The Covalent Bond

December 2006 - Songs of the Day

2007-01-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

December brought a multitude of great songs, some of which I missed earlier in the year. The variety of styles was all over the map. There was freak folk from the likes of Wooden Wand, The Plants, and Christina Carter, the Spanish rock of Manta Ray, and the disturbing art rock of Scott Walker. I hope you enjoy the list and find a few new discoveries to brighten your days. Click here to listen.

1. Mother Midnight - Wooden Wand and the Sky High Band
2. Are You Swimming In Her Pools? - Swan Lake
3. Forest-Mountain - Nalle
4. Give All To Love - Niobe
5. Are You Going To Leave Me - Isobel Campbell
6. Watch Your Step - The Icarus Line
7. Elktooth (Master) - Woven Hand
8. Slow Train - Dirty Faces
9. Moving Intercepted - Christina Carter
10. No Tropieces - Manta Ray
11. Jaguar Love - The Hot Toddies
12. Grim Reaper Blues - Entrance
13. Oh, Bessie! - The Teeth
14. Ankle Injuries - Fujiya & Miyagi
15. Bitch - Rinocerose
16. Pink & Sour - Califone
17. Migratory Birds - Nethers
18. Settle Down City - Young Widows
19. Jolson And Jones - Scott Walker
20. Abandoned Meander - Andrew Rothbard
21. Acorn Child - The Plants

Song of the Day - December 29, 2006

2006-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Plants debut release The Mind Is a Bird in the Hand is an epic freak-folk recording, and should not be missed by fans of the genre. Based out of Portland, the band consists of Josh Blanchard and Molly Griffith, who were recently married. The album title left me puzzled, however Josh Blanchard had explained in a previous interview,"It comes from a movie, Dementia 13, where a woman is freaking out and her analyst tells her to picture her mind as a small bird in her hand—when the hand is calm, so is the bird, and thus the mind. It really struck me as a good visualization technique, but then it took on more meaning." Molly is a cellist/pianist with a love for medieval music and has played with the likes of The Decemberists and 31 Knots. "Acorn Child" has a mystical air to it with sitar, cello, and acoustic guitar. Josh reminded me of very early Jethro Tull, but with a much more sinister twist. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 28, 2006

2006-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

As the year progressed, great psyche-folk recordings became increasingly abundant. Andrew Rothbard makes his contribution with his first solo effort Abandoned Meander, and it is quite a sonic delight. This is the first of a five part series of albums based on the Discordian law of fives: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis, Parenthesis, and Paralysis. This album's theme is thesis. Andrew is already working on the second album entitled Rainbeam Sunbow. According to Andrew Rothbard, ""[Thesis] manifests chaos protected by Goddess Eris, codified by hexagram 2 of the I Ching and directed entirely toward Yin. She lives on the planet Venus, and her Tarot card appears as the High Priestess Trump II." I suppose that statement will give you a hint at the psychedelic nature of the tracks in store for the listener. If you didn't know, Discordianism is a religion based on chaos. I suggest the title track "Abandoned Meander" as a perfect introduction to Rothbard's Discordian world. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 27, 2006

2006-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Scott Walker's album The Drift has been popping up with increasing regularity on end of the year best of lists. In fact, he was under serious consideration for my list. The reason being the truly disturbing nature of his record. It is dark, menancing, intense music that definitely falls into the acquired taste category. Scott Walker started out as a pop icon in the sixties and has now transitioned or should I say drifted towards something quite opposite. The album is brilliant, but best taken in small dose in order to avoid nightmares. It has been eleven years since his last album, but the wait was worth it. I highly recommend "Jolson And Jones," as I find it one of the most fearful, disturbing tracks with the combination of Walker's vocals, a distressed donkey, and violin combining into a work of pure terror. Click here to listen.

Best of Jazz 2006 - A Baker's Dozen

2006-12-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

As last years list, I agonized over who would make it and who would not, hence the inclusion of 13 albums. The saxophone looms large over this year list and also the labels Sunnyside and Cryptogramophone made strong showings. As per last year, the list was limited to those recordings available on Rhapsody. The amount of phenomenal recordings available this year was truly staggering and I could not make any real attempt to list them in any particular order. Here is my Best of Jazz 2006, please enjoy.

Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa - Raw Materials Vijay Iyer is a perennial favorite in best of the year lists and this year is no exception. His pairing with long time collaborator Rudresh Mahanthappa on alto sax in a duo setting is intelligent, challenging music reflecting their heritage, with a strong modal bent. The lack of bass and drums is never felt, rather there is a musical richness evident that borders on the overindulgent for the sonic gourmet.

Misja Fitzgerald Michel - Encounter This is definitely one of the best jazz guitar records of the year, by a guitarist I was totally unaware of. Misja Fitzgerald Michel is a French master of the guitar and this album is spectacular. The album is a mixture of original compositions and original takes on compositors from the likes of Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Bill Stewart. The musicians in his band are top notch, including: Ravi Coltrane, Drew Gress, and Jochen Rueckert. Playing both electric and acoustic guitars Misja plays music in a variety of styles that never ceases to please.

Sai Ghose - New Blood I can listen to this record over and over and never lose interest. Sai Ghose is a wonderful pianist and this album grooves. I detect a touch of Vince Guaraldi in Sai's pianism, which is something I just love. Sai is given considerable assistance from guitarist Mark Jodice. This is mainstream jazz that is impeccably tremendous listening. Music does not always have to be extreme to be intelligent, thoughtful, works of art. This a collection of musicians that know what they are doing and do it to perfection.

Metta Quintet - Subway Songs A beautiful theme album inspired by the subways of New York and performed exquisitely by the Metta Quintet. In addition to being a great record, 100% of the proceeds of this album go to a good cause, the JazzReach foundation. The JazzReach foundation is a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering a greater awareness, appreciation and understanding of jazz, especially among the young. The album intertwines actual subway sounds with excellent musicianship resulting in a fascinating listen.

Charles Gayle - Time Zones This is a mindblowing album. First because Charles Gayle is known primarily as a saxophone player, yet he has released one of the best solo piano albums of the year. Second, his command of the instrument is exceptional and his incorporation of various piano styles is quite refreshing. There are musical references to the likes of Bud Powell, Art Tatum, Cecil Taylor, and Oscar Peterson all combined into one delicious collection of pianism. If you love piano, do not miss this record.

Roy Nathanson - Sotto Voce This has to be the most fun album on the list. It is the work of Roy Nathanson, a man known for his eclectic history of working with the likes of Elvis Costello to co-founding the Jazz Passengers. Here he has outdone himself with the creation of a jazz record that primarily features the spoken word, with occasional actual singing, and believe it or not the "human beatbox" Napoleon Maddox substituting for a drummer. You must check out his version of "Sunny." This album absolutely has to be heard to be believed.

Rashied Ali Quintet - Judgment Day Vol. 1 Rashied Ali is not heard from much these days, having risen to fame with Coltrane on his last albums. However, he deserves to be heard more and this album is proof. Lately, he has been functioning in an Art Blakey mode, nurturing young talent. On this record, you can hear the fruit of his labors and it just cooks. Actually, this is volume 1 of a two volume set. I haven't had the opportunity to hear volume 2, as it is not on Rhapsody, but I am sure it is a winner. The varied tone colors he coaxes from his drum set and the rapport with his band make this an outstanding adventure in post-bop musicianship.

Armen Donelian and Marc Mommaas - All or Nothing at All Saxophone and piano duos seem to be all the rage this year, witness the Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa recording. Armen Donelian and Marc Mommaas, piano and saxophone respectively, have created just as satisfying an album with what I would call a New York sound, as opposed to the exotic melodies of Iyer and Mahanthappa. All or Nothing at All is a live concert from 2003 in New York City. Armen Donelian has a lyrical quality to his playing touched with a smattering of the avant garde. He was initially trained in classical music, but jazz soon became an overwhelming passion. Armen is also a Fulbright scholar. Marc Mommass plays his horn with passion, edge, and modernistic tendencies. The overall combination of the two musicians results in an introspective collection of tunes that lets the listener peer into the soul of these musicians.

Francois Carrier - Open Spaces This is an exercise in saxophone aesthetics featuring both alto and tenor saxophones from Francois Carrier and Dewey Redman respectively. There is a lot of free playing on this record and it is of the highest caliber. It never turns me off, like some free playing can. It is the interplay between Carrier and Redman that is truly fascinating. Redman, who passed away last year, was a veteran of Ornette Coleman's band and knew a thing a two about free improvisation. The supporting musicians provide the sonic undercurrents to let both Carrier and Redman shine. The first track "Going Through" is a 21 minute monster of free jams that immediately caught my attention for best of the year. If you are looking for something a little more challenging this is the disc for you.

Kenny Garrett - Beyond the Wall This has to be the superstar jazz record of the year. The talent on this record is unbelievable: Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, Mulgrew Miller, Brian Blades, and of course Kenny Garrett. The album was inspired by a trip that Garret had taken to China. This album has a Coltrane sound and a definite spiritual feeling, perhaps it is the use of wordless vocals on some tracks. The Coltrane sound is no accident, as Garrett dedicated the album to McCoy Tyner and Mulgrew Miller is up to the task interpreting these modal tunes. This is a record that people will be listening to decades from now.

Charles Lloyd - Sangam This is a wonderful album that combines world music and jazz into a symbiotic whole. Charles Lloyd is paired with Zakir Hussain on tabla and Eric Harland on drums for a recording that was done live in 2004. This is a masterpiece of an album. Percussion fans will be overwhelmed with delight by Zakir and Eric, yet Charles Lloyd still is the star evoking a wide range of emotions, colors, and superlative muscianship on both saxophone and flute. If you have a taste for the exotic, please sample Sangam.

Bennie Maupin Ensemble - Penumbra Penumbra is an apt name for Bennie Maupin's latest release, as he as often lived in the shadow of others such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Maupin's main instrument is the bass clarinet, which he plays in an earthy, lyrical style using the spaces between the notes as eloquently as the notes themselves. In addition to his clarinet, he also plays tenor and soprano saxophones, alto flute, and piano. Bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz does an outstanding job accompanying Maupin. The whole album is an atmospheric journey that just leaves me in awe. There is even a song about Eric Dolphy, that other great bass clarinetist. Of course, Bennie could not forget the saxophonists, as there is also a swinging song about Lester Young. A few critics have referred to his music as chamber music, which fits with its intimate character and soulful sound of the bass clarinet.

