Feels like forever when your mind turns to fiction

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There are endless ways to find new music. We’ve been raving on and on about our addiction to turntable.fm, but pay attention, because new sources of music can hit you anywhere. Check your local city guide for free events you might not have otherwise attended. Is there an amphitheater anywhere in your county? Who’s playing? Just go see them. Especially if it’s free. Library or other cultural center? You might be surprised what you will find.

Mookie and I went on a long-awaited Big Celebration Date Night recently and decided afterward to wait in a lounge while a band unknown to us set up. And set up they were! You wouldn’t believe how many instruments were being set up on an impossibly small stage. A cello? An organ! Drums, guitars, lots of band members… What were we about to witness?

Click to Enjoy Other Lives – As I Lay My Head Down

Ladies and Gentlemen, it was Other Lives from Stillwater, Oklahoma. And those were also castanets you heard, and we saw. Add that to the list of instruments this quintet expertly styles to lend to their unique sound. Fourteen months to craft their current album, Tamer Animals, which happens to be their Sophomore release.

The sound is intense and specific. There is no feeling that this is a jam session. You’re listening to the beautiful accompaniment to what could be a journal entry or a random bit of prose that the artist conjured after it came to him.

you caught me smiling

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Few people have changed the face of music as much as Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly Stone. From the late 1960s on, the development and advent of styles such as funk, hip-hop, and rap owe a huge debt to his talent and vision. Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Prince…the list of artists who cite Stone as an influence is large and impressive. Sly and the Family Stone also happens to be one of my favorite bands, which is the most important thing. Right?

Outside his amazing musical career, Sly Stone has seen some troubled times. The band broke up around 1975 amidst a flurry of drug abuse and contention. Stone released a few more albums on his own before he slowly disappeared from the public eye. In the past 20 years he hasn’t released an album and has only made a few public appearances. That will all change next week.

The album I’m Back! Family & Friends is scheduled to drop on Tuesday, August 16th. This will feature 3 new songs, the first new material we’ve heard from Sly in a long time. The other 11 tracks are reworkings of well-known songs from his earlier catalog, often featuring guest artists. It’s an exciting release; one of those once-in-a-lifetime deals. I’m in a bit of a quandary over it, though. Will it be good? Will it fall flat and bum me out? I don’t know, and I refuse to listen to any previews. I’m going in with an open mind and hoping for the best.

I may do a further writeup on the album later, but I wanted to mention it for any fans out there. Keep an eye out and come back here to let me know what you think. In the meantime, here are original cuts of some of the tunes that will be on the new record. At the very least we can all agree that these songs are, and will always remain, great.

Click to play Sly & The Family Stone – Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)

Click to play Sly & The Family Stone – Hot Fun In The Summertime

Click to play Sly & The Family Stone – Family Affair

Click to play Sly & The Family Stone – Dance To The Music

Nerdcore is Punk Rock!

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These guys are the nicest of the nice, and rather than focusing on bitches and guns they instead rhyme about Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Halo. This journey might lack the drama of, say, a Motley Crue tour as it replaces sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll with videogames, tea and wookie rhymes, it nevertheless gives the viewer time to get under the skin of these unlikely superstars. [sic]

-Chris Tilly (IGN UK)

Have you heard of the genre Nerdcore? It is a subgenre of hip-hop that isn’t afraid to be smart. In fact, you might need to really be in-the-know to even get some of the lyrics. I recently watched the documentary Nerdcore Rising so I’m totally qualified to tell you all about it now! The documentary follows the leading star of the Nerdcore movement, MC Frontalot, on his first national tour. Beginning in South Carolina and culminating at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, Frontalot wonders if it is possible to achieve mainstream success.

MC Frontalot struggles to legitimize nerdcore as a real genre of hip-hop and to share the music with as many people as he can. The behind-the-scenes of Frontalot and his band are what really make the documentary so interesting. Frontalot and Gaby Alter, a.k.a. G Minor 7, are childhood friends, and both met bass guitarist Brandon Patton, a.k.a. Blak Lotus, in college. Strugis, the drummer, tries to fit in as the new member.

