Another one that got created on time, just never posted.
1. The Redwalls - Modern Diet. Another great (and local) band discovered via Sound Opinions. They make about as good use of their Beatles influences as anyone around.
2. Iron & Wine - Resurrection Fern. One of my favorite songs this year. You have to be quiet and listen. Shhh!
3. The Mountain Goats - The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton. Overheard coming out of a recent Mountain Goats show - "It's about a death metal band in Denver who couldn't settle on a name, and they finally decided on 'Hail Satan'". Nice try...
4. The Choir - Nobody Gets a Smooth Ride. Yep.
5. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive - Jon Rauhouse with Kelly Hogan. Oh Kelly Hogan where art thou? 2 superb albums then nothing for years except many appearances on compilations and other people's albums, such as this one.
6. Nothing Painted Blue - Houseguest. I know nothing about this band except Mountain Goats covered this song in concert and John turned it into an incredibly intense, yet still cleverly humorous, experience. This original version is pretty good too.
7. Moonshine Willy - You're The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly. How did I fail to pay attention to this band for so long?
8. The Redwalls - Game of Love. Definitely my favorite song right now. Maybe my favorite of the year.
9. Maria McKee - I'm Gonna Soothe You. Kind of rediscovered this album lately. She's been a bit of a chameleon throughout her career and this one is a pretty amazing display of her soulful side. Great production. On the surface this song sounds like a nice pledge of friendship...upon closer listen it turns out to be a deliciously menacing offer of a very specific kind of soothing to a friend's significant other.
10. Mountain Goats - Hast Thou Considered the Tetrapod. Another one that grabbed me in concert recently, though I'd heard it before. Another tale of his horrible stepfather.
11. Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah. One problem with doing these write-ups so long after I burned the CD is that had I written earlier, I may have waxed rhapsodic about this tune. After repeated listens though, my opinion of it has come down considerably. I need to listen to the album as a whole to see how I feel about it.
12. Magic Numbers - Most of the Time. From their newer one...another nice soulful duet.
13. Arcade Fire - Intervention. I picked up this song long ago, but it took me forever to finally get the album. I'm still not completely sold on the album, but this song is amazing, particularly for anyone who's ever worked at a church. "Working for the church while your life falls apart. Singing hallelujah with the fear in your heart...". And how.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Testaments To My Dorkiness - The Piano Scarf
Yesterday I saw a man getting out of his car in front of my office wearing a scarf that looks like a piano keyboard, which instantly took me back to high school when I owned that same scarf. Then I thought, wow that scarf looks really dorky, man I was a dork. Then I got to thinking, even beyond how dorky it looks, how utterly ridiculous it was to be wearing a scarf at all on the Central Coast of California, where the mid-50's is a cold spell in winter. Then I thought even farther and remembered that I wanted that scarf because our band/choir teacher had one (and I was a piano player). This teacher was more sad than dorky, but in no way cool or beloved by his students. Not someone my socially awkward teenage self should have been taking fashion cues from. God bless my friends for not shunning me.
Mix CD Catch Up - October
I did actually get October's mix CD made on time...just never managed to post it. So here goes -
1. Terry Scott Taylor - Mr. Flutter. Terry is the front man for a number of different alternative Christian bands, dating back into the 70's. I've been getting back into him and Daniel Amos and the Swirling Eddies in a big way. As this song makes clear, he's never been a commercial success and he nails that monthly "oh crap can I pay the bills" feeling here that I know all too well...yet the song is incredibly catchy. From "John Wayne", an older solo album I had missed until just recently.
2. Whiskeytown - Sit and Listen to the Rain. Ryan Adams has a way of nailing melancholy like noone else. This is probably the best Whiskeytown-era example.
3. Iron & Wine - The Devil Never Sleeps. The first track that grabbed from an album that has taken awhile to grow on me, but has really grown on me.
