Built To Spill - You In Reverse

Built To Spill, "Conventional Wisdom"

Built To Spill, "Mess With Time"

Mang, yesterday was such a great day, beautiful weather, got to spend the day with MC, EC, JN, MA, Rittenhouse Square wasn't too crowded, I didn't make an ass of myself at Scrabble. Yes indeedy. In the spirit of such a nice day, it seemed fitting to look at Built To Spill, one of the most melodic, joyous sounding bands ever.

I didn't grow up listening to indie rock, and so the last few years have oftentimes seemed like a crash course on this music. Built To Spill was one of those bands that I had never heard of, a seminal, important band that never crossed my path until I began to look. When I did find them, I really felt like I had found the template for the stereotypical indie band that I had in my head when I wanted to complain about the music. I felt like I had found the band that others had been trying to copy. Doug Martsch and partners put together amazing, melodic, eccentric, guitar-centric pop songs with obtuse lyrics, a sort of outsider/nerd's take on rock.

After a 5-year hiatus, the band is back with a new album, You In Reverse. It is a bit of a departure, especially from the band that I first heard and came to love. The two things that leapt out at me are the length of the songs and the production. These are really long, meandering songs, featuring long solos and intros. Each song has a fuzzier, more unclear sound than normal, adding to the feeling that this was a loose, spontaneous type of album. I'm sure it wasn't made that way, but it's doesn't have the same intensity and crispness that their classic albums of the 90s do.

This is not to say that this is a bad album, although it isn't going to be on the Most Played list. It sound a lot like Martsch is developing something different, and that he hasn't quite put it together. Some of the songs seem to lack direction, including the one above, "Conventional Wisdom," which never gets the second verse that seems so necessary to me. Curious to hear what long-time fans think. Kwaya Na Kisser, An Aquarium Drunkard, A Slice of Class, Villains Always Blink and girlspants have more mp3s and thoughts on the album. Buy the album here, and see what you think.

-An interesting editorial in the Times today by Adam Cohen, looking at one of the most interesting and underreported stories of the past few years, the Republican phone-jamming scandal in New Hampshire.

-I am thinking of getting real serious this week, doing some intellectual posts on Philadelphia and the future. I know that these posts might not go over well, but it's where my head and heart are. I hope that they can spur some discussion, and will appeal to all of us living in cities and trying to bring them back to rightful place as the only important centers in the world. I will also be dropping plenty of music and other less-serious things, something for everyone.

Gogol Bordello at the Trocadero

Gogol Bordello, "Immigrant Punk"

Gogol Bordello, "Avenue B"

I got back on the concert horse this past Friday, heading to the Gogol Bordello show at the Trocadero in Chinatown. This was to be my second time seeing the band, and I could not have been more excited. The first time was last summer at the TLA on South Street, a larger venue that was not even half-full. My expectations were low in the face of such a weak turnout, but lead singer Eugene Hutz and Gogol destroyed shit. It was and is one of the best shows I have ever seen, a great chance to see a band that has a unique sound and a desire to entertain its fans. Hutz acted the part of the Ukranian Iggy Pop, climbing speakers, running around the stage, destroying equipment, taking clothes off. The rest of the band was talented, creating that unique sound that blends the Lower East Side with the Old Country.

I went into this most recent show with high expectations, a packed house and a group to go with. Amazingly, this show just didn't do it for me. First, the opening act, Zao, was awful. Their music sounded like an 80s hair band, with long, wanking solos and weak songs. I mean, how could a band as amazing and unique as Gogol choose such a bland, uninteresting tourmate? It doesn't make sense, and is a real lost opportunity for the band to get the night started right.

After an interminable delay, Gogol Bordello finally went on around 10:15, 10:30 and the place went apeshit. MC and I were standing close to the soundboard on the edge of the floor, under the balcony. The entire floor began jumping and moshing, and really didn't let up the entire night. It was amazing, and unlike any other show I have been to recently. Unfortunately, I never felt that same excitement, as the music and performance never hit home. I felt like the band sounded much louder and less subtle than before, drowning out the gypsy, Eastern European sound in loud guitars and general noise. Oh, and they had a guest rapper/hype man come on, and he added nothing to the show, ruined the one song he particpated in and generally seemed to be a unneccessary distraction.

As the show wore on, I felt like they started to open up, letting the songs extend and extend, gainging that hypnotic, repetitive gypsy sound that I love. For the record, I believe that the three women I went with loved the show. MC, EC and LM can feel free to add their voices, as I imagine that they saw and heard a different show. I don't want this to be the last word on the band, one of my favorites, as it pains me to write critical words about a band on the rise that I love. I will spend the rest of this week looking at their music and some of the side projects that Hutz is involved in. If the interest and time is there, I would love to look at the music of Eastern Europe, a vital music that seems to be undergoing a renaissance of sorts, finding audiences around the world.

Straight outta the shtetl, motherfuckers!!!

Paint The Daytime Black - Dylan Sunday

Bob Dylan, Paint The Daytime Black (unlimited downloads)

I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than listening to some Bob Dylan. To help you out with this, here is another bootleg of a Dylan live show, this one entitled Paint the Daytime Black. It comes from the February 14, 1974, and is considered one of the best sounding shows from that year, both in terms of band performance and tape quality. As an added bonus, you will notice more than a few songs from The Band on here, as Bob's backup band became more and more of a force of its own.

Warning, this is a huge file. A little more than 200 MB, so know what you're getting into here. I think that I'm going to do this Dylan Sunday thing once a month, as it's nice to spread the man's music, but I'm not sure I have enough to do it that regularly. Feel free to send anything along, as I am always interested in hearing more of the man's music and will always share it.

-Before you do anything, do not pass Go, do not collect $200, head to Aquarium Drunkard and download the "lost" Bob Dylan/Johnny Cash sessions from 1969. This is an amazing colllection of the collaboration between two masters. Huge props to Aquarium Drunkard for this and the entire Lost Album series.

Lady Sovereign Part 2 - Vertically Challenged

Lady Sovereign, "Random (Menta Remix feat. Riko)"

Lady Sovereign, "Fiddle With The Volume (Ghislain Poirier remix)"

One more devoted to the little one, the 5-foot assassin. These tracks come off the Vertically Challenged EP, which was a lot better than I expected. Scratch that, it's really fucking good. Once you get over the Philly concert debacle, you realize just how talented Sov is. She's got great lyrics, a distinct style, and I'm always a sucker for an accent.

Vertically Challenged is a nice work to tide over everyone after the initial buzz peaked. I am sure most of you have heard this, but if not, go and buy it and get psyched for her full-length later this year. Oh, and again I have to say, where are the mixtapes from the grime, East London scene? I know that Lady Sov is arguably a part of this scene, but she is aligned with it to most Americans. How can she be signed to Jay Z's new label and no one has put out a mixtape of her hits, all of these remixes, some new shit of her rhyming over popular beats.

Anyway, I chose two remixes for this post, as I figure that most of you have heard the originals. If not, maybe we'll remedy that. Holler on that point. Ghislain Poirier kills it, per usual. I haven't mentioned this guy enough, not sure why, since I saw him open for Lady Sov and headline at Sin-e, thought his mix was the best of the lemon-red monthlies. He brings a dancehall vibe to "Fiddle With The Volume," continuing to demonstrate his ability to make you wanna dance no matter what he puts his touch to. We just need to get Montreal down to Philly, so he can really do it. The first track is a remix by Menta features a verse by Riko via phone, I think, with a nice grime beat.