Old school trailblazers like Prince Paul and contemporary hip hop aficionados like J-Live examine the legitimacy of nerdcore as a subgenre of hip hop. Nerd king “Weird Al” Yankovic discuss the origins of nerdcore while Penny Arcade creators Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins expound on the digital revolution that enabled the nerdcore movement.

The segment where they interviewed people who didn’t like the performances of MC Frontalot was possibly the defining scenes of the movie. It gives it an unbiased feel and the willingness of the director to show that this wasn’t a fluff piece.

On to the music?

MC Frontalot
http://frontalot.com
After watching the documentary , I really went on a tear listening to some of the artists I became acquainted to through the movie. Of course, Frontalot being the fulcrum of the movie, it’s necessary to mention him first. MC Frontalot was born Damian Hess in San Francisco. He grew up in Berkeley and secretly recorded rap songs to tape. While working as a web designer in 1999, he resurrected his rap hobby by creating a website for MP3s of his homemade music, the beats credited to the imaginary DJ CPU. In a song of the same name he coined the phrase “nerdcore hip-hop”. Frontalot has 5 studio albums, and every single one is worthy of a purchase. Check out the track below.

Click to listen to MC Frontalot – First World Problems

MC Lars
http://mclars.bandcamp.com/

MC Lars is in the documentary, and is one of the best nerdcore artist (although he prefers to be called “post-punk laptop rapper”) I discovered as a result of watching the movie.

He’s clever and has talent. His flow has a wide range and his rhymes are clean and tight with a nice dollop of humor. He weaves some great references to popular culture that might date the tracks to some, but for me, the nostaligia makes me love it infinitely more. The man is educated at Stanford and loves mixing hip-hop beats with punk guitars. His Not sure what more you might want before checking it out…

How about some more music? Check out one of my favorite MC Lars tracks.

Click to listen to MC Lars – Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock

That band on that track is The Matches from Oakland California.

Check out the bandcamp link for a free mixtape from MC Lars that includes KRS-One, MC Frontalot, Sage Francis, and too many more to mention!

Let There Be Songs To Fill The Air

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It’s a bittersweet 8 days every year between August 1 and August 9 for Jerry Garcia fans, celebrating his birthday (August 1, 1942) and the anniversary of his death (August 9, 1995). I have to admit, I wasn’t always a fan. It wasn’t until 1994 when someone shook some musical sense into me and took me to my first Dead show, that I realized what all the hype was about. (Thank you Aric, I am forever grateful). Up until that point, I was an 80’s hair band girl. Yes, BIG hair and all! Oh what you can do with a blow dryer and White Rain hairspray!

Now every August 9th, I remember where I was the day I got the news of his death. I still get a tear in my eye. I guess it’s the same for those who remember the passing of Elvis or Lennon. I was fortunate to see Jerry a couple times live and actually saw his 2nd to last performance at Solider Field in Chicago in 1995. A show I will never forget. Although he slipped on some lyrics that night, the passion behind “Visions of Johanna”, was well… words don’t do it justice. You just have to listen for yourself…

Click to enjoy “Visions of Johanna”

So thank you Jerry for giving us amazing songs that continue to fill the air.

Secret Sisters

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While “attending” the Newport Folk Festival Sunday (from my couch. thank you NPR), I was reminded that my music collection consists of “The Secret Sisters”, (which by the way, should not be a secret) and how I should be listening to them more often.

The Secret Sisters consists of Laura and Lydia Rogers who are really sisters and hail from Alabama. The sweet, simplistic blend of their vocal harmonies that only family can capture, take you back to the innocence of the 50’s, while their traditional country sound makes me want to grab a lemonade on the porch or cry in my beer.

While onstage at Newport…

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/31/137184180/newport-folk-2011-secret-sisters-live-in-concert

the elder sister admitted they do fight a lot on the road together, but she has been a fan of her sister’s voice since the day she was born. I can see why. The new to the scene twosome are finding their way quickly and shared the stage with Amos Lee at NFF, have played with Willie Nelson, are currently on tour with K.D. Lang and have collaborated with Jack White on the cover of Johnny Cash’s “Big River”.

