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March 26, 2008
JT Songs in New York City This Week
For those of you who know, I have an Irish cousin who pays the rent as a doctor but who also happens to be quite a gifted wordsmith when it comes to the delicate, tricky craft of songwriting. John Tully is JT Songs. Before he opens for the Silver Jews in and around Ireland in May, JT thought he would fly to the States to devastate the masses in New York City. Here are some specs: WEDNESDAY March 26th: Mr. Dennehy's (9pm) If I were in the city, I would be at each and every gig, but, alas, I am not. Ah, yes, I must not forget. Not only is JT a supremely gifted doctor and musician. He is also one of the finest young actors of his generation. Witness this stunning tribute to the slippery, shifting accents of fellow countryman Colin Farrell, directed by yours truly... February 15, 2008
The Return of Regia
It has been well documented, if you've been reading this site for a while, that I consider Louis Schefano to be the world's greatest living songwriter. As Regia (pronounced REE-juh), Louis released one of the 1990s' strongest albums, The Art of Navigation, which you can track down here here if you don't own it already. Everyone I know who has heard this record continues to listen to it to this day. Louis writes timeless lyrics and melodies that are at once familiar and distinct. There's a maturity and emotion to his musical expression that launches him past most indie (and major label) artists and stands him firmly alongside the all-time greats. Over the past several years, Louis abandoned the name Regia to release music under his own name (visit his current MySpace page here) but I am thrilled to report that he has decided to once again call himself Regia! To make the situation more exciting, I'm even more thrilled to report that I've heard two new tracks off the upcoming Regia record and they are absolutely fucking phenomenal. It's only February, and while I've only heard two songs, I'm still ready to call the new Regia record my favorite release of 2008. You can think that I'm just saying this stuff because of my heavy baggage, but I am confident that any true music fan will acknowledge and appreciate just how special Louis Schefano is when the new Regia record finally drops. I hope it happens sooner than later, and you will know if and when any music becomes available for public consumption, but for now click on the above link to his MySpace page to listen to a sampling of that musical greatness. January 27, 2008
Two New Songs
My weeklong holiday in a preposterously humongous mansion on Kiawah Island was supposed to end with my delivery of at least thirty minutes of new music. While I didn't get that far along, I made progress and got much more comfortable with my new microphone. I posted two new songs on the Encopresis MySpace page. Listen to them right here. Thanks for listening... December 26, 2007
The Year in Music: 2007
Every year I read a lot of commentary on how the prior twelve months haven’t produced any music of lasting value, and every year I disagree. The same goes for 2007. If you're "too cool" to listen to new music, that's fine. But if not, try indulging in some of the material posted below. You might be glad that you did. Top 10 Albums 10. Spoon – GA GA GA GA GA
9. Stars of the Lid – AND THEIR REFINEMENT OF THE DECLINE
8. Caribou – ANDORRA
7. M.I.A. – KALA
6. Of Montreal – HISSING FAUNA, ARE YOU THE DESTROYER?
5. Ola Podrida – OLA PODRIDA
4. Papercuts – CAN’T GO BACK
3. Amy Winehouse – BACK TO BLACK
2. Panda Bear – PERSON PITCH
1. The National – BOXER
I came very late to The National. I didn’t hear BOXER until months after its release, when seemingly everyone I encountered was gushing about it. And after the first seven listens, I still wasn’t convinced that it was anything more than an above-average effort. But then something happened. I don’t know when or why or how, but everything clicked on that eighth or ninth listen and the thing swirled and swelled and became epic and profound and complete in a rare, special way. BOXER is an album. "Umbrellas" Rihanna Louis – FREAK SHOW REVENGE (EP) Best Old Material Released For the First Time Neil Young – LIVE AT MASSEY HALL 1971 Best Live Shows (In No Particular Order) Bosque Brown (South by Southwest) Quote of the Year “ZZ Top’s playin’ in a secret field on the north side of town and there’s free ecstasy!” – The last on-stage words I heard at South by Southwest, spoken by Frog Eyes’ Carey Mercer, brilliantly summing up the absurdity of the music festival going experience. Music Videos of the Year 5. Animal Collective “Peacebone” 4. Bat For Lashes “What’s a Girl to Do” 3. Of Montreal “Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse” 2. Fionn Regan “Be Good or Be Gone” 1. Ola Podrida “Lost and Found” November 28, 2007
Max Richter in the Flesh