Check out Villains Always Blink for a Rucker & Sindens vocal mix of "Random." disco-not-disco has the "Little Bit of Shh" remix done by Adrock of the one, the only Beasties Boys. Finally, Random circuits has "The Battle", although he seems to have Lady Sov as a guest on the track.

-In this vein, you absolutely must cop the Roll Deep mixtapes, Creeper Volumes 1 +2, that Logan Sama has so generously upped on his blog. Well, actually, he gives you a few links to grab them, but make sure to check the blog out for all sorts of grime info, radio shows and tunes. Yeah! [Via Mudd Up!]

-A request: Please let me know of any other good sources for grime tunes or pirate radio sets or anything in this vein. I have finally added Logan Sama's site to the permanent links on the right, and would like to expandd the grime offerings.

-I am headed to the Gogol Bordello show tonight at the Trocadero with MC, EC and L?. I am really looking forward to this show, as the last time I saw them, at the TLA last summer, they put on one of the best concerts I have ever attended. Plus, I finally can walk out of the house without looking like I'm on death's bed. I will review the show and post up some mp3s on Monday. Hell, I might dedicate the whole week to the Gogol scene and other music influenced or coming out of Eastern Europe. Also, I'll finally get up the Lil' Wayne I've been promising, some Massive Attack, the new Built to Spill, Eno-Byrne. This weekend, light posting, probably going to post some music videos I have been meaning to get up. What are weekends for if not sitting and staring at a screen? Everyone have a great weekend, check back soon.

Love,

Pound for Pound

Late Update: Krash Is King Shit and Handsome, Plastic Little at Tritone tonight. Be there, I will be.

The Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics

The Flaming Lips, "The W.A.N.D."

The Flaming Lips, "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung"

If you can believe it, I am still sick and might actually be getting sicker. I mean, I have pink eye, people, pink fucking eye. This puts to rest the idea that pink is the new black, especially if you try to pair it with snot green. Anyway, in my medicated state, it seemed like as good a time as any to discuss the new Flaming Lips album, At War With The Mystics.

I must confess that I had never really given The Flaming Lips much of a listen before, always considering them a novelty act. But MC turned me onto Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, and I came to realize that they were so much more than a few goofy songs. In fact, I don't think they get enough due for paving the way for a lot of the free folk and experimental shit that has caught on, like Animal Collective and Akron/Family. Their success made experimentation doable again, harkening back to the 70s when stars like Bowie and Pink Floyd would try out different sounds and genres from album to album.

This new one seems to have a little of both worlds for the Lips, the pop tunes and the psychedelic explorations. There's lot of effects, even on Wayne Coyne's already-weird voice. There's a little bit of added funk in a few songs, and a decidely more political edge to the lyrics. I've given it a few listens, and the album doesn't quite do it. There aren't any songs that really stuck out in my head, a necessity for me to love a album. There's a lot of meandering, neither leaping into the unknown nor rocking straightaway. From the reviews on Amazon, it appears to have split fans down the middle as well. I actually think that Pitchfork's review most closely aligns with my own. Something just doesn't work. Buy it here and decide for yourself.

Stereogum has the Lips playing "Bohemian Rhapsody" at a recent concert. Binky the Doormat has the Lips doing Kylie Minogue (!!!) from a XFM session. berkeleyplace has some more live goodness. Silence Is A Rhythm Too, the CAMERA As PEN and All Things Go have some tracks from the new one.

-Philly, calling all weirdos and noise aficinados. It is going to be an amazing next few months for us, as Acid Mothers Temple is playing (April 21) and Boris and Growing are coming back (June 5). Then, the real fireworks. Sonic Youth is playing at the Starlight Ballroom (June 14), as intimate a show as they will ever do now. Best of all, announced today, the Boredoms are playing their only East Coast show in our great city, June 30th. No NYC, no D.C. Fuck yeah! Go to R5 for more information and to buy your tickets.

-"Who let the Jews out?"

Happy Passover

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Passover, as the sun has gone down and the holiday has begun. I also want to wish a fond farewell to rye bread, and to let it know that we will be meeting again in 8 days accompanied with our friends pastrami and hot mustard. At Katz's or Famous' or Jack's. You know what, let's do 'em all. Oh, and I ain't forgettin' about you bagel, sweet bagel. We will meet again at Kossar's and South Street Bagel before you even know I'm gone.

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a chance this Pesach to spend time with their family and friends, and load up on brisket and matzo and gefilte (maybe not that last one).

Next year in Jerusalem!

Lady Sovereign Part 1

Lady Sovereign, "Cha Ching (XXXchange remix)"

Lady Sovereign feat. Mizz Beats, Skepta, JME, Ears, Jammer &
Baby Blue, "Adidas Hoodie (remix)"

Lady Sovereign, "Adidas Hoodie (Basement Jaxx remix)"

I have been holding onto these tracks recently for no reason, so I'm going to devote a few posts to everyone's favorite performer, Lady Sovereign. The midget keeps on grindin', as evidenced above. At the very least, her songs keep inspiring remixes, a pretty good sign that the original is inspiring. I assume that some of this will find its way onto her full-length release on Jay Z's label, but have no idea.

Pay special attention to the XXXchange remix, as it's nice to see the other half of Spank Rock getting some more attention. This is a good one, as it sounds like a rock band got let into the studio. The first Adidas Hoodie remix is a grime all-star session, it would seem, and only serves to remind me how much I have slipped on following the shit coming out of East London. It's a shame that only a few performer's music have made it to the US, as it's seem just as hard to get this music a few years after the first buzz came. Whatever, we'll try to get on the grind with that. The final one is the Basement Jaxx remix that y'all have probably heard. It seemed like a good post to up this one, Lady Sov for the dancefloor. Tomorrow, I'll up some tracks from her EP, Vertically Challenged.

-disco-not-disco ran a Lady Sov contest for a few weeks. While that ended Sunday, you should head over there and check out the Tiga remixes, the goth talk, A-Trak, Eagles of Death Metal and remixes galore. Don't know how bol even gets this shit, to be honest, but I ain't complainin'.

-Speaking of disco-not-disco, head over to Banana Nutrament for this look at no wave/punk funk unknowns, Sexual Harrassment. As time goes by, I get more and more into period of music, when disco and rock and rap and punk were all mixed up and genres hadn't solidified.

-Speaking of talented women, Hardly Art, Hardly Garbage on Nelly Furtado. I have loved her from the moment that cheesy "Like A Bird" jawn dropped, and have been the object of scorn as a result. This post provides me with all the support I need; I hope that Sean can give her the hip credibilty she deserves.

Sippin' Codeine

DJ Screw, "South Side"

DJ Screw, "Remember Them Days"

Master P, "If I Could Change" (Freestyle w/Lil' Keke, Big Pokey, Big Jut & Big Moe)

I've been sick as a dog the past three days, which should explain the lack of posts. I figured that I would up some music that sounds right to my head full of Nyquil. These songs come off the recent DJ Screw release The Greatest Hits, a compilation of some of the best flows and songs, all proceeds benefitting the DJ Screw Foundation. Buy it here, highly recommended, especially for those looking to hear some Screw but don't know where to start. What the hell, I'm also throwing up a freestyle from Plots and Schemes, one of the classic tapes and one of the greatest freestyles. I'll be back to regular posting tomorrow, as we'll be featuring some Lady Sovereign and some old YYYs and whatever else comes up.

