I've started deleting posts from BA47. This blog represents a time capsule in many ways, but it's by no means recent. That being said, I've started a new blog: http://culturaldeviant.blogspot.com/
I can't promise it will be any better than my previous attempts, but it's worth your time to watch me try.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Saturday, June 21, 2008
If you're still reading this, I love you.
Things have been busy lately. On top of my thankless underpaid day job, I'm working to open a vintage clothing store in my hometown of Tyler, TX. More details to come on that later.
However, my love of music and writing has been dormant for too long.
So, here we go again.
tk
However, my love of music and writing has been dormant for too long.
So, here we go again.
tk
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
No Age Episode of Juan's Basement
In celebration of their upcoming album Nouns, Pitchfork.tv is featuring a straight-to-VHS episode of Juan's Basement featuring No Age.
I got the chance to see No Age perform last month during SXSW, and Nouns is one of very few albums I'm impatiently waiting to hear.
Check out No Age in this episode of Juan's Basement, brought to you by Pitchfork.tv:
Juan's Basement: No Age
I got the chance to see No Age perform last month during SXSW, and Nouns is one of very few albums I'm impatiently waiting to hear.
Check out No Age in this episode of Juan's Basement, brought to you by Pitchfork.tv:
Juan's Basement: No Age
Monday, April 7, 2008
Pitchfork.tv Arrives on the Web
Here's a novel idea: create a channel specifically for music. While it may not sound like such a new concept, most channels claiming to be music-related have slowly adapted to the idea of throwing feces against the wall just to see what sticks. Not Pitchfork.
Today marks the launch of Pitchfork.tv, an online music channel based on an old idea with a new spin.
The channel will feature "original mini-documentaries, secret rooftop and basement sessions, full concerts, exclusive interviews, and the most carefully curated selection of music videos online," according to a Pitchfork press release of sorts, adding that it will also feature full-length feature films and concerts including "the Pixies' 2004 reunion tour film LoudQuietLoud and Todd Phillips' notorious GG Allin documentary Hated, to Jimmy Joe Roche & Dan Deacon's acid-drenched visual art piece Ultimate Reality."
This is an exciting new development for musicians and fans alike. The cynic in me hopes that Pitchfork.tv isn't infiltrated by a slow influx of Toyota and American Apparel ads that play while your video loads, but even if that happens, chances are you can still count on being able to see some of the best documentaries, music videos and other related content we've grown to expect from Pitchfork.
"We've waited decades for a music channel that respects our intelligence and reflects our ideals. Now that the technology is here, we're finally able to do it the way that people who really care about music have always wanted to see it done." -- Pitchfork
This week, I recommend watching Daytripping with Man Man, its the first of its kind to be produced by Pitchfork several months ago. The film follows Man Man as they record their album Rabbit Habits, which happens to hit shelves tomorrow.
Monday, March 24, 2008
SXSW Wrap Up
I think NPR's All Songs Considered summarized this year's SXSW best when they said "silence wasn't a bad thing" after leaving the city of Austin having been immersed in five days of solid music.
I must admit that I gave music the cold shoulder for about a week following SXSW. If you haven't been, its really hard to imagine, but those of you who braved the crowds from 10 a.m. to three, four or even five o' clock in the morning day-in and day-out, you know where I'm coming from.
But alas, SXSW 2008 is now history, and it is one event that will be remembered through our photos, soundbytes, free t-shirts, stickers, cd samplers, regrettable tattoos, and countless blogosphere chatter.
Top five performances of 2008:
1. Bon Iver @ The Parish
Bon Iver's album was in heavy rotation on my iPod as I made my way to Austin. I was set on seeing Justin Vernon perform, and so on the morning of March 13, I woke up, showered, nuked a frozen organic burrito and jetted downtown to The Parish for NPR's official SXSW party.
Other artists slated to perform included Jens Lekman, AA Bondy, Yeasayer and Vampire Weekend - all of which were great, but I was there for Bon Iver. The line grew and grew until we were finally let into the dimly lit, but air conditioned Parish.
