MINE!!! - NM Incense & Peppermints (1968), $4.99 off eBay. This is me smiling.
I'm going to keep this one short and simple: Strawberry Alarm Clock was an amazing psychedelic rock band from LA that gained steam in the 1960's. The music is authentic sixties and reminds me of psych bands like Sagittarius and Fresh Air and more mainstream bands like the drug-induced Beatles era or early seventies Doors tunes.
In any case, Strawberry Alarm Clock's Incense and Peppermints is a classic album. Oh, and before I forget, my roommate reminded me that the title track appeared in Austin Powers, as the song that is being played when Powers enters the Electric Pussycat Swingers Club. Ya dig?
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks(2010)
I like this in five words (or less) because: Catchy, diverse, happy and loud Favorite songs: Bottled Up In Cork, Where Was My Brain, Mourning In America For fans of: Punk rock through the eyes of an on-the-verge pop innovator / Elvis Costello ethos in 2010 music / good, fun music
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach(2010)
I like this in five words (or less) because: Smart, poppy, groovin' and classic Favorite songs: Some Kind Of Nature (Lou Goddamn Reed!), On Melancholy Hill, Plastic Beach For fans of: Damon Albarn, Blur and Kylie Minogue musically fornicating, Hip-Pop.
Flake Music - When You Land Here, It's Time To Return (1997)
I like this in five words (or less)because: Creative songwriting with minimal production Favorite songs: Spanway Hits, The Shins, Blast Valve For fans of: The Shins, Built To Spill, Weezer
Note: I listened to this blindly; it came on my iPod and I had no idea who it was... but I loved it. Once I discovered that it was the precursor band to The Shins, I actually decided to give The Shins a real, fair chance. I found that I truly love this album and the work the Shins would go on to create in the years to follow. I never liked The Shins until I was tricked into liking them. Funny how the world works.
Le Sang Song. Yeah, that's the name of this band... and there's not much more to know. After looking at his 'space, this was all the information I could gather: from Seattle, has lots of sunglasses and he's wrote a few songs. He doesn't have a show booked nor does he make any other "obvious" information available.
After some digging, I found that Le Sang Song is the one-man solo project of Craig Chambers. Chambers plays minimalistic, french-pop influenced folk rock. Whatever you may be thinking to this point, know this: Le Sang Song is completely endearing and surprising as well. On this album, Chambers attempts to do two things: create unadulterated, raw, classic folk rock and dabble within the realms of french psych-pop without officially changing his name to Serge.
Songs like Death vs. The Rich, War and The One create a certain authentic folk feel and atmosphere. The raw, natural reverbs and mixture of acoustic and fuzz guitars create a wall of sound that is almost reminiscent of Paint It Black era 'Stones. This isn't to say Le Sang Song sounds like The Rolling Stones (See: 40 seconds in to War); more along the lines of, Chambers created a lo-fi, folky solo act and is unafraid to flaunt his roots while doing some experimenting of his own.
Additionally, songs like Hot Reggae, Ring Ring, and even No Love are more along the lines of minimalistic (not in quality, in progression), are examples of the type of "pop" songs Chambers could produce (I say "pop" because I don't really mean Pop -- this ain't Justin Bieber). Catchy, dark and light alike, and enjoyably challenging. Ring Ring definitely has a very french pop feel, at about :50 seconds into the song, it almost sounds as if hes singing in french, along the lines of Mr. Gainsbourg himself.
After analyzing what I thought was Le Sang Songs main motive -- creating two genre-fied types of songs (knowingly or unknowingly) -- I then realized that this album is actually a pretty cohesive work and it should be viewed as a whole. Sure, the sounds definitely jump around, changing moods at the end of a track, but the ethic and feel of the album runs rampant throughout. The change of style only enhances Chambers ability to create differing, creative and unique songs.
I love this album. I really hope this guy decides to continue Le Sang Song and/or play a show (preferably, in the Tri-State area... though, that may be pushing it).
I like this (in five words or less) because:Beautiful harmonies and great songwriting Favorite Songs: Good to Sea, Devil You Know, Bouquet For fans of: Death Cab for Cutie, 90's math rock, harmonizing guitars and vocals.