-Read Seymour Hersh's latest piece in the New Yorker if you are dying to feel the same nausea in your stomach as I do. It chronicles the Administration's desire to go to war with Iran and developing war plans. I mean, are we in Narnia? Is it Groundhog's Day?

-Wanna feel even sicker? Read this essential New Yorker article, "Political Science", from Michael Specter which details the Bush Administration's attacks on science and scientists. Frightening, frightening stuff. The Washington Post adds to the story, looking at the pressure being put on climate scientists working for the government in discussing global warming publicly. [Via Eric Alterman]

-Alright, that should give you an idea of how I get when I'm sick and cooped up inside. Thanks to MC, RS, JS and J C-S for putting up with me and taking care of your bol. Back tomorrow with Lady Sov and less bile.

Blood On The Wall at the Trocadero

Blood On The Wall, "When You Go Out Walking"

Blood On The Wall, "Mae Abiline"

Blood On The Wall, "Baby Likes To Holler"

In all the Yeah Yeah Yeahs excitement, I almost forgot to mention the opening set by Pound for Pound favorite, Blood On The Wall. It wasn't because the trio didn't do the damn thing. On the contrary, they put on a great set that the YYYs built on. Unlike Love Is All, however, they did not overshadow the headliners.

It was a strange show at times, as the stage seemed to dwarf the band members. There were lots of awkward pauses, the crowd was obnoxiously loud, especially in my section and there was waaaaaayyy too much tuning by the band. It seemed like a nervous tic, honestly, and diminshed from the sheer awesomeness of their songs and music.

With all that said, mang, Blood On The Wall is the real deal. This shit sounded so good, even in a big venue like the Troc. They came out firing with "Stoner Jam", and played mostly tracks from the most recent album. They sound even heavier live, as there was a point where the sibling guitarists were headbanging and playing this loud, heavy shit that made me jealous that I hadn't grown up listening to Megadeth and Slayer, wearing black t-shirts with the band's name on them and hating my parents from the privelege of suburban ennui. For the record, that feeling disappeared quite quickly, replaced by my normal feelings of self-loathing and general fear. My main thought at the end of the show was bringing the trio back to Philly for an intimate, club show, where they could feel free to go crazy, destroy the audience, just wreck shit. I'mma try to make this happen, as it's time to start making Pound for Pound's presence felt on the streets too.

The above tracks come from the band's self-titled debut, Blood On The Wall. It's a pretty amazing first album, as their sound seems to have been built in their DNA, as you will hear the same energy, the rotating male-female vocals, rock riffs, great hooks and fine sopngwriting that you hear on Awesomer. This one is a little more lo-fi, and I don't feel like any of the tracks are bonafide hits. Buy it here, I recommend it highly. It's just a good, consistent album, a warning of the great things to come. You've been warned now.

R.I.P. Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney, "Town Without Pity"

Gene Pitney, "It Hurts To Be In Love"

Gene Pitney, "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance"

Gene Pitney, "Only Love Can Break A Heart"

We lost another great one recently, as Gene Pitney passed away Wednesday. For those that don't know, he is one of the great singers of all-time, a huge name in the 50s and 60s. I came to him through his work with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, two of my all-time favorites. Pitney's incredible voice would feature on some of the duo's most romantic, pop ballads. Above are some tracks from The Look of Love: Burt Bacharach Collection and his most famous song, or at the very least my favorite by Pitney, "Town Without A Pity." Listen to these songs about love and heartbreak and remember Mr. Pitney.

Blood On The Wall

Blood On The Wall, "I'd Like To Take You Out Tonight"

Blood On The Wall, "Mary Susan"

I'm feeling under the weather today; it snowed earlier and am sitting next to three Wharton MBA douchebags in this cafe. Needless to say, it's not a good time. To cheer me up, I have decided to post up some tracks from Blood On The Wall, the opener tonight for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the Trocadero.

These songs come from their most recent album from 2005, Awesomer, which belonged in my Top 10 List. I came to this one late in the year, and didn't really have a chance to give it a thorough listening while making up the Top 10 list I did. It most certainly would have made it now, as it's mixture of indie, stoner rock and metal sound so right. BOTW is a trio, led by the brother-sister team of Courtney and Brian Shanks, who clearly were very influenced by the 80s indie scene. But this is not another retro band, copying its predecessors.

It's hard to put my finger on why these guys stand out so much for me, and don't fall into the black hole that is NYC hype bands. It really comes down to their songwriting ability and catchy songs, which force you to return to them again and again. Even in the midst of loud, sludgy song like the opener, "Stoner Jam," the band still keeps your attention with a good song underneath the guitars. Best of all, like Love Is All, they have that dual vocal, male-female Sonic Youth thang going, which y'all know I'm a sucka for.

Nick Sylvester gave it an 8.1 back in the day, and hinted at the reason this album works (if you can get through the pretentious name-dropping and gibberish). Tom Breihan from Status Ain't Hood has also shown love to these Brooklyners. The Simple Mission was also on the case months ago. Funtime OK posted up another tracks from the album recently. Cop the album here, you will not be disappointed.

-Brandon Stosuy had a nice piece on Blood On The Wall and the Brooklyn scene they came out of.

-Another nice thing is that the new Flaming Lips album, At War With The Mystics, is finally in stores, released yesterday. I'll put some tracks up in the next few days, although I am sure that everyone has already heard the album before it ever dropped. Even if you have, make sure you buy the album and support everyone's favorite drug explorers.

-The Brown Brothers are getting their site up and running, with promises of many mixes for download. In the meantime, they have up a Frank Ski mix from 1991 from a show on at [Via A Silent Flute]

-The best news of all is the downfall of this motherfucker, one of the worst, most corrupt human beings alive. The face of the modern day Republican Party and conservative movement.

I'm Bossy

Kelis (ft. Too $hort), "I'm Bossy"

Kelis (ft. Too $hort), "I'm Bossy" (clean)

Kelis, "I'm Bossy" (instrumental)

Not me, Kelis is the bossy one. In fact, I have learned that I am passive aggressive, but I digress. This is a great song from the Milkshake girl, amazing beat by Bangladesh, I think, not sure how much radio play it's getting. It's a slow, steady burner, it doesn't have that dancefloor feel that "Milkshake" has. But, I think I may like it more, to be honest, as it's got this delicious, slow bass line, Kelis' sexy voice talking about being icey and bossy, and like a banging bottle.

Shit, the video is fire too, a nice Dave LaChapelle jawn that has Kelis in all her glory. Love, love, love the second act in the bar, with the spotlight as the only light. Great shot, I think it's been used in N.E.R.D.'s "Lap Dance" and lots of other videos. It still works for me. Oh, and ladies, pay special attention to this video. Do you notice that Kelis has cut her famous afro, rocking the short hair and looking absolutely stunning. Peep the video here, and let's hear your thoughts. Of course, Hardly Art, Hardly Garbage was on this shit a few weeks ago, I ain't never gonna keep up with bol. Read the entire post, as he drops knowledge about Portnoy's Complaint, T.I.'s new album and all the things he loves in life.