First off, I'd just like to say, with regards to tonight's Gotham Awards victories by Craig Zobel and Ronnie Bronstein... let's see now, how should we say this... how about this: More to come at the Spirit Awards, no fuckin' doubt about that. Tonight was a blast. I'll point everyone in the direction of my pictorial recap once I get that joint uploaded to Flickr. But for now, at this very moment, there are far more pressing matters to address. Or actually, there is only one matter to address, and that matter goes by the name of: MAX RICHTER Yes, folks, in just over twelve hours, I will be sitting in a church, waiting to experience a live musical experience that is certain to fill me with epic tingles. That live musical experience is none other than Max Richter's first ever North American appearance. I can't believe, after this many years and sooooo many listens, that I'll be watching Max Richter's music unfurl in front of me, before my very own eyes. Life isn't as bad as I'd like to think it is. It's actually quite beautiful. Tomorrow night is going to prove that. Since I crawled out of my timid, insecure ass and became a feature filmmaker, many incredible things have happened. But nothing has rivaled the day when I made nine out of ten free throws in my parents' driveway, walked inside, called Scotland, and spoke to Max Richter on the telephone. To have an idol, a hero--basically someone way up there--treating you as an equal, complimenting your work, giving you their blessing to incorporate their sparkling magic into your tiny vision... it really justified all of the debt and exhaustion and, okay, I'll fucking say it here because you come here for the truth and the truth is what you're going to get, goddamn it, the hemorrhoids... to have someone so far away all of a sudden be standing right there beside you... it's a feeling that doesn't happen very often yet it is one that I hope everyone will experience at least once in their tiny lifetime. So I am forever indebted to Max Richter for his generosity. I cannot wait to see and hear him playing the piano in person in just under twelve hours, releasing melodies that will fill me with nostalgia, that will inspire me, that will bring tears to my eyes, that will flood me with emotion, that will remind me of life's complicated goodness. Here's a minor piece I put together a while back, set to Max's "Vladimir's Blues." It's pretty to me. I hope it's at least kinda-sorta-somewhat pretty to you... November 15, 2007
Plug Awards
It's that time of year when indie rockers all over the globe get to make like the Academy and vote for their favorite releases of the year. Yes, folks, the PLUG Awards are back. However, this year, things have gotten mighty exciting around the Boredom at its Boredest camp. It comes as no surprise, but after so many years of blood, sweat, and toil, it's still a thrill to see Kevin Barnes getting so much deserved attention for Of Montreal's incredible HISSING FAUNA, ARE YOU THE DESTROYER? received seven nominations in a wide variety of categories. However, the bigger thrill for me came when I scanned the category of "Americana Album of the Year," only to discover one special nominee alongside more established names as Charlie Louvin, Iron & Wine, and Jesse Sykes. That nominee is none other than Ola Podrida! I know I've been doing a lot of demanding lately, but this time I really mean it. I demand you to take a few minutes out of your life, pop on over to the PLUG Awards website, and vote for Ola Podrida's timeless debut, OLA PODRIDA. I imagine this is a category where many voters will flock to the most recognizable name, but if you wanna get objective about things, the new Iron & Wine doesn't hold a melted candle to OLA PODRIDA. Same goes for Charlie Louvin (okay, I haven't heard that record and he's a bona fide legend, but still, this competition is about fresh new blood). Do it now yourself, and then forward this link or send an email to everyone you know. Chain emails are pretty Bruch Vilanch, I realize, so do it in a way that isn't pushy or abrasive (i.e., don't do it like I've just done it), but do it, do it, do it! November 08, 2007
Album of the Day (HAM1)/Song of the Day (Liz Durrett)
I've written about them before, but now that their new record has officially been released, it's time to write about them again. HAM1 is the brainchild of Athens, Georgia's Jim Willingham, a true gift to humanity. While I loved their first record, THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE finds the band reaching new heights, delivering a collection of songs that is wildly diverse yet somehow still cohesive. It's kind of freakish, actually, but that's what makes it so refreshing. Shades of surf rock, Pavement, The Pixies, Neutral Milk Hotel, country, all congeal into one distinctive musical vision. But what takes things to another level is Jim's lyrical content, which shares a strong kinship with DC Berman (in my humble estimation). This recent article in the Flagpole captures the HAM1 spirit better than I possibly could. I highly recommend that you read it before hopping over to the Orange Twin website to buy THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE.
