tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47900003479433069202024-03-13T12:56:13.319-06:00Sell the LieSell the Lie is an MP3 music blog with a focus on alternative music.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-38293206860185646802008-06-17T12:16:00.003-06:002008-06-17T12:45:16.722-06:00...and we're back! (Plus a new site, giveaway and more!)Wow, it's been a terribly long time since we've posted here. Don't worry, we're still ready to blog our little hearts out, we've just had a few exciting developments that kept us from here the last week or so. Here's some tracks to celebrate our return:<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/getback.mp3">The Beatles - Get Back</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/iwantyouback.mp3">Steel Train - I Want You Back (Jackson 5 Cover)</a><br /><br />As you may have previously noticed, we registered a .com address a few months ago to store all of our music at. Since then, we've spent some time trying to figure exactly what types of content we'd like to feature at Sell the Lie.<br /><br />After a few failed attempts, some crashes and a few re-designs we're ready to launch our brand-spankin' new site. Here's the address, it should be pretty easy to remember:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/">http://www.sellthelie.com</a><br /><br />All of our previous posts are already there. We expect that there may be a few glitches when we moved everything, so if anything looks out of the ordinary please give us a buzz.<br /><br />I'm happy to say that we've added a few new features to the page. We now have a calender of events that includes the CD releases we're looking forward to and some shows we'll be attending. If you're in the Salt Lake City area (as we are) you'll find these shows listed with all the relevant information (times, places, prices etc.). I believe we've also made it quite a bit easier to find different types of content using the tabs. Let us know what you think of it!<br /><br />Now, to the part you're all reading for - FREE STUFF! The fine folks over at <a href="http://www.brushfirerecords.com/">Brushfire Records</a> have sent us a few vinyl samplers to give away as a celebration of our move to our own .com. For those of you kickin' it new school the records also include a link for a free digital download of all 8 songs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SEynt80A4mI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vDuBphWiLn4/s1600-h/brushfire1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SEynt80A4mI/AAAAAAAAAOE/vDuBphWiLn4/s320/brushfire1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209723276821062242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the track listing:<br /><br />1- Neil Halstead - Paint a Face<br />2- Mason Jennings - Something About Your Love<br />3- Jack Johnson - What You Thought You Need<br />4- Matt Costa - Never Looking Back<br />5- Money Mark - Summer Blue<br />6- G. Love & Special Sauce - Crumble<br />7- Zach Gill - Beautiful Reason<br />8- Rogue Wave - Christians In Black<br /><br />Now, to answer the inevitable question - how do I get my hands on one of these beauties??<br /><br />It's simple. Head to the new webpage and post a comment on <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/?q=node/55">the giveaway post</a> (it'll be stickied right at the top). All your comment needs to do is convince us why you deserve to win. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you if you win. The contest will end on 27th of June (next Friday) and we'll have multiple winners!<br /><br />See you on <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/">the other side...</a><br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/whaticangiveyou.mp3">Collective Soul - What I Can Give You</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-11831030394388808122008-06-04T21:05:00.002-06:002008-06-05T00:48:51.844-06:00Review: Mason Jennings - In the Ever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENUFj6eyWI/AAAAAAAAANk/IjIZJAv-JP4/s1600-h/intheever.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENUFj6eyWI/AAAAAAAAANk/IjIZJAv-JP4/s320/intheever.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207098048687032674" border="0" /></a><br />There's something about the combination of Mason's stripped down, acoustic-driven music, soulful lyrics and vocal delivery that has attracted me to his music since my first listen. He hooked me hard enough with Sorry Signs on Cash Machines that I ended up buying up his entire back catalog in a about a weeks time back when I really had no business buying more than a CD or two a month.<br /><br />Each album saw Mason grow and experiment a bit more without ever losing touch of what he truly is - a singer songwriter with a knack for telling stories anyone can relate with. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a> felt like the attempt to bring Mason to the masses, but for one reason or another it fell short. To this day it's probably my favorite album in Mason's catalog but it seems it wasn't poppy, slick or accessible enough to bring him to the "next level".<br /><br />Personally, I'm happy that Mason didn't quite make it. I wish Mason the best and all, but I'm not sure I could stand to have Mason worshiped like, say, Jack Johnson. I like Jack but it can get on my nerves when 15 year old cheerleaders are listening to JJ one second, then to Gwen Stefani the next. There's something quite wrong with that transition in my mind.<br /><br />Now, to the review...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Mason-Jennings/dp/B0017V7HUM/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376418&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">In the Ever</span></a> is Mason's latest release and his first on Brushfire Records. With this album, his second that hasn't been self-released, we see Mason take a step back from what we heard on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a>. Gone is the lush, full band sound that has slowly been building with each previous release. Instead we find Mason stripping it down to the basics for one of his rawest-sounding releases yet.<br /><br />I'll admit, at first listen I was very disappointed with the album. I fell in love with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a> because of the exquisite songwriting and that full band sound I'd been waiting for. I was expecting much of the same, especially after hearing Fighter Girl.<br /><br />After a few listens I let go of my prior expectations and let myself listen to what the album was rather than what I wanted it to be. Once I took these steps I was quite pleased with what I heard. I found an album that is quite possibly Mason's most personal and features his strongest lyrical content to date.<br /><br />A few tracks that really hit home come early with Something About Your Love and I Love You and Buddha Too. Mason has written some beautiful love songs over the past few years and Something About Your Love goes right up there with songs like Ballad for My One True Love and Be Here Now. I Love You and Buddha Too explores religious tolerance in a light hearted way that just may be the best way to get the point across.<br /><br />We also have the patented sing-alongs that Mason writes best with Fighter Girl and Soldier Boy. I saw Mason live before I ever really heard his recorded material so these are still the songs that scream "MASON!!" to me. Soldier Boy is the only spot we hear an electric guitar on the album and Fighter Girl has the "yeah, yeah yeahs" that will stick in your head all night long.<br /><br />Only one track feels "weak" to me and it comes at track 5. Your New Man is a funny story but I'm not sure that it reaches the level of the rest of the album. It feels more like something Mason wrote and threw away back when he was releasing his self-titled album but decided to throw in here for one reason or another. It feels a little out of place compared to the rest of the album.<br /><br />If I'm describing <span style="font-style: italic;">In the Ever</span> with one word I suppose I'd have to pick "personal". The album is quiet, extremely acoustic-driven and way more lo-fi than anything we've heard from Mason in a good while. If you're expecting a sequel to <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1">Boneclouds</a> then you should look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for an album that you can sit down and truly explore then look no further. I'd recommend picking this up if you're into the singer-songwriter scene or if you have any of Mason's previous work. The only caveat - be sure to give it more than one listen through, you'll find this is a grower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENl2PUEm3I/AAAAAAAAANs/8T-HCOAMi40/s320/4star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207117576668486514" border="0" /></a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fightergirl.mp3">Fighter Girl</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/soldierboy.mp3">Soldier Boy</a><br /><br />Buy the album: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Mason-Jennings/dp/B0017V7HUM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212372180&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=280508836&s=143441">iTunes</a><br /><br />Visit Mason online: <a href="http://www.masonjennings.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/masonjennings">Myspace</a><br />Buy his music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Mason%20Jennings">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=7376123">iTunes</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-21482311037063589932008-06-02T12:08:00.001-06:002008-06-05T00:49:07.185-06:00Review: Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENS6pJaj4I/AAAAAAAAANc/woM2eJT5jM0/s1600-h/blameitongravity.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENS6pJaj4I/AAAAAAAAANc/woM2eJT5jM0/s320/blameitongravity.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207096761601658754" border="0" /></a><br />I may not admit this often, but I grew up on country music. Garth Brooks rang through my pa's car stereo through my early life and I sang along with "Rodeo" so much that the damn song is still emblazoned in my skull. I could probably sing it right now. In fact, I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> I could sing it right now.<br /><br />What does Garth Brooks have to do with anything? Well, I suppose those early years of listening to twang combined with my later years listening to grunge pretty well explains my positive disposition towards the alternative-country genre. After all, alternative country at it's best should be taking the positive aspects of country music and combining it with the drive of rock 'n roll. Basically, you need to take the drawl out of the country vocals and dirty up your distortion pedals a bit more. Oh, and no songs about dogs or trucks - those are a no-go. If you look at it this way, no band does it better than the Old 97's.<br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-1">Blame it on Gravity</a> is the sixth proper album from the Old 97's, the first since 2004's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drag-Up-Old-97s/dp/B0002E5OA0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379927&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Drag It Up</span></a>. We find the boys returning to their roots and turning it up to 11 for most of the album. This is quite welcome after Drag It Up, an album which I can describe no better than as a "downer".<br /><br />The album kicks off in a rockin' enough style with The Fool and Dance With Me. Both of these tracks move and groove, you'll likely find yourself shakin' your hips when Dance With Me comes on if they aren't already gyrating. After that 1-2 punch we see the boys turn it down a bit with No Baby I and My Two Feet. No Baby I delivers the album's namesake in the chorus with the lovely line:<br /><blockquote>"You've got these tears/that fall like pearls/blame it on gravity/blame it on bein' a girl".</blockquote><br />The rest of the album alternates pretty well with "rockers" and slow songs. We see the boys combining the country, rock and surf elements on Early Morning for what is quite possibly the best mix of the genres theyi've ever pulled off. The song itself is a microcosm of the album and genius segway from the first to the second half. The One finishes out the proper album. Rather than finishing on a somber, acoustic number as most bands do, the boys chose to give us one last up-tempo rocker to remember them by.<br /><br />The aspect that has surprised me the most about this album is the songs sung by Murray. I have generally found myself skipping most "Murray songs" on other Old 97's records - not because they aren't "good" songs, but more because of my love for Rhett's voice. I never have found a reason to listen through most of Murray's songs when I know I can hear Rhett's voice on the next track. This is <span style="font-style: italic;">far</span> from the case on <span style="font-style: italic;">Blame it on Gravity</span> though. This Beautiful Thing and Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue are not only some of the best "Murray songs" on any Old 97's album, they are two of the best tracks on this album - far and away better than nearly any song by Rhett.<br /><br />We've finally found what the Old 97's are all about on this album. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alive-Wired-Old-97s/dp/B000AQ68WS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379882&sr=8-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alive and Wired</span></a> captured them at their best - live - but for one reason or another none of their albums have been able to capture that ferocity in a studio setting. You can feel the raw energy throughout but the songs still feel as polished and lush as anything from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fight-Songs-Old-97s/dp/B00000IL0L/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-7"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fight Songs</span></a>. The songwriting is sensational and each track is a true keeper. No fillers here, folks.<br /><br />There's no more need for a mix tape if you're trying to describe what alt-country is to a newcomer. <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-1">Blame it On Gravity</a> not only defines the Old 97's, it very well describes the entire genre. It's that good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENyMlHZdNI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-2Mx7bE17Hw/s320/5star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207131154617562322" border="0" /></a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/earlymorning.mp3">Early Morning</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/dancewithme.mp3">Dance With Me<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a><br />Buy the album: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212371000&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=279866934&s=143441">iTunes</a><br /><br />Visit the Old 97's online: <a href="http://www.old97s.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theold97s">Myspace</a><br />Buy their music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Old%2097%27s">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=149205">iTunes</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-65437928716647623562008-05-27T21:00:00.001-06:002008-05-27T21:00:01.328-06:00Around the Blogosphere!I'm sure everyone out there had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, right? Right??<br /><br />It sucked it Utah. So much for that extended weekend - it rained me in. Picnic in the garage? Are you kidding me? Yup, I was there. Well, dammit - now it's sunny.<br /><br />Anyways, I bring you 4 tracks that are hotter than liquid gold. Here's what the kids are talking about around the virtual water cooler:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Travis - J. Smith</span><br /></div><br />Thanks to <a href="http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2008/05/monday-music-roundup_26.html">Heather</a> for this one. I've never been much of a fan of Travis, especially since they hit it big with that Invisible Band record a few years ago. J. Smith sounds good to my ears though - a return to form. And by form, I mean rock. Travis was always better when they chose rocking over pouting.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/jsmith.mp3">J. Smith</a><br /><br />Buy some Travis: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Travis/e/B000APZQAO/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=475835">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.travisonline.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/travis">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sloan - I'm Not a Kid Anymore</span><br /></div><br />This one comes via <a href="http://stereogum.com/archives/mp3/new-sloan-im-not-a-kid-anymore_009476.html">Stereogum</a>. I know this one's a bit old but it just made it's way onto my playlist. Once this gets on your playlist I doubt it will get off anytime soon - it's a bit like the plague. Like it or not, you'll be humming this song after one listen. New album out on June 10th.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/imnotakidanymore.mp3">I'm Not a Kid Anymore</a><br /><br />Buy some Sloan: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Sloan">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1253583">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.sloanmusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sloan">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ron Sexsmith - This Is How I Know</span><br /></div><br />Another one from <a href="http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2008/05/monday-music-roundup_26.html">Heather</a> and her <a href="http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/">fabulous blog</a>. Love it.<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />Anyways, I first saw Ron when he opened for Coldplay back when they rocked. Not exactly what I was expecting from an opening act, but his folk-rock with pop sensibilities intrigued me and I've followed him to this day. He's got a new album coming out on July 8th, I'm sure it will be quite smashing.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/thisishowiknow.mp3">This is How I Know</a><br /><br />Buy some Ron Sexsmith: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Ron%20Sexsmith">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2931435">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.ronsexsmith.