Harbor Astro Magic

A Few Updates

2010-05-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have a few updates for my readers.

First thing is, I would disregard my Dead Weather review. I have a much better quality version of the album now, and I enjoy it much better than the review stated. It is definitely a grower. I recommend buying it when it releases on Tuesday.

Also, I am going to Lollapalooza! Very excited. Expect a review in late August.

I am also going to tell you about my Coachella experience soon.

More reviews coming soon.

Review - Ratatat "LP4"

2010-05-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

Ratatat has finally returned with the ironically named "LP4."

I was wondering how Ratatat was going to top their beautiful 2008 album "LP3." To my surprise, they do so in every way.

This could arguably be the best album that Ratatat has released to date. But how can that be possible? With the self-titled debut? "Classics?" "LP3?" Everything that Ratatat puts out is gold. "LP4" is no exception.

The album begins with the crazy tender "Billar." It is a fresh take on Ratatat's sound, but they still manage to keep their signature sound in there.

The next track is the killer "Drugs." This track features one of the best Ratatat beats I have heard from them. I cannot wait to hear this one live.

The album goes on to provide those classic Ratatat guitar shrills and amazing beats.

More key tracks include "Bare Feast," "Mandy," and my favorite "Grape Juice City."

Another really fun track is "Neckbrace." They use a voice as a synth. It sounds so clean. I also love the often use of short voice tracks on this album. The end of "Bob Gandhi" is genius.

There is not one disappointing track on this album.

Ratatat has come back with their classic sounds with a few twists. It is the perfect album to dance to.

This will without a doubt be among the top 10 of the year, maybe in the top 5.

"LP4" is to be released June 8th. Be sure to buy this glorious gem when it comes out.

Ratatat's 4th receives a perfect 10/10.

Review - The Dead Weather "Sea of Cowards"

2010-05-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Jack White is back yet again with The Dead Weather, with their second LP in less than a year.

This time around, the blues are more evident, but the sparks did not start many fires for me.

The album starts off pretty rough with "Blue Blood Blues." Jack leads this one, with some harsh lyrics. This song, like many on the album, do not show the talent of Dean Fertita (guitars/organ) as well as the first album did.

Some other disappointments were "I'm Mad" and "I Can't Hear You." They lacked what I wanted, which were those obscure drum beats that Jack usually provides. They just seemed very thrown together.

There are some gems, however. "Jawbreaker" and "Looking at the Invisible Man" are two key tracks that I instantly fell for. I also love "Old Mary." It is a very dark track that makes me think of a church painted black.

"Gasoline" is another very interesting track. It is classic Jack.

The single off the album, "Die by the Drop," is another classic. It captures what I expected from the album. It is a very gothic yet accessible track.

It could just be that Sea of Cowards is more of a Horehound B-Sides album. I am not sure if these are the other half of the 25 songs Jack said were already written prior to Horehound's release. Half of the songs of the album run under 3 minutes, with none making it past the 4 minute mark.

I'm not sure if the album will grow more on me or not. It is a fine piece of work for any average band, but this is Jack White. This is Alison Mosshart. I wanted more.

This album receives a 7/10.

So Many Good Albums Out in 2010

2010-04-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

I may have most of my 2010 Best List already.

Here it is so far:

1. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
2. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
3. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
4. MGMT - Congratulations
5. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
6. Vampire Weekend - Contra
7. Hot Chip - One Life Stand
8. Jonsi - Go

Some poor albums have released, like Crystal Castles bound-to-suck self-titled sophomore.

Coachella review coming soon. Sorry that it has been so long!

2010-03-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

That is all.

Review - Yeasayer "Odd Blood"

2010-02-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

This album may have proved me wrong in naming my album of the year earlier.

Yeasayer's sophomore album "Odd Blood" is a gem in the slew of indie albums released in these short months of 2010.

They have a more poppy sound this time around, which I believe suits them much better.

Their single, "Ambling Alp", is an addicting, drum powered rush of a song. One of the best tracks this year.

It is hard to release that daring second album, being such a low key band as it is.

Each track is a mystic creeper. You crave more after the keyboard drone ending of "Grizelda."

Yeasayer is a band that is really incomparable to another group. It is a situation like this that lets you know when a band is really incredible.

I recommend an immediate download or purchase of this album.

It is at the top of the 2010 list, if not the best of the year thus far.

Key tracks: "Mondegreen", "Madder Red", "O.N.E."

This gets a perfect 10/10.

That is all.

Official Video for Surfer Blood's "Swim"

2010-01-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

That is all.

Review - Broken Bells - "Broken Bells"

2010-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Unless you indie kids have been living under a rock, you know that beloved singer/guitar of The Shins James Mercer has been working with Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) on a new project called Broken Bells.

Needless to say, this collaboration was bound to be good.

James Mercer's voice needed to break out of that light rock box and into this experimental one.

The album, which releases in early March, features their single "The High Road", blogged to death and amazing. The track has so much character just in the first 30 seconds. I was very pleased when I first heard it.

And the album holds that track up.

I've heard many mixed views of this album, and I understand why. You cannot accept the album on first listen. It comes to you around the 3rd time around, when you release that it is brilliant. It is summer night music, something to sit and eat sushi to when you are all alone with no friends. It makes you feel cool.

Key tracks are Citizen, The Mall and Misery, and Mongrel Heart.

9/10

"The High Life" is available now for download and 7" vinyl purchase, and the self-titled album releases March 9th.

That is all.

Gorillaz announce "Plastic Beach" details + New Single "Stylo"

2010-01-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

The new Gorillaz album "Plastic Beach" will release March 9th.

Tracklist:
01 Orchestral Intro (ft. Sinfonia ViVA)
02 Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach (ft. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
03 White Flag (ft. Kano, Bashy, and the National Orchestra for Arabic Music)
04 Rhinestone Eyes
05 Stylo (ft. Bobby Womack and Mos Def)
06 Superfast Jellyfish (ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)
07 Empire Ants (ft. Little Dragon)
08 Glitter Freeze (ft. Mark E Smith)
09 Some Kind Of Nature (ft. Lou Reed)
10 On Melancholy Hill
11 Broken
12 Sweepstakes (ft. Mos Def and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
13 Plastic Beach (ft. Mick Jones and Paul Simonon)
14 To Binge (ft. Little Dragon)
15 Cloud of Unknowing (ft. Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA)
16 Pirate Jet

I can already tell that this album is going to be incredible.

How?

Along with this info, Gorillaz released their new single, "Stylo", today as well. The song features Bobby Womack and Mos Def.

It is an AMAZING track.

That is all.

Live - Vampire Weekend @ Henry Fonda Theater 1/12/09

2010-01-18T21:53:00.000-08:00

Photo from Stereogum

Any band that comes on stage to DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat" would be considered lame. That is, unless you are Vampire Weekend.

Ezra Koenig, frontman of VW, hopped onto the stage, threw on his guitar, and started to bounce back and forth to the hip hop classic. Needless to say, it was a great start to a perfect show.