Nels Cline - New Monastery Here's an album that was on practically everyone's best of the year lists. Nels Cline, that fabulous guitarist who leads both a jazz and rock life, has dedicated an album to the eclectic pianist Andrew Hill. In a moment of inspiration or maybe just pragmatism, Nels Cline decides to eliminate the piano from the album entirely, resulting in a truly unique take on Hill's music without being a clone. In addition to eliminating the piano, Nels Cline added the accordion which contributes greatly to the atmospheric nature of the pieces. Many of the works are performed as suites, which evolve from one song to the next with an ease that I know took a lot of effort. This is another album that will reward the musical adventurous.

Song of the Day - December 26, 2006

2006-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

OK, it is no longer Christmas and my musical selection is not quite as gentle as yesterday's tune. You may not be ready for this if it is early in the morning, or evening for that matter. The Young Widows are in your face rock and roll. They are loud, rude, and great! Their influences range from bands like Shellac, Nirvana, Jesus Lizard, and Gang of Four. You are either going to love this or hate it. Yes, I love it. The distortion is beautiful to my ear and the beats are punishing, truly invigorating music. This Louisville based band pulls no punches on Settle Down City, a post grunge masterpiece. It may not be entirely the style these days, but it is one heck of a record. I suggest a small dose of the Young Widows to determine your level of tolerance, and the best song is the title tune, "Settle Down City." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 25, 2006

2006-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I thought I would welcome Christmas with the gentle neo-folk sounds of the Nethers. Formed from the ashes of The Carlsonics, this Washington DC based quintet has released their debut album In Fields We Will Lie, a sublime collection of gentle but great tunes. Nikki West's vocals have a soothing demeanor that I find quite appropriate for this particular day. By the way, she is also the bassist for the group. As I listened to this album, one track in particular stood out, "Migratory Birds." The track starts out simply with Nikki and some strummed chords, an arpeggio is added, and the drums gently enter. The song slowly builds in intensity, but never simmers over. It is a gem of a song. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 22, 2006

2006-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Califone's latest Roots and Crowns is a journey through Americana as seen through the eyes of Tim Rutili and company. Califone has created a lush sound by incorporating a variety of instruments, yet it is not always entirely pure Americana. The band twists and turns with melodies and sounds until it becomes a distorted version of Americana. A case in point is "Spider House," which incorporates a modified piano that had duct tape and paper clips layered upon its strings. There are also fragments of world music apparent in their music, such as "Chinese Actor." However, it is the track "Pink & Sour" that has won me over. It has an exotic percussive sound, augmented by Frippian style guitar licks, quite a tasty treat for the holidays. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 21, 2006

2006-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

A pair of psychologists by day, disco/rock/electro-pop stars by night, the French duo of Jean-Phillipe Freu and Patrice Carrie have released their self-titled album Rinocerose, which near as I can tell is a collection of previous hits. An amalgamation of styles is evident in this release; there is a strong 70's and 80's influence ranging from Prince, Smashing Pumpkins, Soft Cell, and Chic that when mixed with the proper amount of alcohol will get the party on the dance floor. You may have been familiar with the track "Cubicle," which was featured on an iPod commercial, but there are other tracks which are worth a listen like the aggressive "Get Ready Now" or the 70's drenched funk of "Le Mobilier." Favorite track honors go to "Bitch" which has an AC/DC edge mixed in the appropriate ratio with a Prince-like funk for an delightful musical cocktail. Click here to listen

Song of the Day - December 20, 2006

2006-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

First off, things are not always what they seem; Fujiya & Miyagi are not Japanese. They are not even a duo, rather they a trio of lads from Brighton, England, who have taken their moniker from Pat Morita's character in The Karate Kid and the name of a record player. They play a funky, sometimes minimalist style of techno, reminding me of German bands like DAF intermixed with vintage Talking Heads. Their latest release Transparent Things, takes its tiles from a book by the legendary author Vladimir Nabokov. The album on a whole is quite addictive, I am particularly enamored of the track "Collarbone." However, it is the opening track "Ankle Injuries," with its repeated chorus of "Fujiya Miyagi" that has me locked in a sonic prison of no escape, a pleasant incarceration none the less. Click here to listen.

Covalent Bond's Best "Indie Albums" of 2006

2006-12-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is that time of year, the time of lists. I agonized over this list, and tried very hard not to pick the obvious choices. I struggled for a variety of sounds, styles, and moods. As last year, the list is in no particular order, just an eclectic collection of my top 10 albums of 2006.

Darker My Love - Darker My Love

Coach Fingers -No Flies On Frank

Awesome Snakes - Venom

Dan Sartain - Join Dan Sartain

The USA Is a Monster - Sunset at the End of the Industrial Age

Nightingales - Out of True

Wooden Wand and the Sky High Band - Second Attention

Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up I Am Dreaming

Frida Hyvonen - Until Death Comes

Shearwater - Palo Santo

Song of the Day - December 19, 2006

2006-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

When I think of Philadelphia, I normally think of Ben Franklin, the Liberty Bell, and Rocky. Well, things have changed, and now I think of The Teeth, that fabulous quartet whose delicious harmonies prompt memories of The Kinks and Beatles. You could not ask for better harmonies than from twin brothers Aaron and Peter McDavis. I haven't heard songs like this in quite some time, and I find their EP Carry the Wood positively invigorating. For a bracing dose of The Teeth, I heartily urge you to succumb to the magnificent harmonies of "Oh, Bessie!". Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 18, 2006

2006-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

A psychedelic Christmas present is bestowed upon us from Guy Blakeslee and his band Entrance with the album Prayer of Death. This is truly awesome, freaky music influenced by the likes of Hendrix, Zeppelin, Syd Barrett, Ali Farka Toure, and Nirvana. The album was inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead, Timothy Leary, and delta blues legend Charley Patton. This is a marriage of country blues, psychedelic expressions, and world music influences that is a true treat for the musical adventurer. I even love the album cover, which appears to be a slight reference to Hendrix's Axis: Bold as Love. Check out tracks like "Silence of a Crowded Train" with its interesting violin accompaniment, Robert Plant-like vocals, and lots of wah wah on the guitar or the strong world music influences of "Valium Blues." However, my favorite tune is "Grim Reaper Blues." I love the feedback rich intro that slides into a country blues psychedelic riff and I feel as if I am transported to some late night voodoo ritual. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 15, 2006

2006-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

At first hearing The Hot Toddies, I was immediately drawn by the sugary vocals of this all girl band from Oakland, California. However first appearances can be deceiving, as a close listen to the lyrics will reveal that these girls are not so innocent. I love the juxtaposition of their sweet harmonies with lyrics that are in complete opposition. Their self-titled EP is chockfull of examples of innocence and naughtiness. My favorite tune is "Jaguar Love," a song that borrows heavily from AC/DC, while adding the beautiful harmonies of The Hot Toddies into a doo wop laced song of intriguing contradictions. Click
here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 14, 2006

2006-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't understand a word of Spanish, but Manta Ray has me hooked. A post-punk delight that crosses the sounds of Slint and Don Caballero with elements of krautrock, Manta Ray has avoided my musical radar until just recently. In existence since 1992, this Spanish quartet will no longer remain unwatched. Their latest album Torres De Electricdad is on the noted Spanish label Acuarela. If listeners will give this album a chance, they will be won over despite the language obstacles. This is music of the highest quality and would be storming up the indie charts if it were in English. Music, however, transcends language barriers, and Manta Ray confirms this old axiom. I love the combinations of songs: slow, fast, dark, high energy, and mysterious tracks result in an endlessly interesting album. For a taste of this Spanish delicacy try the track "No Tropieces," which rumbles with a strong bass line, angular guitar chops, and punctuating trumpet volleys. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 13, 2006

2006-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christina Carter is one half of the former husband and wife team known as The Charalambides, Though Christina and Tom are no longer married, they still perform together. A proponent of understated guitars and vocals, Christina's solo effort Electrice is a study in atmospherics and not pyrotechnics. One of my favorite track is a languid, possibly hallucination inducing track entitled "Moving Intercepted." Vocals and guitars are entwined and conjoined in such a manner that they virtually meld into a single entity. A perfect song to nod off into oblivion after a long night out on the town. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 12, 2006

2006-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I like to think of the Dirty Faces as Captain Beefheart fronting The Stooges with occasional appearances by Aerosmith and Foghat. A legend in Pittsburgh, The Dirty Faces have released their fourth album Get Right with God and may soon become a legend across the whole country. This is damn good stuff! There are bluesy numbers like "Sister Redux", high energy rockers like "Somnambulist's Vacation," slow numbers "Watching the War From Above," and odes to Steeler's great "Rocky Bleier." You can taste the gritty, dirty side of Pittsburgh in their music. My favorite track is "Slow Train," an aptly named song that truly runs on a slower track than many of the other tunes. Captain Beefheart's influence is extremely evident and I love it. This is a modern blues drenched powerhouse of a song. Click here to listen.