Oh, and the greatest part of all is the guest verse by the one, the only Too $hort. The Oakland legend kills it with a rap that warns about these bossy women and the damage they can do to your money stacks. Mang, it is so nice to hear Short Dogg on a big track, as the man deserves a much bigger audience. I'm thinking that I'm going to do my part on that front and dedicate a few posts to the man and his music. It will be a nice continuation of the Bay Area ish and a good lead-in to our return to Miami bass and booty music. Awww, I hope y'all ready, as we bout to run this game for good.

Here are few boss things:

-Natalie Portman on SNL in "Gangsta Rap". Again, short hair, ladies. Just sayin.

-The new Clipse single, "Mr Mee Too", can be had at DJ Benzi's site. Love the ominous beat and the Clipse verses. Pharell, enough, please. I don't wanna hear about BAPEs or Ice Creams anymore. Stop. Make sure to thank Benzi by going back and copping his next mixtape (or an old one), which is dropping soon.

-Make sure to cop A Silent Flute's first foray into mixtape-making, Universal Dress Rehearsal, (or it's the first that I've caught). Great mix, not what I expected. No Bmore club bangers, no jungle madness. Instead, you get a laid-back trip through psychedelia, Brazilian bossa and funk. Is there a tracklisting?

Morrissey

Morrissey, "The Youngest Was The Most Loved"

Morrissey, "I'll Never Be Anybodys Hero Now"

There are some days that are just more important than other days. You wanna believe the idea that every day counts, that any day could be special. Fourth of July, Halloween, Thansgiving. Tomorrow is one of those days, as Morrissey's new album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, drops. I say that tomorrow is as great as all three of those holidays above put together, simply for the fact that this happens once every few years. You don't get to wake up to a brand new Morrissey CD annually.

I'm not sure what to say about this album, as I know that I'm too biased an observer. I admit it, I love the Smiths, Morrissey, and am as much a fanboy as my cold, dead heart allows. I actually beat my younger brother into a coma when he argued with me that The Queen Is Dead is not the greatest album of all-time. To this day, I do not regret doing so.

However, I hope that you have come to trust my critical judgements and adherence at all costs. With that said, this is a great CD, a great Morrissey solo album, a contender for album of the year. It has a more of a rocking sound than classics like Bona Drag and Viva Hate, a louder, more defiant sound. It makes sense, having heard Moz speaking recently, as he seems to be looking for trouble, calling out Canada, the Arctic Monkeys and Kate Moss. I like it, as he seems to be singing and writing with an eye to the world today, moving away from that depressed, self-absorbed person who speaks so clearly to me. Well, not that far away, evidenced by song titles like the ones above or the main single "You Have Killed Me." There are some references throughout to the war, to the mess that the world is, and none of it seems forced.

That being said, it is still a Morrissey album, and I don't know if this will change your thoughts on him. You either love him or hate him, and nothing on this album suggests that he will be getting a lot of new fans from this one. There's a little more balance lyrically, not all doom and gloom, so I hope that skeptics will give it a listen.

Make sure to buy the album tomorrow, as I'd like to see this one hold the #1 spot on Billboard. That would be a harbinger of great things to come for me, us, and the whole damn world.

Follow this man, people:



Follow Moz wherever he wants to take you.

Don Omar

Don Omar, Hector Y Zion, "Ronka"

Don Omar, "La Batidora"

Don Omar & Glory, "La Popola (remix)"

I had planned to open the week with some good reggaeton tracks in celebration of the amazing weather and the beginning of Spring. Ahhh, what a difference a day can make! I am typing this on a rainy, drizzly, damp day, a complete turnaround from the beautiful days that had everyone outside recently. Well, hopefully, these songs will bring the sunshine back, and remind G-d or Mother Nature or whoever is responsible for this shit, that enough is enough. We have suffered enough shitty days.

These tracks come off of a Don Omar mixtape, Kings of the Game: Don Omar, Volume 2, which collects some of the man's best songs and remixes. I think that these are the best ways to get into reggaeton, starting with the masters like Omar, Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderon. There's a reason that these names are so synonymous with the genre, as they are the most consistent hitmakers so far. FYI, I have chosen some of the weirder tracks off of this mixtape, skipping all of his hits that are on his album and that I have uploaded here before. Cop the mixtape here, and take a look around a great resource for reggaeton street tapes.

More reggaeton to follow in the next few weeks, as it becomes more and more necessary as the temperature heats up. I'm on it.

-Another sign of spring and warmer weather came today, as the Phillies started their season today. Err, nevermind. By the time I got to check out the game, they were down 10-0 in the fourth inning. Ten to fucking nothing.

-While we're on depressing shit, check out this essential article by Murray Waas in the National Journal on just how hard the Bush White House worked to keep the public in the dark on the lies they told to get us to war. Josh Marshall has more to add to this cover-up. [Via Firedoglake]

-Starting tomorrow, no more doom and gloom. Onward and upward, people. If Mother Nature won't, I'm going to bring the heat.

Back Pages: Part 2

Bob Dylan, Back Pages (1961-1995) (unlimited downloads)

It's Sunday, it's beautiful Spring weather here in Philly, and I'm having a hard time coming up with something to write. What does that mean? Some new Bob Dylan music, perfect for sitting in Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square or Central Park or whatever urban spot you're at today.

This isn't really new, in the strict sense of the word, as I have already uploaded Back Pages:1961-1995, a retrospective of Dylan's music that was created a few years back for distribution via the Internets. However, this time I have a copy that has a file for each song, as opposed to the one long and unwieldy mp3 I had. This is some of the most amazing music ever made, and I really cannot think of a better way to spend my Sunday than with listening to this.

Thanks to songanddanceman at Dylan Pool for this upgrade.

Editors

Editors, "Lights"

Editors, "All Sparks"

In honor of the Editors/stellastarr* show tonight at the Trocadero, I figured that I would up a few songs from the Editors' debut album, The Back Room. Listen, I know what you're saying. Another fucking band from the UK with a ton of hype and a laundry list of cool influences like Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnyman. I know that it's hard to get excited, but trust me that this is one of the best to come out of the post-post-punk wave, up there with Bloc Party. They have a bona fide 5 or 6 great songs on this album, which gets to the heart of what seperates them from the pack. They write great songs, filled with spiky guitars, simple but haunting lyrics and a catchiness that is hard to forget.

Badminton Stamps has a few tracks up as well, with "Munich" possibly being my favorite on the CD. My Ex Best Friend and Can you see the sunset from the southside? both have tracks up, tooo. m3online continues to bring the heat, this time with some Editors and stellastarr*, who I have not heard yet. Finally, make sure to grab the live Editors set they did on KCRW radio over at The BM Rant.

The album looks like it's finally gotten a U.S. release, so buy it here for a much nicer price than the import was.

-I have to recommend this new-to-me blog called Silence Is A Rhythm Too, one of the best I have come across in a minute. The blog name, a reference to the classic song of the same name by the Slits, should give away the main direction of the site, as it is an amazing resource for post-punk gems.

-Why am I not at the show tonight? I am going to expend my energy at the return of Hollertronix at Metro Lounge tonight. Thta's right, Pop-off Shack: Hollertronix Edition tonight only. Diplo is back in town, and I am excited.

-For those who like to roll really late night, head over to Transit for Pleasuretown, which is running until 6 AM. Junior Sanchez is holding down the main room with house, King Britt is doing a 5 hour set in the basement, and emynd & Bo Bliz, Roxy Cottontail and others are gonna kill upstairs. I'mma try to make it, but my old bones can't stay up like they used to.