The band played their new album Contra in full (minus I Think UR A Contra), and the majority of their debut.

They did an outstanding job playing all their new tracks; most of which were the first performances of the songs. In fact, the band had to start their song Diplomat's Son over because they started playing off beat to one of their samples. But they started over, and played the song to perfection.

The show could not have been better, with Ezra and Co. using all their energy to please the crowds.

One big highlight of the show was the ending encore of Walcott. Not one person in the audience was standing still on the last crashes of the track. It was a beautiful sight to see so many true Vampire Weekend fans enjoying the record release party.

Setlist:
White Sky
Holiday
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
I Stand Corrected
M79
California English
Run
A-Punk
One (Blake's Got A New Face)
Taxi Cab
Diplomat's Son
Campus/Oxford Comma
Giving Up The Gun
Horchata
Mansard Roof
Walcott

An outstanding and perfect performance. 10/10.

That is all.

Review - Hot Chip "One Life Stand"

2010-01-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hot Chip is on their fourth album, "One Life Stand", and it is a rough listen at first.

I listened to it a few times and I thought I hated it. But then I continued to listen to it. The record is a listen different than the first three, but I feel that it is almost necessary to create that "different" record.

It is more of a beautiful record rather than a "good" Hot Chip album. Don't get me wrong, it is a good album. It is just a different Hot Chip sound. It is something to the mix of Hot Chip songs that can calm you down, but still make your head move.

Alexis Taylor, lead vox and keys, brings out his high voice again with the track "I Feel Better." I love when he uses that voice. It adds so much beauty to the music.

If you did not like this record, take another listen. Go in with an open mind.

Key tracks are Hand Me Down Your Love, One Life Stand, and Alley Cats.

"One Life Stand" gets an 8/10.

That is all.

Review - Vampire Weekend "Contra"

2010-01-08T20:59:00.001-08:00

Sophomores Vampire Weekend have their new album set to release this Tuesday.

This time around, the New York natives have brought their best and weirdest to the table.

The album starts with the jungle filled "Horchata." It is a perfect way to enter the album that most band wagon VW fans may not enjoy.

Rostam Batmanglij, who plays guitar and keyboards, owns this album with his modified synths and interesting drum programming. If you are expecting traditional Vampire Weekend high guitar riffs, you will only find a few tracks that feature said sounds.

The second track, "White Sky", starts out with 80's inspired electronic drums, and eventually leads into a high pitched screeching chorus. It may take you some time to get used to this album, but I warn you, it will grab on to you and it will not let go.

The tracks range significantly, from the fast paced rush through the amazing 2nd single "Cousins", to the calm Bollywood coated "Giving Up The Gun", you will find varying sounds from the band.

A track that I find incredibly exciting is "California English." Ezra Koenig, front man of the band, auto tunes his voice to discuss the various traits of the state. His words hold so much color with lyrics like "Fake Philly cheesesteak, but she uses real toothpaste." Koenig said in a recent interview that the album is "definitely a California album."

Key tracks are "Run", "Diplomat's Son", and "I Think UR A Contra."

This album gets a perfect 10/10

That is all.

Top Ten Albums of 2009

2009-12-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

Listed from 10 to Album of the Year.

10. Princeton - Cocoon of Love

Princeton produced an excellent album this year called "Cocoon of Love." With two combined sounds of Vampire Weekend and The Kinks, you are bound to get something amazing. It landed the 10th best album of the year, and they deserve it.

Key Tracks: Sadie and Andy, Calypso Gold, Shout it Out

9. Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms

Neon Indian's album "Psychic Chasms is an amazing new take on lo-fi electronic music. It is an extremely addicting album that will have you wondering why you are dancing so strangely in your car.

Key Tracks: Deadbeat Summer, Laughing Gas, Should Have Done Acid With You

8. Crocodiles - Summer of Hate

Crocodiles are one of my favorite lo-fi bands. Their music is so haunted and strange, yet so perfect. After listening to this album, you'll want to wear a tight leather coat and go destroy something.

Key Tracks: I Wanna Kill, Soft Skull (In My Room), Young Drugs

7. Miike Snow - Miike Snow

I was extremely excited when I first heard this album. I didn't really know what to expect. What I got was winter electronic perfection. Miike Snow provides that calm yet stinging electronic glory that I have been craving.

Key Tracks: Cult Logic, Animal, Burial

6. The xx - xx

I had mixed feelings about The xx when I first heard this album. But after many listens, I understood their true musical power. The xx are such a beautiful electronic band. Their voices are so amazing, and the strange bass and guitar riffs add a delightful effect.

Key Tracks: Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat, Intro

5. Fool's Gold - Fool's Gold

Fool's Gold is one of the most talented bands of 2009. With their 8+ live members, 4 of which being guitarists, you are bound to hear something incredible. Their combination of world music and rock riffs make for an excellent album.

Key Tracks: Surprise Hotel, Poseidon, The World Is All There Is

4. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

This is a rock opera. A beautiful album consisting of some of The Decemberists darkest work. With songs about killing children and leaving wives, it may not be a happy album, but it is an incredible one.

Key Tracks: Won't Want For Love, The Rake Song, A Bower Scene

3. Sufjan Stevens - The BQE

With his first composed piece, Sufjan Stevens brings his own style to the genre of classical music. With extraordinary flutes and strings, with his own band playing too, it provides for an interesting and amazing experience. I hope more comes from classical Sufjan.

Key Tracks: There are no key tracks, for the album should really be listened to as a whole.

2. The Dead Weather - Horehound

Jack White did it again with The Dead Weather. This being his third project, I had to wonder whether or not Jack could start another awesome band. The answer is yes, and this album backs me up completely. This deserves to be on everyone's best of the year.

Key Tracks: I Cut Like A Buffalo, 3 Birds, Will There Be Enough Water?

Album of the Year: Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Bat For Lashes deserves Album of the Year by a long shot. It is a perfect album. Two Suns can easily change your emotion from happy to sad to anything. Each song is perfect in some way. The choice of instrument and words make the album so amazing and real. Two Suns will be an album to listen to for many years to come. It will be hard to top this one for a 3rd album.

Key Tracks: Siren Song, Sleep Alone, Daniel

Live - Vampire Weekend @ Lake Elsinore McVicker Skatepark 11/13/09

2009-11-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

When I first heard "Free Vampire Weekend Show" I thought seas of indies and long lines.

Then I got to the show.

One hour before the band played at Lake Elsinore's McVicker Skatepark, I was first in line.

This show could not be described with any word but surreal.

Hanging around with Ezra Koenig and Rostam Batmanglij before the show was unreal.

The doors opened, and as you can tell by my photograph, we were as close to the band as you could get.

The band sounded superb.

They played nearly everything from the first record, as well as half of the new one.

The new songs sound incredible live. It gave me new respect for the recorded versions.

They brought all they could bring to the skatepark, and the crowds loved it.

Setlist:
White Sky
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
I Stand Corrected
M79
Cousins
California English
One (Blake's Got A New Face)
A-Punk
Run
Campus
Oxford Comma

Encore:
Mansard Roof
Horchata
Walcott

The band's second studio album "Contra" is due out January 12th.