Which brings us to the song/video clip of the day. HAM1 is usually joined on stage by another gifted Athens performer, Liz Durrett. They also happen to be her backing band most of the time. When I woke up this morning, I felt the arrival of my latest inexplicable funk. Is it seasonal? Astrological? Psychological? Stress-over-lack-of-fiscal? Who knows. Who cares. It'll pass. It always does. But not for a few days. So what do I do to bide my time when the voice in my head keeps listing the ways that I am a miserable failure? I listen to--and in this case, watch--sad, pretty songs. It's better than chicken noodle soup. It's better than alcohol. It's better than television. It's better than exercise. (Although all of those things are pretty good too.) But this song is better than a warm, cozy blanket to me right now. October 31, 2007
Totally Unrelated Blog-a-Thon: Halloween (aka, The Scariest Song Ever)
What better day than to post about a recent musical revelation (thanks to FROWNLAND/YEAST cinematographer Sean Price Williams), or as I like to call it, The Most Frightening Song I've Ever Heard In My Life. The artist is Maskull, and the only information to be found about this mysterious creature is Egg City Radio, where they've posted the entire album. Here's a snippet from that post: "This might be the single weirdest thing I’ve yet posted on this site. I know next to nothing about Maskull, other than the whacked half-anecdote I was told by an ex-friend who disappeared down the meth hole a handful of years ago, the same bloke who handed off a copy of this record to me: Maskull supposedly is/was living with AIDS, and in his ailing state, committed to tape this album of demented, simpering goth-osity. I can’t verify this story at all, or if Maskull’s actually alive or dead, since there’s absolutely no information available on him anywhere on the Internet, except for one brief editorial review on the CD Baby website that says: 'Troy Maskull’s ghoulish voice and imperceptible melodies are loathsome, detestable and incomprehensible. Perhaps music would be better off if Maskull crawled back under the rock that he came from.'" In an age where it's almost impossible not to be publicized, the lack of information anywhere online with regards to this guy and this record only adds to the song's murky, dangerous intrigue. Happy Halloween, everyone. I present to you: "Hollywood Gypsy". You have been warned. October 26, 2007
Totally Unrelated Blog-a-Thon: Music
About ten or so years ago, I started writing and recording songs under the moniker EncoprEsis. Nothing fancy. Just me, a guitar, my voice, and some other minimal stuff committed to a cassette 4-track recorder. I never intended to pursue music in an even somewhat professional manner. For me, it was all about the release and the sense of satisfaction I got from completing a little ol' song. When you want to make movies that cost a lot of money and the world doesn't seem to want to help you make that happen, it's nice to have another outlet that can provide a sense of creative fulfillment. Music is an incredible source of nourishment in that regard. Ten or so years later, I continue to dabble with music, though my inspiration comes in bursts (for some reason, autumn always triggers ideas). This is my most recent song, which I recorded in Maryland this past weekend at my parents' house, on a cold and rainy Friday night (it's tentatively titled "Quiet Rain," though that will change when I record it for real--I just felt like giving Aaron Katz and Brendan McFadden a totally nonsensical shout-out). But fear not. That ditty is just the humble precursor to today's majestic main event. I've written about my cousin John Tully before. He's the hotshot whose demo so wowed David Berman that Mr. Berman handpicked John's musical outlet, JT Songs, to open two shows for the Silver Jews in New York City last March (unfortunately, I was at South by Southwest so I missed that inspiring spectacle). Anyway, John is on record as saying that my first dabblings with writing and recording music spurred him into taking musical action of his own (most specifically my epic tale of love and loss, "Broke Out of Jail"). If that's true, at least I can say I did something worthwhile with my life, because I have just heard the new JT Songs record, DISTRACTIONS OF AN AGE, and it is positively stuh-ling (to be said with the sincerity of Woody in THIS IS ENGLAND). If you don't believe me, listen for yourself right here. In these four songs, JT covers some heartily impressive musical ground. "No Man's Land" is a bona fide radio hit; "Goodwood Blues" showcases JT's clever lyrical wordplay; "The Black Went Down" pays respect to classic wordsmiths like Bob and Townes; and, for my money, the boot-stomping anthem "You Just Let Me Go" might be the best of the bunch. As soon as the album is ready for purchase online, I'll let you know. But for now, take what you can get. Music is nice. Have a good weekend... October 18, 2007
Ola Podrida "Lost and Found" Video!!!
There are geniuses, and then there are people like Todd Rohal. Todd's brain is not like yours or mine, as evidenced by his visual take on the Ola Podrida song "Lost and Found." To quote my friend Randy, "How does someone get from that song to that video?" Exactly. Or take this reaction from Barlow Jacobs: "I do not have the words... I.... I... That music video... That video... Part of me wants to give Todd a plastic trophy. Another part of me wants to beat him up. But more than anything I want to sit Todd down and sincerely tell him about the birds and the bees, because after watching that video it is obvious that someone forgot to teach him that life lesson. Honestly though, maybe we are all the better for that lost lesson. That video will cure things- a lot of things. I am floored." ***By the way, Barlow and Zack Godshall's heartbreaking LOW AND BEHOLD has just won Best Narrative Feature at three consecutive film festivals (Rome International, Sidewalk, New Orleans). Attention distributors: are you guys trying to beat out Warner Brothers for the coveted title of Most Idiotic Distributor of the Year? Take your collective heads out of your asses and somebody buy this movie!*** As for the video, I am floored too, and I continue to be floored. I've watched it several dozen times since this weekend, and I can't get enough of it. For those of you who don't know, Ivan Dimitrov is featured in Todd's award-winning feature debut, THE GUATEMALAN HANDSHAKE, which is another film that distributors need to pick up. Nobody's going to watch anything in theaters these days anyway, so why not take a chance on works that have actual imagination and purpose. What is wrong with you people?! But enough about that. Let's get back to the task at hand. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you what might very well be my favorite music video ever, Ola Podrida's "Lost and Found." Watch it right now at Gorilla vs. Bear, though I'm sure it will be popping up on sites all over the internet just in time for CMJ. [UPDATE:] Better yet, watch it right here... September 20, 2007