Songs of the Day - December 11, 2006

2006-12-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine Jim Morrison fronting Joy Division being transplanted to the moss covered swamps of the American South with a side trip to the Appalachians, and you will have a vague idea of Woven Hand's sound. Woven Hand is the solo project of David Eugene Edwards, frontman of 16 Horsepower; and his latest release Mosaic is a sublime work of dark American roots music. The album is full of eerie dark tunes that seem perfect for a winter storm, which just happens to be occurring as I write this post. One of the most ominous tunes is "Elktooth," which also is the name of the town where the CD was recorded. The organ intro and Edwards' vocals are a chilling combination that has a haunting beauty like a Rocky Mountain snowfall. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 8, 2006

2006-12-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Icarus Line have released their new EP Black Presents, which is a metamorphic change in their sound, to a lighter but still heavy sound that is extremely appealing, possibly even better than their earlier work. The first track "Black Presents" is probably the heaviest on the EP with definite shades of Killing Joke and Gang of Four. Every song on the EP is extremely addictive, an added benefit of EP's, short but intense dosages of a band's essence with no filler. The best track is the last track "Watch Your Step," a swaggering song of rumbling bass and drums punctuated by the coolest guitar solos full of dissonance and bite. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 7, 2006

2006-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Former vocalist and cellist for Belle and Sebastian has released her second album this year with Milk White Sheets. It is a quiet introspective album where Isobel's voice barely rises above a whisper. In fact, it is this quality that makes the album intriguing, forcing you to listen closely to her words. The first track, "O Love Is Teasin" is a gentle song, but underneath it all I sense a certain level of tension that is appealing. In a more folk-like vein, I was immediately attracted to the traditional folk song "Are You Going to Leave Me" featuring her hushed voice and rumbling drums, which she transforms into a "psychedelic lullaby" and my song of the day. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 6, 2006

2006-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yvonne Cornelius, the German chanteuse behind Niobe has created an eclectic collection of song stylings in her latest release White Hats. The track "Drei Zinnen" incorporates 1940 vocal stylings with recorded sounds of a car trip. "Up Hill and Down Dale" comes straight from the 70's disco era, while "Give All to Love" has a decidedly more soulful feel to it and is my track of the day. A nostalgic sound surrounds Yvonne's vocals, while the beats are definitely modern, imparting an almost lost in time feeling to this unusual track. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 5, 2006

2006-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another musical adventure for those that yearn for an acquired taste of aural challenges. First start in Finland and journey across the sea to Glasgow and you will replicate Nalle, a Finnish band based in Scotland, that makes some of the most hauntingly beautiful music you will hear this year. Taking their name from the Finnish word for teddy bear, you will either love this record or wonder what the hell it is all about. I personally love it. Lead vocalist Hanna Tuulikki sounds like some unusual cocktail of Bjork, Joanna Newsom, and Josephine Foster. You may not be ready for this, unless you were raised on a musical diet of the aforementioned artists. Employing a wide variety of instrumentation ranging from bouzouki, viola, flutes, kantele, and clarinet, Nalle create a sonic environment that conjures up visions of the Arctic, North Africa, and the Far East. Their album By Chance Upon Walking is a sonic delight. One of my favorite tracks is "Forest Mountain." I love the interplay between the viola and Hanna's voice, while the rest of the band provides relaxing, but slightly eerie accompaniment. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - December 4, 2006

2006-12-04T05:00:00.001-08:00

Last month saw the release of Beast Moans by indie supergroup Swan Lake. The composition of Swan Lake is a magical mixture of Canadians including Destroyer/New Pornographer Dan Bejar, Frog Eyes' Carey Mercer, and Wolf Parade/Sunset Rubdown's Spencer Krug. This collaboration is no spur of the moment project, rather the various members of Swan Lake have known each other for years and worked on various projects together. Their friendship and artistic kinship resulted in a truly spectacular album. I cannot spend enough time listening to their sublime songs. "Petersburg, Liberty Theater, 1914," "Freedom," and "Widow's Walk" are just some of the songs that deserve repeated listening. My favorite track is "Are You Swimming In Her Pools?," a song that starts off with simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and builds to a burst of exuberance, while evoking a Bowie-like vibe. Click here to listen.

November 2006 - Songs of the Day

2006-12-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

November was a month of contrasts. I started with the young, but exceedingly cool Tiny Masters of Today and finished with The Nightingales, a band that has been in existence for over twenty years. There was the calmness of BenoÎt Pioulard contrasted to the stoner rock of Mammatus. In between their was no lack of excellent tunes from the likes of the Envelopes, Suicidal Birds, Awesome Snakes, Frida Hyvonen, and many others in a wide variety of styles to satisfy the music lovers in all of us. Click here to listen.

1. Tooty Frooty Clarke's Dream Song - Tiny Masters Of Today
2. Atlantis To Interzone - Klaxons
3. Faster Than A Dead Horse - Viva Voce
4. Isabelle and Leonard - Envelopes
5. Today, Tuesday - Frida Hyvönen
6. We Go - The Good Good
7. Hello Jenn, I'm A Mess - Evangelicals
8. Wakachu the Walrus - Coach Fingers
9. Rich People - The Hospitals
10. Until the Sadness is Gone - David & the Citizens
11. Me Animal - The Suicidal Birds
12. Pride And Fight - Animal Collective
13. Triggering Back - BenoÎt Pioulard
14. All Of A Sudden - Appomattox
15. Lazy Susan - Oakley Hall
16. Remembering and Forgetting - Songs Of Green Pheasant
17. Cold Lips Taste Better - Black Time
18. Follow These Eyes - The Hidden Cameras
19. Dragon Of The Deep Part Two - Mammatus
20. I Want A Snake - Awesome Snakes
21. Open Window Blues - Simon Joyner
22. Born Again In Birmingham - Nightingales

Song of the Day - December 1, 2006

2006-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

As the year progresses, I realize I am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of music labeled New Weird America, psych-folk, freak folk or whatever the nome de plume is of the genre today. The sound of Wooden Wand and the Sky High Band best epitomizes the sound that infatuates me these days. Their release, Second Attention, is an awesome accumulation of free-folk jewels. A collaborative effort with members of Skygreen Leopards, The Vanishing Voice, and Davenport, Wooden Wand evokes memories of Dylan and Neil Young. James Toth's vocals are very reminiscent of Dylan, especially on tracks like "Dead Sue." I love every track on this record, so picking a favorite is extremely difficult. Having said that, I nominate "Mother Midnight" as my favorite track; I love the moaning chorus, Toth's vocals, the electric guitar solos, and the overall vibe of the song. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 30, 2006

2006-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

The legendary Nightingales are back with their first album in twenty years. Originally known as The Prefects, they were at the bleeding edge of England's punk scene touring with the likes of The Clash, The Fall, Damned, and Buzzcocks. A favorite of John Peel, The Prefects eventually morphed into The Nightingales. Evoking the aural palette of Captain Beefheart, The Fall, Tom Waits, and a smidgen of Roxy Music, The Nightingales' Out of True is a tremendously refreshing listen. If a band can pull off Captain Beefheart-like riffs and not alienate the listener, they have achieved a delicate balance that will intrigue the listener to discover more of their music. Needless to say, this album is a success in my book. The polyrhythmic nature of "Born in Birmingham" and the mysterious lyrics all drive me to want to listen to everything they ever recorded. It is truly wonderful stuff. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 29, 2006

2006-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Skeleton Blues is another masterpiece by Simon Joyner. Sounding like a complex combination of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground enriched with a dash of Dylan, Simon Joyner is joined by his backup band from Omaha, The Fallen Men on his latest effort. The album was recorded live in an abandoned train station outside of Omaha. The effect is a relaxed recording that lets the true emotions of the songs show through without overproduction. My absolute favorite tune is the opening track "Open Window Blues." A song that simmers with Simon's vocals, but also is accompanied by a riveting guitar that is just as irresistible. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 28, 2006

2006-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love this! I love Awesome Snakes' Venom. The album is a hilarious, punked out party album that is the work of half of The Soviettes, Danny Snakes and Annie Awesome. Incorporating humorous audio samples into their songs, Danny and Annie have produced one of the best albums of the year. Their just want to have fun approach, reminds me slightly of The B-52's, but with a much harder edge. Even their album cover is a hoot, taking inspiration from Motley Crue's Too Fast for Love. Using just bass and drums, the energy they produce is relentless. They possess a certain frenetic energy that is reminiscent of The Fall, especially Danny's vocals. The best place to start is "I Want a Snake." You will succumb to the power of Awesome Snakes. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 27, 2006

2006-11-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Mammatus are some of the most threatening clouds you may ever see, and Mammatus the band "harness instruments and amplifiers with the brave intent of transforming the natural beauty and massive fury that lies in the earth into acoustic energy." Their self-titled album is a sonic blast of stoner rock. The album was recorded simply, but to great effect in their garage; an example of lo-fi that maximizes the emotional nature of the music, rather than being a sonic nuisance. If you are going to listen to Mammatus you might as well jump right into the deep end, with their mammoth 22 plus minute recording of "Dragon of the Deep Part Two." An epic of colossal guitar jams and psychedelic drones with minimal vocals, the song will appeal to the hidden stoner in everybody. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 24, 2006

2006-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Hidden Cameras are a Toronto based collective of approximately 13 musicians. They have described their music as "gay church folk music" and been labeled orchestral pop by others. Their latest release AWOO is not as overtly explicit as previous albums, but rather more of a grand collection of orchestral pop ditties. The music soars, the melodies are catchy, and if you don't pay close attention to the lyrics you may never be aware of their past notoriety. Great songs are abundant. "AWOO," "Learning the Lie," and "She's Gone" immediately come to mind as great tunes. Yet, it is the slightly darker "Follow These Eyes" that haunts me as I listen to the album. The track is not as beautifully happy as the aforementioned tunes, which all have bouncy melodies while maintaining a sarcastic view of the world. Life isn't always happy or easy, yet The Hidden Cameras have found a way to release the beauty of the darker moments. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 23, 2006

2006-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Fear, Electric Eels, Birthday Party, Cramps all come to mind when I listened to Black Time's Blackout. Formed from the amalgamation of various band members associated with Hotwires, Action Time, and the Quickies; London's Black Time have created rock at its absolute rawest. I am not sure if this is appropriate music for Thanksgiving Day, yet it is a reminder of the English roots of the holiday. Oh, I don't know where to begin; I love the entire CD. "White Heat Returned" is a great tune with cool organ accompaniment. "This Is a Curse" has that Cramps' swagger. "Black Time Pt. 1" is a frantic track reminiscent of The Fall. Yet, I fell for "Cold Lips, Taste Better" a song that has that "heavy vampire sound." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 22, 2006

2006-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

The second album from Sheffield native Duncan Sumpner is entitled Aeriel Days. The disc is a melancholy journey in the psych-folk tradition. Songs meander through Duncan's mind as the echoes of guitars bounce off the aural landscape. The album invokes a dark, damp, dreary day. That is not a complaint, but praise. The cover of "Dear Prudence" is beautiful and heartfelt. Yet, the standout track is "Remembering and Forgetting;" a song that transitions from some simple arpeggios on the guitar, to a much more dissonant collection of sounds involving dulcimer, reverb drenched vocals, and a disturbing crescendo of sonic chaos. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 21, 2006

2006-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oakley Hall released their second album Gypsum Strings this year. A psychedelic folk gem that blends elements of The Byrds, X, and Fairport Convention with a strong country twinge. Rachel Cox's vocals shimmer in tracks like "House Carpenter," which combines gentle folk elements with brutal guitar licks. I love it. However, try giving the heavily psych influenced "Confidence Man" a listen if you enjoy 60's psychedelica. My favorite track is the pounding "Lazy Susan," which bears a slight resemblance to X. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 20, 2006

2006-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Which Boston band named themselves after a town in Virginia where the Civil War ended? The answer is Appomattox, and their self-titled CD is great. Their Boston heritage is evident with aural glimpses/influences of the city's musical glories such as Mission of Burma. "All of a Sudden" is an awesome track literally overflowing with energy. The kind of song that appeals to your primal senses; an aggressive tune that is full of dissonance, power, and emotion. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 17, 2006

2006-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

The need for a calming force sometimes exceeds the daily forces that frequently overwhelm our lives. Benoit Pioulard's album Precis is an excellent tool in the daily battle against the mortal enemy of stress. A bittersweet, but serene collection awaits the listener while listening to Benoit Pioulard's musical collection of recorded sounds, gentle acoustic guitar, and soothing vocals. Despite the use of recorded sounds, the recordings feel entirely organic. This disc is akin to a reflective walk through a first growth forest. Start your journey with the extremely enjoyable "Triggering Back." Click here to listen.