While most of their self-titled, debut album, consists of covers such as George Jones’ “Why Baby Why, and Hank Williams’ “Why Don’t You Love Me”, original tunes include “Tennessee Me”

Click to Play Tennessee Me

and “Waste the Day”

Click to Play Waste the Day

and at NFF they played “River Jordan”, which will be on their upcoming album due out early 2012. Can I get a hallelujah?

Serious Indie Cred

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I tell you what, it’s hard to get back over here to write an album review. Lately I’ve been so addicted to turntable.fm that I don’t know what it’s like to listen to my own music! Are we all here now? Just hit mute on the speakers, and come listen to some Wye Oak with me. Buy an album or two so you will know which track is the best to share on your next venture into the virtual club.

Wye Oak is another he-she band (sorry! No, it’s not a tranny band. I mean, it’s a she and him he and she matt and kim except their names are Andy and Jenn band) and I’m sorry to lump them into that group but they don’t do a whole lot to differentiate themselves from the sounds I hear when I think of Pomplamoose or She & Him. I found an album review for Wye Oak’s 2008 album If Children wherein the author called this sound endangered. Yup. Endangered. Well, it isn’t. Folk music, indie music, earnest-sounding music, frontwomen who sing through clenched jaws: we still like it.

Click to Enjoy Wye Oak – Dog Eyes

On this and on each of their previous three albums, they alternate between reserved and noisy. And the noisy ones sound good, too. They like the noise, not for noise’s sake but because, well, sometimes shit gets… blustery. And you will find plenty of reviews describing their sound as “punch-in-the-gut”, “moody and powerful”, or “huge-sounding”… But as turntable is teaching me, there are a lot of opinions on music out there! Did you ever notice?

(tongue)
(cheek)

If I want moody but powerful, I reach back for Toni Childs I guess. So I have an asshole and I have an opinion. But I like Wye Oak fine. And you will too. You will be showing serious indie cred if you drop this in a turntable room full of music snobs.

Thanks Dad

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On the morning of June 13th , I received a call from my 75 year old dad saying he thought he was having a stroke. After I hung up and proceeded to call 911 (since he didn’t), the paramedics came, rushed him to the hospital and sure enough, he unbeknownst to us, had suffered from his 3rd stroke. The good news is, he has no lasting effects from any of the strokes, however, his heart is not functioning to its full capacity and further treatment will be necessary. During his recovery, I spent the first 2 weeks straight with him at the hospital, where I had time to think about the memories we share and the impact he has had on my life.

I now realize that my love for music has come from my dad and his influence started at an early age. Like me he’s not a musician and can’t carry a tune, but I can remember being in his yellow Ford truck and hearing one of his favorite songs on the radio, Kim Carnes, “Bette Davis Eyes” and also dancing to “Rockin’ Robin” in the living room.

The one memory that makes me laugh the most is when I was about 5 years old, and wanted to listen to one of my kid albums. I threw a FIT because he was listening to a Fats Domino album and wouldn’t put mine on. Little did I know that I would carry that memory with me all these years and one day even like Fats Domino and all the other music he made me listen to.

Click To Enjoy Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill

Still to this day, my dad has the same turntable and 8 track player that was there when I was a child. Yes, it still works (although after he put his treadmill on 10mph, zipped off the back and crashed into it, I’m surprised it still does) and the man never throws anything away. No, he is not a hoarder. More like a saver who is stuck in the stone ages. No computer or cell phone has he nor does he want either of the previously mentioned. Ahh… the simple life.

So thank you Dad for making me listen to great music that would stick with me for a lifetime and thank you for calling me on June 13th to hear my voice in case you died, but next time please call 911 immediately. Every second counts and I would like to have you around a lot longer.