"About a Tully": The About a Son Soundtrack Challenge
In anticipation of the theatrical release of AJ Schnack's beautiful, deeply moving KURT COBAIN: ABOUT A SON (which nearly launched me into a hysterical bawling fit when I saw it for the first time in Sarasota), AJ pulled a Matt Dentler and came up with a clever way of spreading the word throughout the blogosphere (why do I use these words when they make me want to throw up?). Rather than stuffing the film with Nirvana music, AJ made an original and ultimately very wise decision to use songs that provided the soundtrack to Cobain's own life. The result is a film that feels one hundred times more intimate and personal than a traditional documentary ever could, and shows us the real Kurt Cobain, a deeply sensitive, thoughtful, tormented young man who unwittingly became the voice of his generation. Having seen the film twice, it never ceases to shock me that the voice speaking those words was only twenty-five years old. There's an inherent wisdom, an exhaustion, a frustration, and a strange maturity that seems completely unfathomable for someone of that age. Was he really only twenty-seven when he died? How is that possible? Anyway, I can’t recommend KURT COBAIN: ABOUT A SON highly enough, and to show my support I'm rising to AJ's challenge to create my very own personal soundtrack of my life. This was a very difficult thing to do, but it was also incredibly rewarding, so thanks for the assignment, AJ! While I agree with Agnes that less is probably more in this case, I'm a bored loser so I decided to go all out like the one and only Tom Hall, whose clip-embedding tactic I have flat-out jacked for my own presentation purposes (just in case they don't play properly for some reason, click on the links to take you to the actual YouTube pages). I hope you're sitting down, folks, 'cause this one is a serious doozy... » Continue reading ""About a Tully": The About a Son Soundtrack Challenge" September 15, 2007
Max Richter in NYC in November
See, kids, life isn't so bloody terrible. Max Richter is coming to New York City in November! Here's the official press release from Worldess Music: "Wordless Music is honored to host British composer and Fat Cat recording artist Max Richter for his first-ever U.S. concert appearance. On Wednesday, November 28, Max will perform selections from his albums Songs from Before, The Blue Notebooks, and Memoryhouse in the 300-capacity Good-Shepherd Faith Church alongside a full chamber ensemble and accompanying video projections. Also appearing will be the Minneapolis ambient/electronic composer and Ghostly International recording artist Cepia, as well as New York City pianist Assaff Weisman, who will perform solo piano music by Joseph Haydn and Olivier Messiaen." I just bought tickets. You should too... August 15, 2007
Ola Podrida "Photo Booth" Video
After trying just about everything humanly possible to upload a high quality version to YouTube, David and I decided to say fuggit and unleash the "Photo Booth" video upon the masses (i.e., the insular world of music blogs). The natives were getting quite restless, and if I know one thing in this world, it is to give the people what they want. I have to confess, it gave me a little thrill to see my name appear on my favorite music blog, Gorilla vs. Bear, which was the first to go public with the video. Check out his nice posting right here. And here are two more mentions. Thanks, everyone, for getting the word out there. For our money, however, David and I recommend that you go to the Plug Research website, where a few clicks will allow you to watch a larger, much more high res version of the video. That's really where it's at. The video stars none other than HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS co-star Todd Rohal, who also made a delightfully inventive movie of his own that everyone needs to see if they haven't already. If all goes well with the DVD release, you'll be able to buy it sooner than later. Sorry if this seems like shameless self-promotion, but the truth is that I love-love-love the Ola Podrida record and want to spread the word as loudly as I can. Objectively speaking, I consider it to be one of 2007's most beautiful, assured, and fulfilling releases. Also, I've been in house painter mode for what feels like the past several weeks and I'm now coming to terms with the fact that I'm not going to have a feature film shot by the end of this year (more on that later, but this is a good thing, don't worry), so I guess I'm trying to remind myself that I do fun, creative stuff like this every now and then. Maybe I'll even do it again sometime. What the hell. For all of you especially lazy fools, here it is (but, seriously, go to Plug Research and check it out there)... August 14, 2007
Trapped in the Closet
For some reason, the second six installments of TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. The genius of the first six was that one was never entirely sure if Mr. Kelly was in on the joke. I mean, of course he was, but the story and video in those first parts were more ridiculous than outright absurd (i.e., the subsequent carnival of midgets and pants shitting). At that point, one could still wonder about R.'s true intentions. But by part six and beyond, shit had officially spun into cartoon land. Granted, I was completely entertained throughout, I just felt a little bit of the innocence had been lost. Which leads me to the latest ten installments (chapters 13-22), brought to the world by the Independent Film Channel. For some reason, and this has nothing to do with the fact that he videotapes himself urinating on fifteen-year-old girls, I just didn't feel like being a TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET supporter anymore. Our modern world is cursed by immediacy and overkill with regards to information. In reaction to that, I have begun to yearn for the days of "less is more." So to produce another ten installments now that everyone is aware of exactly what they're getting into, well, it just doesn't feel as exciting and relevant to me. Which leads us to the product itself. Having just watched chapters 13 and 14, I can say, at least so far, that you win, Mr. Kelly. I am officially on board with your batshit retarded sitcom opera, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Seriously, watch this fuckin' shit over on IFC.com. It really is like nothing else out there. August 02, 2007
