Hot Chip October Bootleg

Great show from October that I recorded from the second row. If you are interested in watching the videos, you can here. If you want to listen to the entire concert, you can here. 16 tracks. Great audio. Hot Chip!

Diplo Mad Decent Tour Atlanta Bootleg MP3

Finally, FINALLY I have found a way to convert my great audio/videos into mp3 for the car, house, gym, stereo... The one thing that I love about my camera is its uncanny ability to pick up everything from the concert. No distortion, everything in the right pitches. So many times I have left the concert thinking, "Man, I Wish I could have a cd of that." Well now you do.

Diplo, Mad Decent Tour Atlanta at the Masquerade (NOV 10th)
http://www.mediafire.com/?myjlzylnymw

It is broken up into 15 tracks (which you will need to re-order once you unpack the zip - long story but labelled 1-15).

Prefuse 73's Chirstmas Present

I have a wonderful Christmas present from Prefuse 73 when I return to Atlanta from Florida. He's playing live at the Masquerade New Years Eve Night. I have only seen him once before in Athens and the dude went nuts for over an hour and a half. The trip to Athens was well, well, worth it. Now I get to see him again in my "home" town. Tickets are only 30$, which by Atlanta standards, is a dirt cheap new years eve party. Doors open right at midnight and the festivities will follow...


Prefuse 73 - perverted undertones

Every urge in my body wants me to hate this band BUT...

Ladyhawke has made me rethink my view on 80's music but damn, I really hate 80's music. The waiting music in my hell would be The Breakfast Club soundtrack. I am being a gigantic hipocrit but I don't care. 80's synthesizers and drum machines are responsible for 90% of all the music I listen to today. I still hate it though.


My Delirium

I love emusic's review by J. Edward Keyes, "But just when the whole enterprise threatens to topple across the line from homage into Xerox, Brown leans into the microphone and sings, "I see you had a hit in '89/ Too bad we all don't age as good as wine." Her intent, then, is obvious: she has come not to honor her forefathers, but to replace them." With music this pure and genuine, I could be a fan of Ladyhawke's movement. She took something so cliche, so typic, so bland and made it amazing.


Paris is Burning

World; Meet Yeasayer

I was introduced to this Broklyn band over a month ago. I dismissed them the first time I heard them. Strange. Bizzare... Beautiful? Amazing? Yes to all of them. They describe themselves as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel." Don't dismiss these guys or you will miss out on something incredible. One time through and I heard a song I was begining to dig. Two times through and, wow, half this album is great. Three times through and I felt amazed and over whelmed.

I never was a fan of Pink Floyd but I respect them as musicians. I have heard tons of their music and never caught on. I hear their influence in Yeasayer. The acapella, the multiple pitches, the layered voices, the psycadelic undertones. Fast forward thirty five years with experimental approaches and modern technology, now you have Yeasayer 2007 release, "All Hour Cymbals". To say Pink Floyd fans would like Yeasayer is quite a leap but take a few minutes to give them a try.


Waiting for the Summer

DIPLO ENTIRE SET

For those who couldn't make it, I hope you can enjoy this playlist. I tried to record the entire set from start to finish. Recorded live on November 11, 2008 in Hell@Masquerade.

Video's Galore

Last weekend was filled with a ton of great music. Saturday night we were lucky enough to see Franki Chan and Toxic Avenger at MJQ. Monday night we saw Diplo put on an epic performance. Even on his Birthday he spun hit after hit for over 2 hours. I was able to capture most of it and you can see all of it on my youtube site. Once I get my playlist together I will post them over here for easy viewing.

Here is quick preview, head on over if you would like to view the rest:





Just a side note, MTV is now advertising Chromeo, breakout 2008? I doubt that Chromeo would ever be considered mainstream but kudos to the folks at MTV. It is good that Chromeo's music is spreading because they have a sound that needs to be heard.

diplo _ tonight!

Even my 24+ hour hang-over from sloppy seconds (mjq 12yr anniversary) can't detract from my excitement over diplo tonight. On his last trip to atlanta (whirley ball bitches!) I had to be out of town working. Not this time. I will be sipping on water, taking video, and dancing my ass off. Look for the concert on www.youtube.com/20ATL07. For those who have off for veterans day tomorrow, see you at the masquerade at 830.

night golfing with dani deahl

Thank you Jorge for driving to bfe, also called gwinnett, ga. I love riding in other people car's to get a feel for the person. Personality equals driving style, radio presets determine music taste when no one is around, what lies under the seat show really how clean someone is. With Jorge it always is a oporunity to hear another great mixtape downloaded off a hipster blog. On our hour long journey I got to hear most of Dani's new mixtape "puppy love.". She packs this hour with so many bangin tracks one after another after another after... You get the point. I almost didn't hear it due to jorge getting it stuck on repeat since the download but after 20 minutes in the car, he couldn't resist. He promissed a link so as soon as I locate this beauty of a mixtape, I will repost.

"I love a good accent"

I have been debating whether to buy Scotland's Frightened Rabbit's second album "midnight organ fight" for a many month's now. Since that time they have come through atlanta with little fan fare. The played a small show at the Drunken Unicorn, which is unbelievable small venue. I had only heard Modern Leper off a South by Southwest Sampler CD. I should of gone.

Upon reading reviews of their latest live ablum that was released in October, "Liver! Lungs! FR!", I now know I made a huge mistake. This band is so great live. Almost every song gave me chills up my spin. Their lead singer Scott Hutchinson literally leaves his heart dripping from his sleeve. I love emusic's review. --

"Songs so emotionally ragged that carefully manicured studio versions could never be enough, Frightened Rabbit’s startling and heartwrenching Midnight Organ Fight gets a spirited, sweaty reworking in the live setting. This is how the songs were meant to be heard: wrenching and yearning, falling apart but desperately trying to keep it together. “I Feel Better” gets cooled down, beats removed, guitars unplugged, bleary organ running through the background. “Good Arms Vs. Bad Arms” is more affecting than ever, volume dropped but emotions still running high. And though the album title references the two organs most likely ruined on the road, it omits the one that’s always front and center in Frightened Rabbit’s songs: the heart."

