Every Issue Presents Itself

2011-03-26T22:00:00.001-05:00

2011-03-10T13:32:00.001-05:00

Changes

2006-03-29T23:59:00.001-05:00

The packing has commenced and the moving will begin tomorrow. In a rare hour of quiet here this evening, I managed to get the new site up and running. Every Issue Presents Itself will now be located at thepsychicpilot.com. Please update any links and bookmarks you might have set up. I'll leave this Blogger site up for a while, maybe forever, who knows.

My last music-related post here comes courtesy of the Leargehearted Boy, a reprise from yesterday's post about Nikki Sudden. Musicisnotdead.com has posted what may very well have been Nikki's last interview. I find it quite fitting that they started the interview off with this Q&A:

"You've created a career well outside of mainstream circles but always
had this panache of being a larger than life sort of rock star figure.
How does one manage such a feat?

Basically not enough luck! I dress and act like a star because I am one...
even if only in the eyes of a few."

Perfect.

Now, for the rock:

Bowie - Changes
Sugar - Changes
Robert Pollard - Psychic Pilot Clocks Out

R.I.P. Nikki Sudden

2006-03-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

I just came across this on Billboard. I never had the chance to see Nikki Sudden live, but I got hooked on the Swell Maps during my time at WVXU’s Nightwaves. I never really followed them much outside of their music, but every time I came across a record or a CD in a record store or a used bin someplace, I always bought it despite having never heard it before. Their albums never disappointed. I was saddened several years ago to learn that Nikki’s brother and partner in the Swell Maps, Epic Soundtracks, had passed away. Nikki wanted to ensure Epic’s legacy lived on and see that the Swell Maps records were re-released. Secretly Canadian has been more than willing to release some of them as well as Nikki’s solo albums and other projects over the last several years. Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks were both very influential to early alternative music as well as a lot of the newer crop of bands emerging today, whether they realize it or not.

Nikki Sudden:
Fall Any Further
Great Pharoah
Mafeking Blues
Back to the Coast

with The Jacobites:
Shame for the Angels
Big Store
It'll All End Up in Tears
When the Rain Comes

with Rowland S. Howard:
Wedding Hotel

I'm moving

2006-03-27T19:20:00.000-05:00

For the next week to 10 days or so I will be moving into a new house and starting a new job. Naturally, my computer will be disassembled during that time. While finalizing the deal on the house and packing up my music, I've also been working on setting up a new website and moving everything from Blogger to the new domain. Unless something comes up that requires posting, this will be the next to last post here. The next, and last post here will be from the new digs. In the meantime, I've dug up a few home/house/moving - related songs.

Cheers.

Bob Mould - Moving Trucks
The Cure - In Your House
P.J. Harvey - A Place Called Home
Guided by Voices - Peephole (live)
The Breeders - Lime House
Dinosaur Jr - Goin' Home
Built to Spill - Sidewalk
Grant Hart - In a Cold House
The Jesus Lizard - Mistletoe
Fugazi - Furniture
Luna - Going Home
Love - A House is Not a Home
Mogwai - Stop Coming to My House
On - Feel at Home
Sebadoh - Tree
Minutemen - Storm in My House
Eric's Trip - Behind the Garage

Ambulance LTD

2006-03-24T00:08:00.000-05:00

I have no idea how I managed to overlook Ambulance LTD. I picked up their self-titled TVT album this week and it's stuck in current car radio rotation. They have a new EP, New English, that's just been released. You can stream the songs and order it at their website. Here are a few from the 2004 album.

Ambulance LTD:
Yoga Means Union
Heavy Lifting
Stay Tuned

Amy Millan

2006-03-22T23:29:00.000-05:00

The Arts & Cafts label has offered up this preview (read: tease) from Stars vocalist Amy Millan's upcoming solo record, Honey From the Tombs. As always, her voice is amazing. I've probably listened to this song 10-15 times today. Here it is with the album version of Stars' Ageless Beauty and a radically different, but equally brilliant version of the same song mixed by Most Serene Republic. There is also another song from the album up at her MySpace page.

Amy Millan - Skinny Boy
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Stars - Ageless Beauty (Most Serene Mix)

2006-03-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

(click the image to watch)

From the Inbox: Track a Tiger

2006-03-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

The songs on Track a Tiger's Woke Up Early the Day I Died began as simple acoustic songs in 2003. Over the course of two years, songwriter Jim Vallet added more guitars, banjo, cello, female harmonies, and various subtle electronic "bleeps and blips" - all without creating a thick wall of sound. Instead, he left space for the songs to expand and breathe. He describes the sound as "Moody, lots of male-female harmonies. A little rock, but mostly slow, sad, sleepy late nights." His vocals remind me of the Connells, while the music has a lot in common with Mojave 3 and Yo La Tengo's mellower, acoustic-based songs.

From Woke Up Early the Day I Died:
Glad to be Scattered
Happy
Flood

Number One Cup

2006-03-12T18:18:00.000-05:00

I saw Number One Cup only one time, at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton Ohio. It was sometime shortly after their first album, Possum Trot Plan, was released in 1995. I first heard the album while DJ-ing at WVXU in Cincinnati. The band was lumped in with the lo-fi movement of the time, though, much like Guided by Voices, their live shows were anything but. When asked about the validity of the lo-fi sound, the band responded:

"[lo-fi is] As valid as hi-fi. If the recorded version of the song kills me, I don't care what "fi" it is. But I'll say this about lo-fi: contrary to what Lou Barlow says, he or Robert Pollard or whoever don't release lo-fi recordings just because they're quicker and cheaper and easier to do. They know better than anyone that those recordings have a realism and an authenticity that is as important to the feel of the song as the chord changes or the melody. In the end, recording choices become a compositional element"

If I had to describe their music, I probably couldn't do much better than tagging it as lo-fi indie rock myself, which truly would not do them justice. Instead, I'll avoid any cliches and use another band quote:

"It's foreground music. It's pop rather than experimental, but with experimental touches"

Hear for yourself:

Connecticut (the first single from 1994)

From Possum Trot Plan:
Just Let Go
No Particular Style
Divebomb
She Plays the Numbers

From Wrecked by Lions:
Paris
Astronaut
Malcolm's X-Ray Picnic

From People People, Why Are We Fighting?:
Unison Bends

Scrawl

2006-03-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

Scrawl were originally signed to indie it-label Rough Trade US who released their first three records, Plus, Also, Too, He's Drunk and Smallmouth, before the label went bankrupt and folded. They signed with Simple Machines and released two more records, Bloodsucker and Velvet Hammer and several singles. Their final two albums, Travel on Rider and Nature Film were released by Elektra. During thier approximate 11 year run, they recorded with Steve Albini, went on high-profile tours with Sugar, the Meat Puppets, My Bloody Valentine, and the Afghan Whigs. Their last album came out in 1998, but Mays and other core member Sue Harsche still play out, though only on very rare occaisions. Afghan Whigs fans might even recognize Scrawl's Marcy Mays from her vocals on their My Curse, which she sang with Greg Dulli on his last swing through Cincinnati with the Twilight Singers.

From Plus, Also, Too:
Breaker, Breaker
Gutterball
I Can't Relax
Slut

From Smallmouth:
Begin
Enough
Absolute Torture

From Velvet Hammer:
Take a Swing
Prize
Remember That Day

From Travel On, Rider:
Louis L'Amour

From The Afghan Whig's Gentleman:
My Curse

Guided by Voices

2006-03-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that Guided by Voices is one of my favorite bands. This weekend I finally started reading Guided by Voices: A Brief History : Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll. During non-reading time today I was listening to the first few albums, via their first box set, simply titled BOX. It contains the first 4 albums and a bonus LP of unreleased songs, many of which turned up either in part or in full on later albums. Here are a few select tracks:

Captain's Dead
Lips of Steel/A Visit to the Creep Doctor
Liar's Tale
White Whale
Drinker's Peace
Pendulum
Squirmish Frontal Room
Postal Blowfish

From the Inbox: Candy Bars

2006-03-10T07:17:00.000-05:00

The inbox presents us with Candy Bars , a band from Tampa Florida. With their minimalist set-up (one guitar, on snare, one cymbal, one hi-hat and a cello), comparisons to Low would not be far off the mark. Mix in hushed vocals, reverb, bells and occaisional harpsicord in and you get a full, rich sound falling somewhere between Low and Sunny Day Real Estate. They have a full-lenth available through New Grenada Records.

Violets
Enough to Choke a Cold Air
Landscape
The Flood in Your Town
Works Cited

*My EZArchive account was giving me fits this morning, so there are not links for the last three songs. I'll update them later tonight.

**Links updated

The Ukrainians

2006-03-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

In 1989 the Wedding Present, at the suggestion of original guitar player Peter Solowka, released two Peel Sessions of Ukrainian folk music. They recorded a third one which went unreleased until 2000, when they were all compiled and released as Ukrainian John Peel Sessions. Shortly after, Solowka left and formed the Ukrainians with several of the mucians brought in to play on the Peel Sessions.