You can download the single "Horchata" from their website www.vampireweekend.com

Their new single "Cousins" can be downloaded on iTunes.

They are due back in California after the release.

Also, when I spoke to Ezra, he gave us the hint that they will be performing at the 2010 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

So excited.

That is all.

Review - Surfer Blood "Astro Coast"

2009-10-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

The musicianship of the artists signed to Kanine Records has always been above expected levels. From Grizzly Bear, to Princeton, they have many exceptional artists featured on their label.

Now here is Surfer Blood.

I have heard one or two mentions of the name on various music sites and blogs, but I never really checked them out.

I came across the news of their album release, so I took a listen.

What I heard was something I have been waiting for.

They combine elements from many different genres. They take Beach Boys, Fool's Gold, The Kinks, and others and mix them to perfection.

They maintain a fun surfy landscape, but they add this edge that is indescribable. It is a very addicting sound.

Not only that, but there is not one disappointing track featured on the record.

"Take It Easy" is my favorite on the record. However, like I said, I could not find a song I did not enjoy on this record.

It releases January 19th, 2010.

It will most likely be in the top of the year.

10/10.

That is all.

Review - Sufjan Stevens "The BQE"

2009-10-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Sufjan Stevens has done it again.

I dub "The BQE" as one of this year's top 10 albums of the year.

Though it is an instrumental work from Stevens, and it was meant to go along with his film (same title), it cannot be forgotten as an amazing album.

Each track sets a different mood. You'll feel like you are sailing on a calm ocean, and then you will suddenly be on the streets of a bright, busy city at night.

I recommend you purchase this album as soon as possible.

To briefly go into the film aspect, it is a film you must be patient in. Though it is a very interesting film, some may find it boring. I, though, found it to be a very lovely addition to the music.

You can download the digital version of "The BQE" here.

However, a physical purchase of this album is recommended. You get some goodies with it such as photographs and a comic book.

Again, listen to this beautiful masterpiece.

Give me your opinions.

10/10.

That is all.

Review - Where The Wild Things Are

2009-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

This movie...where do I begin?

I went into this film with extremely high expectations. Spike Jonze never disappoints, and how could he with this this film?

The first few scenes are just whatever. The way they opening the film was pretty clever and funny.

I disliked how they did not follow the book when Max entered the wild. That was a bummer.

I liked the way they presented the monsters. It was dark and very interesting. From there, the movie no longer made sense.

The main monster, Carol, proceeds to destroy all of the monster's huts for no reason. You later find out it was because of the girl monster K.W.? You never really know what happened. (This kind of thing makes up most of the movie.)

It seemed like all the monsters were sad. Max tries to make them happy by building a giant stick ball for them to live in. They are still not happy.

If someone built ME a giant stick ball, I might be happy.

And for the unknown amount of time that Max is in the wild (it seems fairly short), I guess he emotionally connected with the monsters and they all get sad at the end when he leaves. They barely even talked to each other, so I don't know how they could have connected in such a way.

One of the few redeeming qualities of the film was the goat monster. He was hilarious! And the two owls. They too were funny.

The soundtrack was also fairly decent. Some weird music with a lot of Karen O. going "Do do do do do."

I know all you indie people will say you loved this movie whether it was a poor film or not, but I have to put my foot down.

Although the visual effects were outstanding, the film itself was a large disappointment.

The parts when they were fighting with dirt and things were exploding and flying around; that is would the movie should have consisted of. FUN.

I give it 4/10.

That is all.

Review - Monsters of Folk "Monsters of Folk"

2009-09-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

When I first heard about Monsters of Folk, I'm not going to lie, I was pretty excited. Jim James? M. Ward? What could go wrong? Apparently, everything.

Mr. Oberst and the rest of the "supergroup" have managed to produce the most disappointing album of the year.

The first track, which fails to be folk at all, sounds like a childish version of something My Morning Jacket would write. Only, My Morning Jacket is good.

I'm not going to be a complete downer. There were one or two songs on the disc that impressed me. Other than that, I am completely saddened by the work that such great musicians have created.

I was expecting fabulous guitar solos and beautiful harmonies. What I got was lack luster at best.

3/10.

That is all.

Review - Boys Noize "Power"

2009-09-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

I was nervous at first to hear Boys Noize's new work.

I had never gotten around to listening to his most recent songs.

Then I got a hold of "Power."

This album is amazing.

Boys Noize is definately back with his second studio album which is full of haunted sounds and computerized voices.

A few tracks to check out: "Jeffer", "Trooper", and "Nott."

The album releases October 6th. I recommend purchasing it, whether it be digital. disc, or vinyl.

9/10.

That is all.

Silver War

2009-09-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Hey people!

Check out the new local Riverside band "Silver War"
www.myspace.com/silverwarband

Download their demo for free here:

silverwar.bandcamp.com

That is all.

Tron: Legacy + Daft Punk

2009-09-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, Daft Punk will be scoring the soundtrack to the new Disney sequel "Tron: Legacy."

A snippet of the work Daft Punk has been doing has been released and can be downloaded here.

I cannot wait to hear the rest of the soundtrack.

That is all.

Review - Metronomy "Not Made For Love EP"

2009-09-16T10:38:00.001-07:00

Now with a new bass player and drummer, Metronomy has released their first EP since Gabriel Stebbing left the band. The EP is called "Not Made For Love."

It starts with "Not Made For Love." A great song. It isn't as easy to dance to as most Metronomy songs, but it is still very good and impressive.

The next song is "Do The Right Thing." This is the best song on the record. It is catchy, danceable, and yet still manages to remain a tad bit dark.

"What Do I Do Now" is the most disappointing song on the release. It has some neat synth sounds, but fails to sound like Metronomy.

It is also packed with several remixes, including one by the rising artist Astronomer.

The remixes are very impressive, which is a surprise to me because most remixes included on albums and EPs these days are mediocre.

The EP gets a 9/10.

Download it on the web, or buy it when it releases physically at the end of September.

That is all.

Review - "It Might Get Loud"

2009-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging for a while now.

Sorry!

I am returning with my review of the documentary "It Might Get Loud."

This film was an outstanding look at three very different guitar players from three different eras.

I, as you probably know, was most interested in the portions of the film featuring Jack White. However, the portions with Jimmy Page and The Edge were very impressive.

In my personal opinion, Jack White's idea of music and style overpasses the other two guitarists in this film. He says many things about guitars and songs that I have never thought about before. He makes you think about what music really is.

I say go and see this movie. If you have interest in The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, U2, or just rock music in general, go see it.

Also - expect more blogs in the near future. Sorry I have been gone for so long.

That is all.

Review - Das Pop "Das Pop"

2009-07-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

This band is very talented.

There is not much to say other than go and buy this album where you can find it.

8/10.

That is all.

Review - The Dead Weather "Horehound"

2009-07-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

It has only been half a year, but this album has already been set in stone as my album of the year.