July 30, 2007
Ham1 in New York City
Last year around this time I was in Athens, Georgia, celebrating the marriage of my good friend Rebecca Coates to a gentleman I'd never met, Jim Willingham. Jim is one of those great souls that you don't meet very often. I knew this after talking to him for about fourteen seconds. Jim is also very gifted when it comes to making music. His band is called Ham1. Here is their MySpace page, where you can listen to one of my favorite songs, "The Gift." Then go here to download the rest of their insanely catchy debut. And get ready for their new release, "The Captain's Table," which comes out on Orange Twin on September 18th. I've been listening to it consistently for a few months now, and I can confirm that it's even better than their first album. They cover a ridiculous amount of musical ground, yet the record still feels unified and cohesive. You heard it here first: Ham1's "The Captain's Table" is one of 2007's must-have records. Though cinematic obligations prevented me from attending their first New York City appearance earlier this evening, I can't wait for Monday night's show at Sound Fix Records. They go on at 8pm, followed by Liz Durrett at nine. Go here and listen to "Far From Home." It's a beautiful, haunting song. Ham1 is her backing band, and she's Vic Chestnutt's niece, so those are two more reasons to get your butts to Sound Fix for some Monday night rock-and-roll, y'all. June 22, 2007
Panda Bear Nation
Before I embarked on this most recent ten day visit to Maryland, my spirits were high. All was well in the world. I was handling my business. I was paying the rent. I told myself that I deserved a break. I would do no creative personal work for the entire trip. I would catch up on movies, Netflix, I would read and critique several friends' scripts, but more than anything I would simply relaxxx (porn subliminality unintended). I would be a normal human being, someone who woke up, worked, went home, watched a movie or two, and went to bed. And I would be all the better for it. Cut to this morning. It only took four days for tragedy to strike. I was confused. I was disgusted. I hated myself. Rather than thinking proactive, healthy thoughts, my brain was pounding with irrational visions of growing a big beard, moving to some bohunk town in Western Maryland, and bailing on my plans to shoot DAYDREAM this October. Say huh? Will I ever learn? I'm about to turn thirty-three years old and I have less of a grasp on myself than a five-year-old who just guzzled a six-pack. This is ridiculous. Anyway, there is a happy ending to the story, so keep reading. Panda Bear's PERSON PITCH might very well be my favorite record of 2007. But I slept too late and missed my chance to get tickets for his New York shows, so I figured I wouldn't get to see him for who knows how long. But then, on Tuesday, I remembered that he was playing Baltimore on Thursday (aka, tonight), so I sucked it up and bought tickets online. A good thing, too, because when I showed up at The Ottobar that mofo was sold out. Joining me was Baltimore filmmaker Matthew Porterfield, who's HAMILTON just might be The Most Summerest Movie I've ever seen. Think about it. What movie most captures the feeling of summer to you? Having watched HAMILTON twice in the past week, I think HAMILTON is my number one (or it's at least at the top of the list alongside DO THE RIGHT THING). I almost wish there hadn't been any exposition, or any words spoken, for that matter, because the dialogue was actually distracting to me. HAMILTON is a film about that summer feeling, when it's only 11am but it feels like you've been up for ten hours already, when there's nothing to do but nothing, when time doesn't just stand still, it sits stuck. Special mention goes to MURDER PARTY writer/director/cinematographer Jeremy Saulnier and his hypnotizing cinematography, which has some downright stunning moments (the 360-degree pan of the kid walking through the woods to the highway has been added to my list of favorite one-takes ever). Since I got Matt into the show, he returned the favor by getting me into a screening of OUT OF THE PAST at The Charles, which kicked off their summer film noir revival series. Check out the website for upcoming screenings. I had never seen OUT OF THE PAST, and I'm glad that I got to see it on the big screen. Robert Mitchum is his typically phenomenal self, and the screenplay is a crackling delight. Good, good stuff. But then came the highlight of the night (and the point of this over-inflated post). We got to the Ottobar just in time to see Noah Lennox (aka, Panda Bear) unleash his dazzling sonic assault upon the Baltimore crowd. For some reason, I was expecting to be a tad underwhelmed, knowing that I was going to be watching some dude stand in front of a few samplers and singing into a microphone. But it exceeded my expectations. This was a truly inspiring spectacle. No goosebumps, perhaps, but it was enough to turn my mental frown into a physical grin, and rejuvenate me. Who knows how I'll feel tomorrow, when I wake up (in three short hours), but for now I feel quite electric and inspired. Thanks, Panda Bear!
June 05, 2007
Tonight: Tribute to San Fadyl at Soundfix in Williamsburg
While I never had any serious bonding time with San Fadyl, the drummer of the Ladybug Transistor who recently passed away unexpectedly, I can't recall ever seeing his face when it wasn't smiling. Tonight's tribute to San should be very special.
May 18, 2007
YouTube Clip of the Day
No, not Rohal and Osborne again. This shit is so PING-PONG SUMMER it ain't even funny... May 03, 2007
April 12, 2007
Of Montreal is on Conan Tonight!!!