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ronsexsmith">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hold Steady - Sequestered In Memphis</span><br /></div><br />Thanks to <a href="http://iguessimfloating.blogspot.com/2008/05/mp3-hold-steady-one-for-cutters.html">iGIF</a> for this one. I've never really gotten into The Hold Steady and I probably deserve a good slap in the face as a result. I figure that they know I haven't been listening, so this song serves it's purpose as a musical punch in the gut. Their new album is out on July 15th.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/sequesteredinmemphis.mp3">Sequestered In Memphis</a><br /><br />Buy some music from The Hold Steady: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hold-Steady/e/B000APV9GE/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=19552743">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.theholdsteady.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theholdsteady">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-14091406909669081392008-05-27T09:25:00.000-06:002008-05-27T09:25:59.509-06:00Six Pack of the Week - Soundtrack Songs<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDOUqQMRFbI/AAAAAAAAANM/m8-uYKY631o/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202665448164890034" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDOUqQMRFbI/AAAAAAAAANM/m8-uYKY631o/s320/sixpack.jpg" border="0" /></a>The soundtrack is quite possibly the most underrated part of a movie. Really though, what truly great movies have <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> had a similarly brilliant companion soundtrack? It's not just about picking the right music, it's about getting the right <span style="font-style: italic;">feeling</span> to move the story along. Directors that can pair the sites with the sounds deliver a product that is truly moving. This week's six pack focuses on the often-overlooked soundtrack. Kraig goes first this week.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up to Boston (The Departed)</span><br /></div><br />Sure, that little intro sounds a little mushy and you certainly need a mushy song for a mushy movie. But what about if you've an ass-kicking movie? Well, then you need your self an ass-kicking song.<br /><br />The Departed was a brilliant film, absolutely fantastic. The film deserved all the critical acclaim it received and more. Truth is, I probably wouldn't find myself re-watching it again and again if it wasn't for this monstrous tune by The Dropkick Murphys. It sets the tone early on for the entire movie. I can't stress how important that "tone" was, especially given the length of the movie. Is this song solely responsible for the success of the film? Hell no. Did it a play a part? Surely did.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/imshippinuptoboston.mp3">I'm Shipping Up to Boston</a><br /><br />Get the soundtrack: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Soundtrack/dp/B000J3FBVG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211341723&sr=8-5">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=200692332&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Buy some Dropkick Murphys: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dropkick-Murphys/e/B000APX42G/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2928220">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.dropkickmurphys.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dropkickmurphys">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (Once)<br /><br /></span></div>Now we'll get back to that touchy-feely crap. Once was an ambitious film that was more of a soundtrack turning into a film rather than a set of songs setting up a film. When a film focuses so much on music it's absolutely critical that the music is able to stand up on it's own. The soundtrack for Once is certainly able to do so.<br /><br />Falling Slowly is the standout track in my mind. The duet version is very sweet and subtle. I've also posted the full band version from Glen's band, The Frames. I prefer the full band version just because it has a little more depth - there's more drama, more of a build...but both are fantastic.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fallingslowly.mp3">Falling Slowly (Glen & Marketa)</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fallingslowlyframes.mp3">Falling Slowly (The Frames)</a><br /><br />Get the soundtrack: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B000PFU7OO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211342077&sr=1-2">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=254347531&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Buy some Glen Hansard: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glen-Hansard/e/B0017PE2YC/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewCollaboration?ids=99200052-145016065&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.theframes.ie/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theswellseason">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stu's</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow (Crash, Wicker Park)</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Flexibility is the middle name I have just now given to Stereophonics' wonderful track, "Maybe Tomorrow." Not only does it serve as a great opening credits song (a la Wicker Park) but it also functions as an excellent closeout number (in Crash). How many songs could ever hope to accomplish that? That's right, not many, thus my new nickname: Maybe 'Flexibility' Tomorrow. Think of it like the middle name 'Danger,' it actually makes sense that way. Anyway, it's an all around great track, and if you've never heard it you're probably missing out on 3 great things (2 movies, 1 song). Start with the listening and finish up with the viewing, that's my advice.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/02%20Maybe%20Tomorrow.mp3">Maybe Tomorrow</a><br /><br />Get the soundtrack: [Crash] <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crash-Mark-Isham/dp/B0009F79NM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211367444&sr=1-2">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=64964428&id=64964454&s=143441">iTunes</a> [Wicker Park] <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicker-Park-Various-Artists/dp/B0002MIBW0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211367473&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=48262691&id=48263386&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Buy some Stereophonics: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stereophonics/e/B000AP5LRM/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2579656">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.stereophonics.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/stereophonics">Myspace</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maroon 5 - Woman (Spiderman 2)</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Not appearing in the film (at least not to my knowledge) but appearing on the soundtrack is this funky number from Maroon 5 entitled "Woman." And it is funky, don't let the appearance of the name "Maroon 5" sway your downloading judgment. Interesting sidenote: I wouldn't listen to Maroon 5 for a long time because I didn't think they were my "thing." I finally jumped on the bandwagon after hearing this number, and was pleasantly surprised with most of their stuff from<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-About-Jane-Maroon-5/dp/B00006879E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211369363&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Songs About Jane</span></a>. I have since jumped off the bandwagon (as is the tendency with all bandwagons), but this remains my favorite Maroon 5 song.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/Woman.mp3">Woman</a><br /><br />Get the soundtrack: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spider-Man-Music-Inspired-Various-Artists/dp/B00027JZ20/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211367724&sr=8-3">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=159000596&id=159000085&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Buy some Maroon 5: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maroon-5/e/B000APOM7W/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1798556">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.maroon5.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/Maroon5">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brock's<br />Pete Yorn - Undercover<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Another song used on a Spider-man movie, this little ditty appeared on the soundtrack for the first one. The lyric in the chorus is "walk me to a car-park," a weird phrase Pete got from a woman he dated. She was from New Zealand, and refered to parking lots as car-parks. Okay story, great song.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/undercover.mp3">Undercover</a><br /><br />Buy some Pete Yorn: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Yorn/e/B000AQTG9K/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=539139">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.peteyorn.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/peteyorn">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dog's Eye View - Umbrella</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">No, not <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr0uQrpkwZ4#">that</a> "Umbrella."<br />I have been a fan of Peter Stuart and Dog's Eye View for a long time, in no small part due to this song, and its presence in the silly teen comedy <span style="font-style: italic;">Can't Hardly Wait</span>.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/umbrella.mp3">Umbrella<br /></a><br />The sites: <a href="http://www.dogseyeview.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dogseyeview">Myspace</a><br />The sounds: <a href="http://urlsnip.com/294255">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://urlsnip.com/626288">Amazon<br /></a></div></div></div></div> </div></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-64936717830600597362008-05-23T15:00:00.004-06:002008-05-23T15:08:55.081-06:00Beck - Chemtrails<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDcsxn462JI/AAAAAAAAANU/kAW28narDlU/s1600-h/beck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDcsxn462JI/AAAAAAAAANU/kAW28narDlU/s320/beck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203677125482829970" border="0" /></a><br />Earlier this week Beck tossed us the first listen we'll have of his collaboration with Danger Mouse. It's streaming on his website and it's called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chemtrails</span>.<br /><br />I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to Beck since <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSea-Change-Beck%2Fdp%2FB00006F7S4&ei=OC03SKzXIpKqtQPE5r3LDQ&usg=AFQjCNEfOFBcxAtFNCJSBNRLoLPvQcPNmw&sig2=jo2fqi2XkcqgHWkBdEljfg">Sea Change</a>. That album still strikes a chord with me, mainly because when I purchased it the cashier accused me of <span style="font-style: italic;">being</span> Beck and purchasing my own album. Yup, I'm sure those rock stars often purchase their own albums - particularly the ones with their faces on it. It makes sense, right?<br /><br />Back to the subject at hand - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chemtrails</span> rocked my socks off. The drum track is so scorching hot that it melted my face into a puddle. Now I can't see. Damn. Hopefully the spelling and grammar errors aren't too abundant as a result.<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />The album will probably be out sometime soon, we'll let you know when there's an actual release date and title. My instincts tell me June 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>. Someone owes me a Klondike bar if I nailed it.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/chemtrails.mp3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chemtrails</span></a><br /><br />Buy some Beck: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beck/e/B000APVS5G/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=312095"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">iTunes</span></a><br />Visit Beck online: <a href="http://www.beck.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/beck"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Myspace</span></a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-32147509291663720982008-05-19T19:25:00.004-06:002008-05-23T15:05:30.781-06:00Mason Jennings - In The Ever out TOMORROW!Well, I'm not sure how, but I totally spaced my post on Friday. I'll <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211239572&sr=8-1">Blame it on Gravity</a>. What this means is ya'll get a double post today. Hooray! Seconds for everyone!<br /><br />This is more of a friendly reminder than a post, but I wanted to make sure to get this across:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GO OUT AND BUY THE NEW MASON JENNINGS ALBUM TOMORROW!</span><br /><br />It's fantastic.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fightergirl.mp3">Fighter Girl</a></span><br /><br />Here's the lead-off single from the new album...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/thetimestheyareachangin.mp3">The Times, They are a Changin' (Bob Dylan Cover)</a></span><a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/thetimestheyareachangin.mp3"><br /></a><br />...and just for kicks. Who doesn't love a little Dylan?<br /><br />Oh...and also, forgot to mention this. We'll be doing a splendid give-away featuring some Mason Jennings content in the very near future (i.e. this week). Stay tuned for more info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy some Mason Jennings:</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Mason%20Jennings">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=7376123">iTunes</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visit him online:</span> <a href="http://www.masonjennings.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/masonjennings">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-5485961082486576102008-05-19T17:30:00.001-06:002008-05-23T15:05:03.448-06:00Artist to Watch: Joe Purdy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDIDsQMRFaI/AAAAAAAAANE/2Y0YTS8dLgI/s1600-h/joepurdy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SDIDsQMRFaI/AAAAAAAAANE/2Y0YTS8dLgI/s320/joepurdy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202224578361890210" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">I was searching my brain for something uber-fantastico to post on today and I ended up going through some of our old posts in the process. It seems <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/six-pack-of-week-commercial-songs.html">I made a promise</a> to give you guys some more Joe Purdy a few months ago and never came through.<br /><br />My apologies, I'm not quite certain how Joe slipped through the cracks. He's solidified his place on my playlists but somehow I neglected to pass on the good word. Well, never fear - here's the promised post on Joe - enjoy!</span><br /><br />In today's fast paced world the music industry has shown time and again that they simply can't keep up with the needs of a true artist. The old model is broken. It used to be that it took 2-3 years for an artist to write, record, produce and release an album. It made sense - the label needed to make sure each album was up to their standards, they needed plenty of time to send out pre-releases to critics, drum up some advertising and stroke the hype machine, plan the tour etc.<br /><br />Now, in today's world, a band like <a href="http://www.nin.com/">Nine Inch Nails</a> can <a href="http://theslip.nin.com/">release an album for free</a> with no label, start their tour and create their own hype. Who needs a label now? What good will a label do an artist when they end up limiting output so as not to "over-saturate" the public. These are probably the thoughts that Joe Purdy had going through his head when he started making noise back in 2001.<br /><br />Well, let's look at Joe now. In 7 years Joe has released 9 albums, toured around the country as part of the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hotelcafetour">Hotel Cafe Tour</a> while also having a number of his songs land in TV spots and commercials, all of which which has helped to turn him into one of the top selling artists on iTunes. All of this with no label, no constraints - just Joe calling the shots.<br /><br />You might only hear about <a href="http://www.radiohead.com/">Radiohead</a>, <a href="http://www.nin.com/">Nine Inch Nails</a> and <a href="http://www.theraconteurs.com/">The Raconteurs</a> when people start talking about the "new model" for the music industry - and rightfully so. These are the big name bands that are using their influence to push the RIAA into a realm they don't even want to admit exists. The thing you have to remember is that Joe Purdy is the one who's living and breathing the new model. Very few artists have been able to combine the success Joe has garnered through his TV spots and his digital downloads all without the support of a label through any portion of his career. He is proving that, with the advent of the internet, an independent artist simply doesn't need a label anymore.<br /><br />True, Joe hasn't quite "broken out" yet. If you drop Joe Purdy's name in casual conversation, overwhelming majority of the US population will still give you that "what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about?" face. The thing is, these same people will recognize some of Joe's work once they hear it - they probably just don't know the name attached to the voice. It's a shame really, the only thing Joe really needs to break out is to have Kia put his name at the end of their commercial.<br /><br />That's not to say that Joe's TV spots haven't benefited him. Some people are still finding out who he is by themselves, but only the truly motivated will go to that trouble...and how many truly motivated people do you know? Yeah, that's what I thought.<br /><br />As far as Joe's music goes, it's best described as "folk". He fits into that whole singer-songwriter vibe they have going on in the Hotel Cafe. Not surprisingly, he's toured on the Hotel Cafe Tour a few times. If you dig the <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/04/waz.html">WAZ I posted earlier</a>, or if you're into <a href="http://www.carybrothers.com/">Cary Brothers</a> and his gang of soul-baring acoustic singer-songwriters, then Joe Purdy is right up your alley.<br /><br />In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you already do love him - you just don't know it yet. Here's a copule of Joe's more famous TV spots. You've probably seen at least one of 'em. God knows that Kia commercial is still getting mad play.