We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls(2009) I like this (in five words or less) because: Honest, Scottish, dancy and emotional Favorite Songs: All of 'em, but it's Thunder and It's Lighting and Roll Up Your Sleeves For Fans of: Hmm, The Twilight Sad, Frightened Rabbit, Morrissey and a cooler version of Bloc Party
Cast Spells - Bright Works and Baton (2009)
I like this (in five words or less) because: Folky, fun and simplistic Favorite Songs: Glamorous Glowing, Pioneer Scalps For Fans of: Saturday Looks Good To Me, older Sufjan, less harmony filled and "poppy-er" Fleet Foxes
The Alcoholic (2009) - Jonathan Ames (Author) | Dean Haspiel (Illustrator)
A very kind new friend lent me this interesting biographical-drama graphic novel. Written by HBO Series Bored To Death writer Jonathan Ames, The Alcoholic explores the life, adventures, hardships and drunken, blackout mistakes of the self-titled character. This book is not your average graphic novel; no superpowers or nut-case villains (well, maybe some) are to be found here. Ames simply lays his (obviously glorified) life as an alcoholic on the line for all to read. There are parts that will make you chuckle, but for the most part, this ain't sunshine comedy. This is dark stuff about a man's dark troubles with alcoholism. You'll read about Ames losing everything from his family, his love, his hair, and his job ... and then you'll read about his compulsion with rehabbing himself back to consciousness, only to repeat this cycle. For such a short read (about 2 hours or so), Jonathan's story will force you to take a look at your own life and shortcomings with a new perspective; through the eyes of someone who continues to lose it all.
In simple terms, The Alcoholic is dark, honest, and strangely inspirational. Enjoy!
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Cheap Girls - Find Me a Drink Home (2008) and My Roaring 20's (2009)
Cheap Girls is that band that you are too cool to listen to; trust me, I understand. But listen to me when I say this band is worth a shot. Hailing from Lansing, MI, Cheap Girls aren't breaking boundaries. They aren'y making Radiohead look like amateurs. In fact, Cheap Girls owe more to 90's super-hit alternative rock than they do to any trendy hipster band. But really, who cares? This is feel good powerpop rock with the occasional croon of heartbreak. It's good stuff. If you are into Weezer, The Get Up Kids and 90's alternative rock, give these albums a chance (particulary My Roaring 20's, oh-my-god-so-good) with an open mind and I promise these songs will hit home and stay in your head while you wait for summer.
By the way, I've been a cigarette smoker for too long and have just recently quit (3 weeks strong!). However, Cheap Girls have a song on Find Me a Drink Home called "Her and Cigarettes". The song is simply about his two loves; his girl and his cigarettes. I know this feeling all too well and appreciate the song's simplistic concept. Anyway, can't stop / won't stop listening to this song, regardless of kickin' that nasty (yet incredible and satisfyinggggg) addiction. Listen to it here.
Lastly, I recommend that you all be super pissed that your New York Knick David Lee got the snub of the [basketball] year. Seriously, how is this guy not an all-star? If you are interested, take a look at his numbers and compare them to other forwards on the 2010 team. Unfortunate-Lee for him, snub or not, he's going to have to use this as motivation to progress as a player. If the guy can learn to block a shot or two, he'll be a star in the league for years to come.
There's honestly something really awesome and special about old-school vinyl records. It's not like buying a new album on vinyl because there is so much digital technology put into the recording of the music that it almost negates the fact that the music is being played on a circular piece of etched VINYL. And it's not quite like listening to cd's and mp3's of old music because that bullshit is most likely completely remastered, out of order, compiled into some hits collection... while all being done without the artists consent and little royalties. (Note: Not that I don't love remastered music -- I do -- but it's not the same). The point is, old music on old vinyl is special. Sure, it's music from the past, but it's new and completely unique in an -- I want to say -- authentic way; when I listen to a random album purchased from a thrift store like Salvation Army, I have no idea what to expect. I don't have any preconceived perceptions or notions on the artist or album... other than maybe the year it was released (which sometimes can be hard to find on those old vinyl) and the artwork gracing the cover. Otherwise, I have no further knowledge on the music I am going to hear. It's a wonderfully sick experience.
So, it's been decided by me that today is a national...no...worldwide... holiday.
Here are the rules of my Holiday (Grab Bag Record Day? We'll work on it):
* This Holiday doesn't hit you in the wallet. It's cheap, and therefore, Grab Bag (record) Day will commence every Wednesday. Unless you are busy, in which case you may celebrate on any of the other days, or you could...not celebrate...whatever, bro.