Stay the course, that is today's lesson. Since I met him back in 1997, Kevin Barnes has been one of the most motivated, dedicated, and determined individuals that I have known. When you combine that with an out-of-this-world musical ability, it seems inevitable that the world would catch on (I remember the early years, when the non-NY/LA/Athens gigs were shamefully under attended). While recent success has pretty much confirmed Kevin's ascension to the top ("Playgirl" spread, anyone?), tonight makes it official. Of Montreal will be making their network television debut on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." The thought of seeing Dottie and Jamey finishing up, then Conan walking over to them and shaking their hands, makes me feel really happy. I just talked to the crew, who were at the taping with the band, and they said it was sufficiently surreal and awesome. Now everyone's rendezvousing in the West Village to celebrate. Man, I sure am glad I decided to stay in Maryland so I could make not nearly enough money to pay next month's rent. Way to go, Mike! Actually, though, it might be more fun to be in Random, America, tuning in to "Conan" at 12:30, watching it from the outside-in, not the other way around. If I didn't know that I was going to be seeing them in Sarasota next week, I'd be kicking myself even harder. But that's gonna be fun, and so is tonight. So watch "Conan," everybody, and congratulations, guys! They'll be playing this little ditty... April 11, 2007
Amy Winehouse
Perhaps my favorite memory of SXSW came during the music portion of the festival. One evening, we were rounding a quiet corner downtown when I came face-to-face with a very striking looking young girl. She was teeny-tiny, but had black hair and tattoos on her arms. I wasn’t sure if I was heavily attracted to her, but I was certainly heavily drawn to her. Anyway, she gave me a mischievous look that seemed to say, “I know you know who I am.” Mind you, this didn’t come off as cocky or brash, it was actually quite sweet. At this point, I still hadn’t made the connection. But that’s when Ben walked up to her in a controlled fury, pumped his fists right in front of her face and said, “Yesssss!!!” Then, without saying anything else, he kept walking. The striking young girl lit up at this, and continued on her own way. Turns out it was Amy Winehouse. Once Ben explained this to me I immediately made the connection (I must also stress, especially in hindsight, just how impossibly great Ben’s action was). It was her tiny frame that had thrown me off. Yet it was also the fact that I hadn’t yet actually heard her music before our brief encounter. Now that I have, I am grateful that I was ignorant of her on that fateful evening, for my confrontation with her--unlike Ben’s legendarily cool one--would have been legendarily humiliating. After getting back from SXSW, I checked out her hit single “Rehab,” which I obviously became obsessed with, but for some strange reason I never took the plunge and checked out the whole album. Which leads me to yesterday. Based on “Rehab” alone, I nudged my brother-in-law in her direction. He was smart enough to buy the whole album. Yesterday morning, I listened to it for the first time. Then I listened to it again. And again. And again. We must have played it six times in a row. I couldn’t believe my ears. Today I played it back-to-back-to-back-to-back I don’t know how many times. I don’t know how, but it keeps getting better and better. Normally I don’t like it when white people try to pull off black music. This is a racist statement, and for that I apologize (I hope Eugene and Brian won’t suspend me for two weeks). However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Bobby Charles’s first record is a shining example. Eminem’s “Stan” is another one. But when it comes to recreating an old-soul-groove, Amy Winehouse is so good that she competes with the masters. I realize that I’m pushing this into dangerous terrain with a statement like that, but I can’t help it right now. I’m sure you guys aren’t idiots like me and have already discovered Amy Winehouse on your own, but in case you haven’t, check out her MySpace page or do a random YouTube search and listen for yourself. I honestly don’t think there’s a bad song on the album, but at the moment, “Love is a Losing Game” is massaging my soul into a rare, wondrous place. March 29, 2007
Ola Podrida Tonight on the Lower East Side!
3/29. Thursday. Tonight. Cake Shop. 152 Ludlow. 9pm. I finally got a copy of the official record, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it. It's sooooooo good. If you don't believe me, believe Pitchfork, who gave this nice review of "Cindy", which is one of the many hits that you'll find inside. Check out the record's lovely cover, which was layed out by none other than Craig "Great World of Sound" Zobel. Man, that guy is everywhere...
March 21, 2007
March 20, 2007
Album of the Week (Maybe Year, Maybe Decade, Maybe Century)
If Panda Bear's PERSON PITCH isn't the best album of 2007, I can't wait to hear what is. Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS RECORD RIGHT NOW. Spirit music for a happier, more hopeful world. I think we could all use a bit of that right now. February 05, 2007
"Ghost Ride It" (aka, Oakland is Bizarre)
Randy sums up this inexplicably bizarre state of affairs over on his site with the following statement, "I’m not sure, but from what I can tell pretty much everyone in that city should be institutionalized immediately." Seriously, what in the fuck do they put in the water in Oakland? That town makes Baltimore seem tame and normal in comparison, which is saying something. It's like every rapper's favorite movie is NOTHING BUT TROUBLE instead of SCARFACE or some shit. I'm speechless... February 02, 2007
My First Embedded Video On This Site--And It's A Good One!