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span"><span><span>Wash Away (Lost - Season 1)</span></span></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07006808816924145 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07006808816924145 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07006808816924145 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-06003999929405925 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en"></a><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/utY-gXhRJ5c&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></span></span></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><br />Any "Lostie" will remember this moment.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span"><span><span>Can't Get It Right Today (Kia Spectra Commercial)</span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07006808816924145 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/IitjbUD_VUc&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07006808816924145 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/IitjbUD_VUc&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-06003999929405925 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/IitjbUD_VUc&hl=en"></a><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IitjbUD_VUc&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IitjbUD_VUc&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></span></span></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><br />...and here's the piano side of Joe.<br /><br />Those are the two "big" moments that Joe Purdy has had on TV. He's had several songs (The City, Suitcase, I Love the Rain the Most, San Jose and the previously mentioned Can't Get It Right Today) featured on <span style="font-style: italic;">Grey's Anatomy</span> throughout the past few years as well. He also had one song on featured on <span style="font-style: italic;">House M.D</span>.<br /><br />There's clearly talent here. If not, I'd doubt that ABC would keep knocking on his door. As far as his albums go, I'd highly recommend <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=57653229&s=143441"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie Blue</span></a> and <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=208040816&s=143441"><span style="font-style: italic;">Paris in the Morning</span></a>. I've been listening through all of his albums over the past few months and those two stick out as his best. From front to back I have a tough time finding a song I'll skip from those two. I can't really pick one that I dislike though, so you can't go wrong with any of them.<br /><br />I've spent a good deal of time today mulling over which tracks to post. Ultimately I decided to post a few that you probably haven't heard - so no Wash Away or Can't Get it Right Today. You can decide whether you like his "hits" based on the Youtube vids. My purpose is to dig a bit deeper to really motivate you to go out and snatch up his entire discography.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/lookatyounow.mp3">Look At You Now</a></span><br /><br />This one comes from <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=148141757&s=143441"><span style="font-style: italic;">Only Four Seasons</span></a>, another one of Joe's fantastic outings. It's got a bit more of an edge to it than the folky side that you'll hear on the TV.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/odetosadclown.mp3">Ode To Sad Clown</a></span><a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/odetosadclown.mp3"><br /></a><br />Ah, I've somehow managed to pick two songs from two albums that I didn't recommend. Oh, the irony. This one comes from <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=200212860&s=143441"><span style="font-style: italic;">You Can Tell Georgia</span></a>. A little more bluesy and a little bit rock 'n roll.<br /><br />Joe has a new album coming out soon (well, probably) called <span style="font-style: italic;">Last Clock on the Wall</span>. Rumor also has it that he'll have another album out soon after that one called <span style="font-style: italic;">Burn Down Alaska</span>. Hopefully these come our way soon - one can never have enough Joe Purdy. I'll keep my ear to the ground. As soon as I hear some rumblin' I'll let send it your way.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><br />Buy some music by Joe Purdy: </span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/104-7764737-8319116?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Joe%20Purdy">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=57653144">iTunes</a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Joe on the web: </span> <a href="http://joepurdy.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joepurdy">Myspace</a></div><div></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-75110770083736631422008-05-15T09:00:00.003-06:002008-06-08T03:03:49.541-06:00Six Pack of the Week - Grab Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SCt5kAmtflI/AAAAAAAAACU/hvL7dAkZVEw/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SCt5kAmtflI/AAAAAAAAACU/hvL7dAkZVEw/s320/sixpack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200383854273986130" border="0" /></a>We had originally intended to do a six pack featuring really good songs from bands that otherwise suck. But as it turns out, those kinds of songs are hard to come by. I guess it makes sense, and, really, why would we want to make you listen to sucky bands? Instead here are some good songs that have been on our minds of late. Brock goes first this time, and let's all welcome him back to the land of the Internet.<br /><div> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Ben's Brother - Stuttering (Kiss Me Again)</strong></div><div> </div><br /><div>First off is a song I've been meaning to post for some time now. It's catchy stuff, and I can't help but sing along. I love the whole stuttering thing throughout the song. Check it out!</div><div> </div><br /><div>[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/stuttering.wma">Ben's Brother - Stuttering</a></div><div> </div><br /><div>The sites: <a href="http://www.bensbrother.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bensbrothermusic">Myspace</a></div>The sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=214047113">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beta-Male-Fairytales-Bens-Brother/dp/B000YFUIN0">Amazon</a><br /><div> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Ludo - Love Me Dead</strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="left">The vocals on this one kind of remind me of Max from Say Anything; intense and urgent. The lyrical content is Say Anything-ish, as well. It's a bizarre mix of romantic and morbid, and it totally works.</div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/lovemedead.mp3">Ludo - Love Me Dead</a></div><div align="left"> </div><br />The sites: <a href="http://www.ludorock.com/">Official </a>| <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ludorock">Myspace</a><br /><div align="left">The sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=5165285">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=ludo">Amazon</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kraig's Picks</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Damnwells - Kung Fu Grip Kiss</span><br /></div><br />I've been stuck on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Air-Stereo-Damnwells/dp/B000GFLE2W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210825459&sr=8-1">Air Stereo</a> recently. Maybe there's just something about the warm, sunny weather that makes me yearn for the album, or maybe it's just some damn fine music. I think I'll go with the latter, though I do tend to listen to this one whenever I'm adventuring in the great outdoors.<br /><br />Kung Fu Grip Kiss has a rather silly name but don't be deceived, it's killer (not filler). If you enjoy some damn fine vocals, swelling horns and a catchy-as-hell hook (who DOESN'T??) then I recommend takin' a listen. This song will put a goofy smile on your face right when you hear those shiny horns take you halfway to funky town - guaransheed.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/kungfugripkiss.mp3">The Damnwells - Kung Fu Grip Kiss</a><br /><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.thedamnwells.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thedamnwells">Myspace</a><br />Buy their music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=The%20Damnwells">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=6398222">iTunes</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arizona - Some Kind of Chill</span><br /></div><br />Ah, yet another band that finds itself in rather favorable position on my virtual iTunes chart due to the changing of the seasons. I'd imagine that Some Kind of Chill will somehow make it's way onto a summer playlist of mine in my golden years. I'd hope so anyways.<br /><br />Take a bit of folk and add some sunny back ground vocals with some smart instrumentation and you've got Arizona. I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't done so already.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/somekindofchill.mp3">Arizona - Some Kind of Chill</a><br /><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.arizonatheband.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/arizonatheband">Myspace</a><br />Buy their music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Back-Dear-Children-Arizona/dp/B000QWBYDO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210825335&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=48264071">iTunes</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stu's Two</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Shins - Sea Legs</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I keep wanting to call this song funky. I think it's because the bass line sets the tone, which usually results in a funky song. And yes, I absolutely loooove the bass. The other thing I enjoy about this song: it sounds nothing like what you'd expect from The Shins. You owe it to yourself to check this out, even if you're biased against these dudes.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/Sealegs.mp3">The Shins - Sea Legs</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Visit The Shins online: <a href="http://www.theshins.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theshins">Myspace</a><br />Buy some: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Shins/e/B000APOABA/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=3271784">iTunes</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Counting Crows - Anna Begins</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I listened to Anna Begins many, many times before I finally developed an appreciation for it. The first couple listens left me feeling generally...uneasy. Still, I gave it a listen every once in a while until one day it finally clicked. It really is an excellent blend of beat, instruments, and vocals to create a precise mood. I now love the repeating, "I am not worried, I am not overly concerned;" so basic, yet so effective. It's an oldie (from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/August-Everything-After-Counting-Crows/dp/B000003TAP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210852104&sr=1-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">August and Everything After</span></a>), but always worth a listen.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/05%20Anna%20Begins.mp3">Counting Crows - Anna Begins</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=276357021&s=143441"></a>Visit Counting Crows online: <a href="http://www.countingcrows.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/countingcrows">Myspace</a><br />Buy some: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Nights-Sunday-Mornings-Counting/dp/B000WMGDD4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1206838035&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=276357021&s=143441">iTunes</a><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07483752465392415644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-52294007130157659072008-05-12T19:30:00.001-06:002008-05-15T14:55:44.491-06:00Joseph Arthur - Bag is HOT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SCjmcgMRFZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8P5pOhsT6C0/s1600-h/josepha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SCjmcgMRFZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8P5pOhsT6C0/s320/josepha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199659147151349138" border="0" /></a><br />It appears that Mr. Arthur is following in the footsteps of Ryan Adams these days. Earlier this year he stated that he'd be releasing 4 EPs and a full length LP all by the time fall hits us. He's held up to that statement so far, but now he's taken it a step further with Bag is HOT. Check it out <a href="http://josepharthur.tumblr.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Basically, he's taking the same approach Ryan has in the past by recording and releasing everything he ever does for the listening pleasure (and pain) of the fans. Now I should clarify this by saying that Jo's material here is significantly better than Ryan's rap or death metal fake-bands, but I get a little leery whenever an artist is releasing SO much material without any real editing taking place. There's reasons to have b-sides and unreleased tracks and it's usually because they aren't very good. Here's what the man himself has to say on his new project:<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-weight: bold;">“’Bag is hot’…like fresh popcorn for all the kids to grab,” says Joseph. “Digital hands eating the digital popcorn. This project is fun and doesn’t have to be precious, but it’s hard not to take it seriously and really work on it. It’s not, ‘Bag is getting a little lukewarm - Bag is hot! It’s gonna be slang soon!”<br /><br />Lonely Astronaut Records could be releasing the first installment of ‘Bag Is Hot’ sometime before 2009.</blockquote>Now, after listening to some of these tracks I'll say that Joseph has some quality work here. It's a bit aggravating sifting through everything on the tumblr since most of it is random pictures, but once you've found a song you'll usually be rewarded for your patience. Here's all the songs (and dates they were posted to make it a bit easier to find) I've been able to locate:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Straw Dogs" (5/11/08)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"One By One" (5/9/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“I’m In Your Life” (5/8/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“Fading” (5/5/08)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Still Life Honey Rose” (5/4/08)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Burning Wheel” (5/1/08)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Father’s Eyes” (4/29/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“So Far Away” (4/27/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“If Yer Afraid” (4/24/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“My Eyes Follow You” (4/23/08)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Blast Off” (4/22/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“Dark Forces” (4/21/08)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“Lovely Cost” (4/21/08)</span><br /><br />I recommend subscribing to the RSS stream, it makes it a LOT easier to navigate through all the posts since most of the non-music posts are titled as such. Not that the photos aren't interesting and all, but it can take a while to get through it all if you just want to hear some music.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and he's on tour. If he's coming near you it's an absolute-must-attend concert:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">JOSEPH ARTHUR TOUR DATES (solo / acoustic unless otherwise noted)</span><br />June 11 Newcastle, UK - Cluny<br />June 12 Nottingham, UK - Maze<br />June 15 Manchester, UK - Night & Day<br />June 16 Glasgow, UK - King Tuts<br />June 17 Birmingham, UK - Glee Club<br />June 19 London, UK - Union Chapel<br />July 4 Montreal, QC - Club Soda<br />July 9 Boston, MA - Paradise<br />July 10 Philadelphia, PA - World Café Live<br />July 11 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom (JA & the Lonely Astronauts)<br />July 12 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell’s (solo)<br />July 15 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour<br />July 18 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall<br />July 21 Portland, OR - Doug Fir<br />July 22 Seattle, WA - Triple Door<br />July 24 Vancouver, BC - The Media Club<br />July 26 Guelph, ON - Hillside Festival<br /><br />Sadly, he's not coming anywhere near me. I can't really blame him since the last two times he came to Salt Lake only me, Stu and 10 other people showed up. Damn Utahns.<br /><br />Anyways, here's a few MP3s from this whole Bag is Hot adventure. I'm really diggin' Straw Dogs right now, but the songs range from the "acoustic style" JA to the "spacey style" JA. There should be something here for everyone.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/strawdogs.mp3">Straw Dogs</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/iminyourlife.mp3">I'm In Your Life</a><br /><br />Buy some Joseph Arthur: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Joseph%20Arthur">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=3846318">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.josepharthur.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/josepharthur">Myspace</a> | <a href="http://josepharthur.tumblr.com/">Tumblr (Bag is Hot)</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-55072086389526358152008-05-08T16:50:00.003-06:002008-05-08T17:21:26.411-06:00Six Pack of the Week - Covers (Vol. II)<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SB-rkMH7iUI/AAAAAAAAAM0/u2Y3PZuWJIA/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197061133226969410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SB-rkMH7iUI/AAAAAAAAAM0/u2Y3PZuWJIA/s320/sixpack.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ah, it's covers. I love covers. I'm not sure why I have such a fascination with one band playing another's music, but it always has (and always will) intrigue me. Sometimes they bring something new to the song or emphasize it in a way you never thought of it. Sometimes it's just really, really shitty. We'll try to avoid those ones. To start things off, I (Kraig) will take you out to Africa for my selections.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mysterious Ways - Angelique Kidjo (originally by U2)</span><br /></div><br />Both of the tracks I'm posting come from the album <span style="font-style: italic;">In the Name of Love</span>, which is more or less a tribute to U2. All of the tracks on the album are U2 songs performed by African bands/artists. As you can imagine, these often take off in directions you wouldn't normally find in your "typical" cover.