Owl City Concert Review

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June 16, 2011
Location: Orlando, Florida
By Andrew Basinski edited by Pam Basinski

Only two days after the release of the new album “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, the band Owl City came to perform in Orlando at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
The line wrapped its way around the building like an enormous Chinese Dragon.  All the fans were excited and anxious to enter the building.  It took about 45 minutes to finally get to the door where security cleared us and we made our way to have our tickets swiped. 
Opening band Unwed Sailor put on a great show.  With two bass players, one guitar and a drummer, their sound echoed throughout the building with the long bass lines and deep music.  They had a very unique sound and without lyrics it was easy to get lost in the music.
Mat Kearney


Next opener was Mat Kearney.  He performed and wowed the crowd with his latest hit song “Hey Mama”.  He opened it by saying he had written this song for his wife who was an anthropologist.  He even crowd surfed and serenaded the fans with his charisma.  I found myself dancing but was anxiously waiting for Owl City to come on stage.

Click to listen to Mat Kearney – Hey Mama

Adam Young

And he did!  Adam Young was accompanied by a drummer, violinist, cello player, and guitarist.  Adam himself is an accomplished musician and plays many instruments.  He showed us that by playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard in several of his songs.  He spoke to the crowd and danced by flapping his arms to mimic an owl in flight.  I was amazed at how great his performance was.  When he played “Hello Seattle” the entire crowd sang along.  One girl was overcome and passed out and had to be carried out by Security.  

Overall a truly fantastic show for any die-hard Owl City fan!  When will you be back in Orlando please?


   

Wu are you?

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A few weeks ago I was pointed to a website by a friend who shares my love for the band Fugazi — shoutout to Gushy V for the tip. I clicked the link and was suddenly very excited. It turns out a couple guys thought it would be a good idea to mash Fugazi with the Wu-Tang Clan. It was one of those “why didn’t I think of that” moments, except that I don’t do mash-ups and probably don’t know Wu-Tang as well as I should. Beyond that I totally should have come up with the idea first. Anyway, the project is fittingly called Wugazi.

Click to play Wugazi – Sleep Rules Everything Around Me

“Sleep Rules Everything Around Me” was the first track I heard, as the full album hadn’t been released at the time. It almost acted as a leading single, particularly since it uses one of Wu-Tang’s better-known tracks, “C.R.E.A.M.,” on the lyrical side. I was impressed enough to keep an eye out for the album release, though I felt the track wasn’t the strongest representation of Fugazi. I hoped for more.

Having heard the full album now, I’m only in a slightly better state. Let me start with the good: there are some great tracks and a few moments of genius on the record. Every once in a while everything just hits the right spot and it’s something new. Here’s a track that really works, in my opinion:

Click to play Wugazi – P.L.O. Squared

The rest of the album, sadly, leans more toward pretty decent than great. The trick, as I gleaned from that first listen to “Sleep…,” is to make sure you capture the essence of Fugazi. Too much chopping or simply swiping great basslines doesn’t really fit that bill. Too often I feel like we’re left with Wusomethingthatisn’tquiteFugazianymore. It’s still worth a few listens and it’s an impressive feat, but it just leaves me wanting something a little more. Props to the creators, regardless. I totally repect your vision and hope everyone here will listen to it and send you money to keep working on creative projects. The album can be downloaded or streamed from www.wugazi.com.

Click to play Wugazi – Shame On Blue

The other album I’ve had on repeat lately seems to be a symptom of the summer weather we’re finally starting to see here in Portland. When the warmth gets here it’s time for Pimm’s #1 and ginger, lots of oscillating fans, and smooth music to drive to. Right now that last item is Curtis Mayfield’s Super Fly. It’s somewhat likely you already know this album but in case you don’t: this is Mayfield’s soundtrack to the film with the same name. Isaac Hayes may have won the Oscar for his work on Shaft, but the funk Curtis brings on this album puts that to shame. It’s mellow. It’s cool. It has the perfect grooves for cruising in the hot sun. It says “hey man, I’m hep and I’ve got nothing to prove.” Just like me. Just like you. Here’s my favorite track from the album, “Pusherman.”

Click to play Curtis Mayfield – Pusherman

Be cool, my people. And check out that Pimm’s link if you haven’t had it before. It is seriously the best summer drink of all time. OF ALL TIME!