4. Hank & Fred - Loudon Wainwright III. For years and years I was under the impression that Loudon was just kind of a novelty folk act....that most of his songs were overly clever, smart alecky, or dirty. Then I heard his stuff for the "Knocked Up" soundtrack and found out how wrong I was. This is from the one somewhat recent album I was able to get off EMusic. About looking for Hank Williams grave on the day Mr. Rogers died. Sounds like it could be clever and smart alecky, but it's incredible sincere and beautiful. I look forward to exploring more of his catalog.
5. Bowerbirds - In Our Talons. I guess this is considered "freakfolk". Beautiful, eerie, accordian laden music with nature obsessed lyrics. Saw them open recently for Mountain Goats and while the vocals tended to be somewhat samey, it's a very promising debut.
6. Tate Moore - Mountain In Mississippi. Another from the Larry Brown tribute "Just One More", by another artist I've never heard of. This album has been the gift that keeps on giving as far as great songs by people I've never heard of, inspired by an author I've never read.
7. Daniel Amos - Easy For You. See #1. A song for all the Christians who seem to be able to have faith without any doubts or struggles. I wouldn't want to be them, but I can't say there isn't a little jealousy there. This song probably encapsulates better than any why I still listen to Daniel Amos and Terry Terry when I listen to almost no other "Christian" music.
8. Chuck Prophet - Lets Something Wrong. From his newest, "Soap and Water", which is my first exposure to him. I'm still a little lukewarm on it, but I do like this song.
9. The Mountain Goats - Alabama Nova. This month's Mountain Goats selection. I don't remember why.
10. The Swirling Eddies - Madonna Inn. Hitting the Terry Taylor trifecta on this month's mix. This one is actually from a new album...I had put off ordering it until I heard about this song, which is about a hotel near where I grew up that we used to go to at Christmas time because it was all decked out for the holidays and we'd get big ice cream sundays which I loved. The hotel rooms are all themed, such as the caveman room this song mentions. I've never stayed the night though. (If you follow the above link to their website, yes, that is a real photograph - not a Thomas Kinkade painting).
11. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Learning To Fly. TP is like an old security blanket. I don't need to pull him out often, but I know he's always there when I need him, and will always give me exactly what I need. In October, this is what I needed.
12. Trailer Bride - Itchin' For You. One of my least favorite Bloodshot bands, when this song came up on random on my IPod I was excited to find a song by them that I could really like.
13. Loudon Wainwright III - Nanny. Another from that same Loudon album. This one is funny, about his grandmother, but still earnest and heartfelt at the same time.
14. Pierce Pettis - Hold On To That Heart. Note to self.
15. Belle and Sebastian - Sukie in the Graveyard. I was addicted to this album (Life Pursuit) for many months after getting it, but hadn't paid attention to it for awhile. Still great.
16. Bill Mallonee - Maybe One Day. Another new good one from my favorite hard-luck case.
17. The Choir - We Give We Take. The other "Christian" band I can still stomach. I missed this album when it came out a couple years ago, but am enjoying it now.
With a little luck I'll run-down November's mix CD before spring and get December's made before the New Year.
1. Terry Scott Taylor - Mr. Flutter. Terry is the front man for a number of different alternative Christian bands, dating back into the 70's. I've been getting back into him and Daniel Amos and the Swirling Eddies in a big way. As this song makes clear, he's never been a commercial success and he nails that monthly "oh crap can I pay the bills" feeling here that I know all too well...yet the song is incredibly catchy. From "John Wayne", an older solo album I had missed until just recently.
2. Whiskeytown - Sit and Listen to the Rain. Ryan Adams has a way of nailing melancholy like noone else. This is probably the best Whiskeytown-era example.
3. Iron & Wine - The Devil Never Sleeps. The first track that grabbed from an album that has taken awhile to grow on me, but has really grown on me.
4. Hank & Fred - Loudon Wainwright III. For years and years I was under the impression that Loudon was just kind of a novelty folk act....that most of his songs were overly clever, smart alecky, or dirty. Then I heard his stuff for the "Knocked Up" soundtrack and found out how wrong I was. This is from the one somewhat recent album I was able to get off EMusic. About looking for Hank Williams grave on the day Mr. Rogers died. Sounds like it could be clever and smart alecky, but it's incredible sincere and beautiful. I look forward to exploring more of his catalog.
