we make ritual noise. Covenant and lots more at Third Ward in Brooklyn, 9.30.06.


Covenant- Swedish EBM band. not metal, not a movie

all night three-plus rooms of underground club type things in the middle of an industrial-storage-Judgement Night-type area in Brooklyn. Aside from some technical issues in rooms 2 and 3 and the three flights of tedious stairs, the night appeared to be succesful. 10-2 was solid as Shannon got the dance party started in room 3 and Rotersand lead off in the big "main chamber." I spun 11-12 to a very receptive and knowledgeable crowd, who actually danced to Gary Numan "Are Friends Electric", Interpol "PDA" and Merge "Lost in Eternity." I had missed Imperative Reaction (another Metropolis band) while DJing, but got to see most of Covenant's set, which included Call the Ships to Port, Dead Stars, Ritual Noise, Stalker. After the trio's main set I finally got to see in person what bands do before they come back for an encore. Not much, they chill for a minute and wipe their head with a towel. -Kenyon

Rotersand- exterminate, annihilate, destroy.

Kenyon- dance, dance, dance

Sprites: Modern Gameplay (Darla)
release: September 18, 2006
styles: Cutey indie pop inspired by 1980s culture
similar: Barcelona, March records, Small Sins, Tullycraft, Papas Fritas
rating: ***1/2

Like Sprite soda, Sprites are bubbly. Oh good one! high five! But seriously, folks, this is some sweet innocent indie pop with bops of electronics from ex-members of Barcelona. Except for the song about blogs, called "I Started a Blog Nobody Read." A lot of us can identify with this, it hits close to home. It's real sad when no one reads your blog. Going through the rest of Modern Gameplay, it's apparent that Sprites are more about the '80s than anything else. The best thing is that it's not obvious, they don't talk about cliche things like hairstyles and clothing. The title track refers to video game systems back in the day and "Me and the SYSOP" is about system operators and BBSs. I can identify with that too. -Kenyon
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Chris Van Cott: Happy Again (self-release. local!)
styles: happy posi singer songy lite rock
rating: ***

Chris Van Cott doesn't want to grow up (good!). On the record's cover, he's on a swing, looking back and smiling. He could have written today that fan letter he has to Michael Jackson on the back of the cover. His third solo record is just as solid as the other two and full of fun-in-the-sun acoustic-based slices of his life. Whether uptempo or ballady, Van Cott knows what he's doing. If the countries at war would just look to the music of CVC, there'd be peace! -Kenyon

Heller Mason: Minimalist & Anchored (Silber)
released: September 2006
styles: country slowly indie rock
similar: Mark Kozelek, Band of Horses, Beachwood Sparks, Pale Horse and Rider
rating: ****

The vocals of Heller Mason's main person, Todd Vandenberg, are tearjerkingly soft and weepy. It leads the way for M & A's thoughtful country-esque slowcore, which measures up to similar artists any day. The cello, piano and trumpet that is scattered over the record fleshes out the mature lyrics and comforting acoustic guitar. Apt for campfires at 1am, or quiet mornings in your kitchen in the country at 5am. -Kenyon
---------------------------------------------

Black Happy Day: In the Garden of Ghostflowers (Silber)
release: September 2006
styles: experimental
similar: Handsome Family, the Liars' They Were Wrong
rating: * 1/2

One of the stranger records of the year. Black Happy Day--members of Stone Breath and dream-gothics Lycia, go from vocal exercises to a medievel version of Beat Happening within the first few minutes, burning with self-indulgence. The third track, called (gasp!) "Whore," features disembodied vocals atop sounds delivered straight from an old sci-fi film, while wierd ones such as "A Lyke Wake Dirge" are just a mystery, with an Asian-music banjo and the many vocal efforts of unusual baritone Timothy Renner. A challenge and a half. -Kenyon
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Robin Guthrie: Everlasting EP (Darla)
release: September 18, 2006
styles: instrumental ethereal
similar: early Cocteau Twins, later Slowdive
rating: ****

You can yearn for the Cocteau Twins getting back together or you can immerse yourself in the lastest from visionary member Robin Guthrie, who, on this supplement to his LP released earlier this year, provides us with another work of sheer beauty. His trademark guitars shimmer, sparkle and fade. Dreamy swirlyness is all over the place. -Kenyon
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girl you know it's new.

Scissor Sisters: "I Don't Feel Like Dancing". awesomely awesome Bee-Gees-esque. record out today. date in New York sold out. son of a bitch.
================
Okkervil River: "The President's Dead" (single out in December on Jagjaguwar) I've seen the name Okkervil River many times. And I always want to pronounce it "Overkill River." Not that I think the music is overkill, but because I don't read good. In fact I have never heard the their music, until now. this is a song about a President being dead. new york dates with the nite: October 14, 15 - Bowery Ballroom.
------------------------
Goes Cube - guys, change that press photo on myspace and make yourselves look tougher! Goes Cube song number 30 kicked my ass twice and stepped on my foot and then i saw the video for song 26 with the flying fish and i was all like WHOA! new york dates with the nite:

9/26 with You Say Party We Say Die and The Blow at Sin-e
10/16 with Valient Thorr and The Giraffes at Trash
11/2 CMJ, The Delancey
-------------------------
Hedley- pop-punk band released this junk today on Capitol. oh, those major labels. can you even take this band seriously? oh i better relax, i mean, i shouldn't take them or myself too seriously. it's all about having fun, you know!

Classic vintage video
Simple Minds: "Alive and Kicking" (1985)

Thanks to "Don't You Forget About Me" (also a pristine video in its own right), other hits by Simple Minds are largely forgotten. The positive-minded "Alive and Kicking" is next in line of their hits, and features some pristine (my new favorite word, sorry) landscape. You can't go wrong with waterfalls either. Only thing is the bassist standing on the edge of cliff makes me nervous. At the end, they're stuck on an island.

new Rapture. US dates late Oct-Nov

Professor Murder: Professor Murder Rides the Subway EP (Kanine)
release: July 25, 2006
style: funkie anti-post punk
similar: LCD Soundsystem, !!!, The Rapture
rating: ***1/2

Other reviews can mention the cowbells. The real highlight is that there's no guitars. Professor Murder of NYC (of course!) is so fantastic with the multitudes of percussion, funk bassy bass and a little synth that the guitars aren't missed. Dance, dance dance. -Kenyon
-------------------
Planes Mistaken for Stars: Mercy (Abacus)
release: October 3, 2006
styles: loud rock
rating: **1/2