The Ukrainians have released several studio and live albums of original and traditional versions of Ukrainian-influenced folk music. They show their English rock influences by covering several popular songs of their own (in their Ukrainian style of course) including songs by the Sex Pistols, the Velvet Undergrouond, Sinead O'Connor, and Prince. However, my favorites remain their versions of several Smiths songs, especially their awesome take on The Queen is Dead - by far the best of the bunch.

From the Psni iz the Smiths e.p. (compiled on the Kultura CD)
Koroleva ne Polerma (The Queen is Dead)
Batyar (Bigmouth Strikes Again)
Spivey Solovey (What Difference Does It Make)
M'yaso-Ubivstvo (Meat is Murder)

Chewbacca

2006-02-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

Monsterland - Chewbacca
Supernova - Chewbacca
DVDA (Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Bruce Howell) - I Am Chewbacca

Blumfeld

2006-02-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

Blumfeld are from Germany. They have been recording since around 1990 and only had a little attention paid to them here in the States. In 1995 they managed to get a U.S. distibution deal through Big Cat Records and release L'etat et Moi. The band's lyrics are more political in nature, taking a huge dose of inspration from Kafka. Musically they fall somewhere in the neighborhood of the Wedding Present. They've got several records that, so far, are available import-only. Hopefully a recent deal with Sony/BMG will change that.

From L'etat et Moi:
Walkie, Talkie
Verstarker
Superstarfighter

Beastie Boys

2006-02-27T19:12:00.000-05:00

After recording Ill Communication, the Beastie Boys returned to their hardcore punk roots and recorded the Aglio e Olio e.p. Backed by their touring drummer, AWOL (of Suicidal Tendencies), they cranked out 8 songs in 11 minutes. Here are three of them.

From Aglio e Olio:
Brand New
Believe Me
I Want Some

Macha

2006-02-26T20:31:00.000-05:00

Josh and Mischo McKay spent time backing Lynda Stipe (yes, Michael's sister) in her eclectic band Hetch Hetchy in the early 90's before Josh and his roommate Kai Riedl headed to Indonesia for a period of time. When the two returned to Athens, Georgia they brought back a wealth of indigenous instruments and field recordings. They hooked back up with Mischo and formed Macha, integrating Eastern influences with American indie rock. Their first two records, Macha and See It Another Way, are fairly similar in sound with each one having a more minimalist, less produced feel than their third and last album Forget Tomorrow. Forget Tomorrow takes the lo-fi Indie-nesian rock and incorporates more electroncs and danceable beats.

From Macha:
When They First Saw the Floating World
Double Life
Capital City
Light the Chinese Flower

From See It Another Way:
Until Your Temples Are Pounding
The Nipplegong
Submarine Lover

From Forget Tomorrow:
Forget Tomorow
Smash & Grab
It's Okay Paper Tiger

From the Inbox: 13Ghosts

2006-02-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

Another suprise from the Inbox today comes from the band 13Ghosts. The press release describes the reissue of their 2004 album, Cicaida, as "Sonically, it’s all over the place, moving from cracked-up folk rock to twangy rockers to drunken sing-alongs to atmospheric exercises in minimalism". Judging by these songs and a bunch of others they have up at their website, I couldn't agree more.

Here are a couple songs from Cicaida. It'll be available in May from Skybucket.

13Ghosts - The Search Party
13Ghosts - Robert J.

The Lonesome Tumblers

2006-02-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

The first time Bill Catfish and I crossed paths was at Miami University Middletown on a sunny, fall day in 1992. I was walking out the door to leave Johnson Hall as he was walking in. He was wearing a Ramones t-shirt, black leather jacket, Chucks and carrying an armload of LP's to play in the cafeteria radio station. I distinctly remember Barbara Manning's S.F. Sorrow was on top and facing forward. I have no idea why I remember that day, and I doubt if Billy remebers it either. Fifteen years later, our paths crossed again. This time it was last weekend at The Southgate House, where his band The Lonesome Tumblers played upstairs in Junie's Lounge before (well, during) the Bob Pollard show.

The Tumblers recorded an album, Race Music For the Long-Distance Runner, but it has yet to get a proper release. It's unfortunate, because it's a great record. Throw equal parts Hank Williams Sr., Verve, Wilco, Spacemen 3 and Jim Beam into a martini shaker and serve it with earplugs through a Vox Amp and you'll have the Lonesome Tumblers.

They're about to hit the studio again to record songs for the next album. In the meantime, listen to these choice cuts from Race Music. And if you, or anyone you know, are with a label or want to help get these records out, contact me at the e-mail address at bottom right or contact Billy through their MySpace page.

Bluesbreaker
This Town's On Fire
Bootleg Novocaine
Fizzle Like the End of Time (turnin' off the sun)

Times New Viking

2006-02-18T17:18:00.000-05:00

Times New Viking are from Colombus, Ohio. I read a little blurb about them in Magnet Magazine last month, and it piqued my curiosity. The areticle mentioned that their recent Siltbreeze Records record Dig Yourself was "lovingly fucked with by Mike Rep", the same Mike Rep [Hummel] who "lovingly fucked with" some of Guided by Voices earlier records. Having never heard them, I was quite surprised to learn that they were going to open for Bob Pollard at the Southgate House last weekend. I missed the first part of their set, but was fortunate enough to catch the last few songs. Of those few songs I heard live, I was quite impressed. The album is a bit rough, and definately leaves room for improvement, but they're definately on to something. After hearing the album and seeing them live (which I preferred over the album), I'm even more interested in hearing what they can do with a little more time and polishing.

They have a few songs on their MySpace page, which you can listen to below. They don't have a website of their own yet, other than the MySpace page. However, you can order the record and listen to :30 second samples from Midheaven. The pictures in this post are ones I took at the show. A bit out of focus, but there they are.

Skull Versus Wizard
Not High
Fuck Books
Natural Resources, I Love Mine

Kent

2006-02-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

I don't know much about Kent, but I do know they're from Sweden. They are one of those European bands that, in any other just universe, would be big in America. For whatever reason, they are not. They did make a minor splash on this side of the pond in late 1998 when RCA picked up their 1997 album, Isola, for U.S distribution. Their song "If You Were Here" did get some airplay, but the band has not had anywhere near the relative amount of success in the U.S. with any of their albums that they have in Sweden and Europe. Could it be because they sing in their native tongue? Given the recent popularity of Sigur Rós, there is no excuse for Kent not to be as equally revered.

From Isola (1998):
Lifesavers
If You Were Here
747

From Vapen & Ammunition (2002):
Parlor
FF
VinterNoll2 (FF B-Side)

From Du & jag döden (2005):
Den döda vinkeln
Rosor & palmblad
Max 500

Double post wackiness

2006-02-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

I guess the Blogger monkeys were updating something when I posted the Acetone post earlier. Somehow it duplicated the post. I republished to get rid of one, and it wiped out the one with the comments. So, I'm posting the HaloScan comment link here if you want to read the comments that were posted before it was deleted. You can leave comments on the actual comment link on post itself. I just didn't want it to look like I deleted the post on purpose.

Rock on.

Acetone

2006-02-08T10:52:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here trying to think of something to say about Acetone. Of course, I have their first album, Cindy, blasting in the headphones. It's kind of hard to concentrate on thinking of something creative to type. Have you ever tried to type and play air guitar/bass at the same time? It's not easy. While track 6, Intermission, is playing, I'll set the air guitar down and quickly paste this exerpt from their Vapor Records website:

"Los Angeles is the type of place where it’s easy to keep your head down, stay low to the ground, and do your best to avoid the throngs of humanity.
So much traffic. So much frustration. So much white noise. It's easy to get lost in your own orbit, and tune the world out. It's easy to be oblivious to the simplest beauty that hides around the corner. This might explain why the music of Acetone has remained a bit of a secret. But it also explains what was so great about them. If you've somehow stumbled upon these words, I urge you to take a step further and seek out the songs of Richie Lee, Mark Lightcap, and Steve Hadley.

Acetone seeped out of the cracks of a smoggy culture, creating soulful art that mirrored the underground beauty of Los Angeles. Listening to their music, you can feel the old uneven sidewalk of a quiet Atwater neighborhood under your feet. Richie Lee's delicate voice fills your ears like the whisper of a friend. Mark Lightcap's guitar makes you feel that sense of longing that only music can capture. Steve Hadley’s cymbals splash like lazy waves on a deserted beach. The music is elegant and honest. It is powerful because it is subtle. The measured swells of energy remind you what feels so good about rock music. It's great Art without being too arty."

They borrow faithfully from Pink Floyd, Isaac Hayes, The Velvet Underground the Flying Burrito Brothers and Kris Kristoferson. Imagine Syd Barret, Neil Young and Buddy Miles jamming in their prime. Aw Hell, just listen.

From Cindy:
Acetone - Sundown
Acetone - Chills
Acetone - Barefoot on Sunday

From If You Only Knew:
Acetone - 99

From York Blvd:
Acetone - Wonderful World
Acetone - Like I Told You

Rodan

2006-02-04T22:39:00.000-05:00

I was going to do a Slint post, but noticed a few other bloggers around lateley that pretty much had them covered. So, I give you Slint protege's Rodan.