Cat Power-The Greatest

Cat Power, "Lived In Bars"

Cat Power, "Willie"

Cat Power, "I Don't Blame You"

I've been meaning to put these tracks up for a few weeks now, which in a perverse way is right on schedule for me, if that makes sense. Anyway, Cat Power is one of my favorites, that rare combination of talent, courage and crippling. I mean, the fact that she has stage fright and is unable to perform because of that is so endearing to me I cannot put it into words. Combine that with a truly amazing voice and heartbreaking songs and you have a winner.

These tracks come from her most recent album, The Greatest, her Memphis album. While sadly no one from Three 6 Mafia turn up, some of the best studio musicians from that city did. What came out is one of the early contenders for album of the year, a beautiful, soulful album that never comes across as a gimmick. In fact, it almost seems like Chan Marshall was meant to be singing back in the 60s for a label like Stax, putting out amazing 45s that DJs and collectors would be bidding up on eBay today. Cop the album here, as it is real necessary. How necessary? It's called The Greatest and has boxing glove jewelry on the cover. Nuff said.



As a bonus, I added the opening track off of her previous album, You Are Free. "I Don't Blame You" is one of the most haunting, perfect songs I have ever heard, a masterpiece. If you don't already have that album, stop reading and buy it. Palm Sounds Out, Dance Hall Hips, To Die By Your Side and Dreams of Horses have a few of her cover versions

-Didn't believe? You can see me on the cover of today's edition of the Metro Philadelphia [pdf file] in all my ugly, hairy glory. I want to throw up seeing myself.

-To get over the horror of that terrible vision, grab the live Clap Your Hands Say Yeah show over the BM Rant. It's from the 9:30 Club in D.C. and gives all of us who missed out on tickets a chance to hear a show from this tour. I kinda slept on these guys when the hype first hit, but after hearing the song at Making Time, their debut CD has not left the iPod Most Played list. How can you not love a Philly/Brooklyn group with a lead singer who has a strange singing voice? I don't know either. There is also a Belle and Sebastian show from the same venue and that Arctic Monkeys NPR broadcast I mentioned a few days ago. Thanks guys.

-This article is probably only interesting to me, but whatever. The New York Times looks at the last days of a synagogue and the Jewish community in Tajikstan.

Pound for Pound: Anotha Level of the Game

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that this blog got one of its coolest links so far this week. Alex Blagg at The Best Week Ever blog linked to our Silver Jews post, which is cool in and of itself. Even cooler is the fact that he wrote, "Just in time for Passover, Pound for Pound has posted some rockin' tunes from the Silver Jews." Even cooler is that the post below is all about Jessica Simpson wanting to adopt foreign babies, TomKat and Vin Diesel being gay. Coolest of all is that it's Best Week Ever mang, one of my favorite shows.

Oh, and for those on the local scene, I may be in a picture on the cover of tomorrow's edition of that free rag they have in the subway, Metro Philadelphia. They are doing a story on the city's plan to go wireless and about the effect it will have on businesses that already provide this service. They didn't want me for my mind, just my pretty face. Further updates as warranted. Shout to Hausbrandt, which provides me with said wireless access and is the best cafe in the city.

Sky's the limit, kids, the sky is the limit. What's next? I don't know, but it better include a lot of free shit.

National Eye

National Eye, "Silver Agers"

National Eye, "Waves of Love"

It's been a lousy week, and so I have turned to memories to provide me with some cheer and joy. A few weeks back, I attended a show at The Khyber featuring three of the best Philly rock bands playing: Spinto Band, Like Moving Insects and National Eye. It was a great show, and the beginning of an incredibly drunken night.

So far, nothing special. The incredible moment, the moment that made my day, week, month and year occurred on my way back from the bathroom. For those who haven't been there, when the place is packed, the 25-foot walk back from the bathroom to the front can take 10 minutes. Normally, this is incredibly annoying. But on this magical night, I was stopped by a young lady who gently touched my arm to stop me from bolting through an opening. She then raved about my performance, how amazing the band sounds, and that she was going to have take off early and miss our show tonight, but she would catch us the next night in Wilmington.

That's right, kids, she thought Pound for Pound was a rock'n'roll star, or at least an indie one, and specifically a member of The Spinto Band, openers for Arctic Monkeys, about-to-blow-up indie rawk band. A fucking band member! Yeah, yeah, yeah! That's it, that's the whole story. I explained to her that I wasn't in the band, she apologized and we both went our seperate ways. Future versions will consist of sex in the bathroom, tequila & cocaine and a fight with Stephen Malkmus. I am a sad man, very sad.

-Above are two tracks off the new National Eye CD called Roomful of Lions. In fact, the aforementioned show at the Khyber was a CD release party for the quintet, who are taking the next step up the indie chain with this one. For those who haven't heard these boys play, I highly recommend giving it a shot. This album is excellent that simulataneously evokes both a laid-back country/folk feel and a tripped out, fuzzy vocals psychdelic one. It's clear that they took their sound further out on this album, opening up a bit. It was produced by Thom Monaghan of fame, which should let you know this ain't no damn joke. Go buy it right from Park The Van Records for $1o or go listen to the album for free and decide if you wanna buy.

-Make sure to check out the National Eye, The Spinto Band and The Teeth tonight at the TLA on South Street. I'm still deciding whether to attend, but that shouldn't matter to you. It should be a great night of music with three great live bands. Let's support our local bands, people! Yeah!

West Coast Bad Boyz Volume 1

Master P and RBL, "Tryin' to Make a Dollar Out of 15 Cents"

Dre Dog, Pee and Totally Insane, "Total Insanity"

Ray Luv and Tha Link, "Born Hustlaz"

C-Bo and Master P, "Headin' 4 the Jack"

Well, well, since no one could take the time and leave a comment requesting more from West Coast Bad Boyz Volume 2, I'mma move on to the epic first volume. West Coast Bad Boyz, Volume 1: Anotha Level of the Game is considered by many to be one of the greatest No Limit releases, documenting an entire scene and sound as well as you can.

The CD I have is the re-released version, as I know some of you rap nerds wanna know that shit. Unfortunately, as the original release has two more tracks and features Master P's partner, King George. It's still a classic, but hopefully I'll get a copy of the original as it was intended to be heard before P and George started beefing.

I still can't get over that warm, big bass sound that holds these tracks down. It's so different than the stuff from the same era coming out of the East and West, much more human sounding. It leads me to believe me that electro never really made it across the Mississippi. Listen to that crazy synth on "Total Insanity", totally eerie, reminds me of a siren, definite blueprint for the No Limit sound when it got to New Orleans. Lyrically, it's got the drug tales, the violence, the sex. However, this is less of the nihilism that I gravitated towards, even references to G-d and helping your fellow man. A strange combination, one that highlights why hip hop is such an endlessly fascinating, human music.

-Back on the East Coast, lots of good developments. Peep this article about the Philly rebirth spreading to east of Broad Street and this one about the benefit of having a Macy's in the amazing Strawbridge's building and a retail boom in the city. I'mma have a lot more to say about Philly in the next week or two, as it has dominated my thoughts lately.

-For those in Philly tonight, head to Fluid for the chance to hear Carl Cox and Josh Wink spin in an intimate space. There's no advance tickets, so you better get there early to make sure you to get in to this jawn. A rare chance to hear these two together in a really small space.