Every song on the album is pure gold.

You could say that Jack White "has really done it this time," because he has released one of the most intense hard rock blues albums (and one of the only ones) in a long long time.

Alison Mosshart scares even the toughest of men with her harsh voice. From "60 Feet Tall" to "New Pony," she continues to make us crave the cringe her words give.

My three personal favorites on the record (besides the three pre-released singles) are "So Far From Your Weapon," "3 Birds," and "Will There Be Enough Water?"

On that last mentioned track, White and Mosshart produce the deepest blues on the album. They have so much chemistry, it is almost too much to bear.

I couldn't honestly say one track is better than the next. Each one is needed.

10/10. Perfect album.

Purchase the album here in the US on the 14th of July, or find it streaming on iLike previous to the release.

Side note,

"The Vault" has opened on thirdmanrecords.com

It is an exclusive club where you can buy a membership and receive exclusive presales, merch, and other delights.

For more, go to the above website.

That is all.

Live - The Dead Weather @ The Roxy Theatre 6/17/09

2009-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

There is no word to define how talented The Dead Weather are as a group.

Every member of the band provides something different.

The band performed near flawlessly, each song satisfying the sold out venue.

Jack White was on drums, of course, but he came out and played guitar for the song "Will There Be Enough Water?"

He sang with lead lady Alison Mosshart, and the two nearly touched lips while singing. (It was very VV and Hotel)

Dean Fertita, who White as chosen to replace him on guitar, does the job outstandingly. His playing was superb on both guitar and organ.

Of course, Little Jack Lawrence was awesome as well. He seemed more comfortable on stage then previous times I've seen him play.

Here is the setlist:
'60 Feet Tall'
'Treat Me Like Your Mother'
'Bone House'
'You Just Can't Win'
'So Far From Your Weapon'
'Child of a Few Hours'
'Rocking Horse'
'I Cut Like a Buffalo'
'No Hassle Night'
'Will There Be Enough Water'
Encore:
'Forever My Queen'
'Hang You From The Heavens'
'New Pony'

See The Dead Weather in concert this August in Southern California.

10/10 Brilliant performance.

That is all.

Review - Datarock "Red"

2009-06-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Datarock came back from a fairly short break with a new album called "Red."

I was very happy to know that they did not change or get rid of their awesome matching sweatsuits and glasses.

But regarding the album, I was also very happy with their music.

They did not stray far from their previous self-titled debut. They pack the same 80's and modern electronic mixture of a punch, which I think will not bore long term fans.

The album is good to dance to, and pairs very well with the first album.

It is basically a second installment of the first album.

Key tracks are "Molly", "The Pretender", and "Dance!"

Keep up the good work, Datarock.

Datarock (2007) - 9/10

Red (2009) - 8.5/10

Download Red now on iTunes or buy it in stores.

That is all.

Breakbot signs with Ed Banger Records

2009-06-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Pedro "Busy P" Winter of Ed Banger Records announced earlier last month that legendary DJ Breakbot is the newest addition to the Ed Banger crew.

I am extremely excited for this. Hopefully this means collaborations with other Ed Banger artists, appearances on new Ed Recs, tours with Ed Banger artists, and maybe even a Breakbot album.

More info to come.

That is all.

Third Man Records: The Vault

2009-06-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

What could this be?

I am very excited to see what is to come of "The Vault."

www.thirdmanrecords.com

That is all.

Live - M83 @ Glass House 5/20/09

2009-05-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ian Saunders.

To express the brilliance of this show in one sentence would be impossible.

It is easily one of the greatest bands I have ever experienced live.

All three pieces were flawless - The guitar/synth, the keyboard, and the drums.

From a brilliant heart felt song like "Skin of the Night" to the ten minute encore of "Couleurs."

Although they combined two different genres, it managed to maintain an overall feel of misty dance.

If that makes sense.

Go download "Saturdays=Youth" now.

That is all.

First sign of Xavier in a long time. Justice recording?

2009-05-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Gabriel Stebbing leaves Metronomy

2009-05-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mount of Metronomy has recently announced that Gabriel Stebbing (bass/synth/vocals) will no longer be apart of the band due to a mutual understanding that Gabriel needs to work with his other band.

Joseph said, "It's all very amicable and he's assured me he doesn't think he's fleeing a sinking ship. Gabriel wants to work on his own band, Your Twenties."

Although this upset many Metronomy fans, including myself, we cannot start hating Metronomy.

Let's just hope that Your Twenties album is pretty damn good.

Joseph also said that Metronomy has been working on their new live show and that the audiences will be very impressed.

I'm proud of Joseph for taking all this so well.

Download Metronomy on iTunes.

That is all.

Review - White Arrows "Hearts and Lungs"

2009-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

My buzz band of the year.

These guys are going to get big soon.

Their EP, Hearts and Lungs, is one of the best things I've heard in 2009.

It is a five song album, and none of the tracks disappoint.

Two key tracks are "The Voyeur" and "City Boy"

Go download it on iTunes.

I'm hoping for a full length by the end of the year.

10/10

That is all.

Review - Phoenix "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

2009-05-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

This album is by far the greatest thing Phoenic has ever released.

Song after song, I became more impressed with their new album.

One track in particular, "Love Like A Sunset", is one of the best songs of 2009 thus far.

"Lisztomania" is also an amazing track, and is also the first single off the album.

Of course, the other single that was released before, "1901" is a great track as well.

Go buy this album when it released on the 26th of May.

9.5/10

That is all.

Review - Chester French "Love the Future"

2009-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is one of my top ten albums thus far of 2009.

It is a fresh new sound coming from Chester French, which I put in the category of the faux genre "night rock."

It starts with a very "Kill Bill" sounding introduction, which had me sold immediately.

Notable tracks are "Bebe Buell", "Time To Unwind", and "Beneath The Veil."

Their two flawless singles, "She Loves Everybody" and "The Jimmy Choos", are also on the album and make it great as on the EP.

Although many reviews have mixed reviews of this album, I say buy it.

It is a unique and colorful album, and I recommend it.

8.5/10

That is all.

The Summer Twins

2009-04-29T19:25:00.004-07:00

A local Riverside band.

They are bringing back old 60's sound with a nice modern touch. I saw them live a few weeks ago, and I was very impressed with their sound.

Look them up on myspace.

Downloads soon to come.

That is all.

Coachella Tomorrow

2009-04-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the bands I will be seeing in order:
Switch
Dear and the Headlights
We Are Scientists
Cage the Elephant
M. Ward
White Lies
Franz Ferdinand
Morrissey
Girl Talk
The Presets
The Crystal Method
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Liars
Dr. Dog
Surkin
TV On The Radio
Fleet Foxes
Band of Horses
Junior Boys
The Killers
Mexican Institution of Sound
No Age
Friendly Fires
Sebastien Tellier
Brian Jonestown Massacre
Antony and the Johnsons
Late of the Pier
The Horrors
The Cure
Etienne De Crecy

I am soooo excited for The Presets, Late of the Pier. We Are Scientists, The Crystal Method, and Franz Ferdinand.