Sublime Vibrations of an Improvisational Nature

2006-11-17T04:10:00.000-08:00

My latest playlist focuses on jazz, an intoxicating cocktail of musical adventure. A pair of jazz titans bookends the list: Bobby Hutcherson and John Coltrane. In between a heterogeneous mixture of jazz: some old, some new, avant-garde, and mainstream. Click here to listen.

1. Jazz - Bobby Hutcherson
2. Bass Introduction - Omer Avital
3. Yokada Yokada / The Rumproller - Nels Cline
4. New Africa - Original - Grachan Moncur III
5. Syeeda's Song Flute - Archie Shepp
6. Acute Motelitis - Roswell Rudd
7. Nation Time - Joe Mcphee
8. In Cologne - John Taylor
9. Bad Reed Blues - Reptet
10. Mental Strain At Dawn - David Murray
11. And Then She Left - Anders Aarum
12. All the things you are - Ulf Wakenius
13. Coffee Shop - Neal Miner
14. Sicilienne - Kenny Werner Trio
15. The Tortoise - Frequency
16. Blue Train - John Coltrane

Song of the Day - November 16, 2006

2006-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

For fans of Animal Collective, the recording Hollinndagain has been a collectors album, originally released in a limited edition of 300. The album has long been unavailable. Paw Tracks has remedied the situation with the re-release of the only live album recorded by the Animal Collective. Though it is not initially apparent, the album is live. The first three tracks are from a performance at the fabled New Jersey radio station WFMU. The reminder of the album was recorded during their 2001 tour with Black Dice. The album is an interesting reminder of the evolutionary path taken by the band. In fact, in this early evolutionary state, the band was known as Avery Tare, Panda Bear, and Geologist before they became known as Animal Collective. Tribal sounds figured prominently in their early recordings, compared to the more poppish leanings today. A perfect example is the track "Pride and Fight," which combines a primitive minimalism alla Philip Glass with drones and tribal tendencies. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 15, 2006

2006-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my God! The Suicidal Birds' Z-List is a tremendous album. A Dutch quartet, their album was recorded deep in the woods of the Netherlands soley by led singer Jessie. She is assisted by other band members when playing live. For fans of garage rock, riot grrrl, and urban blues The Suicidal Birds will not disappoint. Jessie is a kinetic bundle of energy and her emotional vocals are a symbiotic marriage with the music. Their fans include J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, who they recently supported in a European tour. I recommend listening to the album in its entirety, but if you only have time for a single tune check out "Me Animal;" Jessie does childlike imitations of a barnyard full of animals, while the guitars roar ferociously around her. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 14, 2006

2006-11-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! Swedish quartet David & The Citizens' album Until the Sadness Is Gone is the best thing to come out of Sweden since the massage. The album consists of a collection of pop gems of varying colors, brilliance, and sonic exuberance. Their sound is a mixture of Belle and Sebastian, Violent Femmes, Devotchka, and a dash of Dinosaur Jr. Choosing a favorite tune is a conundrum of the highest order. I love the opening track, "The End," the Eastern European influenced "Long Days," and the ironic cheery pop of "New Direction." Yet, I just can't escape the cerebral musical trap of the title track "Until the Sadness is Gone;" a song that reminds me of the Violent Femmes with a driving energy that just drills deeper and deeper into my gray matter. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 13, 2006

2006-11-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

If you like loud agglomerations of sound and chaos then go straight to The Hospitals. Last year, this San Francisco based band released the bizarrely titled album I've Visited the Island of Jocks and Jazz. This is garage rock at its most distorted, yet there are vestiges of pop hidden behind the chaos. My favorite song is definitely "Rich People," a song that is loaded with reverb, a hint of The Fall, and a perverted sense of pop. Click here to listen.

A Random Walk Through the Musical Forest of Rhapsody

2006-11-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a brief selection of assorted musical tidbits as I wander down the musical path of Rhapsody. The path traced through an alternative trail of modern musical delight with a slight detour for a few more mature tracks. Click here to listen.

1. From The Devil Himself - Viva Voce
2. Forest Gospel - Animal Collective
3. Gravity's Rainbow - Klaxons
4. Audrey In The Country - Envelopes
5. I Drive My Friend - Frida Hyvönen
6. Silhouette - The Good Good
7. Velvet Cave - Silver Apples
8. Another Day (And Yoor Still Knocked Out) - Evangelicals
9. Lost in the Cornmaze with the Id and the Odd - Coach Fingers
10. Making Love To A Vampire With A Monkey On My Knee - Captain Beefheart
11. Daylight Till' Dawn - All Night Radio
12. The Dawn Curtain - Flying Canyon
13. 115 Bar Joy - Unicorn
14. Voices - Espers
15. It's Not Too Beautiful - The Beta Band
16. Black Flowers - Yo La Tengo

Song of the Day - November 10, 2006

2006-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Three members of The No Neck Blues Band, Coach Jason Meagher, Dave Nuss and Dave Shuford, form the nucleus of Coach Fingers. In addition, the band consists of Sean Meagher on keyboards and George Devoe on guitar. Their album No Flies on Frank is a delight of boogie blues rock with an irreverent twist akin to Zappa, who I suppose is the inspiration of the album title. I am especially drawn to the irreverent aspects of their music such as the kazoo chorus in "Lost in the Cornmaze with the Id and the Odd." Yet, the silly song about a walrus is something special. "Wakachu the Walrus" starts out with some clearly articulated guitar picking, only to transition to a addictive chorus that Jimmy Buffett may have composed with the help of Frank Zappa. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 9, 2006

2006-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma has given birth to the Evangelicals, a trio with quirky pop sensibilities. Often compared to fellow Oklahoma residents, The Flaming Lips, the Evangelicals have released their debut album So Gone. Many of their songs have what I call a floating nature to them, using soaring and swirling melodies. In fact, I am surprised that such a rich sound comes from only a trio. The album is a great listen, perfect for some long distance driving. There is the waltz-like rhythms of "My Headache," the crazed psychedelic leanings of "Another Day (and Your Still Knocked Out)," and the song of the day "Hello Jenn, I'm a Mess." A song that definitely soars melodically, while reminding me slightly of 80's bands like Spandau Ballet and the Simple Minds. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 8, 2006

2006-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Good Good remind me of Deerhoof and Man Man, but toned down slightly. Think of Deerhoof as black coffee and Good Good as coffee with milk. Their album Furrows is a combination of a previously released EP and some new songs recorded for a 12 inch. The band loves to experiment using multiple instruments, sounds, and a sense of whimsy. They utilize a free jazz sensibility expressed in an indie rock idiom. "Silhouette" starts innocently enough, only to metamorphosize into a song with a bizarre but addictive chorus that Zappa would love, in addition to their chanting about alligator pie. "Clouds" features sampled children's voices accompanied by spastic guitars and drumming; I am definitely reminded of Man Man. "We Go" is my favorite. I love the frantic energy of the song, the mantra of "We Go," and the transition to a much harder song midway through the track. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 7, 2006

2006-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Global warming apparently is not all bad, for as the temperatures rise around the world, particularly in Scandinavia, the musical talent is released in a torrent of excellent artists. Swedish vocalist and pianist Frida Hyvonen has created a sonically sparse, but beautiful album with Until Death Comes. Consisting primarily of Frida's vocals and piano accompaniment, her music echoes the melancholy nature of the Scandinavia environment. Her songs remind me of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. I loved the opening track "I Drive My Friend," but "Today, Tuesday" is my favorite track. Frida's voice is hauntingly beautiful, the piano is used sparingly, but to perfection. I can only hope we will hear more from Frida. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 6, 2006

2006-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Envelopes are a French/Swedish band and their album Demon, which came out last year is an utter delight. Despite the medieval looking album art, Demon is not referring to some evil monster, but rather Demon is Swedish for demo. The album is apparently a collection of their demo tapes. They have been compared to the Pixies, Pavement, and Belle and Sebastian. Many of their songs have a wonderful poppish side to them. One of my favorites in the poppish vein is "Sister in Love," a terminally addictive song. However, my favorite track is "Isabelle and Leonard." The song is accompanied by acoustic guitar, a silly backing chorus, and a great progression from gentle acoustic introduction to a more rockin' presence. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 3, 2006

2006-11-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love the latest album, Get Yr Blood Sucked Out, from the husband and wife duo Viva Voce. For those who are linguistically curious, Viva Voce is Italian for "word of mouth." Kevin and Anita Robinson's music has been described by some critics as a combination of The Pixies and The Monkees, and I would have to agree. There are pleasant harmonies and hand claps, interspersed with the searing guitar work of Anita throughout the album, the effect is particularly appealing. I enjoyed the almost cult-like opener "Believer," the pop-like "We Do Not *uck Around," and the rollickin' "From the Devil Himself." However, song of the day honors go to "Faster Than a Dead Horse," which had a psychedelic patina, that was intensified by Anita's excellent guitar work and the silly backing chorus. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 2, 2006

2006-11-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

The latest craze to come from Britain is The Klaxons. A band that is determined to get you up and dancing. They incorporate elements of rave music, note the sirens, but their music is more angular and jagged with a touch of Gang of Four. NME has raved about the single "Gravity's Rainbow" named after the great postmodern fiction of Thomas Pynchon, but I love the track "Atlantis To Interzone." I feel it is the standout track on their EP Xan Valleys. Once the initial sirens give way to a spastic guitar riff and high pitched vocals, you will have an uncontrollable urge to dance around the room. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - November 1, 2006

2006-11-01T05:03:00.000-08:00

When I first heard the Tiny Masters of Today's EP
Big Noise, I was immediately impressed by their sound. A sound that had touches of naivete similar to The Flying Lizards crossed with elements of The White Stripes. I was one hundred percent flabbergasted to find out that this Brooklyn band is the work of 10 year old Ada and her 12 year old brother Ivan. Their EP is short, only three songs, but each entirely enjoyable. I love "Stickin' It to the Man," even more now that I know it was written by a pair of preteens. "Bushy" is an astute, yet comical observation of the current political situation. However, my favorite tune is "Tooty Frooty Clarke's Dream Song." The interaction between the brother and sister vocals is very addictive, and the falsetto burst of singing sends the song over the top. Click here to listen.