* You must buy (less than) ten dollars worth of random music, movies and media (vinyl ;), CD's, VHS movies, DVDs, books on tape, etc.) at a local thrift store of your choice.
* Must have at least 5 items to constitute Rob's definition of "Grab Bag" (one item per finger on the grabbing hand)
and lastly
* Must share your findings via blogosphereeeee.
Ok, whew, so moving on. I will become the first to post on my findings. I actually got somewhere around 11 albums for only $6.00. SIX DOLLARS! You can't even buy a new EP for six bucks.
Anyway, here's what I enjoyed the most out of my grab bag:
1) Roger Williams - Roger! (1967) 12-Song LP Standout Tracks: Theme From "BLACK ORPHEUS", I'm a Believer (Monkees Cover), And I Love Her (Beatles Cover)
**Roger Williams is an insanely talented pianist. Actually, if what I've learned is true, he is THE best-selling pianist in the history of pop music. I didn't know much about him before listening to this album, but I have to say it's everything from fun to moving while managing to be quite an overall upbeat enjoyable album. If you are into Frank Sinatra type stuff as well talented musicianship, this might bode well with your ears.
2) Glen Campbell - The Artistry of Glen Campbell (1967) 20-Song Double LP Standout Tracks: Wayfaring Stranger (oh my god, so so so good), Scarlet Ribbons, Love is Blue
**Incredible vocals with intricate, noodling acoustic guitars. Wayfaring Stranger has quickly become one of my favorite songs (this week) and his version of Scarlet Ribbons rules. Also, picking up this album opened my Glen Campbell doors; I have discovered an album which he had collaborated on called Present Tense by psychedelic rockers Sagittarius. THAT comes highly recommended as well (especially if you are a sucker for Beach Boys era psych-pop.
3) The Grateful Dead - Live in Europe '72 (1972) ? Live LP
Standout Tracks: Sugar Magnolia, Cumberland Blues
**Never been a "Dead Head", but I have found a new appreciation for the Dead. Their unique live and improvised sound and fuzzed guitars are quite endearing. I wouldn't suggest it if you aren't looking for random music of the past or are a major fan of the Grateful Dead, but it is TOTALLY worth the 45 cents.
That's all for now. There's a bunch of other random things that I enjoyed including records by Neil Young, Glenn Yarbrough, and a Ferrante & Teicher "Broadway Hits" album. If you're interested in anything else concerning these albums or artists, feel free to hit me up.
I thought I'd make arecommendation on this rainy afternoon.
ARCHERS OF LOAF - Icky Mettle Alias Records | 1993 It's hard not to love this record. At least for me ... and people like me.
I was driving in my car the other day and I decided to put my iPod on shuffle, get a random song, and subsequently listen to that song's respective album throughout the day (I do this often). The song "Backwash" from the Loaf's Icky Mettle (1993) album was picked by the hand of fate to brighten up my day.
This record is chock full o' music from another time while simultaneously acting as a precursor for the popular indie rock/pop punk/rock/etc. of today.
Allow me to explain:
Icky Mettle is a raw, romping, rockin' album that manages to hold true to the punk aesthetic while paying obvious homage to the underground hardcore scene that graced the mid-late 80's. At the time, Archers of Loaf burned some pretty major bridges that would become almost formulaic for the underground rock scene that would follow. By mixing their brand of indie rock with raw sounds of the underground hardcore punk scene (a la Husker Du), Archers of Loaf would almost accidentally create an underground classic. The resulting product would be a catchy, punky, sing-a-long record while being tastefully noisy and raw.
Or what I like to call, real music.
It's lyrically heartfelt. I believe lead singer Eric Bachmann when he yelps "You say I'll never be honest with you / Cause you don't deserve it anyway / No I don't think that you could love me anyway" on the song "Wrong". I believe that the screaching guitars on "Learo, You're a Hole" are emphasizing the singers feeling of discontent. I believe it.
If you're looking for that perfect pop-polished record full of perfect harmonies and ambiguous lyrics, you should run far from this record and never look back. But, in the event that you may just be ready to listen to one of the rawest, influential, and often overlooked indie rock masterpieces of the past, Icky Mettle may just brighten up your day too.
You owe it an honest chance.
Favorite Songs: Web In Front, Backwash, Hate Paste
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