5. Bowerbirds - In Our Talons. I guess this is considered "freakfolk". Beautiful, eerie, accordian laden music with nature obsessed lyrics. Saw them open recently for Mountain Goats and while the vocals tended to be somewhat samey, it's a very promising debut.
6. Tate Moore - Mountain In Mississippi. Another from the Larry Brown tribute "Just One More", by another artist I've never heard of. This album has been the gift that keeps on giving as far as great songs by people I've never heard of, inspired by an author I've never read.
7. Daniel Amos - Easy For You. See #1. A song for all the Christians who seem to be able to have faith without any doubts or struggles. I wouldn't want to be them, but I can't say there isn't a little jealousy there. This song probably encapsulates better than any why I still listen to Daniel Amos and Terry Terry when I listen to almost no other "Christian" music.
8. Chuck Prophet - Lets Something Wrong. From his newest, "Soap and Water", which is my first exposure to him. I'm still a little lukewarm on it, but I do like this song.
9. The Mountain Goats - Alabama Nova. This month's Mountain Goats selection. I don't remember why.
10. The Swirling Eddies - Madonna Inn. Hitting the Terry Taylor trifecta on this month's mix. This one is actually from a new album...I had put off ordering it until I heard about this song, which is about a hotel near where I grew up that we used to go to at Christmas time because it was all decked out for the holidays and we'd get big ice cream sundays which I loved. The hotel rooms are all themed, such as the caveman room this song mentions. I've never stayed the night though. (If you follow the above link to their website, yes, that is a real photograph - not a Thomas Kinkade painting).
11. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Learning To Fly. TP is like an old security blanket. I don't need to pull him out often, but I know he's always there when I need him, and will always give me exactly what I need. In October, this is what I needed.
12. Trailer Bride - Itchin' For You. One of my least favorite Bloodshot bands, when this song came up on random on my IPod I was excited to find a song by them that I could really like.
13. Loudon Wainwright III - Nanny. Another from that same Loudon album. This one is funny, about his grandmother, but still earnest and heartfelt at the same time.
14. Pierce Pettis - Hold On To That Heart. Note to self.
15. Belle and Sebastian - Sukie in the Graveyard. I was addicted to this album (Life Pursuit) for many months after getting it, but hadn't paid attention to it for awhile. Still great.
16. Bill Mallonee - Maybe One Day. Another new good one from my favorite hard-luck case.
17. The Choir - We Give We Take. The other "Christian" band I can still stomach. I missed this album when it came out a couple years ago, but am enjoying it now.
With a little luck I'll run-down November's mix CD before spring and get December's made before the New Year.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Proof That My Tivo Knows Nothing About Me
I come home sick from work today and what do I find my Tivo doing? Taping a 1989 College Bowl game off ESPN Classic.
I've had this Tivo for 4 or 5 years now and it is supposedly constantly gathering data about my viewing habits and using that to choose what it records as "suggestions" for me. I think this proves a critical flaw in their software.
I've had this Tivo for 4 or 5 years now and it is supposedly constantly gathering data about my viewing habits and using that to choose what it records as "suggestions" for me. I think this proves a critical flaw in their software.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A New Leaf
I've promised myself I will blog every day this week. Unlikely given my schedule (meetings the next two nights and The Mountain Goats on Thursday!, but then again, I beat Guitar Hero III tonight, so that's off my schedule...)
Anyway, I'm not counting this one as an actual blog, but I've kicked things off over at my religion blog - "Contrary To Popular Belief"
Speaking of a new leaf, The Onion has a funny piece this week about "Fall Being Cancelled". It almost feels too true...it's just not supposed to feel like this in November. I'm not exactly complaining, but it's hard to fully enjoy nice weather when you fear it's part of an impending global catastrophe. Sleep tight....