The venue was absolutely perfect for an NPR event. In the back, there were about 30 people stationed with their Macbooks, Lone Star Beer was free (as usual) and the entire place was stuffed to the brim with people (most of whom were assuredly there to see Vampire Weekend).
By the time Bon Iver took the stage, I had lost my good spot in the crowd (too many Lone Stars = multiple trips to the little boys' room), but I didn't need to see that well. I wanted to know if Bon Iver's live set could live up to the enormous amount of hype I had created in my mind. Well, Bon Iver surpassed every one of my expectations, and as a result the album For Emma, Forever Ago continues to be in heavy rotation on my iPod.
2. Man Man @ Scoot Inn
Ahh, Man Man. There's just something about this band of cartoonish characters that really lights my fire. I drove to the Scoot Inn where the VIMBY party was already under way. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no line, and the scene resembled a backyard cookout. I effortlessly approached the stage and stood directly in front of one of the monitors as the band finished setting up.
Man Man performed an all-encompassing set of old favorites and soon-to-be favorites from their upcoming album Rabbit Habits. As always, the guys brought their eclectic set of toys and instruments including a pair of wooden snakes used as drumsticks, a toy Indian headdress, kazoos, whoosywhatsits and fiddleroos. There just ain't no party like a Man Man party.
Videos:
Man Man - Top Drawer
Man Man - Banana Ghost
3. No Age @ Volume
No Age is a duo from Los Angeles that bear their West Coast punk-influenced sound with pride. During the periods when I wasn't listening to Bon Iver's album, I was listening to No Age's Weirdo Rippers. I spent a day at Volume for the Paste + Stereogum Dell Lounge Party at Volume (sponsor name-drop overload).
Guitarist Randy Randall and singing drummer Dean Spunt put on an impeccable performance before a crowd of haggard and hollow-eyed fans who had no idea how they had almost made it through the week nor did they know where they were, thanks to free drinks from Southern Comfort, one of the party's sponsors.
4. Holy F**k @ Emo's Annex
After Bon Iver finished playing I left the NPR before Vampire Weekend took the stage.
Holy F**k (fill in the blanks, children) is a lo-fi electronic group from Toronto. And with a name like Holy F**k, they'd better be damn good. Their recent album is full of loveable, growing riffy little jams, and their set only intensified that energy. This was by far the loudest set I witnessed all week. I hated myself for not bringing earplugs to SXSW because of Holy F**k. Nevertheless, I stood up next to the loudest speaker in the venue as I took photos and videos of the performance.
Side note: The word f**k seems to be increasingly popular among band names, I assume its because the other names have been taken. But it seems like bands are saying 'let's just throw f**k in there and see how it sounds.' The second best group I saw that bore the four-letter word in its name was F**k Buttons from the UK.
5. The Mae Shi @ Emo's
Also out of LA, is The Mae Shi. These guys played a ridiculous 18 SHOWS in Austin for SXSW. For that reason alone, I expected them guys to be flying by the seat of their pants when I caught their set at Emo's. For the record, I was wrong.
The Mae Shi stunned the entire crowd with their energy as all seven members of the band took to the stage while belting out the chorus of their song 'I Get (Almost) Anything I Want' (see video). Although I fear being slapped for saying this, The Mae Shi are like a more modernized angsty version of Man Man, although they sound completely different. Members of the band often spontaneously let out a high pitched "HOO!" as they collided with each other as spit flew from their mouths throughout their set.
Other videos from my trip to SXSW:
I must admit that I gave music the cold shoulder for about a week following SXSW. If you haven't been, its really hard to imagine, but those of you who braved the crowds from 10 a.m. to three, four or even five o' clock in the morning day-in and day-out, you know where I'm coming from.
But alas, SXSW 2008 is now history, and it is one event that will be remembered through our photos, soundbytes, free t-shirts, stickers, cd samplers, regrettable tattoos, and countless blogosphere chatter.
