Music IS What Matters

Monday, April 2, 2012

New Music Review: Sharon Van Etten-Tramp

Sharon Van Etten-Tramp

Jagjaguwar

Grade: 8.6 (B)

Available At: NPR, Amazon MP3 & CD, eMusic

Official Site: sharonvanetten.com

Singing in an octave that reminds me of Lucinda Williams (minus any twang) and delivering her vocals in a way that reminds me of Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner (though much more personal in content), Indie folk rocker Sharon Van Etten delivers a dozen confessionals in a croon that permeates with lush undertones. That the new album is called "Tramp", it may lull you into thinking that Van Etten has a bit of a self confidence issue...that is if she is looking at it from a mirrored image point of view. But through these songs, it becomes apparent with each listen, that lyrically, Van Etten is pouring her soul to the masses with a lot of fight. An "I'm here, this is how I'm dealing with this" comes out. And because of that fight, "Tramp" turns out to be an intriguing listen at best.

Produced by Aaron Dressner, guitarist from the National, and recorded in his own studio, Van Etten's lyrics gets a benefit from a very lush sound surrounding her fight thanks in part to Dressner's treatment of these songs. Take "I'm Wrong" for instance. The horn swells that build near the end wreak of The National's "High Violet" from 2010 ("England" comes to mind from that album). And the guest list of musicians that stop by is a mish mash of who is hot in Indie east coast music. Aaron's brother Bryce (from the National), Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner, Julianna Barwick, The Walkmen's drummer Matt Barrick, Thomas Bartlett and Beirut's Zach Condon (on the wonderful duet of a couple fooling themselves to thinking their relationship is hunky dory on "We Are Fine"). Each of these artists lends their strengths to the sound to make it almost feel like a super band, collaborative effort. But after repeated listens through the murky haze of sound, it becomes apparent that Van Etten's croon is the major star.

Whether it's the big, dark jangle of the opener "Warsaw", the sinisterly creepy opening single "Serpents" or the legendary build that almost reminds of "Hey Jude" without the na-na-na's on "All I Can", Van Etten's songwriting makes these standout tracks on "Tramp." The only peeve I have is since these songs don't rely on hooks or big melodies, everything can tend to blend and have no definition as a whole of an album. Also, for an album that has Van Etten fighting through uncomfortable odes to isolation, the closing hushed "Joke Or Lie" feels like a bit of a letdown or a whimper. But there is enough strong material on "Tamp" to let those things go.

"Tramp" is an album that is hard to admire and with a good amount of patience, an easy album to love. But you've got to dive into the muddy water that Van Etten's brought to the table. She scowls, "I had a thought you'd take me seriously" on the snarling "Serpents". With thoughtful crooners like this, you're going to have to eventually take this upcoming star for her words. It just might take some time to let that sink in.

JHO Picks: Warsaw. Serpents, All I Can, We Are Fine

Source: http://www.jhostation.com/2012/02/new-music-review-sharon-van-etten-tramp.html

The Olivia Tremor Control Joan Of Arc Saturday Looks Good to Me Television Personalities

THE WILD SWANS "Bringing Home The Ashes"

THE WILD SWANS were formed back in 1980 but it was only on 1988 that the band released their very fist studio album entitled "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES". Fronted by Legendary Musician PAUL SIMPSON and a recent visitor here in the Philippines. The band had a different line up when they did a concert here in MANILA and CEBU. Definitely one of the most memorable New Wave Concerts I have ever watched the past three decades. Hmmmp? Talking about longevity right? Ha Ha Ha!! By the time "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" was released by SIRE/REPRISE Records back in 1988, THE WILD SWANS' members were PAUL SIMPSON, JEREMY KELLY (Lotus Eaters), and JOE FEARON. YUP!! That's the trio in the Album Cover. That means that two of the members were able to visit the Philippines already since JEREMY KELLY was in MANILA together with PETER COYLE as "THE LOTUS EATERS" back in 2002. YUP!! They were here in MANILA LIVE IN CONCERT and that was also a great concert which I definitely didn't missed out. The reason why JOE FEARON was included in the line up was that GED QUINN who was also one of THE LOTUS EATERS dropped out few months before the album was completed and released. The making of the album also included session players on both keyboards and drums to add up to the unique sound. "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" was produced by PAUL HARDIMAN and the album officially yielded two singles namely "YOUNG MANHOOD" and "BIBLE DREAMS". As I've mentioned here in my blog on my "THE WILD SWANS: PLATINUM COLLECTION" Blogpost back in APRIL 5 of this year 2011 only few days before the news of their PHILIPPINE CONCERT was revealed to me. THE WILD SWANS were first introduced here in MANILA by NU 107 back in 1988 with the song "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES". The next MANILA hit was "WHIRLPOOL HEART" which was also introduced by NU 107. Then other songs from the album keep on getting airplay from DZBM POWER 105 and of course NU 107 wherein the two singles "YOUNG MANHOOD" and "BIBLE DREAMS" then became a regular playlist. "BITTERNESS" and "ARCHANGELS" also became MANILA hits when It became part of the playlist of the Two Month College Radio Format of 99.5 RT's "RHYTHM AND ROCK" back in 1989. While "NORTHERN ENGLAND", 'MYTHICAL BEAST", and "THE WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE" became POWER 105 DZBM Hits. The one and only song from the album that really didn't have that necessary radio exposure was "NOW AND FOREVER".