-In a similar hot dance music vein, cop the new DFA remixes release, The DFA Remixes- Chapter One. This is so necessary, you've got all the hot remixes they put out a few years ago that put their name on the map for good. Le Tigre, Metro Area, Chemical Brothers, essential shit. Cop at the UK's Amazon or HMV, or wait until this upcoming Tuesday for the North American release. Save up, as Chapter 2 comes out in the summer. All of it can be had on vinyl. Yeah!

Lessons Learned from Life On The Road/Mogwai

Mogwai, "Glasgow Mega-Snake"

Mogwai, "Friend of the Night"

With anything in life, you need to learn some lessons. With any hard times, you must learn a few things about yourself in the process. Here is what I learned from my ridiculous indie rock tour over the past week.

The best music I heard was from Love Is All. Runner-up was Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. They were followed by Animal Collective, and parts of The Go! Team and Arctic Monkeys.

I'm not that big a fan of concerts, as it turns out. Don't really like crowds or people.

I have the body of a 70 year old man living in Boca Raton. My back would stiffen up and hurt, like, an hour into the show. Embarrassing shit, especially around a bunch of 17 year olds. I actually found myself thinking how much I wished there were more seated shows. The only thing left is complaining about how drafty it is inside, and turning up the heat to 150 degrees.

Diversity was judged by degrees of pallidness, from pale white to really pale white to vampire.

The quality of a show goes up exponentially if a big-boobed girl constantly gets up during a show and walks to the bathroom/drink station.

-Above are a few tracks from the recent Mogwai album, Mr. Beast. Why Mogwai now, you ask? Well, they have been scheduled for a show by R5 here in Philly, Thursday May 11, and it seems like those guys and girls are as excited about this show as any they've ever done. As it says on the website, "Fucking Yesssssssssssss! Shit Yeah! I kid you not we have been trying to book MOGWAI since 1998. This has been a long time coming. This show will be one of the memorable R5 events ever, you know they are absolutely going to destroy The Ballroom and put everyone on their ass." You can't front on that kind of talk coming from people who have put on thousands of shows.

Other notable shows coming up in my eyes are Editors and Stellastarr at the Troc (this Saturday), the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the Troc (next Wednesday), Art Brut at the Church (next Friday), Gogol Bordello at the Troc (April 14th), Jack Rose and Fursaxa in the Church's sanctuary (April 17th), Acid Mothers Temple at Vox Populi(April 21st), Jamie Lidell and the Lilys at the Church back to back nights, April 27th and 28th respectively. Check out R5 Productions, the Troc's site and Electric Factory for more options. Oh, and of course, the BM Rant's Philly Shows List.

-Speaking of the good folks at The BM Rant, they have a review of the Arctic Monkeys show from Sunday night. It seems to jibe with my thoughts, but damn them for having great pictures. Grrr, must get digital camera to compete in the Blog Arms race. Best line in the review: "When you only have 45 minutes of material to even play, where’s the encore coming from? Some Oasis covers?"

-Oh, the album, by the way, is damn good. I can't say I have listened to much Mogwai in the day, so I can't tell you how it stacks up to their past releases. All I can say is that it is a beautiful album, quite literally, with lush tracks that slowly take shape. It's instrumental rock for the most part, reminds me a lot of Tortoise or Sigur Ros. Buy the album here, as it seems fans think it's a great intro to the band.

West Coast Bad Boyz

Master P, "R.I.P. Tupac"

Tru, "Bad Boyz On A Mission"

Mac Dre, "What'cha Like"

I had planned on devoting this week to Mac Dre, but sometimes life throws you a curveball that you just can't hit. I'mma try to make the best out of a terrible situation right now, and up some songs from the two volumes of the mid 90s No Limit compilations, West Coast Bad Boyz. Many don't know, including me for the longest time, that Master P was born in the Bay Area and founded No Limit Records there. It wasn't until it moved to New Orleans that it became a mainstream, platinum, multi-million dollar operation. These two CDs should make clear that the early years were not lacking in great music.

Volume 2 came out in 1997, and was really the last stand of the Bay Area, underground version of the No Limit posse. This CD contains the core group of Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Mr. Serv-on, C Murder, Mia X and Big Ed, along with some of the best of the West Coast hip hop world at that time like Brotha Lynch Hung, Ice Cube and Rappin 4 Tay. I figured that I would lead with a Mac Dre track off of Volume 2, as I love a good segue as much as the next guy. This is some essential music, in my opinion, with the same laid-back flows, gangster imagery and huge bass that Tupac made famous at the same time. It's especially interesting hearing P rapping over a much slower music instead of the familiar, bounce shit that the Down South version of No Limit we all know and love. Oh, and shit, you actually get to hear P rap and spit lyrics, not those grunts and ughhs.

This CD is out-of-print, as far as I can tell, so I would be willing to put up a few more songs from the CD if people want it. I need love right now people, so holler if you want another taste. If not, I'll move on to the first volume, and end the week with the Lil' Wayne unreleased shit and some new Ghostface. Oh, and you know there's going to be at least one Morrissey/Smiths post. Has to be, sorry.

-Speaking of Bay Area Bad Boyz/Girlz, peep another new Bay Area blog, Bay.Watch!. It's not just a clever title, it's also a chance to learn more about the hyphy movement and other shit come out of the area like Hieroglyphics. Make sure to check out the Bay Area Video Lounge Volume 1 and Volume 2. Amazing, for real. Great start, teemoney, can't wait to see where things go.

-Finally, shout to Lifesport, my old gym in Fairmount that I finally rejoined as I have become a fat loser. A great, affordable gym that I recommend anyone in Philly join. I'll be the guy throwing up after walking on the treadmill for 10 minutes.

Stupid Dumb Doo Doo

Mac Dre, "Life's A Bitch"

Mac Dre, "3C Romp"

Mac Dre, "Crest Creepers"

Mac Dre, "Let's All Get Down"

In honor of MC's return from the West Coast tonight, I figured I would up some more Bay Area rap for you kids. I've been digging deeper into this Bay Area shit, and yes, I know that I am like 3 years behind on this, but whatever. I was 21 before I realized that Z. Cavarrici pants weren't cool.

One name to whom I have tragically come too late is Mac Dre, the Oakland rapper who was murdered in late 2004. This name might not ring familiar to many, but he is a legend in his hometown, one of those figures that comes to light when a scene has blown up and people go searching for the roots, like Fat Pat down in Houston. Dre is one of the godfathers of the hyphy scene, and I hope that his music will gain a greater audience with the sudden popularity of Keak da Sneak and E-40.

These tracks above are from his 1998 album, Stupid Dumb Doo Doo, one of his many highly acclaimed albums. This one was one of the first released after he served a 5 year sentence for attempted robbery. I'll have more to say on his music later, but if you like what you hear, buy his album here.

I'm kinda feelin' a week dedicated to the music of Mac Dre, whatta y'all think?

-Houston So Real announces a chance to hear another legend, Devin the Dude, and his old group The Coughee Brothaz on a CD available only online. It's a compilation of their songs, not a mixtape of them rhyming over popular beats or whatever. Also, make sure to check out all of the flicks from SXSW and be real jealous. I'mm a makin' it a goal for Pound for Pound to be down there next year for this festival, word is bond.

-Speaking of the Arctic Monkeys and Spinto Band, you can hear a complete show from the 9:30 Club in D.C. on NPR.org tonight at 10.