So basically, don't make the same mistake that I did. Take the oportunity to see an amazing band that is comming very soon to you, unfortunately they aren't coming near me...



Upcoming Shows

Oct 29 2008 8:00P
Media Club Vancouver, British Columbia
Oct 30 2008 8:00P
Holocene Portland, Oregon
Nov 1 2008 8:00P
Bottom Of The Hill San Francisco, California
Nov 2 2008 8:00P
Bottom Of The Hill San Francisco, California
Nov 3 2008 8:00P
Echoplex Los Angeles, California
Nov 5 2008 8:00P
U31 San Diego, California
Nov 6 2008 8:00P
Rhythm Room Phoenix, Arizona
Nov 6 2008 8:00P
Stinkweeds - FREE instore Phoenix, Arizona
Nov 8 2008 8:00P
Hailey’s Denton, Texas
Nov 9 2008 8:00P
Fun Fun Fun Fest @ 14.25 Stage 1B Austin, Texas

"Cookie Breathe” Helps Win Project Runway Season 5

Leanne Marshall told her boyfriend Nathan McKee that if she had the chance to show her collection in Bryant Park, he would compose the music for her. For those who didn’t see the finally, Leanne had the most intriguing and interesting of designs to walk down the runway. She also had the most interesting music of the three finalists.

Leanne described her collection as something that was forward thinking and innovative. The fact that she used half of her materials from sustainable resources just reaffirms this thought. Here choice in music was a major step toward the forward thinking and innovation theme. I really believe that song choice played a role in the judge’s decisions.

You have to remember that the runway is a show. The success of a show is mainly based on the reaction the crowd gets from the clothing. Do the pieces create feeling and excitement? A great track can also generate that same excitement. When the first piece walked down the runway, I saw clothes in a style that I had never seen before. With the music selection, everyone in Bryant Park was hearing something that no one, other than Leanne and Nathan, had ever heard before.

Upon hearing the track I thought it was a mix between a glitch artist like The Books and possibly Mr Scruff based on the fun, organic, and glitchy composition. The uniqueness of the sound matched the one of a kind petal design that Leanne produced. Who would of thought that “Cookie Breathe” helped Leanne win Project Runway?

In search of The Ting Tings (OCT 24)

I am a fan of The Ting Tings. I first heard this duo's cd in Charlotte NC a month ago. Katie White and Jules De Martino will be coming to Atlanta all the way from Manchester, England. I have always wondered what a Ting Ting is. I did a little googling today and it brought me here. I decided to go to their webpage for a better definition.

Here I found it, -- At the time, Katie was working in a boutique with a Chinese girl called "Ting Ting," which is also Mandarin term for a "band stand". "I thought it was lovely," Katie remembers. "It can also refer to the sound of innovation or an open mind. Like the 'ting' you hear when you get an idea."

What a perfect description. Each song has it's own idea. Every song is a 'ting' with a spin and twist. You may not like every song but there is enough diversity for everyone. Check them out at the Variety Playhouse on Friday or for a sample you can here them here:

Hot Chip in my sea of Flu

Okay, I am alive. Finally. Third day of anti-biotics after two weeks the horrible flu. Somewhere in the midst of all the naustia, migrains, and flu was a bad ass Hot Chip show. One great benifit of the flu is that the video is surprising steady! For those who couldn't make it, this is for you to enjoy. 16 tracks. Also their set list from the show live at the Variety Playhouse on October 9, 2008.

Adele - The Anti Amy Winehouse

Okay, I don't know this woman. She may be a raging drug addict. She may be addicted to meth and ruining her life behind closed doors. But in the public she isn't.

The comparisions are bound to happen. Highly talented. Young and gifted. Both are British female phenoms. This 20 year old is rapidly gaining buzz. She has even shown up on Parez Hilton's radar. She is the it thing of underground British Jazz scene. If there is such a thing. All I know is that her voice is magical. Her lyrics are sincere and down to earth. Her music is a breath of fresh air. It will only be a matter of time before Adele takes over the US. I hope that she continues to stay out of trouble and we can enjoy many years of music ahead of us. I can't forcast the career of either Winehouse or Adele, but if I were to guess, the young lady below be fading in a bourbon and drug induced haze.

Black Kids - September 23rd

The Black Kids are stopping through Atlanta on their North American Tour tomorrow at The Earl. I have seen their name around and heard a lot of buzz.

I was up in Charlotte all last week and their cd was playing at my friend’s house. I was really exited to find out who was playing… The Black Kids. I have been listening to their album at least once a day since I left Charlotte. I am hooked on the band with the odd name.

The indie rock band formed in Jacksonville in March of 2006. Rolling stone called them on of the top ten artists to watch in 2008. Their debut album, Partie Traumatic, was released in July 08 and debuted at #5 on the UK Charts. They have found a ton of success in Europe and are trying to carry it over to the states.

If you can find a way to make it to the Earl, it would be well worth your time. They have a great vintage sound that reminds you of the Cure/Joy Division. I love that mix a vintage quality with the dance rock movement that has been wildly popular with acts like Franz Ferdinand and The Killers. Rolling stone had this one right. In 2009, you may be only able to see them in The Phillips Arena. You will kicking yourself when you remember this relatively unknown band preformed for a few bucks at the Earl.

Citizen Cope Comming

It is too bad that I am going to have to pass on the Citizen Cope concert coming up. On Monday October 13th at center stage, Citizen Cope strolls through Georgia with his laidback vocals and instrumentation. Is it folk, hip-hop, soul, rock, or reggae? The beauty about Cope is that is a little bit of all thrown into beautiful mix of genera, styles, and cultures. He brings a unique voice to an industry saturated with artist enslaved to popular culture.