Definitely, PINOY NEW WAVERS should have this album on their music collection. In my case, I bought the "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" Album both on Vinyl Record and CD formats which is shown on the photo. The album for me is a great buy and I consider all songs as CLASSIC indeed!! The album is very much lighter than the early works of THE WILD SWANS, but the messages of the songs here are very dark and enigmatic in a way. Hmmmp? Talking about RELIGION, WAR, ANGST, and REBELLION gave the whole content of a Protagonist's Life of a Preacher I may say. The Music and Lyrics are cut above the rest with a splendid Melody that perks you up whenever you listen to the whole album.

BRINGING HOME THE ASHES CD (1988)
TRACKLIST:

1. Young Manhood
2. Bible Dreams
3. Bitterness
4. Archangels
5. Northern England
6. Whirlpool Heart
7. Bringing Home The Ashes
8. Mythical Beast
9. Now And Forever
10. The Worst Year Of My Life

I decided not to upload the whole album for download because all the 10 tracks were also included on the "The Wild Swans Platinum Collection" which I have already featured here on my little blog "The Doctor Is In". Btw, THE WILD SWANS performed a record SEVEN SONGS from the album on their MANILA Concert at ONE ESPLANADE last OCTOBER 1, 2011 which I think would establish how good the album is. The songs they played were "Bible Dreams", "Archangel", "Northern England", "Now and Forever", "Whirlpool Heart", "Worst Year of My Life", and of course the album's title track "Bringing Home the Ashes" which was also the song the band sang on their only Philippine T.V. appearance on EAT BULAGA which I've also featured here in my blog recently.

LISTEN TO "WHIRLPOOL HEART" Here:
Btw, this song was included on one of Philippine New Wave Legendary Vinyl Record Series called"THE BEST OF NEW MUSIC" which I already featured here on my blog wayback December 1, 2009 so just check my Labels/Archives.

LISTEN TO "BITTERNESS" Here:

There was a Tribute Party given to the Late RONALD TENGSICO aka. TAZMANIAN DEVIL who was one of the Legendary DJ of POWER 105 DZBM FM back in JULY 3, 2010 which was entitled "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" and held at NOMIXX BAR and RESTO. TAZ, THE GODFATHER of THE POWER SWITCHERS CLUB as he was called, passed away MAY 24, 2010 then was cremated. Well, as the saying goes "ASHES TO ASHES; DUST TO DUST".

I also included Two VIDEO CLIPS of THE WILD SWANS CONCERT here in MANILA shared by fellow KABAYANS just to spice up this blogpost of mine. Well, since I'm not really into taking Videos that much in Concerts because of my experience of singing along with the songs while watching, then my voice would be much louder. Ha Ha Ha!! YUP!! I was supposed to upload Videos of The Lost 80s, Gene Loves Jezebel Concerts, just to name a few since I was lucky to attend all these NEW WAVE 80s concerts here in MANILA, but that problem couldn't be solved. Ha Ha Ha!! Up until now, I still have goosebumps recalling what transpired on THE WILD SWANS Concert. WOW!! THAT WAS INDEED AN EXCELLENT CONCERT TO BE CHERISHED!! THANKS to all KABAYANS who shared these Manila Concert Video Clips. MABUHAY!!