PMFS was smart moving to Denver. Aside from never having to drive across the country to tour, they got out of their frustrating suburban town. The angst from that town stays with them. A pounding of hardcore, post-hardcore, metal and emo, Mercy was at first an engima, in part due to the scruffy, unintelligible vocals. By track number six, something pulled me in. The music still doesn't make any sense to me--the vocals, the riff-roaring guitars, and the unidentified song structure all have something off-kilter about them. But there is something here, if you search. -Kenyon
-------------------------
Tim Williams: Merchant Heart EP (Dovecote)
release: September 22, 2006
styles: Soft Indie Rock
rating: ***

"Out There," the last song on this quiet EP, is a demo recording that most everyone can identify with. "We run to wait in line and drink to pass the time...we sit in cubicles and wait for dust to fall we try to make our lives worthwhile" and so on. The spacious guitars and keyboard and Tim Williams' softy vocals provide shelter from the storm. -Kenyon
--------------------------
Katamine: Lag (Tinstar Creative Pool)
release: ???
styles: acoustic singer-songy
rating: *1/2

The sparse instrumentation (mostly acoustic guitar, which starts to feel repetitive) carries this record, while the vocals feel sleepy and held back. What is this? We need more passion here. Or something. -Kenyon

The Brother Kite: Waiting for the Time to be Right (Clairecords)
release: September 12, 2006
styles: dreampop with some Pet Sounds
similar: Dirty on Purpose, Fleet Foxes, Brian Wilson, High Water Marks
rating: ****

I don't know if vocalist Patrick Boutwell is making a conscious effort to sound like Pet Sounds-era Brian Wilson or he just naturally sounds that way. Either way, he's doing a fantastic job of it, while re-inventing the Brother Kite's ethereal rock. Waiting for the Time to be Right is a big step up in production and songwriting for the Rhode Island band, who on the debut were satisfactory as one of many early 90s shoegaze emulators. It's scary sometimes how much the vocals resemble Brian Wilson. The solid guitars and prominent percussion, however, keep the uplifting songs anchored in atmospheric modern pop. A few selections, such as "Hold Me Down," is less Beach Boys and more driving indie rock. Waiting remains consistent even through the eleventh track, which is bursting like a neo-psychedelic firework. -Kenyon

Pretenders getting acknowledged on VH1 Classics Decades Rock Live, broadcast October 20. includes guests Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson, Kings of Leon (blech?) & Incubus (blech). Incubus and The Pretenders duet on "Message of Love." noooooooo! hold on i'm not done yet....nooooooooooooo! what i want to know is what members of the Pretenders will be there aside from Chrissie Hynde. werd.
------------------------------
Built to Spill . all you people like Built to Spill. there's nothing bad to say about Built to Spill.

Oct 3 Warsaw Brooklyn, NY
Oct 4 Irving Plaza New York, NY
Oct 5 Irving Plaza New York, NY
Oct 6 Irving Plaza New York, NY
--------------------------------
for the 3 fans of the Black Crowes who read this blog: now on tour, two members suddenly departed, new record due in 2007. "She Talks to Angels" still a great song.
-----------------------

kenyon will be in room 3.

the last few seconds of this video making fun of commercial radio is the most funniest.

Stereogum has the same blog ad as advance copy. werrrrrrrrd.

girl you know it's new.

Starsailor- "In the Crossfire". record out august 22.

Tokyo Police Club- "Nature of the Experiment". record out October 10 on Paper Bag. killer guitar and bass action. dates with Enon and Art Brut.

concertos in autumn are really hot. just a sampling.

CM Schmay Oct 31-Nov 4
The Flaming Lips. where the wild things are.
Dead Kennedys playing CBGB...without Jello Biafra. LAME. hey, anything's better than the New Cars.
Nitzer Ebb. join in the chant. like at the club back in the day.
Def Leppard and Journey added dates to their long tour. due to overwhelming demand!!

who's opening?

Mika Miko (kill rock stars) opening for the Gossip/Erase Errata
Monsters Are Waiting opening for She Wants Revenge/Pretty Girls Make Graves

......................

Classic vintage video.
Fleetwood Mac- "Hold Me"
Because it came out in 1982 and fit right in with videos from the Police and Duran Duran, there was no indication for first-time listeners that Fleetwood Mac was already a veteran classic rock / soft pop band. With luscious harmonies and tickly piano, "Hold Me" was nearly new wave and became a staples of the early video era with its use of mirrors and desert sand.

girl you know it's new. video.

Kooks: "Eddie's Gun" from Inside In/Inside Out, October 3 on Astralwerks. very British rock n roll. song too short. October dates in New York already sold out! quite the buzz band.
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Kasabian: "Empire". record out now. big-budget, expensive-looking art direction (quicktime) (windows media)
-------------------------
Mountain Con: "The Silver Age". band I just heard of today.

Latterman: ...We Are Still Alive (Deep Elm)
release: August 22, 2006
styles: Positive Punk
similar: Against Me!, Lawrence Arms, Hot Water Music
rating: ****

For a while, it seemed like Latterman wouldn't ever be able to continue the momentum from the first full-length. It was probably the best record released from a Long Island band in 2002, and after a hiatus it looked like the local band wouldn't get the recognition deserved. Since reconvening, Latterman has never sounded better on ...We are Still Alive or on the second album released only a year ago. Now on respected label Deep Elm (as of this typing, Latterman is on the website's splashy page), their irresistable anthemic do-or-die posi-shout-along-punk can reach hundreds more disaffected youth who just want to have a good time. -Kenyon
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Some Action: The Band that Sucked the Life out of Rock n Roll and Killed itself in the Process (Gigantic)
release: October 3, 2006 (the future!)
styles: garage rock 'n' roll punk
similar: the Stooges, L.E.S Stitches,
rating: ***

Wild, unruly old school rock n roll from New York City that knows its place in music. The "ballad" is a nice break from the other standard punk punches here. Might be more fun live. -Kenyon
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The Shut-Ups: The Stud Album (Fraudulent)
release: ????
styles: Pop-Rock
similar: Barenaked Ladies, Blotto
rating: *

On the surface the Stud Album is plain, friendly pop/rock from some regular guys. Below surface, it's condescending (hence the frontman's name, Don Condescending) and not very good at being suggestive. "But I'm a Sexxor and I'm gonna get my way now. Cuz nothing wets her like naivete, she smells her prey." Let's assume the Shut-Ups have a tongue in a cheek. ps how'd you get my address? -Kenyon

recently viewed.

