Author Archive for jason

12
Nov

Into a World of Many Windy Dreams

By jason 1 Comment
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

chicago theater

Thanks to the most prolific contributer MiS has to offer, ‘Chicago’ by the Uglysuit has resonated frequently in my household since July.  In fact, it’s featured as the first song on the mix compiled in preparation for my son’s birth into the world.

Its inclusion into Genius Is Eternal Patience (title of said mix) notwithstanding, ‘Chicago’ is filled with a breezy piano harmony fitting for a walk on a beautiful day.  The song’s video, which recently premiered on Pitchfork, does a wonderful job documenting this blissful feeling.  It captures the group carelessly frolicking in this gorgeous city of ours.  Playing on the beach,  laying down in a grassy field,  trifting -  all the while setting up for a rooftop gig on a fine, summer day.

Sure, it depresses me to look out the window and see complete darkness at 5PM these days.  But videos like this remind me of the real reason we choose to live in Chicago.


30
Oct

Oasis Sent a Photograph

By jason 3 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music, Randominity and Recommendations/Reviews
Amanda Palmer

Since a fellow MiS member (and resident comedian) chose to post about Noel Gallagher’s recent comments made regarding Oasis’ most successful single ever, I thought I’d stay on topic and link to a fun, new video performed by Amanda Palmer.

Representing 1/2 of the punk cabaret duo, the Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer released a solo album earlier this year to mixed reviews.  The album was originally intended to encompass a bunch of songs left in purgatory after various recording sessions with her primary venture.  However, having randomly corresponded with Ben Folds last year, the two decided to record the tracks together at his studio in Nashville.

Folds’ influence and quirkiness is all over “Oasis,” as Palmer tells a story about sipping 40’s, banging a dude, contracting an STD, having an abortion, and getting into a battle with her best friend - all of which seems to be an after thought because she has tickets to see Blur in October and just received an autographed photo of those crazy Gallagher brothers.

That’s my kind of gal.  Rock n’ Roll.

:: Check it below ::

19
Jun

Girl Talk :: Feed the Animals

By jason 2 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

GT!

Dave was on his game this morning.  Nothing unusual, I know.  He quickly called attention to the new Girl Talk album available for download via Illegal Art.  For weeks, published reports that Gregg Gillis was about to ‘pull a Radiohead’ and release his album for a donation of the user’s choice made the rounds among the music world.  The plan was executed early this morning. 

Go here to grab the new album, Feed the Animals.  Pay what you wish. You don’t have to pay anything for the MP3’s.  Any donation over $5 will give you the option to download FLAC files.  Anything $10 or above will present you with the same file option along with a physical CD to be shipped when available by September 23rd.

As Black Sheep appropriately said, the choice is yours.  But keep in mind, this album figures to be the classic summer mix of 2008.  Get after it…

Girl Talk :: Feed the Animals

By the way, this Wikipedia entry already has the album’s samples dissected much like what was done with Night Ripper.  Check it.

13
Jun

Back In Black :: One Man Jam

By jason 5 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

Matthew Mahaffey - One Man Jam

Earlier this week I called attention to a story about a model skyscraper built out of toys.  I linked to a live performance of a song taken from Self’s highly enjoyable toy instrument album, Gizmodgery. 

This particular performance occured on April 17, 2004, and is one that has been discussed at length in the Self circle.  Britt Daniel (Spoon) was in the middle of a solo tour and asked Matt Mahaffey to play an opening set at Spaceland in Los Angeles.  Mahaffey, along with old pal, Seth Timbs backing him up, played about ten songs.   The video of the performance - recorded by a friend of Mahaffey’s, turned out better than expected.  He decided to have the footage pressed into a limited edition DVD which he planned to sell directly online and at future shows. 

Never one to cut corners, Matt sought legal permission for the last song performed in the set - Back In Black by AC/DC.  Permission was denied and access to the DVD was subsequently squashed.  Quite the unfortunate outcome for Mahaffey and fans alike. Considerable interest was generated on the band’s message board, and he was left having to sit on a slew of otherwise viable DVDs that could not be legally sold. 