THE WILD SWANS MANILA CONCERT:

WATCH "THE WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE" Here:

WATCH "ARCHANGELS" Here:

Of course, here's The Two Music Videos of
THE WILD SWANS' official singles of the album:

WATCH the Music Video of "YOUNG MANHOOD" Here:

WATCH the Music Video of "BIBLE DREAMS" Here:

Btw, if you haven't read my "THE WILD SWANS: PLATINUM COLLECTION" Blogpost just click THE WILD SWANS Photo to ENTER it:

Well, I hope you guys ENJOYED another trip down memory lane here on "The Doctor Is In" by this blogpost special on THE WILD SWANS album "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES". I'll leave you with the Title Track of the album and do join me in singing it. THANKS for dropping by!!

LISTEN and SING ALONG to "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" Here:

BRINGING HOME THE ASHES
Lyrics

Goodbye...
To out of England
The pain never fades away after all these times

Word war...
And revolutions
The hat and the heart of England never dies

Bringing home the ashes
It's more than I can bear

Goodbye...
Chained of sorrow
The curse of a thousand year beneath the gloves
Warm down and hardly breathing
The hat and the heart of England never dies

Bringing home the ashes
It's more than I can bear

When winter lightning flashes
You'll find me all way there

Bringing home the ashes
It's more than I can bear

When winter lightning flashes
You'll find me all way there

Word war...
And revolutions
The hat and the heart of England never dies

Bringing home the ashes
It's more than I can bear

Goodbye...
Chained of sorrow
The curse of a thousand year beneath the gloves
Warm down and hardly breathing
The hat and the heart of England never dies

Bringing home the ashes
It's more than I can bear

When winter lightning flashes
You'll find me all way there

Let's BRING HOME THE ASHES!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

Source: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/2011/10/wild-swans-bringing-home-ashes.html

Marine Research Neva Dinova Jens Lekman Tilly and the Wall

RhoDeo 1210 Grooves

Hello, we leave the funk grooves today and exchange them for some hot hiphop jazz grooves, Gang Starr.

On a side note a new host today, Refile they gave me good speeds lately.

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The group was founded by Keith Elam in Boston, Massachusetts in 1985 (then known as Keithy E. The Guru) and DJ 1,2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee) . Gang Starr was founded in 1987. The group initially released three records, produced by DJ Mark the 45 King, on the Wild Pitch Records record label, but these records received little attention. After a change in line-up, the group consisted of rapper Elam and beat maker DJ Premier. Gang Starr released its first LP No More Mr. Nice Guy on Wild Pitch Records; the group achieved a sizable following and released six critically acclaimed and influential albums from 1989 to 2003

In 1989, the group split and the only member willing to continue under the name Gang Starr was Guru. He soon got in touch with DJ Premier (then known as Waxmaster C) who sent him a beat tape which Guru liked. He invited DJ Premier to join Gang Starr and in that same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989). Between albums, in 1990, Guru and Premier contributed a song, "Jazz Thing," to the Mo' Better Blues soundtrack.

In 1990 the group was signed to the Chrysalis record label by then A&R director Duff Marlowe, a former DJ and Los Angeles Times rap music critic. The London-based label offered Guru and Premier unlimited artistic license and major-label distribution worldwide, a platform that the group used to become one of the most influential hip hop acts of that decade. During their career Gang Starr helped pioneer the New York City hardcore hip hop sound. Step in the Arena (1991), on which they perfected the approach of their debut, that is, a stark, hard-hitting jazz-rap production style, complete with Premier's masterful DJ cutting, over which Guru's battle-rap-hardened yet smoothly delivered lyrics -- often thoughtful, sly, and streetsmart -- take flight. Gang Starr's third album, Daily Operation (1992), furthered the duo's approach stylistically; widely considered an East Coast rap classic, it's arguably Guru and Premier's finest work, along with its predecessor.

Beginning in 1993, Guru and Premier began working separately. Guru's debut album, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 (1993), took the so-called jazz-rap style to a new level, featuring jazz musicians such as Lonnie Liston Smith, Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, Donald Byrd, and Roy Ayers, along with guest vocalists such as N'Dea Davenport (of the Brand New Heavies) and MC Solaar (of French rap fame).

Meanwhile, Premier produced six tracks for KRS-One's solo debut, Return of the Boom Bap (1993); moreover, in 1994 he proceeded to produce three tracks for Nas' debut, Illmatic; two for the Notorious B.I.G.'s debut, Ready to Die; five for the self-titled debut of Branford Marsalis' Buckshot LeFonque project; the entirety of Jeru the Damaja's debut, The Sun Rises in the East; and also a handful of remixes for various artists.

Amid all of this activity, Guru and Premier found time to record their fourth album, Hard to Earn (1994), which was more hardcore-fashioned -- as was the style at the time, in the wake of Death Row's uprising -- than past Gang Starr albums and, also unlike past efforts, featured guest rappers. The album spawned the duo's biggest hit to date, "Mass Appeal."