House of Wax (2005) Cringe-inducing gore and violence, above-average special effects for a horror film. You first have to sit through the quiet, stagnant first half before the action begins. worth $7

Skeleton Key (2005) Voodoo? Hoodoo. Curiosity will get you into major trouble down South. Takes a little thinking to put the pieces together once you get to the surprise twist ending, which is not a happy ending for the lead character. worth $6


Near Dark (1987) There are numerous factors that make Near Dark unlike other vampire films. One is that the word "vampire" is never used. worth $8

Date Movie (2006) Hopefully this wasn't complete career suicide for Alyson Hannigan. She's way too good for this huge pile of trash. Congrats if you can sit through the whole thing. The jokes (if you can call them that) must have been written by a third-grader. Date Movie's (if you can call it a movie) only value is that it's evidence of just how bad Hollywood comedies have sunk. Also, I think we can all agree that anyone else can do a better impression of Napoleon Dynamite. God help us. worth $0

The Hills Have Eyes (unrated version, 2006) One of the few remakes that surpass the original. Freaks for gore won't be disappointed after getting through the uneventful first half. Intense. worth $9

The Hills Have Eyes (1977) The problem is that the mutants are not mysterious and don't look or behave like mutants. $3

Hide and Seek (2005) The surprise twist ending isn't all that obvious. A few loose ends that never tie together prevent this psychological thriller from being complete, which is probably why it got a lot of bad reviews. worth $5

yes, this DOES suck. what internet stations are similar to woxy (particularly the vintage music) that don't have pop-up ads and commercials? i need a new station for when i'm at work.

TRS-80: Mystery Crash (One Cell)
release: August 1, 2006
styles: Cool electronic
similar: Decomposure, Ratatat, ISAN
rating: ****

TRS-80--named after an early computer--formed around 1997, when big beat was big. By the following year, they got a gig with Death in Vegas. And like Death in Vegas, it's refreshing to hear that this Chicago trio has gone on to explore an atmospheric, darker percussion-driven side of electronic. Mystery Crash is one of the few electronic records this year so far that doesn't feel like someone randomly pressing buttons. It has a consistent, urgent mood made possible by non-intrusive beats and dazzling synth. One such example is the Orb-influenced "I Have Friends," which has a female speaking role reminiscent of the Orb's "Little Fluffy Clouds." Aside from this record, TRS-80 has a whole resume of accomplishments ranging from music in television ads to a date with Sisters of Mercy. Easily one of Chicago's best kept secrets. -Kenyon

think locally

FISHBONE at Crazy Donkey, Farmingdale. September 27. Fishbone is significant to me for a variety of reasons. 1- I had their self-titled record from 1985, on cassette. In art class in 7th grade, this kid grabbed the tape from me and put it in the classroom's player. And played the end of "Lyin Ass Bitch." Listen to it if you don't know what I'm talking about. We got in trouble. 2- Fishbone (with Primus) was the show where I first crowd-surfed. Damn what a rush. And it was during their heyday. (side note- going to shows in the early 90s was a fantastic era for crowd-surfing, it's not the same anymore). 3- I interviewed bassist Norwood via phone live on my radio show and he said "c*ck." 4- All of that happened without Fishbone ever being one of my favorite bands.
----------------------
on September 30, Kenyon is DJing with a ton of other people in Brooklyn at some big 4-room all-night show/party. the main attraction is EBM group Covenant. more details to come.

industry.

Blogs vs mainstream critics and some other mumbo jumbo in this guy's article.
------------------
myspace may or may not get its own magazine. this may or may not be news. first sentence in article is stupid. and, what's a magazine?
------------------
MTV facing competition. boo hoo.

girl you know it's new.

Lemonheads- "No Backbone" . no kidding. record out September 26 on Vagrant. It's Evan Dando and...let's not think about it. It sounds like the Lemonheads, that's all that matters.

Trainwreck Riders- "Christmas Time Blues". record out August 22. Christmas in the summer rules. folk-country-indie.
----------------
Zero 7- "Futures" (Rub n Tug Remix). released in June. now on tour. electronic-ambient-pop.
----------------

satisfactory line-up saturday nite at the SMT. missed the first and last bands, my bad. Deck of Jack features Jim Shearer, VJ on MTV2. He was wearing an Arctic Monkeys shirt. I was surprised he remembered me from when Deck of Jack played on Long Island like 2 years ago. And I could not forget them. It was Christmas time and they were rapping. They still rap, but they do more rocking now. Milagro--ex-members of local screamo Aescyhlus (sp?)--played its third show and tore sh*t up without a drummer.





Mr. Shearer abusing guitar.


press the buttons!


sick shot, except needs cropping on right.

quick fix.

LEN: "Steal My Sunshine" (1999)
After the first time I heard this confectionary infectious piece of hip-hop-pop, it was obvious this would be a defining summertime hit. The song and group, however, had something about it that immediately suggested a one hit wonder. LEN was real quiet ever since, although they did release something in 2005. So I've read.

It ain't like that anymore.

Alice in Chains full US tour begins late September. dates in New York early November. No Layne Staley=waste of time. Mo Money- two CD, 28-track collection out September 5.
----------------------------------
Depeche Mode: Touring the Angel- Live in Milan. Double DVD and CD set, out September 26. This is something I want, Mr and Ms. Publicist.
----------------------------------
Secret Machines fall US tour will be an in-the-round set-up. bloppity-blop-blop. And I thought only U2 could do this. Secret Machines rule.

girl you know it's new. we've never heard of these people. so clicky on magic words.

Simon Dawes: song one, song two from Carnivore (Record Collection) September 12. A band, not one guy. on tour with Band of Horsies.
---------------------------------------------

Annuals: songage from Be He Me (Ace Fu) autumn. touring with Art Brut, Tapes N Tapes. features crickets and strings and things just before they rock it.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Page France: happy soft song with xylophone from Hello Dear Wing (Suicide Squeeze) September 12
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Cities: mix by Ladytron from EP (Yep Roc) October 3.
--------------------------------------------

Kasabian's entire sophomore record, out September 12, can be heard at their myspace page. They must be huge in the UK--they have over 22,000 friends. This album isn't as blatant about ripping off the original Madchester bands, though you can certainly here some Happy Mondays in there as well as some Chemical Brothers meets Oasis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeff Hanson wowed me with his first record, while his second record, as good as he is, was missing some sparks. His next one on Kill Rock Stars, due in early 2007, will have more people comparing him to an angelic Elliott Smith while I will be looking for that initial wowness. He's on tour in September, which includes September 11 in New York.
----------------------------------------------------------

As if Stereolab doesn't have enough releases already, Rhino is putting out a Stereolab anthology, Serene Velocity, August 29. although it seems skimpy with only 16 tracks. includes songs released as seven-inch singles and songs recorded between 1993 and 2004 that were on Stereolab's seven (!) Elektra studio albums. Stereolab ring tones! because i don't even have a cell phone! Text Stereo to 74466*

Over the Atlantic: Junica (Carpark)
release: September 2006
styles: Sweet Indie Electronic
similar: Postal Service, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Brittle Stars
rating: ***1/2

After listening to "History Never Repeats" from Split Enz 100 times, it's time to move on to another, more contemporary band from New Zealand. Over the Atlantic are duo Bevan Smith and Nik Brinkman, who have put together a breezy debut of innocent, harmonizing vocals, soft little Casio-style percussion and when needed, guitar. It's very indie electronic, but with a song titled "Kevin Shields," we'll guess that Over the Atlantic felt a small influence from My Bloody Valentine. "Honest Words" is a big winner on Junica, in which the cute vocals jump around ringing guitar and happy synth. The best thing I've heard from New Zealand since, you know, Split Enz. -Kenyon

girl you know it's new. via webby sites.