Is this a case of overbearing legal guidance?  Or is it something completely misunderstood?  I’m sure Mahaffey wishes he had an answer. 

Anyway, here is the song in question.  It graciously popped up on YouTube earlier today (thanks, Mr. Mahaffey).  Matt performed the song entirely by himself while sitting at his drum kit with an Omnichord at his side.  One Man Jam Extraordinaire!

Happy Friday the 13th…

11
Jun

Erector Set Skyscraper

By jason 5 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music, Randominity and Recommendations/Reviews

Gizmodgery

Has Matt Mahaffey morphed into an architect?  The thought immediately popped into my head this morning when I read this story about a 65-foot model skyscraper recently built with steel toy components.  It’s currently being exhibited at Rockefeller Center in the Midtown Manhattan district of New York City. 

The artist behind the creation, Chris Burden, had this to say about the structure:

It’s a poetic interpretation of 30 Rock, it’s not a model of it. It references all the tall buildings in Manhattan.

I trust he and his crew listened to Self’s excellent Gizmodgery album when building it in L.A.  Building with toys while listening to toy instruments.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Here’s a video of Matt Mahaffey and Seth Timbs performing “I Love To Love Your Love My Love” from the aforementioned album at Spaceland in Los Angeles.  Will this DVD ever see the light of day, Mr. Mahaffey?  Perhaps I should direct my inquiry to the boys in AC/DC.

10
Jun

Força!

By jason 4 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music, Randominity and Recommendations/Reviews

Euro2008

MiS has had a strong focus on bands from foreign lands recently, so I figured I’d continue the trend by promoting European soccer and a Luso-Canadian singer. 

Euro2008 is in full swing.  Storied rivalries and tension between opposing countries is at an all-time high, yet those of us in the States would hardly know it since it doesn’t get much media attention.  I have to commend ESPN for covering some of the matches though.  

I’m sure JT has been watching closely.  After all, he’s definitely the biggest soccer fan of us three and has had the distinct pleasure of catching a Champions League game during one of his visits to the UK (not to mention being in Germany and in the heart of the hoopla surrounding the 2006 World Cup tournament).

Anyhow, this year’s tournament reminded me of a song (thanks, Lori) by Nelly Furtado that was chosen as the anthem of Euro2004 in Portugal.  Originally featured on her 2003 album, Folklore, “Força” was distinctly written with her ancestery in mind.  Furtado added:

When I was touring in Portugal, people would frequently say goodbye to me by saying “Força,” which is Portuguese slang. It translates as “Keep going,” or “Kick ass.” It’s also associated with sports, especially football [soccer]. I put a feminine twist on the idea of how you feel when you’re watching your favourite team. When you tie that into nationality, it becomes pretty intense. So this is a happy song, a burst of energy. 

The song begins with a quick drum stick tap and an accordion-like synth groove before Furtado drops the first verse.  Legendary musician, Bela Fleck is featured on banjo and enhances the musical background with a magical riff throughout the song. 

Tension builds in her voice as she navigates her way through motivational lyrics within each verse.  Furtado then proudly transitions into a dominating Portuguese chorus.  An all-out chant interspersed before the bridge and at the end of the song essentially proclaims victory on anything impeding her way before her journey began.

This track is definitely one to be added to your work-out mix.  An Esposito-like burst of energy!

Nelly Furtado :: Força

29
May

I’m Not Gonna Teach Him How To Dance With You

By jason 1 Comment
Categories: Culture, Music, Randominity and Recommendations/Reviews

The Black Kids are no stranger to the Internet.  After launching their Myspace page with four solid songs last year, the 5-piece from Jacksonville, Florida quickly developed a local following and subsequent buzz among music blogs all over the world.

A quirky video surfaced on Scotland’s XFM Radio website a couple weeks ago with “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You” as the music bed.  The premise behind the video:

Ever wondered what goes on at the station when one of our presenters play a song on air? No? Well you might after this video.