Following Hard to Earn, Guru and Premier resumed their solo activity. Guru released Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality (1995) and a various-artists compilation, Guru Presents Ill Kid Records (1995), while Premier produced the bulk of Livin' Proof (1995), the debut of Gang Starr affiliates Group Home (who featured on Hard to Earn). Also in 1995, Premier produced three tracks on KRS-One's second solo album; and two tracks on Hold It Down, the third album by Das EFX; as well as assorted remixes and one-off productions.

In 1998, after four years between albums, Gang Starr returned with Moment of Truth, their first album to chart number one (on the R&B/Hip-Hop album chart, that is; it peaked at number six overall, still their best showing commercially to date). Moment of Truth was a significant departure from past Gang Starr efforts, very much contemporary in style.

A double-disc retrospective, Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr (1999), subsequently marked the duo's ten-year anniversary. In the years that followed, Guru and Premier continued to focus on their own work. Guru continued his Jazzmatazz series, beginning with a third volume, Streetsoul, in 2000; he also released solo rap albums, beginning with Baldhead Slick & da Click (2001)

As for Gang Starr, Guru and Premier did reunite for The Ownerz (2003), a celebrated return to form, but the reunion proved short-lived, leaving back-catalog collections such as Mass Appeal: The Best of Gang Starr (2006) to fill the void. Sadly, Guru died at age 43 on April 19, 2010 after battling cancer, suffering a heart attack, and for a time falling into a coma.

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Aside from some scrupulous lyrical stances by Guru and some of DJ Premier's hallmark brilliance behind the turntables, this Gang Starr isn't instantly recognizable as the duo who would soon become one of the most respected rap groups of the 1990s. Here the duo are still in a leg knee-deep in the old-school aesthetic. As a result, Premier's beats are quite a bit simpler and sometimes cruder than fans have come to expect (though they are still several cuts above the rest of the class), and Guru spends considerable energy talking up his own microphone skills and tearing down the next MC's. That is not the same thing, however, as saying that No More Mr. Nice Guy is a subpar album. It is not, by any means. In fact, it's quite good in its own way, but it's also safe to say that the recording is not representative of the Chrysalis-era Gang Starr that devotees would eventually come to revere. Approach this album on its own terms, though, and it has a lot to offer, namely its early, tentative steps into the sampling of jazz. The most conspicuous attempt in this direction is the fine "Jazz Music," which was, nevertheless, reworked to much better effect a few years later for the soundtrack to Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues as "Jazz Thing." Indicative or not, fans of the group will want this album, as will those with a jones for the original new-school revolution.

Gang Starr - No More Mr. Nice Guy
or
Gang Starr - No More Mr. Nice Guy (427mb)

01 Premier & The Guru 3:22
02 Jazz Music 3:24
03 Gotch U 3:04
04 Manifest 4:55
05 Gusto 3:12
06 Positivity (Remix) 4:49
07 Manifest (Remix) 5:09
08 DJ Premier In Deep Concentration 3:07
09 Conscience Be Free 3:54
10 Cause And Effect 3:15
11 2 Steps Ahead 3:40
12 No More Mr. Nice Guy 3:14
13 Knowledge 3:38
14 Positivity 3:30

Gang Starr - No More Mr. Nice Guy (163mb)

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The album on which DJ Premier and Guru perfected the template that would launch them into underground stardom and a modicum of mainstream success. Guru's deadpan monotone delivery was shockingly different from other early-'90s MCs, many of who were either substituting charisma for substance or engaging in hardcore "realism" without really commenting on black inner-city life or offering ways to alter the situation for the better. But it is Guru who sounded like the real clarion call of and to the street on Step in the Arena Here we find the first real mature flowering of his street-wise sagacity. His voice would grow more assured by the next album, but here Guru imparts urban wisdom of a strikingly visible variety. Guru is not easy on any aspect of the inner city, from the "snakes" that exploit the community to those that are a product of it, and the result is a surprising but hard-fought compassion , where Guru pleads for the acceptance of responsibility, for not taking the easy path. He seems to have somehow developed a hopefulness out of the bleak surroundings. DJ Premier was already near the top of his game at this early point. His production seems less jazz-fueled on Step in the Arena, opting more for spare guitar lines and tight beats, as well as his unmistakable vocal cut-up style of scratching for a slightly warped and out-of-phase soundscape.