I am going to do full coverage on the festival.

That is all.

Slanties

2009-04-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Kanye West is jealous he didn't wear these first.

Is fashion really getting this stupid?

www.slanties.com

That is all.

M83

2009-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest musicians of our time.

I was i had caught on to "Saturdays=Youth" at an earlier stage.

It probably would have been in my top 10 of 2008.

Go buy it if you have not.

That is all.

Review - MSTRKRFT "Fist of God"

2009-03-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

This follow up is well worth coming back to old MSTRKRFT.

I must admit, I have been disappointed with these guys ever since their rubbish show at Coachella in 07.

But when they returned with this, I was left speechless.

MSTRKRFT has dropped their more Justice-like sound for something that tastes a little more Bloody Beetroot.

They still have a bit of Justice in them, but it seems like they finally found their own place.

This album is incredible, and will surely be played on dancefloors.

Key tracks are "1000 Cigarettes", "Fist of God", and "Click Click"

I will be featuring a few tracks from this album during my radio show on Saturday.

Tune in, Radio23.org from 6-8 Pacific Time.

8/10. Amazing album.

That is all.

The Dead Weather

2009-03-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Jack White's new band.

Just when you thought his career could not get any better, it did.

He is playing drums like back before the Stripes. I am so excited for this.

It gets better, too.

The frontman...or should i say WOMAN is Alison Mosshart or VV from The Kills.

Her voice is AMAZING.

Two more legendary artists finish the band: Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, The Greenhornes and Blanche) and Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age)

Their first two songs, "Hang You From The Heavens" and "Are Friends Electric?" are up to listen on thedeadweather.com and are available to purchase on iTunes.

Their album, "Horehound," is to be released in June.

More info to come.

That is all.

Coachella, Radio Show, and Details

2009-03-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

1. Coachella- Amy Winehouse has cancelled, The Chemical Brothers (DJ Set), Etienne De Crecy, The Orb, and Devendra Barnhart are added.

2. Radio Show- Tune into my first show on Radio23.org on Saturday from 6-8 Pacific Time. Also check out Avant Noise's show before mine from 4-6.

3. Details- The blog name is going to change soon. I don't know what to, but soon.

That is all.

Poney Poney

2009-03-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

This is probably my favorite band right now.

They are Poney Poney, and they are French.

With producers like Justice, you know these guys are talented.

Their interpretation of dance rock brings the genre to a whole new ground.

I recommend listening to them.

They have two singles, "When Do You Want To Stop Working?" and "Cross The Fader."

"Cross The Fader" is downloadable below.

Give them a listen.

Cross The Fader-Poney Poney

That is all.

Everyone!

2009-03-01T19:11:00.001-08:00

We're not dead!

We have been very busy.

Soon to come:

More Coachella band coverage

of Montreal live review from Glass House

Poney Poney coverage

Pop Levi interview

stay tuned!

sorry for the absence!

That is all.

Pop Levi Interview Tomorrow

2009-02-11T21:00:00.001-08:00

I will be interviewing Pop Levi in the flesh tomorrow.

Details soon after.

I am extremely excited about this.

That is all.

Review - The Lonely Island "Incredibad"

2009-02-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hahahahahaha.

If you already like these guys, like myself, then get this album.

If not, do NOT get it.

hahaha

8/10

That is all.

Daft Punk Asia Tour 2009

2009-02-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

www.dafthidden.com

CONFIRMED AS FAKE.

That is all.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

This film really is best movie of 08.

I have watched it twice, and I love it.

It is amazing all around.

I recommend it to everyone.

The acting is amazing, and so is the story.

10/10

That is all.

Lily Allen Blog?

2009-02-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

It's gone! Where did it go? I don't know!

Sorry!

That is all.

Coachella "Know Your Bands":Cloud Cult

2009-01-31T08:17:00.000-08:00

To begin to describe the genre of this band would be pointless, because they combine so many various sounds. Cloud Cult is a band from Minneapolis and they are playing Coachella. Cloud Cult is a happy upbeat band that uses both violins and some poppy beats to produce this very unique and wonderful sound. Below are are few of there hit songs for download. Check them out, and be sure to see them at Coachella. Be sure to study up on the other wonderful bands featured at this years festival.

Lucky Today-Cloud Cult

Chemicals Collide-Cloud Cult

More Coachella "Know Your Bands" soon to come.

That is all.

!!!!!

2009-01-30T06:07:00.000-08:00

That is all!!!

:D

Whatever People Tell You Is Lies.

2009-01-29T06:46:00.000-08:00

Coachella is not a real thing.

It is imaginary.

It never really happens.

Why wait for a lineup of something that doesn't exist?

It makes no sense.

Coachella is fake.

Ok.

Post the lineup Goldenvoice.

That is all.

David Bowie Remixed By Soulwax

2009-01-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Rebel Rebel (Soulwax Remix)-David Bowie

That is all.

New Gorillaz Demos

2009-01-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

Listen to them. They are rough, but good:

Binge (Stylo)

Broken

Electric Shock

It is said that their album is anticipated for a release at the end of March.

That is all.

Live - Metronomy @ El Rey Theatre 1/21/08

2009-01-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

A mind blowing performance.

Metronomy knows how to mix music and fun, and still keep it serious.

The band seemed very happy to be in Los Angeles.

They played almost every song from Nights Out, along with a couple from Pip Paine.

The one song encore was good, but it needed a few more songs.

Overall, it was outstanding.

I would like to go again.

Especially with the person I went with.

Go buy Nights Out. If you want more instrumental stuff, then their first album Pip Paine.

That is all.

The Fakes

2009-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Some seem more real than others.

We will have to enjoy these fakes until Coachella mans up and posts the real lineup.

I wish Kraft Punk was a real thing. Haha.

That is all.

She's Back

2009-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

February 9th, 2009.

1.Everyone's At It
2.The Fear
3.22
4.Not Fair
5.I Could Say
6.Back To The Start
7.Never Gonna Happen
8.Fuck You
9.Who'd Of Known?
10.Chinese
11.Hymn
12.He Wasn't There

That is all.

I am mad at you, LOTP.

2009-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you for finally releasing Fantasy Black Channel in the U.S.

Why could you not release it here when it actually came out in August?

Making me buy it for $21 without "Very WAV", "Heartbeat" remixed by Hot Chip, or that junk remix of "The Bears Are Coming."

Play America to show you are sorry.

That is all.

Review - Franz Ferdinand "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand"

2009-01-17T13:26:00.001-08:00

Well Franz Ferdinand has FINALLY released another album.

We have been waiting and waiting, and now it is finally here.

They have really changed their sound up, and it is a bittersweet situation.

I have been a die hard FF fan since they first released their self-titled masterpiece.

From their came "You Could Have It So Much Better," which had the relatively same English pop riffs of old.

Now there is this third album.

As amazing as it is, (Don't get me wrong, this will probably be one of my favorite albums of the year) it is hard to think that this is what they have been working on for roughly three years.