Killers 10.03.06

Ima Robot 9.12.06

Girl you know it's new. click on the magic words.

Freescha: Head Warlock Double Stare (out September 19 on Attacknine Records) experimental, avant-garde sci-fi fantasy disembodiness. Moby loves them. And they love Moby.
----------------------------
Your Black Star: "Oh Jesus" (full record out October 17 on Wonka Vision)ex-Elliott (non-screamy on Revelation records). similar: Hum, Swervedriver.
----------------------------
Sandi Thom: "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker" (record out August 29 on RCA)i wish your lyrics weren't so obvious. someone at RCA liked her webcasts from her flat in London. blop. similar: Katherine McPhee, KT Tunstall.
---------------------------
Oxygen Ponies: clips from s/t release out August 8. band name could be worse i guess. sim: Lambchop, East River Pipe, Ryan Adams. someone have a witty comment please?
---------------------------

oh wow look how diverse i am! now i can make a profile on myspace and say "i listen to everything. except rap and country."

=====================================

girl you know it's new. two videos from peoples with funny names.

Kaki King - "Yellowcake" (record out August 8 on Velour) mystical. sim: Tegan and Sara, Joanna Newsom. Windows. Real. Quicktime.
---------------------------
Landon Pigg - "Can't Let Go" (out July 25 on RCA) non-mystical. more like, look at me see how cute i am. ram. asx. mov.

The first hour of MTV. and second.

First, thanks a lot VH1 Classic for not doing it right. After about 20 minutes of build up with the Apollo rocket countdown, they aired the videos and only tiny clips of the VJs and no original commercials. Gotta pay the bills in 2006, not the ones in 1981 I guess. Instead of Nina Blackwood, Alan Hunter et al, we got a girl giving us tidbits and some comments from artists. Fortunately, there's a section at mtv.com that has the entire hour in its original form, divided up by segments. At the moment.

The videos: we finally found out that the second video aired was Pat Benatar "You Better Run". The third was Rod Stewart. Both of them ended up having another video in the SECOND hour, Rod Stewart had a third going into the third hour, and the Pretenders had THREE as well ("Brass in Pocket", "Tattooed Love Boys", "Message of Love"). Lucky for them, their second record came out just two weeks after MTV's debut. As MTV was so new, half the videos are taken from concerts. This I very much remember from the early days, which explains Bruce Springsteen's 10-minute "Rosalita". Many of the videos are from artists that were never to be heard from again. Robin Lane and the Chartbusters, anyone? cue chirping crickets. So, some of the songs actually sucked, as the station needed to fill time with whatever was available. One of the more enlightening videos was the last one of hour one: Split Enz "History Never Repeats". In addition to its title begging for a comment in relation to MTV, it proves that the band had another great song besides "I Got You." Now, to the video, which is hella more interesting than "I Got You". Sadly the picture quality is shitty.

Hello Stranger: s/t (Aeronaut Records/Four Square Death Match)
release: August 8, 2006
styles: Light-hearted pop/rock
similar: Nina Gordon, Garbage, Persephone's Bees
rating: **

I don't get this band. They're on this little label, yet sound as polished as Avril Lavigne. Their press photo suggests something adventurous and the album cover suggests something either glammy, mystical or electronic or a combination of those. And they toured with roots rockers Kings of Leon? What's going on!? It's poppy rock pop, and even though it's not horrible, it's making me think of Save Ferris or the Cranberries. I'm just saying. The synthesizer saves them from being a big turkey, that and the fact that they turned down major labels and didn't sell out. If not for those things, I'd have to say that Hello Stranger is as cliche as when its name is spoken in teen television dramas. You know what I mean, like when a character randomly runs into another somewhere and they're all like "hello stranger." For real though, Hello Stranger is a clever band name. -Kenyon

Update on Kenyon in a High School Story: Last week MTV (25 years blah blah blah) had new episodes of HSS scheduled for Tuesday nites. Now it's not on the schedule at all for nites, so that they may bring you Final Fu in which they seek the next Bruce Lee. There are 8 episodes of Final Fu on today, within a 24 hour period. F Final Fu in the face.

The Sails: s/t (Rainbow Quartz)
release: June 27, 2006
styles: Neo-Psychedelic Pop
similar: Essex Green, Telepathic Butterflies, High Dials
rating: ****

Few things in life make me giddy. The light-hearted sweetness of songs like "She’s a Rainbow" by the Stones and finding new Brit pop bands who actually deserve comparisons to the Beatles. Here we've got both. The Sails hail from London and perform painfully cute songs about love and candy! Their self-titled debut is a sugar high that never crashes, complete with charming harmonies and bittersweet symphonies. Some of the songs ("See Myself") are simple and catchy, while others like "Peter Shilton" dazzle with their depth. Regardless, all songs will stick in your head like cotton candy kisses. -Shannon

-------------------------------------------
Vlor: A Fire is Meant for Burning (Silber)
release: Summer 2006
styles: Ambient Acoustic
similar: most of the Silber roster
rating: **1/2

Thank goodness I just happen to wake up at 5am to listen this minimal, guitar-centered collaboration from some of Silber records' all-stars. As we all know, the early morning is the best time to listen to this kind of thing. On A Fire, main guy Brian John Mitchell has Jon DeRosa of Aarktica, Mike VanPortfleet of Lycia and others add reverbed acoustic guitar and more reverbed acoustic guitar, doing away with the need to rock. The better, more engaging tracks come when there's an airy vocal, bass or keyboard, which, as minimal as it is, adds depth and spookiness that the guitar can't achieve. Yeah, more of that, please. The guitar is way too lonely. -Kenyon

for real on craigs list:


"The BEATLES destroyed Western Civilization. After observing pop culture since 1960, I am fully convinced that the Beatles are responsible for causing the end of civilization AS IT HAD BEEN KNOWN. MTV, VH1, and any Phil Collins song, is a testament to this. Stupidity, ineptidude, a disrepect for law and reason, on all levels, and rampant greed rule the world as it exists today. You're too stupid to know this."
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"shark week. woohoo!! "
----------------------

too new.

Right on Dynamite . hand claps. you gotta love hand claps.
-----------------------------

The Knife - "Silent Shout". not to be confused with No Knife and Knife Skills. Swedish sultry electronic dance with whispery vocals. record out on Mute, July 25, 2006.