Top five performances of 2008:
1. Bon Iver @ The Parish
Bon Iver's album was in heavy rotation on my iPod as I made my way to Austin. I was set on seeing Justin Vernon perform, and so on the morning of March 13, I woke up, showered, nuked a frozen organic burrito and jetted downtown to The Parish for NPR's official SXSW party.Other artists slated to perform included Jens Lekman, AA Bondy, Yeasayer and Vampire Weekend - all of which were great, but I was there for Bon Iver. The line grew and grew until we were finally let into the dimly lit, but air conditioned Parish.
The venue was absolutely perfect for an NPR event. In the back, there were about 30 people stationed with their Macbooks, Lone Star Beer was free (as usual) and the entire place was stuffed to the brim with people (most of whom were assuredly there to see Vampire Weekend).
By the time Bon Iver took the stage, I had lost my good spot in the crowd (too many Lone Stars = multiple trips to the little boys' room), but I didn't need to see that well. I wanted to know if Bon Iver's live set could live up to the enormous amount of hype I had created in my mind. Well, Bon Iver surpassed every one of my expectations, and as a result the album For Emma, Forever Ago continues to be in heavy rotation on my iPod.
2. Man Man @ Scoot Inn
Ahh, Man Man. There's just something about this band of cartoonish characters that really lights my fire. I drove to the Scoot Inn where the VIMBY party was already under way. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no line, and the scene resembled a backyard cookout. I effortlessly approached the stage and stood directly in front of one of the monitors as the band finished setting up.
Man Man performed an all-encompassing set of old favorites and soon-to-be favorites from their upcoming album Rabbit Habits. As always, the guys brought their eclectic set of toys and instruments including a pair of wooden snakes used as drumsticks, a toy Indian headdress, kazoos, whoosywhatsits and fiddleroos. There just ain't no party like a Man Man party.
Videos:
Man Man - Top Drawer
Man Man - Banana Ghost
3. No Age @ Volume
No Age is a duo from Los Angeles that bear their West Coast punk-influenced sound with pride. During the periods when I wasn't listening to Bon Iver's album, I was listening to No Age's Weirdo Rippers. I spent a day at Volume for the Paste + Stereogum Dell Lounge Party at Volume (sponsor name-drop overload).
Guitarist Randy Randall and singing drummer Dean Spunt put on an impeccable performance before a crowd of haggard and hollow-eyed fans who had no idea how they had almost made it through the week nor did they know where they were, thanks to free drinks from Southern Comfort, one of the party's sponsors.
4. Holy F**k @ Emo's Annex
After Bon Iver finished playing I left the NPR before Vampire Weekend took the stage.
Holy F**k (fill in the blanks, children) is a lo-fi electronic group from Toronto. And with a name like Holy F**k, they'd better be damn good. Their recent album is full of loveable, growing riffy little jams, and their set only intensified that energy. This was by far the loudest set I witnessed all week. I hated myself for not bringing earplugs to SXSW because of Holy F**k. Nevertheless, I stood up next to the loudest speaker in the venue as I took photos and videos of the performance.
Side note: The word f**k seems to be increasingly popular among band names, I assume its because the other names have been taken. But it seems like bands are saying 'let's just throw f**k in there and see how it sounds.' The second best group I saw that bore the four-letter word in its name was F**k Buttons from the UK.
5. The Mae Shi @ Emo's
Also out of LA, is The Mae Shi. These guys played a ridiculous 18 SHOWS in Austin for SXSW. For that reason alone, I expected them guys to be flying by the seat of their pants when I caught their set at Emo's. For the record, I was wrong.
The Mae Shi stunned the entire crowd with their energy as all seven members of the band took to the stage while belting out the chorus of their song 'I Get (Almost) Anything I Want' (see video). Although I fear being slapped for saying this, The Mae Shi are like a more modernized angsty version of Man Man, although they sound completely different. Members of the band often spontaneously let out a high pitched "HOO!" as they collided with each other as spit flew from their mouths throughout their set.