When I first heard their one and only full length album Rusty, in 1994, it hit me like a brick in the face. The first song, Bible Silver Corner, is a mellow yet tense instrumental reminiscent of Slint. It gives way to the abrasive blast of Shiner that wollops you upside the head. It's lyrics are barked, screamed and spoken by three of the four members of the band before it fades out into an almost inaudible wash of ambience that allows your ears to regroup for the marathon that is The Everyday World of Bodies. Bassist Tara Jane O'Neil takes over much of the vocals for Jungle Jim, while dueting and alternating with Kevin Coultas and Jason Noble for the majority of the album. Rusty, for me anyway, is to math rock what Loveless is to shoegaze. It's that good.

Hear for yourself:

Rodan - Bible Silver Corner
Rodan - Gauge
Rodan - Tooth Fairy Retribution Manifesto

Brave Captain

2006-02-01T01:02:00.000-05:00

Brave Captain (aka Martin Carr of the Boo Radleys) has just released an album on-line. It's free to download at the Brave Captain website. All you have to do is register your e-mail address to acces it. I'm listening to it now and like what I hear, so far. If you haven't kept up with him since the Boo's split, he's dabbled in electronica and big beats - much like their last record Kingsize. Although that record was a bit of a letdown, he seems to have improved on that sound considerably.

Here is some of his past work as Brave Captain. Definately check out this new album.
Brave Captain - All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace
Brave Captain - Big Black Pigpile
Brave Captain - Me and You Glue
Brave Captain - Captain America
Brave Captain - Another Day in December

More older downloads are available at the Brave Captain website.

Husker Du

2006-02-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

Here's my response:

Husker Du - Blah, Blah, Blah

Husker Du - In a Free Land
Husker Du - M.I.C.

State of the Union

2006-01-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

While Bush gloats about Alito's confirmation, his "success" in Iraq and his wonderful new Medicare Prescription Plan in a State of the Union address designed to improve his 40% approval rating, let us not forget the men, women and children who have lost and are losing their lives and those of their loved ones every day in his conquest to spread Democracy in the Middle East.

George Bush - Sunday Bloody Sunday
(Courtesy of Rx @ The Party Party)

Lazy

2006-01-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

(This post is for you, Billy)

Along with the aforementioned Sistern, Wolverton Brothers and Afghan Whigs, Lazy were one of the pillars of the early 90's Cincinnati scene. While Sistern gave us the shoegaze, The Wolvertons freaked out, and the Whigs tried to steal your girlfriends, Lazy cranked up the fuzz and jangle. They mixed equal parts of the Wedding Present, Cramps and Heavenly and created simple yet catchy songs. They signed a 5 album deal with Roadrunner Records, but were dropped after their second album failed to get the push it deserved. Although both albums were great in their own right, the band's pinnacle was by far the Revolutions Per Minute vinyl-only 10" released between them. I wish I had a way to convert vinyl to digital here, because I'd post the whole thing - including their spot-on version of Cupid Car Club's Grape Juice Plus. (If anyone has it digitized, please contact me!). But since I don't, here are few songs from both albums and a couple of compilation tracks released right before they split.

From Some Assembly Required:
St. Christopher
Crush
Radio Heart

From The Lazy Music Group:
Favorite Song
Get It Right
Cherry Smash

From Cincinnati Music Vol. III (Deary Me Records):
Jet Black

From Rejected Art...A Compilation of Unity:
What U Want

Updates & stuff

2006-01-29T02:10:00.000-05:00

I recently registered for an EZArchive account to host some of my own files. If you want to download any of the tunes, please right click and save. Likewise, if you want to link to any of the music I have up, please post a link to the page the music is on and not directly to the links. If you drop in to visit, talk to me. Leave me a comment or something, tell me what you think of the music.

Thanks for stopping by. Now, listen to Moose.

Moose

2006-01-29T01:23:00.000-05:00

Moose's Sonny & Sam was released in 1991 at the same time as Ride's Nowhere and My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, Lush's Gala, and Slowdive's Just for a Day. Although it may be the lesser known of the lot, it deserves just as much attention and respect.

Popmatters had an excellent piece in 2003 on Moose, Sonny & Sam and their legacy.

Although I love them all, here are my 3 favorite tracks from Sonny & Sam:

Moose - Last Night I Fell Again
Moose - This River Never Will Run Dry
Moose - Jack

Neil Young

2006-01-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

Watch the trailer for Neil Young: Heart of Gold

Neil Young - Cowgirl in the Sand
Neil Young - Hey Hey, My My
Neil Young - Southern Man
Neil Young - Heart of Gold

MBV Rareities

2006-01-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

My Bloody Valentine were one of the greatest, most influential bands of the 90's. Period.

Here are some rare compilation tracks and a 1998 Peel Session.

My Bloody Valentine - We Have All the Time in the World from Peace Together

My Bloody Valentine - Instrumental A Rare 1988 7"
My Bloody Valentine - Instrumental B Rare 1988 7"

My Bloody Valentine - Map Ref 41N 93W from Whore: Tribute to WIRE
My Bloody Valentine - Sugar Free flexi with British magazine The Catalogue #67 (1989)

My Bloody Valentine - Peel Sessions 10.5.98 (.zip)

My Bloody Valentine - Coral Sea from Patti Smith's Meltdown, June 22, 2005 featuring Patti Smith, Kevin Shields and Chan Marshall

Afghan Whigs Update

2006-01-23T23:59:00.000-05:00

Under The Radar has a preview of upcoming projects from Greg Dulli. On tap are an Afghan Whigs retrospective on Rhino, with a working title of The Unbreakable Afghan Whigs. There's no release date set. Also without a release date is Dulli's collaboration with Mark Lanegan called The Gutter Twins. "There are nods to the Everly Brothers. There are nods to Simon and Garfunkel. There are nods to the Stooges and Primal Scream too."

The new Twilight Singers album, Powder Burns, is nearly completed and should be out around April. "It's the most thematically and sonically different record I've ever made."

Pick up the latest issue of Under the Radar or read the full article at Summerskiss.

In related news, Whigs bassist John Curley is busy in Cincinnati working at Ultrasuede Studios and with his band The Staggering Statistics. They released one album and are wrapping up a second. Visit their website for sample downloads of all of the first album.

Whigs guitar player Rick McCullum has his band MoonMaan. As far as I know they are still together, but their website hasn't been updated in a year or so.

Moon Maan - Light of the Moon
Moon Maan - Chain Your Soul
Moon Maan - Feed the Methman

Original drummer Steve Earle has just put together a new band called Earle Grey. Earle's put down the sticks and picked up the guitar and microphone. There are four fresh, smoking hot new songs available on his MySpace page. Fans of the revved up earlier Whigs sound will not be disappointed.

Finally, I was cruising around some blogs last night and found these two little gems from Big Top Halloween at Strange Reaction:

The Afghan Whigs - Scream
The Afghan Whigs - Back O' the Line

Girls Against Boys

2006-01-22T11:28:00.000-05:00

I was working on this post the other day, to go along with the Brainiac post, but I got sidetracked and forgot to post it. So, here it is.

They're not from Dayton, but Girls Aainst Boys' Eli Janney produced much of Brainiac's output.

From Cruise Yourself:
Kill the Saxplayer

From House of GVSB:
Super-Fire
Disco Six Six Six
Click Click

From You Can't Fight What You Can't See:
Kicking The Lights
Basstation

Swearing at Motorists

2006-01-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

Swearing at Motorists is the brainchild of Dayton, Ohio native Dave Doughman. The band got their start in Dayton and are currently recording for Indiana-based Secretly Canadian (Antony and the Johnsons, Jens Lekman, The Earlies). Doughman's low-register vocals and crunchy, fuzzy pop fall somewhere between Idaho and Mark Kozelek/Sun Kill Moon. Doughman recently relocated to Berlin and has developed a following in Germany, Italy and the surrounding area. He'll be back stateside touring with The Hold Steady in February.

Northern Line
Lost Your Wig
This Flag Signals Goodbye
Telford to North Main
I'll Only Sleep
Flying Pizza
Talking Pictures

Brainiac

2006-01-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

In the early 90's Brainiac were another band from Dayton Ohio on the verge of making it big. They took cues from past (Devo and Robert Moog), the present (The Jesus Lizard and Girls Against Boys) and mixed it up with a slick sense of fashion to come up with the sound of the future. The band worked their way up from a small independent label to Touch and Go Records. They were about to sign a major label contract in 1997 when, after playing a rawcus home town show, singer Tim Taylor was involved in a firely car crash that claimed his life. Tragically, the future never came.