The Polyphonic Spree announced two weeks of West Coast dates in September, including five supporting Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu. Who? whoops, awkward. The Poly Spree--26 members on last count--devoted much of early 2006 recording its third album which has no release date, but expected sometime in 2007. Check the recording process on the band's studio blog at http://www.thefragilearmy.com.
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Nitzer Ebb, a complete opposite of Poly Spree, is touring for serious. If you're over 25 and went to clubs, you may have heard of them.

leave your cell phones at the door.
-------------------------------------------
new schmew

The Kooks -- stream this sh*t. or this. it's late, i'm going to bed, so i'll just say, um, Britty bratty punky rock ala Art Brut, Kaiser Chiefs, rougher edged Blur and sh*t. record out october 3 on astralwerks. they're big in UK. good for them. thanks, goodnite.

into the future. new music in the hooouuussseeee.

The Hourly Radio - "Crime Does Pay" . record out September 5. played with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and stellastarr.
----------------
Favourite Sons - "Hang On Girl" . people from Rollerskate Skinny and Aspera. record out September 12 on Vice. fresh.
----------------

VH1 Classic will air the first 24 hours of MTV on August 1. It's about time.

Shannon's got review and photos of Peaches at Irving Plaza.

best of 2006 so far. not in order.

editors- the back room (fader)
cat power- the greatest (matador)
madonna- confessions on a dancefloor (wb)
she wants revenge- s/t (geffen)
yeah yeah yeahs- show your bones (interscope)
mates of state- bring it back (barsuk)
elefant- black magic show (kemado)
goldfrapp- supernature (mute)
peaches- impeach my bush (xl)
band of horses- everything all the time (subpop)
------------------------------
Sick. of. you. i'm so sick. so sick of you. in order.

James Blunt- "Beautiful"
Daniel Powter- "Bad Day"
KT Tunstall- "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree"
Fray- "Over My Head"
------------------------------

Classic vintage video
Phil Collins: Take Me Home (1986)
What's more epic about this song, which is anchored by a comforting keyboard loop, is the many famous locales in the video, most of which can be identified. Phil Collins made a small footnote in history when he played Live Aid in the United States AND London in the same day. That was nothing. Here he's in like 20 cities within 6 minutes. How in the world does he do it?

The Gersch: s/t (Tortuga)
release: June 6, 2006
styles: Sludgy Lo-Fi Stoner Doom Metal
similar: Black Sabbath, Wolf Mother, Fu Manchu
rating: ***

The ass kicking thing about the now non-existent Gersch is that they can be seriously heavy without ever entering the tempos of most metal and hardcore and metalcore bands. This gathering of lost recordings from the 90s uncovers a short-lived obscurity that forms its lyrics from the "poetic dialogue" of Conan the Babarian. I don't remember Conan saying much in that first film, and the Gersch's lyrics aren't easy to decipher. This isn't, however, about lyrics. It's about guitar distortion that is thicker than Conan's muscles. -Kenyon
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The Editors limited edition rarities EP is as ace as the Back Room. It includes a cover of Stereolab's "French Disko" and a wicked remix of "Munich." Tour dates this summer as well as gigs on TV, including The Late Late Show in August.
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The Coral Sea: Volcano and Heart (Hidden Agenda)
release: June 27, 2006
styles: Symphonic Somber Indie Rock
similar: Sea Ray, JJ72, Delgados, Keane
rating: ***1/2

Many bands want to be Radiohead, specifically the Radiohead that made OK Computer. The Coral Sea just wants to rewrite Pablo Honey and add strings while rocking like JJ72. And by golly, it works. -Kenyon

Surprise Cat Power gig this Tuesday at Hiro Ballroom, NYC. No talking please.

Adam Green, where has the love gone? is it in your music? I'll let you know as soon as I hear the new record, out July 25. He'll be at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square NYC to promote. In other Moldy Peach news, Kimya Dawson is about to have a baby. Keep tabs via her profile on myspace. Here's both of them in full costume for "Lucky Number Nine."

new audio and video in the hooouussseee.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness- "According To Plan" video. White light and fog. So mysterious. record out now on Secretly Canadian.

see, look...mysterious!
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Everclear- "Hater". from the upcoming record out September 12. I'll take "Santa Monica" or "Heartspark Dollarsign" over this watered-down cliche nonsense any day.
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Mojave 3- "Breaking the Ice" video. (from Puzzles like You out June 20 on 4AD). former shoegazers once again re-invent themselves into upbeat summery indie pop.
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Sean Lennon- film that supplements his upcoming record out September 26. He's got some imagination, that Sean Lennon.

Kaiju Big Battel. August 4 at Warsaw in Brooklyn. Monsters are waiting. like the band yo!

Now is a good time to show you excerpts from my feature story involving Dr. Cube and the Chief Kaiju Officer, originally printed in the Long Island Press a few years ago.

...a hybrid of World Wrestling Entertainment, Godzilla, Jackass, and yes, the gross-out antics of GWAR. Maybe mastermind and Chief Kaiju Officer David Borden can help explain: "It’s a struggle between good and evil. I guess the point is to stop the world from being demolished by huge destructive evil beasts." Good enough.............does anyone get injured? "Not very often," Borden once again ensures us. "The Kaiju Regulatory Commission is really good at evacuating cities. Otherwise, thousands would die when the monsters came crashing into town." Whew, thank heavens. If you do witness a show, just don’t get too close. Unless you want "toxic waste" or "monster blood" on you. And if you want to get lectured by a diabolical surgeon, Dr. Cube is more than willing to offer his insults. "I always try to enlighten drunk humans with an eloquent speech on the perks of joining my evil Posse," he states without a hint of satire. "They usually eat up my every word.".....With such mayhem in the square-circle (which usually is contained by a steel cage), Borden is reluctant to enter. "I never get in the ring. It’s extremely dangerous and I'd probably lose my life if I tried. Giant city-crushing monsters are huge and I'd have little chance of getting out alive. When Kaiju Big Battels go down, I usually get as far away as possible."
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No photos from Siren Fest here, look elsewhere.
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I just sold an old school pencil sharpener on eBay for $3.25. Big let down.
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Someone just posted three comments on here. that guy rules.
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Oh My Rockness recommends Siren Fest, then trashes it in a very clever way. cool! Except they gave a "no comment" for She Wants Revenge. Here's what it should read: Even though they rip off Interpol and Fischerspooner, hipsters are too hip to admit that the record is actually good. Forecast for Saturday: Hazy Hot Humid. Fun times I'm sure.