Other videos from my trip to SXSW:
"Under Construction"
Just letting you all know I'm still kicking, I've just been distracted lately by a number of things.
Initially, this site was meant to be a very watered-down sort of 'resume' for myself, as my dream has long been to be a music journalist.
Now, I'm mulling over the idea of adding various news and commentary from different sectors to my blog. I've decided that there is more to life than album and concert reviews (gasp), although my primary focus will continue to be music.
BA|47 is still alive, and a revamped issue will be back and running before you probably even notice it.
PS: I vow to finish posting my SXSW rants along with the rest of the photos and videos from Austin. Sorry for the lag, as these are taking a long time to upload, and like you, I also have a day job.
I also recently became a Mac user, and it's true what the say: 'Once you go Mac...'
Initially, this site was meant to be a very watered-down sort of 'resume' for myself, as my dream has long been to be a music journalist.
Now, I'm mulling over the idea of adding various news and commentary from different sectors to my blog. I've decided that there is more to life than album and concert reviews (gasp), although my primary focus will continue to be music.
BA|47 is still alive, and a revamped issue will be back and running before you probably even notice it.
PS: I vow to finish posting my SXSW rants along with the rest of the photos and videos from Austin. Sorry for the lag, as these are taking a long time to upload, and like you, I also have a day job.
I also recently became a Mac user, and it's true what the say: 'Once you go Mac...'
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Recap: SXSW 3.12.08
My day began with The Raveonettes at the Terrorbird showcase at Emo's with The Raveonettes. I had read some good things about their recent release Lust Lust Lust, and at first listen to their live set I was enjoying the ethereal sound produced by the dual guitars. However by the end of the set, the songs all began to sound very similar and I became far less impressed.
Don't get me wrong, The Raveonettes have a great concept, but it's not one we all haven't heard before.
Shortly thereafter, a charming group of sweat guys took the stage. It was The Mae Shi from LA. These guys amassed a great amount of buzz over the week's events, and they put on a great high-energy show. Although I realize their sound won't translate to everyone, if you haven't had the chance to hear these guys, I suggest that you catch them at a live performance.
Music Video: The Mae Shi - Run To Your Grave
Then it came time for Why? And no, I did not make a grammatical error, their name is "Why?," and they come from Oakland, Calif. Good set, versatile energy, 'nuff said.
Finally, Khaela Maricich, aka: The Blow, was up. She appeared sans Jona Bechtolt, because he recently left the duo to focus on his lead project YACHT. I was excited to see Maricich play, and as I sat and waited for the routine soundcheck to ensue, there was none. Her "band" consisted of a MacBook Pro sitting in the corner.
The set was enjoyable, although not something to write home about. What Maricich lacked in quality she made up in gesture, rambling, and stellar dance moves.
Don't get me wrong, The Raveonettes have a great concept, but it's not one we all haven't heard before.
Shortly thereafter, a charming group of sweat guys took the stage. It was The Mae Shi from LA. These guys amassed a great amount of buzz over the week's events, and they put on a great high-energy show. Although I realize their sound won't translate to everyone, if you haven't had the chance to hear these guys, I suggest that you catch them at a live performance.
Music Video: The Mae Shi - Run To Your Grave
Then it came time for Why? And no, I did not make a grammatical error, their name is "Why?," and they come from Oakland, Calif. Good set, versatile energy, 'nuff said.
Finally, Khaela Maricich, aka: The Blow, was up. She appeared sans Jona Bechtolt, because he recently left the duo to focus on his lead project YACHT. I was excited to see Maricich play, and as I sat and waited for the routine soundcheck to ensue, there was none. Her "band" consisted of a MacBook Pro sitting in the corner.
The set was enjoyable, although not something to write home about. What Maricich lacked in quality she made up in gesture, rambling, and stellar dance moves.
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