From Hissing Prigs In Static Couture:
Vincent Come On Down
Nothing Ever Changes
1 AM A CRACK3D MACH1N3
Pussyfootin'

From Electro-Shock For President:
Flash Ram
Fresh New Eyes

From Internationale:
Go Freaks Go

Shawen Acres

2006-01-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Two more songs from the forthcoming debut from Shawen Acres, Life As A Long Night, have been posted at their website. (photo courtesy of Phil Lacefield)

"Listen to this record or go ahead, stay in the dark. You will not meet its kind soon in the record stores of America. Tightly wound guitars shift abruptly through sharp-angled chords, pinned in place by a frenetic but never sloppy rhythm section. Cognates include everything you, personally, hold dear, and lots more, too. Some of the words rhyme! Melody simmers melodically underneath the melodic chunks of tuneful tuneage. No idea what Nate is singing about, but it sure sounds pretty or angry or dolorous or melancholy or, yes, religious. The soundtrack to a thousand bleak winter nights, redeemed by shards of occasional light and love. Aurora Borealis? You bet! As an added bonus, on the song “Run From The Day”: monkey noises. Written By: James Greer Author: Guided By Voices: A Brief History (Grove Press, 2005) and Artificial Light: A Novel (Akashic Books, 2006) Los Angeles, CA October 2005"

Monsterland

2006-01-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Monsterland were one of my favorite bands of the early 90's. More punk than shoegaze, less avante garde than Sonic Youth, and just the right amount of distortion and harmony. The band released several singles, e.p.'s and compillation tracks before recording their one and only full length, Destroy What You Love. After the band split, singer/bassist Thom Monahan joined The Pernice Brothers and has recorded just about everything Joe Pernice is involved in, as well as releases from The Silver Jews, Lily's and New Radiant Storm King among others. I've searched the 'net for more information, but the only place that seems to have anything decent complied into one place is this RedEye profile of Monahan from 2003 and this fansite, which has several tracks available for download. All of their stuff is long out of print, so if you like what you hear, head over to eBay and purchase some stuff for next to nothing.

The Wolverton Brothers

2006-01-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

The Wolverton Brothers are another band from Cincinnati that deserve way more attention than they've been given over the last 15 years. They were born and raised in the same scene that gave us the Afghan Whigs. They released a 7" early on in the original Sub Pop singles club and several more scattered throughout the 90's. Early on they were primarily a guitar/bass/drum outfit with a little twang, but over the years they have become much more open and experimental with their sound. They'll kick out some straight up rock and roll (think of a less offensive Jesus Lizard) or slow it down to a near-dub pace all while mixing bird whistles, obscure record samples, trumpets, electronic samples, and various other musical effects into the mix. At an in-studio session at WVXU around 1994 they used a wooden slide whistle for the first time live. The next time I saw them was about a year ago opening for the Twilight Singers at the Southgate House and they used an old cheap component turntable to mix in crackly vinyl sound effects. They never cease to amaze me.

From Sucking Hind Tit (1990):
Could've Had A Life

From Liarman (1993):
Vampyre
Max Gomez Love
Xanadu

Sample two minute clips of all of 2004's A Better Place

If you like what you hear, go to their web site and order directly form the band. There are instructions on the main page. Or, you can order it from CD Baby. They'll thank you for it.

Sistern

2006-01-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

Cincinnati's Sistern have been kicking around in obscurity for nearly 10 years. Why they've never been able to go further is beyond me. Since I first saw them at Sudsy Malone's and heard their Make a Move b/w 5 Foot 9 seven inch (released on Cincy indie label MonoCat 7) in the early 90's, they've been one of those bands that have always been in the back of my head to keep an eye out for, but hardly anything has come. They've released numerous singles and individual songs on compllations and only one self-released full length, Glaisemalaise, in 2002. They've got a new MySpace page that has a 2005 demo, so hopefully something new is on the horizon.

Here's a blurb from Cincinnati City Beat from 2002:

"Glazemalaise is a lysergic guitar album, loaded with lush textures and augmented by fluttering guest vocals (courtesy of Fairmount Girl Dana Hamblen), the occasional keyboard and sturdy, anchoring rhythmic support. Girton's distant vocals waft over the layering with whispering melodies and, guitar-wise, he experiments with unique sounds, creating potent, swirling soundscapes. But all the six-string glaze wouldn't mean much if the songs weren't there. Thankfully, Girton has a way with melody, as songs like "Americanvience" and "Prescence Sound" exhibit. Like My Bloody Valentine, The Dandy Warhols or the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sistern successfully bridges the gap between addictive melodicism and an expansive, smoky-cool framework."

Sistern - No Rules Again
Sistern - pps
Sistern - shocked

Frigital Records

2006-01-07T20:17:00.000-05:00

I was mildly suprised the other day when I opened my e-mail box and found a couple of songs from the Hypermodernity Club and Crix Crax Crux, with a little note that they will have new releases in February on Frigital Records.

The first song from the Hypermodernity Club's Praxis vs. Poiesis, Our Friend in Baghdad, is an ode to, well, their friend and bandmate who is currently serving in Iraq. It's a percusion-less, softly strummed acoustic track that reminds me of Macha, with a droning mandolin (or other similarly stringed instrument) in the background. There are a few other tracks on their MySpace page that are well worth checking out if you like Love & Rockets or The Jesus & Mary Chain.

crix crax crux's Radio On and Moth will be on the upcoming album, Mountainears. Radio On reminds me of Flame-era Sebadoh and Spoon. The chorus has even got handclaps. You can't go wrong with handclaps.

These and other records are available from Frigital for six bucks. You can't beat that, either.

the Hypermodernity Club - Our Friend in Baghdad

Crix Crax Crux - Radio On
Crix Crax Crux - Moth

Whysall Lane

2006-01-06T22:31:00.000-05:00

Whysall Lane began as a solo/side project for Richard Baluyut of New York's Versus. Now that Versus is on indefinate hiatus, he's moved to San Francisco and finished recording a full album as Whysall Lane with Mikel Delgado and ex-Jawbreaker Adam Pfahler supporting him. You can sample several tracks on their MySpace page and 30 second samples of all of the tracks at the Midhaven Mailorder site, where the album's also available for pre-order.

Whysall Lane - The Way Back

If you're not familiar with Versus or any of it's offshoots, well, let me catch you up. Versus mainly feature Richard Baluyut singing and playing guitar, Fontaine Toups singing and playing bass and James Baluyut providing additional guitar while Patrick Ramos and Ed Baluyut split drum duty. They released numerous albums, EP's and singles from 1993's Let's Electrify to 2000's Hurrah. They are pretty much a guitar-driven band, with an equal mix of jangle, noise and sweet boy/girl vocals.

Versus
Yeah You from Secret Swingers
Deseret from The Stars Are Insane
Reveille from the Ear of the Dragon compillation
Crashing the Afterglow from the Afterglow EP

With Versus on hiatus, James Baluyut formed a project of his own called +/- with Ed Baluyut backing him on drums. For the first +/- record Self-Titled Long-Playing Debut Album, James moved away from the louder guitar sound of Versus and towards a softer, acoustic/electronic mix. To tour the album he put together a full band, which brought the louder guitars back into the mix by default. That line-up recorded the second album, You Are Here. Their 3rd album Let's Build a Fire was released in Japan on Dec. 14th by &Records. So far, there's no word on a U.S. release, but there are streaming samples on the &Records website.

+/-
Ventriloquist
Trapped Under Ice Floes (redux)

Fontaine Toups released a solo album of her own in 2004 where she took her sound from Versus and added a bit more pop. She also made up half of Containe with Connie Lovatt, who herself made up one half of The Pacific Ocean with Ed Baluyut.

The Fontaine Toups - Who Told You

Containe - Tired Eyes

A few streaming audio tracks from The Pacific Ocean can be found at this fansite.

Robert Pollard

2005-12-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

It's been nearly a full year since Robert Pollard disbanded Guided by Voices. Although he's been very busy in 2005 releasing several e.p.'s and albums under various other band names, he didn't release a proper album of all new material. Well, not officially anyway. Immediately following the recording of the final GbV album, he recorded From A Compound Eye. In the spring of 2005, he sent the album out to a few close fans. Word got around and fans started to salivate. Unbelievably, Pollard agreed to allow it to be distributed to a larger group of fans. As leaked albums go, it quickly spread and nearly every GbV/Pollard fan now has a burned copy. He shopped the album and it was eventually picked up by Merge Records, who signed him to a two album deal. In an interview earlier in the year, he joked that he's already completed his contractual agreement with Merge and his first album hasn't even been released. January 24, 2006 will see the official release of From A Compound Eye.

Two days after it's release, Pollard will make his first post-GbV stage appearance on a tour stretching through April. It won't be nearly as packed with dates as the old GbV tours, but he'll be backed by a stellar group of musicians: Tommy Keane (longtime Matador Records artist), Dave Phillips, Jason Narducy (fresh off of a tour supporting Bob Mould, also former member of Verbow), and Superchunk's Jon Wurster (who has also backed Pollard on GbV tours and in the studio). Check the dates and clear your calendar.

Robert Pollard - The Numbered Head

Robert Pollard - I'm a Window

Robert Pollard - Kick Me and Cancel

(photo: Terri Nelles)

The Idle Hands

2005-12-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

The Idle Hands have been kicking around the Minneapolis scene since 2002. Within a few weeks of their first gig, they landed an opening slot for the Brian Jonestown Massacre. BJM's Anton Newcombe was so impressed with their sound and attitude that he was tempted to release their album on his own label. Word is that, upon getting the offer from Newcombe, singer Ciaran Daly told Newcombe to toss of. They recorded their debut e.p., the 5-song Dig? at Minneapolis' Minor 7 Studios and released it in 2003.

