Monday, November 9, 2009

Sufjan Stevens & DM Stith



Since moving to NYC, I've been to a couple of Sufjan Stevens concerts & events, including the screening of his film, The BQE. The screening was opened by MC Sufjan Stevens, DM Stith (an artist from Stevens' label, Asthmatic Kitty), and Osso, a string quartet that played orchestral variations of Stevens' album, Enjoy Your Rabbit.

First I want to note that the currently unreleased songs Stevens played at the concerts I attended, one at Bower Ballroom on October 4, and the other at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 6, are completely amazing. Sufjan doesn't disappoint. Here is one example...imagine this one live, with the piano filling the room, completely enveloping you. I'm sorry I can't let you feel the actual feeling, but it was heavy:

"Barn Owl, Night Killer"

Maybe I'll discuss these shows in detail on another occasion, but for now I want to move on to Steven's label-buddy, DM Stith. He's absolutely amazing. His often dark style may be a lot to handle at times, but they are entirely beautiful. His soft-flowing yet wide-ranging melodic vocals, earthy acoustics and production, all married together perfectly, giving his music great depth and his audience a great many pleasant surprises. Sith somehow gives even his darkest, heaviest songs a heavenly sound that might leave a listener uplifted and downtrodden at the same time, certainly perplexed. Here are a few that I've been listening to on repeat:

"Pity Dance"

"Around the Lion Legs" (one of his lighter songs)

"Thanksgiving Moon"

I would also really recommend listening to Stith's "Fire of Birds." I know that's a lot of recommendations, but understand that you can't go wrong with Stith.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

"The Question" by Elvis Perkins, All Night Without Love EP

What do you do when someone you love, w/o question or warning, is swallowed by a bird, who is swallowed by a mountain or swallowed by a dream come true? Unlucky children is the question of my life, the riddle of my body, the air I breathe.

Friday, September 4, 2009

New York, New York!

Today's tunes of the day are classics. Forgive me if you're not a fan of Mr. Sinatra, ol' blue eyes, but you have to give him some props, for as clean-cut as his corrupted form of jazz was, it did and still can make for good entertainment. As for Billy, forget about it...it's just so good. I'm moving to NY to start my career in the music industry (not the devil-machine, but the artist promotion world that makes good music known...just what I try to do here, except hopefully I'll have more reach than I do now...hopefully to REAL people), so here are a couple of songs in honor of this big step of my life, and the music I can't wait to experience!

"New York, New York" Frank Sinatra


"New York State of Mind" Billy Joel


I'm almost officially a New Yorker! Music industry & concert expenses, here I come! Sing me a song, Bowery man, I'm in the mood for a cool melody every night of the week, and I want it sung to me live, under the stars or the bright stage lights.... I want my organs to dance and be made to feel almost uncomfortable, but still good, via the sonic glory that is the vibrations of bass. Yes, there is a dance party. All the time.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Elvis Perkins' FALL TOUR DATES

The Doomsday EP in stores October 20th

Elvis Perkins in Dearland is going on tour for the release of the new Doomsday EP. I STRONGLY SUGGEST you catch one of these dates as Perkins is rising fast. I saw him with his band about 4 months ago at Brattle Theater, capacity 235. He then played both the Newport Folk Festival and Bonnaroo. Now he's playing at the Bowery Ballroom and the Music Hall of Williamsburg, each one a 550-capacity venue whose rosters have included the likes of the great Sufjan Stevens! There's a date here for everyone, so don't miss experiencing this wonderful music in its live excellence (and trust me, they are excellent live!):

9/2 - Elvis Perkins (Solo) at Housing Works - New York, NY (Yellow Bird Projects Presents)
9/3 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR
9/5 - Bumbershoot Festival - Seattle, WA
10/02 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
10/03 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
11/04 - Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival - San Francisco, CA
10/31 - Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble - Woodstock, NY
11/1 - Mountain Stage - Charleston, WV
11/3 - The Southern - Charlottesville, VA
11/4 - Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall - Asheville, NC
11/5 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
11/6 - Cafe 11 - St. Augustine, FL
11/7 - The Social - Orlando, FL
11/9 - Club Downunder - Tallahassee, FL
11/10 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
11/11 - The Parish - New Orleans, LA
11/12 - Walters On Washington - Houston, TX
11/13 - The Parish - Austin, TX
11/14 - House of Blues - Cambridge Room - Dallas, TX
11/16 - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack - Little Rock, AR
11/17 - TBD - Nashville, TN
11/18 - TBD
11/19 - TBD
11/20 - Gargoyle Club - St. Louis, MO
11/21 - TBD - Chicago, IL
11/30 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA
12/01 - The Hi Hat - Providence, RI
12/02 - Rock and Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
12/03 - First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, PA
12/04 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
12/05 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY

10/02 - with Cave Singers
10/03 - with Other Lives
11/03 - 11/21 with A.A. Bondy
11/30 - 12/4 with Bowerbirds

Thursday, June 18, 2009

I've Gotta Get Out of This Place

Unemployment and a month (going on 2) stuck in a small condo with my parents in a place so un-me (and so far from anyone else I know) as Miami Beach is leading me deeper and deeper into a most unfavorable state. Not that I don't love them, but I need a break, or at least something to occupy my time.

I give you the Animals (a hit during the Vietnam War...thank you for adding this song to my repertory, "Popular Music of the Vietnam War" capstone paper! That was a good decision on my part):



And:

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Directions

Every time my navigation says "turn slightly right," Queen ensues:


- "I'm Going Slightly Mad," album: Innuendo

Which reminds me: I love Sirius satellite radio for the Classic Vinyl station, but they are seriouously lacking in the Mercury/May dept. Let's trade some Bob Seger or Jimmy Buffet out for one of the greatest bands of all time. What do you say?

In further news, it's been about 14 days since I've utilized my iPod. I MUST BE going slightly mad!

These directions are given to me upon my return from Scuba-ing in Key Largo. Which means my head then begins playing The Beach Boys' "Kokomo:"

"Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go..."



And yes, this is the muppet version. Why? B/c they introduced me to this greatness when I was a wee little girl. It's absolute brilliance both ways.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Send my regards from Kihei

I've been spending the last 3 days scuba diving and surfing in Kihei. This, of course, means that I've had Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World." And yes, it is a wonderful world I'm livin' in (ignore this: feline feminine fantastical women...).

If you haven't heard this yet, prepare yourself for a much better life to come.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Yesterday's Artist


When I say "yesterday's artist," I mean it literally. Both songs of the day for my yesterday are by The Dears, making the band "Yesterday's Artist." Both songs are off of the band's 2006 album, Gang of Losers.


"You and I are a Gang of Losers"




"Ballad of Humankindness"



SPOILER ALERT:
If you're wondering what songs you're hearing in the second verse of "Ballad," the line "No one should have to live all of their life on their own" is straight out of the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby," while the line "I turn on the news and there’s always some dude..." is, if I'm not mistaken, has Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag" written all over it. I know it might have been bothering some of you imaginary readers out there, as it was bothering me until it clicked. I thought I'd save you the trouble of agonizing over it if agonizing's not your thing.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

WHAAAAAT

Pink Floyd's excellent tune, "Have A Cigar," covered by Foo Fighters with BRIAN HAROLD MAY, the unmatcheable guitarist from the most excellent band, Queen, who is my favorite guitarist of all time. Enjoy the power of his guitaring. This cover is a force.

The Acoustical Brilliance of Shell Crumbs

Thanks to SoulPancake.com for the enlightenment in regards to the following:


Diego Stocco - Music From Sand from Diego Stocco on Vimeo.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Elvis Perkins Once Again

It's time have yet another session of homage-payment to the one and only Elvis Perkins. Here are two absolutely necessary tracks from his solo album, Ash Wednesday:

"Moon Woman II"


"It's Only Me"


Every song on this album is great, just like every other song Elvis Perkins has written, but the studio version of "It's Only Me" is worth a listen, as the entire album is worth a purchase.

Perkins is the first artist in a long time that I've been so into. I refuse to listen to his music on anything less than Apple Lossless CD import quality, & only thru my Bose headphones if it's coursing thru from my ipod. As little of the quality as possible should be lost when listening to his stuff, because his music is 100% haunting in its beauty, and not a microscopic measurement of his music's depth should be dampened.

If you can catch Perkins in Dearland live, it's awe-inspiring.


I know it sounds creepy, or at the very least unhealthily OCD, but trust me it's healthy, and when you hear "While You Were Sleeping" high quality, you might cry and wonder why you've gone so long without such goodnessforyoursoul. It's a total relaxer, soul-refresher. Elvis Perkins (in Dearland) is the sonic equivalent of a fresh breeze, quenching the once-antsy thirst of your mind.