James Figurine: Mistake Mistake Mistake Mistake (Plug Research)
release: July 11, 2006
styles: Indie Electronic
similar: Styrofoam, Her Space Holiday, Looper, Age of Rockets
rating: **

Mistake is exactly the solo album you'd expect from a guy who's been in the Postal Service, Dntel and Figurine. It's also the kind of album James Figurine (aka Jimmy Tamborello) was destined to make after touring through Germany with Lali Puna while listening to techno ad naseum. The majority of Mistake is the standard, light-hearted indie instrumental electro-pop that wouldn't sound half as good if it was made with guitars and live percussion. But even with those synthy-sizers, it's still dull, as Mistake is too redundant, simple and meandering. Most tracks go over 5 minutes and don't end up going anywhere exciting. And that guest vocal by Jenny Lewis? It's nearly non-existent. Not that I care about Jenny Lewis. She and Rilo Kiley are overrated anyway. -Kenyon

Ministry- "Lies Lies Lies" (from Rio Grande Blood, released in May, not to be confused with the Thompson Twins song) Ministry is still grilling George Bush, and they keep on writing songs about him. That might be a tired thing to do at this point, but remember that Ministry was yelling about the first George Bush 15 years ago. This latest one is typical Ministry form with thrashing guitars, breakneck tempo.

Various Artists: Little Darla Has a Treat for You v.24 Endless Summer Edition (Darla)
release: June 5, 2006
styles: Delicious Indie Pop and Indie Electronic and stuff
rating: ****

Given the large quantity of music that Darla and its family of labels has to offer, the Little Darla comps have been a huge help in sampling fresh songs and artists. This one is like a big mix tape of sorts. With 2 CDs and 36 tracks, there's just so much to absorb. Choice artists include Follow the Train, Robin Guthrie, Mahogany, Sweet Trip, Voxtrot, New Radiant Storm Kings plus many more soon to be discovered treasures. Also includes Depth Affect sampling Gwen Stefani over indie electronic and Boyracer doing a cover of the B-52's "Give Me Back My Man." Didn't see that coming. -Kenyon
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An Albatross: Blessphemy [of the Peace-Beast Feastgiver and the Bear-Warp Kumite] (Ace Fu)
release: June 27, 2006
styles: insane noise
similar: Melt Banana, the Locust
rating: ???

So this is like those other noise core bands that have shrieking vocals you can't understand and really short songs where you can't determine the endings because then they immediately just start the next song. Except these guys have six members and a Farfisa organ. Sounds like f*cking anarchy. Their gigs are supposed to be off the hook. -Kenyon

Schedule for the big show at Coney Island.
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Another big show, way out West. Musicfest NW in Portland, Oregon in September. Line-up includes rivals the Dandy Warhols and Brian Jonestown Massacre. dig it! also: Silver Jews, Stephen Malkmus, Zombies, Mooney Suzuki.

mp3s in the hoooooouussseee!

Girl Talk: "Pure Magic" and "Bounce That" (out now on Illegal Art)
Mash ups to end all mash ups. See how many samples you can identify. it's like a game. better than photo hunt. here's a few: Genesis, Digital Underground, Snap!, Banarama, the Breeders, Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood (oh yea can you believe i knew that last one!?). the whole album has over 150 total. this kinda thing has been done--the avalanches rocked the house-- but not on this level. it's party time. -kenyon


putting your face on a record cover is egotistical. i'm pretending that girl talk knows this and is making fun of that.

what ever will we do without Sleater-Kinney? i...i feel like i'm losing a really good friend.
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Robots in disguise. July 2007.
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Blender knows best. even when it's looking like Spin. or is it vice versa.
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I can't close my eyes and make it go away.

Please make the glaciers stop melting. The polar bears need something to walk on. And please stop the warming. I despise summer as it is. Whoops! too late! we're fudged. We did it to ourselves. And that's why it really hurts.


so anyway, ok cool, it's party time! let's blow sh*t up! who's got the beer yo!?

Sufjan Stevens: The Avalanche- Outtakes and Extras from the Illinois Album (Asthmatic Kitty)
release: July 11, 2006
styles: Indie chamber folk
similar: Simon & Garfunkel, Eric Matthews, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen
rating: ****

This is ridiculous. If Sufjan Stevens has an outtakes record for every record about a state, we are never going to hear the end of it. Not from blogs, not from lesser-known celebrities, not from anyone. What a great plan! The Avalanche--21 tracks total, including some alternate versions--is worthy of an elaborate cheer from Stevens' cheerleading squad. Usually there is good reason why an artist's songs don't make the first cut. In this case, The Avalanche is made up of so many quiet A-list chamber and folk pieces that it has no problem working as a proper record (though Illinois was originally intended to be a double album anyway). For detailed gushing, see any other given review. -Kenyon

Every little thing that you say or do.
Madonna at Madison Square Garden, NYC. June 28, 2006
photos by Kenyon from section 424.


If her previous record was shit, Madonna's 2005 release Confessions on a Dancefloor is THE shit. Like the flowing trance-based tracks on Confessions, the event--Madonna's first date in New York City on this tour--was a non-stop run of glittery disco-electro dance that featured a whirlwind of lights, dancefloors with lights, dancefloors with trap doors, dancers doing headspins and gliding on rollerblades, and moving stage floors. Just when you thought the visuals at U2 and Nine Inch Nails had blown your mind, Madonna takes it one step further, without looking back at much of her past if only to modify it. When she did treat us to classic hits ("Like a Virgin" and "Lucky Star"), it was in an updated fashion that would fit in with the rest of her latest style. The new, more uptempo songs from Confessions were just as exciting as "Ray of Light" or "Music," the latter of which was mashed-up with "Disco Inferno." After an unbelievable 2 hours with no real breaks for an encore (although Madonna did get breathers while the visuals on screens took over or other people danced or sang), "Lucky Star" segued into "Hung Up" for a strong finish that had everyone singing about time moving slowly. Yea, she was on a cross for "Live to Tell." Calm down.


set list included: Confessions on a Dancefloor, Like a Virgin, Live to Tell, Ray of Light, Music, Lucky Star, La Isla Bonita

crowd report: we had a wave going just before showtime, hell yea! gay guy next to me says to his friend- "oh i have to call Francesco during "Sorry." blech. girl in front of me was friendly. Overall the usual but not bad, and definitely the most enthusiastic crowd at MSG i can remember, with the wave and all.

Joe Jack Talcum of the Dead Milkmen at the Cinema in Huntington Sunday nite. He actually played "Punk Rock Girl" and enlightened me with other Milkmen hits that i've missed out on. Local shows don't get much cooler than this.

then we jumped up on the table and shouted 'anarchy'!

Classic vintage video.
White Lion- "Wait" (1987)

There's way too many videos from pop-hair-metal bands from which to choose. And trust me, this won't be the first one on this blog. The criminally forgotten White Lion makes the cut because of fancy guitar solos (most notably in the cover of "Radar Love"), meaningful songs that weren't about partying, and hitting the top of MTV's top 20 video countdown. Despite those things, and because the 1989 follow-up came just before the grunge revolution, the band wasn't as long-lasting or popular as Def Leppard, Bon Jovi or Poison. "Wait" was White Lion's first hit single, and it's a stellar one. It's about wanting another chance. No...NEEDING. and needing is a responsibility.