Their music has subtle hints of the Dandy Warhols and BJM infused with heavy doses of the 80's English pop of Echo & the Bunnymen and The Mighty Lemon Drops. Ciaran and bandmate/brother Criostoir are originally from England and Ireland, so if you hear a bit of an English accent and influence, your ears are not fooling you.

I couldn't dig up any MP3's, but there are several tracks streaming at their website.

25 Years ago today

2005-12-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Beatles - Across the Universe

Top 10 of 2005

2005-12-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

I went through the list of new albums that I've listened to this year and counted up about 60 of them. Keep in mind that of those 60, I have listened to about 50 of them in the last 3 months. These 10 do not necessarily represent my favorites of the year, but they are the ones that have been played the most for one reason or another throughout the year (be it the mood that I'm in at the time or whichever one I could randomly grab and put in the car stereo while keeping my eyes on the road). I have several albums that I'm sure will get repeated listens over time, but there is just not enough time in the day to listen to all of them and give them the immediate attention that they deserve. I hate ranking albums, because they all have their own merits that would trump those of another. So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 albums of 2005:

Bob Mould - Body of Song
Underneath Days

Spoon - Gimme Fiction
The Beast and Dragon, Adored

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
The Price of Gas

Death From Above 1979 - Romance Bloody Romance
Romantic Rights (Erol Alkan's Love From Below Re-edit)

The Wedding Present - Take Fountain
It's For You

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl
Ain't No Easy Way

The Evens
You Won't Feel a Thing

Calla - Collisions
Swagger

American Analog Set - Set Free
Cool Kids Keep

New Order - Waiting For the Siren's Call
Hey Now What You Doing?

Faunts

2005-12-03T00:24:00.000-05:00

Their bio reads: "Shimmering walls of pink noise with dreamy, languorous guitar, gently-treated vocals, and swimmingly beautiful melodies." That right there my friends is the hook, line and sinker. Shoegaze music might be a thing of the past but it's spirit certainly lives on, and Faunts are definately one of the new torchbearers.

Listen to Instantly Loved from their dubut album High Expectations/Low Results and see what I mean.

They've got a couple of songs from the record up at their website and a few other full songs streaming on their MySpace page. You can also sample, and buy, all of the songs from Amazon and eMusic.

Lab Partners

2005-12-01T00:57:00.000-05:00

In addition to the woxy.com Lounge Act post below, be sure to tune in Friday, Dec 2 at 4:00 when Dayton, Ohio's Lab Partners stop by the Lounge to play some tunes.

woxy.com Lounge Acts

2005-11-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

woxy.com has recently added an archive of their Lounge Acts. Visit the Lounge and listen to Quicktime and Windows versions of great in-studio perfomances by The Wedding Present, Low, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Wrens, Rogue Wave, Neko Case and many more.

While you are listening to the Lounge Acts, be sure to cast your vote for woxy.com as Internet Radio Station of the Year in this year's Plug Awards and stop by the Store to pick up some swank woxy.com stocking stuffers.

Rock on.

For Against

2005-11-29T22:56:00.000-05:00

As I was going through the Livingroom Library, I pulled out a couple albums that I don't get out often enough: Echelon and December by For Against.

Their first full-length, Echelon, was released in 1985 on Independent Project Records, but would not have been out of place on Factory Records. It mixed smooth vocals with sharp bass lines, jangly guitars and just the right amount of feedback that was no doubt influenced by Joy Division, Gang of Four and the Cure.

In 1988 the band recorded and released their second LP, December. It showed a tremendous improvement in the band's sound and style, with the vocals becoming more prominent and intense at times, while still retaining their smoothness. The rhythm section tightened up and more obvious pop flourishes reminiscent of early R.E.M. were added which gained the record a lot of airplay on college radio stations nationwide.

Soon after December was completed, the band splintered. New members were brought on board to carry the band forward and to record several more albums that fit in nicely alongside the Coctueau Twins and Pale Saints and Kitchens of Distinction, but none matched the innocence and purity of the first two.

Both albums were out of print and have been recently re-released by Words On Music.

Echelons
For Against - Shine
For Against - Autocrat

December
For Against - Sabres
For Against - Clandestine High Holy

The Big Takeover

2005-11-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

Hands down, The Big Takeover is the best music magazine around today. Jack Rabid has written and published the magazine for well over two decades. The print magazine is typically published twice a year with each issue presenting in-depth interviews with new and up-coming bands as well as those from the formative years past. Jack has recently re-tooled the website and will be augmenting the printed magazine with articles, reviews and editorials that may not have made it, or could have waited for, the print edition. Read more about The Big Takeover in an on-line edited version of an interview with Jack about the magazine's 25th anniversary. The full interview will be in the upcoming Issue 57. You can order subscriptions on-line or pick up the latest issue at your finer local music/magazine stores. If they don't have it - ask for it.

Bad Brains - Big Take Over

Comments? What Comments?

2005-11-27T19:19:00.000-05:00

I enabled HaloScan commenting today and it looks as if it doesn't transfer over old comments. So, if any of you 3 people that regularly read this have left me a comment in the last 24 hours or so, kindly repost it. Otherwise, I may never know you did. Thanks.

It was 40 years ago today

2005-11-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

Touring on the strengths of the 1965 Out of Our Heads smash hit (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, The Rolling Stones toured the U.S. for the second time that year. They played their second, and last, Dayton Ohio show on November 27th. Before playing an evening gig at Cincinnati's Riverfront Colliseum (their first Cincinnati appearance), they played Dayton's 6000 seat Hara Arena. Tickets for the show were $4 each. Only 3000 people showed up. One week later on December 4th, they released December's Children (and Everybody's) , featuring Get Off My Cloud, I'm Free, and As Tears Go By.

The Rolling Stones - Satisfaction
The Rolling Stones - Get Off My Cloud
The Rolling Stones - I'm Free
The Rolling Stones - As Tears Go By

Singer Wanted

2005-11-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

In an interview with FILTER Magazine Peter Hook reveals that FREEBASS, the supergoup comprising of Hook, Mani (Stone Roses), and Andy Rourke (The Smiths) have nearly completed an album. The only thing missing is a singer.

“We have about 19 ideas. Twelve of them are ready for vocals. We’ve had a problem finding a vocalist. We have not been lucky yet to find the one. I think the problem is that the three of us have such a pedigree of vocalist, that if we come out with someone that’s not good we’ll obviously be slated! You’ve got Ian Brown, bloody Bobby Gillespie, Ian Curtis, Bernard (Sumner) and Morrissey. Those are big shoes to fill, especially collectively."

And if you're wondering what FREEBASS might sound like:

"Ironically enough…it sounds like New Order with a bit of the Stone Roses and a bit of Smiths and some Northern Soul."

Uh...really?

"...they are songs at the moment minus vocals--they all have three basses. Mani does the low part, Andy Rourke in the middle and I do the high bit. (laughs) But it works out quite well."

Fair enough. Either way, it sounds interesting. It's definately something else to look forward to in 2006.

New Order - Bizzare Love Triangle

5 On 5 (well, 3 On 3 this month)

2005-11-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

What do Ted Nugent, Gomez Adams and Patti Smith have in common? Randomville has the answer.

Friends of Dean Martinez

2005-11-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Head over to Randomville and read my review of the new Friends of Dean Martinez disc Lost Horizon. If you want to hear what I'm talking about, listen to the samples at Amazon and buy it.

MP(3)

2005-11-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

My new favorite t-shirt, MP(3). It was created by Matthew Flemming and is being sold through threadless. Click the image below for a larger picture.

Additions to the Blog

2005-11-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

I made a couple of adjustments/additions over there on the right, under the link for My Profile, you'll see I've added a link called Your Location. It'll take you to a Frappr map. Take a minute to register yourself and tell me where you're at.

The other update is to the link for I See Sound over there in the Music section. I had an outdated link, so if you've clicked on it recently you might've got an error message. It's fixed now, so go back and check out I See Sound. They're are recent updates about the return of the mighty Hogscraper, a new song from Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde as well as MP3's from Paperback, Campfire Crush, Rumble Club and the Minni-Thins. They have frequently updated podcasts and other recent articles on Ryan Adams, the Dead Kennedy's, several area live shows and much more.

Indian Summer

2005-11-06T00:36:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely loving the warm temperatures here in southwest Ohio. It's comfortable enough to sleep with the windows open while the crisp coolness of the morning air is just right. We usually have our first hint of winter about this time of year, with frost on the windshields and maybe a slight flurry in the morning. The bottom looks to be gradually dropping out at night, but daytime temperatures remain in the 65-75 degree range. Everywhere you look the leaves are 95% changed and starting to fall from the trees. The classic Indian Summer - Absolutely beautiful.

Although it's not really a song about the season itself, Luna's version of Beat Happening's Indian Summer provides a perfect soundtrack to the season.

Luna - Indian Summer

Chris Brokaw

2005-10-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bradley's Almanac for reminding me that Chris Brokaw's new record Incredible Love is available tomorrow. Chris is probably most identifiable as Thalia Zedek's right hand man in Come, although he's recorded and toured with Steve Wynn, Evan Dando, Consonant and The New Year among others. Visit his MySpace page for some streaming songs and his website for some older MP3's. The new song Move has me salivating.