<br /><br />I'm not going to pretend to be all knowing when it comes to the music you'll find on the album, but I recommend picking it up if you're into covers and/or if you're into U2. You'll certainly dig it if you listen to a bit of "world" music (whatever that means today).<br /><br />Anyways, this first track caught my ear and got my interest in the album. You'll recognize it as a cover, but it takes off with some different beats and splits out of English during the verses.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/mysteriousways.mp3">Mysterious Ways</a><br /><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="display: block;"><span onmouseup="" class="on down" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" id="formatbar_CreateLink" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" title="Link" style="display: block;" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);"></span></span><br />Buy her music online: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Angelique%20Kidjo">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=468296">iTunes</a><br />Visit her online: <a href="http://www.kidjo.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/angeliquekidjo">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pride (In the Name of Love) - Soweto Gospel Choir (originally by U2)</span><br /></div><br />...and here we have another take on a U2 classic. Not much in the instrumental department, but it probably delivers the message at the heart of the song better than Bono could with his mates.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/pride.mp3">Pride (In the Name of Love)</a><br /><br />Buy some of their music online: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=The%20Soweto%20Gospel%20Choir">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=73704425">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.sowetogospelchoir.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=145182855">Myspace</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder (Originally by Indio)</span><br /></div><br />I'm sure you all heard this blaring through sunroofs and fancy cars with tops down last summer/fall. It's still a regular on my playlists. I highly recommend listening to this one in headphones if you haven't yet.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/hardsun.mp3">Hard Sun</a><br /><br />Buy some Pearl Jam online: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Jam/e/B000AQ37PY/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=467464">iTunes</a><br />Visit PJ/Eddie online: <a href="http://www.pearljam.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pearljam">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br />Back to the album - I recommend picking it up if for nothing else than to expose yourself to some music you wouldn't normally listen to. Since it's a cover album it's a bit easier to step into the "world" music genre because you'll already know the songs. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Name-Love-Africa-Celebrates-U2/dp/B0013PVGL8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210035912&sr=8-1">Check it out here</a> on Amazon, visit the official page (with streams) <a href="http://www.africacelebratesu2.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Stu's:<br /><br />Africa - Howie Day (Toto cover)(Live)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of Africa...Howie Day does a pretty awesome cover of Africa. This version is from his <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/hday2001-04-21.sr77.shnf">4-21-01</a> show, and you should probably go pick up the whole show for FREE from <a href="http://www.archive.org/index.php">archive.org</a>. You can't argue with free!<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/Africa.mp3">Howie Day - Africa</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All Along the Watchtower - Howie Day (Bob Dylan cover)(Live)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Back in the days before <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-All-World-Now-Howie/dp/B0006A9GO0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210102917&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stop All The World Now</span></a>, it used to be a pretty popular thing to go to Howie Day shows and yell, "FORTY-ONE!!!" at him. I'm not sure why, I've heard his cover of #41 (originally by the Dave Matthews Band) and it never really jumped out at me. At least it didn't jump out at me like this cover of a cover (supposedly Howie covers this like DMB covers it, therefore cover-of-a-cover). Truth be told, this is the first Howie Day song I ever heard. It's an interesting first song to hear, mostly because you aren't expecting the raw emotion and passion (or the excellent screaming). This one's from his <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/hday1999-07-20.shn">7-20-9</a><a href="http://www.archive.org/details/hday1999-07-20.shn">9</a> show, which is also free at <a href="http://www.archive.org/index.php">archive.org</a>.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/Watchtower.mp3">Howie Day - All Along the Watchtower</a><br /><br />Buy some Howie Day: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Howie-Day/e/B000APQHFC/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1559474">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.howieday.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/howieday">Myspace</a> | <a href="http://howiedaytradingboard.yuku.com/">theHDTB</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Splendid Isolation - Pete Yorn (Warren Zevon cover)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This cover comes straight from Petey's most recent album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightcrawler</span>. Originally by Warren Zevon, Pete's take on Splendid Isolation is very well done (I'm a fan of the harmonica work myself). Incidentally, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splendid_isolation">splendid isolation</a> is also a foreign policy pursued by Britain during the late 19th century. So ya, now you know that.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/09%20Splendid%20Isolation.mp3">Pete Yorn - Splendid Isolation</a><br /><br />Buy some Pete Yorn: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Yorn/e/B000AQTG9K/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=539139">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.peteyorn.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/peteyorn">Myspace</a><br /><br />No picks from Brock this week kiddies, he's internet-less right now (hence the lack of Brockness lately). Hopefully he'll get that resolved soon. We're missing a certain dash of Lurp 'round these parts...<br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div></div></div></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-60100014170967530362008-05-02T10:08:00.004-06:002008-05-02T10:20:31.260-06:00Mason Jennings - Fighter Girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBs_BMH7iSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/CHYWKgcNSHg/s1600-h/masonjennings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBs_BMH7iSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/CHYWKgcNSHg/s320/masonjennings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195815884768905506" border="0" /></a><br />I know that I have a "thing" for criticizing bands for going the "yeah yeah yeah", "hey" and "la la la" route, but I gotta give Mason a free pass on this one. He may have a pre-chorus of solid "yeahs" on Fighter Girl (his first single for the upcoming album) but it's a catchy song and it's been stuck on repeat throughout this dreadful finals week.<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />If you haven't already downloaded this track, do yourself a favor and listen to it already. It's the perfect soundtrack for some springtime frolf (or whatever it is you do in the spring).<br /><br />Mason's next album (<span style="font-style: italic;">In the Ever</span>) comes out on May 20th. You probably deserve a good punch in the face if you aren't considering purchasing it. Everyone needs a little Mason!<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fightergirl.mp3">Fighter Girl</a><br /><br />Buy some Mason Jennings: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Mason%20Jennings">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=7376123">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.masonjennings.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/masonjennings">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-23436279283658752392008-04-30T20:22:00.001-06:002008-04-30T22:48:37.037-06:00Six Pack of the Week - City Central<div align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SA20Q5vgFsI/AAAAAAAAABU/4moMDVW6jVU/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192004147899012802" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SA20Q5vgFsI/AAAAAAAAABU/4moMDVW6jVU/s320/sixpack.jpg" border="0" /></a>So I'm sure everyone can think of some song by their favorite band that's about (or just named after) a city. Yeah, there sure are a lot of them. I like to think they're written for some reason other than to get a loud "Whooo" (or "woot" if you prefer) when they play them for said city, but I think I'm just lying to myself. It's sad really, lying to yourself. Anyway, this week's six pack is songs about cities. Stu's going first this time, let's see how long it takes me to screw this up:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sufjan Stevens - Chicago</span> </div><br />This song will one day go in my series of "listen-to-this-song-if-someone-recommends-this-artist's-music-to -you-and-doesn't-tell-you-what-to-listen-to." And I may have to consider a name change for said series. People always say to me, "hey, hot stuff, you should listen to such-and-such band/singer," but they never tell me <span style="font-style: italic;">what </span>to listen to! This is usually somewhat infuriating. This was once again the case with Sufjan. Finally, after sifting through half a billion chirpy-bird songs, I found Chicago. I think it's a good Intro to Sufjan song.<br /><br />I've been trying to think of the right descriptor word to explain his music, and I think I'm going to go with complex. He adds in a lot of different elements and it seems like you need to start by listening to some of his more "basic" songs before you can appreciate the rest of 'em. And now, crap, I'm going to screw up this six-pack at the very start by making it a 7-pack! Jacksonville is too good (and also too named after a city) to be left out of this one. So this is a two-fer.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/09%20Chicago.mp3">Sufjan Stevens - Chicago</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/05%20Jacksonville.mp3">Sufjan Stevens - Jacksonville</a><br /><br />Buy some Sufjan (pronounced Soof-Yawn): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sufjan-Stevens/e/B000APT3D0/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=4273404">iTunes</a><br />Visit his sites: <a href="http://www.sufjan.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/illinoiseispretty">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Stills - Of Montreal</span><br /></div><br />If your first instinct was to ask, "are these guys Canadian?" then you, sir or madam, would be good at a little game I like to call, umm, Name Their Heritage. 100 points to you, Huzzah! If that was not your first instinct, shame on you, it's right in the title and everything! Try to try a little harder next time, will you?<br /><br />Seriously though, if you've never heard of The Stills then you should at least hear of them long enough to listen to their debut album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Logic-Will-Break-Your-Heart/dp/B0000D9PI4/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208860273&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Logic Will Break Your Heart</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;">;</span> if you don't like them after that, then perhaps rock music just isn't for you! Ha, I jest of course, but it is definitely an album I'm glad I have, and when it gets to that point you've pretty much got to recommend it to whomever crosses your path. Take Of Montreal as an example: I never would've thought that I'd be hyping a song where a dude sings about what's turning him on, but there ya go, I just did. Crazy talk!<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/05%20Of%20Montreal.mp3">The Stills - Of Montreal</a><br /><br />Buy some music by The Stills: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=The+Stills&x=0&y=0">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=3334726">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.thestills.net/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thestills">Myspace</a><br /><br /><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="display: block;"><span onmouseup="" class="on down" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" id="formatbar_CreateLink" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" title="Link" style="display: block;" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kraig's Picks:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collective Soul - Over Tokyo</span><br /></div><br />I'm bringin' this baby out of the states and into the Far East! This is by far the best track (and probably the only track worth mentioning) from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blender-Collective-Soul/dp/B00004YMJQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208875397&sr=1-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blender</span>.</a> Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it's actually a reworking of a much older song that Ed did on his solo album? Yeah, probably. I've included the totally 80's version from Ed' solo album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ed-E-Roland/dp/B000005IJY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208875326&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ed E Roland</span></a>, just for kicks.<br /><br />PS: Anyone have a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ed-E-Roland/dp/B000005IJY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208875326&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ed E Roland</span></a>? I only have this track and I'm wondering if it's worth picking up...<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/overtokyo.mp3">Collective Soul - Over Tokyo</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/edetokyo.mp3">Ed E Roland - Over Tokyo</a><br /><br />Buy some Collective Soul: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collective-Soul/e/B000ARC4RK/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=146191">iTunes</a><br />Visit them Online: <a href="http://www.collectivesoul.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/collectivesoul">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ryan Adams - New York, New York (live)</span><br /></div><br />I know this makes me a square, but I had never heard of Ryan Adams until New York, New York smacked me upside the head. Ryan is one of my favorite artists so this song has a special place in my heart since it was my introduction to Mr. Adams. This version is from the <span style="font-style: italic;">Loft Sessions</span> and it's a completely different beast than the original - much more bluesy.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/newyorknewyork.mp3">Ryan Adams - New York, New York (live)</a><br /><br />Buy some Ryan Adams: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Adams/e/B000APNYSU/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1010602">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.ryan-adams.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ryanadams">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Brock's Picks</strong></div><strong></strong><br />As I was searching through my music collection, I realized we could very easily do a "Songs About New York and Los Angeles" six-pack. In all actuality, we could just as easily do a "Songs About Los Angeles by Counting Crows" six-pack. That being said, the following songs are not about Los Angeles...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Stereo - Have I Paid My Debt to Minneapolis?</strong></div><strong></strong><br />Okay, you're right, this song does mention Los Angeles. But it's not really about LA! The Stereo is a cool little pop-rock band that sort of paved the way for the pop-punk bands on the Fueled by Ramen label. So, depending on your view of that whole musical movement, sorry...? But this song is an excellent example of the clever lyrics and catchy songwriting typical of The Stereo.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/minneapolis.mp3">The Stereo - Have I Paid My Debt to Minneapolis?</a><br /><br />The Site: <a href="http://www.fueledbyramen.com/bands/index.php?id=13">Label(old)</a> | <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fueled_by_Ramen">Wikipedia</a><br />The Sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=4620066">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=the+stereo">Amazon </a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;" align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beirut - Nantes</span></div><br />When Stu first posted about Beirut, I braced myself for some sissy-la-la Frenchy music. I was sorely mistaken, my friends. There is simply nothing sissy or la-la about it, just good times folk-pop music. Hopefully you've already checked out the music video, and if you haven't purchased The Flying Club Cup you should do yourself a favor and purchase it. (By the way, Nantes is a city in France.)<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/nantes.mp3">Beirut - Nantes</a><br /><br />The sites: <a href="http://www.beirutband.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/beruit">Myspace</a></div><div align="left">The sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=139266387">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s.html/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sq?ie=UTF8&keywords=beirut&index=blended&pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000UJ48XG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0N2S22GTR1TWBAQF60NG">Amazon</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-75189142761838962232008-04-29T11:15:00.003-06:002008-04-29T11:24:58.084-06:00Coldplay - Violet Hill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBdX-sH7iRI/AAAAAAAAAMc/h6zAIv8XTkw/s1600-h/coldplay_viva.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBdX-sH7iRI/AAAAAAAAAMc/h6zAIv8XTkw/s320/coldplay_viva.