October 2006 - Songs of the Day

2006-11-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

A wide variety of music kept me entertained during the month of October. There was the relative quietness of Magnolia Electric Co., Flying Canyon, and The Tall Firs stretching to the eclectic Les Georges Leningrad and The USA Is a Monster. In between more great music from the likes of Akron/Family and Decemberists. One of my favorite new discoveries is Dan Sartain, a talented fellow from Alabama, who takes his inspiration from the likes of Johnny Cash and The Clash. Click here to listen.

1. Don't Fade On Me (Master) - Magnolia Electric Co.
2. Don't Complain - Tall Firs
3. Murder - The Big Sleep
4. Wailing - Uzeda
5. Sunset at the End of the Industrial Age - The USA Is A Monster
6. Ask Me About Pittsburgh - The Asteroid No. 4
7. Scissorhands - Les Georges Leningrad
8. No Space In This Realm - Akron/Family
9. Special Logic - Please Step Out Of The Vehicle
10. Zelda - The Lonely H
11. Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then) - The Decemberists
12. Replacement Man - Dan Sartain
13. HERarchy - Two Ton Boa
14. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4 - Slumber Party
15. Indian Bones - Dead Meadow
16. Hang Me Up To Dry (Album) - Cold War Kids
17. Shipwrecked - The Gothic Archies
18. Tokyo Witch - Beach House
19. In the Reflection - Flying Canyon
20. The Room Got Heavy - Yo La Tengo
21. Molasses - Oxford Collapse
22. Blood Witch - Melvins

Song of the Day - October 31, 2006

2006-10-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Melvins have been around for twenty some years and are one of the founding fathers of grunge. Diehard fans will know that Kurt Cobain once was a roadie for the band and that Shirley Temple Black's daughter was once a bassist for the group. On their latest album A Senile Animal, The Melvins employ a dual drummer attack, which enriches their heavy sound. One of my favorite tracks is "Civilized Worm," which shows off their dual drummers in a torrent of heavy pounding at the conclusion of the song. As it is Halloween, the most appropriate track for song of the day honors just happens to be "Blood Witch," which epitomizes the heavy, scorch the earth sound of The Melvins. Click here to listen.

Monday's Musical Melange

2006-10-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

Here's an eclectic mix to start a Monday morning. In the eclectic vein flows Matmos, Captain Beefheart, and a few others. There are relatively new artists like Dan Sartain, The Cold War Kids, and the Envelopes intermixed with older artists like The Dead Milkmen and Nico. Enjoy and have an excellent Monday. Click here to listen.

1. Sister In Love - Envelopes
2. Big Lizard - The Dead Milkmen
3. Stickin' It To The Man - Tiny Masters Of Today
4. Gun VS. Knife - Dan Sartain
5. I Drive My Friend - Frida Hyvönen
6. We Do Not *uck Around - Viva Voce
7. For the Khakis and the Sweatshirts - Oxford Collapse
8. Tract for Valerie Solanas - Matmos
9. Hot Head - Captain Beefheart
10. Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
11. C'est Ce La - Devotchka
12. Cast it at the Setting Sail - Danielson
13. Schizophrenia - Sonic Youth
14. Red Wine, Success! (Album) - Cold War Kids
15. I've Got Ninjas! - Boat
16. I'll Call You - Mecca Normal
17. Dirty Dustin Hoffman Needs A Bath - of Montreal
18. They Took A Vote And Said No - Sunset Rubdown
19. In The Union Of Wine - The Hidden Cameras
20. Vegas (7' Version) - Nico
21. Death Kit Train - Cul De Sac
22. Tonight - Sibylle Baier

Song of the Day - October 30, 2006

2006-10-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

It is somewhat difficult to characterize Oxford Collapse's Remember the Night Parties. Employing a variety of influences ranging from Mission of Burma, Iggy Pop, Weezer, and Joy Division, I suppose it is the natural evolution of music given their previous influences. Despite the wide range of influences, this is a great fun listen. This is their first release for Sub Pop and the overall quality of this album is so good that picking a song of the day is extremely difficult and would probably vary on a daily basis due to my moods. Today, I give my vote to "Molasses" a jangly tune driven by bass and drums that reminded me of The Violent Femmes. It sounds as if they use a flute during one of the choruses, which I loved. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 27, 2006

2006-10-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I am not a Yo La Tengo expert, but after listening to their latest
I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass, I vow to learn more about their music. Though they seem to jump between various musical stylings, I love this album. It is just that trait that makes the album so appealing, you never know what the next track will bring. There is the poppish "Beanbag Chair," the spaced out and fuzzed out guitars of opening track "Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind," and the rockabilly rhythms of "Watch Out for Me Mr. Ronnie." The album is like a musical roadtrip, one never knows where one will stop next. My favorite track has to be the "The Room Got Heavy," the funky Farfisa organ and bongos of this track are irresistible. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 26, 2006

2006-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Doom-folk is an apt descriptor for the band Flying Canyon. Flying Canyon is the work of Cayce Lindner backed by members of The Skygreen Leopards. The music on their self-titled debut is stark, desolate, and beautiful in the way one may view the desert. There are shades of Neil Young and David Crosby on this album, but with a handful of valium and a glass of bourbon. My favorite tune is opening track "In the Reflection," a lethargic ballad, with a lonesome chorus and very stark instrumentation that definitely reminds me of Neil Young. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 25, 2006

2006-10-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Beach House are a male/female duo from Baltimore. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have created a subdued, chillingly beautiful self-titled album that will reward repeated listening. This is not dance music, heavy metal, or emo. Victoria Legrand's vocals remind me slightly of Nico, while Beach House's music is of an ethereal, floating nature. The slow languid tempos of the music, combined with relatively simple keyboard accompaniment, create an illusion of calm. Yet, there is an underlying sense of anxiety in their music, that prevents it from becoming monotonous. My favorite track is "Tokyo Witch." The simple beats are augmented with a faint but distinct tambourine, adding a layer of organic sound to the synthetic keyboards, while Legrand's vocals are distant but exquisite. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 24, 2006

2006-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love the name The Gothic Archies, which is the musical project of The Magnetic Field's Stephin Merritt. When I first listened to the album The Tragic Treasury, I had no idea that the album was based on the Lemony Snicket's books A Series of Unfortunate Events. Regardless of the source of inspiration, listeners irrespective of age will be delighted by this album. Each of the first thirteen tracks is based on books in the series. The album is full of great tunes that sound as if they came from some forgotten past. I especially liked "Dreary, Dreary," which is based on The Miserable Mill. However, my favorite was the happy, but sinister song "Shipwrecked," which was based on the thirteenth book in the series, The End. The Gothic Archies are currently touring the country performing with Lemony Snicket a reading from his books with musical accompaniment. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 23, 2006

2006-10-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Cold War Kids full-length debut Robbers & Cowards is a stunner. Nathan Willet's vocals are attention getting, having been compared by some to Jeff Buckley. This quartet gives me the impression that they are British, but actually they hail from California. Earlier this year, I heard a little bit of their show at Lollapalooza, and I very much liked what I heard. Unfortunately at Lollapalooza, I was like a kid with ADD. The musical riches were so great, I was running from one show to the other, not always catching the full act. This album is full of great tracks. "Hospital Beds" is a wonderful tune, that brings the piano to the forefront of the track, but the star of this track is Willet's vocals. "Red Wine, Success!" is another tune that just seems to burrow into my skull. It has a slight dissonant flavor from the guitars, which reminded me of Gang of Four. Song of the day honors go to "Hang Me Up to Dry," which has a distinctly British sound to it and some cool funky guitar sounds that could have come from The Talking Heads. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 20, 2006

2006-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Xemu Records has reissued Dead Meadow's self-titled debut. One of the reigning kings of neo-psychedelica, Dead Meadow is a beloved anachronism to those that love the psychedelic sounds of the late 60's and early 70's. This album originally recorded in 2000, has been sorely missed by fans of the band, will also be followed by two additional recordings that have been long out of print. The band is currently touring with Wolfmother and Silversun Pickups and will be in Chicago at the Riviera next month on the 25th. Having seen Wolfmother earlier this year, this concert looks to be one hell of a show. For a taste of the spaced out, psychedelic jams of Dead Meadow, check out the track "Indian Bones." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 19, 2006

2006-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

The fourth album from four girls from Detroit is Musik. A delightful collection of electro-pop with occasional touches of psychedelica. These Kill Rock Star artists create a light almost 60's sound with their vocals, yet there is an 80's take with the synthesizer and drums, while the guitars have a more modern sound. I like it. This is not serious or contemplative music, rather it is fun music and is meant to be enjoyed. One of my favorite cuts is "10-9-8-7-6-5-4," which plays up the 80's sound with the keyboards and would be perfectly at home during the height of the new wave days. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 18, 2006

2006-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

After a seven year hiatus, Two Ton Boa are back with Parasticide. Led by singer/songwriter/bassist Sherry Fraser, Two Ton Boa uses a two bass approach with the assistance of Brian Sparhawk. Their music is dark, ominous, and deliciously wicked. I wrestled with song of the day honors between "Porcelain Throne," which shows off the powerful vocals of Fraser accented with a particularly delightful chorus and "HERarchy" a song which simmers, sputters angst, and boils over in heavy beats interspersed with soaring vocals from Fraser. In the end, I selected "HERarchy" for the great childlike chanting intro to the song. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 17, 2006