Clarence Greenwood was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Washington DC. He began his musical career backing up the hip hop act Basehead as a DJ. After picking up the trumpet in grade school, Cope dropped it for the guitar. He has been making music since the mid 90’s. He got his first record contract with Capitol Records and over the next 11 years has jumped from label to label. It seems like he has finally settled down with RCA where he continues to Record. This latest tour is to promote his latest album “Every Waking Moment”. Based on his 2002 self titled album, that I have fallen in love with recently, I will buy this Every Waking Moment.

The great thing about Cope is his dedication to his fans. His last tour in 2004 spanned a 16 month grueling trip across the United States. He chooses live performance across the US to promote his album. The personal connection is what he wants the crowd to leave with. There is no more intimate of a venue that Citizen Cope, his guitar, and you. That is what you will get on Monday October 13th. If I only I could afford more shows…

Bullet and a Target - Citizen Cope

Hitting the electro Jackpot!

Big ups for Trash Menagerie.com. They have kept me sane in the Atlanta traffic all week. Tons and tons of great electro mixes. My friend Jorge told me about the site in passing a few months ago. I randomly came across it on Monday and went crazy with free downloads. Stocked up on some future cop, a band that Jorge got me into as well. They spin 80's like you have never heard before. Think funky college keg party, 80's style. So much fun. They also have lots of rare set like, favorite's of mine, Crookers essential mix. The hours in the car this week, made better by bad-ass electro. Thanks Trash Menagerie.

Tiny instrument but huge talent

You most likely haven't heard of Little Boots. You will. Believe me, you will. Victoria Hesketh is an independent singer/producer/songwritter living in London. Her instrument of choice is a Tenori-on. Using this small instrument, she has already mastered the one woman techno/italo-disco/electro album.


Here she is covering "Ready for the floor" by HotChip


Here she is preforming "Stuck on repeat" live from her bedroom

She has recently started working with Joe Goddard from HotChip. All she needed was a break. There are plenty of talented artist out there but sometime it only takes one person to break you out. Hopefully Joe can be this person. Not only does she have a great singing voice and unique ear for production but she is also an unbelivable dj. You can download her single "Stuck on repeat" here.

You can find free dj mixes here on her myspace page.

Beck never ceases to surprise

Modern Guilt is the strangest Beck album I have ever heard. It is simple, clean, and intelligible. I got tired of the wildness and inconsistency from album to album. Upon each download I was wondering whether I would get the “Shit Kicking Truck Driver Neighbor Living Downstairs” or a power ballad? Either I have been missing out or he came back with bang. Modern Guilt is so solid. Every song oozes rock & roll. “Soul of a Man”, “Profanity Prayers”, and “Gamma Ray” have stirred involuntary head bangs from this electronic kid. Beck, at 38, has never had a problem re inventing himself. I personally prefer this - aged and polished to perfection - version.

Kid Cudi "Day'N'nite" (Crookers Remix)

Free Kid Cudi remix at rcrdlbl. At foolsgold's site is the download. Click on the link. If you haven't heard Kid Cudi, keep your ears open. I have a feeling he will be a house hold name in a year. The Cleveland born 23 year old MC is now living in Brooklyn working on his new EP. He got the attention of Italian electro house group Crookers. They did an unbelievable job with the remix. It is such a departure from Kid Cudi slow hip hop club banger. You have to hear it understand...

Everything Diplo touches turns to gold...

A few years ago I heard about the Daughter of a Srilankan freedom fighter that Diplo had taken under his wing. This MC from England would turn into the huge international pop/hip hop star M.I.A. His unofficial M.I.A. re-mix album, “Piracy funds Terrorism” mysteriously arrived in my hands. I doubt terrorism had anything to do with it. From that point, I started gathering as much M.I.A. as I could get my hands on. He saw it first.



Again, he has reached out to another aspiring MC. I have blogged about Santogold in the past here. The timing was perfect for another Diplo remix album to put her on the map. Over and over I am hearing Santogold from TV, Radio, Commercials, and Movie Soundtracks. Their new album, “Top Ranking – A Diplo Dub” (Diplo meets Santogold in a dub chamber of remix) picks up from where Piracy left off. It is a flawless mix that has a bunch unbelievable remixes. To Ranking is laced with my favorite Santogold beats and accapellas.



Keep an eye out for the next Diplo Collaboration. It is a lock to be gold.

I have waited years for these bands; now they are flooding Atlanta

What an incredible summer it has been for release dates on new shows coming through Atlanta. You will be glad that you are sitting down for this:

September 27th (Masquerade) Cut Copy, The Presets, and special guest Midnight Juganauts

Cut Copy "Lights and Magic" Music Video


The Presets "This Boys's in Love" Music Video


Midnight Juggernauts "Shadows" Music Video



September 29th (Variety Playhouse) The Kooks
The Kooks - Naive Music Video

October 9th (Variety Playhouse) Hot Chip


Video from Hot Chip OCT07 ATL

November 10th (Masquerade) Diplo in the Mad Decent North American Tour


Video from Diplo July 08 in ATL

You can buy all of these affordable tickets at the Variety Playhouse and Masquerade

The Password to get into the ticket purchase of Variety Playhouse is *PLAYHOUSE*. All of their ticets have a $2 Surcharge. Beats the hell out of ticketmaster. Plus their box office is always open if you don't want to cough up the extra money...

Jason Roark Benifit Show

Last Sunday, July 27th had been on my calendar for over a month now. Jason’s Benefit Concert… What happened to my friend was horrible. He went missing in November of 2006. We suspect foul play. He is still missing. One of my best friends from college is still missing. Last night was a surreal experience on so many levels. I can only imagine what it was like for his family. But it was a night filled with hope. So many people that were part of his life were there in support. His family needs support. That is why you are hearing about it here.

If an adult you cared about in your life disappeared you would want help finding him or her? Missing adults currently have no government resources allocated to aid families of missing in the rescue and recovery process. Jason’s family has gotten little help from the government and law enforcement. We can change this. It just takes a movement. It just takes a little hope. Please visit:

http://findjasonroark.com

There is a link to the petition for HR 2103 (Support the National Center for Missing Adults). I was #365 to sign. Please be #366.