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194717429703084306" border="0" /></a><br />Coldplay released their new single, Violet Hill as a free MP3 over <a href="http://coldplay.com/song.php">on their site</a> today. You should probably check it out.<br /><br />I haven't quite decided if I like it or not after a few listens, but it's certainly different than their last few singles (Speed of Sound, Clocks etc.). I know Stu will be firing back in seconds about how Coldplay is music for bed-wetters, but this song seems to have less of a bed-wetting vibe to it. Definitely more rock.<br /><br />The new album (with a terribly long name that I'm refusing to type) is out on 6/17. Oh, and yes, that picture up there is the album art. I know, I know. But the music will be good, right? I think so.<br /><br /><a href="http://coldplay.com/song.php">Get the new single here </a>(only free for a week).<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />Buy some Coldplay online: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coldplay/e/B000APPUFK/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=471744">iTunes</a><br />Visit them on the web: <a href="http://www.coldplay.com">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/coldplay">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-61619204822308017712008-04-25T10:24:00.001-06:002008-04-25T15:54:51.832-06:00A little more Howie Day...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBIDLcH7iQI/AAAAAAAAAMU/PY8zQSatSRw/s1600-h/howieday.jpg"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SBIDLcH7iQI/AAAAAAAAAMU/PY8zQSatSRw/s320/howieday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193216815374502146" border="0" /></a>I like how I posted earlier this week about Nine Inch Nails and now I'm giving you some Howie Day. It's good, I dig - it should keep all of y'all on your toes. That's right, I just said y'all. Or is it ya'll? Hmmm....food for thought there. How does one spell y'all? It's not giving me the red squiggles for that spelling so I'm stickin' to it. Now, back to the post:<br /><br />I've gotten my dirty little hands on a few more demos from Howie's forthcoming release - hooray for me! <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/howie-day-everyone-loves-to-love-lie.html">As you may remember</a>, I'm a bit hesitant about any new recordings from Howie in the post-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Australia-Howie-Day/dp/B000068CZN/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209140388&sr=8-5"><span style="font-style: italic;">Australia</span></a> era but these two songs seem to bring things a bit closer to the Howie Day I know and love. They're certainly a step up from the song I posted previously, "Everyone Loves to Love a Lie".<br /><br />The first is called "Be There". I'm not sure how much of an improvement this is from some of the work Howie has done recently - it just reminds me of Collide a bit too much. I get the feeling that he's reaching for another hit with this one. He may have it, the hook is catchy and the song moves along in a poppy enough fashion. That's what the kids like these days, right? It could probably slide right into any episode of Grey's Anatomy without a problem. I wouldn't say that's a good thing but I suppose it is for Howie...<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/bethere.mp3">Be There</a><br /><br />The second is called Sound the Alarm. I've got to admit, I'm a little excited about this track - it's got the old school Howie vibe to it. The guitar work has quite a bit more edge to it when compared to basically everything on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-All-World-Now-Howie/dp/B0006A9GO0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1209140388&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stop All the World Now</span></a> which I think is necessary for Howie if he wants to bring things back to his roots. A nice buildup towards the end too.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/soundthealarm.mp3">Sound the Alarm</a><br /><br />All in all it's a step in the right direction. No news on a release date yet but these sound pretty polished - especially "Sound the Alarm". Hopefully that means it's getting close? We'll see. He's on tour now (and using the pedals again) so check him out if he's coming close to your town, you won't regret it.<br /><br />Buy some Howie Day: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=howie%20day&sourceid=Mozilla-search">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1559474">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.howieday.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/howieday">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-45539246287998543022008-04-23T09:38:00.001-06:002008-04-23T09:39:41.060-06:00Nine Inch Nails - Discipline<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SA9XxsH7iPI/AAAAAAAAAMM/9uT7_BRM5_k/s1600-h/trent.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SA9XxsH7iPI/AAAAAAAAAMM/9uT7_BRM5_k/s320/trent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192465406551099634" border="0" /></a>I <span style="font-style: italic;">thought</span> I heard a new NIN song on the radio yesterday but I figured I'd just forgotten a single they released during the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Teeth-Nine-Inch-Nails/dp/B000929AJQ/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-3752654-3219151">With Teeth</a> era. Nope, I rolled out of bed today and found that not only did Trent & Co. release a new single to the radio yesterday (called "Discipline") but they also threw it up for free download on their website at around midnight. Sweet.<br /><br />The track fits perfectly on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teeth-Nine-Inch-Nails/dp/B000929AJQ/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-3752654-3219151"><span style="font-style: italic;">With Teeth</span></a> (which is probably why I thought it was a single I'd forgotten about) which can either be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view. It certainly rocks more than the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-I-IV/dp/B00158SHD8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1208964662&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ghosts</span></a> albums (yes, there's vocals this time). I dig it, definitely worth a listen. Plus, it's free so whaddya got to lose?<br /><a href="http://dl.nin.com/discipline/nin"><br />Click here to proceed to the download page.</a><br /><br />Buy some NIN: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Inch-Nails/e/B000APYLU0/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=107917">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.nin.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/nin">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-48679737118356869412008-04-21T10:23:00.002-06:002008-04-21T10:27:38.541-06:00Some NEW Longview...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAy_E4TqMrI/AAAAAAAAAME/4ZzKGT8td40/s1600-h/longview.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAy_E4TqMrI/AAAAAAAAAME/4ZzKGT8td40/s320/longview.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191734561006564018" border="0" /></a><br />I'd hope that most of you know Longview, but in case you don't you should probably check out their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/long-view">Myspace page</a> and take a listen to Further. Their first album, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Long-View/dp/B0007OP28O/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-7504477-9135150">Mercury</a> is a necessity in any collection. The combination of shoegaze textures and alt-pop hooks should please the "indie" crowd and the more mainstream folk as well. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Long-View/dp/B0007OP28O/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-7504477-9135150">Check it out on Amazon</a>, it can usually be had for a pretty modest price (looks like it's just a penny right now!).<br /><br />The band has been pretty quiet the last few years, especially in the US. Since they're from the UK I can't say that I'm surprised about the lack of US-centric news, but I can always hope. British bands always seem to sneak their way into my playlists more than US bands, which is rather saddening since I rarely get to see them live. Ah well, such is life.<br /><br />Anyways, they have recently thrown up a few demos on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/long-view">their Myspace page</a> and on <a href="http://www.longviewmusic.com/">their official website</a>. I've posted a few here (my favorites of the batch) but head over to <a href="http://www.longviewmusic.com/">their site</a>(s) for the rest.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/wastetonight.mp3">Waste Tonight</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/why.mp3">Why?</a><br /><br />Waste Tonight is the only one of the five cuts that still feels like <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Long-View/dp/B0007OP28O/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-7504477-9135150">Mercury</a> - a little more of hook to it then the rest of the cuts. Why has a swirling buildup at the end that you've just <span style="font-weight: bold;">GOT</span> to hear.<br /><br />In general, they seem to be moving more towards shoegaze and further away from the alt-pop that was everywhere to be heard on <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercury-Long-View/dp/B0007OP28O/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpt/104-7504477-9135150">Mercury</a>. I'm not sure how I feel about the change, but I can't say I didn't expect it.<br /><br />Buy some music from Longview: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Long-view/e/B000APTAH4/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=41852791">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.longviewmusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/long-view">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-90338619864110526442008-04-18T16:40:00.005-06:002008-05-13T22:22:39.928-06:00Weekend Playlist<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">It's been a long week - now it's time for rockin'! These tunes helped me survive the week, hopefully they'll make your weekend brighter:<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/iwgya.mp3">Joseph Arthur - I Wanna Get You Alone</a><br /><i>-from his latest (of many this year) EP, Crazy Rain</i><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fightergirl.mp3">Mason Jennings - Fighter Girl</a><br /><i>-from his upcoming album, In the Ever (5/20)</i><br />[mp3] <a href="http://http//www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/juno.mp3">Tokyo Police Club - Juno</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/creeper.mp3">Islands - Creeper</a><br /><i>-from the upcoming album, Arm's Way (5/20)</i><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/minetoremember.mp3">Waz - Mine to Remember</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.mymorningjacket.com/segrulive/evilurgesdownload.html">My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges</a> (via their website)<br /><i>-from their upcoming album of the same name (6/10). The link will re-direct you to their site for the d/l.</i><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/lrts.mp3">Gavin Rossdale - Love Remains the Same</a><br /><i>-Guilty pleasure? Probably. It's not as bad as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_%28band%29">Institute</a> though. That was ugly. Pug fugly, even. His solo debut (Wanderlust) is out 6/3</i><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/sore.mp3">Annuals - Sore</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/scorpianwoman.mp3">Overview - Scorpian Woman</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fools.mp3">The Dodos - Fools</a><br /><br /><u><b>Buy some tunes:</b></u> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=joseph%20arthur&sourceid=Mozilla-search">Joseph Arthur</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=mason%20jennings&sourceid=Mozilla-search">Mason Jennings </a>| <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=tokyo%20police%20club&sourceid=Mozilla-search">Tokyo Police Club</a><br />| <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=islands&x=0&y=0">Islands</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=waz&x=0&y=0">WAZ</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=my+morning+jacket&x=0&y=0">My Morning Jacket</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gavin+rossdale&x=0&y=0">Gavin Rossdale</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=annuals&x=0&y=0">Annuals</a> |<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=overview&x=0&y=0">Overview</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+dodos&x=0&y=0">The Dodos</a><br /><br /><u><b>Visit them online:</b></u> <a href="http://www.josepharthur.com/">Joseph Arthur</a> | <a href="http://www.masonjennings.com/">Mason Jennings</a> | <a href="http://www.tokyopoliceclub.com/">Tokyo Police Club</a> | <a href="http://www.islandsareforever.com/">Islands</a> | <a href="http://www.wazmusic.com/">WAZ</a> | <a href="http://www.mymorningjacket.com/">My Morning Jacket </a>| <a href="http://www.gavinrossdale.com/">Gavin Rossdale</a> | <a href="http://www.annualsmusic.com/">Annuals</a> | <a href="http://www.overviewband.com/">Overview</a> | <a href="http://www.dodosmusic.net/">The Dodos</a><br /></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-39596913424084979862008-04-18T12:30:00.001-06:002008-04-18T14:49:03.511-06:00Overview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAjmxImHIhI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5pQp79OTtDE/s1600-h/overview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAjmxImHIhI/AAAAAAAAAL8/5pQp79OTtDE/s320/overview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190652302339809810" border="0" /></a><br />Some of you may have already heard of the band I'm writing about today - Overview. They made a big splash in the indie scene last year with a number of <a href="http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=251419">extremely favorable reviews </a>of their EP, <span style="font-style: italic;">Forty-Four Stone Tigers</span>. It appears that <a href="http://www.myspace.com/overview">they're back to writing some more songs</a>, hopefully we'll have some more output from these guys again this year.<br /><br />In case you missed the boat (as I did) last year, here's what you missed:<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/scorpianwoman.mp3">Scorpian Woman</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/44stonetigers.mp3">Forty-Four Stone Tigers</a><br /><br />Now, don't think that you've heard it all after hearing these two songs. While the EP is only 7 songs, it's best described as a roller coaster. The keys come in full force on Melancholy in the City and they've saved up some sweet hand-clapping action for the latter half of the album.<br /><br />You'll get to hear them veer towards pop, punk, progressive rock and indie rock but somehow it all fits together - it all sounds like the same band. Do yourself a favor and pick up the EP already!<br /><br />Buy it online: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forty-four-Stone-Tigers-Overview/dp/B000VB4YEG/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208542330&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=270396150&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Visit Overview: <a href="http://www.overviewband.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/overview">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-61169671349354942342008-04-17T09:45:00.000-06:002008-04-17T09:45:48.886-06:00Six Pack of the Week - Rainy Day Tunes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAU8r4mHIfI/AAAAAAAAALs/HBSh0wu7ZBw/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189620870238642674" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAU8r4mHIfI/AAAAAAAAALs/HBSh0wu7ZBw/s320/sixpack.jpg" border="0" /></a>The month of April and rain are nearly synonymous in the north-western hemisphere of the world. Since that's where I live those are the lamentations you shall hear today.<br /><br />It rained (and snowed) today in the little place I call home and I'm sure it will keep on raining through the end of the month. And then stop. Forever. Because I live in a desert.<br /><br />We've got some tunes to get your drenched and dreary soul through the day. First off, my (Kraig) picks:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Beatles - Rain</span><br /></div><br />Oh, The Beatles. They're either the greatest thing since sliced bread or the most over-hyped band that's ever graced the planet depending on your stance. Regardless of whether you like them or not, most people seem to agree on the overwhelming influence The Beatles have had on popular music over the past 40 years. "Rain" is a shining example of why they were such a revolutionary band.<br /><br />The song features the best drum fills Ringo has made this side of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abbey-Road-Beatles/dp/B000002UB3/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208305963&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Abbey Road</span></a>, some of the sweetest tone to be heard at the time on the bass, a collection of the first real "psychedelic" lyrics John brought our way - not to mention the fact that we're hearing the first implementation of a backwards track when John's vocals reverse right before it starts to fade out. Really, The Beatles don't get much better than this. And it's a b-side?? Seriously - there's <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> few tracks I hold in this high of a regard and it's not even an a-side single. Crazy. Oh, and it's about rain (<a href="http://oldies.about.com/od/thebeatlessongs/a/rain.htm">well, probably</a>) if you didn't guess.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/Rain.mp3">The Beatles - Rain</a><br /><br />Buy some music from The Beatles: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Beatles/e/B000APTK6K/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pearl Jam - Wash</span><br /></div><br />This song has more to do with "washing away" then rain, but there's a heavy dose of precipitation imagery involved throughout. When I hear this I can always see Eddie screaming to the skies to open themselves up as the song closes out - a lot of passion there. I was a bit surprised that they were able to retain the original grit when this was re-recorded for <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Dogs-Pearl-Jam/dp/B0000DYJM6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208314760&sr=8-1">Lost Dogs</a> a few years ago. I've posted the most recent version, but <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/wash1.mp3">the original</a> is quite epic as well.