Anyway, I'm not counting this one as an actual blog, but I've kicked things off over at my religion blog - "Contrary To Popular Belief"
Speaking of a new leaf, The Onion has a funny piece this week about "Fall Being Cancelled". It almost feels too true...it's just not supposed to feel like this in November. I'm not exactly complaining, but it's hard to fully enjoy nice weather when you fear it's part of an impending global catastrophe. Sleep tight....
Saturday, October 6, 2007
September's Mix CD
Better late than never, here is September's Mix CD (it was actually made in September):
1. Ron Sexsmith - I Think We're Lost
The title says it all...
2. They Might Be Giants - Spiralling Shape
No clue what this is about, like most TMBG songs, but it's fun, like most TMBG songs
3. Gillian Welch - Look At Miss Ohio
This one hit me like an old friend recently. I just needed some Gillian...
4. The Shangri-Las - Dum Dum Ditty
I used many of my E-Music downloads this month to grab some more girl-group stuff. This one is light and fun, but I swear they're actually saying "Run Run Ditty"...
5. Josh Ritter - Open Doors
From his new one "The Historical Conquests of...". Quite a disappointment after the stunning "Animal Years". This album is pretty heavy on the Dylan influence. This song, not so much.
6. Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez - Red Dog Tracks
I've wanted this album forever after hearing "Put Your Hat on Jenny". Finally found a used copy at Reckless and am very satisfied. Beautiful, fun, traditional yet accessible.
7. Golden Smog - I Can
The album "Another Fine Day" didn't do a whole lot for me, but I had kind of overlooked this track. The first of two odd stories of making this mix CD - because I generate the playist on my IPod throughout the month, I often have a hard time putting together the actual CD because I have to track down the original CDs or downloads...could not find this one anywhere. Then I went to get the Mountain Goats "All Hail West Texas" for another song on this mix, and this CD was in the case.
8. My Little Brother - Art Brut
Yes, I've been listening to this song for what seems like ages now, but I kind of came to Art Brut in wierd ways, with much of my first listens being live versions. This is the album version, and I really like it.
9. Sing To Me - Grey DeLisle
So much of Grey's stuff is hard for me to really get behind, but this one came up on shuffle recently and it so beautiful and a nice story. She has such an interesting bio too - wife of Murray from the Old 97s, cartoon voice actor (she often does Daphne for Scooby Doo), and alt-country songstress.
10. Two By Two - The Features
Not a great band across the board, yet, but a few really great songs. This one grabbed me because it reminds me a lot of Jesus Jones. I'm not sure why that would be a good thing, but it just seems to be. Looking forward to a new album from them soon.
11. Moonshine Willy - Don't You Want Me
I've had this album forever - how did I miss this? Yes, it is a cover of the Human League song, done up in Moonshine Willy's hillbilly bluegrass punk. Right up there with their "Madonna Trilogy".
12. The Mountain Goats - Riches and Wonders
All my first attractions to the Mountain Goats revolved around the bitter angry songs ("No Children", "Cubs in Five", etc...destined for upcoming mix CDs) and his poignant growing up songs ("This Year", "Cubs in Five", etc...). I was surprised to find such a sweet love song. He still adds that little hint of dysfunction though - "I am healthy, I am whole, I have poor impulse control".
13. Easy on Yourself - Drive-By Truckers
I kept waking up with this one in my head last month. Partly I think because I was listening to Jason Isbell's solo CD (he takes the lead on this one), and partly I think my psyche talking to me.
14. Be Careful - Mutual Admiration Society
1. Ron Sexsmith - I Think We're Lost
The title says it all...
2. They Might Be Giants - Spiralling Shape
No clue what this is about, like most TMBG songs, but it's fun, like most TMBG songs
3. Gillian Welch - Look At Miss Ohio
This one hit me like an old friend recently. I just needed some Gillian...
4. The Shangri-Las - Dum Dum Ditty
I used many of my E-Music downloads this month to grab some more girl-group stuff. This one is light and fun, but I swear they're actually saying "Run Run Ditty"...