Too much? I'm sorry...don't be frightened.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Soundtrack for your studious enjoyment:

By 9 am tomorrow, I will be B.A. certifiable. It wasn't easy. I've been running on nap-juices after having pulled 3 allnighters in a row, with little sleep per night before that. I can't tell you how many double shot espressos, red bulls, and other proven-useless goodies I've done in the past week. That's right folks, according to some studies, if I hadn't taken naps, I would have been the mental kind of certifiable. After a night of mild hallucinatons and repeated 1/2 second noddings over my books, I turned on some techno to keep myself awake. It worked like a charm. I am SURE that some of you, my imaginary readers, are or will be soon going through finals periods of your own, so I thought I would provide you with 2 pieces of music to help you get through it:

The Stay-Awake song:
Here's a techno piece. It's "No Static" by Bottin. I'd never listened to techno before, but a tecno-geek / study-buddy of mine was playing some stuff and I found the urgency of the beats he was playing to push me along. From my limited experience w techno I've come to the conclusion that a lot of it is about different textures, and it's much harder to know what to expect w a techno song outside of the beat itself, because the sounds and ornamentation is always changing. The consistent surprise will hopefully keep your brain working just enough for you to stay awake without getting distracted by lyrical music...Another friend and I were talking about the following theory: it's possible that while listening to lyrical music your ability to write is diminished because the language part of your brain is also working on the lyrics. This piece, "No Static" by Bottin is meant to be your lead in to techno world for studying purposes. Careful tho, some techno is too trancey, so if you play the wrong song you might end up zoning into nothingness, which is the opposite of what you need.




The take-a-break-and-relax piece that will inevitably be relevant to your tired situation:
This one's a surprise. Or it would be if it didn't say what song it was on the embedded youtube vid down there. Listen to it on your break...it's a lovely, calming piece that is also amusing in its relevance.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Happy slightly belated, Pete!



The wonderful activist, folk revivalist, and (of course) 1996 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (see his HoF profile here: http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/pete-seeger) Pete Seeger, was 90 years old yesterday (b. May 3, 1919). Unfortunately I had to miss his birthday party in Madison Square Garden because, ironically, I'm writing a term paper on the music of the Vietnam War, which of course has quite a bit of Seeger in it. Thus I must wish Seeger a happy birthday from my on-campus suite just 22 hours before this paper is due (and, not to belittle the importance of this post, that's where the procrastination comes in).

In honor of this great musician, who inspired the likes of Bob Dylan, as well as the rest of the Vietnam War protest music, I'm enlightening you, my imaginary (& apparently Seeger-unawares) audience, of his ohsogoodness, that makes my life ohsonice, and was created to make everyone's lives ohsonice&peaceful&loving&beautiful.

"Where Have All the Flowers Gone," written by Seeger & Joe Hickerson



------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's Seeger's birtday invite, including the amazing birthday lineup which makes me want to weep bitterly, thank you very much Peace & Justice major final term paper (from: http://www.seeger90.com/)

"You are cordially invited

The Clearwater Concert:
Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

A benefit concert in celebration of

Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets range in price from $19.19 (the year Pete was born) to $250,
with the majority of seats at $90 to honor Pete's 90th birthday.

Every ticket purchased includes a one-year membership to Clearwater (new members only).

Featuring....
Pete Seeger
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
Bruce Springsteen
Tyler Ramsey (Band of Horses)
Dave Matthews
Warren Haynes
John Mellencamp
Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet
Ani DiFranco
Bernice Johnson Reagon
Arlo Guthrie
Dar Williams
Béla Fleck
Eric Weissberg
Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses)
Guy Davis
Ben Harper
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
Billy Bragg
John Hall
Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident)
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Bruce Cockburn
Larry Long
Del McCoury
Martha Wainwright
Emmylou Harris
Mike & Ruthy Merenda
Joan Baez
NYC Labor Chorus
Keller Williams
Ruby Dee
Kris Kristofferson
Scarlett Lee Moore
Michael Franti
Tao Rodriguez-Seeger
Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers)
Teddy Thompson
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Tom Chapin
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tom Paxton
Richie Havens
Tommy Sands with Moya & Fionan
Roger McGuinn
Tony Trischka
Steve Earle
Toshi Reagon
Taj Mahal

And the Native American Indian Cultural Alliance...
Bill Miller
Margo Thunderbird
Casper Lomadawa
Oren Lyons
David Amram
R. Carlos Nakai
Eddie Benton
Tiokasin Ghosthorse
Joseph Firecrow
Vernon Masayesva
Joanne Shenandoah
Victorio Roland Mousaa

All proceeds to benefit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater (www.clearwater.org),
a non-profit organization created to defend and restore the Hudson River."