Nomo is climbing...

I have been watching Nomo new album, “Ghost Rock” climb emusic.com charts for months. I had listened to a few samples and put it away for a later download.

Last week, I was looking for something to do on my birthday and came across their show at the Earl on Saturday. I marked it on the calendar and kept looking. As Saturday got closer I still had no plans and decided to take a chance on this band. So I started to do a little research on who they are and what they are going to be like. Nothing prepared me for the unbelievable live set they treated us to.

I was so blown away by what I witnessed Saturday night. The crowd had a weird apprehension as all seven band members made their way onto the stage. But as they played their first note from the shell of a conch, the energy in the crowd was palpable. Any group that starts out their session with conch shell is going to be different. They were unbelievably different and brilliant. Afro beat, nu jazz, electronic-experimentalism, or what ever you want to call their art, it is an entirely new genera for me. I have never, and probably will never, witness another performance like that.

Every member deferred to each other as they took turns showcasing their craft. Whether it was baritone sax, alto sax, drums, percussion, guitar, trumpets, keyboards or vocals, each member put everything they had into that set. There wasn’t a member who wasn’t drenched in sweat and physically exhausted at the end. What an unbelievably intimate end to the seat as well. Each grabbed an instrument and made their way into middle of the crowd for once last song. The entire place was chanting with the band. I was talking to my friend Amy during the concert and pointing out that these guys and gals mastered something that many bands don’t. There was no separation between the crowd and the band. Each feed more and more off each other. As the 20 kids in the front danced hard and hard, it seemed like the horns blew longer and stronger. The drums and percussion were faster and louder. And they ended up where it all begins, in the crowd.

Thank you Nomo for a great birthday present. Thank you for an unforgettable performance and unforgettable night. Thank you for opening my ears to entirely new genera. And thank you for making a stop in East Atlanta.

Next up for them is:

JULY 22 2008
@ Emo's Lounge
603 Red River
Austin , TX
$10 | All Ages
www.emosaustin.com

JULY 23 2008
@ Hailey's
122 Mulberry
Denton , TX
$8 | All Ages
www.haileysclub.com

JULY 25 2008
@ Off Broadway
3522 Lemp Ave.
ST Louis , MO
$10 | 18+
www.offbroadwaystl.com

JULY 26 2008
@ Wicker Park Festival
Chicago, IL
$5 Suggested Donation

JULY 27 2008
@ The Waiting Room
6212 Maple Street
Omaha, NE
$10 | All Ages
www.waitingroomlounge.com

JULY 29 2008
@ Quixote's True Blue
2637 Welton St.
Denver, CO
$10 | 18+
www.quixotes.com

JULY 30 2008
@ Belly Up
450 S Galena St.
Aspen, CO
$10 | All Ages
www.bellyupaspen.com

JULY 31 2008
@ Las Montanas
100 E. Colorado St.
Telluride, CO
$10 | 21+
www.llamapresents.com

AUGUST 1 2008
@ First Friday
Casion Center & Colorado St.
Las Vegas, NV
FREE | All Ages
www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org

AUGUST 2 2008
@ Detroit Bar
843 W Nineteenth St.
Costa Mesa, CA
$10 | 21+
www.detroitbar.com

AUGUST 3 2008
@ Spaceland
1717 Silver Lake Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
$8 | 21+
www.clubspaceland.com

AUGUST 4 2008
@ The Casbah
2501 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA
$10 | All Ages
www.casbahmusic.com

AUGUST 5 2008
@ Bottom Of The Hill
1233 17th St.
San Francisco, CA
www.bottomofthehill.com

AUGUST 7 2008
@ Doug Fir
830 E Burnside Street
Portland, OR
$10 | 21+
www.dougfirlounge.com

AUGUST 8 2008
@ NW World & Raggae Festival
Bob's Ranch, Mohawk Valley
Marcola, OR
www.nwworldraggae.com

AUGUST 9 2008
@ Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St.
Seattle, WA
$12 | 21+
www.nectarlounge.com

AUGUST 10 2008
@ Media Club
695 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC
$12 | 19+
www.themediaclub.ca

AUGUST 14 2008
@ 7th Street Entry
29 North 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN
$7.50 | 18+
www.first-avenue.com

AUGUST 15 2008
@ Annex
1206 Regent Street
Madison, WI
$8 | 18+
www.intheannex.com

AUGUST 22 2008
@ Campus Martius Park
1 Campus Martius
Detroit, MI
All Ages | Free
www.campusmartiuspark.com

Their is more to a band than their band name

Kook is a word I was introduced to in middle school by my high school brother. I was called a Kook. My friends were little Kooks. The nerds and unpopular in his class were labeled Kooks. Disdain. Humiliation. That is a Kook.

These Kooks don’t have anything to be ashamed of. I was introduced to this band three weeks ago by a good friend in Charlotte, NC, Chad. He played their cd at his house and I really liked what I heard. I brought it back to Atlanta on a mp3 cd. Two weeks later I got a chance to download it and put it digital form. They have been in steady rotation ever since. They are labeled post punk. Well, not really. I don’t see the punk side in them. I think angst, heavy guitar, loud cries of rebellion. They, on the other hand, have soulful lyrics, smooth British vocals, well produced guitar layers buried deep in sweet melodies. Almost like an indie-coldplay. I am sure they would hate that comparison but I hear it from time to time. Their second release “Konk” is packed full of great tracks. Tracks that make you think, “This one is a classic.” Something you could hear in ten years and still be relevant.

Deastro needs some press

I have been so impressed by this new artist. Well, I am not sure how new of an artist he is but if I can't find any information on Wikipedia, amazon, google... Let's just stop there. He released an album on Emusic last month and it has been going crazy on their charts. But I can't find anything, ANYTHING on this dude. I read that he produced the album in his parents basement at 22 but I am not even sure where that came from. He plays every instrument on the recording including drums, vocals, synths, guitar and such.