2006-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, where did this guy come from? Actually, Dan Sartain hails from Birmingham, Alabama, but he is making a name for himself in England. His music is strongly rooted in rockabilly, Johnny Cash, and a touch of The Clash. I love his most recent release Join Dan Sartain. The album is overflowing with great songs such as the jumping "Gun vs. Knife," the Latin influenced "Flight of the Finch," and the Clash-like "Indian Ink." The song "Replacement Man" was recently named record of the week by Colin Murray of BBC 1 and is my choice for song of the day. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 16, 2006

2006-10-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Decemberists have moved from the indies to the majors with the release of The Crane Wife. Originally on Kill Rock Stars, The Decemberists have moved to Capitol Records. Have they sold out? I was initially concerned, but one listen to their latest album, reveals no hint of a sell out. The album derives its name from a Japanese folk tale that deals with love, hard times, good times, and broken promises. Instead of explaining the details of this bittersweet story, I recommend that you listen to "The Crane Wife 1 and 2." I also especially liked the closing tune "Sons and Daughters," a beautiful tune. However, song of the day honors go to "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)," which deals with the separation of war; war being a common theme for The Decemberists. Yet, it is the interchange of choruses between Colin Meloy and Laura Veirs (thanks Drake)that gives this song a little something extra. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 13, 2006

2006-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

You have to love these young kids from Port Angeles, Washington. Finishing second in 2004's Experience Music Project's Sound Off, a battle of the bands for musicians 21 and under, The Lonely H used their studio time to record Kick Upstairs. The band's influences are clear: The Beach Boys, Weezer, Queen, and The Beatles. They specialize in harmonically appealing vocals with a clear pop sensibility. There is an overabundance of fun tunes including "Don't Worry," which has a definite Weezer feel; the piano drenched "Lullaby Lane," which evokes Beach Boys, Queen, and The Beatles; and "Family Friends," a song that sounds as if Freddie Mercury and Rivers Cuomo collaborated on this song. Song of the day honors go to album closer "Zelda." As you may have guessed, this song is about the video game, complete with piano, harmonizing chorus, and guitar solo. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 12, 2006

2006-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Voted one of Portland's top ten new bands in The Willamette Week, Please Step Out of Your Vehicle create a beautiful blend of psychedelic pop on their debut release Sleeping Right and the Best In Homeopathic Magic. This sextet combine a wide variety of instrumentation such as farfisa, glockenspiel, trombone, flute, moog keyboards, and the usual assortment of bass, drum, and guitars to craft their tunes which tend to be more pop oriented than psychedelic. "Special Logic" is one of my favorite times. It has a melancholy feel, which is probably due to the faint trombone accompaniment. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 11, 2006

2006-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Akron/Family's latest album Meek Warrior is a cosmic treat. The album was recorded with special guest, renowned free jazz drummer, Hamid Drake, as well as contributions from Do Make Say Think and members of Broken Social Scene. The album for the most part leans toward the mellow side of the freak folk aesthetic, however there are two tracks which are definitely harder rocking. Opening track "Blessing Force" is a delicious almost ten minute freak out jam session, while "The Rider (Dolphin Song)" starts out innocently enough with a harp, until the song takes off for an extended eastern inspired jaunt of hippie happiness. However, it is the song "No Space in the Realm" that to me best embodies the spirit of the album. The song exudes a cosmic peace, with touches of jazz, over psych-folk guitars and exotic percussion. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 10, 2006

2006-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Les Georges Leningrad is an acquired taste. An open mind is required to appreciate their "petrochemical rock," an unusual blend of sounds incorporating tribal rhythms, disco beats, Flying Lizard influences, and gothic Bauhaus leanings. A unique melange of art punk stylings, their latest album Sangue Puro will definitely challenge you, but it is their absurd view of things that makes this album an intriguing listen. I particularly enjoyed the tribal beats of "Eli, eli, lamma sabacthani" and the hectic energy of "Mammal Beats" augmented by the roars of lions and elephants. However, it is The Flying Lizard influenced "Scissorhands," with its insistent beat and distant muffled vocals that satisfies my musical craving for the unusual. Click here to listen.

A Columbus Day Dozen

2006-10-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

On this beautiful Columbus Day in Chicago, I have collected some of my latest Rhapsody findings for your musical enjoyment. Just as Columbus discovered America, I hope you will discover a few musical gems to brighten your day. Click here to listen.

1. Indian Ink - Dan Sartain
2. Eli, eli, lamma sabacthani - Les Georges Leningrad
3. Lullaby Lane - The Lonely H
4. The Rider (Dolphin Song) - Akron/Family
5. Porcelain Throne - Two Ton Boa
6. Its a Beautiful Thing (I Like My Oranges Peeled for Me) - The USA Is A Monster
7. Dragonfly - Dead Meadow
8. Venison - Forget Cassettes
9. Sue Egypt - Captain Beefheart
10. The Breeze - Tall Firs
11. Sons and Daughters - The Decemberists
12. Thin Is Wide - Slumber Party

Song of the Day - October 9, 2006

2006-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I had never heard of The Asteroid No. 4 until very recently. I was surprised to find out that this Philadelphia based band has been around for ten years. With the release of An Amazing Dream, The Asteroid No. 4 have a total of four albums. They specialize in a brand of psychedelic pop that could have come straight out of the 60's. With a sound that at times reminds me of The Byrds, I find the album grows on me with repeated listens. In particular, I found the vocal harmonies very appealing. One of the best tracks that takes advantage of their great vocal harmonies is "Ask Me About Pittsburgh." The song is basically of a bipolar nature, in that the first half is a more traditional song, albeit in a psychedelic mode, while the second half features a more Syd Barrett influenced sound that sounds as if it was recorded at some great distance, perhaps in a cave. The song ends with a growing distorted rumble, that I believe is supposed to represent a train. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 6, 2006

2006-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

This was my first experience with The USA Is a Monster and this duo does not fit into any pre-existing box. The duo embraces a hippie aesthetic with their fascination with Native Americans and their philosophical vision of the world on Sunset at the End of the Industrial Age. Yet, their music combines elements as varied as Zappa, Man Man, Lightning Bolt, and Rush. Yes, I said Rush! Their total disregard for what is trendy, is what I find so attractive. Their album reminds me vaguely of Zappa's great Freak Out! a cult classic. Cult status may just be in the cards for this album. You will either love or hate this record. As for myself, I love it. For a glimpse into the world of The USA Is a Monster check out the epic title cut "Sunset at the End of the Industrial Age." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 5, 2006

2006-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I first cued up Uzeda's Stella on Rhapsody, I knew I was going to like it. Uzeda is an Italian quartet hailing from the island of Sicily. Led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Agostino Tilotta and vocalist Giovanna Cacciola, Uzeda have a hard edge to them that is tremendously appealing. Long time collaborator Steve Albini definitely has something to do with this, as one can detect the influence of his bands Shellac, Big Black, and Rapeman. However, this is not just someone screaming at you or just banging away at their guitars as fast as possible, rather their songs simmer, boil, and erupt with an Italian passion that one cannot escape. I am especially enamored with the opening track "Wailing," which starts out ominously with drums and bass, accented by Giovanna's vocals and Agostino's guitar in a particularly delightful Gang of Four mood. The song twist and turns with tasty guitar distortion that makes for a delicious antipasto for the remainder of the album. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 4, 2006

2006-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

There will be no sleeping during The Big Sleep's Son of the Tiger. This New York based trio does not specialize in lullabies, rather they create a unique brand of psych-rock that blends elements of My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai, and a dash of early Joy Division. Though their music tends to be on the instrumental side, and the vocals are hazy at best, it is the track "Murder" which excites me the most. There is something about bassist Sonya Balchandani's vocals that vaguely reminds me of Joy Division, that I find extremely irresistible. It probably has to do with her very sedate delivery of the vocals, while the band creates a musical storm in counterbalance to the vocal track. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 3, 2006

2006-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thurston Moore's label Ecstatic Peace! released the self-titled debut of psych-folk trio the Tall Firs. Led by Aaron Mullan, soundman and engineer for Sonic Youth, on guitar and vocals. The band features the interwoven guitars of Mullan and co-founder Dave Mies augmented by the drumming of Ryan Sawyer. I love the almost Brechtian "Breeze" and the harder psychedelic edge of "The Woods." Yet, it is the beautifully forlorn "Don't Complain," that really grabs my attention. Click here to listen.

September 2006 - Songs of the Day

2006-10-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

September was a month of transition as we moved from summer to fall. The songs of the day could not have gone through more drastic of a transition than starting with the anger of The Thermals and ending in the disco influenced funk of Cansei De Ser Sexy. In between were many gems such as Electrelane, Darker My Love, and The Mountain Goats. As the weather cools, don't forget the unique music created on instruments of ice by Terje Isungset. Please enjoy the eclectic musical choices of September. Click here to listen.

1. Here's Your Future - The Thermals
2. Punishment Ride - Part Chimp
3. Maybe Sprout Wings - The Mountain Goats
4. I Do Dream You - Jennifer Gentle
5. I Love You My Farfisa - Electrelane
6. Fulwood Babylon - The Long Blondes
7. Sweething - Love Arcade
8. Idecide - What Made Milwaukee Famous
9. Claws & Paws - Darker My Love
10. Stop, I'm Already Dead - Deadboy & The Elephantman
11. Let It Come Down - Blood Meridian
12. All This Time - Heartless Bastards
13. Stadiums And Shrines II - Sunset Rubdown
14. Fire Down Below - Nick Cave
15. Quiero, Quieres - Forget Cassettes
16. Hyperventilationsystem - Daughters
17. Mammoth - Terje Isungset
18. Asimo's Naked Breakfast : Rice and Shrine - Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O
19. Bad Checks - Trashies
20. Down Beside Your Beauty - Favourite Sons
21. Let's Make Love and Listen Death From Above - CSS

Song of the Day - October 2, 2006

2006-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jason Molina's latest, Fading Trails, from the Magnolia Electric Co. still worships at the alter of Neil Young's country tinged rock. He creates lonesome, desolate sounding tunes that go well with a double shot of bourbon. Warning - a full dose of Magnolia Electric Co.'s brand of music may result in a nasty hangover the next day, if you don't lock up the whiskey bottle. I especially enjoyed "Don't Fade on Me," which actually reminded me a little bit of Roy Orbison. The song starts very slowly, but picks up momentum, as the guitars echo reverb and Jason's vocals gather intensity during this heartfelt tune. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 29, 2006

2006-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Can you say guilty pleasure? Brazilian band and Sub Pop recording artist Cansei De Ser Sexy's single "Let's Make Love and Listen Death from Above," definitely satisfies the criteria for a guilty pleasure: an embarrassing indulgement in low-brow popular culture. The band's name means tired of being sexy, yet their disco pop is irresistible. Their sound, and this song in particular, is very reminiscent of the great Tom Tom Club. In fact, lead singer Lovefoxxx sounds quite a bit like Tina Weymouth. If you love funky dance tunes give Cansei De Ser Sexy a try. Click here to listen.