It's only February 2nd and I have already heard so many strikingly good albums this year it's downright silly. 2007 could end tomorrow and I would still call it an exceptionally strong year for pop music. Check out this list: PERSON PITCH by Panda Bear And, last, but certainly not least: FREAK SHOW REVENGE (EP) by Louis Which brings us to another watershed moment in the history of Boredom at its Boredest. Yes, folks, I have finally learned how to embed a YouTube video directly onto this page (thanks to Tom Hall for pointing out what I should have figured out with my own dumb brain several months ago). This is the final version of the video Louis and I shot a few months ago, on a perfect late autumn day in Prospect Park. I mean it when I say there isn't a song of Louis Schefano's that I don't absolutely love, yet "Ten Thousand Years" is especially dear to me. Press play and you'll hear why. "Look up here November 30, 2006
New Music Thursday
I know that Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg just released new albums, but the hip-hop record that you NEED to be bumping is "Hell Hath No Fury" by Clipse. Long overdue and highly anticipated, Pusha T & Malice (and the Neptunes) have somehow exceeded all expectations to deliver one of the best albums of the year, hip-hop or otherwise. Listening to it for the third time in a row today, I was forced to create a new adjective to describe the overall sonic experience: DISGUSTING. Of course, I mean that in the best possible way. Every track is a standout, with the exception of album closer "Nightmares," which has a chorus that would make even R. Kelly cringe ("my niggaz say i'm pee-noid"?). Crossing the border into Canada, another highly anticipated release has finally seen the light of day: Swan Lake's "Beast Moans." I have to confess that after a few perusals, I can't help but feel a wave of disappointment, or if not disappointment, then disappointed underwhelmment. Granted, it would be hard to live up to the promise of "All Fires" no matter how good the other twelve tracks happened to be, but that doesn't hide the fact that they're nowhere near the transcendent level of that song: "There was a flood One thousand people Five hundred pieces means Though I feel confident that I'll grow to enjoy the record, it isn't the soul-stunning experience I had hoped it would be. Once again, expectation, that dirty, cruel whore, has ruined a potentially great thing. But I'll settle for good. Finally, let us leave North America behind and head overseas, where two of modern classical music's most important composers have released new works. In Edinburgh, Max Richter's "Songs From Before" continues the beautiful tradition of sublime melodyscapes established on "Memoryhouse" and "The Blue Notebooks." This time around, Robert Wyatt has been recruited to read texts by Haruki Murakami. While over in Iceland, Johann Johannsson returns with "IBM 1401, A User's Manual," which pays sad tribute to an old computer model that Johannsson's father worked on the 1960s, before it met its fateful end. Clipse, Swan Lake, Max Richter, and Johann Johannsson? Seemingly disparate, but that's how we do things here at "Boredom at its Boredest." Variety is oh-so-very yummy, especially when it sounds this delicious... October 20, 2006
Random Rules: From Mt. Airy to Brooklyn
Today's return trip to NYC was sponsored, as usual, by Apple's iPod. DJ Shuffle delivered another remarkably well-crafted set. Here's the lengthy playlist, unfiltered, un-rearranged, and uncut: Os Mutantes "Fuga N. II Dos Mutantes" October 18, 2006
Album of the Day
The new record by Ursula Points, "Light Up a Galaxy," is the most outer-spacious music I've heard so far this year. Picture this: you're speeding along a highway on a very dark night somewhere in your distant past, reminiscing about the future that you're about to have. That's the best way I can describe it. Visit the band's MySpace page to hear four tracks. Then buy it.
August 05, 2006
New Silver Jews Video!
For some reason, the upload quality of this is kinda bunk, but until I can figure that out (which I probably can't or won't), you should watch this. In addition to being a really sweet portrait of love (is this a memory or the future or the present?), I also wanted this to be a teaser of the glory that's to come with the actual "Jews in Israel" footage. You will hopefully be seeing that footage sooner than later, but until then, here ya go... http://www.dragcity.com/bands/silverjoos.html#video August 03, 2006
Ireland Occupies America
I have a look that gets mistaken for things. Once, at a Long John Silver's in Frederick, Maryland, I was asked by the teenage cashier, "Are you from Iran?" When I answered, "I'm from Mt. Airy," she was slightly underwhelmed. Then, just a few months ago, in Nashville, a random stranger in a coffee shop asked me if I was from Syria. There are countless others examples of this misinterpretation, but I won't repeat them. It's kind of bizarre, actually. The truth is that my father comes from Ireland--as in, he was born and raised there but moved to the America when he came of age. My mother is heartily Italian--as in, her father was born and raised in Italy, to the point where he never learned to write English. So I'm one of those hybrid humans. I write this to convey that it might seem strange to have a first cousin who is extremely pale and extremely Irish. When I go to weddings on my dad’s side of the family, no one believes that I’m one of ‘them.’ They all make fun of me, in fact. But when I go home with the hottest chick there they’re all like, wuh-POW, sucka-punch all up in their collective esophaguses, ya know what I’m sayin’? Just kidding. In all actuality, I have never had a wedding tryst. One day I hope to change that, but for now, I just go to weddings to eat and get drunk. And since getting drunk isn’t as appealing a concept as it once was, I should probably transfer that urge into getting my tryst on. I’ll let you know if and when that happens. I’ll blog the shit out of it, in fact. Speaking of blogging, tonight deserves a brief photo recap. When your wonderfully gifted Irish cousin returns to the States for a month-long bender, one must rise to the occasion.