Hallowe'en 2005

2005-10-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures of me and the brothers at a Halloween party Saturday. Left to right: Phil, Me (Matt), Adam. The only real requesite for attendance is that you either wear all black or dress up in costume. Thankfully, Phil left his kilt at home and opted for his new wizard outfit. I kept it simple with a black cape, pants and shirt with a blood red and black paisley tie. Adam opted for the dapper black and white pinstriped shirt. The pictures are dark because a)there was no backlighting outside and b) I was using a crappy digital camera. What you can't see in these is my kick ass black cape. If you look at the second picture, my right hand only shows 4 fingers. That's because I was holding up my cape with the 5th. I wish they'd have turned out better, but oh well. We had an excellent time anyway.

Metric

2005-10-15T16:56:00.000-05:00

Today it's been all about Metric. I'll be honest, I don't know much about them and I haven't read any more about them than what is on their website. I've heard a couple of tracks on woxy.com and a few other people have talked about seeing them live, so I figured I'd give 'em a shot. I picked up Live It Out yesterday and cracked it open today. It hasn't left the player since. Check out a few songs/videos at their website.

A couple of Quickies

2005-10-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

There's a new Out of 5 mix up, one voice, one (acoustic) guitar. This week there is a little more information on the contributors and links to their blogs.

There's a new blog called I See Sound that is featuring bands and events happening in and around the Cincinnati music scene. You'll find MP3's and links to local bands, interviews and reviews from local concerts by national touring acts as well as occaisional editorials.

In Guided by Voices news:
Suitcase II has arrived. Along with all the other music I've got in the last couple of weeks, it should keep me plenty busy.

Guided by Voices: A Brief History : Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll is now available. It was written by former GbV member Jim Greer and features a foreward written by Steven Soderbergh.

Where does the time go?

2005-10-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those days where you go from Point A to Point B and you don't remember how long it took you to get there? Like when you you get up after a short night's sleep, drive to work the same route you've driven every day for 3 years and your autopilot kicks in to get you where you need to go. Before you know it, you're on your way home from work, driving the same route home, and thinking back on your day wondering where the time went. I've had several of those days lately and I think they're catching up to me. I've been so busy there hasn't been much time to sleep, let alone sit down and post anything here.

About the only time I have to listen to music anymore is in the car to and from work. I'll turn on the car, put some music on and hit the road. There's been a lot of new music come my way lately, so I've been able to catch up on recent stuff that I've not yet heard and listen to some newer stuff that's just come out. Maybe I've just been so entranced with listening to the new music that my autopilot kicks in and gets me where I need to go, allowing me to soak up the new tunage. Here's a rundown of what I've been listening to the last few weeks (and a couple I've yet to sit down and listen to start to finish).

Death From Above 1979 One of my favorites for the year. Two thumbs up.

Another brand new release that is already a favorite is the new record by Calla. Collisions follows in the same direction as their last album, Televise. Two thumbs up.

Bloc Party's The Silent Alarm - Remixed. I typically don't like remixes of songs, as they usually do nothing to enhance the original versions. However, the concept of having different artists remixing the entire album track by track piqued my interest. While there are some worthwhile versions of some of the songs, it probably won't make my top 10 for the year. One thumb up.

Neil Young - Prairie Wind. Another strong album from Neil, follows the path laid out by Harvest, Harvest Moon and Silver and Gold. Two thumbs up.

Supergrass - Road to Rouen. After not hearing the last two records, I figured I'd pay them another visit. One thumb up.

Depeche Mode - Playing the Angel. Not bad, but not their best by far. Classic DM fans will like the classic DM-sounding songs. Thumbs in the middle.

Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better. This will probably make the top 10 of many lists this year. I give it two thumbs up.

On deck:
Echo & the Bunnymen - Siberia
The Arcade Fire - Funeral
Johnny Hickman - Palmhenge
The Fall - Heads Roll

Some other music-related points of interest:

Out of 5 is a website that posts a weekly mixtape in both Flash and MP3 formats. I know little about the website or who is behind it, but they supposedly put up a new mix with a different theme each week with different contributors and corresponding cover art for the mix.

Pete Townshend has a blog. He's working on a novella called The Boy Who Heard Music and the first three chapters are posted there. I haven't read them yet, but I plan on doing so this weekend. Keep up to date with everything else Pete-related at his website, eelpie.

Alright. That should do for now. Until next time...

Shawen Acres

2005-09-20T12:07:00.000-05:00

Shawen Acres is the new project from former Guided by Voices member Nate Farley. Details of the project have not been made public so far, but information has slowly trickled out within the GbV community. A new website has been created and three new songs have been posted. Short, sweet and catchy. I'll keep you updated as more information becomes available. (photo courtesy of TerriNelles)

Add a Comment is now working

2005-09-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

Good to go.

Add a Comment is not working

2005-09-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

Apparently there's a problem with the scripting for the comments, and when you try to leave me a comment it doesn't save. For now, if you want to leave me a comment e-mail it to me. I'll let you know when it's fixed.

Proton Proton

2005-09-18T15:44:00.000-05:00

I found Proton Proton via Moroccan Role. "They are able to conjure up quite an enjoyable racket as a trio and the rhythm section is surprisingly tight given [Aron] Sanchez is essentially on double-duty. Sanchez designed his ax by using a bass guitar strung with 2 bass strings and 3 guitar strings, with individual pickups for both the bass and guitar strings and separate outputs going to corresponding bass and guitar amps. He then tunes this beast to EeAac."

I'm always intrigued with odd instrumentation and the minimalist, less is more approach. A lot of bands try it, but only a few pull it off (read: Morphine). Proton Proton nail it. Sanchez holds down the guitar and bass ends which allows singer Pau Fuster to sing and "bang on things", like a toy piano. They've got a 6 song EP and some tracks from it available on their website.

Check out the song Chinese Dancer.

Zykos

2005-09-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

Here's one of the bands I've been digging lately. They are called Zykos, are out of Texas and have ties to Spoon. Visit their website and listen to the tracks they have up from their 2004 album. Epitonic also has a few others to check out.

*edited to add that I found this band by way of You Ain't No Picasso.

I'm still here

2005-09-16T23:24:00.000-05:00

I wasn't digging any of the Blogger default templates and told myself I wouldn't post until I found one I liked. I've been searching for a couple of weeks and I finally found one, courtesy of Blogger Templates. Tell me what you think about it.

I've been doing a lot of searching blogs and websites for some good new music and to try to get caught up on a lot of things that I've missed out on by not having a high-speed connection. So far, I've come across several blogs, a couple I've added over there on the right, in the music section. If you have any that you visit regularly, tell me about it. Turn me on. I do have one question, though. I've heard most all of his stuff, but what is so amazing about Sufjan Stevens?

Numb

2005-09-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

After several days, countless hours spent reading news and articles on-line, having on-line discussions, watching reports on T.V. ... I still can't wrap my head around the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I feel like I need to be there to help, but I know I can't. I wish I could fly a helicopter, but I can't. I wish I had more mony to donate, but I can't. I will donate what I can and I hope you will too. I have so many thoughts and emotions. Some are of complete disbelief at how people are behaving there, while I am angered that more substantial relief has not yet been organized by the Federal Government and reached those in need. I can only imagine that as the days go on, my thoughts and feelings of disbelief and anger won't change much. I hope I'm wrong.

GbV NYE DVD

2005-08-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

The much anticipated DVD of Guided by Voices' final show is in the can and set to be released on November 15th. The trailier was released today (you'll need Quicktime).

So long Dial-Up!

2005-08-27T17:48:00.000-05:00

Finally! I now have high speed internet access and REAL cable. I'm so excited...

New Music

2005-08-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

The last few months has been sort of dry for music, for me anyway. I had to get my fix this week, though.

The new Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album is in the headphones right now. It's quite a departure from the first two albums, but an excellent record on it's own.

The New Pornographers Twin Cinema has got about a half-spin, so I can't give a full opinion on it. But from what I've heard, I get the feeling it's going to either really grow on me or collect some dust. We'll see.

The Greenhornes are another band to keep your ears open for. They've been consistently getting better and better over the last several years. Their latest EP, East Grand Blues, is an excellent primer for their next full length and V2 debut. EGB is streaming at their website, give it a listen.

Some other recent bargain bin purchases:
Yatsura - Slain by Yatsura
The Lemonheads - Lovey
Noise Addict - Meet The Real You
Silkworm - Firewater

The fourth quarter is shaping up to be pretty decent, with these albums up early on:
Sigur Ros - Takk (September 13)
The American Analog Set - Set Free (September 20)
Calla - Collisions (September 27)
Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better (October 4)
Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures (October 25)
Fiery Furnaces - Rehearsing My Choir (October 25)

Good thing I get three paychecks in December.

Has it really been a week since the last post?

2005-08-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

Wow. Let's see, what can I yap about...