Ouchies, that hurt BIGS.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And here's a link to the post-party article in some publication I hadn't heard of. I post this link mainly because of a most excellent Seeger quote midway down the page:

"Springsteen said that he never saw Seeger more happy than at Obama's inauguration, noting that Seeger saw Obama's ascendancy as proof that he, Seeger, had 'outlived the bastards.'"

YES.

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/05/03/pete_seegers_90_birthday_concert_and_president_oba/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

So happy 90th, Pete. You have no idea how sad I am to have missed it. I'll see you next year, at your 91st!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Are you moving much too fast?

We need a breeze to blow us all away.

"The Breeze"by Dr. Dog

Friday, May 1, 2009

Sacred Harp goodness

"The Traveler, 108b" - Sacred Harp singing by Cordelia's Dad.

Sacred harp singing is completely awesome live. I know b/c I saw the Interstate Sacred Harp Singers opened for Elvis Perkins in Dearland at Brattle Theater. You should definitely check it out live if you get the chance, b/c it's definitely something else, and completely different than when you hear a recording. DO IT.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

You were wearing quite a number at the martian petting zoo eating purple colored peanuts from a hippo sized balloon

Hippo-sized balloon.



So very good squared. The refreshing tune is paired with hilariously ridiculous lyrics that paint the most entertaining spacey picture. There our singer is, "sitting on an orbit floating off in space" when the "pretty purple top-hat" of the one who we can only assume is his love-interest, hits him in the face. It's okay though, because he has a crush on her and pays quite a bit of attention to her (we might even call it stalking) when he sees her at the martian petting zoo. Ultimately, however, the love is reciprocated. They are joined at the hip, holding hands and staring at submarines, and then taking each others hands (it is unclear whether or not they had let go previously) and crossing the sea (a dangerous feat when attempted alone). "Aaaaaahhhhh a-a-a-a-a-a-aaaaaa-aaaaahhhhh."

PS- I severely doubt that this is the legit vid for the song, but it's entertaining nonetheless.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Elvis Perkins in Dearland

This post is all about my favorite artist/band of the year, the little-known and should-be-widely-known (for the benefit of music appreciators everywhere) Elvis Perkins (in or out of Dearland), who is certainly in my top 10 favorite artists of all time. I'm not going to break down their music for you...it's late, so I'll save that for another day.

I'm going to give you a link to the vid for my favorite song, "While You Were Sleeping," but just know that this is not the best version. I can't find my favorite version anywhere online...I downloaded it from their myspace or something over the summer & it's no longer there, but this is the closest version I could find (live on Letterman...GO PERKINS IN DEARLAND!). It's still beautiful, but when you ask yourself, "OH! Can it get ANY BETTER THAN THIS?!?!?!?!???????!!!!!!" that the answer surprisingly is "yes. Elvis Perkins in Dearland can make the most amazing things happen."



And my 2nd favorite song, which actually has more general appeal:



ENJOY. May they move you in the way that they've moved me. Refresh the soul!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

50 Ways...

...To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon






...To Make A Record - Kid Cudi



Best surprise ever? Paul Simon's pre-recorded vocal appearance @ 1:46.

Kudi's got good taste, my friends.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Hhhhhhh

The first 0:40 of Cat Power's "In This Hole."




Flight of the Concords' "Business Time" just came on my iPod (song shuffle), and I must say I never thought I could be so strongly opposed to this hilarious tune until I felt the pain induced by the 24 seconds prior to my hitting the "next" button.



Do you ever worry that if you listen to a song at the wrong time you'll never be able to appreciate it fully again?

I do.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Inaniel, miel leilani

"Inaniel" - Devendra Banhart

Don't listen to this song if you're blue. I find it very refreshing, but it definitely has all the attributes of a beautiful downer.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Songs of the day:

Randomly stuck in my head all day:

"After the Curtain" - Beirut.

I just keep hearing "left rigt, le-e-e-eft riii-iiight. Left right, le-e-e-eft right."




Re-discovered & brilliant:

"Where Do You Go to, My Lovely" - Peter Sarstedt

A most excellent tune from Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited. Listen to it first while watching the film. It's a great song, but it's so much better with Anderson visuals. And, of course, the film is brilliant.