This is what I found off his myspace:

Randolph Chabot Jr. started to make electronic music when he was 13 at his home in Sterling Heights, MI. He finished his first album that year despite the ecstatic, aural trauma it caused his mother. He studied youth development in college with the intent of becoming a social worker, dropping out to pursue music full time. He formed an electro band called Veleciraptor, which inspired the ideas for his current synthesized projects: Our Brother the Megazord and Deastro, which try to blur the lines between electronic and acoustic music. All the music is made in Randolph's basement with the help of alot of sampled children's toys and synthesizers. Deastro's "the Young Planets" and Our Brother the Megazord's "Time the Teenage Twister" are set to be released as a 34 song double disc in July of 2007. He is currently working on songs for his acoustic project Jr. Jr. and the new Deastro album entitled "Dark Diamond."

Please, someone find him and get him out to the rest of the world. The stuff he is creating, in a basement, is not only creative and inspiring, but something that is unique to culture today. Everytime I listen, I hear Postal Service at their first recording session. I hear depechmode at their first jam session. You will hear him the future and if this is your first time hearing him here, enjoy...

I know you don't have to work Friday, so what's your excuse now?

This video will explain what I have been missing on the first Thursday of every month. That time of the month has come around again, Fuck Yesss! at the Drunken Unicorn. People, it is a $5 show. Treasure Fingers is one of the premier electro dj's in the South. Check out the link to his myspace. He has some killer mixes free to download. Also playing that night is RRRump. From the production track's on his myspace, we are in for a hell of a show.

Say it ain't so...

Reports from Bonaroo this weekend claim that M.I.A. has preformed her last concert. I can't believe this for two reasons. 1) She he had a great year but not enough to retire on. I know that she is trying to get into fashion and all but still... 2) Why would you play your last gig in the woods of Tennessee. Why not go out like Jay-z at Madison Square Gardens or a venue back in England/Shirlanka? Just doesn't make sense. Why would you give this up....

It's been almost 3 weeks and...

Hot Chip ticket are still on sale for their upcomming show at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. We are lucky enough for them to come back on October 9th. I still can't believe that the show isn't sold out. This interview got me thinking last night about how great they are as musicians.



Here's some clips from last years show if you aren't convinced yet.

At the Pictures:


No Fit State:


Kraft Dinner:


Please don't let another oportunity pass you by...

Check you perceptions and bias at the door...

Next Friday (JUNE 13th) before Ladytron hits the stage you will be puzzled. I didn't know what to think the first time I heard them. If you are fortunate to go, there will be an act that will blend rock, punk, funk, soul, house, and elctro. No one I have heard makes every genra their own in such a creative, carefree, and fun manner. DataRock will be touring this year with Ladytron all the way from Bergen, Norway.



I am going to rely on their Bio from myspace to help explain:
DIY punk rockers by nature, but heavily influenced by the distinctive style and stage presence of groups like Talking Heads and Devo, the boys decided to ditch the thrash guitars in favor of the simple yet versatile Casio MT-64 keyboard and a Roland Groovebox. Toss in matching red track suits, a penchant for Transformers and John Hughes flicks, and two pairs of vintage Porsche wraparound sunglasses and you've got a little something called DATAROCK.



Check out a video or two and show up to the Variety Playhouse on the Friday. Not only is it a cheap show ($25 with Service Charge if bought directly from Variety Playhouse) and a rare chance to witness two unbelievable european acts. I haven't even mention Ladytron but just a sentence or two. I have been captivated by them since early 2000. They definatly be the shining main course but Datarock wil be the desert topping...

Keep your ears open for Santogold

I came across Santi White's self titled album. Santogold is one of those albums that catches you off guard. Each song is shockingly different but each is also very good. Jumping genrars from track to track. The best description I have heard is by my friend Ryan, "Gwen Stefani ate M.I.A. This one touches on rock, ska, dub, dancehall and electro."

Santogold started her carrier as the lead singer of the Philidelphia based punk/ska band Stiffed. They have put out two albums from 2003 to 2005 (Sex Sells and Burned Again).



The comparisions to Gwen Stephanie are going to be undenieable but I think as an artist, Santi is well beyond a No doubt Comparision. What she is doing as an artist is cutting edge for the popular music scene today. She will infultrate it. Just in the few days I have been delaying and procrastinating on this blog, she has risen to the 6th most downloaded artist on emusic. Here are some tracks for your listening enjoyment. You didn't hear it first here. Open your ears and you will hear Santi everywhere.

Half my videos from Radiohead (9)...

So in less than a week I have uploaded half my videos. I got 20 in all. I actually ran out of memory which was the first time that ever happened. Here you go for you that couldn't make it...


Where I end and you begin


Everything in its right place


The Gloaming


There There


Just


The National Anthem


15 Step


Body Snatchers

Amazing as ever...

Still on cloud 9 after last nights radiohead concer. They went on a few minutes after nine. They finished when the city noise ordinance shut them down two HOURS later!

Tammy and I were talking about this on the ride home. Of all the bands we have seen live, they genuinely seem appreciative of their fands. You feel that conection whether you are in the 50th or the front row. He even dedicated a song to everyone in the lawn.

At no time did I feel like I wasn't getting my money's worth. They played their ass of. As soon as I can, I will post as many videos here as possible. It was a show of a life time.

Thank you Radiohead.

Radiohead count down begins...

Talk about a difficult afternoon. Here I sit in my bland cubical waiting. Hell, for the last 6 weeks I have been waiting. And waiting.

The last time I saw Radiohead was back in early 2000 when I was still a college student. In the years that passed they have not only gotten better but have changed a great deal. I love the new album's aproach. Where the Kid A/Amnesiac albums were a step into the expirimental, in rainbows is an omage to their strictly rock past.

It has been great to grow with the band. I can remember blasting The Bends in my grade school buddies room after school. Now I get to hear them blast their music in Atlanta....

Return tomorrow for live video and updates. Also check www.youtube.com/20ATL07 for complete concert videos.

Re-Discovery of Dntel

Yesterday one of my subscriptions on youtube, Subpop Records, dropped an new video. The video was Dntel's single "Rock the Boat". After watching I immediately downloaded the album from Subpop.