<br /><br />The most important thing here is that I get to hype my two favorite bands in the same post for songs they aren't well known for. How often does that happen?<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/wash.mp3">Pearl Jam - Wash</a><br /><br />Buy some Pearl Jam: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Jam/e/B000AQ37PY/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=467464">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.pearljam.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pearljam">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stu's:</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collective Soul - She Gathers Rain</span><br /></div><br />I once asked Kraig if this song was about a fat chick. It makes sense, doesn't it? If she's gathering rain, she must be a pretty big girl. Pretty self-explanatory to me, but I think it came at Kraig completely out of left field.<br /><br />I was never very fond of this song until I had the privilege to hear it live. A couple years ago CSoul came to Boise, Idaho, and played at the Idaho State Fair (of all places!), and we (Kraig, Brock, myself, and some friends) decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up. We all squeezed in a tiny car and drove the 4-5 hour trip up to Boise. The song wasn't any different at the show, but for some reason the hook just sounded soooo good live. Now She Gathers Rain is one of the songs I think of when I think Collective Soul. Oh, and it also has the rain theme we're featuring this week. Ya, nice.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/08%20She%20Gathers%20Rain.mp3">Collective Soul - She Gathers Rain</a><br /><br />Buy some Collective Soul: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Collective-Soul/e/B000ARC4RK/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=146191">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.collectivesoul.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/collectivesoul">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Adam Elk - It's Raining In Here</span><br /></div><br />I don't really feel qualified to talk about Adam Elk (as I know incredibly little about him, besides that he's an ex-member of the Mommyheads), but I knew I had to include this track in our rainy day list. Elk brings the funk and, wow, is it good. That's some good funk right there. A couple years ago I wasn't a fan of the funk, but I credit many of the tracks on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Labello-Adam-Elk/dp/B00000IBK7/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208327077&sr=8-12"><span style="font-style: italic;">Labello</span></a> to bringing me over to the funk side.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/06%20It%27s%20Raining%20In%20Here.mp3">Adam Elk - It's Raining In Here</a><br /><br />Buy some Adam Elk: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adam-Elk/e/B000APKSKC/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=14138100">iTunes</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Brock's Songs</strong><br /></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Apples in Stereo - The Rainbow</strong><br /></div><div></div><br /><div align="left">This is a song that's ostensibly about rain, but in a happy way! The Apples in Stereo can't really help but make you happy, with such a excellent mix of quasi-psychadelic, 60's-style sugary sweet pop. Check it out!<br /></div><br /><div align="left">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/TheRainbow.mp3">The Apples in Stereo - The Rainbow</a><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div>The sites: <a href="http://www.applesinstereo.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theapplesinstereo">Myspace</a><br /><div align="left">The sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=2729853">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s.html/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sq?ie=UTF8&keywords=apples%20in%20stereo&index=blended&pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000JRYO9C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0RVDNZRQRW9DCGKYHMSH">Amazon</a></div><div align="left"> </div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><strong>The Jayhawks - Save It For a Rainy Day<br /><br /></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="left">If you don't own the album <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainy-Day-Music-Jayhawks/dp/B00008NRLX">Rainy Day Music</a></em> by the Jayhawks, you're missing out on a modern masterpiece. It's fantastic alt.country that evokes early Beatles and has some of the greatest vocal harmonies around. The Jayhawks are currently <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayhawks_%28band%29">on hiatus</a>, which fills me with some rain-soaked sadness.</div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/SaveItForARainyDay.mp3">The Jayhawks - Save It For a Rainy Day</a></div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The sites: <a href="http://www.jayhawksfanpage.com/">Fansite</a><br /></div><div align="left">The sounds: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1587874">iTunes</a></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-64476732800411610342008-04-14T10:59:00.001-06:002008-04-16T00:56:19.241-06:00Waz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAOAsImHIeI/AAAAAAAAALk/4LJEZ1BUo_8/s1600-h/waz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SAOAsImHIeI/AAAAAAAAALk/4LJEZ1BUo_8/s320/waz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189132691370877410" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes I get a little bothered by the total isolation that life in Utah can bring. The music scene is pretty dull in the town I live in, campus life revolves more around Sunday mornings than Saturday nights and the complete and utter domination of conservative values is a little too much to handle at times.<br /><br />It's times like these that I'm quite happy that I can at least drive down to Salt Lake every once and again and see a kick ass show and forget about Simpleton, USA for a few hours. While I know that Salt Lake may not be the "real world", it's at least a step up for me.<br /><br />Back to the point at hand - Stu and I were able to see the <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/04/hotel-cafe-tour-avalon-theatre-salt.html">Hotel Cafe Tour in Salt Lake</a> a few weeks ago and ever since then I've been a bit depressed about the music scene in my neck 'o the woods. There's not a whole lot of talent to be had here, despite being in a "college town" and most people here seem more interested in knocking everyone else around rather than just playing good music. It's a pity, really - and one that exposed itself in my mind while watching the artists on the Hotel Cafe Tour. All of the artists that played were immensely talented and could have drawn a crowd on their own, but they chose to tour together instead. Ticket prices could have been higher but they seemed to be more concerned about helping each other out and bringing everyone's name to the masses, rather then just their own.<br /><br />After the show I spent some time looking into other artists who've found a starting point at the Hotel Cafe. Waz is one of the singer-songwriters that I've found myself listening to most as a result of this little search.<br /><br />Waz original hit the spotlight quite a while ago as the original guitarist for <a href="http://www.peteyorn.com/">Pete Yorn's</a> band back in the early 2000's. After a few days of listening to Waz's music I can certainly feel Pete's influence on him. The songwriting is great, though I can't say that the vocal presence is on Pete's level. It's a bit more poppy than most of the songs Pete puts out, and there's more keys (which I dig) but it has the same kind of feel. Waz can write a hell of a bridge too, the two songs at the end of the post both take dramatic (and well done) turns at the end of the song. Bottom line - if you like Pete Yorn, you'll probably like Waz.<br /><br />It seems that after Waz has started seeing some success of his own. His full length solo album was released in January, he's had a song featured on "The Hills" and he was able to meet up and associate with the Hotel Cafe Tour gang. Not bad for the new kid, all out on his own now.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/minetoremember.mp3">Mine To Remember</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/shesgone.mp3">She's Gone</a><br /><br />Buys some WAZ: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJVY5U/ref=dm_dp_adp?ie=UTF8&qid=1208188864&sr=8-3">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=214135541">iTunes</a><br />Visit WAZ online: <a href="http://wazmusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/waz">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-55973698343083405682008-04-11T09:02:00.004-06:002008-04-11T09:22:59.278-06:00Absentstar - Sea Trials<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z66q7itEVm8/R_-A8IX9McI/AAAAAAAAAAg/PrRgyP-VJl8/s1600-h/Absentstar_Rookery_020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z66q7itEVm8/R_-A8IX9McI/AAAAAAAAAAg/PrRgyP-VJl8/s400/Absentstar_Rookery_020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188007066282570178" border="0" /></a><br />Absentstar's debut album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sea Trials</span>, will hit the stores next Tuesday. It's one of the albums I've been most excited about this year - a <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/search?q=dan+wilson">Dan Wilson</a> produced alt-pop album? Sounds like a recipe for success to me.<br /><br />The closest comparison that comes to my mind is <a href="http://www.dishwalla.com/">Dishwalla</a>, though they seem to rely a bit less on the keys. I'm still getting a feel for the album, a review should be up shortly. Check out these tracks until then:<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/halflife.mp3">Half Life</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/forgodsakes.mp3">For God Sakes</a><br /><br />Pre-order the album: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Trials-Absentstar/dp/B000S88JRK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207926540&sr=8-1">Amazon</a><br />Visit Absentstar online: <a href="http://www.absentstar.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/absentstar">Myspace</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-47429172350762968302008-04-10T13:45:00.003-06:002008-04-17T23:03:43.291-06:00Six Pack of the Week - Bonus Tracks!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_vfalS2N5I/AAAAAAAAALc/9uyqRIRqBeY/s1600-h/sixpack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186985043628013458" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_vfalS2N5I/AAAAAAAAALc/9uyqRIRqBeY/s320/sixpack.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sometimes 12 songs just isn't enough. Sometimes, you're just listening along to a new cd, and that last song ends, but it doesn't <em>end</em>. Or sometimes it'll just be an extra track thrown your way, as a very special thank you for buying the cd. You'd better buckle up, because you've entered the realm of bonus tracks, baby. I (Brock) will go first this time around.<br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Damnwells - Air Stereo</strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="left"><em>Air Stereo</em> is hands down one of my favorite albums. "Accidental Man," "I've Got You," and "I Am a Leaver," just to name a few incredible tracks. Why they chose the title track as a bonus track is beyond me, but I'm more than willing to accept an odd decision with such a good album. </div><br /><div align="left">[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/14%20Air%20Stereo%20%28Bonus%20Track%29.mp3">The Damnwells - Air Stereo</a><br /></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Buy some Damnwells: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=6398222">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=The%20Damnwells">Amazon</a></div><div align="left">Visit the site: <a href="http://www.thedamnwells.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thedamnwells">Myspace</a></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jack's Mannequin - Into the Airwaves</strong><br /></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="left"></div><em>Everything in Transit</em> is the (so far) only album from the former frontman for Something Corporate, and it's a great record. It "ends" with a song called "M.F.E.O./You Can Breathe" that is a giant run-on sentence of beautiful pop-punk-piano songwriting. Then there's a little spoken thing about the end of the record, and how there won't be another record for a while because of laziness. Then "Into the Airwaves" starts up, right out of nowhere. <div></div><br />[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1652177_yh4n3/11%20Into%20the%20Airwaves%20%5B_%5D.mp3">Jack's Mannequin - Into the Airwaves </a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="left">Buy some Jack's Mannequin: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=74214170">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Jack%27s%20Mannequin">Amazon</a></div><div align="left">Visit the websites: <a href="http://www.jacksmannequin.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jacksmannequin">Myspace</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;" align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kraig's Picks</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Counting Crows - Sunday Morning L.A.</span><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Brock and I <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-saturday-nights-and-sunday_25.html">recently reviewed <span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings</span></a>, Counting Crows' latest release. While we were slightly disappointed with the album itself, we didn't directly address the bonus tracks that came with an iTunes purchase of the album.<br /><br />Strangely enough, Counting Crows followed in the footsteps they themselves set in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Desert-Life-Counting-Crows/dp/B00002JXF8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207688880&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">This Desert Life</span></a> by keeping some of the best work off of the proper album, instead saving it for a bonus track. Similar to "Kid Things" from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Desert-Life-Counting-Crows/dp/B00002JXF8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207688880&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">This Desert Life</span></a>, "Sunday Morning L.A." is a very strong track - which further boggles my mind as to why it couldn't make the cut over some of the other duds that did.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/sundaymorningla.mp3">Sunday Morning L.A.</a><br /><br />Buy some Counting Crows: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Nights-Sunday-Mornings-Counting/dp/B000WMGDD4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1206838035&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=276357021&s=143441">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.countingcrows.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/countingcrows">Myspace</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" align="left">Howie Day - So, Goodbye<br /></div><br /><div align="left">As I discussed in <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/howie-day-everyone-loves-to-love-lie.html">a previous post</a>, Howie Day's post <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Australia-Howie-Day/dp/B000068CZN/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1204043163&sr=8-6"><span style="font-style: italic;">Australia</span></a> career has left me wanting a bit more. <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-All-World-Now-Howie/dp/B0000BYM3J/ref=m_art_li_2">Stop All The Wold Now</a> </span>was a fair album (on a good day) with a few strong tracks and a lot of songs that were trying too hard to hit top 40 radio. It seemed almost like Howie was trying to distance himself from the sound he created on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Australia-Howie-Day/dp/B000068CZN/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1204043163&sr=8-6"><span style="font-style: italic;">Australia</span>.</a><br /></div><div align="left"><br />That, in itself, was probably the reason I fell hard for the bonus tracks that popped up in the Special Edition releases and on the Japanese release. These tracks had more passion and depth then the rest of the album - it was Howie, not some cheap TRL clone! Not surprisingly, my favorite cuts from the album ended up being "bonus tracks". Most were included after-the-fact on import or special editions, including this one, "So, Goodbye".<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/sogoodbye.mp3">So, Goodbye</a><br /><br />Buy some Howie Day: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Howie-Day/artist/B000APQHFC/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel/104-7764737-8319116">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=1559474">iTunes</a><br />Visit Howie online: <a href="http://www.howieday.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/howieday">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stu's Two</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">First, I just want to say that Brock stole one of my bonus tracks, that dirty sneak! But I will echo his sentiments on The Damnwells - Air Stereo; most days I feel like this is the best song on the album. Usually on those days Kraig calls me an idiot, but I shall continue to stick to my crazy notions and opinions!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pete Yorn - Go With It</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Back when Pete released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nightcrawler-Pete-Yorn/dp/B000GG4RPC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207714335&sr=8-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nightcrawler</span></a> either his label, his management or the man himself decided that, in order to better promote the record, they should throw out a bunch 'o bonus tracks that were "exclusive" to different stores. This meant that you got different bonus tracks if you bought <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightcrawler </span>from Circuit City rather than from Best Buy or iTunes, and vice versa. (Pete talks about it in an old interview with <a href="http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2006/09/an_interview_wi_12.html#more">BrooklynVegan</a>)<br /><br />On one hand, it was nice that all these new Pete Yorn tracks were being released. On the other, it made the couple days after the album was released quite hectic while we were trying to round up all the bonus tracks. (Check out these old posts from <a href="http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2006/09/pete-yorn-nightcrawler-bonus-tracks.html">Heather</a> and <a href="http://vedderfreak12.blogspot.com/2006/09/more-b-sides-and-some-yorn.html">Bryce</a> for most of 'em). Go With It is the most rockin' of the bonus tracks, and probably should've been put in the meaty part of the CD instead of being an iTunes-only song.