Bilateral Musings and Indian Summer Daydreams

2006-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest from the mind of The Covalent Bond. A few songs for you to enjoy on this beautiful Fall day. Click here to listen.

1. Into The Meadow - The Asteroid No. 4
2. Tiny Holes - Jennifer Gentle
3. Kiss Off - The Violent Femmes
4. Tear The Room Apart - Favourite Sons
5. My Maraschino - Forget Cassettes
6. The Mixtape Song - Tennis Pro
7. Smoke Rings - The Beautiful Mothers
8. Break Up Your Band - Chavez
9. Something - Failure
10. Obsessed With The Excess - Les Savy Fav
11. Its a Beautiful Thing (I Like My Oranges Peeled for Me) - The USA Is A Monster
12. It's Your Time - Awesome Color
13. In The Ground - Chicken Legs Weaver
14. This Heat - Uzeda
15. Locomotion - The Big Sleep
16. Stigmata Martyr - Bauhaus
17. What's A Mans Paris - Darker My Love
18. Armalite Rifle - Gang Of Four

Song of the Day - September 28, 2006

2006-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

According to Ken Griffin, lead singer of the Favourite Sons, the band's raison d'etre, "is to talk about the things you go through when you confront the big stuff: love, regret, fear." Their album Down Beside Your Beauty is a particularly fine collection of melancholy and bittersweet tunes. The band, despite the English spelling of their name, is based in Brooklyn and is composed of former members of Aspera with the addition of Ken Griffin on vocals. They have been compared to Lou Reed and Echo and the Bunnymen. Fine examples of their work are abundant throughout their album. I especially liked the Lou Reed influenced ballad "Tear the Room Apart," and the Echo and the Bunnymen sounding "'Round Here." However, song of the day honors must go to the title track, "Down Beside Your Beauty," which is an epic song with soaring vocals from Ken Griffin, pounding drums, and great guitars. Click here to listen.

I Stuck in My Thumb and Pulled Out a Plum

2006-09-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had a fascination with plums. During my plum induced stupor, I concocted a number of treats based on plums including: an upside down plum cake, a plum tart, and plum sorbet. All very tasty, but the plum sorbet was extremely satisfying with its silken texture accented by tiny bits of skin, which served as the perfect balance to the sweetness of the plums. I also have a few plums, mostly newly harvested, below of the jazz variety. Click here to listen.

1. Calling - Kenny Garrett
2. Jack Baker - Branford Marsalis Quartet
3. Nights On Saturn - Ahmed Abdul-Malik
4. Bones, No meat - Chico Hamilton
5. Down The Tube - Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
6. Refraction 2 - Jason Moran
7. The Arts of Tatum and Freddy Webster - Charles Mingus
8. Lucky Seven - Dave Holland Quintet
9. Ich, Bin, George, - Flat Earth Society
10. Yesterdays - David S. Ware
11. Puddin' Time - Sean Jones
12. The Birth of The Cool Suite - Boplicity/Postlude - Joe Lovano

Song of the Day - September 27, 2006

2006-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

My fellow blogger Negative Creep and I have been listening to the Trashies for quite awhile. I was mighty pleased to see that their debut album Life Sucks Trash *uck has finally appeared on Rhapsody. Now I have the opportunity to share this 21st century punk band with the world. The Trashies combine humor, keyboards, and chaos for a delectable disc of discontent. The album is filled with great tunes from the surprisingly catchy "I Hate You Mother*******," to the belligerent "Science Sucks." However, I just adore the addictive "Bad Checks," with its aggressive sound that appears to almost spiral out of control. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 26, 2006

2006-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Acid Mothers Temple soul collective is led by guitarist Kawabata Makoto. The group has had various incarnations over the years including the Acid Mothers Temple and the Cosmic Inferno, which was known for their heavy punishing sound. However, they recently reformed the heavily psychedelic Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso U.F.O. I love the band members descriptions, which include cosmic joker, dancin'king, wrecker & convoy, aesthetic perverted karman, erotic voice, astral easy virtue, and speed guru. Their album Have You Seen The Other Side OF The Sky? is a diametrically opposed mixture of heavy punishing noise rock and freaked-out psychedelica. I personally prefer the freaked-out psychedelica, though I admit I do not understand the lyrics. I especially like "Asimo's Naked Breakfast : Rice and Shrine," which has a dash of early Pink Floyd from their Ummagumma period crossed with Frank Zappa's "The Torture Never Stops." I believe it is Nao of the erotic voice and astral easy virtue that you hear on this track. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 25, 2006

2006-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

It is time for that naked roll in the snow, I mentioned during the last song of the day featuring the Daughters. Imagine a recording using instruments constructed entirely of ice. This was exactly the thought of percussionist Terje Isungset, who has released the album Igloo, in which he fulfills his vision. With the help of vocalist Sidsel Endresen, Terje Isungset has created a sonic world that is extremely fascinating. Recorded in the famous Ice Hotel in Sweden, an arctic architectural tourist magnet for everything at the hotel is made of ice including your bed, the bar, stools, and even your shot glass for vodka, quite literally a very cool place. Terje has custom instruments created out of ice including such creations as the iceofon, ice harp, ice horn, ice trumpet, and ice percussion. Except for the strings on the ice harp and the bass drum pedal, everything else is created entirely out of ice. One might think that the sound might be harsh, but it is an extremely calming, relaxing experience. The album is best listened to in its entirety. However, if you only have time for a quick refreshing listen, I recommend "Mammoth." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 22, 2006

2006-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, this may be a little rude this early in the morning, and granted, it is not the type of music that I normally listen to, however, I find it appealing. I like to think of the analogy of a Finnish sauna, where after sweating profusely, one takes a naked roll in the snow. Listening to Providence, Rhode Island's Daughter's is just as invigorating. Their latest album Hell Songs is clearly in the spazzcore vein, however, I find it slightly more complex than just someone screaming at me. Their sound is a strange amalgamation of The Birthday Party and The Fall, but on speed. I especially liked the track "Hyperventilationsystem," a spastic frenzy of drums, guitars, and vocals. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 21, 2006

2006-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Despite doctors' recommendations, one should not limit one's intake of Salt. In fact, I crave Salt and I believe you should consume all the Salt you want. Salt is the sophomore effort from Nashville's Forget Cassettes and it is an awesome album. Forget Cassettes are masters of the soft/loud dynamic, yet they add a complexity to it with nice guitar work, tempo changes, and great vocals, not just screaming. Beth Cameron's vocals are the star. She reminds me of a Kate Bush and Siouxsie Sioux. Great songs include "Venison," "The Catch," "Nicholas," and "My Maraschino," but my absolute favorite is "Quiero, Quieres." I believe this translates to "I want, you want," whatever the translation, this is one hell of a song, the song literally explodes with an initial drum roll and clash of guitar chords, while Cameron's vocals soar above the pummelling drums and attack of the guitars. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 20, 2006

2006-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the huge commercial success of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, a side project developed that may not be as large a commercial success as the movie, but will appeal to the musically adventurous. Director Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp become fascinated with sea chanteys and songs of the sea during the filming of the movie, and thought it would be interesting to put together a collection of songs as performed by a multitude of artist, letting them have free reign as to their interpretation. They recruited producer Hal Willner, who traveled around the globe recording artists like Lou Reed, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Akron Family, Joseph Arthur, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and many others. The result is the double album Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys. I love this album. It is unique, interesting, take on songs that are rarely performed today. To pick a single tune as a favorite is extremely difficult. I suggest one give a listen to Nick Cave's belligerent version of "Fire Down Below" for a taste of this luscious album. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 19, 2006

2006-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Spencer Krug's is a man overflowing with musical ideas. He plays keyboards for Wolf Parade, but he is also a member of Frog Eyes and Sunset Rubdown. I suppose just one band is not enough for this Canadian genius. All three of his bands are great, but it is his band Sunset Rubdown that I would like to focus on today. The first full length album for Sunset Rubdown is Shut Up I Am Dreaming, and it has a space reserved on my list for best of 2006. I have been listening to this beautiful album for some time now, as it was released back in May, but I have been ruminating over which song to choose as song of the day, as basically every song is worthy of the title. The album reminds me of an amalgamation of David Bowie styles, a interesting mix from David Bowie era Hunky Dory and Station to Station. One of the most majestic songs on the record is the opening track "Stadiums and Shrines II." This is a brilliant song featuring an enchanting mix of guitars, keyboards, and Spencer Krug's vocals. It is a fitting intro to one of the best albums of the year. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 18, 2006

2006-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Heartless Bastards, a great name for a great rock and roll band, have released their sophomore effort All This Time. They are on the great label, Fat Possum, a label known for its blues artists such as R. L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Lately, however, the label has been garnering attention for more rock oriented bands like The Black Keys and Deadboy & the Elephantmen. Now, you can add Heartless Bastards to the list. Heartless Bastards are first and foremost a great rock and roll band. They are not creating a new style of music, but what they do, they do very well, which is classic blues drenched rock and roll. Erika Wennerstrom vocals are awesome, she is the heir apparent to Janis Joplin. For a taste of the power of Heartless Bastards, check out the title song "All This Time." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 15, 2006