You remember my cousin John, aka JT Songs, who was handpicked by David Berman to play his Drag City-sponsored publicity stunt last September. Then he was handpicked again by Mr. Berman to open two sold-out shows at Webster Hall in March. While all his songs are great, it’s “Song From Limbo” that firmly establishes his status as a major artist. Even if you’ve listened to it several hundred times, it’s worth another listen. Go here to do just that… www.myspace.com/jtsongs And then you meet a fellow Irish singer/songwriter that your cousin has been talking about endlessly, and you appreciate the fact that this is a decent chap. And then that decent chap asks you to listen to the first song off his yet-to-be-released new album and it blows your mind into smithereens. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Niall Connolly:
I dare you to not listen to this song five times in a row, then realize how much you like it and listen to it ten or fifteen more. The lyrics, energy, and emotion of “She Makes Me Want to Be Clean” make me want to punch myself in the face repeatedly, then scream with raucous abandon. Listen to it now, then listen to it again and again and again. Gee, I wonder if this is gonna make my “Best of 2006” mix… www.myspace.com/niallconnolly “Come drink with us ‘til dawn, “She makes me want to be clean, “But I like you I will close with a picture of the rock stars and yours truly. When you’re not a brilliantly gifted creative talent, you align yourself with those who are. If you stick around the Blessed Ones for long enough the world will start to mistake you for one of them. That is my goal.
July 25, 2006
Midlake, Midlake, Midlake
Well, today is the day that Midlake's sophomore record, "The Trials of Van Occupanther," is finally released unto the world. I've been listening to it steadily for months, and its power has only increased upon subsequent-after-subsequent listen. These polite young gentlemen from 21st Century Texas have somehow channeled American Frontier spirits to deliver a truly transcendent musical experience. "The Trials of Van Occupanther" is honest, sincere, mature, and gorgeous, a modern classic if there is such a thing. I just got back from seeing them at the Black Cat in DC with SOUND Team and Cold War Kids, and while I very much enjoyed their performance, the lack of fully realized harmonies and an overall sense that the sound wasn't as good as it could have been left me feeling slightly disappointed. Also, they played a clipped set, which didn't help matters. I'm looking forward to seeing them in a proper venue when they're the headliner. SOUND Team opened with "Handful of Billions," the only song I really wanted to see, and I have to confess, their live performance of it didn't give me chills at all. Their whole set was fine, but I was also underwhelmed by their presentation. It figures that the only band I didn't know anything about, Cold War Kids, turned out to be the revelation of the night. I was planning on catching a song or two before disappearing to the comfort of the bar, but their delivery was so impressive that I gladly watched their entire set. I wonder if their recordings capture the fiery energy of their live act. I sure hope so. So, I guess the point here is that you MUST buy Midlake's "The Trials of Van Occupanther" right now. It's as good as music gets these days, I ain't kidding... www.myspace.com/midlake July 20, 2006
Rubber Morton
Chris Cunningham's video for The Horrors' "Sheena is a Parasite," starring the always intriguing Samantha Morton: http://www.stashmedia.tv/feed/sheena.mov July 14, 2006
Jews in Israel
I just got back from the airport. Wow. I honestly don't know what to say right now. Did that really happen? I guess it did, although it seems too good to be true. That's because it was too good to be true. Sorry for being so mysterious about things, but I didn't want to jinx myself. But now that I'm sitting in my bedroom and staring at 12 hours of captured DV tapes, I feel like I'm finally in the clear. For those of you who don't know where I was or what I was doing, here it goes: I flew to Tel Aviv for five days with my buddy Matthew Robison to document The Silver Jews' first two shows ever played in Israel. But that wasn't all. We also shot hours of footage of David Berman, his wife Cassie, and the rest of the gang maxing, relaxing, and experiencing a transcendent day trip to Jerusalem. Since the mum's-the-word approach seems to have paid off with regards to the trip itself, I don't want to jinx anything by bragging about the 'amazingly brilliant' footage we shot. That said, I know for a fact that we shot some amazingly brilliant footage. Israel itself is a truly beautiful place. I have to confess, I've always been opposed to the brutish stylings of the American and Israeli governments, but the people there were nothing but kind and friendly and polite. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and I'd like to thank everyone for being so generous (more on them in a later update). I have a ton of great stills to post, but for now I'll just throw up a few to get things started...
July 07, 2006
Ashlee Simpson's Nose
Okay, so I, like, totally used to want to, like, *love* Ashlee Simpson, but her nose kept getting in the way. Like, all the pieces were in place: the style, the songs, the voice, the everything. I mean, all the pieces except for the nose. It was such a honker that I couldn't even hear her music without SEEING the nose. That's weird, right? But it's totally true! I mean, here was this incredibly talented punk rocker who just, like, *got it*, ya know? She danced, she sang, she said everything that I FEEL. But that ginormous nose kept getting in the way. Until now! That's because I just caught a glimpse of the new-and-improved Ashlee and I'm, like, totally speechless! She looks sooooo amazing, I can't even believe my own eyes! Now there's nothing stopping her. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Ashlee. You totally made my day! (In serious matters, copy and paste this link to download an mp3 of the Metallic Falcons' "Nighttime and Morning." Haunting and purty. Real purty...) http://blownbythewind.blogspot.com/ May 16, 2006
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