-Since it can't be all music and candy, check out the must-read political essay of the week, Francis Fukuyama's "After Neoconservatism". This is big news because it is one of the main neo-conservative intellectuals coming out against that philosophy and the war in Iraq. You probably remember Fukuyama from his book and theory after the fall of Communism that we were at the end of history, that the democratic-capitalist idea had won. Whoops, good call on that one, Francis. You can also read Paul Berman's review of Fukuyama's book, America At The Crossroads.

The Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys, "The View From The Afternoon"

The Arctic Monkeys, "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor"

The Arctic Monkeys, "Fake Tales of San Francisco"

The Arctic Monkeys, "Mardy Bum"

The end of the road, the final show on the tour. 5 concerts in 7 days. What better way to end it than with the biggest hype show of them all, the one that sold out the fastest, the Arctic Monkeys at the Starlight Ballroom. Well, actually staying at home with MC and JC-S, watching the Flyers win the Stanley Cup in a world where pastrami on rye is good for you and poverty was eradicated, that would be better. But, you take what you can get.

The openers were The Spinto Band, a local act gaining lots of attention recently. I was very excited to see them playing on a big stage, and hope that this tour opening for The Artic Monkeys will bring them an even bigger audience and national attention. They played an excellent set, a nice, sloppy rock show that reminded me a little bit of the Dr. Dog show at Mercury Lounge. I'm a sucker for harmonies and backup vocals and "Doo doo doo"s being sung, and The Spinto Band give me that in excess. It was a good set, and real nice to see people giving them a listen. Check them out this Thursday at the TLA with The Teeth and The National Eye (two other bands that are ready to take the next leap) in a great Philly rock showcase. Buy their most recent album, Nice and Nicely Done, and show some love.

After a long intermission, the Arctic Monkeys came out and killed it with the first two songs from the album. They were so much louder than anything else I've heard recently, blowing my ear drums out with the attack. Man, it sounded soooo good. From there, they pretty much played the exact same way with the same sound for the next 45 minutes. That's not meant as an insult, as they know their strengths and don't fuck with 'em. They play good-old fashioned rock'n'roll, the kind that middle-aged white guys long for. It's similar on the album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, as you get 12 tracks at 41 minutes, most with the same tempo and structure, hard and fast with an occasional slow number.

Sound and looks-wise, they still remind me of Oasis. Both are at their best when they write catchy, short rock/pop songs. Both have to live with the ridiculous hype and expectations of the British media and people. I almost feel bad for the Arctic Monkeys, as they are a good band that are being compared to the Clash and Radiohead on the strength of one album. I hope that they can make some money off of this and take some time off, to let the hype die down. The four tracks above should give you a good sense of their sound and their great potential. Everyone probably has it, but if you don't, make sure to d/l "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", a not-quite 3 minute burst of pop brilliance. Buy the album here and see what you think.

A few random thoughts from the show, as my mind wandered towards the end. The guy who held up the British flag throughout the show was the most annoying person ever at a concert. Monkeys' fans are the tallest in the world, able to field a basketball team if British people weren't such terrible athletes. If I am 45 years-old, still attending shitty concerts, I will kill myself (assuming I haven't died already of a heart attack from years of worrying and self-loathing). The Starlight Ballroom is officially my favorite place to see a concert in the world. TA is an amazing friend, ready to roll to concerts for bands she knows little about, able to handle my mid-show life crises (sadly, no joke there) and one of the kindest, most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

That's the end of the concert review week here at Pound for Pound. I think that we are going to return to the Pure Dork stuff, but I may choose to go in a different direction and discuss the future of Philadelphia and what the city lacks. We'll see. I hope that everyone enjoyed a look at the Philly concert week, as it might be the last ones I ever attend.

The Go! Team

The Go! Team, "Ladyflash"

The Go! Team, "The Power is On"

The Go! Team, "We Just Won't Be Defeated"

The Go! Team, "Huddle Formation"

As promised, here's the one of the last concert reviews from my Winter Tour '06. TA and I caught The Go! Team show at the Starlight Ballroom Thursday night, which was the 10th Anniversary of the first show that Sean Agnew and R5 Productions ever put on. That was a ska show at the Electric Factory, which shows just how much can change in a decade. I mean, ska, people, ska. Does that music exist anywhere outside of a time capsule?

Anyway, TA and I got there earlyish this time, around 8:30, hoping to catch all of the bands. Little did we know just how early we were, as the doors had yet to open. This meant a line down 9th Street and a chance for suburban kids to see one of the grimier blocks in the 215. After about 10 minutes, we were safely inside the Ballroom, which is quickly becoming my favorite place to see a concert anywhere. We caught most of the caUSE co-MOTION set from the bar in back, as I needed a caffeine injection and both of us needed to slowly work our way into a night of music.

caUSE co-MOTION sounded more on the punk side, but I won't try to describe their music too much, as I was not listening closely to do it justice. It was good, just wish that they had come later in the night. Thankfully, we did head down to catch the Love Is All set, and all I can say is wow! B-A-N-A-N-A-S, the best set of music I heard in the four days, one of the best sets of music I have heard in a long time in fact. It was so good that I have decided to give them their own post. Stay tuned for my thoughts on this Swedish band, my weird crush on the lead singer and mp3s. Yeah!

The Go! Team came on 30 minutes later, and played exactly as I pictured they would in my head. Their album, Thunder, Strike, Lightning, was one of my favorites from last year, a totally different sound and energy to most of what I listen to. It was a catchy, upbeat disc from start to finish. Guess what? So's their live show. They ran all around the stage, had more energy than a Type A personality and played their songs perfectly.

It was good, but left me a little disappointed. Partly it was the fact that this was way too much live music for me in a short period of time. But, that clearly wasn't the whole story, since Love Is All killed. In retrospect, I think it was the fact that it was all so rehearsed and perfect. I mean, each member played all the instruments, and they rotated throughout, and call and responses for the audience, and they all leapt around and put on a great show. But, it felt too perfect for me, sounded too much like the album, never really got grabbed my attention. It actually reminded me of a lot of hip hop shows I've seen, as you leave wondering why spent the money to see the show when you should have just stayed home and listened to the album for free.

However, I was clearly in the minority on this point. The crowd went nuts for the band, cheering, dancing, waving their arms like they just didn't care. I mean, some people around us jumped up and down for the entire set. That's right, jumped and down for minutes at a time. It was another sell-out, and just a real energized place all night. I would recommend checking out The Go! Team the next time they come to ther States, especially if you are looking for a band that will give a 110% and put on a well-oiled show. Go here to buy the album, which is highly recommend, a great, lo-fi pop-punk album that doesn't really sound like anything else.

The Gossip

The Gossip, "Bones"

The Gossip, "Got Body If You Want It"

The Gossip, "Where The Girls Are"

The Gossip, "Hott Date"

Okay, I'm going to slow down this weekend, as I cannot keep this pace of two posts a day up. I literally woke up this morning lying under my bed, shaking, reeking of patchouli, having cried myself to sleep, broken from the four shows in four days. Actually, the real reason for the slower pace is because MC's away in San Francisco and she's my editor and I get cranky and uninspired when she's away on the Wrong Coast. I will have my review of The Go! Team/Love is All show up over the weekend, then we will resume Pure Dork Week. I also hope to have my hosting situation ironed out, which mean mp3s will be up for as many downloads as possible for limited periods. Yeah!