I have to be perfectly honest here. I was a little disappointed with the newest Dntel album. It has been over six years since his last full length album, “Life is full of possabilities.” The article I was reading on Subpop Records said he had been working on this album for years. Years! I was sad to find that the new release, “Dumb Luck” was missing a pulse.

James Tamborello has been busy for the last decade. He made a huge impact on the electronic pop movement with his now famous side project, The Postal Service. The postal service is what introduced me to this busy producer. He also plays in a band named Figure with two old high school buddies . Other projects include Strickly Ballroom and Headset.

What got me excited about the new Dntel album was his 2006 release, “Mistake, Mistake, Mistake”, as the alias James Figurine. What I really enjoyed in that album is also what I really liked in the last Dnte Album. My favorites were the upbeat electronic songs like (This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan.



The James Figurine album was littered with similar song styles. For example:



This is the newest video off the 2007 “Dumb Luck” release. It is a beautiful song. It is wonderfully produced with an incredible vocal.



It was not what I was expecting. It is hard to hate on “Dumb Luck.” It is what it is: a meloncoly and glitchy album with many great guest vocalists. It isn’t going to make my head nod or make me feel like dancing. It is to be put away for a quite night or a rainy afternoon. There is always a spot for James Tamborello in my music collection for what ever the mood. That is what has kept him relevant and an important figure in electronic music for the last decade.

VHS OR BETA in Review

Last Monday Craig Pfunder and VHS OR BETA stormed through Atlanta with their spin on dance rock. They categorize their sound as elements of Rock, French House, and Dance-Punk. They played a little from each album. Sounds corney but they really are a mix of the three said adjectives.

I really liked the start of their set. It started with an ominous loop as they took the stage. Once they got going they rocked out to an extended instrumental. It was nice way to break the ice and introduce the bands sound. I believe that song is off thier first album Le Funk.

If you haven’t heard anything off that album, I found a great interview with them in Bogota, Columbia. It talks about their though process as a band in forming their sound. Check it out if you have time.



They immediately went into some new stuff off the new album, Bring on the comets. Here is a video of them playing "Burn it all down."



My favorite moment of the night was when they played “You Got Me”. My friend Zero was down in Virginia Highlands (section of Atlanta) a few years ago. The bar he was at was having a Hot Chip release party for their new album at the time. They were giving away astralwerks promotion cds. The first song on it was “You Got Me”. Although I had never bought any of their music, I always remembered that song.

When I heard that VHS OR BETA was coming through town I had to check them out. It had been years since hearing them but that song kept running though my head. They did not disappoint. They were fun and carefree even though The Earl was throwing every curve ball they could from faulty ear-pieces to malfunctioning monitors. Here is them playing my favorite track from them, “You Got Me”



If you would like to see all the song preformed at:

www.youtube.com/20ATL07

Free SXSW sampler reviewed in the Dayton Airport

What a crazy mix. A midwest airport and a line up from austin. Although this yearly concert is held in the deep south of texas, they have a very eclectic group of small unknown bands rock out each year. Before my buisness trip I was able to find two great FREE mixes on emusic.com. Sorry no links today. Working off the blackberry.

My favorite track off the IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2008 has to be "Compacto" by Curumin on Quantuum Projects Record Label. They have a funkier sound than Jack Johnson but in the same style. Well not exactely like johnson because they sing in spanish and are real upbeat.

Would be the perfect music for dancing, after three mixed drinks, at a peach party. Every time I hear this song it makes me smile. Couldn't ask for a better mood lifter when delayed an hour and a half on a rainy day in dayton. It is worth the time to download.

Who's got the biggest party in Atlanta?

There was a stir in my google group this week. Digitalism this and digitalism that. “It’s going to be the best show.” I tried to stay away. Payday is two long weeks ago. Rent is due next week. I need to stay away.

So last night I get a phone call from my friend Jorge. “Are you sure you aren’t going? Did you at least look at the Youtube links I sent you?” I had not. I need to stay away but curiosity got the best of me. I clicked on the link…



I know this band... I know this song... I LOVE THIS SONG!!!... I called Jorge back , “Come pick me up, I am going.”

This was my first Kissatlanta event. It was also my first trip to the Masquerade. We were early, very early. There were a dozen people in various corners with Death Metal blasting through the speakers. It literally felt like we in the rooms namesake, hell. As we sat in this strange atmosphere, I told Jorge, "It can only get better from here." Two hours later GunsNBombs was finishing a spirited garage/punk/trance inspired set. Then Digitalism took the stage for one of my favorite performances in the past year.

They walked up on two tables worth of equipment: Two microphones, electronic drum machine, a few labtops, several processors, several turntables and keyboards. There was a ton of music coming from this duo (Jens "Jence" Moelle and İsmail "Isi" Tüfekçi) from Germany. Everything was spot on from the soundboard, to the synced projected images, to the wonderfully mixed set. For over an hour they banged out track after track. By the time they finished with Pogo, the crowd was literally chanting for more. Here is digitalsim ending their set, live in Atlanta, enjoy:



Oh, and by the way, Digitalism has got the biggest party in Atlanta. I'll never get tired of them singing that in "Home Zone." Here is a 10 minute mix that starts with "Idealistic and mixes into Home Zone" You can see it here:

If pop and minimal house had a baby

This is the only way I know to describe Matthew Dear’s newest album Asa Breed. The songs are surprisingly catchy. They have memorable melodies and decent vocals for a Dj/Producer.

The last DJ/Producer I liked, who decided to become a pop artist, was a disaster. To this day, I refuse to listen or watch RJD2 live. I don’t have tickets to go to his show in April because I am in great fear that he may sing. There is something wrong about paying to see on of the most creative hip-hop instrumentalist drop his craft to pick up a microphone and sing like an American Idol.

Matthew Dear is another story all together. Dear was born in Texas and moved to Michigan as a teenager. In Michigan, he was inspired by the now famous Detriot Techno Scene. While Attending College at Univeristy of Michigan, he started his own record label - Ghostly International. That record label has grown to the success that it has today, launching every Dear album since its’ inception.