5. Josh Ritter - Open Doors
From his new one "The Historical Conquests of...". Quite a disappointment after the stunning "Animal Years". This album is pretty heavy on the Dylan influence. This song, not so much.
6. Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez - Red Dog Tracks
I've wanted this album forever after hearing "Put Your Hat on Jenny". Finally found a used copy at Reckless and am very satisfied. Beautiful, fun, traditional yet accessible.
7. Golden Smog - I Can
The album "Another Fine Day" didn't do a whole lot for me, but I had kind of overlooked this track. The first of two odd stories of making this mix CD - because I generate the playist on my IPod throughout the month, I often have a hard time putting together the actual CD because I have to track down the original CDs or downloads...could not find this one anywhere. Then I went to get the Mountain Goats "All Hail West Texas" for another song on this mix, and this CD was in the case.
8. My Little Brother - Art Brut
Yes, I've been listening to this song for what seems like ages now, but I kind of came to Art Brut in wierd ways, with much of my first listens being live versions. This is the album version, and I really like it.
9. Sing To Me - Grey DeLisle
So much of Grey's stuff is hard for me to really get behind, but this one came up on shuffle recently and it so beautiful and a nice story. She has such an interesting bio too - wife of Murray from the Old 97s, cartoon voice actor (she often does Daphne for Scooby Doo), and alt-country songstress.
10. Two By Two - The Features
Not a great band across the board, yet, but a few really great songs. This one grabbed me because it reminds me a lot of Jesus Jones. I'm not sure why that would be a good thing, but it just seems to be. Looking forward to a new album from them soon.
11. Moonshine Willy - Don't You Want Me
I've had this album forever - how did I miss this? Yes, it is a cover of the Human League song, done up in Moonshine Willy's hillbilly bluegrass punk. Right up there with their "Madonna Trilogy".
12. The Mountain Goats - Riches and Wonders
All my first attractions to the Mountain Goats revolved around the bitter angry songs ("No Children", "Cubs in Five", etc...destined for upcoming mix CDs) and his poignant growing up songs ("This Year", "Cubs in Five", etc...). I was surprised to find such a sweet love song. He still adds that little hint of dysfunction though - "I am healthy, I am whole, I have poor impulse control".
13. Easy on Yourself - Drive-By Truckers
I kept waking up with this one in my head last month. Partly I think because I was listening to Jason Isbell's solo CD (he takes the lead on this one), and partly I think my psyche talking to me.
14. Be Careful - Mutual Admiration Society
I didn't think about this when coming up with track list or programming the song order, but as I was listening the other night, it hit me that this song is really the antidote to "Easy on Yourself" (the line is "Don't be so easy on yourself"...whereas this song's line is "Be careful to yourself, cause noone else will"). MAS was a (so far) one off collaboration between former Toad The Wet Sprocket frontman (and excellent solo artist) Glen Phillips, and Nickel Creek. Not one of my favorite projects of his, but a few nice tunes.
Strange story #2 from making this mix CD - this was another one I couldn't find my copy of the CD anywhere, and had given up on. Then I went to the library the day I was making this, and in the book sale area they had a little box of CDs, and a promo copy of this CD for $1. What are the odds?
15. Josh Ritter - Rumors
My other favorite track from the new album.
16. Banjos and Trampolines - Don Peris
Beautiful, beautiful album. He's such a great songwriter and singer - it's too bad he took so long to make a solo album (he's in Innocence Mission) and it's too bad his second solo album was instrumental.
17. The Crystals - Heartbreaker
The Crystals or The Shangri-Las? Thank God I don't have to decide.
18. The Hold Steady - Citrus
More ramblings about Jesus and lovers.
19. Rationale - Bill Mallonee
Since disbaning Vigilantes of Love and losing his umpteenth record contract, Bill has been quietly recording new tracks every month, many chronicling his failed marriage and disillusion with the record business, and making them available to subscribers of "BillTunes". Check him out at www.volsounds.com. You won't be disappointed.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
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