I've either naturally passed or had forcibly removed no fewer than 8 kidney stones over the last 8 years. Somehow, my kidneys have managed to turn into stone quarries. Last Wednesday I was at work and felt a pain in the lower right side of my back. So I called the doctor to let them know. They always say to take pain killers if I have them and drink lots of water until they can get me in for an x-ray. I was at work, didn't have any meds and the earliest they could get me in was the following Monday. Yeah. So, I decided to sweat it out the rest of the day (only 3 hours or so) to see if the pain would progress or die down. Luckily it didn't get any worse. I got home, popped a pill and retreated to Vico-bliss on the couch for the rest of the night.

I had my x-ray Monday and haven't heard anything back yet. That experience in itself was excrutiating, not painful but torturous. See, I'm allergic to the IVP dye they put in your blood for the x-ray and I had to drink a half-gallon of apple-flavored barium that was the consistency of skim milk. It was afwul, one sip at a time. I finally got most of it down. So far though, no news is good news. I'll call tomorrow to follow up. I don't have any scans to post (yet), but I have this to share (KC!). Poor turtle! Ouchie!!

Enough about me. I want to talk about Shannon for a minute. All summer long she has been in an excellerated CDA class. She's had class once a week, but they have been cramming a 9-12 month course into less than 6. With 50+ hour work weeks, kids and our daily routines it's buisy enough. Throw the CDA class into the mix and we, especially her, don't have a lot of extra time in the day to do anything but work eat and sleep. She came home from her class this past Monday with her completion certificate/diploma in hand. She still has her final test to take to become officially certified, but now that she has her classwork out of the way, the majority of that stress is out of the way along with it. I could not be more proud of her.

2005-08-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

I came across this t-shirt today. You can order it and other's from
Demockratees. I will be ordering one tomorrow.

A Kid's Eye View

2005-08-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how creative Emma is? She's bossy when she plays with Aaron, but not in a mean way. It's more like she's giving instructions and directions on how to act, what to say, what facial expressions to make - all from a 4 year old mind. Of course, Aaron, being younger, goes right along with it and plays to her instructions. It's amazing to watch them interact. I keep saying that Emma's going to be a movie director one day.

Tonight, I stood outside their bedroom listening to them play. I heard them talking and acting like they were camping in the woods. Emma was telling Aaron to stay in his tent while she goes out to the lake to get some water. She told him that she's going to leave the room and come back acting like she saw a bear at the lake. Next thing I know, she comes around the corner and I was busted. I asked her where she was going and she said - "to the river to get some water". So, I said "go on, pretend I'm not here". She walked by me, went into the bathroom, then comes running out acting like she's seen a bear. Curious, I looked into the bathroom and this is what I see...

Emma says "It's a bear at the lake with a fish in his mouth"

A few new things to be excited about

2005-08-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

The new Burn to Shine DVD should be available on August 23rd. Billboard has an article on it. This time around, it'll feature a house in Chicago with Wilco, Tortoise, Shellac and others turning in performances. The last one was pretty cool, with Bob Mould, The Evens and other D.C artists playing in the living room before the house was burned down.

The Lemonheads played a set at Benicassim. It's been almost 10 years since Car Button Cloth. evandando.com is under construction. Could the new Evan/Lemonheads record be on the horizon?

Looks like the Catherine Wheel won't be returning anytime soon. However, Rob Dickinson's first solo album comes out on on Sept 13th.

I don't care what anybody says, the girls in Heart (yes, Barracuda) still have it. Their more recent stuff has been rather bland, but Nancy Wilson can still rock out. I was watching them on PBS Soundstage the other night. I fell asleep on the couch right at the end, during one of the Led Zeppelin encores. I awoke a few hours later, right in the middle of a dream where Nancy Wilson, Neil Young, and John Paul Jones were playing a live show for an album they'd recorded. As usual, I didn't remember details of the dream and performance, but I do remember being excited about it.

Time for a change

2005-08-06T01:51:00.000-05:00

I've got a lot of things I'm thinking about changing in my life. This is one of them. I was getting sick of looking at all of the black, green, blue and purple on the old format. I was looking at it today and it reminded me of a bruise. I messed around with some of the colors and stuff, but I realized it was the black background that needeed to be changed. It was just too dark. I tried the all white default background and it was too much in the other direction. This one looks like a happy medium. It may only be temporary, though, until I can find another one out in the ether that I like.

More fun in the sun planned for tomorrow.

2005-08-03T22:24:00.000-05:00

Randomville.com re-launched today. One of my articles is up now, another one should follow by week's end.

Facts*

2005-08-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

American troops reported dead in Iraq: 1822
Length of the invasion/occupation of Iraq: 869 days
Crawford vacation days of the Bush presidency: 319 days (20%)
Average days of annual paid vacation of the working American: 13
Days of annual leave for military personnel: 30

*courtesy lp.org

Where you been?

2005-08-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

Ah, I've been around. There's just nothing much going on in psychicpilot-land. I did just get a swank new cell phone (or as Bitchboy calls it, "a modern cell phone")and I'm looking for some indie rock ringtones and wallpaper to mess around with. It's been so long since I've looked for stuff like that on-line and I have no clue where to go, so if you know of anywhere to look - let me know.

Keep an eye out for the relaunch of randomville.com in the next few days. I've got a couple of articles that'll be published in the relaunch. I'm hoping to be able to contribute more on a regular basis. Stay tuned...

Dinosaur recap

2005-07-22T13:34:00.000-05:00

Holy crap. Lou walked on and said "We're gonna have fun tonight". Didn't I say that yesterday? We were both right. They played all old Lou-era Dinosaur Jr. stuff, including Freak Scene and Just Like Heaven (how could they not?). Around the time they played these two a relatively polite mosh-pit broke out. It was great to see J., Lou and Murph back on stage together after all this time. J. absolutely shredded my ears from the opening chords of their set to the last. There wasn't much talk between songs, which was fine by me. They all looked like they were having a good time, especially Murph, who worked his ass of. I almost didn't go because of budgetary constraints, but at the last minute I scored free tickets from someone who had won them from woxy.com. So, thanks to Ikyoto and woxy.com for the free ride.

Now if I can only find a way to get this fishbowl off my head.

2005-07-21T13:19:00.000-05:00

My vacation finally came to an end today upon returning to work. I had 10 days at home. I stayed up way too late most nights and got caught up on much needed rest during the day while everyone was gone. I got to spend quality time with the kids hanging out with them, watching them play and get their teeth cleaned at the dentist. I let them sleep in every day, took them to school and picked 'em up early. Most days they wanted to stay home but go to daycare too, so it worked out for all of us. The only downside is that it rained everday that I was off, so I didn't get to hang out with them at the pool like I'd wanted to. Oh well, maybe this weekend.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Bob Mould record is amazing. I've listened to it every day for the last week. I'm hoping I can make one of his shows, but it looks like Detroit is the closest.

Thanks to a fellow woxy.com listener, I'll be seeing Dinosaur Jr tonight in Covington. I'm super excited about it, especially since they've been getting great reviews and the band seems to be having a good time. Last I checked Jason Loewenstein was opening. Tonight should be a fun night.

Oh yeah, and tomorrow's FRIDAY!

New #1

2005-07-15T20:58:00.000-05:00

Put the Spoon down, the Bloc Party's over. I have my top album for the year. I'm on my 3rd listen and I can't stop. This is an incredible album. More to come...

TheSonnyMemorial

2005-07-13T14:34:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture that we took with Sonny in the studio two weeks ago. L-R: Jimi, Troy, Sonny, Dave Miller, Me.

Dennis, Doctors, Ringo and Bob Mould

2005-07-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

I'm officially on vacation for the next 10 days. I was hoping for a week of sun and semi-relaxation, but thanks to Hurricane Dennis it doesn't look like that will be happening. Today was sort of sunny, mostly overcast and warm. The rest of the week looks to be rainy and 10-15 degrees cooler (I'm just to the right of the 'X', on the edge of the yellow area. Courtesy NOAA.). We definately need the rain, but I'd like some "me-time" by the pool, you know.

I went to the doctor today. A new doctor for me, as I'm sick (pun intended) of my old doctor's office. Everytime I go in there, I never see a doctor, it's always a different PA or MA, and it's just really frustrating to not get consistent opinions and help form an actual doctor. I'm seeing a new, actual doctor in a smaller practice to see if that will change. I'm on vacation and I've got the aches, a small cough, a runny nose with green drainage, sore throat and sneezes. Back to the Zyrtec-D and Z-Pack. Fun.

It appears that Ringo is not too pleased with Paul for giving him the cold shoulder at the Live 8 conerts. I think I'd be a little pissed, too. It was cool that Paul was singing with U2 as his backing band, but to have Larry Mullen playing drums next to Ringo in his Sgt. Peppers suit would have been incredible. Instead, Paul's notorious ego took over once again. And they failed to deliver with U2 wearing the Sgt. Peppers suits like they hyped up before the show. Wouldn't it have been great to have The Rutles play the Sgt. Pepper's part?

Finally, I'm patiently awaiting the new Bob Mould record Body of Song. It should arrive in the mail any day now, possibly tommorow. Here's a brief interview by Jack Rabid for Gallery of Sound. So far, the songs I've heard and all reviews I've read have been favorable. I'll give my opinion once I've heard it.

