week there will be music updates. Also, got that Stars of the Lid show in it's entirety and it will be uploaded soon. Peep it!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Stars Of The Lid-Seattle 2008
About 2 weeks ago I was able to catch one of the very few North American live dates for the current Stars Of The Lid tour. The venue was at the Triple Door in downtown Seattle, which is a mere block away from the Pike Market entrance. The Triple Door has more of a dinner theater setup than what you would expect from your average live music venue. Everyone sat at candlelit tables, waiters filled glasses with water and brought out expensive looking meals. Needless to say, I felt a little under dressed and a even a little out of place. Fuck it. I was there to witness the rare comet that is Stars Of The Lid.
Some laptop dude from Seattle opened up (name I can't remember) followed by Christopher Willits, who played his guitar hooked through his laptop. His set was filled with ambient guitar noodlings backed up by his glitch-happy laptop. He had a few truly sublime moments, but I prefer him on record (see the splendid joint effort with Ryuichi Sakamoto). Stars played an hour long set mostly comprised of "hits" from their last 2 full lengths, The Refinement and Decline and The Tired Sounds Of. The main duo of Adam Wiltzie and Brian McBride were backed up by 3 female string players (1 cello and 2 violinists? We were pretty much at the back and couldn't totally tell what was what) who helped dramatize the tracks and give the songs the full, lush sound that they have on record. If it wasn't for them it would have just been 2 dudes standing in front of their amps. Needless to say, it was an awe-inspiring show that sent an electric current up my spine for close to an hour. Luckily, 2 of the SOTL nerds that I was with recorded the show. Down below are links to my favorite track of the night, Requiem For Dying Mothers. A full posting of the entire show is on the way...
REQUIEM FOR DYING MOTHERS LIVE IN SEATTLE 2008
boomp3.com
more pics...
Willits
SOTL
All photos by me. Audio by Amir.
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