Gang Starr - Step In The Arena (274mb)
or
Gang Starr - Step In The Arena (274mb)

01 Name Tag (Premier & The Guru) 0:36
02 Step In The Arena 3:37
03 Form Of Intellect 3:40
04 Execution Of A Chump (No More Mr. Nice Guy Pt. 2) 2:41
05 Who's Gonna Take The Weight? 3:56
06 Beyond Comprehension 3:13
07 Check The Technique 3:58
08 Love Sick 3:27
09 Here Today, Gone Tomorrow 2:18
10 Game Plan 1:08
11 Take A Rest 4:21
12 What You Want This Time? 2:41
13 Street Ministry 1:25
14 Just To Get A Rep 2:42
15 Say Your Prayers 1:24
16 As I Read My S-A 3:02
17 Precisely The Right Rhymes 3:25
18 The Meaning Of The Name 2:55

Gang Starr - Step In The Arena (116mb)

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On Step in the Arena, DJ Premier and Guru hit upon their mature sound, characterized by sparse, live jazz samples, Premier's cut-up scratching, and Guru's direct, unwavering streetwise monotone; but, with Daily Operation, the duo made their first masterpiece. From beginning to end, Gang Starr's third full-length album cuts with the force and precision of a machete and serves as an ode to and representation of New York and hip-hop underground culture. The genius of Daily Operation is that Guru's microphone skills are perfectly married to the best batch of tracks Premier had ever come up with. Guru has more of a presence than he has ever had, slinking and pacing through each song like a man with things on his mind, ready to go off at any second. Premier's production has an unparalleled edge here. For an underground crew, Gang Starr has always had a knack for crafting memorable vocal hooks to go with the expert production, and they multiply both aspects on Daily Operation. Every song has some attribute that stamps it indelibly into the listener's head, and it marks the album as one of the finest of the decade, rap or otherwise.

Gang Starr - Daily Operation (274mb)

01 Daily Operation (Intro) 0:27
02 The Place Where We Dwell 2:27
03 Flip The Script 4:02
04 Ex Girl To Next Girl 4:39
05 Soliloquy Of Chaos 3:14
06 I'm The Man 4:04
07 92 Interlude 0:29
08 Take It Personal 3:10
09 2 Deep 3:39
10 24-7/365 0:24
11 No Shame In My Game 3:55
12 Conspiracy 2:47
13 The Illest Brother 4:44
14 Hardcore Composer 3:16
15 B.Y.S. 3:05
16 Much Too Much (Mack A Mil) 3:30
17 Take Two And Pass 3:17
18 Stay Tuned 2:31

Gang Starr - Daily Operation (115mb)

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Source: http://rho-xs.blogspot.com/2012/03/rhodeo-1210-grooves.html

Smudge Los Campesinos! Headlights A Weather

The Year Was...1993

Random Playlist For 1993:
1. Beck-Loser
1993, the year to get crazy with the cheese whiz...
2. Cypress Hill-Insane In The Brain
I still love the break with the organ in the last chorus and playing that trumpet.
3. Liz Phair-Divorce Song
It could be the best divorce song ever. And a lighter is stolen...
4. Urge Overkill-Sister Havana
Urge Overkill..now I remember 1993.
5. Nirvana-All Apologies
The bittersweet goodbye from Cobain
6. Sheryl Crow-All I Wanna Do
Where it all started for Sheryl Crow. Lighthearted and a tad bit cheesy now.
7. The Flaming Lips-She Don't Use Jelly
Never forget: The Flaming Lips made it big with a song about self pleasure.
8. The Breeders-Cannonball
Just a great bass line, and a second song in this playlist involving a bong.
9. Wu Tang Clan-C.R.E.A.M.
Does cash really move everything around you? Dollar dollar billz y'all.
10. Lenny Kravitz-Are You Gonna Go My Way
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest rock songs of the year and the decade for that matter.
11. Elastica-Stutter
A song about impotence was the lead up to Elastica's huge hit Connection. And it still rocks.
12. Smashing Pumpkins-Cherub Rock
The intro to Siamese Dream is still, to me, their finest moment. It's all in the first 30 seconds of that song.