Picture time

2005-07-08T08:11:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is take pictures of my kids. This one of Aaron speaks volumes about his personality. It was taken last weekend at our annual family camping trip. My brother took this picture.

Nightwaves Update v.2

2005-07-04T23:56:00.000-05:00

The Nightwaves shows were excellent. Just like old times. I was a bit nervous at the start, but after the first break, it all came back. I wanted to mix up some old stuff, stuff that I played all the time on my regular shows as well as some new stuff that I've been digging lately. I think I accomplished that goal.

Although it was a reunion of sorts, I also didn't want it to be anything more than it was before. I had anticipated getting my old Saturday night partner Theron and another former Nightwaver, Erin Lindsay, on the air via phone, but that unfortunately didn't happen due to technical difficulties. The only thing that I had planned for sure was to play a few songs for Sonny Edrich, a former Nightwaver who sadly, passed away a few years ago. He was definately there in spirit. Thanks to his family, Sonny was able to physically participate as much as possible both nights by way of a life-sized cardboard cut-out of him that we had in the studio with us. As always, it was great to see him again. I just wish I could've had him on the air, too.

It was also great to see, hear and/or talk to Troy Turner, Dave Miller, Dave Bottoms, Steve Barton, Lori Creed, Brent Thole, Gary Horn, Jeff Kobberdahl, Michelle Sulka and Mike Boberg in the studio and on the air again. Thanks to the people that were able to listen locally and called in (even the guy that called and complained that the BBC was being pre-empted for "headbanging music". You don't know it, but "Seeing Red" was for you). Thanks to all of the Nightwavers that couldn't attend this weekend, but helped make Nightwaves a great program. My apologies to everyone outside of the area that wanted to listen on-line, stayed up to try and couldn't. The audio stream was aparently looped with an old-time radio broadcast for the weekend. Extra special thanks to Jimi Kirby for floating the idea for this weekend's shows to WVXU and his diligence in making it happen. Finally, thanks to WVXU for allowing me to be a part Nightwaves and for it to be an unforgettable part of my life.

Here's my playlist from Friday night:

Husker Du - Ice Cold Ice
*
Gang of Four - Ether
Flin Flon - Floods
Spoon - The Beast & Dragon, Adored
*
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
The Clash - London Calling
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Red Eyes and Tears
*
Acetone - Chills
Swervedriver - Last Train to Satansville
Luna - Buffalo Boots
*
Minor Threat - Seeing Red
Minutemen - Viet Nam
Lazy - Crush
Bloc Party - Price of Gas
*
Afghan Whigs - Debonair (for Sonny)
Ass Ponys - Under Cedars and Stars (for Sonny)
[station ID]
Soul Asylum - Cartoon
Sonic Youth - New Hampshire
*
Doug Gillard - Valpolicella
Guided by Voices - Little Lines
Lifeguards - Shorter Virgins
Pixies - Velouria
My Bloody Valentine - Sometimes
*
Robyn Hitchcock - Alright, Yeah (Storefront Hitchcock version)

*me talking

T - Minus 11 hours

2005-07-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight's the night. You can listen to the audio stream at WVXU or 91.7 FM in the Cincinnati area. I'll post a playlist sometime after the show. After that, I'm off camping for the rest of the long weekend.

Nightwaves Update

2005-06-28T16:37:00.000-05:00

The Nightwaves schedule is final. I'll start things off on Friday at midnight. At 1:30 I'll pass the mic to my esteemed collegue and all around great guy Troy. Dave and Jeff will take over at 3am and 4:30am respectively. Mike will start off Saturday night at midnight followed by Steve, Lori and Michelle. I got goosebumps hearing the promo on the air this afternoon and it got me psyched. I really wish I could be there both nights. If it was any other weekend, you bet I'd be there Saturday too, just to hang out.

I started going through my music last night to pull stuff to play, trying to assemble a rough playlist. Back in the day, I used to just show up and browse through the library and pull things out at random. I'd pull out whatever I was in the mood for that night and fit the pieces together with any of the new music that came in that week. I'd often look back at a 3 hour playlist and amaze myself. 99% of the shows I did were completely unplanned until a few songs before. Unfortunately, I don't think I ever kept a single playlist - don't know why. It's been a bit difficult to be back in the Nightwaves frame of mind trying to pick songs to play a week ahead of time. I'm fairly confident it'll be a rockin hour and a half anyway.

Sunset on Mars

2005-06-27T02:39:00.000-05:00

On May 19, 2005, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit captured this stunning view as the Sun sank below the rim of Gusev crater on Mars. This Panoramic Camera mosaic was taken around 6:07 in the evening of the rover's 489th Martian day, or sol.

Photo and caption courtesy: NASA

Lucas builds new moisture farm...

2005-06-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

in San Francisco.

Crispy Duck

2005-06-26T14:14:00.000-05:00

We spent 5 hours at the pool yesterday. We had a great, relaxing time but I now have a pleasantly painful sunburn. Yes I did wear plenty of sunscreen, but only after realizing I had first applied sun enhancer instead of sun block to my shoulders and face. The enhancer did have an SPF 15, though, so there was some block in it. Not long after we came back from the pool, the rain and wind came, bringing marble-sized hail for about 15 minutes. It's really strange when one minute you are at the pool in 95 degree heat and there's not a cloud in the sky then 30 minutes later the ground is covered in ice.

Now playing: Crispy Duck.

Tomorrow Never Knows

2005-06-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago I was looking forward to a few days off from work, a few days of rest and relaxation and time with the family. It started with the day at King's Island on Aaron's 3rd birthday, then one final day of work. We had a nice visit to the in-laws and a few hours at the beach on the lake there. We came home Thursday and I paid a visit to Granny in the nursing home. I went back to work on Friday, then had the weekend off again. Since we spent the day at KI on Aaron's birthday, we put off having a party for him until the following Sunday.

Just before noon on Sunday, I got the phone call that Granny had passed. It was Father's Day and the day we were to celebrate Aaron's Birthday. Instead of postponing the party, we decided to have it and celebrate both lives. Granny wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Granny was a dear, sweet person who lived a full life. She never had a bad thing to say, cared about everyone and was always smiling every time I saw her. Although she was weak and could hardly speak, I'm glad I got to spend what little time I could with her last week. I'll miss her dearly.

Turn off your mind, relax
and float down stream
It is not dying
It is not dying

Lay down all thought
Surrender to the void
It is shining
It is shining

That you may see
The meaning of within
It is being
It is being

That love is all
And love is everyone
It is knowing
It is knowing

Some pictures from King's Island

2005-06-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

Aaron in a fire truck.

Their first ride on a rollercoaster.

Cruisin'.

Kiddie Land, WaterWorks and 8 hours later.

Mark Your Calendars!

2005-06-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

Nightwaves is a GO! We've got the green light on two nights - Friday July 1 and Saturday July 2, from midnight to 6am. Same as the old timeslot. We've got 12 hours to work with and probably just as many people participating, so details on who will be on the air when will be worked out in the coming days. One thing is for sure: I'll be there at the start on Friday night for a couple of hours. I was hoping to be on my old time at midnight Saturdays, but a prior engagement will have me even further out of town. Hopefully there will be an audio stream for those outside of the X-Star Network. More details as they become available...

Happy Birthday Aaron!

2005-06-13T01:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Aaron's 3rd birthday. We got him a Radio Flyer tri-cycle and he loves it.

We spent the day at King's Island (annual day sponsored by my employer). We arrived there at 10am and left a little around 8pm. It was Aaron's first time there and Emma's first trip where she was big enough to ride the rides. So, we spent most of the day in Kiddie Land and at Waterworks. They had so much energy and fun in the park riding rides for the first time (do you remember your first ride on a rollercoaster or the first time you got to "drive" a car on the track all by your self?), getting pictures taken with Scooby-Doo, Spongebob and Patrick, Dora and Diego. After having lunch with co-workers, Mom took the kids for an hour or so, so Shannon and I could ride at least one ride by ourselves (Tomb Raider). The weather didn't cooperate completely early on, but around 4:00 the sun came out. Afer Tomb Raider we decided to get the kids and head to Waterworks. We splashed in the kids "grotto" pool first, then the wavepool. Aaron loved the wave pool. After that Emma rode a small water slide for kids on her own for the first time. We didn't think she would, but after the first time - she had to ride it 3 more. She then got the nerve to ride the bigger kids slide and rode it twice. A trip around the lazy river about 6:30 calmed them down. We got into dry clothes to ride the train before leaving, and their eyelids just would not stay open. Emma conked first and Aaron followed soon after. We got home at 9:00 and, at 11:30 in the middle of a thunderstorm, they are still sound asleep.

It was great day and another full of kid-firsts. I love experiencing every one of them, and we try to make it just as memorable for them. That is much more important.

New threads

2005-06-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Got my new woxy.com shirt in the mail yesterday. Nice and roomy.

This heat and humidity are insane. We were at the pool last night for an hour or so. The water is ice cold, but feels great. I'm thinking another visit is in store this evening.