Since I can't make it to the show tonight, which is another sell-out, I figured that I would post up some early tunes from The Gossip. The Gossip are one of the many excellent artists currently on the Kill Rock Stars label, clearly influenced by that label's founder Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney. These tracks come off of their second album, That's Not What I Heard, and are way more punk than their most recent release. Lots of uptempo, short songs, short but sweet. Queercore to the roots, let us know what you think. Yeah!

Lots of good stuff coming up musically, Lady Sov, Mac Dre (RIP), Love is All and all that unreleased Lil Wayne shit that the kids are talking about. Yeah!

-Check out this great article in XLr8R on Kill Rock Stars label, as it celebrates 10 years of good music.

-For those in Philly, make sure to check out the Straight Dope party upstairs at the Khyber. Baltimore DJ Tittsworth will be holding it down with residents dev79 and Sharkey. Expect lots of Bmore club, bangers, dancing, sweat, good things in life.

-Speaking of Tittsworth, make sure to cop his three EPs of Baltimore club songs, which are available again after a first pressing.

Animal Collective

Animal Collective, "The Purple Bottle"

Animal Collective, "Turn Into Something"

3rd show of the week, and things finally got weird. Not surprising, since I was going to see everyone's favorite experimental band, Animal Collective, at the Starlight Ballroom. The show was a sell-out, a packed house again. Yeah Philly! Stand up! Unfortunately, I again had to attend this show by myself, as a last-minute cancellation left me all alone in this concert world again. Fortunately, I was going to see an avant-garde group play, where a bearded white guy loner does not seem out of place. In fact, it's the people with friends and people to talk to who are the outsiders, so there!

I arrived in time to catch the last few songs of opening act, and came away impressed. It was a big band, really, with 7 people on stage, including a cellist (?) and trombonist. The sound was loud and chaotic, with hints of klezmer and jazz and rock spilling out. This is my kind of shit, to be honest, as I love that loud, sloppy sound that harkens back to old music. I don't know much about the band, but hope that they will make more stops in Philly. Fans of Gogol Bordello should take note, as there was a similar vibe and sound.

Animal Collective came on stage a little after 10, after a few false starts and annoying clapping displays by the mostly-teenage audience. They started off with a slow rumble from the samplers and mikes, then slowly built into a song and noisier interludes. It went like that for much of the night, as the band dealt mostly in peaks and valleys, soft than loud, composed than improvised. It was amazing at times, particularly when the sampler let loose and hit us with a deep, powerful bass and strange, resampled sounds and the drummer actually used his kit and banged out a simple beat.

Above are a few songs from their most recent album, Feels. It's interesting, as this album did not prepare me for the live show, which featured much harsher sounds, much more electronic noises, and less of a psychedelic feel. That is why I really like this band, and consider them a group to constantly keep an ear out for. They are willing to try different things, willing to look like an assholes up on stage or on wax, immune to the pressures of the industry or hype scenes. Is it everyone's cup of tea? No. But it's nice to know that they are out there, and all of the other bands who haven't achieved their level of popularity.

If there is interest, I will put up some more tracks from their earlier albums and side projects, not sure if people wanna check them out or what. Go here and buy the last album, one of the best of 2005.

Keak da Sneak

Keak da Sneak, "Getting Money"

Keak da Sneak, "Shake It"

Keak da Sneak, "Super Hyphy (remix)"

More Bay Area, yeah! These are a few tracks off the new Keak da Sneak album, Contact Sport. Keak has been one of the integral people in the hyphy movement and really seems to be a future star in the rap game. He's young, he's part of a hyped scene, and he is talented beyond belief. He's got this real deep voice, distinctive and commanding.

I'm still not totally sure what denotes the hyphy sound, although it seems to be the focus on synths and handclaps and general upbeat tempos. If anyone has any comments on what else they think defines the sound, I'd love to hear.

-There is Always Plan B. That's right, my bol MF and his Funtime Party Team have put together another NYC happening at Plan B in the East Village (10th and B). DJs King Solomon (I-Rak) and Elle will provide the tunes. Mayhem will ensue.




-In the battle of the two cities last night, the Flyers beat the shit out of the Rangers, 6-1, at the Garden to move back into a tie for first in Atlantic Division. Great game - there were lots of goals, hitting and the Flyers won. It's nice to see the rivalry back, as the Rangers finally have a decent club, which means that Rangers "fans" will start following their team. I am in such a zen state right now, that I won't make even mention how much I loathe the Rangers and their fans, the Pelle Lindbergh incident or how empty the Garden has been for the past few years. Serenity now!

-You know Pound for Pound loves remixes and Bloc Party. Well, the good folks at m3 online (or is it Good Weather for Air Strikes?) have brought it all together in one amazing post. They have compiled all of the Bloc Party remixes that exist out there, all wonderfully packed onto 2 discs for your downloading pleasure. Make sure to thank Derek and all those responsible for this amazing post. [Via Done Waiting.Com]

-Animal Collective review is up, great show, The Go! Team and Love is All tonight with TA. Yeah!

The Silver Jews

Silver Jews, "Punks In The Beer Light"

Silver Jews, "Animal Shapes"

Silver Jews, "There Is A Place"

I made it to the second show of the mini-tour last night, Silver Jews at the Starlight Ballroom. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend with MC, and couldn't find anyone else to take my extra ticket, so I had to be one of those creepy loners who go to concerts. Not a good luck, trust me. Anyway, I got there towards the end of the opening act, while two women playing acoustic guitars were completely drowned out by the people in the audience who were not listening. It was actually quite sad, and fortunately ended after a few songs.

After a 20 minute break, David Berman and his Silver Jews came on stage for their first Philly show ever. As Berman told the crowd at one point, he considered this only their ninth show ever. Honestly, it kinda showed. There was a sense of uncertainty, a rehearsal feel at times (especially when songs would peter out), Berman read most of the lyrics off of a music stand, and there seemed to be a general sloppiness on the opening songs.

This is a weird one, as I am not a fan of Silver Jews or David Berman. I'm not not a fan either, I just don't have much knowledge of the band, came to it only on the recommendation of MC. Therefore, the thrill of seeing them on stage on their first ever tour was lost on me. Likewise, I didn't know the songs well, and didn't have any sense when they were digging into their back catalogue for some great song of the past.

In spite of that, the show wasn't bad. I started to get into the sound as the night went by, as Berman is a magnetic figure. He seems to be a complete neurotic, constantly rubbing his face and running his fingers through his hair. He told an incredibly funny Adam and Eve joke. He seemed overwhelmed at times. He also has a voice that is deep and gravelly, which takes some getting used to. I know that's weird coming from someone who has made a living glorifiying some of the most villified voices (like Dylan and Garcia), but deal with it. I actually found some of my favorite moments to be the songs where his female bassist (and wife?) sung the lead or traded vocals with Berman. It provided a nice mix and a little bit of diversity to the sameness of their sound that came up on each and every song.

This tour is in support of the most recent Silver Jews album, Tanglewood Numbers, the first in four years. It's another album that has grown on me, although not as much as the Jenny Lewis one. Silver Jews are better to me as a recorded entity, where you can hear the lyrics of Berman clearly. Go here and buy the album, if you're looking for country rock music, a polished hi-fi record (not that lo-fi shit that your older sister liked) and amazing lyrics.

-Next show: Animal Collective at the Starlight. I'm already sick of music and people, so wish me luck.