7 Albums Worth Revisiting From 1993:
1. Smashing Pumpkins-Siamese Dream
2. Liz Phair-Exile In Guyville
3. Pearl Jam-Vs.
4. Nirvana-In Utero
5. The Afghan Whigs-Gentlemen
6. Dinosaur Jr.-Where You Been
7. Depeche Mode-Sogs Of Faith And Devotion

Random Quote From A Song From 1993:
"Oh, I thought the world of you/I Thought Nothing Could Go Wrong, But I Was Wrong...I Was Wrong."
"The Do You Have To" Song

Random Thoughts On A Song From 1993:

Maybe I've forgotten the name and the address
Of everyone I've ever known, It's nothing I regret

New Order had a bit of anticipated "comeback" album in 1993 with Republic. It was their first full length album since 1989's "Technique". In the face of full out grunge, harder gangster rap and U2 flying off to Zooropa, New Order's first single "Regret" still managed to find it's own address when it was released in the spring of 1993. It became a staple for me through the summer of 1993 and still sounds fresh today. The guitar line is punchy, the drums moving, and Peter Hook's bassline, like many New Order Songs, is simply punishing. Plus the sentiment hits home. The chorus: "I would like a plcae I could call my own, have a conversation on the telephone....You were a complete stranger...now you are mine." Bernard Sumner looks at life from a nomad's point. He wonders if he can finally find a home, true love..and if the decisions he's made have put him in the right place. He may also be fooling himself thinking there's nothing he regrets. 19 years later, I feel a lot of "Regret", sometimes I feel I've taken the part of the character Sumner bitter-sweetly portrays himself as. Who doesn't want comfort, home, love you can count on. It's one of my favorite songs of all time because of these reasons. Just wait til tomorrow...I guess that's what they all say...Right?
...a shallow fuse burning out of time....

Source: http://www.jhostation.com/2012/02/year-was1993.html

Feist Sing Sing Great Lake Swimmers Razorcuts

Sunday, April 1, 2012

O.M.D. LIVE in MANILA

Well, KABAYANS here it goes again another of our NEW WAVE HEROES coming over here in MANILA. YUP!! This time It's O.M.D. and It's not "Oh My Doctor" okay!! Ha Ha Ha!! It's O.M.D. "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark" LIVE IN MANILA on March 12, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. So I guess It will be another trip down memory lane for all PINOY NEW WAVERS. Definitely, a treat for music lovers and music collectors like me. So travel into time when Vinyl Records spins on radio stations and dance floors. That's the 80s!! Unless if you don't have any Vinyl Records left in your collection then I might be talking aliens here. He He He!!I'll leave you with Andy McCluskey & Paul Humphreys invitation for you to watch their Concert here in MANILA.

-DR. STIRRING RHOD

Source: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/2012/02/omd-live-in-manila.html

Saturday Looks Good to Me Television Personalities The Fiery Furnaces Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

John Craig & The Weekend...conceptually

Concept records are tricky business. If the story is too obtuse or hard to follow the listener won't stick around for the whole thing to unfold. If the songs lack a pop hook to them, it makes them hard to digest. However, if the story is interesting and the band uses the music to help propel the idea, then they can be quite entertaining. While not a true concept record (at least that's what I got from the record promoters liner notes), their does appear to be a song cycle embedded in the debut record by JOHN CRAIG and THE WEEKEND.

Craig has a falsetto voice that is not unlike Geddy Lee of RUSH. But musically, the band takes on a chameleon approach to each song. The opening pop salvo "Newstories" is rooted in a slight Prog rock vibe. "We Are Whatever" hangs its hat on a big fat bass line like some jazz club bar brawl. "Don't Think Make Mistakes Part One and Two" are the centerpiece of the record with part one relying a tinkling piano and Craig morphing into an 80's pop crooner. "Part Two" dips it's toes into electro-clash drumbeats to match the intensity of the darkening mood of the record. Later in the record Craig duets with Nicole Berke on the beautiful "Sink or Swim". "Numbers", the title track, has a DAVID BOWIE like spacey feel to it and closes the set with a swirl of keyboards and soulful "oohing" and "aahing".

I can't really say if there is a lyrical thread to the entire record, but the journey through various styles and song structures in conceptually very interesting. Surely a record that I will listen to further.

(mp3) John Craig and the Weekend -- Don't Think Make Mistakes Part Two

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/sQBf/~3/aH0v12CSa8A/john-craig-weekendconceptually.html

The Lucksmiths The Ting Tings Mean Red Spiders Mother Mother

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!