The songs are great, but you can tell the songs that they used to fill the album with.

The songs that they really took time on are GLORIOUS.

The album version of "Lucid Dreams" is so amazing and fresh.

And of course, "Ulysses" and "No You Girls" scream Franz single.

"Twilight Omens" is my favorite on the disc.

I give this album a 4.5 of 5.

It is brilliant, with the occasional "Really, Franz?"

I urge you to pick it up when it releases on the 26th.

That is all.

226 Songs by of Montreal?

2009-01-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

It is time to get listening.

Every album released by them.

That is all.

Sinners & Saints - Cathedral EP

2009-01-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Our sponsored artist, Sinners & Saints, has a new mix entitled "Cathedral."

It comes with two versions, both the "Sinner" and "Saint" versions.

www.myspace.com/sinnersandsaintsdj

Check him out!

That is all.

Justice's Cover Inspiration

2009-01-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

compare Justice's "Cross" cover:

to the cover of T. Rex's "Electric Warrior"

You can see where Justice got their inspiration from.

Both covers are simple yet beautiful.

Speaking of this, I am always worried that Justice's second album cover will not be up to snuff.

I am looking forward to hearing anything new from them, though.

There is a "Womanizer" remix floating around that is said to be done by them, but I am not sure if it is.

It sounds good regardless.

I think that Justice would have made it more theatrical, so I am leaning towards a no.

I will keep you posted. (As I always do with Justice.)

That is all.

Junior Senior has graduated.

2009-01-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sadly, the dance duo Junior Senior has split into separate solo projects.

They say it is not out of anger or hatred.

I disagree.

A successful band does not just break up.

Whatever.

I never got to see them perform live.

That is very upsetting.

But we have their music.

I guess we will have to live with that.

That is all.

Alter Eagle + Skeletal Lamping vs. Hissing Fauna

2009-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

of Montreal's single "Id Engager" is selling with an additional song entitled "Alter Eagle."

This song should have have been on the album.

I cannot stop listening to it.

I would have liked to have seen an outstanding 16 song album.

A sidenote,

of Montreal is playing one single date in Southern California on a second leg of their Skeletal Lamping tour.

I would like to go, but I am not sure if I can make it.

Plus, I already saw them on the first leg, so it does not matter.

of Montreal is brilliant.

I think that Skeletal Lamping is better than Hissing Fauna.

Get mad if you want.

The lyrics are more meaningful.

If "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" had been on Skeletal Lamping,

I would know for sure.

That song has incredible lyrics.

The whole song does not fit the Lamping style though.

Oh well.

I stand on my word.

Lamping over Hissing Fauna.

Opinions?

Listen to both albums a few times before making a decision.

Let me know.

That is all.

2009-01-01T00:40:00.000-08:00

That is all.

Final

2008-12-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you, readers.

This is it for 2008.

Things to expect in 2009:

Metronomy live review

Franz Ferdinand "Tonight" review

New Harbor Astro Magic artists

Harbor Astro Magic minimixes

In-depth Coachella review

The Dave's "Cathedral"

Untitled Harbor Astro Magic Film Project

New albums from OK Go, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Arcade Fire + reviews

and much more.

Thank you again for even reading this poorly written blog.

Please continue in 2009.

That is all for 2008.

The Spirit

2008-12-31T16:43:00.001-08:00

For starters, this film was not as good as Sin City. With that being said, I enjoyed this film. Despite what critics have said, I found myself being very interested in the story. The cinematography was perfect, of course. You can tell that Frank Miller spent a lot of time making sure that everything was done masterfully. The lines were also great. There were obvious cheese lines like "I'm gonna kill you all kinds of dead" and "Shut up and bleed." I was very entertained by this film, and if you enjoy purposely overdone action flicks, I recommend you go see this movie.

That is all.

Shadow Dancer-The Boys Noize Prodigy

2008-12-31T08:24:00.001-08:00

There is Boys Noize, and now there is Shadow Dancer.

You can surely see the Noize roots in Dancer's tracks.

The two EPs of his that I own have a lot of grindy Noize-like sounds.

But you can see his unique style in it as well.

The beats change up a lot, which is not like Boys Noize.

Noize tends to keep things running for a while.

Shadow Dancer is changing things a lot.

I am waiting for the chance to see him in the states.

Go buy "Cowbois EP"

and "Soap EP" now.

Keep on the look out for this guy. He is going to be something for sure.

That is all.

I want this now.

2008-12-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Cornelius

Movie of the Year

2008-12-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This is such an interesting film. It is Brad Pitt in his prime. I went into this movie with high expectations, and I left enjoying the movie more than I expected. The story is beautiful, and is based from a story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The details that were put into this movie were incredible. It was long too. But not that dreading long. It was perfect long. Movies these days are much too short, running for about an hour and thirty minutes. Benjamin Button lasted for two hours and thirty-nine minutes. I could not say enough good thing about this movie. Even Cate Blanchett, who is normally not my favorite, pleased me. Tilda Swinton's surprise part was good as well. I beg you to go see this movie and I do hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. This is Movie of the Year without a doubt.

That is all.

Milk

2008-12-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

This movie was very powerful. I never knew that there was such a movement that is so close to the times of today. I recommend that everyone go and see this. I learned so much from it. The acting was fantastic as well. With a cast of Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Josh Brolin and more, you could expect the acting to be without flaw. If you are someone who is totally against the homosexual people and feel that your views on them could never change, go see Milk. Your just may change your perspective.

That is all.

Three Bands of the Year

2008-12-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

Of Montreal

This band has been around for a LONG time. A handful of albums later, Athens, Georgia's Of Montreal finally managed to catch the world's eye. With their previous album "Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?", they caught a glimpse of what fame really is. But with their most recent release "Skeletal Lamping", the band got to experience audiences that they never did before. With a massive tour of practically the entire world, playing nearly two and a half hours at all shows, I'd say these guys are the real deal. Not to mention that the album is INCREDIBLE. They deserve the top spot as Band of the Year, for finally making it to the top of the indie nation (or close to it.)

The Raconteurs

Boy, the ridicule this band his faced this year. With numerous landings on Worst Album of the Year lists, I'm surprised Jack White hasn't punched somebody yet. I do not understand the method to this world's madness. "Consolers of the Lonely" is amazing. It is much better than the first album"Broken Boy Soldiers." Also, this band is INSANE live. The best live show I have seen to this date. They show such heart and energy when they play. They show how much they love music. They deserve the top spot as Band of the Year, for their determination and patience in America's understanding of their new album.

Justice

There was Daft Punk. Last year, they stormed the nation with that crazy pyramid and those sexy robot suits. Now that they are gone for another five years, we need somebody while we are waiting. As we thought MSTRKRFT would fill the shoes of our robo-friends, we were sad to find out that they were just a drunken, non-live, electro bore. There was no thrill in their persona. A small duo from Paris was opening for MSTRKRFT in 2006, spinning tracks in their black and white skinny outfits. This duo was Justice, and their success is amazing. From 2006 to 2008, they went from DJing small clubs with two singles, to headlining Coachella's Sahara Tent with a best selling debut album. They deserve the top spot as Band of the Year, for their outstanding display of an electro uprising.