The playful, new wave vibe of the song immediately connects with the antics (captured on a shaky camera) by the DJ and a slew of his radio station cohorts.  The video itself has been making the rounds quite a bit lately, and rightfully so.  Not only does it make me long to work at a radio station like this, it’s also proof that Irn Bru cannot be faded.  I miss my brief stay in Edinburgh last fall.  I’ll surely be back some day.

He’s got two left feet and he bites my moves…

27
Apr

Rue Royale Take a Stroll In the Darkness

By jason 3 Comments
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

The latest act to drop in on the indie-folk scene is a subdued, husband-and-wife team called Rue Royale.  Their story is a bit reminiscent to the one portrayed in the movie, Once.    The two innocently met while Ruth was touring the States with a choir from Staffordshire, UK.  Brookln Dekker moved to Chicago from St. Louis in the late ’90’s hoping to further his career.  Forming a bond behind their musical backgrounds, they began to write and record songs together while establishing a long-distance relationship that eventually led to a marriage.   

Drawing influences from Fleetwood Mac and the Doves, their music parallels many contemporaries such as Sufjan Stevens, Jose Gonzalez, and Earlimart.  Wistful melodies blend with earnest lyrics to create a touching acoustic landscape perfect for any Sunday morning.

Rue Royale plans to tour the Midwest in May (May 7th at Subterranean in Chicago) in support of their first full length album, before hitting the rest of the States throughout the summer.  Catch them if you are able.  Check out their Myspace page to listen to a few songs, particularly “UFO” and “Even In the Darkness.”

Rue Royale :: Myspace
Rue Royale :: CD Baby (to purchase their albums)

04
Apr

Ladies & Gentlemen Get Down On the Dance Floor

By jason 1 Comment
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews

Ladies & Gentlemen

Dave kicked off this Friday with a banger.  I thought I’d end this Friday with another song that challenges folks to remain still. 

Ladies & Gentlemen is a new wave power pop band from Chicago.  The members have participated in various other acts around the city, but decided to band together to take a shot at pop in all its glory.   Their sound is a favorable mix between the Cars and Office. 

“The Dance Floor” is a song featured on their self-titled album which was released in 2006.  It begins with a siren-like synth; undoubtedly a call to all patrons to get on the dance floor.  Lyrically, the front man unapologetically sings about a typical night out among folks looking to shake their asses. 

DMB- you best listen to this song before you leave for your date on Saturday.  I promise it will get you where you need to be…on the dance floor.

Ladies & Gentlemen :: The Dance Floor

28
Mar

The Pounding of Your Heartbeat Is Keeping the Time

By jason 1 Comment
Categories: Culture, Music and Recommendations/Reviews
Brian McSweeney

I’ve quietly fallen into another slump since getting sick last week.  I’ve been feverishly combing through my files to post something now that I’m finally healthy.  There’s been a problem though.  None of the songs I have on my hard drive or on disc can compete with the one I’ve had implanted in my head for the last few months. 

Brian McSweeney is someone I accidentally saw on stage a year and a half ago.  I bought tickets to see Charlotte Martin (what’s up, Ken Andrews) with my wife.  Mr. McSweeney graced the stage before Martin’s set.  He blew me away.  He made me wonder why I hadn’t seen him previously.  And he has me wondering if I’ll ever see him again.

A simple search uncovers his former band called Matthew- a Chicago outfit that created some buzz in the late 1990s on the local circuit.  When I saw him, it was just McSweeney with his guitar and his unmistakable self-depricating personality.    Admittedly, there was a Mahaffey-like quality about him as well.

While his Myspace site only has one song to offer, it’s better than anything out there right now.  “Vampire Rock” opens with a simple drum machine loop and a wistful acoustic guitar strum.  His vocals are a bit listless yet earnest to the core as he sings about the internal conflicts of wrong and right as a person on the road. 

Please listen to this track in the dark…

Then the vampires came
To bring desires you cannot feed.
Oh now the day is closing
Waking ravenous need.

« Previous Entries

Chicago/Denver Concerts

12/31 :: HUM (Double Door, Chicago)

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