Another year is about to end, and I guess It's now time to leave 2011 and It's memories. YUP!! This is my last blogpost for this year.....HELLO 2012!! This coming year is another Leap Year so It will be my Blog's 2nd Leap Year in the Blogosphere. MORE SURPRISE BLOGPOSTS this upcoming year that I'll try to create in my free time. Interesting Blogpost Header Photo? YUP!! Some bits of my collection again for viewing. It has been a very busy and successful year 2011 for me and I'm really looking forward to 2012 and what lies ahead. I thank the LORD for all the blessings he had given me and my family this year 2011 and always praying for a brighter year ahead. THANKS also to you guys, my Dearest Blog Readers, who once in a while still have time to visit my humble blog "The Doctor Is In". Like what I have written before my blog ever since is "OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED". Hopefully these Copycats have a peaceful conscience this coming 2012. Ha Ha Ha!! GREAT YEAR for NEW WAVE CONCERTS here in MANILA and getting ready for some upcoming concerts. WHEEEW!! I do hope these Bands/Artists that are reported to be performing here in MANILA this 2012 will all push through. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 EVERYONE!! Be sure to be SAFE this NEW YEAR'S EVE guys!! TAKE CARE of your Upper and Lower Extremities!! MAG-INGAT sa PAPUTOK KABAYANS!!!!!!!!! MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!!!

I'll leave you with a Classic Song from U2 and that's "NEW YEAR'S DAY" and it's the "TOP OF THE POPS" version.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

Source: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-new-year-2011.html

Viva Voce Kenia Arias Johnny Boy The Stills

Watch: Bon Iver Premieres ?Hinnom, TX? Video

Today sees the release of Bon Iver‘s deluxe edition ‘Bon Iver‘, the musicians latest album.…

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rockonthestreetsnews/~3/p2teENPuRrY/

Oasis (band) Small Factory The Gentle Waves Myracle Brah

RhoDeo 1210 Grooves

Source: http://rho-xs.blogspot.com/2012/03/rhodeo-1210-grooves.html

The Silly Pillows Metric Pulp The Magnetic Fields

State Of The Arts KL

Nov 17th at City Harvest KL; A day where artsy-fartsy people gathered to celebrate all things creative!

State of The Arts (SOTA) is a youth engagement and development project, and a launchpad for new creative content focused on the Arts.

An event like no other as it was graced by reknowned people in the industry in this day event.

Famous blogger/Star R.AGE columnist Niki Cheong

Pretty Chamaine Tan

Advertlets bloggers'

Backstage with the performers - Shawn Lee, Dennis Lau & Jimmy Sax

Dennis in action serenading the crowd with his latest tune - Prelude in F Minor

The whole auditorium burst into laughter the moment funny man Harith Iskander took over the stage.

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One would need no introduction to Paul Moss; sharing his views on the entertainment industry

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Hot mama Daphne Iking revealing some celebrity secrets

Audi Mok giving some insights into the local music industry

You're definitely missing out on a whole lot if you were not here

Source: http://baldwinchua.blogspot.com/2010/12/state-of-arts-kl.html

Half-Handed Cloud The Wombats Emily Haines Kent

TV On The Radio-Return To Cookie Mountain (JHO Hall Of Fame)

"Return To Cookie Mountain" is one hard nut to crack. I remember back in the late summer and early fall of 2006 trying to embrace the sophomore effort from TV On The Radio. The knotty beats, the dissonant reverberations, the mournful spirit....it's not an album that is exactly welcoming the listener to a party. But there was something nestled deep inside those traits that was asking for me to explore a little further. And soon, there was different forms of light showing me the way. My first conquest of love happened on "Province". The muffled verses sang like a wounded animal, the backing vocals including David Bowie, and the oohs that led into each passage all became clearer to me. And the line in the chorus actually showed some hope: "Hold your heart courageously...That love is the province of the brave." "Province" had a dark undercurrent, but once the chorus hit me, I was in. It has one of my favorite videos of the naughties as well. And with that, I was hooked for the next year and a half on a trip to cookie mountain.

Each listen revealed another favorite song, or element of a song I missed before. The dual vocals from Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe became chant like, preaching to me from a dark alley in a big city. They offered hope, desolation and loneliness. They hit almost Beach Boys' like harmonies on "A Method", chanted like they were huddled around a giant bonfire on "Let The Devil In", and became bittersweet and seductive on "Dirtywhirl". While at first the vocals seemed distant, they became guiding lights on repeated visits.