Dirty on Purpose: Hallelujah Sirens (North Street)
release: June 27, 2006
similar: Yo La Tengo, All Natural Lemon and Lime Flavors, Appleseed Cast, Pale Saints styles: Indie Rock, Dream Pop
rating: ****

Dirty on Purpose first hit the spot with the darling Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow EP which easily measured up to early 90s shoegazers the Pale Saints. The release of the long-awaited Hallelujah Sirens is the band's big starting point for the summer and with the girlish-boyish vocals and tranquil chiming guitars, it's a dreamy record that holds a lot of brilliance and only slightly comes up short of being the classic that the EP hinted at. Even so, it's still a solid debut full-length with lots to explore and appreciate, and smartly expands on the ideas of Sleep Late. The songs reverberate with quiet harmonies, pink noise guitar washes and an underlying mysticism. Hallelujah! -Kenyon

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Various Artists: GU10 (Global Underground)
release: June 20, 2006
styles: dance, electronic, DJ, house

If you're gonna listen to dance mixes like this, make sure not to listen to it through a player that doesn't allow tracks to freely flow from one to the next. When there's a pause (like the dumb player i'm using now), it defeats the purpose of these mixes. you gotta hear those beats matching. I may use this hook again for another review if i can't think of anything. This three-disc set celebrates Global Underground's 10 years in action, and features an abundance of its electronic euphoria since its inception. The first two cds compile tracks from the back catalog, most of which only those familar with the genres will know. Aside from Underworld, Fatboy Slim, Felix da Housecat and a few more, i've never heard of these people. I don't think they've heard of me either. oh! good one! The third cd is mostly house tracks from the early 90s. I'm glad to say i was listening to dream and Brit pop at the time. -Kenyon

i was up above it. now i'm down in it. or, bite the hand of person who taps you on the back and wants you to sit down because you're blocking his view even though almost everyone in the venue is standing.
nine inch nails/bauhaus/peaches at jones beach theater. june 17, 2006. photos by kenyon.


nin set: somewhat damaged, you know what you are?, sin, terrible lie, march of the pigs, the frail/the wretched, closer, burn, gave up, help me i am in hell, non-entity, only, wish, la mer, into the void, the big come down, dead souls, suck, get down make love, down in it, hurt, the hand that feeds, head like a hole.

nine inch nails was the first band i ever saw in a small venue in new york city. it was also before trent reznor and co. were able to fill a venue the size of jones beach, and before the industrial-rock of the breakthrough second album, the downward spiral, began crossing over to an impossibly diverse range of people, many of which have never heard of, oh let's say, bauhaus. having a record make an impact on you as a teenager and then seeing an artist get to such a popularity is a bitter pill to swallow. and i'm bitter. with this show, i've come full circle. and what a show. i'm sure it's the best thing that jones beach will have this year, given the lighting and combination of artists--one of the most exciting live rock acts, the founding goth band and an attention-grabber oozing with sex sex sex. that last one, known as peaches, is a naughty girl, singing about sucking on titties and f*cking the pain away. she's an entertainer too, and was confident enough to walk down into the crowd. [ps, peaches would be great to photograph close up, but didn't get photos due to it being light out still and me being too far from stage]. for a band that put out it's first record in 1980, bauhaus seemed as relevant as ever, and after this, i will need to try try again to adapt to something besides "third uncle" and "bela lugosi's dead," the latter of which with they finished.

bauhaus had some nice lights, but it was nothing compared to nine inches. in fact it's worth going to see nin just for the lights and effects. along with just about every well-known song and single played, it was a rather complete gig, ranging from newer arm-raising songs "you know what you are?" and "the hand that feeds" to old favorites "hurt," "sin" and "head like a hole." a neat surprise was the joy division cover of "dead souls." overall, the band kicked some serious ass, and i especially like it when the guys up front (i counted 5 people in band all together) run around in circles and throw sh*t.


crowd report: not too bad, music was loud enough to barely hear talking, even from as far back as we were. although i had to avoid a fight with the jerk behind me who didn't like me standing during nin. after some time in the front of the section, i realized sitting down [dude, hello? this is a f*cking hard rocking rock band] was the best route for photos anyway. during nin's "hurt" someone yelled out "we hurt too!". and many of us laughed.


bauhaus

new music/mp3/video in the houuuuussseeee.

Razorlight- "In the Morning" (from upcoming record due this summer) dudes, your name is very post-grunge. ok cool, so, British post-dance rock. let's do it.

Snow Patrol- "Chasing Cars." [real player] [windows] (from the record Eyes Open, out may 9) I remember when Snow Patrol was just some random indie rock band on the respected Jeepster label and now they're like big epic melancholy rock on a major label. fudge

Evermore- "It's Too Late" (from the record Dreams, out may 23) Evermore is HUGE in Australia. come on! how could you not know that?! style similar to Keane, band name similar to Nevermore.

Boy Eats Drum Machine- various streaming tracks. BEDM is little in Portland Oregon. usually indie-electronic-turntablism like this is set aside for vocals that are real cutesy. this guy's vocals are a little throaty, but the chorus hook for "let's get lost sometime" is pretty spectacular.

Hey check it out, I'm not at the club tonite. I'm resting up for Nine Inch Nails, Bauhaus and Peaches at Jones Beach tomorrow nite. I hear the Nikon/Tommy Hilfiger/Maxwell House Coffee Theatre is pretty strict about cameras.

Can I get a "hell yea!" to bicycles and basketball on a Monday night!? Jason Anderson (K Records) in a garage in Northport, Long Island last night.

Depeche Mode: Speak & Spell [Deluxe Double Edition] (Reprise/Sire/Mute/Rhino)
release: originally 1981, reissued June 6, 2006
styles: Synth Pop, New Romantic
similar: OMD, Soft Cell, Erasure, Human League
rating: ****

The Depeche Mode on Speak & Spell, the band's debut album, was a very different Depeche Mode. Casual listeners of the band's later work (Music for the Masses, Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion) will never suspect that the bouncy upbeat synth pop came from the same artist. In a way, it didn't, given that early member Vince Clarke was the primary songwriter. Add to that Dave Gahan's still-boyish vocals and the difference is evident. Although its direction didn't fully shift for a couple more albums, Speak & Spell remains Depeche Mode's fresh, bright-eyed entry into the world. "Just Can't Get Enough" is of course the best known track here, but allow that to be the starting point here, even if it is the catchiest. "New Life" and "What's Your Name?" are rich with harmonies and romance, "Dreaming of Me" is one of the prettiest songs they've ever done and "Puppets" isn't much different from a lot of today's electro. Gahan's vocals have some trouble on "Tora! Tora! Tora!" and "Nodisco" includes the lyrics "move me disco, baby don't you let go" but considering what was around in 1981, there's little reason to complain. The serious fan will be more excited about the DVD, which features rare b-sides and an insightful 30-minute film about the beginnings of the band and the recording of Speak & Spell via interviews with band members, producers and other key players. The best of course is the early live footage when they wore biker hats. -Kenyon says go!

note: deluxe editions of Music for the Masses and Violator also reissued June 6.