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/15%20Go%20With%20It.mp3">Pete Yorn - Go With It</a><br /><br />Buy some Pete Yorn: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Yorn/e/B000AQTG9K/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=539139">iTunes</a><br />Visit him online: <a href="http://www.peteyorn.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/peteyorn">Myspace</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sense Field - The Horse Is Alive</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I think the story goes that one day Kraig was browsing around in our local independent music store (which, sadly, no longer exists), and randomly found Sense Field's <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Outside-Sense-Field/dp/B0000A0WKB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207714386&sr=1-2">Living Outside</a> </span>and picked it up on a whim. I managed to get a hold of it ('cause that's what happens when you live with a dude), and it didn't leave my grasp for quite a while.<br /><br />It makes me sad that these guys broke up, <span style="font-style: italic;">Living Outside</span> was downright awesome. Powerful vocals, great keys, nice drummin' and strummin'; it's very good stuff! And The Horse Is Alive is one of the best types of bonus tracks: the hidden ones. I hate when they call a song a "bonus track" when it's got its own track break. That's too easy! Your bonus should come after much hard work and due diligence (like fast forwarding for like a minute 'til you're at the exact right moment where the bonus track starts). Yeah, that's what it should be. Anyway, I figure most of you don't want to fast forward through a bunch of silence, so I cut the bonus track out of the nearly 11 minute final track. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/12%20The%20Horse%20Is%20Alive.mp3">Sense Field - The Horse Is Alive</a><br /><br />Buy some Sense Field: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sense-Field/e/B000AQ0IQA/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=497079">iTunes</a><br />Visit them online: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sensefield">Myspace (tribute page)</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div></div><br /><em>Bonus Tracks:</em> Now what would a six-pack about bonus tracks be without some bonus tracks? Unless you pre-ordered the deluxe version of Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings, you probably didn't get these songs. I don't think that's terribly fair, so here are two <em>bonus</em> bonus tracks (along with my apologies for the delayed post [Brock's fault]):</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1652150_bbki5/01%20There%20Goes%20Everything%20%28Pre-Order.mp3">Counting Crows - There Goes Everything</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1652154_xpekz/02%20Come%20Around%20%28Acoustic%20Version%29%20%5BP.mp3">Counting Crows - Come Around (Acoustic)</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07483752465392415644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-64227751762605694182008-04-08T10:54:00.002-06:002008-04-08T16:46:41.838-06:00Interview: Dan Wilson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_ujJ1S2N4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/nBQRfMBpx2k/s1600-h/dan-wilson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_ujJ1S2N4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/nBQRfMBpx2k/s320/dan-wilson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186918785167538050" border="0" /></a><br />Prior to Saturday's Hotel Cafe Tour at the Avalon Theater, Stu and I had a chance to sit down and chat for a few minutes with Dan Wilson. For those of you unfamiliar with Dan's work, he's the lead singer of the 90's alternative band, Semisonic (and Trip Shakespeare). He has also produced a number of albums in the recent past, including Mike Doughty's Golden Delicious and Absentstar's Sea Trials. He also co-wrote a grammy winning song with the Dixie Chicks!<br /><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br />The only real downfall to the experience was that my damn camera decided to die, so no photos.<br /><br />Obviously, we were quite thrilled with the opportunity to speak with Dan. Hope you enjoy it!<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Well, I guess let’s get this thing started! I got a hold of a couple of albums you’ve been producing recently: Mike Doughty’s Golden Delicious and Absentstar’s Sea Trials. I know you’ve done some work in bands with Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic and now your solo work but I don’t really know how you got into the production side of things - how did that all work out?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">It was kind of ass-backwards, actually. I had this idea that, not like an original idea but a notion, that I wanted to be writing songs for other people’s records. I had this idea in about 1998. I suddenly started telling people “I wanna write with other people, I wanna put my songs on other people’s records”, because I always had all these extra songs. </span><br /><br />You know, if you’re in a band you get to put out 12 songs every two years - maybe. Maybe a couple of b-sides. If you’re prolific (which I was really trying to be prolific at the time) it’s frustrating to have this limited number of slots. It’s like one song every two months is how it works out. So I was noisily telling people that I wanted to write for other people’s albums.<br /><br />As I was doing that I started to write with other people I found that the music business people would be very literal about the demos I’d give them. They’d say “yeah, we were kind of hoping for something with drums” And in my mind I’d think “Yeah, you could probably put drums with this and it would be really great. That’s how it always works, you sing the song and then the drummer plays.” I learned after talking to people and laughing about it with my friends, was that you had to make a demo that would sound like the record - then they could copy it exactly and then it would get released. So, I realized that to be this “songwriter to the world” I’d have to learn how to produce albums.<br /><br />So then I went to Sweden and Norway and I worked with some amazing producers there. Since they were “digital world” producers they were very open with their tricks. Analog engineers and producers are very secretive it’s kind of a “I have a little box under the table, you can’t see it” type of a thing. Computer culture is all about “information is free” and I’ll just tell you how to do it - so everyone just taught me how to do it. I went around for about a year - I went to England and I want to CA for a while. I made demos and wrote songs with people and learned how to do it. So the next time I started writing songs with people, like Mike Doughty, I would say, “Okay, let’s make a version so you know what it’s going to be like”. With Mike, when he and I wrote together we wrote “American Car” and “Your Misfortune” and those demos are basically what’s on the album. We added a few things, but once we did those couple of tracks, Mike was saying “Why don’t I just have you produce the record? This could be pretty simple”. So, it’s kind of ass-backwards but that was how it happened.<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> That’s kind of funny because I remember following Semisonic for a while and all of sudden Semisonic wasn’t doing a lot, then out of the blue I’d see a Dan Wilson produced album!</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">It was funny, all 3 of us in the band, we took our last recording with MCA - we didn’t know it would be the last recording, but it turned out to be the last recording -“All About Chemistry”. We really just turned that into a playground and learned how to make a record. We were really hands on because they were too sterile or not lively enough. We learned a lot about how to make sure it still feels lively.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Yeah, it’s definitely an art</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> Well, it’s not for everybody either.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> I know you won the grammy last year - congratulations on that. I was wondering, when you’re writing for someone else do you write a song with someone to sing it in mind or do you just write a song and think “maybe these guys” afterwards?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> Well I’ve actually done it both ways and it turns out that currently my favorite thing is to get together with someone and write with them. I’ve found that when I’m writing for someone else I </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: 0em;">really</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> want it to sound like them. i want it to sound like their concerns and their phrasing and their attitude about the world. I think if I just wrote a song on my own and sent it, it would work, but to me it’s more fun to be the guy who’s gently helping the person to achieve their own idea of a what a song should be. I especially think for me that it’s okay to do now because I can make my own records and stand on stage and have an audience, so I have my own outlet. When I go in to collaborate with someone else I can be in a really, really helpful, low ego mode. Which is fun, you know - less stress.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />Kraig:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Here’s a random question for you! Outside the venue here we noticed that there’s a handful of Canucks out there. They traveled 14 hours to get here. I guess this is the closest you’ve come to Calgary on the tour. Do you get a whole lot of people following you around from that kind of distance or do you get a whole lot of people following you from show-to-show on this particular tour?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> Wow - I think if I were kinder I would just play more shows that were closer to them. Definitely, on this tour, because everyone has an audience and there’s people who will snap up tickets, it’s been tricky for people to get tickets in time for any particular show. It’s just harder to get the seats. Like in Minneapolis I know lots of people went to Chicago or Madison because they sold out slower so there was an element of people traveling around. I think that may be an extreme amount of distance and time though. I hope I sing really well.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Definitely give a shout out to those guys - that’s a hell of a trip.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, yeah, definitely. That’s amazing. I think also it’s been quite a long time since I played in a lot of places. I’ve done a lot of gigs in Minneapolis in the past several years. I’ve played in New York a lot or if not a lot, several times. I’ve played in LA regularly but I haven’t done a whole lot else in between.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />Kraig: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Honestly, I’m not sure you’re missing a whole lot.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> No, no it’s actually good. It’s interesting, I took a walk today and walked to the Valley Fair Mall. There was a scrap-booking nook, Willey’s bail-bonds, Amigo Insurance Company. It was a very strip-mall, industrial thing - not the most picturesque scene on the ground. But ringing around the view there’s a 360 degree view of unbelievable mountains and I was completely transported by it. I was walking through what in Minneapolis would be flat version of that, nothing transcendent about it. </span><br /><br />It’s also good to get to other places. Minnesota culture is real different from everyone else and it’s good to be reminded that I’m not like everyone else and it’s not the same everywhere. You have to be able to relate to people. So it’s good to get out of the house.<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> So you like being on the road?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">I do, it soothes me. I have a wife and an 11 year old daughter, so it’s harder to leave, there’s a little pain every time. But then you get on the bus and get into the mode...</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Stu got his hands on a copy of a live show you did in Dallas of last year. You told a story about Closing Time that I totally wasn’t expecting - is that song really about your daughter?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> It’s really a giant pun about being bounced from a bar and being bounced from the womb. I thought it was going to be pretty obvious to people when I wrote it but it turns out no one got it. I guess I was too clever.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I didn’t get it, that’s for sure.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Well, you’re not alone! I still have this philosophy that you shouldn’t explain songs too much because I’ve almost never been happy with an explanation of a song by an artist. By not happy I mean that it’s never been as good as what I thought it was about. If a friend asked me “what’s such-and-such song about” in private, I’d probably tell them, but I feel like it’s almost in imposition on the listener if I tell them what the song is about. Now, I kind a figured that enough time has passed and Closing Time is a little landmark on culture somewhere and it’s not going anywhere, so I feel like I have a right to talk about it. It’s almost like it’s not my song anymore - I can put my gloss on it, I can put my own wiki on my own song but it’s going to get erased by everyone else’s.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Speaking of Closing Time, after it became a hit did you feel a lot of pressure from your label to match that and write another “Closing Time”?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, yeah - here’s the deal with that. That was kind of difficult. I had a friend in the music business, a really smart guy who really loved “The Great Divide” - Semisonic’s first album. That album didn’t sell well and I had really thought it was very commercial. I was really trying to write singles on that album. I thought FNT, Delicious and If I Run were all singles. I guess they were but they just didn’t click. Maybe the time wasn’t right. This friend of mine, Jim Barber told me when I was venting to him that the way to succeed in music is to make the same album twice.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br />Stu: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Really?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> Yeah. I thought that was really interesting too. He said “Just write a bunch of great songs and if there’s things on the last album that you did and you really liked them, just do them again”. I thought that was a real interesting approach. The only thing I really changed was I decided I was going to make it a big “art project” and I wasn’t going to worry about singles or commercial success. I was going to put that out of my mind. I just treated The Great Divide as a template for an art project and improved it. </span><br /><br />So, Feeling Strangely Fine was fixing what was wrong with the other record, but kind of doing it again but totally as an art project. Then it was a huge success! I knew after that the the thing to do would be to do it again, but I couldn’t do it “again, again”. I didn’t have it in me. I’d already done it again and I did it with sort of an an art project attitude, not thinking about success. <span style="vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />I think Semisonic almost had a backlash with </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: 0em;">All About Chemistry</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">. We kind of let our more nerdy sides show in a big way and let it all be more keyboardy. It was a whole different vibe. I think that was because I may have been rebelling against the idea of writing another song about a bar or something. </span><br /><br />It was interesting because then I had an interesting experience with Rick Rubin while doing my solo album because I sensed that he was almost avoiding listening to or talking about Semisonic. It was like he wanted it to be a completely fresh start, we weren’t going to be referencing or comparing. It wouldn’t be a sequel of any kind.<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> Just a different thing completely?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, just “what you’d do alone”. That was a really beautiful thing. I think next I should just do Free Life again! It just seems to me like I’ve figured out a lot of stuff. I’ll fix what was broken on Free Life - I haven’t figured out what it is yet, but eventually I’ll have some criticisms about it and I’ll just write it again. It’ll be a nice little repetitive cycle of life.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> It seems that lot of times when a songwriter is working with a band for a while they end up with some songs that “don’t fit” with the band. Were the songs you recorded for </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Free Life</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> older songs that didn’t quite work with Semisonic, or was this all new stuff?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Well, that’s close. All during the period of time I was writing Free Life I was thinking “If I write a song that sounds like Semisonic, I’ll ask those guys to cut it with me”, but it just didn’t happen. I kept writing Golden Girl or All Kinds or Free Life. I kept writing songs that didn’t sound like the band. They weren’t cast-offs before, it was just quite clear that something was happening that wasn’t related to that band, so I just had to do this other thing. </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"><br />A DJ put me on the spot recently and said “So the title </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: 0em;">Free Life</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">, does that mean you’re free of your band mates, John and Jake?”