A Lovely Holiday.

2008-12-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

A lovely Gretsch Rancher:

Review on the book soon to come:

New attire:

That is all.

The Harbor Astro Magic Music Awards 2008

2008-12-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Best Album of 2008: Fantasy Black Channel-Late of the Pier

Best EP of 2008: She Loves Everybody EP- Chester French

Most Overrated Album of 2008: Santogold-Santogold

Best Live Album of 2008: A Cross The Universe-Justice

Most Overplayed Album of 2008: Oracular Spectacular-MGMT

Best Song of 2008: Consoler of the Lonely-The Raconteurs

Most Overplayed Song of 2008: Paper Planes-M.I.A.

Most Annoying Yet Likeable Song off 2008: Shut Up and Let Me Go-The Ting Tings

Best Live Act of 2008: The Raconteurs

Best DJ of 2008: Boys Noize/SebastiAn

Most Disappointing Album of 2008: Konk-The Kooks/Narrow Stairs-Death Cab For Cutie/Here We Stand-The Fratellis

Best Engineered Album of 2008: Skeletal Lamping-of Montreal

Best Electronic Album of 2008: Nights Outs-Metronomy

Best Rock Album of 2008: Consolers of the Lonely-The Raconteurs

Best Pop Album of 2008: Skeletal Lamping-of Montreal

Best Debut of 2008: Fantasy Black Channel-Late of the Pier

Sexiest Band of 2008: Justice

Fastest Rise To Fame of 2008: Vampire Weekend/Fleet Foxes

Most Like To Rise To Fame in 2009: White Lies

Best Album Artwork of 2008: The Bedlam in Goliath-The Mars Volta

Worst Album Artwork of 2008: Modern Guilt-Beck

Give me more ideas for awards and your choices for those awards.

That is all.

The Good, The Bad, and The So-So

2008-12-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of the good, bad, and moderate albums of 2008.

Good:
Fantasy Black Channel-Late of the Pier
Consolers of the Lonely-The Raconteurs
Nights Out-Metronomy
A Cross The Universe-Justice
Skeletal Lamping-of Montreal
Never Never Love-Pop Levi
Antidotes-Foals
Dystopia-Midnight Juggernauts
In Ghost Colours-Cut Copy
Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust-Sigur Rós
Modern Guilt-Beck
Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes
Hercules and Love Affair-Hercules and Love Affair
Evil Urges-My Morning Jacket
Ed Rec Vol. 3-Various Artists
Volume One-She & Him
You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into - Does It Offend You, Yeah?
and many more

Bad:
Santogold-Santogold
808's and Heartbreak-Kanye West
Get Awkward-Be Your Own Pet
Partie Traumatic-Black Kids
Nouns-No Age

Moderate/So-So:
Vampire Weekend-Vampire Weekend
Remixes-Sebastian
At Mount Zoomer-Wolf Parade
Crystal Castles-Crystal Castles

comment and add.

That Is All.

Review - Chester French "She Loves Everybody EP"

2008-12-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Poppy and catchy.

Two words that describe Chester French easily.

They are so awesome.

I hope they play Coachella.

The two full original tracks on the disc,

"She Loves Everybody" and "The Jimmy Choos,"

are songs i find myself listening to over and over.

It includes remixes by Steve Aoki, EL-P, and Neptunes.

Pick this disc up at your nearest record store.

Pharrell Williams would love you for it.

That is all.

Review - Justice "A Cross The Universe" (Documentary Review Only)

2008-12-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

I was glued to the screen.

Every moment was so entertaining.

So many DJ cameos.

I loved it.

It was everything I hoped for and more.

Kavinsky's part made me laugh so hard.

You have to see this for yourself.

Go buy it December 9th in stores,

or right now on iTunes.

Also, keep on the look out for the Dim Mak documentary.

It is called "Cornelius," and it is mostly about The Bloody Beetroots.

This releases the 18th of December.

That is all.

Review - White Lies "Death EP"

2008-12-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have always loved this song.

I am so happy that they cleaned it up and put some remixes on it.

The Crystal Castles remix is good, along with the other by Haunts.

Black Song, the additional track, pleases as well.

Great purchase.

I recommend picking it up.

That is all.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Good day to you all and be thankful.

Enjoy this clip from "A Cross The Universe."

That is all.

Top Ten (as of November 24, 2008)

2008-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

ALL TIED FOR FIRST:

1. Consolers of the Lonely by The Raconteurs

2. Fantasy Black Channel by Late of the Pier

3. A Cross The Universe by Justice

__________________________________________

4. Skeletal Lamping by of Montreal

5. In Ghost Colours by Cut Copy

6. Nights Out by Metronomy

7. Dystopia by Midnight Juggernauts

8. Crystal Castles by Crystal Castles

9. Hercules and Love Affair by Hercules and Love Affair

10. Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes

Review - Justice "A Cross The Universe" (Live Album Review Only)

2008-11-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

Perfection.

Nothing but perfection.

Every single song is amazing.

The reworks of every song are pure genius.

I could not even begin to tell you how good it is.

I would give it album of the year, but as it is a live album, and is not newly written work, I will give it the 3rd place spot.

Download this AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

You will not regret it.

If you have to download one song only,

I would say "Genesis," "Let There Be Light," or "Waters of Nazareth (Prelude)"

All the songs are incredible, though.

Download it. Anyway possible.

Mission Control

2008-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Certainly next.

Ready to take the torch from Cut Copy, Mission Control blows the minds of their few fans.

Space Age music is today's big thing, and Mission Control are doing their part in continuing the genre.

Their single, "Innerspace," is good, but is not their best track.

"She Is The Future" is worth praise, as it is my favorite of theirs.

They are opening for Bloc Party on their Europe tour, and hopefully they will continue if Bloc Party comes back to the states.

Regardless, they need to come to America.

So does LOTP.

That is all.

Live - of Montreal @ The Palladium 11/22/08

2008-11-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

(photo is taken from a previous show, however, this exact scenario was portrayed when I saw them.)

The most fun performance I have ever witnessed.

Ever.

With over 20 different scenes created by actors mid-show and 10 different costumes changes by frontman, Kevin Barnes, you are always excited for what's next.

There was never a dull moment at this show.

They played almost everything I wanted to hear (including their rare performance of "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games.")

They played for well over two and a half hours.

Their set list consisted of mostly songs off of "Skeletal Lamping" and "Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?", which is just fine with me.

For their encore, they played one of their single's "Gronlandic Edit," along with cover's of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

Overall, the show was a masterpiece.

Mentioning Health. They are an alright band. They have certainly improved since I last saw them at The Barn several months ago.

I guess their shirts are cool.

If you ever get the chance to see of Montreal, do it.

That is all.

Tonight, Franz Ferdinand, Tonight.

2008-11-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2009.