The Cosmopolitans: Wild Moose Party (Dionysus)
release: Springish
styles: New Wave, Post-Punk
rating: ***1/2

Do you ever want to drop acid and travel in your mind back to a better time, probably before you were even born, when musicians weren’t ashamed to let loose and make cool-looking fools out of themselves? If so, then perhaps you should break out your best flip-wig and give the Cosmopolitan’s Wild Moose Party a spin.The album doesn’t contain any new music, but it might sound new to you if you weren’t hip enough to swing with the NYC new wave crowd in 1980. the cosmopolitans, two downright groovy chicks named Jamie K. Sims and Nel Moore, started as a North Carolina based experimental dance troop and turned into an awesome party band in which the girls sang, played keyboards and harmonica, hand clapped, baton twirled, and danced their asses off in front of a slew of different drummers.The girls' sound has an obvious B-52’s wild side, but is backed with a cutesy tongue in cheek feminist attitude (think Thee Headcoatees and/or the Slits). the compilation is genuinely old school, collecting studio sessions as well as live performances, including their best known single, "(How to Keep Your) Husband Happy", (inspired by the notorious Debbie Drake fitness album with the same name), and my personal favorite, "Chevy Baby", a weirdly voiced tale of a New York Post "true" story of a couple who trades in their baby for a chevy. hey, sounds like a good deal to me. -Shannon K Ronan

Classic vintage video.
Pete Shelley- "Homosapien"(1981)

Pete Shelley's one hit without his band the Buzzcocks was a fantastic bridging of punk and synth pop. Here he's more like an angry Gary Numan than anything else, and along with the typical early '80s visuals, the video for "Homosapien" is a definite classic.

blah blah blah Siren Fest blah blah blah additions to line-up blah blah

Scissor Sisters (mostly guys..I think)
Rogers Sisters (ok, yea those are girls)
Man Man (yea, that's guys)
Serena-Maneesh (a band not a girl)
Deadboy and the Elephantmen

noticing a weird trend here

new wave rave

Couch: Figur 5 (Morr Music)
release: June 13, 2006
styles: Post-Rock, Experimental
similar: Fridge, Appliance, other artists on Morr Music
rating: ***

Couch's music is much better than its name. One of many post-rock artists to come out of Germany, the band is just as skilled with the rock as it is with the electronics. On fifth outing Figur 5, they demonstrate this by exploring each method, sometimes separately, other times combining guitars with synth-bass and electronic percussion. What's nice about Figur 5 is that the tracks never sound like an improvised entanglement that goes on forever but instead a set of tight, well-configured designs. Plus it's on Morr Music, so..duh! -Kenyon

Primal Scream- "Country Girl" (new record, Riot City Blues--which of course is the perfect title--out today in UK, out soon in USA)
rating: ****

Jesus. After the two progressively aggressive electronic terror rock records, Primal Scream has written something that is actually considered pop music. It's a rewarding shift, as the band combines its gospel-house phase with an upbeat sing-along. And it's killer. Shit. -Kenyon

Manual: Bajamar (Darla)
release: May 15, 2006
styles: Meditative Ambient
rating: ****

It's only been a year since Jonas Munk Jensen's last release under the name Manual, and already he's made some of the most atmospheric, beautiful instrumental pieces heard in 2006. Most of Bajamar's bliss originates from processed guitars, which you'll never notice given the smoothness of the tones. And Jensen is so good with integrating a rainstorm, synth-voice and the obligatory ocean waves that there's hardly a sense that we've heard this type of minimalism before. -Kenyon

Shannon has video of Pearl Jam and My Morning Jacket from Thursday night.
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As if They Might Be Giants didn't have enough songs already, they wrote a bunch of songs on tour specifically for each venue they played. the Venue Songs DVD includes 11 videos for select songs. I recommend skipping over the guy from Comedy Central. available only at their website and shows.
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I was selling my vintage IG-88 Star Wars action figure on eBay and found THIS. Check the photo of him mowing the lawn. A bounty hunter has been domesticated!
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Momz-in-da Hood is cheesy and tacky as expected. I was disappointed that they don't rap. They just dance. And for this they get to be on NBC. Whoopee.
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Oh Henrietta, Pitchfork reported that Tracy + the Plastics "broke up," although there is nothing on the official website about this. (quotations because it's really only one person).
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Sonic Youth and Yeah Yeah Yeahs playing two shows together August 11, 12 at park pool in Brooklyn. Crowd will be in empty pool, most kids there to see YYYs won't know much about this Sonic Youth band.

Asobi Seksu: Citrus (Friendly Fire)
release: May 30, 2006
styles: Noise-Pop with Japanese vocals
rating: ***

The critics writing reviews for Citrus will gush that there's once again soft female vocals that alternate with English and Japanese. They'll mention that Asobi Seksu's guitars have a strong influence from My Bloody Valentine. In fact, if they've heard the terms "dream pop" or "shoegaze", even though they never really listened to anyone other than MBV, they will use those terms, even though this is more like noise-pop ("Pink Cloud Tracing Paper" and the end of "Red Sea" are blatantly MBV replicas, I'm sure the band knows this). They'll definitely say that they're part of the New York City scene. And they will translate the band's name to English. What they might do by mistake is assume that Asobi Seksu is one person, as a result of the band putting an image of the girl vocalist on the cover and all over everything else. That about encompasses the reviews. Except for Pitchfork, which will get into all sorts of details that you won't even have time to read. -Kenyon
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Radioinactive: Soundtrack to a Book (Stranger Touch)
release: May 16, 2006
styles: Hip-Hop, the kind that doesn't take itself seriously
rating: **

The press release for Radioinactive is trying to confuse me with circular logic: "Soundtrack to a Book is your favorite album's favorite album" and "Soundtrack to a Book is not a soundtrack or a book." Okay? Basically, this entire affair is perplexing. Radioinactive--who resembles a less bad-ass Everlast, less bad-ass only because in the press photo he's holding a robot--is one dude, who in one of these dance-electro-hip-hop tracks, refers to himself as "Radio." For a lot of his third album, it'd be great to know what he's expressing over the beats, neat sound effects and sampling. Because even though he gets props for rapping really quick, sorta like Barenaked Ladies, there are few things of which to make sense. -Kenyon