I actually enjoy Asa Breed more than his earlier work in 2003/2004 (Leave Luck to Heaven/Backstroke). Both albums got critical acclaim for bridging the wide gap between Pop Culture and Techno. Both of these alums are great minimal house albums but I still believe they are a little one dimensional in comparision to Asa Breed.

Asa Breed not only displays Dear’s skill to produce music in many styles but with a variety of live arrangements. The sound is rich in production and extremely polished. One of the best elements of Asa Breed is the evolution of his song writing skill and how it relates to his production. The shining example is “Give Me More” which is a synthesized ballad meets acoustic guitar. Four years ago this track would be incredibly out of place but with Asa Breed it works to perfection. Here is a little taste of what else you will find on Matthew’s Latest release:

Simian Mobile Disco in review

So March 19th has come and gone. The hang over and sleep deprivation is no longer effecting my motivation. The fog has cleared and these are the results:

I will be back for the “Unofficial Wednesday Night Hipster Dance Party” at MJQ. The resident DJ was playing some really great tracks as we were walking through the door from Justice, to Daft Punk,to Hot Chip, to MIA. From the time we arrived at 11pm, the place was starting to fill up. By the time the opening DJ Le Castle Vania started, the concourse was packed.

The vibe was good at MJQ. There was a nice diversity of people even though there were many Hipsters and overall the mood was rawkus. People started going nuts with Le Castle Vania interesting mix of “disco punk”. Then he played Snowden’s “Black Eyes” remix and the place went wild. I was saving my video for Simian Mobile Disco but I couldn’t resist. The only other time I heard this song was after Snowden played at Lenny’s Saturday Night Dance Party and I was blown away. If anyone knows where I can get my hand on this remix, I would love some info. Here is that moment:



We had to wait until 1am for Simian Mobile Disco. By that time, it was difficult to move in the underground sea of people. The great thing about the show is that most of the people there A) were there to see the group B) knew and recognized all the songs. Through out the set their was sporadic jumping and screaming all around us. It reminded me of a rock concert. It was vibe that I was not used to for a dj set. Here is a 10 minute clip of the start of their show. I’ll be back for the end in a day or so keep tuned.

Evolution of Boom Bip

I first started listening to Boom Bip years ago. I had heard only good recommendations about this guy from various people. People said he sounded like Guillermo Scott Herren aka Prefuse 73, Piano Overlord, Savalth & Savalas, and Delarosa and Asora. In 2000 I was obsessed with the genius of Herren. I still am a huge fan to this day. There is a very special blend of the Hip Hop culture and electronic music that makes his music unique.

I hear many of those same qualities in Boom Bip. He originally started his career in the underground Cincinnati Hip Hop scene. His early work even included a collaberation with Dosone. Here is a track off their Circle album back in 2000.



From here, Bryan Hollon (Boom Bip) started a solo carrer where he began expirementing with electronic music. This is the first video off his debut album in 2002, Seed to Sun.



Three months ago I saw his new EP on emusic.com. Because I have always been a fan I downloaded The Sacchrilege EP right away. On my first listen I was so taken back by what I was listening too. Boom Bip has gone electro. Honestly, he sounds at home playing this genera. It was upbeat and I couldn't help myself from moving around. What an change in 8 short years.

The plot thickens. I was doing a little research for this blog on his record label, Lex Records and the evolution continues. Boom Bip has started a new band with vocalist Gruff Rhys called Neon Neon. Where the Sacchrilege Ep was Electro dance music, Neon Neon is a full out rockin' electro band. I have enjoyed the little that I have heard. Lucky for us, the debut album is being released in a week. March 18 in the United States. The UK gets a preview a day early on the 17th... You can get your preview now. I hope you enjoy the first single.

The softer side of Hot Chip

Since Hot Chip has released their new album, “Made in the Dark” they have been doing mad promotions. My girlfriend came across a live set that I have NEVER seen them do before. For spinner.com they were interviewed and preformed live. Acoustic! No programming, no drum machines, no sampling, just 4 of the five members doing an acoustic set.

For those who haven’t heard of Hot Chip, this is a nice way to get acclimated. When you stip the group down to bare essentials, they are really very talented musicians. To produce the intricate electronic music they make they have to be above and beyond that. It was really refreshing to see this side of Hot Chip but I hope this isn’t a new trend. I prefer them playing their crazy electro-rock, like when we saw them in Atlanta:

I was mistaken when I said I had found the best show in March…

Man, was I wrong. Don’t get it twisted, I love Simian Mobile Disco. Period. But I doubt their Dj set will compare to Modeselektor’s live set. Modeselektor **MAY** be coming through Atlanta. I was looking at their myspace page and saw --- (March 23, Masquerade Atlanta GA). I flipped out and started dialing my friends. I could not confirm it on the Masquerade home page so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

This duo, Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary, from Germany have gotten some press in 2007 for their song, "The White Flash" with Radiohead’s lead man, Thom York. That is actually how I found out about this band. I sampled their song together and had to hear more. In minutes I bought "Happy Birthday!". In days I bought their first album, “hello mom”. It will be minutes after their new album release before I buy that album.

They have an unbelievable blend of raw programming, dirty bass, top notch hip hop guest appearances, and truly danceable beats. To get a true feel of what they bring to their live show check this out:




Modeselektor
March 23, 2008
Masquerade (Hell) Atlanta, GA
$ not released yet (tickets not on sale yet…)

Cut Copy's New Single!

I was so excited when I saw the new single on emusic for sale. The new album came out in February of 2008 in Australia. So the new album should be coming out VERY SOON! I am counting the days until another update. If you haven’t checked out Cut Copy, “Bright Like Neon Love” is one of my top five albums ever. I never get tired of it, never...

If you miss this show in March, I will have to hurt you!