The release of Franz Ferdinand's third album "Tonight."

The tracks that I have heard are excellent.

Of course "Lucid Dreams," but also the album's other single "Ulysses" is grand as well.

The album, as frontman Kapranos says, is an album to listen to at night.

He says that it is more electronic than the other two albums. More synths and such.

I am eager for this to release, as you should be to.

That is all.

1986, and its...inspiration

2008-11-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

That is all.

Tera Melos

2008-11-19T22:13:00.001-08:00

You are going to absolutely hate this band.

But you, on the other hand, are going to absolutely LOVE tis band.

Crazy stuff that Tera Melos has released.

With a few EPs floating around and an album, Tera Melos has earned some spotlight.

Now believe me when I say that this band takes getting used to.

Everything is so out of place that you do not understand it.

But then, it will suddenly make sense.

Everything is where it should be, and it is brilliant.

For an early listener, I recommend the song "40 Rods to the Hog's Head."

Do try to dig deeper, though.

"Party With Tina" and "Last Smile for Jaron" are nice as well.

That is all.

White Lies

2008-11-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

These guys are CRAZY.

They are liked a mixture of Cut Copy and Franz Ferdinand.

Their hit single, "Death" is so brilliant.

They only two or tree other released songs, including a slower "Unfinished Business" and a really good remix of "Death" by Crystal Castles.

AND their are confirmed to play this year's Coachella Music Festival!

I am excited!

That is all.

The Scoop - Justice

2008-11-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

If you have not been to their myspace to hear 4 of the tracks off of the live album, you are just dumb.

Go do it.

Now.

Review of CD/DVD very soon.

That is all.

Columbia, Missouri. Day 1, 12:59 pm CT

2008-11-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is the greatest place I have ever been.

You can see the stars at night here,

and it so green.

The weather is cold.

A folk band consisting of old people played at a coffee shop I went to.

I wish I lived here.

California is a drag compared to this place.

That is all.

Stagecoach Lineup

2008-11-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

is out.

Who cares really?

Well, I do.

This means Coachella's is right around the corner.

I guarantee that the crossover act will be RHH.

It all starts now.

That is all.

Review - Focker (Boys Noize Remix) by Late of the Pier

2008-10-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

I expected more from you, Boys Noize.

Normally, his remixes are insane.

This one was just very repetative and boring.

Don't get me wrong, it is inviting,

but it just keeps going on and on.

I really wanted more from him.

I think I'll just stick original LOTP.

Again, they need to come to Los Angeles.

They made their US debut this weekend in New York and Philadelphia.

I will get back to you on the reviews of their performances.

That is all.

Announcement

2008-10-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

A certain friend of mine has inspired me.

We have been trying to write music for our project in the works.

He has proven a good point to me.

He stated that if you listen to music while trying to write,

than you are just getting ideas and inspiration from other bands.

Therefore, I am taking a break from listening.

There will be posts, but none really any about new albums.

That is all.

Custom Late of the Pier T-Shirt

2008-10-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

The real shirts were 35 US dollars, so I decided to make my own.

Do you like it?

Go ahead to tell me your opinions.

That is all.

The Top Ten (as of Ocotber 14, 2008)

2008-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

1. "Fantasy Black Channel" by Late of the Pier

2. "Consolers of the Lonely" by The Raconteurs

3. "Fleet Foxes" by Fleet Foxes

4. "Oracular Spectacular" by MGMT

5. "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into" by Does It Offend You, Yeah?

6. "Evil Urges" by My Morning Jacket

7. "SebastiAn Remixes" by SebastiAn

8. "LP3" by Ratatat

9. "Modern Guilt" by Beck

10. "Nights Out" by Metronomy

This is a rough list. The last few might not even make it.

I will update this later.

What is your Top Ten?

Tell me!

That is all.

2008-10-13T19:51:00.001-07:00

that is all.

Review - Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Eh.

Rental.

Had its moments,

but not what I was hoping for.

The infinite playlist was not so great either.

Although the new Vampire Weekend track in the credits was really good.

Like I said,

rental.

That is all.

Review - Fleet Foxes

2008-10-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do this for a while now.

This album is hands down flawless.

Everybody shout for Fleet Foxes' "Fleet Foxes."

If you a new indie band that isn't Arcade Fire or The Shins, here you go.

They have that sound I have been waiting for.

A modern folk feel.

I want to listen to it in the meadows or something.

I cannot even pick a favorite song.

"Oliver James" is probably the most meaningful to me.

"Sun It Rises" and "He Doesn't Know Why" are also other worthy mentions.

The single from the album, "White Winter Hymnal" has a wonderful tune that you will find yourself singing aloud constantly.

Coachella? I think that is a high possibility.

Go anywhere to pick this up.

Heck, even Starbucks.

Sound alikes: Francisco the Man!, Department of Eagles, and Blitzen Trapper.

That is all.

Full Detour Festival Coverage

2008-10-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Photos by Dave Pinder and Lindsay Weston.

Let's get straight to it.

Noah & the Whale.

This band was a great start to the day.

The members had so much energy,

and the strange variety of instruments made it fun.

9 out of 10.
__________
Datarock.

Datarock was incredible.

It was their last US performance before getting back into the studio, so they put everything into it.

They were so passionate when they played.

Not one song was bad.

10 out of 10.
__________
Hercules and Love Affair.

Lowest point of the day.

I was most excited for them, and was not happy.

They have a brilliant album, but it turns out the lead male vocal performer (Antony of Antony & the Johnsons) does not perform with them live.

6 out of 10.
__________
Cut Copy.

Best performance of the day.

Every song was outstanding.

The lights were amazing.

The music was flawless.

I need to see them again.

11 out of 10.
__________
The Bloody Beetroots.

These guys are crazy DJs.

Although we saw them for a short amount of time,

they blew my mind.

They are the next big DJs.

Coachella?

We think so.

9 out of 10.
__________
Not pictured performances:

Grand Ole Party: I love this band. They are really fun to listen to. Their stage performance gets annoying after a while, however. 8 out of 10.

The Presets: How are these guys not as big as Justice? They need to be known. Excellent live electro performance. 10 out of 10.

The Mars Volta: Excellent band. They are one of the most talented rock groups of our time. Modern day Zeppelin. 10 out of 10.

It was an outstanding year for Detour. I recommend attendance in following years.

That is all.

2008-10-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

That is all.

Gorillaz: They Have Finally Returned

2008-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Creators of Gorillaz have announced that there is a third LP in the works.

This makes me so excited.

I have been waiting for this for a very long time.

I cannot wait to listen to anything new from them.

Here is the quote from Damon:

Damon Albarn : "We’re doing another Gorillaz record. We came back from summer holidays and realized we could do exactly what we wanted to do with Gorillaz. Essentially, Jamie just had to agree to draw the characters again. ’Cause I just do what I do anyway."

Both LPs they have put out are incredible, along with the two remix albums.

I am almost certain that the third will not let any fans down.

I pray they go to Coachella.

More news about Gorillaz when released.

Be excited.

That is all.