2006-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed listening to the latest album from Blood Meridian Kick Up the Dust. Taking their name from the stark but bloody novel of Cormac McCarthy set on the Tex-Mex border during the 19th century. Blood Meridian's music clearly resides in the Americana genre, greatly influenced by Neil Young. However, there is a strong dose of the Allman Brothers, particularly in the guitar work. The band boasts members that also play in the Black Mountain and Pink Mountaintops. I was wrestling with my song of the day choice between the angst ridden "Work Hard, For What?," a song in which I clearly enjoyed the lyrics, and "Let It Come Down," a slow, mournful, beautiful song that clearly shows the influence of the Allman Brothers. In the end, I selected "Let It Come Down" for its beautiful guitar accompaniment. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 14, 2006

2006-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Deadboy & the Elephantmen have been incessantly compared to the White Stripes, as they both are a male female duo. In the case of Deadboy & the Elephantmen, the band consists of Dax Riggs (formerly of Acid Bath) on lead vocals and guitar and Tessie Brunet on drums and backing vocals. Though their release, We Are Night Sky, came out early this year, the length of time between its release and my comments are no reflection on the quality of the album. Highlights include the heavy "Misadventures of Dope," which reminds me of a simmering Local H and the acoustic blues of "Walking Stick." Song of the day honors go to the opening track "Stop I Am Already Dead," which has shades of Lou Reed in it, but I absolutely love the choruses with its "ooohs." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 13, 2006

2006-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a resurgence in stoner rock lately, and that is not a bad thing if they sound like Darker My Love. Hailing from California, Darker My Love started as a side project for Andy Granelli of The Distillers and Tim Presley of Nerve Agent, which eventually morphed into Darker My Love with the addition of Rob Barbato and Jared Everett. Their self-titled debut album is an iridescent gem of stoner rock. The psychedelic spaced-out sound, combined with elements of crazed distortion reminiscent of The Stooges, meld into one glorious collection of blissed out tunes. The selection of a song of the day is an excruciatingly tough task. Does one select the Stooge-like "Summer's Here," the beautiful opening track aptly named "Opening," or the psychedelic haze of "What's a Mans Paris?" In the end, I selected "Claws & Paws," which starts out with Rob Barbato's bass and slowly builds to an apex of psychedelic stoner delight. Click here to listen.

23 Tunes for a Tuesday Afternoon

2006-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse at the bands and tunes that I have been listening to recently. There is some great music here, like Electrelane's instrumental on "Film Music," the British rock of Dirty Pretty Things, and some vintage Roxy Music. Of course, I like all the music or I would not want to share in the spirit of The Covalent Bond. Click here to listen.

1. Opening (Album) - Darker My Love
2. Good Lover - Blood Meridian
3. Wind Driving Dogs (Album) - Chad Vangaalen
4. Climb A Tree - Jim Noir
5. Judas - What Made Milwaukee Famous
6. Film Music (Original Version) - Electrelane
7. Incommunicado - Man In Gray
8. Hot To Death - Scout Niblett
9. Fears Of Gun - The Birthday Party
10. Deadwood - Dirty Pretty Things
11. Dead Spit - The Mutts
12. Girl Is On My Mind - Black Keys
13. Set Us Free - Black Mountain
14. Cherry Lips - Archie Bronson Outfit
15. Sweat Sex - Thee Emergency
16. The Chisler - The Beautiful Mothers
17. Come Save Us - The Warlocks
18. Eat the Prize - The Mae Shi
19. Cover To Cover - Shoplifting
20. Re-make/Re-model - Roxy Music
21. Misadventures Of Dope - Deadboy & The Elephantman
22. The Men Are Called Horsemen There - Sunset Rubdown
23. For The Fourth Time - Conner

Song of the Day - September 12, 2006

2006-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

What Made Milwaukee Famous have just released their debut album Trying to Never Catch Up. It's a fun, but not too serious music from a band that is named after the famous Schlitz beer slogan. In fact, the band used to be known as Beer. Another interesting tidbit is that the band is from Austin, TX, not Wisconsin. They recently appeared on Austin City Limits with Franz Ferdinand and will be touring with The Long Winters and Menomena, both excellent bands. Their album is a mixture of styles with a heavy 80's synthesizer sound and a more lyrical post-Beatles sound focusing on pop sounding harmonies and catchy riffs. In the post-Beatles category, I would place songs like "Almost Always Never" and "Judas." However, it is the opening track, "Idecide," which immediately caught my attention with its quirky synthesizer riffs and vintage 80's sound. Click here to listen.

Jazz of a Higher Energy Level - Quantum Jazz

2006-09-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is jazz at a extremely high energy level. One could call it a quantum look at jazz. As in quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle applies. One cannot predict what these musicians will do next. One listen will prove this point. The mix includes a few new artists like Skerik's Synocapted Taint and Acoustic Ladyland, tempered with older artists like Charles Mingus and Sun Ra. Click here to elevate your energy level.

1. Fry His Ass - Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
2. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting - Charles Mingus
3. Vulcano Boro - Actis Band
4. Paranoid - Hungry March Band
5. Iggy - Acoustic Ladyland
6. Night in Tunisia - 2 - Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber
7. Art Star - The Thing
8. Didja Get Any Onya? - Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention
9. Watusa/Discipline 27-11 - Sun Ra And His Intergalactic Arkestra

Song of the Day - September 11, 2006

2006-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Love Arcade is the work of 19 year old Christian, who played all the instruments on the record and even recorded it himself. Watch out Prince! Christian obviously has an immense talent and I am sure this will not be the first we will hear from him. His self-titled debut is full of pop heavy songs which show the influence of bands like Cheap Trick and Weezer. Check out the 70's sounding "Candy," the funky "Can't Stop," and the Weezer influenced "Sara." However, my favorite track is "Sweething," which reminds a little of T. Rex. I love the primitive trumpet accompaniment, which gives the song an edge I like very much. Click here to listen.

The End of Summer Daydream

2006-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was listening to some music and decided to start a playlist. As I progressed on the list, I noticed that the songs had dreams in common, so I changed the focus to dreaming and was pleasantly surprised. In honor for the end of summer, I thought a little daydreaming would be appropriate. I am sure there are a multitude of songs that I could add to this list, but here's a start. Click here here to start your dream.

1. Shut Up I Am Dreaming Of Places Where Lovers Have Wings - Sunset Rubdown
2. Only Dreaming Now - Beau Brummels
3. Only In Dreams - Weezer
4. Dreams - Allman Brothers Band
5. Dreams Of Milk And Honey - Mountain
6. Daydream Believer - The Monkees
7. Dreams Of Home - Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers
8. Dreams - The Cranberries
9. The Dream's Dream - Television
10. In Dreams - Roy Orbison
11. Headful of Dreams - Snowy
12. Sweet Dreams - Yes
13. Dreams Of Leaving - Human League
14. Dreams Burn Down - Ride
15. Bad Dreams - The Floorwalkers
16. Amazon (River of Dreams) - The Band
17. Dream On - Aerosmith
18. Dream Weaver - Gary Wright
19. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas
20. American Dream - Greg Walsh
21. Runnin' Down A Dream - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
22. Dream Police - Cheap Trick
23. Dream Lover - The Jesus and Mary Chain
24. Dreaming From The Waist - The Who
25. Sweet Dreams (Of You) - Patsy Cline

Song of the Day - September 8, 2006

2006-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

More Brit pop, this time from Sheffield. The Long Blondes, who are not blond at all, have caused quite a stir in the British media. According to their website the band consists of Dorian on licks, Screech on sticks, Kate on lips, Reenie on hips, and Emma on high kicks. Recently signed to Rough Trade, they have released an EP entitled Weekend Without Make Up, which features the aforementioned tune. However, I find "Fulwood Babylon" to be the ultimate cut. Kate's vocals are reminiscent of Chrissie Hynde, especially during the spoken parts. In fact, it is the spoken vocals that distinguish this particular cut, and make it irresistible. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 7, 2006

2006-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Electrelane has released a stunning collection entitled Singles, B-Sides, & Live, which is exactly what the title describes. Most bands would sell their souls to the devil to have an album this good. Their brand of music which is heavy on keyboards, create sonic paradises for the ear, such as the instrumental "Film Music." This album includes a few covers such as Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" and a live version of Roxy Music's "More Than This." One of the things that help create Electrelane's unique sound is the Farfisa organ. An instrument championed by early Pink Floyd and new wave icons The B-52's. Electrelane's "I Love You My Farfisa" glorifies the unique sound of the Italian made organ and brings back memories of the original psychedelic era. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 6, 2006

2006-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for a little musical antipasti with Jennifer Gentle. Jennifer Gentle are the first band from Italy to be signed to Sub Pop. Last year's release Valende is a masterpiece of post sixties psychedelic music. Syd Barrett has been a huge influence on Jennifer Gentle's sound and his recent death is honored by the likes of Jennifer Gentle and others who have followed his musical lead. It is hard to believe that this record is the work of only two Italian guys from Padova playing a wide variety of instruments to create their musical gems of psychedellica. Though their brand of music may never catch on with the masses, it is a beautiful expression of musical thought, and worthy of attentive listening. I recommend "I Do Dream You" for the ultimate taste of Jennifer Gentle. The high pitched vocals, frantic keyboards, guitars, squeaky balloons,and drums all scream instant psychedelic classic. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 5, 2006

2006-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Goats' latest release Get Lonely is a great record, however, it is a subtle album, a quiet album, a contemplative album that may require a few listens before the greatness is apparent. This is an album to listen to late at night; a bittersweet, often sad album that is best accompanied by your favorite alcohol beverage. Lately, I prefer a single malt scotch, preferably from Islay. John Darnielle is a master storyteller and lyricist. This album requires concentration, one must listen to the lyrics, let them be absorbed into your brain. It is not unlike great literature. If you let yourself get lost in the world of a good book or great song, you will be richly rewarded. "Maybe Sprout Wings" is my favorite track; it goes wonderfully with my Laphroaig and I love the cello accompaniment. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - September 4, 2006

2006-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Touted by many to be the loudest band in England, Part Chimp's I Am Come will lay waste to any naysayers among the non-believers. One listen to their album will prove their claim to kings of loudness. Whether your set your stereo to one or 11, there is no escaping their power. The Melvins and The Stooges are surely heavy influences on Part Chimp. For a sonic dose of Part Chimp, I recommend "Punishment Ride," which starts off innocently enough, but soon releases a sonic tsunami that will destroy everything in its path. Click here to listen.