Simian Mobile Disco found its way to me through Comcast Cable of all places. Late one night, we turned on the electronic music channel for lack of a better idea. On came "Hustler (Rick Ross Remix)" and I was instantly captivated. What the hell is this!!!? It was the most gangsta electro clash I had ever heard:



All I knew was that I had to find Spank Rock's Fabric Live 33 or Simian Mobile Disco. So I started searching for either while listening to Comcast for another listen.

Along comes my summer vacation to San Francisco in May of 2007. I walked in to Amoeba Records and the first thing I saw in the New Releases was Spank Rock, "Fabric Live 33". I was pumped about the album but no Simian Mobile Disco. I would have to wait months for the US Release and I was not disappointed. This is how they started...

"Back in the late '90s, James Ford and Jas Shaw were studying biology at and philosophy respectively at Manchester University, while crafting strange electronic music in the spare room of their shared house. Fellow student Simon Lord, a folk-influenced singer-songwriter, caught wind of the duo's sonic experiments, and along with bass player Alex MacNaughten they formed the band Simian." (www.simianmobiledisco.co.uk)

After the shows with Simian, James and Jas would go immediately to the clubs to spin electro records. They found themselves having more fun doing that than playing the gigs with Simian; thus the name Simian Mobile Disco.

"They kept making tunes as Simian Mobile Disco but were careful not to take it too seriously, aware that over-thinking their music would be the death of its jubilant, instant appeal. They went to New York to record the vocals of an aspiring singer/rapper called Char Johnson. She freestyled for 45 minutes and SMD edited the best bits into 'Hustler', an incendiary dancefloor destroyer that owned 2006, and even got mashed-up with Rick Ross's coke-rap hit 'Hustlin'. They got booked to play everywhere from the Club NME Tour to superclubs like Fabric. They introduced ghetto-tech to the indie kids, played acid to the housed-up hordes, and dropped the theme from 'Willy Wonka' at Bugged Out. Everyone smiled. Then danced their arses off." (www.simian mobiledisco.co.uk)

On March 19 they will be in Atlanta all the way from U.K. They will great. I will be dancing my ass off. Where will you be and how sad will you be when I tell you what an amazing show it was?

Simian Mobile Disco
MJQ Concourse
Atlanta, GA
11pm, March 19, 2008
$7 (are you kidding me!)

The MOST unlikely of finds...

Two weeks ago my friend Rachel brought me an EP to listen to. She started her sentence, "When I was at the Tori Amos Concert, this guy opened for her." I didn't hear anything after that sentence. It reminded me of stories when soliders would have granades go off close to them where the vision blurs and their hearing starts to ring... Now normally the opening act of Tori Amos would be the end of my interest but Rachel has good taste in music regardless of her liking Tori. I found my self later putting this cd in and becoming entirely amazed. I had to go back for more information because I remember something after the words Tori Amos that sounded like, "yeah, he only uses his guitar on stage."

Sure enough, dude only uses his Guitar to create ALL of his music. This london-based singer song writer's name is YOAV . He states in his interview with Verve Music, ""If you look at a guitar, there is a standard way you play it. You either pick or play chords; Melodically and rhythmically, everything changes when you move away from picking and strumming." He couldn't of described his album any better. It is a complete departure from any thing I have heard in the industry today in sound, melody, rhythm. No one is doing so much with a single instrument. Although I was completely hating on Tori Amos before, I give her a ton of credit for taking YOAV on tour with her BEFORE he droped his first album. Here is how he does it:

This is what the finished product sounds like:

The Record of the Year for my Grammy's goes to...

Amy Winehouse seems like a good artist for the Grammy Academy. She is young, has a great look, beautiful "classic" voice, made an old sound releveant to make a truely independent sound. To compound this, her problems in her personal life have fueled records sales. Hell, just in the UK alone she has gone triple platinum. We own her album and I got it for these same reasons. I listened to a few times and it now sits alone, in binder filled with other cds, that didn't stick...

My choice would be a perfect artist for the Grammy Awards. He is young (23), has a great look, a great classic voice (also), and made an old european sound new. When the academy was probably voting in December, they had only sold 33k records. Like the slow records sales, Zach Condon also started from nothing. A high school and college drop out who escaped American culture to backpack europe. There he emersed himeself in Balkan folk and orchestra sound. By the time he had recorded his first album acclaimed, he had already recorded hundreds of songs. "Gulag Orkestar" was recorded in his parent's home and was the first album to get any attention. This would be the first release as Beirut. Beruit second album, "The Flying Club Cup" should win record of the year. It sticks, it continues to grow, and the melody won't leave me alone. The music, the composition, the orchestra is unlike anything in popular music today. Beruit plays with a full ensamble band - strings, horns, guitar, bass, percussion, and don't forget Zach's the instrument of choice the ukulele (was unable to play guitar due to a wrist injury that prevented him from reaching around the neck of a guitar) - which enables them to play anywhere at anytime.

If this grabs your attention:




Continue here for the rest of the album; shot live all over new york to promote "The Flying Club Cup"

If they can produce a sound so rich live, just imagine the sound they produce in a studio. That is truely what you will find with "The Flying Club Cup", the fussion of passion, history, and culture.

Work has come between Snowden and Me

Its not every week that a work function ruins you chance to hear "the" new album. An all expense paid mini vacation out of state or Snowden's first preformance back in Atlanta? I don't think the president of my company would see my point if I told him, "no". I have been into Snowden since hearing sinlges off indiefeed's podcast, what seems like years ago. It is hard to believe this will be their http://www.myspace.com/snowden second album. You couldn't ask for a better return venue than the Earl in East Atlanta on Febuary 22nd. Small, intimate, great sound, vibe but I will not be there... Want a preview...

Here is my recording of them preforming "Black Eyes" last June at the earl:



We spent my girlfriend's birthday watching them at Lenny's before they went out to LA in August to record. Although the Earl show was special, they let it all hang out to say, "Good-bye". My favorite moment is when Corrine fell over because she was jamming out so violently and.... continued to play on her back until she could get up! Here is the last song played in Atlanta:



It will be special so someone please enjoy for me...