The lyrics and themes from the songs started to sink in more with each listen. On the chorus of "Playhouses", one can see a disintegrating relationship: "I meant every word/Just didn't know your demons/Do you know mine, babe?/Are we wasting time, babe?"...and you get the feeling you want to go in and help counsel. That feeling of broken relationships is even more prevalent on the opener "I Was A Lover". It has the audacity to trick you into thinking it could be a governmental protest song at the beginning: "I was a lover. before this war/ held up in a luxury suite/ behind a barricaded door". Upon closer investigation, it's clearly a nasty song about a troubled marriage. The lines, "Mano y mano, on a bed of nails", "And we don't make eye contact, when we have run-in's in town", and "But we're sleepwalking through this trial" all make huge impacts of an imploding relationship between a stuttering beat, a monotone horn section and a sample from Masssive Attack's "Teardrop". Know someone having troubles in their marriage? Maybe they can identify with Tunde Adebimpe on "I Was A Lover".

And those musical dressings are just three of a hundred tricks that guitarist/producer David Sitek has littered all over "Return To Cookie Mountain". Listen to the tribal drums laid down on "Let The Devil In" and you would think you were at a cult's meeting. Or how he dresses the gorgeous "Hours" with flute and cellos. Or how the disco stomp of "Wolf Like Me" has guitars shredding like buzz-saws through the whole affair. It's audibly stunning to sit through an hour of so many tricks and turns. And the most hushed beautiful moment, for me, is near the end with "Tonight". The oohs that lead into each verse are ethereal. Each passage that goes by leads me to feel I'm walking down a desolate street in a big city, skyscrapers all around and Tunde Adebimpe & Kyp Malone are lending the perfect lullaby vocals, finishing each passage off with an ode of what to do tonight. My favorite: "A rusty heart starts to whine/In its tell tale time/So free it up tonight." And a clarinet part comes in somewhere along the line to stunning effects. And if "Tonight" doesn't end the album like it rightfully should, take comfort in the pure white noise bliss of the proper closer, "Wash The Day Away".

It hasn't even been six years since it's release. And in that time, TV On The Radio has released a mighty fine "Dear, Science" and a slow grower with "Nine Types Of Light". They've become one of my favorite bands from the past decade by not hitting me over the head with big hooks and choruses. Instead, they lend a road map to help you find your way to what you like the most. I won't argue with anyone if they say "Dear, Science or even their fine debut "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes" is their finest moment. Both of those albums shine as well. But here's the thing....I fell slowly in love with "Return To Cookie Mountain" for all of the reasons mentioned above. It's a dark place I love to nestle in (the nest on the front cover looks like the perfect place) and take stock in the world around me. The images it conjures in my mind lead me to places I've seen but never been to. It's mine to keep and I'm sure it will be a favorite of mine for many years to come. Because of the wonderful production, the yearning oohs and the thought provoking lyrics, it's one of my favorites of all time. It's a wonderfully desolate place to visit anytime I need to get away. And I thank these guys from Brooklyn who continually make grand landscapes to get lost in. Welcome to my Hall Of Fame.

Source: http://www.jhostation.com/2012/03/tv-on-radio-return-to-cookie-mountain.html

The Submarines Jason Mraz Fishboy Luzer

Too Many State Agencies

If there is any question as to why the state of Oklahoma spends too much money, one place to look is finding out why Oklahoma has so many unnecessary agencies.

The State of Oklahoma has so many agencies under its belt that can either be eliminated completely or integrated into another agency.

Here is a short list of some of those agencies:

The Capitol Complex and Centennial Commemoration Commission. This commission was responsible for funding the dome project for the state capitol. Ok, the dome is built, what do we still need these guys for?

Oklahoma Peanut Commission. This commission is tasked with promoting the production of sales of peanuts.

Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission. Mission Statement: "to license and regulate used motor vehicle dealers....to create an atmosphere of fair competition among equally regulated dealers and to protect the interests of the consuming public."

Oklahoma Boll Weevil Eradication Organization. No really, this is an actual state organization.

Oklahoma Funeral Board. According to their website the board acts in the public interest, for the public protection and advancement of the profession and serves as an informational resource on funeral services to the general public and members of the profession. This is made up of 7 members appointed by the Governor.

Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools. This is a board the sets standards for private vocational schools including standards of instruction and training qualifications for instructors. The first problem with this agency is that they are regulating PRIVATE schools. What business does the government have in setting standards for anything private? If it is private, henceforth part of a free market system, should they not be setting their own standards. Furthermore, Oklahoma already has a Board of Education, why does there need to be a separate function for vocational schools?

These 6 are just a tip of the iceberg. Other state agencies include the Oklahoma Board of Tests, the Sheep & Wool Commission, and the Wheat Commission, among many many others.

Source: http://otterlimits.blogspot.com/2012/03/too-many-state-agencies.html

You Say Party The Submarines Jason Mraz Fishboy