. I was horrified! I hope they don’t think that’s what I meant by it at all. “Oh, I’m so tired of them” or whatever. We’re still friends, we get along great and we do stuff together.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> They were on the album too, right?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, they played on the album. It’s a funny thing. I hadn't really thought about it. It’s probably my sub-conscience rebelling against them.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Do you think you’re going to play with or record another album with them again?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">I would like to. I’ve been thinking about it. I was out of the song-writing flow for about a year. I decided to change some things on Free Life right before it got released so it was kind of a really stressful 6 month period and the label was mad because I was changing things. I was adding songs and they thought it was all wrapped up. They had every reason to be irritated. But I wasn’t in a song-writing flow. I was producing Absentstar and Mike Doughty and finishing my record. I was not in the “outer-space” feeling I need to be in as a writer. </span><br /><br />There’s this weird thing I relate it to. I’ve never been pearl diving before but I’ve been snorkeling at twilight. With song-writing it feels to me like the world is almost unrelated to your life and you need to have time in the day to dive down into that. There can’t be anyone asking for stuff or coming around. You can come up maybe an hour later or maybe right away with something great or something unexpected. To me, that’s what it really feels like. For me, I have to set my life up to do that. So right now I’ve just cleared the decks, I just finished Jeremy Mastersmith who I was producing and I just finished the new Standards album. All of my promises are kept now I have nothing now.<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> So now it’s Dan time?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, so now I’m going to do a lot of “diving”. I’ll go down into that dark part of my mind and find things and bring them back up. My heart wants to make a new solo record right away but I’ll just have to figure that out when the songs come. I might write a whole bunch of songs that are for other people to sing, I don’t know. But I hope I can do another solo record really quick.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> Since you were just talking about the songs just “coming to you”. Is that how it is? Do you just kind of wait for it? I’ve never really written music or anything so I wonder if when you write a song is it something that’s coming at that time or do you have to “nudge it” out?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">It’s a combination. Those are both true. For me, there's labor in it and I have to be in ‘the mode”. It’s that distracted, slightly melancholy state of mind. I have to be trying to write songs. Most of them suck. Usually by a surprising or a backdoorish way a real idea will come and because I’m in that “song capturing” mode, it’s easy. If a great idea comes that’s really inspiring it’s like it comes into your mind from the side and it presents itself and I think “whoa”. Since I’m in that labor-intensive mode of writing it’s not effort anymore. I just go, “boom”, and then it’s done. It’s kind of weird because I’d like my best songs to be the ones I work the hardest on but that’s not true.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> Really?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Yeah, it’s the ones that I’m walking down the street or waiting for a cab and I take out my memo thing and sing, then I put it back. A week later I’ll think “Oh, what was that thing I put in my memo?” and I listen and think “Fuck, that was great!”. So I can’t really savor the process. There’s no, “Oooo, I’m writing a great song” about it.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">It’s over before you know it, huh?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan:</span> Yeah, it’s over before you know it. It’s not even like you’re a participant. It’s more like you’re an observer - it’s almost like you’re not even there. You get all music-y and then it’s over. Mostly for me, I end up saying “How did I do that? I can never do that again! That was the last song!” It’s neurotic, I know. But it’s funny, it’s both - it’s conscious effort and then just inspired accidents. My wife can tell. I’ll be talking to her and then she’ll say something interesting and I’ll get this distant look in my eye. I’m trying to pay attention to what she’s saying and she’ll ask “Are you writing something?”<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> You’ve been doing the “solo thing” right now. You’ve done the “band thing” with Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare. You’ve been the record producer and the co-writer. </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Which aspect are you enjoying most right now?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Well, this tour has been really fun. It’s been a particularly special setup with a lot of talent in one bus. It’s a pretty low ego-level scene on the bus, it’s pretty cool. Everyone is really clever and really talented. It’s really fun to be in this setting. I’m really, really savoring it and loving it a lot. It’s my last day on the tour and I’ve just been trying to drink it up. At the moment I’m really loving touring and playing for people. </span><br /><br />It might also just be an element of getting tired of one thing and you get to go to your distraction or switch to something else. Like, “Oh, I’m sick of this I’m going to go produce an album” or something. Do you guys have dogs?<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> I’ve had one, but not for a while.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Stu: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">I’ve had one too.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan: </span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;">Could you picture this in your mind? A dog lying down in one of those doggy beds the ones with the big round pillows. The dog gets on the pillow then goes around and around and around. Just circling and circling. It starts to lie down, then gets up and goes around and around. It takes forever and you just want to hit it on the butt to get it to sit down. To me, songwriters are that way. They’ll think “Oh, the lighting is too bright I’ll adjust the lighting. Ah, perfect! Oh, maybe my electric would be good here” and they’ll run upstairs rand get the guitar. “Oh, maybe I should get a Starbucks”. It’s this circling, circling, circling thing. Lots of times you end up writing a song on the way to Starbucks. </span><br /><br />I try to keep myself in this distracted state - I don’t do it consciously but for me, as an artist, I like that distracted state. I like having the option of working on different kinds of things. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, when and if it arises, of writing more songs with the Dixie Chicks. I have to make sure that I don’t over-serve myself with co-writing because I want to be excited about that. I don’t want to get greedy about any one thing because I want to maintain that feeling of excitement about whatever it is I’m working on right now.<span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig:</span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Well, I don’t think we’ll take anymore of your time. Thanks so much for sitting down with us - we really appreciate it!</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br />Dan:</span><span style="vertical-align: 0em;"> No problem, I hope this makes for a good piece!</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: 0em;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kraig: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: 0em; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Thanks again - we’ve both been big fans for a long time. Good luck tonight!</span><br /><br />Buy some music from Dan Wilson: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Free-Life-Dan-Wilson/dp/B000VKKU90/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207627031&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=806659">iTunes</a><br />Visit Dan online: <a href="http://www.danwilsonmusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/danwilsonmusic">Myspace</a><br /><br />Previous posts about Dan: <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/03/six-pack-of-week-flyin-solo.html">Six Pack (Flyin' Solo)</a> | <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/04/hotel-cafe-tour-avalon-theatre-salt.html">Hotel Cafe Tour (Show Review)</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-24315548551347922662008-04-07T22:25:00.003-06:002008-04-17T19:06:49.162-06:00The Hotel Cafe Tour @ Avalon Theatre, Salt Lake City (4/5/08 )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_rrtFS2N3I/AAAAAAAAALI/RdYM3J-L1nM/s1600-h/hotelcafe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_rrtFS2N3I/AAAAAAAAALI/RdYM3J-L1nM/s320/hotelcafe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186717080618415986" border="0" /></a><br />This past Saturday, Kraig and I had a chance to take in the Hotel Cafe Tour. Apologies in advance for the lack of pictures - it seems that Kraig’s old digital camera finally decided to bite the dust just in time for the show, so no photos. Sorry!<br /><br />For those of you outside the know, here’s a bit of info on the Hotel Cafe and the ensuing tour:<br /><br /><blockquote>Once just a small coffee shop, The Hotel Café has quickly blossomed into not only one of the premier singer/songwriter venues in the United States, but also been labeled “the place that breaks artists.” The artists surrounding The Hotel Café regard it as home, where lyrics, voice and a DIY approach rule. On any given night, you can find well known artists (such as: Weezer, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Death Cab For Cutie, KT Tunstall and many more) on the same bill with up-and-comers, playing both as solo artists and as a communal project, sometimes well rehearsed and sometimes in the heat of the moment, and more often than not, jamming into the wee hours of the morning.<br /><br />For the past 4 years, The Hotel Café has been presenting a tour that has hit every major market in the United States and the UK. The concept of the tour was to share the same community vibe with music fans all over the globe. Artists performed solo and would then share the stage with fellow tour mates. No cookie-cutter corporate American Idols, just real music, written by real artists, surrounded by real friends, who actually have a story to tell. Starting in March 2008, The Hotel Café Tour will embark on another journey that will cover 35+ major markets in the North America, before heading over to the United Kingdom!<br /><br />The tour will feature a rotating lineup of at five artists at every show, all sharing musicians and supporting one another, making for a unique night of music. The tour is held together by performer and co-organizer Cary Brothers, who will be present for the entire tour.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hotel-Cafe-Tour/10682566791">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hotel-Cafe-Tour/10682566791</a>)</span><br /><br /><span id="fullpost">The show had an...interesting format. The 5 artists that graced Salt Lake City (<a href="http://www.meikomusic.com/">Meiko</a>, <a href="http://www.jimbianco.com/">Jim Bianco</a>, <a href="http://www.carybrothers.com/">Cary Brothers</a>, <a href="http://www.danwilsonmusic.com/">Dan Wilson</a>, and <a href="http://www.ingridmichaelson.com/">Ingrid Michaelson</a>) each took a turn playing 3 songs. Then they all came back and did the same thing again (not the same songs, mind you, but the whole playing-3-songs-and-leaving thing). Also, there was no waiting time in between sets for the setting up/dismantling of rock equipment; they just went from one act to the next, which was pretty nice.<br /><br />I was particularly impressed with the ability of the supporting band that was touring with these five singer/songwriters. Each act played with the same guitarist/bassist/drummer and “multi instrumentalist” (i.e. trumpet, keys, guitar, accordion etc.). These guys nailed each and every song despite genres ranging from sparse, nearly acoustic setups (Meico) to Jazz (Jim Bianco) to Alt-Rock (Cary Brothers) and everything in between.<br /><br />Personally, I wasn't a fan of the 3 song format. I would've rather seen each artist do their 6 songs in a row. Maybe it's just me, but I can't figure out how I feel about an artist after only 3 songs. By the time they come back on stage again, I had usually forgotten what the songs they played previously were like and if I enjoyed them.<br /><br />Anyway, if you haven't guessed already, we went primarily to see Dan Wilson (of Semisonic fame). He was very good, though it made me sad that about 3/4 of the people there didn't know who the hell he was until he played Closing Time. However, we did meet some die-hard fans who drove all the way from Calgary to see Dan play, which was definitely nice to see.<br /><br />Dan was able to play a total of eight songs in his three times on stage, one more than any of the other performers (since they played a song of Dan’s for the final encore!). His first set consisted of Easy Silence, Breathless and Free Life, the title track from his brilliant solo record. The first set definitely left me wanting more Dan, especially since a lot of the crowd seemed to be there just to see Ingrid Michaelson again. Kraig was able to record all of Dan’s songs except Easy Silence, check ‘em out:<br /><br />First Set<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/breathless.mp3">Breathless</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/freelife.mp3">Free Life</a><br /><br />Dan came second to last (instead of last) the second time around. His second set consisted of Sugar, Baby Doll, Second Modern (an Elvis Costello cover) and Closing Time. Of course, Closing Time was the crowd favorite - the teeny boppers could be heard between courses frantically text messaging each other to “figure out” who sang the song originally. Silly kids. He shared a great story about the writing of the song which Kraig was able to capture on for your listening pleasure:<br /><br />Second Set<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/sugar.mp3">Sugar</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/babydoll.mp3">Baby Doll</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/secondarymodern.mp3">Secondary Modern</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/closingtime.mp3">Closing Time (with explanation)</a><br /><br />Baby Doll and Sugar were both absolutely breathtaking from the second set. Ingrid came out to sing back up vocals on Sugar, which despite being a little rusty, still added a new dimension to the song. Secondary Modern was a great track that none of the pre-teens had ever heard. Here’s to hoping they’ll take Dan’s advice and go out and listen to some Elvis Costello.<br /><br />The final encore brought all the performers back on stage for one last hoo-rah. The chosen song was All Kinds, another off of Dan’s recently released solo debut, Free Life. I’m not sure if Dan was getting encore love on each stop of the tour, or if they just played his song on our date since it was his last outing on the tour - but it was a very fitting ending to a great show.<br /><br />Encore<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/allkinds.mp3">All Kinds</a><br /><br />As for the rest of the performers, they probably could have renamed the tour “You Heard us on Grey’s Anatomy - Live!” All the artists except Jim made comments about getting their “break” on a TV spot, and it seemed Grey’s Anatomy was mentioned most often. I don’t have a problem with that, it just seemed a little strange for all the artists to have that same experience. I guess the guys picking the music for Grey’s Anatomy must be checking out the tour? Probably.<br /><br />Meiko had a strong voice, but didn't bring a lot of energy or excitement to the stage. Her song-writing just doesn’t seem to be there yet. There was heavy reliance on “do-da-do’s” and “la-la-la’s”, which to me seems like the easy way out of a chorus.<br /><br />Jim Bianco was a hell of an entertainer and put on a fantastic performance. His music wasn’t something I’ll go out and buy, but if he comes to my neck ‘o the woods I’ll make it my business to see him play again. Probably more of a comedian than musician in most cases, but still - worth seeing if he’s coming to your town.<br /><br />Cary Brothers was the first person to really bring the rock to the show. He started out strong and used his powerful vocals to keep things interesting throughout both of his sets. He had the most sonically complex songs out of the group, relying on effects pedals and angsty vocals throughout, which I rather enjoyed.<br /><br />Ingrid Michaelson (whom a majority of the audience was there to see) was sort of hit-and-miss. A couple of her songs were pretty good, a couple were not so much. The crowd seemed to go crazy when she played that song that’s on the Old Navy commercial, which was nice but not quite up the level that I felt Dan provided. She had a really interesting song that relied on vocal rounds at the end of her set which was the highlight for me.<br /><br />All in all the show was had a very enjoyable vibe to it - something you don’t usually see with artists of this caliber. The camaraderie wasn’t faked at all, lots of collaboration took place and they all seemed to genuinely like each other. Since the Hotel Cafe Tour is hitting basically every major market in the US and UK, it’s probably coming near you. We both highly recommend checking it out - ticket prices are low and the entertainment value is high (even though Dan isn’t on the ticket anymore). Just be sure to pick up your tickets fast, they seem to be selling out quickly just about everywhere!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=CE5766142910D1E1">Here's all of the recordings from Dan's performance in a convenient .zip package (for a limited time only!)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/hotelcafetour">Click here for more info on the Hotel Cafe Tour.</a><br /><br />Buy some music from Dan Wilson: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Free-Life-Dan-Wilson/dp/B000VKKU90/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207627031&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=806659">iTunes</a><br />Visit Dan online: <a href="http://www.danwilsonmusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/danwilsonmusic">Myspace</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1